tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49703498875387418532024-02-21T05:29:05.290+01:00Our JourneyA snapshot of our life!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02819314200667965646noreply@blogger.comBlogger229125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4970349887538741853.post-16628559858580998382012-04-26T20:47:00.001+02:002012-04-26T20:59:59.771+02:00Kitchen Command Center ... Behind the ScenesAfter over a year I'm finally sharing how the heck my Menu Board, Dry-Erase Board and Chore Charts are hanging in my <a href="http://theclayfamilyblog.blogspot.de/2011/03/kitchen-command-center-finally.html" target="_blank">Kitchen Command Center</a>! I've received dozens of emails and comments asking how, so I figured it was time to actually make a post about it! Are you ready? .......<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.command.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/NACommand/Command/Products/Catalog/?PC_7_RJH9U523080QE0IIHEICN90GC1000000_nid=B3V3GS6BCVbeF0GFSQ26BSgl" target="_blank">3M Command Strips</a></span></b></div>
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Not a single nail hole involved! For the Menu Board and Dry Erase Board, I used the "<a href="http://www.command.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/NACommand/Command/Products/Catalog/%7E/Command-Sawtooth-Picture-Hanger?N=5922482&rt=rud" target="_blank">Command Saw-Tooth Picture Hanger</a>". This size will hold up to 5lbs!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1NoI39iIxAZ9X6S3VABWgwd2DNONhaWhx7qJ3ufEUOxaLX-kGIGwsAoTJ_JIIR0Wr_NB5iX7NIeI3URDDWV_gBcQrjoLViZy9cnfXlRYzkJKIhZHjT-tMpIoM4yIl-DY0vEQ41VbHbI/s1600/Command+Sawtooth+Picture+Hangar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1NoI39iIxAZ9X6S3VABWgwd2DNONhaWhx7qJ3ufEUOxaLX-kGIGwsAoTJ_JIIR0Wr_NB5iX7NIeI3URDDWV_gBcQrjoLViZy9cnfXlRYzkJKIhZHjT-tMpIoM4yIl-DY0vEQ41VbHbI/s1600/Command+Sawtooth+Picture+Hangar.jpg" /></a></div>
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For the Chore Charts, I used the "<a href="http://www.command.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/NACommand/Command/Products/Catalog/%7E/Command-Small-Picture-Hanging-Strips?N=5925378&rt=rud" target="_blank">3M Command Picture Hanging Strips</a>". Seriously, these suckers are awesome and I use them all over the house ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLc2wfg0q3h2O1GFUEEPc1GLtJiCtkvFaMroYt8vUxqGU8Uqfb1yWa_UPKXjSgIz-oiBoWaNLZK8dRmr1Oul6Ga-l4GocYrdRJQvB5WdZX0cIgfqapJJe4X_cYAVEqGF0-GSthZkWDb4o/s1600/Command+Small+Picture+Hanging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLc2wfg0q3h2O1GFUEEPc1GLtJiCtkvFaMroYt8vUxqGU8Uqfb1yWa_UPKXjSgIz-oiBoWaNLZK8dRmr1Oul6Ga-l4GocYrdRJQvB5WdZX0cIgfqapJJe4X_cYAVEqGF0-GSthZkWDb4o/s1600/Command+Small+Picture+Hanging.jpg" /></a></div>
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You can find these at just about any shopping center like Target or Walmart ... even home improvements like Lowes or Home Depot. </div>
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I hope this helps you get one step closer to creating a Command Center for your home ... happy shopping!</div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02819314200667965646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4970349887538741853.post-35676109579681630232012-04-04T09:09:00.004+02:002012-04-04T09:50:35.056+02:00It Was More Than Just A Green Sweater ...<div style="text-align: left;">This morning in an attempt to dress myself, I pulled my favorite green sweater from the dryer ... it was a shrunken mess. My initial feelings of thankfulness to my husband for throwing in a load of laundry turned to anger. My anger will pass in a few hours (I really do have an awesome husband) but I'm actually crying over this. You see, it was more than just a green sweater ...</div><div><br /></div><div>I am stuck with a post-partum body that I hate and have yet to accept. By post-partum ... I mean 4 years! When I became pregnant with our son, I was 5 foot 3 inches and weighed 104 lbs. I just came off a peak-season dancing in multiple parades at Disney ... I was fit and trim. I easily maintained a weight of 99-106 for the last 5 years with little effort ... it was easy to do when you dance full time and sweat excessively during "character sets". Dancing as a high-kicking Candy Cane Maid does wonders for your legs! Despite dancing through my first 6-months of pregnancy and throwing up after parades from morning sickness ... I still managed to gain 78 official (81 unofficial) lbs by the time I gave birth. My OB assured me it what my body needed to do.</div><div><br /></div><div>Long story short, 16-months post-partum I had managed to get down to 115 and was starting to feel comfortable with my body again ... then I endured a series of health issues that to this day have kept me out of the gym, out of the dance studio, and off the running track. We all know it takes diet and exercise to lose and manage weight ... for the last 2+ years, I've simply been down to "diet" and well ... let's not start on that.</div><div><br /></div><div>So here I am, 4+ years post-partum and though family and friends say ... "you still look good" ... I still don't feel like "me".</div><div><br /></div><div>So what about this green sweater? </div><div><br /></div><div>I can probably count on one hand the number of days in my life that I have felt beautiful ... especially post-partum. In fact, I will never forget the evening 17 years ago on the eve of my high-school graduation when a family friend welcomed my family to the wedding reception of her son. There I was with my mousy-brown hair and acne covered face standing next to my blue eyed, blonde haired, fair skinned older sister. The mother of the groom looked at my sister and said, "You are so beautiful!" and then turned to me and said, "Don't you wish you looked like your sister?". I think the look of horror on my mothers face was worse than the look on mine. The only other thing I remember about that evening was my mom promptly taking me home ... because she knew the happy exterior I always showed was simply a cover for a very self-conscience little girl.</div><div><br /></div><div>Back to that green sweater ....</div><div><br /></div><div>I rarely shop for myself because I hate what I see looking back at me in the dressing room mirror. I don't know how to dress this body yet. A few months ago I dared try on an outfit ... just a little green sweater that I wear over a simple white shirt. Who new that something so simple (and at only 14 euro) would make me feel pretty ... even if it's only on the day I wear it. In that sweater, I felt a little bit like "me" again and carried a hope that one day I would find beauty in my body, whether it's at 106 lbs and trim or 120 with a little extra padding. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Us9dY_UcrfT-CiG2Wf2_fc5J2UtJ_AHxGk2g_B379SxGrvyYifzx-kEqGs9ykwc7ecFT20FQpIvsi3RaKSpb-k0GDUc9cZzVhRrDqHGuzO3Y9bbZrxmPwBHH29Oqoc1V5OaCCFtLbnE/s400/DSC_0033.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727446873535380498" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">So, my little green sweater ... I bid you a fond farewell and I thank you for giving me a few moments of beauty. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02819314200667965646noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4970349887538741853.post-32395926254032224912012-01-29T10:20:00.009+01:002012-01-29T11:30:54.694+01:00Skiing the AlpsFirst, let's celebrate the fact that I'm writing this post in the SAME month we took this trip! Hooray! Off to a great start this year! *applaud* Thanks!<br /><br />This is our first family adventure of the year ... a ski holiday in Kaprun, Austria. It was somewhat of a last-minute trip. On the 1st of Jan we said, "Hey! Let's take a family ski trip together!" and teamed up with our friends, the Wagner's for a family ski trip to Austria. We spent the next week researching family-friendly ski locations and hotels and settled on Hotel Rudolfshof Vitality in Kaprun. Two weeks later, we were there! The hotel is a family-run hotel that included full-board (breakfast, lunch, late-afternoon snack, and dinner) plus a free Kids Club run by a great team of girls that had experience as "au-pairs". We enjoyed great food, drinks, great company, the adult sauna (sans kiddos), snowboarding, skiing with the kiddos ... plenty of family time balanced with quiet adult time. It was perfect. Though I must say, by the time we started to relax it was time to depart ... 4 nights/3 days isn't long enough.<br /><br />Our highlight of the trip was skiing with Kelty for the first time. He's 4, and as most 4-years olds are ... he's fearless! From 9:30 - 11:30 on our first two days, Kelty enjoyed ski school while Al and I brushed up on our snowboarding skills with an instructor. After our schools, we hopped back to the hotel for lunch then back to the bunny slopes for an afternoon of skiing with Kelty until 4:30. Then we'd hit the late-afternoon snack at the hotel followed by some time in the Kids Club for Kelty and sauna/spa time for the adults. After some downtime we'd hit the pool with Kelty and then rendevous with the Wagner's for dinner. By the second night, we had found our groove and let the kids eat first at dinner then drop them off at the Kids Club while the adults finished their dinner and drinks at a more leisurely pace. :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BnBtEbVMRACLmJ5Axnm4iGR4_B_7h8Y8ergspizn0ZrQti6flrPj29z_i3GceUcVuunLampWJ_M30TuF7snG0VUF5nu65B7G5Bei37lEgKP03O0qhx2ftpGnAsWUoQpbMA5m8ykAo4M/s1600/IMG_0354.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BnBtEbVMRACLmJ5Axnm4iGR4_B_7h8Y8ergspizn0ZrQti6flrPj29z_i3GceUcVuunLampWJ_M30TuF7snG0VUF5nu65B7G5Bei37lEgKP03O0qhx2ftpGnAsWUoQpbMA5m8ykAo4M/s400/IMG_0354.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702986612290906626" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Daddy and Kelty on the bunny slopes.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRnUHTdrJPxPDjwBw7TH1ZjOPhsEdK-zsWU7xyK0nGPLxsPUSTbx9PjSRjNrH11fmX3XE6mRl4Wsgo1ccKTto-NIOaUlAApOYRVo6eDE_lndAzEe4jZrUhL2L0Kf-xPxyv3zJFd753yYE/s1600/IMG_0379.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRnUHTdrJPxPDjwBw7TH1ZjOPhsEdK-zsWU7xyK0nGPLxsPUSTbx9PjSRjNrH11fmX3XE6mRl4Wsgo1ccKTto-NIOaUlAApOYRVo6eDE_lndAzEe4jZrUhL2L0Kf-xPxyv3zJFd753yYE/s400/IMG_0379.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702986617690070162" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">By the second day, Kelty was riding the bunny lift by himself. It was awesome to watch him ... so confident, so fearless, and so happy!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSCBWh8pTJNX4V7M4dfG0UIUowgHGTwg3PHLhoi0BcgBjG4edkCnvnfxujNGUI0JHJgORylSkFMyyTQyebV0ODGZuD8lI2u7VSouaDGt2DzKQ-EWzhAR7_GSIixD0Ld5jDJUKKiSN3R0/s1600/IMG_0338.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSCBWh8pTJNX4V7M4dfG0UIUowgHGTwg3PHLhoi0BcgBjG4edkCnvnfxujNGUI0JHJgORylSkFMyyTQyebV0ODGZuD8lI2u7VSouaDGt2DzKQ-EWzhAR7_GSIixD0Ld5jDJUKKiSN3R0/s400/IMG_0338.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702986635002053570" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Taking a breather with Daddy ...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQZFcusPSKVzDv68ant-3mVftorg0wuoCkAQi-kH1d-Kvax5TYqWswwmssaTK3Bxvxe609xss8k6Pu9rC4X41F9W9ZoHVkdNSvltYJ-lkk34NRv3frp4Wia5ptYDNh5wBJALRznsAd-s/s1600/IMG_0348.