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Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Old Iron Bridge Motorcycle Show & Memorial Day 2011

I didn't want to post these until Monday was over as I wanted to keep my "in honor of" post up.  Memorial weekend is pretty busy for us here in Allegan.  Saturday was the Old Iron Bridge Motorcyle Show.   We've watched this little event grow up over the years and well, let's get to the real reason why we go...


We knew Allegan Fire District's ladder truck was going to make an appearance.  We sat (stalked) where we knew they'd be setting up.  Finally, our Fire Chief arrived and Jacob RAN to meet him.


Next thing we knew, Jacob was in Bruce's Fire Chief truck, seatbelted and they were leaving!


I looked at Jeremy and said "Well, I guess he can't be safer with anyone else!"  They returned about 20 minutes later with this:


Jacob got out of Chief's truck and I asked where he went, he replied matter-of-factly, "To go get the ladder truck."  As if to say, "DUH!"


**I forgot!  The firefighter that drove the ladder truck to the motorcycle show was Gary.  While talking to Gary, Jeremy mentioned to me that he didn't realize the picture from Jacob's "Conquer the Beast" patch that Kelsey destroyed (remember this post?) is painted on Allegan's ladder truck. We told Gary the story and Gary thought he might have a couple of those left.  Later that Saturday, our doorbell rang, and there was Gary with a new "Conquer the Beast" patch for Jacob. Jacob was so excited!  Not only did he have the patch, he'd brought it to the house AND gave Jacob lights and "whoops" when he pulled out of the driveway!

And Monday was our little parade.  Leading was Allegan City Police #2.  There are 5 and Jacob will tell you which ones are at the station and which ones are missing. ("2,3, and 5 are here.  1 & 4 are out").  Jacob tried so hard to get this officer (I don't know his name) to give him some "whoops" - and we had to re-explain that they had to be quiet in this parade.


And of course, Allegan Fire District was well represented.  Bruce (the chief) was first in his white truck, followed by the ladder truck driven by our neighbor Robert (also the guy who prints J's fire shirts) followed by the new pumper ("I told you mom the pumper always follows the ladder truck!") driven by a kid we don't know with Ron the 2nd chief in the passenger seat.  After that was the old pumper drive by the other Ron (we have 2 Rons, "Ron" and "Shaun's Dad - Ron".  Or both of them together make "The Rons") and the rescue truck after that (I didn't know that guy either) with our friend George and his wife, Karen (they used to be our neighbors) in the tanker.  Last was our friend 'Officer Dame' (he used to work with me) in Allegan City Police #4.  And again Jacob tried to con him into some "whoops".  A couple of the firefighters pointed inside the firetrucks saying "He should be in here!".  I have a feeling that for the July 3 parade, he will be.  And this proud mom, she'd better bring her tissues!



Friday, May 27, 2011

The Soldier - Memorial Day 2011

The Soldier

It is the soldier, not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the soldier, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the soldier, not the campus organizer,
who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.

It is the soldier, not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the soldier,
who salutes the flag,
who serves under the flag,
and whose coffin is draped by the flag,
who allows the protester to burn the flag.

By Charles M. Province, copyright 1970, 2010

Thank you Soldiers:

Daniel Benson Nolff - who gave his life in service of our country on October 29, 1966

We also thank the members of our family who fought for freedom under our flag.

Claude E. Harper -- POW WWII

Henry "Butch" Nolff Sr. (July 4, 2003) -- Vietnam

Wilbur "Web" Elenbaas (Sept. 4, 1999)
Larry Hagen (Dec. 26, 2008)                    -- The Korean Conflict

John L. Coleman (July 24, 1994) -- WWII

Arthur A. Elenbaas (March 10, 2011) --  WWII

Clayton H. Elenbaas (April 6, 2001)  -- WWII

Gordon F. Elenbaas (November 8, 1999) --  WWII

Richard Elenbaas (Sept. 4, 1970) -- WWI

And those who also served.

J. Alan Coleman, USMC

Don Harper, US Army

Bill Harper, US Air Force

**I'm sure there are more I may have missed and I apologize (send me a note and I'll add or fix it). Your service is none less important than anyone else, I simply was not certain of who served for what branch and/or where. I felt it best not to post any information rather than incorrect/incomplete information.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Allegan Spring Fair 2011

It wasn't much - kind of a disappointment from our regular fair but, it was something to do as a family and we did have a pretty good time.  Thankfully, we got it all in before the rain came!


Finally, a smile!


Inside the REAL caboose!  It was even on tracks.



Our trip wouldn't be complete without a firestation now, would it!?!


The caboose and fire station are part of the pioneer village at the Allegan Fairgrounds.  We've never visited during the fair as it's always night time and closed or we just have so many other things to see.  This day - we had plenty of time.  These buildings are original to Allegan and were donated/moved to the fairgrounds to create the village.  With the caboose is a train depot, there is an 1800's home, a school, church, log cabin, school, gas station and I believe a blacksmith.  It was a great experience and I think all 3 of us enjoyed it!

Monday, May 16, 2011

Preschool Graduation 2011!

The Tiger cake.


The "Preschool Class of 2011/Graduating Class of 2024 lining up.


Waiting for his name to be called.






Finally!





"Grandpa Gordon and Grandma Smith".  (I couldn't load the pic with Jeremy's parents - it won't rotate!)


At "Donald's".  This is my new favorite picture.  That's my 5YO Jacob!


And he finally got to eat that "Tiger Cake"!

Monday, May 2, 2011

Field Trip to Binder Park Zoo - 2011

Friday we had Jacob's first class trip to Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek.  And Jacob with his two friends, the little guy in the hat is Riley (formerly known as "Fire kid" as his stepdad to be is on our Fire Dept.), and the little girl is Sara from day-care.


We saw Prairie Dogs


Rode on a Tram


Looked at "Dinosaur Bones"


Followed an Ostrich.


Looked at Monkeys


Cows with big horns


We saw goat butts


Lazy wolves


More Monkeys


Scrumping Llamas (thankfully we were spared any questions - but that boy llama - look at his teeth!)


Peacocks


And we rode on a train.



And the best part (my favorite)...the Snow Leopard!