tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18471795554174884512024-03-13T00:36:00.171-04:00Our journey***http://www.blogger.com/profile/03250734729662625864noreply@blogger.comBlogger109125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847179555417488451.post-19045638200224958722014-05-20T17:26:00.002-04:002014-05-20T17:26:44.845-04:00Ranheim Family UpdateIt is hard to believe that we have almost had Kate home with us for three years!! She continues to be our spunky and determined little girl that has developed the best sense of humor and sweet personality! She has learned so much in three years that it makes my head hurt just thinking about it! She can now read fluently (she loves Junie B. Jones), she writes stories all the time, her math is coming along (a little behind but we are working on it), and she has found many sports she loves! Her physical abilities have been amazing- her balance is 500% better than it was when we met her- she can now walk and run everywhere (and gallop if she wants to be especially fast). She wears AFO's on both feet and her muscles ache at times but she doesn't let that stop her. Her favorite activities are cheerleading, gymnastics, baseball, and singing. When she grows up she wants to either be a "gymnasticker" or a singer. Her biggest growth has been her emotional age- she truly is a typical seven year old. Looking back I can say she was closer to a two year old when describing her emotional and physical age three years ago.<br />
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Our family is doing great! Brennan has turned into a wonderful big brother and can even babysit for short periods of time. Of course he still enjoys fishing and even if he won't readily admit it, he is loving sixth grade! It's so nice to see him becoming so responsible about school work and outgoing with his friends. He is hoping to get into football in the fall but for now enjoys playing Minecraft, Skyping his friends, and taking drum lessons.<br />
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I finally got my master's degree in elementary education. I started a year long online program and completed ten classes in a year's time It was time consuming but the classes were relevant and interesting for the most part. Now that I have finished I wonder how I found the time to do the 25-30 hours of class work each week! I continue to teach second grade and love it! <br />
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Dave spends almost every free moment he has with the family. He'll tell you that the highlight of his week is going to watch Kate's Miracle League Baseball Games. Of course he spends countless hours fishing with Brennan as well. His work has been busy and he is excited to begin coaching a Midget A's Hockey Team in the fall. Kate is truly his little princess and watching them together makes my heart melt! My dreams have truly come true! <br />
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The other day I was driving in my car and both kids were buckled in the backseat talking about school. It was an ordinary moment but I paused and had to thank God for all of my blessings! I am so lucky to have two very special and amazing children and to see our family grow closer together because of them! <br />
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I forgot to mention that we also got a new dog! Toby joined our family about 18 months ago (when he was a year old). He is a Maltipoo and is great company for Zamboni who is now seventeen years old. Toby is the sweetest guy around and is finally learning some manners!<br />
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Life is good!! I'll post pictures soon and will hopefully update a little more often now that my graduate classes are done!<br />
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<br />***http://www.blogger.com/profile/03250734729662625864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847179555417488451.post-73949159184682546432012-12-21T09:29:00.002-05:002012-12-21T09:29:26.966-05:00Christmas is in the air!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3FG_s6MO6wI/UNRwC-Gh_OI/AAAAAAAACHI/RkOKz1PX4cY/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3FG_s6MO6wI/UNRwC-Gh_OI/AAAAAAAACHI/RkOKz1PX4cY/s200/009.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast with Santa at our church.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9NYbjzny_0w/UNRwEl1_b9I/AAAAAAAACHQ/sQZRxioTUTA/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9NYbjzny_0w/UNRwEl1_b9I/AAAAAAAACHQ/sQZRxioTUTA/s200/010.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate loves Santa! </td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mEvwebLSXA4/UNRwI8zVDKI/AAAAAAAACHY/zDuHN-zAFNs/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mEvwebLSXA4/UNRwI8zVDKI/AAAAAAAACHY/zDuHN-zAFNs/s200/017.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate was a sheep for the<br />
church Christmas <br />
Performace. She looked so cute!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-56flRqguwRg/UNRwQL_mykI/AAAAAAAACHw/teqa5oiJa1A/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-56flRqguwRg/UNRwQL_mykI/AAAAAAAACHw/teqa5oiJa1A/s200/022.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michah helped Kate maneuver<br />
the steps during the performance<br />
at church and now Kate LOVES<br />
her!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DnCwl2xBSS8/UNRwS41aQ9I/AAAAAAAACH4/78SustsZiGU/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DnCwl2xBSS8/UNRwS41aQ9I/AAAAAAAACH4/78SustsZiGU/s200/004.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brennan made this for his <br />
teachers and wanted to <br />
wrap it up for them. So sweet!<br />
He's such a happy kid this year at<br />
school! Thanks Barb and Jenn!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ruzly-lwhYc/UNRwYkFwcUI/AAAAAAAACIA/f-fam-wvfSI/s1600/089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ruzly-lwhYc/UNRwYkFwcUI/AAAAAAAACIA/f-fam-wvfSI/s200/089.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brennan put the Santa Collection out<br />
this year... I quietly distributed them a <br />
little more around the house... they were <br />
displayed three deep. So funny!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j4yM3EezZ20/UNRwa1pw18I/AAAAAAAACII/Ml01zIpPjZY/s1600/090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j4yM3EezZ20/UNRwa1pw18I/AAAAAAAACII/Ml01zIpPjZY/s200/090.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brennan and Kate<br />
totally decorated the tree by themselves<br />
and did a great job! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yxz5jhHvQ1w/UNRwiK6s8dI/AAAAAAAACIY/yv92qUfr_3w/s1600/092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yxz5jhHvQ1w/UNRwiK6s8dI/AAAAAAAACIY/yv92qUfr_3w/s200/092.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We put lights in the kids' room too. <br />
Kate arranged all the fish on the<br />
top bunk for Brennan.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zNpTcP-RxUk/UNRwl86tCrI/AAAAAAAACIg/u-qYpdeoTTA/s1600/094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zNpTcP-RxUk/UNRwl86tCrI/AAAAAAAACIg/u-qYpdeoTTA/s320/094.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate and Brennan set up our village too. Brennan<br />
made the pond for the village and added cars to the scene.<br />
He is so creative!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i9nb4VOr_Wg/UNRwrI3EzrI/AAAAAAAACIw/pehV30wGGKo/s1600/097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i9nb4VOr_Wg/UNRwrI3EzrI/AAAAAAAACIw/pehV30wGGKo/s200/097.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate was excited to make some more ornaments<br />
for our tree at the Advent Workshop at our church.<br />
</td></tr>
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<br />***http://www.blogger.com/profile/03250734729662625864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847179555417488451.post-58739876142814612722012-12-21T09:11:00.000-05:002012-12-21T09:11:30.255-05:00Busy Days<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YVggaqeDjOA/UNRpqqH_h2I/AAAAAAAACGE/K3vu19ZP8Gk/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YVggaqeDjOA/UNRpqqH_h2I/AAAAAAAACGE/K3vu19ZP8Gk/s200/011.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate had a winter choir performance at<br />
her school. I think this was her biggest<br />
audience yet! She LOVED it!</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qwq3DyAojHQ/UNRptYa-LTI/AAAAAAAACGM/BkzL7efYzgY/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qwq3DyAojHQ/UNRptYa-LTI/AAAAAAAACGM/BkzL7efYzgY/s200/012.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I went to kiss the kids goodnight<br />
after a date night and noticed that<br />
Kate had a mustache an beard...<br />
then I looked at Brennan and<br />
he had one too. True siblings!</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AyT73Hf1KaQ/UNRpxvzS_MI/AAAAAAAACGU/agr69pYj5zY/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AyT73Hf1KaQ/UNRpxvzS_MI/AAAAAAAACGU/agr69pYj5zY/s200/001.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brennan enjoys golf lessons<br />
with five of his friends.<br />
They've been taking lessons<br />
together since third grade.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hD-01SglSrs/UNRmtbPvcLI/AAAAAAAACCE/DQk0ANZlvKo/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hD-01SglSrs/UNRmtbPvcLI/AAAAAAAACCE/DQk0ANZlvKo/s200/014.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate is excited to be part of the<br />
big kids choir at church this year.<br />
She LOVES performing and singing!</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BnNyWtY4Abs/UNRmy0YdnBI/AAAAAAAACCM/WbPOv-t_B5U/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BnNyWtY4Abs/UNRmy0YdnBI/AAAAAAAACCM/WbPOv-t_B5U/s200/015.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fishing always keeps us busy!</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8JkH2cbm6g8/UNRm1BCI1GI/AAAAAAAACCU/QBLYK_mNLSA/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8JkH2cbm6g8/UNRm1BCI1GI/AAAAAAAACCU/QBLYK_mNLSA/s200/011.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brennan had to do a president<br />
report and chose to research<br />
Chester Arthur because he <br />
found out that Chester also liked<br />
fishing. He did a great job researching,<br />
writing, and presenting his report!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WoKfEvT4muE/UNRm39Oyb2I/AAAAAAAACCc/DzlRJPwFaVM/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WoKfEvT4muE/UNRm39Oyb2I/AAAAAAAACCc/DzlRJPwFaVM/s200/016.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our favorite fishing spot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qv6n0-NOjOM/UNRnIvrQziI/AAAAAAAACDE/9zbNCzpXiI0/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qv6n0-NOjOM/UNRnIvrQziI/AAAAAAAACDE/9zbNCzpXiI0/s200/033.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate had a Steam Expo <br />
(Science Night) at her school<br />
which included another <br />
performance of songs<br />
and sharing of projects.<br />
It was very cute!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NnHBN9PFfBQ/UNRnMl83XQI/AAAAAAAACDM/dWaZdK3o220/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NnHBN9PFfBQ/UNRnMl83XQI/AAAAAAAACDM/dWaZdK3o220/s200/037.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate sharing her project with her friend Angelina.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NfSmqRWvbd0/UNRnaBlTJtI/AAAAAAAACDk/sB2lMjHX8dM/s1600/081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NfSmqRWvbd0/UNRnaBlTJtI/AAAAAAAACDk/sB2lMjHX8dM/s200/081.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And even Kate enjoys fishing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6RnDi8I8dIw/UNRng5KatJI/AAAAAAAACD0/hKtiylsPo60/s1600/085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6RnDi8I8dIw/UNRng5KatJI/AAAAAAAACD0/hKtiylsPo60/s200/085.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Physical therapy once a week<br />
always keeps us busy. Here<br />
Brent is fitting her for her<br />
third set of AFO's. She's <br />
always a good sport!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZisTa_LNHw4/UNRnjFQtVkI/AAAAAAAACD8/NaDoJ6Tlp8g/s1600/086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZisTa_LNHw4/UNRnjFQtVkI/AAAAAAAACD8/NaDoJ6Tlp8g/s200/086.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toby and Zammy are good friends<br />
and we even caught them sharing a <br />
bed!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cRHVf9x_fX8/UNRnl9AqmPI/AAAAAAAACEE/Q9qGL7VF2nY/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cRHVf9x_fX8/UNRnl9AqmPI/AAAAAAAACEE/Q9qGL7VF2nY/s200/009.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our sweet Toby is all puppy!<br />
He definitely keeps us busy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church activities always <br />
keep us busy too! We <br />
love our church!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheerleading practice is<br />
probably Kate's favorite <br />
activity each week! She's<br />
on a special needs team in<br />
Wake Forest. It is the cutest<br />
program!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lSgNu-gWCCo/UNRoHTaE1XI/AAAAAAAACE0/KjXTOkNX8WU/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lSgNu-gWCCo/UNRoHTaE1XI/AAAAAAAACE0/KjXTOkNX8WU/s200/002.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We think Kate may grow up and<br />
be a physical therapist!<br />
Here she taped her own feet<br />
just like Ms. Caitlin does at PT. <br />
So cute!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yBobDP7GRMs/UNRoQe-AHrI/AAAAAAAACE8/M687NKEeaYs/s1600/225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yBobDP7GRMs/UNRoQe-AHrI/AAAAAAAACE8/M687NKEeaYs/s200/225.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">School activites keep us busy too.<br />
Our school did a great Stop<br />
Hunger Now Event. Here's<br />
Brennan helping his kindergarten<br />
buddy during the packaging event.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vWog4ZKVUA4/UNRoUPU5x4I/AAAAAAAACFE/eJHzgh93CXU/s1600/195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vWog4ZKVUA4/UNRoUPU5x4I/AAAAAAAACFE/eJHzgh93CXU/s200/195.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our sweet cheerleader!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stop Hunger Now Event at The Raleigh School</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new library and study room</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My church sponsors a Great Minds<br />
Program for kids that live in a housing development<br />
near our church. This year we helped<br />
'them organize and set up a community <br />
room complete with a library and<br />
furniture. There are activities at our church<br />
and a few of us started a tutoring program<br />
that meets each Tuesday evening. It has always<br />
been a great program but I especially love the<br />
tutoring this year!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rjKxzT3Drv8/UNRpN0XVW2I/AAAAAAAACF8/8KQd6tTV1Ys/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rjKxzT3Drv8/UNRpN0XVW2I/AAAAAAAACF8/8KQd6tTV1Ys/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We always have to celebrate my dad's life by going to <br />
his favorite restaurant, Golden Corral, on November 20th.<br />
It's hard to believe that he's been in heaven for 10 years already!</td></tr>
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<br />***http://www.blogger.com/profile/03250734729662625864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847179555417488451.post-11953055549648389492012-12-21T08:37:00.004-05:002012-12-21T08:37:41.083-05:00Surprise Party <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BTPlnyxRj0g/UNRh0ZtMMMI/AAAAAAAAB_c/VLGwhFHwohI/s1600/049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BTPlnyxRj0g/UNRh0ZtMMMI/AAAAAAAAB_c/VLGwhFHwohI/s200/049.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8nLS5PxTGeo/UNRj5exojGI/AAAAAAAACBM/pZEsF2BUFHk/s1600/071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8nLS5PxTGeo/UNRj5exojGI/AAAAAAAACBM/pZEsF2BUFHk/s200/071.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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Brennan hadn't had a birthday party for several years because he could never decide what kind of party he wanted. This year we decided to throw him a surprise party at the newly opened Buffaloe Road Aquatic Center. His friend, Lyon, turned ten a few weeks after Brennan and so my friend and I made some plans to surprise both boys. We invited their fifth grade class and told Brennan that the surpise party was for Lyon and we told Lyon that the surprise party was for Brennan. They were both surprised! <br />
Even my sister flew into town to help with the big celebration and seventeen kids came to swim and splash with the birthday boys. It was so much fun! <br />
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***http://www.blogger.com/profile/03250734729662625864noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847179555417488451.post-6246506059003824682012-11-04T15:39:00.000-05:002012-11-04T15:39:29.267-05:00October 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EE8DVeUgGNY/UJbHSUus3DI/AAAAAAAAB6U/dTgW0wc4QWI/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EE8DVeUgGNY/UJbHSUus3DI/AAAAAAAAB6U/dTgW0wc4QWI/s320/002.JPG" width="239" /></a>For Brennan's tenth birthday we bought a thirty gallon fish tank from our neighbor. It was a great deal and she even came over and helped us set it up. Brennan took some of his birthday money and bought the plants for inside (which actually cost more than the actual fish tank). The tank looks great in the kids' room and so far we've been lucky with the fish. He has about fifteen fish and we've only lost two within hours of bringing them home. Brennan's been wanting a big fish tank since he was about two years old. We thought it was so sweet that he asked our neighbor if she wanted to sell hers and save us some money. He acts cool on the outside but he really does think about these things and understands that we do need to watch our finances a little. </div>
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I can't believe our baby is ten! I love this age too! He still snuggles with us but can also be so independent. He's also grown so much as a brother to Kate. It wasn't an easy transition for him but he's grown to love his little sister. He will often tell me what a good sister she is because she doesn't mess with his things- and then he goes on to tell me about his friends' siblings. He can get frustrated with her (we all do when she cries and screams) but he gives her such great advice. She absolutely adores him and we tell him he needs to use his power for good. When she starts getting fussy, we beg him to use his magic and cheer her up. He truly is the only one that can change her mood from happy to sad within seconds. When he gets grumpy at her (and it wasn't her fault), he'll often feel guilty and play with her for awhile to make up for it. I always prayed that he'd end up being a brother like my brother was to me. I truly think my prayers are being answered- he is such a special kid!</div>
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Grandpa Ted visited us right after Brennan's birthday</div>
for the weekend. It was so nice to have him here and we enjoyed visiting, going out for dinner, going to a Leesville High School football game, and going to church together. We decided to have Kate baptized while he was here. Kate felt so special and the church gave her a beautiful necklace and a special candle and certificate. Every time Kate sees Pastor Jay now she runs and gives him a hug. She loved getting baptized and seems to understand a little bit about what that means. Of course any chance she can be in front of and "audience' she's happy!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate's baptism dress</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baptism Day</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-itt7T7YPI10/UJbID0VqlbI/AAAAAAAAB7c/4zTM4yVdCEY/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-itt7T7YPI10/UJbID0VqlbI/AAAAAAAAB7c/4zTM4yVdCEY/s200/011.JPG" width="149" /></a>After grandpa Ted left we needed to get ready for Halloween. We carved two pumpkins and Brennan planted all the pumpkin seeds in my flower pots. The crazy squirrels nibbled on our pumpkins though before I could take any good pictures. They literally ate the faces off our pumpkins- they are CRAZY! They've also eaten holes in our garbage can!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our little helper</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate five years old</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brennan 10 years old</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rapunzel</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Bum!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bum's sign</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She only made it to four houses!</td></tr>
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Brennan went trick or treating with some friends so Dave and I took a very tired Kate out trick or treating. She only made it to four houses and wanted to go home. She fell asleep in the car when we drove Brennan to his friend's house. I think she had her princesses mixed up. Wasn't it Sleeping Beauty that slept so much?!!!***http://www.blogger.com/profile/03250734729662625864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847179555417488451.post-35882015667812679322012-11-04T14:50:00.000-05:002012-12-21T08:04:46.369-05:00School Days Again...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I headed back to school on August 15th and so Kate headed back to Julie's until her school started. Brennan took turns hanging out with Dave and hanging out with me at school during the workdays. <br />
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Kate was back with Julie just in time to join them for the two night beach trip. She was so excited and they all had so much fun! If she gets to go to the beach for her preschool graduation trip, I wonder what she'll expect when she graduates kindergarten?? LOL<br />
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Julie had a preschool graduation ceremony on August 18th. It was very sweet and emotional for some of the families that have been part of Julie's preschool for so many years. All the kids are headed off to different kindergarten classes. The good news is that Julie is still going to watch them all when they don't have school and so they'll all be reunited at least once a month! Julie has been such a blessing to all of us!<br />
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Brennan and I started school on August 22nd. Kate had her staggered entry day on August 29th and loved it. She officially started on September 4th. We've all transitioned well- especially Brennan. He is so happy this year and is becoming so responsible! It's hard to believe that he is a fifth grader and this will be the last year at my school. The Raleigh School has been such a great school for him because it is so small and nurturing. He has really grown into such a kind and caring kid that is confident and outgoing because of his years at TRS. Kate is going to a school called Hilburn Academy, which is a public school only a mile from our house. They have been WONDERFUL so far and Brennan will attend the same school next year because they just added a middle school. Hilburn reminds me a lot of The Raleigh School except it's free! There are times when I wish Kate was at my school, but so far I love everything they are doing at her school. Financially we just couldn't afford to have both kids at my school- even with the teacher discount. We had planned to transfer Kate to my school next year, but we may decide to keep her at Hilburn. It would be great to have both kids at the same school! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate was so excited to have a two night <br />
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With all of us back to school and work we found ourselves quite busy! I started a tutoring program along with another friend from church at a low income housing project on Tuesdays. We also got book donations and furniture from our church and set up their freshly updated community room. The kids are so excited about their new library and great beanbags, chairs, lamps, and desks. They are so proud of their space and it was really fun to set up. Every time our car pulls up, we are immediately surrounded by about ten kids wondering if they can go into the Community Room. Tuesdays have been very popular with usually about 15- 20 kids ready to do homework, read books, color, or work on word puzzles. We've also been able to get about three other volunteers to help us. It has been great!<br />
