tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17145634685525230882024-03-13T10:23:27.920-05:00Four Little MonkeysL a u r ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01357937710419543594noreply@blogger.comBlogger435125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714563468552523088.post-90972068821971902902012-07-16T20:19:00.001-05:002012-07-16T20:20:28.929-05:00Wow! What a trip!Two family reunions in two states in two weeks.
After hurrying home to get to a fiddle performance, we're still digesting all the fun we had on our trip.
While we're restarting school and preparing for another fiddle performance tomorrow night, I'll leave you with a bit of silliness from our adventure.
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S8QOhAxc6Qo/UAS8TUaYCZI/AAAAAAAANz8/yXg-F4oJ3Zw/s1600/CalvinCollageKathleen1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="286" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S8QOhAxc6Qo/UAS8TUaYCZI/AAAAAAAANz8/yXg-F4oJ3Zw/s400/CalvinCollageKathleen1.jpg" /></a></div>
<i>"Calvleen" at Grammy & Grampy's 50th wedding anniversary</i>L a u r ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01357937710419543594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714563468552523088.post-22236519854357790982012-06-07T20:26:00.000-05:002012-06-07T20:32:10.707-05:00Kathleen's Uni-rideShe recently graduated...
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oCDK2sGJlTQ/T9FS_XDazGI/AAAAAAAANzg/GalvKvDqsQY/s1600/KathUniDriveway.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="294" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oCDK2sGJlTQ/T9FS_XDazGI/AAAAAAAANzg/GalvKvDqsQY/s400/KathUniDriveway.JPG" /></a>to a larger unicycle,
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3nY0_pbvLoQ/T9FS_lMen-I/AAAAAAAANzs/gUVcYOW396c/s1600/KathUniStreet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="283" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3nY0_pbvLoQ/T9FS_lMen-I/AAAAAAAANzs/gUVcYOW396c/s400/KathUniStreet.JPG" /></a>because she's going against her mother's wishes
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hnqNuxybCCI/T9FS-9Tpq0I/AAAAAAAANzU/zgLODunyZgM/s1600/Kathleen%2BUni.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="270" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hnqNuxybCCI/T9FS-9Tpq0I/AAAAAAAANzU/zgLODunyZgM/s400/Kathleen%2BUni.jpg" /></a>...and getting bigger.L a u r ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01357937710419543594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714563468552523088.post-5980221463925194992012-05-26T05:49:00.000-05:002012-05-26T05:49:13.682-05:00Last Day of School at the Park :: Mom learns a lessonI love the idea of sketching and painting outdoors.
The kids also thought going to the park to do a little art sounded fun.
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So, off we went.
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The last day of our school year.
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<i>Gear</i>
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<i>My view</i>
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<i>Boating pooch</i>
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<i>My quick sharpie sketch</i>
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Cool morning in the shade
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Nothing better
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...for me, that is.
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The kids provided a few quick outputs with little focus and detail.
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They really just wanted to enjoy the outdoors, catch guppies, untangle fishing lines, watch heron, and run through the wildflowers.
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It was their last day of school after all!
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L4DQUfa3MRg/T8A_3qIQlNI/AAAAAAAANxw/V5nRzzB1hF0/s1600/JimmerWandering.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L4DQUfa3MRg/T8A_3qIQlNI/AAAAAAAANxw/V5nRzzB1hF0/s400/JimmerWandering.JPG" /></a></div>
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We wrapped up the art session quickly, then simply enjoyed being at the park and lake.
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Q86wkitg8I/T8BNL4DsQXI/AAAAAAAANy0/3eU07gv5iY4/s1600/FinalPicture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Q86wkitg8I/T8BNL4DsQXI/AAAAAAAANy0/3eU07gv5iY4/s400/FinalPicture.JPG" /></a></div><i>My final piece also shows distraction. The busload of kids playing in the park behind us didn't help either.</i>
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Lesson learned: Next time we paint en plein air, we'll start somewhere less distracting--our yard, neighborhood walking trail. When we take a nature hike somewhere more novel, I'll have the kids bring their camera and snap their favorite shots of something they can sketch and paint later when they'll be more likely to focus on the task and concentrate on details.
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vBlcQS0dxpw/T8A9RbRFNgI/AAAAAAAANwE/MtHlvF4k-vI/s1600/BoysWandering.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vBlcQS0dxpw/T8A9RbRFNgI/AAAAAAAANwE/MtHlvF4k-vI/s400/BoysWandering.JPG" /></a></div>
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We've had better success bringing nature indoors for art.
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BWw3PrlqLgo/T8Cqr2MmeWI/AAAAAAAANzE/iHWJHJCneto/s1600/MKSketchbook.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="322" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BWw3PrlqLgo/T8Cqr2MmeWI/AAAAAAAANzE/iHWJHJCneto/s400/MKSketchbook.JPG" /></a></div><i>MK's work from earlier in the year</i>
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Now, time to start planning for next school year.L a u r ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01357937710419543594noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714563468552523088.post-18608388104797541382012-05-18T09:00:00.000-05:002012-06-07T20:31:50.898-05:00More of Mike's Mechanics...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a1RtHZtHLlg/T7QGVXOoCBI/AAAAAAAANtI/K3QRihwnobU/s1600/MikeStraightShot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="263" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a1RtHZtHLlg/T7QGVXOoCBI/AAAAAAAANtI/K3QRihwnobU/s400/MikeStraightShot.JPG" /></a></div>
This time, it's homemade sling shots...
with harvested branches, drilled holes, rubber bands, duct tape, and various screws.
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Just one wouldn't do.
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He made three different sizes.
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yKtSdUSY4bg/T7QGTmRyU1I/AAAAAAAANsk/nS9UmmJnJ4I/s1600/MikeMedShotClose.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yKtSdUSY4bg/T7QGTmRyU1I/AAAAAAAANsk/nS9UmmJnJ4I/s400/MikeMedShotClose.JPG" /></a></div>
He's been testing them all for accuracy and range.
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The least conspicuous--the finger sling shot.
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<i>I don't think he likes when I call it the finger puppet sling!</i>
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This little DIY has been contagious.
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The other three kids have also made sling shots.
I figure it won't be long before another 10-15 kids on the block have made their own weapons.
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It could get very dangerous around here.L a u r ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01357937710419543594noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714563468552523088.post-15791526306994064022012-05-17T12:04:00.000-05:002012-06-07T20:32:41.322-05:00Something Joe is making in his spare time...It's been five years so far since Joe joined <strike>Fr. Danny's Dream Team</strike> our parish building committee to start planning for our new sanctuary.
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After looking like this about 10 months ago...
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-75Xn-ON3MZE/T7QcMXTfEuI/AAAAAAAANv0/Yf-M-A1LCr0/s1600/GroundbreakingMachinery.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-75Xn-ON3MZE/T7QcMXTfEuI/AAAAAAAANv0/Yf-M-A1LCr0/s400/GroundbreakingMachinery.JPG" /></a></div>
...the 1200-seat shell is up!
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w0GEGhOe0js/T7QV1p2D5eI/AAAAAAAANuw/y1dFHN5mFNs/s1600/SVdPStreetView.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="263" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w0GEGhOe0js/T7QV1p2D5eI/AAAAAAAANuw/y1dFHN5mFNs/s400/SVdPStreetView.JPG" /></a></div>Street view -- chapel side
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As the only structural engineer on the building committee, Joe walks these grounds frequently, meets with contract engineers weekly, and reviews materials test reports repeatedly.
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He's been very fortunate to be a part of this process with such a well-rounded and competent team. Although time-consuming, it's been a very gratifying experience, especially now that parishioners can begin to see the fruits of their labors.
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Inside
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U3tXQcjVW4A/T7QV1_Dq77I/AAAAAAAANvA/eVsVWUa2mwQ/s1600/FromNarthex.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U3tXQcjVW4A/T7QV1_Dq77I/AAAAAAAANvA/eVsVWUa2mwQ/s400/FromNarthex.JPG" /></a></div>View from narthex
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oG2ehOi13pU/T7QV07ImmzI/AAAAAAAANuo/__xha91TVww/s1600/CeilingAboveAltar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oG2ehOi13pU/T7QV07ImmzI/AAAAAAAANuo/__xha91TVww/s400/CeilingAboveAltar.JPG" /></a></div>Above the altar
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vo2mHyWNpsI/T7QV2k99snI/AAAAAAAANvI/mUxe54hf924/s1600/ViewFromTabernacle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vo2mHyWNpsI/T7QV2k99snI/AAAAAAAANvI/mUxe54hf924/s400/ViewFromTabernacle.JPG" /></a></div>From the tabernacle (reservation chapel)
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YgN7MZ9QS74/T7QXWCYpf_I/AAAAAAAANvk/7cPYm9qw7lQ/s1600/Stonework.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YgN7MZ9QS74/T7QXWCYpf_I/AAAAAAAANvk/7cPYm9qw7lQ/s400/Stonework.JPG" /></a></div>The stonework is now going up...and will be a big improvement to cover all that black exterior.
