tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63259472075831415832024-02-18T15:42:25.673-10:00the essential zickgrafThe Possehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04999193340255383808noreply@blogger.comBlogger348125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325947207583141583.post-86598566819339343272016-10-06T20:59:00.002-10:002016-10-06T20:59:49.759-10:00We Can't Kill The Animals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This little boy loves pretty much all of God's creatures. Maybe excepting bot flies and naked mole rats. But certainly he includes black widows and snakes in his all-encompassing love.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Exhibit A</span></div>
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A couple months ago, we found our first bark scorpion in our house. Now, this is both a very common scorpion and the most venomous scorpion in North America, so we wanted to be sure the kids could identify it and avoid it and tell an adult if they found one. So we put it in a glass jar to show them in the morning. </div>
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First thing the boy asks, "Can we put holes in the lid so he can breathe?"</div>
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I said, "Honey, we are just going to flush it. This one can't stay around, it could hurt the kids or the pets!"</div>
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His eyes widened in concern, "Mom!!! We can't kill it! It's an ANIMAL!"</div>
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"Sweetie, it can't stay around here. These are very poisonous and could hurt Bandit or S'mores or the kitties."</div>
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"Well....", he looks around and his eyes settle out the window, "We could set it free..."</div>
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He looks at me to gauge my reaction and seeing my face set to say no, hurriedly finishes his sentence with: </div>
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"....in Mexico!!!"</div>
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Ok, son. I'll run it down first thing Monday morning.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">EPILOGUE:</span> </div>
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Before we had a chance to get rid of the scorpion, Max's buddy Colton knocks the jar off the counter while climbing up to get a banana. </div>
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It shatters.</div>
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<br />The scorpion is MIA.</div>
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Three days later, Avril finds a dead bark scorpion in a nearby kitchen drawer. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Exhibit B</span></div>
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A few weeks later, we discover a hoard of black widows around the outside walls of our house. So naturally, Dad and Roman decide to capture a couple, create a habitat and feed them live insects. Like flies, moths, crickets, roaches, other spiders... </div>
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Meet Phoenix and Onyx, Roman's pet black widows. </div>
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He brought them to school as a show and tell and almost cried every time the container got jostled- because he was worried they would get hurt.</div>
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<br />The Possehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04999193340255383808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325947207583141583.post-66703141518903435702016-06-04T19:56:00.001-10:002016-10-04T11:50:05.649-10:00Camping at Cochise Stronghold<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When we moved to Hawai'i, we left all our camping gear in storage- and with fairly good reason. Camping in Hawai'i generally amounts to campgrounds or beach camping. Neither of these things is bad in and of themselves, per se, but neither is highly appealing to us. We are the people who go camping to Get Away From It All. Like, literally, IT ALL. No other people around, no amenities, and no visible pavement!</div>
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This is, by nature, a lot more work, but so much more adventuring and exploring and freedom is at hand!</div>
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So we decided to go find a good place to go camping. </div>
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Guy did his research, picked an area that we HOPED wouldn't be high traffic in spite of the stereotypical Memorial Day weekend timing, we packed our gear and prepped some delicious tin foil dinners and off we went. </div>
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Upon arriving at Cochise Stronghold, we found a few different levels of amenities/privacy. At the end of the road was a very convenient campground with grills and picnic tables and bathrooms and a lovely paved hike. In other words, hard pass. There were already about 3 campers about to become new best friends in the night ahead and we didn't want any part in that. </div>
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So we backtracked to a dirt road that beckoned invitingly to our collectively enterprising souls and set off to find a more suitable location. </div>
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We drove the dirt lane, seeing empty camping spot after empty camping spot, only recognizable as such by the fire pit and cleared dirt. The shorties alternately argued and cheered and voted on their favorites and we at last selected our ideal camping spot with all our requirements more or less met. </div>
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However, no sooner had we gotten out and begun unloading the car than Xandri came careening back through the bushes (wait, back? When did she LEAVE?!), breathless with excitement and frantic for us to come and see what she had found. </div>
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So while I continued to unload, Dad and the other minions charged off into the woods to see what on earth could have gotten her all worked up. Moments later, they all came charging back.</div>
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"Mom! Mom! You've GOT to come check this out! It's SOOO cool, we HAVE to camp over here!!!"</div>
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Dragging my feet, I followed my exuberant children down the hill away from the official campsite only to find THIS: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1mfqa1eGcedKgg5cAK1-rgDPlNpqT7eJZ4b04mRNjwSO-QHR5eWYPb6VDFZwiyek2KmdDoKv-mpn5NA3W0izEHtQ-Qh18LkmKWKAPWQRgKuRNScSjXzv4Rf5Ou0tuZOLGpvgIBcUZYt5j/s1600/Cochise+Stronghold-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1mfqa1eGcedKgg5cAK1-rgDPlNpqT7eJZ4b04mRNjwSO-QHR5eWYPb6VDFZwiyek2KmdDoKv-mpn5NA3W0izEHtQ-Qh18LkmKWKAPWQRgKuRNScSjXzv4Rf5Ou0tuZOLGpvgIBcUZYt5j/s640/Cochise+Stronghold-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ok, so that may be a bit misleading. The set up part didn't happen QUITE that fast. But it was close. We hauled our gear and food and bags down into the valley and got to work. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlYSX2QmxVGAE_EkHcwI9k-kohtshvMPC4DG1y2jLu94eNpBcMNqmdG79a2Y8mSujlej5rBqvlCr7nGjs06Wnbv7-kinsU6HqUxKgqQ_jDT9bcVkishDXD_1nBHTG6mS_hlWk_6isnsis/s1600/Cochise+Stronghold-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlYSX2QmxVGAE_EkHcwI9k-kohtshvMPC4DG1y2jLu94eNpBcMNqmdG79a2Y8mSujlej5rBqvlCr7nGjs06Wnbv7-kinsU6HqUxKgqQ_jDT9bcVkishDXD_1nBHTG6mS_hlWk_6isnsis/s640/Cochise+Stronghold-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The kids helped take care of the dry leaf problem. </div>
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I set up the tent and got our sleeping bags and other stuff arranged while these ones went foraging for big rocks and dry wood and kindling to build a fire pit and subsequent fire. I have never seen these people work so hard and fast and with so much excitement and so little complaint as when we are building FIRES. Little pyros. I don't know WHERE they get it.</div>
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Then it was time to make our dinner.<br />
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After all that hard work and with some delicious ketchup I had about zero picky eaters on my hands as the crew dug in. </div>
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Can't really blame them, though. </div>
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We spent the evening laughing and talking and teasing and eating s'mores and actually got some ok sleep.</div>
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The next morning it was time to explore our new home. While Guy and I held down the tent, the scouts went out to see what there was to see. Which quickly became apparent that it was all VERY EXCITING. </div>
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We were camping at the base of some cliffs, which meant there was a GLORIOUS arrangement of fallen boulders providing little nooks and crannies and climbing opportunities all over the place.</div>
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Now, for this next part of the story, you must understand a little background. Avril & Xandri are both obsessed with the Warriors series. If you aren't familiar with it, this is actually a rather comprehensive series about cat clans and cat warriors and all of the drama that goes along with <i>that</i>. I'm gonna go ahead and let you guess what happened next. </div>
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Yep, you guessed it! They each picked cat names, created a clan, named it and arranged their societal construct and economic system, selected their lairs, fought for position of chief, claimed Leader Rock or some such thing and became extremely wary of the tall Two Legs who had finally ventured over to explore their territory. Hissing, spitting and clawing the air, the wild warrior kitties chased us away from their homes... until they found out we had Jolly Ranchers. Suddenly, they were much more amenable to our presence. </div>
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At that point, it was game over. Us Two Legs were transformed and given kitty names. The bigger male Two Legs declined joining the clan and opted to be the crazy old cat shaman that ran his own clan and ... expanded... his personality to fulfill all the roles himself. </div>
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The smaller female Two Legs' heart was softened by the adorable warrior kittens and she was immediately inducted into the clan in a ceremony under Leader Rock.<br />
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There may have been some howling and cat calling (I couldn't resist) involved.</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">She was then given the option to choose her new home, at which point she went exploring and was shown several nice properties available by the oh-so-helpful warrior-kitties-turned-realtors. </span></div>
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We spent the next few hours climbing and warring and hissing and cuddling and eating warrior kitty treats and reading. Once we'd had our fill, it was with great remorse and growling tummies that we packed up our camping gear to go home. One last stop before our drive through the Dragoon mountain range was back at the amenity-filled campground where we had seen a nice paved nature walk with historical and botanical placards along the way. We tested our new knowledge and collective memory through the duration of the hike, identifying as many plants and trees as we could before loading back up to head home.<br />
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The drive home through the Dragoons was a post unto itself! Absolutely breathtaking and VERY adventurous.<br />
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All in all, the camping trip was a smashing success. </div>
The Possehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04999193340255383808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325947207583141583.post-86563799925104368032016-01-09T07:57:00.000-10:002016-12-15T09:24:43.261-10:00Ringing in 2016 in Maui <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This makes our 3rd annual New Year's with the Knerrs and we couldn't be happier about it! Maui, it turns out, is fairly awesome. It was a bit harder to get there this year than Kauai was last year, maybe because we're ON THE MAINLAND now #sadface. But well worth the extra effort all the same!</div>
