tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73825237172967079222024-02-08T08:23:07.261-06:00{the friday five}Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382523717296707922.post-83825267942186556762012-03-23T00:00:00.000-05:002012-03-23T00:00:07.308-05:0023 March 20121. Eric has been saving for a new grill for a few years. He picked his new one up on Friday evening and of course took it out immediately and started putting it together...which left a huge box for the kiddos to play with.<br />
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They had to have spent about 6 hours between Friday and Saturday making it into the perfect house...they cut windows, made shelves, added a roof and a floor, and Avery even fashioned a computer for the place. I think I will have to hunt a few huge boxes out this summer to keep them busy!<br />
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2. Saturday was a busy busy day {babysitting, basketball, birthday party, and dinner and a bonfire with friends} but the boys and I headed out to visit my Grandma in Buffalo Lake in the afternoon. This past Monday would have been my Grandpa's 81st birthday and I have been working on a project to give Gram. I took all the pictures we used on the picture boards and the talk my mom gave at his funeral and made her a book. Each kid and grandkid has their own page of memories and pictures.<br />
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I really love how it turned out {except for one picture I used twice...grrr!} and she loved it, too. She just kept rubbing his picture on each page. We all miss him so much. <br />
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3. Sunday morning a little after 6 the phone rang. I immediately knew what this meant. I have been "on call" for Tracie and Ryan to take Aubrey when Tracie went into labor. Later that day Keira Elise Groshens was born. So excited for them all! <br />
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4. Wrigley turned 10 on Tuesday. He didn't think it was as big of deal as I did. He wouldn't even smile for a picture. I can't imagine that he didn't like the party hat or something. <br />
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Amazing to see how much we've ALL changed since that day we brought him home!<br />
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5. On Tuesday night Tate came home with good news and bad news. The bad news was that there was an incident with 9 second graders using spit to clean off some laminated sheets at school and my son happened to be one of them...ugh. After dealing with that sitch he got to the good news that Mrs. Lauer, his music teacher, had told the class that Tate was keeping them together for their program on Wednesday...he knew all the words and sang in tune the loudest. We take the good with the bad, eh?<br />
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Wednesday at his program he took her words very seriously. He was all business. He didn't even look at us, which I am sure was hard since Beckett was being very squirrelly in the front row.<br />
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After the music performance, Ms. Morales had the kids put on a fair for the parents. Each group of kids had a booth that was a carnival game inspired by Charlotte's Web, which they just finished reading. Tate and his group made a web out of a hula hoop and string. The object was to get a spider to stick in the web.<br />
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We all had a great time. It is so fun to get a peek into what your kids do all day! <br />
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6. BONUS! It has been such a busy week I couldn't narrow it down to 5. Beckett's Art Fair at school was Thursday morning. <br />
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Phew. That's a lot for one week. The kids and E are on Spring Break next week. I am hoping he will remember to take a few pics...heck, maybe I'll have HIM write <i>the five</i> next week! <br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382523717296707922.post-88418433525400506422012-03-16T00:00:00.000-05:002012-03-21T19:49:46.970-05:0016 March 20121. Saturday we decided to have some long overdue play dates. Each kid got to choose one friend. We've never had all of them have play dates at the same time and were a little nervous, but it went great and we couldn't have picked a nicer day!<br />
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Tate and his friend Z</div>
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Avery and her friend S<br />
(this is the friend whose telephone number she has memorized even though<br />
she can't always remember OUR telephone number)<br />
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Beckett and his "best friend" Jackson<br />
They always say our cousins are our first friends! So true for these two.<br />
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2. I'm kind of lovin' that my kids are to an age that they yell as they are running out the door who they are playing with and I don't have to worry to much that they will be fine. Don't get me wrong, part of me is so sad that they are growing so fast, but cooking supper in peace while listening to squealing kids in the backyard is one benefit I will take any day!<br />
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3. Summer weather in March = pure happiness for all!<br />
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4. Tate started basketball this week and is really loving it. He hasn't played basketball much and it is interesting seeing him get to an age where he is conscious of other people being more skilled than he is. We reminded him that it was his only first game and that everything new he tries will need practice. He asked E for some pointers after the game and is practicing up for next week. They decided that he is a great dribbler but needs work on being aggressive and guarding on defense. Maybe a B-E-A-G-G R-E-S-S-I-V-E cheer is in order from his retired cheerleading mother next week. What do you think? No?<br />
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5. Yesterday was "Crazy Hair Day" at preschool and today was "Wacky Day" for the older two at school.<br />
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Today was perfect because I had to work all day which meant E had to get the kids ready for school. He was excited when I told him the kids could wear whatever they wanted and the less matching the better.<br />
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Have a crazy, wacky weekend!!!</div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382523717296707922.post-3065908132363067862012-03-09T00:00:00.000-06:002012-03-13T22:50:33.404-05:009 March 20121. Last Saturday my parents came to watch our kiddos and we spent the night downtown with the Pankakes. We often go on vacations with Kelley and Gary, but this year that was not in the budget. It was such a fun night...stayed at Graves 601, ate and drank the evening away, and finished the night off at Acme Comedy Club where I literally couldn't catch my breath because I was laughing so hard. I didn't bring a camera, so you'll have to settle for this pic Kelley snapped with her iPhone.<br />
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The kids had just as much fun with Grandma and Grandpa...they had the Hoves over and also saw The Lorax. Thanks, Mom and Dad!<br />
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2. "Not in the budget" as I said in #1 is being said around here a lot these days. We are almost done with our <a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/fpu" target="_blank"><i>Financial Peace University</i></a> class that we are taking at church. It has been a huge time commitment on Sunday afternoons but I think I rarely have done something so productive in my adult life. We are excited to finally pay off our school loans, our cars, and our basement loan and then start saving for the kids for college. Saving money is fun when you have a plan! Seriously. We even have Kara started on it and not even totally against her will. =)<br />
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3. Tuesday night I had conferences and E was left to get the kids from Patti's and get them to where they were supposed to be. I called on my way home at 6:45 and they were just sitting down to supper. I said, "Did you at least let Aves eat before dance?" and the other end of the line got quiet. Apparently cooking supper and homework got so busy they both forgot. Dads aren't very good Moms...just sayin'.<br />
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4. I am on an organization kick. Watch out, crap-we-don't-need-in-the-closet...your days are numbered. By the end of my spring break I am hoping to have every cupboard and closet in our house organized. Some of you know about the Dymo label maker loving side of me. =) Every time I organize something I get mad that I didn't take the time to organize it sooner. So far I have spent countless hours organizing every picture in my house (getting rid of doubles, sorting by year, getting rid of negatives, etc), organized my fridge, and did an overhaul on the laundry room.</div>
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What...you didn't want to see the inside of my fridge? Sorry...I have to have some kind of memory that it once was in perfect order.<br />
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5. It has become apparent in the past few weeks that we now have two little readers in our house. Avery's fluency has just taken off and she is obsessed with reading books and writing notes with words she has learned how to spell. I couldn't love it more. Beckett is getting the full benefit because he can now ask both Tate and Aves to read to him, too, when Mom and Dad are busy with other things.<br />
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I have been trying to casually sneak in a pic when they are reading over the last week. Today Tate finally said "Mom, why do you keep taking a picture of us reading? You better not be putting that one on Facebook!" I assured him I was not...I didn't tell him it was in fact for the blog. ; ) That's better, right? </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382523717296707922.post-49045823382794983292012-03-02T18:58:00.004-06:002012-03-02T18:58:38.549-06:002 March 20121. Things I have been doing instead of blogging...<br />
<ul>
<li>celebrating holidays</li>
<li>grieving the loss of grandparents</li>
<li>pinning on pinterest (Wanna <a href="http://pinterest.com/jessinewman/" target="_blank">follow me</a>? I'll follow you back!)</li>
<li>organizing pictures</li>
<li>hanging out with Kara </li>
<li>sleeping</li>
<li>reading OTHER people's blogs</li>
<li>keeping the house cleaner</li>
<li>running kids to activities</li>
<li>trying to get more done at school </li>
<li>planning birthday parties (4 in the last 8 weeks, to be exact...)</li>
</ul>
Yep, sounds like about 5 months worth of stuff. Moving on... <br />
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2. Saturday we had Tate's friend birthday party. It was detective themed and we all had so much fun.<br />
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Tate started out by hand delivering the invitations to his friends...there was no way to send these in the mail!<br />
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<i>idea found {<a href="http://ohhappyday.com/2011/01/6-tips-to-take-your-party-to-the-next-level/" target="_blank">here</a>}</i></div>
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We started by taking fingerprints and getting into disguise, just like good detectives would do. </div>
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Then we photographed everyone for their Secret Agent ID.<br />
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Then it was time to open gifts. The only problem was that the gifts were suddenly missing! ;) The kids had to follow clues that led them to a pair of Tate's shoes, the china cabinet, Beckett's sock drawer, behind a sold sign of E's, to the mailbox, to the sandbox, to Tate's piano books, and finally to Tate's bunk beds. They kept track of the clues in their top secret notebooks.</div>
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After all the clues were collected, the boys figured out each one had a letter on the back. The last clue instructed them to unscramble the letters to find where the presents were hidden.</div>
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After finding the gifts, Tate opened them and we had cake. We ended the party with a couple more detective games. It was one of the cheapest but most fun parties we've ever had!</div>
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3. Tuesday Gigi turned 81. We love you so much, Gram! </div>
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4. We celebrated leap year this week. Well, I guess we didn't actually celebrate, but leap day happened. The only thing that was different about February 29th is that we actually got some snow! Most of the winter has looked pretty brown around here. In fact...I snapped a pic a few weeks ago of Beckett and Aves walking to Patti's for daycare. I thought they were so cute because they were each holding one of the monkey's hands...<br />
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The picture also shows how when I say they just walk across a couple backyards to daycare I mean <i>they literally walk across a couple backyards to get to daycare!!! </i>I took it from my front porch. But now their walk looks a little more like this:</div>
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The weather is supposed to climb to 50 degrees next week, so I think we can pretty much give up on snow that sticks around for the winter. E is still on his quest to not use his snow blower all year.<br />
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5. One day Avery made this all by herself and brought it to me and was so proud:<br />
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<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday1-98.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday1-98.jpg" /></a></div>
It says "This is what I want to be when I grow up." I was so impressed and my heart melted. I asked Avery why she wanted to be a teacher {getting all proud of myself and sentimental and all} to which she replied "Because I want to be just like <i>Miss Bruns</i>." PPPPPHHHHHTTTTT. That's the sound of my ego deflating. =) I do love that she loves school and her teacher so much!!!!!!</div>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382523717296707922.post-423316146331813902011-10-07T00:00:00.000-05:002011-10-19T23:41:12.008-05:007 October 20111. On our agenda for quite some time has been to repaint/redecorate the kids bathroom. I've even had everything purchased and waiting for a little extra time to do it. Last weekend we finally dedicated some time to get it done. It started out with E doing a bit of sanding to get rid of the swirls that were in there before...goodbye duckies and swirls!<br />
