tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72299779621147328652024-03-14T06:46:46.912-05:00The Blog About The TeamCorriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09908493594301010911noreply@blogger.comBlogger387125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229977962114732865.post-68628913391057907352015-05-16T10:48:00.001-05:002015-05-16T10:48:50.237-05:00A Farewell to BloggerHey guys!<br />
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So after much debate and wondering and input, I have decided to move my writing over to Wordpress to allow for making certain posts private. The more I think about it, the less certain I get about the wisdom of making pictures of my beautiful children available to the internet. <br />
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Thus, <a href="http://ianandcorrie.wordpress.com/">ianandcorrie.wordpress.com</a> has begun! At this point there is nothing private, but there will be, and when that happens you can email me for the password, or leave a comment here and I will get in touch with you.<br />
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It's been real, Blogger, and I wish you had the private features of Wordpress, because, HELLO, learning new blogging platforms is hard! Happy trails to me!Corriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09908493594301010911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229977962114732865.post-10671147089613589142014-07-16T14:47:00.000-05:002014-07-16T14:54:25.923-05:00To The Nines<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhR_IhpyMprovcqE4B3EYWa3TjBoYCtFdefJoN-swAbc3rCquypCz0YldiiOVF2v38lworppbj1_OR01NDy8J0Y9I25SCuIxYmxV3xp-wzpKnU2QRCCFKMnqissDmtBpCZn7WEltX1UA/s1600/IMG_9144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhR_IhpyMprovcqE4B3EYWa3TjBoYCtFdefJoN-swAbc3rCquypCz0YldiiOVF2v38lworppbj1_OR01NDy8J0Y9I25SCuIxYmxV3xp-wzpKnU2QRCCFKMnqissDmtBpCZn7WEltX1UA/s1600/IMG_9144.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">This is dedicated to the man that allowed me to start
calling him ‘Husband’ on the day that we were married. The same man that has
allowed it to progress to Hubby, Hubbykins, Hubbers, HubbyMcWubberson, you get
the idea. Let’s just say it feels weird when I call him just ‘Ian.’ He’s a
keeper.
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Today is our ninth anniversary. I considered commemorating
this day by writing nine things I love about Ian, or nine things that drive me
crazy about him, or sharing nine of my favorite hairs on his head, or some
other such things relatable to the number nine. But, nine things I loved seemed
too easy and I couldn’t possibly reveal nine things that drive me crazy since I
can hardly come up with one ;). So I have settled upon nine memories that stand
out to me over the course of our nine years together. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">First, the prologue. This doesn’t count toward the nine
memories because I am making the rules. There was a night we shared before we
were married, perhaps before we were engaged (but who could know for sure?),
that I will never forget. I was having one of those days when I hated every
inch of myself. I was the wrong size, the wrong shape, and I was so frustrated
with it all that I had come to tears while enjoying a starry evening with my
beau on his balcony. He was adamant that I was beautiful, I was adamant
perfectly opposite. Frustrated with my persistence, Ian got down on his knees
and forced me to look into his face while he proclaimed (with much fervor) how
perfect I was through and through. Up to that point, I had never so readily
believed someone when they told me I was beautiful. The sincerity in his eyes
was unmistakable. It is a memory I love because of how much he loved me. How
genuinely he wanted to protect my heart from my own self-destruction. The best
part is I am a far cry from the hottie I was then, and still I hear at least
once everyday, with all the sincerity in the world, how beautiful I am. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Ok, on to the married memories.. I promise they are not all
quite so sappy :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Year 1. Upland, Indiana was home, and home was too quiet.
Our only options for companionship were birds or fish and fish weren’t cuddly
enough. We settled on a bird hunt and found one at a garden store not too far
away. He was a silky white cockatiel and was crazy as a foaming possum. Let’s
just say had we done our research, we might have purchased a hand-raised bird.
I will never forget riding in Ian’s Nissan 300ZX with that bird scratching and
shrieking trying to escape from the dainty, brown cardboard box on my lap.
Undeterred, we spent the ride home coming up with a name for him (her? We still
don’t really know). We passed a road sign that said ‘Hamilton’ and I was sold.
It was perfect! Ian thought so too, but if you ask him, Hamilton was named for
Patrick Hamilton, the martyr. And that, my friends, pretty much sums up the
difference between Ian and myself. I still get warm fuzzy feelings when I think
of our crazy, sweet Hamilton.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Year 2. Perhaps the most poignant memory this year was when
Ian told me he got in to St Andrews for his master’s degree. I was on a mission
trip in Mexico, so received the news via a short pay phone call, and spent the
rest of the trip wondering where on earth life was taking us. However, my
favorite times to think back on from this year are those that we spent together
in the art building at Taylor University. Being the weirdo married couple
living on a college campus, Ian was around a lot though he was not a student.
Most of my work had to be done in the art building, so he often came with me
and I loved every minute of it. I loved how easily he talked to my peers and
professors. I loved that he was there with me, knowing that part of my life. I
love the memories I have of him working just as hard as I did to finish framing
and setting up all the artwork for my senior exhibition.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Year 3. Hello change! Neither of us had ever moved further
than Upland, Indiana, and here we were moving to a different country. A little
over a month after we moved, still in the throes of culture shock and
insecurity, I remember getting the news that my grandma had died. I remember
feeling so shocked and numb. I thought she was getting better. It was the
beginning of the end of my childhood utopia of trips to grandma and grandpa’s
house. The expected. The norm. It was changing. I didn’t know how to handle it,
so I took the longest shower of my life and cried a lot. Ian was there. He
cried with me, he remembered with me, he helped me sort out a plane ticket so I
could be with my family to grieve the loss of my loving, feisty grandma. He
probably got me a drink of water, too, since that’s what he does when someone
is crying. That was the beginning of a tough year that pushed us to burrow into
one another, to trust Jesus, and to soak up the sun and the rain alike.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Year 4. This was the year that we took a little getaway to
Glencoe for the weekend following our American Thanksgiving celebration. It was
our first time hiring a car. A car that we barely fit into. I remember
marveling at how easily Ian could reach over and touch my window, and the fear
(that I would mess up his driving) wrapped in giggles every time he hit my leg
as he shifted. It was Ian’s first time driving on the left, but it was not the
first time he impressed me with his readiness to handle what is thrown at him.
We saw the Northern Lights, we got to drive and hike in snow, we got lost
together so many times, we marveled at the incredible scenery and the
difference between the east and west coasts, we did what married couples do on
getaways and then we had a baby. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Year 5. This was the year that we learned that having a baby
is not all it’s cracked up to be. Obviously, a sentiment we recovered from. I
remember my first attempt to drag myself out of bed after bringing our ‘bundle
of joy’ home from the hospital the day before. There had been no sleep. My eyes
were burning, my body was exhausted, I turned and look at my husband’s
bloodshot eyes and found he was thinking the same thing I was. What have we
done?? In our sleep-deprived short-sightedness, we were pretty sure our lives
were ruined forever. Happily, we were very wrong. Ian was ingenious at figuring
the baby thing out. Someone told him crumpling a chip bag could quell the
screaming. When that stopped working, he found a giant trash bag and made all
the ruckus he could until our ‘little angel’ was asleep. I hope I never forget
watching him desperately flapping that black trash bag around in our first
son’s tiny bedroom.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Year 6. Ok so it is harder than I thought to only pick ONE
memory from each year. We do so many things each year! In year 6 we drove
across Europe, spent 5 weeks apart while Ian studied at Rutgers, had another
baby, I mean, come on. I remember our first time leaving Aed completely and
going SO far away to Edinburgh :). The Tattoo started at 10pm so it was a very
late excursion. I remember feeling giddy with excitement that we were FREE! We
were alone, just the two of us, going out somewhere without our son. Don’t get
me wrong, I loved our son and I loved going places with him, but the feeling of
being by ourselves was irreplaceable. We had next to nothing to carry and could
go anywhere or do anything on a whim. We could be LOUD. I remember thinking we
were getting old as we struggled to enjoy something that started at 10pm
because we were so tired. I remember feeling so happy and refreshed as I
enjoyed such an experience with my favorite person in the world. Focusing only
on him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Year 7. We left
Scotland, I ran a half marathon, Ian got a job and graduated. Another full
year. I remember when he left to return to Scotland to teach a class and defend
his thesis. We were living with my parents during our in between, full of hope
for a job. We made a paper chain so the boys could see how many sleeps were
left before we saw Daddy again. I remember hanging those little circles while
feeling like it may as well have been a year before we would see him again. I
remember my eyes filling with tears as he told me about his visits to places
that meant so much to us, visits with people that I loved and missed. I
remember the phone call to tell me that he had passed. The joy and thankfulness
we felt. I remember making ‘Dr. Daddy’ signs to greet him at the airport. I
remember the way it felt to see him again, to feel so proud of my husband and
what he had done, to watch my big boy run to his daddy with such joy, to see my
husband’s face full of life and light as we relished in the possibilities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Year 8. A cross-country move to a place that promised
sunshine and sand, then delivered it, along with sweltering heat and
earthquakes. Earthquakes. I am not the worrier in our family. Ian takes care of
that unfalteringly. Anxiety is a very real experience for him. I can’t say why,
but moving to a place that threatened earthquakes at any time really ate away
at my mind. I found myself constantly trying to figure out how to handle an
earthquake in each place we went, so heavily burdened by being responsible for
my helpless children’s safety. I remember realizing one morning how consumed I
was by this fear, by the worst-case-scenarios that were becoming a constant in
my consciousness. That night as we went to bed I tearfully confessed to my
husband how much I was struggling – how I had no idea how to handle it, and I
remember so clearly feeling like I finally understood, just a tiny bit, what he
deals with all the time. He was so ready to comfort and help me, so experienced
with such a burden. He knew. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Year 9. My most constant memory and feeling this year has
been awe. My moments to reflect and sit with my own thoughts are few and
fleeting, but every once in a while I catch a glimmer of the amazement that
lies in my spirit, down underneath the diapers and worries and peanut butter
smears and bubble blowing. We moved across the country again and this year has
carried a theme of provision. Things we didn’t even think to ask for we were
given. Things that have made this place such a rest and refreshment for our
family. Our home is just that, a home. It is not a tiny apartment, it is not
filled with the goods of strangers, we have made it ours. Most every day, I
have awakened to the presence of my husband lying next to me. I have ended each
day with an ‘I love you.’ I have watched
my husband love our children, I have thrown my hands up with him as we gave up
trying to figure out how to fix yet another situation. I have given thanks for
his steadiness, his patience, his willingness to do and do and do. My favorite
memory, right now, was waking up to his smile this morning as he reminded me
that it was our anniversary. The feeling that washed over me as I knew, even
with all the mundane and monotony, today would be a special day. Maybe there
aren’t enough years in a life for me to feel like I’ve gotten sufficient time
with my husband, I can’t say yet. But I can say that nine isn’t enough :). I am
eternally grateful for the man I have been given to share my life with. Happy
anniversary, Hubbywubbyshmubbykins. </span></div>
Corriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09908493594301010911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229977962114732865.post-74025042051517549682014-03-26T22:27:00.003-05:002014-03-26T22:31:45.453-05:00Today.<style>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>(Disclaimer: The photos in this post are recent, but completely unrelated to the text and were not taken today. They are just for funsies.)</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It was one of those days. The kind where before you even
open your eyes in the morning you are longing for bedtime. The kind that rolls
you around and spits you out on the other side of exhaustion. A typical day
full of everything and nothing, clouded by a haze of bleary.
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We stayed up late getting papers ready for tax-doing. In the
end most of it didn’t matter anyway. Isn’t that just the way it goes? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ari slept enough last night that I found myself checking on
him to make sure he was still breathing on more than one occasion. Forfeiting
my benefit from his sleep, I was able to groggily retrieve him from his crib
this morning knowing he would live to see another day. The worry always seems
so silly when the sun is shining on it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnXw3swDoCIWlQcnYw2oy8Tujj8MCo02jlkw1tV3K2KUdgpbvy60YREntdUOlgf3wkrMIZ-ZOkVd09Wu868NWRamxSpW4qvlUUw9K_XqjOWyWNUtMMYbV4zu4RHeRPSWyD0sFU0iWQdTk/s1600/IMG_1548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnXw3swDoCIWlQcnYw2oy8Tujj8MCo02jlkw1tV3K2KUdgpbvy60YREntdUOlgf3wkrMIZ-ZOkVd09Wu868NWRamxSpW4qvlUUw9K_XqjOWyWNUtMMYbV4zu4RHeRPSWyD0sFU0iWQdTk/s1600/IMG_1548.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm pretty sure the bigger two joined me in bed at some
point before I dragged myself out of it. Oh yes, they sat on the end of the bed
‘reading’ books to each other. This is a new development and I adore it. I
can’t even try to hide my smile when I catch them sitting together somewhere
with their books.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqCkIJwFamGc5KGIcxUfuhbvBjqDaDKW54bgW1sTZsM1Si614HEh5Em_GVv2vEgp2BJL0JEJG51Fxp2DDQXZSrOBYSWaSi0v_g3GoYlh35rfOk2Xj8AazCpuzs7A6yo2mfaHmEwvHJHE/s1600/IMG_1531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqCkIJwFamGc5KGIcxUfuhbvBjqDaDKW54bgW1sTZsM1Si614HEh5Em_GVv2vEgp2BJL0JEJG51Fxp2DDQXZSrOBYSWaSi0v_g3GoYlh35rfOk2Xj8AazCpuzs7A6yo2mfaHmEwvHJHE/s1600/IMG_1531.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I looked at my children closely so many times today.
Straight into their eyes, longing for them to know how deeply I love them. I
stare into their growing-up faces and am amazed at how the changes catch me off
guard. Every day I look at them, love them, kiss them, and still it catches me
off guard.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8PXiMPm6Tt6VAm2_d2QUaJbKmpLkOSKnqxkJRYIoHR21FBHDN1zmcz_My4IaQigHKsToKWN9sHkTdvzBW_FWB5_NcseApt4G5gHLpJp9e_UpJAPqGJN3cItBq6D-qAsn0tfMcTw4jaTc/s1600/IMG_1525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8PXiMPm6Tt6VAm2_d2QUaJbKmpLkOSKnqxkJRYIoHR21FBHDN1zmcz_My4IaQigHKsToKWN9sHkTdvzBW_FWB5_NcseApt4G5gHLpJp9e_UpJAPqGJN3cItBq6D-qAsn0tfMcTw4jaTc/s1600/IMG_1525.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I visited the dentist this morning to happily discover that
I will make my goal of no cavities before I turn 30. (Let’s see if we can make
it to 31!) I promised the dentist I wouldn’t brag to Ian about it. Then I came
home and told him, so maybe I failed? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My visit to the dentist was entirely without children. By
myself. No one else. To the dentist, but still, the lack of weight in my arms
and effort in my being from hauling my precious cargo around was noted and
appreciated.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I told my husband how tired I was about 28 times before
11am. He still loves me. He’s a keeper.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My heart hurt a little when one of my children made a
mistake. A small one in the scheme of things, but I long so much to understand
why he does what he does. I thought about it until I got distracted.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I watched my babiest of babies throw smiles my way
willy-nilly any time he caught my eye. He has a major crush on his mama and it
is adorable. If eating him would really quench this need I have to love on him,
I might just do it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I pushed through the motions of making lunch, sat and
listened to my little clowns in their goofy banter, requested that one return
to his chair to eat his blueberries, gave a thought to my thankfulness for
those very berries, put a baby to bed, then put a little boy to bed. The bigger
boy got to watch a little extra today in hopes that I might get to pass my
burdens on to the open arms of my own bed. The baby needed a cuddle. The phone
buzzed. There was a little sleep, but as I have learned, rest is almost as good
as sleep.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Am I the only one that craves chocolate with great intensity
when I am tired? Sometimes I really do think it might be worth it to learn to
like coffee. Then I remember how it makes me cringe and remain steadfast that
it will never be worth it. I ate one too many chocolate chips via the too many
items in our pantry containing chocolate chips at the moment. I considered
doing some situps. Tomorrow I will do them. Today doesn’t need situps, it needs
a loving teaspoon of Just Enough.
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I read to my big boy and didn’t fall asleep. Victory. Our
baby joined us part way through.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Every time I saw my husband I thanked. He is a steady
undercurrent in each day and we all have a crush on him. He is well adored.
(Unless, of course, he is casting a stern gaze on our eldest. Then he is
avoided rather than adored. One of the perils of being a four-year-old still
learning the ropes.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I reveled in the chaos of our three boys and their noise. I
wondered at them and loved their antics. I reminded Ian how tired I was. I felt
the 28 previous mentions just didn’t suffice. I enjoyed listening to him read
to our children while I tried to be productive.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I tried to talk on the phone. It was a mildly unsatisfying
attempt that involved too many distractions and interruptions. Thankfully it
was still fruitful and if we’re being fair, I did get to go to the dentist by
myself this morning. One can’t ask for too much in a single day.
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I gave thanks that no cooking was needed for dinner tonight.
I gave thanks that we made it to dinner. I gave thanks that it was a bath night
so I would get to smell fresh heads at bedtime.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I let my fuse get too short when my baby wouldn’t stop
crying. I wondered why he wouldn’t settle. Found things to fret about. Wished I
could sit down. An hour later all was well. The sun is down now, so the worry
doesn’t seem silly yet. Maybe in the morning it will.
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The house is still messy. Dinner dishes adorning the table.