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Our first adventure had us rappelling down waterfalls. Yeah, we did that. Cause that's how we roll. And it was every bit as cool as it sounds. </div>
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We got all geared up in our awesomely dorky helmets- but I think we pulled them off quite well in any case. The vests were a pain, they fit some of us better than others (ahem, Long Tall). </div>
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First waterfall was not insanely huge, but VERY cool and fun for us beginning rappellers. Nothing quite like trying to find your footing on a slippery cliff wall while leaning way back and trusting the equipment and your guides to not let you fall, bashing your broken body all the way down the rocky cliff while your face is pelted with cold water falling from said cliff ledge. I mean, <i>I</i> wasn't imagining that happening <i>at all</i>, I'm just saying in case <i>some </i> people were. You know, cause I'm empathetic like that.</div>
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Matthias managed to leave behind some skin on our first test rappel- which was incredibly muddy since it was raining AS we were walking out to begin our adventure. Obviously, I was suitably impressed. My rule about fun is you're not having it unless SOMEONE gets hurt. Usually me, so I was ok with passing the torch this time. Also, *knock on wood* I'm getting better about being less klutzy when I do *fun* things. </div>
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Victory selfie</div>
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Our next adventure in the trip had us doing two dives at different sites. The first was cool, lots of fish, some honu, cool coral... but the SECOND... Well shoot DANG! It is official, I am a mermaid at heart.</div>
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As we begin our descent Guy gives his shaka. We took all these on the GoPro, but several are screen captures from video, so the quality is not quite as high as the photos.</div>
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Matthias displays his glorious find... SO many treasures to find!</div>
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I found two as well- the biggest, coolest wana shells I've found EVER naturally and I left them in the rental car. I was sick over that for days. Still am, if we're being honest.</div>
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WHITE TIP REEF SHARK!!!!! Look at this guy, he is <i>so chill</i>. He literally did not move from this spot while we swam around him oohing and aahing in giddy scuba diver delight. Also my first shark encounter in the open ocean (aka not in a shark cage).</div>
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Just about to dive down through this arch... see all those fish in there? That never got old, swimming down through all the arches and wreckage and exploring tons of crazy formations. Ariel's Grotto, I tell you what.</div>
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Found this guy hiding as we swam through said arches... just chillin in the deep. There is something so absolutely thrilling about joining these creatures in their natural habitat, seeing what they do down here unda da sea.</div>
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Camas about to dive deeper down to explore the coral. I cherish the fact that we are able to vacation with these two. It is nonstop fun and great conversation- except when underwater, then it's fun only.</div>
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Diving through another cool arch finds still more little fishies hiding just behind the lip.</div>
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Group shot! Honu joined for this one and brought a couple buddies with. We thanked him after and got his autograph.</div>
The Possehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04999193340255383808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325947207583141583.post-47724300155658281472015-09-28T18:43:00.001-10:002015-09-28T18:43:15.540-10:00Back to School! (Finally)<p dir="ltr">Six weeks. </p>
<p dir="ltr">That's how much school the littles missed during the course of our move.</p>
<p dir="ltr">So their first day of school was a random Wednesday in late Sept and they may or may not have had such things as pencils, paper, backpacks, etc.... (Ok, here's my dirty little secret... This picture was their second day of school. Shhhh...) </p>
<p dir="ltr">But they got there. Nervous, uncertain, apprehensive, but they got there. I wondered how they'd all do thru the day. Xandri had a field trip to start off with. </p>
<p dir="ltr">When I left after dropping them off, Roman had been surrounded by about 6 little boys, 2-3 of whom claimed knowing him from church (so glad we went that Sunday!); Avril was deep in conversation with another girl walking down the soccer field; Xandri was hugging herself in the field trip bus line looking lonely and scared and worried.... My heart broke a little bit for that one! So naturally I was a bit worried about their day.</p>
<p dir="ltr">When they got home on the bus though, they were all smiles, full of energy and excitement and stories about their day and new friends. I loved hearing it (all at once lol) and was so relieved to hear what a good day and what new friends they made. I think living in a military town will be a good experience for them!</p>
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We're working on respecting other's space and property. You know, like not walking into someone's house and immediately looking behind all closed doors and opening up all their cupboards to see all their stuff. Or in this case going through the big basement room and looking through Uncle Nic's stuff. </div>
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On the other hand, this behavior may have its pros. They managed to find 3 baby mice- which I'm sure Nic is delighted to be without. </div>
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Well, technically they found 6... but only 3 were still squeaking upon discovery. The others received a quick and painless garbage can burial. </div>
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Grandpa wasn't really a fan of them if we're being honest. His vote was to kill em all- pronto! My sweet little animal activists were too delighted by their cuteness of course, so we made them a little cardboard graham cracker box house with grass inside for them to nest in. Then we gave them some rice and some leftover oatmeal, which they chowed down on. I even carved a little mouse water bowl out of a watermelon rind. Yep, we pulled out all the stops for Baby Mouse Hotel. </div>
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I even promised them we could take them home and keep them as pets. </div>
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I figured they likely wouldn't survive that long. </div>
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They were totally enamored. Always checking on them, oo-ing and ah-ing every time they moved or ate or blinked or snuggled up with each other. They were pretty darn cute.</div>
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Unfortunately while we were playing with them outside, one scrambled around Xandri's hand and fell- pretty far and hard- to land on the sidewalk. It lay and twitched for a bit, but seemed to recover a little. We put him back in the box and tried to nurse him a bit. </div>
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He did well with his siblings... but then they escaped (they were outside at the time, don't worry Grandpa) and he was on his own. The next morning we found him- he didn't make it thru the night. </div>
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The kids were fairly upset... but they also moved on pretty quickly. They were happy to have played with them and happy that they were safely away from that mean Grandpa who wanted them dead! So all's well that ends well I guess... We'll see how long we last without adopting some other creature(s)!</div>
The Possehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04999193340255383808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325947207583141583.post-4575084838829199862015-08-23T13:48:00.000-10:002015-10-09T14:20:11.276-10:00Sunset Beach Bunkers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One thing I'm loving about staying on North Shore right now is staying on North Shore! It's seriously my favorite part of the island (ok, who are we kidding, all the parts are my favorite parts), but less accessible for us than most. You know, like make it a special weekend trip sorta thing. Maybe that has more to do with how slacktastic we've gotten about traveling though... I mean, really, it's a 45 min drive. </div>
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But back to my point- I've always felt like there's too much to do up on North Shore that you simply can't do a day trip and consider yourself fulfilled. So there are tons of little things this week that I've always wanted to just BE up here to do... like random hikes for example.</div>
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This bunker hike was seriously cool- and the kids were, for the most part, troopers. Avril was having a rough time, she wasn't feeling well. Hence her presence in ONE picture here and that unknowingly and unwillingly!</div>
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The kids loved exploring the graffittied out bunker and were so excited to check everything out that they kept getting upset that Dad wasn't being interesting (he was on the phone taking care of moving business)</div>
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but they still managed to be plenty interesting themselves, of course. Starting with "Mom, take a picture of me!"</div>
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which turned into "Xandri, take a picture of us!"</div>
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After we thoroughly explored the bunker, we went outside to check out the crazy cool landscape- these boulders are seriously rad. Like, seriously. </div>
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So the kids wanted to climb on them, which turned into posing. Xandri kept just standing there, not smiling. I finally showed her the pictures and said, "Xandri, is that really what you want your pictures to look like?!" </div>
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She said, "Mom! How do you expect me to look all serious when I'm smiling?!" </div>
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She wanted to have a TOUGH and SERIOUS shot- ergo, she was doing it on purpose- but not due to bad attitude lol. So I gave her some coaching in power posing and the serious face and I think we got what she wanted. She's so darn cute though! That's definitely a handicap when one is going for toughness.</div>
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Unless you're this guy. He's somehow managed to harness cuteness and toughness all in the same look.... my heart melts at the same time I take a step back, "Whoa, Mister, calm down... no need to get angry, sir!"</div>
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This rock formation- two large boulders resting together and creating the space below them- was claimed by Max as his home. If I were a badger I'd seriously find somewhere else to nest. </div>
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Dad finally got off the phone and to prove to Xandri that he was adventurous and interesting began being adventurous and interesting. Wish I'd gotten a clear shot of her face in this shot, but suffice it to say all was forgiven. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV6tTsQrWswqAeWwpI53uwygnesq4Xo4v1rvR6Addy0CAfxJtU_sRg1BbA-FJgIrhEklTZecikg75dCKe82yxMOXKQcXt6d-MNrRcGxJ76p4s_gYMMiW9Kv33YUYEgjmPrDkI1xfE0cr0K/s1600/Sunset+Beach+Bunker-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV6tTsQrWswqAeWwpI53uwygnesq4Xo4v1rvR6Addy0CAfxJtU_sRg1BbA-FJgIrhEklTZecikg75dCKe82yxMOXKQcXt6d-MNrRcGxJ76p4s_gYMMiW9Kv33YUYEgjmPrDkI1xfE0cr0K/s640/Sunset+Beach+Bunker-8.jpg" width="408" /></a></div>
