Birthday 5

As of last Friday, we are now the proud parents of a 5-year-old (and given that we'll hit our 10th anniversary this summer, we've now been married longer with kids than without). On Annika's birthday we went on a preschool field trip to the Critter Barn, where the kids got to pet and hold all sorts of animals. In the afternoon we spent some time on the playground at Millbrook, where the birthday girl grew a static afro on the slide (see below). It was a beautiful day, so we had some ice cream cones before heading home and opening presents, and then had McDonald's at the park for supper. Overall, she's had a wonderful birthday weekend, and it won't be over until next weekend when she has her "Fancy Nancy" birthday party with girls from school and church.

We had a wonderful Easter today. Annika danced in church and did great (she was the youngest one up there!). Grandma and Grandpa D and Greg and Katelyn came to see her. Abby had a typical pretty 21-month-old day, although it did feature more pastel M & M's than normal (and she thanks Grandma D for them).

My Expensive Beer

On Saturday I went to one of the mot wonderful places in West Michigan - Siciliano's Market, which has the best selection of good beer, home-brewing supplies, cigars, pipe tobacco, tea, etc. I was there with brother Greg and together we bought a case of beer. One beer I didn't see there was Founder's Breakfast Stout, which is an inky blank, thick brew that features the flavors of oatmeal, coffee, and chocolate, among other things. Also not present was Founder's Kentucky Breakfast Stout, which is very similar to the regular version but aged in old Kentucky bourbon barrels for even more flavor. The local beer scene is currently abuzz about this concoction. However, I forgot to mention the 56 bottles that I returned when paying for our beer, so I didn't get my deposit money and subsequently went back to get it. While there I happened to mention the KBS to one of the employees, and she said they had it hiding in back to be sold only when customers request it, or else it would be gone in a flash. After deciding not to get a bottle, I changed my mind, and bought one, setting a new personal record for most expensive bottle of beer I've ever purchased: $4.49 (for one bottle!). That's not much for the hardcore beer fan, but it is for me. It better be good.