Four baskets of clean laundry getting wrinkly while they wait. I find myself
wondering what sleep will look like tonight. Maybe it will be just enough. Maybe
tomorrow will be less foggy. But even if it’s not, on we will go. We will love
and wish, laugh and furrow, talk and play and rest, wonder and worry, marvel
and thank. It will be another day. Probably a lot like today. </span></div>
Corriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09908493594301010911noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229977962114732865.post-68120785122443404232014-02-16T17:28:00.001-06:002014-02-16T17:28:18.501-06:00Just a few more thingsAs it turns out, we have done more in St Louis than have a baby. We have actually done a significant number of really great things! But you'd never know from this here little bloggy-blog, would you?<br />
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No you wouldn't. Because life keeps changing, and in order to keep up, my priorities keep changing. I have spent some time over the last few days looking back at our blog and am overcome at how much I love reliving the moments that are recorded here. As my circumstances have changed yet again, I think I am ready to move blogging back up the ranks a bit and get some stories and thoughts down here in my 'free time'. (heh.)<br />
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In debating where to begin and what to do next, I decided I'm just going to suck it up and catch up. I just don't think I'll be able to face blogging about today until I feel yesterday has been adequately accounted for.<br />
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So. That means there are a few more things to remember from our time in CA. Things that I will enjoy remembering because we were wearing flip flops with rosy cheeks instead of freezing under layers of ice and snow as we are in this very moment. The grass is always greener. Always. But I would by lying if I said I wasn't struggling looking back at photos of sunshine and strawberries. Anyway.<br />
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To begin, a few throwback pictures of our little Ash-matash. It is shocking to me how small he was when we moved to CA, and how big he was when we left. SO much growing happens in the first three years. Oh, they keep changing alright, but not in the leaps and bounds they do in the first few years.<br />
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We lived in a tiny apartment. So, so tiny. Some days I wanted to poke my eyes out from the tininess. Other days I remembered how it only took an hour tops to clean our whole house with two kids underfoot and loved it for all it was worth. And even though I hated it more than I loved it, I see pictures and get twinges just like I do with other places we've lived that I loved far more. There is always something gained no matter how unidyllic your circumstances are. (The optimism! It is unflinching! It is my super power!)<br />
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Our tiny apartment was just a little ways down the road from an awesome enclosed playground. We went there a lot. It was so easy to let the kiddos run, and very rarely crowded. This is a picture of our tiny tot being adorable at that playground and I love him.<br />
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That baby face! It's so much less baby now. It will be even less baby next year. Oh the baby face.<br />
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<br />Over the course of the year, both boys worked up the courage to go down the twisty slide. It's a tough one because you can't see the bottom from the top. But, oh yes, they did it. Over and over and over. Orange sunglasses and all.<br />
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At this little playground, my children demonstrated that they do not know how to swing. But doing it like this is actually really fun and far less likely to result in injury (At least for my children. That is not a heavily researched claim). They also demonstrated that they do not know the dangers of walking in front of swinging swings holding swingers. Numerous times. Were it not for the danger it posed to the swingers, I would have let them get knocked over so they would remember that this was not a good idea. But, I hear other parents don't like it when people toy with their children's lives to teach their own children a lesson. So there's that. <br />
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But, this little nook was really just the best. They spent so much time under there playing all sorts of games and eating rocks and such. Just the best.</div>
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When we weren't playing outside, we were playing inside.</div>
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We played with our Bob the Builder toys, like the above goggles. Below is the face Asher made every time he asked to have them put on. Be still my heart. </div>
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We played with 'da beens' a lot. Still do actually. Throw some beans and construction trucks into a pan and you have endless entertainment! For my boys anyway. (Again, I haven't researched that claim.) Please note: playing with da beens is way more fun when you're wearing your big brother's shoes, too.</div>
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We made paper hats because those are fun for the 5 minutes that they last. <br />
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We spent far more time than we should have doing unsafe things like this because everything is a toy when you live in a teeny tiny apartment. And that little monkey has grown into a slightly bigger monkey that still does this and more!<br />
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There were corners to hide in and mysterious games that only brothers knew about. <br />
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We managed to find ways to hurt ourselves (I even had to get stitches in my pinkie finger! Watch out for those butter knives!) and then cheered each other up by taking silly pictures. </div>
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You know those little stoppers on the bottom of doors that make that noise when you flick them? Do you think they're awesome? Because my children sure do! Unfortunately for us, they were on every door in our apartment. Until our children broke them off. Fortunately for us, at least two of them could be reattached. Also fortunately for us, most of the time our children forgot about them. Please note: playing with the stoppers is way more fun when you're wearing your big brothers shoes over your pjs.<br />
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Even the hallway leading to our apartment provided entertainment. There was an elevator (where our curious children pushed the emergency button SO many times. I hate to think who might be ignored in the case of a real emergency after our stint using this elevator) that taught us about listening and also being aware of other people. Because the boys would do things like the above position of 'hiding' while we waited for it to come and then the door would open and they would faceplant into an unsuspecting resident's crotch. Never a dull moment for us or our neighbors! (Have I mentioned we were the only ones on our floor with children?)</div>
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We would play ball in the hallway (during respectable hours of course, this isn't college now, is it), hide in our doorway and wait for Daddy to get home, and even have races or help carry the garbage to the big chute. It amazes me to think about the number of things we found to do even though our apartment was teeny tiny. It also amazes me that people were still nice to us, and even liked us though our children did ridiculous things.</div>
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We found great community inside and outside, which brings me to my next of the 'few more things' - our California friends! </div>
<br />Corriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09908493594301010911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229977962114732865.post-7682641393497973602013-12-07T10:00:00.000-06:002013-12-07T10:00:54.040-06:00Ari Louis Church: An Account of Worry and Provision <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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(That really should probably be called a saga since it’s
looooong.. This is what happens when I don't blog enough :)</div>
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We welcomed our latest addition to the family a little over one week ago, and
as I have been thinking about and processing how that happened, I’ve been
repeatedly convicted by the importance of writing it down. I want to remember
the worry, fear, joy, and thankfulness that tucked themselves into my heart
while we waited for and welcomed him.</div>
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My pregnancy with Ari overall was uneventful. That’s the way
we like it. My main concerns were the facts that 1) my belly was HUGE and made
it nearly impossible to move around like a normal human being, and 2) I started
to get very puffy during the third trimester. Like really puffy. All over. My
doctor’s main concern was my ever-fluctuating blood pressure – not something
I’d ever experienced before. Close behind were concerns about me actually being
at the hospital when this baby was born, given our experience with Asher, and
some mysterious late-third-trimester weight loss (which obviously really
affected Ari’s weight :).</div>
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This pregnancy was by far my most ‘symptomatic,’ with all
the stuff I knew people experienced but hadn’t dealt with myself. I was very
ready to stop dealing with those things several weeks before my due date, and would
comfort myself with the knowledge that he was big and I was having tons of
contractions, so he would probably be early. It was much more trying than my
last two pregnancies and I often had to catch myself and remember how much
there was to be thankful for rather than focusing on all the things there were
to complain about. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUjx3uf-GUmmcfOVdHlf-8bBsdwhLVpqS4rO9II9uSGdnQ0HIwnm0xzh_k6jH2gEg7rSH_jLPyIjvxjS9r1Po2-Z_xeMiz_a0uvD-d3PfFUaqQPqiz-zA4gdqY_wwJsmtPu7fIl-8-AY/s400/IMG_0748.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thinking this might be our last belly photo - nope!</td></tr>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The First False Alarm</b></div>
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Roughly two weeks before my due date, on a Friday, I had
been having contractions for two days and noticed that they were picking up and
were alarmingly regular. Knowing how quickly things had moved with Asher, and
with my doctor’s concerns about that lingering in the back of my mind, we
decided to go ahead to the hospital just to see what might be happening. I
continued having contractions, but they didn’t seem to be amounting to much of
anything. </div>
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The woman that attended us was such a gift. She was
incredibly personable and caring, and decided while we were there that she
would just go ahead and check to make sure baby was happy and my fluid levels
were good. That meant a little ultrasound. She pressed the wand to my belly,
let out a little gasp, and immediately pulled it away. She looked right at me
and said, ‘This baby is head down, right?’ I told her I thought so, but it
quickly became clear that he was breech. </div>
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She spent a good deal of time giving us explanations of
various scenarios that could be our reality given this news, even going so far
as to find out if there were any doctors at the hospital that would deliver a
breech baby as opposed to going straight to a c-section. We ended our time that
evening talking about things I could do to try to get him to turn and
instructions to call the office first thing Monday morning to schedule another
ultrasound to see if he was still breech, and then perhaps attempt a version to
turn him from the outside.</div>
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As we left and drove home, I sorted through a confusing mix
of emotions. I was upset that my doctor hadn’t caught that he was breech sooner
given that I could go into labor at any time, and I could tell he had been in
the same position for a while. I was afraid of the prospect of having a
c-section, especially given that nothing was really ‘wrong’ with either of us,
he was just facing the wrong direction. But I was also beyond thankful that I
had had enough contractions to prompt us to go in, and that the doctor had
decided to do an ultrasound to measure fluids, only to discover a breech baby.
On top of that, despite feeling a little silly for having a ‘false alarm’ (my
first ever!), I was so, so thankful that my contractions had died down to give
us a little more time to see how things would turn out. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYbY2eyeYTZIpLL8lYSrhXZZarG9VmYWh1Xckt9ft2fvRd2raZIdHGKjv1_JGGEJNMrd0xgBrAPeeAMc5Mew2gPPUAA8iZbbTNd0CMXHpdVBqJsLkTrW6Ac0AUVizvB0gKmwBil45P9Y/s1600/IMG_0750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYbY2eyeYTZIpLL8lYSrhXZZarG9VmYWh1Xckt9ft2fvRd2raZIdHGKjv1_JGGEJNMrd0xgBrAPeeAMc5Mew2gPPUAA8iZbbTNd0CMXHpdVBqJsLkTrW6Ac0AUVizvB0gKmwBil45P9Y/s400/IMG_0750.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys loved 'helping' me with this position :)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A Spinning Baby</b></div>
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I spent the weekend fretting about all kinds of things..
Trying to imagine what a c-section was like and refocus my mental preparations
to a healthy delivery regardless of how it came about, rather than just
focusing on labor.. Worrying that since he was head up the many bumps and
knocks from the outside might have done more damage somehow than if he had been
head down all along.. Generally being frustrated and discontent with the whole
situation. </div>
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I also spent the weekend trying all kinds of things to get
him to turn over! From peppermint oil to various upside-down contortions, from
what I could tell nothing had changed. Then, I did one smooth move (ha!)
suggested by my cousin (thanks Sarah!) that had worked for her third baby, and
I noticed a change! He certainly was not head down, but his head had moved
down, which was progress. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally Monday came and we got an appointment for that
afternoon. I wasn’t overly hopeful, but I was hopeful, if that makes sense. I
really wanted him to have turned, but I was so afraid of getting carried away
with thinking he had turned, only to be told again that he was breech. The
ultrasound technician we had is an absolute peach (you will notice a theme
through all of this, that almost every person we interacted with was incredibly
caring, thoughtful, and kind. The Lord knows I am fragile and need people to be
nice to me or I cry), and she was surprised to discover that he was no longer
breech, but was transverse. She was not happy about that because it means an
automatic c-section, but I was hopeful that if he were transverse it would make
a version easier.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We left the ultrasound room to wait to see a doctor to
discuss a plan of action. This doctor (mine was sick that day) decided to just
check on things once more while we were there, and at some point in the move
from the ultrasound room to the exam room baby had turned all the way and was
head down! Obviously, that was surprising and exciting, but I found myself
again hesitating to be hopeful. I wasn’t in labor yet, and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">somehow</i> he had room to move around in there, so there was no point
in getting my hopes up that he would stay that way.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Waiting, Waiting, and
Another False Alarm</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had another scheduled appointment the next day with my
doctor, and she felt similarly. Given that he’d been in so many positions in
such a short time, there was no way to be certain that he’d be head down
whenever I went in to labor. She felt the best plan of action was to wait until
I was 39 weeks, and then induce at a point when we knew he was head down. That
would probably lessen my chances for a natural birth, but that was not a major
issue for me, just a preference.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So we waited. And I had a million contractions. I’m pretty
sure I had enough contractions for at least three babies while I was waiting
for our one baby to arrive. The next Saturday, the day officially marking me at
39 weeks, I again was having contractions regularly. By dinnertime I decided we
should go in again to be on the safe side as they were actually picking up in
intensity. They checked me right in and took me to a room where we spent an
hour waiting to see if <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">these</i>
contractions were being productive. We also got confirmation that he was still
head down (phew!) during that time (from a doctor who was ecstatic to learn we
had lived in St Andrews and wanted to know all about the golf courses). This
period was really confusing for me. Contractions were there, regular, and
getting stronger, and yet nothing was happening. With the other two, once
things were going, they were going! They ultimately decided to send us home,
with all of us knowing that we might be back that night. I was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">certain</i> we would be as they were already
noticeably stronger on the drive home.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then we went to bed. And I slept. And I woke up in the
morning and nothing was happening and I was still pregnant and puffy. Every
pregnancy is different! I will never believe anything my body tells me ever
again! :) Anyway.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Surprise! You’re
having a baby! Right now.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had an appointment the following Wednesday, the 27<sup>th</sup>,
in the afternoon with a different doctor. Interestingly (and providentially),
she was the doctor I had originally wanted to see throughout my pregnancy, but
for several reasons it didn’t work out. My doctor was out of the office the
whole Thanksgiving week, so she was it! On this particular day, my blood
pressure was high. Not ‘let’s freak out right this minute’ high, but high.
Obviously, that is a reason for concern. She was afraid that if I continued
being pregnant it would continue to rise, given that it had been high quite a
few times, and I’d end up in a much worse situation. That, combined with the
baby flip-flopping issue, a history of quick labors, and his ample size led her
to suggest that I be induced that day.. as in, literally walk over to L&D
from her office and have a baby. She left to let us discuss what we wanted to do,
and we basically looked at each other and said, ‘Let’s do it.’ We both felt the
reasons were good, and I had a sneaking suspicion I was really going into labor
anyway based on the contractions I was having that day. Fortunately, with all
the action we had seen, I had started bringing my hospital bag to every
appointment ‘just in case.’ </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, off we went! We got settled into our room and had lots
of lessons in what is normal for an American birth! Again, the nurse that was
working with us was incredibly helpful, took our birth plan hopes seriously,
and was very straightforward in answering our questions and explaining what she
was doing. The doctor came in after about 2 hours to see how things were going
and to decide what our next step was. I really wanted to avoid Pitocin and give
my body a chance to show us if it was ready to go, so I asked if we could just
start with breaking my water and see how things progress. They were happy to
oblige, and she found that I had progressed from 1cm to 4 just in the time
since I had left her office. (Also during that time we had kept our tradition
of watching Elf during labor.. and yes, I know my other two children were born
in the summer, but it’s such a great movie!) That made us all happy, but I
can’t explain the relief and peace I felt when she said that. I was nervous
after we left her office that we had made a choice that could lead us down a
path we were hoping to avoid, and that progress was wonderful encouragement
that I was ready and baby was ready, so hopefully little intervention would be
needed. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, after a quick check to make sure he was still head down,
my water was broken and off we went! This was my first time essentially
experiencing labor start to finish at the hospital. It was harder in some ways
because there were fewer distractions, but I didn’t miss the long drive to the
hospital while in labor one bit! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A new nurse took over and I am so thankful she was with us
through the whole thing. She was really supportive of my desire to have a
natural birth, and also really honest about the likelihood that induction would
make that less possible. I have an entirely new appreciation for L&D nurses
after watching these incredible women work with and for us. I just happened to
read <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rachael-clarke/labor-nurse_b_4340572.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular" target="_blank">this</a> yesterday, and though of course our labor experience was not the same, it sounds
like our nurse experience certainly was.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyway! So, basically I sat on a labor ball watching River
Monsters (two other new experiences! I’m sure you can guess who chose our
entertainment..) until things were getting rough and decided I wanted to get in
the shower for some relief. As seems to be the case with me, almost as soon as
I was in the water I started feeling tiny urges to push. I had direct
instructions to cause a ruckus as soon as that happened so the doctor had time
to get the hospital before the baby arrived, though the nurse assured us she
had just caught a baby earlier that week so she would be ok if things didn’t go
as planned :).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have no concept of time from here on out, as I was in my
‘this really hurts’ zone (so was Ian.. he tells me I almost ripped his bicep
off, ha!), but things moved really quickly. The doctor made it and our little
team welcomed Ari Louis Church into this dark and bright world. I quickly made
Ian promise to never let me do that again (double ha!) and marveled that we had
another healthy boy who had thrown us for a loop right at the end, but
everything worked out just fine. He was born at 11:42pm and weighed 9lbs, 1oz.
Getting a 9lb baby out is a lot more work than the other two were :). He was
totally perfect, with gigantic cheeks, and we were totally smitten. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I continued to marvel at our nurse’s care for us as she
helped get us all ready to move to our recovery room (our <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">private</i> recovery room! Where Ian stayed with me <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the whole time!</i>). When I thanked her for
letting me hold her hand, knowing that my grip is rather deadly during labor,
she looked me right in the eye and said she would have done anything to help me
at that point. Amazing. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So there we were. The parents of three boys – one of us in
particular enjoying American luxuries like ice packs and Tucks pads (which I
will be implementing for any future babies regardless of where they are born!)
– both marveling at our little bundle of sweetness. I found myself again and
again giving thanks that everything had worked out as it did, knowing full well
if my doctor had been around or if my blood pressure had been any higher or if
my baby had not turned, things could have been entirely different. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGEiw6ezpjhIgUJnshbZmmUGHSK42Cu3PzwuB8yshIuduoyWlfIsp1Y96esfJ-P63KnzX7zJ1zLuxOzxwfK1DNgrc5zWjleKRl5y7H6ekAKI_X3Roh3DfYtqxBX-XwN9_VqbswLpQig0/s1600/IMG_0764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGEiw6ezpjhIgUJnshbZmmUGHSK42Cu3PzwuB8yshIuduoyWlfIsp1Y96esfJ-P63KnzX7zJ1zLuxOzxwfK1DNgrc5zWjleKRl5y7H6ekAKI_X3Roh3DfYtqxBX-XwN9_VqbswLpQig0/s400/IMG_0764.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since his birth, Ari (which, I should note, is pronounced
‘R-E’ not ‘airy’) has been nothing short of delightful. He is already letting
us sleep more than we could ever have imagined, hardly ever cries, and has
captured all of our hearts with no trouble. His brothers think he is ‘just so
cute!’ and love to hold him. He loves being warm and napping on Mama or Daddy,
and hates being naked for any reason. Especially when Mama’s hands are cold..
which is always. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since his birth, I have continued to reduce in size, finding
my calves, ankles, feet, and hands again. Even my face is smaller :). It is a
wonderful thing to bend over without feeling like my eyes are going to pop out,
and be able to move around like a normal human being again. I am entirely
looking forward to being back to 100% to properly mother my three sweet boys,
and am entirely thankful for the wonderful help I’ve received from my family
(especially my dear mother) and our community here that is providing us with
meals and much support before and after Ari’s arrival. God is so good, and I am
so thankful. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8hZVF2db_l7SBzP1nU61GKHsL-IbTj_IQ8wRlxpuXDB3CuXAMXrYcX_Qt8NF6poeD3B50Cy3CqGtazdvrW4Rf_8RNscTCSTlOY29PsqKLU3i53guMoPgPEXeV6od030RXWfhhLUfqBg/s1600/IMG_0767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8hZVF2db_l7SBzP1nU61GKHsL-IbTj_IQ8wRlxpuXDB3CuXAMXrYcX_Qt8NF6poeD3B50Cy3CqGtazdvrW4Rf_8RNscTCSTlOY29PsqKLU3i53guMoPgPEXeV6od030RXWfhhLUfqBg/s400/IMG_0767.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ari Louis: What’s in
a Name?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since there’s really no reason to stop now :), I thought I’d
include a little explanation of his name. Once it was confirmed that he was a
boy, I decided to check out some boys’ names, as I wasn’t totally sold on the
one we were tossing around. I really didn’t want another ‘A’ name, and I wasn’t
overly concerned with how many letters it had either. I started out with Hebrew
names (because, why not?) in the ‘A’s, obviously. I got a few rows in and saw
‘Ari’ and immediately I knew that I was going to have to admit to Ian that I
liked this name. I was annoyed about it because it would make us an ‘A’ family
and I didn’t really want to do another three letter name since Asher’s isn’t,
but I also really felt like the Lord had put it under my nose for a reason. So
I confessed to Ian, who loved it, and that was pretty much that.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The name Ari means lion. This was another hang up for me.
Every time I thought about it, the image I got was a scary, roaring lion, which
I didn’t like. I often pondered how his name might have significance in his
life after we settled on Ari, but I felt strongly that I wanted my boy(s) to be
a steady, gentle force in this world, not a roaring, intimidating one. So I
thought, and I wrestled, and one day hit a realization that brought me peace.
The image of the lion laying with the lamb. The knowledge that the dark places
in this world (including our own hearts) will be made bright again and even
something as scary as a lion will become approachable and peaceful. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, in his name, we hope that Ari will be courageous,
compassionate, a seeker of peace and source of comfort and protection for the
weak and hurting in this world. I know that is putting a lot of thought into a
simple name, but to me it is significant. I have already seen our older boys
manifesting aspects of their own names in their lives and with the people that
cross their paths, and can only assume the same will be true with Ari. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Louis carries significance in that St Louis is where he was
born. Aed and Asher’s middle names both relate directly to their being born in
St Andrews, and we wanted to continue with that, knowing that we will likely
not be in St Louis for very long. Not knowing what the future holds, we want
our boys to feel some sense of connectedness to their beginnings, especially if
we are nomads for longer than we expect. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">You made it!</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you’ve made it to this point – kudos! You are a trooper
and I am thankful for your willingness to share in Ari’s story despite its
length. I make no promises about future blogging as life continues to grow in
responsibility, so every post from here on out may make your eyes bleed :). Sorry!</div>
Corriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09908493594301010911noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229977962114732865.post-74609402826029264252013-07-01T21:10:00.000-05:002013-07-01T21:10:49.438-05:00The Looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong Drive
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I was a little nervous about our cross-country adventure,
but mostly excited because there’s a big world to see! At a minimum our trip
would be 33 hours, but throw a couple of kids in there and you’re going to be
in the car 4-5 days depending on how things go (excuse me while I try to
relieve the tightness in my chest from thinking about being in the car for four
days..). I thought and I planned and I crafted and I tried to come up with
everything I could think of to entertain our children. Turns out those mornings
of entertaining themselves while I cleaned or worked or baked, or whatever I
may have been doing that didn’t directly involve them, were good practice for
entertaining themselves in the car!</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We quickly realized that being the driver was actually the
coveted position, as the passenger was faced with constantly contorting to meet
the whims of the children in the back seat. And the whims were abundant. As you
might guess, I am far more contortable than my inflexible husband, so he won
the driver’s seat most of the time. And, I have to say, even for as long as it
was, the drive was quite fun! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HzNpglZGB6fDcQvy7Nia_YVlxf5ELdbytVsROkGGDm9Gyb_dQG1jkMgHMZoYUfi03hYkwlKpbG0Yyu8PA7r-hgWCQmeuUf6PqgC1v7p7pQYfKeNie22JWFFMAbmiCSQc1bB6T9Rg6CM/s794/5_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HzNpglZGB6fDcQvy7Nia_YVlxf5ELdbytVsROkGGDm9Gyb_dQG1jkMgHMZoYUfi03hYkwlKpbG0Yyu8PA7r-hgWCQmeuUf6PqgC1v7p7pQYfKeNie22JWFFMAbmiCSQc1bB6T9Rg6CM/s400/5_4.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
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- Driving on a
two-lane road is astoundingly easy after living in LA for a year. I kind of
felt like I didn’t even need to pay attention (but, never fear, I did!). I
didn’t realize how stressful that driving really was until I felt the relief of
something easier!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUKKOnMrV9-eiFRkyuRIpfSxBIYVTcefS2oEwC1k_HGDvdkZEdTWX7Wufk54mqeO6Y-H1wP1mhlwBCuerAxJ4XcbT3tAY9GZoCiY1fT6AyjuxIrGsUyNuUnI8CZoUd8vEugJSX0k76jA/s792/5_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUKKOnMrV9-eiFRkyuRIpfSxBIYVTcefS2oEwC1k_HGDvdkZEdTWX7Wufk54mqeO6Y-H1wP1mhlwBCuerAxJ4XcbT3tAY9GZoCiY1fT6AyjuxIrGsUyNuUnI8CZoUd8vEugJSX0k76jA/s400/5_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
- The landscape of
the southern US is incredible and incredibly diverse, which I was not expecting.
