While our money didn't make it back from Vegas, we still had a great time!

After getting Mary from the airport, we set out on our adventure! Our 1st stop was Yumi Suchi, they have the best all you can eat sushi in town...I don't think sushi is on Mary's usual menu, she was a trooper and had some rolls and plum wine. After that we ventured out in search of the elusive jackpot...and ran into some surprises...like Rich and Nancy! Mary found out they had a trip to Vegas scheduled for the same time and she arranged for them to surprise us and surprised we were! We were able to share a nice breakfast together at Margaritaville before parting ways. While downtown, we ran into one of our Survivor heroes, Rupert, he was hanging around with some friends and was gracious in taking a pic with us but unfortunately, was unable to discuss the current season since it is still airing. On Thursday, we took Mary to Battistas Hole in the Wall for a wonderful Italian dinner, she also was able to meet Gordie, the 98 yr old accordion player that must have played for the original Rat Pack, "I'm on fire tonight!" is his catch phrase! On Friday, we caught "Fab Four Live" a terrific show with a fantastic Beatles cover band!

We never did find that jackpot but had a great time!

Spring has sprung - again!

After a long, cold, snowy winter the warm breezes of spring are here and we are ready for fishing! But first, Vegas Baby - Ed, Mary and I are headed to Vegas next week - yep, Lucy, Fred and Ethel are back together and taking their act on the road! I will update with details later, but remember, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!
Here is the official declaration of Ice Out on Lake Minnetonka for 2010!

Surprise - Surprise!

The whole family gathered at Bob Chinn's on Saturday to help Mary celebrate her 60th birthday! There were some special guest stars for the weekend - Mom, Mark and Debbie flew in from Florida and Steve from LA! We tried to surprise her but she knew we'd be there, after all, there was free food and drink! How nice it was to have everyone together for a happy occasion...we were treated to a fabulous dinner and then we all regathered at the Cooper house for some cake and hanging out. Sunday some of us made a deposit at Hollywood Casino and then watched the Superbowl at Terry & Clarice's. Check out more pics on flicker!

We took advantage of some warmer weather to take Benjamin out on the lake to try out his new ice skates - he did pretty good for the 1st time! Can't say the same for Jessica, she was a little nervous when we drove her out to the middle of the lake!

On Ice!

Jingle all the way!

It does seem like we went over the river and through the woods this year! After dodging a winter storm here in Minnesota, we flew to Chicago for Christmas, we visited a few favorite local venues in Chicago and then enjoyed a nice quiet evening at the Coopers sharing their Christmas Eve traditional dinner of Chinese takeout. Christmas morning, after picking up mom at the airport, we trekked to the Murphy's for the family holiday dinner. They totally outdid themselves with dinner serving turkey, beef tenderloin and all the trimmings. Unfortunately, a few of our favorite people were missing this year, the Bayolas stayed in Hawaii with Aunt Arlene joining them, but we did have the company of Kelly & Mike!




Then on New Years Eve, we drove to the Schmitts for our Christmas celebration. I was a little under the weather with a nasty cold, but was able to go along with Ed and Benjamin to see the "Princess and the Frog" while Mom and Dad went on a date. New Years Day we opened tons of gifts and then spent the rest of the day just goofing around, watching movies, eating, playing games, eating and just chilling. It was the most relaxed Christmas in a long time!

Now it's back to reality and winter - today it's going to be a high of -6!

Merry Christmas!

What lucky grandparents are we? We were able to spend an entire weekend with Benjamin doing all sorts of fun holiday activities! It started on Saturday morning, after Benjamin ran a 1 mile reindeer run, we took custody and didn't stop until Sunday afternoon!

Stop #1 - the St Paul Ice Fishing show - it was a blast, tons of fishing equipment, games for kids and even Santa Claus - we think Benjamin added this snowmobile to his list!




Stop 2 - Holidazzle Parade - good thing Grandma bought the "warm seats" - it was pretty cold outside but we were toasty inside the tent sipping hot chocolate enjoying the lighted floats and costumes! Benjamin was soooo excited about the parade he could barely contain himself!



Stop 3 - Breakfast with Santa - this has become a family tradition, having breakfast with Santa at the local Macy's. They have a small intimate breakfast with fun activities for the kids and of course, Santa. This year, he pulled up a chair and joined us at the table. Benjamin was thrilled and had a nice conversation with him and was able pass along his list!



Last Stop - cutting down a live Christmas tree - since moving to MN we have started a new tradition of cutting down a live tree for the basement. We went to the local tree farm and found a beauty this year! We brought it home and enjoyed the Bears game while decorating it.



It was a wonderful time filled with old traditions and some new ones! Next, we are off to Chicago for Christmas and then back to MN for Christmas with the Schmitts on New Years!

Happy Holidays to Everyone!