Mira's school had a family fun day. Jen and I ran the leave rubbing activity, then we wandered around to try all the other things going on.

Greg and Colleen had a costume party at their house. Mira was the hit with her "cowgirl" outfit, but the "arabs" were pretty popular, too.

Bec celebrated the release of her album "Blessing" at Club Jäger. Many of us were there to hear it live and get our own copy.

Jon is in his new house, but the panelling and carpet had to go. Tell some friends that there'll be pizza and beer, and the job is as good as done!

Saturday is Dog Day at work. Sid plays tag with the other pooches. Jewely got a haircut to get the hair-lumps off her back. Then it was bath time. (And I still have fingers left!)

Shannon and Derek tied the knot this weekend and did the big old-school Catholic mass and reception. Beautiful wedding and a good time. Congrats you two!

Bec had the gang over to sing at her new house. And 5 of our lovely ladies recently celebrated birthdays - so we had cake, too!

Jeff runs a piano cabaret down at the new CAMP bar in St. Paul. Henry and I went down to check it out and enjoy a fun Sunday evening.

Our friends, Bec and Renee, were the featured artists at Henry's Wilde Roast salon. Mira joined us and we enjoyed cake and wine and good music with friends.

It was nice and sunny out after brunch on Sunday, so Jen and I drove over the re-opened 10th street bridge to peek at the cleanup progress.

Bob's son, Greg, was in town for a visit, so we all got together at Nye's to eat and have a good time. Later we met up again for brunch at the Downtowner.

This was Mira's first day of Kindergarten. She does half days in the afternoon and rides the bus there and then back again. She was pretty excited!

We spent Labor Day at Valley Fair. Mira didn't like the Tilt-a-Whirl much (read - not at all), but the Merry-go-round was all right.

Mira and I went to the State Fair with Grandma and Grandpa. Mira's goal was to eat a corndog and see the baby animals.

We had a T-shirt made and went to Nye's for Jeanie's Birthday. Then it was brunch at the Downtowner, after partying all through the night.

Another piano party with Jon De Vaal hosted by Dick and Elena. Great time as always. I didn't have my uber-goober camera, but Jen had hers and snapped a few.

When the Stone Arch Bridge re-opened, Jen and I joined the other gawkers in hopes of seeing the 35W bridge disaster in person. We couldn't see much, but I did snap lots of arty pics from around the waterfront.

I took a road trip to Illinois to visit Uncle Wally and Grandma. It was only a couple of days, but it was nice to catch up with family again.

Good friend Angelo and Betsy were on the scene within 20 minutes and captured these exclusive images.

Jen took me to the Black Forest for dinner. Mmmm - hassenfeifer and Franzinkanen. Then met up with friends at Nye's. Thanks sweetheart!

I went to chill up in Pine City for the weekend with Chris and the gang. Great times, way too much beer and plenty of testosterone. Definitely gonna do it again.

Chris bought a new boat, so Jen and I joined the Ferski's on the St. Croix again. This time Mira couldn't make it, but Sid did.

Saturday we drove to Wisconsin to relax with Jen's family. Sid had his lifevest, so we threw him in the lake. He didn't like it much. Sunday, we spent the afternoon with my relatives.

Kevin drove down to spend the 4th with us. After a picnic at "our spot", we joined the Ferski's for a few less intimidating driveway fireworks.

Joy had a relaxing summer party at her boyfriend's house this year. I showed up to help keep the beer population in check. Sid came along to poop on the lawn and bark.

Betsy and Angelo joined us for dinner last night and then we all played Pictionary. Our drawing skills improved mightily as more wine was uncorked.

Katie's grad party was hawaiian-themed and there was plenty of tiki to go around. Between the food, game room, and the pool, we had plenty to be entertained by.

We joined the Ferski's lake-side again for a day in the sun.

The Flanders have always been a "little different." So we weren't surprised to find ourselves amidst a western costume party for Dugan's grad celebration.

We didn't pass up the opportunity to join the Ferski River Cruise. The weather was great and the girls had a great time splashing and swimming.