tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34221801320932075462024-03-13T21:51:08.471-06:00Catching Up With The Crosby'sthe everyday adventures of raising two crazy boys and living in cowboy country with my hubbyAndreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721057184950201909noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422180132093207546.post-25611382315036157172013-07-12T18:03:00.000-06:002013-07-12T18:03:00.564-06:00July Already???? Wasn't it just April??Since my last post, Jace has signed up for kindergarten and Eli strongly finished 1st grade. We are in true summer mode....camping, swimming, playing, going to the library, science experiments, etc. At the beginning of summer, the boys and I made a list of 85 things we would like to do this summer....it will be interesting to see how many we are able to get to :) <br />
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Right after school was released for summer, we headed out for our summer camping excursion. We stayed a couple nights at Guersney State Park, then headed up to Cody, Wy (had to check out the Buffalo Bill Historical Center), then onto Yellowstone National Park. After several cold days/nights in YNP, we headed into Montana and Utah. We had a fabulous time with the exception of our truck taking a poop (traveling 25 mph for 5 hours...through construction, so fun!!). We ended up purchasing a new truck in Brigham City, Utah (Happy Father's Day to Rob). At that point, our vacation was over and we just wanted to head home. I think I only took four pictures in Utah (that's unheard of for me!!).<br />
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The boys and I are taking advantage of our library summer reading program. Once the boys fill out their reading card, they will have earned a very special hardcover book...so cool! They also love all the little prizes that they earn along the way.<br />
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A few weeks went by before we started another camping adventure at Glendo State Park...SO MUCH FUN!!! This place reminds me of some of the beaches in Michigan...real sugar sand and the the water was delightful. The kids were in the water non-stop!<br />
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721057184950201909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422180132093207546.post-32330061795201630922013-04-11T20:21:00.000-06:002013-04-11T20:21:33.329-06:00Pretty Much Suck at Updating Our Blog...lol!!!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eli loves his Goosebump books...he also loves to draw!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having fun at the Winterfest in downtown Cheyenne.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hum...What is my brother doing that I think I need to be doing???</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crazy zombie boy!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys loved the tunnel at the Winterfest!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best Nana and Papa are about to head our way....We are very excited for them to get here!!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Easter has come and gone...so have many normal weeks, but I just can't seem to find time to document our life on our blog. Tomorrow we get to head to Casper for the Cleft Palate Clinic. In order for the boys to have any surgeries, they must attend this clinic...urgh! We will make the best of it by checking out a few fun things to do in Casper. I was hoping to bring the boys to this amazing outdoor play area. However, the other night we got a huge snowstorm and dumped about 14 inches of snow...two days later and almost all of the snow has melted...typical Wyoming storm :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Over Spring Break, we took a little family vaca up to Rapid City, South Dakota. Our hotel had a water park in which we had to ourselves (I will have to post pictures later as I have no idea how to upload pictures to the computer...haha). The boys had a blast on the pirate ship...they even had a waterfall mushroom. Jace had no problem running under the falls...Eli on the other hand was a different story. I had to bribe him with a Goosebump book purchase in order for him to go under the mushroom. Eli HATES water in his face....but he did complete the task and now owns a new book! Somehow, we have also managed to never bring our boys to Chuck E. Cheese's ( amazing, right??). Well before we headed back to Chey-town, we went to C.E.C's...again, we had the entire place to ourselves. SWEET!!! The boys had a blast spending all their tokens. I did figure out that Jace isn't quite ready for the Skeeball game..He has balls flying everywhere!! At one point, Chuck himself came out and danced with the boys. After dancing he threw about 100 tickets in the air for the boys to catch...which turned into picking up! For those of you that have been to C.E.C,,,it is sooo much fun to put single tickets into the ticket counter...NOT!! Overall, we had a blast on our little vaca. The rest of our break was spent at the library, park, and several other silly projects!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have been working non-stop with little man Jace's on his speech. He is really struggling with sounding out his words. He has kindergarten registration next week...sure hope his speech skills are reading (all of his other skills are up to par....just speech is lagging). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Eli has been flourishing in school...granted we continue to work on his ability to focus and follow directions but hey, you can't have everything. Since moving to our new house, Eli has played outside non-stop. He is the neighborhood social butterfly...always asking if so and so can come over or it he can go to their house. I love his new found freedom and willingness to try something new. </span></div>
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721057184950201909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422180132093207546.post-74363597609597383282013-02-15T20:51:00.002-07:002013-02-15T20:51:28.077-07:00Finally some pics!!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flat Stanley came to visit us from Muskegon, Michigan. The boys had a blast taking him to various places and taking pictures.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rockin' the wind and cold weather with Uncle Joe</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting in the goof-master!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys hanging out after the parade.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Donation for Toys for Tots</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jace and his snacks</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love these boys!!! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to put food out for the reindeer</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hulk...smash it! </td></tr>
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<br />Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721057184950201909noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422180132093207546.post-22449760056186261342012-11-25T00:13:00.002-07:002012-11-25T00:13:40.779-07:00Teeth, Transformers, and a Time for Giving Thanks<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/-SPBJxjf0l4o/ULG1gBAE_tI/AAAAAAAAA44/xaESq28JImw/s1600/P1050043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SPBJxjf0l4o/ULG1gBAE_tI/AAAAAAAAA44/xaESq28JImw/s320/P1050043.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proud Eli showing off his gigantic hole in his mouth compliments to losing his 1st tooth</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HXOB0oxBoeE/ULG1kxANcCI/AAAAAAAAA5A/BLLymnl-Ip8/s1600/P1050045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HXOB0oxBoeE/ULG1kxANcCI/AAAAAAAAA5A/BLLymnl-Ip8/s320/P1050045.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinese tradition...placing the top tooth on the roof on your house</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UMAF36H15AM/ULG1y7fp85I/AAAAAAAAA5M/GCjh5ucrUSI/s1600/P1050046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UMAF36H15AM/ULG1y7fp85I/AAAAAAAAA5M/GCjh5ucrUSI/s320/P1050046.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you believe this little tooth of mine was in my mouth?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is how big I want my pumpkins mouth to be!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rFkktMW2JQU/ULG2PJX_tHI/AAAAAAAAA5o/kcDY46b4-MU/s1600/P1050107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rFkktMW2JQU/ULG2PJX_tHI/AAAAAAAAA5o/kcDY46b4-MU/s320/P1050107.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The guts....ewww! I remember when Eli would refuse to touch the inside of a pumpkin.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IBb34lqbn7M/ULG2VMLbKKI/AAAAAAAAA5w/JJ-fbJBxDZU/s1600/P1050120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IBb34lqbn7M/ULG2VMLbKKI/AAAAAAAAA5w/JJ-fbJBxDZU/s320/P1050120.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our two Captain America's....two more costumes to add to their collection.