tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53379771042303695522024-03-13T12:33:29.155-07:00♥ Rubber Slippers in Washington ♥Getting my feet wet on this side of the Pacific.DoRe'http://www.blogger.com/profile/01143682255128399121noreply@blogger.comBlogger226125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5337977104230369552.post-36650439659844473942015-09-01T21:55:00.000-07:002015-11-20T13:58:14.443-08:00Summer 2015 Roundup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This much is true: Life is good.</div>
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This is also true: I am too lazy to write a decent post. </div>
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Tomorrow will be the first day back to school for some of us around here; others of us will benefit from a mother's busyness and procrastination, and not have to start school until her books arrive next week Wednesday. </div>
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(Try not to gloat, Middlest.)</div>
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As per usual, when the pressure's on, updating my blog suddenly becomes priority number one; after our lovely summer, though, who could blame me for waxing nostalgic? It was a simple summer, spent close to home; I love being able to just enjoy this beautiful place we live in. (Try to ignore the grammar.) </div>
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Where to start? </div>
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How about with this tree, and this sky, and these people eating their chicken katsu plate lunches by the water?</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As always, photo credits to Kiana.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yum.</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">We took a minute to play Popsicle fairies for some of the littles in our area; so much fun! I forgot how much happiness can be found in a $3 bag of frozen goodness. :) </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chillin'.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The thing about popsicles is that you have to enjoy one with<br />
every person you meet, so, you know--you do the math.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love these little tiny baby feet.</td></tr>
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More time outside, at the Silverdale waterfront.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy!</td></tr>
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Hanging at home.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner on our lush lawn.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think this is a screenshot from a video?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#cuties</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#shekillsme</td></tr>
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We took some time, as we do every year, to get near sand and water on the anniversary of Mom's passing; this year, we stayed close to home, and headed up to Point No Point.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sky at Point No Point.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Blyrlh5e4oE/VefmIZr0ISI/AAAAAAAASPQ/XPMZ66COMIA/s1600/IMG_7043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Blyrlh5e4oE/VefmIZr0ISI/AAAAAAAASPQ/XPMZ66COMIA/s320/IMG_7043.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jelly blob. <br />
(Can't get much more science-y than that, folks.)<br />
But seriously--aren't these cool? </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption">Uncle Josh, entertaining the troops.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Josh and Littlest, pretending they might not swim.<br />
(Yeah, right.)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweetness.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loveliness.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happiness.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Littlest, calling Uncle--"Let's swim!" <br />
(Those two always do. ♥ )</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gK44ZtDJmxo/VefmKp7RaEI/AAAAAAAASP0/wO8cw6nw-CA/s1600/IMG_7085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="194" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gK44ZtDJmxo/VefmKp7RaEI/AAAAAAAASP0/wO8cw6nw-CA/s320/IMG_7085.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mama and her girls. ♥</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grateful. ♥</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jG3NeOnrU-o/VefmNPfFZII/AAAAAAAASQY/OHIDmadV9o0/s1600/IMG_7192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jG3NeOnrU-o/VefmNPfFZII/AAAAAAAASQY/OHIDmadV9o0/s320/IMG_7192.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">♥ Good night, Mom ♥</td></tr>
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In August, Sam Smith at the Gorge--YES.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kz-419mjppQ/VeftboIuOnI/AAAAAAAASQ8/9XkTgeGrOeM/s1600/IMG_7481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kz-419mjppQ/VeftboIuOnI/AAAAAAAASQ8/9XkTgeGrOeM/s320/IMG_7481.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorge-ous. (Haha--see what I did there?)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mandatory road trip selfie.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Teenagers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They let me be in the picture with them--whoa.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z3tDDCVj8A4/Veftd7rUx9I/AAAAAAAASRI/TH_DOztvJ3E/s1600/IMG_7494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z3tDDCVj8A4/Veftd7rUx9I/AAAAAAAASRI/TH_DOztvJ3E/s320/IMG_7494.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank goodness for gorgeous views and big huge screens.<br />
Loved it, looking forward to next time.</td></tr>
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And, of course, wonderful days at convention.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EQDYId5jS2U/Vehhw6b96bI/AAAAAAAAST0/fnLCN-LNOWk/s1600/IMG_7569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EQDYId5jS2U/Vehhw6b96bI/AAAAAAAAST0/fnLCN-LNOWk/s320/IMG_7569.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting on the road.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2ezsGRr87c/VeiKOq0SagI/AAAAAAAASYc/OUV7XluhI88/s1600/IMG_7600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2ezsGRr87c/VeiKOq0SagI/AAAAAAAASYc/OUV7XluhI88/s320/IMG_7600.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A walking-out-the-door selfie I found on my phone<br />
after we got on the road.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3z2_Kok2iV8/VehhyXydsHI/AAAAAAAASUI/GklsHW__fDE/s1600/IMG_7613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3z2_Kok2iV8/VehhyXydsHI/AAAAAAAASUI/GklsHW__fDE/s320/IMG_7613.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goofballs.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vUXiC8C3kXQ/VehhxmzXW6I/AAAAAAAASUA/35_wSwmyww8/s1600/IMG_7610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vUXiC8C3kXQ/VehhxmzXW6I/AAAAAAAASUA/35_wSwmyww8/s320/IMG_7610.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These girls missed each other!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zZhjjZ66rM4/Vehhzs1sPmI/AAAAAAAASUQ/FF0v3vp2rFo/s1600/IMG_7632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zZhjjZ66rM4/Vehhzs1sPmI/AAAAAAAASUQ/FF0v3vp2rFo/s320/IMG_7632.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunday.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IiCad0iuzWI/VeiJMLh58bI/AAAAAAAASX4/eAB6h8HcCj4/s1600/IMG_3665%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IiCad0iuzWI/VeiJMLh58bI/AAAAAAAASX4/eAB6h8HcCj4/s320/IMG_3665%2B2.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3gCtqTwATyw/VeiJNQkVkVI/AAAAAAAASYI/io-o6j2cn64/s1600/IMG_3557%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3gCtqTwATyw/VeiJNQkVkVI/AAAAAAAASYI/io-o6j2cn64/s320/IMG_3557%2B2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uJA2j5twisg/VehhzpofnBI/AAAAAAAASUY/R5om6QtOb3s/s1600/IMG_7643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uJA2j5twisg/VehhzpofnBI/AAAAAAAASUY/R5om6QtOb3s/s320/IMG_7643.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working reeeaallly hard at tear downs....(mom rolls eyes)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MHZPzOE5OnQ/Vehh0UaCiRI/AAAAAAAASUc/JLnWBczko4M/s1600/IMG_7658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MHZPzOE5OnQ/Vehh0UaCiRI/AAAAAAAASUc/JLnWBczko4M/s320/IMG_7658.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saying "a hui hou" to Uncle Andy.</td></tr>
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Some random <i>indoor</i> pictures.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EJC7rTSryFw/VeZ_axbvKoI/AAAAAAAASKc/aSK5lvHBOpU/s1600/IMG_7404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EJC7rTSryFw/VeZ_axbvKoI/AAAAAAAASKc/aSK5lvHBOpU/s320/IMG_7404.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls took hula this summer.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-15EEaEcF0Pg/VehsUjPXtLI/AAAAAAAASXg/C2F8-zbHpEE/s1600/IMG_7757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-15EEaEcF0Pg/VehsUjPXtLI/AAAAAAAASXg/C2F8-zbHpEE/s320/IMG_7757.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wrote music AND practiced their photography,<br />
all at the same time!!! :-9</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hxBrQdG0FdI/VeZ_WwRhLrI/AAAAAAAASJ8/Au9MUefclNQ/s1600/IMG_7292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hxBrQdG0FdI/VeZ_WwRhLrI/AAAAAAAASJ8/Au9MUefclNQ/s320/IMG_7292.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goofing around after meeting.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pYYAgvIIr_M/VeZ_VwgVwvI/AAAAAAAASJw/Gj3IuazOWyk/s1600/IMG_7302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pYYAgvIIr_M/VeZ_VwgVwvI/AAAAAAAASJw/Gj3IuazOWyk/s320/IMG_7302.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middlest-and-Mom Date Night! We went to see the DeGroot<br />
