tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11606384928114015802024-03-05T11:29:50.351-06:00Life with B & A (&D)A blog about our life, our kiddos and everything in between.Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15850783174809474021noreply@blogger.comBlogger619125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160638492811401580.post-30482392058405621002014-08-28T10:24:00.002-05:002014-08-28T10:24:37.814-05:00The details on Virgin GordaBrendan and I traveled to the British Virgin Islands in July and stayed on the island of Virgin Gorda. We decided on this location back in March due to its quiet and serene surroundings, and the resorts proximity to the beach. When we arrived we were not disappointed. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We first flew to San Juan on normal size commercial airliners. Brendan then informed we would be boarding a 10 seat plane to Tortola. I about tossed my cookies. I didn't even think about the possibility that the plane might be a tiny puddle jumper, but really it was a first world problem and I needed to suck it up, take a shot of tequila and get on the tiny plane. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif2Y2jFmhTRLRw0XRFmkclKoAYytzaQse83gvtpGAa-CLtjs9ZcoHM2Y6FShQv6NijZAYKvCo-evRe9EQzfJE3h5_CK_zTnJm4FVvZMrPRb5_Dp57t55BWdHSUerLn1ukqhjm80NlDDL5D/s640/blogger-image-1653848168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif2Y2jFmhTRLRw0XRFmkclKoAYytzaQse83gvtpGAa-CLtjs9ZcoHM2Y6FShQv6NijZAYKvCo-evRe9EQzfJE3h5_CK_zTnJm4FVvZMrPRb5_Dp57t55BWdHSUerLn1ukqhjm80NlDDL5D/s640/blogger-image-1653848168.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6snFOi7hjKNvzG_deSFyhVXXMviVahdCJQeMquIcKJogvT6Adj3oSjqSTfb6YzKFx6AoeS34id7GxFU5TPnAXq_nTjAQu9ODhCdDMX-rLwycEyLFEcV67VeF0J9cpoDOig0P6iCnZyNv/s640/blogger-image--1912174971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6snFOi7hjKNvzG_deSFyhVXXMviVahdCJQeMquIcKJogvT6Adj3oSjqSTfb6YzKFx6AoeS34id7GxFU5TPnAXq_nTjAQu9ODhCdDMX-rLwycEyLFEcV67VeF0J9cpoDOig0P6iCnZyNv/s640/blogger-image--1912174971.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySB4pWNvlBtYM0m3FW5q9XPYzJJqYRTNAbUw66wOZ4eiDYkk69PD8LM8XPHYyCIYkahDODK1NsRgMQz6iSDfYWMxZMzgKU_QZyc75mFzA1QJpKSj1juJ7rUBIBTTnFiSd8ICKbzsXs5J1/s640/blogger-image-76194373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySB4pWNvlBtYM0m3FW5q9XPYzJJqYRTNAbUw66wOZ4eiDYkk69PD8LM8XPHYyCIYkahDODK1NsRgMQz6iSDfYWMxZMzgKU_QZyc75mFzA1QJpKSj1juJ7rUBIBTTnFiSd8ICKbzsXs5J1/s640/blogger-image-76194373.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The flight from San Juan to Tortola was quick and smooth. Brendan kept saying "look at all the islands." I wasn't looking up from my book for a hot second or my breakfast was going to make a second appearance. From Tortola we took a ferry to Virgin Gorda to our Resort, Little Dix Bay. Once we arrived we sat back and relaxed for the next week. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUVWndTxu4Lcqr8ua2g44OLpLGju7ybaHw-yDE4pUbgBiKuyKB9HSfhd6g4HgcARTcSjvWS2sxGBy-NnEXsA46ktmzsfq7ksiTZprMNmKStL57Ma5fqVC6T4wdig17tvs8_Z4vt-gyyFB/s640/blogger-image--1671669513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUVWndTxu4Lcqr8ua2g44OLpLGju7ybaHw-yDE4pUbgBiKuyKB9HSfhd6g4HgcARTcSjvWS2sxGBy-NnEXsA46ktmzsfq7ksiTZprMNmKStL57Ma5fqVC6T4wdig17tvs8_Z4vt-gyyFB/s640/blogger-image--1671669513.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Arriving at <a href="http://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/little-dix-bay-virgin-gorda">Little Dix Bay</a>.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VG4Xddsi8lUD6t3dUqk0mF14NtruVb6TwhfXrH0ApQZnJC2zXfsduo4GOVGPcuMd6qC5ypoLeLxHNrj1zvFA95Oev83h7DtbF8xyilZBhtH7YfMqpopFWzubR-4zirleCWwhPttsBGWB/s640/blogger-image-55294620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VG4Xddsi8lUD6t3dUqk0mF14NtruVb6TwhfXrH0ApQZnJC2zXfsduo4GOVGPcuMd6qC5ypoLeLxHNrj1zvFA95Oev83h7DtbF8xyilZBhtH7YfMqpopFWzubR-4zirleCWwhPttsBGWB/s640/blogger-image-55294620.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Our rooms were situated among the trees and were 50 steps from the beach. The hotel isn't equipped with TV's which was a welcome change for both Brendan and me. We usually turn on the tv for noise and it was so nice to just have quiet for a week. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6KerfiwEhKTWlZakBneK6SmQ5dBgVXxDJ7Xyxq6sBtmW6CAk0KNp-MbknNNZ_kjgqkOKpxJD4SpWgsCxLQn8Q__leQRa22-tkPzclJHHEEyozY2NXW7ocPIv8QKXqTIqx2dUyH2ljQnG/s640/blogger-image-833279645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6KerfiwEhKTWlZakBneK6SmQ5dBgVXxDJ7Xyxq6sBtmW6CAk0KNp-MbknNNZ_kjgqkOKpxJD4SpWgsCxLQn8Q__leQRa22-tkPzclJHHEEyozY2NXW7ocPIv8QKXqTIqx2dUyH2ljQnG/s640/blogger-image-833279645.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VLbcjPRb4vI7OyxhyphenhyphensLPmqaq5TgRMpqVEwT6w0yzjg1bA1ufvJROOwUrRnnCAvc33dVEz861u4tDW3fpiiJ9jp6XrfJqtfL7bt61zy0yjFt8i_hIed8TeGXmCIFJ2a2Oldz-leBGMWov/s640/blogger-image--717010402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VLbcjPRb4vI7OyxhyphenhyphensLPmqaq5TgRMpqVEwT6w0yzjg1bA1ufvJROOwUrRnnCAvc33dVEz861u4tDW3fpiiJ9jp6XrfJqtfL7bt61zy0yjFt8i_hIed8TeGXmCIFJ2a2Oldz-leBGMWov/s640/blogger-image--717010402.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Our vacation was spent laying on the beach, reading some good books, and enjoying some adult conversation that is a rarity at our house. The views on Virgin Gorda were amazing, there really is no other way to describe them. The resort was so quiet with very few people staying there and the ambiance just one of relaxation and serenity. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2qynoFry1I-Ag_FafdV0F7dNgiD2daaZrhbCZiM_dR3gp0oLNwRB892FOl0PoiSnfGtFlxUdW9-SLoZr-9aqTqJFhlD7L5fxus9LXJRkjHLLKSkEUjvxqhFci3JokxpwzDsfnP39DZTp/s640/blogger-image-2032810250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2qynoFry1I-Ag_FafdV0F7dNgiD2daaZrhbCZiM_dR3gp0oLNwRB892FOl0PoiSnfGtFlxUdW9-SLoZr-9aqTqJFhlD7L5fxus9LXJRkjHLLKSkEUjvxqhFci3JokxpwzDsfnP39DZTp/s640/blogger-image-2032810250.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSE-EBeYiqW6U5D6Y8D5vgXQHqjyYvBqoy0UCaPrkuoejIqH82lojUbZwFHXmJaCmieqxhYZq-Alwgnb747LGjp1QsYfWDW_YCIYs_aLOmDu1qqt6VtLNOnmjVABx_bd1guUh1Ron6nIx1/s640/blogger-image--1326794518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSE-EBeYiqW6U5D6Y8D5vgXQHqjyYvBqoy0UCaPrkuoejIqH82lojUbZwFHXmJaCmieqxhYZq-Alwgnb747LGjp1QsYfWDW_YCIYs_aLOmDu1qqt6VtLNOnmjVABx_bd1guUh1Ron6nIx1/s640/blogger-image--1326794518.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
One of the neat amenities was the beach drops. The hotel would pack you a picnic lunch and drop you at an uninhabited beach for 2-4 hours. You could swim, snorkel, each lunch and just enjoy the beautiful surroundings. We did this 3 different times and enjoyed each drop equally. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Our first beach drop was to Mountain Trunk and the snorkeling was amazing. I would say it was the best we saw on the island. We had lunch, went snorkeling and read. There was no breeze this day so we were ready to head back to the hotel. I told Brendan I would vote myself off of survivor because being on an island with nothing I can't imagine going poop in a hole, being in the sun and heat for 24 hours and without shelter. Good thing our boat came back for us. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dk5IvbKJl3A6zHb0S_vdqKCPQb2HzQjpPZ-bFfTp05FjVMM9W5pXbvn6RqgW3TjrIfd3ry_9LbMAb-p6xN4CAv1gDS0lbFpM-qYM88DAFjGuV87dru_siVjvtm_r9-Uk9j5E2gSOdhak/s640/blogger-image--418598017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dk5IvbKJl3A6zHb0S_vdqKCPQb2HzQjpPZ-bFfTp05FjVMM9W5pXbvn6RqgW3TjrIfd3ry_9LbMAb-p6xN4CAv1gDS0lbFpM-qYM88DAFjGuV87dru_siVjvtm_r9-Uk9j5E2gSOdhak/s640/blogger-image--418598017.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLH1L_K7ilAuMiKuTZioLGIGHI5BtFDaJXfvBfFYZ55mNYLSjCB4KDvXaX4quZmt0kEoGqkDcgOS6uyMlYvhM6UsS1NUbvCKYr-T24WgrXl4OgaqdHr374eB3PE2DqV11-lkbmtTZF5rwR/s640/blogger-image--260791232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLH1L_K7ilAuMiKuTZioLGIGHI5BtFDaJXfvBfFYZ55mNYLSjCB4KDvXaX4quZmt0kEoGqkDcgOS6uyMlYvhM6UsS1NUbvCKYr-T24WgrXl4OgaqdHr374eB3PE2DqV11-lkbmtTZF5rwR/s640/blogger-image--260791232.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnL7o6ZJEkBZBdEd3qCmJcx7qAtTwIF1GbkEfQsqalWKEK0TPWplmjvvo8nqCCcdW_q6P5IN8bkskfRLvd29zujIkHXbIiztbAztUYsjoCbNLc6Ildug0EQF2_j1cVQvDZgQUXnDrX9dC3/s640/blogger-image--1212557201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnL7o6ZJEkBZBdEd3qCmJcx7qAtTwIF1GbkEfQsqalWKEK0TPWplmjvvo8nqCCcdW_q6P5IN8bkskfRLvd29zujIkHXbIiztbAztUYsjoCbNLc6Ildug0EQF2_j1cVQvDZgQUXnDrX9dC3/s640/blogger-image--1212557201.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Brendan's selfie with a turtle. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2p-MFfqnE-luxdC48iKNqRWcZW3GBvqv_IQFLx0Rf_2OH-zrwQ8EAWeq75BM54iYYjWp2jooIacH8LtmVUN_YG_CMIe_LwIPmzsOZrEoVnlF7raC9vltIjsaEMhXiCTTGP247TNUoVbBi/s640/blogger-image--176655907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2p-MFfqnE-luxdC48iKNqRWcZW3GBvqv_IQFLx0Rf_2OH-zrwQ8EAWeq75BM54iYYjWp2jooIacH8LtmVUN_YG_CMIe_LwIPmzsOZrEoVnlF7raC9vltIjsaEMhXiCTTGP247TNUoVbBi/s640/blogger-image--176655907.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDW4nI3xx_TzPOZuuWrrsx2r6yfvKurKHmJBx44vKMRG2N0VDCQTFAIt6O4sHrH-oE7agvr006zwofexLvGzLdevjZyiUmkGTOlJEEajYbNE3XHR5Hr-DrzcLtyYfHrwD_KJ51iEMWWIqB/s640/blogger-image-1971441309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDW4nI3xx_TzPOZuuWrrsx2r6yfvKurKHmJBx44vKMRG2N0VDCQTFAIt6O4sHrH-oE7agvr006zwofexLvGzLdevjZyiUmkGTOlJEEajYbNE3XHR5Hr-DrzcLtyYfHrwD_KJ51iEMWWIqB/s640/blogger-image-1971441309.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2UKL0mtHnIBgWen1oHNLzUgNWleUnVsdPNeWb7qt2YFi6ME-efjt4wOfr5OyYBFsD6gFW5NqU-galyqIejZSJcHNsG48RHnlxvjyfIzYm3C5pK7Fyd8k__p6xYvbV4ZfjzU_mn7OYQ8B/s640/blogger-image--773701544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2UKL0mtHnIBgWen1oHNLzUgNWleUnVsdPNeWb7qt2YFi6ME-efjt4wOfr5OyYBFsD6gFW5NqU-galyqIejZSJcHNsG48RHnlxvjyfIzYm3C5pK7Fyd8k__p6xYvbV4ZfjzU_mn7OYQ8B/s640/blogger-image--773701544.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
We did another beach drop to Great Dog and our last beach drop was to Spring Bay. Spring bay is a popular spot for boats to drop anchor. You can snorkel to <a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=the+baths+bvi&oq=the+baths&aqs=chrome.2.69i59j69i57j0l4.2867j0j4&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=122&ie=UTF-8&gws_rd=ssl">The Baths</a> from Spring Bay. We did just that. Snorkeled over to the baths, had lunch and explored the little nooks spring bay had to offer. The Baths are a natural granite rock formation that is indescribable. You climb and crawl through these paths of rock formations all while wading through this pristine water. It was amazing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxAkj3a7WPVuDb9aenpdbFCC6rjPTDTZQkNkxaw0k-VnfdBcTJSUJtfPgMubnZ-w0duScjC-Dk9b0md0chWEO-PeStfBn3Ua4jiKuRshnPW2kLghWqSCvHlRFCe4XBlbfv8M_K-kEslNx/s640/blogger-image--1611357170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxAkj3a7WPVuDb9aenpdbFCC6rjPTDTZQkNkxaw0k-VnfdBcTJSUJtfPgMubnZ-w0duScjC-Dk9b0md0chWEO-PeStfBn3Ua4jiKuRshnPW2kLghWqSCvHlRFCe4XBlbfv8M_K-kEslNx/s640/blogger-image--1611357170.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH1wOh-O8dMYT4NFvgbfOlpknhYZuzL1kVcZMIxm5bc1kixNtxIZ9Al9ALnIucJAzEWhLjDuAjCow_YKblFCfMYMc264L_tqh5W8_WtPSTdJ6EoRaol9DM4SPK8KTWmfYUgkJ6xXLREUB4/s640/blogger-image-944363650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH1wOh-O8dMYT4NFvgbfOlpknhYZuzL1kVcZMIxm5bc1kixNtxIZ9Al9ALnIucJAzEWhLjDuAjCow_YKblFCfMYMc264L_tqh5W8_WtPSTdJ6EoRaol9DM4SPK8KTWmfYUgkJ6xXLREUB4/s640/blogger-image-944363650.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWR9p-9viuX_pBwzxNYPMLZ84NHK0xe4cpshY6sSpKHykys3C4hixbZCLDdAMTm8tSC25RA8yu7UJRz2JBFXndaM-8qyvnc_pdQ0of623wf1YY543cvRzapkvrEdn0Ibz_qFjOk3ZjTmqU/s640/blogger-image-851056179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWR9p-9viuX_pBwzxNYPMLZ84NHK0xe4cpshY6sSpKHykys3C4hixbZCLDdAMTm8tSC25RA8yu7UJRz2JBFXndaM-8qyvnc_pdQ0of623wf1YY543cvRzapkvrEdn0Ibz_qFjOk3ZjTmqU/s640/blogger-image-851056179.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_CW2ptibaxKC8HDlefI_DCXTWKphHdnG9slt5s0ObRLhIwKn0IMZXt7U1Z1RbK_7GOk8p3SBcnYLaKFufPb19j9Ku_S1pW2l15ZSrDLwBhQFxQkxiuPCIxRcZ4C_glopz4iyXY9L3AGT/s640/blogger-image--1664614018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_CW2ptibaxKC8HDlefI_DCXTWKphHdnG9slt5s0ObRLhIwKn0IMZXt7U1Z1RbK_7GOk8p3SBcnYLaKFufPb19j9Ku_S1pW2l15ZSrDLwBhQFxQkxiuPCIxRcZ4C_glopz4iyXY9L3AGT/s640/blogger-image--1664614018.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj48DhAqFQUxEBSBRLWu4kUPqCE8v7WgFknZ_SJaFBN84BxA8a3jVq4N7A54kErtO5uHR6ggIQpacxIYPUUfaayzWxBBZdKwxY5Ec_V24TYdkEfGWPZZ8aKzyIOjLrjqlZCCJ_LKc-sLh_s/s640/blogger-image--149882118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj48DhAqFQUxEBSBRLWu4kUPqCE8v7WgFknZ_SJaFBN84BxA8a3jVq4N7A54kErtO5uHR6ggIQpacxIYPUUfaayzWxBBZdKwxY5Ec_V24TYdkEfGWPZZ8aKzyIOjLrjqlZCCJ_LKc-sLh_s/s640/blogger-image--149882118.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCv1cLPcFo-tgQMvkhj5gWiSdPDXCGvOsJLGrZxgNgaH9hoOtC0OqT7A9FEszZV7iQn1nAr7cuyzEGiGPpTkPzMresOlBDfrt1KEEb6wcP57wPvUPkv69TAVRYQ7vi7xwUUBts5rGaD609/s640/blogger-image-1615505279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCv1cLPcFo-tgQMvkhj5gWiSdPDXCGvOsJLGrZxgNgaH9hoOtC0OqT7A9FEszZV7iQn1nAr7cuyzEGiGPpTkPzMresOlBDfrt1KEEb6wcP57wPvUPkv69TAVRYQ7vi7xwUUBts5rGaD609/s640/blogger-image-1615505279.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4tnf6DAvSUJgoxdZTKTq9NOTYRErhVEXomU_3EmrPS9XG0d31ae9FQxWQguLcX3pgvHbGIlA1j9-ELxFr2ibnqKVpIuRHm_zM7_f-S7_9WIC4XG_ZKweFddRueuvPDoVggtkcj7u8thE/s640/blogger-image-1482223245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4tnf6DAvSUJgoxdZTKTq9NOTYRErhVEXomU_3EmrPS9XG0d31ae9FQxWQguLcX3pgvHbGIlA1j9-ELxFr2ibnqKVpIuRHm_zM7_f-S7_9WIC4XG_ZKweFddRueuvPDoVggtkcj7u8thE/s640/blogger-image-1482223245.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qgIV8AWA7LtgoPfQ3nmW2BLTtVkIENFMFcRGXVMiws6EG44b1PofF2viOBjdI2KDlb0KglF7mAy500owgSwLL82ZHVMrMjVvIPSsPIFI8EQ3vCD_0qANGMRiDWHyaDigaP9ktyjGYKCY/s640/blogger-image--214660507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qgIV8AWA7LtgoPfQ3nmW2BLTtVkIENFMFcRGXVMiws6EG44b1PofF2viOBjdI2KDlb0KglF7mAy500owgSwLL82ZHVMrMjVvIPSsPIFI8EQ3vCD_0qANGMRiDWHyaDigaP9ktyjGYKCY/s640/blogger-image--214660507.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
The food we ate while in Virgin Gorda was spectacular. We ate an obscene amount of lobster, Brendan all the fish was delicious and I devoured a few pasta dishes that were some of the best I have ever had. We ate at Chez Bamboo and had a rib appetizer that was so good I wanted to lick the plate. We then went to <a href="http://www.bvidining.com/Rock_Cafe/index.php">The Rock Cafe</a> and I had a pasta dish that had enough bacon in it to make me feel like I was back home in Iowa. Bacon and pasta together, a dish made in heaven. We then went to the <a href="http://www.beyc.com/">Bitter End Yacht Club </a>and I had a pork dish and again it was great. The Bitter End was pretty entertaining. First we had to take a taxi to a water ferry. We stopped to take pictures at an overlook. We were overlooking <a href="http://www.neckerisland.virgin.com/">Necker Islan</a>d that's owned by Sir Richard Branson. Our taxi driver then tells us he also bought the neighboring island. Why not buy yourself another island?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEkyR9bCja-HlBCawU1TVvFfbt8YYbK-aibwEbWvphJYz3V3qkIYr_kkaMCqyiiWFJELBVhaF6Q9FyFW8mOm03Hf8DVKTv4ozh3dSDQ1a5QEUodmMOK3WJdSDQeeYobhd3zXn2OmEViLI/s640/blogger-image-740041475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEkyR9bCja-HlBCawU1TVvFfbt8YYbK-aibwEbWvphJYz3V3qkIYr_kkaMCqyiiWFJELBVhaF6Q9FyFW8mOm03Hf8DVKTv4ozh3dSDQ1a5QEUodmMOK3WJdSDQeeYobhd3zXn2OmEViLI/s640/blogger-image-740041475.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9FwutCC8NzLfh7npGV1mvMjbn3A5EBucG0cG-6zoILGfPSVuaXhAOTm73T-1L1ysq4ZGZwIrACXE9ZAaRId54zvI55yiIGMcS5PokPZlztJ4wbxs3ebUaBdstMVYRzZZvqd33m5BVHGCc/s640/blogger-image-711325550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9FwutCC8NzLfh7npGV1mvMjbn3A5EBucG0cG-6zoILGfPSVuaXhAOTm73T-1L1ysq4ZGZwIrACXE9ZAaRId54zvI55yiIGMcS5PokPZlztJ4wbxs3ebUaBdstMVYRzZZvqd33m5BVHGCc/s640/blogger-image-711325550.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
We take the water ferry to the<a href="http://www.beyc.com/"> Bitter End Yacht Club</a>, the food was great, it was an open air restaurant on this tiny little island. It was amazing to see these enormous boats that I will never afford or even be able to afford the linens that are on the boat. Apparently The Bitter End is well known in the yachting community, who knew?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8fkGw-1DAJFLDOLa4Ff-E14vtbqZpSrmJ7gjtSCbWQcasqZJ7-3tuWivGQWTpIofBhyh-W9OFDg3dWLZ_Lt5YKTbAMZlJlrmuq60jCR0OICUunRZtB_neOcG3R5YtQwsqxcPIDzsGUxj/s640/blogger-image--756729147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8fkGw-1DAJFLDOLa4Ff-E14vtbqZpSrmJ7gjtSCbWQcasqZJ7-3tuWivGQWTpIofBhyh-W9OFDg3dWLZ_Lt5YKTbAMZlJlrmuq60jCR0OICUunRZtB_neOcG3R5YtQwsqxcPIDzsGUxj/s640/blogger-image--756729147.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJdfT-yX09rEsjWduxYU9dITsFvBagx0CALjE8OpG98DEfhSRFBqnUA2EXQENR_noTPOMrzDQqIJo6E71NNkFNkmdZMmIs7XLkvyjR5HTJv6feh8O51F1VeioA0ywIsucX8KynhnvO1Tq/s640/blogger-image--455937069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJdfT-yX09rEsjWduxYU9dITsFvBagx0CALjE8OpG98DEfhSRFBqnUA2EXQENR_noTPOMrzDQqIJo6E71NNkFNkmdZMmIs7XLkvyjR5HTJv6feh8O51F1VeioA0ywIsucX8KynhnvO1Tq/s640/blogger-image--455937069.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Our last few days in Virgin Gorda we spent on the beach in our lounge chairs. We tried paddle boarding and Brendan got the hang of it. I however, failed miserably. I had no idea how to reverse and ran in to a parked boat and fell off. To make matters worse there was a boat full of people behind me watching the whole thing happen. Brendan and I both got a good laugh and I stayed firmly planted on the beach after my crash and read my book. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAALoyMGGeS_vtdOm_SeHZf8lgL2qLpMt_EFCGTmUs2h6cJfSiUdyf-vTPa_qVAuBFKS3Y1peOk4W2pPiNdSugQanURDUlQ0tfUxE4jZlvF0qGCUDh09d8-WKx4LxP-NemU4RwEYRItn7m/s640/blogger-image--1036378392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAALoyMGGeS_vtdOm_SeHZf8lgL2qLpMt_EFCGTmUs2h6cJfSiUdyf-vTPa_qVAuBFKS3Y1peOk4W2pPiNdSugQanURDUlQ0tfUxE4jZlvF0qGCUDh09d8-WKx4LxP-NemU4RwEYRItn7m/s640/blogger-image--1036378392.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneNz6tc-5wjyl5uQ7q-9XmbhspMx3zNujpoRrs7O-uCj3TSMc0Qvhm_QSKLL3N4GZ5bnlx-JR_wAGm0eL1r6ewHj6LBXFnsbKHQNH4fxoLQpbeN6v-FO0SnJpGyiek3sNsuWbv_-MqBM1/s640/blogger-image-775185679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneNz6tc-5wjyl5uQ7q-9XmbhspMx3zNujpoRrs7O-uCj3TSMc0Qvhm_QSKLL3N4GZ5bnlx-JR_wAGm0eL1r6ewHj6LBXFnsbKHQNH4fxoLQpbeN6v-FO0SnJpGyiek3sNsuWbv_-MqBM1/s640/blogger-image-775185679.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After a week away from home we were ready to get home to the kids and Ruby. Our trip home on the small plane was not nearly as smooth as on the way to Virgin Gorda, I had my head in a bag ready to toss my cookies, thankfully the pilot landed the plane just in time. It really was a first world problem. I should have taken some motion sickness medicine, I hate to fly, especially on small planes. We made it home in one piece and the kids were so excited to see us! We would definitely go back to Virgin Gorda in the future. Hope everyone has had a great week! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15850783174809474021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160638492811401580.post-25261739197193052442014-07-28T20:00:00.001-05:002014-07-28T20:00:31.520-05:00Virgin GordaBrendan and I just returned from a week long trip to the island of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. It was absolutely amazing and I'll talk about trip in more detail but I wanted to share a few of our pictures first. I've traveled a bit but I've never seen anything like this island, it was absolutely breathtaking. <div><br></div><div>Hope you're week has gotten off to a great start! <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgukfcMf037vYOQmoIHWHHTrVoGxkmKan1C74SedE6nh5l8Nlj259QZc53_CGePFcCtALx1BnXitYiXhTqJq7Z_AjBkaH00mLecrQ4Aq3lAQ1vfN0_6vu17vKTkTcMnI0lHBpOYe3BQPwgU/s640/blogger-image--211163548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgukfcMf037vYOQmoIHWHHTrVoGxkmKan1C74SedE6nh5l8Nlj259QZc53_CGePFcCtALx1BnXitYiXhTqJq7Z_AjBkaH00mLecrQ4Aq3lAQ1vfN0_6vu17vKTkTcMnI0lHBpOYe3BQPwgU/s640/blogger-image--211163548.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFAbPO_ba48KRy2SZqFEKZjhp7HRODh-dy4MlQ3jxMlsz3RrEOmyaNM_uDT-eDS6fbym-9CgrW9IGQrdBoMjfQqeD05hH5BQ_NY_1aBDUi89Kc9HzljUKFaYL7gx-zqxOwWwbf9_zHGQe/s640/blogger-image-1121094360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFAbPO_ba48KRy2SZqFEKZjhp7HRODh-dy4MlQ3jxMlsz3RrEOmyaNM_uDT-eDS6fbym-9CgrW9IGQrdBoMjfQqeD05hH5BQ_NY_1aBDUi89Kc9HzljUKFaYL7gx-zqxOwWwbf9_zHGQe/s640/blogger-image-1121094360.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLO5S2RfaKxCSqiBP0JfZoSAbTM7SGPMaKFjhKSY2jpnKVcs9QUSCoQG9AKzGgRFcA36arsIy8Z6tLyj__ES8t4qGaEeJLE9BfhnJbYL8DSmcLy19LwbVbpNWB6xCdKtOVuxYSm6IrvqG/s640/blogger-image--1788731190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLO5S2RfaKxCSqiBP0JfZoSAbTM7SGPMaKFjhKSY2jpnKVcs9QUSCoQG9AKzGgRFcA36arsIy8Z6tLyj__ES8t4qGaEeJLE9BfhnJbYL8DSmcLy19LwbVbpNWB6xCdKtOVuxYSm6IrvqG/s640/blogger-image--1788731190.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6PL56SnaWZkyXjoEH2vLafo9G9Y8rjZPQmmRclStKf57dDzOSb930xTjJfDVFrny6SgLj9ev2OWvqblUVfxKUbsK3CVg4w3c3WPeYh88B-kdIWr30EScTgQj29q8Oi5vHgn35H-YRhYv/s640/blogger-image-1824875064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6PL56SnaWZkyXjoEH2vLafo9G9Y8rjZPQmmRclStKf57dDzOSb930xTjJfDVFrny6SgLj9ev2OWvqblUVfxKUbsK3CVg4w3c3WPeYh88B-kdIWr30EScTgQj29q8Oi5vHgn35H-YRhYv/s640/blogger-image-1824875064.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5INhh8XE2zzJZeYlGDLFAyfMOcyqMQy8hHayysIqAaXkNW072jIUXVJwUdY2VEG55r43j4L6sro385nPZWFhuOB_Ia-98oG8p9r2Ax-hgnPb6GEmysFXcslr8mDX-ImCZ3S0t_s0jaMD7/s640/blogger-image-1416513099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5INhh8XE2zzJZeYlGDLFAyfMOcyqMQy8hHayysIqAaXkNW072jIUXVJwUdY2VEG55r43j4L6sro385nPZWFhuOB_Ia-98oG8p9r2Ax-hgnPb6GEmysFXcslr8mDX-ImCZ3S0t_s0jaMD7/s640/blogger-image-1416513099.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7IviLyzPnYochGrcBC5cG8ifI6bBDAzOgxdOyMxi-L5IEfn8EcobXQxRmCVXkpEeLTh5bozLwW9UyJuXu7mOt-7FH66kdnwyJp6mbvNw3P7P1X5Ij9fpDe6qAi_Q7EqlV-Qrwty5zYVFb/s640/blogger-image-628372735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7IviLyzPnYochGrcBC5cG8ifI6bBDAzOgxdOyMxi-L5IEfn8EcobXQxRmCVXkpEeLTh5bozLwW9UyJuXu7mOt-7FH66kdnwyJp6mbvNw3P7P1X5Ij9fpDe6qAi_Q7EqlV-Qrwty5zYVFb/s640/blogger-image-628372735.jpg"></a></div> I'll be back to tell you more about this gem of an island, because I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing and quiet vacation. </div></div>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15850783174809474021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160638492811401580.post-10099918942097389032014-07-16T17:04:00.000-05:002014-07-16T17:04:39.020-05:00Our summerThis summer is already half over and I simply can't believe it! It's flown by so fast! It feels like it should still be Easter and we should still be looking forward to spring concerts and the last day of school.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
With that being said we've accomplished a lot this summer and had a lot of fun. We started out the summer with VBS at our church. I volunteered to be one of the preschool leaders. Both Drew and Kate were supposed to be in my class but since we had an abundance of kids and the kindergarten had so few, he joined the kindergarten and did a great job and had a wonderful time. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HqlL4o7DGra0TXZaaH5fEKyNAQfvW5CJ5Hrg9Yco9G5-YxyocIif2eXto8xetR6MWuUor2Tq7y0Rbd4WfPIZBKmgt08D6P8Si5D7X0OovXCRI0voD8qzOLrPqsQg4P8P2S87i5a05Nt5/s640/blogger-image--1997808644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HqlL4o7DGra0TXZaaH5fEKyNAQfvW5CJ5Hrg9Yco9G5-YxyocIif2eXto8xetR6MWuUor2Tq7y0Rbd4WfPIZBKmgt08D6P8Si5D7X0OovXCRI0voD8qzOLrPqsQg4P8P2S87i5a05Nt5/s640/blogger-image--1997808644.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7tX2QbAcLBy_c-c-N6QdMLzKAwWkyHz8AFkfCG1evGgjffvsdkDq5SkytsRnvqamAdPLUZDJhcGKdFOq1sfKkFZ1EiZKp8nl5XGA9y7Nvvf2Aemc-bG-w-hXQSGgZNY4a6h_dLXBvoIi/s640/blogger-image-1783861098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7tX2QbAcLBy_c-c-N6QdMLzKAwWkyHz8AFkfCG1evGgjffvsdkDq5SkytsRnvqamAdPLUZDJhcGKdFOq1sfKkFZ1EiZKp8nl5XGA9y7Nvvf2Aemc-bG-w-hXQSGgZNY4a6h_dLXBvoIi/s640/blogger-image-1783861098.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
After VBS we traveled to the Wisconsin Dells for Brendan's business meeting. The kids were so excited for the big, huge, enormous waterpark we were going to. We stayed at <a href="http://www.kalahariresorts.com/">Kalahari</a> and it was a great place for families. It has both an indoor and outdoor waterpark, an indoor theme park and tons of activities around the area for families. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6O9ZteF9NaZkPdbWRLxqvIGAce19BUNzcsHZCkOH1d-tTY4EBMBa-9h02YXVrS1iFIIDmEmZHzFiqJRZRGrTckmae8ExkIS05jymYz0H8wTaq6cfo4tkR6dLNpBlnG_T7V4mHQqASrnPp/s640/blogger-image-1982272898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6O9ZteF9NaZkPdbWRLxqvIGAce19BUNzcsHZCkOH1d-tTY4EBMBa-9h02YXVrS1iFIIDmEmZHzFiqJRZRGrTckmae8ExkIS05jymYz0H8wTaq6cfo4tkR6dLNpBlnG_T7V4mHQqASrnPp/s640/blogger-image-1982272898.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
We went to the Tommy Bartlett water ski show and the kids loved the skiers. The one place I would highly recommend eating if you have any train enthusiasts in your house is Buffalo Phil's. The train brings you your food and drinks and keeps the kids entertain for your entire stay. It was a hit with our kids. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj51mhx4ySMibnbevsU3U_e9GKGfIQdlhM1q109FyyVuQR-YsuXhG2rpZV90br6GB47apMOpp5Y5wEmBTH6Mi97KXEL6bs-iHBI0k238nUpW3ahiDoxV1HeP_sEcOetZPXzLq7Mu0ABYLqw/s640/blogger-image-1230220214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj51mhx4ySMibnbevsU3U_e9GKGfIQdlhM1q109FyyVuQR-YsuXhG2rpZV90br6GB47apMOpp5Y5wEmBTH6Mi97KXEL6bs-iHBI0k238nUpW3ahiDoxV1HeP_sEcOetZPXzLq7Mu0ABYLqw/s640/blogger-image-1230220214.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UCANlhFtN6hzaIgk65CjQal4CRe78ORmRp_C8WKoSb4MWmrZ3VQztlwmRg1cHINmptwWBHPWA2ObTqF8MZgZz22Wq65kfkKUV2YAWBAdnIj7HfXaCDZunIDO_BDvor_Nmg3QFffvV_ez/s640/blogger-image-1346426100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UCANlhFtN6hzaIgk65CjQal4CRe78ORmRp_C8WKoSb4MWmrZ3VQztlwmRg1cHINmptwWBHPWA2ObTqF8MZgZz22Wq65kfkKUV2YAWBAdnIj7HfXaCDZunIDO_BDvor_Nmg3QFffvV_ez/s640/blogger-image-1346426100.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8R0TPFq66Xtm1V3nllVChRfno8Qio-lWs4AP8yNgP37nZWiHFNn8A-oLiT-GY-V0iOm26Tji_xnoqRdmWFrxHeEDE8YTXphYF6fT-DomhNiqvI_xsjUZPaM3KE_LlL7GVvnQXo7EN2H8m/s640/blogger-image--13529123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8R0TPFq66Xtm1V3nllVChRfno8Qio-lWs4AP8yNgP37nZWiHFNn8A-oLiT-GY-V0iOm26Tji_xnoqRdmWFrxHeEDE8YTXphYF6fT-DomhNiqvI_xsjUZPaM3KE_LlL7GVvnQXo7EN2H8m/s640/blogger-image--13529123.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbujx5eP2Qchh1nqYO7yxfOIGbesGVvjj4H9G80d0Rv08cYBDNtSEEUnzeOgDwYtFudoxI8jbSt8TEjy-p5-YeR5XXzVh9nik-XJ9srPxBOVgKJmb1f-pdkqOxtNhaAUdSEnhbmShr4la/s640/blogger-image-1037367593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbujx5eP2Qchh1nqYO7yxfOIGbesGVvjj4H9G80d0Rv08cYBDNtSEEUnzeOgDwYtFudoxI8jbSt8TEjy-p5-YeR5XXzVh9nik-XJ9srPxBOVgKJmb1f-pdkqOxtNhaAUdSEnhbmShr4la/s640/blogger-image-1037367593.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvkIUi6S07GZVkTMCyP7mxRD0VnhDvgTET16jF1qz2ASq1R8xfooquJkAhlhhyphenhyphen-RWAkFljoU7rZ9xHAdrMcCdNvEk9Yxsli6LT8rdgRdv9d9zM3TLwLVq_FwpCVusklod5CzvNawiGGvj/s640/blogger-image--944520405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvkIUi6S07GZVkTMCyP7mxRD0VnhDvgTET16jF1qz2ASq1R8xfooquJkAhlhhyphenhyphen-RWAkFljoU7rZ9xHAdrMcCdNvEk9Yxsli6LT8rdgRdv9d9zM3TLwLVq_FwpCVusklod5CzvNawiGGvj/s640/blogger-image--944520405.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLMMCHd4gsWfERPf_MWppBPLmsHboDzzITzGAWPstLweHoBrsUggRoNua7DPjbq9OYbVHzAzS8wLYLs-uXtXokTC0B6QwArJcecjJAn6yUHMLEx25Wj7JK354seMFbc4-5BlAELanVolcP/s640/blogger-image-680411833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLMMCHd4gsWfERPf_MWppBPLmsHboDzzITzGAWPstLweHoBrsUggRoNua7DPjbq9OYbVHzAzS8wLYLs-uXtXokTC0B6QwArJcecjJAn6yUHMLEx25Wj7JK354seMFbc4-5BlAELanVolcP/s640/blogger-image-680411833.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1BjvzfgqD8z0Pzr-CVMlB3-lYPFTebMAAImavVIEvR5NTEXoxTIkpoPnPXTZuzw7mg4h0x-8Sfl8j4K5nDc7NdqiBw8w9OBI3DQwA-1FEiL6mQ7SYR_AZ1rlyP1PR33VCXPUmXMpi_Tjo/s640/blogger-image--415698375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1BjvzfgqD8z0Pzr-CVMlB3-lYPFTebMAAImavVIEvR5NTEXoxTIkpoPnPXTZuzw7mg4h0x-8Sfl8j4K5nDc7NdqiBw8w9OBI3DQwA-1FEiL6mQ7SYR_AZ1rlyP1PR33VCXPUmXMpi_Tjo/s640/blogger-image--415698375.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
We took the Duck Boat Tour while in the Dells and it was a fun tour. The tour guide was pretty funny and Drew rode shotgun. The whole tour lasts about an hour and was well worth the admission fee<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQnZcnm0ug7zDdKUdTitsHFU6anqKFWRXihmNAza27QPOLzOAf77Tp91HzRIUSK7Vsql9zOGNNP1DQK5MVIFEt72qLFSYD3FY8n6zE34EhHUDn4vJQNibq0XFLOIcoEj_zYve_oIVNBev/s640/blogger-image--680745687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQnZcnm0ug7zDdKUdTitsHFU6anqKFWRXihmNAza27QPOLzOAf77Tp91HzRIUSK7Vsql9zOGNNP1DQK5MVIFEt72qLFSYD3FY8n6zE34EhHUDn4vJQNibq0XFLOIcoEj_zYve_oIVNBev/s640/blogger-image--680745687.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0e3I1HIYcvL4zkmMLwj36ciJlQfp3TslVyHgp0ahKIznnny7UvdkIEdLhFmFrZiCHLtm8c-XZGbCMDon6tGsAz6IHuGZ31DScG9Bx-qxRb12tJWCklTx4eD1F5Kb0OkFggm3SKurDf03k/s640/blogger-image-465979824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0e3I1HIYcvL4zkmMLwj36ciJlQfp3TslVyHgp0ahKIznnny7UvdkIEdLhFmFrZiCHLtm8c-XZGbCMDon6tGsAz6IHuGZ31DScG9Bx-qxRb12tJWCklTx4eD1F5Kb0OkFggm3SKurDf03k/s640/blogger-image-465979824.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3hEyvy0oEPRRZ3VuOgkaJ7wTcLJyQQXDwguVKMk-zsHuwX2QHed-z6HBx-F4-rRUQSFe20HZDqPBqf8utDh1RkbuGs4aAFfx-y0777fuWX-kiMrcl4lcr7e9DtImscth-adqByJGiYvL/s640/blogger-image--1968713912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3hEyvy0oEPRRZ3VuOgkaJ7wTcLJyQQXDwguVKMk-zsHuwX2QHed-z6HBx-F4-rRUQSFe20HZDqPBqf8utDh1RkbuGs4aAFfx-y0777fuWX-kiMrcl4lcr7e9DtImscth-adqByJGiYvL/s640/blogger-image--1968713912.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
After we got back from the Dells, Drew and I turned around and left for Disney the very next evening. Once we got back from our little trip it was time to relax and enjoy our backyard and nice weather. We've been enjoying our big blow up pool this year. The kids have insisted on taking their floats in the 2 feet of water.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNEyMzytQtNl7v8pJbFazWkMTuv2O4cbski6wpMIeozKXU-D1cZdxUvYj1iHoIophK7JA7rr7mlr-MRT6Lk2ZOsWABiRkoZMD7fK9iLcLLqVn3Jb_TFVhU8OIbiKqZGK0zxBSQrzhaEUa/s640/blogger-image--837739422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNEyMzytQtNl7v8pJbFazWkMTuv2O4cbski6wpMIeozKXU-D1cZdxUvYj1iHoIophK7JA7rr7mlr-MRT6Lk2ZOsWABiRkoZMD7fK9iLcLLqVn3Jb_TFVhU8OIbiKqZGK0zxBSQrzhaEUa/s640/blogger-image--837739422.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZ2znYl3o2GncIG-n9pTO0VOS1cslU6xvy9LT6RlhtHEchc7xY78OliBaY4hlnTfFO-8fMEihSJR2rrfdFIsBaHRDH56DREhbsZ1pftSsCQzUcerSwU7-RvGbpGQ0hquCVOGa5N9qk_AE/s640/blogger-image--1574194631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZ2znYl3o2GncIG-n9pTO0VOS1cslU6xvy9LT6RlhtHEchc7xY78OliBaY4hlnTfFO-8fMEihSJR2rrfdFIsBaHRDH56DREhbsZ1pftSsCQzUcerSwU7-RvGbpGQ0hquCVOGa5N9qk_AE/s640/blogger-image--1574194631.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimqdAHaCqCBcUiti3V-PPe6AOf7qFoXB-boqITcFwIe0lhZHxg7HjVmPlImsKimnXtwatFQ1yJzn9ojW_h2sdYGFNw3K4QqGjI79HOfoc2pf4Rb7WKTKrGobyXRUmNxCZtTjeqmsi21h8I/s640/blogger-image--1462861625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimqdAHaCqCBcUiti3V-PPe6AOf7qFoXB-boqITcFwIe0lhZHxg7HjVmPlImsKimnXtwatFQ1yJzn9ojW_h2sdYGFNw3K4QqGjI79HOfoc2pf4Rb7WKTKrGobyXRUmNxCZtTjeqmsi21h8I/s640/blogger-image--1462861625.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
The kids started swim lessons with Drew's teacher from last summer. I say kids as in Drew has a lesson, Kate wears her suit and eats a snack on the edge of the pool and claims to want a lesson. When it's her turn she cries like I'm the worst mother in the world. So she has the fashion part down, swimming, not so much. </div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9kEwwPc1x43AqWbMvog8ArDbrE5pTyeKEN_223ZgL1fA8MPrRz-BmjbhS79AvK5URg2FgskCz0-apER7kdqPrA3sVF8mHclv_qZXlplPZwRMTXT5y6y3dvAd6P_HiRAZMhPVXV9FYarS/s640/blogger-image-26961318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9kEwwPc1x43AqWbMvog8ArDbrE5pTyeKEN_223ZgL1fA8MPrRz-BmjbhS79AvK5URg2FgskCz0-apER7kdqPrA3sVF8mHclv_qZXlplPZwRMTXT5y6y3dvAd6P_HiRAZMhPVXV9FYarS/s640/blogger-image-26961318.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTyXtSF9t7WmGVG8YEkVnIrWSyaKQq178mFbiwB7wHm5wMs8aZj5wP0G0HiSoAOgBQNtHKAqChwku_rzk-ECA4lWBChQ2jmVos2d-bsOQMqi_IH7hOOgCe_PJ1qCIhnNdLa9OM2Uul6eT8/s640/blogger-image--923890848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTyXtSF9t7WmGVG8YEkVnIrWSyaKQq178mFbiwB7wHm5wMs8aZj5wP0G0HiSoAOgBQNtHKAqChwku_rzk-ECA4lWBChQ2jmVos2d-bsOQMqi_IH7hOOgCe_PJ1qCIhnNdLa9OM2Uul6eT8/s640/blogger-image--923890848.jpg" /></a></div>
Drew went fishing at a local fishing Derby in June and caught his first fish! He was so proud! Geez, he looks way too grown up! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXnVHcJKqM3NKrv8bNQjjoY3mGyRN53sBJwTYBpXT1sUoayWooERV9R-5ilDpL52bDdzt6sN_tut4enjChPX_S7o1QdRZsh07FivIqpvbWYLsj0XuPMxDoYMSCdULwMZq5_FiCerTgxOJ/s640/blogger-image-685158248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXnVHcJKqM3NKrv8bNQjjoY3mGyRN53sBJwTYBpXT1sUoayWooERV9R-5ilDpL52bDdzt6sN_tut4enjChPX_S7o1QdRZsh07FivIqpvbWYLsj0XuPMxDoYMSCdULwMZq5_FiCerTgxOJ/s640/blogger-image-685158248.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We headed to Brendan's hometown for the 4th of July and spent some time with his family. Drew and Kate love playing with their cousins and this year was no different. They loved the parade, Drew danced the whole time and got a ton a goodies handed to him for his slick dance moves. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGEV3Xp-MJ7-1VhXS2RKZgDxv1GHhYYRvH8GpHndNL_7hDNCeTVQmU7pWzm-n3U6nMC3OfK6Xjk7Esvf43yTIV1309v87H25rcceM15c7WgMyQmlZ3xjFbnfRlCCAFFo6bfdP8PbQtjXD/s640/blogger-image--1089057882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGEV3Xp-MJ7-1VhXS2RKZgDxv1GHhYYRvH8GpHndNL_7hDNCeTVQmU7pWzm-n3U6nMC3OfK6Xjk7Esvf43yTIV1309v87H25rcceM15c7WgMyQmlZ3xjFbnfRlCCAFFo6bfdP8PbQtjXD/s640/blogger-image--1089057882.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHM4M8-AkpXhHWlcuKctEUDrfnzszN3oGwHwzJ85dZFO-eTzIJH6HWA5eoXHF7sp9iYvpzc8iKK8QnY-fWp7CbK0eNwpnZjBmbPZu9cMMIHi8nGxUZo2AlkkhjEd-XrW8t30yGDR4LcEWQ/s640/blogger-image-64174671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHM4M8-AkpXhHWlcuKctEUDrfnzszN3oGwHwzJ85dZFO-eTzIJH6HWA5eoXHF7sp9iYvpzc8iKK8QnY-fWp7CbK0eNwpnZjBmbPZu9cMMIHi8nGxUZo2AlkkhjEd-XrW8t30yGDR4LcEWQ/s640/blogger-image-64174671.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSFvg3-sxo7Vdp9v9v6V8KmsEleSnIADJgG9qrzrwMqsLjPtLCeP5aYS1Vyf0ioMg2Q3GWi7-ygHUJobWVR4ab1Byp24v1pquN8uBUVdolRPlF2qqiMkf40JRSh0IvZE5SmWrG_JlS3VV/s640/blogger-image-1153444979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSFvg3-sxo7Vdp9v9v6V8KmsEleSnIADJgG9qrzrwMqsLjPtLCeP5aYS1Vyf0ioMg2Q3GWi7-ygHUJobWVR4ab1Byp24v1pquN8uBUVdolRPlF2qqiMkf40JRSh0IvZE5SmWrG_JlS3VV/s640/blogger-image-1153444979.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Brendan met up with some friends to watch the World Cup and I took the kids to the carnival in downtown Clear Lake. The kids decided they wanted to ride the train. I tried my best to bribe them with cookies not to but I couldn't talk them out of it. I'm not a fan of rides that are taken down and set up week after week but this one was a tiny little thing so I wasn't sick to my stomach. No roller coasters at fairs for my kids. Their mom is crazy and thinks the ride will fall apart.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArakrSBPca3dWfYV-LTPwZKeZGvzi3V8zvhYB7sBcqNvvQRzsTUyf2dIJjqWTEnmxKqoHBcxeIWel7CZ6bHJl1ee9LxqEWCV87OuEZhmOlx4-DW0h8xtK-5EMY01WutTHFYqYTx1PwZTB/s640/blogger-image-1343459346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArakrSBPca3dWfYV-LTPwZKeZGvzi3V8zvhYB7sBcqNvvQRzsTUyf2dIJjqWTEnmxKqoHBcxeIWel7CZ6bHJl1ee9LxqEWCV87OuEZhmOlx4-DW0h8xtK-5EMY01WutTHFYqYTx1PwZTB/s640/blogger-image-1343459346.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3HGJlxDNipQSQ9VYh9h8raXzvCWnFiFVqFrgSDizBIt7Ud6CKP-yvf5pPxuReMEvUValpnRrsqYuLBTeo2vhYastBQ2kCPx-fcow8-ccsoZzeYAmYakGKZB0vDXuRPtnqMmZ5MovH0hZE/s640/blogger-image-635200580.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3HGJlxDNipQSQ9VYh9h8raXzvCWnFiFVqFrgSDizBIt7Ud6CKP-yvf5pPxuReMEvUValpnRrsqYuLBTeo2vhYastBQ2kCPx-fcow8-ccsoZzeYAmYakGKZB0vDXuRPtnqMmZ5MovH0hZE/s640/blogger-image-635200580.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Lastly, Brendan took me on a day date to celebrate me turning 32 years old on July 8th. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9FYhOW3joS4oO5sMXKbvsc9ikiQQg_fbRr2f4s3eM4lzZk2hI1dMcII78-Y7t-sJq3eW4R04xBK_I_pxzA-Me8n4t4snoX11mEnD7K5YDhSGc07_k8jFTcwVxRhyfDg32xVtUVEwim4Tz/s640/blogger-image-1115628562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9FYhOW3joS4oO5sMXKbvsc9ikiQQg_fbRr2f4s3eM4lzZk2hI1dMcII78-Y7t-sJq3eW4R04xBK_I_pxzA-Me8n4t4snoX11mEnD7K5YDhSGc07_k8jFTcwVxRhyfDg32xVtUVEwim4Tz/s640/blogger-image-1115628562.jpg" /></a></div>
