2017 big year, Big changes

2017 was a big year for us.

Our first child was born on September 19th. Marlow is an unbelievably happy and healthy baby. I cannot wait to show her the world.

I got a new job with the Community College I work for. I am really enjoying it.

Chelsea is enjoying her 6th graders this year and enjoying being a mother.

Even with Chelsea being pregnant this last summer we did get to go on some awesome trips.

We flew out to California for Chelsea's cousin’s high school graduation in June.

Went with Chelsea's family, so it was busy. We rented an incredible condo right next to the ocean in Pismo, it had 4 porches to hang out on.

Two of her cousins came down to Pismo one day we walked along the beach and we went boogie boarding, it was my first time. I really enjoyed it, caught a few great waves, and was quite tired after.

Took a short trip down to Kansas City for a weekend in June to see Boston play Kansas City on Chelsea's Birthday. Between the classic Gates, my longtime favorite Arthur Byant's, and my new love Q39 we had the best BBQ in the country. We got to go to a traveling exhibit for mummies at grand central station, just happen to see a billboard and changed our plans for the afternoon. I am super happy we did, the exhibit had some of the best examples of mummies I have seen. We also got to go to Crane brewing's tap room, it had been on my short list of breweries I needed to hit for some time now. We got to have a beer with one of the brewers and talk about beer, always a good time.

Then in just a week later we hit the road for what we knew would be the last trip we take just us two. Started the trip by heading down to Taos, New Mexico to see our friends.  Had a chance to hit up some breweries while out too. One of the most interesting ones I have ever been to was Comanche Creek Brewing Company. It is in the middle of a farm field, and the size of a 1.5 car garage. No indoor seating, just a covered patio on dirt. Deer even came out of the forest nearby. I loved that place and all of its oddities, along with the really good beer.

We then departed Taos and headed to Florissant Fossil Beds. We slept in the back of the Grand Cherokee on an air mattress at Eleven Mile State Park.

We then headed up to Denver to see my Aunt and Uncle.  Hit up a few breweries and

We then saw Chelsea’s Favorite band at our favorite concert venue, AFI at Red Rocks Amphitheater.

I got a chance to see my favorite band at our favorite concert venue. My friend and I spent a long weekend to see Incubus at Red Rocks Amphitheater, we even got to meet the whole band. We spent the weekend with my aunt and uncle again, they are so nice to let me and who ever I bring with me stay with them. We had a very cool Kia Minivan to take us everywhere, including the 13 breweries in just 3 days. The hike we took at Lair O' the Bear Park was a great way to give our livers a break.

Now I need to look into how to get a passport for a baby.

This next year is going to be amazing and I just can’t wait to take my little explorer with us for it all.

 ---Brad

Seattle and Denver 2016

Time for a bit of a catch up.


We flew to Seattle for a dear friends wedding in July 2016. Spent the time in an amazing Airbnb in the heart of a super hip district.  Breweries, and coffee, and brunches, what more could you ask for?
We took the bus everywhere. We got to see some of what Seattle offered, but I know we did not even scratch the surface. We definitely need to go back.

We then rented a black dodge minivan and headed to a Walmart. With the seats folded down flat, a full size air mattress fits perfectly. When we hit the road and headed south around the bay, we got to drive though Tacoma and some beautiful country.

We then spent a full week in Olympic National Park. I got to drive on a ferry, one of the things I always wanted to do, being a kid from Nebraska, we don't have those.  It was a truly amazing park with so many wonderful hikes. I am still amazed at the distinctly different ecosystems, including the glacier-capped mountains, rain forests, and over 70 miles of wild coastline.


But unfortunately most of my photos from this trip all have a gray line and ruined them. So here are few that made it.

In October we went to Denver for the Great American Beer Festival. Our now Married friends from Seattle were actually in town for unrelated reasons. Bryan asked be randomly if we would be in Denver at the time, and actually we would be so I suggested they get tickets and go to the festival. things worked out they even stayed with us at my aunt and uncles house. The festival is absolutely crazy and as long as you don't mind the crowds you can get some amazing beers you could never get back home. Also the people watching is great. 

2016 was a great year, and although we were not able to go on a big trip like years before, we still made some memories I would not exchange for anything.

---- Brad