tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19479731424191292342024-03-16T02:08:57.946-05:00Live! from Wyoming, MNA blog about life in our rural surroundings, starring Elsa and Lila.JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596005796581271040noreply@blogger.comBlogger263125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1947973142419129234.post-44367898082152389272014-03-01T17:25:00.001-06:002014-03-01T17:25:56.959-06:00Winter Break in sunny FLORIDA!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We left Feb 15th for our first family vacation to Florida. It was the girls' first time flying.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We stayed in Kissimmee for two nights, and went to the Magic Kingdom for 1 day. It was a great time. We got to go on all the rides we wanted to go on, and the kids got to meet all their favorite characters.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After our Disney adventure, we headed north 6.5 hours to where my
parents were staying, in the town of Seagrove Beach, FL. Seagrove and
Seaside are very picturesque beach towns with a lot of character and
charm. The sand is a pure white powder that actually squeaks when you
walk on it, the water is crystal blue, and there's a great mix of
upscale and hole-in-the-wall dives. The Red Bar is reason enough to go
back, plus they had a cool record store and book shop.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eden Gardens state park. Gorgeous property - 600 yr old trees with spanish moss! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had a fabulous time!!</td></tr>
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<br />JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596005796581271040noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1947973142419129234.post-91586805473210673952013-11-02T11:06:00.000-05:002013-11-02T11:06:02.962-05:00We're back!Sorry for the hiatus. I seem to post most things to Facebook these days. I took hundreds of pics over the summer and we did a ton of stuff, so it's kind of sad, here's a handful of pics from the past 6 months:<br />
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Elsa and Lila at my friend Sheri's family cabin. We stayed there for a week with her and her kids. Had perfect hot weather and had a blast!<br />
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Elsa jumping off the dock at my uncle Jim's cabin.<br />
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Riding on the golf cart at Jim's cabin.<br />
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Boat ride!<br />
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Me and my girls on my birthday.<br />
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Two Harbors.<br />
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Taylor's Falls.<br />
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First day of school! Kindergarten and Second Grade.<br />
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Happy Halloween!<br />
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<br />JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596005796581271040noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1947973142419129234.post-27252434227756193982013-05-01T21:50:00.001-05:002013-05-01T21:50:25.161-05:00I AM A LEOPARD.Lila! This kid cracks me up.<br />
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<br />JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596005796581271040noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1947973142419129234.post-56588104437436976682013-04-04T20:47:00.002-05:002013-04-04T20:47:06.901-05:00Happy Spring and EasterTim reads to the kids before they go to bed in their playroom fort.
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Elsa, looking sassy in a hairdo inspired by auntie Melinda!
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Last weekend we took a walk down the road and Elsa loved to play in the melting snow (bubbling brooks) that flowed down the ditches. You can't see it, but it's cruising by like a little stream, making irresistible splashing sounds along the way.
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Dying Easter eggs.
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Reading with Dad on Easter at Grandma and Grandpa's house.
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Elsa and Lila listen to Melinda tell a story while sitting at their cute kid table.
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Tonight the kids played outside for two hours. For the first time in months, they went on their swing set and played around the whole yard.
We can't wait for summer. Melt snow, melt!JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596005796581271040noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1947973142419129234.post-8926739965479620822013-03-09T15:17:00.001-06:002013-03-09T15:18:12.574-06:00Merry Christmas, Happy 2013, Happy Valentine's, etc. etc., Spring Break!This is probably a record number of weeks that I've left the blog. There won't be much writing, mostly pictures. Here we go:<br />
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Christmas! Woke up Christmas Eve day to Lila throwing up, and our Beta fish dead. Classic. Elsa made her a little paper bouquet and gave her a xmas card to hold onto. Must've done the trick - she was fine by evening and ready for a candy cane.<br />
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Elsa in her new outfit with must-have toy of the year, a Kendama.<br />
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New Year's eve day:<br />
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Took the kids on a snowmobile ride in the sleigh. <br />
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You can see our house in the background.<br />
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Had a "romantic" New Year's eve dinner date with the kids at the Cornerstone. :) They thought it was neat to get NA champagne in fancy glasses. Cheers!<br />
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Didn't take too many photos after the New Year -- Tim and I were too busy getting ready for our big trip to Cabo San Lucas for John and Melinda's wedding! Here are just a few of the many:<br />
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View from the infinity pool. Ahhh........<br />
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The whole gang.<br />
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The happy couple!! My bro-in-law John with my friend/new sister-in-law Melinda! <br />
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After we got back they had their reception in WBL. A fun time had by all, especially by me. :)<br />
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Spring Break started out pretty cool. A nice stranger bought the kids toys at Wal-Mart! The next day we went to the Edgewater water park in Duluth. We all had a lot of fun.<br />
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I hope to get better about blogging, especially with spring/summertime activities coming up. We did an Easter photo shoot already, so here's a preview in case I miss it. <br />
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<br />JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596005796581271040noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1947973142419129234.post-2270006656392656562012-11-28T21:10:00.000-06:002012-11-28T21:10:27.756-06:00FALL 2012I have a good reason for not writing in so long. First off, Facebook is way quicker. Second, I got my first job in six years (!) this past September. I'm working at a local elementary school as a Special Ed para and I love it! The school, the co-workers, the kids - they're all great. I never thought I'd be doing anything like this, but the work really suits me, not to mention the schedule. I've been much busier and less able to take pics and go anywhere with the kids. Those days are over. It's sad looking back at this blog and seeing how much we did every day, whenever we wanted, but at least we'll still have our summers together! Moving on to the photos...
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This isn't in chronological order, but here we go.
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Christmas card outtakes:
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All she wants for Christmas...!
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Thanksgiving! This year we had it at Kelly and Mark's house. Here are our lovely hosts and the turkey. And yum, look at the sweet potatoes! And the wiiine! I could do it all over again.
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The dessert table. Look at that deep dish apple pie!
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The babies: Lila, Mayson, Avery, and Elsa.
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Fall and Halloween:
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Tim gets the last of the house painting done. He painted the entire house by himself this summer, and it took all summer. I'm lucky to have such a hard-working, talented guy!
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Elsa and Lila take a break from schoolwork to do some painting/Thanksgiving art.
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XOXO
JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596005796581271040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1947973142419129234.post-54508043176721325202012-09-30T22:17:00.000-05:002012-09-30T22:17:32.579-05:00September recapFirst day of school photos!
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Elsa, first grade.
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Lila, preschool.
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What a beautiful fall day. Here are some pics from today at Pinehaven:
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Shooting practice (corn cannon) with dad.
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Hmm, what's new with Elsa? No more front teeth! She lost them both within the last couple weeks.
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The house is shaping up. Here it is last year...
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compared to what it looks like today. Now you just have to imagine shutters, window grilles, landscaping... there will be a lot more photos to come!
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Here are a couple photos from Elsa's 6th birthday. She wanted a Scooby-Doo theme. I should have just had Cub do the lettering, but I insisted on doing it myself. Ha! :) It was a great day.
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Hitting the pinata.
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<br />JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596005796581271040noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1947973142419129234.post-76646902148241495842012-08-30T10:39:00.002-05:002012-08-30T10:40:36.956-05:00A trip to DuluthLast Sunday we took a quick 1 night trip to Duluth. We tried a bunch of things we'd never done before, including taking the scenic route up (Hwy 23).
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Hey, who invited George Clinton on this road trip?<br />
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We stopped on the way up to check out some railroad tracks.<br />
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Made it to Duluth at 11 a.m. First stop: Enger Tower. The girls pose outside the tower.<br />
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Here's the door to the tower. Oooh, looks like a castle right? Yeah,
Lila was a bit disappointed once we got inside. It's just an observation
tower with tons of stairs. Awesome views, though!<br />
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Had lunch at Blackwoods and checked into the hotel. The kids loved their fancy bed!<br />
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We noticed a bunch of people renting bikes on the boardwalk, so we tried one out. It was more like a pedal powered golf cart. The kids sat in the front bike basket.<br />
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We finally made it to Park Point beach, an actual beach with sand instead of rocks. We've been wanting to go here for years, but it's usually too cold to want to go to a swimming beach. Not this day. It was about 90. Lila got wild and couldn't resist wading up to her neck in the water, then rolling around in the sand. <br />
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Sandy Bottoms.<br />
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After this we got cleaned up, had dinner at Fitgers, went swimming in both hotel pools (their favorite was the heated rooftop one), and then it was 10 pm and they were wiped out. <br />
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The next morning we played around in Canal Park for a little bit...<br />
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then headed to Two Harbors to walk on the pier and get lunch. The kids at the pier. <br />
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We were going to do more on the North Shore, but poor Tim pinched a nerve in his neck so he was really hurtin'. We did so much the day before, nobody minded going home. It was a fun trip!<br />
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<br />JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596005796581271040noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1947973142419129234.post-11599311853041779412012-08-09T19:37:00.000-05:002012-08-09T19:37:05.398-05:00Elsa rides again!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Elsa riding her bike... she can even start out on her own - just learned tonight! She goes all the way up the road to the neighbors mailbox and back down to our silo.<br />
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<br />JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596005796581271040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1947973142419129234.post-10935209008320062172012-07-24T11:14:00.001-05:002012-07-24T11:15:15.755-05:00Summertime fun continues!
Here's what the kids have been up to...
Easy Bake!
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Rainy day puzzles!
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Being goofy.
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Making pulleys (cat elevator).
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Motorcycle ride with Uncle John! Thumbs up, dude!
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Lighting floating lanterns.
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Slip n Slide!
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Tubing with dad at the lake in Uncle John's boat.
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Watching mom go tubing (and totally wipe out)
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Swimming in Grandma and Grandpa's pool.
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A few days ago, Elsa asked to get her ears pierced. She'd previously been against the idea, so when she decided she was brave enough, we knew it was time. She chose her August birthstone, and was very proud that she didn't have any tears.
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Happy Lila at 4 years old.
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Late June we went to the Forest Lake farmers market on Kids Night. They had a band and free balloon animals for the kids. Lila got a kitty with a leash, Elsa got a monkey in a tree.
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Our kittens are getting so big.
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Here's a note from Elsa, letting me know where she'll be. It's vague, but I can assume it's whichever room of the house they're off to destroy next. :)
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And this is where you can find me nearly every single night. Ahhhhhh.
