Family Galleries

Kerstin's Birthday_at Yurtland_8-14-05 :

Kerstin's Birthday_at Yurtland_8-14-05

Updated: Jun 24, 2009 4:56pm PST

Yurtland Weekend with Ten Dogs (Sept. 2006) :

Yurtland Weekend with Ten Dogs (Sept. 2006)

Updated: Jul 07, 2008 3:17pm PST

Cormac Moloney at 10 days (April 2007) : A week and a half after the birth of my first grandson, my son Jon and I drove to Kansas City to visit the new mom and dad (Lindsey and Brian) and see Cormac Albert Moloney for the very first time. Cormac is a great kid -- of course! And my daughter and son-in-law are doing a wonderful job as parents. --Bob ("Grampapa") Friend

Cormac Moloney at 10 days (April 2007)

A week and a half after the birth of my first grandson, my son Jon and ...

Updated: Sep 26, 2007 11:19am PST

Sailing with Capt. Lars (5-27-07) : On Sunday, May 27, 2007, the day before Memorial Day, my wife Kerstin and I went sailing off the coast of Racine, Wisconsin, with part of her family -- her father Lennart Stolpe, brothers Lars and Johan Stolpe, and nephew Erik Stolpe (Lars's son). NOTE to friends: Lars is the one in the light T-shirt, then blue windbreaker; Johan wore an orange life vest over a dark T-shirt; Lennart is the older gent; Erik is the youngest crew member; you know what Kerstin and I look like -- if you've forgotten, figure it out via process of elimination! Lars bought this sailboat a few years ago and really enjoys getting out on the water. This was the first time Kerstin and I were on a sailboat since we went to Hawaii in 2005, taking two cruises on a large catamaran operated by Captain Andy. This time Captain Lars was in charge -- and did an admirable ("admiral-able"?) job. Erik, with my occasional assistance, spent much time manning the rudder; Johan was quite adept as First Mate; Kerstin and her dad enjoyed the voyage; I served as Official Photographer. We really lucked out with the weather -- rain and even thunderstorms had been predicted. But this is the Midwest, after all, so things can quickly change -- happily for us! It turned out to be an absolutely gorgeous day, and we had a wonderful time. We offer our hearty thanks to Lars for being such an accommodating "Master and Commander." --BOB

Sailing with Capt. Lars (5-27-07)

On Sunday, May 27, 2007, the day before Memorial Day, my wife Kerstin ...

Updated: May 29, 2007 6:24am PST

Bob Visits Lindsey, Brian & Cormac in Kansas (August 2007) :

Bob Visits Lindsey, Brian & Cormac in Kansas (August 2007)

Updated: Sep 24, 2007 4:39pm PST

Stolpe Family & Moster Kjerstin in Wauconda (9-15-07) : Kerstin and I entertained her aunt ("moster" in Swedish), who was visiting the U.S., on Saturday, Sept. 15. Kjerstin Lind's first name is pronounced the same way as my wife's -- the "Kj..." version is just the older, original spelling. Moster Kjerstin lives with her husband Hakan in a suburb of Stockholm; "my" Kerstin and I were there in 2004. On this trip, Moster stayed with "my" Kerstin's parents, Lennart and Christina Stolpe -- Kjerstin and Christina are sisters. "My" Kerstin's brother Johan and his daughter Mia drove in from Fort Collins CO to be able to spend some time with Moster Kjerstin. Kerstin's other brother, Lars, came in from Northbrook IL with his sons Erik and Tom. We all had fun just hanging out, eating and talking. A highlight was my leading the kids, Christina's dog & Johan on a walk in the woods; just sorry I did not get a picture of Johan, "the human bridge," helping the three kids get over a small stream -- I did my part by (gently) tossing Petunia across. Another highlight was the campfire. I provided free entertainment by singing and playing guitar for a short time -- quitting before I would have gotten "the hook"! --Bob Friend ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Stolpe Family & Moster Kjerstin in Wauconda (9-15-07)

Kerstin and I entertained her aunt ("moster" in Swedish), who was visi ...

Updated: Sep 20, 2007 3:15pm PST

Cormac at the Bells' House in Wisconsin (9-28-07) :

Cormac at the Bells' House in Wisconsin (9-28-07)

Updated: Oct 08, 2007 1:00pm PST

Cormac in Indiana (11-19-07) :

Cormac in Indiana (11-19-07)

Updated: Dec 19, 2007 9:52pm PST

MOVIES: Cormac in Indiana (11-19-07) : NOTE: JUST CLICK ON EACH STILL PHOTO TO START EACH MOVIE!