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After a little elbow grease and a few coats of paint...voila!!</div>
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2. We finished the bathroom up pretty late on Sunday night and promised the kids we'd hang up the shower curtain before they went to bed, which we ended up doing at about 8:15. The problem was that we didn't pay attention to how we hung the curtain and when Tate took a shower the next morning he didn't realize until AFTER he took a shower that the liner was hanging outside of the tub instead of inside. When we went down to the kitchen, we found this and a wet kitchen counter...<br />
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Yikes. The good thing was that Avery flooded the tub when she was 2 and although I've been harping on E to get the ceiling painted ever since, he still hasn't done it. Maybe we'll hold off a bit longer just in case this happens yet again...just promise you won't look up when you're standing in our kitchen. =)</div>
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3. The flooding incident was a rocky start to a very busy week. I started parent-teacher conferences Tuesday night and went to a workshop with some fellow teachers in Brainerd on Wednesday, Thursday, and today. I had a good time and E survived with the kids...mostly thanks to Patti and the "lesson plans" I left him! <br />
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Normally I wouldn't be so stressed about leaving, but it just so happened that Eric got named the manager of the Coldwell Banker Burnet - Minnetonka office on Tuesday before I left. He is so happy to be back in an office managing and thinks it will be a fun challenge...and a lot of work. It wasn't the greatest timing with me being gone, but he survived and is enjoying meeting all his new agents so far. We are very proud of how hard he works...way to go E!<br />
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4. Dressing children is sometimes fun, but more often frustrating. Sometimes its both...like the days I lay leggings and a long sleeved dress out for my daughter to wear in the cool fall weather, and she comes downstairs in a halter top she got from her favorite neighbor, a skirt, and bare legs except for baby legs. She obliged me by running up to get a cardi to throw on over it...but I'm still sure her teacher might have been on bright overload just looking at her. Gotta love it...that's my Avery for you!<br />
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5. It is evident on most days that while they won't always DO what you say, kids will REMEMBER everything you say. The other day I was trying to get Tate's attention to ask him something. Finally I walked over and tapped him on the shoulder and said "Tate!" to which he replied, "Sorry, Mom. I guess I can tune you out just like my father." I couldn't help but laugh. Even when it appears they aren't, they hear and remember EV.ERY.THING.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382523717296707922.post-3738897711676493272011-09-30T00:00:00.000-05:002011-10-19T07:04:31.101-05:0030 September 20111. Beckett turned 4 on Tuesday. He started out the day with donuts (I know that is like two times in just a few weeks...I swear we NEVER have them so it is bugging me that it looks like that's all I feed my children) and opened his gifts from his bro and sis (darts and tub crayons).<br />
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Our gift is a <i>Harold and the Purple Crayon</i> date at the Children's theater but that's not until February. When I asked him what he wanted to do for his birthday, he told me without a moment's hesitation "To see <i>The Lion King</i> and go to Gap." Whaaaaat? Um...do you think he realizes that he has only worn hand me downs his whole life? So after preschool and Patti's we did just that. <i> </i></div>
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<i>The Lion King</i> in 3D: success. Gap: disaster. He wanted to buy a $40 sweatshirt and when we told him he couldn't he threw the first and hopefully last temper tantrum he ever has in his life. Needless to say he left with nothing. Not the greatest end to a great day, but hopefully lesson learned and by the time we got home he was settled and happy. I can't believe my youngest child is 4. Unbelievable!</div>
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2. We are fully in the swing of our school and activities schedule around here. We are breathing a little of a sigh of relief compared to last year's schedule. Now that Beckett doesn't have ECFE at night, I decided not to take guitar, and E has not yet started baskeball, we are enjoying having a little more time to get homework done and get kids to bed. Things still seem busy, but manageable.<br />
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3. Avery is taking dance again this year. This was a bit of a discussion over the summer because she kept saying that she didn't want to do it. I didn't know whether to push her or not. E made the decision for me and said that she WAS going to do it...end of discussion. Thank God for E...she loves it as much as she did last year and comes out with the hugest grin when she is done. She might always be my girl who needs a little encouragement to start things she's nervous about and that's okay. <br />
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4. Tate is playing football again this fall. Just as I said for baseball this summer, he is enjoying it SO much more than last year. He has great coaches this year and is learning so much.<br />
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<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday4-49.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday4-49.jpg" /></a></div>
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5. Last Friday night I got to do a small photo shoot for my sis and her *gRoWiNg* fam! So happy for you Rae and B!<br />
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<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=332233_10150328784224084_656369083_7933320_1824865311_o-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/332233_10150328784224084_656369083_7933320_1824865311_o-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382523717296707922.post-4200072220425102362011-09-23T00:00:00.000-05:002011-10-17T23:49:25.876-05:0023 September 20111. Although the weeks are busy, we are loving our September weekends. As fun as it was to be gone every weekend all summer long, it is nice to get some work done around the house, play outside, go to church, and maybe even watch a (horrible) Vikings game on TV. We even had time to make monster cookies last weekend!<br />
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<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday2-61.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday2-61.jpg" /></a> </div>
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Cooking and baking with the kids is one of my favorite things to do...I just wish I could find the time to do it more often!<br />
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2. A few weeks back I read on my friend Kim's blog (AKA <a href="http://www.thetomkatstudio.com/">The TomKat Studio</a>) that she was going to be in St. Paul for a conference. Kim and I used to spend many late nights Facebook chatting during my Etsy days. Then I returned to teaching and her business became ridiculously huge so we haven't talked as much as we used to...but I immediately emailed her and said "You remember that I live in MN, right??!!" We made dinner plans for last Saturday night. A few days prior she posted this on Facebook...<br />
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Such a fun thing to wake up to in the morning! Saturday was the first time we met in real life and it was like we'd known each other forever.</div>
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<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday5-50.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday5-50.jpg" /></a></div>
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I ended up going out with not just Kim and the Tomkat girls but with 18 bloggers, many of whom I either follow or had heard of. It was so much fun! One in particular had me giggling the whole night. My sisters and I are <i>HUGE</i> <a href="http://whippycake.com/">Whippy Cake</a> fans...as in we all talk about her as if we know her personally. I thought all three of my sisters were going to die when Becki sent them all personal texts from her phone. She said K and K are welcome out to AZ to model any time they want. Um...do I smell girls' trip?!<br />
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3. Tate and Eric went to a Twins game on Tuesday with Braxton and Gary. E got the corporate tickets from work. They had a blast.<br />
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They even got on the jumbotron...Tate told me when he got home, "I can't believe it took me SEVEN YEARS to get on the big screen!" E said, "Tate, it took me 34 years to get on it. Tonight was my first time, too!" =)<br />
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4. Wednesday night was Avery's birthday night. Her birthday isn't until December, but after how much Tate loved going to the Children's Theater last year for his birthday, we decided to buy season tickets and take each kid on a separate date for their birthday. The play we picked for Aves was <a href="http://www.childrenstheatre.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=312&Itemid=428"><i>Mercy Watson to the Rescue</i></a>. We've read a couple of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mercy-Watson-Rescue-Kate-DiCamillo/dp/0763622702">books</a> about the toast-loving pig who always seems to save the day. She loved it as much as Tate did.<br />
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<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday1-91.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday1-91.jpg" /></a><br />
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5. Beckett has always been our most Wrigley-loving kid. This week he kept asking me to take pictures of him and Wrigs. Here are a couple of the best ones...<br />
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<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday1-92.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday1-92.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday6-45.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday6-45.jpg" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382523717296707922.post-65906289916542117322011-09-16T00:01:00.000-05:002011-10-17T10:38:26.343-05:0016 September 20111. Although she doesn't make many appearances on this blog, there is a sixth member of our family that deserves a little face time. Kara has been living with us since June. We see her most days, but she is such a busy woman that it is usually at night when we are all hanging out in sweats and aren't really ready for a photo op. This week I told her I was going to take pictures of her whether she liked it or not, so here we go.<br />
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When she is home you might catch her doing homework in her room...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday4-50.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday4-50.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Smile, Kara. I said <i>whether you like it or not</i>...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday5-51.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday5-51.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">2. If she's not here, it might mean one of several things. It might mean that she's in Duluth for school. She goes up Tuesday nights and comes home Wednesday nights. She is taking the class that goes with her internship and guitar lessons.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">3. Or it might mean that she is at her internship in the fitness center at Best Buy Headquarters.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">4. It also could be that she's serving at Canterbury, which she still does a few nights a week.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday2-63.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday2-63.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">That pic is gonna be her favorite. I camped out on the couch with my camera and she woke me up to ask me what I was doing when she got home, to which I replied "stalking you to take your picture." That's right.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">5. If its the weekend and she's not at Canterbury, there is a good chance she is with friends, in Duluth, or possibly in Madison visiting this guy...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=304387_2367963679910_1274970009_2905263_6051140_n.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/304387_2367963679910_1274970009_2905263_6051140_n.jpg" /></a></div></div></div></div></div><br />
Yep, Kara, I know how to steal pictures from your facebook page! That's such a cute picture of her and Tom, but as I was looking through I thought maybe it wasn't the best representation of them. This really shows their personalities much better...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=316201_2490757349675_1274970009_3018224_1520634471_n-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/316201_2490757349675_1274970009_3018224_1520634471_n-1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
No matter how busy she is, we sure love having her here and will keep her for as long as we can. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382523717296707922.post-9175974006323000722011-09-09T00:01:00.004-05:002011-10-12T21:49:05.439-05:009 September 20111. This week we were all back to school....except for E, but he may has well have been because if WE are on a schedule, he tends to be more on schedule. The first day of school started out with pancakes and bacon and a whole lotta picture taking.<br />
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The whole fam walked Tate to the bus at 8:09. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday3-49.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday3-49.jpg" /></a> </div><br />
2. Tate was so eager to get onto the bus and start his first day of 2nd grade that he had very little patience for pictures, displayed by his face here...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday2-60.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday2-60.jpg" /></a> </div><br />
That's the <i>please-take-the-picture-so-we-can-get-going-thank-you-very-much</i> face. He gets on the bus right at the end of our street with our neighborhood kids. He was so excited that the routes changed and that the kids from the next street over also ride our bus this year so he gets to sit with Braxton on the way to school.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday4-48.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday4-48.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">For the first half of last year Tate always sat on the right hand side of the bus so he could make sure I waved to him as he drove off. This year I got not even so much as a glance as he got on the bus. This was a little sad, but also so reassuring that he is growing up and loving school!<br />
