tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51947007330461709902024-03-13T22:24:24.925-07:00a house full of insanityAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093314286383246564noreply@blogger.comBlogger338125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194700733046170990.post-57461821417755532482016-12-31T17:36:00.001-08:002016-12-31T17:36:54.152-08:00"When you wish upon a star" - Our Disney Cruise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We had a very exciting Christmas. </div>
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Our family woke up Christmas morning to Santa arriving and then packed </div>
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up for a trip to Florida and a Disney Cruise. </div>
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There was SO much excitement. </div>
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There were 22 of us in the group with Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins all on mom's side. </div>
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Even the American Girl Doll made the trip</div>
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and had an outfit for every event. </div>
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(yes we DID over pack!)</div>
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With temperatures in the 80s, we couldn't be in the pool enough! </div>
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And why wouldn't we when we could watch Disney movies from the pool</div>
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And eat an endless amount of ice cream cones. </div>
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The sunsets!! </div>
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Pirate Night - </div>
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AAAArrggghhh .. we embraced the pirate life on the ship. </div>
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Who doesn't love to wear an eyepatch and a parrot on their shoulder. </div>
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Lil Miss was in Princess heaven. </div>
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She met Elsa and Anna, and many others. </div>
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It was her favorite part of the trip. </div>
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{twirling with Minnie Mouse}</div>
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{Cinderella}</div>
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It was great to spend so much time with my family </div>
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and catch up and make memories. </div>
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Especially with this guy.... </div>
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Happiest Place on Earth for 4 days... but I am </div>
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super happy to be home. </div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093314286383246564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194700733046170990.post-5361641523296622762016-06-30T18:43:00.001-07:002016-06-30T18:43:09.353-07:00Baseball Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We've been knee deep in Baseball Season for </div>
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some time, and the end is near. </div>
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Tournaments started this week and my boys did fantastic </div>
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at their first game. </div>
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The Hubby is again helping coach and it melts my heart</div>
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watching those two talk baseball.</div>
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Bubba has pitched his share of games this year. </div>
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What a difference a year makes! </div>
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At Wednesday's night game, he hit a double and triple. </div>
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We are so proud of him. </div>
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Win or lose. </div>
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Good sportsmanship and attitude is what we are most proud of. </div>
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Bring me some Cracker Jack's.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093314286383246564noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194700733046170990.post-75079054422211358792016-05-26T12:56:00.002-07:002016-05-26T12:56:55.647-07:00Little Ballerina<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm bacccckkkk. </div>
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Okay, it has been 5 months since my last post. </div>
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I have not fallen off the face of the earth. </div>
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I've just been a mother of 4 kids. </div>
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If you have 4 or more kids.... you understand. </div>
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So I'm back. </div>
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Hopefully with summer around the corner, I will have time</div>
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to blog and share. That is my plan.</div>
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Because this blog is more than sharing... it is my scrapbook for my kids. </div>
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Our little ballerina. </div>
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We are a week away from her 2nd dance recital </div>
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and Mommy needed to practice a ballet bun with our short hair. </div>
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So we made it a dress rehearsal and showed Grandma what we have been learning this year. </div>
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She didn't like the attention at all. *wink wink</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JjTbesjJQu4/V0dSEuDV0DI/AAAAAAAARtg/UvTUZEUeWFEF8TGwiq1LIuhCbjrGPHQuQCLcB/s1600/lily%2Bdance%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JjTbesjJQu4/V0dSEuDV0DI/AAAAAAAARtg/UvTUZEUeWFEF8TGwiq1LIuhCbjrGPHQuQCLcB/s400/lily%2Bdance%2B3.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XNSDBzatrCA/V0dSFCAZ4eI/AAAAAAAARt0/1ffkVoKhidYi0UBK3zjC1kU8RdD-LEu6wCLcB/s1600/lily%2Bdance%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XNSDBzatrCA/V0dSFCAZ4eI/AAAAAAAARt0/1ffkVoKhidYi0UBK3zjC1kU8RdD-LEu6wCLcB/s400/lily%2Bdance%2B4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Spending this week with Grandma Judy has been really special. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PCs1nalUcjA/V0dSFcSVN7I/AAAAAAAARt4/X11lE2t2FOoH2kjUZykhRj_7lmOWln0UACLcB/s1600/lily%2Bdance%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PCs1nalUcjA/V0dSFcSVN7I/AAAAAAAARt4/X11lE2t2FOoH2kjUZykhRj_7lmOWln0UACLcB/s400/lily%2Bdance%2B7.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093314286383246564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194700733046170990.post-40063210906994464012015-12-31T08:39:00.001-08:002015-12-31T08:39:32.796-08:00Christmas Wrap Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our Christmas was filled with joy and so many memories. </div>
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I have just now had time to go through our </div>
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many pictures and relive the many Christmas memories we made this year.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HkRBfh7pZCE/VoVFNo6457I/AAAAAAAARow/DMsi0YNs6Io/s1600/DSC_2045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HkRBfh7pZCE/VoVFNo6457I/AAAAAAAARow/DMsi0YNs6Io/s320/DSC_2045.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-51jcpiLiMeU/VoVY4x_Z5RI/AAAAAAAARqU/ntpP4KdAFng/s1600/IMG_7552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-51jcpiLiMeU/VoVY4x_Z5RI/AAAAAAAARqU/ntpP4KdAFng/s320/IMG_7552.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zCbt5mQgAys/VoVGqGluffI/AAAAAAAARpc/UOPWorGaSdk/s1600/DSC_2146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zCbt5mQgAys/VoVGqGluffI/AAAAAAAARpc/UOPWorGaSdk/s320/DSC_2146.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Christmas morning, Santa found us at Grandma & Grandpa's house. </div>
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There was lots of squeals of delight as packages were ripped open.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JMAb4UOouy4/VoVGeKbLicI/AAAAAAAARo8/e7IYpIbe68s/s1600/DSC_2142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JMAb4UOouy4/VoVGeKbLicI/AAAAAAAARo8/e7IYpIbe68s/s320/DSC_2142.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Bubba's wish list read like a Dick's Sporting Goods catalog. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6LL7sGcwMbk/VoVGjtZ5eMI/AAAAAAAARpQ/-JdmzkMOLGE/s1600/DSC_2143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6LL7sGcwMbk/VoVGjtZ5eMI/AAAAAAAARpQ/-JdmzkMOLGE/s320/DSC_2143.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3iA_C5s5fk/VoVGuvjlEZI/AAAAAAAARpw/o3jW2abT_b4/s1600/DSC_2159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3iA_C5s5fk/VoVGuvjlEZI/AAAAAAAARpw/o3jW2abT_b4/s320/DSC_2159.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Rosie, opened her phone and had to go into another room </div>
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to scream from excitement! </div>
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I still can't believe Santa got her a phone. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-76UlsgT-Ueo/VoVGwLCoEhI/AAAAAAAARp8/qz_o3Oz57hk/s1600/DSC_2178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-76UlsgT-Ueo/VoVGwLCoEhI/AAAAAAAARp8/qz_o3Oz57hk/s320/DSC_2178.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We had many cousin moments, and those moments </div>
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are so much more important than any gifts. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g78ttRVcjko/VoVY6vpnDdI/AAAAAAAARqw/4eiNlSKKfEs/s1600/IMG_7703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g78ttRVcjko/VoVY6vpnDdI/AAAAAAAARqw/4eiNlSKKfEs/s320/IMG_7703.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j6ejfa--GdA/VoVY68zlL8I/AAAAAAAARq4/OrvF9ullk7A/s1600/IMG_7712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j6ejfa--GdA/VoVY68zlL8I/AAAAAAAARq4/OrvF9ullk7A/s320/IMG_7712.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fBORdB5UL7s/VoVY7ClaTbI/AAAAAAAARq0/e_F-fT8aiBM/s1600/IMG_7769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fBORdB5UL7s/VoVY7ClaTbI/AAAAAAAARq0/e_F-fT8aiBM/s320/IMG_7769.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now the tree is packed away.</div>
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The decorations are placed in their containers.</div>
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And all the glitter and lights of the holidays seem to be fading. </div>
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But the laughs and memories of this time we will forever </div>
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hold in our hearts to remember when we miss our family so far away. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3PhHX01eW5U/VoVY8fjoTMI/AAAAAAAARrQ/NN3mKK1GqDE/s1600/IMG_7833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3PhHX01eW5U/VoVY8fjoTMI/AAAAAAAARrQ/NN3mKK1GqDE/s320/IMG_7833.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now we are home. </div>
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Enjoying an Iowa winter.. </div>
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Shoveling the driveway and making snowmen. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hnY5SHAhbsQ/VoVY8foQfXI/AAAAAAAARrM/usL-rREbTH4/s1600/IMG_7834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hnY5SHAhbsQ/VoVY8foQfXI/AAAAAAAARrM/usL-rREbTH4/s320/IMG_7834.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We couldn't ask for more. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093314286383246564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194700733046170990.post-63738913500258246102015-12-06T08:25:00.000-08:002015-12-06T08:25:14.908-08:00Double Digits - the Big 10<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy Birthday to Bubba!</div>
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Today marks another momentous occasion... Double Digits!</div>
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Seriously can't believe it.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D1y8C6cIK1o/VmO8P6GHc6I/AAAAAAAARoY/x8CEwIU9UNs/s1600/DSC_1376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D1y8C6cIK1o/VmO8P6GHc6I/AAAAAAAARoY/x8CEwIU9UNs/s320/DSC_1376.JPG" width="210" /></a></div>
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We love you so dearly. </div>
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You are an incredibly amazing young man. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W2fpmY2hnW4/VmO8GpHm1DI/AAAAAAAARn4/eT1o3L7Fgn0/s1600/DSC_1381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W2fpmY2hnW4/VmO8GpHm1DI/AAAAAAAARn4/eT1o3L7Fgn0/s320/DSC_1381.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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Full of life, full of compassion, </div>
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and full of love.</div>
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You are a leader and I have no doubt you will change the world.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kCUjso5ShR0/VmO8HOWJtiI/AAAAAAAARoA/tZ5W4zyTlhk/s1600/DSC_1392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kCUjso5ShR0/VmO8HOWJtiI/AAAAAAAARoA/tZ5W4zyTlhk/s320/DSC_1392.JPG" width="211" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You have made such an impact in your 10 years, your </div>
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Dad and I can't wait to see what your future holds. </div>
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Happy 10th birthday little man! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093314286383246564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194700733046170990.post-66661938127868501052015-11-25T04:43:00.001-08:002015-11-25T04:43:32.272-08:00Uncle Neil Gets Married<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We are completely unpacked from our weekend in Charleston. </div>
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The bad news is that the clothes came out of the dryer and </div>
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straight into our bags for our Thanksgiving travels to Ohio. </div>
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<br /></div>
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We traveled to Charleston to be apart of Uncle Neil's wedding. </div>
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It couldn't have been more beautiful.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gLoOc1bgKmA/VlWgy_ZvGNI/AAAAAAAARm4/LGojAYsuSyM/s1600/IMG_6190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gLoOc1bgKmA/VlWgy_ZvGNI/AAAAAAAARm4/LGojAYsuSyM/s320/IMG_6190.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Lil Miss was excited for her first airplane ride. </div>
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She giggled through the first flight. </div>
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She even asked if she could have a plane ride for her 6th birthday! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--uBjWUcUJ_4/VlUNNBBYAfI/AAAAAAAARi4/9qJWI_x4vYs/s1600/IMG_6202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--uBjWUcUJ_4/VlUNNBBYAfI/AAAAAAAARi4/9qJWI_x4vYs/s320/IMG_6202.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The wedding festivities started right away. </div>
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We enjoyed every minute of celebrating with family. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JkIV08yXEck/VlUNN1nPttI/AAAAAAAARi8/3RnsKIWuBm8/s1600/IMG_6216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JkIV08yXEck/VlUNN1nPttI/AAAAAAAARi8/3RnsKIWuBm8/s320/IMG_6216.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Of course the scenery was amazing too,</div>
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the palm trees, weather, and smells of the beach.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AVeFt8xbDAw/VlUNODJpH4I/AAAAAAAARjA/pSAOlGCdglg/s1600/IMG_6283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AVeFt8xbDAw/VlUNODJpH4I/AAAAAAAARjA/pSAOlGCdglg/s320/IMG_6283.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The kids had their first experience at the ocean.</div>
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We had come straight from the wedding rehearsal, so </div>
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we were all in dress clothes but that didn't </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
stop us from getting in. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In fact, Lil Miss and Bubba were wet from head to toe!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Gh5L43P0oA/VlUNOTWjptI/AAAAAAAARjI/cjWAxw6BihM/s1600/IMG_6300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Gh5L43P0oA/VlUNOTWjptI/AAAAAAAARjI/cjWAxw6BihM/s320/IMG_6300.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The kids loved the water and the waves. </div>
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We stood in the water and felt the current steal the sand from underneath our feet. </div>
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We have sea shells in our pockets and took some hitch hiking sand with us back to Iowa. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e0n36kpsMzc/VlUNOsPUvyI/AAAAAAAARjU/Iuttsl5MKWQ/s1600/IMG_6319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e0n36kpsMzc/VlUNOsPUvyI/AAAAAAAARjU/Iuttsl5MKWQ/s320/IMG_6319.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We didn't get by unscathed though....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lil Miss woke up the day of the wedding with a </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
