Brazil

While the boys and I were living it up in Madison, guess where Brian was. Brazil! Can you even stand it? It was a quick work trip, so he really didn't have a ton of time there. But it seemed like a pretty cool adventure. He found out about it a week before he had to leave. Originally, Brian and H were the ones going to Madison. They were going to spend a fun weekend together while C and I stayed behind and went to his games. But obviously, we had to change things up a bit. Everything worked out fine of course, as you can see. Brian flew into São Paulo on Thursday (he left Wednesday night), then to Rio on Saturday, where he sipped fresh coconut water while strolling the beach. He came back today. It looks amazing. Doesn't it? (Photos courtesy of Brian)

Germany - Day 2

After our 15 hour nap, we woke up, picked up our rental car and drove an hour and a half to meet up with my host-mom and dad, Andrea and Andreas's son, and my host-brother's children, who were at the vacation home in Sankt Peter-Ording. The last time Brian and I visited this home was ten years ago, and it was still being built. It's quite gorgeous, and the beach on the North Sea is breath-taking. Huge stretches of sand and brisk air -- it's a happy place for me. The boys loved just running free and picking up sea shells. After wards, we all went to dinner at a local restaurant, then drove home to Wahlstedt. It was a really great day.

Moon Dance

Last night, one of our neighbors had a Moon Dance Party. Melissa & Leif had invited me over for dinner beforehand. Brian's been in Las Vegas for a week for work. I've decided that four nights is about all I can handle until I start losing it a bit, so the last couple days have put me in a bit of a funk. But enjoying a nice meal and a evening with friends was exactly what I needed. After dinner, we left the boys in the capable hands of Emma (and her helper, Finn), and walked four houses down to the Moon Dance Party. It was a bit chilly, but a beautiful night. Plus, I have a total weakness for the little white lights they had strung across the back yard. Gorgeous. When we came home, the boys were crashed out on the sofa. Emma has a magical touch, that's for sure. Melissa and Leif helped me carry the kids to the car, and by the time we got home, Brian was waiting for us. He had arrived about five minute earlier. And now, we are looking forward to a great day, just hanging out at home together today.

What's Going On?

I think I may be in a bit of a rut. Work is really busy. It will be for the next three weeks, at least. Brian's work is also really busy. He was in Cleveland, Ohio last weekend. Colorado Springs today and tomorrow. It's not like we haven't been having a good time though. The boys and I had dinner with The Frigs last weekend, and got to do our laundry at their house. You see, our machine has been broken for two weeks -- the new one arrives Friday! In the meantime, I feel like I'm in college, bringing our dirty clothes where ever I go. Unless you don't mind that, you may not want to invite us over for the next couple days. On Sunday, we had a great brunch at the Elsmo's. I did not bring my laundry (but out of full disclosure, our laundry was cleaned in their machine earlier in the week). Monday, the kids had off for Martin Luther King Day. Brian and I did not. So my parents (even Papa) came down from Wisconsin to spoil watch them. Then last night, we had dinner with Tyler. He does things like start water fights with our boys. They think he's great. So see? We are doing great. Just in a bit of a rut.

Colorado & Texas

Brian comes home tomorrow, after being away for a week (that's eight nights, but who's counting). His first stop was Colorado Springs and Denver, Colorado. They ate pretty well in Denver, including stops at Beatrice & Woodsley and Fruition. On Friday, he headed to Austin, Texas for the Mellow Johnny's Classic. He said it was a great event, and just sent me a message that he was having dinner at Uchi and Adrian Brody is there. Nice.

Blah....

I love Fall. It's absolutely my most favorite time of year. The colors, the air, the clothes you get to wear. The whole nine yards. But this year kind of stinks. Does it really have to rain so much? And where did my 50 and 60 degree weather go? Lower 40s (with rain) just isn't any fun. I fondly remember walks in the woods and Indian Summer from last year. But this year? The image above is the scene of our back yard ... today. Boo hoo. On a happy note though, the boys and I are looking forward to Brian coming home tonight. He's been in Cleveland, Ohio at Rays Indoor Mountain Bike Park for a few days. It will be nice to have him home.

Together Again

Brian came home from Las Vegas late on Saturday night. Interbike went very well and he ate like a king. Sunday started with an awesome run, vegan blueberry pancakes, and grocery shopping (without the kids). To top it off, the weather was simply perfect. My kind of day. Brian and the boys washed the cars. I met up some friends for drinks. So much fun, and something we need to do more often, for sure. What made it ever better, is that it was a set up for surprise party for Melissa -- that her 12-year-old daughter and her friends planned. Can you stand it? They did it all, and did a great job. What a well deserved compliment, I think.

He's Back

A week after our amazing vacation, Brian had to leave to go to Whistler, Canada for Crankworx. It sucked! Honestly, I think we have pretty immune to his travel schedule. But after spending such a great time together in Italy, I really, really missed him. Anyhow, he was gone a week, and he's back. And we are happy about that.

Tennis

Today was the boys last tennis lesson. The session only went for two weeks. The first week, it rained the whole time. This is H's third year, and C's first. They both did awesome, even though it was 90 degrees. It sure was a hot one.

We're looking forward to Brian coming home today. He was in Colorado Springs all week.