Sadly, it’s just not the same on a camera as it is to see it in person, so
you’ll just have to trust me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5DXkAyNCz1_8Dtv7pEgkVOitLT4FQ3GFzGwVxg734SSrEWwu_tU6AWd5YLKKxW0JrUebUPdl0wUvtjxTvKHveC5TDE6K3uScR88XKzn9jXtL-b3Z1_HHLlgmpqG35B2I2jec8PhZxF4/s792/5_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5DXkAyNCz1_8Dtv7pEgkVOitLT4FQ3GFzGwVxg734SSrEWwu_tU6AWd5YLKKxW0JrUebUPdl0wUvtjxTvKHveC5TDE6K3uScR88XKzn9jXtL-b3Z1_HHLlgmpqG35B2I2jec8PhZxF4/s400/5_5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(This stuff was crazy.. there were thick black
rocks and mounds all over the place. Looked like lava had bubbled up and
hardened. I really wanted to touch it, but I refrained from requesting a
pull-over :)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think my favorite were the plateau formations. They were
layered and colorful and so interesting to look at. It seems I didn’t bother
photographing them after seeing how indistinct the previous photos turned out,
despite how incredible the scenery was. My apologies!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
- We drove though a lot of minimally populated areas. The questions that kept coming up every time we passed another lone house were things like, 'So, what do you suppose you do when you live out here?' 'Do you think they have friends?' 'Where on earth do they get groceries?' It was very puzzling. But, also made me realize there are a lot of places in the US to make movies when you need a remote location.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
- The desert is
stunningly dry. Obvious, you might think, but I felt like I might as well have
been crawling through the sand for how constant my thirst was. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
- Turns out there are
elk in Arizona. And we almost hit one. Now we know.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
- The Grand Canyon
might not be as fun as you expect. But it is gorgeous nonetheless.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizovB-Icy_Y9l6ax6ouLdISPF6QGg4YTmqdFmlDUtoqEtu322x5sX4eXJ250LbQtJtIfhxIgBMsDX_J8pw1_pW7b7lZ9l9ylEmIJiF42j8EOcxaIBWRrtJ0eYrrW6aZhYhAT5G4vxKpWY/s836/5_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizovB-Icy_Y9l6ax6ouLdISPF6QGg4YTmqdFmlDUtoqEtu322x5sX4eXJ250LbQtJtIfhxIgBMsDX_J8pw1_pW7b7lZ9l9ylEmIJiF42j8EOcxaIBWRrtJ0eYrrW6aZhYhAT5G4vxKpWY/s400/5_8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asher was really into photos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCLvqkOFKGiyeBxduMN2kYs1wPWfw5Q2dtjB9g0WXU3kdihgCmAQbPo_EFxmBKbFUJl1dY3ktXVQAIwZ1gjCnDYha3y9t1PJkxv6HIaFGLB22QVkqYMm0N2BkPXRjj35bUgv6t36-rbUo/s836/5_9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCLvqkOFKGiyeBxduMN2kYs1wPWfw5Q2dtjB9g0WXU3kdihgCmAQbPo_EFxmBKbFUJl1dY3ktXVQAIwZ1gjCnDYha3y9t1PJkxv6HIaFGLB22QVkqYMm0N2BkPXRjj35bUgv6t36-rbUo/s400/5_9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We gave up on the kids :)<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXbYIZIWEKuQ2BhsPAbN49XNWRviyVfBX3p2PHVDru-sEfH915UGXLrRzetDk29v9tUN5gUc_1n5ftESHyhg_5f3koAJ7JrfAEFjJfAiG_1ntOSJuBEsXz6Gfny_w_kYUTaiu1xth4SI/s836/5_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXbYIZIWEKuQ2BhsPAbN49XNWRviyVfBX3p2PHVDru-sEfH915UGXLrRzetDk29v9tUN5gUc_1n5ftESHyhg_5f3koAJ7JrfAEFjJfAiG_1ntOSJuBEsXz6Gfny_w_kYUTaiu1xth4SI/s400/5_11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-MRSpI4uMkXyhYbI-EuZESzpS-8SnQJXaea5aUsiDrQmxl1K72YhsR_KH3cDWiBmbtqsiIlx-gXttbGEq7nGIaFzJkPcqI9-Kzm9V5mqyCE-fHlx-LhuNBUTzcWNU2A6oJHE_QtSoMw/s836/5_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-MRSpI4uMkXyhYbI-EuZESzpS-8SnQJXaea5aUsiDrQmxl1K72YhsR_KH3cDWiBmbtqsiIlx-gXttbGEq7nGIaFzJkPcqI9-Kzm9V5mqyCE-fHlx-LhuNBUTzcWNU2A6oJHE_QtSoMw/s400/5_12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshBoZZ23dw2NKvFuOMywqQKVH73Dcbp4JWXMQa3GSbpabPboleUX3y4a333bM1yFIIoXwZWUPP1lsRJT6R0Afa8DWM-6_wJcWQHu5YhPODfJDDRW-1L18nhJn_mydQo-V-l7gStps0mc/s836/5_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshBoZZ23dw2NKvFuOMywqQKVH73Dcbp4JWXMQa3GSbpabPboleUX3y4a333bM1yFIIoXwZWUPP1lsRJT6R0Afa8DWM-6_wJcWQHu5YhPODfJDDRW-1L18nhJn_mydQo-V-l7gStps0mc/s400/5_13.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love Asher's facial expression with all my heart.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some poor international person was in the wrong place at the wrong time and was asked to take our
lovely family photos. The kids were really not happy about a family photo. I don’t know
what got into them, but the Grand Canyon made them crazy! We were glad to get
back in the car – ha!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can also say, this was my last day wearing non-maternity
jeans (for apparent reasons!). Sitting for that long in something that wasn’t
stretchy was just unacceptable for Blueberry and I!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
- Long meals with
ample opportunity to use the leg muscles are a treat when you’re living in a
car. Somewhere is a really cute picture of the kids running around at dinner
one day. Just imagine them inexplicably and repeatedly showing us their bellies
as they run circles around a picnic table. That about sums it up!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
- It seems the movie
‘Cars’ was pretty accurate. Route 66 could use some love from Bessie. And
Roadkill Café has a delicious salad bar. Asher tells us it’s a good spot to
poop. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
- Oklahoma is
beautiful after several days in the desert! We couldn’t get enough of the
green. Though, it was sobering to drive past a bit of the devastation from
recent tornadoes. And, it was an almost immediate relief to my unquenchable thirst when we left the desert behind us!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
- Our kids are total
troopers. They were astoundingly (some might say shockingly) longsuffering and
allowed us to make enough progress to arrive at Nena and Papaw’s house a day
before we expected to! I could hardly believe it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCbiS3L1QyxQuecDguKCjR969Ox-SOkSgecf5mNcAbp8DzxqBN0ihIaINAdyjwu_pGs-M8EbNvl3avYabQfX9TKKuTxmJJQ1AZ7bNJUawuuV5ixFYdNjkHQS0iXov-RIpDkWv4fXgIdM/s640/5_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCbiS3L1QyxQuecDguKCjR969Ox-SOkSgecf5mNcAbp8DzxqBN0ihIaINAdyjwu_pGs-M8EbNvl3avYabQfX9TKKuTxmJJQ1AZ7bNJUawuuV5ixFYdNjkHQS0iXov-RIpDkWv4fXgIdM/s400/5_3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9Ttuw3_XvmgyL9cywkCkihRkdAkG_7TEBtjyADqF5A5LCfMichRAtuu5KeOqhuDhNSDts5pJRxraF8bCOMAw4cywJPK-qXFq3P-XMWS9ODMNuhrBF_mZlY99BCMltFpTkYM-e-J-s8Q/s640/5_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9Ttuw3_XvmgyL9cywkCkihRkdAkG_7TEBtjyADqF5A5LCfMichRAtuu5KeOqhuDhNSDts5pJRxraF8bCOMAw4cywJPK-qXFq3P-XMWS9ODMNuhrBF_mZlY99BCMltFpTkYM-e-J-s8Q/s400/5_6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I cannot express enough how impressed I was with how they
just took things in stride. If we rolled into the hotel after midnight (which
we did almost every night), they were like ‘whatevs.. we’ll just sit here and
drool over Nascar racing while you set up our beds.’ Everyday they were ready with
excitement to get back in the car to head to our next stop. I just couldn’t
(and can’t) get over it. I know there were so many praying for us, and it was
so evident. Despite that, we were very grateful to roll into that Indiana
driveway and know the trip behind us. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It took longer than I expected to get over the ‘car lag’ of
the time changes we drove through, but within a few days we were good as new.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m not looking to do a crazy long drive again any time
soon, but I can tell you that I wouldn’t be afraid if we needed to. Added
bonus, the 5 hours it takes us to get from here to Indiana seems like nothing
now! :)<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Corriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09908493594301010911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229977962114732865.post-67855671173982862852013-05-29T23:51:00.000-05:002013-05-29T23:51:42.581-05:00The IdealI have been struggling. I am so far behind on this blog and it drives me crazy. I hate the thought of things being out of order, or missing out altogether on things that were special to us. Because I don't have time to sit down and resize photos and write about all of our adventures, I just keep doing nothing. And yet life goes on. And I miss out on opportunities to reflect on and think about what happened today. And I don't like that either. Because my kids are cute. And my life is changing. And my husband is excelling. And I want to mark all of that in this little diary, too.<br />
<br />
Today it occurred to me that this is like a tiny version of being paralyzed because of the false hope of achieving perfection while life just passes by. I'm not sure I'll do it just right, so I do nothing. I don't want to fail, so I wait. Until the perfect moment, just the right day, just the right mindset. Trouble is, that kind of 'just right' doesn't really happen very often. So here I am. Everything is about to change.<br />
<br />
We are expecting another baby, we are about to drive across the country, Ian is starting a new job, and we are all starting over again. We are tired and excited and sad and a little bit nervous. We have quickly learned that leaving is a lot harder when your kids are saying goodbye, too. I am stunned at the community we have found here in such a short time. They are leaving big and little people that have been consistent, that have been sweet, that have been treasured and talked about. And they know it. I am used to that feeling of loss. I know what it means, what it feels like, to move on again and lose what was gained. You remain touched and changed, but relationships cannot carry on in the same way without physical presence. It is a loss. It is new for them. And it is hard.<br />
<br />
But, tomorrow has enough trouble of it's own. We will focus on today. It feels like there are a million things waiting to happen, fighting for attention. My mind is struggling to keep up. It will all happen. We will move on. We will lose. We will gain. We will live as fully as we can in each day, knowing that whatever may come tomorrow or two years from now will come just as it should. We will say we're sorry when the stress gets the better of us, and we will breathe thanks in moments of peace. We will lean on Jesus and know that he is good. In all things, he is good. We will pray for spirits unwavering.<br />
<br />
And we will bid farewell to this crazy place that has brought us so much that was unexpected. We will remember the way the Lord has provided and we will trust that he will do it again.Corriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09908493594301010911noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229977962114732865.post-41914720604664816222013-04-04T22:58:00.001-05:002013-04-04T22:58:40.745-05:00A-pickin’ we will go!
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the many things that made me uncomfortable after we
moved here was this insatiable desire I had for the seasons to change. No
matter how angsty I felt about it, the temperature refused to lessen and the
leaves refused to change. I’ve never lived in such a stubborn location.
Therefore, I rebelled. I decided I couldn’t handle it, and that Fall was a
necessity. If Pasadena couldn't provide, then we’d just have to go find it
somewhere else! Hmpf! We gave it a good chance and waited until October, but
Fall never showed. So, off we went!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I scouted out a farm about 1.5 hours east of us that had
apple picking, pumpkin picking, carriage rides, hiking, a petting zoo, a cider
press, hay bales to climb on, fresh pies to eat.. everything you need to remind
yourself that in some parts of the country, it really is Fall. We picked a
Saturday and went to find some Fall. And oh, was it wonderful.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just the drive to the farm got me all worked up simply
because there were trees that were a different color!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNe71lgZ9ZJj3XNlMo6P29gOFVRVgVJpdP8NSuC1T3egoM0CsHhA_RrXt0tryN6UoA1-f9nfrj8JhJHyTGzJYr6clW8oJLaXLliZEFPXNq7vUBLO9KYLJfvQZnVufy6ewsbfjK07oEVI/s1600/4_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNe71lgZ9ZJj3XNlMo6P29gOFVRVgVJpdP8NSuC1T3egoM0CsHhA_RrXt0tryN6UoA1-f9nfrj8JhJHyTGzJYr6clW8oJLaXLliZEFPXNq7vUBLO9KYLJfvQZnVufy6ewsbfjK07oEVI/s400/4_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifNm6NsgLjZmuLDB599Ubt8DTi0gVr72yNEiRfwRA2cRus89JpnW1-ux_1YOLkNjxdTQm5n-cmcjctBWM8tieaYDdZhm_YbDS4CSBlEGdwO2drXF0maL3O_kEoViV_RnrEP2ZZA1MMgj0/s1600/4_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifNm6NsgLjZmuLDB599Ubt8DTi0gVr72yNEiRfwRA2cRus89JpnW1-ux_1YOLkNjxdTQm5n-cmcjctBWM8tieaYDdZhm_YbDS4CSBlEGdwO2drXF0maL3O_kEoViV_RnrEP2ZZA1MMgj0/s400/4_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the clouds? We were high and they were low - beautiful!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This farm also had grove of Redwood trees (or possibly
Sequoias, because who can really remember these things? Oh.. maybe the kind of
people that don’t try to write things down 6 months after they happened? Well.)