bug bite that had swollen her eye shut. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It didn't look pretty but she pulled off the puffy eye look like a pro.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Our trip included 3 trips to the 24 hour pharmacy -- allergy medicine, benadryl, and children's motrin) My kids outdoor allergies lit up while in South Carolina.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hQdgze7KGNM/VlUNOjqQfII/AAAAAAAARjY/3B-wU08KRJk/s1600/IMG_6334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hQdgze7KGNM/VlUNOjqQfII/AAAAAAAARjY/3B-wU08KRJk/s320/IMG_6334.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{Aunt Ashley (#1), Mother of the Groom aka. my Mother-in-law, and Me}</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uEoy-okqBIQ/VlUNOw9BNoI/AAAAAAAARjg/isQYStf7EAg/s1600/IMG_6339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uEoy-okqBIQ/VlUNOw9BNoI/AAAAAAAARjg/isQYStf7EAg/s320/IMG_6339.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{The Bride and Her Junior Bridesmaid}</div>
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Gigi was overjoyed to be a Junior Bridesmaid. </div>
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She loves her Uncle Neil and couldn't have been happier to spend extra </div>
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time with Ashley. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XYt9Veg6IrI/VlWpujq8nxI/AAAAAAAARnM/QpOeJKuWtlQ/s1600/IMG_6773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XYt9Veg6IrI/VlWpujq8nxI/AAAAAAAARnM/QpOeJKuWtlQ/s320/IMG_6773.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The girls got pampered and the boys played some golf. </div>
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Could the weather been any more perfect for a wedding?</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ll1D8IB1Z5M/VlWpuvD9ASI/AAAAAAAARnI/SJ_st9nGok8/s1600/IMG_6774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ll1D8IB1Z5M/VlWpuvD9ASI/AAAAAAAARnI/SJ_st9nGok8/s320/IMG_6774.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-664gakaFI_k/VlUN-xqrRTI/AAAAAAAARkY/yrkOTr6XqOc/s1600/IMG_6460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-664gakaFI_k/VlUN-xqrRTI/AAAAAAAARkY/yrkOTr6XqOc/s320/IMG_6460.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My daughter looked amazing coming down the aisle. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That smile.</div>
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I have to note that she walks better in heels than I do.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mPYYPhqW36M/VlUN_aHQn8I/AAAAAAAARko/BUX-O5xALv4/s1600/IMG_6571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mPYYPhqW36M/VlUN_aHQn8I/AAAAAAAARko/BUX-O5xALv4/s320/IMG_6571.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{the Junior Bridesmaid and Junior Groomsman}</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jQ3kgXAg7EI/VlUN_BjkC1I/AAAAAAAARkg/Vnd0JsSN61s/s1600/IMG_6531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jQ3kgXAg7EI/VlUN_BjkC1I/AAAAAAAARkg/Vnd0JsSN61s/s320/IMG_6531.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{Mr. and Mrs. Schulte}</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nDqboYmMAqg/VlUNPXEWeoI/AAAAAAAARjs/ArQswcZVbz0/s1600/IMG_6354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nDqboYmMAqg/VlUNPXEWeoI/AAAAAAAARjs/ArQswcZVbz0/s320/IMG_6354.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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{Nate with his parents and brothers}</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qTjvb4KMD3M/VlUN_8HcWUI/AAAAAAAARk0/HBvRB_o1jnk/s1600/IMG_6602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qTjvb4KMD3M/VlUN_8HcWUI/AAAAAAAARk0/HBvRB_o1jnk/s320/IMG_6602.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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{Nate and His Dad}</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0k7NItcmcKM/VlUOA-ya41I/AAAAAAAARlQ/C2EKOFKQLv0/s1600/IMG_6639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0k7NItcmcKM/VlUOA-ya41I/AAAAAAAARlQ/C2EKOFKQLv0/s320/IMG_6639.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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We all had fun on the dance floor. </div>
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The booty shaking fast dances and the slow dances.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C36QB_fTrCY/VlUOAKpwo_I/AAAAAAAARk4/pYH8n1xXX8Q/s1600/IMG_6617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C36QB_fTrCY/VlUOAKpwo_I/AAAAAAAARk4/pYH8n1xXX8Q/s320/IMG_6617.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The nieces and nephews all had fun dancing with their Aunt Ashely (#2).</div>
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We had to drag most of them off the dance floor at the end of the night. </div>
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Bubba showed everyone his new dance moves. </div>
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At one point he even did his front handspring.</div>
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I don't even know where he comes up with these moves, but he was definitely </div>
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fun to watch as he moved to the beat. </div>
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I had to fight my way to get a mother/son slow dance with him.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kszzs6k7BMY/VlUOAk2yvjI/AAAAAAAARlE/_JY9PFseFE4/s1600/IMG_6631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kszzs6k7BMY/VlUOAk2yvjI/AAAAAAAARlE/_JY9PFseFE4/s320/IMG_6631.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Lil Miss and Daddy found the sugar, no surprise. </div>
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Smores out by the fire pit. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ofp92sx4tIw/VlUOBT1nKpI/AAAAAAAARlU/tRt4f4fCQic/s1600/IMG_6654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ofp92sx4tIw/VlUOBT1nKpI/AAAAAAAARlU/tRt4f4fCQic/s320/IMG_6654.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The celebration for Neil and Ashley couldn't have been more perfect. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9rF96MrkaI/VlUN9zh0RuI/AAAAAAAARkI/AfWy_a6nWhs/s1600/IMG_6355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9rF96MrkaI/VlUN9zh0RuI/AAAAAAAARkI/AfWy_a6nWhs/s320/IMG_6355.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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We clean up nice, don't we?</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xp6lt6tjAPA/VlUOCCedcFI/AAAAAAAARlw/A8Ic_5T2MmU/s1600/IMG_6721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xp6lt6tjAPA/VlUOCCedcFI/AAAAAAAARlw/A8Ic_5T2MmU/s320/IMG_6721.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our family took an extra day in Charleston to sight see. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The only thing on Mommy's must do list was seafood. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Daddy wanted to tour the USS Yorktown at Patriot's Point </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vG_E3n1Jjgg/VlUOBrlI4PI/AAAAAAAARlY/E43h-qWQ6Ms/s1600/IMG_6681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vG_E3n1Jjgg/VlUOBrlI4PI/AAAAAAAARlY/E43h-qWQ6Ms/s320/IMG_6681.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I took this tour about 20 years ago with my parents on a visit to Charleston. </div>
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It's always surreal that I get to enjoy in these same things with my kids.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I-3KsziFBoY/VlUOBybFeCI/AAAAAAAARlk/ttapl1_VJh4/s1600/IMG_6705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I-3KsziFBoY/VlUOBybFeCI/AAAAAAAARlk/ttapl1_VJh4/s320/IMG_6705.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Before we knew it, we were packing up to go home. </div>
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I made the kids were lots of layers because the weather in Iowa was 50 colder at home.</div>
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It was a shock to our system.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X0fTQ_yQbmI/VlUOCcZM5mI/AAAAAAAARls/vaxJTGGHUVM/s1600/IMG_6728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X0fTQ_yQbmI/VlUOCcZM5mI/AAAAAAAARls/vaxJTGGHUVM/s320/IMG_6728.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Our flights home went smoothly. </div>
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We only had a 45 minute layover in Atlanta and there was </div>
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a little panic, but running from gate to gate... we made it. </div>
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At one point, Gigi was holding on my hand running with all her might </div>
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and said it was like a scene right out of Home Alone. </div>
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Then she held on tighter and told me not to leave her in the airport. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KYZf7S8hoUQ/VlUOCudFq6I/AAAAAAAARl4/op1-oxMD0ok/s1600/IMG_6733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KYZf7S8hoUQ/VlUOCudFq6I/AAAAAAAARl4/op1-oxMD0ok/s320/IMG_6733.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
AND this is what we came home to. </div>
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9" of snow. </div>
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The kids didn't wait 15 minutes go play in the snow. </div>
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Straight from the beach to the snow. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Congratulations Uncle Neil and Aunt Ashley! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We love you and couldn't be happier for you two. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093314286383246564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194700733046170990.post-77633229408379050022015-11-05T05:09:00.002-08:002015-11-05T05:09:59.900-08:00Lil Miss <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Being 5. </div>
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She has got it down. </div>
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This week alone she started to ride her bike all by herself. </div>
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Miss Independent. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SoSEwrKVR4g/VjtTyk0VvnI/AAAAAAAARiA/HzKGVzZX7pQ/s1600/DSC_0762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SoSEwrKVR4g/VjtTyk0VvnI/AAAAAAAARiA/HzKGVzZX7pQ/s320/DSC_0762.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HhgxR-Uk5Lw/VjtTupAjZDI/AAAAAAAARhk/tokBWxjrP4M/s1600/DSC_0688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HhgxR-Uk5Lw/VjtTupAjZDI/AAAAAAAARhk/tokBWxjrP4M/s320/DSC_0688.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sqHZcvriajQ/VjtTu8Zs38I/AAAAAAAARho/zWr94spGUIU/s1600/DSC_0693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sqHZcvriajQ/VjtTu8Zs38I/AAAAAAAARho/zWr94spGUIU/s320/DSC_0693.JPG" width="211" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BaGom8Y0phU/VjtTupXrALI/AAAAAAAARhg/sTv74uL92Dg/s1600/DSC_0720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BaGom8Y0phU/VjtTupXrALI/AAAAAAAARhg/sTv74uL92Dg/s320/DSC_0720.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JRxz9VAq34w/VjtTwDxqiKI/AAAAAAAARh0/XqDH-7-eOv8/s1600/DSC_0729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JRxz9VAq34w/VjtTwDxqiKI/AAAAAAAARh0/XqDH-7-eOv8/s320/DSC_0729.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BYGMw6it2Y4/VjtTwtpMo_I/AAAAAAAARh4/LAq4Y-NO20k/s1600/DSC_0748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BYGMw6it2Y4/VjtTwtpMo_I/AAAAAAAARh4/LAq4Y-NO20k/s320/DSC_0748.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U7LTsV05WDw/VjtTy6I8aRI/AAAAAAAARiE/m-EKE4tjYmk/s1600/DSC_0752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U7LTsV05WDw/VjtTy6I8aRI/AAAAAAAARiE/m-EKE4tjYmk/s320/DSC_0752.JPG" width="211" /></a></div>
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{A little girl and her lambie}</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-axbmkKO73So/VjtTzHhMhFI/AAAAAAAARiI/QJgrQkIuIpY/s1600/DSC_0759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-axbmkKO73So/VjtTzHhMhFI/AAAAAAAARiI/QJgrQkIuIpY/s320/DSC_0759.JPG" width="211" /></a></div>
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I love capturing at this moment. </div>
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Our Lil Miss.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093314286383246564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194700733046170990.post-6315425439959920992015-10-30T09:19:00.000-07:002015-10-30T09:19:25.102-07:00Halloween's of the Past<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have a feeling my years of all the kids dressing up for</div>
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Halloween are numbered. </div>
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The two oldest hadn't wanted to dress up at all this year</div>
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(until this week - last minute costumes to the rescue!)</div>
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Here is a reflection of all the costumes we have had in the past.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PmDf2HviIUY/Su3r7pwgWqI/AAAAAAAAAc0/2IosmHqvXRM/s1600/IMG_4749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PmDf2HviIUY/Su3r7pwgWqI/AAAAAAAAAc0/2IosmHqvXRM/s400/IMG_4749.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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{ 2009 }</div>
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This was our first year as parents. </div>
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Man were we overwhelmed. </div>
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And not ready for the intense candy rush that happens</div>
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after eating WAY too much candy. </div>
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(I talking about us not the kids. wink wink)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t7kQNe5vvK0/TM26sjEq8aI/AAAAAAAAB5Q/6NZ9ER-0BcU/s1600/IMG_6302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t7kQNe5vvK0/TM26sjEq8aI/AAAAAAAAB5Q/6NZ9ER-0BcU/s400/IMG_6302.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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{2010}</div>
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Lil Miss and I were only 2 days post our escape from the hospital</div>
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when trick or treaters came to the door this year. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mO1Y4flp_OI/TM26tPncSkI/AAAAAAAAB5g/EhK4rXDhJL0/s1600/IMG_6297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mO1Y4flp_OI/TM26tPncSkI/AAAAAAAAB5g/EhK4rXDhJL0/s320/IMG_6297.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-pjXJgOY4w/Tq9LFoXfpsI/AAAAAAAAD6U/MVAO4Gum13o/s1600/IMG_7248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-pjXJgOY4w/Tq9LFoXfpsI/AAAAAAAAD6U/MVAO4Gum13o/s400/IMG_7248.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{2011}</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The start of my son's Star Wars obsession. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kb9IoOuLUVI/Tq9LGQGSpkI/AAAAAAAAD6s/vHMBAIzCL2w/s1600/IMG_7243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kb9IoOuLUVI/Tq9LGQGSpkI/AAAAAAAAD6s/vHMBAIzCL2w/s400/IMG_7243.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Little Yoda.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n1x-EViIGio/UJHjpGaKpQI/AAAAAAAAJEY/uuIDiYsrYpQ/s1600/DSC_1350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n1x-EViIGio/UJHjpGaKpQI/AAAAAAAAJEY/uuIDiYsrYpQ/s400/DSC_1350.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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{2012}</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QmR6eVhN9uI/UnatwOSLt8I/AAAAAAAANjc/iYb5yjGTZu4/s1600/DSC_8363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QmR6eVhN9uI/UnatwOSLt8I/AAAAAAAANjc/iYb5yjGTZu4/s400/DSC_8363.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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{2013}</div>
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Iowa Octobers - Halloween costumes with turtlenecks and </div>
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long underwear under them. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9OVmsdvM_M0/VFT1gMcPUjI/AAAAAAAAQJo/kEh6sLxqqcs/s1600/IMG_3444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9OVmsdvM_M0/VFT1gMcPUjI/AAAAAAAAQJo/kEh6sLxqqcs/s400/IMG_3444.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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{2014}</div>
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<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093314286383246564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194700733046170990.post-40504572547598527882015-10-25T06:58:00.000-07:002015-10-25T06:58:12.723-07:00five.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy. </div>
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There is not a more perfect word </div>
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to describe this girl. </div>
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Today she turns 5. </div>
