tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37535249408289325342024-03-13T05:10:58.658-05:00 Happy On the Way.comSuzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698856580721049858noreply@blogger.comBlogger271125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753524940828932534.post-75911844788621833002019-05-20T11:14:00.002-05:002019-05-20T11:14:55.981-05:00A Close ThingWell that was close.<br />
<br />
Just spent the last three hours resurrecting this blog that I mistakenly think of as my own!<br />
<br />
Reality check!<br />
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If you don't update your credit card information...the words you've written and the pictures you've taken and posted with your own little fingers can disappear and be completely inaccessible, and you will pay...you will pay with your time and your money to get it back up.<br />
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This is a check to see if I've paid enough time and money to post something....on my own blog...which locked me out.<br />
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I feel like the mom whose kid has locked her out of the bathroom.<br />
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"Please let me back in...sweetie...can you unlock the door honey..please?"<br />
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Let's see if it worked.Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698856580721049858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753524940828932534.post-46562569280833435392018-09-26T21:25:00.000-05:002018-09-26T21:25:40.642-05:00Within<br />
I avoid his spaces where<br />
the wild things roam.<br />
I stay up, high, safe.<br />
<br />
Company to come sends me spiraling down<br />
products in hand.<br />
I enter to clean but find the towel hung<br />
and folded<br />
the toilet seat still down<br />
no chaos of smell.<br />
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In my head I laugh<br />
for this is what I've dreamed of.<br />
<br />
Behind my throat I sing,<br />
a song for the new.<br />
<br />
And in my heart I wail<br />
for this is at last the long long dread.<br />
<br />
I turn my shoulder to it<br />
and on my face I show nothing.<br />
<br />
For I am an old mother, and<br />
I will hoard the tally marks within.<br />
<br />Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698856580721049858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753524940828932534.post-85348335101606256102014-10-01T22:00:00.000-05:002014-10-01T22:00:05.903-05:00Let Go of the List<span style="font-size: large;">What directs a person's day? What directs my day? I worship Jesus Christ as God's son, whose sacrifice on the cross paid the price for my sins and allows me to have a personal relationship with my Creator. It's a big deal to me, this spiritual journey. But you know what else is a big deal…TOO big a deal? "My List." See? It even gets capitalized, because it's so extremely important to me. My List, I confess, is what most often really directs my day. That's a problem.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What's in My List? Well…it varies….NOT…it's always the same. It perpetually involves a never ending rotation of housekeeping tasks (literally--I'm a housewife so I take on the whole kit and caboodle of household chores)--and then there are the mothering responsibilities such as carpooling, doctoring…you've heard it all before. And then, written in invisible ink all over the margins of My List are all the things I could (should?) be doing for self fulfillment and personal growth cause I'm hitting the mid forties now and…these years of health and energy are slipping by quickly. (It's a joke…I never have any energy! I collapse at 9:30. I last saw energy at age 27!) Yes, just add a little "heat," a little emotional stress, and those invisible words of <i>could do's, should do's</i> and <i>ought to have done's </i>pop out like the freckles on my nose in July! It's all on My List, you see. My List rules.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And when I can't check things off at a rapid enough pace, I get frustrated. I get anxious. I get…well…unpleasant. It's true. And it's wrong.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So today is Day 1 of letting go of My List. I'm not going to worship it anymore. Because that's what I'm doing when I let that impossible list direct my life, when I let it control my mood and my satisfaction. I'm going to try, prayerfully, to "be content with such things as I have, for He Himself has said I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Heb 13:5) I will not covet the things I cannot get accomplished. I will not covet what others have done! I will not worship my checked off results. I will rest. I will grow. I will put my eyes on the eternal. I will let GOD lead. I will let go of the list.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Signed,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Me</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBRSWmgN5rs/VCy-0wBWK9I/AAAAAAAAFbE/OHNI_rGlTjQ/s1600/_DSC0054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBRSWmgN5rs/VCy-0wBWK9I/AAAAAAAAFbE/OHNI_rGlTjQ/s1600/_DSC0054.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's the old me…living for the list! Haha.</span></div>
Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698856580721049858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753524940828932534.post-75736477633343704312014-09-18T16:54:00.001-05:002014-09-18T20:21:12.592-05:00Little Lasagna<span style="font-size: large;">I just made a lasagna. Not two lasagnas, not a double size lasagna. Just one little bitty regular old lasagna. (But it made just as big a MESS as when I make a "normal" batch for my normal size family of seven big eaters who now live all over the WORLD.) What is normal anymore? There are only four of us home now--it's the first day with only four. One regular lasagna will be enough. Stupid little lasagna.</span>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698856580721049858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753524940828932534.post-8958214806281687212014-09-17T21:21:00.000-05:002014-09-17T21:21:03.999-05:00The Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I feel like I should introduce myself. It's been so long since I've blogged that I think that is appropriate. My name is Suzanne, and I'm the mom looking sort of gal in the white sweater. My husband Tim (in the aqua sweater which he has now thrown away because it isn't "his style") and I have five beloved children. I am pretty sure this is the last family picture we have taken together. It was at my third child Katie's high school graduation last spring, and I think it's a decent picture despite a solid case of nobody knowing which camera to look at. How do the Star Couples on the Red Carpet do it? Do they plan out which direction they are going to look? Do they talk it out beforehand? Is it just a symbiotic thing that happens with practice? We could use some tips.<br />
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The point of putting this picture up here is to point out that THE DAY has come. The day has come that I have long long dreaded. We had the three oldest children in under three years, and it seemed that people began remarking almost as soon as the third one arrived: "Just wait until they are all three adolescents!" or "What are you going to do when they all need braces?" or "How are you going to pay for all three in college at once?"<br />
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But what nestled in my heart even back then, like an uncomfortable burr that imbeds itself on your sleeve long after the hike is over was, "How am I going to let the three of them go? They'll leave as quickly as they came. I will have to say goodbye to all three in only three short years!"<br />
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And that has happened. Today. From Five to Two. It's not funny and there's no humor to be found, and that in and of itself says a lot. I can't even find joy in my reduced laundry pile. I have nothing to say, except I'm grateful to God for the chance to be their mom.<br />
<br />Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698856580721049858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753524940828932534.post-59507005731259133702014-09-16T22:37:00.001-05:002014-09-16T22:37:44.025-05:00TomorrowTomorrow my daughter leaves. It's hard to get my mind around it, to comprehend the hole she will create by taking herself across oceans and continents to a place I've never seen, to live with people I've never met, to become somebody I can't imagine. I'm so proud of her and so nervous for her that my brain can't cope with the contradiction, and I just walk around feeling muddled and numb. But she's going. The ticket is there on the counter, and the passport is in it's place on top of her brand new suitcases. The suitcases are a lovely teal color, and as she stood holding one of them yesterday I realized they match her eyes. They are new and unscuffed now, and she's anxious to keep them that way, but I just smile and tell her that they'll get beat up and dirty long before the months wear out, and that's ok. It's what luggage is made for…adventures. Let the journey begin.<br />
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We love you sweet girl.</div>
Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698856580721049858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753524940828932534.post-86793560293994141802014-02-21T20:02:00.001-06:002014-02-21T20:12:27.969-06:00"Do Ya Wanna Have A Snowday?" Parents have a Snowday…WITHOUT THE KIDS!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Last night, the Twin Cities had a lovely snowstorm.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">It came complete with high winds, ice, sleet, and big puffy snowflakes that fell</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">like miniature pom poms and were then chased by horizontal swirling blasts of blinding frozenness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">It was lovely.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">But lovely wasn't the word on my mind</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">when I was churning my way home from</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">my littlest daughter's play in snow furrowed, slippery streets.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">(The suburban did the work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I just gripped the wheel and kept saying "Oh no! Oh no!")</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Nor was "lovely" the word I thought of </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">when I drove into my eerily quiet and darkened neighborhood.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">The garage door didn't respond when I pushed the button.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I entered the house to find my oldest daughter</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">studying her math….</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">by candelabra!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>I love that word….candelabra.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Funny that you spell it with the e before the l….but that's what spellcheck says.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Here she is. It was very dramatic. I called her Abe Lincoln. I don't know exactly why.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I'm pretty sure Abe didn't study math by battery "candles" from Costco.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Anyhow….</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Lily was not going to be left behind. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Even though it was 10pm and she was dog tired from performing,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">she still had to get in on the action.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Timmy, meanwhile, was in the back yard throwing himself </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>off the swingset headfirst into snowbanks</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>in a swirling blizzard..</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>I don't have any pictures of that.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>I am trying to forget that.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Despite many a hope and dream,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">our school did NOT get canceled this morning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">We watched our emails and phones with dismay as…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">absolutely</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> nothing</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> happened.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">So here is Lily, resolutely climbing the snowbank…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">off to the textile factory</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">barefoot…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">backwards….</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">with only a warm potato in her pocket for her lunch….</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">(I read that somewhere as a child….)</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ezin_L9J00/Uwf1z0AyIUI/AAAAAAAAFUU/2oochnc-wLc/s1600/_DSC0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ezin_L9J00/Uwf1z0AyIUI/AAAAAAAAFUU/2oochnc-wLc/s1600/_DSC0036.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Naaah…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">the big yellow bus was even a minute or two early.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Minnesota!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">As I waved goodbye to the last of the three children,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I turned to my husband,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">who was plunking away on his laptop,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">and sang in my best Kristen Bell "Frozen" imitation:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">"Do you wanna build a snowman?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">It doesn't have to be a snowman..."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">He said no.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">But the idea took hold!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">We could have a PARENT'S SNOWDAY!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lIMG9eQRSZI/Uwf1_bw40NI/AAAAAAAAFUc/iHYTGcaRr6M/s1600/_DSC0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lIMG9eQRSZI/Uwf1_bw40NI/AAAAAAAAFUc/iHYTGcaRr6M/s1600/_DSC0057.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">It was a beautiful idea </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">whose time had come!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">First off?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">SNOWMOBILING!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">We've owned a snowmobile for at least five years, and</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">the truth be told, I've never sat my backside on it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Ever.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Not once!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">But today was the day!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCa7fpxgkO8/Uwf89h7D9JI/AAAAAAAAFUs/6vTe59GAWBQ/s1600/_DSC0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCa7fpxgkO8/Uwf89h7D9JI/AAAAAAAAFUs/6vTe59GAWBQ/s1600/_DSC0040.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I can only show you the tame pictures!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Because I sure wasn't able to take</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> any as we raced across the lake </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">behind our house,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">or rammed ourselves through snow laden branches,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">or carried the dog between us</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">because she couldn't run in the deep snow,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">and I was sure she would die</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">No, no pictures...I preferred to hang on…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">and duck.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I'm all about living, you see…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">as in living to see another day kind of living.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">That kind.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2VzmvxXA7wU/Uwf9ED-EpuI/AAAAAAAAFU8/ElV1Dr2mecQ/s1600/_DSC0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2VzmvxXA7wU/Uwf9ED-EpuI/AAAAAAAAFU8/ElV1Dr2mecQ/s1600/_DSC0042.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">My husband.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Isn't he handsome?</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XKGIfCdfNCk/Uwf9BN7pekI/AAAAAAAAFU0/mX-twbWlhyA/s1600/_DSC0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XKGIfCdfNCk/Uwf9BN7pekI/AAAAAAAAFU0/mX-twbWlhyA/s1600/_DSC0043.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I was feeling very brave and sassy too…after we got back into the driveway and I peeled my hands off the handles and all….</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">There I am!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">World class…something.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">But…on with our day...</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9HiW9DkLRJc/Uwf9X606akI/AAAAAAAAFVE/JsXi72BCxLw/s1600/_DSC0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9HiW9DkLRJc/Uwf9X606akI/AAAAAAAAFVE/JsXi72BCxLw/s1600/_DSC0050.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">NEXT…we drank pomegranate juice</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">(it's our new health kick)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">in the HOT TUB.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-coqh7h2pwPg/Uwf9fZ2qvmI/AAAAAAAAFVM/Yw9Tn1iAkrg/s1600/_DSC0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-coqh7h2pwPg/Uwf9fZ2qvmI/AAAAAAAAFVM/Yw9Tn1iAkrg/s1600/_DSC0053.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">And we amused ourselves…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">(this was the BEST PART…)</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-avKenz90MhU/Uwf9u8RixtI/AAAAAAAAFVU/Ivb3FL6CIHY/s1600/_DSC0055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-avKenz90MhU/Uwf9u8RixtI/AAAAAAAAFVU/Ivb3FL6CIHY/s1600/_DSC0055.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">BY TAKING SELFIES OF OURSELVES IN THE HOT TUB AND TEXTING THEM TO ALL OUR KIDS….</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">AT SCHOOL!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Bahahahhahhha!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U1tyxS575qI/Uwf96E88SQI/AAAAAAAAFVc/zd-labgU7P8/s1600/_DSC0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U1tyxS575qI/Uwf96E88SQI/AAAAAAAAFVc/zd-labgU7P8/s1600/_DSC0059.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Then we went out to eat at a Chinese Buffet….</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">cause nothing fills in the cracks like a good </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Chinese buffet when you've been a wild snow adventurer</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> for the last…hour and a half.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">IT WAS A GREAT DAY.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I love SNOW DAYS now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Love them!</span></div>
