tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10401261470979032602024-03-13T14:18:45.976-04:00Dear FinnleeDear Finnleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05186428325047976687noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040126147097903260.post-86651705075967714282013-07-09T14:48:00.005-04:002013-07-09T18:30:23.844-04:00Signs of Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer Staples: splash pads</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Technology hasn't been kind to me lately. Between broken laptops, a hacked Google account, and a broken (brand new) camera lens, I haven't been able to post here at all lately. I had intended to do a "wordless" post to catch up on photos, but you are doing so many new things! You're morphing from a baby to a kid right before my eyes. I can't possibly do a post without addressing it! Besides, it's summer vacation and we've jumped in with both feet. All of the things that just scream summer to me are just waiting to be checked off of a bucket list. We've gotten a running start, but we're nowhere close to being done yet.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hJrdYsFOFts/UdwZyzNBKbI/AAAAAAAAJE8/gD9S768OHXM/s1600/IMG_8879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hJrdYsFOFts/UdwZyzNBKbI/AAAAAAAAJE8/gD9S768OHXM/s640/IMG_8879.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We brought swimsuits, but I opted to let you guys "just be kids."</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You really like this place.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So much rain this summer!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sydney and Daddy went to a One Direction concert.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uVza1UyvEcQ/UdwhMP8oL3I/AAAAAAAAJF4/uXXExa078Jg/s1600/IMG_9113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uVza1UyvEcQ/UdwhMP8oL3I/AAAAAAAAJF4/uXXExa078Jg/s640/IMG_9113.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You, Kylee and I hung out in the hotel.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NhHB49wjxjE/UdwkxQrk5MI/AAAAAAAAJGI/nFHX1E5kpkA/s1600/IMG_9160edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NhHB49wjxjE/UdwkxQrk5MI/AAAAAAAAJGI/nFHX1E5kpkA/s400/IMG_9160edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the coolest whirlpool bathtub.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-orceLUJFAB4/Udwl8bPfiNI/AAAAAAAAJGU/dsvuIYzEryg/s1600/IMG_9206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-orceLUJFAB4/Udwl8bPfiNI/AAAAAAAAJGU/dsvuIYzEryg/s640/IMG_9206.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daydreaming about her close encounter with 1D, no doubt.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing on the hotel bed.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Summer vacation is in full swing by now. We've been attempting to maximize these lazy days while still being unstructured and pressure-free. So whether it's a day of park-hopping or beach-going or simply just playing chicken with the vacuum cleaner while I catch up on housework, I've enjoyed every single day. Some are more productive than others. Some are more fun than others. Some are more memorable than others. But they've all been enjoyable. I dread returning to reality this fall.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gq9Ef7N27N8/UdxEcOgfMGI/AAAAAAAAJHE/qwxT8fmefbE/s1600/IMG_9329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gq9Ef7N27N8/UdxEcOgfMGI/AAAAAAAAJHE/qwxT8fmefbE/s640/IMG_9329.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach visits every time the sun makes an appearance.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--CQKsgSajpU/UdxEe286S-I/AAAAAAAAJHM/1NpGECmAK2w/s1600/IMG_9367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--CQKsgSajpU/UdxEe286S-I/AAAAAAAAJHM/1NpGECmAK2w/s400/IMG_9367.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking for sea life at the rocks.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JrcKQV497G0/UdxEgn-ecLI/AAAAAAAAJHU/aYRvMnNGV1Y/s1600/IMG_9404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JrcKQV497G0/UdxEgn-ecLI/AAAAAAAAJHU/aYRvMnNGV1Y/s640/IMG_9404.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy is the most fun.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KUwrvSW9PFM/UdyN_CFC2NI/AAAAAAAAJK0/A_1xrYFrIrI/s1600/IMG_9417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KUwrvSW9PFM/UdyN_CFC2NI/AAAAAAAAJK0/A_1xrYFrIrI/s640/IMG_9417.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our beach baby.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7doUkEjVq9I/UdyOAPOXVzI/AAAAAAAAJK8/ujNxbwnngx0/s1600/IMG_9470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7doUkEjVq9I/UdyOAPOXVzI/AAAAAAAAJK8/ujNxbwnngx0/s400/IMG_9470.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Digging for coquinas. Always.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SRBlYxHnxXo/UdxGThLhxkI/AAAAAAAAJHg/rAGQJeQkweA/s1600/IMG_9491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SRBlYxHnxXo/UdxGThLhxkI/AAAAAAAAJHg/rAGQJeQkweA/s640/IMG_9491.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Syd went to the driving range with daddy on Father's Day. Cutest golfer ever!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UZ_EWXyDCIk/UdxHvPhandI/AAAAAAAAJIE/5UmNdNARGQ0/s1600/IMG_9524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UZ_EWXyDCIk/UdxHvPhandI/AAAAAAAAJIE/5UmNdNARGQ0/s400/IMG_9524.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We finally have a hammock again.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TbcwKygCEs4/UdxHtNqrorI/AAAAAAAAJH8/1lzC0fLB9Dc/s1600/IMG_9578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TbcwKygCEs4/UdxHtNqrorI/AAAAAAAAJH8/1lzC0fLB9Dc/s640/IMG_9578.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catching a driveway sunset when we can't make it to the beach in time.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Little sentences have made their way into you vocabulary. Your newest phrases are among my favorites. Possibly because they're new, but probably because they speak so much to who you are right now. Every other sentence out of your mouth is "I do'd it!" You are so independent and refuse to let anyone help you until you've exhausted all of your patience. You are also quite fond of "My turn", which sounds just like "action" for some reason. You're also starting to randomly put words together. Just yesterday you saw Dora the Explorer on the tv guide menu and you said, "I like it, the Dora." No lie! We just got back from Disney for the 4th and you were so excited to see Mickey...until you did. You just buried your head into daddy's shoulder and said, "Shy." You are really able to communicate these days.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LXSgQB01utQ/UdxKMRA7N7I/AAAAAAAAJIk/PvJsVGWunOw/s1600/IMG_9684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LXSgQB01utQ/UdxKMRA7N7I/AAAAAAAAJIk/PvJsVGWunOw/s640/IMG_9684.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You've finally mastered bubble-blowing!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RUj2NBfSuY4/UdxKM_NWldI/AAAAAAAAJIs/GQc_ngloQO0/s1600/IMG_9698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RUj2NBfSuY4/UdxKM_NWldI/AAAAAAAAJIs/GQc_ngloQO0/s640/IMG_9698.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It takes a lot of effort, apparently.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ltoyK_T7-SY/UdxK8JAxudI/AAAAAAAAJI0/-qLkyT_JaVk/s1600/IMG_9770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ltoyK_T7-SY/UdxK8JAxudI/AAAAAAAAJI0/-qLkyT_JaVk/s640/IMG_9770.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So we turned your newfound skill into art.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TakJ5gzyNzM/UdxNIKt-zDI/AAAAAAAAJJM/Ko-TX_hBFA8/s1600/IMG_9790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TakJ5gzyNzM/UdxNIKt-zDI/AAAAAAAAJJM/Ko-TX_hBFA8/s640/IMG_9790.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A date with my three youngest to my favorite coffee shop.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K4j2Tkif2L4/UdxNKbQZOlI/AAAAAAAAJJc/D4DGlnRBKK8/s1600/IMG_9824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K4j2Tkif2L4/UdxNKbQZOlI/AAAAAAAAJJc/D4DGlnRBKK8/s640/IMG_9824.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We packed in a park visit.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-plDFx8rQdm4/UdxNLohJGxI/AAAAAAAAJJo/lPAQ-ksatm0/s1600/IMG_9890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-plDFx8rQdm4/UdxNLohJGxI/AAAAAAAAJJo/lPAQ-ksatm0/s400/IMG_9890.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some time by the water.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rOLnWzf195Q/UdxNL5WvOvI/AAAAAAAAJJs/OWKL1y0AsUg/s1600/IMG_9897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rOLnWzf195Q/UdxNL5WvOvI/AAAAAAAAJJs/OWKL1y0AsUg/s640/IMG_9897.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And pottery painting into the date. It was a good day.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D1M1YdUEPdA/UdxQYQps8RI/AAAAAAAAJJ8/wjUXarrwM9E/s1600/IMG_9918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D1M1YdUEPdA/UdxQYQps8RI/AAAAAAAAJJ8/wjUXarrwM9E/s400/IMG_9918.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watermelon on a stick. It must be summer.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a9edrcZSxG8/UdxYplT12AI/AAAAAAAAJKg/_9CDSXwhP-k/s1600/IMG_9939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a9edrcZSxG8/UdxYplT12AI/AAAAAAAAJKg/_9CDSXwhP-k/s640/IMG_9939.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We take splash parks really seriously!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D4rvSt0GMVw/UdxQZlz-JUI/AAAAAAAAJKI/1P059M4jfIs/s1600/IMG_9934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D4rvSt0GMVw/UdxQZlz-JUI/AAAAAAAAJKI/1P059M4jfIs/s640/IMG_9934.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We might've played a little trick on your sister with the water fountain.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There's so much to catch up on. A Disney trip is a post in itself. But I'll be satisfied with the fact that my computer actually turned on and save it for another day. Housework calls. Laundry is piling up. And we still need to think of something fun to make for snack today. It must be fun being you. It sure is fun being your mommy.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Dear Finnleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05186428325047976687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040126147097903260.post-27299996641720807352013-06-11T00:55:00.001-04:002013-06-11T00:55:39.893-04:00No More Pencils, No More Books<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/-DGqsp6jPRKU/UbaOzGdXWhI/AAAAAAAAI_E/RHoaibcsGdY/s1600/IMG_8382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DGqsp6jPRKU/UbaOzGdXWhI/AAAAAAAAI_E/RHoaibcsGdY/s400/IMG_8382.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nope, she's not the new Bachelorette. But she was given this rose. By a boy. One the last day. Daddy's not pleased.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So, it finally happened. The school year came to a close. The end of school is sometimes bittersweet, but this year it was pretty much a full-on celebration. We already know Sydney will have the same teacher next year, so instead of "goodbye", we were really saying "see you later." Kylee will finally head into her final year of middle school, and I welcome the end of this three-year stretch that seems like an eternity. The only thing not worth celebrating is the weather. There has been a tropical depression, turned storm, in the gulf putting a damper on all of our summer plans. I think the term "depression" is more accurate, because we've been housebound all week. Talk about cabin fever!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<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/-pHzvTAOrJWQ/UbaO0wOoUwI/AAAAAAAAI_U/GFi-ZNDjZ5Q/s1600/First+and+Last+Day+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pHzvTAOrJWQ/UbaO0wOoUwI/AAAAAAAAI_U/GFi-ZNDjZ5Q/s400/First+and+Last+Day+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "Before & After" shots blow my mind. Sydney was a baby on the first day!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dxvhwmA1Q8U/UbaOwc8Aw8I/AAAAAAAAI-0/28vKgMElj5g/s1600/First+Last+Day+collage+kylee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dxvhwmA1Q8U/UbaOwc8Aw8I/AAAAAAAAI-0/28vKgMElj5g/s400/First+Last+Day+collage+kylee.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have no idea who that girl on the left was. Can't be my Kylee. Can you say growing pains? She may have been mad about the photo on the last day, but I'm so glad I have the comparison!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YbpBWYcTIwM/UbaQkA2qaHI/AAAAAAAAI_k/iQvtm5tRc00/s1600/IMG_8397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YbpBWYcTIwM/UbaQkA2qaHI/AAAAAAAAI_k/iQvtm5tRc00/s640/IMG_8397.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had an after-school milkshake date with your cousins.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvaCChwp9N8/UbaQmflDGBI/AAAAAAAAI_0/qs53DcZ6xQM/s1600/IMG_8417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvaCChwp9N8/UbaQmflDGBI/AAAAAAAAI_0/qs53DcZ6xQM/s640/IMG_8417.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What's cuter than kids eating milkshakes with silly hats?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lFQAZHuaB-8/UbaQlc2OyJI/AAAAAAAAI_s/yyrS-4xKJg4/s1600/IMG_8420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lFQAZHuaB-8/UbaQlc2OyJI/AAAAAAAAI_s/yyrS-4xKJg4/s640/IMG_8420.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybe this.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The upside to all of this indoorsy time is that we've started potty training, for real! We bought some big girl undies and just ditched the diapers and crossed our fingers. Day one was better than great. You were amazing. Not a single accident. Day two was slightly more normal...two accidents, one brought on by a time-out crying fit (you and time-out are becoming an item). Today, day three, has been your rebellious day. You just don't seem to have the patience. I'm currently doing laundry out of necessity. Thanks, kid. To be fair, I don't think you're feeling well. You have a cough that appears while you sleep and I think it's keeping you tired and grumpy. Right now you're on the third hour of your nap, and that's all the proof I need that things aren't as they should be.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wi-YUrQqFrI/UbaRl_-563I/AAAAAAAAJAA/scG4B9TLOeE/s1600/IMG_8426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wi-YUrQqFrI/UbaRl_-563I/AAAAAAAAJAA/scG4B9TLOeE/s400/IMG_8426.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rockin' the big girl undies!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZH4xxFmn2mM/UbaSyu4ESLI/AAAAAAAAJAM/L1NSJ9sGqZQ/s1600/IMG_8442edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZH4xxFmn2mM/UbaSyu4ESLI/AAAAAAAAJAM/L1NSJ9sGqZQ/s640/IMG_8442edit.jpg" width="442" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing in the rain.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">One of the things I look forward to every summer is Sydney's dance recital. This year, because she took jazz and ballet, we had two recitals to attend. There is so much build-up to this end-of-year ritual that you'd think it would end up being a let down. But it never is. It never disappoints. Sydney was late to join her ballet class this year, but you'd never know it. She caught up and learned the routine like a pro. They danced to an instrumental number, dressed as (the cutest!) court jesters, and she looked amazing up there. I was so proud of the progress she made in this "serious" ballet class, and in so little time. Her favorite routine was the jazz one, though. The dance was set to Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, and her costume was a black, gold and silver sequined beauty that turned her into a silent film star from the Roaring 20's. I don't love little girls in makeup, but I am totally smitten with my little girl dressed up for a recital, makeup and all.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<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/-aY2expIgbVM/UbaVotvoeLI/AAAAAAAAJAc/AT1etbIrTo0/s1600/ballet+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="616" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aY2expIgbVM/UbaVotvoeLI/AAAAAAAAJAc/AT1etbIrTo0/s640/ballet+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On-Stage Dress Rehearsal, Take 1</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/-8PjL2VBExZ8/UbaXAsQnLVI/AAAAAAAAJAo/WFCii8Wdxto/s1600/IMG_8533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8PjL2VBExZ8/UbaXAsQnLVI/AAAAAAAAJAo/WFCii8Wdxto/s400/IMG_8533.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rain was coming down, but you both needed to blow off a little steam.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mNZH3x8g448/UbaXBFPL4jI/AAAAAAAAJAw/OR8Q8-ZEXVc/s1600/IMG_8536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mNZH3x8g448/UbaXBFPL4jI/AAAAAAAAJAw/OR8Q8-ZEXVc/s640/IMG_8536.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So much rain that week.</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/-RCxq7e6IWEI/UbaXTRIcboI/AAAAAAAAJA8/Dc3cjPykGGg/s1600/IMG_8548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RCxq7e6IWEI/UbaXTRIcboI/AAAAAAAAJA8/Dc3cjPykGGg/s640/IMG_8548.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You deserved a little play time.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7NSeZ9FISmE/Ubal9l0PMlI/AAAAAAAAJCE/Js8QkozUVOk/s1600/Jazz+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7NSeZ9FISmE/Ubal9l0PMlI/AAAAAAAAJCE/Js8QkozUVOk/s640/Jazz+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On-Stage Dress Rehearsal, Take 2</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WDQDo4SIIlc/UbaiZJVNnmI/AAAAAAAAJBU/kZNy9GKv7Ek/s1600/IMG_8570edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WDQDo4SIIlc/UbaiZJVNnmI/AAAAAAAAJBU/kZNy9GKv7Ek/s400/IMG_8570edit.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister adoration.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rW3-a-f6sic/UbaiFJTmpuI/AAAAAAAAJBM/oEBTyHaPhTQ/s1600/IMG_8556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rW3-a-f6sic/UbaiFJTmpuI/AAAAAAAAJBM/oEBTyHaPhTQ/s640/IMG_8556.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our usual posing spot.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fa5RIqpWojU/Ubal5j1y3KI/AAAAAAAAJBk/y5BimcGCX3Y/s1600/IMG_8623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fa5RIqpWojU/Ubal5j1y3KI/AAAAAAAAJBk/y5BimcGCX3Y/s640/IMG_8623.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally, something resembling sun!</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/-A_JNr_2uQ5c/Ubal9EI0xUI/AAAAAAAAJB8/tdy5_aYpIgs/s1600/IMG_8627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A_JNr_2uQ5c/Ubal9EI0xUI/AAAAAAAAJB8/tdy5_aYpIgs/s640/IMG_8627.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The adoration is mutual.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--SwyquYVgSc/Ubal79QxW-I/AAAAAAAAJB0/59430RYDLdQ/s1600/IMG_8670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--SwyquYVgSc/Ubal79QxW-I/AAAAAAAAJB0/59430RYDLdQ/s640/IMG_8670.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy for now.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pt5GnPs27ec/UbamtRT7S-I/AAAAAAAAJCU/bSoxbf7YHg0/s1600/IMG_8688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pt5GnPs27ec/UbamtRT7S-I/AAAAAAAAJCU/bSoxbf7YHg0/s400/IMG_8688.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a single happy picture of Sydney from before her evening performance. It was a long day.</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/-vCCkUOYYkHI/UbaofNKyVvI/AAAAAAAAJDE/EF9yLTdMDlg/s1600/IMG_8701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vCCkUOYYkHI/UbaofNKyVvI/AAAAAAAAJDE/EF9yLTdMDlg/s640/IMG_8701.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So proud.</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/-wAvYoSjINKk/Ubaoez58J8I/AAAAAAAAJDA/krJhs7kNDt4/s1600/IMG_8713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wAvYoSjINKk/Ubaoez58J8I/AAAAAAAAJDA/krJhs7kNDt4/s640/IMG_8713.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such a patient girl. So much sitting and waiting this week.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ARI93K3fU0/Ubapm4fDLZI/AAAAAAAAJDQ/vcWKi0Mp25Q/s1600/IMG_8731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ARI93K3fU0/Ubapm4fDLZI/AAAAAAAAJDQ/vcWKi0Mp25Q/s640/IMG_8731.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before the Sunday show. Sydney's smile reappeared.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mIJuTp0CntM/UbapoE7U8WI/AAAAAAAAJDc/xZkNvZv69T0/s1600/IMG_8755.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mIJuTp0CntM/UbapoE7U8WI/AAAAAAAAJDc/xZkNvZv69T0/s400/IMG_8755.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SCCLjQfSlQ8/UbapoVeYorI/AAAAAAAAJDg/nwYlid-nW_4/s1600/IMG_8759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SCCLjQfSlQ8/UbapoVeYorI/AAAAAAAAJDg/nwYlid-nW_4/s640/IMG_8759.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a wrap.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KZnjhPIepf8/UbaqD5Xjw7I/AAAAAAAAJDo/Fr-1SlST-1k/s1600/IMG_8783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KZnjhPIepf8/UbaqD5Xjw7I/AAAAAAAAJDo/Fr-1SlST-1k/s400/IMG_8783.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for a nap.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Other than the much-anticipated recital season, the beginning of summer vacation started off with less of a bang and more of a fizzle. The rain put a damper on things. The mosquitoes added to our misery. And being tied to a dancer's schedule complicated things. Now that we are free from most of those things (mosquitoes are a constant), we can finally do some of the things we love. I wanted everyone to pitch in on a "Summer Bucket List" this year so we could be sure to fit in all of the things that we'd like to do together. It seems like every year we think there will be more time, then there's a mad scramble at the end to do some of the summery things that we put off for months. Not this year (famous last words). So far your sisters have given great suggestions: pottery painting, water balloon fights, ice cream, boat rentals, bowling, water parks and vegan restaurants. And that's just a tiny fraction of what's already on the list. We have a busy summer ahead! And I'm looking forward to all of it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Dear Finnleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05186428325047976687noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040126147097903260.post-83234595831708726452013-05-30T22:26:00.003-04:002013-05-30T22:31:29.427-04:00Any Given Sunday<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I came across these pictures, taken almost two months ago. What I love so much about them is that they are of nothing and everything, all at the same time. This was just a typical weekend day. Not an exciting one. We never even left the house. But it kind of sums up our "around the house days." Basically, you girls spent the entire day outside, from sun-up to sundown. The sliding glass doors were wide open. Popsicles were abundant. And we even scored a little sunshower. Who could ask for more?</span></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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jc5yObKe8uk/Uafpv39UFFI/AAAAAAAAI8c/PFf_fuQl3rE/s1600/632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jc5yObKe8uk/Uafpv39UFFI/AAAAAAAAI8c/PFf_fuQl3rE/s640/632.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Sydney's favorite picture of you. She wanted to take a picture of this picture with her camera. :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T83GNo8a3jA/Uaf6a7RgRzI/AAAAAAAAI8s/1cl6bCyoxn8/s1600/633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T83GNo8a3jA/Uaf6a7RgRzI/AAAAAAAAI8s/1cl6bCyoxn8/s400/633.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And there it is: the "smile" face. Why you do this, I'll never know. But I love it.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-50J3yURKeng/Uaf6bsFEbJI/AAAAAAAAI80/py0uVbnU4ug/s1600/708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-50J3yURKeng/Uaf6bsFEbJI/AAAAAAAAI80/py0uVbnU4ug/s640/708.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We ventured indoors for a bit, but not for long. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iScpjVOJcMM/Uaf6eL_AnRI/AAAAAAAAI9E/d8RocOvVtVw/s1600/716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iScpjVOJcMM/Uaf6eL_AnRI/AAAAAAAAI9E/d8RocOvVtVw/s640/716.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You two. I can't make this stuff up.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D-MCxQvmNXY/Uaf7N0owrjI/AAAAAAAAI9c/9CT_09VghCg/s1600/727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D-MCxQvmNXY/Uaf7N0owrjI/AAAAAAAAI9c/9CT_09VghCg/s640/727.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Built-in playmates.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IiKpHAu5nhA/Uaf7Iy_n9aI/AAAAAAAAI9M/VQWBWEwPaWU/s1600/735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IiKpHAu5nhA/Uaf7Iy_n9aI/AAAAAAAAI9M/VQWBWEwPaWU/s400/735.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love afternoon light in my room.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zpJ1nyoeOpY/Uaf7RKflTzI/AAAAAAAAI9k/tedXMqfFVAU/s1600/749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zpJ1nyoeOpY/Uaf7RKflTzI/AAAAAAAAI9k/tedXMqfFVAU/s640/749.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do I even have to say it? I'm obsessed with this because you look like a little baby again.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Y3ftx-L0MM/Uaf7wjCJfeI/AAAAAAAAI9w/-PjVsYdp7aY/s1600/756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Y3ftx-L0MM/Uaf7wjCJfeI/AAAAAAAAI9w/-PjVsYdp7aY/s400/756.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who needs clothes? The weather was perfect. Plus, there was water. And sticky foods.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGm89Gf18z0/Uaf7xrrEvgI/AAAAAAAAI98/iXM_lt8O5tI/s1600/760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGm89Gf18z0/Uaf7xrrEvgI/AAAAAAAAI98/iXM_lt8O5tI/s640/760.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1W86fFJTq0E/Uaf7wmL_EHI/AAAAAAAAI9s/lB21aXiObl0/s1600/767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1W86fFJTq0E/Uaf7wmL_EHI/AAAAAAAAI9s/lB21aXiObl0/s400/767.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roly-Poly</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ut88timTbqE/Uaf9bvu_KuI/AAAAAAAAI-Q/P18cxQLLgnw/s1600/795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ut88timTbqE/Uaf9bvu_KuI/AAAAAAAAI-Q/P18cxQLLgnw/s640/795.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annnnd, we're back outside.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--9QvOAhDEnQ/Uaf9bt1XyAI/AAAAAAAAI-M/AcuHIs8OQqM/s1600/814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--9QvOAhDEnQ/Uaf9bt1XyAI/AAAAAAAAI-M/AcuHIs8OQqM/s640/814.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playtime is serious business.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dlKcdIibAqE/Uaf9bKb8lcI/AAAAAAAAI-I/IAHrmc-Bz5U/s1600/930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dlKcdIibAqE/Uaf9bKb8lcI/AAAAAAAAI-I/IAHrmc-Bz5U/s640/930.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evening sunshower.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love our adventures. I love a good roadtrip. But nothing beats just being happy in our own home, enjoying each other's company. Life is good.</span><br />
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</span>Dear Finnleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05186428325047976687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040126147097903260.post-37896470159992741212013-05-18T10:09:00.000-04:002013-05-23T11:30:32.272-04:0019 Months & Counting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dssXRM4SB_8/UY5d8ci2gAI/AAAAAAAAI2o/QWkwH2Crz5E/s1600/IMG_3410edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dssXRM4SB_8/UY5d8ci2gAI/AAAAAAAAI2o/QWkwH2Crz5E/s640/IMG_3410edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I had this great idea that I'd skip around a bit and just write about current events for a change. You know, rather than what happened last month (so, so sorry about that). But, of course, by now the "current events" aren't so current. So I'm scrapping that idea. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yMmsNERy8A0/UY5d_EodFgI/AAAAAAAAI20/wuqc-NtiZDk/s1600/IMG_3438edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yMmsNERy8A0/UY5d_EodFgI/AAAAAAAAI20/wuqc-NtiZDk/s400/IMG_3438edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can handle your love for touch screens so long as we take them outdoors.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vxvsfx-a-5c/UY5d_gKwy5I/AAAAAAAAI3A/YR_yXhNI9hU/s1600/IMG_3516edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vxvsfx-a-5c/UY5d_gKwy5I/AAAAAAAAI3A/YR_yXhNI9hU/s640/IMG_3516edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You love this new trick. And those are mosquito bites on your leg...still allergic.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pH0Eyr-7x78/UY5eVfrAiII/AAAAAAAAI3I/kJlsVJZhJ4g/s1600/IMG_3538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pH0Eyr-7x78/UY5eVfrAiII/AAAAAAAAI3I/kJlsVJZhJ4g/s640/IMG_3538.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hunting for treasures.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5vUnPA0KUp0/UY5eVjUlcKI/AAAAAAAAI3M/ZRQaDrcdaW4/s1600/IMG_3548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5vUnPA0KUp0/UY5eVjUlcKI/AAAAAAAAI3M/ZRQaDrcdaW4/s400/IMG_3548.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big girl.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm always torn between trying to write something meaningful and poignant to you or just a running list of what's been happening around here. I'm afraid this is the latter. I want to find beautiful words and descriptive phrases to try to express my feelings about our life right now. I want to somehow capture the magic that is a one year old's life; full of wonder and adventure. I want you to look back and think, "Wow, my mom sure described my childhood eloquently." But there's only so many flowery words to use about potty training and park visits. This place, for you, is half journal to document events and half memoir to record little anecdotes. Someday I want you to be able to recall sights and events you couldn't possibly remember simply because you've read about them so many times. For that reason, I hope you don't mind terribly when I'm simply cramming information into posts. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-giY7h-BVcNg/UY5gJfoIKtI/AAAAAAAAI3c/SVzDtMIGlFI/s1600/IMG_3584edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-giY7h-BVcNg/UY5gJfoIKtI/AAAAAAAAI3c/SVzDtMIGlFI/s640/IMG_3584edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach day with cousins and friends.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-coarjBwsNMQ/UY5tcJrs90I/AAAAAAAAI38/M-KifXLNcJU/s1600/IMG_3632edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-coarjBwsNMQ/UY5tcJrs90I/AAAAAAAAI38/M-KifXLNcJU/s400/IMG_3632edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh, yeah...we're back!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zAuD9LB4koA/UY5tePe7TaI/AAAAAAAAI4M/IH8MJBelKws/s1600/IMG_3666edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zAuD9LB4koA/UY5tePe7TaI/AAAAAAAAI4M/IH8MJBelKws/s640/IMG_3666edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Straight for the water. Every time.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C6sEMIaBFV8/UY55LP3iJ3I/AAAAAAAAI4g/GVD_kxzQ0b0/s1600/IMG_3717edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C6sEMIaBFV8/UY55LP3iJ3I/AAAAAAAAI4g/GVD_kxzQ0b0/s640/IMG_3717edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You were sand-obsessed.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">That being said, here's a rundown of some things I never want to forget:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Your 19 Month Old Vocabulary</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Deodorant = "Tickle" (obviously)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Camera = Smile, which you pronounce "Nigull"</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Phone = "Hewwo"</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Water = "Waduner"</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Toothbrush = "Bruss"</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hair = "Ew"</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Vacuum = "Noisy"</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Bath = "Bapthfthphfth"</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Pool = "Poo"</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Swim = "Fimm"</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">All produce (bananas, oranges & strawberries are exceptions) = "Apple" (until corrected)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"What happened?" = "Happened?" (accompanied by a shoulder shrug)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Snuggle = "Nuggle"</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I Love You = "I wuv woo"</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Food = "Num-a-Num"</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Backing up/Walking backwards = "Moonwalk" (thanks, Kylee)</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Just to name a few.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2HZRUID5qoM/UY5oIlf5CHI/AAAAAAAAI3w/21JaJNdwTvc/s1600/IMG_3599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2HZRUID5qoM/UY5oIlf5CHI/AAAAAAAAI3w/21JaJNdwTvc/s400/IMG_3599.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was super windy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WIYcI8smhks/UY5tc21X8VI/AAAAAAAAI4E/_XpQYZMdp5o/s1600/IMG_3652edit2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WIYcI8smhks/UY5tc21X8VI/AAAAAAAAI4E/_XpQYZMdp5o/s640/IMG_3652edit2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tasting the saltwater after taking a wave to the face.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The things you love to do:</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Go to the beach! You love it all: sand, water, shells, waves. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Put your face in the water in the pool. (and cough and gasp when it all goes wrong) You don't even mind the saltwater at the beach.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Take a walk. And stop every five feet to examine the contents of the ground.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Take a bath. Until it's hair-washing time. (which really confuses me considering your desire to stick your face in other bodies of water)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Read. But mostly big girl books. You are bored with board books. Ha!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Laundry. Seriously. You love to be a "Helper!"</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ipad! Now if only I could get you to stop deleting things and trying to order things. Geez!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Getting ready. You're great about picking out clothes, brushing your teeth and even having your hair done. Strange, since your sisters still put up a fight.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Play with babydolls. You are my first girl who truly loves "babies"!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cook in your kitchen. Preferably at the same time as me, or with me.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Climbing. On everything, but specifically on the coffee table so you can sit in the hole in the center.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Slides.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Music.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Bubbles.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Crayons.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Rocks.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Raisins.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cheese.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ice cream.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mickey Mouse.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Grocery carts shaped like racecars.</span></li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1vY0qE8gS9k/UY55M4YFVmI/AAAAAAAAI4w/zrKpn3AMS7A/s1600/IMG_3758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1vY0qE8gS9k/UY55M4YFVmI/AAAAAAAAI4w/zrKpn3AMS7A/s640/IMG_3758.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post-beach pizza. Nothing better than sandy, sunkissed kids eating pizza outside.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9_3DQ5wyMfc/UY55No4QV7I/AAAAAAAAI44/1HidSMj74RU/s1600/IMG_3772edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9_3DQ5wyMfc/UY55No4QV7I/AAAAAAAAI44/1HidSMj74RU/s400/IMG_3772edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So good. And right at the city dock. Sometimes I love this place.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cSyvFk08Ym4/UY55Oyv-ASI/AAAAAAAAI5A/lAH4XTf4EFs/s1600/IMG_3814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cSyvFk08Ym4/UY55Oyv-ASI/AAAAAAAAI5A/lAH4XTf4EFs/s640/IMG_3814.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lifelong buddies. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Things you don't love:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Grocery shopping (despite the above mention of racecar carts)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Any other shopping cart.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Accessories. Still no hats, bows or headbands for this girl.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Wearing shoes indoors or in the car. It's like some crazy aversion you have.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Being told "no." I'm talking complete meltdowns lately. The only thing that works is to get right on your level, look into your eyes and almost whisper. Works (almost) every time.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Having your hair washed. You wouldn't believe how hard it is to keep a wet baby in the tub when she's scrambling to get out.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Taking turns. To be fair, you can't possibly understand the concept. But I get the feeling it may not be your strong suit anyway.