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQZFcusPSKVzDv68ant-3mVftorg0wuoCkAQi-kH1d-Kvax5TYqWswwmssaTK3Bxvxe609xss8k6Pu9rC4X41F9W9ZoHVkdNSvltYJ-lkk34NRv3frp4Wia5ptYDNh5wBJALRznsAd-s/s400/IMG_0348.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702984781741955218" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">... and a breather with mommy.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBzrk_Lk3VPCk0v_ZEs0ZRyK1tIZy2l_bloTJDOl2PzHxv8QxhoDcV-lg7xYlZ277lcHbJMyJCcivkCNH-n5rJYv4kNqT08JsB0pwJcBfWaW3tn5HG5Bo_7SQkYmF3KNlE52zp3b4pURM/s1600/IMG_0361.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBzrk_Lk3VPCk0v_ZEs0ZRyK1tIZy2l_bloTJDOl2PzHxv8QxhoDcV-lg7xYlZ277lcHbJMyJCcivkCNH-n5rJYv4kNqT08JsB0pwJcBfWaW3tn5HG5Bo_7SQkYmF3KNlE52zp3b4pURM/s400/IMG_0361.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702984760696045778" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Kelty, done with ski school. Is there anything cuter than toddlers on ski's?<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6WYRcmgnQB_ag_MX3XyuAwTOwD7vldatasBv71VMvuC4aPO2r8rUDBgHFMV-oyRDy3B45AUWcGwVfOjfVlxGj0MR6Rt6ygTw6GKkyepV4l-AatY7g4dZgg1mlsQL8evOLLYaksYvej8/s1600/IMG_0406.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6WYRcmgnQB_ag_MX3XyuAwTOwD7vldatasBv71VMvuC4aPO2r8rUDBgHFMV-oyRDy3B45AUWcGwVfOjfVlxGj0MR6Rt6ygTw6GKkyepV4l-AatY7g4dZgg1mlsQL8evOLLYaksYvej8/s400/IMG_0406.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702986620129552802" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Al and I were able to hit the larger slopes on Kitzeinhorn Glacier ... the view was stunning. We decided to use our snowblades versus snowboards because truthfully, I was tired of falling. :)<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Ayk59T5u7MD97SN2EZrTAUL2ErChdcOyvmtH7PmZPPEmdRO3gZmLm93-_PR5tb3_lyMbv7PfRn0XX0d48a3aUiPW_1cSZGiWYfBMDGgUjOYvIuGFX7XB4aSy9wCLmStOWOvM-RW4f_U/s1600/IMG_0411.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Ayk59T5u7MD97SN2EZrTAUL2ErChdcOyvmtH7PmZPPEmdRO3gZmLm93-_PR5tb3_lyMbv7PfRn0XX0d48a3aUiPW_1cSZGiWYfBMDGgUjOYvIuGFX7XB4aSy9wCLmStOWOvM-RW4f_U/s400/IMG_0411.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702984804078576194" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We hit the Ice Bar on the glacier. It's an igloo!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUDM70pdLM56NI9ZVkE1VOPe3xfbmB8RbC0Pf_bTkztFnxoNMimDu2CwvVOzjGu0ANrvU89A9jJs5CcdowNU8-gQXIEmTbSb0ONiLRMeABVgB0bK_7MKsyDfoEpIw_TM8HeajpNbHjTk/s1600/IMG_0417.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUDM70pdLM56NI9ZVkE1VOPe3xfbmB8RbC0Pf_bTkztFnxoNMimDu2CwvVOzjGu0ANrvU89A9jJs5CcdowNU8-gQXIEmTbSb0ONiLRMeABVgB0bK_7MKsyDfoEpIw_TM8HeajpNbHjTk/s400/IMG_0417.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702984789847683666" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We took a break enjoyed a gluhwein.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfoiQGR3tTFGEvEbrpaSYAxy_zpIUUL5gfc6-YMILdmUB-1g5fDXxUvaXiGtpgvfLu1Gs7Lo_wfOFKBuJjAiuEFYXpGUen_TViq7ZIU4pj_lPaOUEagzNXCvt4p_kseLLllJCPzAVt5Q/s1600/IMG_0483.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfoiQGR3tTFGEvEbrpaSYAxy_zpIUUL5gfc6-YMILdmUB-1g5fDXxUvaXiGtpgvfLu1Gs7Lo_wfOFKBuJjAiuEFYXpGUen_TViq7ZIU4pj_lPaOUEagzNXCvt4p_kseLLllJCPzAVt5Q/s400/IMG_0483.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702989056100892866" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The last photo of our time on the slopes ... a group shot with the Wagner's. As always, we had a fantastic time together! We were the last family on the slopes this day ... you know what was nice ... we could actually just ski right down to our hotel. Let's get one more "awesome" in this post.<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02819314200667965646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4970349887538741853.post-53061335190889409652012-01-06T19:51:00.015+01:002012-01-10T23:04:06.743+01:002011 Year in ReviewIt was a great year, a busy year ... but truth be told, I spent most of it feeling a bit overwhelmed and disorganized and trying to find some balance. At one point something had to give and unfortunately is was my blog(s). I regret this decision, as now I struggle to remember all of the wonderful things we did as a family this year ... granted, I remember the big moments ... but I failed at documenting the little moments that are just as precious and sometimes of greater impact. After this "Year in Review" I officially consider my blog current and I can start blogging for today instead of trying to capture what happened in our lives months prior. It's a tremendous weight off my shoulders! So let's get started, our life in 2011 ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">January</span></span><br /><br />Following our Christmas in Michigan with my family, Kelty and I stayed through mid-January. Kelty loved every minute with his Papa, Nana, Aunt Ca-Ca, and his cousins ... and so did I. Kelty has since removed the photos of his cousins from our family tree and keeps them on his nightstand. I also left Kelty in the care of my sister and parents and traveled to Florida for a few days to work at Disney and keep my show approvals in Fantastmic.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">February</span></span><br /><br />After almost a month in the states, we spent February re-acclimating to Germany. Kelty also became quite the little helper.<br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGvvIHOAHuQ8Yi2zDptzyI_4vVL2BC_FZCsBKNAlMnHCZnQuadlmgghvFQT-jM1lP9qd_e9e3vKNFBQheCtQLC6SV3sjR0xF85PViWyyL8HIt1DbWoI1y8EkztDIdUge0Vh2-ChFjXEo0/s1600/DSC_0140.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGvvIHOAHuQ8Yi2zDptzyI_4vVL2BC_FZCsBKNAlMnHCZnQuadlmgghvFQT-jM1lP9qd_e9e3vKNFBQheCtQLC6SV3sjR0xF85PViWyyL8HIt1DbWoI1y8EkztDIdUge0Vh2-ChFjXEo0/s400/DSC_0140.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696121036495274834" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">March</span></span><br /><br />Spring arrived! We spent a lot of time outdoors soaking in the sun we desperately missed during the winter months. Kelty gained a new level of independence at the playground ... graduating to the "big boy" equipment. We also started a new tradition of stopping to cut fresh flowers together after school. Kelty continued with his speech therapy and we started the referral process for Kelty to be seen at Center for Communication Enhancement at Children's Hospital Boston.<br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99sFm7QUK-fT0oRxgRZ4db1wHFYGtKFOixMehFCNIvsnMFl29OvDAadJ91nc22EEV-w5chxv7aObx_b3fZsd74KYVeP8wo3UhDrBF0XdjEJmZNqizy8ZWVBOfZ3xeR9EHfYPx6Ji6ZLQ/s1600/DSC_0052.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99sFm7QUK-fT0oRxgRZ4db1wHFYGtKFOixMehFCNIvsnMFl29OvDAadJ91nc22EEV-w5chxv7aObx_b3fZsd74KYVeP8wo3UhDrBF0XdjEJmZNqizy8ZWVBOfZ3xeR9EHfYPx6Ji6ZLQ/s400/DSC_0052.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694636757941504882" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNu4KbMa0dIjVaV-6uluABFTUjFGeJLRwqm4XZQEfFjuU2yiwfQeDcnOzVBKd4VST6UJwyCxqa4CcMt3cUhfrspMcrnd6W83nkE6QDGliiRQhePbHj3UI3jumb7jzgLln_j_prusdgoe8/s1600/DSC_0030.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNu4KbMa0dIjVaV-6uluABFTUjFGeJLRwqm4XZQEfFjuU2yiwfQeDcnOzVBKd4VST6UJwyCxqa4CcMt3cUhfrspMcrnd6W83nkE6QDGliiRQhePbHj3UI3jumb7jzgLln_j_prusdgoe8/s400/DSC_0030.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694636766161899490" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">April</span></span><br /><br />April marked our first big vacation of the year, Greece! We spent a day in Athens followed by several days on Crete. Al and I also enjoyed our first Weinprobe with some great friends ... it was quite the experience and one never to be forgotten. Along with some amazing wine, we dined on delicacies like Emu and duck ... there was a lot of wine involved ... which is pretty much the only reason the Emu made it passed my lips.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOu-p8uEbexmd59MEQtxwYJchU5m7u1o1vT7diU9bC3Cp5W_xh-wcnKdTcC-O5czXT65fCEF24PJopm6Uq_sSObJGsxU5kqnFk0NvEYwGMvHpOZj9YObf-WPZ6lZ7MruWwfXLlSNQI5g8/s1600/DSC_0027_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOu-p8uEbexmd59MEQtxwYJchU5m7u1o1vT7diU9bC3Cp5W_xh-wcnKdTcC-O5czXT65fCEF24PJopm6Uq_sSObJGsxU5kqnFk0NvEYwGMvHpOZj9YObf-WPZ6lZ7MruWwfXLlSNQI5g8/s400/DSC_0027_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694634688650570226" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5WwCRuIPWeU31Vt21OIpShCTXlIN-JpKhgKC9MtK41ym0TLLSFTNaZ0X9OFNKQrgUTOKa8AsSWYrgbwGq_SN6PkNQfblA86vUN4BgmWDyjmcJ3PTOfueurUxXBEuj6elMwU1yjGBsI8/s1600/DSC_0129.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5WwCRuIPWeU31Vt21OIpShCTXlIN-JpKhgKC9MtK41ym0TLLSFTNaZ0X9OFNKQrgUTOKa8AsSWYrgbwGq_SN6PkNQfblA86vUN4BgmWDyjmcJ3PTOfueurUxXBEuj6elMwU1yjGBsI8/s400/DSC_0129.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694637575243234162" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidG18YzqtkhkB5fx1V6f_XP3H-cwKEtEuIkgvB2Y9HHnrvuvqanU4osxaY3mGXSFqTNB-nyIBp4EJQPGl-AtOq6yiqCVWweoVm2DNyNvZyBkiWpP8cSaBwzmalP0ZD4ah2OgtUZLTDIwo/s1600/IMG_0582.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidG18YzqtkhkB5fx1V6f_XP3H-cwKEtEuIkgvB2Y9HHnrvuvqanU4osxaY3mGXSFqTNB-nyIBp4EJQPGl-AtOq6yiqCVWweoVm2DNyNvZyBkiWpP8cSaBwzmalP0ZD4ah2OgtUZLTDIwo/s400/IMG_0582.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696125334365522306" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">May</span></span><br /><br />We traveled back the states in May to celebrate my brother-in-law's graduation from medical school where we spent one amazing week in Vermont with Al's family. Immediately following, we drove to Boston for a week-long series of appointments at the Center for Communication Enhancement at Children's Hospital Boston where Kelty received training on an augmentative communication device to assist with his Apraxia of Speech.<br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtPztk4OL0RdH0iPaiJwp9haJMFk2JwKjkAZlqyCacoU-tBritI5pkhW6T8zLWGFN1eUvuAPRR0WjKltc3gUEVSOsaEpnvensDYlzysxmfP2wEkZHb9ye-HGa3lUsMQ7sb-34oxtoV1Q/s1600/DSC_0163.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtPztk4OL0RdH0iPaiJwp9haJMFk2JwKjkAZlqyCacoU-tBritI5pkhW6T8zLWGFN1eUvuAPRR0WjKltc3gUEVSOsaEpnvensDYlzysxmfP2wEkZHb9ye-HGa3lUsMQ7sb-34oxtoV1Q/s400/DSC_0163.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694634675237456450" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2C07v3XITUMBGThjhvvVym-43z9vBEhgC0NUt94uil9flfRaR9A4ate8Mm7vzC3lZiI_CY_LpL6Zx2ot160Lo-Yvol7PyeJZfzBxlrWfPU0R_g1ENES_M5UN07u3z1WIPmXrQLiRyQ8/s1600/IMG_0014.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2C07v3XITUMBGThjhvvVym-43z9vBEhgC0NUt94uil9flfRaR9A4ate8Mm7vzC3lZiI_CY_LpL6Zx2ot160Lo-Yvol7PyeJZfzBxlrWfPU0R_g1ENES_M5UN07u3z1WIPmXrQLiRyQ8/s400/IMG_0014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694634668486626162" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">June</span></span><br /><br />Al and I celebrated our birthdays. I started a new Reserve job as a staff officer. We took a day-trip to Strasbourg, France and despite a rough start we had a nice visit. We enjoyed our villages festival, to include a parade and 2-mile walk into the woods to continue the celebration. Al also took a "guys trip" and spent a weekend hiking the Swiss Alps (unfortunately the hiking photos are MIA just like the month of Jan).<br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQvcPAO7ZS1gazdY0xcx2ndyM0HQvsXnIxTeVLQ1rxMY_niYpK98FIsrMTI4TuHUt2WFIe0DIQuwviHfZdiwmX32s-IliaFl0LJi0YMXtg4R-22heAM6UAGDjbFEnCGuP54L1id7m4wyM/s1600/DSC_0084.