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Today we went to swimming lessons and used her new slip n slide. After Tim came home we went to Norman Quacks, the Forest Lake carnival, and the beach. Busy, fun, and HOT day.
This year Lila requested a heart cake. Easy enough.
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Lila wearing her new chef outfit to go along with her new Easy Bake Oven!
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Lila ended up getting the same dress Avery was wearing! Not planned. (you can see her in the background).
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Our annual tradition: the birthday pancake.
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Technically she's two days old here, but look how tiny! This is the 4th of July, the day we came home from the hospital. We tried to hang out in the back yard for awhile but it was so hot. Luckily Tim had his guitar case out so I set her in that.
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Sisters hanging out for the first time:
<i>"How long do I have to pose next to this thing?"</i> :)
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We finally got the kids swing set over here from the other house. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Rieck! The girls missed it, and absolutely love being able to play on it again.
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Lila: Woah, one handed! Woooaah! This is the first year she's wanted to go on a big-girl swing. She's slowly working on pumping her legs.
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Seriously, look at this kid. She always takes the most gorgeous pictures when she's on the swings.
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Check it out: a bird made a nest with 5 little eggs in my hanging basket! I don't know what kind of bird it is, but it'll be fun to get a chance to show the kids the babies when they hatch.
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Love. I found the kids on my bed watching The Wizard of Oz, like this:
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Turned the corner the other day and found this. I knew they were playing, but had no idea they were making such a mess... or that we had so many Barbies! We're apparently short on clothing, though.
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Today I promised the kids a picnic at the park, but because of the rain we had a picnic on the floor instead. They liked it just as much, and after, we went and saw Madagascar 3 at the theater. They ate an entire bag of popcorn! I've never taken them to a movie by myself before. They're at a good age, so it worked out well and was really fun.JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596005796581271040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1947973142419129234.post-9548958027747738942012-06-11T09:18:00.001-05:002012-06-11T09:18:44.645-05:00Summer has begun!Elsa getting off the bus on her last day of Kindergarten!
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I brought the kids to the all-school, end of year party. They had crazy hair, face painting, bouncy castles, dance party with dj, and tons of food and drinks, all free. The kids played in the playground for awhile, and I took a pic of the scene. This is just a quarter of it.
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One of the things you could do was just... blow bubbles. They not only had bottles of bubbles, but a basket of bubble gum. Kinda different and simple, but the kids loved it.
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Saturday was over 90 degrees, so we went to Rush City Water Park. We'd promised Lila we'd go once she stopped sucking on her fingers, and she has! I used that bitter nail polish, and to my surprise, it worked immediately. She had her fingers in her mouth about 80% of the time, so it was a huge habit to break. I never thought anything could break her of it, so it seems like a miracle! A very well-deserved day.
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Elsa, Tim, and Lila in the little kid part of the water park. Special note to uncle John: the colorful cones on the right are the "cups that dump". :)<br />
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Here Elsa and I show off our muscles. The kids conquered the water slide! Lila was afraid at first, but by the end it's all they wanted to do.
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Grandma and Grandpa went to Nebraska and got the girls some cute cowboy boots! They love them and wear them all the time, even in the 90 degree heat. Lila says,"It's too hot, I need a new dress!" I say,"No, you need to take off those boots!" :)<br />
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We went to a birthday party for friend Maddy on Memorial Day weekend. Lila took a swing at the pinata.<br />
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Candy chaos!<br />
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A good old-fashioned gunny sack race!<br />
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Cousin Avery came over last weekend and the kids danced and played.<br />
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Lila has gone from being afraid of the kitties, to being OBSESSED with them!<br />
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Here's a cute pic of Lila and George. He gets most of the love (and strangulation) because he seems to love it. Ringo is too smart and stays away. :)<br />
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Auntie Emma came over the other weekend and the kids showed her the kitties and played with water. We've had some HOT weekends recently.<br />
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We had a retaining wall that needed to be built since we moved in. The weather has finally cooperated and our awesome neighbor lent us his Bobcat, so here is the beginning. Tim took all the stones out of the foundation of the old barn last spring, and they've been lying in a pile ever since.<br />
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Here is the wall with the stones up close:<br />
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And here is the whole wall! I love it. The boys did an excellent job.<br />
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Elsa's other bottom tooth came out yesterday! Two teeth in less than a week. I'm hoping the new ones grow in soon, because the top two are
loose, too! She's such a big kid now.<br />
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Yesterday morning we went to the park in Osceola to have a birthday breakfast for Shane. The weather and food was great, and the river was beautiful. The kids liked wading in the water at the beach and got their clothes soaked. Afterward, we went back to grandma and grandpa's house and went swimming in the pool. It was such a fun weekend. <br />
Cousins: Lila, Avery, and Elsa. <br />
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<br />JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596005796581271040noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1947973142419129234.post-44607620031625937112012-06-06T15:35:00.000-05:002012-06-06T15:35:24.555-05:00A visit from the Tooth FairyMonday night, Elsa lost her first tooth! She was working it all night, determined to get a visit from the tooth fairy so she could "get some cash"! Lila was very happy and proud and gave her a sweet hug.
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Wasn't it just yesterday she got those bottom teeth?! The other one is super loose too, and will probably be gone within a couple weeks.
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vQ-ZND1Rj1E/T8--5MpKJqI/AAAAAAAAEJQ/p1z-CmIgH5k/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2012-06-06%2Bat%2B3.33.30%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="311" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vQ-ZND1Rj1E/T8--5MpKJqI/AAAAAAAAEJQ/p1z-CmIgH5k/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2012-06-06%2Bat%2B3.33.30%2BPM.png" /></a>JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596005796581271040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1947973142419129234.post-89705371458190219762012-05-22T22:14:00.001-05:002012-05-23T07:34:56.039-05:00What's New, Pussycat?Our new barn kitties, that's what! Meet George...
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and Ringo.:)
They're so cute. I'm super allergic to them, but they're outside cats so it's cool so far. George is a lover, and out of nowhere will climb your leg, all the way up to your hip until you hold him. His tiny claw marks give me hives.
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Lila graduated from preschool on Monday! We had a picnic with her class, but when we got there I saw a lot more extended family members than I ever remember seeing in previous years. I called Tim to see if he could join us quick, and he surprised her by showing up. She was so happy!
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Here she is with teacher Sherry, the same teacher Elsa had.
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And here is her BFF, Summer. Aren't they cute? Lila looks so grown-up to me here, I can almost imagine her as a teenager. I think it's the long hair. She's starting to lose her baby look. :(
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This is Elsa before going to a birthday party, in her "new" garage sale dress. She's such a big kid.
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Last weekend the girls had their dance recital. It was a very long day, and Lila *just made it* through the performance.
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10 mins later we were in the car and she was asleep. She still sucks on those fingers! We're going to try to rid her of the habit this summer. I'm going to need lots of luck, and possibly some holy water.
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The weather has been pretty nice. Since I water the grass constantly, the kids got into their suits and ran through the sprinkler.
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Tim has been very busy painting the house. For those of you who thought we actually painted the house beige with white stripes (and I learned there were many!)... REALLY?!?! The material came pre-primed. The new color is gray, and trim and porch posts will be white.
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You know what this is? It's a Hummingbird Moth! I'd never seen one before. Google it, it's crazy.
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We got chinese for dinner the other night, and you know how you're supposed to grab the fortune cookie that's closest to you? It's true. This is the fortune Lila got:
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Tim and the girls model their new hair accessories from Claire's.
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You can really watch the storms roll in over here.