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How this happened, I'm not sure. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0i_NVX2DuhQ/VizPFCCLwZI/AAAAAAAARfs/ZkaSSQgL-lA/s1600/DSC_1103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0i_NVX2DuhQ/VizPFCCLwZI/AAAAAAAARfs/ZkaSSQgL-lA/s320/DSC_1103.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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{ 1 week old }</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j3CCFchzau8/VizSbl1P2AI/AAAAAAAARg4/g0iFEKIB5yk/s1600/lily%2B6%2Bmonth.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j3CCFchzau8/VizSbl1P2AI/AAAAAAAARg4/g0iFEKIB5yk/s320/lily%2B6%2Bmonth.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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{ 6 months old}</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6X5WlR6_Lwc/VizPnwUmD8I/AAAAAAAARf8/mdfpQvxL2v0/s1600/close%2Bup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6X5WlR6_Lwc/VizPnwUmD8I/AAAAAAAARf8/mdfpQvxL2v0/s320/close%2Bup.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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{ 1 year old }</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C-ENFFKZKFw/VizPo3lfYtI/AAAAAAAARgE/CWhGsa46_Ag/s1600/thumb%2Bsucker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C-ENFFKZKFw/VizPo3lfYtI/AAAAAAAARgE/CWhGsa46_Ag/s320/thumb%2Bsucker.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My little thumb sucker. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UckG20N58tc/VizQ8j-olhI/AAAAAAAARgo/-mGVxtOCQIU/s1600/lily%2Bsecond%2Bbirthday%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UckG20N58tc/VizQ8j-olhI/AAAAAAAARgo/-mGVxtOCQIU/s320/lily%2Bsecond%2Bbirthday%2B4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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{ 2 years old }</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8xu0y23XEKQ/VizR9bUSBwI/AAAAAAAARgw/fnmtpg2_E4M/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8xu0y23XEKQ/VizR9bUSBwI/AAAAAAAARgw/fnmtpg2_E4M/s320/10.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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{3 years old }</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RCa0edFP6cE/VEgKtj05zXI/AAAAAAAAQHI/FkH_rSkrDDg/s1600/lily%2B10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RCa0edFP6cE/VEgKtj05zXI/AAAAAAAAQHI/FkH_rSkrDDg/s320/lily%2B10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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{ 4 years old }</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qRC1dciWqa8/VizSywKiEpI/AAAAAAAARhA/nq_xgXM37gQ/s1600/DSC_0080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qRC1dciWqa8/VizSywKiEpI/AAAAAAAARhA/nq_xgXM37gQ/s320/DSC_0080.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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{ the big 5 }</div>
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Twinkle, Twinkle </div>
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little star</div>
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Brave & Beautiful </div>
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is what you are!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Happy Birthday Baby Girl!</div>
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<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093314286383246564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194700733046170990.post-44103224443824550032015-10-04T12:23:00.002-07:002015-10-04T12:23:34.400-07:00Fall Things I Love <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The last few days have really pushed us into Fall. </div>
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The temperature is dropping and its officially time to pull out the coats, hats, and gloves. </div>
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I embrace this time. </div>
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Falling Leaves</div>
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Scarves in every color</div>
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Boot season</div>
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Cozy nights by the fire</div>
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Apple Orchards</div>
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and</div>
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Especially the return of pumpkin EVERYTHING. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eGZETkFRAsU/VfaxIaJXPPI/AAAAAAAARdQ/q1K_ejI8gOw/s1600/IMG_4725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eGZETkFRAsU/VfaxIaJXPPI/AAAAAAAARdQ/q1K_ejI8gOw/s320/IMG_4725.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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{pumpkin spice latte}</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlPLvUyouJE/VhBQbl0GhNI/AAAAAAAARek/RNP2WWbEIGk/s1600/IMG_4920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlPLvUyouJE/VhBQbl0GhNI/AAAAAAAARek/RNP2WWbEIGk/s320/IMG_4920.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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{pumpkin shake from Whitey's}</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PFEMlcRpq-4/VhBQbi_jxyI/AAAAAAAAReo/MHxkObmhfbw/s1600/IMG_4963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PFEMlcRpq-4/VhBQbi_jxyI/AAAAAAAAReo/MHxkObmhfbw/s320/IMG_4963.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The house is decorated with pumpkins, gourds, and mums.</div>
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It is hard to resist picking up more pumpkins every time I </div>
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go to the store because you can never have too many.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r529IvRVs2g/VfaxKKONsaI/AAAAAAAARdw/I-PzyO6Remg/s1600/IMG_4783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r529IvRVs2g/VfaxKKONsaI/AAAAAAAARdw/I-PzyO6Remg/s320/IMG_4783.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I had the chance to take the girls to a pumpkin patch so we can check </div>
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that off our Fall Family Bucket List. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6nI_s1tD8V8/VfaxJ1mtzJI/AAAAAAAARd4/Os4E9Jq1UEU/s1600/IMG_4781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6nI_s1tD8V8/VfaxJ1mtzJI/AAAAAAAARd4/Os4E9Jq1UEU/s320/IMG_4781.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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This face painting quickly changed her halloween costume choice from </div>
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Cowgirl to Kitty Cat. </div>
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Then we took the family to an apple orchard yesterday. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CPEKZefOrFA/VhBSV6h3moI/AAAAAAAARfU/prqIICek3AM/s1600/DSC_9945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CPEKZefOrFA/VhBSV6h3moI/AAAAAAAARfU/prqIICek3AM/s320/DSC_9945.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The kids had fun loading up our bags with apples, </div>
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and even more fun eating the apples. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHIHL6DFPtk/VhBSRce-IAI/AAAAAAAARe4/36DJj7qqjK0/s1600/DSC_9921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHIHL6DFPtk/VhBSRce-IAI/AAAAAAAARe4/36DJj7qqjK0/s320/DSC_9921.JPG" width="211" /></a></div>
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We have great ambition to make apple pies and applesauce this week. </div>
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Now it sounds like a lot of work. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Shd-8PtHG4/VhBSVuZ9GGI/AAAAAAAARfQ/uWi6KQaqRyA/s1600/DSC_9941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Shd-8PtHG4/VhBSVuZ9GGI/AAAAAAAARfQ/uWi6KQaqRyA/s320/DSC_9941.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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But as the days get colder, cooking and baking in the kitchen </div>
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doesn't sound so bad. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PnzdCa94Ld8/VhBQJEobjeI/AAAAAAAARec/8tNomNJ3KMw/s1600/IMG_4796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PnzdCa94Ld8/VhBQJEobjeI/AAAAAAAARec/8tNomNJ3KMw/s320/IMG_4796.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Of course one of my favorite things about fall is... Football. </div>
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It wouldn't be fall with out the pigskin. </div>
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Time to bundle up to watch another game. </div>
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I am suddenly remembering how much I prefer watching the games on TV and not in the cold. </div>
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Bundle up.... </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093314286383246564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194700733046170990.post-52655059201586334202015-09-13T16:30:00.002-07:002015-09-13T16:30:50.022-07:00Are you ready for some FOOTBALL?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Full into football season. </div>
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NFL - because my husband plays pretend with his fantasy team.</div>
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College - because of the Buckeyes of course! </div>
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and now tackle football - yikes! </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z6np4DMtIJA/VfXle2b5zPI/AAAAAAAARbo/8vYfkWN0RJU/s1600/DSC_9502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z6np4DMtIJA/VfXle2b5zPI/AAAAAAAARbo/8vYfkWN0RJU/s320/DSC_9502.JPG" width="211" /></a></div>
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Yes, my son is putting on the pads and ready to play. </div>
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His first year and his team is doing awesome. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RD7Gyth6aAE/VfXlfP1uO1I/AAAAAAAARbs/Qi4X7aMzB00/s1600/DSC_9588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RD7Gyth6aAE/VfXlfP1uO1I/AAAAAAAARbs/Qi4X7aMzB00/s320/DSC_9588.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This mama was both excited and nervous as we watched them take the field today. </div>
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Holding my breath every time one of the boys were a little slower to get up making sure</div>
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that it wasn't my boy. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CvIAc7_DegU/VfXlhxuGJUI/AAAAAAAARb4/1wmeYQw8aQ4/s1600/DSC_9591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CvIAc7_DegU/VfXlhxuGJUI/AAAAAAAARb4/1wmeYQw8aQ4/s320/DSC_9591.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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He had a few blocks and ran the ball. </div>
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I also learned that I have a lot to learn about the sport, because I don't know what </div>
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some of the terms they call out are. </div>
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Like encroachment or an illegal formation is, but mommy is a newbie. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zplUR3MbOJU/VfXloX5DT-I/AAAAAAAARck/wyYGZGSd5OY/s1600/DSC_9724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zplUR3MbOJU/VfXloX5DT-I/AAAAAAAARck/wyYGZGSd5OY/s320/DSC_9724.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I did earn major cool mommy points with my choice of gloves though. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u2tT4yxfgLo/VfYFnwtZFkI/AAAAAAAARdA/jBj_LGt5pfU/s1600/IMG_4329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u2tT4yxfgLo/VfYFnwtZFkI/AAAAAAAARdA/jBj_LGt5pfU/s320/IMG_4329.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Football season... doesn't get much better than that! </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KKxZeg73c54/VfXlpjJFRlI/AAAAAAAARcw/LrRunOGsAbI/s1600/DSC_9766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KKxZeg73c54/VfXlpjJFRlI/AAAAAAAARcw/LrRunOGsAbI/s320/DSC_9766.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093314286383246564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194700733046170990.post-14500101898225332422015-08-28T05:08:00.000-07:002015-08-28T05:08:23.036-07:00Apple for the Teacher<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We are on day 5 of school, and I have a breather to put a few thoughts down. </div>
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Back to routine ( Hallelujah! ) </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CaFGpnbUI5A/Vd9oYqbeUJI/AAAAAAAARYg/BogfPX9viRY/s1600/IMG_4160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CaFGpnbUI5A/Vd9oYqbeUJI/AAAAAAAARYg/BogfPX9viRY/s320/IMG_4160.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The beginning of a new school year is just another document on how the kids </div>
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are growing up. Can't believe this is my oldest's last year of elementary. </div>
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This time next year she will be starting Junior High and Lil Miss will be starting kindergarten. </div>
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But let's not get ahead of ourselves... </div>
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To the 2015-2016 school year. </div>
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My kids are ruling the school being 5th, 4th and 3rd graders. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-05Cx_0kCb1A/Vd9omf_kGXI/AAAAAAAARYo/Y4UVr6pWRq8/s1600/DSC_9333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-05Cx_0kCb1A/Vd9omf_kGXI/AAAAAAAARYo/Y4UVr6pWRq8/s320/DSC_9333.JPG" width="210" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxZ6-t2XsAM/Vd9ommN9thI/AAAAAAAARYs/hqRrwARCMCs/s1600/DSC_9338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxZ6-t2XsAM/Vd9ommN9thI/AAAAAAAARYs/hqRrwARCMCs/s320/DSC_9338.JPG" width="211" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XdlNZQ7afwc/Vd9pITgggJI/AAAAAAAARZA/a4ypk7d5ZdE/s1600/DSC_9347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XdlNZQ7afwc/Vd9pITgggJI/AAAAAAAARZA/a4ypk7d5ZdE/s320/DSC_9347.JPG" width="211" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gOuKPJnUI_M/Vd9pHa0AgkI/AAAAAAAARY4/XKQtkWTCkUg/s1600/DSC_9371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gOuKPJnUI_M/Vd9pHa0AgkI/AAAAAAAARY4/XKQtkWTCkUg/s320/DSC_9371.JPG" width="211" /></a></div>
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We love our school.</div>
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It was so fun to see all the familiar teachers faces, friends (kid's and mommy's),</div>
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and to see new families to welcome into this wonderful community.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aX0Mlk-6rJI/VeBKIGk-E4I/AAAAAAAARbE/CIBI4zREh-Y/s1600/IMG_4216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aX0Mlk-6rJI/VeBKIGk-E4I/AAAAAAAARbE/CIBI4zREh-Y/s320/IMG_4216.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HiHS5PlEu5M/Vd9pLgOZ8eI/AAAAAAAARZQ/ZyF2RYrNce8/s1600/DSC_9376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HiHS5PlEu5M/Vd9pLgOZ8eI/AAAAAAAARZQ/ZyF2RYrNce8/s320/DSC_9376.JPG" width="211" /></a></div>
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Rosie couldn't wait to socialize with her friends. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eHym1S3CkW0/Vd9pPqMva7I/AAAAAAAARZk/X0uYgbwxs0s/s1600/DSC_9391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eHym1S3CkW0/Vd9pPqMva7I/AAAAAAAARZk/X0uYgbwxs0s/s320/DSC_9391.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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As excited as the oldest three were to go back, the little one was </div>
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a little sad. She just lost her three best friends. </div>
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She has told me "I'm bored" about 100 times this week. </div>
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Mommy apparently isn't as fun as her brother and sisters.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m78nWfAVWoE/Vd9pn2FRi9I/AAAAAAAARaQ/9vofMzfGqds/s1600/IMG_4315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m78nWfAVWoE/Vd9pn2FRi9I/AAAAAAAARaQ/9vofMzfGqds/s320/IMG_4315.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Have no fear though, she is starting preschool next week. </div>
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We unpacked her backpack Wednesday night and she </div>
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is ready to go. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W5K4L83kkzM/Vd9pqw-W7II/AAAAAAAARao/fX8EQEE50lM/s1600/IMG_4381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W5K4L83kkzM/Vd9pqw-W7II/AAAAAAAARao/fX8EQEE50lM/s320/IMG_4381.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Oh, and it only took 3 days into 5th grade for me to bring in reinforcements</div>
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for Math homework. </div>
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Glad daddy understands it all. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cXg5Sm8ZZRY/Vd9prVnv46I/AAAAAAAARaw/fZ3lQdHQ2xY/s1600/IMG_4385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cXg5Sm8ZZRY/Vd9prVnv46I/AAAAAAAARaw/fZ3lQdHQ2xY/s320/IMG_4385.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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So welcome back to a new school year. </div>
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I pray that my children's teacher love my kids,</div>
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That my kids love their teachers,</div>
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That we all try to be patient when learning something new,</div>
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That we respect other students opinions an feelings,</div>
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That we foster old friendships and make new ones too, </div>
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and that everyone tries to do their best. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093314286383246564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194700733046170990.post-20390872520218356862015-08-20T06:40:00.000-07:002015-08-20T06:57:02.433-07:00The Loss of Dodger<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last night we lost our beloved dog, Dodger. </div>