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQvcPAO7ZS1gazdY0xcx2ndyM0HQvsXnIxTeVLQ1rxMY_niYpK98FIsrMTI4TuHUt2WFIe0DIQuwviHfZdiwmX32s-IliaFl0LJi0YMXtg4R-22heAM6UAGDjbFEnCGuP54L1id7m4wyM/s400/DSC_0084.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694632822488547570" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2Cuub_heFW1G8vBikvSVcYCoTTLwyvulX04etsLTUq7nYEvN-0v8bvSgVPTpJsbGjMXqsLsotdTT19UbtJL0jOTBblfrqcpZ01pOJqvII8UKauOfF37DEzpLyyX43BDYqV777QYnTjg/s1600/IMG_0068.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2Cuub_heFW1G8vBikvSVcYCoTTLwyvulX04etsLTUq7nYEvN-0v8bvSgVPTpJsbGjMXqsLsotdTT19UbtJL0jOTBblfrqcpZ01pOJqvII8UKauOfF37DEzpLyyX43BDYqV777QYnTjg/s400/IMG_0068.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694632813836432226" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">July</span></span><br /><br />Norway! ... or as Kelty calls it, "my Norway". We spent an amazing week in and around Flam ... one of our most memorable trips thus far.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXi56E9gI5xz8Rut66hjnN97BrBvacnlxBwvLAR2y2vPD9uMdF14dlcwzLYwtQvyxegvuE0_j1pEzCedf_bs0GTTePBiDroVSHj6x6Dgh4h0sAlerdegGmeQobaTiisFnxI2Zm_VWjJ0/s1600/waterfall.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXi56E9gI5xz8Rut66hjnN97BrBvacnlxBwvLAR2y2vPD9uMdF14dlcwzLYwtQvyxegvuE0_j1pEzCedf_bs0GTTePBiDroVSHj6x6Dgh4h0sAlerdegGmeQobaTiisFnxI2Zm_VWjJ0/s400/waterfall.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696103564243829890" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJcnVkxiNPfQohZf4w5Mt6WtUFOBqDqLx3Wx7sFL2yk40iBfIsktPXoI4vtSLOQXO1J0TwsYmcgAnqppR48ovG3MXJr1fdVw40RY11OvHMYhwy_lsjoS958X_hbwKUCjcq6SFEZEVrgI/s1600/DSC_0281.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJcnVkxiNPfQohZf4w5Mt6WtUFOBqDqLx3Wx7sFL2yk40iBfIsktPXoI4vtSLOQXO1J0TwsYmcgAnqppR48ovG3MXJr1fdVw40RY11OvHMYhwy_lsjoS958X_hbwKUCjcq6SFEZEVrgI/s400/DSC_0281.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694632805210473154" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">August</span></span><br /><br />We did a lot of biking in August and Kelty continued to show his independence. Our family bike rides have gone from Kelty in a bike seat, to Kelty riding a tricycle and mom/dad walking, to Kelty riding a bike with training wheels and mom/dad riding along. Our longest ride this summer was during an autofrei day where Kelty rode his bike over 4 miles. Kelty also started soccer camp ... he loved it, but spent a considerable amount of time picking flowers on the field and bringing them to me. :)<br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPF-AMA8jSca69DH0iFNU4Fi47PpYc_7IDOt8KA69jOJCoE2qeBtN_vFkNsznbsV0-AdfiAncHrnI7c1j0NrjbK_yMKajztYrvK-Y4n04zCrA3xs_tPKVNk7wcxkSIEyk1aYFBM54QFU/s1600/IMG_0099.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPF-AMA8jSca69DH0iFNU4Fi47PpYc_7IDOt8KA69jOJCoE2qeBtN_vFkNsznbsV0-AdfiAncHrnI7c1j0NrjbK_yMKajztYrvK-Y4n04zCrA3xs_tPKVNk7wcxkSIEyk1aYFBM54QFU/s400/IMG_0099.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694632792577475474" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11EfuE17s7lUPSOJGfcQ6YomN75DaZwMY0wIz6-nMaFVqXmgm-0RQQU2gw4n7Z8RBOQwPngQieznuYPrt13ZCSNoWJEMO5RUXOJ1cONA41yMZmORGrA6JMUY56XLSpWCKeHt6pS0K2Gg/s1600/IMG_0112.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11EfuE17s7lUPSOJGfcQ6YomN75DaZwMY0wIz6-nMaFVqXmgm-0RQQU2gw4n7Z8RBOQwPngQieznuYPrt13ZCSNoWJEMO5RUXOJ1cONA41yMZmORGrA6JMUY56XLSpWCKeHt6pS0K2Gg/s400/IMG_0112.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694632786287575762" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">September</span></span><br /><br />Kelty started Pre-School/Pre-K! We also welcomed fall by enjoying our annual visit to the pumpkin festival at Hitscherhoff where we dined on pumpkin bratwurst and pumpkin soup. Al started a 6-month deployment ... fortunately to another base in Germany so we are able to see him on his days off. Poor little Pogo (our 13 year-old chihuahua) was diagnosed with diabetes and our routine now includes blood monitoring and insulin injections.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEPQK3c_1xYsx5RZweJDn6iaEuuavVJM9kBn2Be3YRMLBxHb1qFcTtKHbxe_eaYH0VfMnNRYqiwNiAphYaYkZbGjWnVJoI8lyunDZkryiVkKF-yz6IX-wfzHz9LAoIVS7PElZe3VfG58/s1600/DSC_0396.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEPQK3c_1xYsx5RZweJDn6iaEuuavVJM9kBn2Be3YRMLBxHb1qFcTtKHbxe_eaYH0VfMnNRYqiwNiAphYaYkZbGjWnVJoI8lyunDZkryiVkKF-yz6IX-wfzHz9LAoIVS7PElZe3VfG58/s400/DSC_0396.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696110964664887650" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO8c3I5KePsa1fWRKZl5nrwNR2idtUzvkZb7z2JFXfAwj8hbiVM9mzvwPHxQnoa3zUxbU8y46UwA_kd5CaxsLuBUH174mZaVrX8w9htIBB0fqrp3g_F4LiYaO9VR3SAPpyJsmg-sdCXD4/s1600/DSC_0030.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO8c3I5KePsa1fWRKZl5nrwNR2idtUzvkZb7z2JFXfAwj8hbiVM9mzvwPHxQnoa3zUxbU8y46UwA_kd5CaxsLuBUH174mZaVrX8w9htIBB0fqrp3g_F4LiYaO9VR3SAPpyJsmg-sdCXD4/s400/DSC_0030.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694628790379911890" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">October</span></span><br /><br />Kelty started riding lessons at a nearby horse farm in late October, he loves his "yee-haw". We finally found our groove with Al coming and going, despite a difficult start and a lot of stress over Pogo's health. Somewhere between Sept and Oct Kelty became addicted to Star Wars, despite having never seen the movies or the cartoon ... I blame it on the toy store.<br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEPGSBR3T6nRB8BNejHHO7SNzSmua_kzfhPGJoouxJfuUK0Y_0Z7yCdFlWMgoTX8E01qN6J4NyQQUiOEnFXQlCTgnP22lXv_gaIFRsb3Cw6n4SMpoim1SAdRTj_K3TpfrExHlShzm51c/s1600/DSC_0313.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEPGSBR3T6nRB8BNejHHO7SNzSmua_kzfhPGJoouxJfuUK0Y_0Z7yCdFlWMgoTX8E01qN6J4NyQQUiOEnFXQlCTgnP22lXv_gaIFRsb3Cw6n4SMpoim1SAdRTj_K3TpfrExHlShzm51c/s400/DSC_0313.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694628782568189762" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7effuQ2Pqt9294Q8FKCqDUKtwlgG9juOO9xBL-60awkv0no_ATYWjAtcaVraChxr9g8cTH_VZulEXPSjUFYnXJn-FU2LFH9AM9KF2e_D7x8n6t1Hb0IbkJL5AAXdrH2Nyghe4VVvoM4/s1600/DSC_0212.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7effuQ2Pqt9294Q8FKCqDUKtwlgG9juOO9xBL-60awkv0no_ATYWjAtcaVraChxr9g8cTH_VZulEXPSjUFYnXJn-FU2LFH9AM9KF2e_D7x8n6t1Hb0IbkJL5AAXdrH2Nyghe4VVvoM4/s400/DSC_0212.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694628808292271698" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">November</span></span><br /><br />Gearing up for winter! We spent several evenings with our German neighbors learning to cook traditional foods like Dampfnudels with Vanilla Wine Sauce and enjoying gluhwein, in return we had them over to enjoy our traditional Thanksgiving dinner.<br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPEAAhOdslxKt7yU5c3iOgSxeb2PZPJhwj0OkSADRspac0p3kaXgzpz9vQj8ozJoN9H7thqiawXrcEOytxmzzxd2WOPYV4zQ76fgoacTzJmMuh1w9PHryEkosPKxYnpeBCDM3hRqPD4Q/s1600/DSC_0076.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPEAAhOdslxKt7yU5c3iOgSxeb2PZPJhwj0OkSADRspac0p3kaXgzpz9vQj8ozJoN9H7thqiawXrcEOytxmzzxd2WOPYV4zQ76fgoacTzJmMuh1w9PHryEkosPKxYnpeBCDM3hRqPD4Q/s400/DSC_0076.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694625741873982274" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyipE6VnmJekCwmc-cbyPLVd2CXZ9khctn_yLLEIvopknKkO5zJeVeCHeGhYk0YW3p40XnJiK0PIrNLIvoc0MCl-QqsHthQ9Ppi8kYylCt_2F4FWvgsxhBRo0XZvyGsiTNyXWyBOYe7b8/s1600/DSC_0108.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyipE6VnmJekCwmc-cbyPLVd2CXZ9khctn_yLLEIvopknKkO5zJeVeCHeGhYk0YW3p40XnJiK0PIrNLIvoc0MCl-QqsHthQ9Ppi8kYylCt_2F4FWvgsxhBRo0XZvyGsiTNyXWyBOYe7b8/s400/DSC_0108.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694625735620636162" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">December</span></span><br /><br />Kelty turned 4 and we celebrated with a Star Wars Jedi party! This also marked the age where Kelty was allowed to rock climb at the indoor climbing wall on base. We stayed in Germany for Christmas this year since Al could not take leave. It was a quiet Christmas with just the 3 of us but it was still a perfectly wonderful. We visited a few nearby Christmas markets and anxiously awaited snow ... which is still yet to come!<br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMdz09oSn1eb9NAxCiH0ua7pLkHYR4RNKRQ7ldwbCiQhfqTLLaPEERQur96EUHMckzEefs-yoeCGzM5T-CO-N8BYMrmOnEm3p8rHtwnQL0HcsKvxhp9eS9AziSWpWJguhXVLgtTcS3FJE/s1600/DSC_0112.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMdz09oSn1eb9NAxCiH0ua7pLkHYR4RNKRQ7ldwbCiQhfqTLLaPEERQur96EUHMckzEefs-yoeCGzM5T-CO-N8BYMrmOnEm3p8rHtwnQL0HcsKvxhp9eS9AziSWpWJguhXVLgtTcS3FJE/s400/DSC_0112.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694625716756832002" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKXhNcoS85dgjAF9NgMH_-0Hx8iHJT6v7lWFLqWRv61sJH8SnXb8UGaghyDU5vM6IRexibOYf8geEIFbHEwCBV3U3covQoWIm-KujMVzgiVkhL4_y2cCTQlW2scsCxLhQrnDdRKz0tcw/s1600/DSC_0167.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKXhNcoS85dgjAF9NgMH_-0Hx8iHJT6v7lWFLqWRv61sJH8SnXb8UGaghyDU5vM6IRexibOYf8geEIFbHEwCBV3U3covQoWIm-KujMVzgiVkhL4_y2cCTQlW2scsCxLhQrnDdRKz0tcw/s400/DSC_0167.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694625712070456722" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">... and that's a wrap on 2011!</span></span><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02819314200667965646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4970349887538741853.post-15008332203953265162011-10-30T10:42:00.015+01:002011-11-09T22:33:35.199+01:00Norway ... In A Nutshell<span style="font-style: italic;"></span>A long time ago .....<br /><br />One of our big vacations this summer (ahem, yes I'm THAT far behind) was to Norway! After a lot of discussion about traveling through Norway versus basing our travels out of one location ... we settled on basing our adventures out of Flam, which is nestled in the innermost part of the Aurlandsfjord. We don't regret that decision for a moment! This trip was the perfect balance between relaxation and exploration ... it's exactly what we needed.<br /><br />In a nutshell. 1) Norway is the most picturesque place I have EVER seen ... I will run the risk of sounding like a complete dork and tell you that the scenery and its enormity pretty much moved me to tears. Really ... it's THAT amazing. 2) Norway is the MOST expensive place we have traveled. Whoa! To offset the cost of the trip, we knew we'd be packing our lunches and skimping on meals ... I swear, it's 3 months post-Norway and I still cannot stomach a peanut butter sandwich. Thankfully our hotel stay included breakfast ... we completely gorged ourselves every morning, packed a PB sandwich for our lunch and bought the cheapest food we could find for dinner. How expensive could it be? Converting the currency to U.S. dollar ... a personal pizza was $50 - $65, a bowl of soup was $18 - $22, a hamburger was $30+ ... and we're not talking sit-down restaurants! I'm talking little quick-service establishments! 3) Did I mention Norway is simply breathtaking?<br /><br />So. We flew into Oslo late on a Friday night, picked up our rental car, and drove about an hour out of Oslo to our first hotel. The next morning we hopped on the road to drive to our destination, Flam. We based all of our activities out of Flam, a tiny little village that happens to be a cruise ship destination. Each morning we enjoyed watching a new cruise ship dock and each afternoon after the ship left and we enjoyed the peace and view of the fjords. It's as if we had the village to ourselves. It was perfect ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEi8-JYU0Q9_fc8xLSt1_oG1mWCVBxyGTHN21zRk8FtgxWuslHQ7XpleCciuyXb5d6Wtat0wGnM2ghbjJ8nyJtusnI_MHnfVp_6_BAseZhgut4fG0xR59qT8OndhT4QhWWDCmhzzFU_Q/s1600/through+the+fjords.