tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17575460319962184862024-03-13T14:17:27.717-07:00Call Me CordeliaChelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05989173556118626287noreply@blogger.comBlogger319125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1757546031996218486.post-91201667388666736292014-03-02T21:19:00.001-08:002015-01-07T21:08:52.602-08:00Disney World 2013Let’s just get this out of the way—I LOVE Disney World. For some people, it’s not their cup of tea. But it’s mine. Every last drop. Love love love it. We were not planning on going to Disney World last year. We actually had a different family trip planned. However, my dad called one day and said that he had a conference to attend on Disney property in October. Were we interested in coming with them? Ummm…yes! It worked out amazingly well. We found a five-bedroom house that was cheaper than my dad’s hotel room, so the company agreed to pay for that instead. Free lodging for everyone! And because he’s super generous, my dad was able to help us out with plane tickets—flying six people anywhere is not cheap. So it was an incredible opportunity that we definitely were not going to pass up.<br />
We decided not to tell the kids until my parents could be there. Since they were coming for the baptism, we decided to do the Disney reveal as a joint birthday present for all the kids. My dad came up with the idea of Camp Gottawanna—You gotta wanna have fun, you gotta wanna play hard, you gotta wanna follow the rules…He wants to have regular sessions of Camp Gottawanna with his grandkids. Basically, it’s just a fine time with Grandma and Grandpa. It’s a very my dad sort of thing. So first the kids received invitations for Camp Gottawanna from my parents. They were a little confused by that, but they knew something more was coming. Then Aaron and I gave them fake plane tickets to Orlando. They were excited, but apparently geography is not their thing because they didn’t realize why we were going to Orlando (still hung up on the Camp Gottawanna thing). Then we gave them a card saying they were going to Disney World. I have to say, I was quite underwhelmed by their reactions. Sure, they were excited, but I expected YouTube worthy reactions, or at least a few tears of joy. Nope. Surprise fail. Oh well. It won’t stop me from trying again. <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HQVLeO5RbXY/VK4Mp8uYHPI/AAAAAAABqQM/mBoebIJyY0Q/s1600-h/DSC_9766-13.jpg"><img alt="DSC_9766-1" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xGJt_khSNIw/VK4Mq20wBWI/AAAAAAABqQU/jsMc_EeOIfU/DSC_9766-1_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="431" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_9766-1" width="644" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-A9-ZvRkH28g/VK4Mr8wSF-I/AAAAAAABqQc/3lhEIQDbpsI/s1600-h/DSC_97553.jpg"><img alt="DSC_9755" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-f43ZsshLiwg/VK4Ms7PwyXI/AAAAAAABqQk/HItkggGvO1c/DSC_9755_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="430" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_9755" width="644" /></a> <br />
<strong>Day 1: Magic Kingdom</strong><br />
We spent our first full day in Orlando at Magic Kingdom. I think you’re missing out on some of the magic if you don’t start your Disney trip there. Seeing the castle across the lake and entering on Main Street is just such an amazing feeling. Right off the bat we saw Mary Poppins with hardly anyone in line. When I was little, I was obsessed with Mary Poppins, so we had to stop and chat with her. Kiera was going to be dressing up that evening as Mary Poppins, so she was excited to see her too. She was delightful—practically perfect in every way!<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cul7MLi_fEk/VK4Mt7V017I/AAAAAAABqQs/1IcA-yjkrJs/s1600-h/DSC_0086-0013.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0086-001" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_PY7-cGWjc8/VK4Mu5U6z1I/AAAAAAABqQ0/Evnm2AuoQcU/DSC_0086-001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="430" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0086-001" width="644" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nRWreKeqnPM/VK4Mvq3_GBI/AAAAAAABqQ8/5k023L8N6X0/s1600-h/DSC_0087-0013.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0087-001" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HAUPw9nOxDg/VK4MwtDInbI/AAAAAAABqRE/6vcC-v1chwk/DSC_0087-001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="430" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0087-001" width="644" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vZtSZRJHRqE/VK4Mxf2kSSI/AAAAAAABqRM/kBU1H4zMfDs/s1600-h/DSC_00923.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0092" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rlOoIxvNTuw/VK4MyD9WKaI/AAAAAAABqRU/r51avjx8hs8/DSC_0092_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0092" width="323" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-auXx-8Xdj3s/VK4My1HZYwI/AAAAAAABqRc/iISJ9ZwBTJU/s1600-h/DSC_00953.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0095" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-x8r432QSS3k/VK4MzmmF5zI/AAAAAAABqRk/OLIXeeCiEVo/DSC_0095_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0095" width="323" /></a> <br />
Obligatory castle picture.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UF1rWkcjI48/VK4M0QJVocI/AAAAAAABqRs/I1dYwsvbxfQ/s1600-h/DSC_01143.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0114" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-beMTQ86OqR8/VK4M1IrqqzI/AAAAAAABqRw/KB0hwPuB9yA/DSC_0114_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0114" width="323" /></a> <br />
One of the very first things we did was head over to the Winnie-the-Pooh ride. That’s Bridget’s obsession, and it’s been going strong for half a year now. I knew that she would just eat it up. After the ride, Grandpa told her she could pick anything at the WTP gift shop. We kept steering her toward the bigger stuffed animals, but she wanted that little Pooh key ring. She loved it. Whenever she had an outfit with belt loops we would clip it on, and then we let her carry it around with her when she wasn’t. On our second day at the Magic Kingdom, Bridget lost that little keychain and was devastated. We immediately retraced our steps, but there was no sign of him. We went to guest services and asked if it had been turned in (fat chance, we knew), and it hadn’t. However, they gave us a gift certificate for any Winnie the Pooh item of our choosing. So incredibly generous! We knew that she wouldn’t want anything else, but we were still blown away by their generosity. That, my friends, is why Disney succeeds. They do everything they can to make the experience magical. Bridget still loves her little Pooh keychain and very frequently sleeps with it at night. Thank you, Grandpa and Disney!<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TaDd6kJPmRY/VK4M19VPD5I/AAAAAAABqR8/3X9DHhwom9w/s1600-h/DSC_01193.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0119" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-z0yiSx2XAeU/VK4M2gG7g2I/AAAAAAABqSE/l66U9No7bJo/DSC_0119_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0119" width="323" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NYgNDWp2JlE/VK4M3gcPk7I/AAAAAAABqSM/yDEoR0eFA3s/s1600-h/DSC_01233.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0123" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7YOfXWvYTJE/VK4M4dg2A5I/AAAAAAABqSU/UTCYC-_VXeM/DSC_0123_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="430" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0123" width="644" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JR1mbUtJMdA/VK4On1PdfPI/AAAAAAABqSg/3SEDVHGDSwo/s1600-h/DSC_01343.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0134" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-I4YYmd9_axE/VK4Oo2slXzI/AAAAAAABqSo/vCHwlF-Ulg8/DSC_0134_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0134" width="323" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MjsMJm1Tf1U/VK4Op598DDI/AAAAAAABqSw/J9eqa0uJr9Q/s1600-h/DSC_01463.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0146" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--46PLkPWz80/VK4OqnnzlhI/AAAAAAABqS4/3TpP1C8EmDU/DSC_0146_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="430" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0146" width="644" /></a><br />
We attended Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party that evening. The kids loved being able to dress up, and they had a blast finding the different stations to trick-or-treat at. I do wish we had seen more characters in costume. We only saw a small handful, and I was expecting a lot more. I guess we just weren’t at the right place at the right time. <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eH23qvGcp9s/VK4OrfdtxpI/AAAAAAABqTA/o5JYHUwhprs/s1600-h/DSC_01513.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0151" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jCKDM3t6auc/VK4OsVZVGDI/AAAAAAABqTI/sKe_Tn2rHCg/DSC_0151_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0151" width="323" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Id3C40h_Smc/VK4OxnEvmTI/AAAAAAABqTQ/GoOkOP6T9Y8/s1600-h/DSC_01523.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0152" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OBJi5mM4dOA/VK4OyP4P3WI/AAAAAAABqTY/J8YkH1kWkW0/DSC_0152_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0152" width="323" /></a> <br />
<strong>Day 2: Magic Kingdom</strong><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9Yn2TkBgxbg/VK4OzBOQfjI/AAAAAAABqTg/ow7v7AXCM2A/s1600-h/DSC_01623.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0162" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HkSqsimnACs/VK4O0B--_iI/AAAAAAABqTo/Tp0UpfRfHhM/DSC_0162_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="430" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0162" width="644" /></a> <br />
Aaron and I spent so much time at the little play area by Splash Mountain, playing with Bridget while the other one took the kids on Splash Mountain. Turns out that my kids love rollercoasters, and could not get enough of them. I was shocked by how much Averi loved the bigger rides. She’s quite the daredevil!<br />
One afternoon Katie got a massive bloody nose and had to go to the first aid station. They took good care of her, and gave her a coupon for a free popsicle, since the bleed was heat-induced. When they realized how many siblings she had, they gave each of them coupons as well! Another fine example of Disney hospitality. <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YVaaYwsGjdQ/VK4O08Yqs0I/AAAAAAABqTw/si7HApwG1x4/s1600-h/DSC_01723.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0172" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Fq-POWae5zE/VK4O2xT7jPI/AAAAAAABqT4/dQD0Njj9mRY/DSC_0172_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="430" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0172" width="644" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tFTCYnivkvE/VK4O3ght6oI/AAAAAAABqUA/o98J0nXIN74/s1600-h/DSC_01803.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0180" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zLlSKsPkMMk/VK4O6j13l2I/AAAAAAABqUI/cusqFsG4JWY/DSC_0180_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="430" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0180" width="644" /></a><br />
Eating her first Mickey ears. Awww!<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oyHXFi6yd_c/VK4O8Kzs2UI/AAAAAAABqUQ/bhYGXcX_Q0Y/s1600-h/DSC_01773.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0177" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8FoCyFwzm_I/VK4O-Y_vkJI/AAAAAAABqUY/vRRDN-rxR1I/DSC_0177_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0177" width="323" /></a> <br />
Mom and Dad got Dole Whips while the kids had their free popsicle. We didn’t let on how delicious our treat was.<br />
<strong>Day 3: Day of Rest!</strong><br />
We spent Sunday watching General Conference together (and, let’s be honest, sleeping, since we were so wiped out). I think we’ve figured out that our family does Disney best two days on, one day off. It’s exhausting for both parents and children. We like to be there as early as we can and stay as late as we can, so we get very, very tired. <br />
<strong>Day 4: Epcot</strong><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FHkRZUp_mcs/VK4PDeaaVoI/AAAAAAABqUg/4CnQavtupkU/s1600-h/DSC_01853.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0185" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--wown6rGdNw/VK4PD4TJP9I/AAAAAAABqUk/5IDb-9GfC0E/DSC_0185_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0185" width="323" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hKe8IL8nICs/VK4PEh-g8oI/AAAAAAABqUw/JW-WIVCSPxY/s1600-h/DSC_01893.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0189" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8ptSEoU0DxQ/VK4PFcBLHII/AAAAAAABqU4/MVLl4GIthSk/DSC_0189_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0189" width="323" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CI45C1V89I0/VK4PGKGhzKI/AAAAAAABqVA/L8mv6XS-tx4/s1600-h/DSC_02043.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0204" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_HP7Gi9Ox-Y/VK4PHEn7gPI/AAAAAAABqVI/NTRdvH-QdsU/DSC_0204_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0204" width="323" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-emVagjfgE0k/VK4PIIQCBKI/AAAAAAABqVQ/7AXhn5ykdwE/s1600-h/DSC_02163.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0216" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IUkE4-EMPr0/VK4PJQO9XfI/AAAAAAABqVY/ux7Oqaz1Dvc/DSC_0216_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="430" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0216" width="644" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EmKUk8MpS0U/VK4PLP0dEhI/AAAAAAABqVg/o1aMLfpyQ8c/s1600-h/DSC_02373.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0237" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OmTDrXQOnFc/VK4PMLIbh4I/AAAAAAABqVo/8FPcnzko0AA/DSC_0237_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0237" width="323" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-u3A47UPxdHs/VK4PNszI3rI/AAAAAAABqVw/KsGcQnEFKA8/s1600-h/DSC_0251-0013.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0251-001" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8Jx6ejAJEys/VK4PPVE9DzI/AAAAAAABqV4/QTWSMr7pOAo/DSC_0251-001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0251-001" width="323" /></a> <br />
Epcot was definitely the best place to see the big characters. The line was only 5 minutes long. We knew we had to see Mickey, because Bridget had fallen in love with him. She pointed him out everywhere she saw him (which, in Disney World, is a lot of places). She was THRILLED. She did not want to leave his side, even with the promise of Minnie and Goofy just around the corner. Eventually we convinced her that she had to move on. She was a bit afraid of Goofy, but loved Minnie too. <br />
My mom took the two youngest girls home for an afternoon nap and left us with Katie, Paul and Kiera. We decided to spend the afternoon over at the World Showcase, sampling the food at the International Food and Wine Festival. In my opinion, Epcot is a bit of a letdown after the other parks. There are only two big rides, and the fastpasses go so quickly that you can only get them for Soarin’ or Test Track, not both. Once the passes are gone, the line skyrockets to two hours or more, even on less busy days. Just not worth it for either of those rides. The park is also a bit dated and has more of a 70’s feel. I think it’s time for a pretty big revamp over there. The Food and Wine Festival, however, was a blast. The food was not that expensive (for Disney food), so we stopped at all of the booths that looked interesting. We got one item from each booth and shared it, so everyone got a little taste. It was a fun way to get lunch and try lots of new things. <br />
<strong>Day 5: Animal Kingdom</strong><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VOmtQvSGBtU/VK4PSUuhK2I/AAAAAAABqWA/Z4hPFnhG8gY/s1600-h/DSC_02623.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0262" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qxnK2bGbhjk/VK4PVaDCCcI/AAAAAAABqWI/BzvaiBkMcAM/DSC_0262_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="430" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0262" width="644" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZRxoEYxC7HI/VK4PXyGd5RI/AAAAAAABqWQ/sLfheFzWce8/s1600-h/DSC_02653.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0265" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yQB2uge_uxs/VK4PZtHTfeI/AAAAAAABqWY/UXYTdja-IZQ/DSC_0265_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="430" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0265" width="644" /></a><br />
Animal Kingdom doesn’t get enough coverage, I think. I love this park. It’s small in scale, so you feel like you really can do everything in one day. But the theming is excellent and everything there is super high quality. We love Expedition Everest. It’s probably the most fun rollercoaster at Disney. Averi, who’s only 5, rode it twice and would have gone more times if we had time. We also love all the shows there. The bird show is fun, especially for the younger kids, and we LOVE the Lion King show. It’s incredibly well done. <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZBN3X0BDrP0/VK4PbPcTRzI/AAAAAAABqWg/oMtX4TRo8OM/s1600-h/DSC_02733.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0273" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CDLj6CQ2x3w/VK4Pb2uhApI/AAAAAAABqWo/J-rc4x4fhcI/DSC_0273_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0273" width="323" /></a><br />
Meeting the man of her dreams. She had been waiting five whole days to meet Winnie-the-Pooh. We tried to see him at Epcot, but she was just too tired and had to go home. We knew Animal Kingdom would be our last chance, so we made this a priority. (Anyone else starting to get the feeling that our lives revolve around this cutie pie? They do. We can’t help it.) <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-P56Er0Bl6RE/VK4PdtbLhBI/AAAAAAABqWw/3RJAMhdU4pk/s1600-h/DSC_02783.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0278" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NcpzgCRxBvI/VK4Pe-H0eaI/AAAAAAABqW4/V2pRAfxD6c4/DSC_0278_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0278" width="323" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Hash9a7Rcck/VK4PglAXwTI/AAAAAAABqXA/3t7feMT2BqI/s1600-h/DSC_02853.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0285" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pjtIi-0EV4w/VK4PiCKb1BI/AAAAAAABqXI/biyF-R_MARQ/DSC_0285_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0285" width="323" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OPSVyLXvdpk/VK4PjchX5rI/AAAAAAABqXQ/VlAWMuLTRvI/s1600-h/DSC_02963.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0296" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2qMHCV9qh5k/VK4PkLDry2I/AAAAAAABqXY/AyhS4L2TWh4/DSC_0296_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0296" width="323" /></a><br />
She loves Tigg-uh (in Bridget speak) as well. <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SwQ_N4n-0hM/VK4PlzRgAEI/AAAAAAABqXg/HE_C4-nYdZs/s1600-h/DSC_03073.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0307" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5pUQRDvnv7c/VK4PobY8jfI/AAAAAAABqXo/J7UIUOv44lA/DSC_0307_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0307" width="323" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0kiUuJzuYA8/VK4PqMjrUJI/AAAAAAABqXw/P-YFmtoPbf4/s1600-h/DSC_03493.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0349" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kZyidqScTzY/VK4PsjkberI/AAAAAAABqX4/SXl9xLH-9L4/DSC_0349_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="430" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0349" width="644" /></a><br />
The Kilimanjaro Safari is so much fun. We love seeing all of the animals wandering around. Some of them get quite close, as evidenced by this rhino. That metal is the picture is the side of our truck. He was only a few feet away. Just a few seconds after this picture, another rhino walked right in front of us and joined him. The kids were thrilled.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3XkT8Wjy198/VK4PuW4Bb8I/AAAAAAABqYA/5do1vZhggO0/s1600-h/DSC_03713.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0371" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yG3oYcR8jwA/VK4PwGsvUoI/AAAAAAABqYI/C4dzrCpY05Q/DSC_0371_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0371" width="323" /></a> <br />
Grandma loves are the best.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DLfUWTvsg6I/VK4PxhkenZI/AAAAAAABqYQ/Qumlmo0MT-Q/s1600-h/DSC_03803.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0380" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-guOgHYxXQIE/VK4PziigrhI/AAAAAAABqYY/cdEX-5MQago/DSC_0380_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="430" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0380" width="644" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XyaeFGcRu0I/VK4P1r5KLQI/AAAAAAABqYg/mrRhKxelT0c/s1600-h/DSC_03883.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0388" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hPx8bIefjd4/VK4P2ycWNTI/AAAAAAABqYo/J1W1P9QVX48/DSC_0388_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="430" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0388" width="644" /></a> <br />
The Festival of the Lion King. The kids got to participate this year as well. I think we’ve figured out where to sit to almost guarantee that they get picked. They had a blast dancing with the characters.<br />
Day 6: Hollywood Studios<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zo2Wf75DRR4/VK4P3wQwHfI/AAAAAAABqYw/wMHcqNnd04k/s1600-h/DSC_03913.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0391" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--fmu5oiG6b8/VK4P5WgSIrI/AAAAAAABqY4/9xaBkxx1V0E/DSC_0391_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0391" width="323" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ujIQaVwOasg/VK4P68UAeyI/AAAAAAABqZA/FKKMZJxA1js/s1600-h/DSC_03923.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0392" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9mOxBDVJgKE/VK4P9IfialI/AAAAAAABqZI/6ZQLr9sT5eQ/DSC_0392_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="430" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0392" width="644" /></a><br />
The kids loved Rockin’ Rollercoaster. I was sure it would be too much for them, but they proved me wrong. I definitely learned not to underestimate their thrill seeking tendencies on this trip. Katie even went on Tower of Terror. That ride makes me want to pee my pants, but she was completely unfazed. <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MmeiIryJVrU/VK4P-5QefaI/AAAAAAABqZQ/B3EVqixur1U/s1600-h/DSC_04033.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0403" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XGK4mOIFbj0/VK4QB0KmSaI/AAAAAAABqZY/AuuPo7wwa6o/DSC_0403_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="430" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0403" width="644" /></a><br />
Much handclapping was done to pass the time. <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-i6LsY0padS0/VK4QFp4QZ8I/AAAAAAABqZg/qWNb-4m4Z4E/s1600-h/DSC_04083.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0408" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-P58pyKr2k6g/VK4QHU9p78I/AAAAAAABqZo/1RaHQv-mRGs/DSC_0408_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="430" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0408" width="644" /></a> <br />
Seriously cannot get over how adorable this girl is. Do they come any cuter? <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bwQWMZE2--Y/VK4QKYhx9CI/AAAAAAABqZw/emBd2sfXxz8/s1600-h/DSC_04163.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0416" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xb-bAgHkYkw/VK4QPHoLtnI/AAAAAAABqZ4/lF5v5QzRzl4/DSC_0416_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="430" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0416" width="644" /></a> <br />
Okay, this is cuter. <br />
Going through all these pictures makes me so happy. Gretchen Rubin, who wrote the Happiness Project, talked about the role of photos in contributing to our happiness. “One of the best ways to make yourself happy in the present is to recall happy times from the past. Photos are a great memory-prompt, and because we tend to take photos of happy occasions, they weight our memories to the good.” When I look through photos of my family, I realize that my memories are definitely weighted to the good, and I am glad. I love my family so much, and I know we are so blessed to be able to have experiences like this together. Sometimes I can’t believe how good my life is. Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05989173556118626287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1757546031996218486.post-75420688782017936732014-02-18T18:57:00.001-08:002015-01-07T21:20:22.791-08:00SeptemberLet’s just get this out of the way—I LOVE Disney World. For some people, it’s not their cup of tea. But it’s mine. Every last drop. Love love love it. We were not planning on going to Disney World last year. We actually had a different family trip planned. However, my dad called one day and said that he had a conference to attend on Disney property in October. Were we interested in coming with them? Ummm…yes! It worked out amazingly well. We found a five-bedroom house that was cheaper than my dad’s hotel room, so the company agreed to pay for that instead. Free lodging for everyone! And because he’s super generous, my dad was able to help us out with plane tickets—flying six people anywhere is not cheap. So it was an incredible opportunity that we definitely were not going to pass up.<br />
We decided not to tell the kids until my parents could be there. Since they were coming for the baptism, we decided to do the Disney reveal as a joint birthday present for all the kids. My dad came up with the idea of Camp Gottawanna—You gotta wanna have fun, you gotta wanna play hard, you gotta wanna follow the rules…He wants to have regular sessions of Camp Gottawanna with his grandkids. Basically, it’s just a fine time with Grandma and Grandpa. It’s a very my dad sort of thing. So first the kids received invitations for Camp Gottawanna from my parents. They were a little confused by that, but they knew something more was coming. Then Aaron and I gave them fake plane tickets to Orlando. They were excited, but apparently geography is not their thing because they didn’t realize why we were going to Orlando (still hung up on the Camp Gottawanna thing). Then we gave them a card saying they were going to Disney World. I have to say, I was quite underwhelmed by their reactions. Sure, they were excited, but I expected YouTube worthy reactions, or at least a few tears of joy. Nope. Surprise fail. Oh well. It won’t stop me from trying again. <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HQVLeO5RbXY/VK4Mp8uYHPI/AAAAAAABqQM/mBoebIJyY0Q/s1600-h/DSC_9766-13.jpg"><img alt="DSC_9766-1" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xGJt_khSNIw/VK4Mq20wBWI/AAAAAAABqQU/jsMc_EeOIfU/DSC_9766-1_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="431" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_9766-1" width="644" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-A9-ZvRkH28g/VK4Mr8wSF-I/AAAAAAABqQc/3lhEIQDbpsI/s1600-h/DSC_97553.jpg"><img alt="DSC_9755" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-f43ZsshLiwg/VK4Ms7PwyXI/AAAAAAABqQk/HItkggGvO1c/DSC_9755_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="430" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_9755" width="644" /></a> <br />
<strong>Day 1: Magic Kingdom</strong><br />
We spent our first full day in Orlando at Magic Kingdom. I think you’re missing out on some of the magic if you don’t start your Disney trip there. Seeing the castle across the lake and entering on Main Street is just such an amazing feeling. Right off the bat we saw Mary Poppins with hardly anyone in line. When I was little, I was obsessed with Mary Poppins, so we had to stop and chat with her. Kiera was going to be dressing up that evening as Mary Poppins, so she was excited to see her too. She was delightful—practically perfect in every way!<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cul7MLi_fEk/VK4Mt7V017I/AAAAAAABqQs/1IcA-yjkrJs/s1600-h/DSC_0086-0013.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0086-001" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_PY7-cGWjc8/VK4Mu5U6z1I/AAAAAAABqQ0/Evnm2AuoQcU/DSC_0086-001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="430" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0086-001" width="644" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nRWreKeqnPM/VK4Mvq3_GBI/AAAAAAABqQ8/5k023L8N6X0/s1600-h/DSC_0087-0013.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0087-001" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HAUPw9nOxDg/VK4MwtDInbI/AAAAAAABqRE/6vcC-v1chwk/DSC_0087-001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="430" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0087-001" width="644" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vZtSZRJHRqE/VK4Mxf2kSSI/AAAAAAABqRM/kBU1H4zMfDs/s1600-h/DSC_00923.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0092" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rlOoIxvNTuw/VK4MyD9WKaI/AAAAAAABqRU/r51avjx8hs8/DSC_0092_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0092" width="323" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-auXx-8Xdj3s/VK4My1HZYwI/AAAAAAABqRc/iISJ9ZwBTJU/s1600-h/DSC_00953.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0095" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-x8r432QSS3k/VK4MzmmF5zI/AAAAAAABqRk/OLIXeeCiEVo/DSC_0095_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0095" width="323" /></a> <br />
Obligatory castle picture.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UF1rWkcjI48/VK4M0QJVocI/AAAAAAABqRs/I1dYwsvbxfQ/s1600-h/DSC_01143.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0114" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-beMTQ86OqR8/VK4M1IrqqzI/AAAAAAABqRw/KB0hwPuB9yA/DSC_0114_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0114" width="323" /></a> <br />
One of the very first things we did was head over to the Winnie-the-Pooh ride. That’s Bridget’s obsession, and it’s been going strong for half a year now. I knew that she would just eat it up. After the ride, Grandpa told her she could pick anything at the WTP gift shop. We kept steering her toward the bigger stuffed animals, but she wanted that little Pooh key ring. She loved it. Whenever she had an outfit with belt loops we would clip it on, and then we let her carry it around with her when she wasn’t. On our second day at the Magic Kingdom, Bridget lost that little keychain and was devastated. We immediately retraced our steps, but there was no sign of him. We went to guest services and asked if it had been turned in (fat chance, we knew), and it hadn’t. However, they gave us a gift certificate for any Winnie the Pooh item of our choosing. So incredibly generous! We knew that she wouldn’t want anything else, but we were still blown away by their generosity. That, my friends, is why Disney succeeds. They do everything they can to make the experience magical. Bridget still loves her little Pooh keychain and very frequently sleeps with it at night. Thank you, Grandpa and Disney!<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TaDd6kJPmRY/VK4M19VPD5I/AAAAAAABqR8/3X9DHhwom9w/s1600-h/DSC_01193.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0119" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-z0yiSx2XAeU/VK4M2gG7g2I/AAAAAAABqSE/l66U9No7bJo/DSC_0119_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0119" width="323" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NYgNDWp2JlE/VK4M3gcPk7I/AAAAAAABqSM/yDEoR0eFA3s/s1600-h/DSC_01233.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0123" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7YOfXWvYTJE/VK4M4dg2A5I/AAAAAAABqSU/UTCYC-_VXeM/DSC_0123_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="430" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0123" width="644" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JR1mbUtJMdA/VK4On1PdfPI/AAAAAAABqSg/3SEDVHGDSwo/s1600-h/DSC_01343.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0134" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-I4YYmd9_axE/VK4Oo2slXzI/AAAAAAABqSo/vCHwlF-Ulg8/DSC_0134_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0134" width="323" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MjsMJm1Tf1U/VK4Op598DDI/AAAAAAABqSw/J9eqa0uJr9Q/s1600-h/DSC_01463.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0146" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--46PLkPWz80/VK4OqnnzlhI/AAAAAAABqS4/3TpP1C8EmDU/DSC_0146_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="430" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0146" width="644" /></a><br />