<br />
3. After Tate was successfully off to school, it was Beckett's turn. Although this was his first day of preschool ever he has been getting hauled to Mt. Olive two or three times a week since he was in utero, so he wasn't exactly nervous about it. He was beyond excited. It was <i>his</i> turn to put his folder in the basket and to trace his name card and to play with all the toys. After a couple quick snaps and a pep talk from Dad we were off. He did have ONE moment of "<i>When are you coming back to get me</i>?" but then ran off to play with the other kids.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday5-49.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday5-49.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday6-43.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday6-43.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday7-43.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday7-43.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday8-30.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday8-30.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">4. And then there was just Avery and I. Last year I got to spend mornings with Beckett when she was at preschool. This year, I get to spend mornings with her while B is at school! She is so funny, helpful, and sensitive. She has been struggling with lots of worries these days and could really use a little extra attention...so this couldn't come at a better time. I asked her what she wanted to do while Beckett was at school and she requested a doughnut date. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday9-28.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday9-28.jpg" /></a></div></div></div><br />
Before we knew it, it was time to pick Beckers up and it was her turn to get on the bus for the first time! This was the girl who was mad because she thought Kindergarten started the Monday after she graduated from preschool last spring. Not one ounce of hesitation here!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday10-27.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday10-27.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday11-26.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday11-26.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday12-21.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday12-21.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday13-15.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday13-15.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I asked for a picture of these two goofballs together and I get a noogie. Take two went much better. Then it was off to Patti's to see how Olivia's first day was and to get Aves on the bus. Normally they would eat lunch at P's but I got to stay home a little later so that I could see her off (Thanks, Ang!). Avery has ALMOST forgiven me that I didn't put her in morning Kindergarten with O. <i> Almost</i>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday14-14.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday14-14.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday15-10.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday15-10.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday16-7.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday16-7.jpg" /></a></div><br />
5. Then it was off to my 24 other "kids"! I am so happy to be teaching only afternoons again this year. E says this will be my last part time year, so I intend on making the most of it. Happy first day of school!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382523717296707922.post-27549703795404225942011-08-30T00:01:00.000-05:002011-10-20T10:56:10.093-05:00Summer 2011<div style="text-align: left;">
Sooooooo...</div>
<br />
<br />
hmmmm...<br />
<br />
<br />
where to start.<br />
<br />
This was supposed to be a 8 July 2011 post with pics from the lake on the 4th of July. There's lots of reasons its not. This summer was harder than I thought it would be for numerous reasons...knee surgery among other things that I won't bore you with. I did however have lots of fun spending time with my kiddos...they are little nutballs who are growing so fast.<br />
<br />
Okay, so did you make sure you went to the bathroom and got yourself a snack? This is going to be a long one! I'm talking like 108 pictures, peeps. Here's the summer overview...the <i>five</i> from the summer. <br />
<br />
1. The lake...<br />
<br />
I know I've had plenty of pics already, but ask any of the kids and the very favorite part of the summer would be running off the end of the dock at the lake.<br />
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<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday6-42.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday6-42.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday7-42.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday7-42.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday5-48.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday5-48.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday8-29.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday8-29.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday9-27.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday9-27.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday11-25.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday11-25.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday12-20.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday12-20.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday10-26.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday10-26.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday29-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday29-2.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday30-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday30-2.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday23-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday23-2.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday27-3.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday27-3.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday19-6.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday19-6.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday13-14.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday13-14.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday16-6.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday16-6.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday21-3.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday21-3.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday26-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday26-2.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday31-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday31-2.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday32-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday32-1.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday28-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday28-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday24-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday24-2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday18-6.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday18-6.jpg" /></a></div>
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2. Baseball...<br />
<br />
Tate played Nearball two nights a week again this summer. Eric enjoyed coaching with Gary again this year. We were so excited that HE was more excited about it this year. No more bird watching!<br />
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<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday14-12.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday14-12.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday15-8.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday15-8.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday7-41.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday7-41.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday8-28.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday8-28.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday9-26.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday9-26.jpg" /></a></div>
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Avery played Teeball two mornings a week. She had lots of fun and is a great hitter...her least favorite part is that she had to hit off the tee!<br />
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<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday1-85.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday1-85.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday5-47.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday5-47.jpg" /></a></div>
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Beckett, though not old enough to play organized ball, spent lots of his summer playing. He is definitely the baseball enthusiast of the house. After Tate's games we would have a Newman family game til the sun went down. All he wanted for his birthday this year was real cleats and a Twins jersey. I see quite a few years at the field for this little fella.<br />
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<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday17-6.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday17-6.jpg" /></a> </div>
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<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday19-5.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday19-5.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday1-86.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday1-86.jpg" /></a></div>
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3. Hair cuts...<br />
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After fighting with Avery for months about brushing her hair, I finally had enough of the fight and got her to agree to chop her hair. We started out slow but have gone shorter since.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Before</i></div>
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<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday2-57.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday2-57.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>After</i></div>
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<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday3-46.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday3-46.jpg" /></a></div>
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While we were there, Kasey talked Beckett into a much shorter cut as well. He seemed to grow up in 15 minutes!<br />
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<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday4-45.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday4-45.jpg" /></a></div>
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4. Friends and fam...<br />
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The time spent with friends this summer was fabulous. All five of us are blessed with great people in our lives.<br />
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<i>At John and Sara's pool with Paige</i></div>
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<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday1-84.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday1-84.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>At the ballpark with Brielle</i><br />
<i><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday12-19.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday12-19.jpg" /></a> </i><br />
<i>Collecting Treasures at Gigi and Grandpa Merle's</i><br />
<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday1-88.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday1-88.jpg" /></a><br />
<i>At the Corn Chaff Days Parade with Addie and Livi</i></div>
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<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday5-46.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday5-46.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>At the Lake with the Pankakes</i></div>
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<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday8-27.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday8-27.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday7-40.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday7-40.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>At National Night Out with the Culdesac Kids</i></div>
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<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday9-25.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday9-25.jpg" /></a><br />
<i>With Grandma Lois at Kara's Grad Party</i><br />
<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday2-59.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday2-59.jpg" /></a><br />
<i>At CJ's Cabin with Molly, Leah, and CJ</i><br />
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<i>At the Savage Fountain Park with the Preschool Crew</i><br />
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<br />
5. Beckett's birthday party...<br />
<br />
The end of summer now means Beckett's birthday party. Because we celebrate with cousin Jackson whose birthday is August 2nd, we have their birthday right before school starts so that it is the middle of the birthdays. An added bonus is I get it done before I go back to school! Rach and I have so much fun planning together.<br />
<br />
This year we had a <i>Go Dog. Go!</i> party based on one of our favorite books of all time. I can still hear my mom reading it to me!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The Birthday Boys</i></div>
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<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday10-20.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday10-20.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The Decor</i><br />
<i><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday5-42.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday5-42.jpg" /></a> </i><br />
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<i>Do you like my hat?</i><br />
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<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday1-83.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday1-83.jpg" /></a><br />
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<i>Go, Dogs. Go!</i><br />
<i> </i><br />
<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday3-42.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday3-42.jpg" /></a><br />
<i> </i><br />
<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday2-56.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday2-56.jpg" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday3-45.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday3-45.jpg" /></a><br />
