tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75549669731487607452024-02-02T19:32:58.808+01:00Miles Away.............from family and friends. Experiencing parenthood, friendship and European life--one day at a time.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05705670723604409380noreply@blogger.comBlogger159125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554966973148760745.post-39633791259208271512010-03-01T07:45:00.006+01:002010-03-01T19:08:04.700+01:00A bloggy love shout out<p>I have to give a shout out to a fabulously funny mom whom I <em>actually know in blog-land!! </em>She has a great outlook on life and really made my day this morning when I read her blog <a href="http://hausfrau4now.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#6600cc;">Hausfrau4now</span></a>. </p><p>I have already been a Mom-zilla with the kids before they left at 7 AM. Hmmm...7 AM.....could THAT have been the reason? Anyway, Lauren has been really frustrating with her lack of listening and concern when she is asked to do something (like, say...clean her room). I walked in this morning to see a huge pile of clothes on her extra bed (she has twin beds), cups, bowls, water bottles, kleenex (both new and used--ewww), Barbies, Reeses candy...you name it piled on her desk. Well, it all went in the trash can and can be retrieved (if necessary) when she gets home from school. If not? Well, we will have a few less Barbies and fashion clothing to move this summer. I think I am going to get back to that book , "Children Who Do Too Little" by Patricia Sprinkle. She even has a <a href="http://www.patriciasprinkle.com/children.htm"><span style="color:#6600cc;">website</span></a>! </p><p>I thought we had a glimpse of spring this weekend, but then a mini hurricane blew through Sunday, and a dusting of snow occurred this morning in the nearby village where the kids go to school. So I guess we will have a few more weekends to get some house projects done. Where did all of this <strong><em>stuff </em></strong>come from?!?! Oh yeah-five kids and a tired, solo parenting mom who moved us the last time while hubby was still relaxing...I mean deployed in Crete. It's catch up time! </p><p></p>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05705670723604409380noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554966973148760745.post-56999476846437868022010-01-18T13:38:00.000+01:002010-01-18T13:38:38.510+01:00Household 6 Diva : Army Wife, Mommy, and Me: Active Duty Military? Win a Sony Touch Reader for Valentine's Day!<a href="http://www.household6diva.com/2010/01/active-duty-military-win-sony-touch.html">Household 6 Diva : Army Wife, Mommy, and Me: Active Duty Military? Win a Sony Touch Reader for Valentine's Day!</a><br /><br /><p><img class="centered" alt="post signature" src="http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt95/addiedesigns/andrea.png" /></p>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05705670723604409380noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554966973148760745.post-70025658898576382322009-11-24T10:13:00.014+01:002009-11-24T11:19:56.543+01:00At the Moment<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpqW5qPcRnURcCWbvEmmTTn7FTVz6e1h73BuvU9SdT30ADLmWLB42PXd9hOgcz6Rn-vP3gqv0mVRUUKUlLsxmpRGj4OzD_qlPe_pziU602oM6aRCWiuovAVczacEV_tS5MPebao-UgMzM/s1600/AshChristmas2000.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpqW5qPcRnURcCWbvEmmTTn7FTVz6e1h73BuvU9SdT30ADLmWLB42PXd9hOgcz6Rn-vP3gqv0mVRUUKUlLsxmpRGj4OzD_qlPe_pziU602oM6aRCWiuovAVczacEV_tS5MPebao-UgMzM/s200/AshChristmas2000.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407606373058573058" border="0" /></a>The holidays are quickly approaching and I have been debating for quite a while just how to get back into blogging. I have gone over many "in-my-head" blog posts to play catch up. My friend Raegan keeps checking on me to see if I have updated, and the guilt is getting to me :). I love that she is so dedicated!! I needed that gentle push, I guess.<br /><p>I have decided to just start where we are at the moment and play catch up as I go.<br /></p><p>I wish that I could say that since my last post we have been all of these exciting places and doing wonderful things. Well, not so much. Allen returned home in late September after almost six months of a deployment to the United Arab Emirates. Since that day we have been quietly getting settled into family life again. Allen started a new job that he seems to be happy with most days. We have finished the fall sports season with three kids participating in soccer and cheerleading. Ashlyn started middle school and all of the adventures associated with that! (I personally <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">disliked</span> </span>middle school and all of the drama and insecurities that pre-teens have). That is another post...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQDzhccEDXZZcM3VSR5Cvh_T3H0VCN9sf95XCKiv_HfoM8YSvPDjcKaxrZDOqik_2hTPho23Nq_1-FNlaYCHbiBTi233HzHxR0cW2vwIG74CxjemPAIGPNLiur48KgZYE8sfEP0VOmvSc/s1600/Ashlyn.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 175px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQDzhccEDXZZcM3VSR5Cvh_T3H0VCN9sf95XCKiv_HfoM8YSvPDjcKaxrZDOqik_2hTPho23Nq_1-FNlaYCHbiBTi233HzHxR0cW2vwIG74CxjemPAIGPNLiur48KgZYE8sfEP0VOmvSc/s200/Ashlyn.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407606766055985458" border="0" /></a></p><p>Speaking of that particular girl.....she happens to be celebrating her 12th birthday today! This sweet baby was not due until mid-December, but decided that she needed to make her debut early. I think mommy was ready since I had been on bed rest for a week with pre-eclampsia. We brought her home the day before Thanksgiving and we were so unprepared! Suddenly we had grandparents arriving from all over Texas to see Ashlyn. We were dealing with the joys and dramas of new parenthood and a holiday. I also remember that my husband and my dad went to HEB to buy a Thanksgiving dinner package and Allen didn't have enough in the checking bank account to buy it! My dad happily obliged. What an embarrassing moment. We had been so busy with the new baby that we had not kept up with reality. It still feels that way somedays.</p><p>Ashlyn is such a vibrant and caring person. She is very mature and smart beyond words. She loves to be a girly-girl, but can also participate in sports activities.<br /></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0ZhoOgKPG5Gmy0RhleJnzgxw0RCTnbzAsLLq2KL2sBMVX6qp-o-n9r6q-Y1EFOz4fh8YHeyr9MCi9pxL6-OACQnq3BsiwBQ4USBFF-e2gRUO64HNAeG_lewEtoKI5-SZlOGz28iA3_c/s1600/15654_24.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0ZhoOgKPG5Gmy0RhleJnzgxw0RCTnbzAsLLq2KL2sBMVX6qp-o-n9r6q-Y1EFOz4fh8YHeyr9MCi9pxL6-OACQnq3BsiwBQ4USBFF-e2gRUO64HNAeG_lewEtoKI5-SZlOGz28iA3_c/s200/15654_24.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407600472790269954" border="0" /> </a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Ashlyn with her teacher after a ballet performance at age 4; RAF Mildenhall, UK. </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_dpqp2hYdLzzuxDnnn223BJdp5xRcaAglNT0Eyf8oD5dIC7Wrl9Ly8ed-TAtG_yTBo3xzwPtSkGbtsQWbuNIjod8-dhspHekL-BjA7PokVvk19lqAD5gD1YMs-FTiUxkAbMyQuyc9CE/s1600/Ashlyn+Fairy.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 142px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_dpqp2hYdLzzuxDnnn223BJdp5xRcaAglNT0Eyf8oD5dIC7Wrl9Ly8ed-TAtG_yTBo3xzwPtSkGbtsQWbuNIjod8-dhspHekL-BjA7PokVvk19lqAD5gD1YMs-FTiUxkAbMyQuyc9CE/s200/Ashlyn+Fairy.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407604310183633106" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">This </span><span style="font-style: italic;">was taken by Magic Moments</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">photographers in the UK at age 3. </span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixygz-crZNVXOKOo-M3gfb2pAaA77RjTKBJZhAXiHc2S0sMEjnO_j0YpeLwt9qVZMnO-oIgTN-dk0F3Ufozqyu70D5PLsvUUWrTidkveym0K9Uj65zNOlw-h9dVGkCxngQSp8pZoKe5yE/s1600/File0003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 142px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixygz-crZNVXOKOo-M3gfb2pAaA77RjTKBJZhAXiHc2S0sMEjnO_j0YpeLwt9qVZMnO-oIgTN-dk0F3Ufozqyu70D5PLsvUUWrTidkveym0K9Uj65zNOlw-h9dVGkCxngQSp8pZoKe5yE/s200/File0003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407606381444541762" border="0" /></a>I know that Ashlyn will continue to make an impression upon others with her creativity and love for life. Several years ago she was featured in the local Beck Row paper for winning a contest for a suncream vendor. The winning funds were presented to her school and put to use for playground renovations!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVotHTL6Wq1f7lfgFY7-EdNwR3XeYBcPqToBGVO_wix7EEfw973xB6M5ngWQnL2Tg2kBuquIFjx-cf2fGZA2CxeGM5rq5drtJQ5R2IVmgo_3I6OAXnOVoeQfl0un-UZnmB5Pyeg3VU38/s1600/Ashlyn's+Newspaper+Article.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVotHTL6Wq1f7lfgFY7-EdNwR3XeYBcPqToBGVO_wix7EEfw973xB6M5ngWQnL2Tg2kBuquIFjx-cf2fGZA2CxeGM5rq5drtJQ5R2IVmgo_3I6OAXnOVoeQfl0un-UZnmB5Pyeg3VU38/s200/Ashlyn's+Newspaper+Article.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407611352577575394" border="0" /></a>Happy birthday sweet girl! I have loved you since you were that little baby placed in my arms. I love the person that you are becoming, and I am sooooo looking foward to the exciting years ahead.<br /><br /><p><img class="centered" alt="post signature" src="http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt95/addiedesigns/andrea.png" /></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzrpE19PZGB8U9bhde1ydNs365PGCUoRG86mjz3_t6b6FuekfnXazWJPJmcvjxLvi3bm_T1oJoEGpN-vjY3jGKqSo3FOUWI1EzbZgLfg7t6Za4BDbz4U1yTgSN3L9VE12VDialMDJLcY/s1600/Ashlyn's+Newspaper+Article.jpg"><br /></a>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05705670723604409380noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554966973148760745.post-1520838494977126752009-09-10T11:11:00.004+02:002009-09-10T12:56:15.797+02:0090% Complete<p><br /></p><p>I was jamming along with <span style="font-style: italic;">Queensryche, Lady Gaga </span>and <span style="font-style: italic;">Linkin Park </span>yesterday at the gym. Upon reaching the 3.5 mile point (<span style="font-style: italic;">yes!) </span>on the elliptical, a message popped up "90% complete". It was good timing. I had my eye on the bored two-year-old escaping once again from the gated play area. It occurred to me: This deployment for all of us is 90% complete as well ("<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">YES</span>!"). I started thinking about all of the little jobs around the house that I wanted to get done before he gets home and how I was going to make time to get them done while still keeping up with the kids' activities. As anxiety set in, I began pondering, <span style="font-style: italic;">"Who has had the easier job?".</span><br /></p><p>Allen left in early May for a fun-filled summer opportunity with promises of lots of heat and sand should a sand castle building desire strike him. He has not had an eventful summer and often refers to his days as being similar to those of "<span style="font-style: italic;">Groundhog Day</span>". I wish that he had been able to see more of the Middle East-the landscape and its people.<br /></p><p>We have managed fairly well here at home. Sleepovers, friends, Vacation Bible School, fests, and picnics have filled our days. We have also kept busy with family visiting and glorious trips to Paris, Garmisch/Austria, Luxembourg, Riems, Trier, and Bernkastel-Kues. I feel somewhat guilty that he was not able to join us, but knowing that this is our last full summer in Europe...we needed to see some places!<br /></p><p>It is hard being the only parent. It seems to be a time when everything breaks....or needs to be cleaned out...or up. I've had to be the "bug manager". I've had to get a part changed on the van and change out headlight bulbs. I've taken out the trash/recycle items.....mowed the grass that was knee high. I've cleaned out storage containers and still *sigh* need to clean out more before we pack up next summer. I've wiped noses and taken care of summer coughs. I've read books, helped with homework, colored Lightening McQueen pages and cleaned up Play-doh. But, I've been able to get the hugs, the kisses, the early morning wake ups....and don't forget the spilled cereal......</p><p>So, yes, I have definitely had the harder part physically to take care of five children and a house-and myself. However, I have been with them for all of the glorious summer events, smiles...and trips.</p><p><span style="font-style: italic;">I have the memories. </span></p><p><img class="centered" alt="post signature" src="http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt95/addiedesigns/andrea.png" /></p>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05705670723604409380noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554966973148760745.post-45558165008796344192009-08-14T12:34:00.004+02:002009-08-14T12:49:29.501+02:00We've been climbing the walls and staying busy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipu9h79KFy_35jRveHGo-tmvxOhr_eqHPGWslY7yLorWc8o_rylNrKpFKwQhSApSehKxdoYMIzWeEycT6zR287CxqWuA3zU8BQKwHDMHFM3I4cVkj0FHGcExI6rAQFgBuccvnHkxOVqtA/s1600-h/IMG_1986.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipu9h79KFy_35jRveHGo-tmvxOhr_eqHPGWslY7yLorWc8o_rylNrKpFKwQhSApSehKxdoYMIzWeEycT6zR287CxqWuA3zU8BQKwHDMHFM3I4cVkj0FHGcExI6rAQFgBuccvnHkxOVqtA/s200/IMG_1986.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369768604793685794" border="0" /></a>Lauren (9) almost to the top!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9t-sN5zTA8E71pi89_5RMASy16gu2sXsRWAq8uWU2dl759yN4PpNMH2htTKRWXM5diS_AhdLWvSniuqPue_WRN_YqXrXqS7SExJPv_Kg-DVyol8_aB6zbcN6j8HsV7QSScHj9qkNPJOA/s1600-h/IMG_1991.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9t-sN5zTA8E71pi89_5RMASy16gu2sXsRWAq8uWU2dl759yN4PpNMH2htTKRWXM5diS_AhdLWvSniuqPue_WRN_YqXrXqS7SExJPv_Kg-DVyol8_aB6zbcN6j8HsV7QSScHj9qkNPJOA/s200/IMG_1991.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369767807976332674" border="0" /></a>We went to the new Outdoor Recreation Center at the Kaiserslautern Military Center. Yes-government dollars hard at work! The kids had a blast getting into the gear and climbing the walls, as compared to <span style="font-style: italic;">making me climb the walls! </span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH0-oZQ0rz7ljJVDlmvHr8EzZshmDY9QJn1nt_T_mxIQlc4m03d5XKPvdfdUyShkIIqDKrH6LyVXUOd1YQRXJKY3y3Qi0ktDUDXAhs6JmFBnDX0BxPvmv8UYkuy-p4VPuX9TUIIyqJwQI/s1600-h/IMG_1983.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH0-oZQ0rz7ljJVDlmvHr8EzZshmDY9QJn1nt_T_mxIQlc4m03d5XKPvdfdUyShkIIqDKrH6LyVXUOd1YQRXJKY3y3Qi0ktDUDXAhs6JmFBnDX0BxPvmv8UYkuy-p4VPuX9TUIIyqJwQI/s200/IMG_1983.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369767807837795298" border="0" /></a>Ashlyn (11)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmJKOmqAEuiArMBAVYXgiOfrOBc7vpmaUAei3YQr6nOceWUZcC7cpruPGE2mCvR3vVz3mD3alt_MTV1_AkbjviT3EB7JdYJ9QRwaTxhJqTxzg5lz0fzpRGS_6tMs16-NmT28CAd1SlsA/s1600-h/IMG_1988.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmJKOmqAEuiArMBAVYXgiOfrOBc7vpmaUAei3YQr6nOceWUZcC7cpruPGE2mCvR3vVz3mD3alt_MTV1_AkbjviT3EB7JdYJ9QRwaTxhJqTxzg5lz0fzpRGS_6tMs16-NmT28CAd1SlsA/s200/IMG_1988.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369766888232120098" border="0" /></a>Ryan (4)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtQwRceDwwT_EjxHc7sYSQD_TZ94eGhyphenhyphenerdb8Lmt7IuDKcTCymM5pAkmW8uAnjUC1GozoB7xeLa7LsflvlIJUq6A3pYMtmjjcWETncZrU7EWHJwDyKMspaSn9X9hjGbfi2mtfO4OLxAQ/s1600-h/IMG_1984.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtQwRceDwwT_EjxHc7sYSQD_TZ94eGhyphenhyphenerdb8Lmt7IuDKcTCymM5pAkmW8uAnjUC1GozoB7xeLa7LsflvlIJUq6A3pYMtmjjcWETncZrU7EWHJwDyKMspaSn9X9hjGbfi2mtfO4OLxAQ/s200/IMG_1984.