</span></li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xhxuwDmuQK0/UY6AGA5BnWI/AAAAAAAAI5Q/9KiR-jVJCqQ/s1600/IMG_3889edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xhxuwDmuQK0/UY6AGA5BnWI/AAAAAAAAI5Q/9KiR-jVJCqQ/s640/IMG_3889edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinco de Mayo in your Mexican dress.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E99NeagyyRQ/UY6AHhewpMI/AAAAAAAAI5Y/fuSdu6jeUd4/s1600/IMG_3895edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E99NeagyyRQ/UY6AHhewpMI/AAAAAAAAI5Y/fuSdu6jeUd4/s400/IMG_3895edit.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love that this tiny slide is high for you.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qpeEkxamF88/UY6AH-Eo1FI/AAAAAAAAI5c/eku6KVNrNVM/s1600/IMG_3962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qpeEkxamF88/UY6AH-Eo1FI/AAAAAAAAI5c/eku6KVNrNVM/s400/IMG_3962.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Letting your baby get in on the sliding fun.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Fortunately the list of "loves" is longer than the list of "dislikes." </span><strike style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">99%</strike><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> 97% (just being honest) of the time you are a charming, silly, exuberant child. That makes up for the other 3%, easily. You fill my days with fun. You challenge me to find new experiences. Thanks to your love of exploration, I have a constant running list in my head of places I'd like to visit and explore with you. Sometimes it blows my mind that we haven't been to all of these places yet. But the truth is that the day that I no longer have a checklist going in my head will be a sad day. I love that you make me seek out beautiful scenery, interesting locales and out-of-the-way destinations. I think it says a lot about your life and your future. I'd love it if you always stay off the beaten path. Explore, little one.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oUs4YFGNwfY/UY6AI_DjoaI/AAAAAAAAI5o/Pz88BQkEVD4/s1600/IMG_4041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oUs4YFGNwfY/UY6AI_DjoaI/AAAAAAAAI5o/Pz88BQkEVD4/s640/IMG_4041.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Dear Finnleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05186428325047976687noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040126147097903260.post-56958140190903881732013-05-08T23:25:00.000-04:002013-05-08T23:25:23.638-04:00Playing Catch Up<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/-MP1N2PmitoU/UYhgCXj_pMI/AAAAAAAAIzE/S5nv4Xef4cg/s1600/IMG_7296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MP1N2PmitoU/UYhgCXj_pMI/AAAAAAAAIzE/S5nv4Xef4cg/s400/IMG_7296.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorite signs of spring: this glorious tree down the street.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm sitting in the living room watching you sleep. You woke me up before five o'clock this morning. Thanks for that. We made fruit salad and coffee while everyone slept. We caught an episode of Barney. We changed your diaper and honored your request to be clothing-free when you tugged at your clothes, saying "Off!" All before 6AM. Then, just as suddenly as you awoke, you crashed on the sofa. I, of course, am wide awake by now. And so I watch you sleep and decide to revisit your poor, neglected blog.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lONQZ0HeS-I/UYhguiT2q8I/AAAAAAAAIzM/DnUgfEtbLy0/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lONQZ0HeS-I/UYhguiT2q8I/AAAAAAAAIzM/DnUgfEtbLy0/s640/048.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainy days are here again. Funny how it's all new to you.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mxCPBBirbKc/UYrztTTfjrI/AAAAAAAAIzs/H5pxzW-fzss/s1600/100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mxCPBBirbKc/UYrztTTfjrI/AAAAAAAAIzs/H5pxzW-fzss/s400/100.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kylee made the All County Honors Chorus. We sat outside for most of it because you were super noisy.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The news is on in the background, and I'm trying to tune out the sadness. It's hard to fathom some of the circumstances in the world when your little world is so safe and secure and blissful. Lately, our weather has been perfect. A little warm, but perfectly comfortable if you find some shade. We have been outside every day and almost all day. You and I have spent a ton of time downtown and by the water. There have been lots of explorations, and somehow I'm learning how to finally fall in love with my hometown. There's plenty of things I could complain about in this town, and I often do, but the truth is that it's a beautiful place to call home. If you really try, you can still find a bit of the original charm that makes it special. We have discovered a new, favorite coffee shop, run by the nicest people in town. We have become regulars in a very short time. They call you "their girl", and my heart melts over the way they gush over you. We also finally visited a park downtown that I've been meaning to take you to. Turns out there's a playground at the boat ramp next door. Right. On. The. Bay. Why have we never been there before? So, like a magnet, downtown pulls us in. We are there a lot.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LxTtz3eU2pA/UYrf2jD9xWI/AAAAAAAAIzc/PuaGaRtAwDE/s1600/250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LxTtz3eU2pA/UYrf2jD9xWI/AAAAAAAAIzc/PuaGaRtAwDE/s640/250.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downtown Day: we started a Saturday at The Neighborhood Cafe and then used the colorful doors in the building as backdrops.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f-hmRlDEkds/UYrzuORGkbI/AAAAAAAAIz0/XqxKXJ97TvM/s1600/259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f-hmRlDEkds/UYrzuORGkbI/AAAAAAAAIz0/XqxKXJ97TvM/s640/259.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All doors should be painted such happy colors.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jA0-MnvW09I/UYr0WOVoO0I/AAAAAAAAIz8/UEEqdfu94c8/s1600/282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jA0-MnvW09I/UYr0WOVoO0I/AAAAAAAAIz8/UEEqdfu94c8/s640/282.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sydney did a special "pose" for her friend and pen=pal, Olivia. I love that kid.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I think that because we enjoy being by the water so much, our home has become more precious to me. We made the mistake of moving further inland a few years ago, and we were miserable. I don't know why adding an extra fifteen minutes of driving time was so discouraging, but we might as well have been living in Minnesota. We never made it downtown. We never found ourselves at the beach. And it was depressing. Our house may not be perfect, but it is in a location that makes it a piece of cake to head downtown on a whim, or take a last minute drive to the beach to catch the sunset. I can't really imagine it any other way. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vCJL2pzVhjQ/UYr1xt4fTPI/AAAAAAAAI0I/J8TqL_nrkMM/s1600/314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vCJL2pzVhjQ/UYr1xt4fTPI/AAAAAAAAI0I/J8TqL_nrkMM/s640/314.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We walked down the dock and checked out the pelicans and the yachts.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4n4HVitPDGQ/UYr1yYjGFBI/AAAAAAAAI0Q/3Z4V_nbMOLE/s1600/328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4n4HVitPDGQ/UYr1yYjGFBI/AAAAAAAAI0Q/3Z4V_nbMOLE/s400/328.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The canons are a hit, and you are obsessed with pirates for some reason. Always saying "Aargh" and even swinging your arm.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SPbJl0TjNCs/UYr1zanh2HI/AAAAAAAAI0Y/HvOEkYn8VVY/s1600/330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SPbJl0TjNCs/UYr1zanh2HI/AAAAAAAAI0Y/HvOEkYn8VVY/s640/330.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shopping for trinkets to send to Spain.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Oq7yWCAaco/UYr4kp8s9ZI/AAAAAAAAI0s/FwbqFxioTf4/s1600/338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Oq7yWCAaco/UYr4kp8s9ZI/AAAAAAAAI0s/FwbqFxioTf4/s640/338.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hamming it up downtown.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">These days, you are seeming quite toddler-ish. Not a trace of baby left hardly. Just today I noticed that the flip of your hair is now below your ears. I've been french braiding it lately to keep it out of your eyes. Ironically, you won't leave in a headband or barrette, but you seem to understand that you should leave alone any form of ponytail or braid. Of course, they suffer the same fate as shoes, jackets or any other piece of clothing you deem to be extraneous and off they come as soon as we cross our doorway or even climb into the car. I'll be glad when you let me put pretty things in your hair. I keep buying them in hopes that the day will come when you will wear a lacy headband or sweet sunhat. You've also had some pretty huge accomplishments lately. About a month ago (I'm afraid I'm depending on Instagram these days to actually keep track of the days of events) you woke up dry. I immediately stuck you on the potty and: success! Since then, we've bought you a cushy seat and you use it regularly. Not always, and not even often enough to take you shopping for some tiny undies, but you are well on your way. You are also finally tall enough to push yourself around on both the plasma car and even your "Dora-mobile" from Pop Pop. And do you ever love to cruise around on them. When outdoors you insist on a helmet, which you call a "hat," always wise beyond your years. You've also had a mass eruption of teeth. Your bare gums are now full of molars and little chicklet teeth, with only a few bare spots remaining. You've been remarkably good about this ordeal. I can see how red your gums are, yet you never complain aside from an occasional "Teeth. Ow." statement.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DrGW1qWI5Qw/UYr5R4Q0lpI/AAAAAAAAI04/VbWFYAFs8B8/s1600/445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DrGW1qWI5Qw/UYr5R4Q0lpI/AAAAAAAAI04/VbWFYAFs8B8/s400/445.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dancing in the trains at the museum.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OckF6en41JI/UYr6SSLcC1I/AAAAAAAAI1E/G4Thz8vWXHo/s1600/482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OckF6en41JI/UYr6SSLcC1I/AAAAAAAAI1E/G4Thz8vWXHo/s400/482.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the caboose.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s6H13WCYM_k/UYr6UkCYJVI/AAAAAAAAI1M/7n37NPJWI34/s1600/519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s6H13WCYM_k/UYr6UkCYJVI/AAAAAAAAI1M/7n37NPJWI34/s640/519.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walkin' the line.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You've also picked up some habits that I'm not thrilled with. You are crossing your arms when you are feeling extra stubborn, telling me "no", and even trying to slap my face when you don't like the answer I'm giving you. Consequently, you've had your first few time-outs. Ironically, you like them. Of course you do. When I ask if you need to go to time-out, you enthusiastically say "Yes!" I feel a little like it's backfiring on me, and a little like you are playing me. I'm staying consistent though. I can't be beat by a one year old. But geez, kid. Way to make me look like an amateur. You also have a sudden aversion to grocery cart seats. You've discovered that some kids sit in the backs of carts (your sister), and you find that to be much more to your liking. Truthfully, some days I'd let you sit just about anywhere if it would make you content during a shopping trip. You've also taken to throwing food when you're done eating. We are trying our best to get you to just say "All done" instead. Our poor carpet is showing evidence of this new habit. Manners are also a big thing around here. You've learned that "Please" is a magic word, and you say it in your sweetest voice. Everyday we repeat our most polite phrases in hopes they will sink in. Someday that will pay off. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We weren't done yet. We headed to the airport observation deck for sunset.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was freezing.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Your level of conversation has grown by leaps and bounds. You happily answer, "I don't know," to many of the questions we ask. You are equally happy when you do know, though. The other day you fell asleep after a beach day without bathing. The next morning Sydney told you that you needed a bath and you laughed and said, "I know!" You're also following directions even better than I expect. You pretty much live for laundry days, and can't wait to be my "helper". You're quite miffed when I start loading the machines without you. You even put away some items, like towels, by yourself with little instruction. Why did it take me having four children before realizing that good cleaning habits are easier taught during these early years? </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm having so much fun teaching you colors, counting, and the alphabet. Watching you grasp these concepts is amazing. It's so rewarding to wander through a produce market and watch you announce the names of different fruits and vegetables. And when you get one wrong, and I correct you, you say, "Oh." Why is that so funny when you say it and not when we do? You mimic my cooking in your tiny kitchen. Yesterday I watched you using your rolling pin on a piece of plastic cauliflower. Okay, maybe you didn't get that specific move from me. Then again, maybe I'll soon be getting recipes from you. You never know.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am pitifully behind on here once again. I started this post days ago, and am only just now finishing as everyone sleeps. I am vowing to apply a little structure to my days. Not too much. I cherish our last minute runs to the park, beach, or wherever. I'm not about to sacrifice them. I'm home with you for a reason, and I don't want to squander this opportunity by scheduling our days to the hilt. But fitting in things that are important to me, or the family, matter too. Since scheduling isn't my strong suit, we will see how this goes. I promise there will still be plenty of time penciled in for walks, tea parties and swim dates.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Dear Finnleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05186428325047976687noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040126147097903260.post-27604167494664428752013-04-14T13:44:00.005-04:002013-04-14T16:43:42.279-04:00Reasons to Celebrate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">One thing I look forward to every year is the little cluster of celebrations that happens every spring. Whether true reasons to celebrate (Kylee's birthday & Easter) or just fun reasons to wear green (St. Patrick's Day), special days are always more fun with kids. You don't understand a bit of the whole "wearing green so as not to get pinched" thing, but you are starting to understand the idea of birthdays and you really got into he spirit of the egg hunt this year. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kylee's "Not a Party" Party. I was still obsessing over the bright evenings.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Party Necessity</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Kylee turned 13 this year. Yes, a teenager. One teenager just moved out of the house and another sister enters her teens. It's kind of like a cruel joke. This year, Kylee chose to take a friend to Disney instead of having a big birthday party. Still, she requested a cupcake baking/decorating get-together with her two closest friends. Since I had every intention of making some sort of cake for her anyway, this was a hard request to turn down. There would be cupcakes, and I wouldn't have to bake or decorate anything? Deal. I tried my hardest to keep it a "non-party", in keeping with the rules, but there may have been stripey straws, neon plates & napkins, and a homemade backdrop involved. Some habits are hard to break.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cupcake Decorating Mini-Shindig</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">St. Patrick's Day came and went without much mention around here. We made sure you were dressed in your greenest outfit, though. We did embark on a shamrock hunt that morning. I realize that you don't know or care what a shamrock is at this point, but you're always happy to join in some sort of hunt that requires combing through the dirt. You took a pretty nasty tumble on the way home, and I ended up carrying you all the way back with blood literally running down your leg. I'm sad to say that that was the most memorable part of the day! You still have a little scar from the incident.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NPJKmETki0A/UWVZeTIFwpI/AAAAAAAAIs0/Ezo723_C9qg/s1600/shamrock+collage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NPJKmETki0A/UWVZeTIFwpI/AAAAAAAAIs0/Ezo723_C9qg/s640/shamrock+collage.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love what qualified as shamrocks: dollarweed and more weeds.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F1khA-0RBX4/UWl4DPyziZI/AAAAAAAAItM/EC0f376P2aw/s1600/IMG_5230edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F1khA-0RBX4/UWl4DPyziZI/AAAAAAAAItM/EC0f376P2aw/s400/IMG_5230edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweetest pigtails. Worst lighting ever.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First bandaid.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And then there was Easter. I was pretty sure that holiday would be a disaster because you came down with the nastiest cold just days before. You were pathetically sick...the kind where you just laid on the ground next to me (and that literally never happens when you're healthy). The first indication that things might turn out alright came the night I (finally) took out the Easter decorations an supplies. You discovered them stashed in the dining room and rummaged through them quietly for quite a while. I found you on the floor, surrounded by brightly colored plastic eggs and empty baskets. And happy for the first time in two days.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ddX8dttjGxM/UWrA6zoUqpI/AAAAAAAAItc/6YL0y7WsVFE/s1600/IMG_6259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ddX8dttjGxM/UWrA6zoUqpI/AAAAAAAAItc/6YL0y7WsVFE/s640/IMG_6259.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How I found you.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evidence that you were quite the sick kid. This isn't even the worst picture...by far.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">One of my favorite things about Easter is dying the eggs. There's just something about a dozen little blank canvases, sitting there like a carton full of possibilities that turns me into a kid again. We finally used some natural dyes this year, something I've been wanting to do for a while. It was a fun science experiment for Sydney, and it made me feel a whole lot better about feeding those eggs to my family. Plus, the results were quite amazing! Of course, we also did some traditional colors, too, because an overnight wait for natural colors didn't impress your sisters in this world of instant gratification. Honestly, you were pretty uninvolved in the dying process. You were there, circling the table, hopeful for a chance to get your hands on them. But the thought of breakable eggs and cups full of dye seemed like a recipe for disaster once a one year old entered the equation. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Labeled, natural dyes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Professionals.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZiRq-h4Fpao/UWrDbDIAIVI/AAAAAAAAIuo/OV2_bDzusN4/s1600/IMG_6400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZiRq-h4Fpao/UWrDbDIAIVI/AAAAAAAAIuo/OV2_bDzusN4/s640/IMG_6400.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your only contribution: coloring on the furniture with the clear crayon.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished product: artificial dyed eggs.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished product: Natural dyes.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Another thing that I was excited about this Easter was the opportunity to let you join in the Easter egg hunt. I knew you'd be old enough to hold your own, and what could be more perfect for you than an outdoor scavenger hunt? We held a little trial run on Saturday with Sydney, so that by Easter morning you'd know what to do and she could just fill her basket. Who knew that this would be the best egg hunt of the weekend? Empty eggs and all! You girls hunted and re-hid the eggs all day long. By far, my best photos came from that day, too. Because Easter Sunday was Meltdown-City...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mAgBxZyWzAQ/UWrFOVTtvEI/AAAAAAAAIvM/H-IifPVSFjc/s1600/IMG_6479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mAgBxZyWzAQ/UWrFOVTtvEI/AAAAAAAAIvM/H-IifPVSFjc/s640/IMG_6479.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And you were off!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You seemed to get the concept immediately.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Syd was a good sport.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5MSIGcEqIhM/UWrF_hzYK0I/AAAAAAAAIvc/_s96ijIZqQA/s1600/IMG_6573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5MSIGcEqIhM/UWrF_hzYK0I/AAAAAAAAIvc/_s96ijIZqQA/s640/IMG_6573.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love your sister bond, even while on the hunt.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QdBhgiyPua4/UWrG3dExuzI/AAAAAAAAIv0/Wgl59tBJ0qw/s1600/IMG_6618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QdBhgiyPua4/UWrG3dExuzI/AAAAAAAAIv0/Wgl59tBJ0qw/s640/IMG_6618.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The inevitable spilled basket.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h8aVlig91BA/UWrG3ObKKLI/AAAAAAAAIvw/ve4DLTbAw2A/s1600/IMG_6633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h8aVlig91BA/UWrG3ObKKLI/AAAAAAAAIvw/ve4DLTbAw2A/s400/IMG_6633.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Found one!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mQmFj1B4Kg4/UWrHgHfzM2I/AAAAAAAAIwM/IY8YhVqolRo/s1600/IMG_6642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mQmFj1B4Kg4/UWrHgHfzM2I/AAAAAAAAIwM/IY8YhVqolRo/s640/IMG_6642.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obligatory "ears" photo.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jzdHjL19bXk/UWrHghF75MI/AAAAAAAAIwQ/Bmn7UH89odM/s1600/IMG_6660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jzdHjL19bXk/UWrHghF75MI/AAAAAAAAIwQ/Bmn7UH89odM/s640/IMG_6660.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sydney adding in an extra pair of bunny ears for good measure.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z1k5gfmVBPM/UWrHfxjC_3I/AAAAAAAAIwA/rRy24nMyYAI/s1600/IMG_6668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z1k5gfmVBPM/UWrHfxjC_3I/AAAAAAAAIwA/rRy24nMyYAI/s400/IMG_6668.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honestly, if I'd known how cute these would be I would've paid more attention to the backdrop.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K3-EX6Mxo5E/UWrHg-NbIxI/AAAAAAAAIwU/3qrIMutv-50/s1600/IMG_6671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K3-EX6Mxo5E/UWrHg-NbIxI/AAAAAAAAIwU/3qrIMutv-50/s640/IMG_6671.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ahhh, Easter Sunday...so the good: your dress, that I've been hoarding for months, was perfect. So, so beautiful. And as it turned out, all of your sisters dressed up a bit. You all looked gorgeous. However, you'd never know because I do not have one single "sister photo", "family photo"...nothing. Not even just one where you all ended up in the same shot. And as if that wasn't bad enough, I honestly didn't even get any decent pictures that day. You may have been egg-hunted out because after the first few (enthusiastic) minutes of hunting, you gave up. You all did. Monday morning I had to run outside and hunt down eggs in my pj's like a maniac before the lawn crew showed up to mow. Naps were late and short and chocolate was the food of choice. I'm not blaming all of the chaos on chocolate or lack of sleep, but I am saying they were involved. There were tears and messes, and I was kind of glad when it was bedtime. But, hey, it happens. We were all together, and I wouldn't trade that day for anything.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jkINLDE6E6E/UWrJHZJd5SI/AAAAAAAAIws/nLtgSxCHAzo/s1600/IMG_6695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jkINLDE6E6E/UWrJHZJd5SI/AAAAAAAAIws/nLtgSxCHAzo/s400/IMG_6695.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">E.B. Wuz Here.</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/-4Y_yxges2R0/UWrJHexq6xI/AAAAAAAAIww/n-yMpz59lqc/s1600/IMG_6702edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="514" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Y_yxges2R0/UWrJHexq6xI/AAAAAAAAIww/n-yMpz59lqc/s640/IMG_6702edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Digging in!</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/-NQWS4jHT6bM/UWrKHgCpDkI/AAAAAAAAIxI/V_v-bxAPUHg/s1600/IMG_6710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NQWS4jHT6bM/UWrKHgCpDkI/AAAAAAAAIxI/V_v-bxAPUHg/s400/IMG_6710.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy messes.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gdguxaz0_IM/UWrKHgCFJFI/AAAAAAAAIxE/6I__yhLoLY0/s1600/IMG_6712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gdguxaz0_IM/UWrKHgCFJFI/AAAAAAAAIxE/6I__yhLoLY0/s400/IMG_6712.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking out the goods.</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/-xnhfYl5FhVM/UWrKHdtpG5I/AAAAAAAAIxA/_HZedx6KrUg/s1600/IMG_6717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xnhfYl5FhVM/UWrKHdtpG5I/AAAAAAAAIxA/_HZedx6KrUg/s400/IMG_6717.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You went straight for the chocolate. But the good stuff at least: Lindt!</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/-rpaspfacRtw/UWrUCgLX49I/AAAAAAAAIxk/mVIZl4MNZeg/s1600/IMG_6845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rpaspfacRtw/UWrUCgLX49I/AAAAAAAAIxk/mVIZl4MNZeg/s640/IMG_6845.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You, running out back to start the official egg hunt...you looked like you were exiting the tunnel at a football game!</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/-h19KYA3ioXo/UWrUEKJAeKI/AAAAAAAAIxs/E5yuXPsfc_o/s1600/IMG_7011edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="524" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h19KYA3ioXo/UWrUEKJAeKI/AAAAAAAAIxs/E5yuXPsfc_o/s640/IMG_7011edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huntress.</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/-mikcQ6fYHG0/UWrbTkZS8FI/AAAAAAAAIyE/oPksA45SZck/s1600/IMG_7100edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mikcQ6fYHG0/UWrbTkZS8FI/AAAAAAAAIyE/oPksA45SZck/s640/IMG_7100edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bubbles were big with the Easter Bunny this year. You all got some. These were Kylee's giant ones.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8HyBhIuyOEE/UWrbz_qqwJI/AAAAAAAAIyk/f8FWy-v27Sk/s1600/IMG_6875edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8HyBhIuyOEE/UWrbz_qqwJI/AAAAAAAAIyk/f8FWy-v27Sk/s400/IMG_6875edit.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It helps to be tall.</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/--DuWsBIJ7_Y/UWrbzOkJugI/AAAAAAAAIyg/Qn-dmSLb9v8/s1600/IMG_6896edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--DuWsBIJ7_Y/UWrbzOkJugI/AAAAAAAAIyg/Qn-dmSLb9v8/s640/IMG_6896edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweetness.</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/-TnRlie-zSr8/UWrbzWSE0DI/AAAAAAAAIyY/WhKsPvQF1ww/s1600/IMG_6998edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TnRlie-zSr8/UWrbzWSE0DI/AAAAAAAAIyY/WhKsPvQF1ww/s640/IMG_6998edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My bunny.</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/-CFecWA8lF_A/UWrbTrv5hpI/AAAAAAAAIyA/xEJP9OU40VU/s1600/IMG_7185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CFecWA8lF_A/UWrbTrv5hpI/AAAAAAAAIyA/xEJP9OU40VU/s400/IMG_7185.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glowing bubbles from Sydney's basket. Pretty cool.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So maybe next year will be a picture-perfect Easter. Maybe we'll actually make it to a church service. Maybe I'll have photographic evidence that you girls were together, and even that you love each other. Maybe I'll cook a fabulous brunch and a giant Easter ham, and you girls will hunt for eggs happily all day and ask for vegetables as a snack. Or maybe it'll be real life and that will still be perfect in its own way. I do ask for just one picture of you girls though. Just one.</span>Dear Finnleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05186428325047976687noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040126147097903260.post-78891301791040801442013-04-10T00:49:00.001-04:002013-04-10T00:49:38.012-04:00Spring Breakin'<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What is it about Spring Break that is so sweet? I guess because the last "big" holiday we had was anything but restful, even with time off from school. Spring Break is sandwiched neatly between the hectic holiday season and the sticky days of summer vacation. Perfectly positioned to be a welcome reprieve from backpacks and packed lunches, but not so drawn out as to wear out its welcome. It doesn't hurt that the weather is usually pretty stellar this time of year. Any season that allows me to open the windows is okay by me. (Full disclosure: not all of these pictures are from actual Spring Break. I can't even remember when it was at this point. But they are all Spring-Break-ish.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><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/-zrCuakDV9JA/UWNEQB0Q3oI/AAAAAAAAIjQ/snqXN_oQcSU/s1600/IMG_3825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zrCuakDV9JA/UWNEQB0Q3oI/AAAAAAAAIjQ/snqXN_oQcSU/s400/IMG_3825.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Painting the Music" (Thank you, Nuria! <a href="http://theadventuresarchive.com/" target="_blank">http://theadventuresarchive.com/</a> )</td></tr>
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</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3rX2IfWJbW4/UWNFGfFNWxI/AAAAAAAAIjY/eSkDAEaSVyc/s1600/IMG_3901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3rX2IfWJbW4/UWNFGfFNWxI/AAAAAAAAIjY/eSkDAEaSVyc/s640/IMG_3901.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The very picture of spring!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kvRCn_wrOHY/UWNGCA2lRfI/AAAAAAAAIjw/1XLe1YXreLI/s1600/IMG_3982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kvRCn_wrOHY/UWNGCA2lRfI/AAAAAAAAIjw/1XLe1YXreLI/s640/IMG_3982.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The weather couldn't make up its mind.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><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/-jCqzLy8NUyY/UWNHD_-k5bI/AAAAAAAAIj8/4EYP2tpc1xE/s1600/IMG_4041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jCqzLy8NUyY/UWNHD_-k5bI/AAAAAAAAIj8/4EYP2tpc1xE/s400/IMG_4041.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing your true colors.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6GqqlTmu1GM/UWNHEK6ZE8I/AAAAAAAAIkE/YdWweG1T3Xg/s1600/IMG_4120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6GqqlTmu1GM/UWNHEK6ZE8I/AAAAAAAAIkE/YdWweG1T3Xg/s640/IMG_4120.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's to longer days!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> We did finally get to the park for Sydney's "street performance", but I think she was a bit disappointed that she didn't actually raise any money. To be fair, she didn't exactly have a sign or anything to indicate what she was up to. Just an upside down hat and a guitar. But she looked cute, and her intentions were good. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xPTy3N2jtT4/UWNHXWU7liI/AAAAAAAAIkY/Nprxxl_-Na4/s1600/IMG_4134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xPTy3N2jtT4/UWNHXWU7liI/AAAAAAAAIkY/Nprxxl_-Na4/s640/IMG_4134.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your indie-rocker sister.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-At0UY7cm9g8/UWNHXkPGDfI/AAAAAAAAIkc/A8kcqtD0JEg/s1600/IMG_4146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-At0UY7cm9g8/UWNHXkPGDfI/AAAAAAAAIkc/A8kcqtD0JEg/s640/IMG_4146.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She's got the melancholy, "girl with a guitar" thing down.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7fdvHEjuXy0/UWNIKfar84I/AAAAAAAAIks/2J3I9uJSZPY/s1600/IMG_4196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7fdvHEjuXy0/UWNIKfar84I/AAAAAAAAIks/2J3I9uJSZPY/s400/IMG_4196.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alternating between blowing and eating the bubbles.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T-8det62U1s/UWNJrU75WjI/AAAAAAAAIlA/yu7j7MmDyDU/s1600/IMG_4236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T-8det62U1s/UWNJrU75WjI/AAAAAAAAIlA/yu7j7MmDyDU/s400/IMG_4236.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best part: Just laying down in the shade together.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IeXGnG3WO0s/UWNJrcMlgwI/AAAAAAAAIlI/VXFQdYxzpzo/s1600/IMG_4243.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IeXGnG3WO0s/UWNJrcMlgwI/AAAAAAAAIlI/VXFQdYxzpzo/s640/IMG_4243.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One last spin on the tire swing before we had to go.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Spring also signals the return of regular beach visits. The combination of mild weather and the eventual dwindling down of the snowbirds makes it enjoyable once again. I knew that even though your first sunset of the season was far your first beach experience, that it would feel that way since you couldn't possibly remember last year's visits. And, in a way, it was even better because this time you were fully aware of the uniqueness of your surroundings. As I had anticipated, you were in awe of all of that sand and water. It was as if you didn't know which you wanted to do more: dig your fingers and toes in the cool sand or run headfirst into the waves. You chose a little of both, but ultimately the water won. It was as if those waves were magnetic and you were hopelessly metallic. The gulf is cold this time of year, but that didn't stop you from getting soaked up to your knees!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your first "toes in the sand" moment in quite a while.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think your face says it all. You could get used to this.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surveying the scene.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the light a setting sun casts on my babies.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holding on tight. Daddy, that is. Not so much you. You would've been in that water if he had let go.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your "King of the World" moment.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Irresistible.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dodging the waves.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Another thing I'm loving about being your momma is watching you enjoy the outdoors. There is something so very wild and free about your little spirit. You are an explorer at heart, and I have no doubt that you could most likely survive on a deserted island, even now. You scavenge and hunt and examine with the best of them. I never tire of showing you ant mounds, bird's nests, spider webs, fragrant flowers, veiny leaves, interesting clouds and raindrops. All of which are still new to you. Even indoors, you insist on breaking boundaries and charting new territory. Yesterday you learned to open doors. (Great.) Today, dad built a new bench to go by the front door. It has a lower shelf for backpacks and lunchboxes, but you saw it as a climbing opportunity. I suppose that since today is the day that you overcame your fear of the playground tunnels, you figured that tunneling through the new Ikea bench was the next logical step. You got only a little bit stuck and clapped for yourself like you'd made a slam dunk once you were free. It's hard not to be proud. Watching you on the playground today was eye-opening. We had the place to ourselves, and you were a big kid. Like an official, full-blown kid. You scaled the climby thing to the second story, rode down the slide with almost no help and- yes- mastered the tunnel. Big kid. Wild child. My baby.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nature Babe</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah, I see you.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Classic Finn face.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your hair these days is so flippy and adorable...it's killing me.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UdxCqOvLQBQ/UWS7FkjiVuI/AAAAAAAAIoo/V2gQ8TV6kCA/s1600/IMG_4488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UdxCqOvLQBQ/UWS7FkjiVuI/AAAAAAAAIoo/V2gQ8TV6kCA/s640/IMG_4488.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously, kid. Can't take much more of this perfection.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WGQT72kITKI/UWS7kDpUcBI/AAAAAAAAIpI/P81JjdMYHAA/s1600/IMG_4577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WGQT72kITKI/UWS7kDpUcBI/AAAAAAAAIpI/P81JjdMYHAA/s400/IMG_4577.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sprite.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Spring Break was capped off by a most amazing meet-up at the beach with a few of the incredible families we've met on Instagram. I cannot put into words just how great it is to talk to these ladies daily in such an abstract way and then finally to meet in person, and get to actually see these little ones that I have been adoring from afar, and watch them do the same for my girls. True, the weather could've cooperated a bit more; it was freezing and unbelievably windy! But weather issues aside, standing side-by-side with these three girls and their families, watching our babies playing together, beats a "like", hands down, any day of the week!