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<i>A Big Dog Party</i><br />
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<i>The Guest Book</i><br />
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</i><br />
<i>Other Random Party Favorites</i><br />
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Did you make it through? I'm impressed. Enough for tonight.<br />
<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday8-24.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday8-24.jpg" /></a><br />
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382523717296707922.post-13691841610543251502011-07-01T00:01:00.001-05:002011-07-26T08:58:55.121-05:001 July 2011As I mentioned last week, E and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary on the 23rd. For our 5 year anniversary, I planned a surprise trip to New York City. By surprise I mean that though E knew we were going, he didn't know WHERE we were going. We decided it was so fun that we would repeat on our 10th anniversary only this time I didn't know where we were going. After a long 5 months of me begging E not to give it away, I found out at the ticket counter when the lady said "Where are you headed today?" and E replied "San Francisco!" So here are the <i>five</i> days of our vacation!<br />
<br />
1. Day One: Twins Game and Anniversary Dinner<br />
<br />
For my 30th birthday, one of E's goals for my 30 in my 30s "assignment" was to visit 5 away stadiums to see a Twins game. I mentioned to him back in January that if they were playing somewhere cool this summer we should probably try to combine seeing a game with our anniversary trip, even if it wasn't exactly on our anniversary. He checked the Twins schedule and screamed "I know where we are going and we can go ON our anniversary!" So I spent the next 6 months avoiding a Twins schedule and the last month even avoiding the sports segment on the news.<br />
<br />
We decided to walk the mile from our hotel to the stadium and on the way we found my favorite street...so what if they spelled it wrong?! Nothing one shoe couldn't take care of! <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday1-78.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday1-78.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday2-51.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday2-51.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The game was really fun even though we didn't win. We had plenty of friendly banter going with all the Giants friends around us. The stadium was nice...we still like Target Field better except that there is no view of the OCEAN like there was there! So cool to be right on the bay.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday4-39.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday4-39.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
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That evening we went out for a nice dinner down by the Bay Bridge. Great food, great service, great company.<br />
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2. Day Two: Fisherman's Wharf and Alcatraz<br />
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Friday we rode the cable cars down to Fisherman's Wharf and spent the day walking around.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday7-34.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday7-34.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday9-20.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday9-20.jpg" /></a></div><br />
It was fun seeing all the sights on Pier 39 and there was great people watching throughout the day.<br />
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At night we took a tour of Alcatraz. This doesn't SOUND that fun, but it was sooooo interesting. We both loved it.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday13-9.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday13-9.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday11-18.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday11-18.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday12-15.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday12-15.jpg" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">3. Day Three: Biking the Bridge</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This was by far our favorite day of the trip. We rented bikes on Fisherman's Wharf and biked over the Golden Gate.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday17-4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday17-4.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday16-3.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday16-3.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We kept biking past the bridge to a cute yuppity little town called Sausalito where we stopped for ice cream.<br />
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Then we had to decide whether to bike back or keep going and ride the ferry back over the bay. We decided to keep going and ended up riding 18 miles total...not too shabby when you factor in the hills and that we were on vacation! This next pic was taken towards the end of our ride. We had to stop and point to the Golden Gate that we had rode over at the beginning of the afternoon...<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Such a fun day.<br />
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4. Day 4: Muir Woods and Wine Tour<br />
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Sunday we had booked a wine tour in Sonoma...AFTER we learned that it was Pride Weekend in San Francisco. We might have tried to take in the parade just for the experience had we known, but there was plenty of leftover sights to see before and after the parade anyway. It was cool to see all the downtown stores transform their windows into rainbows using their products. Anyway, back to the day's events.<br />
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Our tour first stopped in Muir Woods to see the giant redwood trees. I mean GI.ANT.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday20-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday20-2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday23-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday23-1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday21-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday21-2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday22-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday22-2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The biggest redwoods are in Redwood National Forest, but these were mighty big.<br />
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Then we were on to wine country. We went to two actual wineries and then went to the plaza in Sonoma where we could walk around and sample more and eat lunch. Eric did most of the sampling for the day since I think I am allergic to wine, but I loved seeing the scenery.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday27-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday27-2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday25.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday25.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday24-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday24-1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday28.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday28.jpg" /></a></div></div></div></div></div><br />
We had such a fun group that we were touring with. Our favorites were the most fun couple from Australia who were in their NINTH week of PAID vacation and were returning the next day. I officially want to move to Australia. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday29-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday29-1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
5. Day 5: I WANT TO SEE MY KIDS.<br />
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You know how you wake up on the last day, no matter how long or short of time you've been gone, and just want to be home? That's what this day was pretty much about. We didn't even have to leave for the airport until 2 o'clock. My knee was feeling pretty awful, so I wasn't up for much of a walking tour. Our cable car passes had run out the day before. I just wanted to see the kids. Then we remembered we hadn't really gotten them anything yet, so we went on a search for the thing we'd been looking for.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday30-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday30-1.jpg" /></a> </div><br />
On every corner there were little stands of beanies being handmade and most were animals. We thought the kids would love them except they seemed a bit juvenile for Tate. After lots of searching, we found a Spiderman one for him that we knew he'd love. After a long day of travel, we finally arrived to Shakopee at about midnight.<br />
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The kids were at Rach's and we had intended on picking them up in the morning, but we couldn't wait to see them so we picked them up that night. I love seeing my kids faces after not seeing them for a few days. There really is nothing better. The next morning we gave them their hats and they were more than happy to model for me.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday31-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday31-1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It was such a fun 5 days. Thank you so much to Grandpa Rog & Grandma Becky, Rach & Brad, and Kara for all the adventures the kids had while we were gone. You're the best!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382523717296707922.post-53362923992353336792011-06-24T00:01:00.000-05:002011-07-07T09:51:51.208-05:0024 June 20101. Rach and Brad both turned 30 in May. Friday they threw themselves a birthday bash...but not just any bash. It was a creepy denim party. All guests were to dress head to toe in denim, the creepier the better. Eric decided to go redneck cowboy and I went 90s school teacher. Likey??<br />
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There was plenty of creepy to go around. Especially because E and Kasey's boyfriend Brady decided to coerce every girl at the party into a picture with them. If I had time to make a good collage it would be good. Fortunately for them I don't, so this will have to give you an idea...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday3-40.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday3-40.jpg" /></a></div><br />
It was the first time my sisters and I had all been together since Kara's return from Europe. Always so fun yet a little dangerous. =)<br />
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2. Saturday we went to Hector to spend time with Rog for Father's Day. We spent the afternoon with them and went to supper that night.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday5-39.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday5-39.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Sunday we headed to the lake to spend Father's day with my Dad.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday6-33.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday6-33.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
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3. Aside from Father's Day, we were also celebrating Kara's graduation and return from Europe, which means we have a new roommate for the next 7 months! Yippee!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday9-19.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday9-19.jpg" /></a></div><br />
4. Thursday was our 10th wedding anniversary. We credit God, humor, and vacations for still being happily married with children. More on our anniversary next week!<br />
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5. LOVE this. No explanation needed.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=270511_2214217236345_1274970009_2681641_5884103_n-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/270511_2214217236345_1274970009_2681641_5884103_n-1.jpg" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382523717296707922.post-32669373888378845552011-06-17T00:01:00.004-05:002011-07-01T16:06:11.802-05:0017 June 20111. I have officially blogged a year of our life. My first post last year was <a href="http://the-friday-five.blogspot.com/2010/06/18-june-2010.html">June 18th</a>. Now obviously I'm not saying that all of those posts have been <i>on time</i>....ahem....but its a year I will be able to show the kids when they're older and I didn't quit. Don't worry, even when my posts are three weeks late it doesn't mean I quit. =) So back to this post that I started three weeks ago...<br />
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2. Eric spent last weekend at Winstock with all his high school buddies. They always have such a good time.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday9-18.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday9-18.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday7-32.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday7-32.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">The next picture seems to sum up Thayne and Eric's 30 year friendship. Eric is always trying to get under Thayne's skin and Thayne is always acting super annoyed by his antics. Makes me giggle just looking at it.</div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday8-20.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday8-20.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Eric had Newman's Neighborhood shirts made for their whole group. It made it easier to keep Deaner from straying from the group...or at least easier for people to return him when he wandered off. =) =) =)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday11-17.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday11-17.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday12-14.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday12-14.jpg" /></a></div><br />
They all keep asking me when I am going to go...and although I DO think it would so fun, I think it is good to let Eric hang with his friends without me, too. Its not that he couldn't whoop it up when I'm there...I surely wouldn't care...but he tends not to think as much about his responsibilities if I'm not. I have zero pictures of him ever looking like this...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday10-19.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday10-19.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">3. E has another reason he might look that way in the above picture. On the way to Winstock (a few hours before this picture was taken) he found out that his real estate office in Shakopee was officially closing. While we have secretly known for months that it would happen, it didn't quite go down the way he was expecting it to, which left him worrying about his agents and his own job. Rest assured after a week of working to get people to the best placement for them, everyone found a new home...except for E, that is. Thankfully he has worked hard and done whatever they asked...not to mention his go-getter sunny attitude that drives us all nuts some days, but that serves him well in life...so they invented a job for him at Coldwell Banker Corporate for now until another manager job comes up.<br />