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We lost a family member. </div>
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He was an energetic puppy and never lost that </div>
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puppy craziness. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3hl_ChOSwfQ/VdW-svaqeXI/AAAAAAAARYI/FJWYBRLSDEk/s1600/P1010019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3hl_ChOSwfQ/VdW-svaqeXI/AAAAAAAARYI/FJWYBRLSDEk/s320/P1010019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hubby and I went to pick out Dodger the day after our Goddaughter Melissa's funeral. </div>
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We took our sister in law and niece to help us pick out the perfect dog. </div>
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And he couldn't have been more perfect. </div>
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Watching the litter play, Dodger was the more laid back of the crew. </div>
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Hubby put Dodger in the palm of his hand and he just sprawled out and relaxed. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Dodger helped us smile and concentrate on anything but the loss of our goddaughter. </div>
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He knew when we need snuggles and let me unload what I was feeling without judgement.</div>
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<br /></div>
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When we went through all the loss of multiple miscarriages, Dodger was there. </div>
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He was our first "baby". </div>
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He helped us prep for the rambunctiousness that occurred when years later three little </div>
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kids walked into our life. When I became a mom and didn't have as much time to cuddle, </div>
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he became my son's best friend. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p4Ll6R51oHQ/VdW-mXgyXHI/AAAAAAAARYA/RQDHzcQ0vZ0/s1600/Far%2Band%2BAway%2B-%2BOur%2BJourney%2Bin%2BLife_%2BSearch%2Bresults%2Bfor%2Bdodger.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p4Ll6R51oHQ/VdW-mXgyXHI/AAAAAAAARYA/RQDHzcQ0vZ0/s1600/Far%2Band%2BAway%2B-%2BOur%2BJourney%2Bin%2BLife_%2BSearch%2Bresults%2Bfor%2Bdodger.JPG" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k8TugdOQkL4/VdW-eZ8qKxI/AAAAAAAARXo/tBMyQdtRFlE/s1600/DSC_1616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k8TugdOQkL4/VdW-eZ8qKxI/AAAAAAAARXo/tBMyQdtRFlE/s320/DSC_1616.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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"I have found that when you are deeply troubled, </div>
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there are things you can get from the </div>
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silent devoted companionship of a dog </div>
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that you cannot get from any other source." </div>
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Doris Day</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-llbww_lauSA/VdW-isnQJPI/AAAAAAAARX4/2md2r3st8q8/s1600/photo%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-llbww_lauSA/VdW-isnQJPI/AAAAAAAARX4/2md2r3st8q8/s1600/photo%2B3.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There is nothing like puppy love. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dodger </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(2005 - 2015)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093314286383246564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194700733046170990.post-90466069669370044582015-07-23T13:32:00.000-07:002015-07-24T06:59:20.548-07:00a crowded camper is better than an empty castle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eqbjKAqB-OY/VbFEyL5Z5gI/AAAAAAAARWE/1Dpc8EyG-oo/s1600/IMG_2527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eqbjKAqB-OY/VbFEyL5Z5gI/AAAAAAAARWE/1Dpc8EyG-oo/s320/IMG_2527.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I am still scratching my bug bites from this weekend's camping trip. </div>
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We spent 6 days in the camper enjoying 3 days in Michigan and 3 days in Indiana. </div>
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Although there was an infestation of mosquitos everywhere, we enjoyed every minute.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0qz-YuAaNyE/VbFD0FJp4sI/AAAAAAAARVE/HZoFXid3uXQ/s1600/IMG_2427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0qz-YuAaNyE/VbFD0FJp4sI/AAAAAAAARVE/HZoFXid3uXQ/s320/IMG_2427.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We met all of the Hubby's family in Michigan on Marble Lake. </div>
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The kids had lots of cousins and friends to play with and spent every ounce of </div>
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energy out on the water. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sptMyQJE9-I/VbFD496jK2I/AAAAAAAARVM/_4aYBzwP6xI/s1600/IMG_2446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sptMyQJE9-I/VbFD496jK2I/AAAAAAAARVM/_4aYBzwP6xI/s320/IMG_2446.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Hubs actually posed in a pic for me. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VneZyO-ultQ/VbFEAL24gvI/AAAAAAAARVU/KY8MVhvkZMc/s1600/IMG_2452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VneZyO-ultQ/VbFEAL24gvI/AAAAAAAARVU/KY8MVhvkZMc/s320/IMG_2452.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We appreciate all the time getting to know our future Aunt Ashley #2 better. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c6NAuh9GHZw/VbFEGb2pbrI/AAAAAAAARVc/zQHrvbdyJHg/s1600/IMG_2463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c6NAuh9GHZw/VbFEGb2pbrI/AAAAAAAARVc/zQHrvbdyJHg/s320/IMG_2463.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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(Me between the 2 Ashleys)</div>
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We haven't quite figured out how we are going to tell the two apart yet, except for saying #1 or #2. </div>
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But we are working on nicknames.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N0itLONHKOw/VbFEL0H8nOI/AAAAAAAARVk/k--2y7JWfDk/s1600/IMG_2455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N0itLONHKOw/VbFEL0H8nOI/AAAAAAAARVk/k--2y7JWfDk/s320/IMG_2455.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Gigi is pretty much love struck when her Uncle Neil is around.</div>
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The ice cream sandwiches at after every meal helps. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-USHfirY6JH4/VbFEfS6RpRI/AAAAAAAARVs/wuL3GeX59dM/s1600/IMG_2478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-USHfirY6JH4/VbFEfS6RpRI/AAAAAAAARVs/wuL3GeX59dM/s320/IMG_2478.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
AND these two.... don't let their smiles fool you.... they are trouble! </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T7OdQFQHfh4/VbFElxCrQ2I/AAAAAAAARV0/HNm_B0w5ntE/s1600/IMG_2494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T7OdQFQHfh4/VbFElxCrQ2I/AAAAAAAARV0/HNm_B0w5ntE/s320/IMG_2494.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To extend our vacation a little bit longer this year, we spent the early part of this week camping with my in-laws in the beautiful Pokagon State Park in Indiana. </div>
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The park was loaded with trails, bike paths, playgrounds, Nature Center, and a public beach. </div>
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It is one of the nicest campgrounds we have stayed in. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q5PzZhaj6jI/VbFEquSLsGI/AAAAAAAARV8/yDbnTGlEyO4/s1600/IMG_2514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q5PzZhaj6jI/VbFEquSLsGI/AAAAAAAARV8/yDbnTGlEyO4/s320/IMG_2514.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QIN5Leq5OIE/VbFE7D1bxzI/AAAAAAAARWM/Ro9EuyEWOoY/s1600/IMG_2566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QIN5Leq5OIE/VbFE7D1bxzI/AAAAAAAARWM/Ro9EuyEWOoY/s320/IMG_2566.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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{Lightning Bug catching}</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cs467O4DbnU/VbFH8En_qtI/AAAAAAAARWY/1lbrboxS-UM/s1600/IMG_2671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cs467O4DbnU/VbFH8En_qtI/AAAAAAAARWY/1lbrboxS-UM/s320/IMG_2671.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oweqvMSKu8o/VbFIGtVB8CI/AAAAAAAARWg/axJX7HxGWqw/s1600/IMG_2706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oweqvMSKu8o/VbFIGtVB8CI/AAAAAAAARWg/axJX7HxGWqw/s320/IMG_2706.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Grandma and Grandpa and a slew of the grandkids. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lNKqW2ROXU8/VbFIQkdD-1I/AAAAAAAARWo/ifmMyB0-ILc/s1600/IMG_2700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lNKqW2ROXU8/VbFIQkdD-1I/AAAAAAAARWo/ifmMyB0-ILc/s320/IMG_2700.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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As hard as it is to grow up as an Aunt and Uncle who live farther away the </div>
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nieces and nephews don't know us as well... time together means so much more. </div>
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By day 5, Nate finally had Miley warmed up to him. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-svVbc7ByPAg/VbFIYyJ2t_I/AAAAAAAARWw/yn28ZKLs_w0/s1600/IMG_2748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-svVbc7ByPAg/VbFIYyJ2t_I/AAAAAAAARWw/yn28ZKLs_w0/s320/IMG_2748.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When we drove into Pokagon we saw that they had horse stables. Hubby knows </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my love for horseback riding (which I do as often as I can which is like once every 10 years, LOL) </div>
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So he splurged and let the kids and I go on a trail ride. </div>
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Lil Miss got to enjoy a small pony ride and she was smitten with Roxy the Horse. </div>
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We are now drawing pictures for Roxy everyday and putting them in envelopes in hopes to send to her. Let's hope the horse likes getting mail.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oxGK6EBX-cs/VbFIfir9u0I/AAAAAAAARW4/3wPU4PhGIGA/s1600/IMG_2799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oxGK6EBX-cs/VbFIfir9u0I/AAAAAAAARW4/3wPU4PhGIGA/s320/IMG_2799.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The kids and I rode 45 minutes on Roxy, Fred, Chauncy, and Whiskey. </div>
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Mommy was on Whiskey, the slow horse, who liked to go off path and eat the tall grass. </div>
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The kids found this all too funny. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I keep telling Hubby we should sell the house and move into the camper. </div>
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Because we could do it. </div>
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Yes, I would desperately miss my long hot showers and my washer and dryer, </div>
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but camping suits us. </div>
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When I get home and have to sweep our house and clean all 4 bathrooms, I think </div>
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the camper is soooo much easier to clean. </div>
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But he sadly informs me of Iowa winters (Brrrrrr) and we will save the camping for </div>
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extended weekends from Spring til Fall. </div>
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He also informs me that if we were to move all 6 of us and 2 dogs and "our stuff" into the camper, </div>
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I would not find it fun anymore. Agreed. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093314286383246564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194700733046170990.post-24129854885402376092015-06-21T09:34:00.000-07:002015-06-21T09:34:19.979-07:00The Dads in my life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's Father's Day. </div>
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A shout out to the best daddy in the world. </div>
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The kids are so lucky to have you as their Dad. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GxwsvQkm_dY/VYa7C5OdS_I/AAAAAAAARTk/BZnD2NMR1Ok/s1600/IMG_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GxwsvQkm_dY/VYa7C5OdS_I/AAAAAAAARTk/BZnD2NMR1Ok/s320/IMG_0030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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You are such a good teacher, confidant, boo-boo fixer, </div>
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teddy bear, and role model.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kvpD3beOERU/VYbAalxn3zI/AAAAAAAARUE/yhcTg-EG8Bk/s1600/IMG_1360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kvpD3beOERU/VYbAalxn3zI/AAAAAAAARUE/yhcTg-EG8Bk/s320/IMG_1360.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You came into this daddy role so effortlessly. </div>
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You picked the kids up in your arms and never let them go. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b6exegx4D2g/VYbAajRGHRI/AAAAAAAARUA/DNvHrccnSbg/s1600/IMG_1362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b6exegx4D2g/VYbAajRGHRI/AAAAAAAARUA/DNvHrccnSbg/s320/IMG_1362.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You are such the coolest dad and they love you to pieces.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MR8YQVujVuQ/VYbAaoOu8aI/AAAAAAAARUI/EPjZBaUXBCo/s1600/IMG_1361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MR8YQVujVuQ/VYbAaoOu8aI/AAAAAAAARUI/EPjZBaUXBCo/s320/IMG_1361.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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To my Father-In-Law, thank you for being such a wonderful example to your sons. </div>
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You are one of the most selfless people I know and is always there to lend a helping hand. </div>
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You have taught your son what it is to help others and work hard.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A5BMs42ssWE/VYbBGL1ZjVI/AAAAAAAARUY/O35Ns4A7ry0/s1600/IMG_1169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A5BMs42ssWE/VYbBGL1ZjVI/AAAAAAAARUY/O35Ns4A7ry0/s320/IMG_1169.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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June is a hard month. </div>
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Yes it is the start of summer and we fill the days with camps, summer fun, and sleepovers... but </div>
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it is also a month filled with reminders of my Dad. </div>
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June 1st was the day 4 years ago that we lost him.</div>
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June 10th was his birthday. </div>
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And today is Father's Day.</div>
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It's left a hole in my heart. </div>
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As much as I want to make Father's Day a special extraordinary day for my Hubby, it is reminder </div>
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that my Dad isn't here to call, or visit, or give a hug to. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y4A6nXyD1l4/VYa8nXYbNaI/AAAAAAAARTw/KeKXIclJJeE/s1600/IMG_1364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y4A6nXyD1l4/VYa8nXYbNaI/AAAAAAAARTw/KeKXIclJJeE/s320/IMG_1364.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So to all of you with a Dad close by give him an extra squeeze today. </div>
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Spend 5 extra minutes with him on the phone asking him how his day is. </div>
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You never know when you won't have him there beside you. </div>
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<br /></div>
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"A good father is one of the most unsung, upraised,</div>
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unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society."</div>
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Billy Graham</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093314286383246564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194700733046170990.post-66895466573793681122015-06-01T04:00:00.000-07:002015-06-01T04:00:06.540-07:00Cute in a Tutu<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This past Saturday, Lil Miss was in her first ever dance recital. </div>
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She has been up and down about dance all year. </div>
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Some days she is super excited about it, and other days you couldn't drag her </div>
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off my lap to participate in class. </div>
