tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411821138433666912024-03-05T04:38:29.211-08:006 Hollow Legs6 Hollow Legshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13990721062759562797noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441182113843366691.post-88512278607441602992015-12-08T15:02:00.000-08:002015-12-08T15:02:04.818-08:00100 Things I LikeOver a year ago, I started a list on my phone of random things I like. From time to time, I'd add one or two. This morning, I hit 100, so I thought I'd share.<br />
<br />
1. Matt<br />
2. My family<br />
3. Faith in Christ<br />
4. Family dinners<br />
5. Stepping on ice crusts in the gutter<br />
6. Campfires<br />
7. Fresh cut grass smell<br />
8. When my kids giggle<br />
9. Books that make me happy/think/laugh/cry/smarter. Okay, books in general!<br />
10. Bubble wrap<br />
11. Northern Lights<br />
12. Meaningful conversations<br />
13. Orange juice<br />
14. Kissing<br />
15. Music you can feel<br />
16. Picking berries with my mom & sister<br />
17. Grandma Neta’s Crazy Chocolate Cake<br />
18. Sunsets<br />
19. Peppermint<br />
20. The peace I feel at the temple<br />
21. Last day of school excitement<br />
22. First day of school excitement<br />
23. My garden<br />
24. Soup on a cold day<br />
25. Bouquets<br />
26. Planning theme birthday parties<br />
27. Family vacations<br />
28. Rainbows<br />
29. Voting<br />
30. Homemade Halloween costumes<br />
31. Massages<br />
32. Thunderstorms<br />
<div>
33. Sound of rain on a tin roof<br />
34. Waking up feeling well rested<br />
35. Online Christmas shopping/packages in the mail<br />
36. Peeling hard boiled eggs perfectly<br />
37. Etsy<br />
38. Crunchy leaves<br />
39. Acts of kindness<br />
40. Long weekends<br />
41. Another perspective<br />
42. Sunday afternoon naps<br />
43. BBQ’s with friends<br />
44. Zumba<br />
45. Trying new recipes<br />
46. Meeting interesting people<br />
47. Clean house when I wake up<br />
48. The smell & feel of fluffy towels fresh from the laundry<br />
49. Puget Sound<br />
50. Christmas lights<br />
51. Words written in sand<br />
52. Making up silly poems for my kids before bed<br />
53. Flossing<br />
54. Christmas morning<br />
55. Spontaneity<br />
56. Painted toenails<br />
57. Eating bottled peaches on a cold winter day<br />
58. Fishing<br />
59. 10pm sunsets<br />
60. Fireworks<br />
61. Living room picnics<br />
62. Songs that tell stories<br />
63. Tulips<br />
64. Roads through tree canopy tunnels<br />
65. Rider pride<br />
66. Beachcombing<br />
67. Watching videos of practical jokes on YouTube<br />
68. Handwritten notes/letters<br />
69. Mocassins<br />
70. Hummingbirds<br />
71. Musicals<br />
72. Recognizing answers to prayers<br />
73. The smell of Balsam Poplar, especially near bodies of water<br />
74. Lemonade stands<br />
75. Cushion forts<br />
76. Carving pumpkins <br />
77. Accelerating right before lift off<br />
78. Electricity in the air<br />
79. Peeling off labels perfectly<br />
80. Cinnamon roll core<br />
81. Farmers markets<br />
82. Winks<br />
83. Maps<br />
84. Routines<br />
85. Spruce trees heavy with snow<br />
86. My ‘S’ collection<br />
87. Sand dollars<br />
88. Tortoiseshell<br />
89. Winding roads<br />
90. Hammocks<br />
91. Braids<br />
92. Hide & Seek with my kids<br />
93. Murmurations<br />
94. Fresh homemade bread<br />
95. Logs crackling in the fireplace<br />
96. Being creative<br />
97. Mid century modern furniture<br />
98. Recycling<br />
99. Déjà vu<br />
100. Stargazing</div>
6 Hollow Legshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13990721062759562797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441182113843366691.post-82160626738835916022014-08-11T09:29:00.000-07:002014-08-11T09:29:58.407-07:00Tea TimeMiss C's 6th birthday was this past week & on Saturday, we had the cutest tea party to celebrate. Months ago, she started asking about her birthday. She was waffling between wanting a Frozen birthday theme and a tea party, so I steered her towards the tea party and it was so sweet. I started collecting old cups and saucers at garage sales & Kijiji. Garage sales had much better prices than the thrift stores. My wonderful sister-in-law helped me by scouring Value Village for tea pots. We found some old lacy curtains at the thrift store for $2/panel. Collecting everything was so fun. The kids were all pretty helpful at the garage sales, searching the tables for gold rimmed cups & saucers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvb95HGAK80wPOHy9QOhKsMu-3yrz4Y3UuAlB2bqH_jrTIXD10D52ENrHcgJlOvFU12sl7D3E1kUUAZIHH_scdbVY15JyY8RG-3drDUL8g-GyuhtQzJXQy_5GrU2ISnjwZvWasMX0K52LD/s1600/Tea+party+invitation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvb95HGAK80wPOHy9QOhKsMu-3yrz4Y3UuAlB2bqH_jrTIXD10D52ENrHcgJlOvFU12sl7D3E1kUUAZIHH_scdbVY15JyY8RG-3drDUL8g-GyuhtQzJXQy_5GrU2ISnjwZvWasMX0K52LD/s1600/Tea+party+invitation.jpg" height="640" width="568" /></a></div>
I finally tried out my Silhouette on the invitations. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNgi4EX6veHtOStbIGoNln__tZNs3L2J9o_urSNS6iPS5d81pkSP5qibcI-QjkV2tePqirCNZDMj5B8tzoBqpUtlYW1OMUazrLgpX00wTBTqEwKRAaAaCwFsEZSxTXc6vwS1mnDiMnfKf/s1600/Tea+Party+Food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNgi4EX6veHtOStbIGoNln__tZNs3L2J9o_urSNS6iPS5d81pkSP5qibcI-QjkV2tePqirCNZDMj5B8tzoBqpUtlYW1OMUazrLgpX00wTBTqEwKRAaAaCwFsEZSxTXc6vwS1mnDiMnfKf/s1600/Tea+Party+Food.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
We made a bunch of cute treats. Those marshmallows are so super easy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi99ApOJizgnkyKRVV9Pdsq-MphwCd8hD6UnCTjgWaF7hODWtcPmN-W9opIjxcbsQcfDlfo2cMH0VptZiZEczdM_yL_ueL-PsPqBHhzhmFG34C6JUO8PsEpEXz-iWhOT94YCyiauh5a-zj/s1600/Tea+Pot+&+Tea+Cup+Cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi99ApOJizgnkyKRVV9Pdsq-MphwCd8hD6UnCTjgWaF7hODWtcPmN-W9opIjxcbsQcfDlfo2cMH0VptZiZEczdM_yL_ueL-PsPqBHhzhmFG34C6JUO8PsEpEXz-iWhOT94YCyiauh5a-zj/s1600/Tea+Pot+&+Tea+Cup+Cookies.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The sugar cookies were fun (and kept me up 'till 2am...) ! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphenp43kYOIsSh6h7PYvhqal_3adXuyxm8nFiKAJLQ-WsJ5248WCGmqEbHGBUye-2gRS9pgqhPq8m-CU4kjTGdn8MYPUdHCmNLQYBTpeOBX7ZfwPTX5rtfXt5pmVyfT4xMFnZvXd4poMBdq/s1600/A+sip+of+tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphenp43kYOIsSh6h7PYvhqal_3adXuyxm8nFiKAJLQ-WsJ5248WCGmqEbHGBUye-2gRS9pgqhPq8m-CU4kjTGdn8MYPUdHCmNLQYBTpeOBX7ZfwPTX5rtfXt5pmVyfT4xMFnZvXd4poMBdq/s1600/A+sip+of+tea.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The girls all looked adorable in gloves, hats & pearls.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLERgEPj4XpepzgobL6webaBRAL75r6Q91Ib3h3JzXGMLXJTYa-li9mxqcDTXePzLuBb9UlBidmkK_qNTx_vGRFxxYs3X00Rhx2je0_7BjpGjGDCU5L9oXXSURSREezV9MILP4QoYtWFC/s1600/Tea+party+fun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLERgEPj4XpepzgobL6webaBRAL75r6Q91Ib3h3JzXGMLXJTYa-li9mxqcDTXePzLuBb9UlBidmkK_qNTx_vGRFxxYs3X00Rhx2je0_7BjpGjGDCU5L9oXXSURSREezV9MILP4QoYtWFC/s1600/Tea+party+fun.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
Awe, so sweet!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBG2qN4pDJJEdorH9ERUY6q9ZfcdftjqQvXVW2MF7hJKhBpz5SxpLvTKgdBXcI_96zTcnpY8vczYR4IiBBqGKXGBM1OsYlIdhAtqk9KJW2ICSmddZztR5Gs0RjJjW6KG1z7O0-9VkNp25f/s1600/Sparkler+pearl+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBG2qN4pDJJEdorH9ERUY6q9ZfcdftjqQvXVW2MF7hJKhBpz5SxpLvTKgdBXcI_96zTcnpY8vczYR4IiBBqGKXGBM1OsYlIdhAtqk9KJW2ICSmddZztR5Gs0RjJjW6KG1z7O0-9VkNp25f/s1600/Sparkler+pearl+cake.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Miss C was excited about her sparkler.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30e4HiQURy-Yr7GHJYNZFcZrioVN2HF0-R3cWqGDLtap5umLGqOwjrhNQasqUq0hiV1Ef0yp2OL-sHgsSDxnl2j2ZMdwnwBItDjCWQVnsb_zzEnHQD5vnIPPXcdkw199FwVcz8pFjShgc/s1600/Pearl+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30e4HiQURy-Yr7GHJYNZFcZrioVN2HF0-R3cWqGDLtap5umLGqOwjrhNQasqUq0hiV1Ef0yp2OL-sHgsSDxnl2j2ZMdwnwBItDjCWQVnsb_zzEnHQD5vnIPPXcdkw199FwVcz8pFjShgc/s1600/Pearl+cake.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I'll huff and I'll puff! She's so pretty.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDz8oMertaTuI3de-tihEvmzeZOvLxCCUj1exCWvngcvvf3HLqZ9mR4sDEVIFDhAJK8C16hSQCHqI0ezgU-7bMW2jMFclR5opfwZGcrvUx0PHCqBLzQTwLP_04eDQ1BG84hy0d2JN1XRD/s1600/Opening+gifts+in+gloves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDz8oMertaTuI3de-tihEvmzeZOvLxCCUj1exCWvngcvvf3HLqZ9mR4sDEVIFDhAJK8C16hSQCHqI0ezgU-7bMW2jMFclR5opfwZGcrvUx0PHCqBLzQTwLP_04eDQ1BG84hy0d2JN1XRD/s1600/Opening+gifts+in+gloves.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Time to open gifts!<br />
Our sweet Miss C is such a joy. She still has the sweetest little voice and such a charming personality. She has a tender heart, and is always looking out for others. She is so bubbly and peppy, always has a half smile on her face. We are so happy to have this cutie in our home. She brings a fun and playfulness to everything she does. We love you, Miss Muffin!<br />
6 Hollow Legshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13990721062759562797noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441182113843366691.post-42994389569098501732013-10-08T13:19:00.000-07:002013-10-08T13:20:23.227-07:00Cowgirl Shindig Miss A loves horses. Since it was her 7th birthday this past week, I thought I'd try to have a Cowgirl party for her. I called a couple of stables, but none were willing to accommodate pony rides for 7 year old kids, so I put it out there to my friends on Facebook. Sure enough, a friend of mine asked her parents if they would let us come out to their home for pony rides and they were willing. These wonderful people, who hardly know us, made my little girls day extra special. Thank you, thank you!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dLUThzQOZ0OcDoc0fF7f8LpWK0oomOQXuPvCBaabcEybBghu5L6lkZf5hwpSEtsQKGvB8qus-FVU-oNCDeqoqXBq0WypSXIgV6LGdvaUCmdy-_PbbvtVchn4DufhjqcpLUoKklEuhdCD/s1600/Cowgirl+Invitation+Web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dLUThzQOZ0OcDoc0fF7f8LpWK0oomOQXuPvCBaabcEybBghu5L6lkZf5hwpSEtsQKGvB8qus-FVU-oNCDeqoqXBq0WypSXIgV6LGdvaUCmdy-_PbbvtVchn4DufhjqcpLUoKklEuhdCD/s640/Cowgirl+Invitation+Web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
This was her invitation. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRzb79SsYCeVY_vldfEWrmZ3zHayTqtAJ_q-CSMrNDMHJRkDd94_aV1k6UbJ9d-0_2Bi68cQUsIulDsLgTzcX0F2ZHJdfC4ou78dtTu-6tUtGQ3O9PGNO66tCfnOJr2RW2nIMmlF_vuoD/s1600/Yeehaw+Birthday+Cowgirls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRzb79SsYCeVY_vldfEWrmZ3zHayTqtAJ_q-CSMrNDMHJRkDd94_aV1k6UbJ9d-0_2Bi68cQUsIulDsLgTzcX0F2ZHJdfC4ou78dtTu-6tUtGQ3O9PGNO66tCfnOJr2RW2nIMmlF_vuoD/s640/Yeehaw+Birthday+Cowgirls.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
YeeHaw! After school, we went to their acreage and the girls each got a little pony ride through the yard.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOKb1dsUpEunzWHDif2xs8xTJCZ5A7qHO1Grr3hvWXbucW2YPWBqiYylX7F1gTNSBglin9-9QuUxJBD5rPxKSp5fHeCVGQrGQyjX3E9yL2kvkafxelUy3KpjGNT7vHI7HiVEYF-1tk2yFQ/s1600/Birthday+Cowgirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOKb1dsUpEunzWHDif2xs8xTJCZ5A7qHO1Grr3hvWXbucW2YPWBqiYylX7F1gTNSBglin9-9QuUxJBD5rPxKSp5fHeCVGQrGQyjX3E9yL2kvkafxelUy3KpjGNT7vHI7HiVEYF-1tk2yFQ/s320/Birthday+Cowgirl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Miss A wore the vest and chaps her daddy wore as a kid, and the hat she got at the Canada Day celebration this year. What an adorable cowgirl.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrJdL_HMeSIltbKRqrenqoqEjEV2zdksKxbgqWQkdXHsCmNU9ZpH8NWj8A65nwQhmy8raU-YlQuFkxD6kxvwwtmmuCZNRaNHgA2_9GfDX1dECzLJfvhuVYbIzYo3jTXx9YrGnlr5zNvKm/s1600/Let+them+Eat+Horse+Cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrJdL_HMeSIltbKRqrenqoqEjEV2zdksKxbgqWQkdXHsCmNU9ZpH8NWj8A65nwQhmy8raU-YlQuFkxD6kxvwwtmmuCZNRaNHgA2_9GfDX1dECzLJfvhuVYbIzYo3jTXx9YrGnlr5zNvKm/s640/Let+them+Eat+Horse+Cake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Her cake was a ruffle cake with a dollar store plastic horse perched on top. It was yum. The cake, not the horse.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1eVa2ud6KrWtj_Q4Ib4xutDYyiqcS4VYu0gsJnZA-Wml5ZKQU45yVenj_zXYZuMPM9rO5QNTWdoUDQIySaspEi40dLVkHD_oDL8PqOSpv7DTjgRdj4c_KnJ4ckSD7XNGFe785c5jpXRa4/s1600/Horse+Birthday+Cake+with+my+Cowgirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1eVa2ud6KrWtj_Q4Ib4xutDYyiqcS4VYu0gsJnZA-Wml5ZKQU45yVenj_zXYZuMPM9rO5QNTWdoUDQIySaspEi40dLVkHD_oDL8PqOSpv7DTjgRdj4c_KnJ4ckSD7XNGFe785c5jpXRa4/s640/Horse+Birthday+Cake+with+my+Cowgirl.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Love her toothless grin.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyGY77npVP_mn8W6FGTVPhIogyK5TVBzfE6iLEI5r9IG0HOhO9y8-zv5xMf117e0tpUTrCHN8LcBQFEK6EpXe9OgDC8LlOLLcVl0RCFT1MVQl3yCfpB8p9h3vE2cTsN0MGY1QpfdI89Ui/s1600/Horse+Birthday+Cake+with+Sparkler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyGY77npVP_mn8W6FGTVPhIogyK5TVBzfE6iLEI5r9IG0HOhO9y8-zv5xMf117e0tpUTrCHN8LcBQFEK6EpXe9OgDC8LlOLLcVl0RCFT1MVQl3yCfpB8p9h3vE2cTsN0MGY1QpfdI89Ui/s640/Horse+Birthday+Cake+with+Sparkler.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Singing to the birthday girl.<br />
We are so lucky to have this little sweetheart in our family. She is a joy to me and I love her. Happy Birthday Miss A.<br />
<br />6 Hollow Legshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13990721062759562797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441182113843366691.post-55125772958110566042013-09-20T23:05:00.000-07:002013-09-20T23:05:17.527-07:00Grin and Bear ItMinutes before the bus came this morning, Miss A pulled out a tooth. She has been living with 3 of her top front teeth missing for months now, and she just pulled out the fourth. There will be no carrots for that girl for a while.<br />
After school, I was sitting with Miss C. and Mr. Q. at the kitchen table when I heard approaching sobbing. Miss A came in, I pulled her on my lap and asked her what was the matter. She could barely get the words out between sobs, "I accidentally dropped my tooth down the sink when I was washing the blood off for the tooth fairy." I told her that the tooth fairy will be able to find it and not to worry.<br />
This is what she will awake to:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0SwPgyuyvA4wM_lHuCGR_T9KzPtNv9HcbrvabFA5DEf0Vuh-1cvi5p8mPyljxFIYUrJ-ON4MPaiyDPKhBKjEdrsXnNGF8KKkpY6s9I8LMqxPteUvYkQMyA3u5aAL3HqjyDLmm6H7HOAO/s1600/IMG_3838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0SwPgyuyvA4wM_lHuCGR_T9KzPtNv9HcbrvabFA5DEf0Vuh-1cvi5p8mPyljxFIYUrJ-ON4MPaiyDPKhBKjEdrsXnNGF8KKkpY6s9I8LMqxPteUvYkQMyA3u5aAL3HqjyDLmm6H7HOAO/s640/IMG_3838.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm so excited to see her reaction. :)6 Hollow Legshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13990721062759562797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441182113843366691.post-60590720884338274242013-08-13T23:07:00.002-07:002013-08-13T23:07:59.057-07:00Little Miss SpeedyMy littlest princess turned 5 last week while we were on vacation in Utah. We spent her birthday at This is the Place Heritage Park with some friends and cousins.<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDj9kiriXN4AgrBVfxFQQrEkVQkEua1YoPdD-iUxinf1OKqPBl96ouBSFwcMgy9XcFXGLkQlYUOWMQYNnteXw7daAaF-P3q9eNkClZyaQ_IaPBcPVOUkW70QnWvuneme0ig5xyA4yWXW7s/s640/blogger-image--94100254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDj9kiriXN4AgrBVfxFQQrEkVQkEua1YoPdD-iUxinf1OKqPBl96ouBSFwcMgy9XcFXGLkQlYUOWMQYNnteXw7daAaF-P3q9eNkClZyaQ_IaPBcPVOUkW70QnWvuneme0ig5xyA4yWXW7s/s640/blogger-image--94100254.jpg" /></a></div>
She had fun on pony rides.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6aTD0iDH-wIrNAwkAgPrjjir3kSXIQaeDIEyHHn1rhgCkDXna20J6pk4ltzg2GRsSJlWmcuulIoxIynFqnhaoGjybdAa3q7mAybsiTYEmy-dIvIJljyyA4NEWtkg-yxJf68gPEzNDlNB9/s640/blogger-image-58203897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6aTD0iDH-wIrNAwkAgPrjjir3kSXIQaeDIEyHHn1rhgCkDXna20J6pk4ltzg2GRsSJlWmcuulIoxIynFqnhaoGjybdAa3q7mAybsiTYEmy-dIvIJljyyA4NEWtkg-yxJf68gPEzNDlNB9/s640/blogger-image-58203897.jpg" /></a></div>
She milked a plastic cow. lol</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Y7s6lYjEvXPfvkAtoEP1_lXxm04-OUFoCLk5bpS2pZYo78iGpEqojRMrmsult_tWQF7pqCorrDwnIGzwu-6nqIqWxEGTBS2i4PlOmE9q20kxLBTY3aUalCLhWlRSoTF6JjL6YHizIdJO/s640/blogger-image--1488604479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Y7s6lYjEvXPfvkAtoEP1_lXxm04-OUFoCLk5bpS2pZYo78iGpEqojRMrmsult_tWQF7pqCorrDwnIGzwu-6nqIqWxEGTBS2i4PlOmE9q20kxLBTY3aUalCLhWlRSoTF6JjL6YHizIdJO/s640/blogger-image--1488604479.jpg" /></a></div>
She pet a goat. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYw_sNmwY_uNk-Uz84h91CcAcvu_W6bUxJLfTuB5UOTnbvr1aQ7ulnkdiPTq74pJ9U4ObMsX4pb99ucJgPn8ntkN913xM-U-mdTREMqbFAP-qRO9vhmGSO1WKXpEJKuGBdcf8wmQKrE1x/s640/blogger-image--1562376334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYw_sNmwY_uNk-Uz84h91CcAcvu_W6bUxJLfTuB5UOTnbvr1aQ7ulnkdiPTq74pJ9U4ObMsX4pb99ucJgPn8ntkN913xM-U-mdTREMqbFAP-qRO9vhmGSO1WKXpEJKuGBdcf8wmQKrE1x/s640/blogger-image--1562376334.jpg" /></a></div>
