Archive for "Events"
Brian’s 50th Birthday
Posted on July 20, 2024 by Ching under Events, Family.
In keeping with Brian’s aversion for leaving the country, he decided earlier this year that he would celebrate his 50th birthday in Omaha, Nebraska because he has always wanted to visit their zoo. I had heard of the Henry Doorly Zoo as being one of the top 5 zoos in the nation so I wasn’t completely opposed to the idea. I just wanted to do something more exotic or go to an all-inclusive resort like what we did for his 40th birthday. During the months leading up to his birthday, I gave several reasonable suggestions but he would not be dissuaded. At one point he was like, “You’re trying to hijack my birthday!” I told him I was simply giving him some ideas and providing options. He insisted, “You can do whatever you want for your birthday but, for my birthday, I get to do what I want.”
And thus, our plans to spend the weekend in Omaha was solidified. Omaha is a wonderful city and we had a great time. Arguably, not as good a time as I would have had if I were drinking unlimited free cocktails all day but Brian was on meds around that time and couldn’t drink anyway so we probably wouldn’t have gotten any bang for our buck as I can’t drink that much by myself anyway.
Here’s a highlight video I made of our time at the zoo.
While we were there, we found out that the Henry Doorly Zoo touts itself as the #1 zoo in the world. A title they achieved a couple of years ago and have held on to since so they have been #1 for two years running. It’s an impressive feat considering all the impressive zoos in the US alone.
The next day we went to check out Lauritzen Gardens. It’s nice but our local Botanica is just as nice and far more walkable. Anyway, I much preferred Botanica.
Anyway, I will share more from this birthday trip in my next post. For now, I hope you all enjoy the videos. Until next time!
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Dustin and Katie’s Wedding
Posted on May 10, 2024 by Ching under Events.
A couple of weeks ago, Brian and I had the privilege to attend Dustin Herman and Katie Gann’s wedding. It was a beautiful wedding at a Catholic church just down the street from the Belmont. (That’s why we ended up brunching there before the wedding.) I was concerned at first because of all the sitting, kneeling, standing, kneeling, sitting, standing again that goes along with Catholic ceremonies and my whole knee situation but I guess you can opt out of the kneeling part and just sit so that’s what we did. It was a beautiful ceremony and Katie looked absolutely stunning. I also loved that they had violinist there. They started the ceremony right on schedule and everything went so smoothly. I am glad that we went to witness their special day.
We weren’t really sure about going because we were worried we wouldn’t know anyone but I really wanted to be there for Dustin and Katie. They are such a lovely couple and so sweet together. Seeing young couples reminds me of how Brian and I were 25 years ago. It just warms my heart.
I am so glad we went because there were actually quite a few pickleball people there so we did know people! And, I liked how they arranged people who knew each other into tables together so, rather than sitting at a table with strangers, we were actually among friends. Our table had Scott and Michelle Wolford, Michael and Naomi Harris, Noi and Lock Sourinthone, and us. I cracked up because another pickleball person came by and asked who was at our table and Brian listed everyone including “Noi and his wife.” I had to explain to him that Lock is Noi’s brother. Brian just assumed that since we were all couples at our table and they had the same last name that they must be husband and wife also.
It was so nice to finally meet Scott’s wife. For a long time we all thought she was imaginary. She is actually outgoing and fun. She just doesn’t play pickleball and so that’s why we never see her.
Brian and I were both relieved to see people there that we knew.
There were quite a few “pickleball” tables. Here’s another one right by ours.
They had quite an extensive guest list. Four hundred people were invited to the reception and I think almost everyone came. We even saw our family doctor there! As it turns out, Dr. Scott Hane is a friend of the Gann family. The bride grew up and went to school with his kids.
Lucky People performed at the wedding reception and we ran into one of my coworker’s exes who does sound for them.
Pickleball daughter #2 Kendra Wicks was working the event. She is such a pro!
Reception was fabulous. The food was delicious (all of it) and the drinks flowed freely. Our table was conveniently by the bar. I couldn’t really drink — I had the one drink and champagne toast — because of my meds but being by the bar proved to be quite entertaining. They also had these digital disposal camera thing that I thought was a really neat idea.
Katie and Dustin looked so perfect together. I am so happy for them!
Anyway, here is a short little highlight video that I made using pictures from the evening. Congratulations to Katie and Dustin!
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Pickleball Christmas Party at the Pickle Club
Posted on December 20, 2023 by Ching under Events, Pickleball.
The ladies’ pickleball group that normally plays on Wednesdays at the Pickle Club decided to have a Christmas party and gift exchange on Monday night. Here are some pics from that fun event.
These ladies are so much fun! Can’t wait to celebrate with them again.
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Busy Christmas Party Weekend
Posted on December 18, 2023 by Ching under Community, Events.
Kicked off the weekend with Cindy Egan’s annual Christmas party and gift exchange for the pickleball ladies. She is an amazing host and always comes up with the most fun games!
Here are some snaps from that night…
The next night, Brian and I went Chad and Laura Smith’s annual beer and wine gift exchange. I think we decided this was the eighth one.
Here are some snaps from that event…
Brian and I always love going because then we get to try new beers that we’d never even heard of before, and we ultimately find new favorites. For instance, I had no idea that there was such a thing as slushie beers and they are yummy!
Finally, Sunday night (last night) was Katelyn and Susie’s game night at Grant and Susie’s house. I played a couple of games I’d never played before and it was so fun!
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Celebrating Alice
Posted on December 14, 2023 by Ching under Events, Pickleball.
I think I’ve mentioned before that Wichita has turned into everyone’s favorite place to celebrate their pickleball birthdays. This past weekend we celebrated Alice Tunks-Jones, my friend from Emporia’s, 30th birthday.
Our friend Susie Ternes did a fabulous job of organizing and bringing everyone together. She even got this delicious cake.
Here’s a pic of the three of us:
Some of Alice’s friends from all over converged in Wichita as well. It was wonderful meeting everyone.
This weekend will prove to be another exciting one as it is Molly Sager’s turn to celebrate. The Sagers live in Great Bend but will be celebrating in Wichita as well. If you’re having a birthday, and pickleball is part of the festivities, you need to come to Wichita. This is where it’s at – LOL!
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