Outing Day and Fun Run!!!!

It was another tough weekend for us. We headed up to Outing, MN for the annual Outing Day and Fun Run. We started the weekend on Thursday (to avoid all the traffic). The kids were getting a little restless before we left since we pushed them to the limit before nap time. The kids slept through all the road construction between Rogers and Elk River and then woke up. Brooke fell back asleep - this was the highlight of trip up north. We also stopped at the Bungalow for dinner with the parents. Definitely good food!

On Friday, we headed out for some boating, swimming and a picnic lunch on the pontoon. Brooke and Riley both love driving the boat with Grandma.

Mom and Kids enjoying the boatride!
Brooke the Pontoon Princess
Captain Riley and First Mate - Grandma Peggy
Mr. Muscles!!!

That night, we had a bonfire. The kids enjoyed the smores and not sure who made a bigger mess on their face: Grandpa or Riley.

On Saturday, we headed to downtown Outing for the fun run and family activities.

There were more runners and walkers this year that impacted our standings. Eric continued his strong second place finish in the 30-39 age group, however Grandpa and Grandma slipped. Vicki fell out of the top three so no ribbon for her. The grandparents and Vicki pushed the strollers through the hilly course. Grandma and Eric went kayaking that afternoon since the run was not strenous enough for us. :)

On Saturday evening, we headed back out on the boat for more swimming, grilled hot dogs and more sunshine. We even stopped by the ice cream shop on the way back to spend Grandpa's golf winnings!!!

The highlight of the whole weekend for the kids was Grandpa's tractor ride....

We left on Sunday for the city. Both kids stayed awake the whole time and definitely ready for a nap by the time we got home!

This week, I am heading to Chicago for work on Thursday and back on Saturday morning!

Have a good one!

Its Party Time!!!

After a long week of work, we finally got to the weekend.

On Friday night, we headed down to Scott and Angie's office party at Brackett's Crossing Country Club. We were greeted at the club by people directing traffic to parking on the driving range. 800 people were expected to attend. There were kids activities on the driving range that included crafts, sports games and bounce house. Riley liked the orange cones while Brooke enjoyed the bounce house.

After the fun and games, we headed inside to dance to Boogie Wonderland, eat BBQ food and drink!!!! The dancefloor was the place to be as you can tell by the pix below....

The rest of the weekend went by quick. I did see an interesting motorycle stunt show at Leo's Kawasaki, unfortunately, I didn't have the digital camera with me to take pix. On Sunday, the day started off with a sick Brooke (stomach ache) that prevented us from going swimming at Kathe and Frank's place. She's doing much better today!

The work week will be short. We are heading up north to meet the parents at the Bungalow for dinner on Thursday night followed by a weekend at the cabin including the Outing Fun Run (5.5K).

On another note, I wanted to make an editorial comment that the adults also had a lot of fun at Rich and Jennifer's place. I found someone else that's an engineer and likes to bike ride. So hopefully in the near future, I'll be riding past their place to pick him up for the weekend rides.

One last note: here's some fun black and white pix of the kids!

Have a great week!

Animals and Rides!

BUSY WEEK!!!!

Its been a very busy around the Spieler household the last week.

We started off last Thursday with the groundbreaking ceremony of the Performing Art Center in Burnsville. I had the opportunity to hold a golden shovel and throw dirt! The ceremony was open to the entire city and served Subway sandwiches, chips, fruit and cake. The kids loved the Cheetos!!!!

On Saturday, we started the day with Tot Shabbat at Mt. Zion and both kids did great. That night, we had a former college friend and his wife for dinner.

On Sunday, we checked out the MN Zoo and the new Minnesota Trail. The trail was quite impressive with the new exhibits including the wolves and beaver den. We also saw a group of Caribou moving around. They must have been hot with all their hair!

On Sunday night, We headed over to Vicki's playgroup friends for dinner (Pizza and beer). The kids got to play with their daughter Amy and all her toys. They kids definitely had a great time.

This week, I have had a customer in all week and went out for dinner twice, Monday and Wednesday. We went to Osaka (Japanese restaurant in Apple Valley). Definitely two thumbs up. Great sushi and tempura.

On Wednesday, we headed to Valleyfair for Seagate's Family Picnic.


It was hot and humid - which did have an impact on our fun. the kids did good despite the conditions. Riley loved the rides! Brooke was indecisive about the rides. She wanted to go on them and once she was on it, wanted to get off. Oh well!

Tonight, Vicki and I have dinner with the management team for a bet I won with them last year. Tomorrow, the parents are coming in town and heading to Scott and Angie's annual office party.

With that, have a great day!

Big Fish in Outing?

Big Bass in Outing!

Sounds as if it was a big weekend for fishing up on Lake Roosevelt.

As you can see in the pix, the parents and Kathe/Frank were haveing a good time.

I hope there are more fish in the lake. :)

Camping - Wisconsin Style



Last week, we went to Vicki's parents place for some old fashioned Wisconsin camping. This included lots of food, playing at the playground, fishing, swimming and bonfires.











The kids had a great time as you can see from the pictures. Riley enjoyed riding Trent's bike and could not get enough of Grandpa's sand pile in front of the patio/deck.

For Brooke, she enjoyed sneaking out after dark to spend time with Mommy by the campfire. Brooke slept in Grandma's bunkhouse with Vicki. While the boys slept in the neighbor's (Brad and Katie) camper.

Last but not least, Grandpa Wayne went on a Moonshine run and came back with 60 (yes, 60) twelve packs of Miller Lite. 3 cases went home with us and will provide Vicki with her daily 5 PM beer for at least the next couple months. The other cases will be utilized in Wisconsin on a much faster rate! :)

Enjoy the reading!!!!

Next blog - next week!