Following a beautiful decade in Manhattan, we decided to become nomads. Our first sojourn transpired in Minnetonka, Minnesota. For three glorious months, we painted, we fair’d, and yes, beautiful people… we bowled.

As the shimmering summer sun gave way to the crisp breeze of fall… so too did our scenery change — to the rugged mountains of Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Our fascination with The Hole began with an early 2014 commission. I went out to shoot source images, got my kicks, and declared, “Erin, I must take you there!” And here we are, with Coraline and Vega, living the great adventure (not related to the theme parks).

Like Daddy, Coraline got right to work.

Of course, she traveled with her entourage. Adrian Grenier was supposed to join us, but backed out when he realized he had no idea who we were.

Pretty big graffiti scene here in The Tonks.

I’ve spent many hours creating in Tom‘s beautiful studio. We listen to Classic Rock and work silently. At around scotch o’clock, we dialog of things fancy and true. My first mission: finish the 7th Guggenheim in my 20-year-series.

And finish her I did, friends. This is the only available Gugg in the series to date… for now.

Meanwhile, the entire focus of this trip is to spend time with my two favorite co-creations… here I am with Vega, soaking up the suburban sun.

On set for the sequel to The Truman Show, or standing in suburbia? Insert Fry from Futurama meme here.

Initially, Coraline was perplexed by the green stuff on the ground, but quickly became a fan… she also took up running… everywhere.

Jason and Kelsey hosted C’s 2nd birthday in their beautiful home! It was great hanging with them and their twin boys.

Jackson and Dean!

The birthday’s kept rolling, and our close friends Debra and Alex threw a fantastic 1-year-shindig to celebrate their son. Party favors were your kids on a stick, which, incidentally, are incredibly well behaved.

Super Mom, blowing bubbles, and blowing this Dad’s mind.

I have a deep obsession with bowling. My high game is 267 from back in the day, but I was happy to roll a few games over 200 (barely, 200 and 202) and average 7 games in one session at 166.

Neighbor Luke became my pin pal.

Guiding Mommy in for the kiss.

Some of the best moments happen when you are exhausted, it’s early, you are under-slept and simply bonding.

Vega is full of smiles… here is a glorious post-bath shot.

Zest for life? Yes please.

We took the girls to the Minneapolis Institute of Art for their block party. They go by MIA now, by the way. Daddy made a balloon animal… it wasn’t family friendly.

Those morning cuddles.

Boppa has the touch… so does Poppa…

Jeanne with some Vega-time at the Ren fair. Vega’s middle name is Keanne, a hybrid between Jeanne and my Mom’s name, Kathleen.

Sometimes you find yourself in Hopkins, taking selfies like a jerk.

The New York in Minnetonka painting theme continued with an Upper East Side Town House Portrait. I love the feel of Manhattan at twilight… the lights are on, it feels warm and exciting. While in MN, Mark and Beverly over at Bam Bam Grafix scanned my paintings. They do an amazing job, and the service is top notch — I highly recommend their services.

Precious studio time for Boppa and Coraline… Tom is fantastic about sharing his studio with us.

Coraline snagged some gnarly ink.

A gent from Delaware fired over this classic collegiate shot. I believe I was a sophomore, on my way to a torturous 10,000 meters in scorching heat. Fortunately, I remembered the hair gel.

Phoning it in at the MIA.

My flower girl.

Even though I look terrible, Vega’s smile was too spectacular not to share.

After a fabulous series of commissions, I decided to paint one of my favorite characters on TV today — Mike Smith’s Bubbles from the Trailer Park Boys.

In the burbs’, we spent a great deal of time playing outside… fortunately, we discovered our neighbors, Luke and Amy, have two young girls as well… much fun was had.

As friend and collector Corby has been saying for years, “if you haven’t been to the State Fair, you haven’t been to Minnesota.”

I went once with Erin, but I’m terrible at fairs, so she went back with Kelsey and Jeanne to have some real fun.

A close-up of a late night painting session on Bubbs.

And here he is, in all of his Bubbly glory. And the Boy’s gave him a shout on Swearnet, which is fuckin’ awesome. I’m pleased to report, Bubbles has since found a home in the UK.

Rocking the Binky ya’ll.

My amazing Erin coordinated a fabulous birthday experience…. a day at the Surly brewery with the family.

And, of course, some rolling at the Texa-Tonka lanes… resulting in my first 200 in a decade.

Some business brought me to NYC…

So I caught up with these fantastic artists… Misha, Sines, Rapp, Lankin, Zepeda, Meloy… and not pictured, Penn, Duryea, Smith and Jovanovic.

Had a fantastic dinner with my folks and brother Dan… Tim was traveling the world, and thus couldn’t attend.

Keeping with the good times, I decided to take on The Dude next.

Here’s Tom standing proudly in front of his painting at the Hopkins Center For The Arts group show.

Vega is going to ponder this one.

Both of Coraline’s Uncle’s live in Brooklyn, but this particular shirt happens to be from Dan.

Super Mom pushes the new double stroller, with a cocktail fixed by Daddy.

Did we see a deer, or are we contemplating physics?

Tom drew this silverpoint masterpiece while I was sharing the studio with him.

Oh yes… and I finished The Dude, man. He is, at the time of publication, available.

One last drawing for the road… I also had a chance to meet up with Michael Birawer, and write about his art business on Forbes… big things coming from him and his business partner Jerry.

And boom! We arrive in Jackson Hole… and they were expecting us. Stay tuned for more action! Thrills! Excitement! New Paintings! Diaper changes! Thank you everyone for your support and love.