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did I mention that it was breezy?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Circle of Moms</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lady in the jacket back there had the right idea.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sheltering babies from the cold.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your sister was the crazy kid in the bikini.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This happened immediately after she cried for 20 minutes about how cold she was.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KdBRh-CX0LA/UWTZrTSl6BI/AAAAAAAAIqs/grX3hVxWL34/s1600/IMG_4929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KdBRh-CX0LA/UWTZrTSl6BI/AAAAAAAAIqs/grX3hVxWL34/s640/IMG_4929.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crazy and beautiful.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HrDrGq_1sI8/UWTZr4rCfkI/AAAAAAAAIq4/EzkzErU4AOA/s1600/IMG_4936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HrDrGq_1sI8/UWTZr4rCfkI/AAAAAAAAIq4/EzkzErU4AOA/s640/IMG_4936.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where we set up camp and tried not to blow away.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DjnzG5wqQfo/UWTaeR4n05I/AAAAAAAAIrI/l6sFJ912MUE/s1600/IMG_4937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DjnzG5wqQfo/UWTaeR4n05I/AAAAAAAAIrI/l6sFJ912MUE/s400/IMG_4937.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just about the only time you were out of my arms.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And then the tears came. Time to go!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I feel summer knocking at the door already. I can just picture your sweet, sweaty head. I'm sure we'll be spending quite a bit more time indoors, but I'm excited to see you learn to love the pool again, run through a sprinkler, wade in a wading pool and play in the rain. I'm enjoying every pleasant day that this spring wants to throw our way. Without a doubt, you are in agreement. My little free-spirited explorer.</span></div>
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Dear Finnleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05186428325047976687noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040126147097903260.post-85252044948634337612013-03-29T11:15:00.002-04:002013-03-29T11:18:22.159-04:00Going With the Flow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A recent flop of a weekend reminded me why it's best to just let things unfold as they may instead of trying to orchestrate the perfect moment. Normally planning is not my thing. I don't really do it. I'm not even good at it. Your dad is the "man with the plan" and I'm the one constantly wants to drop everything and hit the beach when I see that the sunset is going to be particularly epic. Over the years your dad has loosened up and gotten better about being spontaneous, and especially good about handling situations when things don't turn out the way he expected. I, on the other hand, haven't learned a bit about planning. If anything, I am more of a procrastinator than ever. But every once in a while I dream up a scenario in my head and set out to recreate it in real life. This type of motivation is, of course, doomed to failure from the word "go."</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f5Vif1Ag-5A/UVTgjHzwKgI/AAAAAAAAIf4/vwVNTG9b9uA/s1600/IMG_2981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f5Vif1Ag-5A/UVTgjHzwKgI/AAAAAAAAIf4/vwVNTG9b9uA/s640/IMG_2981.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Putting on your hat for a stroll around the lake.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Usually our weekends are pretty easy going. We try not to schedule much so that we can sleep in, enjoy the outdoors and get a few things accomplished. But we had an unusually warm start to the winter this year. It was warm enough to seek out water...too cold for the beach or pool still, but just right for splash parks. The warmth had me itching to spend as much time outside as possible, realizing that soon it would be too hot to enjoy. For some reason I was determined to get you to a park with a splash pad (there are plenty) and make some memories. Once summer is in full force, not even a concrete slab full of sprayers can shake the heat. But for now it was just what the doctor ordered.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-osZKTFz4zFk/UVTfid3DT3I/AAAAAAAAIfg/YXQxNcIiIJU/s1600/IMG_2961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-osZKTFz4zFk/UVTfid3DT3I/AAAAAAAAIfg/YXQxNcIiIJU/s640/IMG_2961.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You look as disappointed as I felt.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sdCP-v_Aia4/UVTfinoU3vI/AAAAAAAAIfk/D5SUqXA-C5c/s1600/IMG_2969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sdCP-v_Aia4/UVTfinoU3vI/AAAAAAAAIfk/D5SUqXA-C5c/s640/IMG_2969.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still, it was a beautiful day.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YIIhQGdFz1Q/UVTfjKVev4I/AAAAAAAAIfs/TjxIpwTKVak/s1600/IMG_2974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YIIhQGdFz1Q/UVTfjKVev4I/AAAAAAAAIfs/TjxIpwTKVak/s640/IMG_2974.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We made up for it with a produce stand visit and a shared smoothie.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As it turned out, I also needed to pick up a beach permit at the park. So on a particularly warm Friday, I packed you in the car with a swimsuit, sunscreen, shades...typical Floridian paraphernalia...and drove to the park (at the far end of town) specifically for their massive water area. I pictured the scenario: your reaction to being splashed, the water beading on your skin from the sunscreen, the possibility that you may get a surprise, direct hit to the face. I imagined the photos I could capture, and used this to justify the extra gas I was using just to go all the way out there.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQobgh9-fNA/UVTgjBTIu_I/AAAAAAAAIf8/c5OwAsDGM_8/s1600/IMG_3012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQobgh9-fNA/UVTgjBTIu_I/AAAAAAAAIf8/c5OwAsDGM_8/s640/IMG_3012.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From your swing you had the perfect view of the water par we were supposed to be playing on.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Imagine my surprise when we showed up to find it was closed. Why hadn't this possibility occurred to me? Admittedly, this is pretty much my sort of luck, but in that moment it almost felt like a conspiracy. I was disappointed, but we made the most of the day anyway. And it wasn't a complete wash...we did get our parking pass. The park staff insisted that the water would be running again before the end of the day, and so I began hatching a plan to return with the whole family. Still determined to find water, we did in fact head out to a much closer playground after Sydney got off the bus. We hung out until almost sunset, and it was pretty much perfect. Even better than what I had "planned" because we got to take Sydney along. So much for my conspiracy theories!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CsvMHxExY4M/UVTt-LYrJuI/AAAAAAAAIgQ/m4m-DicSIrw/s1600/IMG_3029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CsvMHxExY4M/UVTt-LYrJuI/AAAAAAAAIgQ/m4m-DicSIrw/s640/IMG_3029.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3egkHDKBnQE/UVTt-ERFPeI/AAAAAAAAIgI/C0y4vQxNSvk/s1600/IMG_3033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3egkHDKBnQE/UVTt-ERFPeI/AAAAAAAAIgI/C0y4vQxNSvk/s640/IMG_3033.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She was a happy girl.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I5SmWeOODnI/UVTuhSPntkI/AAAAAAAAIgc/0IUZaSPPJyg/s1600/IMG_3055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I5SmWeOODnI/UVTuhSPntkI/AAAAAAAAIgc/0IUZaSPPJyg/s640/IMG_3055.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You were mighty brave.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9FBcNeXJ0RM/UVTu6iZsIhI/AAAAAAAAIg0/Olye20pefoM/s1600/IMG_3076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9FBcNeXJ0RM/UVTu6iZsIhI/AAAAAAAAIg0/Olye20pefoM/s640/IMG_3076.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got what I was looking for...water beading up on your sunscreened skin.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QaKwi4oQodA/UVTvvA5NoaI/AAAAAAAAIhM/5s9GEOlzOxw/s1600/IMG_3089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QaKwi4oQodA/UVTvvA5NoaI/AAAAAAAAIhM/5s9GEOlzOxw/s400/IMG_3089.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You even got splashed in the face without so much as a tear.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lq0Ur_YUJgM/UVTvvZ79g7I/AAAAAAAAIhI/O1VBsYhBafo/s1600/IMG_3144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lq0Ur_YUJgM/UVTvvZ79g7I/AAAAAAAAIhI/O1VBsYhBafo/s640/IMG_3144.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think we wore you out.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aC8tggRkx1I/UVTw03Qf1tI/AAAAAAAAIhg/qGHt0KjpAwI/s1600/IMG_3207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aC8tggRkx1I/UVTw03Qf1tI/AAAAAAAAIhg/qGHt0KjpAwI/s400/IMG_3207.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to go.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Call me a glutton for punishment, but I still insisted on planning a family picnic at the first water park for the next day. We packed up some barbecue necessities and promised you girls a splash park. We drove clear across town again, only to find that- you guessed it- it was still closed. This time I take the blame. I really should have called. We still enjoyed some beautiful weather and barbecued by the lake, but we probably looked a little silly toting around beach towels and swimsuits. Conspiracy: 2 Me:0.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pfTjXhVi36o/UVTzPDab96I/AAAAAAAAIh0/umt-YVHBoIM/s1600/IMG_3303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pfTjXhVi36o/UVTzPDab96I/AAAAAAAAIh0/umt-YVHBoIM/s400/IMG_3303.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You don't look so thrilled about the way this was turning out.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TfVh8mdHdFM/UVTzP5qQCBI/AAAAAAAAIiE/fvTaZ5xclTk/s1600/IMG_3338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TfVh8mdHdFM/UVTzP5qQCBI/AAAAAAAAIiE/fvTaZ5xclTk/s640/IMG_3338.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Familiar story...walking around the lake instead of splashing in the water.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G6zdFcZJ4Ww/UVTzPrjyVpI/AAAAAAAAIiA/YionCza7lYc/s1600/IMG_3351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G6zdFcZJ4Ww/UVTzPrjyVpI/AAAAAAAAIiA/YionCza7lYc/s640/IMG_3351.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At least the sun was nice enough to put on a little show as it set.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In order to salvage the weekend from certain doom, I decided to plan yet another family outing. Apparently, I'm not quick to catch on. We decided to try out a new restaurant downtown for lunch. It's a cute little open-air joint in Dockside Boardwalk, on Naples Bay. I know what you're thinking. We headed downtown...in season...and expected it to go well. I have no defense. You see, I was still seeking water. It's within walking distance of our favorite park, Cambier. And there are a few sprayers there. Perfect...outdoor play, hot weather, water, outdoor dining...what could go wrong? Plus, I'd made a promise to Sydney that she could be a street musician for a day. I'm not sure where she gets these ideas from, but she was determined to play her guitar and have an upside-down hat for tips, in hopes of donating her proceeds to an orphanage. How could I say no? So I packed her guitar, a hat and a quilt in the car. You and I made our way downtown only to find the entire area surrounding the park clogged with tourists. The city was holding an obnoxiously large art show at Cambier. Needless to say, we parked a good 8 blocks from the restaurant, there was no water play, and certainly no street musician performance. Sydney didn't even make it to the playground, the rest of the family just met us for lunch (not that I could blame them). Conspiracy theories abound. I'm not saying it was a bad day. Far from it. Lunch was enjoyable, you girls got to browse like tourists, and there was a 15 minute stint at the playground for you and I. It didn't turn out like I had imagined, but that's just what I get for expecting so much out of one day. And in case you're keeping score, that's 3 for the Conspiracy and a big old goose egg for me.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4DHV8sOPeTI/UVTzz1fTYqI/AAAAAAAAIiM/U4RZcuNRE_E/s1600/IMG_3374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4DHV8sOPeTI/UVTzz1fTYqI/AAAAAAAAIiM/U4RZcuNRE_E/s400/IMG_3374.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You love swings!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--PF7AKTk3KQ/UVT1At7PDfI/AAAAAAAAIig/ZCfW62UMUxA/s1600/IMG_3472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--PF7AKTk3KQ/UVT1At7PDfI/AAAAAAAAIig/ZCfW62UMUxA/s640/IMG_3472.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family lunches.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-papcyX3mgTg/UVWfWeOKOOI/AAAAAAAAIi4/bVTW0sqYE6g/s1600/IMG_3491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-papcyX3mgTg/UVWfWeOKOOI/AAAAAAAAIi4/bVTW0sqYE6g/s400/IMG_3491.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being tourists.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kjdjcGhpnzc/UVWfXJoOpJI/AAAAAAAAIjE/wIOcIYg3DUU/s1600/IMG_3499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kjdjcGhpnzc/UVWfXJoOpJI/AAAAAAAAIjE/wIOcIYg3DUU/s640/IMG_3499.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shell-hunting.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1tkTIUfZ0Zw/UVWfWsQtKrI/AAAAAAAAIi8/gMSOJqW5Hx4/s1600/IMG_3503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1tkTIUfZ0Zw/UVWfWsQtKrI/AAAAAAAAIi8/gMSOJqW5Hx4/s640/IMG_3503.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Found some!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And just like that, I reminded myself why it's so much better to just wait and see what the weekends have in store for us, rather than insisting on scheduling our weekends to death. The truth is that trying to create a "moment" never results in ones so magical as the ones that just happen. I know this, but sometimes we all need a reminder. I think I'll let daddy handle the plans from here on out and I'll stick to going with the flow.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NtBl0F1HnSE/UVTw69CCfCI/AAAAAAAAIhs/x7nh7E8kf6Q/s1600/IMG_3263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NtBl0F1HnSE/UVTw69CCfCI/AAAAAAAAIhs/x7nh7E8kf6Q/s400/IMG_3263.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heart-shaped leaf. It's a sign that we ended up where we belonged.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Dear Finnleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05186428325047976687noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040126147097903260.post-25248204311741732562013-03-22T22:25:00.001-04:002013-03-22T22:25:30.262-04:00I Love...<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So many things. So many little things.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uRxLz1LkEQ0/UUyl90SG9JI/AAAAAAAAIbI/Fs5ZZOpdRPY/s1600/IMG_0789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uRxLz1LkEQ0/UUyl90SG9JI/AAAAAAAAIbI/Fs5ZZOpdRPY/s640/IMG_0789.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love that you still fit in this dress. A favorite gift from your dancing buddy, Amy.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I love the way you walk into Kylee's (messy) room and announce "Duppeedup" (which means "clean up, clean up").</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love the way you sleep with both arms over your head.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love the way you throw one hand in the air and dance when you hear anything that resembles music...a ringtone, a child's toy, a particularly melodic car alarm.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<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/-6vYQ0s6jRh8/UUynAKGWyzI/AAAAAAAAIbg/E-1r5p8cL_o/s1600/IMG_0901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6vYQ0s6jRh8/UUynAKGWyzI/AAAAAAAAIbg/E-1r5p8cL_o/s400/IMG_0901.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love that you hop up on this bench every single time we walk out the front door.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_WFO5BBr1pc/UUym_T_UbpI/AAAAAAAAIbY/_tQRXMemArM/s1600/IMG_0907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_WFO5BBr1pc/UUym_T_UbpI/AAAAAAAAIbY/_tQRXMemArM/s640/IMG_0907.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love that the sideways, sticky-out tongue is your go-to face. Always.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I love that you see dirt and feel compelled to stick your fingers in it, beads and you instantly drape them around your neck, and shoes and you must try them on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love that anytime a motorcycle, or a car in need of a new muffler, passes the house you turn to me and announce that it is indeed "Noisy." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--mUW6Wy7hG0/UUyov3juEaI/AAAAAAAAIbw/p4O3mJi2R6E/s1600/IMG_1134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--mUW6Wy7hG0/UUyov3juEaI/AAAAAAAAIbw/p4O3mJi2R6E/s640/IMG_1134.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love that you know the rules well enough that you wouldn't go near the fountain until I told you it was okay.</td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wgHyYK-xpzE/UUyowLzvSlI/AAAAAAAAIb0/tW4O3rgNiIo/s1600/IMG_1157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wgHyYK-xpzE/UUyowLzvSlI/AAAAAAAAIb0/tW4O3rgNiIo/s400/IMG_1157.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love that you understood how to toss the pennies in. We'll work on wishes later.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I love the way your hair is growing out and curling into itself in soft wisps in the back.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love that you watch sports with your daddy. You'll never really know how happy your interest makes him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love the way you watch every move we make and imitate it silently, down to facial expressions.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<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/-U72-te9pRlE/UUyqoLD9-yI/AAAAAAAAIcA/DJxio3Z36Mk/s1600/IMG_1269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U72-te9pRlE/UUyqoLD9-yI/AAAAAAAAIcA/DJxio3Z36Mk/s400/IMG_1269.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love how expressive your eyes are.</td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TOI1w3lJty4/UUyyQRtyf4I/AAAAAAAAIcY/kZbi9i-WvGY/s1600/IMG_1369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TOI1w3lJty4/UUyyQRtyf4I/AAAAAAAAIcY/kZbi9i-WvGY/s640/IMG_1369.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love that you want to walk to the same house every day, just to pick their very average flowers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VCZf_tCZk0c/UUyzuNENWFI/AAAAAAAAIcw/xk8rrycDvjc/s1600/IMG_1487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VCZf_tCZk0c/UUyzuNENWFI/AAAAAAAAIcw/xk8rrycDvjc/s640/IMG_1487.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love that as soon as your feet are dangling, you swing them wildly.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FgtnRKOMMqs/UUyzuMjvlqI/AAAAAAAAIcs/vlxEp7CYZnQ/s1600/IMG_1500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FgtnRKOMMqs/UUyzuMjvlqI/AAAAAAAAIcs/vlxEp7CYZnQ/s640/IMG_1500.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love that your hair is finally long enough for some decent pigtails.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ISvxHd27Uzw/UUyzuKjj3LI/AAAAAAAAIco/U-uTuwyhoQE/s1600/IMG_1544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ISvxHd27Uzw/UUyzuKjj3LI/AAAAAAAAIco/U-uTuwyhoQE/s640/IMG_1544.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love your profile.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xIk47u668jI/UUy0G_LHJBI/AAAAAAAAIc4/JnIBpnwJZmk/s1600/IMG_1553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xIk47u668jI/UUy0G_LHJBI/AAAAAAAAIc4/JnIBpnwJZmk/s640/IMG_1553.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love your amber necklace, and that most people just assume I'm letting you wear jewelry for fun.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I love that you fit perfectly in the crook of my arm when we are laying side-by-side.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love the way you know all of the names of the body parts and decide to randomly poke them with no warning just to prove it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MSBfd1itrNE/UUy2Gsf7zFI/AAAAAAAAIdA/0s1w-omWH2w/s1600/IMG_1563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MSBfd1itrNE/UUy2Gsf7zFI/AAAAAAAAIdA/0s1w-omWH2w/s400/IMG_1563.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love that it's finally the time of year when we get decent indoor light again.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fpAqC-qU3s8/UUy2HyBLScI/AAAAAAAAIdY/DuVxyiAgzaE/s1600/IMG_1607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fpAqC-qU3s8/UUy2HyBLScI/AAAAAAAAIdY/DuVxyiAgzaE/s640/IMG_1607.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the way you celebrate little and big victories with equal enthusiasm.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ov1pbtHgAPQ/UUy2HtwzETI/AAAAAAAAIdQ/28-viXv5YiY/s1600/IMG_1626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ov1pbtHgAPQ/UUy2HtwzETI/AAAAAAAAIdQ/28-viXv5YiY/s640/IMG_1626.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the way your hair catches and holds the sunlight, as if it glows.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I love the way you will try any and every fruit and veggie at the produce stand, but turn your nose up at so many of them at home. Okay, I don't really love that one, but I think it's pretty funny.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love that you yell "Hi, turtle!" randomly at Crunchy, Sydney's pet turtle, and try to feed him from fake food cans.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love the way you are learning to love reading, and the fact that you will finally sit still through 6+ books at a time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love the way you call out "Mommy" when you wake up. Softly, and over and over, until I appear.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UvF31POXe94/UUz1Owa4A5I/AAAAAAAAIdw/ouEZzwCldDY/s1600/IMG_1783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UvF31POXe94/UUz1Owa4A5I/AAAAAAAAIdw/ouEZzwCldDY/s640/IMG_1783.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love that you swing open the doors and windows of this house and say "hello" when you're playing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1sSObAmZLxs/UUz1O9e6vwI/AAAAAAAAIds/XSE7dhf7_Rc/s1600/IMG_1857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1sSObAmZLxs/UUz1O9e6vwI/AAAAAAAAIds/XSE7dhf7_Rc/s640/IMG_1857.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love those lips.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I love the way indirect sunlight hits your eyes and turns them the exact color of denim.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love the way you loudly shout "Bye!" to Daddy and Ashley when you know it's time for them to leave. No worries, because you know they will always return.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love the way you love your sisters. You are obsessed with every move they make and insist that they include you in everything. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love the way you call diapers "Elmo's" because I started buying Pampers...and they have Elmo on them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love that I can usually distract you when I'm cooking by asking if you are cooking also. Almost every time you beeline it to your toy kitchen and whip up something. Just like mommy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d9R75bUS5Hw/UUz3dhjJU3I/AAAAAAAAId8/xm_nyXzbuN4/s1600/IMG_1896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d9R75bUS5Hw/UUz3dhjJU3I/AAAAAAAAId8/xm_nyXzbuN4/s640/IMG_1896.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love that you love dress-up clothes. You have no idea what the hula is, but you're down with a grass skirt anyway.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cu2TS_ZdKjM/UUz3deMtEFI/AAAAAAAAIeA/NY3AXfQc-hQ/s1600/IMG_1945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cu2TS_ZdKjM/UUz3deMtEFI/AAAAAAAAIeA/NY3AXfQc-hQ/s640/IMG_1945.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love that you eat half of every berry, and put the rest back in the container for the rest of us.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I love all of your little birthmarks...especially the freckle on your hand.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love the way that you have figured out how to use an iPhone and iPad in less time than it will take to potty train you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love the way your chubby legs look in short dresses and sandals...all dimply and perfect.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BgzjT8mzHqk/UUz8mJVwIcI/AAAAAAAAIeQ/TZ5FFk7zOzM/s1600/IMG_2883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BgzjT8mzHqk/UUz8mJVwIcI/AAAAAAAAIeQ/TZ5FFk7zOzM/s640/IMG_2883.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love your cheesy smiles.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tksgxay94fs/UUz8l7fVxMI/AAAAAAAAIeM/tjrlDA57ato/s1600/IMG_2925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tksgxay94fs/UUz8l7fVxMI/AAAAAAAAIeM/tjrlDA57ato/s640/IMG_2925.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love that there's usually some remnants from your last meal or snack on your face because you hate having it wiped. And I choose my battles.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I love the way you love to be outdoors and are drawn to water. You're so my girl.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love that you have mastered how to get down from the sofa and bed, and that I can now walk away (or even just look away) without risking a broken bone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love that you are slow in getting teeth, and that your smile is still pretty gummy. But the teeth you do have are killing me with cuteness.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love the way you say "I love you," and even more so, the fact that you now say it unprompted sometimes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uLKLACll0eU/UU0BA0ziwUI/AAAAAAAAIec/4VuXtJHGiKw/s1600/IMG_3529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uLKLACll0eU/UU0BA0ziwUI/AAAAAAAAIec/4VuXtJHGiKw/s400/IMG_3529.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love that you are finally old enough to play with the ribbon wands from your birthday party. Supervised, anyway.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PtRyTJhyBVM/UU0PyU9lYpI/AAAAAAAAIfE/Ya4TdR7xMWI/s1600/IMG_3591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PtRyTJhyBVM/UU0PyU9lYpI/AAAAAAAAIfE/Ya4TdR7xMWI/s640/IMG_3591.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love that neon colors are "in" right now, because they look amazing on you.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lefCHQ7lS0E/UU0BjTR7xzI/AAAAAAAAIeo/zOrDfY0Mg3s/s1600/IMG_3652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lefCHQ7lS0E/UU0BjTR7xzI/AAAAAAAAIeo/zOrDfY0Mg3s/s400/IMG_3652.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love that you will share a coconut popsicle with me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I love that pretty much every cashier and bagger at both Publix and Target know you well. I'd like to think that it's because you are so charming, and not because I shop too frequently.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love that every day with you is a new adventure. That you are curious and thoughtful when examining your surroundings. And that there is nothing so wrong in your world that a quick "explore" of the back yard can't fix.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love the way you love your daddy. You light up every time he comes home.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love that you appreciate the deliciousness that is chocolate.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j0jDUyowshA/UU0HvNAGEiI/AAAAAAAAIe0/AqgLaTvLkCk/s1600/IMG_3678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j0jDUyowshA/UU0HvNAGEiI/AAAAAAAAIe0/AqgLaTvLkCk/s400/IMG_3678.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love that you wear my old dresses.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3jS6wt5_zjs/UU0HvY28JSI/AAAAAAAAIe4/U2rW955bp28/s1600/IMG_3735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3jS6wt5_zjs/UU0HvY28JSI/AAAAAAAAIe4/U2rW955bp28/s640/IMG_3735.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love those cheeks and lashes.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I love that, even though you detest having your hair washed, you love your bath anyway, even knowing it always ends in a shampoo.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love when you are feeling snuggly or tired or shy and you drape yourself across me, and bury your head into my arm, because you know you are safe there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love so very many things about being your mommy. I could go on forever. But mostly I just want you to know how very much I am enjoying <i>right now</i>. I love your new-found independence, but also your need to have me nearby. I love to watch you learn new words, eat new foods, pick up some new dance moves and discover new games. I love it all.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nId7ogbfVJM/UUyowFfTKAI/AAAAAAAAIb4/vv0FhTqf-sk/s1600/IMG_1245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nId7ogbfVJM/UUyowFfTKAI/AAAAAAAAIb4/vv0FhTqf-sk/s640/IMG_1245.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the trust you have in us to never let you down.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love that you came along and shook us up. Proved that we weren't done growing as a family. And found space in my heart for love I never knew I was capable of. Love for a fourth baby that was there all along. Love that.</span>Dear Finnleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05186428325047976687noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040126147097903260.post-40990135101796273872013-03-04T22:10:00.001-05:002013-03-04T22:10:04.651-05:00Just Doing Our Thing<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bhn7EB8SJiY/UTVFUlYhEbI/AAAAAAAAIZg/_qeJNJ7fFx8/s1600/IMG_9717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bhn7EB8SJiY/UTVFUlYhEbI/AAAAAAAAIZg/_qeJNJ7fFx8/s640/IMG_9717.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">These moments that I cannot possibly plan....these are my favorite.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lately, it seems as though a planned adventure is a sure sign of disaster. However, adventure manages to seek us out anyway, and usually when we least expect it. I had an entire weekend full of disappointments when I tried my hardest to fit in a barbecue at a splash park. But things always worked out in the end, despite not going as planned. Not one single time. And that's truly the best kind of adventure anyway. Life, totally unscripted. This fact doesn't surprise me. I've never been a planner. I've never had any use for schedules, itineraries, or plans. Things rarely live up to their expectations if your expectations are high. And you risk missing the fun that is sitting right in front of you when you are so focused on your "plans." But if you just follow the ebb and flow, figure out how to make the best of a situation and roll with it, magical things can happen. We proved that last weekend when a trip to the farmer's market turned into a trip to a museum, and then some. But that'll have to be another post because I haven't uploaded the photos yet.</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GHHpFmgsKVU/UTVKh9F4_WI/AAAAAAAAIZw/O4i9fWpNJUc/s1600/IMG_9782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GHHpFmgsKVU/UTVKh9F4_WI/AAAAAAAAIZw/O4i9fWpNJUc/s400/IMG_9782.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Splashing in puddles. New favorite activity.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Other than these wacky weekends, there's a whole lotta nothing going on around here. And I'm not complaining. After New Year's Day, rather than slow down, things went a bit haywire. Your dad went back to school, for starters. I am so proud of him for seeing an opportunity and taking it. He is making huge sacrifices in order to ensure a better future for our family. I won't lie, it's been a sacrifice for us all. Between work, school, softball and the gym, daddy-time is not as frequent as you've become accustomed to. Every time daddy walks past the front door, you run toward him saying, "Bye!" It breaks his heart. However, I give him credit. He maximizes every minute he does get with you girls. It would be easy to make excuses, but he never does. He tucks Sydney in, takes Kylee for lunch, plays with you on the floor, blows bubbles, buys tickets for Disney on Ice, grabs your sisters for impromptu ice cream dates and even takes them along to softball games. I couldn't have picked a better daddy if I tried. Well, actually, I did pick him. But that's all the credit I can take. He's amazing. We also had some car trouble, which prompted the purchase of a second car. We've been getting by with one for far too long, so it was high time. The new car is so roomy and downright luxurious to me. It was love at first sight. Sydney has picked up a second dance class (ballet 3, on scholarship). I am proud of her dedication and talent. It does mean that three days of the week she now has after school commitments. Rather than simplifying, I feel as though we are complicating things. But it is mostly temporary. And none of it is bad news. </span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k70bDLyEYsk/UTVEmcUOoNI/AAAAAAAAIZU/J3qrK8Q4_Qg/s1600/IMG_9524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k70bDLyEYsk/UTVEmcUOoNI/AAAAAAAAIZU/J3qrK8Q4_Qg/s640/IMG_9524.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Inspecting the new car.<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><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zqbK_efim50/UTVQmJIi5ZI/AAAAAAAAIaM/YzJCDVLcFT0/s1600/IMG_0039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zqbK_efim50/UTVQmJIi5ZI/AAAAAAAAIaM/YzJCDVLcFT0/s640/IMG_0039.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Your new bed. Looks comfy.