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4st3erBtJmo/ULG18GAib7I/AAAAAAAAA5U/-OEn1xYrecA/s1600/P1050100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4st3erBtJmo/ULG18GAib7I/AAAAAAAAA5U/-OEn1xYrecA/s320/P1050100.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Captain America meets Optimise Prime and Bumble Bee</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3PkFINtyEd4/ULG2bSfNrKI/AAAAAAAAA54/CDON9eTV1Mg/s1600/P1050129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3PkFINtyEd4/ULG2bSfNrKI/AAAAAAAAA54/CDON9eTV1Mg/s320/P1050129.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you believe its Santa?!?!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanksgiving speech..so proud of our little boy!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What a busy month the end of October and November has been! Rob officially earned his way off of FTO (field training officer aka riding around with another deputy. He was able to bring his patrol car home...needless to say, the boys were beyond thrilled to check out his car. I am so proud of him and his accomplishments as this has been a lifelong dream of his.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Eli has had a whirl-wind month a half. His adhd medication seem to be lagging in certain areas. His 1st grade teacher has been so incredibly helpful to getting him back on track after his kindergarten year. At times, there seemed to be a lot of pressure on him and he was resisting..creating a little boy that refused to complete any work at school. This three week (not totally under control but incredible improved) period was tough on everyone. We were considering holding him back in 1st grade (I know its early in the school year, but I never realized how many academic strategies he missed out on). There may come a time that he needs academic support in the resource room due to his development concerns...then mix his adhd into the scenario! Whatever it takes for our little guy to succeed will be worth it...this has taken me awhile to accept! During this time, we also had parent-teacher conferences. Granted, I have had my share of conferences, but its totally crazy when your the parent instead of the teacher. I found myself thinking...man, I really wish I could see a hidden camera to watch him in class because this is such a different kiddo than I am used to having at home! His teacher has made it a mission to help him become successful. <em>She gets him. Understands him. Loves him.</em> Tears are welling in my eyes as I type this because a week later, we received the most awful news. His teacher had passed away, taken from this earth far too early. God must have needed a very special angel in heaven, because he received one amazing, caring, and understanding lady. I don't think a day has done by that I haven't thought about her children and grandchildren. May God look over her family and all the students hearts that she has touched, literally changed forever. One last assignment that she had assigned the students was to create a speech about their Thanksgiving. Those of you that know me, realize how adventurous our <strike>Thanksgivings</strike> Thankmas' used to be...the entire fam at the casino for what would always be an amazing time. Getting back to the assignment...<strike>we</strike> I was struggling with this assignment..Thanksgiving just isn't the same as when we lived in Michigan. Dad and Eli created the pre-planning sheet, then the poster that was used as a prop. After several days of practicing, it was the big day. His poster was one of the only ones that didn't have adult assistance...he drew every picture and wrote every word. We were so proud of him! His presentation went great...just needs to work on projecting his voice. Way to go, Eli!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Little man Jace has finally started growing...two inches since April. This is a huge feat for him as he doesn't have height on his side! Along with his growth spurt, he has become the little chatter box. Even daycare told me the other day that they remember when Jace was so complacent (umm..scary) and rarely spoke...not anymore! He rambles his day away, which is great as his speech has also began to improve. We continue to work on the letters b, f, s, and several others...everything with time. Something else that has also grown on him is his stubborn and sassyness...whoa he can give you a run for your money. He and his daycare buddy got in trouble for calling another daycare friend a baby...not just once but over and over. What a little stinker he can be. On the other hand, his ability to be an absolute goofball has also increased. There will be times that he will just start laughing and dancing around the house. His laughter is so contagious! He has the most amazing expressions. He loves to go to school...everyday, he asks if it is a backpack day! Then on Mondays, he has a speech class that he attends at night. This is an interesting class as some of the people that attend the class...well, let's just say I would move to the other side of the road if I were to see them walking down the road...yeah, hibby jibbies!!</span>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721057184950201909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422180132093207546.post-25631735466999403952012-10-06T07:34:00.001-06:002012-10-06T07:34:58.759-06:00October...really!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Woke up this morning to our first trace of snow...the boys will be disappointed as they really want a big storm so they could build a snowman. Ah...to be little and enjoy the white stuff!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Eli is loving his new school. His self confidence and academics have soared. Math is absolutely his favorite over reading! He will finish his math homework lickety split...reading homework is a different story. Yesterday, he told me that he has a girlfriend. They used to sit by each other in class, but then the teacher moved everyone around so now I don't sit by her. So cute!! Last week, in karate, he graduated to the purple belt. He was so excited to move up another level. Two more belts and he gets to start using weapons...oh boy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jace is silly as ever. He continues to work on his speech, which is much more difficult for him, because of his initial palate repair being much more severe than Eli's. I really hope he is able to improve his speech enough to go to kindergarten! It would be very sad if he had to wait another year as he LOVES school. Everyday, he asks if it is his turn to ride the school bus (he gets to ride the bus 2x a week for preschool).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My boys LOVE costumes. I would say they have about thirty different ones in their play area. Yesterday, I made the Goodwill stop to do our annual costume addition. I scored four new ones! It was like Christmas at our house last night! I even found three with "the puffed out muscles." The boys love going around the house pretending to be Ironman, The Hulk, Captain American, Bumblebee, etc.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A few weeks ago, I was the fortunate one to bring a group of 4th graders on a three day-two night field trip. Our travels brought us to Cody, WY and Casper, WY. The Buffalo Bill Historical Museum in Cody was fantastic...and I really am not a museum person! The kiddos also went the the rec center in Cody....whoever voted down Cheyenne getting a rec center is nuts! Our second day, took us back to the museum in Cody then onto Casper. By the time we got to Casper, the kids were whipped. The hotel had sent up a sperate area (oh thank you very much!!) for us to have a first-class dinner and breakfast. I think it was the first time for many of the students to have a linen for a napkin, a salad fork, and someone removing their plate before getting additional food. Then their was the pool...besides having a blast, it was NOISY!! All around, it was a fabulous trip..a little long, but everyone had a great time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rob is in his fifth week of training for patrol. He really enjoys his career move to the street. His schedule takes a bit to get used to...he either works Wednesday-Saturday or Sunday-Wednesday...a little different from the rest of our schedules. His cousin, Mark, is now staying with us. He landed a job here in Cheyenne about three weeks ago. The boys love having another uncle!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys with Addy</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eli has the answer to most Mount Rushmore trivia!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eli lost his 1st tooth...so as Chinese tradition has it, he had to put his tooth on the roof of the house.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-foX0uuj5fJU/UHAxzITs6OI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/lG695AVvIGM/s1600/P1050023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-foX0uuj5fJU/UHAxzITs6OI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/lG695AVvIGM/s400/P1050023.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1st day of school....1st grade</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1st day of preschool</td></tr>