She watched her sister get an old fashioned 'shave'. She also panned for gold & went on train rides. It wasn't too hot, thankfully. It was the perfect way to spend her first day being 5. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This afternoon, I took the training wheels off her bike. For 2 minutes, I ran behind with 1 hand on the back of her seat, pulling my hands away & showing her she was doing it on her own. Within five minutes of the wheels coming off, she was cruising on her own, showing me how fast she could go. She was so excited to show daddy her new skills when he got home from work.<br />
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/gOBY9QnJLKg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
I am so happy to have this spunky sweet girl in our family. She makes me laugh when I'm not in a laughing mood. She has the cutest little voice. She gives the biggest hugs ever and has been known to knock people over from time to time. She loves watering the plants and helping me in the kitchen, especially with chocolate chip cookies. She is so excited to start kindergarten in a few weeks and especially to ride the bus with her big sister. She notices the good things in her life and has a natural gift of gratitude. We love you, Miss C. Happy Birthday!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
6 Hollow Legshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13990721062759562797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441182113843366691.post-47238463973017335722013-07-23T23:11:00.001-07:002013-07-23T23:11:41.476-07:00Miss C's Beauty ShopMiss C has been doing my hair for the last half hour. I love the look of intense concentration on her face. Both her & Mr Q stick out their tongues when they focus their attention on something. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnt3PEeqXA_S6W83e_ubjHTl7ZGG9MN8TWSiRZoXgmB0tqEnQ7r_ySBt96ox2KLDwoxXEWswa1UAfQ-xbuvFILM4joj3Gh3E0w0BfR6cPrxWjFv8n-NAobmgJBG_lE7gn8GIWnFOUX9vS/s640/blogger-image--2032464386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnt3PEeqXA_S6W83e_ubjHTl7ZGG9MN8TWSiRZoXgmB0tqEnQ7r_ySBt96ox2KLDwoxXEWswa1UAfQ-xbuvFILM4joj3Gh3E0w0BfR6cPrxWjFv8n-NAobmgJBG_lE7gn8GIWnFOUX9vS/s640/blogger-image--2032464386.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRYd59O7Kl2jSS61rYJmuufEgew8PciRKGD8iJYpsJpGSe6PdJPDQNAhK1Qp_LHFXsf6OS5MfeKXcoywLdU_b53MzZ1ld5dDebwqtP4V_SJXm8QI4sXzVSCLMoRk2SAEYlfJYYlWW8acuM/s640/blogger-image--171379517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRYd59O7Kl2jSS61rYJmuufEgew8PciRKGD8iJYpsJpGSe6PdJPDQNAhK1Qp_LHFXsf6OS5MfeKXcoywLdU_b53MzZ1ld5dDebwqtP4V_SJXm8QI4sXzVSCLMoRk2SAEYlfJYYlWW8acuM/s640/blogger-image--171379517.jpg"></a></div>Looks great<i> </i>sweetie. You'll be a pro in no time. :)</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGzun1AlV0eA1Cl_BU0JDypCPYAqqW8rSWV0UahfarY1SYNJzQj0k46A7vIvAW4ikZBd_Fs6TPOtnQZ4Vo1DC0K48fZa8jp0Zu7IBilU97dvc23pgWnKIcVvsrwL41UhXuedkELg8hFVK/s640/blogger-image-296469724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGzun1AlV0eA1Cl_BU0JDypCPYAqqW8rSWV0UahfarY1SYNJzQj0k46A7vIvAW4ikZBd_Fs6TPOtnQZ4Vo1DC0K48fZa8jp0Zu7IBilU97dvc23pgWnKIcVvsrwL41UhXuedkELg8hFVK/s640/blogger-image-296469724.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Here's the finished 'do. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKj9LnMMsRsFFbqjkciMO0WbmX9IZYQurCRChSHJk1Vt3O8Wl9OcFONF2pcVQH20qUOKKqYnOpuV78NR__eJ5zQLgFXBAtlEoyqteBisTa-xzpOp4SS-dy81dg6fajbk1fAeZljR3-bDhM/s640/blogger-image--2129258884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKj9LnMMsRsFFbqjkciMO0WbmX9IZYQurCRChSHJk1Vt3O8Wl9OcFONF2pcVQH20qUOKKqYnOpuV78NR__eJ5zQLgFXBAtlEoyqteBisTa-xzpOp4SS-dy81dg6fajbk1fAeZljR3-bDhM/s640/blogger-image--2129258884.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>6 Hollow Legshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13990721062759562797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441182113843366691.post-64448841705302269172013-07-19T08:28:00.001-07:002013-07-19T08:47:05.144-07:00Mother of Invention<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We love to camp. Not the 'roughing it, sleep in a tent with rocks & tree roots digging into our backs' type of camping, but the 'sit around a campfire, enjoy nature & the lake being together as a family' kind of camping. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOlI9hzO_lfq0EI_4V4RCfxmqWtBaCyPKZBQW9Edo9WiOQ6YZ8C0BRxMdmmAFMH6ceHY6hJSzVfq_wyCQwQGKKQ0e9tkM8abmgaJ9I_R-Oj8nIZ49j0Vx2Z2pMlYooWjzUvV_aK1-igwTn/s640/blogger-image--713170901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOlI9hzO_lfq0EI_4V4RCfxmqWtBaCyPKZBQW9Edo9WiOQ6YZ8C0BRxMdmmAFMH6ceHY6hJSzVfq_wyCQwQGKKQ0e9tkM8abmgaJ9I_R-Oj8nIZ49j0Vx2Z2pMlYooWjzUvV_aK1-igwTn/s640/blogger-image--713170901.jpg"></a></div>This is the cabin Grandma & Papa just built for us on their lot at the lake. They put some Murphy beds inside so we can have a spot to sleep when we come camping & they can keep their outdoor stuff inside when we aren't here. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghRz6MsVcWCHpAWL0NL4oqw6MduntDbI-DBaEPxVZPIA3-tE9YmN9z41-XMiYfT_rpfCZVy-iMMZE2edEHCaFpcXwJP-XHAYtpxutrTxExwp266FAMUjBswgYiWx4c79q6_9vQicfL-H_S/s640/blogger-image--873566754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghRz6MsVcWCHpAWL0NL4oqw6MduntDbI-DBaEPxVZPIA3-tE9YmN9z41-XMiYfT_rpfCZVy-iMMZE2edEHCaFpcXwJP-XHAYtpxutrTxExwp266FAMUjBswgYiWx4c79q6_9vQicfL-H_S/s640/blogger-image--873566754.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There is a double & 3 single beds inside. It might be a bit hillbilly, but I'd take it over a tent ANY day. My parents are awesome. </div></div></div></div><div>The kids and I spent the last week camping with Grandma at Meeting Lake while Matt has been working so hard at home & Papa is making hay back at the farm.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxixqfg4gXwoaMVJnarcZgS2Q8N9xnTBcOLO_Kk_vW0-0ExUS6zJBixIkS9fCKWx1IzdYxH8j-TY_q_AZGDThdGCdGCmFW8lwfA_4pfDLn7gkcq3zPZiHzs2ujNZ_NicIFPOSwv-9PKjZ/s640/blogger-image-2014252977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxixqfg4gXwoaMVJnarcZgS2Q8N9xnTBcOLO_Kk_vW0-0ExUS6zJBixIkS9fCKWx1IzdYxH8j-TY_q_AZGDThdGCdGCmFW8lwfA_4pfDLn7gkcq3zPZiHzs2ujNZ_NicIFPOSwv-9PKjZ/s640/blogger-image-2014252977.jpg"></a></div></div><div> We love spending time with Grandma. She always makes us feel special and loved. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeE5aQIIlrPwO-YVFysZOAZZzssGheEeaQ_7gk644qX9etJC1tOPiQ5Qe5c_w_jnmTGBEzkcDgmyX38nr27UqaC0cOl9Woq_ZolELfxXDOPV7amxjdY4gvuG01wPtHl6MKeCygs-McTNbJ/s640/blogger-image--1315776772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeE5aQIIlrPwO-YVFysZOAZZzssGheEeaQ_7gk644qX9etJC1tOPiQ5Qe5c_w_jnmTGBEzkcDgmyX38nr27UqaC0cOl9Woq_ZolELfxXDOPV7amxjdY4gvuG01wPtHl6MKeCygs-McTNbJ/s640/blogger-image--1315776772.jpg"></a></div></div><div>The kids have been looking forward to this camping trip for a while. The park offers swimming lessons in the lake, so we signed the girls up. The lake has been pretty cold, so they have both been really excited for lessons & dreading them. Monday it was only 15*C & they had 2 hours of lessons between them. Brrr. It was cold & windy for me waiting on the beach, so you can imagine the little Popsicle girls who emerged from the lake when they were done. Today is the last day of lessons. I'm so proud of my little swimmers. Good job girls!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAuA3SWnfcJoHPWu5mYnEKt0jA5FXfKidlCt0oPx65DLLos49hUHklnA1sTyZ6tgfjdkI3gGZ2b7JVZuAleQSGLBVUCNyH3H0_ShgHxbBx4UT3vOD6Wj1GH54d5Fim2BUWXugSxCi_7Wpv/s640/blogger-image--1456296458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAuA3SWnfcJoHPWu5mYnEKt0jA5FXfKidlCt0oPx65DLLos49hUHklnA1sTyZ6tgfjdkI3gGZ2b7JVZuAleQSGLBVUCNyH3H0_ShgHxbBx4UT3vOD6Wj1GH54d5Fim2BUWXugSxCi_7Wpv/s640/blogger-image--1456296458.jpg"></a></div>There is a little mini golf course at this campground. Grandma took us for a round yesterday. I'm glad there wasn't any other players because the kids were all over the place. No injuries with the putters this time, thank goodness. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcGu-oHDXs5okBjuFCuQrADLYvmzZMGC5fDuLPv2GEbZ4an5xJQQss_X1JWe2_31dEJfmkoHsDpDOETMOkjjfztxFKWax0gBV3LPrNJGoRM9FruSKzbVVYtHXKgk768qTEQI0C8_A7EZl/s640/blogger-image-433017433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcGu-oHDXs5okBjuFCuQrADLYvmzZMGC5fDuLPv2GEbZ4an5xJQQss_X1JWe2_31dEJfmkoHsDpDOETMOkjjfztxFKWax0gBV3LPrNJGoRM9FruSKzbVVYtHXKgk768qTEQI0C8_A7EZl/s640/blogger-image-433017433.jpg"></a></div></div><div>Our favorite camping treat is s'mores. The messiest treat is often the best one. Yum.</div><div>Have fun camping everyone!</div><div><br></div>6 Hollow Legshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13990721062759562797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441182113843366691.post-29288558897732369822013-07-10T20:08:00.001-07:002013-07-10T20:08:30.468-07:00Singing in the Rain<div><h1 class="quoteText" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); margin: 0px 0px 15px; font-weight: normal; padding: 0px; "><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); ">"Life is like an old time rail journey…delays…sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling burst of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.” - Gordon B Hinckley</span></h1></div>It was a gorgeous day today. It was 25* C and felt perfect. We spent the morning at the park, playing with a bunch of friends. This afternoon, the girls & I made Rice Krispie squares while Mr. Q took a nap. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8mR7SxFwRMYoqkZCm6TDjrhDjcQlFlFRQAKQIJG9WEMCSUyDFQC8VhsHiMWf8WJGdoAt3iuNaZ9uajQC_Ft3DO9NCPwn7zhqLK_UFOxjP6qwRmynh70s8k59KPy4G19ptMCeVX4Tyl4O/s640/blogger-image-851313158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8mR7SxFwRMYoqkZCm6TDjrhDjcQlFlFRQAKQIJG9WEMCSUyDFQC8VhsHiMWf8WJGdoAt3iuNaZ9uajQC_Ft3DO9NCPwn7zhqLK_UFOxjP6qwRmynh70s8k59KPy4G19ptMCeVX4Tyl4O/s640/blogger-image-851313158.jpg"></a></div>Matt got home earlier than he has been lately & we ate supper together on the deck. The gils were so excited about corn on the cob. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRIvvZgMuuPCZH4Evs94O4AyUKdhHuJ07pZFvqCDAwn9NDVCJYW4WsJWe-iPeF8HbuJrS_VJgwIyyJX1WOjRVuh4aTP95qOBaE9VUjxpcr3zdtlO5j3BCTif1RMxBGVGewQQ6w-q3CR3S/s640/blogger-image-1270113864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRIvvZgMuuPCZH4Evs94O4AyUKdhHuJ07pZFvqCDAwn9NDVCJYW4WsJWe-iPeF8HbuJrS_VJgwIyyJX1WOjRVuh4aTP95qOBaE9VUjxpcr3zdtlO5j3BCTif1RMxBGVGewQQ6w-q3CR3S/s640/blogger-image-1270113864.jpg"></a></div>Miss A did pretty well since she's missing her 3 front top teeth & told us at supper that 3 more are loose...</div><div>I think corn will be out of the question if those fall out before any grow in.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdb1wSvGiOJ-oHl0D1enVOE9JKibfhdjdUaXx_PIao94hApdUDPAwcOspFiDlGI9rHP6VSDmJ8UFB6IafpY87J1vScihUZGMComg_IaVdW5y33I_PAj1j2m3s4bqehwFN2GCmcWvSf6ImH/s640/blogger-image--605623292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdb1wSvGiOJ-oHl0D1enVOE9JKibfhdjdUaXx_PIao94hApdUDPAwcOspFiDlGI9rHP6VSDmJ8UFB6IafpY87J1vScihUZGMComg_IaVdW5y33I_PAj1j2m3s4bqehwFN2GCmcWvSf6ImH/s640/blogger-image--605623292.jpg"></a></div>After supper the kids started playing their made up Umbrella Game in the yard. One child has the sprayer & the other two have umbrellas. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhShJYhj9uZ0HgoWedi5F3bmgMnw7b0eECIIAT4p1vDBBbHS1L-gseHUB_GGrjMh5l4xSdnXMPOIsth0dwynKpAyZzuR7gF9aGtypo4bhcxXkl_cfX_PXuB2uzEyaeJBsO67byU6QP3DzHp/s640/blogger-image--865139364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhShJYhj9uZ0HgoWedi5F3bmgMnw7b0eECIIAT4p1vDBBbHS1L-gseHUB_GGrjMh5l4xSdnXMPOIsth0dwynKpAyZzuR7gF9aGtypo4bhcxXkl_cfX_PXuB2uzEyaeJBsO67byU6QP3DzHp/s640/blogger-image--865139364.jpg"></a></div>The point of the game is for the Sprayer to get the other two wet. The other two try to protect themselves. Every once in a while they trade positions. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVeGUSzKrRTXFiHXmN11TvA4HI8fownnoL77vkcil4J0WGZZzr1tsOyv3f-64cL9RDa4cFE650OXgMFuKlG4h1FV6nanJtmbatEV0Q7CY709B2q6S4J0-wETGZuySi9gUe0zQrbcZjhhlu/s640/blogger-image--622873939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVeGUSzKrRTXFiHXmN11TvA4HI8fownnoL77vkcil4J0WGZZzr1tsOyv3f-64cL9RDa4cFE650OXgMFuKlG4h1FV6nanJtmbatEV0Q7CY709B2q6S4J0-wETGZuySi9gUe0zQrbcZjhhlu/s640/blogger-image--622873939.jpg"></a></div>Thank goodness for Dollarama umbrellas because they were completely bent and wrecked by the end of the game.</div></div><div><br></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">I loved hearing the giggling voices, and seeing the smiles that were plastered on their faces. Today, we were riding along the top of the most beautiful vista, and I am, indeed, THANKFUL for the ride.</span></div>6 Hollow Legshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13990721062759562797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441182113843366691.post-24910192055790548392013-07-08T10:29:00.001-07:002013-07-08T10:57:33.776-07:00Water BombingI woke up with a migraine. The kids were being super noisy, so I thought I'd send them out to play.<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOi_ivuiNNF6-RS50Peu-t-q801ZORcvlsr8qwQYAUaoHNLshTvxJF1TbzYazHgbRJJJ5w_d0vN3LIdbjMVqYC4amgvtvoL55AwPmEf4r3RnC6l46L5AFAtqwzJZKEFIWRC7PyGR8nyv6x/s640/blogger-image--1787315425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOi_ivuiNNF6-RS50Peu-t-q801ZORcvlsr8qwQYAUaoHNLshTvxJF1TbzYazHgbRJJJ5w_d0vN3LIdbjMVqYC4amgvtvoL55AwPmEf4r3RnC6l46L5AFAtqwzJZKEFIWRC7PyGR8nyv6x/s1600/blogger-image--1787315425.jpg" /></a></div>
I filled a bunch of balloons I had bought at the Dollarama a while back & sent them out to play. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hUw7dvmKgynpV4ZOIe_Bw1L3ACFLNevnrnLuu9cAwG_yPbDUbmEc2AdBV9mcGAP1wLwZWgns_LKI1yes0Y5hfsXS6QAVz3TEbYDzx3C8i-Jyxkwn7AqKOQpIyNgp2Q-ixr9mbMFoEfeC/s640/blogger-image-179284053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hUw7dvmKgynpV4ZOIe_Bw1L3ACFLNevnrnLuu9cAwG_yPbDUbmEc2AdBV9mcGAP1wLwZWgns_LKI1yes0Y5hfsXS6QAVz3TEbYDzx3C8i-Jyxkwn7AqKOQpIyNgp2Q-ixr9mbMFoEfeC/s640/blogger-image-179284053.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
It lasted all of 5 minutes. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKfjSFy4NgP9KYAtGNtg8YqB9ymi4KOV_tNZdcjS2dJGD3gxBY79hOIZb_Qik1VNGqEFF2nLZWPEfKEoL2THD3H1jYGQNwjZN4ZKc5_YXadn8Xwb1GEb8po5N_GGTOmXYFFTnbNWWv9EZ/s640/blogger-image--538073458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKfjSFy4NgP9KYAtGNtg8YqB9ymi4KOV_tNZdcjS2dJGD3gxBY79hOIZb_Qik1VNGqEFF2nLZWPEfKEoL2THD3H1jYGQNwjZN4ZKc5_YXadn8Xwb1GEb8po5N_GGTOmXYFFTnbNWWv9EZ/s640/blogger-image--538073458.jpg" /></a></div>
At least they had some fun.</div>
