Hi all -

Just wanted to get on the board and say "thanks" to everyone who made the parade today so much fun!

First, max kudos to Larry for suggesting this event way back at our first meeting of the year in March, for all of the planning, guidance, and logistics, and for coming up with the nifty signs for Steve and Bobbi's MINI at the eleventh hour. (Also glad you talked Rob, Lisa, and me into pie and ice cream -- what a great deal!)

Daryl, all of the bling (ribbons, flags, antenna decorations) really added a nice touch! Thanks also for the window signs -- I added mine to my growing display "collection" in the garage. Give Shirley a hug for us for walking the entire length of the parade route handing out candy to the little ones. And of course, you get the nod for suggesting that we bring our "MINI-Queen" Nina along for the ride--it was a great idea and really seemed to work out great! Please tell her "thanks" when you see her next for coming along with us.

Rob, the ToM vinyl decals are awesome! Thanks for taking the time to get them fabricated. I have to say it sure is nice to be able to leverage your artistic talents!

Steve and Bobbi, much appreciate your being Nina's ride. The seat fashioned for her was unquestionably perfect. I could tell by the look on her face that she will carry a lot of great memories from her experience today. There was no question that her parents were very proud of her!

Finally, sincere appreciation to everyone who made it out today. The weather really turned out great for us. It was clear we made a real impression on the local population. I don't know about you, but some of the comments I received from the bystanders were priceless!

Pics are uploading and coming forthwith...

See ya soon!

 

Okay, here they are...enjoy!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmm57/s...7607146940740/

 

We agree wholeheartedly with Gary! We had a really great time. I loved the decorations from Daryl. I am inspired to get something for everyday wear.

Your pictures are great, Gary. Someday I will learn how to post my pics online.

Thanks again, Larry, for organizing this!

 

Downloaded your photos Gary and will hopefully have this gallery and some of the Taste Photos online sometime soon.

 

Gallery now online on EIM Site http://www.easterniowaminis.org/?page_id=56

 

I believe I have finally mastered the photo site! Hopefully this will successfully connect to my photos from the parade.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/3028273...7607182531097/

 

Yep...you've mastered it. Thanks for sharing your pics!

 

What a fun time with MINIs and MINI friends! I think several of you have been in at least 3 parades this summer! Great pictures, Gary, Linda, and Rob! Don't forget to keep a few "special" photos for the photo contest in the big East Meets West event in Minnesota next spring! The country needs to see how much fun the EIM folks have!

 

Does anyone have the dates for this event?

 

http://www.minimeet09.org/

all the info you need there

 

Thanks!

 

Their website needs help.... but looks like it could be a fun event with classics and new Minis. I've been hunting on Ebay for a deal on a classic Mini, I think it'd be a fun summer car to toy around in

 

we may end up up bidding on the same car LOL

 

.....Stay away from my Classic! Nah I probably wont buy for another couple of years unless I find something to good to pass up. There was one in Florida and one in Spokane that looked nice but meh. Not going that far to get one more than likely.

 

Pictures taken by the Queen's dad:

http://picasaweb.google.com/deanman2/MarionParade02#

 

Thanks Daryl...there's some good ones in there. I particularly like the group shot and some of the head-on, "formation flying" pics as we were passing the reviewing stand.

 

I think there are some good shots in that bunch, too. He gave me a CD with 150 pictures but I only posted a few a really liked.