BBBS | Dick Foster - My 2010 Challenge

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My Little Brother, Emmanuel, and I spent a few hours this afternoon wandering around the streets of Franklin, TN enjoying the annual “Dickens of a Christmas” street festival! Music, horse drawn carriage ride, window shopping, and some food, of course! One of the first things on Emmanuel’s radar search was nachos – one of his favorite foods.

As you see in the photo we took a ride on a 12-passenger carriage drawn by 2 very large horses. It was a short ride, but fun. A first for Emmanuel.
The main street in downtown Franklin and a few side streets were blocked off for 2 days and hundreds of vendors set up shop for the street festival.

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A large band stand at the square hosted several musical acts throughout the weekend. We actually sat down for 10 minutes to enjoy some music. I point this out because Emmanuel is constantly on the go, except when we’re watching a 3D movie. Today he was also occupied with eating his nachos while we were listening to the music.

We even found Santa wandering down Main Street to the delight of kids and their parents — and Emmanuel.

In keeping with the Christmas theme, one vendor was selling sugar plums, which we just had to try. They were tasty, but one was enough for me.

Did you have the opportunity to enjoy a similar street festival to take a break from your holiday shopping at the malls?

Blaine Bishop and Tennessee Titans present Game Ball to BBBS Nov-2011

Big Brother Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee was honored by the Tennessee Titans during the game with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Emmanuel, my Little Brother, and several other Littles were on the field when Blaine Bishop presented an honorary game ball to Chris Suitter of BBBS of Middle Tennessee. Blaine is a former Titan and was a Little Brother in his youth.

The weather was not ideal – wet and cool – but Emmanuel, his grandmother, and I enjoyed watching the Titans defeat the Buccaneers 23-17. This is the second Titans football game that Emmanuel and I have attended this year thanks to the generosity of BBBS supporters.

The Game Football Given to BBBS

Emmanuel is pretty savvy about the football players and the game itself so he was elated when I told him that we had tickets for the game. As a matter of fact, Emmanuel started asking me during the summer months if we could go to a Titans game this fall.

BBBS is a great organization that helps kids reach their potential through one-to-one relationships with mentors. I’ve been a Big Brother since April of this year and it has been a great experience. Consider getting involved.

I’m training with Team Rio, which has been supporting BBBS of Middle TN for 8 years, to walk in the Music City half-marathon in April 2012. Join me in supporting this great cause for kids. Every $8 helps.

Fun Time at “Dickens of a Christmas”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee Honored at Tennessee Titans Football Game