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T2BRKaMu2sE/T7QXVgNE-eI/AAAAAAAANvY/2ciGphkJ6qs/s1600/SideView.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T2BRKaMu2sE/T7QXVgNE-eI/AAAAAAAANvY/2ciGphkJ6qs/s400/SideView.JPG" /></a></div>Side view
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We're hoping it's finished by the dedication ceremony, October 27. Otherwise, I guess we'll have to play Tiddlywinks with the bishop who is scheduled to celebrate with us!L a u r ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01357937710419543594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714563468552523088.post-12286719971114541652012-05-16T15:53:00.000-05:002012-05-16T15:53:32.890-05:00It's been kinda nice finishing up most of our activities for the year.
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A couple of weeks ago, the kids ended their violin group lessons with a recital.
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Last weekend (Mother's Day) they had their individual recitals in both violin and piano.
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I really slacked off by the time we got to the piano recital--this is all I got!
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Shame!
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But...
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Hooray!!! We've finished the season!!!L a u r ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01357937710419543594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714563468552523088.post-49043746258350777672012-05-03T06:40:00.000-05:002012-06-07T20:32:58.137-05:00Mike's recent tinkeringHe was fed up with either having to rely on me to turn on/off his ceiling fan...or having to climb down from the top bunk to do it himself.
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N4Jygoe3Ars/T6HEr260IFI/AAAAAAAANp8/ev36onP52qw/s1600/MikeWiredBedFanSwitch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="284" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N4Jygoe3Ars/T6HEr260IFI/AAAAAAAANp8/ev36onP52qw/s400/MikeWiredBedFanSwitch.JPG" /></a></div>Out came some wires, tape, gears, and other plastic thingies.
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tht6XnKOw34/T6HFbqID1TI/AAAAAAAANqI/xfJTNIDylP4/s1600/MikesBedSwitchCrank.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tht6XnKOw34/T6HFbqID1TI/AAAAAAAANqI/xfJTNIDylP4/s400/MikesBedSwitchCrank.JPG" /></a></div>
Voila!--a new bed-mounted switch!
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IZXVEZVNSfk/T6HDeWdyazI/AAAAAAAANpw/OrOoUYLRZgk/s1600/MikesFanSwitch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="296" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IZXVEZVNSfk/T6HDeWdyazI/AAAAAAAANpw/OrOoUYLRZgk/s400/MikesFanSwitch.JPG" /></a></div>
Necessity (...or, perhaps, laziness) is the mother of invention.L a u r ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01357937710419543594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714563468552523088.post-28012277852037715512012-05-02T08:03:00.000-05:002012-06-07T20:33:08.452-05:00Kathleen's donation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kGjGj0YHCKk/T6AB9GZgReI/AAAAAAAANoU/PSmPIlO9LPQ/s1600/KathleenLongHair.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="319" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kGjGj0YHCKk/T6AB9GZgReI/AAAAAAAANoU/PSmPIlO9LPQ/s400/KathleenLongHair.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Lrv8UYcwW4/T6AB9qtetXI/AAAAAAAANog/IMmR0uLCvik/s1600/KathProfileLongHair.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="331" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Lrv8UYcwW4/T6AB9qtetXI/AAAAAAAANog/IMmR0uLCvik/s400/KathProfileLongHair.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A5aA7Dj4s8k/T6AB-LrqzpI/AAAAAAAANos/ngYtbb6BS1s/s1600/KathHalfCut.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="324" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A5aA7Dj4s8k/T6AB-LrqzpI/AAAAAAAANos/ngYtbb6BS1s/s400/KathHalfCut.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gEcq7hQ0ESk/T6ACiJ0N6rI/AAAAAAAANpE/eZQa5VahBjo/s1600/KathHairCutMeasure.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="258" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gEcq7hQ0ESk/T6ACiJ0N6rI/AAAAAAAANpE/eZQa5VahBjo/s400/KathHairCutMeasure.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xxNE_S9Nwq8/T6AB-aICIoI/AAAAAAAANo4/n_bkDzcRiU4/s1600/KathHoldingCut.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="374" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xxNE_S9Nwq8/T6AB-aICIoI/AAAAAAAANo4/n_bkDzcRiU4/s400/KathHoldingCut.JPG" /></a></div>L a u r ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01357937710419543594noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714563468552523088.post-35596170756042698992012-05-01T10:20:00.000-05:002012-05-01T10:20:30.236-05:00Yes, we have no pets!We are, however, enthusiastic caretakers of other people's animals.
It's the perfect remedy for kids who think they'd like a houseful of little critters!
Currently, we are housing a couple of guinea pigs; a 20-gallon tank full of fish; 2 little bunnies; and the frequently-visiting, ever-loitering neighbor cat...not to mention the jar of fruit flies (science).<br />
</i><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cub-sGNwMKc/T5sgWzGBieI/AAAAAAAANn4/p1p5bGciciA/s1600/GuineaPigHouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cub-sGNwMKc/T5sgWzGBieI/AAAAAAAANn4/p1p5bGciciA/s400/GuineaPigHouse.JPG" /></a></div>
The 6 ft. x 2 ft. 2-story critter mansion.
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B1xmJ1DX9z0/T5sgXBjpPgI/AAAAAAAANoE/g6A_2mjC3T0/s1600/Quark.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B1xmJ1DX9z0/T5sgXBjpPgI/AAAAAAAANoE/g6A_2mjC3T0/s400/Quark.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1xTlBXlO_Y/T5sgWIAuBHI/AAAAAAAANns/D42RsofcST8/s1600/GizmoNotShy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="276" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1xTlBXlO_Y/T5sgWIAuBHI/AAAAAAAANns/D42RsofcST8/s400/GizmoNotShy.JPG" /></a></div>We're caring for these guys while their owner's house is on the market.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vMr5AjQAfjs/T4cUHOG4LhI/AAAAAAAANlg/TzuOrNrwr-4/s1600/GuineaPigBath.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vMr5AjQAfjs/T4cUHOG4LhI/AAAAAAAANlg/TzuOrNrwr-4/s400/GuineaPigBath.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YOLZQKHio3Y/T5seHGVaMlI/AAAAAAAANnU/4YLROB4K3tE/s1600/JimBunniesLegs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="286" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YOLZQKHio3Y/T5seHGVaMlI/AAAAAAAANnU/4YLROB4K3tE/s400/JimBunniesLegs.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_HuPyUqtcGU/T5seGiun9eI/AAAAAAAANnI/tMGdkZULt5Y/s1600/AmosFishTankCloseUp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_HuPyUqtcGU/T5seGiun9eI/AAAAAAAANnI/tMGdkZULt5Y/s400/AmosFishTankCloseUp.JPG" /></a></div>
Just to restate: We really don't have any pets!