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEi8-JYU0Q9_fc8xLSt1_oG1mWCVBxyGTHN21zRk8FtgxWuslHQ7XpleCciuyXb5d6Wtat0wGnM2ghbjJ8nyJtusnI_MHnfVp_6_BAseZhgut4fG0xR59qT8OndhT4QhWWDCmhzzFU_Q/s400/through+the+fjords.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669246978766529250" border="0" /></a>A view through the fjords towards Flam ...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrw8j6z9orjkctX_NpO5-n_xxx9m6h88Zz2Byj5obbftU_TDYZ7slr28mil8NchDFOGgq-rwswfHFCwDsjCWst-FP2wY-Lu_rc7uC2RE6cZn37aa3PfOR-KawneLqouRcf3yRMz1h1UuU/s1600/Moss+Roof.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrw8j6z9orjkctX_NpO5-n_xxx9m6h88Zz2Byj5obbftU_TDYZ7slr28mil8NchDFOGgq-rwswfHFCwDsjCWst-FP2wY-Lu_rc7uC2RE6cZn37aa3PfOR-KawneLqouRcf3yRMz1h1UuU/s400/Moss+Roof.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669240881492212466" border="0" /></a>Grass roofs ...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPWJWFcIIHAzz5CGPSwRzNYGBMtPm_VaELo4vrNjn0uNLsWCQ9Mz1HVOhdkaO1wJcNInhq4xBefx7_Lhadtgrfz1K8qfNmvvosgQSonlgjP6x4zuvREbdervUFAovUwUxIYWaXAPNsIg/s1600/Tree+Roof.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPWJWFcIIHAzz5CGPSwRzNYGBMtPm_VaELo4vrNjn0uNLsWCQ9Mz1HVOhdkaO1wJcNInhq4xBefx7_Lhadtgrfz1K8qfNmvvosgQSonlgjP6x4zuvREbdervUFAovUwUxIYWaXAPNsIg/s400/Tree+Roof.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669246986709884994" border="0" /></a>Loved this. Red homes and buildings were pretty popular, it was completely stunning amongst all of the green. This little roof even had a clump of trees growing on top ...<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89HVcCZh5vW6ER0JBoT8jq11H3qcARgDOZTdMRNI6ljpUiXGRM5XCrQFL8w2uj0l-uhbKoXUY6MxkJ3Wld0QjEVaO19OPTlKXWapqytrVhqq19plbhtkazNGqkYm6GlRs99lt8LzZYqg/s1600/daddykeltydrive.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89HVcCZh5vW6ER0JBoT8jq11H3qcARgDOZTdMRNI6ljpUiXGRM5XCrQFL8w2uj0l-uhbKoXUY6MxkJ3Wld0QjEVaO19OPTlKXWapqytrVhqq19plbhtkazNGqkYm6GlRs99lt8LzZYqg/s400/daddykeltydrive.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669350193604792962" border="0" /></a>We stopped frequently along the route between Oslo and Flam to capture photos. We had all the time we needed ....<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAr5asrpYciTWq9L4iRrTS5s4nolKUlKSrB2QNYNw8Gf0XwaGPxCezS1hsfXf4o0vaZJnvRjOg9echOOvtdFtrVZadXgxZteaNEpfytqF8CeV4xVlzbMiLGRd0cn88nXWcMmh37GmgO9A/s1600/Kelty+Stream.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAr5asrpYciTWq9L4iRrTS5s4nolKUlKSrB2QNYNw8Gf0XwaGPxCezS1hsfXf4o0vaZJnvRjOg9echOOvtdFtrVZadXgxZteaNEpfytqF8CeV4xVlzbMiLGRd0cn88nXWcMmh37GmgO9A/s400/Kelty+Stream.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669234678733232274" border="0" /></a>Kelty absolutely loved Norway. In fact, he still calls it "my Norway" and has requested to go back. We spent all of our time outdoors ... I can see why he loved it!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXp6KTGWmHsDSGnf-Tm2jh0ExbPNtQObHtPQmxctE4stMBE4ICQDdGxNoyhHGhgou4JdR3pbQUn0qgVXW8jya2YMks-K6O8zQP4e2RNpYSFVsP0Y6iXu4DMWeUk5wCqPKmPzekNgIhhI/s1600/flam.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXp6KTGWmHsDSGnf-Tm2jh0ExbPNtQObHtPQmxctE4stMBE4ICQDdGxNoyhHGhgou4JdR3pbQUn0qgVXW8jya2YMks-K6O8zQP4e2RNpYSFVsP0Y6iXu4DMWeUk5wCqPKmPzekNgIhhI/s400/flam.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669222326811113970" border="0" /></a>Flam! Busy during the day and quiet in the evenings ...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIUX7gv9gd5ykdAT0kduzPnmCJqNZ5PsX_Zw88eW7fWYBuiIAkb38F4RYe05ZOnU66jbW_Rj3yavZ7g86aOvXxK5ODr5uITYEToGpw9UNyT-WTD1PgYpsr4UtTTH8p07oTPDGPOpbu20/s1600/flamsbana.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIUX7gv9gd5ykdAT0kduzPnmCJqNZ5PsX_Zw88eW7fWYBuiIAkb38F4RYe05ZOnU66jbW_Rj3yavZ7g86aOvXxK5ODr5uITYEToGpw9UNyT-WTD1PgYpsr4UtTTH8p07oTPDGPOpbu20/s400/flamsbana.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669222334769331106" border="0" /></a>Flam is home to the "Flamsbana" (Flam Railway). Every day we watched the train depart for a trip that is claimed to be the most beautiful in the world ...<br /><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiR9JXCQviRS3_CacjcQpmq2ph9ObLuoQw9NYelsC07qgCU3VMBdIsNH33o7GfgVHjMA4Gl9DjkoVqYwdvpIh_n5q84JRcExe3v_OyXFKmCskkwFZPvGTnRXtn5S3FxVUzAM8FLtFmHHo/s1600/hotel.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiR9JXCQviRS3_CacjcQpmq2ph9ObLuoQw9NYelsC07qgCU3VMBdIsNH33o7GfgVHjMA4Gl9DjkoVqYwdvpIh_n5q84JRcExe3v_OyXFKmCskkwFZPvGTnRXtn5S3FxVUzAM8FLtFmHHo/s400/hotel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669223414197392786" border="0" /></a>A view of our accomodations, Flamsbrygga Hotel. I sat on the deck every morning, afternoon, and evening while sipping coffee. Perfect ...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBusqRsB9SWrstz3_EqarV7Qy9rxe94cwShrIbUP37o4NvqMP4bYKWFEMp3p9ctalBb33xmOouPSGBQp1GDdwsO5vPWfySSM4rP8FfC66yburGCoRjZLC23qg6G-LK-4EXcAxyuM_oGo0/s1600/acrossthefjord.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBusqRsB9SWrstz3_EqarV7Qy9rxe94cwShrIbUP37o4NvqMP4bYKWFEMp3p9ctalBb33xmOouPSGBQp1GDdwsO5vPWfySSM4rP8FfC66yburGCoRjZLC23qg6G-LK-4EXcAxyuM_oGo0/s400/acrossthefjord.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669219554165345458" border="0" /></a>Look at the reflection!<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUf9Z-6otfwnR-1xkj6ar6kA2Ru6JzfYOS16iJYl1D1gsQsNPmqRbCHmllqkBNowZE8O4a-sA_1RxsMaOg3zIfGQkN5BS-B0DkiAXRhpfbulUFuQDhca5_92_lWE5ptVX9jNFICYEe-3Y/s1600/fjordtour.jpg"><br /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutvFlPf_lhLntkELoIda-y2fQxOOYrDL1f8xVO7Sm4h__4uMVG5KFJ0qZkdxrx3N-zDU1cJp9vdJtHEpuvZd_XGOX8Zevmli505kFhaXwwYVun__OYeKrKl7M0NyoKPCo3FgEpSgY5vA/s1600/waterfallboatride.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutvFlPf_lhLntkELoIda-y2fQxOOYrDL1f8xVO7Sm4h__4uMVG5KFJ0qZkdxrx3N-zDU1cJp9vdJtHEpuvZd_XGOX8Zevmli505kFhaXwwYVun__OYeKrKl7M0NyoKPCo3FgEpSgY5vA/s400/waterfallboatride.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669352666886068274" border="0" /></a>Our first day we took a boat trip up the Naeroyfjord to Gudvangen. It was stunning! The waterfalls that dominate this region are spectacular ...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizn5uKURUC0HqgeKWJhE8gTdJcrpd-sapre3gA6i7EDwvESYxFVdF3eN4j7VKYHn2Qwmw1nBI753snIIqdqXBbj5iOpHof7suTdcHSwl6DCQjImtFuqy2w_tBnv1oxwrnfLmUQ_062eyE/s1600/shack.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizn5uKURUC0HqgeKWJhE8gTdJcrpd-sapre3gA6i7EDwvESYxFVdF3eN4j7VKYHn2Qwmw1nBI753snIIqdqXBbj5iOpHof7suTdcHSwl6DCQjImtFuqy2w_tBnv1oxwrnfLmUQ_062eyE/s400/shack.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669240910097953490" border="0" /></a>So picturesque ...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitWeC1rqfSBu60B4BWsFykKhmc5Axopz-DFcbRLmayLwGJKonvsLYXvMX2NxhVRhjVwUsQrwBxG7NfnZyB65rV6AqgFLgxjSWo-ljwHEFCcnV1pQZ45r7dwH2lh4ZZJPR-5m08ccsfs0/s1600/kelty+and+daddy+boat.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitWeC1rqfSBu60B4BWsFykKhmc5Axopz-DFcbRLmayLwGJKonvsLYXvMX2NxhVRhjVwUsQrwBxG7NfnZyB65rV6AqgFLgxjSWo-ljwHEFCcnV1pQZ45r7dwH2lh4ZZJPR-5m08ccsfs0/s400/kelty+and+daddy+boat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669224915946505378" border="0" /></a>Kelty was SO happy ...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPuC_uEWknmwnX9T8HgXGFGi4MRMQ9VjvMJhEYRaZv6tWiMZpDUCl9JoSfWvjevxteM6eK5l9dIMZu2goJIp6kqi2o66R0SLLLHKDv2Xzbj0hH9e2JRGseDRbPWeHhWdqOAPo1vk7naE/s1600/people+watching.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPuC_uEWknmwnX9T8HgXGFGi4MRMQ9VjvMJhEYRaZv6tWiMZpDUCl9JoSfWvjevxteM6eK5l9dIMZu2goJIp6kqi2o66R0SLLLHKDv2Xzbj0hH9e2JRGseDRbPWeHhWdqOAPo1vk7naE/s400/people+watching.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669240892062417154" border="0" /></a>I love this. A couple was sitting outside their home ... simply enjoying their view. The husband was "people watching" as the wife knitted.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSc0Olr3Xjm0b1Mi9Xi-mz0lOfnZaAv8DarCXluO2GfXF_BmksRRHiGlXmvGc7h4qKEVTPwizirag49xEC-3e_WRSig8GvbevLnNxY9A9bgJBIRUevBX3zWZonyVYWZl7cIA9a5eItZ5E/s1600/perfect+land.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSc0Olr3Xjm0b1Mi9Xi-mz0lOfnZaAv8DarCXluO2GfXF_BmksRRHiGlXmvGc7h4qKEVTPwizirag49xEC-3e_WRSig8GvbevLnNxY9A9bgJBIRUevBX3zWZonyVYWZl7cIA9a5eItZ5E/s400/perfect+land.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669240901277152706" border="0" /></a>We cruised by this beautiful piece of land ... Al and I both fell in love with it. If only we could find a piece of property like this to build our retirement home on! You can see the sheep grazing and a little boat pulled ashore (bottom right). sigh.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJK4y2R7JOgyr9PepJ8KG60E50WZp809EdVQcpm2A0Nf7Y1HTNsdIpWeMHLifVeoEDaIMA19oNJBA-BLXsj7QLBa9XQUmGTIdrcn7u0nswUhyphenhyphenTmTcXUczlr9jnE-waz21qbNXc6jFqTGQ/s1600/fjordrocks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJK4y2R7JOgyr9PepJ8KG60E50WZp809EdVQcpm2A0Nf7Y1HTNsdIpWeMHLifVeoEDaIMA19oNJBA-BLXsj7QLBa9XQUmGTIdrcn7u0nswUhyphenhyphenTmTcXUczlr9jnE-waz21qbNXc6jFqTGQ/s400/fjordrocks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669222308535394818" border="0" /></a>After we reached our destination, we explored for about an hour until we caught the bus back to Flam.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNJh6g1IGU4eVrwtaAkIFGQBGbiUIc6QWtueYrEWfBfkKSIpdeHzvPnr7MjJ4SnUV_d66cJSL88ZtbL1-a5DFeS57o3wp8lvd4zzmrUPaJtuNUmiHPEXUnbKpPvYmqprcqQ-GQWDSf-tw/s1600/kelty+break.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNJh6g1IGU4eVrwtaAkIFGQBGbiUIc6QWtueYrEWfBfkKSIpdeHzvPnr7MjJ4SnUV_d66cJSL88ZtbL1-a5DFeS57o3wp8lvd4zzmrUPaJtuNUmiHPEXUnbKpPvYmqprcqQ-GQWDSf-tw/s400/kelty+break.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669224924819093618" border="0" /></a>This makes me smile ...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMV9AkfrUfuHDIpVHZTKaZjGdYj_RsPRzI4R7_imAM_9KYfbCh_9KqKId5qt676V7NCvpmpAoDrEsWm_obv4bbKhwEnIR_HLyw-KGjN3yXxu2WzxCLSnYaH4pKP5fl5O-TogwIJdU0FLg/s1600/stave+church.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMV9AkfrUfuHDIpVHZTKaZjGdYj_RsPRzI4R7_imAM_9KYfbCh_9KqKId5qt676V7NCvpmpAoDrEsWm_obv4bbKhwEnIR_HLyw-KGjN3yXxu2WzxCLSnYaH4pKP5fl5O-TogwIJdU0FLg/s400/stave+church.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669246971520267858" border="0" /></a>The next day, we visited the Hopperstad Stave Church which was built in the early 1100's. Stave Churches are Norway's oldest surviving churches ... we were able to see a few throughout our trip, but this is the particular church we took the time to explore.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgre8re_9tMk4KUkx6d1lCPHjJsy9pLPQCaXNKjoiY-ieFmwLSDOlRpQhniiry0JuBpuywuQRxzDczfb8aAvc92eGcZ8wAhi__cyw5QVKIS3wZdnzqBfgT-BfSOAksZ5yeIkYtTKND90O0/s1600/stave+church+close-up.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgre8re_9tMk4KUkx6d1lCPHjJsy9pLPQCaXNKjoiY-ieFmwLSDOlRpQhniiry0JuBpuywuQRxzDczfb8aAvc92eGcZ8wAhi__cyw5QVKIS3wZdnzqBfgT-BfSOAksZ5yeIkYtTKND90O0/s400/stave+church+close-up.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669240923192151170" border="0" /></a>The wood is covered in tar ...