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I know, Lila, I KNOW. You can't hear me! :)
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In other news, Elsa rode her bike tonight with no training wheels! For just a short distance... we still have to practice more, but she was so proud. She's also had a loose tooth since December, and it still hasn't fallen out. Now she has three more! I told her she has to work them and wiggle them, but she doesn't like to. Poor kid is going to have no teeth to eat with if they all fall out at once! :)JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596005796581271040noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1947973142419129234.post-59090482018069705612012-04-19T14:43:00.005-05:002012-04-22T13:14:58.797-05:00Easter and moreThis year for Easter, we went to Grandma and Grandpa Riecks house. It was grueling 3 minute drive. :) We didn't get an official count, but there were probably 50-60 people there! It was very fun, and not nearly as chaotic as it could have been. We lucked out and had really nice weather, so everyone got to spread out a bit and relax.<br /><br />Easter morning.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X5iQSowc8hQ/T5NxZuTs3SI/AAAAAAAAECE/1F9rHvrO07s/s1600/DSC03360.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X5iQSowc8hQ/T5NxZuTs3SI/AAAAAAAAECE/1F9rHvrO07s/s400/DSC03360.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5734051437314104610" /></a><br /><br />The day before Easter, Jenny and Shane and Avery stopped over. She's pretty used to getting smothered by the kids - it doesn't even phase her.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--TMp9pFtoRM/T5NxZI6XU-I/AAAAAAAAEB4/2DdMMN1ipu0/s1600/DSC03358.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--TMp9pFtoRM/T5NxZI6XU-I/AAAAAAAAEB4/2DdMMN1ipu0/s400/DSC03358.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5734051427275723746" /></a><br /><br />The dads were in charge of the egg hunt. Once everyone got the go-ahead, they were off!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nQvGrJHH-k8/T5Bsz1gyemI/AAAAAAAAEBk/I6uzF1ehltE/s1600/DSC03366.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nQvGrJHH-k8/T5Bsz1gyemI/AAAAAAAAEBk/I6uzF1ehltE/s400/DSC03366.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733201963436374626" /></a><br /><br />Outside finding eggs together. I was impressed with how they shared and helped other kids find eggs.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dkzfMOBQd2Q/T5BszuuXkkI/AAAAAAAAEBU/NHXFbl0eSgk/s1600/DSC03373.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dkzfMOBQd2Q/T5BszuuXkkI/AAAAAAAAEBU/NHXFbl0eSgk/s400/DSC03373.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733201961614283330" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3p76ZuazFM8/T5NxZ1xj6oI/AAAAAAAAECQ/xxrO48HByBc/s1600/DSC03372.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3p76ZuazFM8/T5NxZ1xj6oI/AAAAAAAAECQ/xxrO48HByBc/s400/DSC03372.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5734051439318395522" /></a><br /><br />Grandma hung a bunch of sheets and flowing fabric from the clothesline. It looked cool, and all the kids loved playing with it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CdnMEjvYszY/T5BszNzKyyI/AAAAAAAAEBI/SMeMDwyw7l4/s1600/DSC03381.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CdnMEjvYszY/T5BszNzKyyI/AAAAAAAAEBI/SMeMDwyw7l4/s400/DSC03381.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733201952776047394" /></a><br /><br />We had pictures taken last weekend for dance class. Here's a preview of their recital costumes.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dZhu6D8tVlo/T5BsytvjbhI/AAAAAAAAEA8/hcCPFkGdSlk/s1600/DSC03411.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dZhu6D8tVlo/T5BsytvjbhI/AAAAAAAAEA8/hcCPFkGdSlk/s400/DSC03411.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733201944170950162" /></a><br /><br />Ah, ye olde homestead. We can't wait until it warms up a bit so we can plant the lawn! There are trees to cut and clear, wood to stack, retaining walls that need building, and the house needs to get painted. I look forward to posting before/after photos of everything we get accomplished this summer.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N_UY2p0gwVo/T5Nxa3YR4YI/AAAAAAAAECo/2PJCzI4183Y/s1600/DSC03350.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N_UY2p0gwVo/T5Nxa3YR4YI/AAAAAAAAECo/2PJCzI4183Y/s400/DSC03350.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5734051456929096066" /></a><br /><br />Lila is getting more and more into coloring and is good at staying in the lines.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NPhJV6WWnPk/T5NxaUhsWZI/AAAAAAAAECc/q4egJAoeJl8/s1600/DSC03357.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NPhJV6WWnPk/T5NxaUhsWZI/AAAAAAAAECc/q4egJAoeJl8/s400/DSC03357.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5734051447573338514" /></a><br /><br />March 17th, 7:33 p.m. It's about 70 degrees outside and the kids are comfortably watching the moon rise in their summer pj's from the front porch!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pKmy4w9z9QY/T5Bs0o0-BcI/AAAAAAAAEBs/lcOMHpW5Ln4/s1600/DSC03346.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pKmy4w9z9QY/T5Bs0o0-BcI/AAAAAAAAEBs/lcOMHpW5Ln4/s400/DSC03346.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733201977211225538" /></a>JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596005796581271040noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1947973142419129234.post-75768357790355360032012-03-15T21:16:00.010-05:002012-03-27T21:18:57.886-05:00Early SpringFeb. 29th, our backyard.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DeZeneZUSUs/T2Km9R057-I/AAAAAAAAEAI/lY8vwbiPhTE/s1600/DSC03263.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DeZeneZUSUs/T2Km9R057-I/AAAAAAAAEAI/lY8vwbiPhTE/s400/DSC03263.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720318048401485794" /></a><br /><br />March 10 at the old neighborhood park. Lots of melting going on.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vdWanwNoXbQ/T2Km8yV2whI/AAAAAAAAEAA/fRD41F4hQG0/s1600/DSC03296.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vdWanwNoXbQ/T2Km8yV2whI/AAAAAAAAEAA/fRD41F4hQG0/s400/DSC03296.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720318039949754898" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LF3nAppZvUQ/T2Km8sfHZLI/AAAAAAAAD_0/wI9PH08Wbmg/s1600/DSC03298.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LF3nAppZvUQ/T2Km8sfHZLI/AAAAAAAAD_0/wI9PH08Wbmg/s400/DSC03298.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720318038377981106" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-caDJwtEea64/T2Km8EsK5ZI/AAAAAAAAD_o/UAS5SN3O3AQ/s1600/DSC03299.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-caDJwtEea64/T2Km8EsK5ZI/AAAAAAAAD_o/UAS5SN3O3AQ/s400/DSC03299.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720318027695318418" /></a><br /><br />March 11th, walking down our road (our house is in the background).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zfd0d6R6A2k/T2KkVmVQj-I/AAAAAAAAD_Q/_GoVz5iVg44/s1600/DSC03310.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zfd0d6R6A2k/T2KkVmVQj-I/AAAAAAAAD_Q/_GoVz5iVg44/s400/DSC03310.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720315167687872482" /></a><br /><br />A caterpillar, on March 11!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N4ylssCr9vM/T2KkXCtb28I/AAAAAAAAD_c/W60tsF1bYRo/s1600/DSC03303.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N4ylssCr9vM/T2KkXCtb28I/AAAAAAAAD_c/W60tsF1bYRo/s400/DSC03303.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720315192485338050" /></a><br /><br />Behind our house, by the Sunrise river.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cQw8nrqV3cs/T2KkVNVz0VI/AAAAAAAAD_A/7Pf_T2S0aMY/s1600/DSC03323.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cQw8nrqV3cs/T2KkVNVz0VI/AAAAAAAAD_A/7Pf_T2S0aMY/s400/DSC03323.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720315160979296594" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QbHDGCDxZCA/T2KkUIl0vRI/AAAAAAAAD-0/Fx9weVZrz9M/s1600/DSC03326.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QbHDGCDxZCA/T2KkUIl0vRI/AAAAAAAAD-0/Fx9weVZrz9M/s400/DSC03326.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720315142524419346" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hbxcjZzitQA/T2KkTtnWNAI/AAAAAAAAD-s/ItCP5vDe3i4/s1600/DSC03328.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hbxcjZzitQA/T2KkTtnWNAI/AAAAAAAAD-s/ItCP5vDe3i4/s400/DSC03328.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720315135283049474" /></a><br />Best winter/spring <span style="font-style:italic;">ever</span>. I could get used to this!<br /><br />One day while Elsa was in school, Lila and I went to the thrift store in Forest Lake. She wanted to buy some toys, but I said no (because we're trying to get rid of stuff!). One of the employees overheard and told Lila,"It's okay, you can fill up a bag for only $1!" Then she opened a bag and started putting some toys in there for her, so really, how could I say no? Here are all the little toys we ended up coming home with. Also, I ordered <span style="font-style:italic;">one</span> poster from Amazon and it came in <span style="font-style:italic;">that</span> cardboard box. Seriously?! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cpGNAIUTfCY/T2Km9yh0usI/AAAAAAAAEAY/SnIlFmV_R6Q/s1600/DSC03257.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cpGNAIUTfCY/T2Km9yh0usI/AAAAAAAAEAY/SnIlFmV_R6Q/s400/DSC03257.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720318057179822786" /></a><br /><br />This was the day Elton John got really mad at me.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ll9ioIW1iM/T3JypcA5sYI/AAAAAAAAEAw/fzRt6AYlLmQ/s1600/DSC03333.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ll9ioIW1iM/T3JypcA5sYI/AAAAAAAAEAw/fzRt6AYlLmQ/s400/DSC03333.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724764132561498498" /></a><br /><br />Elsa practices dance moves in the living room. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SVg93R89F8s/T3JyozHRi4I/AAAAAAAAEAk/5GdZn8aAWP8/s1600/DSC03336.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SVg93R89F8s/T3JyozHRi4I/AAAAAAAAEAk/5GdZn8aAWP8/s400/DSC03336.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724764121582373762" /></a><br />Their last dance recital is coming up May 19 - teacher Sue is retiring. :( I don't think we want to go somewhere else and get into competitions, so we'll have to figure out some other activity. Karate kids?!JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596005796581271040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1947973142419129234.post-57474782053562956252012-02-28T20:58:00.007-06:002012-02-28T22:26:53.404-06:00February 2012Ahhh! I can't believe how lazy I've become about blogging. I was thinking I hadn't taken any photos at all this month because we didn't do anything, but lo and behold, I just checked my camera and there were a ton! Our days are busy and they're flying by.<br /><br />For mom and dad's birthday, Jenny and I made the fam a delicious gluten-free, dairy-free, all organic dinner. It was insanely delicious. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fjg3ABiyvtI/T02XkTmvlxI/AAAAAAAAD8M/K0si95tWakk/s1600/DSC03222.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fjg3ABiyvtI/T02XkTmvlxI/AAAAAAAAD8M/K0si95tWakk/s400/DSC03222.