This past weekend my mom and I went into the city for my cousins, fiances, bridal shower in Fort Washington, New York.  We had groaned at the sight of the invitation which said the restaurant was located on 187th St.  We had never been that far uptown before and knew it would take over an hour each way.  After setting out on Saturday, taking new subway routes to knew places, going for a stroll in a new neighborhood, and meeting new people, it turned out to be a great day and a lovely experience.  The bridal shower was really more of a lunch (at a fantastic mexican restaurant)and gave my mom and I an opportunity to meet some of his fiances family members.  In attendance, were women from her mothers side of the family, from Malaga, Spain, and women from her fathers side of the family, who are Dominican.   It was very interesting for me to listen to the ladies speaking amongst themselves.  I am very excited for the cultural blending that will come from this marriage.

Fiance - (n) Wife to be

Bridal shower - (n) Celebration where friends and family give gifts to the bride

Groaned - (v) Sound expressing displeasure

"Setting out"- Phrase, meaning started or began 

Subway - (n) Electric railway operating under the ground

Stroll - (n) Leisurely walk

Opportunity (n) - Chance due to a favorable combination of circumstances

Heritage (n)- Practices that are handed down from the past through traditions

Blending - (v) Combine

1. On Saturday I went for a __________ in  the park.

2. I love talking to my relatives and finding out new information about my Italian __________. 

3. My brother __________ when I asked him to take out the garbage.  

4. Before _______________ on our ten hour drive, my mom made every one of us use the bathroom.

5. When we help my mom cook, I'm always the best at __________ all of the ingredients together. 

6. When Jenna walked into the _________________ she was so surprised!

7. Attending a top university allowed Mark the __________ to make crucial connections in business.

Collective Nouns
A collective noun is singular in form but names a group.

Example: I used the word family as a collective noun in my post when I wrote, "In attendance, were women from her mothers side of the family, from Malaga, Spain, and women from her fathers side of the family, who are Dominican."  Although the word family is used in its singular form, I am referring to all of the individuals who makeup that one group.

Use the collective nouns in the bank to complete the sentences.  

team     band     audience     herd

1. As Michelle slid into home plate, the _______________ erupted in cheers at once.
2. The _______________ had to carry their instruments for such a long time during the parade.
3.  Will Ferrell was so funny in the show, the _____________ was laughing the entire time.
4. The dog managed to gather the _______________ within seconds.