Go Blue!!

It is 8:00 a.m. on a Saturday, and Ed is jumping on the bed to wake me up. He has decided that we need to go to the Michigan game today. However, we have no tickets, and no real directions to get us to the stadium. Seeing the excitement on his face, I rolled out of bed and threw on some clothes. I had on my Michigan workout pants and Ed had on his Michigan hat and t-shirt that I got him for his birthday. We hopped in the car and headed to Ann Arbor. Once we started getting closer, we just had to follow the line of cars that had Michigan flags and/or Michigan stickers. We pulled into a parking garage, with no clue of how far we were from the stadium. There were plenty of other Michigan fans parking there, so we figured we were not too far. We started walking, and found a guy selling his two extra tickets...and we got them for less than face value!! I went into a store and got a Michigan football t-shirt and we preceded to the stadium. Of course, we first had to stop and ask directions to the Big House. It was not much further down, that we encountered the beginnings of the tailgating. We found that most of the fraternity houses are right there on State Street. The alcohol was flowing, and the music was blaring. We followed the crowd, and discovered a big field where there was a huge tailgate going on. Why??? We had managed to pick the homecoming game for our first experience. That made it all the more exciting, not to mention the fact that Minnesota was undefeated going into today's game. We continued to walk towards the stadium, and finally got our first glance of the Big House. Ed stopped to take a picture - and to compose himself. He was so excited to be here, and I was happy just seeing him happy. We made it through the ticket takers, and stopped to take a couple of other pictures. Ed in front of a sculpture of the "M", and another one of him with the stadium in the background. There was food everywhere, and I could not wait to taste it all. We found our seats - we were in Section 40, Row 70, Seats 17 & 18. They were perfect...we were up high enough to see everything, right by an exit, and right on the aisle. We could smell the food from our seats, so we ate a couple of hotdogs and then drank some coffee (Ed) and hot chocolate (Stacy). It was only 10:30, and the game did not kick off until 12 noon. It was windy and very cold, but once we had our hot beverages, we were ready for the game to start. The game was PHENOMENAL!!!! There was not a slow moment in the game. The energy of the crowd was intoxicating and infectious. We were yelling and jumping with everyone. The plays on both sides of the field were great, and it turned into a really tense moment near the end. With just 1:57 left to go, Michigan was trailing 24-21, and they got the ball back. What looked like a pass to just get yardage and a first down turned into the winning 31-yard touchdown by tight end Tyler Ecker. The stadium went nuts - everyone was screaming and jumping up and down, high fiving. It was an amazing feeling. When the clock wound down, Braylon Edwards did a back flip and the band started playing "The Victors" and the entire stadium broke into song. We stuck around for awhile afterwards so that we could avoid the crowd - hahahahaha. We learned that when the stadium sets a record for the most spectators at an NCAA Football game - over 111,000 - you can not avoid the crowds. We got a few pictures inside the stadium, and headed out into the crowd. We got some distance between us and the stadium, and all you could see in front of, and behind, us was a sea of fans. We took our time walking back to the car - which turned out to be quite a walk to the stadium. This was the best Saturday that we have spent in a long time. Ed and I were able to spend some time together and enjoy each other. Between both of us working (him 6 days a week) and me going to school, our time together is hard to come by. Being at the Big House is something that neither of us will ever forget. Now comes the hard part, keeping Ed from wanting to do this with every home game. Looks like Season Tickets will be on our list for next year!!

Oops make that 2 new fans GO BLUE!!!

I think there is a new Michigan fan in the family

TOUCHDOWN!!!!!!

What a close great game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes 110,357

What a great sight 110,357

GO BLUE

Yes the perfect wife keeps getting better.

Lets play where's Ed

Being Home

Being home has been wonderful!! One of the first nights I was home, Ed built a fire in the grill so that I could roast marshmallows and make smores...I LOVE smores. They remind me of camping, which is, of course, the best vacation to ever take. On Saturday, the 21st of August, we headed over to Mom and Dad Lebbon's to see Grandpa and Grandma Lebbon...they had just driven in from Texas. Or so I thought. We walk through the door and a large amount of people jump out from the kitchen and yell "Surprise!" Turns out it was a surprise welcome home pary for me. The gang included: Ed, Kimmer, Mom & Dad Lebbon, Daddy, Vicky, Andrea, Aunt Moe and Uncle Tim. Grandpa and Grandma were not even arriving until Sunday. Mom and Lori both had to work, and were not able to get out of it. It was a blast - swimming, eating, drinking, laughing, etc. We had tacos, chips & salsa, margaritas, daquiries, pina coladas, cake, fresh fruit. We would eat, swim, talk and start all over again. We were all there for 8 or 9 hours. It was one of the best days that I have had this summer. Now, I am getting ready for school to start and working at my new job. I look forward to seeing everyone soon. Please feel free to call and/or email us. Love to all!!