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But give her a cute sparkly sequined tutu and lipstick... and we have a dancing DIVA.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IG4d5X7YLnw/VWsBV88tQ6I/AAAAAAAARRc/Thg2-JfKtW0/s1600/lily%2Bcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IG4d5X7YLnw/VWsBV88tQ6I/AAAAAAAARRc/Thg2-JfKtW0/s640/lily%2Bcollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: center;"> As soon as she got her outfit on for dress rehearsal, she asked if she could wear this forever. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: center;">She turned into a prima donna. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JtGm8uCF72c/VWr_-n1nUUI/AAAAAAAARPw/eaan5yJ1h8o/s1600/IMG_0473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JtGm8uCF72c/VWr_-n1nUUI/AAAAAAAARPw/eaan5yJ1h8o/s320/IMG_0473.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I successfully got all that thick hair in a ballerina bun and she couldn't wait to dance.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eVC7kovr4d8/VWsASM7cpMI/AAAAAAAARQU/b6_eQpfkHXI/s1600/IMG_0507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eVC7kovr4d8/VWsASM7cpMI/AAAAAAAARQU/b6_eQpfkHXI/s400/IMG_0507.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wBY7u1OisKE/VWsATO82bdI/AAAAAAAARQg/JAJg6WPjPik/s1600/IMG_0519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wBY7u1OisKE/VWsATO82bdI/AAAAAAAARQg/JAJg6WPjPik/s320/IMG_0519.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She danced her little heart out on stage. </div>
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She blew kisses to mommy and daddy, and followed the teacher in all the steps. </div>
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I couldn't be prouder. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WWhnOBRTlh0/VWsATxsXXDI/AAAAAAAARQ4/n8Q6eCKCMhw/s1600/IMG_0532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WWhnOBRTlh0/VWsATxsXXDI/AAAAAAAARQ4/n8Q6eCKCMhw/s320/IMG_0532.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Her biggest fan was there watching and she couldn't wait for him to see her. </div>
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He surprised her with flowers and then she poked them into everyone's face </div>
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to smell them. Brother, sisters, and random strangers. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ifeXwE81DLc/VWvGDHSsLiI/AAAAAAAARSE/piF-qGtcD70/s1600/IMG_0567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ifeXwE81DLc/VWvGDHSsLiI/AAAAAAAARSE/piF-qGtcD70/s320/IMG_0567.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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We tried this year in dance to get our feet wet and see if she would like it. <span id="goog_1579749695"></span></div>
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With her older sisters, one didn't like it at all and the other had massive stage fright. </div>
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I think we are going to have to sign this one up for another year. </div>
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Happy Feet! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093314286383246564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194700733046170990.post-83846416655663651162015-05-31T05:23:00.000-07:002015-05-31T05:23:25.570-07:00School is Out! Scream and Shout!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We are officially in Summer mode. </div>
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School let out on Thursday and we celebrated another year completed.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ylvUe26ENeo/VWoN6XSJARI/AAAAAAAARMM/sJ3QHATU9Sk/s1600/rosie%2B2014-2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ylvUe26ENeo/VWoN6XSJARI/AAAAAAAARMM/sJ3QHATU9Sk/s320/rosie%2B2014-2015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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{First and Last Day of 4th Grade} </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_HvOw-e2wSU/VWoN67iTlpI/AAAAAAAARMk/VYSwxLWXBH4/s1600/xman%2B2014-2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_HvOw-e2wSU/VWoN67iTlpI/AAAAAAAARMk/VYSwxLWXBH4/s320/xman%2B2014-2015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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{First and Last Day of 3rd Grade} </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c1dmrhANfdI/VWoN6XWrngI/AAAAAAAARMU/2Oq20BUxaCQ/s1600/gigi%2B2014-2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c1dmrhANfdI/VWoN6XWrngI/AAAAAAAARMU/2Oq20BUxaCQ/s320/gigi%2B2014-2015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: center;">{First and Last Day of 2nd Grade} </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oq1wYoiHWig/VWoN6ZOf1MI/AAAAAAAARMQ/rXxGb1vkW-w/s1600/lily%2B2014-2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oq1wYoiHWig/VWoN6ZOf1MI/AAAAAAAARMQ/rXxGb1vkW-w/s320/lily%2B2014-2015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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{First and Last Day of 3 Day Preschool} </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FBCVsJ-ry6c/VWpOIrfZfcI/AAAAAAAAROc/FsIfe_yCAXc/s1600/IMG_0317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FBCVsJ-ry6c/VWpOIrfZfcI/AAAAAAAAROc/FsIfe_yCAXc/s320/IMG_0317.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In true mommy fashion, I had a little pile of new things for waiting for them in the morning.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The downfall of having surprises for the kids is the excitement. </div>
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On the last day of school Bubba, came down for a glass of water at 5 am </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and saw the gifts on the table and then woke up his little sisters.</div>
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When Nate went downstairs to go to work 3 of the kids were up and </div>
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ready to start the day.... WAY to early. </div>
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Let's home they learn to sleep in the rest of the summer. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ppqRXfllPQ/VWpOI8hSryI/AAAAAAAAROg/ygux2EVFHJw/s1600/IMG_0319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ppqRXfllPQ/VWpOI8hSryI/AAAAAAAAROg/ygux2EVFHJw/s320/IMG_0319.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is always fun to see the kid's delight in getting new books, notebooks, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
pencils, bookmarks, and reading logs for the summer. </div>
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In fact that morning they were all ready delving into the books and Bubba </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
was penning his first entry in his new journal. </div>
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Let's hope this excitement lasts all summer long. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mommy is way to excited to start The Babysitter's Club books with Gigi. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c8ksambK2z0/VWpID-WWKeI/AAAAAAAAROI/V_P_hPMnAF0/s1600/IMG_0344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c8ksambK2z0/VWpID-WWKeI/AAAAAAAAROI/V_P_hPMnAF0/s320/IMG_0344.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Next year will be Rosie's last year in elementary school. </div>
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It is crazy to think about. </div>
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I remember dropping her off on the first day of preschool when she was 5.</div>
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It is amazing how much the kids can learn in a year. </div>
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Rosie continued her love for science and fell in love with geography this year. </div>
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Bubba has found an eagerness to read. He has ventured into more advanced chapter books and his vocabulary in one year has really broadened. We are currently reading the first book of Harry Potter!</div>
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Gigi loves school and is my little writer. She is always journaling and writing mini books. </div>
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Last but not least, Lil Miss has grown up before my very eyes in 3 day pre-k. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gzttwyWKqR4/VWpHtrZoqNI/AAAAAAAARN8/qU8lb1FN5uQ/s1600/IMG_0370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gzttwyWKqR4/VWpHtrZoqNI/AAAAAAAARN8/qU8lb1FN5uQ/s320/IMG_0370.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We love our school. </div>
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They really have great school pride and school spirit. </div>
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A great tradition is the last day of school, all the students congregate outside with the parents around the flag pole to take the flag down. In brings everyone together. </div>
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I great way to say good-bye to another year. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rex8FRKD4s4/VWpHMhOelrI/AAAAAAAARNI/DTUkd6sAJGs/s1600/IMG_0371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rex8FRKD4s4/VWpHMhOelrI/AAAAAAAARNI/DTUkd6sAJGs/s320/IMG_0371.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Once again we celebrated with our "Welcome to Summer" party.</div>
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The kids each had some friends over and we celebrated with music, water balloons, </div>
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slip-n-slide shenanigans, and lots of laughs. </div>
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Celebrating the ordinary days is what I do best. </div>
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I love having parties. I like the planning and the fine details (even when my hubby is </div>
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telling me I'm nuts for decorating the chalk board at 11pm at night).</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4AJupfMDrdg/VWpHL74_7KI/AAAAAAAARM0/09AXGxtR6sQ/s1600/IMG_0360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4AJupfMDrdg/VWpHL74_7KI/AAAAAAAARM0/09AXGxtR6sQ/s320/IMG_0360.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I found this quote a long time ago and I have made it my philosophy. </div>
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Turn ordinary into extraordinary!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> Don't Wait for extraordinary opportunities, </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>sieze common occasions and make them great. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Orison Sweet Marden</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-28fTkFHEvY0/VWpHNsygssI/AAAAAAAARNY/n6GC2WnDC50/s1600/IMG_0376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-28fTkFHEvY0/VWpHNsygssI/AAAAAAAARNY/n6GC2WnDC50/s320/IMG_0376.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jEYyTQEx9RI/VWpHOHFnpfI/AAAAAAAARNg/XRIAdZoAl14/s1600/IMG_0385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jEYyTQEx9RI/VWpHOHFnpfI/AAAAAAAARNg/XRIAdZoAl14/s320/IMG_0385.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had spent an hour and a half the night before filling up 100 water balloons. </div>
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I have a nasty blister to prove it. Those balloons in all the craziness lasted all of 7 minutes</div>
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when the balloons started splashing Boys vs. Girls.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J3luSIAGJgc/VWpHOr52zjI/AAAAAAAARNo/4J-2l__fD9o/s1600/IMG_0410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J3luSIAGJgc/VWpHOr52zjI/AAAAAAAARNo/4J-2l__fD9o/s320/IMG_0410.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We can honestly say we have jumped wholeheartedly into summer and </div>
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can't wait to make more memories. </div>
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More fun to come....</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093314286383246564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194700733046170990.post-36651654037116143182015-05-26T05:30:00.000-07:002015-05-26T05:30:00.828-07:00just a kid at heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I like to doodle. </div>
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I have grocery lists that have become more trees and flowers than </div>
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grocery list. </div>
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I have people's phone numbers on post-its that are indistinguishable from all the chicken scratches I couldn't help draw. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vVZIRPFNW7U/VVynMU7vFWI/AAAAAAAARJI/rL1s9XjNhwc/s1600/brown%2Bbag%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vVZIRPFNW7U/VVynMU7vFWI/AAAAAAAARJI/rL1s9XjNhwc/s320/brown%2Bbag%2B1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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So I put my skills to good use when I pack my kid's lunch. </div>
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Hopefully this will be something my kid's remember about their mom when they grow up. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pmf1J6L6ma8/VVynLmHYFMI/AAAAAAAARJA/nvUKMe5x4jM/s1600/brown%2Bbag%2Bcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pmf1J6L6ma8/VVynLmHYFMI/AAAAAAAARJA/nvUKMe5x4jM/s320/brown%2Bbag%2Bcollage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nothing fancy, but a little something from their momma. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hT7bFdbezbY/VVynMvx9-DI/AAAAAAAARJM/0r6pmYJZMX8/s1600/brown%2Bbag%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hT7bFdbezbY/VVynMvx9-DI/AAAAAAAARJM/0r6pmYJZMX8/s320/brown%2Bbag%2B2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our brown bag art... just call me a kid at heart.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093314286383246564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194700733046170990.post-78311076422071530782015-05-21T04:37:00.001-07:002015-05-21T04:37:40.042-07:00and so the adventure begins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's that time of year. </div>
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We get ready to live weekends in our second home. </div>
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The camper. </div>
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The first camping weekend of the year is always the most work. </div>
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Finding all the things that we took out of the camper always requires a little digging and </div>
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a whole lot of memory power. </div>
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A few things are usually forgotten. Such as: salt and pepper, butter, </div>
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my daughter's socks, and enough blankets for the cold nights. Ooops</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yseuqmgxXIQ/VV28AvNtLWI/AAAAAAAARKE/l2fh2Eq9JD4/s1600/IMG_9530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yseuqmgxXIQ/VV28AvNtLWI/AAAAAAAARKE/l2fh2Eq9JD4/s320/IMG_9530.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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By camping trip number 2, I've usually remedied the situation and we are more prepared.</div>
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The kids are always excited to camp. </div>
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They see camping as playing outside, hiking, and eating smores.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C20brKRK814/VV28Aj35OEI/AAAAAAAARKA/hvpLOfFd90A/s1600/IMG_9546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C20brKRK814/VV28Aj35OEI/AAAAAAAARKA/hvpLOfFd90A/s320/IMG_9546.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mom sees camping as living outside (as close to my dream treehouse as I'm going to get),</div>
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hiking and exploring, and nights around the campfire with the hubby.</div>
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Sounds like a dream vacation to me. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CF7vrudUhxU/VV28BU3f26I/AAAAAAAARKQ/AuAmx6k_Kdk/s1600/IMG_9558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CF7vrudUhxU/VV28BU3f26I/AAAAAAAARKQ/AuAmx6k_Kdk/s320/IMG_9558.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w_e7u0y0oUE/VV28Bzvk9VI/AAAAAAAARKU/nqrFQOX9pyw/s1600/IMG_9560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w_e7u0y0oUE/VV28Bzvk9VI/AAAAAAAARKU/nqrFQOX9pyw/s320/IMG_9560.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Of course when we return from a camping trip we are a little dirty.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nrBDFsjdIrU/VV28CfC0k5I/AAAAAAAARKw/E6VXK6f_-rY/s1600/IMG_9580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nrBDFsjdIrU/VV28CfC0k5I/AAAAAAAARKw/E6VXK6f_-rY/s320/IMG_9580.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Some of us more than others...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rt-hABKEeD8/VV28Cw7eS9I/AAAAAAAARKo/lb0mODmwwec/s1600/IMG_9589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rt-hABKEeD8/VV28Cw7eS9I/AAAAAAAARKo/lb0mODmwwec/s320/IMG_9589.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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And no camping trip is complete without smores. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--nmwxXe4JDo/VV28DS2F0iI/AAAAAAAARK0/EafNVN8FvX4/s1600/IMG_9592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--nmwxXe4JDo/VV28DS2F0iI/AAAAAAAARK0/EafNVN8FvX4/s320/IMG_9592.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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New Trick: Marshmallows between fudge stripe cookies.... mmmmm</div>
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Thanks for the tip Aunt Dini. </div>
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<br /></div>