MOVIES: Cormac in Indiana (11-19-07)

NOTE: JUST CLICK ON EACH STILL PHOTO TO START EACH MOVIE!

Updated: Dec 19, 2007 11:15pm PST

Cormac: Christmas in Kansas (2007) : Arriving in the Kansas City area Friday night, Dec. 21, 2007, my son Jon and I spent Saturday and part of Sunday celebrating the Christmas season with my son-in-law and daughter, Brian and Lindsey, and my eight-month-old grandson Cormac. See link to movies I shot < http://fotobyfriend.smugmug.com/gallery/4138348 > for a more detailed description of the trip. --Bob ("Grampapa")Friend

Cormac: Christmas in Kansas (2007)

Arriving in the Kansas City area Friday night, Dec. 21, 2007, my son J ...

Updated: Jan 06, 2008 9:22pm PST

MOVIES: Cormac's First Christmas in Kansas (2007) : On Friday, Dec. 21, 2007, I drove from home (Wauconda IL) to Springfield to meet my son Jon at his apartment (his employment by the State of Illinois is split between there and Chicago). I transferred Christmas gifts for Jon, my daughter Lindsey, son-in-law Brian, and grandson Cormac from my Mazda Miata to Jon's VW Jetta. We grabbed something to go from McDonald's & Starbucks and hit the highway. Getting to St. Louis was no big deal, but then we began the long drive all the way across Missouri -- man, that is one WIDE state! We arrived in Roeland Park KS before Lindsey and Brian had gone to bed and were treated to a delicious lasagna dinner -- a most welcome change from road food! We spent Saturday hanging around the house and playing with Cormac before going out to lunch at a sushi place (SEE LINK TO MY STILL PHOTOS). Brian had left home in the early morning hours (he is an MD and chief resident at several Univ. of Kansas Hospitals), and he had to be on call. Luckily he was able to break away in time to meet us after we'd arrived at the restaurant. Then we went shopping in a nicely restored area of Kansas City. It was a real treat to have Christmas at Lindsey and Brian's house -- especially to watch little Cormac open the gifts I'd brought. We ordered pizza for dinner and watched most of the movie "Elf" on TV before retiring for the evening. Sunday morning we drove to the Lutheran church that Lindsey, Brian and Cormac regularly attend. Highlights were Lindsey's singing (see MOVIE #8) and Cormac's interaction with other little kids. After we all had brunch together at Cracker Barrel, Jon and I bid the Moloneys farewell and reversed Friday's journey, eventually arriving in Springfield -- at which point Jon continued to Chicago and I, though somewhat fatigued, successfully made my way back to Wauconda. It was a busy three days! NOTE: All videos were shot by me, using my Olympus 8.0 MP camera in video mode -- except for the first one, where I appear, which was taken by Jon (using my same camera). Good job, Jon! --Bob ("Grampapa") Friend CLICK ON EACH STILL PHOTO TO START EACH MOVIE!

MOVIES: Cormac's First Christmas in Kansas (2007)

On Friday, Dec. 21, 2007, I drove from home (Wauconda IL) to Springfie ...

Updated: Jan 10, 2008 10:34am PST

Cormac at the Bells' House in Wisconsin (3-18-08) : Very early on the morning of March 18, 2008, I drove my wife Kerstin to the Metra commuter train so I could use the Ford Explorer as an "airport limo" to transport my daughter Lindsey, son-in-law Brian and new grandson Cormac (b. 4-4-07) from Chicago's O'Hare Intl. Airport to Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Once there, they'd all be overnighting with their "old" friends from college days (Notre Dame and St. Mary's), Doug and Molly Bell (and THEIR two kids, Owen and Julia). We stopped at a Cracker Barrel restaurant between Chicago and the IL-WI line for breakfast, where I gave Cormac his first-birthday gifts a few weeks early, since I would not be able to attend the April 4 celebration where they live (Kansas City suburbs). Lindsey later wrote me that Cormac really liked the toys I bought for him, and he plays with them all the time. It was great to see the proud parents and my handsome and intelligent (of course you knew I was going to brag a bit!) grandson; he is growing up so fast! I did not get as many pictures of Lindsey as I'd intended to, but at least Brian and Cormac were well covered! Just before I left the Bells', Doug came home and Owen finally awoke from his nap -- I'd put away the camera and did not think to reshoot the group photo -- sorry, guys! And, again -- HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CORMAC !!! --Bob ("Grampapa") Friend

Cormac at the Bells' House in Wisconsin (3-18-08)

Very early on the morning of March 18, 2008, I drove my wife Kerstin t ...

