The Nation's High Five!

Tour Guide: Anna

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Date: 10-7-09 thru 10-15-09

Thaddy arrived in MI on a cold, rainy fall day.

I had to go to lacrosse and he thought about tagging along, but decided it was too cold.

So he took a nap instead. I managed to rouse him the next morning for a bit, but he stayed in bed all day. I finally convinced the little guy to experience Calvin College on Wednesday morning. We went to Anatomy, Anatomical Kinesiology, Developmental Psych, Historical and Sociological Foundations, Foundations of Physical Education Recreation and Sports, and Motor Learning and Performance Skills. It was a busy day!

That night was dorm worship and Thaddy sang his little heart out! After, we went to 7-11, where Donald helped Thaddeus pick out which Slurpee to get.

He settled on banana.

Then he went back to his nice warm bed until Saturday. On Saturday, we made the trip out to Lansing from Grand Rapids for a lacrosse tournament hosted by Michigan State. Despite his best cheering efforts, Calvin lost to Central Michigan University by 1. We went back to the vans where Thaddeus decided he wanted a picture with his new found friend Jenny.

While there, he ate a banana that had a sticker on it that said, "Place sticker on forehead. Smile." So naturally he obliged.

We then enjoyed a sub at Subway.

Then Thaddeus proceeded to cheer Calvin to a victory against the University of Toledo and a tie against Calvin's rival, Oakland University. >:| But he did cheer me to a goal in that game! Saturday wore Thaddeus out so he slept until Sunday afternoon when he roused himself in order to help Emily and I make 3 lasagnas, 3 types of pudding, and garlic bread for Sunday night dinner with 3rd Beets Veenstra.

It was very delicious and put Thaddy into an extended food-induced hibernation for almost a whole week! Now, it is time to bid farewell to Thaddeus, but not without a souvenir to keep him warm on his trip back to sunny, warm Southern California.

Happy travels Thaddeus and I hope you enjoyed your stay in America's high five! :)

Thaddeus Promo Video

To get some more readers, Thaddeus has a video on YouTube now! Check it out!

Status Update: The Nation's High Five

Hello Friends!

After returning from chilly Minnesota, and enjoying a precious few days in warm California, I'm off again! Unfortunately, I'm headed to another cold state, Michigan (or the nation's high five). I'm excited to meet my next tour guide, Anna, and see what adventures she has in store for us! Hopefully they're not all outdoor activities. Maybe I need to consider purchasing a sweater and/or hat.

Jojo has been busy lately, so she hasn't gotten the chance to work on my YouTube video yet, but hopefully that will come about soon. Maybe when she needs a study break.

That's all for now! Also, I would be beary happy if someone from a warm state wanted to take me on an adventure...I'm just sayin'.

-Thaddeus

Mini Soda!! (Minnesota)

Tour Guide: Liz

Location: Minneapolis, MN

Date: 9-25-09 thru 9-27-09

The adventures of Liz and Thaddeus began with a bang! Literally. I could not open the box that Thaddeus had arrived in, but with the help of my mother and a short woman that I did not know, we somehow got open! Thaddeus was not fond of the weather once he was out of the box. It was cold and rainy, not 85 degrees and sunny like he was accustomed to. We then began our adventure by going to the Concordia Academy Beacons' homecoming football game! I introduced Thaddeus to a number of people. He was loved instantly.

The Beacons lost, but Thaddeus and I had a marvelous time. Afterwards, some friends invited us to go to "The Flame." I had never heard of such a place, but Thaddeus and I agreed. It was the most delicious decision we had made all day.

With only hours left of being 19, we adventured to Old Chicago to a birthday treat! Thaddeus devoured my birthday cookie while I munched on ice cubes.

Before he knew it, I had advanced in years before his beady eyes! Before we both knew it, it was one in the morning. Bed time! The next day, I got up earlier than Thaddeus, so I let him sleep. The time difference must mess with his system. But it was my birthday! I could not imagine a better adventure day for Thaddy to join me. I had a soccer game scheduled, but the rest of the day was ours! Thaddeus slept through my game, but we defeated the Woodducks 5-0. Total domination. My parents picked us up and we went to have a birthday dinner complete with confused grandmother, bleu cheese, and chocolate cake. Well, we both learned the effects of too much chocolate on teddy bears. Thaddeus spent the night in bed while my parents and I played an invigorating game of Beatles' Trivial Pursuit. I soon joined Thaddeus in dreamland though. We woke up Sunday a bit confused, but happy and ready for Thaddy's last adventure. It was even colder than the day Thaddeus had arrived.

He was displeased and his face looked as though he was begging to go home to Jojo. I played and watched ultimate frisbee while Thaddeus stayed in the warm car. When I returned, we blasted the heat and drove home.

Later, I took Thaddeus on a nice tour of the U of M's beautiful campus. Thaddeus would love to go to the U, but he could not get over the cold.

Thaddy's adventures in Minnesota this weekend were certainly memorable for me. I hope he enjoyed his visit. On to a warmer place perhaps! Thaddeus certainly wouldn't mind. Au revoir, Thaddeus!