L a u r ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01357937710419543594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714563468552523088.post-90910288897683637552012-03-15T22:11:00.000-05:002012-03-15T22:11:01.242-05:00Dives on the Ides of March<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_jygODFS-s4/T2KpMzlM6JI/AAAAAAAANi4/Cw0CTS5dIcs/s1600/PoolSeasonFlipFlops.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="255" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_jygODFS-s4/T2KpMzlM6JI/AAAAAAAANi4/Cw0CTS5dIcs/s400/PoolSeasonFlipFlops.JPG" /></a></div>According to the kids, their inaugural leap into swim season HAS to happen in March.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-luYlCvOS8Cc/T2KpNH5hCmI/AAAAAAAANjE/WpaXiSCqeMg/s1600/SwimPosers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="278" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-luYlCvOS8Cc/T2KpNH5hCmI/AAAAAAAANjE/WpaXiSCqeMg/s400/SwimPosers.JPG" /></a></div>Even though we've already hit 92 degrees (last week), they chose this 70-degree sprinkly day as their day to don wetsuits and take the leap with a visiting friend...into the unheated pool.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DEszZUluH2I/T2Kptq7QcBI/AAAAAAAANkQ/EvE4GCaHNX0/s1600/MikeSwimside.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="292" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DEszZUluH2I/T2Kptq7QcBI/AAAAAAAANkQ/EvE4GCaHNX0/s400/MikeSwimside.JPG" /></a></div>Mike knows his limits...especially since his wetsuit was on loan. He waits.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oiBzsorhSWc/T2KpNcyezCI/AAAAAAAANjQ/bmOhiAzPRcU/s1600/JimSwimGEar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="270" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oiBzsorhSWc/T2KpNcyezCI/AAAAAAAANjQ/bmOhiAzPRcU/s400/JimSwimGEar.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EPRSIm6XcRY/T2Kpsn6s2eI/AAAAAAAANjo/jCSP4yJmA1Y/s1600/WetsuitJumpers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="280" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EPRSIm6XcRY/T2Kpsn6s2eI/AAAAAAAANjo/jCSP4yJmA1Y/s400/WetsuitJumpers.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k_ZuZoVokaU/T2KptLacYkI/AAAAAAAANj0/vao84FJdBqU/s1600/MKSwim.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="268" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k_ZuZoVokaU/T2KptLacYkI/AAAAAAAANj0/vao84FJdBqU/s400/MKSwim.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BdFmaAXpir8/T2KtmzVpmyI/AAAAAAAANkw/HrolxzXQMxo/s1600/MikeInPool.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="255" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BdFmaAXpir8/T2KtmzVpmyI/AAAAAAAANkw/HrolxzXQMxo/s400/MikeInPool.JPG" /></a></div>Taking off right where he left off from last season, Mike started his breath-hold laps. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ffpXcZ5Df7w/T2Kptfb2INI/AAAAAAAANj8/RUXPrIsRv6k/s1600/KathleenSwim.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="270" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ffpXcZ5Df7w/T2Kptfb2INI/AAAAAAAANj8/RUXPrIsRv6k/s400/KathleenSwim.JPG" /></a></div>...while the others flip and twist and splash about.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gdG6ijdaoE8/T2KpN9NCkYI/AAAAAAAANjc/ksLerbNIL2E/s1600/KathFlip.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gdG6ijdaoE8/T2KpN9NCkYI/AAAAAAAANjc/ksLerbNIL2E/s400/KathFlip.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FPMjaAd5b6s/T2KqvconiPI/AAAAAAAANkY/K3qH51btC7E/s1600/GirlsSwim.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FPMjaAd5b6s/T2KqvconiPI/AAAAAAAANkY/K3qH51btC7E/s400/GirlsSwim.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aPm_lQ5sUgc/T2Kqvn161NI/AAAAAAAANkg/d1ezgLDLdPQ/s1600/JimSwim.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aPm_lQ5sUgc/T2Kqvn161NI/AAAAAAAANkg/d1ezgLDLdPQ/s400/JimSwim.JPG" /></a></div>Brrr!L a u r ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01357937710419543594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714563468552523088.post-50287201120551763762012-03-09T21:40:00.000-06:002012-03-15T22:12:02.270-05:00They're teenagers!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wu3EI3V8VuA/T2Knzcq-0uI/AAAAAAAANis/Bi8DboUiEO4/s1600/MikeKathleenBDayCards.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="274" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wu3EI3V8VuA/T2Knzcq-0uI/AAAAAAAANis/Bi8DboUiEO4/s400/MikeKathleenBDayCards.JPG" /></a></div>L a u r ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01357937710419543594noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714563468552523088.post-69842290312268891812012-02-22T18:58:00.001-06:002012-02-22T19:00:20.592-06:00An Ash Wednesday composition :: by JimmerSuch a coincidence that Jimmer had this English lesson today.<br />
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Here's the explanation from my teacher's book on what he was to think about before we started our main lesson.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VAKrz9yH-Tw/T0WLfdS-7XI/AAAAAAAANh8/WuvT7APufhw/s1600/EnglishBookInstructions.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="204" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VAKrz9yH-Tw/T0WLfdS-7XI/AAAAAAAANh8/WuvT7APufhw/s400/EnglishBookInstructions.JPG" /></a></div>Keeping with his <i>unique</i> Jimmer personality, he wrote this piece.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m9c1Bfe9ln0/T0WLfpETUeI/AAAAAAAANiI/WsM19W3jgjA/s1600/JimmersHungryStory.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="289" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m9c1Bfe9ln0/T0WLfpETUeI/AAAAAAAANiI/WsM19W3jgjA/s400/JimmersHungryStory.JPG" /></a></div>Typed version:<br />
<br />
<i>Jimmer Roche<br />
Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2012<br />
<br />
There was a boy named John who was a caveman. He got VERY hungry one day. It was Ash Wednesday, and he had to fast. He was VERY hungry. He thought that if he ate his hunting club, it wouldn’t be considered food. So he ate it. After that, he had to go to the hospital because he had splinters in his stomach. They got the splinters out, but he still had to wear an eye patch because he also got a splinter in his eye. John was still very hungry.</i><br />
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The other kids were quite entertained with this one!<br />
Tough to imagine what all goes through that boy's mind.L a u r ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01357937710419543594noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714563468552523088.post-488890441458069022012-02-21T18:38:00.001-06:002012-02-22T18:40:58.284-06:00Valentine's Day Fun...thanks to Gramma!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Iyu4u_36ZLw/T0WKwLFz6BI/AAAAAAAANhw/WuAOaR6wYhY/s1600/M%2526Ms%2BVDay.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Iyu4u_36ZLw/T0WKwLFz6BI/AAAAAAAANhw/WuAOaR6wYhY/s400/M%2526Ms%2BVDay.JPG" /></a></div>Made the kids feel very special, it did!L a u r ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01357937710419543594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714563468552523088.post-84857841904188310462012-02-20T18:06:00.000-06:002012-02-22T18:37:29.094-06:00Some happeningsBeen a long time, been a long time...<br />
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Just a handful of photos I found that basically represent what we've been up to lately.<br />
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Homeschooling at its best.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GVyfiDhqh4I/T0WD7fzdsqI/AAAAAAAANhM/JMiqGu7--io/s1600/JimmerMaskFireplaceReading.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GVyfiDhqh4I/T0WD7fzdsqI/AAAAAAAANhM/JMiqGu7--io/s400/JimmerMaskFireplaceReading.JPG" /></a></div>Kathleen played another home recital.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dR3mG6RIvzU/T0WEu8HTYnI/AAAAAAAANhk/sdBLu-0d0cc/s1600/KathleensRecital.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dR3mG6RIvzU/T0WEu8HTYnI/AAAAAAAANhk/sdBLu-0d0cc/s400/KathleensRecital.JPG" /></a></div>(No video up yet)<br />
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Because the kids consider this blog the closest thing they'll ever know to a scrapbook/record of our lives, they like for me to post things they want to remember...such as every time they crack open a double-yolk egg!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bdfjo1-22I0/T0WD69caLQI/AAAAAAAANhA/lVkpGLEOe18/s1600/DoubleYolker.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bdfjo1-22I0/T0WD69caLQI/AAAAAAAANhA/lVkpGLEOe18/s400/DoubleYolker.JPG" /></a></div><br />