kids perform in "The Reluctant Dragon." Lots of fun!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jKbL-FQ-y2M/VeZ_ba7PvhI/AAAAAAAASKo/Tlzc1kzAyZE/s1600/IMG_7407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jKbL-FQ-y2M/VeZ_ba7PvhI/AAAAAAAASKo/Tlzc1kzAyZE/s320/IMG_7407.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Game night. Looks like Girlfriend could use another round of<br />
anger-management classes. :-9</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YsH_COiI-L8/VeZ_W89qaiI/AAAAAAAASKA/5uRRjZJSbD8/s1600/IMG_7345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YsH_COiI-L8/VeZ_W89qaiI/AAAAAAAASKA/5uRRjZJSbD8/s320/IMG_7345.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Andy, and his classic reading of<br />
<u>Calico the Wonder Horse;</u><br />
it's a must-do when he comes to stay. <br />
Look how happy Uncle Kale is. :D</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xjcqB5zgdBA/VeZ_aBhLBOI/AAAAAAAASKU/79M-LTs1zps/s1600/IMG_7375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xjcqB5zgdBA/VeZ_aBhLBOI/AAAAAAAASKU/79M-LTs1zps/s320/IMG_7375.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And here is his normal everyday face. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RKmx4-tD6-g/VeZ_afHA1sI/AAAAAAAASKY/sTSb-qnlnrg/s1600/IMG_7380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RKmx4-tD6-g/VeZ_afHA1sI/AAAAAAAASKY/sTSb-qnlnrg/s320/IMG_7380.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just kidding.<br />
You'll notice he refused to share that baby.</td></tr>
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This past Saturday was Malia's last football game, and then sushi night at the home of one of our favorite Nebraska transplants--I love it. (It was an 'a hui hou' dinner for Kale, though he refused to call it that. :-9)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZdBYfwOQno/VehkuoO5LTI/AAAAAAAASVA/p9D8TMMwMaw/s1600/IMG_7702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZdBYfwOQno/VehkuoO5LTI/AAAAAAAASVA/p9D8TMMwMaw/s320/IMG_7702.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good work, Malia (and Coach Daddy!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cB8BJM791pM/VehkuMdHsgI/AAAAAAAASU8/sH4J8M-p39A/s1600/IMG_7704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cB8BJM791pM/VehkuMdHsgI/AAAAAAAASU8/sH4J8M-p39A/s320/IMG_7704.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The spread.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x5oALsKhsPc/VehkuMGJJsI/AAAAAAAASU4/0BoMObZjtGc/s1600/IMG_7705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x5oALsKhsPc/VehkuMGJJsI/AAAAAAAASU4/0BoMObZjtGc/s320/IMG_7705.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"They see me rollin'...."</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IAU5-NZ_zCE/Vehkwo5xm7I/AAAAAAAASVY/XKc8DHHj0ns/s1600/IMG_7716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IAU5-NZ_zCE/Vehkwo5xm7I/AAAAAAAASVY/XKc8DHHj0ns/s320/IMG_7716.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A couple of Montana boys, giving it a go.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iddIwhs0bDI/Vehkx_qrqjI/AAAAAAAASVc/Pi-DVe0DwMQ/s1600/IMG_7720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iddIwhs0bDI/Vehkx_qrqjI/AAAAAAAASVc/Pi-DVe0DwMQ/s320/IMG_7720.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mister E!!! He looks unsure here, but loved to see him<br />
happily munching away on the good stuff. :)</td></tr>
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And then, every other picture from this night? Arnall girls, and selfies with babies. Good thing we know so many cute babies!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2d5SFNGrbEo/Vehk3oEKV4I/AAAAAAAASWM/XZTB_EdsHA8/s1600/IMG_7743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2d5SFNGrbEo/Vehk3oEKV4I/AAAAAAAASWM/XZTB_EdsHA8/s320/IMG_7743.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Things started getting' crazy all up in here....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uTPd5X0gQNA/VehlGLBrOWI/AAAAAAAASWs/2Hrr_zqUUnI/s1600/IMG_7727.MOV" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uTPd5X0gQNA/VehlGLBrOWI/AAAAAAAASWs/2Hrr_zqUUnI/s320/IMG_7727.MOV" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You know when Miss C. gets up on the table, <br />
it's going down.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And, now--can we talk about <i>this </i>boy?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AHP2icI7Rbk/VeZ_iUBlp7I/AAAAAAAASL0/syif-JJDZCY/s1600/IMG_7545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AHP2icI7Rbk/VeZ_iUBlp7I/AAAAAAAASL0/syif-JJDZCY/s320/IMG_7545.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">♥ Kamuela James ♥</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There's really not much to say after "He's perfect."</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pw42TmeajYA/Veho9weu9bI/AAAAAAAASXQ/iO0uBWIuKk0/s1600/IMG_7356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pw42TmeajYA/Veho9weu9bI/AAAAAAAASXQ/iO0uBWIuKk0/s320/IMG_7356.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Hey....I <b>see</b> you...."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-heVaPmTT74c/Veho80IAYaI/AAAAAAAASXE/KATLvbpu8e0/s1600/IMG_7412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-heVaPmTT74c/Veho80IAYaI/AAAAAAAASXE/KATLvbpu8e0/s320/IMG_7412.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad could literally not be <i>any</i> happier. <br />
Literally.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j-3-HNItrgI/VeZ_jHjuBDI/AAAAAAAASL8/RNOmhpbR894/s1600/IMG_7554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j-3-HNItrgI/VeZ_jHjuBDI/AAAAAAAASL8/RNOmhpbR894/s320/IMG_7554.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First time babysitting our sweet boy! The way<br />
he mowed down on that bottle gave me great hope<br />
for future babysitting opportunities. ;-)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eiBJ_pRGH3g/VeZ_j88u99I/AAAAAAAASMA/EKjl9hEJl0Q/s1600/IMG_7558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eiBJ_pRGH3g/VeZ_j88u99I/AAAAAAAASMA/EKjl9hEJl0Q/s320/IMG_7558.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cruisin' wit' cousin.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UvAnhhFnfqE/VeZ_l4w3WKI/AAAAAAAASMY/K2uoRogq0iQ/s1600/IMG_7563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UvAnhhFnfqE/VeZ_l4w3WKI/AAAAAAAASMY/K2uoRogq0iQ/s320/IMG_7563.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't he lovelyyyy...isn't he won-der-ful???<br />
(Thanks, Stevie Wonder)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xv9dN4htUrc/VeZ_m8lUeKI/AAAAAAAASMc/vTh-RYK-ty8/s1600/IMG_7582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xv9dN4htUrc/VeZ_m8lUeKI/AAAAAAAASMc/vTh-RYK-ty8/s320/IMG_7582.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of his adoring fans.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vkPjk1zUueQ/VeiJO4k1FGI/AAAAAAAASYQ/SI92R8YiHbw/s1600/IMG_7572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vkPjk1zUueQ/VeiJO4k1FGI/AAAAAAAASYQ/SI92R8YiHbw/s320/IMG_7572.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh, dear.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wI9p_DECkgs/VeiJL0VgCtI/AAAAAAAASX0/ppjDbCpprUg/s1600/IMG_3589%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wI9p_DECkgs/VeiJL0VgCtI/AAAAAAAASX0/ppjDbCpprUg/s320/IMG_3589%2B2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby boy's first convention!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ds7SRBFrcL4/VeiLACC_zkI/AAAAAAAASYk/UuMmYDPo2ME/s1600/IMG_7575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ds7SRBFrcL4/VeiLACC_zkI/AAAAAAAASYk/UuMmYDPo2ME/s320/IMG_7575.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Recaidos. <br />
(And can I just say, they're naturals; <br />
good job, Mama and Daddy!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'll say it again: Life is good. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
♥</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{All for now.}</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
DoRe'http://www.blogger.com/profile/01143682255128399121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5337977104230369552.post-61600638701737925322015-06-09T17:05:00.000-07:002015-06-09T17:10:08.329-07:00Baby Shower<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px;">
Hum-de-dum....</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px;">
I don't know why I always feel so awkward coming back here; it's like, I feel as if I should explain myself, but also, it's so typical of me to disappear for months at a time, so do I really need to explain <i>anything</i>? I'm pretty sure you understood the first 43 times I apologized for being a flaky blogger. Oh, great--now I want pastry.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px;">
We are anticipating Little Man's arrival in approximately 31 days, 6 hours, 59 minutes, and 31 seconds...but who's counting? Oh, yes--<i>we are</i>. (In case you're just stepping in here, <b>I</b> am not expecting Little Man; Sister-in-Law is, but since we're all slightly baby-crazy...well, you know. :-D)</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px;">
We're at that point where her due date feels SO close, and yet still SO far away; it's hard to know what to do with ourselves (because it's <i>all</i> about us, isn't it? <i>Sit down, DoRé</i>.). A good way to pass the time (and resist the urge to sit around staring at her belly, watching for every little kick and punt and end zone dance he does in there) was to throw Mama and Daddy a baby shower, à la <i>Where the Wild Things Are. </i></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-32qbn3NzVGM/VXcR-EvH6SI/AAAAAAAARUg/3UjJNmPMdmo/s1600/IMG_6749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-32qbn3NzVGM/VXcR-EvH6SI/AAAAAAAARUg/3UjJNmPMdmo/s320/IMG_6749.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The invitations.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ETL2u5O1RrI/VXcR90hYwHI/AAAAAAAARUc/qFZedbRYA0c/s1600/IMG_6740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ETL2u5O1RrI/VXcR90hYwHI/AAAAAAAARUc/qFZedbRYA0c/s320/IMG_6740.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mJe6A4v2s1k/VXcR93ocQWI/AAAAAAAARUk/Uhkj_DtKMUo/s1600/IMG_6748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mJe6A4v2s1k/VXcR93ocQWI/AAAAAAAARUk/Uhkj_DtKMUo/s320/IMG_6748.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">