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So be warned the camping post will start because that is where we spend the weekends. </div>
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In the Great Outdoors.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093314286383246564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194700733046170990.post-86421280743574403712015-05-20T04:46:00.000-07:002015-05-20T04:46:01.522-07:00Baseball Momma<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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It's Baseball Season.</div>
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My son is starting his third year of baseball and his FIRST with kid-pitch. </div>
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Kid-pitch brings on a whole new level of anxiety for this mom on the sideline. </div>
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Especially when your little guy is called to pitch. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E1i3caKGGCc/VVxrSr4QEKI/AAAAAAAARIg/zgSkJnCPPJY/s1600/IMG_9456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E1i3caKGGCc/VVxrSr4QEKI/AAAAAAAARIg/zgSkJnCPPJY/s320/IMG_9456.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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But we love baseball. </div>
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Like we love basketball, football, volleyball, track.... </div>
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Nate and I love to see our kids active. </div>
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We love seeing their enthusiasm to get homework done in record time to </div>
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get ready for practice or better yet a game. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iVT63ExyRb0/VVxuTmiTNsI/AAAAAAAARIw/GxiFZtVxxOc/s1600/IMG_8279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iVT63ExyRb0/VVxuTmiTNsI/AAAAAAAARIw/GxiFZtVxxOc/s320/IMG_8279.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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We try our hardest to be at every game and for them to know we </div>
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are in the stands cheering for them.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OI20Xoz2loU/VVxrSQyni9I/AAAAAAAARIc/phvFezIICXQ/s1600/IMG_9461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OI20Xoz2loU/VVxrSQyni9I/AAAAAAAARIc/phvFezIICXQ/s320/IMG_9461.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We love sports because it teaches them handwork and commitment. </div>
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Especially when something doesn't come naturally easy for them, we encourage </div>
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them to practice, practice, practice. This holds true for learning a musical instrument, </div>
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studying for a big test, or just LIFE. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RvNDFskcPN8/VVxoyEq4CBI/AAAAAAAARHw/HpQqlPIHn6I/s1600/DSC_8662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RvNDFskcPN8/VVxoyEq4CBI/AAAAAAAARHw/HpQqlPIHn6I/s320/DSC_8662.JPG" width="211" /></a></div>
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So I put on my proud momma hat and cheer on my boy from the bleachers. (or lately a nice comfortable collapsible chair wrapped in a blanket and wearing gloves.... brrrrr)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XDNYv1wbDxI/VVxqtq8OqQI/AAAAAAAARIQ/3ZxdCsV0H_o/s1600/IMG_9645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XDNYv1wbDxI/VVxqtq8OqQI/AAAAAAAARIQ/3ZxdCsV0H_o/s320/IMG_9645.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Seriously, the first time I was told he was going to pitch I didn't think </div>
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he could throw from the mound to home plate. He's a little kid. </div>
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But the first time I saw him out there I was so proud. AND excited. AND </div>
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really nervous. </div>
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But that is the case when my kids play in any sport.</div>
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Proud Baseball Momma, here. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093314286383246564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194700733046170990.post-81873167848032588362015-04-25T16:11:00.000-07:002015-04-25T16:11:18.802-07:00Walking by Faith<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Blessed is she who has</div>
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believed that the Lord</div>
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would fulfill his promises</div>
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to her. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Luke 1:45</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T0JZxHHCJ70/VTwRNbF543I/AAAAAAAAREc/kA38nLzxGEY/s1600/DSC_8491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T0JZxHHCJ70/VTwRNbF543I/AAAAAAAAREc/kA38nLzxGEY/s1600/DSC_8491.JPG" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
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A week ago our house was <strike> full </strike> fuller more than usual with </div>
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family in town for Miss Gigi's First Communion. </div>
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The weather couldn't have been more beautiful and we enjoyed our </div>
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time outside catching up on the deck. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A1kvuqsP-50/VTwS2T8R7VI/AAAAAAAARGk/_mnQ5fh_aVo/s1600/IMG_8841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A1kvuqsP-50/VTwS2T8R7VI/AAAAAAAARGk/_mnQ5fh_aVo/s1600/IMG_8841.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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On Saturday we took the family around town to a few "must see" attractions in </div>
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the QC. We saw American Pickers in Leclaire, John Deere Headquarters, </div>
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and a local brew pub (because that was a necessity).</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tJYlQHu3X-A/VTwSwQr4qtI/AAAAAAAARFc/-lzvT2eXLqc/s1600/IMG_8792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tJYlQHu3X-A/VTwSwQr4qtI/AAAAAAAARFc/-lzvT2eXLqc/s1600/IMG_8792.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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You can't come visit us for the first time and not see a little John Deere "green".</div>
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I've lived here almost 4 years and the Hubby had never taken me to Headquarters, so </div>
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I was excited to see the Rusty Palace. In college, I had actually studied the landscape plan for the </div>
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building which was developed by Hideo Sasaki.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v-Pda01jusM/VTwSxqhoPkI/AAAAAAAARGQ/1dt32Z9Ee1Y/s1600/IMG_8807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v-Pda01jusM/VTwSxqhoPkI/AAAAAAAARGQ/1dt32Z9Ee1Y/s1600/IMG_8807.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aumPq6ULxyk/VTwSxZC-KiI/AAAAAAAARFw/XJ75g_8_DBA/s1600/IMG_8805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aumPq6ULxyk/VTwSxZC-KiI/AAAAAAAARFw/XJ75g_8_DBA/s1600/IMG_8805.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dSakDPTyElc/VTwSwVcWm6I/AAAAAAAARFg/ywMvs22q06A/s1600/IMG_8790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dSakDPTyElc/VTwSwVcWm6I/AAAAAAAARFg/ywMvs22q06A/s1600/IMG_8790.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OAy6zXc6Y94/VTwSyNrVvLI/AAAAAAAARF8/k0_f2OcgfVc/s1600/IMG_8814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OAy6zXc6Y94/VTwSyNrVvLI/AAAAAAAARF8/k0_f2OcgfVc/s1600/IMG_8814.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
None of our family lives close, so they all had to travel great distances to </div>
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come all the way to Iowa. We feel very blessed that they all took the time to </div>
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share in this celebration for our daughter. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w8rplrNzu0o/VTwSyvMpyDI/AAAAAAAARGM/j8WnR9NKKvA/s1600/IMG_8818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w8rplrNzu0o/VTwSyvMpyDI/AAAAAAAARGM/j8WnR9NKKvA/s1600/IMG_8818.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-peYgp-QJtnA/VTwRHutT8PI/AAAAAAAARDs/ZTHjokFBmIs/s1600/DSC_8390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-peYgp-QJtnA/VTwRHutT8PI/AAAAAAAARDs/ZTHjokFBmIs/s1600/DSC_8390.JPG" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dV010YrCgmA/VTwS1qvZV_I/AAAAAAAARGc/5fDLCMMOZrQ/s1600/IMG_8852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dV010YrCgmA/VTwS1qvZV_I/AAAAAAAARGc/5fDLCMMOZrQ/s1600/IMG_8852.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KrCC61fytgc/VTwRJRvbwSI/AAAAAAAAREE/zdIX6HLHmp0/s1600/DSC_8434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KrCC61fytgc/VTwRJRvbwSI/AAAAAAAAREE/zdIX6HLHmp0/s1600/DSC_8434.JPG" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wl90XzW5nMg/VTwRHsGo9yI/AAAAAAAARDk/s-kVJ_LqV2A/s1600/DSC_8365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wl90XzW5nMg/VTwRHsGo9yI/AAAAAAAARDk/s-kVJ_LqV2A/s1600/DSC_8365.JPG" height="320" width="210" /></a></div>
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Our girl felt like a princess. </div>
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She wore her sister's first communion dress (the awesome thing about having 3 girls) </div>
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but I surprised her with her own tiara/veil. Since that day, the veil has been </div>
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part of her day to day attire while at home. Pretending to be getting married </div>
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in the living room, she lives in her princess world daily. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UUEXd1rnAb4/VTwRHUnFD3I/AAAAAAAARDg/bUZDiLTLaOU/s1600/DSC_8377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UUEXd1rnAb4/VTwRHUnFD3I/AAAAAAAARDg/bUZDiLTLaOU/s1600/DSC_8377.JPG" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am a princess, </div>
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not because I have a prince</div>
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but because my father</div>
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is a King</div>
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and He is God. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WCDMYV9z7_o/VTwRx09gpsI/AAAAAAAAREs/SQ-vRZ3ClWU/s1600/DSC_8396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WCDMYV9z7_o/VTwRx09gpsI/AAAAAAAAREs/SQ-vRZ3ClWU/s1600/DSC_8396.JPG" height="320" width="210" /></a></div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bp0ABxM1psU/VTwR0DBpLMI/AAAAAAAARFI/Hoo3l0Nvj80/s1600/IMG_8970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bp0ABxM1psU/VTwR0DBpLMI/AAAAAAAARFI/Hoo3l0Nvj80/s1600/IMG_8970.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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{ Hubby with his parents}</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H81tIRSm3BE/VTwRIqd66jI/AAAAAAAARDw/-FHLjsUkksc/s1600/DSC_8417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H81tIRSm3BE/VTwRIqd66jI/AAAAAAAARDw/-FHLjsUkksc/s1600/DSC_8417.JPG" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{God-parents}</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-78FCFbSetLk/VTwRMIZjFuI/AAAAAAAAREM/5-Na3SNMFhA/s1600/DSC_8462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-78FCFbSetLk/VTwRMIZjFuI/AAAAAAAAREM/5-Na3SNMFhA/s1600/DSC_8462.JPG" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
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The weekend was over way to soon, and all was quiet again. Okay, </div>
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not really because is it ever really quiet here? </div>
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A special day to remember. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093314286383246564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194700733046170990.post-78117166166325456842015-03-27T20:36:00.002-07:002015-03-27T20:36:26.172-07:00In the East Wing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What house was the biggest house in the United States until the Civil War?</div>
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The White House.</div>
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With names like the "President's Palace", "President's House", and the "Executive Mansion" </div>
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this house is certainly one to see. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GfwOx66VMZ4/VRPxXEEtIZI/AAAAAAAARAM/rMQWoLoqrC4/s1600/IMG_7937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GfwOx66VMZ4/VRPxXEEtIZI/AAAAAAAARAM/rMQWoLoqrC4/s1600/IMG_7937.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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We had our fingers crossed whether of not we would get into the White House. </div>
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You do not hear until 2 weeks before your stated date whether you will get a visit or not. </div>
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Rosie was ecstatic when she heard the news. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YeK1i0eUK6k/VRPxXSTkPMI/AAAAAAAARAU/dyDn-OUvXSI/s1600/IMG_7927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YeK1i0eUK6k/VRPxXSTkPMI/AAAAAAAARAU/dyDn-OUvXSI/s1600/IMG_7927.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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There is unfortunately no photography in the White House. </div>
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You can't even take a camera in, or a purse, or a bag. </div>
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All you can take in is a wallet, cell phone (which can't be used) and </div>
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an umbrella. I guess for instances of bad weather. </div>
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So I kept my phone in my pocket through the whole tour afraid the many </div>
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Secret Service members wouldn't be so kind if I tried to snap a pic of the Red Room. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T6yE7mywuoM/VRPyRlmnV2I/AAAAAAAARC0/AjjJl0TCPyk/s1600/IMG_8086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T6yE7mywuoM/VRPyRlmnV2I/AAAAAAAARC0/AjjJl0TCPyk/s1600/IMG_8086.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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For all the security procedures and waiting in line, the tour is relatively short.</div>
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But to say you've been IN the White House.... priceless.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aDI3jnmDKtU/VRPxYEiDJcI/AAAAAAAARAc/jgdpW2BcEwQ/s1600/IMG_7945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aDI3jnmDKtU/VRPxYEiDJcI/AAAAAAAARAc/jgdpW2BcEwQ/s1600/IMG_7945.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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We stopped at the White House Visitors Center to get another stamp in our </div>
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National Park passports and got a surprise when they said the kids could become </div>
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Junior Park Rangers. </div>
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The kids were all about that, and quickly did the activities to get a badge. </div>
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My son used this badge to engage in conversation with every police officer he saw the rest of the day. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h8Ccd9DggYQ/VRPxYW4rbUI/AAAAAAAARA0/V37xGvWjNH0/s1600/IMG_7951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h8Ccd9DggYQ/VRPxYW4rbUI/AAAAAAAARA0/V37xGvWjNH0/s1600/IMG_7951.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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After a delicious breakfast at Lincoln's Waffle House, we headed to</div>
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the Smithsonians. There are many Smithsonian museums. </div>
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We stepped into 3. </div>
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The Castle, the Air and Space, and the American History Museum.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LVKfiLXJ6iM/VRPxYkSk9TI/AAAAAAAARAo/IVQ2dfE5Gko/s1600/IMG_7956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LVKfiLXJ6iM/VRPxYkSk9TI/AAAAAAAARAo/IVQ2dfE5Gko/s1600/IMG_7956.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Everyone says you must see the Air and Space Museum.</div>
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We agree. It is pretty hard to top. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Webay29E52s/VRPxY4-sthI/AAAAAAAARAw/1TFhCKG6qqQ/s1600/IMG_7958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Webay29E52s/VRPxY4-sthI/AAAAAAAARAw/1TFhCKG6qqQ/s1600/IMG_7958.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BmhBWOZUUw8/VRPxZu6pMEI/AAAAAAAARA8/WJDDiUJ6hjE/s1600/IMG_7963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BmhBWOZUUw8/VRPxZu6pMEI/AAAAAAAARA8/WJDDiUJ6hjE/s1600/IMG_7963.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Rosie wrote a book report about Amelia Earhart last year, and </div>
