tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21409718338331258122024-02-19T11:59:53.055-05:00Our Family Circus Part IIAshlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04294410464755771961noreply@blogger.comBlogger130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140971833833125812.post-70672875008141387942013-08-20T19:51:00.000-04:002013-08-20T19:51:03.900-04:00First Day of SchoolToday was a success! The kids were up and ready on time, beds were made (except for Kate), we ate eggs and toast for breakfast because I wanted to be sure that the kids had protein in their bellies to hold them over to lunch, and we were out the door with pictures taken on time. Kate had a bit of a hard time eating breakfast I'm sure with a nervous tummy. Other wise everyone was happy and calm. In fact I think this was the most calm first day we've ever had. It almost felt weird and normal for them to be off. <br />
<br />
The older kids start at 8am and Jane was to start at 9am. She was pretty upset when we got home and she realized that she still had to wait for her school to start. I was amazed and thrilled at her confidence and excitement going into her class. Both Randall and I were there to drop her off because it was such a big day...for us. Our "baby off to school. She did need one extra hug and kiss and then she was off with no tears and hardly any hesitation. I felt a bit emotional but really was just so grateful that she was happy and going forward that I was ok. <br />
<br />
I think it helped that I had a busy morning ahead of me. I had an OB appt down in Orem and was rushing to get there on time. Baby boy is still measuring big at 40 weeks, and I'm only 36 and half weeks along. I was "checked" today and to my amazement was dilated to 1.5 cm. Now to most people that's nothing, but I have never, no never, been dilated on my own to even a 1! Even at my due date or past I am a big huge ZERO. The complicated part of that though, is the doc said that if I can progress to a 3 on my own by next week we may be ready to induce the baby due to his size. I'm hesitant in that regard because first, I am always hesitant to have the baby even as I am huge and uncomfortable. Babies are much easier to care for inside the belly, don't cry, and don't have to be fed at all hours of the day and night. Admittedly I am sleeping the worst I have of any pregnancy and that's beginning to wear me down. It's hard to be this big and have 4 others to care for when I really am huge and so tired with lack of sleep. <br />
<br />
Another thing that makes this whole when to have a baby (as if I have any control in that regard) is that we already have 3 birthdays within 9 days and now possibly a 4th?! Ethan's birthday is next Thursday the 29th and I really don't want his birthday to be overshadowed by possibly having another baby on his birthday or bringing him home on his birthday. Ethan is a great kid and truthfully I'm really hard on him a lot of the time, expecting a lot out of him in many regards, so the least I can do is let him have one great day all his own of celebration. So...if I could choose I wouldn't want to have the baby until at least a day or two after his birthday. <br />
<br />
We shall see. I just may end up being induced at 39 weeks as originally planned which would put me around the 6th or so of September. I guess time will tell. I'm just glad we had such a great first day!Ashlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04294410464755771961noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140971833833125812.post-91346896198309675312013-08-19T17:28:00.001-04:002013-08-19T17:28:27.879-04:00Let the games begin!It's funny because in some ways I look at our summer as pretty low key with no real vacations gone on and no planned activities, and yet on the other hand I felt PLENTY busy. We signed on our new home Wednesday June 26th after much anticipation and moved in that night. <br />
<br />
We love our house! We pinch ourselves daily and are so grateful that we are here. It's a beautiful home with all the things we picked ourselves, but when it comes down to it, it's the room to spread out from one another, a finished basement where the kids spend a lot of time playing, and all the storage that makes me happy. Oh the storage! When friends come to see the house they may think it strange that we walk around and ooh and aah over all the storage, pointing out our pantry and all the closets. It's fantastic. In fact many of my kitchen cabinets are empty and many many shelves in the closets as well. The kids closets are basically bare and I love it. Of course everyone always says that "we will fill it up", and of course I take that as a personal challenge to make sure that never happens. If it does, then we will inevitably have too much stuff! I already have a large load of clothes and a few things I just don't want anymore to go to D.I. so thankfully we aren't packing in a lot of extra stuff yet.<br />
<br />
As I sit here and type this I am 36 weeks 1 day pregnant with a large baby...so they tell me...and so does everybody else as they see me walk around these days. So just being so pregnant has put a slight damper on our Summer activities this year. We have kept to a nice schedule and the neighbors probably think we never play with friends since we had our daily "quiet time" almost without fail. How am I supposed to keep with these kids in the heat, in my huge state without a little break each day. Thankfully Jane also still naps every day, bless her soul, so it has worked out for us.<br />
<br />
Speaking of the neighborhood, we also are loving that. We living on the corner end of a cul-de-sac and it's great. We have great neighbors. Most people are similar to us in age with some obviously younger and one couple right next door that are early empty nesters, but we still really enjoy them. The area is quiet and safe enough I can send the kids to play down the street and I'm not worried about them. <br />
<br />
We also so far have a great ward and I'm so thankful for that. I am now serving as personal progress leader in the YW. I'm excited about it, but admit that it's WAY more than I originally thought it would be. Rand was just called to be the ward mission leader and apparently there are a lot of non members, part-member families or less actives around so there is work to do. He's excited about it and I think he'll do a good job. <br />
<br />
Tomorrow is the big day... school starts! I can hardly believe it. Usually I may feel a bit sad and tomorrow may be a bit emotional for me as the kids start yet another new school. This new start of school with technically be the 4th for Ethan in the last 3 years. Yikes! Good thing they are good at transition and learning to go with the flow. Jane also starts school tomorrow which I didn't realize until her open house this morning. I thought she started Thursday, and for some reason the fact that she starts tomorrow has made me a bit more sad to see my "baby" be a big girl. She has been wanting to go to school, wearing her backpack for a year though so I think she will love it, and truthfully I think I will love it too, at least once I get used to the idea of her being gone two mornings a week. <br />
<br />
Our Fall is going to be incredibly busy with activities galore. Ethan is doing another season of flag football, hopefully without injury this time around, and also piano lessons. Anna will have 3 hours of ballet a week and piano, Kate is starting with just one hour of ballet, but add in scouts and activity days and we will be plenty busy, especially when the baby arrives. <br />
<br />
I have missed having a history of the things we are doing and hope to be better about "journaling" our goings ons but once baby comes I'm sure my times will be even more limited. For now we are happy, healthy and feel very blessed with all the good going on in our lives.Ashlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04294410464755771961noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140971833833125812.post-21934437615215495192013-01-05T20:52:00.002-05:002013-01-05T20:52:04.480-05:00Christmas Day<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8gPySEuKsdIgL83KBli3yCHhYvh6c8JBArQVBQWEYu80pxz70_-X0L9H9k50-EmNzI5PrBGiS9M2yMpiF9N-G96-aTvWC9kUDOV3rJVJ2eFfbAhQP0Ju8qyWbM20QrSQTB_cu54BmYmk/s1600/IMG_3259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8gPySEuKsdIgL83KBli3yCHhYvh6c8JBArQVBQWEYu80pxz70_-X0L9H9k50-EmNzI5PrBGiS9M2yMpiF9N-G96-aTvWC9kUDOV3rJVJ2eFfbAhQP0Ju8qyWbM20QrSQTB_cu54BmYmk/s320/IMG_3259.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">I know the picture is dark but I was trying to capture it in true fashion with the cozy lighting and Perry Como playing in the background.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We had a good Christmas this year, as we always do. We adopted the mantra this year of Something you want, need, read, and wear. We also then did a Santa gift(in addition to the 1 want) because didn't want all the fun stuff coming from Santa :)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_Yh5Yl6e-AgvxXzppRpNH1Wm2JDywQAJIvItstbD6VgzvjbKRyTrp-vtQ4-IBKSYQKvD4bWiPsNCoOsA3yI-ANxlJsDDMT-ejMM8Ce5lRYh7nUouXq9_nDCMXtwk4tvh93DdV_AvaSs/s1600/IMG_3258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_Yh5Yl6e-AgvxXzppRpNH1Wm2JDywQAJIvItstbD6VgzvjbKRyTrp-vtQ4-IBKSYQKvD4bWiPsNCoOsA3yI-ANxlJsDDMT-ejMM8Ce5lRYh7nUouXq9_nDCMXtwk4tvh93DdV_AvaSs/s320/IMG_3258.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">The Must do pose at the top of the stairs before seeing the goods.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I slept like a baby as I always do on Christmas Eve. In fact this year I think I almost felt bad about it, because I know so many who are restless all night because they are so excited! I guess I'm just tired.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkigTnTRuqcUJRuGa7b7Gd5jVEwrSbq_3fWIh_t-Ua3AEvpxF5UmWasn4Z3e_iBYu6IgjkTj4yQ3b8K1Iu6fUt1sVDNu0dz46Flb6Enwqh86_jFracbLIKglG1ld8GsCkhJBfwiHICuk/s1600/IMG_3263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkigTnTRuqcUJRuGa7b7Gd5jVEwrSbq_3fWIh_t-Ua3AEvpxF5UmWasn4Z3e_iBYu6IgjkTj4yQ3b8K1Iu6fUt1sVDNu0dz46Flb6Enwqh86_jFracbLIKglG1ld8GsCkhJBfwiHICuk/s320/IMG_3263.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3XuYXSMEENs5NxGS5BALPBX3-jryktkS-D7IKAMJkobInax5XZMeUJtid6wfhKVVU9jA053Y5J7vKBDH4H4QeD3YjPNcJ7ZfyRj70K5VyK16G0MUMpRUd8noq1oAgyYbg48qWi7ATGE/s1600/IMG_3261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3XuYXSMEENs5NxGS5BALPBX3-jryktkS-D7IKAMJkobInax5XZMeUJtid6wfhKVVU9jA053Y5J7vKBDH4H4QeD3YjPNcJ7ZfyRj70K5VyK16G0MUMpRUd8noq1oAgyYbg48qWi7ATGE/s320/IMG_3261.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">I think Ethan was surprised at his Bow and Arrow!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGEmahjqPSVcyzUWW8xMWR0Ag6_4wbZhKQFzwFVypKTNxSEGDsBC7tq1BXNcNtcDdXCSzT94P2A1BJuXzsNm3vwQSZXoQsLhl7koq4g5-vbgDUL6889oh4QpxYWtOJLrTqBl2-iVsKT8/s1600/IMG_3269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGEmahjqPSVcyzUWW8xMWR0Ag6_4wbZhKQFzwFVypKTNxSEGDsBC7tq1BXNcNtcDdXCSzT94P2A1BJuXzsNm3vwQSZXoQsLhl7koq4g5-vbgDUL6889oh4QpxYWtOJLrTqBl2-iVsKT8/s320/IMG_3269.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Jane kept asking for a "pony" for Christmas, and Santa delivered.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw7mbij-ec0Rvv572Zyn0ReUkE9rc6JAypmyNbTrR1dzyMLFkKWb7oDbj8ff_QBq-WhyGa3dLHx_DcgpHoROzVrtS1wDC1J4a97hWazGXvCCnkOSVtPWUkJB1TYYEc-Vh19BhnJP13CEg/s1600/IMG_3280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw7mbij-ec0Rvv572Zyn0ReUkE9rc6JAypmyNbTrR1dzyMLFkKWb7oDbj8ff_QBq-WhyGa3dLHx_DcgpHoROzVrtS1wDC1J4a97hWazGXvCCnkOSVtPWUkJB1TYYEc-Vh19BhnJP13CEg/s320/IMG_3280.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">A pretty cute cowgirl</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zrsTBk6dg0apWkJyjH-3ADrSEfcJvPQZE9c3imyjAjc0Ic2mbOLLc0l1AijWtTNU54FuUPs_Pgl6IBhvqCSSuwv6veKnbdOhu2Bx6Z-dgWT7VwHIphWZeHT7BeKvyxF_5_iCRMYkNSw/s1600/IMG_3287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zrsTBk6dg0apWkJyjH-3ADrSEfcJvPQZE9c3imyjAjc0Ic2mbOLLc0l1AijWtTNU54FuUPs_Pgl6IBhvqCSSuwv6veKnbdOhu2Bx6Z-dgWT7VwHIphWZeHT7BeKvyxF_5_iCRMYkNSw/s320/IMG_3287.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjvboTLh9vminHEjrHupEjCv0PmSAA64ypf2P56xY1unkGE9X55oBP56jYYKTP1Rk2mO74JGhcbEbG9Is6t_ldtm9FBfvnSR20_FU64VZVUiNjQg1CoDohEg2Uj4J0SiY9Ciwe0VoDak/s1600/IMG_3295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjvboTLh9vminHEjrHupEjCv0PmSAA64ypf2P56xY1unkGE9X55oBP56jYYKTP1Rk2mO74JGhcbEbG9Is6t_ldtm9FBfvnSR20_FU64VZVUiNjQg1CoDohEg2Uj4J0SiY9Ciwe0VoDak/s320/IMG_3295.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Some big excitement over a candy cane</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5kvj5OHvLI5LBhNPpCbiHqknHlNsTmfI2LKMN7One08XWmqST-cCxus3vPcOxjm7vQu6DvJmkigHD5rTArrI5av_6yjSW5kd-xT2z5ASzs2xdHFUMtlarnlAPU-Qv3-CFbb87JRwGixY/s1600/IMG_3274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5kvj5OHvLI5LBhNPpCbiHqknHlNsTmfI2LKMN7One08XWmqST-cCxus3vPcOxjm7vQu6DvJmkigHD5rTArrI5av_6yjSW5kd-xT2z5ASzs2xdHFUMtlarnlAPU-Qv3-CFbb87JRwGixY/s320/IMG_3274.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0G1O437a1wQ9zlwSIb0be1KepFdJNfUOV9NfupyLGTeZo7WfP0GTXXHW4solUrUObZAATKZzeU2T3yMua67D72O0BxnfzaIp-c750STh5k1xEtww_3YnAt9hbrOTWep0gbuFRyAI7Crk/s1600/IMG_3275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0G1O437a1wQ9zlwSIb0be1KepFdJNfUOV9NfupyLGTeZo7WfP0GTXXHW4solUrUObZAATKZzeU2T3yMua67D72O0BxnfzaIp-c750STh5k1xEtww_3YnAt9hbrOTWep0gbuFRyAI7Crk/s320/IMG_3275.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Kate was really funny this year and she only kept asking for "cowboy boots for my doll". She has a fake American girl doll and boots where all she wanted. How could Santa just bring some teeny tiny boots? So instead he also brought Kate a horse for her doll and her own cowgirl boots. When we were in Jersey Kate had some red cowgirl boots that she wore all. the. time. She loved those boots and we were sad when we had to retire them, so I was thrilled that Santa found her some new RED cowgirl boots.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjrZXAS-UNPVrE_ek1rFJlUYfEiTq2GRY1JMoB1kzmalNmP7DsFNMOt56Muv08prtGGv1A3yUatol3qyKHTzrBkM5soDNJkP_XZZRfO6GiSBsnEV2x_Kq7zhVtjlMVSvnUmOEf7jbEVc/s1600/IMG_3303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjrZXAS-UNPVrE_ek1rFJlUYfEiTq2GRY1JMoB1kzmalNmP7DsFNMOt56Muv08prtGGv1A3yUatol3qyKHTzrBkM5soDNJkP_XZZRfO6GiSBsnEV2x_Kq7zhVtjlMVSvnUmOEf7jbEVc/s320/IMG_3303.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Showing the new boots</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQwbkoqTA22syzmyFPq-EOZAIqBmZPSxNoOE8D73cqLvcvnaoBz_8Wofw8ZJ_Pqs-_zmadpG3SCTBkoDjKdm-RNJCLY_Ve8tGqp5pdmcjyYJERbYevn_5gND11S4otlPgrqiuAsO6At8/s1600/IMG_3276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQwbkoqTA22syzmyFPq-EOZAIqBmZPSxNoOE8D73cqLvcvnaoBz_8Wofw8ZJ_Pqs-_zmadpG3SCTBkoDjKdm-RNJCLY_Ve8tGqp5pdmcjyYJERbYevn_5gND11S4otlPgrqiuAsO6At8/s320/IMG_3276.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Anna is at a tricky age and wanted a laby which is like a kids ipad, but we have decided to try to put of the technology for as long as possible. They are kids and I want them to still have to be creative and not be plugged in until we absolutely have too. So instead of a Laby, Santa brought Anna Ruthie, another American girl doll. I was hesitant to buy buy these dolls but Anna <i>loves </i>her Julie doll that she got in New York for her 6th birthday. We figured Julie would love a friend.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG5pvkEGHilXBrRRteDa3JzGuUGtiuGw6D97Dm7_-kOPuyJQeD_qT08F3hmh7m4MyOxbrfjutt7hhE2-Hd0VMrfBSRBllaCEgpJy5_sheTfBu6YTK6IyRdJWLHafBGrb1JEdAQISQYKqg/s1600/IMG_3306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG5pvkEGHilXBrRRteDa3JzGuUGtiuGw6D97Dm7_-kOPuyJQeD_qT08F3hmh7m4MyOxbrfjutt7hhE2-Hd0VMrfBSRBllaCEgpJy5_sheTfBu6YTK6IyRdJWLHafBGrb1JEdAQISQYKqg/s320/IMG_3306.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxRJoZVNA6dmZZCT9Moj6mlupOSobZzxpgqy-bFn6LuKTjt-3Nk6VBj-gUzJU9I8STs1H4Jc4R_E42QMFD05853WxYRVBCRiQJKZ_XA5PsoKNxlW0F0eFwbDyQvWuX01-CCifci4vv6k/s1600/IMG_3328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxRJoZVNA6dmZZCT9Moj6mlupOSobZzxpgqy-bFn6LuKTjt-3Nk6VBj-gUzJU9I8STs1H4Jc4R_E42QMFD05853WxYRVBCRiQJKZ_XA5PsoKNxlW0F0eFwbDyQvWuX01-CCifci4vv6k/s320/IMG_3328.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I'm far to cheap to buy the "real" American girl stuff since the accessories all just get lost or broken anyway, so thankfully target had this darling kitchen that the dolls could play in. Anna spent all morning "organizing" her kitchen. Like mother like daughter.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbk9GvdqGV4a1_uXSiBoPOQlJyC9j-Vu0amhO-UvSGryyLzxnzCoBdzBUokJYEB0qw4uYgGB1WoPVDx1w84kBp_BJ7nNqpL9UGrB5AT-KWTvetoihOI43-uMo219nQcOCfeCaae1fmzao/s1600/IMG_3311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbk9GvdqGV4a1_uXSiBoPOQlJyC9j-Vu0amhO-UvSGryyLzxnzCoBdzBUokJYEB0qw4uYgGB1WoPVDx1w84kBp_BJ7nNqpL9UGrB5AT-KWTvetoihOI43-uMo219nQcOCfeCaae1fmzao/s320/IMG_3311.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
For the read I choose 3 books each for the kids. Picking the books is one of my favorite things to do. I research for days or even a week or so looking for the perfect books for each child. Since I'm not a big fan of "stuff", books save the day because they are something we all enjoy for many years and I never want to throw them away. It was really fun because as soon as Jane opened one book she climbed in my lap and wanted me to read it to her. Then another and another. I figure I want to give the kids things of value and I think trying to have them love books and reading is one of the best things we can do. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGiMPkz7gGxNATBBGUSMUOxudnlGD75xKvvRyBSDbpz-2ic_HKxEMFnW02Rsl5UWZIZ7Gq4pdZQkMKRj2QxgIDEMP1lL1Uv266NVz25lEh3SBBMX5rzM7Fi2-t86rSMgBaxkHbklj2sLk/s1600/IMG_3329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGiMPkz7gGxNATBBGUSMUOxudnlGD75xKvvRyBSDbpz-2ic_HKxEMFnW02Rsl5UWZIZ7Gq4pdZQkMKRj2QxgIDEMP1lL1Uv266NVz25lEh3SBBMX5rzM7Fi2-t86rSMgBaxkHbklj2sLk/s320/IMG_3329.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
In addition to Ethan's bow and arrow, he also got a wii game.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjvSAGabBd_Jx6oNYFc2kVZFGnpgdLzObYXpdaTZYoEOOQ1sS0QKuDSKpmUXaTTQZcrHyLvrbdiZb1MQAjB0jdu7pY1e8qeoFK_1smiresJEJiKlPo7CyLgPXLPWk1HIQwP879QkSwGo/s1600/IMG_3331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjvSAGabBd_Jx6oNYFc2kVZFGnpgdLzObYXpdaTZYoEOOQ1sS0QKuDSKpmUXaTTQZcrHyLvrbdiZb1MQAjB0jdu7pY1e8qeoFK_1smiresJEJiKlPo7CyLgPXLPWk1HIQwP879QkSwGo/s320/IMG_3331.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4UdvYan9vwk_HNpVhk8HrdddpvdYPO_KAa5alC__DxYhY2y1gyKGasFo2kv87FFVi9JE6teSO1EQwynvwUOP04Qj17rPE9ajPp42cfBMJ7uvX81MW32OZz_vqbY4J4WDgi-M2ZxjBvkI/s1600/IMG_3277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4UdvYan9vwk_HNpVhk8HrdddpvdYPO_KAa5alC__DxYhY2y1gyKGasFo2kv87FFVi9JE6teSO1EQwynvwUOP04Qj17rPE9ajPp42cfBMJ7uvX81MW32OZz_vqbY4J4WDgi-M2ZxjBvkI/s320/IMG_3277.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Funny Story: Naturally Ethan wanted to try his Bow out. Rand took Ethan out in our "backyard", to give it a try. Apparently one of his arrows went right above the target and ...Thru THE FENCE. It got stuck at the feathers, but we now have a nice "peep hole" in the fence. I guess it was good for us to learn early on how powerful the bow actually is. Now they practice in a much more open area away from people, and fences!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilM2UT9JtyDYcLjQcdDCoTrHDmmIdyef0E46Iy2cBRjx1LzqT0_zjOCm83CgtnAfvuv_4aUTaKyQgOM5fLcQDKviOueryQaniODFXi_51ixlileljB1XCEg3OwLAoNi_WVaTxkadnxl-o/s1600/IMG_3288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilM2UT9JtyDYcLjQcdDCoTrHDmmIdyef0E46Iy2cBRjx1LzqT0_zjOCm83CgtnAfvuv_4aUTaKyQgOM5fLcQDKviOueryQaniODFXi_51ixlileljB1XCEg3OwLAoNi_WVaTxkadnxl-o/s320/IMG_3288.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
For our "need" this year we all got 72 hour kits. instead of giving the kids their kits I just wrapped up each of their headlamps. For the "wear", I bought the girls a cute sweater/sweatshirt, and much needed new jeans/pants, and Ethan requested some all weather moccasin shoes.<br />
<br />
After opening presents and having a little something to eat, we went over to my parents for our traditional Christmas brunch with all my siblings and their families. This is one of my favorite things about Christmas because it's the same tradition that we had growing up and it says Christmas to me.<br />
<br />
One of the really fun surprises at my parents house was that my Mom surprised all the men by buying them tickets to a major league baseball game in April in San Francisco. Mark, lives in San Francisco so it will be fun for all the boys, meaning Dad, my brothers, Rand and the only 2 grandsons Ethan and and a cousin Calvin just a year older than him. Mom gave the boys their tickets with a baseball hat and a box of cracker jacks. Last year, my got tickets for all the boys to go to a BYU football game at the new stadium in Dallas. Ethan was SO excited to be lumped in with the "men" last year, staying in a hotel, and eating at good restaurants. I think this kind of gift that makes such a special memory are the very best kind and I'm so excited for them.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpRvKceM4f0TjX6Yf-1hZ2wyphrYx5T9tQBFfXnr5GUe7ah92BzZJaqao1wUAUs0-HLpjXFEfzuewY06_dy-U-2XbM0LqMl2gX-RLUb9532SsDj1Hxvz_x4edE_j6NmblIk5v_8_Qog0U/s1600/IMG_3973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpRvKceM4f0TjX6Yf-1hZ2wyphrYx5T9tQBFfXnr5GUe7ah92BzZJaqao1wUAUs0-HLpjXFEfzuewY06_dy-U-2XbM0LqMl2gX-RLUb9532SsDj1Hxvz_x4edE_j6NmblIk5v_8_Qog0U/s320/IMG_3973.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">This is Ethan sporting his new hat. We told him he could wear it but not like Bieber or a gangsta...<br />
<br />
After my parents we went over to the Wilson's house and ate some good soup and exchanged gifts. We were the only ones over there at the time so it was nice to just sit and talk with Rand's parents and enjoy the afternoon. The kids were getting worn out and wanted to get home to play with their presents we we got home about 5 or so.<br />
<br />
In previous years I have felt like Christmas night is a bit of a downer because we are home by dinner everybody's tired but the day is all over basically after all the work and stress and preparation for months. This year I had one gift left to unwrap and it was the movie "Brave". It was perfect because we sat together as a family and watched it and the kids were able to play if they wanted too. the kids were in bed at almost their normal bedtime and Rand not far after. Admittedly I stayed up late just not quite ready to admit that Christmas this year was all done for. I think for the Mom's who do most (all) the work it's a little hard to just say, "well, I guess that was it!"<br />
<br />
Humorsly though, by the next morning I was ready for Christmas to be over so down went the tree and all the decorations. I LOVE how bare the house looks when it's all gone. The Christmas decor is beautiful and fun but in time the extra clutter makes me crazy. The bare house feels like a new start for a New Year, just the way I like it.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ashlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04294410464755771961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140971833833125812.post-37579661893602205562013-01-03T13:17:00.000-05:002013-01-03T13:17:14.787-05:00New Years Day, Hip, hip hooray!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisySDmQq_BnBZuq-aIl2ydxFtUr0ARH-_-WmOqAHagtn1sJNZq-WrskN97vQvh3j5R_y_1btRTPCaEnw2ZOZHvqq9BRTuWIaGXhxe2iuzAPfhxCb_jfzMlL_Bx3Xla-s1GCAUYWaPcqw/s1600/IMG_4009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisySDmQq_BnBZuq-aIl2ydxFtUr0ARH-_-WmOqAHagtn1sJNZq-WrskN97vQvh3j5R_y_1btRTPCaEnw2ZOZHvqq9BRTuWIaGXhxe2iuzAPfhxCb_jfzMlL_Bx3Xla-s1GCAUYWaPcqw/s320/IMG_4009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
When we were at Aspen Grove this summer, some "neighbors" of ours had made home-made hot air balloons and launched them one night. It was amazing. I told Rand that i really wanted to try it on our own sometime. Well, we bought the supplies to do it for my birthday a month later, but it just didn't happen since life just gets in the way. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-picasa-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJ0fYMMl2quNu0cdFO1yU-FHAfvmoWv3ZhICnewIoa7hDedAJNsTYjWG15S9OQGOoj9QyAIyM8XdDVXTFd3tPEkcMwp6OMPbBvzAinNydTAyIKS3DgO5c4nky7B_ZTGrM9CofCAquWA/s1600/IMG_4010.MOV"><param name="movie" value="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fredirector.googlevideo.com%2Fvideoplayback%3Fid%3D7277a9d48bf91171%26itag%3D18%26source%3Dpicasa%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%253Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1359828128%26sparams%3Did%2Citag%2Csource%2Cip%2Cipbits%2Cexpire%26signature%3DAD768FC9D152D0753933B6A0A650B87B10622C7D.4958BAB2892A08B4B591E88916982D64FBB1016C%26key%3Dlh1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fredirector.googlevideo.com%2Fvideoplayback%3Fid%3D7277a9d48bf91171%26itag%3D18%26source%3Dpicasa%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%253Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1359828128%26sparams%3Did%2Citag%2Csource%2Cip%2Cipbits%2Cexpire%26signature%3DAD768FC9D152D0753933B6A0A650B87B10622C7D.4958BAB2892A08B4B591E88916982D64FBB1016C%26key%3Dlh1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
Finally after Christmas and all the craziness was over we decided New Year's would be the perfect time for our first launch. We worked on the balloons on New Year's Eve and then launched them New Years day in the park behind my in-laws house. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh9r_gE0zPagzrQsXkglk585dOOIW5AHTff6zUyYqzX3P5ap_418tChyAmi9cgY2z96A0moGxp8VuUp_q87erP368d76QAIfInNTmJZsEELwNfGb0LKQjlKqVwA-nyRcfPMAoZDz5ptA/s1600/IMG_3379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh9r_gE0zPagzrQsXkglk585dOOIW5AHTff6zUyYqzX3P5ap_418tChyAmi9cgY2z96A0moGxp8VuUp_q87erP368d76QAIfInNTmJZsEELwNfGb0LKQjlKqVwA-nyRcfPMAoZDz5ptA/s320/IMG_3379.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
They worked even better than we expected, rising a 100 feet of more into the air. The only problem was the wind was blowing just ever so slightly and they became caught in the trees a few times and ultimately one landed on someone's roof where it will stay for a while I assume. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHs-cnOmGHEo0ty9U_dJZjWmt9yccwNm91Sj-dqsQRPw842wXWd3N2yZbDoe-mjFsRIFxs2fOlesDeCx4yuIUEaGPyumhPY72Su6f1f2nyPKOaYsvY43eIPcdt3INVSuTDHkAgcM8vKQ/s1600/IMG_4015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHs-cnOmGHEo0ty9U_dJZjWmt9yccwNm91Sj-dqsQRPw842wXWd3N2yZbDoe-mjFsRIFxs2fOlesDeCx4yuIUEaGPyumhPY72Su6f1f2nyPKOaYsvY43eIPcdt3INVSuTDHkAgcM8vKQ/s320/IMG_4015.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHXHigQeViWkVbmDtJtdpsR-ExNJ_nosUbbbcnmpY7DzHr8V4pjPJ7l-B7QOzmdVK7pLw0g_Rzj8jmZjc8AA6_cNqHZHCgOj9-XaCwBIPIiW9-y02Oy7gw3hhe_refmgjj8Plv3ZvD7A/s1600/IMG_4019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHXHigQeViWkVbmDtJtdpsR-ExNJ_nosUbbbcnmpY7DzHr8V4pjPJ7l-B7QOzmdVK7pLw0g_Rzj8jmZjc8AA6_cNqHZHCgOj9-XaCwBIPIiW9-y02Oy7gw3hhe_refmgjj8Plv3ZvD7A/s320/IMG_4019.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJgDbAhWqDr68hK7Wro3v2e-6M5gSsmTN-bzylbUPkjcmlrqYxV6cdkoCKlJIS__DCi0p0LUbC0VaXihyphenhyphenNFIKAy5u9E2wHauKxEgOXiu6610dJ8Z8LRbVy7B6bM9OpTmNei0rhn5ToTg/s1600/IMG_3358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJgDbAhWqDr68hK7Wro3v2e-6M5gSsmTN-bzylbUPkjcmlrqYxV6cdkoCKlJIS__DCi0p0LUbC0VaXihyphenhyphenNFIKAy5u9E2wHauKxEgOXiu6610dJ8Z8LRbVy7B6bM9OpTmNei0rhn5ToTg/s320/IMG_3358.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsC5aS49zy73Po2-BOsdEIersIScp-dxNYC5yHrvBWHEbzgi0LE5_D3v10BYanpCxp-x62dkCIru-ZLBLCFtEulli-GyqPHvrN2MsWk1Io3n81goXv0FwAGnOgPYkaevZmTXczi2atGA/s1600/IMG_3369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsC5aS49zy73Po2-BOsdEIersIScp-dxNYC5yHrvBWHEbzgi0LE5_D3v10BYanpCxp-x62dkCIru-ZLBLCFtEulli-GyqPHvrN2MsWk1Io3n81goXv0FwAGnOgPYkaevZmTXczi2atGA/s320/IMG_3369.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