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 13px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P3KpVGwADnw/UTVPbvksCjI/AAAAAAAAIaA/oguBET2GzaU/s1600/IMG_0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P3KpVGwADnw/UTVPbvksCjI/AAAAAAAAIaA/oguBET2GzaU/s640/IMG_0075.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">You like it!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">You have blossomed into quite the chatterbox. The things you say crack me up. My favorites are "I wuv woo" and "Nuggle" (snuggle...which is accompanied by a self-hug. Every time.) You could scrape me off the floor when you say these things, because I'm nothing but a melty puddle on the floor. You also repeat pretty much everything, but some of the things you are saying with tons of regularity are: "Hi, turtle!" to Crunchy, our turtle (and you take a fake can of peas from your kitchen set and pretend to shake food into his tank out of it), "Happy!", all fruit and vegetables are "apples", your sisters' names ("Nidnee", "YaYa", "Ayee"), almost all of the body parts: "eye", "nose", "mouth", "ear", "toes" etc. (but bellybutton sounds like "do do" and hair is "ew"...you know, because when you get a piece in your mouth you say "ewww"). </span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kdL-Y5MC8sE/USw5fYWb2ZI/AAAAAAAAIPw/j3z75GzLXtw/s1600/IMG_8111edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kdL-Y5MC8sE/USw5fYWb2ZI/AAAAAAAAIPw/j3z75GzLXtw/s640/IMG_8111edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Trying to catch up on pictures. This was from a park day in January.<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><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3PzKx0PaDlk/USw-cTEZQ7I/AAAAAAAAIRs/h_57SGmSASQ/s1600/IMG_8148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3PzKx0PaDlk/USw-cTEZQ7I/AAAAAAAAIRs/h_57SGmSASQ/s640/IMG_8148.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Blowing bubbles in the park.<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><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cl3IU8UVCSE/USw-cr2_z7I/AAAAAAAAIRw/fPkdfaWbqos/s1600/IMG_8267edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cl3IU8UVCSE/USw-cr2_z7I/AAAAAAAAIRw/fPkdfaWbqos/s640/IMG_8267edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">It's always breezy on Lake Avalon.<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><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P6PF4qjlhns/USw-9LsIIMI/AAAAAAAAIR8/J4DuuQDodcc/s1600/IMG_8156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P6PF4qjlhns/USw-9LsIIMI/AAAAAAAAIR8/J4DuuQDodcc/s400/IMG_8156.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Just hangin' out.<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><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sQkKK9bHzrQ/USxNBCREBmI/AAAAAAAAIT4/TkSrVdDrbAk/s1600/IMG_8501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sQkKK9bHzrQ/USxNBCREBmI/AAAAAAAAIT4/TkSrVdDrbAk/s640/IMG_8501.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Playing at the children's museum. Nice Mickey water painting, Syd!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 13px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HzotEJ3bja0/USxNBRQglvI/AAAAAAAAIT8/p1WKtlXFKu4/s1600/IMG_8609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HzotEJ3bja0/USxNBRQglvI/AAAAAAAAIT8/p1WKtlXFKu4/s400/IMG_8609.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">You are finally old enough to participate. Grocery shopping at the museum.<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><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZituHgrkEGY/USzGd3A3CwI/AAAAAAAAIV8/yEInLNNTEg0/s1600/IMG_8802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZituHgrkEGY/USzGd3A3CwI/AAAAAAAAIV8/yEInLNNTEg0/s640/IMG_8802.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Your favorite stop on our way outdoors: the Finnlee-sized bench.<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><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ii06yBb7OJc/USzGeP_JkwI/AAAAAAAAIWA/RRNFL_pThus/s1600/IMG_8807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ii06yBb7OJc/USzGeP_JkwI/AAAAAAAAIWA/RRNFL_pThus/s640/IMG_8807.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Your stripey leggings are my favorite.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">You are adding new moves to your dance repertoire, and new foods to your diet. Currently, your favorite foods are apples, cheese, eggs with cheese, grits, banana yogurt, and pretty much anything that I am trying to eat. Oh, and chocolate. You love chocolate. Just in the past week, your tiny gums are exploding with new teeth. We've gone from six teeth to what seems like a million over night. There are more molars in there every time I look. And your smile is quickly becoming a toothy grin. Your hair is growing and looking rather bushy. Just today I felt that it is starting to get in your eyes. Time to buy some cute clips and </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">make</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"> you wear them! We've made up a "big girl bed" for you, which is nothing more than a crib mattress on the floor. But we are using it for naps for now with the hope that eventually you will be able to sleep there at night. The too-big shoes that I felt silly for buying just months ago are now starting to fit. There's enough room to ensure you'll be wearing them at least this spring. But I'm already wondering what size you'll be in this summer and wanting to plan ahead. (Impossible!) I have even been working on plans for your second birthday party. I know, I know. It's more than seven months away. But if there's one thing I know with certainty, it's that time flies. It's March already. March! Wasn't it just New Year's? Like two posts ago?!</span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VdtmY1prZqc/UTU8BbwqT5I/AAAAAAAAIYM/EldG234YDFs/s1600/IMG_8923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VdtmY1prZqc/UTU8BbwqT5I/AAAAAAAAIYM/EldG234YDFs/s640/IMG_8923.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Stuck. And not happy about it.<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><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vpbDNsxrHWY/UTU-DrLi8II/AAAAAAAAIYY/ukEDSHhyUGM/s1600/IMG_8974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vpbDNsxrHWY/UTU-DrLi8II/AAAAAAAAIYY/ukEDSHhyUGM/s640/IMG_8974.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">A long-awaited visit from Amy, mommy's friend. Sooo much fun playing in the fountains.<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><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jGys_Upwifw/UTU-EAPtGjI/AAAAAAAAIYg/n4pIAZOKeX0/s1600/IMG_9067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jGys_Upwifw/UTU-EAPtGjI/AAAAAAAAIYg/n4pIAZOKeX0/s640/IMG_9067.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">You started out apprehensive but ended up soaked. Nothing like ice cream and water play in January. Oh, Florida!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 13px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9O4-VV1cQA8/UTVCvxqeNdI/AAAAAAAAIY0/PB-zUYKr4vk/s1600/IMG_9420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9O4-VV1cQA8/UTVCvxqeNdI/AAAAAAAAIY0/PB-zUYKr4vk/s400/IMG_9420.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">I love when shirts with captions become ironic.<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><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OOw-CVQeNXg/UTVDwFcr99I/AAAAAAAAIZI/yC5zEwfv87E/s1600/IMG_9472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OOw-CVQeNXg/UTVDwFcr99I/AAAAAAAAIZI/yC5zEwfv87E/s400/IMG_9472.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Little lady, doing some grocery shopping.<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><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ngMreN_nwNc/UTVDwG2r4XI/AAAAAAAAIZE/zSObACuhdZ8/s1600/IMG_9473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ngMreN_nwNc/UTVDwG2r4XI/AAAAAAAAIZE/zSObACuhdZ8/s640/IMG_9473.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Looking up recipes in your cookbook.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">You will never convince me that it's too early to start planning your birthday parties, just like you will never convince me that it's a good idea to plan out your weekend. Then again, I also said I could never enjoy such a structured vacation as a cruise, but I was dead wrong about that. So </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">maybe</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"> just </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">maybe </i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">I might try to drag you all to the park for a bbq and splash pad date again. But rest assured, I will call this time to see if it's open. Fool me once...okay, actually, twice...but it won't happen again (I hope).</span></div>
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Dear Finnleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05186428325047976687noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040126147097903260.post-8635079273044908642013-02-23T10:48:00.000-05:002013-02-23T10:50:14.412-05:00Be Mine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mCZFY0itORk/USeCrh5EnxI/AAAAAAAAH5g/gAnc3P6sEXg/s1600/IMG_2083edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mCZFY0itORk/USeCrh5EnxI/AAAAAAAAH5g/gAnc3P6sEXg/s640/IMG_2083edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Try as I might, I cannot find anything wrong with a day dedicated to celebrating love. How could that possibly be wrong? So, Hallmark holiday or not, on February 14th we are decked out in red & pink like the rest of the world. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V5XXBStNKGc/USi2_6MlVnI/AAAAAAAAH7Y/8yTeQ2BnyXs/s1600/IMG_2078edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V5XXBStNKGc/USi2_6MlVnI/AAAAAAAAH7Y/8yTeQ2BnyXs/s400/IMG_2078edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Hold up the love banner." It was a daunting request, apparently.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The day before Valentines Day, we had such a failed attempt at a love-themed photo shoot that it was laughable. Seriously. Sydney's hair was soaking wet from swimming with Ashley after school. You weren't wearing a hint of red, but your shirt and skirt are covered in hearts...so it counts, right? You weren't cooperating. And Sydney was mad. She just wanted to jump on the trampoline. It made me wonder if I'd someday regret putting you girls through these things from time to time. But looking back on these, I doubt it. Angry face, wet hair, back of your head...it doesn't matter. It's all beautiful to me.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CNzezYHQxb4/USi4x-oyx0I/AAAAAAAAH7k/eJr-ai6ZbnY/s1600/IMG_2096edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="516" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CNzezYHQxb4/USi4x-oyx0I/AAAAAAAAH7k/eJr-ai6ZbnY/s640/IMG_2096edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some actual, unprompted, love.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There's an entire section where homemade props are broken and lying on the ground. Sydney is pouting. And you are taking it all in. I love the way you watched her every move, taking her cue on how to behave in this situation. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rt3B4w0WNzo/USi7JnRlxDI/AAAAAAAAH9c/jcQITdMjgGc/s1600/IMG_2125edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rt3B4w0WNzo/USi7JnRlxDI/AAAAAAAAH9c/jcQITdMjgGc/s400/IMG_2125edit.jpg" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This wasn't what I was going for. But it's real and honest.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More like it. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">Valentines Day also marked your first lollipop tasting. You didn't know what to make of the sticky thing. You didn't seem to be crazy about the flavor, chewed on the handle a bit, and handed it back to me. I can't say I'm heartbroken to see that you don't love candy. I'm actually quite proud. Now your love for chocolate? You come by that honestly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On actual Valentines Day, I remembered I had a vintage, handmade dress that was perfect for the occasion. I just wasn't sure it would fit. It was perfection! Short and swingy. You couldn't stop lifting it and twirling in it and swishing the skirt around. I now want to dress you in short, vintage dresses every day of your life! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1JRQc-pUy-s/USjFjyjq2WI/AAAAAAAAIGs/iWIq-r98tV4/s1600/IMG_2262edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1JRQc-pUy-s/USjFjyjq2WI/AAAAAAAAIGs/iWIq-r98tV4/s640/IMG_2262edit.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dress perfection. I only wish I had taken some better photos that day. Oh well. It's better than none.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3GphBSZX6EQ/USjNTmWqL-I/AAAAAAAAIIk/5PUNfZHhDnk/s1600/IMG_2269edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="440" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3GphBSZX6EQ/USjNTmWqL-I/AAAAAAAAIIk/5PUNfZHhDnk/s640/IMG_2269edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was so busted. You knew I had a clip in your hair and you were not going to stand for it!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9T4fwV8BZ7c/USjNT94c5kI/AAAAAAAAIIw/BAPSc2MXHcY/s1600/IMG_2321edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9T4fwV8BZ7c/USjNT94c5kI/AAAAAAAAIIw/BAPSc2MXHcY/s640/IMG_2321edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swinging and twirling.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-De61jDlHx_k/USjNU3bMmzI/AAAAAAAAII0/TmLiC6KFiVk/s1600/IMG_2343edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-De61jDlHx_k/USjNU3bMmzI/AAAAAAAAII0/TmLiC6KFiVk/s640/IMG_2343edit.jpg" width="454" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiny hearts...wonder if it will fit next year?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n_lfQgL5GaM/USjNWKDWHCI/AAAAAAAAIJI/YQf_Ti4Dnl0/s1600/IMG_2396edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n_lfQgL5GaM/USjNWKDWHCI/AAAAAAAAIJI/YQf_Ti4Dnl0/s400/IMG_2396edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heart-shaped, red velvet whoopie pies, in the making.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s6F4_7Yde_4/USjC4ynw12I/AAAAAAAAIEw/DCL7nqBI5Fs/s1600/2760edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s6F4_7Yde_4/USjC4ynw12I/AAAAAAAAIEw/DCL7nqBI5Fs/s320/2760edit.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sydney's bubble Valentines this year.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--S8didynIWQ/USjNV_P24VI/AAAAAAAAIJM/VbsTarKdvvc/s1600/IMG_2379edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="504" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--S8didynIWQ/USjNV_P24VI/AAAAAAAAIJM/VbsTarKdvvc/s640/IMG_2379edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What do you mean I can't eat chocolate in this dress?</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Every year, Valentines Day gives us an opportunity to spoil you girls just a bit. It's never much, but a little chocolate and some trinkets go a long way toward reminding you that you hold our hearts. I love setting up a little display of tiny goodies and waiting for your sisters to come home. Like your mama, you girls love chocolate! Your dad always does his own thing for you girls. In the past he has sent flowers and chocolates, and even bought jewelry. This year he had cookies shipped to his favorite girls and some chocolate covered strawberries for me. I think we will keep him. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CyeHRbktXJs/USjNWf_7cdI/AAAAAAAAIJE/uVyDHTyBGso/s1600/IMG_2413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CyeHRbktXJs/USjNWf_7cdI/AAAAAAAAIJE/uVyDHTyBGso/s400/IMG_2413.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goody set-up, just waiting for your sisters to come home.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WZ8OQx2q1-4/USjTDTxKYwI/AAAAAAAAILc/V6FvRt_qK1c/s1600/IMG_2425edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WZ8OQx2q1-4/USjTDTxKYwI/AAAAAAAAILc/V6FvRt_qK1c/s400/IMG_2425edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sydney, diving into her treats before we had to rush off to dance class.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kReONaSF53I/USjTDrueoNI/AAAAAAAAILU/Dk_7IovOuW8/s1600/IMG_2446edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kReONaSF53I/USjTDrueoNI/AAAAAAAAILU/Dk_7IovOuW8/s400/IMG_2446edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You liked your cars, but as expected, you loved the bus!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XDRB5ThKU7Y/USjTD6prTLI/AAAAAAAAILQ/oIDmtGeNkdU/s1600/IMG_2472edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XDRB5ThKU7Y/USjTD6prTLI/AAAAAAAAILQ/oIDmtGeNkdU/s400/IMG_2472edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red velvet and snow peas. It's all about balance. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And as if all of those sweets weren't enough, Valentines dinner is always followed by chocolate fondue in our house. However, this year's Valentines dinner was yet another disaster/disappointment. I thought we'd go all-out with the fondue and actually cook our dinner, fondue-style, at the table. I couldn't get the burner hot enough. I ended up scrapping the idea and turning it into a stir fry. Oh well. We put off the chocolate fondue until the next day. We were all so stuffed and a bit burnt out on chocolate (hard to believe, but true). We even let you have a little chocolate-dipped fruit. Again, you weren't sure. I think you're a purist at heart.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XmVIOjJoJVU/USjYlKpgH8I/AAAAAAAAINg/OOZFksdlPVE/s1600/IMG_2534edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XmVIOjJoJVU/USjYlKpgH8I/AAAAAAAAINg/OOZFksdlPVE/s640/IMG_2534edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your first order of business? Smear some chocolate on your chest, of course.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yCMf0c1AjZk/USjYlA6xdgI/AAAAAAAAINs/QN0noxJdN2U/s1600/IMG_2537edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yCMf0c1AjZk/USjYlA6xdgI/AAAAAAAAINs/QN0noxJdN2U/s400/IMG_2537edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kylee thinks if she shoves food in her mouth that I won't post the picture. She's wrong.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making sure she selects the perfect piece. Syd decided she loves blueberries again after this dessert. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now that February is more than halfway over, I am reminded once again of how quickly time is passing. Today you woke up looking more like a kid and less like a baby than ever. I am looking for ways to fill these days with you as best as I can, while making sure the house doesn't collapse in on itself from neglect. The weather is finally nice. Soon it will be sweltering. Gas prices are going through the roof, but we will seek out fun. You are understanding so much of the world around you now. I want to show you everything and watch you absorb it all. Yesterday was a park-hopping day. Today will be similar. I'm happy to say that when your (very unintentional) Florida tan returns, it will be interrupted by untouched baby skin inside of those arm creases once again. I am positive that this will be the last summer I can say that. Forgive me if I obsess over them a bit. Now onto spring-ish days (not that we've had any winter days to speak of). And if Hallmark wants to throw in any other lovey-dovey holidays, we will take those, too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Dear Finnleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05186428325047976687noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040126147097903260.post-28150855562084040002013-02-21T23:33:00.001-05:002013-02-23T07:24:07.346-05:00Down & Dirty<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/-8AwyQ0b4cyI/USbg54Nu_hI/AAAAAAAAH1k/dhuindKbma8/s1600/IMG_9884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8AwyQ0b4cyI/USbg54Nu_hI/AAAAAAAAH1k/dhuindKbma8/s640/IMG_9884.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most days we keep it pretty clean. But not this day.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sometimes you just have to get messy. You are the most curious and determined child I've known. I spend countless hours talking you out of getting into trouble, carrying you away from trouble or cleaning up messes after you've found trouble anyway. If it opens, you must open it. If it can be moved, you must move it. If it looks remotely edible, you must taste it. And if it is higher than ground level, you must climb it. It is exhausting and exhilarating all at the same time. Every once in a while I just let you do what you are determined to do. Even if it's not the wisest thing. Because some lessons can only be learned through experience. Like, oh, I don't know...eating dirt, maybe?</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QAowf-dR7wg/USbhUDObVLI/AAAAAAAAH18/G160--OhDb8/s1600/IMG_9898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QAowf-dR7wg/USbhUDObVLI/AAAAAAAAH18/G160--OhDb8/s400/IMG_9898.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybe because it's the color of chocolate? What else explains this?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G1Pg0UvqkvA/USbker44mnI/AAAAAAAAH2Y/FID80iEzovk/s1600/IMG_9911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G1Pg0UvqkvA/USbker44mnI/AAAAAAAAH2Y/FID80iEzovk/s640/IMG_9911.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's on my finger. Now what to do with it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IuimsMtNt0o/USbji5InZJI/AAAAAAAAH2I/XLqlKFytd8o/s1600/IMG_9907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IuimsMtNt0o/USbji5InZJI/AAAAAAAAH2I/XLqlKFytd8o/s640/IMG_9907.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is so funny! I can't believe mom is letting me get away with this!!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Even though I do my best to find the balance between allowing you to safely explore and protecting you from the perils of being an inquisitive toddler, you find yourself in precarious situations anyway. You even have your very first knee scrape to prove this. (By contrast, Sydney got her first one last year.) Currently, we are living with half of our furniture turned over on its side. Seriously. Both rocking chairs (big & little), the toy box, the giant stuffed elephant. They all lie flat on the ground. The safest possible position. If we accidentally leave them upright, you scramble up them, rocking precariously close to the edge, sitting backwards, standing...whichever dangerous option seems the most fun. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YH5h2oNOaIM/USbkfnwEXhI/AAAAAAAAH2w/FLopFeqg9TA/s1600/IMG_9926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YH5h2oNOaIM/USbkfnwEXhI/AAAAAAAAH2w/FLopFeqg9TA/s640/IMG_9926.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okay, it's now or never. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZoMqWn5zvo/USbk0em0UbI/AAAAAAAAH3A/syAV9RGkihc/s1600/IMG_9929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZoMqWn5zvo/USbk0em0UbI/AAAAAAAAH3A/syAV9RGkihc/s640/IMG_9929.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goin' in!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GhhLvx2r1OY/USbk0kEHatI/AAAAAAAAH3I/wQwGwLO2WzM/s1600/IMG_9934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GhhLvx2r1OY/USbk0kEHatI/AAAAAAAAH3I/wQwGwLO2WzM/s640/IMG_9934.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hmmm...not what I was expecting.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H5uJT3lK0x4/USbk0g6uZ6I/AAAAAAAAH3M/DJsDNsAjxtk/s1600/IMG_9941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H5uJT3lK0x4/USbk0g6uZ6I/AAAAAAAAH3M/DJsDNsAjxtk/s640/IMG_9941.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We'll call it a success because I pulled it off. Um, can we go wash this off of me now?</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have mixed emotions about this part of you. I love and admire your adventurous spirit. Your older sisters have been more cautious and reserved than you. Admittedly, this has been easier on your dad and me. But there is something beautiful about the reckless abandon with which you go through life. I love that you throw caution to the wind and just dive into things. I realize there may be repercussions, but I also believe you will have experiences that you would otherwise miss. I don't want you to miss a thing. That being said, it's always in the back of my mind that you will be the one with the eventual broken bone, or worse, broken heart. Still, I will enjoy every moment of watching you soar. Just know that I will be standing directly beneath you, with a safety net. Always.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-dirt. Clean babe.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Dear Finnleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05186428325047976687noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040126147097903260.post-32468641661285841502013-01-25T09:46:00.001-05:002013-01-25T09:46:27.301-05:00Life With A One Year Old<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Somewhere between the holidays and birthdays, you decided to grow up. While we were busy decorating, shopping and baking you were busy being one. Since your first birthday, you have gone from a crawling, toothless baby to a running, talking, toothy tot. I've been swept away with the madness that comes at the end of every year, and I have glossed over a lot of things, so I'm just going to start with your birthday and try to cover what I've missed. Sure, my memory may be a bit foggy, but I promise it's clearer now than it would be in a month. Way clearer than it will be in a year. And not even worth comparing to what I will remember when you're old enough to actually read this. So, here we go, foggy details and all!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There have been many things that have gotten lost in the shuffle. Just regular days that we have enjoyed together, yet they didn't fit into the holiday posts. You do and say such funny things these days. For example "Brrrr" is a word. It means three things: cold, water and drink, just depending on the context in which it's used. You also started saying, "happy"...which understandably makes us very "happy!" You finally wear shoes, but only outdoors. As soon as we head indoors or into the car, you declare that they must come "Off!" Brushing our teeth is one of your favorite activities. We sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star two times and finish with a long "aaaarrre", which you and Sydney drag out as long as you can and giggle while polishing those front teeth one last time. It's little routines like that that I look forward to every morning and night. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sRTX-0n3XzE/UPvzRKgUl_I/AAAAAAAAHEM/VUmN4rNNVw8/s1600/1420edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sRTX-0n3XzE/UPvzRKgUl_I/AAAAAAAAHEM/VUmN4rNNVw8/s640/1420edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The day after your first birthday, you and I had a Finnlee & Mommy date at the park.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z1KgMFOywcc/UPwGxvidsgI/AAAAAAAAHHs/IPa1n4CgVxo/s1600/354edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z1KgMFOywcc/UPwGxvidsgI/AAAAAAAAHHs/IPa1n4CgVxo/s400/354edit.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some first steps outdoors. At first you were walking sideways, just like you did when you'd cruise the walls and furniture indoors.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WUIwLVzI2mE/UPwIoV7zHdI/AAAAAAAAHJk/489PGu6JduQ/s1600/599edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WUIwLVzI2mE/UPwIoV7zHdI/AAAAAAAAHJk/489PGu6JduQ/s640/599edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken in October. I love when you do stuff like this (which is frequently).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aVwwKiUboGc/UPwVynpxL2I/AAAAAAAAHNE/QicVAT1x8Zc/s1600/IMG_0714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aVwwKiUboGc/UPwVynpxL2I/AAAAAAAAHNE/QicVAT1x8Zc/s640/IMG_0714.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting to look big!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fGwpV6-Vv3o/UPw3AYKoKGI/AAAAAAAAHSY/8F_PvZ9YOV4/s1600/1146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fGwpV6-Vv3o/UPw3AYKoKGI/AAAAAAAAHSY/8F_PvZ9YOV4/s400/1146.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wearing your "Finn" shirt from mommy's friend, Amy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GqaA60jUk1Y/UPw8Kn3e5pI/AAAAAAAAHWM/WvaEN0tpkdQ/s1600/IMG_3794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GqaA60jUk1Y/UPw8Kn3e5pI/AAAAAAAAHWM/WvaEN0tpkdQ/s640/IMG_3794.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You and this backpack are pretty inseparable.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FjcjwPnx21Y/UPyo0UbQm6I/AAAAAAAAHZs/kLtjNJ95HW8/s1600/IMG_4142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FjcjwPnx21Y/UPyo0UbQm6I/AAAAAAAAHZs/kLtjNJ95HW8/s400/IMG_4142.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had a failed attempt at a family picture at the park. We will have to have a redo.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And then some days just require their own paragraph. You've become suddenly aware of the stash of dress-up clothes that resides in the playroom. You spend countless hours tossing piles of necklaces, wings, tutus, shoes and leis all over the floor. The good thing that has come out of this new obsession is your willingness, and even desire, to wear the few things that "fit" you. So now there are somewhat frequent dress-up sessions in our home. What's cuter than a baby in a tutu? Can't think of a thing!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O3pbMcTXcy4/UPytZWJTfFI/AAAAAAAAHbc/nmzlt_g5a2w/s1600/IMG_4571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O3pbMcTXcy4/UPytZWJTfFI/AAAAAAAAHbc/nmzlt_g5a2w/s640/IMG_4571.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You spent an entire day in a tutu. At your request. (Well you brought it to me and said "on.")</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XPO7wxIlvxU/UPytZljFMcI/AAAAAAAAHbg/x_w8HcWeRKE/s1600/IMG_4583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XPO7wxIlvxU/UPytZljFMcI/AAAAAAAAHbg/x_w8HcWeRKE/s640/IMG_4583.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What is this face?!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BWB1sMy_XNU/UPyuGQoGFNI/AAAAAAAAHbs/5HKd8W65LgY/s1600/IMG_4607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BWB1sMy_XNU/UPyuGQoGFNI/AAAAAAAAHbs/5HKd8W65LgY/s400/IMG_4607.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doing what all backpack-wearing fairy princesses do: digging moss & weeds out of the cracks in the sidewalk.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ohgl8mgfThY/UPyxM8vQpzI/AAAAAAAAHdo/z2QQbhtKu6E/s1600/IMG_4668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ohgl8mgfThY/UPyxM8vQpzI/AAAAAAAAHdo/z2QQbhtKu6E/s640/IMG_4668.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Missing a tiara?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ic378OXKoLo/UPyyXRfR_vI/AAAAAAAAHfg/1aVMhxu1vjE/s1600/IMG_4677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ic378OXKoLo/UPyyXRfR_vI/AAAAAAAAHfg/1aVMhxu1vjE/s400/IMG_4677.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now you're just showing off.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c6kgB-Deh7Y/UPyyXLxh-uI/AAAAAAAAHfc/Acsm8uh8xOs/s1600/IMG_4697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c6kgB-Deh7Y/UPyyXLxh-uI/AAAAAAAAHfc/Acsm8uh8xOs/s640/IMG_4697.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That lip!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j2ctybnkeoA/UPyy71PgQcI/AAAAAAAAHfs/KP2vFFWAqVg/s1600/IMG_4717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j2ctybnkeoA/UPyy71PgQcI/AAAAAAAAHfs/KP2vFFWAqVg/s640/IMG_4717.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaves & acorns on bare feet have finally convinced you that shoes outdoors are a good idea.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BC8CTVpErzk/UPyy8hhjbqI/AAAAAAAAHf4/q0OiCHEexIU/s1600/IMG_4745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BC8CTVpErzk/UPyy8hhjbqI/AAAAAAAAHf4/q0OiCHEexIU/s640/IMG_4745.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know it looks like you're picking flowers, but you're probably putting them back. You really like "unpicking" flowers.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Other days are spent trying things out for the first time:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NRFHLTRNy6E/UPy2_0AnRBI/AAAAAAAAHhw/np91O9qVj1Y/s1600/IMG_5644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NRFHLTRNy6E/UPy2_0AnRBI/AAAAAAAAHhw/np91O9qVj1Y/s640/IMG_5644.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Self-feeding. First time using a spoon all by yourself. Looks successful.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And lots of time has been spent trying out Christmas gifts:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zz3t6fBWDLM/UPy3zPbyljI/AAAAAAAAHh8/1nH5raP9BoA/s1600/IMG_6571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zz3t6fBWDLM/UPy3zPbyljI/AAAAAAAAHh8/1nH5raP9BoA/s640/IMG_6571.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The water table was a huge hit with both you and Sydney.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bOdSaqEAh4E/UPy3zeOUWNI/AAAAAAAAHiA/u7NDc_TuJRM/s1600/IMG_6582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bOdSaqEAh4E/UPy3zeOUWNI/AAAAAAAAHiA/u7NDc_TuJRM/s640/IMG_6582.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You loved that you were allowed to play and splash as much as you wanted. This went on for two hours!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-whucksLKsJc/UPy3zg8dk2I/AAAAAAAAHiI/UbRfSVwJSFw/s1600/IMG_6635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-whucksLKsJc/UPy3zg8dk2I/AAAAAAAAHiI/UbRfSVwJSFw/s640/IMG_6635.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was *the day after Christmas*...note: shirtless, playing in water, and not even slightly cold. Sooo warm this year.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N69mvfF2JU8/UPy6967A8LI/AAAAAAAAHlo/3A7rs5o6HtU/s1600/IMG_6816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N69mvfF2JU8/UPy6967A8LI/AAAAAAAAHlo/3A7rs5o6HtU/s640/IMG_6816.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making a splash.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fa1StAqmOQU/UPy7zm52GuI/AAAAAAAAHlw/CdOqcBWFs5k/s1600/IMG_6714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fa1StAqmOQU/UPy7zm52GuI/AAAAAAAAHlw/CdOqcBWFs5k/s400/IMG_6714.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very determined pine seedling.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YZoIhoON9D4/UPy7z7D7WSI/AAAAAAAAHl0/zwVS3gYpMNs/s1600/IMG_6843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YZoIhoON9D4/UPy7z7D7WSI/AAAAAAAAHl0/zwVS3gYpMNs/s400/IMG_6843.