Stillwaters Frozen in Winter

One-time Use Fireplace Installed

Theodore Jr. does his best to support our efforts. 

He goes to Nicole to find comfort during this transition.
He finally realizes the error of his ways and learns to reconcile his beliefs.
A fine looking tree during the day......
....and at night.

The "Cardinal"

A Trip to the Zoo

We worked off our turkey calories at the Henry Doorly Zoo.  Since we picked the coldest, wettest day to visit, the animals rewarded us by posing for the camera and generally being adorable.  Who doesn't love zebras!?

I actually really liked the warthog characters, but it is true that they did have quite the aroma.

This was probably the saddest elephant I had ever seen.  I'm sure he was just napping or relaxing or thinking big thoughts, but did he have to look so depressed?  I almost cried for him.  Omaha in the winter is not that bad.

  
On the bright side, I did get to see a sloth move.  Some smart zookeeper put his food just below his perch so that he would have to do full-body curl-ups to eat that lettuce.  It should be noted that he was stretched over a moat about 20-30 feet below containing some very hungry hippos.  Since I doubt his quick reflexes, you have to hope that those two toes hold on tight.

By the way, don't worry about Adam acting any older now that he has entered his thirties.  Here he is, goofing around on a bronzed turtle, and trying not to get his jeans wet.  

And here he is, over Thanksgiving in 2004, trying out the same tricks with a bronzed elephant. 

Giving Thanks to a Great Turkey

We spent Thanksgiving weekend with my family at Christopher and Amanda's new home in Omaha.  Christopher and Adam shared the responsibility of carving the turkey.  

It is always a good idea to taste-test the bird before serving to guests...

Maybe a second opinion?

OK, now...save some for the rest of us!!

The Great Northern Birthday Blowout

Within a month's time, Justin, Ryan, Mickey, and myself all turn 30 earth years. To celebrate that moment of historic significance, along with Jake's 30 years and Keely's birthday, the 918 crew returned to the hills of Duluth. After years of navigating the slopes of the Spirit Mountain some of my friends found caves hidden to the north and were able to construct "homes" in them. (Some even found the ability to reproduce.) They opened their rock doors to Nicole and I, which allowed us ample time for nuzzling with Ryan.

Newly birthed Maarit was able to spend a day with us along with her parents, which included a scenic walk through a wilderness area. Jake did his best to stay in the darkness to conceal the diamonds in his skin that would glisten if he entered the sunlight. 

Duluth pack!

There was some downtime where childless Ryan required a nap. He must be worn out from all the rock counting he does at the office. 

Grandpa Jake tired quickly from mounting losses during the required 6 hours of Settlers of Catan.