plots

Walter went in to the office for a while today and stared intently at some of his mom's plots so that he could give her some feedback.

(he really did have his eyes open for a long time before snoozing a bit)

Airplane

We had a sad reason to take our first plane trip with Walter. We're sorry to say goodbye to Grandma Fanny.

Luggage volume goes up considerably with a baby. Car seat on back, Walter on front.

Quiet baby on the plane.

Two guys hanging out watching the olympics.

Meeting Uncle Sandy

. . . and Grandma Margaret

Galactica

The other night we watched part of the olympic opening ceremony next door with Colin and Jane (go team USA speedskating!). When the Galactic Pizza delivery man came we took advantage of the photo op.

The delivery guys dress in superhero outfits and drive in little electric pod cars when weather permits.

sushi!

The other evening we were treated to a private sushi lesson from Jeremy, who is a former sushi chef. Sushi is on the forbidden list during pregnancy, so it was a fun celebration of an end to the dietary restrictions.

Fast Hands.

Some of the final products.

Anna gives it a try.

Walter's first art museum trip to the Walker.

Nap time.

Still snoozing

Sleepy mother and baby.

Cat in a basket at Wild Rumpus

Walter had his first 'play date' with Ruby.

We got a peek ahead of what Walter might be like in a little more than a month.

Vulcans

While Anna was enjoying some R&R, Dan and Vernon took a trip to a brew-beer-yourself place in St. Paul.

Mark provided the logistics for the event.

We started brewing four types of beer, one is named Walt's Walnut Brown Ale.

Check back in two weeks for documentation of the bottling and to see the label featuring Walter.

There are, of course, stages during the process that don't require close attention, so we migrated to the bar across the street.

Before long the unsuspecting group of geologist were treated to an appearance by this years St. Paul Winter Carnival Vulcans, who pulled up in their fire truck.

An excerpt from the winter carnival lore:

Boreas, while on his extensive travels, came upon a winter paradise known as Minnesota. He paused to behold the enchanting beauty of a magnificent group of seven gently sloping hills in whose embrace nestled a beautiful city. Boreas whistled in sheer ecstasy, "Historic Saint Paul and her seven hills! An ideal place. I will make Saint Paul the capitol of all my domains. It will henceforth be emblazoned to the world as the winter playground of the Realm of Boreas."

Meanwhile, Vulcanus Rex, the god of Fire, and the implacable enemy of Boreas, crackled in defiant disdain. "By the great sword of Mars I will temper the blusterings of Boreas with the heat and roar of my forces." He was tireless in his bitter resistance to all the festivities of Boreas.

Needless to say, Boreas and winter win the fight every year and all is well.

In practice, the Vulcans go bar hopping and mark womens' faces with grease, traditionally by kissing them, but more recently with a marker (note the photo above from the brewery). They also do fundraising events etc. . .

Then they settle in for a bloody mary before moving on.