Auntie Visits MN - Ron Visits CO

Auntie came for her annual summer visit. It was a relaxing weekend without too many activities. Auntie pitched baseballs to Canyon and baked with Presley. We also enjoyed nice visits with Aunt Barbara, puzzle and game playing, and making stepping stones for our entry way. But we missed Ron who was out celebrating Uncle Don's 40th birthday in Aspen.





Ron had a special visit with Uncle Don, enjoying great hikes, late night golf, and special moments with Laila.

Relaxation in the North Fork

After NYC, we headed up to Long Island to spend a couple of days with our friends at their amazing home in Cutchogue. On route, we stopped by Long Beach to visit our pals, the Tambones. We enjoyed a nice evening of surfing, sand playing, outdoor showers, and Mexican Bowls.



The North Fork has an amazing relaxing feel, sitting on the Peconic Bay. We enjoyed rock collecting and playing catch at Orient Beach State Park, swimming in the pool, kayaking on the Peconic Bay, badmitton tournaments, wine tasting and live music at the Lenz Winery, and deliicous cream ice and carousel rides in Greenport. Mom is still on a hunt for the fun dishes to buy as a souvenir. It was fun bringing the two families together.

Pergandes Head to NYC

Pergandes had a big summer adventure in NYC and Long Island this August! The kids took NYC by charge, and fully embraced the subways, the buses, and city walks. Our hotel, the Kitano, was just a couple of blocks from Grand Central Station, which made it a great jumping off place to see the city.




Our first night started strong with a trip to Little Italy and pizza at Lombardi's, the home of the first pizza in the United States, serving Pizza since 1905. The kids continued strong with a venture into Times Square, where we enjoyed Gelato, and trekked home for one of our many mile long walks.




Our 2nd day in NYC started early with a trip to the Today Show with the red cooler. The Pergandes were super excited to be able to wish Grandma Wanda a happy 93rd birthday on the Today show on her actual birthday. Presley made a great sign that got us noticed by Stephanie, the weather girl. We also enjoyed an adventurous day in Central Park, with a trip to the Victoria Gardens Amusement Park, lunch at the Boathouse Restaurant, and an adventure through the Rambles. We ended a great first day with dinner with our pals, the Sachmans.








Our 3rd day in NYC, we took the ferry to see and experience the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. It was an amazing experience and we all enjoyed the audio tours to bring the experience to life. Our trip to the Island ended in a crazy downpour that we all got soaked in. But the weather cleared up and we enjoyed a great night out at Mets Stadium (Mets won!).






Our last day in NYC ended strong with a trip to the famous FAO Schwarz and Dylan's Candy Bar. The kids were in 7th heaven, spending their souvenir money on magic tricks and enjoying great ice cream at a "the best candy store in the world".

More Local Summer Fun

Summer in Minneapolis continues to be a highlight. This year we had our 2nd Annual boat outing with Ron's MBA pals. It was another fun night with relaxing in the warm summer water, the boys doing "fabulous" dives, and Chuck's great chocolate save after some turbulent waves!




We also had a fabulous time at UCLA's annual outing to Macy's Glamorama. This was a beautiful night that we celebrated with friends, enjoying the fun music of Bruno Mars and Far East Movement, as well as an awesome night under the stars.


And Presley continues to love and spend time with Stanley, dressing him up in her soccer jersey. She loves him with all of her soul!

Boating On the St. Croix

Summer fun has included some nice nights on the boat with friends. This year we enjoyed a great night along the St. Croix River with our pals, the Koeppls. It seemed the storms were approaching but they avoided us and the kids had a blast tubing and the adults enjoyed snacks and cocktails.

Kim & Trisha Complete The Warrior Dash

Kim came to MN to complete with Trisha in the infamous Warrior Dash -- 3 miles of obstacles, hills, fire, and mud. A blast of a race that ends with music, beer, and a a fire hose wash down. She arrived on Thursday night and got a real feel for the Pergande lifestyle, kicking off her visit on Friday with Canyon's all day Soccer tournament. On Friday night, we stopped by Minnehaha falls to enjoy a beer and some live music. And then on Saturday, we successfully competed in the Warrior Dash and donated our very muddy shoes with the rest of the racers. The Kadow cousins cheered us on at the finish line. During her visit we also enjoyed a baseball game with our local St. Paul Saints (and their mascot Madonna). Fun weekend that Kim has committed to again in 2012!