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<br />Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698856580721049858noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753524940828932534.post-53622423289236232582013-06-28T23:00:00.002-05:002013-06-29T16:23:09.699-05:00Sworn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n6BbOncUf58/Uc5YO6Zx7NI/AAAAAAAAFQs/y_6KlhvddY4/s1600/_DSC0590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n6BbOncUf58/Uc5YO6Zx7NI/AAAAAAAAFQs/y_6KlhvddY4/s400/_DSC0590.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Tim and I got up early this morning, leaving the youngest three snoozing in the hotel room, to stake a spot on the chapel wall overlooking the large open field (I'm sure it has a name and I'm sure that name has initials in order to completely confuse the uneducated, but being an unitiated newby I'll just call it "the field" TF) at the Air Force Academy. We sat and did our Bible studies from 6:30 am (yes, we got a good spot!) until the new basic cadet action started around 8:00. We were quite far, but that didn't stop me from popping my eyes out of my head trying to locate Zach through my zoom lens of the camera. Try as I did, I was unsuccessful. However, once the oath taking ceremony (OTC--ok I'll stop now) began, we were blessed. Zach's squadron, The Executioners, ( I was upset about the name until I heard some of the other names...Hellcats, Demons....then I was ok with it.) marched right to the place where we had supposed they would and had positioned ourselves. Even better, he was in the front row which was critical, because you couldn't see anybody past the second row! I felt so sorry for the mom next to me who wanted to see her son, but she couldn't make him out in the group. I tried to help her, but even with my zoom lens was unsuccessful.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Anyway, it was easy to pick out Zach. He's second from the right: Love my ZOOM.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4pXDjMyqDiw/Uc5YWe0WPbI/AAAAAAAAFQ8/TS-OyQhV2FA/s1600/_DSC0595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4pXDjMyqDiw/Uc5YWe0WPbI/AAAAAAAAFQ8/TS-OyQhV2FA/s640/_DSC0595.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> I was impressed with how well they marched. It must have been intense to learn so quickly!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4w5-dgANVNk/Uc5YWoqrXyI/AAAAAAAAFRA/HMoL1BL5D3Q/s1600/_DSC0599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4w5-dgANVNk/Uc5YWoqrXyI/AAAAAAAAFRA/HMoL1BL5D3Q/s640/_DSC0599.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Here's the Wing Commander. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> Enough said I think.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxiTjiH09o4/Uc5X9Zh8UsI/AAAAAAAAFQM/irMQKYg2uvw/s810/_DSC0580_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxiTjiH09o4/Uc5X9Zh8UsI/AAAAAAAAFQM/irMQKYg2uvw/s640/_DSC0580_2.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">We couldn't begin to see him this well, but later this afternoon, I loaded the image on the computer and zoomed in, and this is what I got.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">(Pretty good photography, if I do say so myself!)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Comment: He does not look happy.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i>I'm going to dream of this face tonight.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i>It's hard, but we knew it would be.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i>But still.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I like this picture so much better:</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z75TGHuKwmw/UcS2gNUbtSI/AAAAAAAAFL4/bC0CkhfI49k/s1600/_DSC0534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z75TGHuKwmw/UcS2gNUbtSI/AAAAAAAAFL4/bC0CkhfI49k/s640/_DSC0534.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Go Zach!</span></div>
Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698856580721049858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753524940828932534.post-69393222806222000562013-06-27T21:26:00.001-05:002013-06-29T16:23:25.254-05:00Inprocessing Day...And How a Cold Can Be a Blessing.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Today was finally the day-- Inprocessing Day.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">We've been tooling around Colorado for five days now, getting used to the altitude with it's breathless exertions, headaches, dry skin and extreme temperature changes.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Love the mountains!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I hope to blog about the great time we've had, but I know a lot of family will be curious about how today went, and I want to show them the best that I can.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">First, though, I would like to let you know that God saw fit to send me one of the worst five sinus colds I've ever had in my life. As we rode in the car last Saturday, I thought to myself, "I actually feel relaxed! Everything's done! I forgot what relaxed feels like!"</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Four hours later I felt the tickle in my throat.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"It's just the dry air."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">(It was not the dry air.)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"It's the altitude."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">(We were still in Nebraska.)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">SO...all week in the mountains of Colorado,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I've been producing copious amounts of snot.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Which, combined with sunshine and dry air, has chapped my lower face and caused my eyes to puff to the point where I look like I've been crying....constantly...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Which brings me to the blessing part which was...all day long...throughout the whole inprocessing, people were patting me, telling me it was going to be ok, giving me stuffed animals (ok the stuffed animal went to Lily who really was crying), telling me congratulations...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">to the point where I actually ended up crying relatively little!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">It was awkward to say "I'm not crying; I have a cold."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">So I just went with it.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Now you have the background.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">There is one and only one photo of me where I am actually crying.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">We'll have a contest to see who can tell.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">(My mom is disqualified; she knows me too well.)</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vJ99DhCotJI/Uczqmiw5QfI/AAAAAAAAFNA/TZQ-_GoMX9s/s1600/_DSC0495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vJ99DhCotJI/Uczqmiw5QfI/AAAAAAAAFNA/TZQ-_GoMX9s/s640/_DSC0495.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> Here we are at PF Changs last night.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">The Last Dinner.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wHnahfASa6U/Uczqm6hK0_I/AAAAAAAAFNE/9LSGTflTemY/s1600/_DSC0497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wHnahfASa6U/Uczqm6hK0_I/AAAAAAAAFNE/9LSGTflTemY/s640/_DSC0497.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> Signing more forms.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">It was very difficult to know where to go until we realized that we should just follow the crowd.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">That was the plan.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DbXF8c2wMoQ/Uczqpg-qmQI/AAAAAAAAFNQ/KjPTNytj46E/s1600/_DSC0500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DbXF8c2wMoQ/Uczqpg-qmQI/AAAAAAAAFNQ/KjPTNytj46E/s640/_DSC0500.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> Waiting for the "Briefing."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">This was right before a guy came up and started giving Lily and me gifts.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Nice guy.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Lily accepted the gifts but refused to smile...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">she can really smell a rat, and I think this smile was her last for awhile.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GG3QLDzCRRY/Uczqt1XUfJI/AAAAAAAAFNY/dMvTZyM39DE/s1600/_DSC0502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GG3QLDzCRRY/Uczqt1XUfJI/AAAAAAAAFNY/dMvTZyM39DE/s640/_DSC0502.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> ...because the "briefing tent" was really the "goodbye tent."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Scoundrels.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">They should call it what it is!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ml89fDaNjrc/UczqxOtTopI/AAAAAAAAFNo/DIkJNn9CTP4/s1600/_DSC0504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ml89fDaNjrc/UczqxOtTopI/AAAAAAAAFNo/DIkJNn9CTP4/s640/_DSC0504.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> Last Family Picture.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c8z58Az8iqw/UczqzCW3QoI/AAAAAAAAFNw/Oy9VSQbciW0/s1600/_DSC0507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c8z58Az8iqw/UczqzCW3QoI/AAAAAAAAFNw/Oy9VSQbciW0/s640/_DSC0507.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> Hugs.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I just love it when he crushes me in his armpit like that....</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">it's very snuggly...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">and makes me wonder that he was ever my little baby....</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fdojg8IcaO0/Uczq0KLWt8I/AAAAAAAAFN4/t-vpQaZyjZk/s1600/_DSC0508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fdojg8IcaO0/Uczq0KLWt8I/AAAAAAAAFN4/t-vpQaZyjZk/s640/_DSC0508.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> Hugs all around....</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ge4dcXheG2Y/Uczq4OdacSI/AAAAAAAAFOA/tVxbVpGBRtE/s1600/_DSC0509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ge4dcXheG2Y/Uczq4OdacSI/AAAAAAAAFOA/tVxbVpGBRtE/s640/_DSC0509.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> ....one more last....</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ElsypbdVuos/Uczq5gLdjfI/AAAAAAAAFOI/xbx5tunRZvM/s1600/_DSC0510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ElsypbdVuos/Uczq5gLdjfI/AAAAAAAAFOI/xbx5tunRZvM/s640/_DSC0510.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> ....and when we saw him next....</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e8rm8H5fDgk/Uczq8JSdKoI/AAAAAAAAFOQ/T3vHLLCalsk/s1600/_DSC0511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e8rm8H5fDgk/Uczq8JSdKoI/AAAAAAAAFOQ/T3vHLLCalsk/s640/_DSC0511.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> ...it was behind a rope...</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gUsN9bOc3tg/Uczq_ODqEZI/AAAAAAAAFOY/z4UQwiOcFc4/s1600/_DSC0512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gUsN9bOc3tg/Uczq_ODqEZI/AAAAAAAAFOY/z4UQwiOcFc4/s640/_DSC0512.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> That bar code was soon scanned in, and...</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s5lXQEh8NRs/UczrBAJzVZI/AAAAAAAAFOg/2uZ_Wk-uqGc/s1600/_DSC0527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s5lXQEh8NRs/UczrBAJzVZI/AAAAAAAAFOg/2uZ_Wk-uqGc/s640/_DSC0527.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> it was over the river (creek)...</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JKCcn5jw2Vc/UczrFbCAG2I/AAAAAAAAFOo/l3LS4TRTcyI/s1600/_DSC0528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JKCcn5jw2Vc/UczrFbCAG2I/AAAAAAAAFOo/l3LS4TRTcyI/s640/_DSC0528.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> ...and through the woods....</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jymuHdI8XcU/UczrNtinQ7I/AAAAAAAAFPA/c3TavzMrTfk/s1600/_DSC0536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jymuHdI8XcU/UczrNtinQ7I/AAAAAAAAFPA/c3TavzMrTfk/s640/_DSC0536.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> He didn't even glance at us.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">But we know he knew we were there!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">We are hard to miss!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0GHoqvQ9fWA/UczrSuZaE7I/AAAAAAAAFPQ/jMOHhIYR48M/s1600/_DSC0537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0GHoqvQ9fWA/UczrSuZaE7I/AAAAAAAAFPQ/jMOHhIYR48M/s640/_DSC0537.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> "Move'em on...move'em out!"</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X2NUup4esOs/UczrU7xwYrI/AAAAAAAAFPY/kOQ6gaWcBjE/s1600/_DSC0542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X2NUup4esOs/UczrU7xwYrI/AAAAAAAAFPY/kOQ6gaWcBjE/s640/_DSC0542.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> No turning back now!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hih6ebtm6Wo/UczrcTZvPSI/AAAAAAAAFPo/6zwrFzTQRbg/s1600/_DSC0545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hih6ebtm6Wo/UczrcTZvPSI/AAAAAAAAFPo/6zwrFzTQRbg/s640/_DSC0545.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> Of course we watched until the bus was full.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u4TTPYCWsBk/UczrdMp7WZI/AAAAAAAAFP4/9qOVCo-fYec/s1600/_DSC0549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u4TTPYCWsBk/UczrdMp7WZI/AAAAAAAAFP4/9qOVCo-fYec/s640/_DSC0549.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> Then it drove away.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">We are proud of you Zach.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Prayers and letters coming your way!</span></div>
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Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698856580721049858noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753524940828932534.post-52295607278827175722013-06-21T20:00:00.003-05:002013-06-29T16:22:37.048-05:00Go Get'm Zach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tsavXhEObiI/UcT2d9xJRII/AAAAAAAAFM0/5v1CVSGQo_o/s1600/_DSC0535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tsavXhEObiI/UcT2d9xJRII/AAAAAAAAFM0/5v1CVSGQo_o/s640/_DSC0535.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z75TGHuKwmw/UcS2gNUbtSI/AAAAAAAAFL0/v8RNDXw0qX4/s1600/_DSC0534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dlf3uyE_th0/UcS2e3fSV2I/AAAAAAAAFLs/UtYbIxMaoPU/s1600/_DSC0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dlf3uyE_th0/UcS2e3fSV2I/AAAAAAAAFLs/UtYbIxMaoPU/s640/_DSC0075.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">There's been a smiling "ray of sunshine" guy in our lives for 18 years now....</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_e-s6u8FKGU/UcS2KXulbTI/AAAAAAAAFLc/jrkr9oDh15U/s1600/_DSC0109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_e-s6u8FKGU/UcS2KXulbTI/AAAAAAAAFLc/jrkr9oDh15U/s640/_DSC0109.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Two, actually!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">They didn't come as a pair, but they WERE a pair...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">didn't take them very long...!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nzkn40tVRaA/UcS3BikUfMI/AAAAAAAAFMM/h_6JuU72VgY/s1600/_DSC0604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nzkn40tVRaA/UcS3BikUfMI/AAAAAAAAFMM/h_6JuU72VgY/s640/_DSC0604.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">They really went together....</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z6ONahLPpqg/UcS23dBNwTI/AAAAAAAAFL8/ppUtXesG51Y/s1600/_DSC0667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z6ONahLPpqg/UcS23dBNwTI/AAAAAAAAFL8/ppUtXesG51Y/s640/_DSC0667.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">like peanut butter...</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n0Blg8xh2VU/UcS29RWIOMI/AAAAAAAAFME/9tOvES0SIf8/s1600/_DSC0670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n0Blg8xh2VU/UcS29RWIOMI/AAAAAAAAFME/9tOvES0SIf8/s640/_DSC0670.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">and jelly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">First one flew away....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">and now...</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N1MAvsqYbIQ/UcS3E4jN0SI/AAAAAAAAFMU/nqJKDREaRgo/s1600/_DSC0799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N1MAvsqYbIQ/UcS3E4jN0SI/AAAAAAAAFMU/nqJKDREaRgo/s640/_DSC0799.JPG" width="424" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">And tomorrow, here goes the other!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">We are going to miss our Zach as he goes away to his new life...</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kgH4UboeS6Q/UcS1xwda12I/AAAAAAAAFLM/W_otFPCRHc0/s1600/Disney,LA+04+059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kgH4UboeS6Q/UcS1xwda12I/AAAAAAAAFLM/W_otFPCRHc0/s640/Disney,LA+04+059.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">We've loved watching him grow and "do his own thing..."</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5l_OHS0STO8/UcS1v0haahI/AAAAAAAAFLE/YHMEAN8y9DU/s1600/Nebraska+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5l_OHS0STO8/UcS1v0haahI/AAAAAAAAFLE/YHMEAN8y9DU/s640/Nebraska+013.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">"be his own man....."</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AcdpXEXAwBw/UcS2YdpDgFI/AAAAAAAAFLo/-HGqHxNEw0o/s1600/_DSC0377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AcdpXEXAwBw/UcS2YdpDgFI/AAAAAAAAFLo/-HGqHxNEw0o/s640/_DSC0377.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">...even now!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NUzxg2YJyYY/UcT1hM8JRSI/AAAAAAAAFMk/fYmlWerex9Q/s1600/_DSC0126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NUzxg2YJyYY/UcT1hM8JRSI/AAAAAAAAFMk/fYmlWerex9Q/s640/_DSC0126.jpg" width="424" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Go get'm...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z75TGHuKwmw/UcS2gNUbtSI/AAAAAAAAFL4/bC0CkhfI49k/s1600/_DSC0534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z75TGHuKwmw/UcS2gNUbtSI/AAAAAAAAFL4/bC0CkhfI49k/s640/_DSC0534.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">.....little guy.....</span></div>
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<br />Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698856580721049858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753524940828932534.post-39388209489243397852013-02-08T10:32:00.001-06:002013-02-08T11:02:33.748-06:00Cousins and Snow: The Ultimate Combination<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Cousins and Snow: The Ultimate Combination</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">We had a lovely three day visit with my family in Southern Illinois over New Years.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">There were cousins galore!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Christmas presents!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">My Dad's retirement to celebrate!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Not to mention, my parents' 45th Wedding Anniversary!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It was a busy THREE DAYS!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">But to top it all off...it snowed....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">not just a skiff, but a real hearty several inches</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">of packable, sleddable snow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">And it wasn't even very cold!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">(Remember we come from Minnesota!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">So of all the celebrations....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">this is my favorite set of pictures...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">and I WASN'T EVEN THERE!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">(My sisters and I were in Walmart, shopping for PARTY food.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">But here are some of the fun shots that I found on my camera</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">when I got back!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-87X0vq0oKEw/URUZxckqpVI/AAAAAAAAFAg/Zxs3FYaiz4c/s1600/_DSC0404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-87X0vq0oKEw/URUZxckqpVI/AAAAAAAAFAg/Zxs3FYaiz4c/s640/_DSC0404.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">What a fun place for a snowball fight.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">This was the first picture of the set.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The cousin in the navy coat is either very brave, or doesn't quite get the concept...but he will soon!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0x7N48T8NdU/URUZyMkIzAI/AAAAAAAAFAo/_Z-5SvGk1ns/s1600/_DSC0401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0x7N48T8NdU/URUZyMkIzAI/AAAAAAAAFAo/_Z-5SvGk1ns/s640/_DSC0401.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">See the snowball....coming right at ya!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Wait a minute...coming right at my camera!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Who was taking these pictures?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Seriously...if that thing has a curve on it...</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v_6LZYPdDIg/URUZzQDGy3I/AAAAAAAAFAw/eFXEM477b_o/s1600/_DSC0402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v_6LZYPdDIg/URUZzQDGy3I/AAAAAAAAFAw/eFXEM477b_o/s640/_DSC0402.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Every picture of Zach is one with a snowball in hand.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Rapid Fire we call him now.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NRIV9jQo6Ow/URUaDgb9I6I/AAAAAAAAFA8/jPXPmY2hn4Y/s1600/_DSC0406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NRIV9jQo6Ow/URUaDgb9I6I/AAAAAAAAFA8/jPXPmY2hn4Y/s640/_DSC0406.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The smiles!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1znkqFB5fA/URUaXX08LSI/AAAAAAAAFBI/HBlHqvL7PLw/s1600/_DSC0405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1znkqFB5fA/URUaXX08LSI/AAAAAAAAFBI/HBlHqvL7PLw/s640/_DSC0405.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Well...not everybody I guess...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">But make no mistake....</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bduC1vVHGFo/URUbtAEJsAI/AAAAAAAAFCI/42UYWSekCOo/s1600/_DSC0416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bduC1vVHGFo/URUbtAEJsAI/AAAAAAAAFCI/42UYWSekCOo/s640/_DSC0416.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">...the sweet little thing in the puffy pink snow gear....</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KjhAF7vzoYA/URUb8TfZAJI/AAAAAAAAFCQ/aAnQO6dCXBo/s1600/_DSC0417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KjhAF7vzoYA/URUb8TfZAJI/AAAAAAAAFCQ/aAnQO6dCXBo/s640/_DSC0417.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">was an assassin!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">We like to lovingly describe her as </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">"relentless."</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hiIuha3e8fo/URUagfKkiWI/AAAAAAAAFBQ/DuaZmX-UqoE/s1600/_DSC0407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hiIuha3e8fo/URUagfKkiWI/AAAAAAAAFBQ/DuaZmX-UqoE/s640/_DSC0407.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">"Relentless" kind of runs in the family, you see.....