And when they have some major N-Tropy mojo going on.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3NfRoVcI6k0/T0WEuTZMlfI/AAAAAAAANhY/uet6MASkxbI/s1600/NTropy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3NfRoVcI6k0/T0WEuTZMlfI/AAAAAAAANhY/uet6MASkxbI/s400/NTropy.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
They also want to remember this old guy who has sort of adopted us.<br />
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Amos, the 12 year old cat, does have a real home, but he's left outside all day. When it's chilly outside, he comes to the door meowing quite pathetically. <br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nMAv32v_eMA/T0WD6GnNzgI/AAAAAAAANgo/7Uv0U_VrTU0/s1600/Amos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nMAv32v_eMA/T0WD6GnNzgI/AAAAAAAANgo/7Uv0U_VrTU0/s400/Amos.JPG" /></a></div>So pathetically, in fact, that it's usually too difficult to bear. So, we let him in to warm up a bit.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--qYlQuUgKPo/T0WD6hhmWWI/AAAAAAAANgw/_MvbkyBJQMY/s1600/AmosRelaxed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="291" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--qYlQuUgKPo/T0WD6hhmWWI/AAAAAAAANgw/_MvbkyBJQMY/s400/AmosRelaxed.JPG" /></a></div>He's a pretty uptight sort and has a tough time relaxing around a bunch of strangers, don't you think?L a u r ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01357937710419543594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714563468552523088.post-9454534251745381152011-12-24T19:29:00.000-06:002011-12-24T19:29:09.591-06:00Merry Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-skvLRxjaoJk/TvZ8PslbkkI/AAAAAAAANf4/N7axY5mth40/s1600/FAMILY%2BCROP.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="257" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-skvLRxjaoJk/TvZ8PslbkkI/AAAAAAAANf4/N7axY5mth40/s400/FAMILY%2BCROP.JPG" /></a></div>L a u r ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01357937710419543594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714563468552523088.post-46706042913825662662011-11-20T15:17:00.075-06:002011-11-30T20:46:09.284-06:00Birthday Boy :: Last of the Single DigitsI used to really enjoy celebrating our kids' milestones. (No more diapers!! No more training wheels!! Losing those first teeth!!) But celebrations these days seem more bitter sweet. All double digits from here. *sigh*<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sNKQdx4qES0/TsbqonoE6xI/AAAAAAAANbk/8ixwoPRb4HY/s1600/BrownieCamoChscakeCandles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sNKQdx4qES0/TsbqonoE6xI/AAAAAAAANbk/8ixwoPRb4HY/s400/BrownieCamoChscakeCandles.JPG" /></a></div><br />
At least the boy has good taste! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MS-2qzId1M4/TtbjQRAKRJI/AAAAAAAANes/Lwbiyr5R1hY/s1600/JimmerCard.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MS-2qzId1M4/TtbjQRAKRJI/AAAAAAAANes/Lwbiyr5R1hY/s400/JimmerCard.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U5Ndh7AXBVs/TtbjRFuJdfI/AAAAAAAANfE/-BsFds_xxMw/s1600/JimsTreasureHunt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U5Ndh7AXBVs/TtbjRFuJdfI/AAAAAAAANfE/-BsFds_xxMw/s400/JimsTreasureHunt.JPG" /></a></div><br />
I think the birthday gift treasure hunts will continue to be a lasting tradition...so I'll hang onto it while I can and enjoy writing all those clues in verse.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xdz-A0iZEmE/TtbjRw-oqMI/AAAAAAAANfQ/APGWmw0KWlc/s1600/JimTreasure%2BHuntGift.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xdz-A0iZEmE/TtbjRw-oqMI/AAAAAAAANfQ/APGWmw0KWlc/s400/JimTreasure%2BHuntGift.JPG" /></a></div>Gramma totally has his number--a very nifty spy gadget!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sFsK4k6tbKA/TtbjQi_TJGI/AAAAAAAANe4/EekFHjGZlpM/s1600/JimmerVideoWatch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sFsK4k6tbKA/TtbjQi_TJGI/AAAAAAAANe4/EekFHjGZlpM/s400/JimmerVideoWatch.JPG" /></a></div>For the record, I like the lie detector test on this unit. I passed (96% truthful) when I stated, "I am 29 years old."<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AvQ3aXvktqc/TsbqpsBPMRI/AAAAAAAANb8/IpuXhBxyHoc/s1600/JimmerCake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AvQ3aXvktqc/TsbqpsBPMRI/AAAAAAAANb8/IpuXhBxyHoc/s400/JimmerCake.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Jimmer said this was his favorite birthday cake--ever!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YevosE98IKE/Tsbqo7IKxLI/AAAAAAAANb0/brF9BoNNLCU/s1600/BrownieCamoChscake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="272" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YevosE98IKE/Tsbqo7IKxLI/AAAAAAAANb0/brF9BoNNLCU/s400/BrownieCamoChscake.JPG" /></a></div>I may be finished making cut-out cakes.<br />
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Not yet sure if that's an, Awww...*sniff* or a !!!!!<br />
<br />
I do know that Jimmer is a sweet, humorous, and clever little 9 year old character...and he still loves to give good hugs and snuggle! So I will celebrate those things for sure!!L a u r ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01357937710419543594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714563468552523088.post-10953301041866448002011-11-14T19:19:00.003-06:002011-11-14T21:07:08.246-06:00Estes Park in SeptemberWe just can't seem to stay away from Estes Park for too long. This year, we deemed that it had been long enough.<br />
<br />
Still back in September...<br />
I flew from Seattle to Denver. Then Joe and the kids drove up from Albuquerque and picked me up on their way to Estes.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PDboXk6ndGs/Trs6SuD-z2I/AAAAAAAANXs/QscYntBMW8k/s1600/KIDSEstesParkMtnLion.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PDboXk6ndGs/Trs6SuD-z2I/AAAAAAAANXs/QscYntBMW8k/s400/KIDSEstesParkMtnLion.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This photo spot in the middle of town is now a tradition.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u_A4oEZ9kQg/TrxzsDhMjCI/AAAAAAAANY8/WdThc_usj-w/s1600/KathleenHangingSitup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u_A4oEZ9kQg/TrxzsDhMjCI/AAAAAAAANY8/WdThc_usj-w/s400/KathleenHangingSitup.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Also in the middle of town is the kids' favorite monkeying-around place.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1C3Ve0Tnfow/TrxziomUobI/AAAAAAAANYo/qGfpAxkR3iI/s1600/JimMonkBarBackBend.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1C3Ve0Tnfow/TrxziomUobI/AAAAAAAANYo/qGfpAxkR3iI/s400/JimMonkBarBackBend.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Ham bone<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uk3WGy4iPPs/Trs5hNHsCmI/AAAAAAAANW8/6PO7wZFZcpU/s1600/MKBackBendSideCuter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uk3WGy4iPPs/Trs5hNHsCmI/AAAAAAAANW8/6PO7wZFZcpU/s400/MKBackBendSideCuter.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C_JH0tD01LE/Trs5hmZDO1I/AAAAAAAANXI/sFdoKiiComg/s1600/MikeMonkBarBackBend.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C_JH0tD01LE/Trs5hmZDO1I/AAAAAAAANXI/sFdoKiiComg/s400/MikeMonkBarBackBend.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The boys' backs just don't seem to bend as well as the girls' do.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_UdhuVIoOf8/TrxzzAy9OHI/AAAAAAAANZE/qbwT-hhMiJ0/s1600/KathMonkBackBendSide.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_UdhuVIoOf8/TrxzzAy9OHI/AAAAAAAANZE/qbwT-hhMiJ0/s400/KathMonkBackBendSide.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oyyDfVNcnps/Trxz-RcjuyI/AAAAAAAANZU/9gN75g6Z3iU/s1600/KIDS+MonkeyBarsEstes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oyyDfVNcnps/Trxz-RcjuyI/AAAAAAAANZU/9gN75g6Z3iU/s400/KIDS+MonkeyBarsEstes.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f2N9JyI_dPg/Trs5g6zCW1I/AAAAAAAANWw/9dQAhKVGndo/s1600/MtnViewCloudy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f2N9JyI_dPg/Trs5g6zCW1I/AAAAAAAANWw/9dQAhKVGndo/s400/MtnViewCloudy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We had to wait for the snow to stop and road to open before we could drive Trail Ridge Road.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I6eBWMiu_5Q/Trs6SVI-LjI/AAAAAAAANXg/5X5d4MymBrE/s1600/KIDSRMNPCloudsMtns.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I6eBWMiu_5Q/Trs6SVI-LjI/AAAAAAAANXg/5X5d4MymBrE/s400/KIDSRMNPCloudsMtns.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>In the clouds<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oAhD_FVKhUw/Trs5iqD3AzI/AAAAAAAANXU/8VZY02aALok/s1600/KidsRMNPMtnsClouds.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oAhD_FVKhUw/Trs5iqD3AzI/AAAAAAAANXU/8VZY02aALok/s400/KidsRMNPMtnsClouds.