So, in following up on the ROBBED report, the Duluth Police raided a meth house last week and found 80% of our things! Yeah, no cameras for me though. Just wanted to let you guys know we are slowing getting back to speed! I still have plans for the holiday selling guide, so be on the lookout! Thanks!

Well, normally i would post a picture along with this blog...maybe of our empty truck save a few jackets and a headlamp. Or of the front seat with just our catalog case. Or a picture of Brian looking forlorn with his pockets hanging out...but i can't. We were robbed on Thursday night while in Duluth, MN and the worst part is, we were there for a dZi foundation fundraiser.

Brian was showing his slide show of Pakistan (on a computer that is gone, along with all his stuff from his trip) as a fundraiser for the dZi foundation. It was going VERY well. The slideshow was amazing, funny and entertaining. We raised $212.50! With the matched donation from Marmot, that was going to be $425 to the cause, and it was our first one! We packed up, went to dinner and when we came back everything was gone. Money, computers, clothes, gear, swag, our vitamins (i know, what?), ipods, phones, all of it.

Many things can be replaced, but we are sorely missing our computers with all of our work and pictures on them. Especially Brian, who did not have back-ups from Pakistan. So, if anyone sees a guy walking around Duluth, MN wearing a yellow Exum jacket...knock him over!

Hey guys, just a quick reminder on a few things we have going on:

Clinic tours- we are currently out on clinic tours. If you would like a clinic and have not been contacted yet, please email Vanessa@goaao.com to get one on the books!

dZi foundation fundraiser- We are currently booking times for this fall and next spring for Brian to come to your store and give a K2 slide show presentation and help raise awareness for the dZi foundation! This is a great opportunity for you to have a fun customer event and raise money for a great cause! Email Vanessa today to book your even!

Marked Change- Karakoram Pen Drive- also, we are getting the final organization in place for this, but you can start collecting pens now to benefit school children in the Karakoram region.

Preshow Fall 08- We are starting our plans for Preshowing Fall 08 now! We will be contacting you shortly for appointments. Also, look for new sales tools to help you write for the best discount coming soon!

The very next night after Sue's birthday, we celebrated Sunday's!! And, once again, Dylan needed to help Sunday blow out the candles on her carrot cake...yum!
Brian and Sunday investigate her loot, a beautiful set of earrings from Sue and Howard...very beautiful. She also got a digital camera from Brian! Nice!!
A Happy Birthday shot of the boss and the birthday girl!
All the girls, modeling the new swag hats, very cute!

Every birthday part has to come complete with fun and games...and of course, quality time with Grandma. Happy Birthday, Sue!
What could be more fun than a balloon?
A game of hoops filled in the afternoon while we waited for dinner...H-O-R-S-E, anyone? Jesse, Brian's brother-in-law giving it his all.
Brian shot pretty well, in the, giving Jesse a run for his money!

Last Sunday, Brian, Sunday, Howard (Brian's dad) and Brian's sisters family all came together at the HQ to celebrate Sue's birthday! We had an amazing day, starting with decorating the house with streamers and over 50 balloons!She was so suprised and excited! This is Brian showing me he can carry more balloons than i can!
Sue talking to Brian after discovering the house covered in birthday glee. We had a great breakfast that morning and then set to making the birthday dinner straight away!
Sunday snuggles up to Dylan, Brian's nephew.
Laura, Brian's sister, with her two boys...such a great party!!

Our wonderful meal together ended with a Ghiardelli cheesecake, handcrafted by Sunday. Of course, Dylan had to help grandma blow out the candles!
Always the poser, Dylan sits with Uncle Brian, enjoying the new present from all of Sue's kids...the new Nano!
the stylish new nano, nestled in the speakers that Sunday purchased for Sue, this was definitely a gift we all will enjoy! Dance party, anyone?
And the Happy Birthday/Thank you flowers from her AAO road rats! Happy Birthday, Sue!

Brian, are you this excited for clinic season to be starting? Of COURSE!!! Clinics are in full swing! This year we are bringing you a few new things to look forward to like ...THE GREAT SWAG???? Well, yes, but also a personlized clinic with your product featured in informational cards that will be left behind as a training tool for your staff. Also, don't forget to get logged into 3point5. It is a great learning tool for your staff to continue the Marmot education process. We look forward to being in your city and store soon!

On Sept. 14 and 15th, Brian and Vanessa headed down to STL to attend the annual Lewis and Clark Marathon put on by Fleet Feet. They met up with Superfeet sales manager, Joel Stern, to spend the weekend promoting and selling product. It was a beautiful weekend and we sold more than we thought possible!! It was a great event overall and we are always excited to help spread the word about the benefits of Superfeet! Happy feet, happy people!