Minnesotandy!!

Finally, after almost a year and a half of dating, 3 months of being engaged, and a full lap around the equator together, I would have the absolute pleasure of introducing Sarah to my family and schwenns! We touched down in Minneapolis in late June and were met by my mom and moustache-less (for the first time in my entire life) daddio at the airport.

It felt amazing to be home, as it always does and we didn't waste much time breaking Sarah in to the local and family activities!

The new and improved 'Wind Girls' clan. June 2011

Tony and Michelle threw a nice party for us in their brand new home in Woodbury shortly after we arrived. We had an awesome turnout of high-school/college friends and all the family that was available in the Twin Cities too.

A good chunk of the summer was dedicated to letting my little nephew, Wyatt, come to know me again. He was only about 6 months old when I left for Korea and was walking and talking by the time I got home! Coolest little guy!! :)

We made it to a couple of Twins games over the summer. However; I think they'd thank us not to come back since the Twins lost by a combined 23-1 in our two games!!

Sarah enjoying Cascade Falls in Osceola, Wisconsin on our way to the cabin for the 4th of July to meet the whole massive King side of the family all at once.

We were out on Grandpa's pontoon when a massive and eerie storm rolled on in. Notice Sarah proudly donning Grandpa King's captain hat! :) 

Later in July, we were lucky enough to spend a full week in Minnesota's own, Boundary Waters Canoe Area!   This perfectly preserved national park doesn't even allow motorized fishing boats in most of it's million acres. During your stay there, not so much as an airplane flying overhead will give you the painful reminder that the rest of the world even exists - nothing but natural beauty and serenity as long as you stay inside. Forever please!!

We were joined by new schwen, Jason, the indomitable Marce, and Opie the wonder-pooch for our adventure. Pictured here is one night of car-camping near our entry point to get an early launch for the following morning. 

Approximately day 4: Sarah is ALL smiles enjoying her marshmallows despite the less-than-perfect weather. 

BWCA July, 2011
Clear, sunny skies, water like glass and NOTHING BUT NATURE in all directions!!

From one of my favorite places in the world directly to another: time for a week at Kilworry Resort with most of the Wind side of the family!

Bud Coughlin Memorial Horseshoe Tourney 2011.
After random team draws, we ended up with and all family match in the semi-finals. Dad and I got our revenge on Tony and Matt after they over-mixed their fish-fry drinks!

Time for my favorite meal of every single year and Sarah's first OF MANY -
Kilworry fish fry Wednesday!

All of the brothers flexing those Hollywood smiles down at the fire. Tony randomly in costume; anything for a chuckle down at the fire!

As soon as I leave, I immediately start to think about the following year when they let us come back! Kilworry Resort, Pine River MN, August 2011

In between trips, I made sure to show Sarah the beautiful cities that I call home! She absolutely love the place and says she considers it highly livable.... but she's only been there in the middle of summer! :)

Sitting atop the bluffs of the Mighty Mississippi River, our state capital, St. Paul!

I've sure missed my little kitty Blue!!!! Mom and Dad have been incredibly kind enough to take care o him while I'm gone. I'll be back for you soon with your new family, little buddy! 

The laugh a minute, clap-along, foot-stomping stylings of Gaelic Storm at the Minnesota Zoo with my parents. We will certainly be seeing them again as soon as possible! 

Michelle's family helping us warm up the new Twins Bar at Tony and Michelle's house with lots of yummy and colorful shots!

Widely considered to be one of the best in the country  (certainly by Minnesotans anyhow!),
The Minnesota State Fair!!! 

Sarah throwing DOWN on a deep-fried banana split at 'The Fair'....
and loving every minute of it I might add! :)

Sarah wasted no time in developing our nephew into a proper Bama fan! With no real strong previous NCAA affiliations, he was just as happy to jump on board as we all were!! ROLL TIDE, little guy!! :)

We even got to use some of our Viking's season tickets under our brand new dome roof. It was a sad second-half collapse after building a serious halftime lead (one of many this season, I'm afraid), but we had a BLAST for sure!!

Mid September, 2011....  symbolizing the end of an unemployed 8-month round-the-world stint, the hippie traveler bracelets have to come off. Back to work with my little kiddies in Daejeon, Korea!!

Our families' full-approval in tact, wedding sites and dates locked down, we were ready to get back on the payroll. So - as the case may all to often be when leading this kind of lifestyle - we packed our bags and said our goodbyes despite feeling that we had just arrived!! Next stop; Daejeon Part II.