The kids thought it was so cool as you can see the awe in Jane's face here. Between the 2 balloons we probably launched at least 15-20 times. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvA3EbVTvUScbsSS_WVwqYxq_92uluCm_aGwjQ8moiG-yDy5ZChUWOPCQY2u1Qw4pNGRO7uPxupnvSxkzteCYyp0DKqlKtcRvFhaqDCWf8LWAfBQyR2hW4Cvjsipw8MpYTVNGQ6jnY1A/s1600/IMG_3380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvA3EbVTvUScbsSS_WVwqYxq_92uluCm_aGwjQ8moiG-yDy5ZChUWOPCQY2u1Qw4pNGRO7uPxupnvSxkzteCYyp0DKqlKtcRvFhaqDCWf8LWAfBQyR2hW4Cvjsipw8MpYTVNGQ6jnY1A/s320/IMG_3380.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVGQGVpfukzg31bLwiHKsLdG6TD08Dvy9jH4expqOEZjUhX9wQFdPBWb72Cci4aLY2TQXKz6u1Ji1iKd-J176G3MqoPfc1AFyegg16zc7mrgCnCWy6aGb-Z0GTjfVoYjwmN4PmTdhqg/s1600/IMG_3366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVGQGVpfukzg31bLwiHKsLdG6TD08Dvy9jH4expqOEZjUhX9wQFdPBWb72Cci4aLY2TQXKz6u1Ji1iKd-J176G3MqoPfc1AFyegg16zc7mrgCnCWy6aGb-Z0GTjfVoYjwmN4PmTdhqg/s320/IMG_3366.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyHdUonkgLedhSCZDQ0Xh72xj6St5jYpW36RnZvT5MIVNcympZcgM_14aw0ti8VK6itoVLyJQegf6-3AB6tcH-Iy06qxXh7sHfLGWaOru_yRTuXbbq0ZVl0Hp0-2gV8omBaXcED4stw/s1600/IMG_3374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyHdUonkgLedhSCZDQ0Xh72xj6St5jYpW36RnZvT5MIVNcympZcgM_14aw0ti8VK6itoVLyJQegf6-3AB6tcH-Iy06qxXh7sHfLGWaOru_yRTuXbbq0ZVl0Hp0-2gV8omBaXcED4stw/s320/IMG_3374.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The kids (and Rand) also thought it was fun to chase them down as they descended. That, and we didn't want them to get ripped or wet so we could fly them again. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3UjOFVDqeZ9riNIUS-TLfrtB7UB8mSDLnWzhUZ7gzGEa9rrPoaBAKx9l2y1RlopZF3rvhN8_Ok7DjgwQzntQXtCN7jqoeobhFzkqwY2fx7vU63zXhqJUbVm2ag_B64qv-557TvRXpXw/s1600/IMG_3368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3UjOFVDqeZ9riNIUS-TLfrtB7UB8mSDLnWzhUZ7gzGEa9rrPoaBAKx9l2y1RlopZF3rvhN8_Ok7DjgwQzntQXtCN7jqoeobhFzkqwY2fx7vU63zXhqJUbVm2ag_B64qv-557TvRXpXw/s320/IMG_3368.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3PPQ3q2fE6ujoLE1ySeBklShkRh6Zk4AMqqy-sxLqqHsaYftdzgqJXi7MFGeusoq3P0wEDX7FavHFIrZfYcA7HBD_mreRqOo2ue0agjcO2rC_RQWgxJ1qv49BkKgGXrJ6To4PbZ5Dyw/s1600/IMG_3375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3PPQ3q2fE6ujoLE1ySeBklShkRh6Zk4AMqqy-sxLqqHsaYftdzgqJXi7MFGeusoq3P0wEDX7FavHFIrZfYcA7HBD_mreRqOo2ue0agjcO2rC_RQWgxJ1qv49BkKgGXrJ6To4PbZ5Dyw/s320/IMG_3375.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5jFJv8dIJoDJTG6VGCrRbMRGmxScG-bbnAOheK1IQ4WuXwD0hUo1RGQdiJpmz2CBjlHNW-_ROGst24OWWAcbXDqHY1tYMt9Taceeh61J6FrwrkT4SiSxv9Xravg20xzB_73wfttnqQ/s1600/IMG_3386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5jFJv8dIJoDJTG6VGCrRbMRGmxScG-bbnAOheK1IQ4WuXwD0hUo1RGQdiJpmz2CBjlHNW-_ROGst24OWWAcbXDqHY1tYMt9Taceeh61J6FrwrkT4SiSxv9Xravg20xzB_73wfttnqQ/s320/IMG_3386.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
This is my favorite red and yellow one stuck on a neighbors roof-bummer<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW1QqsKKKUrhaysQXC_Yxnmw-v6h-I9D15gJy1javb6JQNvTRntddFGIZE-1cnc9ceBYAvvBCmC26qEVxzJYGmaELz0tG4UXtcalLj2yM5sJxVaggZFRUK6EA_IZfxe95-16lkxPpTNA/s1600/IMG_3388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW1QqsKKKUrhaysQXC_Yxnmw-v6h-I9D15gJy1javb6JQNvTRntddFGIZE-1cnc9ceBYAvvBCmC26qEVxzJYGmaELz0tG4UXtcalLj2yM5sJxVaggZFRUK6EA_IZfxe95-16lkxPpTNA/s320/IMG_3388.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
After the kids did a little sledding we came inside because it was just too cold to be out for long. Thankfully Grandma served us up some hot cocoa with real live whip cream on top. Can't beat it. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqJjmafU_uq8BapoUmblzzrPmLO5zO0cAPy61aJmm74w6GmNT-F5wMCZJvwvv8GlZ_t_IVwMiTHSkLwxrSHCa-jvxaby_-d-Pf-xBvUj63XJ0JLZhXIpKhOB0paWf0_jNt7_r7vQIeQ/s1600/IMG_3392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqJjmafU_uq8BapoUmblzzrPmLO5zO0cAPy61aJmm74w6GmNT-F5wMCZJvwvv8GlZ_t_IVwMiTHSkLwxrSHCa-jvxaby_-d-Pf-xBvUj63XJ0JLZhXIpKhOB0paWf0_jNt7_r7vQIeQ/s320/IMG_3392.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
It was a really fun activity to do with the kids and honestly kind of a symbolic start to our year. In my mind it was us watching our bright hopes and future for the New Year rising up into the beautiful clean blue sky. Not a bad way to start 2013 off, not bad at all. Ashlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04294410464755771961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140971833833125812.post-73260369361707330922012-12-05T11:02:00.001-05:002016-10-06T12:28:54.945-04:00Stomach FluThe bug has hit our house and it's been a weird one. Jane and I were sick basically the same day (Randall's birthday-huge bummer) then nobody for a week, then it was Anna, and now 4 days later it's poor Kate's turn. I had just come home from the gym this morning, when Kate came down fussing. I said to Randall "Does she look green?" I've always heard that but never really seen that for myself, sure enough she laid on our bed and suddenly started vomiting. Awesome. I put her in the tub and threw our bedding in the washing machine- I love my washing machine. <br />
<br />
Poor little thing has nothing in her tummy but just keeps heaving and heaving. Thankfully I had some help today with a friend taking Ethan to school and another friend running to the store for me to pick up the "sick necessities", like ginger-ale, crackers, and soup. <br />
<br />
Hopefully this illness will be short lived like it has been for the rest of us. I'm just worried because Rand's company party is Friday and I really don't want to miss it, but Ethan and Rand have yet to get it. <br />
<br />
I've washed all the towels and bedding, wiped doorknobs and light switches, cleaned bathroom numerous times, but it just seem with the stomach bug it just usually makes the rounds. Bummer. Ashlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04294410464755771961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140971833833125812.post-46815722355937551042012-12-04T13:12:00.001-05:002012-12-05T11:02:36.237-05:00Time FliesI can't believe how long it's been since I posted. On Sunday a teacher remarked how important it is for us to keep a journal. I suddenly remember that this place is my journal and it's important to keep a record of my family. <br />
<br />
Life has been busy lately. It seems like it just gets more so each day somehow. I am staying afloat but some days I feel like just barely, and that things like this blog just aren't/can't be a priority. But, when I remember the purpose here is to document what's going on in our home with or without pictures and that it's not a place to impress or entertain anyone I suddenly feel a renewed excitement and desire to visit here more often. So, if anyone actually still reads this and suddenly realizes it's changed it's "tone" and there are a lot more spelling and editing errors, so be it.<br />
<br />
That being said, here's life in a nutshell.<br />
<br />
Rand- Rand hit his 5 year mark with Adobe mid November. I can't tell you what a blessing his job has been for us. He is constantly being challenged and his responsibilities changing and he loves that. He can not be bored intellectually and I love that about him. It's important for him to continue to grow and be challenged. He is someone who will work until he figures it out, I wish I could same the same for me. <br />
<br />
Me- I am staying busy with just the day to day stuff. At times I don't understand why I'm so busy and that nothings really changed but I guess just planing, shopping for and making meals, staying on top of laundry and house work, and running from piano, ballet, scouts, activity days and many, many doctor appointments recently then it's fairly easy to see where my time is taken up. I'm so incredibly grateful that we can afford to live on one income and that I get to be home with the kids full time. I know what a rare thing that is these days. I loved being a dental hygienist and was even asked to sub in my office in November but I told them I just couldn't make that work. I felt bad about it initially and was a bit sad because I truly love that part of my life... I like feeling like I am more than "just Mom", and I love interacting with patients and staff, but right now I'm glad I'm available to run my kids here and there and everywhere. I have to say that for whatever reason this year especially I have had moments where I feel immensely blessed and overwhelmed with gratitude for all our blessings. My kids make me nuts at times and about 4 o'clock when I've just come home from picking Ethan up, which is at least a 30 minute round trip and the girls walk in the door, with someone often crying about something like getting a 15 and half out of 16 on a spelling test I want to cry myself. I am trying to keep Jane happy, make dinner, help Ethan with his math, "handle" Anna all the while trying to make sure I'm happy and pleasant when Randall walks in the door so that he's happy he's home once he gets there. And those are the days we don't have activities right after school that we are running off to. It's busy but it's all good things. <br />
<br />
Ethan- Poor kid has had a rough few months. His cast FINALLY came off after 8 weeks and boy was his poor little arm weak. His muscles were not only weak but there was a lot of scar tissue built up from his surgery so it took some time to work with that to have him have normal mobility. After all of that I realized that his coughing all night that was keeping him and me up all night needed to be looked into. Ethan is the sweetest boy ever, but had just started getting up set at the drop of a hat and just ornery in general. I took him to the Dr. and they tested his lung capacity because of all of his coughing. He was supposed to be at a 347 and his capacity due to inflammation etc was down to 140. Admittedly a shed a few tears feeling so guilty that I hadn't brought him in sooner. They did some other testing and a few nebulizer treatments and gave us a weeks worth of steroids to get him better. Thankfully within a week he was improving tremendously and started sleeping through the night which made him a much nicer kid to get around. They have diagnosed him with Asthma and sent us to an allergist to see what was triggering all of this. We saw the allergist and after doing skin tests determined he is very allergic to grass, and cats and quite allergic to many trees and dogs. Nice! Truthfully I'm just grateful he doesn't have any food allergies. His exzema was doing great but recently flared up so back to the allergist we will go. I tell ya I don't know how parents with severely sick children keep on top of it all. We have spent so much time and money on Dr.'s and surgeries this year it's unbelievable. Yet again, I'm grateful it's something treatable and that he's doing and feeling so much better. There were times he would get so frustrated with his homework and say things like "I just can't think!" I told the Dr. that and she said he wasn't getting enough oxygen. I felt terrible but what do you do?<br />
<br />
One awesome thing is that Ethan finished reading The Book of Mormon on his own this past Sunday. His primary teacher in Jersey challenged the whole class to do it in January this year and he read like a champ while we were there. In the last few months he had tapered off quite a bit and I was sure he wouldn't be able to do it. In fact Saturday I told him I was disappointed he had come so far and wasn't going to finish. Sunday when he got up he announced to us that today was the day and he was going to finish. He read for 3 hours straight finishing off the last 26 chapters! I don't think he realizing what a big thing that it and how there are many who go on their missions without having done that. We are really proud of him and grateful for a good teacher who issued such a huge challenge. I spoke to her Sunday and she said all but 1 in the class (who is autistic) finished. That tells me our kids are capable and that we can expect great things from them, and can probably ask them to do more than we do.<br />
<br />
Anna- Anna is such a girl and is so into her hair these days. Thankfully she doesn't change her clothes a hundred times but she does and re does her hair a hundred times a day. We have instituted a family economy recently and she often doesn't get her pay for morning things because she is late to breakfast because she is still doing her hair, over and over, and then crying about how it isn't perfectly even etc. She is quite the perfectionist. Not sure where she gets that ;) Her temperament is better but she still has tantrums once in a while like a two year old would but I guess as long as there is progress we are happy. Anna is taking ballet with her cousin and she loves it. She is so long and lean and precise so she does a good job. I love to go and watch them dance. Even at her age, I think the movements and the music are so beautiful that it makes me happy to go and watch her. I think it's good for her to feel like she has something that is hers that she is good at. She has started into the "I'm stupid" phase which I don't like and can't decide half the time to just ignore it, or tell her she isn't or try to distract her to something else. I love Anna but she is one that keeps me awake at night worrying from time to time.<br />
<br />
Kate- Wow, is that girl ever an artist and creative. She is making or doing art constantly. She is good at drawing, painting and even making sculptures out of random objects or playdough. She even made a monster out of a pencil box the other day with opposing teeth an eye and eyebrow and then fish to throw into it's mouth to "chomp". it amazes me what she comes up with. This morning she made a penguin out of clay, a island for it to sit on and little eggs all around it, with little cracks in the eggs because they were "hatching". He eye for details is crazy and she can honestly draw better than I can (which isn't hard but she's good). She doesn't love school and that worries me a bit, but I think it's her teacher :( She is a recently single mom with 4 kids and this is her first year teaching. She just comes across and panicked and frazzled and not fun and stuff. Academics doesn't seem to be her thing just yet. Kate is extremely affectionate almost too much at times. She will come up and kiss me on the hip over and over and over until I'm like ok, thank you! She is still alittle sunshiny bright spot and easy going and just entertains herself. <br />
<br />
Jane- Jane was our bright spot until about 2 weeks ago. She got the stomache flu and hasn't been the same since. I'd like to think she was bitten by the terrible two's bug. I also think because she is generally so sweet that we tend to give her her way and spoil her a bit, so we are working on that. I think now she wasn't her way all the time everytime. She also wants to watch tv all the time and I don't let her and she's not too happy about that. She is as smart a whip, seriously freaky smart. Must get that from Rand. She potty trained herself in September and is dry now for all naps and night. She's pretty amazing and we call her our family mascot because we all just love and she usually so much fun it's like having a little pet with me all the time as my buddy. <br />
<br />
We have decided to build a house and have a great lot less than two miles from the new Adobe building. We are so excited about that. We break ground Feb 1st so we will see how all that goes. <br />
<br />
Never a dull moment!<br />
<br />
<br />Ashlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04294410464755771961noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140971833833125812.post-74838051119747239152012-09-23T14:34:00.003-04:002012-09-23T17:03:37.769-04:00Poor Kid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLOIdgBSHOLmGTX0tMVGJ49GsE4LZgEr6XQhR8FoAq2sYlwbVWL-TKsLwk40T0LxyDmTYlxK0Ku7-o_uQlpk24C3joWbwO6iHTPq93OkNAE0hF42XEHj0Eiz4gB1ZAIa7Q7T3GirFrUw/s1600/IMG_3338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLOIdgBSHOLmGTX0tMVGJ49GsE4LZgEr6XQhR8FoAq2sYlwbVWL-TKsLwk40T0LxyDmTYlxK0Ku7-o_uQlpk24C3joWbwO6iHTPq93OkNAE0hF42XEHj0Eiz4gB1ZAIa7Q7T3GirFrUw/s320/IMG_3338.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
September 4th was "the worst day of my life", said Ethan, and Friday September 21st after being in a cast for 3 weeks, we went back for our weekly visit to the orthopedist, and it quickly became "the 2nd worst day of my life", said Ethan, as it was then that we found out that Ethan would need surgery to pin the bone into the proper place so it would heal correctly.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70Iq2iuY7yR6PPA6lqE0CB0ywDWQy-4RisK6wr9wP6i-J7hBPCBGQ0OepCw7PpACH2M_d3bADi-aCyEj_9PoXjZmePSxw-UJNdgeZStGa3da5j62leQr_Zk7pNt3nC2h2ku4lg-wkjw/s1600/IMG_3355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70Iq2iuY7yR6PPA6lqE0CB0ywDWQy-4RisK6wr9wP6i-J7hBPCBGQ0OepCw7PpACH2M_d3bADi-aCyEj_9PoXjZmePSxw-UJNdgeZStGa3da5j62leQr_Zk7pNt3nC2h2ku4lg-wkjw/s320/IMG_3355.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Friday when we received the news Ethan wasn't thrilled, but he handled it pretty well. We figured we may as well make it festive so we took the family to Red Robin Friday to um... celebrate? We also bought him yet another book, one of his favorite things to help him in his recovery.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdT-151DDdNO1-07uaLKxss3WKP9WEM8L95NwDhZt8k3Dvft8Ggy3D0ptBCXucM0SoRlvd4OD7yTUkPRBRumi6nKenatI4KaAsV1lqoQs7k3mzwZZpX_m9SRh14hkV2vFYoxPgSCV5zw/s1600/IMG_3362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdT-151DDdNO1-07uaLKxss3WKP9WEM8L95NwDhZt8k3Dvft8Ggy3D0ptBCXucM0SoRlvd4OD7yTUkPRBRumi6nKenatI4KaAsV1lqoQs7k3mzwZZpX_m9SRh14hkV2vFYoxPgSCV5zw/s320/IMG_3362.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
He had be to the hospital by 6am so Randall took him while I stayed home with the girls thinking it wouldn't be an overly big deal and he would be home in a matter of a few hours. Sadly the bone had healed quite a bit but not in the right way, so they had to do a deep incision through the muscle down to the bone, then re-break the bone and pin it in two places to hold it together correctly. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZRODsEzOA86K4vO1QIyGO4PAwq7wstyN5nf9Z-4i8lvjWARONP-xsfVzaNHwVQbgQy-TkdKYSBV_qXGklkiMkJRWPx_GTtGHuDQq8sL9kVVy-HM6R-Wh-X9bfilI0is5l8QB8WPgDg/s1600/IMG_3365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZRODsEzOA86K4vO1QIyGO4PAwq7wstyN5nf9Z-4i8lvjWARONP-xsfVzaNHwVQbgQy-TkdKYSBV_qXGklkiMkJRWPx_GTtGHuDQq8sL9kVVy-HM6R-Wh-X9bfilI0is5l8QB8WPgDg/s320/IMG_3365.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
You can see from the x-ray what they did. If you look at the bone toward the top it doesn't look all that great and straight either but they feel like it's healing completely fine so you can imagine how bad the other bone looked before it was pinned.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMm2WwxaGFTTXKbGkBrzxesPv8M3ACdqfZLN0_noGYtDY9j6vQXVahXdSgyLpzboeci04SnJQf5riZvcf1gRq_nSnwMoKa806lk4jfTakVynDWWV25qtbIx1aIitcQjPo7Rl_pCtgQzg/s1600/IMG_3366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMm2WwxaGFTTXKbGkBrzxesPv8M3ACdqfZLN0_noGYtDY9j6vQXVahXdSgyLpzboeci04SnJQf5riZvcf1gRq_nSnwMoKa806lk4jfTakVynDWWV25qtbIx1aIitcQjPo7Rl_pCtgQzg/s320/IMG_3366.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
Because the surgery was more extensive and involved than they were planning, there was a lot more pain involved. AND Ethan was only heavily sedated to have his arm set the first time so this was his first time with general anesthesia, and he did NOT do well. When he came to recovery he was in a lot of pain and was horribly nauseated. Of course he had not eaten in preparation for the surgery but he just kept throwing up. He was one sick little amigo. Because of this he had to be taken up to the pediatric floor to be monitored for several hours. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsHjX_6JnD1MEYW6SQJRKYxm8y64b1UA1hh52tofmGLvMXuqqXqlj68RyF85CJxHyp5Qmc0IXdtNkVurL5ce7x59al2A78DOFw2hQ2JDMK0LOn3RGNocsglh8TiejLiAg39u6O7jmfA/s1600/IMG_3367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsHjX_6JnD1MEYW6SQJRKYxm8y64b1UA1hh52tofmGLvMXuqqXqlj68RyF85CJxHyp5Qmc0IXdtNkVurL5ce7x59al2A78DOFw2hQ2JDMK0LOn3RGNocsglh8TiejLiAg39u6O7jmfA/s320/IMG_3367.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
Thankfully at this point my Mom offered to come sit with the girls so I could go up and be with him also. He didn't seem to care to much when I got there but he was still not a very happy camper. Thankfully they got his pain under control and after another dose or 2 of Zofran they were also able to get the nausea under control... well so we thought. <br />
<br />
Finally a few hours after I arrived he was able to settle in and sleep hard for about an hour. It was after that he finally turned a corner and was able to eat a few crackers and a bit of a roll, hold down some liquid and go to the bathroom. All things he had to do in order to be discharged. He was still looking green and was weak but we were anxious to get him home. <br />
<br />
He seemed to be doing ok at home and was able to eat a few more crackers and some soda so we were feeling encouraged when bed time came. To bad as we sat him up to get him to bed her threw up everything he had finally ingested including his pain meds we had given him just minutes earlier. <br />
<br />
Thankfully a good friend of ours came to help Randall give Ethan a blessing of comfort and healing. It was a really sweet experience watching both men kneel by his bedside and bless him with comfort. The little girls knelt down too and listened quietly. After our friend left Ethan asked if I would just stay in his room with him for awhile. It was really sweet to talk with him quietly and rub his legs and feet to try to get him to relax. Sadly Ethan being the oldest and such a sweet and easy kid I think he often doesn't get the time and attention he deserves, so it was nice to just be with him quietly alone for a little while. It was then that he thanked me for coming to the hospital to be with him. It was a strange thing to watch him lying in the bed rubbing his long legs wondering how the time has passed so quickly and here he is this big boy. Thankfully it wasn't long after that he was able to settle in and fall asleep. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeLn9yV4S0zz3uNqWu6OGFSWNaSg155_RyxDiNOHBX2FSYIOnncC-MJZif5UGFKHtjasOftQ7bqy2-yLn-exoBhRA92rtjWln68Eck7whqZi7UGDFFsD6ZxEfbnirs-IQlevBz2vjyCQ/s1600/IMG_3372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeLn9yV4S0zz3uNqWu6OGFSWNaSg155_RyxDiNOHBX2FSYIOnncC-MJZif5UGFKHtjasOftQ7bqy2-yLn-exoBhRA92rtjWln68Eck7whqZi7UGDFFsD6ZxEfbnirs-IQlevBz2vjyCQ/s320/IMG_3372.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
When I was leaving Ethan's room last night I saw this note Anna wrote to Ethan taped to his door. It reads : To: Ethan Wilson, I am sorry you had to have "srgry" love, Anna. I thought that was so sweet of her. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGWZ1GPZKI6zXeMR8BvTRzPlFCHFzPRAidHfRFF2CzullxnGWoQzlmu-L3RNhiWPIuN5ebxhVxscFYO6ov4ZVJ54prb5LWfKtVApKAHz9s9b1mXBGLuRhXJxC5z3-a4DuPPGxnRCzkw/s1600/IMG_3368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGWZ1GPZKI6zXeMR8BvTRzPlFCHFzPRAidHfRFF2CzullxnGWoQzlmu-L3RNhiWPIuN5ebxhVxscFYO6ov4ZVJ54prb5LWfKtVApKAHz9s9b1mXBGLuRhXJxC5z3-a4DuPPGxnRCzkw/s320/IMG_3368.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Today he is no longer throwing up, is eating a little and can move a round just a bit. He will definitely be missing school tomorrow and after that we will just have to see. Despite all of this he has yet again been as sweet as ever. He did ask me the other day "why God had given him this trial", and so we had a good conversation about that. I told him that God thinks he's strong and so he knows he can handle this. We are just grateful the worst is over (I hope) and he is on the road to recovery. He will be in his soft splint until Friday when he is put in a hard cast and then we will check everything including the pins a month later to see how we are doing. <br />
<br />
I wish I could say this is the last of our hospital time, but Randall gets to have a little hernia surgery on Thursday, so wish us luck!Ashlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04294410464755771961noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140971833833125812.post-63523947459202684802012-09-09T18:27:00.002-04:002012-09-09T20:14:56.715-04:00Broken Bone(s)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1a9grNpD4fQDbi5P8jr81jguwJYaqsHNukZfFPVNMblWvgLDQMsjLqGTLZp0A5MIot3MDaCvIkkczPGZLYqJDrNTdKqWvXFcbIIa1f8LMm6lSwBXu_egE0MNryqbCXVP_yr67jhpkJA/s1600/IMG_3259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1a9grNpD4fQDbi5P8jr81jguwJYaqsHNukZfFPVNMblWvgLDQMsjLqGTLZp0A5MIot3MDaCvIkkczPGZLYqJDrNTdKqWvXFcbIIa1f8LMm6lSwBXu_egE0MNryqbCXVP_yr67jhpkJA/s320/IMG_3259.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
Tuesday night Ethan had a late football game, so I decided to stay home and get the girls to bed. At one point in the night I called Rand at the game to tell him that Kate had fallen off our bed and wouldn't stop crying and her arm was limp from the shoulder down, and I was worried it was broken. Thankfully just a bit later I called him back to say it had been a false alarm and she was fine. <br />
<br />
You can imagine my surprise when about 15 minutes later Rand called to tell me Ethan had broken his arm. I asked how he knew for sure and he said you could tell by looking at it. I knew that couldn't be good. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhneNl7uH7jJiUmkv1NjZOq7Wa2d6TpJ047XhoSRaeDYyJvoJIYwpfRC5afDv1vNnfOySfbgnCi1SogYi_1F1LldB6f8de9a2kg6QQpLyp7APdxAEK8J0x_eIMtbgt0C9Yy8rNRJfIiFA/s1600/IMG_3264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhneNl7uH7jJiUmkv1NjZOq7Wa2d6TpJ047XhoSRaeDYyJvoJIYwpfRC5afDv1vNnfOySfbgnCi1SogYi_1F1LldB6f8de9a2kg6QQpLyp7APdxAEK8J0x_eIMtbgt0C9Yy8rNRJfIiFA/s320/IMG_3264.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Rand rushed home to grab the insurance card and Ethan looked like he was going into shock and I was a bit worried. I initially thought I would stay home with the girls now asleep in bed, knowing there was really nothing I could do. After a few minutes I was going crazy, and knew I couldn't just stay at home and wait, especially if he ended up needing surgery, so I asked one friend to sit with the kids and another to take me up to the ER. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpnN9zD6qGPMH7W4lKQHtYMIvW7h2gJ3myN_NsLdjLdYqpySvLXen7Vj5OJcWqVxbO0RSvIEbABl1gndYfC7kgzJTiqLG96O9m1G3QTJxe_KyEcScpkcyFZ9i4bqpDwiYJQJRpA7vQg/s1600/IMG_3263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpnN9zD6qGPMH7W4lKQHtYMIvW7h2gJ3myN_NsLdjLdYqpySvLXen7Vj5OJcWqVxbO0RSvIEbABl1gndYfC7kgzJTiqLG96O9m1G3QTJxe_KyEcScpkcyFZ9i4bqpDwiYJQJRpA7vQg/s320/IMG_3263.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
(These pictures don't really do it justice on how "wonky" it really looked) Thankfully they got him right in and my Father in law came in just before me to help Randall give Ethan a priesthood blessing. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5eaGfkqpujYH5I3Vq0ybfR_kkj08e-HNRZYUFYoiNv_TLfibqO9WK4bRj8K8Plpivpz80I6WEoVZF0OZbgFmK1GyJHOqh9AYQ654Yp1GWcB2rPfeaBTtAQ127hyphenhyphenKvHZC4K9jY9GBzFw/s1600/IMG_3265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5eaGfkqpujYH5I3Vq0ybfR_kkj08e-HNRZYUFYoiNv_TLfibqO9WK4bRj8K8Plpivpz80I6WEoVZF0OZbgFmK1GyJHOqh9AYQ654Yp1GWcB2rPfeaBTtAQ127hyphenhyphenKvHZC4K9jY9GBzFw/s320/IMG_3265.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I couldn't believe what a champ Ethan was. By the time I arrived he was no longer crying and was talking and still. He was hurting pretty badly and it wasn't long before they gave him an IV and administered him some morphine. The nurse had a hard time getting the vein to accept the needle because apparently veins clamp down when you go into shock as Ethan had. Ethan didn't cry on the initial poke, nor as she fished around waiting for the needle to go into the vein. Randall had to step out of the room at this point since he does not do well with needles and blood so I was glad that I was there. <br />
<br />
I guess a boy on the opposite team kept playing really rough and threw Ethan down and Ethan tried to brace himself and it broke the radius and ulna a few inches above the wrist, thankfully missing the wrist and growth plates. The break was really bad on the x-rays but at least we were able to avoid surgery. They did have to heavily sedate him and have an orthopedist set it. Ethan did well during the sedation, but was still fighting the staff quite a bit. They asked us to stand outside the room while they set it and it was funny to hear them saying things like "settle down cowboy". Apprently he was kicking pretty hard and the staff said next time they would think to remove his football cleats before the procedure :) <br />
<br />