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721057184950201909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422180132093207546.post-88718151071814033202012-07-26T15:44:00.001-06:002012-07-26T15:44:14.053-06:002nd Anniversary of Jace's Gotcha Day<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kWVlCrlCjN0/UBG0yMQ2BSI/AAAAAAAAA20/97yaEjVWZSo/s1600/P1010451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kWVlCrlCjN0/UBG0yMQ2BSI/AAAAAAAAA20/97yaEjVWZSo/s400/P1010451.JPG" width="400" /></a>Two years ago, Rob and I were in China anxiously awaiting the phone to ring. The sound of the phone put us on our feet...only to find out that the adoption agency was running late and instead of 10:00am, they wouldn't be to the hotel until noon...urgh! Looking back, those two hours really don't add up to much, but at the time it was everything to contain the excitment of meeting our little man. <br />
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The time came. The. phone.rang. Our hearts were beating frantically just knowing our little guy was downstairs in the lobby. Would he come to us naturally like Eli? Would he be shy and reserved? Oh, the thoughts that go through your head as you walk down the hallway, take the elevator to the lobby, walk through the halls of the lobby to the special room that was reserved just for this occasion. The above picture tells it all...he was so nervous as to what was going on.<br />
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However, it didn't take long for Pan Yu to welcome <strike>us </strike> his daddy into his world. For me, it took a few days. I couldn't even lift him out of his crib. He was extremely attached to his daddy!<br />
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Moving forward two years...he is quite the ham! He loves to make people smile. He can also be a little pout, pout fish. As a matter of fact, I even found a book titled The Pout, Pout Fish. He hates to have it read to him when he is being a grump! He loves his brother Eli to the moon and back! He is still working on a lot of his speech sounds. (We can usually understand what he is saying but hard for strangers to tell what he is saying). He has another year at Stride and the Language Clinic. Hoping by next year, his speech will improve so he is able to go to kindergarten. He loves to play outside. This summer, he has taken a huge love for the water...hint, hint...hopefully we can get a pool next summer! He is mommy's little side kick :)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall Fun in Denver</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brothers!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Michigan...so cool!</td></tr>
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<br /></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721057184950201909noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422180132093207546.post-79243226087211449572012-07-06T16:50:00.000-06:002012-07-06T16:50:54.499-06:00Kinder Graduation and Michigan!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eli with his award.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eli's favorite person at his school (the nurse...we love her!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On our way to Saginaw, Michigan...the boys thought the plane was a tad loud!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best Store....Ever!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The graduate and her family (Aunt Lynda, Kelsey, Kennedy, and Mike)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My parents and the boys by the old barn at my grandparents.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--7gJEpmcx4M/T_dlfs9IV0I/AAAAAAAAA1k/zboqaj6Fu_M/s1600/P1040342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--7gJEpmcx4M/T_dlfs9IV0I/AAAAAAAAA1k/zboqaj6Fu_M/s320/P1040342.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Michigan....Eli asked if it was desert sand...not quite!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trip to Bronners...Christmas super store!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another family member will attend the great Central Michigan University...Kelsey!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My family...minus Rob (boo!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pickeral Lake with Noah, Eli, Luke, and Anna...love this place!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statue made with numbers...Fred Meijer Gardens</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steph, Lili, Eli, and Jace at Saginaw Zoo</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A future doctor in the house????<br />
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Gotta love our trip back to Michigan...however, it was a bummer with Rob being at the police academy he was unable to go!! We missed him like crazy!! My oldest niece graduated from Swan Valley High School. We had plenty to do to prepare for the festivities. On our down time, we headed to the casino for the day. The boys had their first experience at Kids Quest....its fair to say they weren't in a hurry to leave :) </div>
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</tbody></table>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721057184950201909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422180132093207546.post-35600111111873718462012-04-22T21:12:00.001-06:002012-04-22T21:12:17.165-06:00Hiking<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My brother and niece</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sweets and I</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kennedy working on climbing some rocks.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just one of the beautiful things you can find while hiking.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721057184950201909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422180132093207546.post-22350687383988665012012-04-22T21:05:00.003-06:002012-04-22T21:05:54.244-06:00Easter Egg Hunt, Easter, and Bowling....Quite the Busy Week!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My mama and I</div>
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Take a kid bowling and he plays on the ball chute...oh yeah!</div>
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Mohawk time for Uncle Joe</div>
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Easter Egg, Easter Egg...where are you!</div>
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Eli got ahold of my camera...I cracked up with I flipped through my pictures and found this one!</div>
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<br /></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721057184950201909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422180132093207546.post-24671446944722568352012-04-22T20:49:00.002-06:002012-04-22T20:49:42.405-06:00Spring Break Excitement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aHfXysXcR_4/T5TBDxprefI/AAAAAAAAAvo/CakbDOK4hCs/s1600/P1040073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aHfXysXcR_4/T5TBDxprefI/AAAAAAAAAvo/CakbDOK4hCs/s320/P1040073.JPG" width="240" /></a> Gotta love the Children's Garden!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RcGRe_uU9bM/T5TBMUQB5uI/AAAAAAAAAvw/JYG2n7xfRTQ/s1600/P1040074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RcGRe_uU9bM/T5TBMUQB5uI/AAAAAAAAAvw/JYG2n7xfRTQ/s320/P1040074.JPG" width="320" /></a> Eli "walking" the dog.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cxvY-5qCGLY/T5TBUewM6TI/AAAAAAAAAv4/INI9Scwa4o4/s1600/P1040103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cxvY-5qCGLY/T5TBUewM6TI/AAAAAAAAAv4/INI9Scwa4o4/s320/P1040103.JPG" width="320" /></a> Can you find the fish?</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g41RcOUzE9g/T5TBdKqyEHI/AAAAAAAAAwA/kVJphzGRLpQ/s1600/P1040101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g41RcOUzE9g/T5TBdKqyEHI/AAAAAAAAAwA/kVJphzGRLpQ/s320/P1040101.JPG" width="320" /></a> Jace lovin on his cousin Kennedy.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-THNa_2EG66E/T5TBsdu0lqI/AAAAAAAAAwI/kJjbA2yGF3o/s1600/P1040124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-THNa_2EG66E/T5TBsdu0lqI/AAAAAAAAAwI/kJjbA2yGF3o/s320/P1040124.JPG" width="320" /></a> Love this picture!!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y8b83Qd_4t0/T5TBvbOMd4I/AAAAAAAAAwQ/kt9kx10yBmg/s1600/P1040133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y8b83Qd_4t0/T5TBvbOMd4I/AAAAAAAAAwQ/kt9kx10yBmg/s320/P1040133.JPG" width="240" /></a> Downtown boot tour</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fZW1jfM375U/T5TBy3W3A2I/AAAAAAAAAwY/btjE_OyCWkg/s1600/P1040136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fZW1jfM375U/T5TBy3W3A2I/AAAAAAAAAwY/btjE_OyCWkg/s320/P1040136.JPG" width="240" /></a> My boys love statues!</div>