6 Hollow Legshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13990721062759562797noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441182113843366691.post-71154105847449120572013-07-04T17:30:00.001-07:002013-07-04T23:25:58.034-07:00The JarOur kids are like most kids. They are quick & happy to comply with instructions when we ask them things like, "Miss A, could you get the tub of ice-cream from the freezer, so I can make you an ice-cream cone?" Or, "Mr. Q would you please pull the sprinkler into the middle of the yard so you can go running through it with your sisters?"<div>Those type of requests bring swift obedience and acknowledgement. When asking them to put their toys away or to turn off the TV or get their PJ's on, we are often met with deaf ears. We were getting to the point where this selective hearing was driving Matt & I crazy.</div><div>My sister attended a parenting class where they suggested catching your kids doing good things, then acknowledge them for it. This is where THE JAR comes in. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinN3C3vDycHsuBdKBCakSR6tIpPbamckFHQZc_wjneq9J_DuicMuyJsxCcRvjLmHgDWukJQGIanLGMri5aULYS6TG2HTjijWARXvrWVewqfkd1nGroXNkySI3VLcFKE8RqoI4Ir7VGw799/s640/blogger-image--1687353264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinN3C3vDycHsuBdKBCakSR6tIpPbamckFHQZc_wjneq9J_DuicMuyJsxCcRvjLmHgDWukJQGIanLGMri5aULYS6TG2HTjijWARXvrWVewqfkd1nGroXNkySI3VLcFKE8RqoI4Ir7VGw799/s640/blogger-image--1687353264.jpg"></a></div></div><div>We started off with a family meeting, where we discussed different ways of reacting when we are asked to complete a task. We talked about doing the job thoroughly & quickly, doing it while grumbling and dragging our feet, putting it off for a later time, and ignoring the request completely.</div><div>The behavior that I expect from my children is:</div><div>1st To vocally acknowledge that I've requested them to do something</div><div>2nd To either get the job done or explain why they aren't able to</div><div>3rd To keep a happy voice, rather than whining </div><div><br></div><div>We explained that Matt & I would be watching for their reactions over the coming days & weeks. If they are quick to obey, we take a teaspoon of dry rice and pour it into THE JAR. We drew lines on the jar & told them that when the jar was full to each line, they would earn a prize. We let them choose their rewards. They came up with:</div><div>1. Ice-Cream Sandwiches</div><div>2. McDonalds Playplace & Happy Meals</div><div>3. Movie at the theatre & popcorn</div><div>I, for one, was glad they didn't pick something outragrous like Disneyland. :) </div><div><br></div><div>They reached the first line and ate the Ice-Cream sandwiches after about 4-5 days. It's so nice hearing the kiddos say, 'Yes, mom. ' when I ask them to do something rather than having to repeat things 13 times. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjusN2eABlxkLQYqXa-BbnTMyxGPOpcpDTLfVAo4QMW1k6QA2hhL-2VegvsFL-YJOFRqMq5h4irWEUocZR6g7u1yiQ5uMNs_XUBJ6ckDMVKdj_tfXv-v_pVvsEBJC5jljWuXyUHXzN6CHaL/s640/blogger-image-893929307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjusN2eABlxkLQYqXa-BbnTMyxGPOpcpDTLfVAo4QMW1k6QA2hhL-2VegvsFL-YJOFRqMq5h4irWEUocZR6g7u1yiQ5uMNs_XUBJ6ckDMVKdj_tfXv-v_pVvsEBJC5jljWuXyUHXzN6CHaL/s640/blogger-image-893929307.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div>They got to go to McD's after another week had passed. This was almost 2 weeks in to our Jar experiment, and at this point I really think their behavior had greatly improved!!</div><div>Today, they finally reached the last line on the jar. Yippee!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEVNJQ1n0ADym66FZyrPMB7eV4QnGZYHv64SiqxNGynU5_ZDRLGw5jF8zwRZ6cedeuAzADJtqp7rFz2Ew6T7SLolJBtWQcJ1QJsQJ2FZrNMEMnoBGNgvYULTxHogX4RXN06AQTZ9pqXE8/s640/blogger-image-1423852144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEVNJQ1n0ADym66FZyrPMB7eV4QnGZYHv64SiqxNGynU5_ZDRLGw5jF8zwRZ6cedeuAzADJtqp7rFz2Ew6T7SLolJBtWQcJ1QJsQJ2FZrNMEMnoBGNgvYULTxHogX4RXN06AQTZ9pqXE8/s640/blogger-image-1423852144.jpg"></a></div>We saw Dispicable Me 2 this evening. It is such a cute show. They loved their popcorn, and getting to watch the "huge TV" as Miss C said. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Tomorrow, we dump out the jar & let the kids pick new prizes to receive at each level. Although they are far from perfect, they do listen much better than they did a few months ago. THE JAR works!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Do you have any suggestions or experience in improving behavior?</div>6 Hollow Legshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13990721062759562797noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441182113843366691.post-89205109349759790212013-05-21T15:31:00.000-07:002013-05-21T15:31:00.936-07:00Renovation Hell & Mexico Heaven<div style="text-align: left;">
Disclaimer: This is a long post. Really long. It has taken me a month to go through pictures and get it written. I apologize in advance. lol<br />
<br />
Renos are tough. We've been pretty focused on them since the middle of January, in an attempt to get our house ready to put up for sale & take advantage of the spring market. It's so hard to get done all the stuff we usually do, in addition to what ended up being a full time renovation job on top of it all. Since January, our home has felt like a place of constant dust & mess, our kitchen has become a tool storage area, because I was so busy, I stopped preparing my usual healthy meals, our kids spent a lot of time in front of the tube. Mr. Q now knows the theme song from Jake and the Neverland Pirates by heart.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/WHgMhi8Vzow?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
The TV was the babysitter for 6 weeks of their short little lives. Sad, I know. The chaos was really affecting my mental health. You know that feeling when you've been going too hard for too long and
the light at the end of the tunnel seems much too far away? That's how I
felt. Then, a little seed of happiness popped into our lives. My parents told us that they wanted to take us all to Mexico for a week in mid April. At that point, it was a month away. We were all so excited! I desperately wanted to finish the renos before we left so we could get it up for sale & I could just relax and not worry about my to-do list anymore. It's only me with this problem, Matt wouldn't be worried while we were gone. I started working overtime on the house, dragging my poor husband along for my crazy ride. We stayed up 'till midnight or later night after night, followed by a hot shower & finally collapsing in bed exhausted (with sopping wet hair). I had this countdown to our week of relaxing in the back of my brain, but I couldn't have a moment of peace before then, not unless the renos were finished. The week came for us to go on our vacation, I had worked myself non-stop but was unable to get it all pulled together in time. I felt like I had failed to accomplish my self-imposed (unrealistic) goals, and instead of being proud of all the things we had accomplished, I was disappointed in being unable to get more done. This is a real big personality flaw of mine. I recognize it, and it drives me bonkers. I worked on the house until noon on Friday and then started packing (for 5 people...) for our flight that we had to be up at 2am Saturday morning to catch. Crazy, I know. We went shopping for t-shirts and shorts in the early evening and were at the mall until it closed. We finally had the suitcases packed and waiting by the door at 1am. No point in sleeping at that point, right?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYa9NE6GIgeFk1WxwJbM-2hvc-0rftgsdroTkJ1kUGear9KWRZPAhZX-ujgHYgY5kW8Thls2i-SdiYuhI4_JVbvTp93AvN1eljRCvQM-tIU96ltQradP3ctZKNr8bNeMYz3v16dlMV5a_k/s1600/photo(39).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYa9NE6GIgeFk1WxwJbM-2hvc-0rftgsdroTkJ1kUGear9KWRZPAhZX-ujgHYgY5kW8Thls2i-SdiYuhI4_JVbvTp93AvN1eljRCvQM-tIU96ltQradP3ctZKNr8bNeMYz3v16dlMV5a_k/s640/photo(39).JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The flight there was pretty uneventful. The girls like to colour and Mr. Q slept most of the way. I was exhausted and slept on and off between trips to the teeny tiny
bathroom that is not designed for a mom to bring her little children into. The super sonic toilet flush is pretty terrifying to a 3 year old. Our kids, I must admit, were angels on the plane. We received many compliments from other passengers on their good behavior. Makes a mama proud.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We stepped off the plane at PVR and the heat & humidity was almost shocking (in a really good way!). We went from a <a href="http://edmonton.ctvnews.ca/edmonton-area-weather/more-snow-april-12-2013-1.1235005" target="_blank">weather forcast</a> with a snowfall warning, to beautiful, tropical sunshine. It was wonderful.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We stayed at the <a href="http://www.friendlyvallarta.com/english/" target="_blank">Friendly Vallarta</a> resort. We went up to our room and stepped out on the balcony to see the most gorgeous view.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD4FR0fQOL_PxcgILMzSQpniQQNYcF9wexHfCF5BOYFWNAHu3HWrcSA4yMXTmjCMKp96CDuG3InQCyH1rIgnvViLRi7Qt7L30IfHXRiygEHX-jWrC4HfySMX1m_n0cuNUbVt6Fe3vRtGI2/s1600/photo(39).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD4FR0fQOL_PxcgILMzSQpniQQNYcF9wexHfCF5BOYFWNAHu3HWrcSA4yMXTmjCMKp96CDuG3InQCyH1rIgnvViLRi7Qt7L30IfHXRiygEHX-jWrC4HfySMX1m_n0cuNUbVt6Fe3vRtGI2/s640/photo(39).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Stunning, no? We spent a week as a family, enjoying each other, the weather, the water, the break. It was perfect. My parents, my sister & her family, my brother & his wife, and another brother all went together. There were 16 of us total. Another brother and his wife were not able to come as they are expecting twin baby girls soon and couldn't travel. Often, someone mentioned that they wished they were with us. Hopefully next time there will be 20 (or more??) of us.<br />
When we arrived, we almost immediately got changed into our swimsuits, slathered on the SPF 3000 and sunhats and went swimming right away. The pool had a little kids area that was only about 18" deep or so and there was a ledge around most of the pool that the kids were comfortable walking on.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLN5_-McF83xYvHh9GUzaPSdJOEikKMnT9Ykwa572pkh4DA2X14jVuVkZIfqfetDoIhqLbeeE3XmYsRmIfXX2MsllUjltb86FLJGBYi-XzdpYy0e6pxJzMRQoOhdeWLbPAFYa1Zr0qLCeh/s1600/Autumn+daiquiriweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLN5_-McF83xYvHh9GUzaPSdJOEikKMnT9Ykwa572pkh4DA2X14jVuVkZIfqfetDoIhqLbeeE3XmYsRmIfXX2MsllUjltb86FLJGBYi-XzdpYy0e6pxJzMRQoOhdeWLbPAFYa1Zr0qLCeh/s1600/Autumn+daiquiriweb.jpg" /></a></div>
There were many trips to the little cabana that had the slushy drinks. The food/drink servers were outstanding. You never went too long without someone bringing you something yummy. All-Inclusive is definitely the way to go. It was SO nice not having to prepare meals or clean up. I kept reflecting on that several times each day. It makes for a true vacation. As we are <a href="https://www.google.ca/search?q=define+cabana&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a#hl=en&gs_rn=12&gs_ri=psy-ab&tok=b0xiV4ZjsykmxfEcH43rXQ&pq=define%20cabana&cp=12&gs_id=ts&xhr=t&q=define+teetotaler&es_nrs=true&pf=p&safe=active&client=firefox-a&hs=hHy&rls=org.mozilla:en-US%3Aofficial&sclient=psy-ab&oq=define+teeto&gs_l=&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_qf.&bvm=bv.46340616,d.cGE&fp=4f08207320f14de1&biw=1280&bih=579" target="_blank">teetotalers</a>, the non-stop alcohol wasn't an enticement, but once we told the waiters we don't drink, they remembered who we were and said, "No-alcohol, right?" whenever we'd order a drink. That's great service.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCqDnQhBtE2B5QINJTlcjUrU1CGq_BmgRU4-Vm8x4b9jvlspXNHGH0TvllkVIPiuCDU6dw8m4b1a8t-t3do-Q8VdoUg6Nfx5YG4A5EvXVPlQEAWTKIQ4K8dLjB1h8TQj1LVRktcPgSTlUq/s1600/Walk+on+Beach-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCqDnQhBtE2B5QINJTlcjUrU1CGq_BmgRU4-Vm8x4b9jvlspXNHGH0TvllkVIPiuCDU6dw8m4b1a8t-t3do-Q8VdoUg6Nfx5YG4A5EvXVPlQEAWTKIQ4K8dLjB1h8TQj1LVRktcPgSTlUq/s1600/Walk+on+Beach-web.jpg" /></a></div>
Before church on Sunday, we went for a walk along the beach together. The girls wanted to stick their toes in. Miss C. got pretty wet. I was randomly asked to play piano at church. It was interesting to play these Spanish hymns, because even though the tunes were mostly the same, the notes were slightly off from what I'm used to because the translation of the hymns didn't necessarily allow for the same number of notes in each measure. I don't know if the musical terms are correct, but it was just a bit off.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvf7DyQWXAKJUkdYcHBMUQHej8yN0JUg884OiaWHE4wo232ONMivm4vOHRtufhuTcGCQDXVdl1QY1kqMQBPLmEZvTzJzIsGgXZeP9pfKNWFhlZ90M4baAb-4Qz5qiZtzHjMylXUSXGmqmw/s1600/Q&Aweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvf7DyQWXAKJUkdYcHBMUQHej8yN0JUg884OiaWHE4wo232ONMivm4vOHRtufhuTcGCQDXVdl1QY1kqMQBPLmEZvTzJzIsGgXZeP9pfKNWFhlZ90M4baAb-4Qz5qiZtzHjMylXUSXGmqmw/s1600/Q&Aweb.jpg" /></a></div>
We had a quiet afternoon. Mr. Q had fun building sand castles with his cousins. He always sticks out his tongue when he is concentrating on something.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTf1NxKWuHI6TuBWY_M0cirVnx5ME7H92mtcaZ0QdHjv5Vo4316jW21e7NVFyvyEusGpWrTz7oK-P4ERuFdT0bNgf8zVCgICb4_LVdh4PPhccfUkAgVwSm_R84DSQrHHmKOzYybBmi95k/s1600/Grandma%2526Quinnweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTf1NxKWuHI6TuBWY_M0cirVnx5ME7H92mtcaZ0QdHjv5Vo4316jW21e7NVFyvyEusGpWrTz7oK-P4ERuFdT0bNgf8zVCgICb4_LVdh4PPhccfUkAgVwSm_R84DSQrHHmKOzYybBmi95k/s1600/Grandma%2526Quinnweb.jpg" /></a></div>
Quick break from playing to have a cuddle with Grandma.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxu1Mq3fQlYBqaJzAzAy36-9-jgODXrF-xL4Nyw8JrJN8Izl0oVH8IUdqSklihiO7Zzc5m3gr4xfYb1mqJFCKW1_NtselBTQOKPwVQwpaz8dbOEYoaylyO02pjDJ7QJpO2-D3JYl1IQrQC/s1600/Grandma+%2526+Grandpaweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxu1Mq3fQlYBqaJzAzAy36-9-jgODXrF-xL4Nyw8JrJN8Izl0oVH8IUdqSklihiO7Zzc5m3gr4xfYb1mqJFCKW1_NtselBTQOKPwVQwpaz8dbOEYoaylyO02pjDJ7QJpO2-D3JYl1IQrQC/s1600/Grandma+%2526+Grandpaweb.jpg" /></a></div>
Tuesday, we went on a fun excursion with the whole gang. It was a day long Pirate ship voyage & was really different and fun. Grandma and Papa had been before and wanted to take the grandkids. This was taken during breakfast in the ships galley.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieOGSIdytEGK7G9TdyJPifINj9EEK2pNrVVrg_vTtCam7eRvcT6VuZiex7akwJWISfx_4AJPksb3ng3edbWTR1ZiXX9YUTIvGfjqBP4JCaqHE4dlwQI2Im4dM0OurAvHRfA0VuGYEBwwN1/s1600/Playing+in+the+surf-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieOGSIdytEGK7G9TdyJPifINj9EEK2pNrVVrg_vTtCam7eRvcT6VuZiex7akwJWISfx_4AJPksb3ng3edbWTR1ZiXX9YUTIvGfjqBP4JCaqHE4dlwQI2Im4dM0OurAvHRfA0VuGYEBwwN1/s1600/Playing+in+the+surf-web.jpg" /></a></div>
We sailed across the bay to this beautiful beach with gorgeous clear water where we took an hour or two to play on the beach. The water was so nice. Little Miss C loves the waves pushing her back to shore.<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS6Dk051RQ_pK9PeADAhxo85Jyh0pf0RXpH0CdUMD5yLmTIoa-HTyIpXkuk_IfMOF3hvJMbFxcjYtg6D8RCkhwdr3f-jiZGhQufkTxhQirLx7zOLGq2WQ_xU9ewZomDli9KUTR0gkLDTr3/s1600/M&E+beach+web.jpg" /> Awe. I love that guy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS6Dk051RQ_pK9PeADAhxo85Jyh0pf0RXpH0CdUMD5yLmTIoa-HTyIpXkuk_IfMOF3hvJMbFxcjYtg6D8RCkhwdr3f-jiZGhQufkTxhQirLx7zOLGq2WQ_xU9ewZomDli9KUTR0gkLDTr3/s1600/M&E+beach+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlT5p6G7XyQUJu6qAAGX_YlBr9GimIZe39HArSmmRtunCIWpt65-JqIOpjy6Ad5dJowFRL6V6yPuRtBDN-j9KiCXZBHaldRKY0igKSGLCZHlKqzXTCXHIWXGq104wnUDHsBCLLxDamAilP/s1600/Treasure+Hunt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlT5p6G7XyQUJu6qAAGX_YlBr9GimIZe39HArSmmRtunCIWpt65-JqIOpjy6Ad5dJowFRL6V6yPuRtBDN-j9KiCXZBHaldRKY0igKSGLCZHlKqzXTCXHIWXGq104wnUDHsBCLLxDamAilP/s1600/Treasure+Hunt.jpg" /></a></div>
On the beach, the pirates had a treasure hunt lined up for the kids. They had to follow clues on a map & eventually unearthed the buried treasure. That was one of the highlights of the trip for the kids. They are still talking about it regularly a month later.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNWzDKKb16SSOgPBwbmjHy2SpsxHjird2axoMApQVLG1JECggV02blGW1mLYg-ayetlUw34YbCvFyAlFbMwWD-wOdVvrBsObB9e6YJKOTeXGAIU5pdBMgnTjhBHj6aIR5UblzkEaaVvEIB/s1600/Fam+on+ship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNWzDKKb16SSOgPBwbmjHy2SpsxHjird2axoMApQVLG1JECggV02blGW1mLYg-ayetlUw34YbCvFyAlFbMwWD-wOdVvrBsObB9e6YJKOTeXGAIU5pdBMgnTjhBHj6aIR5UblzkEaaVvEIB/s1600/Fam+on+ship.jpg" /></a></div>
Thanks, dude in the green shirt, for joining our family picture... lol<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPyS1OvZFshKdZJfWs-gkMSyKapuges0sWgQHO-r5_IZ-Cd1eRxYWw4nr1iBkMWpby2hl2vu3lTt5CLa10dvfmHex9hgyGruAqxMd1xghHD2QZJDgMFhZfTJ9hlqegKY1XFcRsSXnKus6H/s1600/Matt+&+A+on+ship+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPyS1OvZFshKdZJfWs-gkMSyKapuges0sWgQHO-r5_IZ-Cd1eRxYWw4nr1iBkMWpby2hl2vu3lTt5CLa10dvfmHex9hgyGruAqxMd1xghHD2QZJDgMFhZfTJ9hlqegKY1XFcRsSXnKus6H/s1600/Matt+&+A+on+ship+web.jpg" /></a></div>
Miss A was wiped out from all the sun the day before. I think she had a dose of heat exhaustion. We mostly just kept her out of the sun and drinking a lot of water. The only thing she really wanted to participate in was the treasure hunt. Poor sweetie. Thank goodness she was fine the next day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Jnt9TbpaHWEqS0EU0EK22ibJAJ4n7SYsQwg-uzbnV3-xfavkgAjLtIgdKB-qWfH3ODayih8kIc1dc4fb6K8g5EbUR5FAKhTcf79kO4Nwt3sNP3fy3dftoSCABf8Pz0ha_csrdN5cXYts/s1600/Puerto+Vallarta+Zoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Jnt9TbpaHWEqS0EU0EK22ibJAJ4n7SYsQwg-uzbnV3-xfavkgAjLtIgdKB-qWfH3ODayih8kIc1dc4fb6K8g5EbUR5FAKhTcf79kO4Nwt3sNP3fy3dftoSCABf8Pz0ha_csrdN5cXYts/s640/Puerto+Vallarta+Zoo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We spent Wednesday at the Puerto Vallarta Zoo. The entire place is almost like a huge petting & feeding zoo. You can get really close to the animals (my brother-in-law was licked by a giraffe...) but I'd have to say that I found the conditions deplorable. The alligators were in these tiny puddles of water, the hippos had a hot tub worth of dirty water to sit in, the pens had next to no vegetation, just concrete. I'm not an activist, but to me, it was sad. To my kids, however, it was the coolest thing ever. They loved feeding the animals & didn't notice the conditions at all. I wouldn't go back.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpBUW_lwmFAO7qNXEHDBLoBLlOu4Q_lDadhAK7HGMe9HAoR5Prqx3Y3ZGggNWkMJz_HI5G4Fd3J7ILmoZXrjlCIDENKbkq4YoZZD9Gfn1xIroET8azDvbr-_lEdHxZ_2wmOcpVUKDXNNl/s1600/Rythms+of+the+Night+-+Puerto+Vallarta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpBUW_lwmFAO7qNXEHDBLoBLlOu4Q_lDadhAK7HGMe9HAoR5Prqx3Y3ZGggNWkMJz_HI5G4Fd3J7ILmoZXrjlCIDENKbkq4YoZZD9Gfn1xIroET8azDvbr-_lEdHxZ_2wmOcpVUKDXNNl/s1600/Rythms+of+the+Night+-+Puerto+Vallarta.jpg" /></a></div>
