Hangin' in Minnesota

I’ve been home for almost a week now and have without question confirmed what I already suspected: ten days goes by very quickly.

I spent the first few days running errands and getting ready for Chelsea’s open house. Between REI, the mall, and Target, I made a serious dent in my wallet. However, as someone pointed out, I don’t have to go to any of those stores again for two years. Salespeople at Target and REI were very interested in my trip. The cashier at REI told me all about his trips to Kenya and the Middle East; he was glad to see that I had purchased some “magic underwear”. The cashier at Target was shocked by all of my toiletry purchases- including plenty of sunscreen and Purell.

Sunday night Lindsey stopped by. She was in town for a wedding, and we talked her into staying for dinner after Nick and Emily got home. We all went up to Minneapolis and met Josh at the Loring Pasta Bar, a high quality restaurant near his apartment in Dinkytown. After dinner Chelsea and I made our third consecutive trip, this time with Nick and Emily, to the makeshift amusement park in Cub Foods’ parking lot. Surprisingly excellent rides. We also saw Pirates 3; it was long and had a convoluted plot. Disappointing, but as Emily said, we’d all go see Pirates 4 if they made it.

Chelsea’s open house went off without any major hitches. I don’t know any of her friends except Natalie and my adopted sister Mari. I do, however, know many of her friend’s parents, so it was nice to talk to them- especially those who have older kids that I know. I also got to see a couple of teachers from my high school days and some good family friends.

Yesterday Dad, Josh, and I drove down to Racine to see Grandma, Grandpa, and Jill. Dad’s GPS got us there right on time, and we all had a nice dinner at Perkins. I got apple pie for dessert because “You know Zachary, they don’t have pie in Burkina Faso.” Thanks Grandma. After a quick breakfast this morning, we’re now on our way home. Like everything else this week, it was a short visit, but I’m glad we came. Grandma is doing very well- walking, talking up a storm, and even going up and down stairs. We’re going to stop in Madison to see some relatives and friends and will probably make it home tonight around midnight.