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369766876127574354" border="0" /></a>Nicholas (6) is almost to the top on the far wall. Whoop!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCq-24GPSwgB89MuRvpELDGE-NeqL9QTLIw8kn2b9LxYy9_HEcQzP5f-EH5gBMrjQGVq0ftw37qdHkyjIk6h9M8KWbyVcp8MxqGyOi0a50Xbl75_mSTDjQMAhFZcb-wyZxswQcdAiYU4/s1600-h/IMG_1978.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCq-24GPSwgB89MuRvpELDGE-NeqL9QTLIw8kn2b9LxYy9_HEcQzP5f-EH5gBMrjQGVq0ftw37qdHkyjIk6h9M8KWbyVcp8MxqGyOi0a50Xbl75_mSTDjQMAhFZcb-wyZxswQcdAiYU4/s200/IMG_1978.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369766867735625906" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAls32Ew9H73gw8aTCZnCpKCZOTJph9HearXyKJ25e1CnYMBxkzv4SHiZoXFWz2pMHsKMivEaYAyxAi_oNHdj1MzgFL49Un2zVi8Pf5vg5GeAbeEigAcCb1nnd_vsxdJygfxBJWoycgCk/s1600-h/IMG_1977.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAls32Ew9H73gw8aTCZnCpKCZOTJph9HearXyKJ25e1CnYMBxkzv4SHiZoXFWz2pMHsKMivEaYAyxAi_oNHdj1MzgFL49Un2zVi8Pf5vg5GeAbeEigAcCb1nnd_vsxdJygfxBJWoycgCk/s200/IMG_1977.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369767818284052738" border="0" /></a><p>It's hard work chasing your brothers and sisters around all week~even if you're Batman.</p><p><img class="centered" alt="post signature" src="http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt95/addiedesigns/andrea.png" /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05705670723604409380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554966973148760745.post-18500371180723385612009-07-06T23:27:00.003+02:002009-07-06T23:45:43.710+02:00What are the odds?<p>In a house with five children, you would expect to have <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">a few</span></span> lonely socks that were needing a friend. I have a box on my washer that holds the single socks looking for a mate that I clean out every so often. Obviously it has <span style="font-weight: bold;">been a while.<br /></span></p><p><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Look! Unbelievable!!! </span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">(I'm sure my mom would cringe about now).</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p><br /></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4DikoofWVBGlht4cfXLErx9HhTBTKr-GZ05VscDY4aZx6z5ohposGfZFzvWUiYfpng_8hATLYOBzL5e4cCmIbbCgwZqO0OoACIuCDaK2LCszcZLsfCnkj3jd6RxRVmF3FNYCEjFMh8cs/s1600-h/IMG_1392.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4DikoofWVBGlht4cfXLErx9HhTBTKr-GZ05VscDY4aZx6z5ohposGfZFzvWUiYfpng_8hATLYOBzL5e4cCmIbbCgwZqO0OoACIuCDaK2LCszcZLsfCnkj3jd6RxRVmF3FNYCEjFMh8cs/s200/IMG_1392.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355463262990798114" border="0" /></a><p><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p>What are the odds that we would have this many socks?????</p><p>And why do we own this many socks??? These are just the ones looking for a friend!?!</p><p>We have just recently stopped wearing many socks because warmer weather (finally) has meant warmer feet and less sock necessity. I guess I thought the matching sock would turn up in the next load. Crazy thinking.<br /></p><p>I did end up doing some match making and some socks were reunited. Sadly, many were subjected to my tyranny and went into the trash bin. </p><p><br /></p><p>To make myself feel better about throwing away all of those socks (because you KNOW I will find them someday behind a bed, in the toy box, in a bag, behind the dryer, in the LEG0S....)-</p><p>I bought these.<br /></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xlJpK-Tk-b6WLoxF-tPXr-v8bR9VRt2mXhktSJuxJlU8MG042LahvnlgdlWO7ktcqFwXaEASF2tpXTuDNChjfp1IupWWkfK45tDL-4nZlAOLubGVhi4FflKJPSTs2aYeDQyw2KT8wvg/s1600-h/IMG_1535.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xlJpK-Tk-b6WLoxF-tPXr-v8bR9VRt2mXhktSJuxJlU8MG042LahvnlgdlWO7ktcqFwXaEASF2tpXTuDNChjfp1IupWWkfK45tDL-4nZlAOLubGVhi4FflKJPSTs2aYeDQyw2KT8wvg/s200/IMG_1535.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355463281810402658" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Peonies are one of my favorites. I remember my Mema having them in her garden. How can they not brighten your day?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaPhwcoJagrjU3MLr3oBwaCxxobW5ItmtKVj2UPrszX4a1mD_cxcVafxRLPezQS_KCbdIEWqJvLpsnnxhZ7wFvnJIa2VKfvxRrdHKXSwQfrVQP_eWrqH2PgjOgXrX5M8W82ZSFab38Lw/s1600-h/IMG_1534.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaPhwcoJagrjU3MLr3oBwaCxxobW5ItmtKVj2UPrszX4a1mD_cxcVafxRLPezQS_KCbdIEWqJvLpsnnxhZ7wFvnJIa2VKfvxRrdHKXSwQfrVQP_eWrqH2PgjOgXrX5M8W82ZSFab38Lw/s200/IMG_1534.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355463272553322706" border="0" /></a><img class="centered" alt="post signature" src="http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt95/addiedesigns/andrea.png" />Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05705670723604409380noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554966973148760745.post-59764306159252087142009-07-05T11:24:00.004+02:002009-07-05T11:58:07.426+02:00T-Ball<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdA43FBgXUK2aWr73FRhsBXqlNqgoVA2GFCp9-0IKmVPftnnLlhBaKeLIevF1iwGhUkEK0kSOeruOf2ZlAhNuZuohP1MlXADWHEDrtNpjXMRGo5rt5HF9UYSom7Q0HmYbUZqV-V6mSsdQ/s1600-h/IMG_1364.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdA43FBgXUK2aWr73FRhsBXqlNqgoVA2GFCp9-0IKmVPftnnLlhBaKeLIevF1iwGhUkEK0kSOeruOf2ZlAhNuZuohP1MlXADWHEDrtNpjXMRGo5rt5HF9UYSom7Q0HmYbUZqV-V6mSsdQ/s200/IMG_1364.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354905445891567138" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><p>Nicholas had a great T-ball season. This is the second year that he has played, so next year will be coach pitch. The season only lasts 6-7 weeks, but we were constantly second-guessing the weather and getting rained out several times. Nicholas had #6 this year, and last year apparently . Initially this very traumatic since <span style="font-style: italic;">it's all about the number</span>, right??<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVDgZEb75BeepXjfCGycjY-kIVSnogj5OPj3aZlXCZfCo_Hf2tKQhRROEO1whD_GsvQCgNGM__BSzfGjhM-7dAFlqEzlDB2zoiEFQDx4jW40sVgtZlMXvH4MmyCOFfcjHGADkCciEd9E/s1600-h/IMG_1362.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVDgZEb75BeepXjfCGycjY-kIVSnogj5OPj3aZlXCZfCo_Hf2tKQhRROEO1whD_GsvQCgNGM__BSzfGjhM-7dAFlqEzlDB2zoiEFQDx4jW40sVgtZlMXvH4MmyCOFfcjHGADkCciEd9E/s200/IMG_1362.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354905442644839682" border="0" /></a></p><p>He had some pretty good hits this season, one of the best being after his dad left. We wish Daddy had been there to see it! A double! In T-ball world, that is great when it goes into the outfield on its own (i.e. somebody doesn't kick it out there). <br /></p><p><br /></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBq7yWzhbBcGZMv6K2-Nek9VU2_WxwdIUC0zZ1pKTSJrhjVLVm2mNcOx02DdxQHMIFF5KlMhT1g5rajm3MMYU4Qb_WlUx-qLtoP0aPB190hYNivElBoyLnOpUcUmQU02O6dNUDtTenakE/s1600-h/IMG_1368.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBq7yWzhbBcGZMv6K2-Nek9VU2_WxwdIUC0zZ1pKTSJrhjVLVm2mNcOx02DdxQHMIFF5KlMhT1g5rajm3MMYU4Qb_WlUx-qLtoP0aPB190hYNivElBoyLnOpUcUmQU02O6dNUDtTenakE/s200/IMG_1368.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354905453854560242" border="0" /></a>All little brothers must play in the dirt while waiting for the game to end. It's in the rules. I checked. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPOY9LMafvTa0ORNHyacY_8mRtp0Z2Ky7PDx-iG6zJcxX6b6JjkA2xOwnVBax6Z5blEdUTWNDJ-Pnf8hruwohriqb2kLdnBw-D4Ta0o5Al-tQp39VArpH5hRJqKAJBobn4ftap2kCIx8/s1600-h/IMG_1531.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPOY9LMafvTa0ORNHyacY_8mRtp0Z2Ky7PDx-iG6zJcxX6b6JjkA2xOwnVBax6Z5blEdUTWNDJ-Pnf8hruwohriqb2kLdnBw-D4Ta0o5Al-tQp39VArpH5hRJqKAJBobn4ftap2kCIx8/s200/IMG_1531.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354906648795393474" border="0" /></a>At the end of the season there must be a cookout with sticky cupcakes. You must eat two. Again, I checked the rules. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66hxl_lng2ewo-EuToXSPES-cFBWvwohv86sLSm07R9DuL3vUr_4fq6foQNtrvYTL1WIuKak6is1gaGVzKDkfAb6uYX7S1LSZj1zZNDHVFXcjfVF7-0yh4PW8A-WcKBRGAs8iV8gu70U/s1600-h/IMG_1533.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66hxl_lng2ewo-EuToXSPES-cFBWvwohv86sLSm07R9DuL3vUr_4fq6foQNtrvYTL1WIuKak6is1gaGVzKDkfAb6uYX7S1LSZj1zZNDHVFXcjfVF7-0yh4PW8A-WcKBRGAs8iV8gu70U/s200/IMG_1533.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354911633134013186" border="0" /></a><br />A trophy=happiness. Whatever happened to all of my trophies from my childhood?? Probably in the attic at my dad's house, just waiting for me to retrieve them someday. <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Eeeek. </span><br /><img class="centered" alt="post signature" src="http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt95/addiedesigns/andrea.png" />Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05705670723604409380noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554966973148760745.post-3172442576003072782009-06-22T17:31:00.001+02:002009-06-22T18:01:20.680+02:00Summer, already???<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSvGTRt2sm24gGKTQ4zxBQlSqki4nM-A4mzfv1e5PIKVIpQQ6sG3Bf4y_0SSdYGK6i-l4c0S5RstqqDjXlNY507ldPpZ8sUpcY9dGsc9-hX-TbwhM6V77vrvbC89ro8WNdUoJliqueMI/s1600-h/IMG_0959.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSvGTRt2sm24gGKTQ4zxBQlSqki4nM-A4mzfv1e5PIKVIpQQ6sG3Bf4y_0SSdYGK6i-l4c0S5RstqqDjXlNY507ldPpZ8sUpcY9dGsc9-hX-TbwhM6V77vrvbC89ro8WNdUoJliqueMI/s200/IMG_0959.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349805373069331490" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjefySnNkMT2vIYg0TJ6NUf9fAoC7_IqT_ClIpoXJ_1MrPmlvSXhk_HAgJ8Y_w6uWtrPvcpvOEiMDYi_DMog3O0NKW3naoXXY-s3DQKqHxC8vUFAq4NzUQVQc2VrvLV7SdJitozQCVf3_s/s1600-h/IMG_0958.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjefySnNkMT2vIYg0TJ6NUf9fAoC7_IqT_ClIpoXJ_1MrPmlvSXhk_HAgJ8Y_w6uWtrPvcpvOEiMDYi_DMog3O0NKW3naoXXY-s3DQKqHxC8vUFAq4NzUQVQc2VrvLV7SdJitozQCVf3_s/s200/IMG_0958.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349805368208398498" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><p>It seems like yesterday we were welcoming spring! Ryan's kindergarten class had a Fruhlingfest in April to welcome spring. They sang songs (in German) and wore flower hats. They tied these little ribbons on a tree as a sign of the upcoming spring days. On a side note, I volunteered to bring a cake to share. In the UK the American cakes and cake mixes would sell quickly at school events because the British cakes tend to be dense and not as sweet. <span style="font-style: italic;">Interpret this as not very tasty. </span>I'm sorry to admit this, but I did not like the cakes in the UK. There were many, many other things that I liked though!! Okay-anyway----I thought that bringing cupcakes would be a hit. Only several people took the cupcakes and here is why~~~You should have seen the cakes that people brought!! They were gorgeous! They had these fancy designs and cream frostings. I had to ask if they were store-made. That's how fabulous they were~they put my cupcakes to shame, even if my cupcakes had the cute caterpillar icing decors on them and were stacked nicely on the cupcake stand. They didn't stand a chance. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2pqmhc7xOXC6Rgkg6FLTM-pvoHSf15DckqdDuLzUdr1YZeabHXGCWKUF5KVTiquxzHbmLDgL507RblxTXLa7w1pvsmmaINVJDngxHxaFM7jESSOyb67eLD-FMwEX0S4tPhyphenhyphen6BJiaQRk/s1600-h/IMG_0952.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2pqmhc7xOXC6Rgkg6FLTM-pvoHSf15DckqdDuLzUdr1YZeabHXGCWKUF5KVTiquxzHbmLDgL507RblxTXLa7w1pvsmmaINVJDngxHxaFM7jESSOyb67eLD-FMwEX0S4tPhyphenhyphen6BJiaQRk/s200/IMG_0952.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349805363518655490" border="0" /></a></p><p> We experienced the longest day of the year yesterday, although we didn't see much sun! It was a strange weather day where the sun would be out, then cloudy, then rain and wind, sunshine, cloud, etc. We have had a mild spring/summer so far in Germany. You just never know about the weather from day to day! It makes planning ahead for outing and clothing very difficult!! There have been several days that were warm enough to swim outside in the pool or play in the water, but most have been mild with sun/clouds.</p><p> Now that it is finally summer, we are planning on spending more time here.</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5ywFRcTZ82B0j5QdWwdnvM3zLMt84r5oO3MIVIRvIMWut_ru52wvynnP4tnG7mgGXT2AuZuKHrP-lCa-6N26NNDBe39xQZITkuwM-uKFWPOoG51NCli6YfSoD0us1jd45fL5IB37mVM/s1600-h/IMG_1388.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5ywFRcTZ82B0j5QdWwdnvM3zLMt84r5oO3MIVIRvIMWut_ru52wvynnP4tnG7mgGXT2AuZuKHrP-lCa-6N26NNDBe39xQZITkuwM-uKFWPOoG51NCli6YfSoD0us1jd45fL5IB37mVM/s200/IMG_1388.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349808585817428978" border="0" /></a></p><p>Or doing this.</p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gUPqoHF9dbEJy9bASIHJ7ZNpniQEWA007UTEHJgOQEokgAwaOAa_bzNgu_RDwSx9UdeBTb8t57j6HRyKF8eZypmzc4j9qPJhVdqzyd_sdyVlz4JfgHDhMpcbEaArFK6syxAKrDFK-VM/s1600-h/IMG_1380.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gUPqoHF9dbEJy9bASIHJ7ZNpniQEWA007UTEHJgOQEokgAwaOAa_bzNgu_RDwSx9UdeBTb8t57j6HRyKF8eZypmzc4j9qPJhVdqzyd_sdyVlz4JfgHDhMpcbEaArFK6syxAKrDFK-VM/s200/IMG_1380.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349808588876075778" border="0" /></a><p><br /></p><p>Admiring these.</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBaNNw1MAcjUvijtZDmjfRKnQ0fdpTYfwC2zwxbTPVmaMq_VmV44DcdImjPV7qi-x7QNetKKVoKJ9TkiHxMcG5uQJOtmlLS6raXQoao8Gp3Z8S-8THoBpLE3-fZRU6jnZvq_mWGTgm5tU/s1600-h/IMG_1390.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBaNNw1MAcjUvijtZDmjfRKnQ0fdpTYfwC2zwxbTPVmaMq_VmV44DcdImjPV7qi-x7QNetKKVoKJ9TkiHxMcG5uQJOtmlLS6raXQoao8Gp3Z8S-8THoBpLE3-fZRU6jnZvq_mWGTgm5tU/s200/IMG_1390.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349808577252907970" border="0" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>Hopefully we can do more of this!!<br /></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyXxhwIifb6P0_iizOyr8HlWQqSrLEZ1aBVydbm67d1J4uZzLpEXfw8dP5g5SGV5oSCyd93riQfjijsaQrcgtt9AuPiu9hEtqPBAMTyYbL6z7jMzLcnjNVjU1GZYwKaIENuG7De2QtSQg/s1600-h/IMG_1079.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyXxhwIifb6P0_iizOyr8HlWQqSrLEZ1aBVydbm67d1J4uZzLpEXfw8dP5g5SGV5oSCyd93riQfjijsaQrcgtt9AuPiu9hEtqPBAMTyYbL6z7jMzLcnjNVjU1GZYwKaIENuG7De2QtSQg/s200/IMG_1079.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349813025585762498" border="0" /></a><p>Or maybe just doing this.<br /></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSrgqcC0jeWXmaakz1wKVxfmtD830M74vii9MYDstYPkJaf8xnt1XLZFIdjteOkPeEfXM8tl6htf_7JAMJdZgObTG4XWDN7lZYJUDnzg6FnZlq6J2cq9wwvJTBcN6_YvRRKykhbVLC0DA/s1600-h/IMG_1255.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSrgqcC0jeWXmaakz1wKVxfmtD830M74vii9MYDstYPkJaf8xnt1XLZFIdjteOkPeEfXM8tl6htf_7JAMJdZgObTG4XWDN7lZYJUDnzg6FnZlq6J2cq9wwvJTBcN6_YvRRKykhbVLC0DA/s200/IMG_1255.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349808569234419762" border="0" /></a>You never know where you will find us this season.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKm7wN7YXwDhzLdLqb18lTj8CvrU_NJErZFg1q3lo5F1YjOuHTMve7Xj4LF0IEYxM8tvjv5V2JSaxqMldz8CCFJNJKNImi9cZHyNqQNmUkl3LZrYc-u9GKg9N_bFO_CJYwbFEjwr4jDdg/s1600-h/IMG_1229.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKm7wN7YXwDhzLdLqb18lTj8CvrU_NJErZFg1q3lo5F1YjOuHTMve7Xj4LF0IEYxM8tvjv5V2JSaxqMldz8CCFJNJKNImi9cZHyNqQNmUkl3LZrYc-u9GKg9N_bFO_CJYwbFEjwr4jDdg/s200/IMG_1229.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349808574082282226" border="0" /></a><br /><p><img class="centered" alt="post signature" src="http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt95/addiedesigns/andrea.png" /></p>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05705670723604409380noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554966973148760745.post-50373670271185362612009-06-21T17:09:00.005+02:002009-06-21T17:31:02.336+02:00My other half<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7puRVAsENzoRlTFtWAtHKCowgO1vbEt2oAXqFCtZq15XSvf5K-gtHSn2mhkyk8a2dB_JzZmuWgjcn9FO1rb3RXhqeCwYCmPmSxOvY-MSyzBg7axzhWRi0KHgVBl6DJx5V-zjkcfJ550c/s1600-h/IMG_1157.