Deca International in Orlando 2011

Gunnar on his way to Orlando.  His team mates parents had plans in the cities so they drove the two up for the night and then to the airport in the morning.  They had fun and went to Universal Studios and loved the Harry Potter world part.

Competition went well and they made it into the top 20 out of over 120 teams.  The second round wasn't as good with a question of security and travel.

 Top 20 metal and t-shirt.

They came home after 5 days in the sun feeling pretty good about the competition.  This was Gunnar first year in DECA and he did amazing.

JT the poet

Lego's

Two by two

I put them together

When they start to take shape

They look more like a jeep

Then a heap

I build, I build, I build

And destroy

Then back in the box

With the rest of the toys

He came up with this all on his own, he has been reading The Light in the Attic, and so he wrote one for the local competition.

Zeke places 8th (his math masters team that is)

Zeke and Forrest
All of the Ellis kids.
Ellis had 4 teams and Zeke's team came in 6th out of around 30 teams in Southeastern MN. Way to go Zeke!!!! They celebrated with ice cream. Zeke sung a solo at his choir concert the night before. Yeah!! Zeke!!!

Atlanta trip - CNN Center

The CNN Center, Anderson Cooper works out of NY, so sad I wanted to see him. We did see three other anchors and one even waved at our tour. The center was interesting, but security was everywhere.

Gunnar wins 1st Place at DECA State Competition

Gunnar spent the last few days at the Hyatt in Minneapolis competing in DECA state. He was in two competitions, one was public speaking where he placed 13. The other was a team competition, Jay and Gunnar, it was for Travel and Tourism Team Decision Making. After two rounds they topped the pack and were declared the winners. Notice the 1st Place trophy in his arms, he actually has two, Jay left early for bball practice. Way to go Gunnar!!

Anyone have an idea how to raise $3000 quick so they can compete in the Nationals in Miami? Anyone?

Atlanta trip - historical center part two

You are missing the fact that I am standing on the winners podium from the Olympics.
A huge Swatch from the Atlanta olympics
Only a bronze, so sad
A gold yeah!!
` Qatar for Qatar
The history center has a exhibit on the Olympics, upstairs is a fun area to try out your skills.

Atlanta trip - the historical center

The Smith farm, they moved it from North Druid road and set it up for visitors. The tour guide is dressed in the era clothing(1850's)
The Swan House built in 1920's and the historical center is build here.
Beautiful gardens and fountains.
My Kingdom, what do you think?

Atlanta trip - Hindu Temple

In Lilburn GA, where David's sister lives, is the largest Hindu Temple in North America. Here is the link to their page. Alex gave us directions and we were amazed when we arrived. A service was taking place in 30 mins and we were invited to stay. The service lasted 15 mins. and involved chanting and candles. It was quiet and reverent, I enjoyed the experience. Women sat behind the line and men sat in front of it. The statues in the sanctuary were dressed beautifully, but instead of the turbans from the photos they were wearing stocking caps. The weather was cold for Atlanta, 55 to 65 degrees.

Atlanta trip - Fernbank Natural History Museum

Outside the museum
This museum was amazingly beautiful. Large center atrium with dino bones hanging from the ceiling. We also watched the IMAX movie Caves while we were there. This was an option of the Citypass and well worth the drive and getting a bit lost with my great navigation skills.

The dinos were big

This is worth a look if you ever get the chance.

Atlanta trip - The Zoo

Lot of birds.
Not as much fun without the kids to ride along.

Large apes were there
A sleeping Panda and they had a baby recently that was not on display.
A warthog
Flamingos

The zoo was fun, but the building next to it was amazing. The Cyclorama of the Battle for Atlanta. The painting is the size of a football field and it is mounted in the round and the seats move around it. A 20 foot diorama is in front of the painting to give it a life like look. That was well worth the trip. If you go to Atlanta don't miss the Cyclorama.

Atlanta trip - Alabama Unclaimed Luggage store

David has been talking about this place for years and this is as close as we have ever been, so we went. It was about 3 hours north of Atlanta, it was a pretty drive.
He's very happy with the books he found. Three favorite authors that have books in England now but not coming here until the end of this year. Yeah he gets to read ahead. That was worth the trip for him, also a new ipod, some nice clothes and a few other items. This place is huge and the brands are amazing. Ralph Lauren, Burberry, Douney and Burke, Coach, Jimmy Chou shoes, you name it they have it. Lots of fun.

Atlanta trip - the aquarium part-three

We were hungry after looking at all the fish, so we ate some for dinner.
Massive tanks and you can scuba and even swim if you want to pay for that privilege.

We took a behind the scene tour and the huge tank was just that. A viewing tunnel runs through it and that huge window from the other day.

Atlanta trip - the aquarium part-two

Strange worms with big eyes.
Beluga whales swimming around with seals. Very cold water. Another huge tank with a big viewing window.
Mississippi fish, funny that we have more of these types in the aquarium at the mega mall in Bloomington.
Another tunnel, lots of these so you could get a good look at the different habitats and fish.
Up close and personal with the penguins
They are so cute and walked right up to the glass to have a look at us.