Annie's hospital stay

On Thursday, August 21st, due to an e-coli infection, Annie had to be admitted to the Sanford Hospital in Worthington. She had to have numerous saline bags via IV, plus one blood transfusion. But on the positive side, she had lots of friends stop by to see her, and the nurses also gave her a lot of love. Thankfully, on Sunday morning (the 24th), Annie got to go home!!!

The Long Road Home to MN

Tuesday, August 19th marked the end of Mike and Nancy's marvelous trip. After eating delicious hot dogs for lunch at Portillos in IL, we had to start the trip home. It was a long drive, but we were glad to sleep in our own bed.

Living the good life in Chi-town

On Monday August 18th, Mike and Nancy drove from southwest Michigan to downtown Chicago. After eating lunch at Navy Pier, we went for a boat ride that included a skyline view of the city from Lake Michigan, as well as a trip down the Chicago River to get an up-close view of the major buildings of the city.

Later, at the invitation of former high school friend (now news producer) Lisa McGonigle, Mike and Nancy visited the studio of WLS-TV Channel 7 in downtown Chicago. We got a grand tour of the facility (including seeing where Ebert & Roeper was recorded), got to sit in the control room during the five o'clock news, and also had the opportunity to sit on the set of news (off to the side, of course) as it was being broadcast.

Finally, our day concluded at the home of our great friends John and MaryAnne Egesdal in Hoffman Estates, IL.

B & B in SW MI

Mike and Nancy (following their fun-filled stop at Notre Dame), decided to try something new that we had never done before: stay at a bed and breakfast. So, we drove to St. Joseph, MI on Sunday August 17th and stayed at the South Cliff Inn. We stayed in the "Harbour Room"--which came with a stunning view of Lake Michigan, plus a whirlpool tub. The southwest corner of Michigan is noted for its fruit trees, grapes, and berries. We were in luck as most all of these were ripe. It was a great time, and we plan on returning to the area when we get the chance.

Cheer, cheer for old Notre Dame

On August 16-17 (after dropping Tim off at Purdue University), Mike and Nancy drove to South Bend, IN for some rest and relaxation. On Saturday night, we enjoyed a delicious dinner of Italian cuisine. Of course, one cannot be in South Bend without visiting the University of Notre Dame. Highlights of our time at ND included attending Sunday mass at the basilica, seeing all of the new buildings that didn't exist back when Mike was a student, and walking on the football field turf practice field. Mike refuses to say which experience was "holiest"...

Bye-Bye to Tim

On Saturday, August 16th, Tim moved into the beautiful(?) Harrison Hall dormitory at Purdue University to begin a week of freshman orientation called the "Boiler Gold Rush." With West Lafayette, IN being nearly eleven hours away from home, it is likely that Tim won't be home until his Christmas break. He plans on majoring in Pre-Pharmacy.