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEav4TK42_Jv1T9-PcxzEDFPHCFuWxFmUI1DI9me1eXVaJTxMUhHdGGVAtbPlWupN-VthKK0d0RQnQde6G67lZ7khGE__RqCD72XcpSO2bkOuqfVFHwiH56v_umJIJy6Gnb7rxFIDmzcs/s1600/stavechurchkelty.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEav4TK42_Jv1T9-PcxzEDFPHCFuWxFmUI1DI9me1eXVaJTxMUhHdGGVAtbPlWupN-VthKK0d0RQnQde6G67lZ7khGE__RqCD72XcpSO2bkOuqfVFHwiH56v_umJIJy6Gnb7rxFIDmzcs/s400/stavechurchkelty.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669350187391631682" border="0" /></a>Ketly enjoyed everything about it ...<br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnSbjT-XBhtMhrojpc1mXwCspDvhb_rliqrP_LSFck7Zkh7QQ4xsMKrqYufvji06QBeKU3Jt4L005lj0zupQteO82PJ0jbwyQDA0BC7YEcQVJWHGENlEzOq6gZGVVNxmG_2L0hQLlgrKk/s1600/waterfallsign.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnSbjT-XBhtMhrojpc1mXwCspDvhb_rliqrP_LSFck7Zkh7QQ4xsMKrqYufvji06QBeKU3Jt4L005lj0zupQteO82PJ0jbwyQDA0BC7YEcQVJWHGENlEzOq6gZGVVNxmG_2L0hQLlgrKk/s400/waterfallsign.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669247004869171410" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Later in the week we decided to hike to a nearby waterfall ...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQHbUBx90fNHTYA3q6rX8TrTITsCWk5NnLMybuiHypNudZdmz7cM6rAFvNdZpUZaJyPZJaPA8pEjX4z3MEQdTDq5J7t12uw_HlK8a8dWkbmxRpnEdeO_Yf0pokmPo39es2KeF3QKcAPxA/s1600/DaddyKeltyHike.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQHbUBx90fNHTYA3q6rX8TrTITsCWk5NnLMybuiHypNudZdmz7cM6rAFvNdZpUZaJyPZJaPA8pEjX4z3MEQdTDq5J7t12uw_HlK8a8dWkbmxRpnEdeO_Yf0pokmPo39es2KeF3QKcAPxA/s400/DaddyKeltyHike.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669219588153374114" border="0" /></a>The start of our journey. You can see the waterfall waaaaayyyy in the background.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9kDR4KkZaEArGkb_UWakrwpM3TpKLFkFrcjdkAnYqycdcfDnwprvHJHcZqe65KvrYES6spTNGjlKHGugGmfuychQBYt_I8dJw9oSfCPhnIhlgZHskEpkK1sbwFvuL4a5I8RzTSgNftPE/s1600/mommykeltyhike.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9kDR4KkZaEArGkb_UWakrwpM3TpKLFkFrcjdkAnYqycdcfDnwprvHJHcZqe65KvrYES6spTNGjlKHGugGmfuychQBYt_I8dJw9oSfCPhnIhlgZHskEpkK1sbwFvuL4a5I8RzTSgNftPE/s400/mommykeltyhike.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669234709673304530" border="0" /></a>I forgot to mention that it had been raining ALL week and we were warned it was going to be a difficult and messy hike. It was!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzC-dSazpCJYB1QL19z35GukLywcNyQ1R8HlxhrX3PGVQHaWMkIoMgLjDOwIxeO_Hma0ej_GXyDE92cFeHU4zJB7W3ylStCjgOWFvz34nJnKpGamQl5N3avYaqIGUBI2_fOs4gYX8Dc0/s1600/waterfall.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzC-dSazpCJYB1QL19z35GukLywcNyQ1R8HlxhrX3PGVQHaWMkIoMgLjDOwIxeO_Hma0ej_GXyDE92cFeHU4zJB7W3ylStCjgOWFvz34nJnKpGamQl5N3avYaqIGUBI2_fOs4gYX8Dc0/s400/waterfall.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669247003051415426" border="0" /></a>We made it! We were completely wiped out but it was gorgeous and Kelty was so proud!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIreB63J8z9DY-tgDfupcSmboIekP7WhEYZJK04IoOq-vP9xZGjC_b91jFyNTMwqo2YrDrlJHa-JIJz2s7LThuORV5OqacEEOC9VfblQkLjXxQEFgKA_pMbfFM9zqIZlCvGYl-En-NbfY/s1600/jaimewaterfall.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIreB63J8z9DY-tgDfupcSmboIekP7WhEYZJK04IoOq-vP9xZGjC_b91jFyNTMwqo2YrDrlJHa-JIJz2s7LThuORV5OqacEEOC9VfblQkLjXxQEFgKA_pMbfFM9zqIZlCvGYl-En-NbfY/s400/jaimewaterfall.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669224897967171906" border="0" /></a>This was taken after I busted my butt ... you can see the mud and the deep imprints our shoes made. It took us a few hours to hike there and back but it was one of our most memorable family hikes.<br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwFJjHvdJPs8sshXn-45tCtCs67EYr-K06WjIT4n8c0ftm97oM5FZQiVANdWQj7SW8rb_1WC_RTp4NRpefLCmKfR8oz7XVOrnN3QKtl568TrKANchrdNgfGUaBZjYxn_NGxs9qcALUhnE/s1600/al+building+rock+tower.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwFJjHvdJPs8sshXn-45tCtCs67EYr-K06WjIT4n8c0ftm97oM5FZQiVANdWQj7SW8rb_1WC_RTp4NRpefLCmKfR8oz7XVOrnN3QKtl568TrKANchrdNgfGUaBZjYxn_NGxs9qcALUhnE/s400/al+building+rock+tower.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669219557126436514" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We took an afternoon and drove the "snow road". It's a 30-mile scenic drive which eventually took us to the Stegastein viewpont. The views were breathtaking. Along the drive (and most of our driving excursions in the area) we always saw little rock towers .... Al stopped to make a contribution of his own.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hVvE5S6tDbvTzbHNDhTrlmh9-S6fG7qclQ0dtP9BOuUdfK-p89KqPOLQjS56d3BAwhtRSCnWQFXzhWpgHZOvwgrL-xsMvtoZQ1wmhpozj9uhHWeuujLuT1SuHFJcDBXWk917goN1cHs/s1600/KeltyMom+Outlook.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hVvE5S6tDbvTzbHNDhTrlmh9-S6fG7qclQ0dtP9BOuUdfK-p89KqPOLQjS56d3BAwhtRSCnWQFXzhWpgHZOvwgrL-xsMvtoZQ1wmhpozj9uhHWeuujLuT1SuHFJcDBXWk917goN1cHs/s400/KeltyMom+Outlook.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669234685230516274" border="0" /></a>Stegastein Viewpont<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_dpdG_0-szij1X9sAz_ft5YMheOF3UnTIGHgg8I8BkHvcXsGEb4VRna_L-QMx5zqAJfXQx5kinyXte4zB1BEYzMZC-WOKTT_R2OCQasm5OS4NWtkqAj4EHKXtjIQXdGeiekJYiBq2zE/s1600/carboat.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_dpdG_0-szij1X9sAz_ft5YMheOF3UnTIGHgg8I8BkHvcXsGEb4VRna_L-QMx5zqAJfXQx5kinyXte4zB1BEYzMZC-WOKTT_R2OCQasm5OS4NWtkqAj4EHKXtjIQXdGeiekJYiBq2zE/s400/carboat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669219567722533090" border="0" /></a>Our last big excursion was a hike to Jostedalen Glacier. We drove to the national park (which ended up requiring us to board a ferry ... Kelty was REALLY excited to ride the "car boat").<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jRBFM_CaUw0UG434N3sErQ90fjV_SVASgh429T2AAs3-VQDFNPxXlvIp-K-8XtN5ZODo1xs4L34-ITtFuvTI64e3PQiQdkzuwA2VbM0gTv4dPnLv44XZTMT29Q3xMcu51E01EZMP1YE/s1600/glacier2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jRBFM_CaUw0UG434N3sErQ90fjV_SVASgh429T2AAs3-VQDFNPxXlvIp-K-8XtN5ZODo1xs4L34-ITtFuvTI64e3PQiQdkzuwA2VbM0gTv4dPnLv44XZTMT29Q3xMcu51E01EZMP1YE/s400/glacier2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669223372964332162" border="0" /></a>From the car park area, we hiked about an hour to the face of the glacier. This is where I had a tough time capturing the grandeur of Norway. This was HUGE! Can you see the hikers on the glacier ... it will give you a little perspective of the size.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipO-FY1BhGjOmruRtwL_g7Jf13NhcVdLFU6dcweNdFV4VToLoEjCeiUEOZWQer_LwdEbH4Phh-4JHHWkvgP6DYEEj-cZPNh2Bekkl6oLpDLtsztwKrxhDuZUssuh4vrf0n3VYq_7LTMac/s1600/glacier.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipO-FY1BhGjOmruRtwL_g7Jf13NhcVdLFU6dcweNdFV4VToLoEjCeiUEOZWQer_LwdEbH4Phh-4JHHWkvgP6DYEEj-cZPNh2Bekkl6oLpDLtsztwKrxhDuZUssuh4vrf0n3VYq_7LTMac/s400/glacier.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669222346773993090" border="0" /></a>This is one of my favorite photos. Daddy and Kelty taking a break along our hike to the glacier ...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisj9yXRd_cJXivvFw5D3aCud19h2Ik0EZIV22coZdxvGUq3vcDX1t_TeqzOq7zNO96G6hokcgms-JpsfiDkpDbmIWvVsrLOmHHSnT4LZTKIRG3QSAkpj7CSHTOG6Mp4HqMO3pPaR6hWmQ/s1600/glacier+close+up.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisj9yXRd_cJXivvFw5D3aCud19h2Ik0EZIV22coZdxvGUq3vcDX1t_TeqzOq7zNO96G6hokcgms-JpsfiDkpDbmIWvVsrLOmHHSnT4LZTKIRG3QSAkpj7CSHTOG6Mp4HqMO3pPaR6hWmQ/s400/glacier+close+up.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669352661000663874" border="0" /></a>It's blue!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBp12dcXP8NUkqRX-upo2NhZ5r1WMZor2s5D0TY1G8-Uh3McYoeenp-_T6YaulkS9IEU5pPOW5Qx5mKRLIvzEX0uPN9i18R8RUvhLFwZf3531FKWLBUbAkXw4u6v0OwjLXk68owVET2Y/s1600/glacierfamily.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBp12dcXP8NUkqRX-upo2NhZ5r1WMZor2s5D0TY1G8-Uh3McYoeenp-_T6YaulkS9IEU5pPOW5Qx5mKRLIvzEX0uPN9i18R8RUvhLFwZf3531FKWLBUbAkXw4u6v0OwjLXk68owVET2Y/s400/glacierfamily.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669223377227009874" border="0" /></a>A family photo! The only one we have of the three of us!<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMV9AkfrUfuHDIpVHZTKaZjGdYj_RsPRzI4R7_imAM_9KYfbCh_9KqKId5qt676V7NCvpmpAoDrEsWm_obv4bbKhwEnIR_HLyw-KGjN3yXxu2WzxCLSnYaH4pKP5fl5O-TogwIJdU0FLg/s1600/stave+church.jpg"><br /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAOBBr38zorJJaqKHpDPEf833gEfOkpRv4kX6gHoaBEqbZOAhulKiQAv7zrikWu6WV8iVHbtcyoXUfGdjdvBDZPCPFA_7_oAdKc6t0-iVUVIcJzCGoW-h4Tpy0Pjgae6R15hMcBwhC_CM/s1600/cheesetown.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAOBBr38zorJJaqKHpDPEf833gEfOkpRv4kX6gHoaBEqbZOAhulKiQAv7zrikWu6WV8iVHbtcyoXUfGdjdvBDZPCPFA_7_oAdKc6t0-iVUVIcJzCGoW-h4Tpy0Pjgae6R15hMcBwhC_CM/s400/cheesetown.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669219575210243538" border="0" /></a>On our last full day, we drove the tiny nearby town of Undredal ... which apparently has a population of about 75 people and 400 goats. It's also famous for a unique brown goat cheese ... which was so unique, we opted not to buy after tasting. :o)<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3bzsKHRuEPwig2ji-JhkQZngU3oMtnk5wVWJ1Xjz1D3bPdDvznWqIHiEoGg3TmZUkwwh-AfwlRtfRMqRsg8dHEID8EWTTIn1WW5kRt337ntazMttYIELqJYMKvyQyTWC_LB8du_T3Wk/s1600/goats.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3bzsKHRuEPwig2ji-JhkQZngU3oMtnk5wVWJ1Xjz1D3bPdDvznWqIHiEoGg3TmZUkwwh-AfwlRtfRMqRsg8dHEID8EWTTIn1WW5kRt337ntazMttYIELqJYMKvyQyTWC_LB8du_T3Wk/s400/goats.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669223382483002258" border="0" /></a>We were a little disappointed not to run into any goats while we were walking through the town .... well, we found them all on our way out!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNovxSX_5BfiESEXRPgr7b1YcoUznKH-SqgYHdwMvLzCGQ1rf1LjeSOi9XZw009gvYvSVNoR7wEa0HFuflKfGXxzdtM0wgJnlT5t-keLr_9gz_ZgPjqBXZ8mZ5RnqH4DjLGnugAgWGysY/s1600/kelty+anchor.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNovxSX_5BfiESEXRPgr7b1YcoUznKH-SqgYHdwMvLzCGQ1rf1LjeSOi9XZw009gvYvSVNoR7wEa0HFuflKfGXxzdtM0wgJnlT5t-keLr_9gz_ZgPjqBXZ8mZ5RnqH4DjLGnugAgWGysY/s400/kelty+anchor.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669224904035347458" border="0" /></a>During our time in Flam, Kelty's favorite past time was climbing rocks ...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhKNIrLZxWfztT-nvlMlE0eAHpNwhL1yKxplb5j6eFv0zx8KuRNb4ym-CsbZNwMyBzd1e2cSErXAW-JSCX2X9HwutvQApRVl3o95AYMFMot3pFiFxyul8gxUuVR_L7qPbHokjAXKckZo/s1600/rocksuccess.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhKNIrLZxWfztT-nvlMlE0eAHpNwhL1yKxplb5j6eFv0zx8KuRNb4ym-CsbZNwMyBzd1e2cSErXAW-JSCX2X9HwutvQApRVl3o95AYMFMot3pFiFxyul8gxUuVR_L7qPbHokjAXKckZo/s400/rocksuccess.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669350207575349906" border="0" /></a>and that's a wrap on Norway!<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02819314200667965646noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4970349887538741853.post-74550858375956506572011-08-28T06:00:00.003+02:002011-08-28T15:25:52.301+02:00A Journey for Kelty<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jHdeM54P_Zg14LFvng3rhAeoDoHY9bwFKd2dL71U5L12nAcHc0usMKnkNqxhEfI0q-3f0EM2DtqwdvwcFzh28nd9X2xq34chJoaXP2wcqaVjzRDvTVjDnF_-N1Coan3GtBxEH8BKFMs/s1600/vantige">
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<br />A very special journey for Kelty ....