Envelopes. Cute, yes? </div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">
Pinterest. Always Pinterest.</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ru4TgHyKQ8k/VXaJ-2jAZvI/AAAAAAAARTQ/RMRN8-eSEqs/s1600/_MG_5372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ru4TgHyKQ8k/VXaJ-2jAZvI/AAAAAAAARTQ/RMRN8-eSEqs/s320/_MG_5372.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Come on in!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zi50t53XWDg/VXaH5pYqXxI/AAAAAAAARPY/m-cFOmncg7E/s1600/IMG_5375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zi50t53XWDg/VXaH5pYqXxI/AAAAAAAARPY/m-cFOmncg7E/s320/IMG_5375.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous sign one of their friends made<br />
to use in baby's room.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zQL66w9_v84/VXaHwlWQBsI/AAAAAAAARO8/6bHTn0wpaRs/s1600/IMG_5376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zQL66w9_v84/VXaHwlWQBsI/AAAAAAAARO8/6bHTn0wpaRs/s320/IMG_5376.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "guest book." We asked each guest<br />
to sign their name around the inside<br />
perimeter of the star, filling it all the way<br />
in to the center. I guess we didn't get a shot<br />
of the finished star...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dOs4X1SNf6s/VXaIBzmNb1I/AAAAAAAARPs/tlOIr32Wxh0/s1600/IMG_5385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dOs4X1SNf6s/VXaIBzmNb1I/AAAAAAAARPs/tlOIr32Wxh0/s320/IMG_5385.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Max's tent, and one really cute kiddo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m-4H9nssFo0/VXaH5gzmhBI/AAAAAAAARPc/sMbh_OJoB5c/s1600/IMG_5382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m-4H9nssFo0/VXaH5gzmhBI/AAAAAAAARPc/sMbh_OJoB5c/s320/IMG_5382.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Covered the canopy posts with some greenery.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bIJp0iX_w20/VXaH5zKZoxI/AAAAAAAARPU/K-BvcI89fm0/s1600/IMG_5383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bIJp0iX_w20/VXaH5zKZoxI/AAAAAAAARPU/K-BvcI89fm0/s320/IMG_5383.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sailboat centerpieces, <br />
and some really cute pennant banners.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d-xJP0fKwjM/VXaIAoRc2NI/AAAAAAAARPk/D2_IbRdBLjY/s1600/IMG_5384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d-xJP0fKwjM/VXaIAoRc2NI/AAAAAAAARPk/D2_IbRdBLjY/s320/IMG_5384.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of the sailboats. My Mister learned that "crafting"<br />
looks just like "scale-modeling" sometimes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P3ayR1qkA9s/VXaHx18o61I/AAAAAAAARPE/jQdPePo6ji0/s1600/IMG_5378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P3ayR1qkA9s/VXaHx18o61I/AAAAAAAARPE/jQdPePo6ji0/s320/IMG_5378.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The menu.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Ku7X_JhWYk/VXaJCAOaM2I/AAAAAAAARQg/IxZQhAzoas4/s1600/IMG_5420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Ku7X_JhWYk/VXaJCAOaM2I/AAAAAAAARQg/IxZQhAzoas4/s320/IMG_5420.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The food line.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(4, 46, 238); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #042eee; font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cSHzbs0n70o/VXaILeqyLFI/AAAAAAAARQE/Dm02evLT3Ic/s1600/IMG_5395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cSHzbs0n70o/VXaILeqyLFI/AAAAAAAARQE/Dm02evLT3Ic/s320/IMG_5395.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dessert table.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yww-QSjmSDw/VXaIJVWVUDI/AAAAAAAARP8/5OW4o9cral4/s1600/IMG_5397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yww-QSjmSDw/VXaIJVWVUDI/AAAAAAAARP8/5OW4o9cral4/s320/IMG_5397.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">
This cake was a joint effort by my girls; </div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">
a great first effort in making a cake for a </div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">
gathering like this!</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">
(usually, they reserve their creations </div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">
f<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">or family only. ;-9)</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5tIdWlKJA3w/VXaIMHpC-dI/AAAAAAAARQM/40CMwAgp2xs/s1600/IMG_5413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5tIdWlKJA3w/VXaIMHpC-dI/AAAAAAAARQM/40CMwAgp2xs/s320/IMG_5413.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">
Mama-to-be!</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">
Look at that glorious belly.</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0FVS35T8tvs/VXaI9dZTnxI/AAAAAAAARQY/fBt-MaD15fU/s1600/IMG_5415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0FVS35T8tvs/VXaI9dZTnxI/AAAAAAAARQY/fBt-MaD15fU/s320/IMG_5415.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">
Daddy-to-be. </div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">(I'm afraid he'll always be </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">3 years old </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">in my head. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">I'll need to work that out.)</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WaKx4ZUyOcM/VXaJVc0v5FI/AAAAAAAARRM/t4Hz-zo8NNE/s1600/IMG_5419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WaKx4ZUyOcM/VXaJVc0v5FI/AAAAAAAARRM/t4Hz-zo8NNE/s320/IMG_5419.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is it game time?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J3XZPURs7CQ/VXaJdRkkQXI/AAAAAAAARRo/60oBeN3r2PQ/s1600/IMG_5445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J3XZPURs7CQ/VXaJdRkkQXI/AAAAAAAARRo/60oBeN3r2PQ/s320/IMG_5445.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, it is.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eFRdzg_Azic/VXaJgbKpVNI/AAAAAAAARRw/l0CKpqRsI8c/s1600/IMG_5447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eFRdzg_Azic/VXaJgbKpVNI/AAAAAAAARRw/l0CKpqRsI8c/s320/IMG_5447.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mama's holding her own.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cARYdqACdJY/VXaJlzAcPpI/AAAAAAAARSE/rtWaUJF8c_g/s1600/IMG_5451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cARYdqACdJY/VXaJlzAcPpI/AAAAAAAARSE/rtWaUJF8c_g/s320/IMG_5451.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good job, ladies!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KFsSS0I61Jo/VXaJCuBPw2I/AAAAAAAARQo/i-JfNilTSrU/s1600/IMG_5421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KFsSS0I61Jo/VXaJCuBPw2I/AAAAAAAARQo/i-JfNilTSrU/s320/IMG_5421.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">
But, of course, the real magic happens </div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">
when you make grown men carry baby dolls around.</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4-b8Iy4c8C0/VXaJNogW64I/AAAAAAAARRA/qCJ7gsr33Do/s1600/IMG_5423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4-b8Iy4c8C0/VXaJNogW64I/AAAAAAAARRA/qCJ7gsr33Do/s320/IMG_5423.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Take your positions....</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n78kSCW7zVE/VXaJGv0eSHI/AAAAAAAARQw/RpnsYKTJyOM/s1600/IMG_5426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n78kSCW7zVE/VXaJGv0eSHI/AAAAAAAARQw/RpnsYKTJyOM/s320/IMG_5426.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">...and, GO!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XHZ0jsOLGH4/VXaJNBm_YfI/AAAAAAAARQ4/hUrClUVdEdA/s1600/IMG_5430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XHZ0jsOLGH4/VXaJNBm_YfI/AAAAAAAARQ4/hUrClUVdEdA/s320/IMG_5430.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Pretty good, guys!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0FSlliobNW4/VXaJVtO0k2I/AAAAAAAARRQ/ihrQ2NImO9I/s1600/IMG_5437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0FSlliobNW4/VXaJVtO0k2I/AAAAAAAARRQ/ihrQ2NImO9I/s320/IMG_5437.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">(But, I'm super glad those aren't real babies.)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iNOkxszR6sI/VXaJWKgEmDI/AAAAAAAARRY/bdLVgUDh0ys/s1600/IMG_5436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iNOkxszR6sI/VXaJWKgEmDI/AAAAAAAARRY/bdLVgUDh0ys/s320/IMG_5436.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I love how the clothesline eventually becomes DoRé-friendly.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oj1wxKbS3cQ/VXaJmJp4LLI/AAAAAAAARSI/LAVrS4LCXro/s1600/IMG_5454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oj1wxKbS3cQ/VXaJmJp4LLI/AAAAAAAARSI/LAVrS4LCXro/s320/IMG_5454.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Showered.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ps4a8GPHbc/VXaKA6j8WoI/AAAAAAAARTg/lNJ9GpHXx_U/s1600/_MG_5478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ps4a8GPHbc/VXaKA6j8WoI/AAAAAAAARTg/lNJ9GpHXx_U/s320/_MG_5478.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Lots of fun stuff!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FH3Z8LR9BAM/VXaKD90i9HI/AAAAAAAARTo/bc2F1XdIIZA/s1600/_MG_5523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FH3Z8LR9BAM/VXaKD90i9HI/AAAAAAAARTo/bc2F1XdIIZA/s320/_MG_5523.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Josh, practicing.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yFIgMnpBL6o/VXaJigL5N4I/AAAAAAAARR4/wM1w9ndOfTw/s1600/IMG_5441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yFIgMnpBL6o/VXaJigL5N4I/AAAAAAAARR4/wM1w9ndOfTw/s320/IMG_5441.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Kiana, loving.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fE1WP1jzXFU/VXaJabbIDdI/AAAAAAAARRg/XKYy-umx8e8/s1600/IMG_5443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fE1WP1jzXFU/VXaJabbIDdI/AAAAAAAARRg/XKYy-umx8e8/s320/IMG_5443.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Brothers, chilling.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QxovPT1caHE/VXaICbfM8FI/AAAAAAAARP0/roDgGoVU2TY/s1600/IMG_5390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QxovPT1caHE/VXaICbfM8FI/AAAAAAAARP0/roDgGoVU2TY/s320/IMG_5390.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Shelley, sparkling.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QS25_Lv2Gnw/VXaJ0PR7A2I/AAAAAAAARSw/2Zm-67RKwnY/s1600/IMG_5608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QS25_Lv2Gnw/VXaJ0PR7A2I/AAAAAAAARSw/2Zm-67RKwnY/s320/IMG_5608.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">