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We had a blast during Spring Break! Nana and Papa arrived (the boys were insanely crazy with excitement). Eli had to know what states Papa drove through to get to Wyoming. He can still recite all the states too (funny thing is that Papa left our Arkansas, so Eli had to rework his order of states). A couple of days later, Uncle Joe drove out...another wild crazy excitement for the boys! A few days later, Uncle Mike and Kennedy came to visit. We had a blast with everyone!!</div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721057184950201909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422180132093207546.post-5994206552037788392012-04-07T11:44:00.000-06:002012-04-07T11:44:30.746-06:00Camping in Texas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gbW2_w8t8-o/T4B6iSZwuJI/AAAAAAAAAug/-hvm1NarEPo/s1600/P1040012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gbW2_w8t8-o/T4B6iSZwuJI/AAAAAAAAAug/-hvm1NarEPo/s320/P1040012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2X03TThEKqk/T4B7E_uV2EI/AAAAAAAAAvI/e2mLKs24TKQ/s1600/P1040044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2X03TThEKqk/T4B7E_uV2EI/AAAAAAAAAvI/e2mLKs24TKQ/s320/P1040044.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FpduM4heh-k/T4B7KsfFUFI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/VxA1cCpmeEE/s1600/P1040048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FpduM4heh-k/T4B7KsfFUFI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/VxA1cCpmeEE/s320/P1040048.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Before kids, Rob and I used to participate in spur of the moment adventures. When I asked Rob what he wanted to do for his birthday, I wasn't surprised when he came up with taking our first camping trip of the 2012 season. It was his responsibility to come up with someplace to go....so he looked on the computer to see where the first place was that averaged 80 degrees or higher! We really didn't have any other reason to go to Lubbock, Texas except to get away from the wind of Wyoming.<br />
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The boys were in heaven as the playground was right across from our camp site (kudos for Rob for setting this up!). We could enjoy our camp site while the boys played and played. Needless to say, the boys were exhausted each night. Eli loves to make new friends wherever he goes...there wasn't a short fall of kids to hang out with. There was even a gun "fight" a time or two. One of the greatest events took place in the pool. Eli is NOT a fan of the water, however, he was the last one to get out of the pool....I actually had to beg him to get out! YEAH, Eli!!!<br />
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Eli gets so excited to put a sticker on the states that we have camped at. You see, on our camper, we have a map of the United States. We were able to add Texas and New Mexico on this camping trip. He was hoping to put Oklahoma on the map as well but we didn't spend the night there.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721057184950201909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422180132093207546.post-79440025935478360092012-02-25T09:33:00.000-07:002012-02-25T09:33:10.066-07:00Karate and Valentine's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F-xhEUSCodI/T0kAZNaMdbI/AAAAAAAAAtI/8PO4OaczivM/s1600/P1030975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F-xhEUSCodI/T0kAZNaMdbI/AAAAAAAAAtI/8PO4OaczivM/s320/P1030975.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PAeYjwPj1q8/T0kAd3RUUiI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/JJ1UN8GBYv4/s1600/P1030977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PAeYjwPj1q8/T0kAd3RUUiI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/JJ1UN8GBYv4/s320/P1030977.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JNs6HH_BWqY/T0kJV04hv8I/AAAAAAAAAuA/58lru3CzWGo/s1600/P1030987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JNs6HH_BWqY/T0kJV04hv8I/AAAAAAAAAuA/58lru3CzWGo/s320/P1030987.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Nj1NaiRdqc/T0kJYBKz1yI/AAAAAAAAAuI/acmyRM3n8Lg/s1600/P1030998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Nj1NaiRdqc/T0kJYBKz1yI/AAAAAAAAAuI/acmyRM3n8Lg/s320/P1030998.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pSYEf3ouuyM/T0kKZ7NxwrI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/iD7AXRRUPiA/s1600/P1030988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pSYEf3ouuyM/T0kKZ7NxwrI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/iD7AXRRUPiA/s320/P1030988.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Eli is offically taking karate lessons. It is so crazy to seem him shy and intimidated...believe it or not, karate lessons are a struggle for him. He tends to be very nervous. We are hoping in time, it will boost his confidence! Over the past month, he has gotten better. At the beginning of each class, they have to do warm-up exercises. They usually run in a circle, stop when the music stops, and then do an exercise. It takes everything for him to run....yes, you did just read that. My little kiddo that can't stop running just stands there. This past week, he actually ran with his class....all of the parents cheered for him! I was doing a little happy dance of my own.<br />
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Call me a kid, but I used to love picking out valentines as much as selecting a new lunchbox! So, I always have to make a big deal about having the kids select valentines. Jace had to have the Super Hero box which included Thor, Captain America, The Hulk, and Iron Man. Eli knew immediately that he wanted the Star Wars valentines. So, a week later we opened the cards to have Eli write on them for his kindergarten friends only to find out there wasn't enough space for him to write on (it was a sucker valentine wrapped in plastic). So, scornfully, I had him use the label maker to write his "to" and "froms." Now, being a teacher, I figured I would take a little heat for not having him "write" his own names on his card.....at least he helped type the names into the label maker...haha!!!<br />
Last year, we started a tradition of getting the boys costumes instead of candy for Valentines Day. Green Lantern has been the "it' movie around our house...so they both got costumes from Green Lantern. Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721057184950201909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422180132093207546.post-72092074903528569292012-02-16T09:33:00.012-07:002012-02-25T09:40:18.468-07:00Happy 10th Anniversary!!My sweety and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary on Feb. 16th. WOW! What a wild ten years it has been. We have visited 18 states (lived in 3), lived in 10 houses, and been to China twice. I think I have worked in 6 different schools. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MVVlFZePNb0/T0kOhw9wnOI/AAAAAAAAAuY/K1jSo2_K0js/s1600/P1040004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MVVlFZePNb0/T0kOhw9wnOI/AAAAAAAAAuY/K1jSo2_K0js/s320/P1040004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>To celebrate our anniversary, Rob had a beautiful piece of glass art made for us. It has our wedding date on the upper section, then on the sides, it has the boys names and the year we became a forever family. It is simply gorgeous!! The picture definately doesn't do the artwork justice.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721057184950201909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422180132093207546.post-71484027099737709662012-01-08T16:06:00.002-07:002012-01-10T12:18:08.417-07:00Family Time During the Holidays<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Justin and his little bros</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It has been quite some time that Rob has had his kids "home" for Christmas!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Captian America</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amanda trying out being a Mountain Girl </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the worst muesum....at least we had a cute photo session.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gang sledding...the high elevation (9,000) can wind anyone out!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amanda giving Jace some lovies...they hit quite few bumps on the way down the hill. Jace was not impressed!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We were very excited to have Justin, Amanda, and Jesse here for Christmas. Amanda and Jesse flew in on Christmas night to stay with us for nine days. We had so much fun hanging out, sledding, going to the Denver Zoo, sledding, and a day of museums. Jesse had the boys rapped around his finger as he loves super hereos and guns.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721057184950201909noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422180132093207546.post-50888261331809976602012-01-08T15:46:00.000-07:002012-01-08T15:46:34.322-07:00Christmas Fun<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jace insisted on wearing "eye"protection while making Christmas cookies!