Kids and Bikes

Oldest daughter, Sarah, just started a trip with two friends to bike across America. I got to see them off, as did many of her friends.

Meanwhile, second daughter, Sheryl, just got her M1 license, so I let her take a spin with a friend in my old Yamaha 350XT.

Smart car

We are the proud owners of a smart car! We rented one during a vacation in Italy and fell in love with it. After ordering online, we waited 14 months and picked it up in May. The two-seater runs on gasoline, getting pretty consistently 40 mpg. Its 1 liter, 3 cylinder, 71 hp engine will get it up to 90 mph but it gets blown around in the wind a bit. It's very roomy inside and has many great features. It has been a great commute car.

One of the most common questions is about the smart car's safety. The "tridion safety cell" is a reinforced steel cage that encircles the passengers and the car has earned a five-star IIHS crash rating.

Boston

We had the opportunity to go to a conference at the Fairmont in Copley Square. Siggie made friends with the hotel dog, Katie.

This photo of Trinity Church, the Hancock Center and the hotel was taken from the steps of Boston Public Library. Just down the street we saw the newly opened Apple Store, the largest in North America.

We got to play tourist a bit and really enjoyed one of the historical walking tours.

Curling in North Dakota

We went to the 2008 Men's World Curling Championship, which was held at the Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks, North Dakota in early April. We were guests of Rudi Bloomquist and the Devils Lake Curling Club and it was a great excuse to see a unique sport and visit with family out on the farm.

Aunt Alta and I couldn't resist these "rock hats" in the gift shop.