Life for our family has been fairly stable this year. What news we have you can find below.
Click a collection below to jump to that section. Click any image to see a full photo or video.
Early 2025
Early 2025
Winter and early spring are typically pretty quiet. Maple syrup season is a highlight. Peter in Europe is another.
Cora Highlights on January 20, 2025 [Video] — On the eve of Cora's fourth birthday, Apple Photos produced this video. Cora remains a special delight to all of us, given her difficult health challenges as an infant. She continues to thrive, with only one maintenance medication remaining. We are deeply grateful for her continued good health.
Margaret Apartment Tea on February 21, 2025 — Margaret has built a wonderful life for herself in St. Cloud, just thirty minutes from us. She lives in the upper level of an older home and recently began a new job as a benefits coordinator for Stearns County, supporting individuals seeking financial assistance. In a fun family twist, she is a direct user of the software Beth helps build at MNIT, giving Beth a built-in real-world critic. Margaret enjoys close friendships—both from college and from her life in St. Cloud. She frequently joins family gatherings and enjoys visits to Maria and Madeline in Minneapolis. She and I regularly meet for grocery runs and catch-ups.Kindle Library on February 25, 2025 — This is a screenshot of my Kindle library's most popular titles. Super-auntie Maria and I tag team on reading to the Cox and Introne kids. Bedtime can be a challenge. Tiredness leads to big emotions and urgent demands. Reading to a child via FaceTime can provide some help at peak times. Sometimes, two kids can listen to the same story. Sometimes even three, and from both households through FaceTime group calls. We make it work to help the parents make it through bedtime. Besides, it is so much fun!Cora Sucking Sap on March 8, 2025 — Maple syrup season has always been a family event but it has become even more enjoyable with grandkids around. They love playing out in the woods, drilling holes, hanging buckets, and, yes, checking if the sap is sweet (it's not).Kip Drilling Tree on March 8, 2025 — For years, we used a handbrace to make the holes. That was fun, but the drill is more efficient.Nerd Jokes on March 17, 2025 — A large contingent of our family is nerdy. We share cool stories about AI, new science, and (bad) jokes. I am very excited that Madeline is discovering her inner nerd, taking digital design classes at the U of MN: GitHub, Markdown, and more!Paul and Lydia Sucking Syrup on April 6, 2025 — Syrup making days are especially fun. Paul and Lydia, Amy's and David's oldest, get the last of the weak syrup from the filter fabric. Amy and David continue to build a lively and joyful household in Owatonna. Their children are all very active and busy, filling their home with energy, noise, and lots of laughter and silliness.
Sap Boiling on April 10, 2025 — We have a very low-tech operation, boiling sap in a steel pan over an open fire. The wood fire gives the syrup a beautiful smoky smell and taste. Peter in Milan at Piazza del Duomo on April 16, 2025 — Peter spent Spring 2025 in Europe, studying in Cork, Ireland. This picture is from Piazza del Duomo in Milan, one of many cities he visited with friends. Peter is a senior at St. John's University, majoring in computer science with a minor in data science.
Mid 2025
Middle part of 2025
This section of photos is from our busiest time for family life. Warmer weather, longer days, and school breaks mean more opportunities. The season started with an engagement, then sending Anthony north. Our annual July 4th is always a highlight of the year.