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Kate is the busiest of all of us! She has physical therapy every Monday. I had applied for a grant to cover additional PT for Kate above the 20 sessions my insurance allows and was rewarded $1500.00. We have to use it by January though because then my insurance will kick back in. Kate loves going, so that makes it easy. They have molded her feet for her third set of leg braces. This pair will be a little smaller and are made to help fix her "pigeon feet". She still has toe drop a little, but wow has she made progress! Caitlyn is always amazed at Kate's improvement from week to week!</div>
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Kate goes to gymnastics on Wednesdays and loves that. I kept her in the preschool class because she fits in a little better with her physical abilities. Kenney's Gymnastics is so wonderful with Kate and she LOVES going so much! The exercise is great and helps keep her muscles from stiffening. She is so much more stable walking around and trying the different activities this year. </div>
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On Saturdays Kate has ballet class. We tried a class at a ballet place right down the road but they put her with the five year old class to try it (even though I said she'd do better in a younger class) and it was much too hard. Their other classes were full and we searched for another class. Triangle Academy of Dance in Cary offered a special needs class and they thought it would be a great fit for Kate. They were GREAT and loved having Kate in their class but after about six weeks they thought she was strong enough to try a preschool class. She took Dance Magic for a few more weeks but I was getting tired of the half our drive each way and so we looked for a place closer. We tried a four year old class at Carolina Dance Academy only a mile from our house. Ms. Eva is great and Kate fell in love with her third class. The best news about this place is that Kate will be in a recital in June complete with the fancy outfit, stage, and big audience. Kate LOVES to perform! The other dance places she attended did not have a recital but each place helped her get a little stronger so she'd fit in with the four year old class. </div>
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Kate's favorite activities occur on Sundays. She loves Sunday School of course and choir in the evenings. She is so excited to be a part of the big kids' choir and wear the choir robes when they sing. She stands up front so proudly and does a great job! <br />
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Her favorite activity of all is her cheer leading team though! Through my research I found a team that was just starting this year and talked with them to see if Kate would be a good fit. They were starting a special needs team in Wake Forest called the Wonder Wolves. Stephanie is the owner of the Wake Forest Wolves competitive team and Jenn had approached her to start this new team. The Wonder Wolves will attend five competitions and perform their routine. They won't compete but they will be a part of all the fun and cheering. They asked for volunteers from the Alpha Wolves (the highest team) to help the new team learn a routine, etc. Sixteen girls jumped at the chance to volunteer and so three alpha wolves have been matched up with one wonder wolf each Sunday for their one and a half hour practice. It is AMAZING! There are only five Wonder Wolves this year but I'm sure this program will grow much larger next year. Kate loves her three helpers and they are so good with her. The other four Wonder Wolves are all teenagers and so are all the helpers, so Kate gets plenty of attention! Cheer leading is great exercise too! Her first performance is December 15th. It's going to be so much fun!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate's cheer leading uniform</td></tr>
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Brennan is still our fisherman and will go fishing at any opportunity! He also enjoys his golf lessons on Tuesdays with his friends. This is their third year of lessons, although the weather didn't cooperate much last year. Hopefully they'll be able to go a lot more often this year. He also wanted to start drum lessons and so I found him a great teacher and he takes lessons every Monday. He LOVES it and is doing very well. He's also a part of our church's youth group and does activities with them once a month. He loves to have the time to just play, fish, and build. His creative mind is always doing some project or other!<br />
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Kate had a fussy week last week which reminded me a little of what we went through last August (2011)- eek! We skipped gymnastics and that seemed to help a little. She loves being busy though so we'll just have to see if she can handle everything or not. She has been back to her sweet self the last few days, so we have our fingers crossed. She can be so LOUD and dramatic!!! It does amaze me how a little five year old can affect every one's mood around her. I promised I'd join her for lunch at school if she has some happy days- so happily I'll be eating with her tomorrow. She's excited! If that's all it takes, I'll plan on eating with her each week!<br />
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My second graders this year are cute and fun. They do tire me out though. I love my summer days when I can easily stay awake until 10:00 PM. I feel bad that once again I don't have the time or energy to do everything I'd like with my kids, but as long as I have to work I'm happy I enjoy my job. <br />
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So life is busy and most of the time happy! Dave has been so helpful and Kate has learned that she can ask both of us for help (rather than just me). Life is good!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate's assigned alpha wolves<br />
that help her each week.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate is getting much more<br />
brave and they are now <br />
able to lift her up to their<br />
shoulders now!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the tape on Kate's feet. Caitlyn her PT will<br />
sometimes put tape on Kate's feet to help<br />
them point out during the session.<br />
Kate was playing the other day and came out of <br />
her room with her feet taped. I think she may <br />
have a future as a physical therapist!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brennan with his kindergarten<br />
buddy at the TRS Stop Hunger<br />
Now Event</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stop Hunger Now</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate is getting braver!</td></tr>
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<br />***http://www.blogger.com/profile/03250734729662625864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847179555417488451.post-62594471493692861852012-10-07T13:50:00.000-04:002012-11-04T13:18:08.574-05:00We love Craigslist!When we arrived home we decided to do some home improvement projects before I started back to work. We finally replaced our kitchen appliances with stainless steel appliances. We had to replace our dishwasher, which is what began the "switch out" on the rest. We sold our fridge and stove on Craiglist and as they were being rolled out our neighbor commented that she thought the appliances were the original ones put in when our house was built (1986)!! Looking at the yellow color, I think she may have been correct! The new appliances look GREAT and work even better! <br />
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We then tackled the kids' room. Neither one of them liked their beds and so we had to figure out a way to get them sleeping in their room again. They had been sleeping on the couch and the air mattress in the living room. After looking at options, we decided on a bunkbed that had stairs that went to the top bunk. Because it had stairs, Kate would be able to climb to the top without a problem. A few bonus things too- the stairs had drawers built in (more storage) and climbing the stairs required big leg stretches (PT on a nightly basis)! We ordered the bed and then decided to look for someone to buy the old beds- Craigslist again! Both were sold quickly along with the old dressers. The bed arrived in five huge boxes so I went to Craigslist and found someone to assemble the bed for us. John was his name and it took him five hours!!! He did an excellent job and it was well worth what we paid him! It would have easily taken us all day and probably a marriage counselor to be able survive the assembly. Poor guy had to do it when our air conditioning had gone out too! We truly felt bad as we sat out in the living room relaxing while he worked so hard in the bedroom! He charged us $100 for the assembly. He was truly an honest and hardworking guy! <br />
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I found two tall white dressers on Craigslist for the kids and their room was complete! It was great to clean-out and organize everything. The kids now have three choices of where to sleep- top bunk, lower bunk, or trundle bed underneath. So far they have BOTH been sleeping on the top bunk. I guess the bottom bunk is good to store all the stuffed animals. And now we have plenty of beds for anyone who comes to visit!<br />
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After the bedroom we tackled the living room and sold our off white couch and plaid chair (on Craigslist again). We had been given the off white couch years ago and it was beautiful. Unfortunately with a dog and kids and it never really looked clean. We had steam cleaned it, spot cleaned it, etc. and we never won the battle. This time we picked a dark chocolate couch that was cheap (yay) and comfortable! Besides I got to rent the big truck from Lowes to pick up the couch and drive it home! We then found a seat and a half chair which fit perfectly with the rest of our furniture. We LOVE the new furniture and to make everything come together better, we painted the bottom half of our walls a beautiful brown. It truly does look and feel so much better!<br />
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We also had to replace our air conditioner during this two week time and hired a handyman to do a few things around the house. We have the best air conditioner guy around (Gary) and a super handman (Paul). Gary is so honest and hardworking and Paul only charges $35 an hour and is so efficient and knowledgeable about so many things. I had another guy come to give me an estimate to fix the toilet so we didn't have to hold the handle down when we flushed it. The other guy looked at it and said it would be about $85.00. Paul looked at it, pulled a piece of rubber off the flapper in under two minutes and it was fixed! Paul took down and replaced three ceiling fans, fixed the toilet, and fixed our door for a total of $70.00! <br />
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And finally during this time we found the perfect dog for our family. We adopted Toby on August 3rd and he is absolutely adorable, loving, and sweet! He is 18 months old so still does a few puppy things but is learning so fast! He came with the name Toby and it does seem to fit him. He loves the kids and Brennan has been great about taking him for his walks. <br />
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So our first two weeks home were busy! I love organizing and planning, so it was super fun for me. The kids didn't enjoy it as much though so we spent the last few days swimming and playing.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So I guess that's why we bought a <br />
trundle- for all the fish!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Toby! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They both love the dog beds!</td></tr>
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Living in a 1100 square foot two bedroom house with two kids is a challenge at times. Having comfortable furniture and updating things a little makes the place wonderful! It was money and time well spent! We felt so lucky that we could afford to do the things we did- including replacing the air conditioning! We are blessed!***http://www.blogger.com/profile/03250734729662625864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847179555417488451.post-80975399726233598932012-10-06T17:04:00.001-04:002012-10-06T17:04:37.124-04:00More Vacation Pictures<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yukon Jack and Brennan<br />
Kids' Fishing Guides Day</td></tr>
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I can't believe I didn't update my post until now! I truly thought I had posted the rest of our vacation!<br />
<br />
After Eagle River, we made a stop in Laona to visit with grandma for the day. Then we headed to Wisconsin Dells to meet up with Christine and Britt (and kids) for our annual water park visit! We had a GREAT loft that we shared and enjoyed three days swimming, splashing, laughing, and playing. The weather was a little cold, but we had plenty of activities to keep us busy!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I ran into Neal- <br />
a great friend from college</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More boating fun!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Dan and Brennan</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too Cute!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three generations. With great grandma in Laona, WI</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of great grandma's dolls</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wisconsin Dells Fun with Christine and<br />
Britt and kids</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wendy joined us and helped<br />
so much! She even watched<br />
the kids while we had a <br />
girls' night out.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gmbzVyhfbvM/UHCGFdOx03I/AAAAAAAABvQ/h1gSif46h54/s1600/258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gmbzVyhfbvM/UHCGFdOx03I/AAAAAAAABvQ/h1gSif46h54/s200/258.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See Kate- that's how you go down<br />
the slide!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P7ybsR92Oy0/UHCGH_hz0MI/AAAAAAAABvY/NWnIJreKCVM/s1600/262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P7ybsR92Oy0/UHCGH_hz0MI/AAAAAAAABvY/NWnIJreKCVM/s200/262.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yay Kate! You did it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1huyg3XsuhM/UHCGMn8jSTI/AAAAAAAABvg/DN2c9i1QiHU/s1600/263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1huyg3XsuhM/UHCGMn8jSTI/AAAAAAAABvg/DN2c9i1QiHU/s200/263.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brock and Brennan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f07n6NLdxNI/UHCGTIub9jI/AAAAAAAABvo/YAc0q4D4UPQ/s1600/264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f07n6NLdxNI/UHCGTIub9jI/AAAAAAAABvo/YAc0q4D4UPQ/s200/264.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids loved the hot tub<br />
on the only cold day of the summer- <br />
and we had to be at a <br />
water park! LOL!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WIK4z1o7k9Q/UHCGY8L17UI/AAAAAAAABvw/1RYJFgWJ8xc/s1600/265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WIK4z1o7k9Q/UHCGY8L17UI/AAAAAAAABvw/1RYJFgWJ8xc/s200/265.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The inflatable park was<br />
so much fun!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yGMDeYVgwH0/UHCGe7GrXQI/AAAAAAAABv4/kSOjbpXVgWE/s1600/266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yGMDeYVgwH0/UHCGe7GrXQI/AAAAAAAABv4/kSOjbpXVgWE/s200/266.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3e7tSq10lxg/UHCGm8yYdxI/AAAAAAAABwA/XwDW8ojldno/s1600/272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3e7tSq10lxg/UHCGm8yYdxI/AAAAAAAABwA/XwDW8ojldno/s200/272.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shopping with Brielle and Kate<br />
was so much fun! Our fashion<br />
divas!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hfyrHptaj_A/UHCGuzx2aMI/AAAAAAAABwI/UHB4GPD7vKQ/s1600/273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hfyrHptaj_A/UHCGuzx2aMI/AAAAAAAABwI/UHB4GPD7vKQ/s200/273.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ejiEIsRMUSY/UHCG54I7o2I/AAAAAAAABwY/qdWwIi5tMkI/s1600/275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ejiEIsRMUSY/UHCG54I7o2I/AAAAAAAABwY/qdWwIi5tMkI/s320/275.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner at the Mexican Restaurant down by the wave pool.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H7_ekxi5Mmg/UHCHAmwWfFI/AAAAAAAABwg/Nbe36xWLnDk/s1600/276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H7_ekxi5Mmg/UHCHAmwWfFI/AAAAAAAABwg/Nbe36xWLnDk/s320/276.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gang- Britt, Wendy, DeAnna, Christine<br />
Brielle, Brennan, Kate, and Brock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1xcP3ycFRzY/UHCHI48eDWI/AAAAAAAABwo/UtIKFfE1SIU/s1600/278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1xcP3ycFRzY/UHCHI48eDWI/AAAAAAAABwo/UtIKFfE1SIU/s320/278.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bXYaMkiqlFs/UHCHKqRut-I/AAAAAAAABww/7PiXmerT1EU/s1600/280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bXYaMkiqlFs/UHCHKqRut-I/AAAAAAAABww/7PiXmerT1EU/s200/280.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ranheim Family Reunion talent show.<br />
Kate's talent was gymnastics.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After Wisconsin Dells, we headed to Minnesota. The kids were so excited to see Daddy after three weeks! While in Minnesota we went to the Ranheim Family Reunion. It was great to see so many relatives and the kids had a blast running around together. They even put on a talent show! <br />
<br />
While in Minnesota, we enjoyed visiting family, shopping a little, swimming, and going out to eat. Grandpa kept up some of grandma's traditions including giving the kids change for their piggy banks. It was extra special because we found a piggy bank in the "gift closet" that grandma kept that we are pretty sure was meant for Kate! Kate LOVED her new bank! It was so cute watching grandpa and Kate together. Grandpa was a wonderful audience to many dance recitals and listened to many songs! It was sad being in Minnesota without Jan, but she was with us in spirit as we shared many stories. We love and miss you Jan! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TbPJVM-9yiQ/UHCHOYGvH5I/AAAAAAAABw4/EBM8Yw5UOf8/s1600/281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9fAxTBjSmY/UHCHR213cjI/AAAAAAAABxA/2p7dzY1VUew/s1600/282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9fAxTBjSmY/UHCHR213cjI/AAAAAAAABxA/2p7dzY1VUew/s200/282.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brennan's talent was the hula hoop.<br />
I didn't even know he knew how to do that!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EwMM-n0ZZDo/UHCHY6fGsyI/AAAAAAAABxI/2xf5riTjTQU/s1600/279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EwMM-n0ZZDo/UHCHY6fGsyI/AAAAAAAABxI/2xf5riTjTQU/s200/279.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brennan and Erik</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wIWGyGhySog/UHCHhj7RjsI/AAAAAAAABxQ/S1MyvQkcnxg/s1600/284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wIWGyGhySog/UHCHhj7RjsI/AAAAAAAABxQ/S1MyvQkcnxg/s200/284.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ingrid and Kate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CdakI3kWRfo/UHCHkQrkoRI/AAAAAAAABxY/sI1qFYZ6nk8/s1600/290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CdakI3kWRfo/UHCHkQrkoRI/AAAAAAAABxY/sI1qFYZ6nk8/s200/290.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate loved her new bikini! It's<br />
Hello Kitty!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EAIXWf2Qz2Y/UHCHrI1WErI/AAAAAAAABxg/YUg3KBIGda4/s1600/287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EAIXWf2Qz2Y/UHCHrI1WErI/AAAAAAAABxg/YUg3KBIGda4/s200/287.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A trip to Minnesota has to <br />
include a little time at Mall<br />
of America!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-POYVO5j5D9g/UHCHu9vSLZI/AAAAAAAABxo/YbtwH8eL6Oc/s1600/294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-POYVO5j5D9g/UHCHu9vSLZI/AAAAAAAABxo/YbtwH8eL6Oc/s200/294.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Danny was at the <br />
same restaurant as us!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">When we left Minnesota we headed towards LaCrosse for the night to visit with Laurie and Mike Weber. They were old friends from our Madison days. We had so much fun catching up and laughing about some of our adventures! </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-55Jn-pm2vAc/UHCIC0P3bWI/AAAAAAAAByI/29TlPDJvrJI/s1600/298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-55Jn-pm2vAc/UHCIC0P3bWI/AAAAAAAAByI/29TlPDJvrJI/s200/298.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DU2dxtY4xtA/UHCIIdlIQ-I/AAAAAAAAByQ/YcYHQtYJVUI/s1600/299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DU2dxtY4xtA/UHCIIdlIQ-I/AAAAAAAAByQ/YcYHQtYJVUI/s320/299.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandpa and Kate </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s2h46r5mt5Y/UHCIORL4D1I/AAAAAAAAByY/Gc_QibSttoU/s1600/303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s2h46r5mt5Y/UHCIORL4D1I/AAAAAAAAByY/Gc_QibSttoU/s200/303.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate loved her new bank!<br />
It even had to go to the <br />
restaurant with us!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vkCl5mHP1L8/UHCITW_RWII/AAAAAAAAByg/DzOpp1mIsYQ/s1600/305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vkCl5mHP1L8/UHCITW_RWII/AAAAAAAAByg/DzOpp1mIsYQ/s200/305.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave and Mike haven't aged a bit!<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fOFEtktGyYQ/UHCIah4SWbI/AAAAAAAAByo/qSuZ978rdYs/s1600/308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fOFEtktGyYQ/UHCIah4SWbI/AAAAAAAAByo/qSuZ978rdYs/s200/308.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun with friends in LaCrosse!<br />
Laurie and Mike Weber</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lx1GfDTJJ-g/UHCIhRXesvI/AAAAAAAAByw/5jtDPRuXWdM/s1600/309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lx1GfDTJJ-g/UHCIhRXesvI/AAAAAAAAByw/5jtDPRuXWdM/s200/309.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate loved the girls!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qy6mDYuGKYE/UHCIlUqwqjI/AAAAAAAABy4/WAUIANSlgtM/s1600/315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qy6mDYuGKYE/UHCIlUqwqjI/AAAAAAAABy4/WAUIANSlgtM/s200/315.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sara (Mike and Laurie's daughter) caught<br />
a ride to Madison with us. Brennan loved <br />
snuggling during the ride. LOL</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y1i7HaELmgM/UHCIn8wHyFI/AAAAAAAABzA/GuUfWzRxpzA/s1600/316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y1i7HaELmgM/UHCIn8wHyFI/AAAAAAAABzA/GuUfWzRxpzA/s320/316.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fishing with the Echo Tails guys! Brennan gets to be the<br />
youngest Pro Staff member of this company (lures).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tTXC3vcUbIw/UHCIvrkpUOI/AAAAAAAABzI/a5fQig5tPhE/s1600/321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tTXC3vcUbIw/UHCIvrkpUOI/AAAAAAAABzI/a5fQig5tPhE/s200/321.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Madison Union</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Brennan got to enjoy some more fishing time in Madison and Kate was excited to spend some more time with Brielle. Of course both kids were super excited about seeing Aunt Wendy some more. Unfortunately Uncle Norman had to work a lot while we were there. <br />
<br />
Of course we had a GREAT time! Before we knew it, we got in the car on July 30th and headed home. It was so nice to have Dave helping with the driving though! And it was nice to be home after being gone so many weeks!<br />
<br />
It truly was a wonderful trip! We feel so fortunate to have spent so much time with family and friends!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GCfqGFvGa58/UHCI7HpOL8I/AAAAAAAABzY/ohNL1Q0bX94/s1600/323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GCfqGFvGa58/UHCI7HpOL8I/AAAAAAAABzY/ohNL1Q0bX94/s200/323.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy birthday Britt!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H2g2NLDjtVw/UHCI_LILOvI/AAAAAAAABzg/P0PYLOZSU-U/s1600/324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H2g2NLDjtVw/UHCI_LILOvI/AAAAAAAABzg/P0PYLOZSU-U/s200/324.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And we celebrated my birthday too!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bdT-yPkmNi4/UHCJC63pGYI/AAAAAAAABzo/6YM_U_9WjZc/s1600/327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bdT-yPkmNi4/UHCJC63pGYI/AAAAAAAABzo/6YM_U_9WjZc/s320/327.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave, Dee, John, Christine, Erik, Britt (and Brielle)<br />