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wwgK2OaCo_8/Trs6T0u4TPI/AAAAAAAANYI/stbHyXapAl8/s1600/KIDSAlpineVisitorCenter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wwgK2OaCo_8/Trs6T0u4TPI/AAAAAAAANYI/stbHyXapAl8/s400/KIDSAlpineVisitorCenter.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Made it to the Alpine Visitor Center<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K2ME-hJiXYo/TryDxLkkv9I/AAAAAAAANac/nPyy7Qpc9II/s1600/Temp34.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K2ME-hJiXYo/TryDxLkkv9I/AAAAAAAANac/nPyy7Qpc9II/s400/Temp34.JPG" /></a></div>A chilly 34 degrees<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9u8ishcYLdU/TryDxmPbUyI/AAAAAAAANao/z7L47hPoSRU/s1600/PlayingInSnow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9u8ishcYLdU/TryDxmPbUyI/AAAAAAAANao/z7L47hPoSRU/s400/PlayingInSnow.JPG" /></a></div>A vacation is always better when the kids get to play in a little snow! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dRFS_Wclwwg/TryDyIWp-cI/AAAAAAAANa0/3xn1bRtC3WA/s1600/PineBarkBeetleDamage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dRFS_Wclwwg/TryDyIWp-cI/AAAAAAAANa0/3xn1bRtC3WA/s400/PineBarkBeetleDamage.JPG" /></a></div>Sadly, I've noticed a lot of brown, dying pine trees since our last visit to RMNP. We found out that it was due to Pine Bark Beetles.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J5t898F5P0w/TsG6ig7IK_I/AAAAAAAANbQ/Tqsy0gTyT_I/s1600/pine%2Bbeetle%2Binfestation%2BRMNP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J5t898F5P0w/TsG6ig7IK_I/AAAAAAAANbQ/Tqsy0gTyT_I/s400/pine%2Bbeetle%2Binfestation%2BRMNP.jpg" /></a></div>It's changing the look of the landscape for sure.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k3InlhUQntk/Trx0FMLmKTI/AAAAAAAANZc/KScQpjp9ZIw/s1600/KIDS+Ranger+badge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k3InlhUQntk/Trx0FMLmKTI/AAAAAAAANZc/KScQpjp9ZIw/s400/KIDS+Ranger+badge.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>All the kids earned their Junior Ranger badges for Rocky Mountain National Park.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qy9AzwG9zts/TrxzOh8ut2I/AAAAAAAANYM/Kl5ixQEmUNA/s1600/ElkBuglingwFemales.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qy9AzwG9zts/TrxzOh8ut2I/AAAAAAAANYM/Kl5ixQEmUNA/s400/ElkBuglingwFemales.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We got to see the male elk acting a bit ridiculous since it was rut season.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Mvt7FMSFaM/Trx_1Fz_MxI/AAAAAAAANZ8/hsaRvGt67wk/s1600/BullElkBugle2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Mvt7FMSFaM/Trx_1Fz_MxI/AAAAAAAANZ8/hsaRvGt67wk/s400/BullElkBugle2.JPG" /></a></div>They make a very high-pitched noise and run around after the lady elk with their heads and antlers back like this.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o2p4kjS1ytU/Trx_0g5kK9I/AAAAAAAANZs/yklEL9S3nB4/s1600/BullElkBugle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o2p4kjS1ytU/Trx_0g5kK9I/AAAAAAAANZs/yklEL9S3nB4/s400/BullElkBugle.JPG" /></a></div>They also lock antlers with other guy elk who may be looking at their ladies. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e7KXl0GQwRI/TrxzUjDj4iI/AAAAAAAANYU/SnZJRQ82MVw/s1600/ElkHammock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e7KXl0GQwRI/TrxzUjDj4iI/AAAAAAAANYU/SnZJRQ82MVw/s400/ElkHammock.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This guy ended up locking antlers with a hammock. Not sure which one won.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vPTEqx5w3p8/TrxzlnaEQJI/AAAAAAAANYw/X7koNT4kiYM/s1600/JimRangerCurly.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vPTEqx5w3p8/TrxzlnaEQJI/AAAAAAAANYw/X7koNT4kiYM/s400/JimRangerCurly.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Jimmer doing his best Stooge impression--Curly.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEGq_mYq09k/Trx_2VWHfHI/AAAAAAAANaQ/h5OD83ijNd0/s1600/DSC06028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEGq_mYq09k/Trx_2VWHfHI/AAAAAAAANaQ/h5OD83ijNd0/s400/DSC06028.JPG" /></a></div>Location of the nightly S'mores<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pjRRBqsckDo/Trs6TEMffpI/AAAAAAAANX4/ik0j0NQ2ZrY/s1600/KIDSEstesDeckDinner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pjRRBqsckDo/Trs6TEMffpI/AAAAAAAANX4/ik0j0NQ2ZrY/s400/KIDSEstesDeckDinner.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Enjoying dinner on our deck at the lodge<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AT8iLFbCDN4/Trxzcbe7NBI/AAAAAAAANYg/nUCE69AbboQ/s1600/JimmerSmile.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AT8iLFbCDN4/Trxzcbe7NBI/AAAAAAAANYg/nUCE69AbboQ/s400/JimmerSmile.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r3j6zLlkuZo/TryDy2P79DI/AAAAAAAANbA/ZFrV2WvyZqo/s1600/LongsPeak.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r3j6zLlkuZo/TryDy2P79DI/AAAAAAAANbA/ZFrV2WvyZqo/s400/LongsPeak.JPG" /></a></div>Long's Peak<br />
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Over the mountains the through the forest to Aunt Kathleen and Uncle Gary's house we go...L a u r ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01357937710419543594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714563468552523088.post-40701771710757392462011-11-01T13:49:00.002-05:002011-11-01T21:50:49.353-05:00All Hallow's Eve<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oUDO1M905AU/TrA-2bK0QdI/AAAAAAAANOk/QJ5femUYQa8/s1600/KIDSHalloween.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oUDO1M905AU/TrA-2bK0QdI/AAAAAAAANOk/QJ5femUYQa8/s400/KIDSHalloween.JPG" /></a></div><i>(in front of our neighbor's scary "graveyard" complete with a limp-walking dead man)</i><br />
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Amelia Earhart, a couple of bandits, and a national park ranger hauled in a LOT of sugary loot last night.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mXTv4nP5Ps0/TrCvtpZvLxI/AAAAAAAANUk/ltsyAsbgbcI/s1600/WilliamLimpingDeadMan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mXTv4nP5Ps0/TrCvtpZvLxI/AAAAAAAANUk/ltsyAsbgbcI/s400/WilliamLimpingDeadMan.JPG" /></a></div>L a u r ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01357937710419543594noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714563468552523088.post-44871805081855291232011-10-07T13:09:00.000-05:002011-11-02T13:57:05.836-05:00Dad & kids travel without me...While I was snuggling my niece and eating way too much good food in Seattle, Joe took the opportunity to do a little traveling with the kids. Brave man!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BaXf91sTnKo/TrGJRacWzeI/AAAAAAAANUw/JcpeffZ996g/s1600/Cousins.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="268" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BaXf91sTnKo/TrGJRacWzeI/AAAAAAAANUw/JcpeffZ996g/s400/Cousins.JPG" /></a></div>He took the kids on a 12-hour drive to see their cousins in Albuquerque.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4UwvCr6jpjk/TrGJRuTj_3I/AAAAAAAANU8/qv2QKUSght0/s1600/CousinsCalvin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="254" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4UwvCr6jpjk/TrGJRuTj_3I/AAAAAAAANU8/qv2QKUSght0/s400/CousinsCalvin.JPG" /></a></div><i>(From the looks of the photos on our camera, it would appear that all eight children lived on their own and hung out together all weekend by themselves--no adults in any of the pics!)</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dztf_uWdSJ0/TrGJqPPqFCI/AAAAAAAANVk/Tg83SCzCDdM/s1600/KidsDadSantaFeCROP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="303" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dztf_uWdSJ0/TrGJqPPqFCI/AAAAAAAANVk/Tg83SCzCDdM/s400/KidsDadSantaFeCROP.jpg" /></a></div>After the weekend, Joe and kids went off to Santa Fe...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JF1ziGWFYGA/TrGJS4KPlUI/AAAAAAAANVI/JDht9jU7YhI/s1600/KDISGardenOfGods.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JF1ziGWFYGA/TrGJS4KPlUI/AAAAAAAANVI/JDht9jU7YhI/s400/KDISGardenOfGods.JPG" /></a></div>...and then up through Colorado, stopping at Garden of the Gods.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EBh_viRWALE/TrGJr9Qz0TI/AAAAAAAANWI/TBBaplCPuuw/s1600/KIDSManyOfSevenFalls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EBh_viRWALE/TrGJr9Qz0TI/AAAAAAAANWI/TBBaplCPuuw/s400/KIDSManyOfSevenFalls.JPG" /></a></div>Then a repeat performance of the <a href="http://www.sevenfalls.com/visit/index_30.cfm">Seven Falls</a> stair climb--all 224 steps!