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Xandri found her 'home'- definitely made me curious about our predecessors, I'll say that much!</div>
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This was the part where Max got HANGRY. The fact that we failed to bring water bottles (I will absolve myself on this point- I did instruct the kids to bring some... but like most children their age, they suffer from selective hearing. </div>
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This was the part where I realized it really was time to start heading back. Derek and the Middles had ranged on, exploring to their adventurous little hearts' content and these two were completely falling apart. It was definitely time to start meandering back down the trail.</div>
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We headed down the trail, slowly.... and when the others realized we were leaving they freaked out and ran to catch up- which I'd known they would do- and after fielding their accusations of abandonment, I offered Derek proof of α and Ω's (you know, the Bookends) plight.... which he then took a photo of... which, naturally, needed another photo outside that. Cause that's just the way we roll. </div>
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The Possehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04999193340255383808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325947207583141583.post-40113570048149344042015-05-28T11:09:00.002-10:002015-05-28T15:06:54.485-10:00It's Time to Say Goodbye<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We are gonna miss this gorgeous island when we move.</div>
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Yes, it's official. This is the official announcement of our impending departure from this lovely isle. It has been our home for 5 glorious years and is deeply a part of us- the people, the climate, the trees, the ocean, the hikes, the beaches... everything about this paradise has found a place in our hearts. I am so grateful for the chance we've had to raise our kids here for 5 years. </div>
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So many good and diverse people, experiences and places- I really couldn't ask for a better place to call home. I will take forever going through all the millions (ok, maybe thousands. It seems like millions!) of pictures we've taken to document our experiences- D is definitely a bit miffed I've dropped the ball so severely on blogging! </div>
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But come August, on we go to another new adventure, a new chapter in our lives. I'm glad it's Arizona, though- although it's ocean-less, it's still warm and will ease us gently back into seasons (the city we're moving to is at a higher elevation- about 10-15 degrees cooler than the rest of the state!). It'll be a different experience- one that I personally am hoping includes a pool and a giant Jacuzzi tub in the master bath! Oh and a dishwasher certainly wouldn't go amiss...</div>
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But no worries Hawai'i. </div>
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We'll be back.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFsH1t_Iw_LhT1Xv1pQlVuIQLAsCNeLQCIN61pq605-QaK-4rHpxzE_kS43jJxwlWGpSqO_qDuyxARd4u6FOz0FlG9mlRJANEPlkWa0pWna2aJQteMbYlcRzDLZQkKFL65rRZsR1ap0HI/s1600/beach+bums-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFsH1t_Iw_LhT1Xv1pQlVuIQLAsCNeLQCIN61pq605-QaK-4rHpxzE_kS43jJxwlWGpSqO_qDuyxARd4u6FOz0FlG9mlRJANEPlkWa0pWna2aJQteMbYlcRzDLZQkKFL65rRZsR1ap0HI/s640/beach+bums-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girl got some AIR!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ruFfooudlKPObl0j73ITqmZmh7MpKXB02zoPrREZorAZDKO1LuUNtzX14fd_k5bBJZmTVdqFKv1MEiQqn3yRJ4OscQei-jLRgUlB3QmnfdP0FNLRlzgTyesl1lP0aPncKfndj185uR4Z/s1600/beach+bums-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ruFfooudlKPObl0j73ITqmZmh7MpKXB02zoPrREZorAZDKO1LuUNtzX14fd_k5bBJZmTVdqFKv1MEiQqn3yRJ4OscQei-jLRgUlB3QmnfdP0FNLRlzgTyesl1lP0aPncKfndj185uR4Z/s640/beach+bums-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Went from kitty to dragon to puffer fish... dragon pictured here</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4G5wQISP_MAQekeSG3AQ-vvUjAvcuCPs-yvcei9lB7rwqfZKBr08fRbFMm_Q-J_8W1fKfRVrkVXJOHBfCcyouOoXdFvVxRJ4I2JWgkAz_7QC67WbFbay3spBb_GYXtak9rEEfCUEe8jg/s1600/beach+bums-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4G5wQISP_MAQekeSG3AQ-vvUjAvcuCPs-yvcei9lB7rwqfZKBr08fRbFMm_Q-J_8W1fKfRVrkVXJOHBfCcyouOoXdFvVxRJ4I2JWgkAz_7QC67WbFbay3spBb_GYXtak9rEEfCUEe8jg/s640/beach+bums-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honing his boogie boarding skills</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3l6tYi9QIYlcyM4NFz74cvv-nhr5G0WKoso74IVFsJw_WoaRIK37NooVvu1DOaXTotbROPKqaV3PBpIOBoX1Sqynj7LpO1TCPhJiLP37p-CakqlQ7qWI9vpTLts7tpU7K2_fb7aUkQn8d/s1600/beach+bums-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3l6tYi9QIYlcyM4NFz74cvv-nhr5G0WKoso74IVFsJw_WoaRIK37NooVvu1DOaXTotbROPKqaV3PBpIOBoX1Sqynj7LpO1TCPhJiLP37p-CakqlQ7qWI9vpTLts7tpU7K2_fb7aUkQn8d/s640/beach+bums-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We don't have snowballs. We have sandballs. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnYbnksLlR88f2Qwl0P2rG2UK8c_JCkdypbgI6ygsZs9y7LvOmRJw3o0M789WIEd9PNJ-xlfkMH82dYWZY85Wa2GvfLURerZcluJ_LUdpeeFmyHHFKheO-gR3ELdAEi0x0j81HF09h9p8/s1600/beach+bums-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnYbnksLlR88f2Qwl0P2rG2UK8c_JCkdypbgI6ygsZs9y7LvOmRJw3o0M789WIEd9PNJ-xlfkMH82dYWZY85Wa2GvfLURerZcluJ_LUdpeeFmyHHFKheO-gR3ELdAEi0x0j81HF09h9p8/s640/beach+bums-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buried alive</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5b13HYpPifzyi3JLrQtCWaJJWAsgckSNtPT7oK3YB4kuxRxZaCDxbWjRcwPJ3rBVI-BLQoCcAnkLJm9uj58gAv3ewAJS6Ms8n6cjDJnpWAl1THnY4stgadr8Skju5NXEcnsPF8F-074px/s1600/beach+bums-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5b13HYpPifzyi3JLrQtCWaJJWAsgckSNtPT7oK3YB4kuxRxZaCDxbWjRcwPJ3rBVI-BLQoCcAnkLJm9uj58gAv3ewAJS6Ms8n6cjDJnpWAl1THnY4stgadr8Skju5NXEcnsPF8F-074px/s640/beach+bums-6.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Transformation into snickerdoodle complete</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmjDQIUkzBTW8aKFgHNOtvywGzL24laZwoIqGlPXIxv7dlH45pdFqe7REQIcapYVykZjt17RLbbsszKHDdLG20HrR_kyNQQX-oa_xIAA3LZsLFaSCu0Cs7JChw_goX-0liGR1Psma1h83/s1600/beach+bums-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmjDQIUkzBTW8aKFgHNOtvywGzL24laZwoIqGlPXIxv7dlH45pdFqe7REQIcapYVykZjt17RLbbsszKHDdLG20HrR_kyNQQX-oa_xIAA3LZsLFaSCu0Cs7JChw_goX-0liGR1Psma1h83/s640/beach+bums-7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mummified </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0p2ZkRPLq5imLqtJmn4I6VHRHI_z64Yx-C3WIuIx9Gm0EYtYZ4cGu1X74RtQe7xj2u2cAJq2j1THoueZYQrmC_q4Cozz-AnfYjQs5JvmG4HG8lDlQJ-7Gtm3KEhM6pRtde1E97xt7_3G7/s1600/beach+bums-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0p2ZkRPLq5imLqtJmn4I6VHRHI_z64Yx-C3WIuIx9Gm0EYtYZ4cGu1X74RtQe7xj2u2cAJq2j1THoueZYQrmC_q4Cozz-AnfYjQs5JvmG4HG8lDlQJ-7Gtm3KEhM6pRtde1E97xt7_3G7/s640/beach+bums-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happiest mummy I've ever seen revitalized</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixCSgK_q6ZDnV_pOzrSQglkhjREnTX7AlPKFk4tFynXChKqo8_WB9dSyettvtldBLIkYi9odzrOAjaGQlRVRvtY22d0ElJae2YEF2UuWTy6VN7FWKueY7rIR38ogQV2hL9IFz-QRBBCCHx/s1600/beach+bums-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixCSgK_q6ZDnV_pOzrSQglkhjREnTX7AlPKFk4tFynXChKqo8_WB9dSyettvtldBLIkYi9odzrOAjaGQlRVRvtY22d0ElJae2YEF2UuWTy6VN7FWKueY7rIR38ogQV2hL9IFz-QRBBCCHx/s640/beach+bums-9.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gonna spend as much time here as possible before we fly!</td></tr>
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<br />The Possehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04999193340255383808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325947207583141583.post-40094814206242349812013-09-06T21:34:00.000-10:002013-09-06T21:34:05.590-10:00Evening on the Beach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our favorite beach these days is on the west side- which makes for fantastic sunsets! Which also means that if we're there at the right time we also have fantastic lighting. These photos are SOOTC (straight out of the camera), completely unedited. </div>
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Anyway, even though we hit the road later than we should have (we paid dearly in time spent in traffic- 20 min of drive time turned into an hour!), the beach was perfect- the water was warm, the sky was gorgeous, view amazing and the beach, as usual, uncrowded. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikvh7_QRH7lQyEbhEmZhjoKv3sjBAZLCRKOAcfbNKpshYH8_VFhzR8wROIU3Am0hW2_i7Yexont0vyd8jR6ty0SLWUDpPdtGMcV1OcOwNiAGizv1Zb7tUdZnoio0hygyJ7HlgiybN7jnpS/s1600/IMG_7810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikvh7_QRH7lQyEbhEmZhjoKv3sjBAZLCRKOAcfbNKpshYH8_VFhzR8wROIU3Am0hW2_i7Yexont0vyd8jR6ty0SLWUDpPdtGMcV1OcOwNiAGizv1Zb7tUdZnoio0hygyJ7HlgiybN7jnpS/s640/IMG_7810.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The kids got right to work getting soaked and building sand cities.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTH6KMN9uYwUXNiHk6lrEuoux6pur9STQutz6PcRb2WlyXJa__EIBAYtp5UZASaHbQoYWkQOc1txSbYNLHFP3irACM3Xvy3xfxZ3Gb1HdQpiukI1Z7XUZd71KrrgAZxTxeePYJzNIZt9xx/s1600/IMG_7822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTH6KMN9uYwUXNiHk6lrEuoux6pur9STQutz6PcRb2WlyXJa__EIBAYtp5UZASaHbQoYWkQOc1txSbYNLHFP3irACM3Xvy3xfxZ3Gb1HdQpiukI1Z7XUZd71KrrgAZxTxeePYJzNIZt9xx/s640/IMG_7822.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Roman is pointing out the various important buildings in his town: the church, the temple, Tripler and our house. He later added a tree- a grapeless grape stem.</div>
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I took Mr. Max out into the water- that boy is a water baby through and through! He loves the ocean, the pool, his baths and the shower and asks for at least one of those on a daily basis. So when we get to the beach, you can bet he'll be pulling someone big out to the water to play with him. </div>
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Aside: His favorite things these days? All of his assortment of balls (soccer, beach, basket-, volley-, etc- if it's round and it bounces it belongs to him!), his boogie board, his skateboard and anything with wheels. Oh and his bubble blower. It's shaped like a gun and has those little foam fan wheels that blow the bubbles. He uses it like a gun, plants his feet in a nice, wide stance, gives his best threatening baby glare, takes aim and blows a terrifyingly gentle breeze on his intended victim. With sound effects. End of aside.</div>
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Since the lighting was so perfect, Derek snagged the camera and started snapping away and since I was in a bikini at the beach it started to turn into a Halle Berry/Ursula Andress-esque Bond girl beach scene- which.... well, a picture's worth a thousand words.</div>
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You gotta hand it to the kid- she's a natural photo bomb!</div>
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Xandri of course was not far behind- these girls are so fun!</div>
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I took over the camera and caught a few ponderous shots of Derek enjoying a perfect scene.</div>
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Then the real fun began- a couple had brought their little toy chihuahua puppy to the beach for the first time. She was SO tiny, it was seriously a miracle she didn't get swept into the ocean! Of course the kids all fawned all over her, it was love at first sight. Max was fascinated by a puppy so small (and shaky).</div>
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Xandri's compulsion towards all things cute kicked into high gear and I'm pretty sure in her heart she took over ownership of the little thing. </div>
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And of course Roman couldn't miss out on the action. The little thing was wrapped up nice and snug and Roman stood and snuggled and talked to her so sweetly.</div>