Look at this gorgeous girl. </div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">
One of Kamu's 6 older girl cousins. </div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">
(Good luck, little man!)</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U3RhgjX4dlo/VXaJwC-9aRI/AAAAAAAARSg/1TA7q29V4eA/s1600/IMG_5577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U3RhgjX4dlo/VXaJwC-9aRI/AAAAAAAARSg/1TA7q29V4eA/s320/IMG_5577.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">
Baby girl is D-O-N-E, done. </div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">
(I LOL every time I look at this.)</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDIzwVMqs9k/VXaKHatb3oI/AAAAAAAART0/5rvECirUeL0/s1600/_MG_5599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDIzwVMqs9k/VXaKHatb3oI/AAAAAAAART0/5rvECirUeL0/s320/_MG_5599.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">"The Neighbors." <br />(Thanks for ALL your help!!!)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-596cM3vQJg8/VXaJwkyMjuI/AAAAAAAARSo/XHTrb9FtaKk/s1600/IMG_5544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-596cM3vQJg8/VXaJwkyMjuI/AAAAAAAARSo/XHTrb9FtaKk/s320/IMG_5544.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Kamuela's aunty, cousin, grammy, and mama!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R5BmGHKa2VU/VXaJriV6_cI/AAAAAAAARSQ/LpPUXLracb4/s1600/IMG_5560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R5BmGHKa2VU/VXaJriV6_cI/AAAAAAAARSQ/LpPUXLracb4/s320/IMG_5560.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">With Kamuela's grandpa. :)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--UxbQx-BNHA/VXaKHuN_rtI/AAAAAAAART4/0fK8i09fJ2U/s1600/_MG_5520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--UxbQx-BNHA/VXaKHuN_rtI/AAAAAAAART4/0fK8i09fJ2U/s320/_MG_5520.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">
Baby Brother, and </div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">
Party Helper Extraordinaire.</div>
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(I guess she's his girlfriend, too. :-9)</div>
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<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-olnNyAmtE98/VXaJ2T32ZhI/AAAAAAAARS4/tlzT3u8vWCI/s1600/IMG_5615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-olnNyAmtE98/VXaJ2T32ZhI/AAAAAAAARS4/tlzT3u8vWCI/s320/IMG_5615.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Love.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SZNNgqQJ1C4/VXaJwAssm7I/AAAAAAAARSk/XKoFb_q0lVg/s1600/IMG_5557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SZNNgqQJ1C4/VXaJwAssm7I/AAAAAAAARSk/XKoFb_q0lVg/s320/IMG_5557.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">So excited for these two!!!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">It was a gorgeous, gorgeous Pacific northwest day--the sun was shining, the birds were chirping, and the sky kept her raindrop children home that day. I'd be remiss if I did not express my deep appreciation for the many hands that made light work; I realize if I mention them all by name and missions accomplished, it will quickly become evident that my role in this whole production was simply being a Glorified List Maker. </span></div>
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A huge Thank You! to everyone who took a moment to come and sit with Josh and Bethany a little while before they embark on their next great adventure, and to those who sent happy thoughts their way that day.</div>
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{All for now.}</div>
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DoRe'http://www.blogger.com/profile/01143682255128399121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5337977104230369552.post-29721682451501789702015-03-15T01:04:00.003-07:002015-09-03T00:04:41.427-07:00:: twelve ::<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>(So, here's the deal: You remember back in January, when I claimed I'd post a pic a day, and then failed not-so-epically, because we all know that that is my typical </i>modus operandi? <i> Yeah, that. Well, I'm not sure I should get any credit for this </i>(I absolutely should)<i>, but despite the lack of evidence of life here on the blog, I still tried to take at least a pic, or a screen shot, or something that captured a moment in my day, and upload it to the drafts folder, so I'd have it there if I ever decided to show my face again. I started to sputter right around NFC championship time </i>(I had a party to plan, duh)<i>, but I did surprisingly well with making sure I left my phone available for my children to hijack and use as their personal selfie-taking machine. :-p) </i></div>
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So, looking back, this is what I uploaded for January 12th. If you'll recall, I was <a href="http://dorearnall.blogspot.com/2015/01/eight.html" target="_blank">contemplating getting a jumpstart on my mid-life crisis,</a> and, as such, was spending more time than usual at the gym, training. I had some very specific goals that I hoped to accomplish:</div>
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<li>Break my personal record for "Longest Talk Story Session after a Workout," and </li>
<li>Discover the most perfect post-workout smoothie combination the YMCA's coffee shop has to offer.</li>
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Oh, and I guess I did want to be able to walk 3.1 miles before the sun went down. Minor.<br />
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Anyway, one night, my Mister and I headed to the gym by ourselves, determined to get a quick workout in; we weren't quick enough, apparently, as this text evidences: <br />
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She's sassy, isn't she? I guess she called, but my phone was hiding in my locker, so then she felt the need to resort to scathing text messages. <br />
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But--never fear; I've been translating this girl's love language for 14 years, and she is clearly saying, "Mama, where are you? I thought you would be home by now, and I'm a little worried about you. I miss you; please call me ASAP, so I know you're safe, and so I can ask you to stop by the store and pick up some ice cream for us. I love you."<br />
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You see it, don't you? Yeah, I thought so. :)<br />
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{All for now.} </div>
<br />DoRe'http://www.blogger.com/profile/01143682255128399121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5337977104230369552.post-67095910048219030612015-03-13T23:59:00.000-07:002015-03-15T00:15:54.343-07:00#tgifbf...as in, Thank Goodness It's Flashback Friday.<br />
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(My teenager is adamant: "That's <i>not</i> a thing, Mom.")<br />
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But I need it to be, because I really want to jump back in here, but am apparently too lazy to write an actual post, so thank goodness there's an internet hashtag bandwagon for that.<br />
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(And, could someone please clarify for me exactly <i>what</i> the difference is between <i>#tbt</i> and <i>#fbf</i>? I suspect<i> #fbf</i> was created by procrastinators who just couldn't get it together in time for <i>#tbt</i>. Trust me--the struggle is real, my friends. But I digress...)<br />
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Today, I'm flashing back a few years to the days when our house still oozed with the sweetness of three little girls; I didn't realize how much I'd miss all that stickiness:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/c4yi_B18-HA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/c4yi_B18-HA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe> </div>
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And now, this is my life: </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/UudNkB4ACGg/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/UudNkB4ACGg?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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...offering comical perspectives on tourists. Even though, technically, they <i>are</i> tourists. </div>
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<a href="http://www.dorearnall.blogspot.com/2011/10/what-not-to-wear.html" target="_blank">I've done this before</a>, </div>
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and it's all in good fun, fellow tourist-types;</div>
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we embrace all kinds of ridiculous in this household. </div>
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(Just ask my kids about their mother. Or maybe I'd rather you didn't.)</div>
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{All for now} </div>
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<br />DoRe'http://www.blogger.com/profile/01143682255128399121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5337977104230369552.post-38942505726910705452015-01-11T22:00:00.000-08:002015-02-07T20:50:48.468-08:00:: eleven ::<br />
So....this went out today:<br />
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I'll be honest here: we were totally caught off-guard. We opened it up, and took a collective gasp, looking at each other in wide-eyed bewilderment. I think I was the first to break the stunned silence:<br />
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<i>"Well, that's <u>definitely</u> not the font we <b>thought</b> they'd use..."</i></div>