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4. While Eric was away, I was busy teaching the kids the really important things in life. Like, well, you know...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday5-38.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday5-38.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I love how Tate adds the crazy eyes for effect. <br />
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5. Monday I was officially out of school for the summer. I am going to try really hard this summer to keep a routine and still make the summer fun. I was talking to my friend Sue at work about how my kids lose interest in cleaning so quickly. She said she makes a list for her kids and they LOVE it. Um....duh! I sometimes make a list just to cross things off. I will even add something I've already done that day<i> just to cross it off!</i> I tried it and it worked like a charm.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday1-76.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday1-76.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday2-49.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday2-49.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The first day they cleaned for 3 hours straight with almost no whining. As you can see, my three year old even vacuum and dusts his own room! Since then I've added academic things to keep busy as well. We'll have to see if we can all keep it up this summer, but so far Aves has learned to tie her shoes, Beckett can write his name, and Tate is so into the library reading program that I have to ask him to stop reading so we can go do something else...not to mention my house has rarely looked this good since Tate was a baby!</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382523717296707922.post-35361844349907097572011-06-10T00:01:00.001-05:002011-06-11T00:00:32.983-05:0010 June 20111. Friday night Avery finally had her dance recital. She has been waiting for it for so long. A few weeks ago at dress rehearsal she got some majorly cold feet getting onto the stage...tears and all. But once she got up there she smiled and danced her tush off. Friday night she said she was nervous but was nothing but smiles from the beginning of the night to the end. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday4-35.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday4-35.jpg" /></a> </div><br />
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The recital lasted a little longer than I thought it would and the boys were home with a babysitter. I guess Rae was snapping pics while I frantically called the babysitter to reassure her that we were in fact on our way. Grandma Becky and Grandpa Rog were there, too, but I honestly didn't take one pic after the recital...these last few all are courtesy of Aunt Rae...thanks for being my picture wingman as always!<br />
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She was just beaming...especially since I told her I didn't buy any flowers, but her aunties and grandparents came through for her!<br />
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2. Saturday morning I got to join my friend Mel and Team Linc at the State Fair Grounds to participate in the Baby Steps 3K to support Children's Hospital NICU. I took most of the pics for her, so am not in many, but I did have Mel's husband Derek snap this one of us after we were done with the walk. I'm happy to report that Linc is doing really well right now. The power of prayer, people, the power of prayer!<br />
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3. I swear you are going to be SO SICK of lake pics by the end of the summer. It was supposed to be an awesome weekend weather wise, so we headed out on the spur of the moment after the walk on Saturday. The weather was in fact awesome and we enjoyed the newly finished deck {besides all the army worms that the kids collected in empty beer bottles}, the swing we gave mom and dad for Christmas, raked the seaweed that had blown in out of the swimming area {I was obsessed and could barely move my arms and shoulders the next day as proof!}, and swam a ton. Such a relaxing weekend!<br />
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</div>We had to sneak this last picture. E and I were enjoying the night on the deck before we left for home. The kids were all washed up and ready for the ride, so they hid themselves around the corner of the new deck and made a book they didn't want us to see until they were finished. It was too cute not to document so I snuck through the garage and got a pic without them knowing it. =)<br />
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4. The kids all just finished their first session at FOSS Swim School. For the longest time we have said we wouldn't pay <i>that much</i> for swimming lessons, but we have learned the hard way that you get what you pay for. With as much time as they will spend in the water this summer, it was time to bite the bullet and pay for serious lessons (this is really no offense to community ed...there is just no way a 16 year old with 10 kids in her class can produce quality results at the ages the kids are!). They all three did great and loved every second of it!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday9-16.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday9-16.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday8-18.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday8-18.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday7-30.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday7-30.jpg" /></a></div><br />
5. I found my kids in the garage while I was making supper on Wednesday making a "Frog House." They were working so well together (for the first half hour at least!) and had every art supply and tool pulled off E's peg board. That is one big flag for that little frog's house!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday10-17.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday10-17.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday11-15.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday11-15.jpg" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382523717296707922.post-34657439193719315042011-06-03T00:01:00.008-05:002011-06-11T00:10:41.727-05:003 June 20111. Friday Aves graduated from Mount Olive Preschool. There was no lack of cute kids or songs during the program...<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">Here she is receiving her diploma, with her graduating class, and in the receiving line with best friend Olivia...<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday5-34.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday5-34.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday1-71.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday1-71.jpg" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">Each student had their own table to sit at for the reception decorated with their work. It is amazing to see how much she's changed since orientation night last fall! What a difference a year makes...</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">It made me laugh that the day they took the pictures (unbeknownst to me!) of her in her gown she was wearing the exact outfit that she was wearing the day they took those orientation pictures...see it peeking out from underneath the gown?</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">What a lucky girl to have so many people come to support her. Grandpa Keith and Grandma Becky both were busy with planting season (what there was of one before all the rain. =( so they had to miss.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Picnikcollage-88-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Picnikcollage-88-1.jpg" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">2. After graduation E and I ran to work and Beckett and Avery took off with Grandma for the lake. When Tate was home from school and we were home from work, we took off, too. It was a nice, relaxing, yet strange trip with only one kid in tow. I think even Tate thought it was weird being alone with us, because when we stopped at Pizza Ranch and they said "Two adults and one child?" Tate said, "Well, we usually have THREE kids, but my brother and sister aren't here." </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">3. The first Memorial Day weekend at the lake was as awesome as we thought it would be. The best weather was on Saturday and we spent that whole day outside. The boat made it in the water and onto the lift, Brad christened the dock with a cannon ball, the kids swam and fished, and E went skiing for the first time...all in all a great weekend!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday8-17.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday8-17.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">4. On Monday we went to our friend Aubrey's first birthday party. I don't usually include pics from other kids birthdays because our friends are having so many kids it would take up half our blog, plus I don't always bring my camera. This time I was assigned to taking pics for the day and this one of Avery, our neighbor Addie, and Aubrey's cousin Ariana was just too cute. You can kind of see the red corvette in the corner coming up behind them...that is Tate and Beckett in hot pursuit of the girls. =)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">5. Thursday was Tate's last day of first grade. He had such a great year and it was amazing to watch my own kid become such a reader. When he got home that day I said, "Tate, you're officially a second grader!" In true Tate fashion, he said, "Mom, can we just not talk about it for the summer? I'm not really IN second grade yet, but I'm done with first grade, so it just doesn't feel like I am in a grade. We'll talk about it in the fall." Okay, Tater, whatever you say! =)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382523717296707922.post-2551652192250435232011-05-27T00:01:00.012-05:002011-05-27T02:22:09.885-05:0027 May 20111. Friday E accompanied Tate and his class on a field trip to the zoo. They had a great time and came home with some good stories. He was in charge of a group of 5 boys and they were pretty much on their own all day. Let's just say E might have gotten a tiny glimpse into what it is like to be a teacher. =) He's going to keep his day job, but really did enjoy it. I sent the camera with him, thinking that he would have someone take a picture of him and Tate so that we'd have record of them going together. The problem with that is that you have to actually SAY THAT OUT LOUD to a Dad so that they know that's what you meant and I didn't. My bad, E. MY. BAD.<br />
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2. Friday night Tate had his first piano recital. He did such a good job...all the kids did. Maddie Murphy, our neighbor and the piano teacher's daughter, completely astounded us! She was sooooo good that we couldn't stop talking about it all night.<br />
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Tate said he was shaking in his seat because he was so nervous. I think Kerry was trying to calm him a bit here...<br />
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But when he got up there, he said the nerves went away and besides a couple minor glitches that probably the people that haven't listened to him practice it 1,000 times didn't even notice, he did GREAT. We were very proud. He even remembered to bow.<br />
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3. Saturday night was my guitar recital. I tried to keep it a secret so no one had to sit through the agony of a recital two nights in a row, but E ended up telling my mom...so thanks Mom for giving up your Saturday night to sit through another recital. I'm sure you thought those days were over, at least when it comes to watching me!<br />
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I can pretty much say ditto about the whole experience that Tate said the night before...shaking backstage, nerves going away once on stage, and went fine except for a couple of minor glitches that probably no one noticed.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday6-28.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday6-28.jpg" /></a> </div><br />
I had to laugh when I watched the video tape. Towards the end of the song Tate whispered to Eric "WHY is she so obsessed with this song?!" I started laughing and told him I wasn't obsessed with the song...that I had to practice it a lot so I could play it well at the recital. DOES HE THINK <i>WE</i> DON'T KNOW <i>HIS</i> SONGS BY HEART AFTER 15,000,000,000 TIMES OF HIM PRACTICING IT OVER THE LAST MONTH?? =)<br />
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4. Beckett and Avery set up shop in our living room this week using their Anywhere Chairs and bathroom stools to make a lemonade stand and a food stand. I love that no matter what toys you buy your kids, they will always choose to use ordinary objects and their imaginations instead. LOVE. <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday8-16.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday8-16.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">5. Last night my friend Molly was in town from Kansas City. Her, Tracie, and I ended up talking until 1 am when we finally decided we all had real life to deal with in the morning and we'd better call it a night...except for Molly who had an ice cream date with her grandparents when she got to their house! Gotta love a grandparents who stay up later than you do! So good to see you, Mol. Move back to MN, pretty please?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday5-33.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday5-33.jpg" /></a></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382523717296707922.post-48272637173657510082011-05-20T00:01:00.001-05:002011-05-24T00:39:31.018-05:0020 May 20111. Friday night Rach, Kasey, Brady, and I headed up to Duluth to celebrate Kara's graduation from UMD. We went to <i>Grandma's</i> to see Johnny Holm...its been about 11 years since I've been to Johnny but it was just as fun as ever. I laughed pretty much the entire time.<br />
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Saturday it was commencement day. Let me just say a three hour graduation goes so much faster when they sell concessions and cushy seats!!<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=IMG_8312-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/IMG_8312-1.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=IMG_8305-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/IMG_8305-1.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">2. Sunday Kara moved all her stuff into our house, where she will be staying at least through Christmas. Tate asked her now that she graduated what grade she is in now. She said that she is done with school and wouldn't be in a grade. Tate said, "Does that mean you're an adult now?" Ha! Before she becomes and adult she left on a plane on Monday for a month long trip to Europe {mostly Italy} where she is taking a class with a bunch of other UMD Community Health majors. Follow her adventures....</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Screenshot2011-05-23at110935PM-1.png" /><a href="http://ciao-4-now.blogspot.com/">http://ciao-4-now.blogspot.com/</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