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was excited to see her plane in all its red glory.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TI_Qs_mhR0g/VRPxanQfMxI/AAAAAAAARBQ/aOcqaoyYi6I/s1600/IMG_7983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TI_Qs_mhR0g/VRPxanQfMxI/AAAAAAAARBQ/aOcqaoyYi6I/s1600/IMG_7983.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Future President of the United States</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PBRvE5I0njw/VRPxbO5MKUI/AAAAAAAARBY/dF-mkx4cAQA/s1600/IMG_7984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PBRvE5I0njw/VRPxbO5MKUI/AAAAAAAARBY/dF-mkx4cAQA/s1600/IMG_7984.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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The American History Museum houses all of the First Lady's Inaugural dresses, and </div>
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special memorabilia such as Dorothy's ruby red slippers. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-biffmx8r4mo/VRPxbdWmB7I/AAAAAAAARBc/4PQWhUEBTGI/s1600/IMG_7986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-biffmx8r4mo/VRPxbdWmB7I/AAAAAAAARBc/4PQWhUEBTGI/s1600/IMG_7986.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OzcmUTU49U4/VRPxbk4rutI/AAAAAAAARB0/X-3RnThLqE0/s1600/IMG_7988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OzcmUTU49U4/VRPxbk4rutI/AAAAAAAARB0/X-3RnThLqE0/s1600/IMG_7988.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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DC was pretty fun. </div>
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We all had our favorite parts, but the best was all being together. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rULyB0RphxQ/VRPxcRzqsjI/AAAAAAAARBw/55FdTyhS3VA/s1600/IMG_7998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rULyB0RphxQ/VRPxcRzqsjI/AAAAAAAARBw/55FdTyhS3VA/s1600/IMG_7998.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ezFB2sF_2k/VRPxc0FMruI/AAAAAAAARB4/OFQ1mNqyAlY/s1600/IMG_8001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ezFB2sF_2k/VRPxc0FMruI/AAAAAAAARB4/OFQ1mNqyAlY/s1600/IMG_8001.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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We left DC just as the snow was coming down. </div>
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As pretty as it was, we were all glad we were spared from </div>
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walking around DC in the cold. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M83tPVBzz1g/VRPxdRqWq6I/AAAAAAAARCA/pn7h1jrH3is/s1600/IMG_8025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M83tPVBzz1g/VRPxdRqWq6I/AAAAAAAARCA/pn7h1jrH3is/s1600/IMG_8025.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is nice to be home.<br />
But the memories we will have forever. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093314286383246564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194700733046170990.post-25265797436331782472015-03-25T21:05:00.003-07:002015-03-26T04:43:19.139-07:00We the people of the United States of America...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
DC. the nation's capital. </div>
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The city of presidents. </div>
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The city of American history. </div>
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The most powerful city in the United States. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Both Nate and I had been to this beautiful city before </div>
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but neither of us had remembered much and didn't know how to navigate </div>
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this metropolis with children in tow. </div>
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But somehow we did it. </div>
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We saw everything we came to see. </div>
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We walked more than I thought my kids were possible. </div>
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We observed so much of American history and the kids had fun. </div>
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Mission accomplished. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yeiy1Un7sBg/VRN60fu7nGI/AAAAAAAAQ-k/0yRh2C6X_6g/s1600/DSC_8220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yeiy1Un7sBg/VRN60fu7nGI/AAAAAAAAQ-k/0yRh2C6X_6g/s1600/DSC_8220.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
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In 3 full days we saw the following:</div>
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National Archives</div>
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Ford's Theater </div>
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The Capitol</div>
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Senate Office Buildings</div>
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The International Spy Museum</div>
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and that was just in the first day! </div>
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<br /></div>
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Here is a glimpse into our trip! </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7jPFNoIZhw/VRDaXuFYJZI/AAAAAAAAQ7M/fuXYaUqGahE/s1600/IMG_7669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7jPFNoIZhw/VRDaXuFYJZI/AAAAAAAAQ7M/fuXYaUqGahE/s1600/IMG_7669.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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This girl was on cloud 9 as we took the metro into DC the first day. </div>
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She was talking in nonstop sentences without taking breaths about </div>
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what she wanted to see and why we had to see it. </div>
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When we walked up to the National Archives and stood in line to get in </div>
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she was somewhat irritated that this wasn't on her list. </div>
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Then we told her this is where the actual, the real Constitution and Declaration Independence and </div>
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Bill of Rights is held. </div>
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The girl who spent her hard earned money buying a book with the Constitution written in it (most of which is too hard for her to read or understand) was ecstatic. </div>
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She even volunteered to be in a picture! </div>
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Mommy's wish can come true to!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1ONnqjbiISI/VRDaXBBC0JI/AAAAAAAAQ7E/F1UxZMtWhA8/s1600/IMG_7675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1ONnqjbiISI/VRDaXBBC0JI/AAAAAAAAQ7E/F1UxZMtWhA8/s1600/IMG_7675.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I have stated our love for all things Lincoln so </div>
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of course Ford's Theatre was on the top of her list. </div>
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Oh, and the house across the street he died in. </div>
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(she told us that there was still blood on the sheets.... there wasn't thank goodness)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IJ6pxNdSt-I/VRDaX4AaymI/AAAAAAAAQ7Y/4icNTdTIY2c/s1600/IMG_7704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IJ6pxNdSt-I/VRDaX4AaymI/AAAAAAAAQ7Y/4icNTdTIY2c/s1600/IMG_7704.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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{Holding the Washington Monument in her hand}</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5rzieDtHcAc/VRDXVPU7FII/AAAAAAAAQ48/VRwRIL8vEcM/s1600/DSC_8090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5rzieDtHcAc/VRDXVPU7FII/AAAAAAAAQ48/VRwRIL8vEcM/s1600/DSC_8090.JPG" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
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Being in this powerful city made everyone feel like a super hero. </div>
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With all the walking between monuments and museums we had to take</div>
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numerous sanity breaks. </div>
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Sometimes those were dance parties in front of the Capitol. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JosZ1J0ZRgU/VRDXVPgX0XI/AAAAAAAAQ44/JUgrK5bWBuA/s1600/DSC_8093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JosZ1J0ZRgU/VRDXVPgX0XI/AAAAAAAAQ44/JUgrK5bWBuA/s1600/DSC_8093.JPG" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WKi5Tj6tZtk/VRDXW2PDbqI/AAAAAAAAQ5U/XvXx_TQq_1M/s1600/DSC_8121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WKi5Tj6tZtk/VRDXW2PDbqI/AAAAAAAAQ5U/XvXx_TQq_1M/s1600/DSC_8121.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our afternoon was scheduled with a visit with our Senator from Iowa, Senator Chuck Grassley.</div>
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While this wasn't the most exciting part of our trip for the kids, Nate and I both thought the tour </div>
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of the Capitol was one of our favorites. </div>
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I was slightly disappointed that the view of the Capitol building was marred by the scaffolding around the iconic dome. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CM-BrU4IJBY/VRNz6mi3i_I/AAAAAAAAQ-U/KmTIQJRpzvw/s1600/IMG_8056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CM-BrU4IJBY/VRNz6mi3i_I/AAAAAAAAQ-U/KmTIQJRpzvw/s1600/IMG_8056.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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{Family picture #2 of our trip}</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e63MP1-b9qI/VRDXZ8FqF3I/AAAAAAAAQ5o/5zIEwY48jW0/s1600/DSC_8147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e63MP1-b9qI/VRDXZ8FqF3I/AAAAAAAAQ5o/5zIEwY48jW0/s1600/DSC_8147.JPG" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
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From our meeting with the Senator we hopped in the mini tram under the streets that run from the senate buildings to the Capitol and got our tour of the magnificent building. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Qvh2-R2ebM/VRDXYPYxg3I/AAAAAAAAQ5g/o1bFOV3-njg/s1600/DSC_8136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Qvh2-R2ebM/VRDXYPYxg3I/AAAAAAAAQ5g/o1bFOV3-njg/s1600/DSC_8136.JPG" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
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Lil Miss slept through most of this part. </div>
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We didn't bring our stroller into the city any of the days, </div>
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so her little feet had to carry her on every excursion that we all went on. </div>
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Sometimes though mommy and daddy had to carry her when her feet couldn't walk any farther. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PFHG0mS7NHk/VRDaYja2XkI/AAAAAAAAQ7k/PKIVoV90F6E/s1600/IMG_7728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PFHG0mS7NHk/VRDaYja2XkI/AAAAAAAAQ7k/PKIVoV90F6E/s1600/IMG_7728.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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After all day in the city the kids were worn out (mommy was too) we had plans to </div>
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go see the Lincoln memorial that day but none of us could walk any further so </div>
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Daddy surprised us with calling an Uber and getting us to Shake Shack for burgers and milkshakes. </div>
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It made us ALL happy. </div>
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Milkshakes and burgers gave us enough energy to walk next door to the International Spy Museum. </div>
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This was number 1 in Bubba's book. </div>
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We climbed into heating ducts, deciphered codes, and learned all about Bond, James Bond.</div>
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By the time we were heading back to the hotel that night we had spent over 10 hours in the city.</div>
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They still had smiles on their faces. </div>
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Only on the East Coast, surrounded by culture for 24 hours and my littlest starts reading </div>
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the paper. Washington suited us. </div>
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Day 2 started with a trip to Arlington National Cemetery.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tbpKmaEEnGY/VRDXcbLzHwI/AAAAAAAAQ54/VBzM0xsraxw/s1600/DSC_8181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tbpKmaEEnGY/VRDXcbLzHwI/AAAAAAAAQ54/VBzM0xsraxw/s1600/DSC_8181.JPG" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
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I had never been here, so this was something I was excited to see just as much as Rosie. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-njvr5baaNzY/VRDXbZ8XIXI/AAAAAAAAQ5w/-ZdaRNvrc58/s1600/DSC_8172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-njvr5baaNzY/VRDXbZ8XIXI/AAAAAAAAQ5w/-ZdaRNvrc58/s1600/DSC_8172.JPG" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
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The day was beautiful with the sunny skies to visit these holy grounds. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DRTK25btZd0/VRDXg1pT-SI/AAAAAAAAQ6c/mSyVz2JlHgI/s1600/DSC_8199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DRTK25btZd0/VRDXg1pT-SI/AAAAAAAAQ6c/mSyVz2JlHgI/s1600/DSC_8199.JPG" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
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{Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Changing of the Guard}</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vdrIDI33ztc/VRDXgpmmBpI/AAAAAAAAQ6Y/cCBTqJXn13k/s1600/DSC_8205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vdrIDI33ztc/VRDXgpmmBpI/AAAAAAAAQ6Y/cCBTqJXn13k/s1600/DSC_8205.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1eaRrqg4RDg/VRDXdQZ3c6I/AAAAAAAAQ6I/4-ozTyjTmJ0/s1600/DSC_8192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1eaRrqg4RDg/VRDXdQZ3c6I/AAAAAAAAQ6I/4-ozTyjTmJ0/s1600/DSC_8192.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
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{my mini me photographer}</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mbl8yoFicdc/VRNw041Q-9I/AAAAAAAAQ9o/77h28PBggTE/s1600/IMG_7788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mbl8yoFicdc/VRNw041Q-9I/AAAAAAAAQ9o/77h28PBggTE/s1600/IMG_7788.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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To continue our day of deep thought and remembrance, our next stop was the Holocaust Museum. </div>
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Now I had read all the recommendations on ages and what is appropriate for visiting this </div>
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particular museum. We had decided that since it was something Daddy really wanted to see that </div>
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he and Rosie would go through the tour and the other kids and I would do the children's part and meet them at the Washington Monument. </div>
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There was so much to talk about and explain while going through Daniel's Story.</div>
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I loved that at the end they have a space where children can write down their thoughts about what they saw and how they feel about it. </div>
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</div>
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My son the compassionate one, wrote this after hearing Daniel's Story.</div>
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I couldn't have written it any better. Why can't the world </div>
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all get along?</div>
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After that deep and emotionally draining 30 minutes... we need another sanity break. </div>
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So running around the Washington Monument sounded like perfection. </div>
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And ran we did. </div>
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A hint to any families that visit DC. </div>
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There is the most perfect climbing tree right below the Monument on the Lincoln Memorial side. </div>
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The kids and I sat and played in that tree like we were on a jungle gym while we </div>
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waited for the rest of our party. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nrWTApkGNIc/VRN_IyGYArI/AAAAAAAAQ-w/ztgOe7U9HfA/s1600/IMG_7836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nrWTApkGNIc/VRN_IyGYArI/AAAAAAAAQ-w/ztgOe7U9HfA/s1600/IMG_7836.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Then the long awaited walk to the Lincoln Memorial. </div>
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There is no easy way to get to the Lincoln Memorial but walking but it is so worth it.</div>
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Remember our love for Lincoln. </div>
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A gigantic Lincoln Statue... very cool in our book. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r8CI0jtoqbQ/VROBhiToFUI/AAAAAAAAQ_k/M1MzLFxQn6s/s1600/IMG_7861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r8CI0jtoqbQ/VROBhiToFUI/AAAAAAAAQ_k/M1MzLFxQn6s/s1600/IMG_7861.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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On the steps of the Lincoln memorial is where Dr. Martin Luther King spoke his famous</div>