The Bar

The Pool Party

I'm Home...Yeah!!

Yummy Smores!

Home Sweet Home

Well, I finally made it back into the country!! I am so happy to be home. You never realize how much your everyday life means to you until it is gone. I really enjoyed being in Europe, but being home is even better. Ed picked me up from the airport, and then made me tacos. I absolutely loved my first dinner at home. It took a lot of time to get unpacked, and a couple of days to get over my jet lag. I look forward to seeing everyone soon and sharing my pictures and souvenirs.

Scotland

Hello to everyone from Scotland!! This country is absolutely beautiful. There is open countryside everywhere, which is an awesome thing to see. The first picture is of Alnwick Castle. For those of you who watched Harry Potter's first movie, this is the castle they used to represent Hogwart's Academy!! It is so beautiful up close and, of course, does not look quite the same as it did in the movie. Edinburgh Castle with the fog - that is how we came upon it on Saturday night. We were on our way to the castle to see the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which is an amazing show put on every year in Edinburgh. It is basically a talent show, with acts by different military bands throughout the world. There were bagpipes, of course, and the Royal Airforce, a band from the military in China, and even South Africa's Navy band. Everything was enveloped in fog, but I think it added to the atmosphere. Unfortunately, the fog was so thick, they decided not to do the fireworks at the end. There is so much to see in Scotland, and so many pictures that I want to share. I look forward to seeing everyone soon, and hopefully, I will be able to get all of these pics into a scrapbook to show off. Just an FYI...school is starting for me the day after Labor Day, and I will be taking four classes Monday - Wednesday. Love to all.

Edinburgh Castle in the Fog

Alnwick Castle

Rome

Hey All!!!! Rome was awesome...it was so HOT, about 95 degrees both days. We had about 15 hours of sightseeing on both days that we were there. Our first stop on Friday was Piazza St. Pietro where we got into the Vatican City and St. Peter's Basilica. Talk about beautiful. We then headed to the Vatican Museum, which is where we were able to get into the Sistine Chapel - unfortunately, we were not allowed to take any pictures inside the chapel. I guess all I can say about the Chapel is WOW!!!! We were told that if we spent just 1 minute in front of every picture and sculpture in the museum, it would take 14 years to see everything. We went to Castle St. Angelo and then out to the Coliseum. And once again, the word WOW comes to mind. We took a guided tour through there that also included a tour through the Roman Forum. There is so much history between these two places, and I just wish I could remember everything so I could tell you all everything. We went to the Victorian Palace, which is now a museum w/a monument to Victor Emmanuel II. It had beautiful columns, fountains, statutes and stairs that you were not allowed to sit on - I got yelled at by a policeman!! Next, we walked to the Pantheon...this is a building that has a perfect circle for the ceiling w/a hole in the middle and there is no visual means of support. Michelangelo said that this building could only have been built by angels, because there is no way that any human could build something so beautiful and perfect. Then we were off to piazza Navona that has a beautiful fountain from Bernini and then it was off to Trevi Fountain, and it was WOW once again!!! The next day we went to the Capitol and the Spanish Steps. Nothing that I have written could possible describe how beautiful and breathtaking Rome is. I look forward to doing my scrapbook so everyone can see every picture that I took. Okay, no more from me. We leave Cambridge on Thursday morning, and will have no computer access until Scotland (maybe). I love you all and will see you everyone very soon. Sending hugs to all.

Trevi fountain at night

Stacy and the Roman Forum

ceiling in the Vatican museum

St Peter's Basilica

The Vatican

Cambridge

The pictures below are images of Cambridge, England.  The Botanic Gardens are absolutely beautiful.  The flowers in the picture below are, believe it or not, Begonias.  Have you ever seen begonias get this big?  I was skeptical when the guy first told me what they were.  The Fitzwilliam Museum was a real treat.  It is right around the corner from where I am staying, and admission is free.  In fact, most of the museums in England are free admission.  The bench was something I found in a nearby park, and I knew that Ed, of all people, would get a kick out of it.  Kings College is just one of many colleges here in Cambridge.  The town is pretty much Cambridge University, with the colleges scattered throughout.  There is Downing College (where I am studying), Kings College, Emmanuel College, Jesus College, Sidney Sussex College, Corpus Christi College, Pembroke College, St. John's College, Trinity College, Queen's College, and many more.  Okay, off to Rome this afternoon, so I will add more on Monday or Tuesday.  Love to all.

Kings College

Botanic gardens

Fitzwilliam museum

GO BLUE!!