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Even Derek couldn't resist the pull!</div>
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And the end of the day looked like this:</div>
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I love my life.</div>
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<br />The Possehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04999193340255383808noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325947207583141583.post-33680381363212301652013-02-15T15:06:00.002-10:002013-02-15T15:06:50.943-10:00Valentine's Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We got a package in the mail for Valentine's Day from Grandma and Grandpa!</div>
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As you can see, we were very excited to open it. </div>
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Once Mom got the picture she wanted (this was 1/3 posed), the floodgates were opened and craziness happened!</div>
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When the dust settled, Max got a soft "wuhv-wuh" (woof-woof) to love on and some candies,</div>
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Avril read us the sweet card that was enclosed,</div>
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Roman decided he didn't like his because he really wanted a SHARK,</div>
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but just as quickly decided the monkey wasn't too bad after all,</div>
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and the girls sorted out who got which heart pencils.</div>
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The girls also got cute wuhv-wuhs, not pictured here (they were moving to fast to get a clear shot without flash!). All the wuhv-wuhs got well-snuggled all night long. Avril reported repeatedly waking to snuggle hers better. </div>
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From Mom and Dad--- new raincoats for the girls (somehow I missed getting a shot of my whirling dervish in hers) and new dress clothes for the boys (they grow so FAST!)</div>
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Thanks Dad and Shelley, Valentine's Day was a sugar-loaded hit!</div>
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<br />The Possehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04999193340255383808noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325947207583141583.post-84672161508454775542012-11-17T22:38:00.002-10:002012-11-17T22:38:34.765-10:00Happy 4th Mr. Roman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Roman, Roman, Roman. We've had quite a few posts about you this year. I think cause you're so mischievous. And a stinker. That's right, you're a little stinker and you know it. And you're proud of it, too. </div>
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This little guy just makes me so happy all over. He drives me absolutely batty most of the time, mostly because it's so hard to discipline someone when you can barely keep a straight face! </div>
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He's been so excited for his birthday, we've literally been counting down since August. He was asking even before that. He is SO READY to be FOUR. Three is just so last year. Nobody's three anymore, except maybe the babies. And Roman is not a baby. Although I did ask him if he would just stay three this year and stop growing and his biggest concern was the presents. So I told him we'd still have a party, but he had to promise not to turn four yet. He ALMOST agreed to it. </div>
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Can I just say we measured him on our cute giant ruler board and he has grown ONE INCH since AUGUST? Maybe I just don't realize how fast kids are still growing at that age, but man! At least I'll be keeping track now that I have that thing. I mean, you always look back from year to year and see the evidence in the pictures, but you don't think of it in terms of picking up an inch in three and a half months. </div>
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Xandri's birthday was kind of hard, because his was just around the corner (we tried celebrating separately this year) and everything she had for her birthday he wanted for his. He switched some things up, though. Like cookie cereal for breakfast and cookies for lunch. He requested cheese pizza for dinner, then halfway through making it he said, "No, Mom, I wanted quesadillas!" Then at actual dinner he proceeded to eat half of Avril's non-cheese pizza. She was not so pleased at that turn of events. </div>
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He was obviously thrilled to see what awaited him in the kitchen. Especially getting to finally open his blue card-- a LEGO card, no less! Thank you, Auntie Camas!</div>
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Max loved the balloons again. This time we skipped the helium and just taped them by their strings to the cabinets. That worked out well for Max who just batted at them while standing on the stool saying, "Ba! Ba!"</div>
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Note the shiner-- he fell down the steps out the side door the day before. That was a very sad time. Also note the toothbrush (aka "utt") in his hand. (So named because it's "up"). He LOVES the taste of toothpaste.</div>
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So after breakfast since it was a school morning, we quickly adjourned to the living room for the scavenger hunt. It wasn't long-lasting since he basically got three things besides the GIANT TRAIN TABLE that is now our coffee table in the living room. It was still in the box, so I don't think he was as initially impressed as later- but judging by the look on his face in the first couple of shots here I think it was enough. </div>
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Once we got the girls off to school it was time to assemble the table. </div>
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A word here about toy/furniture assembly. I actually like it. It's like a puzzle for me. I like sitting down with the instructions and going from step to step, completing them neatly in order and accounting for all pieces. </div>
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So, for me, this wasn't a problem. Initially. But once I got the table. And the drawers. And the hardware all assembled and still had the spiral tower, the airport, and the control tower with their 22 itty bitty A. screws and their 34 itty bitty B. screws and their 8 little bit bigger C. screws... well, let's just say all gifts for the next several months will come preassembled. </div>
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Halfway through assembly Tutu (Grandma Zan) showed up with a bucket. And it was FULL of dinosaurs- just like Sammy's bucket in his favorite story. </div>
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Well, let's just say that before presents, he wanted to go to Chuck E. Cheese like Xandri did. And after? All thoughts of Chuck E. Cheese quickly faded away at the prospect of trains, cars and dinosaurs all in the same proximity. Then when the girls got home from school, the fun started all over again!</div>
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So then pizza for dinner, birthday cake to follow. As soon as those candles got lit, they got blown out- which earned a scandalized and scathing "ROMAN!!!" from Avril who then scolded him for not waiting till we sang and till he wished. So we relit the candles, at which point Xandri said, "Hey maybe now he'll turn 8!"</div>
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Happy Birthday song followed- and then: </div>
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After several (8-10?) failed attempts he finally blew all those candles out! I think he's gotta be at least 12 by now. Or does failure to blow them out the first time subtract years? Huh. I'll check Wikipedia. </div>
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Happy Birthday Roman! We love you and we're eagerly watching to see if you'll grow big like a giant this year!</div>
Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00975841173990885200noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325947207583141583.post-82510650257065545152012-11-12T21:27:00.001-10:002012-11-12T21:40:01.299-10:00Happy 6th Xandri!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My Xandri turned 6 on Saturday-- I can't believe how the time's gone. Six more years and she'll be 12-- adolescent, entering Young Women at church, practically grown up. Six more after that and she's 18, her own person and off to college and whatever else life holds for her. It makes me cry just thinking about it-- and makes me realize how precious the time I have with her (them!) really is. </div>
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Trying to sit here and think of the words to describe this little girl fills me with such tenderness. Squirrely. Giggly. Silly. Wiggly. Busy. Distracted. Imaginative. Yellow kitty. Loving. Snuggly. Teasing. Spicy. Xandri.</div>
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Her birthday meals tell enough-- Ramen noodles for breakfast-- with nothing in them. Normally I put peas and tomatoes in in a weak effort to inject some degree of nutrition into the meal. Xandri doesn't believe in mixing foods. Almost ever. She hates peas. She wants the tomatoes on the side. Or not at all.</div>
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Lunch was cupcakes, applesauce and the little individual cereal boxes.</div>
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Dinner was her favorite- Cuban Black Bean Soup. Or just "bean soup" as she refers to it. She loves it. And she loves dipping her tortilla chips in it. Dessert was brownies (the Ghirardelli Triple Chocolate brownie mix from Costco) and ice cream cones. That girl has SUCH a sweet tooth!</div>
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So we decorated the kitchen with streamers and the birthday banner, breakfast out and ready to go. They each got to blow up balloons with the helium and I showed them the helium voice, which they loved. Avril was the only one who tried it, it was hilarious. </div>
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A balloon dance party quickly ensued. </div>
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The balloons, however, caused all sorts of distress for Max. When they were up, he wanted them down. When they were down, he wanted them up. He walked around the house half crying, half yelling for the better part of the morning, stressing about those horrible balloons. Which he's really not supposed to play with anyway, but I defy YOU to keep him away from them.</div>
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Then we moved to the living room for a birthday scavenger hunt. I think she wanted the presents wrapped AND hidden. Hmmm. Well. The Lazy Mom Method got two good years outta that tradition. Derek got her a toy grabber to pick up all her things with and they loved playing with it. Thanks Grandpa for the book! </div>
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Since Roman's birthday follows Xandri's so quickly, I let him open his present from Grandpa as well. It was well-received.</div>
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After the morning festivities, we went to Chuck E. Cheese. Now Xandri is the only one who's actually been to Chuck E. Cheese and remembers it. So when I asked her what she wanted to do to celebrate her birthday, that was IT. She really wanted to share that experience with her siblings. That's another thing about that girl-- she shares what she loves. Experiences, that is, not candy. </div>
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Just so we have that straight. </div>
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Grabbed the mail on the way out and what did we find but a pink envelope addressed to Miss Xandri Zickgraf <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(there was a blue one for Mr. Roman as well, but we'll discuss that on his birthday when he opens it)</span> just in time on her birthday from Auntie Camas. Thank you Auntie Camas, the princess was SOOO pretty!</div>
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The kids LOVED Chuck E. Cheese and Roman wants to go back tomorrow for his birthday. We brought Tutu along with us and she entertained Max, who was mostly enthralled with the basketball games. The kid loves balls. What can I say? Better get him into sports and pronto! </div>