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EyiOHR_f070/TwobEq1TWuI/AAAAAAAAArA/g9gEHoDQUZE/s1600/P1030818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EyiOHR_f070/TwobEq1TWuI/AAAAAAAAArA/g9gEHoDQUZE/s320/P1030818.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eli the big guy....ready for the cookies to come out of the oven.</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/-DFWLzR3qYIs/TwobJ4uBaFI/AAAAAAAAArI/z8U_MBLRkVs/s1600/P1030841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DFWLzR3qYIs/TwobJ4uBaFI/AAAAAAAAArI/z8U_MBLRkVs/s320/P1030841.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eli with his decorated hand.</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/-WbbEj_cFAYU/TwobPLzHswI/AAAAAAAAArQ/Udbq7y90oY0/s1600/P1030849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WbbEj_cFAYU/TwobPLzHswI/AAAAAAAAArQ/Udbq7y90oY0/s320/P1030849.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jace with his decorated hand.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lgu3sPNOeOY/TwobVUVlFZI/AAAAAAAAArY/_Aocka-EtdE/s1600/P1030854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lgu3sPNOeOY/TwobVUVlFZI/AAAAAAAAArY/_Aocka-EtdE/s320/P1030854.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uImZJG8PfMo/TwobebDkV1I/AAAAAAAAArg/GITCtXtOL10/s1600/P1030856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uImZJG8PfMo/TwobebDkV1I/AAAAAAAAArg/GITCtXtOL10/s320/P1030856.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family Picture</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/-ylYE53cH6GY/TwobrX5aESI/AAAAAAAAAro/fGvkaOISbG0/s1600/P1030881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ylYE53cH6GY/TwobrX5aESI/AAAAAAAAAro/fGvkaOISbG0/s320/P1030881.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am Thor!</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/-De3ZeFUsEPM/TwobznKR_KI/AAAAAAAAArw/41O7yJ6IZ0U/s1600/P1030868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-De3ZeFUsEPM/TwobznKR_KI/AAAAAAAAArw/41O7yJ6IZ0U/s320/P1030868.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guns...Guns...Guns!!!<br />
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<div align="left"></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721057184950201909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422180132093207546.post-85241076250671172862011-12-20T07:22:00.002-07:002011-12-20T07:23:26.404-07:00Christmas Programs 2011<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This year, Eli and his CCD class dressed up as angels for their Christmas program. You can bet I was there with a camera in hand.....my <strike>wild</strike>, sweet, little boy dressed as an angel. I wouldn't miss this for the world. His crew had several Christmas songs that they sang. The last song was Happy Birthday Jesus. Such an amazing job was performed by all!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cBVVVPymA-k/TvCYlW6XvZI/AAAAAAAAAqY/AAr6rZaGCTY/s1600/P1030793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cBVVVPymA-k/TvCYlW6XvZI/AAAAAAAAAqY/AAr6rZaGCTY/s320/P1030793.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lX2bjuQuIms/TvCYqsFb3PI/AAAAAAAAAqg/PiYVQuKUL7U/s1600/P1030788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lX2bjuQuIms/TvCYqsFb3PI/AAAAAAAAAqg/PiYVQuKUL7U/s320/P1030788.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We also attended Eli's Kindergarten Christmas program at his school. It was great that his program was in the middle of the day, which allowed me to take 1/2 a personal day :) At his school, they have three kindergarten classes. Each class had a different type of hat to represent their individual class. Eli was amazing at listening and following directions! GO ELI!!! He really liked the fact that we could pull him from school after his program!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oRLUFSlce68/TvCZwbTpJuI/AAAAAAAAAqo/nGdqzmMvwGk/s1600/P1030762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oRLUFSlce68/TvCZwbTpJuI/AAAAAAAAAqo/nGdqzmMvwGk/s320/P1030762.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-WQb79OTXU/TvCZ0jqq_uI/AAAAAAAAAqw/XIqIgj_ZZwg/s1600/P1030756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-WQb79OTXU/TvCZ0jqq_uI/AAAAAAAAAqw/XIqIgj_ZZwg/s320/P1030756.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721057184950201909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422180132093207546.post-86419105606025481312011-12-17T17:14:00.000-07:002011-12-17T17:14:16.290-07:00Eli Turns 6!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EDerVgo4CoI/Tu0rcnC9J5I/AAAAAAAAAp4/W5Oq0mslI34/s1600/P1030748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EDerVgo4CoI/Tu0rcnC9J5I/AAAAAAAAAp4/W5Oq0mslI34/s320/P1030748.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D5kYqf69f88/Tu0rhqx16YI/AAAAAAAAAqA/a3BjeE-kwQk/s1600/P1030750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D5kYqf69f88/Tu0rhqx16YI/AAAAAAAAAqA/a3BjeE-kwQk/s320/P1030750.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4XEUP8UuCOM/Tu0skvfmrHI/AAAAAAAAAqI/jMrSey-R0NE/s1600/P1030745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4XEUP8UuCOM/Tu0skvfmrHI/AAAAAAAAAqI/jMrSey-R0NE/s320/P1030745.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B-4ryxT5U9o/Tu0slrMMA3I/AAAAAAAAAqQ/uV-YPeFeA7U/s1600/elibday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B-4ryxT5U9o/Tu0slrMMA3I/AAAAAAAAAqQ/uV-YPeFeA7U/s320/elibday.jpg" width="283" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B-4ryxT5U9o/Tu0slrMMA3I/AAAAAAAAAqQ/uV-YPeFeA7U/s1600/elibday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B-4ryxT5U9o/Tu0slrMMA3I/AAAAAAAAAqQ/uV-YPeFeA7U/s320/elibday.jpg" width="283" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B-4ryxT5U9o/Tu0slrMMA3I/AAAAAAAAAqQ/uV-YPeFeA7U/s1600/elibday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B-4ryxT5U9o/Tu0slrMMA3I/AAAAAAAAAqQ/uV-YPeFeA7U/s320/elibday.jpg" width="283" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So I have NO idea why this above picture copied three times.....and as you can tell, I have no idea how to delete it!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Time goes so quickly....Here is a picture of Eli celebrating his 2nd birthday while we still lived in Michigan. He is such a crazy boy! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This year, Eli started Kindergarten...he was excited at first, but then he didn't think it was necessary for him to go. Now, he is back on track of enjoying school and has made a few good friends! Writing is the hardest thing for him...his letters are slowing getting to be normal size..haha. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">He has a love for....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">- guns</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">- Bow n Arrows</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">- Ironman</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">- Thor</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">- Wrestling with his dad</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">- being silly</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">- riding the school bus</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">- bringing home sticks from school...seriously strange but its just crazy Eli</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">- JibJabs</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- Starfall (he rocks at navigating a computer)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">his family</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The list is only a beginning of the things he loves. Eli continues to be an ACTIVE, silly, little boy (who is growing up way to fast). I never knew I could love a little boy so much!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721057184950201909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422180132093207546.post-26526921612441398042011-11-27T19:52:00.000-07:002011-11-27T19:52:03.167-07:00Tree Trimming and Other Festivities<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AIvy6gRWXuE/TtL0NDX8HLI/AAAAAAAAAo4/N1-SyZbQUp8/s1600/P1030709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AIvy6gRWXuE/TtL0NDX8HLI/AAAAAAAAAo4/N1-SyZbQUp8/s320/P1030709.JPG" width="320" /></a>Eli is getting so big way too fast!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8uY3BzTDSsQ/TtL0VDqifLI/AAAAAAAAApA/FVhZVh-z0Mo/s1600/P1030710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8uY3BzTDSsQ/TtL0VDqifLI/AAAAAAAAApA/FVhZVh-z0Mo/s320/P1030710.JPG" width="320" /></a>Little guy Jace enjoying his ride before seeing Santa.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NG4FtLllHQI/TtL0Ycg69oI/AAAAAAAAApI/gG8StyNfejE/s320/P1030714.JPG" width="320" />The coolest train...ever!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RyepKZXAemc/TtL0d4V2_ZI/AAAAAAAAApQ/7qZgFlGu2wc/s1600/P1030725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RyepKZXAemc/TtL0d4V2_ZI/AAAAAAAAApQ/7qZgFlGu2wc/s320/P1030725.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kIV9bRCBByU/TtL0gjwrd7I/AAAAAAAAApY/5wy9xb60duM/s1600/P1030726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kIV9bRCBByU/TtL0gjwrd7I/AAAAAAAAApY/5wy9xb60duM/s320/P1030726.