Updated: Apr 09, 2008 7:12am PST

MOVIES: Cormac at the Bells' House in Wisconsin (3-18-08) : On the morning of March 18, 2008, I briefly became an "airport limo" driver and transported my daughter Lindsey, son-in-law Brian and grandson Cormac (b. 4-4-07) from Chicago to the Milwaukee suburbs. Once there, they'd be staying with two close friends from college days, Doug and Molly Bell. The first two movies were shot at a local mall; the third one at the Bells' home. (Running time of all three movies combined is just four minutes.) --Bob ("Grampapa") Friend

MOVIES: Cormac at the Bells' House in Wisconsin (3-18-08)

On the morning of March 18, 2008, I briefly became an "airport limo" d ...

Updated: Apr 09, 2008 5:09pm PST

MOVIE: Aunt Vinnie Harriet at Home (4-20-08) : My wife Kerstin and I were in the Fort Wayne, Indiana, area on Saturday, April 19, 2008, for the wedding reception of my cousin Lee Friend and his new wife Sharon. We had decided earlier to bring our bulldog Daisy along with us for two main reasons: (1) Daisy is getting really old and it would be extremely difficult for anyone else to care for her properly; (2) Aunt Vinnie Harriet really likes Daisy and had not seen her for a long time. We stayed at a dog-friendly motel Saturday night. Sunday morning we met my brother Mark for breakfast in Auburn, Indiana, and then it was off to Hicksville, Ohio, to visit Aunt Vinnie Harriet. I have quite a few still photos of my aunt, taken over the years, but no movies. So I decided to shoot a short clip of her (turned out REALLY short due to my camera's battery dying). She turned 93 in January and is in very good health considering her age -- heck, Aunt Vinnie Harriet is in better shape than a lot of folks half her age! By the way, she ALWAYS says something like, "Oh, don't take my picture -- I look awful." But after I talk her into it (every time), she always says, "Hey, you know those pictures you took of me didn't look too bad!" Aunt V.H. is my late mom's sister. She has led a very interesting life and loves to tell many stories, so I always make sure I can spend at least a couple of hours with her on each visit -- and mention I have to leave "very soon" at least a half-hour before I really do! She is a wonderful lady -- one of a kind, and Kerstin and I love her dearly. --Bob Friend

MOVIE: Aunt Vinnie Harriet at Home (4-20-08)

My wife Kerstin and I were in the Fort Wayne, Indiana, area on Saturda ...

Updated: Apr 22, 2008 12:37pm PST

Grandpa Bob Visits KS (June 2008) : On Friday of the last weekend in June, 2008, I flew to Kansas City, where daughter Lindsey and grandson Cormac met me at the airport. (Son-in-law Dr. Brian was at work.) First stop was the Cracker Barrel – I love their breakfasts. The biggest changes I noticed in Cormac were his ability to walk fearlessly – and the arrival of TEETH (visible in some of the pix). He also knows what certain things are -- and can point to them when asked. In addition to visiting and playing with Cormac, I was able to help select – and then install – a new combination microwave-range hood on Saturday. After church on Sunday, while Brian had to attend a function with other doctors, Lindsey, Cormac and I went to a large park in KC – played on the swings, walked around, etc. On Monday I installed two garden hose reels for Lindsey. Other activities are shown in the photos below. Hope you enjoy them! --Bob ("Grampapa") Friend

Grandpa Bob Visits KS (June 2008)

On Friday of the last weekend in June, 2008, I flew to Kansas City, wh ...