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7puRVAsENzoRlTFtWAtHKCowgO1vbEt2oAXqFCtZq15XSvf5K-gtHSn2mhkyk8a2dB_JzZmuWgjcn9FO1rb3RXhqeCwYCmPmSxOvY-MSyzBg7axzhWRi0KHgVBl6DJx5V-zjkcfJ550c/s200/IMG_1157.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349799351657343858" border="0" /></a><br /><p>I wouldn't have five children if it weren't for my wonderful husband. Except for the obvious reasons, I just could not do it without his daily help and support. He is a loving and fun dad-sometimes finding humor in a situation when I am thoroughly annoyed. After working long days, he often comes home and helps with dinner, dishes, after school activities, homework-you name it. He is always ahead of the game when it comes to gift giving occasions-never skimping or forgetting. He doesn't even mind if I buy myself flowers frequently- for no occasion at all.<br /></p><p>Before we got married we discussed having children, but I do not think that the number<span style="font-style: italic;"> five </span>was ever part of the equation. We had no idea how our lives would change and be enriched by these vivacious little people.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQRbf14isrYytrKqSuS2krqVxcbkMIaPLN9i-bE0g164lKVYEZxEuaL4NZUifaWgfXb8khLB0gBlPNlBcaJpwf6cOrVpNBJJFWF0Rltzm1NBBSUQDzOGIC-6kT4h934r0uLfm_ky40EQ/s1600-h/IMG_0992.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQRbf14isrYytrKqSuS2krqVxcbkMIaPLN9i-bE0g164lKVYEZxEuaL4NZUifaWgfXb8khLB0gBlPNlBcaJpwf6cOrVpNBJJFWF0Rltzm1NBBSUQDzOGIC-6kT4h934r0uLfm_ky40EQ/s200/IMG_0992.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349803372296536786" border="0" /></a></p><p>Today we are celebrating him, even though he is stationed far away in a desert location. Maybe he is building sandcastles today? The kids talked with him briefly today since we had used up most of our hour earlier in the week. They sang "Happy Father's Day" with the birthday tune.<br /></p><p>Before he left he mentioned that one of the things that he would miss the most is having them run and hug his legs when he came in the door after work. <span style="font-style: italic;">I am beginning to really miss that, too. </span><br /></p><p><img class="centered" alt="post signature" src="http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt95/addiedesigns/andrea.png" /></p>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05705670723604409380noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554966973148760745.post-89823306505116523882009-06-17T15:24:00.003+02:002009-06-17T23:27:49.639+02:00Burg Eltz<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7l971iZ1BRnKjDeD0ZlylehPT6a-28fGhUP-hhH60u-s3Bqq7z0L1xR29Oj8gL4iY4bNH_254jNUnt1X0Pf_EitP7nP20h6OpYfBzG606H49rxgERNbfdN8QFuKDYy4BER0nFXznN0ZdG/s1600-h/IMG_1427.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7l971iZ1BRnKjDeD0ZlylehPT6a-28fGhUP-hhH60u-s3Bqq7z0L1xR29Oj8gL4iY4bNH_254jNUnt1X0Pf_EitP7nP20h6OpYfBzG606H49rxgERNbfdN8QFuKDYy4BER0nFXznN0ZdG/s200/IMG_1427.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347692074233541154" border="0" /></a><br />Last month I embarked on a road trip with two other moms and twelve kids (!!!) to a place between Trier and Koblenz to see this:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDz64EeAsmt9QKgxqOP7uTi1OXETyK2fK8CO9gkoqYU9GOz0Yxcd1V_z4o-rgMWk8j-6L2G0i5mxNsNof95qc2rTEe8jsgXGmw5n0Sfxfs-7d402NBztErh-aQ1cVLRjO0kUabWuw9fVx/s1600-h/IMG_1399.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDz64EeAsmt9QKgxqOP7uTi1OXETyK2fK8CO9gkoqYU9GOz0Yxcd1V_z4o-rgMWk8j-6L2G0i5mxNsNof95qc2rTEe8jsgXGmw5n0Sfxfs-7d402NBztErh-aQ1cVLRjO0kUabWuw9fVx/s200/IMG_1399.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342003814659895698" border="0" /></a><br />Isn't it magnificent!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMb5J9_D_3CD39vApTp7hXzTsRqKiTH377nVhy_XrDjmN78vGDCglTuCNAVTqFja1Ntg30gsOMstf2G4Df74Al8Bpj51skCemOiqRRfAUH_WMKFOxRDceJ57mjkH3bZ8kA32ouRjXK34/s1600-h/IMG_1398.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMb5J9_D_3CD39vApTp7hXzTsRqKiTH377nVhy_XrDjmN78vGDCglTuCNAVTqFja1Ntg30gsOMstf2G4Df74Al8Bpj51skCemOiqRRfAUH_WMKFOxRDceJ57mjkH3bZ8kA32ouRjXK34/s200/IMG_1398.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348269143551714258" border="0" /></a><br />This is a medieval castle nestled above the Moselle River. It has been owned by three branches of the same family for 33 generations. You can read more about the history <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burg_Eltz">here</a> or <a href="http://great-castles.com/index.pl?eltz.html">here</a> . This is the view that you get as you leave the car park and walk down the path. It was a steep 800 meters down to the castle along a curvy road (and a fun walk uphill. Eeeek.)<br /><br />We stopped to take a few pictures and climb up some rocks.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGXeTB4QLuMDfvbtvaj3etASOb4XRoISg7mZqE9D3UEohVxsKLwW6HSNsNFqVQHmJb-vfDOPhkUZqMiXptY5koqmOJQtPNZdEcDhpZrZtw3hDTMacmzTSrBbJTEIyenJj6hvvB5u6l6wq/s1600-h/IMG_1401.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGXeTB4QLuMDfvbtvaj3etASOb4XRoISg7mZqE9D3UEohVxsKLwW6HSNsNFqVQHmJb-vfDOPhkUZqMiXptY5koqmOJQtPNZdEcDhpZrZtw3hDTMacmzTSrBbJTEIyenJj6hvvB5u6l6wq/s200/IMG_1401.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342003828583281826" border="0" /></a><br />This is the long road leading to the castle. Scenic, yes?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSrbS6hgUdnz2Z4GXgvCHMLmEHS0OAWO4Bx6HhjI9axqW9v1MFXOfHhOrMD-mr-Zh0I4S5FXQ7YiGo8sxUwFyHGJImVop4p1Cpmi8XESrQcxC7DwXfo0tPRKzpNlZNHZSNw040vaDBG22/s1600-h/IMG_1407.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSrbS6hgUdnz2Z4GXgvCHMLmEHS0OAWO4Bx6HhjI9axqW9v1MFXOfHhOrMD-mr-Zh0I4S5FXQ7YiGo8sxUwFyHGJImVop4p1Cpmi8XESrQcxC7DwXfo0tPRKzpNlZNHZSNw040vaDBG22/s200/IMG_1407.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343194487334985538" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPldYtBNdwuj6VIogQGiXg86Fd7lzOHG12RJ7wccLLmA1l-EZmx667WT0EDwv5PBYjJxn9z20F7Oj_PD4Gnd46TbzUYJdwvLAEqs16qnFdAqeRxgT3Yc02ZpazcS26cRG_FLu5Qtrwytu/s1600-h/IMG_1418.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPldYtBNdwuj6VIogQGiXg86Fd7lzOHG12RJ7wccLLmA1l-EZmx667WT0EDwv5PBYjJxn9z20F7Oj_PD4Gnd46TbzUYJdwvLAEqs16qnFdAqeRxgT3Yc02ZpazcS26cRG_FLu5Qtrwytu/s200/IMG_1418.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347691032165292194" border="0" /></a><br />This is the view from that window in the wall. It is a long way down!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0to6IVeEVOE5CBkPJXsgUKwMXJZDrEsZTtieSJT83Xn4CwzKubw2MeP1ayugy4biBEOQNCnKr35Kb5fu0-LwtzgzEn9BAkz7iO_7nQzwipAe1bZA6ZcsxVZ7Ptii0GyCitKnhKjYFwjpP/s1600-h/IMG_1420.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0to6IVeEVOE5CBkPJXsgUKwMXJZDrEsZTtieSJT83Xn4CwzKubw2MeP1ayugy4biBEOQNCnKr35Kb5fu0-LwtzgzEn9BAkz7iO_7nQzwipAe1bZA6ZcsxVZ7Ptii0GyCitKnhKjYFwjpP/s200/IMG_1420.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343194476140489154" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4c6labkvjVKXvSK2RW0g1iqzJ7wXicFqBI6eIqpd6WnJ1fETtrqA7U7ECtoM-NHLfcKRqhINlGYY7izfNyxUEE-pLK9FPhY9AUamUls2lM8sRxJnJME14KBmzm8uLVqweAlg0-Yixew/s1600-h/IMG_1405.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4c6labkvjVKXvSK2RW0g1iqzJ7wXicFqBI6eIqpd6WnJ1fETtrqA7U7ECtoM-NHLfcKRqhINlGYY7izfNyxUEE-pLK9FPhY9AUamUls2lM8sRxJnJME14KBmzm8uLVqweAlg0-Yixew/s200/IMG_1405.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348269151684404946" border="0" /></a><br />After lunch, we went inside for a tour of some parts of the castle. viewed the treasury, and had ice cream. There were some very interesting features in the castle like the dragon around the water drain pipe, the non-bolted spears and weapons in the weapons room (the two-year-olds discovered this, <span style="font-style: italic;">surprisingly</span>).<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1zXm6klsF3Qm060BBMq0uGrrIEcq6FU9Xhw9hLzpxlv-Ie1XLLU-j2wWg-NW0X4klSZ9ITIV-q5go_4qYET_Ay_7bWq359SIPPDvKprSjOFoMzpptBHRQmFhcj2t9JsatfnyUJ2Mxe-9/s1600-h/IMG_1430.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1zXm6klsF3Qm060BBMq0uGrrIEcq6FU9Xhw9hLzpxlv-Ie1XLLU-j2wWg-NW0X4klSZ9ITIV-q5go_4qYET_Ay_7bWq359SIPPDvKprSjOFoMzpptBHRQmFhcj2t9JsatfnyUJ2Mxe-9/s200/IMG_1430.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343194491113347986" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikCZHxzN7GljIzuAovUwIhR8MAFYejMEvXjOLTHcXXNZNhHVw-W2n0UkZO6AcprvAdBoYzeP5NxYhLAkYGGQ4YRo-kIaKpKxwDdx7Up6c2qy_hT-0j9lvknwOyT-aqyORgRWEiKcrBC3Ig/s1600-h/IMG_1413.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikCZHxzN7GljIzuAovUwIhR8MAFYejMEvXjOLTHcXXNZNhHVw-W2n0UkZO6AcprvAdBoYzeP5NxYhLAkYGGQ4YRo-kIaKpKxwDdx7Up6c2qy_hT-0j9lvknwOyT-aqyORgRWEiKcrBC3Ig/s200/IMG_1413.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343194480566795698" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6mgQke29b9I8XiPG1z2hU8ZdJrq95BvLzXc0X4yataHqpGGvBwga1piHeEuwmysLYFl9bOLb6gYq8IQvvz9ZBQ8zYz7atWuEl2nMll8UyFmi7LMuU2oEZgnc6HlwtXTLzQZsKLV5j1sC/s1600-h/IMG_1429.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6mgQke29b9I8XiPG1z2hU8ZdJrq95BvLzXc0X4yataHqpGGvBwga1piHeEuwmysLYFl9bOLb6gYq8IQvvz9ZBQ8zYz7atWuEl2nMll8UyFmi7LMuU2oEZgnc6HlwtXTLzQZsKLV5j1sC/s200/IMG_1429.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347692082760092722" border="0" /></a><br />Here is the (loose) weaponry. Eek. Wouldn't that be fun to have "the child" who pulls down the weapons as the guide is speaking?? I'm so fortunate that we noticed. Several months ago, we were "shushed" during our Cochem tour by the guide because Logan was whining. Blah.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMEzSjEqBf-tVx27iUuHMtlU4CGrAf_1mq2JRD3m2r5c0fu_yD2sl7PutHq4bSDL5nEfxtwsADjgu7sW_ZgjeuM5giRJuoNOEcvrEJ8cvjItYpBcgdIvtIBpjW7yJloAoUN6SJ8Pxo7ja/s1600-h/IMG_1428.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMEzSjEqBf-tVx27iUuHMtlU4CGrAf_1mq2JRD3m2r5c0fu_yD2sl7PutHq4bSDL5nEfxtwsADjgu7sW_ZgjeuM5giRJuoNOEcvrEJ8cvjItYpBcgdIvtIBpjW7yJloAoUN6SJ8Pxo7ja/s200/IMG_1428.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347692078400473138" border="0" /></a>The following pictures were taken inside the courtyard. Apparently a family (or is it two) still reside in the castle. Cool, yet I believe it would get old dealing with all of the tourists.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5lCmj-Bb5B5cbAvtRhTwtiRIMEUeNjlfUqh0Kf32yxlhiSKO05pNJp9G7c3612SLmdTYBCWkSnXcuK3Rq3W6CZrzWIihX4-E35w3AN2qfMne6sxhh52nRiWvjtvePWrAScs8eeRVTp68D/s1600-h/IMG_1426.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5lCmj-Bb5B5cbAvtRhTwtiRIMEUeNjlfUqh0Kf32yxlhiSKO05pNJp9G7c3612SLmdTYBCWkSnXcuK3Rq3W6CZrzWIihX4-E35w3AN2qfMne6sxhh52nRiWvjtvePWrAScs8eeRVTp68D/s200/IMG_1426.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347692065569701970" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1x4uD-_s1WLo16fa6CKwoOq2PCjavVe97E19IyksMT6XI8NMGezl4Kb8XA5smSa9ivXtkvxoT2h-UU1F_U3FWQ95JeT1W0mHsiW-rbB_G2a5p8e7sysWjkg22re4le3hruq_XxNwbKgO7/s1600-h/IMG_1425.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1x4uD-_s1WLo16fa6CKwoOq2PCjavVe97E19IyksMT6XI8NMGezl4Kb8XA5smSa9ivXtkvxoT2h-UU1F_U3FWQ95JeT1W0mHsiW-rbB_G2a5p8e7sysWjkg22re4le3hruq_XxNwbKgO7/s200/IMG_1425.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347691061828112738" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFMpqpVxy8kYBITyA1aM8rkoYzdflpRoX3idm95WpQvAxovi0tjOwrQtk70BkCLWcoOYpngpjGYKw47vY9bZ9eg0N1Fxk-E6pNMDJok5AX3YO6lS5hK_QlxHMMAZANjzafjs814oTAY85W/s1600-h/IMG_1424.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFMpqpVxy8kYBITyA1aM8rkoYzdflpRoX3idm95WpQvAxovi0tjOwrQtk70BkCLWcoOYpngpjGYKw47vY9bZ9eg0N1Fxk-E6pNMDJok5AX3YO6lS5hK_QlxHMMAZANjzafjs814oTAY85W/s200/IMG_1424.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347691054095106514" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh9WoY0oocWr73clH850Dx2fqi6cQU_NL2Z3x9FRspqx2mGNxUYHqrQrcCnLurTW0tjbuOZ24VXs3tAwM9HQ8iVVNr0NSDDUv8Fqi08bILWSGjgjdodVduDtFl1dESYbqpjwFEh6u-j13L/s1600-h/IMG_1423.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh9WoY0oocWr73clH850Dx2fqi6cQU_NL2Z3x9FRspqx2mGNxUYHqrQrcCnLurTW0tjbuOZ24VXs3tAwM9HQ8iVVNr0NSDDUv8Fqi08bILWSGjgjdodVduDtFl1dESYbqpjwFEh6u-j13L/s200/IMG_1423.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347691048609219122" border="0" /></a>Next, we had ice cream (eis). We don't have any pictures of this. I was either enjoying my own chocolate cone and talking with the moms, or I was wiping multiple sweet, sticky faces and fingers. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_r6fmF5xSeBoxPztN1bUJvgBEfbtf4WxVccpMJbEcGh_FMF5g3sUpKk77F5tKuS7wTzByv4h3kqJ6sAmxsw4mLtO8KcWocD_rg8g6jUNpT8l06t3Ime1WSkA3kNXvQ5iROzibUmgbnzI/s1600-h/IMG_1441.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_r6fmF5xSeBoxPztN1bUJvgBEfbtf4WxVccpMJbEcGh_FMF5g3sUpKk77F5tKuS7wTzByv4h3kqJ6sAmxsw4mLtO8KcWocD_rg8g6jUNpT8l06t3Ime1WSkA3kNXvQ5iROzibUmgbnzI/s200/IMG_1441.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348269176664556114" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Since the kids had behaved (erhem, most of the time, really) we went down to the river to play in the stream. They loved it!! The little boys stood there throwing rocks, both small and large into the water. We realized it was fruitless to tell them to stop when this 70-ish German man rolled up his trousers, waded out and threw some rocks with his granddaughter. We laughed about it, even with the nice German man, who did speak some English. The girls were more adventurous and waded further along the stream.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jC2N6AwdgChYEi126WUnW4uP6kNLy65sOfeF-3cKsh9ijwJw2LHIXW14A3EnfJHfxBOW4A0fXsgxrhg8bRZzUBVfmpmayigLtPIQVIRC0mInzgbSeHU7NmsUjZGa-tWEvu0RsdOrUJ97/s1600-h/IMG_1403.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jC2N6AwdgChYEi126WUnW4uP6kNLy65sOfeF-3cKsh9ijwJw2LHIXW14A3EnfJHfxBOW4A0fXsgxrhg8bRZzUBVfmpmayigLtPIQVIRC0mInzgbSeHU7NmsUjZGa-tWEvu0RsdOrUJ97/s200/IMG_1403.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348269158065066866" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTo8qJ2_IZSjGzU4H8PTX21-6B21tY8yJJaupFlmXTtwj4_iBwD5SUD0SXkIpQBIlNExxrRFtPRYCI42W4cT_QMnP060EyS3UhpFJDACwWyVc-3NlU6TYFlCAElOyogr2U1gkiu7RPEHhd/s1600-h/IMG_1451.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTo8qJ2_IZSjGzU4H8PTX21-6B21tY8yJJaupFlmXTtwj4_iBwD5SUD0SXkIpQBIlNExxrRFtPRYCI42W4cT_QMnP060EyS3UhpFJDACwWyVc-3NlU6TYFlCAElOyogr2U1gkiu7RPEHhd/s200/IMG_1451.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343192949900626050" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7IfF8l8Zj4X4WAhoQwi1QAGVai_R48jk-Jty0h3Y5yfXTlJvQgKZa0G7jandt5RdX9Uuk8znkK8VmVOKfaQmDYhXqo2i_45RefzRrJz-CICGrU4UP8T2SFlG0XYvWbN3eiOUcd9x1htfi/s1600-h/IMG_1454.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7IfF8l8Zj4X4WAhoQwi1QAGVai_R48jk-Jty0h3Y5yfXTlJvQgKZa0G7jandt5RdX9Uuk8znkK8VmVOKfaQmDYhXqo2i_45RefzRrJz-CICGrU4UP8T2SFlG0XYvWbN3eiOUcd9x1htfi/s200/IMG_1454.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343192953310981026" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBW9mLLu41SLITVn7aRx_PIGU4GuWsXAirchls3DKEc0KzP_HE7mgIENbGQBSjkijLqJSJBMJWfuGc2-MfQldTWQFZkf40xpNwXaEYL-T5QOUiim5ouS_D8_04TDe9LqQZB1R_B2sCXwf/s1600-h/IMG_1443.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBW9mLLu41SLITVn7aRx_PIGU4GuWsXAirchls3DKEc0KzP_HE7mgIENbGQBSjkijLqJSJBMJWfuGc2-MfQldTWQFZkf40xpNwXaEYL-T5QOUiim5ouS_D8_04TDe9LqQZB1R_B2sCXwf/s200/IMG_1443.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343192944771249410" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLL2CYZhSMrYWAyyWJgse98J0EdoAnR8lDBgOkznhO5MkW23SYrjz0WWZU4sRRRsjHwhs0gpm7Yjk_9jTcFx-XfMNybShvqykMnEyxQc4pNG0nAJFQrzxIBHGWi8N8zf77iRV7bHj63EN/s1600-h/IMG_1450.