We attended Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party that evening. The kids loved being able to dress up, and they had a blast finding the different stations to trick-or-treat at. I do wish we had seen more characters in costume. We only saw a small handful, and I was expecting a lot more. I guess we just weren’t at the right place at the right time. <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eH23qvGcp9s/VK4OrfdtxpI/AAAAAAABqTA/o5JYHUwhprs/s1600-h/DSC_01513.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0151" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jCKDM3t6auc/VK4OsVZVGDI/AAAAAAABqTI/sKe_Tn2rHCg/DSC_0151_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0151" width="323" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Id3C40h_Smc/VK4OxnEvmTI/AAAAAAABqTQ/GoOkOP6T9Y8/s1600-h/DSC_01523.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0152" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OBJi5mM4dOA/VK4OyP4P3WI/AAAAAAABqTY/J8YkH1kWkW0/DSC_0152_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0152" width="323" /></a> <br />
<strong>Day 2: Magic Kingdom</strong><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9Yn2TkBgxbg/VK4OzBOQfjI/AAAAAAABqTg/ow7v7AXCM2A/s1600-h/DSC_01623.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0162" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HkSqsimnACs/VK4O0B--_iI/AAAAAAABqTo/Tp0UpfRfHhM/DSC_0162_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="430" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0162" width="644" /></a> <br />
Aaron and I spent so much time at the little play area by Splash Mountain, playing with Bridget while the other one took the kids on Splash Mountain. Turns out that my kids love rollercoasters, and could not get enough of them. I was shocked by how much Averi loved the bigger rides. She’s quite the daredevil!<br />
One afternoon Katie got a massive bloody nose and had to go to the first aid station. They took good care of her, and gave her a coupon for a free popsicle, since the bleed was heat-induced. When they realized how many siblings she had, they gave each of them coupons as well! Another fine example of Disney hospitality. <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YVaaYwsGjdQ/VK4O08Yqs0I/AAAAAAABqTw/si7HApwG1x4/s1600-h/DSC_01723.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0172" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Fq-POWae5zE/VK4O2xT7jPI/AAAAAAABqT4/dQD0Njj9mRY/DSC_0172_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="430" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0172" width="644" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tFTCYnivkvE/VK4O3ght6oI/AAAAAAABqUA/o98J0nXIN74/s1600-h/DSC_01803.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0180" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zLlSKsPkMMk/VK4O6j13l2I/AAAAAAABqUI/cusqFsG4JWY/DSC_0180_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="430" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0180" width="644" /></a><br />
Eating her first Mickey ears. Awww!<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oyHXFi6yd_c/VK4O8Kzs2UI/AAAAAAABqUQ/bhYGXcX_Q0Y/s1600-h/DSC_01773.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0177" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8FoCyFwzm_I/VK4O-Y_vkJI/AAAAAAABqUY/vRRDN-rxR1I/DSC_0177_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0177" width="323" /></a> <br />
Mom and Dad got Dole Whips while the kids had their free popsicle. We didn’t let on how delicious our treat was.<br />
<strong>Day 3: Day of Rest!</strong><br />
We spent Sunday watching General Conference together (and, let’s be honest, sleeping, since we were so wiped out). I think we’ve figured out that our family does Disney best two days on, one day off. It’s exhausting for both parents and children. We like to be there as early as we can and stay as late as we can, so we get very, very tired. <br />
<strong>Day 4: Epcot</strong><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FHkRZUp_mcs/VK4PDeaaVoI/AAAAAAABqUg/4CnQavtupkU/s1600-h/DSC_01853.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0185" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--wown6rGdNw/VK4PD4TJP9I/AAAAAAABqUk/5IDb-9GfC0E/DSC_0185_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0185" width="323" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hKe8IL8nICs/VK4PEh-g8oI/AAAAAAABqUw/JW-WIVCSPxY/s1600-h/DSC_01893.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0189" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8ptSEoU0DxQ/VK4PFcBLHII/AAAAAAABqU4/MVLl4GIthSk/DSC_0189_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0189" width="323" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CI45C1V89I0/VK4PGKGhzKI/AAAAAAABqVA/L8mv6XS-tx4/s1600-h/DSC_02043.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0204" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_HP7Gi9Ox-Y/VK4PHEn7gPI/AAAAAAABqVI/NTRdvH-QdsU/DSC_0204_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0204" width="323" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-emVagjfgE0k/VK4PIIQCBKI/AAAAAAABqVQ/7AXhn5ykdwE/s1600-h/DSC_02163.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0216" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IUkE4-EMPr0/VK4PJQO9XfI/AAAAAAABqVY/ux7Oqaz1Dvc/DSC_0216_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="430" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0216" width="644" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EmKUk8MpS0U/VK4PLP0dEhI/AAAAAAABqVg/o1aMLfpyQ8c/s1600-h/DSC_02373.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0237" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OmTDrXQOnFc/VK4PMLIbh4I/AAAAAAABqVo/8FPcnzko0AA/DSC_0237_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0237" width="323" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-u3A47UPxdHs/VK4PNszI3rI/AAAAAAABqVw/KsGcQnEFKA8/s1600-h/DSC_0251-0013.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0251-001" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8Jx6ejAJEys/VK4PPVE9DzI/AAAAAAABqV4/QTWSMr7pOAo/DSC_0251-001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0251-001" width="323" /></a> <br />
Epcot was definitely the best place to see the big characters. The line was only 5 minutes long. We knew we had to see Mickey, because Bridget had fallen in love with him. She pointed him out everywhere she saw him (which, in Disney World, is a lot of places). She was THRILLED. She did not want to leave his side, even with the promise of Minnie and Goofy just around the corner. Eventually we convinced her that she had to move on. She was a bit afraid of Goofy, but loved Minnie too. <br />
My mom took the two youngest girls home for an afternoon nap and left us with Katie, Paul and Kiera. We decided to spend the afternoon over at the World Showcase, sampling the food at the International Food and Wine Festival. In my opinion, Epcot is a bit of a letdown after the other parks. There are only two big rides, and the fastpasses go so quickly that you can only get them for Soarin’ or Test Track, not both. Once the passes are gone, the line skyrockets to two hours or more, even on less busy days. Just not worth it for either of those rides. The park is also a bit dated and has more of a 70’s feel. I think it’s time for a pretty big revamp over there. The Food and Wine Festival, however, was a blast. The food was not that expensive (for Disney food), so we stopped at all of the booths that looked interesting. We got one item from each booth and shared it, so everyone got a little taste. It was a fun way to get lunch and try lots of new things. <br />
<strong>Day 5: Animal Kingdom</strong><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VOmtQvSGBtU/VK4PSUuhK2I/AAAAAAABqWA/Z4hPFnhG8gY/s1600-h/DSC_02623.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0262" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qxnK2bGbhjk/VK4PVaDCCcI/AAAAAAABqWI/BzvaiBkMcAM/DSC_0262_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="430" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0262" width="644" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZRxoEYxC7HI/VK4PXyGd5RI/AAAAAAABqWQ/sLfheFzWce8/s1600-h/DSC_02653.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0265" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yQB2uge_uxs/VK4PZtHTfeI/AAAAAAABqWY/UXYTdja-IZQ/DSC_0265_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="430" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0265" width="644" /></a><br />
Animal Kingdom doesn’t get enough coverage, I think. I love this park. It’s small in scale, so you feel like you really can do everything in one day. But the theming is excellent and everything there is super high quality. We love Expedition Everest. It’s probably the most fun rollercoaster at Disney. Averi, who’s only 5, rode it twice and would have gone more times if we had time. We also love all the shows there. The bird show is fun, especially for the younger kids, and we LOVE the Lion King show. It’s incredibly well done. <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZBN3X0BDrP0/VK4PbPcTRzI/AAAAAAABqWg/oMtX4TRo8OM/s1600-h/DSC_02733.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0273" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CDLj6CQ2x3w/VK4Pb2uhApI/AAAAAAABqWo/J-rc4x4fhcI/DSC_0273_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0273" width="323" /></a><br />
Meeting the man of her dreams. She had been waiting five whole days to meet Winnie-the-Pooh. We tried to see him at Epcot, but she was just too tired and had to go home. We knew Animal Kingdom would be our last chance, so we made this a priority. (Anyone else starting to get the feeling that our lives revolve around this cutie pie? They do. We can’t help it.) <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-P56Er0Bl6RE/VK4PdtbLhBI/AAAAAAABqWw/3RJAMhdU4pk/s1600-h/DSC_02783.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0278" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NcpzgCRxBvI/VK4Pe-H0eaI/AAAAAAABqW4/V2pRAfxD6c4/DSC_0278_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0278" width="323" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Hash9a7Rcck/VK4PglAXwTI/AAAAAAABqXA/3t7feMT2BqI/s1600-h/DSC_02853.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0285" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pjtIi-0EV4w/VK4PiCKb1BI/AAAAAAABqXI/biyF-R_MARQ/DSC_0285_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0285" width="323" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OPSVyLXvdpk/VK4PjchX5rI/AAAAAAABqXQ/VlAWMuLTRvI/s1600-h/DSC_02963.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0296" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2qMHCV9qh5k/VK4PkLDry2I/AAAAAAABqXY/AyhS4L2TWh4/DSC_0296_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0296" width="323" /></a><br />
She loves Tigg-uh (in Bridget speak) as well. <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SwQ_N4n-0hM/VK4PlzRgAEI/AAAAAAABqXg/HE_C4-nYdZs/s1600-h/DSC_03073.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0307" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5pUQRDvnv7c/VK4PobY8jfI/AAAAAAABqXo/J7UIUOv44lA/DSC_0307_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0307" width="323" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0kiUuJzuYA8/VK4PqMjrUJI/AAAAAAABqXw/P-YFmtoPbf4/s1600-h/DSC_03493.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0349" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kZyidqScTzY/VK4PsjkberI/AAAAAAABqX4/SXl9xLH-9L4/DSC_0349_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="430" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0349" width="644" /></a><br />
The Kilimanjaro Safari is so much fun. We love seeing all of the animals wandering around. Some of them get quite close, as evidenced by this rhino. That metal is the picture is the side of our truck. He was only a few feet away. Just a few seconds after this picture, another rhino walked right in front of us and joined him. The kids were thrilled.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3XkT8Wjy198/VK4PuW4Bb8I/AAAAAAABqYA/5do1vZhggO0/s1600-h/DSC_03713.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0371" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yG3oYcR8jwA/VK4PwGsvUoI/AAAAAAABqYI/C4dzrCpY05Q/DSC_0371_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0371" width="323" /></a> <br />
Grandma loves are the best.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DLfUWTvsg6I/VK4PxhkenZI/AAAAAAABqYQ/Qumlmo0MT-Q/s1600-h/DSC_03803.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0380" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-guOgHYxXQIE/VK4PziigrhI/AAAAAAABqYY/cdEX-5MQago/DSC_0380_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="430" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0380" width="644" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XyaeFGcRu0I/VK4P1r5KLQI/AAAAAAABqYg/mrRhKxelT0c/s1600-h/DSC_03883.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0388" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hPx8bIefjd4/VK4P2ycWNTI/AAAAAAABqYo/J1W1P9QVX48/DSC_0388_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="430" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0388" width="644" /></a> <br />
The Festival of the Lion King. The kids got to participate this year as well. I think we’ve figured out where to sit to almost guarantee that they get picked. They had a blast dancing with the characters.<br />
Day 6: Hollywood Studios<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zo2Wf75DRR4/VK4P3wQwHfI/AAAAAAABqYw/wMHcqNnd04k/s1600-h/DSC_03913.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0391" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--fmu5oiG6b8/VK4P5WgSIrI/AAAAAAABqY4/9xaBkxx1V0E/DSC_0391_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0391" width="323" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ujIQaVwOasg/VK4P68UAeyI/AAAAAAABqZA/FKKMZJxA1js/s1600-h/DSC_03923.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0392" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9mOxBDVJgKE/VK4P9IfialI/AAAAAAABqZI/6ZQLr9sT5eQ/DSC_0392_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="430" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0392" width="644" /></a><br />
The kids loved Rockin’ Rollercoaster. I was sure it would be too much for them, but they proved me wrong. I definitely learned not to underestimate their thrill seeking tendencies on this trip. Katie even went on Tower of Terror. That ride makes me want to pee my pants, but she was completely unfazed. <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MmeiIryJVrU/VK4P-5QefaI/AAAAAAABqZQ/B3EVqixur1U/s1600-h/DSC_04033.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0403" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XGK4mOIFbj0/VK4QB0KmSaI/AAAAAAABqZY/AuuPo7wwa6o/DSC_0403_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="430" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0403" width="644" /></a><br />
Much handclapping was done to pass the time. <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-i6LsY0padS0/VK4QFp4QZ8I/AAAAAAABqZg/qWNb-4m4Z4E/s1600-h/DSC_04083.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0408" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-P58pyKr2k6g/VK4QHU9p78I/AAAAAAABqZo/1RaHQv-mRGs/DSC_0408_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="430" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0408" width="644" /></a> <br />
Seriously cannot get over how adorable this girl is. Do they come any cuter? <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bwQWMZE2--Y/VK4QKYhx9CI/AAAAAAABqZw/emBd2sfXxz8/s1600-h/DSC_04163.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0416" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xb-bAgHkYkw/VK4QPHoLtnI/AAAAAAABqZ4/lF5v5QzRzl4/DSC_0416_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="430" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0416" width="644" /></a> <br />
Okay, this is cuter. <br />
Going through all these pictures makes me so happy. Gretchen Rubin, who wrote the Happiness Project, talked about the role of photos in contributing to our happiness. “One of the best ways to make yourself happy in the present is to recall happy times from the past. Photos are a great memory-prompt, and because we tend to take photos of happy occasions, they weight our memories to the good.” When I look through photos of my family, I realize that my memories are definitely weighted to the good, and I am glad. I love my family so much, and I know we are so blessed to be able to have experiences like this together. Sometimes I can’t believe how good my life is. Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05989173556118626287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1757546031996218486.post-35996294953166564922014-02-16T18:01:00.001-08:002015-01-08T13:05:36.881-08:00August and Katie’s Baptism<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fkLgmiIgDBc/VK6_jkhpIlI/AAAAAAABqgA/ilEEDhrUPI8/s1600-h/IMG_32973.jpg"><img title="IMG_3297" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_3297" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-p7pZ_koOPeY/VK6_lqsGrCI/AAAAAAABqgI/KUmYu85R3a0/IMG_3297_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a></p> <p>Katie and her friend Haley each lost a tooth on the same McDonald’s outing! How weird is that?</p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tz5hMWBF2Kw/VK6_m0JrUKI/AAAAAAABqgQ/mYXG-s1iQS4/s1600-h/IMG_20130802_1803423.jpg"><img title="IMG_20130802_180342" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_20130802_180342" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HNYOm2OkkTQ/VK6_pA1rsgI/AAAAAAABqgY/sUHMek2Q8oQ/IMG_20130802_180342_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-87W5b1VgsCM/VK6_sA30h6I/AAAAAAABqgg/qCFFHRcwe5I/s1600-h/IMG_20130802_1804303.jpg"><img title="IMG_20130802_180430" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_20130802_180430" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ydk1RjIZB1E/VK6_tliTJXI/AAAAAAABqgo/bEGFMICaiAU/IMG_20130802_180430_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Cold day at the splash park.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lfSvtK5jyu4/VK6_u3yCcrI/AAAAAAABqgw/Ax_UFsFYVBo/s1600-h/IMG_3931_BW3.jpg"><img title="IMG_3931_BW" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_3931_BW" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Tipx4uiSCis/VK6_xFoGj2I/AAAAAAABqg4/fQ4GQYRjUSE/IMG_3931_BW_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431" /></a> </p> <p>Katie’s baptism photo shoot. This was so much fun. Katie ADORED being the center of attention (no surprise there!) and Jacque was so amazing to work with. I seriously love just about every photo and want to cover my house in them. It may make my other children feel slightly less loved to see Katie’s mug around every corner, but their time will come. If you’re in the Albuquerque area and looking for a family photographer, call Jacque Larsen. We love her to death. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XtlEwEl8Aeg/VK6_zN70ntI/AAAAAAABqhA/uCxk4Ky99JA/s1600-h/IMG_3941-copy6.jpg"><img title="IMG_3941 copy" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_3941 copy" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xo4-RGkDlEc/VK6_0nDWsuI/AAAAAAABqhI/ePzB-agwURM/IMG_3941-copy_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7txeybIp82I/VK6_10KGmWI/AAAAAAABqhQ/7U6KSC4yxwg/s1600-h/IMG_3957-copy3.jpg"><img title="IMG_3957 copy" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_3957 copy" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NqJPN30jw3g/VK6_4F4Hv1I/AAAAAAABqhY/TBztwVUxTPQ/IMG_3957-copy_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="484" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LbOe4Tkp_9I/VK6_5S1lR2I/AAAAAAABqhg/5NtP75f8NsA/s1600-h/IMG_4018-copy3.jpg"><img title="IMG_4018 copy" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4018 copy" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VjREZpYhQ18/VK6_7npeQkI/AAAAAAABqho/o0J4u4pkzUo/IMG_4018-copy_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="484" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lskT3651p7A/VK6_9l3FUMI/AAAAAAABqhw/4QZsF1KVO6s/s1600-h/IMG_4043-copy3.jpg"><img title="IMG_4043 copy" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4043 copy" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PYslNZF-nOY/VK6__rWkjAI/AAAAAAABqh4/VNnLc8KxBHY/IMG_4043-copy_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hiWvB1-O91Q/VK7ABjs9GiI/AAAAAAABqiA/C2rJKthZLRo/s1600-h/IMG_4079-copy_BW3.jpg"><img title="IMG_4079 copy_BW" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4079 copy_BW" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8DadD0LpYrs/VK7ADZGQ14I/AAAAAAABqiI/D2GKLh0rY38/IMG_4079-copy_BW_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="484" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GYXTv3sF3Mg/VK7AEnN8zoI/AAAAAAABqiQ/ShvpPYNMlCw/s1600-h/IMG_4109-copy3.jpg"><img title="IMG_4109 copy" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4109 copy" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NncPkq_hIuU/VK7AGEoVQMI/AAAAAAABqiY/sn0jKykmMhQ/IMG_4109-copy_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="484" /></a> </p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AxMP42BqPkE/VK7AHQ8xQ2I/AAAAAAABqig/_CLW8nigPlU/s1600-h/IMG_4084-copy3.jpg"><img title="IMG_4084 copy" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4084 copy" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZWMbet78p_U/VK7AJcT4Q5I/AAAAAAABqio/NyPx0Nu1WZw/IMG_4084-copy_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="484" /></a></p> <p>This face is SOOOO Katie. It was no surprise when we were looking through the pictures and she saw this one and said, “That pose was my idea!” I can hear her saying, “Mom! Look!” every time I see this picture.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-46gfHrUk7ak/VK7ALYpNLkI/AAAAAAABqiw/qwnbEXQ1ccI/s1600-h/DSC_97053.jpg"><img title="DSC_9705" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9705" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rUtR7Yz5K1s/VK7ANuIWcFI/AAAAAAABqi4/4FJ30MUOxF0/DSC_9705_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-C_BWSb4pDdQ/VK7AOj5z-jI/AAAAAAABqjA/DkZ6tL1E9pI/s1600-h/DSC_97143.jpg"><img title="DSC_9714" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9714" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-H2jJbSRYeMY/VK7AQ7C1Q-I/AAAAAAABqjI/VKeatQrhoXU/DSC_9714_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hjx98ChDE1E/VK7ATPyovII/AAAAAAABqjQ/XasAYUjocEk/s1600-h/DSC_97283.jpg"><img title="DSC_9728" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9728" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-n2a0wXSn-RY/VK7AU3V2hbI/AAAAAAABqjY/IiIf4Y9Szrw/DSC_9728_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FUnMAzw-X7o/VK7AWKq0qQI/AAAAAAABqjg/tCg5iN7Vm2w/s1600-h/DSC_97353.jpg"><img title="DSC_9735" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9735" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hbvQR7npiT8/VK7AYDwF13I/AAAAAAABqjo/wKtQ3jwuyh8/DSC_9735_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Bridget’s second birthday. She was a grump and a half this day. I did have her hair fixed, but she would have none of it. When it came time for us to sing “Happy Birthday,” she started screaming at everyone to STOP IT! Fortunately we caught it on video. It’s pretty hilarious.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-elU323h6nxE/VK7AZ5zAjGI/AAAAAAABqjw/ERXKKStT7y0/s1600-h/DSC_97453.jpg"><img title="DSC_9745" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9745" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qRc6Hp90uho/VK7AbzKB1EI/AAAAAAABqj4/fRSPMiZhvCQ/DSC_9745_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-x6g-LhPBu8Q/VK7AeLGJHsI/AAAAAAABqkA/TQdJ-kFM8VY/s1600-h/DSC_97503.jpg"><img title="DSC_9750" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9750" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YWmQAI0FPyA/VK7Afh6UEhI/AAAAAAABqkI/6UxJkwRBYCo/DSC_9750_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Katie was baptized on August 24. We were so blessed to have nearly all of our family (on both sides!) come to town to join us for this day. To make it extra special, my dad arranged for us all to stay at Hotel Cascada, which is a hotel with an indoor waterpark. We spent Friday evening playing hard, ate at Sweet Tomatoes (a Barnes family tradition) and then the kids and grandparents stayed at the hotel. Aaron and I went back home so we could sleep in our own beds. We met up the next morning and played again at the water park. The Flow Rider was the hit of the trip. Everyone loved trying out their new skillz (p.s. we have none). Even Katie and Paul got to go several times. </p> <p>After that, we cleaned up and headed over to the Stake Center for the baptism. Katie had chosen to be baptized in Albuquerque so that she could invite friends, and she was a wonderful missionary. We had several friends come who were not members, including her school friends Lily and Ali. I think my favorite part of the whole weekend was after the baptism. Everyone gathered at our house to have barbeque from Rudy’s (we all love it!). It was so wonderful to see all of our family gathered together, eating and laughing and just enjoying being together. Katie invited Lily and her dad to eat with us since they lived so far away and would have a super late dinner by the time they got home. He was reluctant to come, but once he was there, you would never have guessed that he wasn’t part of the family. I know he could feel how genuine everyone was and he left feeling something special. For me, it was such a wonderful testimony that family is really what the Gospel of Jesus Christ is all about. I LOVE my family (Barneses and Jorgensens alike). I am so grateful that we can be together forever!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-otR1v_4rf88/VK7AhfYGTKI/AAAAAAABqkQ/cHD8mUBP1QM/s1600-h/DSC_97763.jpg"><img title="DSC_9776" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9776" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VXn2wqTT37w/VK7AjHcfZ1I/AAAAAAABqkY/pIbYS9HYx3g/DSC_9776_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-N_ItuHhze40/VK7AlLu9TrI/AAAAAAABqkg/5r2jZlNzbYI/s1600-h/DSC_97795.jpg"><img title="DSC_9779" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9779" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cjUEPjPlYH0/VK7Am5AGBPI/AAAAAAABqko/7-Fv8cqLMpo/DSC_9779_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-THGASWt45-k/VK7ApRdqTcI/AAAAAAABqkw/Ch9glzZtC5M/s1600-h/DSC_97823.jpg"><img title="DSC_9782" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9782" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-46HNcaTT3f4/VK7Armh-wSI/AAAAAAABqk4/1wSeGTQU0ks/DSC_9782_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iSgG5c76DpM/VK7AtjUbdMI/AAAAAAABqlA/F0HN8pl_hpw/s1600-h/DSC_97863.jpg"><img title="DSC_9786" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9786" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XgnJKkWQfuM/VK7AvYDNbEI/AAAAAAABqlI/-L2SRUxFz0o/DSC_9786_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JdR31WP6lbc/VK7AwpVDs2I/AAAAAAABqlQ/zVWIxv__fMU/s1600-h/DSC_97893.jpg"><img title="DSC_9789" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9789" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nyzW6rRUzNI/VK7AyMb-WoI/AAAAAAABqlY/kBhaTfCH-78/DSC_9789_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-toMwwWDdI-0/VK7A0AlnUhI/AAAAAAABqlg/WD-xzlj0OWc/s1600-h/DSC_97973.jpg"><img title="DSC_9797" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9797" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1vF8elJzLgk/VK7A2F5ku5I/AAAAAAABqlo/rQeSor9Qnls/DSC_9797_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GM_CrFjQIe4/VK7A4Ly0tbI/AAAAAAABqlw/FLEReIGCwyA/s1600-h/DSC_98093.jpg"><img title="DSC_9809" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9809" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-76XDuPDz95w/VK7A6olkVJI/AAAAAAABql4/tHDxSeSTtjE/DSC_9809_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BW4j65Lk44k/VK7A8UCuS0I/AAAAAAABqmA/R7a3_nH3LWs/s1600-h/DSC_98143.jpg"><img title="DSC_9814" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9814" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5X-kniuWwS0/VK7A-CAlMuI/AAAAAAABqmI/9qgE2_3xVJg/DSC_9814_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nWsCvQnvAhQ/VK7A_9h3LGI/AAAAAAABqmQ/k7LohNdFCGM/s1600-h/DSC_98203.jpg"><img title="DSC_9820" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9820" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-esrR2eKnFQQ/VK7BBMDMhFI/AAAAAAABqmY/y3PZ7xbMbrs/DSC_9820_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3JC5tGqzf8M/VK7BC5zH1OI/AAAAAAABqmg/IMPiqHbhJDY/s1600-h/DSC_98273.jpg"><img title="DSC_9827" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9827" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HhFMKlXOOz0/VK7BE8sFznI/AAAAAAABqmo/lobhDvOmyVM/DSC_9827_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xl7uNVmyO9k/VK7BGkiGRCI/AAAAAAABqmw/wKqTXAFYUEk/s1600-h/DSC_98393.jpg"><img title="DSC_9839" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9839" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8j2w352M82s/VK7BHjz_LWI/AAAAAAABqm4/ZJT41xTPqpY/DSC_9839_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xs-oNLEUxzY/VK7BJMu2olI/AAAAAAABqnA/_UKIS5OdmNw/s1600-h/DSC_98493.jpg"><img title="DSC_9849" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9849" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VwN88hHOfvw/VK7BKjC7JmI/AAAAAAABqnI/bBFGp_NKmmc/DSC_9849_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JuJMowthNew/VK7BLmWUo5I/AAAAAAABqnQ/aQHOzHc_JzQ/s1600-h/DSC_98643.jpg"><img title="DSC_9864" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9864" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-n_I6Eoy9CA8/VK7BNsZpg6I/AAAAAAABqnY/Uu58dVZ0ENA/DSC_9864_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7by6QFd51Yk/VK7wesZE57I/AAAAAAABqno/57Jy2q4m3vk/s1600-h/DSC_99263.jpg"><img title="DSC_9926" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9926" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_seOYYcMjIA/VK7wgTmdq6I/AAAAAAABqnw/4cSUaAcYskI/DSC_9926_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dxyX-63yxeM/VK7whFOU6OI/AAAAAAABqn4/9JJKvkpnvvQ/s1600-h/DSC_99283.jpg"><img title="DSC_9928" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9928" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NuZkMZqm_lo/VK7wi-ee9rI/AAAAAAABqoA/LNS8YrHBbCU/DSC_9928_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3Atkh-qGmVA/VK7wjvetluI/AAAAAAABqoI/p1J3oGqo9iY/s1600-h/DSC_99313.jpg"><img title="DSC_9931" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9931" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZQ-baTW2_tQ/VK7wk0fMuJI/AAAAAAABqoQ/jROhjOIpXXA/DSC_9931_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-snRfhNZGtiU/VK7wnNvQRII/AAAAAAABqoY/xU2lGhJGxz4/s1600-h/DSC_99323.jpg"><img title="DSC_9932" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9932" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eYqMF7zwc3U/VK7wpNgnHqI/AAAAAAABqog/Qq1e4DnozAk/DSC_9932_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AgQaoc7BpEM/VK7wqTolFLI/AAAAAAABqoo/8LOiiMryt8E/s1600-h/DSC_99363.jpg"><img title="DSC_9936" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9936" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-onL7xE-eIAI/VK7wr2oK7pI/AAAAAAABqow/bHr1aLnaii8/DSC_9936_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Cigfw5z0Vg8/VK7wtvi3kgI/AAAAAAABqo4/3UBvmA_1Dmg/s1600-h/DSC_99373.jpg"><img title="DSC_9937" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9937" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-775fOHfGKqs/VK7wxJuqs7I/AAAAAAABqpA/fhRlZ0-JrPg/DSC_9937_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-P3ViitjEbw4/VK7wy32cynI/AAAAAAABqpI/XQOIiAMbbbo/s1600-h/DSC_99423.jpg"><img title="DSC_9942" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9942" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WCmF1hRWv2o/VK7w0DlBMcI/AAAAAAABqpQ/dTHxHisFswE/DSC_9942_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kSkw2jldDTo/VK7w1J9Qr6I/AAAAAAABqpY/6Wjq8-oSPq4/s1600-h/DSC_99463.jpg"><img title="DSC_9946" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9946" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QPcoZrxpsVw/VK7w2Sh0SxI/AAAAAAABqpg/VjGCit7iWls/DSC_9946_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a></p> Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05989173556118626287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1757546031996218486.post-11405645994215427012013-10-31T21:02:00.001-07:002015-01-08T21:23:20.389-08:00Update: June and July<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-S3FPRRhNDhg/VK9jpJCLI5I/AAAAAAABqsc/HExNzGqsKzY/s1600-h/DSC_95263.jpg"><img title="DSC_9526" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9526" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ln-rjd8kX0o/VK9jq5jbNPI/AAAAAAABqsk/1sypvytU4GU/DSC_9526_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vFe907xXslg/VK9jrxB93JI/AAAAAAABqss/r_iH3JrU6uk/s1600-h/DSC_95373.jpg"><img title="DSC_9537" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9537" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tzaXOrVfDfg/VK9jsWDMchI/AAAAAAABqs0/TyGGh4dO6uI/DSC_9537_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a></p> <p>The cheese thief strikes again!