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<br />Immediately following our visit to Vermont for Mike's graduation from medical school, we drove to Boston for a series of medical appointments for Kelty. Some time ago, Kelty was diagnosed with Apraxia of Speech, a neurological speech disorder that affects the brain’s ability to send the proper signals to move the muscles involved in speech. <a href="http://www.apraxia-kids.org/site/c.chKMI0PIIsE/b.669127/k.4EE1/Family_Start_Guide_What_is_CAS.htm">Apraxia-Kids.org</a> is a wonderful site that helps explain Apraxia of Speech, treatment options, and resources available. I really encourage you to browse through the Family Start Guide which does a wonderful job explaining Apraxia of Speech .. it's been a tremendously helpful resource for us.
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<br />Kelty started working with a speech pathologist over 2 years ago ... wow, 2 years! Over the course of these 2 years we have literally taught Kelty every sound, syllable, and word that he now has in his vocabulary ... we've taught him how to move his lips, tongue and muscles to communicate verbally. We've literally had to train Kelty to speak. We have an AMAZING speech pathologist here, truly amazing. Kelty responds so well and we've all formed a wonderful bond ... it is through all of our efforts, including Kelty, that Kelty now has a voice. But this is a long journey for Kelty and though he has made great progress ... we have a long way to go.
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7tCyy7jibpF_PZeKXMr5t4QsdfeC40tWxxjxYqxbZq9YRSQPnmckTTWGIzFiNNwm7byTw_UXoVnoh2TLmDVkvs3SMalZt9MLF5zWbWVFnbkbHNdjoiZY3O8PXNAELY-_JRvMTI3bBFg/s1600/IMG_0163.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7tCyy7jibpF_PZeKXMr5t4QsdfeC40tWxxjxYqxbZq9YRSQPnmckTTWGIzFiNNwm7byTw_UXoVnoh2TLmDVkvs3SMalZt9MLF5zWbWVFnbkbHNdjoiZY3O8PXNAELY-_JRvMTI3bBFg/s400/IMG_0163.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645869788864012354" border="0" /></a>Kelty with his speech pathologist, Julie ... working on finding "g" and the "guh" sound.
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<br />Kelty has no other developmental delays ... and though we are truly blessed with that, the challenge is that Kelty is very smart and understands EVERYTHING! We have in a Kelty a very bright, happy, imaginative, expressive, active and social little boy that simply cannot speak what he knows! He has stories to share but cannot tell them ... he has feelings to share but cannot speak them ... he has so much to say but a voice that fights back. He loves to talk, but his speech is filled with word approximations and mostly goes misunderstood. He makes up for his speech difficulties by animating ... I wouldn't be surprised if he turned out to be a little actor.
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<br />Several months as we were plugging along at our speech appointments, Julie had a little heart-to-heart with me. There was MORE that we needed to be doing for Kelty ... and our journey to get Kelty seen at the Center for Communication Enhancement at Children's Hospital Boston began ...
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<br />On May 23, 2011 after consults, referral paperwork, coordination with insurance ... Kelty had his 1st appointment at the Center for Communication Enhancement at Children's Hospital Boston. I'll be honest, Al and I were hoping to hear "Kelty is fine, just keep doing what you're doing and he'll be tracking normally soon" ... but it's not what we heard. Instead, they confirmed what Julie had already told us ... Kelty needed the aid of an Augmentative Communication Device. Over the course of one week, the speech pathologists worked with Kelty on various communication devices and decided the <a href="https://store.prentrom.com/product_info.php/cPath/11/products_id/80">Vantage Lite </a>would be best suited for Kelty. Of course the decision was ultimately for Al and I to decide and we are still in a state of disbelief, but it is our job to give Kelty every opportunity to speak and to be understood.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jHdeM54P_Zg14LFvng3rhAeoDoHY9bwFKd2dL71U5L12nAcHc0usMKnkNqxhEfI0q-3f0EM2DtqwdvwcFzh28nd9X2xq34chJoaXP2wcqaVjzRDvTVjDnF_-N1Coan3GtBxEH8BKFMs/s1600/vantige"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jHdeM54P_Zg14LFvng3rhAeoDoHY9bwFKd2dL71U5L12nAcHc0usMKnkNqxhEfI0q-3f0EM2DtqwdvwcFzh28nd9X2xq34chJoaXP2wcqaVjzRDvTVjDnF_-N1Coan3GtBxEH8BKFMs/s400/vantige" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645876272505217650" border="0" /></a>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">This device will essentially "give Kelty a voice" until he is able to communicate successfully on his own. He can build sentences, ask for help, ask for things he needs and share with us everything he know but cannot speak ... I am so excited to hear what Kelty has to say!
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<br />Now, we are in a state of waiting from the insurance company to decide whether or not this device will be covered. Though we've been assured that it will, does anyone have luck with their insurance company the first time around? If not ... we will make this work.
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<br />On the lighter side of things ...
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<br />In between appointments; we were able to enjoy a little of Boston with Al's parents, who were able to continue their visit with us after leaving Vermont ...
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixHpJY0ihOdteMGJnZFTWO7TeIL65TZLGBHCuyZSvGqylu4m0EfvaKNeroovX1GzCei33JFFN-rr7WQ_qLCx9DyMvhJpSawuGjq5PJB6XVqWEXX0SIZJdsjF1n4TplymiBo3QEtQ9DIcE/s1600/IMG_0013.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixHpJY0ihOdteMGJnZFTWO7TeIL65TZLGBHCuyZSvGqylu4m0EfvaKNeroovX1GzCei33JFFN-rr7WQ_qLCx9DyMvhJpSawuGjq5PJB6XVqWEXX0SIZJdsjF1n4TplymiBo3QEtQ9DIcE/s400/IMG_0013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642851846551131378" border="0" /></a>We visited the tomb of Paul Revere ...
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<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5DTspDQ8LCfhj28adO250fyubUY0cqr_zeNmsmGbmmlD2wFqErGqSpMfv9TohD-SQ2eGNnwQHMTPM_HIXTxJd5aoaGe9L6URHfCqjX5ZawYXeVwc0EbEyXNf_xmE5QyuqG1bbNL7Qes/s1600/DSCN4711.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5DTspDQ8LCfhj28adO250fyubUY0cqr_zeNmsmGbmmlD2wFqErGqSpMfv9TohD-SQ2eGNnwQHMTPM_HIXTxJd5aoaGe9L6URHfCqjX5ZawYXeVwc0EbEyXNf_xmE5QyuqG1bbNL7Qes/s400/DSCN4711.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642851844294482034" border="0" /></a>We spent an afternoon at the Children's Museum ...
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<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0kGFJguWl3V667i1mwuuK5r_PAib4Ey6Qx5NoAvVNAVn6IkKYIJ-Nh8Qsgbhp3V7i6pfHxu34oOOdcjD2z7Kr4G-U2PuIh9JNRGFTC1Ly3emRxwSCaQimqdIfsOGmhdZLRmv9dzf1NA/s1600/DSC_0269.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0kGFJguWl3V667i1mwuuK5r_PAib4Ey6Qx5NoAvVNAVn6IkKYIJ-Nh8Qsgbhp3V7i6pfHxu34oOOdcjD2z7Kr4G-U2PuIh9JNRGFTC1Ly3emRxwSCaQimqdIfsOGmhdZLRmv9dzf1NA/s400/DSC_0269.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642851837309308130" border="0" /></a>Every little boys dream ...
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<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlv4OaAAZOJKBGPkHUNm-3mm39BoDkmHwX01qLg8KTuiUWlCeKbGfD29xxiJmclIxBEvXscPDHymchTfIbDeKv7qFwjgQqXrlCOrgUKmyKrJD4bclUW50N2x2QY2up-8Yz3rhjMyzJ7WY/s1600/DSC_0268.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlv4OaAAZOJKBGPkHUNm-3mm39BoDkmHwX01qLg8KTuiUWlCeKbGfD29xxiJmclIxBEvXscPDHymchTfIbDeKv7qFwjgQqXrlCOrgUKmyKrJD4bclUW50N2x2QY2up-8Yz3rhjMyzJ7WY/s400/DSC_0268.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642851832743735746" border="0" /></a>and this too ...
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<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinK-Ac9iRaU0TLNYMDr_5X5l5dU9I5RX_yAQl87SxYqeomXjcoZQheen1BdN_KaHX5gFWTz3c7NZgI4Ca-WlBWdcjt45SPLo4YY9dkoe0P2veuLpRmzx5ar0xIY7g12IoDqbjuW4R9eS0/s1600/DSC_0265.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinK-Ac9iRaU0TLNYMDr_5X5l5dU9I5RX_yAQl87SxYqeomXjcoZQheen1BdN_KaHX5gFWTz3c7NZgI4Ca-WlBWdcjt45SPLo4YY9dkoe0P2veuLpRmzx5ar0xIY7g12IoDqbjuW4R9eS0/s400/DSC_0265.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642851829325044498" border="0" /></a>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Hands-on learning ...
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZHd4IEXacoFfcw1s4LggvjVjKz03zpGJZhyphenhyphenszC98uUoJAX1OlZVf7ottLQlphrmk3x-pAIhcUkpNlA-hFmj6CIqoZemjHDBRgjUmFimyB6teHErefvb-YU0oaNuZ27HkwBA9fqmVErM/s1600/IMG_0014.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZHd4IEXacoFfcw1s4LggvjVjKz03zpGJZhyphenhyphenszC98uUoJAX1OlZVf7ottLQlphrmk3x-pAIhcUkpNlA-hFmj6CIqoZemjHDBRgjUmFimyB6teHErefvb-YU0oaNuZ27HkwBA9fqmVErM/s400/IMG_0014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645873646268078610" border="0" /></a>
<br />We ate at Cheers (that's my Bloody Mary)!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjOu4E7yFclcme1jlzb5paa7yHTUjyDgDJ2Gu6kJRHGNO5nAGc1Wn95bkX_2jYwqkbSiLpn76GZvXuK6vRVBEnFwz6fvtI40TwG3BvFT2mzjC12ZGTs4c61oMrgmHmKo4eu29DfVP_s4/s1600/DSC_0011.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjOu4E7yFclcme1jlzb5paa7yHTUjyDgDJ2Gu6kJRHGNO5nAGc1Wn95bkX_2jYwqkbSiLpn76GZvXuK6vRVBEnFwz6fvtI40TwG3BvFT2mzjC12ZGTs4c61oMrgmHmKo4eu29DfVP_s4/s400/DSC_0011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645873651769125442" border="0" /></a>
<br />... and despite a busy schedule, we enjoyed some great family time and Kelty was able to have fun with his Mimi and Papa.
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02819314200667965646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4970349887538741853.post-79327323343945251192011-08-20T08:08:00.009+02:002011-08-20T10:00:59.754+02:00Vermont<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">
<br />A long time ago .....</span>
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<br />We flew back to the states to attend Mike's (Al's brother) graduation from University of Vermont College of Medicine (we have a doctor in the family now!) and to attend a series of medical appointments for Kelty at Children's Hospital Bostin (next blog post). Our journey back to the states in May spanned two weeks and it was fantastic! Here is a snapshot of our time spent in beautiful Burlington, Vermont ...
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<br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJiKuWVyJ-PQyKwf-gY5Aob_qmv1vIM1qGHsOorAg3fgK4QW1uvDywLEuAfiC6PIJK0PKwnRyuGyXV8UxQacAfnllEZIyAqmuDLSDY1drlhsMCMXauMQqY6hwkTP_ABcV4Li3C_C3o1io/s400/DSC_0135.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642833832437696162" border="0" />
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Al, Kelty, I, Mike, Sue, Papa and Mimi Clay shared a cabin on Lake Champlain for the week. It was great reunion spot for the family and we also spent several evenings with Sue's family. Later in the week we even had Mike and Sue's old friends Roland (aka, Rolo) and Rodney with us. It was a GREAT time!
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2u4cjqWUcFAmuy1UF_CxY9mC5qvhR5YfXsAfSdYhUTStUReMRJ5iS-17mIe9hvIIGj2WQ3RusaMZwKtl8uIUkzE3cr0WltaIytdjNIjm1ekhs57d0VHOQiAq4quJBOTcwU8YcQvsGYKw/s1600/DSC_0138.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2u4cjqWUcFAmuy1UF_CxY9mC5qvhR5YfXsAfSdYhUTStUReMRJ5iS-17mIe9hvIIGj2WQ3RusaMZwKtl8uIUkzE3cr0WltaIytdjNIjm1ekhs57d0VHOQiAq4quJBOTcwU8YcQvsGYKw/s400/DSC_0138.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642833844078681330" border="0" /></a>We visited the Ben & Jerry's factory which has its origins in Burlington! Awesome!
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnUpDtDqSeKKjB8iYMq6DBNcJYfPaHXlBYirohTr866P-mgEDwPBMgWoOBCf-9o_u4hpPzVri9PYbBbSUpWB5s5mqK07O7ssLpXyt5v4_icaUhSnHyAn0rc9FXOong4-oxG7z7Ugpcx4/s1600/DSC_0160.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnUpDtDqSeKKjB8iYMq6DBNcJYfPaHXlBYirohTr866P-mgEDwPBMgWoOBCf-9o_u4hpPzVri9PYbBbSUpWB5s5mqK07O7ssLpXyt5v4_icaUhSnHyAn0rc9FXOong4-oxG7z7Ugpcx4/s400/DSC_0160.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642831543839593890" border="0" /></a>Kelty fished off the dock at the cabin ...
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<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiy8vfTbcrj8lFU-iWKhZDLilRy6TXnkRAeSl08246iDTXjoCj_sg47VeQ9liXw-mEwNRTNtS524kB-BLNgJxpXa3K-Ks0YAwhuCWIKrNoPeA0MJQFGf5IK5wOGdcb2jOBjlR1Loc5vDQ/s1600/DSC_0164.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiy8vfTbcrj8lFU-iWKhZDLilRy6TXnkRAeSl08246iDTXjoCj_sg47VeQ9liXw-mEwNRTNtS524kB-BLNgJxpXa3K-Ks0YAwhuCWIKrNoPeA0MJQFGf5IK5wOGdcb2jOBjlR1Loc5vDQ/s400/DSC_0164.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642831540089159602" border="0" /></a>Al and Kelty enjoyed some nice Daddy and son time on the dock ...