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vqp9dqsgjyw/TtL0jDPtxnI/AAAAAAAAApg/maGm2M3Q2mc/s1600/P1030722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vqp9dqsgjyw/TtL0jDPtxnI/AAAAAAAAApg/maGm2M3Q2mc/s320/P1030722.JPG" width="240" /></a>Improving his eye sight, one day at a time!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s8GWC8mmfb8/TtL0pzKabTI/AAAAAAAAApo/CJtQnN6xkXU/s1600/P1030718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s8GWC8mmfb8/TtL0pzKabTI/AAAAAAAAApo/CJtQnN6xkXU/s320/P1030718.JPG" width="320" /></a>I want to ask Santa for this!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dAoRNqIHj_Y/TtL0s30hUjI/AAAAAAAAApw/uSr7_9VWi-0/s1600/P1030719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dAoRNqIHj_Y/TtL0s30hUjI/AAAAAAAAApw/uSr7_9VWi-0/s320/P1030719.JPG" width="240" /></a>Me too!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The boys had a complete blast trimming the tree. They even had to get out their stools so they could reach higher on the tree. After the tree was complete, it was time to assemble the train. Choo-choo...we only turn the train on a couple times a day...it has a lovely horn that goes off constantly! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The previous weekend, we went to Bass Pro Shop/Outdoor World so the boys could see Santa. The entire store was decked out in Christmas decorations...we had such an amazing time! I was even able to pick up a few surprises for Christmas morning....gotta love being sneaky.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In one of the pictures, you may notice Eli has an eye patch. He had his one month check-up post glasses. Even though he has made some improvement in his left eye, the doctor wanted him to start wearing the patch two hours a day. Eli is so cool with being a pirate for a couple hours a day!</span> </div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721057184950201909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422180132093207546.post-33057556249769677772011-11-19T07:45:00.000-07:002011-11-19T07:45:56.847-07:00Train Excursion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ob9Deo3gtM8/Tse-85fC-dI/AAAAAAAAAoY/Pb7jnE_3aEo/s1600/P1030597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ob9Deo3gtM8/Tse-85fC-dI/AAAAAAAAAoY/Pb7jnE_3aEo/s320/P1030597.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FfHTtdUhMWs/Tse_BieABBI/AAAAAAAAAog/6n5sMPLraIo/s1600/P1030591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FfHTtdUhMWs/Tse_BieABBI/AAAAAAAAAog/6n5sMPLraIo/s320/P1030591.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YwIWYvd0wVw/Tse_Iq31JNI/AAAAAAAAAoo/ZLDuIgtmiS4/s1600/P1030602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YwIWYvd0wVw/Tse_Iq31JNI/AAAAAAAAAoo/ZLDuIgtmiS4/s320/P1030602.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KejTehH41DI/Tse_PRdYKTI/AAAAAAAAAow/n6Z0cUh1Qok/s1600/P1030606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KejTehH41DI/Tse_PRdYKTI/AAAAAAAAAow/n6Z0cUh1Qok/s320/P1030606.JPG" width="320" /></a>This summer, while visiting my parents, my dad thought it was a fabulous idea for us to bring the boys on a train ride from Hill City to Keystone, S.D. The boys were extremely excited but it didn't take Rob and I long to realize why my mom and brother chose not to take the excursion with us! The scenery was gorgeous...the mountains, trees, and old abandon houses to look at. There was even an old fashion gun-sling fight that we had to stop the train for! After about fifteen minutes, the boys were starting to get restless, but we continued on our journey and enjoyed the sights. Once we got back to the lodge (where my parents were), my dad couldn't stop laughing!</div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721057184950201909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422180132093207546.post-30016744706819368452011-11-15T21:53:00.000-07:002011-11-15T21:53:10.363-07:00Life with ADHDThe dreaded words coming from my son..."Mom, I don't like school...I just need to stay home, don't make me go." Left with a broken heart and wanting to "fix" his bad feelings for school, I sat there. Frozen.<br />
Holding the most amazing little boy. Wanting to cry, but knowing I needed to find my inner strength. Be Strong. <br />
<br />
You may be asking, "What kiddo doesn't like kindergarten?" Since the amazing day, in China, when my son was placed in my our arms, my little man has always been a wild and crazy boy! School systems are not designed for ADHD students.<br />
<br />
Many restless nights have been spent researching..searching for what we can do to help him manage his day. I have read so many, "How to Raise a Spirited Child" books that they all sound the same after awhile:<br />
<br />
Incentives. <br />
Behavior Charts.<br />
Discussions.<br />
Play Therapy.<br />
Which leads to frustration.<br />
<br />
My beautiful son has to be on the move for a majority of his day...making school very difficult for him.<br />
Wiggle seats. <br />
Various motivators.<br />
Mixed with HUGE stubborn streak. Some individuals even have the notation that he is lazy because he refuses to do his work. He is a very smart kid, but doesn't see the potential of what school means.<br />
<br />
So. We celebrate. Days of green (didn't have to change his behavior card); We love him even more on days of yellow or red. We pray. We hope. Yeah, we even get mad that we can't help him more. <br />
<br />
One thing that will never change-The LOVE that I have for my son! He has such an amazing way of viewing life. Boring, never.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721057184950201909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422180132093207546.post-85804206697508890832011-10-30T18:41:00.000-06:002011-10-30T18:41:22.671-06:00Pumpkin Carving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--EwDqQ8H--A/Tq3shp_G0MI/AAAAAAAAAmk/IL0Ki_SaM70/s1600/P1030661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--EwDqQ8H--A/Tq3shp_G0MI/AAAAAAAAAmk/IL0Ki_SaM70/s320/P1030661.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Nothing to these guts!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-295A-V-DDhI/Tq3spuNcxHI/AAAAAAAAAms/QFpdCreGH2g/s1600/P1030667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-295A-V-DDhI/Tq3spuNcxHI/AAAAAAAAAms/QFpdCreGH2g/s320/P1030667.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7TTntkgQ830/Tq3suPbNNYI/AAAAAAAAAm0/ckF6UVLhK_Y/s1600/P1030676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7TTntkgQ830/Tq3suPbNNYI/AAAAAAAAAm0/ckF6UVLhK_Y/s320/P1030676.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our favorite babysitter, Brenna at Central High School's Boofest! The kids had a blast playing all the games.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aKlHKHpEBMo/Tq3szsaylBI/AAAAAAAAAm8/jH6NRD3hfKU/s1600/P1030675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aKlHKHpEBMo/Tq3szsaylBI/AAAAAAAAAm8/jH6NRD3hfKU/s320/P1030675.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> The finished products! A work of art!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7f4QthY7ovs/Tq3s6dcquyI/AAAAAAAAAnE/3JjleTMvfR4/s1600/P1030666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7f4QthY7ovs/Tq3s6dcquyI/AAAAAAAAAnE/3JjleTMvfR4/s320/P1030666.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fsiCPAHYtTA/Tq3tASFGJFI/AAAAAAAAAnM/Ycg8yXp_P7o/s1600/P1030663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fsiCPAHYtTA/Tq3tASFGJFI/AAAAAAAAAnM/Ycg8yXp_P7o/s320/P1030663.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At first, Eli didn't want anything to do with holding the guts!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As Halloween is fast approching, the boys have yet to decide what</span> they will be for trick or treating. So far, they have gone as either a dinosaur, IronMan, Bumble Bee, or a Transformer. We will have to wait one more day to see what they actually decide to wear! (I guess that is what happens when they have numerous dress up costumes to pick from!)</span>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721057184950201909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422180132093207546.post-9673358747866810782011-10-15T12:57:00.000-06:002011-10-15T12:57:27.565-06:00Hockey and Hunting...Quite the Mix!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2a_hYIvm4uM/TpnVuwgQNMI/AAAAAAAAAl8/kxwqfMKr_8M/s1600/P1030638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2a_hYIvm4uM/TpnVuwgQNMI/AAAAAAAAAl8/kxwqfMKr_8M/s320/P1030638.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c3QdpRx98I0/TpnV1GY3CTI/AAAAAAAAAmE/eOsb79k8H-k/s1600/P1030642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c3QdpRx98I0/TpnV1GY3CTI/AAAAAAAAAmE/eOsb79k8H-k/s320/P1030642.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Z4aWhuTuIg/TpnV75qBpEI/AAAAAAAAAmM/HTfcgCVAt3k/s1600/P1030643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Z4aWhuTuIg/TpnV75qBpEI/AAAAAAAAAmM/HTfcgCVAt3k/s320/P1030643.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G3E2tnGB7SM/TpnWBm1AEOI/AAAAAAAAAmU/83xkAZSK50c/s1600/P1030645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G3E2tnGB7SM/TpnWBm1AEOI/AAAAAAAAAmU/83xkAZSK50c/s320/P1030645.