Explosion of colors

Thomas Lake filled my eyes with yummy autumn-nes!

Guitar Man

Not only does Ahmad play guitar, love to paint and draw but he's also a strong athlete. The autumn colors at Holland Lake provided a wonderful backdrop.

A smart Iowegian

Rev. Melissa Ollendieck, an Iowa native and my wife's childhood friend, visited us in Eagan last week. She worked many years as a military chaplain and now helps people as a Christian Wellness Coach.  Currently, she's also pursuing a Doctorate of Ministry degree to add to her Masters of Divinity degree.  Her website is here. 

Let's swim!

Aqua-Tots Swim Schools built a new pool in the Cedar Cliff Center strip-mall. Kids aged 6 months and up through adults can learn to swim there.  Their facility opened on Memorial Day, the first franchised Aqua-Tots in the Twin Cities. These 3 swim instructors posed after a Saturday morning class.  What a great birthday party idea! More info, click here. 

Recruitment program

Fire Station 2 held another Open House on Saturday afternoon.  Shooting the fire-hose, extinguishing a stove fire, climbing in the fire trucks and other activities made fun times for all. But the most fun is  when your daughter and her friend try on firefighters' uniforms...

A 50s-style diner

Andrew Hybben, Minnesota native and businessman, joined with business partner, Ayman Samie, a native of Egypt, to open the new, family run Betty's Pies at 1981 Silver Bell Road. Their soft opening will be October 18 and Grand Opening on Saturday, October 20.  Stop by for breakfast menu items, burgers, classic fare and yummy pies. Rockin' tunes from the 50s will add to the fun!

Neighbors' nirvana

Really radiantly, ravishingly red! 

Suburban Decay IX

Former DNR building. Abandoned, now burned down. 

Out of this world!

Our youngest daughter had her birthday party recently at "The Blast" in the Eagan Community Center. These girls took a short break from playing to pose with an astronaut!

A royal encounter

On Saturday afternoon, our family attended a new building dedication at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis. HRH King Carl XVI Gustaf and HRH Queen Silvia of Sweden attended the event.  The King gave his remarks in addition to speeches by the American Ambassador to Sweden and the Swedish Ambassador to America. That evening, my wife and I enjoyed the gala dinner honoring their majesties at the Minneapolis Hilton Hotel. 

Autumn pose

Shawn, originally a Burnsville native, loves running. He completed the Twin Cities Marathon last Sunday with a great time: 3 hours and 38 minutes! Holz Farm proved again to be a great location for photos. 

Strength & sass

Lady Catherine, owner and instructor of a newer pole fitness studio on Pilot Knob Road, held an open house on Friday evening. Give it a try, ladies, don't be shy! More information here.

Yellow leaf road

The parking lot at Eagandale Business Center off Lone Oak Road was resplendent with autumn color! See other Mellow Yellow Monday meme participants here.

Burning down the house

On Saturday morning, 30 Eagan firefighters and 15 others from the state burn team gathered for a special "live burn" training. The old, abandoned DNR house provided the opportunity to practice real firefighting. That house was a pile of ashes by the end of the morning!

Sidewalk glory

Autumn joy. Falling leaves. Splashes of color. 

Red with envy

I love this RED tree. Wish it were mine...

Fall clean out

Boots, clothes, books, household items and more filled the tables in the garage and along the driveway of this woman's house. Garage sales are a great way to unload your unwanted items and make a little cash!

Medieval Fair

Kids helped the Medieval blacksmith at Caponi Art Park during this past weekend's Medieval Fair. Battling knights and fair maidens, Medieval music, swords, lances, handicrafts and much more awaited interested visitors!
Guest photographer: April Ziyu Li

Christmas card?

Our friends, Jason, Erica and their son Matthew, posed at Jensen Lake Park amongst the autumn brilliance. 

Last lunch

Allison Butler worked with me at my HFN office for 6 years. We celebrated on our last day working together at the Lone Oak Grill on sunny Friday afternoon.  THANKS, Allison!