</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_oEDJ6M5adQ/URUajI1RTDI/AAAAAAAAFBY/-n7bjth5YwA/s1600/_DSC0408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_oEDJ6M5adQ/URUajI1RTDI/AAAAAAAAFBY/-n7bjth5YwA/s640/_DSC0408.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">There was even an uncle or two involved, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIegSNmPkVg/URUa5NCj27I/AAAAAAAAFBg/det-F5jR2xE/s1600/_DSC0410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIegSNmPkVg/URUa5NCj27I/AAAAAAAAFBg/det-F5jR2xE/s640/_DSC0410.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">and of course SOMEBODY has to cry, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">(queue Lily...)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">or it's just not a snowball fight....</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5gNvDL_aT6k/URUbCjhKi5I/AAAAAAAAFBo/-2l_zuWmHgI/s1600/_DSC0411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5gNvDL_aT6k/URUbCjhKi5I/AAAAAAAAFBo/-2l_zuWmHgI/s640/_DSC0411.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Right?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hmmmmm.who had the most fun......?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It's hard to say but.....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I have my suspicions....!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fWDHh06ZMCQ/URUcluz9-PI/AAAAAAAAFCw/6FPZhShjhNg/s1600/_DSC0427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fWDHh06ZMCQ/URUcluz9-PI/AAAAAAAAFCw/6FPZhShjhNg/s640/_DSC0427.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Packing a mean snowball is a talent...Minnesotans train for this</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> at recess from November through April, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">the goal being to leave a bruise....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">so I feel we had an advantage.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">You can even name your snowball</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">as you're packing it...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">"Bruiser, Bloodshed, Bullet"...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">are just some common ones.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">This post is getting dark....</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u4dA0i5g6yg/URUcti5ezwI/AAAAAAAAFC4/3c0a5wL0d-A/s1600/_DSC0429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u4dA0i5g6yg/URUcti5ezwI/AAAAAAAAFC4/3c0a5wL0d-A/s640/_DSC0429.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">"Hey! Let's sled!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Sled in the woods?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Of course!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">When you grow up in the woods like we did...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">you sled in the woods because the alternative</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">is ....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">NOT SLEDDING....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">and that won't do so...</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-elCyl16flnM/URUdKngiDWI/AAAAAAAAFDA/lwSm6SGyZiQ/s1600/_DSC0433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-elCyl16flnM/URUdKngiDWI/AAAAAAAAFDA/lwSm6SGyZiQ/s640/_DSC0433.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">This looks like a good run...only a few</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">large</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">trees</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">to</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">run</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">into</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">head</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">first.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k3VQIg60kaU/URUdQ5xT0ZI/AAAAAAAAFDI/gvOAHdBiKWY/s1600/_DSC0434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k3VQIg60kaU/URUdQ5xT0ZI/AAAAAAAAFDI/gvOAHdBiKWY/s640/_DSC0434.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">But before that, you have to cross the creek...</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b3ArOM28IV8/URUdUTCT8xI/AAAAAAAAFDQ/XiRHN3Ldqdo/s1600/_DSC0436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b3ArOM28IV8/URUdUTCT8xI/AAAAAAAAFDQ/XiRHN3Ldqdo/s640/_DSC0436.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It warms my heart to see my kids in camo.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Did I mention we live in the suburbs?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">We don't get to wear camo very often.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-146p0oYoITk/URUd76t_j5I/AAAAAAAAFDc/xqk-FX1rnqg/s1600/_DSC0440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-146p0oYoITk/URUd76t_j5I/AAAAAAAAFDc/xqk-FX1rnqg/s640/_DSC0440.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">As long as there have been vines in this world,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">there have been kids swinging on the vines.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">This too, I know.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IqigGIGHS80/URUd8GWAqVI/AAAAAAAAFDg/sZXvC62qzwA/s1600/_DSC0437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IqigGIGHS80/URUd8GWAqVI/AAAAAAAAFDg/sZXvC62qzwA/s640/_DSC0437.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">All sizes of kids.....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YSgdozHG9BM/URUd8kN1MDI/AAAAAAAAFDo/WyyCSazad_Q/s1600/_DSC0439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YSgdozHG9BM/URUd8kN1MDI/AAAAAAAAFDo/WyyCSazad_Q/s640/_DSC0439.JPG" width="640" /></a>It's really fun!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9VKMS9Q_dew/URUeLuZE0WI/AAAAAAAAFD4/8FUTnJuxGS4/s1600/_DSC0442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9VKMS9Q_dew/URUeLuZE0WI/AAAAAAAAFD4/8FUTnJuxGS4/s640/_DSC0442.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">And then it's NOT!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Just kidding!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">She's belly sledding of course.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">We make do....</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dcA5JbnMmPA/URUeTF8spiI/AAAAAAAAFEA/xYDgsTAAkTc/s1600/_DSC0441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dcA5JbnMmPA/URUeTF8spiI/AAAAAAAAFEA/xYDgsTAAkTc/s640/_DSC0441.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Oh good...somebody brought a sled.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Works much better!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It was a GREAT afternoon,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">and one, I think, my kids will always remember.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I will, anyway....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">and I was at Walmart!</span></div>
<br />Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698856580721049858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753524940828932534.post-71424865107282083632013-02-07T11:06:00.001-06:002013-06-29T16:23:46.216-05:00Blue's His Color<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ca4Ix3FuAiQ/UROzS373DwI/AAAAAAAAE-Q/FqoMyz5bhhU/s1600/_DSC0432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ca4Ix3FuAiQ/UROzS373DwI/AAAAAAAAE-Q/FqoMyz5bhhU/s640/_DSC0432.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Thought about it....</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VkVvdySvWOU/UROzT0Ym4fI/AAAAAAAAE-Y/MgD12xgLfB0/s1600/_DSC0427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VkVvdySvWOU/UROzT0Ym4fI/AAAAAAAAE-Y/MgD12xgLfB0/s640/_DSC0427.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Talked about it....</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0I8HrAl4Qo4/URPcboAQLAI/AAAAAAAAE_w/S_4bIHIRWfw/s1600/_DSC0437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0I8HrAl4Qo4/URPcboAQLAI/AAAAAAAAE_w/S_4bIHIRWfw/s640/_DSC0437.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Prayed about it...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>(OK...this was just a picture where his eyes </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>happened to be closed...but we</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i> HAVE prayed about it!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i> A LOT!)</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HIpIclon00w/UROznCTAZpI/AAAAAAAAE-g/DeJ9_u0Lehc/s1600/_DSC0440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HIpIclon00w/UROznCTAZpI/AAAAAAAAE-g/DeJ9_u0Lehc/s640/_DSC0440.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Zach decided to commit to playing football for the Air Force Academy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">His acceptance is, of course, contingent on getting the nomination,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">but we are excited for his decision and trusting God to see what happens.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FQm5iKk0QNY/UROzodxNE8I/AAAAAAAAE-k/zyCe4fqmnT4/s1600/_DSC0443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FQm5iKk0QNY/UROzodxNE8I/AAAAAAAAE-k/zyCe4fqmnT4/s640/_DSC0443.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">He enjoyed the support of his coaches, teams (football and basketball), TEACHERS (special shout out to Mrs. Eldredge and Mrs. Breening) and admins...</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FCAkmVQkIjY/UROz5JrJhLI/AAAAAAAAE-w/5zku3wrTYuA/s1600/_DSC0448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FCAkmVQkIjY/UROz5JrJhLI/AAAAAAAAE-w/5zku3wrTYuA/s640/_DSC0448.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">and sibling support is never to be underestimated either!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Timmy (blue hat on the right)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> is just checking over the paperwork to make sure</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> everything is in proper order,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> as a good manager should.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It was, after all, Timmy's YouTube</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> account that started everything.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">"Proper?" </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I think I may have been watching a little</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> too much "Downton Abbey."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Kindly excuse my formal diction, if you please.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OGSUceSMl10/UROz_Eb2mrI/AAAAAAAAE-4/7G4surkQ-d8/s1600/_DSC0457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OGSUceSMl10/UROz_Eb2mrI/AAAAAAAAE-4/7G4surkQ-d8/s640/_DSC0457.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">He's a good boy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">He'll do fine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">Blue is a great color on him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>And I don't look too bad in houndstooth either...</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>but I digress....</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>.....and to digress further, I haven't gotten a facelife or lost weight.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>I'm just using Zach's arm to hide my jowls.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Done digressing now....</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bHxJcK8bMnA/URO0BCOkoUI/AAAAAAAAE_A/tQc8LezEUkQ/s1600/_DSC0454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bHxJcK8bMnA/URO0BCOkoUI/AAAAAAAAE_A/tQc8LezEUkQ/s640/_DSC0454.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">Go Zachary!</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">We love you.</span></div>
<br />Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698856580721049858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753524940828932534.post-52425954531103631432013-02-06T23:28:00.002-06:002013-02-06T23:28:51.888-06:00School Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Welcome to a snapshot of our lives </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">over Christmas Break.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Notice the laundry that adorns the couch </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">and the relative lack of Christmas decor.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I was sick over Christmas and barely survived.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Because I was sick, the poor kids had to take care of themselves.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Here's what happened.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">School.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OImOXkcubMc/URM2Ryd64ZI/AAAAAAAAE8Y/qIzVdtCm_L0/s1600/_DSC0391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OImOXkcubMc/URM2Ryd64ZI/AAAAAAAAE8Y/qIzVdtCm_L0/s640/_DSC0391.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Notice the bright red "School Set" and the girl in the braids.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">(She's the teacher)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The ones on the couches are the ruffians.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O0jbLnjjIRI/URM2_6HYcHI/AAAAAAAAE9A/IIiWAHDNLnM/s1600/_DSC0398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O0jbLnjjIRI/URM2_6HYcHI/AAAAAAAAE9A/IIiWAHDNLnM/s640/_DSC0398.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">They</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">were her class.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It was remedial.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vZnYQJl-2xw/URM2me1VLbI/AAAAAAAAE8k/bUP4SP7V7DU/s1600/_DSC0392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vZnYQJl-2xw/URM2me1VLbI/AAAAAAAAE8k/bUP4SP7V7DU/s640/_DSC0392.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">But nothing stops a born teacher.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Believe me, I know.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">She's got it bad that one; in fact, she tried to rule the roost as soon as she could sit upright.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Olz1X1a6t-k/URM7G3q976I/AAAAAAAAE9o/aOXdCkiqHFA/s1600/IMG_0826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Olz1X1a6t-k/URM7G3q976I/AAAAAAAAE9o/aOXdCkiqHFA/s320/IMG_0826.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">She mostly succeeded.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Some people are just like that.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YHaZ1X3O5Xo/URM2Pradp0I/AAAAAAAAE8Q/YrS0wbHdrxw/s1600/_DSC0394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YHaZ1X3O5Xo/URM2Pradp0I/AAAAAAAAE8Q/YrS0wbHdrxw/s640/_DSC0394.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Corporal punishment might have been threatened.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">But no worries...she knows how to handle boys.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Life as the youngest teaches you to handle most anything.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-50DvGmKg1JU/URM20AGeOVI/AAAAAAAAE84/KP4H3PLGf_w/s1600/_DSC0395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-50DvGmKg1JU/URM20AGeOVI/AAAAAAAAE84/KP4H3PLGf_w/s640/_DSC0395.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">....not always wisely, though.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YiVzQtZjCjA/URM2vua6hSI/AAAAAAAAE8w/TbVA1CHONo8/s1600/_DSC0397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YiVzQtZjCjA/URM2vua6hSI/AAAAAAAAE8w/TbVA1CHONo8/s640/_DSC0397.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">She was a tough grader, but the funny thing was...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">we all enjoyed her classes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It was fun just to have the family together,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">with Lily "in charge."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">All was in its proper order.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">For awhile at least.</span></div>
<br />Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698856580721049858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753524940828932534.post-79218166098384236092012-11-17T19:14:00.002-06:002014-10-01T10:24:43.444-05:00The Long Awaited CHEWY SALTED CARAMEL OATMEAL COOKIE RECIPE!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i9D9yvatSaM/UKg5RkYYfRI/AAAAAAAAE1A/QChJRCuKYYE/s1600/_DSC0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i9D9yvatSaM/UKg5RkYYfRI/AAAAAAAAE1A/QChJRCuKYYE/s400/_DSC0091.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Chewy Salted Caramel Oatmeal Cookies</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Update: "Normal" people halve this recipe.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>But I've never understood normal…..</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>NOTE: YOU MUST USE PARCHMENT PAPER FOR THIS RECIPE. IT WON'T WORK WITHOUT IT.</u></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">dedicated to my Mom since we "discovered" this cookie together at the White Bear Lake Farmer's Market and went home and adapted her delicious oatmeal cookie recipe to duplicate it.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">I think ours is even better.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">This cookie is as divine as anything here on earth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It speaks of Fall.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It cries out for the warm companionship of a mug of coffee, or hot cocoa, or cider...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It's flexible like that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A fire in the fireplace,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">some candles....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">you and this cookie are going to be new best friends.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Especially if it's warm and right out of the oven.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">(smile)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">(Not so) Fine Print: Do not make this cookie unless you are absolutely, positively, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">without an ounce of remorse OK </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">with gaining two pounds....or three...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">depending on how many people you have</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> to share the batch with.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I don't want to hear about your amazing willpower.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It will not stand.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">No willpower can withstand</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A CHEWY SALTED CARAMEL OATMEAL COOOOOKIE.......</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxTHsAj6Fl0/UJvGNwi3TnI/AAAAAAAAEz8/i33AEBm0jJY/s1600/_DSC0068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxTHsAj6Fl0/UJvGNwi3TnI/AAAAAAAAEz8/i33AEBm0jJY/s640/_DSC0068.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">There are a few key ingredients that you need to have on hand that are non-negotiable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The first is:</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AdrbEt1tRRk/UJvD3pLhqPI/AAAAAAAAEyE/rPg9AIFYPU8/s1600/_DSC0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AdrbEt1tRRk/UJvD3pLhqPI/AAAAAAAAEyE/rPg9AIFYPU8/s400/_DSC0035.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">these babies.....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Kraft Premium Caramel Bits</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Just remember BITS.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">As in BITES...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">As in how many BITES of dough you are going to eat!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-koQYfchHRMY/UJvBHorHRgI/AAAAAAAAEwA/U60OQF88aDA/s1600/_DSC0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-koQYfchHRMY/UJvBHorHRgI/AAAAAAAAEwA/U60OQF88aDA/s640/_DSC0010.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Here's a closeup.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Walmart carries them, as do the grocery stores around here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">But here' s the thing....for SOME REASON....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">they DON'T put them with the chocolate chips</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">or the butterscotch chips</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">or the baking chips of any other variety.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Nope.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Talk to marketing, but they put them next to the marshmallows.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Must be a Kraft thing.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Alert! Alert!</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Since I wrote the above text, I have been </i><i>at Walmart and the bits are on sale, and they are even right next to the other chips! $1.99</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Stock up!</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The second item you can't make these cookies without is</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">flakey salt.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It can be Morton's Course Kosher Salt like this:</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6YrGZn8mbOU/UJvBShDk0uI/AAAAAAAAEwI/cq5HQSDDqD4/s1600/_DSC0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6YrGZn8mbOU/UJvBShDk0uI/AAAAAAAAEwI/cq5HQSDDqD4/s640/_DSC0011.