3. Tuesday was Tate's Track and Field Day at school. Each kid got to pick 3 events to participate in. Tate chose the 500 yard dash, the hippity hop, and the bean bag toss. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday3-34.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday3-34.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday1-68.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday1-68.jpg" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday6-27.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday6-27.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">He really just cracks us up. He wouldn't take his jacket or his visor off for any event and was just totally happy with whatever happened...he doesn't have an ultra competitive gene, that's for sure! He's happy when he wins but is kind of oblivious when he doesn't. E swears he thinks he was the same way at this age. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">He really gave it his all when their whole class got to participate in the tug-of-war against the other 6 first grade classes.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday5-32.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday5-32.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday1-69.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday1-69.jpg" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday7-27.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday7-27.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Victory bracelets!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">4. Avery was so excited to finally count to 100 at preschool on Wednesday! It's the sought after milestone of the four year old class. Yippee, Avery!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday1-67.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday1-67.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">5. When Tate was three he started to try to crawl in our bed in the middle of the night. We went a year with resisting and continued to put him back in his room many times nightly and were close to having him sleep in his room all night alone again. Then I entered my PDP Etsy coma and when I would finally go up to bed at an undisclosed hour Eric would have one or two kids sleeping with him. For the past three years there were 5 of us in our queen bed by 6 am...something I swore would NEVER happen.<br />
<br />
A couple weeks ago, we were finally ready to bite the bullet. We put up a gate on our bedroom door and told the kids they were no longer allowed in our bed until 6 am. We did give them the incentive of getting the pillow pets they had been wanting since last fall if they could go 14 days without making too much of a fuss about having to sleep in their own beds. Amazingly, they have adjusted pretty nicely! Beckett has cried only a couple of times. Avery occasionally comes to the gate and says "Mom and Dad, are you still in there?" As long as we respond she goes right back to bed. Tate was already sleeping all night in his own, so he was no problem.<br />
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We made our way to the mall to make good on our promise...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday2-43.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday2-43.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Umm...gulp. Those things are not cheap. But all in all a price I will pay for a better night's sleep, I guess! </div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382523717296707922.post-81672911925660729192011-05-13T00:01:00.001-05:002011-05-23T22:42:26.102-05:0013 May 20111. The garage sale went well, but we always wonder after all that work if it is worth it, or if we would have been better off just dropping it all off at Goodwill. In any case, the stuff is all gone, either bought or now donated, and THAT feels good. <br />
<br />
2. Friday night we went with Kelley and Gary to a Minute to Win It party with a bunch of other Shakopee people they know from daycare and preschool. It was pretty much hilarious. We each had to bring a challenge for teams to complete. We drew for partners when we got there...E and I were the only couple that actually drew each other! I didn't know at first whether that was a good thing or a bad thing.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=May0522-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/May0522-1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
We ended up winning the entire game and 80 bucks! As you can probably tell from the names of many of the challenges there was no lack of entertainment. Such a fun night with a lot of fun people!<br />
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3. Saturday we headed to Hector to see our moms for Mother's Day. We made our annual trip to <a href="http://www.babesblossoms.com/">Babe's Blossoms</a> to get gift certificates for them and some flowers for us. Then we stopped at Becky's work to say hi and then ate dinner with my mom. They are really the two best moms and mother-in-laws E and I ever could have asked for. We both scored in that department. Not to mention how our kids scored in the grandma department!<br />
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4. Sunday the kids and E took me out to brunch at Bonfire (yum!) and then we hit a few showings on houses in the area. We forever have our eyes out for the perfect house close enough to Shakopee but "in the country."<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday7-26.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday7-26.jpg" /></a> </div><br />
Then the kids let me take a nap as the last part of my mother's day gift (the pic is right after my nap when we realized we hadn't taken one yet...can you tell? LOL). Here are some of the other gifts I got:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Picnikcollage-84-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Picnikcollage-84-1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>School Mother's Day projects from Tate and Aves...LOOOOOVE!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday12-11.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday12-11.jpg" /></a> </i> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Flowers planted at Patti's from the kids and a pedicure gift certificate from E and the kiddos</i></div><br />
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One of the best parts of my gift was that E planned a day off of work to stay with the kids so that I could spend the day with two of my college besties in June. Can't wait!<br />
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5. It is pretty normal around here for household objects to become microphones. This particular Thursday a hairbrush and a spatula along with a play microphone became the way to perform Justin Bieber's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Z5-P9v3F8w"><i>Never Say Never</i></a>...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Picnikcollage-85-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Picnikcollage-85-1.jpg" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382523717296707922.post-19189724311193767092011-05-06T00:01:00.000-05:002011-05-15T16:45:31.328-05:006 May 20111. Friday night E and I were both fried. We decided to go to Pablo's, our favorite local Mexican restaurant. In our pre-kids years, we used to go there almost every weekend with Kelley and Gary, so we decided since we hadn't been there forever we'd call the Pankake's to see if they wanted to come. It felt like old times!<br />
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2. While getting ready to leave for Pablo's I overheard Tate and Braxton having a conversation that was so cute it just cracked me up...<br />
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Tate: <i>Brax, are we just friends or are we like best friends?</i><br />
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Braxton: <i>Best friends...you know, like BFFs!</i><br />
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Avery and Brielle had a similar conversation in the car on the way home from dance this week. Avery has been pretty aware lately that she doesn't have a sister and wishes she did. I don't know where she is getting it from, but it is the one thing about our family that bugs me, too. I am so close to my sisters that I wish that Ave had one, too. So anyway, the conversation went something like this...<br />
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Avery: {{<i>fake burp</i>}} <br />
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Brielle: {{<i>extreme giggles</i>}}<br />
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Avery: <i>Mom, I wish I had a sister and I would want her to be just like Brielle!</i><br />
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Brielle: <i>And I want a sister just like Avery!</i><br />
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Me: <i>That's so nice. Avery, why do you want a sister like Brielle?</i><br />
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Avery: <i>Because she laughs at EVERYTHING that I do!</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
Brielle: {{<i>more giggling</i>}}<br />
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3. This last week pretty much had one focus...getting ready for our garage sale. Rach and Brad's basement was getting too full of clothes and toys, and while they are not sure they are done having kids there was plenty to get rid of. Saturday E cleaned out our garage (which was on our spring list anyway) and Rach and I spent every night of the week getting things sorted and priced. It wasn't nearly as bad as I was anticipating because it was so fun talking the whole time. The kids had lots of fun using the cars that we had to leave parked outside as an obstacle course with their plasma cars and bikes.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday1-65.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday1-65.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday2-41.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday2-41.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday3-32.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday3-32.jpg" /></a></div><br />
4. Sunday morning was my last day teaching Toddler Sunday School at church for the year. The first Sunday of every month I have taught 18 month - 3 year olds during education hour. Beckett was in my group again this year, so its fun. Next year he will be in Sunday School with the big kids. There were several kids that attended through the year, but only Beckett and a little girl named Sophie made it every single month. Beckett and I both LOVE Sophie so it was extra fun. She was NOT interested in me taking a picture of her, so this is the closest we got!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday4-30.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday4-30.jpg" /></a> </div><br />
5. Thursday was my sister's 30th birthday...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Screenshot2011-05-08at60002PM-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Screenshot2011-05-08at60002PM-1.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Aye aye aye! We celebrated with tacos and garage sale set up. Happy birthday, Rae!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382523717296707922.post-19772620345941330522011-04-29T00:01:00.001-05:002011-05-01T22:19:27.880-05:0029 April 20111. Last Sunday we celebrated Easter for the whole weekend in Hector. We stayed at the farm and got to celebrate with my family, grandparents, and aunt on Saturday. E went into town and hung out with his high school buddies on Saturday night and had so much fun. Sunday we went to church at Swedlanda and then headed to Rog & Becky's for Easter with the Schei family. The camera, which I had charged and packed, was left on our kitchen counter. Thank you, Becky, for sending this one for us!!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday1-64.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday1-64.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">2. Monday Tate had his recheck for his broken collarbone. He has developed quite a bump at the break spot and still has some pain, but they were very pleased with how he was healing and told him he could ride bike, go out to recess, play in phy ed, and even take swimming lessons in a few weeks! They told him to be smart about the things he does...there are definitely still some "Absolutely not!"s flying around here, but he is happy to have a little more freedom. He still protects that arm by holding it to his body which he is SURE is the reason he came in 3rd in the mile run in gym this week instead of 2nd like he did in the fall. =) <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday4-29.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday4-29.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">3. Avery yelled to me one morning this week to come quick. As I ran to the living room she said..."He's a wild animal, but he sure laughs a lot!!" They have found lots of uses for their new jump ropes from the Easter Bunny, though not one of them has been jumping rope...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday3-31.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday3-31.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday2-40.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday2-40.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>4. We are just as tired as everyone else here in Minnesota is with the weather. Monday's 67 degrees was such a tease. We did take advantage of every second, but we are ready for a real spring to get here before its supposed to be summer! Here is Beckett trying out the bike horn he got from the Easter Bunny...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday5-30.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday5-30.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">You're welcome, neighbors. I don't know which was more annoying...him honking his horn or when he learned to blow E's trumpet in the garage!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">5. When we were at the farm for Easter my mom borrowed me her Nook and told me I had to read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Heaven-Real-Little-Astounding-Story/dp/0849946158"><i>Heaven Is For Real</i></a>. I couldn't put it down and when I finished it Tuesday morning I immediately told everyone including my pastor they HAD to read it. If you haven't read it yet, go buy it. For real, people...<b>life</b> <b>changing</b>. </div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382523717296707922.post-5885433326233559782011-04-22T00:01:00.002-05:002011-04-23T00:45:41.115-05:0022 April 2011 1. We'll start with an update about Tater. After the first couple days of not feeling so well E took him back to the doctor on Friday afternoon. The doctor wasn't so pleased with the ER...the sling they gave him was way too big and was basically doing nothing. They ditched the sling and gave him a brace that goes around both shoulders which made him much more comfortable. My mom came and rescued him Saturday morning and took him overnight to the cabin. He enjoyed being waited on hand and foot, getting one on one time with Grandma and Grandpa, and escaping his brother and sister for a couple days.<br />