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714390152196888338" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ha4eBtBzT8k/T02kjCjWL7I/AAAAAAAAD9k/hXYf-7fShnE/s1600/DSC03221.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ha4eBtBzT8k/T02kjCjWL7I/AAAAAAAAD9k/hXYf-7fShnE/s400/DSC03221.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714404424090529714" /></a><br /><br />The waitresses couldn't stop ogling the purple cupcakes.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LNVx0D5pBHo/T02Xj2tvfEI/AAAAAAAAD78/beyWfe8YvAw/s1600/DSC03223.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LNVx0D5pBHo/T02Xj2tvfEI/AAAAAAAAD78/beyWfe8YvAw/s400/DSC03223.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714390144441613378" /></a><br /><br />The girls were so happy to get a chance to play with baby Avery! What a little dolly.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AgtgxKf6Y3c/T02kiyWr3GI/AAAAAAAAD9Y/wExcZZ_toc8/s1600/DSC03234.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AgtgxKf6Y3c/T02kiyWr3GI/AAAAAAAAD9Y/wExcZZ_toc8/s400/DSC03234.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714404419742456930" /></a><br /><br />Lila and I get to have a lot of 1 on 1 time. She's really good about playing by herself while I'm busy. Her favorite things are dolls, ponies, and Barbies. Her favorite clothes are pretty shirts <span style="font-style:italic;">with leggings</span>, only. Everything else she calls "floppy pants". Recently she's starting to like wearing pig tails and barrettes.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLROBJuyepc/T02XiT_obpI/AAAAAAAAD7o/DuzudvwXlcQ/s1600/DSC03252.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLROBJuyepc/T02XiT_obpI/AAAAAAAAD7o/DuzudvwXlcQ/s400/DSC03252.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714390117941538450" /></a><br /><br />Making cookies one night.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ThbcjrYuBcQ/T02XiKZFb7I/AAAAAAAAD7c/lB8OKtIlyWw/s1600/DSC03255.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ThbcjrYuBcQ/T02XiKZFb7I/AAAAAAAAD7c/lB8OKtIlyWw/s400/DSC03255.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714390115363942322" /></a><br /><br />Uncle John and Melinda went to Mexico and brought the kids back these awesome treats. Chocolate eggs with little toys inside! They were <span style="font-style:italic;">very</span> excited. Apparently they have no concerns about choking hazards in Mexico. :)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GsUNSFb7xGk/T02hE1WpuzI/AAAAAAAAD8c/KdBh6U88pmo/s1600/DSC03209.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GsUNSFb7xGk/T02hE1WpuzI/AAAAAAAAD8c/KdBh6U88pmo/s400/DSC03209.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714400606616664882" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-17wf5Tlv3yk/T02hFIemLUI/AAAAAAAAD8o/GcaY6aZH1t0/s1600/DSC03210.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-17wf5Tlv3yk/T02hFIemLUI/AAAAAAAAD8o/GcaY6aZH1t0/s400/DSC03210.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714400611750260034" /></a><br /><br />I took a bunch of photos for our Valentine's day photo shoot. The kids behaved for quite awhile... <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-35G0t_U2_oE/T02kj4KC6XI/AAAAAAAAD94/N7UU29fZHC4/s1600/DSC03184.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-35G0t_U2_oE/T02kj4KC6XI/AAAAAAAAD94/N7UU29fZHC4/s400/DSC03184.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714404438479923570" /></a><br /><br />This is so cheese ball, but I love it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2RijEnkkRJk/T02kjVH_k2I/AAAAAAAAD9s/XuQpXddziRc/s1600/DSC03162.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2RijEnkkRJk/T02kjVH_k2I/AAAAAAAAD9s/XuQpXddziRc/s400/DSC03162.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714404429076075362" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MUZi-QXI1dU/T02hFyDvuRI/AAAAAAAAD88/GuO2vPkcoOc/s1600/DSC03202.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MUZi-QXI1dU/T02hFyDvuRI/AAAAAAAAD88/GuO2vPkcoOc/s400/DSC03202.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714400622911928594" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-stVqgMQisYk/T02hFqNoQ1I/AAAAAAAAD80/Fb0tict4-Vk/s1600/DSC03206.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-stVqgMQisYk/T02hFqNoQ1I/AAAAAAAAD80/Fb0tict4-Vk/s400/DSC03206.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714400620805899090" /></a><br /><br />...until Lila just couldn't take it anymore!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IkDqhq0fRb0/T02hGI4xZZI/AAAAAAAAD9I/XBElxEyhjUI/s1600/DSC03199-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IkDqhq0fRb0/T02hGI4xZZI/AAAAAAAAD9I/XBElxEyhjUI/s400/DSC03199-2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714400629039916434" /></a><br /><br />Tim went to Vegas last week on business, so before he left we took the kids to the Children's Museum.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1GW-2ZkFlU0/T02n_UGeWgI/AAAAAAAAD-U/a5dEVOjf-kQ/s1600/photo%25281%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1GW-2ZkFlU0/T02n_UGeWgI/AAAAAAAAD-U/a5dEVOjf-kQ/s400/photo%25281%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714408208372488706" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j0HZ58Mw6Ho/T02n_q6koeI/AAAAAAAAD-c/m3JnMtiKJrI/s1600/photo%25284%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j0HZ58Mw6Ho/T02n_q6koeI/AAAAAAAAD-c/m3JnMtiKJrI/s400/photo%25284%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714408214496584162" /></a><br /><br />Tonight we had Elsa's conferences. If I thought thinking about Kindergarten last year was bad, I almost choked when the teacher said that she's totally ready for FIRST GRADE! It's only Kindergarten conferences, but it's still nice to hear so many positive things, especially since she's one of the youngest in her class, with her birthday being 8/22.JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596005796581271040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1947973142419129234.post-17220050092879924362012-01-27T20:10:00.012-06:002012-01-30T15:51:36.245-06:00January 2012Two weeks ago was Family Night at Elsa's school. The kids danced to a DJ with their friends and had a blast. (Elsa, Lila, Gracie, Emmie.)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j4_a0h-jmCQ/TyYKHHvY_9I/AAAAAAAAD6I/GfeNPDrXNy8/s1600/photo-25-1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j4_a0h-jmCQ/TyYKHHvY_9I/AAAAAAAAD6I/GfeNPDrXNy8/s400/photo-25-1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703257095564492754" /></a><br /><br />Last Friday Elsa went to a birthday party at Pump It Up in Ham Lake. Lila was sad that she didn't get to go to the party, but luckily, just a block down the road was Adventure Park. She had so much fun on her "special night" with us and loved running around the indoor play land. Elsa had a great time at the party - too bad I didn't get any pics of her with her friends. She's getting so big! She just turned 5, but all the kids in Kindergarten are of course turning six!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H9qdIyz0Quk/TyYKHKO6kvI/AAAAAAAAD58/q0LET0RCugU/s1600/photo-24-1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H9qdIyz0Quk/TyYKHKO6kvI/AAAAAAAAD58/q0LET0RCugU/s400/photo-24-1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703257096233587442" /></a><br /><br />A few days ago we got a couple inches of snow, and that's been the most we've had all year! Still haven't had to plow or use the snowblower - I can't believe it. Lila was sick (poor baby... I blame Adventure Park),<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A4eKNcM6k6E/TyNbVxpTbbI/AAAAAAAAD4o/t9QymVeHNTE/s1600/DSC03131.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A4eKNcM6k6E/TyNbVxpTbbI/AAAAAAAAD4o/t9QymVeHNTE/s400/DSC03131.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702501982843137458" /></a><br /><br />but while she napped, Elsa and I went sledding. It was 45 degrees and HOT! We didn't need anything but gloves and snow pants, but we both wore all of our winter gear anyway. The sledding hill quickly turned to dirt, and while we were sledding we were running over nails, old cans, and barbed wire! We cleaned the yard up really good last fall, but with all of the warm weather that junk got pushed to the surface quick. Yiiikes! Luckily neither of us got hurt, but it was kind of rough out there in post-construction land.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1zoc0ujPijg/TyNbVTlA0xI/AAAAAAAAD4c/vosdFBLbIiY/s1600/DSC03132.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1zoc0ujPijg/TyNbVTlA0xI/AAAAAAAAD4c/vosdFBLbIiY/s400/DSC03132.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702501974772077330" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OcP7EbSdcF8/TyNbU0_n0XI/AAAAAAAAD4Q/ZDtABskX0ao/s1600/DSC03133.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OcP7EbSdcF8/TyNbU0_n0XI/AAAAAAAAD4Q/ZDtABskX0ao/s400/DSC03133.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702501966562185586" /></a><br /><br />Our snowman. How awesome that at the end of January, this partially dirt snowman is the best we can do. I love it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--6flTNkTR0s/TyYH9_NOHwI/AAAAAAAAD5s/p6EGSCezX9A/s1600/photo-27.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--6flTNkTR0s/TyYH9_NOHwI/AAAAAAAAD5s/p6EGSCezX9A/s400/photo-27.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703254739631611650" /></a><br /><br />Elsa wrote our names in the snow.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BiFjZz9SuwM/TyYKHp0GayI/AAAAAAAAD6U/EfChe7XKs1Y/s1600/photo-26-1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BiFjZz9SuwM/TyYKHp0GayI/AAAAAAAAD6U/EfChe7XKs1Y/s400/photo-26-1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703257104711052066" /></a><br /><br />Lila, Tim and Elsa in the silo.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bDbPM0tNqTQ/TyYH9tSvQ6I/AAAAAAAAD5k/jSqH2sBSJas/s1600/photo-29.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bDbPM0tNqTQ/TyYH9tSvQ6I/AAAAAAAAD5k/jSqH2sBSJas/s400/photo-29.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703254734822917026" /></a><br /><br /><br />I get a lot of 1-on-1 Lila time while Elsa is in school, so after Christmas we busted out some of her new toys and tried them out. I built my first Lego set in...25 years?! Gotta love Sponge Bob. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3BYtO2wX8uY/TyNbWvBh0VI/AAAAAAAAD40/8sXm1GrmxZI/s1600/DSC03127.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3BYtO2wX8uY/TyNbWvBh0VI/AAAAAAAAD40/8sXm1GrmxZI/s400/DSC03127.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702501999319306578" /></a><br /><br />Rockin' out down the basement.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fgUnzoUxw6E/TyYH8uE-P3I/AAAAAAAAD5M/55YS7gnRx0k/s1600/photo-24.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fgUnzoUxw6E/TyYH8uE-P3I/AAAAAAAAD5M/55YS7gnRx0k/s400/photo-24.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703254717853745010" /></a><br /><br />Can you believe how big she looks?! I could cry.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1CdLQR5n0m8/TyYH81MwZrI/AAAAAAAAD5Y/xInJ45T5Y5g/s1600/photo-25.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1CdLQR5n0m8/TyYH81MwZrI/AAAAAAAAD5Y/xInJ45T5Y5g/s400/photo-25.