We had a great day shopping, having lunch and and just enjoying each other's company. That evening we got together with my mom, stepdad, my older sister and her brood. We had ice cream sundaes and played our favorite family pastime, SPUD. I had a wonderful birthday and felt very loved and celebrated.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
This summer is half way over and we've accomplished quite a lot. We've had a great time enjoying our travels and time here at home. We are looking forward to the rest of the summer and the memories that it has to offer. </div>
Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15850783174809474021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160638492811401580.post-51295511066479974032014-07-06T22:03:00.000-05:002014-07-16T17:04:11.096-05:00Disney World with a 4 year oldWe were at my parent's lake house over Memorial Day weekend my mom came up with this crazy idea that we go to Disney World in a mere 3 weeks. SAY WHAT?!?!? You see, my niece would be dancing in a parade at Hollywood studios and my sister along with her three kids and husband were going down to see her dance. I thought my mom was nuts to try and do Disney on such short notice. We decided that we would try and make it all happen and from there we started to get the ball rolling on our short but wonderful Disney World trip. We also decided that this would be a surprise for all of the kids. My nephews and niece obviously knew they were going to Disney but we kept it a secret from Drew that we were going and from my nephews and niece that we were coming along. My mom also called my little sister in Boston and asked if she wanted to meet us down in Florida, she of course wanted to tag along. <br>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
The next day my mom called the resort my sister's family would be staying at they were completely booked, so I got on the phone and spoke with customer service and let me tell you, Disney is BOOKED this time of year. We were lucky to find a room let alone at the resort right next door. My sister and her family stayed at <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/caribbean-beach-resort/rates-rooms/">Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort </a>and we found one of the last rooms available on the entire Disney property at <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/pop-century-resort/">Disney's Pop Century Resort. </a>We ordered our magic bands and started researching Disney vacations. Once I started reading I felt like I needed a college course on all things Disney to understand everything.</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
I will say first and foremost Disney has a pretty slick system. We did the <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/faq/bands-cards/understanding-magic-band/">magic bands</a> and linked everything to them (park hopper passes, room keys, fast passes, credit cards). It was nice only having to worry about keeping your band on for the entire stay. </div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
Before we left we lined up a few Fast passes for each day. If you're not familiar with fast passes, I wasn't before this trip.<a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/plan/my-disney-experience/fastpass-plus/"> Fast passes</a> allow you go to the front of the attraction line during your designated time. You sign up prior to your vacation online or on your app (my Disney Experience). You can have 3 fast passes a day and then pick up a fourth each day after your previous three have expired. You can sign up to meet characters, ride rides or see shows. We chose a combo of things that I'll tell you about a little later. I also rented a stroller from <a href="http://www.kingdomstrollers.com/">Kingdom Strollers</a>. This was amazing, and the stroller was great. They dropped the <a href="https://www.kingdomstrollers.com/">BOB single jogger </a>off aty hotel and thrn picked it up after our stay. The stroller came with a rain cover and small cooler, both which came in handy during our stay. I would highly recommend Kingdom Strollers. </div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
The day we left, we were supposed to leave at 7PM. Brendan and I planned to surprise Drew with a small bag of goodies that I got for the Disney store. I got him two t-shirts to wear while we were there, a cup to take with us, some stickers and the character autograph book. Brendan and Kate stayed home while my mom, Drew and I traveled to Disney. Since it was just a four day trip we thought it was best for me to just take Drew and scout out what we'd like to do when we take both kids back in a few years. I woke Drew up from his nap and my mom and stepdad were here along with Brendan. I handed Drew his bag and started talking about where Mickey Mouse lives. I think he was so dazed he didn't quite understand what was going on until we actually got in the car to go to the airport. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju99IevlJW4WVMpV_9Fj-vMGM3DqTSiwv68o5ttzZiyw2mXlTwWxT3aGv70KL6sOSAhhq6eYZ8XfmiaPpNpiFk8bRwsDYx4tJTh7_97MnrjtROAeGh1hJdfPO_i6KJH02KgKU4nK3gQSRV/s640/blogger-image--201546533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju99IevlJW4WVMpV_9Fj-vMGM3DqTSiwv68o5ttzZiyw2mXlTwWxT3aGv70KL6sOSAhhq6eYZ8XfmiaPpNpiFk8bRwsDYx4tJTh7_97MnrjtROAeGh1hJdfPO_i6KJH02KgKU4nK3gQSRV/s640/blogger-image--201546533.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
Ok, now that I've covered getting there, let's get to the goods. We arrived super late or early at 4AM Tuesday morning. Our flight was delayed 4 hours and we landed at 3AM Orlando time. We slept for about 4 hours, woke up and headed to the Magic Kingdom. I was shocked how well Drew was doing, I thought he would be a bear, but I think he was so excited he just took it all in. We arrived at the Magic Kingdom around 9:30AM and had a fast pass to meet Mickey Mouse. This got our vacation off to a great start. The kids loved meeting g Mickey and as we were leaving the theatre where we met Mickey we literally ran in to Snow White. We then hung around Magic Kingdom until about 1:30PM after our fast passes to the Peter Pan and Buzz Lightyear rides. Both rides were absolutely adorable and the kids loved them! </div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
We snapped a few pictures around the hotel before we caught our bus to the Magic Kingdom. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqy8xNAvKb2x7WSGaVKVCUJ830rL9FTYO5N6vDZEFp9PcyYrrI33EVYWVhdEUpiAO0TbBkS39oZIp-tCtwt-7hrc4LFgVMKNoz1n1sTippwMyQcRrk3vgaBMyWjmWSl-Rg1lEes-eCqBR1/s640/blogger-image-1418598566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqy8xNAvKb2x7WSGaVKVCUJ830rL9FTYO5N6vDZEFp9PcyYrrI33EVYWVhdEUpiAO0TbBkS39oZIp-tCtwt-7hrc4LFgVMKNoz1n1sTippwMyQcRrk3vgaBMyWjmWSl-Rg1lEes-eCqBR1/s640/blogger-image-1418598566.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-joevFWgJkvAU5lQpyQmsog6c1Q9bjVBrq_hcYQqvq9JqOe5iMoggI2mZNKCVc-3NL0OcBX-w7zCJHHf3R6FpSZAPk3RD-ilHbLaTDzieSzGNrtHjUpbAAFUo8AunXppBCjrfEOwdXYZ3/s640/blogger-image-1127106204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-joevFWgJkvAU5lQpyQmsog6c1Q9bjVBrq_hcYQqvq9JqOe5iMoggI2mZNKCVc-3NL0OcBX-w7zCJHHf3R6FpSZAPk3RD-ilHbLaTDzieSzGNrtHjUpbAAFUo8AunXppBCjrfEOwdXYZ3/s640/blogger-image-1127106204.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Magic Kingdom entrance</div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDbREnE_k0sBRtwGqStj5jTsIj-eArQMqa5xKx2ZHWJFs6uGeI53zHH1lP4K6SjnYVljrTUol_xd0W2AcP5atGTpuB5V5ZjVtInVQCS8JfPxomid7axoVRUW8ZmeQECtv0ltv0_b1qQXHl/s640/blogger-image-583855559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDbREnE_k0sBRtwGqStj5jTsIj-eArQMqa5xKx2ZHWJFs6uGeI53zHH1lP4K6SjnYVljrTUol_xd0W2AcP5atGTpuB5V5ZjVtInVQCS8JfPxomid7axoVRUW8ZmeQECtv0ltv0_b1qQXHl/s640/blogger-image-583855559.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkIczw8oSz9I2Fzr58m8kbu87v__l-1eR5TX-RPShhzsJnEJpt_kqIcEyYODQFLyT63CKrMiDFCucSINrV6p57-kOYCRZXib3C3e_-GWkymd-W8W7dehjNAqGEvMm-tS7pTefX5qKXrK_G/s640/blogger-image-402008325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkIczw8oSz9I2Fzr58m8kbu87v__l-1eR5TX-RPShhzsJnEJpt_kqIcEyYODQFLyT63CKrMiDFCucSINrV6p57-kOYCRZXib3C3e_-GWkymd-W8W7dehjNAqGEvMm-tS7pTefX5qKXrK_G/s640/blogger-image-402008325.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFRpJZLejf5kF3RYVzaRAAFa1LFIR9SB4niSbGsz8PbsGhi2PqqM9kUH2pR8Ayjj4oL_twHJ83nmfAwZ5igQapBloszbC7mCVq9QLjb2aHqiV7h9rvLLkM9PGiy_MFKM8gdQmLwK8QW75Q/s640/blogger-image-77916703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFRpJZLejf5kF3RYVzaRAAFa1LFIR9SB4niSbGsz8PbsGhi2PqqM9kUH2pR8Ayjj4oL_twHJ83nmfAwZ5igQapBloszbC7mCVq9QLjb2aHqiV7h9rvLLkM9PGiy_MFKM8gdQmLwK8QW75Q/s640/blogger-image-77916703.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZeeYhY-0TpQ2_mbwMTlin0IYsBF4gCrfAHQrnfefcODWs4P8NCRxRT0z7Ek2Fgl-tkyDtDXNaiZ4kNTK9wqGI1Caf4qesfr7ZwFbut2D1Y_tkdQouN5LKiNogg8CZPfuhvKFXADTxDNp/s640/blogger-image--1564037500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZeeYhY-0TpQ2_mbwMTlin0IYsBF4gCrfAHQrnfefcODWs4P8NCRxRT0z7Ek2Fgl-tkyDtDXNaiZ4kNTK9wqGI1Caf4qesfr7ZwFbut2D1Y_tkdQouN5LKiNogg8CZPfuhvKFXADTxDNp/s640/blogger-image--1564037500.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Meeting Mickey! The kids thought they were hot stuff because we were at the front of the line, we had a fast pass.</div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKCwncfSJlsCgrKbfLYGTUg2Pbh00Lac-1WfUy3FNgBQO-oYj_h7rWT-k_aXqZ3nS-eBw2bHnl0tYa6B3x8CAYxXMG3otiEAfIWkksFEhm4pzElYvjnv1CXhlha-oNVMA8MAajPHFBvcX/s640/blogger-image--1155925078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKCwncfSJlsCgrKbfLYGTUg2Pbh00Lac-1WfUy3FNgBQO-oYj_h7rWT-k_aXqZ3nS-eBw2bHnl0tYa6B3x8CAYxXMG3otiEAfIWkksFEhm4pzElYvjnv1CXhlha-oNVMA8MAajPHFBvcX/s640/blogger-image--1155925078.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPqa2cc2DQKCLKzrtaea6EHhdNviLGM4IPiZE0QRKUawZM9Pr4bj-aT4ZQbf6uBqDRA8baah_X7DXKQqcZFW3hlRwWuMXVtBxCKNRikWqHmhV3CHbA_MdyZh_U5Tn_Tobiu-L8oBWeXw4y/s640/blogger-image--1527196775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPqa2cc2DQKCLKzrtaea6EHhdNviLGM4IPiZE0QRKUawZM9Pr4bj-aT4ZQbf6uBqDRA8baah_X7DXKQqcZFW3hlRwWuMXVtBxCKNRikWqHmhV3CHbA_MdyZh_U5Tn_Tobiu-L8oBWeXw4y/s640/blogger-image--1527196775.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIh-Mhj8zlCdzBqX_bCHJx7BkuODRagRJNK5FPIHivjd8oEl3Kk80DExf-XjlqH0xwPIBR09QMqIIvgLg8yU62Opd2ksFCC2iWI8S9vnhgus5QXLk8WzbVeWbWRZHbzc0jCM1BMt5fsKZc/s640/blogger-image--1949768899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIh-Mhj8zlCdzBqX_bCHJx7BkuODRagRJNK5FPIHivjd8oEl3Kk80DExf-XjlqH0xwPIBR09QMqIIvgLg8yU62Opd2ksFCC2iWI8S9vnhgus5QXLk8WzbVeWbWRZHbzc0jCM1BMt5fsKZc/s640/blogger-image--1949768899.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfb-rOkvym-QAKyFJWO1LE1-ASmIfQgTX7AgxR38bdg3KYYHya7jOss1EnOiBQtr15zzc3tMKrV55B5psPxDEEOh9zwXqoQoSfmOQSs0xdZcL1Ob1Hz_pM-x82wSo2zbApMo1zt1CEiJ-c/s640/blogger-image-1732145643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfb-rOkvym-QAKyFJWO1LE1-ASmIfQgTX7AgxR38bdg3KYYHya7jOss1EnOiBQtr15zzc3tMKrV55B5psPxDEEOh9zwXqoQoSfmOQSs0xdZcL1Ob1Hz_pM-x82wSo2zbApMo1zt1CEiJ-c/s640/blogger-image-1732145643.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpjSytqsFSaKdbc3AeLZXv7TdV4_dqdz7zSxgAxThauOis2mP5oalPEfZaGEdVM2ykS1FT7Bky2XjZnlsEBWp0OqcvQPhXu7TnaQz2KOfEqSGZ71JPqRvKP3jgmlcTImyfNjAOD_nEMa9/s640/blogger-image--1917403234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpjSytqsFSaKdbc3AeLZXv7TdV4_dqdz7zSxgAxThauOis2mP5oalPEfZaGEdVM2ykS1FT7Bky2XjZnlsEBWp0OqcvQPhXu7TnaQz2KOfEqSGZ71JPqRvKP3jgmlcTImyfNjAOD_nEMa9/s640/blogger-image--1917403234.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGCFrpKBW7YKfBqxSGCCrhuzVLlCgVrioEr5U60mGZccP_lpQNls4MpuHNCh9eCp45uafnx2myQlH_-kJQx77mFKXVIyCIEUJf-EjBGVRmzaeWx4KoGw9rUm7DoR3D_pmXoHV75oiLrhD/s640/blogger-image-1812831442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGCFrpKBW7YKfBqxSGCCrhuzVLlCgVrioEr5U60mGZccP_lpQNls4MpuHNCh9eCp45uafnx2myQlH_-kJQx77mFKXVIyCIEUJf-EjBGVRmzaeWx4KoGw9rUm7DoR3D_pmXoHV75oiLrhD/s640/blogger-image-1812831442.jpg"></a></div>
After meeting Snow White we headed over to a classic ride, It's a Small World. The kids loved it! </div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPB2N2HNdnwbIZSwBcXX57TGEvNEgKHd3TnO61TzctnPVXfhWlaqWCYnV006-6GeXJstupcie8hVPlheqZbizBFdfWwR2W7KlFz0QfJWiczygOxbZyg9FiGvK_1TU86ng4SV7dMydEoWsG/s640/blogger-image-1952713240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPB2N2HNdnwbIZSwBcXX57TGEvNEgKHd3TnO61TzctnPVXfhWlaqWCYnV006-6GeXJstupcie8hVPlheqZbizBFdfWwR2W7KlFz0QfJWiczygOxbZyg9FiGvK_1TU86ng4SV7dMydEoWsG/s640/blogger-image-1952713240.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDL2m4rA4l4n993getytHsUtRROuQVPEoXHv8KQUBPHgi9VR-KMzy4X8VEO1GE34FrSe_ZLgKN3YxWMM_0TDXFSqNC_bKU6k2INn3hsajz-Rfka_fMxD7d6Zr8kMpMThH2TSgPpH6QwfIp/s640/blogger-image--553408434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDL2m4rA4l4n993getytHsUtRROuQVPEoXHv8KQUBPHgi9VR-KMzy4X8VEO1GE34FrSe_ZLgKN3YxWMM_0TDXFSqNC_bKU6k2INn3hsajz-Rfka_fMxD7d6Zr8kMpMThH2TSgPpH6QwfIp/s640/blogger-image--553408434.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioloI13ssU1iKEzL_dbDH29CyckgM4MWTZtu3xUdCNJUOKh21Y7JMwsX4Z56jK2yozZKExLPZXQ4X-fwc7Ts3RpvIqIbX6pzUyvf-9HGCkLMJQS8F7FpQeoZ055EaMOHWG5_pgCede6HAs/s640/blogger-image-1425076082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioloI13ssU1iKEzL_dbDH29CyckgM4MWTZtu3xUdCNJUOKh21Y7JMwsX4Z56jK2yozZKExLPZXQ4X-fwc7Ts3RpvIqIbX6pzUyvf-9HGCkLMJQS8F7FpQeoZ055EaMOHWG5_pgCede6HAs/s640/blogger-image-1425076082.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCB_06CWdDSQAtWOKSmDKHO-_2C8YTQcZPif0zv7COTTK_KISDckoCZG2VvJqNXvFHOb9D6ULQ4c-EcYOVY0R5zwslhKwQEQUedDZWbaxMTucZmHX-gWUFJqHgIP9D7XLioO1Ju5TWdJM/s640/blogger-image-1064603811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCB_06CWdDSQAtWOKSmDKHO-_2C8YTQcZPif0zv7COTTK_KISDckoCZG2VvJqNXvFHOb9D6ULQ4c-EcYOVY0R5zwslhKwQEQUedDZWbaxMTucZmHX-gWUFJqHgIP9D7XLioO1Ju5TWdJM/s640/blogger-image-1064603811.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOovm8e13lVbCxDfAzTeCwuBaOhZEv4pOlwMq3W-gDr6IXiJWaAhyphenhypheneY02Ex9vY2uC_FLp0VHuWhyVXlC4OJ4cc4C03_wQ1wtoq-KmwKWpHY6UVKH5Q1fRxMpKALKDmamqza2uE_UaExpjW/s640/blogger-image-128941727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOovm8e13lVbCxDfAzTeCwuBaOhZEv4pOlwMq3W-gDr6IXiJWaAhyphenhypheneY02Ex9vY2uC_FLp0VHuWhyVXlC4OJ4cc4C03_wQ1wtoq-KmwKWpHY6UVKH5Q1fRxMpKALKDmamqza2uE_UaExpjW/s640/blogger-image-128941727.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
After it's a small world we waited for our other fast passes to Peter Pan and Buzz Lightyear. The kids went on the carousel and we grabbed some lunch. By this time everyone was tuckered out and ready for a nap. We headed back to the hotel and on our way out we ran in to the Fairy Godmother. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwD4TNNNchdsoh3eVukJE9F_7jXUh72dvLT22KCsK57m1BKvE5QtvXEGzwiTyGgTuajqM9I16jwDijC49TXYFUdLbhFRfGnXuviiBmIukpC72MBF7AWb-lLeU9_p6g1J3jC1n70VnjeAQR/s640/blogger-image--377097606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwD4TNNNchdsoh3eVukJE9F_7jXUh72dvLT22KCsK57m1BKvE5QtvXEGzwiTyGgTuajqM9I16jwDijC49TXYFUdLbhFRfGnXuviiBmIukpC72MBF7AWb-lLeU9_p6g1J3jC1n70VnjeAQR/s640/blogger-image--377097606.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfIpvgDgxxcwzvf8BUY4ki02pQqCLyHCfxfTmAQAk8d0klLNnoEheCrewWI3SDQzTvLHi4ib7BTih390Kn8gUpG-vvIn5eiGfLmIqVM0i8YvVR1vdP733uZfXT8TFc-KuCECIy1XIYSBy4/s640/blogger-image-933567347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfIpvgDgxxcwzvf8BUY4ki02pQqCLyHCfxfTmAQAk8d0klLNnoEheCrewWI3SDQzTvLHi4ib7BTih390Kn8gUpG-vvIn5eiGfLmIqVM0i8YvVR1vdP733uZfXT8TFc-KuCECIy1XIYSBy4/s640/blogger-image-933567347.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKq8IoAH6vBDqKXPneEdmoSorlP49xsMSHABKPTO9-Jh4vpgRCSRCbLkclfbvTgHavaBFigkIGTmwlQWgmSYrQO8A_9_hP9Spb_WFN3WYp0cotXTtaBwU_PMMfiMbOGmUj0Av3A_1rwbw/s640/blogger-image-1057691287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKq8IoAH6vBDqKXPneEdmoSorlP49xsMSHABKPTO9-Jh4vpgRCSRCbLkclfbvTgHavaBFigkIGTmwlQWgmSYrQO8A_9_hP9Spb_WFN3WYp0cotXTtaBwU_PMMfiMbOGmUj0Av3A_1rwbw/s640/blogger-image-1057691287.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHD6VCNJ09Y8YkV5u92OHb7jFVrVdzkct1WX0DHHVG-TIBjQkU8n0DikSBA5U-AY_armnqu7AupnHz0WsrhN9D9z9I3RMvOiCRVt4hYwcq-jC41LN_Vp2xngGp0AUyrJKQ6Q-IHKCbN_L/s640/blogger-image-1960760397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHD6VCNJ09Y8YkV5u92OHb7jFVrVdzkct1WX0DHHVG-TIBjQkU8n0DikSBA5U-AY_armnqu7AupnHz0WsrhN9D9z9I3RMvOiCRVt4hYwcq-jC41LN_Vp2xngGp0AUyrJKQ6Q-IHKCbN_L/s640/blogger-image-1960760397.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
I let Drew sleep until 6PM, poor kid was exhausted. When I woke him up we headed back to the Magic Kingdom for the lighted parade and more fun. Late night at Magic Kingdom is really a great time to get a lot of activities in. We were able to do about 8 different things in a matter of 90 minutes. The lines had less then 10 minute waits, we met Belle, Ariel, Goofy, Tinkerbell and Donald. We also were able to ride four different rides. We then headed home after a very long but fun day. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9I8_8W4ZtkyioCkL2-dTVpmEP6wLOqrYQmcOIzJyzBOnvY4dCYIJNcN3ZliI6gLpLPSWuvgxqBV6vnN0gffW_ef6JB9eJR6LXDswW0gxxAwgGofNXsxjyhOJ7h_la3Yxspu6nr2exrz9m/s640/blogger-image-1619016271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9I8_8W4ZtkyioCkL2-dTVpmEP6wLOqrYQmcOIzJyzBOnvY4dCYIJNcN3ZliI6gLpLPSWuvgxqBV6vnN0gffW_ef6JB9eJR6LXDswW0gxxAwgGofNXsxjyhOJ7h_la3Yxspu6nr2exrz9m/s640/blogger-image-1619016271.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifLolGsgfl8jiPfslmKlHmKnJ7jLWgT_Q7ydTV7h7vAxdDJTlbd-M47AVCqXbT59cWZSSv5vuZvhMDrteIc-k9TtIcw2Qh1pUOOYwXP8k5qAU-HdkqE9JzoZ5Skcbzfu5nXNswVYgOlgld/s640/blogger-image-1923545673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifLolGsgfl8jiPfslmKlHmKnJ7jLWgT_Q7ydTV7h7vAxdDJTlbd-M47AVCqXbT59cWZSSv5vuZvhMDrteIc-k9TtIcw2Qh1pUOOYwXP8k5qAU-HdkqE9JzoZ5Skcbzfu5nXNswVYgOlgld/s640/blogger-image-1923545673.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxWeANkgzI6CgI1PRrs9-whVJVpP5rDSJFhI4mGG8IQeBmnIU0bzwweSykg8yTXihr8JY7l4imESkef0AS-h0T_ETScbLto8srPJwfmg2xrlXOjQIXE2cVGVVG8G1CeNjihhDmKmQsJvd/s640/blogger-image-161807852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxWeANkgzI6CgI1PRrs9-whVJVpP5rDSJFhI4mGG8IQeBmnIU0bzwweSykg8yTXihr8JY7l4imESkef0AS-h0T_ETScbLto8srPJwfmg2xrlXOjQIXE2cVGVVG8G1CeNjihhDmKmQsJvd/s640/blogger-image-161807852.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPwtMJi8ngB98KFz-33uhwOHID5cMjLuP945MNtmBBoE0o_bpbFuekPklijTYgJya5W8Sv0THB2pWii6jGb9jtI-EqN4Fn3XVF2vyyPETWblAaffHfHZjRNupqBJjEichUg9bmPypOtck/s640/blogger-image-1019305808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPwtMJi8ngB98KFz-33uhwOHID5cMjLuP945MNtmBBoE0o_bpbFuekPklijTYgJya5W8Sv0THB2pWii6jGb9jtI-EqN4Fn3XVF2vyyPETWblAaffHfHZjRNupqBJjEichUg9bmPypOtck/s640/blogger-image-1019305808.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4qc0xuqQl4YIYULXF3VzDPsDDi2uIbhdZjjy5zee9oimYZtd7DpEj7j-5JyWXEvIL3LUvBr0QWiFHtUKfBlkwgyz-7XrdJ1_Cg9kKwXSufS_ZP4jL5mJdclD2oZhCY7n80U9qrkdEzc6/s640/blogger-image-1910049081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4qc0xuqQl4YIYULXF3VzDPsDDi2uIbhdZjjy5zee9oimYZtd7DpEj7j-5JyWXEvIL3LUvBr0QWiFHtUKfBlkwgyz-7XrdJ1_Cg9kKwXSufS_ZP4jL5mJdclD2oZhCY7n80U9qrkdEzc6/s640/blogger-image-1910049081.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rgxANHSBG0cv8Lu_qeZ5AqlY7Nq1zeJEl0afrT_gfZW3vwWEnNDwC3q3tW4ueb4H8j4VzFbWttp2l6aqem4ldxlrv_mzkAX98nTaFLDwwQMt9oiPa1ld61gcyrB-vsU68k8F6hXn0PWZ/s640/blogger-image-1869345917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rgxANHSBG0cv8Lu_qeZ5AqlY7Nq1zeJEl0afrT_gfZW3vwWEnNDwC3q3tW4ueb4H8j4VzFbWttp2l6aqem4ldxlrv_mzkAX98nTaFLDwwQMt9oiPa1ld61gcyrB-vsU68k8F6hXn0PWZ/s640/blogger-image-1869345917.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ePcDOKrD5cnKzKLUDX50-__0XRShEtRmbAOF4gD4y5vu4IhcDubPUGeYu1N0d3m_wUSMVjVX1SRv27eJ08DpxIbVWTXZSZR4H3-tGAFNj6TkBlseHOJbU8Uda6BWcvK303Yia3v21Xjf/s640/blogger-image-1001775937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ePcDOKrD5cnKzKLUDX50-__0XRShEtRmbAOF4gD4y5vu4IhcDubPUGeYu1N0d3m_wUSMVjVX1SRv27eJ08DpxIbVWTXZSZR4H3-tGAFNj6TkBlseHOJbU8Uda6BWcvK303Yia3v21Xjf/s640/blogger-image-1001775937.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBwA8o7-i8DCb44n-aNkU50R58r7TyIWs2W4yQSIZGilPsLGj4-XgCHgmFYi0rhSlyCEiTeUasicSkYxF97UPxJ66njQXMBEGCJjmI_uxFUwjXsui9jyYPVSc5rmQRfRMkFaA_EbWVwSA/s640/blogger-image--180259482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBwA8o7-i8DCb44n-aNkU50R58r7TyIWs2W4yQSIZGilPsLGj4-XgCHgmFYi0rhSlyCEiTeUasicSkYxF97UPxJ66njQXMBEGCJjmI_uxFUwjXsui9jyYPVSc5rmQRfRMkFaA_EbWVwSA/s640/blogger-image--180259482.jpg"></a></div>
Mad Tea Party with aunt Karin</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1ryJbuEcQ2w5sEGdQS2CToh7WeVJg45-vtm7TYB6ZB5kwk8sAylcV2SvYh1xe9qonzlYbX4JGnpthcbg2hSr554xDTZvz4t9XwrW8zxFVMlPsHoLN4FQzUr9VoqnR5hkyGq74xGEtkMk/s640/blogger-image--56906366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1ryJbuEcQ2w5sEGdQS2CToh7WeVJg45-vtm7TYB6ZB5kwk8sAylcV2SvYh1xe9qonzlYbX4JGnpthcbg2hSr554xDTZvz4t9XwrW8zxFVMlPsHoLN4FQzUr9VoqnR5hkyGq74xGEtkMk/s640/blogger-image--56906366.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ncfNUlzxppLhyv8_wQ_LM0mSQA4Nx-enQUIrWwokUvQfKwqydl26nJKUlYj5t31mEbb-8dX5tbNyFMxJ3RaY-j7gNdye2tFUGHTZM2p1dITuIbFYfEVUnGy6U2mR5sJS_fJ0ujtyOIzk/s640/blogger-image-973712798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ncfNUlzxppLhyv8_wQ_LM0mSQA4Nx-enQUIrWwokUvQfKwqydl26nJKUlYj5t31mEbb-8dX5tbNyFMxJ3RaY-j7gNdye2tFUGHTZM2p1dITuIbFYfEVUnGy6U2mR5sJS_fJ0ujtyOIzk/s640/blogger-image-973712798.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
Dumbo ride, Drew says this was his favorite ride.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMagEc7aWBwGTRCjx8RMx9TorjqcjPBeHRLxyS0U80rvxtu9uVj29aViT_S98zwQUwugsSJ1CJRkw0fi3tO7HS2ZK0e44_SrhG6PkC4zc3VBjBimZaKVFlkSsZ7r1As2pDq_cw13eLOQ_/s640/blogger-image-1771887304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMagEc7aWBwGTRCjx8RMx9TorjqcjPBeHRLxyS0U80rvxtu9uVj29aViT_S98zwQUwugsSJ1CJRkw0fi3tO7HS2ZK0e44_SrhG6PkC4zc3VBjBimZaKVFlkSsZ7r1As2pDq_cw13eLOQ_/s640/blogger-image-1771887304.jpg"></a></div>
Meeting Ariel in her grotto</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXe5c33RdTD15ZQZTq93WvsEkQt5PI0UbCbpGBkrKpNGnczjB_sqLY3RNqi5e2ZCXRQl1ku7hcIrgS2cwIln7TAq_FtXBzHWyZdA9xIV8coLHcfLQh-RE6MWnCjYIR_9osZXANt_rVp3MS/s640/blogger-image-1668759767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXe5c33RdTD15ZQZTq93WvsEkQt5PI0UbCbpGBkrKpNGnczjB_sqLY3RNqi5e2ZCXRQl1ku7hcIrgS2cwIln7TAq_FtXBzHWyZdA9xIV8coLHcfLQh-RE6MWnCjYIR_9osZXANt_rVp3MS/s640/blogger-image-1668759767.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEM6EslE4mvoxX_Ut04XkZJaC8AhZwJnSc7lmINvB4xydy_DmlqSLUQvV-cHecF36QmKBo5oBsOpp2WuVIBX0YPIXZGYFbRrYA5YvpdQ86QHPw_VSTP_bVbmuLQMTN5NpEjTxn-0yMhxMS/s640/blogger-image-1716213194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEM6EslE4mvoxX_Ut04XkZJaC8AhZwJnSc7lmINvB4xydy_DmlqSLUQvV-cHecF36QmKBo5oBsOpp2WuVIBX0YPIXZGYFbRrYA5YvpdQ86QHPw_VSTP_bVbmuLQMTN5NpEjTxn-0yMhxMS/s640/blogger-image-1716213194.jpg"></a></div>
Story time with Belle. This was absolutely adorable, they include all of the kids and Drew played the horse. <br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnERjp_Nf2goYHtRcLr3B2wTLTe6GDuDhrElIf5VWgxIPyA-HVvxeooVnYdHecx-DtrS-YG8I8SDBrosCBGjTlzz37i5Z8d3DoCm_chAH2rPu9pM8GzjhmAJBjNECzPpObETaRCrmgi8LE/s640/blogger-image-1354500205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnERjp_Nf2goYHtRcLr3B2wTLTe6GDuDhrElIf5VWgxIPyA-HVvxeooVnYdHecx-DtrS-YG8I8SDBrosCBGjTlzz37i5Z8d3DoCm_chAH2rPu9pM8GzjhmAJBjNECzPpObETaRCrmgi8LE/s640/blogger-image-1354500205.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tYsu94ZKPFdMGMmCSuBU02sGAS92wWEvr_dan7NLQoWNlnd0IBa_S8A-E1tcwnxdGpOeQcYou8sUn9bJuVpneSe2-cdo1nC7bpyHrNoDFEIV7VYVGw3oHX2j5NKQyVqxE9-bjeY9bHsy/s640/blogger-image--303969817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tYsu94ZKPFdMGMmCSuBU02sGAS92wWEvr_dan7NLQoWNlnd0IBa_S8A-E1tcwnxdGpOeQcYou8sUn9bJuVpneSe2-cdo1nC7bpyHrNoDFEIV7VYVGw3oHX2j5NKQyVqxE9-bjeY9bHsy/s640/blogger-image--303969817.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhykkMdzmEnf9hHRv_z9xC1kOK7exYo2n8T7ceZYainWBWNVHf5E3JGme7RDOXihzC1200cYZ8Z6LUi3lMe6gFbzKRp62JZEHT41hlWUAjhcUFcutmrQYQvLHfyurvSBWzzpTtdRSGqFhCf/s640/blogger-image-149219907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhykkMdzmEnf9hHRv_z9xC1kOK7exYo2n8T7ceZYainWBWNVHf5E3JGme7RDOXihzC1200cYZ8Z6LUi3lMe6gFbzKRp62JZEHT41hlWUAjhcUFcutmrQYQvLHfyurvSBWzzpTtdRSGqFhCf/s640/blogger-image-149219907.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVsvafm41Jh4pkhRgEHaan4KOtPJJfMZ6UxsduX0iukhAadYWNoEl8o-Ky9LMdeYZ5cZv6lGVQTULyDxjL2LYlounkk256PclFGLzOQolZC63HKkVpv9n0n6AQBhoeJTeZxBnERhUxMiIX/s640/blogger-image-896307186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVsvafm41Jh4pkhRgEHaan4KOtPJJfMZ6UxsduX0iukhAadYWNoEl8o-Ky9LMdeYZ5cZv6lGVQTULyDxjL2LYlounkk256PclFGLzOQolZC63HKkVpv9n0n6AQBhoeJTeZxBnERhUxMiIX/s640/blogger-image-896307186.jpg"></a></div>
Meeting Tinkerbell<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsXG2EO_5G4HXr_MF1vNLzaPIkTUA-a0hjvatDF_EwoO953zw6GQpFBYYVppWsYuX8ZsytJfsOfdqv3MbFAI6UqyBYZoBZWY93g2Nu9aZ6i8QyDnwYMN-UTQB5Bs1arz8j5AnGLNpvNs_/s640/blogger-image--1548537154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsXG2EO_5G4HXr_MF1vNLzaPIkTUA-a0hjvatDF_EwoO953zw6GQpFBYYVppWsYuX8ZsytJfsOfdqv3MbFAI6UqyBYZoBZWY93g2Nu9aZ6i8QyDnwYMN-UTQB5Bs1arz8j5AnGLNpvNs_/s640/blogger-image--1548537154.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwc4iHnl-IP8QAzqUCp-ZtClWlXTTPHBtJfkSSa1leeooaYG7EvxTOG5fKL6yJVvoaaa4JiN1_47ao_Yy7Mn03HAraGHjfVTeKqMmmy332sEeG4OQsZrZyDx4iYT74O9At24yipZFnGTee/s640/blogger-image--723460447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwc4iHnl-IP8QAzqUCp-ZtClWlXTTPHBtJfkSSa1leeooaYG7EvxTOG5fKL6yJVvoaaa4JiN1_47ao_Yy7Mn03HAraGHjfVTeKqMmmy332sEeG4OQsZrZyDx4iYT74O9At24yipZFnGTee/s640/blogger-image--723460447.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
I will add this, everything we did at the Magic Kingdom was great! The only attraction Drew was not a fan of was Stitch's Great Escape, I wasn't a fan either. Here's. List of the attractions we saw and really liked at Magic Kingdom:</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
It's a Small World</div>
<div>
Buzz Lightyears Space Ranger Spin</div>
<div>
Cinderella's Castle</div>
<div>
Dumbo the Flying Elephant</div>
<div>
Enchanted Tales of Belle</div>
<div>
Jungle Cruise</div>
<div>
Mad Tea Party</div>
<div>
Mickey's PhilharMagic</div>
<div>
Monsters, Inc Laugh Floor</div>
<div>
Peter Pan's Flight</div>
<div>
Pirates of the Caribbean</div>
<div>
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel</div>
<div>
Tomorrowland Speedway</div>
<div>
Under the Sea Journey of the Little Mermaid</div>
<div>
Meet Mickey Mouse at town hall theatre</div>
<div>
Lighted parade</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
Characters:</div>
<div>
Cinderella, met her at the hall of princesses late at night so the wait was only 20 minutes.</div>
<div>
Mickey Mouse</div>
<div>
Ariel</div>
<div>
Donald Duck</div>
<div>
Goofy</div>
<div>
Fairy Godmother</div>
<div>
Rapunzel</div>
<div>
Snow White</div>
<div>
Tinker Bell </div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
We headed back to Magic Kingdom on our third day at Disney. I thought I would include those pictures with the pictures above to keep everything together. It rained this evening but only the outdoor attractions closed for about 90 minutes. The park also honored our fast passes that we had during this time. </div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguijNfdafitfGvquUtAIqaD7fZwEgS9khJsOwEoTW95RvTIHCsrCb0J-YQe45hh0HMsZKY9IctNTqEqhWY5nHqw7XHNod-TQRKJ0wCXTe21KOaTKsvn72JK6FoeuMhwrytdoK6_AnraK-Y/s640/blogger-image--507890513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguijNfdafitfGvquUtAIqaD7fZwEgS9khJsOwEoTW95RvTIHCsrCb0J-YQe45hh0HMsZKY9IctNTqEqhWY5nHqw7XHNod-TQRKJ0wCXTe21KOaTKsvn72JK6FoeuMhwrytdoK6_AnraK-Y/s640/blogger-image--507890513.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUiixAQtFIxOGqexOZLQaRgQgbs4SVHLHsSWKOPP97q2C_uBMuaFp2orHr7B3F2_2V4atiHQ-Z-9rVxVPrmu9lchYqIzAdI1VGdv84XbL-JP4Ozcpmvn2Ke2cFN08p94dvTkgRx-6c6C41/s640/blogger-image--707643349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUiixAQtFIxOGqexOZLQaRgQgbs4SVHLHsSWKOPP97q2C_uBMuaFp2orHr7B3F2_2V4atiHQ-Z-9rVxVPrmu9lchYqIzAdI1VGdv84XbL-JP4Ozcpmvn2Ke2cFN08p94dvTkgRx-6c6C41/s640/blogger-image--707643349.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVfMLxFQFInt9s-fLgMU1El39zCbV5-v8KMdK_bS2Ct71kARp_plZ3k0oSkSpBL3p-RIr2Wxsy3cL-7SqjnQjLAtJz97sLqm9m1JXagDNWp3Z6ju9aRWSSSEfzTKe6XTLtsOIMmSyu8Oe/s640/blogger-image-251158226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVfMLxFQFInt9s-fLgMU1El39zCbV5-v8KMdK_bS2Ct71kARp_plZ3k0oSkSpBL3p-RIr2Wxsy3cL-7SqjnQjLAtJz97sLqm9m1JXagDNWp3Z6ju9aRWSSSEfzTKe6XTLtsOIMmSyu8Oe/s640/blogger-image-251158226.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1tzleAsRlPaz6Ymc5vvhlrJYbk1Btg32wPtMHPSncO4IuZp0z8uMHm7r0eF-15eny7Z85CmK0s0muWrI486c6SA-ZKk5REnx310yrgv9L3PIc1lddQx3pWoilFbGVbEQ1rzmRiD6BQ6lW/s640/blogger-image-346291188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1tzleAsRlPaz6Ymc5vvhlrJYbk1Btg32wPtMHPSncO4IuZp0z8uMHm7r0eF-15eny7Z85CmK0s0muWrI486c6SA-ZKk5REnx310yrgv9L3PIc1lddQx3pWoilFbGVbEQ1rzmRiD6BQ6lW/s640/blogger-image-346291188.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_NgS1Yw7oZTp0trlUPN2Ybc8fq8kcpq03diR8ghrsBn6WgRgMdVQQFUkFBMCgjNB7c7-Uq6rCc_-Ieilw1jdORYAMH3KiRthz3J6FnE3ayWpFCOsKUiepX0re-ROZsVwrzqr2XLetRjl/s640/blogger-image-1811961351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_NgS1Yw7oZTp0trlUPN2Ybc8fq8kcpq03diR8ghrsBn6WgRgMdVQQFUkFBMCgjNB7c7-Uq6rCc_-Ieilw1jdORYAMH3KiRthz3J6FnE3ayWpFCOsKUiepX0re-ROZsVwrzqr2XLetRjl/s640/blogger-image-1811961351.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8pme3t9sfhKdz_qtNZSSfpzhyD5ToSA9-E_w6qEtgXgHhPh17DMH53vowHdhntlW6_k1fTCPIWWuk4MLMv1Lvgk9gvTkm7tDfyicIORq0LiTo2FS0VsDJbTsXA5c-RPF9pAPxcAsFX9lZ/s640/blogger-image--2111886691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8pme3t9sfhKdz_qtNZSSfpzhyD5ToSA9-E_w6qEtgXgHhPh17DMH53vowHdhntlW6_k1fTCPIWWuk4MLMv1Lvgk9gvTkm7tDfyicIORq0LiTo2FS0VsDJbTsXA5c-RPF9pAPxcAsFX9lZ/s640/blogger-image--2111886691.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNxJ01apE_3mHV4rq1D5b9VuHmNyQimV-CHW11teO0-Qzxa5KutARoK0mHJIgcDHJb6VIR5FXYEbNgjec6MK9c6et98VpIwVn9InhSG7Cda1TlmpbGGlxelJVzC4UD5l0lKB7I1nAV9N5/s640/blogger-image-641056125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNxJ01apE_3mHV4rq1D5b9VuHmNyQimV-CHW11teO0-Qzxa5KutARoK0mHJIgcDHJb6VIR5FXYEbNgjec6MK9c6et98VpIwVn9InhSG7Cda1TlmpbGGlxelJVzC4UD5l0lKB7I1nAV9N5/s640/blogger-image-641056125.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6RTOnoBNIQi_6O7MjoMjplZospLwKN0oPJrsGWp9JzqZwtqq9kTnugC27GMIUCSERIjnD2_K4LX7UDKl0_yTWQ_iBz8hDrGlJNdVVLEg6daHHoZyU6hAMy3mt0suILqFC6gS7Arr1ffYN/s640/blogger-image-2083098183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6RTOnoBNIQi_6O7MjoMjplZospLwKN0oPJrsGWp9JzqZwtqq9kTnugC27GMIUCSERIjnD2_K4LX7UDKl0_yTWQ_iBz8hDrGlJNdVVLEg6daHHoZyU6hAMy3mt0suILqFC6gS7Arr1ffYN/s640/blogger-image-2083098183.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpE8qHAkwZJEbPxan40Ml0-UOMRh2n7fnd9SsNSuECtLu3Us9-fRbMqZtE2TiQWBSZZpBPcSKJAdebbKDTVAgXDjf1-BlDfgOUhsUC3fb7I00rvtNv3wOXpfRXDbN7NnV4XjJ842NwCOeP/s640/blogger-image-1327498721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpE8qHAkwZJEbPxan40Ml0-UOMRh2n7fnd9SsNSuECtLu3Us9-fRbMqZtE2TiQWBSZZpBPcSKJAdebbKDTVAgXDjf1-BlDfgOUhsUC3fb7I00rvtNv3wOXpfRXDbN7NnV4XjJ842NwCOeP/s640/blogger-image-1327498721.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3KJveof-b3SckCOcnS-5CBRbVQJJTkgHep9FlqGEy5RFjWd807knNkxziLwhyqR_HCJKSD2d1jnBvPIGNxvc0Zbmm4fNDc7UIaAJ4RNU27hLZ2TcZTb-WtP7Zr9HcjpYx62Eqk39PNDUT/s640/blogger-image-791702788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3KJveof-b3SckCOcnS-5CBRbVQJJTkgHep9FlqGEy5RFjWd807knNkxziLwhyqR_HCJKSD2d1jnBvPIGNxvc0Zbmm4fNDc7UIaAJ4RNU27hLZ2TcZTb-WtP7Zr9HcjpYx62Eqk39PNDUT/s640/blogger-image-791702788.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5fVYKulY9FjysacVrVeI0bARM49RRM0DrfE-G_4m7CV2-0hx2sJHj-1JET7W6TPl7BrgTINcNzjz75cYoyqXi9ZAOBpu0mC28LweO6osWXOL7ScdkjYKhnDnTp_BPpZny7uQQCMnl3q4/s640/blogger-image-233332900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5fVYKulY9FjysacVrVeI0bARM49RRM0DrfE-G_4m7CV2-0hx2sJHj-1JET7W6TPl7BrgTINcNzjz75cYoyqXi9ZAOBpu0mC28LweO6osWXOL7ScdkjYKhnDnTp_BPpZny7uQQCMnl3q4/s640/blogger-image-233332900.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3IZm1K4QsEzNnKg_gEajjr4DYlc8XPaTJUY0VpOcD1z74TZRnIVhqtKYyLv4QhXN1aw_z2VAhjVKzSS6HWYDtqjvkUXTLcZxE5FLt9wPKDNOV9P0g4KqjCz7laxL0HFIQvZ8RSDKfaMF/s640/blogger-image--532644760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3IZm1K4QsEzNnKg_gEajjr4DYlc8XPaTJUY0VpOcD1z74TZRnIVhqtKYyLv4QhXN1aw_z2VAhjVKzSS6HWYDtqjvkUXTLcZxE5FLt9wPKDNOV9P0g4KqjCz7laxL0HFIQvZ8RSDKfaMF/s640/blogger-image--532644760.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcr8xSsxkp6w6tt-NUBS_Qu42vFYB4Et81SVqXfWHn4FrsAIiKpna8g5QBdiINSsiVyNkn8ydAleHK-Omm5w8QLZT37SUnj9q9HtFXxyOOy3z6F_Aq6XSEJ0JJG9W-XoLfbSaU0lzc_Jva/s640/blogger-image--184635357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcr8xSsxkp6w6tt-NUBS_Qu42vFYB4Et81SVqXfWHn4FrsAIiKpna8g5QBdiINSsiVyNkn8ydAleHK-Omm5w8QLZT37SUnj9q9HtFXxyOOy3z6F_Aq6XSEJ0JJG9W-XoLfbSaU0lzc_Jva/s640/blogger-image--184635357.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