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A huge thank you to everyone who called or sent cards or gifts. Tate surely felt loved by many this week!<br />
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2. After we dropped Tate off with my mom we were off to the annual Atterson Egg Hunt. Tate was sad to have to miss but he couldn't lean over comfortably to gather eggs anyway.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday6-24.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday6-24.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday7-25.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday7-25.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday9-13.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday9-13.jpg" /></a> </div><br />
Despite the cold weather the kids loved it as always. Beckett even found the egg that won him a set of Resurrection Eggs.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday10-14.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday10-14.jpg" /></a> </div><br />
The Attersons are such a nice family and our kids love playing with their kids. They hide over 1,000 eggs for the 35 kids they invite to this event. This picture cracks me up. I love Judy's face after Rob said he was going to sing a song.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday4-28.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday4-28.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Despite her worries, he did a great job leading the kids in a round of <i>Jesus Loves Me</i>.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday5-29.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday5-29.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">3. Tuesday night I went to the last ECFE session I will ever go to. Next week E will take Beckett to his last class. Becks has loved ECFE this year (after crying the first few weeks last fall during the separation portion) and especially likes singing and his teacher, Miss Jackie.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday12-10.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday12-10.jpg" /></a> </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday1-63.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday1-63.jpg" /></a> </div><br />
Its kind of weird to think that we are done with this portion of our lives...all our kids have gone through their classes and is just one more reminder how fast they are growing.<br />
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4. Last night was finally the night to take Tate to see <i>Annie</i>. We gave him tickets for his birthday and have been looking forward to it ever since.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday11-12.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday11-12.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I only took our small snap camera with me and apparently didn't notice on the screen that his eyes were closed!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday2-39.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday2-39.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It was completely awesome. Tate loved everything about it...the sets, the actors, the music...everything. We had second row seats and it was like we were on stage. He asked if we could do this for every birthday...which E and I had already decided we were going to make a tradition. Then he said, "But it is soooooo loooong until I turn 8!" He also told us he wanted to be in a play some day, which we would love, too! It was such a great night and so fun to spend some time with Tate one on one.<br />
<br />
5. I am having trouble thinking of a fifth thing for this week's <i>five</i>, so I just asked E to help me. He suggested several stupid things that had nothing to do with our family. Kara, Kasey, and I realized he couldn't concentrate on what I was saying because he was googling an American flag Speedo to wear to the cabin this summer for laughs. No one wants to see that Newmie. No. One. That will have to be number 5. Over and out.</div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382523717296707922.post-29615600444365794632011-04-15T00:01:00.001-05:002011-04-15T10:52:29.407-05:0015 April 20111. I said that nothing before or after we went to Florida was worth posting during that two week period. Most things weren't, but there was one thing that I definitely have to post. Two days before we left for Florida we surprised my Grandma and Grandpa with an 80th birthday party.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday1-62.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday1-62.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday2-38.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday2-38.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The whole celebration got a bit delayed by my grandpa's unexpected trip to the doctor, but they were both so pleasantly surprised when they finally arrived that it made it all worth it. They really are AWESOME grandparents. All of us grandkids are so lucky to have them!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday3-30.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday3-30.jpg" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">2. Now onto THIS week...I spent last Sunday with two of my besties from high school. Milena was in town from Colorado to surprise her dad for his birthday and we got to steal her away for the afternoon. I am so mad at myself for not bringing a camera. We did have quite the afternoon with plenty of laughter. We even set Tracie up with Facebook (finally, woman!) and made plans for a new secret project. Cross your fingers things will go well. =)</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
3. In February Tate's class did a project based on the book Flat Stanley. I was soooo excited because I did this project with my class when I was student teaching. The book is about a boy who gets flattened by a bulletin board falling on him. His parents decide to send him around the world in an envelope now that he is flat. Each kid in Tate's class made a Flat Me and had to decide somewhere to send themselves. Tate couldn't decide where to send his. E and I suggested he send it to my friend Renè in Australia. Tate agreed that it would be cool, but at that point we really had no idea just how cool it would be.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday16-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday16-2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday17-3.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday17-3.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Tate became kind of disappointed as all his friends Flat Mes started to return and still no sign of Flat Tate. Most kids sent theirs to a different state or even somewhere in Minnesota. It took a week just to get to Australia! The wait got even longer, as fate would have it, because it worked out that Renè got to take Flat Tate on her volunteer trip to Africa, too. Bonus trip!<br />
<br />
Fast forward to Monday. Tate came in the door yelling "I already know what my high is for the day! Flat Tate came back today. Mom, I was with a LION!!!!"<br />
<br />
Renè had already sent me the pictures via email, but we decided to let Tate be surprised when they arrived at school so we didn't show any to him. She had sent about 5 pics to him at school but I showed him all of them that night. I can't even tell you how excited he was. Here are some of the highlights...<br />
<br />
Flat Tate by the Sydney Harbor Bridge (that Tate just saw on Oprah not long ago!!)...<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday8-14.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday8-14.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">and the Sydney Opera House (which Tate said he knows from Finding Nemo??)...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday18-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday18-2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Then they were off to Africa, where Flat Tate saw a LOT of animals. He just couldn't believe it!!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Picnikcollage-83-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Picnikcollage-83-1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">He liked the one of the safari driver and his weapon, too. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday13-6.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday13-6.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">He only wishes he was there in real life to see all those animals. He was also over the top excited about the school children Renè worked with, too. He said "I went to school even in Africa!!" =)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday15-4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday15-4.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I haven't seen Renè's letter yet or the pictures she sent. When he brings it home I will take a pic and add it to this post, but I think it will be hanging up a school for a bit.<br />
<br />
Thank you, Renè, for being just OCD enough (her words...love it!) to do such an awesome job with this project. Love you, Soufflè!!<br />
<br />
4. That is kind of where things for Tate take a nasty turn. His stellar week turned sour on Wednesday night. I had gone to my friend Mel's to see baby Linc but got a phone call from E after I'd been there a half an hour saying he was 99% sure Tate had broken his collar bone while playing tag with some kids in the back yard. I could hear Tate in hysterics, which is NOT like him at all. This kid has a high pain tolerance. As I rushed home, this picture came to mind...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday4-27.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday4-27.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Yes, unfortunately this is not the first time T has had a broken collar bone. He broke the exact same bone close to the same spot when he was 18 months old. After his 6th and quickest trip to the emergency room (I swear this kid is not wild...I do not know WHAT the deal is!) we were home again. There isn't much you can do for a broken collar bone except sling it and take Tylenol and Ibuprofen. He was concerned Thursday morning about picking out an outfit that looked good with his sling. He settled for this one...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday7-24.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday7-24.jpg" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">He tried school all day Thursday but I got a call and left work early to get him. The nurse and his teacher said he tried so hard to stick it out, but they could tell he was miserable. He has had a really positive attitude about the whole thing, but he just keeps remembering all the things that he can't do for the next 6 weeks...piano, swimming lessons, recess, gym, riding bike and scooter. His face kind of says it all, doesn't it? He had a rough evening and start to this morning, so E is going to pick him up at noon today so he can try to get some rest when his brother and sister aren't here. Say an extra prayer for him that he will heal quickly, will you?<br />
<br />
5. After E got home last night and we got the kids fed and settled, I got the word we had been waiting for all day...my friend Leah had her baby. I asked Rach to ride along with me to keep me company and we headed to Wisconsin to see the baby for a bit. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Maddox Jon Wahlberg</div><div style="text-align: center;">4.14.2011</div><div style="text-align: center;">9 lbs 6 oz</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday6-23.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday6-23.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday5-28.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday5-28.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Love that hair! Congrats, Wahlberg Party of 4!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382523717296707922.post-34613291548292561942011-04-01T00:01:00.006-05:002011-04-08T09:35:20.852-05:001 April 2011We are home from Florida. It was sooooo fun. It is going to two weeks' posts to cover it all, but that's okay since I am still behind by one anyway! Nothing we did before we left two Mondays ago was that exciting nor is anything we did since we got home this Monday! We have been planning this trip since I was pregnant with Beckett. Tate was the age then that Beckett is now and he seemed like he would be a great age to take to Disney World, so we decided then we would take the kids when they were 3, 5, and 7. We'll start at the beginning...<br />
<br />
1. The kids were ready to leave for the airport bright and early Monday morning at 8:30...including shoes on, hair brushed, and backpacks on. The only problem with that is that the driver wasn't coming to pick us up until 12:30! They were troopers in the airport waiting for our delayed flight due to storms in Florida.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday1-59.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday1-59.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The flight went really well, too. It was Beckett's first flight and Tate's first flight that he can remember. They both loved the entire thing from beginning to end.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday2-36.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday2-36.jpg" /></a> </div><br />
Avery, who did great on our flight two years ago, decided the last 20 minutes of the flight that she does NOT like turbulance. Due to the thunderstorms our descent was pretty bumpy. She cried the entire time, while the boys acted as though it was the best ride at Disney. Beckett even shouted "That was <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Off%20the%20hoozle">off the hoozle</a>!!" after the plane jerked and he bumped around in the seat. Avery asked if we could drive home instead of fly, but actually did very well on the flight home.<br />
<br />