Updated: Jul 15, 2008 12:20pm PST

MOVIES: Grandpa Bob Visits KS (June 2008) :

MOVIES: Grandpa Bob Visits KS (June 2008)

Updated: Sep 23, 2008 5:07pm PST

Christmas in Kansas City (Dec. 2008) : As a bit of a replay from the year prior, my son Jonathan and I arrived in Roeland Park KS (a suburb of Kansas City) on Friday night, Dec. 12, 2008. Last year Jon piloted his VW Jetta; this time around I did all the driving -- in my two-seater Mazda Miata; we were a bit tight, space-wise, what with all the gifts brought along for daughter Lindsey, her husband Brian and (MOSTLY, OF COURSE!) my 20-month-old grandson Cormac. We exchanged presents Saturday morning. While Ralphie (main character in the now-classic movie “A Christmas Story”) and his family ended up at a Chinese restaurant for their Yuletide meal, we opted for Indian! After a fine lunch of such delicacies as goat meat and tandoori chicken, Brian took Cormac home for a nap as the rest of us hit a few stores and just had a nice time walking around a beautifully restored old shopping district in Kansas City. Saturday evening one of Brian’s fellow gastroenterologists hosted a holiday party, so Jon and I babysat and had a fun time with the little guy -- who seemed to be entranced by segments of (what else?) “A Christmas Story”! I think Cormac liked Ralphie’s kid brother (but let’s hope he does not start eating mashed potatoes in a similar manner!). On Sunday, after we all enjoyed a delicious brunch at First Watch, Jon and I hit the road for Chicago; I got home to Wauconda around 10 PM -- just hours before temperatures plummeted and all the rain turned to ice (WHEW!). I was fairly tired the next day, but the exhaustion I suffered was certainly worth it -- Christmas in Kansas was fantastic! Also see link to movies I shot: < F-O-R-T-H-C-O-M-I-N-G >. --Bob ("Grampapa") Friend

Christmas in Kansas City (Dec. 2008)

As a bit of a replay from the year prior, my son Jonathan and I arrive ...

Updated: Dec 16, 2008 1:03pm PST

Christmas in C'bus-W'loo-W'conda (Dec. 2008) : ________________________________________ RE PIX 1 ~ 7: This year I made the annual holiday trip to NE Indiana and environs solo -- well, solo as far as HUMAN companionship; I did bring our new pug Caity along with the idea of introducing her to as many family members as possible. (OK, OK -- yes, I did want to show her off!) I finally drove into my old hometown of Waterloo IN after a rather harrowing journey from our house in Wauconda IL on Tuesday the 23rd -- I left at 1:30 PM and arrived at brother Mark's house 7 hours later (it usually takes around 5 hrs, counting stops). The extra time was due mostly to weather; things were slow in the Chicago area, despite my leaving between rush hours. Once I got across the line into the Hoosier State, driving conditions on the I-80/94 expressway, and then the Indiana Toll Road, were not too bad in that the pavement was not totally icy -- but between the "ruts" there were ridges of slush that made lane changes quite dicey! Then, as I neared Angola, the wet surfaces turned to "black ice" -- LOTS OF FUN! (Not.) And I-69 was even worse than the Toll Road. On Wednesday the 24th, after taking Mark to breakfast at McDonald's, I drove to Bryan OH; Brother Jim had rented a mini-van to transport himself, Carol and me, along with dogs Princess, Noelle and Caity, to their daughter Vanessa's house in Columbus. Getting out of Jim’s driveway was a bit problematic -- I had to free the van from ice via shoveling, rocking and cat litter sprinkling, with Jim manning the wheel. Roads to Columbus were mostly OK, and there was NOTHING on the roads, yards, etc., down there -- with much milder temperatures. We all stayed overnight on Christmas Eve, dining on Chinese take-out and watching (of course!) “A Christmas Story.” We had a nice ham dinner Christmas Day. Leaving in the early evening, we heading back to Bryan. Roads were fine -- we beat the freezing rain and sleet. I had parked my little Mazda Miata by Jim's house and made a "runway" to facilitate my eventual departure. Only problem was that the tires had sunk in a little -- and, on the ice that the slush had turned to, I could not get rolling; pretty much ZERO traction, even with digging and applying cat litter. I had Jim help me -- I put the car in neutral and we BOTH rocked it (his idea) and got it to a point where I could back out onto the street under internal-combustion instead of muscle power. My short trip back to Waterloo went fine, but it was VERY late before I arrived at Mark's house -- so my original plan to see Aunt Vinnie Harriet (my late mom’s sister) in Hicksville OH en route from Bryan to Waterloo had to be shelved. The morning of the 26th I was still going to try to see Uncle George & Uncle Stanley (my late dad’s brothers) -- but George said, when I called him, that his driveway was "really bad" (it’s a long uphill climb from the road to his house), so we just chatted for awhile on the phone. I had also considered running over to Hicksville that morning, but a conversation with Jimmy re the roads in NW Ohio changed my mind -- so I just called Vinnie Harriet, too. I was VERY disappointed at not being able to see my aging aunt and uncles -- all three of whom were "on my list" -- so I left gifts for them with Mark to distribute for me. I took Mark out for breakfast at Richard's in Auburn -- the whole parking lot was like a skating rink. The food was mostly fine, except for some Canadian bacon that I thought tasted a little funny -- and I did not feel well afterwards. Then it was back to Waterloo, where I showed Mark some dog photos, etc., on my laptop computer. I called my old friends the Seberts, whom I'd also hoped to visit, but Pam and I agreed a "rain-check" (“ice-check”?) was in order; Don was out at the farm checking on the horses. I drove (cautiously) to Auburn at lunchtime and got a Papa John's pizza, which Mark and I ate at his house before I left for home with “Little Miss Caity Sunshine.” I made a lot better time Waterloo-Wauconda than Wauconda-Waterloo -- via wet (but not slippery) roadways, just before they froze (whew!). At this writing my days are a bit mixed up, but I heard that at some point in all this goofy weather the Eisenhower Expressway in Chicago was CLOSED for the first time in history (due to ice-related crashes). Also, the entire Indiana Toll Road was completely shut down for awhile; as challenging as my driving experience had been on this trip, things could have been MUCH worse! Well, at least I got to see Mark, Jim, Carol, Vanessa and her boyfriend Andy. And they all had the pleasure of meeting Caity. So I am glad I went -- and I am also greatly relieved to have finally arrived back home safe and sound! ________________________________________ RE PIX 8 ~ 14: These were taken at our home in Wauconda on the occasion of a visit December 27-28 by my son Jon and his fiancée Becky Carroll (yes, no longer “just” his girlfriend -- he gave her a ring only days before!), along with their dogs Freddy and Kiddo. We took Jon and Becky out to a Japanese steakhouse/sushi place Saturday night, and then to breakfast at a local diner Sunday morning. I even (rustily) cranked out a few Christmas carols on my ancient family piano! --Bob Friend