The second day of our trip we headed to Disney's Animal Kingdom for half of a day. This is the one park I wish so badly we had more time at. It's absolutely AMAZING! We had a fast pass to see the Lion king show and oh my goodness it was out of this world. I was mesmerized, there literally are no words for how amazing this show was. In the Animal Kingdom they have an area that's supposed to look like Africa and it looks like Africa, it's so surreal. This park was outstanding. We did the Kilimanjaro Safari and again NO WORDS other then amazing. We were maybe 15 feet from rhinos and hippos. We also did It's Tough to be a Bug, I thought it was adorable, Drew who hates bugs wasn't so impressed. It was super cute and I would go back. My kid is scared of all bugs, but thinks a 5000 pound hippo is the bees knees. We headed to Dino land and the kids went in to the Boneyard, it was super cute. We also went on thr TriceaTop spin, again cute and totally appropriate for ages 4-10. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xC6MPRaYNgZ4IiJY1r7xuqF1HyRi7L_U9ueEVjFzitILins5gz0l4a46R2FtJr2xZihpNa8OVKkf2v2Ddfiu6xNSQZhPAhG9NepUmCMI1BMzQv0DmLih09HCAEPTzBgps4H8JOOCy-Iv/s640/blogger-image--1587446944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xC6MPRaYNgZ4IiJY1r7xuqF1HyRi7L_U9ueEVjFzitILins5gz0l4a46R2FtJr2xZihpNa8OVKkf2v2Ddfiu6xNSQZhPAhG9NepUmCMI1BMzQv0DmLih09HCAEPTzBgps4H8JOOCy-Iv/s640/blogger-image--1587446944.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxkCTCPiRblPfXBV1ILAZL3z64LVZpnWKVFAqYeTIW1W_W1tqQzIjBl3EBGDCybcb6QcKoYbLXEhp7Isp6dNgsy77VK4XCni8JMjy_NDj_pK62AEzpTGpB2JAt6RcmXTq3jkSvKGKxiPE/s640/blogger-image--696333744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxkCTCPiRblPfXBV1ILAZL3z64LVZpnWKVFAqYeTIW1W_W1tqQzIjBl3EBGDCybcb6QcKoYbLXEhp7Isp6dNgsy77VK4XCni8JMjy_NDj_pK62AEzpTGpB2JAt6RcmXTq3jkSvKGKxiPE/s640/blogger-image--696333744.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQzIOZuQZRrIVEa6gbYGWdgge66ObOz63IsKxSQ6ySAQykWAIVZTR5ksCijRhG2jJdG3Up-TtXL_yyI6PV-4juej8wnrojxNdbHIFBwrwCx8ty7LqZ6yZm8l6LuUSmxdFIiwPF9C8jBxr/s640/blogger-image-1833096371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQzIOZuQZRrIVEa6gbYGWdgge66ObOz63IsKxSQ6ySAQykWAIVZTR5ksCijRhG2jJdG3Up-TtXL_yyI6PV-4juej8wnrojxNdbHIFBwrwCx8ty7LqZ6yZm8l6LuUSmxdFIiwPF9C8jBxr/s640/blogger-image-1833096371.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOK9zNQiKqutE1yD7h65Ej6EhMbxxgE7LXmrxq8ecpi3avYdbnXNwd1J5W9wB-EvKI9pyU7GidoSs_txXPIxH3B7UlKxl5bM9_6LxTq8p7HQpsdC0oboERq2Hz_jof-P0itblNVRYS5_ya/s640/blogger-image--668907739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOK9zNQiKqutE1yD7h65Ej6EhMbxxgE7LXmrxq8ecpi3avYdbnXNwd1J5W9wB-EvKI9pyU7GidoSs_txXPIxH3B7UlKxl5bM9_6LxTq8p7HQpsdC0oboERq2Hz_jof-P0itblNVRYS5_ya/s640/blogger-image--668907739.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8-CSgC_Eg6p647lupprUmFJT4LpA9wvd3SyssvdPfXZmxPklsGjqIWmK1mP5GisMGoecG2n4PMXPc3F1VZpmyAJjY5o3O9qgE8ZzjvJQ0C2gmQ2H_8ZTyPZ9kDmfZACpN727f7K63l_J/s640/blogger-image--800983218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8-CSgC_Eg6p647lupprUmFJT4LpA9wvd3SyssvdPfXZmxPklsGjqIWmK1mP5GisMGoecG2n4PMXPc3F1VZpmyAJjY5o3O9qgE8ZzjvJQ0C2gmQ2H_8ZTyPZ9kDmfZACpN727f7K63l_J/s640/blogger-image--800983218.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZoTkPbI-luoxIym4VcVhD72Q5wFXLtwhsjlNVs3wmVZyCawcKj2DTzyeaRlwOIMTnGS4p2dftYeFjSCTT7i_n_T0sMoJS5xGp_myw7jJRIYGwG880X80jqHjI06eZVt6ubqGrraU-ZFg/s640/blogger-image-474927398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZoTkPbI-luoxIym4VcVhD72Q5wFXLtwhsjlNVs3wmVZyCawcKj2DTzyeaRlwOIMTnGS4p2dftYeFjSCTT7i_n_T0sMoJS5xGp_myw7jJRIYGwG880X80jqHjI06eZVt6ubqGrraU-ZFg/s640/blogger-image-474927398.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1H7qXvFRFl7A99UHuF2ccd_xBOeXckrMJiX1JXuDJgrh7GKMJqwA799Orbp8E6VmZ4dOciiI-pjmOGRQ1A1v0SndrtNoFVcGWoukMvq4Xg09gn9uABfI8ECGa8fCzlPM9aQ03MYVUBIYB/s640/blogger-image-759959524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1H7qXvFRFl7A99UHuF2ccd_xBOeXckrMJiX1JXuDJgrh7GKMJqwA799Orbp8E6VmZ4dOciiI-pjmOGRQ1A1v0SndrtNoFVcGWoukMvq4Xg09gn9uABfI8ECGa8fCzlPM9aQ03MYVUBIYB/s640/blogger-image-759959524.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_-iaecvrA8TqhfLJuE_K1f-GawyO8gkNPuRGRzMvk1TNgokLLJ34951VguSe_VPhYFmTqFQj2fRjGzFhIdnQ5CteLfMhQmZ5zU7bMfXfPUrd6oNyPyxNVV0TIg6xZjstdTQ8II2m3YTY/s640/blogger-image-858161850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_-iaecvrA8TqhfLJuE_K1f-GawyO8gkNPuRGRzMvk1TNgokLLJ34951VguSe_VPhYFmTqFQj2fRjGzFhIdnQ5CteLfMhQmZ5zU7bMfXfPUrd6oNyPyxNVV0TIg6xZjstdTQ8II2m3YTY/s640/blogger-image-858161850.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqRNFKvKt65muotmMunSjYgBK2qVXjL5X8Z7Cy8GoNOgUDZ75o_ksBGPUJ5x3Vkif_XBYLlhGrgycoLaGw9rjEwDIx2FP6a3-z4LKrceL4qxS4wOElCDa7jdnJ8isUnHlQkgWl8ITzegJF/s640/blogger-image-1069210773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqRNFKvKt65muotmMunSjYgBK2qVXjL5X8Z7Cy8GoNOgUDZ75o_ksBGPUJ5x3Vkif_XBYLlhGrgycoLaGw9rjEwDIx2FP6a3-z4LKrceL4qxS4wOElCDa7jdnJ8isUnHlQkgWl8ITzegJF/s640/blogger-image-1069210773.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgM2b0d4JU3b0gwjo3wEZWMWvxUgdK_iZv-OuRJlvD9TVkast-5rBA3MaRyymSadQZ5X8G5YhArN1olCRejjqnbUWTjvgBjaRAAlLM2qh-u2raGBC6tm2Du4JUEGJPLzAyDU9yRDG6rRI/s640/blogger-image-449706399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgM2b0d4JU3b0gwjo3wEZWMWvxUgdK_iZv-OuRJlvD9TVkast-5rBA3MaRyymSadQZ5X8G5YhArN1olCRejjqnbUWTjvgBjaRAAlLM2qh-u2raGBC6tm2Du4JUEGJPLzAyDU9yRDG6rRI/s640/blogger-image-449706399.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZc74f-nc1J_sdf3vs9FVAXrLie5qX4CrnxAxNsBJRJcCxB4buf19meE4CNpWAnbJ4esjHtl_0JreyYrq1COcM5DA4-qCWoRj_Z0ZSQ0WXNPFQ1jUIqpz-RdOqVzu_4wjKAl-VFeLRHid/s640/blogger-image--704948753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZc74f-nc1J_sdf3vs9FVAXrLie5qX4CrnxAxNsBJRJcCxB4buf19meE4CNpWAnbJ4esjHtl_0JreyYrq1COcM5DA4-qCWoRj_Z0ZSQ0WXNPFQ1jUIqpz-RdOqVzu_4wjKAl-VFeLRHid/s640/blogger-image--704948753.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrp2VidY27sn3QYRa8YBH8tY09hj8nVfPW9BA3oPGuO1h48-_I_-_9K0_sqqXPx5LrOE8-FvGtx8M49sbXBF5li6tYe8Q30O1ul8-k3yTEY2DxiXiAzsO9Kc3VPpvqQjIwvodzPpUlurki/s640/blogger-image-1850277058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrp2VidY27sn3QYRa8YBH8tY09hj8nVfPW9BA3oPGuO1h48-_I_-_9K0_sqqXPx5LrOE8-FvGtx8M49sbXBF5li6tYe8Q30O1ul8-k3yTEY2DxiXiAzsO9Kc3VPpvqQjIwvodzPpUlurki/s640/blogger-image-1850277058.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
Unfortunately, we didn't get to stay at Anmal Kingdom longer. My niece had practice and we were heading to Hollywood stupios that evening for her parade. We went back to the hotel and again Drew napped. With it being up in the 90's and feeling like it was over 100 degrees Drew would crash for a few hours and he needed it. We bought one of those misting fans and it was a lifesaver. Our stroller came with a small cooler and I would take some water and milk with us in to the parks, which was nice to have on hand. Milk isn't easy to find every place and no one wants warm milk. </div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
That evening we went to Hollywood studios to watch our little dancer and take in all the sights. We arrived early and I looked on the Disney app and saw that Lighting Mcqueen and Mater were available for a meet and greet until 8PM. We headed over, literally ran over to get in line. A little side note, I would shower twice daily because it was so hot. Running to take my kid to see Mcqueen voided my second shower of the day, but it was totally worth it. His life is now complete, his face when he saw the life size cars was priceless. We then watched the Muppets 3D movie and it was cute, Drew really enjoyed it. After the movie it was parade time. Our little dancer did great and the costumes were adorable, they were all lighted and they wore red sparkly heels like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhao3C0t1OCFjNuH7eUPhJU0us1nNaWF4IdC0f8ytDDSaGVuag5i3KvEFNREjUZLPdO-8jnECBcekZfUhD-etobSZuDhwtYj5ekoQF9ADc5lEhgu4V1lNy58KVvXz5bxKcBwTMUml4cHf7X/s640/blogger-image--1716915184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhao3C0t1OCFjNuH7eUPhJU0us1nNaWF4IdC0f8ytDDSaGVuag5i3KvEFNREjUZLPdO-8jnECBcekZfUhD-etobSZuDhwtYj5ekoQF9ADc5lEhgu4V1lNy58KVvXz5bxKcBwTMUml4cHf7X/s640/blogger-image--1716915184.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAX3_zR1T7apjXIlsXhBry6IQruYJKebyCZNx_PVYqPQ0-I53QxeiMxUjbDuPksiBjTpvW_Q7U80TPTx1aYlb5aT9B_t-D9q6ncHnasuBNzf9oJctHUPMkw69fdenQQClvPqNf8p09WkQP/s640/blogger-image-474729277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAX3_zR1T7apjXIlsXhBry6IQruYJKebyCZNx_PVYqPQ0-I53QxeiMxUjbDuPksiBjTpvW_Q7U80TPTx1aYlb5aT9B_t-D9q6ncHnasuBNzf9oJctHUPMkw69fdenQQClvPqNf8p09WkQP/s640/blogger-image-474729277.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJJZbAE79eV-i9mBR8EyaNsLRFdfcMDjEBT5lHnmn2Kq54ySijFF7_5touU9OZq60XlH3xBd1FD_0I5JqEbH5lkj-uN6zJOA6dZu6tnb8C-rzBBGVcNwddBqvumtedugH-p_aIfcPpXpe/s640/blogger-image-938446849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJJZbAE79eV-i9mBR8EyaNsLRFdfcMDjEBT5lHnmn2Kq54ySijFF7_5touU9OZq60XlH3xBd1FD_0I5JqEbH5lkj-uN6zJOA6dZu6tnb8C-rzBBGVcNwddBqvumtedugH-p_aIfcPpXpe/s640/blogger-image-938446849.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Ywk5V85QoHw5WRLwEABQeSL_V8jgWRAsH-yZnotGjKT9nmC9SMT2T8_D0fO5w-7TBxXZzSNB6P4j4RSVGe6XBjCZF4XNerhL27HWUZDrYm5-ADdFi3bg-Oq1m-iViKCsKxLrpVELcZBw/s640/blogger-image-673197697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Ywk5V85QoHw5WRLwEABQeSL_V8jgWRAsH-yZnotGjKT9nmC9SMT2T8_D0fO5w-7TBxXZzSNB6P4j4RSVGe6XBjCZF4XNerhL27HWUZDrYm5-ADdFi3bg-Oq1m-iViKCsKxLrpVELcZBw/s640/blogger-image-673197697.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
The next day we headed back to Hollywood studios because Stella had a dance showcase she was performed <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">in. We first rode on the Star Tours Star Wars ride. We waited forever after being told it was a 10 minute wait. Neat ride, but not worth waiting an hour for. We watched Stella dance and do an awesome job and then headed to lunch. After lunch I took Drew to meet Mike and Sully from Monsters Inc. We then had a few minutes before we needed to meet my mom and little sister to head back to the hotel so we went and met Goofy. Drew loved meeting each character and would give each one a huge hug before handing them his autograph book. </span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmOUmWm9oTbfMSZkGzi0CpGb-TyIU47Ohs3iSVsJ6QL3hu4Pb3TSWUdoz9kXW8uUAvL-8XMNAMxSiPjoyoRWLqIGlYRn6TAjc4fJrWYXT0SRNvAC8ibXJi3eLOSD6270aILJa1thGLqEuR/s640/blogger-image-2096306068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmOUmWm9oTbfMSZkGzi0CpGb-TyIU47Ohs3iSVsJ6QL3hu4Pb3TSWUdoz9kXW8uUAvL-8XMNAMxSiPjoyoRWLqIGlYRn6TAjc4fJrWYXT0SRNvAC8ibXJi3eLOSD6270aILJa1thGLqEuR/s640/blogger-image-2096306068.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_V7b4jowl1HNQvo2DhVuagGQksI4Esq4zJcSjXSCJxFxU2t27rwgtgpqlL57wPS0PQLMMurhANaFlmUdLO5qEyOfKZUO_87IX7tBhFfLT21SDM7w17yU8dwMbp1DL31lyBHovO7Z6IUY/s640/blogger-image-569804999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_V7b4jowl1HNQvo2DhVuagGQksI4Esq4zJcSjXSCJxFxU2t27rwgtgpqlL57wPS0PQLMMurhANaFlmUdLO5qEyOfKZUO_87IX7tBhFfLT21SDM7w17yU8dwMbp1DL31lyBHovO7Z6IUY/s640/blogger-image-569804999.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCQNjMYD_TBx0_5nVrUdbfLUvfvsZM6VKRaTghjXD50dj2OR-6Pckgau9qfxtWNVjiwEW334A_zPnKnLk-xOQzFPcBt-GfwXJyxkoYQCMO44ze5yb5F84axqZAvCpsjLG9KKzEhLKNXW-/s640/blogger-image--2105974410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCQNjMYD_TBx0_5nVrUdbfLUvfvsZM6VKRaTghjXD50dj2OR-6Pckgau9qfxtWNVjiwEW334A_zPnKnLk-xOQzFPcBt-GfwXJyxkoYQCMO44ze5yb5F84axqZAvCpsjLG9KKzEhLKNXW-/s640/blogger-image--2105974410.jpg"></a></div>
Future Jedi?</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT_hwmbURbI27UlGPEAjFMJNi5sk61xSvuUsZAoe2TaK4Rz02okTn9qKwyzsv0cWibCf8X5YpD8-8-YgWuOTV5jwOoFleIJRJNzwLxRngCJW_mIG76SEHjGpiQjCs_kKGWDGHw62FyQZzt/s640/blogger-image--1497491508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT_hwmbURbI27UlGPEAjFMJNi5sk61xSvuUsZAoe2TaK4Rz02okTn9qKwyzsv0cWibCf8X5YpD8-8-YgWuOTV5jwOoFleIJRJNzwLxRngCJW_mIG76SEHjGpiQjCs_kKGWDGHw62FyQZzt/s640/blogger-image--1497491508.jpg"></a></div>
We were bored.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPOQTfrHIAHpQviemUHnYzYqzXGY2AGgTUudHt25B5TvhubuiZpy8llO55JlrYlIZjW3bqFWh30yZwbOvW_j5Ppltl98HYMhbec6_q3Meay_HlWlNbDCBdX0pIhyphenhyphen7JajyVRvbtYjp1D1q/s640/blogger-image-660644822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPOQTfrHIAHpQviemUHnYzYqzXGY2AGgTUudHt25B5TvhubuiZpy8llO55JlrYlIZjW3bqFWh30yZwbOvW_j5Ppltl98HYMhbec6_q3Meay_HlWlNbDCBdX0pIhyphenhyphen7JajyVRvbtYjp1D1q/s640/blogger-image-660644822.jpg"></a></div>
Miss Stella danced her little heart out! </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJy3MXy4KW6hqxpn3_FCXeoYPAxsqLx7aTJWrnlE7g3Y1whpuusKkk05_DwfoY2vM4ZxH1LhHaz1Qlj-I6WXGNyeh4tzpzk8j4aLwu4U3yg8NE5PwYGxO0TQrYdQHcfjcvNdP65zooYf8k/s640/blogger-image--1739753025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJy3MXy4KW6hqxpn3_FCXeoYPAxsqLx7aTJWrnlE7g3Y1whpuusKkk05_DwfoY2vM4ZxH1LhHaz1Qlj-I6WXGNyeh4tzpzk8j4aLwu4U3yg8NE5PwYGxO0TQrYdQHcfjcvNdP65zooYf8k/s640/blogger-image--1739753025.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU82h7DgqtnAw5a1vnDrzaXQqZFGQmY3kDaTsuWkfdERvewr86UMN4qawhZtxGb_LED-VUgPVZYAJPzjv0OIUS5pUqkNkMjr_zyS27kLEw39L03JxwN0w2UnGiti0sQrV9PwedrVqQq2ic/s640/blogger-image--1375805077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU82h7DgqtnAw5a1vnDrzaXQqZFGQmY3kDaTsuWkfdERvewr86UMN4qawhZtxGb_LED-VUgPVZYAJPzjv0OIUS5pUqkNkMjr_zyS27kLEw39L03JxwN0w2UnGiti0sQrV9PwedrVqQq2ic/s640/blogger-image--1375805077.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIpwzvSp9Qq0Dj5NXAIeILPsyBSZm1TeR20uYoZQ3hv39vV8LDUtcP3cqs4ZceTvgUda6L5xREJFXgRSFS-tJDrIVcSONmUtA5L2MYADj05QPaekiwzb6nOroCXUH_GNSH3yBH_mwE94lZ/s640/blogger-image-1102307821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIpwzvSp9Qq0Dj5NXAIeILPsyBSZm1TeR20uYoZQ3hv39vV8LDUtcP3cqs4ZceTvgUda6L5xREJFXgRSFS-tJDrIVcSONmUtA5L2MYADj05QPaekiwzb6nOroCXUH_GNSH3yBH_mwE94lZ/s640/blogger-image-1102307821.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnfOSsfHfhLF_G0h7HULLYUQ54KOqSiS-s18_j_U2FJPXC2ymmVS33O00UtjGND70GWzbTJ4sRrIFi4jt99xTAatWYkFDd7PDDZZZ-iMrE7kRbmVXqWrsH9-FtvdpJf2MhGTJTxKL2XJK/s640/blogger-image--822259883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnfOSsfHfhLF_G0h7HULLYUQ54KOqSiS-s18_j_U2FJPXC2ymmVS33O00UtjGND70GWzbTJ4sRrIFi4jt99xTAatWYkFDd7PDDZZZ-iMrE7kRbmVXqWrsH9-FtvdpJf2MhGTJTxKL2XJK/s640/blogger-image--822259883.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
That afternoon once again we went back to the hotel and Drew napped while I packed our bags for our early morning flight the next day. We then headed back to the Magic Kingdom that evening where we had a few more fast passes. We saw the most beautiful show on the castle that evening. It rained most of the night but show still went on. We got home at midnight and our car picked us up at 4:30AM for our flight home. This time our flight was on time and we were back home by 10AM. </div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
I was dead tired on our way home but Drew was once again full of energy and insisted I take his picture. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLf-VxZcBnGC7YpUkaQM-5bzhcmqUW2Z05m8z5kcO_d1EBO2iiXPxXuHugXQTZsQtk76z83HH6Ma32cWlj2hGLeC7Sx5-Vuhe7n3cQaIcmpjguiqbtigF5AUIOpYILqcrOO121e5cg2xVY/s640/blogger-image--522795641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLf-VxZcBnGC7YpUkaQM-5bzhcmqUW2Z05m8z5kcO_d1EBO2iiXPxXuHugXQTZsQtk76z83HH6Ma32cWlj2hGLeC7Sx5-Vuhe7n3cQaIcmpjguiqbtigF5AUIOpYILqcrOO121e5cg2xVY/s640/blogger-image--522795641.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMb4y-D4BvX0k_umR8vu0L-uBrKsxDwr4vi6e33XjqmcGQyT6BisLDKPeaV4psqC2yN3EIQQEXKHS5y_oCN9fR97l31DCQsaUvaB-Gx6WQTmOxzF-BeQn88tJhWWLmFw3tgv_J4vpe2HXl/s640/blogger-image-158892361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMb4y-D4BvX0k_umR8vu0L-uBrKsxDwr4vi6e33XjqmcGQyT6BisLDKPeaV4psqC2yN3EIQQEXKHS5y_oCN9fR97l31DCQsaUvaB-Gx6WQTmOxzF-BeQn88tJhWWLmFw3tgv_J4vpe2HXl/s640/blogger-image-158892361.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<br></div>
<div>
We had a great time at Disney and it was such a memorable trip. Brendan and I really want to take the kids back when Kate is a bit older and over 40 inches tall. I noticed while we were there that 40 inches seems to be the minimum height for most of the attractions. If you're on the fence about renting a stroller, rent one. I paid $65 for four days and was not disappointed. My 8 year old niece was riding on the front of my stroller because she was so tired from walking. Kingdom strollers was great to us and has a lot of selection for your needs. Take extra snacks for your kids, everything at Disney is expensive. At our hotel they charged $1.69 for one banana. I remember that because it seemed so ridiculous. I brought along a bunch of fruit snacks, crackers, raisins and granola bars for Drew. He would snack on those between meals and I have no doubt it saved us a pretty penny. Wear tennis shoes and take a couple of pairs. If it rains and you get wet, well wet shoes are no fun to put back on the next day. If you go to Disney in the summer, prepare to sweat. I thought Iowa was hot in the summer, holy crap, I felt like a rotisserie chicken slowly cooking. So my next tip; bring extra clothes. I would shower twice a day and change clothes twice a day. </div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
Whatever you do when you go to Disney, have a great time! We were only there for a short time but we had such a wonderful time and made memories that will last a lifetime. </div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
Please feel free to ask any questions. </div>
Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15850783174809474021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160638492811401580.post-63500547526809104132014-06-04T13:41:00.000-05:002014-06-04T13:41:27.348-05:00Copy Cat Chipotle Burrito BowlsThank the good lord for <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a>. That little website makes me look like a capable cook. I came across this receipe for <a href="http://www.lovewithrecipe.com/recipe/1581.html">Copy-cat Chipotle Burrito Bowls</a> and I knew I had to try it out. First, it looked easy enough and I could make the marinade during nap time and second Brendan loves Chipolte so it seemed like a win/win.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I made the chicken marinade during nap time and let it sit for 4-5 hours before grilling. While Brendan grilled the chicken I chopped up the tomatoes, romaine lettuce and red pepper. I then drained the black beans and canned corn. I altered the recipe a bit when it came to the rice. I used minute rice and made it as the box said and then continued with the recipe to make it lime flavored. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Once the chicken was done I tossed everything together laying the rice on the bottom and I did omit the cilantro because I don't care for it. I threw the diced chicken on top and dressed the whole thing with sour cream. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWasOAYsagP5Dxt6R4rv8LEMVfEv2_nVIDoJXh-58KROWEOhIxhxc-QBc85HowFzs3PvVRHtHVFlPBZ_YXkgjl8JD5uGqTW2iQRz3MNwfh1PhqDwYma0gyqbBDNYAMB6N36RFHNLyAfN9/s640/blogger-image-829906761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWasOAYsagP5Dxt6R4rv8LEMVfEv2_nVIDoJXh-58KROWEOhIxhxc-QBc85HowFzs3PvVRHtHVFlPBZ_YXkgjl8JD5uGqTW2iQRz3MNwfh1PhqDwYma0gyqbBDNYAMB6N36RFHNLyAfN9/s640/blogger-image-829906761.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I wasn't expecting it to taste like the real Chipotle burrito bowl but surprisingly it does! Brendan said "I could eat this everyday". We've eaten this meal twice now and it's soooo good. I highly recommend making these easy burrito bowls. </div>
Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15850783174809474021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160638492811401580.post-49897483377991236682014-05-29T14:17:00.001-05:002014-05-30T14:35:14.179-05:00Random spring musings<div><br></div>This past Friday Drew had his last day of preschool and his spring concert. He has loved preschool and can not wait to go back next year. His teachers are simply amazing and we are so thankful they have been put in Drew's life to help shape and love him. The spring concert was adorable! They danced and sang, we laughed and cried. Drew is so animated when he gets up on stage, it's so enjoyable to watch. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-mBIFrzQ3vYyM4E79KpPHrvVDiVOAuhwQAbIp0L4UfhzcFPPKe7OCUoIa3fmy_O820tGGL0RPszW8oC62N93pVbXvqoo9ysRh3D7H3PH8ahKoQtMLAddEiaJK4ClKGuBDJOiYzsN6Pb6/s640/blogger-image-1125283121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-mBIFrzQ3vYyM4E79KpPHrvVDiVOAuhwQAbIp0L4UfhzcFPPKe7OCUoIa3fmy_O820tGGL0RPszW8oC62N93pVbXvqoo9ysRh3D7H3PH8ahKoQtMLAddEiaJK4ClKGuBDJOiYzsN6Pb6/s640/blogger-image-1125283121.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YUrAM7z0ufwfTHanituAdkZDJNMesb-esdw5LRrmX_VY3PfbSOP-nq3E3cqnG0EvI2gJODgId4cxarP4lpBJ7neJM0QNRIuBOJor_E3ZQGzENE2JI0_yTF0DZLdsyprzsop18uK2FiHG/s640/blogger-image--605000639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YUrAM7z0ufwfTHanituAdkZDJNMesb-esdw5LRrmX_VY3PfbSOP-nq3E3cqnG0EvI2gJODgId4cxarP4lpBJ7neJM0QNRIuBOJor_E3ZQGzENE2JI0_yTF0DZLdsyprzsop18uK2FiHG/s640/blogger-image--605000639.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_uZC_WIu46613H0WzBYllNjpDUEqqxu6TddiMWmfWuDYV69P-XXpaM5pGYSFHCxLhQy4kcz8xjqDDPZ5bZ_kXNVTuUVLWTUaLRwAluaHgHVqwdpRfGGs3kWgrnjwpjLpNKdyiqqpwXwH/s640/blogger-image--1755132304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_uZC_WIu46613H0WzBYllNjpDUEqqxu6TddiMWmfWuDYV69P-XXpaM5pGYSFHCxLhQy4kcz8xjqDDPZ5bZ_kXNVTuUVLWTUaLRwAluaHgHVqwdpRfGGs3kWgrnjwpjLpNKdyiqqpwXwH/s640/blogger-image--1755132304.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiapMX4CGMb70UdF204EQC9piMzs5xv54NswimQ7H1uIFuEzW7PeUxZsRmF63exkdRIjvHTsye27YkQ_x6z5RguFuCh3WaZ6eEpM3oOygmZJC3UlJVzliuvpzIXesl2CjBEUHFBiB6bdZF2/s640/blogger-image--1366978332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiapMX4CGMb70UdF204EQC9piMzs5xv54NswimQ7H1uIFuEzW7PeUxZsRmF63exkdRIjvHTsye27YkQ_x6z5RguFuCh3WaZ6eEpM3oOygmZJC3UlJVzliuvpzIXesl2CjBEUHFBiB6bdZF2/s640/blogger-image--1366978332.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Srnp-tmfopeU0tiUH8dKhX90yeppjQcTxdSuBSlqs6JzgoLTfq75zIGnyTnY2PX4ArWoPBkDvgf4o3gX4w3z0RaI2lzN3BHAb9OdySfGcGozPfwM2bee55zL7D13CRaudlB9uwxsCdyJ/s640/blogger-image-1478400164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Srnp-tmfopeU0tiUH8dKhX90yeppjQcTxdSuBSlqs6JzgoLTfq75zIGnyTnY2PX4ArWoPBkDvgf4o3gX4w3z0RaI2lzN3BHAb9OdySfGcGozPfwM2bee55zL7D13CRaudlB9uwxsCdyJ/s640/blogger-image-1478400164.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCvIZ84sRxoq2c5rM_Je6aDxdk1HyITeAkQMMyrXbTNZy4R0kwXgaMdEyMk07NVDILqPWo0GVdK6THHEfGzZczsw7O9Ice-2q02GpAA0scFAtJlky99z57br6PtDdoF-L90CZ0mC7fdnL/s640/blogger-image-1192208556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCvIZ84sRxoq2c5rM_Je6aDxdk1HyITeAkQMMyrXbTNZy4R0kwXgaMdEyMk07NVDILqPWo0GVdK6THHEfGzZczsw7O9Ice-2q02GpAA0scFAtJlky99z57br6PtDdoF-L90CZ0mC7fdnL/s640/blogger-image-1192208556.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioI4uLhgLZLhdt2XpYMbgVM9tg-B1mF72orc30vaPm4HicwYeJj36yEXlZFEGeJ1EjXG4Lf3zPqWKOjF9jVDqMCYm1F7UTqUxsxnloAhKKIBGpvGBJq6ufwlLCQaU6Luyf6U28Q5DALE5r/s640/blogger-image--70106726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioI4uLhgLZLhdt2XpYMbgVM9tg-B1mF72orc30vaPm4HicwYeJj36yEXlZFEGeJ1EjXG4Lf3zPqWKOjF9jVDqMCYm1F7UTqUxsxnloAhKKIBGpvGBJq6ufwlLCQaU6Luyf6U28Q5DALE5r/s640/blogger-image--70106726.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUpLHs3DgRRjrVUE_n1RLEi3DT-MJbQxuK6aPXHGgRHla-Y-v7H5VtGs7aWeodMSkbbe0jfGzJ21JXKLrFA_6vXE2AWNLXBaHaaWfLCizMwqzYvx3Qa6ipdpzw76g_ngZdIM_q_WkiGL7q/s640/blogger-image-1377920358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUpLHs3DgRRjrVUE_n1RLEi3DT-MJbQxuK6aPXHGgRHla-Y-v7H5VtGs7aWeodMSkbbe0jfGzJ21JXKLrFA_6vXE2AWNLXBaHaaWfLCizMwqzYvx3Qa6ipdpzw76g_ngZdIM_q_WkiGL7q/s640/blogger-image-1377920358.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho0VhDUZuCxcWc89w0A8tJlHt4zZ5ntkuWtT0gc21531rd-pXLUQm2H_7EbzNnUhoGd6PGNX93zhvoVcyWXNMzKC_Ms_xn0jrtuv4BiKD99jNazKDX5mqVmtulJSTyacqrc-Q5AzOkOal8/s640/blogger-image-53907142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho0VhDUZuCxcWc89w0A8tJlHt4zZ5ntkuWtT0gc21531rd-pXLUQm2H_7EbzNnUhoGd6PGNX93zhvoVcyWXNMzKC_Ms_xn0jrtuv4BiKD99jNazKDX5mqVmtulJSTyacqrc-Q5AzOkOal8/s640/blogger-image-53907142.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This spring was also Drew's first year playing soccer. He was so excited and we spent the winter playing"ball" in the basement. He was part of the Raptors team and had a blast practicing and playing with his team on Saturday mornings. It was an added bonus that his cousin was also on his team. It was a trip watching these little guys play each week. He is looking forward to playing again in the fall. I have officially taken of the title of soccer mom. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHY1v9TQxdxNag0eqECf6SBOCbhk4eooITuplo6QU64-jkvW2cRRXNKv4bULLNFcdd2nWEWCmA4N6DmBmrzFWN-6eKUTfbVlv1BJXK6VigUbhkQoOjr3WXXMUjcEBp8fdae41skQAtQjUK/s640/blogger-image--729143645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHY1v9TQxdxNag0eqECf6SBOCbhk4eooITuplo6QU64-jkvW2cRRXNKv4bULLNFcdd2nWEWCmA4N6DmBmrzFWN-6eKUTfbVlv1BJXK6VigUbhkQoOjr3WXXMUjcEBp8fdae41skQAtQjUK/s640/blogger-image--729143645.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTUmT6qtBpkgqS4k8Xn4qpeBidLcUFbp1eQ_UnY6kUauXXde4Hf53w449Z3N4q-0HEYfQ6W6dvO-4-o5bcFb_AEd2-DXufbiBEu9AmC_bd_vEibqMXL3X2OZIl31hxr1BDNhBGBISkiqD/s640/blogger-image--2090730868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTUmT6qtBpkgqS4k8Xn4qpeBidLcUFbp1eQ_UnY6kUauXXde4Hf53w449Z3N4q-0HEYfQ6W6dvO-4-o5bcFb_AEd2-DXufbiBEu9AmC_bd_vEibqMXL3X2OZIl31hxr1BDNhBGBISkiqD/s640/blogger-image--2090730868.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We also had our 4th ER visit in four years for Drew. We were rearranging our living room furniture and he was messing around when he launched himself off the couch and right in to the end table. He hit his eye and opened up a nice size cut right on his eyebrow. Thankfully he avoided his eye by centimeters. We thought he was going to have his first set of stitches but the doctor was able to glue it back together. This visit was one year and two days after he split his chin open at the park with a babysitter. I think he may spend the remainder of his childhood wrapped in bubble wrap.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjml0nuNth3G8wmmfTuUvFWMKtvEZwZQXvHtdESPL8dIjazzexH69K1SnDz4lZeTrgeCd7ZglciF0xrfq7tRNSA6g1DW_w4UPgG5d0M6Bb-rzPXLcdrtRnstqgoThsslG19ptKCUZQgXk1d/s640/blogger-image--1167437550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjml0nuNth3G8wmmfTuUvFWMKtvEZwZQXvHtdESPL8dIjazzexH69K1SnDz4lZeTrgeCd7ZglciF0xrfq7tRNSA6g1DW_w4UPgG5d0M6Bb-rzPXLcdrtRnstqgoThsslG19ptKCUZQgXk1d/s640/blogger-image--1167437550.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRn0smc1jpTKuP47NSL9PkQ5lcpdH-qHKRU6CUMYitCg0cdqzySO9cHmviMFIA1GdxSNvJzSl_p50wTrNSbsqlVUOKadBAeUeKncRbol0Ha5vi-2go-YWHZMihEvFqmAK4tRC4LonFHLk/s640/blogger-image--921563604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRn0smc1jpTKuP47NSL9PkQ5lcpdH-qHKRU6CUMYitCg0cdqzySO9cHmviMFIA1GdxSNvJzSl_p50wTrNSbsqlVUOKadBAeUeKncRbol0Ha5vi-2go-YWHZMihEvFqmAK4tRC4LonFHLk/s640/blogger-image--921563604.jpg"></a>, </div><br></div></div>He's smiling because he got a new tractor out of the whole deal. His cut has healed very well and it looks like there should be minimal scarring. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Kate's been around this spring too. She isn't the forgotten child. She's such a sweetheart but has a sassy streak in her too. She has a little buddy at daycare that she loves going to see each day and loves talking about him each night. She had a blast at Sesame Street Live, she danced in our row and pointed at each of the characters she knew. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQ87VJ-Jj3OQm31E44AbuKj-scVKAwu0zJwDsFhSZdMGaOik2UPw70EdoqhpjT0HcjCWbBRKeayWF27d13V9mgL98DsYM2r-hVZFdoFgyLf0P-1XkQHfDVSgWvPNR5VV2SRewv6QQH-f6/s640/blogger-image-497704919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQ87VJ-Jj3OQm31E44AbuKj-scVKAwu0zJwDsFhSZdMGaOik2UPw70EdoqhpjT0HcjCWbBRKeayWF27d13V9mgL98DsYM2r-hVZFdoFgyLf0P-1XkQHfDVSgWvPNR5VV2SRewv6QQH-f6/s640/blogger-image-497704919.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPaOwA0QFJHGodg6CGm7_Cv97FrIVtdJF9ZqoJZB_oMpTw3qn49Tf76Ajhkl0hVeQM4Ja4Ol9XToGMHmaaDh1N5IqVrz1hSCx9FloUPciqXppCKPTNcqJf9P1MFZSHzRtMVoIQPgtB408B/s640/blogger-image--1423459013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPaOwA0QFJHGodg6CGm7_Cv97FrIVtdJF9ZqoJZB_oMpTw3qn49Tf76Ajhkl0hVeQM4Ja4Ol9XToGMHmaaDh1N5IqVrz1hSCx9FloUPciqXppCKPTNcqJf9P1MFZSHzRtMVoIQPgtB408B/s640/blogger-image--1423459013.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlZEFKecTWZBpn7jn8NTaez5132fpklHbBCfX97-fDqRKmrc3FcePnTo3FPtdRz1SWEmLdXoQw3sWW0kdY2nAYcIQCsMGogRM36EDWYMneKhuXfvo_XnNNkkceYjWEtRtm8cEvzeTFQbH/s640/blogger-image-1757591329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlZEFKecTWZBpn7jn8NTaez5132fpklHbBCfX97-fDqRKmrc3FcePnTo3FPtdRz1SWEmLdXoQw3sWW0kdY2nAYcIQCsMGogRM36EDWYMneKhuXfvo_XnNNkkceYjWEtRtm8cEvzeTFQbH/s640/blogger-image-1757591329.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81VviBe9RsXRxj0hgUdbgUXG_Qp5y3itHdrugdmVFdBncFGq1SiCCDwPA3AZaJNMB2c9-TpStBjpHU92JDW2rnWQq3FHYUNFmo5d_bUMlnlfM20r8imGVMem4AvPAX8vz6DLanr2gh-od/s640/blogger-image-241973456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81VviBe9RsXRxj0hgUdbgUXG_Qp5y3itHdrugdmVFdBncFGq1SiCCDwPA3AZaJNMB2c9-TpStBjpHU92JDW2rnWQq3FHYUNFmo5d_bUMlnlfM20r8imGVMem4AvPAX8vz6DLanr2gh-od/s640/blogger-image-241973456.jpg"></a></div><br></div>This past weekend we took the kids out to my parents lake house to enjoy the water, sand and boat. Although the weather wasn't the best, we still had a great time getting away for a bit. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDp8o7i4IqWn2EmQtQi7Q5I5K7e2E99lF8A6SilEEU1Y_tl6J9rHfsM1Cyt8A4wk7VAhEh1BVL0Y9cr6kUPnBtIA9RQW1Bpkl9t_NSWmHjF-BCDDtZw4W3tjYcWFj5Wq8WD31cWOEgWjmS/s640/blogger-image--1840810603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDp8o7i4IqWn2EmQtQi7Q5I5K7e2E99lF8A6SilEEU1Y_tl6J9rHfsM1Cyt8A4wk7VAhEh1BVL0Y9cr6kUPnBtIA9RQW1Bpkl9t_NSWmHjF-BCDDtZw4W3tjYcWFj5Wq8WD31cWOEgWjmS/s640/blogger-image--1840810603.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Both kids love driving the boat with Pobo (my stepdad)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsE_eVaOtbnF_mXoY11-owFGRiUuU10Bjat13ZuOt9q2yksfkyB9scPAtLjPlmB2V7Bri6nnJKoshB6nLdFoaJ9-JaXQkvqgpyIx0Kb4cXbp5Qhz1H5kxIsj28lzoRBOZYG_4a2FyEPQGW/s640/blogger-image--537674676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsE_eVaOtbnF_mXoY11-owFGRiUuU10Bjat13ZuOt9q2yksfkyB9scPAtLjPlmB2V7Bri6nnJKoshB6nLdFoaJ9-JaXQkvqgpyIx0Kb4cXbp5Qhz1H5kxIsj28lzoRBOZYG_4a2FyEPQGW/s640/blogger-image--537674676.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Drew might be a fisherman, he could have fished for hours.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOut2TIJup0C0p8Lo1vvjNn6EHgOOP69gBNmawRCW3N3MsJO9yXlG3QwSw9jOVbdexeV8tY4yPCSajGdb59Nh3tWA7FNsdSXvPyTvbmsDdH1Ck2emJenorTtdnFPIn58hLcs_GwdJD3VVf/s640/blogger-image--1093058921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOut2TIJup0C0p8Lo1vvjNn6EHgOOP69gBNmawRCW3N3MsJO9yXlG3QwSw9jOVbdexeV8tY4yPCSajGdb59Nh3tWA7FNsdSXvPyTvbmsDdH1Ck2emJenorTtdnFPIn58hLcs_GwdJD3VVf/s640/blogger-image--1093058921.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ruby loved swimming and chasing sticks in the water. Drew asked if we could just live at the lake. I wish, buddy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8uV1ZS1SvvbbOa6u00G8UEn5gy5KJXPsgXIBzNO-ZOCQNhQpN9oy9E4lHs9Ow7PpTzv9NItGOWRd3Mi54VTb0TJjXwlXSDsbPwerYm-fGkiickNnpVmLj99Cr7fVT2ql9rUS7iqPByCF/s640/blogger-image-1761289556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8uV1ZS1SvvbbOa6u00G8UEn5gy5KJXPsgXIBzNO-ZOCQNhQpN9oy9E4lHs9Ow7PpTzv9NItGOWRd3Mi54VTb0TJjXwlXSDsbPwerYm-fGkiickNnpVmLj99Cr7fVT2ql9rUS7iqPByCF/s640/blogger-image-1761289556.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Kate refused to touch the sand, but has beach fashion down.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDJBYOtCIqkDZ9x8n-PQXkyD8cCGhx_GD2ZEpD6Ol4ODjxfTlbnuAKoItkWfDzgOG8qHNJaZiZg1QI5Sbe7EopfaMR100HMz8cJhcaASLXs_KLCI4hFSp-l99ZQvYeLo_dQxTydKfyoZ8/s640/blogger-image-752192890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDJBYOtCIqkDZ9x8n-PQXkyD8cCGhx_GD2ZEpD6Ol4ODjxfTlbnuAKoItkWfDzgOG8qHNJaZiZg1QI5Sbe7EopfaMR100HMz8cJhcaASLXs_KLCI4hFSp-l99ZQvYeLo_dQxTydKfyoZ8/s640/blogger-image-752192890.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div>This past week the weather finally started to get nice and we were able to blow up our new pool and have our first nighttime swim. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_z15jaRxjvRxnH7G9CN1UV_c2iqG84eA6O3lHWILgtwB-2gRqJJQ0q33JJPXev7OyTFhBAzMn7DF-974CXHfT_QOqWGmCuJXAdF_4B3zpdXuGAGwjoZWIwUFrfWgcJqwWitZeqLN93p-g/s640/blogger-image-391642959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_z15jaRxjvRxnH7G9CN1UV_c2iqG84eA6O3lHWILgtwB-2gRqJJQ0q33JJPXev7OyTFhBAzMn7DF-974CXHfT_QOqWGmCuJXAdF_4B3zpdXuGAGwjoZWIwUFrfWgcJqwWitZeqLN93p-g/s640/blogger-image-391642959.jpg"></a></div><br></div>I have one day of work left before I'm done for two months. Although our summer is super busy I'm so excited to spend time with the kids visting local parks and playing in our backyard. This spring has flown by as I'm sure this summer will, but I can't wait. </div><br><div><br></div></div>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15850783174809474021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160638492811401580.post-48767287422707910572014-05-13T11:09:00.001-05:002014-05-14T13:54:44.020-05:00Springtime favoritesSpring in Iowa is a bit laughable. Some days we're outside in shorts and t-shirts and the next day we're digging the fleece coats and hats back out of our closets. Thankfully all of our snow has melted and the green grass has started to grow. I came up with a few of our spring favorites for you to enjoy. I say "we" because I've included a few fashion items as well as some things for the kiddos, <br>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
I found<a href="http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=17051&vid=1&pid=950608002"> this skirt</a> last week at<a href="http://bananarepublic.gap.com/"> Banana Republic</a> and instantly fell in love. I'm such a sucker for anything black and white and I've been wanting a black and white striped skirt. I has my nieces first communion to attend this past weekend and the length is work appropriate as well. I'm thinking this could be paired with tights and boots in the fall for a transitional piece. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8ES61s_Utx6Yv7yvAnIosKZ_uuD2HrCdeuEVS-BcmnNGxbmRsYnSJTz8P4kERiYuK2dn8Skcpk1EAr0Ep98DVMwVZu6A1yXptQ2HDs3ts0yTEzkZTQIVJ-wQaEMy61ajKX5CtsgBvdyK/s640/blogger-image-417074715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8ES61s_Utx6Yv7yvAnIosKZ_uuD2HrCdeuEVS-BcmnNGxbmRsYnSJTz8P4kERiYuK2dn8Skcpk1EAr0Ep98DVMwVZu6A1yXptQ2HDs3ts0yTEzkZTQIVJ-wQaEMy61ajKX5CtsgBvdyK/s640/blogger-image-417074715.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Kate received this<a href="http://www.step2.com/p/Tropical-Island-Resort"> Step 2 water table </a>for her birthday and this past week it was warm enough to set it up. We've had a water table for the past 3 years but needed a new one due to wear and tear. The kids had an absolute blast and I know they will spend countless hours in the backyard this spring and summer splashing around the table.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJjOGio5UOEVnMTIfDQMc5lkJFXThwNcfyHtvz8oVUp_E8-kVGlBi-FWMl_nPabTu0-Yd14QCEX-_XLWeml0vBrSxVuq-Mj5fDfvWUlxRxR5SVaMHtGQ5unFgZKUV9O01Veg-ytDd9-0qJ/s640/blogger-image-1115662375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJjOGio5UOEVnMTIfDQMc5lkJFXThwNcfyHtvz8oVUp_E8-kVGlBi-FWMl_nPabTu0-Yd14QCEX-_XLWeml0vBrSxVuq-Mj5fDfvWUlxRxR5SVaMHtGQ5unFgZKUV9O01Veg-ytDd9-0qJ/s640/blogger-image-1115662375.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
