THE PERFECT END

to a perfect day. After canoeing and shopping we found this perfect sunset ... wow!

SUMMER FUN

What better way to explore the uptown lakes than on a kayak/canoe. And what better way to do that than with Chris and Lisa. In this gorgeous weather it was the perfect way to be outside, enjoy city views and nature at the same time and get some exercise. After paddling from Lake Calhoun to Lake of the Isles and Lake Cedar and back we were good for a swim.




Check out the guy hanging on the bridge!

LAKE OF THE ISLES

is especially beautiful on a Friday night with a long weekend before us. Mhhmmm! This is dedicated to Natalija and her dad and the bittersweet memory of a sad happy hour. We are thinking of you!

MARKODAY

After so many night shifts and nonstop work days, it was high time for a Markoday. We did everything he likes: We slept in, had unhealthy breakfast in bed, hung out by a lake, had lunch at a roof top terrace (at Brit's, where you can also lawn bowl) and later watched a movie (3D Shrek). What a nice day!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARKO! part 2

Marko's birthday picnic was almost an athletic event. People took advantage of the great facilities our coop provides. Luckily, playing badminton, soccer, football and volleyball made us hungry - there was tons of delicious food. Thank you, friends, for coming, bringing food, drinks and fun! Happy birthday again, Marko!

The venue: our beloved CSCC

Our youngest guests seemed to enjoy themselves ... (Many cool captions for this one come to mind.)









Summer parties need a fire.

Nope, not a bunch of drunks, it's called contact improv. Good stuff. Casey's comment on these pictures: "never to be posted". Oops.

THE SPRING CELEBRATION

at the CSCC was all about China: performances, calligraphy, food, music and beer - niiice! The best part: This time (as opposed to the Fall Celebration) we could hang out with friends! (And the free beer wasn't so bad either ...)

THE HUMAN RIGHTS AWARDS DINNER

was a big success. The biggest event of the Advocates of Human Rights did not only keep Marko but his whole office crew busy and nervous in the last weeks. But the work and sweat paid off: A huge amount of donations and a about 850 satisfied guests speak for themselves. Our personal highlight: Azar Nafisi's speech and booksigning. It's just so inspriring when an intelligent, eloquent, charismatic woman gets on the stage, connects the world of literature and politics and finds very clear yet imaginative words for "our time".

BABY SHOWERS

are a fun American thing. The one Amy and Hanna organized for Paul and LeeAnne was especially fun because of all the nice people that were there. The guests shared little anecdotes form their childhood while avoiding to say the word "baby". Thanks for coming everyone! And good luck to the parents-to be! Enjoy the "kick-ass strollers" with your babies!