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Or like Pink Himilayan Frou Frou Something or Other.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">BUT it has to be flakey.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">And it has to be salt.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Finally, you will need....</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Har5r7thtfI/UJvE_vOSnxI/AAAAAAAAEy8/LDSY-W9LEUI/s1600/_DSC0047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Har5r7thtfI/UJvE_vOSnxI/AAAAAAAAEy8/LDSY-W9LEUI/s400/_DSC0047.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Parchment Paper.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I know it adds to the cost.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">But it won't work without it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Trust me on this.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">OK.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Here are all the ingredients:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Butter, Eggs, White Sugar, Brown Sugar, Vanilla, Flour, Table Salt, Baking Soda, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Old Fashioned Oats, Caramel Bits, Sprinkling Salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Here we go!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OtejOa7aUiQ/UJvA4zyx4KI/AAAAAAAAEv4/zwSW2jpbi2w/s1600/_DSC0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OtejOa7aUiQ/UJvA4zyx4KI/AAAAAAAAEv4/zwSW2jpbi2w/s640/_DSC0009.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Soften 4 sticks of butter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I don't "do" margarine.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P72d3spnZAA/UJvBeHPHpEI/AAAAAAAAEwU/L1qqz-nM0C8/s1600/_DSC0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P72d3spnZAA/UJvBeHPHpEI/AAAAAAAAEwU/L1qqz-nM0C8/s640/_DSC0013.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Add the white sugar.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-oDbPjkjSo/UJvBpzFQnNI/AAAAAAAAEwc/iOT0M58uWGs/s1600/_DSC0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-oDbPjkjSo/UJvBpzFQnNI/AAAAAAAAEwc/iOT0M58uWGs/s640/_DSC0015.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Add the brown sugar.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7WhjSUDhMbo/UJvB2hrUnbI/AAAAAAAAEwk/mC5ytMaNhtE/s1600/_DSC0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7WhjSUDhMbo/UJvB2hrUnbI/AAAAAAAAEwk/mC5ytMaNhtE/s640/_DSC0016.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">And let 'er go!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o2Uf2CeiJO8/UJvCCoadcjI/AAAAAAAAEww/C0PUrW_D6bs/s1600/_DSC0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o2Uf2CeiJO8/UJvCCoadcjI/AAAAAAAAEww/C0PUrW_D6bs/s640/_DSC0019.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Let it whip until it is completely creamy and almost fluffy.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IsTlsf3IaHQ/UJvCPr2HJlI/AAAAAAAAEw4/U3xuchUt3KM/s1600/_DSC0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IsTlsf3IaHQ/UJvCPr2HJlI/AAAAAAAAEw4/U3xuchUt3KM/s640/_DSC0021.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Add in the four eggs and VANILLA (forgot to take a pic of that)</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WHZZJGlGbfA/UJvCbGkwCAI/AAAAAAAAExA/m_A3huxwvBk/s1600/_DSC0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WHZZJGlGbfA/UJvCbGkwCAI/AAAAAAAAExA/m_A3huxwvBk/s640/_DSC0023.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It is important to beat it until it is light and fluffy and</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">when you taste it (yes WHEN)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">the sugar granules are pretty much dissolved.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IsDzt3l5ABY/UJvCpWkmaNI/AAAAAAAAExM/c5tX133VcB4/s1600/_DSC0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IsDzt3l5ABY/UJvCpWkmaNI/AAAAAAAAExM/c5tX133VcB4/s640/_DSC0024.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">While that's happening, measure out your flour...</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uawESU4XJqo/UJvC3iaCTaI/AAAAAAAAExU/qyOXjgVn5dk/s1600/_DSC0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uawESU4XJqo/UJvC3iaCTaI/AAAAAAAAExU/qyOXjgVn5dk/s640/_DSC0025.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Add the soda</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L9-xORCgsoo/UJvDDmPQ2FI/AAAAAAAAExc/hQiHJr59br8/s1600/_DSC0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L9-xORCgsoo/UJvDDmPQ2FI/AAAAAAAAExc/hQiHJr59br8/s640/_DSC0026.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">and the regular salt.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">NOT THE FLAKEY KIND!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Not yet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">That's for later.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YkpisNpx7rc/UJvDRPKTk8I/AAAAAAAAExo/zh1pojkbyO4/s1600/_DSC0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YkpisNpx7rc/UJvDRPKTk8I/AAAAAAAAExo/zh1pojkbyO4/s640/_DSC0028.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">There we go.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Give that a good stir and then start adding it to the creamed mixture.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qNXSzhBWYaI/UJvDc1R4YkI/AAAAAAAAExw/RrHOWjg-6dM/s1600/_DSC0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qNXSzhBWYaI/UJvDc1R4YkI/AAAAAAAAExw/RrHOWjg-6dM/s640/_DSC0030.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Love these old fashioned bowls</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> I got this one in "Harvest Gold" with my mom </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">while bumming around the antique stores in Stillwater, MN.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">But I still use it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It makes me feel special.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pCY55OWcyaE/UJvDpKjI2-I/AAAAAAAAEx4/1LXGOqhp4Sk/s1600/_DSC0032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pCY55OWcyaE/UJvDpKjI2-I/AAAAAAAAEx4/1LXGOqhp4Sk/s640/_DSC0032.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Finally, in go the oats.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Now if all you have are the 1 minute oats, don't let that </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">be a deal breaker.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">But the old fashioned ones are better, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">and they make the cookies chewwwwwier. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Chewier is better.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AdrbEt1tRRk/UJvD3pLhqPI/AAAAAAAAEyE/rPg9AIFYPU8/s1600/_DSC0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AdrbEt1tRRk/UJvD3pLhqPI/AAAAAAAAEyE/rPg9AIFYPU8/s640/_DSC0035.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">And here are the stars of the show.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Yummy little bits of goodness.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cgOFbjWqtUc/UJvEDk82SgI/AAAAAAAAEyM/CbBrjgUFvl0/s1600/_DSC0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cgOFbjWqtUc/UJvEDk82SgI/AAAAAAAAEyM/CbBrjgUFvl0/s640/_DSC0036.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">They're cute!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Stir them in.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YxMW19D_A9c/UJvEOxTSNdI/AAAAAAAAEyU/EhhXdhkX_B8/s1600/_DSC0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YxMW19D_A9c/UJvEOxTSNdI/AAAAAAAAEyU/EhhXdhkX_B8/s320/_DSC0037.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I have a double oven that can run on the convection setting,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> and because I cook four pans at a time, I use that convection setting to make sure they cook evenly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">(The good news about being able to do four pans at a time is you get done really quickly...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">unless...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">you go get on facebook and forget about them all...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">and then....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">it's the bad news side of the story.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">375 degrees F conventional</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">360-365 degrees F if using the convection setting.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EJTj8qyn4iE/UJvEazX-zkI/AAAAAAAAEyg/oJhXs-HhYZA/s1600/_DSC0039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EJTj8qyn4iE/UJvEazX-zkI/AAAAAAAAEyg/oJhXs-HhYZA/s400/_DSC0039.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The pans are ready to go!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uragBd_M0iU/UJvEm9m1BKI/AAAAAAAAEyo/kRH-hl-KrzI/s1600/_DSC0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uragBd_M0iU/UJvEm9m1BKI/AAAAAAAAEyo/kRH-hl-KrzI/s400/_DSC0040.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Scoop please....,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Har5r7thtfI/UJvE_vOSnxI/AAAAAAAAEy8/LDSY-W9LEUI/s1600/_DSC0047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Har5r7thtfI/UJvE_vOSnxI/AAAAAAAAEy8/LDSY-W9LEUI/s400/_DSC0047.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Oh wait.....throw some of that handy parchment paper down on your cookie sheets.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">You will thank me later!!!!</span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a2QuIhCEMuo/UJvFKiq0CGI/AAAAAAAAEzE/jKq_Zu8Y7GE/s1600/_DSC0048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a2QuIhCEMuo/UJvFKiq0CGI/AAAAAAAAEzE/jKq_Zu8Y7GE/s640/_DSC0048.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">There it is....test cookie (otherwise known as MINE)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Because I'm throwing in four pans at a time,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I have to do</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">a test cookie </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">or I'll have a nervous breakdown.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WUFiMoawFXU/UJvFUeH78fI/AAAAAAAAEzM/4lOQGVpFUyk/s1600/_DSC0049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WUFiMoawFXU/UJvFUeH78fI/AAAAAAAAEzM/4lOQGVpFUyk/s640/_DSC0049.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">As it bakes, it will do this....</span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K_qi18QHyAo/UJvFedp1RJI/AAAAAAAAEzY/AmlhdrFyOxw/s1600/_DSC0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K_qi18QHyAo/UJvFedp1RJI/AAAAAAAAEzY/AmlhdrFyOxw/s640/_DSC0051.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">then this....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Now...the only tricky part...WHEN to take out of the oven????</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">You want to take them out of the oven right about ...</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ELoLDWgmDf0/UJvFqsCDabI/AAAAAAAAEzg/XIygPg7uOfU/s1600/_DSC0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ELoLDWgmDf0/UJvFqsCDabI/AAAAAAAAEzg/XIygPg7uOfU/s640/_DSC0056.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">NOW! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Just pull the parchment off of the cookie sheet and onto the counter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">(No washing the pans!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It looks a tad doughy, but they keep on cooking...in fact...</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SG4eu87ztyM/UJvF2_KVvkI/AAAAAAAAEzo/DXmPjyja_6w/s1600/_DSC0063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SG4eu87ztyM/UJvF2_KVvkI/AAAAAAAAEzo/DXmPjyja_6w/s640/_DSC0063.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">This is the same cookie a short while later!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4YNm_Jyhar4/UJvGCCkI8dI/AAAAAAAAEz0/QPSiUBf1cmw/s1600/_DSC0064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4YNm_Jyhar4/UJvGCCkI8dI/AAAAAAAAEz0/QPSiUBf1cmw/s640/_DSC0064.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Now while they are piping hot....on goes the salt.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">How much?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Well....we like more rather than less around here,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">but sprinkle a good amount on and then eat your test cookie and adjust accordingly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Let them cool thoroughly before storing in the freezer (although these do keep better than most cookies at room temp.) and give away to all your friends....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Or...as soon as your fingers can handle it, grab your cup of coffee and...</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SjTA3CR6tzg/UJvGZWEFhOI/AAAAAAAAE0E/fkKCXCGlgUc/s1600/_DSC0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SjTA3CR6tzg/UJvGZWEFhOI/AAAAAAAAE0E/fkKCXCGlgUc/s640/_DSC0073.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">MmmmHmmm</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Enjoy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Here's the recipe if you want to copy, paste and print it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Chewy Salted Caramel Oatmeal Cookies</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">(This is a double recipe…because if a little is good then more is better……but you can halve it if you want.)</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">2 Cups (four sticks) butter</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">2 Cups brown sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">2 Cups white sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">4 Eggs</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">2 tsp. Vanilla</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">3 Cups Flour</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">2 tsp. Table Salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">2 tsp. Baking Soda</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">6 Cups Old Fashioned Oats</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">2 pkg. Kraft Caramel Bits</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Sprinkling Salt such as Mortons Coarse Kosher Salt.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Parchment Paper</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Cream butter and sugars. Add in eggs and vanilla and cream until light. Sift together the flour, table salt and soda. Add to creamed mixture. Stir in oatmeal. Stir in Caramel Bits. Preheat oven to 375 F. Line pans with parchment. Put heaping Tablespoons of dough on sheets and bake, approx. 8-10 minutes until golden brown with slightly lighter centers. Slide parchment and cookies off the cookie sheets, sprinkle with the sprinkling salt and allow to cool. Gently scoop off of the parchment paper when cookies have cooled.</span></div>
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<br />Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698856580721049858noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753524940828932534.post-18068792777702478192012-11-03T15:37:00.000-05:002012-11-03T15:37:21.410-05:00Today We Fall Back....WAY BACK<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">OK....here's the deal.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Right now it's November.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">November 3rd to be exact. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Tonight we "fall back" and get an extra hour of sleep, </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">and outside my window</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">it looks like this:</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kKvOMiEY1-U/UJVW4rqwTnI/AAAAAAAAEro/TitIvK1QsV8/s1600/_DSC0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kKvOMiEY1-U/UJVW4rqwTnI/AAAAAAAAEro/TitIvK1QsV8/s640/_DSC0001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">But I have a problem, </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">besides the fact that it looks like that outside.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">You see, I haven't blogged...NOT ONCE...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">since April.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">That's 6 whole months for you mathematicians out there.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">So if you would, please FALL WAY BACK and turn back the pages of the calendar with me so that I can at least do a minimal job of recording a few highlights.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I've found some pictures to help you:</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bJfmSJy9U8s/UJVDPowXrLI/AAAAAAAAEqs/5Wjz38Nh7uY/s1600/_DSC0140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bJfmSJy9U8s/UJVDPowXrLI/AAAAAAAAEqs/5Wjz38Nh7uY/s640/_DSC0140.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Tulips....yea...are you feeling it?</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rnymi4Y72S8/UJVDdBNp6iI/AAAAAAAAEq4/4SAZv5p3Ftw/s1600/_DSC0157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rnymi4Y72S8/UJVDdBNp6iI/AAAAAAAAEq4/4SAZv5p3Ftw/s640/_DSC0157.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Ahhh....'tis a lovely spring morning.....</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--wPkEDOmbb4/UJVDnlxxglI/AAAAAAAAErA/Sc56jBvJyPI/s1600/_DSC0163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--wPkEDOmbb4/UJVDnlxxglI/AAAAAAAAErA/Sc56jBvJyPI/s640/_DSC0163.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">The sunshine caresses softly the scented boughs...</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cf7G-U3NdWQ/UJVDzVIOH4I/AAAAAAAAErI/ZkZtoaBHZUs/s1600/_DSC0186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cf7G-U3NdWQ/UJVDzVIOH4I/AAAAAAAAErI/ZkZtoaBHZUs/s640/_DSC0186.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">...and plays hide and seek among the grasses....</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Are you there? Shall I stop? I'll stop.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Anyway, last Spring, we celebrated this little guy:</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sm2bvH4ukUI/UJVZ6Asyn6I/AAAAAAAAEsE/uVWOO4v4f1M/s1600/Andrew+1993-44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="432" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sm2bvH4ukUI/UJVZ6Asyn6I/AAAAAAAAEsE/uVWOO4v4f1M/s640/Andrew+1993-44.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">("Oh those Arminians...")</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iOgSfe_b0wk/UJVZ7hpRbSI/AAAAAAAAEsM/Sdr3uQZb6mo/s1600/Andrew+1993-48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="432" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iOgSfe_b0wk/UJVZ7hpRbSI/AAAAAAAAEsM/Sdr3uQZb6mo/s640/Andrew+1993-48.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Prayerful from the start.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UQaPA9ql9UQ/UJVZ8t6YDpI/AAAAAAAAEsU/2_QPNGtlICY/s1600/Andrew+1994-59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="600" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UQaPA9ql9UQ/UJVZ8t6YDpI/AAAAAAAAEsU/2_QPNGtlICY/s640/Andrew+1994-59.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Though by no means perfect.....</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9SvaX5GhDA8/UJVZ9QC33-I/AAAAAAAAEsc/PDZu075THF0/s1600/Andrew+1994-85.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9SvaX5GhDA8/UJVZ9QC33-I/AAAAAAAAEsc/PDZu075THF0/s640/Andrew+1994-85.jpg" width="526" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">...but always cleans up well....</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Anyway....</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">we had a big party!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uI154hBgStA/UJVb7essuBI/AAAAAAAAEsk/HFq2iHpxkfk/s1600/_DSC0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uI154hBgStA/UJVb7essuBI/AAAAAAAAEsk/HFq2iHpxkfk/s640/_DSC0015.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I baked a few cookies....</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hNh-XX1owKg/UJVkUCVT4AI/AAAAAAAAEtc/fmi2YNL2tpM/s1600/_DSC0287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hNh-XX1owKg/UJVkUCVT4AI/AAAAAAAAEtc/fmi2YNL2tpM/s640/_DSC0287.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">...we threw up a tent...</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h-XEUu_TKkY/UJVkCfDIACI/AAAAAAAAEtQ/3RfFO5bRIE0/s1600/_DSC0286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h-XEUu_TKkY/UJVkCfDIACI/AAAAAAAAEtQ/3RfFO5bRIE0/s640/_DSC0286.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">...which was touch and go for awhile...</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zzSEn_OFJYo/UJVkjzeOO-I/AAAAAAAAEtk/-xSUa24rTFM/s1600/_DSC0288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zzSEn_OFJYo/UJVkjzeOO-I/AAAAAAAAEtk/-xSUa24rTFM/s640/_DSC0288.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">...supervision was necessary...</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HS3qhuVlBNc/UJVkxotq-JI/AAAAAAAAEtw/jJrYjfAtljQ/s1600/_DSC0292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HS3qhuVlBNc/UJVkxotq-JI/AAAAAAAAEtw/jJrYjfAtljQ/s640/_DSC0292.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">...but we got it done in the end....</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9m4sFOentFU/UJVk_PrHr9I/AAAAAAAAEt4/JWDeRYBNyu4/s1600/_DSC0331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9m4sFOentFU/UJVk_PrHr9I/AAAAAAAAEt4/JWDeRYBNyu4/s640/_DSC0331.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">...and we were so proud of this young man...</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kZrHVOPPn7U/UJV-6886WGI/AAAAAAAAEu0/byp0OE7eu2k/s1600/_DSC0317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kZrHVOPPn7U/UJV-6886WGI/AAAAAAAAEu0/byp0OE7eu2k/s640/_DSC0317.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"He did a nice job..."</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GJOsUpw5-bc/UJV_WgAAB1I/AAAAAAAAEvI/B5BJ9G5BK2o/s1600/_DSC0321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GJOsUpw5-bc/UJV_WgAAB1I/AAAAAAAAEvI/B5BJ9G5BK2o/s640/_DSC0321.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"Zach...are you going to speak next year??"</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">We are excited for his future....</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ftUEm5MVb1M/UJVlT3grTHI/AAAAAAAAEuM/7-bCQc17fSs/s1600/_DSC0361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ftUEm5MVb1M/UJVlT3grTHI/AAAAAAAAEuM/7-bCQc17fSs/s640/_DSC0361.jpg" width="424" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">...and enjoying his success...</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c7V8tyOjxTw/UJVlhVa1SFI/AAAAAAAAEuU/o9owB8XPjcM/s1600/_DSC0393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c7V8tyOjxTw/UJVlhVa1SFI/AAAAAAAAEuU/o9owB8XPjcM/s640/_DSC0393.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Hey! A kiss from Mom isn't that bad!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">What a face.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Fun times.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698856580721049858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753524940828932534.post-10637567539578022362012-08-13T22:03:00.002-05:002012-08-13T22:03:07.909-05:00Test twoTest twoSuzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698856580721049858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753524940828932534.post-4098760076013459132012-05-24T22:18:00.003-05:002012-05-24T22:18:58.162-05:00Faces<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DRamSaKpJQ8/T774r68ycsI/AAAAAAAAEqU/bxsJ6aiXtjs/s1600/Andrew+1994-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DRamSaKpJQ8/T774r68ycsI/AAAAAAAAEqU/bxsJ6aiXtjs/s640/Andrew+1994-20.jpg" width="430" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Here is a picture of my brother holding my son...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">well...containing my son in a laundry basket.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">circa 1994 or so.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Fast forward a few years....</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mTN7cofrVqs/T775JVoqA2I/AAAAAAAAEqc/DUj0tDNps-k/s1600/_DSC0188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mTN7cofrVqs/T775JVoqA2I/AAAAAAAAEqc/DUj0tDNps-k/s640/_DSC0188.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Here's a picture of my son holding my brother's son.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Look at the faces!</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">These sorts of things keep me going in life.</span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">(Disclosure: Andrew's in the first pic, Zach in the second.)</span></i></div>