For Drew's birthday we got him a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Razor-Folding-Kiddie-Kick-Scooter/dp/B002QXT6W2">Junior Razor Scooter</a>. He had been asking for one since Christmas and we wanted to find one that he wouldn't have trouble rising. I came across this one that had two wheels in the back and a wider foot board. Since day one Drew has had no problems and loves riding up and down the sidewalk. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6g4IyJUI-yud0jviu68c_ebKNhxzC1geW8zI6oOAmBp3YO-AnKg84DU2c0CQaCk68x7RHxh3UX39rKZ4kF2PXTt1CLtqHqEMus3PUlPWAFWIhoLlABSaBlTV8C4DkbSNXpl_nSIOLXqV/s640/blogger-image--243496049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6g4IyJUI-yud0jviu68c_ebKNhxzC1geW8zI6oOAmBp3YO-AnKg84DU2c0CQaCk68x7RHxh3UX39rKZ4kF2PXTt1CLtqHqEMus3PUlPWAFWIhoLlABSaBlTV8C4DkbSNXpl_nSIOLXqV/s640/blogger-image--243496049.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Since it's spring and our weather is so unpredictable I like to have pieces that I can layer. Not to mention I love my capri leggings. What I don't love is when my rear hangs out. After having two kids my backside isn't what it used to be, so I like having long shirts to cover my rump. I found this <a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=65183&vid=1&pid=941606002">sweatshirt </a>online at <a href="http://www.gap.com/">Gap</a> and it's been the perfect addition to my spring wardrobe for weekend wear. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhZmvExzGXRHNuxELq83EGxIrGexCyITHP_mj01B_bucVWULlmR19szyGczMwAgF88bsDvg05eyEeQhkZ7CRw9CH2J5KIVZ-fhYIlHeSsAVuEwcMn6x0EZpBLzi6U0ruysExtJZHJaaSy4/s1600/sweatshirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhZmvExzGXRHNuxELq83EGxIrGexCyITHP_mj01B_bucVWULlmR19szyGczMwAgF88bsDvg05eyEeQhkZ7CRw9CH2J5KIVZ-fhYIlHeSsAVuEwcMn6x0EZpBLzi6U0ruysExtJZHJaaSy4/s1600/sweatshirt.jpg" height="400" width="300"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Lastly, I recently purchased these <a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/shop/kids/tabletop-category/tabletop-lunch-bags/?">lunch boxes</a> for both Kate and Drew. This spring and summer I plan to take the kids on plenty of picnic lunches and I thought these would be perfect to fit their lunch as well as their drinks. The inside is lined and each has a pocket or two for food and drinks.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1J2dDhiWJmrzBkYpE-Uo4oyykukiyTSa910LhI73KO1Rg9uDo1Kyp6clBA3rNFtQcYXprdxjEKhQ8DqOkds4jk_3j7xLdJW6iARCW0aNUFYQzD9Gqofllvgc7y6t0rcMw3MZKyimD3hL1/s1600/Lunch+box+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1J2dDhiWJmrzBkYpE-Uo4oyykukiyTSa910LhI73KO1Rg9uDo1Kyp6clBA3rNFtQcYXprdxjEKhQ8DqOkds4jk_3j7xLdJW6iARCW0aNUFYQzD9Gqofllvgc7y6t0rcMw3MZKyimD3hL1/s1600/Lunch+box+1.jpg" height="352" width="400"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/spider-man-lunch-bag-sp2013/?pkey=dtabletop-lunch-bags&">Spiderman lunch box</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4di1RmDM_rahguORK9Q_3MZsNsaXSQjB-QHoXxWxTQvKFYTROb4gAraIoGUO0UEgXz_RRO0QXiiFAI3Y3IC8ETz6JsKhYIJCIUQbskkcw4_PnuwI2GVqdZDoB_v8CvhPpxxUZ8B2a3L_-/s1600/lunch+box+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4di1RmDM_rahguORK9Q_3MZsNsaXSQjB-QHoXxWxTQvKFYTROb4gAraIoGUO0UEgXz_RRO0QXiiFAI3Y3IC8ETz6JsKhYIJCIUQbskkcw4_PnuwI2GVqdZDoB_v8CvhPpxxUZ8B2a3L_-/s1600/lunch+box+2.jpg" height="352" width="400"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/mackenzie-aqua-lavender-elephant-lunch-bags/?pkey=dtabletop-lunch-bags&">Elephant lunch box</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I hope your're enjoying your spring where ever you may be! Have a great rest of the week! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<br></div>
Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15850783174809474021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160638492811401580.post-17579833128682859812014-05-01T15:22:00.003-05:002014-05-01T15:23:57.121-05:00Life latelyWe've had quite a few celebrations at our house over the past few weeks and the kids now think balloons and streamers are permanent decor in the living room. We arrived home from Mexico and we hosted the kids joint <a href="http://lifewithba.blogspot.com/2014/04/drew-and-kate-mexican-fiesta.html">Mexican Fiesta</a>, and then the next week Drew celebrated his 4th birthday at preschool. I didn't realize how big of a deal this was. Drew informed me that this was HIS day at school, he was the line leader. So we took snacks, Brendan and I went in for the little celebration and Drew introduced us to his class and they sang him his favorite song "Happy Birthday".<br>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMJoK3S-2cOL2Q4XftYu8QWg-yOpARuILJdehk9c2Nido7WaLh3-CtT5vJQBNSwfc2OVt9mqZMZQ1FUEKgdiTK9YuO32rWxU2k95qmQzzCOjVNhQ_xq5c3aVGvepIwI7iiiTbySznz3eoz/s640/blogger-image--1151615620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMJoK3S-2cOL2Q4XftYu8QWg-yOpARuILJdehk9c2Nido7WaLh3-CtT5vJQBNSwfc2OVt9mqZMZQ1FUEKgdiTK9YuO32rWxU2k95qmQzzCOjVNhQ_xq5c3aVGvepIwI7iiiTbySznz3eoz/s640/blogger-image--1151615620.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1NgnlLUcAB5Ne76RsHmkh43xFduX3ByqMtgw593RUg7J6n3nvrHcit4ZLP3u5sMsXUiMC7x_yRrLIEOcJj660_W_KNGBAWxcg1sLtLRVcKJZaI2m2jQ64kv5tfiYmfnD4bInx-nIlpzyP/s640/blogger-image--838763793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1NgnlLUcAB5Ne76RsHmkh43xFduX3ByqMtgw593RUg7J6n3nvrHcit4ZLP3u5sMsXUiMC7x_yRrLIEOcJj660_W_KNGBAWxcg1sLtLRVcKJZaI2m2jQ64kv5tfiYmfnD4bInx-nIlpzyP/s640/blogger-image--838763793.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxu9-x0z3ivHKCNZkTRc2j1A6WnsZ1YusCKfscDMPlLo9gVJChiRfo4jsvBhPIlinpM_d9qHcUldRoF0CQEPHhQxYrifaoIIYsrH2aOAWt1QRIz5xWqY68PeLiCfVdBTNIi9vNWLHO6uw9/s640/blogger-image-427516460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxu9-x0z3ivHKCNZkTRc2j1A6WnsZ1YusCKfscDMPlLo9gVJChiRfo4jsvBhPIlinpM_d9qHcUldRoF0CQEPHhQxYrifaoIIYsrH2aOAWt1QRIz5xWqY68PeLiCfVdBTNIi9vNWLHO6uw9/s640/blogger-image-427516460.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Up next was Kate's 2nd birthday on Good Friday. Kate woke up to balloons in her room that she was not at all impressed with. She then opened her presents with help from Drew of course. The weather wasn't all that great so we took the kids to a local wildlife refuge to see the buffalo and then to the best little diner to eat tenderloins and ice cream. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBdvlICnAcKs6Eno8z04lLBbNLXdK8qF8umBa3vWN52eLOoKtpSvYV_JQdLj7s22kO_oxuGATkXlHGMoYCaX-Yus8MAeUHDho38tNnSRO0xtNVBmBB0qW7Skiqf1c6AW3zoL2999Y1ujv/s640/blogger-image-1330478849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBdvlICnAcKs6Eno8z04lLBbNLXdK8qF8umBa3vWN52eLOoKtpSvYV_JQdLj7s22kO_oxuGATkXlHGMoYCaX-Yus8MAeUHDho38tNnSRO0xtNVBmBB0qW7Skiqf1c6AW3zoL2999Y1ujv/s640/blogger-image-1330478849.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNq7igsA9WCybs8US_V8YJFXXPPx8aNMYwQLsrOeIjlE6fEa_bbFBGBU1owowcu-dykIaSMEvTQBej9du0UHJjWVlz6H13ZznhRlv2EEcvLPPitHLhTRMcfqubMJIvwrObCNha8Txs-dE1/s640/blogger-image--51442479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNq7igsA9WCybs8US_V8YJFXXPPx8aNMYwQLsrOeIjlE6fEa_bbFBGBU1owowcu-dykIaSMEvTQBej9du0UHJjWVlz6H13ZznhRlv2EEcvLPPitHLhTRMcfqubMJIvwrObCNha8Txs-dE1/s640/blogger-image--51442479.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
We explored all the habitats of the local animals here in Iowa. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvRPbizH3cNpbVJNZbGD5H0fXzUWi77vyckMzOJiF99YGi2Otv1ijdA6rpGlnDpO_xSRd_J4nbJOEdS5EUyxGWmUJCFFgnQjV4FD9uB40aTOKr4EiOzXMvBtc5PjvOIYfKnsEaE0BXbm9f/s640/blogger-image--1068074555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvRPbizH3cNpbVJNZbGD5H0fXzUWi77vyckMzOJiF99YGi2Otv1ijdA6rpGlnDpO_xSRd_J4nbJOEdS5EUyxGWmUJCFFgnQjV4FD9uB40aTOKr4EiOzXMvBtc5PjvOIYfKnsEaE0BXbm9f/s640/blogger-image--1068074555.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Kate kept calling all of the buffalo, elephants. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx4jrmDBiOFRtPtfGM28zvVbJ2hiJUJxRgRRtrQuZOCtr6tQAYetoHxXfIxksWoF5Pghr4iBEhKONkZ2uzjhKuaqepM83tpnt1H9vcUcIb35wYFUVHzf21HnNTD0mvi12ueRi_3IL50Kk1/s640/blogger-image-387338722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx4jrmDBiOFRtPtfGM28zvVbJ2hiJUJxRgRRtrQuZOCtr6tQAYetoHxXfIxksWoF5Pghr4iBEhKONkZ2uzjhKuaqepM83tpnt1H9vcUcIb35wYFUVHzf21HnNTD0mvi12ueRi_3IL50Kk1/s640/blogger-image-387338722.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0sa-xON9EA-24rYNaBJjFcLk5uoPwmWJMP8_mmkJ69cm7SsGtHIb-WoiNatMNZZvhvBXto6y4FY7IUMLkVLK4hVixWeeiMqCkydeXCzaYS4xX5rF7PjG3g3d4aMbDmayqm5EuA6kOumv/s640/blogger-image--2066829161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0sa-xON9EA-24rYNaBJjFcLk5uoPwmWJMP8_mmkJ69cm7SsGtHIb-WoiNatMNZZvhvBXto6y4FY7IUMLkVLK4hVixWeeiMqCkydeXCzaYS4xX5rF7PjG3g3d4aMbDmayqm5EuA6kOumv/s640/blogger-image--2066829161.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBO4eYD9ECmE005ctx6zgu8w6M2JEmfww-YiBj-QSy9pxGRO8SvChBuJu3xXKpudeiwfzGKhOvVRy6SDXo-q-I3ywuq5Je6GOxBm6acgyIzLOUxJiQJBLN5izC-8dnOzE3V_mtGJ0O5vm_/s640/blogger-image--1334224181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBO4eYD9ECmE005ctx6zgu8w6M2JEmfww-YiBj-QSy9pxGRO8SvChBuJu3xXKpudeiwfzGKhOvVRy6SDXo-q-I3ywuq5Je6GOxBm6acgyIzLOUxJiQJBLN5izC-8dnOzE3V_mtGJ0O5vm_/s640/blogger-image--1334224181.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
The tenderloins and ice cream were delicious. Kate of course put on a show for everyone in the diner. </div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpY7oYfK-o7Z1WxPNaoiyYVGOdXdGbL5K_ChhGI1pZJwUpg1rcFE-jyGM6qsrQ_8ojLJfCtr26ma1xyBd9wDuIdwiSnjZ_2BCKWFNql2JSzCArcgOSZ-aTnZ-tcbsperB_mpL6uDd4xTOz/s640/blogger-image--649880447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpY7oYfK-o7Z1WxPNaoiyYVGOdXdGbL5K_ChhGI1pZJwUpg1rcFE-jyGM6qsrQ_8ojLJfCtr26ma1xyBd9wDuIdwiSnjZ_2BCKWFNql2JSzCArcgOSZ-aTnZ-tcbsperB_mpL6uDd4xTOz/s640/blogger-image--649880447.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0mkajCWbALYrM0BEQcPlDayCG-Jkbl-1ZBruInswH1fKz-D6tkGFylz2hW8unLken4ZP0hCc6SAQt5aLIZgVDhDAR0xblkBijmIfuFKSD-Fid40VxEdu4L2VdbeUZbTpqjhR0WqEdcwM/s640/blogger-image-1533906504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0mkajCWbALYrM0BEQcPlDayCG-Jkbl-1ZBruInswH1fKz-D6tkGFylz2hW8unLken4ZP0hCc6SAQt5aLIZgVDhDAR0xblkBijmIfuFKSD-Fid40VxEdu4L2VdbeUZbTpqjhR0WqEdcwM/s640/blogger-image-1533906504.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEeg-aYmeyaW6K_leVkNmhjIj8obqY0EIsSUoiRbqapV0k66jt6rv2vTeKjwZjXRM1uYLWEZjFT8NzOv3hf_122FehezC_SBbF6LJB58DTKS64lLFUcanTJ49IEfI70UYVHdPvmQ8W_sgc/s640/blogger-image--680103651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEeg-aYmeyaW6K_leVkNmhjIj8obqY0EIsSUoiRbqapV0k66jt6rv2vTeKjwZjXRM1uYLWEZjFT8NzOv3hf_122FehezC_SBbF6LJB58DTKS64lLFUcanTJ49IEfI70UYVHdPvmQ8W_sgc/s640/blogger-image--680103651.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
After the diner we took the kids to the park to blow bubbles and fly a kite. This was Kate's request, she had been asking to blow bubbles all day. We stopped by our house and picked up Ruby on the way to the park. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSY8HC88oJzR6mR58_HjGfHD188wtKgiuTUoVzmRfVFN6MaPd3kIgjocIOTh85VWzhIq8hkp883yHSAkRLusexcAYJ-jHlflD-JUZ20qfFb2jkmxKJWfVXzam0DcemQGdRpAYOPDxrA6RI/s640/blogger-image-197330135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSY8HC88oJzR6mR58_HjGfHD188wtKgiuTUoVzmRfVFN6MaPd3kIgjocIOTh85VWzhIq8hkp883yHSAkRLusexcAYJ-jHlflD-JUZ20qfFb2jkmxKJWfVXzam0DcemQGdRpAYOPDxrA6RI/s640/blogger-image-197330135.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCnfadxiJZ4loBY78dv9QWCbX0UKkTZR7ikd7PhjrMYCfkLLUVbk5n_xmsku7zdfObaiKq0zhnNjxBO3G6ymRTZqHSj1sqOsTc38Luk0OCSs6vhcv53tOx9ZiY1_qA4VKIXwFEzKN3_mx/s640/blogger-image--922594815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCnfadxiJZ4loBY78dv9QWCbX0UKkTZR7ikd7PhjrMYCfkLLUVbk5n_xmsku7zdfObaiKq0zhnNjxBO3G6ymRTZqHSj1sqOsTc38Luk0OCSs6vhcv53tOx9ZiY1_qA4VKIXwFEzKN3_mx/s640/blogger-image--922594815.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
We headed home and celebrated our birthday girl one last time. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aMXnUEgWq8MA_QXi9wtTw-TL3fHq34n1khqMssDm94Aqpr0ACzmNC61FSv-bEYY_ThjH5TnFNygsIUoEE3jGUBrbT0-CqG4sL-QiHuxYXVya48wLwd4nGY5mDmMTLhVPAuytL4J3qiY4/s640/blogger-image--749067957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aMXnUEgWq8MA_QXi9wtTw-TL3fHq34n1khqMssDm94Aqpr0ACzmNC61FSv-bEYY_ThjH5TnFNygsIUoEE3jGUBrbT0-CqG4sL-QiHuxYXVya48wLwd4nGY5mDmMTLhVPAuytL4J3qiY4/s640/blogger-image--749067957.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVv88oKU1UpYVNuULg6Cbg2SWu9M872NadjCe2AgDoFJ9-__XUQpkPdI7nZ0idsJWYRfrHXdcX6TZ9lXEycimGtCH8yQgkStBqvaVjR53KZfMDPZVWCDV6ATHhrUTL3HzLm-cvrnXVAEyb/s640/blogger-image-318980910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVv88oKU1UpYVNuULg6Cbg2SWu9M872NadjCe2AgDoFJ9-__XUQpkPdI7nZ0idsJWYRfrHXdcX6TZ9lXEycimGtCH8yQgkStBqvaVjR53KZfMDPZVWCDV6ATHhrUTL3HzLm-cvrnXVAEyb/s640/blogger-image-318980910.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-bSxkiAfjToYz5xhK8OpqlhmNcYxr-xROyZfaa5sARtqvMhmrfhFiHWBY_FA2Md8lwzgEAAjMH4uEmYZS7HSiBPWgqTytz8Gf10Kb72yyVxYbXjJuFzX7uoZvmfp4jhncmzRIjgsqicF/s640/blogger-image--749635412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-bSxkiAfjToYz5xhK8OpqlhmNcYxr-xROyZfaa5sARtqvMhmrfhFiHWBY_FA2Md8lwzgEAAjMH4uEmYZS7HSiBPWgqTytz8Gf10Kb72yyVxYbXjJuFzX7uoZvmfp4jhncmzRIjgsqicF/s640/blogger-image--749635412.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_L6PTmnk8fCAQMVdhqbVxKM_a42bTvVR37i72hly3pVTeBFEsJRWILX_w6Tlcvg2UPE4g2u_p2z_ybfD4pXHZeP-l5rrYDWjIaH0d6P4WI8hrcjz6OccpwCTWdJqD4QU0m2g1wqMG-_m/s640/blogger-image--2972428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_L6PTmnk8fCAQMVdhqbVxKM_a42bTvVR37i72hly3pVTeBFEsJRWILX_w6Tlcvg2UPE4g2u_p2z_ybfD4pXHZeP-l5rrYDWjIaH0d6P4WI8hrcjz6OccpwCTWdJqD4QU0m2g1wqMG-_m/s640/blogger-image--2972428.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
That weekend we celebrated Easter. The kids loved their Easter baskets and tore through them like crazy circus monkeys. We then headed to church with my parents before enjoying Easter dinner.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkMM-00DXtzWMj9bGarjtYq9Gvgrp4q2Jw5wcUmG9riWwGdjtWmE6Cyf5SCnOgqQrTQtDEyRxrH6tRmvJaIN51P7IenmhMJV3MbjWLFyIkvxHsZx4z3j3c_5nPMElOrMYDc75iaavBzmEp/s640/blogger-image--591408706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkMM-00DXtzWMj9bGarjtYq9Gvgrp4q2Jw5wcUmG9riWwGdjtWmE6Cyf5SCnOgqQrTQtDEyRxrH6tRmvJaIN51P7IenmhMJV3MbjWLFyIkvxHsZx4z3j3c_5nPMElOrMYDc75iaavBzmEp/s640/blogger-image--591408706.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTIz6DeOaE_G1gU5k3c9AhBOyiZN-AWOnsm6L_Uk8B3AZT1kx0Gz7UR3KFNcElUKIM3yyCzkIlRQ-Yq0m5xVI1qMpKkfh8e9uIK49Cd06V5I3YZJj6URWTZ-VBYVav_h8GuvdDLxE3B45/s640/blogger-image--672449950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTIz6DeOaE_G1gU5k3c9AhBOyiZN-AWOnsm6L_Uk8B3AZT1kx0Gz7UR3KFNcElUKIM3yyCzkIlRQ-Yq0m5xVI1qMpKkfh8e9uIK49Cd06V5I3YZJj6URWTZ-VBYVav_h8GuvdDLxE3B45/s640/blogger-image--672449950.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihgsqxiQwJp2XmKeTZuCQGU6LXlDYOH8sKi3KbsWCvPgrHjmIQlJzosUCnzfge09kOMKbtxhQBSjG6Eln7POCAdmWxiW03mN6J3SI7ntUp-7LBBWo7wmmfRsZIjYI7rj5r-bITa6HOSCwl/s640/blogger-image-527459052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihgsqxiQwJp2XmKeTZuCQGU6LXlDYOH8sKi3KbsWCvPgrHjmIQlJzosUCnzfge09kOMKbtxhQBSjG6Eln7POCAdmWxiW03mN6J3SI7ntUp-7LBBWo7wmmfRsZIjYI7rj5r-bITa6HOSCwl/s640/blogger-image-527459052.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
Thankfully this past week things have slowed down a bit. This weekend we are working on our landscaping and planting. Hopefully it's going to be warm enough we can finally put away our winter coats and get out our gardening gloves. <br>
<br></div>
Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15850783174809474021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160638492811401580.post-53997450150636298052014-04-14T14:50:00.000-05:002014-04-14T14:50:18.217-05:00Drew and Kate's Mexican fiesta<div style="text-align: center;">
This past weekend we hosted about 30 friends and family for Drew and Kate's joint Mexican fiesta. The birthday boy and girl had an absolutely wonderful time playing with their friends and cousins, and crashed hard that evening. This year I decided to do a joint party since their actual birthdays are just 22 days apart. With Brendan's family being from out of town it makes it easier for them to travel just once. </div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We started the party off with <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/laceyfields">these invites</a> from Etsy. </div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZYnyL9_ko63XSEnajzIq7GtiTZ9P8xV_aC-7H6WLbMlo5kTrmXbiNuTTNHjI8xis8Kgch-pglCXTmRfpaOxglR8-DK5OwtRzZxwSlj1YRPihPaFonTpHc0_JAOFaC1IquZv-ZuyHwZxl/s640/blogger-image--1941305507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZYnyL9_ko63XSEnajzIq7GtiTZ9P8xV_aC-7H6WLbMlo5kTrmXbiNuTTNHjI8xis8Kgch-pglCXTmRfpaOxglR8-DK5OwtRzZxwSlj1YRPihPaFonTpHc0_JAOFaC1IquZv-ZuyHwZxl/s640/blogger-image--1941305507.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After the house was decorated and the margaritas were mixed it was time to party!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzX8TUkoXA97Vfx447kvcyEeSp66m_sMoOCfUzYpaumB8PwJvjjFvNPwnKxd9sjEcBW3TdZo20z5yvT8OG8PfY9KnTtxZLo2XoKmi6lWRKcJcwRY0qVPSzfApptsM3HQXJjrn-deClk5o/s640/blogger-image-1238271685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzX8TUkoXA97Vfx447kvcyEeSp66m_sMoOCfUzYpaumB8PwJvjjFvNPwnKxd9sjEcBW3TdZo20z5yvT8OG8PfY9KnTtxZLo2XoKmi6lWRKcJcwRY0qVPSzfApptsM3HQXJjrn-deClk5o/s640/blogger-image-1238271685.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhar8DX96GLTgWXVTWGUysJ-gy-jKSWhFUPNfQ9o_-xF0KazOEhhuFpXsvXzEWixBVtUr0dQYBz1IqYjH4eOcTn-waHWnHjUSB5XrM_GlpyAVscXDaroTOmHzSrYvJ2d6zLRNZTk9hBvyAd/s640/blogger-image--520327613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhar8DX96GLTgWXVTWGUysJ-gy-jKSWhFUPNfQ9o_-xF0KazOEhhuFpXsvXzEWixBVtUr0dQYBz1IqYjH4eOcTn-waHWnHjUSB5XrM_GlpyAVscXDaroTOmHzSrYvJ2d6zLRNZTk9hBvyAd/s640/blogger-image--520327613.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8Uae7RmY2X7pXbhhccp8ycEZn8wCGlO34vt1Pz6w7dKO_YPwM_yvYdsnwPOHacQYqUiFsLOHDFx5kMR3qL1jFf25jfbpBilAmdJJ_QOAY7A8LpvLadB3Ymbs1Pu8RmH6HguSyT_JcNcP/s640/blogger-image-2001381889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8Uae7RmY2X7pXbhhccp8ycEZn8wCGlO34vt1Pz6w7dKO_YPwM_yvYdsnwPOHacQYqUiFsLOHDFx5kMR3qL1jFf25jfbpBilAmdJJ_QOAY7A8LpvLadB3Ymbs1Pu8RmH6HguSyT_JcNcP/s640/blogger-image-2001381889.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5J3lFA8lY3LtXlmnpjhy0ceijQ0w9khS576yPk0ev6Bd82M3SHN8g8UkyrNsCWpSV9iR5q9qNQD42chqLGSHQvANqJ8ZzsITOGQeO4Re2BQ-tnjbE2b-yNnNR_kT3aBIOVJ-bV8xi9Ne4/s640/blogger-image--1987715732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5J3lFA8lY3LtXlmnpjhy0ceijQ0w9khS576yPk0ev6Bd82M3SHN8g8UkyrNsCWpSV9iR5q9qNQD42chqLGSHQvANqJ8ZzsITOGQeO4Re2BQ-tnjbE2b-yNnNR_kT3aBIOVJ-bV8xi9Ne4/s640/blogger-image--1987715732.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I ordered shirts for both Drew and Kate from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/RightUpYourAli1">Right up your Ali</a>. Ali also did<a href="http://lifewithba.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-making-of-kates-milk-and-cookies.html"> Kate's onesie last year</a> and does such an awesome job I went back to her again this year. She also made Kate's clip. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowTOh0OVLXBoUOQSdWy_muO6JoRy_XQhgLBVBzknC6BX9gVF_dN-dWmOpDXLZcnoy-uvt1sllOfzUYWp8xeNbHiDoIfqrfXODXxNeKuHpOSk2Lsr7jyRjAqYS5c7YRlgxv-f_KzQPrDBx/s640/blogger-image--1567527998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowTOh0OVLXBoUOQSdWy_muO6JoRy_XQhgLBVBzknC6BX9gVF_dN-dWmOpDXLZcnoy-uvt1sllOfzUYWp8xeNbHiDoIfqrfXODXxNeKuHpOSk2Lsr7jyRjAqYS5c7YRlgxv-f_KzQPrDBx/s640/blogger-image--1567527998.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Kate's tutu is from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/KirrasBoutique">Kirra's Boutique</a> on Etsy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDst6hHsOwHctQr4PLVGIZ_6w8Ee4_h1R3h57cT8QJ0-os0NpOMbkEmALGVuSTHOIe0FNl51fMxEFedQ0DZlUOC5LqB4ByhwJcp0d2BvnhKYeV5sw2kW8pqG6VYsRt2DakhDaEzsZXkBPb/s640/blogger-image--51344311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDst6hHsOwHctQr4PLVGIZ_6w8Ee4_h1R3h57cT8QJ0-os0NpOMbkEmALGVuSTHOIe0FNl51fMxEFedQ0DZlUOC5LqB4ByhwJcp0d2BvnhKYeV5sw2kW8pqG6VYsRt2DakhDaEzsZXkBPb/s640/blogger-image--51344311.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The kids were so excited for their guests to arrive, they hung out by the front door for at least 25 minutes before the party started. The kids were given mini sombreros, maracas and a cactus as favors. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tP_dID7hQqDTW4bHhOUvVKr6_OJjR7MkLpUJnuFuwKvsCPxmIFz3A4BlNq-5w_aYgmZTUp0jiRL9UpnPCI_OVTqGuIP2Nl5GK6RfUKdRZyqlkHv8gfpkrSl2jpK395Px5-jVfaHcNL17/s640/blogger-image-1377665779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tP_dID7hQqDTW4bHhOUvVKr6_OJjR7MkLpUJnuFuwKvsCPxmIFz3A4BlNq-5w_aYgmZTUp0jiRL9UpnPCI_OVTqGuIP2Nl5GK6RfUKdRZyqlkHv8gfpkrSl2jpK395Px5-jVfaHcNL17/s640/blogger-image-1377665779.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfNpkEhQ4nso0DV4vVm_4j9JfEklVq-6LDpKFPRKVxi6Rb0DaOtNLFhV4ppDISRQ5PtNPLHGvpYiPFI6fF9X7WlDKh2iQ3sdb6CpS-TL8P77vUPy0zxVFT4eyQMKhQJ-ATocmgOGL4DyG/s640/blogger-image--1712735210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfNpkEhQ4nso0DV4vVm_4j9JfEklVq-6LDpKFPRKVxi6Rb0DaOtNLFhV4ppDISRQ5PtNPLHGvpYiPFI6fF9X7WlDKh2iQ3sdb6CpS-TL8P77vUPy0zxVFT4eyQMKhQJ-ATocmgOGL4DyG/s640/blogger-image--1712735210.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After the guests arrived the kids played pin the tail on the donkey and then broke the piñata. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOook5ylRgLkXcz1TANl5reKhiib7qUn_OGpMnlziR6hx1Ou9eXhHqjcK0kcNGGu6ZTsmTdVoAF_ej0ykvxdEHWK_JyR3fVjzzNTP9fdPLzYbF8jDFhQ6yd5mOGm6q1rxPVRPdlGLh4rN1/s640/blogger-image-343924621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOook5ylRgLkXcz1TANl5reKhiib7qUn_OGpMnlziR6hx1Ou9eXhHqjcK0kcNGGu6ZTsmTdVoAF_ej0ykvxdEHWK_JyR3fVjzzNTP9fdPLzYbF8jDFhQ6yd5mOGm6q1rxPVRPdlGLh4rN1/s640/blogger-image-343924621.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJmdOzle9EyRQQey4eUcudXUvl3HLDOpaLs_m3aM-qq_9gwKtCSWB_pTe6R2CydbQeZ2DdVPNfNF8PTMB-kdmgZX5K-zCPdPdVLA0SHGNgAlgtapJ4WwvjVpIfhqawt4GrHt1cSFYCWPp/s640/blogger-image-429653028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJmdOzle9EyRQQey4eUcudXUvl3HLDOpaLs_m3aM-qq_9gwKtCSWB_pTe6R2CydbQeZ2DdVPNfNF8PTMB-kdmgZX5K-zCPdPdVLA0SHGNgAlgtapJ4WwvjVpIfhqawt4GrHt1cSFYCWPp/s640/blogger-image-429653028.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After games our guests enjoyed a taco and nacho bar along with margaritas and coronas. After we ate it was time for presents and cake. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYR6ENCTsTEa-OPnWWUfjMBWjynF46W0nKSux9xj6uyO00tHRUR_UxBnExRj3QzESTHh7UoVUScvrp9NBm1QKTW-lC1ZCKhEq1ddyBxD3RGQYMS-g5M1O6POnSrEa8MkHwTAon-gE0C7P3/s640/blogger-image-499131176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYR6ENCTsTEa-OPnWWUfjMBWjynF46W0nKSux9xj6uyO00tHRUR_UxBnExRj3QzESTHh7UoVUScvrp9NBm1QKTW-lC1ZCKhEq1ddyBxD3RGQYMS-g5M1O6POnSrEa8MkHwTAon-gE0C7P3/s640/blogger-image-499131176.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiiXmvUJ7uLUwyQdv7GN6Q3-XofV2BM9C9sjNTKbzp76qJC5bz-BNx2RlquqiSdDU7oLMDSwEVxQ1FrL2-0J5DGCE6fC_gEeRxKpewCAzwVHvL7uoK87DMvMYvwMMdXY8YWC-1Pdk8uKal/s640/blogger-image-2026828433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiiXmvUJ7uLUwyQdv7GN6Q3-XofV2BM9C9sjNTKbzp76qJC5bz-BNx2RlquqiSdDU7oLMDSwEVxQ1FrL2-0J5DGCE6fC_gEeRxKpewCAzwVHvL7uoK87DMvMYvwMMdXY8YWC-1Pdk8uKal/s640/blogger-image-2026828433.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Drew and Kate's highlight was their new bikes from my parents. Drew does have a helmet, he just jumped on before I could run and get it. Kate got a <a href="http://www.target.com/p/radio-flyer-girl-s-classic-tricycle-pink-10/-/A-12442723#prodSlot=medium_1_13&term=trike">Radio Flyer pink trike</a> that is perfect for her little legs and Drew's bike has his favorite characters from the movie <a href="http://www.target.com/p/huffy-14-disney-planes-bike-white-orange/-/A-14550597?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=Google_PLA_df&LNM=14550597&CPNG=Sports&kpid=14550597&LID=PA&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=14550597&gclid=CPOVktDd4L0CFQ5gMgodAnkAsw">Planes</a> on it.. She can actually reach the pedals. Both kids have enjoyed their bikes ever since and ask to ride them daily. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Z0jh_ILxvOlnF3kQUa6V1ZzLUk9flglLGr3TGTCemnfs-xtS1G9zHLCUQGOFMxpZ3j2s_PHhTXfvlDgNj14q50gpkMqhF68rmXIrDwZiMA-OI9xc9UC5sP51p3rlWUrauTdKAP4JvPgX/s640/blogger-image--1990798231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Z0jh_ILxvOlnF3kQUa6V1ZzLUk9flglLGr3TGTCemnfs-xtS1G9zHLCUQGOFMxpZ3j2s_PHhTXfvlDgNj14q50gpkMqhF68rmXIrDwZiMA-OI9xc9UC5sP51p3rlWUrauTdKAP4JvPgX/s640/blogger-image--1990798231.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our local Hy-Vee grocery store made the cakes. I showed the gal a picture I found and she just did her thing. I was really happy how they turned out. Drew requested "banilla cake" and Kate wanted chocolate. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvO7prO6CmFXX-8NZHXVRfWS3AxLU-bOx0XnVz3toQM5yEWNAElsKWYFsIMI9Je9lT1nuAg79qHgXLBnxSygwOLjXOeEDu0Ifls-N88bTmyjLiLJGpcYQnGWT51yO4L6oiZFzun5IlZ-r/s640/blogger-image--1336445661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvO7prO6CmFXX-8NZHXVRfWS3AxLU-bOx0XnVz3toQM5yEWNAElsKWYFsIMI9Je9lT1nuAg79qHgXLBnxSygwOLjXOeEDu0Ifls-N88bTmyjLiLJGpcYQnGWT51yO4L6oiZFzun5IlZ-r/s640/blogger-image--1336445661.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoln7RssW8p9BokSUu6wBPeAMaoHYUrhojiTvMshGb475ufMf5DkAuB10hUa4RHAnXz3wzCSEAcl8KPF0Z47qYAoDo_LFKLwJ0blXzOu55QHpWr2QnqVDd2uWNYUhs13fpl-_jD5Eilqv_/s640/blogger-image-804543135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoln7RssW8p9BokSUu6wBPeAMaoHYUrhojiTvMshGb475ufMf5DkAuB10hUa4RHAnXz3wzCSEAcl8KPF0Z47qYAoDo_LFKLwJ0blXzOu55QHpWr2QnqVDd2uWNYUhs13fpl-_jD5Eilqv_/s640/blogger-image-804543135.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjliU-OuDdsUau8oFXO658u47cMqF-S0zZDrPTke1CQAphKigBnVLLXE4S4bJJlr1kSEoF6dFFlas6LIUMZQs7ltAww13bzLInqo-dtdw9FvnoeEqRpAEg16E3H-XzTHdMyWmNgXonwYBSX/s640/blogger-image-601252591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjliU-OuDdsUau8oFXO658u47cMqF-S0zZDrPTke1CQAphKigBnVLLXE4S4bJJlr1kSEoF6dFFlas6LIUMZQs7ltAww13bzLInqo-dtdw9FvnoeEqRpAEg16E3H-XzTHdMyWmNgXonwYBSX/s640/blogger-image-601252591.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Overall the party was a huge success and the kids had a great time! I would not hesitate doing another joint birthday party next year. Please feel free to ask any questions. </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15850783174809474021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160638492811401580.post-30551150255084029612014-02-13T14:48:00.001-06:002014-02-13T14:54:31.301-06:00No time for siesta, time for a FIESTA!!Both Drew and Kate are having birthdays in the upcoming months and last year I was a crazy woman and had their parties in the same weekend on different days. It was crazy and I was exhausted by the end of it. My thought process last year was that I wanted Kate to have her own first birthday party. So we had two parties and the kids had a blast. I didn't get enough sleep and ate too much cake. <div><br></div><div>This year I've decided to combine their parties and make it one big fiesta! We'll be hosting the party at our house and having a taco bar, margaritas, pin the tail on the donkey and of course a piñata. I recently ordered a few of the decorations and when the arrived the kids went bananas. You would have thought the party was tomorrow. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjmekX_KCK3juHKZt6lW-3FmvAJGqyHZlNRAOr6C1uBm_vG6mF3MffooE-NdqRYdikFN5Oun6_QFAdu0bMgdMo2489pIyPyzQs6UV98jgXNEnsLjLbNL4gzY-xjT9ZZqnsBHENe-aVmMI/s640/blogger-image--1054577307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjmekX_KCK3juHKZt6lW-3FmvAJGqyHZlNRAOr6C1uBm_vG6mF3MffooE-NdqRYdikFN5Oun6_QFAdu0bMgdMo2489pIyPyzQs6UV98jgXNEnsLjLbNL4gzY-xjT9ZZqnsBHENe-aVmMI/s640/blogger-image--1054577307.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I've found some adorable invites on Etsy and I've ordered some flags from Amazon, but I am stumped on a little favor for the kiddos. If you have a good idea, I am all ears. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKadS2lYo96L22CMJH93vkPUyIewlWY3aETkp66SL9a2gYfMicVHU4nPsU0S-vaZOTAJyIgY2XOE0naop2cSC4t-_Yj1izENsQPqJBYmSXgLe2OCQgd6ja0rbof9rWSf9LsZoXsiErQmO/s640/blogger-image--1904620518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKadS2lYo96L22CMJH93vkPUyIewlWY3aETkp66SL9a2gYfMicVHU4nPsU0S-vaZOTAJyIgY2XOE0naop2cSC4t-_Yj1izENsQPqJBYmSXgLe2OCQgd6ja0rbof9rWSf9LsZoXsiErQmO/s640/blogger-image--1904620518.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgd2Q_hplzjlPqBLiiTxVmHhn9N6xE4ZcqZtcs8oXv7OWy6aE5tpY5Y3omq5p9QYdbd0I0PSYrGhZjU9bMaQEDc8-zRu4ul700w6x8n1XcOtYKvLV3KZuKfXSBkowEa0yJ9JHVqChj838b/s640/blogger-image-709688105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgd2Q_hplzjlPqBLiiTxVmHhn9N6xE4ZcqZtcs8oXv7OWy6aE5tpY5Y3omq5p9QYdbd0I0PSYrGhZjU9bMaQEDc8-zRu4ul700w6x8n1XcOtYKvLV3KZuKfXSBkowEa0yJ9JHVqChj838b/s640/blogger-image-709688105.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I am so excited for the kids to see some of the ideas Brendan and I have come up with to DIY for their party. Last year we made a big 3 and put Drew's pictures from the previous year on it. This year we are planning to make a DOS and CUATRO for each of them and hang them someplace. </div><div><br></div><div>Party planning is my absolutely favorite thing to do. I am however happy to just plan one party instead of two in one weekend this year. Stay tuned for more details of Drew and Kate's Fiesta! </div>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15850783174809474021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160638492811401580.post-74144842612810928392014-02-05T13:57:00.001-06:002014-02-05T13:57:39.256-06:00Iowa's Maid-RitesGrowing up, both Brendan and I frequented our local Maid-Rites. We both love the delicious loose meat sandwiches and indulge in them far too often. Maid-Rite is a long time Iowa staple that runs thick through our little town. Their sandwiches are delicious, their cheese balls are to die for and the chocolate shakes amazing! <div><br></div><div>Brendan told me that he found a recipe that was supposed to taste like Maid-Rites. I was a little skeptical but thought we'd give it a try. You first brown the meat and mix all ingredients together and then let everything marinate in the crockpot for a good five hours. When we transferred the mixtured to the crockpot we added a bit more water. The mixture will be soupy and we did have to drain the meat when scooping it up to dish it on the buns. </div><div><br></div><div>The verdict: these taste exactly like the real thing! They were AWESOME! The kids even ate them. We will be making these again. Now I just need to find some cheese balls I can make at home. </div><div><br></div><div>The recipe:</div><div>2 tablespoons dried onion</div><div>1tablespoon warm water</div><div>3 lbs. ground beef</div><div>1 beef bouillon cube</div><div>1 chicken bouillon cube</div><div>1 1/2 cup water (this part didn't really make sense but we went with it)</div><div>1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce</div><div>1 tablespoon soy sauce</div><div>2 tablespoons cider vinegar</div><div>2 tablespoons brown sugar</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE5xNkPWbli6wBhL3YzZj6pUConXrzBuNpDmsYJsiUb5L6CWnkIIwXSg_4CY9oxWY5Rs3YDUOfAItSRUlM9TVI5adBXJz8vXRMgTkT7RGwIe_pfHbDTxKsitmZN52OqzBBDcoi-k4X8Kdb/s640/blogger-image-1270594676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE5xNkPWbli6wBhL3YzZj6pUConXrzBuNpDmsYJsiUb5L6CWnkIIwXSg_4CY9oxWY5Rs3YDUOfAItSRUlM9TVI5adBXJz8vXRMgTkT7RGwIe_pfHbDTxKsitmZN52OqzBBDcoi-k4X8Kdb/s640/blogger-image-1270594676.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We added cheese, ketchup and mustard to our Maid-Rites and served them on wheat buns. We also had sautéed green beans and loaded baked potato salad. I highly recommend trying this for an easy week night or weekend meal. </div><br></div>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15850783174809474021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160638492811401580.post-24755770050378955992014-02-01T13:46:00.001-06:002014-03-11T14:22:58.941-05:00A typical dayI always find posts about family schedules pretty darn interesting so I thought I'd share an ordinary day around our house. Both Brendan and I work outside of the home. I work part-time every morning and Brendan works full-time. The kids go to an in-home day care five mornings a week with Drew attending preschool two of those mornings. Drew is 3 years and 11 months old, and Kate is 22 months old. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXQpadFyCfrQyUzlj2I65wRq15qldvJRxnaPvq7YF-MidnCzSemJJ8ufLtJxkYsfH4ccOeqV8tJOQUBVMvzGNRYJCqCWJK2yBNTB7qPChXpgN-fffIIaT5Xac_kwdulvaZtyuvNOwl5-3/s640/blogger-image-1304419026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXQpadFyCfrQyUzlj2I65wRq15qldvJRxnaPvq7YF-MidnCzSemJJ8ufLtJxkYsfH4ccOeqV8tJOQUBVMvzGNRYJCqCWJK2yBNTB7qPChXpgN-fffIIaT5Xac_kwdulvaZtyuvNOwl5-3/s640/blogger-image-1304419026.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Each morning my alarm goes off at 5:45AM. I usually roll out of bed and jump in the shower. There are those days that I lay there and have to decide which day it actually is. After I shower I make my daily cup of coffee. It's my "good morning" to myself and I love my Keurig machine and my A cup. Brendan or one of the kids is usually stirring by 6:15AM and one of us gets Drew or Kate. Drew still doesn't come out of his room on his own most of the time. Once in a great while he'll come out on his own. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXnzh6fxniOMf9rtHYu8wGCEnlGY6DQFKZTzosjIBOm38f9EGlGhZZfc9nb993A1tMxW_t8lG2xv_tTMdo5e9ha0z-cSc8v7zUiSHxvx6Su0o7KeBQSOWtdmir83KAdbVCLy8proQ8iAw/s640/blogger-image--871992998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXnzh6fxniOMf9rtHYu8wGCEnlGY6DQFKZTzosjIBOm38f9EGlGhZZfc9nb993A1tMxW_t8lG2xv_tTMdo5e9ha0z-cSc8v7zUiSHxvx6Su0o7KeBQSOWtdmir83KAdbVCLy8proQ8iAw/s640/blogger-image--871992998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9JOyyOiVJCjyUqmVJZiiujlllbSpSQ1WWedPlv9XYL8c5wM4_agnIUOyPMbok2nr1ipaHy5kmjBs6ggdh7x1XfeB3XLrYkbedhcRP5HbjLfskrKkJvjts4iTUOujTBvz1WcqjLBM3ZbN/s640/blogger-image--1775138956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9JOyyOiVJCjyUqmVJZiiujlllbSpSQ1WWedPlv9XYL8c5wM4_agnIUOyPMbok2nr1ipaHy5kmjBs6ggdh7x1XfeB3XLrYkbedhcRP5HbjLfskrKkJvjts4iTUOujTBvz1WcqjLBM3ZbN/s640/blogger-image--1775138956.jpg"></a></div></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Drew always, always, always asks for milk right away in the morning. Then he likes to watch cartoons in our bed. Kate on the other hand wants to eat right away. Dry cereal is usually her "nack" in the morning or as we would all call it, a snack. She also eats her dry cereal in our bed, so most nights Brendan and I usually sleep on cereal crumbs.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRr5RLzopefzdYRzlnv0zXaJebZChsUdkDcCHcmTu1ILBCh1bRSxjGVv6QnsQ_yVy2olE0KMVhrZ-h-_DdAF6lkm6NnPWOhONpMuMWyNRxCR1-m89V9L9xWYQ4Y7_bYl5mL-V4tleoF-E_/s640/blogger-image-283779263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRr5RLzopefzdYRzlnv0zXaJebZChsUdkDcCHcmTu1ILBCh1bRSxjGVv6QnsQ_yVy2olE0KMVhrZ-h-_DdAF6lkm6NnPWOhONpMuMWyNRxCR1-m89V9L9xWYQ4Y7_bYl5mL-V4tleoF-E_/s640/blogger-image-283779263.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div>Once the kids are up and settled Brendan hops in the shower and gets ready in about 1/4 of the time it takes me to finish my routine. I do my makeup and dry my hair. Then I get the kids dressed for day care or Drew for school. After Brendan's ready he takes the kids out to the kitchen and gets them Breakfast. I finish getting ready and am usually running late by this point. I run out to the kitchen and grab some dry cereal or fruit to take to work and say my goodbyes. I rush out the door and am at work by 7:30am. Brendan finishes up breakfast with the kids and gets them to daycare. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpyH7Hit4QvJXjk9lyouFHkmG7pwijgUYpmQ6SPJ8wKGilo2TVQzieyS3ShzNZ0DQ_yobjhbFuv-egKX8Z0baWIpSGbsYE42L59IqQFQDKU_gOSnVyauoCZbV7RDJTBkwZeGYitERSIiA/s640/blogger-image--1180829740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpyH7Hit4QvJXjk9lyouFHkmG7pwijgUYpmQ6SPJ8wKGilo2TVQzieyS3ShzNZ0DQ_yobjhbFuv-egKX8Z0baWIpSGbsYE42L59IqQFQDKU_gOSnVyauoCZbV7RDJTBkwZeGYitERSIiA/s640/blogger-image--1180829740.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(I have no idea why Kate is sitting in a regular chair this morning, the kids both have Stokke Tripp Trapp chairs and they work great for both kids.)</div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>I work for the morning and I won't bore you with my work mumbo jumbo. I love my job and the people I work with. The education field is my passion and finding a job that allows me to work part-time and be at home with my children in the afternoon is absolutely amazing! </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>My office is pretty large, it's actually the old principal's office. I've tried to warm it up as much as possible, but we are in a school. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCjZvhude-6qGKClUD-NGjGDOeCp76Qldf-xU4rpzK-qA6V-_FleMHH53qr_LzOK94QczAKgNuYLfOvA6oJjHzqbrHYj-l2eSUB2eOkCrzcXw0-NlOieoNPtT1_SKbzsazT7gy1B8Smhr/s640/blogger-image--242182045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCjZvhude-6qGKClUD-NGjGDOeCp76Qldf-xU4rpzK-qA6V-_FleMHH53qr_LzOK94QczAKgNuYLfOvA6oJjHzqbrHYj-l2eSUB2eOkCrzcXw0-NlOieoNPtT1_SKbzsazT7gy1B8Smhr/s640/blogger-image--242182045.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdQAuwaazkBiPTtD_8J4vUN1z90ieHe_K_j90zvlC3BBo2r6ma1qiBlBNq7EGItZOMJzTVJWZq-e0EEagCcEncgP1Pr1RsAlDHR2oagsqjgUHjT6LuxmBaGvX6xj6GR8Qa8goCp5zvZeW/s640/blogger-image-1473005699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdQAuwaazkBiPTtD_8J4vUN1z90ieHe_K_j90zvlC3BBo2r6ma1qiBlBNq7EGItZOMJzTVJWZq-e0EEagCcEncgP1Pr1RsAlDHR2oagsqjgUHjT6LuxmBaGvX6xj6GR8Qa8goCp5zvZeW/s640/blogger-image-1473005699.