Chillin' in Chicago

Ann and I returned today from a visit to Abe and Desiree in their home city of Chicago. We had a great time, thanks to Abe and Diz's gracious hospitality. It's futile to try to recall all the fun in this space, but I'll provide a few images.

Abe and I planted the "deck garden," which should yield some succulent vegetables as the plants mature.

We were able to visit Ann's nephew Zach and his fiancee Amy over brunch and a nice span of time back at Abe and Diz's place. We enjoyed a great game at Wrigley Field, whereupon the Cubs trounced the San Diego Padres.

Of course, we enjoyed many hours of visiting and speculating about the impending parenthood that A&D will soon embrace. ("Soon" is a relative term; October ain't that far off.) All in all, it was a Memorial weekend to remember. We hope you gave remembrance to relatives who have passed and to those who have served our country.

Happy Birthday, Jake!

Jake is 27 years old today!  WaHoo!  Ben is visiting Jake in Austin for this special birthday weekend, so a bit of golf was definitely in their plans.  Just a year ago, we were in St. Louis on Jake's birthday, celebrating both his birth and his graduation from med. school.  One year older, and one year of residency almost finished!
Happy birthday, bud!  We love you tons and can't wait to see you in July!

Back from the PI

Hey all,

Don't remember the last time I threw up a non-birthday post up here, so figured I'd do a quick update and re-cap of an amazing month spent in the Philippines.  I was part of a large scale humanitarian mission that involved all military branches.  They had people building schools, digging wells, teaching, and providing health care all over the island I was on.  Really incredible to see first hand the impact it had on the local people and gave a much greater appreciation for what we've been blessed with.  Also had a chance to see some sights on the island and meet some great people from the other services.  Putting up a few pics as a snapshot of my time there.  My optometry team, little guy we helped with glasses (he didn't keep the big ones), and one of the great sunsets we saw.  Nice to be back in Okinawa, but will have great memories from that trip.  Will also be joining the big fiesta in July.  Got tickets to be back in MT for a couple weeks around the wedding so look forward to seeing as many of you as I can while I'm there.
Love to all,
Mike

Belated Mother's Day/Update

Hello wonderful family!! I just wanted to wish a Happy Belated Mother's Day to all the wonderful Moms in our family. Whether you've been wearing the "Mm hat" or years or are just trying it on, thank you for being wonderful. I was joyfully surprised on Sunday morning to open up the Great Falls Tribune and find on the front page of the Sports section, ABOVE THE FOLD, a nice long article on our very own Mary. Here's the link for any of you who weren't able to check it out. (I hope I actually linked it correctly) It's a really great write up about an awesome Mom! Now, to update you all about what's going on in my life. Shane and I have found an apartment in Chicago (huge kudos to Des for being our apartment hunter) and we are moving in on June 6th. Shane will come back to MT because he is still working until July 18th. I will stay in the Windy City and try and get my feet wet with city life. It should be interesting. I will be in a staged reading on July 10th at a small theatre in Chicago, so at least it's a start. Thank you all for your support and love. It sure means a lot!! And I seriously cannot WAIT to get together with you all this summer. It is going to be a blast!! Love you all, Molly

Happy Birthday, Joey

Technically still his birthday in the States, so this counts.  Good action shot of the b-day boy ripping up Cabinet View in Libby.  Happy 31st, Joey.  Hope you got to enjoy it.  See you in a couple months.

Love,
Mike

Happy Birthday, Desiree!

Happy Birthday to my lovely Desiree. Your 32nd year is going to be an eventful one. I love you (and our little peanut) very much, my dear.

Kesiah's Eight!!

Thanks John, for posting the lovely picture of Sia for her birthday. We actually took some birthday pictures since 8 is a pretty big deal around here. Thought I would post a couple pics of the lil' sugar that keeps us on our toes.