It's Closing Time

We are in the final hours of the tour and a lot has happened today. Several goodbyes, some tears shed, and lots of pictures (to be posted later). We took a group picture also. I was able to attend devotions today for the first time - because I actually had time. Jenn and I used our passes to take pictures during Jars, Switchfoot, and Third Day's sets. The Jars guys made a Kodak moment with their white outfits. We had pasta for dinner. We cleaned out the road cases. "Switchfoot loves New Kids on the Block. Nuclear Hoedown made a slight comeback. I broke the doorhandle off a door and got trapped in the production office. I broke a candle on the floor by accidentally bumping up against a trash can with my booty. I had BBQ for breakfast. I got to Heely across the stage. And I think I get to go on stage during the encore tonight!

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas!

Switchfoot signing Christmas cards. Yes! They really hand sign all 2000 of them!

This is just a funny box I saw this morning when we stopped for gas. "Guaranteed to keep you from gelling!"

Original Prankster

We are down to the second to last show. The pranks have begun. Silly string,
sign changes, fees for free comp tickets, etc...I had what I thought to be a great idea, but little did I know that Ike had already beat me to the punch and concocted new dressing room signs for the bands and crewmen. So here I share with you, loyal reader, my ideas:

Third Day: The Day After Tomorrow
Switchfoot: Footloose
Robert Randolph: The Family Guy
Jars of Clay: Our Name is Mudd
Tour Crew: The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
Production Office: Pinky and the Brain
Artist Management: The Secret of My Success
Females: Little Women

Friday I'm In Love or TGIF

A show in Minneapolis! It was never a childhood dream to play at the Target center (it wasn't even around 10 years ago) but was really cool to play a hometown venue. Several of my friends came. I was glad so many people came out to support me. The show went off without any major problems. Smooth sailing all day! Only 2 shows left. :( Only 3 days until I see Elizabeth again. :)

My wednesday and Thursday in MN...

Wednesday I awoke and after preparing for the day, I went to breakfast at Denny's with my father. We then trekked to WalMart and Target for a few gifts for some friends of mine. It took 2 WalMarts and a Target to find gifts that I felt satisfied with - and to find glow-in-the-dark silly string (more pics of that to come) I then napped for a couple hours before joining The Pond family for dinner at Cici's pizza. I was not welcome there as I am in the south. I was greeted with a nice polite, "Welcome to Cici's." Where as in Georgia, we are welcomed with a shouting, "WELCOME TO CICI's!!!"
After dinner we spent an hour with the Ponds at the park. I then continued to church and saw several of my old church friends.
THURSDAY
I rolled out of bed and got ready to see the grandparents. Dad wanted to leave by 8:00am, so the day came no earlier than any other day I have to get up. I slept for the most of the 2 hour drive there. As we arrived both my grandparents were found alive and doing fine. Grandma was strong enough to cook up the sides as Grandpa grilled away some brauts and hamburgers. MMM MMM GOOD! Lunch was followed by a friendly game of hand and foot (cards for you deprived folk who may not recognize that name). Once again followed by a 2 hour nap as we drove back home.
I spent Thursday with my Grandparents out in Grove City. Grove city is within minutes of the largest ball of twine in the world.
Dad dropped me off at our hotel (bus) for the night. He was able to meet Jenn there. That was nice since he was not coming to the concert Friday. After the crew made it, we all gathered and shuttled off to the Mall of America. We wandered for a few and then settled in at a Tony Roma's. I was finally treated with a birthday dessert at a restaurant for free this year! I am glad I asked! Dave J ate the ice cream half and I ate the chocolate molten lava cake drizzled in hot chocolate sauce.

It's Tuuuuueeeesdayyyyy.....

I got a wake up call this morning from Aaron Wagner (A friend of mine for over 15 years). We went out to breakfast at this place that had some of the best waffles ever - too close to call in comparison with Waffle House. At the restaurant we were also joined by David, a friend of Aaron's. Really good conversations on private 109 and what we have all been up to. I then saw Appaloosa with Aaron, which was a good western flick. We need more westerns. We then journeyed to Northwestern Bookstore. That is the local Christian bookstore. We browsed around a bit, and then Aaron headed to work. I dropped him off and took his car home. I then had an hour nap. Tom and his family joined us for dinner with special guest Brandie Nelson (my cousin) who brought great tidings and great joy with a bag full of her uncle's beef jerky! MMMMMM Goooood! I am now at Starbucks waiting for Aaron to complete his shift and little did I know that Heather Meyen works with him. For the last five years apparently. I miss out on everything when I am gone...

Sweet Home Minnesota

I am in Minnesota once again. I flew in this morning and thank goodness I didn't drive. I took a nap on each flight (2) and napped for 2 hours once I got home. I landed around 1:00pm and Aaron Wagner picked me up from the airport. To my dismay not only was Camp Snoopy closed now, but Joey's Seafood was also closed. No Joe shirts for me. :( Last night I watched a show with Michael in our hotel room about what rednecks like. They covered Duct Tape, Dueling Banjos, and Tonya Harding amongst other things. Good Stuff! I am very excited to see everyone this week - family and friends.