and we got to walk right on through it.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLyQSiW9Em6L0IUs2DOTer2uIb4flaIjRuAB-QTXIvAxkBFLQiCRyozibFJnECSSutLnpUHNLAs-rGsr78TTyFXnXuQ3YLER1oFeJV0XfotGIQjLrxLlrvDqq5mwhNniKo-0NsXQU039s/s1600/4_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLyQSiW9Em6L0IUs2DOTer2uIb4flaIjRuAB-QTXIvAxkBFLQiCRyozibFJnECSSutLnpUHNLAs-rGsr78TTyFXnXuQ3YLER1oFeJV0XfotGIQjLrxLlrvDqq5mwhNniKo-0NsXQU039s/s400/4_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/AVvXsEjzj0LTYqmj6ROc9v8U5mGp_EUoVv4rss3hR9rbYqllBuOU3La6VfHlkLrcRr_exa_AlK-GTSEBOiIMmb0g8W-cy5Xp_UoQwqlbIK0qCSfflsfx0WAZsmugdBixVrgiNv_xAKPmhMsihII/s1600/4_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzj0LTYqmj6ROc9v8U5mGp_EUoVv4rss3hR9rbYqllBuOU3La6VfHlkLrcRr_exa_AlK-GTSEBOiIMmb0g8W-cy5Xp_UoQwqlbIK0qCSfflsfx0WAZsmugdBixVrgiNv_xAKPmhMsihII/s400/4_4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was just as magical as these things should be, for
everyone involved.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6ExEaRWeBaADMENEZkQAS7iq82XxF3Zv_U6Dj2lU1sRtQlkjC3N5LPsW20lefhPjmZR99q7-63Hf56-sT5_1YWEa4XrexV7pegQH8beJRUbutkXjWgxCjQze16eYEtlZ_MnHyBD3GmU/s1600/4_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6ExEaRWeBaADMENEZkQAS7iq82XxF3Zv_U6Dj2lU1sRtQlkjC3N5LPsW20lefhPjmZR99q7-63Hf56-sT5_1YWEa4XrexV7pegQH8beJRUbutkXjWgxCjQze16eYEtlZ_MnHyBD3GmU/s400/4_5.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXoBd5USpWI2XT6DM4f7RiI5HUQiv0JhVeAonWK_0JbQ6eEa63nxhH4JLphn6vAWlGqTgCWThjHAmD3NXS44ygJ_uMoUenSSoRP2PuGNT0Rj1DWDPFxKyHj8ApIjCseOwn17fri_EaRI/s1600/4_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXoBd5USpWI2XT6DM4f7RiI5HUQiv0JhVeAonWK_0JbQ6eEa63nxhH4JLphn6vAWlGqTgCWThjHAmD3NXS44ygJ_uMoUenSSoRP2PuGNT0Rj1DWDPFxKyHj8ApIjCseOwn17fri_EaRI/s400/4_6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We didn't even tell him to.. a natural-born tree-hugger!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We found a cute little bench, so we took some cute little
pictures..</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5tcPUlC9VO0be_sL9NweBYkDc0M-dspUIyy2ywyp1VA-7SUIPdI5PEZmv9wvYwK_tRarYrYmINQ2t9pRstnRtLri4-bFoJ4gAPL2w4I90oi32XReI0TyxjHncNUZOcDTlc_jQPlRlj8/s1600/4_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5tcPUlC9VO0be_sL9NweBYkDc0M-dspUIyy2ywyp1VA-7SUIPdI5PEZmv9wvYwK_tRarYrYmINQ2t9pRstnRtLri4-bFoJ4gAPL2w4I90oi32XReI0TyxjHncNUZOcDTlc_jQPlRlj8/s400/4_7.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6HBHwYxD_-Tn_TnS6MVGkUv0retaQQ5WsAAL7RcK-gVQx5_l2nDtQrP6Qi0Mk6QAcvBq6nA1oBVxNTPBcfRfYDKNV_WkMKyANh3HeyL9JxPv-qwBxxsTCSiQ3wUoFWkf0rQU_dQEgaRU/s1600/4_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6HBHwYxD_-Tn_TnS6MVGkUv0retaQQ5WsAAL7RcK-gVQx5_l2nDtQrP6Qi0Mk6QAcvBq6nA1oBVxNTPBcfRfYDKNV_WkMKyANh3HeyL9JxPv-qwBxxsTCSiQ3wUoFWkf0rQU_dQEgaRU/s400/4_8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And even a family photo for the memory books!</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7k7RTDL_VUf1bHO9SZHsamZ-19LDl2iyKAjt_hMzzbsyH_E3K8aKKgTWneOwUg7Azi2XPb1BVHl7Kkl39QQjAyeDmO0DJtoqa4mepS611zdg-urIgAodvmQd4qx1mSqJUj6oTTeR-Tac/s1600/4_9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7k7RTDL_VUf1bHO9SZHsamZ-19LDl2iyKAjt_hMzzbsyH_E3K8aKKgTWneOwUg7Azi2XPb1BVHl7Kkl39QQjAyeDmO0DJtoqa4mepS611zdg-urIgAodvmQd4qx1mSqJUj6oTTeR-Tac/s400/4_9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We continued walking and found a lake! A lake of the
beautiful and picturesque sort, all too tempting for the Short-Leggeds among
us. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8haQpl7wemHr8HFiIZU1J2eR4TfSMl89qbq4IvUAs4ds7hGSWqtC1nNUqj-3gg2BQ1xkFTuKSMi1hVt2gVxWL9PowDfgzr9-PJ_xnlACxfggbhOaIN2038NicTuB9stuQ4F5A35zk9U/s1600/4_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8haQpl7wemHr8HFiIZU1J2eR4TfSMl89qbq4IvUAs4ds7hGSWqtC1nNUqj-3gg2BQ1xkFTuKSMi1hVt2gVxWL9PowDfgzr9-PJ_xnlACxfggbhOaIN2038NicTuB9stuQ4F5A35zk9U/s400/4_10.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisiS5BtbcGbp1rWCr0mbn-Qrn3l8m4IbdCGgcgImZdLyjMnY5jLnNvyfteRnoDbj1BogAVYIPE4THDEWcg9Ij7fsB00canGQxnZ_5GXM8CFLgRsOY6jkBFNvYr4iT6pDNRinTA287WtPY/s1600/4_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisiS5BtbcGbp1rWCr0mbn-Qrn3l8m4IbdCGgcgImZdLyjMnY5jLnNvyfteRnoDbj1BogAVYIPE4THDEWcg9Ij7fsB00canGQxnZ_5GXM8CFLgRsOY6jkBFNvYr4iT6pDNRinTA287WtPY/s400/4_11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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Our hike was stunning. Stunning and wonderful and naturey
and not-sweltering. Everything I’d hoped for.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIi1_yDT-UChY9wJn4Plu21jyW_X31XcTfFO5_6UaxUZhGLPqmpmp3yP1Lp1sQNY6382KdhNUSuoE4JGLR5unY4HdtPLUgn4ACuI2XsV8lqAdfMFDa6D-KD7ZUsx897OuUv_XTZXpJ4j4/s1600/4_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIi1_yDT-UChY9wJn4Plu21jyW_X31XcTfFO5_6UaxUZhGLPqmpmp3yP1Lp1sQNY6382KdhNUSuoE4JGLR5unY4HdtPLUgn4ACuI2XsV8lqAdfMFDa6D-KD7ZUsx897OuUv_XTZXpJ4j4/s400/4_12.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_iCeTmjvnF1-yIT69IoeFc-wl0ep58lv9IE04QUKacRYPqS5jZbFDNeGfLja_AKRgJd8BYcpGj_maDvTor_LWmRim4mFe0zqa9G1VOiFWlvRVKEgtfuxFCBBgMx34EQd4TQvAD751mWE/s1600/4_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_iCeTmjvnF1-yIT69IoeFc-wl0ep58lv9IE04QUKacRYPqS5jZbFDNeGfLja_AKRgJd8BYcpGj_maDvTor_LWmRim4mFe0zqa9G1VOiFWlvRVKEgtfuxFCBBgMx34EQd4TQvAD751mWE/s400/4_13.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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Well, we ran into a bit of trouble on our beautiful hike
when we got a flat tire. Turns out there are lots of little burrs to be had in
the woods that are not-little enough to poke holes right on through the inner
tubes. So we re-routed our hike out to the road and plodded along, steadily
uphill, wishing our children weren’t quite so heavy.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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In an amazing turn of events, we discovered the local fire
station (that the road we were walking along ran right passed) was having a
bake sale! We didn’t buy anything, knowing that many good things awaited us
back at the farm, but the bake sale meant there was a fire truck out and open
for us to see! Aed was speechless with happiness. He loved it so much.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEpYG7Eyj21yzdsATd6LaPDlR9bd9Vs7ot3CzG8ZkX_3WtzhaoR_SEGKTiUjG35zcszmzeqk6pg3FTMkFMJj7srM00B4aJG8ThyphenhyphenSAQsbMv398-hUn3OeDsV2xE0Zn8qoF1TCHxOzqDH5Y/s1600/4_14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEpYG7Eyj21yzdsATd6LaPDlR9bd9Vs7ot3CzG8ZkX_3WtzhaoR_SEGKTiUjG35zcszmzeqk6pg3FTMkFMJj7srM00B4aJG8ThyphenhyphenSAQsbMv398-hUn3OeDsV2xE0Zn8qoF1TCHxOzqDH5Y/s400/4_14.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibIsv9QjaweeoR4Zvksrna5kGf32aOohu1n1AOn95ezPbM7H27CQInabxwwgjuxNOTl6Niu8VL-r73g43c4lHV_Ugn0rMfhRYMl5M8iY3jM9I2h5NnmXiFMG9mdXpmrgmqM63GSrcw7Io/s1600/4_15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibIsv9QjaweeoR4Zvksrna5kGf32aOohu1n1AOn95ezPbM7H27CQInabxwwgjuxNOTl6Niu8VL-r73g43c4lHV_Ugn0rMfhRYMl5M8iY3jM9I2h5NnmXiFMG9mdXpmrgmqM63GSrcw7Io/s400/4_15.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He was too excited to bother looking at the camera, so all the pictures look like this.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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Then it was time for… apple picking! Joy of joys!</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Wg1BJRcurGcy5Lmc5WXLNvnOA5-0RUW12v35hqbutUxZm1vEsnKsIsfCjLqLekm1zS4GJxNQPiHcaPC_dQyNRcSnCRqzF2lxOaG0LQ_EHS4-RNRFmb0gy4kNnF3Rya29Kwcn5Rj2DBI/s1600/4_16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Wg1BJRcurGcy5Lmc5WXLNvnOA5-0RUW12v35hqbutUxZm1vEsnKsIsfCjLqLekm1zS4GJxNQPiHcaPC_dQyNRcSnCRqzF2lxOaG0LQ_EHS4-RNRFmb0gy4kNnF3Rya29Kwcn5Rj2DBI/s400/4_16.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Did I mention it was a beautiful day?</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We got to pick from any tree, and found that many trees had
some amazing-looking apples way up high and out of reach. Ian then patented a
new picking technique, pictured below.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLaAU19j1gQM0U38_BPWyjw_jJiC7WhH8DyX336nimrOyoHATTe1hJ7Ipb2UGROp_1Gg9Gz43E_AYN4MOxkM9K6DNtPZsJ0zqVkw6h1-3_zTrlViTRLnCoWriqJp3Fq8JRvLx4mhXV8yQ/s1600/4_17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLaAU19j1gQM0U38_BPWyjw_jJiC7WhH8DyX336nimrOyoHATTe1hJ7Ipb2UGROp_1Gg9Gz43E_AYN4MOxkM9K6DNtPZsJ0zqVkw6h1-3_zTrlViTRLnCoWriqJp3Fq8JRvLx4mhXV8yQ/s400/4_17.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssp0LrBzTuCFhQ9UI1eRWF0E5kPL_aw5rj3gH21Qe-sVs75BaUUEIwiYjti5N2MU2uPOJtPXWrPIgRtizeGL86Pf4z9_Qco22Ccc1NP03Dd9oscUTXmS2v_f6rT-yh0XV0i7ZyjRWdok/s1600/4_18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssp0LrBzTuCFhQ9UI1eRWF0E5kPL_aw5rj3gH21Qe-sVs75BaUUEIwiYjti5N2MU2uPOJtPXWrPIgRtizeGL86Pf4z9_Qco22Ccc1NP03Dd9oscUTXmS2v_f6rT-yh0XV0i7ZyjRWdok/s400/4_18.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsrGWT-pGA4l4C-WWbK6n3ho0swd3xLG81k6oQnXkVGiXuTXgk6NobU8m6z_kVRPhtIOxUVAg08d1m1iziu5zZ89vt5KVel8vuUrMVV_o0k-Ao74Y2SMYXrPaxy1hQrIQcEsi6pz5_JTg/s1600/4_19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsrGWT-pGA4l4C-WWbK6n3ho0swd3xLG81k6oQnXkVGiXuTXgk6NobU8m6z_kVRPhtIOxUVAg08d1m1iziu5zZ89vt5KVel8vuUrMVV_o0k-Ao74Y2SMYXrPaxy1hQrIQcEsi6pz5_JTg/s400/4_19.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHAeRZfYAImtc0b1EC9TL8ijr7EvxtDR9RjW5vEfR2JEfvjtB5-EdI64YxD0YgMuh0q1nLkEnJwpsCrLxcr1SMTDegAHGHA24zRL-g-432dmiUrqkLRLeaUTkx54qGo4Eh8PQooVjVrIc/s1600/4_20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHAeRZfYAImtc0b1EC9TL8ijr7EvxtDR9RjW5vEfR2JEfvjtB5-EdI64YxD0YgMuh0q1nLkEnJwpsCrLxcr1SMTDegAHGHA24zRL-g-432dmiUrqkLRLeaUTkx54qGo4Eh8PQooVjVrIc/s400/4_20.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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Needless to say, the Picker loved it. The Non-Picker had
quite a good time as well. (The mysterious arm there belongs to Ian's coworker, Peter. He came along with us and made the trip that-much-more enjoyable!)</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4G-bsVJcqtkx8lHaEmqE1xYqQQcWl0CWGlcT1HWzmyCsF7tlLRfN619_8AC7g7JX6aozEgnfryY7hiBU7TKcpPERGlTlwMPD3-N8tNn1FUxh_5Tfr-wxCxbhaWaT0SJB6bSncRV0VDY/s1600/4_21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4G-bsVJcqtkx8lHaEmqE1xYqQQcWl0CWGlcT1HWzmyCsF7tlLRfN619_8AC7g7JX6aozEgnfryY7hiBU7TKcpPERGlTlwMPD3-N8tNn1FUxh_5Tfr-wxCxbhaWaT0SJB6bSncRV0VDY/s400/4_21.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Unfortunately, the apple orchard was full of those pesky
burrs, so we flattened another tire, and by the time we got home, all three
were flat! I spent the next days picking burs and prickers out of the tires and
trying to fix up that buggy so we wouldn’t lose more inner tubes. Worth every
prick.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then the petting zoo..<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWl3x7V08Qbw0bu9pI6tNglpZwkOS_u_PgYSYdPnIiUS1Te_Q-DmcKxoiTKvd-rnrvO471D1VUSQP_zzi7pY6VHHH_q5FORc0wTpyC1YfgEmUAtU8B5aQP2VNR7mKFlc6Nibz_LOfKOO4/s1600/4_22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWl3x7V08Qbw0bu9pI6tNglpZwkOS_u_PgYSYdPnIiUS1Te_Q-DmcKxoiTKvd-rnrvO471D1VUSQP_zzi7pY6VHHH_q5FORc0wTpyC1YfgEmUAtU8B5aQP2VNR7mKFlc6Nibz_LOfKOO4/s400/4_22.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Adorable.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And the hay bales..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51u0uebkiw_8yElsYrvDIoZcKhyphenhyphenZtpIYyNxPw62E10_e_6wc9Xr3JDCyw25yP7DKcQRheuE56XBhjDf-_FRuvw4D_gDJ4HlqkBU77p_p2yHU1Znulen_eOEDkrzmJWeB3A93rJFF9K4U/s1600/4_23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51u0uebkiw_8yElsYrvDIoZcKhyphenhyphenZtpIYyNxPw62E10_e_6wc9Xr3JDCyw25yP7DKcQRheuE56XBhjDf-_FRuvw4D_gDJ4HlqkBU77p_p2yHU1Znulen_eOEDkrzmJWeB3A93rJFF9K4U/s400/4_23.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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And the occasional nap..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9qPOBoMseCy8uz9EAlfMS7d-YRaFIryiTm4eOZA8ko_en3XOiJG9NpGQY-B7iblCT8LOxgcuiWd_uXn5qy6BqN2xkm4Bj2gbpGniIh-mC88GoifylrJgUkd1LY2bEZGVTm5SSXDcI-OY/s1600/4_24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9qPOBoMseCy8uz9EAlfMS7d-YRaFIryiTm4eOZA8ko_en3XOiJG9NpGQY-B7iblCT8LOxgcuiWd_uXn5qy6BqN2xkm4Bj2gbpGniIh-mC88GoifylrJgUkd1LY2bEZGVTm5SSXDcI-OY/s400/4_24.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Which all led to enjoying the spoils of a proper Fall in our
very own home where Fall refused to come.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I also supplemented with a spicy-sweet candle to give us the
right aroma. It was a beautiful thing. <o:p></o:p></div>
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One last picture that I think is adorable.. the munchkin
acting like he knows what to do with one of those.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He, of course, didn’t and got bored with it after about 5
seconds, but it made for a cute memory. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The day was absolutely wonderful, definitely one of my
favorite memories of our time here in CA. Ian and I reminded each other many
times of what a gift that day was, how thankful we were to have had it. It
honestly was sweet refreshment to our souls. I have learned that changes of
season are so important to me, figuratively and literally. I grow when
challenged with something new, and this stage of life brings mostly new things.
Change is good, welcomed or not, and I’m thankful that we had a time to revel
in the beauty of a changing season. Just remembering that special day brings a
sigh of relief and satisfaction. A good day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Corriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09908493594301010911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229977962114732865.post-54388797197027786332013-03-01T18:20:00.000-06:002013-03-01T18:20:44.760-06:00A trip to the aquariumWe love animals. We love water. We love adventures! Naturally, a trip to the aquarium can only be fun, fun, fun!<br />
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We started with penguins. The best part about the penguin exhibit was not the penguins, obviously. It was the climbing! Our little climber had to be torn away from the steps in front of the penguins' window.<br />
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He may have noticed a few penguins, the jury's still out.</div>
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The big one, on the other hand, he was in the know. The steps sang a siren song to him as well, but he got a kick out of watching the pinguinos. He even got to stand right up next to one and pose with it! It was of the statue variety, so wasn't overly animated, but a three year old with ants in his pants is plenty of animation for a photograph. (and no, I'm sorry, the photograph is not included here. It's probably still on Daddy's iphone or something. These things happen. I'll try to get my act together.)</div>
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We moved on to a few other outdoor friends. Such as this little fellow..</div>
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He was so very tiny. And I don't honestly know what he is. He's like a miniature albino heron. That's the best I've got. But he wins for cuteness! (Well, in the birds-at-the-aquarium competition at least.)<br />
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He could never compare to THIS:<br />
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It's almost like the people at the Aquarium of the Pacific had Tiny People in mind when they designed this space.. so cool! And so fun! Even for Less Tiny People! (That's a look into the penguins' pool again, in case you were wondering.)<br />
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There were many wonders to discover inside as well. And, there were many reasons we were thankful that we weren't literally swimming with the fishes, but one of them was THIS:<br />
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This giant fish (it was definitely bigger than it looks in this picture) seemed very intent on getting to know our biggest Tiny Person. He STARED. He stared long time. Aed thought it was super awesome. And he was right. But I couldn't help wondering if the giant fish thought he looked like a tasty yellow morsel. :)</div>
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Also, very fun for the tactilely-driven among us, we got to touch sea urchins! And starfish! And they were weird and prickly and slightly in danger of being mangled by a one-year-old! The water was freezing, but it was so fun. </div>
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Aed's favorite part, to this day, was the jellyfish. I think we could have watched the jellyfish for a very long time. He is very intrigued by sea-dwellers of all sorts (especially giant squids), but man, those jellyfish are extra special.<br />
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Sweet, sweet. </div>
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We got to play on some boats and touch stingrays and sharks. And I'm pretty sure the usual fits were thrown when it was time to leave. But, we made up for it with a shrimpy dinner.. </div>
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Mmm, mmm, good!</div>
<br />Corriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09908493594301010911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229977962114732865.post-21587514569049956742013-02-26T19:16:00.000-06:002013-02-26T19:16:10.531-06:00Making the same old living room a little more interesting..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Nothing some blankets, pillows, and chairs can't handle! :)Corriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09908493594301010911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229977962114732865.post-13445736418463351202013-02-16T10:49:00.003-06:002013-02-16T10:49:46.804-06:00Just because..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Corriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09908493594301010911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229977962114732865.post-60452163585623381302013-02-14T18:08:00.002-06:002013-02-14T18:08:50.108-06:00Lovely Day for a Hike
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Amidst those hot, sweaty days we had our first taste of what
a cooler California can be like. Grey clouds blew in, it got cold enough to
wear a light jacket, it even rained a bit. It was a reason to get out of the
house and celebrate! I had a list of places that were good for a hike with a
buggy, so I pulled it out and off we went. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3waxMUaPjeTVI0EpQw6e-4v5FM6hZt2lu0nF5n2RzGSJQqH0wR9p6mGZeWBoyeoUt_iwhgA57bp0-_yxUq4vZOyfbbAjd8jOWGqrpWYqcDq6d9O-agqRKx6F_pJplFMkzGpBPl0KN6ik/s1600/4_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3waxMUaPjeTVI0EpQw6e-4v5FM6hZt2lu0nF5n2RzGSJQqH0wR9p6mGZeWBoyeoUt_iwhgA57bp0-_yxUq4vZOyfbbAjd8jOWGqrpWYqcDq6d9O-agqRKx6F_pJplFMkzGpBPl0KN6ik/s400/4_1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love that Asher's enthusiasm!</td></tr>
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We found a little guided trail for kids and had a great time
finding and learning about many different types of vegetation in this area. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_dsOYmyR-5QaNSKFkj_rcoGv8wx6ohbrvRbLUwfl4orves2_RhBoUTdCDiYuqvef3WZ1Tgm6QEbdDGOx0Z5bxXlAA96ntVPqinwsKfFsHxyesxkhiIfZN0KUYVKb1VjJY1oNfOcw0a7E/s1600/4_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_dsOYmyR-5QaNSKFkj_rcoGv8wx6ohbrvRbLUwfl4orves2_RhBoUTdCDiYuqvef3WZ1Tgm6QEbdDGOx0Z5bxXlAA96ntVPqinwsKfFsHxyesxkhiIfZN0KUYVKb1VjJY1oNfOcw0a7E/s400/4_2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A weaf, Mama! It's VEWY big!</td></tr>
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And, we found great big leaves on the ground! He carried
that thing around for a long time. :) It almost felt like it really was Autumn!<o:p></o:p></div>
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The view was gorgeous and we all managed to keep ourselves
from touching any cactus plants. Also, there were no bears. Signs warned us
that there could be bears moving through and I began to question the wisdom of
hiking alone with my children. But, there were no prickles and no bears. Or
snakes. Always pluses in my book! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOyU0UYIlc9ffQUhqC58szT0n9RBS3AU6E0Mqc0lYV5by5Vxy5MqtmJoM6D-q3lydmdxx6Yjs0kroYholpBBjD4clim8QqcB09KAmd8ynDVszKvoT5CcawaJsT-FX8f3zmJCTR3ZT98c/s1600/4_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOyU0UYIlc9ffQUhqC58szT0n9RBS3AU6E0Mqc0lYV5by5Vxy5MqtmJoM6D-q3lydmdxx6Yjs0kroYholpBBjD4clim8QqcB09KAmd8ynDVszKvoT5CcawaJsT-FX8f3zmJCTR3ZT98c/s400/4_6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BlYnj7znkWH4cb9lrb2OxARfkSryAJa4USpkz1jIYVvZQ7iiOJ6NfxAuL8fjMyq68lrm87QRM4FuAysj04PFNOWC_gLSgHg2CkMggwCwKKYwZc3tCzpJC6MWbk9cYIBVUwFfxtjks4c/s1600/4_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BlYnj7znkWH4cb9lrb2OxARfkSryAJa4USpkz1jIYVvZQ7iiOJ6NfxAuL8fjMyq68lrm87QRM4FuAysj04PFNOWC_gLSgHg2CkMggwCwKKYwZc3tCzpJC6MWbk9cYIBVUwFfxtjks4c/s400/4_3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmqThFnu5OsRae8cEPqYHIUxMLb0WdG8oUUOYRDvc3b-6jq0XAmK5SBv_ctgJgPGdwNLrYGzLj1Mj_fN0a2bOCXGBHneh-5jtUbS4ylT1dI9iDn2AM_bu1XYzLMaOklA-A-mmcsX0ROQ/s1600/4_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmqThFnu5OsRae8cEPqYHIUxMLb0WdG8oUUOYRDvc3b-6jq0XAmK5SBv_ctgJgPGdwNLrYGzLj1Mj_fN0a2bOCXGBHneh-5jtUbS4ylT1dI9iDn2AM_bu1XYzLMaOklA-A-mmcsX0ROQ/s320/4_4.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8nYhbYOrXeevw3zyh-vK90fQiX8KUZRPNdFuXdYEFGi_fpFFTtDYlsQOQvu29fmvWlSy7DQZ2kxSu4OMrhWcUd-bjxlzEHsifq5sIlv-UxfB7Qo5XxiefNOJRkWKO9pTTGbccuvRyqM0/s1600/4_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8nYhbYOrXeevw3zyh-vK90fQiX8KUZRPNdFuXdYEFGi_fpFFTtDYlsQOQvu29fmvWlSy7DQZ2kxSu4OMrhWcUd-bjxlzEHsifq5sIlv-UxfB7Qo5XxiefNOJRkWKO9pTTGbccuvRyqM0/s320/4_5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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hiking buddies #1 and #2</div>
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<br /></div>
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I hear tell of a few other areas that have buggy-friendly
hiking. Can’t wait!<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Corriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09908493594301010911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229977962114732865.post-1372628177104385802013-02-12T20:09:00.003-06:002013-02-12T20:09:35.259-06:00A Little Country Bumpkin
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I love fairs!!! I super-duper love them. There were all
kinds of country fairs in the area I grew up, and I loved going to the State
Fair in the summer. I also always loved the <a href="http://ianandcorrie.blogspot.com/2008/08/lammas-market.html" target="_blank">Lammas Market</a> that came to St Andrews every summer.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, imagine my glee when I found out that there was a fair
HERE! A fair to go to that would be huge and exciting and fun! The LA County
Fair was in town, the biggest county fair ever, for little old me. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Then, things happened. Then the kids got sick. We were down
to the wire with tickets to go and a feverish child and it was the last
stinking day of the fair! Well, we threw them in the buggy and handled that
fair like a boss with flushed cheeks. Priorities!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We saw the gobzillion people that attend such things.. We
visited the barn full of animals.. (which included haystacks to jump on!)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKM4F9hq70ktOMqIUAM84tQIdu0WkH89LAWiiJngNbK8GJrRz9XyZxJfgbpSY6_j_1JXD0gndjZZnLrmrQ3SZqYBweOm5oerodYMHCq4MxtSkFX9G71UtlmhwPu8B7_GLPqyjA1_D_Yk/s1600/3_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKM4F9hq70ktOMqIUAM84tQIdu0WkH89LAWiiJngNbK8GJrRz9XyZxJfgbpSY6_j_1JXD0gndjZZnLrmrQ3SZqYBweOm5oerodYMHCq4MxtSkFX9G71UtlmhwPu8B7_GLPqyjA1_D_Yk/s400/3_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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We marveled at the insane number of meats you can skewer
with a stick, and the size of them.. my goodness gracious, I could not believe
the size of the servings! Insanity, I tell you! Hot dogs longer than my forearm. So wrong. And the legendary deep-fried
options.. Not just twinkies and oreos, no. There was deep-fried watermelon and
deep-fried cookie dough. Not to mention the deep-fried Kool Aid (I don’t even
know..). I burst out laughing on a number of occasions when we walked passed
yet another meat-on-a-stick stand. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcP5_xrVeDM5Neem3a5K7hhVarwhccxlUQD9Yz5P8ZgOatZQVT-PIARc8NrZikQA0Oi90da1TIAECeiUU0YYfVVfMDVu3XW0Vn54Z1Q9KW8GCmcol9qQTkuqfbZjWf1i4jDnyW1LDLLk/s1600/3_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcP5_xrVeDM5Neem3a5K7hhVarwhccxlUQD9Yz5P8ZgOatZQVT-PIARc8NrZikQA0Oi90da1TIAECeiUU0YYfVVfMDVu3XW0Vn54Z1Q9KW8GCmcol9qQTkuqfbZjWf1i4jDnyW1LDLLk/s400/3_2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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As you can imagine, Aed wasn’t entirely enthusiastic. His
fever had been on and off the day prior, and though he didn’t <i>actually</i> have a fever when we left for
the fair, he definitely wasn’t 100%. Had he been 100%, he would have loved it,
but as it stood, there wasn’t much he was impressed with from where he sat (though he did like anything that involved getting out and running away.. fevers be damned! There's no stopping him!). Then, suddenly I
heard giggling. I kept trying to figure out what he was laughing at, but for
the life of me, I had no idea. Then, I saw it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Fo2FM4P9btFLJJca1cuyh45XCJAqhaFB62eVBjSFi1JroSV97TtlLfSU43F-E084VD8y_Y1l8giiYNaYZgN3kgzXYagcmwYm_di3AC9zaLU37BG7M1YJIsV9k7Y5-4BCptFWgzY1nvE/s1600/3_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Fo2FM4P9btFLJJca1cuyh45XCJAqhaFB62eVBjSFi1JroSV97TtlLfSU43F-E084VD8y_Y1l8giiYNaYZgN3kgzXYagcmwYm_di3AC9zaLU37BG7M1YJIsV9k7Y5-4BCptFWgzY1nvE/s400/3_3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
He thought the log ride was hilarious to watch. He even
insisted that he wanted to ride it! We stood there for quite a while indulging
him in this hilarious pleasure. I really wanted to try the ferris wheel with him, but I just kept having visions of horrible endings and decided it wasn't worth it. Maybe next time :).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We heard that Cirque De Soleil was performing at the fair,
so naturally I was intrigued. There was only one performance while we were
there, which happened to be a show with lights.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcT6Zxj1E4OsRFY0FX-JA_CZOk51qogwS-SlLBYIur1ocIYZ8TFcANRLEv3VUUNgOv5JxR0MkfHSAescflSJH11OdkyEwzdZtbxbroUHcHh3kPnsqMK_k7MWFwZngOtybBYoDSBq6_GQ/s1600/3_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcT6Zxj1E4OsRFY0FX-JA_CZOk51qogwS-SlLBYIur1ocIYZ8TFcANRLEv3VUUNgOv5JxR0MkfHSAescflSJH11OdkyEwzdZtbxbroUHcHh3kPnsqMK_k7MWFwZngOtybBYoDSBq6_GQ/s400/3_4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It was pretty good, but it took us a while to find it, so we
didn’t get seats. We also had restless boys who weren’t all that interested, so
after a brief peek, we moved on. It was very cool to watch what we were able to
see, though. :)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the last things we did was take Aed on the carousel.