When he came out of the sedation, that was the worst part. He was shaking so badly but wasn't cold and was thrashing around a lot. He kept wanting to sit up and they kept asking him to lie down. Finally he yelled out that his nose itched, and once they let him itch his nose he calmed right down. That became quite the joke that if his nose itched, by golly, let him itch it! <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVEUonYbrZsiYhEe1SlAywmuGCujDZKjfA9LblzjDh0KVgGJQU1C1__9U3BP7xeVLRpc9dzE4NJZVqbjTIC2yJ7BefRIgX9eQeY533jR5m_N1vY8ZIFGnWBInVkcq97WQENlMVQ53ruA/s1600/IMG_3267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVEUonYbrZsiYhEe1SlAywmuGCujDZKjfA9LblzjDh0KVgGJQU1C1__9U3BP7xeVLRpc9dzE4NJZVqbjTIC2yJ7BefRIgX9eQeY533jR5m_N1vY8ZIFGnWBInVkcq97WQENlMVQ53ruA/s320/IMG_3267.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was about 1:30 am leaving the ER- he was in amazingly good spirits</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While we waited in the ER for radiology and the various things Randall took Ethan's mind off his arm by telling him all about The Hobbit, a family favorite on the Wilson side. Ethan was so excited about it and kept asking for Rand to tell him more. Grandpa and Grandma Wilson brought him the hobbit to read and he's really excited about it. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhu383YwI3MM14CZqMc3KrZxEJqvNfb1nD_pJMzhgT6y4V5s-cBIOKYZnUXUKP3bshMh_GRZvpWHTn62IXgiG9xGrdhZEfK80Op4ywaSqpyXuLSAblV57WfVokB4r3o63Sl_AfndAI9A/s1600/IMG_3268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhu383YwI3MM14CZqMc3KrZxEJqvNfb1nD_pJMzhgT6y4V5s-cBIOKYZnUXUKP3bshMh_GRZvpWHTn62IXgiG9xGrdhZEfK80Op4ywaSqpyXuLSAblV57WfVokB4r3o63Sl_AfndAI9A/s320/IMG_3268.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUIZ6VPqZ_6TXHyKkXWWTnC3QuQ1X6SSVgLE3zpfDS-5MqARE-CKdl59gNHf7F9GOSLM9GCETrltgUmX3SkTpmsic_Nnwq7DaAp3lb-zlazqmUIIqdQxxVDCysIA3AC4H6-bfKsgBvwQ/s1600/IMG_3269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUIZ6VPqZ_6TXHyKkXWWTnC3QuQ1X6SSVgLE3zpfDS-5MqARE-CKdl59gNHf7F9GOSLM9GCETrltgUmX3SkTpmsic_Nnwq7DaAp3lb-zlazqmUIIqdQxxVDCysIA3AC4H6-bfKsgBvwQ/s320/IMG_3269.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
After the game his coaches and some of the players came to see him. Ethan is sad that he is missing the rest of the season, especially since they haven't lost yet, and will probably go to the championship.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPH1up2YJVgLJkXVUvaAoq3TXd8nSfA774hA-tQaPFYs9prN-yZYwzS9fs5eg3gETiHHxg6K1bkUjw6XaMKbW50swhpX0yNosotHUNzjaJw0UdofGTWDeyCzseSCEUsiWtT09EEhgEBg/s1600/IMG_3276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPH1up2YJVgLJkXVUvaAoq3TXd8nSfA774hA-tQaPFYs9prN-yZYwzS9fs5eg3gETiHHxg6K1bkUjw6XaMKbW50swhpX0yNosotHUNzjaJw0UdofGTWDeyCzseSCEUsiWtT09EEhgEBg/s320/IMG_3276.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Family and friends have been so sweet to bring by books, and treats and things to make him feel thought of. His coach (ex-NFL Scott Mitchell) came by again the other night to check on him and bring him a basket of goodies. Coaches wife has felt terrible and has been sweet to call almost daily to check up on him. <br />
<br />
Ethan missed two days of school needing to keep it elevated and iced but he went back Friday and is doing great. All in all we are really proud of him and how tough he has been through all of this. Sadly the thing that has bothered him most about all this is the fact that the boy who threw him down "never even apologized"! We go back to the orthopedist on Wednesday to re-xray and cast if all is looking good. Hopefully in 6 weeks he'll be as good as new. Ashlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04294410464755771961noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140971833833125812.post-28659323572742168512012-09-09T17:58:00.002-04:002012-09-10T08:59:41.415-04:00Sweet 16<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDozuud-dD5CjdkL-X4v9LjkpQQ8bpYEW9tazw-XwMo6uVGLYBhIMzRtkVEP1btUtx28IkkKBv00OROSOhm1MRjlxcmpwkx8O2egYHpiiE9WXFzWSeyVr5cKozZE3sodM3TgOp5-ONDA/s1600/IMG_3218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDozuud-dD5CjdkL-X4v9LjkpQQ8bpYEW9tazw-XwMo6uVGLYBhIMzRtkVEP1btUtx28IkkKBv00OROSOhm1MRjlxcmpwkx8O2egYHpiiE9WXFzWSeyVr5cKozZE3sodM3TgOp5-ONDA/s320/IMG_3218.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
On Saturday of last weekend we had the chance to celebrate the 16th birthday or Randall's cousin "E" (for privacy I will leave out names) This was not a typical celebration because "E" was not here to celebrate with us. Last October we got a sad call late in the night telling us there had been a horrific accident and that "E" had returned to her Heavenly Father. It was extremely upsetting as you can imagine. We felt terrible being so far away at such a difficult time. Because of the circumstances surrounding her death, we felt that without question Randall should fly home to show his love and support to his family. Well, "E" would have turned 16 on Tuesday, so her parents wanted to celebrate. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgFalyGoiTyBsE8A5n37fQIcsZC7pTnf6rxAV7UZq5CA0RZ8ji1UiuI6i1QjBKQBYxNuyz-SWEIibSpBFstlKoOAhQZ-djoq8jFXCrSjF86Lvw41ISX9yeuEi6GFqgjZK8I5xvglaeg/s1600/IMG_3220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgFalyGoiTyBsE8A5n37fQIcsZC7pTnf6rxAV7UZq5CA0RZ8ji1UiuI6i1QjBKQBYxNuyz-SWEIibSpBFstlKoOAhQZ-djoq8jFXCrSjF86Lvw41ISX9yeuEi6GFqgjZK8I5xvglaeg/s320/IMG_3220.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
Early Saturday morning we awakened to one of the worst thunder and lightning storms I've ever experience in Utah. Apparently many prayers were said by family that there would be at least a small window of calm so we could go ahead as planned. Family and friends gathered together with balloon bouquets of various crazy patterns and colors. "E" did not like pink but loved all things crazy and fun. We picked out a cow pattern, polka dots and happy birthday balloons, making sure that none of them matched, because that's what she would have wanted. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NI8kACoPyAaib-y56Lzp5M4Y1Yw0aW48CHFK2wvj8JW3OZlDr0Thzuw6RxSc8g0nFdG-1e_GKAKibaStHQpIox7txjqI1w-09Yx87tI8a9pzkdAfObRu_zsteDaXr3RA3YOoTt67Yg/s1600/IMG_3222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NI8kACoPyAaib-y56Lzp5M4Y1Yw0aW48CHFK2wvj8JW3OZlDr0Thzuw6RxSc8g0nFdG-1e_GKAKibaStHQpIox7txjqI1w-09Yx87tI8a9pzkdAfObRu_zsteDaXr3RA3YOoTt67Yg/s320/IMG_3222.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
You can imagine it was a difficult and emotional day. D&D, her parents are the sweetest people you have ever met. They have always shown me love and kindness as if I was a part of the family, even years before Randall and I were married. Aunt D, spoke about" E" for a little while, telling us what a sweetheart she was and how "D" would often get a call from school with requests for doughnuts or pizza or whatever it was because someone at school needed some cheering up or it was their birthday etc. Some of E's favorite things were crazy mismatched socks and eating skittles. Aunt D brought everyone a party favor that was a crazy sock with a bag of skittles tied up inside. We all sang Happy Birthday and then released the balloons into heaven. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCUyxuJ01M6DbfBF_PA52yK0xPOUGMiCCm6qMbB5XPDbtsizmWcoPhtBwLVS6JkjAx6EbD0YX1oFuJB-k15FlxCTUY0gyeFdgFA7RTn3WBKRs3mhFnCQbBAWvcKKvP0gqcXA1KDurOg/s1600/IMG_3224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCUyxuJ01M6DbfBF_PA52yK0xPOUGMiCCm6qMbB5XPDbtsizmWcoPhtBwLVS6JkjAx6EbD0YX1oFuJB-k15FlxCTUY0gyeFdgFA7RTn3WBKRs3mhFnCQbBAWvcKKvP0gqcXA1KDurOg/s320/IMG_3224.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I'm so grateful that we were there to remember and celebrate the amazing girl that she was. I think it was neat that her parents wanted to try to celebrate the occasion rather than just mourn her not being with us anymore. You could tell it was a very difficult day for them.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-picasa-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzO5CtRZTjKPW_oRrsr5WpiYGP2MH1YJQJoherqfYNV5AFdLtsir9TdbFS7Lyyds2GN2FKUf2F8WQf-uJ7e8wO4SwVzCY0w1BtmUc5rs6NxwaIJy0upfj4G4Ybb9Xm482EdA9Wl5IMg/s1600/IMG_3229.MOV" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fredirector.googlevideo.com%2Fvideoplayback%3Fid%3Dfdec273a1bc54764%26itag%3D18%26source%3Dpicasa%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%253Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1349818701%26sparams%3Did%2Citag%2Csource%2Cip%2Cipbits%2Cexpire%26signature%3DC1C8D2813F8C7755C2BB1AEBA7D0A53330BAAA07.8A97C5FB0EF705A305AFFCBF859E7CC6E64FE1E8%26key%3Dlh1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fredirector.googlevideo.com%2Fvideoplayback%3Fid%3Dfdec273a1bc54764%26itag%3D18%26source%3Dpicasa%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%253Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1349818701%26sparams%3Did%2Citag%2Csource%2Cip%2Cipbits%2Cexpire%26signature%3DC1C8D2813F8C7755C2BB1AEBA7D0A53330BAAA07.8A97C5FB0EF705A305AFFCBF859E7CC6E64FE1E8%26key%3Dlh1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgrJvuv_N8wXzONCVwYDmZP_P1LnBwt11XFcYu3UVAR60wktOkh1dsXTTQNJfrlGdAFbmqcvGSkiOfTp3kegCMG7_jvpO9n9wvqEEJB67Pv7foNG6FORJi0a9OXMItJ_oGrYQvkgtTOQ/s1600/IMG_3222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgrJvuv_N8wXzONCVwYDmZP_P1LnBwt11XFcYu3UVAR60wktOkh1dsXTTQNJfrlGdAFbmqcvGSkiOfTp3kegCMG7_jvpO9n9wvqEEJB67Pv7foNG6FORJi0a9OXMItJ_oGrYQvkgtTOQ/s320/IMG_3222.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
After we released the balloons we all ate doughnuts and enjoyed the peaceful morning that came after the storm. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXuT4qWg-x_T_taiBvu5gPnu_UnxdhwSGe8qIqaEICfNpRk563yITPEYjgjeyzJiLqloAhE3u-hfu-04kMT19KgAp0ityRBgpImzM1wre-N2vlgNgEU5w1Dj4aVyCdGAVjiWV8faiKUg/s1600/IMG_3226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXuT4qWg-x_T_taiBvu5gPnu_UnxdhwSGe8qIqaEICfNpRk563yITPEYjgjeyzJiLqloAhE3u-hfu-04kMT19KgAp0ityRBgpImzM1wre-N2vlgNgEU5w1Dj4aVyCdGAVjiWV8faiKUg/s320/IMG_3226.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Ashlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04294410464755771961noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140971833833125812.post-5289486149762020182012-09-09T17:35:00.001-04:002012-09-09T17:35:19.163-04:00Labor and Play Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghuUSZQgt_7BjANpe3Ctmi9Dva-49SXrM6O_EGlpAE072c3gbkeUlij93j8Itt5IWLX_RNvb-F0skp5gCUVqvTrn6uR6yc3WGl6l9P12YokfMPm3LgGxxtifiDjWqB8ufiS3xqu_DkUg/s1600/IMG_3217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghuUSZQgt_7BjANpe3Ctmi9Dva-49SXrM6O_EGlpAE072c3gbkeUlij93j8Itt5IWLX_RNvb-F0skp5gCUVqvTrn6uR6yc3WGl6l9P12YokfMPm3LgGxxtifiDjWqB8ufiS3xqu_DkUg/s320/IMG_3217.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Friday of Labor day weekend, we decided we wanted to install a backsplash in our kitchen. We had been thinking about it since we moved in but just haven't had a good chunk of time to do it. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmGp7RN-0EBDi3PxAOj8l37euU-iUwQCbH3QC5jrwMk58MZSgJx6B19nUkGhk92-lu79d2x9EJV-0ksp-kk732ALsK9YCnGYDq-boLxh9B__f8twhcuffbqyq_89q4RfKb-mbs2YzJw/s1600/IMG_3239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmGp7RN-0EBDi3PxAOj8l37euU-iUwQCbH3QC5jrwMk58MZSgJx6B19nUkGhk92-lu79d2x9EJV-0ksp-kk732ALsK9YCnGYDq-boLxh9B__f8twhcuffbqyq_89q4RfKb-mbs2YzJw/s320/IMG_3239.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
Some friends of ours Jessica and Justin came over to help us since Jessica said Justin had done tile and would be a big help. Turns out Justin had never done a back splash, only floor tiling, but it was still nice to have the extra help and encouragement as I think the first few hours were the worst and hardest part of the project. Not to mention Justin getting stuck with the cutting and piecing around the outlets-the worst part.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFo9ssnq9RnUh6bCRnsyci9pg_cDqYVYztWzzVxhcCOzXxvpc7ob3B3Nun4a__18VTdryMvTlxFDQu_nRUTjDnEQNT1A17lrUQ4HY6yUcLi636npXFoxXG9SLQgjUAjf3si52Z29gX8Q/s1600/IMG_3244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFo9ssnq9RnUh6bCRnsyci9pg_cDqYVYztWzzVxhcCOzXxvpc7ob3B3Nun4a__18VTdryMvTlxFDQu_nRUTjDnEQNT1A17lrUQ4HY6yUcLi636npXFoxXG9SLQgjUAjf3si52Z29gX8Q/s320/IMG_3244.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Saturday morning we were up early and went to family function that I will write about later. Then seeing that it was the last day for swimming we went over to the pool with my parents and my brother and his family. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3hQyRKsaN-6vzh46pUG_kvOFZAUroYKtEjauMWdOneAtVBQ8CauHKnFXsEGHrG6hRe3u1cgahbz1J-vL8BYBgBvk1QX3ygTwVgZMo00FUzkMKrYrBePRN0e0j8ANs-GAzV1KRDgHZGg/s1600/IMG_3249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3hQyRKsaN-6vzh46pUG_kvOFZAUroYKtEjauMWdOneAtVBQ8CauHKnFXsEGHrG6hRe3u1cgahbz1J-vL8BYBgBvk1QX3ygTwVgZMo00FUzkMKrYrBePRN0e0j8ANs-GAzV1KRDgHZGg/s320/IMG_3249.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We all had a great time. Even Jane gets really brave after a little while and jumped in over and over again. She even went under the water many times and loved it. (click play to see her in action)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-picasa-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJj73JCSCm6uMe7U_j1VdldH4IYufI9IWcLpOimiHaQ94H0ZAxfByS6dE_V7OwgeOVwySUNbzKUsONSxNRFBZrQ_O7Kfz8wj6QL5wA_SN3S7jNCfIB0SEj3Qh9gqWEl_2tPG9OQj_PjA/s1600/IMG_3254.MOV"><param name="movie" value="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fredirector.googlevideo.com%2Fvideoplayback%3Fid%3D2b3f4b47de462976%26itag%3D18%26source%3Dpicasa%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%253Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1349817024%26sparams%3Did%2Citag%2Csource%2Cip%2Cipbits%2Cexpire%26signature%3DA145FE3D12FDE8C22231AFA6BE750B186C1A5893.80846FEF2E857043748A4A080F4E71022DE3CA36%26key%3Dlh1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fredirector.googlevideo.com%2Fvideoplayback%3Fid%3D2b3f4b47de462976%26itag%3D18%26source%3Dpicasa%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%253Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1349817024%26sparams%3Did%2Citag%2Csource%2Cip%2Cipbits%2Cexpire%26signature%3DA145FE3D12FDE8C22231AFA6BE750B186C1A5893.80846FEF2E857043748A4A080F4E71022DE3CA36%26key%3Dlh1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBMqIgOvMo-DMs7pga3suDlz6elRec3WThnATODDWaXOyevDmSpXhD9kyhUM_sXgWTr6hunuhwi7lhhs376dxnEF-WlanH5Wq78tMkJUAA3cTCYj3XZDuWSSXu9ea_rLl5xzmW4V1ZQ/s1600/IMG_3242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBMqIgOvMo-DMs7pga3suDlz6elRec3WThnATODDWaXOyevDmSpXhD9kyhUM_sXgWTr6hunuhwi7lhhs376dxnEF-WlanH5Wq78tMkJUAA3cTCYj3XZDuWSSXu9ea_rLl5xzmW4V1ZQ/s320/IMG_3242.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
In Jersey Kate went to a preschool that had "specials" each day that she attended. One of which was swimming every Tuesday. She spent a lot of time in the pool over the year so she is quite confident in the water and even jumps off the diving board. She can jump in without a life jacket but I prefer it to be on. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgerhBiB0cjy5J5ylUUP7qaoJ6O-SowVsQomPzY8cZqi3gEfodKO_9JoqSu1SOy0jJ_liHaVY7R3OLQAAdxZW0uOMCVx5lYFaWPyuqoSyvFqyknHvWbx5xV7Z2PDHqdmoYhvjYTwKsZkw/s1600/IMG_3250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgerhBiB0cjy5J5ylUUP7qaoJ6O-SowVsQomPzY8cZqi3gEfodKO_9JoqSu1SOy0jJ_liHaVY7R3OLQAAdxZW0uOMCVx5lYFaWPyuqoSyvFqyknHvWbx5xV7Z2PDHqdmoYhvjYTwKsZkw/s320/IMG_3250.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLRxY_gMLf97Ydks7OMkwPdOKJ1Bg5PVRpxoG4NGDdtaDoC5T5PC6IvSwYx9bqlbrt7vug_2rpT9QQy0WtiWVz9NHh0mhDVHe_nd56R6wF8dP06kAUouZpEWb6p0LTnjkOwmTCjFyvQ/s1600/IMG_3251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLRxY_gMLf97Ydks7OMkwPdOKJ1Bg5PVRpxoG4NGDdtaDoC5T5PC6IvSwYx9bqlbrt7vug_2rpT9QQy0WtiWVz9NHh0mhDVHe_nd56R6wF8dP06kAUouZpEWb6p0LTnjkOwmTCjFyvQ/s320/IMG_3251.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
After watching all the kids jumping off the diving boards I decided that I wanted to too! I decided that I'm not going to let my weight inhibit me from doing the things I want to do. So I first jumped off the low dive, then the high dive. Apparently Jane was so excited and yelled over and over "Mom did it"! I was glad I had done it, and as I was leaving the pool a man told me that I was my children's heroine. That made me feel really good about not letting dumb things like me in a bathing suit keep me from doing what I want to do. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGQy1D3OWzA-cuaIKHNd85FLoleBauli-Y2NWt4kPa5xZGSflVzUvKdcGrsj8Gj8fKb9-X_YRiTl06CtT1BuwWK1i4aPXB0dFZ-4g0ygN8AuEMzLTT9scvVdarVF8KkoDnl7Rg4EC4w/s1600/IMG_3240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGQy1D3OWzA-cuaIKHNd85FLoleBauli-Y2NWt4kPa5xZGSflVzUvKdcGrsj8Gj8fKb9-X_YRiTl06CtT1BuwWK1i4aPXB0dFZ-4g0ygN8AuEMzLTT9scvVdarVF8KkoDnl7Rg4EC4w/s320/IMG_3240.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
Monday we also finished up the back splash. Grouting was much easier and faster than tiling, but boy was it exhausting. The grout was heavy and thick and hard to squish around. After a short space of me doing the grouting I passed that task over to Randall. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHEASFm6XWRS9DCvuk9USKoBUTomIma2XvjM9DiyTE3-RkGQvbJIm9JjGP7cThPgbmaSK4AP-W949eZcYSJUAda80LxJSPafUC_m_jSivsZ8Un_hyXy8fP85Fcwfd3V2-OJ6n4EJMLmA/s1600/IMG_3255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHEASFm6XWRS9DCvuk9USKoBUTomIma2XvjM9DiyTE3-RkGQvbJIm9JjGP7cThPgbmaSK4AP-W949eZcYSJUAda80LxJSPafUC_m_jSivsZ8Un_hyXy8fP85Fcwfd3V2-OJ6n4EJMLmA/s320/IMG_3255.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Since Randall knows me so well and knows what a perfectionist I am he basically told me before we even started, that I would be doing all the tiling. Justin did some piecing work on Friday but other than that I literally laid all the tile. We have had too many projects in the past where I could find little details that weren't just right and it would make me crazy and I may have even been a bit upset at Randall, so this time he was wise enough to leave the detail work to me. I guess I need to chill out a bit, BUT the end result really looks nice so maybe being a perfectionist isn't always bad :) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsP_tnW04vYB6TFx0SUTYHHK8pniM_7W8tgDPoKdyJ9zCgEuwY4-XBc9F6FmNFDeWlEm7aRTpIE7WkfBWbVkxQWjE4S0ws6ZzDjNA_7bt-b9KK-dWPnRNdX4bn1L_Dq9mkWlVuVFTlEQ/s1600/IMG_3256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsP_tnW04vYB6TFx0SUTYHHK8pniM_7W8tgDPoKdyJ9zCgEuwY4-XBc9F6FmNFDeWlEm7aRTpIE7WkfBWbVkxQWjE4S0ws6ZzDjNA_7bt-b9KK-dWPnRNdX4bn1L_Dq9mkWlVuVFTlEQ/s320/IMG_3256.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
I'm amazed at how much the tile changes the look of the whole kitchen. The cabinets look nicer, the appliances look nicer the counter tops etc. It was worth all the effort it took and really looking back, not a bad project at all. I would do it over again in a heart beat. Now that I know what to expect I could see some more tiling in our future.... A great weekend for a little labor and some play time. Ashlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04294410464755771961noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140971833833125812.post-61011886932405700472012-09-02T20:08:00.002-04:002012-09-02T20:08:19.637-04:00Ethan turned 10!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxcPKRMaCBk4Hw-yTGl3y2aOwIR4pX0uSD8KGJQ-tHvZ9rBT0e0TLe24ZZihcMlMCKEXC-ub6rpbJJZ9oRGxDKWmQq2N_g2o0OrM4-HQqJjNonazM6AZtfH8thbXUyrC33Y9qxThyyA/s1600/IMG_2371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxcPKRMaCBk4Hw-yTGl3y2aOwIR4pX0uSD8KGJQ-tHvZ9rBT0e0TLe24ZZihcMlMCKEXC-ub6rpbJJZ9oRGxDKWmQq2N_g2o0OrM4-HQqJjNonazM6AZtfH8thbXUyrC33Y9qxThyyA/s320/IMG_2371.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
August 29th Ethan turned 10! I can hardly believe it. He has informed me that he is now a pre-teen. Heaven help us. Thankfully Ethan is one of the best kids around, so I'm to worried about this pre-teen business :) His first gift was a swiss army knife. Rand decided he just wanted to leave the knife tucked in his shoe so he would find it when he was getting ready for school that morning. When he found it he was so excited and shouted "Sweet Mama"! I've never heard him say that before but it was really funny and we were glad he was so excited. He has been offering to cut or open anything and everything ever since. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQB9yuPkL06IPb2zFeP5OWn2M-Y8K8CFobWKMtnadp6N8RUKYsrVBlejJKj0FOf-OOUHl7X8tLc0wI5IKDbPCT4XR8EWT4eMoydxEx7B6PjSDPn_J9OiAlGtrVmIxv5n4JJHDl426fRQ/s1600/IMG_2381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQB9yuPkL06IPb2zFeP5OWn2M-Y8K8CFobWKMtnadp6N8RUKYsrVBlejJKj0FOf-OOUHl7X8tLc0wI5IKDbPCT4XR8EWT4eMoydxEx7B6PjSDPn_J9OiAlGtrVmIxv5n4JJHDl426fRQ/s320/IMG_2381.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
We started the day off with... you guessed it German pancakes, a family favorite. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXPENFWv7WMcK5d-4JEW1yi4FYTYx-b09o2iNnK3SkWuEC99yD_SPY3hRk3XIlu4L9vlbRTYn8Hv-Y0ODr5vP3R90E7U7pf21-JB714TkocPLGk3_6iY7TkuQVXUP8oer_FtVvNWuAzQ/s1600/IMG_2390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXPENFWv7WMcK5d-4JEW1yi4FYTYx-b09o2iNnK3SkWuEC99yD_SPY3hRk3XIlu4L9vlbRTYn8Hv-Y0ODr5vP3R90E7U7pf21-JB714TkocPLGk3_6iY7TkuQVXUP8oer_FtVvNWuAzQ/s320/IMG_2390.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Then he opened up some lego's, one of his favorite things.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOFBverL57_SJY2egnRxXabC6NSl19lRaAFEa2cxqBGNj-wHHYnP3QFm5Z1GnAmj30dBy4ZqVR5Hn0APtwyAqzwC_LiZ-Jdw1faGzWeBVrCahRXm-R3VrBuvN8rJHKeI7lD_tyjIjCg/s1600/IMG_2396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOFBverL57_SJY2egnRxXabC6NSl19lRaAFEa2cxqBGNj-wHHYnP3QFm5Z1GnAmj30dBy4ZqVR5Hn0APtwyAqzwC_LiZ-Jdw1faGzWeBVrCahRXm-R3VrBuvN8rJHKeI7lD_tyjIjCg/s320/IMG_2396.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfTuLl58_fIAMtBZ-fDmbTk2huH42ldsR2B0wnE2kLq9THbiDH43_o_MD538wwZwW2JD8DSCG2gHcZMuElQUI56H0r2eV-IJhq_UwLl_UJxV7yphNq4-vVNueDVHLCf_M-uNFWwdA7A/s1600/IMG_2395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfTuLl58_fIAMtBZ-fDmbTk2huH42ldsR2B0wnE2kLq9THbiDH43_o_MD538wwZwW2JD8DSCG2gHcZMuElQUI56H0r2eV-IJhq_UwLl_UJxV7yphNq4-vVNueDVHLCf_M-uNFWwdA7A/s320/IMG_2395.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
He had asked for roller blades and was really exciting about getting some,but when I went to get them they were sold out. I thought he would just have to go without. I was worried that when he opened his gifts and there were no blades he would say something and be really disappointed. He didn't say one word about it. I was so proud of him for being gracious and happy with what he was given. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEhp5o6-cocKLr66YWdIy-BNFf8ilQBH_fjRcaM-8mX-3vs6cc0UE8VhdMA9wntDsXBHnLrHFkQcLc6VB-GLqyO0I-j8g_HAewes5-edNIinX_6yIqOWofqFzITie_gc9ahToHiJ635A/s1600/IMG_2398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEhp5o6-cocKLr66YWdIy-BNFf8ilQBH_fjRcaM-8mX-3vs6cc0UE8VhdMA9wntDsXBHnLrHFkQcLc6VB-GLqyO0I-j8g_HAewes5-edNIinX_6yIqOWofqFzITie_gc9ahToHiJ635A/s320/IMG_2398.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
That being said, my parents found some and gave them to him, so the day was saved anyway. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgsEvrzG0NRUDtjQb2SKYilS7wewdVTFE9GMya7OmTln0C2N2gj5DqeH5U9nNy14_Ae4zg-USSHhC0Xyb7aZRUKbzzFpbsq5dSGwhTn_T6B8IDzDl2AO3ta16OBXyhb45-fNS3Q46h5g/s1600/IMG_2409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgsEvrzG0NRUDtjQb2SKYilS7wewdVTFE9GMya7OmTln0C2N2gj5DqeH5U9nNy14_Ae4zg-USSHhC0Xyb7aZRUKbzzFpbsq5dSGwhTn_T6B8IDzDl2AO3ta16OBXyhb45-fNS3Q46h5g/s320/IMG_2409.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4H__u8yNN2D4iD9Brk9PpQCyPgLaDX58LlB5Z44coCP8RtC5R2WqJNYCE8QK6wXOnm_rxUr6yIRCm5DjlVWjPj4DSil05wQcqMNDD9Vv97OuybVewLpBqinuK2dSu7NvVNIKSc4Kug/s1600/IMG_2413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4H__u8yNN2D4iD9Brk9PpQCyPgLaDX58LlB5Z44coCP8RtC5R2WqJNYCE8QK6wXOnm_rxUr6yIRCm5DjlVWjPj4DSil05wQcqMNDD9Vv97OuybVewLpBqinuK2dSu7NvVNIKSc4Kug/s320/IMG_2413.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qjIdR7WfZEhBpYMslvjlgya320lpDSG_loxBP7474W-PjfNHWa7Hy2yxGjo4gqJrt8VPq49EoDpn9TEDwAkJAdb3MgzISkNc9nDi38xTshUAddgxi8e8vxD48uEDRTg24H7eE449fg/s1600/IMG_2418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qjIdR7WfZEhBpYMslvjlgya320lpDSG_loxBP7474W-PjfNHWa7Hy2yxGjo4gqJrt8VPq49EoDpn9TEDwAkJAdb3MgzISkNc9nDi38xTshUAddgxi8e8vxD48uEDRTg24H7eE449fg/s320/IMG_2418.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
After yet another football game with thankfully a win on the big day, we came back home for cake and ice cream. G&G Wilson came through with his favorite... Legos! I think Lego's is one of the best gifts ever and can never have too many.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Ethan requested this chocolate mousse crunch cake, otherwise known as death by chocolate. He sure has good taste in desserts. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMm0Ec87JS0veRcLZGSyhsz0XmP1M5AFmKtG7S37-D6t6m3Cnbut_CNUEiDin_O54w_EcwLgS7TZFOfpjxew7tVRmRnKq_O-zsWwPBe0lnD0dWyiJeVb3ciVJUu4VOBuVGjxDLomjnYw/s1600/IMG_2435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMm0Ec87JS0veRcLZGSyhsz0XmP1M5AFmKtG7S37-D6t6m3Cnbut_CNUEiDin_O54w_EcwLgS7TZFOfpjxew7tVRmRnKq_O-zsWwPBe0lnD0dWyiJeVb3ciVJUu4VOBuVGjxDLomjnYw/s320/IMG_2435.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXf9w87QOCYr5T26KmdZSa55UNuxjg2LWZZ7GIsreuYKzfllpeT3ect7qMc4zu_PRNN1uAM_OJzD0-GUWMVVrSCx-5g1iq6qAdsmYtUnrqHjKIhyphenhyphen1Lr7k4dNIO0KNEs74X6phZFqanCQ/s1600/IMG_2440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXf9w87QOCYr5T26KmdZSa55UNuxjg2LWZZ7GIsreuYKzfllpeT3ect7qMc4zu_PRNN1uAM_OJzD0-GUWMVVrSCx-5g1iq6qAdsmYtUnrqHjKIhyphenhyphen1Lr7k4dNIO0KNEs74X6phZFqanCQ/s320/IMG_2440.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGObeKt0caX2J9BmwlGRm9dM736lx3-VNGImZtBm3kVYDrNvCdFdV0PnkSih4K-khlX5lA20CllR8Yef0ietlG_Q0Ia5nONlVr1GqSEeo1BHr0qEr9EFgYZ28IEqcYL7-6cmrvYxAInw/s1600/IMG_2441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGObeKt0caX2J9BmwlGRm9dM736lx3-VNGImZtBm3kVYDrNvCdFdV0PnkSih4K-khlX5lA20CllR8Yef0ietlG_Q0Ia5nONlVr1GqSEeo1BHr0qEr9EFgYZ28IEqcYL7-6cmrvYxAInw/s320/IMG_2441.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">set...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMrPwTvQnn4gulCF93IXKPulPjsMVH9_HMEv7VR0GqkE2c-2OBp7IYSmEbdRoeH7ElCa94-2r1pga2TXmmquN_Js41Jc08nRG_EZs4cKEYFFnsPDezvWOCC9ga4uU1dGFXU1xKzI8Q0w/s1600/IMG_2442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMrPwTvQnn4gulCF93IXKPulPjsMVH9_HMEv7VR0GqkE2c-2OBp7IYSmEbdRoeH7ElCa94-2r1pga2TXmmquN_Js41Jc08nRG_EZs4cKEYFFnsPDezvWOCC9ga4uU1dGFXU1xKzI8Q0w/s320/IMG_2442.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">blow...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlIq1n6SBh4aZib6B3j4-dGLK-QSZoyWLpCgKHAKgTzJwwYZda83YN8RjFy8fTB6kpG9uGI2GCPKB0Vm9koLsybCSL7Cz7BBrsvXmjjYeZBLwzdQSy51wuyrDOqMTRhINtKRA14g2IA/s1600/IMG_2443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlIq1n6SBh4aZib6B3j4-dGLK-QSZoyWLpCgKHAKgTzJwwYZda83YN8RjFy8fTB6kpG9uGI2GCPKB0Vm9koLsybCSL7Cz7BBrsvXmjjYeZBLwzdQSy51wuyrDOqMTRhINtKRA14g2IA/s320/IMG_2443.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDTTi4BsD-LcZ4X0WK4ikazYoXLa2rA4jVYHrLHomrhryd_W_WPYX21ltclwaXCWTE8a5FcqRNihN1X_EIn1n-CKx1z8OwqWMi18yrPEKx0VwhWgXEtOHW7G-ro27I58ARmp2wXVWJPg/s1600/IMG_2444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDTTi4BsD-LcZ4X0WK4ikazYoXLa2rA4jVYHrLHomrhryd_W_WPYX21ltclwaXCWTE8a5FcqRNihN1X_EIn1n-CKx1z8OwqWMi18yrPEKx0VwhWgXEtOHW7G-ro27I58ARmp2wXVWJPg/s320/IMG_2444.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdXToZ-N80s_xFGSzio5-jTeXw3Zi0k7RUCcwH_MZzjYEwP7rxTg07UfgKFWm25hnnMCVk3O30ZBfKPS3J9QG31a6lhicbVhSAQoTglulhOiCf8_wuf42RBaFbCHcmzXALWfR9Cf4Vw/s1600/IMG_2446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdXToZ-N80s_xFGSzio5-jTeXw3Zi0k7RUCcwH_MZzjYEwP7rxTg07UfgKFWm25hnnMCVk3O30ZBfKPS3J9QG31a6lhicbVhSAQoTglulhOiCf8_wuf42RBaFbCHcmzXALWfR9Cf4Vw/s320/IMG_2446.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phew. Only he forgot to make a wish :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhurUKVryQ4lzn477M8sFIIFea5KMqTP-tHJVmJHarcpgVHW8AWTS-2Ei00ugBFrNHyckzsewRGGw-Z9ywiIaMfHqbbNBmZEokycVzWbpMEkTDjU-i5YQQGIJU7gHYppqLl0uWTBABZ3g/s1600/IMG_1225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhurUKVryQ4lzn477M8sFIIFea5KMqTP-tHJVmJHarcpgVHW8AWTS-2Ei00ugBFrNHyckzsewRGGw-Z9ywiIaMfHqbbNBmZEokycVzWbpMEkTDjU-i5YQQGIJU7gHYppqLl0uWTBABZ3g/s320/IMG_1225.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