Madison, Wisconsin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F5kNIfAVA8I/UHCJHoFfQ6I/AAAAAAAABzw/68kopfwXouU/s1600/325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F5kNIfAVA8I/UHCJHoFfQ6I/AAAAAAAABzw/68kopfwXouU/s320/325.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zbSl-d3D1mQ/UHCJJDMlfqI/AAAAAAAABz4/wj5sm65-Mao/s1600/328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zbSl-d3D1mQ/UHCJJDMlfqI/AAAAAAAABz4/wj5sm65-Mao/s200/328.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids had a sleepover with <br />
Wendy while the adults went to Waunakee Fest.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U6vMeNFw6cQ/UHCJNv_XyRI/AAAAAAAAB0A/6gyyP0BvC44/s1600/331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U6vMeNFw6cQ/UHCJNv_XyRI/AAAAAAAAB0A/6gyyP0BvC44/s200/331.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waunakee Fest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EweyVaB5zuk/UHCJPczGzmI/AAAAAAAAB0I/n7LWLhZmwmw/s1600/338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EweyVaB5zuk/UHCJPczGzmI/AAAAAAAAB0I/n7LWLhZmwmw/s200/338.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brielle and Kate enjoyed the day with<br />
Wendy and New Dan at the zoo and<br />
at another festival</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oOGH6dueF-4/UHCJROwM85I/AAAAAAAAB0Q/hVuv91OdufM/s1600/339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oOGH6dueF-4/UHCJROwM85I/AAAAAAAAB0Q/hVuv91OdufM/s200/339.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oIXcLWKmO00/UHCJS0a6lNI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/NTHmxRjnWRs/s1600/341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oIXcLWKmO00/UHCJS0a6lNI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/NTHmxRjnWRs/s200/341.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Dan with the girls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QI_PBDyh0T0/UHCJX8367XI/AAAAAAAAB0g/hKqTHY5jp_Q/s1600/344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QI_PBDyh0T0/UHCJX8367XI/AAAAAAAAB0g/hKqTHY5jp_Q/s200/344.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silly Daddy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QnbTh1QMFg4/UHCJalH_YrI/AAAAAAAAB0o/AdqIiLPsqco/s1600/345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QnbTh1QMFg4/UHCJalH_YrI/AAAAAAAAB0o/AdqIiLPsqco/s200/345.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun at the beach has to <br />
include fishing!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yb7fHlsnULc/UHCJdyEF8yI/AAAAAAAAB0w/-JxB15bYhko/s1600/346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yb7fHlsnULc/UHCJdyEF8yI/AAAAAAAAB0w/-JxB15bYhko/s200/346.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor fish!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YUQ9suWqZ50/UHCJjUbDIBI/AAAAAAAAB04/hHblkBdo0FY/s1600/348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YUQ9suWqZ50/UHCJjUbDIBI/AAAAAAAAB04/hHblkBdo0FY/s200/348.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mNPCvz4vZVw/UHCMaL0jirI/AAAAAAAAB1g/jeZ2-40oJBo/s1600/354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mNPCvz4vZVw/UHCMaL0jirI/AAAAAAAAB1g/jeZ2-40oJBo/s200/354.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The petting zoo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gj7sEQoKo00/UHCMfYfwuTI/AAAAAAAAB1o/SlD7TIRkBnY/s1600/351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gj7sEQoKo00/UHCMfYfwuTI/AAAAAAAAB1o/SlD7TIRkBnY/s200/351.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IbtFOuvO4dY/UHCMkG-o6ZI/AAAAAAAAB1w/VNCjp2rQj94/s1600/355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IbtFOuvO4dY/UHCMkG-o6ZI/AAAAAAAAB1w/VNCjp2rQj94/s200/355.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The goats are always a favorite!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HWS_iQCbFDg/UHCMpAU75EI/AAAAAAAAB14/tEV8JY4U9hk/s1600/361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HWS_iQCbFDg/UHCMpAU75EI/AAAAAAAAB14/tEV8JY4U9hk/s200/361.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--kqsAfJ28GY/UHCMtBUmKEI/AAAAAAAAB2A/j3LqLAwqBjc/s1600/362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--kqsAfJ28GY/UHCMtBUmKEI/AAAAAAAAB2A/j3LqLAwqBjc/s320/362.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the kittens are a favorite too!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QWZ_IdZIwjI/UHCMy34mT4I/AAAAAAAAB2I/Nwxy7NBEN9o/s1600/365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QWZ_IdZIwjI/UHCMy34mT4I/AAAAAAAAB2I/Nwxy7NBEN9o/s320/365.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But Larry the Llama will always be<br />
number one!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />***http://www.blogger.com/profile/03250734729662625864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847179555417488451.post-59541364991597447992012-07-11T16:28:00.000-04:002012-07-11T22:24:33.496-04:00Vacation Time (so far)! June 27th- July 11thMy outpatient procedure on Wednesday went so well! I couldn't believe how good I felt afterwards!!! We left the house around 8:00 AM, we were home by 1:00 PM, and at the pool by 3:00 PM. I took my prescribed pain medication that day just in case, but honestly I felt great and I could BREATHE!!!! <br />
<br />By Thursday, June 28th, I decided to pack up the car and get ready for our long drive. We said goodbye to Dave, Zamboni, and Fred (the turtle) and left around 3:00 PM... and then got stuck in traffic two hours later. We were stuck for over two hours and barely moved.... the kids were fine and great travelers... it was just me that was frustrated. Apparently some bridge was out somewhere (not many signs giving us directions or detours)... so my GPS took me on a detour that eventually got us around the mess. We didn't make it as far as we wanted but at least we were five hours closer by the time we stopped for the night. <br />
<br />The next day we got up and had a great breakfast at Bob Evans. Brennan LOVED that place!!!! It was a long day of driving (for me- again the kids were great)... we hit a few more detours, heavy traffic, a very dark storm, and more detours but finally arrived at Leah's house in Aurora, Illinois by night. I was so happy to get out of the car!!! I don't think I want to make that trip by myself for awhile again!!! Driving it five times by myself in the last year is more than enough!!! Dave will be helping me with the drive home, so now I can rest easy!<br />
<br /><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uFQs2jQf7-w/T_3Wmf0-tkI/AAAAAAAABis/oZjssf67xRA/s1600/497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uFQs2jQf7-w/T_3Wmf0-tkI/AAAAAAAABis/oZjssf67xRA/s200/497.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leah and DeAnna<br />
Friends since seventh grade</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We had a great visit with Leah and her family. Brennan ran off to play with her two youngest boys (Matt and Chris) and I barely saw him the two days we were there. Kate hung with the girls. She had a huge fussy moment the second day, but after a long talk about it, the rest of her vacation (so far) she has been sweet and easy and fun! I think she was just "testing" to see what she could and could not get away with on vacation. She is a smart little girl!!!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zW2wo7sa_Yo/T_3WThseRtI/AAAAAAAABiM/UPK7wS7qRog/s1600/479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zW2wo7sa_Yo/T_3WThseRtI/AAAAAAAABiM/UPK7wS7qRog/s200/479.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We love Leah's pool!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We enjoyed Leah's small pool, watched some movies, and went to a great place for pizza in a nearby town. We also walked around this cute park that was built along a small river. It was beautiful! <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a1clRZC5LTM/T_3WZzyGWZI/AAAAAAAABiU/XwZYDe-KaE8/s1600/486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a1clRZC5LTM/T_3WZzyGWZI/AAAAAAAABiU/XwZYDe-KaE8/s200/486.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brennan, Chris, Matt, and Kate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was a relaxing weekend and by Sunday I was ready to get back in the car for my short drive to Madison which is only about two hours away. Both kids slept on the way and so when we arrived they were a little caught up on their sleep. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oT0GMbSKOFA/T_3X31qJj1I/AAAAAAAABkY/zOqSkYy-UmU/s1600/536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oT0GMbSKOFA/T_3X31qJj1I/AAAAAAAABkY/zOqSkYy-UmU/s200/536.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brielle and Kate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Kate and I stayed with Britt and her family in Madison and Brennan stayed with Wendy, Dan, and Norman. We were all together for the daytime fun though! Kate was so excited to see Brielle and the two of them were as cute as ever! Baby Alyssa (17 months) was so cute and I enjoyed playing with her! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NOgE_nY4o6I/T_3XANAtU5I/AAAAAAAABjE/ZpEB7sOGmNQ/s1600/512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NOgE_nY4o6I/T_3XANAtU5I/AAAAAAAABjE/ZpEB7sOGmNQ/s200/512.JPG" width="149" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ar5hfDSno_4/T_3W0XiPZsI/AAAAAAAABi8/Yb9tnzsn4C8/s1600/509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ar5hfDSno_4/T_3W0XiPZsI/AAAAAAAABi8/Yb9tnzsn4C8/s200/509.JPG" width="149" /></a>In Madison, we enjoyed some pool time at a pool that Norman has membership rights to. It had a super kiddy pool that Kate especially enjoyed. Our pool day was mostly Norman, Kate, Brennan, and me and then later Wendy joined us. It was a great day! In the evening we met up with Britt and Brielle at Ella's Deli for dinner and then the girls rode the carousel. We said goodbye to the boys (and Wendy) and Britt and I took the girls to Dream Park in Madison. Next to the park, there just happened to be a small carnival complete with a few rides. We let the girls choose two rides to go on and their favorite was the small roller coaster. By the time we got home, it was time for bed. On Tuesday we went to the zoo. This time it was Norman, Kate, Brennan, Brielle, and myself at the zoo. Brielle showed us around and we got some cute pictures. After we were all melting from the extremely hot day, we went to the beach across the street where Britt and Alyssa joined us. Kate and Brielle played, Alyssa splashed around and loved the water, and Brennan and Norman attempted to catch fish by hand (with a little toy net). Brennan actually caught one and was the talk of the beach! The lifeguards couldn't believe he did it!!!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eYJR5002YlE/T_3XeLq7avI/AAAAAAAABjc/1PejEHQP8KI/s1600/517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eYJR5002YlE/T_3XeLq7avI/AAAAAAAABjc/1PejEHQP8KI/s200/517.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brennan and Uncle Dan</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UZnqxjzi7W8/T_3XaVGTaPI/AAAAAAAABjU/kFujARiUjLU/s1600/516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UZnqxjzi7W8/T_3XaVGTaPI/AAAAAAAABjU/kFujARiUjLU/s200/516.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Norm and Brennan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_-x4TWJ2EBc/T_3Xh8KKuJI/AAAAAAAABjk/Bq1vqlX2UBQ/s1600/521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_-x4TWJ2EBc/T_3Xh8KKuJI/AAAAAAAABjk/Bq1vqlX2UBQ/s200/521.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Ella's Deli in Madison</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4mer2nBeDxM/T_3XmIoHZOI/AAAAAAAABjs/lBTEsa5i-PQ/s1600/522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4mer2nBeDxM/T_3XmIoHZOI/AAAAAAAABjs/lBTEsa5i-PQ/s200/522.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Brielle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the park- these are their dance moves</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More fun at the park</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fun roller coaster ride!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tqfXfePa-3M/T_3XvMdPtEI/AAAAAAAABj8/b6Tp2q4Vdtk/s1600/525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tqfXfePa-3M/T_3XvMdPtEI/AAAAAAAABj8/b6Tp2q4Vdtk/s200/525.JPG" width="149" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iONotLsjBCA/T_3X1EEPEsI/AAAAAAAABkI/ILry2g_pwUI/s1600/534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fishing in Madison with Wendy and Norman</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And more fishing...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Dane County Zoo</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Train ride at the zoo</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rain ride after the carousel ride</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two adorable flamingos</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not quite tall enough...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We especially loved watching the giraffe!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fish Brennan caught with his toy net</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Britt and Brielle</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The polar bear at the zoo</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brennan's net of fish</td></tr>
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It was hard to say goodbye to Madison but we were excited to get to Eagle River. We said our goodbyes and headed out around 5:00 PM on Wednesday, July 3rd. Apparently everyone headed out at that time because I got stuck in traffic (again)! I hit detour on my GPS and took a route that went through a few small towns but at least traffic was moving! I was so happy to have my GPS! It ended up only taking us about a half an hour out of the way, which was great! We arrived in Eagle River in time for bedtime (and a little fishing by Brennan first). <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A close up view of the fish<br />
he caught!</td></tr>
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The fourth of July is always so much fun in Eagle River. That morning Brennan woke up around 5:30 AM and went fishing! He must have caught about 60 blue gills! We cleaned him up and headed to the parade around 10:30 AM. Kate was so excited to collect candy and had help from Brennan and some of my mom's friends. The parade was cute as ever! After the parade we walked down the street to eat some corn on the cob and pulled pork sandwiches. In the afternoon the kids attempted to swim in the river... which they did for about five minutes. Brennan would have stayed in if Kate would have... I truly have some city swimming pool type of kids! Hopefully we can get them to try again! We enjoyed a wonderful and lazy afternoon, a delicious lunch at Sweetwaters, and then went out in the boat for the fireworks. There were about four different areas of fireworks we could see- Sweetwater's beat out the city's fireworks once again! We love the place we found to watch them up about two lakes from us!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mom with two of her really good<br />
friends.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate with grandma and grandpa- ready for the parade!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Watching the parade in Eagle River</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall-<br />
It was 3/5 of the original size and so cool<br />
that Eagle River had it on the fourth of July!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zW3O3MekK00/T_3fxMsoyYI/AAAAAAAABnw/qoDuOkBA0gU/s1600/079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zW3O3MekK00/T_3fxMsoyYI/AAAAAAAABnw/qoDuOkBA0gU/s200/079.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to swim in the river</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kydZng1_44Y/T_3f1ZyLmII/AAAAAAAABn4/Ukulo8JMYt8/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kydZng1_44Y/T_3f1ZyLmII/AAAAAAAABn4/Ukulo8JMYt8/s200/001.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the boat going to see<br />
fireworks!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C0IIZPt67EU/T_3f6S0FyfI/AAAAAAAABoA/RBNJbo5dGwg/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C0IIZPt67EU/T_3f6S0FyfI/AAAAAAAABoA/RBNJbo5dGwg/s200/002.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where's Kate?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0CJAeifCViY/T_3f8Jyb6BI/AAAAAAAABoI/Tp-upEkB4Yg/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0CJAeifCViY/T_3f8Jyb6BI/AAAAAAAABoI/Tp-upEkB4Yg/s200/006.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i61Z437s5vM/T_3f_p0XDqI/AAAAAAAABoQ/kbntzMprYw8/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i61Z437s5vM/T_3f_p0XDqI/AAAAAAAABoQ/kbntzMprYw8/s200/007.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More fish...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e8TB8FD_re0/T_4knTY9yKI/AAAAAAAABoc/euOoF0ZL_R4/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e8TB8FD_re0/T_4knTY9yKI/AAAAAAAABoc/euOoF0ZL_R4/s200/004.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
On July 5th, we got back in the car for our short two hour trip to Rothschild to meet a great college friend (Janice) and her kids. We went to the Cedar Lodge Grand Resort Water Park, which was beautiful! Our room was so spacious and the park was great! Brennan and Adam ran off together and were fast friends once again. It's been so nice that we've been able to meet up for the last three summers! Kate enjoyed time with her youngest, Logan, but Kate was a little more cautious and spent most of her time in the kiddy area while Logan was ready for the big water slides that he was tall enough to ride! I especially got a kick out of Logan (who is only four years old- although almost five) and his determination! He hauled his own inner tube up the five flights of stairs and wanted to ride the big slide all by himself! He was amazing! Kate enjoyed the smaller slides and was so proud of herself. Lisa and her son Brady joined us the next day. It was great because we all took turns hanging with Kate, or going with the bigger boys on some of the slides, or even a few times all in the same pool for short periods of time. We decided to take a little break from all the water fun and went to see the movie Brave in the afternoon. It was a really cute movie and Kate was so into it! Poor Brennan may have fallen asleep in parts because he was so tired. Lisa bought some delicious sandwich makings and salads for dinner and we enjoyed every morsel of food. The kids then enjoyed some time in the arcade. We got our money's worth the next day with a delicious buffet (thanks Janice) and some more water fun, arcade fun, and ice cream. Kate took a nap both days in the very loud water park- she loved taking a break and having me rock her to sleep. We had so much fun!! I love my friends and their kids!!! We've been friends since 1986 and still have so much fun together and laugh about our college years!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RDl7zQqVWjQ/T_4k0d2ru-I/AAAAAAAABok/fOXmovK3D8U/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RDl7zQqVWjQ/T_4k0d2ru-I/AAAAAAAABok/fOXmovK3D8U/s200/009.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having fun at the Wausau <br />
water park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qm7AcrMkqQQ/T_4k7M0ICHI/AAAAAAAABos/ZZ0iL1Fs3K0/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qm7AcrMkqQQ/T_4k7M0ICHI/AAAAAAAABos/ZZ0iL1Fs3K0/s200/010.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking a break for dinner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mgi_7WbAH-4/T_4k-SRMYOI/AAAAAAAABo0/jMQKTZfeZZw/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mgi_7WbAH-4/T_4k-SRMYOI/AAAAAAAABo0/jMQKTZfeZZw/s200/011.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate sleeping in the very<br />
loud water park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Mww0z0BvfM/T_4lAL7_xyI/AAAAAAAABo8/OG4jJGDS_L0/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Mww0z0BvfM/T_4lAL7_xyI/AAAAAAAABo8/OG4jJGDS_L0/s200/016.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crazy Lisa always makes us laugh!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ftXAiE9XrGc/T_4lDXKG4AI/AAAAAAAABpE/lIJOifDiU_M/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ftXAiE9XrGc/T_4lDXKG4AI/AAAAAAAABpE/lIJOifDiU_M/s200/017.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ld2Wf_R3Hx4/T_4lF6qS0KI/AAAAAAAABpM/nlMVGaU19Lo/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ld2Wf_R3Hx4/T_4lF6qS0KI/AAAAAAAABpM/nlMVGaU19Lo/s200/018.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Here- hold this Brady!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kRPlZweLs7I/T_4lI4QWelI/AAAAAAAABpU/hyfIUxj94Eo/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kRPlZweLs7I/T_4lI4QWelI/AAAAAAAABpU/hyfIUxj94Eo/s200/019.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PMAoF31yoto/T_4lLx77bBI/AAAAAAAABpc/gveg6YboXVE/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PMAoF31yoto/T_4lLx77bBI/AAAAAAAABpc/gveg6YboXVE/s200/023.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5sGTerQ5a5s/T_4lWuaJOYI/AAAAAAAABpk/yGGK6qY9MSY/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5sGTerQ5a5s/T_4lWuaJOYI/AAAAAAAABpk/yGGK6qY9MSY/s200/022.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mdYYpn8G6VU/T_4lZmbBdrI/AAAAAAAABps/_fmW-FdeEcE/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mdYYpn8G6VU/T_4lZmbBdrI/AAAAAAAABps/_fmW-FdeEcE/s200/024.JPG" width="200" /></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aVKnc5oPtHE/T_4m487dMZI/AAAAAAAABp0/vK_fBR46ucI/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aVKnc5oPtHE/T_4m487dMZI/AAAAAAAABp0/vK_fBR46ucI/s200/025.JPG" width="196" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gang is all here!<br />
Janice, Lisa, Dee, Brady, Adam, Kate<br />
Logan, Brennan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When we got back to Eagle River we were so excited to meet up with Norman, Dan, Wendy, and their two great friends from Amsterdam (Maartje and Ivo). We made a campfire and enjoyed some S'mores and good stories. We decided to go to Bond Falls the next day after a delicious breakfast cooked by Norman and Brennan (with a little help from Kate and Wendy). We stopped at Subway to pick up sandwiches for a picnic later and then drove the hour to the Falls. It was just as beautiful as we remembered and grandpa and Kate walked to the half way mark with us (well actually Kate got to go in her stroller). Grandma wasn't with us because she needed to rest her back a little. While we hiked the other half which was very steep in parts, Grandpa and Kate played all kinds of games. Wendy drove to pick them up when we completed our hike. Brennan was excited to go fishing and of course caught fish, although they were very little. We enjoyed our picnic in a beautiful spot next to a small river. On our way back, we stopped for ice cream. Kate fell asleep again and I transferred her from Wendy's car to her pop up camper where Kate slept for another two hours. Once we joined everyone else, it was time for dinner and then some Karaoke fun on the patio. What another perfect day!<br />
<br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GVFPDtHiS6k/T_4nY76Vw6I/AAAAAAAABp8/prRpZBrPIZA/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GVFPDtHiS6k/T_4nY76Vw6I/AAAAAAAABp8/prRpZBrPIZA/s200/029.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campfire fun</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1PMW4LAcLyc/T_4nZxgeKVI/AAAAAAAABqE/-VxyWaDH9vo/s1600/064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1PMW4LAcLyc/T_4nZxgeKVI/AAAAAAAABqE/-VxyWaDH9vo/s320/064.JPG" width="264" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our marshmallow roasting champ!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ylk6EXpm0E/T_4ndnsBpVI/AAAAAAAABqM/WukODcys4ew/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ylk6EXpm0E/T_4ndnsBpVI/AAAAAAAABqM/WukODcys4ew/s200/027.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ivo's first S'more</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_hwJUN4g2n0/T_4njoz2SqI/AAAAAAAABqU/Us-m1CglFOI/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_hwJUN4g2n0/T_4njoz2SqI/AAAAAAAABqU/Us-m1CglFOI/s200/031.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bond Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-__wpqGGT_9o/T_4nmqNeQmI/AAAAAAAABqc/sQDgvwbMhkI/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-__wpqGGT_9o/T_4nmqNeQmI/AAAAAAAABqc/sQDgvwbMhkI/s200/034.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did Brennan actually see the Falls<br />
or was he too busy looking for fish?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_UfQ2HhfGSw/T_4npMxAoYI/AAAAAAAABqk/2oFiuQmDmII/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_UfQ2HhfGSw/T_4npMxAoYI/AAAAAAAABqk/2oFiuQmDmII/s200/035.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uypx_PadzPI/T_4nubL5r0I/AAAAAAAABqs/pmKr9aF4PWc/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uypx_PadzPI/T_4nubL5r0I/AAAAAAAABqs/pmKr9aF4PWc/s200/037.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Norman and our good friend<br />