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLL2CYZhSMrYWAyyWJgse98J0EdoAnR8lDBgOkznhO5MkW23SYrjz0WWZU4sRRRsjHwhs0gpm7Yjk_9jTcFx-XfMNybShvqykMnEyxQc4pNG0nAJFQrzxIBHGWi8N8zf77iRV7bHj63EN/s200/IMG_1450.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343194473595580338" border="0" /></a><br />The day ended with a stop at a McDonald's in Trier where we took up residence for quite a while so the kids played at the playground and moms chatted. We stayed out way past bedtime, but it was worth it!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1I669dfCg3BwrxFBO1e8RpbA1JJWxCLNqkGFO4jh3iq7LbFmeVHDHZa1Dsl0TPQSyuAwYDUwF1cPpHFaybZ0P8HwzO9QL_IlI0z52b3disbyMcN80cB_YUa0ot4l9bDE6dPBvCybs8Qk/s1600-h/IMG_1468.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1I669dfCg3BwrxFBO1e8RpbA1JJWxCLNqkGFO4jh3iq7LbFmeVHDHZa1Dsl0TPQSyuAwYDUwF1cPpHFaybZ0P8HwzO9QL_IlI0z52b3disbyMcN80cB_YUa0ot4l9bDE6dPBvCybs8Qk/s200/IMG_1468.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348269167088945058" border="0" /></a><br /><br />As we left McDonald's I noticed this <span style="font-weight: bold;">right next to McDonald's </span>and thought it was ironic, yet a marketable idea. McFit is a fitness place where you have the option of paying by the hour or month. I guess you can eat your Hamburger Royale (i.e. Quarter Ponder) and work it off next door!?! Has this idea made it to the USA? I have been away too long to know.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaz630ekqpR4NwdlWnoS8pXQaoJvU2hDvSo8ejsBQuHxP_FQXl29e6G2-cKByP68Pk8XmaClEkJy_m2vnUmzdL9WfcAYe-TSBQXhWb-vCo5cACpgvWAJ_4bsUvHDb4t70T04EWvcbLi7yh/s1600-h/IMG_1467.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaz630ekqpR4NwdlWnoS8pXQaoJvU2hDvSo8ejsBQuHxP_FQXl29e6G2-cKByP68Pk8XmaClEkJy_m2vnUmzdL9WfcAYe-TSBQXhWb-vCo5cACpgvWAJ_4bsUvHDb4t70T04EWvcbLi7yh/s200/IMG_1467.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347692089796187010" border="0" /></a>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05705670723604409380noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554966973148760745.post-54272077935127008192009-06-16T21:35:00.003+02:002009-06-16T21:40:50.046+02:00Give a dancer some props<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFY2BmvMpnMtyzfRW6s7N7qx8nWwOPVraaUtzvIYb-a7GhUIvWQOOW9ZtNKdz6-A9MBdzQyFuZNU2DPwCM1aHqclTJd8UYB9p0elLhQodsWc1cocQso4XCIKOzPdoZgtzQutknZfqdG49/s1600-h/IMG_1492.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFY2BmvMpnMtyzfRW6s7N7qx8nWwOPVraaUtzvIYb-a7GhUIvWQOOW9ZtNKdz6-A9MBdzQyFuZNU2DPwCM1aHqclTJd8UYB9p0elLhQodsWc1cocQso4XCIKOzPdoZgtzQutknZfqdG49/s200/IMG_1492.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347685885562049298" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />If you give a dancer some props, she will put on a great smile and perform in a fabulous show!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6KgEp8BRJ19YupIF_RoHWOLqGT4dvOGcpd2jqdlCtkU58PkZZBVGRBLCmUdmyk75-ls155f5nyyrvXjALsrI_JAHK7DQNXdcQYZEtmT8M26GINqc6lR4gFigAIxIySHMf3qzp3Ues32S/s1600-h/IMG_1483.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6KgEp8BRJ19YupIF_RoHWOLqGT4dvOGcpd2jqdlCtkU58PkZZBVGRBLCmUdmyk75-ls155f5nyyrvXjALsrI_JAHK7DQNXdcQYZEtmT8M26GINqc6lR4gFigAIxIySHMf3qzp3Ues32S/s200/IMG_1483.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347672501980610706" border="0" /></a><br />Lauren ended the year of her hip-hop class with the recital a few weeks ago. I am just now getting the pictures uploaded, so bear with me. She generally liked the class, and I thought it fit her perfectly. In the past, she has taken both tap and ballet classes and did well, but they may not have been her <span style="font-style: italic;">thing.</span> She is definitely my spunky child and can get away with a bit of flair. I loved many of the gorgeous ballet and traditional costumes that other girls were wearing, but I thought that this was cute on Lauren.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKuXml3EL7HQrq16n1BPbuW57dsZfm26q0xSP59EBP2Y3ssZNxLNqYzVP1c5va5QYzqsq5KGlNfi6xQkX1MFwcY0D7MzHJC8vr0zNWxIIxbrNgL1l_vSuxOKdBnT-xlKNLv5s4KIRTX7jR/s1600-h/IMG_1482.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKuXml3EL7HQrq16n1BPbuW57dsZfm26q0xSP59EBP2Y3ssZNxLNqYzVP1c5va5QYzqsq5KGlNfi6xQkX1MFwcY0D7MzHJC8vr0zNWxIIxbrNgL1l_vSuxOKdBnT-xlKNLv5s4KIRTX7jR/s200/IMG_1482.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347685877134328290" border="0" /></a><br /><br />There were two performances (we were the second-yes!) and it was standing room only! When we arrived there were seats, but you know how people can be-sitting on the ends, using their stuff to reserve the seat, etc. I'm not sure that the boys would have sat for that length of time anyway. The theatre seats are just too fun to sit in- <span style="font-style: italic;">up, down, up, down. </span>Everything seemed to flow well, thanks to the staff, which happened to include a <a href="http://jordanandcaseyclark.blogspot.com/">fellow blogger.</a> I am very thankful that Casey didn't give my rambunctious boys the "stink eye" during the performance, even though they were fighting over a drink and snacks for what seemed to me like the entire performance. Logan has this loud, piercing whine when he doesn't get his way. I usually ignore it, but when we are in public and trying to maintain a nice family presentation....sometimes I do whatever to appease him. <span style="font-style: italic;">I am sure that I will pay for it later</span>. I'm just doing what works, right?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_AxYNe323D1anPcBhN2273iw70JxeYV9dFzdjKPLhw8yB6cMUWsCzKtKK93tcprwM_Yzie0G8tVCbkPo1HuyU2Bg6d4Z7Lrdujcpb6UMJB-PobHRuXIe_fs6M1KEP3DOkJ16izxX2RGJD/s1600-h/IMG_1493.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_AxYNe323D1anPcBhN2273iw70JxeYV9dFzdjKPLhw8yB6cMUWsCzKtKK93tcprwM_Yzie0G8tVCbkPo1HuyU2Bg6d4Z7Lrdujcpb6UMJB-PobHRuXIe_fs6M1KEP3DOkJ16izxX2RGJD/s200/IMG_1493.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347672509505321938" border="0" /></a>Lauren was really surprised to get flowers from her adoring fans, (i.e. her family and her BFF), who came along to cheer her on! That made it all the more fun!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHijI93M4lbfniuCucsxtZf9YoIGqcqKlfyGTOZgN871ybWv-9azFZXIb_CpUw83e8RXKiK9TYFGdigu4S0Ar9LR11KSwGSBB0-7LKaeEFjcdNQPsTzjGQNMryBufCQcGL59w_Ky6xVzMG/s1600-h/IMG_1495.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHijI93M4lbfniuCucsxtZf9YoIGqcqKlfyGTOZgN871ybWv-9azFZXIb_CpUw83e8RXKiK9TYFGdigu4S0Ar9LR11KSwGSBB0-7LKaeEFjcdNQPsTzjGQNMryBufCQcGL59w_Ky6xVzMG/s200/IMG_1495.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347672519453873954" border="0" /></a>I felt some sadness because I have a feeling that my days of have girly recitals are coming to a close. I have enjoyed them these past years. I participated in dance and sports when I was young, so I know how interests change. My girls just seem to have other interests like cheer leading, swimming, gymnastics and friends. I hope that dance will continue, but if not, I will support them and be inwardly sad.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_q6I5-47L69tRlnYEKa55_uBMFVrnqAE8ER1dQoOHUd9EVp20X7Ot2yQeirbCKu0ED1_uTnEsylGMc7WAJAgu8kxxpy6Biujb0sKa6RszhmKzgUqiWG5ZQNNCCBzWv-OnyO_2BCV3kFbi/s1600-h/IMG_1501.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_q6I5-47L69tRlnYEKa55_uBMFVrnqAE8ER1dQoOHUd9EVp20X7Ot2yQeirbCKu0ED1_uTnEsylGMc7WAJAgu8kxxpy6Biujb0sKa6RszhmKzgUqiWG5ZQNNCCBzWv-OnyO_2BCV3kFbi/s200/IMG_1501.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347672512379012770" border="0" /></a>The brothers were given some props after the show and considered putting together a rock band. Negotiations are still ongoing.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqyqXu_fT-SYz_nvZNtu3Ls_dOzlsGrGX4VQyVdHJOv3w6r_sXo99lkO5bw0xBNNoHUePwLwLKFHo8Vss9TgkS5_Rtk_7B_tS6HuOqKcdCgYPC0quazmbA8ljxBlyiyw8VX1MX3HXzoSb/s1600-h/IMG_1500.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqyqXu_fT-SYz_nvZNtu3Ls_dOzlsGrGX4VQyVdHJOv3w6r_sXo99lkO5bw0xBNNoHUePwLwLKFHo8Vss9TgkS5_Rtk_7B_tS6HuOqKcdCgYPC0quazmbA8ljxBlyiyw8VX1MX3HXzoSb/s200/IMG_1500.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347677977886519458" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiydtujbsPq1C1IcsPu2YxUiyBEV0z5Jk8u0K0dxDVnuEexsDnmQu584a0Xrz9YkiuyB4QeejE3ErPdrQ6x1LwMeciUXLjhgkKYaDSp-NqaiTvrK-vBmXk_RMGtU58xGayGsTzG7g-Lce4S/s1600-h/IMG_1497.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiydtujbsPq1C1IcsPu2YxUiyBEV0z5Jk8u0K0dxDVnuEexsDnmQu584a0Xrz9YkiuyB4QeejE3ErPdrQ6x1LwMeciUXLjhgkKYaDSp-NqaiTvrK-vBmXk_RMGtU58xGayGsTzG7g-Lce4S/s200/IMG_1497.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347677982474074034" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />Speaking of negotiations, this is a super cute photo and story. Nicholas had only a few pictures of children from his class. I never seem to take them when I have been visiting his school. Maybe because I am running after Logan in </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >Kindergarten Heaven</span><span style="font-size:100%;">? So when we saw one of his cute classmates was performing I saw a photo op and couldn't pass it up. I gave her one of the flowers that we had and told her that she did a </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >wonderful </span><span style="font-size:100%;">performance, and asked if she would take a picture with Nick.<br /><br />From the first day of school I have remembered her because she reminds us </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">so much </span>of one of Nick's first girl friends who lived in England with us. They have known each other since they were two and four-months old. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Anyway. </span>Here is the resulting picture. After I pried Nicholas off the floor, he reluctantly agreed. He seems to like her and now I have proof. </span> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqiqkAxdPX60d_XMRmEKrxYQOUPWo2UyoazRZioX0v5EfCTlnTK6nRVtoc0YsDYgzemLbvzYBwFMs51rz061Fr52hAwZiEFRN2N9U373QhUSaArsdjyv333Sms2A2LP88L3OWfsxvTwLs/s1600-h/IMG_1491.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqiqkAxdPX60d_XMRmEKrxYQOUPWo2UyoazRZioX0v5EfCTlnTK6nRVtoc0YsDYgzemLbvzYBwFMs51rz061Fr52hAwZiEFRN2N9U373QhUSaArsdjyv333Sms2A2LP88L3OWfsxvTwLs/s200/IMG_1491.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347677984018712338" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">The face is priceless. </span> </span>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05705670723604409380noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554966973148760745.post-43821100864873474212009-06-15T23:11:00.004+02:002009-06-15T23:34:11.131+02:00While I was staying busy...this happened.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigS5t3yvY3FIdMyoLfc2QV_N5tntOzeSAzbN3KLUSaaAAnRp4n0yW7YeFxtA_jWFkOP97cxVkyWIsTjuMiGETgQN7-VTlhRzkE1JZlNZDlV74IuFc43LmVmO6BQuTsLAf9L8SvL1fR4ryc/s1600-h/IMG_1518.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigS5t3yvY3FIdMyoLfc2QV_N5tntOzeSAzbN3KLUSaaAAnRp4n0yW7YeFxtA_jWFkOP97cxVkyWIsTjuMiGETgQN7-VTlhRzkE1JZlNZDlV74IuFc43LmVmO6BQuTsLAf9L8SvL1fR4ryc/s200/IMG_1518.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347668215636558130" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_689hEzxBnBd7dl0sX5et6_K7bMWXwcNLdr3OsQ0ZbQi9jD2z0Pjaijiuh3bj-t3yYXap7AohWtXQ3vHVIkOWqwCD5bTYA1zku3BJqtDr82s4t9j_KDyZ10UvGP-V3P5tbvW98upcslmr/s1600-h/IMG_1510.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_689hEzxBnBd7dl0sX5et6_K7bMWXwcNLdr3OsQ0ZbQi9jD2z0Pjaijiuh3bj-t3yYXap7AohWtXQ3vHVIkOWqwCD5bTYA1zku3BJqtDr82s4t9j_KDyZ10UvGP-V3P5tbvW98upcslmr/s200/IMG_1510.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347668200980491330" border="0" /></a>My oldest graduated from 6th grade last week! I am speechless. How could this happen? When did my little baby decide that it was okay to do this?? She received awards for A- Honor Roll this quarter, A/B- Honor Roll for the year, The President's Gold Academic Award, and some others that I cannot remember. I mentioned the big ones, right?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-UfGNfgPa4FP9Q4NtBMrctlO0vCYgbyP2iXpV80tzFMf9LGPGMxQCARZO4hWtvERfAR-x8F_k7z5a57EXGqoi80C39chsdlNmhrhE1MUL7oixmvBxPtmjyeyKa4Wt1F3AIjz9XRZ6WvT/s1600-h/IMG_1514.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-UfGNfgPa4FP9Q4NtBMrctlO0vCYgbyP2iXpV80tzFMf9LGPGMxQCARZO4hWtvERfAR-x8F_k7z5a57EXGqoi80C39chsdlNmhrhE1MUL7oixmvBxPtmjyeyKa4Wt1F3AIjz9XRZ6WvT/s200/IMG_1514.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347668207979318210" border="0" /></a><br />She graciously accepted her awards and flowers, took glam photos with her BFF friends, celebrated with a class BBQ (dunking booth included), and went merrily on her way to Middle School. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVoIwV43ucj3aoUfEAGvr-OnIJVZfNTRbCdbdSm4HUsxdRhHKf5v3vrnGIEorciSv-YpB9_o46JdmEXzjPHcEdqM6yaMVFCzB8tD3_IRaYnp0dkuEhP1NZKG-undeWwmEFrXPKQ3Jsv-1w/s1600-h/IMG_1516.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVoIwV43ucj3aoUfEAGvr-OnIJVZfNTRbCdbdSm4HUsxdRhHKf5v3vrnGIEorciSv-YpB9_o46JdmEXzjPHcEdqM6yaMVFCzB8tD3_IRaYnp0dkuEhP1NZKG-undeWwmEFrXPKQ3Jsv-1w/s200/IMG_1516.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347668973715601282" border="0" /></a><br /><br />More drama to follow. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">That </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;">is one thing of which I am sure</span>.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05705670723604409380noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554966973148760745.post-19427376740044977122009-06-06T20:13:00.003+02:002009-06-06T20:25:00.654+02:00Busy!I am so, so sorry about the lack of posting. I actually have several posts in the drafts that need some <span style="font-style: italic;">tweaking</span>. My excuse? Ummm..busy???<br /><br />I have been single parenting at the busiest time of the year. In the past weeks we have had numerous baseball and softball practice and games, dance rehearsals and recitals, end of school year events, and<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Life in General</span>.<br /><br />Factor in the destructive behavior of the two-year-old (?!?!?!), the whiny four-year-old (nothing new), and the drama of the others........<br /><br />My dishwasher also decided that the pump had had it and I have been at the mercy of my landlord during the repair phase. I have been told that a replacement will be installed tomorrow until mine is repaired. Really, washing the massive amount of dishes that I have in a single 12x12 sink is getting very old. <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> Very old.</span> Dishwater hands? Got those too. <br /><br />We have another pre-teen staying with us while her parents have a restful holiday after her dad returned from a year in Iraq. It has been nice having an extra pair of hands! <br /><br />I am hoping that Sunday will be a low key day and I can get more pictures and posts uploaded.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05705670723604409380noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554966973148760745.post-82967844103991302772009-05-12T21:53:00.003+02:002009-05-12T22:13:47.272+02:00You do what you gotta doI was doing dinner on my own tonight. I wanted a simple cook and clean-up experience, so I went with my "stand-by" of cheese-eggs in wheat tortillas and sliced fruit. Since I completely wanted to avoid the <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span style="font-style: italic;">CHA-OS </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">that has been a reoccurring dinner event</span></span>, I found myself doing the following:<br /><br />I made some cinnamon rolls (the pop-up kind---eeekk---HATE opening them) and proclaimed that ANY bad behavior, complaining or lack of eating dinner would result in NO cinnamon roll. Nada. Not even a smidgen of icing.