Witch's Hat Tower

Jarad & I checked out the "Witch's Hat Tower" in the Prospect Park neighborhood of Minneapolis. This historic landmark is an old water tower that was built on the highest peak of land in Minneapolis in 1913, and it is awesome!! They open it up to the public once per year, on the Friday following Memorial Day weekend. Its name comes from the unique top, which resembles a traditional witch's hat.

We climbed up this narrow staircase to get to the top, and then we could see both downtown Minneapolis and downtown St. Paul from the observation deck. Great view - although it was a bit hazy so our pics aren't great. Maybe another year it'll be clearer...but for now, it was fun seeing a landmark in our own city!

Hard to tell, but that is downtown Minneapolis behind us.

It's Official!

Jarad & I went out to dinner at Murray's last night to celebrate our 2-year anniversary. Before the most delicious steak I've ever had arrived, Jarad asked me to be his wife. I, of course, said YES!

Happiest day of my life, bar none. We are now waiting for E-Harmony to call, as they can now feature us on one of their "success stories" commercials. Who knew a cup of coffee on a cold January day would lead us here?

My Birthday

I had a great birthday - thanks to so many people

who remembered me! My cards were hilarious,

starting with this one from my friend & neighbor, Allie:

Then, my cards took on a definite theme:

All said, I'd say this is a nice pictoral of my cards,

and tells me something -

my friends sure know me well!!

Holiday Fun

Just a few pictures from Christmas 2010...

Livia spends some quality time with her new pets!

Jarad & I stop along Hwy 61 to see Splitrock Lighthouse.

Not sure who's cuter, Livia or Auntie Lora!!

Our Trip to Colorado

Jarad and I ventured west...to Estes Park, CO, in August. Jarad's grandma, Betty, is an alum of the University of CO, and a member of their hiking club. This club has met for reunions every 5 years (and sometimes more often) since the '40's!! We were happy to escort Betty out there and to and from various destinations. We stayed at the YMCA of the Rockies, a beautiful location. Below are pictures from our trip...

The three of us at a picnic site in Rocky Mountain National Park...

The lodge we stayed at in the YMCA of the Rockies...

The three of us at Bear Lake, one of the most popular destinations for hiking and sightseeing in Rocky Mountain National Park...


I made some new friends when I spotted these elk at the entrance to the YMCA. They were pretty content in their meadow, and didn't seem to mind intrusive people with cameras (like me!)...

Jarad & I stop for a quick pic at Bear Lake...you just can't beat the view! Oh, and the mountains are nice, as well!!

Fun Happenings

We've been having fun this summer! On July 6, we attended the John Hiatt & Levon Helm show at the MN Zoo Ampitheatre - good times!!

We cheered on our friend, Joy, at Grandma's Marathon in Duluth on June 19th. This is us, waiting on the final turn near the finish line.

We made it to Target Field for the first time on June 12th (Twins vs. Atlanta). It was part of my TCF branch's "Best Branch" award...totally a blast!!

Random Happenings

Just some random pics...nothing too crazy happening lately. Enjoy!

Pudder, in full lounging mode...

Tulips growing outside in Dickinson, North Dakota...

Jarad & Di in Wadena, MN a few weekends ago.