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<br />Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698856580721049858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753524940828932534.post-59346311744978900342012-05-02T10:44:00.002-05:002012-05-03T09:12:13.106-05:00New Blue Shoes for Suz<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Here's my new running shoe....one of them.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I am not capable of holding both of them up to the camera on the computer.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">It's kinda high....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">And I'm too lazy to go find my real camera.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8IZDvI-kQt0/T6FQVpdnj9I/AAAAAAAAEqA/0Y2FjZLD8xY/s1600/Photo+on+5-2-12+at+10.16+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8IZDvI-kQt0/T6FQVpdnj9I/AAAAAAAAEqA/0Y2FjZLD8xY/s640/Photo+on+5-2-12+at+10.16+AM.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Here is me</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">manually hoisting my leg up...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">...and simultaneously hiding my knee fat....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">so you can see that it is indeed me who is </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">wearing the shoe.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Please excuse the hair...I'm a runner now.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pgRmBH6uDOM/T6FQWel4g8I/AAAAAAAAEqI/KkUWvf25iUU/s1600/Photo+on+5-2-12+at+10.17+AM+%232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pgRmBH6uDOM/T6FQWel4g8I/AAAAAAAAEqI/KkUWvf25iUU/s640/Photo+on+5-2-12+at+10.17+AM+%232.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">But I am getting ahead of myself</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">This morning after family devotions, I announced </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">that today was the first day of me becoming a runner.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">It was 6:45 am....</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> (when I made the announcement silly, NOT when I actually RAN)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">...way too early for my dear children to assimilate such a radical idea.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">There was complete silence in the heavens....</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">ok well at least at the breakfast table.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Then my three athletic teenagers started shooting me advice and questions....</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"Mom...are you going to 'do the loop'"?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">(Me: "What's the loop?")</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"What's your plan, Mom?"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">(Me: "UMmmm to jog until I have to walk, and </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">then repeat until I somehow get myself back home.")</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"Mom, are you going to start doing boxes? Remember last year when you said </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">y</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">ou were going to do the boxes?"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">(Me: "Go to school!"---ok I just thought that one...")</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">SO! I went on my first ...shall we just call it an outing? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I don't think we can call it a "run." </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> No definitely not, because it would have been</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> about a 25-minute-mile if it were a run.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">It was an outing.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Here are my reflections:</span><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Things I liked:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">1. The smell of the air after last night's rain, and the lilacs and the lovely sunshine.</span><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">2. Admiring glances....OK...they were most likely admiring the beautiful golden retriever</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> jogging obediently (I've never seen her so well-behaved...she must have been </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">really freaked out.) by my side. But I'm just vain enough to find even </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">reflective admiration motivational. I'll take it!</span><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">3. My new shoes. They're PRETTTTYYYY. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">They're my favorite color. (Oh...and they feel great too.)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> I'm glad I spent a little extra money because...they're pretty.</span><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">4. Molly's three potty breaks allowing me to catch my breath </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">and still look cool. Dog's gotta go....</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Things I didn't like:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">1. Jiggles....enough said.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">2. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">2.......</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">2.............????</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I can't think of anything else I didn't like! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> That's rare! Reaaaallllyy rare.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Well there you go! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> My first day to a healthier me....</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">and cute athletic shoes.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
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</div>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698856580721049858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753524940828932534.post-27166967277265395592012-03-29T08:46:00.004-05:002012-03-29T14:12:18.580-05:00WASABI KING<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><h2><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">THE LINDQUIST MEN</span></h2><h2><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">Wasabi King</span></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MATGIJCZG5Y/T3RUi0DDihI/AAAAAAAAEhA/RLpi44sRwxk/s1600/_DSC0156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MATGIJCZG5Y/T3RUi0DDihI/AAAAAAAAEhA/RLpi44sRwxk/s640/_DSC0156.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">The best part of our resort vacation, in my opinion, was getting to see my kids dressed in nice, non athletic type clothing each and every evening.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">They almost didn't want to go when they heard that this was the deal,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">(but in the end I think they secretly liked it.)</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXKVISYbpMI/T3RUwHO3wcI/AAAAAAAAEhI/47uF9qEWDRE/s1600/_DSC0172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXKVISYbpMI/T3RUwHO3wcI/AAAAAAAAEhI/47uF9qEWDRE/s640/_DSC0172.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.happyontheway.com/2012/03/going-going-gonethe-scuba-adventure.html" target="_blank">Yesterday's post </a>ended with a DARE.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Here is the picture of Andrew, the older brother, DARING his little brother Zach to eat a WHOLE wad of WASABI paste.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">My family is just getting used to the idea of sushi....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Wasabi was not a known factor to Zachary.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Yet.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">So here we go....</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hR1BufIAqFA/T3RU8Yfml_I/AAAAAAAAEhU/j8pX38GFLnQ/s1600/_DSC0174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hR1BufIAqFA/T3RU8Yfml_I/AAAAAAAAEhU/j8pX38GFLnQ/s640/_DSC0174.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">First moment........</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">nothing yet.....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">and then....</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YMYglGZVdcE/T3RVJBTxysI/AAAAAAAAEhc/f7bYwi4bEn0/s1600/_DSC0175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YMYglGZVdcE/T3RVJBTxysI/AAAAAAAAEhc/f7bYwi4bEn0/s640/_DSC0175.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">....the "whoomph!"</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-euCLNstIXjs/T3RVU6b9DkI/AAAAAAAAEhk/9Bx990eSJAA/s1600/_DSC0176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-euCLNstIXjs/T3RVU6b9DkI/AAAAAAAAEhk/9Bx990eSJAA/s640/_DSC0176.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"Oh no...I am in trouble!"</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mLz_iN_CPk4/T3RViJDeHRI/AAAAAAAAEhw/iQvr0R-8Fz0/s1600/_DSC0177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mLz_iN_CPk4/T3RViJDeHRI/AAAAAAAAEhw/iQvr0R-8Fz0/s640/_DSC0177.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"This is going to be bad...but I can handle it....I will show my big brother no pain...no weakness...."</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PLfFoNtHTec/T3RVxyqp-YI/AAAAAAAAEh4/0FQNXnLNr6w/s1600/_DSC0178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PLfFoNtHTec/T3RVxyqp-YI/AAAAAAAAEh4/0FQNXnLNr6w/s640/_DSC0178.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"A drink! A drink willlllll......."</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Pd6HoB0Fds/T3RV-hVUOCI/AAAAAAAAEiA/D5sXmDBZcko/s1600/_DSC0179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kgAqxWqhx3Y/T3Rp02aZrMI/AAAAAAAAEjE/baovKA3EO44/s1600/_DSC0179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kgAqxWqhx3Y/T3Rp02aZrMI/AAAAAAAAEjE/baovKA3EO44/s1600/_DSC0179.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">WASH THE WASABI ALL OVER MY MOUTH!!!!!"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"AAAAAAAGHHHHHHH!"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oyF15gCfbOk/T3RWMDT6t2I/AAAAAAAAEiM/fuDV8VCyPIA/s1600/_DSC0180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qGQZErO5--8/T3Ro-jPcPVI/AAAAAAAAEi4/2rloVs2tx0U/s1600/_DSC0180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qGQZErO5--8/T3Ro-jPcPVI/AAAAAAAAEi4/2rloVs2tx0U/s640/_DSC0180.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">ANDREW: "OK...the little guy did pretty well....."</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Pretty WELL! </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">The family hereby pronounced Zach</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> <b><i>WASABI KING.</i></b></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pVO3IUWJWRE/T3RWZukdM0I/AAAAAAAAEiU/_sxOtQfGCbo/s1600/_DSC0181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pVO3IUWJWRE/T3RWZukdM0I/AAAAAAAAEiU/_sxOtQfGCbo/s640/_DSC0181.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Yeah....it was pretty funny....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Then.....</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-scTOwVQHF98/T3RWnYEQCZI/AAAAAAAAEic/YMfnX8YBK9k/s1600/_DSC0182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-scTOwVQHF98/T3RWnYEQCZI/AAAAAAAAEic/YMfnX8YBK9k/s640/_DSC0182.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">ZACH: "Hey Timmy.....I DARE you to eat TWO wads of Wasabi........</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">It wasn't hot at all........You can do it....."</span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698856580721049858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753524940828932534.post-19249092759713290762012-03-28T08:19:00.015-05:002012-03-29T14:10:33.922-05:00Going Going Gone...the Punta Cana SCUBA Adventure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">We have teens.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> Teens goof around. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> Teens especially goof around when they are on vacation. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> They especially goof around when they are on vacation and </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">when they are doing an adventurous activity.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">So when Tim said that he was going to book us for SCUBA diving,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I was immediately concerned with the precise definition of "us."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> Quickly I volunteered to stay back with 6 year old Lily</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> and drink diet cokes by the pool. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">My biggest fear?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">...besides going 40 feet down in the big wide ocean with a mask plastered over my claustrophobic face?.....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">...well...that I'd be a "kill-joy" because they'd all be goofing around and giving me panic attacks.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">And I don't like water much...outside of showers and bubble baths.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I drink it sometimes too...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">although I prefer it in its coffee type form.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Anyway...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> KATIE is already PADI certified.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Which means, in Lindquist terms, she's an expert!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">She's dived Minnesota lakes...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">dove Minnesota lakes?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I think they say dived....even though it's grammatically questionable.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">So...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">the non-certified members of the family had to take a short class.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I purposely hung back with the girls because I didn't want to watch the boys inattentively poke</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> and prod and tease each other while the instructor </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">was telling them how to survive in the ocean.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">And here we are walking up to the them:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E7XOEtGlPuE/T3B_cNfdOBI/AAAAAAAAEfs/tuiNLaG7P7k/s1600/_DSC0102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E7XOEtGlPuE/T3B_cNfdOBI/AAAAAAAAEfs/tuiNLaG7P7k/s640/_DSC0102.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">But I got a BIG surprise!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">They weren't doing the usual "joke and tease" approach at all!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Their dad must have had a "You could die so you better pay attention" talk with them. It's ineffectual coming from me because I say it pretty much every time they get in their car...but it's rare from the father figure and apparently worked!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0yovzw-ruu4/T3B--519VJI/AAAAAAAAEfY/aXbliuMM_PU/s1600/_DSC0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0yovzw-ruu4/T3B--519VJI/AAAAAAAAEfY/aXbliuMM_PU/s640/_DSC0093.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Check out their faces!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l3NXs0MyhME/T3B-WWsQOYI/AAAAAAAAEe8/a-jucdB4D5Q/s1600/_DSC0090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l3NXs0MyhME/T3B-WWsQOYI/AAAAAAAAEe8/a-jucdB4D5Q/s640/_DSC0090.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">They were completely engaged!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iNtD66zeIRg/T3B-lzix2nI/AAAAAAAAEfE/AyfsKvMHwx0/s1600/_DSC0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iNtD66zeIRg/T3B-lzix2nI/AAAAAAAAEfE/AyfsKvMHwx0/s640/_DSC0091.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Nobody took their eyes off the instructor.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bnTy41vNd0U/T3B-yR8ORlI/AAAAAAAAEfQ/jiYxGBe2eKE/s1600/_DSC0092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bnTy41vNd0U/T3B-yR8ORlI/AAAAAAAAEfQ/jiYxGBe2eKE/s640/_DSC0092.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">It was a proud and comforting moment for me.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sehhBnb_9vQ/T3B_1NDrG7I/AAAAAAAAEgA/XjdojcF1HQg/s1600/_DSC0107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sehhBnb_9vQ/T3B_1NDrG7I/AAAAAAAAEgA/XjdojcF1HQg/s640/_DSC0107.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Meanwhile, the family expert, sat in a corner doing something very strange...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dLKR_Hon9bQ/T3MH7L5AsTI/AAAAAAAAEgQ/YKtPFcpu9XU/s1600/_DSC0109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dLKR_Hon9bQ/T3MH7L5AsTI/AAAAAAAAEgQ/YKtPFcpu9XU/s640/_DSC0109.jpg" width="424" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">she sat and tore up a loaf of bread which she had stolen from the breakfast buffet and stuffed the pieces into a large empty water bottle.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Then she filled it with water and capped it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">What you do is take it to the ocean floor (40 ft. down or so) and gently squeeze it, and the bread attracts fish.....LOTS of fish.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">She's so smart.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OaugXL_Ieqk/T3B_HYsqZfI/AAAAAAAAEfg/q-EOenhh91s/s1600/_DSC0095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OaugXL_Ieqk/T3B_HYsqZfI/AAAAAAAAEfg/q-EOenhh91s/s400/_DSC0095.jpg" width="265" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Meanwhile the lessons continued.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Nobody poked.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Nobody joked.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">It was a career moment for me as a mother.