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VqBmbzlgr3U/TrGJrisJh8I/AAAAAAAANV8/1glEZETQm_E/s1600/KIDSSevenFalls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VqBmbzlgr3U/TrGJrisJh8I/AAAAAAAANV8/1glEZETQm_E/s400/KIDSSevenFalls.JPG" /></a></div>It was good for them!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xtt_QRHnGCA/TrGJqN0TIDI/AAAAAAAANVw/fzjMME9oXGI/s1600/KIDSHats.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xtt_QRHnGCA/TrGJqN0TIDI/AAAAAAAANVw/fzjMME9oXGI/s400/KIDSHats.JPG" /></a></div>Garden of the Gods has a fabulous gift shop...with silly hats!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t7yGTGh2rTc/TrGJziUHECI/AAAAAAAANWU/lHq23STLKjQ/s1600/MikeStretchedFaceCOSprgs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="285" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t7yGTGh2rTc/TrGJziUHECI/AAAAAAAANWU/lHq23STLKjQ/s400/MikeStretchedFaceCOSprgs.JPG" /></a></div>After many years, they also made a repeat visit to the <a href="http://www.ghosttownmuseum.com/">Colorado Springs Ghost Town Museum</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HpVRT0_FCkU/TrGJT_m6l1I/AAAAAAAANVU/2tkcGBDQ3VQ/s1600/KIDSCOSpringsOldTown.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HpVRT0_FCkU/TrGJT_m6l1I/AAAAAAAANVU/2tkcGBDQ3VQ/s400/KIDSCOSpringsOldTown.JPG" /></a></div>Everyone loves panning for gold when you're pretty much guaranteed to come out with some gold!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JfWjxJwsmfc/TrGN_JbcoqI/AAAAAAAANWk/Bfzwb9zA4Xc/s1600/KIDSPanningForGold.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JfWjxJwsmfc/TrGN_JbcoqI/AAAAAAAANWk/Bfzwb9zA4Xc/s400/KIDSPanningForGold.JPG" /></a></div>L a u r ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01357937710419543594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714563468552523088.post-88155015954213887602011-10-01T13:50:00.083-05:002011-11-01T21:58:34.603-05:00Over the rivers and through some airports...to see my new niece in Seattle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k5oHVVzFOKU/TrBDT5wxCUI/AAAAAAAANOw/w18SZFNqlhI/s1600/ChrisFeedingNika.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k5oHVVzFOKU/TrBDT5wxCUI/AAAAAAAANOw/w18SZFNqlhI/s400/ChrisFeedingNika.JPG" /></a></div>Seeing my brother as a first-time dad is pretty fun...funny...cool! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-66pZIXT94jk/TrBDUBz9CCI/AAAAAAAANPI/2MszDSRe08g/s1600/DaddysHandsNikasToes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-66pZIXT94jk/TrBDUBz9CCI/AAAAAAAANPI/2MszDSRe08g/s400/DaddysHandsNikasToes.JPG" /></a></div>A doting dad he is!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AHgX-8MgOyE/TrBSfRJyrDI/AAAAAAAANTc/bXJlNgFRrQM/s1600/LanVi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AHgX-8MgOyE/TrBSfRJyrDI/AAAAAAAANTc/bXJlNgFRrQM/s400/LanVi.JPG" /></a></div>Lovely new mama, Lan-Vi<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3eRHHyy4Fpw/TrBFa0AzQvI/AAAAAAAANQE/39mbhoIbM_o/s1600/IMG_7332NikaAuntieLaura.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3eRHHyy4Fpw/TrBFa0AzQvI/AAAAAAAANQE/39mbhoIbM_o/s400/IMG_7332NikaAuntieLaura.JPG" /></a></div>As for me, I introduced my niece to a little conversation, singing, dancing, and even some cheer.<br />
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She talks now and is learning the alphabet. <br />
She's quite advanced! ;^)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MYtPslBfElw/TrBFaJ8rVcI/AAAAAAAANPg/y7Q_aqNqK44/s1600/DSC05662%2BGrammaNikaB%2526W.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="297" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MYtPslBfElw/TrBFaJ8rVcI/AAAAAAAANPg/y7Q_aqNqK44/s400/DSC05662%2BGrammaNikaB%2526W.jpg" /></a></div>Gramma. This picture--my fave!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VAzaTkRMExY/TrBDU6IDUzI/AAAAAAAANPU/-dOvMB1T4sA/s1600/DadNikaLauraDoog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="312" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VAzaTkRMExY/TrBDU6IDUzI/AAAAAAAANPU/-dOvMB1T4sA/s400/DadNikaLauraDoog.jpg" /></a></div>Dad & Doog<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dsxSXysaWP0/TrBFaQVvPaI/AAAAAAAANPs/Gl3V_E_19dM/s1600/FamilyDinner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dsxSXysaWP0/TrBFaQVvPaI/AAAAAAAANPs/Gl3V_E_19dM/s400/FamilyDinner.JPG" /></a></div>Oh, we reaped the benefits of the resident chef/former restaurant owner, Lan-Vi! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FTLQ_cGgWtU/TrBFa8BMHYI/AAAAAAAANP0/42XBR1oxxVs/s1600/FamilyGroupSofa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="258" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FTLQ_cGgWtU/TrBFa8BMHYI/AAAAAAAANP0/42XBR1oxxVs/s400/FamilyGroupSofa.JPG" /></a></div>First full-family photo<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FKy7_u9N0cQ/TrBGAWuS8rI/AAAAAAAANQQ/DU3Tat3Db5Y/s1600/GrammaNika.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FKy7_u9N0cQ/TrBGAWuS8rI/AAAAAAAANQQ/DU3Tat3Db5Y/s400/GrammaNika.JPG" /></a></div>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xPwqL9KE8yM/TrBGBuYl04I/AAAAAAAANQo/_rDSZSya-OI/s1600/GrampaNikaCouch2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xPwqL9KE8yM/TrBGBuYl04I/AAAAAAAANQo/_rDSZSya-OI/s400/GrampaNikaCouch2.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RHv07kHYgsw/TrBGnHUOpWI/AAAAAAAANRA/f1SagBPvlLU/s1600/NikaMKsLion.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RHv07kHYgsw/TrBGnHUOpWI/AAAAAAAANRA/f1SagBPvlLU/s400/NikaMKsLion.JPG" /></a></div>MK's lion finally made it to its rightful owner.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ijTdIkLgnAY/TrBGnVH8v5I/AAAAAAAANRI/G1VinSPKn-0/s1600/NikaOnLap.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ijTdIkLgnAY/TrBGnVH8v5I/AAAAAAAANRI/G1VinSPKn-0/s400/NikaOnLap.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mkuYvN76_rY/TrBSfwIiI4I/AAAAAAAANTo/3nvdBap8gmY/s1600/Motorcycle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mkuYvN76_rY/TrBSfwIiI4I/AAAAAAAANTo/3nvdBap8gmY/s400/Motorcycle.JPG" /></a></div>One of Chris's modes of transportation<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Tqvxf5muWQ/TrBYa9Bp9cI/AAAAAAAANT0/9w_rQqbk25M/s1600/DSC05486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Tqvxf5muWQ/TrBYa9Bp9cI/AAAAAAAANT0/9w_rQqbk25M/s400/DSC05486.JPG" /></a></div>Off he goes<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x6ITsPF8xg0/TrBPxXNcr5I/AAAAAAAANSs/SYDDLF7Ogho/s1600/Dogs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="265" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x6ITsPF8xg0/TrBPxXNcr5I/AAAAAAAANSs/SYDDLF7Ogho/s400/Dogs.JPG" /></a></div>Bello & Freddie<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-71zB5kAFMjY/TrBSey-X4kI/AAAAAAAANTQ/tsLImAsqKEM/s1600/Libby.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-71zB5kAFMjY/TrBSey-X4kI/AAAAAAAANTQ/tsLImAsqKEM/s400/Libby.JPG" /></a></div>Libby<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0qik3po-AeU/TrBGnsOCRKI/AAAAAAAANRc/q98DSjyYEXk/s1600/NikasCupidsBowMouth.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0qik3po-AeU/TrBGnsOCRKI/AAAAAAAANRc/q98DSjyYEXk/s400/NikasCupidsBowMouth.JPG" /></a></div>Can you find the cupid's bow?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fAwTZJ53HIs/TrBHBzU_WaI/AAAAAAAANSI/mayTSRHbBOo/s1600/2011-09-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="250" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fAwTZJ53HIs/TrBHBzU_WaI/AAAAAAAANSI/mayTSRHbBOo/s400/2011-09-23.jpg" /></a></div>Nika inherited a Cox "pucker" trait from her dad and grandpa.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RFMmVLhcwOw/TrBSeigVtgI/AAAAAAAANTE/s4vd3dINggc/s1600/OwlMobileBetter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RFMmVLhcwOw/TrBSeigVtgI/AAAAAAAANTE/s4vd3dINggc/s400/OwlMobileBetter.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KlO8UlyDlNE/TrBZxeOUNxI/AAAAAAAANUM/JYD2mPeZ3xg/s1600/NikasRoom2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KlO8UlyDlNE/TrBZxeOUNxI/AAAAAAAANUM/JYD2mPeZ3xg/s400/NikasRoom2.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CRpZN8W8pQQ/TrBZxWoMGZI/AAAAAAAANUA/A1pZ4Lr3gIc/s1600/NikasRoom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CRpZN8W8pQQ/TrBZxWoMGZI/AAAAAAAANUA/A1pZ4Lr3gIc/s400/NikasRoom.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9EfFkNuCdkM/TrBDUPT0sEI/AAAAAAAANO4/GpT4WFId6Qc/s1600/ChrisLanviNikaSeattle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9EfFkNuCdkM/TrBDUPT0sEI/AAAAAAAANO4/GpT4WFId6Qc/s400/ChrisLanviNikaSeattle.JPG" /></a></div>The family and Seattle skyline<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2DfXUQrJ9dc/TrBGB0mk6cI/AAAAAAAANQ0/wqULyqddaFY/s1600/LanViNikaSeattle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2DfXUQrJ9dc/TrBGB0mk6cI/AAAAAAAANQ0/wqULyqddaFY/s400/LanViNikaSeattle.JPG" /></a></div>Pretty mama and sweet babe<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sejnYpzC_gQ/TrBPwzrGDSI/AAAAAAAANSU/pj7h1mmQOQk/s1600/ChrisMom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sejnYpzC_gQ/TrBPwzrGDSI/AAAAAAAANSU/pj7h1mmQOQk/s400/ChrisMom.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fJucWRigNQU/TrBPxPoYMEI/AAAAAAAANSc/LR8o8rLZqQY/s1600/ChrisStrollering.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="280" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fJucWRigNQU/TrBPxPoYMEI/AAAAAAAANSc/LR8o8rLZqQY/s400/ChrisStrollering.JPG" /></a></div>Strollering dad<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B3sdmHHrdZk/TrBHBGUt6pI/AAAAAAAANSA/QFOAZg6VwcE/s1600/SundownOnTheSound.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B3sdmHHrdZk/TrBHBGUt6pI/AAAAAAAANSA/QFOAZg6VwcE/s400/SundownOnTheSound.JPG" /></a></div>A Puget Sound sunsetL a u r ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01357937710419543594noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714563468552523088.post-2361155166856325862011-09-02T18:51:00.005-05:002011-10-16T23:48:11.711-05:00What we do during the hottest summer on record<i>We're nearing 80 days of triple-digit heat at this point.</i><br />
