Tuesday, June 7, 2011

National Zoo and Aquarium Month



I must admit that living in Atlanta is a boon for those of us who are happy to celebrate June as National Zoo and Aquarium Month. 

Not only do we have a world-class zoo, one of just a handful in the U.S. fortunate to have a panda exhibit, 


we are also home to the world’s largest aquarium


Our family has visited both of these city treasures countless times: on school field trips, for birthday parties, with out of town guests and even on our own, just for fun.  

It doesn't hurt that one particular member of our family, particularly at a young age, was an aquatic and zoological zealot.  I'll let you guess which one.  

In Kindergarten, doing his Willie B. imitation

Too cool for school (get it?)
In fact, when he was about 8, he maintained a running list of his favorite animals, which he was happy to recite.  They included (in abbreviated David Letterman fashion):

6.  anaconda
5. American bison
4. Thorny Devil
3. cheetah
2. Komodo dragon
1. hedgehog (always and forever at the top of the list)

but which also included at various times, the tiger, the Great White Shark as well as the white rhino.  

On the Atlanta Zoo train
All this talk of wildlife has me thinking another trip (to both places) may be in order.  

Monday, May 30, 2011

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Graduation Day

Thirty-three years ago:


Tara High School, Baton Rouge, LA
Twenty-five years ago:


University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
Yesterday:  
Riverwood International Charter  School, Sandy Springs, GA

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Commencement

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” 

- Nelson Mandela


Preschool graduation, 1998
Today, for the second time in her life, she'll do this.  

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Not Getting Older, Getting Better

Happy Birthday to this guy!


A great brother (that's him on the left)





who's cute

and athletic (with his sister)

who loves sports (baseball, golf, college football to name a few)

     


a wonderful uncle (who plays guitar, too)


with a high school diploma, college degree and an MBA
a good friend (and Peachtree Road Race participant)

kind son  
successful businessman

loving husband
and awesome dad!
Have a wonderful day.  You deserve it!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Spelling Bee



The 1st National Spelling Bee was held 86 years ago today -  May 25, 1925.

We're big fans of the Spelling Bee at our house.  At least a couple of us (former school Spelling Bee participants ourselves - and one middle school spelling bee champ, yay!), will be watching with rapt attention when the Bee airs on television next week. 

We loved the movies Spellbound, Akeelah and the Bee and the musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, too.

Plus, I have a kind of secret crush on pronouncer Dr. Jacques Bailey.  What can I say?  I find intellect attractive.  

Tuesday, May 24, 2011