FLANNEL FEST LOGO - In case you ever need it for some reason, here is the logo we made for Flannel Fest. It combines a Viking Helmet (Norwegian) with Shamrocks (Irish) and indian head piece feathers (Ojibwa).
Read MoreDROPPING PINS - Yes, we could hear them drop. It was as if the world stopped spinning and we all held our breath as the most beautiful music enveloped us, lifting our burdens and easing our souls. It added so much classiness to our event that we will be featured in the Lifestyle section of People magazine (Maybe that’s a lie). Gus and Quinn, thank you both for this special tribute to our mom. It was a gift to all of us. Bravo!
Read MoreFLANNEL TWINS - Kathleen and granddaughter Ada were accidental flannel twins at today’s festivities. They have so much in common, it only follows that taste in tartans should be identical as well. So cute!
Read MoreOJIBWA RAPPER - Samantha treated all of us to the rap she wrote in her Ojibwas tribal language. It was impossible to understand because of all the native slang words. Some likened her performance to Eminem, others to S&M. It was a lovely song. Heartfelt.
Read More3 GENS WATCH SANDY SHOOT POOL - Sandy’s billard shot was for the silver medal! Jim gathered representatives of his immediate family (grandfather, daughter, and granddaughter) to pray and bear witness to the event so when the story is told at future celebrations, they will be able to say they were actually there! You can tell by their pants that they pray a lot.
Read MoreBABY GOT BACK - Oh, four granddaughters together publically declaring their affection for big butts. It was a proud moment for their Granny, who sports quite a hulky hinder and believes the song was a tribute to her. (Please don’t spoil her imagined moment in the spotlight).
Read MoreWILL LILLY TAKE A CUE BALL TO THE HEAD? - As with all clan members before her, Lilly passed her initiation with flying colors. Having reached the age of eleven, she knelt beside the table, which represents Lake Winnebago, as her sister took 11 shots with the cue ball trying to hit her in the head. Lilly dodged every one, getting only lightly side-swiped once. We all look forward to Alora’s turn next year.
Read MoreGUEST BOOK SAMPLER #1 - Mary and Keith (aka Granny and Paw ) made these doodles for the guest book. Dave Chapelle and Dolly Parton would be great fun at a party. Good choices.
Read MorePART OF THE EXILED DOG PACK - All dressed up for some Flannel Fun, wondering where everyone went. Maybe next time, boys! Thanks to all the dog lovers for making sure your pets were happy.
Read MoreAIR HOCKEY AWAITS THE BRAVE - Man, this thing is heavy, but we managed to move it into the back room so the noise wouldn’t upset the old people, the cursing wouldn’t upset the children, and the betting wouldn’t upset the people who lost all their money on side bets in the pool tournament.
Read MoreINTER-GENERATIONAL CHATTING IRL - Throughout the day, little enclaves of diverse people just like this came together to know each other a little more deeply, and, in so doing, came to know a little more about themselves. We call it “Fishing the Gene Pool.” And there were a lot of great keepers this day. Our hearts overflow.
Read MoreCLAN OF THE BRIGHT AND SHINING WOLF WARRIORS - It was a unique way of representing a unique family and The Aunties are pleased with their handiwork. They labored over the conceptual design and came up with something that captured the spirit. On this day, we were something special together. It was enchanting! Thank you all for coming!
Read MorePLAN B - We promised a Plan B if rain precluded a bonfire. It did not rain. We had our family fire outside and it warmed the cool autumn night just right. Sadly, our curator overlooked taking a photo of it, so use your imagination please.
Read MoreSELF-SERVE BAR - It’s Wisconsin. It’s a party. It’s an open bar. That’s how the universe works, kids. Families have been including spirits in their celebrations for millennia. We appreciate you helping us keep the tradition.
Read MoreTHE OMRO CONTINGENT - Alora, Lindsay, Zach, Sandy, and Jim (l-r) looking adorable after enjoying some Flannel Fest cake! Jamie and Jacques (not pictured) were looking adorable across the room. Hands down, this chunk of the family wins the Sweetness Award.
Read MoreI GOT ALL MY SISTERS AND ME - The post title is also the title of the song Presley picked for her contribution to the Flannel Fest playlist. All three of these beauties are spawn of Mollie and inherited her sense of humor, her charm, and her beauty. Thanks to all the “grown-ups” for making this memory for them and for all the grandchildren who attended this event. You are the stories they will tell someday.
Read MoreDOUBLE TROUBLE - Auntie Sam taught her niece Mollie many life lessons as she grew to womanhood. Most of them are from the movie “Thelma and Louise,” so you can imagine the mischief of which they are capable. Fair warning. Stand back and do not hold their beer for them.
Read MoreCLAN IN THE WOODS - Oh, my gosh. I am startled! This looks like your average, normal, Michigan militia picnic! But this is no militia. To check, I yelled, “Who all was at the capital on January 6th?” Only one person raised their hand — and that was to go to the bathroom. Let’s not call ourselves “The Clan” anymore. Crazy times. Don’t want any misunderstandings. We all appreciate you for making the hugs so soft and cuddly.
Read MoreLOST AND FOUND - Did you leave your glasses at the party? If so, Carey claimed them. Auntie Mary will tell you where she lives.
Read MoreKEITH HEARING THERE IS SPOTTED COW - Favorite beer of goofy old guys who live in Wisconsin. Thanks for all the beverages you brought to the party. Especially the unusual sodas, beers, and wines. So fun!
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