ups and downs

Back to our regularly scheduled programming...

This past weekend Kirsten and I headed up to Green Bay for multiple, yet equally important, reasons. First, we participated in an American Cancer Society Run/Walk. My sister Gina, her husband Chris and myself all ran the two mile portion while my part deer yet beautiful wife ran the five mile. As for the two mile group, we were happy to finish while Kirsten, like the Irish Fest run, finished first in her age group. Overachiever. We were running as part of Team B.S. organized by a neighbor of my sister's and I believe overall we raised $1,300+ so hooray for us. Good feeling.

Saturday evening was the annual De Groot family chicken booyah cookout where my parents spend three days (!) preparing and cooking delicious chicken booyah. After the initial whining by my Dad that no one would show up, the neighboring um, neighbors came over in swarms and all was right in the world.

Sunday was the day of ups and downs. I awoke from a nestled sleep under a pile of blankets. A large pile because my parents do not believe in turning on the heat in the house prior to November 1 and even then, it's negotiable. Anyway, we had four tickets to the Packers game so my Dad, myself and my 2 sisters donned the gear and headed out. It was nice to see a victory, as ugly and poorly officiated as it was, especially after being there a week prior and witnessing the Bears loss. Brutal. So good times, beer and even coffee were had. Go Pack..5-1 heading into the bye. I don't think anyone would have predicted that. Ups...

...and Downs. Sunday evening our family needed to attend the visitation for my Uncle John, who passed away recently. Another sad day for our family and particularly my Dad who has now lost 2 brothers in the past 18 months. Very emotional as all types of situations tend to be. Good Bye Uncle John, you'll be missed.