While I'm obviously biased, Ethan is really one of the very best kids around. He is smart and kind and helpful and conscientious. He is a deep thinker and is often asking out there questions about things he's been thinking about. He can recall crazy facts and knows a lot about all different sorts of subjects. I sometimes wonder if he has a photographic memory. He loves to read and has read all but one of the Percy Jackson series this Summer and the Fable haven books. We actually have to tell him to put his book down and go to bed. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE5wHZIEzbOzFz9f_k60xezMpNb6X-ljBdirAUzLR4zM0Cc5Bmp0ifWy_eTqzYQyRthfYwOdm28hHpw3cW4N1-lKEn_3KeJrNz7X2fDwMFmEm6Aye65MdP6RHahdtYXGY2zc0CoG190w/s1600/CIMG1893-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE5wHZIEzbOzFz9f_k60xezMpNb6X-ljBdirAUzLR4zM0Cc5Bmp0ifWy_eTqzYQyRthfYwOdm28hHpw3cW4N1-lKEn_3KeJrNz7X2fDwMFmEm6Aye65MdP6RHahdtYXGY2zc0CoG190w/s1600/CIMG1893-1.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4 years old on Easter Sunday. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Mzmsag3Brj54lmNDvicnSi_d3QSWt28nxB35BgUfvbCBEvFznZXW9qFaSiPBTQW6OsCRmsHPhGaPNjnx37eyGypIfx_qXKwh611jXyW4hdWGFvDXF_euVUcbN9YKislJy3B2nqNr9Q/s1600/scout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Mzmsag3Brj54lmNDvicnSi_d3QSWt28nxB35BgUfvbCBEvFznZXW9qFaSiPBTQW6OsCRmsHPhGaPNjnx37eyGypIfx_qXKwh611jXyW4hdWGFvDXF_euVUcbN9YKislJy3B2nqNr9Q/s320/scout.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Ethan works hard in all that he does and truthfully we have pretty high expectations for him in all that he does because we know he is capable. I tease Ethan relentlessly, out of love of course, and we joke that with me around, nobody could ever bother him because he can put up with anything. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioG-wYkhyphenhyphenz2Lv9U_f8VYR3PSSx4a1O_7435hl59XZyU-AGTP4E8f4028j5zpApJi4SFwfaR18yhLbkUxusB4QAnQfT_Zm3LgPoCc4JcHUv0ZmI2WWIaABLmxeywtWoADAyYZaavWbN0Q/s1600/P1030030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioG-wYkhyphenhyphenz2Lv9U_f8VYR3PSSx4a1O_7435hl59XZyU-AGTP4E8f4028j5zpApJi4SFwfaR18yhLbkUxusB4QAnQfT_Zm3LgPoCc4JcHUv0ZmI2WWIaABLmxeywtWoADAyYZaavWbN0Q/s320/P1030030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH99X7p87LIi-jxExyoQKpQu_F_-di1F4V_naG7oNw82spD9WkbOVJ8e4-A1TFJTcvTdx08Sb6UEPGMtzSrncn4Df8YLvEnXlnlCFFsyFNT1Ld7fOyd0rDFphwN4wd1lO8aUYOLqPW9w/s1600/scout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH99X7p87LIi-jxExyoQKpQu_F_-di1F4V_naG7oNw82spD9WkbOVJ8e4-A1TFJTcvTdx08Sb6UEPGMtzSrncn4Df8YLvEnXlnlCFFsyFNT1Ld7fOyd0rDFphwN4wd1lO8aUYOLqPW9w/s320/scout.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Ethan just finished his Bear in scouting and is advancing to Webelow and was worried that he "had just made it". <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtLXAjLgeKWRjNoRX6OU0z3YGSWV2BTFdeMezraAZufwNJ0osHM8euaR8N9xbj2TYTFEP747h_LMe5BaM9PY_75zlXrEgFycMEsiCNgFGj2QH2bQCVZ3GFDk0Zt47jzHARw_tx-aeb7A/s1600/P1030370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtLXAjLgeKWRjNoRX6OU0z3YGSWV2BTFdeMezraAZufwNJ0osHM8euaR8N9xbj2TYTFEP747h_LMe5BaM9PY_75zlXrEgFycMEsiCNgFGj2QH2bQCVZ3GFDk0Zt47jzHARw_tx-aeb7A/s320/P1030370.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-qTc_9u2eN4m-bn1QAFQRcfa0m8TJX2uWPCMiYr1_vityOpz1b7TBZIZ-f79nRdvAQ6P9GZtpfp4S0jEA9EY27mfmDROCGIOcATGF2Hg42UulR9bZJSYWhDV5Js72TB0BZQw65Ezzw/s1600/IMG_2625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-qTc_9u2eN4m-bn1QAFQRcfa0m8TJX2uWPCMiYr1_vityOpz1b7TBZIZ-f79nRdvAQ6P9GZtpfp4S0jEA9EY27mfmDROCGIOcATGF2Hg42UulR9bZJSYWhDV5Js72TB0BZQw65Ezzw/s320/IMG_2625.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
We decided this week that we needed to make a change with his school and asked him how he felt about it. We explained why we thought it would be a good choice but left the decision up to him. He said "Sure, I think I would like to do that". Ethan really loved his friends and school in Jersey and was even going to start to play the trombone this year. He has always been a good sport about our many moves and never fights us on the decisions we make. Ethan is mature beyond his years and is one special boy. I'm grateful I get to be his Mom and see all that he's capable of. We love you buddy!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwSs6sAJ2uI_cVVHEhgRe8obcZCkhC_bBE1xDNHpbdbw5QvAPHLsi7FV9dPcpciq1MZrJuI8Y1hX_9bZiuxO-SnQtKfzfCJMep6IGo6DZCNH8vTcgFwSwWFnd7ce-L7R2qpt72CsiLwA/s1600/IMG_1708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwSs6sAJ2uI_cVVHEhgRe8obcZCkhC_bBE1xDNHpbdbw5QvAPHLsi7FV9dPcpciq1MZrJuI8Y1hX_9bZiuxO-SnQtKfzfCJMep6IGo6DZCNH8vTcgFwSwWFnd7ce-L7R2qpt72CsiLwA/s320/IMG_1708.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Ashlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04294410464755771961noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140971833833125812.post-4581141680765401262012-08-28T15:56:00.002-04:002012-09-10T09:00:18.260-04:00My name is Ashli I'm 34 years old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwa8yULKu03vVlNkiHZ6urbB2wghfJh7Dtf3Hht6hH2l4ygecaMyuPGEFCmbpOgOqT9yCv8i5z274pRbaVnjcdK8z8tzxFCyNnhJPwi645NF1V65ffeBpmvrFiOHFLUziUywCHqvvKQ/s1600/IMG_3064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwa8yULKu03vVlNkiHZ6urbB2wghfJh7Dtf3Hht6hH2l4ygecaMyuPGEFCmbpOgOqT9yCv8i5z274pRbaVnjcdK8z8tzxFCyNnhJPwi645NF1V65ffeBpmvrFiOHFLUziUywCHqvvKQ/s320/IMG_3064.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
How embarrassing! I put some random picture of myself up here, but this is me at 34 years old. I had a birthday last Thursday making that little fact official. And while I don't particularly like pictures of myself I realize how rarely a picture is taken of me and that I need to document that I am in fact a part of my family and our journey. Anyway...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2rWL5-J8HF9B0_pGSsiqcTukF3-M2Yg6f4Dp9xHREDCIA3vsKZYZNPQyEa8S_vSxqbmqqikYy9fKL003f5SEXRFvh7mTJwjHc453nH5PekRmfieT0zNRwrr8KOz8Dc1_WtlSUJQ00Q/s1600/IMG_3066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2rWL5-J8HF9B0_pGSsiqcTukF3-M2Yg6f4Dp9xHREDCIA3vsKZYZNPQyEa8S_vSxqbmqqikYy9fKL003f5SEXRFvh7mTJwjHc453nH5PekRmfieT0zNRwrr8KOz8Dc1_WtlSUJQ00Q/s320/IMG_3066.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
A few weeks ago Randall called from work and said he had to go to Vegas for work and I should come with him. He thought it would make a great birthday gift a few days early. I think it was Wednesday and we would leave Monday. I'm not really all that spontaneous, don't really love Vegas, and was hesitant to ask anyone to watch our kiddos. Thankfully my parents were more than happy to watch the kids so I decided why not? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9y7M-y9HmtGncfsssOjmJmRNSIgLp-WZBQSVDX84zqz0VUkiGjVNFvCp7YQ6P8zjiJ_75S8kNy0pmjmpD7iSg2LKzpeRxBpxj3oYoBmZWGxLGnlPpyaciYUr7AoCVY6fpHLAOiuJZA/s1600/IMG_3059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9y7M-y9HmtGncfsssOjmJmRNSIgLp-WZBQSVDX84zqz0VUkiGjVNFvCp7YQ6P8zjiJ_75S8kNy0pmjmpD7iSg2LKzpeRxBpxj3oYoBmZWGxLGnlPpyaciYUr7AoCVY6fpHLAOiuJZA/s320/IMG_3059.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
We flew into Vegas late Monday night and were starving so we ordered some room service. Hey we are on vacation right?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjat8G_DQDlQrlWiB8KcoeelW9lJV1f2pvJfbkQ5rjaUveQitTE2lwzZWbQXMhFMk38xaVmvfRm3boYnmj5XsTKMvJufs2nuYF41zWRnCGfoV1lXtixlpMUMYYhxcYCDTAO2AgIpBkV8g/s1600/IMG_3077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjat8G_DQDlQrlWiB8KcoeelW9lJV1f2pvJfbkQ5rjaUveQitTE2lwzZWbQXMhFMk38xaVmvfRm3boYnmj5XsTKMvJufs2nuYF41zWRnCGfoV1lXtixlpMUMYYhxcYCDTAO2AgIpBkV8g/s320/IMG_3077.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The next day Rand had meetings form 8am to 8pm and then a work dinner that I tagged along for, until late into the night. So, while I was sad that I wouldn't really be seeing Randall anytime during this trip, it was heaven to do whatever I wanted whenever I wanted. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jY3cTUiMOKqPQ5LOjafjjIKzrfQhqhu9n_aTMgYyTz847a4F1yC6WR_X8grCeycwxes22nRl6nezvuWRUZr7UhtAvaAp4IfX352q6OGZiaaVmTtVEKkChPmQwSGL6Kq3CLt8CZc7xQ/s1600/IMG_3105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jY3cTUiMOKqPQ5LOjafjjIKzrfQhqhu9n_aTMgYyTz847a4F1yC6WR_X8grCeycwxes22nRl6nezvuWRUZr7UhtAvaAp4IfX352q6OGZiaaVmTtVEKkChPmQwSGL6Kq3CLt8CZc7xQ/s320/IMG_3105.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
In fact it was rather comical the debate I would have with myself. "Should I nap? Should I site see? I should get in as much as possible while I can, when I can do anything I want... But, I'm alone and I can have a quiet nap, and sleep as long as I want too?!" <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizuj4U8i4L0FotG1W2jPS7ptym6KdM4nnysD7aIC0VR1V2tXioyO4vlpVX-cHak8dekaXesitOjY9Sl9dsZp_3etigeceKecj9g6HVu142mC-huM6_78k4OibEaLEmfL2XRhAvvBZOgQ/s1600/IMG_3119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizuj4U8i4L0FotG1W2jPS7ptym6KdM4nnysD7aIC0VR1V2tXioyO4vlpVX-cHak8dekaXesitOjY9Sl9dsZp_3etigeceKecj9g6HVu142mC-huM6_78k4OibEaLEmfL2XRhAvvBZOgQ/s320/IMG_3119.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
So I got up and went to the gym for 90 minutes so I could eat what I wanted too, and I truthfully enjoy working out. I went to the pool for a few hours, read a book, took a short nap, watched cupcakes wars on TV in my room, walked around a lot to the different hotels, and ate blueberry and lemon crepes in "Paris". All. by. myself. It was lovely. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJEK0JjrPlFm2qKzyA3h0Fa7yQPAkBI6NOogWt14yLVdHwQN_4dDuAJSAYnPTNX5CvCBhN7ilvcoR-pMP1JRD1DZEnWT6YmxZq3mPWZsfnwh5k7lGHxLyqPX9rbKaEWSvObXWkYFP52Q/s1600/IMG_3108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJEK0JjrPlFm2qKzyA3h0Fa7yQPAkBI6NOogWt14yLVdHwQN_4dDuAJSAYnPTNX5CvCBhN7ilvcoR-pMP1JRD1DZEnWT6YmxZq3mPWZsfnwh5k7lGHxLyqPX9rbKaEWSvObXWkYFP52Q/s320/IMG_3108.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
The only thing that would have made it better was if I we were really in Europe, and Randall wasn't working. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Jj1y5Ant4nZ4_yfE1O-NPhEAP4Uba_bagyPcYTu1dmQfy33gi1-FC0qVmdJErQA_wBttUGYdZfL1ciB2fdUsZjkC2diOZYBaS0kPefpfY0KNhkYoEoIWL6MAlkle2RkE0cGPtPZFgA/s1600/IMG_3111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Jj1y5Ant4nZ4_yfE1O-NPhEAP4Uba_bagyPcYTu1dmQfy33gi1-FC0qVmdJErQA_wBttUGYdZfL1ciB2fdUsZjkC2diOZYBaS0kPefpfY0KNhkYoEoIWL6MAlkle2RkE0cGPtPZFgA/s320/IMG_3111.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9q_tybsRM4-gzx2CmNbjSiqf1qk2IvruBPpiQyVzW_qsPEyEYWJ_1lHPWdhml5YFAZ_t5jXm6cFdF3Gl26ai_cbRZpTkJi8RxwjlDJ2r4W8zwFIFFAKNy6WnR0WdxNW9SDETH8YQqPg/s1600/IMG_3113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9q_tybsRM4-gzx2CmNbjSiqf1qk2IvruBPpiQyVzW_qsPEyEYWJ_1lHPWdhml5YFAZ_t5jXm6cFdF3Gl26ai_cbRZpTkJi8RxwjlDJ2r4W8zwFIFFAKNy6WnR0WdxNW9SDETH8YQqPg/s320/IMG_3113.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFK7-lqo-0KPJ-Xot-b3XB4zRH1h1nUX7xK4794NmA_rI2ASMpXvCS5PYJQ9g-eUVsnOdo9WyxN6tsLqaemtHu9noFG0PWU-B1iRkBgjLdzOUH2tU9n0beTBcBOCeKjoVcHVmcsAkrCg/s1600/IMG_3118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFK7-lqo-0KPJ-Xot-b3XB4zRH1h1nUX7xK4794NmA_rI2ASMpXvCS5PYJQ9g-eUVsnOdo9WyxN6tsLqaemtHu9noFG0PWU-B1iRkBgjLdzOUH2tU9n0beTBcBOCeKjoVcHVmcsAkrCg/s320/IMG_3118.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
My favorite thing about Vegas is the fountains at the Bellagio hotel. Sadly I think they were broken because one afternoon I sat and sat and waited and waited... and they never happened. I googled when I should expect them and still waited and again...nothing. I was super disappointed, but what do you do? Wednesday Rand had meetings again until our flight left so I was alone to do as I wanted. We were home by Wednesday night, the kids had a great time, my parents did great, it was a nice quick get away, and the perfect birthday gift. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitL29kproZzbs-JAwz3sdJUfxAqiYtZuIh0hNLZlQpQEl-Yqrb9G76ionhbhYa1skv7YckxTugldsocEG5LdP4DdytDRWkaRI5Xo6yuk3QwLHMwFpWfsG0P7-s26hvw2CNyJMDGGR1dw/s1600/IMG_3150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitL29kproZzbs-JAwz3sdJUfxAqiYtZuIh0hNLZlQpQEl-Yqrb9G76ionhbhYa1skv7YckxTugldsocEG5LdP4DdytDRWkaRI5Xo6yuk3QwLHMwFpWfsG0P7-s26hvw2CNyJMDGGR1dw/s320/IMG_3150.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
On my <i>real</i> birthday Randall made me breakfast before work, then, I had invited my Mom and Kate to go to lunch. We went to Los Hermanos because I still have not had my fill of Mexican having gone without in Jersey for so long. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIH6C7K2X65W9E6RC5OxiIQwlCZqwqSg40_uVTn34_yDmpvbIWrxejGKe0ubG-iNftc_68mGxIr3A75-ezesPRdZzlzCTG16MNCaJPKgw35Ue0Rn04Tx21sKzfX5W5O5YBo-oTNb81Lg/s1600/IMG_3153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIH6C7K2X65W9E6RC5OxiIQwlCZqwqSg40_uVTn34_yDmpvbIWrxejGKe0ubG-iNftc_68mGxIr3A75-ezesPRdZzlzCTG16MNCaJPKgw35Ue0Rn04Tx21sKzfX5W5O5YBo-oTNb81Lg/s320/IMG_3153.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
It was a really nice lunch and it was weird to think how grown up Kate has become. She just sat happily coloring her paper and talking once in awhile. Because of Kate's and my birthdays we got free fried ice cream and it was delicious. Are you sensing a theme here? Me and food are BFF's. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5VX9OexLy5RNSvf7WT9iDH9tVLFf3QptDq1TlQBOh4vI8AdUbLmBf9Sn8gvQfW7Y52HsjHECLKkpR-RPwBVqekYF7EMIMGB0ls1UgNOCfNe-TrKalcRBGGujySG8XpTWKXpezYEfX-g/s1600/IMG_3155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5VX9OexLy5RNSvf7WT9iDH9tVLFf3QptDq1TlQBOh4vI8AdUbLmBf9Sn8gvQfW7Y52HsjHECLKkpR-RPwBVqekYF7EMIMGB0ls1UgNOCfNe-TrKalcRBGGujySG8XpTWKXpezYEfX-g/s320/IMG_3155.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJG4h8sDFBdlGYMCrlWO-0cBgRUG1B4oalhrsMaVlyeVQja-CosyU9jp4eaGk7iGJNTAcy0Pii6D88pUmHWvT6IgWHOmTI8-Jfa_9UcXpQm7BgB5Yz2ea1PsHlmN7COSma2OL03oqBwQ/s1600/IMG_3157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJG4h8sDFBdlGYMCrlWO-0cBgRUG1B4oalhrsMaVlyeVQja-CosyU9jp4eaGk7iGJNTAcy0Pii6D88pUmHWvT6IgWHOmTI8-Jfa_9UcXpQm7BgB5Yz2ea1PsHlmN7COSma2OL03oqBwQ/s320/IMG_3157.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I LOVE this picture of the 3 of us. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I had a great birthday and felt very loved and spoiled with calls, texts and several friends dropping by unexpectedly with little gifts or goodies. It was a really nice day. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ADm6RC7pYNu6wouGsB_CK8evalY2xXplk-RFq3zHM2p25PfL2TkGzQCs7EJlhmMGZRmlpw50vYiw-Sysxdt2f0RyF2GvFNB4mA25pJpF0RZqN8hWPwT0zz7oBrXNHduH5oewTfXfTg/s1600/IMG_3159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ADm6RC7pYNu6wouGsB_CK8evalY2xXplk-RFq3zHM2p25PfL2TkGzQCs7EJlhmMGZRmlpw50vYiw-Sysxdt2f0RyF2GvFNB4mA25pJpF0RZqN8hWPwT0zz7oBrXNHduH5oewTfXfTg/s320/IMG_3159.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
On Friday Rand was worried I would feel sad that we didn't go to dinner or do any cake or anything so we made plans to go out with some friends of ours from grad school. We were going to suggest In and Out for dinner, but they suggested Sundance so how could we say no to that?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5EhsFgqnkGpG99OyuAmLEiLvWo57KjrHIYXURRtmqYqLN684p6PFYhoCpNJEmmFG8xbgZN8qMQe91k6O9-STGbC0-OLV9JBv5dyuESMEoWGUHBrrbi12ZZSVGhYNqOPW-VnnRRYsuLA/s1600/IMG_3158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5EhsFgqnkGpG99OyuAmLEiLvWo57KjrHIYXURRtmqYqLN684p6PFYhoCpNJEmmFG8xbgZN8qMQe91k6O9-STGbC0-OLV9JBv5dyuESMEoWGUHBrrbi12ZZSVGhYNqOPW-VnnRRYsuLA/s320/IMG_3158.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
It was a gorgeous and cool night. We ate outside on the porch and enjoyed catching up with our friends until late. I couldn't be happier. Ashlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04294410464755771961noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140971833833125812.post-23845470280941764812012-08-28T15:24:00.002-04:002012-08-28T15:30:05.270-04:00Kate turns 5!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUiwzzNAY96hqBOS3Jes84UEw8XsZ9A5-7iHzkOtcJ8OfB5htmgv9KbZf0SOtr_CzmR-Xa_3xm6gYB-1D1gAKUmYhv2urDsLW_-UtEkwepEuH8eNmJ-UBzVQ_IG1kDe3194ZL8UE5iHQ/s1600/IMG_2201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUiwzzNAY96hqBOS3Jes84UEw8XsZ9A5-7iHzkOtcJ8OfB5htmgv9KbZf0SOtr_CzmR-Xa_3xm6gYB-1D1gAKUmYhv2urDsLW_-UtEkwepEuH8eNmJ-UBzVQ_IG1kDe3194ZL8UE5iHQ/s320/IMG_2201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
August 21st Kate turned 5! It was also the first day of school for Ethan and Anna, and Ethan's first football game. It was a crazy day. We started off the day with a few presents and Kate's birthday breakfast of choice-German pancakes. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QxWyuxYYORNl-UaEQQuTfhzpfiuHX8hhgCBo7ju4bfR-NA_NSVDxsyzSTRRFxXiYrlJjvxQscsOAVxaHMtRd4tZDGf3cTh9OGz7oFlI3jSzuJ5RjwJE-mKA0W9-Gwu3O8V8xxqMZEg/s1600/IMG_2209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QxWyuxYYORNl-UaEQQuTfhzpfiuHX8hhgCBo7ju4bfR-NA_NSVDxsyzSTRRFxXiYrlJjvxQscsOAVxaHMtRd4tZDGf3cTh9OGz7oFlI3jSzuJ5RjwJE-mKA0W9-Gwu3O8V8xxqMZEg/s320/IMG_2209.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
A princess bike for our princess.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7iMOpY1eMELnwGFO4Bc1ByM2iMxGfIsLRLyXSYBJ_2zGJ4QFedfnIAROxp-OFbFQ6M9L5B2buDdwhBNTBv6W2k5IqI6leY83bZtL9YCymhA6A91o1Ai9zSC3KMVIkwaszapzvmWzAw/s1600/IMG_2215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7iMOpY1eMELnwGFO4Bc1ByM2iMxGfIsLRLyXSYBJ_2zGJ4QFedfnIAROxp-OFbFQ6M9L5B2buDdwhBNTBv6W2k5IqI6leY83bZtL9YCymhA6A91o1Ai9zSC3KMVIkwaszapzvmWzAw/s320/IMG_2215.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I tied a big pink ribbon on her helmet just to make it a bit more exciting for the big reveal :)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKiXR_8Ow-rlF3RE8YlOnR3FCdQrN7VSw1-dpFbRUx5-bX1Z50j0TRTGDCKW-GAlkViG4k3HOFIiavIt5uFWiOxpOLprmgDrAINWrMdGPx-wqbFMW8PbAUWe67uGyXBRLKJlPhW4Pyww/s1600/IMG_2226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKiXR_8Ow-rlF3RE8YlOnR3FCdQrN7VSw1-dpFbRUx5-bX1Z50j0TRTGDCKW-GAlkViG4k3HOFIiavIt5uFWiOxpOLprmgDrAINWrMdGPx-wqbFMW8PbAUWe67uGyXBRLKJlPhW4Pyww/s320/IMG_2226.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opening presents</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9A8mzcBbQNV-PZyR6LQ1tyI8m9p2SyxSL700lWtjZ86zTOGsg1EZiinIGOx0Aie2bp5CG6EPXhj7CbtYY_i1by17SsYHy37pX3eAGDIu8rCwADsc2QLux43JYMwA-tUNzT14XJCbHA/s1600/IMG_2227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9A8mzcBbQNV-PZyR6LQ1tyI8m9p2SyxSL700lWtjZ86zTOGsg1EZiinIGOx0Aie2bp5CG6EPXhj7CbtYY_i1by17SsYHy37pX3eAGDIu8rCwADsc2QLux43JYMwA-tUNzT14XJCbHA/s320/IMG_2227.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jane needed to try it all out too</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ihHSWgTiTs_vYoxdZNCLa1py58nE14CTQh8l6Q8SQLQJkIAMnhd3uU1XamUpnmZwO5X5FKZ471mkPkI2abtzpYwEbxyw005dZ3LCLX28wBDvTBu1sySVYTVILhMj7EaTvs2Qvj6Gpg/s1600/IMG_2229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ihHSWgTiTs_vYoxdZNCLa1py58nE14CTQh8l6Q8SQLQJkIAMnhd3uU1XamUpnmZwO5X5FKZ471mkPkI2abtzpYwEbxyw005dZ3LCLX28wBDvTBu1sySVYTVILhMj7EaTvs2Qvj6Gpg/s320/IMG_2229.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I took the older kids to see "Brave" this summer and they loved it. Kate has been asking for a "Brave" birthday ever since. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8BjGo0Zk8bNjg37JJhiws7u0XxZtiYL20ST7hQu_RJUE3B5eoI_qnA34jwxa9XKQK3MiAuUU5domeVHlnWLLQOiZCvNjFk3KwYwjY88XT6ke9w2IlHjzYDB1pz2BbC1MblN9BzLUfQA/s1600/IMG_2236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8BjGo0Zk8bNjg37JJhiws7u0XxZtiYL20ST7hQu_RJUE3B5eoI_qnA34jwxa9XKQK3MiAuUU5domeVHlnWLLQOiZCvNjFk3KwYwjY88XT6ke9w2IlHjzYDB1pz2BbC1MblN9BzLUfQA/s320/IMG_2236.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPhWAvJ4io7_wiM8l1-gepmPdpZDrknlQRrEbt__BCi5NrbHsFj59dSd9feOvk8637Ad8ygfbAgtmyx1KS0fAjI5E6Z5aRPHLSYaxls9EsAhYQ3LX42Gh2-b2w4jBWP7Grb14CuecKQ/s1600/IMG_2237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPhWAvJ4io7_wiM8l1-gepmPdpZDrknlQRrEbt__BCi5NrbHsFj59dSd9feOvk8637Ad8ygfbAgtmyx1KS0fAjI5E6Z5aRPHLSYaxls9EsAhYQ3LX42Gh2-b2w4jBWP7Grb14CuecKQ/s320/IMG_2237.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our delicious German pancakes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIC0Qt1rC8DWirt7NrAvVqC9QXna7W7F6Q5CSvNYHejRsgYbNysFzTuH4XCXYtLCh7IJnWFxXmOTBQSSakR_R4Tqaj4XSLteurezoiKMtWQm4OQN8KOJGxLz4hYZdWVyirHD4P8dG18A/s1600/IMG_2241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIC0Qt1rC8DWirt7NrAvVqC9QXna7W7F6Q5CSvNYHejRsgYbNysFzTuH4XCXYtLCh7IJnWFxXmOTBQSSakR_R4Tqaj4XSLteurezoiKMtWQm4OQN8KOJGxLz4hYZdWVyirHD4P8dG18A/s320/IMG_2241.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgpk8UBx0TOt-wblgFOA5oidbEW77rJLSK6DunTcPfJPZga_Mp-FfLAYbVotmnGOtkvjB5s47kEWOtEA4zU2poxegtt1NPiY1_4TuaAA4aKv5MwCIoWJNbCks6ZZVkXiOOorRldj6QA/s1600/IMG_2246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgpk8UBx0TOt-wblgFOA5oidbEW77rJLSK6DunTcPfJPZga_Mp-FfLAYbVotmnGOtkvjB5s47kEWOtEA4zU2poxegtt1NPiY1_4TuaAA4aKv5MwCIoWJNbCks6ZZVkXiOOorRldj6QA/s320/IMG_2246.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Of course Kate was anxious to try out her new bike, but it was a bit crazy trying to get the older two out the door and to the bus. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmPUz0nz5VRXJhqA9_eH5KQ-jyP7Jur1zwJNutz5JfGq7CQknxpnpuQoiuD32ek4GvQ_0mp7SNsgtYhTHD7zCan4YFFBb-HH-pFk4nVZAwdVdj1AvsMy87EKIpiHBcI8JDehU8PEUag/s1600/IMG_2247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmPUz0nz5VRXJhqA9_eH5KQ-jyP7Jur1zwJNutz5JfGq7CQknxpnpuQoiuD32ek4GvQ_0mp7SNsgtYhTHD7zCan4YFFBb-HH-pFk4nVZAwdVdj1AvsMy87EKIpiHBcI8JDehU8PEUag/s320/IMG_2247.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Rand worked from home so he could see the kids off on their first day, but since the bus was 20 minutes late he just had to say goodbye and run back home to jump on a client call. At least he was able to help Kate get a few laps in with her new bike before work. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJwRJsO3L2oDUSAUXvHyP8bWjkTVdWVz2gy-N8IHNjvHJFxECrd1OzVGKaZ8Ag0Mga91kLQIHAz5hit9mRyclGvwm6wAl5Z5LuZfmhBkpWQuHUALy2Xa6tlwrzY6j6l7PdWduktcrBDQ/s1600/IMG_2254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJwRJsO3L2oDUSAUXvHyP8bWjkTVdWVz2gy-N8IHNjvHJFxECrd1OzVGKaZ8Ag0Mga91kLQIHAz5hit9mRyclGvwm6wAl5Z5LuZfmhBkpWQuHUALy2Xa6tlwrzY6j6l7PdWduktcrBDQ/s320/IMG_2254.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxslt-VpbO68ag86EUefqjVyLTqsoNE72WQUrKLWqKXl5Vz-nwCFjrpa40lKnrrc1WUUAYIffxC_9ofjNOHmhVZzC77LGxL47GwYd7tF315mYaSKojW_pn_l7-n8ZMo0B7Lf4Q2I5mg/s1600/IMG_2269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxslt-VpbO68ag86EUefqjVyLTqsoNE72WQUrKLWqKXl5Vz-nwCFjrpa40lKnrrc1WUUAYIffxC_9ofjNOHmhVZzC77LGxL47GwYd7tF315mYaSKojW_pn_l7-n8ZMo0B7Lf4Q2I5mg/s320/IMG_2269.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGjtaQiJ8yQJUe_FgPX67kE7IQ25IZi287PQbTOVNMfLKWQyK7QUW4QfJvQeZa6r9Q9i5KYx9m1cFzFnLGdWud9L7fXNhzo8elfjaLFsDhyC7KPyEywevNLmogt1Su8w8jf0tFbPBTcw/s1600/IMG_2259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGjtaQiJ8yQJUe_FgPX67kE7IQ25IZi287PQbTOVNMfLKWQyK7QUW4QfJvQeZa6r9Q9i5KYx9m1cFzFnLGdWud9L7fXNhzo8elfjaLFsDhyC7KPyEywevNLmogt1Su8w8jf0tFbPBTcw/s320/IMG_2259.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jane was so cute and rode around and around on her "bike"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4T-Et7b9-8BooRS_jR_LLlpDlg4OF0KhoFF_R198NNrjI1X0KGwOwX5Jnia89m9dgARaWYMwrqsTQKRLqK1nyV8xUzqkgxdsj-3_X3JTuD6HZ0DBr4LKj4ggMNe4e3r0sEqXA-K0dQ/s1600/IMG_3134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4T-Et7b9-8BooRS_jR_LLlpDlg4OF0KhoFF_R198NNrjI1X0KGwOwX5Jnia89m9dgARaWYMwrqsTQKRLqK1nyV8xUzqkgxdsj-3_X3JTuD6HZ0DBr4LKj4ggMNe4e3r0sEqXA-K0dQ/s320/IMG_3134.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I was worried that with school starting and Ethan's game that Kate wouldn't feel like it wasn't her special day. Once I got Jane down for her nap and had Randall listen for her I took Kate on a 'date' to Artic circle. She got a shake and fries. I introduced her to fry sauce and she was one happy girl. It was nice to have some one on one time even for just a little while during that crazy day. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIG35fGy4sv0FB5RkMdmtdKgDv6NG4eIRDKvyt6OUDIimIjTPjyOuLPGJsEEg2b01Z2s2L2_MTXBH74Q5v4hwkdWd1mqGW2kEITOH5z_6ReDR9NJpO5zDvn-gk5rxoIjvTUNmjLri7hg/s1600/IMG_3135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIG35fGy4sv0FB5RkMdmtdKgDv6NG4eIRDKvyt6OUDIimIjTPjyOuLPGJsEEg2b01Z2s2L2_MTXBH74Q5v4hwkdWd1mqGW2kEITOH5z_6ReDR9NJpO5zDvn-gk5rxoIjvTUNmjLri7hg/s320/IMG_3135.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This is the only picture I got of Ethan's football game... whoops. They looked so cute snuggled up in the grass. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQht1cgbZf7_a-QXh09sll2IKYK2Uz0dOXSA4IYaB-sszvqd8Pl9v8PuaWjk6Vl086a2XGbQizWRoZ0AoLMfKU3uRedFD50-xCN1Jo9IkF7JwCnWhCBEIdvqRaUiLZiIueUq_LUZkVg/s1600/IMG_2312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQht1cgbZf7_a-QXh09sll2IKYK2Uz0dOXSA4IYaB-sszvqd8Pl9v8PuaWjk6Vl086a2XGbQizWRoZ0AoLMfKU3uRedFD50-xCN1Jo9IkF7JwCnWhCBEIdvqRaUiLZiIueUq_LUZkVg/s320/IMG_2312.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
After Ethan's game both sets of grandparents came back to our house for grandparents gifts and cake and ice cream. For the first time I made a slide show to music with pictures of Kate growing up. We showed that before presents and it was really fun to see her change and grow through the years. I'm not going to lie when I say that I cried the first 5 times that I watched it. It's fun but hard to see your kids grow up, and with Kate especially so much of her 'growing up' was done in Jersey so that's where most the pictures were from. It made me miss our home and friends and life there so much....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYX-xB7vDLOVviUtJtBhBX8ZQuz0tvdehyphenhyphentw7w9Y1S_Ytgzc90jeUUnHoMzjlFuOZFQS1OB-hAAfF44VhQ0m7xmaVlLNMAQDAKQKrowNPAU6M-ESKuzqwthq2BL4YeFsqoX5pXJpNMnA/s1600/IMG_2315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYX-xB7vDLOVviUtJtBhBX8ZQuz0tvdehyphenhyphentw7w9Y1S_Ytgzc90jeUUnHoMzjlFuOZFQS1OB-hAAfF44VhQ0m7xmaVlLNMAQDAKQKrowNPAU6M-ESKuzqwthq2BL4YeFsqoX5pXJpNMnA/s320/IMG_2315.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Kate was so excited to get a real "Brave crown". Ethan gets really bugged that the girls call her Brave when her name is Merida.... cracks me up. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEize7Jf_b4YhzMRhEHfHn6h0xCOy00xieprubUqErynXHrcCkPyZfrAvTk5Y4bv7a5PINjU54kRSrqFIc-iypMEVdhA15FKUq1Fuswdu6RcNHkXA4G01N4dI29rpF5dhjEozCmrqPaO3Q/s1600/IMG_2317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEize7Jf_b4YhzMRhEHfHn6h0xCOy00xieprubUqErynXHrcCkPyZfrAvTk5Y4bv7a5PINjU54kRSrqFIc-iypMEVdhA15FKUq1Fuswdu6RcNHkXA4G01N4dI29rpF5dhjEozCmrqPaO3Q/s320/IMG_2317.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
She also got a cute plate and cup with Merida on it, and uses it for breakfast and lunch everyday. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtNE3YvPSUSfUMbKv_Pd38MCSnjCphG8lD0vnXAsUN1iEPOfDTbTU2aQKQHCdQgwR2YN5MIBebw0_FpY_H5GvEGmUhpi0q3ue9d6CnezbzamyY7TomAbukP3MXh0JnC22L8jhFqs6YQ/s1600/IMG_2321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtNE3YvPSUSfUMbKv_Pd38MCSnjCphG8lD0vnXAsUN1iEPOfDTbTU2aQKQHCdQgwR2YN5MIBebw0_FpY_H5GvEGmUhpi0q3ue9d6CnezbzamyY7TomAbukP3MXh0JnC22L8jhFqs6YQ/s320/IMG_2321.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ethan wanted to try on the crown :) he also wanted me to erase this picture :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrikFg1tliJsrWGOAIg-tXromJcGijkmbtqVl4nqPrWRwtFtm_8XWg8jJWnB9wj2EeE02lLnli4WVbFEdZScXiXK3Hq4QydSqFdEUzCcL0MtOkInXqnTdv83NDo6AR46SKuedHQU4rDw/s1600/IMG_2323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrikFg1tliJsrWGOAIg-tXromJcGijkmbtqVl4nqPrWRwtFtm_8XWg8jJWnB9wj2EeE02lLnli4WVbFEdZScXiXK3Hq4QydSqFdEUzCcL0MtOkInXqnTdv83NDo6AR46SKuedHQU4rDw/s320/IMG_2323.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
G& G Barrett gave her a Merida dress so she was all set with her Brave birthday. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikBku-opI1mEenITfXS91Ts9bSc_5uKbJ0QnWC5gW48QM587W6ikExN9BwE2IjAhP8Mq-1C3ybG2GdLsXUYdFkk8kliwEIP9KXsysLuss0w0DbqWKli-fwD_Yi1vrNmisNq-Inf2VqGQ/s1600/IMG_3137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikBku-opI1mEenITfXS91Ts9bSc_5uKbJ0QnWC5gW48QM587W6ikExN9BwE2IjAhP8Mq-1C3ybG2GdLsXUYdFkk8kliwEIP9KXsysLuss0w0DbqWKli-fwD_Yi1vrNmisNq-Inf2VqGQ/s320/IMG_3137.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Kate is such a special, spunky girl and certainly brightens up our home and life. She is sweet and kind and very affectionate. She often just comes up to me during the day and will give me a kiss and tell me she loves me. She has been such a blessing to our family. We love you Katherine Elise! Ashlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04294410464755771961noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140971833833125812.post-52616622745420144072012-08-28T15:03:00.002-04:002012-08-28T15:24:57.992-04:001st Day of School (x2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