2. We tried to spend every other day chilling at the pool at our condo. I say tried, because we did get rained out one day. We loved our hotel condo (especially having a kitchen and laundry!) and the pool was awesome for the kids. We ate our breakfasts and lunches at the condo, out on the balcony when we could!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday3-29.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday3-29.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday9-11.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday9-11.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday4-26.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday4-26.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday7-23.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday7-23.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday5-27.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday5-27.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday6-22.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday6-22.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday11-10.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday11-10.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=FRiday12-8.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/FRiday12-8.jpg" /></a></div></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday34.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday34.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday35.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday35.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday36.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday36.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday37.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday37.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">3. Of course Disney World was the most exciting part of the trip. Because we knew it was the trip of a lifetime, we decided to get our annual family pictures taken at the park. I will eventually use the next post for all of those when I get them, so I'll have the complete funny story on those when I get them.<br />
<br />
We spent both Wednesday and Friday at the Magic Kingdom. We would go early in the morning, stay for 4 hours, come home for lunch and a nap or swim, then go back to the park at 5 and stayed until 11 or midnight. It worked out perfectly! Some things we rode together as a family and sometimes we split up with the kids to take them on the things they liked best. Tate was tall enough to ride roller coasters and loved Space Mountain the best. Avery HATES anything that goes up and down so her favorite rides were the Teacups and It's a Small World. Beckett adored the Buzz Lightyear ride. E and I honestly loved every ride we took the kids on and watching their faces through it all. We watched fireworks and the electric parade late at night. By the time we decided to ride the ferry back to the parking lot, the kids were pooped and we ended up carrying them (E carried 100 pounds worth of kids at once!) all the way back!<br />
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday8-13.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday8-13.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I didn't take many other pics in the park except for a couple with characters. We took most of those pics on E's camera phone, and unfortunately most turned out blurry. Bare with me here, people.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday42.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday42.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday1-61.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday1-61.jpg" /></a> </div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Both Tate and Beckett loved and gladly embraced every character we met. They even posed with the princesses.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday39.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday39.jpg" /></a> </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday40.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday40.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday46.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday46.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Avery, on the other hand, was completely shy and wouldn't go near any of them until the very end of when we were meeting the princesses. Princess Jasmine was especially good and Aves ran over to her right before we left and hugged her for about a minute until E finally intervened and asked if he could take her picture. Avery was beaming. Again, sorry for the blurry pics, but its too good of a memory for us not to include!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday45.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday45.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday44.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday44.jpg" /></a></div></div><br />
4. We spent one day at Cocoa Beach. It was the kids first real trip to the ocean and they loved it. We built sand castles, jumped waves, made Avery and Beckett into mermaids, Tate chased seagulls, and we played football in the sand. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday13-5.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday13-5.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday14-6.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday14-6.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday15-3.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday15-3.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday16-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday16-1.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div>As much as Avery is scared of airplane rides, roller coasters, and Disney characters, she is fearless in the water. We were constantly reminding her to come back in as she kept wading out further and further to jump another wave.<br />
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<a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday1-60.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday1-60.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We are also amazed at her ability no matter where we are to find friends. Every time we were in the pool she would find a little girl to play with. The day we were at the beach, she hung out with a little girl named Gillian for most of the afternoon. They were so cute together and asked if they could get a picture together. Gillian asked if Avery could come back this Saturday...I wish we could honor her request! <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">5. Half of our last day was spent at Gatorland. The kids did love the gators and especially loved feeding the birds, though I am hoping for Sea World or Universal next time we are there! =)<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">We rounded out the day back at the pool and packed to go home. Usually by the end of vacation E and I are both ready to come home. This time we were both wishing we had a few more days...the kids were so well behaved and we had so much fun! </div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382523717296707922.post-77115107854451934562011-03-25T00:01:00.001-05:002011-03-31T20:11:09.959-05:0025 March 2011<div style="text-align: center;">1. Saturday night I headed to River Falls for our annual girls outing. Every time we go I am reminded why college was so much fun...and these girls are just as fun now as they were then.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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We did get told my a bartender that we know that we are "officially old now, you know..." Whatever Pat. You're only as old as you feel, right?? Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight???<br />
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2. Sunday Avery had dance pictures. She finally got to put on that costume she has been drooling over and begging to wear for the past two months. As I've said before, she does not sit well for me, so I had Rachel do her hair and make-up because she thinks its FUN. Seriously...we could do the EXACT same things to her and if I did it she would whine and scream, but for Rae she will sit and smile and giggle.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday6-21.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday6-21.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Ahhh...those lashes. She didn't get those from me. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Then she posed for me while we waited in line for pictures at the studio...</div><br />
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Of course we had to get one of her and her Brielle together. They had to wear mascara and Avery was amazed at how different Brielle's eyelashes that are normally so light look so dark and beautiful! They can't wait for their recital in June when they can wear their outfits again.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">3. Beckett got strep for the second time in a month on Monday. Since the last throat culture was so fresh in his mind I told him that if he made it through it without too much crying I would get him a treat when we went to CVS to pick up his prescription. Since the Easter candy is out he immediately shouted PEEEEPS! when he saw them in the store.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Can you see him saying it? "PEEEEEEEEEPS!!" He missed school on Tuesday, but with spring break coming up we didn't want to run the risk of him getting anyone else sick and ruining any trips for any of our ECFE friends.<br />
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4. Its no secret that Beckett is obsessed with electronics just like his daddy. He always has at least one of our old and out of service phones in his pocket and is constantly taking our ipods whenever he finds them. I walked in to find him singing Katy Perry in the living room...<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">I love how a confident strong willed guy like him can pull off a hot pink ipod and sing Katy Perry without batting an eye!<br />
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5. Tuesday afternoon Tate had his Music Performance. Each class has their performance during the school day so they can have their own concert and you can see them up close. We loved it! He had given us specific instructions for weeks that we had to get there early so we could be in the front row, so he was ecstatic when he saw we were the first ones in line. I had to help him re-tuck his shirt right before showtime. I've never seen this kid so concerned with his outfit!<br />
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Tate had practiced his lines and knew them by heart, although he ended up reading from the script (as did the other kids even though I know a lot of them had theirs memorized, too!) which made them a bit less smooth than they sounded when he practiced, but overall he didn't let his nervousness get to him. We were so proud!<br />
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He was so into it we could hardly stand it. They were so cuuuute! There were many funny happenings, some that were planned and many that were not, but that made it even better. Here are our favorite parts...his two lines and the song where they all did the robot!<br />
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When it was over they told us we could take our performers with us, so we headed to Dairy Queen to celebrate. Love you, Kiddo!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/?action=view&current=Friday10-11.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r386/polkadotsandpirates/Friday10-11.jpg" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382523717296707922.post-34196857692806547202011-03-18T00:01:00.002-05:002011-03-18T16:37:24.613-05:0018 March 20111. After last week's post, Rae protested that while she loved that her kids had so much fun, she was wondering why I only posted "ugly" pictures of Finley. For one, she is not ugly, nor were the pictures. Secondly, I had five kids to take care of, so she should be glad her kid was clean regardless of whether I got her hair done or not...LOL! (Rach...stop reading that as me trying to make you look rude. IT. IS. FUNNY.) But because Finley IS quite adorable, I thought it would only be fair to post this adorable pic from yesterday...<br />
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See? She is ADORABLE and it turns out since the trip she prefers me to her own mother. <i> WINNING!</i><br />
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2. Last Friday I took the kids to get the boys haircut...it was long overdue. Avery is excited to be growing out her hair, but she loves getting it cut, too, so sometimes she gets antsy at the salon when the boys are getting theirs cut.<br />
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The salon that we go to has a case with bright colored hair extensions that Avery always drools over. The last time we were there she asked if she could get one. I told her that she had to start taking care of her own hair. Frankly, I was sick of her screaming while I brushed it, and she doesn't cry when she brushes it herself. So Friday when we were there I had forgotten all about it, but she didn't. She said "Mom, I have been brushing my own hair every day!" I couldn't argue, because she has...but I was thinking the extension might look good <i>in the summer when there was no school</i>.<br />
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A deal is a deal. I guess a $5 neon pink extension is a cheap trade for less stressful mornings, even if it is March. Our hair dresser Hannah told me AFTER it was in that they last for 3 months. GULP.<br />
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3. Over the weekend both Kara and Kasey stayed in Shakopee as part of their spring breaks from college. We took advantage of a sister day by going shopping with just the four of us. When we have no kids to worry about, the shennanigans begin...especially with this girl along...<br />
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4. Can I get <i>whoop whoop</i> for the weather this week?! Sidewalk chalk, scooters, bikes, walks, no jackets...we are READY for spring!<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">5. Yesterday was St. Patrick's Day. <br />
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We have always had this rule in our house that our cereal has to be skin colored...you know, Chex, Kix, Mini Wheats, Cheerios, Life. You get my drift. I'm trying to save my kiddos teeth here, people. About a year ago E bought a box of Lucky Charms. I said "What about the cereal rule?" He told me that the cereal was actually skin colored. I told him no tattoos in our skin colored cereal. <br />
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Then last week I saw <a href="http://www.thoughtfullysimple.com/a-lucky-breakfast/">this post</a> on one of the gazillion blogs I follow and thought maybe a special treat was in order. Everyone needs a little unexpected pot of gold at the end of their rainbow, right?<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Its amazing how a little green milk, powdered donuts, and lucky charms can raise your spirits in the morning! It may be a new tradition on St. Patty's day around here. I am not sure we will adopt the leprechaun trap that E and Tate spent so much time on for his assignment for school, but we'll have to see! </div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1