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703254719765440178" /></a><br /><br />A couple days ago we brought the kids to Celebration of the Lakes in Lindstrom. They do it every winter, but this is the first time we've attempted to brave the weather and go. They're supposed to have a big hot-air balloon launch, but of course this year it was too windy so they cancelled it both days! When we showed up to the park where it was supposed to be held, everyone was leaving. Luckily they had a few other activities at the time, including Dog Sled rides. <br /><br />Here they are getting buckled in. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bAewSNas-fw/TycP7fZeaOI/AAAAAAAAD64/lRIGxWteSX0/s1600/DSC03146.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bAewSNas-fw/TycP7fZeaOI/AAAAAAAAD64/lRIGxWteSX0/s400/DSC03146.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703544967803070690" /></a><br /><br />There they go!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IpNepZcWyu8/TycP73UCP9I/AAAAAAAAD7A/TZ0_9vLQQ1s/s1600/DSC03148.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IpNepZcWyu8/TycP73UCP9I/AAAAAAAAD7A/TZ0_9vLQQ1s/s400/DSC03148.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703544974222704594" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nQ1WRH-XCus/TycP69PvnaI/AAAAAAAAD6s/bOu-HM0Wv38/s1600/DSC03153.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nQ1WRH-XCus/TycP69PvnaI/AAAAAAAAD6s/bOu-HM0Wv38/s400/DSC03153.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703544958635449762" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9VOdEC_xGHg/TycP8AgjGkI/AAAAAAAAD7U/eBnt0-jXlCc/s1600/DSC03151.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9VOdEC_xGHg/TycP8AgjGkI/AAAAAAAAD7U/eBnt0-jXlCc/s400/DSC03151.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703544976691108418" /></a><br /><br />After that, we stopped by Grandma and Grandpa E's house to visit and see cousin Avery, who will probably forevermore be known as "Baby Avawee". Lila doesn't even call her that anymore, but we still do! Here's the best photo of them together so far.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U59xy0Mr8FE/TycP6Z3ZsvI/AAAAAAAAD6g/3Utmo6uKqFQ/s1600/DSC03154.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U59xy0Mr8FE/TycP6Z3ZsvI/AAAAAAAAD6g/3Utmo6uKqFQ/s400/DSC03154.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703544949138109170" /></a>JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596005796581271040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1947973142419129234.post-25991357927905543992011-12-27T13:42:00.005-06:002011-12-27T14:25:05.943-06:00Over The River and Through The WoodsAccording to the Mpls Star Tribune, this was the 8th Brown Christmas since 1967. Yesterday was a record-breaking 52 degrees! Previous record: 51 degrees in 1936. Needless to say, we had quite a different Christmas weekend than the usual sledding, snow-fort making, and sitting in front of the fire. Instead we took a walk across the field and into the woods, over to grandma and grandpa's cabin.<br /><br />We walked across the big field (our house is in the distance on the left)...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7opM8in1as/Tvn0qDK1y8I/AAAAAAAAD0o/EjN_RxcJyms/s1600/DSC03045.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7opM8in1as/Tvn0qDK1y8I/AAAAAAAAD0o/EjN_RxcJyms/s400/DSC03045.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690848607401790402" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EB4oIn8HQI0/TvnydmUwbTI/AAAAAAAADzg/-JL-ahQdG_4/s1600/DSC03035.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EB4oIn8HQI0/TvnydmUwbTI/AAAAAAAADzg/-JL-ahQdG_4/s400/DSC03035.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690846194477067570" /></a><br /><br />...went down into the woods and across the frozen swamp...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pm2uALjj564/Tvn0pyIQ27I/AAAAAAAAD0c/lC3AoerdokM/s1600/DSC03047.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pm2uALjj564/Tvn0pyIQ27I/AAAAAAAAD0c/lC3AoerdokM/s400/DSC03047.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690848602827578290" /></a><br /><br />...and to the river, where we could finally see the cabin through the trees.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L7oYcUGL4mY/TvnydxM06rI/AAAAAAAADzs/WgdfFEi1LCs/s1600/DSC03060.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L7oYcUGL4mY/TvnydxM06rI/AAAAAAAADzs/WgdfFEi1LCs/s400/DSC03060.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690846197396597426" /></a><br /><br />Grandpa was on the porch waiting for us!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9OJKDWHRaBA/Tvn0pDL0mxI/AAAAAAAAD0E/oPY-B_ktK28/s1600/DSC03052.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9OJKDWHRaBA/Tvn0pDL0mxI/AAAAAAAAD0E/oPY-B_ktK28/s400/DSC03052.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690848590226037522" /></a><br /><br />View from near the cabin.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-84O0ojsIgrA/Tvn0pRTULKI/AAAAAAAAD0Q/5fh2A32bDfQ/s1600/DSC03051.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-84O0ojsIgrA/Tvn0pRTULKI/AAAAAAAAD0Q/5fh2A32bDfQ/s400/DSC03051.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690848594015562914" /></a><br /><br />Everyone standing on the bridge before our walk back home.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qbyjSzb-fu0/Tvn-HmPBszI/AAAAAAAAD00/XKdSDK0n6k0/s1600/DSC03057.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qbyjSzb-fu0/Tvn-HmPBszI/AAAAAAAAD00/XKdSDK0n6k0/s400/DSC03057.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690859010635445042" /></a><br /><br />Over the river, through the woods,<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ykn-NkPC00E/TvnychRxBRI/AAAAAAAADzU/MVcNbNQKDZg/s1600/DSC03063.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ykn-NkPC00E/TvnychRxBRI/AAAAAAAADzU/MVcNbNQKDZg/s400/DSC03063.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690846175942477074" /></a><br /><br />and back into the field, with home on the horizon.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6sWS9Y6Asjc/TvnycDK5JcI/AAAAAAAADzI/88ybdAVCdXc/s1600/DSC03066.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6sWS9Y6Asjc/TvnycDK5JcI/AAAAAAAADzI/88ybdAVCdXc/s400/DSC03066.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690846167860585922" /></a><br /><br />The kids explored the silo and found a patch of <span style="font-style:italic;">green</span>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bPWXrUmx4O8/Tvnyb6vowsI/AAAAAAAADy8/-U9V-WQ8jJs/s1600/DSC03073.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bPWXrUmx4O8/Tvnyb6vowsI/AAAAAAAADy8/-U9V-WQ8jJs/s400/DSC03073.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690846165598782146" /></a><br /><br />Even crazier was the caterpillar they saw climbing up our front steps! With a Christmas this nice, we definitely didn't miss the snow. There's sure to be plenty to come during the next 3 months.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B3ek7VqYqQ0/Tvn0o3lvdpI/AAAAAAAADz4/dGqgJYBO-Ps/s1600/DSC03076.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B3ek7VqYqQ0/Tvn0o3lvdpI/AAAAAAAADz4/dGqgJYBO-Ps/s400/DSC03076.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690848587113526930" /></a><br /><br />Here are some photos of the girls' Christmas dance recital last week:<br /><br />Elsa and Lila warming up before the show.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9A9J0bh7VEo/TvoSpyy0YHI/AAAAAAAAD1A/wOsAkRWWXm8/s1600/DSC02980.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9A9J0bh7VEo/TvoSpyy0YHI/AAAAAAAAD1A/wOsAkRWWXm8/s400/DSC02980.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690881588354900082" /></a><br /><br />Violet, Elsa, and Lila, with Lila's little twin Bridgette on the far left.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfWFm6Dc6Xo/TvoSq8IpUXI/AAAAAAAAD1Y/pVzuAm5LvPo/s1600/DSC02981.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfWFm6Dc6Xo/TvoSq8IpUXI/AAAAAAAAD1Y/pVzuAm5LvPo/s400/DSC02981.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690881608042238322" /></a><br /><br />One of the dance routines.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ecuM-mcyoAY/TvoSrG05vLI/AAAAAAAAD1k/yalJPtFARbs/s1600/DSC02986.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ecuM-mcyoAY/TvoSrG05vLI/AAAAAAAAD1k/yalJPtFARbs/s400/DSC02986.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690881610912218290" /></a><br /><br />The dancers and Teacher Sue.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_D5TlBXO_x4/TvoSqPWSGkI/AAAAAAAAD1M/jmSNXSi0lKE/s1600/DSC02991.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_D5TlBXO_x4/TvoSqPWSGkI/AAAAAAAAD1M/jmSNXSi0lKE/s400/DSC02991.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690881596019841602" /></a><br /><br />Celebratory dinner and root beer at Al's Bar across the street. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kBfocX81eBk/TvoSrvzGRFI/AAAAAAAAD1w/Ec1X9Ug0HVg/s1600/DSC02993.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kBfocX81eBk/TvoSrvzGRFI/AAAAAAAAD1w/Ec1X9Ug0HVg/s400/DSC02993.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690881621910504530" /></a><br /><br />Christmas photos: <br /><br />New cowgirl horsies! Yeehaw!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tH2Lrhb8kkU/TvoV1Kt6CrI/AAAAAAAAD2g/xKIe7-I6XKU/s1600/DSC03018.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tH2Lrhb8kkU/TvoV1Kt6CrI/AAAAAAAAD2g/xKIe7-I6XKU/s400/DSC03018.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690885082290195122" /></a><br /><br />Playing in the tent from auntie Emma.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e08U6wLeA9s/TvoV0-K8PCI/AAAAAAAAD2Q/szZGgfpYCZs/s1600/DSC03015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e08U6wLeA9s/TvoV0-K8PCI/AAAAAAAAD2Q/szZGgfpYCZs/s400/DSC03015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690885078922312738" /></a><br /><br />Opening presents on Christmas Eve day.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u1e-tyWNDd0/TvoV0j14hCI/AAAAAAAAD2I/qNMwKZV7tt8/s1600/DSC03011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u1e-tyWNDd0/TvoV0j14hCI/AAAAAAAAD2I/qNMwKZV7tt8/s400/DSC03011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690885071854666786" /></a><br /><br />Elsa's Christmas hair-do.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-moGGYC-GbFQ/TvoV0bxVBcI/AAAAAAAAD18/d3588lrDG4Q/s1600/DSC03004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-moGGYC-GbFQ/TvoV0bxVBcI/AAAAAAAAD18/d3588lrDG4Q/s400/DSC03004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690885069688079810" /></a><br /><br />Christmas morning. Tired Tim in the background, and excited kids! They slept in their clothes from the night before.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cy6iqaaDXuM/TvoV2S5at3I/AAAAAAAAD2s/fIDHgn5vOD0/s1600/DSC03021.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cy6iqaaDXuM/TvoV2S5at3I/AAAAAAAAD2s/fIDHgn5vOD0/s400/DSC03021.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690885101665826674" /></a><br /><br />Christmas with the Williams side was a lot bigger this year with all the new babies! All 4 of us cousins now have children, all of them girls. L to R: Avery, Elsa, Mayson, Minneha, and Lila. If anyone has a baby boy he'll be spoiled rotten! :)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EYOvjst4j2M/TvoadxoWlWI/AAAAAAAAD28/roIVZCWVG7c/s1600/DSC03022.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EYOvjst4j2M/TvoadxoWlWI/AAAAAAAAD28/roIVZCWVG7c/s400/DSC03022.