More Atlanta - Aquarium & World of Coca-Cola

We spent most of the day before the Hawks game hanging out downtown Atlanta. We strolled through Centennial Park and went to the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola. All were a big hit.

A&H with Dr. John Pemberton - the founder of Coca-Cola.

Touching the sharks, rays, starfish, and sea anemones was a major highlight of the aquarium visit.

The mermaid show was very impressive. The mermaids performed to Christmas carols in the large tank that had sharks and sting rays.

More Atlanta - Hawks & American Girl

Annee and Hayden received their first Christmas presents of the season while in Atlanta. Hayden received an Orlando Magic shirt and tickets for the Hawks-Magic game. The game might have been a present for Heather also. She is a big fan of Dwight Howard. Annee received money to spend at the American Girl store in Atlanta.

Video Clips

Annee played Dali Dalmatian in her primary musical. Below is a clip of her and the other dalmatians.
Dali Dalmatian

Hayden played Corporal Schnauzer. Below is a clip of Hayden and the gang.
Corporal Schnauzer

Annee's had her Christmas dance recital December 11th. Here is the video! She is the fourth girl from the left.
Christmas Recital

Atlanta - King Historical Site

The week before Christmas we made a quick trip down to Atlanta. One of the highlights was visiting the Martin Luther King, Jr. Historical Site.

Ebenezer Baptist Church where King and his father were pastors.

Eternal Flame at King's Burial Site

King's Childhood Home

Homes across street from King residence.

Fall

Fall brought Halloween and the primary musicals. Annee and Hayden performed opposite nights. Hayden was Corporal Schnauzer and Annee played the role of Dali Dalmatian. We have video clips of the performances that we will try to get posted soon. Halloween was big in the new house. Much more traffic than at our old place. A&H went trick or treating with the neighbors. Annee was a Pink Witch and Hayden was Ndamukong Suh. Heather and her 1st grade teaching friends went as chefs.

Corporal Schnauzer

Dali Dalmatian

Fall Sports Wrap Up - Winter Ones Begin

We'll start the catching up process by wrapping up the Fall sports season. Annee and Heather had a very successful volleyball season. They finished 9-1 on the year. Hayden's Colts also had a very good year. They lost just once in the regular season, before being upset in the semi-finals of the playoffs. Basketball is in full swing. Hayden is 3-2 on the year with a three game win streak. Annee and I are now 1-2-1 after posting a big win this morning.

All-Stars Remain Undefeated

The All-Stars remained undefeated with another victory Monday with a 2-1 win - each game was very close. Annee played pretty well and did a very good job serving. A link to a video of her serving is posted below. Tonight we have Fall Festival at Briarwood. Annee and Hayden both play tomorrow morning. Going to have to split up since the games are both at 9. WKU football is also home Saturday evening. Guess we will be busy!

Annee Serving

End of Fall Break

We wrapped up fall break with a short trip to Frankfort, Louisville, and Evansville. Annee, Hayden, and Heather made their first trip to Frankfort to visit the capitol. After spending the afternoon touring the capitol, we made our way to Louisville to see the Chlarsons. The highlight was watching Kevin and Jen's sand volleyball team roll to victory. Hayden was a particularly good cheerleader. We made our way to Evansville on Saturday where we stopped by Mesker Zoo and had dinner at Old Chicago. Sunday morning I ran in the Evansville Half Marathon. Was quite pleased with my time - 2:05:13 (9:34 pace). It was good for 844th place (out of 2347). I was 566/977 for male finishers. Below are pictures from our adventure.

Kentucky's Capitol Building

From the front steps of the Capitol

Annee, Hayden, and Abe

Annee & Hayden with Col. Sanders

Reception Room

Annee in the Supreme Court Chamber

In the House Chamber

View from the House Chamber across to the Senate Chamber

The Law Library

Heather, Annee, and Hayden in front of stairs leading to Senate Chamber

View from Senate Chamber across to House Chamber

Senate Chamber

Kentucky Flower Clock

Back of Capitol Building

Governor's Mansion

A&H with the jaguar lurking in the background.

Monkeys in their cage.

Getting up close and personal with the giraffe.

The Finish Line!!!

The race finished up in downtown Evansville along the river.

Fall Break Has Started

Heather, Annee, and Hayden have started Fall Break. I think that they were ready for it. The last couple weeks have been pretty busy. Hayden's Colts are 4-0 and Annee's volleyball team is also undefeated. Grandma Ann and Grandpa Jimmy were the weekend of the 25th. They were able to catch one of Hayden's games but Annee's game was canceled. I was also able to sneak in a 5k while Gma and Gpa were here. Finished in 26:41 which is 2:28 better than my first effort in May. It was good for 24th out of 80 overall and 21st out of 43 for male runners. Grandma Ann has hip replacement surgery scheduled for the 12th. Annee participated in two acts for the Briarwood Talent Show. Links to her performances are included below.



Annee's First Performance

Annee's Second Performance