Da Coach

We braved the crowds and a rainy Saturday and headed to Surdyks (a very well known wine shop in Minneapolis) to see Da Coach! Mike Ditka was there selling his wine and cigars - we were able to get him to sign the bottles of wine as well as our 1985 and 1986 Chicago Bears media guides - what a thrill and it was great to hang out with some true blue Bears fans!

Imagine how Grandma feels!

Benjamin and I had quite the weekend together - this how he made the trip back home...drool and all!

Thank heavens for little girls...

It looks like the family will be evening up a bit - the newest Schmitt is a little girl! No name yet but all are doing well! Going to be a long summer waiting to meet her!

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!