Sister in Town!

What's the Connection: Pretty clear here, same mom, same dad, same small town memories of growing up in good 'ol Reedley.

Why the Visit: We love each other ... and she proved it by purchasing a ticket ... to Europe while the dollar hits the all time low. That's love. It was Chelsea's first trip to Amsterdam, and she tore across town on a bike like a local. She also cooked up a storm of fabulous food we couldn't resist. In addition to exploring Amsterdam, we also we zipped over to Paris for an amazing weekend walking (and eating) the entire city, click here for pics.

Mike Welsh confirms even German food is better than Dutch food.

Why the Visit: Because Mike needed a break from German dubbed television, EasyJet flies to Amsterdam, and the Band of Horses were playing a concert at the Paradiso ( that we went to see.

What's the Connection: Mike was a classmate in grad school, and now he works for Adidas at their global headquarters in Germany.

World Traveler Arrives

What's the Connection: Shantel goes back to our Portland days ... part of our early crew of friends. She's since left PDX to give Minnesota a shot....but keeps her ties to PDX.

What the Visit: Thanks to her new gig at RedWing, Shantel gets to travel the globe as the head of their casual line. We were lucky enough to be included in her whirlwind trip that started in China and ended in Paris. Not bad huh? She didn't bat an eye with the bummer rain that hit the weekend she was here ... I think the apple pie made up for it.

Why we Love Microsoft

Why the Visit: In between his London and Cannes business trips, Case squeezed in Amsterdam for the weekend. (Thanks Uncle Bill for setting up Microsoft offices all over the globe.) His Seattle living prepared him to jump on bike in the rain....with zero complaints.

What's the Connection: Casey and I went to Westmont together and he happens to be married to one of my best friends Kelly. Father of 2 beyond adorable kids Finley and Brady, he's promised me Kel and Fin will be making a visit next Spring. (Well, I figured if I write it, it'll happen.)