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(Gotcha, didn't I? ;-9)</div>
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In case you don't know, the couple in that picture are not models in an advertisement for classy holiday cards; no, they are my brother and his lovely wife, on the verge of a new and very real adventure. If you don't know how this family feels about babies, then it's safe to presume that you've never had the great pleasure of trying to wrestle your baby back out of the loving arms of any one of us--and we are four generations strong, so it's quite a workout for any new parent. (I think I'm also getting to the root of why we are only ever invited anywhere once.)</div>
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To say we are excited about this impending arrival is putting it <i>very</i> mildly; not only are our "babies" 10-years-old, but <i>he</i> will be the first grandson/nephew/boy cousin for both the Recaido and the Joyce families. Joshua has gifted our family with lots of "firsts" in recent years; it makes sense that he'd be the one to make my sister and I uncles for the first time!</div>
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Hahaha.</div>
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{All for now.}</div>
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DoRe'http://www.blogger.com/profile/01143682255128399121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5337977104230369552.post-24891371041537985152015-01-10T16:26:00.000-08:002015-01-12T09:08:41.409-08:00:: ten ::<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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"Follow your heart." </div>
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That sweet saying, popularized by indecisive dreamers everywhere (myself included), doesn't always guarantee bliss, I'm discovering. Because sometimes your heart is a somewhat overenthusiastic monster truck fan , and Heart likes to coordinate annual excursions to Monster Jam at the Tacoma Dome, involving 85 of his closest friends, 3 slightly reluctant daughters, and 1 brother-in-law who ends up bailing--more on that in a minute. </div>
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(And--that's <b>90</b> tickets, my friends. To Monster Jam. In <i><b>DoRe' Arnall's </b></i>mailbox.Wha--?!)</div>
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I can't really hold my heart responsible for buying tickets
to the Saturday evening show--there's no way Heart could have known that that would
be the same day his beloved Seahawks faced the Panthers in the divisional round
of the playoffs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(And who <i>doesn't</i>
remember sitting there at the end of Week 7, wondering if they'd even <i>make</i> it to
playoffs this year? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Confession: t</span>his girl's confidence was slightly shaken.) And, who could blame my heart's brother-in-law for quietly retreating from the original Saturday plan, hoping Heart wouldn't notice that he had opted instead for a ticket in the uppermost corners of CenturyLink? (Being married has had surprisingly little effect on brother-in-law's game attendance--it's quite impressive, really. :-p)</div>
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And so it is, and here I am, solitary, after sending my heart and our three daughters off to Monstertruckland. Brother and Sister-in-law texted earlier with an invite to come hang with her and the crew there; I had to graciously decline, but only because I didn't really feel like putting pants on today. (C'mon now; you can't expect me to be married to Heart for 15 years and not adopt at least a <i>few</i> of his philosophies....) I'm <i>kidding. </i>I'm wearing the biggest, stretchiest pair of sweats my heart owns; now <b><i>that</i></b> feels like bliss. </div>
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Kickoff is in less than an hour, game food is ready, and I made the tremendous effort of putting on my lucky socks, so I'm thinking we have a pretty good chance of winning today. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My pre-game pep talk with the brother. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It seems like he actually thought I was kidding?!?!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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all for now...</div>
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{Go Hawks!}</div>
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<i>*Post-game update: The socks worked.</i></div>
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It's Blue Friday, my friends! </div>
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I'm not sure there's much more to be said, but in case you're not aware of this family's relationship with football, you'll find some enlightenment in <a href="http://dorearnall.blogspot.com/2014/03/ack-ive-failed-so-much-for-posting.html" target="_blank">this post</a>. I'll let that speak for itself; I need to save my voice for tomorrow. </div>
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{Go Hawks!}</div>
DoRe'http://www.blogger.com/profile/01143682255128399121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5337977104230369552.post-84074275193374220102015-01-08T22:00:00.000-08:002015-01-10T11:48:17.232-08:00:: eight ::<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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i completed the day 2 workout for week 1 of the 5k your way walking training program; notice how i typed out everything in lower case to make it seem less official? i wish the numbers weren't so tall. :) </div>
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Because I recognize that committing to something like a training program, no matter how amateurish, could seem to indicate intention to commit to something like the Hot Chocolate 15K/5K Event All of Your Friends Have Signed Up For, and I'm just not sure I'm ready for something like that. </div>
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Day 2 was literally a walk in the park, if the park looked like a track at the YMCA; but isn't that the least intelligent time to commit to something--when you think it's going to be easy? Idk. But right now I'm pretty sure that I think it's looking probable that I could definitely consider possibly trying to think about whether or not this is something I might do. perhaps maybe. (in lower case) </div>
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Impressive--commitment-phobia at its finest.</div>
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{all for now}</div>
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DoRe'http://www.blogger.com/profile/01143682255128399121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5337977104230369552.post-75711123480220338102015-01-07T22:30:00.000-08:002015-01-10T11:46:25.563-08:00:: seven ::<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oldest Daughter showed up for meeting dressed in exactly the opposite color scheme as her dear old mom:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Totally unintentional, supposedly.</td></tr>
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I can't decide: is this just the most passive-aggresive form of teenage rebellion I've ever seen; or is she <i>actually</i> my photo-negative, silently acknowledging that she will someday develop into some version of me? </div>
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Oh, dear. :-)</div>
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{All for now.}</div>
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<br />DoRe'http://www.blogger.com/profile/01143682255128399121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5337977104230369552.post-91828161032092392992015-01-06T22:26:00.001-08:002015-01-10T11:43:39.760-08:00::six::<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dinner with Baby Brother and Girlfriend this evening; they are Japan-bound first thing tomorrow morning. It's pretty comical, the concern I feel for him as he becomes an international traveler--what if he...<br />
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<li>forgets his tickets at home? or </li>
<li>gets on the wrong plane? or </li>
<li>makes it all the way to Japan and realizes he accidentally left his blankie at home? or </li>
<li>gets lost on his way to work? or </li>
<li>gets to work, and they actually make him <b>do</b> stuff--<i>what then?!?!</i> </li>
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All this, coming from someone who can't even reach the overhead storage compartments on an airplane.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paying rapt attention as my Mister divulges insider secrets. (Sorry to crop you out of this picture, Girlfriend; I'm no photographer, and the original shot did you no justice. You know we love you. :)</td></tr>
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Love you, Baby Brother; </div>
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be safe, be kind, and we'll be here when you get home.</div>
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{All for now.} </div>
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DoRe'http://www.blogger.com/profile/01143682255128399121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5337977104230369552.post-39083430025562879342015-01-05T16:47:00.000-08:002015-01-10T11:46:43.301-08:00::five::<br />
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It's back to the books for us today; </div>
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winter break was lovely, but I <i>am</i> a creature of habit, and </div>
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there is much comfort for me in getting back into our regular routine. </div>
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{all for now.} </div>
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<br />DoRe'http://www.blogger.com/profile/01143682255128399121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5337977104230369552.post-77665354942760888532015-01-04T22:57:00.000-08:002015-01-06T15:12:49.215-08:00::four::<div style="text-align: left;">