</p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FsvHV4Dq6Dw/VK9jtlpjcCI/AAAAAAABqs8/vkmsacmVwxk/s1600-h/DSC_95413.jpg"><img title="DSC_9541" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9541" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YuesPDSAVuU/VK9juwh8PtI/AAAAAAABqtE/dLUG4XIZ45w/DSC_9541_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FlLL7H5oKfI/VK9jx6HTuTI/AAAAAAABqtM/Cg1fdcytOBs/s1600-h/DSC_95433.jpg"><img title="DSC_9543" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9543" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-noSI6LQ3CbQ/VK9jzo74DEI/AAAAAAABqtU/BZfQruMrYpc/DSC_9543_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p>Hiking on our mini-break up at the Garcia’s cabin in Mora.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ehYjDhfrF6E/VK9j1GRuLbI/AAAAAAABqtc/LrHhjyoSlzk/s1600-h/DSC_95493.jpg"><img title="DSC_9549" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9549" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kWMCyS5-6fU/VK9j2v_Fs8I/AAAAAAABqtk/73wF-37LjIo/DSC_9549_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p>Picnic lunch and wading at Morphy Lake near Mora.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NcMVWmz_9OQ/VK9j3VtXsVI/AAAAAAABqts/w96vwe_dzhE/s1600-h/DSC_95543.jpg"><img title="DSC_9554" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9554" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-utPlW38s65U/VK9j4UYU5jI/AAAAAAABqt0/6d7hlWWQckQ/DSC_9554_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p>This poor lake had been so severely affected by the drought that the shore was at least 50 feet away from the end of the boat ramp. All that was left was a small pond filled with ultra sticky mud. Apparently there must have been some fish in there as well, because it was still full of families fishing.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3UCeGJiOL_8/VK9j5owpIFI/AAAAAAABqt8/91Azz_HOVn8/s1600-h/DSC_95584.jpg"><img title="DSC_9558" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9558" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vMmqe2NrOis/VK9j6sci7oI/AAAAAAABquE/_iUGCwfQujo/DSC_9558_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZQt9D-drLRE/VK9j8AERYiI/AAAAAAABquM/BwVSlf94OEE/s1600-h/DSC_95613.jpg"><img title="DSC_9561" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9561" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AwEdSUh3ra0/VK9j9pNjbJI/AAAAAAABquU/yMUZQ-igf-4/DSC_9561_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gK0blKCR5CY/VK9j--tCrmI/AAAAAAABquc/BxRQhdqmoAg/s1600-h/DSC_95643.jpg"><img title="DSC_9564" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9564" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-M1O_y9mYj94/VK9j_i0NRnI/AAAAAAABquk/lT3imYY8qzE/DSC_9564_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Gymnastics has made this boy ripped. He’s going to be a heartbreaker!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SvA7dcLrw1Q/VK9kBDAuj1I/AAAAAAABqus/O9FX_WQ7QDY/s1600-h/DSC_95693.jpg"><img title="DSC_9569" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9569" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aRn5O-h96tY/VK9kCR7t_lI/AAAAAAABqu0/NQs1YPiu1Ig/DSC_9569_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TPo9ruJYztc/VK9kDsWD8eI/AAAAAAABqu8/R_5V82ng-ME/s1600-h/DSC_95763.jpg"><img title="DSC_9576" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9576" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qyu6XJUn0Ks/VK9kEejsRyI/AAAAAAABqvE/lkaDb2ycYBs/DSC_9576_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p>Dad was a good sport and braved the mud and cold. Mom wisely stayed on shore—to take pictures, of course.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aor6jNMmFGg/VK9kFI8JBJI/AAAAAAABqvM/AQ-Bb_XaFyY/s1600-h/DSC_95833.jpg"><img title="DSC_9583" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9583" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cOVqZ0oBBrY/VK9kFyO4rNI/AAAAAAABqvU/QpdSSTlO-h4/DSC_9583_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Averi lost her flip flops in the mud. Some kind lake neighbors were willing to go in there and fish for it when I wasn’t. I would have just left it there.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VoNmk_CC2n8/VK9kG3IJiPI/AAAAAAABqvc/9ZDlYDNaBwM/s1600-h/DSC_95893.jpg"><img title="DSC_9589" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9589" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VfnlOBa-nZk/VK9kH0aQPbI/AAAAAAABqvk/LaLIpkDpU5w/DSC_9589_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3O_j6qa1Y4k/VK9kJC7vx7I/AAAAAAABqvs/Z408aZPBBDE/s1600-h/DSC_95913.jpg"><img title="DSC_9591" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9591" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UpdHprCO47c/VK9kKok3R7I/AAAAAAABqv0/PznwzUM9atg/DSC_9591_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p>When all your children are just lying on the floor doing nothing you know they’re not feeling well. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Z30h61_Lc34/VK9kMfmelHI/AAAAAAABqv8/pFKvqDKz3D0/s1600-h/DSC_95986.jpg"><img title="DSC_9598" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9598" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--Fqzzr_xg94/VK9kNrM9JmI/AAAAAAABqwE/agUVg_ou4o0/DSC_9598_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Aaron’s birthday cake. We didn’t have any appropriate candles, so the emergency candle had to do. Unfortunately, this was not the last birthday that had to use this candle.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WnvhF89pePE/VK9kOWs9l_I/AAAAAAABqwM/7-fh-gqxpco/s1600-h/DSC_96033.jpg"><img title="DSC_9603" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9603" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yjVbC6fVBKg/VK9kP9sOUYI/AAAAAAABqwU/cvtj9PbQijA/DSC_9603_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a>  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nnlP0M4Wsoc/VK9kRKpOw7I/AAAAAAABqwc/WWu69vdhpfE/s1600-h/IMG_20130720_200432-13.jpg"><img title="IMG_20130720_200432-1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_20130720_200432-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-r_CPB_mz1-o/VK9kSocGFHI/AAAAAAABqwk/x1ZX7JmwiQ4/IMG_20130720_200432-1_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Isotopes ball game, taken on the phone. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VkoXkQx6RMo/VK9kUYlb3VI/AAAAAAABqws/jwljLH27Cvo/s1600-h/DSC_9617-13.jpg"><img title="DSC_9617-1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9617-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-a5RCrKtMvYU/VK9kVY_YxCI/AAAAAAABqw0/1J6i9dNcUZU/DSC_9617-1_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p>Much swimming was done this summer. Katie and Paul got to the point where I was comfortable with them swimming in the big pool while I stayed with the two younger girls in the wading pool. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KeOxK3Jn6VY/VK9kWVbPiwI/AAAAAAABqw8/GPecKUi8Nsk/s1600-h/DSC_96043.jpg"><img title="DSC_9604" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9604" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-c79SdNwItWA/VK9kX1gghDI/AAAAAAABqxE/h8H7LqGMPkE/DSC_9604_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MlwwfJVBkGg/VK9kZUdMxrI/AAAAAAABqxM/_Ia3XEEW0Xg/s1600-h/DSC_96423.jpg"><img title="DSC_9642" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9642" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dTws7pdT1Aw/VK9kbCSRTFI/AAAAAAABqxU/XSf8Kr35c1I/DSC_9642_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZYDtWg_7X3Q/VK9kbtJ3qSI/AAAAAAABqxc/bOmeRu-1uvI/s1600-h/DSC_96093.jpg"><img title="DSC_9609" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9609" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2EJrOTKrzws/VK9kdvhPD0I/AAAAAAABqxk/LM5YBKzUUuU/DSC_9609_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dxbpU9y5xwA/VK9kfYAA_xI/AAAAAAABqxs/B9himADo-1g/s1600-h/DSC_96103.jpg"><img title="DSC_9610" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9610" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qGzg5Hc2fEs/VK9khFJG82I/AAAAAAABqx0/UMvtMG2vz4A/DSC_9610_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Efh2hfqPZvg/VK9kiVZyGnI/AAAAAAABqx8/YppVab5Ua80/s1600-h/DSC_96433.jpg"><img title="DSC_9643" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9643" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IxpPdaBbujA/VK9kjR3sdMI/AAAAAAABqyE/-fff9-6vaM0/DSC_9643_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p>Camping and hiking trip to Cloudcroft, NM. It was incredibly beautiful, and the kids were amazing hikers. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mMQ6o6ks2BE/VK9klOd8ITI/AAAAAAABqyM/gMm0fYPnVao/s1600-h/DSC_96493.jpg"><img title="DSC_9649" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9649" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qbe0NW8Gy7E/VK9km_rlNtI/AAAAAAABqyU/SLtKrgWiRsE/DSC_9649_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9Vc2YmP9rR8/VK9koPC_vuI/AAAAAAABqyc/__0K38DkAKs/s1600-h/DSC_96503.jpg"><img title="DSC_9650" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9650" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_VfaKZJNTWs/VK9kpYWJcXI/AAAAAAABqyk/5mm4xQKC-z8/DSC_9650_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cMW64tCiuNY/VK9kq7AhxSI/AAAAAAABqys/2kSNU4HEVyc/s1600-h/DSC_96563.jpg"><img title="DSC_9656" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9656" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1_5g9h2NcXc/VK9krwt39gI/AAAAAAABqy0/foeuxZPmVc0/DSC_9656_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-i8FUdJxFfWE/VK9kt4Z43vI/AAAAAAABqy8/BTiAZYrxbpA/s1600-h/DSC_96593.jpg"><img title="DSC_9659" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9659" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jmQy1ICqVhQ/VK9kviEaWjI/AAAAAAABqzE/QRuzLKXZSwQ/DSC_9659_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p>The Mexican Canyon Railroad Trestle, part of the Cloud-Climbing Railroad.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-h1vJLko4GeA/VK9kxBRF6TI/AAAAAAABqzM/cfkFaQkxZD4/s1600-h/DSC_96753.jpg"><img title="DSC_9675" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9675" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KEVkSoazIPI/VK9kylZfdqI/AAAAAAABqzU/BfdKoeaev00/DSC_9675_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p>These two are the very best of friends. I love watching them talk to each other.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--ZnU0Bzuof4/VK9kz_luvaI/AAAAAAABqzc/FhwKjraQQc0/s1600-h/DSC_96763.jpg"><img title="DSC_9676" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9676" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-62wT5dTrrV4/VK9k1FSiuCI/AAAAAAABqzk/dBsMbkCg5oo/DSC_9676_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tk7oUMQpiP8/VK9k17PYSrI/AAAAAAABqzs/t6ystKKpVnE/s1600-h/DSC_96943.jpg"><img title="DSC_9694" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9694" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-o1er7Vo0pDg/VK9k3SzcXHI/AAAAAAABqz0/kNhsvO8SZRs/DSC_9694_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p>Guess what we were eating!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7uadhstNRe8/VK9k4vaKb_I/AAAAAAABqz8/FMQG7CbXYfo/s1600-h/DSC_97003.jpg"><img title="DSC_9700" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9700" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JvxSeoI4NII/VK9k6btQkeI/AAAAAAABq0E/VpKH4KqDT1A/DSC_9700_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iAxVXmJmlCU/VK9k7swcq6I/AAAAAAABq0M/TL8Gz-vmgjM/s1600-h/IMG_20130730_1545233.jpg"><img title="IMG_20130730_154523" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_20130730_154523" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fuZN2DXtSuo/VK9k8yg6BZI/AAAAAAABq0U/6DXEDtGRJaA/IMG_20130730_154523_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Trip to the Natural History Museum with our friends, the Larsons. Unfortunately, I took these pictures with the phone and hardly any of them turned out. I’m still figuring that thing out.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-m9NSE9sh7U4/VK9k-Yeou3I/AAAAAAABq0c/Rs5mxXlEVWo/s1600-h/IMG_20130730_1545533.jpg"><img title="IMG_20130730_154553" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_20130730_154553" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gwGmn9GGtag/VK9k_tyfTCI/AAAAAAABq0k/lj-PJRpLykM/IMG_20130730_154553_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Yes, my baby has no pants. We had a massive blow-out before we even entered the museum, and of course I came completely unprepared. At least I had a diaper, which is an improvement over many other situations in the past. </p> Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05989173556118626287noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1757546031996218486.post-90080784796395284832013-09-29T14:08:00.001-07:002015-01-09T23:21:19.432-08:00Update: April and May<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ssJOTtXgTM8/VLDRds7Hu9I/AAAAAAABq1I/tLweCH48wVQ/s1600-h/DSC_93583.jpg"><img title="DSC_9358" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9358" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NKmwXSMcme8/VLDRe9eKtEI/AAAAAAABq1Q/h1kdafrtxwI/DSC_9358_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rsQzTILxs-E/VLDRfi8X5AI/AAAAAAABq1Y/r9SAkNf-HdE/s1600-h/DSC_93603.jpg"><img title="DSC_9360" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9360" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oC86n0ERozQ/VLDRgR6jILI/AAAAAAABq1g/8rwBQbFvbKM/DSC_9360_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9Z1e65G_HJs/VLDRhGZtTRI/AAAAAAABq1o/4-XxscvA5G0/s1600-h/DSC_93614.jpg"><img title="DSC_9361" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9361" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2HcxZhCmdfQ/VLDRh8hBO4I/AAAAAAABq1w/gHVBANlNP0g/DSC_9361_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6m6qyD9SCts/VLDRiuTINiI/AAAAAAABq14/VK7h4hxTc6I/s1600-h/DSC_93663.jpg"><img title="DSC_9366" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9366" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ohjOQYxSW-M/VLDRjZeqk4I/AAAAAAABq2A/GBrDWqQRyFU/DSC_9366_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RnXoPz3V3pw/VLDRkW3HnVI/AAAAAAABq2I/ntQGt8hlPNQ/s1600-h/DSC_93703.jpg"><img title="DSC_9370" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9370" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BjH7buVoYXc/VLDRlYt23XI/AAAAAAABq2Q/3Cn9I1_mR-k/DSC_9370_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-K98-3pH8ApQ/VLDRmm6anSI/AAAAAAABq2Y/2fwR6Dr8v-Q/s1600-h/DSC_93743.jpg"><img title="DSC_9374" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9374" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Lw_sF5CoAnY/VLDRoJEOlBI/AAAAAAABq2g/SnhqmQUso8E/DSC_9374_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p>Trip to the zoo on one of Aaron’s Fridays off. We made a stop by the Dog House before because we actually had cash, and it was worth the wait. I don’t know what they do, but those hot dogs are DELICIOUS.</p> <p>I ran a 5K in April. I hadn’t run in forever, so it was a big achievement, even if it was the slowest race I’ve run yet. Definitely not posting pictures of me running, because I look like I should go on The Biggest Loser. I know Aaron hates when I say things like that, but even he agrees that those pictures turned out very, very badly.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-I-TZVBTYqQc/VLDRpOo6OUI/AAAAAAABq2o/H_2eZHqIhhg/s1600-h/DSC_93933.jpg"><img title="DSC_9393" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9393" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oyrBC_t0QEw/VLDRpxjvzQI/AAAAAAABq2w/qlTWMJtnQHs/DSC_9393_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p>Here’s a picture post run after I had recovered a bit.</p> <p>Best part of April was going on a girls’ trip to Phoenix with some of my closest friends. We all lived in Albuquerque at some point, but about half of us have moved away from the Ventana Ward. People came from California, Texas, and Washington to play. We had an amazing time. I am so blessed to be able to call all of these women my friends.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kldMqXKGR5k/VLDRrAg-1QI/AAAAAAABq24/q61F5pAb_ps/s1600-h/IMG_20130427_1245373.jpg"><img title="IMG_20130427_124537" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_20130427_124537" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-B4RSkRHppHk/VLDRsmf1OHI/AAAAAAABq3A/85uH9xhrfIA/IMG_20130427_124537_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-x7ywkA3zDME/VLDRtfZ4n4I/AAAAAAABq3I/CCaNfI-cl14/s1600-h/IMG_20130427_1245503.jpg"><img title="IMG_20130427_124550" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_20130427_124550" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-I18ogH2sQ68/VLDRubY5uGI/AAAAAAABq3Q/mws4RrEqSsQ/IMG_20130427_124550_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_rHOq2t_e7g/VLDRvWgmDhI/AAAAAAABq3Y/iv-Fn0S5fdU/s1600-h/IMG_20130427_1248413.jpg"><img title="IMG_20130427_124841" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_20130427_124841" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5zla2xTNGis/VLDRwUULOII/AAAAAAABq3g/OqehwP1rvEo/IMG_20130427_124841_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Matching shirts and trips to Ikea FTW!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-t7_b7PrhTOE/VLDRx0Di1LI/AAAAAAABq3o/eQQtVeC_TaM/s1600-h/IMG_20130427_1441193.jpg"><img title="IMG_20130427_144119" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_20130427_144119" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mw_56d1WmkI/VLDRzGHE7kI/AAAAAAABq3w/n0kAnjyLjdk/IMG_20130427_144119_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dYMBs1J2ezA/VLDRzsOsgcI/AAAAAAABq34/M-zq_xCgyfM/s1600-h/IMG_20130428_1012224.jpg"><img title="IMG_20130428_101222" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_20130428_101222" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GsOebAFWqII/VLDR0_BDfFI/AAAAAAABq4A/0t-3MnTCR-U/IMG_20130428_101222_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="483" /></a> </p> <p>Many preschool field trips occurred in April and May:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iYDXZ0vm_NA/VLDR1559SBI/AAAAAAABq4I/YndiFwEOYC4/s1600-h/IMG_20130430_1009043.jpg"><img title="IMG_20130430_100904" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_20130430_100904" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Npqv7zGtjXA/VLDR2kHPxBI/AAAAAAABq4Q/0dirNkHnOAM/IMG_20130430_100904_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Dions</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CLMpEEVMLCU/VLDR3sfREZI/AAAAAAABq4Y/L88iIkFSH_s/s1600-h/IMG_20130503_1039223.jpg"><img title="IMG_20130503_103922" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_20130503_103922" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mvClcqGhqPg/VLDR4HNitMI/AAAAAAABq4g/hP5mYeijQo8/IMG_20130503_103922_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1vb-XUfNo8E/VLDR42mupuI/AAAAAAABq4o/e79VBUWOWwQ/s1600-h/IMG_20130503_1052133.jpg"><img title="IMG_20130503_105213" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_20130503_105213" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YkS43M9LghM/VLDR6KnutRI/AAAAAAABq4w/CzeE-bCA_T4/IMG_20130503_105213_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nf-3doKtt_s/VLDR69l_2II/AAAAAAABq44/Zy3zQ9thkI0/s1600-h/IMG_20130503_1053383.jpg"><img title="IMG_20130503_105338" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_20130503_105338" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CEErjOIloio/VLDR7pFOLpI/AAAAAAABq5A/jbzVs84N4nA/IMG_20130503_105338_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Vnqm9cqtIJc/VLDR8TbWZEI/AAAAAAABq5I/vqvMn5a9V50/s1600-h/IMG_20130503_1059243.jpg"><img title="IMG_20130503_105924" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_20130503_105924" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sJLuRjWg6qc/VLDR9P83VLI/AAAAAAABq5Q/V4oJjgf_LtE/IMG_20130503_105924_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a></p> <p>The firestation</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KceBGff9xH4/VLDR91US9ZI/AAAAAAABq5Y/Zw0fRhpagZc/s1600-h/IMG_20130507_0954113.jpg"><img title="IMG_20130507_095411" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_20130507_095411" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PuHS_E3O9F0/VLDR-lXyJWI/AAAAAAABq5g/JHNKwZrv0uE/IMG_20130507_095411_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8Wtsnaq_jj4/VLDR_Y0ZQFI/AAAAAAABq5o/F47CAuMu7gY/s1600-h/IMG_20130507_1002543.jpg"><img title="IMG_20130507_100254" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_20130507_100254" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GTjeI48r2dU/VLDSAM9dFbI/AAAAAAABq5w/iBw0NzRXHwc/IMG_20130507_100254_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CERYNbIBpX0/VLDSA3UB0NI/AAAAAAABq54/aTeZcRa8niU/s1600-h/IMG_20130507_1015523.jpg"><img title="IMG_20130507_101552" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_20130507_101552" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-agGaDryVgTg/VLDSBsK_dCI/AAAAAAABq6A/XU5-lM0WOPI/IMG_20130507_101552_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CxMgflx-FMA/VLDSCH1YlTI/AAAAAAABq6I/usjZkZdnVY4/s1600-h/IMG_20130507_1028493.jpg"><img title="IMG_20130507_102849" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_20130507_102849" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZPtCjVDuUIk/VLDSC2hyTsI/AAAAAAABq6Q/CKUBPFL_ARY/IMG_20130507_102849_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Mr. Walkers Popcorn</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-s1GqX61Iono/VLDSD6GtGHI/AAAAAAABq6Y/UK_RQ5YV65M/s1600-h/DSC_93953.jpg"><img title="DSC_9395" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9395" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ASISgOE1ToA/VLDSEgAuI9I/AAAAAAABq6g/oMvnpgeZOlg/DSC_9395_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eQxhakZaMtg/VLDSFbrYn9I/AAAAAAABq6o/8WYh5g5dyqM/s1600-h/DSC_93993.jpg"><img title="DSC_9399" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9399" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_5AgpyGy6f0/VLDSGbniF2I/AAAAAAABq6w/vRfrH-0PHXM/DSC_9399_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-v6WCYTmhvdc/VLDSHF7se7I/AAAAAAABq64/AWOBlL0j9mk/s1600-h/DSC_94003.jpg"><img title="DSC_9400" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ix2Pj2qbfNM/VLDSIfOw2dI/AAAAAAABq7A/rkodmU3qJsI/DSC_9400_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ntxGGqoIWCc/VLDSJQWxRMI/AAAAAAABq7I/g2rFR9Cx_S0/s1600-h/DSC_94033.jpg"><img title="DSC_9403" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9403" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6N809zn_Qz4/VLDSKOoJNcI/AAAAAAABq7Q/kXtSatLZcDg/DSC_9403_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p>Bridget had her first haircut.</p> <p>  <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5j_2XmQRpUc/VLDSLPbeCOI/AAAAAAABq7Y/S2nMiDf8d8E/s1600-h/IMG_20130513_1323273.jpg"><img title="IMG_20130513_132327" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_20130513_132327" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZjfzW1voffw/VLDSMHMmtpI/AAAAAAABq7g/Jckrm16ZcEo/IMG_20130513_132327_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Katie with Mrs. Sickenger on the last day of 2nd Grade.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Rl9lMYluxro/VLDSNA39W4I/AAAAAAABq7o/QKAZ56YFQhE/s1600-h/IMG_20130513_1325103.jpg"><img title="IMG_20130513_132510" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_20130513_132510" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NDtSaqhhIbk/VLDSONgVdoI/AAAAAAABq7w/ychnEQmumSs/IMG_20130513_132510_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Paul with Mr. Nunn on the last day of kindergarten.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CF7QyJiZVOY/VLDSO3DgYVI/AAAAAAABq74/8Cwo2UVfFVc/s1600-h/DSC_94053.jpg"><img title="DSC_9405" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9405" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xZoZZgibcQI/VLDSPwMoXWI/AAAAAAABq8A/vslXos7M5hA/DSC_9405_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BrkHB95D3mc/VLDSQkxZQwI/AAAAAAABq8I/8HN7owrtGvA/s1600-h/DSC_94063.jpg"><img title="DSC_9406" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9406" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VjBD1wko1R4/VLDSRXYbrDI/AAAAAAABq8Q/PJBw2y-WVzA/DSC_9406_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a></p> <p>Averi helped me make this “Welcome to summer” banner.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oKlRWPPqZvY/VLDSSMBKJOI/AAAAAAABq8Y/BrTUzUqcMrY/s1600-h/DSC_94073.jpg"><img title="DSC_9407" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9407" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UC-fxgmE3a8/VLDSTDQAmlI/AAAAAAABq8g/1VYd1q7JysA/DSC_9407_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-m5hWZkVkBFo/VLDST1ojM6I/AAAAAAABq8o/MmBClSkoGGY/s1600-h/DSC_94143.jpg"><img title="DSC_9414" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9414" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4XfOvaX7ZsU/VLDSUu2Pt0I/AAAAAAABq8w/k9Luza38R70/DSC_9414_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kF9PRE8v5z4/VLDSVYOvjaI/AAAAAAABq84/SIh6_AKhvXE/s1600-h/DSC_94253.jpg"><img title="DSC_9425" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9425" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kzh0_tZbj2g/VLDSWMdDyjI/AAAAAAABq9A/ecAMVFEqoL0/DSC_9425_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rFbp8_crZso/VLDSWtp31RI/AAAAAAABq9I/bVxyC3mHAwM/s1600-h/DSC_94293.jpg"><img title="DSC_9429" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9429" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WN1FC9Yl03M/VLDSXvYXx3I/AAAAAAABq9Q/cbKkaHFlSmU/DSC_9429_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ul5w2gB82VQ/VLDSYAR_vnI/AAAAAAABq9Y/B7OPuee9f-4/s1600-h/DSC_94373.jpg"><img title="DSC_9437" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9437" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pP2YBXtl3nc/VLDSY2W__OI/AAAAAAABq9g/3PZ_LJ6k7aU/DSC_9437_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qsjPBI1JocY/VLDSZRtz7OI/AAAAAAABq9o/6xAMgIYHlfk/s1600-h/DSC_94513.jpg"><img title="DSC_9451" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9451" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xLdwdllS3zI/VLDSaMcwctI/AAAAAAABq9w/GR3ugaN2fwo/DSC_9451_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a></p> <p>Paul and Katie learned how to ride their bikes without training wheels this summer. Aaron and I realized we had been extremely remiss in teaching them, and so the day after school got out Aaron spent the evening teaching them how to ride. They learned in one night! I was so impressed. It was such a wonderful feeling as a parent watching them master that skill and seeing the joy and surprise on their faces as they did it. Just as a side note: Paul has a boy’s bike. We just had him learn on the smaller one until he mastered it. He’s still a manly man.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RdCNpgpt69s/VLDSa-89qHI/AAAAAAABq94/QimJMfgB1JU/s1600-h/IMG_20130521_0934363.jpg"><img title="IMG_20130521_093436" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_20130521_093436" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_rnSA8U6lGM/VLDSb3YZQAI/AAAAAAABq-A/uVvLibGFrkI/IMG_20130521_093436_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NvnpmC6Jxp0/VLDScgwcYgI/AAAAAAABq-I/LSSf60Sxg3I/s1600-h/IMG_20130521_1856133.jpg"><img title="IMG_20130521_185613" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_20130521_185613" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9FMohRYfXSs/VLDSdIeOOdI/AAAAAAABq-Q/I5HwYzxEsGI/IMG_20130521_185613_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484" /></a></p> <p>Super cute Bridget loves her babies.</p> Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05989173556118626287noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1757546031996218486.post-23719789418768282812013-09-21T22:15:00.001-07:002015-01-09T23:31:58.528-08:00February and March 2013<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DiwvBmdOPVg/VLDTj1WaBUI/AAAAAAABq-Y/h4859uOL87Y/s1600-h/DSC_90933.jpg"><img title="DSC_9093" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9093" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fyN8NaP5jmA/VLDTklpYRRI/AAAAAAABq-g/SMZBCe5FXA8/DSC_9093_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Katie went through a phase earlier this year where she lost a million teeth in a four month period. Or seven. Still a lot. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5_c8NgAnZmY/VLDTlSzl60I/AAAAAAABq-o/76py4aV7qTI/s1600-h/DSC_91073.jpg"><img title="DSC_9107" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9107" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UDA85mTM5do/VLDTmIhnHnI/AAAAAAABq-w/7rcdwVwgpX8/DSC_9107_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-m4iM-Fx6n-k/VLDTmwBCRjI/AAAAAAABq-4/z38tjrX1yh0/s1600-h/DSC_91123.jpg"><img title="DSC_9112" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9112" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--hXrFUvVOzs/VLDTnuniVVI/AAAAAAABq_A/WZwo5zg0NqM/DSC_9112_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a></p> <p>Blueberry syrup makes for messy faces and arms. Also, I have no idea what’s going on with Averi’s hair in that picture.