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I think the hardest part of the whole experience was the agonizing decision of what to spend your tickets on at the end. Do you go with the plastic rings and the little gooey bugs? Or go all out and get the princess tiara? In the end, she settled on one biggish thing, a really cool rubber bracelet that was really like 3-in-1, a top and a couple spiders. Yellow and purple. Smart choice, my girl.</div>
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After lunch, it was pool time. Scott pool-- water slide, rock climbing wall, kiddie pool, diving boards. That's all out fun right there!</div>
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Home for dinner and her new movie- Barbie and The Diamond Castle. It was everything a little girl could want-- sparkles and pink and purple everywhere, diamonds, beautiful princesses, dancing, singing, twin handsome princes that rocked a mean guitar, puppies, you name it, it was somewhere in this movie.</div>
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Finally, she turned 6 after blowing out her candles on the cake. I was slow getting the camera ready for this all-important moment, so the clearly all you see is the remnants of the candle. This girl is all business. </div>
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The first picture is her self-proclaimes "Robot Face". Avril decided she needed to get in and show Xandri how to make the appropriate birthday wish cake face. </div>
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I think she nailed it. </div>
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Happy Birthday my sweet little 6 year old. Try not to rush through the next six years quite so fast, ok?</div>
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The Possehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04999193340255383808noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325947207583141583.post-15966585396526462232012-10-14T22:50:00.000-10:002012-10-14T22:50:06.732-10:00Pronounciation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Learning a language can be a tricky thing. There's all sorts of things to figure out.</div>
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Like no "attractions" at the table. That's one of our rules. We're not too sure what it means, but people are gettin' attracted by all sorts of things around here- books, cars, games, sisters. It's really easy to get attracted when you're supposed to be doing a job. </div>
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Another tricky one is how things keep "jus-appearing". He sets a toy down and goes away for a while and when he comes back, it's "jus-appeared" and nowhere to be found! It's pretty confusing.</div>
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Or when he's watching SuperHeroes or Diego on the "tevy" and people keep "erupting" him. This boy really hates getting erupted. And those sisters do it all the time. Poor guy can hardly get a word out before somebody's erupting him again.</div>
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<br />The Possehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04999193340255383808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325947207583141583.post-9668545319345175492012-10-14T22:38:00.001-10:002012-10-14T22:38:02.634-10:00Water Kitties<div style="text-align: center;">
For some reason the kids love pretending to be kitties. Roman is the Green Kitty, Xandri is the Yellow Kitty. I'm not entirely sure if Avril is a specific color of kitty. Although sometimes she's just the owner of the kitties. Max enjoys the crawling part of this game, particularly now that he's walking. I think he likes feeling like he's pretending with the big kids. He's a smart baby, that one. </div>
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Anyway. Back to the kitties.</div>
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Avril and I were mermaiding (yes, that is the technical term for shouting "I'm a mermaid!" and diving under the next big wave) when Avril informed me that the kids were "water kitties" today. </div>
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I asked her how that worked since most kitties hate water and she explained that water kitties are very rare. </div>
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So I asked how many there are in the world. </div>
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"Three," she replied. </div>
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"Oh, I see. And do water kitties have paws or fins?"</div>
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Scandalized at my ignorance, she replied in a voice dripping with all the scorn and incredulity she could muster, </div>
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"Paws, of course! We're not CATFISH!"</div>
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The Possehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04999193340255383808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325947207583141583.post-66377017041086972662012-08-29T23:46:00.000-10:002012-08-29T23:48:29.783-10:00Avril's Baptism<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXICvVeN1BCsPnC0HjVLJPzYzOsCln1cK02AFNKExmuWJ5QkfUMyr19St-guflZSg4MVVaV6bifERYw0KLIDIyUukAbHwna9f6SNwSl4uEwOmi1dukho2Pjoo-LYfE6CkhyphenhypheneNxcJPOdEc/s1600/Avril's+Baptism+Announcement+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXICvVeN1BCsPnC0HjVLJPzYzOsCln1cK02AFNKExmuWJ5QkfUMyr19St-guflZSg4MVVaV6bifERYw0KLIDIyUukAbHwna9f6SNwSl4uEwOmi1dukho2Pjoo-LYfE6CkhyphenhypheneNxcJPOdEc/s640/Avril's+Baptism+Announcement+2.jpg" width="640" /></a>I didn't cry when she started preschool. </div>
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Or when she rode the bus for the first time. </div>
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I didn't cry when she started first grade- having skipped kindergarten.</div>
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But when my little girl turned around to look at me from the front pew where she was sitting with her dad, singing the opening song during the baptism, holding my gaze for the duration of the song...<br />
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Well, I tear up now just thinking of it. My heart is so full of joy and pride in my little girl for making this important decision in her life. So full of joy at the maturity she regularly demonstrates, her goodness and purity and her sweet conviction in the gospel. Watching her learn and grow, her testimony of Christ, of prayer, of the power of the Holy Spirit blossoming into something real and vital... I think this is the greatest reward a mother can experience. Sometimes I can't believe she's really only 8. She is such a good example to her siblings and to her peers- and to her parents. I love this girl with all my heart!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxi3zJm554ObRuWLV2SD7t9xMTi6TGGom5qD4lj6HbwXNihTj4gRNupP1YiYlZtAOlIX1-5en1Wb5saE6QRdXqWt7Yqj-gjBDpreaBmM08EVhhaqgVow5zL1-DmhM6BUc1Mgr6LSLTob-/s1600/Avrils+Baptism-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxi3zJm554ObRuWLV2SD7t9xMTi6TGGom5qD4lj6HbwXNihTj4gRNupP1YiYlZtAOlIX1-5en1Wb5saE6QRdXqWt7Yqj-gjBDpreaBmM08EVhhaqgVow5zL1-DmhM6BUc1Mgr6LSLTob-/s640/Avrils+Baptism-20.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbL1nPf3CBJdWFO80gzKCmYBP6kYpU4lwkMro4FFpVZWDf4pTdy66CHmADLNxGp_48ya3NBEU2_4xRW6OddW-9leffFDtzuRmAh8nhv4g7WJRKKih6ok5S4P92cWiPokPdY_GrGcAJ-oo4/s1600/Avrils+Baptism-26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbL1nPf3CBJdWFO80gzKCmYBP6kYpU4lwkMro4FFpVZWDf4pTdy66CHmADLNxGp_48ya3NBEU2_4xRW6OddW-9leffFDtzuRmAh8nhv4g7WJRKKih6ok5S4P92cWiPokPdY_GrGcAJ-oo4/s640/Avrils+Baptism-26.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(four generations!)</span></div>
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I'm so grateful my family was able to make it out for her baptism. They were wonderful- fun, pleasant guests, helpful, easy to please and overall great to have. Also thanks to all our dear friends who were able to make it to her baptism and celebrated with us afterward- as well as those of you whose hearts were with us. Your love and support warms our hearts.</div>
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The Possehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04999193340255383808noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325947207583141583.post-19351962308048610992012-08-05T22:54:00.004-10:002012-08-05T22:54:37.758-10:00Back to School!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAru_edx5qiTcEOfR907Ew81CZj-xeBscTAZwNASbQnesBAqnK7hglM5w1d5m89EHOLk4Sq_XZ_cn9VmmE0jmQ-ebcDIh6_KlfQu4EZ39Plpya38JFo0ij1OanJMPZaILkCyDegyjSWgK2/s1600/Avril+1st+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAru_edx5qiTcEOfR907Ew81CZj-xeBscTAZwNASbQnesBAqnK7hglM5w1d5m89EHOLk4Sq_XZ_cn9VmmE0jmQ-ebcDIh6_KlfQu4EZ39Plpya38JFo0ij1OanJMPZaILkCyDegyjSWgK2/s640/Avril+1st+Day.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12o5nwcRqrLV7WfOjmYOQCiuxvSjr1e7A7j3gIB9ApImvAwBXNBORVHmSY-YtowJUxCsIjVQqwZ7dxJSCVfPdH-i2eof0fub4g6LWcRxorebTlkWvjVpriK0BXodo4Y2B3sRzm1bQBHYO/s1600/Xandri+1st+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12o5nwcRqrLV7WfOjmYOQCiuxvSjr1e7A7j3gIB9ApImvAwBXNBORVHmSY-YtowJUxCsIjVQqwZ7dxJSCVfPdH-i2eof0fub4g6LWcRxorebTlkWvjVpriK0BXodo4Y2B3sRzm1bQBHYO/s640/Xandri+1st+day.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yes, I know, it's crazy, right? </div>
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First day of school here was July 30th. </div>
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THIRTIETH!</div>
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I can't believe I have a 3rd grader. And Xandri's in 1st grade... Eek! They're growing up too fast. </div>
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I think Avril looks so much like her aunt Micaela in this picture, it kills me.</div>
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Xandri's expression makes me giggle a bit. She's standing in front of our school's mural/mosaic thing. It's pretty cool. I think it's my favorite part of the school.</div>
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It's crazy to me how proud I am and how nostalgic I get at the same time when I look at my kids. I call 'em my babies, but as often as I do they indignantly remind me that they are NOT babies. </div>
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And like any good mother, I tell them that no matter how big they get, they will always be my babies. </div>
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They are both so full of personality and energy, imagination and life. I love eavesdropping on their conversations and watching and hearing how they develop and how their world view shifts as they grow. At the same time, that scares the bejeebies outta me!</div>The Possehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04999193340255383808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325947207583141583.post-90817555959987118662012-07-29T17:19:00.001-10:002012-07-29T17:19:19.965-10:00'Neakin' Around<div style="text-align: center;">
Roman fell off his chair and told Derek that Xandri pushed him.</div>
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This little lie earned him a time-out on the couch from Daddy.</div>
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Who went back to playing Diablo 3 with Weston ten feet away. </div>
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After some time he came upstairs, got some paper from the printer and some crayons and sat next to me, quietly coloring. After drawing a couple pictures, Grandpa Wayne said, "Roman, what are you doin?"</div>
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Roman replied, "I'm 'neakin' out of my corner."</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">The he finished coloring, ate a little snack and got down from his chair. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Wayne asked him where he was going.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">"I'm 'neakin' back to my corner."</span></div>The Possehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04999193340255383808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325947207583141583.post-64406999747225384822012-07-19T09:13:00.004-10:002012-07-19T09:13:39.938-10:00Leggy Pepper<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;">WARNING: THIS POST NOT INTENDED FOR THE SQUEAMISH</span></div>