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690890177977161058" /></a><br /><br />Christmas time is Shot-ski time! The lucky guys who married into this family. :)<br />Yucca, Mark, Shane, and Tim.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ez4LZ_9PNIE/TvoaeDUHOKI/AAAAAAAAD3I/1w26mK9vq_s/s1600/DSC03026.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ez4LZ_9PNIE/TvoaeDUHOKI/AAAAAAAAD3I/1w26mK9vq_s/s400/DSC03026.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690890182724106402" /></a><br /><br />Bottoms up!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kHmVE7N1rvM/Tvoaex_RxII/AAAAAAAAD3U/2y5M4gQO0yM/s1600/DSC03027.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kHmVE7N1rvM/Tvoaex_RxII/AAAAAAAAD3U/2y5M4gQO0yM/s400/DSC03027.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690890195253183618" /></a><br /><br />The cousins: Becky, Kelly, Jenny, me.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CKUH7HE6fh8/Tvompi-mNPI/AAAAAAAAD4E/IMnG4FcQQek/s1600/DSC03029.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CKUH7HE6fh8/Tvompi-mNPI/AAAAAAAAD4E/IMnG4FcQQek/s400/DSC03029.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690903574341891314" /></a><br /><br />That amaretto is tough stuff. :)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bsiSjuRo4kc/TvoafL2OQ6I/AAAAAAAAD3g/cmIowFXAk78/s1600/DSC03031.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bsiSjuRo4kc/TvoafL2OQ6I/AAAAAAAAD3g/cmIowFXAk78/s400/DSC03031.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690890202194527138" /></a><br /><br />My dear cousins Kelly and Becky, with Minneha and Elsa. Beck lives in France so we don't get to see her often. It's always great to have her family home for Christmas.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nd0kQecrSxY/TvobXX54c_I/AAAAAAAAD34/J9FS9vLBpnc/s1600/DSC03032.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nd0kQecrSxY/TvobXX54c_I/AAAAAAAAD34/J9FS9vLBpnc/s400/DSC03032.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690891167503774706" /></a>JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596005796581271040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1947973142419129234.post-30380456149661967512011-12-18T21:05:00.005-06:002011-12-18T21:40:33.503-06:00Almost Christmas!What a crazy holiday season it's been already. Last week we closed on the house, so it's officially ours! We're still getting settled and have a lot of unpacking/decorating to do, mostly because we still have a lot of painting to do. Tim is doing the painting and it's not the kind of thing he can bang out in a weekend. Perfection takes time! So in the meantime I'm gladly waiting and enjoying the rooms we do have finished.<br /><br />This is a photo from Elsa's first school program! The kindergartners put on a Christmas show for us last Wednesday and it was so cute. Elsa is the one in the back row next to the super tall boy in white.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kwcUkddbUHE/Tu6r3OX3SoI/AAAAAAAADxo/aGCAoFH9x2I/s1600/DSC02955.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kwcUkddbUHE/Tu6r3OX3SoI/AAAAAAAADxo/aGCAoFH9x2I/s400/DSC02955.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687672344654858882" /></a><br /><br />Elsa and Lila at the after party, eating holiday treats. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QjncPmd5644/Tu6r21_bZwI/AAAAAAAADxY/f3ZxG8igfNc/s1600/DSC02957.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QjncPmd5644/Tu6r21_bZwI/AAAAAAAADxY/f3ZxG8igfNc/s400/DSC02957.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687672338109916930" /></a><br /><br />Last weekend we had a visit from Jenny, Shane and Avery. The girls were already in bed, but we had Avery crawl up the stairs and into their room, where the girls were eagerly waiting. She said,"Hi!" over and over and kept kissing them and hugging. The kids just <span style="font-style:italic;">adore</span> her, so of course I said it was okay to wake up and play awhile.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WwPO6aLMO_U/Tu6r4EMiLOI/AAAAAAAADx8/P4ZpMwjVB5c/s1600/DSC02942.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WwPO6aLMO_U/Tu6r4EMiLOI/AAAAAAAADx8/P4ZpMwjVB5c/s400/DSC02942.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687672359102852322" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rEHn-z3HSMU/Tu6vlQdIh2I/AAAAAAAADyk/jCEXdtKA5Rg/s1600/DSC02944.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rEHn-z3HSMU/Tu6vlQdIh2I/AAAAAAAADyk/jCEXdtKA5Rg/s400/DSC02944.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687676434022696802" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f2uoc-AUR94/Tu6vlFXm2iI/AAAAAAAADyU/sRscR5RsWKk/s1600/DSC02947.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f2uoc-AUR94/Tu6vlFXm2iI/AAAAAAAADyU/sRscR5RsWKk/s400/DSC02947.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687676431046728226" /></a><br /><br />Around 9:30 Elsa got really tired and said, "I think I'm going to go to bed now". Lila said, "Me too", and off they went!<br /><br /><br />This year I decided to do something new and made chocolate/almond bark dipped pretzel rods. It was so easy and the kids loved it - we didn't have to do any baking, measuring, or waiting, so it was straight to the decorating and eating, which are obviously the best parts!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zA9CKxLwpYs/Tu6vmPpWipI/AAAAAAAADyw/YL1NWQSb-Iw/s1600/xmas%2Bpretzels.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zA9CKxLwpYs/Tu6vmPpWipI/AAAAAAAADyw/YL1NWQSb-Iw/s400/xmas%2Bpretzels.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687676450985380498" /></a><br /><br />The kids have been playing together SO well since we moved here. They're still in "explore" mode and love to play downstairs, with the clothes chute, in the pantry, in the play room, and they even ask to take naps in the closet. If they'll sleep, why not? Here's Elsa asleep in the closet... <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2CV5uiqVQ7I/Tu6r2kfi0II/AAAAAAAADxQ/mslS-UiUGo8/s1600/DSC02965.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2CV5uiqVQ7I/Tu6r2kfi0II/AAAAAAAADxQ/mslS-UiUGo8/s400/DSC02965.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687672333412782210" /></a><br />...and then my camera clicks wake her up.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JBOkHV7uiY0/Tu6vkyrTErI/AAAAAAAADyM/EYj98-KzMc8/s1600/DSC02966.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JBOkHV7uiY0/Tu6vkyrTErI/AAAAAAAADyM/EYj98-KzMc8/s400/DSC02966.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687676426029044402" /></a><br /><br />Happy Holidays! (Art by Elsa.)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lR2zUPrNWEs/Tu6r4Kpc-KI/AAAAAAAADx0/YTE7FUw-KpU/s1600/DSC02948.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lR2zUPrNWEs/Tu6r4Kpc-KI/AAAAAAAADx0/YTE7FUw-KpU/s400/DSC02948.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687672360834758818" /></a>JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596005796581271040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1947973142419129234.post-38517358010494920582011-12-06T14:33:00.004-06:002011-12-08T09:09:17.821-06:00Greetings from the Middle of Nowhere!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f4zwBbas100/Tt5_YYhEFDI/AAAAAAAADwc/0_oT-GT9kUI/s1600/DSC02933.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f4zwBbas100/Tt5_YYhEFDI/AAAAAAAADwc/0_oT-GT9kUI/s400/DSC02933.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683119836662862898" /></a><br /><br />It's actually only a couple miles from town, but it feels like we're WAY out. We moved the weekend before Thanksgiving and it's been crazy ever since. Lila tripped while she was playing down the basement on Tim's birthday (11/27) and had to get stitches in her chin. It was bad - blood everywhere and the biggest gaping wound I'd ever seen. On my baby! Poor kid had a tough time in the ER (I managed to save my meltdown for later) but she's healing up pretty well now. We finally got our phone/internet hookup today, which is awesome, but also very dangerous... there's too much to do for me to get sucked into Facebook and whatnot. Had to share some pictures, though! Despite the craziness and stress of getting settled, it's been so exciting to finally live here. Feels like home!<br /><br />Very cute. But mostly...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HO3fx9LgkQ4/Tt5_Yu_WF7I/AAAAAAAADwo/Lt4H6XrexSg/s1600/DSC02927.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HO3fx9LgkQ4/Tt5_Yu_WF7I/AAAAAAAADwo/Lt4H6XrexSg/s400/DSC02927.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683119842695452594" /></a><br /><br />...very goofy!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rO1axefe5YU/Tt5_ZxiuqNI/AAAAAAAADw0/L_DQ1M0V7kM/s1600/DSC02923.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rO1axefe5YU/Tt5_ZxiuqNI/AAAAAAAADw0/L_DQ1M0V7kM/s400/DSC02923.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683119860560603346" /></a><br /><br />I took this photo for the insurance company this morning. Porch faces east, my car is north. It was so cold out! Only 17 degrees, but the kids were happy to join me outside. We don't have a TV in our main living area anymore and I thought I'd hate it, but it's been great. We listen to more music, have dance parties, and the kids find other things to do, like throw/catch things down the laundry chute for <span style="font-style:italic;">hours</span>. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C6k3P6FLM88/Tt5_YJJPAlI/AAAAAAAADwQ/zIM-7D-3ZmU/s1600/DSC02928.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C6k3P6FLM88/Tt5_YJJPAlI/AAAAAAAADwQ/zIM-7D-3ZmU/s400/DSC02928.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683119832536384082" /></a><br /><br />After we decorated the house for Christmas, the kids got cozy in front of the fireplace.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wsng-zMDW_0/Tt5_ak6uBdI/AAAAAAAADxA/5uQT-HDZGzA/s1600/DSC02919.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wsng-zMDW_0/Tt5_ak6uBdI/AAAAAAAADxA/5uQT-HDZGzA/s400/DSC02919.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683119874351433170" /></a><br /><br />Time for more endless unpacking. More later!JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596005796581271040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1947973142419129234.post-8457203081803748442011-10-25T13:50:00.013-05:002011-10-28T20:34:58.732-05:00What's scarier than Halloween?The hospital. <br />What started as a basic office visit ended in a trip to the ER. Elsa had been having an assortment mild ailments that lasted for too long, including a fever. None of them were alarming on their own, but all of them together was puzzling. We brought her to the doctor after the first five days - while she had a rash - but none of the doctors could figure out what kind of rash it looked like. It was most similar to a strep rash, but the test came back negative. We also had a Lymes test taken, which was also negative. Their diagnosis was, "virus of the week". Two weeks later, she still had an on/off fever and some other symptoms. The nurses at the Fairview nurse line told me it sounded like a virus and not to worry. In the meantime, she felt good enough to go to school, dance class, and every other normal activity. These photos were taken just 3 days before we went to the hospital. She doesn't look too sick, does she?