It's been about 4 years since I last saw the musical and convinced my friends to go to Mamma Mia when it came to Devos Performance Hall here in Grand Rapids. They had never seen the musical, although were familiar with the 70s pop band, ABBA, whose songs the story is based on. Seeing it the second time didn't disappoint. I enjoyed the performances best of the actress that played Donna, the mother and the performance of the actress that played the best friend, Rosie. The music is addicting and infectious, I got Mamma Mia cds for my friends because I knew once they saw it, they were going to want to sing along in the car to songs like "Mamma Mia" or "Dancing Queen." And indeed, they have already become addicted. My personal favorite is "The Winner Takes it All" and "S.O.S." I recommend if the musical comes close to your town that you make sure you catch it. I have already checked, it is coming to Lansing in October. I may just have to go again! Here is a clip from the Tony Awards of Mamma Mia, not the cast we saw ( The audio is a little un-synced, but couldn't find a better clip:
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Vacation at Long Lake July 19-26
Vacation at Long Lake up in Traverse City, Michigan was a memorable one! A group of 8 of us vacationed at a cozy red cabin on the beautiful pristine lake. Activities included kayaking, paddleboat, water volleyball, frisbee, bag toss, Rockband, and renting a Wave Runner. It also rained a couple days, but there wasn't any boredom at the cottage, Rock band and Wii kept us busy, as well as a trip to the brand new Turtle Creek Casino (in which I won $17, woo hoo!) We ate out at Boone's Inn that offered some great steak and seafood. Otherwise, Keith served up his famous beer-can chicken and ribs, along with other grill favorites. Here are a few pics of the vacation! Click on the picture for a larger one.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Monday night Softball - We're going to the Championship!
Last night we started playoffs for our Monday night co-ed Byron Center league. The first game we won 16-9. Then we had to play Softball Addicts, a team in which we lost to by 1 run in regular season. They were an undefeated team coming into the playoffs. It was a close game throughout, 1-1, then 2-2, then 3-3. We finally made is 5-3 in the bottom of the 6th inning and had to hold them at the top of the 7th. We did, and we are off to play in the championship game next Monday. Here is a team photo of the future champions.
Fireworks in Bay City ,MI
The Bay City Fireworks Festival is one of the greatest fireworks shows/festivals in Michigan. People come from all over Michigan to see the show. The festival runs from July 3rd, 2008 to July 5th, 2008 with fireworks every night and entertainment every day. We went on Saturday July 5th and watched the 45 minute show. The spectacle is enhanced by it's proximity to the Saginaw River, providing great viewing locations all around the park's area, along the river banks and from boats on the river. This year they started charging $1 for each person that wants to sit near the riverwalk. We decided to do that and got a great view (despite one tree). Here are some pictures I took with my Digital Canon Rebel XT. I shot with an 18-55mm lens on a tripod in manual mode at f11 and varied shutter speeds of 3-4 seconds, and sometimes 5 seconds. Later I used my Sigma 10-22mm wide angle lens, as you can see the river and audience in some of the shots (some of the pictures look like a war is going on). Click on a picture for a larger version. Enjoy!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Great Weekend with the Family
Well, I went back to Bay City last weekend on June 27-29. My parents bought a new toy. A Wii!!! They have been wanting one ever since they played a few games on some of my cousins' Wiis. Well, it proves to be addicting and of course lots of fun. I played Wii tennis with my mom and against my dad. And once I started getting better, started beating my dad in Wii tennis.
Later Saturday night, Mom, I and other family headed to a surprise birthday party on in Mt. Pleasant. And yes, you know what is there, the casino! A group of 15 of us headed to Soaring Eagle Casino around 8pm. My cousin Meghann and I sat down at Blackjack table and played for about an hour until they took my $60 and her $50. Oh well, its just chips. lol! Then I hear a woman in our group won $2,600 with her second pull at a 50 cent machine! I would be the one walking away from the machine, and seeing some woman play if after me and win big. That's my luck with slots! Why can't that happen to me?? Well, I turned out a loser, but my mom surprisingly ended up ahead (something that never happens).
Sunday we went out to brunch at Cracker Barrel, great home cooked food, and you know its home cooked when you accidentally find 2 chicken bones in your tortilla soup. Kind of scary and gross, but hey, they took the $5 off the bill and we were happy (aren't we cheap)! Next time, I am going to bring some my own chicken bones and throw them in there! Just kidding! Later that day my dad and I played tennis with Uncle Dennis and Andrew. We played 3 fun and very close sets (about 35 games) in the hot weather. Plus I drank my water too fast, and was left without any for the last set!!! Here's a picture of dad and I from tennis on Saturday (taken with his phone).
Later Saturday night, Mom, I and other family headed to a surprise birthday party on in Mt. Pleasant. And yes, you know what is there, the casino! A group of 15 of us headed to Soaring Eagle Casino around 8pm. My cousin Meghann and I sat down at Blackjack table and played for about an hour until they took my $60 and her $50. Oh well, its just chips. lol! Then I hear a woman in our group won $2,600 with her second pull at a 50 cent machine! I would be the one walking away from the machine, and seeing some woman play if after me and win big. That's my luck with slots! Why can't that happen to me?? Well, I turned out a loser, but my mom surprisingly ended up ahead (something that never happens).
Sunday we went out to brunch at Cracker Barrel, great home cooked food, and you know its home cooked when you accidentally find 2 chicken bones in your tortilla soup. Kind of scary and gross, but hey, they took the $5 off the bill and we were happy (aren't we cheap)! Next time, I am going to bring some my own chicken bones and throw them in there! Just kidding! Later that day my dad and I played tennis with Uncle Dennis and Andrew. We played 3 fun and very close sets (about 35 games) in the hot weather. Plus I drank my water too fast, and was left without any for the last set!!! Here's a picture of dad and I from tennis on Saturday (taken with his phone).
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