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Going from one weather extreme, growing up in Minnesota, to another here in Texas leads me to revert to my old winter hibernating ways...only, in the summer.<br />
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It's way too hot to spend any significant amount of time outside unless we're in a shaded pool. We cover swimming in the mornings, so there's lots of time after school each day to...do stuff. Something. Anything.<br />
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We've been making a few things.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qo73OkBzF-4/TmAogUSnmLI/AAAAAAAANI8/KF8f91eSBMw/s1600/BlanketForNika.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="307" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qo73OkBzF-4/TmAogUSnmLI/AAAAAAAANI8/KF8f91eSBMw/s400/BlanketForNika.JPG" /></a></div>Something I'll take with me to Seattle.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cc3EhhwSYdM/TmK8DK_B-wI/AAAAAAAANMg/HJ90qegNhEs/s1600/BabyCloche.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cc3EhhwSYdM/TmK8DK_B-wI/AAAAAAAANMg/HJ90qegNhEs/s400/BabyCloche.JPG" /></a></div>...along with this (minus the basketball head form!).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GS88HEysYj4/TmAof9-1xjI/AAAAAAAANIs/_BJM_kN56sU/s1600/KathXStitchBirdie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="292" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GS88HEysYj4/TmAof9-1xjI/AAAAAAAANIs/_BJM_kN56sU/s400/KathXStitchBirdie.JPG" /></a></div>Cross stitching that Nici taught Kathleen <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-91dDV6zkhmU/TmK8AZyIdCI/AAAAAAAANMY/MhP8FKwIOH0/s1600/MKsCrossStitchFlowerPot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="295" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-91dDV6zkhmU/TmK8AZyIdCI/AAAAAAAANMY/MhP8FKwIOH0/s400/MKsCrossStitchFlowerPot.JPG" /></a></div>and MK. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B1931C1zLKI/TmAogP_oZqI/AAAAAAAANI0/VevmjrJPwCY/s1600/HKittyFinished.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="303" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B1931C1zLKI/TmAogP_oZqI/AAAAAAAANI0/VevmjrJPwCY/s400/HKittyFinished.JPG" /></a></div>An amigurimi creation I made for a neighbor girl who seems to have Mad Kitty Disease.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nIr9_HGjkzM/TmAvnQYAgQI/AAAAAAAANJE/A3-5PByA8xU/s1600/CowlShoulderWarmer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nIr9_HGjkzM/TmAvnQYAgQI/AAAAAAAANJE/A3-5PByA8xU/s400/CowlShoulderWarmer.JPG" /></a></div>Something for the girls to look forward to wearing in the winter, a knit cowly shoulder warmer.<br />
<br />
Now, if it would only dip below the 100 degree mark...L a u r ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01357937710419543594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714563468552523088.post-35971266591041112782011-09-01T18:29:00.000-05:002011-09-03T18:59:41.306-05:00The SleepoverMK's continued birthday festivities included this crew.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4-pGbZL9oPk/TmFdPe-B_EI/AAAAAAAANLM/Em9_VmJnxfI/s1600/SleepoverCrew.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="274" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4-pGbZL9oPk/TmFdPe-B_EI/AAAAAAAANLM/Em9_VmJnxfI/s400/SleepoverCrew.JPG" /></a></div>First they dined on self-made personal pizzas (that somehow made them start making funny faces).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tWbkPtpuCvQ/TmFesVSMWQI/AAAAAAAANMM/HWjmRspEBX4/s1600/Eveie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="274" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tWbkPtpuCvQ/TmFesVSMWQI/AAAAAAAANMM/HWjmRspEBX4/s400/Eveie.JPG" /></a></div>Then they chased them down with <a href="http://www.bakerella.com/pudding-cups/">these...except, with chocolate mousse</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TLQWIwI694E/TmFd0DynRLI/AAAAAAAANL0/17fWmYb2VNk/s1600/MK%2B%2526%2BEveie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TLQWIwI694E/TmFd0DynRLI/AAAAAAAANL0/17fWmYb2VNk/s400/MK%2B%2526%2BEveie.JPG" /></a></div>Just a warning if you make the chocolate cups: don't use the recommended water balloons for your mold. Use regular (er, stronger) balloons!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t6vtnJpV8wc/TmFd0ZlJnWI/AAAAAAAANL8/kKc2azA3s70/s1600/Kathleen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t6vtnJpV8wc/TmFd0ZlJnWI/AAAAAAAANL8/kKc2azA3s70/s400/Kathleen.JPG" /></a></div><i><i>Think after-burst chocolatey, splashy shrapnel.</i> <br />
</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fdem9igOluQ/TmFdPwcmLYI/AAAAAAAANLU/tmWtU-G1YKk/s1600/SleepoverCalvins.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fdem9igOluQ/TmFdPwcmLYI/AAAAAAAANLU/tmWtU-G1YKk/s400/SleepoverCalvins.JPG" /></a></div><i>All over my shirt, back splash, and stovetop burners...</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AS0vUzl0rFc/TmFesPvO2lI/AAAAAAAANME/nt8nCIXjyH8/s1600/FiddleDancing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="273" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AS0vUzl0rFc/TmFesPvO2lI/AAAAAAAANME/nt8nCIXjyH8/s400/FiddleDancing.JPG" /></a></div>The chocolatey sugar surge probably explains this outburst of energetic fiddle dancing fun.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fs3uSbI0y7M/TmFdzyFOXhI/AAAAAAAANLs/T8sqIa9pFo4/s1600/MK%2526J%2BTango.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fs3uSbI0y7M/TmFdzyFOXhI/AAAAAAAANLs/T8sqIa9pFo4/s400/MK%2526J%2BTango.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pdODpVAhlFc/TmFdzaE-x5I/AAAAAAAANLc/9SyTauPcetY/s1600/MK%2526JimTango.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="316" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pdODpVAhlFc/TmFdzaE-x5I/AAAAAAAANLc/9SyTauPcetY/s400/MK%2526JimTango.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sv4BZmn2YKk/TmFdzhCNznI/AAAAAAAANLk/ysA9O88uBoQ/s1600/MK%2526J%2BTango%2BDip.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="251" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sv4BZmn2YKk/TmFdzhCNznI/AAAAAAAANLk/ysA9O88uBoQ/s400/MK%2526J%2BTango%2BDip.JPG" /></a></div>Which led to a double-header competition of: Silly Walks and Talent/Dress Up (scoring requested by a sleepover guest)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5KF7UaP4-8A/TmFdPGsu2kI/AAAAAAAANLE/2plZRXl7Hg0/s1600/SleepoverScoreboard.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5KF7UaP4-8A/TmFdPGsu2kI/AAAAAAAANLE/2plZRXl7Hg0/s400/SleepoverScoreboard.JPG" /></a></div>Topped off the evening with a showing of Benji.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yWZMvvUrGxc/TmFdO4_1yVI/AAAAAAAANK8/KnEmd9IMErA/s1600/BenjiCrop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="306" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yWZMvvUrGxc/TmFdO4_1yVI/AAAAAAAANK8/KnEmd9IMErA/s400/BenjiCrop.JPG" /></a></div>The kids love those vintage 70's Disney flicks!<br />
<br />
But they like having friends over for a night of fun and a sleepover even better!<br />
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L a u r ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01357937710419543594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714563468552523088.post-87670097791426158212011-08-30T17:31:00.002-05:002011-09-03T06:38:35.555-05:00III rings in XIEach year on her birthday, we're reminded of MK's sweetness. It usually starts with her birthday list full of very simple requests. This year, she asked for: <br />
