but Ace was the star of the show.
Ace took this one of me.
Evil Jared (look at that face! So intense!)
Placing these photos next to each other almost makes Collin look like the antithesis of Jared.
And a few goofy looks to finish.
During the administration of Chester A. Arthur, I soon learned, Tiffany was hired to help renovate the somewhat dilapidated White House. As part of that renovation, Tiffany created a magnificent art glass screen to help separate the main entrance from the cross hall. Created in the Art Nouveau style, the screen was rather ornate, including inset topaz, rubies and amethysts and depicted four eagles with a shield bearing the initials "U.S." Not suprisingly, two decades later when TR took office, he didn't quite feel that the style fit him and as the White House was in serious need of renovation, he had the interior gutted and gave the order to "break in small pieces that Tiffany screen." Such a bold pronouncement could hardly come as a surprise to those who have taken any time to study the life of Theodore Roosevelt.
For more info (and to see where I got the pictures), check out this, this and this.
Not that we needed reminding, but Amber showed us yet again that she's no slouch when it comes to setting the scene for a feast.
Check out that attention to detail! Personalized place cards and hand wrapped candy eggs.
Pretty soon the guests began to arrive. Most of the usual suspects were there, and I have a feeling that by the end of today, this is going to be one of the most publicized Easter dinners in all of Manhattan. Just a guess.
J. Lindsay Clark acting the part.
The last time I posted a photo of Mr. and Mrs. Mulcock, it was not without a bit of protest. Thankfully, Mrs. Mulcock is the forgiving sort. At her request, I snapped this photo.
Caitlin was the only one who actually asked to be photographed, and so I must ask the indulgence of everyone else for sticking my camera lens in their faces. Sorry folks, it's becoming something of a habit. Thankfully, I wasn't the only shutterbug there.
It had been so long since I'd seen Pamela, that I just had to get a shot in. I ended up pretty happy with the results, but then again, I had a lot to work with. I'm voting this to be the best Pamela/Brigham shot ever!
Jeff was apparently stoned.
Brittany was shocked. It began to feel like an After-School special there for a moment.
Michael, showing us all the effect a proper Easter shirt can have on one's ego.
A wild Stephoin, hiding amongst the daffodils.
Collin, enjoying Brigham's much lauded spicy nuts.
When I took the first photo of the Mulcocks, I had hoped to catch some genuine laughter. Thankfully, Collin was around, which made my job much easier.
All in all, the evening was a gigantic success. The food was amazing and there's really nothing like spending an evening with so many good people. Thanks so much to everyone who made it possible!
In the museum (not actually part of the house), there was this quote, which I happened to like a great deal. Apparently, TR was sticking it to those highfalutin' pretty boys at the Sorbonne. Go America!
These are the official presidential satellite dishes. This was not on the tour.
Being somewhat in the drug design business, I was intrigued by this medicine case that TR took with him to Africa.
Everyone having a good time.
Except for Amber(?)
I believe that being in the presence of such history inspired Gabe to strike this stately pose.
Jared Clark consoling Brigham after Collin ran away, perhaps for good (check out Brigham's blog to find out what happened!)
Mormons swarming the home of our former president. Alicia walks alone.
Personally, I think this photo of Mr. and Mrs. Mulcock to be really great. Apparently Mrs. Mulcock doesn't agree. Well, I have this to say to her: you both look fantastic. Deal with it. And I mean that in the nicest possible way.
Tracy, who incidentally went to Mariners spring training and got the best picture of Jay Buhner on her cell phone. So jealous. Tracy didn't want me to put this photo up either, but I'd like to echo my comments above: you look great. Deal with it.
Sadly, there was no photography allowed inside, probably because the stately ghost of old TR should really be seen in person, rather than in photographs. Ha ha! Just kidding. There are no ghosts. There are LOTS of dead animals. And massive amounts of priceless tusks. The North Room alone is worth the price of admission. Really, if you ever find yourself in Oyster Bay, take the time to visit the place.
Jeff, clearly displaying his superior speed.
This serve was apparently so wicked, that his opponent could do nothing but wave his hands.
Look at how much ground he covers!
And that purple monochromaticity must have surely been a distraction.
There was also a women's bracket. I don't know them, so I'll refer to them as "Rocky" and "Blue." Despite all her pomp and bravado, I believe that Rocky lost.
Sadly, our man did not win. He still received a consolation towel to wipe the bitter sweat of defeat from his neck. Us Mormons, we believe in kindness. We also believe in striking several poses with pie tins that have been awarded us. This was quite the popular activity among the pioneers.
For more, check out some coverage straight from the source.
The other day, a friend of mine extracted my guitar from it's dust encrusted case. Happily, it hasn't gone back in since.