<br /><img src="file:///C:/Users/Andrea/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot-2.jpg" alt="" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mPRV43GaHIYoSELetzNnSPVbzNesHdRrIv3iBdjfjMRaqu9Zepzp-SrBGLaBUMyt46Fe9rQn0TF4g3rXvlbTVXm_2k2JDJHgbyj97K80zpZ01HNSeOgTnHR67UvaiL2jNpvr7EXj1wfI/s1600-h/60430678_a002602466.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mPRV43GaHIYoSELetzNnSPVbzNesHdRrIv3iBdjfjMRaqu9Zepzp-SrBGLaBUMyt46Fe9rQn0TF4g3rXvlbTVXm_2k2JDJHgbyj97K80zpZ01HNSeOgTnHR67UvaiL2jNpvr7EXj1wfI/s200/60430678_a002602466.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335033072115096690" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">It worked.</span><br /><br />As parents, we try not to give sweets as a reward, but I had a feeling this would be the golden ticket.<br /><br />After dinner, my daughter and I cleaned up the table while my oldest son helped his brother get into his pyjamas. I then told the boys that they could watch 10-15 minutes of SB (the square, yellow guy), while I folded laundry.<br /><br />Yep. Used it as a babysitter.<br /><br />A book was read and bedtime was a breeze.<br /><br />Chaos contained. <br />Success.<br />No guilt.whatsoever.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05705670723604409380noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554966973148760745.post-44095771186858704942009-05-12T17:33:00.005+02:002009-05-12T21:15:27.751+02:00Cleaning out the old blog posts<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2__4ag_Uuq50Hs2GsTWTxzsov57j2h2wEyGnbJOGU7-sTLbDuyeHUMQwBq-9oACM_5dS_8d2BwDc2eNpQTMa_Pik_4e9qmfQ3XnCmYNY76zAMvVRZsB7KdqBx2gpvdVUsy5WuS9YukXm2/s1600-h/IMG_1167.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2__4ag_Uuq50Hs2GsTWTxzsov57j2h2wEyGnbJOGU7-sTLbDuyeHUMQwBq-9oACM_5dS_8d2BwDc2eNpQTMa_Pik_4e9qmfQ3XnCmYNY76zAMvVRZsB7KdqBx2gpvdVUsy5WuS9YukXm2/s200/IMG_1167.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334959560683445202" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;">Easter 2009</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UlkM2gwbbgcRp2QQ4D9FvVB5Qc5x3IXuWDAEqryaADs9GkC4PBxH0vf7UqMokRpJI2ALc34y7k4_aRbLBAjDkrFi-whDZhGbVACau7DGtmiXUk0gH-4_KvkekXaXUFuvJGViN3ys8QlJ/s1600-h/IMG_1177.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UlkM2gwbbgcRp2QQ4D9FvVB5Qc5x3IXuWDAEqryaADs9GkC4PBxH0vf7UqMokRpJI2ALc34y7k4_aRbLBAjDkrFi-whDZhGbVACau7DGtmiXUk0gH-4_KvkekXaXUFuvJGViN3ys8QlJ/s200/IMG_1177.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326514473269257426" border="0" /></a><br />I saw this draft in my posting list.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >I have no idea why it is still sitting there, un-posted.<br /><br /></span>I guess things have been super busy lately! These are some of those "jiggler" eggs that we made and some egg nest cookies that I found in a German store. For the record, the cookies are super cute but have a strange coconut flavor and <span style="font-weight: bold;">very</span> hard candies. Needless to say, they just looked pretty. Even the kids wouldn't eat them-and that's saying a lot!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6uJlhdLKQa2cbemYXbpsIfu-oJwU3iL8ta-qoQOSzepWL86QWaGDsvUPj5yiYYlKBlJOLxDCM8ZYhb0bQ4Pd7hjevHP9peWlz-yTNBsQtsrtu2xLcFBTY47q58gQWiS4lZ2F2Lauqn_2Y/s1600-h/IMG_1161.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6uJlhdLKQa2cbemYXbpsIfu-oJwU3iL8ta-qoQOSzepWL86QWaGDsvUPj5yiYYlKBlJOLxDCM8ZYhb0bQ4Pd7hjevHP9peWlz-yTNBsQtsrtu2xLcFBTY47q58gQWiS4lZ2F2Lauqn_2Y/s200/IMG_1161.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326514468456955410" border="0" /></a>Lauren just <span style="font-style: italic;">had </span>to find a caterpillar while she was in her nice dress. <br /><br />I love the girls in these dresses!! You just might see Ashlyn's dress again for her "moving up" 6th-grade graduation ceremony. We'll see.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2gc9UlXb01dBeuK4j5DBQVuI5NdRmYVjo_6pzdyMSphuMXNM1MPst5Sn8apGz0ilogs-ogjsJqpFagf0ANnMwQ4jlIsddElkp8sVyKmJtd57lGAUGCAe73CV9gK984yQgBetAu3B92Qt/s1600-h/IMG_1155.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2gc9UlXb01dBeuK4j5DBQVuI5NdRmYVjo_6pzdyMSphuMXNM1MPst5Sn8apGz0ilogs-ogjsJqpFagf0ANnMwQ4jlIsddElkp8sVyKmJtd57lGAUGCAe73CV9gK984yQgBetAu3B92Qt/s200/IMG_1155.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326514461597638066" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wt-Xv5afWUSdCGYSmA1W2HVR3a0Pp23d0_Nj0yxt2A9Q0fGNDdjdaPxZtXx6Q9I4QRpu54zTLknfei5wR_7SK3bXSVh3rd2A1XthT9dRbuead6CImGxmHCUEEQwljQUHH6zZh0tE06gf/s1600-h/IMG_1157.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wt-Xv5afWUSdCGYSmA1W2HVR3a0Pp23d0_Nj0yxt2A9Q0fGNDdjdaPxZtXx6Q9I4QRpu54zTLknfei5wR_7SK3bXSVh3rd2A1XthT9dRbuead6CImGxmHCUEEQwljQUHH6zZh0tE06gf/s200/IMG_1157.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326514458937657586" border="0" /></a>Nicholas loves hanging out with his dad! They are either getting along or egging each other on....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWb8QxowIzl2gK6EXac88ZOFbAQTxERVjb493Ac3TlqgVLksKk2oEcrrLsJEsfHdSlBJcSCExfIUOGIMyePSQS4yJGRzYSaq4VtI1sjawH8qPRuhqL5l3g0Sk_nV11YZDd_CflEVTXYN3/s1600-h/IMG_1148.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWb8QxowIzl2gK6EXac88ZOFbAQTxERVjb493Ac3TlqgVLksKk2oEcrrLsJEsfHdSlBJcSCExfIUOGIMyePSQS4yJGRzYSaq4VtI1sjawH8qPRuhqL5l3g0Sk_nV11YZDd_CflEVTXYN3/s200/IMG_1148.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326514452241542786" border="0" /></a>This is the only basket photo that I could manage before they were opened!!<br />Logan had a fuzzy monkey in his basket. This kid climbs on <span style="font-style: italic;">everything </span>and figures out any type of gadget~hence the name "Monkey".<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WL1joYaxrmOzMo4Aed1Byz0XBLmdTi5mvlWUTAHAMZf3iflLqvYgR5NpiZtfip633eBjyrWgHOWkxwNjElX5nfwRqJ-_8ONn2r_0x79F7e-NcWAWnRbshDVK1lofXd6BtKYpNxV_Efa3/s1600-h/IMG_1180.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WL1joYaxrmOzMo4Aed1Byz0XBLmdTi5mvlWUTAHAMZf3iflLqvYgR5NpiZtfip633eBjyrWgHOWkxwNjElX5nfwRqJ-_8ONn2r_0x79F7e-NcWAWnRbshDVK1lofXd6BtKYpNxV_Efa3/s200/IMG_1180.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334960564500705842" border="0" /></a>When you are one of five kids in a competition such as an egg hunt where a golden egg and candy are involved, you need to <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">move fast</span>!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijInU8ICqqNFOTROUCky4QexSNu00etu6UHI83ry_UPvfZkTB8KuDd1K1jbhayNbJv6ouSklD0SUTBkXilJzC6_q1RcwSJkZ_8-XmOQD2HNu-30K3QRwZnQjS5U4rsYhPLP6NOt9DgbAeD/s1600-h/IMG_1183.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijInU8ICqqNFOTROUCky4QexSNu00etu6UHI83ry_UPvfZkTB8KuDd1K1jbhayNbJv6ouSklD0SUTBkXilJzC6_q1RcwSJkZ_8-XmOQD2HNu-30K3QRwZnQjS5U4rsYhPLP6NOt9DgbAeD/s200/IMG_1183.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334959573115742194" border="0" /></a>Bwhahahaha! That Easter Bunny even placed an egg high on the tree branch! Ryan jumped for a little while until someone finally shook the branch.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYWulDc2LRo_kWocfZv_zERIbf-gVrSK5rkCs_4vnOb-qol8SOH5Nt5Q6qmS90lJekihtKzlDwbIlL_Lpe2yUD8eJ-KuMXmald4bnugNGisMBCaavKWIvLjWgxeDyhPUsSrr_nWSu9aW0/s1600-h/IMG_1184.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYWulDc2LRo_kWocfZv_zERIbf-gVrSK5rkCs_4vnOb-qol8SOH5Nt5Q6qmS90lJekihtKzlDwbIlL_Lpe2yUD8eJ-KuMXmald4bnugNGisMBCaavKWIvLjWgxeDyhPUsSrr_nWSu9aW0/s200/IMG_1184.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334959583623121554" border="0" /></a>Logan must sample all chocolate before he can continue his searching.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJ-82thyDQ4XukO2rs8j-CBoOSl2zh8i9atZj7J2U6WDTtRLDqEhZsJssiGETXf3VBjmkPAv-LuRMpM4xIOSSLuj9UnQGjmZJevhlnnaHwR_tgneEaVaVAYUf-pnE6_130H9fBYXUuPNK/s1600-h/IMG_1181.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJ-82thyDQ4XukO2rs8j-CBoOSl2zh8i9atZj7J2U6WDTtRLDqEhZsJssiGETXf3VBjmkPAv-LuRMpM4xIOSSLuj9UnQGjmZJevhlnnaHwR_tgneEaVaVAYUf-pnE6_130H9fBYXUuPNK/s200/IMG_1181.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334959568599871218" border="0" /></a><br />Lauren found some treat eggs among our egg tree in the back garden. You see these plastic eggs hung on trees and bushes all around our German town. This is actually a living tree that we had several Christmas' ago. It seems to be doing well, despite the fact that we neglected to water it after Christmas and Allen let it fall from the third floor window so we wouldn't have needles on four flights of stairs!<br /><br />Okay, I saw another old blog post that I need to add soon. So embarrassing-I can't believe it.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05705670723604409380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554966973148760745.post-17291172632205892002009-05-08T21:08:00.006+02:002009-05-08T21:20:33.377+02:00Picture perfect<a href="http://shaunamaness.squarespace.com/shauna-maness-photography/2009/5/7/miles-kiddos.html"><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);">http://shaunamaness.squarespace.com/shauna-maness-photography/2009/5/7/miles-kiddos.html</span><br /></a><br />I love seeing these pictures of the kids! We tempted fate last week on a rainy day and had a photo shoot near a local field. Shauna spent so much time getting to know the kids and took tons of shots! She is so talented and fun. We have been blessed to know her. Maybe our paths will cross again some day in Texas. I can't wait to see the rest. This is just a preview.<br /><br /><br /><br />Now we return to regularly scheduled baseball games and practices, softball games and practices, appointments, school activities, laundry, hip-hop dance class, youth group...........be back soon.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05705670723604409380noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554966973148760745.post-25110600240926264682009-04-19T22:30:00.007+02:002009-05-12T17:09:44.630+02:00Frohe Ostern!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9aUQCe8on5CmhameMcUPgeyI8WV6LCDhbImv1p2kxRD2_4Vdc9tQNfo_gnY8X8zZ-v3L0jfZIujpDW15jAAEfTLUNK5VEclhR4KHxgF1fKmpDzP7W1EwlqbBDM-4wRzYsAISsOpAQka1O/s1600-h/IMG_1176.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9aUQCe8on5CmhameMcUPgeyI8WV6LCDhbImv1p2kxRD2_4Vdc9tQNfo_gnY8X8zZ-v3L0jfZIujpDW15jAAEfTLUNK5VEclhR4KHxgF1fKmpDzP7W1EwlqbBDM-4wRzYsAISsOpAQka1O/s200/IMG_1176.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326508970808887170" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWM1e0FAKw5LIgYHkXeVP7nooU2VbJpjfrpEnttEvLfbPeK3cGt7rCKfgVsaB-921Pokla-bx0Mw8bRG3cEFgbvj5iLNc5MsyS8fl4mi9T3OG_loKpcRinBuCThDFGSYAgAFzouBRCIRJA/s1600-h/IMG_1142.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWM1e0FAKw5LIgYHkXeVP7nooU2VbJpjfrpEnttEvLfbPeK3cGt7rCKfgVsaB-921Pokla-bx0Mw8bRG3cEFgbvj5iLNc5MsyS8fl4mi9T3OG_loKpcRinBuCThDFGSYAgAFzouBRCIRJA/s200/IMG_1142.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326508970161155970" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bJ6qtufgk4wa8NRjKT67YvTjnH3wuuBX8ZMuHy6hsgJnilMxZ9U3OtGdx8BEe1_dC-2fyS7iLueWq0qOT3OuzQBTuUWwwxv3XLNanIvuNN6KTfpQBx5qfReIyPyzI-rfW-0aifTVkRF7/s1600-h/IMG_1132.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bJ6qtufgk4wa8NRjKT67YvTjnH3wuuBX8ZMuHy6hsgJnilMxZ9U3OtGdx8BEe1_dC-2fyS7iLueWq0qOT3OuzQBTuUWwwxv3XLNanIvuNN6KTfpQBx5qfReIyPyzI-rfW-0aifTVkRF7/s200/IMG_1132.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326508963080519538" border="0" /></a><br />Egg Hunts at Ramstein......<br /><br />The Easter Bunny made an appearance.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK_KUkPTQtoy-bZGtH1cAB3Pas8b2SQ3I7im9GeBDQHPHLsdNJYvvTSORqB0zyL3HNK882kOA38no2E1t41cA0QtAHfUb9DV9I7-nNakioxjJ5dbl1Sp0gWC0o6GbZZVa0fpCavdJtqj_f/s1600-h/IMG_1130.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK_KUkPTQtoy-bZGtH1cAB3Pas8b2SQ3I7im9GeBDQHPHLsdNJYvvTSORqB0zyL3HNK882kOA38no2E1t41cA0QtAHfUb9DV9I7-nNakioxjJ5dbl1Sp0gWC0o6GbZZVa0fpCavdJtqj_f/s200/IMG_1130.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326507636975273266" border="0" /></a>Golden egg #1<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwsUxxeYwYlI-N369TxPbmxgNO7t9-1HqN4olf5DNHAzzrL9UEafH_Dxgqots1mlm_2HjxYglSyFK3aHfjS_IuNrnTunoQ-w-5UdftizdRIFu6untuA_R29_fH4tqrcmXcMrclQDVphC2/s1600-h/IMG_1136.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwsUxxeYwYlI-N369TxPbmxgNO7t9-1HqN4olf5DNHAzzrL9UEafH_Dxgqots1mlm_2HjxYglSyFK3aHfjS_IuNrnTunoQ-w-5UdftizdRIFu6untuA_R29_fH4tqrcmXcMrclQDVphC2/s200/IMG_1136.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326507633481535010" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQg486W_etUfSL9O5UN7eV-lpNiqC7XaNx2BhVTSqUJtKtgwRWWY2ON0qxnAcNumaYwNMmjN2AqWMOlXbdkVHQRaeuMJB31mpiiHFuN2wRA495uqM_5ChnynQbjhaA6e9Kp3i0nUKF-uSK/s1600-h/IMG_1127.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQg486W_etUfSL9O5UN7eV-lpNiqC7XaNx2BhVTSqUJtKtgwRWWY2ON0qxnAcNumaYwNMmjN2AqWMOlXbdkVHQRaeuMJB31mpiiHFuN2wRA495uqM_5ChnynQbjhaA6e9Kp3i0nUKF-uSK/s200/IMG_1127.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326507629945872658" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbb4-tU2ZaXq0WCgVqpB122DfgyUzZKfwjSg8H2fJc1JtfBCCh2bUzZnuOsjFFqM4Q3OYgBjh-uV8piZn24hIYyvo3jTSN8sWOVt6n6BEyWseHBclMIxlnZ_7AKM2ngAevT7gW56ozh0QU/s1600-h/IMG_1117.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbb4-tU2ZaXq0WCgVqpB122DfgyUzZKfwjSg8H2fJc1JtfBCCh2bUzZnuOsjFFqM4Q3OYgBjh-uV8piZn24hIYyvo3jTSN8sWOVt6n6BEyWseHBclMIxlnZ_7AKM2ngAevT7gW56ozh0QU/s200/IMG_1117.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326507622523757330" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6B9t2ueXD4V-Agz8n458n-inXxuHU2pN3up8bmR8f4rdWhnQrYpBoZBkQm245WdUrenJvhCo_CUqToSA54lu8p0zpJs_vAZOQmdXbCIwIzdwB80bGG-E2sorNvspsOkL6s00mFh_ggmCm/s1600-h/IMG_1118.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6B9t2ueXD4V-Agz8n458n-inXxuHU2pN3up8bmR8f4rdWhnQrYpBoZBkQm245WdUrenJvhCo_CUqToSA54lu8p0zpJs_vAZOQmdXbCIwIzdwB80bGG-E2sorNvspsOkL6s00mFh_ggmCm/s200/IMG_1118.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326507619944496306" border="0" /></a>Golden egg#2!!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1NpR3v5GCvOAhQyOpfvs5sMBGHKcQuCS1oFW2nz6xazQpxdRuQ9GbBBBfeZ-lijliAWbu-Fdn2GRkYq8TOjpjUX4Jubztvcr-iMSoYQxbiqHpJrR1qHQFP094ur-CDQme_MekJlCqMOG9/s1600-h/IMG_1125.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1NpR3v5GCvOAhQyOpfvs5sMBGHKcQuCS1oFW2nz6xazQpxdRuQ9GbBBBfeZ-lijliAWbu-Fdn2GRkYq8TOjpjUX4Jubztvcr-iMSoYQxbiqHpJrR1qHQFP094ur-CDQme_MekJlCqMOG9/s200/IMG_1125.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326506234329292514" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2uqdzLeq-T6MX63F1DHuZ8HCSlfN4J9Uk9i_CXVcAR96peBcdOthYAJydreXtRtLP5Cn87JlFgSe_YMWTjifveHOs2KMHGo2e0jtIIbwhaArWtkGikV9-04o0GcJc8RPhBvBlKP6lD0Na/s1600-h/IMG_1122.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2uqdzLeq-T6MX63F1DHuZ8HCSlfN4J9Uk9i_CXVcAR96peBcdOthYAJydreXtRtLP5Cn87JlFgSe_YMWTjifveHOs2KMHGo2e0jtIIbwhaArWtkGikV9-04o0GcJc8RPhBvBlKP6lD0Na/s200/IMG_1122.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326506226100453522" border="0" /></a>No golden egg. Apparently some girl tackled Ashlyn and grabbed it!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zk50KCVZKtGPwGS3qFileebtDCEsrVHB6rAnab4-KwgUx5KSDykvwJ22bYpwUCyemwJDHWCipku_Tgn2ypTuxLQlkYdEn7cLJ2KP31Bej82Qr-L3IhU9gAjsP5PJoyCd0jUEet6fW5t5/s1600-h/IMG_1145.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zk50KCVZKtGPwGS3qFileebtDCEsrVHB6rAnab4-KwgUx5KSDykvwJ22bYpwUCyemwJDHWCipku_Tgn2ypTuxLQlkYdEn7cLJ2KP31Bej82Qr-L3IhU9gAjsP5PJoyCd0jUEet6fW5t5/s200/IMG_1145.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326506224145730626" border="0" /></a>Easter cookies....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXAcY1R_M5uoFkAbyIDXi8HuVqJR_2AAO2Lr48mgJ5Q-wwkRshyiI3F77tIweeTOaaQQrSQo6pe0_1PfJ4HqOJLkBMg2pEUFuwfToURMUbSr8ssXrTJBpse0Jc1o68xYghHhCeweyjiF2r/s1600-h/IMG_1088.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXAcY1R_M5uoFkAbyIDXi8HuVqJR_2AAO2Lr48mgJ5Q-wwkRshyiI3F77tIweeTOaaQQrSQo6pe0_1PfJ4HqOJLkBMg2pEUFuwfToURMUbSr8ssXrTJBpse0Jc1o68xYghHhCeweyjiF2r/s200/IMG_1088.