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<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4sN5oHohaOTZo2B-cG-4H1mas1_uJxQYHFkKBmMwYzFaiWay9SZr4JLMnD1G_7lteDF1n_b8UH8czgWdRLF7fTEqA0E0mbeQxXAAi8NPag9kQH95u1VXS5HtsrsaFmIIZ_F4AqpqKvM4/s1600/IMG_0774.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4sN5oHohaOTZo2B-cG-4H1mas1_uJxQYHFkKBmMwYzFaiWay9SZr4JLMnD1G_7lteDF1n_b8UH8czgWdRLF7fTEqA0E0mbeQxXAAi8NPag9kQH95u1VXS5HtsrsaFmIIZ_F4AqpqKvM4/s400/IMG_0774.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642831530280331330" border="0" /></a>We took Kelty rock climbing! Sue it belaying Kelty in this photo. It was simply amazing to watch him climb, repel, and then immediately ask for "more, more". Mike and Sue have become fantastic climbers and it really made us miss our old rock-climbing days in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Once Kelty reaches the age of 4, we can take him to our local climbing wall here!
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<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2z9p5qFB8W8pxQxCvE8SJL8iK428xjLSecYh8JZZsEQCuMWYmEq9GaNtgRYBlAW4I5H2J_7Cww5tIGTalZrB-a2HpB9SCBy-3aKMcxoCfXSrkePDMT6S5gbtZs6U6RHWRdumaf5k6fU/s1600/DSCN4391.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2z9p5qFB8W8pxQxCvE8SJL8iK428xjLSecYh8JZZsEQCuMWYmEq9GaNtgRYBlAW4I5H2J_7Cww5tIGTalZrB-a2HpB9SCBy-3aKMcxoCfXSrkePDMT6S5gbtZs6U6RHWRdumaf5k6fU/s400/DSCN4391.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642831525976151682" border="0" /></a>Family shot at Petra Cliffs Climbing Center
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<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXDiPXpAXI5VyH0MbR3XjDVAwT94OqfiJm2Q5Z0THGB44vIv9UyiqyMZOPwXBGcjjo-TNEfx6pcmPGgeuKPx423upYjvXJvElibCBo1T0LQ9mAmzuNhPpOIsGzGakNjTZ4jl_hfBq1TM/s1600/DSC_0024.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXDiPXpAXI5VyH0MbR3XjDVAwT94OqfiJm2Q5Z0THGB44vIv9UyiqyMZOPwXBGcjjo-TNEfx6pcmPGgeuKPx423upYjvXJvElibCBo1T0LQ9mAmzuNhPpOIsGzGakNjTZ4jl_hfBq1TM/s400/DSC_0024.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642831523287624130" border="0" /></a>We spent a morning at Shelburne Farms, a working farm near Burlington. It was beautiful and Kelty loved every minute of it.
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8EsfGoWHXfwWc5bUlcKKBjpD-AT2b5NQl3WmYSiVD07RDuuLOopSmyiHxlWDyvQqeZ0kgwIy9zy-uwcRCvd0zb2QfrkLBqxPj__7qiWV07vkB4IXO8Ei002zn56NgSFyE_R7hOH3AtQ/s1600/DSC_0036.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8EsfGoWHXfwWc5bUlcKKBjpD-AT2b5NQl3WmYSiVD07RDuuLOopSmyiHxlWDyvQqeZ0kgwIy9zy-uwcRCvd0zb2QfrkLBqxPj__7qiWV07vkB4IXO8Ei002zn56NgSFyE_R7hOH3AtQ/s400/DSC_0036.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642828736241833618" border="0" /></a>He played ...
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<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiluT_Qumw-OvDLFvFiyPXzetQMECdoAcfmTohMiRfeoCF6H9uC48lNs3lNOdE2E6dB0oi4_k3CYj-R8oPpx6N6_ROEgcAAYzMk4AkjdcOUbShHXvRNYD_yQyJPM6Nz2KVriqT7JndHusg/s1600/DSCN4600.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiluT_Qumw-OvDLFvFiyPXzetQMECdoAcfmTohMiRfeoCF6H9uC48lNs3lNOdE2E6dB0oi4_k3CYj-R8oPpx6N6_ROEgcAAYzMk4AkjdcOUbShHXvRNYD_yQyJPM6Nz2KVriqT7JndHusg/s400/DSCN4600.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642828727466799890" border="0" /></a>Milked a Brown Swiss Cow ...
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<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wgu7047Tnovh9owEwpzTDeAnhEfiMqmYePJuaIEyr5bJvhpSzFoAhIAgeB_h7eztKGNoBSthFmlysSRDWoc24ZJ19ND58uspZ838KgNjdoc9HFC5_GBOTJlkBQLtonwGGVsTZHO1yy0/s1600/DSCN4624.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wgu7047Tnovh9owEwpzTDeAnhEfiMqmYePJuaIEyr5bJvhpSzFoAhIAgeB_h7eztKGNoBSthFmlysSRDWoc24ZJ19ND58uspZ838KgNjdoc9HFC5_GBOTJlkBQLtonwGGVsTZHO1yy0/s400/DSCN4624.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642828722461377106" border="0" /></a>Chased the hens and even collected fresh eggs ...
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<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVaeCCKD0fC3Q0ISAGe7Y_yA85UxloTkd2eIzV49r_mFTKrw3UylEBy33O3HLAk3LAddOwSh2r3SqqpdzTxyOBCUD3E4FyFt9hH-FplEbSTbGw3_t-GxSJB8_zqymDIa5TxmSgO8Z9SH0/s1600/DSCN4631.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVaeCCKD0fC3Q0ISAGe7Y_yA85UxloTkd2eIzV49r_mFTKrw3UylEBy33O3HLAk3LAddOwSh2r3SqqpdzTxyOBCUD3E4FyFt9hH-FplEbSTbGw3_t-GxSJB8_zqymDIa5TxmSgO8Z9SH0/s400/DSCN4631.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642828718766445314" border="0" /></a>... and made a bracelet from wool.
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<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDIfb0EBoWZ2kblemzsd4CpriOycVRpC3sRgJhKF87aL9Ur7PDhirEje7jo-YcOemH1oo3enV-DAa7Cb5ueaptliVffV3H9F8pj7pQuEX9gTX8t69xD6htQITx_3WjH_iDHaW-Bod3YY/s1600/DSC_0074.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDIfb0EBoWZ2kblemzsd4CpriOycVRpC3sRgJhKF87aL9Ur7PDhirEje7jo-YcOemH1oo3enV-DAa7Cb5ueaptliVffV3H9F8pj7pQuEX9gTX8t69xD6htQITx_3WjH_iDHaW-Bod3YY/s400/DSC_0074.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642822508917255042" border="0" /></a>Our last night in Burlington and the day before Mike's graduation, we enjoyed a great family night of dinner, s'mores, games, and laughter ...
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<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUEmrdoWBE0RtmIOmS5rpb5C4r5-XJoO8jUmk7oCq1hm80i_tlvvpWmpdOdlL_BtkN3uF0aw6YCiJwNZIgXnaKLMlVXlDkoxkp4RscbD5ZNsdPN_K-9VmyyZjHXJpXvhfdP69j4wvoas/s1600/DSC_0081.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUEmrdoWBE0RtmIOmS5rpb5C4r5-XJoO8jUmk7oCq1hm80i_tlvvpWmpdOdlL_BtkN3uF0aw6YCiJwNZIgXnaKLMlVXlDkoxkp4RscbD5ZNsdPN_K-9VmyyZjHXJpXvhfdP69j4wvoas/s400/DSC_0081.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642822497905976674" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YvmTmlM5Yy2DJ2nihaLls69kb2QVhwOjmlGkFgkgxb6zDozi_qT7Z_HcG1k9wbGLzni5JHiso17q34q-hTdShtjDLZ_HFYvK4fgKoe4bZ3R0mywGmQlyWWVwhyaDxM156KB6I3F-mQI/s1600/DSC_0108.jpg">
<br /></a><div style="text-align: center;">S'mores please!
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<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23PwlvqxWOtp2P1UzxmC-gfK4JdvP0T7lzUrLSGLBXoMLpH9xUs0zRN8tqRlXbkpTNER9bYmjS_QVdQ7CFnIInX7wtivPcd9-CbVi8mQHm8DTC-W2E51MBJ8MvWGm7bWSNS2tkJg0fAE/s1600/DSC_0109.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23PwlvqxWOtp2P1UzxmC-gfK4JdvP0T7lzUrLSGLBXoMLpH9xUs0zRN8tqRlXbkpTNER9bYmjS_QVdQ7CFnIInX7wtivPcd9-CbVi8mQHm8DTC-W2E51MBJ8MvWGm7bWSNS2tkJg0fAE/s400/DSC_0109.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642822495454064978" border="0" /></a>... and what's time with family if you don't dare each other to jump into a 47 degree lake!
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQP6s2hooLWUfEQjRZvkTCW6-5Qe9bKB9GHMj8MS6SiZaAah3yebh-orzIxvMnEreAyEVNgNX25ZczQFRYq7LaVnCrXsR8XipV5wdQ7pkAk5djGoVhEXmwIKXmm3V9pgT3mCqoGfxMRM/s1600/DSCN4696.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQP6s2hooLWUfEQjRZvkTCW6-5Qe9bKB9GHMj8MS6SiZaAah3yebh-orzIxvMnEreAyEVNgNX25ZczQFRYq7LaVnCrXsR8XipV5wdQ7pkAk5djGoVhEXmwIKXmm3V9pgT3mCqoGfxMRM/s400/DSCN4696.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642822487667638930" border="0" /></a>... and the reason for our trip to Vermont, celebrating Mikey's graduation from medical school! Congrats Mikey! Mike and Sue are now living in sunny California where Mike is a resident in Pathology at Stanford.
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02819314200667965646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4970349887538741853.post-6644072241481514772011-07-10T12:01:00.000+02:002011-07-10T20:03:18.797+02:00OPA! Our Journey to GreeceIn April we took our first big vacation of the year ... Greece! This was a tough vacation to plan. We had originally planned to hike Cinque Terre, Italy but Al's work schedule leading into Spring was complete misery. He was working 14-hour days almost 7 days a week. On his "off" days he was flying or TDY .... we were all exhausted by the schedule. So we decided to hold off on an "active vacation" and opt for a slow-paced vacation in Crete, Greece with no "island hopping". We chose an all-inclusive resort on the beach and balanced exploration with lazy days at the resort playing on the beach, swimming, collecting rocks, drinking wine on our balcony, eating .... it's just what we needed ... time to unwind. Let's go ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgJb7nn37aU4RS1Mxev7hT0Cyz_JUG_fK7hUHqrv6ActbTZS-vcFoPczGLdCEhTn8Z5S3Ri-ZUjmKGu3eCGqS0-Dm1QhQU1mTFeDS4P8lUoMUq9fZe-qBUuR-iYaGwyjlFmqGjUKlxps/s1600/DSC_0151_2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgJb7nn37aU4RS1Mxev7hT0Cyz_JUG_fK7hUHqrv6ActbTZS-vcFoPczGLdCEhTn8Z5S3Ri-ZUjmKGu3eCGqS0-Dm1QhQU1mTFeDS4P8lUoMUq9fZe-qBUuR-iYaGwyjlFmqGjUKlxps/s400/DSC_0151_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627594159942378306" border="0" /></a>We flew from Frankfurt to Athens and chose a flight with an 8-hour layover before hopping over to Crete. We jumped on the train in Athens and ventured out to see the Acropolis! I have vivid memories of learning about the Parthenon in Mr. Staley's class in High School ... never did I dream that I'd be able to see it! Well sort of. To our disappointment, the Acropolis was CLOSED! What! The area is gated and they close the area at 2:30 in the afternoon! We walked up at EXACTLY 2:30 and the gate was literally closed in our face. Not the warmest welcome to Greece. We walked around the perimeter of the acropolis and enjoyed a view of the Parthenon and the ruins from a distance ... it was still beautiful.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Memory"</span> ... back in my first days performing at Disney, I had the pleasure of opening the "Hercules Zero to Hero Victory Parade" when Disney released there new animated film "Hercules". My role dancing in this parade was as a "Kid of The Acropolis" at the base of the Hercules float. I still remember bits and pieces of the choreography and still have the rehearsal music! I REALLY fought the urge to break into "routine" with the Acropolis as my backdrop ...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFNKtAiUEd3ZJt6toOK1F7p0zNIabNFY-0hsNwWjVTCyV4ZDo4N24z33IPzUxt2_l9VTZgCmvnerimgBrUQzEZZYWQS1deOaBLSwcga6axpf5i4iobbTTRD-NiBReYFeyJm7Vfum0sV38/s1600/IMG_6466.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFNKtAiUEd3ZJt6toOK1F7p0zNIabNFY-0hsNwWjVTCyV4ZDo4N24z33IPzUxt2_l9VTZgCmvnerimgBrUQzEZZYWQS1deOaBLSwcga6axpf5i4iobbTTRD-NiBReYFeyJm7Vfum0sV38/s400/IMG_6466.