Update

Hello to all!!  Just wanted to give everyone an update about what is going on.  We (Maria, Leola, Barb & Myself), leave for Rome tomorrow (Thursday).  We are staying until late Saturday night.  Finals are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.  After finals, Barb and I are headed to Scotland.  We will be there August 5th - 8th and then we return to London.  At this point, we will part ways.  She is heading back to the States, and I am staying in London by myself for 10 days.  I return home on August 18th at 3:50pm into Detroit.  I am looking forward to spending time in London.  I have plans to visit the Zoo, the Aquarium, the National Gallery and the British Museum.  I will be staying at the Prince William Hotel, which is close to many of the major sights.  Okay, time to study.  I hope everyone is enjoying the website, remember, it is possible to post comments or you can always email me at stacylebbon@yahoo.com  I am unsure of my internet access once I leave Cambridge, but I will keep in touch with Ed so he can add text in case I am unable to.  Love to all.

To many movies to little time

Well hello all                                                                                                                                                    I have watched more movies since Stacy has been away then I have in my life time. Then the x box came along. Thanks mom and dad! But its hard now to find time to leave the couch. To many games to many movies out there for sleep.  Thank all for the cards and gifts.
Hi Stacy we love you and miss your bright face every day love ya lots.!!

                                                                                                     me 

Beautiful Day

Today was absolutely beautiful!!  The sun was shining and it did not rain - which is a huge deal here.  I got up around 8am and headed into town after doing some homework.  It is quiet in my house, as almost everyone is gone for the weekend.  Barb headed to Paris at 530 this morning.  She is spending the weekend at the Disneyland there.  I decided to just stay here and relax.  My first stop was to buy a new pair of tennis shoes.  My headed into the trash.  Then I walked through the Cambridge Farmers Market.  It is open 7 days a week, with different vendors there.  I bought a plum that was delicious.  Then I just walked around for a couple of hours before heading to the grocery store.  Called Ed before he headed into work and then I spent the next two hours at Parker's Piece.  It is a huge park across from the College, and it even has it's own Cricket Field.  Watched a Cricket match the other day, and understood NONE of it.  Got to touch a hedgehog last night.  They are all over campus late at night and early in the morning.  They do not attack or runaway, they just curl into a ball until the perceived danger leaves.  They are VERY prickly...kind of hurt my finger.  Well, just wanted to give an update.  I may send some pics of Cambridge to Ed to this weekend so he can get them up on the site.  Until next time.

Tower Bridge and the H.M.S Bbelfast

Big Ben and house or parliament

Westminster Abbey ( Rain clouds?)

Kensington gardens

London Part 2

Okay, sorry it took me so long to finally get the information from London up on the site.  Ed has the pictures, but is having computer difficulties.  My day started out by taking a bus ride into London to spend some time at the Royal Courts of Justice.  We picked a good day to go, as there was a major decision coming down on an appeal in a murder case.  I am sure no one over there has heard of Sion Jenkins, but he is accused of murdering his foster daughter about 7 years ago.  Now there is new forensic evidence and...he was granted a new trial.  It was a huge deal over here.  The court system is amazing over here.  We then went to lunch at the Middle Temple.  It is one of four organizations/buildings that trains barristers.  Law students in England have a choice of being a solicitor or a barrister upon graduation.  If you choose to be a barrister, you are the one that litigates all cases and it takes extra training.  It is a terribly long process.  Anyway, after that, Barb and I headed into London to spend the rest of the weekend.  We stayed at the same hotel we did 2wks ago...the Hotel Oliver.  On Saturday, we cruised around London on a double decker red bus, and we sat on top in the open.  We had to get off a couple of times, due to the rain and we needed to eat lunch and do a little shopping.  We saw Westminster Abbey, The Tower of London, The London Bridge, The Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, and so much more.  We went shopping on Regent Street - the busiest shopping street in London.  We found an awesome toy store called Hamleys - a lot like an FAO Schwartz.  We headed back to Cambridge on Sunday and just hung out and did a little homework.  I am staying in Cambridge this weekend, but heading to Rome, Italy next weekend.  I will be doing some exploring here in town, so will write more later.  Please feel free to comment on anything that you see on the website.  Also, for those sending mail, please remember that it takes 7-10 days to get to me and my last day here is 4 August 2004.  After that, I head to Scotland and no mail can reach me.  I love you all and will see you soon.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam was fabulous. Unfortunately, I just did not have enough time to do everything I wanted to. There was always a group of us, so I was never on my own. On Friday, we took a bus tour around to many places outside of Amsterdam. Our first stop was at the largest flower auction in the world in Aanseleer (I think I am spelling that right), there were so many flowers, but we were high up on a walkway. The place was absolutely HUGE!! Our second stop was not actually a stop. We drove through Rotterdam and were able to see many beautiful things, including a quite famous bridge that is entirely steel. I will check to see if I have a good picture so it can get on the website. We next stopped at the Delft Blue China Factory and learned the step-by-step process of creating these beautiful pieces. I had no idea the number of steps that are involved - and it is ALL done by hand!! We then drove through Den Haag and drove right by The Hague, the Peace Palace and the prison where Slobidan Milosevic is being tried for his war crimes. (I am pretty sure I just messed up his name) Our last stop was at this amazing place. It had all of the sights of the Netherlands in miniature. It took a good hour to walk through, but I could have spent so much more time there. The pictures of the Dutch boy and the Dyke & Queen Beatrix's Palace are from here. We did not get to actually see the palace as it is surrounded by woods. We did however see the "working palace" of the Queen in Den Haag. Unfortunately, no tours and the place was being worked on outside so we were unable to get any good pictures. That is my story so far. Next weekend, we are off to London again. We get to spend all day Friday at the Houses of Parliament, including a chance to sit in on some trials. Until next time, I send all of my love to everyone.

