Mom & Dad came in for Bethel Alumni events and for homecoming and a 40 year reunion. We were able to enjoy Old Chicago with them on Thursday night before they were off and running with their plans.
Friday night Katy and I went to Bethel for her own five year college reunion. It was a night of small food, snacking and chatting with some of her classmates. They also organized a small program which took up a little bit of the evening but it was mostly chatting, socializing in smaller groups.
I appreciated that it was more informal and more chances to mingle with more people than mine was, as it was a more formal table style meal, but she didn't nearly have as many people turn out as my five year reunion. Nonetheless it was nice for Katy to catch up with a few friends.
Saturday was a very nice day to get things done around the house. Katy and I went to Ace Hardware in the morning for their second fall festival. That's where I won the leaf blower last year. This year I think we registered to win a yard treatment package. But we bought a couple things to help me trim some branches away from the driveway so they don't fall down a few a day for the whole fall and winter. It was annoying last year to pick up all of the weak, dead and dying branches during a rainstorm or snowstorm.
However, the highlight of the morning at Ace Hardware might have been the petting zoo! It was quite the attraction. They had a camel, donkey, goat, bunnies, snakes, small alligators and probably a couple other things but the highlight was the kangaroo and the nine month old bear! As we were walking there I was looking at the animals and as we got closer I was like, "is that a black bear!?" It was awesome watching it. We talked with Mike, the owner, for a few minutes before heading in and finding a few things to pick up. I only hope that his event has been a success not only from a community aspect but from a business perspective as well. I know I appreciate seeing him drive in and out of work as he's always one to wave and smile on the way by.
Saturday afternoon we got together with Paul and Lance. We then met up with Kristine and Liz who came in from Michigan and Texas (and the world), as well as Laura and Abby. We thoroughly enjoyed a night at Brasa as it was a first for everyone except me, Katy and Paul.
After Brasa we went to Old Chicago for dessert and a couple drinks and another place to hang out and catch up. We unofficially and officially made plans to take a trip to Las Vegas next spring to hang out and have fun. I think that would be a blast to hit Las Vegas with college friends! We'll see if it happens!
We met up with Kristine and Liz again on Sunday morning (with Lance and Paul) to enjoy a few more minutes and some Breuggers and Caribou before they both took off for home. It was great to see them.
After that-Katy and I hit the Twin Cities Marathon and watched the marathon finishers for a few hours. Unfortunately, we missed the TC 10 Mile though.
Later on Sunday, we watched football and then welcomed Mom and Dad in for the night. We went to eat at Granite City and hung out at home for a little bit before Monday morning work arrived.
It's nice having an extra room available and it's proven to be very useful this summer. I feel like we've had a steady stream of visitors since July and it's been fun!
