Lady Flames Auction  -  Port Huron, MI
7-26-08:  Going once, going twice...SOLD!  The Lady Flames cashed in their points as they took home the auction goodies which amassed from generosity - donations.  Lot's of them (donations) came through in the final days helping to make "the season bright..."  "Tiny tots, with their eyes all aglow, will find it hard to sleep tonight..."  Not because a certain someone is on his way.  No.  The deprivation is directly related to the desire one has when they want (and have opportunity) to stay up all night.  As did the team members who crawled (or were dragged) out of the gym the next morning - Auction/Sleepover.  The party also included Olympic Scrap-booking 101, as each kid received an Olympian, then participated in decorating an informative poster honoring Team USA's finest gymnasts.  The OS-B 101 class was punctuated with presentations about each gymnast for all to learn more about our competing athletes.
     Thanks to all who donated!!!!!!  And thanks to those who helped us run the auction - the most efficient one to date.
 

International Day Parade  -  Port Huron, MI
7-9-08:  Finally!  After waiting out the storm of '07 which stopped the parade for the first time in it's long history, Port Huron received a beautiful day for the '08 parade.  And what a parade it was!  Thousands of people lined the parade route to witness and appreciate the hard work that went into the floats.  And while many floats may have looked better than All American Flames', there weren't any that worked harder, as our team gymnasts participated in either tumbling, balance beam work, bounce-up bar or the strap-bar.  That's right!  Beam series and giant swings throughout the entire parade route.  What a show-stopping spectacle!
     After the memorable event the festivities continued with a fine buffet-style spread back at the gym.  Topped off with a couple rousing games between the gymnasts and their parents for dessert.
     Thanks to everyone for their hard work.  A special thanks to Mark Olsen for the use of the best looking dump truck in the state, and Mike Burgess for the perfect trailer to compliment the rig.
 

See the butterflies in action (8 Mb)