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This morning at breakfast we were all eating our eggs when Roman asks, "Mom, what is this black thing?"</div>
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I glanced over between Max's bites and said, "It's pepper, Roman, you always have pepper in your food. It's fine."</div>
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"But Mom, it has legs. I don't like pepper with legs."</div>
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"What? Pepper goes on eggs, Roman, it's fine."</div>
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"Mom, we don't eat pepper with legs."</div>
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Finally convinced this might not be pepper on mispronounced eggs, I inspected the proffered fork and egg. </div>
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Sure enough, his "pepper" had legs. A little roach had somehow found it's way into the pan. I still don't know how and I'm quite traumatized.</div>
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I'd post a picture, but I'm still trying to hold down what I hope is legless eggs. We all left off the eggs and moved onto better things. Legless Poptarts. </div>
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I need me some Orkin!</div>The Possehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04999193340255383808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325947207583141583.post-27460276457577736932012-07-16T14:41:00.001-10:002012-07-16T14:41:48.182-10:00Pretend Xandri Did It!<div style="text-align: center;">
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Standing at the kitchen sink rinsing some dishes when suddenly I'm attacked from behind by a Bad Guy under the cover of a blanket.<br />
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And then CHOMP!<br />
Right on my behind.<br />
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"YOU DO NOT BITE!!!"<br />
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Ducking quickly away...<br />
"Mom! Mom! Pretend Xandri did it!"<br />
</div>The Possehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04999193340255383808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325947207583141583.post-88742768071667189592012-07-14T22:34:00.000-10:002012-10-15T00:13:50.301-10:00Dad & Shelley Get Hitched<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So we left off last time, with Derek getting on a jet plane to go home without me while I went on to my dad's wedding.</div>
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Although the parting was difficult initially, I was comforted and left with a feeling of peace that allowed to look forward to and enjoy the rest of my journey. </div>
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I'm so glad I was able to go. It was wonderful to see everyone- my friend Natalie picked me up from the airport and we hung out briefly that evening, catching up and enjoying each other's company. She then dropped me off at Derek's grandparents' house where I was immediately made to feel loved and welcome, I felt, as always, right at home there. I miss them already just thinking about it!</div>
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We caught up for a bit, but it was late and we were all tired so I crashed pretty quickly but made sure to set my alarm so I would have time to leave for the wedding by 8:00. Of course the travel and the late nights and the jet lag caught up with me though and I slept through (or "snoozed" through) my alarm. Thankfully Grandma Zickgraf had an eye on the time and listened for me- not hearing me she sweetly took it upon herself to wake me!<br />
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After a quick breakfast, I headed out and tried to remember my way up to Provo from Salem on the backroads. All things considered it didn't go too terribly badly. I got to the temple on time and when in to a near-on family reunion. Everyone was waiting inside, so in hushed voices we said our hellos and made our reacquainted ourselves. I was so happy to see a few familiar faces from my childhood ward and see the love and support my dad has at home. </div>
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The sealing was beautiful. My dad and Shelley looked so happy together and I'm so grateful I was able to be a part of it. It was definitely an emotional experience for me.</div>
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I'm excited to get to know Shelley more personally, as well as her kids. I mean, wow, five more siblings in a matter of a few minutes? That's impressive. And daunting! I was delighted to meet them all, as well as some of their new spouses (this was the FOURTH wedding for Shelley and her kids in the past year! And when I say that, I mean her three oldest kids got married, not that she's been married four times in the past year. Just to clear up any confusion that may have caused.)</div>
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These faces... well, I'm torn between the adjectives "entertaining" and "terrifying". And I mean that in the best way possible. </div>
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It was so good to see my dad's family and catch up with them and hear about their own families as well. The saddest part was the whirlwind aspect of it all! We had so little time to catch up, I'm grateful Denise and Grandma will be coming with Dad in August for Avril's baptism. </div>
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Shelley-- are you SURE you're ready for this crew? We're excited to have you, but I don't thinking you know what you're getting into! ;)</div>
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Oh and hey! There's Nic and Ethan in a picture! I wasn't sure I had any of Ethan, he slunk away halfway thru pictures. I'm pretty sure Nic woulda if he coulda, too, but I was his ride- sucker. </div>
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I miss you, Amiee! I really wish we'd had more girl time together, it simply wasn't enough!</div>
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I could not BELIEVE how grown UP this girl looked when I saw her at the temple! Her hair, her dress, her jewelry... dang, girl. I'm still reeling a bit from the shock of it. Still my little sister, but no longer the baby, that's for sure.</div>
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It was a delight to meet Shelley's parents as well, they were so pleasant and charming. She just makes such a beautiful, classy, elegant bride. She carries herself with such confidence and you can see her inner light. As I said before, I look forward to getting to know this lovely lady!</div>
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Love you Grandma! It was wonderful to see you. I love this picture.</div>
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(Amiee, we need more of these.)</div>
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The newly-minted brothers. Well, except Ethan. This is the part where he ditched. </div>
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And the women of the family... we're a pretty good-lookin' crew I'd say. </div>
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We love you, Dad! Congratulations on this big step in your life! May you treasure each other always.</div>
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Afterward we got to catch up with everyone a bit more over dinner at Olive Garden, Chelsea and Reed serenaded them on the ukulele with a couple of songs, one of which was a personal favorite of mine. Aren't they simply gorgeous together?!<br />
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I also got to know Denise's daughter Aspyn a bit- she is a firecracker! She had us cracking up all over the place, good luck with that girl Denise! She's got boatloads of personality!</div>
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After the festivities and the bittersweet goodbyes, I drove back "home" to Grandma and Grandpa Zickgraf's house to pack up for the trip back. I wish I could have stayed longer just to catch up with them (and everyone); my time there was precious, more so for its brevity. </div>
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Natalie once again hooked me up with a ride (thank you for driving me all over Utah girly!) and we went out for frozen yogurt before she dropped me off at my aunt and uncle's house for the night. Thank you Robert and Debbe for your hospitality as well! </div>
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I felt so loved and cared for on this trip and I am so grateful for the many, many friends and family that I have out there. I look forward to the next time we meet in our many walks of life and think of you all with fondness until then. </div>
The Possehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04999193340255383808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325947207583141583.post-5947965779414365572012-07-09T22:55:00.000-10:002012-07-09T22:55:02.536-10:00New York, New York! Part the Second<div style="text-align: center;">
So then that brings us to Friday, wedding day. I started off my day with a grueling new workout called <a href="http://www.sltnyc.com/">S.L.T.</a> led by the harsh (yet sexy) taskmistress, Natalie Uhling, who also works as an UnderArmor model. I can't even describe what it all entails, so if you're interested or curious, just check out the link. </div>
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All I know is that I've never actually been able to see myself shake so visibly in the mirror on the other side of the room. </div>
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After S.L.T., I went back to the hotel to get ready for the day. Camas had sweetly offered to have our hair and makeup professionally done, so I got there early. Apparently everything had gone wrong already that morning. Wrong flowers, wrong gift cookies, second hairstylist no-show, and then the overcast, threatening clouds, soon to be rain. </div>
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But we already know how that story ended. </div>
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Then the reception was perfect. Lovely top story reception room and roof garden in Soho, beautiful despite the occasional rain and threatening clouds. Enjoyable company, delectable hors d'oeuvres, refreshing libations. Frank Sinatra crooning in the background. So very tastefully done.</div>
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I loved the guest sign in book. A beautiful coffee table book full of stunning photographs. Pick a page and write a note. </div>
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The cake was divine. Both the cheesecake and the chocolate. </div>
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Then they did a little gift presentation to Matthias' kids, symbolic of how they were joining all together as a family. It was very sweet. The look on his son's face in particular I will never forget. The sweetest smile as he looked at all their pictures in the frame. </div>
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Post reception Jaime and I, the honorary maids of honor (yes, maids- I defy you to say otherwise), Jared & Derek, Camas' parents & Bradley all helped clean up. Dropped off the various leftover food items at their new apartment & after salivating for some minutes over the extra cakes in the fridge, finally decided to head out to finish off the night in style. Found a sushi place that was still open at 11pm. Lots of great conversation, reminiscing, discussing, plenty of laughter and all around some good bonding with some truly fun people. </div>
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Sleep: 3am.</div>
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Awake: 12:30pm.</div>
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Now somehow we're going to cram all the rest of our sightseeing into the last half of Saturday. Time to prioritize. Grabbed the camera and headed to the Top of the Rock. We opted for a stroll through Central Park on the way there and snagged some food from a Shishkebab or Halal truck before going in. Pretty tasty.<br />