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoIC9Nc4AUCnCLCdSa0xdBojNtih_4AtomnJeihUAkpSUj8GbShHZU4QgYgCUCVis1OWVXOJRwkwF2Ac2zZ7Jo6VG4UIY3R8xswfyDvomY-DAwtJzFZu4Vv8CVoG25y5XN90O9mgQ9CilE/s640/blogger-image--1934708184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoIC9Nc4AUCnCLCdSa0xdBojNtih_4AtomnJeihUAkpSUj8GbShHZU4QgYgCUCVis1OWVXOJRwkwF2Ac2zZ7Jo6VG4UIY3R8xswfyDvomY-DAwtJzFZu4Vv8CVoG25y5XN90O9mgQ9CilE/s640/blogger-image--1934708184.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">After I'm done working I pick up the kiddos at daycare or school. Then it's home for afternoon nap time. Kate goes down first and naps from 12:30-3PM and Drew still naps most days from 12:45-3:30PM. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW1VpUhWlbCcjueQO-Ioc4-r72h-9ec9wYaIr-1mtN7MYn4Sh9f5FYHVMk_XF-LGLKmDgYPTlwJ4TbR0oIlUBYWZZ4oIdzD0YyGtvMAuf7L91knvTN39Vc4iwDeNd3zHz_ZHYybUCuZc5u/s640/blogger-image--1470887387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW1VpUhWlbCcjueQO-Ioc4-r72h-9ec9wYaIr-1mtN7MYn4Sh9f5FYHVMk_XF-LGLKmDgYPTlwJ4TbR0oIlUBYWZZ4oIdzD0YyGtvMAuf7L91knvTN39Vc4iwDeNd3zHz_ZHYybUCuZc5u/s640/blogger-image--1470887387.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>While the kids are napping I eat lunch, pick up the tornado that is our house and get the laundry done, clean the house, meal plan or make our grocery list. It just depends on the day. Some days I eat lunch at 1:15PM and other days I find myself not eating until 2:30PM and wondering where the heck the afternoon went. Kate usually wakes up first from her nap and she immediately wants to eat so we eat a snack together and then we go wake Drew up. If I let him sleep past 3:30 he won't go to bed until 10PM that night. Once both kiddos are up we either run errands or stay home and play. The kids love being in our basement and on the days I tell them we need to go to the grocery store I have to bribe them with graham crackers in the cart while we shop. Otherwise, it's meltdown city. Soccer in the basement is so much more fun then grocery shopping with mom. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0SIqsO9JunN-rOSIHd6j7W8sr2-dhWEh17mZfQYE_LNTUL-csoNHwtg6AHy1G3cqMuenNdGyOvVGoGeDCduDMAPuiHEUguxiUsMNozAJFJ2mTHfwPFKfXy9uz_YaIGUiIZrSky9L6FxZ/s640/blogger-image-1023682347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0SIqsO9JunN-rOSIHd6j7W8sr2-dhWEh17mZfQYE_LNTUL-csoNHwtg6AHy1G3cqMuenNdGyOvVGoGeDCduDMAPuiHEUguxiUsMNozAJFJ2mTHfwPFKfXy9uz_YaIGUiIZrSky9L6FxZ/s640/blogger-image-1023682347.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMH5DQWWocaMB3ceb6GdOY368c2nfosquUOEZdLC76gNrJ162jyz9ImE5fdXFkLcXV7CFlWQiy71EwF2BxBpo1vQ4m9zm4NA5A8ABnXfcCZmzx2jEVOE-NKoDQfAh_5OjOLYt7HHcQdmq/s640/blogger-image-2083594268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMH5DQWWocaMB3ceb6GdOY368c2nfosquUOEZdLC76gNrJ162jyz9ImE5fdXFkLcXV7CFlWQiy71EwF2BxBpo1vQ4m9zm4NA5A8ABnXfcCZmzx2jEVOE-NKoDQfAh_5OjOLYt7HHcQdmq/s640/blogger-image-2083594268.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFpOC8AWqgzgMAMK7bNOWbbUOmCXlMMHJKZ8-PYoLVg0hbPfRHhGhyphenhyphen-FIpRXJ8jTk4ImR1x9IuW0Jg-sLj1pXocS_B5m3RUTIVJJj6VmPdTR9r7W0tfZEHyAhDkybDSgZipTY8RIDzupuF/s640/blogger-image-159141099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFpOC8AWqgzgMAMK7bNOWbbUOmCXlMMHJKZ8-PYoLVg0hbPfRHhGhyphenhyphen-FIpRXJ8jTk4ImR1x9IuW0Jg-sLj1pXocS_B5m3RUTIVJJj6VmPdTR9r7W0tfZEHyAhDkybDSgZipTY8RIDzupuF/s640/blogger-image-159141099.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Brendan gets home right around 5 o'clock and I usually start dinner shortly after he arrives. He plays with the kids while I cook. It's usually a little crazy around dinner time, Kate's hungry, Drew's ornery, Brendan's trying to talk to me about his day. We've got our very own three ring circus going on. Once dinner is ready things calm down for about 5 minutes. We all eat and the kids take about 5 bites and say "all done". Dinner is a constant battle right now. Drew is super picky and refuses to eat hardly anything. Kate is a bit better and eats more than Drew. We are always having to tell Drew take 3 more bites. One child always ends up in my lap or in tears over not liking dinner. It's life right now. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm8buEqrUlZmK_HIqgv6jONJ4evpMqxfBb9Et52To60Sl_u_QL8zYYjuuLz8oObUHzMWkD9fhAlLuxfFIomYzxnHcxzbx_IXAinSIeYsmPhQIRGQMhzjbvnygHllP5v2f6jLheeJFQahVP/s640/blogger-image--770082305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm8buEqrUlZmK_HIqgv6jONJ4evpMqxfBb9Et52To60Sl_u_QL8zYYjuuLz8oObUHzMWkD9fhAlLuxfFIomYzxnHcxzbx_IXAinSIeYsmPhQIRGQMhzjbvnygHllP5v2f6jLheeJFQahVP/s640/blogger-image--770082305.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This evening we made Iowa Maid-Rites and they were AMAZING!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8HFeVeY78ekKTleOfnfSe7jRPpTrYS3TNkjvv6yWnE5II2w_AXZ1LJaPEayQy4o36ez4C04JWqHJwii9CSKicIKs5NppvvkuqwTu6FhlJTtlMGDwrgZRkXlThhV9Mc08HqYuI-ZPs6yhyphenhyphen/s640/blogger-image--674873310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8HFeVeY78ekKTleOfnfSe7jRPpTrYS3TNkjvv6yWnE5II2w_AXZ1LJaPEayQy4o36ez4C04JWqHJwii9CSKicIKs5NppvvkuqwTu6FhlJTtlMGDwrgZRkXlThhV9Mc08HqYuI-ZPs6yhyphenhyphen/s640/blogger-image--674873310.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div>After dinner it's bath time. Both kids love the bath, except when there's bubbles, then Kate won't touch the bath with a ten foot pole. After bath it's pj's and chill out time. Drew usually wants to play with his cars and Kate likes to read books. Kate then heads to bed around 7PM. She gets a sippy cup of milk, a bit of rocking, teething brushing and then lays down in her crib and snuggles with her blankie and about 6 paci's. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlFhAshdyelOU7iDL0I308n0bJtEMrhh-e8o7n-8bhOBOJB3Izjc4rksois9t7N21npHUM4UT39WM1H_MNN0v1OpL3kUODiTNYSIIV-n2Wax_MAZFOyObVm-wXR3pE3eiMnpwXFaslEm3Q/s640/blogger-image--1482104803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlFhAshdyelOU7iDL0I308n0bJtEMrhh-e8o7n-8bhOBOJB3Izjc4rksois9t7N21npHUM4UT39WM1H_MNN0v1OpL3kUODiTNYSIIV-n2Wax_MAZFOyObVm-wXR3pE3eiMnpwXFaslEm3Q/s640/blogger-image--1482104803.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div>Drew usually stays pretty chill during the hour or so before bedtime. Sometimes he and Brendan will go in the basement and play soccer. This is Drew's new "thing", he's in love with soccer. If they go and play in the basement and he's all riled up then I hand over bedtime duty to Brendan. You rile him up, you settle him down. I'm half kidding. Drew heads to bed around 8PM, he also likes to drink a cup of milk while reading a couple of books. He then brushes his teeth, goes potty and feeds his fish. He's usually asleep by 8:30pm at the latest. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGBLeN1KYIGYChaqIXw0wccuip0duVGJQ25k3ynDaj1TbONyrx9x_9fgWpRAe_qkUUETzXG58j04VLG90LsCowAhkK9dR4JkSK7VzAMS8xSPQflFBRpN2iho53G-LVQ-O8bNIueOXs22G/s640/blogger-image--796215608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGBLeN1KYIGYChaqIXw0wccuip0duVGJQ25k3ynDaj1TbONyrx9x_9fgWpRAe_qkUUETzXG58j04VLG90LsCowAhkK9dR4JkSK7VzAMS8xSPQflFBRpN2iho53G-LVQ-O8bNIueOXs22G/s640/blogger-image--796215608.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJykkCzOg58zd_IspYSsSKS9k2SGk8s29m_697tdcQEU8Ej0loJwojGrv785M0DGgzyfsbGlg1g2r_7aVOQUHcaqXs5b_3F_Clz5pm1e_0520bDPXcxweVYnBl5h10Ekq5gMcX2wv9C3Zz/s640/blogger-image-1519629829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJykkCzOg58zd_IspYSsSKS9k2SGk8s29m_697tdcQEU8Ej0loJwojGrv785M0DGgzyfsbGlg1g2r_7aVOQUHcaqXs5b_3F_Clz5pm1e_0520bDPXcxweVYnBl5h10Ekq5gMcX2wv9C3Zz/s640/blogger-image-1519629829.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhluIobBlf24JGc-B1BGRu5-hnDDRL3y5yd5PVHgo5VAKmZMZyOVFEWJd7OJ1RFJ2KZk2JxGuqXZLyn9iQTzYO-I4e6kQ67htdPGELFatiXo_MnvgE0Qn4hGjmDaEB35xARXjHlkCFNGN0Y/s640/blogger-image--2048969491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhluIobBlf24JGc-B1BGRu5-hnDDRL3y5yd5PVHgo5VAKmZMZyOVFEWJd7OJ1RFJ2KZk2JxGuqXZLyn9iQTzYO-I4e6kQ67htdPGELFatiXo_MnvgE0Qn4hGjmDaEB35xARXjHlkCFNGN0Y/s640/blogger-image--2048969491.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div>After both kids are in bed Brendan and I pick up the house, finish the laundry and get things ready for the next day. We try and sit down and spend some quality time chatting about our days and what the next day looks like. Having an adult conversation with a one and three year old around is nearly impossible without being interrupted every five seconds. So this is really our time to connect and enjoy each other. </div><div><br></div><div>By 9:30 or 10:00pm we are headed to bed to watch the news. We are super lame these days. Over night Drew might get up to go potty once and Kate might fuss but for the most part our kids have been sleeping through the night for the past few months. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtNoBtQ5d65jZSxWMY8_6_Kha-OUxFnsuJNg0JBk-NFZVTTz3R6NYIzbnyhsQ8JPR5s9NQPRhQqsnX0l58J2L2_2vMwgvBuIR7fMajejiWS4MaAKh-LLkXTeQnVQr0oYWWXJeYAZ7elAV/s640/blogger-image--564996854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtNoBtQ5d65jZSxWMY8_6_Kha-OUxFnsuJNg0JBk-NFZVTTz3R6NYIzbnyhsQ8JPR5s9NQPRhQqsnX0l58J2L2_2vMwgvBuIR7fMajejiWS4MaAKh-LLkXTeQnVQr0oYWWXJeYAZ7elAV/s640/blogger-image--564996854.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Our next morning starts once again bright and early at 5:45AM. Our life isn't one that may seem outlandishly exciting but we've seem to have found our groove as a family of four. We have our days and nights where we are running around like chickens with our heads cut off but right now for the most part part we've been able to enjoy a decent amount of family time. I know at one point in our lives we won't have that luxury, so I'm trying to soak it all in right now as much as possible. Even though somedays I'm ready to pull my hair out by dinner time, these are the days we'll look back on and miss dearly. Even though life is crazy with a three and one year old, I count my blessings and<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> thank God for the balance I've found with work and home life. </span></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br></div>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15850783174809474021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160638492811401580.post-17303456538927996742014-01-21T15:03:00.000-06:002014-01-21T15:03:25.341-06:00Wooden growth chartMy mom has always been crafty. When I was growing up she would always make our Valentines or May Day baskets. She would sew my Halloween costumes and everyone would rave about her craftiness. My mom has always worked full-time as she had to work. My parents divorced when I was three years old and she needed to support two young daughters. My mom built her financial planning business and in 2009 retired to become a full-time grandma and hand over the business to the rest of our family. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Since retiring she has taken her love for crafting and creating to a whole new level. First up was my <a href="http://lifewithba.blogspot.com/2012/09/my-little-brother-got-hitched.html">brother's wedding where she planned a beautiful rehearsal dinner at the Pabst tasting room in Milwaukee</a>. She made every table covering, every centerpiece and place card for the evening. Not to mention welcomed here grand children in the same year. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho4YKbpsOyLxnqNteAuAxWdqmmTANJI3XWgXfXZN5pnZBbTb-22qFrSfl8wE-YzNswXd86E-SbaV9EZBn_9z6EUzWDIKMVzAqwzCplS2toOO0JjSpjV2vcy-pN6vdreOwqiUBIDVznbics/s1600/IMG_0552.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/AVvXsEho4YKbpsOyLxnqNteAuAxWdqmmTANJI3XWgXfXZN5pnZBbTb-22qFrSfl8wE-YzNswXd86E-SbaV9EZBn_9z6EUzWDIKMVzAqwzCplS2toOO0JjSpjV2vcy-pN6vdreOwqiUBIDVznbics/s1600/IMG_0552.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWPDyS7ztXJoQPTYjwi7yK5-6H6o2LTk9F3kwHhpOuXOrwru9Kc8MJALQ70J7wF_-0E8TnPmS2TGDWkqRKtGCwNr8s4Ou68WMeSxeH17zxDBLGd3QNGNPyjByQ35s1AFkiW1T71GN09zzZ/s1600/IMG_0553.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/AVvXsEhWPDyS7ztXJoQPTYjwi7yK5-6H6o2LTk9F3kwHhpOuXOrwru9Kc8MJALQ70J7wF_-0E8TnPmS2TGDWkqRKtGCwNr8s4Ou68WMeSxeH17zxDBLGd3QNGNPyjByQ35s1AFkiW1T71GN09zzZ/s1600/IMG_0553.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9OlFRUmdWFkArJ3Ih2IA4Ei1mkKkSgxlr7ZTEwfH3MjB1QpoN7K5MiA8gkEM5MZIr9TrYNG8BzEUYE0BKvemQXRS_mHyWIVCmFwIgup22Hh5zOnHYGFWGVyPpVHHS8XDwrRm7XYfnn6qk/s1600/rehearsal+dinner.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/AVvXsEj9OlFRUmdWFkArJ3Ih2IA4Ei1mkKkSgxlr7ZTEwfH3MjB1QpoN7K5MiA8gkEM5MZIr9TrYNG8BzEUYE0BKvemQXRS_mHyWIVCmFwIgup22Hh5zOnHYGFWGVyPpVHHS8XDwrRm7XYfnn6qk/s1600/rehearsal+dinner.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Next up was my<a href="http://lifewithba.blogspot.com/search/label/Wedding"> little sister's wedding this past October in Boston</a>. <br />
She made everything for the big day. Seriously everything.<br />
After this event we dubbed her Martha Stewart. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepw4VByWVcvyW5y86r6hP2wHrLrQFn1r3xmAbXF5NyTGahZluGzb9Xw1wy2Q2qbb2VUEtqD6SL5Xe2uV-_4tc4hDPZwFzvslx5M3xZWqwsa9RbqFiIStFCbUzQBSfL_YmNTFwm9ievnfi/s1600/reception+2.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/AVvXsEiepw4VByWVcvyW5y86r6hP2wHrLrQFn1r3xmAbXF5NyTGahZluGzb9Xw1wy2Q2qbb2VUEtqD6SL5Xe2uV-_4tc4hDPZwFzvslx5M3xZWqwsa9RbqFiIStFCbUzQBSfL_YmNTFwm9ievnfi/s1600/reception+2.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHd45zXcD3ksENIx2jafBQzq1PQJzWjs21tBXayDtkZ3Nu1V2kZznHc7owFeQBIM079aJ1tr1YjnA1ZsqkRZGoU2zx_hBPJi3m_1wGUFev1AthIohuIej_99iwoTbTQUvHFAt787uF-5jq/s1600/reception+3.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/AVvXsEhHd45zXcD3ksENIx2jafBQzq1PQJzWjs21tBXayDtkZ3Nu1V2kZznHc7owFeQBIM079aJ1tr1YjnA1ZsqkRZGoU2zx_hBPJi3m_1wGUFev1AthIohuIej_99iwoTbTQUvHFAt787uF-5jq/s1600/reception+3.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKaLqwyprEa2jANiBDHPWxxToXY1yTMyMFOIG8BC-3ebVfpvpEEwNIBapfIFFsGhR47KayaADl1CfRZoUag0hcswE7-Iv17OTKlLJTL4XHNcmJr8sxKU-SMHfqyr-BobV2KfiX50uUwXiG/s1600/reception+19.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/AVvXsEhKaLqwyprEa2jANiBDHPWxxToXY1yTMyMFOIG8BC-3ebVfpvpEEwNIBapfIFFsGhR47KayaADl1CfRZoUag0hcswE7-Iv17OTKlLJTL4XHNcmJr8sxKU-SMHfqyr-BobV2KfiX50uUwXiG/s1600/reception+19.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHOh6x_ZNUn7NOnZ2CaZBZx_2lKO1hXrHMx98lLnM9QNH9FDq35v0lyOwcu2EKnr75peqLh752_8IVdhx1FsW_gmtsj8Mji0nbNkUlWyz2xQ-YyzxQiHYVvECemHEHn1iuBUwHCZaMNrZ/s1600/rehearsal.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/AVvXsEhfHOh6x_ZNUn7NOnZ2CaZBZx_2lKO1hXrHMx98lLnM9QNH9FDq35v0lyOwcu2EKnr75peqLh752_8IVdhx1FsW_gmtsj8Mji0nbNkUlWyz2xQ-YyzxQiHYVvECemHEHn1iuBUwHCZaMNrZ/s1600/rehearsal.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj15XCV_m4AGAExUjFwal1GgtVAFrkQ14_4tsnF5BwwemBV8BNsvSa9IEFS1CppbmgICnDoZm6xVPNtIqGbOmR2aqNYYutp0HC7Xyh_vQkLGXDfFq-B1riMZ96u6q4_u8Zl331mZs57lWur/s1600/bridal+lunch+1.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/AVvXsEj15XCV_m4AGAExUjFwal1GgtVAFrkQ14_4tsnF5BwwemBV8BNsvSa9IEFS1CppbmgICnDoZm6xVPNtIqGbOmR2aqNYYutp0HC7Xyh_vQkLGXDfFq-B1riMZ96u6q4_u8Zl331mZs57lWur/s1600/bridal+lunch+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
When our family got together to celebrate Christmas this year she wrote each of us girls a note in our stockings telling us there was a present for us in the basement. We all headed to the basement and there was a handmade gift for each of us. For my little sister was two shelves made from pallets for her bathroom. She made my sister-in-law jewelry holders on wood planks with doorknobs and for my older sister and I, wooden growth charts. I was over the moon. I've wanted one for our home for a long time but the ones I've looked at have always been so expensive. This piece is beautiful and will be in our home forever. I also love that when we move we can take it with us. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SmfyYq7BNkn1q90VZ6VLVWyJrl0utylmsrkGUgR0ubALM5EL76dha1scWlemZxkkr1-6oOTmorbZHkzIAqaWB0zEyZwoxUeIHfhcl_gPQi-p-52CdaLyzb_ye4R1sibyA8TCZD_j35XZ/s640/blogger-image-1427363610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SmfyYq7BNkn1q90VZ6VLVWyJrl0utylmsrkGUgR0ubALM5EL76dha1scWlemZxkkr1-6oOTmorbZHkzIAqaWB0zEyZwoxUeIHfhcl_gPQi-p-52CdaLyzb_ye4R1sibyA8TCZD_j35XZ/s640/blogger-image-1427363610.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
We brought it home and decided to hang it in our entry way. We measured each of our kiddos and thankfully Kate made it on the chart! My mom used a 1x10 piece of wood and free hand painted the numbers. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-edkz2XLFPCq5mw3GpCIQ-xfJ5plPMk5jydMYPCYGHEVhh5MllJRlSiWdCF9MM2ovtzc9NYQp_FLpVzlP1YBewrt8gM_gvyVcZhnobo6y5YtW-RH9fAu8ag9N2Uvd8LouWNv8c-zBZrg/s640/blogger-image--978064378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-edkz2XLFPCq5mw3GpCIQ-xfJ5plPMk5jydMYPCYGHEVhh5MllJRlSiWdCF9MM2ovtzc9NYQp_FLpVzlP1YBewrt8gM_gvyVcZhnobo6y5YtW-RH9fAu8ag9N2Uvd8LouWNv8c-zBZrg/s640/blogger-image--978064378.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I hung a frame next to the growth chart with a picture of each of the kids when they were just babes and a current picture. My thought is to keep changing the current picture of the children. I love having pieces in our home that are handmade by people that we love. I still look back at my grandma's pictures frames and Santa's or the hall tree my grandpa built and smile just knowing that a part of them is in our home. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEyJB02owETEWlQYBGGAJ4xEKA5EAGlBBWmz6gJm6GTZWhLNaeLuTyJjETzRxuN45WGBWOoo0rk0IMYyJa-N4u2XyJAYuzVPyV33DGdbIIE_ddfwdig4YSlPPVz94zazatVOGSMkdnFvM/s640/blogger-image--1269980888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEyJB02owETEWlQYBGGAJ4xEKA5EAGlBBWmz6gJm6GTZWhLNaeLuTyJjETzRxuN45WGBWOoo0rk0IMYyJa-N4u2XyJAYuzVPyV33DGdbIIE_ddfwdig4YSlPPVz94zazatVOGSMkdnFvM/s640/blogger-image--1269980888.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I'm so envious of the gift of craftiness my mom was blessed with. I would love to be able to create and sew as she can. I am bound to one day learn to at least sew on a button. </div>
<br /></div>
Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15850783174809474021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160638492811401580.post-50678943705080623402014-01-17T14:01:00.001-06:002014-01-17T14:23:24.698-06:00Family pictures On a sunny afternoon one Sunday our dear friend and photographer,<a href="http://www.amydoerring.com/"> Amy Doerring</a> took time away from her editing and took our latest family pictures. She called and said the light was perfect, the weather was cooperating, we are in Iowa after all and the kids were in good moods. It was a perfect equation to take our Christmas card pictures and a few pictures of th kiddos. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Amy has photographed the kiddos since they were in my belly and she was there just hours after they were born. Amy is not only my photographer, she is my dear friend. She has the inheritant ability to capture my children's personalities that no one else can. She gets me and what I like in a photograph to be displayed on my wall, and as a mom that is immeasurable. Amy has a simple and classic style and that's why I absolutely love having her images in my home. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For this shoot we met Amy at a local park where the leaves were starting to turn. Amy then started to work her magic. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7t8otB_l2X_RcBQwGvhx9ioYoAAhQytxqKqsi7h7s8u9mSVbBd6JOt53p1j7ShEGL30gc9cKQyyiEKIq_nHm_BrYmJ5F-zPbzvE-bmcbGDBMEUyeTYtdDtScxKW9rwXIjKTJPFpVgHKFd/s640/blogger-image-633192005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7t8otB_l2X_RcBQwGvhx9ioYoAAhQytxqKqsi7h7s8u9mSVbBd6JOt53p1j7ShEGL30gc9cKQyyiEKIq_nHm_BrYmJ5F-zPbzvE-bmcbGDBMEUyeTYtdDtScxKW9rwXIjKTJPFpVgHKFd/s400/blogger-image-633192005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYruP4tz13szsfzr6zVFG3neK-R7k8J1OuWth4xMgCA9k4qBw9YccOOqKNESlWIvcGJlfF6wOanUOYmr2wxXFcFMQ3G5L2DhASzVb6yARcmfmXsDiz_4ySIkR61O2e97yWUOHI4pOn_k6f/s640/blogger-image--1239542312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYruP4tz13szsfzr6zVFG3neK-R7k8J1OuWth4xMgCA9k4qBw9YccOOqKNESlWIvcGJlfF6wOanUOYmr2wxXFcFMQ3G5L2DhASzVb6yARcmfmXsDiz_4ySIkR61O2e97yWUOHI4pOn_k6f/s400/blogger-image--1239542312.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I posted the middle of our <a href="http://lifewithba.blogspot.com/2013/12/merry-and-bright.html">Christmas card back in December</a>. We did a folded card with four different pictures. This was the front of our card, totally idicitive of our season of life. A little crazy and upside down, but we're loving our little family and our life we've built.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_J_mHoAcIMSdW0govuoCWewYyjzg5xgVXdmHTJ-Fi-WiI4gB84B4IPR-01fWl25XvFnMguzmHaXzSQ2rGrSfSdKzYwhb610YijKrBRZnWPWnEafDLfO9JhhRaxZ8j3oAwJapVhoUGzDWE/s640/blogger-image-1542998493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_J_mHoAcIMSdW0govuoCWewYyjzg5xgVXdmHTJ-Fi-WiI4gB84B4IPR-01fWl25XvFnMguzmHaXzSQ2rGrSfSdKzYwhb610YijKrBRZnWPWnEafDLfO9JhhRaxZ8j3oAwJapVhoUGzDWE/s640/blogger-image-1542998493.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
We played around in the leaves and Amy captured some fun shots.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU10B8JFJl2NxsjX-w61hNjGwuh6M5m3hQI27NAc_9kZvYeBDyEBNR_A3veCxg9HMPlJQ7am61B00tIY2DDXSaJopMmYrVjwoGFc4GLKvjMi1qBps2F-1-jgfm2PvdHcqt6l4mKROKWfNy/s640/blogger-image--429883894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU10B8JFJl2NxsjX-w61hNjGwuh6M5m3hQI27NAc_9kZvYeBDyEBNR_A3veCxg9HMPlJQ7am61B00tIY2DDXSaJopMmYrVjwoGFc4GLKvjMi1qBps2F-1-jgfm2PvdHcqt6l4mKROKWfNy/s400/blogger-image--429883894.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeE8067sUjjr4k7OenQmSzC-0-qqrCh-CwfrHqkFS71jIc0r23wHnhrpBHudqA9a2apxSokus361SxLKGMEp1sRFMuhYCCd6GFrNlpwa4eJzrgUmLspA9u1lNfI-6-YeIlyjtUY9inyit/s640/blogger-image-1529277339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeE8067sUjjr4k7OenQmSzC-0-qqrCh-CwfrHqkFS71jIc0r23wHnhrpBHudqA9a2apxSokus361SxLKGMEp1sRFMuhYCCd6GFrNlpwa4eJzrgUmLspA9u1lNfI-6-YeIlyjtUY9inyit/s400/blogger-image-1529277339.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRiUUTKcWtHJ98miO9MpB5afcdfdlH3_DuwXRrxHez2FrRxtX7ZGV51dNHgT5e0s86X-iBhea56H3uctOC8YnLABt1P_2WrBdE6RgDyJLyW7-359IamOa6xEO4J7qSLJKXuA9-o5xkUmlX/s640/blogger-image-1695460104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRiUUTKcWtHJ98miO9MpB5afcdfdlH3_DuwXRrxHez2FrRxtX7ZGV51dNHgT5e0s86X-iBhea56H3uctOC8YnLABt1P_2WrBdE6RgDyJLyW7-359IamOa6xEO4J7qSLJKXuA9-o5xkUmlX/s400/blogger-image-1695460104.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjszHHqt4eBIznOE_muViNlGaqJvbEty_Qhdw_HeqI0ucnbDTXgezFRRBH2ZEzanTSCPisH1me5TPMbRYqVc2eE_F6iQHpyDfxhdkcQ1O29sppwKoUf0_lsd9vRsuB9xN5Ru40LLR7W3e/s640/blogger-image-2143013414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjszHHqt4eBIznOE_muViNlGaqJvbEty_Qhdw_HeqI0ucnbDTXgezFRRBH2ZEzanTSCPisH1me5TPMbRYqVc2eE_F6iQHpyDfxhdkcQ1O29sppwKoUf0_lsd9vRsuB9xN5Ru40LLR7W3e/s400/blogger-image-2143013414.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Kate decided to steal a kiss from Ruby.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsfaWvxUscu4z6puH67rz2fjjRKaEMbparLbr3-KmcxiyJ6qXey6n0XEWbCtwI-WP11jlDtookEl-EhvOI1wauHg9NuR8iY_fbNN99PtSgWrMaED8XfRtTAjmbNIeH1eS3ZhjsMR5yTm7F/s640/blogger-image--446578171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsfaWvxUscu4z6puH67rz2fjjRKaEMbparLbr3-KmcxiyJ6qXey6n0XEWbCtwI-WP11jlDtookEl-EhvOI1wauHg9NuR8iY_fbNN99PtSgWrMaED8XfRtTAjmbNIeH1eS3ZhjsMR5yTm7F/s400/blogger-image--446578171.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After we were done in the leaves we moved on to just shooting the kids. The entire shoot took maybe an hour. We also moved locations and did a quick outfit change.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopDhpopKz2iupAksVzLkzntN3TbRRLtWVUiJUsZv8mSlvM6qjZl6CiHHMqf2mgdjjI1cJIUS40hxSwhitwbPLEc4WhEa2LLqc43n7sWuw1LoXWTHQ085whiThBnWdC1KmgpLzR_e2N_p0/s640/blogger-image-1464355197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopDhpopKz2iupAksVzLkzntN3TbRRLtWVUiJUsZv8mSlvM6qjZl6CiHHMqf2mgdjjI1cJIUS40hxSwhitwbPLEc4WhEa2LLqc43n7sWuw1LoXWTHQ085whiThBnWdC1KmgpLzR_e2N_p0/s640/blogger-image-1464355197.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGMhWQtVirbxlJNwJXJqrtByEsf00UYNtrhitJ8uJW-oEyL3zFGkFmdsvw0V6kKCFcodIOoOhI4G44Sdyi1Km1ULtIJ3tyEZToMkQ67UZweJ28FIkscExZD6uNrkM0AnStqFxgSfxZXGy/s640/blogger-image--1105335969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGMhWQtVirbxlJNwJXJqrtByEsf00UYNtrhitJ8uJW-oEyL3zFGkFmdsvw0V6kKCFcodIOoOhI4G44Sdyi1Km1ULtIJ3tyEZToMkQ67UZweJ28FIkscExZD6uNrkM0AnStqFxgSfxZXGy/s640/blogger-image--1105335969.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Is he really just three? He looks like he's posing for a senior pictures.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3KMzNzMz8o9hiXoA3WMplgDCqt0ixHUbd0q_jI9bABu8xLzbZJzgJQDu2THwxu16ngzQD6ZWo9SMcQYaM_Ms8XnchZb0WxE7JV9SgHg5dXODIlS2KJTrRWoqlUCvta9oPu38gKsNk_06K/s640/blogger-image-866727579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3KMzNzMz8o9hiXoA3WMplgDCqt0ixHUbd0q_jI9bABu8xLzbZJzgJQDu2THwxu16ngzQD6ZWo9SMcQYaM_Ms8XnchZb0WxE7JV9SgHg5dXODIlS2KJTrRWoqlUCvta9oPu38gKsNk_06K/s640/blogger-image-866727579.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHlP_tzwX6_1V8Lf87WRZM17m72Ij3Xm_p1B-KFSi5wZmPt1VQYtAAY94zi3DQwAcTcToGJkNbUri7lUSp9JeTla2b4eDqr82lYprd2UT9XzgjQukclzBTNyFxPaYNVjcjzfJmPJnBFt4/s640/blogger-image-717042103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHlP_tzwX6_1V8Lf87WRZM17m72Ij3Xm_p1B-KFSi5wZmPt1VQYtAAY94zi3DQwAcTcToGJkNbUri7lUSp9JeTla2b4eDqr82lYprd2UT9XzgjQukclzBTNyFxPaYNVjcjzfJmPJnBFt4/s640/blogger-image-717042103.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvxNYUx65TncArpy67EDu8hve6fiqpEJ6T12rgj9yWKrVzhaasm9FkBZopKvRqXWwz1WL-SzMqq7q7PKuf9gHKvzAT1DxOpBax2e0VFjxJw42soVCCZMv_8ug_u1Uw4zMSstBtJhiOfQK/s640/blogger-image--922536213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvxNYUx65TncArpy67EDu8hve6fiqpEJ6T12rgj9yWKrVzhaasm9FkBZopKvRqXWwz1WL-SzMqq7q7PKuf9gHKvzAT1DxOpBax2e0VFjxJw42soVCCZMv_8ug_u1Uw4zMSstBtJhiOfQK/s640/blogger-image--922536213.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Be still my heart. My sweet baby girl is getting so big.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_EJDP3OXItOIi9rWyo3buW-mpnuvlBInYej3V_XN8kZ4-aGHImlYZGwisqGAaAsD-MKKbLhbkH7FdNzXntf3qu0XZoSTin1fAviuVxeDDHmFglaySPCu4nhBMS8buPaPNWlbVeOuzKTh3/s640/blogger-image-2125061530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_EJDP3OXItOIi9rWyo3buW-mpnuvlBInYej3V_XN8kZ4-aGHImlYZGwisqGAaAsD-MKKbLhbkH7FdNzXntf3qu0XZoSTin1fAviuVxeDDHmFglaySPCu4nhBMS8buPaPNWlbVeOuzKTh3/s400/blogger-image-2125061530.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
In all the craziness of our life right now, it's such a treat to slow down and look at Amy's work. She captures my family at this very special time of life that passes in the blink of an eye. During the day to day grind I don't realize just how fast my babies are growing. Seeing these pictures blows my mind just how big they are getting. We are so blessed to call Amy not only our photographer, but our friend. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15850783174809474021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160638492811401580.post-15000055080279000402014-01-03T20:52:00.001-06:002014-01-03T20:52:30.004-06:00Relish<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglu0re5YdA88ysh1R_tLepZo2K_BNatPpu4_IJbvgKA5o9C6Qg_gk_arDXQkoH3s7BuFOGClLhbU1wg2ROEZMyjf2CkUV01YSPx40KS-EFAn98_7DaYxg_VKzbbzGR0rcglRrBFu2VYSED/s640/blogger-image--1821846182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglu0re5YdA88ysh1R_tLepZo2K_BNatPpu4_IJbvgKA5o9C6Qg_gk_arDXQkoH3s7BuFOGClLhbU1wg2ROEZMyjf2CkUV01YSPx40KS-EFAn98_7DaYxg_VKzbbzGR0rcglRrBFu2VYSED/s640/blogger-image--1821846182.jpg"></a></div><br></div>As we welcomed 2014 in on a quiet night at home with just our little family, I started to think about what I wanted to do differently this year. Thoughts started pouring into my head about first milestones we went through this year and ones we'll meet next year. What I really want to do is relish this time when the kids are this age. <div><br></div><div>I find myself fixated by schedules, lists and bed time routines. This year I want to relish this time when m kids <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">are so enamoured with their surroundings and simply amazed by every little thing. When they love to snuggle just a minute longer or one more book read. Far too often I find myself in too much of a rush and this year I want to be intentional in an attempt to slow down and relish the little things. Soak up those moments when both kids are on my lap and don't want to get up or singing me the most adorable song. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I need to be better at remembering that these years will quickly pass and one day I will look back and wonder where the time went. Some days when I'm about ready to pull my hair out it's hard to relish the time I have, but in every dark hallway there is a light. My children always have a way of making me smile no matter how frustrated or angry I am. They have the ability to turn a bad day into a good one in a single moment. It's those sweet and tender moments that I will remember in 5, 10 and 15 years. I need to relish those moments more often and be mindful of how blessed I am to have these years with them. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Cheers to 2014 and relishing the sweet and tender moments. </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7LycEaR9nx5IzCKVXar_fR6c_zru4EGWFS99aswoQ54tI7PCUWpMu9HBmxvdiNBEVmkiImAcATyvC1pTrOzIwGLc6AlaWw4vjXHJmjLU2LbYApqlAc8lJPhztWizwf-9nUmDcnh-8pYF/s640/blogger-image-1275955406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7LycEaR9nx5IzCKVXar_fR6c_zru4EGWFS99aswoQ54tI7PCUWpMu9HBmxvdiNBEVmkiImAcATyvC1pTrOzIwGLc6AlaWw4vjXHJmjLU2LbYApqlAc8lJPhztWizwf-9nUmDcnh-8pYF/s640/blogger-image-1275955406.jpg"></a></div><br></font></div>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15850783174809474021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160638492811401580.post-5970998289007559432013-12-30T19:26:00.001-06:002013-12-30T19:26:17.631-06:00Drew's first Christmas concertDrew had his first Christmas concert a couple of weeks ago. His preschool puts on the cutest little program for both the three and four year old classes. Drew's three year old class has twenty four kids in it and they were all so dang cute it was so amazing to watch. <div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Drew would come home in the weeks before and sing snippets of the songs but we were curious as to what Drew would really do when he got on stage<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> when Friday morning arrived and the three year old class pranced on stage all dressed in their adorable Christmas clothes. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDB_l8T_HH77ON21uL9ONEXI4WcAlVjNjSy5UyF-RqzTgc8XrGR9ftr5_jIw3pPacifA9hsNSDmfpHtwbD6aBIfkZQIHH34Vp11hXieVqCmSz8RlF8dCgOkmjL1-UCRMy9PXSXAm_8STW/s640/blogger-image--199291034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDB_l8T_HH77ON21uL9ONEXI4WcAlVjNjSy5UyF-RqzTgc8XrGR9ftr5_jIw3pPacifA9hsNSDmfpHtwbD6aBIfkZQIHH34Vp11hXieVqCmSz8RlF8dCgOkmjL1-UCRMy9PXSXAm_8STW/s640/blogger-image--199291034.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>When the concert started they started singing their first song and Drew was so animated and one of the loudest in the class. Oh my goodness was he animated. I can't acurately describe how animated and into the songs he got. Maybe we have a future theatre major on our hands. He was smiling, singing and waving to all of us sitting at his table. Both sets of my parents were able to attend and my older sister and my four year old nephew came to see him. The pictures honestly do not do this performance justice.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1dVJQfghgnIvTqfJhLGx3lSGTwVkOPiy_ku4542rhgCTeGMimB2zCDOQ37u_oT98TDF10QqnxRheo9_oazxDsvHjEmKxwMoBISi3zT-YsQoen84QBAh_81HsTFiysFcxTtqBgXcJxONJS/s640/blogger-image-732994858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1dVJQfghgnIvTqfJhLGx3lSGTwVkOPiy_ku4542rhgCTeGMimB2zCDOQ37u_oT98TDF10QqnxRheo9_oazxDsvHjEmKxwMoBISi3zT-YsQoen84QBAh_81HsTFiysFcxTtqBgXcJxONJS/s640/blogger-image-732994858.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3t6TauXg0R1OSoniR0qp4CIGDlrquLYDA-pkvFZaaTYdKvccVheMa-N29A654w-VhcLWD40qbsr7IY9B7KduMbT8C47RikP9d5a1roaGJlj7IlJeOSggfCnzujvrhuiWuDfJnkcpr1Xs/s640/blogger-image--863859694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3t6TauXg0R1OSoniR0qp4CIGDlrquLYDA-pkvFZaaTYdKvccVheMa-N29A654w-VhcLWD40qbsr7IY9B7KduMbT8C47RikP9d5a1roaGJlj7IlJeOSggfCnzujvrhuiWuDfJnkcpr1Xs/s640/blogger-image--863859694.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6sCIumCs_vVkf3vL6WspOq-mj6Uxxo0Te14aJotjtv3XSi7MneTdRsHnBPK1uxVcj2xEUXdKpht1zfUIIdK9Jz2cERxhbw_wJhPVzwxQRWsDcGix_wkk_VQVulh2nCIGbezJB4JUwZp5_/s640/blogger-image-1506972315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6sCIumCs_vVkf3vL6WspOq-mj6Uxxo0Te14aJotjtv3XSi7MneTdRsHnBPK1uxVcj2xEUXdKpht1zfUIIdK9Jz2cERxhbw_wJhPVzwxQRWsDcGix_wkk_VQVulh2nCIGbezJB4JUwZp5_/s640/blogger-image-1506972315.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMgG4cVhuf16AMZssqEfFcMdwJtv6NQFMBOxvDdrDQGpySrHn1BLcIGJr6VVc78ldXG0ZoYn4RLYSuA05WcuhoGmP12bVhAHTzAyxnAGe8HWtJWqstknOWGX_Ok8_bmzcS6SAS21Jx9D33/s640/blogger-image-1901186200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMgG4cVhuf16AMZssqEfFcMdwJtv6NQFMBOxvDdrDQGpySrHn1BLcIGJr6VVc78ldXG0ZoYn4RLYSuA05WcuhoGmP12bVhAHTzAyxnAGe8HWtJWqstknOWGX_Ok8_bmzcS6SAS21Jx9D33/s640/blogger-image-1901186200.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzZd-xQR9sKMtVe_U11LtWVfao7FKYrkxzyIjei06uHlDCKHgl5kGboE36YL0xKO1OaMOCHUGx63H8uKTpP6ENRorsiptxmhS3hefVyz77XSKLuGhFF0Cv4w_YRdR5yzjdEJWfGvBA-8i/s640/blogger-image--827986063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzZd-xQR9sKMtVe_U11LtWVfao7FKYrkxzyIjei06uHlDCKHgl5kGboE36YL0xKO1OaMOCHUGx63H8uKTpP6ENRorsiptxmhS3hefVyz77XSKLuGhFF0Cv4w_YRdR5yzjdEJWfGvBA-8i/s640/blogger-image--827986063.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWZ-xrfV8qsxEsjJXZkF7UsfWxDbWEeBgMKHE30kmGvVsWV_stJPysghs9nwFb1M-iXA1ez8h-25OBDFXykl_MwRkZ421QnhRwWv9KvIG5nYl4XssZg64QhY9yUZ-xxJ0iXU4qBzI3FCx/s640/blogger-image-1168691664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWZ-xrfV8qsxEsjJXZkF7UsfWxDbWEeBgMKHE30kmGvVsWV_stJPysghs9nwFb1M-iXA1ez8h-25OBDFXykl_MwRkZ421QnhRwWv9KvIG5nYl4XssZg64QhY9yUZ-xxJ0iXU4qBzI3FCx/s640/blogger-image-1168691664.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Saved the best for last...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThhwy0h03aJTR0WuGWbVP_A5XSuhWEVqX4BYlora2Ykkn5E0oTv1xat8aGrd36Jwy9BneYkCaiXZhj0ZZ3PH5J2DGL4nJ_P4J6PzhZozGzS0Hc6uc4CLeDjQytxTcJ79MHDaZOdvJmkHj/s640/blogger-image-1837253418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThhwy0h03aJTR0WuGWbVP_A5XSuhWEVqX4BYlora2Ykkn5E0oTv1xat8aGrd36Jwy9BneYkCaiXZhj0ZZ3PH5J2DGL4nJ_P4J6PzhZozGzS0Hc6uc4CLeDjQytxTcJ79MHDaZOdvJmkHj/s640/blogger-image-1837253418.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Drew loves that he goes to school with his best friend, Ashlyn. She is just the absolutely cutest thing ever!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzJvI7gJ050vAyrN7JJX5Pvt-1hQrXerwZrWeIyI6qQLQA8Op_Rx5jbJ-LBAPrqY5o1vflN8pIEyUS1MSabiO94iBIf_txguf1Yo9VBCO2DPIWGvkk-kNp0U70FGZF_nwe7IBKeAirhxN/s640/blogger-image-1660783675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzJvI7gJ050vAyrN7JJX5Pvt-1hQrXerwZrWeIyI6qQLQA8Op_Rx5jbJ-LBAPrqY5o1vflN8pIEyUS1MSabiO94iBIf_txguf1Yo9VBCO2DPIWGvkk-kNp0U70FGZF_nwe7IBKeAirhxN/s640/blogger-image-1660783675.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div>Both sets of my parents were able to attend. My dad and stepmom were back for Christmas from South Carolina. Drew loved having them there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qorf7KOcx3o01jcaPrUGZOm7YccX-8KgQjYqZSTJywdyiqY29cqeF16BSHOYpVc6cHwF_D6GieLxepO69Aff2P7UOV7SZAENs8fn1s7UXw4isAUFIgIICUB94H0FlBrxfJrGpSt_xNvR/s640/blogger-image--1502903301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qorf7KOcx3o01jcaPrUGZOm7YccX-8KgQjYqZSTJywdyiqY29cqeF16BSHOYpVc6cHwF_D6GieLxepO69Aff2P7UOV7SZAENs8fn1s7UXw4isAUFIgIICUB94H0FlBrxfJrGpSt_xNvR/s640/blogger-image--1502903301.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div>I was THAT mom and cried during one of the songs. Drew was singing and dancing about walking with Jesus. What overtired, stressed, proud and happy momma wouldn't cry? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">These milestones have come far too soon in our first child's life. I knew we'd get here someday, I just didn't realize how truly fast the time would go. I still feel like Drew should be my baby I'm rocking to sleep each night and placing in a crib. It's just a matter of time before he's off to college and only calling on the weekends. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and are gearing up for a very happy new year!</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15850783174809474021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160638492811401580.post-85146600060720072442013-12-24T10:19:00.002-06:002014-01-17T14:23:35.062-06:00Merry and Bright<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGABEwe84Aq42oNUyM_PutfDwl9huGOflOj3X_J5QVE1oY5CdthBpcL8FLuWuyQirKxGXtV9Ll0vBElysEiNEpQDG8VMta4Ev8CY8CBQ90Prp8r2MAgqp9-m4swWWlH90dMwY1HcpnE_O/s640/blogger-image-823612937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGABEwe84Aq42oNUyM_PutfDwl9huGOflOj3X_J5QVE1oY5CdthBpcL8FLuWuyQirKxGXtV9Ll0vBElysEiNEpQDG8VMta4Ev8CY8CBQ90Prp8r2MAgqp9-m4swWWlH90dMwY1HcpnE_O/s400/blogger-image-823612937.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Merry Christmas from our family to yours. May your days be merry and bright! <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Photo credit: <a href="http://www.amydoerring.com/">Amy Doerring Photography</a></div>
Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15850783174809474021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160638492811401580.post-40139177627748536942013-12-16T14:29:00.001-06:002013-12-16T14:29:57.971-06:00Kate's hospital stayOur past week did not go how I had planned. Wednesday morning I was all ready for work and I went in to wake Kate up and I picked her up out of her crib and she seemed warm. No biggie, I took her temp and it was 101. I gave her some Tylenol and I went to work for an hour then planned to come home so Brendan could go in to work for the day. <div><br></div><div>Kate and I spent the morning together just snuggling. She didn't really want to play or do much of anything. Drew had pre-school so it worked out great that I could focus soley on her. She went down for her normal nap around 11AM and woke up around 12:30PM which is very uncharacteristic of her. I rocked her back to sleep and she slept until 2:30PM. At this point she hadn't eaten anything since breakfast. She refused lunch but had drank some milk. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-gx4orF8YoSOUH7NuBN4FUB3ZG1RhCXoYrRHyguljNAWNVpJxYPLECY43cInYhlfQgnu5vQl_6Dh6jgjvxUzTxhnuUHuOwz6EHqBoWsDVs-anEiI0S3eUF4PxDLxWRtQT2dzlb0Gwz-T/s640/blogger-image--1927608266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-gx4orF8YoSOUH7NuBN4FUB3ZG1RhCXoYrRHyguljNAWNVpJxYPLECY43cInYhlfQgnu5vQl_6Dh6jgjvxUzTxhnuUHuOwz6EHqBoWsDVs-anEiI0S3eUF4PxDLxWRtQT2dzlb0Gwz-T/s640/blogger-image--1927608266.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>She and Drew both woke up about the same time and I offered them a snack. Drew ate, Kate didn't. I took her temp again and it was up to 102. I gave her Tylenol again and we sat and watched cartoons. About 45 minutes later Kate all of the sudden starts throwing up but it's red, bright red. I literally panic and think OH SHIT!! That's blood, this isn't good! Drew starts yelling because he's right next to me. Kate throws up at least five different times, all over herself, all over me and thankfully on her blanket. </div><div><br></div><div> I immediately call my mom who lives two minutes away but unfortunately she's 10 minutes away. I then call Brendan at his office and tell him to come home immediately. He leaves and is home within 10 minutes. In the meantime I call our pediatrician and he tells us to take her to the children's hospital ER immediately. </div><div><br></div><div>Brendan arrives home, we pack up both kids, we drop Drew off at my parents house, and we make the 35 minute drive to the children's hospital. We check in and Kate's fever is now up to 104.5. We brought along the blanket she threw up on so the medical staff could see it. They agree she was in fact throwing up blood. Cue panic and me almost starting to throw up. We wait less then 5 minutes and are taken back to a room. The nurses and doctors at the children's hospital were amazing. The nurse again takes her temp and it's 104.8. At this point Kate is shaking while I'm holding her wrapped in a blanket. Her face is beat red and she wouldn't respond to either of us. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwudatEGEvLdYo3j_Lx2s949PEWr-V1x9EZd4uVOEE-fr5FaCom_AqMphpi5w9ZsjWbOyqxQ2M4Mr7zbEBzXatweZun-C9UN6hbFy7cQHhYTv7hwqbBy98SCkTHiJYTHY2zq-xKufuol7Y/s640/blogger-image-115680629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwudatEGEvLdYo3j_Lx2s949PEWr-V1x9EZd4uVOEE-fr5FaCom_AqMphpi5w9ZsjWbOyqxQ2M4Mr7zbEBzXatweZun-C9UN6hbFy7cQHhYTv7hwqbBy98SCkTHiJYTHY2zq-xKufuol7Y/s640/blogger-image-115680629.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We see the doctor almost immediately and he wants to start an IV right away, get her hydrated and try to get her fever down. Two nurses come in to put her IV in, they were amazing. They swaddled Kate, told Brendan and me where to stand to comfort Kate, got it in on the first try and had her back to us immediately. They then gave her the biggest dose of Motrin I've ever seen. Her fever was now at 105.3. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_45p-px5rBARh1WNSrDYFC5MKaC0sW09CPKYvq0YlFleP0fFQOrlFVgVluOhsmMbHvjR0c7Gi9T9V2u2VleVndaUJjylXbpxUfuYgHAhKK0Pj52qwtBF50vtdNgwHWG_W0VqBp6e-0GEU/s640/blogger-image-455011135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_45p-px5rBARh1WNSrDYFC5MKaC0sW09CPKYvq0YlFleP0fFQOrlFVgVluOhsmMbHvjR0c7Gi9T9V2u2VleVndaUJjylXbpxUfuYgHAhKK0Pj52qwtBF50vtdNgwHWG_W0VqBp6e-0GEU/s640/blogger-image-455011135.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Through the IV they took blood and they also took a urine sample. All came back normal. We turned off the lights and tried to keep Kate cool. The nurse came in one more time, took her temp and it was 106, if my eyes didn't bug out of my head I don't know what happened. They then gave Kate a large dose of Tylenol on top of the Motrin to get her fever down ASAP. The doctor came back in and told us she was being admitted for the night.</div><div><br></div><div>We got up to our room and Kate's fever had come back down a bit, thank God! Brendan and I decided I would stay with Kate that night and he would go home to stay with Drew. In the meantime I had Brendan run to Target to get me some pj's, a contact case, a toothbrush and a phone charger. He returned when we were in our new room and got us all comfortable and settled. Kate was exhausted so we said goodnight to him and I tucked Kate in for the night. </div><div><br></div><div>Overnight Kate slept well. Her fever would break and then spike, break and spike. She'd sleep for maybe an hour without interruption so it was hard for her to get good rest. When she woke up Thursday morning I thought she was feeling a bit better. As the morning went on she got worse and her fever starts rising once again. We saw the doctor and she suggested we stay another night. Kate couldn't hydrate by herself. Her fever was also back up to 104.5. The good news was that they had the ability to test for a whole slew of viruses and they did that test on Thursday morning. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQ1dJ8ZECveOfDb3CzGVnXUz8AXJRdMK4JTdegf054_RgLhu_Tn95WHPf3B3h6XxjLVMyJONiCx86GjCKXvBNNv2q2RUrSHJen_px9H0mIJDCx-GeBpOLvCKQkfeq4agrlkY3YwZIl_wQ/s640/blogger-image-1666702296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQ1dJ8ZECveOfDb3CzGVnXUz8AXJRdMK4JTdegf054_RgLhu_Tn95WHPf3B3h6XxjLVMyJONiCx86GjCKXvBNNv2q2RUrSHJen_px9H0mIJDCx-GeBpOLvCKQkfeq4agrlkY3YwZIl_wQ/s640/blogger-image-1666702296.jpg"></a></div>Kate's test came back and she was diagnosed with Coronavirus. Thankfully it was nothing serious or lifethreatening. It's short-lived and Kate just needed a little help from an IV to help her hydrate to get better. Thursday she kept running a pretty high fever so she was still on a steady regimen of Motrin and Tylenol. They talked about giving her torodol but thankfully we didn't get to that point. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglEgJ_F2XQGxO0KnyrB0X6VKbJOI9OEyCbGDt_d4NIj7-d606dZ5zcdEpBPDJs00c24ct-1pADMGvguQ7OCkPClemXgeIRU0ynCHdWyo6-VyvOb7LvZEVfNCJ_B37LRYMihWY2DeTq7yVV/s640/blogger-image--1802039481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglEgJ_F2XQGxO0KnyrB0X6VKbJOI9OEyCbGDt_d4NIj7-d606dZ5zcdEpBPDJs00c24ct-1pADMGvguQ7OCkPClemXgeIRU0ynCHdWyo6-VyvOb7LvZEVfNCJ_B37LRYMihWY2DeTq7yVV/s640/blogger-image--1802039481.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>All day Thursday she slept off and on, and just sat in the rocker with us. My parents came to visit and Kate actually smiled for the first time in 24 hours. She tired a little milk on Thursday and it came right back up so we went back to only clear liquids. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCE6XS07OKZsurupEPEE1m0KMqxwzoEaQRVyHg1Q4uwZMQ1cOdGd2CS9GwBpXdS82euhHRWVh-Ntl9gEzP2lIE6xBLd833m3YbQ7zApqosDAnky_NPpkeM0m9G0-20K9UUEpTLbu0fcbJ/s640/blogger-image--1923317948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCE6XS07OKZsurupEPEE1m0KMqxwzoEaQRVyHg1Q4uwZMQ1cOdGd2CS9GwBpXdS82euhHRWVh-Ntl9gEzP2lIE6xBLd833m3YbQ7zApqosDAnky_NPpkeM0m9G0-20K9UUEpTLbu0fcbJ/s640/blogger-image--1923317948.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Thursday night was a bit rough. Kate was so exhausted. I put her to bed at 7:30PM. She literally did not get more then 90 minutes of straight sleep that night. Her protocol was to have her temp taken every two hours. Then someone would come in to take her vitals in between those times. Her fever would break when she would actually get in to that deep sleep and at one point I finally asked the nurse that seemed to want to wake Kate up every 30 minutes if she could please leave us alone. She was more worried about giving Kate Zantac for her tummy then letting her sleep. I understand she needed her medication but let the baby sleep. She hasn't slept in 2 days, she's exhausted and I repeatedly told her that. I told her we'd give her the Zantac when she woke up at her temp check. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQASrRFVbsJj6r9bMOSDUimZnEQKSZDDFvC-1_6ROo0I9fjKrOmA6MtfftR7tNOTG2y3NjzwGKXDdZ5h-dqALXrU1Nj3M54-3bAFz1ZzHqIv3nifhEkr5XkPscqmczOcgducfoqlF3DDI/s640/blogger-image--1740995449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQASrRFVbsJj6r9bMOSDUimZnEQKSZDDFvC-1_6ROo0I9fjKrOmA6MtfftR7tNOTG2y3NjzwGKXDdZ5h-dqALXrU1Nj3M54-3bAFz1ZzHqIv3nifhEkr5XkPscqmczOcgducfoqlF3DDI/s640/blogger-image--1740995449.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Friday morning Kate woke up and seemed like a different child. She was still exhausted but her fever was down to 101, she was asking to get down and walk and wanting to read books. She was asking to get down and walk around. We asked the nurse if we could go see the fish tank, that's the awesome part about a childrens hospital they have everything kids love. We walked all over seeing the Christmas trees, the fish tank and all the Christmas decorations they had the wing currently decorated with. Kate also ate some toast and banana for breakfast and kept it down! Praise The Lord! </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbynQRVgLQirXa0OmmbBeAOuBdYFj548VeYessab3E6kecM_xJphVg0HfQ2TjkaXWdWt8l5RTAzDmnkHGRsqnjDZJ69C2w3PfB0mERVmJG3pKSxFt21r6ft5Cm9dzUSWdf7NlwL-34seC/s640/blogger-image-2042778490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbynQRVgLQirXa0OmmbBeAOuBdYFj548VeYessab3E6kecM_xJphVg0HfQ2TjkaXWdWt8l5RTAzDmnkHGRsqnjDZJ69C2w3PfB0mERVmJG3pKSxFt21r6ft5Cm9dzUSWdf7NlwL-34seC/s640/blogger-image-2042778490.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We saw the doctor around 10AM and she said they would turn Kate's IV down and if she did well we could go home later that day. Kate napped later that morning and did well with her IV turned down. She kept drinking on her own and kept all her fluids down. Around 4PM we were discharged!!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wkRTT1yQ2d6ziWCJxMtUKQJnKGv4wUFigSGMPcqiCzJK_Em4pN59JmW98AuAF7eKqkcK1IAz93ezB3HL-45Yy8FikITgU9cQeP7084F4Hry11V4O51mP3fkCRcYvGxi-gobdEeopQWGh/s640/blogger-image--1696910735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wkRTT1yQ2d6ziWCJxMtUKQJnKGv4wUFigSGMPcqiCzJK_Em4pN59JmW98AuAF7eKqkcK1IAz93ezB3HL-45Yy8FikITgU9cQeP7084F4Hry11V4O51mP3fkCRcYvGxi-gobdEeopQWGh/s640/blogger-image--1696910735.jpg"></a></div>Everyone was smiling about the news of her discharge!! Kate got a snazzy wagon ride on the way out of the hospital. She was so excited to see Drew and we were so excited to be home. She slept for twelves and half hours that night and another three and half hours that next day for nap time. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYc2TgikuvULq1q61u-4QqbFXnL074o0aZFen1ysn9rxV7Uen0Hgse88VoXhWF49qu3DVSf-MEylNen-szxSL26g8jUayMoNuZyy33Jkw1J7OG9z7MzN1qNHEaGURZ_EITSoLjQOcYTXI8/s640/blogger-image-683065896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYc2TgikuvULq1q61u-4QqbFXnL074o0aZFen1ysn9rxV7Uen0Hgse88VoXhWF49qu3DVSf-MEylNen-szxSL26g8jUayMoNuZyy33Jkw1J7OG9z7MzN1qNHEaGURZ_EITSoLjQOcYTXI8/s640/blogger-image-683065896.jpg"></a></div>We kept Kate out of public this past weekend and she's really bounced back. She stayed in her pj's most of the weekend and Sunday even had her little sassy attitude return. I never thought I'd be so happy to see my kids fight over stickers. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGqDnA_7OUPU37Up8qXWQuc60CH1OCYwN_Qug6MofuLbCMJGool87tngTeoIHsHKPUFZpUHx8NYp50YbZLz7NJ902DQ8tT4M42zOAG4nIj1FaYlr__cVjdT02IXWARgVFRnyoKkjYb7Hv/s640/blogger-image-225354149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGqDnA_7OUPU37Up8qXWQuc60CH1OCYwN_Qug6MofuLbCMJGool87tngTeoIHsHKPUFZpUHx8NYp50YbZLz7NJ902DQ8tT4M42zOAG4nIj1FaYlr__cVjdT02IXWARgVFRnyoKkjYb7Hv/s640/blogger-image-225354149.jpg"></a></div>Having Kate in the hospital has made me so thankful for our healthy and happy children. Some of those kiddos at the hospital are there for long periods of time and I can't imagine the toll it takes on them as well as their families. We are so fortunate that Kate's virus was short lived and she is home and healthy. We couldn't have been happier with the care she recieved. Her doctors and nurses were amazing, the gift they have to care for these children is God given. For that we are so thankful. </div><div><br></div><div>Kate is now back to her happy and sassy self. We can tell she is still requiring a little more sleep then normal but we have a feeling that too will taper off and she will be back to 100% in no time. </div>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15850783174809474021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160638492811401580.post-70855688992710659982013-12-10T10:01:00.002-06:002013-12-10T10:01:45.766-06:00Trucks, tractors, dinos and more<div style="text-align: center;">
Christmas morning is 15 days away. I know this because my nearly four year old is counting down feverishly until he can open all the presents that are wrapped under our tree. What he hasn't come to realize and we've told him one hundred times over is that they aren't all for him. In fact, none of his presents are under the tree, they're hidden in the basement. I thought I'd put together a little list of what our little guy is wanting this holiday season to help out shoppers looking for that little 3-5 year old boy that loves trucks, tractors, wheels and dinos. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI9b6JPIxV0ZcQV_7uC3EfMoaDE-2CDE_vtwnRIprz-A5N1nU_kZVsRDRbQBaUEmdqam06gRaFW4jlLH05D3d6lwqVgLQLivMmp5o1JRRqVaIhXcORFd-NmljahGTK1VvTbsfWt6-ckinD/s1600/Drew+45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI9b6JPIxV0ZcQV_7uC3EfMoaDE-2CDE_vtwnRIprz-A5N1nU_kZVsRDRbQBaUEmdqam06gRaFW4jlLH05D3d6lwqVgLQLivMmp5o1JRRqVaIhXcORFd-NmljahGTK1VvTbsfWt6-ckinD/s400/Drew+45.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
First up<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=bruder+toys&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=34085727671&hvpos=1t2&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17519681981188650256&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_cesfrd2yd_b"> Bruder trucks</a>. These trucks are ginormous in size and Drew actually saw these in a store when we were in Boston and asked if one would fit in our suitcase so he could take it home. Some are a bit pricey but seem super sturdy. We actually purchased him the second one on the list with the crane, but he's dying for the concrete mixer as well. I'm thinking it would be a great birthday gift for him in March. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bruder-Truck-Cross-Country-Vehicle/dp/B003543KXM/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1386261313&sr=8-13&keywords=bruder+toys"><span style="font-size: large;">Tow truck with Jeep</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghfZ-ply8q9WVJuybXsZUouOZ9mZsagYQ5wP3OJKt4utc8A1g62CDpzVmASys9ytsfxFEM7ihsH1baEKZ5avR6SC-up2cYQQ1FvAMQIutqK6N0bS2wju8fRigCOTPA0GaJlM7QcnNOxuhs/s1600/Tow+truck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghfZ-ply8q9WVJuybXsZUouOZ9mZsagYQ5wP3OJKt4utc8A1g62CDpzVmASys9ytsfxFEM7ihsH1baEKZ5avR6SC-up2cYQQ1FvAMQIutqK6N0bS2wju8fRigCOTPA0GaJlM7QcnNOxuhs/s400/Tow+truck.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bruder-Toys-02754-Crane-Truck/dp/B00006IJHY/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1386261313&sr=8-8&keywords=bruder+toys"><span style="font-size: large;">Bruder Crane</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPcWzbIbhmXwCcwIpLLgFvPoaM5oJeVrrV6QT0uw8iVqTQn_ZC_z6d6MhRwCDjIPM803X2BuRyqFAdjuJbK3wpgjTxUcS-BZiV4XktcosiKusQjNUkZDPtXTleYxWT-8WD5ulQKqGvcnT/s1600/Crane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPcWzbIbhmXwCcwIpLLgFvPoaM5oJeVrrV6QT0uw8iVqTQn_ZC_z6d6MhRwCDjIPM803X2BuRyqFAdjuJbK3wpgjTxUcS-BZiV4XktcosiKusQjNUkZDPtXTleYxWT-8WD5ulQKqGvcnT/s400/Crane.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bruder-Toys-02744-Cement-Mixer/dp/B00006IJSH/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1386261313&sr=8-3&keywords=bruder+toys"><span style="font-size: large;">Concrete mixer</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxbBmack79T7T3ayL8oDD8yHteiKRr_JnpsrzC7gvJz5uBNIYY0RaO-8iTqCZZYp4m25mpbhN2m1WQyxqlz72Vpwp2xCUcko7tnhgkrLC2zj8F3ynZbvVPh016pFO9GWdJcmenUQ7Cc-2/s1600/Concrete+mixer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxbBmack79T7T3ayL8oDD8yHteiKRr_JnpsrzC7gvJz5uBNIYY0RaO-8iTqCZZYp4m25mpbhN2m1WQyxqlz72Vpwp2xCUcko7tnhgkrLC2zj8F3ynZbvVPh016pFO9GWdJcmenUQ7Cc-2/s400/Concrete+mixer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Next up, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=switch%20and%20go%20dinos&sprefix=switc%2Caps&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aswitch%20and%20go%20dinos">Switch and Go Dino's</a> by V-tech. I absolutely love V-tech toys. They typically seem to be the ones my kids gravitate towards. I don't know who the genius is who came up with these dinosaurs, but THANK YOU! Drew's cousin has a few of these and he loves playing with them when we're at his house, So there will be a couple of them sitting under the tree for him Christmas morning.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/VTech-Switch-Go-Dinos-Stegosaurus/dp/B007XVYT2O/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1386261835&sr=8-5&keywords=switch+and+go+dinos"><span style="font-size: large;">Tonn the Stegosaurus</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSf_WxYk_TOP70mzjeA_RHKH7o6_xGkwFrX0uqy1BGobDKXNDAZXuAToLU0QXA5e7keHtRgz5TCWz0uJtLo2KClEeuzYuyUR5R5ej5smqAW8OfWBtEfxtP_2yr53txqthD7atQzHR4yCl/s1600/dino+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSf_WxYk_TOP70mzjeA_RHKH7o6_xGkwFrX0uqy1BGobDKXNDAZXuAToLU0QXA5e7keHtRgz5TCWz0uJtLo2KClEeuzYuyUR5R5ej5smqAW8OfWBtEfxtP_2yr53txqthD7atQzHR4yCl/s400/dino+1.jpg" width="347" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTR7ge74XZOBpOc9poyKiAckFLBFhGaFo96IMyEcBFRwyTLU72mbmKu5rUK9JCtuSYOD_gvAU4Lw2g45zW2yynZpr49hnO1walUK0ia3pXeeISexR6SwOuip8PuH40_zUVSXYqk9YK5lo-/s1600/dino+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTR7ge74XZOBpOc9poyKiAckFLBFhGaFo96IMyEcBFRwyTLU72mbmKu5rUK9JCtuSYOD_gvAU4Lw2g45zW2yynZpr49hnO1walUK0ia3pXeeISexR6SwOuip8PuH40_zUVSXYqk9YK5lo-/s400/dino+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/VTech-Switch-Go-Dinos-Dinosaur/dp/B007XVYSYI/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1386262026&sr=8-6&keywords=switch+and+go+dinos"><span style="font-size: large;">Silver the T-Rex</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJxQxpdcBLIF47MOFFPmmmR7BIlWga3-x2r-RoLGxoW5u-rI_I0QR1gYkMQzywGpLYC0ffgO0C8McgNtYrZrt2foMCcCanHh6m74C0ITzuMph4BnYA2MVCJWYQGrUtiIcz9ZTvoZ-mzMd/s1600/dino+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJxQxpdcBLIF47MOFFPmmmR7BIlWga3-x2r-RoLGxoW5u-rI_I0QR1gYkMQzywGpLYC0ffgO0C8McgNtYrZrt2foMCcCanHh6m74C0ITzuMph4BnYA2MVCJWYQGrUtiIcz9ZTvoZ-mzMd/s400/dino+3.jpg" width="356" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhtFzxHARW3u3LrXldM3NRo9MknBjSpKyNFOqwxxLNbsulsngBtATjZJ8OaOKHMR5cP23yYZKdjX6_YTf2L5bAiAQHQFAC8V5wkv8SkwOFjg_kmqxcvqLr4puReA1g9hKOZ6PL6cc9g0X/s1600/dino+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhtFzxHARW3u3LrXldM3NRo9MknBjSpKyNFOqwxxLNbsulsngBtATjZJ8OaOKHMR5cP23yYZKdjX6_YTf2L5bAiAQHQFAC8V5wkv8SkwOFjg_kmqxcvqLr4puReA1g9hKOZ6PL6cc9g0X/s400/dino+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/VTech-Switch-Go-Dinos-Velociraptor/dp/B00AITWPOM/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1386262026&sr=8-13&keywords=switch+and+go+dinos"><span style="font-size: large;">Akuna the Velociraptor</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1Pusvp4iqPYNPJi8uvoaQQRtPEJIkvefuE9FRQN_cDjnyk1X5gg_XLn4IU9zH_5lE4biA_FRN-ayE-yrUhyI-UBojFYPzHAtkdBBS2QKby-56a__4zEPdJSa1FbGo4xI8AH1WY1c3fvU/s1600/dino+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1Pusvp4iqPYNPJi8uvoaQQRtPEJIkvefuE9FRQN_cDjnyk1X5gg_XLn4IU9zH_5lE4biA_FRN-ayE-yrUhyI-UBojFYPzHAtkdBBS2QKby-56a__4zEPdJSa1FbGo4xI8AH1WY1c3fvU/s400/dino+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8a7KeyrRpwqosLmCUT74xm1LYq2qpMJQBZdmswmbEsvvy_vMg7mvtxO_1X6N_2opFPbRjpiudmnM9_OLyBmntypx2Srx7h1PLuWb9cBtgT8F2Lil5PwCaKDo9p1BkLjQbtiQyYaDSZD81/s1600/dino+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8a7KeyrRpwqosLmCUT74xm1LYq2qpMJQBZdmswmbEsvvy_vMg7mvtxO_1X6N_2opFPbRjpiudmnM9_OLyBmntypx2Srx7h1PLuWb9cBtgT8F2Lil5PwCaKDo9p1BkLjQbtiQyYaDSZD81/s400/dino+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Drew is enamored with anything John Deere. We do live in Iowa so this isn't surprising. However, he has been asking for a few more tractors. He actually asked for a real gator to ride around the yard...If you would see our little fenced in backyard you too would be laughing. We barely have enough room for their swing set and outdoor playhouse. We need some more land if we're going to even consider a child sized gator, NOT an adult gator. I thought some nice little indoor tractors would be just fine for this John Deere enthusiast. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ertl-John-Deere-Tractor-Mover/dp/B000L096BI/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1386262495&sr=8-4&keywords=John+Deere+tractors">Tractor with hay bale mover</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLYhKmF6zG_bPU4MWNHZKyKEZtRKAqm6rPwVRTKpia6XlucASZK2MHUrdG_Muk7Ttl9jwRo_mfvnUVAcuSeoOz2cPEt05wWprlZYsmuHJunbWH-lKrK3I4SnLGMtJ5qu-oKM7rz18Mw1k/s1600/JD+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLYhKmF6zG_bPU4MWNHZKyKEZtRKAqm6rPwVRTKpia6XlucASZK2MHUrdG_Muk7Ttl9jwRo_mfvnUVAcuSeoOz2cPEt05wWprlZYsmuHJunbWH-lKrK3I4SnLGMtJ5qu-oKM7rz18Mw1k/s400/JD+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004VV8790/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=K06PUGKX8KEH&coliid=I2FY6BRA3R7P48">Tractor with grain cart</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHHGhD-lHnCnP8wB0SPor1GzvMD-taPqEQsSs_srrzpSYuerzBIuL1_9hp250AN9dhzHo6_QW1fgAQ6m7xMy-n0Brk37kbHvwf0K7iY9T3q1H29mpqCiKlgu1guoZ2OT34_KbviY-htAM/s1600/JD+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHHGhD-lHnCnP8wB0SPor1GzvMD-taPqEQsSs_srrzpSYuerzBIuL1_9hp250AN9dhzHo6_QW1fgAQ6m7xMy-n0Brk37kbHvwf0K7iY9T3q1H29mpqCiKlgu1guoZ2OT34_KbviY-htAM/s400/JD+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The movie Disney Planes recently came out and I think nearly every little boy and girl went to see that movie. I know my son is in love. The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Planes-Dane-Cook/dp/B00F522C7C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1386263316&sr=8-1&keywords=planes+DVD">DVD</a> just came out November 19th. They are so many accessories to go with the movie. I know I'm not huge into character rooms but I've compromised and Drew has Disney Cars sheets and I thought he would love having Planes sheets as well.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E35I67C/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=K06PUGKX8KEH&coliid=I28CHEY7VBL30G">Planes sheet set</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTeuSKHyLUCTmlNXWBT8x1njdwK8Sg0O21Tsh5XUFCPW8B7mi7UFdhAX5vDSkew0xOfvkgl9S_OBMvLIvSqgSAM3YyH9WuizZ04EDHFvuAE3Z0EUEFda-AduFU1qO3n6dKgDFJzY_71LM/s1600/planes+sheets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTeuSKHyLUCTmlNXWBT8x1njdwK8Sg0O21Tsh5XUFCPW8B7mi7UFdhAX5vDSkew0xOfvkgl9S_OBMvLIvSqgSAM3YyH9WuizZ04EDHFvuAE3Z0EUEFda-AduFU1qO3n6dKgDFJzY_71LM/s400/planes+sheets.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Another toy I've heard nothing but great things about is a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XA80XG/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=K06PUGKX8KEH&coliid=I3GRCGW5ZCTW7H">Marble Run</a>. The only reason I didn't buy one for Drew this year was because of Kate. Even though we watch them constantly I would be terrified she would put one in her mouth. I think this will be a purchase we make next year when Kate is a little older and not putting every single thing straight in to her mouth.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-v60bANU9_Jz4Oii9gq9SuGSkWESDVWCbzhhq6I_C2riGmxnQ9vCRzGx8Zl66Lh6ThvMFG9BGC26RTnN8WA4jTI_keGKFgFaodhQISpPJm2QYBKOjmrU9tNG6v7OU5DnzLIAyk095LKR3/s1600/marble+run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-v60bANU9_Jz4Oii9gq9SuGSkWESDVWCbzhhq6I_C2riGmxnQ9vCRzGx8Zl66Lh6ThvMFG9BGC26RTnN8WA4jTI_keGKFgFaodhQISpPJm2QYBKOjmrU9tNG6v7OU5DnzLIAyk095LKR3/s400/marble+run.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Drew started preschool this year and it really sparked his curiosity about everyday life and learning. He's started to tell time and I thought this clock would be a great gift for those little ones that are starting to learn numbers and time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GKATU0/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=K06PUGKX8KEH&coliid=I18NYZ1FAQ6G6F">Melissa and Doug clock.</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2QreniYSQuNH37cAhvjzcR-kLV-rTLbFSDUYRCkA4cUavUbkcIlTE3wsNsPVy-byKIeyiOCJyW0379GTI6P6GpVDDgn3cRjQq0brx8uPy0Xq9FOMZnEUPXB_Stllx1asc_Z5GQUGoF9R/s1600/clock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2QreniYSQuNH37cAhvjzcR-kLV-rTLbFSDUYRCkA4cUavUbkcIlTE3wsNsPVy-byKIeyiOCJyW0379GTI6P6GpVDDgn3cRjQq0brx8uPy0Xq9FOMZnEUPXB_Stllx1asc_Z5GQUGoF9R/s400/clock.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Play-Doh is always a huge hit in our house with both Drew and Kate. When you combined Play-Doh and trucks it's a double win. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0083TXXE0/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=K06PUGKX8KEH&coliid=I33B8Z2M0JXNIH">Diggin Rig Power Crane</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0H-4zFsP21SuzuV6nxOGU5Jj0GhwdWHQz1PJbSlJC3NouTd3o15IrPWD4OBXKTKMs6yAjNbc_0JpQrz78G55q0U9LCbcSxrEjJXeiRGXT4g4WlPqSn7P4nKf0sNfThVXQucnHeR1ebUZf/s1600/play-doh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0H-4zFsP21SuzuV6nxOGU5Jj0GhwdWHQz1PJbSlJC3NouTd3o15IrPWD4OBXKTKMs6yAjNbc_0JpQrz78G55q0U9LCbcSxrEjJXeiRGXT4g4WlPqSn7P4nKf0sNfThVXQucnHeR1ebUZf/s400/play-doh.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Play-Doh-Trash-Tossin-Rowdy-Garbage/dp/B00CPHGF7I/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&qid=1386690969&sr=8-20&keywords=Play+doh">Trash Tossin Rowdy Garbage truck</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYHf_yVNZIcIYHoWFGuzu1tzr31ECan43aLv81gCe2YL_ZhcZh6eoVNpD54eEOCj6srEXa8NiVym5eRzezyocg2JB0BZD8ByN441oXiv4MdkmfhQPI3eOVkSxCb7ceEmDttO4Qkrh0pPZ/s1600/play+doh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYHf_yVNZIcIYHoWFGuzu1tzr31ECan43aLv81gCe2YL_ZhcZh6eoVNpD54eEOCj6srEXa8NiVym5eRzezyocg2JB0BZD8ByN441oXiv4MdkmfhQPI3eOVkSxCb7ceEmDttO4Qkrh0pPZ/s400/play+doh.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Play-Doh-Friends-Chomper-Excavator-Playset/dp/B009Z7E8HK/ref=sr_1_24?ie=UTF8&qid=1386691026&sr=8-24&keywords=Play+doh">Play-Doh Diggin Excavator</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTH6oC8gYQx00bcmawexgcrZEwqKiBuF_MDXBRcHGhL5AG4NNzULI3qrI92yvra2GgXTBRWHrpAbLt2m9lh21mzSOgad2GFejS30XoR2anA1Jf3KTlC93GuBSOZwll6hH6KYX-09iw_vLb/s1600/play+doh+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTH6oC8gYQx00bcmawexgcrZEwqKiBuF_MDXBRcHGhL5AG4NNzULI3qrI92yvra2GgXTBRWHrpAbLt2m9lh21mzSOgad2GFejS30XoR2anA1Jf3KTlC93GuBSOZwll6hH6KYX-09iw_vLb/s400/play+doh+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Drew has this Play-Doh excavator and absolutely loves it! I would highly recommend it for any little boy or girl that loves Play-Doh and machinery. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I hope everyone is having a very happy and safe holiday season. Cheers to you and yours!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa333/Lifewithba/b7asig.png" />Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15850783174809474021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160638492811401580.post-50284519979437855872013-11-28T19:45:00.001-06:002013-11-28T19:45:03.705-06:00Happy ThanksgivingToday would have been my grandmother Estella's 89th birthday. I am so thankful for the 27 wonderful years I had her in my life. She taught me so many valuable life lessons but most of all she taught me to love unconditionally. I am so blessed to have called her my grandma and now my children have a very special guardian angel. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Ghycl6zKlLIkPK3pBOi7FTzTRW37K2GX5jkmO4WqRrvDme3iaWLgza7QzdXXFYgxrZO-gO7UFSfJxbNit47BIS9RZAjJwIsA0KUyYLLsyMah4dzrpKRT1xWlSPahuSK5il714Uckjdqc/s640/blogger-image--546188523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Ghycl6zKlLIkPK3pBOi7FTzTRW37K2GX5jkmO4WqRrvDme3iaWLgza7QzdXXFYgxrZO-gO7UFSfJxbNit47BIS9RZAjJwIsA0KUyYLLsyMah4dzrpKRT1xWlSPahuSK5il714Uckjdqc/s640/blogger-image--546188523.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div> As you gather this holiday season hold tight to your loved ones as I wish I could give her just one last hug. May your holiday season be blessed this year. </div><div><br></div><div>From our family to yours,</div><div>Happy Thanksgiving. <br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5p8NxVwisjLUUiXQKZlotCMAQfrnyPEmLYuk8FqVXZkZsTzNkXnMM69s2aPAYmkVA0E0UZc7KZY7bebJYkj_W_ixgdTSckr4M5txBy7fUoUQnNJuXV5CGBg61xpI-JRquA8shRbzJmAGh/s640/blogger-image--1814380542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5p8NxVwisjLUUiXQKZlotCMAQfrnyPEmLYuk8FqVXZkZsTzNkXnMM69s2aPAYmkVA0E0UZc7KZY7bebJYkj_W_ixgdTSckr4M5txBy7fUoUQnNJuXV5CGBg61xpI-JRquA8shRbzJmAGh/s640/blogger-image--1814380542.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15850783174809474021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160638492811401580.post-36804375060075529662013-11-07T10:50:00.001-06:002013-11-07T10:50:33.173-06:00A Boston wedding On a beautiful weekend in October my baby sister got married to the most wonderful man. My now brother in law is from just south of Boston and thus the scene of the blessed event. The wedding is the culmination of two years of planning from across seas. My sister started planning this day when they lived in London and her vision of a rustic barn wedding turned out more beautifully then anyone could have ever imagined.<br />
<br />
After our family all arrived my older sister, sister in law and I hosted a bridal luncheon at<a href="http://www.scarletoaktavern.com/"> The Scarlet Oak Tavern</a>. We had about 15 women attend. It was a perfect kick off to the wedding weekend.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiREUJViptyiJn8d3eVVWfzsmx7PLdD7qr-PFYApVI1qx89JPvlZTAscNRE8IpFk4n3sojGdIUFrbZE2vbh4eWlQQ8epG3sWlmuYZYvGW8mQDYN94_D1RHa0UKi96O72KpCY62yQW7qZC4z/s1600/bridal+lunch+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiREUJViptyiJn8d3eVVWfzsmx7PLdD7qr-PFYApVI1qx89JPvlZTAscNRE8IpFk4n3sojGdIUFrbZE2vbh4eWlQQ8epG3sWlmuYZYvGW8mQDYN94_D1RHa0UKi96O72KpCY62yQW7qZC4z/s400/bridal+lunch+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our dear friends from Iowa traveled all the way to Boston.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTbdGnQA4JpJvDNDZDmB7CxhWkccEVZT2hugG7xAgAi8uQTX1i13pceovFejjAOmNDP9nPilMuCwALl07wDLIf2-HocRE__4j-_arFfZXlS0VJ2J_sum3HzC27K-i1FU-NZsrMdTvu4b7/s1600/bridal+lunch+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTbdGnQA4JpJvDNDZDmB7CxhWkccEVZT2hugG7xAgAi8uQTX1i13pceovFejjAOmNDP9nPilMuCwALl07wDLIf2-HocRE__4j-_arFfZXlS0VJ2J_sum3HzC27K-i1FU-NZsrMdTvu4b7/s400/bridal+lunch+3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We came up with a special hashtag for Karin.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11i3nTDdQ9FRRlGDUf0afQj6OQHFy__OFHWJibsBownGOPdwhUUqY4Y69p5RRHt56ubuFQ6QpWcOfzaaX9bm3F8yMglWpc868xvHwZLR81-Hi4oMFZpDpoDyMeaBL7Nqbg5RZVI9HQtss/s1600/bridal+lunch+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11i3nTDdQ9FRRlGDUf0afQj6OQHFy__OFHWJibsBownGOPdwhUUqY4Y69p5RRHt56ubuFQ6QpWcOfzaaX9bm3F8yMglWpc868xvHwZLR81-Hi4oMFZpDpoDyMeaBL7Nqbg5RZVI9HQtss/s400/bridal+lunch+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHyvT7x8ZyezNh25ZN4ECLXApfk6pZd-Y8opZ7heiuEVyItypGNe1irQzLo4MyhdIM5lrE-c-FpDBp2luTYmyGdFxpuAZvw-lr6jutiUqrZCraEl1Nd5ZAoJQM5vtzo1O9lM8LYCgqiV5/s1600/bridal+lunch+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHyvT7x8ZyezNh25ZN4ECLXApfk6pZd-Y8opZ7heiuEVyItypGNe1irQzLo4MyhdIM5lrE-c-FpDBp2luTYmyGdFxpuAZvw-lr6jutiUqrZCraEl1Nd5ZAoJQM5vtzo1O9lM8LYCgqiV5/s400/bridal+lunch+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8ZKyslyK0BU35jRkQcL00PrHNV8LlBcxy4t9KeYgrUmkzVQuEU04k0gmHrwfuEFvKEpssjnF-16214wkAu9le9uSPTwyCHo6f8unjjGPfv134JS6kSypsmw7t4wZDg9FlKbdwYrxd8Ff/s1600/bridal+lunch+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8ZKyslyK0BU35jRkQcL00PrHNV8LlBcxy4t9KeYgrUmkzVQuEU04k0gmHrwfuEFvKEpssjnF-16214wkAu9le9uSPTwyCHo6f8unjjGPfv134JS6kSypsmw7t4wZDg9FlKbdwYrxd8Ff/s400/bridal+lunch+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My adorable niece and my little sister, the bride.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_oZZzlylVsn02DIbj5FI9RR4v3rY8kajWfqlQIksN1rse5HNLiICcOGMO_ahSpuafzZI9jNWrWFS52Nuw7Fk5e1AgPHnR-GvqNSsz4aII6ND0Q0nE7iKVrAEk1fiUQSXL-fPe5BvdgP1/s1600/bridal+lunch+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_oZZzlylVsn02DIbj5FI9RR4v3rY8kajWfqlQIksN1rse5HNLiICcOGMO_ahSpuafzZI9jNWrWFS52Nuw7Fk5e1AgPHnR-GvqNSsz4aII6ND0Q0nE7iKVrAEk1fiUQSXL-fPe5BvdgP1/s400/bridal+lunch+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The bridesmaids</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBj3TXVBAQsg070VRme-crnt1D6XIq1zeACxQ90ruFfMlMDh3pnzVZIJSi-GOaVlx-eCqEBoOf43F5DMd4KoLyYtJWyCSKfoO9JiR-vlJkc5L9SY0R_Rp9iyMAIveb7uopaUe-fw1C-UJc/s1600/bridal+lunch+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBj3TXVBAQsg070VRme-crnt1D6XIq1zeACxQ90ruFfMlMDh3pnzVZIJSi-GOaVlx-eCqEBoOf43F5DMd4KoLyYtJWyCSKfoO9JiR-vlJkc5L9SY0R_Rp9iyMAIveb7uopaUe-fw1C-UJc/s400/bridal+lunch+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We had a great time hosting the bridal luncheon for Karin. It was a small gathering of Karin's closest family and friends and a nice way to start off the wedding weekend. Scarlet Oak's staff was great to work with and the food was delicious! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
