My Sushi Buddy

I love to go out to eat (sometimes just to get out of the house).  I often have to drag family members, but no more.  Adele is my sushi/miso buddy.   The only problem is that she's developed an expensive taste (no longer likes sushi rolls, only sashimi).  Her favorite is salmon (veda's is tuna), but they will try anything.  If nothing else, I love that they try new foods and never back down (even if its different).

New Years in Minneapolis

Was great to be back in Minneapolis a couple days before the new year.  We were able to get in a little pub/brewery crawl with the Nickell's, where we checked out the new Surly room and Dead Man on the Northside.  New Years eve at the Schwemm's house with the Manuel's (Clare & Mike) and the Trigger's (Brandon & Nicole).

Uthof Christmas in Lone Rock

We haven't been able to get back the last couple years to celebrate Uthof Christmas in Iowa, but it all worked out this year.  Was a ton of fun seeing everyone again and the quickly growing number of grandkids.  Of course Veda was most excited to reunite with her best buddy Emma (who lives in Nebraska).  We tried to get a couple pics of all the kiddos, but it was admittedly a struggle (Santa Dennis hung in there nicely).

Christmas 2015 at Didi and Papi's

Since we got a late start back to Iowa this year, we did Laabs Christmas the day after on the 26th. The whole crew was there, ready to celebrate, open presents and spend time together.  The kids are now of the age that they have a great time playing together and running around at the Clear Lake house. The big hit this year was Papi's captain hat, as you can see from the pic (everyone wanted a chance sitting on Captain's lap).

Christmas at Nana & Bulls 2015

This year we got a late start back to Iowa, but we spent Christmas day at Nana and Bulls house.  All the traditions, Bill's stuffed pig/ham, stockings in the AM and lots of fun present opening.  Each year we say we will tone it back on the number of gifts, but Nana just can't help herself.

The annual cutting of the pig.

Our attempt at a Christmas photo.  Adele would only join if she could hold Otto. 

Otto getting into trouble in the bathroom.

Bull's giant Toe Stocking.

101 Dalmations

Veda and Adele's first play, 101 Dalmatians.  Veda was narrator #1 and Adele was Pepper (one of the Dalmatians if you couldn't tell).  This first pic was from their opening night and the second pic is one of Adele's buddies from Kindergarten, Tom.  They might have a little crush on each other (but you'd never guess that from the picture).

Veda narrating.

That's Adele on the left in a poncho.

Daddy Day Care

While Kathy had her annual Chicago trip/conference, it was time for a little 1 on 3 defense.  So, we went bowling down in Oakley, stopped by Zip's for a burger in our old stomping grounds and showed the place where I first lived in Mt. Lookout Square (on 1057 Delta Ave.).

In front of 1057 Delta Ave.

Pre-Christmas Neighborhood Fun

Adele got a seat with Santa on a rainy Saturday before Christmas this year.  At the Deerfield shopping center, they had santa, pony rides and a petting zoo.  Unfortunately, it was a torrential downpour, so we had to run from place to place.  Adele was the only one that would sit for a santa pic (because she love candy canes and attention ;)  

The annual santa fire truck stopped by the Greve's house in our neighborhood.  They sponsor an annual toy drive for kids in need, so our neighborhood is one of their biggest stops on the route.

And then the ugly Christmas sweater standoff where Kathy let Luke borrow her sweater (I'm not sure it looks good on either of them, but I guess that's the point).

And a final neighborhood party where we all met downtown and did a little post party drinking at O'Malley's in the Alley (and yes, that's me taking down Luke in a 1:1 Irish Car Bomb contest - although I may have spilled a little).

Thanksgiving Photo Shoot

Our last day started with a Christmas card photo shoot.  Here are just a couple of the hundred takes it took to get everyone looking in the same direction and not crying about stepping on prickly weeds in the sand.  Thankfully you only remember the good shot, not the pain in getting it.

We ended the evening with a friendly little game of Bean Boozled.  I honestly haven't seen all the kids laugh this hard.  Hudson was the big winner, citing he'd just tried a 'dogfood' flavored jelly bean in his traditional dead pan voice.  Other crowd favorites were moldy cheese, vomit and dirt (all of which are pretty true to form).

Thanksgiving in Florida

Day 4 was full of sandcastles and hanging out on the beach.

Christmas card material

Owen doing his best Weekend at Bernie's impersonation.

Hudson the seagull chaser.