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The look you give me when you're about to put something questionable in your mouth.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jZAp__elsMw/UPy9PoROCjI/AAAAAAAAHns/_G8k58Et4Ng/s1600/IMG_6879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jZAp__elsMw/UPy9PoROCjI/AAAAAAAAHns/_G8k58Et4Ng/s640/IMG_6879.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Messy playroom...but dancing! Just Dance Disney was a frequent choice during Christmas break.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l3O4fZ1mvm8/UPy-AmLAJpI/AAAAAAAAHn4/Ijqfzp8ESw8/s1600/IMG_6951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l3O4fZ1mvm8/UPy-AmLAJpI/AAAAAAAAHn4/Ijqfzp8ESw8/s640/IMG_6951.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Writing a letter to her penpal in Spain, and using some of her new letter-writing supplies she received for Christmas.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And then we finally had some (slightly) cooler weather:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FMDVHbzOoNE/UPy-uQrb4DI/AAAAAAAAHps/jrciSm7ipsI/s1600/IMG_6968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FMDVHbzOoNE/UPy-uQrb4DI/AAAAAAAAHps/jrciSm7ipsI/s640/IMG_6968.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweaters for our lake walk.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p9AsNDYiSFY/UPy_ZbJvEmI/AAAAAAAAHr0/YN4fk5n9K4c/s1600/IMG_7073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p9AsNDYiSFY/UPy_ZbJvEmI/AAAAAAAAHr0/YN4fk5n9K4c/s640/IMG_7073.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boots and long sleeves...not summer attire!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GychIbn182w/UPzB-KhH_0I/AAAAAAAAHts/f6YTogrpJN8/s1600/IMG_7229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GychIbn182w/UPzB-KhH_0I/AAAAAAAAHts/f6YTogrpJN8/s400/IMG_7229.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweater dresses.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But many days have been like this: warm enough for a sundress, but throw on a jacket when the sun goes down.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mNMQu8pGtJE/UPzEa9zymqI/AAAAAAAAHvs/etpOwRlt2O8/s1600/IMG_7689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mNMQu8pGtJE/UPzEa9zymqI/AAAAAAAAHvs/etpOwRlt2O8/s640/IMG_7689.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back at the water table..told you it was a hit!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SrrXC4hyJhA/UPzEbROYHGI/AAAAAAAAHvw/4KTIm09BsX8/s1600/IMG_7740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SrrXC4hyJhA/UPzEbROYHGI/AAAAAAAAHvw/4KTIm09BsX8/s640/IMG_7740.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting big.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0nrqFHZCQnQ/UPzEbRBfyVI/AAAAAAAAHv0/2IXdUxo1rBE/s1600/IMG_7744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0nrqFHZCQnQ/UPzEbRBfyVI/AAAAAAAAHv0/2IXdUxo1rBE/s400/IMG_7744.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think you mean business.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ynwQBq5-GDc/UPzGnlxpVMI/AAAAAAAAHxw/Jux8s2fdcso/s1600/IMG_7852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ynwQBq5-GDc/UPzGnlxpVMI/AAAAAAAAHxw/Jux8s2fdcso/s400/IMG_7852.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capping off the day at the park.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ME-4zHx4NM0/UPzGnpyy92I/AAAAAAAAHx0/Uyf415SS8CM/s1600/IMG_7863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ME-4zHx4NM0/UPzGnpyy92I/AAAAAAAAHx0/Uyf415SS8CM/s640/IMG_7863.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving daddy hanging.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V5w4izOOSgc/UPzItD7azvI/AAAAAAAAHzs/siIIH7tZWbo/s1600/IMG_8021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V5w4izOOSgc/UPzItD7azvI/AAAAAAAAHzs/siIIH7tZWbo/s640/IMG_8021.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jacket time.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am almost caught up here. Someday I won't be writing posts about what we did last month anymore. Someday. </span>Dear Finnleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05186428325047976687noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040126147097903260.post-69685634267570377112013-01-16T00:13:00.003-05:002013-01-16T00:13:50.885-05:00Ringing in the New Year with a Little Look Back<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If we maybe overdo it on Christmas a bit, we make up for that by completely lacking in New Years festivities. Typically, we watch the ball drop on tv, toast with some bubbly and are tucked into bed by 12:30. Two years ago, I didn't even manage to stay awake until midnight. Your dad still hasn't let me live that down. This year was no exception. We planned a snack-filled menu for the evening so there would be food throughout the night. Your sisters played board games until Ashley decided she had cooler plans and bailed on us. We bought a sparkling moscato for mommy and daddy and an equally-as-sparkling grape juice for your sisters. That's pretty much it. The only surprise was who the life of the party was. You! While Sydney had vowed to ring in the new year with us, she ended up crashed on the sofa by 10:30. You, however, were a party animal. (Just like at Disney!) You stayed up until midnight with us as if it was something that you do all of the time. Thankfully, it's not.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s2w66l1V4mM/UPNzX7sUizI/AAAAAAAAGlA/37BHRn_oOYA/s1600/New+Year+Collage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s2w66l1V4mM/UPNzX7sUizI/AAAAAAAAGlA/37BHRn_oOYA/s640/New+Year+Collage.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such party animals.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ImdoWW1Ztuk/UO3MY83GVvI/AAAAAAAAGTo/uBQYJ_Zshbg/s1600/IMG_7597edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ImdoWW1Ztuk/UO3MY83GVvI/AAAAAAAAGTo/uBQYJ_Zshbg/s400/IMG_7597edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your first and last store-bought frosting. You broke out in a red rash everywhere this stuff touched you!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UHHaujzfv9U/UO4fRUTKmGI/AAAAAAAAGf8/iFY5tzZmLBE/s1600/IMG_7625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UHHaujzfv9U/UO4fRUTKmGI/AAAAAAAAGf8/iFY5tzZmLBE/s640/IMG_7625.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No surprise. This one didn't even come close to making it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4UNRoWdgZQI/UPNzLqCo1iI/AAAAAAAAGk0/IMoyTIq-878/s1600/IMG_7658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4UNRoWdgZQI/UPNzLqCo1iI/AAAAAAAAGk0/IMoyTIq-878/s400/IMG_7658.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You, however, were going (pretty) strong until after the ball dropped.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The early part of the day was spent doing sister things, mostly outdoors. The weather was warm, but beautiful. Just right for spending the entire day in the fresh air. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uw5lqvg2jZY/UO3Z2g53hiI/AAAAAAAAGVc/eqHwULQSQGw/s1600/IMG_7280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uw5lqvg2jZY/UO3Z2g53hiI/AAAAAAAAGVc/eqHwULQSQGw/s400/IMG_7280.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the last hours of 2012.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z9aA5Zj7jgg/UO4YagoEtDI/AAAAAAAAGXI/h5CTobPDsV8/s1600/IMG_7297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z9aA5Zj7jgg/UO4YagoEtDI/AAAAAAAAGXI/h5CTobPDsV8/s640/IMG_7297.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love when you lay down on your own. Cloud-gazing on the trampoline.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bkzbR8AQxnE/UO4ZkWeWkwI/AAAAAAAAGY0/WLyQ2GAX9IM/s1600/IMG_7343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bkzbR8AQxnE/UO4ZkWeWkwI/AAAAAAAAGY0/WLyQ2GAX9IM/s640/IMG_7343.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You & Kylee: trampoline buddies.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vKmL4YtHzoU/UO4dFRD4THI/AAAAAAAAGds/e8UHPLpq4Fc/s1600/IMG_7535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vKmL4YtHzoU/UO4dFRD4THI/AAAAAAAAGds/e8UHPLpq4Fc/s400/IMG_7535.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learning how to longboard on Ashley's board.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I1McuTG80yk/UO4d9NEI7wI/AAAAAAAAGd4/STbHhti8410/s1600/IMG_7549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I1McuTG80yk/UO4d9NEI7wI/AAAAAAAAGd4/STbHhti8410/s640/IMG_7549.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your turn!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hHuBHPUjnPY/UO4d9y83gPI/AAAAAAAAGeA/4s3MsuVgXwQ/s1600/IMG_7567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hHuBHPUjnPY/UO4d9y83gPI/AAAAAAAAGeA/4s3MsuVgXwQ/s640/IMG_7567.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such form.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ijkcoEtkRCQ/UO4eMHJ1AGI/AAAAAAAAGeI/Vuoctd9FMI0/s1600/IMG_7563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ijkcoEtkRCQ/UO4eMHJ1AGI/AAAAAAAAGeI/Vuoctd9FMI0/s400/IMG_7563.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such style.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sh0VAd5rVlg/UO4eMXfP9LI/AAAAAAAAGeM/b54H7KR4qFA/s1600/IMG_7565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sh0VAd5rVlg/UO4eMXfP9LI/AAAAAAAAGeM/b54H7KR4qFA/s640/IMG_7565.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such a natural.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2012 proved not to be the end of the world. (Joking.) But it was the beginning of many things.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Blossoming friendships between sisters.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9smkdttv0PM/UPYWyIDjjlI/AAAAAAAAGrw/ZWt_ypR5KH8/s1600/IMG_0897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9smkdttv0PM/UPYWyIDjjlI/AAAAAAAAGrw/ZWt_ypR5KH8/s640/IMG_0897.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catching a sunset with Ashley.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P-hhPzeAQU8/UPOC_LXpJgI/AAAAAAAAGqE/183g-WHKC0A/s1600/IMG_0152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P-hhPzeAQU8/UPOC_LXpJgI/AAAAAAAAGqE/183g-WHKC0A/s640/IMG_0152.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gazing lovingly at Sydney.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3bAwD-BgsGI/UPYYOSgsQ4I/AAAAAAAAGtc/PYNiM7Y-Rtg/s1600/IMG_0445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3bAwD-BgsGI/UPYYOSgsQ4I/AAAAAAAAGtc/PYNiM7Y-Rtg/s640/IMG_0445.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A super-windy beach day with Kylee.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Growing Pains.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yqKoZez8nRs/UPYcv_ty9lI/AAAAAAAAGvI/dsBbTi1yz6E/s1600/IMG_5119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yqKoZez8nRs/UPYcv_ty9lI/AAAAAAAAGvI/dsBbTi1yz6E/s640/IMG_5119.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learning that baby sisters are noisy and sometimes steal the spotlight.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Graduations.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qi4ueePKZco/UPYhB8FW0zI/AAAAAAAAGzw/z9JxyG4H8Kc/s1600/graduation+2012+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qi4ueePKZco/UPYhB8FW0zI/AAAAAAAAGzw/z9JxyG4H8Kc/s400/graduation+2012+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High School & Kindergarten graduations in the same year. This is my life!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lost teeth.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-duIAwnyspRY/UPYho9x1BhI/AAAAAAAAGz4/PhJEsgY8fbI/s1600/IMG_4482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-duIAwnyspRY/UPYho9x1BhI/AAAAAAAAGz4/PhJEsgY8fbI/s400/IMG_4482.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Major Milestones.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--pKddpW_uxo/UPYqq3FiU2I/AAAAAAAAG3Y/YZFPl21RPSo/s1600/IMG_2825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--pKddpW_uxo/UPYqq3FiU2I/AAAAAAAAG3Y/YZFPl21RPSo/s640/IMG_2825.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First (of many) beach sunset.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cTHIOLDVW7A/UPYoUZP_44I/AAAAAAAAG1o/Fll-VxLNB6U/s1600/IMG_1027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cTHIOLDVW7A/UPYoUZP_44I/AAAAAAAAG1o/Fll-VxLNB6U/s640/IMG_1027.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting up, all by yourself!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-luIOaD3TfDI/UPYuB8naDGI/AAAAAAAAG5Q/Iq_GndjQmsw/s1600/IMG_4959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-luIOaD3TfDI/UPYuB8naDGI/AAAAAAAAG5Q/Iq_GndjQmsw/s400/IMG_4959.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adventures in solid foods.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-flqDX-_Ih9w/UPYv3ggXfBI/AAAAAAAAG7A/wzb-bx7HipA/s1600/IMG_4805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-flqDX-_Ih9w/UPYv3ggXfBI/AAAAAAAAG7A/wzb-bx7HipA/s400/IMG_4805.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crawling! Watch out world.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gZQJALjTSvY/UPYyN--FevI/AAAAAAAAG8w/2ab7Mz_RQvI/s1600/877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gZQJALjTSvY/UPYyN--FevI/AAAAAAAAG8w/2ab7Mz_RQvI/s640/877.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiny teeth, finally breaking through.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9QKveyqUCo/UPYyiDmkMVI/AAAAAAAAG84/tjTz1dzASnU/s1600/IMG_1039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9QKveyqUCo/UPYyiDmkMVI/AAAAAAAAG84/tjTz1dzASnU/s400/IMG_1039.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First steps.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Big Birthdays.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R9j55vaj3Ro/UPYzj-dJqlI/AAAAAAAAG9E/mRR90oLZg3Y/s1600/1179edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R9j55vaj3Ro/UPYzj-dJqlI/AAAAAAAAG9E/mRR90oLZg3Y/s640/1179edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One, baby!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yes, I'd say 2012 was quite a year. I can't wait to see what 2013 holds for us. It's hard to imagine it could be any more fun or exciting, but somehow I doubt we will be disappointed. Here's to another whole year of you!</span>Dear Finnleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05186428325047976687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040126147097903260.post-81168093061357990682013-01-07T22:35:00.001-05:002013-01-07T22:35:21.793-05:00Christmas Morn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UxO-9Cx8vpA/UOrjqZuIADI/AAAAAAAAF5Y/Sp7RN3QDPkE/s1600/IMG_5905edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UxO-9Cx8vpA/UOrjqZuIADI/AAAAAAAAF5Y/Sp7RN3QDPkE/s400/IMG_5905edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As a general rule, Christmas reduces me to a child-like state. Giddy and giggly. Anxious and excited. Just like you girls. But this Christmas was extra exciting. I knew that this would be the first Christmas that you would participate. Last year you were just a two and a half month old bundle of a baby. All you wanted for Christmas was a nap. But this year would be different. You have recently understood that toys are "for you", as you now gasp in awe at the toy aisles in Target. You enjoyed unwrapping presents so much at your birthday party that I just knew you would be a pro at Christmastime. And you've become such a little show-off when we have company that I knew you would turn on the charm once the grandparents showed up. And most importantly, even though it's not your first Christmas, it kind of feels like it. And it's the last time it will ever feel this way. I just wanted to take this wondrous holiday and hold onto every last moment. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MgNlsfaUfq0/UOrkUTl2IFI/AAAAAAAAF5k/To01aI49k_o/s1600/IMG_5909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MgNlsfaUfq0/UOrkUTl2IFI/AAAAAAAAF5k/To01aI49k_o/s640/IMG_5909.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First look at the tree, Christmas morning.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n6e8-9q_leU/UOrkUIWv0AI/AAAAAAAAF5g/K_0n72swU80/s1600/IMG_5919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n6e8-9q_leU/UOrkUIWv0AI/AAAAAAAAF5g/K_0n72swU80/s400/IMG_5919.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think you approve!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sgEm3ocWMBM/UOtqiL2slII/AAAAAAAAGQQ/27FvaQw4j0s/s1600/IMG_5912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sgEm3ocWMBM/UOtqiL2slII/AAAAAAAAGQQ/27FvaQw4j0s/s400/IMG_5912.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Digging into your stocking.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our traditions on this morning are simple and consistent. There are never any presents under the tree until everyone goes to be on Christmas Eve. Magically, once Christmas morning arrives, the tree is suddenly surrounded by gifts. Ones we have placed, and the ones Santa leaves once everyone is in bed. It's such a basic thing that it's hardly a "tradition," but it's one of the things I love most in our home. That magical moment when the kids wake to see a once-bare tree, now overwhelmed with neatly wrapped packages. This is how it was when I was a kid, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Once awake (always waaaay too early), you girls are allowed to go through your stockings, but don't even think about touching the presents under the tree! Once the whole family is awake and ready, only then do we pass around gifts and turn the living room into a proper disaster area. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lcH57CyJd9E/UOrv-6vyxzI/AAAAAAAAF7Y/1EhDA0JqNcI/s1600/IMG_5941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lcH57CyJd9E/UOrv-6vyxzI/AAAAAAAAF7Y/1EhDA0JqNcI/s400/IMG_5941.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opening your first gift.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HYQS2wp85z4/UOrv_VxCZPI/AAAAAAAAF7c/2rGrfQtBzdU/s1600/IMG_5949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HYQS2wp85z4/UOrv_VxCZPI/AAAAAAAAF7c/2rGrfQtBzdU/s640/IMG_5949.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Success!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PN4dC5I5C1Y/UOrv_cMu83I/AAAAAAAAF7g/2kUUA4-M8cY/s1600/IMG_5958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PN4dC5I5C1Y/UOrv_cMu83I/AAAAAAAAF7g/2kUUA4-M8cY/s640/IMG_5958.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was too much to take.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rHGDsRQxSPA/UOrw_5QwmJI/AAAAAAAAF70/_jGuiHRFz64/s1600/IMG_5962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rHGDsRQxSPA/UOrw_5QwmJI/AAAAAAAAF70/_jGuiHRFz64/s400/IMG_5962.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas morning charmer.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UhM15cTjA8s/UOrxAQpLMiI/AAAAAAAAF74/18GuaZg2mW4/s1600/IMG_5965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UhM15cTjA8s/UOrxAQpLMiI/AAAAAAAAF74/18GuaZg2mW4/s400/IMG_5965.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You were the honorary present-passer.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9584hbSC3uM/UOrxAVYRhMI/AAAAAAAAF78/5pF_oxv7SvA/s1600/IMG_5971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9584hbSC3uM/UOrxAVYRhMI/AAAAAAAAF78/5pF_oxv7SvA/s640/IMG_5971.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the voluntary unwrapping assistant.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gh826Gv8Nl8/UOrxYBUH-bI/AAAAAAAAF9o/EI9jMsXRCuc/s1600/IMG_5978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gh826Gv8Nl8/UOrxYBUH-bI/AAAAAAAAF9o/EI9jMsXRCuc/s640/IMG_5978.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So we let you open a big present early to occupy your attention.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VzC3ME9LdEs/UOryY6hSl0I/AAAAAAAAF98/cWWb2KvcYXI/s1600/IMG_6022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VzC3ME9LdEs/UOryY6hSl0I/AAAAAAAAF98/cWWb2KvcYXI/s640/IMG_6022.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your new phone, with a prerecorded clip of "Call Me Maybe" playing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2atwU1iTak/UOr1IsBWwEI/AAAAAAAAGBo/g0bblGW2XhE/s1600/IMG_6151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2atwU1iTak/UOr1IsBWwEI/AAAAAAAAGBo/g0bblGW2XhE/s640/IMG_6151.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of Happy Gift Moments, and lots of this face!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g_3fMiNqPNI/UOr2LtHT1GI/AAAAAAAAGDY/7dnGr_PCUR0/s1600/IMG_6215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g_3fMiNqPNI/UOr2LtHT1GI/AAAAAAAAGDY/7dnGr_PCUR0/s640/IMG_6215.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lost in a sea of gifts.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Come "showtime", you didn't disappoint us one bit. Not that I ever thought you would. Your expression when you saw the tree, piled high with bags and boxes...priceless. You dove into your stocking like you knew exactly what to do. And you were so anxious to open all of the presents that we gave you one of your bigger gifts early as a means to occupy you. You even said "thank you" (with a little prompting). Brunch was a feast for you, you took the nonstop company in stride and even fit a nap in. Total Christmas pro!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pf9Q8q_KeBE/UOr5xmkZFaI/AAAAAAAAGKk/4PtysO52DSI/s1600/IMG_6456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pf9Q8q_KeBE/UOr5xmkZFaI/AAAAAAAAGKk/4PtysO52DSI/s640/IMG_6456.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had a Christmas dress picked out for you. You never made it into it. So typical. You'd think I'd learn.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ttgr4xxs9Jk/UOr63qjT5ZI/AAAAAAAAGK4/QJcPAzwrbOs/s1600/IMG_6498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ttgr4xxs9Jk/UOr63qjT5ZI/AAAAAAAAGK4/QJcPAzwrbOs/s400/IMG_6498.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandparents get the second half of the day. Pop Pop with his gift from the grandkids. A laser toy for his cats!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IV2kADo8R4s/UOt--aa8_7I/AAAAAAAAGR8/3T_s5ISEdOo/s1600/IMG_0974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IV2kADo8R4s/UOt--aa8_7I/AAAAAAAAGR8/3T_s5ISEdOo/s640/IMG_0974.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You & Pop Pop, last Christmas.</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eOk8HMBP078/UOr63w8ztgI/AAAAAAAAGLA/b1_WfVMs8WA/s1600/IMG_6525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eOk8HMBP078/UOr63w8ztgI/AAAAAAAAGLA/b1_WfVMs8WA/s640/IMG_6525.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You & Pop Pop, this Christmas. Some things never change.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Amongst the chaos and bustling activity, there were some touching and memorable moments.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6gDBbi2cyj0/UOrvlzgf4fI/AAAAAAAAF7Q/rwJ4QJRBR2U/s1600/IMG_5934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6gDBbi2cyj0/UOrvlzgf4fI/AAAAAAAAF7Q/rwJ4QJRBR2U/s400/IMG_5934.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sydney gifted this stuffed duck to Kylee. They've been fighting over ownership of it for a year.</td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JDcgqXCOc0s/UOr1IpCwhOI/AAAAAAAAGBk/eFH8AOhaUCs/s1600/IMG_6124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JDcgqXCOc0s/UOr1IpCwhOI/AAAAAAAAGBk/eFH8AOhaUCs/s640/IMG_6124.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your sweet head, framed by Christmas tree lights.</td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HC_Tk9Xov_M/UOr3Pma0oZI/AAAAAAAAGFM/nAIuelAILLQ/s1600/IMG_6280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HC_Tk9Xov_M/UOr3Pma0oZI/AAAAAAAAGFM/nAIuelAILLQ/s640/IMG_6280.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ashley's favorite gift: a travel coffee mug lined with a drawing by Sydney</td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KPPCxFecqJQ/UOr4HaNkQPI/AAAAAAAAGG4/YKp13lRVe_M/s1600/IMG_6301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KPPCxFecqJQ/UOr4HaNkQPI/AAAAAAAAGG4/YKp13lRVe_M/s400/IMG_6301.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reliving my childhood Christmas when Sydney received a Cabbage Patch Kid.</td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sNaTKP5x4mY/UOr4Hv9KYWI/AAAAAAAAGG8/d6jYDlQvqjY/s1600/IMG_6341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sNaTKP5x4mY/UOr4Hv9KYWI/AAAAAAAAGG8/d6jYDlQvqjY/s400/IMG_6341.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kylee getting her big gift.</td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aUs-uRH1tv0/UOr5axloYmI/AAAAAAAAGI4/ZxNEbLsqEKg/s1600/IMG_6430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aUs-uRH1tv0/UOr5axloYmI/AAAAAAAAGI4/ZxNEbLsqEKg/s400/IMG_6430.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think it was a home run.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FzctwFro7D0/UOr5xvKCQ6I/AAAAAAAAGKo/k_szJsm9IA4/s1600/IMG_6458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FzctwFro7D0/UOr5xvKCQ6I/AAAAAAAAGKo/k_szJsm9IA4/s640/IMG_6458.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The most appropriate gift from mommy.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It's a long day, and by the end of it, I'm exhausted. You were too! </span><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qlZhVdmFXfg/UOr3PtZPTqI/AAAAAAAAGFQ/JuhCHSxHiBk/s1600/IMG_6265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qlZhVdmFXfg/UOr3PtZPTqI/AAAAAAAAGFQ/JuhCHSxHiBk/s640/IMG_6265.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The aftermath.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o66_eFmYejw/UOr5apV7zGI/AAAAAAAAGI0/eP2ZKocGaGw/s1600/IMG_6381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o66_eFmYejw/UOr5apV7zGI/AAAAAAAAGI0/eP2ZKocGaGw/s640/IMG_6381.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing over boxes to get through the room. Unnecessary, but funny. </td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0gvmmCdjBA0/UOr64HlWrCI/AAAAAAAAGK8/qpotPtuN4cQ/s1600/IMG_6465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0gvmmCdjBA0/UOr64HlWrCI/AAAAAAAAGK8/qpotPtuN4cQ/s400/IMG_6465.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After some clean up, I can spot your sister in the room again.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Holidays are a big deal around here, but we don't forget the reason for the celebration. It may look like we go a little overboard on gifts, but we don't buy much throughout the year. We try to be reasonable and thoughtful about our purchases. And we do our best to keep things somewhat even between you girls. What we actually end up with is a mix of silly things, Christmas wishlist requests, and some long thought out gifts that you girls probably never knew you wanted. More importantly, we gain memories that are free and yet priceless. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WMeccYRxs0Y/UOsB1TBLjxI/AAAAAAAAGOc/lMogaAjuXXE/s1600/337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WMeccYRxs0Y/UOsB1TBLjxI/AAAAAAAAGOc/lMogaAjuXXE/s640/337.JPG" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh air! We escaped for a few minutes to test out your new wheels.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It's always a little sad to see the holidays in the rearview mirror. But the New Year is a fresh beginning. A clean slate. With you and your sister's fall birthdays, I feel like the holiday season begins mid October and doesn't stop until January. It feels good to wake up in the morning with nothing to do but spend time with you. No presents to wrap. No shopping to do. No crafty things to make. No blogs to scroll for ideas. No menus to finalize. Just me, and you, and our family, with all of the time in the world. For now. So, goodbye Christmas. You were a good one. No. A great one. We will remember you fondly. But it's time for me to play with my baby, because next year at this time, she won't be a baby anymore. See you then, Christmas.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7QW4E5kLXF4/UOsB1Tr7tUI/AAAAAAAAGOY/Z7rNE_4jsIk/s1600/374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7QW4E5kLXF4/UOsB1Tr7tUI/AAAAAAAAGOY/Z7rNE_4jsIk/s400/374.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most fitting explanation of Christmas Day: a Happy blur!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Dear Finnleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05186428325047976687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040126147097903260.post-89027401693259937452013-01-01T14:02:00.003-05:002013-01-01T14:07:53.398-05:00Happiest of Holidays<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Well, it finally happened. Christmas came. And just as suddenly as it came, it was gone. Poof! Just like that. You would think I would've learned by now that there is a time warp that occurs in the month of December. What looks like a simple day on the calendar feels like a microsecond in retrospect. It would be logical to anticipate that these days will be moving at warp speed, and to try to counteract this phenomenon with time-stretching activities and slow-moving days. But, no, we plow through the month of December with so much gusto that come January, it all seems like a dream. Thank goodness for photographs!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First a look back at your first Christmas. These are all pre-dslr, and I remember being so frustrated about the lack of control I had over my camera.:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_1kY1XPxdik/UOMpJGaX8LI/AAAAAAAAF10/KvGHpv6qOZw/s1600/666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_1kY1XPxdik/UOMpJGaX8LI/AAAAAAAAF10/KvGHpv6qOZw/s400/666.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby's + Lights...always a favorite.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDBMLaCyKS4/UOMq7eOIWpI/AAAAAAAAF3c/Kfp09PYAMwI/s1600/766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDBMLaCyKS4/UOMq7eOIWpI/AAAAAAAAF3c/Kfp09PYAMwI/s640/766.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, I did this to you. You were in a stocking.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bkdUg992Yxo/UOMrLq8Ol2I/AAAAAAAAF3k/4x-tdlIH6Zk/s1600/778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bkdUg992Yxo/UOMrLq8Ol2I/AAAAAAAAF3k/4x-tdlIH6Zk/s400/778.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elf.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SqWlbHzVAFY/UOMrW87u4CI/AAAAAAAAF3s/p5-eRbdOm5E/s1600/852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SqWlbHzVAFY/UOMrW87u4CI/AAAAAAAAF3s/p5-eRbdOm5E/s640/852.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa Baby.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This year, you spent a lot of the month of December dressed up as one Christmas icon or another. Sorry about that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cOuPzvKL92w/UOGq4WcjORI/AAAAAAAAFhQ/0m54uv2bgLs/s1600/IMG_4933edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cOuPzvKL92w/UOGq4WcjORI/AAAAAAAAFhQ/0m54uv2bgLs/s400/IMG_4933edit.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elf, slightly larger edition.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The tree proved to be too much temptation for you. Instead of the novelty wearing off, it became less intimidating and you couldn't keep your chubby hands off of it!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L0fq23Us2Tk/UOGrU0_vEHI/AAAAAAAAFhY/TwzBuLUDGaM/s1600/IMG_4993edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L0fq23Us2Tk/UOGrU0_vEHI/AAAAAAAAFhY/TwzBuLUDGaM/s400/IMG_4993edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making a mess of the pine needles and tree skirt, ripping off ornaments, and laughing the entire time. Thanks.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This festive month brings with it so many fun traditions:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A53OSXoYK50/UOHIce-y_dI/AAAAAAAAFi8/_0kLmIR9W_0/s1600/IMG_5256edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A53OSXoYK50/UOHIce-y_dI/AAAAAAAAFi8/_0kLmIR9W_0/s640/IMG_5256edit.jpg" width="564" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Polar Express Day at School- pj's, cocoa and a movie</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m4tI_Xx3q_Y/UOHKkP-hlPI/AAAAAAAAFlE/Q_5AKXQpvww/s1600/IMG_5575edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m4tI_Xx3q_Y/UOHKkP-hlPI/AAAAAAAAFlE/Q_5AKXQpvww/s640/IMG_5575edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driving through Victoria Park to check out their ridiculously impressive light displays.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ATaM-dy0dGA/UOHP36bD1zI/AAAAAAAAFqM/4y9oJIX2yBY/s1600/IMG_5659edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="542" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ATaM-dy0dGA/UOHP36bD1zI/AAAAAAAAFqM/4y9oJIX2yBY/s640/IMG_5659edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cocoa & light walks in our own neighborhood...preferably on chilly nights. We could see our breath this night!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_7kyil8XuNk/UOHSsW4WCpI/AAAAAAAAFtI/YlYr5uOrd_4/s1600/IMG_5683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_7kyil8XuNk/UOHSsW4WCpI/AAAAAAAAFtI/YlYr5uOrd_4/s400/IMG_5683.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baking cookies (with neighbors). The peanut butter reindeer cookies have been a part of our Christmas baking for years now.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Clora, our elf, has been busy making mischief all month. But she outdid herself when she decorated Sydney's room in paper snowflakes and paper chains in the middle of the night. I assume this must have been fun to wake up to:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FUd2DuehT9s/UOHNLVJ3e0I/AAAAAAAAFoA/qSrFH7NPUg8/s1600/IMG_5589edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FUd2DuehT9s/UOHNLVJ3e0I/AAAAAAAAFoA/qSrFH7NPUg8/s640/IMG_5589edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowflakes everywhere!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0-0vwOBHiso/UOHOzuiAYbI/AAAAAAAAFp8/xr80Cc-c1IE/s1600/IMG_5612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0-0vwOBHiso/UOHOzuiAYbI/AAAAAAAAFp8/xr80Cc-c1IE/s320/IMG_5612.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ignore the messy closet backdrop. I assume Clora put a lot of work into these and would want them showcased.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eqjYGzp6GWs/UOHNMd13eOI/AAAAAAAAFoI/7Lvz_na1dyM/s1600/IMG_5598edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eqjYGzp6GWs/UOHNMd13eOI/AAAAAAAAFoI/7Lvz_na1dyM/s400/IMG_5598edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And while there's no chance of actual snowflakes here, we did have the eventual (and very welcome) cool front.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SsbUc1sI-w4/UOHIdT_hDSI/AAAAAAAAFjE/LybeAeMqsMw/s1600/IMG_5404edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SsbUc1sI-w4/UOHIdT_hDSI/AAAAAAAAFjE/LybeAeMqsMw/s640/IMG_5404edit.jpg" width="374" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wind in your hair.