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326506221432344066" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgij78OIN2paDI7xhWdFdhqpDO_mgqnZCb_fyA40M7sMvO9Zz_QgZsOsjOB_4tlUpuK7sMKl4WnxChb210PRzvoKTPySygfC7uD86hpNiqSsK7w0VqIoT-alSCX_lSBLGtflfFYXBP2PuP6/s1600-h/IMG_1099.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgij78OIN2paDI7xhWdFdhqpDO_mgqnZCb_fyA40M7sMvO9Zz_QgZsOsjOB_4tlUpuK7sMKl4WnxChb210PRzvoKTPySygfC7uD86hpNiqSsK7w0VqIoT-alSCX_lSBLGtflfFYXBP2PuP6/s200/IMG_1099.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326506213118208066" border="0" /></a>and colored eggs.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PrJAtzjDOb6EcauUzfB6XUMzo07Av9-9iYH3_e8BSz2EAxd72ujIN77oqR5uAEufePQBNTBezFaIftGKHHwI7ZhKbbrm8FaABHecTuePYfXot7N9P1L_BOfTYFX0QkR343kw4tHalPbt/s1600-h/IMG_1100.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PrJAtzjDOb6EcauUzfB6XUMzo07Av9-9iYH3_e8BSz2EAxd72ujIN77oqR5uAEufePQBNTBezFaIftGKHHwI7ZhKbbrm8FaABHecTuePYfXot7N9P1L_BOfTYFX0QkR343kw4tHalPbt/s200/IMG_1100.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326504564563336626" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRaYoRZyXsowbxQ5giF5wgj0T26mgSHOA68ojWSx-aj3o4XksFooIg89sNvy3SUYEui2rZ7AO73CsHDOlOmbQYkGM-8WCKkwnZwLEbmiGRx7OyvXUGBYoZSN6dN5T_cDAosSU4CVwkp9UY/s1600-h/IMG_1098.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRaYoRZyXsowbxQ5giF5wgj0T26mgSHOA68ojWSx-aj3o4XksFooIg89sNvy3SUYEui2rZ7AO73CsHDOlOmbQYkGM-8WCKkwnZwLEbmiGRx7OyvXUGBYoZSN6dN5T_cDAosSU4CVwkp9UY/s200/IMG_1098.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326504561541795282" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ZggRXPW-N8Nc9N-LLarZYF3BBYQxpVWaTx9EWBRZSKggIJ6xXfwoUWHebBnno-nhX7U-Gn4wgqs5NR7uKdJTnRXrCN-1ijsIKOjvnCFYc71M6iDYKWg9QtW-ibVqGDHSr2OYP8srhCNR/s1600-h/IMG_1092.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ZggRXPW-N8Nc9N-LLarZYF3BBYQxpVWaTx9EWBRZSKggIJ6xXfwoUWHebBnno-nhX7U-Gn4wgqs5NR7uKdJTnRXrCN-1ijsIKOjvnCFYc71M6iDYKWg9QtW-ibVqGDHSr2OYP8srhCNR/s200/IMG_1092.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326504553624448514" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jtsHlJ3Z9_cWl5euSlD0RxahDJRChjcZXWfA6Bb4wTeFZEB6XpI6YYdnVmZsKoUy9YWNfxqQuvxehLI3pO0cGGLntY5I66UIvOFjG35bU6Bd_6Fr8AI09-1egg_oiHgA_w_AreUNtFQS/s1600-h/IMG_1086.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jtsHlJ3Z9_cWl5euSlD0RxahDJRChjcZXWfA6Bb4wTeFZEB6XpI6YYdnVmZsKoUy9YWNfxqQuvxehLI3pO0cGGLntY5I66UIvOFjG35bU6Bd_6Fr8AI09-1egg_oiHgA_w_AreUNtFQS/s200/IMG_1086.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326504549510442674" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZubxu5eC7SbF7_lB-__BaIWN3TD_cQ2GeY3fFSjRBgXmmUBvSnTNEnlyM0gTG4CfaKW6So6u1Y_DvUy8C3r-OC4Lapj2zSbLgBM-SERThQo_1wzIwzZ5BnBbX0fMPZezttUgpllpcUwO/s1600-h/IMG_1087.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZubxu5eC7SbF7_lB-__BaIWN3TD_cQ2GeY3fFSjRBgXmmUBvSnTNEnlyM0gTG4CfaKW6So6u1Y_DvUy8C3r-OC4Lapj2zSbLgBM-SERThQo_1wzIwzZ5BnBbX0fMPZezttUgpllpcUwO/s200/IMG_1087.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326510656512327314" border="0" /></a>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05705670723604409380noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554966973148760745.post-21606379903727584152009-04-10T16:55:00.009+02:002009-04-10T22:47:32.426+02:00Keukenhof Gardens<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkwyEMhVSnRHAMEx5CE8CiqyvEjJAUkoptY25DMbrvbReCKGDd_Q50_eeVAj-hMJ68BX7o-y2W2bn_t02_LN6iVEsFTHVBdCQEVgPHae-tBKdRfXOtD2rpAw7n8U_BCwOJJ8vYLxlB3Gj/s1600-h/IMG_1034.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkwyEMhVSnRHAMEx5CE8CiqyvEjJAUkoptY25DMbrvbReCKGDd_Q50_eeVAj-hMJ68BX7o-y2W2bn_t02_LN6iVEsFTHVBdCQEVgPHae-tBKdRfXOtD2rpAw7n8U_BCwOJJ8vYLxlB3Gj/s200/IMG_1034.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323088624793635810" border="0" /></a>Lauren and I hopped on a bus full of mothers and kids (except the bus drivers) at 3 a.m. last weekend and went to see these.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNz_ISYR8pAZ1k6xcvNHj10JN9jBsP4wpcc66f_l7s9XxM6UNFsfO4nXNPZY9yBIyrVeclDGpyy7iCiLSCLxDxfWGtLDnoaT6ts1X5jePf8v0H22DKN14EdZRC4aiUBN6jyTv0RJ4RbdwH/s1600-h/IMG_1032.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNz_ISYR8pAZ1k6xcvNHj10JN9jBsP4wpcc66f_l7s9XxM6UNFsfO4nXNPZY9yBIyrVeclDGpyy7iCiLSCLxDxfWGtLDnoaT6ts1X5jePf8v0H22DKN14EdZRC4aiUBN6jyTv0RJ4RbdwH/s200/IMG_1032.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323088615146485986" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCFNawjBvsJeUgCARKOTpWyD5cnNSOIPGac77Az5cN8rWMuJkisTNKw-FAyv8Oi5mnMOatcpeek4a75izBLGk_VApwhrYPhgAD-d4I7-QCtgSWV-nF6_XhplVf_CEVJRR1YMiormLHRUI/s1600-h/IMG_1042.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCFNawjBvsJeUgCARKOTpWyD5cnNSOIPGac77Az5cN8rWMuJkisTNKw-FAyv8Oi5mnMOatcpeek4a75izBLGk_VApwhrYPhgAD-d4I7-QCtgSWV-nF6_XhplVf_CEVJRR1YMiormLHRUI/s200/IMG_1042.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323088619013676610" border="0" /></a>And hop on water among the swans.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PQf9-v-tpHdpnD7WBuCL5Fnk3d10AIh5z6OPVQmO4asLKHDoUJ7JP8YzEhuuU71zfX2LQmiQlgnjcJL6y9IKuHnAGdRAKEubkFfLTHKkFR3sJHKDC3t1k1aBf0HQVk-XDNAQESHAN9Oo/s1600-h/IMG_1045.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PQf9-v-tpHdpnD7WBuCL5Fnk3d10AIh5z6OPVQmO4asLKHDoUJ7JP8YzEhuuU71zfX2LQmiQlgnjcJL6y9IKuHnAGdRAKEubkFfLTHKkFR3sJHKDC3t1k1aBf0HQVk-XDNAQESHAN9Oo/s200/IMG_1045.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323088610131648258" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5uqUojB13Td9zNit7CPnM4nzsQc14WyGliphahxMJFohEtdIcXQYLAKEcwubEpvvOGbi6UYhtWuVZ1c_QmPkrNNuIEbkzrdwRJXqf13_AwG1XHaLK7SgLVm8M2eLZY0xwbaRygzc1DXbC/s1600-h/IMG_1047.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5uqUojB13Td9zNit7CPnM4nzsQc14WyGliphahxMJFohEtdIcXQYLAKEcwubEpvvOGbi6UYhtWuVZ1c_QmPkrNNuIEbkzrdwRJXqf13_AwG1XHaLK7SgLVm8M2eLZY0xwbaRygzc1DXbC/s200/IMG_1047.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323088607570319826" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7PkptIjt1OE7Rn8Hqw26iSv_UtwU-wUSm2DCwHos7R_8VeAe31li9ygbslyCAukraA0nT7eXtx9HyWhk9ue0cqVoAzfbsjtTF91JkR0-NxeJs0zmz_W7HhjcFevAhR1W2_gYB7VkhfsnM/s1600-h/IMG_1019.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7PkptIjt1OE7Rn8Hqw26iSv_UtwU-wUSm2DCwHos7R_8VeAe31li9ygbslyCAukraA0nT7eXtx9HyWhk9ue0cqVoAzfbsjtTF91JkR0-NxeJs0zmz_W7HhjcFevAhR1W2_gYB7VkhfsnM/s200/IMG_1019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323085025422203554" border="0" /></a>Bougainvillea reminds me of Mexico!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFN40iluZEJkeq9i87f_l8vlYmbOsC7sdzp6wSErrf2erIDodOCvgxQzKTTRRW6X5i6SyptBzc7C9MlPK0ZFyN0RlfpeihYEDCxTJ4jMsKMIcYZTuJyFTEHXAYV-ZFjyzYwEAiW_aJgbK/s1600-h/IMG_1023.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFN40iluZEJkeq9i87f_l8vlYmbOsC7sdzp6wSErrf2erIDodOCvgxQzKTTRRW6X5i6SyptBzc7C9MlPK0ZFyN0RlfpeihYEDCxTJ4jMsKMIcYZTuJyFTEHXAYV-ZFjyzYwEAiW_aJgbK/s200/IMG_1023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323085018780104466" border="0" /></a>Look how large these are on the right, as compared to the regular tulips on the left.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Cm2bzSoqObeG0IKPY_QDa4hqhVY9eSOAi6vFe8o8t9kVCJqxBlDQnCUeRglGQ1kTV4_dhCtJsWVy2-Wmz1eUAx7XDhyphenhyphenXndVzKTepIYW8uUoGJCMx-2EU9qt0kac5x4vcZ9PDBfW66GiU/s1600-h/IMG_1024.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Cm2bzSoqObeG0IKPY_QDa4hqhVY9eSOAi6vFe8o8t9kVCJqxBlDQnCUeRglGQ1kTV4_dhCtJsWVy2-Wmz1eUAx7XDhyphenhyphenXndVzKTepIYW8uUoGJCMx-2EU9qt0kac5x4vcZ9PDBfW66GiU/s200/IMG_1024.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323085016928546338" border="0" /></a>The yellow ones are called "World Peace". I'll take 2o million dozen, please.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gxb0oIIreYC9cjg2l8_il4suY86_8K7PL1-kLl5ym2hBq5hPo9VQx-XAB3qjQ8XdOAuMKUdGrDEMqJ5l0C9VYgzR20LT2uVngnuXnlqm_xA15F9366hX2rcKL6iKQHiwUZdZUgRJkAjd/s1600-h/IMG_1023.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gxb0oIIreYC9cjg2l8_il4suY86_8K7PL1-kLl5ym2hBq5hPo9VQx-XAB3qjQ8XdOAuMKUdGrDEMqJ5l0C9VYgzR20LT2uVngnuXnlqm_xA15F9366hX2rcKL6iKQHiwUZdZUgRJkAjd/s200/IMG_1023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323085011235007666" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnDa6-Kh_LJ4SsuF-8aPwE1PZoQx9HCo_PyXfLfbwgyS1714SRjGnwPoygQJd3RfDUUuLCajwHFszrK5cUcwxbM1ZlAkSN5-g0BdBmmB0QAo2_5yTtl8HHthqnf1sVb61NXzZ0-v68kAU/s1600-h/IMG_1022.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnDa6-Kh_LJ4SsuF-8aPwE1PZoQx9HCo_PyXfLfbwgyS1714SRjGnwPoygQJd3RfDUUuLCajwHFszrK5cUcwxbM1ZlAkSN5-g0BdBmmB0QAo2_5yTtl8HHthqnf1sVb61NXzZ0-v68kAU/s200/IMG_1022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323085007676049042" border="0" /></a>The "Holland Queen" above. We drove six hours to see "Dallas"......tulip, (below) that is. I love the feathery pink quality.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySpLFSLvUR2III53B4RkFR-z1kNcNHr-UMudJBCxfTruFArjuoJ51DxfjVaTa9XOW3C4qTliCuJ39oXq4YLSfeK-XjbJOtbPnmAzsjnzvXy-CBKqgEg74-lFAMZPPQQ4HfnGNpa3qVJXg/s1600-h/IMG_1011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySpLFSLvUR2III53B4RkFR-z1kNcNHr-UMudJBCxfTruFArjuoJ51DxfjVaTa9XOW3C4qTliCuJ39oXq4YLSfeK-XjbJOtbPnmAzsjnzvXy-CBKqgEg74-lFAMZPPQQ4HfnGNpa3qVJXg/s200/IMG_1011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323082348380757234" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhrCD5yhiMHpqQEa8Yfj0f2UwD4H1zSBboENNqinAdJQ22Ph_JsF50Y7Vj3sqdqK5i6bZlyKXqjjcNtKG_QBwrTb0scWbNbbu7Tx8HNpH2oUiP83rKw-ry2kVN6tjrAxZYFKLvN1C9fTm/s1600-h/IMG_1010.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhrCD5yhiMHpqQEa8Yfj0f2UwD4H1zSBboENNqinAdJQ22Ph_JsF50Y7Vj3sqdqK5i6bZlyKXqjjcNtKG_QBwrTb0scWbNbbu7Tx8HNpH2oUiP83rKw-ry2kVN6tjrAxZYFKLvN1C9fTm/s200/IMG_1010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323082341176053314" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqaNQV8JCxG1XYAPLIs1SaXo4sJhUwEfm_oPh04C9hxCBjepJphH3CIJzU0-s1yF8vDAaRP7jeMSPIxtLNG_CLIpX9jSTLVENDkKDwUMx8wE8h5xbRvZ-wTPiGbM_MTguPbpsbJHllAwnq/s1600-h/IMG_1018.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqaNQV8JCxG1XYAPLIs1SaXo4sJhUwEfm_oPh04C9hxCBjepJphH3CIJzU0-s1yF8vDAaRP7jeMSPIxtLNG_CLIpX9jSTLVENDkKDwUMx8wE8h5xbRvZ-wTPiGbM_MTguPbpsbJHllAwnq/s200/IMG_1018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323082356111325938" border="0" /> </a><br />I am not sure why I wanted a picture of me when I had been up all night and had just one small cup of coffee to keep me going!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZMmRcoq4D9773w1YLEwzkRz2cDhu1dmsbvAu1OG5-Uq_bG7cZGA_3mcpW605Jru8nmWtAQnM-junlpqH4gGsWkopYfImPA-EVR7ZCsdVHeiGvefwL2Oe3Xn91FQiswmmz3Mf2m9WPxk2/s1600-h/IMG_1015.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZMmRcoq4D9773w1YLEwzkRz2cDhu1dmsbvAu1OG5-Uq_bG7cZGA_3mcpW605Jru8nmWtAQnM-junlpqH4gGsWkopYfImPA-EVR7ZCsdVHeiGvefwL2Oe3Xn91FQiswmmz3Mf2m9WPxk2/s200/IMG_1015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323082353517629266" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hdOmwnZbudTeCBkA5BjJY_H-fhmQJYWliAHHATAJpD67dV5IKEhXf30yCOVrNl3VmoZER45Ks7epf7vBfmtWO5lGDA6r4bIapACwX6r2ACl4Dv_TdKGvV7csyD_auA6SWf5ccur9SJCx/s1600-h/IMG_1009.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hdOmwnZbudTeCBkA5BjJY_H-fhmQJYWliAHHATAJpD67dV5IKEhXf30yCOVrNl3VmoZER45Ks7epf7vBfmtWO5lGDA6r4bIapACwX6r2ACl4Dv_TdKGvV7csyD_auA6SWf5ccur9SJCx/s200/IMG_1009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323078300173060386" border="0" /></a>A local farmhouse near the garden perimeter. Wouldn't that be a nice view!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZFCGOqE_vWnYPjD3BOkuDwjOqXnd1mPZ8mn2U5VczqauDQ2triEj3j7gi8jEjGvgTzajkC3O1VwaLPiC4eWDoTf9fAO7DMGJNXtggtld7ktntie36EyL91nWBPZajw1S_kJRy7DIq5Bj/s1600-h/IMG_1008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZFCGOqE_vWnYPjD3BOkuDwjOqXnd1mPZ8mn2U5VczqauDQ2triEj3j7gi8jEjGvgTzajkC3O1VwaLPiC4eWDoTf9fAO7DMGJNXtggtld7ktntie36EyL91nWBPZajw1S_kJRy7DIq5Bj/s200/IMG_1008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323078291176284738" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhesS1CCgxdPIJYnQGIarxYKWwtFoUA2e_p6VKdVLsZMLTge3z4-A8epwyKxH1C3JNDc2mnFA_oYe5Brz9kXESsXgIcFFAwOIoay8M_m1UyRSUACvJXsmDrnNcReF5yrt-ufiyoPSw6rokt/s1600-h/IMG_1007.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhesS1CCgxdPIJYnQGIarxYKWwtFoUA2e_p6VKdVLsZMLTge3z4-A8epwyKxH1C3JNDc2mnFA_oYe5Brz9kXESsXgIcFFAwOIoay8M_m1UyRSUACvJXsmDrnNcReF5yrt-ufiyoPSw6rokt/s200/IMG_1007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323078286467100386" border="0" /></a>Where's Waldo? Erhm..Lauren.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuyK-N1EZF9RZGcfQQ4CDnOBwB7a2nF0Fin66uapdEEjMWfysZi7IJ68PPwFAmAD7LOFi71E9sgTsbcPn7w848ylhTizMrlSzo-adv-cNgjiq1NJUcHykqe-ZqKvmhMwPzxbYQCGgYGidn/s1600-h/IMG_1006.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuyK-N1EZF9RZGcfQQ4CDnOBwB7a2nF0Fin66uapdEEjMWfysZi7IJ68PPwFAmAD7LOFi71E9sgTsbcPn7w848ylhTizMrlSzo-adv-cNgjiq1NJUcHykqe-ZqKvmhMwPzxbYQCGgYGidn/s200/IMG_1006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323078281933155906" border="0" /></a>The entrance to Keukenhof Gardens-The Netherlands. Yes, the French flag does look similar, just vertical.<br /><br />I won't bore or entertain you with the bus details just yet. I will say that I am always amazed at the "group phenomenon" or lack of conformity in a group activity.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fN46LRS_NFA59UcePoKiDriXM8Mddu0VYxt3eWWaK4RBT7YJEuSsAsfJW8JGQd5sngieJxLoxCZM8f68hgpLKJdA2fTbu5RRsvzUp__oSL_L1b7jZk9dOzTNG-1NyXk5O_TGQ5pKw5kZ/s1600-h/IMG_1005.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fN46LRS_NFA59UcePoKiDriXM8Mddu0VYxt3eWWaK4RBT7YJEuSsAsfJW8JGQd5sngieJxLoxCZM8f68hgpLKJdA2fTbu5RRsvzUp__oSL_L1b7jZk9dOzTNG-1NyXk5O_TGQ5pKw5kZ/s200/IMG_1005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323078277554989058" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigaihyphenhyphenhJg5Bh6vXg7F7U1HV0ULdA1mEvvN8pFJpaeJdENBHUGPDm4HhkLntRKo9ao2eYBdF9qjnj_RRDIloyLDuC14fwfXxiSGQzRAqs0bvf57mgRQXsJTpqIGlsK5qZSFzhjhdp27uXMl/s1600-h/3986.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 135px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigaihyphenhyphenhJg5Bh6vXg7F7U1HV0ULdA1mEvvN8pFJpaeJdENBHUGPDm4HhkLntRKo9ao2eYBdF9qjnj_RRDIloyLDuC14fwfXxiSGQzRAqs0bvf57mgRQXsJTpqIGlsK5qZSFzhjhdp27uXMl/s200/3986.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323166545452914482" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We did get to eat these for breakfast with bread and butter. Chocolate for breakfast?!? When in Holland.......Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05705670723604409380noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554966973148760745.post-48067559490637217612009-03-27T21:39:00.001+01:002009-03-27T21:39:03.983+01:00Full<ul><li>The sky is full of clouds.</li><li>My calendar is full of school-related/social papers to add to its contents.</li><li>The laundry basket is full of clothes to be put away; the washer and dryer are also full.</li><li>My head is full of sinus drainage.</li><li>My head is full of ideas that I want to accomplish/visit/try.</li><li>My "To-Do" list is full of tasks to clean out, organize, complete, call.....</li><li>Our weekend is full of activities--Trier Ostermarkt, parent sport meetings, donation sorting (clothes).</li><li>My library bag is full of overdue books to be returned.</li><li>My inbox is still full-mainly spam.</li></ul>My patience with the whiny two-year-old and busy four-year-old is empty. My days of free childcare are numbered. It's time to start making a plan.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05705670723604409380noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554966973148760745.post-74490253589933350722009-03-26T16:42:00.009+01:002009-03-27T09:08:32.290+01:00Right under our nose<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsfu9HMdF6HnkNqGebKBezs4hV7_IwW6hUIlw4NhDD8kPnVq-ZtLQD-h7JIS_GjKq28VSq9OHoSFWwmVOHTTU8HmdvgYltHTqhaXAt_FbPstYT_4TstSPy8gVwD6dgV8VXhjEw3T4W2XIN/s1600-h/IMG_0961.