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_ydOVjc7WK4/VLDToWjM-WI/AAAAAAABq_I/gehHLXBt7to/s1600-h/DSC_91343.jpg"><img title="DSC_9134" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9134" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-h-_j2LkxAHI/VLDTpOu69NI/AAAAAAABq_Q/Zbz73BbILo4/DSC_9134_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Bridget loved dressing up in Averi’s coat.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pYcxbUwvvSo/VLDTp1IRgGI/AAAAAAABq_Y/nd3xxBenhPI/s1600-h/DSC_91363.jpg"><img title="DSC_9136" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9136" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QrliygtTwHM/VLDTqiZdUQI/AAAAAAABq_g/5okyQXc-hcw/DSC_9136_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TQXgakNFI_4/VLDTr9Yt__I/AAAAAAABq_o/2KDXcMs_LtM/s1600-h/DSC_91373.jpg"><img title="DSC_9137" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9137" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-q3jVPfmTg1M/VLDTs1clq3I/AAAAAAABq_w/HLBCALKoOXM/DSC_9137_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Z3g4VZPsmRI/VLDTtaqQkDI/AAAAAAABq_4/R6r3Cvgn09k/s1600-h/DSC_91393.jpg"><img title="DSC_9139" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9139" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SGzoIxB6OxA/VLDTuLIYjDI/AAAAAAABrAA/EEH1Uvs_sNM/DSC_9139_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>We did Cupid’s cafe for dinner where all the items (including utensils) were in code. The kids had mixed feelings about this. It was fun, except when you didn’t get a fork to eat your salad. I think Paul was in tears by the end of the meal. However, when I ask them about it now, they say that it was awesome. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eTzqUVD-PAI/VLDTvDTHK5I/AAAAAAABrAI/07eWVTuptZk/s1600-h/DSC_91763.jpg"><img title="DSC_9176" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9176" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-166sf6kgarQ/VLDTwESzNCI/AAAAAAABrAQ/y0K0C5rte5w/DSC_9176_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p>Katie got her ears pierced. I can’t even begin to explain how hysterical she was. It took Connie and I physically holding her down while two technicians pierced at the same time. I would never inflicted so much trauma had I not known how badly she wanted her ears pierced. She had been begging for years, and Aaron and I finally decided she was mature enough. Katie is not a brave soul, however, and it was terrifying when it actually came time to have it done. Hence the super puffy face from many, many tears. Once it was done, she was perfectly fine. She did an amazing job of keeping them clean and we’ve had no problems with infection. She’s such a girly girl and adores getting new earrings. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rfXdM1cmt-M/VLDTw8jqEhI/AAAAAAABrAY/7RiW48b_rO8/s1600-h/DSC_91813.jpg"><img title="DSC_9181" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9181" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tyzq0VCtHdk/VLDTxUUBSlI/AAAAAAABrAg/NH-T-bTztjw/DSC_9181_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-O-m6AhR-_jw/VLDTyMhpQlI/AAAAAAABrAo/rIPaKpOqPRA/s1600-h/DSC_91863.jpg"><img title="DSC_9186" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9186" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8IhGaIGi28g/VLDTy9kfZPI/AAAAAAABrAw/y0PN4D1FEgo/DSC_9186_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HZe1aMVjOqw/VLDTznuKU0I/AAAAAAABrA4/Mi_wTRkM-VU/s1600-h/DSC_91883.jpg"><img title="DSC_9188" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9188" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-egEdQ3BPn3Q/VLDT0cKZbyI/AAAAAAABrBA/2PR6g22E-s8/DSC_9188_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a>  </p> <p>Babies bowling are the cutest.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TLUicKUSJxM/VLDT0xSZrUI/AAAAAAABrBI/h62p5QLFrxA/s1600-h/DSC_92123.jpg"><img title="DSC_9212" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9212" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-plYmfM4lPEs/VLDT1uX_4oI/AAAAAAABrBQ/9HVHDVeAQF0/DSC_9212_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jOUmWl4So40/VLDT2d-sLvI/AAAAAAABrBY/qK3-8EJaMaQ/s1600-h/DSC_92133.jpg"><img title="DSC_9213" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9213" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VZSfWUwMplI/VLDT3JC6mNI/AAAAAAABrBg/Aq1TY4JvMx8/DSC_9213_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p>My awesome friends Stacey and Michelle helped me tear down the hideous faux-rock fireplace that I had hated since the day we moved in. My parents had the kids for the week, and I was planning on painting the rock as an “in the meantime” solution until I figured out what to do there. When they heard about my plan, they asked why I didn’t just tear it down. Because it would be hard! And take forever! And I don’t know how! Then they said, Let’s do it now! We don’t have anything planned for this afternoon. I jumped all over that. I didn’t even call Aaron because I was afraid he’d tell me no. We went to the next door neighbor and borrowed chisels and sledgehammers and got to work. Michelle and Stacey’s little girls watched us with rapt attention (from a safe distance, of course). I think that was my favorite part. I loved that they got to see their moms doing hard things. It came off much more easily than I anticipated. In fact, the clean up was the longest part of the job. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nM6hi3thFvI/VLDT31Og1TI/AAAAAAABrBo/5h0bVj0iWKM/s1600-h/DSC_92143.jpg"><img title="DSC_9214" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9214" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kJZzaHqseHU/VLDT6Lyg8zI/AAAAAAABrBw/4Icf4s8xRGE/DSC_9214_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IQ9h18tKTEY/VLDT66nGcuI/AAAAAAABrB4/bwxCqB4N6jE/s1600-h/DSC_92203.jpg"><img title="DSC_9220" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9220" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gChTJpCHlFg/VLDT7r5ldmI/AAAAAAABrCA/JRz6YRfL4UY/DSC_9220_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-njR7NTbdo3I/VLDT8TuVn4I/AAAAAAABrCI/ws0eOha2F-I/s1600-h/DSC_92253.jpg"><img title="DSC_9225" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9225" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tjU8I9C9mdk/VLDT9BxTCYI/AAAAAAABrCQ/6ehBrMenFpo/DSC_9225_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p>With the bookshelves painted white. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KARe4f5okcs/VLDT93QNUoI/AAAAAAABrCY/7rhs17HGzOU/s1600-h/IMG_20130425_0821423.jpg"><img title="IMG_20130425_082142" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_20130425_082142" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OQFCfHKXT_c/VLDT-ouGcTI/AAAAAAABrCg/DKgL7kMqN7M/IMG_20130425_082142_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>The mostly-finished product. We still haven’t decided how we’re doing the hearth. We’re thinking a granite slab. Doesn’t even look like the same room, does it?</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JCkz2xbaOo8/VLDT_4xbKvI/AAAAAAABrCo/IZ4ZlzS4Wc4/s1600-h/DSC_92283.jpg"><img title="DSC_9228" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9228" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3SnGHtBiReI/VLDUBWzZxxI/AAAAAAABrCw/p8JwJkD-qVE/DSC_9228_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--lXBrFbKy-M/VLDUDW_h8-I/AAAAAAABrC4/75hLxKBE4C0/s1600-h/DSC_93493.jpg"><img title="DSC_9349" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9349" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uApNLmiuhUQ/VLDUEX4ur0I/AAAAAAABrDA/ghGwPXEn_Eg/DSC_9349_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p>Albuquerque has the best sunsets ever. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ShgP511IPsE/VLDUF9O5FxI/AAAAAAABrDI/_OZrYGG7efA/s1600-h/DSC_93513.jpg"><img title="DSC_9351" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9351" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ULB4YwDQ0dA/VLDUGtU9u8I/AAAAAAABrDQ/X2kc2Ux-Bzg/DSC_9351_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-x5a8i800shM/VLDUHpKEumI/AAAAAAABrDY/x_0dGX6J-Po/s1600-h/DSC_93573.jpg"><img title="DSC_9357" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9357" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-L-iHLz5b7U4/VLDUIHys7ZI/AAAAAAABrDg/dVhPh3Y4mO4/DSC_9357_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a></p> Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05989173556118626287noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1757546031996218486.post-67948446040245473102013-09-02T14:23:00.001-07:002015-01-12T09:35:06.607-08:00Catch-up: Christmas and January 2013<p>Poor, neglected blog. I really have the best intentions, but somehow they always seem to just fade away.</p> <p>Christmas morning: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tTwxAh5YT7c/VLQEg2oqCZI/AAAAAAABrD0/l6ddfEN0esk/s1600-h/DSC_89943.jpg"><img title="DSC_8994" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_8994" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-w1yr5gI5_Kw/VLQEhSSLv6I/AAAAAAABrD8/XT8hN-8Bkn8/DSC_8994_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Surely the timestamp on this isn’t 4:30am…Guess Santa and his elves stayed up WAY too late on Christmas Eve.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Sg391a8msy4/VLQEiOUMmBI/AAAAAAABrEE/PCsn6UuA7Lg/s1600-h/DSC_89983.jpg"><img title="DSC_8998" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_8998" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yG23TzO-q7I/VLQEistf2CI/AAAAAAABrEM/9_WpEtQVMxI/DSC_8998_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Loved the tree this year. And I came up with the idea for the topper myself. Take that, Pinterest!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YQBz6e5XfFo/VLQEjESblNI/AAAAAAABrEU/OlL2N04nncA/s1600-h/DSC_90013.jpg"><img title="DSC_9001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2RpCI8MfOsU/VLQEj4Bu89I/AAAAAAABrEc/mORlDwxXxu8/DSC_9001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Obligatory stairs photo.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wEX17ClGgQo/VLQEkWyk_dI/AAAAAAABrEk/IpqbWkzB8OY/s1600-h/DSC_90133.jpg"><img title="DSC_9013" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9013" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-R-4BzmeiAIQ/VLQElMxZgII/AAAAAAABrEs/xWoQem3Rhsc/DSC_9013_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a></p> <p>Trying out the new trampoline.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zy8s0Ze1Ih8/VLQElrHKy0I/AAAAAAABrE0/dqNmOvJPSlk/s1600-h/DSC_90143.jpg"><img title="DSC_9014" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9014" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zUudoCamZI0/VLQEmXKsXhI/AAAAAAABrE8/JFWHxCvOBpQ/DSC_9014_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Harry Potter Hogwarts castle. Little boy heaven!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-854lr6X2mwg/VLQEm6a5ceI/AAAAAAABrFE/NXuF6uj7Okc/s1600-h/DSC_90163.jpg"><img title="DSC_9016" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9016" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7VD1PSN8h1w/VLQEnl3aJTI/AAAAAAABrFM/eIG4cSWw278/DSC_9016_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>New gymnastics bag with a leotard and ponytail holders.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SEqp1wjCFnI/VLQEoWugsVI/AAAAAAABrFU/wYpTmKBsYFQ/s1600-h/DSC_90203.jpg"><img title="DSC_9020" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9020" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UGBMc5AxdAg/VLQEpFWraUI/AAAAAAABrFc/i1S6bfJwNJk/DSC_9020_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Piggy hat!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4HGUO7LgzgQ/VLQEp2wGL8I/AAAAAAABrFk/jeGWrz1tVFQ/s1600-h/DSC_90243.jpg"><img title="DSC_9024" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9024" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aDwq6xGAvF4/VLQEqTsLH3I/AAAAAAABrFs/tFvEQbV5vio/DSC_9024_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Lots of new books for Averi.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-W1ErFh_bjsI/VLQErGALcTI/AAAAAAABrF0/TTPpCWqYsrg/s1600-h/DSC_90253.jpg"><img title="DSC_9025" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9025" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7-FXziW1lvI/VLQEruenZAI/AAAAAAABrF8/fkv3rG0_R7g/DSC_9025_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a></p> <p>Trying out the balance beam Mom and Dad made. Beautiful new leotard, as well!</p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SVq3ZFmfUF8/VLQEsed73NI/AAAAAAABrGE/fIMUilKPntc/s1600-h/DSC_90303.jpg"><img title="DSC_9030" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9030" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Nf_OeYM1NOs/VLQEs1um18I/AAAAAAABrGM/RqM73MR1pXU/DSC_9030_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>The aftermath.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MSeEPw1jjHg/VLQEttpjfMI/AAAAAAABrGU/X89enBuMAdc/s1600-h/DSC_90353.jpg"><img title="DSC_9035" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9035" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IzmzSz1v7mo/VLQEuamux3I/AAAAAAABrGc/GHSDJBoJ1c0/DSC_9035_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p>Second Christmas a few days later at Grandma and Grandpa Barnes’s house.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eKgkyTHDh2E/VLQEvI_8GvI/AAAAAAABrGk/XTIf7gNTbQw/s1600-h/DSC_90503.jpg"><img title="DSC_9050" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9050" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-l3VKf-YYaJQ/VLQEvqlzAXI/AAAAAAABrGs/z-MzIGu31OQ/DSC_9050_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p>Ashley surprised everyone (even Dad!) with a mission call. Many tears shed by all.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tQNqV95zFPs/VLQEwblu0eI/AAAAAAABrG0/3v3w5dgpM2Q/s1600-h/IMG_02533.jpg"><img title="IMG_0253" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0253" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_0Vhma31llk/VLQExNcPauI/AAAAAAABrG8/ucgK_kHrBjw/IMG_0253_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Always dressing up.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mrXa1TjOWR8/VLQExhlezMI/AAAAAAABrHA/qemyvhpPAm4/s1600-h/IMG_02543.jpg"><img title="IMG_0254" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0254" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rJAXzvh_4QA/VLQEyf2P11I/AAAAAAABrHM/jRNGyyQb6j8/IMG_0254_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rGY3J3wY-H4/VLQEzG2T2xI/AAAAAAABrHU/Bm3Qapx5epk/s1600-h/IMG_02653.jpg"><img title="IMG_0265" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0265" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qfZlJpd0esI/VLQEznhR_wI/AAAAAAABrHc/f8N8SCJsDCA/IMG_0265_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484" /></a></p> <p>Third Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa Jorgensen’s! No idea why I took these with the ipad instead of the real camera. These were the only ones that turned out decent-ish.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oDHX4QbaHJA/VLQE0Okle0I/AAAAAAABrHk/W12S-neyv0w/s1600-h/DSC_90523.jpg"><img title="DSC_9052" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9052" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-D38D5Ppmn7I/VLQE0x-EcAI/AAAAAAABrHs/cVFogPYH0EI/DSC_9052_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yniw7e2Jnww/VLQE1SrYqXI/AAAAAAABrH0/edfcinL8Nr4/s1600-h/DSC_90553.jpg"><img title="DSC_9055" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9055" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NJqEl9NehzA/VLQE2XABtJI/AAAAAAABrH8/FcXgiJr4Nik/DSC_9055_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-a5DSibVlOpA/VLQE3P1lYlI/AAAAAAABrIE/BJXzZ0v7iZo/s1600-h/DSC_90563.jpg"><img title="DSC_9056" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9056" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yzH1ikpJTLQ/VLQE37nuoMI/AAAAAAABrIM/KnU_TdNonRY/DSC_9056_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4MfY6c0bJG0/VLQE4Y38fhI/AAAAAAABrIU/_qBwkf0p5WQ/s1600-h/DSC_90573.jpg"><img title="DSC_9057" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9057" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1Byhp-cSrpw/VLQE5DxM2gI/AAAAAAABrIc/an7BXCJNvP0/DSC_9057_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Jazz game with the fam.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xgeEh1MnKyE/VLQE57QYSeI/AAAAAAABrIk/4Y3VFt-Ajlg/s1600-h/DSC_90593.jpg"><img title="DSC_9059" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9059" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UGvsW8LV7jc/VLQE6bhFanI/AAAAAAABrIs/kywNpQZ_7_8/DSC_9059_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WSJ4rRdaSno/VLQE7FvlS9I/AAAAAAABrI0/dbDk9x9uwxQ/s1600-h/DSC_90613.jpg"><img title="DSC_9061" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_9061" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lsGT1Exg5pM/VLQE71xmgXI/AAAAAAABrI8/CX_Nq2mDCTQ/DSC_9061_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p>Bridget dressing up.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8dH7CyQjhr0/VLQE8hIQoMI/AAAAAAABrJE/u8toQQSkgHs/s1600-h/IMG_02813.jpg"><img title="IMG_0281" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0281" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ijQi-XujNPA/VLQE9eKE7sI/AAAAAAABrJM/EO-VPBUiiXI/IMG_0281_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Bridget chose her outfit.</p> Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05989173556118626287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1757546031996218486.post-23101462971184791952013-05-13T09:48:00.000-07:002013-05-13T09:48:00.704-07:00Updates on our Family<p><strong>Warning: I’m going to brag about my kids. Lots. So skip this if you’re not into that. </strong></p> <p><strong>Katie</strong></p> <p>Man, I love this girl. She’s becoming so grown up and responsible. She’s working really hard on reading the Book of Mormon. She wants to be finished by the time she gets baptized in August. She’s always the first to do her chores, and usually needs little prodding. She usually stays out of the sibling disputes (yes, my kids fight…shocker!), and she makes friends really easily. All of her siblings love her, and Bridget especially adores her “Dee Dee.”</p> <p>She’s thriving in school this year. Her math skills got off to a rocky start as her teacher was trying to figure out which curriculum to use, but she’s pulled things together and is now a grade ahead in math. Her reading skills are great, and she’s reading at about a 6th grade level. The awesome part is that her comprehension is at the same level, so she totally understands what she’s reading. She’s been into the Roald Dahl books lately (she just finished <em>The Witches </em>and loved it), and has been <em>begging</em> me to let her read Harry Potter. I wanted to be absolutely sure she was old enough to truly enjoy it, but I think she’s going to be ready for that this summer. </p> <p>She’s still going strong in gymnastics. They just recently had evaluations to see if anyone was ready to move up a level, and there was only one skill she didn’t have down. Her coach told me that as soon as she could do it, they’d move her up to level 3, which is the level before they start competing at Precision. This is really good for Katie, since she does really well when she has a specific goal to focus on. She’s incredibly strong and flexible, and I love the confidence she has gained since participating in gymnastics.</p> <p>  <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iWnJEDyIleo/UZBxCFD66UI/AAAAAAAAGaA/qAqA42R9Y14/s1600-h/IMG_20130504_183349%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_20130504_183349" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_20130504_183349" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-k0n6m3whBbU/UZBxC-quqeI/AAAAAAAAGaI/xy5QSbN2Kro/IMG_20130504_183349_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Doing yoga at our weight-lifting competition.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JDjuFOGZmyE/UZBxDi9FYxI/AAAAAAAAGaQ/SRoAFze_jhA/s1600-h/DSC_9209%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_9209" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_9209" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LSY2U202L2w/UZBxEPSCanI/AAAAAAAAGaY/NdTMxGSECOM/DSC_9209_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p>Dancing at her school’s fashion show.</p> <p><strong>Paul</strong></p> <p>Paul, Paul, Paul. I love this kid to death. Unfortunately, he knows how to push every one of my buttons, so we have it out All. The. Time. Fortunately, when he’s not determined to drive me to the loony bin, he’s the most loving, sweet, truly good kid I know. He’s the child that will just randomly come and give me a bear hug, or will leave me little love notes all over the place. We’ve been working with him on controlling his temper, and we’ve really made some strides in the last few weeks. His name was the first name Bridget learned how to say, and she loves shouting for “Pa!”</p> <p>Paul is blowing everyone away in school. He’s supposed to be in kindergarten this year, but they’ve moved him up to the second and third grade boys’ class, and next year he’ll go up to the third/fourth grade boys. He keeps meeting every challenge they throw at him. I’m kind of worried about what we’ll do with him in a few years, since he’s so incredibly bright. Honestly, he needs a bit of humility, since he hasn’t yet come across something that’s actually hard for him (except for riding a bike). He loves his teacher, Mr. Nunn, so we’re glad that he’ll get to stick with him next year.</p> <p>Speaking of needing humility, Paul made the boy’s competitive team for gymnastics. He’s nothing but skin, bones, and muscles. He really enjoys gymnastics, and he really likes the challenge that our new gym gives him. I’m interested to see how he does once we start three-days-a-week team practice at the end of May. I’m so excited to get to go and watch him in meets.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-a30et9M4pW8/UZBxE0ShwVI/AAAAAAAAGag/Fkt7NYastls/s1600-h/IMG_20130504_181953%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_20130504_181953" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_20130504_181953" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ge7YaIaOlWQ/UZBxFiPqdDI/AAAAAAAAGao/n5RX-3D11z0/IMG_20130504_181953_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Doing yoga with friends.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Averi</strong></p> <p>Averi is definitely my most independent child. She’s always off doing her own thing, which makes having her at home incredible easy. She and Bridget have become very close since they’re the two at home. I’m always hearing Bridget’s little voice calling for “Ree Ree” and I love the happy giggles that are always echoing in the house. Paul and Averi are partners in crime. They are always fighting or concocting some new scheme to drive me drive me crazy.</p> <p>She’s working her way through the I See Sam book series, and her reading has drastically improved. She’s also quite good at math and can do basic addition and subtraction. Her handwriting is definitely improving, although that’s an area we’ll focus on during the summer. She’s working on overcoming her natural shyness. That’s something that’s quite hard for me, since I’m not at all shy, so I have difficulty empathizing. We’ve definitely gotten better as the year has progressed. She insists on walking to the door by herself when it’s time for preschool, and as long as she does that, we have no problems. See—independent.</p> <p>We did tae kwon do earlier this year, and she loved it. I was so surprised that she participated, but she did, with gusto. We have made a family rule that we don’t start sports until 5, but since we had a free month through Paul’s teacher, we made an exception. She turns five in the fall, and she’s still debating whether she wants to do ballet (every little girl’s dream) or if she wants to do gymnastics like Katie and Paul. She’s leaning towards ballet, since she wants to do her own thing. I, of course, am subtly (or not so subtly) trying to convince her to do gymnastics so I don’t have to run to a million different places and so we can get a sibling discount. We’ll see. I think I’ll lose.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-R-_M-NI3UXs/UZBxGNvhBlI/AAAAAAAAGaw/3Jd5T98VcDg/s1600-h/DSC_9364%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_9364" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_9364" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-McU-uJ-vDlc/UZBxHAwA9II/AAAAAAAAGa4/dk0N-HD2VWo/DSC_9364_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>At the zoo.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4w3p5hd5GdQ/UZBxHkZJq2I/AAAAAAAAGbA/rlkk6pt5qwQ/s1600-h/IMG_20130503_103853%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_20130503_103853" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_20130503_103853" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pCruokQROdQ/UZBxII9F95I/AAAAAAAAGbI/aOhkHbcVdlA/IMG_20130503_103853_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>At the firestation.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zjISOP5AihQ/UZBxItSM7_I/AAAAAAAAGbQ/Hy-hQberE7M/s1600-h/IMG_20130507_100308%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_20130507_100308" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_20130507_100308" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wKtVD4-MPTs/UZBxJmU6ZII/AAAAAAAAGbY/2Psh4_HOmJ4/IMG_20130507_100308_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>At Walker’s Popcorn for a preschool field trip.</p> <p><strong>Bridget</strong></p> <p>I can’t believe how much Bridget is talking now. The first thing she does in the morning is run to the fridge and ask for cheese. A girl after my own heart. When she doesn’t get cheese, she’ll ask for cereal, fruit (fooot, said while spitting a bit), or a banana. She also loves graham crackers and is always asking for a ca coo coo. The kids think that’s hilarious and have also started calling them ca coo coos. She can name many of her body parts, and she’s still obsessed with shoes. </p> <p>She LOVES going to bed (hallelujah!), and the moment I have her jammies on she starts shouting, “Nigh nigh, Ree Ree! Nigh nigh, Dee Dee! Nigh nigh, Pa!” She loves brushing her hair, and thinks that a brush is called an “ow ow.” Think she’s been listening to her sisters get their hair done in the morning? She’ll come to me with the brush, saying, “Ow ow, peas?” She’s very good about saying “peas” and “ta tou.” </p> <p>She’s very into saying that she’s okay. The other day during Music Makers she was trying to keep up with the big kids during marching band. She kept falling, and I heard her say to herself over and over, “Ow! Okay? Yeah!” and then she’d get up and keep going. The other day she bonked me in the head, and she asked, “Okay?” I told her no, I wasn’t. It hurt! She then said, “Sowwy” and gave me a huge hug. My heart melted. I adore this age.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--98fdR5U-Xc/UZBxKOuyk1I/AAAAAAAAGbg/RKzge5wK_sg/s1600-h/DSC_9399%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_9399" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_9399" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NqCO5MLBFJg/UZBxKwyWm7I/AAAAAAAAGbo/5ZUUmM_XBHw/DSC_9399_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PLupEzYyqEM/UZBxLQ67K2I/AAAAAAAAGbw/362tJWcDTy4/s1600-h/DSC_9403%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_9403" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_9403" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eav4tWWp7pw/UZBxL-Fa8fI/AAAAAAAAGb4/DVxo1ZGH2ZA/DSC_9403_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-77I-Jli1jW4/UZBxMr6XKCI/AAAAAAAAGcA/zkhZAwozABE/s1600-h/DSC_9404%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_9404" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_9404" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VpOcX0ktues/UZBxNV4JIPI/AAAAAAAAGcI/Agumd4a6ldw/DSC_9404_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a></p> <p>Bridget getting her first haircut. That frizzball in the back was driving me crazy! I should have taken a “before” shot. For that matter, I should have taken a real “after” when it was dry. Oh well.</p> Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05989173556118626287noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1757546031996218486.post-5890004760508511982013-04-08T22:51:00.001-07:002013-04-08T22:51:32.301-07:00Snapshot of a Little Boy<p>Paul and Katie both have parent-teacher conferences tomorrow. Of course, I have no idea when Paul’s is. He waved a form in front of my face at some time when I was too busy to actually hold the form. I have a feeling it was at 9:00, and is possibly tomorrow. Of course, it could be any time tomorrow or Wednesday. If I don’t find this paper tonight, we’re showing up at 9:00, and if we’re wrong, then we’ll find something else to do to fill the time gap until it actually is his conference time.</p> <p>In an effort to ascertain the actual time, I decided to look through his backpack. I didn’t find a conference letter in the paper jungle, but I did find a snapshot of my little boy. He gives me a run for my money on a daily basis, but at this moment, when he was sleeping sweetly downstairs and I was having a sneak-peek into his six-year-old life, my heart melted. God gives us these moments for a reason. </p> <p>Here is what I found:</p> <p>A small notebook completely filled with sketches and notes. I found a small calendar in the back, and the two dates written down were Mom’s Birthday and Gymnastics. He loves me!</p> <p>Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules. I try to steer my children toward good literature, but both Katie and Paul love the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. </p> <p>A army guy action figure and one of the plastic green army men holding a bazooka.</p> <p>A bookmark.</p> <p>The wrapper from some sort of Japanese playing cards </p> <p>A composition book.</p> <p>Many, many pencils. Now I know why I have no writing implements in my house.</p> <p>Books on ancient Egypt and ancient Rome.</p> <p>A Magic Tree House book. He’s way past these books, but he still enjoys reading them.</p> <p>A Lego Club magazine.</p> <p>A little book that came as an insert in the Ghostbusters movie.</p> <p>A Lego Star Wars comic book that’s been read over and over and over.</p> <p>Candy wrappers.</p> <p>Completed homework (Paul is an <em>excellent</em> student) and a parent newsletter that I never saw.</p> <p>A drawing that appears to be the ever-resourceful  Hardy Boys putting out a fire. Paul has just gotten into the Hardy Boys series and is reading his third book right now.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sTqUEJ5Z0I0/UWOsSgbeddI/AAAAAAAAGYQ/JYShgj2_9IQ/s1600-h/Paul%252520March%2525202013_002%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Paul March 2013_002" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Paul March 2013_002" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xJbQWbYm3Zc/UWOsUhlsmmI/AAAAAAAAGYY/ZhveENePRlA/Paul%252520March%2525202013_002_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="622" height="484" /></a></p> <p>A birthday invitation from two months ago to an Angry Birds party.</p> <p>His math textbooks.</p> <p>His speech for class office. He ran for president, vice-president, senator, and supreme court justice. Every office you could run for. He didn’t get elected for anything. He’s a super-smart kindergartener in a class of second and third grade boys. Of course he’s not going to be elected. But you couldn’t tell him that. Surprisingly, he never seemed disappointed. He just said, “Oh well. I’ll run for the next office.” And when there were no more offices left, he said, “That’s fine. I’m an alternate in case someone loses his office for bad behavior.” I would have voted for you, Paul. If we had more candidates for office who had the qualifications you have, the world would be a much better place.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HLtcgxfXQAc/UWOsWUoAgeI/AAAAAAAAGYg/2kaI8UjIvLc/s1600-h/Paul%252520February%2525202013_001%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Paul February 2013_001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Paul February 2013_001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zKc1uvKQq0g/UWOsYlEcZ-I/AAAAAAAAGYo/vb2bvavp05c/Paul%252520February%2525202013_001_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="1028" height="375" /></a></p> Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05989173556118626287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1757546031996218486.post-50962414615961952582013-04-01T10:02:00.001-07:002013-04-01T10:41:52.581-07:00Quick photos from EasterJust popping in with a few photos from Easter. I sewed all the dresses, made the bows, and made the bow tie. I was sewing on buttons Sunday morning. I’m tired.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3PlLR798n4I/UVm7qcqkFiI/AAAAAAAAGQQ/ZwsKP3qpjtA/s1600-h/DSC_9239%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_9239" border="0" height="430" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-X_0CsMyT-KE/UVm7tNlUFlI/AAAAAAAAGQY/FGW_gjm_V9Y/DSC_9239_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_9239" width="644" /></a> <br />