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-al_Jb0iOeY0/T3B_mSivPvI/AAAAAAAAEf0/1VaIqtPhGSM/s1600/_DSC0105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-al_Jb0iOeY0/T3B_mSivPvI/AAAAAAAAEf0/1VaIqtPhGSM/s640/_DSC0105.jpg" width="424" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">This is Zach's "game face."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">You don't see it often outside of a gymnasium or football field...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">but here it is.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Timmy is practicing hand signals.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">He was gonna need them!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">(I'm guessing it was his: "This is what I do if I have to sneeze while at the bottom of the ocean in SCUBA gear signal...)</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T_qV3NUsock/T3B1ziBG04I/AAAAAAAAEaU/ZESlTyq_UW4/s1600/_DSC0111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T_qV3NUsock/T3B1ziBG04I/AAAAAAAAEaU/ZESlTyq_UW4/s640/_DSC0111.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"Alright! Go Team Lindquist!"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"Let's do this thing!"</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDp5wLjXK-8/T3B2FagdYRI/AAAAAAAAEac/vo7M4Uq3kKg/s1600/_DSC0113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDp5wLjXK-8/T3B2FagdYRI/AAAAAAAAEac/vo7M4Uq3kKg/s640/_DSC0113.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"Wait"...."maybe you guys should practice in the pool first?....."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hdwhfSjEOPQ/T3B26MM1eDI/AAAAAAAAEa4/hfFlAMnTYZQ/s1600/_DSC0116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hdwhfSjEOPQ/T3B26MM1eDI/AAAAAAAAEa4/hfFlAMnTYZQ/s640/_DSC0116.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Meanwhile.....finding the whole "preparing to cheat death in the big blue" thing getting kind of old, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Lily began posing for pictures.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Mom was holding a camera after all...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VDpv18_B9so/T3B2P7cTZ8I/AAAAAAAAEao/9PvnKPCXJNc/s1600/_DSC0114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VDpv18_B9so/T3B2P7cTZ8I/AAAAAAAAEao/9PvnKPCXJNc/s400/_DSC0114.jpg" width="265" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"Mom! Take my picture...."</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qw2ma14vtCA/T3B4Kwl2_vI/AAAAAAAAEbo/93c2qhmQRtU/s1600/_DSC0128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qw2ma14vtCA/T3B4Kwl2_vI/AAAAAAAAEbo/93c2qhmQRtU/s640/_DSC0128.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">And over at the pool....training.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Since I wouldn't be going anywhere near the boat area...these were the last shots of the SCUBA divers we got.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S8KBXybqgyg/T3B2Zb9GOgI/AAAAAAAAEaw/FMpFMogwBmk/s1600/_DSC0115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S8KBXybqgyg/T3B2Zb9GOgI/AAAAAAAAEaw/FMpFMogwBmk/s400/_DSC0115.jpg" width="265" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"Mom! Take one like this!"</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fgULEaoTcTE/T3B4cGo-3NI/AAAAAAAAEb0/ay5A-gX_wa0/s1600/_DSC0129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fgULEaoTcTE/T3B4cGo-3NI/AAAAAAAAEb0/ay5A-gX_wa0/s640/_DSC0129.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"I think I'm ready!"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K7OC8ip-jYg/T3B3OK3yZJI/AAAAAAAAEbE/Vf6g3zFozWY/s1600/_DSC0119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K7OC8ip-jYg/T3B3OK3yZJI/AAAAAAAAEbE/Vf6g3zFozWY/s400/_DSC0119.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"Mom! This is a good picture!"</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vEjuRJm8s2Y/T3B4swmsVCI/AAAAAAAAEb8/DknDWw4XhrI/s1600/_DSC0131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vEjuRJm8s2Y/T3B4swmsVCI/AAAAAAAAEb8/DknDWw4XhrI/s640/_DSC0131.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"Piece of cake Mom! NO worries!"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xy_kUc81HL8/T3B3a7yDvyI/AAAAAAAAEbM/fUieXJdVP1U/s1600/_DSC0122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xy_kUc81HL8/T3B3a7yDvyI/AAAAAAAAEbM/fUieXJdVP1U/s400/_DSC0122.jpg" width="265" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"Here's my toe pop Mom!"</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fLvCYqXYhPM/T3B476aevgI/AAAAAAAAEcI/8zBhB_T9DGA/s1600/_DSC0132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fLvCYqXYhPM/T3B476aevgI/AAAAAAAAEcI/8zBhB_T9DGA/s640/_DSC0132.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"Are we really going to do this in the ocean?"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"Are you ok with this mom?"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DGFc7LLiLik/T3B3lc5NSSI/AAAAAAAAEbU/urXbISZGdG4/s1600/_DSC0123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DGFc7LLiLik/T3B3lc5NSSI/AAAAAAAAEbU/urXbISZGdG4/s400/_DSC0123.jpg" width="265" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"How about one without the hat Mom?"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I was so busy taking pictures of these scenes that I MISSED getting a shot of Katie in her SCUBA gear as she quietly suited up and headed to the boat.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I was very sad about that.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">So off they all went.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I couldn't see them off....I was just too nervous.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Lily and I headed to the water park at the resort where she had the "best morning EVER" playing with some kids who didn't speak English but who shared her love for water slides.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Water parks really are the international language.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6qmj_AlUgM8/T3B5hBsb-EI/AAAAAAAAEck/Ts-hzeUM1uQ/s1600/_DSC0142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6qmj_AlUgM8/T3B5hBsb-EI/AAAAAAAAEck/Ts-hzeUM1uQ/s640/_DSC0142.jpg" width="424" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">This was the day we also discovered the chocolate milk drinks.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">It changed our vacation forever.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">When the SCUBA divers got back,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">all-- with the exception of Katie-- a little traumatized,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">the boys went back to the room to "rest" (March Madness type resting)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">and Katie, Lily and Timmy regained their equilibrium by ordering everything on the bar menu that the bartenders would make without alcohol.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--e8aOLkii4s/T3B5MXEx8SI/AAAAAAAAEcQ/A65RjdudZog/s1600/_DSC0140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--e8aOLkii4s/T3B5MXEx8SI/AAAAAAAAEcQ/A65RjdudZog/s400/_DSC0140.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">There were many choices...</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0VjnZL17qfQ/T3B5ZtI0DQI/AAAAAAAAEcc/hA1jUrUfNfE/s1600/_DSC0141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0VjnZL17qfQ/T3B5ZtI0DQI/AAAAAAAAEcc/hA1jUrUfNfE/s400/_DSC0141.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">.....but in the end, chocolate milk was the favorite!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M4Qj4dcgerE/T3MLPoSSr_I/AAAAAAAAEgc/-Qi0mUf414U/s1600/_DSC0137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M4Qj4dcgerE/T3MLPoSSr_I/AAAAAAAAEgc/-Qi0mUf414U/s640/_DSC0137.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Look...a child-sized bar right by the water park.....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">How nice....</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5m2RIKaQIPw/T3MLbKYIywI/AAAAAAAAEgk/mQVzGFdtfyA/s1600/_DSC0139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5m2RIKaQIPw/T3MLbKYIywI/AAAAAAAAEgk/mQVzGFdtfyA/s640/_DSC0139.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Actually it was pretty funny to see Katie sitting there...she looked like a giantess.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-44-g7mlFeRA/T3B5uagHiII/AAAAAAAAEcs/O40rHmVOJdc/s1600/_DSC0150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-44-g7mlFeRA/T3B5uagHiII/AAAAAAAAEcs/O40rHmVOJdc/s400/_DSC0150.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">By 4:00 we were all wiped out!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Tim took a day or so to recover from the intensity of the SCUBA diving experience.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"One and done" was the verdict....except of course for...</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jDCNve1m24w/T3B5_I2MXLI/AAAAAAAAEc4/LeyARAltjx0/s1600/_DSC0151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jDCNve1m24w/T3B5_I2MXLI/AAAAAAAAEc4/LeyARAltjx0/s400/_DSC0151.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">KATIE...she went back and did it again later in the week, and Tim went with her ...an act of valor and true love.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Okww0XvpU1Y/T3B6MvDVxgI/AAAAAAAAEdA/dCp4WbC9A0A/s1600/_DSC0153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Okww0XvpU1Y/T3B6MvDVxgI/AAAAAAAAEdA/dCp4WbC9A0A/s640/_DSC0153.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">After running up and down water slides all afternoon, little Lily was pretty tired.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">It didn't help any that our dinner reservation was at 10:30!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pGjl0HYtV7I/T3B6ZPBzVwI/AAAAAAAAEdM/Q_CInYX0X8c/s1600/_DSC0158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pGjl0HYtV7I/T3B6ZPBzVwI/AAAAAAAAEdM/Q_CInYX0X8c/s640/_DSC0158.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Tim and I felt pretty chipper....</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zjnpO2fEexk/T3B6lnV4QhI/AAAAAAAAEdU/lE27HoVoZxI/s1600/_DSC0159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zjnpO2fEexk/T3B6lnV4QhI/AAAAAAAAEdU/lE27HoVoZxI/s640/_DSC0159.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">We're such night owls anyway......</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eFgpn6X3byY/T3B6ykQ9f8I/AAAAAAAAEdc/ZcTFMboEwW0/s1600/_DSC0160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eFgpn6X3byY/T3B6ykQ9f8I/AAAAAAAAEdc/ZcTFMboEwW0/s640/_DSC0160.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">It was the Japanese steakhouse, round 1.....</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eht8Joznpko/T3B6_Ze1VBI/AAAAAAAAEdo/9y0Cw_mpWO4/s1600/_DSC0162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eht8Joznpko/T3B6_Ze1VBI/AAAAAAAAEdo/9y0Cw_mpWO4/s640/_DSC0162.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Going....going....</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BPTS_PXcIFQ/T3B7K94Hr1I/AAAAAAAAEdw/IFPk3QNoOZc/s1600/_DSC0163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BPTS_PXcIFQ/T3B7K94Hr1I/AAAAAAAAEdw/IFPk3QNoOZc/s640/_DSC0163.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Gone!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E45SMI6wyg4/T3B7XJfq9UI/AAAAAAAAEd4/QOV8-cgH1Is/s1600/_DSC0169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E45SMI6wyg4/T3B7XJfq9UI/AAAAAAAAEd4/QOV8-cgH1Is/s640/_DSC0169.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"Lily! The food's here! You have to move your head!"</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K3s__0vDoeU/T3B7kXSB7kI/AAAAAAAAEeE/KarOtncJul4/s1600/_DSC0170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K3s__0vDoeU/T3B7kXSB7kI/AAAAAAAAEeE/KarOtncJul4/s640/_DSC0170.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">She never really opened her eyes, but she sleep-ate her food like a hungry farmhand...</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--gAepwORjYM/T3B7x__hoPI/AAAAAAAAEeM/cxYvrfM-gQ0/s1600/_DSC0171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--gAepwORjYM/T3B7x__hoPI/AAAAAAAAEeM/cxYvrfM-gQ0/s640/_DSC0171.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">It was amazing.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VvuvB3SJboM/T3B8JV8XO0I/AAAAAAAAEeg/hGVBA28pqGY/s1600/_DSC0173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VvuvB3SJboM/T3B8JV8XO0I/AAAAAAAAEeg/hGVBA28pqGY/s640/_DSC0173.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">She ate everything that was there...(an adult sized portion), had them take away her plate and promptly laid her head back down.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do...to sleep.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3cMz5bk8ueU/T3B8YR7zoTI/AAAAAAAAEeo/KlgaMUHx_Qo/s1600/_DSC0185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3cMz5bk8ueU/T3B8YR7zoTI/AAAAAAAAEeo/KlgaMUHx_Qo/s640/_DSC0185.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">She had no memory of the meal....</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XrAw3ibtK1Q/T3B7-n0SokI/AAAAAAAAEeU/5WV4oiXLzxk/s1600/_DSC0172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XrAw3ibtK1Q/T3B7-n0SokI/AAAAAAAAEeU/5WV4oiXLzxk/s640/_DSC0172.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">The biggest memory we all have was when Andrew dared Zach to eat a wad of wasabi!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I think I'll make that a post of it's own, though..since this one is getting unbearably long.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">It was a long, intense day of adventure, and one which will not be forgotten since the SCUBA stories keep getting told around our dinner table even now.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">But, alas....</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nRMh95_JNjs/T3B8jZlyH_I/AAAAAAAAEew/wkN9YtfiK2Y/s1600/_DSC0186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nRMh95_JNjs/T3B8jZlyH_I/AAAAAAAAEew/wkN9YtfiK2Y/s640/_DSC0186.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">All good things must come to an end.....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">...and in case you are wondering when my Dominican Republic posts (not necessarily good)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> are EVER</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> going to come to an end....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">well...bear with me...I've got a couple more....<a href="http://www.happyontheway.com/2012/03/wasabi-king.html" target="_blank">Wasabi King</a> coming right up!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698856580721049858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753524940828932534.post-52486294692528770782012-03-24T08:18:00.005-05:002012-03-28T22:11:46.662-05:00Sunshine and SPF<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Ah....sunshine.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Take pale caucasian skin that hasn't seen open air, let alone sunshine since, oh, mid September</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">and dump it in the Caribbean sun...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">and you've got:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">a. very happy people who can feel the Vitamin D coursing in their blood</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">b. a sudden boost in stock options at sunscreen manufacturers</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">c. the constant question of "Mom! Am I burning? Am I burning Mom? Mom, does my skin look pink? Is my face getting burnt Mom? Do I look like I'm sunburnt on my shoulders? Mom? Mom? Where's the sunscreen? Who has the sunscreen? Should I use more sunscreen?"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I'm telling you!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">The first day the skin goes into shock.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I had brought one can of spray 100 spf, two Elmer Glue style creams of 70 spf, ONE SPRAY CAN OF 50 (this becomes critical), one spray can of 30, two lotion bottles of 30.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I was busy unpacking our bags and putting everything away in the girls' room, which I am happy to say we kept clean and orderly all week, while the boys sun screened up in their room which was mass havoc.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">What of the above sunscreens do you think they used?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Hint...they all used the same one and they all got burnt.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I'll tell ya in a bit.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">But first, a few pictures of day one...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cEyKSDoZVm0/T2zfUYh0PjI/AAAAAAAAEYY/sq3IbIGRSts/s1600/_DSC0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cEyKSDoZVm0/T2zfUYh0PjI/AAAAAAAAEYY/sq3IbIGRSts/s640/_DSC0001.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Bring on the TAN!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dTkkoKfo17g/T2zfsA8OvNI/AAAAAAAAEYg/fTfHOIP6gLk/s1600/_DSC0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dTkkoKfo17g/T2zfsA8OvNI/AAAAAAAAEYg/fTfHOIP6gLk/s640/_DSC0006.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">This was where I thought to myself....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I could live here.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Right in this chair.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I have food, sunshine and warmth.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">ps....I never got truly burnt. I wore 30 spf from sun up to sun down, except for 70 on my face, and with the exception of my nose, I haven't peeled.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">But my nose doesn't count.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">It peels if you just look at it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Chronically peeling nose...CPN...it's a medical condition.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WEZzUkr6jZc/T2zf4KIPgwI/AAAAAAAAEYs/vNZd5q2h_4w/s1600/_DSC0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WEZzUkr6jZc/T2zf4KIPgwI/AAAAAAAAEYs/vNZd5q2h_4w/s640/_DSC0010.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Yes...we reapplied!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gI44DnLJsSo/T2zgIg6h9LI/AAAAAAAAEY0/VPQtNCI1UZI/s1600/_DSC0193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gI44DnLJsSo/T2zgIg6h9LI/AAAAAAAAEY0/VPQtNCI1UZI/s640/_DSC0193.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">(Cheat...this was day two not day one)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">But with being in and out of the water all the time....</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SCoOv4sJSMo/T2zgVjni3LI/AAAAAAAAEY8/Ckpzj8_bhVs/s1600/_DSC0221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SCoOv4sJSMo/T2zgVjni3LI/AAAAAAAAEY8/Ckpzj8_bhVs/s640/_DSC0221.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">ALL....</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sIvBwMBgbE4/T2zgj5bseTI/AAAAAAAAEZI/LsEmY63YMcY/s1600/_DSC0239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sIvBwMBgbE4/T2zgj5bseTI/AAAAAAAAEZI/LsEmY63YMcY/s640/_DSC0239.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">THE TIME!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">The sunscreen they used didn't really work.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">OF COURSE you were right. They chose the SPRAY CAN 50 spf because it's EASY. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Spray over the left shoulder, spray over the right...DONE!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">WELL DONE that is......</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Here we were for the next two days!:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QOh94wdaz1w/T2zhFC6fxVI/AAAAAAAAEZQ/h6RQH_woqzU/s1600/_DSC0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QOh94wdaz1w/T2zhFC6fxVI/AAAAAAAAEZQ/h6RQH_woqzU/s640/_DSC0003.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vqfIT1HALJw/T2zhTDper5I/AAAAAAAAEZY/Jk786qeTXck/s1600/_DSC0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vqfIT1HALJw/T2zhTDper5I/AAAAAAAAEZY/Jk786qeTXck/s640/_DSC0004.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uJZntAWzSAc/T2zhikG8ENI/AAAAAAAAEZk/vOJBFlaBb3Y/s1600/_DSC0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uJZntAWzSAc/T2zhikG8ENI/AAAAAAAAEZk/vOJBFlaBb3Y/s640/_DSC0029.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VaLI1xdWUjs/T2zhys_ydOI/AAAAAAAAEZs/cdoSO8jJ7v8/s1600/_DSC0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VaLI1xdWUjs/T2zhys_ydOI/AAAAAAAAEZs/cdoSO8jJ7v8/s640/_DSC0037.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pxu-LxURNRE/T2ziCgHl9jI/AAAAAAAAEZ4/-3IDIzJpKYk/s1600/_DSC0736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pxu-LxURNRE/T2ziCgHl9jI/AAAAAAAAEZ4/-3IDIzJpKYk/s640/_DSC0736.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">SHADE WAS OUR FRIEND!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">OK OK...Lily got burned.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I USED THE SPF 100 </b>on her the first day, but I used the spray which is worthless for unseasoned skin, and what with being in the ocean and the pool from 9:00am until 6:00 pm....despite re-apps, nothing worked.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">She looked fine until that first night, and then I knew we were in trouble.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">It was bad.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I am still dealing with the guilt.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">It wasn't until the last day again, when we felt like our skin was ready for more solar action.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">We panicked and tried to soak up all we could before heading back to </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">what we thought would be WINTER weather in MN.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4jnVmIaI_f8/T2ziPr5YaRI/AAAAAAAAEaA/URWCBwLuUXs/s1600/_DSC0737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4jnVmIaI_f8/T2ziPr5YaRI/AAAAAAAAEaA/URWCBwLuUXs/s640/_DSC0737.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Turns out...it's summer here in MN too.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kQcxZrkrb1k/T2zifKdUFTI/AAAAAAAAEaI/MelNRc0mjLg/s1600/_DSC0746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">But not this kind of summer!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Conclusions:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">*SPF sprays of any kind fail as a base coat on skin that has no base tan. They are only useful if you aren't going in the water and you need a spot reapplied, and even then I wonder.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">*Waterproof is just a nice thought on the bottle...it's not reality.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">*When going on a week vacation with seven people, most of whom are large in size, plan on at least two lotion bottles per person at minimum. I had SEVEN sunscreen items, and we ran out.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">We had to buy a bottle of 50 lotion which at the resort cost $35.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">And aloe gel was $20.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">*We found out an hour after we bought and used it that there's a local market just down the beach.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Information.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">It's key.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">*Don't bring umbrellas to a tropical resort even if the forecast predicts rain ( I brought 7, and it never rained a drop)...use the space to pack more sunscreen.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
