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The Darnell Family Store is now open!
August 2008
Mike and Michael attended the Michigan International Camporee at Northwoods Scout Reservation from July 27 through August 3. Click here to see the photo album of the camporee.
Are you a member of LinkedIn? There are now LinkedIn groups for Michigan International Camporee attendees! Click here to join the group.
June 2008
We are going to see the Riverwalk Theatre's production of Gigi on Friday, June 6.
We plan to attend the farewell alumni concert for Mike's orchestra teacher on June 8. Ms. Kesler led the Okemos High School Orchestra on their tour in Germany last year, and is one of Mike's favorite teachers. She will be greatly missed!
Monday, June 30 - We are back from our trip to Guatemala! We traveled with the other members of the Okemos High School Spanish Club. The trip was arranged through Interact Travel, and went very well. Although this is the rainy season, we never had any rain during the day, and none of our activities were affected at all by the weather. We were based in Antigua Guatemala, and travelled to Pacaya Volcano, Lake Atitalan, and the beach at Playa Monterrico (yes, I know that playa means "beach"). Another highlight of the trip was the visit to La Azotea Cultural Center which featured a working coffee plantation, a coffee museum and a museum of Mayan music. We ended the trip by flying to Tikal to see the Mayan pyramids. You have probably seen Tikal. George Lucas used Tikal as the background for the hidden rebel base in the jungle in the original Star Wars movie.
May 2008
On Sunday, May 4, Troop 109 held an Eagle Scout Court of Honor to award Mike his Eagle rank. Mike's Grandmother Henry (Meemaw) was present, as well as Uncle Woody and Aunt Claudia (Koo-Koo), and Uncle John and Aunt Angie. Click here to see some photos from the ceremony.
While everyone was visiting, we all attended the Okemos High School production of Kiss Me, Kate! As usual, the play was excellent.
 We went to see the Lansing Civic Players' production of Annie Get Your Gun on May 16. It was a fun show, although the lead was a bit old for his part. One of our friends from Troop 109 was performing in the show, and we enjoyed watching him!
On May 17 the family split up. Rebekah went to Saginaw Valley State University for the Michigan State P.E.O. Convention. Rebekah is on the Cottey College committee. Mike and I went to the Motor City Comicon in Novi. Mike collects comics and manga, and has been saving his money for several months to buy goodies at the convention. Click here to see photos from the Motor City Comicon.
 We went to the Williamston Theatre on Saturday night, May 30, to see their production Maidens, Mothers and Crones, Voices From Women of the Midwest. We had heard good reviews, and decided to go. The show was a bit uneven, but very good community theater. Some parts were extremely funny. This is the first part of a trilogy they are planning, and we intend to see the other two.
April 2008
 We attend a performance of the Williamston Theatre's production of Hate Mail on April 3. Hate Mail is a very minimalist play, basically consisting of two actors reading mail they exchange with each other. It sounds odd, and it is, but it's also frequently hilarious. Highly recommended.
 On April 4, 2008 we went to the Nokomis Learning Center in Okemos to participate in the second annual Chili Cook-Off and Storytelling. Mike cooked his Beef Jerky Chili for the event. There were a lot of people there, and eight different chilis. Mike won first place in the "Youth Chili" catefory, and tied for third place for "Hottest Chili". After eating chili, volunteers told stories about family gatherings and food. Mike told about the creation of Van Helsing Chili on a Troop 109 campout. A very enjoyable evening. Click here to see some photos from the dinner.
March 2008
 Mike is the patrol leader for one of the new scout patrols. They have decided to be the Spartan patrol.
Mike and Michael went camping with Troop 109 to Yankee Springs Recreation Area. This was the first campout with our new scouts. The scouts practiced their orienteering skills. Click here to see the photo album from the trip.
On Thursday, March 27 we attended the Chief Okemos Council Ojibwas District recognition dinner. The dinner is held ever year at the Masonic Temple in Okemos. Mike and other Eagle Scouts from Troop 109 were the color guard, bringing in the flags and performing the opening ceremony. Click here to see some photos from the dinner.
On Saturday, March 30 Mike and Michael went to Novi to play WhirlyBall with Troop 109. What's WhirlyBall? It's a bit like basketball or jai-alai, but played in bumper cars. It's different, a lots of fun. Click here to see a video and some photos of WhirlyBall.
February 2008
 Mike and Michael went with Boy Scout Troop 109 to the Snow Snake Ski and Golf Complex to go snow tubing. Click here to see the photo album from the trip.
January 2008
 Mike completed his final Board of Review for Eagle Scout rank. His Eagle Court of Honor is scheduled for Sunday, May 4.
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