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TBwSBVwNIRA/UOHIeMjcD4I/AAAAAAAAFjM/5To-ELVuoDw/s1600/flower+Collage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TBwSBVwNIRA/UOHIeMjcD4I/AAAAAAAAFjM/5To-ELVuoDw/s640/flower+Collage.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Confusing smelling flowers with tasting flowers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--HU3X3W_F6k/UOHIh1aAoYI/AAAAAAAAFjU/PHlsVTOnILI/s1600/IMG_5297edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--HU3X3W_F6k/UOHIh1aAoYI/AAAAAAAAFjU/PHlsVTOnILI/s640/IMG_5297edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obsessed with your shadow!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xhfu1qbfEBI/UOHJibfICzI/AAAAAAAAFjg/NyetU2mV4c4/s1600/IMG_5446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xhfu1qbfEBI/UOHJibfICzI/AAAAAAAAFjg/NyetU2mV4c4/s640/IMG_5446.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally cool enough to play outside again!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And then, in a flash, it was Christmas Eve. The best day really. All of the pomp and circumstance of Christmas with the giddy anticipation thrown in for good measure. I adore Christmas Eve. I love the barely contained excitement in your sisters' faces. I love tracking Santa on the NORAD site all day. I love opening our home to family for a family meal...nothing fancy, but it's our tradition. And I really love tucking my girls into bed, knowing that they will have a hard time going to sleep and will be listening close for sleighbells and reindeer hooves. There is nothing better on earth than the magic of Christmas.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1pwuepZ_k4M/UOHTzh03nwI/AAAAAAAAFus/y-UD1L2S1rg/s1600/IMG_5704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1pwuepZ_k4M/UOHTzh03nwI/AAAAAAAAFus/y-UD1L2S1rg/s640/IMG_5704.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this scene. Family together. Christmas lights on. Santa tracker up on the laptop. And pink paper plates because I forgot to buy Christmas ones. Oops.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u7LF7IC_Vsg/UOHUYCyPN8I/AAAAAAAAFu0/yEXP_c6awn0/s1600/IMG_5718edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u7LF7IC_Vsg/UOHUYCyPN8I/AAAAAAAAFu0/yEXP_c6awn0/s640/IMG_5718edit.jpg" width="388" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was so dark for picture-taking. But you looked like this. It's almost too much to take!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vex6naHSCc4/UOHUvi0Wt8I/AAAAAAAAFu8/h6dD0iHJHaM/s1600/IMG_5800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vex6naHSCc4/UOHUvi0Wt8I/AAAAAAAAFu8/h6dD0iHJHaM/s640/IMG_5800.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spreading Reindeer food in the yard. (You're going to have to trust me on this one. It was dark.)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NLV4TwXk_lQ/UOHZ0GehKuI/AAAAAAAAFwg/3ca42YWD9Ys/s1600/IMG_5805edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NLV4TwXk_lQ/UOHZ0GehKuI/AAAAAAAAFwg/3ca42YWD9Ys/s640/IMG_5805edit.jpg" width="592" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obsessed with gifts.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xiWzRHYlkJU/UOHZ1IdiPxI/AAAAAAAAFwo/_EWST0t1QK4/s1600/IMG_5813edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="346" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xiWzRHYlkJU/UOHZ1IdiPxI/AAAAAAAAFwo/_EWST0t1QK4/s400/IMG_5813edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My girls, getting their Christmas traditional Christmas jammies from grammy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vM1AUpZlrZ4/UOHZ1_54UrI/AAAAAAAAFww/onjobVvL46k/s1600/IMG_5848edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vM1AUpZlrZ4/UOHZ1_54UrI/AAAAAAAAFww/onjobVvL46k/s640/IMG_5848edit.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heart bursting inside of my chest.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B2_-gmPkVM8/UOHi_n-TVjI/AAAAAAAAFyU/JDgVvlwP2g8/s1600/IMG_5884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B2_-gmPkVM8/UOHi_n-TVjI/AAAAAAAAFyU/JDgVvlwP2g8/s640/IMG_5884.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas babe.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QISYewIIs3Y/UOHjBkylzEI/AAAAAAAAFyc/BFmy9tC2pOk/s1600/IMG_5889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QISYewIIs3Y/UOHjBkylzEI/AAAAAAAAFyc/BFmy9tC2pOk/s400/IMG_5889.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too excited to sleep.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RY9rWZcHtfc/UOHjDmwo2RI/AAAAAAAAFyk/Sm8GN8aXApY/s1600/IMG_5892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RY9rWZcHtfc/UOHjDmwo2RI/AAAAAAAAFyk/Sm8GN8aXApY/s640/IMG_5892.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matching pj's. Sleep tight my little ones.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have decided that my New Year's resolution will be to try to get back to the original function of this blog. I had intended for it to substitute for a baby book. To record milestones and memories. And while I am still doing that to some extent, the truth is that things are slipping through the cracks. You are saying, doing and learning so many things. I just spend too much time backtracking to remember it all. So this week I will catch up, split Christmas into two posts, and then start fresh. New Year, clean slate. Last year's resolution was to start this blog, so I think we can make this one stick, too! Next up, Christmas Day!!</span>Dear Finnleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05186428325047976687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040126147097903260.post-71673663186142437182012-12-23T23:34:00.001-05:002012-12-23T23:34:42.682-05:00The Most Wonderful Time of the Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">December is practically over, and Christmas is a couple of days away. As is our custom, the holidays are a happy blur around here. We try to pack in all of the usual traditions and rituals and make time for new ones here and there. You have been a joy to watch this year. There are so many things to see and smell and taste and experience. I was afraid you'd still be a bit young to catch on, but I am pleasantly surprised that I am wrong. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-38djxrCZAW4/UNaWXwzX1oI/AAAAAAAAFMY/VJMHCQnyxwU/s1600/IMG_3186edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-38djxrCZAW4/UNaWXwzX1oI/AAAAAAAAFMY/VJMHCQnyxwU/s400/IMG_3186edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Junior Lighting Technician</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cn0M227a-Eg/UNabqn1ho5I/AAAAAAAAFOA/40Hf0ePUWO8/s1600/1354edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cn0M227a-Eg/UNabqn1ho5I/AAAAAAAAFOA/40Hf0ePUWO8/s640/1354edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mommy's helper.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V5VV4ZO2Oa4/UNafiFBMN6I/AAAAAAAAFPg/6Uf0biO_fW8/s1600/1363edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V5VV4ZO2Oa4/UNafiFBMN6I/AAAAAAAAFPg/6Uf0biO_fW8/s400/1363edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cocoa goes with tree decorating like macaroni goes with cheese.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You have amazed me with the restraint you've shown toward our tree. I honestly expected a major disaster. From the first morning that you woke up to a decorated tree standing in the living room, you've shown a rather reverent respect for it. That's not to say that we haven't had an episode or two (or four) where you have manhandled an ornament or branch, but as a whole, you've been on your best behavior. It wouldn't have surprised me if we had endured at least one tree-toppling by now. We were careful to do all of the decorating after you went to bed so you wouldn't see us touching the giant "no-no" that is our tree. Even still, I thought we would be forced to make a decision between gating off the tree or possibly moving it all together. But so far, so good!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nrqxwy9YDgo/UNafjWtm-VI/AAAAAAAAFPo/LClqZxpjhQc/s1600/1411edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nrqxwy9YDgo/UNafjWtm-VI/AAAAAAAAFPo/LClqZxpjhQc/s640/1411edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The showdown!.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lWHYs6mdDi8/UNafkmb5D-I/AAAAAAAAFPw/sIunwszBD0E/s1600/1414edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lWHYs6mdDi8/UNafkmb5D-I/AAAAAAAAFPw/sIunwszBD0E/s400/1414edit.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The temptation is too much.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6tNz6OzZXCA/UNaqRUYiH5I/AAAAAAAAFaA/Uif9J4Xbpmg/s1600/IMG_4527edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6tNz6OzZXCA/UNaqRUYiH5I/AAAAAAAAFaA/Uif9J4Xbpmg/s400/IMG_4527edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It would probably help if I was scolding you instead of taking a picture.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You've also taken to quite a few new faces. You point out Santa and expect me to give you my best "Ho! Ho! Ho!" when we see him. You also say "snowman" (which sounds like "noman"). There is one stuffed snowman in the house that you've chosen as your favorite. You hug and squeeze and kiss him incessantly. Before we know it, you will have acquired an entire new holiday/winter vocabulary.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8IIzUTu_hXk/UNaqQPZAWQI/AAAAAAAAFZ4/Nd-n_Rtco4Y/s1600/IMG_4512edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8IIzUTu_hXk/UNaqQPZAWQI/AAAAAAAAFZ4/Nd-n_Rtco4Y/s640/IMG_4512edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your favorite Christmas buddy.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Another thing that I'm delighted to see is that your disdain for accessories seems to be dwindling. You will wear them on your terms. Usually, "your terms" means walking down our sidewalk. You will choose to put on shoes, antlers, sometimes hats and (always) backpacks as long as I let you march up and down our street in your new outfit. Your ritual is to stop at the neighbor's house and smell her (odorless) flowers, and sometimes even sniff her sprinkler pipes for good measure. Then we head back toward home and then back again. I can't help but wonder what the neighbors think of this tiny backpack-wearing, Mardi Gras-bead-bedecked, antler-sporting person who lives on their street. You are quite the sight!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1qPor6dAsOY/UNalIR88uaI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/SQLrgBcL44E/s1600/IMG_4078edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1qPor6dAsOY/UNalIR88uaI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/SQLrgBcL44E/s640/IMG_4078edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">December comes with its own set of dress-up props.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cpy7KFOvk7I/UNalJCaQVQI/AAAAAAAAFVY/eNZaLSxMaqs/s1600/IMG_4084edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cpy7KFOvk7I/UNalJCaQVQI/AAAAAAAAFVY/eNZaLSxMaqs/s640/IMG_4084edit.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You got in on the act, too.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uRpBe6OeTcE/UNatWnMbBUI/AAAAAAAAFcM/Kyc8BM7L4CU/s1600/IMG_4780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uRpBe6OeTcE/UNatWnMbBUI/AAAAAAAAFcM/Kyc8BM7L4CU/s640/IMG_4780.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beaded reindeer.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Since Thanksgiving, our house has blossomed into full Christmas mode. This is the last year that I can openly shop for you while you are in the same cart. It's the last year I can get away with giving you the baby stocking. It's the last year that you won't expect to get candy in your stocking like your big sisters do. It may be your second Christmas with us, but it will be the first time you've participated. I am struggling to find the time to do all of the the things that the holidays require like shopping and wrapping, fit in the fun stuff like baking and gingerbread houses and still take time to follow you up and down the street snapping pictures of you in antlers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We have our priorities. Much of our time has been spent doing traditional Christmas things. Visits to Santa, letters written and mailed. We even have a new tradition this year: our Elf on the Shelf, Clora. She has been keeping an eye on you and your sisters, and causing some mischief in the meantime. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roasting elf-sized marshmallows.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mailing a Christmas list at Macy's.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mall Santa The sign said no pictures. I snuck one. And he knew!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happiness powder to help with Sydney's morning grumpies.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Live nativity.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tortilla snowflakes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glitter pinecones.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Some of our December memorable moments are less of a tradition and more of a special event or milestone. We received such a special package from a friend in Kentucky. Mommy's friend Megan, and her kids, packaged up a box full of things that represent the beautiful state they are from. We had such a fun afternoon exploring that box! I still can't believe that a friendship formed through Instagram can bring such meaningful memories. She even mailed a box of fall leaves, which were such a treat! Once the rain stopped, you and Sydney spent the good part of an afternoon playing in the on the lawn. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White chocolate cat, beautiful accessories, hushpuppy mix, salty ham, blue straws and bourbon balls. So much Kentucky bounty!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">December has been ridiculously warm. Summery. We hit the nearby empty "field" for pictures only to discover that you were allergic to something there.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying out sparkly shoes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaf jumper.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kentucky leaves.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You loved the goodies, too.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6M565Vnx9sU/UNaoXQlPqPI/AAAAAAAAFXE/kO5WAZQw8uo/s1600/IMG_4483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6M565Vnx9sU/UNaoXQlPqPI/AAAAAAAAFXE/kO5WAZQw8uo/s400/IMG_4483.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She finally lost a tooth! Good thing because the permanent one is on its way.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ai8HX8Kxfa0/UNasIyVt1_I/AAAAAAAAFbw/ZNaQ8ZGnbG8/s1600/IMG_4761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ai8HX8Kxfa0/UNasIyVt1_I/AAAAAAAAFbw/ZNaQ8ZGnbG8/s400/IMG_4761.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Self-feeding practice.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You didn't learn this from me, I swear.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This month may be hectic and frenzied at times, but we are doing our best to slow down and just enjoy the magic of the holidays. And they are magical, for sure!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Dear Finnleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05186428325047976687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040126147097903260.post-89363719747638367272012-12-17T23:38:00.000-05:002012-12-17T23:38:09.034-05:00For Much Later: a story of loss <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There are very few things in life for which there are no words that can adequately express our emotions. Words don't usually fail me. But the senseless tragedy that occurred last week in Connecticut leaves me absolutely speechless. I have spent the weekend praying for families I have never met. Putting myself in their place...because I need to. And then quickly yanking myself back into reality, where I still get to hold my babies. For reasons I cannot begin to comprehend, God has called home 20 of his most innocent little ones, all of them Sydney's age, and 7 who tried to protect them. It doesn't matter if they ever find the motive behind this madness. There is no earthly reason that something like this should happen. I cannot even begin to imagine the pain, anger and sense of loss that the families affected are feeling. And I am so thankful to be able to say that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">At dinner today I had all four of my children in our home. Safe and sound. I am wavering between guilt that our immediate family is whole, and praising God that it is so. That's really the point. I never want a reminder like this again that we are blessed to have each other and that we need to make the most of our time together. There is no time for anger, resentment, bitterness, grudges, pettiness, or hurt feelings. Life is short. Sometimes way too short. Parenthood brought with it an instant, ever-present fear that something awful could happen to one of my babies. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't acknowledge that fear. But I do my best to use it as motivation to savor every moment of every day. So when I take too many photos or I am way behind in laundry, try to understand. Someday you will likely enter this glorious role of motherhood and learn firsthand that there is only so much you can shield your children from. Nobody is guaranteed a long, happy, healthy life. It's so important to me to be present and in the moment with you girls. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've been a mess these few days. I cried watching Sydney's bus drive away this morning. I cried over a half-mast flag. I can barely watch the news, but I feel I owe it to their mommas to hear their stories. It's the very least we can do. While I am planning Christmas parties, their families are planning funerals. Those children should be writing letters to Santa and planning their strategy for staying up late enough to catch a glimpse of him. Their families should be baking cookies and wrapping presents. If I'm not careful, I let myself fall down the rabbit-hole of this thought process and really let myself "go there." The pain of "imagining" is so intense that the reality must be earth-shattering. To say that it's "unfair" or "senseless" or "evil" is obvious and unnecessary. There's no way to make sense of it. There's nothing that can be said or done.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I sincerely hope that by the time you are able to read this that schools are a safe place again. I hope that fear doesn't rule our society, but that common sense does. I hope that I have raised you to treat everyone who crosses your path with kindness and respect. You never know what they've been through and what state they are in. And more than anything, I hope that you never have to experience a fraction of the sorrow these families are immersed in. I will always do my best to see that it's so, but at this moment I am acutely aware that there are some things that are out of even a mom's all-encompassing, nurturing, capable hands. And that's a hard thing to come to terms with. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sleep peacefully my little one. Tomorrow will be a great day, and we will make the most of it. We will do it for those babies and their families who would give anything for one more day. It won't be wasted on us.</span>Dear Finnleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05186428325047976687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040126147097903260.post-62636903668316744542012-12-09T10:54:00.003-05:002012-12-09T11:06:04.594-05:00A Day of Thanksgiving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lately I feel like I'm trying to cram in the holiday and birthday posts, but I haven't really written anything meaningful about you. The irony is that you are changing more now than ever before. Every single day you are blowing my mind. New feats, some long-awaited and joyous, some death-defying and heart-stopping, are a daily occurrence. Your features are changing and morphing into a toddler right before my eyes. Yes, there have been holidays and even birthdays, but the truly memorable moments are happening without any fanfare. You are a walking-talking-photo-opp right now. Celebration or not. I am consumed with catching it all, and yet I haven't taken time to share it here. So, it was Thanksgiving (forever ago). Your second Thanksgiving. We'll get to that in a minute. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking your baby for a walk. Be still my heart.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">First let's talk about this toddler who is making herself at home around here. Suddenly you have become a person with your own agenda. And teeth. Since Halloween, and especially since our Disney trip, teeth have been threatening to rupture through your gums at any minute. One by one, five of them have made it. You aren't done yet. You're still chewing on your fingers like mad and I see more teeth just under the surface. I'm not sure why you waited a year to get teeth or why you decided to get them all at once, but I'm glad the worst of it seems to be over for now. You were remarkable considering the trauma that was happening inside of that little mouth. Just a couple of rough nights, one of them spent on the sofa with me. A small price to pay for being able to finally try the array of foods that has been out of your reach up until now. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teeth!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your "raise the roof" dance move.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Biker.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You are also quite the mischief-maker. You climb to the second story of the dollhouse, open cabinet doors, hunt for power strips that we have hidden from you, try to snag silverware out of the dishwasher anytime I am loading or unloading it, throw the remotes behind the sofa, knock over barstools and lick everything in sight. The other day, you let out a "help me" cry and I found you standing on the rocking chair, hands on the table, stuck between the two. I was ten steps away, but yet you managed to get yourself in this predicament. These are the days when I can't turn my back on you for one second. But then again, you also push baby dolls around in the mini stroller, layer beaded necklaces on while you sit in front of the dress-up carousel mirror, tap your chest when you say everyone's names (because that's what we do to you), pretend to cook in your little kitchen (you love putting the play checkbook in the fridge for some reason), stare out the window hoping to catch a glimpse of a "dog-dog", wear backpacks obsessively (even saying "backpack" for any and every form of bag, purse, lunchbox and, of course, backpack) and even try to wink by blinking both eyes and scrunching up your nose. It all evens out. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LkRliAGh9ec/UMScg2eotpI/AAAAAAAAFHk/QU0EDOQuNxs/s1600/IMG_2642edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LkRliAGh9ec/UMScg2eotpI/AAAAAAAAFHk/QU0EDOQuNxs/s400/IMG_2642edit.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stunt Driver.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3_C0W4omZsY/UMSZ5_RtwLI/AAAAAAAAFGE/k3WUZU37QBc/s1600/IMG_2700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3_C0W4omZsY/UMSZ5_RtwLI/AAAAAAAAFGE/k3WUZU37QBc/s640/IMG_2700.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See ya later, mom!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Since I've last posted (I am the worst blogger ever), Sydney's puppy party for her 7th Birthday has come and gone. It was the wild, sugar-fueled, pooch-obsessed event that I expected it to be. The kids took to the puppy adoption concept even better than I had expected. They each got to choose a puppy from the "pound", adopt it and name it. We even had adoption certificates we printed out </span><a href="http://www.chickabug.com/blog/2011/04/free-dog-adoption-kits.html" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> . Then they took turns shopping in the puppy store (full of blankets, mini frisbees, bouncy balls, bandannas, bones, collars, stickers, Scooby Doo "dog treats", and make-your-own beds), taking their dogs to the vet (just the two doctor kits we have, plus some printables including a vet checklist, and a real x-ray of a dog who swallowed dentures on the computer screen), and the puppy spa (empty spray bottles, ribbons, brushes, cotton swabs and balls, etc). We painted puppy faces, applied puppy tattoos and donned puppy ears (cut out ear-shapes from spotted fabric and hot-glued them to elastic headbands...even the boys enjoyed them!). It was kind of a blur, and I think the trampoline may have been the highlight for many of them, and I'm pretty sure I sent them all home looking more like members of Kiss than actual dogs, but Sydney was happy and that's what matters most. You, however, were not a fan of the puppy ears. You made that quite clear.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h8lGgoOhrF0/UMJixXQa3HI/AAAAAAAAE9U/aAAwdNp9Dm8/s1600/puppy+party+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h8lGgoOhrF0/UMJixXQa3HI/AAAAAAAAE9U/aAAwdNp9Dm8/s640/puppy+party+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some party outtakes, including what happens when you ask 7(ish) yr olds to take a silly picture.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xC4gMislYxs/UMJiwroabrI/AAAAAAAAE9M/_v4JNA9NQKg/s1600/IMG_2325edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xC4gMislYxs/UMJiwroabrI/AAAAAAAAE9M/_v4JNA9NQKg/s400/IMG_2325edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Make a wish. The cupcakes were delicious, but not so pretty. Oh, well. It was late and I enlisted help.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thanksgiving Day was the end of babyhood and our initiation into the world of toddlers, as far as I'm considered. I remember last year's Thanksgiving vividly. You were only a month and a half old. Everyone tried to talk me out of hosting that year, but I vehemently turned them down. Honestly, I can't imagine having Thanksgiving anywhere else. I'm organized to a fault on the big day, with a timeline written out in 15 minute increments so as not to miss a thing. I've been doing this for twelve years now and rely mostly on memory and instinct, but I still have a binder handy, full of previous years' recipes, timelines and even grocery lists. Holidays are the one thing I am "good at." You, however, had exhausted your patience by dinner time last year. Your schedule was off, the house was full of people, you hadn't spent as much time with me as you were accustomed. By dinnertime you were having a breakdown...and it was mutual. Instead of eating with the family I hid in the bedroom and laid down with you. I was secretly wishing everyone would go home. I remember asking Grandma to "just set the desserts out on whatever dishes they were stored in on the dinner table." What?! That person does not sound like me. Me, who has special dishes and serving trays that are used one day a year: Thanksgiving. And I didn't bother to get them out. I didn't clear away dinner and display the desserts? I didn't make sure there was eggnog, whipped cream, a fresh, whole nutmeg and a grater, and coffee creamer set out for everyone to use? That person surely was not me. But that was last year.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ohbSp9sgD6k/UMJmMps3slI/AAAAAAAAE-0/YyTk-9whF2Q/s1600/170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ohbSp9sgD6k/UMJmMps3slI/AAAAAAAAE-0/YyTk-9whF2Q/s400/170.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Literally, the only picture I took of you last Thanksgiving.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This year you blossomed on that most grateful of days. You took center stage, and as the house filled with people, you made your way through the crowd of family independently and confidently. I couldn't stop watching you. You played with the big kids. You ate the big people food (and 3 dinner rolls!). You pretty much ignored me. That dependent baby, who needed me so desperately last year, was replaced by the star of the show. You sat with Aunt Shana, talked to Uncle Justin, played with Pop-Pop. I marveled at how far you had come. Just the day before, your steps were shaky and intermittent with crawling. That day the crawling disappeared. You stole hearts. You showed off. You sparkled. What a day. Oh, and the food was pretty good, too.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cTR95LB0Ark/UMJnPAJxZZI/AAAAAAAAE_E/4GIUoxw5Z3g/s1600/IMG_2987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cTR95LB0Ark/UMJnPAJxZZI/AAAAAAAAE_E/4GIUoxw5Z3g/s400/IMG_2987.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just one of the "big kids" this year.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RY4mZc9t2ZI/UMJqLMmwWOI/AAAAAAAAFAc/gMIbS9hpk7Y/s1600/IMG_3004edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RY4mZc9t2ZI/UMJqLMmwWOI/AAAAAAAAFAc/gMIbS9hpk7Y/s640/IMG_3004edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winking. Seriously, that's what you think you're doing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pgJ3UfSjm7A/UMJsMSIy70I/AAAAAAAAFAk/ZVTDQUgS97c/s1600/IMG_3006edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pgJ3UfSjm7A/UMJsMSIy70I/AAAAAAAAFAk/ZVTDQUgS97c/s640/IMG_3006edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dry, cool weather = static electricity.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uY5uDeG4Fek/UMJue-_CZDI/AAAAAAAAFAw/WiNcVwYwK-E/s1600/IMG_3036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uY5uDeG4Fek/UMJue-_CZDI/AAAAAAAAFAw/WiNcVwYwK-E/s400/IMG_3036.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Digging in.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-emXRSjQG_UM/UMSzabCCXfI/AAAAAAAAFJE/JICq0rIItIc/s1600/IMG_3040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-emXRSjQG_UM/UMSzabCCXfI/AAAAAAAAFJE/JICq0rIItIc/s640/IMG_3040.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And chowing down!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We lucked out in the weather-department. The high was 75, the sliding glass doors and windows stayed open all day, and nobody eating on the patio was sweating. I couldn't ask for more. You joined Sydney and I on our annual nature walk, during which we gather whatever natural elements that we can find that could pass as "fall decor" to decorate the table. Usually that means acorns, pinecones, twigs and lately some leaves off of the Japanese Maple down the street. Other than that, Sydney picks up all sorts of random dead leaves and seed pods to add to the mix. I love that she sees fall in any brown leaf. Then again, it's a sure sign that I need to get you girls up north to see a real fall landscape! Last year we were so hot that the experience was basically miserable, much to my disappointment. This year was marginally better. Sydney is going through a whiny phase that can't end soon enough, but once we got past the fussiness, it was an enjoyable tradition again. The decorating and the prep are some of my favorite parts of this holiday. I revel in the quiet contemplation that baking allows. I live for the spicy smells of a kitchen that has seen a day full of cinnamon and pumpkin-laden treats prepared. I savor the opening chords of the Charlie Brown Christmas cd that I never play between December 26th and Thanksgiving Day. This year was no exception.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A-80uDdW1a8/UMSV1zmiojI/AAAAAAAAFD4/wYZaehrdZxI/s1600/IMG_2777edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A-80uDdW1a8/UMSV1zmiojI/AAAAAAAAFD4/wYZaehrdZxI/s640/IMG_2777edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foraging.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S4_J--MHHV4/UMSV4R1wRKI/AAAAAAAAFEI/j7O3K8v5IRI/s1600/IMG_2795edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="638" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S4_J--MHHV4/UMSV4R1wRKI/AAAAAAAAFEI/j7O3K8v5IRI/s640/IMG_2795edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely day for a nature walk.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C3AFf1kuhBo/UMSV5mu0WtI/AAAAAAAAFEQ/6FjmDd0q-II/s1600/IMG_2802edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C3AFf1kuhBo/UMSV5mu0WtI/AAAAAAAAFEQ/6FjmDd0q-II/s640/IMG_2802edit.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking it easy on our walk.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IkMrIxYksXM/UMSV3KQqOJI/AAAAAAAAFEA/a4xnu2FTPDk/s1600/IMG_2786edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="460" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IkMrIxYksXM/UMSV3KQqOJI/AAAAAAAAFEA/a4xnu2FTPDk/s640/IMG_2786edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Found one!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ihQhiZP7LJc/UMSV7b9s3FI/AAAAAAAAFEY/Yg3uo5bTs-Q/s1600/IMG_2865edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ihQhiZP7LJc/UMSV7b9s3FI/AAAAAAAAFEY/Yg3uo5bTs-Q/s640/IMG_2865edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite thing about our street. Oak trees.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A0_3OZcK6UM/UMSWDmK-RwI/AAAAAAAAFFM/Pecjbrh9QXQ/s1600/IMG_2929edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A0_3OZcK6UM/UMSWDmK-RwI/AAAAAAAAFFM/Pecjbrh9QXQ/s640/IMG_2929edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sisters.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kLPKfdyiXsw/UMSV0SW83uI/AAAAAAAAFDw/SdgEkLjzRaY/s1600/IMG_2770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kLPKfdyiXsw/UMSV0SW83uI/AAAAAAAAFDw/SdgEkLjzRaY/s640/IMG_2770.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wiping away the grumpies.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fw5EFOx0kyM/UMJm1iKE6_I/AAAAAAAAE-8/ifgFuun9Uug/s1600/IMG_3048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fw5EFOx0kyM/UMJm1iKE6_I/AAAAAAAAE-8/ifgFuun9Uug/s400/IMG_3048.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family. And Thanksgiving dinner: Buffet-style.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dzg3p6Dnln4/UMSzeuNi2fI/AAAAAAAAFJM/ROjYKHnkZqU/s1600/IMG_3043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dzg3p6Dnln4/UMSzeuNi2fI/AAAAAAAAFJM/ROjYKHnkZqU/s640/IMG_3043.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grammy and her camera. It's no wonder where I get my photo addiction from.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hQwJFQv4U8k/UMKPr89gHnI/AAAAAAAAFCM/RCAWmocod3M/s1600/IMG_3067edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="327" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hQwJFQv4U8k/UMKPr89gHnI/AAAAAAAAFCM/RCAWmocod3M/s400/IMG_3067edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This actually happened. You have your Pop-Pop around your little finger.