Trying out shaving cream marbled eggs. We did this (successfully) with preschoolers. My kids, not so much. It’s starting out fine here.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-p2Rc-d_8yX4/UVm7w4aLswI/AAAAAAAAGQg/3QN5auLxNgE/s1600-h/DSC_9242%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_9242" border="0" height="430" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5eCT0mDFiDo/UVm7zX2X7II/AAAAAAAAGQo/Fsn02VURoa8/DSC_9242_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_9242" width="644" /></a> <br />
Starting to get out of control.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9DLq_trgDD0/UVm71U3VbHI/AAAAAAAAGQw/qhlzM4r7bBI/s1600-h/DSC_9245%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_9245" border="0" height="430" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CvgVBAY1qNM/UVm74KHudMI/AAAAAAAAGQ4/b7bDIqnbXoE/DSC_9245_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_9245" width="644" /></a><br />
And now it’s disintegrated into chaos. This is what happens when Mom leaves the room for five minutes.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qdC9cs3tGiY/UVm76UoBX1I/AAAAAAAAGRA/s57fITrs9V0/s1600-h/DSC_9267%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_9267" border="0" height="430" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gFHieSRq5Lw/UVm78_M7k9I/AAAAAAAAGRI/B5yTTNnRnFY/DSC_9267_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_9267" width="644" /></a> <br />
Not as beautiful as I would have liked. Of course, they look much better once the shaving cream was rubbed off.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-17qgSCI1O4M/UVm79Wx5E-I/AAAAAAAAGRQ/J7p7HO0feyg/s1600-h/DSC_9248%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_9248" border="0" height="430" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JC7TMVKFKIk/UVm7_tMyWNI/AAAAAAAAGRY/NcQHhCM7y34/DSC_9248_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_9248" width="644" /></a> <br />
Bridget got to do the traditional dyeing.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YS9_2Y8_gEs/UVm8BTY0dYI/AAAAAAAAGRg/pyXwwNglK08/s1600-h/DSC_9251%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_9251" border="0" height="430" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RPzLlobt_y8/UVm8D3r-CpI/AAAAAAAAGRo/dANHarqwt9M/DSC_9251_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_9251" width="644" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-n3s5wYQjzy0/UVm8GR-fGEI/AAAAAAAAGRw/fSmDZDU_alE/s1600-h/DSC_9255%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_9255" border="0" height="430" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9epTkLVGYOM/UVm8I3XLOrI/AAAAAAAAGR4/rXTLPdPxE34/DSC_9255_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_9255" width="644" /></a> <br />
Yes, she drank the dye. I thought she was just going to look. You would think I would learn, since after looking back through old Easter photos, I have many shots of a kid trying out the dye.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-F7TB0-rBGrQ/UVm8KlRvyVI/AAAAAAAAGSA/HAEQzUYEryk/s1600-h/DSC_9268%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_9268" border="0" height="430" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gXtPm70Rqt4/UVm8MvJNYmI/AAAAAAAAGSI/JBLiYxhjkmk/DSC_9268_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_9268" width="644" /></a><br />
Doesn’t taste so good.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ogkp74Zd7D0/UVm8ORY6dqI/AAAAAAAAGSQ/9jYu9aekgcw/s1600-h/DSC_9257%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_9257" border="0" height="430" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FBRDBKrlTE0/UVm8Qg03A2I/AAAAAAAAGSY/UiS6x1lqaO0/DSC_9257_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_9257" width="644" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iEHluLj8NxQ/UVm8St-1MnI/AAAAAAAAGSg/QWW_RNVLiJ8/s1600-h/DSC_9261%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_9261" border="0" height="430" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bk08JFCh-nM/UVm8UyEbk2I/AAAAAAAAGSo/iIYa3mmgatI/DSC_9261_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_9261" width="644" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1Chg9gHEy-A/UVm8W6bomrI/AAAAAAAAGSw/use7fog1_9A/s1600-h/DSC_9265%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_9265" border="0" height="430" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-saHvEZc1Npk/UVm8ZWQe4yI/AAAAAAAAGS4/wgPiC8QawNE/DSC_9265_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_9265" width="644" /></a> <br />
She wanted to kiss the egg. Why?<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Go5-fYdVGGA/UVm8bIitr0I/AAAAAAAAGTA/vxr5bQFUrQE/s1600-h/DSC_9275%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_9275" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sNeSR7i4WwY/UVm8dcPbGxI/AAAAAAAAGTI/dYiLlAM11RY/DSC_9275_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_9275" width="323" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CgWkb9dpKhQ/UVm8firqp7I/AAAAAAAAGTQ/KAdZQJ5o9hE/s1600-h/DSC_9280%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_9280" border="0" height="430" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cmK20O4C_Yo/UVm8gqMgk6I/AAAAAAAAGTY/FnmxN8IIVuA/DSC_9280_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_9280" width="644" /></a> <br />
I have an adorable family. Seriously. How are they all so good looking?<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LcUj-7QX9z0/UVm8i0VZTDI/AAAAAAAAGTg/cNGgqf9CEz8/s1600-h/DSC_9286%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_9286" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TZcggsxx-B4/UVm8lVu2QqI/AAAAAAAAGTo/C6OErSvXR_Y/DSC_9286_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_9286" width="323" /></a> <br />
<img alt="DSC_9287" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-je88K99IRDE/UVm8nhZLRMI/AAAAAAAAGTw/Dmuftmu_tpc/DSC_9287_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_9287" width="323" /><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-K3NkZYkijXk/UVm8pRZBDhI/AAAAAAAAGT4/Hbs_FNEmweQ/s1600-h/DSC_9291%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_9291" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ShueEIDh_tg/UVm8r1H2zTI/AAAAAAAAGUA/jZsyzDn4b_o/DSC_9291_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_9291" width="323" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PiOoYSyYCTQ/UVm8tvt-9_I/AAAAAAAAGUI/_y_vE7NWx8Q/s1600-h/DSC_9294%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_9294" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3i_XcncK3jA/UVm8wE6SERI/AAAAAAAAGUQ/xbdSXmahnxc/DSC_9294_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_9294" width="323" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Tq_AwOssdDY/UVm8yMzdyKI/AAAAAAAAGUY/XZS9yVkrTqM/s1600-h/DSC_9298%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_9298" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FgGqmWfwOKY/UVm801d4Y4I/AAAAAAAAGUg/zxivfUdkKWc/DSC_9298_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_9298" width="323" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9s2gqskGxv4/UVm83cp3n9I/AAAAAAAAGUo/p5o2cXf3YFM/s1600-h/DSC_9304%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_9304" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1HaVZm1c1bg/UVm85eShYnI/AAAAAAAAGUw/ye7gnrZyS7U/DSC_9304_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_9304" width="323" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pLtyUwZKjLg/UVm87Wp0T1I/AAAAAAAAGU4/1MDcC5b5Wvs/s1600-h/DSC_9313%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_9313" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qbJlqe6ZKOA/UVm89fICaSI/AAAAAAAAGVA/thKyZRyZv3I/DSC_9313_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_9313" width="323" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rtqcYCUGd50/UVm8_jkg2yI/AAAAAAAAGVI/kDs-MOhCvIw/s1600-h/DSC_9317%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_9317" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YBZAN0vY8p0/UVm9CL5oLfI/AAAAAAAAGVQ/ClA-1aQYmiI/DSC_9317_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_9317" width="323" /></a><br />
His primary teacher said he should be a pediatrician, because apparently pediatricians wear bow ties. And since my boy Paul is wicked smaht, he could, if he wanted to.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-V9Np_7iOmm8/UVm9D2IxH9I/AAAAAAAAGVY/8lDz_Ma0RZo/s1600-h/DSC_9312%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_9312" border="0" height="430" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PHmSSSqluSg/UVm9GBDoweI/AAAAAAAAGVg/oN93XFm3Msg/DSC_9312_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_9312" width="644" /></a><br />
Not sure why I thought I could get a good photo of a 19 month old. Past Easters should have taught me better. I really should do a post comparing Bridget and Averi at this same age on Easter. It’s bizarre. They’re twins born three years apart.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cJo_8S110VM/UVm9IULkFfI/AAAAAAAAGVo/tzdhqhDRCZo/s1600-h/DSC_9320%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_9320" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IJttnwmedxw/UVm9KivwO7I/AAAAAAAAGVw/ne33oHSjp_A/DSC_9320_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_9320" width="323" /></a> <br />
She was fine when she was distracted. Aww! So cute! P.S. I designed the pattern for her dress myself. *Pats self on back.*<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qTbwz8wkYi0/UVm9MWjzlcI/AAAAAAAAGV4/1dgr2XPAO-8/s1600-h/DSC_9329%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_9329" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RqOg7GWcADM/UVm9OgrvUYI/AAAAAAAAGWA/GoVLhfoC7bc/DSC_9329_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_9329" width="323" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-39XPoGImDA8/UVm9QeSsO0I/AAAAAAAAGWI/fTLtHF7A1TA/s1600-h/DSC_9332%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_9332" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qW1phZKvp1s/UVm9SyW7tvI/AAAAAAAAGWQ/XfB4-GiM1TA/DSC_9332_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_9332" width="323" /></a><br />
“I’m tired of pictures and I’ve missed my nap two days in a row!”<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5AjG4ct9jWQ/UVm9U1l068I/AAAAAAAAGWY/-EH5VH-6lPA/s1600-h/DSC_9335%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_9335" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-a2gxA5ALudg/UVm9XAlfBpI/AAAAAAAAGWg/d1sQYzoiPsQ/DSC_9335_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_9335" width="323" /></a> <br />
“But at least I have cute shoes.” Bridget adores shoes. She insists on wearing them at all times, even if she’s only in a diaper. She’s always asking for her “shs” (not really a vowel in the word the way she says it).<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wiRYKz9PvtM/UVm9Y9MA5PI/AAAAAAAAGWo/-J3QiaGL0r8/s1600-h/DSC_9336%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_9336" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ctc9lVxrGfk/UVm9awFKbzI/AAAAAAAAGWw/fZdVTs8iELg/DSC_9336_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_9336" width="323" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qi_fOaHgfpY/UVm9cz6S8_I/AAAAAAAAGW4/XRRHcOLVSYw/s1600-h/DSC_9338%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_9338" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zkMD_oQErgQ/UVm9fRkcL2I/AAAAAAAAGXA/IpKGwld8GKk/DSC_9338_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_9338" width="323" /></a> <br />
Easter dinner spread. So yummy and adorable!<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XNTQ0FG7uuQ/UVm9hdG2LJI/AAAAAAAAGXI/A8RMEuHb4BA/s1600-h/DSC_9339%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_9339" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1-ZE_7Rh3b4/UVm9j4ERPgI/AAAAAAAAGXQ/YEUCuNQSvOU/DSC_9339_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_9339" width="323" /></a> <br />
Sneak peek of the new table. Its size definitely came in handy for this meal!<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XEebL6-SGjg/UVm9lds91YI/AAAAAAAAGXY/FkvRWXestNk/s1600-h/DSC_9340%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_9340" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-e--OtWsmTNM/UVm9mYBOH1I/AAAAAAAAGXg/wSkMoBhI41Y/DSC_9340_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_9340" width="323" /></a> <br />
Michelle’s cute bunny fruit bowl that she made.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Kohy45tiUeA/UVm9oChZyRI/AAAAAAAAGXo/sEQkZmKif-w/s1600-h/DSC_9341%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_9341" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8vnrJ6qzYFY/UVm9p5PSy0I/AAAAAAAAGXw/lZ6k34JduWs/DSC_9341_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_9341" width="323" /></a> <br />
Carrot cake. Of course.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kV-aePu0lAg/UVm9r1rs7jI/AAAAAAAAGX4/unC_ZME-oFU/s1600-h/DSC_9342%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_9342" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-v7CC8TXGQKk/UVm9uatSL6I/AAAAAAAAGYA/kI_AcKotM1c/DSC_9342_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_9342" width="323" /></a> <br />
Yummy Easter bread. The kids were wild about the eggs in it.Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05989173556118626287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1757546031996218486.post-54474967217529919522013-03-01T13:38:00.001-08:002013-03-01T13:38:31.525-08:00Christmas 2012<p>I know that these posts are all sorts of random, but I’m really trying to catch up on things. This is the year of not running around like a chicken with my head cut off. I started out right and seem to have the dinnertime battle conquered, then I began exercising again, and now I’m trying to catch up on all the little things that have been sitting undone. My vow is no new projects until all the old ones are finished, and we’re getting there. Tortoise and the hare, right?</p> <p>One of those things is getting all my older pictures posted. I don’t really scrapbook anymore, and I’m not an awesome journaler, so this is it. So if Christmas pictures are no longer of interest to you now that it’s March and everyone is three months older, then skip it. But I know grandmas and grandpas will love it, and I want a record, so post I will.</p> <p>In 2011 we started doing an activity advent calendar, and I’ve really enjoyed that tradition. It helps us to get the important things in, and makes sure we plan our calendars in advance so we don’t run out of time to do the things we really want to do. I think we got nearly everything done this year, which is a big deal. </p> <p>We began the month with the Corrales Christmas parade. It’s a quaint, small-town parade, and the perfect length for our kids. Now that our kids are getting older, we’re going to add an activity onto this one (maybe the town bonfire afterward?), but for now it’s just right.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lz3PTEDDoTM/UTEerMQY2NI/AAAAAAAAGEo/6hOoDrGj2Dg/s1600-h/DSC_8756%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8756" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8756" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_ON9Kq8ZZxU/UTEeuGdz9YI/AAAAAAAAGEw/xv-zHMmhP6A/DSC_8756_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_Y07g2c-ees/UTEewk2wDmI/AAAAAAAAGE4/6MQaPWEkiBw/s1600-h/DSC_8758%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8758" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8758" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-z3ZVa8jwcos/UTEezZdNe1I/AAAAAAAAGFA/WchmjgLZHrs/DSC_8758_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YLDLZjlBuhU/UTEe0erQYPI/AAAAAAAAGFI/nqJtctw9iEc/s1600-h/DSC_8759%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8759" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8759" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bztEe-GFG60/UTEe09ShX4I/AAAAAAAAGFQ/SJeaXc3TWhg/DSC_8759_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-v33hKnZsiNY/UTEe1uBmWzI/AAAAAAAAGFY/nUXuxqH2SzM/s1600-h/DSC_8760%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8760" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8760" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-c_hlqMx8XJo/UTEe2Lr_PCI/AAAAAAAAGFg/eZTiQM9Taq0/DSC_8760_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>That weekend we put up the Christmas tree and decorated it together. I actually wound up changing how the tree was decorated, because I wasn’t loving it. I did really like what we wound up with. Pictures of that to come later on. We also opened our first Christmas presents. Usually I get them Christmas jammies, but for some reason everyone’s pajama drawer was overflowing this season, so they all got Christmas slippers, except Bridget, who did need more jammies.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Qx_E0OeUTLY/UTEe2ukaWaI/AAAAAAAAGFo/2zxSLj9xdTU/s1600-h/DSC_8763%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8763" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8763" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_DKyIHvbiW4/UTEe305MmPI/AAAAAAAAGFw/BB9H7LYT5S8/DSC_8763_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-odVpzNmHaHs/UTEe4adqelI/AAAAAAAAGF4/Y4p14cbcpbM/s1600-h/DSC_8766%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8766" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8766" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jZeEMQ6iEDQ/UTEe5H8cgAI/AAAAAAAAGGA/9JxOU9zoNlo/DSC_8766_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iejekRt2nOw/UTEe59N__CI/AAAAAAAAGGI/q7koYgJ10Bc/s1600-h/DSC_8769%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8769" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8769" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SmZdvlVOEB4/UTEe6v32nwI/AAAAAAAAGGQ/KxvaC4koljY/DSC_8769_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5HGI7F5x1as/UTEe7dvyqPI/AAAAAAAAGGY/0ON0PXLIk2o/s1600-h/DSC_8770%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8770" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8770" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RtHtPCfNMmQ/UTEe8Mryb0I/AAAAAAAAGGg/uPlzqjSNDfI/DSC_8770_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IBbyniybwcY/UTEe9Z7kt0I/AAAAAAAAGGo/en5YVgqwGWk/s1600-h/DSC_8771%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8771" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8771" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BGBi3b--WG0/UTEe-ARk-sI/AAAAAAAAGGw/yx3XA1djnvY/DSC_8771_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CV77TTNDoBk/UTEe-_wpUCI/AAAAAAAAGG4/OA9RKQXxOF8/s1600-h/DSC_8772%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8772" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8772" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KR_idb4ZgPI/UTEe_ZLAnVI/AAAAAAAAGHA/WPfayHOIR1M/DSC_8772_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aSh3np6Pztw/UTEfALqVpnI/AAAAAAAAGHI/Zt2gIcYnfNI/s1600-h/DSC_8777%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8777" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8777" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mDEP7-GWNg0/UTEfAzjeV0I/AAAAAAAAGHQ/Qqcjlfy1Sa4/DSC_8777_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7ckYU5FfUDA/UTEfBnWx-OI/AAAAAAAAGHY/2XPAjnCErSg/s1600-h/DSC_8788%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8788" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8788" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-U6Y8SNYPL6k/UTEfCV64YhI/AAAAAAAAGHg/0JHnUeJZryc/DSC_8788_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LU2dfbNDhFI/UTEfC0YDMrI/AAAAAAAAGHo/V47cpr5RG2Y/s1600-h/DSC_8791%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8791" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8791" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-h6p_UkDSxBg/UTEfDm_gxYI/AAAAAAAAGHw/f2iMdY8FhqE/DSC_8791_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-r76xzTkYXdI/UTEfEIFF9bI/AAAAAAAAGH4/BZMa9TV7nk4/s1600-h/DSC_8794%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8794" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8794" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ckx5KdqnXzY/UTEfEmkNsuI/AAAAAAAAGIA/K6zJiZemimo/DSC_8794_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GvFRzVsETT0/UTEfFW-TcCI/AAAAAAAAGII/i4h1syQkstY/s1600-h/DSC_8795%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8795" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8795" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HNN1NgfD77U/UTEfGIWPKMI/AAAAAAAAGIQ/kd977untcig/DSC_8795_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>We went to see the River of Lights at the botanical gardens, another one of our Christmas traditions. We rode the train in from Tingley Beach this time, and they kids thought that was totally awesome, because we never spring for the trains at the zoo.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aDUUpbaM0YA/UTEfGqZYTlI/AAAAAAAAGIY/jLoxkXg1AbQ/s1600-h/DSC_8909%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8909" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8909" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cpvbpsAwlDc/UTEfHv1kEUI/AAAAAAAAGIg/9F7hF-yB6Go/DSC_8909_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Gvu5XuH7Hc4/UTEfIIdRFfI/AAAAAAAAGIk/PgJY5jBK9L0/s1600-h/DSC_8913%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8913" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8913" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-htl89frVxJE/UTEfIqnNP1I/AAAAAAAAGIs/1oAaXd6p7ak/DSC_8913_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nViBEkFQ8F4/UTEfJdaWFiI/AAAAAAAAGI4/6pK8dp-QwlU/s1600-h/DSC_8914%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8914" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8914" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-G5I0ozRqPAw/UTEfJ_4wMhI/AAAAAAAAGJA/4ACgpHHfJpQ/DSC_8914_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-R3vZERMPRrU/UTEfLE3eJOI/AAAAAAAAGJI/rE8abd0F5BM/s1600-h/DSC_8919%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8919" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8919" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ab-H8BrxK4M/UTEfMQxpSII/AAAAAAAAGJQ/E1WhUvJaF1Y/DSC_8919_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DIimg9OdJ-8/UTEfNnMRODI/AAAAAAAAGJY/pvXyYX7jpXM/s1600-h/DSC_8922%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8922" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8922" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uTp5CiRBxWo/UTEfO8UfiOI/AAAAAAAAGJg/OcVT5zGlHsg/DSC_8922_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Cj-2nYsLcCI/UTEfPjH-RJI/AAAAAAAAGJo/gd3t4RRfB8w/s1600-h/DSC_8923%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8923" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8923" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8689ud1YMs8/UTEfQvdwWBI/AAAAAAAAGJw/L3dpZUf2EP0/DSC_8923_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CrCmneLtWog/UTEfRleZgSI/AAAAAAAAGJ4/G4wUnelb0TM/s1600-h/DSC_8926%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8926" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8926" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kShJ51qB5UQ/UTEfSRzjqLI/AAAAAAAAGKA/CnDJNV_W2io/DSC_8926_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eBT41yKMPwM/UTEfTELfP4I/AAAAAAAAGKI/7yzCS9cFbtc/s1600-h/DSC_8927%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8927" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8927" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-S8PSoQVX48E/UTEfTwyfJ3I/AAAAAAAAGKQ/HXSRoyngjX8/DSC_8927_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p>We made our family gingerbread house together. I make it all from scratch, so we only do one large one, and we spread it out over several days. It just wouldn’t feel right to not have the delicious smells of fresh baked gingerbread wafting through the house. I try to let them do as much as possible, and it’s fun to watch their different personalities show through in their decorations.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TdRyDV5hGeY/UTEfUTdQbQI/AAAAAAAAGKY/Z1s7_V0y7PA/s1600-h/DSC_8928%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8928" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8928" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0NqcxJAOn8k/UTEfVF5mLFI/AAAAAAAAGKg/U54MKgYoZa0/DSC_8928_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fLLHagouKnU/UTEfWDVCT0I/AAAAAAAAGKo/z-cHI2u4tPE/s1600-h/DSC_8931%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8931" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8931" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ne4to25HhK8/UTEfW_3OpqI/AAAAAAAAGKw/tldJglgwq7s/DSC_8931_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-R5rUufgKf6A/UTEfXrRab1I/AAAAAAAAGK4/cCCS0VKX_FM/s1600-h/DSC_8935%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8935" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8935" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GRwQTpo5GH0/UTEfYpy79NI/AAAAAAAAGLA/TnUWkinoh9A/DSC_8935_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WBj6RaFgYdw/UTEfZhFDDVI/AAAAAAAAGLI/o_bRIHifKTU/s1600-h/DSC_8936%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8936" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8936" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ne_AuxuMpYM/UTEfaLcQp2I/AAAAAAAAGLQ/1NDv2wEiU5Q/DSC_8936_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HB9Fcuxxlbk/UTEfbEFHQWI/AAAAAAAAGLY/TUukdZqvQM0/s1600-h/DSC_8944%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8944" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8944" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ti1VDRYMjtA/UTEfb6UTFpI/AAAAAAAAGLg/PhL15IWwnDk/DSC_8944_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p>I think that just about everyone would agree that some of the most meaningful memories of Christmas center around the story and the music. I love hearing the first verse of Luke, chapter 2 read out loud. I get chills up my spine every time. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OvY-NE3GQYI/UTEfclb87aI/AAAAAAAAGLo/4MGR-BUwPvM/s1600-h/DSC_8954%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8954" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8954" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Sl1j3sl_TP4/UTEfdePDh7I/AAAAAAAAGLw/LSIdT-ERrJ0/DSC_8954_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>On Christmas Eve we started the morning with Rudolf pancakes and cookies. Because if you can’t indulge on Christmas Eve, when can you?</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nypdQrTIMSY/UTEfd4TJqKI/AAAAAAAAGL4/rgv6ZZgpoR4/s1600-h/DSC_8957%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8957" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8957" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NgWmvzzNYSc/UTEfeiJKDiI/AAAAAAAAGMA/H2Aq5FBKldM/DSC_8957_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-P2x0uU6O9o8/UTEffYc9qsI/AAAAAAAAGMI/EJQJj2WLG4Y/s1600-h/DSC_8958%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8958" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8958" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-keg1g384QAs/UTEff0YOW2I/AAAAAAAAGMQ/zn1hrouamLY/DSC_8958_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a>  </p> <p>The stockings were hung on the railing with care (since we have no mantel to speak of)…</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-saGjM_1XHhM/UTEfgl_kHDI/AAAAAAAAGMY/2Sv4PUqOR-s/s1600-h/DSC_8959%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8959" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8959" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ll0JFpT4mi8/UTEfhctuqnI/AAAAAAAAGMg/kieuKoD82Zg/DSC_8959_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p>and we made sparkly ornaments with pinecones from our front yard.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xP01gLyfAtM/UTEfh-52V8I/AAAAAAAAGMo/9nlONNthbBs/s1600-h/DSC_8960%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8960" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8960" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--haYggumyjY/UTEfiai5t6I/AAAAAAAAGMw/tnqo1TcLpeA/DSC_8960_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-K46TvnwTjuQ/UTEfjKO7BOI/AAAAAAAAGM4/_DCgfUx0Sok/s1600-h/DSC_8961%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8961" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8961" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MpcsGA1z57A/UTEfjwQiWrI/AAAAAAAAGNA/o5m3OTiLz7E/DSC_8961_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qoPq7TPbBCM/UTEfkuZ1FRI/AAAAAAAAGNI/VIZ_z115PZ8/s1600-h/DSC_8963%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8963" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8963" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FpRmnHLLUAs/UTEflV_LS-I/AAAAAAAAGNQ/Tagxu0WJ3dA/DSC_8963_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p>Then we made our New Mexico Christmas dinner of tamales, and it was a smashing success. Everything went perfectly this time. Cooking the meat the day before was definitely key. </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-k3wUQqgEV3c/UTEfmP0XUHI/AAAAAAAAGNY/A_xBsFqoAGk/s1600-h/DSC_8965%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8965" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8965" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sGsstWpQ6n4/UTEfnckJJoI/AAAAAAAAGNg/5NApBnDst7c/DSC_8965_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p>Katie was channeling her aerobics instructor look. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1AZadNwfkIY/UTEfn6R7lXI/AAAAAAAAGNo/0gSpaNThPBc/s1600-h/DSC_8968%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8968" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8968" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zL0Xbs4mUtc/UTEfoz_1b-I/AAAAAAAAGNw/-hLQp1jLKRI/DSC_8968_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lM7vDGh0RQE/UTEfpWDhZ2I/AAAAAAAAGN4/6QGWmR37ftU/s1600-h/DSC_8969%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8969" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8969" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fYYWZVZcAog/UTEfqRwPqPI/AAAAAAAAGOA/QRww1gb0VL8/DSC_8969_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aWfQdI3HOcA/UTEfqr1LmPI/AAAAAAAAGOI/gD66UAURV3E/s1600-h/DSC_8970%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8970" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8970" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0o0nck4v0bY/UTEfrkooNRI/AAAAAAAAGOQ/kFRHSd-ULGs/DSC_8970_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a></p> <p>Bridget ate so many tamales over the space of a few days. Her…um…movements…were bright red from the chiles for at least a week.