Over a year ago Kelly decided to grow her hair long enough to donate to Locks of Love which is a program that helps poor kids suffering from long term medical hair loss get free hairpieces. She needed an extra 10 or 11 inches. She was a bit worried about getting it cut short right before entering high school for the first time. You know high school. Wouldn’t want to be pegged as part of the “short hair crowd” day one.

One advantage of the program is that you get a free haircut with any stylist that supports the program. The stylist handles proper cutting and submitting of the hair. However, Kelly’s regular place was not part of the program. This meant she had to go to “Studio 21 Hair Salon” which is the fanciest barbershop in Snellville. The girl that cut Kelly’s hair was very careful and did a great job. Kelly ended up getting a $60 haircut for free. She looks older and more sophisticated with her new haircut.

Just in time for high school where they will peg her day one as being part of that “sophisticated crowd.” I just think she looks like part of the cute crowd.

Claire is also growing her hair for Locks of Love but reports her haircut will likely be in January. (Future link.)

Nicole writes:

…Sometimes I forget I have a camera. Here is a funny picture from the tour. Have you heard of South of the Border? It is 0.1 mile south of the North Carolina border, in South Carolina. There are billboards for it that stretch 40 miles before you get there. You may have, it is 40 years old and one of the silliest places I have ever been.

*see hippo attached to e-mail.

Grandad returns from Ireland tomorrow. I’m driving down to the airport to pick up the 4 Irish golfers. He was able to play two warm up rounds of golf before he left, and he felt fine. That was 4 and 5 five days after heart surgery to install a second stent. His second game was against (with?) Danny. They had a nice outing and Danny claims to only have lost three balls. Grandad reported: “I like Danny. He’s a good guy. Of course I liked him before I played golf with him…”

Spotted Bob on line just moments before Taylor Hicks was announced the 2006 American Idol winner. Sitting in the basement with Kathy, Kelly, Claire and the dogs. It was really a pretty good 2 hour show.

Gramalie and Grandad had us over for Easter lunch and what turned into a series of contests. Gramalie’s lunch was delicious with the oldest and youngest eating on the porch and all the middle-agers eating in the dining room.

Grandad, Danny, and Nicole helped hide all of the Easter Eggs for the annual hunt. This would be Kelly’s last try at winning a silver dollar (she won one in the early years) since she is going to be in high school next Easter. Kelly and Claire were given a 10 egg limit each. Claire ran around with great speed, strategically shaking the eggs in search of the illusive Silver Dollar. Fiona ended up finding the silver dollar, but she seemed more interested in the chocolate that came with it. Grant quickly hid the silver dollar in his truck just to make sure Uncle Jeb did not steal it to give to Claire. Not sure why this family believes in conspiracy theories.

It was an unusually warm Easter day, so we spent most of the time outside. Grant, Kelly, and Danny had a berry tossing contest. Claire, Kelly, Danny, Fiona, and Jami all participated in a run-around-the-house contest, Grandad and myself being dual timers.

Ted, Kelly, Michael, and Claire were seen playing baseball (see photo). Danny, Claire, and Kelly had a “hang from the tree” contest.

Susan rested her voice after having to sing through three services in the morning. Jeb and Kathy mostly took pictures, which can be seen at: http://stonegate.fiveforks.com/gallery/Easter-2006. The Lakeland gang were surely missed. We could have used the competition.