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zPf2uoarYaQ/UMKQ4u-DPII/AAAAAAAAFCU/2avhD7q1JQ8/s1600/IMG_3115edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zPf2uoarYaQ/UMKQ4u-DPII/AAAAAAAAFCU/2avhD7q1JQ8/s400/IMG_3115edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rousing game of pin-the-hat-on-the-turkey finished off the night.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">With a grateful heart, I watched my family gather in a circle for prayer before dinner that night. People always want to know what you are thankful for this time of year Well I'm thankful for the things you would expect: a roof over our head during these times when so many people are struggling to make ends meet; a meal with loved ones, knowing that there are millions who are hungry; and all of the conveniences that make our life easy, even though generations before us have lived without them. But "thankful" doesn't begin to scratch the surface of what I feel about my family. Your father who works tirelessly to support this family and is 100% dedicated to keeping me at home with you as long as it is possible. You girls who are the very air I breathe. You are so much a part of me that I cannot remember the days before you or imagine even a moment without you. So while I will take this opportunity to express my thankfulness for you, your sisters and father, please know that it goes so far beyond that. My love for you is deeper than the deepest, longer than the longest, higher than the highest. I love you to infinity and back again. And even that doesn't seem to do it justice.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Dear Finnleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05186428325047976687noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040126147097903260.post-74618793595645769392012-11-24T10:52:00.001-05:002012-11-24T10:52:45.773-05:00A Magical Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Two weekends ago, Sydney turned seven. As we often do, we decided to head to Disney to commemorate the birthday. It was a somewhat last-minute decision, but the fact that it centered around attending Mickey's Christmas Party made it worth the hasty details. I couldn't wait to see what you thought of your very first Disney trip. Too bad you won't remember a thing!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That first glimpse of the castle is always magical, even if it's a blurry-through-the-monorail-window glance.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We arrived Friday afternoon and made a quick stop at Downtown Disney while Daddy checked into our hotel. It turned out it was the Festival of the Masters, a weekend of art-related special events. We instantly stumbled upon a chalk artist at work, art booths and free arts and craft stops. "Free" and "Disney" aren't usually mentioned in the same sentence, so we had to partake! You were a bit overwhelmed from the car trip already, so it took a bit for you to acclimate. Once I let you walk (barefoot, of course) while your sisters made picture frames you started to come around.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking on fake grass at Downtown Disney!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making their own Vinylmation Mickeys at D Street...such a cool store.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was a bit obsessed with this table.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Contributing to a pop-art mural.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Something tells me we've found the right place. Now what could it be?</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">That night was the highlight of the trip. Mickey's Christmas Party! We've been to this event once before and it is always magical, but it was your first time. Disney reopens at night for a much smaller crowd, decorated to the hilt for Christmas. We had to buy our tickets way in advance. Almost all of the rides are open, including part of the newest area with the princess castles. We got to be among the first to see Belle and Ariel's attractions. There are free cocoa and cookie stations all over the place, special "dance party" areas, Christmas music playing throughout the park and the castle is dripping in lights. It culminates in several back to back events, including fireworks, a Christmas parade, a Christmas show on the castle stage and SNOW ON MAIN STREET. Need I say more? I could've sat on Main Street and watched that fake snow drift down between the fake evergreen boughs that were strung across the sky all night. That's a Florida girl for you, I guess. I get all choked up over fake snow. Your reaction was priceless: reaching out for the "snow" with a look of wonder. You were a party animal. You were awake until well after midnight with only a short nap to hold you over. Sydney, however, had to be woken up at midnight, as we left the park, to be told it wished a "happy birthday." None of this surprises me. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Disney + Christmas = Magic!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeting Ariel</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Belle has arrived!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being rewarded for being in Belle's play.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside a cocoa and cookie spot. You were in awe of all of the people.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot (cocoa) Date.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FzDlnkLV0S8/UK-RQn7eDqI/AAAAAAAAEyg/RSNdimEsH5o/s1600/IMG_1302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FzDlnkLV0S8/UK-RQn7eDqI/AAAAAAAAEyg/RSNdimEsH5o/s400/IMG_1302.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A chance run-in with Peter Pan & Wendy. They were tiptoeing and whispering because you were asleep.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's nothing like Disney's lights at Christmas.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sydney on the Carousel</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hDLqWCZsHc4/UK-SBwTCjFI/AAAAAAAAEy8/w_HuoEhIGf4/s1600/IMG_1338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hDLqWCZsHc4/UK-SBwTCjFI/AAAAAAAAEy8/w_HuoEhIGf4/s640/IMG_1338.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Syd's favorite character. Disney's new tactic: funky lighting at character spots so you're forced to buy their photos.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stunning.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xjejZjgqe7E/UK-UjzzFKVI/AAAAAAAAE0c/mfnI6lZWIp8/s1600/IMG_1464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xjejZjgqe7E/UK-UjzzFKVI/AAAAAAAAE0c/mfnI6lZWIp8/s640/IMG_1464.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to watch the show & eating your second cookie of the night. You were a party animal.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finale.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow on Main Street!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HxZKnGBroJI/UK-WPPf-_GI/AAAAAAAAE08/uOFZ9MEv73M/s1600/IMG_1571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HxZKnGBroJI/UK-WPPf-_GI/AAAAAAAAE08/uOFZ9MEv73M/s640/IMG_1571.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And again...looking back toward the castle this time...because you can never have too many.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We didn't have to carry Kylee this year! Yet.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main Street, all lit up. Why can't downtown Naples look like this. And SNOW!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After a very uncomfortable night of sleep (tiny beds) and a pancake breakfast, we returned to the Magic Kingdom the next day with Uncle Adam. Still beautiful during the day, I enjoyed every minute of the walk down Main Street. We packed in a few activities at the park, mostly based on the birthday girl's requests. All-in-all, you rode It's a Small World, Ariel's Grotto, The Jungle Cruise and Pirate's of the Caribbean. Not bad. I wanted to get you on the carousel, but you fell asleep. Guess we'll have to go back. Darn. Sydney rode her first roller coaster: Thunder Mountain! And you had your first taste of Dole Whip. It won't be your last. Promise. We ended up spending the evening at Hollywood Studios after finding out our tickets were blacked out at Epcot. It was worth it for one reason alone: The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights! After sunset, there is about a two-block stretch of facades coated in every imaginable form of Christmas lights. Every minute or so they would dance along to Christmas music, alternated with a showering of fake snow. It was spectacular! You woke up in the middle of the ordeal, so I can only imagine what must have gone through your mind! I love that you don't cry over loud noises or crowds like your sisters used to. You just take it all in stride. Maybe with an extra tight hug now and then, but no tears. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your first glimpse of the Magic Kingdom, by daylight.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Birthday Girl!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jungle Cruisin'.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k_k-iAmR25s/UK-aQk1ZkyI/AAAAAAAAE2A/OvLEqYR_pFw/s1600/IMG_1707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k_k-iAmR25s/UK-aQk1ZkyI/AAAAAAAAE2A/OvLEqYR_pFw/s400/IMG_1707.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best seat in the house for Jack Sparrow.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUSMpeFpcA0/UK-aS7ljn9I/AAAAAAAAE2I/b3ELmTHZ8II/s1600/IMG_1746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUSMpeFpcA0/UK-aS7ljn9I/AAAAAAAAE2I/b3ELmTHZ8II/s400/IMG_1746.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the ferry to Tom Sawyer Island and getting squashed by Uncle Adam.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_L0h2_-BQuU/UK-aUZIEUJI/AAAAAAAAE2Q/FvxE63dLpv0/s1600/IMG_1758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_L0h2_-BQuU/UK-aUZIEUJI/AAAAAAAAE2Q/FvxE63dLpv0/s640/IMG_1758.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Come on, with your sweet snuggles!</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/-AYxwxPmsEZg/UK-a5r7ujrI/AAAAAAAAE2Y/sE65ovVg-wc/s1600/IMG_1776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AYxwxPmsEZg/UK-a5r7ujrI/AAAAAAAAE2Y/sE65ovVg-wc/s640/IMG_1776.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to explore the island!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qdAyFD1O6Hs/UK-a7oLHtjI/AAAAAAAAE2g/YvnwV4fvLoA/s1600/IMG_1778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qdAyFD1O6Hs/UK-a7oLHtjI/AAAAAAAAE2g/YvnwV4fvLoA/s400/IMG_1778.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squirrel-sighting.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RP0HXmriosw/UK-a9yXpoAI/AAAAAAAAE2o/_6oF3QhhEI8/s1600/IMG_1781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RP0HXmriosw/UK-a9yXpoAI/AAAAAAAAE2o/_6oF3QhhEI8/s640/IMG_1781.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah, this actually happened. Taking the spirit of Tom Sawyer a bit too far.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wVHZtr6as1k/UK-b3xvZXcI/AAAAAAAAE20/4cOB5S4j1iY/s1600/IMG_1784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wVHZtr6as1k/UK-b3xvZXcI/AAAAAAAAE20/4cOB5S4j1iY/s640/IMG_1784.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bridge.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e612_Im6xbA/UK-b6H4A6kI/AAAAAAAAE28/Uji5ObG_y-g/s1600/IMG_1797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e612_Im6xbA/UK-b6H4A6kI/AAAAAAAAE28/Uji5ObG_y-g/s640/IMG_1797.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging out in the fort. Can you tell this island is our favorite spot?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8pvVXh9EWEs/UK-b85aNl_I/AAAAAAAAE3E/RAQWHbQp7fE/s1600/IMG_1877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8pvVXh9EWEs/UK-b85aNl_I/AAAAAAAAE3E/RAQWHbQp7fE/s640/IMG_1877.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Farewell, Magic Kingdom. You are even festive by day!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QnUqdb3a0RQ/UK-b-ZsWTNI/AAAAAAAAE3M/PQXUFA8NVTw/s1600/IMG_1893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QnUqdb3a0RQ/UK-b-ZsWTNI/AAAAAAAAE3M/PQXUFA8NVTw/s400/IMG_1893.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ridin' the rails (on the monorail).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VXwkYOzqhqM/UK-coJSeicI/AAAAAAAAE3c/RohAfGa8pW8/s1600/IMG_1914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VXwkYOzqhqM/UK-coJSeicI/AAAAAAAAE3c/RohAfGa8pW8/s640/IMG_1914.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These two.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S-JAJoLuUWA/UK-cp6P5JEI/AAAAAAAAE3k/aPOE9ghdwWA/s1600/IMG_1943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S-JAJoLuUWA/UK-cp6P5JEI/AAAAAAAAE3k/aPOE9ghdwWA/s400/IMG_1943.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday lunch at Hollywood Studios.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PtYeqJkCjNM/UK-djuvybKI/AAAAAAAAE3s/yf9RP_E-bKE/s1600/IMG_1964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PtYeqJkCjNM/UK-djuvybKI/AAAAAAAAE3s/yf9RP_E-bKE/s400/IMG_1964.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My painted ladies, part one.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iEdyU88NkXQ/UK-dlNl26lI/AAAAAAAAE30/1mKCK75C0mQ/s1600/IMG_1965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iEdyU88NkXQ/UK-dlNl26lI/AAAAAAAAE30/1mKCK75C0mQ/s400/IMG_1965.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My painted ladies, part two.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A8GzHGVMKnE/UK-eoNHiXRI/AAAAAAAAE4A/lO00OtupOXE/s1600/IMG_1981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A8GzHGVMKnE/UK-eoNHiXRI/AAAAAAAAE4A/lO00OtupOXE/s640/IMG_1981.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Spectacle of Lights was just that!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cde6lc_7VaU/UK-eqacIDiI/AAAAAAAAE4I/pofuch-GBrw/s1600/IMG_1992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cde6lc_7VaU/UK-eqacIDiI/AAAAAAAAE4I/pofuch-GBrw/s640/IMG_1992.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing displays!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dh9aBX7UiAc/UK-etjsgibI/AAAAAAAAE4Q/kLMZ5c6kEbU/s1600/IMG_2009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dh9aBX7UiAc/UK-etjsgibI/AAAAAAAAE4Q/kLMZ5c6kEbU/s640/IMG_2009.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the "snow"?</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sunday was a lazy day. No theme parks. Just a detour back to Downtown Disney before heading home. After hitting up Earl of Sandwich for breakfast and taking in some mind-blowing chalk art, courtesy of a contest that was being held, your sisters ordered massive Ghiradelli sundaes, blew some money at T-Rex and kissed Disney goodbye. You were ready to head home, I am certain, but I'll never forget the look of recognition on your face when you connected the Mickey Mouse at Disney with the Mickey Mouse from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. You even started saying his name! I realize I shouldn't be as okay with this as I am. Of course, Disney is over-commercialized and overpriced. But maybe it's the Floridian in me. Disney is a magical part of my childhood and something I enjoy passing along to my children. I have somehow made peace with their money-hungry ways. I look forward to deeper and more impactful vacations with my family, but this one was all about fun. I'm okay with that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<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/-HM5ms8CvbgM/UK-gZd3_-TI/AAAAAAAAE4c/preCH3lfJQ0/s1600/IMG_2109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HM5ms8CvbgM/UK-gZd3_-TI/AAAAAAAAE4c/preCH3lfJQ0/s400/IMG_2109.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petting a Lego pup at Downtown Disney</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B8g75Co-7jM/UK-gb--pKCI/AAAAAAAAE4k/a0nAqXpq2Qk/s1600/IMG_2114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B8g75Co-7jM/UK-gb--pKCI/AAAAAAAAE4k/a0nAqXpq2Qk/s640/IMG_2114.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Staking out the places we must hit before heading home.</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/-b1fhkyP-tVw/UK-gdwLDmOI/AAAAAAAAE4s/i5yP4tG7wL4/s1600/IMG_2135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b1fhkyP-tVw/UK-gdwLDmOI/AAAAAAAAE4s/i5yP4tG7wL4/s640/IMG_2135.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making herself comfortable.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qrdTXSUD9MA/UK-hz3KvYrI/AAAAAAAAE40/0WbvtkUCH7A/s1600/IMG_2126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qrdTXSUD9MA/UK-hz3KvYrI/AAAAAAAAE40/0WbvtkUCH7A/s400/IMG_2126.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chalk art contest.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SS6k97wNyG4/UK-h16zuqJI/AAAAAAAAE48/0MrNWiOUZ1Q/s1600/IMG_2153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SS6k97wNyG4/UK-h16zuqJI/AAAAAAAAE48/0MrNWiOUZ1Q/s640/IMG_2153.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First train ride. Daddy is such a good sport.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1g83iWtnWZ8/UK-h3pjVLgI/AAAAAAAAE5E/6OtNt7nA-y0/s1600/IMG_2164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1g83iWtnWZ8/UK-h3pjVLgI/AAAAAAAAE5E/6OtNt7nA-y0/s640/IMG_2164.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My beautiful girl, texting like always. I love her freckles.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1sTD56EqV70/UK-iX6mw3pI/AAAAAAAAE5Q/N7TJW9iATys/s1600/IMG_2169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1sTD56EqV70/UK-iX6mw3pI/AAAAAAAAE5Q/N7TJW9iATys/s640/IMG_2169.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who knew tacky tourist magnets would be such a draw?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yn6d3m1u0HY/UK-iZxAxGUI/AAAAAAAAE5Y/veMHTkaQqXw/s1600/IMG_2178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yn6d3m1u0HY/UK-iZxAxGUI/AAAAAAAAE5Y/veMHTkaQqXw/s640/IMG_2178.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My crew!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BhWJ-sJTBb4/UK-ibyHW8-I/AAAAAAAAE5g/dMiIty1w-7I/s1600/IMG_2185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BhWJ-sJTBb4/UK-ibyHW8-I/AAAAAAAAE5g/dMiIty1w-7I/s400/IMG_2185.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A giant sundae at Ghiradelli to make up for the lacking birthday cake.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LhmnM-J9yJw/UK-i8p6M0NI/AAAAAAAAE5o/z_pZWzc-d-4/s1600/IMG_2196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LhmnM-J9yJw/UK-i8p6M0NI/AAAAAAAAE5o/z_pZWzc-d-4/s640/IMG_2196.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One more sop!</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/-Hj1jYyIiBDQ/UK-i-0T02SI/AAAAAAAAE5w/ZlIWdR8QdQA/s1600/IMG_2198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hj1jYyIiBDQ/UK-i-0T02SI/AAAAAAAAE5w/ZlIWdR8QdQA/s640/IMG_2198.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister kisses.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TKUJ1s9Lcdw/UK-jAo_MfhI/AAAAAAAAE54/rgJJj2A8eL8/s1600/IMG_2217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TKUJ1s9Lcdw/UK-jAo_MfhI/AAAAAAAAE54/rgJJj2A8eL8/s640/IMG_2217.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final destination: T-Rex</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">M-I-C- see you real soon! K-E-Y- why? because we like you. M-O-U-S-E. Until next time, Mickey!</span>Dear Finnleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05186428325047976687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040126147097903260.post-45253392499575679422012-11-14T22:44:00.001-05:002012-11-14T23:26:21.679-05:00A Berry Fun Halloween<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't ask about the pine needle dangling from you. I was letting you play with anything and everything to distract you from taking off your headband.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I may be stretching it a bit with that title up there. Truth be told, Sydney takes after your aunt (my sister). She is a holiday spoiler. I never thought I could bring one into the world, but it appears I have. When I was little, Christmas morning was magical. My eyes would pop open all by themselves sometime just before sunrise. I didn't need any time at all to "wake up" because instantly I knew it was Christmas. Kids have a special sixth sense for these things, you know. I would eagerly spring out of bed, trying not to wake my sleepy parents, and head straight for my stocking- the only thing that wasn't off limits before the folks woke up. The only thing I'm leaving out of this little anecdote is the part about my sister. Of course, I would never break the sibling code and raid my stocking alone. But somehow I always had to wake her. She didn't seem nearly as overjoyed about it as I would've expected, either. Quite the opposite. She would wake up a bit grouchy until I got it through to her that there were presents waiting just down the hall, if only she would get out of bed. By the time my folks were awake she was looking pretty grumpy, and about halfway through present-opening she would be pouting in a corner or possibly even in tears. It wasn't just Christmas either. Halloween, Easter, even birthdays weren't safe. All of our holiday photos seem to depict the same scene: overly bright-eyed me with a pouting, glaring little sister. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reclaimed, repurposed "Green" Fairy Costume!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qkkVLvq7GDA/UKRNNAUa_uI/AAAAAAAAEr4/ierFkWwpmGQ/s1600/IMG_0360edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qkkVLvq7GDA/UKRNNAUa_uI/AAAAAAAAEr4/ierFkWwpmGQ/s640/IMG_0360edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Berrylicious!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Somehow this genetic defect has made its way to Sydney. I can't recall a birthday or Halloween or any other holiday that didn't end in some sort of melt-down at some point. This year it was over hair-brushing, made worse by the fact that her makeup was already in place and threatening to run down her face if she truly cried. But, of course, she did. By the time I took any pictures of you girls Sydney's face was streaky and her eyes were red. But at least I took pictures.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fighting back the tears.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taller than a pumpkin!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To top it all off, you got a chicken pox vaccine a week before Halloween. A mini chicken pox outbreak began to appear, primarily on your face just before the big day. Combine that with a giant mosquito bite on your cheek, a dwindling cold and a mouthful of teeth just waiting to burst through your swollen gums and you have a recipe for disaster. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PbSyPG3b3eY/UKRNq7AObZI/AAAAAAAAEsI/yV_ZdS8EdkQ/s1600/IMG_0423edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PbSyPG3b3eY/UKRNq7AObZI/AAAAAAAAEsI/yV_ZdS8EdkQ/s640/IMG_0423edit.jpg" width="562" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wasn't lying...look at those chompers coming in!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flashback Alert: What a difference a year makes!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OKXx-YJAGKk/UKRghcnWwCI/AAAAAAAAEuM/eP0oZDBsB18/s1600/260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OKXx-YJAGKk/UKRghcnWwCI/AAAAAAAAEuM/eP0oZDBsB18/s400/260.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hard to believe this is your second Halloween. This is you, in all of your ballerina glory, at just 3 weeks old. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Fortunately, Halloween was not a disaster at all. It had hiccups, for sure. But what day doesn't? Your costume was very simple and completely homemade. For some reason it occurred to me that you are quite berry-shaped in a onesie. So I died a white onesie red (it actually came out watermelon-colored after a machine wash...oops). I stitched on black seeds with embroidery thread and hoped and prayed nobody would think you were a watermelon. Your leafy headpiece was made by freehanding some leaves onto felt, cutting them out, overlapping them and then sewing them to a Dollar Store headband. The entire costume only cost about $4 to make (because I had the onesie). It was very important to me not to make anything expensive since you surely won't need it again. Now if only you would've left on the headband!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walkin' berry well (I'm wearing out this joke. Quickly.)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Constantly trying to remove your stem.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Your sisters had more extensive requests. Sydney bypassed every dress-up item we have in favor of an ancient Tinkerbell-Princess dress that Ashley wore for Halloween at her age. I waited until the last minute to pull it out of the closet to inspect it and foud that it had seen better days. It took some doctoring just to make it slightly presentable. But I love a challenge. Thank goodness for leftover supplies from your party! She ended up being a green and pink fairy and looked shimmery and beautiful...once the crying stopped. Kylee's costume involved four trips to the store, despite my early reminders that I was not spending money on her costume. Your dad shelled out money for quite a few things, including a wig she never wore...but that's a story for another day. She ended up trick-or-treating with friends this year. It's so strange to watch your sisters outgrow family things. At least that is temporary.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wondering why I've dressed you as food, I'm sure.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You love your Pop Pop!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We hit the Halloween jackpot this year, weather-wise. A cold front blew through the day before, leaving the air nippy and requiring an extra layer of clothing that we usually never need. You seemed curious, but not freaked out by the trick-or-treaters. You were a trooper, and stayed awake till the end. The candy intrigued you the most. I'm pretty sure that you were quite disappointed that you didn't get your hands on any. And no, your father and I didn't use you as bait for candy. You just came along for the ride. No trick-or-treating this year. We met up with friends and family and scoured Grammy and Pop Pop's neighborhood (and you say "Pop Pop" now! he is thrilled!) until we decided that the chili waiting for us in the crockpot at home sounded better than another Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. (Chili is our traditional Halloween dinner as you will soon realize.)</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trick or Treat</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GUqZ1JrCj4s/UKRORGnqlZI/AAAAAAAAEso/nOwe4tAvbRs/s1600/IMG_0468edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GUqZ1JrCj4s/UKRORGnqlZI/AAAAAAAAEso/nOwe4tAvbRs/s640/IMG_0468edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It got a little chilly so I added leggings and a furry vest. And then I compared you to a fuzzy, old strawberry on IG. Sorry, kid!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Fhp_JSvxV4/UKROgYZH3WI/AAAAAAAAEs8/qCLuc_vlV8A/s1600/IMG_0461edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="584" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Fhp_JSvxV4/UKROgYZH3WI/AAAAAAAAEs8/qCLuc_vlV8A/s640/IMG_0461edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holding Daddy's hand.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When it was all said and done, we returned home with a small mountain of candy, one very tired fairy and the cutest little strawberry I've ever seen. Not bad for an evening's work. Halloween used to feel like the kick-off to the fall Holiday Season, but lately it feels like the kickoff to Christmas. I know it's around the corner, and I get giddy over Christmas carols and lights, but my favorite day is a week away. Thanksgiving! You, my solid-food-eater, will love Thanksgiving! I am way behind on my posts. Halloween was two weeks ago. We just got back from celebrating Sydney's 7th Birthday at Disney. Once I catch up, we can focus on the three days of baking, roasting, football and, yes, finally Christmas music, that is Thanksgiving in this house. I hope we all slow down and truly reflect on what we are thankful for. I certainly have been lately. But we will save that for a future post.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Dear Finnleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05186428325047976687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040126147097903260.post-34856831295971766212012-11-03T22:49:00.002-04:002012-11-03T22:49:36.429-04:00Falling For Autumn<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Welcome, fall! Last week, our patience was rewarded with the first cold front of the season. Hurricane Sandy, in the Atlantic, brought us some very windy days and ultimately some much cooler weather. For the first time, I was able to take you outdoors to play without mopping sweat off of your nose. I have been spending the days taking you anywhere that resembles "fall" and not in front of my computer. What I'm trying to tell you is that this post will be a tad photo-heavy. I think we'll just let the pictures speak for themselves.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freedom Park, aka: my favorite local fall destination.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hAFr9EAdamo/UJV6rcW3aTI/AAAAAAAAEfc/kjbLGhNNgq8/s1600/1460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hAFr9EAdamo/UJV6rcW3aTI/AAAAAAAAEfc/kjbLGhNNgq8/s640/1460.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a chilly morning. I made sure you dressed the part.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-08a8POwGx4U/UJWFJEsFkZI/AAAAAAAAEhw/X9HL2uFaF18/s1600/1512edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-08a8POwGx4U/UJWFJEsFkZI/AAAAAAAAEhw/X9HL2uFaF18/s400/1512edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peek a boo.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pqNts3VjpaI/UJV6t07aaKI/AAAAAAAAEfk/Mcx35dDEZU0/s1600/1464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pqNts3VjpaI/UJV6t07aaKI/AAAAAAAAEfk/Mcx35dDEZU0/s640/1464.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shoe-less babe. I brought them, you just won't wear them.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fDbFLGRDE50/UJV6vwW0TqI/AAAAAAAAEfs/nmfgb4gGX_Y/s1600/1526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fDbFLGRDE50/UJV6vwW0TqI/AAAAAAAAEfs/nmfgb4gGX_Y/s640/1526.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fallen leaves and squirrel-eaten acorns. It kinda resembles autumn around here.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now that the birthday party is a memory, we have been able to focus on some fall traditions. The house is decked out in fall leaves. We have visited pumpkin patches, painted mini pumpkins (disaster!), carved a jack-o-lantern, and made costumes. The first batch of pumpkin bread was baked just the other day and the windows are wide open in the house. It is officially fall.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aHmWB9DwkKQ/UJVyN4YW5nI/AAAAAAAAEeM/zDfva8hHSgM/s1600/073edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aHmWB9DwkKQ/UJVyN4YW5nI/AAAAAAAAEeM/zDfva8hHSgM/s640/073edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot & sweaty pumpkin "patch" visit.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6reZE9Sf9_U/UJVyMxPRUvI/AAAAAAAAEeE/hYYAPc4LPVA/s1600/036edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6reZE9Sf9_U/UJVyMxPRUvI/AAAAAAAAEeE/hYYAPc4LPVA/s400/036edit.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too hot to cuddle.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c2msW7E_Cc4/UJVyLViKFzI/AAAAAAAAEd8/9GVDBQWy4cY/s1600/035edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c2msW7E_Cc4/UJVyLViKFzI/AAAAAAAAEd8/9GVDBQWy4cY/s640/035edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sydney, my fall buddy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KCTt7SeCG1g/UJVyu80Rk7I/AAAAAAAAEeU/khsQH-_gABU/s1600/pumpkin+painting+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KCTt7SeCG1g/UJVyu80Rk7I/AAAAAAAAEeU/khsQH-_gABU/s640/pumpkin+painting+collage.jpg" width="448" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One is too young for pumpkin painting. You literally ate a handful of paint.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9QlnVHv8vLo/UJWBPcEfXtI/AAAAAAAAEgw/2k4SX3is3Xw/s1600/542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9QlnVHv8vLo/UJWBPcEfXtI/AAAAAAAAEgw/2k4SX3is3Xw/s400/542.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy decorated the house for Halloween. You loooved the pumpkins!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hJFE5MQCo9E/UJWhNM-FtMI/AAAAAAAAElo/mj0wYGp5FcM/s1600/1112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hJFE5MQCo9E/UJWhNM-FtMI/AAAAAAAAElo/mj0wYGp5FcM/s640/1112.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pumpkin Patch: Take Two</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sffG4MEHKw8/UJXNIcNMEVI/AAAAAAAAEnQ/rIIy14lkKrc/s1600/1170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sffG4MEHKw8/UJXNIcNMEVI/AAAAAAAAEnQ/rIIy14lkKrc/s400/1170.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Today was actually supposed to be their annual fall carnival, or so I thought.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TB2rn2AjOVc/UJWhShKHatI/AAAAAAAAEmA/bzzQddqXsD4/s1600/1139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TB2rn2AjOVc/UJWhShKHatI/AAAAAAAAEmA/bzzQddqXsD4/s400/1139.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turned out that they had it on Saturday this year (the day before we went). </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gj6oukd-aEo/UJXNown1dHI/AAAAAAAAEno/2er9rZ_DQ5o/s1600/1181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gj6oukd-aEo/UJXNown1dHI/AAAAAAAAEno/2er9rZ_DQ5o/s640/1181.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Syd was thrilled. Not.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oKvrg_iE4oQ/UJXNsegnPCI/AAAAAAAAEnw/AWX_OidK054/s1600/1186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oKvrg_iE4oQ/UJXNsegnPCI/AAAAAAAAEnw/AWX_OidK054/s640/1186.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We hung out for a bit anyway because the weather was beautiful.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IEjCHxyvN_E/UJXNwlyVdzI/AAAAAAAAEn4/_ByTto7COA4/s1600/1204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IEjCHxyvN_E/UJXNwlyVdzI/AAAAAAAAEn4/_ByTto7COA4/s640/1204.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Never mind that this church is bordered by the jail and a homeless shelter, we've been customers for years.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lEhNujR-6Pk/UJXOmnRIQQI/AAAAAAAAEoM/3vNClq-fASA/s1600/1212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lEhNujR-6Pk/UJXOmnRIQQI/AAAAAAAAEoM/3vNClq-fASA/s400/1212.