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First sight to greet our eyes was this:<br />
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The poor dears really just need a beach. Nothing quite like this level of wishful thinking to really appreciate what I got, eh?</div>
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Meanwhile, I was enjoying the juxtaposition of God's creations and man's.<br />
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Also, there were turtles in the water.<br />
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Finally made it over to the Top of the Rock. 1/2 price for military, BOOYAH!<br />
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Absolutely stunning views of the city. </div>
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Next stop, <a href="http://www.themeatballshop.com/">The Meatball Shop</a> in Chelsea with the cousins!</div>
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First, though, we had to find our way and bumbled into Grand Central Station, which I had wanted to see but forgot to do on purpose.</div>
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Sorry guys, we actually did have a picture where we all had our camera faces on, but I liked this one better, more fun and personality here. And since it's my blog, it's my say. </div>
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After some great conversation and delicious meatballs (served up in at least 6 different ways that I noticed), we speed walked over to Amorino's for some sinfully delicious gelato- I think Derek got mango but all I could concentrate on was my fantabulous dark chocolate nutella gelato... omnomNOM!<br />
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From there, booked it on over to the port for our evening cruise (which I kept thinking, "Wait, if the SUNSET cruise doesn't leave till 9pm won't we miss the sunset?" And then I remembered I wasn't in Hawai'i anymore where the sun never sets any later than like 7:30.) Biggest bummer was our camera died by then. The Statue of Liberty is absolutely gorgeous at night, though, I will tell you that. The city itself is beautiful all lit up, the lights reflecting on the water...<br />
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We made it over the Chinatown and Little Italy just as they were shutting down for the night, but managed to snag a few last minuted deals from some indulgent shopkeepers all the same.<br />
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All in all, New York was fantastic. We made it on our subway, train and plane all on schedule and parted ways in Phoenix so Derek could make it back to work for Monday and I could make it to my dad and Shelley's wedding Monday.<br />
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On a side note... that was one of the hardest splits for me. Watching him get on that plane to go back home- to our kids, to my Max, to Hawai'i... I felt like my heart left with him. I wanted nothing more than to bag it all and go with him. But a quick little prayer left peace in my heart about the upcoming flights & experiences left in my own trip and although I still missed everyone terribly, I was able to go on and enjoy the rest of the trip.<br />
Blog to follow. </div>The Possehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04999193340255383808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325947207583141583.post-8505561784612353952012-07-07T20:14:00.000-10:002012-10-14T20:14:15.944-10:00The Circle of Life According to XandriA while ago we were driving past the Valley of the Temples memorial park, home to the Byodo-in Buddhist temple and a large cemetery. Derek and I were talking about something until I overheard the conversation going on behind us as Xandri explained to Roman what a cemetery is.<br />
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X: "That's where people go and die. And then the people that love them and miss them go and put flowers on them to show them."<br /><br />
R: "Who killed them?"<br />
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X: "I don't know. Some of them just grew and got too big and explode and die."<br />
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Me: "Wait, what happens Xandri?"<br />
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X: "They get old and lose their minds and grow and get too big and go to the top of the tallest tree in the world and explode and die!"<br />
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Dad: "Is that what's gonna happen to you?"<br />
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X: "No, first you, then Mom, then Trin, the Avril, then me, then Roman, then Max."<br />
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A: "Max is immortal!"<br />
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So. I suppose that makes the most sense. Although does that mean that the larger you are, the older you are? I'll have to ask her.The Possehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04999193340255383808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325947207583141583.post-54832382871599060712012-07-02T20:45:00.000-10:002012-07-02T20:45:53.547-10:00New York, New York!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My dear friend and cousin Camas just married the love of her life in New York. It was a lovely wedding, set in a quietly preserved garden in Central Park. While the weather had us all wondering whether it would be as great as it sounded in theory (it was raining right up to about an hour before after being extremely hot all week!), it wound up being absolutely perfect. The rain cooled the air temperature by about 10 degrees, filled the bird bath in the fountain, bringing birds and their songs for background music. It left a beautiful golden light filtering through spots in the clouds and a smell of cleanness in the air. </div>
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And I will say this: God answers prayers! The rain cleared up just at the right time, and the reprieve lasted just long enough for the ceremony and pictures of friends and family with the bride and groom as well as a handful more after we all dispersed to go to the reception. Apparently, being the last to leave the scene, Camas and Matthias, dressed in full wedding attire were left huddling under a hot dog stand when the deluge started back up. I had no idea until after the reception as neither of them were any worse for the wear!</div>
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I can't wait to see the wedding pictures. She hired a brilliant photographer, <a href="http://www.jenhuangblog.com/">Jen Huang</a>, to shoot the wedding. I love her style. </div>
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Derek snagged this shot of me during the ceremony. I'm so happy for you both!</div>
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We've been needing updated cousin shots. I sure hope Jen got some good ones cause oh boy. We look great-- just a wee bit <i>fuzzy</i>. </div>
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Camas, you are simply stunning. So beautiful inside and out. I'm honored to be able to have shared this beautiful day with you. I love you as a sister.</div>
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Doesn't my hair look AWESOME? Camas's friend/hairdresser did it and I LOVED it. It looked so cute the next day, too, when I took all the pin curls out. </div>
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I wasn't sure what to do myself-- I wanted great pictures, but at the same time didn't want to interfere with the true professional at work. Further, I didn't quite know whether that was a faux pas to take personal photos during the ceremony<i>. </i>So. Derek got out the camera and snapped a few, for which I am grateful. Unfortunately, in my quest to learn some new features on my camera and get better at using them, I'd changed the focusing to back button focusing (yeah, now I'm getting to the point where I'd have to explain my stuff to non-photographers! Booyah!). Derek is used to shutter focusing. So we were left with several out-of-focus, blurry shots. While on the one hand it makes me happy that I'm increasing in my knowledge enough that I can't just hand my camera over to anyone and expect the same quality from them as myself, it also (as seen here) gets in the way at times. I tried to do this hazy vintage-y edit on some of them as well. I'm still unsure whether I like it or not. I think it looks good on the pics that are sharply in focus, but the ones that aren't... I'm afraid it just looks like bad photography.</div>
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Meanwhile, the rest of our 4 days in New York were spent well-- at least we enjoyed them. Whether or not we maximized our site-seeing time is debatable. I don't think we got to bed before 2:30--ever. Despite the melatonin Camas thoughtfully gave us.<br />
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Wednesday we got in at 4:30, got to our hotel around 6:30/7 after trying to figure out the best way to get there like a local (we flew into Jersey), went to <a href="http://5napkinburger.com/upper-west-side-new-york">5 Napkin Burger</a> for the best burgers and the most amazing chocolate peanut butter milkshake (deja vu anyone? I think I posted about that last time I went to NY). It was even better than I remembered. Then we stopped in late to say hi to Camas before heading back to our hotel to crash. Seriously, it was like 8:30 our time. </div>
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Thursday I got up early to meet Camas for a <a href="http://www.barrysbootcamp.com/nyc-chelsea.html">Barry's Bootcamp</a> workout that <i>kicked</i> my butt and left me in pain for the rest of the week. Good pain. Following that I grabbed a fantastic, cheap mani-pedi ($25!), had Derek meet me and then on to <a href="http://myfiveblocks.com/2012/04/05/new-vive-la-crepe-opens-on-columbus-avenue-on-the-upper-west-side/">Vive la Crepe!</a> for a delicious and light lunch. Derek got dark chocolate with strawberries while I enjoyed a savory goat cheese, spinach, mushroom and tomato crepe. Then we met up with Camas again briefly before heading back out to check out <a href="http://www.moma.org/">MoMA</a>. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">On our way there, we stumbled upon Rockefeller Center,</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuaBY5aVnX8cyYuTssYdZsAycVXY6oYbLymRn-9P7BN2mqdWEG7WO78QHyfQVd-UeRr8nGXsmtrzAJHatg8Qcyw9yobewkzaGopsSWJ18aHBaOHofj6jGwMYUqC2OBEFFkW72ES0ysVXcl/s1600/nyc_23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuaBY5aVnX8cyYuTssYdZsAycVXY6oYbLymRn-9P7BN2mqdWEG7WO78QHyfQVd-UeRr8nGXsmtrzAJHatg8Qcyw9yobewkzaGopsSWJ18aHBaOHofj6jGwMYUqC2OBEFFkW72ES0ysVXcl/s640/nyc_23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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and Time Square, where we discovered we were on a giant screen. </div>
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I really honestly think I was one of, if not <i>the</i> first person to notice the giant screen. Tell you what though. I pointed at that thing and within a matter of seconds not only did everyone else notice, everyone within a 2 block radius seemed to have materialized to do really original things, like point at themselves and take pictures of the screen. Even the vodka company advertising its wares noted how original we all were. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohx0vlNFqLA17QcwQ1-RdAZcZj788lbhasr2D5H8OJymPPBJyYWWUbubbnrJVpGv2bQ_Wj2Kc6ptxoHbTlL6dAolj8wT5fAAFL4U4M-TSOc6N-AXEtRyEicsqY-psuzjjvo_YWtY7TVW4/s1600/times+square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohx0vlNFqLA17QcwQ1-RdAZcZj788lbhasr2D5H8OJymPPBJyYWWUbubbnrJVpGv2bQ_Wj2Kc6ptxoHbTlL6dAolj8wT5fAAFL4U4M-TSOc6N-AXEtRyEicsqY-psuzjjvo_YWtY7TVW4/s640/times+square.jpg" width="560" /></a></div>
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Next stop, MoMA. </div>
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Single Adult Admission: $25.</div>
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Admission for Active Duty Military members: FREE.</div>
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Love it. </div>