<br />
pocket knife, <br />
chicks or a rat, <br />
laser pointer, <br />
<strike></strike>cooler,<br />
dangly earrings,<br />
treasure hunt,<br />
sleep over and movie night with friends.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q-fVpz6-YMA/TmFIodJJbNI/AAAAAAAANKU/gp9R7LPnq5c/s1600/MKCakeSmile.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="281" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q-fVpz6-YMA/TmFIodJJbNI/AAAAAAAANKU/gp9R7LPnq5c/s400/MKCakeSmile.JPG" /></a></div>She also made a sweet treat leap by requesting a tasty dessert rather than a kiddie eye-catching cake. Her choice:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">a <a href="http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/philly-brownie-cheesecake-88973.aspx">brownie cheesecake</a>. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uhEhoMna1Ts/TmFHEWAQmPI/AAAAAAAANJU/4m7Hp4fT7rQ/s1600/TreasHuntDollHouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uhEhoMna1Ts/TmFHEWAQmPI/AAAAAAAANJU/4m7Hp4fT7rQ/s400/TreasHuntDollHouse.JPG" /></a></div>Ever since the kids started reading, they really look forward to their birthday gift treasure hunts.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WERCTLbVBAs/TmFIoAIka4I/AAAAAAAANKM/b91A-FcTyNk/s1600/MKPinkyPye.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="347" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WERCTLbVBAs/TmFIoAIka4I/AAAAAAAANKM/b91A-FcTyNk/s400/MKPinkyPye.JPG" /></a></div>They tear all over the house searching for gifts with silly clues written in verse.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dc-ynpTvMBs/TmFHEZzrPpI/AAAAAAAANJc/S0x3Ejn2L5Q/s1600/MKTreasHuntKitchenClue.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dc-ynpTvMBs/TmFHEZzrPpI/AAAAAAAANJc/S0x3Ejn2L5Q/s400/MKTreasHuntKitchenClue.JPG" /></a></div>I figure it's an even trade for their time-consuming fun cakes!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A3bBnUZlF1k/TmFIpAlu0cI/AAAAAAAANKc/mYZ9exRktOM/s1600/MKBenji.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A3bBnUZlF1k/TmFIpAlu0cI/AAAAAAAANKc/mYZ9exRktOM/s400/MKBenji.JPG" /></a></div>She's always happy with the simplest of gifts.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gFImg9i7CFw/TmFHEnpgTWI/AAAAAAAANJk/z--2a6-ISj0/s1600/MKTreasHuntChangTable.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="318" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gFImg9i7CFw/TmFHEnpgTWI/AAAAAAAANJk/z--2a6-ISj0/s400/MKTreasHuntChangTable.JPG" /></a></div>It's refreshing to know that life still can be happily simple.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mns_-Cg1Jsg/TmFHEBuImgI/AAAAAAAANJM/uX43eyKwcws/s1600/TreasHuntYarnBook.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="262" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mns_-Cg1Jsg/TmFHEBuImgI/AAAAAAAANJM/uX43eyKwcws/s400/TreasHuntYarnBook.JPG" /></a></div>Ordinary can be extraordinary!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hL3EOY2sZkk/TmFHmlY5toI/AAAAAAAANJs/e26hGjJ9f4c/s1600/MKTreasHuntBed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="253" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hL3EOY2sZkk/TmFHmlY5toI/AAAAAAAANJs/e26hGjJ9f4c/s400/MKTreasHuntBed.JPG" /></a></div>Search, searching<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fYZl8d6lizE/TmFHm_tYfDI/AAAAAAAANJ0/dWlG5XtWMRw/s1600/MKTreasHunt7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fYZl8d6lizE/TmFHm_tYfDI/AAAAAAAANJ0/dWlG5XtWMRw/s400/MKTreasHunt7.JPG" /></a></div>New bling<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1OvHZmqKPcQ/TmFUH9EXz8I/AAAAAAAANK0/RIsgpq_7nmM/s1600/GrammaBling.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1OvHZmqKPcQ/TmFUH9EXz8I/AAAAAAAANK0/RIsgpq_7nmM/s400/GrammaBling.JPG" /></a></div>New thready craft<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P32xNhGYKv8/TmFUHcCAjKI/AAAAAAAANKs/BnCWj556QgA/s1600/CrossStitchKit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="272" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P32xNhGYKv8/TmFUHcCAjKI/AAAAAAAANKs/BnCWj556QgA/s400/CrossStitchKit.JPG" /></a></div>Happy 11th Birthday, MK Me Me Cocoa Butter Carrot Flibber-a-loo. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n0kL4sDJLAs/TmFHndHwA8I/AAAAAAAANKE/tJRoUZtDCuE/s1600/MKsCake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="278" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n0kL4sDJLAs/TmFHndHwA8I/AAAAAAAANKE/tJRoUZtDCuE/s400/MKsCake.JPG" /></a></div>L a u r ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01357937710419543594noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714563468552523088.post-23067963161960044692011-08-12T16:54:00.000-05:002011-08-12T16:54:38.340-05:00This is our squirrel on summer. Any questions?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SsgiEXcn1P8/TkVmnW3OPiI/AAAAAAAANIA/fln-KG36fMU/s1600/LethargicSquirrel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SsgiEXcn1P8/TkVmnW3OPiI/AAAAAAAANIA/fln-KG36fMU/s400/LethargicSquirrel.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
</div>It is tooooooasty here, this 59th day of triple-digit heat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MU6Ywr_I9Hw/TkWfH-pVUFI/AAAAAAAANII/EMkwLi8JPoE/s1600/Squirrel2%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MU6Ywr_I9Hw/TkWfH-pVUFI/AAAAAAAANII/EMkwLi8JPoE/s400/Squirrel2%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><center><i>through the screen</i></center><br />
Definitely out of place to being wearing a fur coat.<br />
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L a u r ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01357937710419543594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714563468552523088.post-39211049223574434562011-08-11T15:48:00.002-05:002011-11-07T18:50:28.439-06:00MK's yarning mojo :: patternless creationsI taught MK how to increase and decrease stitches the other day. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lkWgv7EoMbg/TkRDJE2bEBI/AAAAAAAANHA/NEHaJSMYFWQ/s1600/MK%2526Lion.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lkWgv7EoMbg/TkRDJE2bEBI/AAAAAAAANHA/NEHaJSMYFWQ/s400/MK%2526Lion.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>She instantly went to town on a body of a lion. <br />
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To finish it off, she simply needed an idea and instruction on how to attach the legs and make the mane. She also had me stitch the face because, "This is a toy for Nika, and I don't want the face to look funny."<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-timVT94oInw/TkRDJattpLI/AAAAAAAANHI/XWBoiHXjgKA/s1600/MKsCrochetLion.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-timVT94oInw/TkRDJattpLI/AAAAAAAANHI/XWBoiHXjgKA/s400/MKsCrochetLion.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Jimmer calls it the ballerina cactus lion.<br />
We also call it the ballerina flower lion.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xt8tVcL61rM/TkRDJrbklII/AAAAAAAANHQ/w0JcDRg0SiI/s1600/MKLionColorChange.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xt8tVcL61rM/TkRDJrbklII/AAAAAAAANHQ/w0JcDRg0SiI/s400/MKLionColorChange.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I kinda like how she ran out of yellow yarn and just carried on with a different green color. <br />
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You won't get that from a toy store...probably not from Etsy either. <br />
<br />
MK says, "It's really a girl lion, but I thought I should put a mane on it so you could tell what kind of animal it is."<br />
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<center>* * * * *</center><br />
Today, after the kids finished listening to their history lesson, MK presented this creation. Another on-the-fly, patternless creation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M8p22L41cEM/TkRDJEZ3AMI/AAAAAAAANG4/cxdg2FwsED4/s1600/MKCrochetMitten.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M8p22L41cEM/TkRDJEZ3AMI/AAAAAAAANG4/cxdg2FwsED4/s400/MKCrochetMitten.JPG" width="386" /></a></div><i>Broken finger still in splint<br />
</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JZ2x3TFeMLg/TkRLkgKahkI/AAAAAAAANHg/ZK-oQYEn-gY/s1600/MKMittenSplint.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="309" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JZ2x3TFeMLg/TkRLkgKahkI/AAAAAAAANHg/ZK-oQYEn-gY/s400/MKMittenSplint.JPG" /></a></div>On this 58th day of triple-digit heat for the year, I'm right with you, MK. Bring on the fall weather!!!L a u r ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01357937710419543594noreply@blogger.com1