August 21st was the first day of school for Ethan and Anna. They were feeling anxious to get started but gypped by their measly 8 weeks of summer.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinX7-CP5Odnfm_UzBOmPvzWTrItfJ_SZ1O6i99Y5MErqhD0rWZPWsBK97RxZoqBIsIeLaMYYJcO_56pbz41E3EwgA951Ii1DMv0beiARn93qQDzRmxeOAWbjfrhwNasgChv9QVgPkqBg/s1600/IMG_2284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinX7-CP5Odnfm_UzBOmPvzWTrItfJ_SZ1O6i99Y5MErqhD0rWZPWsBK97RxZoqBIsIeLaMYYJcO_56pbz41E3EwgA951Ii1DMv0beiARn93qQDzRmxeOAWbjfrhwNasgChv9QVgPkqBg/s320/IMG_2284.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
As most kids do, Anna chose long pants and long sleeves from her new clothes stash. I warned her she would be quite hot but, but she insisted, and she did look really cute and grown up.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9C7-W_DsgjiN_Sud9a0E6fH92g2PBUXY0cCcVXLpqG409HSDAp18ciCXB6vYqskeYAdSxEAXnlThEYYNYN1RHOK9U7SDAJ9ZfZK2mVwu30ZZ7mtux_VwLe6j8yPICF09Di06QnEzMig/s1600/IMG_2273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9C7-W_DsgjiN_Sud9a0E6fH92g2PBUXY0cCcVXLpqG409HSDAp18ciCXB6vYqskeYAdSxEAXnlThEYYNYN1RHOK9U7SDAJ9ZfZK2mVwu30ZZ7mtux_VwLe6j8yPICF09Di06QnEzMig/s320/IMG_2273.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Ethan on the other hand wore old shorts and a clean shirt. Typical for a boy of almost 10 years.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8mbXmjRHmUD8X-dl7PxkXFagms53FEIMtx2WqwIRZCE4-KOfX9kFVCJhJV1e6I8D2F2WyocCS_vN-GfiKWJJaj310GKLebVxV5MabT_HUR-vybcFnYWqdo5K65di_B7RECSAP5qmeuA/s1600/IMG_2287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8mbXmjRHmUD8X-dl7PxkXFagms53FEIMtx2WqwIRZCE4-KOfX9kFVCJhJV1e6I8D2F2WyocCS_vN-GfiKWJJaj310GKLebVxV5MabT_HUR-vybcFnYWqdo5K65di_B7RECSAP5qmeuA/s320/IMG_2287.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking to the bus stop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtioU5o8_yGedbMiSgdm10h3DZcccyq0nev-WrIoVeQR2jIo7fjPeGEBhg08bIFeze6y7WK7toAsPp7zPgBivyZ2ZOREGdQY02pdQPD-fGCgvp9felLjS6EdzsbmTI6rJ-rWjVxVOm8g/s1600/IMG_2297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtioU5o8_yGedbMiSgdm10h3DZcccyq0nev-WrIoVeQR2jIo7fjPeGEBhg08bIFeze6y7WK7toAsPp7zPgBivyZ2ZOREGdQY02pdQPD-fGCgvp9felLjS6EdzsbmTI6rJ-rWjVxVOm8g/s320/IMG_2297.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
As is often the case with the first day, the bus was at least 20 minutes late, so we waited and waited...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqOlmPLS2HilYWjNUb3OtjWh6rygTmm0UYbYX-_teE0imh16t0Kny41IYGyDNepzpcto69Qs_HoMecl6kHLVtLV5Rmd8QpJhoxhZtP4-HuSZJvDP75N0auJEW3QDsbEAm_qXh_ctC4yw/s1600/IMG_2301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqOlmPLS2HilYWjNUb3OtjWh6rygTmm0UYbYX-_teE0imh16t0Kny41IYGyDNepzpcto69Qs_HoMecl6kHLVtLV5Rmd8QpJhoxhZtP4-HuSZJvDP75N0auJEW3QDsbEAm_qXh_ctC4yw/s320/IMG_2301.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Poor Ethan was feeling quite nervous by this time, especially with the longer wait and kept saying his stomache hurt. At least it didn't stop him from eating his breakfast :) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipUjXrbVAA_8Bvq2uQjtbpHE10BonJaSw7nhi6e2h4SgbeMCmQXkw_dNbe1gcmjN_iODBM2hyns9yoCm5H5Zcf2j1gQXIIJmAL2FWsXJuCIwjOPIJTy4qYzeYoPfyO3yiBUTiH8EJEA/s1600/IMG_2302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipUjXrbVAA_8Bvq2uQjtbpHE10BonJaSw7nhi6e2h4SgbeMCmQXkw_dNbe1gcmjN_iODBM2hyns9yoCm5H5Zcf2j1gQXIIJmAL2FWsXJuCIwjOPIJTy4qYzeYoPfyO3yiBUTiH8EJEA/s320/IMG_2302.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
The moment has finally come and after kisses and hugs form both kids (thankfully they aren't too old for that...yet) they were off. Admittedly it wasn't as hard for me to see them go as I thought it would be. No tears were shed from any of us. I think them being in school<i> still </i>feels very surreal and I think that in a few days they will be home like usual.<br />
<br />
So far school is going... hmmm well I guess. Anna really likes her teacher and and Ethan likes his although he says she is strict about talking, to which I replied "good!" They are both doing well, in fact Ethan comes home everyday saying how bored he is. I'm worried about him a bit in that regard and we may have to look into some other options for him so he isn't so bored. At back to school night his teacher said he is definitely in the top of the class and that he will be put in the gifted and talented program. I'm sure that those East coast schools had nothing to do with it. I'm hoping that it's just early yet and once they get into the real stuff he will be fine... I hope. <br />
<br />
Anna is also doing well and every paper she brought home had a 100% on it. She even got an excellent for her behavior, but was upset that it wasn't superior! <br />
______________________________________________________________________________<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw76DuyC6AUQYhFnR9YPpllaK2dqFu2AVldGzSQNZK23-63Jn0PvXjAfh15XA8euuNEPlkaGGQUdnSgsVfJNH3fZvFcr0CYH9SbFTjjdKyEme3Y18mh9fPt_hjBvQn4LCqSGgOg-AJVg/s1600/IMG_2325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw76DuyC6AUQYhFnR9YPpllaK2dqFu2AVldGzSQNZK23-63Jn0PvXjAfh15XA8euuNEPlkaGGQUdnSgsVfJNH3fZvFcr0CYH9SbFTjjdKyEme3Y18mh9fPt_hjBvQn4LCqSGgOg-AJVg/s320/IMG_2325.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Today was the big day for Kate to start Kindergarten. Again this just doesn't seem possible so again I was surprisingly quite un-emotional about it. She has only been gone 50 minutes, so while right now I'm excited about all I can do in the afternoons while she is gone and Jane is napping, I'm sure that it won't be long and I will be missing her and feeling like it's pretty darn quiet around here. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgI8nelpe6Uky40d2mwG-pK22eP89qX5XguCnrcjfc1vHfI_rFDwLX4ciq1acKb2gJlXkhdNsdwV7UnP8BH1CSAOXWGrCGq_eVZTminYaGipqnkoLtENQxEuK-oxc46WjrEfbk9tNiA/s1600/IMG_2330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgI8nelpe6Uky40d2mwG-pK22eP89qX5XguCnrcjfc1vHfI_rFDwLX4ciq1acKb2gJlXkhdNsdwV7UnP8BH1CSAOXWGrCGq_eVZTminYaGipqnkoLtENQxEuK-oxc46WjrEfbk9tNiA/s320/IMG_2330.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
No surprise that Kate was nothing but ready. I'm so glad we didn't hold her back even though she will be the very youngest in her class. She was not nervous one bit! Last night when I went to put her to bed I found that she had laid her clothes out for today. She even had her back pack laid out with the arms of the shirt through the straps. Her teacher is teaching for the very first time this year and I've felt a bit hesitant about her and her personality, not knowing whether she's a great fit for a kindergarten teacher. I decided though that I can only offer any help and try to have a great attitude and hope that the teacher and Kate have a great first year together. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgFHQeXZBFAsFa4ph50HuHyx_bR5k_Emcp3SJKKBabDWqYIzV61QF8EuXH_3reLra7L-I7Fo1m6XfpQfgRRkOElLLj2ZTUH8l4xEeZQFObJHKu3yye06GUdg_65yZsrJdPXwuxSeGnw/s1600/IMG_2335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgFHQeXZBFAsFa4ph50HuHyx_bR5k_Emcp3SJKKBabDWqYIzV61QF8EuXH_3reLra7L-I7Fo1m6XfpQfgRRkOElLLj2ZTUH8l4xEeZQFObJHKu3yye06GUdg_65yZsrJdPXwuxSeGnw/s320/IMG_2335.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Kate is really lucky that our very next door neighbor (the boy above) is also in the same class and obviously rides the same bus. They are really good little friends and I'm so grateful they will have each other. There is also another cute little girl from church that is in their class, so I'm sure Kate will be fine. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTBnDq1zFh2VOosjFxo2YBkgtmuu06kfj4O5LZrnAvfeLf5_jczFccES13DjEUcYc1bIGMhr3mUrJ63whyXEsoe6I30of3fCT9fKFCdYxJOU1SHvCQ18msuDJyxulFFGzAfMTX1vb0pw/s1600/IMG_2341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTBnDq1zFh2VOosjFxo2YBkgtmuu06kfj4O5LZrnAvfeLf5_jczFccES13DjEUcYc1bIGMhr3mUrJ63whyXEsoe6I30of3fCT9fKFCdYxJOU1SHvCQ18msuDJyxulFFGzAfMTX1vb0pw/s320/IMG_2341.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for the bus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBGN7J4uXEkZr-vWE7mInb8WChdbaoQWGtAfSAtwUEqVoOB1kNAsGNezSp9-Frqg2sPb8HxmIHGetoW32A32dwqz4RC47l0H1i6hk93jkbKOvcgAp3_bk9fIoX73scIjNHYdOgw-Ljg/s1600/IMG_2343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBGN7J4uXEkZr-vWE7mInb8WChdbaoQWGtAfSAtwUEqVoOB1kNAsGNezSp9-Frqg2sPb8HxmIHGetoW32A32dwqz4RC47l0H1i6hk93jkbKOvcgAp3_bk9fIoX73scIjNHYdOgw-Ljg/s320/IMG_2343.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking a bit nervous and reflective</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAG7HiOO43RGpjV6MK-iMeG8iyZVkNSgNUywlRyG6eF1o70Pfjl7mZVJQB2XP576ZC0jfQnyrVOow2JYCSZ_N57I3L0-TzosmnK6ojPbWjrwPw0MhoYX0XbzdO1fnKUVint8eXuMbB5Q/s1600/IMG_2349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAG7HiOO43RGpjV6MK-iMeG8iyZVkNSgNUywlRyG6eF1o70Pfjl7mZVJQB2XP576ZC0jfQnyrVOow2JYCSZ_N57I3L0-TzosmnK6ojPbWjrwPw0MhoYX0XbzdO1fnKUVint8eXuMbB5Q/s320/IMG_2349.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nail biting-I've never seen her do this before...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkx0Ef2hmD5qykBpCz1cbkPVJLWCgkrVZonaiywfyS6ltgwNM9GbYBoqBWLI8TdBAYKM-rbwvOIpOaAiZ-8hInWSlxT7YMeTuo0dM8QhQhFuZ_vV8hGNNdfYrNLKq476N2OEavRGhc6A/s1600/IMG_2362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkx0Ef2hmD5qykBpCz1cbkPVJLWCgkrVZonaiywfyS6ltgwNM9GbYBoqBWLI8TdBAYKM-rbwvOIpOaAiZ-8hInWSlxT7YMeTuo0dM8QhQhFuZ_vV8hGNNdfYrNLKq476N2OEavRGhc6A/s320/IMG_2362.JPG" width="274" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There they go!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBEtP8YIMI0oFDovoUMDxI1aHccUcwSiWqk32w_3JRRYGAE2K4FQl08UaIDivlc_i7iSR9Z_ZWZkji2ILZM6zq7i2F6chSEXTaW-CFhr1hcnjZvnKhAH9ghC5Hip2tE-eLAWqAtJgK5w/s1600/IMG_2366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBEtP8YIMI0oFDovoUMDxI1aHccUcwSiWqk32w_3JRRYGAE2K4FQl08UaIDivlc_i7iSR9Z_ZWZkji2ILZM6zq7i2F6chSEXTaW-CFhr1hcnjZvnKhAH9ghC5Hip2tE-eLAWqAtJgK5w/s320/IMG_2366.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Bye Mom!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kA_MYQlhdvmHbaJn5pPIExD_GXzVCDZqQkTQ9rGZe5j65us1wL0OJBofmVkqPPJdXJQCTayc19twesV578myhpedd0vcHjtW8T6eAplYbtJj1_b0ixEdAHyzojmJ-hoHS2MsULNprQ/s1600/IMG_2370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kA_MYQlhdvmHbaJn5pPIExD_GXzVCDZqQkTQ9rGZe5j65us1wL0OJBofmVkqPPJdXJQCTayc19twesV578myhpedd0vcHjtW8T6eAplYbtJj1_b0ixEdAHyzojmJ-hoHS2MsULNprQ/s320/IMG_2370.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off she goes...<br />
<br />
Ok, now I'm starting to feel a little bit sad. <br />
<br />
Good luck kids! I know you will all three do and learn amazing things!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />Ashlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04294410464755771961noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140971833833125812.post-7703270769674163882012-08-16T21:53:00.002-04:002012-08-17T14:32:39.572-04:00OverwhelmedI'm hesitant to write this because I may sound just a <i>bit </i>dramatic, but it's my blog and my journal so here it goes....<br />
<br />
I'm feeling overwhelmed because our Summer this year has been 1 month shorter than normal due to our move and getting out of school so late in Jersey and starting so early here. That means we've had just 8 weeks to pack in whatever we could for fun, and get settled into life as we know it here. <br />
<br />
The kids start school on the 21st in just 5 days! That is also Kate's 5th birthday and also Ethan's 1st football game that he's been practicing weeks for. Then 2 days later it's my birthday and back to school night, yippee! Then 6 days later it's Ethan's birthday and his 2nd football game of the season. <br />
<br />
I've been looking forward to school starting not because I'm sick of the kids or anything like that. I just like being busy, but with structure and a schedule. The only problem is this first week of school is looking like a doozy. I really wanted to throw a party for Kate but have decided against it because it would really just be inviting kids from her church class that she really doesn't care all that much about etc. It would be thrown together just because and that's not how I roll. I want it to be planned and nice or not at all. Is that bad? She won't know any different because she has never had a birthday party so one more year won't kill her. The only reason I really wanted to do a party for her this year is because we alternate years of family and friend parties, so if I did a party for her this year I would only have one party to throw next year for Ethan's "friend" year and not 2 within a week of each other. Even that little fact wasn't convincing me. <br />
<br />
I just went out of town on a whim with Rand on business to Vegas for a few days and it was really nice to get away and basically be "alone" since he worked all day and into the night so I really was all alone. I enjoyed it and I'm really glad I went, only now I feel like I'm in panic mode. Rand also had a trip to NYC planned, leaving this Sunday and that was cancelled today, thank goodness! I wasn't sure I wanted to do the first day of school and birthday possibly alone.<br />
<br />
I'm trying to figure out how to make the first day of school fun and exciting for the older two since Kate being in Kindergarten doesn't start until a week later, thank heavens. But... then how do I make it a day that Kate feels like is her big day?<br />
<br />
I know I'm blowing all of this out of proportion and none of this is earth shattering but it's where I'm at none the less. Also, to add insult to injury, quite literally, one of Jane's teeth she injured in her accident in April is dying.... I don't know if its the mom in me or the dental hygienist or both, but I'm kind of sad about it. I know it's just a tooth but it will be a lot of years with a black tooth and she may still loose it if it decides to abcess. We shall see. (on a side note Ethan just lost his second to last baby tooth, how is that possible, that he could be in braces in a matter of months and he's not quite 10?!)<br />
<br />
Phew, I feel better already. I told a friend of mine today that if I were a runner I would most definitely be out on a run right now. Since I'm not a runner, I've roped a friend into going on a walk with me when the boys get home from football practice. Wish us luck in the next week, or two. Ashlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04294410464755771961noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140971833833125812.post-3942850629723815972012-08-05T21:12:00.000-04:002012-08-05T21:18:28.262-04:00Team "Awesome"- Barrett Reunion 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFV_7vp8jjYEDlCegw5m82JUS1Knjn-2DWJH3rT6s-_cUBkm0mgsBXlaBoiq0OwM-aCuQEjwTK-Ije2KDREaap3pCCpjIRc2gJUU3Y278oUf6xWTfdhMaOCJEh1pSMdxHjaycdbFioQ/s1600/IMG_1717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFV_7vp8jjYEDlCegw5m82JUS1Knjn-2DWJH3rT6s-_cUBkm0mgsBXlaBoiq0OwM-aCuQEjwTK-Ije2KDREaap3pCCpjIRc2gJUU3Y278oUf6xWTfdhMaOCJEh1pSMdxHjaycdbFioQ/s320/IMG_1717.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
July 21st-27th was the Barrett Family (my side) reunion up at Aspen Grove. Aspen Grove is a family camp located in the mountains above Sundance ski resort, just 30 minutes from our house. It is for Brigham Young University Alumni and their families. It is in a beautiful setting and was one of the best things we have ever done. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcBgXmu8jEkGLZjCx5zHkxYN7_o-PRjYW5SM5dFCEDL7MD-FZtpip2WjcbnwNx4jetmeWSv4SY-F6lQkREirusCVEdakA5DC76rCLSJyGxOiWZzKk1mXFr5KK_8zNt5bXY6B0mvfFiqg/s1600/IMG_1716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcBgXmu8jEkGLZjCx5zHkxYN7_o-PRjYW5SM5dFCEDL7MD-FZtpip2WjcbnwNx4jetmeWSv4SY-F6lQkREirusCVEdakA5DC76rCLSJyGxOiWZzKk1mXFr5KK_8zNt5bXY6B0mvfFiqg/s320/IMG_1716.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Admittedly I was a little concerned about how 26 family members would all get along, or not get along for 6 days of all day togetherness. Thanks to great accommodations with each family basically with their own suite in the cabin we all got along great. Aspen grove is all about activities that bring the family together. Our cabin was situated right near the above "cowboy village". The kids loved that little place. There was a bank, a church, a school, a jail, barber shop, tee-pee, train etc. Any spare moment we had, and there weren't many, that's where they wanted to be. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtnt4kAFytmHZdhEfkMWKZBzmPaEMexxyztZyLvm4DTn_z668klDBGSnUQj1SP1sCOh0nHtDPW6UNKZWFCF0zX0F6LI30yZmdVWsBLS6QRgOmyU2f4F1HsDo7tRs3_7HLpWy3pK1MqTA/s1600/IMG_1740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtnt4kAFytmHZdhEfkMWKZBzmPaEMexxyztZyLvm4DTn_z668klDBGSnUQj1SP1sCOh0nHtDPW6UNKZWFCF0zX0F6LI30yZmdVWsBLS6QRgOmyU2f4F1HsDo7tRs3_7HLpWy3pK1MqTA/s320/IMG_1740.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna a top the bank in cowboy village</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The kids were divided up into groups by age and most of them had a cousin or 2 in their group which made it nice. The kids would stay with their age group doing arts and crafts, swimming, hiking, archery, rock climbing from 9:15-12, and then 1:30-4pm. That made the trip so nice because they kids were busy having fun doing all sorts of fun activities, while the adults had "free" time to do a plethora of their own activities. The things we participated in were mini golf, a lecture on marriage and relationships, rifle shooting, archery, a high ropes course, I took a water color class with my Mom, basketball 3 on 3 tournament, naps, and so on. The kids were so busy during the day that they were really worn out by night which made putting them to bed pretty easy. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYGJflUF7MzawKiuZDJgvxojWZkoCR6wcimRpFie2mQd8gp8laoLW3BDIfveYTq6xDwuYFysVJ0nXu1VrVIk1IAfKjYTaSNGeF2EQb_FN3Rtwingaz80_zTQb6W1JGtFyg9krAGxfRw/s1600/IMG_2902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYGJflUF7MzawKiuZDJgvxojWZkoCR6wcimRpFie2mQd8gp8laoLW3BDIfveYTq6xDwuYFysVJ0nXu1VrVIk1IAfKjYTaSNGeF2EQb_FN3Rtwingaz80_zTQb6W1JGtFyg9krAGxfRw/s320/IMG_2902.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jane riding her horse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-suewZ4CiJ7zQ1y8Bnuxn-ICu3V0xWbxxydizD9fWGaiNqq7YVBKbE-beEzMKzdaLAoj9-PfYaSpj23eL1mJmQoQkz5wKntpji9zUkql2-SibrLAHq0b-6WzgI7Pwaqojj5PXk5mbA/s1600/IMG_1742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-suewZ4CiJ7zQ1y8Bnuxn-ICu3V0xWbxxydizD9fWGaiNqq7YVBKbE-beEzMKzdaLAoj9-PfYaSpj23eL1mJmQoQkz5wKntpji9zUkql2-SibrLAHq0b-6WzgI7Pwaqojj5PXk5mbA/s320/IMG_1742.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cheesy jane driving the train</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBE1DSdcJ2VD4GvE4ky0ojj71MCdl8ZiowOINYVW14iuy0p1AAQVmAAfyFMItjWsWmG0N2QsMMpxulpkTKRbgLAY8SAR3mOxfZYlhdlCJ4x-kVGrKJ1qHiPPOxRPBr5bJye2G02ockxA/s1600/IMG_2931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBE1DSdcJ2VD4GvE4ky0ojj71MCdl8ZiowOINYVW14iuy0p1AAQVmAAfyFMItjWsWmG0N2QsMMpxulpkTKRbgLAY8SAR3mOxfZYlhdlCJ4x-kVGrKJ1qHiPPOxRPBr5bJye2G02ockxA/s320/IMG_2931.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousin Luke and miss Jane after a rather chilly swim one evening</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0RqSJf5KsSc79a4OvSDx-GIpv60N0ZDjD2jRw2gvAXtlvSDmaeyot-5a38bsCEmg38ogjycX_K6ByuZ77OPIPzBymq0En_3y1S6vynsOGN3Covxtewj7cszA-HhDt_T-i4RsWsaxARg/s1600/IMG_2946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0RqSJf5KsSc79a4OvSDx-GIpv60N0ZDjD2jRw2gvAXtlvSDmaeyot-5a38bsCEmg38ogjycX_K6ByuZ77OPIPzBymq0En_3y1S6vynsOGN3Covxtewj7cszA-HhDt_T-i4RsWsaxARg/s320/IMG_2946.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ethan caught a fish in a little pond and then...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinDv9W5A8HXWlKijW3b9lW5BNM25AvwIk2IuGEh6jP245wg5QJAJvJ8Wb2EmsNKXCOrEhPe9TQJPIFdIZ215EatiPkYfdCDlYIdVcUmKmEy025B2paCHju7uvAW7BPa0SsttEzwLJBmw/s1600/IMG_2942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinDv9W5A8HXWlKijW3b9lW5BNM25AvwIk2IuGEh6jP245wg5QJAJvJ8Wb2EmsNKXCOrEhPe9TQJPIFdIZ215EatiPkYfdCDlYIdVcUmKmEy025B2paCHju7uvAW7BPa0SsttEzwLJBmw/s320/IMG_2942.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They cooked it up for him to eat for breakfast. He was enjoying it until he realized it still had his eyeballs. That and he was extremely upset that he had "killed" something. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Uj1fHQgefo_BgywQB4FAJg4CX5oUlc9SK67VDcD1v_ATV3CjMxRv2RThyphenhyphenzcdexhPHPLP1i-K2qE2nWkAn33406BRoq6kXojdN_mBJ7pSQLvSQqt1Cx1Y3Gt-mKbDm9lM9UP5sY0_UA/s1600/IMG_2922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Uj1fHQgefo_BgywQB4FAJg4CX5oUlc9SK67VDcD1v_ATV3CjMxRv2RThyphenhyphenzcdexhPHPLP1i-K2qE2nWkAn33406BRoq6kXojdN_mBJ7pSQLvSQqt1Cx1Y3Gt-mKbDm9lM9UP5sY0_UA/s320/IMG_2922.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rand and Jane in their reunion shirts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHPMvWAu7BCD8kuLAepMZeH2CfIOLWz5KO7FJshZjqduVK41JTTRpWi3P7IsBtXrw5NCH6oVtiuWnUT3FVf4JrDh1B_HZkVXMgQgRsif4i2zZ89WQNiQsu1mmnCRSSPQ-XzkmQkAadw/s1600/IMG_2923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHPMvWAu7BCD8kuLAepMZeH2CfIOLWz5KO7FJshZjqduVK41JTTRpWi3P7IsBtXrw5NCH6oVtiuWnUT3FVf4JrDh1B_HZkVXMgQgRsif4i2zZ89WQNiQsu1mmnCRSSPQ-XzkmQkAadw/s320/IMG_2923.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jane with her hello kitty back pack heading off to her class. She was really exciting to go until she actually got there...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36EN8WFm8DhfqVNlha4o_0tBaqVdvG9vEd6e2z15RxWiWvT6O9rPLfeWzCcK32MK4bbO99s4XhsqoMiq4mfMJRn9WoIEjEMsl2LLLScBlfhtvUn4Q8grbCsgG-X8XJZ02VOGbSITtYg/s1600/IMG_2952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36EN8WFm8DhfqVNlha4o_0tBaqVdvG9vEd6e2z15RxWiWvT6O9rPLfeWzCcK32MK4bbO99s4XhsqoMiq4mfMJRn9WoIEjEMsl2LLLScBlfhtvUn4Q8grbCsgG-X8XJZ02VOGbSITtYg/s320/IMG_2952.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom and Julie doing their rifle practice. Mom was a surpringly good shot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxtR-Bj4suLJ3T7dJ15mAS0iIypbXCcdUE2ZpL-IFR0xZvv7C2P4uYIhz4pIrQNy56cAaJgSwpKDHeaLVU1gl3uFELY_GDziDg4UZ-dJWpPS682FWxjSi_TARHNVpYdgLcXQ0aglmZA/s1600/IMG_2953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxtR-Bj4suLJ3T7dJ15mAS0iIypbXCcdUE2ZpL-IFR0xZvv7C2P4uYIhz4pIrQNy56cAaJgSwpKDHeaLVU1gl3uFELY_GDziDg4UZ-dJWpPS682FWxjSi_TARHNVpYdgLcXQ0aglmZA/s320/IMG_2953.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the gorgeous views. Ok, Utah is prettier than I remembered</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSD1VO_VDti1RTP6aN-sY0Ty6HWvlZhbq4I54pRlWst00qz0NKVSwcF05vIGH1KGmOedhH1NqRTyBsIbWYOLr1xE9IJNnzhXLZpE59D-tSqys59tAQFMN1TH0RafP0PpcNtuPdgaKdw/s1600/IMG_2955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSD1VO_VDti1RTP6aN-sY0Ty6HWvlZhbq4I54pRlWst00qz0NKVSwcF05vIGH1KGmOedhH1NqRTyBsIbWYOLr1xE9IJNnzhXLZpE59D-tSqys59tAQFMN1TH0RafP0PpcNtuPdgaKdw/s320/IMG_2955.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
On Tuesday night in celebration of July 24th and pioneer day when the pioneers entered the Utah Valley. That night they had a night of games and prizes and treats in cowboy village. They had a dunk machine, hatchet throw, popping balloons with a whip (my personal favorite ;), a train ride, face painting etc. Ethan played in a game of Boffers with a bunch of other people for about 3 hours straight. He loved every minute of it and was exhausted afterwards. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nbQs8d4z4ds2js7Uqy0v2U5zyMhDO2zo1ZIk0pvnxZzA14Sv54BAnxK5a_E-VqFcd045f_HZlXThf9QK_ApUyAz034iFdXEVmoFzhWz_a_OiZV0PMnhNSRLF6Li877MozC1dd9_WJw/s1600/IMG_2974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nbQs8d4z4ds2js7Uqy0v2U5zyMhDO2zo1ZIk0pvnxZzA14Sv54BAnxK5a_E-VqFcd045f_HZlXThf9QK_ApUyAz034iFdXEVmoFzhWz_a_OiZV0PMnhNSRLF6Li877MozC1dd9_WJw/s320/IMG_2974.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jane loved her horse. This may have to be a gift for Christmas...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11TQs0nsOKxPh2gPu8DlQvgOKSsiYNp88QBjIXCchChslpeobtsZyt0BjrIqOCVjc7Phyphenhyphengx5rJ7hDmWFKimGjYpWOD52TcxkHMZv7kV6Re-19xni-QgmNz8afYjklc1X3d4Hgc4Bw4w/s1600/IMG_2995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11TQs0nsOKxPh2gPu8DlQvgOKSsiYNp88QBjIXCchChslpeobtsZyt0BjrIqOCVjc7Phyphenhyphengx5rJ7hDmWFKimGjYpWOD52TcxkHMZv7kV6Re-19xni-QgmNz8afYjklc1X3d4Hgc4Bw4w/s320/IMG_2995.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mr. and Mrs. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Kydsy-lMSuTjzCdGkV9Ji4hlhzSzjuFu4Nd3ShD4de_05XCNV9Z8IK2CEAmKxL8htyb93ma_ebfOgcf2IJLFH0NOfL4hAt5CVRMz6Y-zmAJ9WkXUW7GOpp0JY0JfVeX2ZabIqrr77A/s1600/IMG_2982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Kydsy-lMSuTjzCdGkV9Ji4hlhzSzjuFu4Nd3ShD4de_05XCNV9Z8IK2CEAmKxL8htyb93ma_ebfOgcf2IJLFH0NOfL4hAt5CVRMz6Y-zmAJ9WkXUW7GOpp0JY0JfVeX2ZabIqrr77A/s320/IMG_2982.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squaw Anna</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUwpeBl50k5AOM_Wsb-9eLvgrIGrWGBVbWctmp2CmpXb-BJQ9Or63dM-ysFLanlY-BNNs-fUwXdAvVpESsHVMfs-Zy1D4x-LS6qebZ7jqT1jZdgZuCeEcSU70B6FgK91RJmf2tCgbvGg/s1600/IMG_1807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUwpeBl50k5AOM_Wsb-9eLvgrIGrWGBVbWctmp2CmpXb-BJQ9Or63dM-ysFLanlY-BNNs-fUwXdAvVpESsHVMfs-Zy1D4x-LS6qebZ7jqT1jZdgZuCeEcSU70B6FgK91RJmf2tCgbvGg/s320/IMG_1807.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
One afternoon they had games for all the families doing different things at different stations. They asked us to come up with a team name and our was "Team Awesome". Nuff said.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3BGEnSNZ9gzmf7vs7N0DbQAMNbn1g-bD61e6SYMVG_vMZ0lLCIqh3m_-FhZ3m29v1aQ9dmhbvY0jxvlGiqQzZRcnk-GvcZUwJL8v_fNJzlxZNPHlfts_I7pEfosPNbnauQBzLs6EF2w/s1600/IMG_1798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3BGEnSNZ9gzmf7vs7N0DbQAMNbn1g-bD61e6SYMVG_vMZ0lLCIqh3m_-FhZ3m29v1aQ9dmhbvY0jxvlGiqQzZRcnk-GvcZUwJL8v_fNJzlxZNPHlfts_I7pEfosPNbnauQBzLs6EF2w/s320/IMG_1798.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4IokBO73NbZnTy9syp2j1GsZswwjSo_7AZw0SNyZ-UPdgqRj0UWp41r7Ub9jfIXseD8VdBDmQ5OWUPsr27x_N9H-m6K7BJd3OMLZZON3n8rc8x6NnleO8cKze6_YvGE4I3eu1DrnFQ/s1600/IMG_2962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4IokBO73NbZnTy9syp2j1GsZswwjSo_7AZw0SNyZ-UPdgqRj0UWp41r7Ub9jfIXseD8VdBDmQ5OWUPsr27x_N9H-m6K7BJd3OMLZZON3n8rc8x6NnleO8cKze6_YvGE4I3eu1DrnFQ/s320/IMG_2962.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
This was during frontier night, panning for gold, and to prove I was on the vacation<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggS4016ff0bi9gAuXys4cK-eK_EAa3lvTlGoUOhaf6KpJJaoSncA4uxVbHEWAthCelA53iJSfrdedWH4Gp73N170LXsEdmD8h0YqEUqQ63JnJxR_qqiNSPZ6GWvgV3n8J-b1p5xB2-mQ/s1600/IMG_2994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggS4016ff0bi9gAuXys4cK-eK_EAa3lvTlGoUOhaf6KpJJaoSncA4uxVbHEWAthCelA53iJSfrdedWH4Gp73N170LXsEdmD8h0YqEUqQ63JnJxR_qqiNSPZ6GWvgV3n8J-b1p5xB2-mQ/s320/IMG_2994.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
One night a family next to us was doing these "hot air balloons". They had made them out of tissue paper with a wire hanger holding it open around the bottom. They just had a pipe on top of a propane stove and put the "balloon" over it until the hot air filled it, and it just lifted off and went into the air. It. was. amazing! I loved it. I want to do that for my birthday or something grand. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OfZ8wrGPfVOeKq2-DyvlQ5D1-w2x0wFo91fxeJW5NUeNGYdkmA7eHA_uaw_xacOdKZXVBGwcKIOHnaZIVR-RRGo996bXSFm3cIfxdzBNSnor5awasu2BnsWyflHss8a76zawPoyLug/s1600/IMG_2989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OfZ8wrGPfVOeKq2-DyvlQ5D1-w2x0wFo91fxeJW5NUeNGYdkmA7eHA_uaw_xacOdKZXVBGwcKIOHnaZIVR-RRGo996bXSFm3cIfxdzBNSnor5awasu2BnsWyflHss8a76zawPoyLug/s320/IMG_2989.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBh5rQ6xLfbVIqfO-0yPKxKfN6ac3PmHhL_XA2PKUleVp1xRw75_dHvYGgCR2ltt8VF-nL4iM_ztTiRu6hMjetsa0nAxsVXye_T7c0zzO5PhrKa4tFJ7Vln4bidK_CBzqwfUcRmOxHg/s1600/IMG_2996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBh5rQ6xLfbVIqfO-0yPKxKfN6ac3PmHhL_XA2PKUleVp1xRw75_dHvYGgCR2ltt8VF-nL4iM_ztTiRu6hMjetsa0nAxsVXye_T7c0zzO5PhrKa4tFJ7Vln4bidK_CBzqwfUcRmOxHg/s320/IMG_2996.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMp-SwHI9V9LDZuk-VJXq5QrneUg6tMBsWS-HwNdEt9UrE3a1YLzZVK0unclSwlK5StQXumXSiUI7R80aQhSYczWhCdy-VZaFksuRQ8F_B2rsdCMkd6e1KRUhFL7JtynDAeWCrXcbcg/s1600/IMG_1959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMp-SwHI9V9LDZuk-VJXq5QrneUg6tMBsWS-HwNdEt9UrE3a1YLzZVK0unclSwlK5StQXumXSiUI7R80aQhSYczWhCdy-VZaFksuRQ8F_B2rsdCMkd6e1KRUhFL7JtynDAeWCrXcbcg/s320/IMG_1959.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
