Memorial Day

I had a GREAT day yesterday! It started out not too well, though-I woke up at 3 a.m. and kept thinking of the scary parts in Prince Caspian (I saw it last night - it was good, kind of depressing in a certain way, but still good) and the Orcs and Uruk-Hai in LOTR (I know, I know, I'm a wimp =P) and then I had to get up early to take a shower (I hate showers. I don't know why. But I hate them). But then me, Mom, Dad and Evan (Laura is at a retreat for youth group) went to the Memorial Day parade, where we honored those who have fought bravely for us:
The Marines themselves.
The Geneva High School marching band. They played some nice patriotic songs for us all.

Then we walked down to where a ceremony was being held. They had a prayer (I am so glad they are able to do that here) and talked of local veterans, then the band played more songs and we left on account of the heat (YAY!!!). We walked around I just LOVE downtown Geneva. Fortunately, we found a "new" candy store that was actually a bigger version of the old one that I thought had closed down. We had gone there so much the shopkeeper actually recognized us!!!! We got some ice cream and candy, then Mom and Dad had to get a bathtub for Laura and I since ours broke (???) at Lowe's while Evan and I went to Meijer to pass time. For dinner we had homemade fried chicken along with coleslaw and baked beans. It was such a great day!

The ceremony was at a cemetery, and though I don't know these people, I love the picture:
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I was thrilled to find two friends in separate window wells:
Meet Peregrin and Meriadoc!!! :oP

I'm just so thrilled the toads are back. To me, they truly epitomize summer and it would never feel quite the same without them. I let them go in the backyard and they were so happy =P

Silly little Meriadoc kept sliding back trying to climb out. See evidence here:




Hehehe :o) Have a great week all!!!

On Saturday

I had a great time.....though it was chilly and VERY windy....SO windy....and lots of the rides were closed. :o( But, my Dad and my friend Katarina and I stuck through it and ended up having a fabulous day. Kat had never been to Six Flags, nor on a roller coaster taller then 10 feet :oP And so I wanted to make sure I didn't push her on to fast. Well, I sort of tried at one point on the Batman roller coaster (it has 5 upside-downs, and your feet are dangling) but she got so nervous she was shaking and pale so I let her stand it out while I rode. Later, though, she went on it with me and loved loved it.

I was able to get on 17 (!!) rides, Kat did 15 (she sat out on, you know, Batman and Vertical Velocity, a yellow coaster where they launch you and you rock back and forth between two towers. More scary and FUN then it sounds believe you me!!!!) because the crowds were so light. Surprising for opening day! Yes, we almost made it to the gate for the chain drop but there was some issue with the parking booth so we were 5 minutes late *sigh*

The day passed without anything bad happening except we got stuck on Iron Wolf!! Iron Wolf is a looping, stand-up roller coaster. Yes, you heard me, stand-up. We were stuck on the lift hill for about 10 minutes according to the ride operator but it felt like a half-hour. Kat and I were NOT happy campers :oP

Oh, and American Eagle, an old and bumpy wooden roller coaster, could very well be my favorite ride of them all. We rode it FOUR times in a row!!! You see, I did the Eagle two years ago and did NOT like it so I never did it again until Saturday, when my bravery level was high :oD And I loved, loved, LOVED it!! :o)





Gah....now I want to go again!!

Pictures

And only that. The trip itself with have to wait until tomorrow because I am like, really tired! :oP

Today's "to do" list....

....what I need to get done before my party tomorrow:

Finish most of trivium homework (checked)
Wash ALL the blankets and sheets to be used for party
Do some additional laundry (clothes & towels)
Vacuum guest room and family room rug
Clean clutter in upstairs hallway, kitchen & family room
Sweep the entire downstairs
Completely clean the guest bathroom
Go shopping for snacks, pop, etc.
Print out the Phantom's face to play "Pin the Mask"

Yipes!

Well, it's noon now, so I should probably get to work as I'm away from home all day tomorrow. :oP

Okay, I am really bad at this blog thing.....

Hehehe. Well, Spring Break took out its full meaning on me and I neglected to post birthday/easter photos. Oops! Though actually I didn't know we were going to my aunt's house directly from church, therefore, I didn't get the camera. Again I say, oops! :o)

Well, I had a good birthday--Mom and I took the train downtown and walked to Marshall Field's (yes, I know it's called Macy's now but I'm not taking part in that change. Ha!) where I found the most gorgeous chandeleir (pic below) and then went (dun dun dun) to the Oriental theatre and saw WICKED. More on that show below. Enjoy the pics!

The official birthday celebration and my birthday pie :o)

I hadn't put make-up (or anything of the sort) on and I'm wearing my oversized (warm, because it's still FREAKIN COLD. Grr!) Canada sweatshirt BUT I had to show blowing out candles, duh!

Scenes from the train:

and of the city:
And that pretty chandelier (I want it!)

And the camera died before I could get a picture of a Wicked poster....ARGH! Just my luck right? :o) BUT the show--wow, it was GREAT!!! I had obviously heard so many many good things about it and had pretty high expectations, and they were fulfilled. Everyone has to see this once in their life--the costumes, the set, and the MONKEYS!!! I sure did love the flying monkeys. :o)

Happy happy birthday, from all of us to you....

I can't believe I'm 14. WOW.



Last thing I ate:
Cheddar Sour Cream Ruffles

Last thing I drank:
Bottled water

Last song I listened to:
One Day More - Les Miserables

Last movie I watched:
Phantom of the Opera

Last show I saw:
WICKED!!!!

Last T.V.

show I saw:
American Idol

Last person I hugged:
Evan, my brother

Last person I talked to:
Owen (Laura, my sister)

Last game I played:
Mario Party.

WOO! I WON!! TAKE THAT, DK!!!

Last show I was in:
Mulan

Last thing I said:
Thank you Lord, for getting me through 13 great years with a great family, great friends and a great life!

And then--I'm 14!!!!!!



I'm such a drama queen :oP

Well I'm tired now BUT tomorrow after all the Easter hullabaloo I'll have plenty of birthday & holiday pictures to share with you all....and to tell you how awesome W*I*C*K*E*D is!!! See it!!!

Snow Day

No co-op.....WHOO!!

I'm just going to sit at home and listen to Les Miserables all day (Go Eponine!)