Maartje from Amsterdam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2ixnLLi9Ev0/T_4nzC0Ah4I/AAAAAAAABq0/U4YHhqWP2KM/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2ixnLLi9Ev0/T_4nzC0Ah4I/AAAAAAAABq0/U4YHhqWP2KM/s200/041.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandpa and Kate at the Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YxV0dxpryVQ/T_4n0xY3PGI/AAAAAAAABq8/GB_afYqKoJM/s1600/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YxV0dxpryVQ/T_4n0xY3PGI/AAAAAAAABq8/GB_afYqKoJM/s200/040.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bond Falls in Upper Michigan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IeB_jFJbrSM/T_4n28glS7I/AAAAAAAABrE/1VUBSk_Hklg/s1600/043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IeB_jFJbrSM/T_4n28glS7I/AAAAAAAABrE/1VUBSk_Hklg/s200/043.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hyOeEv77YUA/T_4o03a_XaI/AAAAAAAABrM/DHrlzA4LS7A/s1600/046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hyOeEv77YUA/T_4o03a_XaI/AAAAAAAABrM/DHrlzA4LS7A/s200/046.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate and Wendy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CAIhAfFrqGU/T_4pCZFouQI/AAAAAAAABrU/Pq-CmqESOfI/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CAIhAfFrqGU/T_4pCZFouQI/AAAAAAAABrU/Pq-CmqESOfI/s200/048.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QGaZ3obLdEg/T_4pMvEnU_I/AAAAAAAABrs/-JXNighuvzE/s1600/052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QGaZ3obLdEg/T_4pMvEnU_I/AAAAAAAABrs/-JXNighuvzE/s200/052.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And of course Brennan<br />
went fishing!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OnEA7BrsFuk/T_4pQm4GJxI/AAAAAAAABr0/L3QqJ5vulzk/s1600/076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OnEA7BrsFuk/T_4pQm4GJxI/AAAAAAAABr0/L3QqJ5vulzk/s320/076.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Ivo, Steve, Norm, Kate, DeAnna, Wendy, Dan<br />
Brennan, and Maartje at Bond Falls</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DQ8CPW4r6fA/T_4pYqmZJvI/AAAAAAAABr8/Vv67DZxwaps/s1600/075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DQ8CPW4r6fA/T_4pYqmZJvI/AAAAAAAABr8/Vv67DZxwaps/s200/075.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ivo and Maartje (brother and sister)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8jgi_RDAU9Y/T_4piwkcjjI/AAAAAAAABsE/8M_F9X9G5WA/s1600/056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8jgi_RDAU9Y/T_4piwkcjjI/AAAAAAAABsE/8M_F9X9G5WA/s200/056.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vRPF2oMZw9Q/T_4pmEVWjOI/AAAAAAAABsM/JIMmQj1A0I8/s1600/060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vRPF2oMZw9Q/T_4pmEVWjOI/AAAAAAAABsM/JIMmQj1A0I8/s200/060.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And he caught a fish</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-znR6LF356-s/T_4prnqxu5I/AAAAAAAABsU/pmTX3HQra2s/s1600/057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-znR6LF356-s/T_4prnqxu5I/AAAAAAAABsU/pmTX3HQra2s/s200/057.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And another one...</td></tr>
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On July 9th we went out on the boat for most of the day. Kate stayed behind with Grandma and Grandpa. Brennan and Norman tried catching fish again at Eagle Beach and were both successful! We all enjoyed a lazy day filled with sunshine, a little reading, and great company. On the way back, Brennan went behind the boat in an inner tube for the entire ride home (which was about four lakes). He LOVED it! We were all sad to say goodbye to Maartje, Ivo, Norman, Dan, and Wendy who had to head back to Madison. The house seemed so quiet after they left!<br />
<br />
On July 10th, Brennan was so excited to go fishing with Dave who is a friend of mom and Steve and lives across the street. They must have fished for about seven hours and had a great time together! Brennan caught a big northern and many other types of fish. They didn't get back until after 10:00 PM and then wanted to talk fish for another hour! I think Brennan has finally met someone who loves fishing just as much as him!!! While they were fishing, Kate stayed with Grandpa and mom and I headed downtown to try to get some raffle prizes for a friend. We were successful and got six more prizes that can be raffled off on Sunday. After we were done, we stopped at the Tipsy Turtle for a snack and a drink and then Grandpa and Kate joined us so we decided to go ahead and have dinner. <br />
<br />
Today (July 11th) we've all been lazy. Brennan went to help "Fishing Dave" install an air conditioner so they could go out fishing again. I updated my blog, paid a few bills, and organized a little. Kate and I walked to the store and then Steve, Mom, Kate, and I went to the VFW for their $5.00 hamburgers. After hamburgers we went to get our 49 cent ice cream cones from McDonald's and then took our nightly drive looking for deer. Brennan came home around 7:30 PM happy with his day's catch. Life is great in the north woods... although we wish Dave and Zamboni could be with us!!! We miss them so much! Kate got teary eyed several times today because she missed her daddy! So sweet!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XmIBWlhJLcI/T_4swownQ_I/AAAAAAAABsg/mnXAXJM8PoQ/s1600/066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XmIBWlhJLcI/T_4swownQ_I/AAAAAAAABsg/mnXAXJM8PoQ/s200/066.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Norm was captain for the day!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--r2XTO0Ki4w/T_4s0iHe3ZI/AAAAAAAABso/5lf9gxBBGkQ/s1600/067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--r2XTO0Ki4w/T_4s0iHe3ZI/AAAAAAAABso/5lf9gxBBGkQ/s200/067.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Looking a little sleepy...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h932eJHr2_E/T_4s8oQM0-I/AAAAAAAABsw/oWl-oymGnWE/s1600/068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h932eJHr2_E/T_4s8oQM0-I/AAAAAAAABsw/oWl-oymGnWE/s200/068.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wendy is freezing while Maartje<br />
thinks the weather is perfect!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F3ntMRfthSg/T_4s-OjmvII/AAAAAAAABs4/_1MAFW9A7xQ/s1600/069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F3ntMRfthSg/T_4s-OjmvII/AAAAAAAABs4/_1MAFW9A7xQ/s200/069.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still looking sleepy...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-thdrAa6t-4Q/T_4tBL0T3CI/AAAAAAAABtA/_THI2FjInzI/s1600/071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-thdrAa6t-4Q/T_4tBL0T3CI/AAAAAAAABtA/_THI2FjInzI/s200/071.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waking up a little...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OcKocC9N7bM/T_4tFdmGAzI/AAAAAAAABtI/5o1DCpdgh8M/s1600/072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OcKocC9N7bM/T_4tFdmGAzI/AAAAAAAABtI/5o1DCpdgh8M/s200/072.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Totally awake and ready to try<br />
to catch some fish!<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VL2pl8wR8vw/T_4tHt9RMtI/AAAAAAAABtQ/_3Zkmo3kamk/s1600/073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VL2pl8wR8vw/T_4tHt9RMtI/AAAAAAAABtQ/_3Zkmo3kamk/s200/073.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tubing back to the house</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-psmnfEZ3y6k/T_4tJORH-2I/AAAAAAAABtY/Kr_ddd8DLos/s1600/074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-psmnfEZ3y6k/T_4tJORH-2I/AAAAAAAABtY/Kr_ddd8DLos/s200/074.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A quiet moment spent on the porch</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9kORYS9JTUc/T_4tO5kgRdI/AAAAAAAABto/wp3bNmXEH6M/s1600/081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9kORYS9JTUc/T_4tO5kgRdI/AAAAAAAABto/wp3bNmXEH6M/s200/081.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Singing Karaoke on the porch</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our favorite bartender and<br />
good friend Bobbi who happens <br />
to be 93 years old!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oa1u_PzQhQs/T_4tSx2x49I/AAAAAAAABt8/WxEOUzb9I50/s1600/084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oa1u_PzQhQs/T_4tSx2x49I/AAAAAAAABt8/WxEOUzb9I50/s200/084.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fishing Dave with some of the fish<br />
Brennan and he caught</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />***http://www.blogger.com/profile/03250734729662625864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847179555417488451.post-76688972066598422262012-06-24T19:17:00.000-04:002012-06-25T11:00:38.356-04:00Breathing again...My CT scan came back showing a narrowing in my trachea- which is good news considering all the things that could have been wrong! My doctor called me the day before I was to meet with him and told me he made an appointment with a Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist for me. I needed to have a scope done to show what was causing the narrowing and so he sent me to a specialist that would make the scope as easy as possible. The scope went well and immediately it showed the problem. I have what is called tracheal stenosis- which is scar tissue in my trachea. I was only getting about 10% of the air I was supposed to be getting. There was so much scar tissue that my trachea opening is only the size of a straw. No wonder I've been so tired and out of breath! It's easy to fix but can be an ongoing problem if we don't figure out what's caused it. They did some blood work and then when I have my outpatient surgery on Wednesday, he'll take some biopsies. I hope we can figure it out because I don't want to continue to pay so many medical bills. I figure this will cost me about $3,000.00 out of pocket... and I had just finished paying all my medical bills for my previous surgery! UGHHH!!! I won't complain though, because truly considering all the things that could have caused my breathing issues- this is an easy one to fix! I am also very thankful that my team of doctors worked together to get me my prognosis so quickly. I've been researching my condition online and many people go years trying to figure out what is wrong! I have a great surgeon and look forward to Wednesday's surgery. The surgery will be at Duke and only takes about an hour. I'll need a day or two of rest and I should be good to go! I'll be a little hoarse and my throat will hurt but I will be able to breathe!!!! The problem with the surgery is that anytime there is surgery scar tissue grows... well that's what has caused my problem... and so that's why it's a never ending circle unless you figure out the underlying reason. Fingers crossed that they can figure it out! <br />
<br />
The weirdest symptom occured on Friday when we were picking Brennan up from camp. Suddenly my eyes became very blurry and I spent the evening like I was living in a cloud. I could make out outlines of things and could get around well enough, but I couldn't see any details. It was truly freaky. It lasted about two hours and then my left eye got better. By morning my right eye was normal but both eyes were super sensitive and wouldn't focus very well. By Saturday afternoon everything was back to normal. Weird!!!! I was wondering if maybe it had to do with me going off my steroids- maybe my system was out of whack because of it. It truly made me appreciate my great eyesight on a normal day! <br />
<br />
I'm hoping to feel well enough to start the drive to Wisconsin by Friday or Saturday. We can't wait to get started! Looking forward to our first stop in Aurora, IL, with Leah and her family. Then we'll head to Madison... so many people and family members to see! We are so excited!<br />
<br />
I just have to comment on how much I miss Jan too! I am writing my blog as more of a diary for myself these days but I miss my number one fan who never missed a post! I hope you are able to read them in heaven Jan! We love and miss you!!!! Kate said a prayer the other day for you and Brennan has been sharing stories about you with Kate. Thank you for always being so wonderful, loving, kind, and sweet! We love you so much!!!***http://www.blogger.com/profile/03250734729662625864noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847179555417488451.post-60126443951294432102012-06-24T18:48:00.003-04:002012-06-24T19:18:49.236-04:00More Camp DaysOn Sunday we drove Brennan to Camp Chestnut Ridge for his first overnight camp experience. We were so proud of him for his positive outlook and excitement about camp, even though he didn't know anyone! We registered him and took him to his cabin- Oak Cabin. He was excited to get the top bunk and started getting to know the other nine campers he'd share the cabin with for the week. We said our goodbyes and headed back to Raleigh praying that camp would be a great experience for our sweet boy! I remember my camp experiences as some of the best times in my life. I also remember how much stronger camp made my faith journey and how much more confident it made me. I prayed that the same would be true for Brennan! I think we were more nervous than Brennan was!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He got the top bunk! This is his<br />
secret symbol for saying camp is <br />
great!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kU5i60l-z1U/T-eVi-Lob8I/AAAAAAAABgU/aN3-6I5EgfU/s1600/223923_10151027117161180_2021159943_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="134" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kU5i60l-z1U/T-eVi-Lob8I/AAAAAAAABgU/aN3-6I5EgfU/s200/223923_10151027117161180_2021159943_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He even has his friends doing the secret<br />
symbol! I love my kid!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wc3N_TzfbFs/T-eV7pmFX0I/AAAAAAAABgc/pg7Kx7R0kHY/s1600/049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wc3N_TzfbFs/T-eV7pmFX0I/AAAAAAAABgc/pg7Kx7R0kHY/s320/049.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate was so excited about her camp<br />
experiences too!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is Brennan's cabin on the first night.</td></tr>
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We took Kate to her first night of Vacation Bible School at a church up the road and she was so brave too! She gave us a kiss and told us she'd be okay. She imitated her brother and wanted to be as grown up as him. It was very sweet! Off we went... and our house seemed so quiet without either child! I really wasn't sure what to do .... and so Dave and I just watched a movie together. It was great to just sit and relax and not have to take care of anyone for a few hours. <br />
<br />
Kate's Vacation Bible School went from 6:00- 8:30 PM Sunday through Thursday. She LOVED it and they loved her! They were so happy to have her as part of their church for the week! On Monday she went with me to The Raleigh School. I had to teach a Lego Camp to 15 six and seven year old boys and one sweet (and brave) little girl. Kate went to Treasure Camp at the preschool. She was very excited to pack her lunch each day and had a great time. My Lego Camp was fun to teach as well and the kids were so adorable! With Kate in camp from 9:00- 1:00 each day and then camp again at night- the week went really fast! Of course stick a physical therapy appointment in there for Kate as well as a doctor visit for me, and a Vacation Bible School program Thursday night and before we knew it, it was time to pick Brennan up from camp. We couldn't wait to get him and hear all about the week!<br />
<br />
Throughout the week we looked for pictures of Brennan on Camp Chestnut Ridge's Facebook page as well as their photo page. We saw a few pictures of Brennan on Tuesday and could tell he was having a great time! We were so excited for him. He gave us the "secret symbol" in one picture that said "camp is GREAT!". We love that he used our secret symbol to convey that to us! We were also thankful that we could e-mail him each day! He said he got the most mail of everyone!<br />
<br />
We arrived at his camp at 6:00 PM and drove back to his cabin. He was hanging out front with his friends and they were hugging each other and laughing. His camp counselors said what a great week they had too! We went to eat dinner with everyone and loved the food! After dinner some of the camp kids went to the front of the room to sing some of the camp songs and Brennan immediately joined them! We were shocked! Brennan hates being in front of any group and doesn't like singing... well here he was singing at the top of his lungs, doing all of the actions, smiling a huge smile, and having a great time! I was so happy to see him like this that it literally brought tears to my eyes! I am not usually an emotional person (especially in public) yet here I was wiping a few tears away!<br />
<br />
On the hour ride home Brennan talked nonstop about all the fun he had and he continued talking clear until bedtime! Brennan barely shares much with us but told us so much on Friday. Some of the sweetest comments were that he shared a concern that his grandma had died and how good everyone made him feel, that he was a little homesick the first night and his counselor gave him (Brennan) his moose to sleep with to make him feel better, and that Claire (one of the counselors) thought Brennan had the best hair and kept playing with it all week. I could tell how special Claire made Brennan feel. It truly was a magical week for Brennan and was everything I had prayed it would be. We wanted Brennan to become more confident, more responsible, and walk closer to God- and all of our wishes came true! We will always be thankful for the campership assistance program and our church that made camp possible for Brennan! Camp Chestnut Ridge has given over $17,000.00 in funds to help kids with financial difficulties to attend camp. They said they have never turned a child away! What a great program- I truly hope to pay it forward someday and help make camp a possibility for many children in years to come. And our church paid the rest of the fees for us without even a moment's hesitation. Our church understands how magical camp is and wanted the same for Brennan. Once again we have been blessed and our prayers have been answered! <br />
<br />
The day after camp, Brennan's fun summer continued when he went to Wet and Wild with a friend for the day. What a great summer so far!***http://www.blogger.com/profile/03250734729662625864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847179555417488451.post-87185180595080182612012-06-15T12:41:00.002-04:002012-06-24T18:59:17.794-04:00Camp Days!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-al9KICv4h2Q/T9tjG4KGkDI/AAAAAAAABfg/2B-VUdgmX-8/s1600/photo%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Brennan started his summer vacation by going with a friend to Great Wolf Lodge for a night. They enjoyed two days at the waterpark and it was a great kick off to Brennan's summer! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These guys have been buddies since they <br />
were four years old! So sweet together!</td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
<br />
</a>Kate attended Open Door Tae Kwon Do Camp June 11- 15th from 9:00- 11:30 AM everyday! This was such a fun camp! Julie also took her kids, so Kate was happy to hang with her friends! Julie also brought Kate home for me each day saving me 40 minutes in the car (roundtrip). Thanks Julie! We are going to see a "showcase" tomorrow of all the things Kate has learned... and I heard she even gets to break a board! How fun! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate, Aleah, and Ethan</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M97CvEPLArg/T9tjOKTE7BI/AAAAAAAABfw/eqmtwlF5jvI/s1600/photo%5B2%5D+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M97CvEPLArg/T9tjOKTE7BI/AAAAAAAABfw/eqmtwlF5jvI/s200/photo%5B2%5D+(2).JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate loved being able to help Aaron<br />
during camp! He would come in<br />
and ask for Kate!</td></tr>
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Julie and the kids (Aaron, Ethan, Jack, and Aleah) came and swam at our pool on Monday. Brennan had a friend over so there were seven kids altogether- fun summer days! I went to a friend's going away party that evening.<br />
<br />
On Tuesday Kate had PT and was exhausted afterwards! I spent most of the day organizing the attic and Brennan enjoyed a lazy day! <br />
<br />
Wednesday I had a doctor's appointment with a pulmonary specialist. I have been out of breath and wheezing for awhile and the regular doctors haven't been able to figure it out. I've had a chest x-ray, blood work, a week of steroids, and an inhaler- it all helped a little but not enough. At the doctor's appointment on Wednesday I had a breathing test- kinda cool! They are treating me with more steroids (oral and an inhaler) for a week and then I have to go back. According to my breathing test results, though, my doctor doesn't think it's asthma. He tends to think there is a blockage of some sort. I'll have a CT scan done on Monday to see if they can see the blockage. More bills to pay... oh well! I am very impressed with my doctors so far and look forward to not running out of breath so often! <br />
<br />
Thursday Brennan had a friend over and so we all went fishing when Kate returned from camp. The boys also went fishing by the tunnel near our house and built a squirrel trap. I love their creativity! His friend ended up staying until 8:00 PM!<br />
<br />
And today we are going to my school so I can get ready for the camp I am teaching next week. We'll also watch the drama camp play and then go to a friend's house for a pool party get together. I love summer!!!!!***http://www.blogger.com/profile/03250734729662625864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847179555417488451.post-83741667092154567852012-06-10T15:52:00.002-04:002012-06-10T15:52:20.466-04:00Happy Family Day!On June 7th it was amazing to think about our last year together! It's hard to believe that Kate has been in our family for a year already! What a year it has been!!!!<br />
<br />
At times it was a lot harder than I ever imagined it would be... but at other times it was the most amazing experience ever! If I could do things over, I'd make sure Dave and I got out alone A LOT more often! I think that would have helped me to have more patience. Some days I would go from my 22 cute (but needy) second graders straight home to my own two amazing (but needy) children. I was so busy trying to take care of everyone else that I didn't have any time or energy to take care of myself or my relationship with Dave. The good news is that we survived it all and we all still like each other. LOL! The other good news is that summer is here!!!! I have nine weeks off to just focus on my family! I am so excited!<br />
<br />
We have all grown this past year in so many ways. Brennan is much more accustomed to having a little sister. The other day he came home from his friend's house and commented that his friend and their sibling fight <u>a lot</u> more than Kate and him! He even went so far to say that Kate was actually a pretty good sister! He will share drinks with her now, wants to sleep in the same room with her, and is okay if he finds me or Dave snuggling with her. He used to not share any drinks (germs) and got mad and would walk off if we were snuggling with her. Now he just plops down next to us and yells, "Family Hug!" I asked him a month or so ago if he liked Kate and he immediately commented, "Duh mom! I love her! She's family." I still wish it would have been love at first sight like I had imagined it would be, but it's getting there! <br />
<br />
Kate speaks perfect English now and understands that this is her family! She knows that if we go away for a little bit, that we'll always come back. It's nice to be able to go to the grocery store alone without leaving a screaming Kate at the door. Now I can say I'm running out for a bit and she runs over to give me a kiss and continues playing. She still cries but it is less and less often and not nearly as dramatic! Our house is much quieter and calmer these days!<br />
<br />
I look forward to the next year! I breathe a sigh of relief that we all survived this last year! It really was one of the toughest years of my life in many ways... but during this year I had some of the most amazing, memorable days as well! I wish it could have been easier, but I do believe that we'll all be more empathetic people because of our experiences! Maybe we all grew closer together too! I hope they look back at our last year and have many laughs in years to come! We would have been a good reality TV show! <br />
<br />
I ask for forgiveness from my friends and family if during my stressful days I let you down... being with Jan's friends at her funeral reminded me that true friends forgive and forget! Thank you to all my true friends! I have been blessed with all of you! Family is stuck with us no matter what, but Dave and I are lucky to have such great families! We love you guys!<br />