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</div>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698856580721049858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753524940828932534.post-86334368777763537012012-03-22T08:29:00.006-05:002012-03-28T22:12:18.358-05:00Traveling With The Fam to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">As you can clearly see by the unscarred, unburnt,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> Scandinavian pale skin,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> these pictures were taken on the way TO the Dominican Republic,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> not on the way home....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">In case you've ever wondered what it is like to negotiate international travel with a modern</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> (read technologically armed) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">family of seven, here's a glimpse:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fjD_EKe-hYg/T2PbEQn2-jI/AAAAAAAAENw/FVryOA5K6Ms/s1600/_DSC0108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fjD_EKe-hYg/T2PbEQn2-jI/AAAAAAAAENw/FVryOA5K6Ms/s640/_DSC0108.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Dr. Suess's <u>Hop on Pop</u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">You can never go wrong with the old paper version...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">it may weigh a little, but there's comfort in those pages,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">a taste of normalcy that an iPad or Kindle version can't provide.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">There are a lot of quotes in <u>Hop on Pop </u>that can be used in family travel situations.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0K19kea0m18/T2PbXaBkPEI/AAAAAAAAEN4/ZO7LJ8-bPfs/s1600/_DSC0109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0K19kea0m18/T2PbXaBkPEI/AAAAAAAAEN4/ZO7LJ8-bPfs/s640/_DSC0109.jpg" width="424" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Here's the picture of the classic teenage traveling specimen.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Please excuse the appearance of the lady on the other</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">side of the chairs seeming to grow her head out of Katie's body.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> I'm just an amateur.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">And as you can see, the point of this picture was--</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> Katie didn't like me taking her picture, </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">so asking her to shift to the chair on her right to avoid the two-headed monster effect</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">was really out of the question.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkcYFWtt6es/T2PbuNAo6zI/AAAAAAAAEOE/7p8VYE6m1Wo/s1600/_DSC0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkcYFWtt6es/T2PbuNAo6zI/AAAAAAAAEOE/7p8VYE6m1Wo/s640/_DSC0110.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Minneapolis Airport is marvelous.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">It has more restaurants than anybody could imagine and more on the way.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Plus there are electronic device charging kiosks and desks in abundance.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">We bring our own "hotspot" internet source</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">so we can be wireless without paying for the airport wireless.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">It's very handy.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UFUnFNOISy0/T2PcJQwN4YI/AAAAAAAAEOM/Mx0ixqj8LUU/s1600/_DSC0111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UFUnFNOISy0/T2PcJQwN4YI/AAAAAAAAEOM/Mx0ixqj8LUU/s640/_DSC0111.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Instructions are given before everybody takes off to explore (i.e. eat) while waiting for our plane.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Due to the size of our family, we simply have to get there early.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I like getting there early, ok?</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yVQyaJSVXys/T2PcjRIZh3I/AAAAAAAAEOU/f7VsPqLwb8I/s1600/_DSC0113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yVQyaJSVXys/T2PcjRIZh3I/AAAAAAAAEOU/f7VsPqLwb8I/s640/_DSC0113.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Andrew brought his Kindle, but still a "real" book was in his hand most of the time.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Some books are worth their weight.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Here he's saying, "Lily...do you have anything to eat in your bag?"</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mokJoPHPr6g/T2Pc9FG5SEI/AAAAAAAAEOk/uMlKMlYkEaY/s1600/_DSC0114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mokJoPHPr6g/T2Pc9FG5SEI/AAAAAAAAEOk/uMlKMlYkEaY/s640/_DSC0114.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Don't forget the headphones!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">These are a blessing and an annoyance.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">The thing is, the person wearing them can't hear you when you say, oh, something like</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> "the plane is boarding now...you take the blue bag..."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">...but they will always nod at you like they hear you loud and clear because otherwise you might tell them to take off the headphones....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">In order to fly on frequent flyer points, we had to have an overnight in Atlanta.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Our hotel was right by the airport, and we were able to use up some free vouchers.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">We are very pleased with ourselves about this!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Tim and I decided to have one room to ourselves and put the kids in the other room</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">(it was a suite).</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TNFMq9QHRw8/T2Pdc4x8Y3I/AAAAAAAAEOs/LEGBLp9wXtA/s1600/100_0092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TNFMq9QHRw8/T2Pdc4x8Y3I/AAAAAAAAEOs/LEGBLp9wXtA/s320/100_0092.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">They were pleased with this arrangement as well.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">(The pictures with yellow dates were taken by Katie's underwater camera...)</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iiucHXF5IrQ/T2Pdou2txxI/AAAAAAAAEO0/vDXsqBbre84/s1600/100_0094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iiucHXF5IrQ/T2Pdou2txxI/AAAAAAAAEO0/vDXsqBbre84/s640/100_0094.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Here's the ringleader and man in charge.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QjXdyskWglM/T2PdqGAazEI/AAAAAAAAEO8/bKxHiLgsARc/s1600/100_0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QjXdyskWglM/T2PdqGAazEI/AAAAAAAAEO8/bKxHiLgsARc/s320/100_0098.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Electronics were whizzing...</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JIiFQFFluAE/T2PdsDOZscI/AAAAAAAAEPE/QXF1kha0zUU/s1600/100_0099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JIiFQFFluAE/T2PdsDOZscI/AAAAAAAAEPE/QXF1kha0zUU/s320/100_0099.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Everybody had a device....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">and of course the first thing they did once the door clicked shut was...</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p72pD_QPHOE/T2Pd2wvNGPI/AAAAAAAAEPM/Eitr76Lo3RM/s1600/100_0102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p72pD_QPHOE/T2Pd2wvNGPI/AAAAAAAAEPM/Eitr76Lo3RM/s640/100_0102.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">order food!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Pizza and chicken wings were on the way up!!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3wUeyRtpKlc/T2Pd4lCIvcI/AAAAAAAAEPU/3CwnmQCUNPY/s1600/100_0105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3wUeyRtpKlc/T2Pd4lCIvcI/AAAAAAAAEPU/3CwnmQCUNPY/s640/100_0105.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"Wait...how are we going to pay for the food?"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"I think you have to pay for it or something."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"Hey Lily! Did you bring your wallet?:</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PahNCqUcLjw/T2PeFRmOxWI/AAAAAAAAEPg/vHxXV931DnA/s1600/100_0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PahNCqUcLjw/T2PeFRmOxWI/AAAAAAAAEPg/vHxXV931DnA/s640/100_0110.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Yes...they used Lily's money to get room service.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">She's rich.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">She's easily persuaded.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">She asked for reimbursement from me first thing the next morning.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">With interest.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8kzuB3jibo/T2PfNZazRyI/AAAAAAAAEPo/oZAtddLQKrU/s1600/_DSC0120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8kzuB3jibo/T2PfNZazRyI/AAAAAAAAEPo/oZAtddLQKrU/s640/_DSC0120.jpg" width="424" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">The next morning, back to the airport!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Did I mention our tickets were cheap?</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6sTDFw5Qr6E/T2PfgdCArRI/AAAAAAAAEPw/CHZqQ_q9jW4/s1600/_DSC0121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6sTDFw5Qr6E/T2PfgdCArRI/AAAAAAAAEPw/CHZqQ_q9jW4/s640/_DSC0121.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Out came the equipment!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vlKOIEnOyWo/T2PfxykpR9I/AAAAAAAAEP4/72Z_Q_Hvk_Q/s1600/_DSC0123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vlKOIEnOyWo/T2PfxykpR9I/AAAAAAAAEP4/72Z_Q_Hvk_Q/s400/_DSC0123.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">An aside: notice the nails--</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">notice the ring--</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">very fashionable.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NtWMq7r4ZMM/T2PgQhU38_I/AAAAAAAAEQE/SFAPmB9tHjc/s1600/_DSC0126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NtWMq7r4ZMM/T2PgQhU38_I/AAAAAAAAEQE/SFAPmB9tHjc/s400/_DSC0126.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Here is Zach working on his brackets.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">March madness began to set in with a vengeance.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QFF87g9DlEE/T2Pgm1blkFI/AAAAAAAAEQM/TeelvrWENK4/s1600/_DSC0127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QFF87g9DlEE/T2Pgm1blkFI/AAAAAAAAEQM/TeelvrWENK4/s640/_DSC0127.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">At airports, it's all about security--</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">security of your territory that is!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> It's important to stake out your charging territory right away.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">These are all ours.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">If anybody approached with a cord in their hand, we gave them "the eye."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">************* </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">After a quiet peaceful ride, we arrived at Punta Cana.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Our first reaction was : "it's hot"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Our second was : "it's green"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Our third reaction was: "why do our phones say roaming?" We should have addressed that one right away.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Note: If traveling with your family and you all have cell phones, power them down and lock them away when you leave your country. It appears that "roaming charges apply"....times six.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Ouch!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8am3ocI9XRc/T2Pg-4tOhOI/AAAAAAAAEQU/6vozAqL7HyE/s1600/_DSC0129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8am3ocI9XRc/T2Pg-4tOhOI/AAAAAAAAEQU/6vozAqL7HyE/s640/_DSC0129.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Open air airports...who knew?</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UShpz7EFsM0/T2PhXWG3ZLI/AAAAAAAAEQg/C6IKRBe5l7I/s1600/_DSC0132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UShpz7EFsM0/T2PhXWG3ZLI/AAAAAAAAEQg/C6IKRBe5l7I/s640/_DSC0132.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">So many men ran off with our bags...it was quite disconcerting.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">ANOTHER NOTE to travelers:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Just say no.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">You'll have to say it ten times.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Keep saying it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">If you are a party of seven and you have 14 pieces or more of luggage,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">tend to them yourselves.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">These guys are competing, and one will take part of your luggage and another take another part of your luggage, and you will feel very stressed.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">You've made it this far without help; make it a little further.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vGEk_lbm7NY/T2PhwY0WQ4I/AAAAAAAAEQo/MgQNa7K2Qrc/s1600/_DSC0133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vGEk_lbm7NY/T2PhwY0WQ4I/AAAAAAAAEQo/MgQNa7K2Qrc/s400/_DSC0133.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">If you don't, you'll stand there like this wondering..."what are the chances that it's all here?"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">(Yes, that was foreshadowing.)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Unless of course you are in the background checking March Madness information on the internet, while roaming...</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QH-uikIy52E/T2PiNnCJnAI/AAAAAAAAEQw/2XsdeX_7R7w/s1600/_DSC0134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QH-uikIy52E/T2PiNnCJnAI/AAAAAAAAEQw/2XsdeX_7R7w/s640/_DSC0134.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">As we rolled along the road headed for the resort,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"Hey...do you think we have ALL the bags?"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">(More foreshadowing)</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zEsGTyvrBbg/T2Pik379QUI/AAAAAAAAEQ8/2myNdPHgf4Q/s1600/_DSC0135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zEsGTyvrBbg/T2Pik379QUI/AAAAAAAAEQ8/2myNdPHgf4Q/s640/_DSC0135.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"No problemo man!"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> This is the last picture you will see with Andrew's sunglasses.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">An hour from when this picture is taken, he and I will be BACK at the airport (with no tickets or passports because we couldn't find Tim who had all the tickets and passports...and despite many phone calls-- while roaming) looking for Andrew's red suitcase, and he will put the glasses through the x-ray machine and they won't come out but he will be too freaked out trying to find his bag and not get detained because we had no tickets and passport that he won't say anything and will go sunglassesless the rest of the week.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i>I dare you to diagram that sentence.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Does anybody diagram sentences anymore?</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i>That was my favorite thing!!!</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i>That's why I became an English major!</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i>But even this one would be beyond me.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">So we got there.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Not without incident.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Just a little preview.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Traveling with kids is fun.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698856580721049858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753524940828932534.post-12149654989976371132012-03-19T17:36:00.001-05:002012-03-28T22:12:56.032-05:00A Great Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">We had a mission!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">After an hour or so van ride through the "real" DR...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OmWVjrRngAk/T2aipXQ1bTI/AAAAAAAAERE/j20Kv3AOqqA/s1600/_DSC0369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OmWVjrRngAk/T2aipXQ1bTI/AAAAAAAAERE/j20Kv3AOqqA/s640/_DSC0369.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">...it was time for the Lindquist family to show their stuff!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0CoyblEZO7M/T2ajDgJ7OzI/AAAAAAAAERM/-ER8e8EKLK8/s1600/_DSC0374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0CoyblEZO7M/T2ajDgJ7OzI/AAAAAAAAERM/-ER8e8EKLK8/s640/_DSC0374.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">We were ready!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j8kD1J9VjyI/T2ajS5dQdKI/AAAAAAAAERY/xSurncNq78c/s1600/_DSC0382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j8kD1J9VjyI/T2ajS5dQdKI/AAAAAAAAERY/xSurncNq78c/s640/_DSC0382.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">This was the man</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">who was going to get us from just </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"ready"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">to...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">THERE.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6P406VsZp0I/T2ajiYSMN6I/AAAAAAAAERg/sI3aN0RBWVs/s1600/_DSC0383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6P406VsZp0I/T2ajiYSMN6I/AAAAAAAAERg/sI3aN0RBWVs/s640/_DSC0383.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">He was a great instructor.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TTjRh4xxFNs/T2aj08Af-1I/AAAAAAAAERo/xzDuzGf6T70/s1600/_DSC0385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TTjRh4xxFNs/T2aj08Af-1I/AAAAAAAAERo/xzDuzGf6T70/s640/_DSC0385.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"Bring on the waves!"</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TzfBxkl2plo/T2akINiRIvI/AAAAAAAAER4/YBbv6zDD-hc/s1600/_DSC0396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TzfBxkl2plo/T2akINiRIvI/AAAAAAAAER4/YBbv6zDD-hc/s640/_DSC0396.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Lily and I frolicked while the others had surfing lessons.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">There's a whole lot going on in this picture.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">First of all...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">the chick in the pink bikini is not me.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Sadly.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">The dog behind Lily was one of three who were all over the place.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Lily wanted to take them home with us...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">so they could have families.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">And the horseback riding looked fun but...