This in and of itself was kind of a nightmare. There was a line, and he wanted
to go, then he didn’t want to go, then he threw a fit, then he wanted to go,
you get the idea. Normally after that much trouble we’d just have said we’re
done, but I knew he’d enjoy it and I knew he was tired, so we waited it out and
he rode with Daddy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The two grumpy gills..</div>
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<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQX_2Y4gYLVvdYYwewl7XRQPizXBMwCfi-EdEtFA4I-FLUelPi5fMDQJ07UIS3cvrekb41xnC2uGbx9o78__Z5zbXWMku1SkKzDB6TEEeHfhh83dlIWEgwtcSz-I7HSEN1E20CR9vJxkA/s1600/3_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQX_2Y4gYLVvdYYwewl7XRQPizXBMwCfi-EdEtFA4I-FLUelPi5fMDQJ07UIS3cvrekb41xnC2uGbx9o78__Z5zbXWMku1SkKzDB6TEEeHfhh83dlIWEgwtcSz-I7HSEN1E20CR9vJxkA/s400/3_7.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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Asher and I ate some snacks while we waited.. Turned out he did enjoy himself, and was glad he rode it! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The very last thing we did was use up our game tokens! We
had a bunch to use, so Daddy played lots of games to win Aed (and Asher, but he
didn’t care as much) a plethora of animals to bring home. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjElg0MWX6Dq70d6eUKaGwdSPw7Z5OFJkB58EkUfMRA30HV296bGdYO1iwHYRR3-O2FuUAafVsWOmO6BYuWBZ11UEWZFE6PjyPI0JoWD8jVz5dUdiFVGQZ7kOr4V1c-7xmolAZO7_kDrUk/s1600/3_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjElg0MWX6Dq70d6eUKaGwdSPw7Z5OFJkB58EkUfMRA30HV296bGdYO1iwHYRR3-O2FuUAafVsWOmO6BYuWBZ11UEWZFE6PjyPI0JoWD8jVz5dUdiFVGQZ7kOr4V1c-7xmolAZO7_kDrUk/s400/3_8.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I think we were glad we did it, trying to have some unique
fun while we’re here, but we were all glad to head home. There were a lot of
other high points that aren’t pictured, like a big room with fish tanks and a
pirate and safari area.. there was seriously a lot to do. There was also, somewhere
in the abyss, an area that was supposed to be Mr. Macgregor’s garden. We
mentioned that to Aed, thinking he’d be excited, but soon learned that he
harbored great fear of Mr. Macgregor and had absolutely no interest in having
anything to do with it! Even when he found out he’d get to meet Peter Rabbit! I
couldn’t believe it, but I was well convinced after hearing how much he didn’t
want to go.. over and over and over. Such a funny boy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhheylFqpIYscFW-VCHqwVu6GxP0t2NF6V0IVCdPmihSfstgJ_snVudX7xDObBUPO-vnw-bbl8aD8T2kMAe66RzpH1eNR2p36SMi0Xl3gOW_bKTRgxcqDe900FIuPKg3q9Ku20K41L6L4A/s1600/3_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhheylFqpIYscFW-VCHqwVu6GxP0t2NF6V0IVCdPmihSfstgJ_snVudX7xDObBUPO-vnw-bbl8aD8T2kMAe66RzpH1eNR2p36SMi0Xl3gOW_bKTRgxcqDe900FIuPKg3q9Ku20K41L6L4A/s400/3_5.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asher is in the buggy.. poor thing didn't get a single cameo!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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So we took our sleepy selves home and knew we had made some
memories. This was really our first fair experience together as a family. I
definitely think it will be more fun as the kids get older (and more
expensive!), but it was a great trial run. :)<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Corriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09908493594301010911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229977962114732865.post-13976108683013785332013-02-12T19:20:00.001-06:002013-02-12T19:20:59.917-06:00Playschool
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Something that has been so great for us to be involved in
here is Playschool. Playschool is every Tuesday morning for our little
Preschoolers. My understanding is that it is a co-op, but I can’t say I know
anything about how a co-op works. :) It is organized through Fuller, and we are
so thankful for it!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Basically it is structured so that there are three groups of
kids that rotate to different stations during the morning. There is outside
play, which has been anything from water toys to games with flour to playing
with beans and pasta. There is also a painting option, but my boys tend to be
too interested in the other option (i.e. running around or making a mess :).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo97w470SKHpVpgXgGY0kVEpoW6KfiDLgK0i5fKAYXVIoOFEKzomqTYCzF7l81fOfqQcfMHrhyUqTg14dqhPXYAXigdz8xA_JuoomziyMjdarjEuLd631vfcVnCaPPru5wWqB2P6fjG8Q/s1600/1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo97w470SKHpVpgXgGY0kVEpoW6KfiDLgK0i5fKAYXVIoOFEKzomqTYCzF7l81fOfqQcfMHrhyUqTg14dqhPXYAXigdz8xA_JuoomziyMjdarjEuLd631vfcVnCaPPru5wWqB2P6fjG8Q/s400/1_1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water play</td></tr>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gtf_Q0cU8HMs7k3FhFWf1WkjEZEIEKZ5V1YdFDpt82DEypKANfgsLXqiD7ADYf36-3A1TPPHjcykSi0SYQw17_J2x-LIBdS6no7Wkfvd8Cz2yoQuaXeR_TiOzLkvtDF9nLurjYZI9bs/s1600/1_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gtf_Q0cU8HMs7k3FhFWf1WkjEZEIEKZ5V1YdFDpt82DEypKANfgsLXqiD7ADYf36-3A1TPPHjcykSi0SYQw17_J2x-LIBdS6no7Wkfvd8Cz2yoQuaXeR_TiOzLkvtDF9nLurjYZI9bs/s400/1_5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flour play (that was seasoned with lovely smelling baby oil!)</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs72lNVm8AmewWHcnAPfC9g9pNyMnlxGnFyUGv_3Khbp_FyLO9RD3j2lEUIcAAVTSgYGxv51sGsPntMCW6Ez2n-2vvOCG6UoaP3cNIQvmJHLJ6HhS5BQmK7rZdLDGKwL8pqkUIJpgghn8/s1600/1_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs72lNVm8AmewWHcnAPfC9g9pNyMnlxGnFyUGv_3Khbp_FyLO9RD3j2lEUIcAAVTSgYGxv51sGsPntMCW6Ez2n-2vvOCG6UoaP3cNIQvmJHLJ6HhS5BQmK7rZdLDGKwL8pqkUIJpgghn8/s320/1_8.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing with glass beads..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpbd0MdmjworRAtLcti2SjtC1ZZ73TzkvoXHqM-F2WIvClBFQlTb2ayVfzAOxcVIZ692OeOYBnjSifwovk_1VB8Jepom23a-wRwqmytVV8evCoUHIk8s3pCki7TnKk-XqJtSiFcnCcE0/s1600/1_9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpbd0MdmjworRAtLcti2SjtC1ZZ73TzkvoXHqM-F2WIvClBFQlTb2ayVfzAOxcVIZ692OeOYBnjSifwovk_1VB8Jepom23a-wRwqmytVV8evCoUHIk8s3pCki7TnKk-XqJtSiFcnCcE0/s320/1_9.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and letters!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another station is indoor play. This is things like
parachute games, tunnels, a trampoline, and bean bags. Not to mention balls
galore. Asher tends to be a risk-taker, throwing himself over the balls (these
are bigger, exercise-type balls) and standing on the rolling scooters. You
know, anything to make Mama nervous.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNj0Wks8fsrLTdlIuWrTstCOwMqEvsm5J4LSnPaI5Yx395qnJBgt67_WjcuJxZashB10p1y4mDHPlDi_tJH5HmEITXrP8IBWJ9lPRvSJmUPLJon-jpIB2Uoy89Ozb6N193CXpE6eOyZl8/s1600/1_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNj0Wks8fsrLTdlIuWrTstCOwMqEvsm5J4LSnPaI5Yx395qnJBgt67_WjcuJxZashB10p1y4mDHPlDi_tJH5HmEITXrP8IBWJ9lPRvSJmUPLJon-jpIB2Uoy89Ozb6N193CXpE6eOyZl8/s400/1_3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But his personal favorite all year has been these little
roped buckets.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmwkOETzSsXKiaGDBZzu7nXhYb09_zXCE5uWXBtrDjoaSmTVC65i9iUrgEykbltQJfnjQRqvJAxuzgTXvPSKT12zExu-l6g-n0nBW2RG-3XE_irKEOgcogG3NjVqbfq3mpXwR3OzpqMI/s1600/1_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmwkOETzSsXKiaGDBZzu7nXhYb09_zXCE5uWXBtrDjoaSmTVC65i9iUrgEykbltQJfnjQRqvJAxuzgTXvPSKT12zExu-l6g-n0nBW2RG-3XE_irKEOgcogG3NjVqbfq3mpXwR3OzpqMI/s400/1_6.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is a string of about 6 of them and he loooves walking
across them over and over. Today they even turned into a train carrying all
sorts of ‘goods’ around the room. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvDsS0ZYrzBQkvyrEobyb32-RGh6nfEzkddGTHPD6nj1ENNS9qey86h5280BLBPmiosEK6bF-gKioOWGKwxt_b0cUYsXpOStsV_Ga1eXDnBNwGUhm-Q7G8Exsg_f0qrTXtVJWV4OqTHo/s1600/1_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvDsS0ZYrzBQkvyrEobyb32-RGh6nfEzkddGTHPD6nj1ENNS9qey86h5280BLBPmiosEK6bF-gKioOWGKwxt_b0cUYsXpOStsV_Ga1eXDnBNwGUhm-Q7G8Exsg_f0qrTXtVJWV4OqTHo/s400/1_4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are all kinds of things to experience with indoor
play, and my favorite thing is that we have almost none of it at home. It is
always a new experience for them, which means they are always excited!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The last station is Circle Time/Craft. Circle time involves
singing and reading stories about the monthly themes. The craft tends to be
related to the theme or a nearby holiday. Both boys do pretty well, but nothing
much would be crafted without some help and encouragement from Mama. :) Though
I do try to keep my hands out of it, and they are both getting better at using
glue sticks.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggCJlN0kao9byLoRttfdscp5DLZfIdJt9zbelbcm4MGgq11A-TH5BGMZU5uRUI9xp8J8Qnd33rE0J4nTppPrfNcD5XjaF7PslCxn3NI2FJOj7_2s9jqke_ZMJBlNOLhNUaxIbNKpoOKeE/s1600/1_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggCJlN0kao9byLoRttfdscp5DLZfIdJt9zbelbcm4MGgq11A-TH5BGMZU5uRUI9xp8J8Qnd33rE0J4nTppPrfNcD5XjaF7PslCxn3NI2FJOj7_2s9jqke_ZMJBlNOLhNUaxIbNKpoOKeE/s400/1_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These pumpkins were made around Thanksgiving, and they even
have real pumpkin seeds on the other side! Just today the boys made Valentine
wreaths that are hanging on our door. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another favorite time during Playschool is snack time!
There’s a variety of fruit and snacks available, and snack time at Playschool
was Asher’s first experience sitting by himself in a 'big' chair! So cute!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5WQcue6jSprv5t88EFqxuCQaqscj3992j1NoxA2ItWp4z-vSqnebUo6rOO09sNWHcTi4eU6V9CN9BSUzKoKCeUEXoFtF3ZsVLJAHqu1so_0FVKJT-YFdpd6a-3RfMXdfjRrMzn3JqGw/s1600/1_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5WQcue6jSprv5t88EFqxuCQaqscj3992j1NoxA2ItWp4z-vSqnebUo6rOO09sNWHcTi4eU6V9CN9BSUzKoKCeUEXoFtF3ZsVLJAHqu1so_0FVKJT-YFdpd6a-3RfMXdfjRrMzn3JqGw/s400/1_2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is from the very first day. Both boys were pretty confused, but they knew what to do during snack time!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Playschool also begins and ends with group singing and a
prayer. It’s been so great to watch both of them as they’ve grown through this
experience. Asher’s early experiences were difficult because he was still
taking a morning nap. Going that long without a sleep was stretching, but now
the nap is gone and he is full-throttle at Playschool! Aed’s early experiences
were punctuated with fits as he learned how to be a part of a structured
activity, having to leave things he really wanted to do for the sake of things
he didn’t know he wanted to do :). He has changed so much from the beginning!