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Today brought with it some special dinner guests--our next door neighbors. This family was here to welcome us to the neighborhood with open arms 11 years ago; you know--back in my glory days, when I was still taller than all of the kids. It has been our good fortune and privilege to live next door long enough to watch every one of them shoot up past me. (Granted, that part only took about 2 years.) This past July, they set off for sunnier climes, and defected to California; we were slightly heartbroken, because they are</div>
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the. best. </div>
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(Seriously.) </div>
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Thankfully, they still have just cause and reason to make their way back to Washington on occasion, and so we were glad to get the call for dinner this eve; time with them is time well-spent, truly. Want to see all the awesome shots I got of their evening here?</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>There ya go. </i></span></div>
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The truth remains: I am a horrible documentarian, of both the big <b>and</b> the little moments that give our lives depth and meaning. (Although I guess one <i>could</i> argue that chocolate chip cookies have been known to offer much depth and meaning to millions of lives the world over, so I'll let *you* decide.) </div>
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But I have purposed this year to become more diligent in capturing at least one moment per day, and so here we are; stick with me--it's bound to get better.</div>
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(The other truth: I didn't even take this picture. Thanks, Kiana.;-9)</div>
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{all for now}</div>
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DoRe'http://www.blogger.com/profile/01143682255128399121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5337977104230369552.post-88187868043529622032015-01-03T22:11:00.000-08:002015-01-06T21:40:19.149-08:00::three::<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Saturday found us heading into the city; the Pacific Science Center was wrapping up their showing of the Ripley's Believe It or Not exhibit and, true to form, we waited until the second-to-last day to go check it out. (Because we <i>really</i> love spending our Saturday afternoons milling through crowded buildings with every other procrastinator in western Washington. No, really--we do. I don't know why you don't believe me.)</div>
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Fortunately, good company has a way of lending this introvert the courage to face the masses, and so we <strike>trapped</strike> invited some friends to go along; it was risky, but I just checked--they're still speaking to us. :-9</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All aboard!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warming up on the ferry; everyone's still being polite and smiling nicely...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-emJDssuzYM0/VKt2RwBfKUI/AAAAAAAANJQ/ExGcHIqS0VQ/s1600/IMG_5351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-emJDssuzYM0/VKt2RwBfKUI/AAAAAAAANJQ/ExGcHIqS0VQ/s1600/IMG_5351.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...but Littlest--well, she can't help herself.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She sure does know how to get a good thing started. :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Einstein toast art; he's all about the silly faces, too, though.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UNU3sqViFeM/VKt3bms_j-I/AAAAAAAANKY/BeNB32OKyFA/s1600/IMG_5397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UNU3sqViFeM/VKt3bms_j-I/AAAAAAAANKY/BeNB32OKyFA/s1600/IMG_5397.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With...you know...the robot guy from that one movie.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Ou2g8IgYoM/VKt2TbnbXPI/AAAAAAAANI8/f3N8f5uXRXQ/s1600/IMG_5372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Ou2g8IgYoM/VKt2TbnbXPI/AAAAAAAANI8/f3N8f5uXRXQ/s1600/IMG_5372.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robot model of world's tallest man--he was 8'11".<br />
(And <i>still</i> she throws attitude.) </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G70kiMC0NKI/VKt3ayN93AI/AAAAAAAANKQ/VBoGLTIg3BM/s1600/IMG_5396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G70kiMC0NKI/VKt3ayN93AI/AAAAAAAANKQ/VBoGLTIg3BM/s1600/IMG_5396.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just felt like this needed to be shared. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love these kids!</td></tr>
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{all for now.}</div>
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DoRe'http://www.blogger.com/profile/01143682255128399121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5337977104230369552.post-24998544483062710452015-01-02T21:38:00.000-08:002015-01-05T21:40:01.156-08:00::two::<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of my favorite birthday gifts last year? A sweet homemade "gift" card from my Mister, promising all the love and labor that goes into painting a kitchen in desperate need of an entire makeover. I treasured that little card, tucking it securely under my pillow every night for safekeeping, and the hope that it would somehow seep its magic into my dreams, and set the stage for all sorts of wonderful.</div>
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Fast-forward to December:</div>
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Him: <i>"Babe, what do you want for Christmas this year?"</i> </blockquote>
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Me: <i>"Nothing. I really don't need anything. I haven't really had a chance to work out the budget either, so I don't really want to spend money I'm not sure about."</i> </blockquote>
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Him: <i>"Don't be crazy. You're getting a Christmas present, so you may as well just tell me what you want."</i> </blockquote>
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Me: <i>"Okay. I think I just want...my birthday present."</i></div>
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Confession: it's always fun to render one's husband speechless. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mister, making good on his promise, and Littlest, "helping." </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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{all for now.}</div>
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DoRe'http://www.blogger.com/profile/01143682255128399121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5337977104230369552.post-92109624332774600312015-01-01T00:06:00.000-08:002015-01-10T11:47:16.736-08:00Yappy Hew Near!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
Look at this happy girl:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-urFcFRbdtQU/VKZRf2GBzQI/AAAAAAAAMcI/x_HCED0nh7U/s640/blogger-image--1540890970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-urFcFRbdtQU/VKZRf2GBzQI/AAAAAAAAMcI/x_HCED0nh7U/s640/blogger-image--1540890970.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo by kiana!</td></tr>
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This serves as inspiration for me as we head into the new year: </div>
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Joy. Anticipation. Being present. </div>
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{happy new year!}</div>
DoRe'http://www.blogger.com/profile/01143682255128399121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5337977104230369552.post-11561148694743437082014-10-02T22:31:00.001-07:002014-10-02T23:25:29.509-07:00The Benefits of Oldness (Or, Daniel is 40)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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I'm married to a 40-year-old, guys. </div>
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Which really, in <i>my</i> book, doesn't qualify as "old," but who am I to argue with his creaking bones, and those grimaces of pain as he shuffles across the room, hand planted firmly on lower back, muttering under his breath all the hardships of these four decades of life? </div>
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I mean, I'm just too young to understand all that, ya' know? I know someday I'll bear such wisdom; for now, I sit here in my corner of ignorance, giggling very quietly.</div>
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I guess there are upsides to falling apart: you get to visit the chiropractor twice a week for a month; you get to catch up on your "reading" because you have to lie in bed for hours as you cycle through heating and icing your back; and you get to bask in the glow of the concerned looks of strangers as you hobble back through the Fred Meyer parking lot because your wife sent you out grocery shopping anyway, despite the theatrics you've put on especially for her benefit. And so on.</div>
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But, at least you get a warm dinner out of it, surrounded by some pretty funny people, who happen to think you're remarkably awesome (even if you <i>did</i> need help getting up and down the restaurant stairs). I'm kidding; you managed those stairs like a pro. </div>
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Happy 40th to my dear husband. </div>
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I love you more than you know, and am more thankful than I show.</div>
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(I'll try to work on that.)</div>
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♥</div>
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Mom: "Uh....I'm not sure?....(pause) But I'm guessing now that that's something you could probably tell me about?"<br />