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QxDRKaRAMEA/TpnWE-rQhII/AAAAAAAAAmc/65W5rAlnID0/s1600/P1030648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QxDRKaRAMEA/TpnWE-rQhII/AAAAAAAAAmc/65W5rAlnID0/s320/P1030648.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">While Rob was back in Michigan for a quick trip to visit his cousin, my parents and I scored free hockey tickets to our local hockey teams game opener. I walked into the arena; heard the chaos on the ice and forgot how much I LOVE hockey! The boys had an absolute blast between the pucks, the fighting, popcorn, and drinks! Oh and how can I forget about the cow bells. I think both boys ended up with 5 each (needless to say they are outside toys and some were hidden!) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">In the last picture, the boys are outfitted by their Uncle Mark. He gave the boys a gun and the "hunting" hats that they are wearing. The boys thought they were pretty cool with their new gear!!</div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721057184950201909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422180132093207546.post-19475488544504402622011-09-18T09:05:00.000-06:002011-09-18T09:05:13.855-06:00First Day of Kindergarten<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-39mgCK9jDfM/TnYGRYIGdGI/AAAAAAAAAl4/0Sj49LSdF3U/s1600/P1030571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-39mgCK9jDfM/TnYGRYIGdGI/AAAAAAAAAl4/0Sj49LSdF3U/s320/P1030571.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bgbhJVxf0G4/TnYFtyGO8vI/AAAAAAAAAlw/RX9Rb-2ZX8c/s1600/P1030575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bgbhJVxf0G4/TnYFtyGO8vI/AAAAAAAAAlw/RX9Rb-2ZX8c/s320/P1030575.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lv9hPIvDP8s/TnYFwgjrIKI/AAAAAAAAAl0/BMq5dC7BmN8/s1600/P1030564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lv9hPIvDP8s/TnYFwgjrIKI/AAAAAAAAAl0/BMq5dC7BmN8/s320/P1030564.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So it begins...the road of public education. It seems like yesterday that we received our Travel Approval to go to China.....now he is in kindergarten. I had to attend my open house at school, so Rob had to hustle out of work in order to bring Eli to his open house. Don't you just love the shuffling of kids around to make ends meet? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Eli's first day was perfect...except for the bus. They didn't have him listed on their pickup schedule (for those of you that know me, realize how organized I am and had all of this worked out...they seriously forgot to put him on the list...urgh!). After some serious phone calls, he was able to ride the bus home! Now, two weeks later, it takes him five minutes to get off the bus...little social butterfly!</span>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721057184950201909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422180132093207546.post-74705331756601539352011-09-05T08:22:00.000-06:002011-09-05T08:22:53.149-06:00Another Big Dream...Accomplished!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jWlmWzJmOjY/TmTYYgKwzaI/AAAAAAAAAlU/OEOg_pXqSJg/s1600/P1030519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jWlmWzJmOjY/TmTYYgKwzaI/AAAAAAAAAlU/OEOg_pXqSJg/s320/P1030519.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yt-BAfdNlus/TmTYjxT9qlI/AAAAAAAAAlY/WAm7q5tv0do/s1600/P1030549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yt-BAfdNlus/TmTYjxT9qlI/AAAAAAAAAlY/WAm7q5tv0do/s320/P1030549.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I3X4CaULfPk/TmTYrc-yPvI/AAAAAAAAAlc/E_UGu4RlRno/s1600/P1030543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I3X4CaULfPk/TmTYrc-yPvI/AAAAAAAAAlc/E_UGu4RlRno/s320/P1030543.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EHr0KvQp85o/TmTY0EmQXiI/AAAAAAAAAlg/RiVCmWRErYY/s1600/P1030541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EHr0KvQp85o/TmTY0EmQXiI/AAAAAAAAAlg/RiVCmWRErYY/s320/P1030541.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PysDhDHyRG0/TmTY2783G7I/AAAAAAAAAlk/KVqIWgPYXP4/s1600/P1030533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PysDhDHyRG0/TmTY2783G7I/AAAAAAAAAlk/KVqIWgPYXP4/s320/P1030533.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0n3PRWZlMCY/TmTY72IBuLI/AAAAAAAAAlo/Mn4qftIn8sE/s1600/P1030527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0n3PRWZlMCY/TmTY72IBuLI/AAAAAAAAAlo/Mn4qftIn8sE/s320/P1030527.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The top picture was too cute not to attach! My ole' teaching buddy and dear friend was visiting in Colorado so we met at Boyd's Lake for a fun afternoon adventure. The boys had a blast in the water and building sand castles.<br />
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Rob and I have always wanted a camper...we can now say we have camper. I absolutely love it! The boys beg to go camping every weekend. Now that we are back to school, our weekends are jammed packed but boy do we figure out ways to be able to camp! <br />
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Our first camping adventure was at Guernsey State Park. We were so excited for the boys to be able to swim and hang out at the beach...until we got there and were told they had drained the reservoir. So, in the one picture of the boys on the beach, there is suppose to be water! We didn't let that ruin our trip. The boys were quite content playing in the dirt pile by the camper. We also visited a super cool castle and a museum. First camping adventure = success!!Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721057184950201909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422180132093207546.post-51526521121996479812011-07-31T13:27:00.000-06:002011-07-31T13:27:57.452-06:00Michigan o MichiganJuly 9th, Rob dropped the boys and I off at DIA and the three of us headed to Michigan (Rob was suppose to leave a week later but his vacation was bumped up a week so he started his long journey to Michigan as well.) The boys did great during the flight EXCEPT the last 30 minutes....Jace was that kid you didn't want sitting by you. He was overly exhausted, hungry, and cranky....very cranky!! He screamed. He hollered. He carried on. There wasn't a trick in the books that was going to get him to chill. Finally, after touching down, getting our luggage, we stepped outside and were welcomed by some serious humidity....I don't miss humidity one bit! My brother Joe was waiting patiently to pick us up. Since we had last seen him, he purchased a new car...let's just say we had fun fitting everything in...haha!!! Lucky for us, both boys crashed on the way to Saginaw. While in Saginaw:<br />
*we swam<br />
*visited with Steph, Fer, and Lili<br />
*went to a concert in the park (boys fed fish, rode on a train, fun times!!)<br />
*Jace was baptized (thanks Ed, Nancy, Lisa, Mike, Lynda, Kelsey, Kennedy, and Father Dave for making this happen!)<br />
*best of all was able to spend a lot of quality time with my family.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jHvz2Q70f3g/TjWevXcrmdI/AAAAAAAAAjo/tDXWVO8dyFM/s1600/P1030214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jHvz2Q70f3g/TjWevXcrmdI/AAAAAAAAAjo/tDXWVO8dyFM/s320/P1030214.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div> Kennedy, Eli, Kelsey, and Jace....cousins rule!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MR6smzFFtxQ/TjWe_nbLDYI/AAAAAAAAAjs/sA5HGr0VCig/s1600/P1030220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MR6smzFFtxQ/TjWe_nbLDYI/AAAAAAAAAjs/sA5HGr0VCig/s320/P1030220.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div> Rob, Jace, and Mike walking into church for Jace's baptism.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bcXlzfaA-R0/TjWfGWU58AI/AAAAAAAAAjw/3CRFCzWmLnw/s1600/P1030266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bcXlzfaA-R0/TjWfGWU58AI/AAAAAAAAAjw/3CRFCzWmLnw/s320/P1030266.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div> The crew celebrating Jace's baptism.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wu6BHVgZ8rw/TjWfH0FFVpI/AAAAAAAAAj0/-GvJMgcjzxE/s1600/P1030269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wu6BHVgZ8rw/TjWfH0FFVpI/AAAAAAAAAj0/-GvJMgcjzxE/s320/P1030269.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div> Lisa, Jace, Ann, Eli, Rob, Nancy, and Ed celebrating Jace!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CyLxNQuZCE8/TjWgQyApV1I/AAAAAAAAAj8/WUN5GHy0eAU/s1600/P1030251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CyLxNQuZCE8/TjWgQyApV1I/AAAAAAAAAj8/WUN5GHy0eAU/s320/P1030251.JPG" t$="true" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpIMp_9NktU/TjWfJP1TogI/AAAAAAAAAj4/JyjajuV2Yg4/s1600/P1030235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpIMp_9NktU/TjWfJP1TogI/AAAAAAAAAj4/JyjajuV2Yg4/s320/P1030235.JPG" t$="true" width="240" /></a></div>Our next adventure was heading over to Muskegon. Once in town, we stopped at SomePlaceElse Pizza...my favorite pizza in the world! Then, we brought the boys to the Block House (it had been years since Rob and I were even there. The boys had a blast checking everything out! We also spent a day at The Fogarty's on Pickeral Lake. Tara and I have been friends forever (our parents went to college together) The boys had a riot playing with Noah and Luke. Plus it has been forever since I have been on a boat...forgot how fun they are. The boys had their first adventure on a speed boat too! Eli even got to drive the pontoon boat...he thought he was really cool!