A friend for half a life time has a surprise birthday party- 40 is fabulous!

Ken is one of the few friends I had through both high school and college. We went to different high schools where we were both involved as officers in the SADD chapters at our individual schools. We then became friends through RTI (regional teenage institute) which was a leadership program for teens as well as through Genesee County SADD presidents.  When we graduated we both then attended CMU and graduated from there. Over the years we have helped each other move, attended each others weddings, and shared in the joy of having children.  Ken’s wonderful wife Jodi, also a CMU grad, planned a surprise 40th birthday party for him at the end of August at a local camp ground. It was a beautiful day and we were honored to be asked to join in the celebration. Come have some cake and wish Ken a happy birthday. 40 is fabulous!

SUPRISE!!!

Clint and Jodi enjoy the festivities.

So does Caelun.

What is that about a lovely bunch of coconuts?

Happy birthday Ken my long time friend.

Turmos and bubbles

Surprise! Surprise! Our dear college friends, Joel and Melissa Turmo and their wonderful boys, who now reside in the sunny state of FL, popped in unannounced. Melissa and I danced in the same dance company in high school and then again in college at CMU. Joel, Clint and I all went to the same community college. Joel, Melissa and I all graduated from CMU. As you can see we have a long history with connections on several levels. We boring adults sat and talked while our boy and their boys played with bubbles. It was fabulous to catch up even if it was just for a few hours. Yeah for unexpected surprises!

 

The bubble gun shot in the air.

 

Caelun loves the bubbles the big boys make.

 

Way to represent Central Michigan University for a room full of CMU grads.- and we didn’t even know they were coming.

    

Clint helps retrieve toys from under the couch.

Yeah for old friends from out of town dropping by.

Forensics State Finals- Fire Up Chips!

This post is a bit late in coming. Most of the kids bugged out before awards to make it back in time for prom so I collected their hardware. I have been trying to get a picture of them with their plaques and trophy but we just can’t seem to get them all together. For the sake of continuity I will post what I have and tell you about the rest.

Forensics State Finals was held at Central Michigan University this year which also happens to be my Alma Modder.  I did debate and forensics as well as preformed in theater and dance productions in my time at CMU. One of my former theater professors recognized some of my students from following our season on facebook and delighted in showing them pictures of me performing that are currently posted on the walls there. The kids also got to meet Dr. Ed Hink my debate and forensics coach from my time at CMU. As a team we had our best state finals to date. I had four that qualified but one, Rachel, couldn’t go because of a conflict with the SAT. That left Andy our witty extemper, Jen our intelligent impromptu, and Talya our inspiring orator.  Caden who did informative and Erin who did extemp but is switching categories to storytellying next year came along to cheer on the qualifiers and get ideas for next year.

Our final finish had everybody- yes EVERYBODY breaking to semi-final round placing them in the top twelve in the state. They all actually placed in the the top ten and Talya broke to final round finishing sixth. Caden seemed to really enjoy CMU so we turned it into a bit of a college visit for him but I get to keep him for one more year because he is a junior. The weather was beautiful and it was really wonderful to bring my kids to the school I attended. I was proud of them and my school. Come stroll with us around the campus and remember to cheer for the forensics kids and for CMU- Fire Up Chips!

Unloading suits and tubs at Moore Hall.     The Groves HS rented bus sporting some sprit.

Andy and his fellow extempers enjoy some pizza outside The Dow Science Building.

  

The commons at the University Center (UC)

Andy brought his friend and fellow competitor Catherine in class BCD from City High (we are in class A) A rose on the final day of competition.

 

This is where much of the competition was but it is also where I took many of my classes when I attended school here as both an undergraduate and graduate student.

Moore Hall

The weather was amazing and so were the flowering trees.

     Erin, Caden, and Jen outside Moore on the 2nd day of competition.

And the posts…

Semis-

Jen- IM13 Tiche

   

Talya- OR26 Slaw

Andy-  EX26 Wirth

Talya hangs out with some fellow orators.

  

We await finals posting

        

The kids still waiting and the kids view of the postings.

 

Dr. Ed Hink my college debate and forensics coach and me. 

 

The university seal outside of Warner Hall

 

Caden took my picture in my alumni shirt next to the seal as we waited for awards.

 

The awards

 

My friend and colleague John Lawson received a coaches award.

     One of the teams – team shirts.

I didn’t get pictures of the plaques and trophies or Talya’s posting to finals but they did win them and she did break. It was a great finish and a nice trip for me down memory lane as well as a nice opportunity to show off my kids.