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gghgzXinz28/T2akdNxdJrI/AAAAAAAAESA/5LlpIY7gJ6I/s1600/_DSC0400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gghgzXinz28/T2akdNxdJrI/AAAAAAAAESA/5LlpIY7gJ6I/s640/_DSC0400.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">...we were there to hang ten!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">(isn't that what you say?)</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dZfVJyhREPY/T2akyeR-uZI/AAAAAAAAESI/UzORJDPrRh8/s1600/_DSC0401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dZfVJyhREPY/T2akyeR-uZI/AAAAAAAAESI/UzORJDPrRh8/s640/_DSC0401.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">We've learned to really pay attention on this trip.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Being in a foreign country,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">even at a nice resort,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">will teach you that quickly.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rXHQy9ICkqc/T2alHx609TI/AAAAAAAAESU/o3R9BZP_Md0/s1600/_DSC0402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rXHQy9ICkqc/T2alHx609TI/AAAAAAAAESU/o3R9BZP_Md0/s640/_DSC0402.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Seriously.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HDilnJGoVyk/T2alfn9bqeI/AAAAAAAAESc/b7OmkIXx1aY/s1600/_DSC0404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HDilnJGoVyk/T2alfn9bqeI/AAAAAAAAESc/b7OmkIXx1aY/s320/_DSC0404.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Things were getting hot...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">for the dog anyway,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">poor thing...she was really skinny and obviously had</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">pups somewhere.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Lily was emotionally involved by this point.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RVL6P5PEDy4/T2al45Y6AMI/AAAAAAAAESo/KRFttsYciTM/s1600/_DSC0405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RVL6P5PEDy4/T2al45Y6AMI/AAAAAAAAESo/KRFttsYciTM/s640/_DSC0405.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">You see.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZegP6JhfaUQ/T2amOBCw_GI/AAAAAAAAESw/uTtcxKsj_Ic/s1600/_DSC0407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZegP6JhfaUQ/T2amOBCw_GI/AAAAAAAAESw/uTtcxKsj_Ic/s640/_DSC0407.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Meanwhile...the vetting goes on...</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L97bDn3-9CY/T2amhgqH3bI/AAAAAAAAES8/YwRcSR1Qpl0/s1600/_DSC0415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L97bDn3-9CY/T2amhgqH3bI/AAAAAAAAES8/YwRcSR1Qpl0/s640/_DSC0415.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">They can only keep a straight face for so long...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">not sure dad was going to get up!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">So far, we hadn't gotten within 100 ft. of a wave...</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JoEbNNjKy4c/T2am38G68-I/AAAAAAAAETE/kgOaJU4WXyU/s1600/_DSC0440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JoEbNNjKy4c/T2am38G68-I/AAAAAAAAETE/kgOaJU4WXyU/s640/_DSC0440.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">But it turns out...we were naturals....</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b_JazBI7Lt4/T2anU0-_83I/AAAAAAAAETM/lX0qNYW4qR0/s1600/_DSC0441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b_JazBI7Lt4/T2anU0-_83I/AAAAAAAAETM/lX0qNYW4qR0/s640/_DSC0441.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Look at the form!!!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w8_JszPAbLs/T2antsk40EI/AAAAAAAAETY/FeTTUvMs4Fo/s1600/_DSC0449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w8_JszPAbLs/T2antsk40EI/AAAAAAAAETY/FeTTUvMs4Fo/s640/_DSC0449.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Kind of poor luck on whoever was in front of you but...</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5BNVaFh9xqA/T2aoJQKUOlI/AAAAAAAAETg/UYCROecA1wk/s1600/_DSC0450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5BNVaFh9xqA/T2aoJQKUOlI/AAAAAAAAETg/UYCROecA1wk/s640/_DSC0450.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">In general...</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZPkBM7AAN4/T2aonmSCL_I/AAAAAAAAETo/ZmUlxEd0EI4/s1600/_DSC0451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZPkBM7AAN4/T2aonmSCL_I/AAAAAAAAETo/ZmUlxEd0EI4/s640/_DSC0451.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">....people got out of the way!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zg-REMXlP_g/T2ao_LfZA0I/AAAAAAAAET0/StMbGgxbdmU/s1600/_DSC0476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zg-REMXlP_g/T2ao_LfZA0I/AAAAAAAAET0/StMbGgxbdmU/s640/_DSC0476.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Timmy was great!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mWRc7IGhkKY/T2apTxrjQGI/AAAAAAAAET8/vh_bfPXCSOo/s1600/_DSC0478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mWRc7IGhkKY/T2apTxrjQGI/AAAAAAAAET8/vh_bfPXCSOo/s640/_DSC0478.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">and...he...</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ZM5oGZrPSo/T2apooXRhII/AAAAAAAAEUE/9I8ScWWizpU/s1600/_DSC0479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ZM5oGZrPSo/T2apooXRhII/AAAAAAAAEUE/9I8ScWWizpU/s640/_DSC0479.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">knew it.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kvSyvg-nJTg/T2ap-inzSDI/AAAAAAAAEUQ/4qYAC7sK0Q0/s1600/_DSC0480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kvSyvg-nJTg/T2ap-inzSDI/AAAAAAAAEUQ/4qYAC7sK0Q0/s640/_DSC0480.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">360's were his "thang."</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IiAae3DwKGw/T2aqTXukKNI/AAAAAAAAEUY/7vS3uuTuRKA/s1600/_DSC0500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IiAae3DwKGw/T2aqTXukKNI/AAAAAAAAEUY/7vS3uuTuRKA/s640/_DSC0500.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Lookin' good Drew!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EEHhBdMKIHg/T2aqoLqHamI/AAAAAAAAEUg/Oht3g-jaNpo/s1600/_DSC0503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EEHhBdMKIHg/T2aqoLqHamI/AAAAAAAAEUg/Oht3g-jaNpo/s640/_DSC0503.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ypLBls_Ok0g/T2aq6_Bp9TI/AAAAAAAAEUs/vKPBYKokpCw/s1600/_DSC0508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ypLBls_Ok0g/T2aq6_Bp9TI/AAAAAAAAEUs/vKPBYKokpCw/s640/_DSC0508.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Timmy kept hamming it up so I have twice as many as him.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">He kept looking right at me!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Photo op's are his specialty.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oQ19pGN7HLU/T2arkf9Ij5I/AAAAAAAAEU8/RElTXmE5DT4/s1600/_DSC0514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oQ19pGN7HLU/T2arkf9Ij5I/AAAAAAAAEU8/RElTXmE5DT4/s640/_DSC0514.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Go Zach!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zOacYcFjVF0/T2ar3w2KgJI/AAAAAAAAEVI/hYlID-GW0yI/s1600/_DSC0515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zOacYcFjVF0/T2ar3w2KgJI/AAAAAAAAEVI/hYlID-GW0yI/s640/_DSC0515.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">You got it!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tpu-ilX3W_Y/T2asKbqUGTI/AAAAAAAAEVQ/Dz6SOs-XRbk/s1600/_DSC0531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tpu-ilX3W_Y/T2asKbqUGTI/AAAAAAAAEVQ/Dz6SOs-XRbk/s640/_DSC0531.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Tim (afterwards): "This is not an older person sport."</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lIWTFQwTvsI/T2asb5cnPII/AAAAAAAAEVY/yya0jtb0axk/s1600/_DSC0558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lIWTFQwTvsI/T2asb5cnPII/AAAAAAAAEVY/yya0jtb0axk/s640/_DSC0558.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">And here he comes again...</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-34QX-fKijl0/T2astGemG3I/AAAAAAAAEVk/VPLcztbFbGA/s1600/_DSC0564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-34QX-fKijl0/T2astGemG3I/AAAAAAAAEVk/VPLcztbFbGA/s640/_DSC0564.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Katie did much better than this picture shows...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I got a lot of video of her, but not a lot of photos.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hu2j0BAGqCo/T2atCEKn20I/AAAAAAAAEVs/0l2pF72gC58/s1600/_DSC0568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hu2j0BAGqCo/T2atCEKn20I/AAAAAAAAEVs/0l2pF72gC58/s640/_DSC0568.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">And a great time was had by all!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SfB_HGuIA7A/T2atbf___YI/AAAAAAAAEV0/t19838VndvU/s1600/_DSC0574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SfB_HGuIA7A/T2atbf___YI/AAAAAAAAEV0/t19838VndvU/s640/_DSC0574.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">THE LINDQUIST SURF TEAM</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uYFW1mJa7Ds/T2at2a0rZ_I/AAAAAAAAEWA/QyyaeEMtbGo/s1600/_DSC0576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uYFW1mJa7Ds/T2at2a0rZ_I/AAAAAAAAEWA/QyyaeEMtbGo/s640/_DSC0576.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">and men who made them great.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J8WHfnYmN4A/T2auMVylxrI/AAAAAAAAEWI/7Xhzby76G4I/s1600/_DSC0581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J8WHfnYmN4A/T2auMVylxrI/AAAAAAAAEWI/7Xhzby76G4I/s640/_DSC0581.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Everyone was exhausted but..</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DVKdSVbJh2M/T2aufIhiLEI/AAAAAAAAEWQ/lNBfIDUB8w8/s1600/_DSC0582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DVKdSVbJh2M/T2aufIhiLEI/AAAAAAAAEWQ/lNBfIDUB8w8/s640/_DSC0582.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">a few coconuts</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1iK2TEHOy88/T2auzTB594I/AAAAAAAAEWc/UvCfvJUCulc/s1600/_DSC0584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1iK2TEHOy88/T2auzTB594I/AAAAAAAAEWc/UvCfvJUCulc/s640/_DSC0584.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">and bananas later, and...</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-12kYoodqbeM/T2avKhylQMI/AAAAAAAAEWk/ttC2w_WsiBw/s1600/_DSC0587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-12kYoodqbeM/T2avKhylQMI/AAAAAAAAEWk/ttC2w_WsiBw/s640/_DSC0587.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">..it was all better.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">We went home and rested and then...</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j081QARqiX4/T2avlMzcqrI/AAAAAAAAEWs/n9ZNfWpgbgY/s1600/_DSC0653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j081QARqiX4/T2avlMzcqrI/AAAAAAAAEWs/n9ZNfWpgbgY/s640/_DSC0653.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">We gathered on a rooftop terrace as the sun set.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">It was lovely and restful and one of my favorite</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">moments.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I1hccON90nI/T2awAxzDNNI/AAAAAAAAEW4/rf0lVKB9khY/s1600/_DSC0655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I1hccON90nI/T2awAxzDNNI/AAAAAAAAEW4/rf0lVKB9khY/s640/_DSC0655.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">They were almost too tired to wrestle.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SckangeyBrY/T2awbUxpJ5I/AAAAAAAAEXA/_0SA_ZxeOQE/s1600/_DSC0666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SckangeyBrY/T2awbUxpJ5I/AAAAAAAAEXA/_0SA_ZxeOQE/s640/_DSC0666.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">We tried to pose for some pictures...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">for the Christmas card I'll never send...</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KELlS6PesJk/T2awsItYYfI/AAAAAAAAEXI/zbA78q4V6B8/s1600/_DSC0684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KELlS6PesJk/T2awsItYYfI/AAAAAAAAEXI/zbA78q4V6B8/s640/_DSC0684.jpg" width="424" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I think she grew.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">It's all the food here.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c9bBbYBkZ9I/T2aw-wkCYRI/AAAAAAAAEXU/HCJhpwgxeNk/s1600/_DSC0693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c9bBbYBkZ9I/T2aw-wkCYRI/AAAAAAAAEXU/HCJhpwgxeNk/s640/_DSC0693.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">We just make her stay seated now.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T01Atc6pyso/T2axZqhAvTI/AAAAAAAAEXc/H6upJ2HtkWQ/s1600/_DSC0703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T01Atc6pyso/T2axZqhAvTI/AAAAAAAAEXc/H6upJ2HtkWQ/s640/_DSC0703.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">But this one can't get enough of all the family time.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x_hbQ_uk1sE/T2axsPZ8vXI/AAAAAAAAEXk/9Ov6Mi3Ynn0/s1600/_DSC0707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x_hbQ_uk1sE/T2axsPZ8vXI/AAAAAAAAEXk/9Ov6Mi3Ynn0/s640/_DSC0707.jpg" width="424" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">...and ice cream!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xbRZYDzlRYM/T2ayBNMUhCI/AAAAAAAAEXw/h7csGgv-VFA/s1600/_DSC0721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xbRZYDzlRYM/T2ayBNMUhCI/AAAAAAAAEXw/h7csGgv-VFA/s640/_DSC0721.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">This was dinner at the Japanese place.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">It was really good.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W4eENHW9GSU/T2ayWHatXMI/AAAAAAAAEX4/akUJcHYnIME/s1600/_DSC0724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W4eENHW9GSU/T2ayWHatXMI/AAAAAAAAEX4/akUJcHYnIME/s640/_DSC0724.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Of course there's the inevitable open your mouth</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">and let the chef throw food in it...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">It was a swing...</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ugf0qlnqEYs/T2ayqggl6rI/AAAAAAAAEYA/WiG_gzfDXbo/s1600/_DSC0725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ugf0qlnqEYs/T2ayqggl6rI/AAAAAAAAEYA/WiG_gzfDXbo/s640/_DSC0725.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">and a miss.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yb3k0j3yZOc/T2ay9Tx7jAI/AAAAAAAAEYM/FUFwC36ICAo/s1600/_DSC0727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yb3k0j3yZOc/T2ay9Tx7jAI/AAAAAAAAEYM/FUFwC36ICAo/s640/_DSC0727.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">This one didn't miss.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">What a great day we were blessed with.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">We all were so grateful for the beauty of the earth and the sky and the water.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">God shouted His love upon us through His creation this wonderful day.</span></div>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698856580721049858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753524940828932534.post-49104509617139339892012-03-14T21:55:00.001-05:002012-03-28T22:09:55.355-05:00Comin' Right At Ya from the DR<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">The Lindquist Family</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">made it!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">We arrived "en force" to the D.R. yesterday.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">It was a bit harrowing,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">but for my first blog post,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">let me just say,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">we are having a great time.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wxvb9I7_APA/T2FHPeBDfGI/AAAAAAAAEMw/G51EQwProec/s1600/100_0134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wxvb9I7_APA/T2FHPeBDfGI/AAAAAAAAEMw/G51EQwProec/s320/100_0134.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">We can snorkel right off the beach in aqua water!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pYGJil1P76E/T2FHgr2iK7I/AAAAAAAAEM4/fQXoxp_DTZM/s1600/100_0143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pYGJil1P76E/T2FHgr2iK7I/AAAAAAAAEM4/fQXoxp_DTZM/s320/100_0143.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Meet our new friend!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">This guy hung out all morning about 40 feet from shore.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">And, despite misgivings on my part,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Katie's underwater camera</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">takes great pictures in the water...</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X49dcrXIs20/T2FG867eFXI/AAAAAAAAEMo/IwoDt557FG8/s1600/100_0122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X49dcrXIs20/T2FG867eFXI/AAAAAAAAEMo/IwoDt557FG8/s320/100_0122.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">...and OUT.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8zO-v0VOJbw/T2FIwQ4du2I/AAAAAAAAENA/CgFYZPloJYo/s1600/100_0145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8zO-v0VOJbw/T2FIwQ4du2I/AAAAAAAAENA/CgFYZPloJYo/s320/100_0145.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">So far, we've drunk our weight in </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">sugary concoctions.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Kids!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vidQ6MwXJaY/T2FI8KDdQuI/AAAAAAAAENM/E_suKXo8J70/s1600/100_0151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vidQ6MwXJaY/T2FI8KDdQuI/AAAAAAAAENM/E_suKXo8J70/s320/100_0151.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Lily is a fish.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T8Z-mL4c3Ec/T2FLlFqD2ZI/AAAAAAAAENo/TRNzlZi08xQ/s1600/_DSC0176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T8Z-mL4c3Ec/T2FLlFqD2ZI/AAAAAAAAENo/TRNzlZi08xQ/s320/_DSC0176.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">...and an icecream maniac!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">She had FIVE of them.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I have to end this blog here because the crazy men</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">in my family are demanding the computer so we can</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> finalize our March Madness Basketball Picks.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">The things that go on....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">More coming tomorrow!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
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</span></div>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698856580721049858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753524940828932534.post-77335069713571970552012-02-29T10:50:00.000-06:002012-02-29T10:50:01.243-06:00"These Are Good Days, Mom"<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"These are good days, Mom."</span></i></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">This is what my 17 year old son Zach said to me this morning.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">YES....it IS a snow day today. And contrary to what you would expect, Twin Cities Metro snow days are extremely RARE, despite the fact that, well...we live in the Twin Cities, which is in Minnesota, which is way further north than I EVER thought I'd live. This is maybe the <b>fourth or fifth </b>in the <b>thirteen</b> years I've been sending kids off to school. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">And I did make a big delicious breakfast of bacon, egg and cheese casserole, coffee cake, strawberries, hash browns with onions AND orange julius's for everyone's leisurely dining pleasure. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">AND, basketball practice was canceled tonight.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">AND Zach hadn't done all his homework for today, although he was just getting up to do it when the phone rang this morning. Some people just have all the right moves.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">AND...we have our health.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">ALL these things are great, but something in his tone of voice told me that Zach meant something more. He meant that these are precious days when we are all together. Soon it won't be so.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--dUPHCAQCNk/T05UKsvIT7I/AAAAAAAAEMA/B1w90QX4iBQ/s1600/Andrew-4thJuly+Bros.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--dUPHCAQCNk/T05UKsvIT7I/AAAAAAAAEMA/B1w90QX4iBQ/s640/Andrew-4thJuly+Bros.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">His older brother Andrew (on right-circa 2000) decided yesterday which college he will attend. I thought I'd feel a burst of relief, but now that the decision is done and the commitment made, I feel sad, because it's really going to happen.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> He's going to go. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-emjtpID0li0/T05WAc0wKsI/AAAAAAAAEMU/Ygq1-0lmEEc/s1600/_DSC0517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-emjtpID0li0/T05WAc0wKsI/AAAAAAAAEMU/Ygq1-0lmEEc/s640/_DSC0517.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">And what's more, he's going to be happy there....somewhere else....somewhere without ....US.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">How in the world can that happen? But it will!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>"These are good days, Mom." </i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">and we neither one speak it but in our hearts we say, </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>"And they are few."</i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698856580721049858noreply@blogger.com0