Madeline and Jared Engagement on May 7, 2025 — Madeline and her long-time boyfriend Jared Rhaburn got engaged on May 7. Their wedding is 10-10-26. Jared is working as a clerk for a county judge in Virginia, Minnesota. A young Black man from Los Angeles adjusting to rural northern Minnesota appears, at times, like the premise of a (probably one-season?) sitcom.Maria, Madeline, and Peter on May 8, 2025 — Enjoying an outdoor meal on one of the first summer-like days in Minneapolis, blocks away from Maria's and Madeline's flat in Uptown. Maria and Madeline both work for the U of MN Child Development Center.Almost-the-Whole-Family Canoe Sendoff on June 14, 2025 — It's hard to get all of us together at once. We did pretty well on this sendoff for Anthony (missing: Tristan, Andrew, Annika, Little Peter) as he was leaving for a four-week canoe trip in northern Ontario. Anthony just finished his first semester at St. John's University, studying both computer science and physics.Charlotte and Kip Rowing, Nathan on Anchor, me on camera on June 19, 2025 — Kriegle Lake has ample sunfish and crappies. It's small so our boats are human-powered.Beth, Cora, and Charlotte Kayaking on July 2, 2025 [video] — For several years, the week around July 4th has been a time for all of family to gather at St. John's. Sagatagan is a beautiful spring-fed lake. The beach and boathouse provide fun on hot sunny days.Nathan, Jan, George at SJU 'Reef' on July 2, 2025 — During our July 4th week at St. John's, we eat a meal a day at the Refectory, which the kids love, as do the adults with big appetites. It's also a chance to meet up with others like my dad George and his companion Jan. George and Jan winter in Texas and summer in Lakeville. Nathan continues working as an IT specialist for the Hopkins school district. He is a dedicated uncle, holding season passes to Valley Fair and the Minnesota Zoo so he can join nieces and nephews whenever possible. He is also one of the Minecraft Bros. He, his brothers, and the Cox and Introne kids play regularly. It's fun and a great opportunity for mentoring.Paul Kip Michael SJU Beach on July 2, 2025 — Here is another photo from the SJU beach. The kids make their own adventures.Andrew, Little Peter Biking on July 4, 2025 — In the evenings at St. John's, we play on the lawn outside the Refectory. A good time for kids to run around and adults to chat.Cora and Mike at St. Joe Parade on July 4, 2025 — The July 4th Parade in nearby St. Joe was especially nice this year.Dominic at St Joe Parade on July 4, 2025 — Dominic enjoyed the parade too, especially the candy.Paul, Maria and Amy at Flynntown Apartments on July 4, 2025 — During our July 4th stay, we rent a floor in the Flynntown Apartments on campus. The combination of private rooms, multiple kitchens, and a common area for games provides a nice environment for everyone.Dominic and Lydia, Junebug Scare on July 25, 2025 [video] — This is one of my favorite videos from last year. Watch to the end.Annika and Little Peter at the Owatonna Waterpark on August 3, 2025 — Another favorite summer activity is visiting the waterpark in Owatonna. It has something for all ages.Peter, Michael and Tony at the Owatonna Waterpark on August 10, 2025 — In addition to swimming, we have a chance to hang out.Little Peter Violin on August 16, 2025 — Annika has her own music-lesson business and now teaches several violin students. They enjoy family life and the benefit of being only a few blocks from Amy and David.Mike, Maria, Madeline, Margaret, and Sara Hoppe at Isakov Concert on August 19, 2025 — Gregory Alan Isakov came to St. Paul. We are fans. Good friend Sara Hoppe joined us. It was a lovely evening. Good music and weather.Madeline Fish Cleaning on August 28, 2025 — A late summer visit from Madeline to go fishing. Margaret and I went too. We had good luck. Madeline wanted to clean the fish. Margaret and I enjoyed watching her.Paul, Lydia, and Michael on the Paddleboat on August 30, 2025 — Papa's Beach is probably the most popular place for our grandkids. They spend countless hours there any time of year but especially in the summer.David and Paul holding David's catch on August 31, 2025 — Kreigle Lake also has good largemouth bass. Another beautiful late summer evening on the lake.
Late 2025
Late 2025
Fall and winter make extended family time more difficult, but we still have some nice moments together. This fall also marked the end of children at home for Susan and me, a big change after 40+ years.