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-him9A8Tj4Tw/TqcHcBttXFI/AAAAAAAADtU/YTIxnqOje7U/s1600/DSC02731.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-him9A8Tj4Tw/TqcHcBttXFI/AAAAAAAADtU/YTIxnqOje7U/s400/DSC02731.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667506834146942034" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jHwA6J2hKKM/TqcHc1u9gKI/AAAAAAAADtg/pZrylp35Omc/s1600/DSC02744.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jHwA6J2hKKM/TqcHc1u9gKI/AAAAAAAADtg/pZrylp35Omc/s400/DSC02744.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667506848110837922" /></a><br /><br />But we went back a second time, anyway. I figured we'd get some medicine to finally kick whatever it was and get outta there. But instead the doctor very seriously told us that we needed to go to the ER at U of M Children's in Minneapolis right away. They thought she had Kawasaki's disease, which can lead to permanent heart damage and is deadly if not treated. When we got to Mpls, the doctors all agreed that must be it... but then suddenly changed their minds. They still couldn't figure out what <span style="font-style:italic;">was</span> going on, so we had to stay there for two nights and poor Elsa had to go through a ton of tests. Chest x-ray, CT scan, echocardiogram, eye exam, an IV, and the dreaded lab work... they took 10 tubes of blood. All the tests were negative. I didn't take any photos, I purposely left my camera at home when we left. Now I wish I would have brought it - the hospital was really impressive! I took some photos from off their website and the rest are from Tim's phone. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_krWn6uLA3Y/TqnIdRva2-I/AAAAAAAADuc/IfqwKhERSQk/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2011-10-27%2Bat%2B4.07.42%2BPM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 217px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_krWn6uLA3Y/TqnIdRva2-I/AAAAAAAADuc/IfqwKhERSQk/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2011-10-27%2Bat%2B4.07.42%2BPM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668282011326536674" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i1uWdXH5S9Q/TqnIdnSJ6CI/AAAAAAAADuo/VI-cc9rlt9k/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2011-10-27%2Bat%2B4.06.27%2BPM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 219px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i1uWdXH5S9Q/TqnIdnSJ6CI/AAAAAAAADuo/VI-cc9rlt9k/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2011-10-27%2Bat%2B4.06.27%2BPM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668282017109370914" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vSHwP-rfHUA/TqnId_GM96I/AAAAAAAADu0/esFYktRkIVo/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2011-10-27%2Bat%2B4.06.36%2BPM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 223px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vSHwP-rfHUA/TqnId_GM96I/AAAAAAAADu0/esFYktRkIVo/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2011-10-27%2Bat%2B4.06.36%2BPM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668282023501690786" /></a><br /><br />Elsa was relaxing while watching the HUGE flat screen TV.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HrIz5yc72ic/TqcHbWvo41I/AAAAAAAADtI/vtjtLcQOgLU/s1600/photo-17.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HrIz5yc72ic/TqcHbWvo41I/AAAAAAAADtI/vtjtLcQOgLU/s400/photo-17.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667506822612312914" /></a><br /><br />After a full day of tests, finally some fun - playing cards with dad!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-42f7RVlQlq4/TqcHbL-cF4I/AAAAAAAADs8/xlwnOkpdMs8/s1600/photo-15.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-42f7RVlQlq4/TqcHbL-cF4I/AAAAAAAADs8/xlwnOkpdMs8/s400/photo-15.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667506819721598850" /></a><br /><br />We still have to go back to Children's and she needs another echocardiogram just to be sure, and then we'll be 100% in the clear and hopefully we'll be done with doctors for awhile. She seems fine now. Just a virus after all!! <br /><br />The house is done and basically move-in ready. Just some picky little things to get done for our inspections, and we'll have the occupancy permit this week or next. It's very exciting, but these last little things seem to be taking so long. I'm ready to move in!<br /><br />Home Sweet Home.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HTTQtzJpzhs/Tqm2tovDmaI/AAAAAAAADts/Qbud85W0pWk/s1600/DSC02753.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HTTQtzJpzhs/Tqm2tovDmaI/AAAAAAAADts/Qbud85W0pWk/s400/DSC02753.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668262501167634850" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-imPUmgCZWZk/Tqm2uJnc02I/AAAAAAAADuE/9fTC5eJHevg/s1600/DSC02763.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-imPUmgCZWZk/Tqm2uJnc02I/AAAAAAAADuE/9fTC5eJHevg/s400/DSC02763.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668262509994103650" /></a><br /><br />Lila is the first to use the toilet in the girls' new bathroom!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iXqBazlnv5s/Tqm2tyhiJ3I/AAAAAAAADt4/DLIU35AwR0s/s1600/DSC02758.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iXqBazlnv5s/Tqm2tyhiJ3I/AAAAAAAADt4/DLIU35AwR0s/s400/DSC02758.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668262503795271538" /></a><br /><br />Now that we have carpet upstairs, the kids finally seem to see the new house as a <span style="font-style:italic;">house</span>. They run all around the rooms in their socks and have a blast.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CjEtBoOI8Zg/Tqm2u5zZffI/AAAAAAAADuQ/CabeM-Gb9Y4/s1600/DSC02771.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CjEtBoOI8Zg/Tqm2u5zZffI/AAAAAAAADuQ/CabeM-Gb9Y4/s400/DSC02771.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668262522929118706" /></a><br /><br />Last night at dance, the kids got to dress up in their costume and we got to watch them do their thing. Lila and Violet had the same exact costume!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JnsE4FLA7F8/Tqs4vWalulI/AAAAAAAADvA/-iJrCAhrHq8/s1600/DSC02781.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JnsE4FLA7F8/Tqs4vWalulI/AAAAAAAADvA/-iJrCAhrHq8/s400/DSC02781.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668686942098012754" /></a><br /><br />Today I went to Ikea with Lila while Elsa was in school. On our way home we stopped by Cousin Avery's house for a play date. Her first birthday is next Monday already!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nCLIkRHNiLE/Tqs4v1kCjJI/AAAAAAAADvM/urx5u-Je-1w/s1600/DSC02783.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nCLIkRHNiLE/Tqs4v1kCjJI/AAAAAAAADvM/urx5u-Je-1w/s400/DSC02783.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668686950459149458" /></a>JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596005796581271040noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1947973142419129234.post-87934744782959042242011-10-06T21:02:00.006-05:002011-10-06T23:14:18.487-05:00Creepy CrawliesThis year we bought our usual season passes to Pinehaven Farm. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jg8xDYO9-aU/To5sVy-lIUI/AAAAAAAADs0/mVzapxFZebo/s1600/DSC02667.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jg8xDYO9-aU/To5sVy-lIUI/AAAAAAAADs0/mVzapxFZebo/s400/DSC02667.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660580903368597826" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RvkLKLTjnXg/To5sVm7S9_I/AAAAAAAADss/hT5jLi6ye8U/s1600/DSC02664.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RvkLKLTjnXg/To5sVm7S9_I/AAAAAAAADss/hT5jLi6ye8U/s400/DSC02664.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660580900133599218" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0p_SgP9iNYU/To5sVMp6-sI/AAAAAAAADsk/vqXT4Bk1SpY/s1600/DSC02665.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0p_SgP9iNYU/To5sVMp6-sI/AAAAAAAADsk/vqXT4Bk1SpY/s400/DSC02665.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660580893081402050" /></a><br /><br />What's the verdict? Pinehaven. Pretty cool.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S-d1erp0VXw/To5pH1XoFAI/AAAAAAAADsc/T1vlE8FCbeU/s1600/DSC02673.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S-d1erp0VXw/To5pH1XoFAI/AAAAAAAADsc/T1vlE8FCbeU/s400/DSC02673.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660577364957467650" /></a><br /><br />Fall not only brings a ridiculous number of ladybugs, bees, caterpillars and box elders, but last week we also saw a ton of these guys:<br />Salamanders...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wkNJ-mYSANo/To5pHjbu8lI/AAAAAAAADsU/Vws6PEF7iJ0/s1600/DSC02690.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wkNJ-mYSANo/To5pHjbu8lI/AAAAAAAADsU/Vws6PEF7iJ0/s400/DSC02690.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660577360142856786" /></a><br /><br />Snakes (unfortunately there seems to be a ton of corn snakes out at the new house)...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AllxksHyKGY/To5pHA1xdgI/AAAAAAAADsM/e_vNeXIK6q4/s1600/DSC02694.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AllxksHyKGY/To5pHA1xdgI/AAAAAAAADsM/e_vNeXIK6q4/s400/DSC02694.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660577350856832514" /></a><br /><br />and deer. Which are typical, even in town, but the fawns are still too young to be afraid and they get really close. This is nothing, he moved before I could take the photo. You can see him in the shadows just to the left of the tree trunk.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZxwvNB-7BI/To5pGhtQ_cI/AAAAAAAADsE/BnSfou_A5O8/s1600/DSC02695.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZxwvNB-7BI/To5pGhtQ_cI/AAAAAAAADsE/BnSfou_A5O8/s400/DSC02695.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660577342499651010" /></a><br /><br />Lila and I took some photos in the pretty fall leaves while we waited for Elsa's bus.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nCAZO8pcv8A/To5pGIQmGgI/AAAAAAAADr8/g5ZwiwwbQVE/s1600/DSC02697.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nCAZO8pcv8A/To5pGIQmGgI/AAAAAAAADr8/g5ZwiwwbQVE/s400/DSC02697.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660577335668513282" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Os_8-6AmUPc/To5kufzo3ZI/AAAAAAAADr0/2xKfS8caZ2o/s1600/DSC02698.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Os_8-6AmUPc/To5kufzo3ZI/AAAAAAAADr0/2xKfS8caZ2o/s400/DSC02698.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660572531626139026" /></a><br /><br />Today we went to the pumpkin patch with our neighbor and her daycare kids. They really know how to pose!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rLIECA9gTQQ/To5kt8BlggI/AAAAAAAADrs/2Xv-pLOrSxQ/s1600/DSC02701.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rLIECA9gTQQ/To5kt8BlggI/AAAAAAAADrs/2Xv-pLOrSxQ/s400/DSC02701.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660572522020962818" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HrVvsesTazk/To5ktZf2qnI/AAAAAAAADrk/lFEqghS-BIw/s1600/DSC02705.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HrVvsesTazk/To5ktZf2qnI/AAAAAAAADrk/lFEqghS-BIw/s400/DSC02705.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660572512752675442" /></a><br /><br />Here are a couple of dance photos from tonight - I couldn't get a good one of both of them. They really enjoy the class, and Elsa is tells me that "Lila is actually a good listener!" lol.