Kids' School Christmas Parites (12.21.2006)

Talk about trying to be in two places at once... Both kids had Christmas parties on the same day, and I shuffled back and forth on opposite ends of the school attending and helping at both. It was a lot of fun!

Yummers is aiming glitter glue at the cameraperson ... me! ;O)


Capturing Yum in serious concentration mode with her friend, Kaitlyn.


Minnie made another ornament for the Christmas tree!


Instead of paying attention to Mrs. F, Minnie strikes a pose. Geez. ;O)


After the party was over, Minnie and his class went out for recess. He is in the sandpit with his friends making a volcano.

The prodigal daughter comes home. (12.20.2006)

Tien and Fai stopped at the house to see us after her arrival at DTW. It was awesome to see Fai (and Tien, of course!). She looked fantastic down to the braids that she had been sporting for a while. We spent an hour talking in the upstairs bathroom (the end of the house tour ~ LOL) 'cos it was still not completed earlier in February of this year when she left for Guinea and the Peace Corps.

Apologies, Fai, that your eyes are closed in this picture. I had chocolate in my teeth, and you look better with your eyes closed than I do with chocolate in my teeth. LOL. Here are the Foen kids and my kids in front of our Christmas tree.

Batman (12.17.2006)

We left some windows open in the house to provide more ventilation while Michael was blasting the foam into the attic. Apparently, a little bat flew into the house. We have had a couple bats now and them come in to our house, so it was not too surprising. Michael caught the little bugger and sent him on his merry way outside. Here is a picture of him on the wall. To the right of him, you can see a wee scrap of original wallpaper that is still on the plaster. Cool beans. :O)

O' Christmas Tree, O' Christmas Tree (12.16.2006)

We picked up our Christmas tree on Saturday from a small farm (same place from last year). We discovered that the aunt had previously owned the land across the street which is now a subdivision of 800+ homes and a new school. Indeed. Here's some pics from the farm to our house and fully decorated!

On the toppermost of the van ...


Now, the kids are clipping the webbing off the tree ...


Here are the kids with are fine balsam fir tree ... (Note Yummers "skirt")


and here is our beautiful tree!

Farrand Movie Night (12.15.2006)

We went to see "Shaggy Dog" at the school on Friday night. It was actually better than I thought. The kids had fun, too, which was the most important thing!

Farrand Multi-Age Christmas Recital (12.12.2006)

The multi-age classes had a Christmas recital last night which had an Asian-inspired theme. It was really cute and even Minnie sang loudly from the audience when he recognised some of the songs.

Yummer and her gang of friends (Apologies for the glare from the program!)


One of the songs that were performed.

Farrand Pancake Dinner (12.07.2006)

Yesterday, the family went to school to attend the annual pancake dinner. We saw a lot of our school friends and parents. It was fun! :O) The kids gobbled down their pancakes and spoke more to their friends then with us (typical). Anyhow, enjoy the pictures!

The kids are first in line for the pancakes and sausages.


Getting ready to eat!


Good lord ...


Another extreme Yummer picture!

Thanksgiving in Nashville

We are back from our fun and short time in Nashville this past week. The kids had THREE sleepovers with their cousins (one at Granny's and two at Auntie Marilynn's house). They had loads of fun building bridges and islands at the creek and playing RV. Also, Diana and Geoffrey came to visit from England during this time. It was really nice seeing them again!

Yummer and Minnie snoozing on the way to Nashville.


Yummer, Granny and Diana.


Uncle Geoffrey & the kids.


The cousins.


Dr. Evil and his twin.


Granny and Amelia.


The lovely table settings on Thanksgiving Day at Auntie Marilynn's house. Dinner was delicious!


Building the hunter's lodge behind Granny's house takes teamwork!


Holiday themed Gibson at the Charlie Daniels Band museum in downtown Nashville.


Two blonde bombshells.


Geoffrey is in front of a firetruck. The firefighters were inside Hooters picking up their lunch as we walked by. Woooarghh! ;O)


We had to get a picture with Santa.