He is such a good listener and easily changes from one station to another. It’s
been great for sharing to be emphasized in another setting, as well as for him
to see that sometimes it’s ok if things aren’t fair. General lessons learned when
you’re spending lots of time with lots of other children, from several
different cultures. :) It’s not always smooth-sailing, but I am so thankful for
this opportunity for us during the week! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We do lots of different play at home too, and I thought this
one was fitting to go along with playschool.. I often let Aed play with his
trucks and beans. He loves it! I thought it would be a good distraction while I
tried to take a shower when both boys were up.. especially since we don’t have
a shower door which means they are always trying to get in. It worked for a few
minutes, but made a huge mess! The shower was successful and the boys had fun,
but admittedly, I haven’t gone this route since – ha!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCx94GxC0BEHYurWxlCp-4ylemDaV6vmMbqOP58-MpUmA22xNlfyiOrozgOjyFYgFzd7EMNAU2vCOnAoF6tqcL1WuhhaxcCO1o8o0aHfZHU_OTX8Ol51g8mhyphenhyphenB8v1Ni6r18Yp7uY_CMJk/s1600/1_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCx94GxC0BEHYurWxlCp-4ylemDaV6vmMbqOP58-MpUmA22xNlfyiOrozgOjyFYgFzd7EMNAU2vCOnAoF6tqcL1WuhhaxcCO1o8o0aHfZHU_OTX8Ol51g8mhyphenhyphenB8v1Ni6r18Yp7uY_CMJk/s400/1_10.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Corriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09908493594301010911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229977962114732865.post-67636903939183278132013-02-12T18:21:00.005-06:002013-02-12T19:22:50.497-06:00So long.. so long ago.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am now so far behind I don’t know where to begin! Some
unexpected opportunities cropped up toward the end of October that ate up a lot
of time, we traveled to Indiana for the winter holidays, and now after being
settled back in for a few weeks, here we are.. Beginning February with activities
going back as far as September that still haven’t been accounted for! The good
news is, our Fall and Winter were full of really fun things that I am so happy
to relive for the sake of memorializing them on the blog. My hope of all hopes
is to be caught up to the very day I am writing on, and there’s only one way to
get there..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you can remember what September felt like.. go there
now..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another sweltering day.. a Saturday. The best day of the week
because it is OPEN! Daddy is home and the troops are ready for anything. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On this particular Saturday we headed out to the zoo! We
decided to get a zoo membership during our time here and are so glad we did! We
get information on what’s happening at the zoo and will more than make up for
the cost of it with all the fun visits during the year. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our first visit began with a personal tour of the zoo,
thanks to the kind folks who didn’t show up to join us! The guides were so nice
and really patient with the kids.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2XMMcrVKcAGNqDy2MgixkiAo5KwjWD5yJAyVvUADEb1uy_E-SJ8EVf6zonZ2I9vdT7MAywVZZxG-05niIk8yX4XEyROvX1QezwzO0i-GgSPAjkh2q0o2LP1icCycp2J4RnHy11KzIz8/s1600/2_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2XMMcrVKcAGNqDy2MgixkiAo5KwjWD5yJAyVvUADEb1uy_E-SJ8EVf6zonZ2I9vdT7MAywVZZxG-05niIk8yX4XEyROvX1QezwzO0i-GgSPAjkh2q0o2LP1icCycp2J4RnHy11KzIz8/s400/2_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Aed was scarred (and scared, for that matter) by an
unexpected elephant trumpet, and now refuses to go to see the elephants! Kind
of funny, kind of sad, my guess is a little time will heal that wound. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We sat down for some relief from the heat to eat lunch and I
snapped some pictures of our sweaty little men.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is Aed’s ‘cheese’ face. Ha!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGB8hYC7-dHTRcFYEMmsBhSIBdH7Y1dAfCw8MMBITAErQ6VKejbjJEWArCL2TyNac73NidSvyrqOAQ3QaDol80SSnEcu75pO2sRpKyT89dDC954QqRqbvb4ytGcXLMEbBmtlU6SLJcEI/s1600/2_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGB8hYC7-dHTRcFYEMmsBhSIBdH7Y1dAfCw8MMBITAErQ6VKejbjJEWArCL2TyNac73NidSvyrqOAQ3QaDol80SSnEcu75pO2sRpKyT89dDC954QqRqbvb4ytGcXLMEbBmtlU6SLJcEI/s400/2_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And Asher’s..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip41EnHnJzxlGNpOxIIK5vf3I15S5AQ7wIz2l_xitMbWdL2k4_XNUzeRuM61OV9DlwyAQqoZWskkrYs68Q2N6plp1tjF5FaMFQkMo-n7T4bc9huuPs3nnJhDW9VDVVVvgKkRLuarCrkA4/s1600/2_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip41EnHnJzxlGNpOxIIK5vf3I15S5AQ7wIz2l_xitMbWdL2k4_XNUzeRuM61OV9DlwyAQqoZWskkrYs68Q2N6plp1tjF5FaMFQkMo-n7T4bc9huuPs3nnJhDW9VDVVVvgKkRLuarCrkA4/s400/2_3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So cute.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our day was rounded out by a visit to the awesome playground
in the zoo. The boys LOVED it and it was about as intricate as spinal surgery
to get them off of it when it was time to go. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We headed back to the zoo a few weeks later when we found
out that.. drumroll please…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
BUDDY THE DINOSAUR was going to be there!!!! Dinosaur Train
became a favorite show while we were at Nena and Papaw’s house, and has
continued to be a reason for much excitement. <i>I </i>was excited when I saw who was coming to the zoo, and I’m not
even a committed fan! :)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Aed was beside himself with glee. We did a scavenger hunt
through the zoo and got to see a few areas we had missed before, including the
petting zoo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJpCLoLvH-cf670EnQu2zj6OjU4Wlji9_v6PoiFW3t9uW8jY_iKQMlI-9RT6QkYwSy3yisl1J2swgKix7TeSpVQasO2Ut-BR-6ICCMzABzc4IhyXuLYeRZh9p7E6bHZWqgBI4P36XQxs/s1600/5_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJpCLoLvH-cf670EnQu2zj6OjU4Wlji9_v6PoiFW3t9uW8jY_iKQMlI-9RT6QkYwSy3yisl1J2swgKix7TeSpVQasO2Ut-BR-6ICCMzABzc4IhyXuLYeRZh9p7E6bHZWqgBI4P36XQxs/s320/5_1.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhFTziSKWEbwA4-AmSX86e-r3X1YJbwsFDSSu-akostz0WOVg3pio_Nq2bjsEnlqNQA8zLXfMGomF_Pmcdrd8ZBmW3rI29s3kOIeRukFFQ2vOpF1LXSusAK8uvAzVTmt0z3yPx3PSr18/s1600/5_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhFTziSKWEbwA4-AmSX86e-r3X1YJbwsFDSSu-akostz0WOVg3pio_Nq2bjsEnlqNQA8zLXfMGomF_Pmcdrd8ZBmW3rI29s3kOIeRukFFQ2vOpF1LXSusAK8uvAzVTmt0z3yPx3PSr18/s320/5_2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was a hit.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Aed earned a special poster with Buddy on it (which is
hanging right above his bed!) as well as membership into the nature trackers
club (or something like that..). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After the scavenger hunt it was time to wait our turn to see
beloved Buddy. Aed was so very patient. I was really impressed. We couldn’t even
see Buddy for how long the line was, but he just kept hanging in there making
up games and feeding imaginary Buddy some goldfish while we waited. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmomdYM2DV9P4lZv7rIK19sX-E1uNDxzzrLdhU2adw2humNRyXzVhWuu3LEjT76zPxmhbDa5nL2k588nODUDg9vhBzlmh8T5EzHhyePErR06r9RMSvOztVV3-763AXjxpsXQBM88B50c/s1600/5_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmomdYM2DV9P4lZv7rIK19sX-E1uNDxzzrLdhU2adw2humNRyXzVhWuu3LEjT76zPxmhbDa5nL2k588nODUDg9vhBzlmh8T5EzHhyePErR06r9RMSvOztVV3-763AXjxpsXQBM88B50c/s400/5_4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He was given stickers at the stops for the scavenger hunt
and kept asking for me to put them on his back. I couldn’t figure out why, and
then it occurred to me that we call his nametag at church a sticker, and put it
on his back! Naturally! Ha! I still laugh when I see this picture.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdMl7uqac3U5CeSyHmcFkAH_aZ9ZCgjkAF8iA4uOhZHJAgbrnNsnnUfuN4RlruI5A7UdidYXjC6mLMnBGty_jNBnL6icOZA3nt1kMdy07LPNb91C_HctOVVhqUm5UW58YcuoPAMrQdc8/s1600/5_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdMl7uqac3U5CeSyHmcFkAH_aZ9ZCgjkAF8iA4uOhZHJAgbrnNsnnUfuN4RlruI5A7UdidYXjC6mLMnBGty_jNBnL6icOZA3nt1kMdy07LPNb91C_HctOVVhqUm5UW58YcuoPAMrQdc8/s400/5_3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a side note, we learned recently that Asher thinks that stickers belong on the bathroom door. We gave him one and he immediately went over and proudly stuck it to the door! I realized that he thinks that's where stickers belong because that's where we used to have Aed's potty chart. So funny! We are doing a stellar job teaching our kids about stickers. :)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once he could see Buddy he got ants in his pants. He
couldn’t believe it was him! This was the position he assumed once we were very
close, so as not to miss anything..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1Paq1zcMV61iFpz77zd5FKKzXeE6ER_zGU9cX8SJpRw-kgToS1zX1LfUIZ9CEsC8z4bYgjl4Ju49CenVGEzHDEC2X7Q0lWwxAauaKrPekXTRiqNWuxmEztSPKrMHasUfzQnNWHAXUtY/s1600/5_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1Paq1zcMV61iFpz77zd5FKKzXeE6ER_zGU9cX8SJpRw-kgToS1zX1LfUIZ9CEsC8z4bYgjl4Ju49CenVGEzHDEC2X7Q0lWwxAauaKrPekXTRiqNWuxmEztSPKrMHasUfzQnNWHAXUtY/s400/5_5.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And we made it!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo2e3Mnh2b3XsiLgNWraOuvZ4pij29uUlSTa61LrjfeSohugz7N61ueosJpLoXkXS1EUh7TPStsU6S8I4VuWmUV-g_xYP_u7GomIngFmIfq7sssNH67ihYT7_39zB05_4RqbX9QpaMMY4/s1600/5_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo2e3Mnh2b3XsiLgNWraOuvZ4pij29uUlSTa61LrjfeSohugz7N61ueosJpLoXkXS1EUh7TPStsU6S8I4VuWmUV-g_xYP_u7GomIngFmIfq7sssNH67ihYT7_39zB05_4RqbX9QpaMMY4/s400/5_6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love this picture because they are holding hands, but
Ian’s head is cut off. Aed ran right up to him and gave him a hug. It was so
precious! We were a little nervous he’d be afraid, but I think he was too
excited to think about it. :)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here’s one where Ian’s head is not cut off..<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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And, the grand finale.. As we were walking out of the zoo,
Aed got to ride the Dinosaur Train!<o:p></o:p></div>
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It took us forever to convince him it was time to go, and it
was a great ending to a great morning of fun. It’s amazing how special
something can be because it matters to someone you love!<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Corriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09908493594301010911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229977962114732865.post-74644592042544696372012-12-12T17:51:00.002-06:002012-12-12T17:51:30.210-06:00A walk down Nena and Papaw’s driveway brings..
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.. the enthusiastic company of a furry, four-footed
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.. opportunities to let the ‘little tractor’ plow the
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.. learning how to skip (hilarious, I might add)<o:p></o:p></div>
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.. learning how to take giant steps (also hilarious)<o:p></o:p></div>
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.. peeks at the big tunnels, the fountain, and sometimes the
itsy bitsy teeny tiny tunnel<o:p></o:p></div>
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.. games of ‘race car’ that involve many wrecks and rescues,
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.. ending the walk by playing outside until the sun goes
down (Aed has held on to his Scottish tolerance of the cold :)<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Corriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09908493594301010911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229977962114732865.post-54927450509365445142012-11-18T15:59:00.000-06:002012-11-18T15:59:52.634-06:00Our dear, sweet, funny, funny Aed
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Aed is a unique child, as they all are. But sometimes, it's hard not to think he might have a little more 'weird' in him than the average kid. Wouldn't really be surprising, given his parents. One of my favorite
things during the day is to just watch and listen to see what he will do.. and
try to figure out what he is thinking.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He loves all things wheeled. All things. It is incredible to
me the excitement that a few cars and a cardboard box can bring (he especially
loved the ‘snot box’ (tissue box) from a few days ago as a little house for his
cars). He even turned ‘school time’ into putting-the-car-in-its-garage-so-it-can-sleep
time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdsfWtWwf5HSN1BQ_AppmbFJ9R0Kn8OITmZFnMhJLIjq5UZycJqN4oRKiUjMIJ_zrSHTL3vP0ldFzv3Rrx74x9QIg2YVvVf2QvCCtfntalVfR9_zaF16-8jmCqzAo8R6XS2HhWmJ4nHy0/s1600/1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdsfWtWwf5HSN1BQ_AppmbFJ9R0Kn8OITmZFnMhJLIjq5UZycJqN4oRKiUjMIJ_zrSHTL3vP0ldFzv3Rrx74x9QIg2YVvVf2QvCCtfntalVfR9_zaF16-8jmCqzAo8R6XS2HhWmJ4nHy0/s400/1_1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His current obsession is letters and words. His frequent
request is, ‘I must make letters on your computer!’ But he’s always loved to
read books. We discovered him all cozied up in the buggy one day and couldn’t
resist the photo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFtKGLB4lxMWi3Xfz2BRBlhHhr4Mlb3gojiPrX5QkSnAvsLQcbTUMkiOFUMMm3xGlCR7Gxdcbb5WOktB2YF4g2RZR_m4p-bSr8XqOQi5qq3bB_QkUa3xqcMjKTps8UgWET5AMsx12-RKw/s1600/1_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFtKGLB4lxMWi3Xfz2BRBlhHhr4Mlb3gojiPrX5QkSnAvsLQcbTUMkiOFUMMm3xGlCR7Gxdcbb5WOktB2YF4g2RZR_m4p-bSr8XqOQi5qq3bB_QkUa3xqcMjKTps8UgWET5AMsx12-RKw/s400/1_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While Aed is not a lover of change, he does love things that
are out of the ordinary and, much to my delight, is very easily excited. A
while back, his hair had gotten really long and was bothering his forehead. As
a solution, I gave him a little ponytail right on top. He loved it so much!
Daddy didn’t love it so much, but Aed and I thought it was awesome :).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrU1afT4PGZQ58KH3LMMB8NjHYaek12y54ShpmmcNr3BZNaSmjGRoBVI01f9AdUiTrthm3rmJBc6zMvq9ICTQWGsFjeZ0TulfTZ57fKXpNnV56iPiddRQiAy9lS25L3g9LNzam98M6oC0/s1600/1_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrU1afT4PGZQ58KH3LMMB8NjHYaek12y54ShpmmcNr3BZNaSmjGRoBVI01f9AdUiTrthm3rmJBc6zMvq9ICTQWGsFjeZ0TulfTZ57fKXpNnV56iPiddRQiAy9lS25L3g9LNzam98M6oC0/s400/1_3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have discovered since living here that Aed’s fear of loud
noises is much more intense than we realized. He is petrified of anything loud,
and even the possibility of anything loud.. hand dryers, the flush of an
unfamiliar toilet (can you tell he hates public restrooms?), elephants, etc. I
should qualify though, that it’s really only unfamiliar and unexpected loud
noises. For example, he loves to hear fire engine sirens and helicopters
overhead. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, there were a few free events for kids in September that
I thought our kids would enjoy. Turns out I was wrong. They were in a little
enclosed courtyard where you just couldn’t position yourself far enough away
from the speakers while still being close enough to see. So Asher, confused,
stared at the speakers the whole time..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OUJzCz5M5k_wWm3czZmhbeeJqn8cNlFvex1pyXpgkmtTmmbOM67MZO8am9oyf_BfAuUBIviwBsvjcg1Xh6FfQMUR3J5jy4RlkPpMf73asa3G4sc1aPLc1zWebLykKJYqhyphenhyphenk10xTMHdc/s1600/1_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OUJzCz5M5k_wWm3czZmhbeeJqn8cNlFvex1pyXpgkmtTmmbOM67MZO8am9oyf_BfAuUBIviwBsvjcg1Xh6FfQMUR3J5jy4RlkPpMf73asa3G4sc1aPLc1zWebLykKJYqhyphenhyphenk10xTMHdc/s400/1_4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And our little phonophobic boy sat there with his teeth
gritted, stiffly waiting for the torture to end.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We did go back to one other show, me thinking I could
position us further from the speakers, but no luck (though I can say that he
enjoyed the second show more than the first.. the sound was a little more under
control). Now any time we walk in that direction he says, ‘We’re not going to
go see the clown!?’ Also, every time we go to the zoo we hear, ‘We’re not going
to go see the elephants!?’ after a harrowing experience at the elephant exhibit
on our first visit.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another thing I love about Aed is that he currently sleeps
under a laundry basket. He calls it his cage (a name <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">he</i> came up with, not us :) and loves to cozy up under there with
Porter and his blankie. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvKHO6fnROt7go0dIFJnitYtFnkgnPnC771b4uLg0qVxGDNFGq5dcofiHmoV4DSrl8UwlKtb6_7kUMQeG8VKufAXWw5A0qk3ITdHBZY4rjRvVzGTey1XETjY-5sgaW6PCoV19HorObWQ/s1600/1_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvKHO6fnROt7go0dIFJnitYtFnkgnPnC771b4uLg0qVxGDNFGq5dcofiHmoV4DSrl8UwlKtb6_7kUMQeG8VKufAXWw5A0qk3ITdHBZY4rjRvVzGTey1XETjY-5sgaW6PCoV19HorObWQ/s400/1_6.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This particular instance was actually even more strange because
he fell asleep on his own in our bed. He NEVER sleeps in the day any more, let
alone just falling asleep where he was lying. We were beginning to wonder if
the laundry basket was magical :).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Aed is also very sensitive to sadness. He gets really upset
if he thinks anyone is sad or crying and, we have discovered, can’t handle ANY
song that seems sad to him. Unfortunately for Ian and I, this seems to be
pretty much any song we sing that is in the ‘adult’ category. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In hopes to make ‘rest time’ more enjoyable and relaxing for
him, I purchased a CD of Jewel singing lullabies. Put him to bed with the music
playing, went out to start doing something productive, and within seconds he
comes running out in tears. After some questioning, I discovered he thought the
music was so, so sad and incredibly upsetting. So much for that! He shunned the
Ipad for days after that incident. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another evening at dinner, I was jokingly singing (with
great passion, I might add) a song that we had heard that day. I made eye
contact with him during my incredible rendition of the song and saw his eyes
filled with tears, his face red, and his mouth quivering away.. I immediately
stopped and tried to help him recover, but he totally lost it. I laughed so
hard on the inside, and tried to reassure him that all was well. Phew.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He is easily excited, easily scared, a sensitive, sweet,
entertaining little guy. He regularly cracks me up with his funny antics and
the things he says. I don’t know what I thought he’d be like as he got bigger,
but who is he is so much better than anything I could have come up with. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Is very small (and looks like a hotel, as a certain small member of our family has pointed out), but makes up for it with a great view. Who
knew we’d be getting a mountain view??</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgfKq2Cy1o_oVgsS7wpyQq2mEfbxoJmv3CJ_nsjtpWV8atpih9go_KmDb0YmCbHbPylZoH51njiR24k7vuCPLqPIvHEfb8NAwehAjgVA3cn6dZTtP0gUNGZv-ZC8Dc1Foq5RiWyUUJBIQ/s1600/1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgfKq2Cy1o_oVgsS7wpyQq2mEfbxoJmv3CJ_nsjtpWV8atpih9go_KmDb0YmCbHbPylZoH51njiR24k7vuCPLqPIvHEfb8NAwehAjgVA3cn6dZTtP0gUNGZv-ZC8Dc1Foq5RiWyUUJBIQ/s400/1_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Is in a place with wonderful produce. A thousand times, YUM.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1tVleWtiJXNJ8BAkbvnbGpB8TVKEtkjZJefQxyKgtOdvGCdsmrBDXFyOGOeskajNx2AwqACdnDTYc2rgRnNFW5CFKWMG6LD3cfSZCH8qy4KziScfwptqI20LUi2JRZd7PlG47U429Kc/s1600/1_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1tVleWtiJXNJ8BAkbvnbGpB8TVKEtkjZJefQxyKgtOdvGCdsmrBDXFyOGOeskajNx2AwqACdnDTYc2rgRnNFW5CFKWMG6LD3cfSZCH8qy4KziScfwptqI20LUi2JRZd7PlG47U429Kc/s400/1_2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Is really, really hot. There were days we weren’t brave
enough to venture out to play in three-digit weather. But, then there were days
we just went for it for the sake of fun and adventure. (We are finally
welcoming 60s & 70s!)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB49lIG4qq7Wfluhi23mm8yPqmD2oJe_n_c3cF_rWXhkPJ5SWjNV4fvoUwlePwpkMgFfFcVRSYTMKSUseuuo8zYxz9BoPp3UeGzhIlQ_l2yZcZBXjKKZCSK9mwr_jP1iiSwQJYWt3dZIw/s1600/1_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB49lIG4qq7Wfluhi23mm8yPqmD2oJe_n_c3cF_rWXhkPJ5SWjNV4fvoUwlePwpkMgFfFcVRSYTMKSUseuuo8zYxz9BoPp3UeGzhIlQ_l2yZcZBXjKKZCSK9mwr_jP1iiSwQJYWt3dZIw/s400/1_3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Don't they look fun and adventurous?)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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Has a single, solitary surface on which we do everything.
