Parents!!!

The first few months we lived in Rochester we were blessed to have all of our parents come out and visit (not all at the same time)! We love having visitors and we love spending time with family!!

First up - April! April came to visit in September, and the warm weather left open a lot of options for fun activities for us to do!

Brian took us on a tour of the Mayo Clinic, on a Saturday, so it was empty.

Statues: (left) William Worrall Mayo), (right) Mother Mary Alfred Moes.

Mother Moes came up with the idea of starting a hospital and raised the money to build it by selling pickles, while Dr. William Mayo staffed the hospital once it was built. 

The Mayo brothers, sons of William Worrall Mayo, where the doctors that really pushed to turn the Mayo Clinic into the world renowned medical destination that it is today.  

April and I just hanging out with the Mayo brothers - Dr. William Mayo and Dr. Charles Mayo

The next few photos were taken inside the Mayo Clinic

Mayo is full of art from so many well known artists.  These 13 chandeliers were created by Dale Chihuly, who has many other famous glass pieces like this all over the world. There are also original Andrew Warhol paintings, among many others. 

More art! This statue was created by Auguste Rodin - the same artist to create "The Thinker"

Brian and his cute cubicle. (He has since been moved into an office)

These are a set of massive bronze doors on the Plummer Building, at 16 feet high and 4000 pounds each! They are always open and are only closed for solemn events, such as the death of a Mayo leader or a national tragedies.

While April was visiting we were lucky enough to be able to tour the Mayowood Mansion! Dr. Charles Mayo built and lived in the mansion and now is only used for special events. There aren't usually any regular tours, but as a Mayo employee Brian was able to take us during the Chrysanthemum show! It was such a beautiful house!

Next up - My parents came to see us!!  We were able to go to the St. Paul temple with them! It was so nice to see and visit the temple!

 My parents also got the magical Mayo tour from Brian.

Visiting father Mayo and Mother Moes

My parents meeting my friends, William and Charlie Mayo

The Mayo Clinic is not just one building, it dozens and dozens of buildings! My parents were so impressed with it!!

Last, but not least - Doug came to visit in November

 Checking out the famous Mayo Clinic

 Since Doug came to visit close to his birthday, we got a cake and had an early celebration with him

Doug thought it would be funny to flip the candles upside down and sing to Brian as well.