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And we had no place else to be.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-munrjQwWRgc/UJXOkMOVIfI/AAAAAAAAEoE/p2jw8L-AyG4/s1600/1210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-munrjQwWRgc/UJXOkMOVIfI/AAAAAAAAEoE/p2jw8L-AyG4/s400/1210.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love spending my days with my girls.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yi5S_Qgx6H0/UJXOoNj9LxI/AAAAAAAAEoU/FXyv_KWegDU/s1600/1237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yi5S_Qgx6H0/UJXOoNj9LxI/AAAAAAAAEoU/FXyv_KWegDU/s640/1237.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picking out more tiny pumpkins.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--j2QnBLt0hI/UJWhRAi552I/AAAAAAAAEl4/VZTb9pyEXLw/s1600/1132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--j2QnBLt0hI/UJWhRAi552I/AAAAAAAAEl4/VZTb9pyEXLw/s400/1132.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breezy day.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gOsue0U0Bgk/UJXPELTC51I/AAAAAAAAEog/Ibz66u-_0BE/s1600/1300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gOsue0U0Bgk/UJXPELTC51I/AAAAAAAAEog/Ibz66u-_0BE/s640/1300.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We decided to picnic in a hidden and unlikely spot we've had our eye on for years. Bad idea. Fire ant central.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5on4Nh6G8ME/UJXQP3LdOjI/AAAAAAAAEoo/AZrtUfLLRaI/s1600/1357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5on4Nh6G8ME/UJXQP3LdOjI/AAAAAAAAEoo/AZrtUfLLRaI/s400/1357.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We did carve our pumpkin. And Sydney actually got her hands dirty!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I still need to upload our Halloween photos, so that will have to wait. But for now, I need to catch up on this latest change of seasons! We have been spending almost every day outside. Finally! You have always been an outdoors-kind-of-girl, but Florida summers call for more indoor play than out. Those days are over though, at least for now. You've been strolling the sidewalks, riding on your Big Wheel bike that Pop-Pop brought over, eating leaves and exploring the grass. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NzVYFQyydT8/UJWVUcHcwwI/AAAAAAAAEiw/kHFraXIIvAk/s1600/771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NzVYFQyydT8/UJWVUcHcwwI/AAAAAAAAEiw/kHFraXIIvAk/s400/771.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We took windy walks that required a blanket in the stroller.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nTsNYMIpRNI/UJWV0L9H3LI/AAAAAAAAEi4/-zXPKl5Xk7Y/s1600/772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nTsNYMIpRNI/UJWV0L9H3LI/AAAAAAAAEi4/-zXPKl5Xk7Y/s400/772.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You love a nice long walk.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s0FTGA0YXw0/UJWV4f60m1I/AAAAAAAAEjA/32XLE0P-RGA/s1600/810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s0FTGA0YXw0/UJWV4f60m1I/AAAAAAAAEjA/32XLE0P-RGA/s640/810.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sydney was showing me her "new way of walking"...okay.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lO_LzQeCcco/UJWWmQ3P-oI/AAAAAAAAEjM/yLfMxudkBWs/s1600/861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lO_LzQeCcco/UJWWmQ3P-oI/AAAAAAAAEjM/yLfMxudkBWs/s400/861.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trampoline is seeing regular visitors again now that it doesn't burn our feet.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UrDM4Z3cuj4/UJWWodBmJpI/AAAAAAAAEjU/xuRCvxQ7omE/s1600/894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UrDM4Z3cuj4/UJWWodBmJpI/AAAAAAAAEjU/xuRCvxQ7omE/s640/894.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We spent a Saturday morning at the Buddy Walk.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PgdwYYtMGWk/UJWXA_MHATI/AAAAAAAAEjs/N_kpy0fhjE4/s1600/954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PgdwYYtMGWk/UJWXA_MHATI/AAAAAAAAEjs/N_kpy0fhjE4/s400/954.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of us walked more than others...not naming names.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5GMmAkrm3XY/UJWYveCI4GI/AAAAAAAAEkY/45klwFlKBNU/s1600/957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5GMmAkrm3XY/UJWYveCI4GI/AAAAAAAAEkY/45klwFlKBNU/s400/957.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of us were happier about it than others. Again, no names mentioned.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wNlPQ5_KGEY/UJWX00eWG2I/AAAAAAAAEj4/UuczuxYW3V8/s1600/1024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wNlPQ5_KGEY/UJWX00eWG2I/AAAAAAAAEj4/UuczuxYW3V8/s640/1024.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Syd really enjoyed the inflatable obstacle course.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rZLJ3MLvrq8/UJWY-5MmS0I/AAAAAAAAEkk/T3OaDQ80zj8/s1600/1042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rZLJ3MLvrq8/UJWY-5MmS0I/AAAAAAAAEkk/T3OaDQ80zj8/s400/1042.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You were there, too.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O_vv-I5OZ_Q/UJWX5SKE8II/AAAAAAAAEkI/-YBUvPGblCg/s1600/1055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O_vv-I5OZ_Q/UJWX5SKE8II/AAAAAAAAEkI/-YBUvPGblCg/s640/1055.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This happened (!!!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AwnvDe0RVRc/UJWX8g1AiVI/AAAAAAAAEkQ/XLKzzWkofFU/s1600/1068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AwnvDe0RVRc/UJWX8g1AiVI/AAAAAAAAEkQ/XLKzzWkofFU/s400/1068.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And we enjoyed a delicious outdoor lunch, as a family.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now that I finally got somewhat caught up, I will get busy uploading and editing some Halloween pictures. I should've known that a change in seasons would put this whole blogging gig even further behind. But I'll find a way to fit it in. Tomorrow's Daylight Savings...we gain an hour. No excuse not to work on a Halloween post. And I give up on editing. I started out editing some of these photos and single-handedly crashed the site I use. So, bad lighting and all, I will just throw them up here. You get what you get sometimes. Until then...happy fall!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Dear Finnleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05186428325047976687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040126147097903260.post-31212194864542118252012-10-24T17:58:00.000-04:002012-10-24T20:27:38.019-04:00The Big ONE<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/-FG-XOOAein4/UIgTJlPF4cI/AAAAAAAAEWk/zRamQWklpW4/s1600/1014edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FG-XOOAein4/UIgTJlPF4cI/AAAAAAAAEWk/zRamQWklpW4/s400/1014edit.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front door decor. The bunting above spelled out "Chapter." The "1" was made out of ruffled crepe paper glued to foam board. It was a bit humid and it started to come apart by the time I photographed it.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">...and just like that, you were one. I could go on and on wondering where this year went. I'm sure I've done just that in many a post. But we have a party to talk about! On your actual first birthday (a week and a half ago!), friends and family gathered in our home to commemorate the first year of your extraordinary life. You were lavished with gifts and love and attention. You were fed even more unwanted sweets. Our house was turned upside-down, swapping furniture around and decorating walls, all in the name of celebration. Your birthday party theme was "Chapter 1". It was vintage book-inspired, recalling the 70's style Little Golden Books artwork: round-cheeked, barefoot children with wispy hair (you always remind me of those illustrations), and very homespun, granny-chic. We borrowed family china and crocheted doilies from Grammy, went thrifting for many items, and made basically every single other thing. It was a pink and gold affair, full of ruffles and lace and ribbons and doilies. I wanted everything to be soft and beautiful and meaningful. You were charming and lovely, if not a little sleepy. And the two-hour party that we planned flew by in the blink of an eye.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lKcDCAmV5Oc/UIgM0sWiORI/AAAAAAAAEVc/InINI49UecA/s1600/005edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="468" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lKcDCAmV5Oc/UIgM0sWiORI/AAAAAAAAEVc/InINI49UecA/s640/005edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The invitations. I made them using scans of vintage wrapping paper and overlays on <a href="http://picmonkey.com/">PicMonkey.com</a>, topped them with gold "F" stamped doilies and a flower, tied together with a bow. They were book-style with multiple pages and a little rhyme inside. The pink version was the standard one for most guests. I couldn't help myself though, and made a gold "bootleg" version, too!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AuqCPcSxLjk/UIgOtRNBxQI/AAAAAAAAEVk/bOjnRO-FVKI/s1600/165edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="520" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AuqCPcSxLjk/UIgOtRNBxQI/AAAAAAAAEVk/bOjnRO-FVKI/s640/165edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gathering Supplies. I used a lot of clean, re-purposed jars I had saved. The were wrapped in lace and doilies. The held everything from straws and food pics, to utensils and favors. The blue mason jars were Goodwill finds!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lpR2yQFfJOk/UIgU8Iwu-xI/AAAAAAAAEWs/uBPrMRFcHzI/s1600/1011edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lpR2yQFfJOk/UIgU8Iwu-xI/AAAAAAAAEWs/uBPrMRFcHzI/s640/1011edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One favorite detail: Walkway stakes that read "Once", "Upon", "A Time" on the way in and "Happily", "Ever", "After" on the backside (on your way out). They were made by using a free doily png image (<a href="http://friendlyscrap.blogspot.com/2011/04/new-freebies-kit_5887.html" target="_blank">here</a>) edited with text and glued to a real doily and then layered onto a gold tissue rosette. Dowels were painted gold and tied with ribbons and lace that blew in the breeze. I love them.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SxmZ3Kr2JR8/UIgWHizUaaI/AAAAAAAAEW0/1tjkrMrx7Mg/s1600/Birthday+party+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SxmZ3Kr2JR8/UIgWHizUaaI/AAAAAAAAEW0/1tjkrMrx7Mg/s640/Birthday+party+collage.jpg" width="448" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Odds & Ends: Doily bunting and antique gold frames as wall decor, homemade bubbles (labels are a free download <a href="http://blog.hwtm.com/2009/09/audreys-pink-birthday-diy-bubbles/" target="_blank">here</a>) with gold glitter and pipe cleaner bubble wands, stripey straws and homemade flag food picks (scrapbook paper), pink vanilla sugar in jars as favors (recipe and inspiration <a href="http://somewheresplendid.com/2012/02/01/condiment-recipe-valentines-day-vanilla-sugar/" target="_blank">here</a>), and detail of ribbon wands (on dowels, painted gold) also as favors. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FPUt1Zefmv4/UIg41ZV-E1I/AAAAAAAAEX0/_s6900KtT9g/s1600/801edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="489" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FPUt1Zefmv4/UIg41ZV-E1I/AAAAAAAAEX0/_s6900KtT9g/s640/801edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dessert table. I was short a cupcake stand, so I made one by stacking plates on tin cans wrapped in lace (you can tell from this angle, but couldn't if you were standing. There were white cupcakes with pink frosting, pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese frosting and a chocolate fudge cake with a whipped buttercream frosting. The table itself was a dresser, covered in a vintage sheet that I found with just the right colors.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Despite the fact that months of planning went into your party, things (as usual) did not all go according to plan. I wanted a sweet and simple party for you. Somehow I got it in my head that "homemade" equaled "simple." I will never make that mistake again. I made so many things from scratch for this party it isn't even funny. It was the least "simple" party I've ever thrown. It makes it personal and special, for sure, but there are many things that I planned to make or decorate that just never happened. However, I suspect nobody was the wiser. In addition to the incomplete checklist, you were extremely restless the night before, resulting in a sleepless night. This threw off your entire nap schedule and you were ready for bed by the time guests arrived. But you pulled through like a champ. I never did find the gold sandals I had hunted for, so you were barefoot. I handmade a headband for you. Crocheted band, handmade flowers...you wouldn't wear it. Not even for one picture. The weather was decent, but pretty warm. Consequently, guests stood and sat around our living room all day even though we moved the big table and bench to the patio. Your dad and I initially tried to open up the house to encourage guests to wander in and out, but the temperature sky-rocketed instantly inside. Because of this, the icing on your smash cake began to melt and the whole thing started to wilt and slide around. It did not end up looking like the pretty cake I envisioned when I planned this fete. The lighting in the house wasn't ideal for photos and I was too busy setting up and then greeting guests to get any proper "before" photos. Oh, and Sydney threw up. In the middle of your party. But despite all of this, it was a perfect day. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-twuHhQvMKjM/UIg49i2BjXI/AAAAAAAAEX8/PairyRyQXWY/s1600/Birthday+Collage+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-twuHhQvMKjM/UIg49i2BjXI/AAAAAAAAEX8/PairyRyQXWY/s640/Birthday+Collage+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More details: Pumpkin cupcakes, doily & monogram backdrop, "Choose Your Own Adventure" Activity (guests were asked to predict who you would become, makeshift cupcake stand closeup, stripey straws at the beverage station (your sister's desk, covered in the same vintage fabric, favor station (your bookshelf) with favors like re-wrapped crayons in scrapbook paper, cookie pops and a vintage "Let's Party" printout that I turned into a black & white coloring page, the main food table- mid-setup, and an overview of the big cake (doily stencil with cocoa powder and a mini pearl bunting)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nmCuo9oiDAY/UIg6G10Fv6I/AAAAAAAAEYE/cPZgOkwrGPo/s1600/1048edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nmCuo9oiDAY/UIg6G10Fv6I/AAAAAAAAEYE/cPZgOkwrGPo/s640/1048edit.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My other favorite feature: The photo wall. It was so hard to narrow them down.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You were a bit clingy when the house first filled with people, but come present-opening time, you realized you were center stage and loved every second of that spotlight. After opening the first gift, you threw your hands up in a "touchdown-like" pose with pointed fingers. Everyone laughed and you knew you had us. You were such a ham opening the rest. I believe that for your sisters' first birthdays we got through about three presents, max, before they began to lose interest. Not you. No sir. You opened every single one and made a huge mess in the process. Christmas is going to be a blast.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j9bJ6AmjwRY/UIg76m8PL7I/AAAAAAAAEYc/Jvvzxim_5yQ/s1600/791edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j9bJ6AmjwRY/UIg76m8PL7I/AAAAAAAAEYc/Jvvzxim_5yQ/s640/791edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The star of the show.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When it came time to serve you some cake, we swapped your sweet party dress for a "Birthday Girl" t-shirt. I handed you your half-melted cake on its pedestal and you couldn't have cared less. We ended up having to feed you a bite just to get your attention. You made a mess alright, but basically just on your hands. I think you thought you were finger-painting. This is actually fine by me. If I had to choose, I'd take my spinach and broccoli-eating baby over one who dives into sweets any day. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dxwpAW3kGLs/UIhRWozsX0I/AAAAAAAAEag/BKw65ncWrw4/s1600/870edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dxwpAW3kGLs/UIhRWozsX0I/AAAAAAAAEag/BKw65ncWrw4/s400/870edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melted smash cake and a homemade cake pedestal. Dollar Store plate + painted thrifted candlestick , et voila!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8vHEHCt8M2o/UIhRx8I8BwI/AAAAAAAAEao/N3-hj_e4aIo/s1600/904edit2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8vHEHCt8M2o/UIhRx8I8BwI/AAAAAAAAEao/N3-hj_e4aIo/s640/904edit2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little messy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hbkwRgt0I54/UIhSgRclhpI/AAAAAAAAEaw/V4QDDhiaJTs/s1600/918edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hbkwRgt0I54/UIhSgRclhpI/AAAAAAAAEaw/V4QDDhiaJTs/s400/918edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And that was about the extent of it. Nothing major.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And because it's a birthday post, it's time for:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>What Finnlee's Digging: 12 Months</b></span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Music/Dancing: This is my current favorite thing that you do. Every time you hear music you throw one hand in the air (or both if you're sitting) and do the most enthusiastic bounce. I call it your "Raise the Roof" dance. It is hysterical. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Kisses: You have become quite the love bug and insist on showering those closest to you with tons of kisses. A lot of them land on our knees, shoulders, biceps, and backs. And a lot of those kisses involve a baby tongue. But you won't catch us complaining.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sisters: You are obsessed with your sisters. You started saying Sydney's name a couple of weeks ago (Nid-nee), and Kylee's name has gone through and evolution. It started out "Ya-Ya" and now is closer to "Da-Da". We're working on it. Just yesterday I believe you were trying to say Ashley's name, but I can't be sure of that pronunciation yet. A lot of things are sounding similar to "Da Da" these days.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dogs: The obsession continues. You can spot a dog a mile away. I can barely walk down the toilet paper aisle these days because so many of the packages feature puppies. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our stereo equipment: It's a "no-no", which probably explains the initial draw, but you can't get enough of all of those buttons, lights and noises. You love opening up the cd door and watching everything light up. You really delight in finding the power button for the surround sound and watching mommy jump at the sudden noise. And no matter how many times I tell you to stop, you always find yourself back over there. Electronics have a hold on you right now.</span></li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QkH8Q7Auj_M/UIhXJEP8VwI/AAAAAAAAEb8/RWlW7Is198Y/s1600/1148edit2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="387" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QkH8Q7Auj_M/UIhXJEP8VwI/AAAAAAAAEb8/RWlW7Is198Y/s400/1148edit2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After everyone left, I took you outside to try to capture you at exactly one year old.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CsEbl4v4vec/UIhXK5wuKcI/AAAAAAAAEcE/kJLOTWqS-WY/s1600/1165edit2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CsEbl4v4vec/UIhXK5wuKcI/AAAAAAAAEcE/kJLOTWqS-WY/s640/1165edit2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The light was beautiful and so were you.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VKgKtBdxKd8/UIhXUJBiEnI/AAAAAAAAEc0/PF_wDKfwab0/s1600/1276edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VKgKtBdxKd8/UIhXUJBiEnI/AAAAAAAAEc0/PF_wDKfwab0/s640/1276edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But you were also very tired.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XM-gjiCvw0c/UIhXSg6RoqI/AAAAAAAAEcs/qqLH6Sjo7q8/s1600/1265edit2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="504" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XM-gjiCvw0c/UIhXSg6RoqI/AAAAAAAAEcs/qqLH6Sjo7q8/s640/1265edit2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very, very tired.</td></tr>
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<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">First birthdays are always special, of course. But there is something so bittersweet about watching your last baby try to make the leap from babyhood to toddlerdom in one day. It's not lost on me that I won't be planning another first birthday. Not for my babies anyway. And as much as I told myself to soak the day in, it seems like a blur. There's never enough time. In the last month, you have started looking older. Your hair is coming in thick and getting longer. You </span><strike style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">follow</strike><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> understand directions. Words are making sense and some of them are making their way to your lips. You have the best sense of humor. You know when you're being funny and you thoroughly enjoy making us laugh. You eat, or at least gum your way through, just about anything that I am eating. And you play in the big kids' playroom, toy kitchen, dollhouse, toybox and all. One of my favorite features at your party was the photo wall where I hung an assortment of pictures from your first year by clothespins. It is painful to look through those images and see how rapidly you changed during this year. It's sad to realize that it's only the beginning. That in a very short time I will be looking at pictures of today and marveling at how you've grown. But I would be lying if I said I wasn't excited to watch you become a little person. I look forward to chasing you at the park, having conversations with you and hearing what your little voice will ultimately sound like. I feel so blessed and fortunate to have had this year with you. I'm sure my memory will, in time, block out the sleepless nights, fussy days and messy rooms, and leave me with rosy happy times. I'm okay with that. I anticipate the next stage, realizing that it too will have its challenges. I welcome it all. But I have no desire to live in the past or future. I want to stay in the moment with you always. Today you are a sleepy, fuzzy-headed, music-loving one year old. We are making your Halloween costume, doing a little housework and getting some fresh air. There's no place I'd rather be.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b_Q--_5G5NE/UIhXP78smFI/AAAAAAAAEcc/9IehFutPyMU/s1600/1246edit2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b_Q--_5G5NE/UIhXP78smFI/AAAAAAAAEcc/9IehFutPyMU/s640/1246edit2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a long day. Until next year...</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Happy One Year, my dearest little Finnlee!</span></div>
Dear Finnleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05186428325047976687noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040126147097903260.post-27316403173496247792012-10-08T09:56:00.001-04:002012-10-16T15:55:16.242-04:00Walk On<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/-1BQPqBrcbF4/UHLWTNygb9I/AAAAAAAAEUY/euqfNZnIAZA/s1600/IMG_6335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1BQPqBrcbF4/UHLWTNygb9I/AAAAAAAAEUY/euqfNZnIAZA/s640/IMG_6335.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hi, Finn!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Up until the age of four, Sydney didn't understand the difference between "hot", as in temperature, and "hot", as in spicy. Consequently, whenever anything was the slightest bit warm, it was "spicy." Buffalo chicken? Spicy. The metal part of the carseat buckle? Spicy. So, in the words of your sister, it has been so spicy outside lately. Ick. While not surprising, this is mostly disappointing because (as I mentioned before), in my mind summer ended when August ended. The kids are back in school. The calendars are featuring cooler weather photos on them this month. Most of the country is enjoying full-blown fall by now. We ought to be feeling some relief.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's "spicy" out here!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Your birthday month is a tricky one. We can go from summer to fall overnight. I think you feel it in the air. You seem to be fully aware that your birthday is right around the corner and you're determined to prove it. Saturday, your preferred method of getting around became walking. Well, you still crawl plenty, but where you were just catapulting yourself toward your target in 3-4 step bursts before, you are now taking careful, calculated steps. Many more than the 4-step limit you had imposed on yourself before. And now you walk to places where there isn't a person waiting to catch you. Officially a walker, I would say. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Places to go...things to do...</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We've also had a food breakthrough. Usually I feed you tiny pieces of what we are eating, but because of your lack of teeth, you haven't been very interested. Consequently, we've had banana shampoos, Cheerios in your diapers and an almost permanent Puff-littered spot beneath your high chair. But last Wednesday, I put diced green beans, shredded pork tenderloin and brown rice on your tray, expecting the usual food-scattering to commence, but you surprised me by eating. For twenty solid minutes. You sat quietly in your high chair and chowed down. This is one milestone I am thrilled about. The second tooth that's popping through? Eh, I have mixed emotion</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">s. Maybe if you would stop thinking of me as a teething toy, I might be more enthusiastic. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now it's time for shoes!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teeth! I have the hardest time getting a picture of these elusive little chiclets. See the second one?</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So far, this October has been all about you. I have been consumed with preparing for your party. I am getting so excited about this beautiful day of celebration. I just hope everyone stays healthy and that you stick to a nap schedule that day. Am I asking too much? Sydney is home sick today with a cough, but she already is sounding better. I have forbidden you from catching it. There is a small part of me that is ready to get this big day behind us, because there are other things I want to focus on with you. Namely: fall. We need to hit up some pumpkin patches, take a drive to the fall festival in Bradenton, paint some pumpkins...stuff like that. I have an "official fall soundtrack", and it's Steve Miller Band's Greatest Hits (I don't know why, but since my early 20's, it has reminded me of fall, and it plays on repeat all fall, every year), and it hasn't even made an appearance yet in 2012. It's hard to tell by looking at the pile of lace and doilies on the dining room table, but it's practically Halloween. And I've got the homemade costume sitting in the closet to prove it. But we'll talk about that later.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweaty nose. Hopefully, not for much longer.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">First things first. Birthday party, cooler weather...and not necessarily in that order. I am really tempted to stick some leggings or tights on you just because I'm in the mood. But you get sweaty outside in your little airy bubble outfits. I just can't bring myself to do it to you. I am getting irresistible urges to buy you mary janes, boots and cardigans. I want to make some homemade applesauce and my favorite sweet potato curry soup. And I mostly want to take a walk with you without feeling the need to stick to the shady sidewalks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As usual, Florida is late getting the memo that it's fall. Nothing new, I know, but I am really looking forward to it this year. It is my all-time favorite time of year, but last year I was in a funk. I didn't really appreciate the season like I usually do. I didn't do most of my favorite things. And with your arrival in mid October, preparing Thanksgiving dinner seemed mostly like a chore. For lack of a better word, this makes me sad. I hate to think of a wasted year. To be fair, Mother Nature must've felt my pain. She did her best to keep the fallish temperatures from us. Winter, too. We didn't have many cool days at all last year. I feel good about this year though. It's going to be a good one. I can feel it. Ya hear me, Mother Nature? I'm feelin' it! Bring it on! (Please.)</span>Dear Finnleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05186428325047976687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040126147097903260.post-85477803566941164672012-10-04T00:02:00.003-04:002012-10-04T00:02:43.019-04:00A {Cake} Smashing Good Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sunday was kind of a big deal for you. You've never had anything sweet, aside from fruit. You've certainly never had cake. And you've also never really eaten anything that wasn't in bite-sized pieces already. So, I figured a trial run with a birthday cake would give you (and me) some much needed practice. It also gives me a good <strike>excuse</strike> chance to take some pictures. So Sunday became "Cake Smash Day." </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hey, Finn...you've got a little something on your chin.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First I drooled a bit over some of my favorite professional cake smash shoots and lamented that I do not have a studio, professional camera, hardwood floor or actual photography knowledge. Then I came back down to earth and remembered that it was about capturing you, as you are, in this moment. And that I can do. So, I baked four tiny cakes in tin cans (instructions here: </span><a href="http://ohhappyday.com/2012/02/mini-cakes-diy/">http://ohhappyday.com/2012/02/mini-cakes-diy/</a> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">). I layered and frosted them, proving to myself that I will need to practice a bit more before your actual birthday. After picking out a little clearing in the backyard, a makeshift scene was set using some wacky supplies (rag bunting from Sydney's woodland party...why do I still have that?, a flattened cardboard box wrapped in faux bois wrapping paper from the dollar section in Target {aka: fake wood flooring}, an almost-complete gold foil "1" that I am making for your party, and a cake stand I made out of a spray-painted brass candlestick and a dollar store plate.) It doesn't get much more DIY than that!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Staring in disbelief that we are going to let you touch this thing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Touchdown!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The skies were threatening an all-out downpour, but there was no turning back. Cake was frosted, baby bellies were naked, it was happening. My favorite part was when we first set you down next to the cake. You looked at it, wide-eyed and shook your head, wagged your finger and whispered "no-no" as you looked at us for reassurance. It took several seconds of us promising it was okay and encouraging before you took a swipe at your tiny cake. Chocolate with buttercream. When you finally got a piece in your mouth, you shuddered and made a face. If I'm being honest, you didn't exactly eat it. You tasted it, sure. But you weren't crazy about it. You made a substantial mess. Enough for a few priceless photos. That was all I could ask for. Let's just say I am glad there's no video of the slippery, angry bath that followed.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not feeling it.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've been spending my days making every last detail for your party. I've let a few hints slip out on Instagram, but I haven't posted any here yet. I must be crazy, planning an entirely homemade party for a one year old. It is time consuming and sometimes a little stressful, but the result will be something that is a true labor of love. Someday, when you look back at the pictures, hopefully you will see that I poured myself into this party because I can think of nothing more important on October 13th than to celebrate the first year of your bright, shining, miraculous life. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GwZU20dlCaY/UG0GTHuJ8FI/AAAAAAAAERA/_nuXp64LG1A/s1600/IMG_6803edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="366" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GwZU20dlCaY/UG0GTHuJ8FI/AAAAAAAAERA/_nuXp64LG1A/s640/IMG_6803edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I see a very sweet bath in your future.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You've been keeping yourself busy with some major baby skills. You have learned to say Sydney (Nee-Nee) and Kylee (Ya-Ya). Sometimes I have a hard time differentiating between "Sydney", "Night Night" and "Num Num" and even "No No". They all sound a bit similar. But once I guess "Sydney" and it's the right answer, you leave no doubt. You kick and get so excited and start pointing in the last direction you saw her. When you say "Kylee", you yell it at the top of your lungs. I wonder if that has anything to do with the frequency with which I have to holler across the house in the morning so Kylee doesn't lose track of time and miss the bus (again). You are also pretty sturdy on those legs now. You have a lot of control getting up and down, but still only take a few steps at a time. Which is just fine with me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We still have so much to do. I plan on taking first birthday pictures this weekend. If only we could get a little fall weather here. But one thing at a time. I probably would never finish your party decorations and favors. We would be outdoors all day. I'm trying not to fly through these days. I want to take it in. It's your first and last 1st Birthday. I won't be throwing another of these parties. Time to be a sponge and soak the last of this first year up. There will be plenty of time to miss fall later.</span>Dear Finnleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05186428325047976687noreply@blogger.com2