We spent the next day hanging out at the pool for the most part. The kids had so much fun playing with their cousins. We made sure they kept their hats and reapplied sunscreen several times. I didn't want to deal with kids complaining about sunburn pain. I laid in the shade of a big umbrella, reading the Septimus Heap series listening to the kids laugh and splash and play for most of the day. It was so perfect.<br />
Later that night, my parents were so kind to watch the kids while Matt & I went to the Rythms of the Night, along with my brother and sister-in-law. It was probably the highlight of the trip for me. It starts off with an hour long catamaran ride to Las Caletas, where you eat a really nice meal on the most stunning beach. After supper, we had a while to walk on the beach & enjoy the stunning scenery. Then, there was the open air show of music, dance and pyrotechnics. I'd describe it as Mayan history meets Cirque du Soleil, in the middle of a gorgeous beach and jungle. After the show, you follow the candle/torch lit paths back to the boat where you travel back to Puerto Vallarta. It was well worth the price & I'd do it again in a flash if given the chance. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMYDxOzZKbKqzi1hqx-Ozr1Y1XdmEKy87kRxUT3IDdJ1oCddDs6oOgV67FNDe55Hd19Y8eX6VmNBSQAQnyrPni3C5_s_3-5-dks3sw8eN-fvyrI5VgPOBu60J2lfWHUfK3HKrOZPimp6Wo/s1600/Dolphin+Discovery+Aquaventuras+Park+-+Puerto+Vallarta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMYDxOzZKbKqzi1hqx-Ozr1Y1XdmEKy87kRxUT3IDdJ1oCddDs6oOgV67FNDe55Hd19Y8eX6VmNBSQAQnyrPni3C5_s_3-5-dks3sw8eN-fvyrI5VgPOBu60J2lfWHUfK3HKrOZPimp6Wo/s1600/Dolphin+Discovery+Aquaventuras+Park+-+Puerto+Vallarta.jpg" /></a></div>
While in the cab, traveling home from the zoo, my dad asked Miss A what her favorite animal was, expecting her to say hippo or giraffe or some other animal that she had just seen. Without hesitation she replied, "Dolphins!!" I had been toying with the idea of taking her to swim with the dolphins, but her reply pretty much cemented in my mind that I was actually going to take her. Friday, Miss A & I were able to have a most memorable mommy daughter date. The dolphins name was Angel. He is 8 years old. His skin is super smooth and not at all slimy. Angel was very well trained, and Miss A seemed to be comfortable with him, but she wouldn't let him kiss her. Before bed tonight, Miss A was looking at a picture of her and Angel pinned up on her magnet board in her room and she said, "I miss Angel." It was awesome to see Miss A so super excited and grinning. I'm so glad we went. :)<br />
<br />
The next day was the day we traveled home. Our kids were again really great on the plane. When we arrived at the airport here, it was snowing... on April 20th. I wasn't impressed, but I could deal with it. <br />
<br />
This trip was a wonderful break from all the renos we have been working on. I really, really needed to relax, and this vacation was like hitting a reset switch. I am truly grateful to my parents for their generosity and kindness. We have such fun lasting memories our family can share, and it's because of this trip. To be honest, Mexico was never a destination that I really wanted to go to. It seemed like such a typical place that everyone and their dog goes to. I thought I would prefer somewhere more exotic, like Hawaii or Tahiti, but I have to say it was the most awesome vacation ever! I guess I don't have anything to compare it to, but it doesn't matter. It was fun. It was relaxing. It was a week of heaven with people I love. Thanks mom and dad. We love you!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
PS<br />
We had our house up for sale 8 days after we got home from Mexico.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnGqr_bITKtXoAWjJUhiPftaXoZaAyRdQO95obKayrt0tCraWqrRlCLfAHpkSMnJ5Oz33NbHEwVO5YSJFnzWVU5Gr1zMgtzvSkmEGTSCqMYJaj6w14YC3wbvdmiv5WAvYzrxOCM-p5VF_/s1600/SOLD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnGqr_bITKtXoAWjJUhiPftaXoZaAyRdQO95obKayrt0tCraWqrRlCLfAHpkSMnJ5Oz33NbHEwVO5YSJFnzWVU5Gr1zMgtzvSkmEGTSCqMYJaj6w14YC3wbvdmiv5WAvYzrxOCM-p5VF_/s320/SOLD.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
We got an offer after 5 days and after we negotiated a bit it sold the next day. They did the property inspection and all conditions were removed on Mother's Day. What a huge weight lifted!<br />
It's been a whirlwind of change.<br />
We packed up one of our best friends, Leah, on Saturday for her new life across the country, and we are moving as well this coming Saturday. As my mother and father-in-law are serving a mission in the Ukraine, they had an empty house we are taking over for a while. We are truly grateful to them for providing us a home. <br />
<br />
Life is busy, but good. I'm living a wonderful life. I try to see the good and count my blessings everyday... kick me if you hear me complain. :)<br />
<br /></div>
6 Hollow Legshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13990721062759562797noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441182113843366691.post-27500000529318657772013-02-24T20:28:00.000-08:002013-02-25T07:41:04.260-08:00FACIAL recognitionI'm not one of those 1 in 3 women who won't leave the house without make-up. I do wear makeup most days, and like playing with eye makeup when I go out, but if I don't wear any, it's no big deal. The one thing I do every day is curl my eyelashes. My eyes look weird to me if I don't, like they are only part way open. I feel like using one makes it a touch less obvious that I've had no sleep and in my humble opinion, it's the easiest way, besides a smile, to brighten up a face!<br />
<br />
Friday, I had a friend come over and give me a Mary Kay facial. She came while Mr. Q was having a snooze and the girls were at school. It was really nice to have a visit with another adult and get pampered a little.<br />
Anyway, after the girls got home from school, I did little makeovers for them with the blush & lipstick/gloss samples she left. They LOVED it. It was great to have a little girly fun together to start off the weekend. What cuties!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5KbiNcDoFyJ-IcUvJKyB430rNV85VFGT2tEXmd2OxNVETEXV17KFvxbxDGojrpRuIxNfOlyaxC4qprlxcSMK7tJLCkcYkMXvcx7bJJlYerxRue9cWCEf3b6VSQno1KcZrSCtj83AlBfEx/s1600/Mary+Kay+Facials+for+the+girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5KbiNcDoFyJ-IcUvJKyB430rNV85VFGT2tEXmd2OxNVETEXV17KFvxbxDGojrpRuIxNfOlyaxC4qprlxcSMK7tJLCkcYkMXvcx7bJJlYerxRue9cWCEf3b6VSQno1KcZrSCtj83AlBfEx/s640/Mary+Kay+Facials+for+the+girls.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I love their kissy faces!<br />
<br />
The Mary Kay products were very nice and I think my favorite is the Satin Hands. I'm embarrassed by my dry cracking hands, and the Satin Hands actually made them almost soft, at least temporarily. Is there some magical way of having smooth, soft hands when you wash
them at least 25 times each day (meal prep, dishes, potty training...) Please, don't
tell me lotion. Lotion gets washed off when I wash my hands so often & I go through it like water. I do keep it in my car, in my purse, beside my sinks, etc. but I just can't reapply it often enough. I've tried super thick creams and lotions before bed, and then put gloves on to sleep. I'm far more embarrassed by my dry cracking hands than I am by going out sans makeup. Maybe the Satin Hands will work over time...<br />
<br />
Ladies, will you leave the house without makeup? Any cures for my poor tired hands? 6 Hollow Legshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13990721062759562797noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441182113843366691.post-83132668277865473062013-02-19T10:35:00.001-08:002013-02-19T12:46:09.733-08:00Captain America to the Rescue!This past week was Mr. Q's 3rd birthday. He is such a fun little guy to have around. I love his cuddles, when he stops long enough to sit. I love his laugh, it is so infectious. He loves cars, trucks (especially Mater), tractors, trains, dirtbikes, transformers, boats & pretty much anything that goes. He also likes superheroes, with the exception of the Hulk. He's pretty much terrified of him for some reason. He loves wearing his superman costume around the house pretty much everyday. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihOVGMqX8HhUOtT0AErcoIILACv-TV-UwMR68k3KiI9gcrqc62ah1KQ4em0JCu0w23zg-qPjqWEAZpaDLLGr6vguy0wlweitkYD8gtfEU2SZrFOYvL8lJSBeXWG_hOcTof2MwisBLfuwh9/s1600/IMG_2413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihOVGMqX8HhUOtT0AErcoIILACv-TV-UwMR68k3KiI9gcrqc62ah1KQ4em0JCu0w23zg-qPjqWEAZpaDLLGr6vguy0wlweitkYD8gtfEU2SZrFOYvL8lJSBeXWG_hOcTof2MwisBLfuwh9/s640/IMG_2413.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
When Mr. Q asked for a Captain America birthday, I thought it sounded like a great idea.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK0e2jdVHGcXDBUQhIGCSetPOetXOCg77Esy-bBoNEZphTI5QDwtdHZDtDAcOyrPsia5aYH7fSlmJ37oPks7Jep4RBkjupWaAKYgWtXxy5282j5gONBFxoOyxS0jnFotGU3dqlnZ9lFuXj/s1600/Captain+America+Birthday+Cake+Inspiration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK0e2jdVHGcXDBUQhIGCSetPOetXOCg77Esy-bBoNEZphTI5QDwtdHZDtDAcOyrPsia5aYH7fSlmJ37oPks7Jep4RBkjupWaAKYgWtXxy5282j5gONBFxoOyxS0jnFotGU3dqlnZ9lFuXj/s640/Captain+America+Birthday+Cake+Inspiration.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Not only is he an admirable superhero, who fought the Nazi's and stuff, he has a shield which made an incredibly easy birthday cake. Hahaha! The DVD case above is what Matt got out to by the inspiration for his birthday cake. I usually go all out and try to do everything on theme, but.... it had been a busy week. He got a cake, cousins, and a little party. I hope he still felt special.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM7Am9n_8g15Ypybfn_YKtVb_ttwwIH1NX8gdxaslofIyUdUbXkRSgJ2QqFsbKWeDb_OxqFx4cCvzXVSXZVIj3Rdas_sccqKo2dJAscsu0pF1zYJFZWHmlU4-tNVySpxkNURHSWkh0TdFF/s1600/Captain+America+Birthday+Cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM7Am9n_8g15Ypybfn_YKtVb_ttwwIH1NX8gdxaslofIyUdUbXkRSgJ2QqFsbKWeDb_OxqFx4cCvzXVSXZVIj3Rdas_sccqKo2dJAscsu0pF1zYJFZWHmlU4-tNVySpxkNURHSWkh0TdFF/s640/Captain+America+Birthday+Cake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The fondant was actually really easy. I followed <a href="http://candy.about.com/od/fondantcandyrecipes/r/mm_fondant.htm" target="_blank">this</a> recipe to make the fondant. A great tip I got from my friend Sherry was to use a bit of Crisco on the counter & rolling pin to help with the stickyness when rolling it out. That helped tremendously. <br />
The cake is my Grandma Neta's recipe. It is so moist & yummy. I'm gonna share the recipe, since I get asked for it all the time.<br />
<br />
<u>Grandma Neta's Chocolate Cake</u><br />
<br />
1/2 c. butter or margarine (I always use butter)<br />
2 c. sugar<br />
2 eggs<br />
1 tsp. vanilla<br />
1/2 c. cocoa powder<br />
1 c. buttermilk (I always use 2tsp. white vinegar plus milk to equal 1 c.)<br />
2 c. flour<br />
2 tsp. baking soda<br />
1 tsp. salt <br />
1/4 tsp. baking powder<br />
1 c. boiling water <br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350F. Grease 9X13 pan (or equivalent... I often use 2- 8" round pans or make cupcakes) with a mixture of 1/2 tsp. shortening, 1/2 tsp. oil and 1 tsp. flour. This will help it to release easily from pan. I often use parchment paper on the bottom as well. <br />
In big bowl, cream butter and sugar, then blend in eggs & vanilla. Stir in cocoa powder. Add buttermilk and blend it all together. Add all dry ingredients and stir. The mixture will be really thick. At this point, you pour in the boiling water and carefully stir till it is smooth and well combined. Pour in pan. Bake for about 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in centre comes out clean. If you're making 2 separate pans or cupcakes, it will take much less time.<br />
After about 20 minutes, your house will start smelling amazing. Mmmmm....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFFc8eJXHPHEZ59blDYR5KaA1NT1kzGo9Cu97sT_v1lkmBspVXo6YxuyIsX730B4fu25WskpsKKprhjJ2JD43ibp3fkFbSBDcrZTLfXsKQINsHpiAC9BhBYAxAYhbbnMdm7mlamZk9B9c/s1600/Mr.+Q%27s+Captain+America+Birthday+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFFc8eJXHPHEZ59blDYR5KaA1NT1kzGo9Cu97sT_v1lkmBspVXo6YxuyIsX730B4fu25WskpsKKprhjJ2JD43ibp3fkFbSBDcrZTLfXsKQINsHpiAC9BhBYAxAYhbbnMdm7mlamZk9B9c/s640/Mr.+Q%27s+Captain+America+Birthday+.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div>
Mr. Q was somewhere between really interested & kinda scared when it came to the sparklers. These were the only 2 pics I was able to take because, of course, my memory card was full.<br />
<br />
Happy Birthday, sweet boy. We love you! <br />
<br />
<br />6 Hollow Legshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13990721062759562797noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441182113843366691.post-21407432670275977562012-10-31T21:56:00.003-07:002012-11-01T08:33:42.146-07:00Happy Halloween 2012Happy Halloween everyone!<br />
Halloween is such a fun holiday. I really like the dressing up and pumpkin part of Halloween, but I'm not nearly as thrilled about the blood, gore and scary violent part. Mr. Q and I delivered a bunch of flyers for a bottle drive we did earlier this month for the food bank, and passed some decorations that were really <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/spooky-halloween-decorations-1" target="_blank">terrifying for him.</a> There are so many freaky decorations out there. Maybe not freaky for me, but what 2 year old isn't going to be terrified of some scary werewolf creature with bloody fangs and claws reaching out for him. I'm sure people just don't think about little munchkins having bad dreams. <br />
Anyway...<br />
We had a fantastic time getting ready for Halloween this year. The kids always get so excited about carving pumpkins for Family Night, but then they are so chicken to touch the guts. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-i0yS0mHn3fjNXkS34r5JN0I_6creUg3jwZzCK41J99GhbPJyJn2y0dG_uXDguHlwoF9sN5VMsGrP5SQpy6gPbfzBta30WSwmOwjd9g6PIgx7XS3C7kTmqloBwD00skpKpFHPYef28-c7/s1600/Pumpkin+Carving+Family+Night+%232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-i0yS0mHn3fjNXkS34r5JN0I_6creUg3jwZzCK41J99GhbPJyJn2y0dG_uXDguHlwoF9sN5VMsGrP5SQpy6gPbfzBta30WSwmOwjd9g6PIgx7XS3C7kTmqloBwD00skpKpFHPYef28-c7/s640/Pumpkin+Carving+Family+Night+%232.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
Fun times.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12hhEDD25kGVnekIQ9Dn_FslhSBZrRvXcaBACG2Pp4uchE5i_p2d4YmgO6F-Yx17gifqvhmHou18rjkijzN87vlkJd_i_Wa9oDR6M9wb1Ymhv1y0Lidf0FrhkKWFMU-0JE0WcvLl3_EAW/s1600/Pumpkin+Carving+Family+Night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12hhEDD25kGVnekIQ9Dn_FslhSBZrRvXcaBACG2Pp4uchE5i_p2d4YmgO6F-Yx17gifqvhmHou18rjkijzN87vlkJd_i_Wa9oDR6M9wb1Ymhv1y0Lidf0FrhkKWFMU-0JE0WcvLl3_EAW/s640/Pumpkin+Carving+Family+Night.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Miss A actually touched a couple of seeds, so she is getting braver than in past years. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNq9v4pp3yEPO330fX3SnXFcVAOnkt5ldoetLxSOVtZ_6LYApHp964GAP9nb-iFQqzaI66afD1Sexs9bGMdI2ehxxTJCGvHRq2Lx1WLuX2qQgg-HZxq7PS6N2HFwHuolfZPMH67QBLcD74/s1600/Pumpkin+Guts+Family+Night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNq9v4pp3yEPO330fX3SnXFcVAOnkt5ldoetLxSOVtZ_6LYApHp964GAP9nb-iFQqzaI66afD1Sexs9bGMdI2ehxxTJCGvHRq2Lx1WLuX2qQgg-HZxq7PS6N2HFwHuolfZPMH67QBLcD74/s640/Pumpkin+Guts+Family+Night.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Miss C was happy to scoop out the seeds, but she really wasn't interested in grabbing them at all. After her big sister touched a seed, she also tried touching the icky insides.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYymZfgviCCxnHlQG8A__rj6qDKFVwWqqWi3euQMTL0g_WmyJrAN6mSMiZzoGkeSeDRPSdcJmR4orYiOUIONj0nPtnvFrBsJfaFSs41AqzHtD3NoZNNn7ucAB3mcT8iaBfWFFrLi8IXnF8/s1600/Pumpkin+Carving+Family+Night+%233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYymZfgviCCxnHlQG8A__rj6qDKFVwWqqWi3euQMTL0g_WmyJrAN6mSMiZzoGkeSeDRPSdcJmR4orYiOUIONj0nPtnvFrBsJfaFSs41AqzHtD3NoZNNn7ucAB3mcT8iaBfWFFrLi8IXnF8/s640/Pumpkin+Carving+Family+Night+%233.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The kids wanted out pumpkin to have scary teeth. I'm not sure if we were successful on that one, but we sure had a blast attempting it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrYemIgSEzDQb55NJ-mPPzOWsZ9U9ITTkrHswjfVfwc98ggGo2IOiR9ny5HZtlGGaH96MBngIbOm2MhGKF2vPivh_L-p2If8htQ2c5WRPc5BIviKYhI6xqZUvZIWIZYN7ipuC_qjSLwcD/s1600/Zumba+Pumpkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrYemIgSEzDQb55NJ-mPPzOWsZ9U9ITTkrHswjfVfwc98ggGo2IOiR9ny5HZtlGGaH96MBngIbOm2MhGKF2vPivh_L-p2If8htQ2c5WRPc5BIviKYhI6xqZUvZIWIZYN7ipuC_qjSLwcD/s640/Zumba+Pumpkin.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I made this pumpkin & brought it to my Zumba class last night. I think I'll take it again tomorrow to get one extra night out of it. Matt's fancy wood carving tools get pulled out every year at Halloween. So glad they get some use at least once a year.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnKXiLGD4AYN74T6KIwn_fKy3_FqV8gE4FQMb6jl27jniYYriGQoAkpQJ8RJ5S03cx4mIe-VonVHEcX8uthfzG3ZkqqPPGjyJ3tDsL2GrrsvgAjvnbdNGW-h-9A1XrYr-pFBOJyXOtePfU/s1600/Little+Red+Riding+Hood+Costume+%232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnKXiLGD4AYN74T6KIwn_fKy3_FqV8gE4FQMb6jl27jniYYriGQoAkpQJ8RJ5S03cx4mIe-VonVHEcX8uthfzG3ZkqqPPGjyJ3tDsL2GrrsvgAjvnbdNGW-h-9A1XrYr-pFBOJyXOtePfU/s640/Little+Red+Riding+Hood+Costume+%232.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Miss C dressed up as Little Red Riding Hood this year. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5sGi-W5oO3aOh0utAVfZ1Z61q3YWCHdkEgzHpiasaLV5ztVJFWg9YINI8EIzPv8_AeqPyW3EAuDe0uGGNahfaJGQbF39O0L2we9-4kTG6BFxhnZjpBbvfDDGtOPBxLBMyLjRrxtvl5DT4/s1600/Little+Red+Riding+Hood+Costume.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5sGi-W5oO3aOh0utAVfZ1Z61q3YWCHdkEgzHpiasaLV5ztVJFWg9YINI8EIzPv8_AeqPyW3EAuDe0uGGNahfaJGQbF39O0L2we9-4kTG6BFxhnZjpBbvfDDGtOPBxLBMyLjRrxtvl5DT4/s640/Little+Red+Riding+Hood+Costume.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