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-R8n-e5FaXwg/UTEfsQN8BVI/AAAAAAAAGOY/qHHODvFvXeY/s1600-h/DSC_8977%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8977" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8977" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gN9lD2NQRZ8/UTEftXr33gI/AAAAAAAAGOg/Fnajs14XRRI/DSC_8977_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p>The tamales were delicious, but my favorite thing I made was the green chile stew. Heaven in a pot. I slathered that stuff over everything I could, and I ate it for breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zNiOJzwTbec/UTEfuSAbvXI/AAAAAAAAGOo/elceAySentE/s1600-h/DSC_8978%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8978" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8978" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FQAJSo3lffE/UTEfu3BOnlI/AAAAAAAAGOw/RWWeIqhQveE/DSC_8978_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GXTG6igA4MY/UTEfvbVrvNI/AAAAAAAAGO4/Tvqdy5spubk/s1600-h/DSC_8984%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8984" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8984" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vmyz4Pk3PYc/UTEfwFOcljI/AAAAAAAAGPA/WngvFFh--00/DSC_8984_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>When we weren’t looking, Bridget found the tub of sour cream and ate nearly the entire container. </p> <p>After dinner we drank hot chocolate and read the Christmas story as a family. Then we put out homemade cookies for Santa (he told me they were delicious) and a carrot for Rudolph) and then hustled the kids to bed. That’s when the real work for Christmas began in earnest.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UA0GUf_O54E/UTEfwyvoOhI/AAAAAAAAGPI/c71U7AKrHL8/s1600-h/DSC_8985%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8985" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8985" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8wzs7RYNfa8/UTEfxlrUvNI/AAAAAAAAGPQ/bnrHGxsGyb4/DSC_8985_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5JB31f8pXY4/UTEfyNE6CmI/AAAAAAAAGPY/Sw-OqdanqFo/s1600-h/DSC_8986%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8986" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8986" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Xw8v02ukLwE/UTEfy5zjDeI/AAAAAAAAGPg/OYpBeqc0BE8/DSC_8986_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5im8eJwh6Fg/UTEfzeiQ4LI/AAAAAAAAGPo/dTFX9OXGwq8/s1600-h/DSC_8987%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8987" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8987" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-553BHYSCVkY/UTEfz6wj0MI/AAAAAAAAGPw/KXCrwJaVtPQ/DSC_8987_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cnf_r1DQKs4/UTEf0bRsWDI/AAAAAAAAGP4/jd0zOp9GWjg/s1600-h/DSC_8992%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8992" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8992" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AA6nbkY3OJY/UTEf1c9qLJI/AAAAAAAAGQA/b6eCH56RVGA/DSC_8992_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Next up…Christmas Day!</p> Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05989173556118626287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1757546031996218486.post-49596608235839819922013-03-01T12:44:00.001-08:002013-03-01T12:44:36.120-08:00New Mexico Getaway<p>For my birthday, my sweetie whisked me away for a mini-vacation. He decided that we would play tourists in our backyard, and he planned a very fun two day itinerary. Connie and Kerry were willing to come down and stay with the kids, so it truly was a vacation.</p> <p>First we stopped at the Very Large Array. If you’ve seen Contact with Jodi Foster, you’ll be familiar with it. It’s one of the world’s largest arrays of antennas. There are 27 antenna, and each one is 82 feet in diameter. Hence the “very large” part. To say that Aaron was excited to see it is a definite understatement. He was completely geeking out. I thought it was very interesting, but honestly, the best part for me was watching how excited Aaron was. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rkJoX5RnfBo/UTETFFW5MEI/AAAAAAAAGDI/3npPPbuhg2k/s1600-h/DSC_9143%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_9143" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_9143" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8T36ZIXSiPg/UTETF-3bDnI/AAAAAAAAGDQ/vWSxvQOB54E/DSC_9143_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Efu7c4zzlTM/UTETGRF0rUI/AAAAAAAAGDY/_7C8TtsDf8o/s1600-h/DSC_9147%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_9147" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_9147" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nTh4bjr1hRk/UTETGz-1XUI/AAAAAAAAGDg/IvccorxvuQ0/DSC_9147_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6EM5tFUdLxA/UTETHvUIJGI/AAAAAAAAGDo/pKhJsZWFGvU/s1600-h/DSC_9153%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_9153" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_9153" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yi4zWCs-MO0/UTETIG1A6PI/AAAAAAAAGDw/6unF2dUAIFs/DSC_9153_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a></p> <p>After that we drove to Pie Town to get…pie. How could we live with ourselves if we left New Mexico (no plans to leave, by the way) without having eaten pie in Pie Town? But, sorrow of sorrows, everything in Pie Town was closed for the winter season, so we were unable to check that off our list.</p> <p>We made a stop on the Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail (yes, that is a real thing) and had burgers at Ella’s in Reserve, New Mexico. It was rather strange eating there. I had the feeling I had invaded someone’s family reunion. Everyone in the restaurant knew everyone else, and the waitress treated them like family members rather than patrons. The burger was very good, though.</p> <p>After that we drove to Silver City to spend the night. I had no idea how beautiful that part of New Mexico is. It’s very mountainous, and full of tall pines. We saw two huge male elk and several wild turkeys on our drive. We stayed at a bed and breakfast in a charming Victorian home in the historical part of the town. It would been delightful—period-style dining room and parlor, lovely wood floors, huge jetted tub in the room—except the room smelled so strongly of cigarette smoke. It was really a shame. Regardless, we had a good night’s sleep and a delicious breakfast in the morning. </p> <p>In the morning we visited the Silver City Museum and learned a bit about the town and New Mexico history. I wish they would have had more detail on Silver City itself, as it seemed to be a very interesting little town. Billy the Kid was raised there, and it had quite a heyday as a mining town. I would really like to go back for a visit and see more of the town and visit some of the other historical sites.</p> <p>After the museum we traveled to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. It was such an interesting place! We arrived right on time (by chance, which is usually the only way we arrive on time for anything) for the only tour that they give each day. It was better preserved than other cliff dwellings we've visited, even though they did see their fair share of looting. I became the tour guide's star pupil. It was a bit disconcerting after a while, because he didn't even bother addressing anyone but me after a few minutes. Guess that's part of why I did well in school—teachers usually loved me. Not sure why, but they did.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WzONZUc41iQ/UTETI5jC7xI/AAAAAAAAGD4/TfeNDGOtsFM/s1600-h/DSC_9163%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_9163" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_9163" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-P3h9oi9NglU/UTETJf58WGI/AAAAAAAAGEA/2lXat67tIcU/DSC_9163_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6tenS5TOdzU/UTETKQXrGaI/AAAAAAAAGEI/cozGKni1Z7I/s1600-h/DSC_9164%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_9164" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_9164" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pXkSNSU2p-0/UTETLCOPFTI/AAAAAAAAGEQ/tmKY0bdwH90/DSC_9164_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a></p> <p>  <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qFk--SMn-No/UTETLyMUKqI/AAAAAAAAGEY/d0rCc8I23Vw/s1600-h/DSC_9169%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_9169" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_9169" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TrvmDLSHRHU/UTETM3ZisCI/AAAAAAAAGEg/hNMDlf0fp2o/DSC_9169_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Then we drove the longest, most winding road back to I-25. After nearly three hours of that, even my iron stomach had nearly had enough. I'm glad my mom wasn't with us. She would have had to have been completely doped up on Dramamine.</p> <p>We drove to a town called Truth or Consequences. Here's the Wikipedia entry on it: “Originally named Hot Springs, the city changed its name to Truth or Consequences, the title of a popular NBC radio program. In 1950, Ralph Edwards, the host of the radio quiz show Truth or Consequences, announced that he would air the program from the first town that renamed itself after the show. Hot Springs won the honor. Edwards visited the town during the first weekend of May for the next fifty years.” In reality, the place is…somewhat frightening. (Sorry if anyone happens to live there who reads my blog.) The entire city seemed to be a huge trailer park. Aaron has planned for us to visit a hot springs there, and we started to get really nervous. We imagined that someone was going to hit us over the head and sell us into human trafficking...or something like that. However, the hot springs was AMAZING. It was like something you'd find in a top-notch resort. The landscaping was beautiful, and the pools were right on the river. It was incredibly beautiful at night, when you could look out across the river and see the mountains silhouetted by the moon. The weather was also the perfect temperature for being in a 109 degree pool. It was supremely relaxing and the perfect way to cap off our trip. I would go back in a heartbeat. </p> <p>Thanks for a marvelous trip, honey. So glad I get to spend the next 30 years (and more!) with you!</p> Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05989173556118626287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1757546031996218486.post-31719736471040118632013-02-07T06:45:00.000-08:002013-02-07T06:45:00.079-08:00Things I've learned in the past 30 years<p>1. Good friends are hard to find. Go out of your way to keep them. If it takes a 45 minute drive to see them, it's worth it. </p> <p>2. Just because a thing is true, doesn't mean it should be said. When in doubt, keep your mouth shut. </p> <p>3. It's easy to be a hater. Liking things can be much harder. Try to like more things. It will make you happier, even if it won't make you cooler.</p> <p>4. Being cool is overrated. Your coolness will depend entirely on the people you are with, so don't base who you are on what is cool. Base it on what truly interests and excites you. And when you drive a minivan, no one thinks you're cool.</p> <p>5. Writers write. Sewists sew. Chefs cook. Scriptorians study the scriptures. If you want to be, first you have to do.</p> <p>6. Sleep is more important than you think it is. </p> <p>7. Don't compare your weaknesses with others' strengths. The comparison will always come out lopsided. Likewise, don't do the reverse. It will give you an unnecessarily large head.</p> <p>8. Give something to the person holding a sign on the street corner. Yes, they may use it for ill, but that not your decision. When you decide to give, you will always feel better.</p> <p>9. It takes a year to feel comfortable in a new place, and two years for it to feel like home. Give it time.</p> <p>10. Try new things. You may like it. But you don't have to like everything. It's okay to be your own person.</p> <p>11. Just because something is not a weakness for you doesn't mean that it's not a legitimate weakness. Be compassionate.</p> <p>12. Buying something because it's “a good deal” isn't a good reason to buy something. If you wouldn't have bought it at full price, think very seriously about buying it on sale.</p> <p>13. Conversely, when you spot a good deal on something you use regularly, stock up. Yes, the cashier will think you're weird when you buy 24 stain sticks. But if you're doing laundry for a houseful of messy kids, it's always nice to have a stain stick around.</p> <p>14. You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. Try being nice first. It almost always works.</p> <p>15. Having an awesome house isn't worth it if you can't afford to buy pizza on a Friday night. Always leave room in your budget for little luxuries.</p> <p>16. Don't be afraid to go to battle if it's worth it. But not everything is worth a battle. Life is nicer when you let some things go.</p> <p>17. Just ask. People are generally nice and want to help you. </p> <p>18. Nothing tastes nicer than a tomato from the garden. Don't give up growing things, even if you think you have a black thumb.</p> <p>19. Life isn't about quid pro quo. Do things for people, even if you don't think you'll get anything in return.</p> <p>20. Being in the sun is good for the body and the soul. But when you want to tan, go on a cruise and look at all the leathery old ladies on the sun deck and ask yourself, “Is this what I want to look like when I'm 50?”</p> <p>21. You make time for what is important to you. If reading is vital, you will find time to read. When you find that you're missing out on things that should be important, re-examine what you're spending your time on.</p> <p>22. Don't prejudice your children against foods just because you don't like them. Who know? The weirdos may love salmon and sauerkraut.</p> <p>23. Say “I'm sorry.” It's so very hard sometimes, but nothing can patch up a wound better than those two words.</p> <p>24. Be generous with your judgments. You have no idea what another person is struggling with. </p> <p>25. Taking the time to rock with a baby or snuggle with a child is always worth it.</p> <p>26. Learn how to do things for yourself. Use power tools, change a tire, install a water fixture.</p> <p>27. Action begets action. If you feel lazy, do something. You'll want to do more things.</p> <p>28. Wear lingerie often. There's no need to save it for a special occasion. </p> <p>29. Good leather is worth the investment. Couches, purses, boots, belts, jackets: all worth paying for quality.</p> <p>30. Italy really is as wonderful as you think it will be.</p> <p>31. Be a lady. Ladies are gracious. They file their nails. They don't wear too much makeup, but they do wear makeup. They wear jewelry, but are never gaudy or overdone. And according to my aunt, ladies never wear shorts.</p> Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05989173556118626287noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1757546031996218486.post-74538210389347552182013-02-04T20:02:00.000-08:002013-02-04T20:02:00.481-08:00Thanksgiving 2012<p>Because our kitchen does not easily accommodate the cooking of a large meal (I don’t think a turkey would even fit in our teeny 1980’s oven), we decided to make a trip up to Salt Lake to have Thanksgiving with our families. This is actually the first Thanksgiving we’ve eaten in Utah since we’ve moved to New Mexico, so it was a fairly momentous decision. As always, much fun was had by all.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zQcagVxCvEY/UQ8y5ot8DdI/AAAAAAAAF7c/9EgFqSy6MY8/s1600-h/Photo1%252520%2525281%252529%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="Photo1 (1)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Photo1 (1)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5Z7E2ERvi28/UQ8y6hqumDI/AAAAAAAAF7k/NBLUi9Zq8Io/Photo1%252520%2525281%252529_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364" /></a> </p> <p>Paul and Grandpa B at a Jazz game.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rzDvQQDoqlM/UQ8y7TjpbJI/AAAAAAAAF7s/CIGokbPL_z0/s1600-h/DSC_8713%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8713" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8713" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RT77qQuifHc/UQ8y73IxRHI/AAAAAAAAF70/ZEO2NHRgMZA/DSC_8713_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Playing dress up, all day, every day.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BQxcwD6OUJk/UQ8y8jxoKRI/AAAAAAAAF78/3Ac6hrjSlEE/s1600-h/DSC_8719%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8719" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8719" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PIvQYDfWU7c/UQ8y9m2G-GI/AAAAAAAAF8E/Gy_YA09gPL4/DSC_8719_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>And, of course, the main event. All of the food is <em>not</em> pictured. Yes, that is three different kinds of meat you see.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Y2B0cHhJAtk/UQ8y-hCk_cI/AAAAAAAAF8M/tZ6xv0H-V2g/s1600-h/DSC_8720%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8720" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8720" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-O97sMtk0XoY/UQ8y_fekirI/AAAAAAAAF8U/6PqbnyooseA/DSC_8720_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>We were able to spend the weekend at <a href="http://www.vrbo.com/370382">Hawksridge</a>, my parent’s townhome in Park City. It’s simply gorgeous, and with the Wolf Range and Subzero fridge, it’s the perfect place to cook a feast. They rent it out to vacationers, and it’s gotten rave reviews. If anyone is looking to spend some time up in the Park City area, you should definitely check it out. It’s simply amazing. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wgh-XgUggVQ/UQ8zALdRMVI/AAAAAAAAF8c/c7_OzJL4VlQ/s1600-h/DSC_8723%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8723" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8723" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oxS3c6gdwt0/UQ8zBZQ5xaI/AAAAAAAAF8k/KetBYz2uUmw/DSC_8723_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p>My dad getting Bridget hooked on the bubbly.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2URrbiZodhk/UQ81MMsmssI/AAAAAAAAF-Q/AKiAXmx2Bj4/s1600-h/DSC_8726%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8726" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8726" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YVRipBRtG74/UQ81Mj_aGII/AAAAAAAAF-Y/Rqe7eGi5aw4/DSC_8726_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Oed4amPpIo4/UQ81NUrIasI/AAAAAAAAF-g/IKX6HUAAcW4/s1600-h/DSC_8730%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8730" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8730" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hdTOB3DgA8Q/UQ81ON2hq8I/AAAAAAAAF-o/IuoAPM-XYR0/DSC_8730_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-85ZlZpL1Syo/UQ81QI-8jLI/AAAAAAAAF-w/zDcK8t360ns/s1600-h/DSC_8734%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8734" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8734" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ktiyYEVT6Qg/UQ81Q96sNTI/AAAAAAAAF-4/hiMA8dpXN8M/DSC_8734_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>I also didn’t get pictures of the six pies: pumpkin, cranberry cream, pecan, lemon meringue, chocolate cheesecake, and strawberry.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-snosCveCfgY/UQ81RSLKKzI/AAAAAAAAF_A/VAjfW1EIvbw/s1600-h/DSC_8735%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8735" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8735" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-L_DNUhdesME/UQ81SOFWS6I/AAAAAAAAF_I/Eo3Qh98yqWw/DSC_8735_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jM99f2lHSIo/UQ81S0lNTXI/AAAAAAAAF_Q/TXolc6Euvgg/s1600-h/DSC_8736%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8736" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8736" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--3k_CcDhHnQ/UQ81TUFBU7I/AAAAAAAAF_Y/MAPyYJLA21k/DSC_8736_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p>The post-Thanksgiving crash. She was out <em>cold. </em>There was no waking her.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-j8-jaDsnOto/UQ81UWKilDI/AAAAAAAAF_g/OWic9E7Oc-k/s1600-h/DSC_8738%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8738" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8738" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pXe4AtGLjQI/UQ81VDRldlI/AAAAAAAAF_o/6FjUFAR-TQU/DSC_8738_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Watching the game with Grandpa.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-t00808yMw1E/UQ81V5bSR-I/AAAAAAAAF_w/YKj5YJEDOU4/s1600-h/DSC_8740%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8740" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8740" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6UQLN1RZTZk/UQ81W2j_9QI/AAAAAAAAF_4/4U8GuieyOoM/DSC_8740_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p>Grandma Connie got the kids together to make fancy gingerbread houses this year. Bridget really got into the action.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NBnwEbvuulQ/UQ81XUVSBfI/AAAAAAAAGAA/KPfzSmNnm30/s1600-h/DSC_8743%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8743" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8743" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QaL205-9C-M/UQ81YQjWmCI/AAAAAAAAGAI/_X__0Bvg5hs/DSC_8743_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_6aUgW6N_4M/UQ81Yt2iR2I/AAAAAAAAGAQ/Zb7xO5_QOh0/s1600-h/DSC_8744%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8744" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8744" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aNclVE31OYA/UQ81Zgo8-eI/AAAAAAAAGAY/p_msoLO5NBQ/DSC_8744_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a></p> <p>Gratuitous “Baby With Rolling Pin” shot because she’s adorable.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-G2qv7p9MWA4/UQ81aeRiyEI/AAAAAAAAGAg/q3PS6yQktbM/s1600-h/DSC_8747%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8747" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8747" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Qf2Ln7xoLSc/UQ81bCkmljI/AAAAAAAAGAo/Gjz9CAGFI7c/DSC_8747_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-m3XWCoy2Bng/UQ81b18d38I/AAAAAAAAGAw/kWowaOHkNsY/s1600-h/DSC_8749%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8749" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8749" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-v2ANc08TEBo/UQ81cj87X3I/AAAAAAAAGA4/d36TF6xJbh4/DSC_8749_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>More dressing up. I am not exaggerating when I say that this girl is in dress-ups more than she is in normal clothes.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_wAw_EmiXBk/UQ81dXRo3GI/AAAAAAAAGBA/CciT7RifSoM/s1600-h/DSC_8750%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8750" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8750" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5cRnZJZ-_cM/UQ81eHJZn8I/AAAAAAAAGBI/uY81vl9chDg/DSC_8750_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Paul’s Dracula castle. It turned out pretty cool, even if he did wind up abandoning the pictures in the book.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6f9pOUqSA_0/UQ81ew_KM6I/AAAAAAAAGBQ/GPMuAGki968/s1600-h/DSC_8751%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8751" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8751" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fDDlqwTJecw/UQ81f04bbwI/AAAAAAAAGBY/08jcHntaPOo/DSC_8751_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>And so the festivities ended. Even though the trip was short, it was definitely worth going up to Utah. Since our kids are getting older, the drive is a lot less difficult, and being able to load movies onto the ipad has made things even better. Thank you, technology. I love you.</p> Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05989173556118626287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1757546031996218486.post-84697345800072943982013-02-03T19:47:00.001-08:002013-02-03T19:47:10.257-08:00Santa Fe Ren Faire<p>Turns out I missed posting the photos from our annual Renaissance Faire trip. If I haven’t told you yet (where have you been?), this is a favorite event of ours. Mine, especially. I love it all: the costumes, the fairies, the stalls selling swords and magic wands, the belly dancers, the delicious-smelling food…nerd heaven. I really am going to dress up one of these years. But it’s so intimidating, especially when you see all the elaborate costumes. I just need to get over it.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tLOkw9JA9sE/UQ8u0C9dajI/AAAAAAAAF2o/Z2wR7n265ac/s1600-h/DSC_8385%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8385" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8385" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-C7zZhVNhkfk/UQ8u1M_OhQI/AAAAAAAAF2w/J_zh6gQE2as/DSC_8385_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xp9mxNE2TXE/UQ8u1v1tJOI/AAAAAAAAF24/5sd4kJe0Bpo/s1600-h/DSC_8397%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8397" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8397" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3uCMWSwqq2o/UQ8u2UXjWlI/AAAAAAAAF3A/LqPPaF_cu0Q/DSC_8397_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ESdF8QB9yD0/UQ8u3ZXE5pI/AAAAAAAAF3I/AjBBaST1SUY/s1600-h/DSC_8404%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8404" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8404" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7b3ZLQn5W60/UQ8u4JnWdcI/AAAAAAAAF3Q/OpylVP6Jrec/DSC_8404_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-z3aXloN7Re4/UQ8u5UDNl3I/AAAAAAAAF3Y/3Ur1RXs3n98/s1600-h/DSC_8427%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8427" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8427" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-q1fSs5wY8JE/UQ8u7vYsIII/AAAAAAAAF3g/1rxZV-CaEkU/DSC_8427_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p>We were able to meet up with some friends while we were up there, and the kids had a wonderful time hanging out with Violet. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lUyRs7D1T2k/UQ8u8vZRj5I/AAAAAAAAF3o/LUMApd_VRLA/s1600-h/DSC_8432%25255B17%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8432" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8432" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-t_g8I-P5RxY/UQ8u9rbz5zI/AAAAAAAAF3w/S3kwO1vLQcY/DSC_8432_thumb%25255B17%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MKoM94pH4fM/UQ8u-XnJN5I/AAAAAAAAF34/C53BGyQu1Xg/s1600-h/DSC_8434%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8434" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8434" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uf8zRXMEjj0/UQ8u_HaJgaI/AAAAAAAAF4A/8KKqk2nRWmM/DSC_8434_thumb%25255B13%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p>Firedancers and a mohawk. Perfect ren faire combo.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dasDDwP5fWo/UQ8vAOSZCXI/AAAAAAAAF4I/XmsnVf9w5ZM/s1600-h/DSC_8442%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8442" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8442" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GcCuz3PB-XQ/UQ8vCDWxK5I/AAAAAAAAF4Q/3wZnbCniBGk/DSC_8442_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Yw3GxTZOC-0/UQ8vC1jMSGI/AAAAAAAAF4Y/YeeQg_4y6Qk/s1600-h/DSC_8446%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8446" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8446" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8IoBZPHed2E/UQ8vDiduNYI/AAAAAAAAF4g/s4FjNDVbfwA/DSC_8446_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p>Katie was called up to volunteer for the hula hooping demonstration. She displayed the same level of skill in hula hooping as her mother has—none whatsoever!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1ZLbCd35bzM/UQ8vEdqFCsI/AAAAAAAAF4o/d8SgPitCDq8/s1600-h/DSC_8452%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8452" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8452" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ijfztmw-2Xs/UQ8vFNJl3BI/AAAAAAAAF4w/cjIwLmArEgI/DSC_8452_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eNcU2HBpprY/UQ8vF8P24QI/AAAAAAAAF44/rx6IZuN5itc/s1600-h/DSC_8458%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8458" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8458" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YGkcgyeeXnU/UQ8vG1bCO-I/AAAAAAAAF5A/I2ne6Vn2BBE/DSC_8458_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p>Fairy Hollow. Our traditional place to cool down from the scorching Santa Fe sun.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cTbZ0T7RtGo/UQ8vHku7WcI/AAAAAAAAF5I/PSMsjw3h0qI/s1600-h/DSC_8464%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8464" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8464" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PfoGYb9s3QI/UQ8vIKF40pI/AAAAAAAAF5Q/cCtqWbxdt-Q/DSC_8464_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DS4k8QXYSyg/UQ8vJJMXngI/AAAAAAAAF5Y/QZZR8dQGNS8/s1600-h/DSC_8467%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8467" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8467" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tb8mLCOpRzw/UQ8vJ9bBNeI/AAAAAAAAF5g/xhP0x-flQ_k/DSC_8467_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-__D2Qd9e5Ac/UQ8vMR0w3gI/AAAAAAAAF5o/rBAeqm1P0hg/s1600-h/DSC_8472%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_8472" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_8472" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fI1UhYVdPvQ/UQ8vOllPcKI/AAAAAAAAF5w/Cys-bxBY-DE/DSC_8472_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a></p> Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05989173556118626287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1757546031996218486.post-39136975503217221482013-01-31T09:43:00.001-08:002013-01-31T09:43:19.741-08:00Spring-y Clothes<p>I’m feeling the need for a closet revamp. Part of it is that I need to lose a bit of weight I put on last year (stress will do that to you), so my clothes aren’t looking awesome on me. Another part is that many of my clothes have seen better days, and I could definitely use some new basics. I’ve got a little bit of money saved up, so I’m trying to decide what exactly I want to spend it on. Here are some things I’ve been thinking about.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fpbrIzrTuX0/UQqtH47mLjI/AAAAAAAAFzo/yf9LUpNmaZ8/s1600-h/Loft%252520Boatneck%252520Stripe%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="Loft Boatneck Stripe" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Loft Boatneck Stripe" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YOWbiefX4P4/UQqtIlIP25I/AAAAAAAAFzw/XYQPusThbyM/Loft%252520Boatneck%252520Stripe_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="326" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>I think I’m definitely picking up <a href="http://www.loft.com/loft/product/LOFT-Apparel/LOFT-Layering-Tees-and-Tanks/Stripe-Boatneck-3-4-Sleeve-Cotton-Tee/298213?colorExplode=false&skuId=12922109&catid=catl000011&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=8680">this shirt from Loft</a>. I love their shirts. They are incredibly soft and they don’t get pilly. This stripe should be a nice, versatile piece. Also, it’s 30% off right now, so the price isn’t shabby. (Update! Grabbed this yesterday!)