I FINALLY was able to have a look in the Hatch Print shop. Every time we go to downtown Nashville, it is usually closed. They made the posters for all of the Grand Ol' Opry shows in their distinctive block print images.


We took in a show at Layla's Bluegrass Inn (Yes, you were right, Geoffrey). Jypsi were performing, and they were quite good!


The Batman (i.e. BellSouth) building behind downtown Nashville's strip.


Geoffrey is caught looking in the rubbish bin. LOL!

Captain Picard & The Royal Shakespeare Company (11.12.2006)

Michael and I went to see Patrick Stewart and The Royal Shakespeare Company at the last performance of the RSC residency at the University of Michigan. We went to see The Tempest, and it definitely did not disappoint. They are heading back to Newcastle and London for further performances.

While he was in town, he also conducted the University of Michigan marching band's "Hail to the Victors" during a home game at Michigan Stadium. This is a prelude to the Michigan and Ohio State game this Saturday. GO BLUE!

Troop # 84: 14th Annual Native American Pow Wow Festival (11.11.2006)

Yummer and her Brownie group went to the Southfield Pavillion for the 14th Annual Native American Pow Wow Festival. It was really special to watch the different ceremonial dances. We did a totem pole craft, sampled some Native American food and visited many booths selling Native American clothes, jewelery, and wares.

Fancy a bear or buffalo robe?


The kids by a replica of a tepee where storytellers regaled the kids with stories.


The kids with several of the Native American dancers.


The kids just finished painting their totem pole crafts.


I found this sign quite amusing ... LOL

Troop # 84: Brownie Investiture Night (11.08.2006)

Tonight was the investiture night for Troop # 84. For returning Juniors / Brownies / Daisies, it was reaffirming that they were returning for another year. Yummers was given the honour of walking the colours flag in the procession into the gym. :O) It was pretty cool. I have video of the procession as well that I may post later. Anyhow, enjoy the photos! :O)

Yummers & Sabrina before the ceremony began!


Here is the troop right before the procession.


Here are the girls after the affirmation with bookmarks from Troop Leader Kim.

Singin' In The Rain

It's raining here today on Election Day. I've got Gene Kelly and this wonderful movie on my mind! We've been pretty busy the past couple days with our everyday stuff (school / homework / work / cleaning up) since we've moved back into the house. I'll update with pictures later on some of the temporary insulation measures we've taken.

In the meantime, enjoy the late great Gene Kelly at his prime in 1952's "Singin' in the Rain" (and don't forget to vote!)

Halloween: Character Parade and Trick or Treat (10.31.2006)

This morning the kids of Farrand had their annual character parade. Here are some pics from this morning below. Minnie's class was the first one out of the door. There were cars lined up and down the street! Neighbors and parents were all craning their eyes for a glimpse. It was a very fun event! :O)





After dinner tonight, we got the kids ready in their costumes and prettied up the Gator Ghost Ship. Away, the pirates, dad, Groom Gram and I went! We received lots of compliments from kids, parents, and folks who were handing out the treats. "Now, *THAT'S* cool!" "Awesome" "Someone had too much time on their hands ..." Adults and children of all ages loved it... It was the hit of Plymouth!

Here is video of the pirate ship launching:










Farewell, mateys!

Devil's Night and the Gator Ghost Ship (10.30.2006)

Well, Roger ("Groom Gram") drove in last night on the day of his birthday! We went to Denny's for a celebration dinner. Roger, Minnie and I had breakfast for dinner. It was really tasty, and we had a good time, too.

This evening after work and working around the house for the adults, we had a pizza party and built the spooky Gator Ghost Ship. You can see the progress below.

Groom Gram and kids are getting the cardboard in place to size and trim.


It took a whole bunch of duct tape, wire, screws, washers and wood to keep this spooky ship together. Now, Groom Gram and kids are painting the ship with this $ 2.00 paint that we picked up at Lowe's over the weekend! We can't wait to see it go around the neighborhood tomorrow! :O)


Here is the video of us just starting the project.