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So. Modern art, huh. Well, when we walked into the bottom floor, I was pretty unimpressed. Social and political statements? Yes. Art? Well, no. In my humble opinion, art requires a degree of skill and should be based around creating something original-- not destroying another person's original creation that required skill. Or littering candy wrappers in large areas of the floor, no matter how organized you try to make it look. Frankly, I was embarrassed for our generation of "artists". </div>
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Although, Derek's favorites were found on this floor. Though the word "favorite" is rather tongue in cheek here. The top and middle left being the ones that made him "feel". </div>
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Somehow we were unaware that Starry Night made it's home here and Derek was delighted to find it on the top floor. That made it all worthwhile. And while the first floor did little to wow us, the following floors each offered more, one after another until we were able to leave quite satisfied. A number of pieces had varying degrees of effect on me, from making me think, to causing me to reexamine previously held ideas, to stunning me with skill, creativity and beauty, even to visceral emotional reactions. </div>
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The sculpture below was one I found interesting-- it was described as depicting the relationship and communication between men and women. Think about that for a while. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDNGahO3f15ZP0ncgXhyphenhyphengYIzs-5Db3IrdNLTFIQFQulK18-0ZL98c_HCF3ljtXTXPAQaPmTyODG3pyvDen1ilqwOZhLGYdPM-2rl_ZGDZFdhXnlNn2LwnldrPngD96XKIt8iwi5DRP0oA/s1600/MoMA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDNGahO3f15ZP0ncgXhyphenhyphengYIzs-5Db3IrdNLTFIQFQulK18-0ZL98c_HCF3ljtXTXPAQaPmTyODG3pyvDen1ilqwOZhLGYdPM-2rl_ZGDZFdhXnlNn2LwnldrPngD96XKIt8iwi5DRP0oA/s640/MoMA.jpg" width="560" /></a></div>
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This one just made me happy. And dork that I am, I couldn't help myself. </div>
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So original.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPIclVNwUL6lhb2tU40S-zCdRhLGwGk8VWzLETn-y7LQgDnrTj1_PMNYanDYGOR3MZwuFzy7c0NGMMq3YcgtCML4jSZNMniEEBZEZrJz73rN-eAJ_qJzRgA2pdU1eUVDFZTx5OfaTQuZsh/s1600/nyc_19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPIclVNwUL6lhb2tU40S-zCdRhLGwGk8VWzLETn-y7LQgDnrTj1_PMNYanDYGOR3MZwuFzy7c0NGMMq3YcgtCML4jSZNMniEEBZEZrJz73rN-eAJ_qJzRgA2pdU1eUVDFZTx5OfaTQuZsh/s640/nyc_19.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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After finishing at MoMA, we went out to a delightful little Thai restaurant called <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/topaz-thai-restaurant-new-york">Topaz Thai</a> and enjoyed some fantastic curries before our Broadway show that night. We got to see <a href="http://www.anythinggoesonbroadway.com/">Anything Goes</a>-- it was SO fun! We were both pretty tired from the late night before, so during the slower parts and the ballads found ourselves nodding off, BUT. The big song and dance numbers were fantastic. So much energy and talent, and although I've heard much of the music, I'd never seen it-- I loved the story. Fantastic and well worth the experience. </div>
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TO BE CONTINUED</div>The Possehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04999193340255383808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325947207583141583.post-82068762617696424382012-07-01T22:03:00.000-10:002012-07-01T22:03:19.393-10:00Romanations<div style="text-align: center;">
The kids have their own colored plates. They are quite possessive of their colors. Anything green automatically belongs to Roman, yellow to Xandri and orange to Avril. Roman and Xandri in particular are very possessive. </div>
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While we were in New York, Zan watched the kids for us. Without thinking about the possible ramifications, Zan served up a plate of cookies-- on a green plate. While everything around him was going on as normal, Roman became increasingly concerned about how to claim possession of what appeared to him to be his rightful cookies.</div>
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Suddenly he blurts out, "Those cookies are MY business! Don't touch my BUSINESS!"</div>
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Also while in New York:</div>
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Roman became concerned that Grandma (Tutu here in Hawai'i) wasn't taking care of Max properly. Helpfully, he suggested "Tutu, you're supposed to feed him with those" pointing to her chest.</div>
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"With what?" she asks.</div>
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"With yow' boobs," he replies.</div>
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"I can't. Those don't have any milk in them."</div>
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"Just try, Tutu. Just try."</div>The Possehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04999193340255383808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325947207583141583.post-86121798302359028252012-06-13T23:34:00.001-10:002012-06-14T00:07:51.428-10:00A Penny For Your Thoughts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What goes on behind those eyes during that split second before he realizes there's a camera in his face and he starts posing?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEP8yUIcTKY7-h41-qryGExDmabBrfiW9GMmJrmNXnlxitJoeYPTD3ku12HrVkuuzaLueAGmUi6VheGZhjYBaOfrGbOEV53mddiPtZMzrN0eoU_NkgPAqyIMkQRGzV_uxt1xy5nbEB7mvG/s1600/boy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEP8yUIcTKY7-h41-qryGExDmabBrfiW9GMmJrmNXnlxitJoeYPTD3ku12HrVkuuzaLueAGmUi6VheGZhjYBaOfrGbOEV53mddiPtZMzrN0eoU_NkgPAqyIMkQRGzV_uxt1xy5nbEB7mvG/s640/boy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ84fGC8Qz5RBHuDhInfRDzd5XI919KmmNfBYEL4yHUuhnVsYOzT9YSzBARIjcZnGO6jQ7rNN1cKFJ0mhrywx3gDGTJzxDvEn-_BCq0yODMsXDqTXCSBflAPRsqdydADzdG2l99hM0r87O/s1600/Roman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ84fGC8Qz5RBHuDhInfRDzd5XI919KmmNfBYEL4yHUuhnVsYOzT9YSzBARIjcZnGO6jQ7rNN1cKFJ0mhrywx3gDGTJzxDvEn-_BCq0yODMsXDqTXCSBflAPRsqdydADzdG2l99hM0r87O/s640/Roman.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />The Possehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04999193340255383808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325947207583141583.post-65028900294945680022012-06-13T23:30:00.001-10:002012-06-14T00:04:54.179-10:00My Angel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There was a little girl</div>
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Who had a little curl</div>
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Right in the middle of her forehead.</div>
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And when she was good,</div>
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she was very, very good;</div>
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but when she was bad...</div>
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she was HORRID.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsv4zhBsGeYChn8tYdxb2yY_6lHdcgtat7xsTofRJ7WVRUaiCwuo5GTdZEmOyw46Fx3MQoTUurZ_xYH2PTHbX9gdtGHiqWBfQHjpBUX7YarunxXwVgB1dDvQ70J8La_DCE5KK4v08gqPeJ/s1600/angel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsv4zhBsGeYChn8tYdxb2yY_6lHdcgtat7xsTofRJ7WVRUaiCwuo5GTdZEmOyw46Fx3MQoTUurZ_xYH2PTHbX9gdtGHiqWBfQHjpBUX7YarunxXwVgB1dDvQ70J8La_DCE5KK4v08gqPeJ/s640/angel.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">She LOVES this wrap/shawl thing. Wears it everywhere. Ties it in umpteen different ways. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGKxI1MJojxDFu3bRZxAQgfR-xmN7Vi6-KxNpUBgyTy50mc6wGgQfRd-Jsma4Cz5bdxckS3YmBBMacf-DYrla2kHYHn3g7Uh7UTrJ9poC06jQh64bFKDAh1CALC55hqEn-Ao0xx2ufqY2m/s1600/angel_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGKxI1MJojxDFu3bRZxAQgfR-xmN7Vi6-KxNpUBgyTy50mc6wGgQfRd-Jsma4Cz5bdxckS3YmBBMacf-DYrla2kHYHn3g7Uh7UTrJ9poC06jQh64bFKDAh1CALC55hqEn-Ao0xx2ufqY2m/s640/angel_1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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It's true, though. What they say about that little girl. I have two of them. </div>
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This one, though. This one can be SUCH a lifesaver! Tonight for example.</div>
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Coming home after shopping to an untidy house with arms full of bags, fighting kids and no plans for dinner... toss the keys to Avril, Xandri carries Max and I try (unsuccessfully) to manage all the giant pillows (for our patio pallets) and shopping bags at once, only to come to the door with the three little kids standing outside- Avril inside and the door chained. </div>
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Not happy. I did not conduct myself well in the heat and frustration and tension of the day and the moment. She undid the chain after a few moments listening to me yell at her in frustration outside, but didn't bother to open it, which infuriated me further since my arms were full and Xandri was carrying Max. After a bit more yelling on my part, with her replying nonchalantly "I did open it" </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">("IT'S NOT OPEN!!! MY HANDS ARE FULL OF ALL THE STUFF NO ONE HELPED ME BRING IN!!!") </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">GUILT TRIP MUCH? Like I said, weak point for me today. </span></div>
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she finally condescended to open the door. Or maybe Xandri managed. Who knows?</div>
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By the time I got in, I was in full tirade mode, dropped everything and ran out to grab the rest. Back inside, tirade spent, I sat down at the computer to look up some random thing I decided I needed to look up RIGHT THEN and destress before putting things away and doing dinner. </div>
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And then.</div>
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To my complete and utter surprise, my little seven year old is suddenly next to me throwing her arms around me and apologizing, choking back tears and expressing her own frustration about Xandri and Roman and their shenanigans, telling me what she knew she should have done better and how she felt guilty she hadn't done it and made my day harder in the process. </div>
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I hugged her back hard. I thanked her, accepted her apology and told her it was all okay. </div>
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We hugged for a few moments longer, both hot and sweaty from the day, listening to the kids have a <i>little</i> too much fun on the brand new pillows until I couldn't take it anymore and had to go intervene. </div>
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She follows me and helps me put away the pillows. Offers to make dinner (Top Ramen, her favorite). Tidies the living room. The TV room. The kitchen. Gets ready for bed without me asking and helps Xandri stay focused. Washes the dishes while I rinse next to her, laughing and talking companionably. </div>
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All the while telling me how happy she is to help me on a day like today when she knows I'm tired and how frustrated I must feel and is there anything else I'd like her to do?</div>
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So we finished cleaning up and cooked a batch of cookies to eat while watching an episode of My Little Ponies together. </div>
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I love this girl. Even though she makes me crazy sometimes- when she is good, she is very, VERY good.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEu1IXRMgfcdbEeC8prHd8yCKsoNPdjBlTLmdaKE_tXXlewM2G__vqgqazFgiaNgEnxO-oavJBiVUOEhZN50mo7myhx1d63RCv2XbDgLshmxsjKwzZVkts_0USYsg9L-B8Fix0HxHhFJ9n/s1600/angel_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEu1IXRMgfcdbEeC8prHd8yCKsoNPdjBlTLmdaKE_tXXlewM2G__vqgqazFgiaNgEnxO-oavJBiVUOEhZN50mo7myhx1d63RCv2XbDgLshmxsjKwzZVkts_0USYsg9L-B8Fix0HxHhFJ9n/s640/angel_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />The Possehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04999193340255383808noreply@blogger.com1