What a cutie!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIprK7y3QTVzzgjSdRzOi0Ow7_4yAE52iLlTOkKzJv1qhmhmOTwL0pF4g-_8j2WqqS9v3jnJM0098d1Iy-CioU-Xx9EBAHWu1lnSwc6_Jk6gBEJxIDrsedF8etXPW6V0vzKeEC_-93C43M/s1600/Will+Work+for+Candy+Homeless+Beggar+Costume.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIprK7y3QTVzzgjSdRzOi0Ow7_4yAE52iLlTOkKzJv1qhmhmOTwL0pF4g-_8j2WqqS9v3jnJM0098d1Iy-CioU-Xx9EBAHWu1lnSwc6_Jk6gBEJxIDrsedF8etXPW6V0vzKeEC_-93C43M/s640/Will+Work+for+Candy+Homeless+Beggar+Costume.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Mr. Q was a beggar/homeless man. I needed a quick and easy costume for a party we went to on Friday at Galaxyland, and that's what we came up with. There is definitely something to be said for costumes that don't require a lot of work.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5Cvcz9Sz_d8j32_ihQ4qoEn3hgfWIkuMB0VbaNQd8e1QPSEVIiMmYUgYEkKbHacAV_morPRcO7DrGZi2u4YnMqig85OjMp3GHJX9loPEhiRblkhPZypoVUUfoprtbkTjPhMxaiWVj48_/s1600/Ladybug+Costume+%2526+Facepaint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5Cvcz9Sz_d8j32_ihQ4qoEn3hgfWIkuMB0VbaNQd8e1QPSEVIiMmYUgYEkKbHacAV_morPRcO7DrGZi2u4YnMqig85OjMp3GHJX9loPEhiRblkhPZypoVUUfoprtbkTjPhMxaiWVj48_/s640/Ladybug+Costume+%2526+Facepaint.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Miss A was a ladybug. She kept telling me that she dressed up as a coccinelle. That's French for ladybug. She loved her painted-on eyelashes best. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6ZXATM8mC2omWxBTFOAOEGqKZf4TGsIoxzArWSnFu5TreEJPMGDa_clcDwc0WI1cYBw3_r38cnWJr9AVjiYschUqmfCZT7wVV1daErcnTiAZ_0-OdWwjRLFHdK5Qp0vm3NDu7s2I-IiJ/s1600/Ladybug+Costume+%2526+Facepaint+%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6ZXATM8mC2omWxBTFOAOEGqKZf4TGsIoxzArWSnFu5TreEJPMGDa_clcDwc0WI1cYBw3_r38cnWJr9AVjiYschUqmfCZT7wVV1daErcnTiAZ_0-OdWwjRLFHdK5Qp0vm3NDu7s2I-IiJ/s640/Ladybug+Costume+%2526+Facepaint+%25232.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I'm sure she's going to love playing with real makeup when she's older.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9lFNolKG0vhQsw2vlhYs5BosgSK8k6XHUAP315ZbWP7Vrdhby3gJkpjT0IjSTcUfhxePcEOGhNwLHaFprV_Eb-QtRUBaLt2IERSmHBcT5ksuwLdZz0Bx7yH5BcvCLJpIsfn_IdBlD9Yn/s1600/Halloween+Loot+-+Miss+A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9lFNolKG0vhQsw2vlhYs5BosgSK8k6XHUAP315ZbWP7Vrdhby3gJkpjT0IjSTcUfhxePcEOGhNwLHaFprV_Eb-QtRUBaLt2IERSmHBcT5ksuwLdZz0Bx7yH5BcvCLJpIsfn_IdBlD9Yn/s640/Halloween+Loot+-+Miss+A.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We took the kids trick-or-treating down our block and one small cul-de-sac. We left at 7 and got back at 7:30 or so. We passed 26 houses and of those, only 10 or 11 had their lights on. They got enough candy. I was glad they didn't come home with pillowcases full like my siblings and I used to when we were kids. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5s3U5f_rFIkc279ru75aPMQGSB5enOG7DnjCJ4ChlQHcwT4kf0L0iMNJLtHiRVoNshA4xFbWZta50b54gAsR190YwIQjVQ8QaTDRh260-4RfNIlhLBMVmRA9P-zbGdaCnGlRfJwjYqNnQ/s1600/Halloween+Loot+-+Miss+C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5s3U5f_rFIkc279ru75aPMQGSB5enOG7DnjCJ4ChlQHcwT4kf0L0iMNJLtHiRVoNshA4xFbWZta50b54gAsR190YwIQjVQ8QaTDRh260-4RfNIlhLBMVmRA9P-zbGdaCnGlRfJwjYqNnQ/s640/Halloween+Loot+-+Miss+C.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
They were in their glory. I can remember, as a kid, laying all of my candy out and seeing how much of each type I got. I showed them my methods. I'm such a weird-o.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHEY4uEKZOdnaBOSxcqhwNeSHKR_c8k-fTO26HxSQde5P5v2_UsX3xObRmsn7EIVzAxzMNamuERCDDtoFw-wp_kJ8N7HvTbK1SJBxtO0eNc86NyglbbyAb9aUoK5kYjnuHJNSbyyQl2gp/s1600/Halloween+Loot+-+Mr+Q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHEY4uEKZOdnaBOSxcqhwNeSHKR_c8k-fTO26HxSQde5P5v2_UsX3xObRmsn7EIVzAxzMNamuERCDDtoFw-wp_kJ8N7HvTbK1SJBxtO0eNc86NyglbbyAb9aUoK5kYjnuHJNSbyyQl2gp/s640/Halloween+Loot+-+Mr+Q.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I love how Mr. Q's beard is being washed away by candy drool here. lol<br />
<br />
Hope you all had a fantastic Halloween! <br />
<br />6 Hollow Legshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13990721062759562797noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441182113843366691.post-33468405876371280422012-10-10T08:51:00.002-07:002013-02-19T10:44:31.204-08:00Harvest TimeFor a Saturday in October, it really was a beautiful day. We went to my sisters home to help with the potato harvest. They have a big garden and always grow enough potatoes to share with us (and many others), so we wanted to help with picking them. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIN2ujuDyGAMAmDtD6ACQjzO00ua1hBctIrQUpxTRXdMggFmiIH7Qlo0UvFdReysqZL00f5u63lHSh0gjQgWdg0cZrQubTfC7zG2-lHt7i4asQequXUEtfp9lTlCWiFFagqdH7cS_RaNA/s1600/Miss+A+potato+harvest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIN2ujuDyGAMAmDtD6ACQjzO00ua1hBctIrQUpxTRXdMggFmiIH7Qlo0UvFdReysqZL00f5u63lHSh0gjQgWdg0cZrQubTfC7zG2-lHt7i4asQequXUEtfp9lTlCWiFFagqdH7cS_RaNA/s640/Miss+A+potato+harvest.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Some of out kiddos really wanted to be playing with their cousins rather than helping out.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8VuntNNiAZAlev5179P3F0p5k2VBQcEp-d-u9KQ5olqgN748-36W06QBVkip9bSFKDneN4ibahniSk5j2CETJk6bHTnAJd30wrOtPWAlaki88GtOy7RRLgD3Q1Y9thr9eaJBmGpxIFDM7/s1600/Miss+C+helping+harvest+potatoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8VuntNNiAZAlev5179P3F0p5k2VBQcEp-d-u9KQ5olqgN748-36W06QBVkip9bSFKDneN4ibahniSk5j2CETJk6bHTnAJd30wrOtPWAlaki88GtOy7RRLgD3Q1Y9thr9eaJBmGpxIFDM7/s640/Miss+C+helping+harvest+potatoes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Some were helpful without much prodding. :) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ZIq5Xpquzs_8SmmdfYiWqcJXgx9FJTrNUjKPnjVqIqPuT-50UNmBtuKNeyuSNrGlI86wuIQWHTdr1sRNAk6_ZS2fYmeBMTIGhJ474fhZZ29OwGipBPNHquRrdSGEzEREHDzExqRnLny8/s1600/My+boys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ZIq5Xpquzs_8SmmdfYiWqcJXgx9FJTrNUjKPnjVqIqPuT-50UNmBtuKNeyuSNrGlI86wuIQWHTdr1sRNAk6_ZS2fYmeBMTIGhJ474fhZZ29OwGipBPNHquRrdSGEzEREHDzExqRnLny8/s640/My+boys.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
And one little guy was right in there and stuck it out the whole time. I was proud of him.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPd7yCJLLKE_xoW3HkZ6hm3YmKBJa32MPqlTEMNsKo2AHGb1tqUtKJ2rIzK4ih1MgFh_69HvjjmZGM-2in8IYRIZLFtb3Zqdifvi4wFrP8LX_v0tbKCTO5MkF8ZzHMGtEVe2o-KDRFcub/s1600/Potato+harvest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPd7yCJLLKE_xoW3HkZ6hm3YmKBJa32MPqlTEMNsKo2AHGb1tqUtKJ2rIzK4ih1MgFh_69HvjjmZGM-2in8IYRIZLFtb3Zqdifvi4wFrP8LX_v0tbKCTO5MkF8ZzHMGtEVe2o-KDRFcub/s640/Potato+harvest.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Here's the haul. It took less than 2 hours from start of picking to having it stored in the root cellar. We were a great team.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLE7fdgjtHaoUsd3f_gcYHOZ8S0jK9jBy6KdCTgSLhayr5tNo21ezuDX_53tpN_CUOefNMHJqZJmfAI_RQnhpWCg0OkrpyIzMWudwLNUl68Wg8rltttJtaD3rQnepxxbKEbxTLLYT6n9zU/s1600/Mr+Q+harvesting+carrots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLE7fdgjtHaoUsd3f_gcYHOZ8S0jK9jBy6KdCTgSLhayr5tNo21ezuDX_53tpN_CUOefNMHJqZJmfAI_RQnhpWCg0OkrpyIzMWudwLNUl68Wg8rltttJtaD3rQnepxxbKEbxTLLYT6n9zU/s640/Mr+Q+harvesting+carrots.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Yesterday, Mr Q & I harvested the carrots from our garden. He was a great helper, yet again. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62ahszS34FICtCDWS8AW_LbtN9xet0B_6UJEvlsCxNSCX0NHzbnUPJpG_059HIy7x22r8z89bU7W2JDUD4hUzlhH8m6szHLcxF5dTJI_j8DzdDOyQICAsbYSyS_eUCCKMd9dWXSqXKnM0/s1600/Mr.+Q+carrot+harvest" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62ahszS34FICtCDWS8AW_LbtN9xet0B_6UJEvlsCxNSCX0NHzbnUPJpG_059HIy7x22r8z89bU7W2JDUD4hUzlhH8m6szHLcxF5dTJI_j8DzdDOyQICAsbYSyS_eUCCKMd9dWXSqXKnM0/s640/Mr.+Q+carrot+harvest" width="640" /></a></div>
This little guy has a great work ethic... or maybe he likes spending time with mom. Maybe both. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlsR-YUIb01xUfzJ0oTQh_oBvd5ss-hmgKzKXKzoS4vwY9_HQc5HufJ4FyJPKgUZCvDhYQID2mo79K6v8J_LydMnuoEtpsi7wjeV4M9MxNiBRcFrm8UpbTX8NW9m0xn01wW0G23rK8-0n/s1600/Me+Q+&+wormin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlsR-YUIb01xUfzJ0oTQh_oBvd5ss-hmgKzKXKzoS4vwY9_HQc5HufJ4FyJPKgUZCvDhYQID2mo79K6v8J_LydMnuoEtpsi7wjeV4M9MxNiBRcFrm8UpbTX8NW9m0xn01wW0G23rK8-0n/s640/Me+Q+&+wormin.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
He is scared of worms and spiders. He kept running to the sidewalk & saying, "Mom, I saw a worm. Get it."<br />
<br />
I love growing our food.<br />
<br />6 Hollow Legshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13990721062759562797noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441182113843366691.post-75041429251960556722012-10-06T20:29:00.000-07:002013-02-19T10:45:14.182-08:00Aaargh Matey! A Pirate Party for Miss A<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBjBnxU_fC8zPvMmkwstMygjWvn5KFRvIpC7Qqc164bThXHzTY9zywzVTJkn2aqReN-dWmm4S1DveiApscLfauWTbEqbk5fyMJeAore-vG9RO-ujIosiUhuHQXDopXLQyEag5OY6ymt8R/s1600/PiratePrincess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBjBnxU_fC8zPvMmkwstMygjWvn5KFRvIpC7Qqc164bThXHzTY9zywzVTJkn2aqReN-dWmm4S1DveiApscLfauWTbEqbk5fyMJeAore-vG9RO-ujIosiUhuHQXDopXLQyEag5OY6ymt8R/s320/PiratePrincess.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A few months ago, Miss A requested a princess pirate party for her birthday. I wasn't too sure how to blend princess and pirate, so I just went with the pirate theme and made sure there was a pink sparkly jolly rogers on the invitation. She was happy with that! I was inspired by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/77020892/princess-pirate-birthday-invitations-set?ref=sr_gallery_33&ga_search_query=pirate+princess+invitation&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_spelling_corrected=pirate+princessd+invitation&ga_page=1&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=pirate+princess+invitation" target="_blank">these</a> invitations I saw on Etsy, and my super talented friend Lori helped me make something similar. The party was from 3:30-6pm, so I had to have everything ready at home so I could pick up 4 little excited party goers from school. My in-laws came over to watch the younger two children, so I'd have more room in my SUV for extra booster seats. In all, there were 13 kids at the party, which was a fair bit of chaos, but they were kept fairly busy, so it went well and there were no injuries other than Miss A starting off her party by being head-butted and getting a wicked bleeding nose. There were also a few moments (when the kids were all pretending that the girls bunk beds were a pirate ship and almost all the kids were on the top bunk) that I got a little nervous, but all was well. Thank goodness!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5sxzpgMDfBim_humRxhmhmdKOR-GPfxY2Kyqsyep__5dVgUi0OGx9RBWcg-2m_Oo_FLy83rSNd4xILmXjTmXxnyaQV4-zzqBE5M_tH2Q3OU2Gn_4msb43entgagiJLn9QAyo0ttxlctp/s1600/Princess+Pirates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5sxzpgMDfBim_humRxhmhmdKOR-GPfxY2Kyqsyep__5dVgUi0OGx9RBWcg-2m_Oo_FLy83rSNd4xILmXjTmXxnyaQV4-zzqBE5M_tH2Q3OU2Gn_4msb43entgagiJLn9QAyo0ttxlctp/s640/Princess+Pirates.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The highlight of the party for Miss A was opening her presents (At least she was honest, haha) and then the treasure hunt. I handed the little buckaneers the first clue and let them figure it out from there. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1H4QzveDjN4SFtEPSpKqbxj9dwVr7qV-39If2a12hYPeevJlQpxnnW4Z05TdQDA_ne27Nm9KCXUyWkSL0j4h40CTfS76IckCqSgT3FSRoERnlBG41SGZv0Ba-sos13qYkDVkRZr79doIg/s1600/Pirate+Treasure+Hunt+Clue+%231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1H4QzveDjN4SFtEPSpKqbxj9dwVr7qV-39If2a12hYPeevJlQpxnnW4Z05TdQDA_ne27Nm9KCXUyWkSL0j4h40CTfS76IckCqSgT3FSRoERnlBG41SGZv0Ba-sos13qYkDVkRZr79doIg/s640/Pirate+Treasure+Hunt+Clue+%231.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73cd6bSVLLxSPELHc-tk8zPd5LO9VHgzrQ2j-dkniJenq1GBjg2-G467tCuTrXjuFAKJG_NdWrnOgCUAV4Xchyphenhyphengx_vUYxpR2x4Ix7-ZZuudPASwkOu4pBM7pkTOgklisX0skYpZuLVI5d/s1600/Pirate+Treasure+Hunt+Clue+%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73cd6bSVLLxSPELHc-tk8zPd5LO9VHgzrQ2j-dkniJenq1GBjg2-G467tCuTrXjuFAKJG_NdWrnOgCUAV4Xchyphenhyphengx_vUYxpR2x4Ix7-ZZuudPASwkOu4pBM7pkTOgklisX0skYpZuLVI5d/s640/Pirate+Treasure+Hunt+Clue+%25232.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNngcP1JXHMmmA03NkPiKcuYftwkoFpYCoK5KFQ6ILXaFms6ImSomV7nnSJoMrj3vbAovoh9-EYPt5REYIDCBOox5-3alXvOjqzdx7wZHZbVu_jtsYfEZGvvTMpnDowlxIzCpKfNrcX7k/s1600/Pirate+Treasure+Hunt+Clue+%25233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNngcP1JXHMmmA03NkPiKcuYftwkoFpYCoK5KFQ6ILXaFms6ImSomV7nnSJoMrj3vbAovoh9-EYPt5REYIDCBOox5-3alXvOjqzdx7wZHZbVu_jtsYfEZGvvTMpnDowlxIzCpKfNrcX7k/s640/Pirate+Treasure+Hunt+Clue+%25233.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbBcZu6FFQofdSdexqX82DCogEcHA39h5XUboXux_rIfc2oYtXq1ucSq-lsO0fWcQ6DxxfbK-hE5nF770v0XX9lzTnC_BK2sUZASzK930dFgXU9zenzYFNAWZIQYtPcQXpzYsdJao7cx-/s1600/Pirate+Treasure+Hunt+Clue+%25234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbBcZu6FFQofdSdexqX82DCogEcHA39h5XUboXux_rIfc2oYtXq1ucSq-lsO0fWcQ6DxxfbK-hE5nF770v0XX9lzTnC_BK2sUZASzK930dFgXU9zenzYFNAWZIQYtPcQXpzYsdJao7cx-/s640/Pirate+Treasure+Hunt+Clue+%25234.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP73CXzdVBYE-7WOu8H9FdUV0EhMt3NsNbiW5W6xBjMi5rxKHTXDjJXHmXe9QgxjVLyqtOxK_riAp7T4k4KoJDkSmZ2PYO8-E6q01GrqRPSgX1HQSvl9SxUd97ARP7R0ABkxvL80g2WC07/s1600/Pirate+Treasure+Hunt+Clue+%25235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP73CXzdVBYE-7WOu8H9FdUV0EhMt3NsNbiW5W6xBjMi5rxKHTXDjJXHmXe9QgxjVLyqtOxK_riAp7T4k4KoJDkSmZ2PYO8-E6q01GrqRPSgX1HQSvl9SxUd97ARP7R0ABkxvL80g2WC07/s640/Pirate+Treasure+Hunt+Clue+%25235.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-U1cOI43HThEEhxD1y0LfPK93tWrd1MwHQ-cYJgLWn0y2pekzd-e8-jW0cggFXH5-pEF_Z1E2J2r8CokFOpEnYmCaR_zxZ29dv6a655cx49J3_xw2dssYpZEiJrIE6RRtWldwj-bxSvhy/s1600/Pirate+Treasure+Hunt+Clue+%25236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-U1cOI43HThEEhxD1y0LfPK93tWrd1MwHQ-cYJgLWn0y2pekzd-e8-jW0cggFXH5-pEF_Z1E2J2r8CokFOpEnYmCaR_zxZ29dv6a655cx49J3_xw2dssYpZEiJrIE6RRtWldwj-bxSvhy/s640/Pirate+Treasure+Hunt+Clue+%25236.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiah0jIgTawQ36tERyOxd1Om1YzO0eBrExwhdkXw447zOTJC7YjVjr6kffwvsSCH1jnMLqBQe2YaHFvEf_NYJQp2RcVQu0GV3vbDcBC2vNxMwl0q2QlUb0Ft9Vu6EFqU13iyKuVGqNOPa4-/s1600/Pirate+Treasure+Hunt+Clue+%25237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiah0jIgTawQ36tERyOxd1Om1YzO0eBrExwhdkXw447zOTJC7YjVjr6kffwvsSCH1jnMLqBQe2YaHFvEf_NYJQp2RcVQu0GV3vbDcBC2vNxMwl0q2QlUb0Ft9Vu6EFqU13iyKuVGqNOPa4-/s640/Pirate+Treasure+Hunt+Clue+%25237.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNiGW1yT4ttLd0-DJzRplTjGjW_7xZSYz40q1Ab37mQGtBgkme3StekiCbuPCQh4yn9IvqKDAEhk4elxXG-fMmRtBncpmLz2sfLWC1WqPq4wuDEhXBLox0sF8yxLs5fRwyLNILwSOnqVL/s1600/Pirate+Treasure+Hunt+Clue+%25238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNiGW1yT4ttLd0-DJzRplTjGjW_7xZSYz40q1Ab37mQGtBgkme3StekiCbuPCQh4yn9IvqKDAEhk4elxXG-fMmRtBncpmLz2sfLWC1WqPq4wuDEhXBLox0sF8yxLs5fRwyLNILwSOnqVL/s640/Pirate+Treasure+Hunt+Clue+%25238.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7eS1va65dom6JwthwXkfMjILsyfYwSbwEOs3paS3ECsl8cY2YqnHTcy7vLCkRvHPiUPOLA9nHRxfjI9YeSyYEnju3IceIwXcM9k4A62PkpSb05q04tMBb1LAENUVzZ2tfz5jLAvGmGXe/s1600/Pirate+Treasure+Hunt+Clue+%25239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7eS1va65dom6JwthwXkfMjILsyfYwSbwEOs3paS3ECsl8cY2YqnHTcy7vLCkRvHPiUPOLA9nHRxfjI9YeSyYEnju3IceIwXcM9k4A62PkpSb05q04tMBb1LAENUVzZ2tfz5jLAvGmGXe/s640/Pirate+Treasure+Hunt+Clue+%25239.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqcs6DKFpmbGQ0JAsZ-XLeGtJQbBNKOcM0yBGYe0uma1sm70MhNmiDJHCBs4izPHn7P18S75NJc8Q6HnkBQYJHPLxUxbv4dlAchxWxHN4Sn70GyuzOusLbPo5A5jrMWkpUXr2CYBP8CK5/s1600/Pirate+Treasure+Hunt+Clue+%252310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqcs6DKFpmbGQ0JAsZ-XLeGtJQbBNKOcM0yBGYe0uma1sm70MhNmiDJHCBs4izPHn7P18S75NJc8Q6HnkBQYJHPLxUxbv4dlAchxWxHN4Sn70GyuzOusLbPo5A5jrMWkpUXr2CYBP8CK5/s640/Pirate+Treasure+Hunt+Clue+%252310.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsiwLVyhv5HuK3BboSwpjgClU9_c-M13ztkOT3wsjzskLJS2DBeL1d7gzeU7j04rcaDx72KOUsVrUcV0-YIYa7FCGbqC3K-M2C85eaM4ZtrwrWIbD-5P3NUJ82ao3ikWCxAqd-EgrV9MA/s1600/Pirate+Treasure+Hunt+Clue+%252311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsiwLVyhv5HuK3BboSwpjgClU9_c-M13ztkOT3wsjzskLJS2DBeL1d7gzeU7j04rcaDx72KOUsVrUcV0-YIYa7FCGbqC3K-M2C85eaM4ZtrwrWIbD-5P3NUJ82ao3ikWCxAqd-EgrV9MA/s640/Pirate+Treasure+Hunt+Clue+%252311.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The kids divided up the treasure with some help and got to take home their chocolate gold doubloons and dress up jewels. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzc5zR9u85tJAWPCMGTDUu-uarfCdllAgWnu0maSh2Gb7Q6Id00wJufDcYLjiheMjYwCQGvF3ntmCtwsuMIOGdK1RTmEq6wWs44_KT-TWsunwKEPpY_AN7Hz8FNk0guJ-CLRojMPhkFzjz/s1600/Pirate+Pops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzc5zR9u85tJAWPCMGTDUu-uarfCdllAgWnu0maSh2Gb7Q6Id00wJufDcYLjiheMjYwCQGvF3ntmCtwsuMIOGdK1RTmEq6wWs44_KT-TWsunwKEPpY_AN7Hz8FNk0guJ-CLRojMPhkFzjz/s640/Pirate+Pops.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