Ashland, Oregon

Brian just got back from Ashland, Oregon. He was there for a Super D (Downhill Cross Country race) and chainless event (a 3-mile mountain bike course ... without a chain .. meaning go fast and try not to use your brakes). H & C were very busy today -- Brian was greeted with "Welcome Home" chalk art around our house and two poster signs on the doors. I think they are glad to have him home.

Monterey

Brian just got back from Monterey, California tonight, where he spent the last six days at the Sea Otter Classic. The boys are watching Spongebob Squarepants with him, and H just told his newest joke. Here it goes:

What kind of music does a rabbit listen to? Hip hop.

(If he pulls this joke out on you, just don't let him know I already told it to you.)

Green Tea Kit-Kats

Brian got home tonight after being away for a week. He was in Taipei for the Taipei Cycle Show. During his layover in Tokyo, he picked me up this green tea (matcha) Kit Kat. So yummy. We are all so very happy to have him home.

Good Morning!

Yesterday was a beautiful spring day. H was home sick, but it ended up being a very productive day and worked out great. Commutes are just so stressful and time consuming, if you ask me. Anyhow, today, it's cold and raining. But we are headed for the zoo. There's plenty to do inside, and less people. We may even hit the dolphin show. Tonight, Brian's coming home -- he's been in California since Monday. To celebrate, the boys and I had Puffed Pancakes with berries for breakfast. I think it will be a good day.

Dad's Home!

Brian just got home from a two-night trip to Colorado Springs. It was short, so not so bad, but we are so happy to have him home.

Adiós España

I was hoping to get some better photographs than the random phone shots sent to us while Brian was away, but alas ... he's suffering some slight jet lag and crashed on the sofa, so I grabbed some images from his Facebook page. (That's legal when you are married, isn't it?) He was at what he calls "the most amazing place I've traveled to yet" -- a mountain bike park near Alicante, Spain called La Fenasosa. It was cold and rainy most of the time, but amazing. There were a couple main buildings that housed a bunch of MTB editors and downhill riders. It was a long week, but yep, basically a big party. It sounds like a blast.

Dad's Home

We are all happy today -- Dad came home. It was a quick trip. He left Tuesday and came home today. But still ... he's been home a total of 2.5 weeks since the beginning of the school year. And we just don't like that. None of us. Brian flew into Denver, Colorado, and drove 5 hours to Moab, Utah for some sort of launch, or, something like that. I'm losing track. Anyhow, it was a good trip and he even got to make a quick stop at Glenwood Hot Springs. The only bummer is that Lance Armstrong was spending time in his office this week. Tuesday, Lance was going to go on a bike ride along Lake Michigan with a group from Brian's office, and Brian was supposed to go. Oh well, maybe next time.

Birthdays and Homecomings

Brian's been gone since last Sunday -- way too long for our liking around here. H had a early soccer game on Saturday (the undefeated Yellow Jackets won again, 3-0), so the boys and I thought it would be a great weekend to get away to Wisconsin. We haven't been up for a couple months, and it was really nice. It also is Grandpa Bobby's 82nd birthday today, so he took us all out to dinner. Against his dismay, Christie, Tim and I had surf-and-turf -- it was really, really good. Thanks Grandpa! It was really nice spending time together.

(It is also my brother-in-law Matt's birthday today -- Happy Birthday Matt!)

Wisconsin was absolutely beautiful right now, with the leaves starting to change colors and fall in the air. H, C and Storm went on a couple adventure walks with Nina & Papa which they love. We saw a couple deer. And also found these massive mushrooms. They were about 1-foot round, and I guess they are usually much larger.

Brian's on his way back from Las Vegas, where he was at Interbike 08. I didn't get all the highlights, but besides seeing Blue Man Group and dancing until the wee morning hours, he also had some great dining experiences. Since he stayed at The Venetian, Bouchon is a morning ritual. He also went to Mario Batali's B&B Ristorante, Spago and Dos Caminos at The Palazzo. He left on Friday with our friend Scott, who was also at the trade show, and headed for Los Angeles/Manhattan Beach to visit some friends. We can't wait to have him home.

Wieners

Brian's en route from Friedrichshafen, Germany, where he has been the past week for Eurobike. He randomly emails us photos of his journey along the way -- and here's the one from today. Let's just say, German grocery stores do not lack in their select of wursts and wieners (including the jar variety we just simply are not used to here). But for some reason, I still find this photo kind of funny.

En arrière de Québec

Last evening, I had the house to myself. Besides the dog, I was totally alone. No children -- they are still enjoying time at Nina & Papa's in Wisconsin. No Brian -- he was at Velirium (a World Cup mountain bike event) on Mont-Sainte-Anne in Quebec. In 6.5 years (since H has been around), this has never happened. It was nice. Weird, but nice. Slightly lonely, but nice. I had big plans to watch some sort of chick-flick, but was busy the whole time. I walked the dog, downloaded photos from the weekend, did laundry and sorted school supplies (the sales tax in Wisconsin is way lower than Chicago). Brian got home this afternoon, and I'm so anxious to get home and see him.

A Few Days in Breckenridge

Brian's en route in a taxi right now, coming home from a trip to Breckenridge, Colorado. Here was the view from where he had coffee this morning.