<br />
We have been blessed with our two amazing children! I look forward to the next chapter in our lives! ***http://www.blogger.com/profile/03250734729662625864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847179555417488451.post-82517960152940024412012-06-10T15:21:00.000-04:002012-06-24T18:51:23.615-04:00Catching-Up...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jNdgjcOoCC8/T9Tqkk2m9bI/AAAAAAAABcs/JbXwfkYTVIQ/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jNdgjcOoCC8/T9Tqkk2m9bI/AAAAAAAABcs/JbXwfkYTVIQ/s200/003.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In front of the lake at Camp <br />
Chestnut Ridge during their<br />
open house.</td></tr>
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I'll just write a few updates about our family... <br />
<br />
I had applied for a camp scholarship for Brennan to attend Camp Chestnut Ridge. If we were granted this scholarship they would pay up to $200.00 of the fees that would be matched by our church. I was hoping they would give me $50.00 and the church would match that. Somehow I would still need to come up with what I thought would be $350.00 or so...<br />
<br />
I picked this camp for his first overnight experience because it was only five nights and they had a program called Kid vs. Wild. If you know Brennan, you know he loves survival skills, fishing, hunting, etc. Dave and I have many reasons for wanting to send Brennan to camp this summer because we both know how camp helped us grow as people when we were his age as well as in our faith journey. The camp is sponsored by the Methodist Church and part of the scholarship application was to get a letter of recommendation from your church pastor. I sent an e-mail to Jay Minnick and included the letter of why I wanted Brennan to attend this camp. He immediately replied back and said what a great letter I wrote! He agreed that camp would be perfect for Brennan and continued to say that the church would cover the cost of whatever the scholarship did not cover! Camp would be completely paid for!!!! Wow! We are blessed and now I pray that camp is a great experience for Brennan. He will be attending the week of June 17th. Not sure what we'll do without our sweet boy for five nights! <br />
<br />
We took Brennan to an open house at camp in late April. We all had fun boating, fishing, taking a hay ride, doing crafts, eating, and making S'mores. Brennan started getting excited! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uSQKkUO4yyw/T9Tqp4cm3sI/AAAAAAAABc0/qraNOpjQEAE/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uSQKkUO4yyw/T9Tqp4cm3sI/AAAAAAAABc0/qraNOpjQEAE/s200/004.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate can't wait until she's old<br />
enough to go to camp! If<br />
she had her choice, she'd be<br />
going this year alongside her<br />
brother!</td></tr>
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Dave was in Minnesota when it was Kate's kindergarten open house. He was sad to miss this event but we told him all about it. I was so impressed with Hilburne Academy and very happy that we got our first choice in schools! Kate was a little nervous to go off with the kindergarten teachers during the open house but off she went. While they were busy entertaining the future kindergarteners, we learned all about this project based, hands on learning, small class sizes, and amazing school! When the kids walked back in, Kate was absolutely BEAMING!!! She hugged the teacher that she had been with and did a happy dance the rest of the night! The other day she asked me if I had signed her up for the bus yet... She's five going on fifteen sometimes!!!! Not sure we'll actually let her take the bus, but we're not telling her that anytime soon! Hee hee!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zamboni loves his new bed.<br />
Our 15 year old "grandpa dog"<br />
is more and more like a raccoon <br />
everyday. His only thoughts<br />
revolve around food and <br />
sleeping!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TQ_NV72fIcw/T9Tq2IBY5lI/AAAAAAAABdE/ofnvaHPnhvs/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TQ_NV72fIcw/T9Tq2IBY5lI/AAAAAAAABdE/ofnvaHPnhvs/s320/005.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate is ready for kindergarten! She had a <br />
great time visiting her school that she <br />
will attend in August!</td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W59r6xLW63s/T9Tq5mXEgfI/AAAAAAAABdM/wmUDdnWeXlE/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W59r6xLW63s/T9Tq5mXEgfI/AAAAAAAABdM/wmUDdnWeXlE/s320/007.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is one of Kate's favorite dresses.<br />
She calls it her "summer dress" and<br />
wears it at least once a week. She <br />
really is a princess in training!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uGaRwgh9x-Q/T9Tq8pr9VfI/AAAAAAAABdU/uu2JaX5k1Yc/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uGaRwgh9x-Q/T9Tq8pr9VfI/AAAAAAAABdU/uu2JaX5k1Yc/s200/008.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture is blurry but we are at a Cinco de Mayo party<br />
at our friends' house. Brennan decided to go to another<br />
friends' house instead but Kate went with me and had a <br />
great time on the huge slip and slide that they had rented<br />
for the evening! It was such a fun night!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sGVb0aaxihE/T9TxltfUDjI/AAAAAAAABeI/mxgwvz68JMM/s1600/069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sGVb0aaxihE/T9TxltfUDjI/AAAAAAAABeI/mxgwvz68JMM/s200/069.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Brennan on the tennis courts.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m5MnrLFtVBA/T9TxohIGPpI/AAAAAAAABeQ/iI3-YJyxhao/s1600/068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m5MnrLFtVBA/T9TxohIGPpI/AAAAAAAABeQ/iI3-YJyxhao/s320/068.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate was so excited for her sleepover at Julie's! Julie<br />
had thirteen kids overnight to celebrate her son's birthday.<br />
She is a brave lady! Kate had a blast!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-szqHeQdicVU/T9TxwH0UWeI/AAAAAAAABeY/HQw6O83GJwo/s1600/065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-szqHeQdicVU/T9TxwH0UWeI/AAAAAAAABeY/HQw6O83GJwo/s320/065.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brennan is enjoying his games of tennis with<br />
Dave. They have gone a few times so far.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G-vtmTeT6jQ/T9TxxFI3tDI/AAAAAAAABeg/GHN8d8aRGQs/s1600/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G-vtmTeT6jQ/T9TxxFI3tDI/AAAAAAAABeg/GHN8d8aRGQs/s200/040.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate's preschool couldn't have been more<br />
perfect for her this year! We will<br />
forever be grateful that we found Julie!<br />
She is AMAZING!!!! Of course having Erika watch <br />
Kate on Fridays was perfect too!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vbirajpiXLI/T9Tx0n2ooXI/AAAAAAAABeo/HR_wlkUDuIw/s1600/046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vbirajpiXLI/T9Tx0n2ooXI/AAAAAAAABeo/HR_wlkUDuIw/s200/046.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate and her future "husband".<br />
Kate was sad to find out that I<br />
was already married and so said<br />
she'd marry Aron instead. She's<br />
a "cougar" cuz Aron is only three!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PMdELlK-F20/T9Tx72X3neI/AAAAAAAABfA/RRwrd_9yX7M/s1600/062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PMdELlK-F20/T9Tx72X3neI/AAAAAAAABfA/RRwrd_9yX7M/s200/062.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate had been waiting<br />
for baby Jordan (Julie's sister's <br />
baby) to be awake so she could<br />
hole him. They both look so <br />
happy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nBv3Jx4mLhQ/T9TyDSRgr9I/AAAAAAAABfI/VjrZwcPsGtU/s1600/067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nBv3Jx4mLhQ/T9TyDSRgr9I/AAAAAAAABfI/VjrZwcPsGtU/s200/067.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a princess, bike riding,<br />
ball playing Kate. She is <br />
often running around in her<br />
princess dresses.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WDnfzTQHekk/T9tgJ4wU6NI/AAAAAAAABfU/TemnbFmemcM/s1600/555700_10150733376949824_969656462_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WDnfzTQHekk/T9tgJ4wU6NI/AAAAAAAABfU/TemnbFmemcM/s320/555700_10150733376949824_969656462_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brennan participated in the first ever Raleigh School<br />
Team for Science Olympiad. He worked with a friend and <br />
entered the "All Charged Up" competition (magnets<br />
and electricity)... and they won GOLD! He<br />
was very proud wearing his gold medal! <br />
Overall TRS did an amazing job this year!!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b5W99KXIJf0/T9Tq9gdZSSI/AAAAAAAABdc/KulwBHxxBAM/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b5W99KXIJf0/T9Tq9gdZSSI/AAAAAAAABdc/KulwBHxxBAM/s200/010.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the turtle that lives in Julie's garden.<br />
We love Julie and felt sad that Kate's<br />
preschool year was coming to an end.<br />
Kate's last day was June 7th.<br />
<br />
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</tbody></table>***http://www.blogger.com/profile/03250734729662625864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847179555417488451.post-51229328653813386622012-05-14T11:20:00.000-04:002012-06-10T14:41:08.187-04:00We love and miss you already Jan!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aiZ1LDK9G1o/T9TgstUYozI/AAAAAAAABbw/0Y73kmvY668/s320/001.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="290" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Janet Ranheim 78 years old<br />
Mother, Wife, Aunt, Grandmother, Friend<br />
We love and miss her so much!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Yesterday Heaven got a really special lady! We wished we could have had her with us for longer, but we're happy because we know she's in heaven and has no more aches or pains. <br />
<br />
She declined rapidly after my last post. Dave kept us informed and on Thursday, May 10th, Dave and his family made the difficult decision to remove all life support and make her as comfortable as possible. The kids, dog, and I packed the car and starting driving to Minnesota. We made it about eight hours the first night driving 7:15 PM until about 3:00 AM. When we were ready to stop we went to the first hotel we found- the weird thing was it was the same one we had stopped at in December. Apparently my car is starting to know the way. The next day we traveled the rest of the way to Madison, WI, and my sister and husband took the kids out to dinner and fishing so I could get a nap. We stayed the night and the next day drove the rest of the way to MN. We met Dave and his dad (Ted) at the hospital and Jan was doing well enough that the kids could see her. Brennan really wanted to see her and be able to say goodbye. Kate just went straight to grandpa and stayed in his arms. They only stayed a few minutes and then Dave's sister (Kris) came to get the kids and take them to her house. Dave and I stayed with Jan a few hours. It was so nice to be able to see her and say goodbye. She looked comfortable and was in a deep sleep. <br />
<br />
We all went to Kris and John's house for dinner. We shared stories and enjoyed each others company. Dave's brothers (Craig and Paul) were also there. Ted left early to go back up to the hospital and then Paul and Craig met at the hospital as well. We left Brennan for a sleepover with his cousin Erik and took Ingrid and Kate back to the house so Ingrid could watch Kate while we went back to the hospital. Kris, Dave, and I spent a few hours with Jan as well. Dave's family had been doing this for almost three weeks! They really surrounded Jan with constant company and love! It felt good that I could visit as well!<br />
<br />
Ted went back up on Mother's Day and sat most of the day with Craig. Jan finally gave up her fight at 3:25 PM. Her last words had been a few days before when one of the nurse's pointed to Ted and had asked who he was. She responded, "That's my best friend." They had been married for over fifty years and her best friend was by her side the entire time! She left this world and entered heaven very peacefully. Ted said that it was very fitting that Jan passed away on Mother's Day. What she treasured the most was being a mother and grandmother! <br />
<br />
As I write this post, I have tears running down my face. Jan was my biggest fan of this blog. She checked to see if there were any updates constantly! I had known Jan for 18 years and in all that time she was supportive, loving, and kind. She loved our adoption journeys with both Kate and Brennan and thought they were a great fit with the Ranheim clan. She was such a caring grandma and just enjoyed her time with the grandkids. She made each one feel special and appreciated. She'd plop them on her counter when they were little and have them help with the cooking or baking or maybe just to chat. She will be missed so much! <br />
<br />
I can't imagine how Dave is feeling! I am so happy that he was here for the last two weeks! In his words, "Jan was the best mother ever." Ted and I both said she made being a parent look easy. She certainly raised four amazing kids that surrounded her with their love always and especially at the end of her earthly life.<br />
<br />
Kate said a prayer to grandma last night and when we got back to their house she ran and sat with grandpa. I'm not sure what they talked about but grandpa had his hands on Kate's head and they looked so sweet together. Brennan was crushed when I initially told him before we left to drive to MN and cried for a long time. Family is so important to him and he was so sad. He broke my heart. Being with his cousins has helped so far, because they all know grandma is in a better place.<br />
<br />
Ted and his kids (Dave, Paul, Kris, and Craig) gathered Sunday night to make some plans. While they gathered the kids and I went to one of grandma's favorite restaurants. They had talked about talking at grandma's funeral, but I'm not sure that will happen. They were so sweet making plans though. They all seem to have a good understanding and realize how lucky they were to have grandma in their lives.<br />
<br />
We love you so much Jan! We will miss you forever but your memories will always be with us! Thank you for touching our lives and making us better people!<br />
<br />
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
June 10, 2012 <br />
<br />
Jan's funeral was beautiful! Pastor Paul at Normandale Lutheran Church did an amazing job and everything was beautiful and perfect! Over 200 people came to the visitation which was at the church Wednesday night and the funeral on Thursday. Jan's friends are so amazing! It truly was touching to be able to see so many people who loved Jan so much! Some of her friends go back over 40 years! They stood by each other through thick and thin and have so many stories to share! They are a true inspiration to us all! Her best friend since they were eleven years old, Lee Linhares, passed away the morning of Jan's funeral. It was special to think of Jan waiting by Heaven's gate to greet her best friend! <br />
<br />
Dave drove back with us to Raleigh. We left Friday morning and got home Saturday night. I only had to drive about three hours on the way home. It was so nice having Dave at home with us again! <br />
<br />
Dave and his family are doing alright. Ted has a lot of support and people keeping him busy. Everyone has such amazing faith and belief that Jan is in a Wonderful Place. They are at peace knowing that they did everything they could do for their sweet mom and wife. She didn't want to ever have to be in a nursing home and God heard her prayers. <br />
<br />
Like Julie always said to Kate during the time Jan was sick, "God has a plan." We thank God that His plan allowed all of us to say our goodbyes and that Jan had quality of life up to the time she got sick. That's exactly what she would have wanted.<br />
<br />
We love and miss you so much Jan! Our prayer to you is to believe that we will all take care of each other! We'll miss your guidance, but you taught us well!<br />
<br />
xoxoxo<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yv9Ixyo6zn8/TibBevh-F4I/AAAAAAAAAiU/0AU1WZVyXSA/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_wa6pyc="26" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yv9Ixyo6zn8/TibBevh-F4I/AAAAAAAAAiU/0AU1WZVyXSA/s200/031.JPG" t$="true" width="149" /></a>Here's Kate with Lee in the summer of 2011. Lee is the one that gave Kate her special doll. <br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ONTeBxdz1Cs/T9ToFTXOkvI/AAAAAAAABb8/NjtEUZkO8JY/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ONTeBxdz1Cs/T9ToFTXOkvI/AAAAAAAABb8/NjtEUZkO8JY/s320/017.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jan would have loved the flower arrangements! She also would have <br />
approved of the picture of her! She had told Ted that for once she<br />
looked better than him in the church picture. :-)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R3ULFgrBY88/T9ToLNSDjgI/AAAAAAAABcE/kIc4OKbZNwc/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R3ULFgrBY88/T9ToLNSDjgI/AAAAAAAABcE/kIc4OKbZNwc/s320/020.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The church sponsored a luncheon after the funeral. It was SynntendeMai<br />
which is Norway's Independence Day. Jan would have LOVED that! <br />
Notice all the Norwegian flags and special dessert!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j0mSpwNf1mY/T9ToRiAw6QI/AAAAAAAABcM/a3ohO2gt1yM/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j0mSpwNf1mY/T9ToRiAw6QI/AAAAAAAABcM/a3ohO2gt1yM/s320/024.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids wrote this on the board going into the <br />
basement/storage area. Her grandkids loved her soooo<br />
much!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u6X-SPv1AH4/T9ToYDV7QoI/AAAAAAAABcU/NRGrj59pGjo/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u6X-SPv1AH4/T9ToYDV7QoI/AAAAAAAABcU/NRGrj59pGjo/s200/022.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of Dave's friends that remember<br />
so many occasions with Jan. Some of their<br />
favorites were her fresh baked cookies that<br />
she always had available when they were<br />
in high school.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H096QEytI1s/T9Tod-5iBqI/AAAAAAAABcc/hTrSYNt2YF0/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H096QEytI1s/T9Tod-5iBqI/AAAAAAAABcc/hTrSYNt2YF0/s200/015.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here we are in front of her <br />
favorite Mexican Restaurant. <br />
Kate, Ingrid, Brennan, Erik.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aTg7qVbXjNU/T9ToifCHt3I/AAAAAAAABck/NqR7_oS4Ts8/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aTg7qVbXjNU/T9ToifCHt3I/AAAAAAAABck/NqR7_oS4Ts8/s200/029.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On our drive home we stopped in <br />
Madison for lunch. Wendy,<br />
Norman, and Dan met us<br />
at the restaurant. It <br />
was a nice break!<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />***http://www.blogger.com/profile/03250734729662625864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847179555417488451.post-78905455392309054822012-05-05T18:10:00.001-04:002012-05-05T18:10:15.481-04:00Prayers neededPrayers are needed for Dave's mom as well as my mom. <br />
<br />
Dave's mom has been in the hospital for twelve days because of three small strokes and now pnemonia. Dave flew up to be there with family and to help as much as possible. The kids and I wish we could go too but we'd have to drive about 21 hours to get there... we're happy to do it, but as long as she remains stable we'll wait. Jan (Dave's mom) is a "fighter" and wants to continue fighting, and so we pray that God gives her the strength and patience that it will take to recover. Jan is truly one of the best people around- in fact I fell in love with Dave's family almost before I fell in love with Dave. She has always been supportive, kind, patient, loving, exciting, and fun to be with. She has the best stories, and we can't wait to share more memories with her this summer!<br />
<br />
My mom fell while painting some cupboards in her house and broke a vertebrae in her lower back. She spent three nights in the hospital and is now resting at home. She needs to rest for six weeks and then they will see about further surgery. My mom does not like to be still for long... but she is patiently counting down the days so far! We hope and pray that she will be a good patient and give her back time to heal properly! We can't wait to see her this summer as well and pamper her a little, since we can't be there right now.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TG1qRo-j_Ag/T6WjDf3XCjI/AAAAAAAABbc/io1zzP88HRg/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TG1qRo-j_Ag/T6WjDf3XCjI/AAAAAAAABbc/io1zzP88HRg/s320/017.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ted and Jan- Dave's parents summer 2011</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_GwnvmXWqRk/T6Wk056O_bI/AAAAAAAABbk/YnrmqE14e_w/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_GwnvmXWqRk/T6Wk056O_bI/AAAAAAAABbk/YnrmqE14e_w/s320/019.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Penny- my mom summer 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Both of our moms were in the hospital at the same time... it was so hard to be so far away!!! They are both in our prayers! Of course we have to be thankful that Dave and I have both been blessed with such wonderful moms, and that we've been able to have them in our lives all of this time! I have many friends whose moms went to heaven already. ***http://www.blogger.com/profile/03250734729662625864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847179555417488451.post-19868609450408390952012-04-07T12:35:00.000-04:002012-04-07T12:35:49.520-04:00Spring Break!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZfDN_jvwNM/T4BZf8uJcDI/AAAAAAAABXg/MLblEEc6hLY/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZfDN_jvwNM/T4BZf8uJcDI/AAAAAAAABXg/MLblEEc6hLY/s200/002.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate with Julie's newest nephew. Kate<br />
can't wait to hold him after spring break!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We had a GREAT spring break! We were so busy that not much house cleaning occurred though... oh well!<br />
<br />
We started with a trip to Pullen Park on Saturday. Kate had gone there on Friday with Erika (the lady her watches her on Fridays) and LOVED it! Brennan had a birthday party at the park so we dropped him off and then took Kate to the rides and park. It was a beautiful day! On Sunday we went to church and then out to lunch at our favorite Chinese buffet. After lunch we headed back to church for the Easter Egg Hunt. Kate was so excited! Brennan thought he was too old to hunt for eggs, but when he found out there were only four kids in his age group he decided to participate. Both kids had fun although we had to miss the crafts and snacks because Kate had a fussy moment. When she ended up falling asleep on the floor we knew she as exhausted! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aYYQKrqKYok/T4Ba0yTXPKI/AAAAAAAABZg/gWNw4JeUtik/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aYYQKrqKYok/T4Ba0yTXPKI/AAAAAAAABZg/gWNw4JeUtik/s200/030.JPG" width="149" /></a></div><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-unvgv0bU5dM/T4BZmGdG-VI/AAAAAAAABXo/MYre1JVtR-8/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-unvgv0bU5dM/T4BZmGdG-VI/AAAAAAAABXo/MYre1JVtR-8/s200/003.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate loves the therapy pool. <br />
Caitlyn always makes PT fun!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GHSixgrrBN0/T4BZr66iCNI/AAAAAAAABX4/ybfMF2tIlKA/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GHSixgrrBN0/T4BZr66iCNI/AAAAAAAABX4/ybfMF2tIlKA/s200/004.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More pictures from Harry Potter Day!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
On Monday I packed the kids up and we headed to the NC Zoo. It's about an hour and a half away and so we made a day of it. The weather was perfect and we had fun together! Our favorites were the gorillas, giraffes, and elephants. Kate loved the carousel and Brennan loved the dinosaur exhibit. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N4LctYIlD0c/T4BZqUYOeBI/AAAAAAAABXw/FXVxb6Y1Vy4/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N4LctYIlD0c/T4BZqUYOeBI/AAAAAAAABXw/FXVxb6Y1Vy4/s200/001.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate always gets a ton of exercise with<br />