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Malia: "I'm just wondering what <i><u>actually</u> </i>happens!"<br />
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Mom: "But why?"<br />
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Mikela: "<b>Malia</b>!!! Did you eat oil-free makeup remover?!?!"<br />
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Malia: "Well--um....I'm not sure! I might've?....."<br />
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{So far, so good. :-9}</div>
DoRe'http://www.blogger.com/profile/01143682255128399121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5337977104230369552.post-8359826257736105412014-09-19T23:38:00.000-07:002014-09-21T23:00:58.746-07:00Sing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's been a busy few months, folks, and I can't complain....(but I <i>could </i>use a nap). In the meantime, listen to these girls sing, and I'll be back with more later:</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/7csXcQZQrBc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Some of you have seen this before, if you're Facebook friends with my hubby (the one who's turning 40 years old on Tuesday. Whoa.). Anyway, I thought you might like hearing it again. It's certainly more enjoyable than what happens when <i>I</i> try belting out the hits:<br />
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<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/s_vi/55bWEh2wh2c/default.jpg?sqp=CLi09KAF&rs=AOn4CLDxO_IKG16-MnkmgaB59TjQZd5GBQ" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/55bWEh2wh2c?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/v/55bWEh2wh2c?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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(As you can imagine, my touring schedule is booked solid this year.)<br />
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Wait--let me give you one more;<br />
check out these cuties, singing for their cuppycakes at the mall: </div>
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:D</div>
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{All for now}</div>
DoRe'http://www.blogger.com/profile/01143682255128399121noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5337977104230369552.post-17317639185278098102014-05-20T21:22:00.001-07:002015-09-04T20:46:30.946-07:00Tiptoe-ing my way back into BlogVille<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Let's just dive right in now, shall we?</div>
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Hello, friends. Just stopping in to change up the view on this here blog. Life is full, and busy, and lovely (most of the time). I'm sorry to bore you, but no clever words this evening; I hope these pictures will make up for it. We meandered into the city a few Thursdays ago for an IMAX movie and some playtime at the Pacific Science Center and The Children's Museum; apparently, we quit going to the Children's Museum before Youngest Daughter was born, so I felt like she needed at least one spin through to file in her "Happy Childhood Memories" bank.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The token "Space Needle" picture. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for the movie to start; jus' keepin' it real and chill, dawg.<br />
Swag.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miki, taking charge in the kid-sized kitchen. Or, as<br />
it's known around here, "the Mom-sized kitchen."<br />
(Don't think I haven't considered just loading these <br />
DoRe'-sized cabinets into my car and <br />
replacing my current ones with them, 'cause I have.)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holding court in the Three Bears' living room.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lol--Youngest Daughter's revenge.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting the message across--how Oldest Daughter<br />
lets us know it's time to go. <br />
<strike>Drama Queen </strike> <strike>Party pooper </strike> Teenagers.</td></tr>
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Well, another busy day tomorrow; girls have testing, and we are working like little ants to get our school work done and out of the way, so we can welcome summer with open arms and lots of beach time, fingers crossed.<br />
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{Until next time}</div>
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DoRe'http://www.blogger.com/profile/01143682255128399121noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5337977104230369552.post-75381620201606058072014-03-04T17:50:00.000-08:002014-03-04T22:43:00.179-08:00Tsk, tsk...Ack--I've failed; so much for posting weekly in 2014. <br />
(But, hey--I called it first.) <br />
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You know who <em>didn't</em> fail? These guys:<br />
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Super Bowl Champs, baby.</div>
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(Who am I kidding? I don't talk like that.)</div>
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Confession: I am a fan by proxy.* The only real authority I have to talk football these days is via my husband, who is the real and lifelong Seahawks fan. If not for this particular grown man jumping up and down in various living rooms across Washington state on Sunday afternoons, shouting pointless directives at other grown men he has never met, and, three hours later, initiating celebratory hug-fests with whomever will join him in his victory dances, then I would have no business doing the same. But we do. </div>
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Oh, yes, we do. :)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okay, so we're not dancing here. <br />
But I think making pic collages on <br />
your iPhone is pretty much the same.<br />
(Thanks, Kiana.)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> *<em>I must give a nod to my family of origin, all of whom are faithful football fans in a state which lacks its own pro-football team. I suspect living in paradise makes up for it. :-9</em></span></div>
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So how weird is it that he didn't make it to the Welcome Home parade? Pretty weird. But, his wife and daughters did. And his brothers-in-law. And some of his friends. And a few of his co-workers. Pooooooor Dan....</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sad Face</td></tr>
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Happy Faces on the ferry.</div>
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My lovelies.</div>
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Braddahs.</div>
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Roo's mom and dad. :)</div>
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The parade ended right there in the parking lot</div>
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in front of us.</div>
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I thought I got some great shots of the players as they went by, but I just checked again, and sure enough, they weren't nearly as good as they seemed when we were still riding high on the excitement of it all. Actually, a lot of it is video of the head of the guy in front of me, or the coat of the little girl he kept placing on his shoulders so <em>she</em> could see. (<em>Being 4'6" is so totally awesome</em>.) No complaints, though; it was so much fun just to be in the city, and see the team.</div>
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What else? We saw a little bit of snow last month, which lasted all of about 17 minutes:</div>
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Took a quick jaunt to the Great Wolf Lodge last week:</div>
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(My children found certain humor in looking up from unloading the car and having this view greet them; I found more than one shot of what appears to be an animal's backside on my phone. Turns out, it's the chest of a howling wolf. You see what you want to see, I guess. :-p)</div>
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Well, that's it, guys--I've run out of steam.</div>
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Welllllll.....maybe I've got enough for one more:</div>
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<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://i1.ytimg.com/s_vi/iZjMNTD8l4A/default.jpg?sqp=CJyD2pgF&rs=AOn4CLB0SfyFe6jhJjK1ObQk4iP90UK0YA" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/iZjMNTD8l4A?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/v/iZjMNTD8l4A?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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Teehee. :)</div>
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This was a cute routine the junior cheerleaders performed at Kiana's basketball game last week; I thought memorizing it so as to be able to reduce my children to shrieks and giggles later would be a worthy endeavour. </div>
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I stand by my decision.</div>
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Happy Tuesday! </div>
DoRe'http://www.blogger.com/profile/01143682255128399121noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5337977104230369552.post-47168900178939689142014-01-19T00:50:00.001-08:002014-01-19T09:09:04.498-08:00Game Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Today's post is brought to you by the letter S:</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.cleaviewonder.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/seahawk-superman-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cleaviewonder.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/seahawk-superman-logo.jpg" height="279" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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And the numbers 81,</div>
