Chicago/Michigan - days 1-1/2

Brandon & I just returned home from a fun-filled trip to Chicago and then Michigan. Oscar stayed home, but as you can see he was sad to see us go . . .



First, we flew to Chicago for a little sight-seeing. My friend from high school lives there so we have a nice place to stay and a good tour guide. The first night we just had dinner and saw an old friend from medical school. Then, day 2 we spent the afternoon walking ALL OVER Chicago (and I mean all over). We walked so much that I had to buy new shoes before the day was over. (OK . . . it may have had something to do with my original choice of high heeled sandals)

These pictures are from us in Millenium Park . . . My favorite part about the park is the Cloud Gate Sculpture - a giant reflecting bean that you can see in the pictures below - very cool.

Keeping up with the Johnsons

Just a few more picture from my trip. While I was in the Bozeman area visiting Kelly and Liza, I got to stop in and see some friends of mine that lived in Belgrade. I coached with Corey in Belgrade and he and his wife, Angie, have been good friends of Karlee and mine since.They just had a second daughter, Payton, (whom I am taming in the last picture.) The last time I was in Belgrade, their other daughter Marin had just been born three weeks early, so you can see it has been way to long since I have been back. It was great to get to visit some and see the new addition to the family.

End of Trip

These are the last pictures from our trip home (sort of... I actually have some more). After I dropped Karlee off at the Billings Airport I drove to Pony to visit Kelly and Liza and their menagerie. It was good to spend some time with them and to finally see their house (which is beautiful by the way). Not much else to say. Thanks Kelly and Liza for entertaining me.

Trip: Day 4

The last full day in Eastern MT. I got a few more hugs from my nephews. Karlee and I golfed with my parents (it was a lot of fun but it was really warm out that day). And finally, we got to spend some quality time with Brady and is moustache (which I think serves him well).

Also, my Granddad Nelson is now in the nursing home in Terry. It is really nice to only have to walk a block to visit. I was amazed with how much he was speaking the first time we went up and saw him. He was a little out of it the other times we went, but I am thankful that I had some good moments with him while I was home. He seems to have adjusted well to his new surroundings.

Day 3: Part 2

These images speak for themselves. These are the first pics of my Grandma Ausk. I love seeing everyone when I get back home, but I always look forward to the hours I get to spend with Grandma. She is very special to me and to all my family.

Trip: Day 3- Part 1

This day has a few more pictures than the rest, due to our camera friendly nephews and niece. Jamie and Richie put on a mexican themed bday party for me and we got to hang out with them, my parents and grandmother. Thanks Jamie and Richie. Obviously from the pictures you can tell Karlee had one too many margheritas ;) Is Jameson doing the sign of the devil behind her head?

Basil told me he had gotten tougher since I last saw him. Obviously that isn't true.

Trip: Day 2

I guess these picture are mostly taken after Elaines 39th birthday party ;) Below is one of Sandy's (Terry's dog) puppies. And the final picture is Terry and Kelly planning how to save lives.
We had a really good time in Wibaux. We got to celebrate a birthday (even though it was two days early) and hang out with family and friends. The good thing is we will see all of the people in these pictures in less than a month at Casey's wedding.

Trip: Day One

Here are some pictures of our first day home. The trip was great. The weather was in the 100s for a couple days, but coming from Seattle it feels good to be hot. For those who don't know, that is Jameson and Giarratana above. Kelly (Karlee's brother) showing a slight hint of his sweet mustache and chubby-chubby Basil at the bottom.