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OJDKH_hcPQk/UQqtI3PS7eI/AAAAAAAAFz4/3fAS6VBHanU/s1600-h/Mustard%252520Cardigan%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Mustard Cardigan" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Mustard Cardigan" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mid-Hmh048k/UQqtJlM0qDI/AAAAAAAAF0A/Q_HLlvjqEKQ/Mustard%252520Cardigan_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Springtime is not necessarily warm in ABQ, since it’s so dang windy, so I’m thinking a bright cardigan would be nice. I’m liking <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/cardigans/charter-school-cardigan-in-honey?ref=1&utm_medium=CJaffiliate&cj_webid=2178999&cj_affname=ShopStyle.com&cj_affid=1909792&cj_linkd=10632182&utm_campaign=CJ&utm_source=CJ&cj_sid=576261212">this mustard one.</a> (Update! I just grabbed one very similar to this at Loft while I was there yesterday. They were having an additional 60% off their clearance prices, and there were some gorgeous things on sale. Go now! Don’t wait!)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-N7S1Ea3Y_fs/UQqtJ4MfviI/AAAAAAAAF0I/3_OdT79NbWk/s1600-h/Green%252520Shirt%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Green Shirt" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Green Shirt" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YQSk3M3or7U/UQqtKjbRD3I/AAAAAAAAF0Q/H3YMF9Ms4n0/Green%252520Shirt_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="310" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>I’d like a <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=77818&vid=1&pid=385834062">bright green shirt.</a> It adds a fun pop of color when layering. And emerald is the color of the year, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Gd7NIEt0KOA/UQqtLS-w1UI/AAAAAAAAF0Y/B4FDwedelGY/s1600-h/Floral%252520Skirt%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Floral Skirt" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Floral Skirt" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WMAj3PLDdEk/UQqtLzLYF8I/AAAAAAAAF0g/mjy1WQ4mvX8/Floral%252520Skirt_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="251" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>I also want a nice floral skirt. <a href="http://www.loft.com/loft/product/product%3A292102/LOFT-work-it-skirts/Floral-Variety-Pencil-Skirt/292102?colorExplode=false&skuId=13309138&catid=catl000017&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=1232">This one</a> is nice, but a little spendy, even at 30% off. Maybe I could try my hand at making one? I never sew clothes for me, but I do know how to sew. Perhaps I’ll keep my eye out for some awesome fabric.</p> <p>I need some new shoes. I’d like something in a <a href="http://www.zappos.com/crocs-a-leigh-wedge-leather-cocoa">nice neutral</a>:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Tk0kBOBprCo/UQqtMSf78gI/AAAAAAAAF0o/O3t_27b-ZGo/s1600-h/Crocs%252520Wedge%252520Sandal%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Crocs Wedge Sandal" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Crocs Wedge Sandal" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-a29AiP_x1gk/UQqtMjVv5RI/AAAAAAAAF0w/9QLVuDSLgXw/Crocs%252520Wedge%252520Sandal_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="274" /></a> </p> <p>and <a href="http://www.zappos.com/zigi-sprite-beige-faux">something a bit more fun</a>:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GGbHJ55cVIc/UQqtNAuN31I/AAAAAAAAF04/GPyhor-Wabs/s1600-h/Floral%252520Flats%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Floral Flats" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Floral Flats" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--r2FGlxlbM0/UQqtNqkILjI/AAAAAAAAF1A/9CdLICAYc7w/Floral%252520Flats_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="274" /></a> </p> <p>What I’m really going for is a few updates to my wardrobe that are remixable and up-to-date. Anyone have anything they’re lusting after for their spring closets?</p> Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05989173556118626287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1757546031996218486.post-7955669288710116462013-01-20T17:05:00.000-08:002013-01-20T17:05:00.637-08:00Halloween 2012<p>October was spent holed up in my sewing room making costumes for the family. Bet that was a big surprise! This year we decided to dress up as characters from the Little Mermaid. I stepped out of my own comfort zone and hardly used a pattern or a tutorial, and I loved how they all turned out! The only pattern I used was for Aaron’s shirt. It was supposed to be a pirate shirt, but it looked just like Louis the Chef.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ohKRG1_aAWE/UPt7SnS5XXI/AAAAAAAAFso/RzZOGPEmKBI/s1600-h/DSC_0029%252520%2525282%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0029 (2)" border="0" alt="DSC_0029 (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-y3NYSbf96Co/UPt7TgIhNHI/AAAAAAAAFsw/BDdsMTv4gek/DSC_0029%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="324" /></a> </p> <p>Taken at the photo booth at the ward Halloween party. I thought that was a great idea.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ldr3iZyVlR0/UPt7UhX7TpI/AAAAAAAAFs4/5fOQEQwyjX4/s1600-h/DSC_0031%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0031" border="0" alt="DSC_0031" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZchpmBYdpJY/UPt7VzuEj1I/AAAAAAAAFtA/t3hkX5lQaII/DSC_0031_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="324" /></a> </p> <p>Our silly faces. Even Bridget is in on the action.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ku2zRuICCcc/UPt7XMy0vgI/AAAAAAAAFtI/m_X13_rIo1o/s1600-h/DSC_8615%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8615" border="0" alt="DSC_8615" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AUs-cw0deZY/UPt7YB1dDEI/AAAAAAAAFtQ/Isb006iNOOM/DSC_8615_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-H6XL_f17xjU/UPt7ZHveMeI/AAAAAAAAFtY/WSprxTVJBVo/s1600-h/DSC_8622%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8622" border="0" alt="DSC_8622" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ste2npkU8tk/UPt7aYafSLI/AAAAAAAAFtg/63YZrWYXkPg/DSC_8622_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-r7Oa6IgUk4g/UPt7bMOeGwI/AAAAAAAAFto/b0absFdBRi0/s1600-h/DSC_8626%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8626" border="0" alt="DSC_8626" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Thr_DOdKuFk/UPt7cMVFK_I/AAAAAAAAFtw/7IRL-jJmZWE/DSC_8626_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Just eating and hanging out. I have to say, I missed the Ventana Halloween dances. Those were so much fun.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-b7r8Q4Ek5-4/UPt7dPcQYjI/AAAAAAAAFt4/OorzTUmesls/s1600-h/DSC_8628%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8628" border="0" alt="DSC_8628" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-U1EqYpg8Kt4/UPt7eOtBL8I/AAAAAAAAFuA/KqfCPcTdKa0/DSC_8628_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>I curled Katie’s hair so it would be wavy instead of stick straight, and you would have thought I was killing her. She shrieked almost the entire time. She’s a total wuss sometimes. Good thing we love her!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-01RIdt2vRFc/UPt7fKxQXYI/AAAAAAAAFuI/cQY5ydqQuHc/s1600-h/DSC_8635%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8635" border="0" alt="DSC_8635" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ua2LL1Hnn2o/UPt7gS4ZNcI/AAAAAAAAFuQ/tE96ARgrvVQ/DSC_8635_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>They may not have had a dance, but they did have doughnuts on a string, and Paul’s life wouldn’t be complete without that.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-glGXW4JkEhI/UPt7hSNHV8I/AAAAAAAAFuY/pigaaxv2rQo/s1600-h/DSC_8641%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8641" border="0" alt="DSC_8641" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9pdRS-CY-k4/UPt7ifGwMRI/AAAAAAAAFug/GPDK5ANKlW8/DSC_8641_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PskRnl6RhE4/UPt7jSvYq7I/AAAAAAAAFuo/32AB9_mFV9w/s1600-h/DSC_8650%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8650" border="0" alt="DSC_8650" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--gbnOZBv1-A/UPt7lmhXEkI/AAAAAAAAFuw/TD95O3ASwT4/DSC_8650_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0AZMFMe17pw/UPt7mbmPBiI/AAAAAAAAFu4/cXWSbpy9W4w/s1600-h/DSC_8655%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8655" border="0" alt="DSC_8655" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xenO8bqGgDg/UPt7nsImBoI/AAAAAAAAFvA/lBDc4JN-I1U/DSC_8655_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="323" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-D4qRzl23XSg/UPt7oUkLSJI/AAAAAAAAFvI/1MmS7HqMsIs/s1600-h/DSC_8657%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8657" border="0" alt="DSC_8657" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1OS5uLTOTDs/UPt7pQ98QZI/AAAAAAAAFvQ/zdN6S6FJF6c/DSC_8657_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a></p> <p>Sebastian trying to figure out what’s up with Louis’s moustache. </p> <p>We went to a neighborhood Halloween party, which was a bit of a stinker. Someone (Paul or Averi, I can’t remember who, but it’s probably Paul) got in trouble, so Aaron went ahead with the other two while I took the naughty one later. So not a great start. Then there were a only 3 other kids there, and the two kids that lived in the house that it was hosted at wouldn’t play or talk to anyone, so our kids just played with each other. The hostess also had the bright idea that the kids could paint pumpkins with fabric paint. “It’s non-toxic!” I don’t care about non-toxic! It’s also non-washable! We ruined a few shirts that day. The kids decided to get some use out of their other costumes so everyone wore something different from the trunk-or-treat. Bridget was very into the pizza, and the grandmas and grandpas couldn’t comment enough on how much she ate. Then she dug into a cupcake, and they thought it was hilarious, so they made sure to instruct us to take pictures of her.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-21YY4Vfu4UU/UPt7qqgMo3I/AAAAAAAAFvY/LBHGlbCNOLk/s1600-h/DSC_8667%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8667" border="0" alt="DSC_8667" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8o8Kqg9tUek/UPt7rm4M96I/AAAAAAAAFvg/trpmKGONLO0/DSC_8667_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="323" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-g27vBNC314Y/UPt7shPO2nI/AAAAAAAAFvo/p705WOkINpQ/s1600-h/DSC_8661%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8661" border="0" alt="DSC_8661" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jqAGv99ByVs/UPt7tv--k0I/AAAAAAAAFvw/GxsG79pwvCk/DSC_8661_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>On Halloween I made a special spooky meal. This was the first time I’ve every done this, and it was so much fun.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jLSTcE9jiuE/UPt7uWqbOmI/AAAAAAAAFv4/i3Ve0iF3O1M/s1600-h/DSC_8677%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8677" border="0" alt="DSC_8677" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-C-xW6uwYZ8I/UPt7vUIo26I/AAAAAAAAFwA/JI5th3ORWEs/DSC_8677_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="323" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MxPdS5DzrcQ/UPt7wZFCQ9I/AAAAAAAAFwI/gZ0E-xOnWIk/s1600-h/DSC_8681%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8681" border="0" alt="DSC_8681" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lBt9ec7Qeak/UPt7xv2uWhI/AAAAAAAAFwQ/f5-PQfIGWaY/DSC_8681_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="323" /></a> </p> <p>We had Mummy Dogs, Worms with Blood and Brains, Rotten Apples with Sludge, Goblin Brains, Iguana Eyeballs with Blood Clots, Pumpkin Brew, and Monster Munch.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-S2rVRBzyuQU/UPt7ybP9rTI/AAAAAAAAFwY/AvhQBuzW9g8/s1600-h/DSC_8683%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8683" border="0" alt="DSC_8683" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SRZI28beClg/UPt7zbc90nI/AAAAAAAAFwg/eNFunclUYrw/DSC_8683_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>I think they’re happy!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ExYnlhLQXQw/UPt70bD3S5I/AAAAAAAAFwo/VdoJxo5A4Ow/s1600-h/DSC_8684%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8684" border="0" alt="DSC_8684" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fieGpTgR08s/UPt71iUP5zI/AAAAAAAAFww/bK3HPTIS4m4/DSC_8684_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6in7O32qCdU/UPt72c2tzuI/AAAAAAAAFw4/pf65xXzSJis/s1600-h/DSC_8685%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8685" border="0" alt="DSC_8685" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oaeGsraKMow/UPt73rHvjyI/AAAAAAAAFxA/uRRA6nIMsKM/DSC_8685_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="323" /></a> </p> <p>Bridget didn’t care that the food had fancy names. She just wanted a hot dog, and she wanted it now!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Z3R5QXHEjEI/UPt74slaXuI/AAAAAAAAFxI/ugEy3lHxIz4/s1600-h/DSC_8694%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8694" border="0" alt="DSC_8694" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Hmnltwqs6_I/UPt75vDoRKI/AAAAAAAAFxQ/96LTU_su6gk/DSC_8694_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Ready to trick or treat!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SdCHex1MfQM/UPt76vxzIzI/AAAAAAAAFxY/CBqqWWhDXTI/s1600-h/DSC_8696%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8696" border="0" alt="DSC_8696" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TsYk2Qnv1Gw/UPt77to8b3I/AAAAAAAAFxg/HoLk0zDmNJw/DSC_8696_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Pouncing on the first doorbell. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UjuAX5vQEeU/UPt78qYvSjI/AAAAAAAAFxo/_FcIMv0kDyw/s1600-h/DSC_8700%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8700" border="0" alt="DSC_8700" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oMlMG8bRPZA/UPt792WYbXI/AAAAAAAAFxw/WrrrOXjU5HM/DSC_8700_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-soXfctSXOlE/UPt7-8REORI/AAAAAAAAFx4/U7JSehf6NcI/s1600-h/DSC_8703%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8703" border="0" alt="DSC_8703" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uhgwV1mSo1g/UPt8BKG14QI/AAAAAAAAFyA/jdb-k6-9SlY/DSC_8703_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a></p> <p>The whole Jorgensen crew.</p> Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05989173556118626287noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1757546031996218486.post-431144428364285682013-01-19T20:23:00.001-08:002013-01-19T20:23:16.866-08:00Pumpkin Patches in January<p>Yes, I’m still behind. I’m always behind. </p> <p>We went the pumpkin patch for Averi’s preschool. It had been several years since we’d been to the pumpkin patch in Moriarty, so I was very glad to be able to go this year, even if we couldn’t go with all the kids. Here is Averi the last time she was at McCall’s:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-64TU5vx30q4/UPtwq65LeTI/AAAAAAAAFlg/tQXW23bqW4o/s1600-h/IMG_6115%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_6115" border="0" alt="IMG_6115" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vi_Q28Gric8/UPtwrmDnoaI/AAAAAAAAFlo/S24_QXgHoXE/IMG_6115_thumb%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>And here she is in 2012: </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tZPuw_Jdzyg/UPtwsHl0rII/AAAAAAAAFlw/vExXaI9-qrI/s1600-h/DSC_8531%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8531" border="0" alt="DSC_8531" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ITLrW-HeXjw/UPtwskxP4gI/AAAAAAAAFl4/chjgv6QzkuI/DSC_8531_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Such a cutie!</p> <p>(I realized my white balance was off <em>after</em> I had taken all these pictures. Guess I should have looked. They all have a slight purple tinge to them. I could easily correct them, but then I’d never get them posted. So here they are in all their violet glory.)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7KJdf3HV-dI/UPtwtL8UJtI/AAAAAAAAFmA/YiKVAfAxRS0/s1600-h/DSC_8535%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8535" border="0" alt="DSC_8535" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ttCrW9ed_AU/UPtwt3-tseI/AAAAAAAAFmI/zqiMsRfmcIA/DSC_8535_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="323" /></a> </p> <p>Miss Bridget got to come along too. She LOVED the hayride and all the animals in the petting zoo. The only problem is that she thinks every single animal is a dog, and that it barks. It’s pretty funny to hear her “woof woof”-ing at a cow.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9mSXRSrKPIo/UPtwutXdFXI/AAAAAAAAFmQ/NU--PRf3Wow/s1600-h/DSC_8543%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8543" border="0" alt="DSC_8543" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FGF_uy8lnBE/UPtwvLwOhuI/AAAAAAAAFmY/NIha4LaW4qc/DSC_8543_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Choosing the perfect pumpkin.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TZqf2TWqX8s/UPtwvoy2dsI/AAAAAAAAFmg/LUfsgERRujE/s1600-h/DSC_8546%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8546" border="0" alt="DSC_8546" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-P-rb2HE19Po/UPtwwbidVVI/AAAAAAAAFmo/GeKOl9PzOaM/DSC_8546_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4pa4xHPk25Y/UPtwxIkD3EI/AAAAAAAAFmw/ju6z3PqASqA/s1600-h/DSC_8549%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8549" border="0" alt="DSC_8549" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KtEOtnBBvLY/UPtw0K14RiI/AAAAAAAAFm4/NaIMmpLzLUE/DSC_8549_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Averi’s hair is <em>always</em> in her face. And she will rarely let me pull it back or clip it, so it’s always a tangled, sticky mess.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7BFjoO_-VV4/UPtw1HC4TyI/AAAAAAAAFnA/x8zPPYv9gP0/s1600-h/DSC_8551%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8551" border="0" alt="DSC_8551" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SQe88kCchIg/UPtw1uz-yaI/AAAAAAAAFnI/kxYQ7EfJZJQ/DSC_8551_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>The kids were told they had to find a pumpkin that they could carry. It looks like Averi just reached the threshold.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NmIhTyeOizE/UPtw2XOM7DI/AAAAAAAAFnQ/g6UZGwWLJXA/s1600-h/DSC_8556%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8556" border="0" alt="DSC_8556" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7UeJo4T6M3Y/UPtw2z8PfVI/AAAAAAAAFnY/nLoDDusK7Rc/DSC_8556_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="323" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FZLM-2xL6gw/UPtw3hgXNwI/AAAAAAAAFng/d2KPT3ejK5k/s1600-h/DSC_8558%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8558" border="0" alt="DSC_8558" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NVEvdlWF-rg/UPtw4Nd9msI/AAAAAAAAFno/LkrMzWhvU9M/DSC_8558_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Bridget being thrilled. She loves being in her stroller. Whenever she sees it in the garage, she pats it and asks, “Peas? Peas?” Poor thing. I don’t take her on walks nearly enough.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ajk5dPK5O_Y/UPtw4x2g52I/AAAAAAAAFnw/oID9gWPIJd0/s1600-h/DSC_8560%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8560" border="0" alt="DSC_8560" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6WjfIkoWr1Q/UPtw5WDK8uI/AAAAAAAAFn4/tOBkdgReFAY/DSC_8560_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uUP_aN3CI9U/UPtw50xb3CI/AAAAAAAAFoA/aupMaLW35z0/s1600-h/DSC_8562%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8562" border="0" alt="DSC_8562" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZG5nHQFNzRw/UPtw6kk-jAI/AAAAAAAAFoI/QskU0NLDJIQ/DSC_8562_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>The kids were fascinated by this chair. They couldn’t believe anything could be so huge.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PJwd5EwzLds/UPtw7iJtc5I/AAAAAAAAFoQ/Td3ibGJ78Y4/s1600-h/DSC_8567%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8567" border="0" alt="DSC_8567" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VznMjvyAIK8/UPtw8I88T5I/AAAAAAAAFoY/9290WEbMMfo/DSC_8567_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OAi0rPJb-EQ/UPtw8k_KKaI/AAAAAAAAFog/vgLEgbZB3sY/s1600-h/DSC_8570%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8570" border="0" alt="DSC_8570" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8E5qpkLX4jo/UPtw9XqF9GI/AAAAAAAAFoo/Xm5Nl5Rs9dQ/DSC_8570_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Annual tradition of the photo at the pumpkin patch growth chart.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Rdh9y4NC7Z0/UPtw99KKQfI/AAAAAAAAFow/rzKANC_bxHQ/s1600-h/DSC_8576%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8576" border="0" alt="DSC_8576" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-m0uYjFsElHQ/UPtw-xF_jAI/AAAAAAAAFo4/m-NiRsjfCVI/DSC_8576_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="323" /></a> </p> <p>Petting the goats (Mom’s favorites!).</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WQZY8fBfO-0/UPtw_ZtRtkI/AAAAAAAAFpA/NS1ciDDiVt0/s1600-h/DSC_8580%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8580" border="0" alt="DSC_8580" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4La64zVKKrg/UPtxAn2SNqI/AAAAAAAAFpI/IqtHuJ0Idc0/DSC_8580_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>We had to pose at every single cutout we came across.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-A-C8o0yy0to/UPtxBPCiaOI/AAAAAAAAFpQ/I11J3GMS6uI/s1600-h/DSC_8583%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8583" border="0" alt="DSC_8583" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8C45jy1X530/UPtxBgBPZXI/AAAAAAAAFpY/yzfi8mXUK-s/DSC_8583_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1Rq6uZTXVVM/UPtxCpUIffI/AAAAAAAAFpg/oenQ7mCxyv0/s1600-h/DSC_8585%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8585" border="0" alt="DSC_8585" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eSyelTz9ceU/UPtxDS2Lp5I/AAAAAAAAFpo/hqrqfFR2zAs/DSC_8585_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="323" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4n7oHpvGlvs/UPtxE3bHrSI/AAAAAAAAFpw/arYJ4hfnHjc/s1600-h/DSC_8587%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8587" border="0" alt="DSC_8587" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OMso3dTSO8Y/UPtxFpcHAYI/AAAAAAAAFp4/HgMKlbVNCvw/DSC_8587_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="323" /></a> </p> <p>Beautiful New Mexico autumn skies. It’s hard to find that bluest of blues anywhere else.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lAldkvj2v3U/UPtxGKvZ1mI/AAAAAAAAFqA/L33bHdoCc4A/s1600-h/DSC_8590%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8590" border="0" alt="DSC_8590" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fFgBdSdB__Y/UPtxGrF49vI/AAAAAAAAFqI/VsUPAAtc8KE/DSC_8590_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="323" /></a> </p> <p>At the top of the tower in the middle of the corn maze. We always called it the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rameumptom">Rameumptom</a> when I was at BYU. Yes, we were and still are total dorks.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HGQDmxw2iDs/UPtxHRQzfXI/AAAAAAAAFqQ/gxVEJUf5ziY/s1600-h/DSC_8594%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8594" border="0" alt="DSC_8594" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qH9FWvbRzRY/UPtxICJyp2I/AAAAAAAAFqY/AOySEgWpSr8/DSC_8594_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-495pz8sp-3s/UPtxI4MmdhI/AAAAAAAAFqg/0LXxGbhRKjc/s1600-h/DSC_8597%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8597" border="0" alt="DSC_8597" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8W1S4egLOPc/UPtxJ1VS-FI/AAAAAAAAFqo/Q4RGvBaxHrk/DSC_8597_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="323" /></a> </p> <p>I love this girl. Isn’t she so incredibly beautiful. If Averi weren’t so shy, I think she’d be an awesome model. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--PIgMhJRS1I/UPtxKeScKiI/AAAAAAAAFqw/KykjVfMcw0Y/s1600-h/DSC_8599%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8599" border="0" alt="DSC_8599" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Vrz8CtngQ2k/UPtxKzmYI1I/AAAAAAAAFq4/d0VW6Os06yY/DSC_8599_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Love this girl too. She makes my world go round these days!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gor0g6iAMg4/UPtxLtr8bYI/AAAAAAAAFrA/LoYzRAQW_2g/s1600-h/DSC_8603%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8603" border="0" alt="DSC_8603" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QouQDH4zpXI/UPtxM1y7snI/AAAAAAAAFrI/MM9M82dWciE/DSC_8603_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a></p> <p>We loved our little trip to the pumpkin patch. I will be so sad when the kids grow out of it. But they still haven’t lost interest, so we’ll be coming for many more years.</p> Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05989173556118626287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1757546031996218486.post-85646121258727431782012-12-24T22:51:00.001-08:002012-12-24T22:51:37.173-08:00Why I love Allrecipes<p>I was looking for a breakfast casserole recipe for Christmas morning, and I <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/hash-brown-and-egg-casserole/">stumbled across one</a> that sounded pretty good. I read through some reviews to see what people thought of it, and this one cracked me up:</p> <p>“My whole family really loved this dish. I made it on the spur of the moment, and changed a few things to use what I had on hand. First, after reading the reviews here I decided to use a 9X13 inch baking dish. It turned out to be the perfect size. Since I only had 4 eggs, I just used those. I added about 4 ounces of ricotta cheese to the eggs as well, and used a bit less milk than the recipe called for. Also, I didn't have any sausage but did have a lot of leftover ham as well as a few slices of cooked bacon. I sauteed the onions first, added some minced garlic, and finally tossed in the chopped ham and crumbled bacon to heat it through. I then assembled the casserole as directed. I only baked it for about 50 minutes total, and it was perfect. A dollop of sour cream on top of each serving, and we loved it! The leftovers heated up nicely for lunch the next day.”</p> <p>What part of the recipe, exactly, did she follow? And since it seemed she just made up her own recipe, how did she feel she could rate the original recipe? </p> <p>It reminded me of <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/ice-cubes-420398/review">this “recipe.”</a> Be sure to read the reviews. I was dying from laughter.</p> Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05989173556118626287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1757546031996218486.post-32697478585484390082012-12-12T20:32:00.001-08:002012-12-12T20:40:11.426-08:00Paul’s Interview for his 6th BirthdayMy favorite food is: fish, especially salmon<br />
My favorite movie is: Star Wars<br />
The coolest person on Earth is: <br />
My favorite thing to learn about is: reading<br />
The thing I’m great at is: building stuff<br />
If I could go anywhere, it would be: Hinkle Family Fun Center<br />
My favorite color is: blue<br />
My favorite superhero is: Superman<br />
When I grow up, I’m going to be a(n): author<br />
My favorite song is: the Star Wars songs<br />
A book I love is: my Lego comics<br />
When I was little, I used to: make a mess<br />
My favorite time of year is: Christmas<br />
The snack I like best is: mini cheese balls<br />
One food that I really don’t like is: eggs<br />
My best friend is: Jacob (someone in his class that I’ve never heard him mention before)<br />
If I had one wish, it would be: to fly<br />
My favorite phrase is: dun dun dun dun da dun dun da dun (the Star Wars theme)<br />
My favorite treat is: black forest cake<br />
My favorite toy is: Star Wars action figures<br />
<br />
Paul is an excellent student and doing really well in school. His school tries to let the students learn at their own pace, and this has been great for Paul. He's actually been moved up to the 2nd/3rd grade class (technically he's still in Kingergarten) because he was just flying through the material. "My boy Paul is wicked smaht." This is good in many respects, but I do feel that he's picking up some negative behaviors from the older boys, so we're really having to keep an eye on that. I do think that part of it is just the going-to-school transition. Katie went through the same belligerent phase when she started Kindergarten. Of course, we did pull her out of school and homeschooled, so we're not sure how long this will last since we've never let it run its course. When he's not being a stinker, he's a very loving boy. He dotes on his baby Bridget, and he and Katie are still inseparable. He and Averi tend to bring out the worst in each other, but I'd like to think that they're getting better. He loves his gymnastics class and likes to practice at home a lot.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0mKfhKnBJVY/UMlaPAgxIDI/AAAAAAAAFjM/jwyZM8bFhL0/s1600-h/DSC_8491%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_8491" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-o0vNskqHFQA/UMlaPiAkI6I/AAAAAAAAFjU/iMtnlIsCNm4/DSC_8491_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_8491" width="323" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KUygwxNbhfM/UMlaQgOrsXI/AAAAAAAAFjc/Hgemovkm96Y/s1600-h/DSC_8481%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_8481" border="0" height="323" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QBYrD76zUE0/UMlaRXnvVZI/AAAAAAAAFjk/2gK4uqWgU1Y/DSC_8481_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_8481" width="484" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KhDviSf2v7A/UMlaR02l01I/AAAAAAAAFjs/z8NMjogg-Dc/s1600-h/DSC_8485%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_8485" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nIPqrOub0lY/UMlaSoXeVlI/AAAAAAAAFj0/YkLh5UQyW3Y/DSC_8485_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_8485" width="323" /></a> <br />