Julie! Here she is at Monkey Joe's.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hUrZNvPbQ98/T4BZtVdM2KI/AAAAAAAABYA/cAs8JWIBXDE/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hUrZNvPbQ98/T4BZtVdM2KI/AAAAAAAABYA/cAs8JWIBXDE/s200/005.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And more Harry Potter pictures.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fuWwvcNpsfY/T4BZ0rSXIdI/AAAAAAAABYI/a8EPsN3kjz4/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fuWwvcNpsfY/T4BZ0rSXIdI/AAAAAAAABYI/a8EPsN3kjz4/s200/008.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the train ride at Pullen Park.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--GMkq3BjHAk/T4BZ9pA8oDI/AAAAAAAABYQ/vK1rN5fnw8c/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--GMkq3BjHAk/T4BZ9pA8oDI/AAAAAAAABYQ/vK1rN5fnw8c/s200/009.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a beautiful day at <br />
Pullen Park!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PlZs3InMoOg/T4BaD5JFfYI/AAAAAAAABYY/BiTg9AFaC3U/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PlZs3InMoOg/T4BaD5JFfYI/AAAAAAAABYY/BiTg9AFaC3U/s200/010.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate loved the carousel at Pullen Park! <br />
Here she is riding "Kate" the bunny.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DA9NWPKtPWA/T4BaHXcsD7I/AAAAAAAABYg/Vdztap-GC-Q/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DA9NWPKtPWA/T4BaHXcsD7I/AAAAAAAABYg/Vdztap-GC-Q/s200/011.JPG" width="148" /></a></div><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JMFbI2t1Uk0/T4BaKn_4rfI/AAAAAAAABYo/1ICervIq4CU/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JMFbI2t1Uk0/T4BaKn_4rfI/AAAAAAAABYo/1ICervIq4CU/s200/012.JPG" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And of course she had to ride<br />
the little boats too!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6JvzWVRh2r4/T4BauoBhISI/AAAAAAAABZY/M0GY9kGJQA4/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6JvzWVRh2r4/T4BauoBhISI/AAAAAAAABZY/M0GY9kGJQA4/s200/029.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate found a lot of eggs!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qzZC7UsOOfc/T4Bap1ZH8cI/AAAAAAAABZQ/YJTFL10ozOU/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qzZC7UsOOfc/T4Bap1ZH8cI/AAAAAAAABZQ/YJTFL10ozOU/s200/028.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I always think it's funny that the<br />
Easter egg hunt takes place in the<br />
cemetery at our church. :-)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pBbs9OLzC44/T4Bgdg0xx9I/AAAAAAAABbI/12ZRAtwVp34/s1600/054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pBbs9OLzC44/T4Bgdg0xx9I/AAAAAAAABbI/12ZRAtwVp34/s200/054.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brennan is serious about landing<br />
his helicopter at the zoo to<br />
save the elephants!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
On Tuesday Kate had her five year old check up. She only had to get one shot, so she was happy! She didn't even flinch when they gave it to her! After the doctor appointment we headed for haircuts and then went to the mall to see the Easter Bunny. Kate was so excited to see him! Of course we made a quick stop into the Lego store too. Brennan had fun picking out Lego's from the pick a brick section. We then headed to Raleighwood to eat lunch and watch the movie Big Miracle. We met Lisa, Reese, and Emma at the movies. It was a great movie! We headed home after the movie and the kids played Lego's the rest of the night.<br />
<br />
On Wednesday we met Renee, Dari, Darian, and Delaney at Monkey Joe's. We ended up playing there for four and half hours! Definitely got our money's worth and the kids got enough exercise to last them for days! Kate still had a little energy left to go to gymnastics Wednesday evening. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tNK-PE0XGb0/T4BajoIINhI/AAAAAAAABZI/iX0cujxw7nk/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tNK-PE0XGb0/T4BajoIINhI/AAAAAAAABZI/iX0cujxw7nk/s200/027.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate knew exactly what to do<br />
during the egg hunt!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> On Thursday we enjoyed a lazy morning! I also got a little house cleaning done. I took Brennan over to his friend's house around 2:00 PM and then Kate and I ran a few errands before her PT appointment. We got the sad news at her PT appointment that Raleigh Neurology was discontinuing their pediatric therapies effective May 11th. Caitlyn will keep us posted as to where she ends up so hopefully we'll be able to follow her to her new location. I also got the sad news that our insurance company denied us our appeal about Eastpointe Prosthetics. Oh well... I'm not too worried about it yet. We'll see how much Kate's braces cost when we use an out of network place... After Kate's appointment we headed home and met back up with Brennan and his friend (Lyon) and Hollis. They hung out with us for the evening and we ordered pizza. It's always fun catching up with Hollis! Lyon ended up spending the night and so the boys played Friday morning while Kate and I enjoyed another lazy morning!<br />
<br />
We walked down to our neighbor's house and played some basketball and enjoyed the beautiful weather. Brennan also finished his science experiment and we put his presentation together. Now he just needs to find time to practice it. In the late afternoon we decided to go see the movie Hugo at the cheap theatre. Hollis and Lyon joined us and we all ate popcorn for dinner and enjoyed the movie. Friday night Brennan's friend, Teddy, stayed the night and the boys set up a art show and sale Saturday morning. They didn't have very many customers but they ended up making $3.00. :-)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Saturday we went back to the Chinese Buffet and played outside. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kate has said several cute things this week (of course!)...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When I said we were going to the zoo she asked if there would be animals there? Was it an animal zoo? Hee hee.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Brennnan and Kate have been sleeping in the living room together so we blow up the air mattress for them each day. Kate calls it the "bunk bed". Brennan thinks that is hilarious and so now we all call it the bunk bed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kate is very concerned about the Easter Bunny and how he can sneak around. She also wanted to know if he is afraid of dogs? Everyday she asks us how many more days until Easter...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The cutest though was when she was telling me the story of Jesus and how he died on the cross. She had the story perfect!!! Julie does such a nice job teaching her so many things! The true story of Easter hasn't been lost in the bunny excitement. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W6_oGEmGuWQ/T4BaUgXtBbI/AAAAAAAABY4/DV7ZnkCVV0M/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W6_oGEmGuWQ/T4BaUgXtBbI/AAAAAAAABY4/DV7ZnkCVV0M/s200/021.JPG" width="149" /></a></div><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rwcGhZc2o6M/T4BaO4Ji2PI/AAAAAAAABYw/T2cwKqOmEhw/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rwcGhZc2o6M/T4BaO4Ji2PI/AAAAAAAABYw/T2cwKqOmEhw/s200/013.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brennan working on his science fair<br />
project.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DZzHIBRDQ-w/T4Ba70aLGqI/AAAAAAAABZo/afSHS2Xz6NQ/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DZzHIBRDQ-w/T4Ba70aLGqI/AAAAAAAABZo/afSHS2Xz6NQ/s200/031.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comparing their loot from the egg hunt</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QaKYwiT51_c/T4BbHflRJOI/AAAAAAAABZ4/FEghUEID6VE/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QaKYwiT51_c/T4BbHflRJOI/AAAAAAAABZ4/FEghUEID6VE/s200/032.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I guess this explains why she had a melt<br />
down after the egg hunt! It takes<br />
one tired kid to fall asleep on the hardwood <br />
floors!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uG0ng6igQ98/T4BbLkq243I/AAAAAAAABaA/aqhao3rX2yw/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uG0ng6igQ98/T4BbLkq243I/AAAAAAAABaA/aqhao3rX2yw/s200/035.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing in the park at the zoo.l</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dzBaKKXeUKQ/T4BbQdhn2CI/AAAAAAAABaI/0VVU6tK9pU8/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dzBaKKXeUKQ/T4BbQdhn2CI/AAAAAAAABaI/0VVU6tK9pU8/s200/038.JPG" width="149" /></a></div> It's been a great week! I am so happy we still have tomorrow off. I have some work meetings on Monday so Kate will go back to Julie's house. Brennan will hang with Dave. <br />
<br />
On Monday night I head down to the beach with my co-worker, Sue, for the night. We'll meet up with our second graders on Tuesday morning for our Sound to Sea field trip. Our second graders are going to be so excited for their overnight field trip! When we get back to school on Thursday the kids have to run the half mile for their physical fitness test. By Thursday afternoon they are all going to need a vacation again! :-) <br />
<br />
Our relaxing and fun week was great! Now to get some energy for the craziness of our life... of course that's truly how we all love it!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jLT0b4cgalI/T4BbV9ZyXVI/AAAAAAAABaQ/Ewi019m4QcI/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jLT0b4cgalI/T4BbV9ZyXVI/AAAAAAAABaQ/Ewi019m4QcI/s200/041.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W_ds1IUxJ9A/T4BbaJUUL9I/AAAAAAAABaY/s3ApP_ATi60/s1600/044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W_ds1IUxJ9A/T4BbaJUUL9I/AAAAAAAABaY/s3ApP_ATi60/s200/044.JPG" width="149" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AsruHsV7Phw/T4Bbg_jLyaI/AAAAAAAABag/SRwbAGQLOnQ/s1600/046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AsruHsV7Phw/T4Bbg_jLyaI/AAAAAAAABag/SRwbAGQLOnQ/s200/046.JPG" width="149" /></a></div><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AefqU8SaTus/T4Bbmlic2pI/AAAAAAAABao/hVMmtBKeEEE/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AefqU8SaTus/T4Bbmlic2pI/AAAAAAAABao/hVMmtBKeEEE/s200/048.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bunny on this carousel was<br />
also named "Kate".</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v2Zqboh-0tQ/T4BgiUhbXmI/AAAAAAAABbQ/GW07M3KvOVA/s1600/049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v2Zqboh-0tQ/T4BgiUhbXmI/AAAAAAAABbQ/GW07M3KvOVA/s200/049.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EtaPRwnP1M4/T4BgR0ea72I/AAAAAAAABa4/DZ2B4iOk2cQ/s1600/070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EtaPRwnP1M4/T4BgR0ea72I/AAAAAAAABa4/DZ2B4iOk2cQ/s320/070.JPG" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate loved seeing the Easter Bunny!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hM2HAvgHUr8/T4BgV1YLG3I/AAAAAAAABbA/HGFWn9LSodg/s1600/059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hM2HAvgHUr8/T4BgV1YLG3I/AAAAAAAABbA/HGFWn9LSodg/s320/059.JPG" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had so much fun at the NC Zoo!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>***http://www.blogger.com/profile/03250734729662625864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847179555417488451.post-70757719280834684962012-03-24T10:01:00.007-04:002012-03-24T17:43:03.627-04:00Happy Spring!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WazQa9Tf_vI/T23b2BIQawI/AAAAAAAABXQ/5aVYqzHzKko/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WazQa9Tf_vI/T23b2BIQawI/AAAAAAAABXQ/5aVYqzHzKko/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Yep! They are sitting in a huge mud puddle! Julie<br />
said it took about thirty minutes to persuade Kate<br />
to join her friends in the mud. So cute and so <br />
funny (and so good for Kate)! Have I mentioned<br />
lately how much I appreciate Kate's teacher?!!! Oh and she <br />
washed all their clothes too!!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Our days continue to be so busy with play dates, Great Minds activities, church, gymnastics, fishing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, work, and school. We are all really looking forward to Spring Break and having some lazy mornings and catching up on housework. We love our little house but these days it's REALLY feeling little. I can't wait to have some time to sort through toys, papers, and clothes! It always feels better when everything is organized again!<br />
<br />
We were so excited to find out that Kate was awarded a $1,500.00 medical grant that I had applied for! Thank you United Healthcare!!! The grant money can be used for more physical and occupational therapy appointments. Our insurance, which ironically is United Healthcare, only covers 20 appointments a year, so with the grant money we'll be able to continue Kate's every other week appointments. That should truly help! Ideally she should be going to physical therapy once a week, but thankfully we have Julie as Kate's preschool teacher and she makes sure that all the kids get tons of exercise everyday! That has helped so much! We do worry about when Kate begins kindergarten though... when she doesn't get enough exercise you can really tell the difference. Her legs are stiff and her balance is a little "off". I'm getting ready to apply for another grant though, so hopefully we'll get a little more help to pay for the appointments that she needs once school starts in August. Of course Kate's weekly gymnastics helps too. <br />
<br />
Kate's new braces are working great! Her toe drag is much better and a pair of shoes lasts much longer! Unfortunately we are having a little trouble with the insurance company though... the orthopedics company we used is out of network... I've written an appeal to the insurance company so we'll see what happens. We LOVE Eastpoint Prosthetics and want to continue working with them, so hopefully the insurance company can make an exception. Fingers crossed... If not we may just see what it costs to continue to work with them even though they are out of network. Eastpoint Prosthetics is being super patient with the process, so that's good news! <br />
<br />
We were very excited to find out that Kate got into Hilburne Academy for kindergarten. They are a smaller school that worked with me as I tried to figure out the public school selection process when I went to turn in Kate's application. Once we found out she was in, I sent an e-mail and have been corresponding with several people to figure out how to get Kate's 504 plan in place before school starts in August. It truly helped that we had Preschool Services already assess her back in December! There are so many people to coordinate with, but thankfully we have time to get it all figured out. Everyone has been so nice and helpful! The 504 plan will give Kate accommodations such as someone to carry her lunch tray, help her up any stairs, etc. Kate does great but when you throw in running, jumping kids, we worry that she'll be knocked over and fall down. We also don't want Kate to get "teased" for walking slower, etc. She's pretty spunky though and we always say, "I wouldn't mess with Kate!" We're pretty sure she can hold her own! Our plan is for Kate to attend public school kindergarten for a year and once Brennan graduates fifth grade from my school the two kids will switch places. Hilburne Academy goes through eighth grade so should be a great middle school for Brennan! Of course if Kate ends up loving Hilburne, we'll keep her there and save some money each month. :-) <br />
<br />
Brennan has been busy with school and is doing well! He is so much more responsible about homework although he left one assignment for the last minute. He was supposed to read <u>Harry Potter</u> (the first book) and said he was reading at school when I asked. When I went to his conference with his teacher she asked if he was reading it at home... so he was busted! We got the book and started reading it with only a week and a half to get it completed. Of course that was on top of his daily homework, etc. Poor kid missed some play time and TV time but we read it together and he actually ended up enjoying it! He was really happy he did read the book when Harry Potter Day arrived! His entire classroom was transformed into Hogwarts for the day and everyone dressed up. It was such a fun day for everyone filled with wand making, spells, potions, and even a Quidditch match at PE time. They also had a guy come in with owls to teach about them. Hopefully my hesitant reader may be hooked on a series to read for awhile... I was impressed with his reading skills when we read the book together, but can't figure out how to get him to truly enjoy reading on a daily basis?!! Oh well... I guess I should be happy he has the skills necessary, even if he doesn't love it. <br />
<br />
<br />
Kate continues to go on amazing field trips and learn so much at her school. One day Kate commented that she wanted to pet a sheep, so Julie arranged it and off they went! What a blessing that Kate has been exposed to so much during her first year in America! <br />
<br />
Kate was looking through some pictures on my phone this morning and came to a video of her crying that was taken in September. We certainly don't miss those days... although now she is in a yelling mode! I guess I'd choose yelling over the crying but I hope we can convince her (SOON!) that talking is just as effective as yelling/whining. We keep saying she is working through all the toddler stages in one year... it's probably healthy and we do have a five year old Kate more and more often! <br />
<br />
A few more milestones that she's accomplished- <br />
She can write her name now, she can jump, she can do a somersault, she can (almost) ride her big wheel without help, she can dress herself, she knows most of her colors (although gets red and green mixed up), she can color within the lines, and she can do a 24 piece puzzle by herself! It's so funny to teach her something because when you are teaching her or helping her the first or second time she does. not. get .it. at. all... then all of a sudden you help her a third time and she totally gets it! She amazes us! It's been nine months and she's learned about as much as a four year old does in that time. I think she'll be caught up by August!<br />
<br />
So life has settled down although we stay quite busy! Looking forward to spring break in one week...<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XBdElDLEZRY/T23Us7jVzcI/AAAAAAAABVQ/_S-NWHqVXBI/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XBdElDLEZRY/T23Us7jVzcI/AAAAAAAABVQ/_S-NWHqVXBI/s200/002.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fishing at Springdale with Brennan</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1bdOoXt-0xc/T23Uyws7rNI/AAAAAAAABVY/TZBAY1CRsOA/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1bdOoXt-0xc/T23Uyws7rNI/AAAAAAAABVY/TZBAY1CRsOA/s200/012.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After holding these baby chicks at<br />
school, Brennan was trying to convince<br />
me that we could have chickens on our<br />
deck! I love this kid!</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WEqNy7e7kfE/T23U2Kt6TJI/AAAAAAAABVg/d4TlkDfg9wE/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WEqNy7e7kfE/T23U2Kt6TJI/AAAAAAAABVg/d4TlkDfg9wE/s200/010.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate singing at church. <br />
She always looks so cute<br />
and sings her heart out!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wg4Bga2_0Iw/T23U4NKWKzI/AAAAAAAABVo/ZVBO7p1cHEM/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wg4Bga2_0Iw/T23U4NKWKzI/AAAAAAAABVo/ZVBO7p1cHEM/s200/009.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate was at a park with her<br />
classmates and was so proud<br />
that she could climb on this structure.<br />
She wanted Julie to take a picture so we<br />
could show it to Caitlyn (her PT therapist).<br />
Caitlyn was very impressed!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lmaCd5Gk14M/T23U8xA_XAI/AAAAAAAABVw/R_-a3FX7ulw/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lmaCd5Gk14M/T23U8xA_XAI/AAAAAAAABVw/R_-a3FX7ulw/s320/021.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this picture! Back in<br />
June we would never have let<br />
Kate walk Zamboni for fear <br />
that he would pull her down.<br />
It shows how much stronger and <br />
confident she is when walking!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ecPUqC7Wcac/T23VC0MpudI/AAAAAAAABV4/2vcXjsoQdJM/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ecPUqC7Wcac/T23VC0MpudI/AAAAAAAABV4/2vcXjsoQdJM/s200/023.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brennan helped Kate do her very first Lego<br />
set! She did great and even knew how to<br />
follow the directions. I guess watching<br />
Brennan put Lego sets together for<br />
nine months helped!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dxZ9q7pBGjg/T23VIXrWG6I/AAAAAAAABWA/8zcG4ExSTZE/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dxZ9q7pBGjg/T23VIXrWG6I/AAAAAAAABWA/8zcG4ExSTZE/s200/024.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating my dad's birthday at Golden <br />
Corral- one of his favorite places. It's hard<br />
to believe that he has been in heaven for nine years...</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dgSKsjnD59Y/T23VP1gtLgI/AAAAAAAABWI/TV5aOh1Yi_s/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dgSKsjnD59Y/T23VP1gtLgI/AAAAAAAABWI/TV5aOh1Yi_s/s200/025.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids wanted to sleep in the living room<br />
the other night so we set up an air mattress <br />
for them only to find them BOTH sleeping<br />
on the hard floor in the morning! Silly<br />
kids!</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JZsLF-awNis/T23VRnJ23OI/AAAAAAAABWQ/nW1M3aZs2BE/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JZsLF-awNis/T23VRnJ23OI/AAAAAAAABWQ/nW1M3aZs2BE/s200/034.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate knew she was going to the farm <br />
with Julie but insisted on wearing<br />
her dress! It's amazing to see her<br />
feeding the goat when she wouldn't even <br />
touch an animal in June! Thanks Julie!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_diqHP6ULeg/T23VTLGy5pI/AAAAAAAABWY/NwObKrfU6a8/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_diqHP6ULeg/T23VTLGy5pI/AAAAAAAABWY/NwObKrfU6a8/s320/035.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The perfect Easter picture!!! Kate told everyone<br />
about the baby bunnies!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PIjnPZHpXZo/T23VU-mXG8I/AAAAAAAABWg/j6atn8hDN90/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PIjnPZHpXZo/T23VU-mXG8I/AAAAAAAABWg/j6atn8hDN90/s200/036.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harry Potter Day at TRS!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GV6kzb9tFHU/T23VdY2dlzI/AAAAAAAABWw/yDts4iilXPk/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GV6kzb9tFHU/T23VdY2dlzI/AAAAAAAABWw/yDts4iilXPk/s200/038.JPG" width="149" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ndC0nkcMdVI/T249v6kv30I/AAAAAAAABXY/hWmqvOgtPB0/s1600/548028_3510282153261_1158067229_4596296_1292370322_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ndC0nkcMdVI/T249v6kv30I/AAAAAAAABXY/hWmqvOgtPB0/s200/548028_3510282153261_1158067229_4596296_1292370322_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate was Little Bo Peep <br />
for nursery rhyme day at school.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4YzprS3PRn0/T23VnzzX7qI/AAAAAAAABXA/niRzvjgURCw/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4YzprS3PRn0/T23VnzzX7qI/AAAAAAAABXA/niRzvjgURCw/s200/041.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>***http://www.blogger.com/profile/03250734729662625864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847179555417488451.post-9314869954000431012012-02-26T13:49:00.001-05:002012-02-26T19:28:38.760-05:00Happy Birthday Kate!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tssa3fz9FKk/T0p8S5Ox8YI/AAAAAAAABTw/2jITdGfkmbw/s1600/birthday+number+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tssa3fz9FKk/T0p8S5Ox8YI/AAAAAAAABTw/2jITdGfkmbw/s200/birthday+number+2.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>Kate's birthday is February 11th... although her celebrations started two days earlier on a Thursday. Julie, Kate's teacher, arranged for her first celebration at the place where the kids take karate during the day. Kate thought it was VERY cool that her cake was cut with a SWORD!!! We laughed because Kate probably thought that all cakes are cut with swords. :-)<br />
<br />