<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aj_W-c0hLJo/TjWh8RL-WaI/AAAAAAAAAkA/nrOohGNTtvA/s1600/P1030315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aj_W-c0hLJo/TjWh8RL-WaI/AAAAAAAAAkA/nrOohGNTtvA/s320/P1030315.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ebJ20hfIhg/TjWiUwioUdI/AAAAAAAAAkM/4ZZnC6Lt0C8/s1600/P1030333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ebJ20hfIhg/TjWiUwioUdI/AAAAAAAAAkM/4ZZnC6Lt0C8/s320/P1030333.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a>Eli loves playing in the lake!!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Uncle Joe and Luke hanging out!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uEDrJMKFG6Q/TjWiOerEuFI/AAAAAAAAAkI/aPTPzcKUuC4/s1600/P1030370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uEDrJMKFG6Q/TjWiOerEuFI/AAAAAAAAAkI/aPTPzcKUuC4/s320/P1030370.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MISnQhD5XUo/TjWiFKWFfNI/AAAAAAAAAkE/8HkwDkjImLw/s1600/P1030359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MISnQhD5XUo/TjWiFKWFfNI/AAAAAAAAAkE/8HkwDkjImLw/s320/P1030359.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a>Noah, Eli, and Jace hanging out in the boat!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">The next day, Rob went golfing with Cory and the boys and I headed to The Slater's House and went to Grand Haven. Our first stop was Imagination Station which is an enormous playground for kids. After the kids played, we headed over and walked the pier. I love love love Lake Michigan. The four boys had a blast eating lunch, getting ice cream, and hangin' out. The walk back to the car was a bit intense as the heat and humidity was kickin'! It was so awesome seeing Barb again...we have been friends forever (grew up on the same street). That night, we headed back to The Slater's for dinner so Sydney could hang with the boys. She wasn't able to go to Grand Haven with us as she was rockin' it out at soccer camp.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UP2X51Ig1j4/TjWkh-WodOI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/utoymnSM1zU/s1600/P1030377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UP2X51Ig1j4/TjWkh-WodOI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/utoymnSM1zU/s320/P1030377.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div> Eli and Jackson looking for shade in the heat of the day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L2xoKP4heIc/TjWkrZJbGGI/AAAAAAAAAkU/nGSBrxxomWQ/s1600/P1030389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L2xoKP4heIc/TjWkrZJbGGI/AAAAAAAAAkU/nGSBrxxomWQ/s320/P1030389.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div> Imagination Station...super fun place!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YcE4A7unTN8/TjWkxHM3viI/AAAAAAAAAkY/U94B6y7b-x4/s1600/P1030395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YcE4A7unTN8/TjWkxHM3viI/AAAAAAAAAkY/U94B6y7b-x4/s320/P1030395.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div> Eli snagged my camera and took some great shots. Barb, Jace, and I hangin' out.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qyGvciV_QfU/TjWk5u9JbLI/AAAAAAAAAkc/1OTatxr03z8/s1600/P1030410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qyGvciV_QfU/TjWk5u9JbLI/AAAAAAAAAkc/1OTatxr03z8/s320/P1030410.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div> Another Eli pic...too cute!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-moaNHnoiSn0/TjWlD5ObE0I/AAAAAAAAAkg/ASSnuaRvJxs/s1600/P1030436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-moaNHnoiSn0/TjWlD5ObE0I/AAAAAAAAAkg/ASSnuaRvJxs/s320/P1030436.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div> Love this pic!! Eli, Jace, and Jackson wrestling around waiting for lunch.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hc_jCnt71ig/TjWlLNlWJ-I/AAAAAAAAAkk/VwXkE4wk-Hs/s1600/P1030439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hc_jCnt71ig/TjWlLNlWJ-I/AAAAAAAAAkk/VwXkE4wk-Hs/s320/P1030439.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div> Who wants ice cream? Apparently Jace, Eli, Jackson, and Isaac do!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yptFV76ShvM/TjWlTHvyGHI/AAAAAAAAAko/_wPT8yd7Q-o/s1600/P1030437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yptFV76ShvM/TjWlTHvyGHI/AAAAAAAAAko/_wPT8yd7Q-o/s320/P1030437.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div> Grand Haven Pier...beautiful!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g9nb_3Xzh2s/TjWlX_XGVKI/AAAAAAAAAks/-Yxqd7DF-Fk/s1600/P1030447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g9nb_3Xzh2s/TjWlX_XGVKI/AAAAAAAAAks/-Yxqd7DF-Fk/s320/P1030447.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a>Jackson and Eli...Jackson had asked to take a rest and it was right by some shady trees.</div><br />
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Sydney and Eli having fun on the swings.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3ar0iuS51J0/TjWnJFUjjhI/AAAAAAAAAkw/lI-P7rhPAgw/s1600/P1030448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3ar0iuS51J0/TjWnJFUjjhI/AAAAAAAAAkw/lI-P7rhPAgw/s320/P1030448.JPG" t$="true" width="240" /></a> <br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">While in Muskegon, we stayed with The McDaniels. They have two girls around the same ages as our boys. It was hilarious watching the boys push around pink strollers. The four kids played and played. They even got to paint the cement (Jace even turned himself into Avatar) and had a couple water balloon fights. Instead of hitting other kids, Eli decided to smack the grass...what can you say, he had fun!) Megan is a fabulous cook...she even made us zucchini-blueberry bread. Cory and Rob were even able to get a few games of horseshoes in. Rob was stoked to eat some Scribb's pizza during our stay with The McDaniels. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-krDTy9w_jE0/TjWpo8qfbLI/AAAAAAAAAlA/2ePJ84_Ucq8/s1600/P1030473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-krDTy9w_jE0/TjWpo8qfbLI/AAAAAAAAAlA/2ePJ84_Ucq8/s320/P1030473.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a>Eli displaying Iron Man.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Jace and Lainey ready to get wet!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yLMUbO5qpGc/TjWpgKQizWI/AAAAAAAAAk8/AmInlHEpTHA/s1600/P1030457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yLMUbO5qpGc/TjWpgKQizWI/AAAAAAAAAk8/AmInlHEpTHA/s320/P1030457.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BLk8_wHe8Jo/TjWpXxmU4XI/AAAAAAAAAk4/fM0JqSe8zx0/s1600/P1030481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BLk8_wHe8Jo/TjWpXxmU4XI/AAAAAAAAAk4/fM0JqSe8zx0/s320/P1030481.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a>This is the coolest thing ever.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Ava and her beautiful art work!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yroBX54dyW8/TjWpPp85V6I/AAAAAAAAAk0/knTgEoSsWrA/s1600/P1030482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yroBX54dyW8/TjWpPp85V6I/AAAAAAAAAk0/knTgEoSsWrA/s320/P1030482.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">We also visited with Rob's aunt and cousin. We met for dinner Whitlow's. They have the best lake perch....yum, yum!! (Can you tell we had to hit all of our great eateries while we were back!!) We finally were able to meet Mark's wife; Lori. We also met up with Rob's sister and his family for a little visit. Can't believe how big our nephews Tommy and Jesse are getting!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--FU-gg87elg/TjWq3t1BmpI/AAAAAAAAAlE/8_4J5c0ji5g/s1600/P1030485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--FU-gg87elg/TjWq3t1BmpI/AAAAAAAAAlE/8_4J5c0ji5g/s320/P1030485.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jWcTfL2dtfg/TjWrGkahnSI/AAAAAAAAAlM/ubshI3kwkh4/s1600/P1030487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jWcTfL2dtfg/TjWrGkahnSI/AAAAAAAAAlM/ubshI3kwkh4/s320/P1030487.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XNa2nmVypiY/TjWrmieCCCI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/um2-YwMQhrA/s1600/P1030488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XNa2nmVypiY/TjWrmieCCCI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/um2-YwMQhrA/s320/P1030488.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div>On the long drive back to Wyoming, the boys were fabulous. Heck they do a better job with long distance travel then going up to Walmart! We had a great time while on our vacation...it is rough to fit everyone in but we tried to do the best we could. Until next time Michigan friends and family...we love you and thanks for everything. Our door is always open and we would love to see you! <div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721057184950201909noreply@blogger.com0