New bike that actually fits him! And yes, neither our six- nor our seven-year-old know how to ride a bike without training wheels. We’re terrible parents.Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05989173556118626287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1757546031996218486.post-32255638321428052782012-12-12T20:24:00.001-08:002012-12-12T20:24:11.739-08:00Saturday Morning Cartoon Party<p>We threw Paul’s party just two weeks after Averi’s party. I had the idea for this party a long time ago, and it was super simple to execute. I already had the ruffled crepe paper saved from another party, and the only food prep was popping Pop-Tarts in the toaster after a trip to Wal-Mart. So easy, but so fun.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MjX1_GEFYJk/UMlYPVDoXKI/AAAAAAAAFhs/R4fcrFhfKYc/s1600-h/DSC_8493%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8493" border="0" alt="DSC_8493" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Sec0e1Jrey0/UMlYQoPyfqI/AAAAAAAAFh0/8cwatHB1kh8/DSC_8493_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="323" /></a> </p> <p>The breakfast spread. The kids went crazy about being able to pick out whatever sugared cereals they wanted. This is a very rare event in our house. We also had muffins, doughnut holes, Pop-Tarts, bananas, milk and orange juice.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qyQCNufV0MM/UMlYRrUsccI/AAAAAAAAFh8/VIR1Dx8EjL0/s1600-h/DSC_8497%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8497" border="0" alt="DSC_8497" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6zOKwCz_4DA/UMlYTKj3ifI/AAAAAAAAFiE/AGg9wlFUKFc/DSC_8497_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="323" /></a> </p> <p>After the first round of TV watching (Phineas and Ferb, I think), we went outside for a rousing pillowcase race. I love Albuquerque September mornings!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mtYWRT4NUM8/UMlYT_YCJ9I/AAAAAAAAFiM/QaQcAWG1XYM/s1600-h/DSC_8502%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8502" border="0" alt="DSC_8502" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HQFZhyhgmO0/UMlYUka2o2I/AAAAAAAAFiU/Es8EzPoTk-M/DSC_8502_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="323" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-__b5kBHwF7Q/UMlYVspmDgI/AAAAAAAAFic/MgFKq6KyvPE/s1600-h/DSC_8513%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8513" border="0" alt="DSC_8513" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ks5gGJC74p4/UMlYXXTC7KI/AAAAAAAAFik/XIRtA8RFUws/DSC_8513_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Our somewhat ghetto setup. Six-year-olds don’t mind at all.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-w6pdKisgL0w/UMlYYEKj_WI/AAAAAAAAFis/-Hr1Ohex2ts/s1600-h/DSC_8517%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8517" border="0" alt="DSC_8517" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VpP3kTmIGtw/UMlYZKi7sfI/AAAAAAAAFi0/Di-1xOKtlCU/DSC_8517_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="323" /></a> </p> <p>Present opening. This boy got some NICE presents. I definitely have an inferiority complex about my birthday gifts now.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cCYRnI7yfbY/UMlYZs7s0aI/AAAAAAAAFi8/BxOWD5VfQe4/s1600-h/DSC_8520%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8520" border="0" alt="DSC_8520" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ibUGFzXS99c/UMlYaVKY_hI/AAAAAAAAFjE/osqBfWvIDbk/DSC_8520_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="323" /></a></p> <p>Rice Krispie Treat “birthday cake.” Easiest cake ever!</p> <p>Happy birthday, six-year-old! We love you, Paul!</p> Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05989173556118626287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1757546031996218486.post-2574318664008421662012-12-12T20:11:00.001-08:002012-12-13T13:55:43.128-08:00Averi’s Interview for her 4th BirthdayMy favorite food is: apples<br />
My favorite movie is: Swiss Family Robinson (We just watched it last night, so obviously it’s fresh in her mind.)<br />
The coolest person on Earth is: the prophet Daniel (???)<br />
My favorite thing to learn about is: numbers<br />
The thing I’m great at is: puzzles<br />
If I could go anywhere, it would be: Utah<br />
My favorite color is: fuchsia <br />
My favorite superhero or princess is: Storm<br />
When I grow up, I’m going to be a: mom<br />
My favorite song is: Praise to the Man<br />
A book I love is: Llama Llama Misses Mama<br />
When I was little, I used to: play with baby toys<br />
My favorite time of year is: Christmas<br />
The snack I like best is: fruit leather<br />
One food that I really don’t like is: raw meat (‘cause we eat a lot of that around here…)<br />
My best friend is: Carly<br />
If I had one wish, it would be: to be a princess<br />
My favorite phrase is: (We couldn’t think of any phrases that Averi uses frequently.)<br />
My favorite treat is: Oreos <br />
My favorite toy is: my ponies<br />
<br />
Averi is a very independent child. She'll go into her room and play by herself forever, which is both good and bad. It can get very lonely around the house when she doesn't want to play with me! She is my girl that LOVES to cook. The moment she hears anyone in the kitchen she runs and gets the stools to see if she can help. She's very NOT helpful when it comes to most other chores, though. She always seems to pawn most of the work off onto her brother or sister. She does like to unload the dishwasher. She really likes her preschool class, although she has bouts of severe shyness. She's my only child that's ever been shy, so I'm not sure how to deal with it very well. Shy I am not. That trait did not come from my side of the family. She will usually warm up after a while, and when she does she is very charming. She still has the most adorable little voice, which part of why she's quite spoiled. We love our Averi-girl!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5OomXl1XW-A/UMlVeS3XAiI/AAAAAAAAFgM/UvwKx_ooeD8/s1600-h/IMG_0233%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0233" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oqDhM99uHYs/UMlVfKBfs7I/AAAAAAAAFgU/pFi5QoYgkb8/IMG_0233_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_0233" width="364" /></a>Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05989173556118626287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1757546031996218486.post-59622491740794344892012-12-10T13:52:00.001-08:002012-12-10T13:52:57.781-08:00Minnie Mouse Birthday Party<p>It’s difficult cramming in birthday parties for everyone, since we have five birthdays so close together. Bridget turned one on August 19th, and I meant to throw a Minnie Mouse birthday party for her. But between the starting of school, Katie’s birthday, and life in general, her first birthday came and went without any fanfare. Cue “Mother of the Year” anthem here. My mom and sister came for a visit in mid-September, and since it was getting close to Averi’s birthday by that time, we decided to bite the bullet and throw the Minnie Mouse party for both of them. Of course, we decided this on a Wednesday and threw the party on Saturday, which didn’t leave much time for inviting guests and all the other party preparations. Somehow we managed to throw it all together, and it turned out fabulously, I must say. Everyone had a great time, and the girls were thrilled.</p> <p>     <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hKOAYBjCJ_w/UMZZBmIW-FI/AAAAAAAAFXs/RC-xOwWG72E/s1600-h/DSC_8230-1%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8230-1" border="0" alt="DSC_8230-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Xz4y2jmNEHM/UMZZCfrq2jI/AAAAAAAAFX0/tqUYf4hyfj0/DSC_8230-1_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Birthday girl Averi wearing her Minnie Mouse dress I made.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9ypc0uLEeCY/UMZZC4ExckI/AAAAAAAAFX8/I_YjggpLLPs/s1600-h/DSC_8236%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8236" border="0" alt="DSC_8236" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-poW_pfKpWB4/UMZZEkpv3tI/AAAAAAAAFYE/MgU2kmvfmHA/DSC_8236_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4Zn-pynners/UMZZFCIzxbI/AAAAAAAAFYM/ZvNL3cABsMk/s1600-h/DSC_8227-1%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8227-1" border="0" alt="DSC_8227-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ygz72_LxAUs/UMZZGSclZfI/AAAAAAAAFYU/YPCuAPtLaR8/DSC_8227-1_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a></p> <p>Minnie and Mickey Mouse hats all lined up and ready for the guests.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eLAAOGo4CtA/UMZZHXxbV5I/AAAAAAAAFYc/fkFZxgt1Msw/s1600-h/DSC_8239%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8239" border="0" alt="DSC_8239" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7W4XDqmaZfU/UMZZHyTLnjI/AAAAAAAAFYk/rG6SbnyPo9Y/DSC_8239_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="323" /></a> </p> <p>Our menu: Hot Diggity Dogs, Mickey Mouse chicken nuggets from Costco, a pizza shaped like Minnie Mouse, red punch, relish tray, “Oh Toodles” Noodles (pasta salad), Minnie Mouse cupcakes, and a red velvet cake.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7rDHEkA8lSw/UMZZIjrHC7I/AAAAAAAAFYs/nEIB3U0idio/s1600-h/DSC_8240%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8240" border="0" alt="DSC_8240" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qEQLOa0jBw8/UMZZJojWjKI/AAAAAAAAFY0/Bx96S5L9HK4/DSC_8240_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-r82jrZ_JAVk/UMZZKHatlkI/AAAAAAAAFY8/x71iFnsuwmg/s1600-h/DSC_8246%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8246" border="0" alt="DSC_8246" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xtFOI57fn8c/UMZZK2uY_6I/AAAAAAAAFZE/OHqrgW0WCoE/DSC_8246_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="323" /></a> </p> <p>Bridget wearing the Minnie Mouse dress I made for her that day.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SpdOIUcfNa4/UMZZLrBX72I/AAAAAAAAFZM/dp_T_5f90GY/s1600-h/DSC_8256%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8256" border="0" alt="DSC_8256" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QS-UPiyxR8Q/UMZZMfBEEbI/AAAAAAAAFZU/XykSkn4LJro/DSC_8256_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zDwtNE9dqPU/UMZZNU5JT4I/AAAAAAAAFZc/nK40DRb17UU/s1600-h/DSC_8263%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8263" border="0" alt="DSC_8263" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mLVeIEMQAsQ/UMZZNxIkSlI/AAAAAAAAFZk/j8blgKgVxzU/DSC_8263_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a></p> <p>Bridget with our friend Elma. She LOVES Elma and was thrilled to be with her most of the night.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-D6uZ_jxcoKw/UMZZOnxANDI/AAAAAAAAFZs/Lf8UzgXI9cc/s1600-h/DSC_8266%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8266" border="0" alt="DSC_8266" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4FUTrZdEiGM/UMZZPd80saI/AAAAAAAAFZ0/1IFQrQGgnuo/DSC_8266_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="323" /></a> </p> <p>The Boyles and the Worthens were also able to join us. It was a gorgeous night for eating outside and enjoying the view.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EN-LnZgr7QI/UMZZQWwUMLI/AAAAAAAAFZ8/Y5e0Yz1E_n0/s1600-h/DSC_8268%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8268" border="0" alt="DSC_8268" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5583nErxgcc/UMZZQ4gRXUI/AAAAAAAAFaE/I5VHIhNDN-Y/DSC_8268_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="323" /></a> </p> <p>Pin the bow on Minnie Mouse</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-E0MAJc885kA/UMZZRWHbsMI/AAAAAAAAFaM/BmzFL3kF9YU/s1600-h/DSC_8274%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8274" border="0" alt="DSC_8274" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2SQYoSlzow4/UMZZR9WKguI/AAAAAAAAFaU/nIYTwgA_xUo/DSC_8274_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="323" /></a> </p> <p>Aaron did all the lettering with an exacto knife. In a rush to get things done at the last minute, I asked Kiera to glue everything onto the poster board. I didn’t realize that Aaron wasn’t finished and hadn’t cut the centers out of the letters like P and O. It drove him crazy for the rest of the night.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8XEEhEj4QIA/UMZZSZII6NI/AAAAAAAAFac/4MLu5y5TzpU/s1600-h/DSC_8283%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8283" border="0" alt="DSC_8283" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HgIahzgNR3E/UMZZS_LdQUI/AAAAAAAAFak/CHOdCjEVXkw/DSC_8283_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="323" /></a> </p> <p>Minnie Mouse cupcakes. These were probably my favorite since they were so adorable. The ears are mini Oreos and the bows are made from Fruit Rollups.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GzgUSTy3-dQ/UMZZTd7bPYI/AAAAAAAAFas/cbufJGvG0vo/s1600-h/DSC_8284%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8284" border="0" alt="DSC_8284" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Imn8CbyFwEU/UMZZUK_2l1I/AAAAAAAAFa0/sFHiMl3L99Y/DSC_8284_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Zhuz4ItbDKY/UMZZUru7v4I/AAAAAAAAFa8/3zsncj2lQoo/s1600-h/DSC_8286%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8286" border="0" alt="DSC_8286" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9qsCsYd0XpE/UMZZVHmbH0I/AAAAAAAAFbE/yZB4nOw0jgE/DSC_8286_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Bridget with her birthday cupcake. Now you can turn one, baby! We’ll just pretend I wasn’t a month late.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4cK58flgO5Q/UMZZVhiyNKI/AAAAAAAAFbM/05Wg7Rzx64U/s1600-h/DSC_8288%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8288" border="0" alt="DSC_8288" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YmSe_zzFUH8/UMZZXtXQs7I/AAAAAAAAFbU/DDOTAYepFsY/DSC_8288_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-y0YP6kbHbCo/UMZZYKQ-ImI/AAAAAAAAFbc/FUpNxcYU7Fs/s1600-h/DSC_8296%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8296" border="0" alt="DSC_8296" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qJMO4C_EqRc/UMZZY_XyuOI/AAAAAAAAFbk/ffXhjrfAGFs/DSC_8296_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AoAvLvqyOyw/UMZZZWeXZ8I/AAAAAAAAFbs/lHXEgWV8XyI/s1600-h/DSC_8297%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8297" border="0" alt="DSC_8297" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hyq9jr-aGPc/UMZZaFFDlYI/AAAAAAAAFb0/WllDLSsCQMQ/DSC_8297_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="323" /></a> </p> <p>The obligatory cake face photo.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iIiXHA6wxnk/UMZZal30SMI/AAAAAAAAFb8/SDafUP23rS4/s1600-h/DSC_8304%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8304" border="0" alt="DSC_8304" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UjItugyc5tw/UMZZbH_t7KI/AAAAAAAAFcE/VhiS04JGds4/DSC_8304_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="323" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-okv3dPtDm_s/UMZZceKC9dI/AAAAAAAAFcM/5p7-nDYj2Dc/s1600-h/DSC_8305%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8305" border="0" alt="DSC_8305" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oFd18kr3nsI/UMZZdtoxsgI/AAAAAAAAFcU/_KhftkexkWg/DSC_8305_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="323" /></a> </p> <p>Minnie Mouse pinata that Aaron and I made. If I were to do it again, I would spraypaint the base before I glued the tissue on. There were parts of the cereal box showing and it was driving me nuts. Also, cereal box pinatas are hard to break. But that meant that everyone got lots of turns!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-G_uylhCBgsI/UMZZef3NLbI/AAAAAAAAFcc/UP2a8-JfBXM/s1600-h/DSC_8309%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8309" border="0" alt="DSC_8309" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DpqIJfMZHMM/UMZZfibUhwI/AAAAAAAAFck/xZTPynoztxQ/DSC_8309_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="323" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iVd-QaBL4uU/UMZZgRNJYAI/AAAAAAAAFcs/lk2OYNP0pHE/s1600-h/DSC_8312%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8312" border="0" alt="DSC_8312" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-koIcoHrK7qk/UMZZhRCjCWI/AAAAAAAAFc0/z6eeyYQKEVw/DSC_8312_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-C2CPF-DoQsk/UMZZiqNClyI/AAAAAAAAFc8/3ElEnvMN_bE/s1600-h/DSC_8322%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8322" border="0" alt="DSC_8322" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SIJCbBqSWyI/UMZZjkBtxHI/AAAAAAAAFdE/kLEzZ15aCp8/DSC_8322_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Katie having her turn. That girl is growing so fast. Those jeans fit her perfectly in September. She’s already outgrown them!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OB5ulUMVJCA/UMZZkEcSmVI/AAAAAAAAFdM/TQnd9Oh5ZFk/s1600-h/DSC_8342%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8342" border="0" alt="DSC_8342" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_6fkbzwv2KI/UMZZk8pIu4I/AAAAAAAAFdU/XeUlgtqlNSQ/DSC_8342_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9fqKPzoGnZM/UMZZlfLrnJI/AAAAAAAAFdc/KuO3ZMl66k8/s1600-h/DSC_8282-1%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8282-1" border="0" alt="DSC_8282-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0UFl2DqpEP4/UMZZmeJQtcI/AAAAAAAAFdk/62OcBJhkRZQ/DSC_8282-1_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lb-GsCYGH8M/UMZZm_t3b_I/AAAAAAAAFds/O90qbhSmF-U/s1600-h/DSC_8340%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8340" border="0" alt="DSC_8340" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FJF9HOfOxLE/UMZZnmhg--I/AAAAAAAAFd0/OM_pb7F9dLw/DSC_8340_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a>  </p> <p>This laugh-smile is so my mom. 90% of photos taken of her look like this. It’s because she’s so happy all the time! And there’s Bridget’s cheesy grin again!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hfxF0opu6d0/UMZZoDaQwDI/AAAAAAAAFd8/shVSbySWgjE/s1600-h/DSC_8343%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8343" border="0" alt="DSC_8343" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yxZUljEQXqk/UMZZpK2S7lI/AAAAAAAAFeE/D9YgY2OG81w/DSC_8343_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="323" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LO2nGNH_RWc/UMZZpvgSFnI/AAAAAAAAFeM/hml9XjKZWQQ/s1600-h/DSC_8348%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8348" border="0" alt="DSC_8348" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-o71oJDNYDhg/UMZZqtfT0uI/AAAAAAAAFeU/xroqe2PtQ70/DSC_8348_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tL2KfFAnfG8/UMZZrJZJcgI/AAAAAAAAFec/pksIGDSvvw8/s1600-h/DSC_8350%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8350" border="0" alt="DSC_8350" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3MYXmZn9Ytc/UMZZrsCB5hI/AAAAAAAAFek/GcNwuFY6lzY/DSC_8350_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ANH0OM6pdnI/UMZZtcCKomI/AAAAAAAAFes/FVYIarsuoys/s1600-h/DSC_8353%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8353" border="0" alt="DSC_8353" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pHoCryW8sEY/UMZZt4ctDtI/AAAAAAAAFe0/F2j98Jmm3dg/DSC_8353_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a></p> Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05989173556118626287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1757546031996218486.post-18212885522776106532012-11-11T19:58:00.001-08:002012-11-11T19:58:35.190-08:00Katie’s 7th Birthday<p>Thought it was about time for a birthday update for my firstborn. I can’t believe she’s SEVEN. How can she be seven? She’s grown into such a nice girl. Here’s Katie’s birthday interview:</p> <p>My favorite food is: homemade pudding (This was a surprise!)</p> <p>My favorite movie is: Annie</p> <p>The coolest person on Earth is: Mom and Dad (bonus points for that one!)</p> <p>My favorite thing to learn about is: science</p> <p>The thing I’m great at is: reading and art</p> <p>If I could go anywhere, it would be: Hawaii</p> <p>My favorite color is: pink</p> <p>My favorite superhero or princess is: Jubilee for superhero and Belle for princess</p> <p>When I grow up, I’m going to be a: fashion designer</p> <p>My favorite song is: Alouette (she played this for her first piano recital)</p> <p>A book I love is: McKenna—Ready to Fly</p> <p>When I was little, I used to: sing the ABCs a lot</p> <p>My favorite time of year is: summer—for my birthday!</p> <p>The snack I like best is: oranges</p> <p>One food that I really don’t like is: spicy foods</p> <p>My best friend is: Makenna Frost (The Frosts moved to Washington earlier this year, and Katie misses her like crazy. Some day we’ll all go for a visit to see them!)</p> <p>If I had one wish, it would be: to have a horse</p> <p>My favorite phrase is: I love you (Paul put this one down last year. We have very loving kids!)</p> <p>My favorite treat is: homemade baklava</p> <p>My favorite toy is: Kanani</p> <p>Katie started second grade this year, and she LOVES school. We just had parent/teacher conference, and her teacher said that Katie is an excellent student. She loves to read and has loved the Illustrated Classics series. She makes friends easily and is very confident. She’s a wonderful big sister and is a HUGE help with Bridget. She’s learning to vacuum and loves the new vacuum we just got. She can be very emotional and is just starting to sulk and scowl when she doesn’t get her way. I have a feeling she’s going to be your stereotypical emotional teenage girl. She loves dressing up and is very excited when she wears a cute outfit, although she does put together the oddest combination of clothes sometimes. She’s lost three teeth in the past year and has another loose one up top. She’s been doing gymnastics for just under a year now and is working at advancing to level three. She goes to the gym twice a week and practices at home most days. She’s very flexible and graceful, but she’s a bit of a ‘fraidy cat, which makes vault practice tricky. She’s working on it though, and we really like the gym she goes to.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mfXDU9l1zPY/UKBzvm69uqI/AAAAAAAAFUk/yLcvJW9CWNs/s1600-h/DSC_8169%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8169" border="0" alt="DSC_8169" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hTibJk-AYfw/UKBzwv0aWYI/AAAAAAAAFUs/Ssxv4hWjgys/DSC_8169_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="323" /></a> </p> <p>Aunt Ashley came to stay with us so we all celebrated Katie's birthday together, even if it was a week late. We’re not sticklers for the calendar over here.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UeMhHczqWf8/UKBzxUJIiuI/AAAAAAAAFU0/fMeVhsE3JHs/s1600-h/DSC_8172%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8172" border="0" alt="DSC_8172" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-W_wnAxQNzRc/UKBzyOLCY3I/AAAAAAAAFU8/NqVJEMoXd88/DSC_8172_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-L9SaQfmpSvQ/UKBzy3vafoI/AAAAAAAAFVE/6qYxDhinQcs/s1600-h/DSC_8175%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8175" border="0" alt="DSC_8175" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ys0SGllwNwU/UKBzz3AXWlI/AAAAAAAAFVM/HuToajMycR8/DSC_8175_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="323" /></a> </p> <p>I don’t want to brag, but I make the best carrot cake. Chunky, moist, and supremely delicious.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jRa4_djQMrE/UKBz0RMl2MI/AAAAAAAAFVU/cgiyzBlwQr4/s1600-h/DSC_8180%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8180" border="0" alt="DSC_8180" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1w3w4PfQ2Cw/UKBz1kHZVBI/AAAAAAAAFVc/j1F45HxuEKQ/DSC_8180_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-w4fMmsaIr5k/UKBz2MWDWAI/AAAAAAAAFVk/q2IQny3uFh0/s1600-h/DSC_8182%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8182" border="0" alt="DSC_8182" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-J61qF8w8KNI/UKBz3UG6xQI/AAAAAAAAFVs/WU7qPy5EVTU/DSC_8182_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7_7i_4cmTuo/UKBz4GN4RfI/AAAAAAAAFV0/PoASfvr0UR0/s1600-h/DSC_8184%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8184" border="0" alt="DSC_8184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gJzKYHbcVkk/UKBz4zcOw2I/AAAAAAAAFV8/PCxHvuU0qPU/DSC_8184_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="323" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nyk8qnvUg4k/UKBz5Y9BNQI/AAAAAAAAFWE/VqNo740JogA/s1600-h/DSC_8185%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8185" border="0" alt="DSC_8185" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-g04M4JRUvME/UKBz6DqclvI/AAAAAAAAFWM/K7WYdoGSJc4/DSC_8185_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a></p> Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05989173556118626287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1757546031996218486.post-45843198806600003302012-11-05T20:06:00.001-08:002012-11-05T20:06:38.620-08:00Still woefully behind…<p>I feel like when I’m writing in a journal. I never know if I should just skip the last two years of my life entirely (which is usually how long it’s been since I’ve written in a journal), or if I should madly try to catch up and mention the million important things that have happened since I last wrote. So, to share pictures from summer in November, or write about the most recent happenings?</p> <p>Oh, and speaking of journals, I got <a href="http://www.amazon.com/One-Line-Day-Five-Year-Memory/dp/0811870197">this</a> journal last year, and I’ve been better about writing regularly than I ever have been. I highly recommend it. </p> <p>Since I really do want to document somewhere what happened this summer, I’m going to do a fly-by.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CmV9j5yQbdo/UJiMKAw5XsI/AAAAAAAAFPM/NGx0mfGwgFg/s1600-h/DSC_0111%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0111" border="0" alt="DSC_0111" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tbSNz3yhoTg/UJiMK94-csI/AAAAAAAAFPU/-cUBniPHCgU/DSC_0111_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Our cute friends the Worthens had an Olympic Opening Ceremony party. The kids loved dressing up in their patriotic finery and playing fun Olympic Games. We enjoyed the beautiful, but slightly odd, Opening Ceremonies. This worked out well for us, since we don’t have a working television and had a lot of difficulty watching the Olympics because viewing access was so restricted. We eventually figured out a work around, but I definitely wasn’t impressed with how it was covered this year. But go Team USA! Our kids especially loved the gymnastics, swimming, and diving, and Aaron and I found out that the rowing was a lot cooler than you’d think it would be.</p> <p>The middle of August found the kids and me in Utah. We drove up to celebrate my Grandma Davis’s 90th birthday. We held a surprise party and had people from all over the country show up. It was really an amazing feeling to be part of such a huge extended family. We’re so grateful for my grandma and her decision to raise her family in <a href="http://mormon.org/">the Church</a>. It truly has blessed hundreds of lives. </p> <p>Our time in Utah was filled with Slip ‘N Slides…</p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wT_QsBz6r5o/UJiMMODIA1I/AAAAAAAAFPc/OyCKSsg9SdY/s1600-h/DSC_8072%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8072" border="0" alt="DSC_8072" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0zSJjqGC2XA/UJiMMhiPv0I/AAAAAAAAFPk/1vwOmJyq82U/DSC_8072_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wQMnHCX8SXc/UJiMNkZk5TI/AAAAAAAAFPs/UKt7axoVssM/s1600-h/DSC_8081%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8081" border="0" alt="DSC_8081" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JGDm_EecuC0/UJiMOosp9UI/AAAAAAAAFP0/2yXzlxrLZLQ/DSC_8081_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rF8BqjxqAuI/UJiMPb5CmLI/AAAAAAAAFP8/6nPmeW6c4tE/s1600-h/DSC_8089%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8089" border="0" alt="DSC_8089" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rA_4dvETPfk/UJiMQRBiSFI/AAAAAAAAFQE/t45tUgx4b54/DSC_8089_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CNcilaO8XkI/UJiMRACG25I/AAAAAAAAFQM/IfXMUInmaEw/s1600-h/DSC_8092%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8092" border="0" alt="DSC_8092" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cACEgnYLDL4/UJiMRjzSBAI/AAAAAAAAFQU/FX-TkW74-aY/DSC_8092_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="323" /></a></p> <p>and zoos…</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qWw4siRca0M/UJiMSQZ_jvI/AAAAAAAAFQc/lBMlmVIqVUw/s1600-h/DSC_8111%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8111" border="0" alt="DSC_8111" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5VtfRzBWl50/UJiMTHfslHI/AAAAAAAAFQk/0gLk03wTSQM/DSC_8111_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="323" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EX4qq9TScww/UJiMT17OwNI/AAAAAAAAFQs/r8MhdLDuUBQ/s1600-h/DSC_8101%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8101" border="0" alt="DSC_8101" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-i3OrTgPdo8c/UJiMUwMn9XI/AAAAAAAAFQ0/cCGEj8z3gRI/DSC_8101_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HG8dtMk_3zM/UJiMVXpMm5I/AAAAAAAAFQ8/MoDKVftdU80/s1600-h/DSC_8104%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8104" border="0" alt="DSC_8104" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4MjHnPvKyXs/UJiMWD8dDYI/AAAAAAAAFRE/FPmfnzqn3Fw/DSC_8104_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="323" /></a> </p> <p>and swimming…</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-f8wFlIjGWQU/UJiMW8B6NYI/AAAAAAAAFRM/AzGlXJxLtFg/s1600-h/DSC_8125%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8125" border="0" alt="DSC_8125" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JzjzaNuQu_8/UJiMXlURW1I/AAAAAAAAFRU/c2Jan21u3CY/DSC_8125_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bw9KPOlYZwI/UJiMYSGsNQI/AAAAAAAAFRc/--C7KVV1FmA/s1600-h/DSC_8114%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8114" border="0" alt="DSC_8114" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-r_nNnrAIC-0/UJiMZAzuKPI/AAAAAAAAFRk/pBTKFtBXj8o/DSC_8114_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-35C6q79FlNs/UJiMa7JF8SI/AAAAAAAAFRs/iR1hvlcw2AQ/s1600-h/DSC_8118%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8118" border="0" alt="DSC_8118" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gGG55eJl_sk/UJiMdXRytQI/AAAAAAAAFR0/CMi7m2wWh9s/DSC_8118_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4lF5G_Jxlzw/UJiMe7CNu7I/AAAAAAAAFR8/lWkhL1jEXgc/s1600-h/DSC_8123%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8123" border="0" alt="DSC_8123" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6sKdAtZf0e4/UJiMgvq9_BI/AAAAAAAAFSE/J08SqCv9AP0/DSC_8123_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>and lots of eating…</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-G33rpqEm5Bo/UJiMiDB116I/AAAAAAAAFSM/1c9N92tQGik/s1600-h/DSC_8099%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8099" border="0" alt="DSC_8099" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bRMBJJuLv04/UJiMj9NCKmI/AAAAAAAAFSU/eQJbJ7jHQDw/DSC_8099_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>and Parade of Homes viewing…</p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-W5x5-V2hAX4/UJiMmHj7RBI/AAAAAAAAFSc/vtuJmbCFjgs/s1600-h/DSC_8131%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8131" border="0" alt="DSC_8131" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uCpd_k95hCg/UJiMoZBkScI/AAAAAAAAFSk/GuniZbIALUw/DSC_8131_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="323" /></a> </p> <p>(Unfortunately I didn’t have a wider angle lens on my camera, so this doesn’t even come close to how big it actually was.)</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-a_KH6mReY7g/UJiMqObFLPI/AAAAAAAAFSs/nhVrbjKDcgk/s1600-h/DSC_8153%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8153" border="0" alt="DSC_8153" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7gQp_CyITwI/UJiMr14WpFI/AAAAAAAAFS0/3_j6Cp-lgjg/DSC_8153_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="323" /></a></p> <p>and celebrating!</p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bmexWr5PGqA/UJiMtQeI-vI/AAAAAAAAFS8/t3cYrmKsUZQ/s1600-h/DSC_8163%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8163" border="0" alt="DSC_8163" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ezZGd8HJWCU/UJiMvUFCchI/AAAAAAAAFTE/zL8gAvF2bqE/DSC_8163_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="323" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-i-xV1pBenNU/UJiMw-SIhgI/AAAAAAAAFTM/VkNSSfmPIJk/s1600-h/DSC_8166%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_8166" border="0" alt="DSC_8166" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZMsih2zwaCI/UJiMyh6kBiI/AAAAAAAAFTU/8QngYgNM2x8/DSC_8166_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484" /></a></p> <p>We had a photographer at the event, so these were the only photos I took there. But we have so many wonderful family photos that were taken. The only sad thing is that Aaron couldn’t be there. Darn work! I’m so glad that he encouraged me to go, even if it was a LONG drive by myself with the four kids. Fortunately, Ashley drove back with me and hung out for a week here in Albuquerque. I love being with my family!</p> Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05989173556118626287noreply@blogger.com0