Dutch boy and the dyke

Delft Blue China at the factory

Queen Beatrix's Palace

The Experience So Far

Okay, Ed has loaded the pictures, but I am sure everyone is wondering what they are of. The bottom picture is the overflow spring that we saw at the Roman Baths. That place is absolutely amazing. The water coming out of the ground is 106 degrees!!! I was able to touch the water at an outside area where the Romans actually bathed. The middle picture is of the Tower of London. I have not yet been in it. I will be going there the weekend of the 16th. This is the Tower as viewed from across the street as we were heading to the train that would take us to Greenwich. Yes, I truly stood on the center of time and space. It is quite a feeling to be standing there. I will try to get those pictures up soon. The top picture is of part of Downing College where I am studying. We hold our classes in these buildings, and it also contains the dining hall. There are two identical buildings across from eachother, a beautiful library and a chapel. Today, we are headed to Amsterdam. I am looking forward to finally seeing the country that I am a part of. It means a lot to me to get the chance to be near my ancestry. I love you all and will write more soon.

lol

Hi all

lol

Day 2

Hello everyone! It was day two of classes today. I am enrolled in three classes: International Commercial Litigation, Comparative Arbitration Law, and The Law of War. They are all interesting classes, with a TON of reading. I am definitely looking forward to our weekend in London!! Unfortunately, I am unable to access the program that allows me to post pictures. On Sunday or Monday, I will email pics to Ed, and see if he can take care of it for me. Love to all and "Cheers" as they say here. =0)

Hello From England

Well, I made it to England. It was quite a trip. The plane ride was 7hrs w/a screaming child and a priest =0) Therefore, due to the child, I was unable to sleep at all, and it was an overnite flight. We arrive in England at 630am local time. Just so everyone knows, England is 5hrs ahead of Michigan. Today was the first day of classes, and then we explored Cambridge. The weather has been beautiful...in the 60s and 70s. However, it rains everyday at the same time. I miss everyone terribly, and am looking forward to coming home. Don't get me wrong, I am thrilled to be here and know that it will be a great experience. Ed, I love you very much and will talk to you soon. Hugs and kisses and all my love to all who view this site.

The Eagle has landed

Stacy has made her way to england. We cant wait to start seeing some pics of you and the town.

Stacy is off To England

We seen stacy off today Hope you have fun love ya lots Ed

I am leaving for England in just 4 days. I am not sure how, but Ed is managing to stay very calm. I, however, am ready to lose my mind. I love Ed very much, and thank God everyday for having him in my life. I know that I will miss him very much, but I will be looking forward to coming home and holding him in my arms again.

My Tigers Day Experience

My husband is the greatest. I thought we were going shopping at Target, and we were headed off to Detroit. I had not ever been to Comerica Park. The last time I saw the tigers, it was still in Tiger Stadium. We had great seats, and a fabulous fireworks show. It was also my first adventure into Hockeytown. We had a blast, and Ed passed out on the way home. IT WAS AWESOME!!!

The Tigers game

On a whim about 3 hrs before the ball game was starting I decided to take Stacy to a ball game. What a great time it ended up being. We first found tickets in the parking lot for $20 then received FREE party deck passes from the same person. Fireworks proceeded the game along with a trip to hockey town with skeet and Toni a couple we met at the ball park. What a great day!!! I love my wife

Hockey Town and new friends
Posted by Hello

Great day at the ball park!!
Posted by Hello

June 7, 2004 Ed & I went to Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek. I wanted Ed to experience the African Safari. It was so great watching him feed a giraffe for the first time. We also were fortunate enough to see the new baby zebra. We had a great time and were able to spend some time together before my trip to England. We both enjoyed it very much. 

YUMMY!! That tastes good! 

A Hole in ONE!! 

The Birthday girl!! 

Memorial weekend

Stacy and I spent the weekend together had a great time with her family at her Grandmothers house. Spent Monday playing mini golf and spent time at the driving range watching Stacy hit the golf ball was a great time!!