Christmas Day 2007

From Christmas Day...

We celebrated Christ's birth at Grandma Jane's church where this beautiful crêche was displayed. We opened presents with the family on Christmas Day. More pictures from Christmas Day 2007.

Battle Creek, MI

From Battle Creek, MI

Andi, Grandma Jane and Aunt Suzie. More family pictures from Battle Creek, MI.

Chelsea's wedding

From Chelsea's Wed...

Our reason for taking this trip was to attend Chelsea's wedding (Andi's cousin) in Battle Creek, MI and to visit with Andi's grandma and relatives. We are always fond of Grandma Jane's and Aunt Suzie's hospitality. We had a great time dancing with the family the night of the wedding. Gabe was adopted by the marine corps (groom is a marine) and tried hard to catch the garter (good thing he didn't I'm thinking). More pictures from Chelsea's wedding.

Chicago

From Chicago, IL

We traveled to Battle Creek, MI to attend Chelsea's wedding (Andi's cousin) and see Andi's Grandma Jane. Before getting there, we stayed in Chicago at a hotel called the W Lakeshore. We walked to the Sears tower the first night there and truly enjoyed walking in the Chicago streets at night.


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We had dinner in a rather disappointing overpriced unsatisfying Chinese restaurant. The next morning we had breakfast at a safer Panera's and rode the El. It was the first time the kids rode in a subway. We took the afternoon to visit Shedd's aquarium. We all loved the dolphins, baluga whales and the penguins. Gabe loved the Komodo dragon. See more pictures from Chicago, IL.

Gates BAR-B-Q

Decided to go to Gates Bar-B-Q for lunch today. Gates is a well known barbecue place in Kansas City with six different locations. I work near the one in Leawood and I thought I'd document the experience.



There is nothing fancy about the building or the furnishings, but this is the type of establishment that gives Kansas City Barbecue a good name. The staff greets you with a loud "Hi, How may I help you?" with a bit of attitude and you sense that you better be quick about placing your order.



Famous is their sauce and spices which they sell at the counter.



I placed my order for a burnt end sandwich, large cut fries (I mean large), coleslaw and barbecue beans. That is actually way too much food for one and could be split for two.



Took it to go and ate it at work between taking ups.



The whole thing was delicious.



The ticket was a bit high setting me back $15.