Kate's celebration continued on Friday when Kate visited my school before her Friday babysitter picked her up. Kate opened several presents from my co-workers and then celebrated with Erika! By Friday afternoon Kate had opened five gifts already!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iZKhZbWDi6g/T0p8VrRhdbI/AAAAAAAABT4/LfvwuPLQgqM/s1600/birthday+number+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iZKhZbWDi6g/T0p8VrRhdbI/AAAAAAAABT4/LfvwuPLQgqM/s200/birthday+number+3.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NEdf3_C5p9Q/T0p8bYNngQI/AAAAAAAABUA/DK2uadB9fJU/s1600/birthday+number+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NEdf3_C5p9Q/T0p8bYNngQI/AAAAAAAABUA/DK2uadB9fJU/s200/birthday+number+4.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And time to cut the cake...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lTcfE06Z1v0/T0p8d9i3HlI/AAAAAAAABUI/KjYdsBZQBl4/s1600/birthday+number+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lTcfE06Z1v0/T0p8d9i3HlI/AAAAAAAABUI/KjYdsBZQBl4/s200/birthday+number+5.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pQ5SaEGgvIc/T0p9G1HW3KI/AAAAAAAABUo/ASKa2KIvh18/s1600/085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pQ5SaEGgvIc/T0p9G1HW3KI/AAAAAAAABUo/ASKa2KIvh18/s200/085.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids were so excited<br />
to see Aunt Wendy and <br />
Uncle Dan on <br />
Saturday morning!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ND2c-wBKvAw/T0p2wdxGafI/AAAAAAAABQg/T21kmUO3zU8/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ND2c-wBKvAw/T0p2wdxGafI/AAAAAAAABQg/T21kmUO3zU8/s200/003.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate opened a few<br />
presents when she woke up <br />
on her birthday.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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We had a big surprise in store for both kids for the weekend... my sister, Wendy, and her husband, Dan, were flying in at 11:30 PM Friday for the big weekend. Wendy had come for Brennan's fifth birthday too. The kids went to bed and woke up Saturday morning to our special visitors!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yQ9ANrKhtSg/T0p20w0ltCI/AAAAAAAABQo/8t-aBYVp3Zo/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yQ9ANrKhtSg/T0p20w0ltCI/AAAAAAAABQo/8t-aBYVp3Zo/s200/004.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate helped set everything<br />
up before her friends arrived.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We headed over to Kenney's Gymnastics at about 9:30 AM for the party. Brennan also had his fifth birthday party at Kenney's four years earlier. Kate was SO excited! Her friends arrived at 10:00 AM and everyone had so much fun bouncing, climbing, jumping, balancing... and finally eating some cake!<br />
<br />
After the party we headed home to drop everything off and let Kate open her presents. She was one happy little girl! By the time the last gift was opened, we were all so hungry so we headed to Manchesters to eat lunch. We rested at the house for a little while after lunch before heading to Frankie's Fun Park.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jnnx_wMqPn0/T0p3Hw51RAI/AAAAAAAABRA/-qhNgOpBwQw/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jnnx_wMqPn0/T0p3Hw51RAI/AAAAAAAABRA/-qhNgOpBwQw/s200/012.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready for some gymnastics<br />
fun! There ended up being 17<br />
children!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PeH9mD6jyg8/T0p3BeOcIHI/AAAAAAAABQ4/7PS4oTK9hwc/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PeH9mD6jyg8/T0p3BeOcIHI/AAAAAAAABQ4/7PS4oTK9hwc/s200/008.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The theme was Hello Kitty!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pu2Zc6PLIwg/T0p3JxGHMpI/AAAAAAAABRI/8cwr1eXJhwE/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pu2Zc6PLIwg/T0p3JxGHMpI/AAAAAAAABRI/8cwr1eXJhwE/s200/014.JPG" width="149" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8IR54rUQksc/T0p3N_bFlOI/AAAAAAAABRQ/JbK8x62wN68/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8IR54rUQksc/T0p3N_bFlOI/AAAAAAAABRQ/JbK8x62wN68/s200/016.JPG" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julie just climbed right in to <br />
help the little ones across the<br />
balance beam! Thanks Julie!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LFby1owFujQ/T0p3Sol3n-I/AAAAAAAABRY/tf2mumNsoEA/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LFby1owFujQ/T0p3Sol3n-I/AAAAAAAABRY/tf2mumNsoEA/s200/017.JPG" width="149" /></a></div><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C9LgEC8zsCE/T0p3Z1DZWaI/AAAAAAAABRg/Kya0_jqR7z0/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C9LgEC8zsCE/T0p3Z1DZWaI/AAAAAAAABRg/Kya0_jqR7z0/s200/020.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were very impressed with<br />
Jeff's balancing skills- he and his<br />
son made it across without falling<br />
into the cheese pit!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nwqNKld3HC4/T0p3dZp15OI/AAAAAAAABRo/S5BTavqd0nM/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nwqNKld3HC4/T0p3dZp15OI/AAAAAAAABRo/S5BTavqd0nM/s200/019.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WzIMKC-NODU/T0p3nrkRrAI/AAAAAAAABRw/B2Z9Sj5_v1M/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WzIMKC-NODU/T0p3nrkRrAI/AAAAAAAABRw/B2Z9Sj5_v1M/s200/022.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2OXCiAdZ8Bg/T0p3yIkZKoI/AAAAAAAABSA/HXM5H9foIHA/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2OXCiAdZ8Bg/T0p3yIkZKoI/AAAAAAAABSA/HXM5H9foIHA/s200/025.JPG" width="149" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uqtKzSe42aw/T0p33528MxI/AAAAAAAABSI/QeWBWQp7f74/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uqtKzSe42aw/T0p33528MxI/AAAAAAAABSI/QeWBWQp7f74/s320/029.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun at Kenney's</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dV5FuL-APyI/T0p4PQTCrQI/AAAAAAAABSY/OZt1d2yJZMs/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dV5FuL-APyI/T0p4PQTCrQI/AAAAAAAABSY/OZt1d2yJZMs/s200/037.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The birthday girl gets a <br />
trophy from Kenney's!<br />
FYI- we're trying to grow Kate's <br />
bangs out... too bad they fall<br />
straight forward!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-duBM-hjTaD0/T0p39QBn9PI/AAAAAAAABSQ/j1oTDMA8Z1I/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-duBM-hjTaD0/T0p39QBn9PI/AAAAAAAABSQ/j1oTDMA8Z1I/s200/034.JPG" width="149" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DVHXo75NXBg/T0p4TAH9vBI/AAAAAAAABSg/QZE6lLpDCxw/s1600/043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DVHXo75NXBg/T0p4TAH9vBI/AAAAAAAABSg/QZE6lLpDCxw/s200/043.JPG" width="149" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--2qTk_ka9Hk/T0p4XDwZExI/AAAAAAAABSo/rAVvrlPmeQE/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--2qTk_ka9Hk/T0p4XDwZExI/AAAAAAAABSo/rAVvrlPmeQE/s200/047.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you find Kate<br />
behind all of her gifts???</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVADj8HvuA4/T0p4cC8W52I/AAAAAAAABSw/_3Xka2mG8wE/s1600/050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVADj8HvuA4/T0p4cC8W52I/AAAAAAAABSw/_3Xka2mG8wE/s200/050.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julie knows Kate well-<br />
she was so excited about her<br />
cheese puffs!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pOT7vVENuiI/T0p4fj2qSxI/AAAAAAAABS4/JeT7FyjYoaI/s1600/053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pOT7vVENuiI/T0p4fj2qSxI/AAAAAAAABS4/JeT7FyjYoaI/s200/053.JPG" width="149" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Cl3Ley7xe4/T0p4jdGwxdI/AAAAAAAABTA/9FMdMJCa4gc/s1600/055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Cl3Ley7xe4/T0p4jdGwxdI/AAAAAAAABTA/9FMdMJCa4gc/s320/055.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate loved her birthday girl shirt! Thanks<br />
Aunt Kim and Uncle Spyros!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5meX5B_0af8/T0p4oKAf73I/AAAAAAAABTI/S_LylW26LKM/s1600/057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5meX5B_0af8/T0p4oKAf73I/AAAAAAAABTI/S_LylW26LKM/s200/057.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frankie's has so many things to do!<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>At Frankie's we played games, rode some ride simulators, exchanged our tickets for prizes, and then watched Wendy and Brennan play some Laser Tag. Wow! We had such a fun day!<br />
<br />
On Sunday Kate wanted to go to Sunday School so we dropped her off. The rest of us were a little lazier but we headed back to church to listen to Kate sing at the 11:00 AM service. After that we headed to El Rodeo for lunch and then to Monkey Joe's Bounce House. I think Wendy loved it even more than the kids! We are so lucky in Raleigh to have so many fun options for entertainment. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DOuIE3s5qws/T0p4sdl_XbI/AAAAAAAABTQ/I_litHcakF8/s1600/062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DOuIE3s5qws/T0p4sdl_XbI/AAAAAAAABTQ/I_litHcakF8/s200/062.JPG" width="149" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MkyoashnUQI/T0p4w7dqfuI/AAAAAAAABTY/EMZlXNa6p7A/s1600/076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MkyoashnUQI/T0p4w7dqfuI/AAAAAAAABTY/EMZlXNa6p7A/s200/076.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I actually think Wendy may <br />
have had more fun than the kids!<br />
She didn't want to leave!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After Monkey Joe's we headed to the Dollar Store where each child got $3.00 to spend. They had fun picking out more treasures. We were all sad when it was time for Aunt Wendy and Uncle Dan to leave for the airport. Wow! We certainly had a lot of fun during their 41 hour visit! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ffZlzqDmDgA/T0p41UqyMuI/AAAAAAAABTg/neLA8ZoWgnY/s1600/077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ffZlzqDmDgA/T0p41UqyMuI/AAAAAAAABTg/neLA8ZoWgnY/s200/077.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We gave Brennan a few quarters<br />
to play the Claw machine at Monkey<br />
Joe's. He kept winning so we<br />
gave him a few more quarters...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WBSwKc9sMKk/T0p-VaAm0CI/AAAAAAAABU4/2cE9KPiJvco/s1600/078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WBSwKc9sMKk/T0p-VaAm0CI/AAAAAAAABU4/2cE9KPiJvco/s200/078.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And here he is with all of his<br />
winnings... plus he already had<br />
given two stuffed animals to <br />
some little kids.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div>***http://www.blogger.com/profile/03250734729662625864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847179555417488451.post-19428945852199284762012-02-26T13:14:00.002-05:002012-03-24T10:21:11.659-04:00Friends!I have been wondering what to give up for Lent this year and then at church today the message was not "what to give up" but "what can bring you closer to God"? The message was perfect... <br />
<br />
Let me explain:<br />
Anyone who knows me well, knows I am horrible at keeping in touch- I love them for understanding that about me. There are also some friends that I have really let down because of my own stressful times and time restraints. I love that they can find it in their hearts to forgive me! I always care about my friends and family but don't always show it well. <br />
<br />
The message at church this morning was perfect! I don't have to give something up- I need to <u>do more</u> to show my friends and family how much I care! So for the next 40 days I am going to do 40 things to SHOW everyone how much I care! So many people are in my heart and on my mind every single day... but showing how much I appreciate them is something I need to do better!<br />
<br />
I am so excited about Lent this year! It means so much more to me than my previous 40 days of giving something up, which have included french fries and Oreos in past years (difficult at times but I was successful). I hope the next 40 days will become a lifetime of me becoming a better friend!!<br />
<br />
I do want to say thank you to so many people that hang with me no matter what! You all mean the world to me and your guidance, support, laughter, and memories truly mean everything! God has blessed me with all of you and I do thank Him everyday! With that said, I hope you all forgive me for my shortcomings... I always say my kids are a "work in progress" and the same is true of me!<br />
<br />
As I said in an earlier post... one of my daily mantras is "Let me be patient, kind, loving, and sincere..." I promise that my 40 days of "showing" truly comes with sincere and loving thoughts!<br />
<br />
Thank you to all my friends and family! I do love and care about all of you!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-205MW3AGAYo/T23YNSatp3I/AAAAAAAABXI/M07WABDpDko/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-205MW3AGAYo/T23YNSatp3I/AAAAAAAABXI/M07WABDpDko/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Happy Lent!<br />
Love,<br />
DeAnna***http://www.blogger.com/profile/03250734729662625864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847179555417488451.post-23614351137597641222012-01-14T18:07:00.000-05:002012-01-14T18:07:09.070-05:00Happy New Year!I had fun updating the pages on our blog and remembering back to when I started this blog almost a year ago. It's amazing to think about how many people helped to bring Kate home. It was a journey of faith and God continues to surround us with amazing people! We have the best team taking care of Kate's CP needs and her school is perfect! We love her teacher, Ms. Julie, and truly can't say enough wonderful things about her! I thought the More at Four program would be the best for her, but God had other plans when the program was full. He helped us find Julie who has helped in so many ways! It's a good reminder to me that my prayers are always answered, although it's not always the answer I thought it would be! <br />
<br />
I will forever be grateful that Brennan was able to travel to China with me! It truly meant the world to have him along! I wish his adjustment to having a sister could have been easier once we got home, but hopefully he'll look back at the experience with laughter and appreciation because it forced him to grow and share a little more. Brennan is such a caring and wonderful person... I always say he's a "work in progress" though. I love the changes I've seen in him since June. He's truly learning what a special gift it is to have a sister!<br />
<br />
I remember the months of August/September as the hardest months of my life! Going back to work was tough for everyone- especially Kate because I wasn't with her all day anymore! We all took our turns falling apart... but thankfully once Kate got used to her schedule everything settled down and life became easier. I wish I would have screamed for help and if asked to give advice to anyone adopting an older child, I would definitely suggest getting a babysitter once a week for "breathing time". I hope Kate doesn't remember much of this time of her life because her mom was definitely not her best. If she does remember, I hope she has empathy and understanding for all of us! If anything, it truly makes me appreciate our happier and less stress free days that we now experience with a lot more thanks! <br />
<br />
Kate has truly amazed all of us! She has picked up on the language so well! The other day she learned the very American phrase "duh" and used it often (and appropriately). She cracks us up with her sense of humor! She truly is a funny, sweet, caring, and amazing little person! She is determined and stubborn too- both good things most of the time! <br />
<br />
We took a walk today to the little playground in our neighborhood. It's about six blocks away and Kate walked the entire way! I would have never imagined she could walk that far back in June! I wish I understood how her CP makes her feel though- she's been a little grumpy tonight and so I'm thinking it may be because her muscles ache a little and she just doesn't know or understand that yet. <br />
<br />
They are in the process of designing some new braces for her legs. The first ones have helped a little but her feet still turn in too much and we still go through a pair of shoes every month because of her toe drag. Hopefully the new braces will work a little better. What truly seems to work best for her is exercise every day! She often practices the skills that Ms. Caitlyn teaches her at physical therapy. Her newest skills are jumping and trying to balance on one leg. She's always so proud when she accomplishes one of the skills! <br />
<br />
She still squeals loudly when she is excited! It is so cute to hear! Her enthusiasm brings joy to my heart!<br />
<br />
Everyday I ask God to help me be patient, kind, loving, and sincere to everyone I meet. I ask Him to help me be the best I can be in all the "hats" I wear (teacher, daughter, mother, sister, and wife). I ask Him to help my words be understood clearly and for His arms to be felt around anyone who is hurting or sad. Finally I thank him for all the blessings in my life and thank him for the health and happiness of my family. <br />
<br />
I don't always live up to my prayer (flashback to September)... but I know He understands and forgives. For 2012 my New Year's Resolution is to live up to my prayer even better than I did in 2011. 2011 was such a magical year! So many prayers were answered in such wonderful ways! I look forward to 2012 and all the wonderful memories waiting to be made! <br />
<br />
Happy New Year!***http://www.blogger.com/profile/03250734729662625864noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847179555417488451.post-58322320405844156912012-01-14T16:20:00.000-05:002012-01-14T16:20:47.203-05:00Family Pictures December 2011 <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TG0EvyoY5No/TxHkgOqFF1I/AAAAAAAABNA/AhorPk0S3rQ/s1600/IMG_02791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" kba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TG0EvyoY5No/TxHkgOqFF1I/AAAAAAAABNA/AhorPk0S3rQ/s320/IMG_02791.jpg" width="209" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate's "Sassy" look</td></tr>
</tbody></table> My brother-in-law, Spyros, took these pictures for us. We were so excited to finally have everyone together to take the large group picture. It had been 24 years since we were all together at the same time!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TdOaiL2fgGY/TxHkpw7pgrI/AAAAAAAABNI/f-p88359EpM/s1600/IMG_0268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TdOaiL2fgGY/TxHkpw7pgrI/AAAAAAAABNI/f-p88359EpM/s320/IMG_0268.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave, DeAnna, Norman, Wendy, Dan, Spyros, Kim<br />
Steve, Brennan, Penny, Kate</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2o5Fn7_rXac/TxHkzMBV0pI/AAAAAAAABNQ/4g7ynZa_yQU/s1600/IMG_0272+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" kba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2o5Fn7_rXac/TxHkzMBV0pI/AAAAAAAABNQ/4g7ynZa_yQU/s200/IMG_0272+-+Version+2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mom (Penny), brother (Norman),<br />
and Sister (Wendy)<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W51omo3CQ54/TxHrw0b6HDI/AAAAAAAABNY/xlqxO8mSP8I/s1600/IMG_0278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W51omo3CQ54/TxHrw0b6HDI/AAAAAAAABNY/xlqxO8mSP8I/s200/IMG_0278.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids were pretending to swim...</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--O1HXFWu0Vs/TxHsCEWGypI/AAAAAAAABNo/bYmgBpA7Jgg/s1600/IMG_0282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" kba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--O1HXFWu0Vs/TxHsCEWGypI/AAAAAAAABNo/bYmgBpA7Jgg/s200/IMG_0282.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PsWcseKyTLs/TxHt4iTJoXI/AAAAAAAABPQ/v7QBq0-QrZ8/s1600/IMG_0325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" kba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PsWcseKyTLs/TxHt4iTJoXI/AAAAAAAABPQ/v7QBq0-QrZ8/s200/IMG_0325.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My step dad, Steve, and his daughter Kim</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4641nXVmmSo/TxHuCsSuWlI/AAAAAAAABPY/xvJeJc8TmjQ/s1600/IMG_0333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4641nXVmmSo/TxHuCsSuWlI/AAAAAAAABPY/xvJeJc8TmjQ/s200/IMG_0333.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spryos and Kim</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T7kXGKzzDRc/TxHuafR1jZI/AAAAAAAABPw/WIorOvpZ_Ao/s1600/IMG_0340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T7kXGKzzDRc/TxHuafR1jZI/AAAAAAAABPw/WIorOvpZ_Ao/s200/IMG_0340.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HfwB99i2JfI/TxHuiN7CQ7I/AAAAAAAABP4/Eekk99Tv3xE/s1600/IMG_0343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HfwB99i2JfI/TxHuiN7CQ7I/AAAAAAAABP4/Eekk99Tv3xE/s200/IMG_0343.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wendy and her husband Dan <br />
with Kate and Brennan</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LLbZv2AZp14/TxHupERdaHI/AAAAAAAABQA/Quhl0AsmChs/s1600/IMG_0345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LLbZv2AZp14/TxHupERdaHI/AAAAAAAABQA/Quhl0AsmChs/s200/IMG_0345.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M7pW6pRs-jA/TxHuwY0TREI/AAAAAAAABQI/Sk8_yYqAjJQ/s1600/IMG_0354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" kba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M7pW6pRs-jA/TxHuwY0TREI/AAAAAAAABQI/Sk8_yYqAjJQ/s320/IMG_0354.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-muKfRBmE3Zs/TxHu4YJ9eDI/AAAAAAAABQQ/V-R1sxfsMnU/s1600/IMG_0355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" kba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-muKfRBmE3Zs/TxHu4YJ9eDI/AAAAAAAABQQ/V-R1sxfsMnU/s200/IMG_0355.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>***http://www.blogger.com/profile/03250734729662625864noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847179555417488451.post-24275484471637841872012-01-14T11:48:00.002-05:002012-01-14T15:22:24.558-05:00Christmas Part 2 (December 25- 28)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> We arrived in Eagle River and checked into our hotel room. They actually had a little bit of snow which Kate was excited about until her boots got wet- then shd didn't like it anymore. Silly girl! We got settled into our room and then headed over to my mom and step-dad's house. Mom had decorated with all of our "old" decorations including bubble lights on the tree, old ornaments, the train that went under the tree, and other decorations we had growing up. It was fun looking around at everything! We opened more gifts and had so much fun talking and laughing together! <br />
<br />
On Monday, Spryos (my brother-in-law) set up his camera and background so we could take family pictures. We spent two hours with him and got so many great pictures! It really was the most enjoyable photo session ever- and we got GREAT pictures from it! After the pictures, we all went to eat lunch at the Tipsy Turtle. It was really special having all eleven of us together! We put Kate down for a nap while Brennan and Norman went fishing. After dinner we all decided to go swimming at the hotel. <br />
<br />
On Tuesday, we drove over to see my grandma Starks. Brennan and Dave hung at the hotel for a boys' lazy day. My grandma is 90 years old and amazing! She was on the floor with Kate playing, walking around the house showing us pictures, and telling us so many family stories. Kate loved my grandma's doll collection and grandma even gave Kate one of the dolls she had made. Later that afternoon several people met us at the hotel for an evening of pizza and swimming. <br />
<br />
Wednesday came much too soon though... I packed the car (which was quite the job getting everything to fit) and we headed to the house for a little bit before heading out. We drove for about ten hours and got a hotel for the night. On Thursday we drove for about nine hours and the kids and dog never even got out of the car! They are amazing travelers! We arrived home late Thursday night and had quite a lazy Friday! <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MbaHOPw9tow/TxGgNyUyqRI/AAAAAAAABKY/oNNjMMKVEmA/s1600/142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" kba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MbaHOPw9tow/TxGgNyUyqRI/AAAAAAAABKY/oNNjMMKVEmA/s200/142.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opening more presets in Eagle River!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zq0xa04Izt4/TxGgwF6_e9I/AAAAAAAABLI/KnqvA__0gVk/s1600/157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zq0xa04Izt4/TxGgwF6_e9I/AAAAAAAABLI/KnqvA__0gVk/s200/157.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learning how to play tic-tac-toe<br />
with Uncle Norman.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z7pj-yvhaYg/TxGgVQViL8I/AAAAAAAABKg/aSjCc7T19zI/s1600/143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z7pj-yvhaYg/TxGgVQViL8I/AAAAAAAABKg/aSjCc7T19zI/s200/143.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-npmktMHQcsY/TxGgbqp7fuI/AAAAAAAABKo/PskaggqalFc/s1600/148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" kba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-npmktMHQcsY/TxGgbqp7fuI/AAAAAAAABKo/PskaggqalFc/s200/148.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So happy to be celebrating <br />