That evening we headed to rehearsal at the church and the kids did great. We don't have many pictures of Kate but she was present and did walk down the aisle with our niece. Drew and our nephew were two of the ring bearers and they carried a sign made by my mom. Again, they did a great job walking down the aisle. Drew took his job very seriously, he was leading the way for aunt Karin.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWEc-nogPvIeLBzv6HR44KPpoDAew2ayU7lsoXTfliidYLAmg8e_eOvxnUBIUWRLPEFBRfPV7MW5YLnRZgrS8s9KLO3MxU3xKEWymAmiGtxyjqSTluZx1I9ZDjjLuj2Ov7jk8U5qydZtk/s1600/rehearsal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWEc-nogPvIeLBzv6HR44KPpoDAew2ayU7lsoXTfliidYLAmg8e_eOvxnUBIUWRLPEFBRfPV7MW5YLnRZgrS8s9KLO3MxU3xKEWymAmiGtxyjqSTluZx1I9ZDjjLuj2Ov7jk8U5qydZtk/s400/rehearsal.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBNl9A1S8SiQg1jLb-Gl2aG03oawncNU8nwIf_GS_Mf9ISg4LnBe5vVOI6mTP9qbWv76TAJkBQ2sf3h4BhnpGJn0cuqwBJsMDANDapCtqhbqB6d3D-UI1zl0R_fqpoaKBAz2bY5z6Zt2i/s1600/rehearsal+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBNl9A1S8SiQg1jLb-Gl2aG03oawncNU8nwIf_GS_Mf9ISg4LnBe5vVOI6mTP9qbWv76TAJkBQ2sf3h4BhnpGJn0cuqwBJsMDANDapCtqhbqB6d3D-UI1zl0R_fqpoaKBAz2bY5z6Zt2i/s400/rehearsal+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After rehearsal we headed over to the rehearsal dinner at <a href="http://www.cohassetharborresort.com/atlantica-on-cohasset-harbor/">Atlantica </a>hosted by the groom's parents. It was a beautiful restaurant right on Cohasset Harbor and the food was amazing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HSP78zXs1lQ30aggs9qk7tH0pPjqYi7yUEpm_aDEnOsCiI65H090P2hSlyj5AsjeAMh2OfxLOW1QPnVSg6w3b_N1OWN9R3ftBq4e78r7B8IWnPZX60zicuru0sYCtoE9dgGu6oGWVISC/s1600/rehearsal+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HSP78zXs1lQ30aggs9qk7tH0pPjqYi7yUEpm_aDEnOsCiI65H090P2hSlyj5AsjeAMh2OfxLOW1QPnVSg6w3b_N1OWN9R3ftBq4e78r7B8IWnPZX60zicuru0sYCtoE9dgGu6oGWVISC/s400/rehearsal+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVC5SLyHe6vxdI_m6Gs65Qos779JfWDNSyUBI08o41M8cIWtDkB9QKFebBagHNFBnjiIUnFiudblTEFB3MaDWiLoOp1JhCAxCdHkPk8vzKpDlCYm_126HS24De7_dBzgO05NQSC59S9NwI/s1600/rehearsal+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVC5SLyHe6vxdI_m6Gs65Qos779JfWDNSyUBI08o41M8cIWtDkB9QKFebBagHNFBnjiIUnFiudblTEFB3MaDWiLoOp1JhCAxCdHkPk8vzKpDlCYm_126HS24De7_dBzgO05NQSC59S9NwI/s400/rehearsal+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After dinner and drinks we all headed home to our rental house and my sisters and I had our traditional night before the wedding sleep over. Before each of our weddings we've all spent the night together. This being the last and final sister to get married we had to have one final sleep over. We gave Karin a little gift from her two older sisters, an ornament that was a chapel. We hope that they can hang it on their Christmas tree each year and fondly remember their beautiful day. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUnPuEn0Zr8fLgXiaxFO-Jxj3relbWckOneSQTYk5tCx3bBdt_Bxw6CWOKTv0ULb6U8XLBeK7Kjj9HwXbdQKVMyghzSrd03sFDF8Fb4BvDXNaP2JGxgJWSixgq0SLS0YfYlKXfauRVT3G/s1600/sleepover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUnPuEn0Zr8fLgXiaxFO-Jxj3relbWckOneSQTYk5tCx3bBdt_Bxw6CWOKTv0ULb6U8XLBeK7Kjj9HwXbdQKVMyghzSrd03sFDF8Fb4BvDXNaP2JGxgJWSixgq0SLS0YfYlKXfauRVT3G/s400/sleepover.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We woke up bright and early the next morning. Hair and makeup started at 8AM. Karin had us all going to a little salon called <a href="https://plus.google.com/104127359453356906103/about?gl=us&hl=en">Dhalia's</a>. The name was fitting as it was my step dad's mother's name who passed away years ago. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8WLbGOxJUYWYAtgsSK66QJaL6DCEj6ZNitIeEJs0XOPBUlZUAOe6dNOGQfeNf7UJL5leaCVmfBrl4_3WO6MRptEwPifahyaFrFgkQaXxSksB3mfAmIjDz__YjnuAuAQre0AtUBIVm22O0/s1600/wedding+day+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8WLbGOxJUYWYAtgsSK66QJaL6DCEj6ZNitIeEJs0XOPBUlZUAOe6dNOGQfeNf7UJL5leaCVmfBrl4_3WO6MRptEwPifahyaFrFgkQaXxSksB3mfAmIjDz__YjnuAuAQre0AtUBIVm22O0/s400/wedding+day+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The ladies gathered for hair and makeup and the guys met for lunch and drinks. After we were all done up it was time to get dressed and for pictures to start. Hair and makeup took a bit longer then we thought so we were in a bit of a rush but we made it. My hair was not what I had imagined what so ever. In fact it was done twice. I was the first one to have it done since I have so much hair. I got done and it was BAD, my little sister took one look at it and said "OH NO". I told her it was no big deal, my older sister and I could fix it. She talked to the gal who did my hair and asked her redo it in more a bun. The first updo was let's just day a flat looking cinnamon bun type thing. It was not so good. Thankfully all turned out just fine and the second go around was what my little sister was envisioning and it stayed put all throughout the night. The gal doing my hair was so kind and didn't mind at all. Thankfully the situation was resolved and everything turned out just fine.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is a horrible picture that I had Brendan snap with my phone while we were on the trolley but you get the idea. It ended up super cute!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvyixvZMrxLRrNIKLXRWcw77Iyag0ClbKaggQl1FN4PmP3XMBF5crRQMAaKGFMhWTGRrmNZdyMWNg3Jr4l4QE2akyLKBiMOddQmHl1sNP73591Mcvw29rLQQjzDCveol8OukzAvAhsVfpb/s1600/hair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvyixvZMrxLRrNIKLXRWcw77Iyag0ClbKaggQl1FN4PmP3XMBF5crRQMAaKGFMhWTGRrmNZdyMWNg3Jr4l4QE2akyLKBiMOddQmHl1sNP73591Mcvw29rLQQjzDCveol8OukzAvAhsVfpb/s400/hair.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrW1M2VtWD_WWA-umzHfx9YUu5nPMWcHzceOtrNw5AjzbiKO2TcXt-fkOJCY_S1nGtjEdZBbPV1dYgovmCm4hwOWLeoqJeUggIV7Xl4V7OL7H-ey-XY5Aj4qvxpaBy6ILg-eWLOqyPdw23/s1600/bridesmaids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrW1M2VtWD_WWA-umzHfx9YUu5nPMWcHzceOtrNw5AjzbiKO2TcXt-fkOJCY_S1nGtjEdZBbPV1dYgovmCm4hwOWLeoqJeUggIV7Xl4V7OL7H-ey-XY5Aj4qvxpaBy6ILg-eWLOqyPdw23/s400/bridesmaids.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Time for some makeup touch ups.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4PuosOTDTxEfsLEGTce2wDeuaN3dohrgsvkk3XMpsLc1VCDY4GCe3zzFICuV0XP_O3GbmhOcBF6gk_sTnhDWyBa11tFyg7jOtxO-BGQ_sAVQNOly7HG008qHMHh-a4oVtwG2vDUnUI5G/s1600/getting+ready+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4PuosOTDTxEfsLEGTce2wDeuaN3dohrgsvkk3XMpsLc1VCDY4GCe3zzFICuV0XP_O3GbmhOcBF6gk_sTnhDWyBa11tFyg7jOtxO-BGQ_sAVQNOly7HG008qHMHh-a4oVtwG2vDUnUI5G/s400/getting+ready+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Karin's beautiful dress.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIca0a1DevmK3iXr2LksZwAUvf2SX0hzAYfUM2BEaDHTyvSLWP3PWqpwNe75IsnH8LQAeSM1eMdM-vvwpGQQsWSKd9O3-spHXEUnG93BCvQZbGyd1SPQp6c7Ozyb_cjdAXKMwH8Jkdk0R/s1600/getting+ready+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIca0a1DevmK3iXr2LksZwAUvf2SX0hzAYfUM2BEaDHTyvSLWP3PWqpwNe75IsnH8LQAeSM1eMdM-vvwpGQQsWSKd9O3-spHXEUnG93BCvQZbGyd1SPQp6c7Ozyb_cjdAXKMwH8Jkdk0R/s400/getting+ready+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hanging on her Mrs. hanger we got for her.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8C4pIXcDUgQI4n66FiBzAKI9zTkgKzNTudd448Z-0ksfmRz2i9hEQHCi4SYVIAFf95A5Op1DlbeAzPrPCcaVQvWpAhhi7OA1k9epeTMfqUL2npZecIwUn1u25Oj05eEWXL7ioaVAxb7sI/s1600/getting+ready+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8C4pIXcDUgQI4n66FiBzAKI9zTkgKzNTudd448Z-0ksfmRz2i9hEQHCi4SYVIAFf95A5Op1DlbeAzPrPCcaVQvWpAhhi7OA1k9epeTMfqUL2npZecIwUn1u25Oj05eEWXL7ioaVAxb7sI/s400/getting+ready+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
All ready for the ceremony.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5Z5I6LoOfKLOV4cmkXtQi9yedwAZZWSY1JTzUzkUBZLlUsVAJGGo0ebLaPOF2PqTcP2fQeYEt1BSag9aTB2VGXePgHEuXdivAVundVmXWPO-UrIYzShgbchCAf_fpye834_0bzgelVW2/s1600/getting+ready+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5Z5I6LoOfKLOV4cmkXtQi9yedwAZZWSY1JTzUzkUBZLlUsVAJGGo0ebLaPOF2PqTcP2fQeYEt1BSag9aTB2VGXePgHEuXdivAVundVmXWPO-UrIYzShgbchCAf_fpye834_0bzgelVW2/s400/getting+ready+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Karin and my momma. I may be biased but they are beautiful. I may need to do a little explaining here. Karin is actually my step sister. However, I hate to call her or my brother, Scott this. Our parents, Karin's dad and my mom were married when Karin was two years old, we have all grown up together as siblings and even though each of us has our respective biological parents that are very involved in our lives we are as close as siblings can get. We may not share DNA but we have shared life, love and memories for 25 years. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our bond we share is immeasurable, and no one can take that away from us. OK, now back to the wedding.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDmvE9_yUNkGtfyOPWV-Mrem4GxsaNTRvcJ0T_WdJbO9zV8sl_werjBblOmJVfXNBovKwZFwWuEw2ErzIhTnCP_MtyknFoiLcXVw1xm_Gp-kC6KGHHccv0b28XAHFvDQ7iqeK0Xw-D_8x/s1600/getting+ready+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDmvE9_yUNkGtfyOPWV-Mrem4GxsaNTRvcJ0T_WdJbO9zV8sl_werjBblOmJVfXNBovKwZFwWuEw2ErzIhTnCP_MtyknFoiLcXVw1xm_Gp-kC6KGHHccv0b28XAHFvDQ7iqeK0Xw-D_8x/s400/getting+ready+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Karin seeing her dad for the first time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Sqqr0Yxm0Bi7NhryAzpyNdHIP2Bx4vx_UeK7K11BQJyZwLuG-nK6ehsmfr9nvNZC1B2OxDwf6CWwZGbWJYwiQMYdjELCj0QqNMh02YMYxmS-rXqXtwlKsLhcXmApij_squPgWi14xA4a/s1600/boston+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Sqqr0Yxm0Bi7NhryAzpyNdHIP2Bx4vx_UeK7K11BQJyZwLuG-nK6ehsmfr9nvNZC1B2OxDwf6CWwZGbWJYwiQMYdjELCj0QqNMh02YMYxmS-rXqXtwlKsLhcXmApij_squPgWi14xA4a/s400/boston+8.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now it was time to head to the church. We rode on a trolley!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAe9-xVB2L2S-ErOUx1LTWCTSBB5-WyYI06RbYUi8DsdUW6253d4qUlMaAPWCGWTbbh8yRYUpkDfyHf-1t4kn290fLgsp9NRZ0ExeOcQ-kT5u6upV8UADJ2En9Xj6VAyqK2LKxVseqg3AN/s1600/trolley+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAe9-xVB2L2S-ErOUx1LTWCTSBB5-WyYI06RbYUi8DsdUW6253d4qUlMaAPWCGWTbbh8yRYUpkDfyHf-1t4kn290fLgsp9NRZ0ExeOcQ-kT5u6upV8UADJ2En9Xj6VAyqK2LKxVseqg3AN/s400/trolley+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRARnbQ6kTAZFYc5B_l_7xtGVGgma0NF5VmqbMuayEr7CjF84_tUyWB5XA9xOBoi2-GVoDmgJpCtfDdemros5f_LQATcvlmyDEkPdI7yDG8MpUE1_Nb_AJ7libLKfXB4IblQ0XlzONsTLh/s1600/trolley+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRARnbQ6kTAZFYc5B_l_7xtGVGgma0NF5VmqbMuayEr7CjF84_tUyWB5XA9xOBoi2-GVoDmgJpCtfDdemros5f_LQATcvlmyDEkPdI7yDG8MpUE1_Nb_AJ7libLKfXB4IblQ0XlzONsTLh/s400/trolley+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWnjGEHa4QcKBy6pjU_aGmLuznW4K7KhlwsVWvnZSs06w8AlPmYz1NEfFs9GHd_cLT0BQrmDEGSTYCQ-v0VUJLQYm5vRug7D_-9QUARObhqj0chjaqSQ1krZiJVlnM4w9S6jpSWvEihy8/s1600/trolley+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWnjGEHa4QcKBy6pjU_aGmLuznW4K7KhlwsVWvnZSs06w8AlPmYz1NEfFs9GHd_cLT0BQrmDEGSTYCQ-v0VUJLQYm5vRug7D_-9QUARObhqj0chjaqSQ1krZiJVlnM4w9S6jpSWvEihy8/s400/trolley+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When we arrived I was able to finally see the kids and Brendan. They looked so darn cute in their wedding clothes. The last time I had stopped by our rental house they were napping. Our sitter and Brendan got them dressed and brought them to the church and props to them for getting Kate's bow straight and Drew's tux on correctly!! The ceremony was absolutely perfect and I cried like a baby when my kids came down the aisle and then Karin started down the aisle and I completely lost it. I'm such a sap! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After the ceremony we took a few pictures and then headed to the reception. Karin and Nick had their reception at the <a href="http://redlioninn.propoohd.com/">Red Lion Inn</a>. It was AMAZING! The barn that is attached to the Inn, there are no words, so rustic, so elegant, so different. Cocktail hour was hosted for an hour while we took pictures and guests found their table numbers on vintage windows panes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<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/AVvXsEhKaLqwyprEa2jANiBDHPWxxToXY1yTMyMFOIG8BC-3ebVfpvpEEwNIBapfIFFsGhR47KayaADl1CfRZoUag0hcswE7-Iv17OTKlLJTL4XHNcmJr8sxKU-SMHfqyr-BobV2KfiX50uUwXiG/s1600/reception+19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKaLqwyprEa2jANiBDHPWxxToXY1yTMyMFOIG8BC-3ebVfpvpEEwNIBapfIFFsGhR47KayaADl1CfRZoUag0hcswE7-Iv17OTKlLJTL4XHNcmJr8sxKU-SMHfqyr-BobV2KfiX50uUwXiG/s400/reception+19.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After cocktail hour was over guests made their way into the barn to their tables. Brendan and Drew made the chalkboard table numbers. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qt6tiJnvHR3x4dZ3yOsqm0PQ_tsvF6fPVgFM7lfk4synY_SfB6W_73w4wbhluLpdBHENV_aAKUMNM0fG-tr4ocaJlfEiS0MzaneLHlxEmaCiAQglEZlq8664E8JRQBSz5r9LVEVhmX2p/s1600/reception+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qt6tiJnvHR3x4dZ3yOsqm0PQ_tsvF6fPVgFM7lfk4synY_SfB6W_73w4wbhluLpdBHENV_aAKUMNM0fG-tr4ocaJlfEiS0MzaneLHlxEmaCiAQglEZlq8664E8JRQBSz5r9LVEVhmX2p/s400/reception+18.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_p3Wu8cm1u8FIBTN4duCaH_5DTd2UfpswWLarlHpORrw7xWBF9flS_hzr_tS4uH5ZB8AbVXNoAruKCgcdFuEAgII9ThKkZfv4ELNAGDDq0yLf15A7EjPxazJjK_dfG7ZAvb7XaPf_xRs/s1600/reception+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_p3Wu8cm1u8FIBTN4duCaH_5DTd2UfpswWLarlHpORrw7xWBF9flS_hzr_tS4uH5ZB8AbVXNoAruKCgcdFuEAgII9ThKkZfv4ELNAGDDq0yLf15A7EjPxazJjK_dfG7ZAvb7XaPf_xRs/s400/reception+15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Karin used high and low centerpieces. She also had a table with all of their families wedding pictures displayed on it. This was taken earlier in the day, there were more pictures added later.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPcVVhKZBTMu1Ym1hKwjTrXAJoMz_wB4TFu4dDrFoLKm8Rt90WeVsnh8CDuHyl5a3p4SZl4VVlO85E9wKp6KqiIWQAHL2UxNt_rpk-UAWUQyXeRW1pSuLHUCHTYcfC8uyDAWri30BfTGG/s1600/reception+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPcVVhKZBTMu1Ym1hKwjTrXAJoMz_wB4TFu4dDrFoLKm8Rt90WeVsnh8CDuHyl5a3p4SZl4VVlO85E9wKp6KqiIWQAHL2UxNt_rpk-UAWUQyXeRW1pSuLHUCHTYcfC8uyDAWri30BfTGG/s400/reception+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Guests were directed where to find their tables in the barn by a chalkboard made by my mom.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_grzv3wrhDIXrm9rfp1xxSC2Lmo-yh3IBZ_-zOamTvT68h6d5h5kLmUtnR6BoJ95RMxLwnd2BYj2cB6lT7prgQeuhtTu4ol4eq5dLKtyPRsR9DRUJ80naSrQaLm6ZLkRXlR8WRV7nIvM/s1600/reception+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_grzv3wrhDIXrm9rfp1xxSC2Lmo-yh3IBZ_-zOamTvT68h6d5h5kLmUtnR6BoJ95RMxLwnd2BYj2cB6lT7prgQeuhtTu4ol4eq5dLKtyPRsR9DRUJ80naSrQaLm6ZLkRXlR8WRV7nIvM/s400/reception+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My mom who we dubbed "Martha Stewart" also made Mr. & Mrs. signs for the back of Karin and Nick's chairs. I took these in the morning before everything was set up.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDx3bqyspYFM_HKQ5N_9UP087KXKxdIQXCnKz_eot9h5LlZRYxWNgSdr9UCS3DRgexwIHqVA_STX8yotIyvVir2mqsrJyMcW755p8L6Jr0HLxZWz9kA1LIpumESo7uLXf9cNHjVo50twtg/s1600/reception+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDx3bqyspYFM_HKQ5N_9UP087KXKxdIQXCnKz_eot9h5LlZRYxWNgSdr9UCS3DRgexwIHqVA_STX8yotIyvVir2mqsrJyMcW755p8L6Jr0HLxZWz9kA1LIpumESo7uLXf9cNHjVo50twtg/s400/reception+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Centerpieces</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKajtfwb01lVpGDmOksqnZ0aITOA_6yiBzV_A9g6qvyfiDuGguw1jKuWaF_QSAOS9rGU3cDz5pNW5kPUW52Xw_bPawh_BN7klZewHTaK9M37wGVwD-eCCQTILmizmBrtx4K0YwcVve7Wxp/s1600/reception+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKajtfwb01lVpGDmOksqnZ0aITOA_6yiBzV_A9g6qvyfiDuGguw1jKuWaF_QSAOS9rGU3cDz5pNW5kPUW52Xw_bPawh_BN7klZewHTaK9M37wGVwD-eCCQTILmizmBrtx4K0YwcVve7Wxp/s400/reception+9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was time for the wedding party and the new couple to be introduced!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIr0D2Xmzb9fCZ0VNweVaft2iutDiJhBp85s9CxL_hPA6NAWhz54_OJAmRWlYoHZ39KJElf0wMIv_g_4VGmxcYjCfg8k7834OrFsag_GG1GFHBvgtpNEGNcB2apAIt7XjftkL9iDAiwzU/s1600/reception+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIr0D2Xmzb9fCZ0VNweVaft2iutDiJhBp85s9CxL_hPA6NAWhz54_OJAmRWlYoHZ39KJElf0wMIv_g_4VGmxcYjCfg8k7834OrFsag_GG1GFHBvgtpNEGNcB2apAIt7XjftkL9iDAiwzU/s400/reception+10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After being introduced to their guests they immediately went in to their first dance as husband and wife.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOFZRpIiKn9yS7tOlaTfXVFdQDVuBH0iliEtyD7WZy7BLtinuoVSc-UjZ7KP8YJvxRO_R08HOhR3qoVM3hAIE_bXYmKbdMlLGlCgPukba6iZFJOMj_ozNoOWzrS-0zYx75CKt1PYyrFnC0/s1600/reception+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOFZRpIiKn9yS7tOlaTfXVFdQDVuBH0iliEtyD7WZy7BLtinuoVSc-UjZ7KP8YJvxRO_R08HOhR3qoVM3hAIE_bXYmKbdMlLGlCgPukba6iZFJOMj_ozNoOWzrS-0zYx75CKt1PYyrFnC0/s400/reception+8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXC1Y0mrMrwbVaVM9jMRCFAiGom8Gcvy_-2yJ4mq5Pawaf5-0pKdQHes_bGGLwTUhNhnwN6iMYbKNczO9jW8JAm-kTn65KzPpRn2Vdm0YrJG_grjexlBVsNtexKPjn7Jid86PbwuWK7ot/s1600/reception+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXC1Y0mrMrwbVaVM9jMRCFAiGom8Gcvy_-2yJ4mq5Pawaf5-0pKdQHes_bGGLwTUhNhnwN6iMYbKNczO9jW8JAm-kTn65KzPpRn2Vdm0YrJG_grjexlBVsNtexKPjn7Jid86PbwuWK7ot/s400/reception+11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_iSpvN3my7awRxPbA79Hg0_QBBU8QKhLmxbLUcZ1No0fp5L9i2JEo4IHLZjDB4R6shXHHb7Jcc1rjI1jLUn7Re8XeXRlBZGX8nX1l8EuiklNASnHcqSJVqmhgAB4Vrbz6jg-K-vPVp_Ve/s1600/reception+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_iSpvN3my7awRxPbA79Hg0_QBBU8QKhLmxbLUcZ1No0fp5L9i2JEo4IHLZjDB4R6shXHHb7Jcc1rjI1jLUn7Re8XeXRlBZGX8nX1l8EuiklNASnHcqSJVqmhgAB4Vrbz6jg-K-vPVp_Ve/s400/reception+12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJc_q_MVsaOvjxz9S6w_s9aUzDP3Jb8f38Kyd-XoiYnU8MH8VtIceCanA0yFZBBAlUo33kyXnlwRNWr8SukPz8FHDO4IpAvHGAbeviOUTb5yzbsYdLYvzW_hAuIrntkfIIAjq1uJHsll4/s1600/reception+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJc_q_MVsaOvjxz9S6w_s9aUzDP3Jb8f38Kyd-XoiYnU8MH8VtIceCanA0yFZBBAlUo33kyXnlwRNWr8SukPz8FHDO4IpAvHGAbeviOUTb5yzbsYdLYvzW_hAuIrntkfIIAjq1uJHsll4/s400/reception+16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Aren't my little brother and his wife the cutest? We had so much fun all being together for the whole weekend!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD42qUG7gJklDQ4rXVsovlJjxSSoTXFf3IIPDbCTyekGajHP7JJ4bMMCSMiJNQy-217JjMkAYruWGvEfKSc4ddIHCBVcZHvoZ_-9JMI9mH9LVDskexSE6VmcAG0pqSY43OOtqmw8Lxfj_8/s1600/reception+23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD42qUG7gJklDQ4rXVsovlJjxSSoTXFf3IIPDbCTyekGajHP7JJ4bMMCSMiJNQy-217JjMkAYruWGvEfKSc4ddIHCBVcZHvoZ_-9JMI9mH9LVDskexSE6VmcAG0pqSY43OOtqmw8Lxfj_8/s400/reception+23.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhqP1FOjQ9wqVJ3MJ9Aw82l-Valx2kAMT1nkACsfcgsMh4U1mHKDHLrMlwZzDdHq8T6yr8LViSo3GhSFDdVWevMNav-bsLig7DfiCzS9PadphCu6z1XyqIFFs24V1c9Im2cuJ5jYHzN_p/s1600/reception+22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhqP1FOjQ9wqVJ3MJ9Aw82l-Valx2kAMT1nkACsfcgsMh4U1mHKDHLrMlwZzDdHq8T6yr8LViSo3GhSFDdVWevMNav-bsLig7DfiCzS9PadphCu6z1XyqIFFs24V1c9Im2cuJ5jYHzN_p/s400/reception+22.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCLHCzd9DhkGeHUJKkOA5xdT7ArMh7ksb00pIEd0VH4aXIaA98WTO4xfsNV_Ln1JXfK8D3jh4O1bxhB8tHmevul6OBgdjpx7IOPGZznliAIJzfnoElf2KZuxEGR_Co1rTwmpWVxErBd5n/s1600/boston+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCLHCzd9DhkGeHUJKkOA5xdT7ArMh7ksb00pIEd0VH4aXIaA98WTO4xfsNV_Ln1JXfK8D3jh4O1bxhB8tHmevul6OBgdjpx7IOPGZznliAIJzfnoElf2KZuxEGR_Co1rTwmpWVxErBd5n/s400/boston+5.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkqIaINifHZPpFDcEOaEj4syT4kqtSY3BGCwUorVgQm8h1J0SqPDqJ4gwGDri0S7UX_byLMlHE4kK-TxlXdS_-500JxHGP6i31FNvU-xKmY0m1e-4Uja5SOMVV5aKdwrDubCH5f76EuiMP/s1600/boston+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkqIaINifHZPpFDcEOaEj4syT4kqtSY3BGCwUorVgQm8h1J0SqPDqJ4gwGDri0S7UX_byLMlHE4kK-TxlXdS_-500JxHGP6i31FNvU-xKmY0m1e-4Uja5SOMVV5aKdwrDubCH5f76EuiMP/s400/boston+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu3mnNAzROeNVW5MavViaLFVD7H33nMF3ig6bZXanACsBn3k2Dc3k0rS0nHxpI3nZh1DNtujMjWV0uju0dGB_RJWtW31vNyuhCvgc9JQuBp-_kXJDusWlhPDiQ5C5hKur1_Y5hpHqWI74m/s1600/reception+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu3mnNAzROeNVW5MavViaLFVD7H33nMF3ig6bZXanACsBn3k2Dc3k0rS0nHxpI3nZh1DNtujMjWV0uju0dGB_RJWtW31vNyuhCvgc9JQuBp-_kXJDusWlhPDiQ5C5hKur1_Y5hpHqWI74m/s400/reception+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Of course I cried when Karin danced with my step dad.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyx18IUBjK3MhyFCm6dFqjom0_t36h-QgKtLnOHA7cm9w_Of3RoTVNpPEwGddGx4Chz_OSDhdfgQAfcH_K8cBsLqtJ7PPcru5QwPHrDShIOSnC6_4eqgIkq9zSU3i4amjxfjj0RYLbIlbO/s1600/reception+20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyx18IUBjK3MhyFCm6dFqjom0_t36h-QgKtLnOHA7cm9w_Of3RoTVNpPEwGddGx4Chz_OSDhdfgQAfcH_K8cBsLqtJ7PPcru5QwPHrDShIOSnC6_4eqgIkq9zSU3i4amjxfjj0RYLbIlbO/s400/reception+20.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNAcTk0SjoYtjH1CwPVR8OJLcnPtgZXbQ7KrLj1RxTgbK26k0mtbTE0Z3WdfTRf76BLGVdC1wJ0LnFXqet71lLAktc_KqwHGfmOpm4aHrwAFyBO53SzZSIwidcrCKv7maMQWaOUgwwdVd/s1600/boston+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNAcTk0SjoYtjH1CwPVR8OJLcnPtgZXbQ7KrLj1RxTgbK26k0mtbTE0Z3WdfTRf76BLGVdC1wJ0LnFXqet71lLAktc_KqwHGfmOpm4aHrwAFyBO53SzZSIwidcrCKv7maMQWaOUgwwdVd/s400/boston+11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These two are the crazy kids who started this whole thing! 25 years ago they got together, who would have thought that our crazy family would be as close as we are.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmr9eW8p1dNu_sS86g4Fic6mUlvfhpXDk7WFQgWPEGjIcNrI-i11DvDaaAqDjJ1hBYcN3jkntHCNBTtg_IBnmNTJrX5RrcM92SYSmiThO26aLRnQWUMCSpeSovNy5QKl_RgxOJaFIcFyF/s1600/reception+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmr9eW8p1dNu_sS86g4Fic6mUlvfhpXDk7WFQgWPEGjIcNrI-i11DvDaaAqDjJ1hBYcN3jkntHCNBTtg_IBnmNTJrX5RrcM92SYSmiThO26aLRnQWUMCSpeSovNy5QKl_RgxOJaFIcFyF/s400/reception+17.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This might be the sweetest moment of the entire wedding. Our 89 year old grandfather flew all the way from Iowa to be with Karin and Nick on their wedding day. He has now watched every one of his grandchildren get married. If you look at the top of their wedding cake, that's the cake topper that he and our grandmother used at their wedding 70 years ago. Our grandma passed away in 2010, but we all know she's watching over us and was there in spirit. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhob2Gu805nrYaxdMUlJpNit2JC3rdU5btuXr-WMFCOgrFqZ_uTOCXUdA6welIR0lgMPVwkidQ9z5t3CZ37OZclysRIrC7TReHb2k8n9j8mXmEiZVMtyKecyLQOVHWKAME1aUoyYQhwkx83/s1600/reception+21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhob2Gu805nrYaxdMUlJpNit2JC3rdU5btuXr-WMFCOgrFqZ_uTOCXUdA6welIR0lgMPVwkidQ9z5t3CZ37OZclysRIrC7TReHb2k8n9j8mXmEiZVMtyKecyLQOVHWKAME1aUoyYQhwkx83/s400/reception+21.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuI4IJBsOzathjBvqDap9tYwuC_fHPs5Mqy-RMivUj4EJXG9NGhIVNlCq3uggK8vhMZvZyWO39AHJpAo6nQ8sTjJoUbwl6rzaZsfvWLwwtyhxAf7w1DfswCyUDKKZem-GVjDB5qz2pxb8/s1600/reception+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuI4IJBsOzathjBvqDap9tYwuC_fHPs5Mqy-RMivUj4EJXG9NGhIVNlCq3uggK8vhMZvZyWO39AHJpAo6nQ8sTjJoUbwl6rzaZsfvWLwwtyhxAf7w1DfswCyUDKKZem-GVjDB5qz2pxb8/s400/reception+14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHk5dwgWwcJw6Ftpv8HBWve3WDNA3DuqpdEeBJ6jIboDgBLpLPkyMjOkjBYqsuUQmYSyc82ScNVnUPRc3YsrWIRujGpWQgHZU_YIHRMSxvYJdOHz5X-dlYuXXOLkHu7_IzaiZwSVJHa2n/s1600/boston+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHk5dwgWwcJw6Ftpv8HBWve3WDNA3DuqpdEeBJ6jIboDgBLpLPkyMjOkjBYqsuUQmYSyc82ScNVnUPRc3YsrWIRujGpWQgHZU_YIHRMSxvYJdOHz5X-dlYuXXOLkHu7_IzaiZwSVJHa2n/s320/boston+6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We danced the night away at the reception, their band was phenomenal! Afterwards Nick and Karin hosted an after party in the Cave and served pizza and french fries, that was music to my ears! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2KMomqCGP0KwjKZLb51kyzOMli_IchtECvzkweEe-KagKRkBry6AKUHnT9r6hprVLnQfSzu_SXaNgNIXIl8_rQN2GqBlZxo32ASq28nDewLL9AXQOvrCQeivuO_l3z20yb9mqg-UuVi7/s1600/boston+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2KMomqCGP0KwjKZLb51kyzOMli_IchtECvzkweEe-KagKRkBry6AKUHnT9r6hprVLnQfSzu_SXaNgNIXIl8_rQN2GqBlZxo32ASq28nDewLL9AXQOvrCQeivuO_l3z20yb9mqg-UuVi7/s400/boston+7.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We had so much fun helping plan this beautiful event and were so honored that Nick and Karin asked our entire Family to be a part of the wedding. It honestly flew by in the blink of an eye. I wish I had taken more pictures but thankfully their photographer was amazing and captured the day beautifully. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Feel free to watch a slide show she put together for them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://klimagery.com/slideshows/KarinandNick/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;" target="_blank">http://klimagery.com/<wbr></wbr>slideshows/KarinandNick/</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Or her photographers blog post about their wedding.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.klimagery.com/blog/2013/10/karin-nicks-new-england-fall-wedding/">http://www.klimagery.com/blog/2013/10/karin-nicks-new-england-fall-wedding/</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<img src="http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa333/Lifewithba/b7asig.png" />Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15850783174809474021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160638492811401580.post-2652075355196079222013-11-06T10:17:00.001-06:002013-11-06T10:17:11.226-06:00Traveling with toddlers In October we headed out to Boston and watched as my baby sister marry her best friend. We were anxious about flying with a one and three year old but thankfully we had three adults and two toddlers. We traveled with a sitter and neither of our flights was too terribly long. I did however make a bonehead move and booked a 6AM flight the day we left. That meant we were leaving our house at 3:30AM. We woke our poor kiddos up at 3:15AM got them changed and headed out to the airport. <br />
<br />
While hitting up Amazon I found these <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jeep-Car-Seat-Travel-Bag/dp/B001CWVYMI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1377718512&sr=8-2&keywords=car+seat+travel+bag">travel car seat bags</a>.Why couldn't I have invented something like this? It zips and makes for easy travel and easy access to your convertible car seat. We traveled with two large car seats. Kate is still in a convertible car seat and Drew is in a 5 point harness high back booster seat. We rented a car when in Boston and I was more comfortable having their seats when traveling by car. These bags worked perfectly. They had a strap that clipped on the outside so we could carry them like a duffel bag, they were sturdy and protected our seats from any damage. I did notice there was some scraping on the bag when we got home, however I was so thankful it was on the bag and not on our seat. I would highly recommend these to anyone who is traveling with children and wants to check their car seats.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzYtrpxczW9oAbafIoHbGEyaYNVB0TqtTp16kM8OG3G5-4UXQwQlhxj81SHr4chfZfpROT6NCL4iUXDfiW-2ad6DkQsDBgvqjue_Z5o2uFC6keOEB9rT7PZxy4XSVtB9BnJgHkGvX0LEC/s640/blogger-image-1804376625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzYtrpxczW9oAbafIoHbGEyaYNVB0TqtTp16kM8OG3G5-4UXQwQlhxj81SHr4chfZfpROT6NCL4iUXDfiW-2ad6DkQsDBgvqjue_Z5o2uFC6keOEB9rT7PZxy4XSVtB9BnJgHkGvX0LEC/s640/blogger-image-1804376625.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
When we finally got all of our baggage and car seats checked, we headed up to the security line and every line we went through the TSA agents were more then helpful. We looked like a three-ring circus coming through. We had 2 <a href="http://www.skiphop.com/product/zoopacks.html">small backpacks</a> (one for each child), my large diaper bag, Brendan's roller bag with all the extra clothing and wedding clothing, our double stroller, and then our sitters small carry on. Seriously, we were a hot mess! We took our<a href="https://www.babyjogger.com/city_select_dtl.aspx"> Baby Jogger City Select</a> that we have converted to a double stroller.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTpwTrtsP5mgxo_v7aAJ1w6OojQxPyXYax3Izxb0cmlcA6vc8qEuV7FBUHzvVaj4bw9oOv1Z2wGGRIwRC9GPoidXv5gXznd3mNbK5H1kpmFpg0wY6hKq_kUGzn_fdlXdMbXvW-1mG_5e8/s1600/baby+jogger+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTpwTrtsP5mgxo_v7aAJ1w6OojQxPyXYax3Izxb0cmlcA6vc8qEuV7FBUHzvVaj4bw9oOv1Z2wGGRIwRC9GPoidXv5gXznd3mNbK5H1kpmFpg0wY6hKq_kUGzn_fdlXdMbXvW-1mG_5e8/s400/baby+jogger+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The seats easily detach so they can slide through the security belt. However, the base is too large. Each time we went through security they swiped the base to check for explosive material. No biggie. We really liked having this stroller with us as it was narrow and the basket is huge and was able to store the kids backpacks when were were going from place to place. As we were going through security the agents allowed me to carry Kate and Drew happily walked through himself. Neither child had to remove their shoes or sweatshirt. We were also expedited when in the security line in Boston. Apparently it pays to look like a circus at 5AM. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This was the first time Kate would be flying. Drew has flown before and did great. He has a ton of games and movies on the iPad so I really wasn't concerned about him. I did however get him a few new small toys to help entertain him in case he needed a change of activity. I went to my always trusted <a href="http://www.amazon.com/">Amazon</a> and looked up best travel toys for toddlers.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This looked pretty entertaining to me; <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C0SOZ9W/ref=gno_cart_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER">mini pinball game.</a> When he wasn't on the iPad he chose this. Now that we're back this has gone in the car and he loves paying with this on car rides.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVManQo3Xd6vnjLbEBALoWsTxeCRHQlw2VSiKVlLGiuWdHJ4AlmE0IWypoH5pGrrCDe0FzPdsDn24pv3aNRnbVqXR4ffJY9FJU7bLgZidPvMiawAhtj-L2yyoCJGJj9CDA2qKofsMbrMdb/s1600/pin+ball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVManQo3Xd6vnjLbEBALoWsTxeCRHQlw2VSiKVlLGiuWdHJ4AlmE0IWypoH5pGrrCDe0FzPdsDn24pv3aNRnbVqXR4ffJY9FJU7bLgZidPvMiawAhtj-L2yyoCJGJj9CDA2qKofsMbrMdb/s320/pin+ball.jpg" width="218" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Sticker-Book-Disney-Planes/dp/1465402691/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1383668239&sr=1-4&keywords=Disney+Planes">Disney Planes sticker book</a>, this wasn't even looked at until we arrived in Boston. Drew is fascinated with airplanes, airports and all that travel has to offer. He really could just sit and stare out the window while we are flying. I have no idea why I bought the rest of these toys.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi29hRb6PaYMwDHVjnFYS6N_Q5W5WtNMvGIeCb-gakeMCcWz69svtfpwBlOqno5bEAX2EwQmvOk8m12mMlF-xt2L-JGfPKbv-4xFTBxkKvHHvYVgwR7sUyswAm0pjluIY6bt6kXxj_onYM0/s1600/sticker+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi29hRb6PaYMwDHVjnFYS6N_Q5W5WtNMvGIeCb-gakeMCcWz69svtfpwBlOqno5bEAX2EwQmvOk8m12mMlF-xt2L-JGfPKbv-4xFTBxkKvHHvYVgwR7sUyswAm0pjluIY6bt6kXxj_onYM0/s320/sticker+book.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Disney-Planes-Crophopper-Diecast-Aircraft/dp/B00C6PYAVM/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_2?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1383668431&sr=1-2-fkmr1&keywords=dusty+the+crop+duster">Dusty </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYII37v1dhVNVMolr-fRjWXoaluBSNo0_VmIGHK_1zSDXDo8U9DaaqiqIgGr82dcl759u9GRRFG2veupiUNz8UKctGZ_xRmjExsbO3iz5HL-2-HJC12b7JJBl4e7YiqmPTiEWE2QiSCGV/s1600/dusty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYII37v1dhVNVMolr-fRjWXoaluBSNo0_VmIGHK_1zSDXDo8U9DaaqiqIgGr82dcl759u9GRRFG2veupiUNz8UKctGZ_xRmjExsbO3iz5HL-2-HJC12b7JJBl4e7YiqmPTiEWE2QiSCGV/s320/dusty.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I also packed some of Drew's cars and trucks for him to have at our house we rented and of course his airplanes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Each of the kids has a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Travel-Doodler-Pro-Green/dp/B0060JVU72/ref=pd_sim_t_6">travel doodler</a>, and I put those in their backpacks. This was a big hit with Kate and saved many meltdowns. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbS5OzQW8BKu2jk3eFhBzIII2CisgS-yDWSNQELqt5NJfZnRKL1NhOJo1aDNdqO0zhaQOAkLIAFdOlnznPDlHWXeHqw_GJ6au5QchIzZd6oERl1S6CnS0T_Fnu2TH8TZVyy0EEn3PK3He/s1600/travel+doodler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbS5OzQW8BKu2jk3eFhBzIII2CisgS-yDWSNQELqt5NJfZnRKL1NhOJo1aDNdqO0zhaQOAkLIAFdOlnznPDlHWXeHqw_GJ6au5QchIzZd6oERl1S6CnS0T_Fnu2TH8TZVyy0EEn3PK3He/s1600/travel+doodler.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0525460837/ref=s9_wish_gw_d83_g14_i3?ie=UTF8&colid=3GYYIM25X6TKF&coliid=I27ENA3NDPRJ2W&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=13N1BYXRDZWDKW06FD08&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1630083502&pf_rd_i=507846">Peek-a-Moo</a>, Kate was mostly entertained with books while on the flights. Thankfully we brought along quite a few.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVq7A7tJMYfNI_1CgL4VjB6-HBe2Ipx6LRd5y-g-skJul6k72CKK2pg5bO1ilGiAImf8W-mnhqSyIwHREh75so5SGrlFxxpdxLfDi55GWgVcjyh9opnbTRRQkR6Q_1XuIMyiSGKVdqb1s/s1600/peek+a+moo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVq7A7tJMYfNI_1CgL4VjB6-HBe2Ipx6LRd5y-g-skJul6k72CKK2pg5bO1ilGiAImf8W-mnhqSyIwHREh75so5SGrlFxxpdxLfDi55GWgVcjyh9opnbTRRQkR6Q_1XuIMyiSGKVdqb1s/s1600/peek+a+moo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wheels-Bus-Pudgy-Board-Book/dp/044840124X/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1383669295&sr=1-8&keywords=the+wheels+on+the+bus">Wheels on the bus</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhLyqxYE6V-8yeVBNnS0Pn_Gq7E2Yzec26jnScLySsyT2YQDl8scTdb5HqC-Pmjv15kPpYs7uEdGpHwcD2ej640kPx6ukVInk6Zp__oYPyZ1BXj5S5pyAzUCfNpOUmmIWbiRpyNrxC30b/s1600/wheels+on+the+bus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhLyqxYE6V-8yeVBNnS0Pn_Gq7E2Yzec26jnScLySsyT2YQDl8scTdb5HqC-Pmjv15kPpYs7uEdGpHwcD2ej640kPx6ukVInk6Zp__oYPyZ1BXj5S5pyAzUCfNpOUmmIWbiRpyNrxC30b/s1600/wheels+on+the+bus.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dear-Zoo-Lift-Flap-Book/dp/141694737X/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_z">Dear Zoo</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVsAdlykkQovujkd5JZfn4QewIsAZgDfB8gAXFVAEZpVdwo088P-Y96i8MI6uXx2pf31pjbKQfsDrf9rZnj4oWSnPEeyaQEGjVsZJEiJ2WHlcK-h8dh8V5fafFC6EVRWAGutQ3LIqkZs2H/s1600/dear+zoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVsAdlykkQovujkd5JZfn4QewIsAZgDfB8gAXFVAEZpVdwo088P-Y96i8MI6uXx2pf31pjbKQfsDrf9rZnj4oWSnPEeyaQEGjVsZJEiJ2WHlcK-h8dh8V5fafFC6EVRWAGutQ3LIqkZs2H/s1600/dear+zoo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I then found a few other little things to throw in her backpack. She played with almost everything. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0010ZX43E/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i02?ie=UTF8&psc=1">Pocket Etch a sketch</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1op_U9ptRFmM-xK6UpLIed9sZSHBgIIU7RlhmIDVgixgGmECMtGKm2ucTH1eyo4FraVzGJAmncz4bKPwvAiBGfhi9fqoChwrV3LRjO-DCV0rgpc2W716Hbqd5hpyOIUDgjM22KKAX6Zm/s1600/etch+a+sketch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1op_U9ptRFmM-xK6UpLIed9sZSHBgIIU7RlhmIDVgixgGmECMtGKm2ucTH1eyo4FraVzGJAmncz4bKPwvAiBGfhi9fqoChwrV3LRjO-DCV0rgpc2W716Hbqd5hpyOIUDgjM22KKAX6Zm/s320/etch+a+sketch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This was a great little toy to have. It has two little boards in the reusable package and reusable stickers. This was a hit with Kate.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0085RYUN8/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i03?ie=UTF8&psc=1">The Very Hungry Caterpillar travel kit</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOYGBZ7TDA0ryjlEYpN_etslWpUP9u133q8J66Amkh7XbVchyphenhyphenB5AFSUsMsws4CocNxbEBYAGw5CVk30QZkKDF4h2oqM4OgC2wAv7y8z0_3u3wimTZtpLOHW068kNvftFa_oQ1tTzE76dPy/s1600/sticker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOYGBZ7TDA0ryjlEYpN_etslWpUP9u133q8J66Amkh7XbVchyphenhyphenB5AFSUsMsws4CocNxbEBYAGw5CVk30QZkKDF4h2oqM4OgC2wAv7y8z0_3u3wimTZtpLOHW068kNvftFa_oQ1tTzE76dPy/s320/sticker.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lastly I threw in her purse that is always filled with her little cellphone, credit card and little mirror. She mostly had fun pulling everything out of her backpack and putting it back in. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thankfully neither of our flights was terribly long and we did have a little lay over. If you're looking for a really good post on traveling without technology. Emily over at <a href="http://www.imperfectblog.com/">Imperfect</a> shared some awesome tips on <a href="http://www.imperfectblog.com/2013/01/tech-free-toddler-travel.html">tech-free travel</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Both flights were pretty smooth, Kate had a minor meltdown on our second flight but after a few minutes of crying and she was fast asleep for the remainder of the flight. A few other products I would highly recommend for traveling with toddlers.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thefirstyears.com/feeding/brand/take-toss">Take and toss sippy cups</a>. We used these both while traveling and while in Boston. If we lost one, no biggie. I brought two packages along and I think we ended up back home with maybe three cups. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLR0kKYrEs6WLAto_WTNGF-9lFMZo_k9R2trYh8X1OhMODW9XbIQBi9B1F-OgZhP1XqWHNbP4jqpMT5NGKnmkqF4gM4PFdBZeqECyvwqj3hsQ2ziVTI4lz4ueTwt_TgfBB9OTD8sp_IPIo/s1600/take+and+toss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLR0kKYrEs6WLAto_WTNGF-9lFMZo_k9R2trYh8X1OhMODW9XbIQBi9B1F-OgZhP1XqWHNbP4jqpMT5NGKnmkqF4gM4PFdBZeqECyvwqj3hsQ2ziVTI4lz4ueTwt_TgfBB9OTD8sp_IPIo/s1600/take+and+toss.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-First-Years-Toddler-Flatware/dp/B0000CARJQ">Take and toss utensils</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYeOrsYXNCBjzlnM3YhQjuL32ZyS5a5DNSk-3UEzFWx_9ASh8beLUuS8dULZqeKM6LO9Wp5Cl0R8WoaFveKf0S_SPTvXwaphGYc4sPsbpKTB8OrVJt-4FmDY0iAnc_mTHp6WtPSHpxPlZ/s1600/silverware.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYeOrsYXNCBjzlnM3YhQjuL32ZyS5a5DNSk-3UEzFWx_9ASh8beLUuS8dULZqeKM6LO9Wp5Cl0R8WoaFveKf0S_SPTvXwaphGYc4sPsbpKTB8OrVJt-4FmDY0iAnc_mTHp6WtPSHpxPlZ/s1600/silverware.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We stopped while on our layovers and ate at restaurants with the kids. Kate obviously can't eat with regular utensils so these were a great alternative to have when we traveled and at the rental house.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My diaper bag worked beautifully while traveling so I can't say enough good things about it. I used the <a href="http://www.skiphop.com/">Skip Hop </a>double duo and although it's huge, I needed the room. Between Drew's blankie and cow, Kate's blankie, diapers, wipes, cups, you name it. We needed the extra room. This bag has so many pockets I had room for all of the things the kids needed as well as my wallet, cell phone and any other necessities I brought along. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.skiphop.com/product/duodoublediaperbag.html">Skip Hop Double Duo</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEq0loRja0PrTipk-vVrFk-yB27btFWNJ8KuwiS7C7qOxl_LTldZvgzuOMg_dCJP7-MNKOWPhNZmKt-TXXfJyW4pH4q-HSEkU8WB1WIQCKuNBCM6OlOF6BpLm2MuW1MDnQuARwIBROuvAD/s1600/double+duo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEq0loRja0PrTipk-vVrFk-yB27btFWNJ8KuwiS7C7qOxl_LTldZvgzuOMg_dCJP7-MNKOWPhNZmKt-TXXfJyW4pH4q-HSEkU8WB1WIQCKuNBCM6OlOF6BpLm2MuW1MDnQuARwIBROuvAD/s1600/double+duo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our travels went more smoothly then I imagined they would. I can't recall anything that we lost or if we did none of us have missed it yet. The airline staff was absolutely amazing with our kids and our sitter was a lifesaver to have along! I am so thankful we were able to go and see my little sister and her now husband celebrate their big day. We made memories that will last a lifetime. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15850783174809474021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160638492811401580.post-69732822116183466352013-10-30T09:53:00.000-05:002013-10-30T09:53:34.302-05:00It's a zoo out there<div style="text-align: center;">