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PXZvqtKWpHs/To5ks-2cSsI/AAAAAAAADrc/Pwy60Fh4Whg/s1600/DSC02715.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PXZvqtKWpHs/To5ks-2cSsI/AAAAAAAADrc/Pwy60Fh4Whg/s400/DSC02715.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660572505599658690" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-knQDB-LQ8kk/To5ksiu7x9I/AAAAAAAADrU/iHWCu1QmVoE/s1600/DSC02716.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-knQDB-LQ8kk/To5ksiu7x9I/AAAAAAAADrU/iHWCu1QmVoE/s400/DSC02716.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660572498051975122" /></a><br /><br />Here's how awesome of a gardener I am, not to mention groundskeeper: it took nearly all summer for me to notice that we had a huge pile of pumpkin vines growing in our backyard. Once I finally did notice, it was only thanks to the yellow orbs that started to materialize. A couple weeks ago I finally went to check it out up close, and sure enough, we had over 25 pumpkins growing! Our old pumpkins had been tossed out last year, and then probably covered with some leaf clippings from the mower. It was quite the surprise crop.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4LjMmNorg5Q/To5eTOv_u_I/AAAAAAAADrM/JY925Lahw0Y/s1600/DSC02657.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4LjMmNorg5Q/To5eTOv_u_I/AAAAAAAADrM/JY925Lahw0Y/s400/DSC02657.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660565466121223154" /></a>JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596005796581271040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1947973142419129234.post-53498908497140862382011-09-18T22:30:00.010-05:002011-09-19T00:02:42.529-05:00North Shore 2011For the 4th year in a row, we made our way to the North Shore for our annual family trip. The first year was my sister's wedding. Lila was just 2 months old, and Elsa had just turned 2. The next year Lila was 1 and Elsa was 3... you get the picture. We've always stayed at Gooseberry Park Cabins in Castle Danger, just north of Two Harbors. It's a great area, right next to Split Rock Lighthouse, Gooseberry Falls, and Tettegouche State Park.<br /><br />Friday, Day 1: Arrived and went down by the beach. First order of business: find the perfect stick!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3-UTmoRFpRs/Tna5cso66jI/AAAAAAAADos/aY6BAnzb7pk/s1600/DSC02587.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3-UTmoRFpRs/Tna5cso66jI/AAAAAAAADos/aY6BAnzb7pk/s400/DSC02587.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653910284880505394" /></a><br /><br />The kids had fun doing what they did last year on the rocky shore: "stirring the soup" in potholes filled with water. Elsa got some lake scum on her stir stick and thought it was pretty neat/gross.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0-sjMlyr2Hc/Tna5b9Gw4bI/AAAAAAAADok/v0rCHu11CFw/s1600/DSC02589.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0-sjMlyr2Hc/Tna5b9Gw4bI/AAAAAAAADok/v0rCHu11CFw/s400/DSC02589.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653910272120775090" /></a><br /><br />We ate at the cabin and then headed to Betty's Pies for dessert.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sf19cV80Lao/Tna5c6kFuTI/AAAAAAAADo0/dzJhyghUr-E/s1600/DSC02592.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sf19cV80Lao/Tna5c6kFuTI/AAAAAAAADo0/dzJhyghUr-E/s400/DSC02592.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653910288618338610" /></a><br /><br />Saturday, Day 2:<br />The sunrise from our cabin window. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xoMtcnkbSlg/Tna5dGhlBNI/AAAAAAAADo8/bnCh91gmSBc/s1600/DSC02593.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xoMtcnkbSlg/Tna5dGhlBNI/AAAAAAAADo8/bnCh91gmSBc/s400/DSC02593.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653910291829032146" /></a><br /><br />We ate breakfast across the street at the Rustic Inn, then headed back to cabin #4 (straight ahead). You can just barely see where water meets the sky.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PwZJ7eu0ccQ/Tna_24WGDeI/AAAAAAAADpM/1OfYUrwPPno/s1600/DSC02594.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PwZJ7eu0ccQ/Tna_24WGDeI/AAAAAAAADpM/1OfYUrwPPno/s400/DSC02594.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653917331769134562" /></a><br /><br />The kids posed for pictures down by the beach.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4X8MdyxEzCw/Tna5drF2XfI/AAAAAAAADpE/uHw2Fm1WyN0/s1600/DSC02598.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4X8MdyxEzCw/Tna5drF2XfI/AAAAAAAADpE/uHw2Fm1WyN0/s400/DSC02598.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653910301644840434" /></a><br /><br />Elsa loved watching the waves crash against the rocks.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TKpcEUV26qs/Tna_3QtGIhI/AAAAAAAADpU/o9MYAmgAdAA/s1600/DSC02608.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TKpcEUV26qs/Tna_3QtGIhI/AAAAAAAADpU/o9MYAmgAdAA/s400/DSC02608.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653917338308059666" /></a><br /><br />We usually go to Gooseberry and Split Rock, but this year we ventured a bit further and went to Tettegouche State Park. The kids are hit or miss when it comes to having energy for long walks, but surprisingly they took a 3+ mile hike with us this day! Lila only had to be carried some of the time. They loved walking through the woods and exploring. Every time Lila heard a tree rustle, she thought for sure it was the waterfall we'd been waiting to see.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j7i2wfmCnXw/Tna_35OBDUI/AAAAAAAADpc/rx2F6OG5jpw/s1600/DSC02609.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j7i2wfmCnXw/Tna_35OBDUI/AAAAAAAADpc/rx2F6OG5jpw/s400/DSC02609.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653917349183556930" /></a><br /><br />Finally, the waterfall!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XNK4gp3JK68/Tna_6e1ZP8I/AAAAAAAADpk/Q0yyqw7wano/s1600/DSC02612.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XNK4gp3JK68/Tna_6e1ZP8I/AAAAAAAADpk/Q0yyqw7wano/s400/DSC02612.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653917393640570818" /></a><br /><br />The bouncy cable bridge.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t7ot1ygriJg/TnbDvEHoX5I/AAAAAAAADp0/IopDXo7utRM/s1600/DSC02618.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t7ot1ygriJg/TnbDvEHoX5I/AAAAAAAADp0/IopDXo7utRM/s400/DSC02618.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653921595537252242" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c4x6QOb9tpI/TnbDwsNdJNI/AAAAAAAADp8/YK8dOE_xexs/s1600/DSC02619.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c4x6QOb9tpI/TnbDwsNdJNI/AAAAAAAADp8/YK8dOE_xexs/s400/DSC02619.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653921623478969554" /></a><br /><br />Lila takes a rest while Tim and Elsa play around on the rocks in the river. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8cb89fteuo/Tna_7IEzXyI/AAAAAAAADps/x1lUoS2BU9s/s1600/DSC02617.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8cb89fteuo/Tna_7IEzXyI/AAAAAAAADps/x1lUoS2BU9s/s400/DSC02617.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653917404711051042" /></a><br /><br />Not long after this photo, Tim fell into the water. About ten minutes later I asked how wet his shoes were, and he said he was fine... except for <span style="font-style:italic;">this</span>. He held up his hand, and even with the sun in my eyes I could see it was covered in red. The rocks had sliced his hand pretty badly as he was trying to catch his balance! Elsa said,"I don't like blood, especially on my D!" Not a good injury for someone who works with his hands all the time. :(<br /><br />I captured this photo just as Elsa tripped over a piece of driftwood! Not doing too well with the injuries on this vacation...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bs5YPR7u5wA/TnbDx3WDzjI/AAAAAAAADqE/44evaybVY-0/s1600/DSC02621.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bs5YPR7u5wA/TnbDx3WDzjI/AAAAAAAADqE/44evaybVY-0/s400/DSC02621.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653921643647716914" /></a><br /><br />We got home and Tim took a nap while the we put together a 55 piece puzzle.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ukf84EthQuA/TnbDyJnMWgI/AAAAAAAADqM/Ooo3a0hz3KE/s1600/DSC02632.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ukf84EthQuA/TnbDyJnMWgI/AAAAAAAADqM/Ooo3a0hz3KE/s400/DSC02632.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653921648551418370" /></a><br /><br />Next we went to the Two Harbors farmers market and got some sides for dinner: corn, tomatoes, and green beans. Of course that was followed by S'mores and a campfire down by the lake.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ztEeT73YIhc/TnbDyljwZ4I/AAAAAAAADqU/VdTH7C2q2o4/s1600/DSC02642.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ztEeT73YIhc/TnbDyljwZ4I/AAAAAAAADqU/VdTH7C2q2o4/s400/DSC02642.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653921656053196674" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AxYwI32ouHY/TnbHtzgSeXI/AAAAAAAADqk/9gX7Rt-wtF4/s1600/DSC02645.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AxYwI32ouHY/TnbHtzgSeXI/AAAAAAAADqk/9gX7Rt-wtF4/s400/DSC02645.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653925971943913842" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WezUdZEpwNU/TnbHtQQDCQI/AAAAAAAADqc/RaiQDlf0_2k/s1600/DSC02648.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WezUdZEpwNU/TnbHtQQDCQI/AAAAAAAADqc/RaiQDlf0_2k/s400/DSC02648.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653925962480552194" /></a><br /><br />But, back to Two Harbors... where is the Voyageur outside the Voyageur Motel?! Don't mess with my landmarks, people!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sKX-7b-iBsk/TnbHuRWzu_I/AAAAAAAADqs/kml2sP6HfG4/s1600/DSC02637.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sKX-7b-iBsk/TnbHuRWzu_I/AAAAAAAADqs/kml2sP6HfG4/s400/DSC02637.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653925979957214194" /></a><br /><br />Whew, we found him, completely refurbished and sitting in front of another tiny motel on the Expressway just before Two Harbors. Not quite the same thing, but I'll take it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gOAEPchN5dE/TnbHu09DFEI/AAAAAAAADq0/ENcjfT54ggA/s1600/DSC02636.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gOAEPchN5dE/TnbHu09DFEI/AAAAAAAADq0/ENcjfT54ggA/s400/DSC02636.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653925989512844354" /></a><br /><br />Sunday, Day 3:<br />It rained all day, but luckily it stopped for a bit while we took our usual walk at Silver Creek Cliff.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wWdpyzlaW4E/TnbI1k3RnMI/AAAAAAAADrE/OpY5SsLbb6A/s1600/DSC02650.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wWdpyzlaW4E/TnbI1k3RnMI/AAAAAAAADrE/OpY5SsLbb6A/s400/DSC02650.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653927204964375746" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YyEDEiGceMI/TnbHvd3tHZI/AAAAAAAADq8/EUCLzfXy4yM/s1600/DSC02653.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YyEDEiGceMI/TnbHvd3tHZI/AAAAAAAADq8/EUCLzfXy4yM/s400/DSC02653.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653926000496287122" /></a>JRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596005796581271040noreply@blogger.com1