They had pizza & fruit to eat and Pirate Pops instead of cake. We put a candle in the head of Miss A's pirate pop as we sang happy birthday to her, but of course the camera was nowhere to be found at that point.<br />
<br />
I love planning fun parties for my kids. I love them all everyday, but it's nice to have a special day just for themselves. If I had to pick one of Miss A's defining traits, it would be her compassion. She has a tender heart & I love her for it. Happy 6th birthday Miss A!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
6 Hollow Legshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13990721062759562797noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441182113843366691.post-36442905216084046522012-10-05T14:41:00.001-07:002013-02-19T10:45:53.284-08:00Autumn is the most beautiful season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGSZqiRoDRme5phR-UznvyO2IjP9TwXypFOQcsctWRp9EZ7sePIv7XwTmjy9IB6N5YKJOBtIZa8A_yzPUJWC8CnQuKH3bjEfFQhwlScRtv5XI_JvQ7ghaMQjdh5TP4t-xXEiKAtPYgBTH/s1600/fall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGSZqiRoDRme5phR-UznvyO2IjP9TwXypFOQcsctWRp9EZ7sePIv7XwTmjy9IB6N5YKJOBtIZa8A_yzPUJWC8CnQuKH3bjEfFQhwlScRtv5XI_JvQ7ghaMQjdh5TP4t-xXEiKAtPYgBTH/s640/fall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I love fall. I can remember driving downtown Edmonton a little over 6 years ago and picking our daughters name based on the beauty we saw in the river valley. <br />
Other topic:<br />
Right before Matt & I went to Seattle this summer, there was a huge storm and our basement flooded. Water from our neighbours drain pipe flowed right into our basement bathroom window well filling it and flooding in. It soaked the walls & insulation, flowed across the floors and soaked the carpet.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis_g5gxQmIXzk4VCvQ0mw39GAH_nrjyf2GXlWU_ARYANDBcBk9bx5FRAPnlYZXBjYmdeQc8xYjNqJisR6SNhy887B2Rlhyphenhyphen6dyKSCEc3FpALa5ddiq3gdrlKps-stF1TTtM2g4fCKgxw5W1/s1600/Flood+Damage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis_g5gxQmIXzk4VCvQ0mw39GAH_nrjyf2GXlWU_ARYANDBcBk9bx5FRAPnlYZXBjYmdeQc8xYjNqJisR6SNhy887B2Rlhyphenhyphen6dyKSCEc3FpALa5ddiq3gdrlKps-stF1TTtM2g4fCKgxw5W1/s640/Flood+Damage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
At least it was rain water and not sewage, right? I keep telling myself that. We dried it out with fans as well as we could, and went on vacation anyway. When we got home, there was a huge mess (and mould) to deal with. We hauled drywall and insulation to the dump. Of course, our insurance wouldn't cover it, so we had to do it ourselves. What good is insurance anyway?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMoU0S-86fhpEpfdu9b_AtjPdTYutnn1KdChOAYtaaUS3T9bgM6fqV3Ll2sJglA_vYNPiKFD36PstEoww_sFJTM1KQBQ20FuKk4wMUS0Jhqucb2xdSDNrFhbrRHVaquoeOXdNm0j_bTZLp/s1600/Q+helping+daddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMoU0S-86fhpEpfdu9b_AtjPdTYutnn1KdChOAYtaaUS3T9bgM6fqV3Ll2sJglA_vYNPiKFD36PstEoww_sFJTM1KQBQ20FuKk4wMUS0Jhqucb2xdSDNrFhbrRHVaquoeOXdNm0j_bTZLp/s640/Q+helping+daddy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Mr. Q has been a great 'helper' following daddy around with his drill. Daddy's drill that is. I'm grateful to have a husband who is willing to give it a try, even if he isn't an expert. You can learn how to do pretty much anything on YouTube.<br />
My little sweetie, Miss C started pre-school in the middle of September. She attends at the same school that Miss A attends and she loves her teachers. There was a week, that she cried every time I dropped her off (and she nearly broke my heart in the process...) but she is back to happily running in to her classroom when I drop her off. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDxPoueZ6wjF8hP1RDMOEwNtbAeQoItW6z0YyMWLSUzwCQrjcjRpRKbuVSRE3N_Y-3hcKJ0fsxMKk5YryVOsxGOFzf9hu6sKmq1a_E-iAS9Yk4tAWaxY_6mq_4ado55ZmXUmPog7ebbrO-/s1600/C's+first+day+of+pre-school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDxPoueZ6wjF8hP1RDMOEwNtbAeQoItW6z0YyMWLSUzwCQrjcjRpRKbuVSRE3N_Y-3hcKJ0fsxMKk5YryVOsxGOFzf9hu6sKmq1a_E-iAS9Yk4tAWaxY_6mq_4ado55ZmXUmPog7ebbrO-/s640/C's+first+day+of+pre-school.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
After her first day of school, she came home saying, "Mom, I looove Miss Kim!" That made me feel great to know that my daughter felt comfortable with her teachers. There are 17 four year old kids in her class and 3 teachers. The teachers are all wonderful. Two of them even came to our home the week before school started to meet Miss C and get to know me a little. It made me a lot happier to send her off on the first day, knowing who she was spending the day with.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1Taav_dkUPZCU2l4YAMk_nd2cT1kwAVkfMehtpJbhOY09HtOsvePbUsrSMAZ3qkQIOwq2JWOzZBSnZwlF7U3TXZDua00KZl3o7ZZLop-1hB5h7FOCU4nQG7cQmNuLndN1TovfR5WU_3z/s1600/A's+in+grade+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1Taav_dkUPZCU2l4YAMk_nd2cT1kwAVkfMehtpJbhOY09HtOsvePbUsrSMAZ3qkQIOwq2JWOzZBSnZwlF7U3TXZDua00KZl3o7ZZLop-1hB5h7FOCU4nQG7cQmNuLndN1TovfR5WU_3z/s400/A's+in+grade+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
We walk past Miss A's classroom after we drop Miss C off at pre-school. I couldn't help snapping a pic of her one day as we passed by. What a cute little student she is!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcAgqbA6dA_XpGMYD8UiqSfGCahzH1ExWQFbF28xSW6AqZSBLP7-4gF9Qfspjvfecr982JbFp9ExJnZ5wcwBXMwA0RH2x32DISDSLDDPDpr4K5HFnFVOuz-HICBDyWKQxvXJeZDXRy7vq/s1600/Zumba+signs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcAgqbA6dA_XpGMYD8UiqSfGCahzH1ExWQFbF28xSW6AqZSBLP7-4gF9Qfspjvfecr982JbFp9ExJnZ5wcwBXMwA0RH2x32DISDSLDDPDpr4K5HFnFVOuz-HICBDyWKQxvXJeZDXRy7vq/s640/Zumba+signs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
My Zumba classes also started back up again in the fall. I had taken the summer off to spend more time with my family, but I was really excited to get back into the swing of things. I bought some signs to help advertise my classes. I think they are working too! In addition to my lovely ladies who have been with me from the beginning, we have had a huge boost in the number of people coming out. I really do count myself lucky to have such awesome students, who have become friends to me over the last year. <br />
<br />
<br />
I read a quote once that said: "There is no such thing as gratitude unexpressed. If it is unexpressed, it is plain, old-fashioned ingratitude." -Robert Brault<br />
<br />
As this is Thanksgiving weekend, I really wanted to list some of the things I am thankful for. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqG9zqJ_l_RgmW6o2TWVCUcdR6Ey_Cpq59iPP0Fxywv8ntnKY7yUiPD-HfTqTDPsmAUSCqnljrVwBSNCncIaCMDNWqVeteSLy3DQZDt1T2l28yTOFRdB7u-0owHCUuKtBnxwLr2lnFH07/s1600/Matt+&+I.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqG9zqJ_l_RgmW6o2TWVCUcdR6Ey_Cpq59iPP0Fxywv8ntnKY7yUiPD-HfTqTDPsmAUSCqnljrVwBSNCncIaCMDNWqVeteSLy3DQZDt1T2l28yTOFRdB7u-0owHCUuKtBnxwLr2lnFH07/s640/Matt+&+I.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I have a totally wonderful husband to adventure with. I'm thankful for his love and patience. He's a good man and I love him.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj40IxoC86sF2NYXWuBpQnKD7OWfUnHX_x23rmw5kUiHYTQbpXN3Yc0i_tYKuCUUBYZpyihuU_mEtVr_Ti2Gv10jhZm5iYPu_49ddYdwn6QlzMQhFYIKXufIBtP6A91_bfIcfOOb9gzBFIx/s1600/Kiddos+on+Miss+A%27s+first+day+of+school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj40IxoC86sF2NYXWuBpQnKD7OWfUnHX_x23rmw5kUiHYTQbpXN3Yc0i_tYKuCUUBYZpyihuU_mEtVr_Ti2Gv10jhZm5iYPu_49ddYdwn6QlzMQhFYIKXufIBtP6A91_bfIcfOOb9gzBFIx/s640/Kiddos+on+Miss+A%27s+first+day+of+school.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I've got 3 fantastic kids who make me laugh. They are great kids who are friends with each other. I love them and am truly thankful to have each of them in our family.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4apr5Y1jLkKqAUbtOzFdKNHodFkSrdtN1k6ZKVGcqF3qzJE193AHjXQ2ahVBCn_vAlPTn1rfY-bLO0hFGnhX5nLeYWJAFJV_Hr6HW1Hpc6Nrk_hCQf5I_hE-oTGnsHiorX-jVcVdHiBaF/s1600/tickle+time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4apr5Y1jLkKqAUbtOzFdKNHodFkSrdtN1k6ZKVGcqF3qzJE193AHjXQ2ahVBCn_vAlPTn1rfY-bLO0hFGnhX5nLeYWJAFJV_Hr6HW1Hpc6Nrk_hCQf5I_hE-oTGnsHiorX-jVcVdHiBaF/s640/tickle+time.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I'm thankful for tickle time in mommy & daddy's bed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg25BBbJFgMhRp8FeCBUDYoCDAwqDXzcJhHpTkexfxsPL1qubGe40KFaVWIPLTY3yuLedBWIzI6D_ZZLO7jo2Z6XmUNaXfSXRHrzmF7h8OMcFYRo1i-fg9x-mQZM9y_ssRj4iROJ0BSUJ4W/s1600/Tooth+Fairy+note.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg25BBbJFgMhRp8FeCBUDYoCDAwqDXzcJhHpTkexfxsPL1qubGe40KFaVWIPLTY3yuLedBWIzI6D_ZZLO7jo2Z6XmUNaXfSXRHrzmF7h8OMcFYRo1i-fg9x-mQZM9y_ssRj4iROJ0BSUJ4W/s640/Tooth+Fairy+note.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I'm thankful for the toothless smile the Tooth Fairy gave my daughter with her tiny note.<br />
<br />
I'm thankful for a warm home, for good food, for parents & siblings who care, for great in-laws who are always willing to help out, for great music & for good friends to enjoy myself with. For the beautiful tree across the street that was glowing one morning when I got up (picture up top).... and so much more!<br />
<br />
I am truly blessed. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
-More about Miss A's fantastic pirate party to come.6 Hollow Legshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13990721062759562797noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441182113843366691.post-59648887007606411412012-09-04T15:46:00.001-07:002013-02-19T10:46:15.273-08:00School Time Stings<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGmENJe42bDBAyv6D3VmnHAuuQ2bZX9jbxb-YXvdWW-HVZC5QiNrBLGp3hjFm6I7YqM6eM3xXVVe_gQVg0Ngk0fOeukeo5Q7eq51g5g3X6GeG_2LMksKtUeaPZW4fk7703Uu7EOx5_JRY/s1600/Swolen+Wasp+Sting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGmENJe42bDBAyv6D3VmnHAuuQ2bZX9jbxb-YXvdWW-HVZC5QiNrBLGp3hjFm6I7YqM6eM3xXVVe_gQVg0Ngk0fOeukeo5Q7eq51g5g3X6GeG_2LMksKtUeaPZW4fk7703Uu7EOx5_JRY/s400/Swolen+Wasp+Sting.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last week, while walking to our car near Miss A's school, the kids and I were swarmed by wasps and Miss C and I were stung. She, on her finger and I on my forearm, the back of my thigh above my knee, my ankle and my neck. All on the left side of my body. Those little suckers hurt. Miss C was stung first, so I ran to her rescue. They were all over her, on her head, all over her clothes. She was, understandably, freaking out. I had no idea what you're supposed to do in a situation like that, so I yelled to the other kids to run to the car, and I started swatting them off Miss C. I didn't know what else to do. Of course, they got mad and started stinging me too. I quickly gave up on trying to get them off her and told her to run too. I was being swarmed and stinging like crazy at this point, so I just told Miss C to RUN!!! We ran towards the car, which was parked at the other side of the school. When we got to the car, the kids all hopped in but I couldn't get into the car, because I was still covered in wasps. My rolled up capris had wasps in the folds, I could still hear wasps that were stuck in my hair. It was pretty awful. I used a map from the car to swat wasps that were still attached to my pants and shoes. All while listening to my little sweetie screaming in pain. I wouldn't wish that on anyone.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXsQOGrLL-7w2y5sMoW9dXeWxjbZwH18Eg2LyKruXobWV3xQJfjr8TNEWs5SmTFf8GR72VzxI55UjLkM9rP1mq_eqd77IDc64q42WAB6XHcVT4D5xzN6QHEX0QWsq_bzZWJWPVDF8VlLS/s1600/Cadence+&+her+Barbie+car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXsQOGrLL-7w2y5sMoW9dXeWxjbZwH18Eg2LyKruXobWV3xQJfjr8TNEWs5SmTFf8GR72VzxI55UjLkM9rP1mq_eqd77IDc64q42WAB6XHcVT4D5xzN6QHEX0QWsq_bzZWJWPVDF8VlLS/s400/Cadence+&+her+Barbie+car.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
When we got home, we coated her sting in a baking soda paste and gave her some Advil. The poor girl fell asleep from sheer exhaustion from crying so hard. It was sad.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAC65PJraV-wltlw3fHKhNbdx-U0dQETFEKSh8TwP0HNyDKiMQEp9RaD4a2Vi5MY3r6Iw43LChcsw_eIof7UPjFDVJczCZUUbEd695dZLbVRLIetqolreK0B7X4NpMmVJKj9tVu4xQweqU/s1600/Barbie+Car+or+Boat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAC65PJraV-wltlw3fHKhNbdx-U0dQETFEKSh8TwP0HNyDKiMQEp9RaD4a2Vi5MY3r6Iw43LChcsw_eIof7UPjFDVJczCZUUbEd695dZLbVRLIetqolreK0B7X4NpMmVJKj9tVu4xQweqU/s640/Barbie+Car+or+Boat.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Miss A was very sweet and wanted to do something to make her feel better when she woke up. We decided to make her a Barbie car. Miss A painted hers silver and we spray painted the one for Miss C with some leftover spray paint we had sitting around. The cars are lacking wheels, so we just called them boats. I love how Miss A wanted to have feathers sticking out the back of hers. All I did was spray paint the red one, hot glue them together and cut out the holes, the girls did the rest when Miss C woke up.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBEPUutMXVfj_J7H29Cf9ib7VNcEyKi7shJEuPDLC0qXvQ-y0US-_cg8BobPdoGk5LxwiibzZZqJAvJz-IVkYgd2NFL84UmxzGDu82Dukxlxim2ILXuCNC9tPna8pv1guIaPhITangHqs/s1600/Girls+%2526+Barbie+Cars+or+Boats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBEPUutMXVfj_J7H29Cf9ib7VNcEyKi7shJEuPDLC0qXvQ-y0US-_cg8BobPdoGk5LxwiibzZZqJAvJz-IVkYgd2NFL84UmxzGDu82Dukxlxim2ILXuCNC9tPna8pv1guIaPhITangHqs/s400/Girls+%2526+Barbie+Cars+or+Boats.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
They are still playing with those cars now, though some of the jewels have fallen off. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jqWFjqZwVfVzCQJwE2W5pIJQCdiigRk8lbwGAIyt4wno2cJC3Ic-TP6zJata1B-hvsw4JNmmLngGPojqqQMtX6hFMBZX7S3L7Xd8WnE23nJpbqBMaAPAG3wENXcxQLLATvajM55H0jPB/s1600/Kiddos+on+Miss+A%27s+first+day+of+school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jqWFjqZwVfVzCQJwE2W5pIJQCdiigRk8lbwGAIyt4wno2cJC3Ic-TP6zJata1B-hvsw4JNmmLngGPojqqQMtX6hFMBZX7S3L7Xd8WnE23nJpbqBMaAPAG3wENXcxQLLATvajM55H0jPB/s400/Kiddos+on+Miss+A%27s+first+day+of+school.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
On another topic, today was Miss A's first day of Grade 1. She has been looking forward to it. I have been looking forward to having a routine again, though I have loved having the kids all home for the summer. Now that Miss A is in school M-F all day long, I will miss her, so will the other kiddos. Miss C was very excited to see that Miss A's pre-school classroom is directly across the hall from Miss A's classroom. She was so excited this morning. I hope she continues to love learning through her life.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_mfvXUXkZWLkuO0TzXgpUlBiJ6Z1vZHb_JX898IXTeLrlZbwvLk9yZLm8FgjCbif6G9YqwrfB_sVkCRkruuaicL8nsIduOAI4cs3Z5QtfBCD67i-9_XBoU_Q658fmK5RP_oVhqXZLXuH/s1600/Miss+A%27s+First+day+of+Grade+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_mfvXUXkZWLkuO0TzXgpUlBiJ6Z1vZHb_JX898IXTeLrlZbwvLk9yZLm8FgjCbif6G9YqwrfB_sVkCRkruuaicL8nsIduOAI4cs3Z5QtfBCD67i-9_XBoU_Q658fmK5RP_oVhqXZLXuH/s400/Miss+A%27s+First+day+of+Grade+1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
Have a great school year Miss A! 6 Hollow Legshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13990721062759562797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441182113843366691.post-82814349856044643872012-08-18T15:49:00.000-07:002013-02-19T10:46:47.066-08:00Campers: Natures way of feeding mosquitosI am way behind, and hoping to catch up, so I thought I'd post about Miss C's 4th birthday party. She wanted to have a camping party, but since I was unwilling to take a crew of 2-5 year olds camping, we chose a camping theme & held it at a park instead.<br />
<br />