Art projects, playdough, dinner, study, and anything else the day may bring. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1S2Ig-sNkMBmF_sBaMq5hXRkcXXls59_Zh1FQhHnP6f2X0Lv4Z00rEVLsk9SionnrHejDp3LM8370iI_iM-ncNz066LQCVIa7oszDsJRyHeCg-THJAkA3AJwMuzBUieHx4Rpit5FPK2Q/s1600/1_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1S2Ig-sNkMBmF_sBaMq5hXRkcXXls59_Zh1FQhHnP6f2X0Lv4Z00rEVLsk9SionnrHejDp3LM8370iI_iM-ncNz066LQCVIa7oszDsJRyHeCg-THJAkA3AJwMuzBUieHx4Rpit5FPK2Q/s320/1_4.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_clkO9pBv2ys-rQmi-n0KYMQEUeNpyA1hiU2qKTHQuR5ANReK2FEbEWJ29jZ5GIU10TTGCi9IqWUpayWVUvsSS3dNZOssXpoqF2VqWi-nlxPWI9ZBEy9a3ZUHovVuSMvXA6IdPoDoohg/s1600/1_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_clkO9pBv2ys-rQmi-n0KYMQEUeNpyA1hiU2qKTHQuR5ANReK2FEbEWJ29jZ5GIU10TTGCi9IqWUpayWVUvsSS3dNZOssXpoqF2VqWi-nlxPWI9ZBEy9a3ZUHovVuSMvXA6IdPoDoohg/s320/1_5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhheGlbd5vVf7Il-yEoLxwy9CNw3p2CaOXjMwfX-mkGAkzJJgSELtZhPabDUJwnbmqPch_zgGCmpa-v0584WzJIdQR8N9-GLEeVkMAlsR91UWTYQGptupeuFyywm7uLrTJi9MStYFqR7fM/s1600/1_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhheGlbd5vVf7Il-yEoLxwy9CNw3p2CaOXjMwfX-mkGAkzJJgSELtZhPabDUJwnbmqPch_zgGCmpa-v0584WzJIdQR8N9-GLEeVkMAlsR91UWTYQGptupeuFyywm7uLrTJi9MStYFqR7fM/s320/1_6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Has provided opportunity for the acquisition of new skills..<o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4afQMOVSiBJ_hj7vF6K0MeyK35TdZXGBdo4Z9yVqY7JtsnOTcHE8p0qlaMeC1iaspkDsarhOkOsm7fvpx0raKTYOULFBe0lFLc1ns1dkw0iX3d8AHFnCqNgkkeWNHS0ENRNBvGRbsELM/s1600/1_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4afQMOVSiBJ_hj7vF6K0MeyK35TdZXGBdo4Z9yVqY7JtsnOTcHE8p0qlaMeC1iaspkDsarhOkOsm7fvpx0raKTYOULFBe0lFLc1ns1dkw0iX3d8AHFnCqNgkkeWNHS0ENRNBvGRbsELM/s400/1_7.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Attracts visitors. There’s an alluring beach not too far
away.. just saying.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0pxkiI80vrCoqPXaFA2Wnr0Y5eXtyUK6rAmMSUqGaWpwl9Mnrp0sJ4VkoK2Ve3wEMbNu8D0SNPi58q7d4MielYwxSVxt2Y_tG3fsveLfiyXRN_UtyMRM_yJPNDP9o4S3bh_TsVJ7eq0o/s1600/1_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0pxkiI80vrCoqPXaFA2Wnr0Y5eXtyUK6rAmMSUqGaWpwl9Mnrp0sJ4VkoK2Ve3wEMbNu8D0SNPi58q7d4MielYwxSVxt2Y_tG3fsveLfiyXRN_UtyMRM_yJPNDP9o4S3bh_TsVJ7eq0o/s400/1_8.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9HipKfVG3RHNCWDdN5R_AGcD36EJMIgwr6zSbNI2qoA1LXMBth4CiEeVC5vfs6kP-00wZC5RuCC6GbRQbHqrEWofj3wnaS7WaSU1x9VBlzPS7zpYX0Q8B2OKSBlniZoAKL0oijCco-DU/s1600/1_9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9HipKfVG3RHNCWDdN5R_AGcD36EJMIgwr6zSbNI2qoA1LXMBth4CiEeVC5vfs6kP-00wZC5RuCC6GbRQbHqrEWofj3wnaS7WaSU1x9VBlzPS7zpYX0Q8B2OKSBlniZoAKL0oijCco-DU/s320/1_9.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt8NSjtXfx5Ztm4zTxeNf08VNGNYDHlV5AJyWMOCYEFbF7HuOnmwJqkJpr4tIAgR00GiwIqEXN1mIkzS9UjnyjaxkEbWVqeiaGCHWiMHU23eqlwRzUY8xEyjnhuzdm8C_YFK9HNq186zc/s1600/1_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt8NSjtXfx5Ztm4zTxeNf08VNGNYDHlV5AJyWMOCYEFbF7HuOnmwJqkJpr4tIAgR00GiwIqEXN1mIkzS9UjnyjaxkEbWVqeiaGCHWiMHU23eqlwRzUY8xEyjnhuzdm8C_YFK9HNq186zc/s320/1_10.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Has this place called In-n-Out Burger. After a day at the
beach. Double YUM.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq651vrMiICimXNk30Rqhrli77vx-EcVGL6E2lkTN2ZuS0p_MPlJ20PtuIJL8bOA-nbkUiF708i8zfSomIG6onomTiQcLsQX1IrXXprURuH0lseMJttMBkcWJV8_Kdi64WMpaBLw1Huos/s1600/1_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq651vrMiICimXNk30Rqhrli77vx-EcVGL6E2lkTN2ZuS0p_MPlJ20PtuIJL8bOA-nbkUiF708i8zfSomIG6onomTiQcLsQX1IrXXprURuH0lseMJttMBkcWJV8_Kdi64WMpaBLw1Huos/s400/1_11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Doesn’t have a TV, and while that’s nothing new, it did make
for an interesting Olympics experience :)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0yvCzhuEVFF85WaaSZP4VK-AZLMIAymfZUyFEk3qZeisxNvNoebiCV7jA1zxq_JcpFNIZVvSzporFQnJLMsGuIi-SjTlwd6y2y6w_vORMW32UwF85d0RoY48CbosIeAdfGHmLh8yqeU/s1600/1_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0yvCzhuEVFF85WaaSZP4VK-AZLMIAymfZUyFEk3qZeisxNvNoebiCV7jA1zxq_JcpFNIZVvSzporFQnJLMsGuIi-SjTlwd6y2y6w_vORMW32UwF85d0RoY48CbosIeAdfGHmLh8yqeU/s400/1_12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Provides lots of little boy entertainment at all hours of the
day. The traffic never stops!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrniJ2bpqcsA3BcioIy_yyvA38O9xbkE1pSF7M7oPhWPe8PKskj8RF46e_Nsy5bgNwHWjfuWgnull-xOt3uU3ITNjT1-5P5EdUSUtl8eXFWdTbnAS98m2AtBA6iU9t3UlKEDnDb1m-HFk/s1600/1_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrniJ2bpqcsA3BcioIy_yyvA38O9xbkE1pSF7M7oPhWPe8PKskj8RF46e_Nsy5bgNwHWjfuWgnull-xOt3uU3ITNjT1-5P5EdUSUtl8eXFWdTbnAS98m2AtBA6iU9t3UlKEDnDb1m-HFk/s400/1_13.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Is where our eldest had his first ‘waawipop’. That’s
lollipop for those of you that don’t speak 3-year-old. :)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM92RCMISqJYVCY_9z4EIhBcPHImkn2FNKR92C86vXZvy054xH9v2CAwKrTkLerIdekOkP2-8ZQHDs0KcNiet6rVrupZ5UdPYYst-mRpkzmhnPTYSPGxWv7lbBr2e8xZm_GBt6-3Ung0A/s1600/1_14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM92RCMISqJYVCY_9z4EIhBcPHImkn2FNKR92C86vXZvy054xH9v2CAwKrTkLerIdekOkP2-8ZQHDs0KcNiet6rVrupZ5UdPYYst-mRpkzmhnPTYSPGxWv7lbBr2e8xZm_GBt6-3Ung0A/s400/1_14.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Corriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09908493594301010911noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229977962114732865.post-89095436588852915942012-10-25T00:24:00.000-05:002012-10-25T00:24:42.882-05:00The Final PushAfter our trip to Alabama/Georgia, we spent about a week in Indiana before heading off for our last jaunt in bonnie Scotland. After all the effort we put into our time there, and after how much we grew to love little St Andrews and the people therein, it was really important to both of us that we go back for Ian's graduation. We needed some closure, and by the grace of God, we found some.<br />
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BUT, the day before we left, our littlest man turned one! He had a very small 'party' that involved a cake not worth photographing, but plenty of smiles to go around :)<br />
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He enjoyed his dinner (and for the record, no longer eats peas..)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirxmXLovQ_temtjYNoHnOZU2atriuDjWFhq6m0ODDEkcpLXwzIgAfT3vYkHyZNw-tZ1RplCJ2LK2OFZfGfHv5U-POPhiJyOEnO5aR4wNLkC8cW7wOYalYza5fpVQl-li1zN0vqo3MBMzQ/s1600/1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirxmXLovQ_temtjYNoHnOZU2atriuDjWFhq6m0ODDEkcpLXwzIgAfT3vYkHyZNw-tZ1RplCJ2LK2OFZfGfHv5U-POPhiJyOEnO5aR4wNLkC8cW7wOYalYza5fpVQl-li1zN0vqo3MBMzQ/s400/1_1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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And even enjoyed his dessert!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQXPnuJ-uHU2gkoZG-W47GwY5pAO-queXryzpLZjaBzzmfnjdHQm-D_1ZZnmS4dYnlwH8GZMz4GwbVZIBmaST-H459hPjcXSMoMQtffdT5XL7zGj2j-maOJWMrc1OAUXGAmq_zHDSlhc/s1600/1_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQXPnuJ-uHU2gkoZG-W47GwY5pAO-queXryzpLZjaBzzmfnjdHQm-D_1ZZnmS4dYnlwH8GZMz4GwbVZIBmaST-H459hPjcXSMoMQtffdT5XL7zGj2j-maOJWMrc1OAUXGAmq_zHDSlhc/s400/1_2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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So, the next day, off we went. Knowing this visit could be emotional, would definitely be wonderful, and might be our last chance, there was great anticipation and some apprehension.<br />
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It was really strange being back, but staying in someone else's house (which we were really thankful for, but the way!). Not knowing how much Aed really remembered, but noticing some obvious discontent when we were in areas we had frequented that he couldn't engage with in the same way (not being able to go into our old house, for example). Being out of the loop and missing out on seeing some really special people. It was bittersweet, with some tears as well as great joy and happy sighs.<br />
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A few days after our arrival, my parents and Ian's sister joined us, and we really enjoyed being together despite a number of cold, rainy days :). One sunny day, we headed out to play at the cathedral. Aed found all his usual favorite spots, and it was really fun to have Asher there with new mobility to enjoy the area so much more.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtiGy5xCNZq_tTLDcSkjT-SdhBYeQXPIrJOkGBuIzQHbRaDx6sKHPCnNVxYBTCuMnUx-PEWdZ_qR264a6ZwYzvrT4wYXD-6aT-ZL9Jvs20ruQvvgrzOEStD_yXnqsmMNxo5SESlGmTR28/s1600/1_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtiGy5xCNZq_tTLDcSkjT-SdhBYeQXPIrJOkGBuIzQHbRaDx6sKHPCnNVxYBTCuMnUx-PEWdZ_qR264a6ZwYzvrT4wYXD-6aT-ZL9Jvs20ruQvvgrzOEStD_yXnqsmMNxo5SESlGmTR28/s400/1_3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Asher also took his first official 'walks' across a room while we were there, which we all thought was really special :)</div>
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Something that a couple guys wanted to do was jump off the pier into the North Sea (as a celebration, of course). Ian wavered on whether he wanted to do it or not, but ultimately decided to and had tons of fun! He even considered doing it again! Here's the big jump..</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiv_UDqpVTzeYuURO0eBMl5TzQuZVT_ftpha74Y0iBlLhS6KLmXb5RaUVf8BmYj9k093gyNKVVXPruLLSMHmOMmEFICGYu-aKjC3LMCs0gXHAPghbmCKz0-EjmsTg69alHHbRXXU1swpM/s1600/1_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiv_UDqpVTzeYuURO0eBMl5TzQuZVT_ftpha74Y0iBlLhS6KLmXb5RaUVf8BmYj9k093gyNKVVXPruLLSMHmOMmEFICGYu-aKjC3LMCs0gXHAPghbmCKz0-EjmsTg69alHHbRXXU1swpM/s400/1_4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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And the scramble to get out of the frigid water!</div>
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We capitalized on another sunny and not-too-cold day and headed out to West Sands. I will never grow tired of seeing that skyline.</div>
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It was perfectly sunny on one side, but when I turned around, this is what I saw..</div>
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A little menacing given that I didn't have anything to keep us warm in the rain, but it blew over us without getting us even a little bit wet! </div>
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Both the boys LOVED the beach. Aed chased birds and played (and laid!) in the sand. Asher crawled around and ate the sand. They were covered. They both ended up sporting sandy mustaches because the cold made their little noses runny. Even with a sandy mustache.. cute as a button!</div>
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We were able to attend two Sundays at the Free Church, which was so meaningful, and were even included in the Sunday School gifts. Each of our boys was given a little set of books from the church, which just about sent me over the edge of all teariness. It really was a roller coaster experience. I had not considered that it would ultimately be saying goodbye all over again, but this time without a promise of return. It still breaks my heart when I think of all the relationships that can only continue in a limited fashion, but I am so thankful for that heartbreak because I know it means love has been shared. We were a part of each others' lives in big and small ways, and that will never be lost. I am so grateful that the Lord knows me through and through, that my joy and tears and confusion are not lost on him. No matter which way life tosses us, he is always the same. Always love, always goodness, always grace and truth. That is a life changer, that kind of love and commitment. </div>
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So there was a lot going on, inwardly and outwardly. We booked ourselves full trying to see as many people as we could. We got to experience slugs in the kitchen (something we had previously escaped!). And we were reminded just how biting cold, Scottish rain can be.</div>
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The big day came and Ian got all gussied up..</div>
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Such a stunner! I could not believe the moment had come, and was beyond proud of my husband. </div>
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He was tapped and hooded and proclaimed, Dr. Church! We were able to celebrate with several of his fellow students, as well as his supervisor and many others at a little 'garden party' (that was actually inside due to rain). It really was a happy and special time to enjoy Ian's accomplishment, and we were so glad to have some family with us to celebrate as well!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The official PhD robes are beautiful blue! And, the hood is a perfect match :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look who I'm with! It's Dr. Church!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhnvM0ikrRJsobCzh291hvpSOqntozedP0UciACGoXSifcjbiZ-7V-d4Ll2cinhPg081y6DmPFJLx3woTne3gonLPCXPKHkVFi8S9q5vIoF3obibzkHpxnROYIqUmPAHlu3Vogn0hyphenhyphenxg/s1600/1_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhnvM0ikrRJsobCzh291hvpSOqntozedP0UciACGoXSifcjbiZ-7V-d4Ll2cinhPg081y6DmPFJLx3woTne3gonLPCXPKHkVFi8S9q5vIoF3obibzkHpxnROYIqUmPAHlu3Vogn0hyphenhyphenxg/s400/1_13.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The whole gang (Minus kids! We didn't think they'd be a very welcome addition to the ceremony. :)</td></tr>
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There are so many others that weren't with us that have been such a support to us during Ian's tenure as a PhD student. We have so very much to be thankful for. And thankful we are!</div>
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My parents and Katy left before we did, so we had a couple days by ourselves again. I think it was those days when it really began to sink in that our time in St Andrews had ended. I'd move to Scotland again in a heartbeat if we had to do it all over. We went with such a sense of adventure, and found so much more than adventure while we were there. We never expected to root ourselves so securely into life there; I never expected to discover such a contentedness with who I am while were there. It is a place that will always be important, a place that has left a deep mark on us. I could not be more thankful that my first steps into motherhood were in that community; that we knit ourselves together as a family with a hodgepodge of people from all over the world supporting and loving us, us giving that love and support right back. Amazing. It is amazing to consider what a gift it is to have had such an experience. </div>
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We left Scotland with sadness and with readiness. We were sad to say goodbye to it all, but ready to set out for our new home. We were back in Indiana for less than 24 hours before we headed back to the airport to fly to California. We travelled 36 out of 48 hours and changed 8 time zones. That is something we will never, ever do again. Ever. I will always argue that it was worth it, but I will also always argue that we should do everything possible to avoid it in the future :). And so we were gone. Off to a new something, a new somewhere. And here we are, honing in on four months in our new location. A lot has changed, some things have stayed the same, and we're finding the good in all of it. One day at a time.</div>
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Corriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09908493594301010911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229977962114732865.post-80953774621944703752012-10-24T23:07:00.001-05:002012-10-24T23:14:07.683-05:00A Family AffairAfter another long car trip (though not quite as long, thankfully), we arrived at our cabin in the woods! It was all very official, with entrance gates and codes and hidden keys. Not to mention the reminder in the cabin handbook that just because we find spider webs, that doesn't mean the cabin is dirty. We are in the WOODS, and spiders make webs really fast! So.<br />
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Let's just say it was obvious the owners had had some bad experiences with previous renters, and tried to address every. possible. issue.<br />
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We stayed for a week in a beautiful, hilly (mountainous? I'm not sure) area with lots of my beautiful, non-hilly family. There were 20 of us, and it was even more fun than it sounds! It had been a while since all of us had been reunited, and I think we made the most of it.<br />
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This was the view off the back deck..<br />
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And this was when it was made even prettier on a foggy morning..</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGBryz4pOB-C4cG0EKKox3NI22ZNnps1tqMuAmcap3-nhyphenhyphen7DmZTIvsKZ9uyh9nv2Dc21j34tH5-SHEpepME3cjb4YVkE0fQ2go3i9BhP85GmLGU_Ips_7xr_wi2yQId8o8xvrdBZk15Y/s1600/1_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGBryz4pOB-C4cG0EKKox3NI22ZNnps1tqMuAmcap3-nhyphenhyphen7DmZTIvsKZ9uyh9nv2Dc21j34tH5-SHEpepME3cjb4YVkE0fQ2go3i9BhP85GmLGU_Ips_7xr_wi2yQId8o8xvrdBZk15Y/s400/1_3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We had a fun time figuring out how to cook for so many people with limited cooking apparatuses. There were lots of pots involved..</div>
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Aed managed to get creative with his dinner on more than one occasion.. this one was photo-worthy..<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I looked at this photo and couldn't figure out why I took it, so just in case you don't see it, <br />
check out the pickup truck Aed packed full :)</td></tr>
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Possibly my favorite picture of the whole week, the oldest of the little cousins together on the swing!<br />
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It was really fun having all the littles together, and made for some very entertaining moments. Not the least of which was when Nena and Papaw were babysitting.. The rest of us had gone river tubing (which was ridiculously fun, and also a little gross, but mostly fun and also hilarious) and came back to hear tales of numerous potty incidents, including possible ingestion of poop. Those five together (just so it's that much more impressive - a 4 year old, two 2 year olds, an almost 1 year old, and an almost 6 month old) would be a lot to handle for any seasoned parent! Fortunately, my parents are brave.</div>
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A really fun aspect of the trip that I hadn't considered was that both my sister and Wes <i>and</i> Ian and I had babysitters (thank you family!) and were all together at the same time. Which meant we got to do things together without the kids! It was really fun to goof off and spend time together without the distraction and chaos (and wonderfulness, don't get me wrong!) of our precious kiddos. </div>
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I loved the time with aunts, uncles, and cousins that I haven't seen in so long. It was such a gift to be together again and really catch up a bit. Such wonderful memories to add to the bank. So thankful!</div>
<br />Corriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09908493594301010911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229977962114732865.post-414031820205401502012-10-24T18:24:00.000-05:002012-10-24T18:24:05.876-05:00Indiana Days: Let the Traveling Begin!At the end of May, we embarked on the road trip that was pretty much the beginning of the end of our Indiana Days. We were headed South, and I was very excited about that! All of my mom's family (her mom's side) lives in the South (minus a few that have scattered northward). I grew up visiting my grandparents in Florida twice a year (a drive that I should know like the back of my hand.. but being me, I pretty much only know landmarks.. but I still think I could get there :), and the summer visit typically included attending the family reunion at my great aunt's house in southern Alabama. This was my first opportunity to attend a family reunion in years. I actually don't remember the last time I was able to go.. It's been a while.<br />
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So, we loaded up the van, making sure there was room for Ian, who we would be picking up during our travels (yay!), and set off.<br />