This was Anna during her rock wall climb. We encouraged the kids to try everything and that they could do "hard things" Anna got pretty far with some encouraging from me. This is about where she got scared and was done. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWIH6xsQBfW8Se4BU0oNezf1DxrldVw7lEq65GNG19WNtpmPlY7ZAuMtzB1EIP8ikW_rSXUBeAYsHAVvESwgFSBErfBX9nDcAquAbYnvCpTu3gEVE08_oLd8vfPt6MBGUgQKl6huh0w/s1600/IMG_1963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWIH6xsQBfW8Se4BU0oNezf1DxrldVw7lEq65GNG19WNtpmPlY7ZAuMtzB1EIP8ikW_rSXUBeAYsHAVvESwgFSBErfBX9nDcAquAbYnvCpTu3gEVE08_oLd8vfPt6MBGUgQKl6huh0w/s320/IMG_1963.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOktPq6ro6s3uh_7Kou5ZWvWOSNLShSqFJJJTWE74TV4YgT0FDrxqyFjbIqxhfUsqLbmLfEtpYz_lgTI3VmEEAsby77tkEU4IHblSdKow_a8KTuCjG9ZFRobHSG93qmZOHDIvR2RXLeA/s1600/IMG_1977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOktPq6ro6s3uh_7Kou5ZWvWOSNLShSqFJJJTWE74TV4YgT0FDrxqyFjbIqxhfUsqLbmLfEtpYz_lgTI3VmEEAsby77tkEU4IHblSdKow_a8KTuCjG9ZFRobHSG93qmZOHDIvR2RXLeA/s320/IMG_1977.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmQPrMUbWkvtHxZpL3IG60cxF1EYt7IGENqWEaNZJG9t57ONrgmu5Elo5yAAi4SzuhnzKFrwKcoCQwO-rhk20eihFspGxhfYjGwXYpPn_Dcge2XECS3V2kvX_Pfkrga0Oiemlyn_isA/s1600/IMG_1987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmQPrMUbWkvtHxZpL3IG60cxF1EYt7IGENqWEaNZJG9t57ONrgmu5Elo5yAAi4SzuhnzKFrwKcoCQwO-rhk20eihFspGxhfYjGwXYpPn_Dcge2XECS3V2kvX_Pfkrga0Oiemlyn_isA/s320/IMG_1987.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Randall and my brothers Mark and Nate participated in a 3 on 3 ball tournament and made it to the finals but lost out to an awesome team. They had a good time despite my brother Mark spraining both of his ankles-whoops. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdROguS7SYgW0WmWnIuAHALVvzArDRStpbDha9tobhR5AcRRxbDzaXmayy38lDMDubmmzRs5hyphenhyphenituyFPXSWHQZJbqsb52XNN9Sij3gy5flSTvXdIFkB1kNZSIRdavW1P7gDMWfbwX6w/s1600/IMG_1998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdROguS7SYgW0WmWnIuAHALVvzArDRStpbDha9tobhR5AcRRxbDzaXmayy38lDMDubmmzRs5hyphenhyphenituyFPXSWHQZJbqsb52XNN9Sij3gy5flSTvXdIFkB1kNZSIRdavW1P7gDMWfbwX6w/s320/IMG_1998.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJfc8r43hsKKGuFJnWHMZniv6L6mxgc-ZG93haVRKBYZaU1PYt6ZgF71Gpwc0532pXtlRaDLyaBio9SMfnV1lNggQYzyMlOpRqdawN2qUfF7INK4bgIxDUJ2GBeY18tJwTGm7BFgbpjg/s1600/IMG_2016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJfc8r43hsKKGuFJnWHMZniv6L6mxgc-ZG93haVRKBYZaU1PYt6ZgF71Gpwc0532pXtlRaDLyaBio9SMfnV1lNggQYzyMlOpRqdawN2qUfF7INK4bgIxDUJ2GBeY18tJwTGm7BFgbpjg/s320/IMG_2016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4Rj32hQJPxdFtCxdKDU_xbR84LSwGQAc9cTtZBjqUq_s12eds5OHwP8QQq6u5qlH5IvtFmuyYNCUVSPhycsvn9QfNXP1Flbt-GWtzK0cQrdXn5HYnUUaL2eQP2YKAw1X9u2_h2zUKQ/s1600/IMG_2032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4Rj32hQJPxdFtCxdKDU_xbR84LSwGQAc9cTtZBjqUq_s12eds5OHwP8QQq6u5qlH5IvtFmuyYNCUVSPhycsvn9QfNXP1Flbt-GWtzK0cQrdXn5HYnUUaL2eQP2YKAw1X9u2_h2zUKQ/s320/IMG_2032.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7dzvf94SOewBS2F58ls01FH6Ikd_1bbbPF3PgqkUhzd31dwh4-0uDsodpq-hJrW2Uv-6kKJMqgDdA5vYxupvn3C2_9flG6edVBbWu4CmzNfHqTNmntEBfWLE2cmVJsAztyLD37dMvA/s1600/IMG_3001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7dzvf94SOewBS2F58ls01FH6Ikd_1bbbPF3PgqkUhzd31dwh4-0uDsodpq-hJrW2Uv-6kKJMqgDdA5vYxupvn3C2_9flG6edVBbWu4CmzNfHqTNmntEBfWLE2cmVJsAztyLD37dMvA/s320/IMG_3001.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
BYU has pretty great ice cream so we had to try it of course. Ethan is looking pretty tired here, and a bit sunburned.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAenNdQHN-GA5zTDvkkbVHU7LqjEwyGUPWwUrd4BPP1r3HsX_ZmNq1DWEwaeGNtgtSUFW5yNx4KSU4jb4Qe5Gp0hpOnUlwNo9shkUomvoCXBiCo8rZECdeT0hevWTJyE3ZQSZgniH80Q/s1600/IMG_1889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAenNdQHN-GA5zTDvkkbVHU7LqjEwyGUPWwUrd4BPP1r3HsX_ZmNq1DWEwaeGNtgtSUFW5yNx4KSU4jb4Qe5Gp0hpOnUlwNo9shkUomvoCXBiCo8rZECdeT0hevWTJyE3ZQSZgniH80Q/s320/IMG_1889.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQN8NqeVPX2kZ2NlkK7s1kWvcAo2ZXi-yCtI3w7DzkDWMazkVMEM1B2b1klH04euTZJA2xuGnfRMLyQDnTFj2gQcCYOmnglV1g22eQNJvG1Sn8dGxEF9BaTuj1m7i-EcSvne2xVvpEtw/s1600/IMG_1843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQN8NqeVPX2kZ2NlkK7s1kWvcAo2ZXi-yCtI3w7DzkDWMazkVMEM1B2b1klH04euTZJA2xuGnfRMLyQDnTFj2gQcCYOmnglV1g22eQNJvG1Sn8dGxEF9BaTuj1m7i-EcSvne2xVvpEtw/s320/IMG_1843.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
And of course we had our reunion t-shirts. It said at the top "Got Roots?" and then had a tree and Barrett reunion at the bottom. My Mom is above, my dad below. Thanks to them the trip was possible, and it was truly amazing. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYT2TAvrulivcnOXW_Kxp94AVl2CT3hkMRqfocmT8hrR0SPVQ5kzFOHciw6nZ2dTqNtbRxtuOoyb9KeHwAMASSphRfa24JT0d-LcpLALfVez-zH3abq6xQGabMpsZId1ufgdplKrsNJg/s1600/IMG_1840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYT2TAvrulivcnOXW_Kxp94AVl2CT3hkMRqfocmT8hrR0SPVQ5kzFOHciw6nZ2dTqNtbRxtuOoyb9KeHwAMASSphRfa24JT0d-LcpLALfVez-zH3abq6xQGabMpsZId1ufgdplKrsNJg/s320/IMG_1840.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPadCkaknAMMPuuyOYO8_nCHjWQjahM98S5mQdBmofW139PTkDUDvRVkhDxw7j_NFMkB5teg3XzRmosRkE5VhmvIND9Xe2BbsU7NenAYBWESKToFn4Na3Vyx_7oK0_k_BHaGGQVQ0NWA/s1600/IMG_2972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPadCkaknAMMPuuyOYO8_nCHjWQjahM98S5mQdBmofW139PTkDUDvRVkhDxw7j_NFMkB5teg3XzRmosRkE5VhmvIND9Xe2BbsU7NenAYBWESKToFn4Na3Vyx_7oK0_k_BHaGGQVQ0NWA/s320/IMG_2972.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7Xc9YvfkP8E4RSerrdTf5I7R8OsCDB2tz0x0i4vxsVsN0F6oWPkJp7QLUqft_GtJhLbFGqMAc_gHxY66YrFRIo893rsLbSOpBGc-8zyFOma9WMfA8lexVZxtXqW-OdW01hyphenhyphenVRZpMbQ/s1600/IMG_2113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7Xc9YvfkP8E4RSerrdTf5I7R8OsCDB2tz0x0i4vxsVsN0F6oWPkJp7QLUqft_GtJhLbFGqMAc_gHxY66YrFRIo893rsLbSOpBGc-8zyFOma9WMfA8lexVZxtXqW-OdW01hyphenhyphenVRZpMbQ/s320/IMG_2113.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgJhMjMMxGgqWWTTi108pKn_YqGRE-U_0FG9De_aPby9HX3PXFuWqVUVmXpnJG9DNZgZKCmVQxU5-BkdJDQ2740Sx13qsXLo1WzHdeQLGVkr1peDYaB77IkPlg8ihU4KoU8tB_-6nMg/s1600/IMG_3009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgJhMjMMxGgqWWTTi108pKn_YqGRE-U_0FG9De_aPby9HX3PXFuWqVUVmXpnJG9DNZgZKCmVQxU5-BkdJDQ2740Sx13qsXLo1WzHdeQLGVkr1peDYaB77IkPlg8ihU4KoU8tB_-6nMg/s320/IMG_3009.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
The last night they had closing ceremonies and each age group had practiced a song to perform representing different countries like the olympics. Ethan's was Mexico, can you tell? A handsome amigo.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9AuovGNsPmQDprk2tKvnuHIUZQlLrBseeJ7TiGgOTUZ-CpF0JGYNCWGqhfWjNk8NPUlLMyeDcWb7BGgH_KrP6nvTQ7JL69ZJKU_4Y7rns8WmIBb4Ai5I23BJlwCCr47K59D_Qo39bFQ/s1600/IMG_2124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9AuovGNsPmQDprk2tKvnuHIUZQlLrBseeJ7TiGgOTUZ-CpF0JGYNCWGqhfWjNk8NPUlLMyeDcWb7BGgH_KrP6nvTQ7JL69ZJKU_4Y7rns8WmIBb4Ai5I23BJlwCCr47K59D_Qo39bFQ/s320/IMG_2124.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
My brother Jeff's family with 2 of their kids<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplEbpZeohEmm_yuGSeNfimmW34ndZlAMI5Y7Z5ZsdhGyrt9mrGoJP5xF46iiNGouevRXgA5abk86quiaW6ge1JYF7awlxzWEAiKTB3r1xehHDp4zrDxz3ddqmgbvMRTh2w1TJIol5Vg/s1600/IMG_2172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplEbpZeohEmm_yuGSeNfimmW34ndZlAMI5Y7Z5ZsdhGyrt9mrGoJP5xF46iiNGouevRXgA5abk86quiaW6ge1JYF7awlxzWEAiKTB3r1xehHDp4zrDxz3ddqmgbvMRTh2w1TJIol5Vg/s320/IMG_2172.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbksMGxQ58DgP_gt0rcIU02Hg5AqbmUwJeL3ZkMTYDFZinoW-pmO1MpxcKEz7P72x-JA8Qa6EKzv0mIEvMEFCf0t2g0XfiJG2TkAtoGgBYglxG4FyRezf4IZtqf8OhYiesYfEpcZq2mQ/s1600/IMG_2154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbksMGxQ58DgP_gt0rcIU02Hg5AqbmUwJeL3ZkMTYDFZinoW-pmO1MpxcKEz7P72x-JA8Qa6EKzv0mIEvMEFCf0t2g0XfiJG2TkAtoGgBYglxG4FyRezf4IZtqf8OhYiesYfEpcZq2mQ/s320/IMG_2154.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Anna and her group from China performing "Kung Fu Fighters"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKsTe9SV2sgDNS_ObBIGrWQICgFloM_Ngc1PRfIsCJhfT7hklftptiu5OZveAH6UbkkO56hl3VDnXzNeTmGGm7ph1cCUV5rFE88BecKzZANMLkYt4HyBRTAbP0JeCPid2b8CPgkAUbg/s1600/IMG_3013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKsTe9SV2sgDNS_ObBIGrWQICgFloM_Ngc1PRfIsCJhfT7hklftptiu5OZveAH6UbkkO56hl3VDnXzNeTmGGm7ph1cCUV5rFE88BecKzZANMLkYt4HyBRTAbP0JeCPid2b8CPgkAUbg/s320/IMG_3013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The trip couldn't have been better thought out, organized, fun etc. The food was served buffet style in a nice cafeteria and was really very good, and not just good for cafeteria food. We even had church on Sunday with Sacrament meeting held outside. It was a beautiful morning and it was a trip we will always remember. My family hadn't all been together my parents me and my 3 brothers and families for 2 years. It was so nice to be together. It was actually emotional leaving knowing what amazing memories we made and not knowing when the next time we will all be together again. Way to go "Team Awesome"!Ashlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04294410464755771961noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140971833833125812.post-74420504909093470482012-08-05T19:40:00.001-04:002012-08-05T20:14:46.131-04:00Sewing up a Storm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis0A8Ik5GK-V-CmNyqnlUKdgHC6vPmWUfEMPHEe9BH_sQSEQjwz6jfJeeEWDndh3AyX0DHIvIeMMzDMwg3hQR5lfOemS8TANjgO6g52hI73y83-biJUvFeMAbyJ0_h6hcf5mlP54-5Yg/s1600/IMG_2197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis0A8Ik5GK-V-CmNyqnlUKdgHC6vPmWUfEMPHEe9BH_sQSEQjwz6jfJeeEWDndh3AyX0DHIvIeMMzDMwg3hQR5lfOemS8TANjgO6g52hI73y83-biJUvFeMAbyJ0_h6hcf5mlP54-5Yg/s320/IMG_2197.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I recently was feeling like I needed something to think about and do. Not that we haven't been busy, because we certainly have been. I was just feeling the need to do something creative. I have been wanting to make a fabric birthday banner for some time so I finally bought the supplies and Anna and I made one! Then we made a Halloween one, and now we have the fabric all cut out to make a Halloween quilt! We're like a machine. (get it? :) Anyway, Anna is loving helping me and it it's cute to watch her sew and say aloud over and over, "I"m a pro! I'm a pro". <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGv38hv3CFR3cER50sIE0T6Ro2zS0Fb6GHdi_j5coq0fDMNq8M15_0_3snfx9Yoxx9FYS2BlLd78kWIuXhR0SSGb464WOY05-5viyzpASGgkBOfU7fB9oW-JvR3v8XDnUTWLPiDOhZCA/s1600/IMG_3025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGv38hv3CFR3cER50sIE0T6Ro2zS0Fb6GHdi_j5coq0fDMNq8M15_0_3snfx9Yoxx9FYS2BlLd78kWIuXhR0SSGb464WOY05-5viyzpASGgkBOfU7fB9oW-JvR3v8XDnUTWLPiDOhZCA/s320/IMG_3025.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qo82-wR2dw5Q41U6GSAO6yL-VqbJw9E_b0jKG3iIIELhdTA87XE1bJzq0CxlqxEuJHygF0-Zct3eVxMTjEUtTNnxt7zaFGuLS3tSmJp5aptXeMqku3FBRuCE2DfFLchOmP6xaiRKQA/s1600/IMG_3031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qo82-wR2dw5Q41U6GSAO6yL-VqbJw9E_b0jKG3iIIELhdTA87XE1bJzq0CxlqxEuJHygF0-Zct3eVxMTjEUtTNnxt7zaFGuLS3tSmJp5aptXeMqku3FBRuCE2DfFLchOmP6xaiRKQA/s320/IMG_3031.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Sewing has been something that has always been frustrating for me, because I think sewing clothes and following a pattern is hard, but I've decided that quilting is right up my alley. It's symmetrical and exact and creative, all things I like. I love it! Now even Ethan wants in on the action.Ashlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04294410464755771961noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140971833833125812.post-37042207987566185462012-07-01T21:20:00.003-04:002012-07-01T21:25:02.415-04:00Moving and Miracles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5kOzZ0GGiPHr8HE2cMY0yzBvbZQqWxn5Jeau-7nxA1Of12Oix9CKXZT-7LJJCW4_ldwR2Nq-FFYwm2y3nnhkgi0Y-3v3kA374OyKGH3xpxVSpIGeKf49Lwzsc-rpBhbrii6R3nG5qQg/s1600/IMG_1243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5kOzZ0GGiPHr8HE2cMY0yzBvbZQqWxn5Jeau-7nxA1Of12Oix9CKXZT-7LJJCW4_ldwR2Nq-FFYwm2y3nnhkgi0Y-3v3kA374OyKGH3xpxVSpIGeKf49Lwzsc-rpBhbrii6R3nG5qQg/s320/IMG_1243.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcMDZJm9Sm9scFIoVJf7olgq6cpRdWki8LOb7eRFE6ao_1WuH7_7UF_lZE48GR4cY_9aNarxtammOYxeAMNf37UMCgCsKWPCm9rrgEtcYt5H61rLPL6r5dLwRBy_7V2Ivth49kVlgnw/s1600/IMG_1244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcMDZJm9Sm9scFIoVJf7olgq6cpRdWki8LOb7eRFE6ao_1WuH7_7UF_lZE48GR4cY_9aNarxtammOYxeAMNf37UMCgCsKWPCm9rrgEtcYt5H61rLPL6r5dLwRBy_7V2Ivth49kVlgnw/s320/IMG_1244.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghB3AJhTW9YozWtA5EZbvvckhyNmUMei2chPFlHHJdt5qKtEcawwy-0EBkdBZBEzucZ7XjieVuV4t-wVO7mS9wLI6JrVCcEBx9oLpfrCzA3LMI6GSumRi0F7clvoqlW3tNGWVfOnExNA/s1600/IMG_1240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghB3AJhTW9YozWtA5EZbvvckhyNmUMei2chPFlHHJdt5qKtEcawwy-0EBkdBZBEzucZ7XjieVuV4t-wVO7mS9wLI6JrVCcEBx9oLpfrCzA3LMI6GSumRi0F7clvoqlW3tNGWVfOnExNA/s320/IMG_1240.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We are here! Before I get to all the details of our move in and how we are transitioning to life here, I want to quickly document moving day. <br />
<br />
Tuesday June 19th, was the big day. A day we had been thinking of and planning for for weeks. I awakened that morning about 4:50 am to the birds chirping outside as usual and with quite a bad headache. You can imagine that headache or not with all that was on the "to do" list, I couldn't go back to sleep. I got up soon after, showered and got ready for the day. The headache persisted but I pushed along with the many things I still had left to complete before leaving to the airport at 3:30 that afternoon. By 9:30 I was laying on the bare floor in the girls bedroom feeling like I was going to die. Randall and my Dad had left to pick up the moving truck and I was home with the little girls finishing up the last bits of packing to do. <br />
<br />
My head and neck hurt horribly by then. I also had chills like I had a fever and was very sick to my stomach. You can imagine my panic knowing all that was left to do with the house and needing to board a plane with 3 little girls alone in a matter of hours. I didn't feel well enough to get off the floor let alone do any of the other things. I called Randall and told him to please pick up some Excedrine while he was out and that I needed a priesthood blessing. I was trying to keep it together but just wanted to cry not knowing what I was going to do. <br />
<br />
It wasn't long after I spoke to Randall that I did actually throw up. Almost as soon as I had flushed the toilet the doorbell rang. I wanted to die wondering who was at my door and how I was going to answer it. I went to the door to find that it was Heidi, the president of the women's organization called "Relief Society" from our church. I didn't know whether to try to put on a happy face like all was well or tell her I was sick. I opened the door and she told me she was there to help. I was so embarrassed at the predicament I was in but so incredibly grateful that she was there to help me. Thankfully the night before we had worked late into the night getting things ready. I had told Randall that I would sleep better knowing that there was very little still left to be done. I was too sick to "fake it' so told Heidi I was so sick and desperately needed her help. <br />
<br />
Heidi stepped right in and did anything I asked her to do. It wasn't long after that, that Randall came home. I took the medicine and Randall and my Dad gave me a <a href="http://www.lds.org/study/topics/priesthood-blessing?lang=eng">priesthood blessing</a>. The blessing was fairly short and I don't remember the details exactly, only that the outcome was dependent upon my faith. Soon after the blessing I threw up again. I tried to keep working but had to sit down for a minute to just to compose myself. <br />
<br />
I would say that in about 20 minutes I was feeling much better. within an hour I felt fine. I couldn't eat anything but I was no longer sick to my stomach or vomiting, and my headache was gone, even though I had most likely thrown up the Excedrin. <br />
<br />
Heidi worked with me for an hour or so until we had all the last minute details packed and ready to go. When she left our home I was overcome with gratitude that she had come at the perfect time, and that by some miracle I was able to feel well enough to pick up the kids at school, have our travel bags packed and get to the airport in time. I felt well through the whole flight even though I sometimes get queasy flying on any normal day. <br />
<br />
I'm so grateful that my Heavenly Father heard my prayers that day. It was just one more tender mercy to let me know he was aware of me on such a difficult day. I cried, ok, sobbed most of the way to the airport. It was one of the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I knew I was closing an incredibly hard, and amazing chapter of our life there. I was saying goodbye to so many that I have grown to love. <br />
<br />
The good news is we have been in our home 8 days today, and are completely unpacked and have even hung some things on the walls. Do we feel settled? No...I think that will take some time despite everything being familiar here. I can say that we have been welcomed in the warmest way. When I first got to our home on move in day, my friends had decorated our door with a welcome sign and had a balloon bouquet flying from out lamp post. Another good friend brought us dinner that first Sunday, which was life saver still being in a huge mess of boxes. Two other families of friends came by that night to visit and bring a treat. Someone else from church came the next night with home made bread, jam and cookies. It has been fun to catch up with family and friends, and I'm looking forward to this next chapter, but I continue to miss my loved ones back "home".Ashlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04294410464755771961noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140971833833125812.post-59841496002485703102012-05-28T20:27:00.000-04:002012-05-28T20:37:01.473-04:00Hotdogs and Watermelon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD3xsix2ibI662rQ8SRcwStYjYiq1XbYKjpVHbxuO3pMBXSvCwE9beCb6JqIpTOy6oodAGQ72mibeMiZseO6eEvYpHkyj7DDMxQiKqFyBRUaL2ycxvd5gF-cjhHk5YA1GV0h0D-ScdDg/s1600/IMG_0835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD3xsix2ibI662rQ8SRcwStYjYiq1XbYKjpVHbxuO3pMBXSvCwE9beCb6JqIpTOy6oodAGQ72mibeMiZseO6eEvYpHkyj7DDMxQiKqFyBRUaL2ycxvd5gF-cjhHk5YA1GV0h0D-ScdDg/s320/IMG_0835.JPG" width="308" /></a></div>
While some say Memorial Day is all about hot dogs and watermelon, I know it's much more than that. It's remembering and celebrating those who have given their lives in military service so that we can continue to enjoy our many, many freedoms.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtKyjEvaE13D_5uVWla7sp9PqtlmHmgV974PILSvxSD8UHoXO7UlDjSVM2dnhk_uqOj51pfVihJa3dVRBLLlQk4MyZ2Xs14GqQZaL0lWO5lVuyCxHTOz744UsjJTSAPaxZZvfx_fSkg/s1600/IMG_0847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtKyjEvaE13D_5uVWla7sp9PqtlmHmgV974PILSvxSD8UHoXO7UlDjSVM2dnhk_uqOj51pfVihJa3dVRBLLlQk4MyZ2Xs14GqQZaL0lWO5lVuyCxHTOz744UsjJTSAPaxZZvfx_fSkg/s320/IMG_0847.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Today I also can't help but think of others that we knew well in this life and have passed on, and there are many. Friends, grandparents, uncles, cousins, children of friends. It's certainly a day of tender feelings, and I'm grateful for a special day to remember them. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxRCo5Su1RtSrn4yBYF38epE58G19w3X7b2yZ9zY-_8lGJEKb5ur_FPUfAkX-4ixH8GErDrx68wr3N6foxTAJwg6j6lTtWFLnQ0XRxVVIpli7rSg5uIhi8Ozry_ikoFScVgoS7e5gBxg/s1600/IMG_0851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxRCo5Su1RtSrn4yBYF38epE58G19w3X7b2yZ9zY-_8lGJEKb5ur_FPUfAkX-4ixH8GErDrx68wr3N6foxTAJwg6j6lTtWFLnQ0XRxVVIpli7rSg5uIhi8Ozry_ikoFScVgoS7e5gBxg/s320/IMG_0851.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Today our ward hosted a BBQ as they traditionally do each year. It was held at Soldier's Memorial Field in Summit. Rather fitting I think. We started off having our Cub Scouts do a flag ceremony. There is Ethan above taking his duty very seriously. It was a sweet thing to watch those boys parade around the crowd, flags waving to music in the background before posting the colors. We then recited the pledge of Allegiance, and then sang together with hands over hearts "The Star Spangled Banner". I'm a sucker for all things patriotic and it's almost impossible for me not to have tears in my eyes at the beginning of every parade as the flag comes down the route or we sing the Star Spangled Banner. My friend Michelle and I sang that song at Randall's MBA graduation and I will never forget that. The flag ceremony was a nice addition to the day. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyA36mXo9RY2h6TlWo0atQjXHPRfHXo30AUMmhQ9Xc0KvtISEeK1NGgCnYW62cVYoUTvFhSNeVhmDDlYNAnxdiAeaXJ-RQQnqXUXw6GqoE2GnXKUn1Kx8yYw4UBRFwjIMPa-XAmq10JA/s1600/IMG_0863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyA36mXo9RY2h6TlWo0atQjXHPRfHXo30AUMmhQ9Xc0KvtISEeK1NGgCnYW62cVYoUTvFhSNeVhmDDlYNAnxdiAeaXJ-RQQnqXUXw6GqoE2GnXKUn1Kx8yYw4UBRFwjIMPa-XAmq10JA/s320/IMG_0863.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTHq49K-uG4ZBkmWJxSUZrLCHU7zf9KcMv_wN1-oxjyxxQBjLG7SvulNTm3j76fHLUk3-8928PQexuPL5zI8G73fiSPJ0rHKnyyiady2IK_vPuSLTxZ789tfENYZHVuMJU0dJZfBg27w/s1600/IMG_0872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTHq49K-uG4ZBkmWJxSUZrLCHU7zf9KcMv_wN1-oxjyxxQBjLG7SvulNTm3j76fHLUk3-8928PQexuPL5zI8G73fiSPJ0rHKnyyiady2IK_vPuSLTxZ789tfENYZHVuMJU0dJZfBg27w/s320/IMG_0872.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
There was also a Bake Sale put on by our YW and a lemonade stand run by our Cub Scouts to raise funds for their various camps this Summer. Of course we took good advantage of both. Thankfully this cupcake just had whip cream on top, and not a huge chunk of frosting. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEen3MtFjHxTTmXc2U_A9bV3kGlt_ZVDOt7EJBlO4FIrMCzxIAU4in3H_gLmhyphenhyphen-YRc34U-0xNuW22B5p_ni9-kYacVVrBNIGP4071m6PEvsJ3L3gDTayvBri_ZMIpIPGj5yI6_zqKO2Q/s1600/IMG_0874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEen3MtFjHxTTmXc2U_A9bV3kGlt_ZVDOt7EJBlO4FIrMCzxIAU4in3H_gLmhyphenhyphen-YRc34U-0xNuW22B5p_ni9-kYacVVrBNIGP4071m6PEvsJ3L3gDTayvBri_ZMIpIPGj5yI6_zqKO2Q/s320/IMG_0874.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Jane licked about half of it off and then was done with it altogether. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2B-KdEzIj8E5dpg-vzPRXTscATiYDc0X2sj02Iee3Wf0tuc46_vA7NdVbkvGbCnRXOX63I5BBeHGJmKr7AtuCdDK8v9d-fk1j18ECFwT14lFcR3eny2FKq0zfeOxvjszD82xqZP2ftQ/s1600/IMG_0880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2B-KdEzIj8E5dpg-vzPRXTscATiYDc0X2sj02Iee3Wf0tuc46_vA7NdVbkvGbCnRXOX63I5BBeHGJmKr7AtuCdDK8v9d-fk1j18ECFwT14lFcR3eny2FKq0zfeOxvjszD82xqZP2ftQ/s320/IMG_0880.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuURs5KCDRTzSzTGgcdHq8v0RuGU5fYVKXNgJl2IS_RQljszWntyBkxhG5Le-k1Y0aSWZsijfEoCyX6vD5bXlNxq_CKCdhnu8J-LuzkkPM9jKKfP9j4_say1F_WC04sNQXrfx4kBp6iw/s1600/IMG_0883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuURs5KCDRTzSzTGgcdHq8v0RuGU5fYVKXNgJl2IS_RQljszWntyBkxhG5Le-k1Y0aSWZsijfEoCyX6vD5bXlNxq_CKCdhnu8J-LuzkkPM9jKKfP9j4_say1F_WC04sNQXrfx4kBp6iw/s320/IMG_0883.jpg" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna and Jane holding hands, so cute</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGuIfna_tuvZoZWA2Og-GyAJjhVWh85_jn-41exfpc8z9V4NA1WOufC78lgD4d87OhQf_PiYyULk_hO2GOzfb9ZXKiTudXUPE7pNm84Fn-vr7PnpIlwdmMh8wtircGVr8focpEc3tWQ/s1600/IMG_0891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGuIfna_tuvZoZWA2Og-GyAJjhVWh85_jn-41exfpc8z9V4NA1WOufC78lgD4d87OhQf_PiYyULk_hO2GOzfb9ZXKiTudXUPE7pNm84Fn-vr7PnpIlwdmMh8wtircGVr8focpEc3tWQ/s320/IMG_0891.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The woman in blue and expecting (Jill) and the other woman in Orange (Heidi) are the counselor and president I have been serving with in the Relief Society here. I love them dearly and my heart aches to be released from this calling. I have learned a lot from both of them. Heidi is an extremely kind and charitable person. She is also very hands off and initially that scared me to death. I thought "what do I do?" She just had confidence I could do it and that I would and so I did. She didn't know me at all when I was called, but felt inspired to do so, and I'm so glad she did. It has been a wonderful blessing to serve here. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxHUKNC6izFVLu_rsUERKooekCqsyaxDQuTcXKqRRxyLf8FCh7URKBk9K67gAmAKNN7ZBY3ohAumMrkqUjXsOyj5jK4aNp7nVAroxdWn9Y84UMkI9yyJzvV7qwSuzSV8kv0Bj_Ca6yQ/s1600/IMG_0894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxHUKNC6izFVLu_rsUERKooekCqsyaxDQuTcXKqRRxyLf8FCh7URKBk9K67gAmAKNN7ZBY3ohAumMrkqUjXsOyj5jK4aNp7nVAroxdWn9Y84UMkI9yyJzvV7qwSuzSV8kv0Bj_Ca6yQ/s320/IMG_0894.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Kate heard in Primary yesterday that there would be a water fight today. She was counting down the hours to "get wet" and that's exactly what she did, although I think only by her own doing. She would fill cup after cup and pour it on her self until she was dripping and happy as can be. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieb2M0kaXYVITMkvlFEB0Hsww7atxC9ExiWbZqBvTZ5AtaSoTQH7g8qzt3OOeBxOPoRVB7E85GHRgBMB1BF1QTxB5pqp-P8Y3sTn5exTdf9DV0HwnTK7u-wlkRhyEPFY_kppBQa2w0Gw/s1600/IMG_0844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieb2M0kaXYVITMkvlFEB0Hsww7atxC9ExiWbZqBvTZ5AtaSoTQH7g8qzt3OOeBxOPoRVB7E85GHRgBMB1BF1QTxB5pqp-P8Y3sTn5exTdf9DV0HwnTK7u-wlkRhyEPFY_kppBQa2w0Gw/s320/IMG_0844.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some ward members</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3N0K7vqruq58Hm7UgyIoqJikFTGyHMEpntn7F_6MA6wIUhTMFF83RiGp5A6Bi154Q6GXvvGjIp3lb5xzXirazTHWOA2YUypaNorQJBCXWT2xthXpreE0aygPatGckuQ3C42xed4uvXw/s1600/IMG_0830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3N0K7vqruq58Hm7UgyIoqJikFTGyHMEpntn7F_6MA6wIUhTMFF83RiGp5A6Bi154Q6GXvvGjIp3lb5xzXirazTHWOA2YUypaNorQJBCXWT2xthXpreE0aygPatGckuQ3C42xed4uvXw/s320/IMG_0830.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jane tired and hungry (and cute I might add)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGroBl8igoMf8wGuB6XylH9FS47BM23xhDtVUB0Y4MyFG4zoHMrVijL9xTjOowxd85McxafDj5451Nt3P8sIBp9g36qESGnAk5ZAJcDeEiJ1H2j60CBvsT3CBwWKn3KZHiqongdcSfDg/s1600/IMG_0828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGroBl8igoMf8wGuB6XylH9FS47BM23xhDtVUB0Y4MyFG4zoHMrVijL9xTjOowxd85McxafDj5451Nt3P8sIBp9g36qESGnAk5ZAJcDeEiJ1H2j60CBvsT3CBwWKn3KZHiqongdcSfDg/s320/IMG_0828.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate, pre "water-fight"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The rest of our day was not at all restful. We took everything off the walls, washed speckled and painted. We packed up all the "decor", and then just a few other boxes of misc things we knew we wouldn't need before the move. There is so much going on the last week or so of school that I feel like I need to do things that I can or I will suddenly being panicked. <br />
<br />
As we took the things off the walls, it hit me that this move is for real. I'm getting more and more excited, about being near family and our 4th of July traditions of the hot air balloon launch, breakfast out, the parade (if we can get a seat!) BBQ's with family, and watching the fireworks. The end of July we have a Barrett family reunion with all my siblings and their children at Aspen Grove and I've heard it's an amazing. I just can't help but feel sad as we close this short but big chapter of our lives. New Jersey has molded us and changed us for good, and for bad. I'm more impatient than ever but I'm also a stronger more confident person. I guess when we get back to Utah we will just build upon that. I can't wait to see what that chapter holds.Ashlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04294410464755771961noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140971833833125812.post-86327025079873030722012-05-20T17:21:00.000-04:002012-05-20T17:21:00.283-04:00Duck, Duck, Goose!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENwK8T5Sz3ePxgHmllhVIIZgjJF0WifYIlr4btlJqfKOweD2IU4YsCHsDwJeh906cqcMycY2vpUBwF3E3ql8n5n7THUYbMyTrU4vKPuAtVg6wrxKMGzvuAHs-XU76-VcbIKrwZLKiBA/s1600/IMG_0332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENwK8T5Sz3ePxgHmllhVIIZgjJF0WifYIlr4btlJqfKOweD2IU4YsCHsDwJeh906cqcMycY2vpUBwF3E3ql8n5n7THUYbMyTrU4vKPuAtVg6wrxKMGzvuAHs-XU76-VcbIKrwZLKiBA/s320/IMG_0332.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