I found these super cute <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/100557849/camping-birthday-invitation-diy-you?ref=sr_gallery_26&ga_search_query=camp+party+girl+invitation&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_ref=auto1&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=camp+party+girl+invitation" target="_blank">invitations</a> on Etsy, that I had every intention of ordering and handing out, but I had a hard time nailing down a day & it was too late for invitations by the time I finally did. Grandma & Papa were also able to be there, along with 2 friends, Auntie Shelly & 3 cousins. We were sad that Nana & Bampa weren't able to be there, but we celebrated with them a few days before. The party was on a long weekend & the park wasn't nearly as busy as I thought it might be. Thank goodness!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHkG_9pamHWMGG6kxdcrZCi9zHLuhszm0J4scsnzdmp5_uYJLHmbeqF5Dy4sGizND_2n2nfGjZOrRkmTEfWw4Lib29IJ8AIk4uUMgH7MdyLB_58Og2aHMEU7a9VAgGx1aa2c2Kp9R98pOw/s1600/C's+bday+with+grandma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHkG_9pamHWMGG6kxdcrZCi9zHLuhszm0J4scsnzdmp5_uYJLHmbeqF5Dy4sGizND_2n2nfGjZOrRkmTEfWw4Lib29IJ8AIk4uUMgH7MdyLB_58Og2aHMEU7a9VAgGx1aa2c2Kp9R98pOw/s320/C's+bday+with+grandma.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It was a beautiful hot day. The party was held in a spray park downtown. The kids had fun with the water, but I didn't get too close with my camera.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja8p2kGQWsw-ZgKGE9XHgXTdAFYjYOUpQOtVbjx4HIyw-PA_XFkKGA-ffQIIg17rRya2WQ8YpeLmuFMSbI2_lVBJZDWqK-nc3SqPm577t7z6k9b7m7uqpB7oR_zRunTe7rJKytizYZgDVN/s1600/Miss+C+&+daddy+bday+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja8p2kGQWsw-ZgKGE9XHgXTdAFYjYOUpQOtVbjx4HIyw-PA_XFkKGA-ffQIIg17rRya2WQ8YpeLmuFMSbI2_lVBJZDWqK-nc3SqPm577t7z6k9b7m7uqpB7oR_zRunTe7rJKytizYZgDVN/s400/Miss+C+&+daddy+bday+pic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Miss C & daddy have birthdays a day apart. Love you both!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0nNNnSQLGry2JqS_ByPa3nrgdn9UXZAVDRgdMFJhuWycUqU5Qdvc-xigbhOgHYm-fAveWHZCk5_epuvoDyalg97x2n_OudDjBx9Hr98KLaXXx9XoZ1HNIAfa7jSw-wq5Z2Raw4OqC5K6M/s1600/2012_08_06-5489web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0nNNnSQLGry2JqS_ByPa3nrgdn9UXZAVDRgdMFJhuWycUqU5Qdvc-xigbhOgHYm-fAveWHZCk5_epuvoDyalg97x2n_OudDjBx9Hr98KLaXXx9XoZ1HNIAfa7jSw-wq5Z2Raw4OqC5K6M/s320/2012_08_06-5489web.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Matt built a fire. How is it that one match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box of matches to start a campfire? It rained the night before & everything was pretty soggy & smokey, but he got it going anyway! Lunch was hotdogs, chips, watermelon & veggies. I brought stuff to make S'mores, but I think the kids were just having too much fun playing to eat.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYW52khlRhsmJncdwQvzFyjOJE1CdTwMF0NUGxOPz2KWHxNC4JuePfU8EEiAnB1lCXvrFPIqGsYZQVnGAsNqa2CrBFJeDhFPeth8MKgMfVu9EvoeTWTREzpaKPuBMOcUzizDFILH5Rit8/s1600/2012_08_06-5481web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYW52khlRhsmJncdwQvzFyjOJE1CdTwMF0NUGxOPz2KWHxNC4JuePfU8EEiAnB1lCXvrFPIqGsYZQVnGAsNqa2CrBFJeDhFPeth8MKgMfVu9EvoeTWTREzpaKPuBMOcUzizDFILH5Rit8/s320/2012_08_06-5481web.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We set up a tent together. Three and four year olds waving tent poles around probably wasn't the best idea! The kids had fun crawling in and out of the tent in their soggy swimsuits.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoF67rCybvD4AnxoJwiIQFNjuMaJloOa5JYcYBjZxLVG8FbpluW4sjxoSUk98jhDIRj2hWvGoOVWf1KQ-hk7lZZyIGACgxHfW0AT1qxe391z-kB7JfuFKElS_XnrrkC_2q581SBDLSv666/s1600/Campfire+cake+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoF67rCybvD4AnxoJwiIQFNjuMaJloOa5JYcYBjZxLVG8FbpluW4sjxoSUk98jhDIRj2hWvGoOVWf1KQ-hk7lZZyIGACgxHfW0AT1qxe391z-kB7JfuFKElS_XnrrkC_2q581SBDLSv666/s320/Campfire+cake+2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Miss C had a campfire birthday cake. The flames were made by crushing hard candies and melting them on a baking sheet lined in tin foil in the oven. The logs were those long round wafer candies with chocolate on the inside.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSnYBpSKzyTzBivp8haaP78CKNr7cPNEtjCwQPXIJRFBKlvUs0KVF3bNEUUQXddsSm5VIr60us60leUGpUDImY_zb7OhdQeVd-LLh8wfUESbFwpTB7qg9FAX_NQYyf88cvuexcsvO3b4U/s1600/Miss+C+opening+gifts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSnYBpSKzyTzBivp8haaP78CKNr7cPNEtjCwQPXIJRFBKlvUs0KVF3bNEUUQXddsSm5VIr60us60leUGpUDImY_zb7OhdQeVd-LLh8wfUESbFwpTB7qg9FAX_NQYyf88cvuexcsvO3b4U/s320/Miss+C+opening+gifts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The gifts.<br />
<br />
<br />
I sure love this sweet little girl. She is so full of laughs and giggles. She has the sweetest tiny voice that gets her out of trouble all the time. On Miss C's actual birthday we went around the table at lunch and everyone said something they love about Miss C. There were a few mentions of her sweet little voice and also her hugs and cuddles. She likes to play make believe games and she is really good at puzzles. Her favorite game to play is Mommy & Sweetie. The girls think little girls are called sweeties because I often say, "Come here sweetie..." It makes me smile to hear the girls deciding who gets to be mommy & who gets to be the sweetie. I love that the girls are such good friends, most of the time. They have the occasional spat, but for the most part, these sweet girls are good little amigas. I'm so grateful to have Miss C in our family. She is such a joy! Happy Birthday, munchkin!<br />
<br />
<br />6 Hollow Legshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13990721062759562797noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441182113843366691.post-58464952451443678032012-08-12T16:06:00.000-07:002013-02-19T10:47:05.590-08:00Seattle 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Matt and I recently returned from a long overdue vacation. We went to Seattle with a bunch of our adopted family for a week-long getaway. It was fantastic!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNXxeL5dn0WoPKjM0qsEll23W0Ep6Vf9h5iYvlA0Y-f7N3kmNoLFbwOT0VCGfogQD5Emyfenh8X6_tY2trQpIVhBUhTgowJYlcMQJikYfUFmAtFL-TAGhwTCo8zBMpCjA4_BXRrb1PtiM3/s1600/Titan+truck+-+Sparwood+BC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNXxeL5dn0WoPKjM0qsEll23W0Ep6Vf9h5iYvlA0Y-f7N3kmNoLFbwOT0VCGfogQD5Emyfenh8X6_tY2trQpIVhBUhTgowJYlcMQJikYfUFmAtFL-TAGhwTCo8zBMpCjA4_BXRrb1PtiM3/s320/Titan+truck+-+Sparwood+BC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We drove down through Sparwood BC, and stayed with some friends of mine in Kettle Falls, WA. They have a lovely home on the side of a mountain with a little lake in the backyard. It was so nice to visit with them. I was pregnant with Miss A the last time I saw them. I was kicking myself because I forgot to take my camera out. Ouch. Still am.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIpyS4aAUHBZXzThApvtxbiFr08zsJzzQ4CCF5tuelizSrNBgiCr4KnbHZPiV-siWrcvpU74ZhF117GZ_c-UhmTGlqQnPJMK2RRTEhDqywGMP6aXfLSIqVJrTb-jQoG7ai-yRRKGm9SuY/s1600/Seattle+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIpyS4aAUHBZXzThApvtxbiFr08zsJzzQ4CCF5tuelizSrNBgiCr4KnbHZPiV-siWrcvpU74ZhF117GZ_c-UhmTGlqQnPJMK2RRTEhDqywGMP6aXfLSIqVJrTb-jQoG7ai-yRRKGm9SuY/s320/Seattle+house.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We got to Seattle and stayed in a beautiful <a href="http://www.vrbo.com/52281" target="_blank">home</a> we rented through VRBO. I highly recommend it for a larger group. It was right on the water, overlooking Camano Island. The only negative is that it took about 20 minutes to get anywhere, but it was very quiet and peaceful. There was an eagle that must have lived nearby, because it flew by early in the mornings. The hot tub was a hit too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7g7eRguBm1zBQaxEPjarnju0BZbNe7iB4IgrAOkGzKN6z2Ie_9Hxhdi70gjVIn53ZPV0uRAsj7h6S2dDFknbzB7ALFTHpN8FiNApgx6qtiotAUjRqd4iowNCBbosYM72-SfzkxePDojxx/s1600/clamming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7g7eRguBm1zBQaxEPjarnju0BZbNe7iB4IgrAOkGzKN6z2Ie_9Hxhdi70gjVIn53ZPV0uRAsj7h6S2dDFknbzB7ALFTHpN8FiNApgx6qtiotAUjRqd4iowNCBbosYM72-SfzkxePDojxx/s320/clamming.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHVVigqDFoZazF62n8qNs0DoAkTa6G4FLYxEkR4UAI81I0BadmePjzvBMLngOION4PmwDriiqzhZcQ5L_Q1e2eLb8EPFG80bsYGfF4w7B9OYnrniF9dVBaYDwDS42O_qxlQ0X0vJxQVbS3/s1600/clams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHVVigqDFoZazF62n8qNs0DoAkTa6G4FLYxEkR4UAI81I0BadmePjzvBMLngOION4PmwDriiqzhZcQ5L_Q1e2eLb8EPFG80bsYGfF4w7B9OYnrniF9dVBaYDwDS42O_qxlQ0X0vJxQVbS3/s320/clams.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Some of our friends dug clams on the beach in front of the house when the tide went out. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9tDxeZ2vMi0fTdDMBPZ7gZ6BFLZ7FBJhfP2IBaq9jJfTnzc9uvezx2igSb3rg4ci2OR5s9ZDZ1XM1cPO_lAtfZrOHkfPUPxOyPAt0hHx6IWvL5AEOemgYCM01Ec4ZeKodrpH-P4EfXiq/s1600/Seaweed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9tDxeZ2vMi0fTdDMBPZ7gZ6BFLZ7FBJhfP2IBaq9jJfTnzc9uvezx2igSb3rg4ci2OR5s9ZDZ1XM1cPO_lAtfZrOHkfPUPxOyPAt0hHx6IWvL5AEOemgYCM01Ec4ZeKodrpH-P4EfXiq/s320/Seaweed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
There was all sorts of sea life, foreign to us landlocked folk! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwuemknfw4tz1BCaK8JxoDA_i7x6jtqOuZtLCojqkXb3YdsE95lmxoF3S_rDj-ssRcqwFMLjHQddK0sm9XtstsrXiso3cW8f8AWDE9Avdn2iCuqT9LSPVyQxPlBml_lY0BvGjP9flsXhZT/s1600/Group+Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwuemknfw4tz1BCaK8JxoDA_i7x6jtqOuZtLCojqkXb3YdsE95lmxoF3S_rDj-ssRcqwFMLjHQddK0sm9XtstsrXiso3cW8f8AWDE9Avdn2iCuqT9LSPVyQxPlBml_lY0BvGjP9flsXhZT/s320/Group+Photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Here's the whole group on the deck overlooking the water before we headed our separate ways.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8mvA2moJ5fS-G9zzSKJG508K0wt95s-IghUqMkNE6mrG4C_1GeBSnqsk4nJUNtAFJkwwM4PpEwac39hZREDomZ_aeB1tHlO6wMPthOA6jIT6Sg9VKIss8B-6dHrCgDFR9Hv38kEfsYcY/s1600/Crab+Pot+Seattle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8mvA2moJ5fS-G9zzSKJG508K0wt95s-IghUqMkNE6mrG4C_1GeBSnqsk4nJUNtAFJkwwM4PpEwac39hZREDomZ_aeB1tHlO6wMPthOA6jIT6Sg9VKIss8B-6dHrCgDFR9Hv38kEfsYcY/s320/Crab+Pot+Seattle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We did a bunch of touristy stuff. We went to the Crab Pot for lunch. It's right on the Pier 57 near Pike Place Market. The waitress rolls out butcher paper across the table, then gives everyone a wooden plate, a mallet and a little fork. She dumped the seafood out on the table and we all dug in. The shells all went into a bowl on the floor. Pretty classy. Hahaha It was one of my favorite things we did. Something totally new to most everyone in the group. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKq-RElHRe5L09RqfSscM8OzMSn-dRQVeWE4d9YTwxNWYNVQQCUaih67ITdBNZbVhxATGTtmR64HDwI0Eyqm2djU0VBkC1zNgRgQNmN8Xq7mTIVfp3y_pAfK6nzUJFxtzbM5_ub69p-Wz-/s1600/Pike+Place+Market.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKq-RElHRe5L09RqfSscM8OzMSn-dRQVeWE4d9YTwxNWYNVQQCUaih67ITdBNZbVhxATGTtmR64HDwI0Eyqm2djU0VBkC1zNgRgQNmN8Xq7mTIVfp3y_pAfK6nzUJFxtzbM5_ub69p-Wz-/s320/Pike+Place+Market.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We walked around Pike Place Market for a few hours. There were such a variety of booths and buskers and foods. The flowers were stunning. If I lived around there, I'd have fresh flowers all the time. :) The blackberries were huge. I tried to show my thumb in the pic for scale, but it was too hard to focus with the throng of people bumping me. I thought the cigar box guitars were pretty cool. They reminded me of this music video I saw by Walk Off the Earth called <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM8JhvfoqdA&list=UU9PEibgWOqZ-1I1JdxRmr6g&index=1&feature=plcp" target="_blank">Little Boxes.</a><br />
The Pike Place Fish Co. is known for throwing fish that customers have purchased from the display and back to be packaged. Why do they throw the fish? Because it's faster than walking it around, and probably because it draws a crowd. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/hLvqbTlP80c?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
I always thought it would be cool to go to the fish market where they throw fish, so I did! Here's my little video. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMlPXjdUTA1U9iq3pKpglW5gZ0bDu1ph-WhbZLcvdXaMqskFon201ziq-VXqKp0b3sjnNWU3odtPXBBrDdZLjV85rxq3YDZdNlT0ZvkoCjNDiKPatSRPJagBdduWxOTgRgUlIUiPf0CDj/s1600/Seattle+tourists.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMlPXjdUTA1U9iq3pKpglW5gZ0bDu1ph-WhbZLcvdXaMqskFon201ziq-VXqKp0b3sjnNWU3odtPXBBrDdZLjV85rxq3YDZdNlT0ZvkoCjNDiKPatSRPJagBdduWxOTgRgUlIUiPf0CDj/s320/Seattle+tourists.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
While in Seattle, we went to see the Freemont Troll (who lives under a bridge, and grabbed a VW Bug from above), the Space needle and we happened to walk by the Hammering Man in front of the Seattle Art Museum. We went to Snoqualmie Falls later on that day. The falls brought back lots of memories from when I lived near there.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLrnK2WTx3XBvr3RL_uNPHZ-G6IVxSnPqrFh3j_b1QSten6n2o7HcMKreAyj4WMOAyOluJ5p5VmqFUIQm2tIkNh7vRtOnxFJrfT_UAsY-Cn8Goi05OFenbAm2tTceXDTaaeHCFICsPt2T-/s1600/Whidbey+Island+&+Deception+Pass+Bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLrnK2WTx3XBvr3RL_uNPHZ-G6IVxSnPqrFh3j_b1QSten6n2o7HcMKreAyj4WMOAyOluJ5p5VmqFUIQm2tIkNh7vRtOnxFJrfT_UAsY-Cn8Goi05OFenbAm2tTceXDTaaeHCFICsPt2T-/s320/Whidbey+Island+&+Deception+Pass+Bridge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We spent a day out at Whidbey Island. Deception pass is beautiful. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS27VXmHLiTGpM7FeDSJwvvOUgB2KLYfmdjeHsRy3yrZO9MaIXqmWOj2IMST5148U8NvlAEJUe8OuCbnSLDT4-TJJ35xk3Uhv9S3FC3FR6uW3S36j94b8E1ZTcwS68kj3CSpCu7LHpE68L/s1600/Whidbey+Island+visiting+the+Kendalls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS27VXmHLiTGpM7FeDSJwvvOUgB2KLYfmdjeHsRy3yrZO9MaIXqmWOj2IMST5148U8NvlAEJUe8OuCbnSLDT4-TJJ35xk3Uhv9S3FC3FR6uW3S36j94b8E1ZTcwS68kj3CSpCu7LHpE68L/s320/Whidbey+Island+visiting+the+Kendalls.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
While we were out on the island, we stopped to have lunch with the Kendall's. When I lived in Oak Harbor as a missionary, they only had 3 kids. Check out that awesome family now!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3PYkZGJC7YLGGhieBfWu_f8zFDUT9pMn-T1mHuQ8EQU6rc38Kg1fX-A_mMy5Gh-taI2RbiYrQMTzxpwcS34nWD9OMIO24KH-RnRFLbj10608yAYXMsahc3wuD0ablQ4k0_5o-j9vWfjPm/s1600/I+love+Matt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3PYkZGJC7YLGGhieBfWu_f8zFDUT9pMn-T1mHuQ8EQU6rc38Kg1fX-A_mMy5Gh-taI2RbiYrQMTzxpwcS34nWD9OMIO24KH-RnRFLbj10608yAYXMsahc3wuD0ablQ4k0_5o-j9vWfjPm/s320/I+love+Matt.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCq3ZQucRI1QAxkG7h4s42c8tv3zl5Ohc-ADEC-xFkjdKrQdquFIIGpYzLDLnwYJqkq1nqY87ulgOQWLaWBrslS2JCykD0_RXSPgN4oTwQnBhFY1a_RQlegQyxmrzX0Mi9dtozhUQjnYYK/s1600/2012_07_21-5203-M&E+on+beach+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCq3ZQucRI1QAxkG7h4s42c8tv3zl5Ohc-ADEC-xFkjdKrQdquFIIGpYzLDLnwYJqkq1nqY87ulgOQWLaWBrslS2JCykD0_RXSPgN4oTwQnBhFY1a_RQlegQyxmrzX0Mi9dtozhUQjnYYK/s320/2012_07_21-5203-M&E+on+beach+web.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Overall, it was an awesome week and a much needed break from the munchkins. Matt and I needed some together time. We are going to have to do this again regularly. I am so glad the kids had a fun time camping & fishing with grandma and papa in Saskatchewan while we were away. My parents are wonderful to take them for us. Thanks mom & dad!<br />
<br />6 Hollow Legshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13990721062759562797noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441182113843366691.post-76171097928307720902012-07-06T15:30:00.000-07:002013-02-19T10:47:40.826-08:00Back in the Motherland aka SaskatchewanI packed the kids up and went back to Saskatchewan this past weekend. We had a camping family reunion for my mom's side of the family. It was at a little lake called Chanté Lake, between Prince Albert and Duck Lake.<br />
It was so nice to spend time with my mom's family. We have always been really close. One of the things I miss most about living nearby is spending every Sunday together. We used to go to my Grandparents farm on Sundays. We would eat, talk, play cards and spend time together. It's a tradition that I really think my kids miss out on. I'm glad that I got to enjoy some time with them all this weekend!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicQYDwmnWHZS9Iw2mRyaZPH5P1nqzWgalnyTgkzW-lnzN5zFZ3RTYHFYzCksjNj85QNtgUGDjVNvXXzNRyYwcDl90GJUnHo6gChyZg7rEP3__WVQCoLdYxbVBbibEcUQD2UggRiyyySrO/s1600/Haileyweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicQYDwmnWHZS9Iw2mRyaZPH5P1nqzWgalnyTgkzW-lnzN5zFZ3RTYHFYzCksjNj85QNtgUGDjVNvXXzNRyYwcDl90GJUnHo6gChyZg7rEP3__WVQCoLdYxbVBbibEcUQD2UggRiyyySrO/s1600/Haileyweb.jpg" /></a></div>