Christmas in C'bus-W'loo-W'conda (Dec. 2008)

________________________________________ RE PIX 1 ~ 7: This year I ma ...

Updated: Feb 02, 2009 3:04pm PST

MOVIES: Christmas in Kansas City (Dec. 2008) : See this link for still photos and a description of the trip: http://fotobyfriend.smugmug.com/gallery/6848679_gJS6R . NOTE: All videos were shot by me, using my Olympus 8.0 MP camera in video mode. --Bob ("Grampapa") Friend

MOVIES: Christmas in Kansas City (Dec. 2008)

See this link for still photos and a description of the trip: http:// ...

Updated: Jan 28, 2009 4:36pm PST

Lindsey, Brian & Cormac at Our House and Lambs Farm (6-18-09) : My daughter Lindsey, along with son-in-law Brian and grandson Cormac, paid me a visit on my birthday. This was the first time here at our house that Cormac was old enough to play with our dogs, and he really liked them -- especially when they settled down a bit! (Kerstin was at work in the Loop and had to miss the “party.”) I picked up lunch from our favorite Chinese restaurant -- Cormac even ate some lo mein! L. & B. presented me with some great Cormac pix for my birthday and Father’s Day. I gave them a tour of the house, showing the new hardwood floors, the slate tile we put in the kitchen, the totally remodeled master bath, etc. Then I took them around the yard and gardens. We drove two cars to Lambs Farm < http://www.lambsfarm.org/ > in nearby Libertyville so that afterwards the three of them could make their way directly to Milwaukee to visit their longtime friends Doug, Molly and kids. Cormac thoroughly enjoyed himself -- petting the animals, riding the choo-choo, playing (well, sort of!) miniature golf, etc. We had feared there might be thunderstorms, but we really lucked out with the weather -- it sure was hot and muggy, though! All in all, it was a most enjoyable visit. It was the first time I’d seen Cormac in person since Christmas, and that boy is (IMHO!) one amazing kid! --Bob ("Grampapa") Friend

Lindsey, Brian & Cormac at Our House and Lambs Farm (6-18-09)

My daughter Lindsey, along with son-in-law Brian and grandson Cormac, ...

Updated: Jun 24, 2009 1:19pm PST