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!)