Christmas with my brother, <br />
Norman!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LFWm2mWOVbQ/TxGggTHuO5I/AAAAAAAABKw/G8GiENSFzwg/s1600/150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" kba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LFWm2mWOVbQ/TxGggTHuO5I/AAAAAAAABKw/G8GiENSFzwg/s200/150.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom and Norman with some<br />
of his beautiful art work.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4STnXmLc5Zs/TxGglyUSjqI/AAAAAAAABK4/PCO2U5tMZFQ/s1600/154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4STnXmLc5Zs/TxGglyUSjqI/AAAAAAAABK4/PCO2U5tMZFQ/s200/154.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snuggling with Grandpa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Eagle River didn't really have enough snow to play in, which was disappointing. The suitcase full of snow gear wasn't really needed this year. Hopefully Raleigh will get some snow this year! <br />
<br />
I finally got around to doing some unpacking and laundry on Friday and Saturday and even started taking some of the Christmas decorations down. For New Year's we stayed home and just watched some movies. After all of our traveling, it was nice to spend some time at home. <br />
<br />
Kate was happy to go back to school on Monday and Brennan was happy to have one more day off. I headed to school for a teacher workday and it was nice to get caught up a little and ready for the second graders again.<br />
<br />
We had such an amazing Christmas! We feel so lucky that we were able to see so many friends and relatives! We also feel so blessed to share this Christmas with Kate! <br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l3UNv2jbbY8/TxGgq6_NUjI/AAAAAAAABLA/zMNQ0ql3cic/s1600/156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" kba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l3UNv2jbbY8/TxGgq6_NUjI/AAAAAAAABLA/zMNQ0ql3cic/s200/156.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lJHE8t9slP8/TxGg2y9GzLI/AAAAAAAABLQ/HeOKq4ni8-E/s1600/158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lJHE8t9slP8/TxGg2y9GzLI/AAAAAAAABLQ/HeOKq4ni8-E/s200/158.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kmeT0EdEzs4/TxGhWl9UXPI/AAAAAAAABLY/ZHFDASmDgkw/s1600/161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" kba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kmeT0EdEzs4/TxGhWl9UXPI/AAAAAAAABLY/ZHFDASmDgkw/s200/161.JPG" width="149" /></a></div> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CrW1hdqtwuc/TxGhjqSTPjI/AAAAAAAABLg/En-3EczZ48A/s1600/166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CrW1hdqtwuc/TxGhjqSTPjI/AAAAAAAABLg/En-3EczZ48A/s200/166.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nap time! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OiOcXzw5UEM/TxGhqKlgdxI/AAAAAAAABLo/m9Bl1zOadtM/s1600/163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" kba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OiOcXzw5UEM/TxGhqKlgdxI/AAAAAAAABLo/m9Bl1zOadtM/s200/163.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wendy and Mom</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h6PmT6CGm14/TxGhx96vAOI/AAAAAAAABLw/4QwmnRFu_O8/s1600/168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h6PmT6CGm14/TxGhx96vAOI/AAAAAAAABLw/4QwmnRFu_O8/s200/168.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Norman was nice<br />
enough to take Brennan<br />
fishing in the freezing<br />
cold!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tlElTNt3SS4/TxGh3wIZX4I/AAAAAAAABL4/8jMC_2T8OQc/s1600/172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" kba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tlElTNt3SS4/TxGh3wIZX4I/AAAAAAAABL4/8jMC_2T8OQc/s200/172.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the computers with Uncle Spyros.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lzcr5bTEtDc/TxGh9fVrIXI/AAAAAAAABMA/8DmEW1nNzPE/s1600/174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" kba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lzcr5bTEtDc/TxGh9fVrIXI/AAAAAAAABMA/8DmEW1nNzPE/s200/174.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great grandma's doll collection</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yPQqxtTwOgo/TxGiCGfcC0I/AAAAAAAABMI/bMg3QiDqKYc/s1600/176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" kba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yPQqxtTwOgo/TxGiCGfcC0I/AAAAAAAABMI/bMg3QiDqKYc/s200/176.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great grandma and Kate<br />
90 years old and four years old</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A8pUbHYAcYI/TxGiLiVyMNI/AAAAAAAABMY/L97LmNoD7Js/s1600/180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" kba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A8pUbHYAcYI/TxGiLiVyMNI/AAAAAAAABMY/L97LmNoD7Js/s320/180.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandma with three of her grandkids and one of<br />
her greatgrandchildren</td></tr>
</tbody></table>***http://www.blogger.com/profile/03250734729662625864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847179555417488451.post-3391106434193060542011-12-31T18:14:00.002-05:002012-01-12T21:19:26.426-05:00Christmas 2011 part one (December 16- December 25) <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9OnpHRTyl1c/Tv-Sex0vtJI/AAAAAAAABCo/A7G3s8rzVtQ/s1600/600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9OnpHRTyl1c/Tv-Sex0vtJI/AAAAAAAABCo/A7G3s8rzVtQ/s200/600.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two nice guys that changed my <br />
flat tire for me and refused to take any money <br />
for their help! </td></tr>
</tbody></table> We left Raleigh around 1:00 PM on December 16th for the long drive back to Wisconsin. I led the way and only took one wrong turn- LOL. Mom and Steve followed in their van. The first day was uneventful and we traveled for about eight hours.<br />
After a great night's sleep at a hotel we were on the road again and cruising along for a few hours when I looked in my rear view mirror and noticed Steve had pulled to the side of the Interstate. I pulled over about a half mile up the road and decided I'd take the next exit and circle around to see what happened. As I was pulling back onto the Interstate I heard a loud sound and realized I had a flat tire! I limped off the freeway and to the next exit, which happily was very close! I pulled into a bar/restaurant and made a few phone calls. Mom and Steve had contacted a tow truck and we made plans for them to come to me in the two truck and then both go to get our cars fixed. I pulled all the luggage out of the very full trunk and got my baby tire out... and then stood there wondering what to do next! I didn't have to stand there alone for long though- two guys came over and offered their help. They worked hard to get the lug nuts off my tire and put my baby tire on for me. Meanwhile Brennan, Kate, and Zamboni watched from the backseat of the car. I tried to give the two guys $20.00 for their help but they refused to take any money. They were so nice! By the time the two truck came I was ready to follow it to get our cars fixed. Thank goodness for cell phones though- I don't think we would have found Mom and Steve without them! I got a new tire and they got a new alternator... four hours later we were back on the road. We were thankful that we could get both cars fixed and that it wasn't anything worse. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EosWGCEGgtg/Tv-SoOF21EI/AAAAAAAABCw/A1ifYSB6BQI/s1600/602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EosWGCEGgtg/Tv-SoOF21EI/AAAAAAAABCw/A1ifYSB6BQI/s200/602.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three dogs, two kids, and three adults<br />
hanging out at Michel's Tires in Indiana.<br />
Four hours later and a new tire and alternator<br />
(and a little less money) and we were on the <br />
road again. </td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Iab_ktV53I/Tv-SseJGU9I/AAAAAAAABC4/olnillGVdqA/s1600/605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Iab_ktV53I/Tv-SseJGU9I/AAAAAAAABC4/olnillGVdqA/s200/605.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Staying entertained at Michel's Tires.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b2rQED3CJdg/Tv-SwS3mp_I/AAAAAAAABDA/5gHZdHOxaIE/s1600/607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="148" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b2rQED3CJdg/Tv-SwS3mp_I/AAAAAAAABDA/5gHZdHOxaIE/s200/607.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging with the boys- Chris, Matt, and<br />
Brennan in Aurora, IL.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
We said goodbye to Mom and Steve near Chicago and traveled on to Aurora, Illinois, to stay with my best high school friend, Leah. I was so happy to see Colleen and Tracy too! We had a relaxing and fun night together! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FO2J3lBxG7M/Tv-S0JlezxI/AAAAAAAABDI/BfGciM7egqU/s1600/609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FO2J3lBxG7M/Tv-S0JlezxI/AAAAAAAABDI/BfGciM7egqU/s200/609.JPG" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Where's Kate?"</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SQiAKOMJ0V4/Tv-S5FqmMfI/AAAAAAAABDQ/pzRlnesP8Gc/s1600/613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SQiAKOMJ0V4/Tv-S5FqmMfI/AAAAAAAABDQ/pzRlnesP8Gc/s200/613.JPG" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate and Brennan were super<br />
excited about this tiny bit<br />
of snow in Illinois!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> I left Aurora and headed to Madison, Wisconsin, on the 18th. I wanted to stay one night with my friend, Britt, and her family and then headed across town to stay with Wendy, Dan, and Norman. Madison was great and we got to spend a lot of time with Britt and her family as well as Norman and Wendy! We always feel so blessed to have such great friends and family!<br />
<br />
Dave was supposed to fly into Madison on the 22nd but got delayed leaving Raleigh which means he missed his connecting flight. He found a flight to Minneapolis instead so I headed out to meet him there. <br />
<br />
Brennan and Kate were both so excited to get to Minnesota and see their cousins, Aunts, Uncles, and Grandparents!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g3HzTylrvjQ/Tv-S8TzOOJI/AAAAAAAABDY/aK_ZMK5RECI/s1600/614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g3HzTylrvjQ/Tv-S8TzOOJI/AAAAAAAABDY/aK_ZMK5RECI/s200/614.JPG" width="148" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d0klwSDOtOY/Tv-S_dKoYAI/AAAAAAAABDg/J099g54M-Ns/s1600/617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d0klwSDOtOY/Tv-S_dKoYAI/AAAAAAAABDg/J099g54M-Ns/s200/617.JPG" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to play outside... too<br />
bad there wasn't much snow.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6pryXlxayuM/Tv-TIhnadLI/AAAAAAAABDo/YG_wZ4QQynk/s1600/618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="148" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6pryXlxayuM/Tv-TIhnadLI/AAAAAAAABDo/YG_wZ4QQynk/s200/618.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three adorable princesses-<br />
Kate, Alyssa, and Brielle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9mvYGr1HlUY/Tv-TRpSGxsI/AAAAAAAABDw/GeJwqd7ieeM/s1600/620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9mvYGr1HlUY/Tv-TRpSGxsI/AAAAAAAABDw/GeJwqd7ieeM/s200/620.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate was so excited to have a sleepover<br />
with Brielle! We love her princess<br />
room!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hUF4_F4A2Hs/Tv-TWRhA07I/AAAAAAAABD4/bqxKEwJmExs/s1600/627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hUF4_F4A2Hs/Tv-TWRhA07I/AAAAAAAABD4/bqxKEwJmExs/s200/627.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading to Olbrich Gardens in<br />
Madison, WI, with Norm and Wendy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pfrmHG88DEA/Tv-TdBScrUI/AAAAAAAABEA/Qab-eNFqh0A/s1600/633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pfrmHG88DEA/Tv-TdBScrUI/AAAAAAAABEA/Qab-eNFqh0A/s200/633.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun times with Uncle Norman<br />
(or as Kate calls him "Uncle Jorman")</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cERSqRCrWN0/Tv-T9Yl0drI/AAAAAAAABEI/ft4qsu09wYw/s1600/634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cERSqRCrWN0/Tv-T9Yl0drI/AAAAAAAABEI/ft4qsu09wYw/s200/634.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aunt Wendy and Kate have<br />
matching hair!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RZIzHdGW4W4/Tv-UBT1IkkI/AAAAAAAABEQ/DVWrpAIVpDE/s1600/636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RZIzHdGW4W4/Tv-UBT1IkkI/AAAAAAAABEQ/DVWrpAIVpDE/s200/636.JPG" width="149" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uAXybKgP90k/Tv-UFn3yrCI/AAAAAAAABEY/PRVCyqE8glc/s1600/641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uAXybKgP90k/Tv-UFn3yrCI/AAAAAAAABEY/PRVCyqE8glc/s200/641.JPG" width="149" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A2eAjms8f-M/Tv-UKNIt8wI/AAAAAAAABEg/4bznvcHUaMo/s1600/646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A2eAjms8f-M/Tv-UKNIt8wI/AAAAAAAABEg/4bznvcHUaMo/s200/646.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcWUyrtWrmk/Tv-UKnUMVAI/AAAAAAAABEo/-6s9HEgZEzA/s1600/381166_2839343951567_1498335847_33017465_1437542541_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcWUyrtWrmk/Tv-UKnUMVAI/AAAAAAAABEo/-6s9HEgZEzA/s1600/381166_2839343951567_1498335847_33017465_1437542541_n%255B1%255D.jpg" /></a></div> <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4hU-Jbj_vas/Tv-U_EV8r8I/AAAAAAAABE0/ud9V64o6hDY/s1600/082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4hU-Jbj_vas/Tv-U_EV8r8I/AAAAAAAABE0/ud9V64o6hDY/s200/082.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brennan with Usher and Mila the dogs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VGtcxYjuo8g/Tv-VExs03fI/AAAAAAAABE8/xCpTd398kCc/s1600/083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VGtcxYjuo8g/Tv-VExs03fI/AAAAAAAABE8/xCpTd398kCc/s200/083.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julianna and Kate</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--O-8tEuedHk/Tv-VJee0KQI/AAAAAAAABFE/_MEtHapI5J0/s1600/085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--O-8tEuedHk/Tv-VJee0KQI/AAAAAAAABFE/_MEtHapI5J0/s200/085.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jan and Kathy</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jHQktz-6vDU/Tv-VNd5xWJI/AAAAAAAABFM/5akHrUDt1FQ/s1600/086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jHQktz-6vDU/Tv-VNd5xWJI/AAAAAAAABFM/5akHrUDt1FQ/s200/086.JPG" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandma Jan with her two <br />
grandsons.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>We had a great visit in Minneapolis and spent a lot of time with the cousins! We enjoyed dinner out with everyone, shopping at the Mall of America, hanging at the house, going to Christmas Eve service, and spending Christmas Eve at the Rischmiller's house (Dave's sister and family). Ted and Jan welcomed all four of our dogs and the six grandchildren (and all the noise) happily. We had so much fun!<br />
<br />
We did stop at the Passolt's house for a little bit too. It's become a tradition to stop in and say hello during our stay in December. Kate was very happy to play with their youngest, Phoebe. <br />
<br />
We left on the 25th to drive to Eagle River. I was very happy to hand over my car keys to Dave and let him drive for a little bit. LOL!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DeWlrrlY3eE/Tv-VVh4Il8I/AAAAAAAABFc/W7OfTHKo5dM/s1600/088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DeWlrrlY3eE/Tv-VVh4Il8I/AAAAAAAABFc/W7OfTHKo5dM/s200/088.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate and Sophia<br />
Between all the cousins I<br />
don't think Kate's feet<br />
touched the floor very often!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_D8d5YkJCGQ/Tv-VaRzHsqI/AAAAAAAABFk/4OIevaE5wvc/s1600/090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_D8d5YkJCGQ/Tv-VaRzHsqI/AAAAAAAABFk/4OIevaE5wvc/s200/090.JPG" width="148" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L9ixz9yCDJc/Tv-VeIXEjPI/AAAAAAAABFs/WT9effY6IeU/s1600/094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L9ixz9yCDJc/Tv-VeIXEjPI/AAAAAAAABFs/WT9effY6IeU/s200/094.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate and Phoebe</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nAbGGy95m1Q/Tv-VlqxxGqI/AAAAAAAABF0/Ai4Ckj-pIIc/s1600/097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nAbGGy95m1Q/Tv-VlqxxGqI/AAAAAAAABF0/Ai4Ckj-pIIc/s200/097.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate liked this big dog-<br />
she thought it was like<br />
a sheep.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rg15fiK1D3c/Tv-VqveHlCI/AAAAAAAABF8/m7s7ZWTA8Co/s1600/100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rg15fiK1D3c/Tv-VqveHlCI/AAAAAAAABF8/m7s7ZWTA8Co/s200/100.JPG" width="149" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oaRuTJu0pf0/Tv-Vw08FGLI/AAAAAAAABGE/PPQ_uh9POFc/s1600/112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oaRuTJu0pf0/Tv-Vw08FGLI/AAAAAAAABGE/PPQ_uh9POFc/s200/112.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skating at the Depot in <br />
Minneapolis. Kate and I<br />
watched.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yzvqsbzb9QE/Tv-V61uKXEI/AAAAAAAABGM/oHJE8AOrx_M/s1600/115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yzvqsbzb9QE/Tv-V61uKXEI/AAAAAAAABGM/oHJE8AOrx_M/s200/115.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing in the basement</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u3bry25-sPM/Tv-WBPu9Y2I/AAAAAAAABGU/1FTK4gYSgg8/s1600/118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u3bry25-sPM/Tv-WBPu9Y2I/AAAAAAAABGU/1FTK4gYSgg8/s200/118.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Six grandchildren and four grand dogs<br />
on the Ranheim side. (We missed <br />
Brennan in this picture though.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--LIr-R6JvBI/Tv-WFwWgSJI/AAAAAAAABGc/DN3rs5TlGTs/s1600/120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--LIr-R6JvBI/Tv-WFwWgSJI/AAAAAAAABGc/DN3rs5TlGTs/s200/120.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zamboni was the most<br />
mature dog there! He<br />
was a great traveler and<br />
house guest at all the places<br />
we visited. :-)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GsYwXyOqFgs/Tv-WSMg4WDI/AAAAAAAABGk/NuKPjfRlHQE/s1600/101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GsYwXyOqFgs/Tv-WSMg4WDI/AAAAAAAABGk/NuKPjfRlHQE/s200/101.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aV8tDBdO02k/Tv-WXEasyNI/AAAAAAAABGs/FNw7UuypBco/s1600/105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aV8tDBdO02k/Tv-WXEasyNI/AAAAAAAABGs/FNw7UuypBco/s200/105.JPG" width="149" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1fIbXwuevQs/Tv-WbsrYORI/AAAAAAAABG0/eJTh_qY72M8/s1600/129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1fIbXwuevQs/Tv-WbsrYORI/AAAAAAAABG0/eJTh_qY72M8/s200/129.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ingrid, Erik, and Muffy (their new<br />
puppy).</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L6dWu_QfBfo/Tv-WgapyY8I/AAAAAAAABG8/Ry8pvlzDkM4/s1600/131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L6dWu_QfBfo/Tv-WgapyY8I/AAAAAAAABG8/Ry8pvlzDkM4/s200/131.JPG" width="149" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cPFElrvLFy0/Tv-WkgDSWfI/AAAAAAAABHE/BILlL_R76tI/s1600/136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cPFElrvLFy0/Tv-WkgDSWfI/AAAAAAAABHE/BILlL_R76tI/s200/136.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa ate the cookies, drank the milk,<br />
and ate a little of his orange.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nD5N3qpX0jU/Tv-WpWeC_EI/AAAAAAAABHM/qXN109Gxmgw/s1600/137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nD5N3qpX0jU/Tv-WpWeC_EI/AAAAAAAABHM/qXN109Gxmgw/s200/137.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa came! Kate<br />
and Brennan slept until<br />
9:00 AM though!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sZlkgowblpY/Tv-WtVoHEeI/AAAAAAAABHU/hJe2M_6Q7Qw/s1600/126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sZlkgowblpY/Tv-WtVoHEeI/AAAAAAAABHU/hJe2M_6Q7Qw/s200/126.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate and Grandpa Ranheim.<br />
She called him into the room and<br />
said, "Grandpa- I like you!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was down to just our family, Paul, and Ted and Jan by Christmas morning. We couldn't believe the kids slept until <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z5Dfkit_65I/Tv-WxWk_E0I/AAAAAAAABHc/SxoCcolJ0EA/s1600/138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z5Dfkit_65I/Tv-WxWk_E0I/AAAAAAAABHc/SxoCcolJ0EA/s200/138.JPG" width="149" /></a>9:00 AM! They finally woke up to see if Santa had come! </div>***http://www.blogger.com/profile/03250734729662625864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847179555417488451.post-80740344211828927012011-12-31T17:51:00.000-05:002011-12-31T17:51:23.225-05:00Fall days and getting ready for Christmas... <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lLlQyyETcKE/Tv-F9xlWALI/AAAAAAAABA8/t-T5NDVEu3E/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lLlQyyETcKE/Tv-F9xlWALI/AAAAAAAABA8/t-T5NDVEu3E/s200/009.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having fun at Emma's <br />
birthday party.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nBNY4GqXp0c/Tv-GDluJ5II/AAAAAAAABBE/lbEVxzlhny8/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nBNY4GqXp0c/Tv-GDluJ5II/AAAAAAAABBE/lbEVxzlhny8/s200/018.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emma had the cutest cake!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-whF6CI-IIkw/Tv-GH8u9pZI/AAAAAAAABBM/ykvucfjbeIQ/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-whF6CI-IIkw/Tv-GH8u9pZI/AAAAAAAABBM/ykvucfjbeIQ/s200/016.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy birthday Emma!<br />
We love you!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P6J1Y5X74ms/Tv-GTAENMWI/AAAAAAAABBU/e7yVVtYE2Pw/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P6J1Y5X74ms/Tv-GTAENMWI/AAAAAAAABBU/e7yVVtYE2Pw/s200/023.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeding the ducks at Lake<br />
Lynn. After we were done<br />
Kate commented, "I love<br />
those rubber duckies!"<br />
She is so cute!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2QqPYImv3gs/Tv-GZvdS4dI/AAAAAAAABBc/qqwY4q1BH6c/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2QqPYImv3gs/Tv-GZvdS4dI/AAAAAAAABBc/qqwY4q1BH6c/s200/026.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Decorating our Christmas<br />
Tree</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NLNxxhMxm1U/Tv-Gfa7fl7I/AAAAAAAABBk/u9zSOoXp1r8/s1600/1782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NLNxxhMxm1U/Tv-Gfa7fl7I/AAAAAAAABBk/u9zSOoXp1r8/s200/1782.JPG" width="131" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look what Julie grew in her <br />
garden! Here is Kate with <br />
her classmates.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yYyEB5Oh0Xs/Tv-GjA4otII/AAAAAAAABBs/okd71alFjMY/s1600/1783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yYyEB5Oh0Xs/Tv-GjA4otII/AAAAAAAABBs/okd71alFjMY/s200/1783.JPG" width="131" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So cute!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ofh7rFAkNkI/Tv-GmEIROlI/AAAAAAAABB0/K-cM-yC-J0g/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ofh7rFAkNkI/Tv-GmEIROlI/AAAAAAAABB0/K-cM-yC-J0g/s200/002.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>After our wonderful Thanksgiving in Madison, Wisconsin, we drove back to Raleigh with my parents, Penny and Steve. They stayed with us for three wonderful weeks! Since we had our own personal Santa's helper staying with us, we took advantange and had some pictures taken. Thank you Jenn for taking such great pictures for us!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gGqPgJIvFNE/Tv-QhSeHD1I/AAAAAAAABCc/V4-0Y8-8cvU/s1600/Ranheim+Family+2011+025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gGqPgJIvFNE/Tv-QhSeHD1I/AAAAAAAABCc/V4-0Y8-8cvU/s320/Ranheim+Family+2011+025.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SE4IgHLuhw8/Tv-QSZow36I/AAAAAAAABCM/Kcn3NoDUMrU/s1600/Ranheim+Family+2011+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SE4IgHLuhw8/Tv-QSZow36I/AAAAAAAABCM/Kcn3NoDUMrU/s320/Ranheim+Family+2011+005.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CLH3wN4qc9U/Tv-QZY3E2WI/AAAAAAAABCU/6GcmVyzdUKE/s1600/Ranheim+Family+2011+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CLH3wN4qc9U/Tv-QZY3E2WI/AAAAAAAABCU/6GcmVyzdUKE/s320/Ranheim+Family+2011+018.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
<br />
We loved having them stay with us but the three weeks went way to fast! We drove back to Wisconsin with them on December 16th for the holidays.***http://www.blogger.com/profile/03250734729662625864noreply@blogger.com0