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An early morning, so a breakfast on the go!<br />
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We drove and drove and drove and drove. It took us 15 hours to make that trip! Small children really change the time commitment of a road trip :). But they were troopers and happily got out of the car when we arrived at our hotel. The next morning, we took a short drive to make our reunion debut! It was great! Everything looked the same, it smelled the same, the food was good, and the catching-up was even better.<br />
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This isn't a great picture, but the two beauties behind the couch are my two great aunts.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the hand-holding.. there is always hand-holding going on with this bunch.. <br />Also, please give some love to that shag carpet. It is even more amazing in person!</td></tr>
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They started as eight, four boys, four girls. Though there are only two walking with us now, their family has left an incredible legacy of human beings on this earth. The family has grown and grown and grown, and is full of wonderful, caring, kind people.<br />
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The living room is always full (though fortunately, there are many other places around to gather.. I don't think we'd all fit in this little room!), but there is also quite a treasure in the pond down the lane. I have memories of go-cart rides, baby alligators, blueberry picking, games in the pond-house, all the kid-cousins making a whirlpool in the pool. Not to mention endless card games and nibbles of goodies not-so-well-hidden in the dining room. However awkward I may be, or may have been, the memories are sweet. The heart is thankful. </div>
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I have many memories of listening to stories on this porch, and making various mud 'treats' just outside :).</div>
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And the kitchen, always busy, busy. It takes a lot of work to feed so many, and while the helping hands have changed over the years, the food is always amazing. </div>
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We did lunch at a bigger home nearby (belonging to a cousin of my mom's), to accommodate the growing, growing, growing family, and the spread was impressive to say the least.</div>
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This was only the beginnings of what was laid out. I didn't even get a picture of the dessert selection, but you can imagine :)</div>
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Aed discovered a trampoline, and it turns out bouncing is one of his favorite things. It took a lot of coaxing to get him off of there.</div>
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Finally the time came.. for more driving! Yay! No. Not really. No one was excited. But, we were grateful to have had a chance to see so many people we'd not seen for years. And there is something special about introducing your children to people that have been important in your life (even when your children are dazed and confused :). Maybe someday they'll get to meet my husband, too! :)</div>
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So into the car we climbed. Tired and ready to rest.</div>
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We were on our way! First stop was the airport to pick up Daddy (a million yays!), and then to our cabin in the woods for a super-duper fun-filled week!Corriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09908493594301010911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229977962114732865.post-70462846656241020182012-10-24T17:36:00.000-05:002012-10-24T17:36:27.131-05:00Indiana Days: Farewell for NowAs evidence of our abruptly changing plans grew, we had to stretch our flexibility muscles and really, truly go with the flow. After we found out about Ian's job and how quickly they wanted him there, we had a lot of decisions to make. We had already made plans to travel through most of the month of June, but if May 7th was their date, we needed to make it work. The decision was made that Ian would drive a van load of our stuff out to California, all by himself. He'd stay there for a month, and then fly into Georgia, where we'd pick him up on our way to a cabin in the woods for a family vacation.<br />
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That meant we had to organize - and do it quickly! We gathered up essentials and lovingly shoved them into the van, packed as tightly as we could manage. It was a genuine low-rider :) If you've ever wondered if a pillow-top queen-sized mattress will fit horizontally into a minivan.. We can tell you, with the right coaxing, it will.<br />
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This was the passenger's side..</div>
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And the driver's side..</div>
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Knowing we'd be paying for every pound we shipped, we crammed as much as we could into that trusty van.</div>
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This was Ian's comfy seat..</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And, yes, the red strap and clamp were relocated during the actual driving! </td></tr>
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That drive was a serious challenge for Ian. Doing it by himself on top of the sudden change of circumstances he'd just had, on top of ending up in a completely unfamiliar place with the pressure of a new job and no one (and no furniture!) to come home to and experience and process it all with him.. It was a bit of a doozy. He persevered, grew an affinity (might be too generous?) for Motel 6es, and made it in one piece with only a few anxious phone calls (that were responded to with varying degrees of sympathy - ha!). He set up some boxes as a 'couch' and a few others as a 'table' and spent the next 3.5 weeks learning about the area a bit and learning about all his new responsibilities. And always missing his family..<br />
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Who were partying back in Indiana! J/k. We can't even help but miss Daddy when he just goes off to work for a day, and we most certainly missed him during that long month!<br />
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Fortunately, the time was passed much more easily for us this go-around. With sunshine and green grass, we had plenty to do! Aed ate most of his lunches outside (which we learned was a horrible temptation for poor Pippers). It pretty much always ended with him laying on the ground playing with some truck, but he especially liked this one..<br />
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We got tuckered out by a fun Mother's Day visit with extended family at a big park not too far away..<br />
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We stuffed our faces with avocados..</div>
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We changed recalled parts on the buggy and felt very handy about it all..</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_gs38geAtvN869RQvLl0wbuQfh6-6zAwN5-eGvaKdP7sE8LtqgbuMljr0iR3SszDvobDLi5rwVNXnmE84nh2YzpqmIgerMJPk0Qnvmp0tarEeFq2BQgbVbQPnzi-i1FPEeNaOdUsahKU/s1600/1_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_gs38geAtvN869RQvLl0wbuQfh6-6zAwN5-eGvaKdP7sE8LtqgbuMljr0iR3SszDvobDLi5rwVNXnmE84nh2YzpqmIgerMJPk0Qnvmp0tarEeFq2BQgbVbQPnzi-i1FPEeNaOdUsahKU/s400/1_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note, even Asher was with us in monitor form! Can you find him? :)</td></tr>
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We LOVED watching Papaw mow the lawn..<br />
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We enjoyed ice cream outings and days at the park. Playing in the nursery at church and running in and out of the doors on the gazebo. There was much to be thankful for during our time without Daddy, but goodness gracious we were glad when we were all together again! </div>
<br />Corriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09908493594301010911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229977962114732865.post-66364881090592715842012-10-24T16:55:00.001-05:002012-10-24T16:55:23.713-05:00Indiana Days: Fun FootwearWhile spending his days with his - originally uncle's, more recently - cousin's room as his own, Aed discovered that he has an affinity for footwear.<br />
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Being that my sister's family lived at my parents' house for a year before we did, a lot of their things still reside there. Including my nephew's shoes. Aed found a couple of pairs of black shoes in his closet that he would often be wearing we when retrieved him after his nap. Always pants-less too, of course. He'd slide those things on any old time of day, including right after waking up.<br />
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He also commandeered a pair of boots that were his cousin's and wore those things for all occasions!<br />
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My personal favorite, though, was when he'd shove them on over his footy pajamas and go for a walk in his pajamas and boots. He is ever the trendsetter.</div>
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Then, we went on a little vacation with our extended family, and my sister's family joined us. My niece had a super cute little pair of crocs that looked like Mary Jane's that Aed couldn't get enough of! Every time we turned around he was wearing these things.</div>
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After seeing what joy they brought him, we started searching high and low for a similar pair in a boy color, but couldn't even find the style! But I thought he still might like the ease with which the crocs can be put on and taken off independently, so we kept searching for crocs for him. My mom found these winners and we never looked back!<br />
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Nowadays, he mostly wears sandals or his 'racing shoes' (tennis shoes) because of the climate, but the Lightning McQueens still get pulled out pretty regularly to play with or wear. And, I have no doubt that as soon as he spots those boots at Nena and Papaw's house, they will be inseparable. </div>
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I'm happy to say, his brother has joined him in his love for shoes. His current obsession is 'SHSHGHSHEHSHGHOOOOES?' Asher is constantly putting them on and taking them off, and heaven help us if you put on his shoes and aren't immediately ready to walk out the door! Love these boys!</div>
<br />Corriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09908493594301010911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229977962114732865.post-45268204393151795572012-10-24T11:23:00.000-05:002012-10-24T11:23:26.036-05:00Indiana Days: Feeling Big
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Asher! How big are you?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtL1WcyaaT02Vl_vytEmYLzHbl7s_qxx-_74oIgtXoIM5o_Ce449KaeyaxCGpikNjRtdhJ_1m2v6wTpig7EndGOIMVEUd3jWTkxyoObd3s69NkPjgenoXVlbaUSDa2S8LCU4dDIYPC1eU/s1600/3_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtL1WcyaaT02Vl_vytEmYLzHbl7s_qxx-_74oIgtXoIM5o_Ce449KaeyaxCGpikNjRtdhJ_1m2v6wTpig7EndGOIMVEUd3jWTkxyoObd3s69NkPjgenoXVlbaUSDa2S8LCU4dDIYPC1eU/s400/3_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<o:p> </o:p> </div>
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Whoa there, buddy.. no need to take it so seriously.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8Tqs2KZ3nb5pTSaa0rXMztK9S0ZtGHC_lwXXShxW2FOFZTmYCNmxwRV7BlufkuvgsxgrzFTRkasqzhawvKJDQCVLVejc2mf5q7HryWavB_dWQdIi_pjGF7j3nU6awZ5xzVW8z8N4k8Y/s1600/3_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8Tqs2KZ3nb5pTSaa0rXMztK9S0ZtGHC_lwXXShxW2FOFZTmYCNmxwRV7BlufkuvgsxgrzFTRkasqzhawvKJDQCVLVejc2mf5q7HryWavB_dWQdIi_pjGF7j3nU6awZ5xzVW8z8N4k8Y/s400/3_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Phew. There we go.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(Just for the record, that first picture up there really was
his genuine SO BIG face.. best ever)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We knew you were getting bigger when you started joining Big
Brother in his adventures.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcnhxMc6attS1LXYrFmld2PW1ThtzOcMEsEP-cqMHbrnfT9Gi_LxehtI8NTUyFiUOsqVPUKzTvkD5HvNkTt1Yf2w5-gvqiqjGj0yk0511Mwsbo5Zg8lQ5IwtroUjgcp0qraLofi9uyvLY/s1600/2_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcnhxMc6attS1LXYrFmld2PW1ThtzOcMEsEP-cqMHbrnfT9Gi_LxehtI8NTUyFiUOsqVPUKzTvkD5HvNkTt1Yf2w5-gvqiqjGj0yk0511Mwsbo5Zg8lQ5IwtroUjgcp0qraLofi9uyvLY/s400/2_1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And we almost died from cuteness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We took you to the zoo with your brother, and had a
wonderful time with lots of aunts, uncles, and cousins! Something we had missed during our time in Scotland.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVNN-qIdk8_s5j6witXU2fdVYg_ISNqOLIjtZ2Ch1mb8yZX9S8wUblaqwn8f3TTDQblanht0GiQGjXVwQtCwpfirhj-EMH2XWyJ-_t5WLuUR0JsY1CQtIQV0LAa-cYLv6NCXPqAToyks/s1600/4_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVNN-qIdk8_s5j6witXU2fdVYg_ISNqOLIjtZ2Ch1mb8yZX9S8wUblaqwn8f3TTDQblanht0GiQGjXVwQtCwpfirhj-EMH2XWyJ-_t5WLuUR0JsY1CQtIQV0LAa-cYLv6NCXPqAToyks/s400/4_2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Mama was even crazy enough to let you crawl around the dirty
zoo so you could stretch your little limbs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxQXFODnGFXZU-zQ0pMFCDar789rJ5xM93WkGkio__I_5iBZa-1CF4sWrUbqsOOmxvXfMvQ00r4gwzesLcMwD6oozRZy_AUcL-_m0lj3gHxwMripnx7lD_t4EPzUojPfN2qGn9nV5Xto/s1600/4_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxQXFODnGFXZU-zQ0pMFCDar789rJ5xM93WkGkio__I_5iBZa-1CF4sWrUbqsOOmxvXfMvQ00r4gwzesLcMwD6oozRZy_AUcL-_m0lj3gHxwMripnx7lD_t4EPzUojPfN2qGn9nV5Xto/s400/4_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We saw seals..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_OAWOZpCbTzXWbia3HeWWmNj1EnfMCMY0lz50FxL77BCyLYURiG7vO2f-HNHrEy69twjfrR-Lysjau3csHNY_DWF4h6jymOlHEGcruYJeJQXa8fwVb-Rtl1TQ983Mdjf-qZJCSoNcu3w/s1600/4_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_OAWOZpCbTzXWbia3HeWWmNj1EnfMCMY0lz50FxL77BCyLYURiG7vO2f-HNHrEy69twjfrR-Lysjau3csHNY_DWF4h6jymOlHEGcruYJeJQXa8fwVb-Rtl1TQ983Mdjf-qZJCSoNcu3w/s400/4_3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Tigers..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifMp14j1cJa-fZx8BD_QruWZ2zk2X934_iZYxK6Vw4022BT4IMMLvjdH7yWkFqT4uvrvIzKM1yCDX3pU3G56fDH-1Gz0jrKGDuhyphenhyphenN-8e9HEzNvdladKRS8wlAg2XjEHdxj-vB6btDq9H4/s1600/4_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifMp14j1cJa-fZx8BD_QruWZ2zk2X934_iZYxK6Vw4022BT4IMMLvjdH7yWkFqT4uvrvIzKM1yCDX3pU3G56fDH-1Gz0jrKGDuhyphenhyphenN-8e9HEzNvdladKRS8wlAg2XjEHdxj-vB6btDq9H4/s400/4_4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
Lions..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPu6FJ_aBZjFvmSDY5JhhESs204fsK4ZQZV5Z0utq-v0hnOstqB8GvFTv__2fh3YC5fJPhYcMFPLiDNg2kTuatxkzn8ehXN_tenjJLmdGefj81DEDIKtU09Yb4yME49p_sSz4FdSesZ9U/s1600/4_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPu6FJ_aBZjFvmSDY5JhhESs204fsK4ZQZV5Z0utq-v0hnOstqB8GvFTv__2fh3YC5fJPhYcMFPLiDNg2kTuatxkzn8ehXN_tenjJLmdGefj81DEDIKtU09Yb4yME49p_sSz4FdSesZ9U/s320/4_5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And elephants! (There was even a baby :)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK5cJc_cY7FaPozLPoZL-nqqvpxvymHXKZDP8tcRKeCTb4OcL7E2-0_VcJJE2hOlgV9cw51GOOPwJM-opC-Bz0Q0XNJzchQ2Ks6gLQX3kGhM5Mr9jV3IuQNgNdMa8jaJbgKX1HMCKxX9o/s1600/4_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK5cJc_cY7FaPozLPoZL-nqqvpxvymHXKZDP8tcRKeCTb4OcL7E2-0_VcJJE2hOlgV9cw51GOOPwJM-opC-Bz0Q0XNJzchQ2Ks6gLQX3kGhM5Mr9jV3IuQNgNdMa8jaJbgKX1HMCKxX9o/s400/4_8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And, if you crop the picture just right, you’d almost think
we went straight to Africa to find that elephant! Right? No? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_1sFD4yg8Z9r7mqrhnq0iY8tZXwIf-ZGcnXsMc9Z0FMOYt9Wp9CTpGI2ubKw1STNJ61D6RYk8tW4WAB2Haf5R_gtz4k140UT0fbp8AYV-vAIGKG_H0QHLqB9yNMSBv8C85DRIhNqWfEk/s1600/4_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_1sFD4yg8Z9r7mqrhnq0iY8tZXwIf-ZGcnXsMc9Z0FMOYt9Wp9CTpGI2ubKw1STNJ61D6RYk8tW4WAB2Haf5R_gtz4k140UT0fbp8AYV-vAIGKG_H0QHLqB9yNMSBv8C85DRIhNqWfEk/s400/4_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Worth a shot.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Corriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09908493594301010911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229977962114732865.post-39984383944372076662012-10-24T09:56:00.001-05:002012-10-24T22:33:51.669-05:00Indiana Days: Easter <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Holidays get more and more fun with each year! We put
together little Easter baskets for each kiddo to find on Sunday morning.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2aULg7IEJzCdFDFK6ebDuBL9SAAQtuwb3vL4sZjb5b_0c0kBZ64_jB1JtZDOTEsKoubTiO2j-bJnyhzkM8CmScL0i7oT6x2dMbB3DoRULtHTqCabTweFH1sKLMEVcvh9EnMtWj24uBA/s1600/1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2aULg7IEJzCdFDFK6ebDuBL9SAAQtuwb3vL4sZjb5b_0c0kBZ64_jB1JtZDOTEsKoubTiO2j-bJnyhzkM8CmScL0i7oT6x2dMbB3DoRULtHTqCabTweFH1sKLMEVcvh9EnMtWj24uBA/s200/1_1.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcepn2d0T_ht-V2hyphenhyphenePhm1YWRVrn-S8C3-PXPEbWtw-kqE7F6BmmuQW_gGJm-onO6geeRAuSzCp5BcTpO_LtNF8du5WtUncitFhzV3QwMw4V-htbAJGc-9sNMy1d1-UiwNrtkqMk6mIA/s1600/1_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcepn2d0T_ht-V2hyphenhyphenePhm1YWRVrn-S8C3-PXPEbWtw-kqE7F6BmmuQW_gGJm-onO6geeRAuSzCp5BcTpO_LtNF8du5WtUncitFhzV3QwMw4V-htbAJGc-9sNMy1d1-UiwNrtkqMk6mIA/s200/1_2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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BOTH children were intently interested in the food aspects
of their baskets.. Can’t say I blame them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1pcpz-Bwrgy_XfmIRUIAqh8pRPLgBnIOzf-YMTAfpWKORB-4g2WLIdbfmLEBbE-4ffW2Lqi_bvK41eWpvTl8tOyL5WGQDpyr5U7c3qxj0kH2AtW5zQ_R0qQ407uAqcbN7zs71Abn8h0/s1600/1_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1pcpz-Bwrgy_XfmIRUIAqh8pRPLgBnIOzf-YMTAfpWKORB-4g2WLIdbfmLEBbE-4ffW2Lqi_bvK41eWpvTl8tOyL5WGQDpyr5U7c3qxj0kH2AtW5zQ_R0qQ407uAqcbN7zs71Abn8h0/s400/1_3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Though admittedly, Asher was more into it for the noise aspect than the eating aspect :)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZLeCCVPkyTDJskVc1N2F4A6UPP-hcE3_BRvu3TQvZgwSOa07K7Pv2LljBy08PZC_JEj5Hy5CsGm6PBqpnkgeWg1K1LPm9L6vdy6-d0sCwjFEk__2NvtSRUsI27NW37bz8vYkyK8uqB8/s1600/1_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZLeCCVPkyTDJskVc1N2F4A6UPP-hcE3_BRvu3TQvZgwSOa07K7Pv2LljBy08PZC_JEj5Hy5CsGm6PBqpnkgeWg1K1LPm9L6vdy6-d0sCwjFEk__2NvtSRUsI27NW37bz8vYkyK8uqB8/s400/1_4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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(I know, bad picture, but Aed was shoving some serious candy
into his mouth.. I think he thought he better hurry in case we changed our minds :)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We captured a little family photo before we left for church,
the boys sporting their new studly Easter outfits. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0W3Bt4XUX5T3a_32cetwBiHv2VDZ2kozDxsN2FueRcFNraAm3SR5Pcupf_ZvzamNpFAZfQKzoXpxdrkT9qFfPO2s7MJ5XVCl30xWjbeWbjMl1ozZgYZ430Rqs77m_ytw2_74Z9l0LQ-M/s1600/1_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0W3Bt4XUX5T3a_32cetwBiHv2VDZ2kozDxsN2FueRcFNraAm3SR5Pcupf_ZvzamNpFAZfQKzoXpxdrkT9qFfPO2s7MJ5XVCl30xWjbeWbjMl1ozZgYZ430Rqs77m_ytw2_74Z9l0LQ-M/s400/1_5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The cuteness on the ride to church was almost unbearable..<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFXGNkkQzjbwFe8q0iP1JAOx0qNrBJcDnxZFItd-MYttzQrNoh9AOSTeZAsvKhWJy6LdmX3UsFANM1XlUevSkpvrd3akQSbQWt0hfOFjUWVIPstevIxnduQ4guwnGRVoxr5avk3EYoSs/s1600/1_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFXGNkkQzjbwFe8q0iP1JAOx0qNrBJcDnxZFItd-MYttzQrNoh9AOSTeZAsvKhWJy6LdmX3UsFANM1XlUevSkpvrd3akQSbQWt0hfOFjUWVIPstevIxnduQ4guwnGRVoxr5avk3EYoSs/s400/1_6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Oh the dimples!<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Corriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09908493594301010911noreply@blogger.com0