It's that time of year again when blogs are filled with adorable pictures of little ones in Halloween pictures. Hold on to your hats everyone because this blog is no different. Adorable pictures straight ahead. No I am not bias what so ever....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Drew picked out his costume while we were knee deep with hand, foot and mouth disease at the doctors office. He was having a bunch of tests run and I was trying to find something to cheer him up. I received an email from Old Navy that their costumes were 35% off and he thought it seemed like a fabulous idea to order it that day. Out of the slew of costumes they had he chose a parrot. Drew is obsessed with animals and it went perfectly with Kate's costume I bought on clearance last year for $10. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So here we are, a parrot and zebra. Drew keeps insisting that Brendan and I dress up as the zoo keepers on trick or treat night. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Q6UR-gzp5FBgAoX0e0I6plBl-tV4BchdgMQ4uVEJZAry5BcronBEWMGMbiO1iuZrsmfbMb7r9blWbWTHhTvoeaa-XuMQxIJIXyg0fIMtVYNnhKeQm8yNDUtlFgAshNsOzpYZ4_vo4u_6/s1600/halloween+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Q6UR-gzp5FBgAoX0e0I6plBl-tV4BchdgMQ4uVEJZAry5BcronBEWMGMbiO1iuZrsmfbMb7r9blWbWTHhTvoeaa-XuMQxIJIXyg0fIMtVYNnhKeQm8yNDUtlFgAshNsOzpYZ4_vo4u_6/s1600/halloween+1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On Sunday evening we got the kids all dressed in their costumes and went to a trunk or treat at Drew's school. They had games, crafts and of course trunk or treat for the kids. Both Kate and Drew had a great time and Drew was blown away that his teachers were there.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90janSO-pfpVFlXYQUhmQiq2yM3zTpBBkacjtebwItFrfJNT3R3r57t4hvrc0BDAQzKIt6sTvbHc11jtrK44iIBL1O180RtdQLa16KAVp9S4sHWnA084JC_ZZ72ySzw3_NIcGp-clmott/s1600/halloween+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90janSO-pfpVFlXYQUhmQiq2yM3zTpBBkacjtebwItFrfJNT3R3r57t4hvrc0BDAQzKIt6sTvbHc11jtrK44iIBL1O180RtdQLa16KAVp9S4sHWnA084JC_ZZ72ySzw3_NIcGp-clmott/s1600/halloween+3.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We purchased Drew's costume at <a href="http://www.oldnavy.com/">Old Navy</a> for about $12 and Kate's is from <a href="http://www.carters.com/">Carter's</a>, I purchased it last year for about $10. You can't see the cutest part of Kate's costume which is the back and tail, they have pink accents. They weren't really interested in me taking pictures, they wanted to get going.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJfA8ww66J3T4_wtuzRuxcS_80kTP7TI1dLCkom5Tn_S_da1idBnM1AIZuo4M7GPaUX_Z3x_talBp8truVxqg2Q7BMV26w9mvvScCFUKhusPvPR9iCZnT8cNpDvKxvQqlm2hNrxvKA-k9v/s1600/halloween+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJfA8ww66J3T4_wtuzRuxcS_80kTP7TI1dLCkom5Tn_S_da1idBnM1AIZuo4M7GPaUX_Z3x_talBp8truVxqg2Q7BMV26w9mvvScCFUKhusPvPR9iCZnT8cNpDvKxvQqlm2hNrxvKA-k9v/s1600/halloween+6.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Drew was super excited to get a temporary tattoo at the trunk or treat. It's the small things in life for the 3 years old.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHzugBPGnT-p_Z5HtzVR1_uJkTidEauIkqc5Skf8fBecs79XA-6w3uA-MRiiBWSgYrzx111c6FcxRsLEgta-4UD3NXMDHwK_WxDQAHn4Wvpfzop3xrvbe9kdX0JV2n6kqpdJgqT9tktEs8/s1600/halloween+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHzugBPGnT-p_Z5HtzVR1_uJkTidEauIkqc5Skf8fBecs79XA-6w3uA-MRiiBWSgYrzx111c6FcxRsLEgta-4UD3NXMDHwK_WxDQAHn4Wvpfzop3xrvbe9kdX0JV2n6kqpdJgqT9tktEs8/s1600/halloween+8.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
His buddies also attended the event and he loved playing games and making crafts with them. I told them to all give me a pose. Very fierce bunch we have here.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYNNNX762QMBjcjry7nOtNfs9pEHm8rOaKvo8r-rtrGoSM5PJiY9HeyrQte1id7Vrhyphenhyphen1nSRRRcmSX8mvdNeUBBOS9IP-KhTeu9TUfbtL9ppMpn2unBGHrovBDYsVzm3ZiqfLs-g_v7Z7D/s1600/halloween+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYNNNX762QMBjcjry7nOtNfs9pEHm8rOaKvo8r-rtrGoSM5PJiY9HeyrQte1id7Vrhyphenhyphen1nSRRRcmSX8mvdNeUBBOS9IP-KhTeu9TUfbtL9ppMpn2unBGHrovBDYsVzm3ZiqfLs-g_v7Z7D/s1600/halloween+7.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our little zebra was a bit timid at first but warmed up after a few minutes and was walking around to the trunks and different activities. She wasn't all that into getting candy just seeing all the costumes and one fruit tootsie roll a gal gave her. She had a death grip on that thing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZe5QmN_AG2n3JRZ_zAsQXJykJqyqsViGfCrtdhr2hpTjpNe7R3CrNb3WF8bs-GoP6lB9pGJU8KNR3fkp8Tatyva6FhYLG7p_lCbnahyphenhyphenEjjngy8kVUqzTHvrm3pV3kxvZVZ3UqLtH8VoU/s1600/halloween+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZe5QmN_AG2n3JRZ_zAsQXJykJqyqsViGfCrtdhr2hpTjpNe7R3CrNb3WF8bs-GoP6lB9pGJU8KNR3fkp8Tatyva6FhYLG7p_lCbnahyphenhyphenEjjngy8kVUqzTHvrm3pV3kxvZVZ3UqLtH8VoU/s1600/halloween+9.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Today is Drew's school party and he once again got to wear his costume. He was SO excited! You could not contain this child from the time he woke up! Then tomorrow night is actual trick or treat night and again he is so excited to go out and see all the costumes and tell everyone "Happy Halloween"!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Totally off topic but we recently got Drew's school pictures back. Oh my goodness gracious sakes alive. Look at how old he looks!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrYgnM_KrVn-fwEYG6hi6DnPS2_Iqo4imBKsWbscAYT4cjDGPliSM5n0A9SrIeR8dgwmWDhbaJ2lPbpun8vlteAomNn9F-U3QdDDmepm-n8WbwMkS6-wuFO21B9YSPyjLrOeOObOnrhe-/s1600/drew+80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrYgnM_KrVn-fwEYG6hi6DnPS2_Iqo4imBKsWbscAYT4cjDGPliSM5n0A9SrIeR8dgwmWDhbaJ2lPbpun8vlteAomNn9F-U3QdDDmepm-n8WbwMkS6-wuFO21B9YSPyjLrOeOObOnrhe-/s1600/drew+80.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm in disbelief he's mine. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa333/Lifewithba/b7asig.png" />Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15850783174809474021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160638492811401580.post-35472801582082564062013-10-28T09:36:00.001-05:002013-10-28T09:36:22.797-05:00Pineapple whipA few days ago I was pinning on the devil, I mean <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> and I came across<span style="font-size: large;"> "<a href="http://detoxinista.com/2013/02/pineapple-whip/">Pineapple Whip</a>"</span>. Apparently you can only find this stuff at Disney World. Sounded good enough to be pinned under my largest board, food. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sunday afternoon we were sitting around watching football and I wanted a snack. Something a bit light but ice cream like. We happened to have frozen pineapple which we don't normally have so I found my pin and went to town. The recipe calls for three things; pineapple either fresh or frozen, almond milk we don't buy almond milk only regular milk in three varieties, and honey. I substituted the almond milk for skim milk and went to it. I really contemplated using Kate's whole milk to make this little treat oh so delicious but went with our skim. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9L45IlBQd6LwA4I4SsBhlU9L6_xM97yy_-mattIz6la6-NG_qynCMd8SnYcQoE_Qf0R1hj4IqANDg5GkEzeOqnKuImbPYPDPGBhnQtVuNhOYrl_YQ1QLnJRnZqGcIVbhGegFp8EzfkTN/s640/blogger-image--820141444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9L45IlBQd6LwA4I4SsBhlU9L6_xM97yy_-mattIz6la6-NG_qynCMd8SnYcQoE_Qf0R1hj4IqANDg5GkEzeOqnKuImbPYPDPGBhnQtVuNhOYrl_YQ1QLnJRnZqGcIVbhGegFp8EzfkTN/s640/blogger-image--820141444.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I used an entire bag of frozen pineapple, a tablespoon and half of honey and a cup and half of skim milk. Blend and enjoy</span>. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOujj_04GjARY-gGKBnULVZSd7A5SGLaeiLM3WqQfyR8RfcKdGScT3L_ujqckzFSAsbsLlFUUsp1Jzk9br8o40VgjoW_bGzBbHd01g9ZXkm1YlkXY_bUu0Ktr7aG8OuDYuBd0vAVO6g30T/s640/blogger-image--838316051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOujj_04GjARY-gGKBnULVZSd7A5SGLaeiLM3WqQfyR8RfcKdGScT3L_ujqckzFSAsbsLlFUUsp1Jzk9br8o40VgjoW_bGzBbHd01g9ZXkm1YlkXY_bUu0Ktr7aG8OuDYuBd0vAVO6g30T/s640/blogger-image--838316051.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Seriously tasty!! </span></div>
</div>
Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15850783174809474021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160638492811401580.post-20070706874490048012013-10-22T07:00:00.000-05:002013-10-22T13:05:09.296-05:00The making of Kate's Milk and Cookies first birthday party<div style="text-align: center;">
For Kate's first birthday I knew I wanted something girly and a bit vintage. From there I went to <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a>, who doesn't go to Pinterest these days? I came across an adorable Milk and Cookies party and knew that I wanted to create something similar for Our little Cookie who was turning One.</div>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDFIrl7jVfbMxndmn5W9TkhG1U8eLCYU7qXHiW0RADeqJQ4-Hc4BOEGqsM8gfxj9ReimRNE1L-dwlZu4sawEtP4h3yU3pk2T8xvNOuJ6ay5CttZzxSoBmTN1RM6mIIbVfKyXpVDck64BX/s1600/milk-cookies-birthday-party-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mwa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDFIrl7jVfbMxndmn5W9TkhG1U8eLCYU7qXHiW0RADeqJQ4-Hc4BOEGqsM8gfxj9ReimRNE1L-dwlZu4sawEtP4h3yU3pk2T8xvNOuJ6ay5CttZzxSoBmTN1RM6mIIbVfKyXpVDck64BX/s1600/milk-cookies-birthday-party-9.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I then went to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/">Etsy</a> and and searched for a printable package for the invites and all the fun little details for the party. I would try to be one of those moms who make all the cute little details, but let's get real, I am not that talented or crafty. I can put together a party, but I am so technically challenged my three year old has to show me how to work the iPad. I came across <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/allisonpowelldesigns?ref=seller_info">Allison Powell Designs</a> and they were AMAZING to work with. I worked with Kristy and she was so accommodating and wonderful to work with. I would not hesitate to purchase from them once again. For Kate's party Kristy designed Kate's invite and then I purchased the medium printable package.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hqM5Sx5SleOZxLxZVBGD0SmfIuiRkZLo8sK0NWwPGpexIy7wfVEuJRv0vlqo8cf2gXmObUBV1F6gUD53GUjQ0UUxlJmo3pECrkT0Ca81_q45vj_Hgmgz-8IdJ9Ovjq7K2Gx1-N5kidIj/s1600/birthday+package.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" mwa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hqM5Sx5SleOZxLxZVBGD0SmfIuiRkZLo8sK0NWwPGpexIy7wfVEuJRv0vlqo8cf2gXmObUBV1F6gUD53GUjQ0UUxlJmo3pECrkT0Ca81_q45vj_Hgmgz-8IdJ9Ovjq7K2Gx1-N5kidIj/s400/birthday+package.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiiZsvtiz64QvBOQsTDAzUjOh9O7a9So8t4jLsVJYVz9W05hcv3FXODmOmTkqfUMhFyaWlPUe26DaSNSrrpQZQ_A-Wcul2g2C40KDlcroiW0XaTILMcrPZA5MXqfcZxvxmTRrcvvk9eTFg/s1600/birthday+package+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" mwa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiiZsvtiz64QvBOQsTDAzUjOh9O7a9So8t4jLsVJYVz9W05hcv3FXODmOmTkqfUMhFyaWlPUe26DaSNSrrpQZQ_A-Wcul2g2C40KDlcroiW0XaTILMcrPZA5MXqfcZxvxmTRrcvvk9eTFg/s400/birthday+package+2.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUjDU4oMMN-Vz3bZ0DTVsNpYfZjA9kf4At9DpKfBczZWnEo_oVEmA6UPLZtLuoLWtchB5T3Ycl8-m03pecZjXHbY1MJeC5bA9qBFwTZVr_l46XRot6tuOFIR5HpvpBtwjw2o3A90FqFmHj/s1600/birthday+package+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" mwa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUjDU4oMMN-Vz3bZ0DTVsNpYfZjA9kf4At9DpKfBczZWnEo_oVEmA6UPLZtLuoLWtchB5T3Ycl8-m03pecZjXHbY1MJeC5bA9qBFwTZVr_l46XRot6tuOFIR5HpvpBtwjw2o3A90FqFmHj/s400/birthday+package+3.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8EoMqpTZZt6AZn7RyDAn7ZZa9oz_LqWgVxlilVZ1oQRh4tUwTdfVfi-94Jy2utLCA7-REuFdp-afvkLoM68cp_aaFFqHcarExfxFSbeHE2lliRvEhcUXYaUC8nCzWE0yMGC9H-vEG-6Ru/s1600/birthday+package+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" mwa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8EoMqpTZZt6AZn7RyDAn7ZZa9oz_LqWgVxlilVZ1oQRh4tUwTdfVfi-94Jy2utLCA7-REuFdp-afvkLoM68cp_aaFFqHcarExfxFSbeHE2lliRvEhcUXYaUC8nCzWE0yMGC9H-vEG-6Ru/s400/birthday+package+4.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheooUEEx5jveAvRi_nlBmQtT-LpQcVZtLWOg2AOTaPAz8fFzoa_GF3CLhGASvhp3jjd0myFDV0GB20sJM2-ZVcB-8SGuyucNthnCG-1BmrQ-rgzOpyTDE7qd6cVEZNpfFmTkDQNOnxix8_/s1600/Kate's+invite+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" mwa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheooUEEx5jveAvRi_nlBmQtT-LpQcVZtLWOg2AOTaPAz8fFzoa_GF3CLhGASvhp3jjd0myFDV0GB20sJM2-ZVcB-8SGuyucNthnCG-1BmrQ-rgzOpyTDE7qd6cVEZNpfFmTkDQNOnxix8_/s400/Kate's+invite+edited.jpg" width="288"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
From there I started brainstorming about decor. I always like making poms, so of course I made some poms, a lot of poms. I use just regular packages of tissue paper, then use <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/265163/pom-poms-and-luminarias-how-to">Martha Stewart's tutorial</a> on how to create them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCMAYJYh289c0qvRr5cYAck1hYPuwl0XJSnDUdvZBjZgka-IRFhvtBvbePKAb_HcCYtF0bPTGpcvBXPBl5QzX4ltKoN3jYD7WwlM2PJHPdjS68DhHu8QamolbCAlrjUJdhscavWDOSXCh/s1600/kate+birthday+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCMAYJYh289c0qvRr5cYAck1hYPuwl0XJSnDUdvZBjZgka-IRFhvtBvbePKAb_HcCYtF0bPTGpcvBXPBl5QzX4ltKoN3jYD7WwlM2PJHPdjS68DhHu8QamolbCAlrjUJdhscavWDOSXCh/s1600/kate+birthday+2.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-bANU_DP4RIhUHyN0vMQFGmrZb9CbDI-GSF28zMXgCJCswGIGuVacaiSSoC1EjRgv_vdZYKoUC2NypH_icEXw1HkRdb6K7gFTaZarOBSmnya1fe2N9b3Yvu2un00jv4oyaYvt5I3Ykl5/s1600/kate+birthday+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-bANU_DP4RIhUHyN0vMQFGmrZb9CbDI-GSF28zMXgCJCswGIGuVacaiSSoC1EjRgv_vdZYKoUC2NypH_icEXw1HkRdb6K7gFTaZarOBSmnya1fe2N9b3Yvu2un00jv4oyaYvt5I3Ykl5/s1600/kate+birthday+10.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I used a dark pink and a light pink to offset each other. Kate's party was at 3:30PM so we served four different kinds of cookies, chocolate milk, two different kinds of white milk, lemonade, pink popcorn and fruit pizza. We of course also had cupcakes. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguaxYBgMQUe_GzK-foKP6OLr4D85VN2ke0qMSOWSRZ4oHqK4ogxwfqXwBKncHXCArxOUVD802yEDtr0vEIVp8QznHH_289xX-Wh4NzLhQdzWnJTVMF3a9IkcCxuxnIGHuacOcsA-54Giuu/s1600/kate+birthday+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguaxYBgMQUe_GzK-foKP6OLr4D85VN2ke0qMSOWSRZ4oHqK4ogxwfqXwBKncHXCArxOUVD802yEDtr0vEIVp8QznHH_289xX-Wh4NzLhQdzWnJTVMF3a9IkcCxuxnIGHuacOcsA-54Giuu/s1600/kate+birthday+1.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxL3iB3G5DNHlwQWvCHZG58ntpQn_r6ESuw4KgKwgZ3xS6Gs13nGJ0suIG9sPDFnkOYZqG9mPhPs1oryAKT0bpGXGgDF3DkBvgmVmgGoOSM-wWl2ajjoWweQpGLySQnU_SLGhsXniXGUHy/s1600/kate+birthday+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxL3iB3G5DNHlwQWvCHZG58ntpQn_r6ESuw4KgKwgZ3xS6Gs13nGJ0suIG9sPDFnkOYZqG9mPhPs1oryAKT0bpGXGgDF3DkBvgmVmgGoOSM-wWl2ajjoWweQpGLySQnU_SLGhsXniXGUHy/s1600/kate+birthday+7.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdxLYTABxMnTiniXWi_jES1X2xhmp34a54KAmPDnKzM963vfP4a04zHMeTQO5LxqY2YwwT-FFYgc9qHYM3eIiySBrvvVU7nFFq2q72L95b72aMklA_Pq5vlZhkYDQaqi_bq_BlDHd4usK/s1600/kate+birthday+21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdxLYTABxMnTiniXWi_jES1X2xhmp34a54KAmPDnKzM963vfP4a04zHMeTQO5LxqY2YwwT-FFYgc9qHYM3eIiySBrvvVU7nFFq2q72L95b72aMklA_Pq5vlZhkYDQaqi_bq_BlDHd4usK/s1600/kate+birthday+21.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7S3eG6QvTZoXzldPW5qhAwIqbkCfyPQ8U3uEfMpU3v_I6d39X-3NL928631G6YWbPkRKAJ3OG9YXSmaqu2l3zRYFOeN9pv_Ja6kz2A04jgJgFcsBa2sD1wGkZUp2t3VccqEKNWv-gMET/s1600/kate+birthday+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7S3eG6QvTZoXzldPW5qhAwIqbkCfyPQ8U3uEfMpU3v_I6d39X-3NL928631G6YWbPkRKAJ3OG9YXSmaqu2l3zRYFOeN9pv_Ja6kz2A04jgJgFcsBa2sD1wGkZUp2t3VccqEKNWv-gMET/s1600/kate+birthday+5.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I found these small chalkboards on<a href="http://www.jane.com/"> Jane.com</a> and used to them label the milk and cookies.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQfDaldThsZV03F2lknJXGr_-xCtHbzJ6D6j9s2cs48Yv6DKcp-7wNY75cfUvYlBEN8eZy9JQ9IBNUsObOlLzRJHTdb77R9slPshdL97CclCqMtgY-O_YujpUfmp_ixhu2a0HAxEbU1C2s/s1600/kate+birthday+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQfDaldThsZV03F2lknJXGr_-xCtHbzJ6D6j9s2cs48Yv6DKcp-7wNY75cfUvYlBEN8eZy9JQ9IBNUsObOlLzRJHTdb77R9slPshdL97CclCqMtgY-O_YujpUfmp_ixhu2a0HAxEbU1C2s/s1600/kate+birthday+14.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I also bought salt water taffy to add in some color. I threw it in Ball jars and vases and tied the polka dot balloons around them. As for supplies I found the majority of the supplies on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/">Amazon</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLs4BNmahVMXWL3tqHkW9ysClAydMmxuGOtYnISN54SsoXvRii72H9jD7EIYhgg_iKlGUfEOmjGkiBSbwPmy8GD0dmTJc47vz-7xrdt84LQsLz559f7bQsGFfJJKw_mRrHiL37SQVWXbg/s1600/kate+birthday+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLs4BNmahVMXWL3tqHkW9ysClAydMmxuGOtYnISN54SsoXvRii72H9jD7EIYhgg_iKlGUfEOmjGkiBSbwPmy8GD0dmTJc47vz-7xrdt84LQsLz559f7bQsGFfJJKw_mRrHiL37SQVWXbg/s1600/kate+birthday+8.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitVl3obRFWVbTe1MFcv9LZPEo_Xm8zWSB_XF-klMfvzS2DHnmECg86IEka_8Eo_dQd0yHQtN_JRvEl5M-P1g5gS4jaLRJzYhjYYFdJ-sZwS4kGqk9qzCWPyH-rc6o6lY_qFhb6PdH4_RrZ/s1600/balloons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitVl3obRFWVbTe1MFcv9LZPEo_Xm8zWSB_XF-klMfvzS2DHnmECg86IEka_8Eo_dQd0yHQtN_JRvEl5M-P1g5gS4jaLRJzYhjYYFdJ-sZwS4kGqk9qzCWPyH-rc6o6lY_qFhb6PdH4_RrZ/s1600/balloons.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005CCNOWM/ref=oh_details_o07_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Balloons</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009NW8EU4/ref=oh_details_o07_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1">Polka dot napkins</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7unrJD4YpWtXzavTxMWCt6oE5MXO9GB4kZGW6fdAFH8Y_KeSfJhmsGJ_9kX0Hzy7gfcYbm_bJQrD5RGR9hZh8HUvb-W9bfHS-0boDmEGfQbnIwLWHISQiJlTF4IEkJbWS1pdgPJnPjO6/s1600/kate+birthday+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7unrJD4YpWtXzavTxMWCt6oE5MXO9GB4kZGW6fdAFH8Y_KeSfJhmsGJ_9kX0Hzy7gfcYbm_bJQrD5RGR9hZh8HUvb-W9bfHS-0boDmEGfQbnIwLWHISQiJlTF4IEkJbWS1pdgPJnPjO6/s320/kate+birthday+15.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004W6X08W/ref=oh_details_o07_s00_i03?ie=UTF8&psc=1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Striped napkins</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After all the paper products were purchased I found the favor bags on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/106486381/20-large-pastel-pink-white-striped-kraft?ref=shop_home_active&ga_search_query=favor%2Bbags">Etsy</a>. I then slapped a printed label on them from the printable package I purchased.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYKfe2goIE7w-i7vhwQA5pij-Lfj-wGrqUzbeO4l1afs0kpNXKP892D2lF6jg-Hu88LEg5Nfj8ivoB8T5b9SnaeFnKWemtGzgsPUZLfBlIkDFyO2CO3dATDMo7pjaMRjZ5qIOCH3ghJYy/s1600/favor+bags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYKfe2goIE7w-i7vhwQA5pij-Lfj-wGrqUzbeO4l1afs0kpNXKP892D2lF6jg-Hu88LEg5Nfj8ivoB8T5b9SnaeFnKWemtGzgsPUZLfBlIkDFyO2CO3dATDMo7pjaMRjZ5qIOCH3ghJYy/s320/favor+bags.jpg" width="297"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/106486381/20-large-pastel-pink-white-striped-kraft?ref=shop_home_active&ga_search_query=favor%2Bbags">Kawaiigoodies favor bags</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIi1qVPnN6gtOD8MbxBPbAjXBOWmus1-UqZY9oVv-8gzZwE3sFDdhWZCxiOO1DaNsmlFpwx4BiEB7-AFV4az5WNjv8COJfZ2mnK_SCCIGCGDXwUtLivEgJqJ2FUzAGAshJqPDma7QAaix/s1600/kate+birthday+20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIi1qVPnN6gtOD8MbxBPbAjXBOWmus1-UqZY9oVv-8gzZwE3sFDdhWZCxiOO1DaNsmlFpwx4BiEB7-AFV4az5WNjv8COJfZ2mnK_SCCIGCGDXwUtLivEgJqJ2FUzAGAshJqPDma7QAaix/s320/kate+birthday+20.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Favor bags with Kate's label. The guest took home cookies as their favors.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I also found the straws on Etsy and snatched those up right away. You need fun straws at a Milk and Cookies party!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFFIX7YTivDimVn-KSKu0WyYqm4rHFun2tp86PdlRZnmwLzTzDO_m8iGZeM-gjd7MOatOpQZe3kLQWzZBjtqcpwwMx5aZSJcXXnVOdf849cmFVV1A8ACyp8b4eKmaYX0t9CgoqWebYmtX/s1600/straws.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFFIX7YTivDimVn-KSKu0WyYqm4rHFun2tp86PdlRZnmwLzTzDO_m8iGZeM-gjd7MOatOpQZe3kLQWzZBjtqcpwwMx5aZSJcXXnVOdf849cmFVV1A8ACyp8b4eKmaYX0t9CgoqWebYmtX/s320/straws.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionMJxm-HZOxpFMyk3-TX3oi9Gnarmc4R_Opjm-OOzhWDBjlrN3sIyYmFVtcflDS2SZjLZ82AcjOf1OTGaUu7aB1R7Gn6tJ724ikDCWLpCty67_DCKaKhKPOsyFanW5vQi3wCN-C8QQrEK/s1600/kate+birthday+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionMJxm-HZOxpFMyk3-TX3oi9Gnarmc4R_Opjm-OOzhWDBjlrN3sIyYmFVtcflDS2SZjLZ82AcjOf1OTGaUu7aB1R7Gn6tJ724ikDCWLpCty67_DCKaKhKPOsyFanW5vQi3wCN-C8QQrEK/s1600/kate+birthday+13.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/96676879/25-paper-straws-pink-stripe-paper-straws?ref=shop_home_active">Party Fairy</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We added labels to the water bottles and secured them with a simple piece of scotch tape.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsNz7UMBjRFHMWT-Jy0Ean4GYfUkJjmXFh-0TnmTfOTpRNT7i-0BE5ZHJmeiitHf4EXvGZ_lagcZDg7Sd-Q1nd8GzCQzUODksqdlwOiVXp1Wgc96z-HUpI0Tyt43k6tAcF23ETCQ0cAJUO/s1600/kate+birthday+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsNz7UMBjRFHMWT-Jy0Ean4GYfUkJjmXFh-0TnmTfOTpRNT7i-0BE5ZHJmeiitHf4EXvGZ_lagcZDg7Sd-Q1nd8GzCQzUODksqdlwOiVXp1Wgc96z-HUpI0Tyt43k6tAcF23ETCQ0cAJUO/s1600/kate+birthday+16.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The printable package I purchased was worth every penny! It included the birthday banner, the water bottle labels, Kate's high chair decorations, the door decorations which I forgot to take a picture of, and cupcake toppers. You could have utilized much more then I did, I'm just not that crafty.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQDUxrbftai_O-IsDHnMCg8NJO6LMcjQtwCGnpJLNUUeVqhHYRjGuyEeH2d6wN5-actOlLQpqFkuTxW98qHyVzGEz0hI0E6deheIKJAqgBSm51yCB7x7QXb2iS7oVlmGw2bvcETn7J_ia/s1600/kate+birthday+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQDUxrbftai_O-IsDHnMCg8NJO6LMcjQtwCGnpJLNUUeVqhHYRjGuyEeH2d6wN5-actOlLQpqFkuTxW98qHyVzGEz0hI0E6deheIKJAqgBSm51yCB7x7QXb2iS7oVlmGw2bvcETn7J_ia/s1600/kate+birthday+6.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
For the cupcake toppers I cut each one out and then attached two squares together with a toothpick in the middle to create a topper. </div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<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/AVvXsEjzghad8y0lLxVbYIqDRJXMgODbnsui_r4gGb6tIruA0PJv6sUDeyDfY3tjwJ93pqUQzOEhsmT6ofaJtoRKUuWkKEQ1fWRvxP4oQSsHKEsmnC9bOKKkGNA2aZ7MfEsxJ1QI4gN6kHjltMO5/s1600/kate+birthday+19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzghad8y0lLxVbYIqDRJXMgODbnsui_r4gGb6tIruA0PJv6sUDeyDfY3tjwJ93pqUQzOEhsmT6ofaJtoRKUuWkKEQ1fWRvxP4oQSsHKEsmnC9bOKKkGNA2aZ7MfEsxJ1QI4gN6kHjltMO5/s1600/kate+birthday+19.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
These circle weren't technically supposed to be used as high chair decor but I thought, what the heck. I just used a bit of tape and went to town. The birthday hat was made by my mom when I was pregnant with Drew. She made me both a prince and princess crown for a baby shower because we again didn't know what we were having. We hadn't used our princess crown so Kate used it for her 1st birthday!</div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXn-AIdEkp89cb5ViHqJ0KxNX6kbt4t456Ty1-qZC_ocD1dqHKBqeUEhmaeN_-sf_eHZG9s_POk1awv4BXgSo1GTOCam7zJaulaETtASKqiFuxJzaquyIQfoHzQRdqr7CJx4Fuovr6ntA-/s1600/kate+birthday+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXn-AIdEkp89cb5ViHqJ0KxNX6kbt4t456Ty1-qZC_ocD1dqHKBqeUEhmaeN_-sf_eHZG9s_POk1awv4BXgSo1GTOCam7zJaulaETtASKqiFuxJzaquyIQfoHzQRdqr7CJx4Fuovr6ntA-/s1600/kate+birthday+18.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A few balloons and her high chair was ready for the princess to eat cake.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMr-iJZhCfnFr3CI7ko5PEkjUVRlVyEPGAiG-J4mysROjSc5Ms5WAEjPJnltlqdft7vrS0V-w5F9-D0glvizf2E1alSINPmmsOOYym4scVox6rhXVeXnFZD0-YlfGUMKDnx-BsQ7FMhjY/s1600/kate+birthday+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMr-iJZhCfnFr3CI7ko5PEkjUVRlVyEPGAiG-J4mysROjSc5Ms5WAEjPJnltlqdft7vrS0V-w5F9-D0glvizf2E1alSINPmmsOOYym4scVox6rhXVeXnFZD0-YlfGUMKDnx-BsQ7FMhjY/s1600/kate+birthday+17.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggW-83rO3N0bgT-XDpEmDgQYux_kxrSsSocO6oD1308LypnetZYVghOXEGgdpqM6oH5f4Ze9FnFu-0Gu4bwMQxNgpvdKjVyEn5DmrjJ4tq_PLG0Qhe-CVWAzyU4_yF_OdtxNKQ-9JlVA5Y/s1600/bday+28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggW-83rO3N0bgT-XDpEmDgQYux_kxrSsSocO6oD1308LypnetZYVghOXEGgdpqM6oH5f4Ze9FnFu-0Gu4bwMQxNgpvdKjVyEn5DmrjJ4tq_PLG0Qhe-CVWAzyU4_yF_OdtxNKQ-9JlVA5Y/s1600/bday+28.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Both Kate's smash cake and the cupcakes were made by our local grocery store. I've now gone to them for all of Drew's parties and they've done a great job, so I keep going back. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpOuMgYCbxBKWev53IiLkjKNEW_BqB8K-6RylFA3ASsjBPEcm2qFPcNNMRm3w8uCpOP25w0JWPOR-iXR3K2cy2yCqd8HEMiEBZcmQnujq-eEMXJl4TZTl2MtJ3KfK5HGfpZsOWdY_pbe5Y/s1600/bday+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpOuMgYCbxBKWev53IiLkjKNEW_BqB8K-6RylFA3ASsjBPEcm2qFPcNNMRm3w8uCpOP25w0JWPOR-iXR3K2cy2yCqd8HEMiEBZcmQnujq-eEMXJl4TZTl2MtJ3KfK5HGfpZsOWdY_pbe5Y/s1600/bday+16.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We also printed out the birthday banner and my mom strung it together with raffia. I then put Kate's professional pictures taken my <a href="http://www.amydoerring.com/">Amy Doerring</a> in frames and displayed on the mantel, added a pom and called it a day. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXgHf4bRSmr33QWM2fkpWwJRl8K94LyKZGpuJ82IaTkRPK43hqtotDmV3w9dWIjRNJIjIcyiLM-DOjeNEmN5RZPP4Y-5FHFE70FsJo-9k-zHMulCNPMrGabDP9uFiQ18qzfTq5lQJtayd/s1600/kate+birthday+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXgHf4bRSmr33QWM2fkpWwJRl8K94LyKZGpuJ82IaTkRPK43hqtotDmV3w9dWIjRNJIjIcyiLM-DOjeNEmN5RZPP4Y-5FHFE70FsJo-9k-zHMulCNPMrGabDP9uFiQ18qzfTq5lQJtayd/s1600/kate+birthday+9.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Kate's outfit actually came together really easily. I first knew I wanted to get her a tutu from one of my favorite Etsy sellers. I talked with Micaela from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/littlehbigstyle?ref=l2-shopheader-name">Littlehbigstyle</a> and she sent me some samples of tulle. From there I chose the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/105281629/pink-ballerina-tutu-for-newborn-infant?ref=shop_home_active">pink ballerina tutu</a> for a newborn. Kate was so small she didn't need a toddler size just yet. From there I worked with Ali from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/RightUpYourAli1?ref=l2-shop-info-name">Right up you Ali </a>and she was AMAZING! She created Kate's onesie from my random description and me showing her Kate's invite. She hit the ball out of the park. Kate's onesie was just a bit different from the picture here, I had Ali incorporate brown into the lettering.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwh8iuPbS666MDfGnS4dyB-34VrzSVAedJGg4RHMM5f6hLxQBaTawyBxf54ZC9ncnjnFa2X7VczXL0shOn8QTPR9XpwTM7qand9EraoGcPwoyZfUa69XCMXi0c3gWy0LPiLPyQ5mAZzkaS/s1600/ONE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwh8iuPbS666MDfGnS4dyB-34VrzSVAedJGg4RHMM5f6hLxQBaTawyBxf54ZC9ncnjnFa2X7VczXL0shOn8QTPR9XpwTM7qand9EraoGcPwoyZfUa69XCMXi0c3gWy0LPiLPyQ5mAZzkaS/s1600/ONE.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9UgZ5TDA9qSeCGKZHTNEe5fZpjwuoOfKxR7F_PbAyHMDmWuBoRMVp1xDN6Nzh4N8HiMjAC2uWtaGvFVgoP8AijaOT8jlPLVrZhyphenhyphenR5BHtidoRABgDAJwHik7MSk-UjcI_UzTLXF3ym7D8/s1600/bday+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9UgZ5TDA9qSeCGKZHTNEe5fZpjwuoOfKxR7F_PbAyHMDmWuBoRMVp1xDN6Nzh4N8HiMjAC2uWtaGvFVgoP8AijaOT8jlPLVrZhyphenhyphenR5BHtidoRABgDAJwHik7MSk-UjcI_UzTLXF3ym7D8/s1600/bday+13.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYfX7NQxlSzZhobWJgeJDFeTNkVEv0j7ftVx7UvTlBGmaLenTzJeMWhWAUIceTag-QwpM4icv5fqT3YhpXX8tqxWieQ3AIYpA6S-VkEEOqsS8jNg7J9GJ397y999x0cAJCrGFTrtbYBVG/s1600/bday+26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYfX7NQxlSzZhobWJgeJDFeTNkVEv0j7ftVx7UvTlBGmaLenTzJeMWhWAUIceTag-QwpM4icv5fqT3YhpXX8tqxWieQ3AIYpA6S-VkEEOqsS8jNg7J9GJ397y999x0cAJCrGFTrtbYBVG/s1600/bday+26.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I found Kate's headband at <a href="http://www.thinkpinkbows.com/">Think Pink Bowtique</a> and her leg warmers at a small store in Denver when I was there visiting my best friend.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In total we had about 25 people at Kate's party. She had an absolutely wonderful time! She loved the wrapping paper and cake, couldn't get enough cake into this girl. At one point I thought she was done and took her smash cake away and she screamed like wounded hyena. This little lady likes her sweets like her momma!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_fsewWZEIlLTEEO0N00i5Jg_BrMA46I5BOOivsSI6w_aKFTFh2dJ4dDMJZ4RX8tsSlpZPihcAVKXMrLm1qrw2EispM_-hnp0qXzwvxauGWmRU76FaZNEh-tkezICBSy3YN03Y6OJiu4p/s1600/bday+30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_fsewWZEIlLTEEO0N00i5Jg_BrMA46I5BOOivsSI6w_aKFTFh2dJ4dDMJZ4RX8tsSlpZPihcAVKXMrLm1qrw2EispM_-hnp0qXzwvxauGWmRU76FaZNEh-tkezICBSy3YN03Y6OJiu4p/s1600/bday+30.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiveypH3D4EZx6BnTWO3-pLRyUomsYAkBOKSf6Vwoz3iYB6saZcuh255D7h1pUqwG2Ghx-nwJOA9sENy8hta8XDeqawNihAwy7QlJxJSx-atx2PEVKCT0TO5Aaeo_W-5Lb07fDqK5DOZbW/s1600/bday+29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiveypH3D4EZx6BnTWO3-pLRyUomsYAkBOKSf6Vwoz3iYB6saZcuh255D7h1pUqwG2Ghx-nwJOA9sENy8hta8XDeqawNihAwy7QlJxJSx-atx2PEVKCT0TO5Aaeo_W-5Lb07fDqK5DOZbW/s1600/bday+29.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04MjvMFnR7EZbCzI6uBed19djZ6oK5ni0JJ57XI2hR82_k3QadFOOQNL8dA2gJjEIghAnmW7LqffzPYAktlKLgInBMuoAEWXmEuA8jOfl3mDuVKSM388VMrLMqpOWHxDVdaM3MH1rV5Op/s1600/bday+27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04MjvMFnR7EZbCzI6uBed19djZ6oK5ni0JJ57XI2hR82_k3QadFOOQNL8dA2gJjEIghAnmW7LqffzPYAktlKLgInBMuoAEWXmEuA8jOfl3mDuVKSM388VMrLMqpOWHxDVdaM3MH1rV5Op/s1600/bday+27.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you have questions please feel free to email me at abbyitheewed@yahoo.com or leave your question in the comments.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<img src="http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa333/Lifewithba/b7asig.png">Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15850783174809474021noreply@blogger.com0