Transition and Tucson: October 2011

Jeff and I were delighted to take 3 trips this summer starting in July and ending in September! There is no way we captured all the sites, sounds and experiences in pictures. We were too busy having fun to stop for photos. These are a few snapshots taken by Jeff and courtesy of other photographers; Dustin Froyum, Brian Stangl, Linnea Berg, and Julie Plaxico Wright.

Trip 1

Driving to Minnesota (July-August). The three main events were the Berg cousin family reunion on the Berg family farm in Welch. Secondly, the Kraus dinner hosted by Jeff’s Dad for his 7 children and their respective spouses. Lastly, a “Kraus” family party for the extended Kraus family; siblings, spouses, “kids” and their children. In between times we had smaller gatherings with family and friends. Jeff captured the day we spent at the Minnesota Zoo with our nephew, Brian Stangl, and his three girls. Alas, Gina (a.k.a. the Mom,) was attending a workshop for the beginning of school.

Martha at the Petrified Forest NE Arizona

Painted Desert NE Arizona

Extended Berg cousin family reunion.

Brian Stangl with Evie (13 months,) Macie (4 1/2) and Natalie (6)

Jeff and Martha with our great nieces at MN Zoo.

Trip 2

Labor Day weekend in San Diego. We spent three delightful days with our goddaughter Annabelle Jane Wright, (14 months old,) and her parents, Julie and Mike. We had fabulous accommodations (the master suite) vacated by Annabelle’s grandparents, Pops and Nena (a.k.a. Bob and Nancy Plaxico). Our excursions revolved around Annabelle’s naps; that pace suited us well.

Julie, Annabelle and Mike Wright - San Diego, CA.

Annabelle, Julie, Jeff and Martha.

Jeff and Martha. View of San Diego from Mt. Soledad.

The next three days were spent visiting Sea World, Coronado, Tierrasanta Lutheran Church (where my cousin is the pastor,) Gaslamp Quarter, breakfast with my sister, Linnea Berg (who drove down from L.A.,) and a fascinating tour of the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier.

Shamu, the killer whale at Sea World

Dolphin Show

USS Midway Aircraft Carrier

Jeff and Martha on the USS Midway. In the background, the aircraft carrier used for burial of Osama Bin Laden

Trip 3

We flew to Minnesota for the weekend of September 17. Our nephew, Mike Kraus, was married to Jenelle Savre. Sunday was a surprise retirement party for our brother-in-law, Al Stangl. Al is married to Jeff’s sister, Jeanine.