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsfu9HMdF6HnkNqGebKBezs4hV7_IwW6hUIlw4NhDD8kPnVq-ZtLQD-h7JIS_GjKq28VSq9OHoSFWwmVOHTTU8HmdvgYltHTqhaXAt_FbPstYT_4TstSPy8gVwD6dgV8VXhjEw3T4W2XIN/s200/IMG_0961.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317523759401446930" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I mentioned quite a while ago that we wanted to explore Burg Nanstein. Since it is located in the nearby town of Lanstuhl, it would only make sense that we would check it out soon upon moving here, right? Not so. We had to live here at least a year and a half before seeing it! And can I tell you <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">how many times we have driven past </span>this location??? Hundreds.<br /><br />This castle was built in 1162, and is associated with the Sickingen family. Nanstein is known for an elaborate siege during the Knight's Revolt in 1523. Restoration work continues throughout the castle as we saw new buildings, ladders, etc. scattered around. This is not really the tourist season, so we were lucky that it was open! Many attractions are closed November -March or April because of the poor weather.<br /><br />We basically spent part of the afternoon exploring the rooms of the castle. I like trying to guess a room's purpose and look for little holes along the walls. These were often used to throw things out onto enemies (tar, rubbish, boiling water, etc). Dungeons and privy's (toilet) are also fun to find, too. There were not many people out exploring on a gloomy Sunday afternoon. That tends to be the day for walking here in <span style="font-style: italic;">Deutschland</span>. Stores are closed-not much else to do!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ECTeir1EazR56R5rxqEIOntJp3P5QOtHsmnRJ-7o3UuDQTJNDj5Yl-V3IHiF1zz7m-w-IjFI6y6rYovAMthtQVqT6Wgg7E6OcW4aqNJW-RgQ5ZEHQivEZ_jLkSoyVfeBt9ax4O2aixBg/s1600-h/IMG_0989.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ECTeir1EazR56R5rxqEIOntJp3P5QOtHsmnRJ-7o3UuDQTJNDj5Yl-V3IHiF1zz7m-w-IjFI6y6rYovAMthtQVqT6Wgg7E6OcW4aqNJW-RgQ5ZEHQivEZ_jLkSoyVfeBt9ax4O2aixBg/s200/IMG_0989.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317532444502097778" border="0" /></a>Logan has to have a snack while we are out. Somebody had the grand idea of bringing small boxes of Smarties. These are not the sweet/tart discs that I enjoyed when I was young. These are miniature, brightly colored chocolate pieces-very similar to M&M@s, but slightly fruity. Very yummy, in my opinion.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zImKpYvitluXAaOwglcdqQRMTD20KuYDn-hVTjVuZ4Ro9SxS5KeoQzmH8MFCgqC8Y2eIE01MzTHl14VDAFo7iCj2msvR34n-iMhODCxdBU4zgCNn4PYJaDzJ2IGqkc7LakNkIKdAmk2K/s1600-h/IMG_0974.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zImKpYvitluXAaOwglcdqQRMTD20KuYDn-hVTjVuZ4Ro9SxS5KeoQzmH8MFCgqC8Y2eIE01MzTHl14VDAFo7iCj2msvR34n-iMhODCxdBU4zgCNn4PYJaDzJ2IGqkc7LakNkIKdAmk2K/s200/IMG_0974.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317526758133146962" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgkESoOQ6sdEfgGMprP1UEpi52OzV-9vvW_dVi_6tsSXH6FHKotf5ocN15Y0hoM25sn3QcQDxFvFY8ZD3Gmi9zA1Ba8s8RD5GZLGd2nHVFK69DiXtDNRDNXsWnNxYKyPe48WboA86eUrX/s1600-h/IMG_0991.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgkESoOQ6sdEfgGMprP1UEpi52OzV-9vvW_dVi_6tsSXH6FHKotf5ocN15Y0hoM25sn3QcQDxFvFY8ZD3Gmi9zA1Ba8s8RD5GZLGd2nHVFK69DiXtDNRDNXsWnNxYKyPe48WboA86eUrX/s200/IMG_0991.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317531539194853618" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAEtT2uhfiOix1arLFfo-wsnuapmjiV1VoksF1wp_ZK4AocA7xqDAAn2l9yb1wA5Dq3j6KGDTIUXdoVuH_Cs824y-ss3x4RXgHvkh-E66Rnm-vmOJiDugD9ZG3kMeUkhENF5orrT_-7AfK/s1600-h/IMG_0990.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAEtT2uhfiOix1arLFfo-wsnuapmjiV1VoksF1wp_ZK4AocA7xqDAAn2l9yb1wA5Dq3j6KGDTIUXdoVuH_Cs824y-ss3x4RXgHvkh-E66Rnm-vmOJiDugD9ZG3kMeUkhENF5orrT_-7AfK/s200/IMG_0990.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317531534711491810" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6r-4_Nhb-ISYNQ4DDpCmA-H6sL-CvV1wZpmXecP2x9gxFSt8dXaxhcaMqjvZCjLX4GVYl3T2bspxoRO_IpdzeAXQ2op0pzuMWT0PDRylsfGca7HC-16t6_ec5ieSBb_7GqgfcpkiSKyS/s1600-h/IMG_0998.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6r-4_Nhb-ISYNQ4DDpCmA-H6sL-CvV1wZpmXecP2x9gxFSt8dXaxhcaMqjvZCjLX4GVYl3T2bspxoRO_IpdzeAXQ2op0pzuMWT0PDRylsfGca7HC-16t6_ec5ieSBb_7GqgfcpkiSKyS/s200/IMG_0998.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317531524987295426" border="0" /></a>Lots of fun arches and architecture.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIv18QZOmp2OFtZyHwnhWFo7YWbV0EyA9_ruURhcw8sHP9NsjMRBv1FNZHZVDLgN3IE83NE2Z0GFxRKhaYcdQTDgiBbmFOqghLsiOWPBTqsLPWIw9m4ly7fX6S1IaQTSL_-LyNyfesf-8/s1600-h/IMG_1000.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIv18QZOmp2OFtZyHwnhWFo7YWbV0EyA9_ruURhcw8sHP9NsjMRBv1FNZHZVDLgN3IE83NE2Z0GFxRKhaYcdQTDgiBbmFOqghLsiOWPBTqsLPWIw9m4ly7fX6S1IaQTSL_-LyNyfesf-8/s200/IMG_1000.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317531514176070002" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGoqSxBKiFK66rRtq9qFEy4txNKIqhTfQbaHfu3jsLGNvpiRvEziRlpANe-b5irs38QdH4GXM-iycMLIsZ5Ye-7O41CIQ7viIwWVac_JuK3UY5SdgVJUBxAu0ANeYFA2eP0asHxHotlZ44/s1600-h/IMG_1003.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGoqSxBKiFK66rRtq9qFEy4txNKIqhTfQbaHfu3jsLGNvpiRvEziRlpANe-b5irs38QdH4GXM-iycMLIsZ5Ye-7O41CIQ7viIwWVac_JuK3UY5SdgVJUBxAu0ANeYFA2eP0asHxHotlZ44/s200/IMG_1003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317531513298677250" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNG8DlbKmZ_qwQkwJi9WFdQmMyupCVcTMetX9UJKHrCzvNkSBEN_CnmttRxkpnQb116mKQeHUYahssJEYcguhxbDSuo9-tR7sUpiFucaEm9vcgucijQRkEYBgaLtmSYJw-A3K4jp-2LUUl/s1600-h/IMG_0977.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNG8DlbKmZ_qwQkwJi9WFdQmMyupCVcTMetX9UJKHrCzvNkSBEN_CnmttRxkpnQb116mKQeHUYahssJEYcguhxbDSuo9-tR7sUpiFucaEm9vcgucijQRkEYBgaLtmSYJw-A3K4jp-2LUUl/s200/IMG_0977.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317526765095352706" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSiCMcS8KJVRQREG6PS7OTxqpYRP4cciQhxUtJugumQQqxBm-Ish6_jJlAFzp6YAt8VdAosH_lyN6Kl095fJyhNbAJgNC3jKIzd6XlRkBf1ZTRyHP3rLT9LYfjm8BGKoJN0oyKRdq-rqNx/s1600-h/IMG_0973.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSiCMcS8KJVRQREG6PS7OTxqpYRP4cciQhxUtJugumQQqxBm-Ish6_jJlAFzp6YAt8VdAosH_lyN6Kl095fJyhNbAJgNC3jKIzd6XlRkBf1ZTRyHP3rLT9LYfjm8BGKoJN0oyKRdq-rqNx/s200/IMG_0973.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317526754174819730" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFw3nV06NI-XhE11EQM6NBuZ-LlLb9e_znDM8VGrgmbibwVMsh0yl7k6Ah3l5Jvu6BZAFBvXcVOaHFUAaDQtXez31FE6kCpLvErJCaAqTkNJ4iDGMH6JF7I0n39QrozDwQ5t9whL4MTJa/s1600-h/IMG_0972.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFw3nV06NI-XhE11EQM6NBuZ-LlLb9e_znDM8VGrgmbibwVMsh0yl7k6Ah3l5Jvu6BZAFBvXcVOaHFUAaDQtXez31FE6kCpLvErJCaAqTkNJ4iDGMH6JF7I0n39QrozDwQ5t9whL4MTJa/s200/IMG_0972.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317526748131946210" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7OfCQM6wvcGXwpOcz1O2cRObtHxfp-CkHBfZaOt_gR08P-dr7oNuYh3aUNp_xsg3Jf8aM9LrPSKO3kVbVFByYQTPs5m3VaMgMNkvUMCy5HB5H4iR9yH83lL7617SJW7TVM1RiMiY4JI3x/s1600-h/IMG_0967.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7OfCQM6wvcGXwpOcz1O2cRObtHxfp-CkHBfZaOt_gR08P-dr7oNuYh3aUNp_xsg3Jf8aM9LrPSKO3kVbVFByYQTPs5m3VaMgMNkvUMCy5HB5H4iR9yH83lL7617SJW7TVM1RiMiY4JI3x/s200/IMG_0967.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317526744681195762" border="0" /></a>The "tween" uniform. Hoodie from "store of the moment", skinny leg jeans and Convers@e shoes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfaozV409_Aj5pqDo8bHUwnBryhh8xMVRaNqltyhNrbGcQbG4V5w8PvzRcj3DBBenwcAQ7Z9Ioz-ED7oQbfEJYXycxg7o5y7zMAgUAuz0b9AyO5csSaurypdtJ996TP3lpgOn4zNCO-Q5W/s1600-h/IMG_0966.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfaozV409_Aj5pqDo8bHUwnBryhh8xMVRaNqltyhNrbGcQbG4V5w8PvzRcj3DBBenwcAQ7Z9Ioz-ED7oQbfEJYXycxg7o5y7zMAgUAuz0b9AyO5csSaurypdtJ996TP3lpgOn4zNCO-Q5W/s200/IMG_0966.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317523778846112306" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLviuLMv93xXwGQoc097WzyXuHgyDvPDX6unUO266wtorG8eyVTBCrP7TABb3bDE2G0CN4Uq_XQb9s2F69kerUrFN7QjwwjnB301LMywbu1TgTm-a1ARQJ6vjl_FUbiYVl0wDDRj82qBo/s1600-h/IMG_0964.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLviuLMv93xXwGQoc097WzyXuHgyDvPDX6unUO266wtorG8eyVTBCrP7TABb3bDE2G0CN4Uq_XQb9s2F69kerUrFN7QjwwjnB301LMywbu1TgTm-a1ARQJ6vjl_FUbiYVl0wDDRj82qBo/s200/IMG_0964.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317523770823404466" border="0" /></a>The view of Landstuhl below.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzxnfpHARji5JNlmDagrkyFzYHiKZa5hULjzz3gjDTrAToK9KbzIIQQeX74Un4kOcNU0DxpH8wGqAL7Yo-l5ybRFqCLCLZRqGZZxVQL1Jy2zKuupNfYFYEEvxQCJt1y00Jt4xh0DtxID4/s1600-h/IMG_0962.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzxnfpHARji5JNlmDagrkyFzYHiKZa5hULjzz3gjDTrAToK9KbzIIQQeX74Un4kOcNU0DxpH8wGqAL7Yo-l5ybRFqCLCLZRqGZZxVQL1Jy2zKuupNfYFYEEvxQCJt1y00Jt4xh0DtxID4/s200/IMG_0962.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317523764926908914" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGtnQeGScqen0YWw78NyHYsbz4R3alm31eOz9UX4YR0-VWO3wJtzHsndbxYWMrJ7QXIrF7XeBEFBoS_trBIcOVjSU9DyZ95ExkqPAaseaRfoRWjTLh7xwSIAQBoD47YdLEL03JXXXuoIK/s1600-h/IMG_0960.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGtnQeGScqen0YWw78NyHYsbz4R3alm31eOz9UX4YR0-VWO3wJtzHsndbxYWMrJ7QXIrF7XeBEFBoS_trBIcOVjSU9DyZ95ExkqPAaseaRfoRWjTLh7xwSIAQBoD47YdLEL03JXXXuoIK/s200/IMG_0960.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317523756475975650" border="0" /></a>Crazy for taking kids out on a gloomy Sunday afternoon instead of enjoying naps? Probably.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQPapa4URtPbaBAuWh3lLunv-xDrwB-dhRQqGj5Ga3ppL99_ExlO4uhMJnqohamNA5RMasbbLz_jbcvapyX5RRg4d8WqpMPqeKbzlSsc8lp1e3EsCcdN8pG3oAusSjEriiYRgECaA_A4u/s1600-h/IMG_0996.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQPapa4URtPbaBAuWh3lLunv-xDrwB-dhRQqGj5Ga3ppL99_ExlO4uhMJnqohamNA5RMasbbLz_jbcvapyX5RRg4d8WqpMPqeKbzlSsc8lp1e3EsCcdN8pG3oAusSjEriiYRgECaA_A4u/s200/IMG_0996.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317532430778741634" border="0" /></a>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05705670723604409380noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554966973148760745.post-10046588636829403312009-03-25T14:00:00.000+01:002009-03-25T14:01:04.741+01:00Snail Crossing??<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5h0deAVtCy0MrUaMSekh106wbddsb3l00iXFnGqSObcigo3PV5ymdidIY6gqAZ7LAPLfalU95H_uo4EDijHRliX_Dtb7gaWtE0JPWu9W3OhKhYht8gkQZP-TMSZFCU4XCxMQCO6-oMDU/s1600-h/IMG_0776.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5h0deAVtCy0MrUaMSekh106wbddsb3l00iXFnGqSObcigo3PV5ymdidIY6gqAZ7LAPLfalU95H_uo4EDijHRliX_Dtb7gaWtE0JPWu9W3OhKhYht8gkQZP-TMSZFCU4XCxMQCO6-oMDU/s200/IMG_0776.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316765283703354562" border="0" /></a><br />I saw this posted in a parking area recently.<br /><br />I'm not sure exactly what it means....but I will be looking out for slow moving snails.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05705670723604409380noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554966973148760745.post-87832323882042253412009-03-24T12:34:00.009+01:002009-03-24T16:42:52.009+01:00Where I left offI honestly had <span style="font-style: italic;">no idea </span>as I loaded Logan's birthday pictures a few months ago and left it unedited (crazy blog wouldn't let me move the pictures and kept deleting pictures/text), that I would take such a loooooooong hiatus from blogging.<br /><br />I've missed it.<br /><br />I've missed reading people's updates and little peeks into their lives. Funny sayings and events-I've missed you, too.<br /><br />I have found myself adopting a different life away from my green laptop. I have stopped coming up with blog events, titles and pictures. It was strange from the life I had been living this past year.<br /><br />Even now, as I type I can see that this will take <span style="font-style: italic;">baby steps</span> to get back into this groove ~where I left my blog hanging. Logan has emptied out the fridge magnet basket at my side and smeared peanut butter from his face on my arm (ewww); the dryer cycle has finished; and there is a basket from my kitchen that I need to clear out on my other side. I am pretty positive that most of the school correspondence in it is now outdated. *Sigh* I am surrounded by things to pick up and sort in the next hour before I venture out into the drizzle and get the kids from school.<br /><br />Just to give you a glimpse of what we have been doing, here are a few pictures from the past month. I visited Metz, France with a friend and her kids on a recent Sunday. It rained pretty much all day, but in Europe you cannot let that stop you! If you waited for a nice, sunny day---you might not see much of anything. Besides, the sun, clouds and rain are fleeting~sometimes. Allen stayed home with most of the kids. I say <span style="font-style: italic;">most </span>since Lauren was snowboarding in France for the day with a neighbor and her son. Allen's only request is that I bring back some fresh bread from the <span style="font-style: italic;">patisserie. </span>Most stores are closed in Germany on Sunday, so it was a nice break to get away to France. My friend, Jennifer and I made a nice discovery of a rose jam from the crepe vendor in Place de Jacque. It is an unusual sweet, rose-infused syrup. Nice on scones, pancakes, ice cream.........who would have thought?!? Funny story about the french bread: I told Nicholas that I went to France to get the bread that we enjoyed with pasta the next day. A few days ago I went to the local <span style="font-style: italic;">backerie </span>to get some bread for dinner. I returned after 10-15 minutes and Nicholas asked me "How did you get the bread so fast??". He was asssuming that you always have to go to France to get french bread. If we could all be so lucky.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLWA9hyphenhyphennUMM6GZx1Q6ojjwQjsrDiNaTFG2Ms3MR7CPtyC7mhBT0NQOCn8D_4nkSe5p_UoAePgvBcdfDdyeiqufx-gvUxB35l5ZhUoNc4eFdzjXgn0wjpOh0mQUt648eaEQMeAI4Ll_SIE/s1600-h/IMG_0926.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLWA9hyphenhyphennUMM6GZx1Q6ojjwQjsrDiNaTFG2Ms3MR7CPtyC7mhBT0NQOCn8D_4nkSe5p_UoAePgvBcdfDdyeiqufx-gvUxB35l5ZhUoNc4eFdzjXgn0wjpOh0mQUt648eaEQMeAI4Ll_SIE/s200/IMG_0926.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316777934581982466" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />The "Rose Window" inside the cathedral.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJ-tATmfsDJIG8M36QGqoYq3k-D_Jf3JrxqzWhNu8CDbpZGLXvYuKAFTSRvDFcAptFjjENFuwN9-0IZ29JPrSxIXhrlVsBa0B4pJiBu7hEorOuPnpCSN8yhImthOePRrFOOtFPTX8CjXY/s1600-h/IMG_0925.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJ-tATmfsDJIG8M36QGqoYq3k-D_Jf3JrxqzWhNu8CDbpZGLXvYuKAFTSRvDFcAptFjjENFuwN9-0IZ29JPrSxIXhrlVsBa0B4pJiBu7hEorOuPnpCSN8yhImthOePRrFOOtFPTX8CjXY/s200/IMG_0925.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316777926885690274" border="0" /></a>Cathedral front entrance adorned with many saints.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOWkegW7vtVppf7kmkSAyr6YrNt7kytZKCL3jK7_2ApkxTWbHlNepQd97lWTxlXRWc-k55lCv0ShO9k0kUZbxAVGPWucdDto8oKjFN8ZfFJR0k6R7E3PpExziJ4TS4GDkGUSRKq18zz9ZG/s1600-h/IMG_0941.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOWkegW7vtVppf7kmkSAyr6YrNt7kytZKCL3jK7_2ApkxTWbHlNepQd97lWTxlXRWc-k55lCv0ShO9k0kUZbxAVGPWucdDto8oKjFN8ZfFJR0k6R7E3PpExziJ4TS4GDkGUSRKq18zz9ZG/s200/IMG_0941.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316779560699112530" border="0" /></a>Some men's fashion that were questionable. Who knows? This might be the next big trend.