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"I have a dream speech". It gave me chills to place my hands on the words in the </div>
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very spot he stood. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UjP7uN0hQbU/VROAFJ1PzAI/AAAAAAAAQ_Q/C8yNuUxpdBQ/s1600/DSC_8334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UjP7uN0hQbU/VROAFJ1PzAI/AAAAAAAAQ_Q/C8yNuUxpdBQ/s1600/DSC_8334.JPG" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
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Speaking of MLK... his memorial is pretty cool. </div>
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The kids all took there best shot at doing the MLK pose trying to look as commanding </div>
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as he does.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Our trip wasn't over, but in just two days we had seen some of the most important </div>
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places in the United States. </div>
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It was hard to wrap our head around it.</div>
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That the places we saw on TV and in the movies were right at our finger tips. </div>
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Places we could walk into for free. </div>
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DC is a pretty amazing place when you think about it. </div>
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Where you can see Prince Charles motorcade as you walk out of the Smithsonian? </div>
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Like who does that? </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jjflKklRBfA/VRDadLgxPPI/AAAAAAAAQ9A/V5TrFOibzKc/s1600/IMG_7917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jjflKklRBfA/VRDadLgxPPI/AAAAAAAAQ9A/V5TrFOibzKc/s1600/IMG_7917.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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We hadn't yet even walked into the White House yet... </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gUH63Qy6HxY/VRDXhOldNgI/AAAAAAAAQ6k/edFREbpddQI/s1600/DSC_8225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gUH63Qy6HxY/VRDXhOldNgI/AAAAAAAAQ6k/edFREbpddQI/s1600/DSC_8225.JPG" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
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and because I don't want to bog down your computers, I will leave the White House for tomorrow. </div>
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<br /></div>
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to be continued...</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093314286383246564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194700733046170990.post-62103123614535387852015-03-23T20:06:00.004-07:002015-03-23T20:06:51.961-07:00History at our fingertips - Gettysburg<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This past week was Spring Break. </div>
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Usually that means a trip back to Ohio to see the family while daddy works, </div>
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but this time daddy decided he could get away. </div>
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Over the holidays we started talking about places we could go </div>
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and Rosie expressed a great desire to go to DC. </div>
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From there our spring break plans were made.</div>
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We all know I am really bad at editing myself so </div>
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here is our trip and everything else in its entirety. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2a3iFELe_Ds/VQ7aI81eTbI/AAAAAAAAQ1w/QvbPF2uhkTE/s1600/IMG_7450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2a3iFELe_Ds/VQ7aI81eTbI/AAAAAAAAQ1w/QvbPF2uhkTE/s1600/IMG_7450.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Heading East on Friday we made a pitstop in Ohio </div>
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to drop off Grandma Judy who had been helping us out for a week and </div>
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to see Grandpa Bill for his birthday. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-woAFOJhZ36Q/VQ7Z1VGqEoI/AAAAAAAAQ1A/4MK4IA-jiIE/s1600/IMG_7464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-woAFOJhZ36Q/VQ7Z1VGqEoI/AAAAAAAAQ1A/4MK4IA-jiIE/s1600/IMG_7464.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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We saved hotel expenses for a night by staying in Kalida and </div>
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got to see the Schulte cousins. Yeah!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9W4lLfl_Sm8/VQ7Z1e5DqBI/AAAAAAAAQ04/3angu587RLI/s1600/IMG_7471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9W4lLfl_Sm8/VQ7Z1e5DqBI/AAAAAAAAQ04/3angu587RLI/s1600/IMG_7471.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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From Kalida, we took the route that took us through central Ohio. </div>
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My hubby is the king of odd pitstops, and that brought us to our first </div>
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stop Grandpa's Cheesebarn. </div>
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It was a great place to grab a snack, cheese curds and fudge. </div>
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Just what we need on a 9 hour drive. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kyeclPhWaDs/VQ7Z1VSlN0I/AAAAAAAAQ08/y2ZN8pr0t6U/s1600/IMG_7474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kyeclPhWaDs/VQ7Z1VSlN0I/AAAAAAAAQ08/y2ZN8pr0t6U/s1600/IMG_7474.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Through Ohio and Pennsylvania, it was close to bedtime before we made it to </div>
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our hotel in Gettysburg. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mhESGNxjZRM/VQ7Z2yrUMUI/AAAAAAAAQ1U/aCCuYv3XNcc/s1600/IMG_7490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mhESGNxjZRM/VQ7Z2yrUMUI/AAAAAAAAQ1U/aCCuYv3XNcc/s1600/IMG_7490.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Gettysburg was not something the kids knew to much about before our trip. </div>
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We had read a lot about Washington DC, about the presidents, </div>
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and some of the landmarks, but not so much about wars. </div>
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Gettysburg was our first reality check in what people </div>
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go through to fight for what they want. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_J0pS8-bT4A/VQ7Z3txBFoI/AAAAAAAAQ1k/-HMnvftmzCQ/s1600/IMG_7508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_J0pS8-bT4A/VQ7Z3txBFoI/AAAAAAAAQ1k/-HMnvftmzCQ/s1600/IMG_7508.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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The kids love Lincoln. </div>
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Like capital LOVE Lincoln. </div>
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He is my favorite president and the kids also. </div>
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Around Gettysburg are so many statues of Lincoln. </div>
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We had fun exploring each and every one of them. </div>
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The fact that Abraham Lincoln had a major role in freeing blacks from slavery, </div>
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makes him a white knight in my book.</div>
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Souvenirs from trips can go a little crazy with 4 kids, but Nate </div>
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was right on top of this at our first stop. </div>
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Something he had always wanted as a child was a National Parks </div>
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Passport. When he saw them at the Gettysburg Visitors Center he told </div>
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me that he wanted to get one for each of the kids. </div>
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They ended up being the single best thing we purchased on the trip. </div>
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At many of our stops/monuments/parks we could walk into the </div>
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gift shops and get a stamp in our passports saying we've been there. </div>
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Lil Miss carried her passport around everywhere like a trophy.</div>
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In Gettysburg, the battlefield is so large that you have to travel by car to see all</div>
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memorials and battlefields. </div>
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It was a windy day, but we bundled up and enjoyed snacks </div>
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and the heater in the car in between stops. </div>
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In Gigi's words "its alot of stones with words and hills."</div>
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but it is more than that. </div>
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We downloaded an app for our ipads so that we could </div>
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watch reenacted videos about the Civil War as we drove through the auto tour. </div>
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The kids had lots of questions and thanks to Google we could answer most of them. </div>
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It was a way for us to the tour at our pace.</div>
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Did I mention it was a windy day?</div>
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We saw pretty much all we wanted to see in Gettysburg in one full day. </div>
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Yes we could have seen the diorama, we could have gone to Eishenower's National </div>
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Historic Site, but the kids were so anxious to get to DC. </div>
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We couldn't pack our bags fast enough. </div>
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I convinced Dad to make one extra stop on our way out of town and</div>
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that was at Sachs Covered Bridge. </div>
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It was such a pretty bridge. </div>
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This was the bridge the confederacy took out of town to retreat from the </div>
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battle of Gettysburg. </div>
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This is one of two family pictures we had taken on the trip. </div>
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I had to add it.</div>
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Before we made it into DC, we made one stop at Mount Vernon. </div>
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Learning about another president, George Washington, </div>
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we walked on hallowed ground as we explored Mount Vernon, Washington's mansion. </div>
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Our first glance of the Potomac River. </div>
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The kids got less and less excited seeing the Potomac as we crossed it every morning and </div>
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every evening entering and leaving DC going to our hotel in Arlington. </div>
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The Mount Vernon mansion is a really cool tour for adults and kids. </div>
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The puzzle scavenger hunt kept the kids occupied and </div>
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involved in the tour from beginning to end.</div>
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Mommy was a fan of the beautiful grounds and </div>
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gardens. This made this gardener very happy. </div>
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We then made it into the city.... </div>
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more to come. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093314286383246564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194700733046170990.post-82807556859742017342015-03-13T04:53:00.000-07:002015-03-13T04:53:06.742-07:00Mommy SOS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This week I have been lucky enough to have my mom come and visit. </div>
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I don't know if it was the winter weather, the constant onslaught of </div>
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activities for 4 children, or just me but I was feeling a bit overwhelmed. </div>
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My mom saw the bat signal I was lighting up </div>
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and came to my rescue. </div>
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<br /></div>
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It is always fun to have Grandma Judy here. </div>
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She has helped be an extra set of hands and my laundry has never been </div>
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this caught up! The kids LOVE having Grandma Judy here.</div>
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While she was here she was able to see Rosie perform in </div>
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an orchestra concert, Bubba's last basketball tournament for the year, </div>
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Gigi and Bubba's acts in the talent show, and see Lil Miss </div>
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dance her heart out in dance class. </div>
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Grandma also was able to volunteer in Lil Miss' preschool </div>
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class on Monday and my little girl couldn't have been happier to </div>
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have Grandma Judy there!</div>
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For a treat for my mom, we went out eagle watching. </div>
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I was so excited because we saw over a dozen eagles </div>
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on our trip to the Mississippi River shore. </div>
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<br /></div>
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My beautiful mom.</div>
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Grandma Judy brought along spring with her when she flew out to Iowa. </div>
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The weather has been warming up since last Thursday. </div>
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The snow is almost all melted and the birds are chirping all in full force. </div>
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<br /></div>
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This weekend my Mom was a big help while Nate and I attended a fundraiser and </div>
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she took two of the kids to their talent show. </div>
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Gigi performed a Raas dance with three of her friends. </div>
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And Bubba danced to the Superbowl Shuffle with his buddies. </div>
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Even though we couldn't be there to see them perform, I was glad </div>
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Grandma was there to cheer them on. </div>
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Nate and I got a night out. </div>
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It was wonderful. I had my hair and makeup done so I felt </div>
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pretty as a princess! </div>
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Bubba especially enjoyed his momma all dolled up with lipstick!</div>
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What is better than going out with the hubby AND supporting a good cause?</div>
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Pretty much nothing.</div>
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We attended the Gigi's Playhouse Gala, which supports programs to help </div>
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children with Down Syndrome. Of course my mascara ran as families </div>
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told their beautiful stories. </div>
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It was a good reminder of hope and love.</div>
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So we are grateful that Grandma Judy saw our SOS and came out to help. </div>
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I couldn't ask for a better mother. </div>
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After a week with her here, I feel like such a better mom just following her example. </div>
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Spring is here! </div>
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