Anthony's High School photos, Grade 9 - 12 — After 40+ years, Susan and I have no children living at home. While the number of kids around the house has been declining for years and Anthony was often gone from the house as a high school senior, having no kids at home this fall was a big change that Susan and I are still adjusting to.Beth and Kip Face Paintings on September 7, 2025 — The Defeat of Jesse James Day is a great community celebration in Northfield the first week in September. Soapbox derby races and the parade are highlights. Mischievious men wander the parade route marking the faces of standers-by.Little Peter Being Goofy on September 11, 2025 — FaceTime calls provide many opportunities to capture silly moments. This is one of them. Someday I might write a little guide on FaceTime games to play with young kids. We have so much fun.Cox's and Introne's at Nerstrand Park on September 13, 2025 — Nerstrand Big Woods State Park is between Owatonna and Northfield, a good place for cousins (and Northfield neighbors Fox and Bernard - Kip's adventure bros) to meet for the afternoon.Little Peter and Mary Statue on September 13, 2025 — During a walk to the playground at St. Mary's School in Owatonna, Little Peter spent several minutes hugging Mary. He already seems to know her. Lovely.Susan and Mike on October 5, 2025 — Susan and I had a chance to get away to Itasca State Park, a nice break from normal life.David and Anthony on Anthony's new bed on October 19, 2025 — After months of effort cutting, sanding, and finishing, Anthony constructed his new bed with expert coaching from David. David's ability to turn common pine lumber into sturdy and beautiful furniture is impressive.Susan, Mike, and Anthony at Mens Chorus event on October 24, 2025 — Anthony joined the St. John's University Mens Chorus this year. Beautiful secular and sacred music.Andrew, Annika, and Little Peter on October 31, 2025 — Dressed as Peter Pan, Wendy, and Captain Hook, they greeted Trick-or-Treaters on a beautiful fall evening.Introne's, Uncles, and Papa Halloween on October 31, 2025 — Weather and timing made it possible to get together for Halloween this year. Lots of fun in Owatonna.Cake Pops on November 1, 2025 — Amy's and David's home is often a gathering place for family events. This day, we were celebrating Dominic's third birthday (a bit late) and my 64th (a bit early). Cake pops were made by Madeline. So tasty and filling.Madeline and Michael on November 1, 2025 — At the same birthday gathering, Madeline and Michael share some ice cream and goofiness. Madeline is Michael's Godmama and they have a very special relationship.Cora's Haircut on November 2, 2025 — When your hair is long and curly like Cora's, a haircut is a big deal.Class Of 1980 Reunion on November 3, 2025 — I seldom make it back to Foley, MN where I grew up but it was a treat to attend my 45th class reunion at the local establishment Mr. Jim's. We are definitely older and slower. The following day, I attended the 90th birthday party of Virginia Lewandowski, mother of some of my closest high school friends. It was such a treat to connect with their family after many years.Spectacular Northern Lights on November 11, 2025 [video] — The November 11 northern lights were spectacular in many parts of the country. We had perfect conditions, mild weather, no bugs, no clouds. Susan and I had a lovely evening together down at the lake. It was also my 64th birthday. Quite a gift.Little Peter gets a Haircut on November 12, 2025 — Annika did it quickly while she still had the resolve to do it. The long curls are so cute, it's hard to cut them off. Dominic still has his.Andrew, Annika, and Peter Portrait on November 15, 2025 — Andrew and Annika had a photographer friend take some beautiful photos. Such a lovely young family.Andrew, Annika Peter Running on November 15, 2025 — Peter is so playful.Cora's Noodle Face on November 16, 2025 — Here is another FaceTime game. Cora and I were making silly faces and playing with our food. So fun.Peter, Nathan, and Anthony on November 28, 2025 — A chance moment on Thanksgiving. Nathan with his 'little' brothers.Little Peter Chopping Veggies on November 29, 2025 [video] — Peter received the step stool so he can help with kitchen work. In addition to food prep, he is pretty good as a barista.Annika and Little Peter Smile on December 1, 2025 — A two-year-old's birthday photo. So lovely.Anthony's Mens Chorus Concert on December 5, 2025 — The Mens Chorus and others put on a Christmas concert at the Great Hall on campus. Anthony is in the upper left. Look for the long blond hair.Maria, Susan, Anthony Basilica on December 6, 2025 — The choirs perform the same concert at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis. Susan (taking the photo) and Maria attended.Andrew, Annika, and Peter on December 7, 2025 — Andrew and Annika hosted a party for Little Peter's birthday. So much fun for us.Little Peter Happy on December 7, 2025 — As this photo shows, Peter was so happy at his party. He loved being around so many people who love him.Susan, Mike, and Little Peter on December 7, 2025 — Susan and I get a chance to make a Little Peter sandwich. So fun.