Here's my cousin Miss H. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSw9Et6wf6b5A379I0ab5PS7jX3g7ZMtGloFyhdU2jRCUlQ3YTU87c0ylhj4kMXY_mreGVXtvyVfUwI_zRbrf86xnism5L6h6awq-SN6fEFj0NZhOjBqtpM8j42LrRu-DIlH_1_O5bld6X/s1600/Patti-B&Wweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSw9Et6wf6b5A379I0ab5PS7jX3g7ZMtGloFyhdU2jRCUlQ3YTU87c0ylhj4kMXY_mreGVXtvyVfUwI_zRbrf86xnism5L6h6awq-SN6fEFj0NZhOjBqtpM8j42LrRu-DIlH_1_O5bld6X/s1600/Patti-B&Wweb.jpg" /></a></div>
and here's another cousin, P.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZG_wEyr3CbC8TX6xJQX5w0kuPeyWk_puMoJmQzSN9c094XuIxc6NgHmaIGJPFWuV8h3VMp5cR2okHeIyL8MpeW5Pu8ezGtSDAZTYpGjMMAcJOolCGION_3AS-4cjJnkfNUVv9leWMm8NV/s1600/Dad+&+Gabe-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZG_wEyr3CbC8TX6xJQX5w0kuPeyWk_puMoJmQzSN9c094XuIxc6NgHmaIGJPFWuV8h3VMp5cR2okHeIyL8MpeW5Pu8ezGtSDAZTYpGjMMAcJOolCGION_3AS-4cjJnkfNUVv9leWMm8NV/s1600/Dad+&+Gabe-web.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
We had beautiful beach weather. It was nice to sit on the beach chatting while we watched the kids play. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvewi3XldSCF3eye4_ozSrglVplNa3nBacQQTgZPl8OHTij_nGeemTJh7PME_mrrj_GmMPqeBW27hcw6Rn7hEDtSi3Sy02QJaT5hMLrDJpEym-kXVtxR-7TSkgKQHEGt7TryqkT8BcLSH/s1600/Lord+of+the+Flies-by+Chantel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvewi3XldSCF3eye4_ozSrglVplNa3nBacQQTgZPl8OHTij_nGeemTJh7PME_mrrj_GmMPqeBW27hcw6Rn7hEDtSi3Sy02QJaT5hMLrDJpEym-kXVtxR-7TSkgKQHEGt7TryqkT8BcLSH/s640/Lord+of+the+Flies-by+Chantel.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
This pic of Mr. Q was taken by my sister-in-law Chantel. It reminds Matt and my brother Chris of Lord of the Flies. There was a big pile of sand at the beach the kids liked to play on/slide down/dig in. The munchkins had sand in every crevice imaginable by the end of each day...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3CfkFjSQx2y641NP58dN2R5qGoeGhABfW3IzXLyOAJJ7MCFqPoS-TYGfHzctMGXvd-2seYsmCxHLKhOaLfp2etlXdwVaF9suGFoTlJGi9VVDRUmFKJWB6N0BJFT3lPcoyrxvtgI89FJC/s1600/Autumn+belly+board-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3CfkFjSQx2y641NP58dN2R5qGoeGhABfW3IzXLyOAJJ7MCFqPoS-TYGfHzctMGXvd-2seYsmCxHLKhOaLfp2etlXdwVaF9suGFoTlJGi9VVDRUmFKJWB6N0BJFT3lPcoyrxvtgI89FJC/s1600/Autumn+belly+board-web.jpg" /></a></div>
Miss A. really liked playing on the boogey board<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCR2TplNdr18gMF8BGmQjFZqMH7AXNbR9aGeXlLPVcGchsWlkAVB9w54HS3DOlwXoTfYZgUaaL9dAmhVZtUoXhTIiXpTMShy_750ZNQxMbbjO6Z5CcekH9kgn2jmS7_xQPBch5wkKxFFMK/s1600/Cadence+bellyboard-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCR2TplNdr18gMF8BGmQjFZqMH7AXNbR9aGeXlLPVcGchsWlkAVB9w54HS3DOlwXoTfYZgUaaL9dAmhVZtUoXhTIiXpTMShy_750ZNQxMbbjO6Z5CcekH9kgn2jmS7_xQPBch5wkKxFFMK/s1600/Cadence+bellyboard-web.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtmWtXT_CBqFnNGfiufceZpok17f6iz06lmSjiKHL3YxMwgxdMl2UlYnClnC_Xifi46c4qCLO3ApOwlQziv5fBaDt7m3SQ3NWPp3UWZ8Bzyp1efIAwE3AEZUym3g20bf4B8u7GEifpMJ2x/s1600/Cadence+surfing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtmWtXT_CBqFnNGfiufceZpok17f6iz06lmSjiKHL3YxMwgxdMl2UlYnClnC_Xifi46c4qCLO3ApOwlQziv5fBaDt7m3SQ3NWPp3UWZ8Bzyp1efIAwE3AEZUym3g20bf4B8u7GEifpMJ2x/s1600/Cadence+surfing.jpg" /></a></div>
Miss C. tried surfing on hers, but it didn't quite work out for her. Maybe next year. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBl019XqxvUpoTdqImaW2s_eewwbDai9CGeE5Kdtc6Z3UHuO2S8EcOwFjPQL_9WtOZz1q6LlxFhn8_5DMa_GJijkmqd9FJuAnSVqXnCV9lVpXR4c6IkWkkiH0DeO8-zU4zL3HKBD_MfWE0/s1600/Matt+&+Quinn+paddleboat+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBl019XqxvUpoTdqImaW2s_eewwbDai9CGeE5Kdtc6Z3UHuO2S8EcOwFjPQL_9WtOZz1q6LlxFhn8_5DMa_GJijkmqd9FJuAnSVqXnCV9lVpXR4c6IkWkkiH0DeO8-zU4zL3HKBD_MfWE0/s1600/Matt+&+Quinn+paddleboat+web.jpg" /></a></div>
Mr. Q. had fun on his paddle boat voyage with Uncle Matt.<br />
<br />
After the reunion we spent the night at my parents' house before coming back home. My parents have an elk ranch. We all piled in the back of Papa's farm truck and went to see the elk. Grandma brought a couple of pails of oats to entice them to come close by.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevnQNvBMLd1guqNTxavvzVSNrX3nMepFhyphenhyphengowGHs-YfW3w7pq4QCV2wB1kvJxnOKbzoagkLqPfC8y57gv3K11MS-AxoNXFU4vte3QD6yFA95ectAwwslTzrSG6c7XMdIZIcWsiHGVT0aE/s1600/Cadence+&+elk-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevnQNvBMLd1guqNTxavvzVSNrX3nMepFhyphenhyphengowGHs-YfW3w7pq4QCV2wB1kvJxnOKbzoagkLqPfC8y57gv3K11MS-AxoNXFU4vte3QD6yFA95ectAwwslTzrSG6c7XMdIZIcWsiHGVT0aE/s1600/Cadence+&+elk-web.jpg" /></a></div>
The kids didn't know what to think at first. I think they were a little nervous.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRl5Yd5CnKOA1tUbtYxXrx2ed7tHOcGbvrXntewPHzrehrZ9KBKJgHusf2LXIinXWFM-srgfuvbRNJdZcF4mdxFebleEBArMoYgRkZpE0us3j4udq0yDFTmwbEU2YoeSvKfo-4mT2N2oAz/s1600/In+papa%27s+truck+watching+the+elk-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRl5Yd5CnKOA1tUbtYxXrx2ed7tHOcGbvrXntewPHzrehrZ9KBKJgHusf2LXIinXWFM-srgfuvbRNJdZcF4mdxFebleEBArMoYgRkZpE0us3j4udq0yDFTmwbEU2YoeSvKfo-4mT2N2oAz/s1600/In+papa%27s+truck+watching+the+elk-web.jpg" /></a></div>
When we got out in the field with the bulls, and right beside the fence with the mama's and babies, my mom started banging the oats pail. The bull elk came running. The mama's and babies had to swim across a little pond to get to us, but they started towards us as soon as they heard her. The bull elk came right up to the truck and the mama's and babies got as close to us as they could.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqiudE7H_ba3t0Gige1lsCbPQWl1LiZJPbTt3qq_9aCWwbT3c-OGULdFbI_a4MplGRo8Jl_hootCG7FtxtV5g96Qp0BE6wvEhli3XAo4BFG6nOoH818PyL2ej_0crrucs3iTQn8dsl6pL/s1600/Gramma+&+elk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqiudE7H_ba3t0Gige1lsCbPQWl1LiZJPbTt3qq_9aCWwbT3c-OGULdFbI_a4MplGRo8Jl_hootCG7FtxtV5g96Qp0BE6wvEhli3XAo4BFG6nOoH818PyL2ej_0crrucs3iTQn8dsl6pL/s1600/Gramma+&+elk.jpg" /></a></div>
My mom held out her hand to feed them, but I think the kids were a little too wiggly for their comfort level. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPD94i775FeRBtIQPvDEAtDI7mwQ9ONKen74GrqymDeulU2LMv3Vz_mrXesYwchFxWFqov3JyrEKhOiQF0WBdQL_cji4t-QCBGdzVqZUptD6gGMxdGmMaziLEG88hHvc83XuEMqkoJDHe0/s1600/Blake+&+elk-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPD94i775FeRBtIQPvDEAtDI7mwQ9ONKen74GrqymDeulU2LMv3Vz_mrXesYwchFxWFqov3JyrEKhOiQF0WBdQL_cji4t-QCBGdzVqZUptD6gGMxdGmMaziLEG88hHvc83XuEMqkoJDHe0/s1600/Blake+&+elk-web.jpg" /></a></div>
B is a lot more comfortable around them than my kids are.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhbXXFeZRWHcdoXaxkh_WIePoTskSKy60VWFVZcaQDvrA9nnKKXTUletUPSc-O49v7rvti9sOhWSMs663dS2HrshC5KuzS88BuA0Jd-Fhr_st1f1juJpuXLXKfbNEO-_8CnbyNhRmI9KbH/s1600/2012_07_02-5105web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhbXXFeZRWHcdoXaxkh_WIePoTskSKy60VWFVZcaQDvrA9nnKKXTUletUPSc-O49v7rvti9sOhWSMs663dS2HrshC5KuzS88BuA0Jd-Fhr_st1f1juJpuXLXKfbNEO-_8CnbyNhRmI9KbH/s1600/2012_07_02-5105web.jpg" /></a></div>
The kids loved the baby elk. They even got to see the babies eat.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZsJUq-OYx_tp9xecxzUFKF2cj-1OKQzUS9rT5252myBvFT-PWgRuJOMJ2_Hm9KaBMgR__3bC_BSP3G6OPEyJvEka4Ej1b0mpz_3Tu4Rhw7xvEbuI2JJlzIYrD9sOcEsbkbU7LFV6Y7tWO/s1600/elk+silhouette-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZsJUq-OYx_tp9xecxzUFKF2cj-1OKQzUS9rT5252myBvFT-PWgRuJOMJ2_Hm9KaBMgR__3bC_BSP3G6OPEyJvEka4Ej1b0mpz_3Tu4Rhw7xvEbuI2JJlzIYrD9sOcEsbkbU7LFV6Y7tWO/s1600/elk+silhouette-web.jpg" /></a></div>
It was hard to get good pictures without hopping out and scaring the elk.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTu57Wx-unketY4wrtah2cTOGpnSAhFu6042KZe3gXJJdrIyrcJQ1kDpe6_hAnvau-336T5CPzJ8yyxUAS3athkNQynOu64NrbfmEUN2i0Ww6pnnoI75nfwHumxp1CUC_3CVtoKjM__1Zj/s1600/Cadence+-+B&W+6HollowLegs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTu57Wx-unketY4wrtah2cTOGpnSAhFu6042KZe3gXJJdrIyrcJQ1kDpe6_hAnvau-336T5CPzJ8yyxUAS3athkNQynOu64NrbfmEUN2i0Ww6pnnoI75nfwHumxp1CUC_3CVtoKjM__1Zj/s1600/Cadence+-+B&W+6HollowLegs.jpg" /></a></div>
I finally got a cute picture of Miss C!! Yipppeeeee!6 Hollow Legshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13990721062759562797noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441182113843366691.post-89069897558052931472012-07-04T16:59:00.001-07:002013-02-19T10:48:38.357-08:00Sum-Sum-Summatime!!I've been looking forward to summer for the last few weeks. This is how Miss C, Mr. Q and I decorated the front door before Miss A got home from her last day of school on Thursday. It was great because Matt got home early from work that day, so we were all able to start off summer together, Creamsicle style.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnCx-USRKzcVD6X-eApWrQmBe02fY5eseJsDF4ZMtOD0qBzudvRMMEFAQNvTBOwBkVWRCL4f_RKeqnF4nub6BxGLgyQmwDGsGek48ELEj-mgba4_IOjCz6FyYK7wpasswzMpOsKO_8u5P/s640/blogger-image--506569577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnCx-USRKzcVD6X-eApWrQmBe02fY5eseJsDF4ZMtOD0qBzudvRMMEFAQNvTBOwBkVWRCL4f_RKeqnF4nub6BxGLgyQmwDGsGek48ELEj-mgba4_IOjCz6FyYK7wpasswzMpOsKO_8u5P/s640/blogger-image--506569577.jpg" /></a></div>
I taught my last Zumba class of the session Thursday night and was up until 1am doing laundry & packing. Friday morning, the kids and I hopped in the car and headed off to Saskatchewan for a camping/family reunion fun. Matt stayed behind to work. Hopefully next time, he'll be able to come along as well.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfNVPVUyxNRy7BhhfjBevani2J9bb9-tBEXhY5dqgInJsQADqyNRC0z5pV-Jk4yAHCHQi1xj_zya9iLcH9XdejHryGdD3XJxYmTruOKUEzu_B61dMOtBkGxHbChE7j7ZSawCWK6y1DoMd/s640/blogger-image--2124655916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfNVPVUyxNRy7BhhfjBevani2J9bb9-tBEXhY5dqgInJsQADqyNRC0z5pV-Jk4yAHCHQi1xj_zya9iLcH9XdejHryGdD3XJxYmTruOKUEzu_B61dMOtBkGxHbChE7j7ZSawCWK6y1DoMd/s640/blogger-image--2124655916.jpg" /></a>The reunion was held at a tiny lake, between Duck Lake and Prince Albert called Chanté Lake. It was lovely. As soon as I stepped out of the car, the first thing I noticed was the smell of prairie sage, poplar trees and a hint of lake. It reminded me of the smell at my grandparents farm, just across the South Saskatchewan River from where we were camping.<br />
I will post more about our trip later. I'm so happy that summer is here! <br />
<br />6 Hollow Legshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13990721062759562797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441182113843366691.post-6907193723649763652012-06-26T11:51:00.001-07:002013-02-19T10:49:21.491-08:00One year down, Fifteen to go<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9Y-JHc9A8H9AyatCz_vJqizsU-vO8SeW98RxAV3N2u1JWHH5YYLKBxSpKoWCVbmk8r7xBuOjeEQuVkCgsrVJ9ykb12hTp-w59HVnH9p3PPOkFLgEMV5XbBCNrk7NjfEGHl_q2WDa2cHP/s1600/Cadence+-+crazy+faces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9Y-JHc9A8H9AyatCz_vJqizsU-vO8SeW98RxAV3N2u1JWHH5YYLKBxSpKoWCVbmk8r7xBuOjeEQuVkCgsrVJ9ykb12hTp-w59HVnH9p3PPOkFLgEMV5XbBCNrk7NjfEGHl_q2WDa2cHP/s640/Cadence+-+crazy+faces.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I was trying to figure out why I have hardly any pictures of Miss C and I realized why... I've been deleting all the strange face pictures, and that's all she does. In honour of her, I decided to post a bunch of her typical pictures, which I went back and restored from my recycle bin. Haha! She definitely loves to laugh and goof around, and she is not one to be still & pose nicely for pictures.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Fh4OQ-7dglz84xd2lduqmFHSqIzWsitF8dKqLDB1ifDmllWR4UnLIkD79xQVz1DW6Hiwylsktt8D62ZypNCksP-ene1ERGN4iz0opHnm-TMOBv9QK1DzfIq4SgJrWrg4OjZEpoqVImF5/s1600/Quinn+sitting+with+Daddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Fh4OQ-7dglz84xd2lduqmFHSqIzWsitF8dKqLDB1ifDmllWR4UnLIkD79xQVz1DW6Hiwylsktt8D62ZypNCksP-ene1ERGN4iz0opHnm-TMOBv9QK1DzfIq4SgJrWrg4OjZEpoqVImF5/s640/Quinn+sitting+with+Daddy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Matt has been working really long hours the last few months, but whenever he gets home while the kids are still up, they have been sneaking out the front door to go sit with daddy while he finishes up his paperwork in the truck. I snapped a pic of Mr. Q sitting with daddy one day last week. I love that they look forward to him getting home everyday. I do too.<br />
<br />
Last Thursday was Miss A's graduation from Maternelle (kindergarten). It was adorable! This past month, they have been learning about the ocean.One of the songs they sang at the graduation party was about a pettit poisson (a little fish) swimming around who gets eaten by a barracuda, who swims around and is then eaten by a shark, who is then eaten by a whale. Their actions for the song were really cute, as were the fishy hats the kids were all wearing. The kids all took turns counting in French. After the little ceremony, they brought us each a package with the work the scrapbooks & work they have completed this year. Then, we had planned on going on a picnic together, but since Matt had to get back to work (or risk being at work till dark...) we just ate our picnic together in the car while driving Matt back to work. Miss A showed off her school work & sang songs she's learned. It was a fun day. We are so proud of our big girl! She has done such a great job learning this past year and we couldn't be happier with her progress! Her French is really coming along and she has been spelling out short words on her own. Great job, sweetie!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwH_hyphenhyphenA8HirAjVjf7DL0MVmdzQ0GtDWV7w76u8frLtIIfdYKjne3BzEtz5NVrBjmSATxk4_7u_vHXJCsBJFmsFdzi-ZkVMpHZx7D0Kv8fc8_wlLn3LSwrlL7Uykm7KLll3HkgjTCDUOsrh/s1600/Kindergarten+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwH_hyphenhyphenA8HirAjVjf7DL0MVmdzQ0GtDWV7w76u8frLtIIfdYKjne3BzEtz5NVrBjmSATxk4_7u_vHXJCsBJFmsFdzi-ZkVMpHZx7D0Kv8fc8_wlLn3LSwrlL7Uykm7KLll3HkgjTCDUOsrh/s640/Kindergarten+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
6 Hollow Legshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13990721062759562797noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441182113843366691.post-49305304325132345512012-06-18T19:44:00.001-07:002013-02-19T10:49:57.606-08:00Belated Father's DayLast week, I sat down with the girls individually and asked them some questions about their daddy. Next year Mr. Q will be old enough to answer them too. I saw the idea on Pinterest and thought it would be a great Father's Day surprise for Matt. Here are their answers:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbxBRF7JWhdTf12kkCdPM61okxQ6_0or1covDALpDppUf7CeSzYy3cwjiP7ODIXio5xjNoajV8YVhnQhh5x2tYtkXvZqQDX7duK0S2Wk_x7Cf-1n7kRz_iXFd08mRivr6QqIJrWJljfwy/s1600/Fathers+Day+Questions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbxBRF7JWhdTf12kkCdPM61okxQ6_0or1covDALpDppUf7CeSzYy3cwjiP7ODIXio5xjNoajV8YVhnQhh5x2tYtkXvZqQDX7duK0S2Wk_x7Cf-1n7kRz_iXFd08mRivr6QqIJrWJljfwy/s640/Fathers+Day+Questions.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I love how the girls both said he likes wearing a suit. Do they have another father I don't know about?? Hahaha!<br />
<br />
I am so grateful to have such a wonderful husband who is a great father to our children. There is no doubt he loves and is devoted to our family. Love you, Matt!<br />
<br />
I am also thankful for my own father who has always been a great example of love and kindness. He has always been there when I needed him and I love him. I really feel blessed to have such a wonderful family.6 Hollow Legshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13990721062759562797noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-441182113843366691.post-56587161245093147072012-06-04T15:55:00.001-07:002012-06-04T15:55:16.462-07:00Garden, Week 1+2 We planted the garden on Victoria Day this year, May 21, 2012. That's usually the day we aim to plant by and this year we actually got it in. Ta-da!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWaRw0rT0PIkKVmlA0qg-65i9rjVaESXqtcQwbEbXYSI_Qi2WpeGAvScFuI1RkBYmI-3M9MrJlEICuj-RsGzdaG-2gwKUWPdsxu62VsDgc7irbL1Hy8xDYJ3UjfWRg3q8CM-JYa2yLPlrQ/s1600/Garden+Week+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWaRw0rT0PIkKVmlA0qg-65i9rjVaESXqtcQwbEbXYSI_Qi2WpeGAvScFuI1RkBYmI-3M9MrJlEICuj-RsGzdaG-2gwKUWPdsxu62VsDgc7irbL1Hy8xDYJ3UjfWRg3q8CM-JYa2yLPlrQ/s640/Garden+Week+1.jpg" width="640" /></a>I took the above pic out the kitchen window on May 27th.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2S5oH6o3UxcFteItTIaqqp2OLnYBUN94Ov936vSBD0LqJBE8wr-1ICWWyDtUlTACkOK_0sv9Egltr-ZjrX6krvzAjIW0u6wdqHZVHq_eCSU9Zabt-hT3SUuLIJ86F-Oymjj6jZT3S3uS/s1600/Garden+Week+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2S5oH6o3UxcFteItTIaqqp2OLnYBUN94Ov936vSBD0LqJBE8wr-1ICWWyDtUlTACkOK_0sv9Egltr-ZjrX6krvzAjIW0u6wdqHZVHq_eCSU9Zabt-hT3SUuLIJ86F-Oymjj6jZT3S3uS/s640/Garden+Week+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Here's the view on June 4th. Pretty much everything is up, but too tiny to actually see in the picture.<br />
I love watching my yard transform. So exciting!6 Hollow Legshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13990721062759562797noreply@blogger.com0