Marine Graduation Ceremony


August 30, 2013




 Day 1, 
-
 

 First all the families must listen to the DI treating the family like we signed the papers to join up.  We yell , count, move around until he is happy.. Just let us see our Marine already!



 We line up behind the white line according to our Marines platoon number and wait 
 here they come, stop and then leave to run past again.  Dennis we know you are there, the DI said so. 
Can you find him?


 Finally after walking to another area the recruits are released  to find their family.  "Do not leave the base and report back at 6".

 Hugs and photos for the first 30 minutes..




 Waiting for information about tomorrow and making sure our Marine checks back in on time.
 We will be back at 9 am tomorrow.
 The Girl could not resist , she looks so cute.



 Day 2 , we find the Parade grounds and get a seat in the stands , Oh Good , it is somewhat shady as the temps are in the 90's with blazing sun.

This group stood in the sun and heat for 1 hour and 20 minutes.. 



Finally, we get to take him home for the next 10 days.
 This young man is Thompson from Barrow ,Alaska. The Northern most city in the US. Dennis had him come home with us as his plane to Alaska was not until Saturday.  An amazing story.  We got to share many firsts in his life in the 24 hours he was with us.  First time on freeway,seeing a beach, Surfing, McDonald's, Walmart, many others.  We would like to stay in touch with this nice young man.


Crusin with the Car Group


Saturday , May 18, 2013

All of the "car guys and gals" gather at Galaxy Lanes on Hill Road for the start of  The Fireplace 2013 Cruise. We will be traveling to the tip of the thumb, Port Austin...
Low and behold
 we have a film crew waiting for us.  They will be traveling with us and filming our fun.
All day everywhere we look, there they were,, along side the road and at every stop,
Talking and waiting,
We load up Steph's van with food for a BBQ after we return from our cruise

This is our form for the scavenger hunt along the way



Getting our paperwork and instruction's,, John tells us,, most of all "Drive safe and wise"


One of our pit stops along the way was at this pretty park.  The camera crew took over staging the cars for photos and had all the participants crowd together on a small bridge for group pictures. We wondered if there was a weight limit and would we get wet!

There was a fire pit with hot coals to warm up our hands and other body parts.

At the other end was a cooler full of  yummy Pudding Shots,

Lee warming "Monkey Nuts" over the coals


Another round of Pudding shots

--From the Bridge a photo of the photographers

Our lunch break is at the "Bank", a restaurant in an Historic Bank Building in Downtown Port Austin. It had many original artifacts.

Finding a big parking lot a half block away was a plus.  Someone did all the scouting ahead for us.


Climbing the stairs to the upper level we have this space all to ourselves to explore and take pictures.  The Waitress go up and down carrying drinks and taking orders, needless to say they are in very good shape.  There is a dumb waiter for the large trays of food.
Much laughter and being silly
The table cloth was very appreciated.

Eating, talking and enjoying the posters and information about this building.  Tickets were given out and almost everyone gets a prize, candy , beer, cosies.
Items for sale downstairs



Some of the food and drink

After lunch the film crew takes over and gives everyone direction about the next phase of filming to take place in the parking lot.

The people get moved out of the way so just the cars are in the shot as the film car slowly drives past the line of cars.


 Now everyone was instructed to stand in front of your car with arms crossed in front of you, please turn towards the camera car.
 Here comes the camera car driving past.
 Anyone who wanted could have a camera mounted on their car for the trip.
 Can't wait to see the finished DVD.
 Later at the BBQ "Tim Allen " got the campfire going with the help of a motor.  IT WORKED!!

Yes , we completed the scavenger
hunt challenge with 6 missed/wrong.  It kept you very busy reading the clues and spotting items while driving the pre planned route.  A lot of work was put into this day.
 Good Job All !

Champagne's Cajun Swamp Tour

 April 22, 2013

 Taking Connie's advise we wander  the back country stopping at Brian Champagne's Swamp tour.




Look careful, Gators everywhere.

 Weekend get-a away, or Cabin on the lake.

--







This tree is estimated to be over 300 years old.


Nest of baby Hawks ready to fledge
This vegetation is what keeps the swamp "fresh" We were told the gasses would smell so bad you could not be there.









Brian Champagne expanding the deck area.



Driving south from Champagne's we see this Gator along side the road.
so we stop at the park a little further
can you see him?