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<a href="http://prod.static.seahawks.clubs.nfl.com/assets/2013/wallpapers/week15-1680x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://prod.static.seahawks.clubs.nfl.com/assets/2013/wallpapers/week15-1680x1024.jpg" height="195" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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29,</div>
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<a href="http://prod.static.seahawks.clubs.nfl.com/assets/2013/wallpapers/week10-1680x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://prod.static.seahawks.clubs.nfl.com/assets/2013/wallpapers/week10-1680x1024.jpg" height="195" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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and 3.</div>
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Oh--and let's not forget the number 24 </div>
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and all {his} friends, eh?</div>
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<br /></div>
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Or this guy:</div>
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<a href="http://prod.static.seahawks.clubs.nfl.com/assets/2013/wallpapers/12Flag-1680x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://prod.static.seahawks.clubs.nfl.com/assets/2013/wallpapers/12Flag-1680x1024.jpg" height="195" width="320" /></a></div>
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We're a little excited around here.</div>
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(Just a teeny, tiny little bit.)</div>
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And also a little envious: </div>
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Oldest Younger and Baby Brothers will be </div>
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<b><i>At.The.Game.Yo. </i></b></div>
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SO excited for them!!!</div>
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Here we go!!!</div>
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Go Hawks!!!</div>
DoRe'http://www.blogger.com/profile/01143682255128399121noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5337977104230369552.post-49932742415513301202014-01-11T22:42:00.003-08:002014-01-11T22:42:55.861-08:00One of my New Year's resolutions for 2014? To update my blog weekly. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-71eDPcGATXs/UtIz4FSCMrI/AAAAAAAADcI/p9IDjFclXOE/s1600/IMG_0421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-71eDPcGATXs/UtIz4FSCMrI/AAAAAAAADcI/p9IDjFclXOE/s1600/IMG_0421.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep. <br />
It's pretty exciting stuff.</td></tr>
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<br />
Admission #1: I didn't make this resolution on January 1st, exactly.<br />
<br />
Admission #2: Like many resolution failures-in-the-making, I didn't draw up a specific plan for meeting the goal, exactly.<br />
<br />
So what do I have for you on this, the close of the second week of 2014? Not much, my friends. I've kind of been beating myself up for missing the first week, but I just realized I didn't! (2014's first post was created pre-resolution, so I forgot to give myself credit for it.)<br />
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Anyway, nothing major this week, just a statement of intention, and hope for a higher-quality post next week.<br />
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Well, that, and-----> how 'bout 'dem Seahawks? :D<br />
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{All for now.}</div>
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<br />DoRe'http://www.blogger.com/profile/01143682255128399121noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5337977104230369552.post-63245990325678751042014-01-01T10:41:00.001-08:002014-01-01T11:01:45.609-08:00Hau'oli Makahiki Hou!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EUvyqRm1dt4/UsRXisa_8XI/AAAAAAAADbo/LVxE3eq44aM/s1600/SCAN0269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EUvyqRm1dt4/UsRXisa_8XI/AAAAAAAADbo/LVxE3eq44aM/s320/SCAN0269.JPG" width="254" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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...from our family to yours!</div>
<br />DoRe'http://www.blogger.com/profile/01143682255128399121noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5337977104230369552.post-37397756669137681182013-12-28T10:55:00.001-08:002013-12-30T08:39:31.609-08:00New Year's Eve 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em>(Another Draft.) </em></div>
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<em></em> </div>
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<em>Reminiscing/feeling sorry for ourselves: last year, we were lucky enough to be all together through the holidays; New Year's Eve found us in Leavenworth, a first for all of us. Leavenworth is surely a special place, but I think the magic is always found in being with loved ones, no matter where you are.</em></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful drive over.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting in line.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting in line some more.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to keep up with Josh.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Olders.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Seconds--<br />
Second Sister, Second Brother, Second Daughter.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oldest Daughter, Oldest Niece, Baby Niece.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Twins.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girls getting ready for the dance competition. <br />
Yes--there is video.</td></tr>
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<em>The video has mysteriously disappeared; I can only imagine Kale must have paid somebody off to get rid of it--there was some good stuff on there. :-D Hope your holiday season has been filled with love, laughter, and yummy stuff to eat; looking ahead to another great year. </em><br />
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<em>{All for now.}</em></div>
DoRe'http://www.blogger.com/profile/01143682255128399121noreply@blogger.com1Leavenworth, WA 98826, USA47.5962326 -120.6614764999999947.5533961 -120.74215749999999 47.6390691 -120.5807955tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5337977104230369552.post-55109617865942705332013-12-28T10:39:00.002-08:002013-12-28T10:40:23.105-08:00My Sister<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And yet another one from the Drafts Folder. This was a post I wrote as my sister turned 30; she has since celebrated another birthday. (Do you see how ridiculous I am?!) Still, I wanted to share, because truth is timeless, and...well, because I love her. :)</span></em><br />
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Today, my
sister joins me in the business of being thirty-something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As per her usual <span style="font-style: italic;">modus operandi</span>, she took 4 years and 11 months to join me in this; her husband
will be quick to remind me that she is {always}
worth the wait. </blockquote>
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Of this
fact, I am well aware. I've heard often the story of the 4-year-old version of
myself bursting through the door of our Ala Kapuna Place apartment on the day
she came home from the hospital, flinging my backpack (and all niceties) to the
floor, and tossing a token "Hi, Mom!" over my shoulder as I raced
to the bedroom where she lay: my future playmate, sparring partner,
secret-sharer, and accomplice in a very few, very<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>minor crimes--I am, in fact, a quite boring and rule-abiding
older sister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(<em>And I also would give much to
hear our mom tell this story again</em>.)</blockquote>
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Physically, we are nothing alike, aside from the identical subtle (and finely-tuned) expressions used to remind our husbands who is {really} in charge (<em>lest they forget)</em>. Discreet death stares aside, my sister and I are opposites: I am the adorable and slightly squishy sister; she is the charming, beautiful runner whose mere presence can command a room--sometimes intentionally, sometimes not. She has both the honor and the burden of bearing a beautiful resemblance to Mom; when I look at her, I catch glimpses of our mother that make me both smile and fight back tears at the same time.</blockquote>
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Growing up, she quickly established herself as the child with a mind of her own, not easily swayed by the preferences and opinions of any who would care to divulge such things; this was sort of cute when she was 2 years old, and became slightly less charming as she got older. Sometimes, it was downright scary, and there is a thankfulness for the grace and protection that has been hers through these experiences. To this day, she continues to do as she sees fit, but has called to service the ability to listen more closely to that voice that comes from both above and within; her example has reminded me to do the same.</blockquote>
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I talked to her this morning; she recounted how she had fallen asleep on the couch last night, and when Terry woke her to go to bed sometime after midnight, even in her fog, she remembers realizing, "I'm 30 years old now!" Funny; turning 30 did seem to be one of those things that was both everything and nothing at all, at the same time, in my memory.</blockquote>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I never could quite figure out how to finish this post; it's often the hardest part for me when I write of my loved ones, trying to summarize the depth of emotion that runs through this short little body o' mine. So I'll just close this today with a picture of us; love you, Keala.</span></em></div>
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{Thankful.}</div>
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DoRe'http://www.blogger.com/profile/01143682255128399121noreply@blogger.com2