We're Back.

We're back from our trip to the Midwest, and I'm trying to piece together some pictures to post. Our camera died on the trip, so it's going to take a me a little bit of effort compile other people's pictures from the wedding and the family reunion. I'll post what I have when I get it. If you have anything you can share with us, please let me know.

It was a great time. Very relaxing, and very fun for all of us, especially Annikka. Rachel's wedding was wonderful. Jerod is a great guy, and it was fun to meet his family. It was nice to get a glimpse of the life that Rachel and Jerod are putting together, and it's good to know that Annikka has a great new uncle.

And it was exciting to see so many of our friends and family again. It's been way too long in most cases.

It was also fun to spend some time in the Twin Cities. Touring the old neighborhoods (Seward, Cedar-Riverside, Nokomis) was great, almost enough to make you homesick. But as Dana and I are quick to remember, the winters suck and KARE 11 is the most annoying news team on the PLANET, so we'll probaly just stay in totally awesome Oregon.

The Larsen family reunion in Chetek, Wisconsin, was a blast. Annikka spent most of her time being carted around by random family members, distant and immediate. She loved that, and she loved meeting the three other Larsen babies around her age.





That's Annikka on the far left (taking after her parents -- ha ha -- "far left," get it?).

More to come. "Before We Go" (copyright KARE 11 News), however, here is Oregon State's new basketball coach, Craig Robinson, speaking at the Democratic National Convention. Check out the 3:00 min mark for a shout-out to the Beavers.