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWmN5xO9dkOqg6CgN8Yar3GEXiZwaVVh-h2YnkkHDCiPnQWhbQeXfG10-giUwx3fHUetZnOSaB_Wlp_Zyfhv8sSfbKBNbXhR0LsfTDew_1rB6KN4GJdx2rkEUzxzRsOlMX1sqU5L0qizda/s1600-h/IMG_0923.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWmN5xO9dkOqg6CgN8Yar3GEXiZwaVVh-h2YnkkHDCiPnQWhbQeXfG10-giUwx3fHUetZnOSaB_Wlp_Zyfhv8sSfbKBNbXhR0LsfTDew_1rB6KN4GJdx2rkEUzxzRsOlMX1sqU5L0qizda/s200/IMG_0923.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316777922717621266" border="0" /></a>Cobbled, narrow streets are so lovely!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47KApxipEG98JnJpKDwbjvbV2Ukr4w4B76kRnp1IBtNQoeKaWit8aVE6dOpRyKX33eWZDeavWG11Hfbr3FFW6hUwzK0lpvNyyi8sXhLa1H8sAK_XEMXjWlBxDj5vfpmih8_3F2CqdFLiE/s1600-h/IMG_0946.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47KApxipEG98JnJpKDwbjvbV2Ukr4w4B76kRnp1IBtNQoeKaWit8aVE6dOpRyKX33eWZDeavWG11Hfbr3FFW6hUwzK0lpvNyyi8sXhLa1H8sAK_XEMXjWlBxDj5vfpmih8_3F2CqdFLiE/s200/IMG_0946.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316721655275947314" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBveUtqGEXVr1xTQBDMFiRm065icDn8sUIXtC03IzLgpWakBs-2XJ2Ij72q0mxcV-xp7QzD_WsG-ujpMTwaHk-3iF59KQ2ilt-skd4GjuKAmzTB2H2S-zDfd33G3YFz1NO95oxf1UnkR6c/s1600-h/IMG_0944.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBveUtqGEXVr1xTQBDMFiRm065icDn8sUIXtC03IzLgpWakBs-2XJ2Ij72q0mxcV-xp7QzD_WsG-ujpMTwaHk-3iF59KQ2ilt-skd4GjuKAmzTB2H2S-zDfd33G3YFz1NO95oxf1UnkR6c/s200/IMG_0944.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316721666664381170" border="0" /></a>A nice sample of <span style="font-style: italic;"></span><span style="font-style: italic;">gateau </span>in a <span style="font-style: italic;">patisserie window</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg016UQPF1spOrY4bH8MmoxuLnS-DahPmrjjPAjlDObA4bq6og5gZlP3sC2F9Qre4wM5dteDlRcCjYo0WMQaa_1j6k3KqN2Qozj4VLk21NmcHs-hhF9v1QF8WeNpq2ZfizdSo0Vab592GUy/s1600-h/IMG_0936.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg016UQPF1spOrY4bH8MmoxuLnS-DahPmrjjPAjlDObA4bq6og5gZlP3sC2F9Qre4wM5dteDlRcCjYo0WMQaa_1j6k3KqN2Qozj4VLk21NmcHs-hhF9v1QF8WeNpq2ZfizdSo0Vab592GUy/s200/IMG_0936.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316721648600322642" border="0" /></a>It was dark in the cathedral, but this is a very ornate confessional inside.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOFfNPPtwf8ytw4d7coB65libGFARSXscNYYqU2nLJRHgmW7r6kPVsJPV-CckuRUHqZ4CzL00ZRuKgbOkBRlb5PrN4wcE7f687RDKKVn6j7l85fCzoTV-4gs4QIfxE4NmARBowL0JKOV7/s1600-h/IMG_0921.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOFfNPPtwf8ytw4d7coB65libGFARSXscNYYqU2nLJRHgmW7r6kPVsJPV-CckuRUHqZ4CzL00ZRuKgbOkBRlb5PrN4wcE7f687RDKKVn6j7l85fCzoTV-4gs4QIfxE4NmARBowL0JKOV7/s200/IMG_0921.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316721634932030370" border="0" /></a>Metz Cathedral. I love that lamp in the right-hand corner.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJ2BfoC8HQ28dtpW4Oc06zBpIJtK10-Zm4wujEzmL-GFjtTSjELwrSPK4FuHO6q1sz4BrZ3jzPNAcFi5BX9eCF_T9Ioa5G7ML_NKmxJs5R28dxk3IUu5yjEHdONkZr2C6x4bou8pDaaal/s1600-h/IMG_0940.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJ2BfoC8HQ28dtpW4Oc06zBpIJtK10-Zm4wujEzmL-GFjtTSjELwrSPK4FuHO6q1sz4BrZ3jzPNAcFi5BX9eCF_T9Ioa5G7ML_NKmxJs5R28dxk3IUu5yjEHdONkZr2C6x4bou8pDaaal/s200/IMG_0940.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316721632087383746" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Nglc05KKij3tHDRZDxEGfnyVVZjTi3F4iHKjIksV1apk9sbSMFMvB-1FGkyqCs_fTi8C5vodoSnXjXzzQ0f9bU3p3A2L9e4npIO0asWpTNmZgNjVtlyO4XRHPwZQlcJ7PlgRX3fjTCxG/s1600-h/IMG_0945.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Nglc05KKij3tHDRZDxEGfnyVVZjTi3F4iHKjIksV1apk9sbSMFMvB-1FGkyqCs_fTi8C5vodoSnXjXzzQ0f9bU3p3A2L9e4npIO0asWpTNmZgNjVtlyO4XRHPwZQlcJ7PlgRX3fjTCxG/s200/IMG_0945.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316722155184888818" border="0" /></a>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05705670723604409380noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554966973148760745.post-908246722734700912009-01-10T17:08:00.005+01:002009-03-18T23:55:31.079+01:00Logan on his special day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQ3K87JpFCy1fuxZaltMcjkJaS5V5iuvok1vo1I3a310PToZ2u1cjJyciM4yGWAjisCXC3maJyxVxNv-ol353LjCGf2shpzkNJErJGX6MAL_iDKMQxkx_ZfEhj4FfrtIjHO1T0uCHJM65/s1600-h/IMG_0725.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQ3K87JpFCy1fuxZaltMcjkJaS5V5iuvok1vo1I3a310PToZ2u1cjJyciM4yGWAjisCXC3maJyxVxNv-ol353LjCGf2shpzkNJErJGX6MAL_iDKMQxkx_ZfEhj4FfrtIjHO1T0uCHJM65/s200/IMG_0725.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289702182043844194" border="0" /></a>Logan received an "Elmo Live" for his birthday. He loves him! Elmo is very animated and tells stories, sings, sits down, and makes silly noises. Ugh. This is such a cute picture of Logan with Elmo, but the mis-matched pants are a disaster! Logan apparently got his jeans dirty and some fashion challenged soul put Thomas the Train pajamas on him in preparation for bed. *sigh*.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1S3DfVPqYEeGc6ESzEDHne7AiOATm8n3D6A31Bns3wk1FXQtymw9J6m62l1Q3vBSOQMyty5UfG6NqjThXTzdTEFmOM6_i55sIeaBHrlcrNYQHMO3HT-T-pk2JpNvhOZQXkZMApaws9Jz6/s1600-h/IMG_0717.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1S3DfVPqYEeGc6ESzEDHne7AiOATm8n3D6A31Bns3wk1FXQtymw9J6m62l1Q3vBSOQMyty5UfG6NqjThXTzdTEFmOM6_i55sIeaBHrlcrNYQHMO3HT-T-pk2JpNvhOZQXkZMApaws9Jz6/s200/IMG_0717.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289702177446570034" border="0" /></a>Logan also received a fun tool kit from our newly discovered local store "Ernstings Family". Different name-cute things! Usually I am the good mom who bakes a cool cake. Not so for this occasion. I think after the holidays I just am not in the mood to bake. I bought these plain cupcakes at the commissary and decorated them.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZcfYo5_DTrleLo8Jgeazc067fujj2x7_INXExZreoLDRgr_4Gcb1VAl-42MhxnsqHyF1zO-QLx5RgNsRsWNbvuLrIQ3pyPFNSicm2GLrQqPq4bJkZhbZIsbqCK3ai0wCZ-PCl7tx2ZN5/s1600-h/IMG_0709.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZcfYo5_DTrleLo8Jgeazc067fujj2x7_INXExZreoLDRgr_4Gcb1VAl-42MhxnsqHyF1zO-QLx5RgNsRsWNbvuLrIQ3pyPFNSicm2GLrQqPq4bJkZhbZIsbqCK3ai0wCZ-PCl7tx2ZN5/s200/IMG_0709.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289702167434171442" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7JZtIwXb1hvGkxsuUtwM2Z8BPP3n_fvphPgVCHDWB92HRNRrN0Z3uLv6JlgqkSzvsWqqeqLcDmhJnkKTLqb0LUB6OOeKnIoD1A1zI1775gRwfrzO4FOHhTY6-pSscvjxQw8zjxt_xEth/s1600-h/IMG_0718.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7JZtIwXb1hvGkxsuUtwM2Z8BPP3n_fvphPgVCHDWB92HRNRrN0Z3uLv6JlgqkSzvsWqqeqLcDmhJnkKTLqb0LUB6OOeKnIoD1A1zI1775gRwfrzO4FOHhTY6-pSscvjxQw8zjxt_xEth/s200/IMG_0718.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289702190648288850" border="0" /></a>What else could we fit into the day? Well, Allen had a minor day surgery and Nicholas had a 50's theme dance at his school. We ate Chinese after we picked up Daddy. The picture is a few down-I can't get the pictures to move around. Arghh!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk95Vto1H8UIQ5h2lBM9bZaPc1YMyHE50oiCYpFfW3qN8Y32S6f_eOyEfRJrM1xZrnqAFFidFgGxIV1IabYqj5NOjDtQhWNP225jIGt0FeyFNVakPJ_Ji_CUi5Mmgeyl3d0fqoubpeXZv4/s1600-h/IMG_0704.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk95Vto1H8UIQ5h2lBM9bZaPc1YMyHE50oiCYpFfW3qN8Y32S6f_eOyEfRJrM1xZrnqAFFidFgGxIV1IabYqj5NOjDtQhWNP225jIGt0FeyFNVakPJ_Ji_CUi5Mmgeyl3d0fqoubpeXZv4/s200/IMG_0704.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289699046796483666" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlrNzZZwz8bcW_voMKuQCT3PKIN6mYqVnTlfFSXdAQRayxR5d0EbZ1EjTAdRFuB52IrxuubkeyvZW9tIFL1Q0P9PndlAWJaQqfVU21RQjxckzOglTXE8TvwE1e12GaznuiVz9ObdAnIaU/s1600-h/IMG_0698.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlrNzZZwz8bcW_voMKuQCT3PKIN6mYqVnTlfFSXdAQRayxR5d0EbZ1EjTAdRFuB52IrxuubkeyvZW9tIFL1Q0P9PndlAWJaQqfVU21RQjxckzOglTXE8TvwE1e12GaznuiVz9ObdAnIaU/s200/IMG_0698.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289699042133234706" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQn5-Ro1FPlgrovUc93iM4NJFQh57V6mdVTfSf1_PbBDJGxOBAvMjVsfIej9-rf_nuAWLA-brFHQgNyOY9q3sjfNCC-f_oigA7QWL7x0nIKfy5VypQ5MYJnGHo1LuYKbRqx8PCW0PAsL4M/s1600-h/IMG_0683.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQn5-Ro1FPlgrovUc93iM4NJFQh57V6mdVTfSf1_PbBDJGxOBAvMjVsfIej9-rf_nuAWLA-brFHQgNyOY9q3sjfNCC-f_oigA7QWL7x0nIKfy5VypQ5MYJnGHo1LuYKbRqx8PCW0PAsL4M/s200/IMG_0683.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289699019001534754" border="0" /></a><br />Logan started off his day with a pain au chocolate from the local bakery. Yes~he <span style="font-style: italic;">did<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span>go to the store in his pajamas. Every morning we go to the bus and Ryan's school in pajamas (<span style="font-weight: bold;">him, not me</span>) because I just can't get six people dressed, fed and out the door by seven. Something had to give! Here is Logan with <span style="font-style: italic;">Super Grover. </span>My friend Jill gave him to me years ago. I love him. Until now, he has only made rare appearances and generally hides out in my hope chest. Okay-I finally updated, somewhat. For some reason these pictures won't move, and several have been delated in the correction process.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05705670723604409380noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554966973148760745.post-43322165858681991882008-12-19T22:21:00.006+01:002008-12-19T23:15:49.535+01:00Christmas Tag<span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;">I wasn't tagged, but I read this on Hilary's blog, "My Own Little Circus" and thought it would be fun and easy--it was! </span></span><br /></span>1. Wrapping paper or gift bag? I love wrapping paper and ribbons, but when time is short-the bag will have to do.<br /><br />2. When do you put the tree up? Ryan has a birthday in early December, so we usually wait until after that and begin Christmas decorations..so usually the 8th or 9th. We put it up on the 14th this year.<br /><br />3. When do you take the tree down? Since we are late putting it up, we have waited until January 5th or 6th. Logan has a birthday soon after that, so we try and get decorations put away before his celebrations.<br /><br />4. Eggnog?? Love, love, love it. The hips? Not so much.<br /><br />5. Favorite gift received as a child? I remember getting a Tender Love doll that I loved ( I am dating myself!), a Barbie bedroom fold-out carry box and a stereo with cassette player (hehe) in seventh grade.<br /><br />6. Hardest person to buy for?? Parents. We have been getting them regional foods and gifts because they are quite happy with what they have at the moment.<br /><br />7. Easiest person to buy for? Lauren. She has a great list----And an alternative list.<br /><br />8. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes-three of them. I have one that my mom gave me from my childhood, a Little Pe@ple one, and a handmade one from a Polish Christian Mission. I love them.<br /><br />9. Mail or email Christmas cards? I have honestly been so irresponsible in this department the past few years. I used the "Baby due" and "moving excuse"in past years. This year I am going for the "trying to update addresses" and "procrastination" excuse. I will get them out-it is a matter of <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">when</span>. I love getting pictures and updates from others though.</span><br /><br />10. Worst Christmas gift ever received? Hmmm.. I remember an itchy nightshirt from my Mema when I was little.<br /><br />11. Favorite Christmas movie? The Holiday, National Lampoon Christmas (is that the name?), Love Actually.<br /><br />12. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I like to get things here and there throughout the year, but the bulk of it is done October through December.<br /><br />13. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Hmmm...don't remember. If I did, hopefully someone didn't notice it?!?<br /><br />14. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? We make decorated sugar cookies every year. I also loove chocolate covered pretzels.<br /><br />15. Lights on the tree? Yes. Lots and lots of white ones-<span style="font-style: italic;">no twinkling allowed. :)</span><br /><br />16. Favorite Christmas song? O Holy Night (Celene Dion-oh my...brings tears to my eyes every time), Do You Hear What I Hear, What Child is This, Carol of the Bells, Little Drummer Boy (love the movie).<br /><br />17. Least favorite Christmas song? A Wonderful Christmas Time, the George Michael one that I hear <span style="font-style: italic;">every year.</span><br /><br />18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? No family here=no traveling. I'm sure we will have lots of catching up to do in several years. Next year we really want to go somewhere and have a simple holiday. Switzerland or Garmisch, Germany come to mind as choices.<br /><br />19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Always.<br /><br />20. Angel on the tree top or a star? A homemade angel doll with ribons cascading from her feet down the tree.<br /><br />21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? We have been known to open pajamas on Christmas Eve before church, but I haven't bought any this year!?! Hmmm....<br /><br />22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? The days are short and so is my patience. I want this to be a special time for my kids. I have fond memories of this season, and want the same for them.<br /><br />23. Favorite ornament theme or color? I have British history theme--Henry VIII, his wives, Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots, Scottish crown and Prince Albert and Victoria ornaments intermingled with other traditional ornaments. The past two years we had the "pretty tree" with snowflakes, pearl ornaments, red jewel garland....but this year I let the kids add some more of their ornaments that we have collected over the years. I think I want two trees every year-one pretty and one sentimental/kid friendly.<br /><br />24. Favorite Christmas dinner? Spiral ham with Shannon's mashed potatoes, green beans, carrots and baked bread. Some kind of apple cobbler is a bonus.<br /><br />25. What do you want for Christmas this year? A drama free, kids-listening, calm and loving day/evening.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05705670723604409380noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554966973148760745.post-61258744862035487642008-12-19T16:04:00.004+01:002008-12-19T16:20:25.099+01:00I'm back!After a very long, unscheduled blog break....I am working on several posts. It's amazing how the last eighteen days have flown by! I have been checking blogs, leaving some comments and updating Faceb@@k, but the thought of a long post has been daunting. <br /><br />Yikes! I have ideas swimming in my head and photos hanging out on the flash drive. Besides the normal day-to-day mundane tasks of laundry, school runs, after school activities, cleaning, blah, blah---here are some of the things we have been doing:<br /><ul><li>celebrating two birthdays and planning another in a few weeks!</li><li>celebrating <a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Nicholas">St. Nicholas Day</a> </li><li>having pictures with Santa Claus</li><li>attending the annual squadron Holiday party</li><li>ice skating, lasagna and sleepover with friends</li><li>buying and trimming the tree</li><li>Christmas markets</li><li>a visit from a friend in the UK with their sweet baby</li><li>school Christmas music production<br /></li></ul>Here are some things that we/I am still working on:<br /><ul><li>holiday/Christmas cards</li><li>wrapping gifts</li><li>mailing boxes of gifts</li><li>finishing Logan's stocking<br /></li><li>I am sure there are other things that I am completely blocking out!</li></ul>Be back soon! Promise.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05705670723604409380noreply@blogger.com0