The other day I took the girls outside in the front to play so I could practice taking actions shots. I looked over at one point to see that Jane had started a game of duck, duck goose. I thought it was the cutest thing. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfx4Ae9vgp-XpOpSSXL44k31cP9uZsBPzpe3_v6pJHrh-ME7cjKuz5hh8f_lwEdAuzPFuqkGF6Eurx2CrHnRe93Q09CaoBuW7dnOWvYwfZr-WLMMFCV2bQ1HGqDH3s4DAr9zmsTl3eg/s1600/IMG_0322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfx4Ae9vgp-XpOpSSXL44k31cP9uZsBPzpe3_v6pJHrh-ME7cjKuz5hh8f_lwEdAuzPFuqkGF6Eurx2CrHnRe93Q09CaoBuW7dnOWvYwfZr-WLMMFCV2bQ1HGqDH3s4DAr9zmsTl3eg/s320/IMG_0322.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpC8EROsoYxynRLp-dcbcbpvDR3tiGn8qX28tfGLtQaeyJC7WwRFUM00F8ImxY7fqrInFbNK7YhEWRWTAnpxBedtVYPaYFnIo_bk-qIOmnGtEx889w4dGF3SeemNYK0PQDj4Hy6VhgSA/s1600/IMG_0311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpC8EROsoYxynRLp-dcbcbpvDR3tiGn8qX28tfGLtQaeyJC7WwRFUM00F8ImxY7fqrInFbNK7YhEWRWTAnpxBedtVYPaYFnIo_bk-qIOmnGtEx889w4dGF3SeemNYK0PQDj4Hy6VhgSA/s320/IMG_0311.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2Sv6JEYUnRuIrTdT1krDvYL7RfHn22iALAUoIEWhvNdoko2YEpa7MYcQfbxvH-DSMo9ILcEKG1eZV2MfIq1rPSqWFZSbi0fEMv4arU7ifR-kWzcCSUqbyC69595Vqjes-h127CtZBw/s1600/IMG_0305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2Sv6JEYUnRuIrTdT1krDvYL7RfHn22iALAUoIEWhvNdoko2YEpa7MYcQfbxvH-DSMo9ILcEKG1eZV2MfIq1rPSqWFZSbi0fEMv4arU7ifR-kWzcCSUqbyC69595Vqjes-h127CtZBw/s320/IMG_0305.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakrskxu5Ioed6bWJ5WC5Sn5WL158pMTKWkzcD3syJdBbcqMnbbaIiSfMevpQ98693Dk0HAYJgmHJJYGe634oNOjbBCqOisd2cNF0PVkGUtBgvLBL4wQJYMeyYvqJhzUhVNhMJrMGbLg/s1600/IMG_0301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakrskxu5Ioed6bWJ5WC5Sn5WL158pMTKWkzcD3syJdBbcqMnbbaIiSfMevpQ98693Dk0HAYJgmHJJYGe634oNOjbBCqOisd2cNF0PVkGUtBgvLBL4wQJYMeyYvqJhzUhVNhMJrMGbLg/s320/IMG_0301.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Duck,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXTqPXBa1nL2Yi5YeXgslMEJPnn2qn8y6ffNoapDAwkU6A7IWieXKIgXi8a-4iyusiS-q8ydMqdffUYjUGsxrEfOpoLA9M0CHYHoxYn5a0akybxBZUh7e2ngusVDoct0FhlnvzVTlzpQ/s1600/IMG_0299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXTqPXBa1nL2Yi5YeXgslMEJPnn2qn8y6ffNoapDAwkU6A7IWieXKIgXi8a-4iyusiS-q8ydMqdffUYjUGsxrEfOpoLA9M0CHYHoxYn5a0akybxBZUh7e2ngusVDoct0FhlnvzVTlzpQ/s320/IMG_0299.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Duck,</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkP_Hx9sBp8s7k5KVcquM2JxhyszNA3SojLl7Oeaf7ouDl7P6wgQejthDRjdGnuLvUL1ULH2t87pe8VBF9GKt4RQNP5vrIoQJfM0cil9HFt8kE9l7CbhAUCj8aP5ZuBuLZ-CMhW22-tQ/s1600/IMG_0298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkP_Hx9sBp8s7k5KVcquM2JxhyszNA3SojLl7Oeaf7ouDl7P6wgQejthDRjdGnuLvUL1ULH2t87pe8VBF9GKt4RQNP5vrIoQJfM0cil9HFt8kE9l7CbhAUCj8aP5ZuBuLZ-CMhW22-tQ/s320/IMG_0298.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZU-5PDuHP8eVaSsbJWl9s1Pk51adMhNTc8vXmfIp84RVs982-K6XnnRUnESjBjPhcvKaKhagUjXlj5XR94-j5C8hHQb6dv9beikxq41pHTcyupCjTErJew8fSBQ2Y3ogUOy_h2kVXwg/s1600/IMG_0297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZU-5PDuHP8eVaSsbJWl9s1Pk51adMhNTc8vXmfIp84RVs982-K6XnnRUnESjBjPhcvKaKhagUjXlj5XR94-j5C8hHQb6dv9beikxq41pHTcyupCjTErJew8fSBQ2Y3ogUOy_h2kVXwg/s320/IMG_0297.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Goose!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwFb-OxmtdbAsNnYhDyoAJ_fbuJFnwQOT2CJyj_GbC2zQWl0AuKQvgm8HBl-nF3pt6nSVnhWyvuR1so1kH15GWkAWdbq796qaUI073aUVk55qleJ_r2PBasvMRGHWrWCIxVmyTzNkbeA/s1600/IMG_0284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwFb-OxmtdbAsNnYhDyoAJ_fbuJFnwQOT2CJyj_GbC2zQWl0AuKQvgm8HBl-nF3pt6nSVnhWyvuR1so1kH15GWkAWdbq796qaUI073aUVk55qleJ_r2PBasvMRGHWrWCIxVmyTzNkbeA/s320/IMG_0284.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRIQkc7BxQ-k80UIS8s6EGN9Ct26PZoI2A4HVBp_djR9X_gqeVUu5r1APSngi1ZwTaD_bhyphenhyphenEi5cyDTuT6tlP_xOYx-nxg3vWCRaCzmTZ-kGAY4WO9v_yiZ_4R7y-yjklfoItyJpmzxIQ/s1600/IMG_0325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRIQkc7BxQ-k80UIS8s6EGN9Ct26PZoI2A4HVBp_djR9X_gqeVUu5r1APSngi1ZwTaD_bhyphenhyphenEi5cyDTuT6tlP_xOYx-nxg3vWCRaCzmTZ-kGAY4WO9v_yiZ_4R7y-yjklfoItyJpmzxIQ/s320/IMG_0325.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvP0gqbeyajzvhW899zVAQbxMv_eSrQ8fekhTv6ybfRAIIjOWQbTNam-eCtJnbOy6Yg8WLI4v35bQxef9qTgHgUXXC-eVW5zDiXc6YJV6oqDBkTKgh8sS8W7hgnEdNc_QhlDNsFSdP2w/s1600/IMG_0293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvP0gqbeyajzvhW899zVAQbxMv_eSrQ8fekhTv6ybfRAIIjOWQbTNam-eCtJnbOy6Yg8WLI4v35bQxef9qTgHgUXXC-eVW5zDiXc6YJV6oqDBkTKgh8sS8W7hgnEdNc_QhlDNsFSdP2w/s320/IMG_0293.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
They were as happy as little clams. Just the way I like them.Ashlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04294410464755771961noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140971833833125812.post-63102019302302810572012-05-20T15:32:00.003-04:002012-07-01T21:35:58.480-04:0013 year Anniversary in NYC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljfFWQRnRHRBqsA1APZ_c6A5EzqWElHPlYUcStjf73yeqBn0srGwqjTBbG2qtWXnMXcshLNP1ZzCNgZ-tY37jxEMGPtP8YA_NjsAQwt7vseVm-I7hO3KkZVKgnAGQEJyuj15zI964pA/s1600/IMG_0604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljfFWQRnRHRBqsA1APZ_c6A5EzqWElHPlYUcStjf73yeqBn0srGwqjTBbG2qtWXnMXcshLNP1ZzCNgZ-tY37jxEMGPtP8YA_NjsAQwt7vseVm-I7hO3KkZVKgnAGQEJyuj15zI964pA/s320/IMG_0604.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
When we found out we were moving away, Rand came up with 2 great ideas. The first was to spend the night in NYC for our anniversary so I could get my fill and not be so sad about leaving a city I love. The 2nd idea was to buy an DSLR camera. We have thought about buying a camera for some time but always wondered if we would really use it. Well, we finally did it. Rand thought it would be nice if we had some cool pictures that we (meaning me) took to hang in our house in the future. The only problem was that we only had the camera for 4 days before we left, so it's not like I was all that proficient. I can proudly say I read the manual twice in those four days, took lots of pictures for practice and read a book about SLR's from the library. I am proud to say I did take all of these pictures in the manual setting. I think some are pretty cool. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdvfR5mjnIMXbHbpkfIclOu1PyWa5BQdsNKnt9RXvfDF-72KQ3E60l8mwswBTLxwSF6nzfEbU1rynQG-Le5YJDO3IsbSFlyj5Jxqe3n9F33kvXwWulOhkQHcFO12FkRTNBI1SRiFRzQ/s1600/IMG_0608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdvfR5mjnIMXbHbpkfIclOu1PyWa5BQdsNKnt9RXvfDF-72KQ3E60l8mwswBTLxwSF6nzfEbU1rynQG-Le5YJDO3IsbSFlyj5Jxqe3n9F33kvXwWulOhkQHcFO12FkRTNBI1SRiFRzQ/s320/IMG_0608.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv85Ear6iu3Iq6OT6Q-11NmBwpXqy7z9frrlLLy9etKKS_4KJtwU5mwmWgptWuzxAHP0xnqE8ZZafHnNI55iiKSRBXHHOOCI4ITqEo0akblZ8HCvA8MItDrj2fwYGyZM0E5nB9yQxDrA/s1600/IMG_0641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv85Ear6iu3Iq6OT6Q-11NmBwpXqy7z9frrlLLy9etKKS_4KJtwU5mwmWgptWuzxAHP0xnqE8ZZafHnNI55iiKSRBXHHOOCI4ITqEo0akblZ8HCvA8MItDrj2fwYGyZM0E5nB9yQxDrA/s320/IMG_0641.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMHlNBuwscVLvyLXHXj7ubovCn15oqHR9MGviPR5LfhIHS_lt3CF3mk1M2b2n8dNslkf3GXOq7N7MwigcLNY3ZP2VoA6p-pyNv1nWBPv3q4ZR58DijTC6vhQy42NskRgJ0b8FI7e5Ew/s1600/IMG_0437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMHlNBuwscVLvyLXHXj7ubovCn15oqHR9MGviPR5LfhIHS_lt3CF3mk1M2b2n8dNslkf3GXOq7N7MwigcLNY3ZP2VoA6p-pyNv1nWBPv3q4ZR58DijTC6vhQy42NskRgJ0b8FI7e5Ew/s320/IMG_0437.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
The picture above was at the Summit train station on our way into the city.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSveAPzjYBLrxxfJyYilNroykHlUsPh-HDs4jvfQ2m_9B6uFZoev5BfGHuvM6m3xoU5bDLMKgUFiT-rCVhhHvBvULmwNF4BqvTBAi_T6ZIPkjNbADbiuA7zn2PEQbXbyiTB9cFYt-RRw/s1600/IMG_0454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSveAPzjYBLrxxfJyYilNroykHlUsPh-HDs4jvfQ2m_9B6uFZoev5BfGHuvM6m3xoU5bDLMKgUFiT-rCVhhHvBvULmwNF4BqvTBAi_T6ZIPkjNbADbiuA7zn2PEQbXbyiTB9cFYt-RRw/s320/IMG_0454.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The view above is as you ride the escalator up to 7th ave and see Hotel Pennsylvania. I don't know why but it gets me every time. I compare it to the feeling you get when you walk down Main Street in Disneyland, another place I love. It just gives me a nervous and excited feeling. I have to pinch myself every time. I've probably taken 50 picture of this same shot over the last two years. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvS9sdLoI0swq7W1fNfU887isECeLBGGzK8skmSr1XkmDCPGTK2ma6gpKMZLNy_Ch9U4FHV0SnWiQtdxWHc5edzdwDGWW4bpv-M6P8c50eDNoltlBOHi8j2MJJ8nFOjISmhuHWW6NCQ/s1600/IMG_0434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvS9sdLoI0swq7W1fNfU887isECeLBGGzK8skmSr1XkmDCPGTK2ma6gpKMZLNy_Ch9U4FHV0SnWiQtdxWHc5edzdwDGWW4bpv-M6P8c50eDNoltlBOHi8j2MJJ8nFOjISmhuHWW6NCQ/s320/IMG_0434.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDuwb6UUjz6wS5Ni08JDZiQkjqNlRoFEQai43aBizdHlAWnLhd170Q6P6QHChyphenhyphenjNJdARvIPMKWqeCBTmlxBt7-1ia1ckSRitNjS_n_5bjfqBKsyXy6cUKVGx3cGY5-DI8JTu6w5huJA/s1600/IMG_0449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDuwb6UUjz6wS5Ni08JDZiQkjqNlRoFEQai43aBizdHlAWnLhd170Q6P6QHChyphenhyphenjNJdARvIPMKWqeCBTmlxBt7-1ia1ckSRitNjS_n_5bjfqBKsyXy6cUKVGx3cGY5-DI8JTu6w5huJA/s320/IMG_0449.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
When we left Summit we got into the city and went straight out to the Empire State building to get some pictures. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQx7MQJG2GWk6K7zanxmUhLwE9jQCjGHbwRxi3WWJyUsJ-rXsFEPoduHWle2fzH1-sbfFOpleUWvwPazxljrX2QUQYV2VuLxCMQcshVQtBE2xt7ONO0oRMkbjJJUwKRXrj-2LwxpjL8Q/s1600/IMG_0455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQx7MQJG2GWk6K7zanxmUhLwE9jQCjGHbwRxi3WWJyUsJ-rXsFEPoduHWle2fzH1-sbfFOpleUWvwPazxljrX2QUQYV2VuLxCMQcshVQtBE2xt7ONO0oRMkbjJJUwKRXrj-2LwxpjL8Q/s320/IMG_0455.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0Tk9YNyMCZePcezqdRakj1Nd72BDvLkqLVXMhdtawtOjzjDOTkCvSln1KlSctuhYBiKMZSLy6SYGpaqos76KtfmL3pV0P8G-Z9CGAuxfIQCQ54bccGQCHAgVOWTEl3wLmidJCw0rdg/s1600/IMG_0483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0Tk9YNyMCZePcezqdRakj1Nd72BDvLkqLVXMhdtawtOjzjDOTkCvSln1KlSctuhYBiKMZSLy6SYGpaqos76KtfmL3pV0P8G-Z9CGAuxfIQCQ54bccGQCHAgVOWTEl3wLmidJCw0rdg/s320/IMG_0483.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Then the Chyrsler building. As we walked up 5 Ave we also passed the NYC library below.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHne6HKBPgfnjI3lzki5sW_IgfXz_aP-rPKXhqjg5Q1AI9LvrQCx3rsnnUgv6ZAJlrndauakRGGhV8ZdbntEhJ5hlVKlYYXlSLUsHhme1er34vww9f20slEyl_scwBPc7__ki0QvWsw/s1600/IMG_0482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHne6HKBPgfnjI3lzki5sW_IgfXz_aP-rPKXhqjg5Q1AI9LvrQCx3rsnnUgv6ZAJlrndauakRGGhV8ZdbntEhJ5hlVKlYYXlSLUsHhme1er34vww9f20slEyl_scwBPc7__ki0QvWsw/s320/IMG_0482.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6K-Eh__oj5LYgiK67f_2U36wjN_xJWNdkI2DuuuI1NJLMTOzTqKAPJNDKAh1aMEtbqZcqwXNsrAHu_l7ROJ6cx4YQnmbl8t5mUR38RBeZlvIgEBN-Ybe2VeGRgyHHQ1ULAI-E6qVAg/s1600/IMG_0478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6K-Eh__oj5LYgiK67f_2U36wjN_xJWNdkI2DuuuI1NJLMTOzTqKAPJNDKAh1aMEtbqZcqwXNsrAHu_l7ROJ6cx4YQnmbl8t5mUR38RBeZlvIgEBN-Ybe2VeGRgyHHQ1ULAI-E6qVAg/s320/IMG_0478.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBeuN4LbSBA7OLK0wRerztEJNTFyjwIBEmo9RqOxia0Uky4JTEs-dqOtk8CY32ghaJuBxBVI6kQr3BLjPs4c9r8PmlBx82A4TE_SmbLklM9jf9HaX3bwnSDHd0gfWc9jDDG57FzcgsSw/s1600/IMG_0465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBeuN4LbSBA7OLK0wRerztEJNTFyjwIBEmo9RqOxia0Uky4JTEs-dqOtk8CY32ghaJuBxBVI6kQr3BLjPs4c9r8PmlBx82A4TE_SmbLklM9jf9HaX3bwnSDHd0gfWc9jDDG57FzcgsSw/s320/IMG_0465.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
And of course we couldn't miss the iconic Macy's. This year we went to this Macy's here on 34th street at Christmas so the kids could see Santa. It was magical. Probably more for me than for the kids. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZFdcqfNLaL1KOTShEAHMx3oCtB1kBHFgWSpfMF9CxIF-e-g22oIsvFHtYRoWw2g4WxcttZCmaJrDup6UkKKlhyOfa7XNO8npdLUzhj-MoHfUa-b50tNNREltTJPAJZxqzLcmMoyQ8g/s1600/IMG_0459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZFdcqfNLaL1KOTShEAHMx3oCtB1kBHFgWSpfMF9CxIF-e-g22oIsvFHtYRoWw2g4WxcttZCmaJrDup6UkKKlhyOfa7XNO8npdLUzhj-MoHfUa-b50tNNREltTJPAJZxqzLcmMoyQ8g/s320/IMG_0459.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIy7z2bcz-g38Q9qccDjn_fTaPKoCa3ExA41zV1lr9YVLu4UaR6ZydwtPebhMuLRQOUz3-6RYWNmgNAnDkmcgv_UgxBppFh7npIk8LzJ6kptmEe3KiDq4GTkQ9h6MgQnleDxyK6xRMbw/s1600/IMG_0507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIy7z2bcz-g38Q9qccDjn_fTaPKoCa3ExA41zV1lr9YVLu4UaR6ZydwtPebhMuLRQOUz3-6RYWNmgNAnDkmcgv_UgxBppFh7npIk8LzJ6kptmEe3KiDq4GTkQ9h6MgQnleDxyK6xRMbw/s320/IMG_0507.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I also love Radio City music hall. One of my favorite memories in NY is when my parents came for Thanksgiving last year. The year before my mom and I had tickets to see the Rockettes for Christmas but it was the Snow storm of the century the day we had tickets for, and we couldn't get into the city, so we missed our show. I was beyond disappointed. Thankfully when they came out in November 2011, we were able to catch one of the fist shows of the season. It was just my mom, Anna and me. 3 generations of girls. We rode the train in and then rode in a pedicab for the first and last time in the city. It was cold, and a bit scary, but so fun to ride in a buggy pulled by a guy on a bike through the streets decorated for Christmas. The show was really great. It was a really cold and rainy day but my Mom was a total champ about it and it will always be a favorite memory for me. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEo7pTEPJIhJeYAXGqSopStt800-jedwq54Yjy7CgagYXx1Ud-fcNc4Wp-9DjvtMD-ZGjylcHO8jfZ5qX-9dCqKAEJPREO1dz3ZpPt84z592VgSLbjfzVp69VL19j4xRnOdXiZ20hL-w/s1600/IMG_0519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEo7pTEPJIhJeYAXGqSopStt800-jedwq54Yjy7CgagYXx1Ud-fcNc4Wp-9DjvtMD-ZGjylcHO8jfZ5qX-9dCqKAEJPREO1dz3ZpPt84z592VgSLbjfzVp69VL19j4xRnOdXiZ20hL-w/s320/IMG_0519.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
It was only right that we eat "street meat" for dinner for our anniversary. This is Rand's favorite cart with Indian food. Even Bobby Flay from the food network has eaten there. It really is very good food, but it certainly isn't food you want to eat if you need to fit in anything skinny anytime soon. Let's be honest, I haven't fit into anything skinny in quite some time. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpq0xXx8vMSvtYr_YcaE-S4WlaaSeAwfmkmYeYtLxRI4mLbUgjKIJa_LF-bcdWJstF8M4dcLc4lKrYiYiNM-M6g1H7Vupg_KKQPexkQvoolWod7PjQZ5nLYSyfIKwkKAsfsmpGTMsCZw/s1600/IMG_0521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpq0xXx8vMSvtYr_YcaE-S4WlaaSeAwfmkmYeYtLxRI4mLbUgjKIJa_LF-bcdWJstF8M4dcLc4lKrYiYiNM-M6g1H7Vupg_KKQPexkQvoolWod7PjQZ5nLYSyfIKwkKAsfsmpGTMsCZw/s320/IMG_0521.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgikQ_zneaIUeMsyG_tYtguK2FpoLiN6YvsWNFWOcEpOW5-4sZznUg3hfScMbRco84fP4NZMbmUvo8XezpC2ZRybmkiw2TegOxjLIAIK1KcOpV-WRk3vqo1fwCayO1iXXPIKEXYKl8bxQ/s1600/IMG_0552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgikQ_zneaIUeMsyG_tYtguK2FpoLiN6YvsWNFWOcEpOW5-4sZznUg3hfScMbRco84fP4NZMbmUvo8XezpC2ZRybmkiw2TegOxjLIAIK1KcOpV-WRk3vqo1fwCayO1iXXPIKEXYKl8bxQ/s320/IMG_0552.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Time square didn't have the same excitement it had when we first moved here, but it's still fun to visit and it was home to Rand's office here at 1540 Broadway the last two years, thus the picture below to document it. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFolOzCUvM24XDaZ-eZOdQoed4WjKL4gEC3PG-53u2YjM_t_lnSi4fjiDLRAdYktfQmpm7Iawz2Yf-R9n_-mdWCnDEsOxnWj2OcUa-pkTonn5r8Cu3M9s1ABEgxHujbmlGltlKh3XeQ/s1600/IMG_0565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFolOzCUvM24XDaZ-eZOdQoed4WjKL4gEC3PG-53u2YjM_t_lnSi4fjiDLRAdYktfQmpm7Iawz2Yf-R9n_-mdWCnDEsOxnWj2OcUa-pkTonn5r8Cu3M9s1ABEgxHujbmlGltlKh3XeQ/s320/IMG_0565.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbM2Dt7xjoItkOZoYqwqTypJ330I71-Ylnp4gonzBWpO5qQrva7JfuqVzAFqr1CjDyJiosKn47ocfVMC-3YYJg00_QVMxuG_uWgFF71PehrDo8Q-JkKpxQzt6DxUfuB8XYn7YsRTRxA/s1600/IMG_0550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbM2Dt7xjoItkOZoYqwqTypJ330I71-Ylnp4gonzBWpO5qQrva7JfuqVzAFqr1CjDyJiosKn47ocfVMC-3YYJg00_QVMxuG_uWgFF71PehrDo8Q-JkKpxQzt6DxUfuB8XYn7YsRTRxA/s320/IMG_0550.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
I've now seen Wicked 3 times and I'm pretty sure I will never see a better show. I love it!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fbtTBqO2zif_cdw56n_G9lG8wVzTMqdeDec_igwnCOlxVgtILh4YJ8lxoMsEkxN07J9-7-ibgCOcshpS-NSrEcz1b_qHyaF6GrcLkt0eDrAc6jsD7ShHGZvj2iKJvcGQFO9nsqljvQ/s1600/IMG_0585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fbtTBqO2zif_cdw56n_G9lG8wVzTMqdeDec_igwnCOlxVgtILh4YJ8lxoMsEkxN07J9-7-ibgCOcshpS-NSrEcz1b_qHyaF6GrcLkt0eDrAc6jsD7ShHGZvj2iKJvcGQFO9nsqljvQ/s320/IMG_0585.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4eukp0BgM3a0FaKdO7qElwWPGJUlk_Z4EnO-PIZwFgzPs-OmjeNE1QXJrCqRSsCzE3lbtdCrFKVmiG0yfHIB_cYzNS5rCy-h2wAX_wyKDNv2r0LW0bHdCujH06xgr5FXEanQxBe69A/s1600/IMG_0501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4eukp0BgM3a0FaKdO7qElwWPGJUlk_Z4EnO-PIZwFgzPs-OmjeNE1QXJrCqRSsCzE3lbtdCrFKVmiG0yfHIB_cYzNS5rCy-h2wAX_wyKDNv2r0LW0bHdCujH06xgr5FXEanQxBe69A/s320/IMG_0501.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This was our room at The Hilton just up a bit up the street from Radio City. I stayed there before with some friends and I think for the money and the cleanliness etc. it's a really good choice. Not quite as nice as the Milford, eh Jess? :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-02WXGAEIxsKFfONa859bnTBw1DOcT6uy9_WWI-b3M7G5UEOJVNp9fTeL59pOWppnGWJy4em5e_26G3xx6slUd53Ewt6PQDrfwfjsHRsmVt3yiVB125O5C_TKuLPkMED4FbonKjA7ww/s1600/IMG_0506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-02WXGAEIxsKFfONa859bnTBw1DOcT6uy9_WWI-b3M7G5UEOJVNp9fTeL59pOWppnGWJy4em5e_26G3xx6slUd53Ewt6PQDrfwfjsHRsmVt3yiVB125O5C_TKuLPkMED4FbonKjA7ww/s320/IMG_0506.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhH1riZsir-HhjWwNUxubmCU1qCsxd42lqv0JcHfGzXlogT61mIBOKa-JSrrhyphenhyphenFXWNFvc-odRSDfIJrSMDvjYMBLqrlLiGAaKUAX5ABQB4Z5mL4ARubTroqNqs1r39LcMZuyj4Pmj7Q/s1600/IMG_0629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhH1riZsir-HhjWwNUxubmCU1qCsxd42lqv0JcHfGzXlogT61mIBOKa-JSrrhyphenhyphenFXWNFvc-odRSDfIJrSMDvjYMBLqrlLiGAaKUAX5ABQB4Z5mL4ARubTroqNqs1r39LcMZuyj4Pmj7Q/s320/IMG_0629.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
In the years that we've been here I had never seen the flatiron building so it was a must see. It's strange from behind it looks like a normal building but from the front it really does look flat. It's so cool.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4b3fc7IMTlCDm6blLbGANtvETqPq0TEq70zzhYHHwc6erz1lKI0D1Q-AsSMNDXJdr4MK5GkzsUbGZAT7psyCF6QoNWoKeR0_LlCW6RV749Fv9JiyWJUS4eXAUwuuEp-OzKgquDE1F7A/s1600/IMG_0631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4b3fc7IMTlCDm6blLbGANtvETqPq0TEq70zzhYHHwc6erz1lKI0D1Q-AsSMNDXJdr4MK5GkzsUbGZAT7psyCF6QoNWoKeR0_LlCW6RV749Fv9JiyWJUS4eXAUwuuEp-OzKgquDE1F7A/s320/IMG_0631.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQebSgYRWxtqBVEUlDgTiMFX3GdC8IkXY6IME_4GWT94XOOqGa9bGWwx_flGSkFXP7w8YWbcOoPVRA5zufnByQCWZH-58BNGdZYPWKuV1PkQ_ZvE3AtUbok4ShlzfBJ8PTl70EgT4ZA/s1600/IMG_0638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQebSgYRWxtqBVEUlDgTiMFX3GdC8IkXY6IME_4GWT94XOOqGa9bGWwx_flGSkFXP7w8YWbcOoPVRA5zufnByQCWZH-58BNGdZYPWKuV1PkQ_ZvE3AtUbok4ShlzfBJ8PTl70EgT4ZA/s320/IMG_0638.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I've come to love the "normal" streets of NY. I love to go to to Chelsea or somewhere with the more typical architecture and the brownstone type buildings. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_qKTCQcVcAvgK1fpEHBZz6Oe6lTm6SK1mihNprH7SQor67cC7pQUiYGbkBaobcPVQfUdMGogDIwio8QxqbMClzV-U7folkpijNh1iG5ol4TnktyFeOuJGC9WjLTLJFbS-cXGDxrp3A/s1600/IMG_0634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_qKTCQcVcAvgK1fpEHBZz6Oe6lTm6SK1mihNprH7SQor67cC7pQUiYGbkBaobcPVQfUdMGogDIwio8QxqbMClzV-U7folkpijNh1iG5ol4TnktyFeOuJGC9WjLTLJFbS-cXGDxrp3A/s320/IMG_0634.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZ6t1puXCsoWfkO8PnWy_GHThdJLoEu8t2ZZ4TfdU23EdbdqubwvM8hQdP25oM-yrk1dDFjsvyr1ZML-eQFlLMsZnHrZEgX5pFJ4uImUFznTMG0xJ_D6HqHF3N02WNhjLOfyxDkJVvg/s1600/IMG_0655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZ6t1puXCsoWfkO8PnWy_GHThdJLoEu8t2ZZ4TfdU23EdbdqubwvM8hQdP25oM-yrk1dDFjsvyr1ZML-eQFlLMsZnHrZEgX5pFJ4uImUFznTMG0xJ_D6HqHF3N02WNhjLOfyxDkJVvg/s320/IMG_0655.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
We have been down to the 9/11 site several times be decided it would be worth it this time to make the time to actually visit the museum and the memorial site. I'm really glad that we did this. It's such a part of the history of NYC. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zDwB35XRJefSuU2jlFhP49saULZ4sVkNno2W9JAn6GprqYBZt-IOFnGH9BQRVzqpL9z1GRORk7E9aNmz_MYa__6iZEUq1RTs5967d056PZF0kgzRsH5XPFK8dRvlMRNP5WE4UXW8tQ/s1600/IMG_0659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zDwB35XRJefSuU2jlFhP49saULZ4sVkNno2W9JAn6GprqYBZt-IOFnGH9BQRVzqpL9z1GRORk7E9aNmz_MYa__6iZEUq1RTs5967d056PZF0kgzRsH5XPFK8dRvlMRNP5WE4UXW8tQ/s320/IMG_0659.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
One of the buildings still going up. It's been fun to see the progress from nothing to this.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVknjKt5ckh0CKf2CuQTa119QkTZS1a7MGb3CiszEyYfRcybak1DmQrBcnoEVHQNiM_3rFw3htZhnHCiTy40I8wMQiJeQdFb0xHo2jApRrrnBFaPHr42gBMgCukBigr8WIESSm3U38QQ/s1600/IMG_0650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVknjKt5ckh0CKf2CuQTa119QkTZS1a7MGb3CiszEyYfRcybak1DmQrBcnoEVHQNiM_3rFw3htZhnHCiTy40I8wMQiJeQdFb0xHo2jApRrrnBFaPHr42gBMgCukBigr8WIESSm3U38QQ/s320/IMG_0650.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The wall above has all the names of those who were killed obviously. It lists first those in the different planes and then those in the World trade Centers. It really hit home how many lives were lost seeing it like that. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLXReNEBSXnmWcteNoPVT4cRMBk4cpQVMWlfk__fMj23cM4BMc3T5JvXD1lJrCzuDK8x05KEZ1tyynnf9Ekh8c7EcwwznTQGR98q4ovq-W8rBcNjm4OvfIpBFqnof2rjvht1xv2jDXaQ/s1600/IMG_0652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLXReNEBSXnmWcteNoPVT4cRMBk4cpQVMWlfk__fMj23cM4BMc3T5JvXD1lJrCzuDK8x05KEZ1tyynnf9Ekh8c7EcwwznTQGR98q4ovq-W8rBcNjm4OvfIpBFqnof2rjvht1xv2jDXaQ/s320/IMG_0652.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWn8XNg9rbSWevqlHvCJ_N769aWt-cXxtV8WDiu23xx_M5h0MDlXy05MiKGuSI8IQEmQEykJ851eeAEywaBkfi52ObURjZGNiJy51IX1XcmMwaKFVWqSwzeouWiZPjB8XH7qBDrhg8dw/s1600/IMG_0642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWn8XNg9rbSWevqlHvCJ_N769aWt-cXxtV8WDiu23xx_M5h0MDlXy05MiKGuSI8IQEmQEykJ851eeAEywaBkfi52ObURjZGNiJy51IX1XcmMwaKFVWqSwzeouWiZPjB8XH7qBDrhg8dw/s320/IMG_0642.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This is a picture of an airplane window that had been blown apart, that someone stepped over that day as they were running down the street. Admittedly the first time I visited the site of 9/11 I felt very little and very removed from it all, but each time I've gone back, the reality and weight of what happened there becomes more real. It's hard to walk down those streets and imagine it was those same streets that people were running down from the smoke and debris. I believe there were something like 6 or 8 people from our ward that worked in those buildings back then. Every single one of them was late to work that day, so was saved.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2VAtQk64MGXJ1o9xca3PLIvp14KmrgDB9Nj0FOrX85jiDi8GvOGpTW58bPQQES5BmvxsMKWcslPSOYf2ZUUWP7ETFYy0vffFo6XWEZk5ZZk9RpksYavEM2YqnYLuOxezVtNkSZCmQkQ/s1600/IMG_0644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2VAtQk64MGXJ1o9xca3PLIvp14KmrgDB9Nj0FOrX85jiDi8GvOGpTW58bPQQES5BmvxsMKWcslPSOYf2ZUUWP7ETFYy0vffFo6XWEZk5ZZk9RpksYavEM2YqnYLuOxezVtNkSZCmQkQ/s320/IMG_0644.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The above picture is showing some of the many, many missing posters that family and friends posted around the site, hoping that somehow their loved ones would be found. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMl6sSYy1f9RGVmDpGNrooLTLMfqKri7SqmTiQ8a7bPUIrKb-O-YafA7Fi5AqJ9p1Eind70J9kd6uMcU0ueaqFZ-NNbYIMqHTpi5sNxRnyMH7BLfGVpqxGzAUI9k3MJluJmsPOQe3zpQ/s1600/IMG_0664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMl6sSYy1f9RGVmDpGNrooLTLMfqKri7SqmTiQ8a7bPUIrKb-O-YafA7Fi5AqJ9p1Eind70J9kd6uMcU0ueaqFZ-NNbYIMqHTpi5sNxRnyMH7BLfGVpqxGzAUI9k3MJluJmsPOQe3zpQ/s320/IMG_0664.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmhEQKh-mchgk6dZs-1ew2SQf5V99r5ODJCVS7QvQoj5jMbI0bj85JgN2i93nbpTIDVsZOrX8Ucb7dTEj47nuNyH_Ylfd2MjDRq3E7kfbs4COyhVy90UlZ0g0vDnPr7gdHiKd0qIcJCQ/s1600/IMG_0653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmhEQKh-mchgk6dZs-1ew2SQf5V99r5ODJCVS7QvQoj5jMbI0bj85JgN2i93nbpTIDVsZOrX8Ucb7dTEj47nuNyH_Ylfd2MjDRq3E7kfbs4COyhVy90UlZ0g0vDnPr7gdHiKd0qIcJCQ/s320/IMG_0653.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
The fountains are built in the exact foot print of the original WTC buildings. Around the waterfalls are the names inscribed of those that were killed. It really is a beautiful and peaceful memorial. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLK57yCJdtYA4gnTTANUjeWLvlbwwSgCnH17PiGpwPuwYtP_8JMhhgiEMxMFRdScjdZxXKEa45kgqI2KdkF-R4eHlb06wfurxhvgXhi1gctpmu9Vdg629VsryiRIzvwuEgF-37go7eYw/s1600/IMG_0669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLK57yCJdtYA4gnTTANUjeWLvlbwwSgCnH17PiGpwPuwYtP_8JMhhgiEMxMFRdScjdZxXKEa45kgqI2KdkF-R4eHlb06wfurxhvgXhi1gctpmu9Vdg629VsryiRIzvwuEgF-37go7eYw/s320/IMG_0669.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
This is I believe a City Center or government building down by the Brooklyn Bridge that I just thought was pretty. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1EobMbZ-usmE_BM9U_DllXDnB05QDlGvJa-FLvQfE2UTqWRGl2GELJTRmAWybjRIG_SmwwwNkPr8oTNWAJSjpZN4BM2qeeualJJeu6Z5wn1sGwMZdG3Dfel3_WBqAzC2MEJwHMUh2rg/s1600/IMG_0692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1EobMbZ-usmE_BM9U_DllXDnB05QDlGvJa-FLvQfE2UTqWRGl2GELJTRmAWybjRIG_SmwwwNkPr8oTNWAJSjpZN4BM2qeeualJJeu6Z5wn1sGwMZdG3Dfel3_WBqAzC2MEJwHMUh2rg/s320/IMG_0692.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Rand and I walked across the Brooklyn bridge. It was such a beautiful day. This is definitely one of my most favorite things to do in NY. The view is so pretty. Sadly there was construction so a lot of the view was obstructed so we had to just make do with what we had. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAdQeJPqS-MD7KRVOp0g5WIMMhDWd_udrY0686s0iROewwxIzJJaFGfHDFwqjItJGFskZNFqwvTlCZD3_g-AQbItWX8ZfiF6P2ftWRJoM8J2GL2wxmdX_Dv4wC2MnCIpIXQBZckFgDw/s1600/IMG_0700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAdQeJPqS-MD7KRVOp0g5WIMMhDWd_udrY0686s0iROewwxIzJJaFGfHDFwqjItJGFskZNFqwvTlCZD3_g-AQbItWX8ZfiF6P2ftWRJoM8J2GL2wxmdX_Dv4wC2MnCIpIXQBZckFgDw/s320/IMG_0700.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1Y7k8T2cFdXYqfPB-SrOiv-RCCz_zYTpW1f0TIAFuMpsFSpzZH_TDtUIOMA167ITdbnRjlZzI0KJCi4iO_f7QEAQDuHPyKjGLKQiUEeZy1W7h-gh0DMZZQLQ1K2TEKvl5gzeivpQCA/s1600/IMG_0699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1Y7k8T2cFdXYqfPB-SrOiv-RCCz_zYTpW1f0TIAFuMpsFSpzZH_TDtUIOMA167ITdbnRjlZzI0KJCi4iO_f7QEAQDuHPyKjGLKQiUEeZy1W7h-gh0DMZZQLQ1K2TEKvl5gzeivpQCA/s320/IMG_0699.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtn-0vg7lTT0Tjar2yK_sZO66fKWr8uUjQ-YIwySY2f6VVN6AAU7gCziVm3hCGKXGGWTAiTX3MA7laE-HXFjcOSUlXd787jLu_FXle5b45uYsc8vUIs56JeyTqH87Nc224hBBpnsruug/s1600/IMG_0714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtn-0vg7lTT0Tjar2yK_sZO66fKWr8uUjQ-YIwySY2f6VVN6AAU7gCziVm3hCGKXGGWTAiTX3MA7laE-HXFjcOSUlXd787jLu_FXle5b45uYsc8vUIs56JeyTqH87Nc224hBBpnsruug/s320/IMG_0714.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSH8m2kT1sQ-yGKm3Lr6eY0yjzSsIygXVk1cNh76GzVSBi_l-VLhYY9_12MI0PAgDXf3LNArTc6Kf7_-FTASa8CnjBxZUVehMbuyFEbB2jT4Ao-B8V1GhjDYHBFkhyVLMeJ7C3hYEKZQ/s1600/IMG_0712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSH8m2kT1sQ-yGKm3Lr6eY0yjzSsIygXVk1cNh76GzVSBi_l-VLhYY9_12MI0PAgDXf3LNArTc6Kf7_-FTASa8CnjBxZUVehMbuyFEbB2jT4Ao-B8V1GhjDYHBFkhyVLMeJ7C3hYEKZQ/s320/IMG_0712.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
After walking the bridge, we decided to head uptown to Central park. We rented some bikes for a few hours and rode around the whole park plus some. Over the two days we calculated that we walked about 22 miles, plus the biking. The area where Randall is sitting is called the Mall and it's one of my favorites. The benches that are there all have plaques on them that say they were donated for someone for like an anniversary or a birthday gift or something special. It's fun to walk along and read who they are there for and why. Maybe someday I will have a park bench with my name on it ;)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6NNpf6NqmdLMzyK3CDUi-CZOAIVUN-JO9-kABXfNDBn-s8MrR4dqQ2Nru3awPPJDM5XYc2prw50WYeMes6QYVlg2TB4uSUKjGR__aHy-2KYomLPj6LT4MGZdiue2wZKK8DCRKmH_kQ/s1600/IMG_0723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6NNpf6NqmdLMzyK3CDUi-CZOAIVUN-JO9-kABXfNDBn-s8MrR4dqQ2Nru3awPPJDM5XYc2prw50WYeMes6QYVlg2TB4uSUKjGR__aHy-2KYomLPj6LT4MGZdiue2wZKK8DCRKmH_kQ/s320/IMG_0723.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCdkGg-7vBcAZNUn5Xe5PIfs6yW2bAjrIevB_-I2pKBOKTCuq6wJBeL0L1GP2iPiDVldkItJ7ibm9BF-c82mAWfPcNGDKtK_bxvd4LlMBbDLdYQqhIhDO9VgnNVRupi1LaACGYoYlmg/s1600/IMG_0717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCdkGg-7vBcAZNUn5Xe5PIfs6yW2bAjrIevB_-I2pKBOKTCuq6wJBeL0L1GP2iPiDVldkItJ7ibm9BF-c82mAWfPcNGDKtK_bxvd4LlMBbDLdYQqhIhDO9VgnNVRupi1LaACGYoYlmg/s320/IMG_0717.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJIfZ_SGVivSceBlntRtc6aN23GDCbTC2-DlA8clGFS8bXhPe0xj4BKIGlQZWzH7fbzkGeV92hfwEunM1PrTER2zheRNiKzgJryAqRkczZPv6wdMv6dQD5gkKXUEwFH5C_BQfvKZLW4g/s1600/IMG_0725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJIfZ_SGVivSceBlntRtc6aN23GDCbTC2-DlA8clGFS8bXhPe0xj4BKIGlQZWzH7fbzkGeV92hfwEunM1PrTER2zheRNiKzgJryAqRkczZPv6wdMv6dQD5gkKXUEwFH5C_BQfvKZLW4g/s320/IMG_0725.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDxoucOq3FYouRICG0Ao6huEsKYLW-VPMzrCX9QdjNc7HehBN_s7Rrm-nIStXBtzUHDhwbUCw5hlUUOLIlwWE5jnTZln3dUZdtZ2nQQBey2rkjfT03yir6TMSulWTik2vJ-EDXUUXG3w/s1600/IMG_0717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDxoucOq3FYouRICG0Ao6huEsKYLW-VPMzrCX9QdjNc7HehBN_s7Rrm-nIStXBtzUHDhwbUCw5hlUUOLIlwWE5jnTZln3dUZdtZ2nQQBey2rkjfT03yir6TMSulWTik2vJ-EDXUUXG3w/s320/IMG_0717.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9pKfIQEG9J-oY03HFS03jdHyL2tH1lJbkMEebl8EGCzHuWQTj3ch9Rh8uaNfHcBbcYWjFFUuFg_Fu4K9Y6tjxE_DuQJiusNfORYkZEdb93ZVCHLDtszfOCANRplxaJ9IXk0nBwmbSSA/s1600/IMG_0729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9pKfIQEG9J-oY03HFS03jdHyL2tH1lJbkMEebl8EGCzHuWQTj3ch9Rh8uaNfHcBbcYWjFFUuFg_Fu4K9Y6tjxE_DuQJiusNfORYkZEdb93ZVCHLDtszfOCANRplxaJ9IXk0nBwmbSSA/s320/IMG_0729.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
For whatever reason I'm a total sucker for the Today show. I have dreamed about seeing Rockefeller Center for years and years, especially with the Christmas tree up. Thankfully this year my dreams came true. I even was on the Today show a few years back. I was so excited to see Matt Lauer and katie up close but they were all away for a funeral that day. I did get to see Natalie Morales though :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwz2Bl4L7YzAMQoZpyltTn8fkLHiK4EeWvRsbt26hYmH773sc6sgWzg0jjrFoA8Uhr-bNffOvfm5BIRNLaY5lrSQr_EXYMiZhsIuWalqy0CAJqTS3Jlp8L-tfFj_NCcYM51tAd9oqIlQ/s1600/IMG_0744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwz2Bl4L7YzAMQoZpyltTn8fkLHiK4EeWvRsbt26hYmH773sc6sgWzg0jjrFoA8Uhr-bNffOvfm5BIRNLaY5lrSQr_EXYMiZhsIuWalqy0CAJqTS3Jlp8L-tfFj_NCcYM51tAd9oqIlQ/s320/IMG_0744.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
It was also important being the chocolate lovers that we are, to snap a picture of our of our favorite chocolatier. This is in Rockefeller Center, and has really good stuff. My favorite is the chocolate with mint and Rand's is with chili pepper. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSUyQe90poVLDdFucUHrdxck7IiNTgj25vb0_OdtgaxAyboORIYJekXV4MsI79bkOdYhAziOhZ2U3-O0z113Ck_6u645P6H1vpfKevRH5c_Vy2GgCYgEXOz9FoKHo6H2j_9U6rCo0Hw/s1600/IMG_0749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSUyQe90poVLDdFucUHrdxck7IiNTgj25vb0_OdtgaxAyboORIYJekXV4MsI79bkOdYhAziOhZ2U3-O0z113Ck_6u645P6H1vpfKevRH5c_Vy2GgCYgEXOz9FoKHo6H2j_9U6rCo0Hw/s320/IMG_0749.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbW4HOpQN0LEp7a4EieLlTUMglwGLPR0ZBr16ZxATFT5m2IM_OzRn0BVCZCNS6bBIfjOxgJIzRPxy5KIHwBBYp8luu7lOaAtbx6vbBmWfaxlJepLfpg037WxzKZn2D1RzfD0-eVyhyphenhyphenSA/s1600/IMG_0731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbW4HOpQN0LEp7a4EieLlTUMglwGLPR0ZBr16ZxATFT5m2IM_OzRn0BVCZCNS6bBIfjOxgJIzRPxy5KIHwBBYp8luu7lOaAtbx6vbBmWfaxlJepLfpg037WxzKZn2D1RzfD0-eVyhyphenhyphenSA/s320/IMG_0731.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
If you would have told me 13 years ago when we were married and "honeymooning" in my grandmas trailer in St. George poor as poor with all of Randall's education ahead of us, that we would be celebrating together in NYC and not just for vacation but we would be living here I wouldn't have believed you. I'm so grateful that we've been so blessed over the years, for richer for poorer in sickness and health. Here's to many, many more.Ashlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04294410464755771961noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140971833833125812.post-56341360462222277902012-05-19T23:18:00.001-04:002012-05-19T23:18:16.053-04:00One More MonthJust one month from today I will be on a plane with my girls back to Utah. Rand, Ethan and my Dad are having boy bonding time driving the moving truck and our van back. I can hardly believe this is really happening. It's strange to have thought this was where we would make our home and raise our kids. It's obvious that things always change, and are often out of our control. We didn't see our selves moving back to Utah at all let alone just 2 years after we left. We are returning under great circumstances and feel like it's a great blessing in many regards. It's amazing that our town home there just happens to be available at just the right time for us to move into. We have been working towards and praying for years that we would be blessed to pay off our student loans and this move with make that possible. This is a good move for Randall professionally too, and I couldn't be happier about that. <br />
<br />
It's just that coming her and adjusting to Jersey was really hard. I was determined to dig my heels in, be happy here and make this place home, and it is home for us right now. There is so much that I do love about living here. I will miss my friends, our ward, the kids school, the beauty and green trees everywhere you look. The parks, NYC, the diversity of the people around us in culture, color, and religion.<br />
<br />
The #1 thing I won't miss is the cost of living. I was at the grocery store tonight and as I put my 4 gallons of milk in the cart for $16 dollars, I was trying to remember what milk cost in Utah. I also won't miss the street we live on with the mortuary, the gas station and the liquor store. I won't miss sharing a driving way with 2 houses and 6 or more cars coming and going. I have definitely become a better and much more aggressive driver. I never in a million years though I would drive in NYC and I have, and was crazy like the rest of them. I won't miss sharing a bathroom with all the kids and our creaky stairs.<br />
<br />
I'm really excited to be near family and friends. I'm glad that they grandparents will really get to know the kids, especially Jane and her sweet personality, and hear all the things she says. I'm excited that we will have our families at Anna's baptism in November. I'm excited to have central heat and air. A disposal!!! A designated parking place, that's covered even. A pantry and a master bathroom and walk-in closet. Oh, and how did I forget Cafe Rio? Randall says I have definitely become low maintenance living here. And as much as I love the hustle and bustle of life here and all the exciting things there are to do and see, I'm actually looking forward to experiencing life at a much slower pace. Sometimes I think we don't even realize anymore at how fast paced and stressful things are around here. <br />
<br />
I'm grateful for the growth that we have made here. I love that I have learned that things that initially seem so hard, just become your "new normal". I remember when we first moved to Jersey just driving was very stressful. The roads are crazy all over the place with strange jug handle turns and the route 22 that I hate. I had to pay such close attention to not just the road, but the drivers around me and my GPS. I couldn't talk, listen to the radio or the kids for that matter. My heart would be racing and I would be so nervous every time I got in the car. I could only concentrate on getting from point A to B. Now, I don't even think about the driving, at least in my day to day life. Sure there are still times that I have to pull out the GPS (thank heavens for that gadget), and while I almost never talk on the phone and only hands free, I'm glad that driving is now no big deal. I'm glad that shop rite, is just a normal grocery store to me now. I sometimes have to think back and remember what it was that was so hard about living here in the beginning. It will be a shock to have such wide open spaces, large parking lots, and shopping carts actually in the grocery stores. <br />
<br />
No matter what, I will always love the charm of the east coast. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5e0NTrAmm2JRNGnvqNqgR3ojEwLJ0ldQlIb3DebKm-c16cK3pTvZMCFQypm86tU1i6ptIIAlr7ZtCdC6qi2zi18U7YIQ_cFVUQbO66CK_IUUXofFQIo6w5aKTg_VOU5gBTPdTYW2B3w/s1600/IMG_0601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5e0NTrAmm2JRNGnvqNqgR3ojEwLJ0ldQlIb3DebKm-c16cK3pTvZMCFQypm86tU1i6ptIIAlr7ZtCdC6qi2zi18U7YIQ_cFVUQbO66CK_IUUXofFQIo6w5aKTg_VOU5gBTPdTYW2B3w/s320/IMG_0601.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
And while the people here can certainly be rude and outspoken, and I have many "fun" stories of different confrontations, I really like that here you can have an opinion and voice it and people are open to it. I feel like in other places I'm hesitant to have a strong opinion and especially hesitant to voice it, afraid I might come across too harshly and even offend someone. I like that here you can be you no matter what and nobody cares. You see people of all walks of life here and it's just so normal that you almost don't stand out, even if you a weird guy that wears different colored rats on your head like a guy Rand passes on the way to work in the city. I don't want to feel like I have to "fit in". <br />
<br />
I like that we've had some deep discussions with the kids about really important issues because they are exposed to different things here. I love that they have learned that if you come to church wearing jeans, with multiple ear piercings or tattoos it doesn't make you a bad person. There was a time a while back where the kids were playing in the back with a bunch of neighborhood kids, several of who were black. Something happened with one of the girls and so when they came in I asked them who it involved and they explained to me that it was "that girl with the big hair". I was impressed that they didn't even think to use "the black girl", in their description. <br />
<br />
I think one of my biggest concerns in returning to Utah, is that here, our answer to their concerns as to why people use certain language, or take the Lord's name in vain, is because they aren't taught the same things we are taught, and don't know differently. It's going to be a challenge when it's the kids they know are Mormon that are saying and doing things they shouldn't....<br />
<br />
I just have to remind myself when I'm sad about leaving here and the many great things it has to offer, that we are just so lucky that we had the at all. Jersey was definitely the hardest place to adjustment to, but it's been a huge blessing for us as a family. I know when I get on the plane one month from today, I will be heart broken, leaving those I love here behind...but thankfully there are many others I love where we are going.Ashlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04294410464755771961noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140971833833125812.post-18569183999715813992012-05-05T08:44:00.000-04:002012-05-05T08:44:21.330-04:00Darling Daughter?It's no secret that one of our daughters can be a "handful?" Ok, we all know it's Anna. I love her. She can be such a sweetie pie. She is very nurturing and thoughtful, but boy is she also just plain hard. She;s been hard from the beginning. I often ask myself what I did differently with her in my pregnancy just sure it's my fault, since she just came that way so different from the others. <br />
<br />
This morning I am just so frustrated with her. She is just not a happy child, almost ever. She just chooses to be miserable the majority of her life. I've been talking to her a lot about that recently that happiness is a choice. I know that there are extenuating circumstances, but she's 7 and has a good life. This morning at breakfast she announced that "she doesn't like life". I was like "what?" Just because I wanted to be sure that's what she had said and what she meant. So yes continued to say that yes, in fact she doesn't life like and it's because hers is so terrible. I immediately just said "go to your room". I was so mad and sad at the same time. I don't know how to teach her to see the good. <br />
<br />
A few weeks ago at dinner I was asking them what the best part of their day was. I asked Ethan and of course he had something happy and positive to say. I went on to Anna and again asked "Anna, what was the best part of your day?" She said "well, the worst part was ..." OK. I didn't ask her what the worst part was but she skipped right past the good and went for the worst. The cup is definitely half empty with her.<br />
<br />
Anna has some great strengths and talents. She loves babies. She adores Jane and wishes she could be her mother. I often have to remind Anna that I am the mother. She has taken it upon herself to be Kate's teacher. Anna has literally worked for hours and hours writing out "lesson plans". She sits down with Kate and has been teaching her about vowels, non fiction, whatever it is that week. <br />
<br />
...Anna just came in and we had a talk and she said "being a kid is just hard". I tried to emphasize and told her that's true but it's also supposed to be one of the best parts of life. I told her to try to see the good. I asked her to list some of the good things yesterday, she said "pizza at school, centers, the monkey bars, that's it". I said to her what about these things like a package from grandma with treats inside, dinner out last night, and a new movie for them to watch and much needed new shoes tomorrow. Her response was "well the movie was just rented". Aarg see what I'm working with here? Apparently the movie isn't good enough unless we buy it. <br />
<br />
We've been really encouraging her to say her personal prayers and teaching that you can pray anytime anywhere she needs. She hasn't been too keen on the idea. I told her that it's these exact things she can include in her prayers. Things like the girls at school will be nice, she can be happy etc. <br />
<br />
That girl worries me, they all worry me for one reason another. I had no idea being a parent would be so hard. I just thought as long as they were fed and clothed we were good. <br />
<br />
Rands been gone 8 days and I've hardly slept the last 3 nights because Jane has started crying in the night, and Kate's had a fever of 103 for the last 3 days. I'm sure I'm just tired and all will be well when I get a little more sleep soon.Ashlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04294410464755771961noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140971833833125812.post-19938756551461529822012-04-21T08:59:00.000-04:002012-04-21T08:59:01.815-04:00Jane's BirthdayWe just opened presents to celebrate Jane turning 2. I can't help but remember back 2 years ago this morning. I was on my way to a dr.'s appt, just 2 days from my due date. I had been having what I thought was contractions all through the 2 nights before. (wow, that's a lot of 2's) I was so hoping to go to my appointment to have him tell me I was making great process and I would go into labor on my own in a few days. Sadly that was not the case.<br />
<br />
The good old doc checked me and I was zero and zero. Not what you want to hear just 2 days from your due date. I wasn't quite ready to have this baby and said so. Randall said otherwise. He said I had been miserable and "we" should just be induced if we could be. The dr. said we could and I still didn't want to be. The Dr. then excused himself so Randall and I could have a little chat. See, the thing is I have always been induced. every.single.time. And though I know nothing different I have always wanted to just "go on my own" if you will. I had even read a hypnobirthing book, been listening to hynobirthing CD's to prepare myself for a natural birth, and though I didn't have my heart set on a natural birth I still didn't want to be induced. I'm also someone who although I'm 9 months pregnant and not exactly comfortable at night, at least I can get up and go to the bathroom and go back to sleep. Once the baby comes who knows if you will sleep at all in the night. <br />
<br />
After some discussion mostly on Randall's part the doctor came back in. I asked him what he thought was going to happen. He said with my history and the "progress" I hadn't made it was a pretty high chance I would come back a week overdue and still be zero and zero. That finally clinched it. I would be induced, today, April 21, 2010. <br />
<br />
That was a weird feeling. It's always a weird feeling knowing today you will meet your baby. The day you have waited for and hoped for and want so badly to come, and suddenly in a matter of minutes it's decided, today's the big day. <br />
<br />
I still remember that happening with Ethan. I went for a check 2 days past my date and was not even "ripe" or close to it. It was decided I would be induced because at that point I wanted that baby out, NOW! I didn't know what those endless sleepless nights felt like, and I was huge I might add, HUGE! Even though I wanted him out, I was somewhat shocked when the doc said, ok, go over to the hospital. I thought that meant ya know sometime today, but it meant, like right now. I didn't even have my hospital bag with me. I remember getting in the elevator to make the short trek to the hospital when I suddenly thought, "what have I done?". Long story short Ethan's labor and birth were LONG and excruciating, and I honestly thought at one point I was going to die. I have never worked that hard for something in. my. life. It was worth it when a beautiful BIG 9lb. 5 oz. boy was hoisted, yes hoisted up onto my tummy. He had so much blonde hair and bright blue eyes. I was so exhausted I could hardly hold my head up to look at him, but I was thrilled he was finally OUT. <br />
<br />
Anyway, on that cozy, dark and rainy spring morning as we drove to the hospital I decided that on a day like that, there was no better day than to stay indoors and have a baby, and that's exactly what I did. It was the best labor and birth experience yet. Jane has been nothing but sweet and sunshine. I adore her, as I do all my children. It's fun to think back to those special baby meeting days, but for now I'm happy to celebrate her turning 2 today.Ashlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04294410464755771961noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140971833833125812.post-30957309948768471082012-04-10T16:12:00.006-04:002012-04-18T21:31:52.428-04:00Easter WeekendOur Easter weekend was very low key this year. I think because of our exhausting week I just wasn't up for big hoopla. In fact it was getting late Friday night and it suddenly dawned on me I needed to do their baskets. Thankfully I had bought all the things weeks before so that was at least done. I had read about people tying a string to the kids bed and then stringing the string all through the house and figured that was easy enough and might up the excitement fact a bit at least. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8TE5RlQBxYVnTDPh_zEu1qU7_HqV0y388T3oWDsLTDXeJPg_FnZOb6Sx1eqYgCUppSLdxEymtZF40kd-DqFcnV1VmGWk5QXeVn_q33zvUA8iOCVWllGTRXwJ-adxMtjkhWmfmKFmX2A/s1600/IMG_2142.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8TE5RlQBxYVnTDPh_zEu1qU7_HqV0y388T3oWDsLTDXeJPg_FnZOb6Sx1eqYgCUppSLdxEymtZF40kd-DqFcnV1VmGWk5QXeVn_q33zvUA8iOCVWllGTRXwJ-adxMtjkhWmfmKFmX2A/s320/IMG_2142.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729870805538517010" /></a>This cute little bunny Jane is loving on was a gift to her from my friend Laura who felt so bad about her accident. Turns out the bunny was a good replacement for the binki.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdnxtAxmRLhAmm_qcxGwjLdKD9lvZ7d075aXjn4OhD8-EQMvFhCLXdvtBYQgL66fki7JvTBCUkoo2RBUcV6t3IQlAkGOLPDfTIXVCjsdmjok4Gydam1oA9QW2k67Y0SB_r4nTTTr9zg/s1600/IMG_2171.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdnxtAxmRLhAmm_qcxGwjLdKD9lvZ7d075aXjn4OhD8-EQMvFhCLXdvtBYQgL66fki7JvTBCUkoo2RBUcV6t3IQlAkGOLPDfTIXVCjsdmjok4Gydam1oA9QW2k67Y0SB_r4nTTTr9zg/s320/IMG_2171.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729870537011785650" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCv7UvdysJxOIlx54zYbxnRCJlxfE8-B95uur9zUW-tRVAg9BraMT6hQdNdWNL0uMldLyMBJ-QQnGPfqGsn237AandrTOnMwaiD3TvPok8VPO_YbB8sWYa-g8wGY634I0tA-0qG3IczA/s1600/IMG_2162.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCv7UvdysJxOIlx54zYbxnRCJlxfE8-B95uur9zUW-tRVAg9BraMT6hQdNdWNL0uMldLyMBJ-QQnGPfqGsn237AandrTOnMwaiD3TvPok8VPO_YbB8sWYa-g8wGY634I0tA-0qG3IczA/s320/IMG_2162.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729870530827432418" /></a>Jane's basket this year had nothing but side walk chalk, bubbles and an egg full of play-dough.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8x6huI1pDwkDw00pBRhdrXFRxSGC7ht_cc7TzA48VjtUxyGB_4sfG38zuECK-X47cjszO7GxJmdCEzf25n0ePWkFKzEaeqDwnB6O44Md5FnwQYkFZr1uwkMWCQVnY6efNxu9S5ueZFw/s1600/IMG_2165.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8x6huI1pDwkDw00pBRhdrXFRxSGC7ht_cc7TzA48VjtUxyGB_4sfG38zuECK-X47cjszO7GxJmdCEzf25n0ePWkFKzEaeqDwnB6O44Md5FnwQYkFZr1uwkMWCQVnY6efNxu9S5ueZFw/s320/IMG_2165.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729870520793985474" /></a>The other kids didn't have much more than a chocolate bunny a few candies and bubbles. I refuse to go all out and give them actual gifts for a holiday that really isn't about a rabbit anyway.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplRZVKGKQl450a3Sg6I7cqimv837dKg-lAhtLVKbOzFmr_50QGwyphCHIvxS0OuIzorOuH8NifzZ13ruqsyIqE_cpB1tNPLOTHyt2zOFsPNQjODtnUhmkB0xMsZl2cXXAM-i5OeITqg/s1600/IMG_2167.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplRZVKGKQl450a3Sg6I7cqimv837dKg-lAhtLVKbOzFmr_50QGwyphCHIvxS0OuIzorOuH8NifzZ13ruqsyIqE_cpB1tNPLOTHyt2zOFsPNQjODtnUhmkB0xMsZl2cXXAM-i5OeITqg/s320/IMG_2167.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729870506826217042" /></a>This is Anna after she had gathered up all her string to find her basket. It wasn't easy for them to wind it all together. I thought it was a crack up watching them try to wind it and push and pull it all over the house. I think I may have gotten a bigger kick out of it than they did.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSWkvDfjx58NRaQp4iWvilIwRL_lLCu_94S0Wggv0h9RMBT75efcQTloA-mkAIdiD58bTxvZXiOqs82dcYu9CdhnkQ2hNdeIKkokWQAfSi_bzRgkIHWO6M1kGH4mYsmlmlvW2_nJahGg/s1600/IMG_2169.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSWkvDfjx58NRaQp4iWvilIwRL_lLCu_94S0Wggv0h9RMBT75efcQTloA-mkAIdiD58bTxvZXiOqs82dcYu9CdhnkQ2hNdeIKkokWQAfSi_bzRgkIHWO6M1kGH4mYsmlmlvW2_nJahGg/s320/IMG_2169.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729869518097017458" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEn_jyCkHnX8Og51vgy3G6OtPVBBE-6-zcPkcBhv8zhD5u0IntY3TbVJbSLJ2lPVJCp9tQJ9HhGdvAPhgA2oxAUGX-dXNWQ93KoDy5spg-3ebeq-l3BnviqiOS4_i-ckv_-GzAcZ9MAA/s1600/IMG_2174.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEn_jyCkHnX8Og51vgy3G6OtPVBBE-6-zcPkcBhv8zhD5u0IntY3TbVJbSLJ2lPVJCp9tQJ9HhGdvAPhgA2oxAUGX-dXNWQ93KoDy5spg-3ebeq-l3BnviqiOS4_i-ckv_-GzAcZ9MAA/s320/IMG_2174.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729869510297804866" /></a>Ethan's basket was hidden 3 floors down from his bedroom in the shower. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYWBFeyEGLHFbjY8aKoKxQJzZs6j9TfONjxUhrsNUxG-RRVjQ7uqqVU4l8-Qs64vEZoA0DVFvBQ104roarofTTDt5FRdaIQtmk338k1zmHa1E1A3cYddeer15pUNao6nuIoAxDmIaasQ/s1600/IMG_2176.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYWBFeyEGLHFbjY8aKoKxQJzZs6j9TfONjxUhrsNUxG-RRVjQ7uqqVU4l8-Qs64vEZoA0DVFvBQ104roarofTTDt5FRdaIQtmk338k1zmHa1E1A3cYddeer15pUNao6nuIoAxDmIaasQ/s320/IMG_2176.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729869492675797330" /></a>Our smart and handsome blonde boy. I can't believe how big he is getting. His feet are now just a tad bigger than mine and he acts older than 9. In fact I recently remembered that I need to not be so hard on him because he's still just a young little guy. Most people think he's 12.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvb6BTkhkUyzgSgswZDhyphenhyphenK5CtCPGEQ0FjQM-wXNRUdq9kG7mRMDAtGXXlcwwR9qwdCaNh7k-mwEsEbw7edKUtKB86vl54XnXi3YOvVSIwqQiilquwrv-VrV24A6b-YwzKkf22YGCtNhA/s1600/IMG_2178.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvb6BTkhkUyzgSgswZDhyphenhyphenK5CtCPGEQ0FjQM-wXNRUdq9kG7mRMDAtGXXlcwwR9qwdCaNh7k-mwEsEbw7edKUtKB86vl54XnXi3YOvVSIwqQiilquwrv-VrV24A6b-YwzKkf22YGCtNhA/s320/IMG_2178.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729869484217580098" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcxupsj2KchtZfbD9GWMxFpst1mmba8TQ2br5rx4HvEfbpYkDzgi0pmVPcZNh4eRd-YuBWSGkzhzZbF_SdSqy3zkmeTSRcICeP91cTOwekpMX-TG6HT3PoNMdzc0g9RG7IeBNtTTueg/s1600/IMG_2181.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcxupsj2KchtZfbD9GWMxFpst1mmba8TQ2br5rx4HvEfbpYkDzgi0pmVPcZNh4eRd-YuBWSGkzhzZbF_SdSqy3zkmeTSRcICeP91cTOwekpMX-TG6HT3PoNMdzc0g9RG7IeBNtTTueg/s320/IMG_2181.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729869471333516562" /></a>Our cute girls in their white dresses.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEica3XWslAyvMEOiTRjXAAQ45I-n-FcOUSE3cXhSgpt6-sHfJXbMpcMi9hpKhdpbRp3_uuwggCt1QXMUzqSvYPKu5it_osgdK9edPlY3JsqVWIbT2l5X_NRkr86P81z-0vWjVimngAH_w/s1600/IMG_2188.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEica3XWslAyvMEOiTRjXAAQ45I-n-FcOUSE3cXhSgpt6-sHfJXbMpcMi9hpKhdpbRp3_uuwggCt1QXMUzqSvYPKu5it_osgdK9edPlY3JsqVWIbT2l5X_NRkr86P81z-0vWjVimngAH_w/s320/IMG_2188.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729868648420568642" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhgr1-FYBs3FkoxfwMEixvq7YcoLAaecMqjRvPQc_wvmOuS2A1wYAmtB028V_8_1cQfszN60ACsej2OjlzO2-ITW3nPCC6-zs4L_zjlP3w8DGHzSppJJrtaBjA6l0CN7ez972vE3BWg/s1600/IMG_2193.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhgr1-FYBs3FkoxfwMEixvq7YcoLAaecMqjRvPQc_wvmOuS2A1wYAmtB028V_8_1cQfszN60ACsej2OjlzO2-ITW3nPCC6-zs4L_zjlP3w8DGHzSppJJrtaBjA6l0CN7ez972vE3BWg/s320/IMG_2193.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729868633015961954" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5tv5gBXmdYcvSKMqQKzgt0KqOWMpmmBVXIBf0WmHSUG2gtz_ImGNnC6-XrsLSHBQkRpw_0uGRY_LQkIGhjUa33A4Sxv3HFvLoiw3vifVNvT48wnY6QLIsvC8TvAQRg6dsfSGh62g3g/s1600/IMG_2197.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5tv5gBXmdYcvSKMqQKzgt0KqOWMpmmBVXIBf0WmHSUG2gtz_ImGNnC6-XrsLSHBQkRpw_0uGRY_LQkIGhjUa33A4Sxv3HFvLoiw3vifVNvT48wnY6QLIsvC8TvAQRg6dsfSGh62g3g/s320/IMG_2197.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729868616609575570" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZw6qL0KvFHEfsocd0sEyRDefxXq707l3NBH2tqWq_XnEE-dFtnmn5LjsVjYXVb8KL2eKJWskToFMYUB68Gdzseko7O3zjA071i-XAabdwoT51tswm9iHCo0YDl6gyPTKcv3eOVzuNQ/s1600/IMG_2205.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZw6qL0KvFHEfsocd0sEyRDefxXq707l3NBH2tqWq_XnEE-dFtnmn5LjsVjYXVb8KL2eKJWskToFMYUB68Gdzseko7O3zjA071i-XAabdwoT51tswm9iHCo0YDl6gyPTKcv3eOVzuNQ/s320/IMG_2205.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729868603875118786" /></a>The girls were watching a Mormon Messages movie and I looked over and saw this and thought it was the sweetest thing. I just may have to have that one painted someday.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNlfPKQRlBhBu-AKF7RD7oDWiBLyD-J1DcFkGjH26By68xbIq4g4I_GZrYIvwThsz8tuAny3tNMfnUoNwQ_oixzEytEXpM1Kl1LchCXgtQ1kGwMgQab9NMgBo-9oKh_iaVsqJN9Xo4pw/s1600/IMG_2207.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNlfPKQRlBhBu-AKF7RD7oDWiBLyD-J1DcFkGjH26By68xbIq4g4I_GZrYIvwThsz8tuAny3tNMfnUoNwQ_oixzEytEXpM1Kl1LchCXgtQ1kGwMgQab9NMgBo-9oKh_iaVsqJN9Xo4pw/s320/IMG_2207.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729868590437214882" /></a>This is one of Kate's drawings of an Easter Egg. <div><br /></div><div> It was a fun but low-key weekend. We had the traditional ham and opted for sweet potatoes this year as we are trying to make healthier choices. We went for a nice walk and spent an hour or so at the park. </div>Ashlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04294410464755771961noreply@blogger.com2