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627627755772587586" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">2 bids, 4 bids, 6 bids a drachma ... all for Hercules stand up and holler! </span><br /><br />Ok, back to the Greece ...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyPKUOCl7o3Dni5FmQNmXH9pXQTaLQn-_7cnRPZ9WeqpjiaiJvqUc7jvI_n4eJGxaviXAzpOys_mCRFreTwpn2CpkLxIzfDv18jejIRhdNs28XLe5uMugRiNxXf7LefP9yE_KtYmQAy8/s1600/DSC_0140_2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyPKUOCl7o3Dni5FmQNmXH9pXQTaLQn-_7cnRPZ9WeqpjiaiJvqUc7jvI_n4eJGxaviXAzpOys_mCRFreTwpn2CpkLxIzfDv18jejIRhdNs28XLe5uMugRiNxXf7LefP9yE_KtYmQAy8/s400/DSC_0140_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627594153677890450" border="0" /></a>Looking out over Athens ...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3di6aXpodMvkKM3CRcOAbo0q4apWEF_43Tb5aRIhYDKBVmHNznXdwCC0_deYbCdD1Tvo7tSTUZiWuXXP2qzwAKHTEtos3HcmLrOPJgRkvDMhYY-zGe0ogh5Rs5VRAeL6RAjqcuz-oCc/s1600/DSC_0135_2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3di6aXpodMvkKM3CRcOAbo0q4apWEF_43Tb5aRIhYDKBVmHNznXdwCC0_deYbCdD1Tvo7tSTUZiWuXXP2qzwAKHTEtos3HcmLrOPJgRkvDMhYY-zGe0ogh5Rs5VRAeL6RAjqcuz-oCc/s400/DSC_0135_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627594149497952418" border="0" /></a>I wonder if the little stinker will ever remember these journey's ...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDmUtnVom_9-w1gKWHPvKM97BcV1ENMhueMrJ2F_wEC8Fj2fXukni3tp7aFgvbiCE7aCNbUy8UOBtUmaX2TutHnydwu6JDG_YeXRUHNsiYx2y-nr_2Avw04Jl5EEeY8pNKvf1RjfNmhs/s1600/DSC_0131_2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDmUtnVom_9-w1gKWHPvKM97BcV1ENMhueMrJ2F_wEC8Fj2fXukni3tp7aFgvbiCE7aCNbUy8UOBtUmaX2TutHnydwu6JDG_YeXRUHNsiYx2y-nr_2Avw04Jl5EEeY8pNKvf1RjfNmhs/s400/DSC_0131_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627594149211399346" border="0" /></a>When I think of Greece ... I think of pottery!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5De3-uQv6PoaW9zgzFKIO2nExDWSACrKe7tWqwJ7GeaG4bcp3syjq-6iVaUsoN8bu8KenvuoxNjDg5Q3cUJvBwrTfmiRCHB4jc3BI9OLL5KuVEC8JXJaiuwudE06ExtN7f6ATgxrja3k/s1600/DSC_0117_2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5De3-uQv6PoaW9zgzFKIO2nExDWSACrKe7tWqwJ7GeaG4bcp3syjq-6iVaUsoN8bu8KenvuoxNjDg5Q3cUJvBwrTfmiRCHB4jc3BI9OLL5KuVEC8JXJaiuwudE06ExtN7f6ATgxrja3k/s400/DSC_0117_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627594131299219954" border="0" /></a>Kelty climbing on the ruins ...<br /><br />After a few hours of exploring Athens we hopped on the train back to the airport and continued our journey to Crete. We arrived LATE, grabbed our car and started our drive on narrow, winding roads to our destination in Rethymno.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA53A_TyqIcxiGs3NpSjEk76PUwHE_6Esx05KYxsuk8OAHeAfuPG-UHGnEaE3TogN4lpAbWP9qpm8Hs98TYvNrjmunn7w-CDB4zO_NqZMv7yrhsysqKawTI-r4UL8Y-xFgM-d-YvlANFg/s1600/IMG_0658.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA53A_TyqIcxiGs3NpSjEk76PUwHE_6Esx05KYxsuk8OAHeAfuPG-UHGnEaE3TogN4lpAbWP9qpm8Hs98TYvNrjmunn7w-CDB4zO_NqZMv7yrhsysqKawTI-r4UL8Y-xFgM-d-YvlANFg/s400/IMG_0658.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627596677307556178" border="0" /></a>We played on the beach ...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmG7Sf6hyphenhyphenHz-1PAngZhCGfoQrsoMGhio0CVFE6wO44AWmeiIlbgcUjUd1Noglh2mH2MjWt37X7Jhnr_B46-oAsB3wzFsHxxCq6dErraXTeBpGLp8N8RrJIqY3SjyxCTA_rK9YPTjmngM/s1600/IMG_0640.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmG7Sf6hyphenhyphenHz-1PAngZhCGfoQrsoMGhio0CVFE6wO44AWmeiIlbgcUjUd1Noglh2mH2MjWt37X7Jhnr_B46-oAsB3wzFsHxxCq6dErraXTeBpGLp8N8RrJIqY3SjyxCTA_rK9YPTjmngM/s400/IMG_0640.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627596677138618930" border="0" /></a>Collected rocks ...<br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5CyJ9VcVJtWkciQDZWlGnbqYJ0XpY61uttulHlDXPvdofjEnA8nwaPbIPCbc31Y5bXDeX5ZZ6kKvXGosbWii0sKjVmAfS3nNW5lgUburT0p_WH9pzr-xI-EcYr_vszfiJQ-ieo8AL1RU/s1600/IMG_0624.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5CyJ9VcVJtWkciQDZWlGnbqYJ0XpY61uttulHlDXPvdofjEnA8nwaPbIPCbc31Y5bXDeX5ZZ6kKvXGosbWii0sKjVmAfS3nNW5lgUburT0p_WH9pzr-xI-EcYr_vszfiJQ-ieo8AL1RU/s400/IMG_0624.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627596686026797234" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We ate some AMAZING food like Greek Salad (which in Greece is only tomato, cucumber, red onion, green pepper, a slice of feta, seasoning and olive oil) ...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZYXNAjPkHzMOfOaYq6OwBG81_ofuqxutr88EtzeQq0CtWRH4zQGIiKS08fIqCXRH50p_FxGpxCOMqP28-eokRC6pFvlB3xjHrGOT-Uh07BCZU4uVMtCl-a4E5YxtQ_c3WFrd4qBXmfSs/s1600/IMG_0686.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZYXNAjPkHzMOfOaYq6OwBG81_ofuqxutr88EtzeQq0CtWRH4zQGIiKS08fIqCXRH50p_FxGpxCOMqP28-eokRC6pFvlB3xjHrGOT-Uh07BCZU4uVMtCl-a4E5YxtQ_c3WFrd4qBXmfSs/s400/IMG_0686.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627596679165742498" border="0" /></a>Cretan yogurt ... EVERY SINGLE DAY! Did you know there are no cows on Crete? Their yogurt is made exclusively of sheep's milk! It is seriously the most amazing yogurt I have had IN MY LIFE.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNv9l5Ns9d3LjoE43AhP2BX2yt7OyVCJuZHW-qx0j-SbLH4BdOd8NGgBfZrRKb0ML067gnZL5iKxyivy_AgHUr9kq1sz67Hk-p97xBRv9sMfTtcH4hSGRvyXciugTXjQZk3pHbgrhMgbU/s1600/DSC_0035_2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNv9l5Ns9d3LjoE43AhP2BX2yt7OyVCJuZHW-qx0j-SbLH4BdOd8NGgBfZrRKb0ML067gnZL5iKxyivy_AgHUr9kq1sz67Hk-p97xBRv9sMfTtcH4hSGRvyXciugTXjQZk3pHbgrhMgbU/s400/DSC_0035_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627603348956878978" border="0" /></a>We enoyed stuffed olive leaves ...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnilzwF9DDUf3GIf5-OHPsnLWW5zVNOC7sY8KcIwRfTId0NzpOMOF-Wm78DR_fxzbdpsmJQOJMxNxPXtu4rX5YCf0B2CFn29SMMaL5FJjIQEgX9m_kMUMCPQLt34N4aOGU1gTeLi2sdzw/s1600/DSC_0030_2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnilzwF9DDUf3GIf5-OHPsnLWW5zVNOC7sY8KcIwRfTId0NzpOMOF-Wm78DR_fxzbdpsmJQOJMxNxPXtu4rX5YCf0B2CFn29SMMaL5FJjIQEgX9m_kMUMCPQLt34N4aOGU1gTeLi2sdzw/s400/DSC_0030_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627604167678627170" border="0" /></a>... and traditional Greek coffee. This is apparently an acquired taste. Traditional Greek coffee is made one cup at a time and brewed using instant-style coffee. It's heavy, gritty and .... unique. I'll just leave it at that.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4_OFYG04__2wVwYkWaAenBfByyFSCu6knqUCkYcGOYMWBT0MWBeKTGDVxWQ0nGvRU8Q8JpSO1eApLcPsDuCTUsmt11mMtuHRzWumt7elkJ3xXlb0LEktoMknJuJ6R7IkCD-xbvHGow8/s1600/DSC_0027_2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4_OFYG04__2wVwYkWaAenBfByyFSCu6knqUCkYcGOYMWBT0MWBeKTGDVxWQ0nGvRU8Q8JpSO1eApLcPsDuCTUsmt11mMtuHRzWumt7elkJ3xXlb0LEktoMknJuJ6R7IkCD-xbvHGow8/s400/DSC_0027_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627606867126760194" border="0" /></a>We visited Chania, a town Al frequently visits when he fly's. It was gorgeous! While in Chania ...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizpMIRJ_IP9QV0bXJNgFkjumx31AankybJu297gi9dyw0eQqdTh5NCUOKF1aq-cNP7c5x-V16-P9dTtgDzoCzXpYskG3Ub6WZBQg9Oq7JQ621lRCOXeblnUNHd3iUWDx_ta1YaYx4FnJM/s1600/DSC_0050_2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizpMIRJ_IP9QV0bXJNgFkjumx31AankybJu297gi9dyw0eQqdTh5NCUOKF1aq-cNP7c5x-V16-P9dTtgDzoCzXpYskG3Ub6WZBQg9Oq7JQ621lRCOXeblnUNHd3iUWDx_ta1YaYx4FnJM/s400/DSC_0050_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627606886874666242" border="0" /></a>Ketly explored the rock walls ...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdiVONhtYYwEElbxWC-S2Sf-V5nRdAHfiuTqhwGO4xpfQkGUjIpGjrdnxOZE9c3pLmsCz2Kc_Ah-7UNhJeU1CORjPeoausBjo-h0HwVgYJVOF_rOSv18LjY4drh8mbkjeyBBIluHB9KCM/s1600/DSC_0046_2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdiVONhtYYwEElbxWC-S2Sf-V5nRdAHfiuTqhwGO4xpfQkGUjIpGjrdnxOZE9c3pLmsCz2Kc_Ah-7UNhJeU1CORjPeoausBjo-h0HwVgYJVOF_rOSv18LjY4drh8mbkjeyBBIluHB9KCM/s400/DSC_0046_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627606877826110978" border="0" /></a>We admired the beauty of the little alley's ...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36oadSOwEJmJVj6uNs4GEWx5O8iT9ifTAvc8fh90Ze1LJL3TlsCFO4izz40TOljdhyphenhyphenAcfaQuO0dYzFWMa1ITWGHi_QRDnBvmtMbMN0_CEL4g38Qn0qLV0wWLt9raDsFWLXCLhye9FqT8/s1600/DSC_0043_2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36oadSOwEJmJVj6uNs4GEWx5O8iT9ifTAvc8fh90Ze1LJL3TlsCFO4izz40TOljdhyphenhyphenAcfaQuO0dYzFWMa1ITWGHi_QRDnBvmtMbMN0_CEL4g38Qn0qLV0wWLt9raDsFWLXCLhye9FqT8/s400/DSC_0043_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627606878608363810" border="0" /></a>I purchased handmade pottery ...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2juMSSw1MTYdWckRQAQSHoUTc0WY2sacQ001Z4TsJeQ5vLC__mumln7rRmWzxf8rayDx2ZSZgxTNwvFk5RqHOojuAVSjJwPXPWnxi5dhOgdrjxAXy6FSsFli9NsTtVOGj-MaN1YGLwmQ/s1600/DSC_0036_2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2juMSSw1MTYdWckRQAQSHoUTc0WY2sacQ001Z4TsJeQ5vLC__mumln7rRmWzxf8rayDx2ZSZgxTNwvFk5RqHOojuAVSjJwPXPWnxi5dhOgdrjxAXy6FSsFli9NsTtVOGj-MaN1YGLwmQ/s400/DSC_0036_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627606873457733394" border="0" /></a>Al took me to the shop where he purchases olive oil and soaps for me when he visits. I bought more! ....<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggSBja_Oc7PejVCxe9Weo9EA7TdHAPER8e3KdBJEOLgxOrtX0YmlJh5B3VHoGgwj7u-dEAv4vio45DXrocJbjBevV0_UECRPnAT71QZvfQSubYZrnF_-jqWBaquYndSFt9tCN5xEsUNo/s1600/DSC_0005.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggSBja_Oc7PejVCxe9Weo9EA7TdHAPER8e3KdBJEOLgxOrtX0YmlJh5B3VHoGgwj7u-dEAv4vio45DXrocJbjBevV0_UECRPnAT71QZvfQSubYZrnF_-jqWBaquYndSFt9tCN5xEsUNo/s400/DSC_0005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627608114543661138" border="0" /></a>I love the doors ...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgAQWfRx-vzj6gjj2mPUCvdBzr9nn2GMjPm2bgh30O928oe9sk_ocwdRAxQi027apO2na2EImkbmT-8l4ndG-OOe7if0G_F2r63hR5VIIZJRLEotFiMpfSxGJXQ5BwkjJNIR08IfYkBHQ/s1600/DSC_0074_2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgAQWfRx-vzj6gjj2mPUCvdBzr9nn2GMjPm2bgh30O928oe9sk_ocwdRAxQi027apO2na2EImkbmT-8l4ndG-OOe7if0G_F2r63hR5VIIZJRLEotFiMpfSxGJXQ5BwkjJNIR08IfYkBHQ/s400/DSC_0074_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627608108704624050" border="0" /></a>Kelty explored a little more ...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-XAeFhfeInBFh_v8MCM-657FkNDhTw9OCbjjNGYgpVvZ6ZW0kS51G3ohR_zCxrrzmFb9-a-vj-M_ZDy_HHTeC9zZM3taebuuegG0z-txC4SOQe1dnHAPei5SerIYrxn5Kt5M4N2Rft4/s1600/DSC_0057_2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-XAeFhfeInBFh_v8MCM-657FkNDhTw9OCbjjNGYgpVvZ6ZW0kS51G3ohR_zCxrrzmFb9-a-vj-M_ZDy_HHTeC9zZM3taebuuegG0z-txC4SOQe1dnHAPei5SerIYrxn5Kt5M4N2Rft4/s400/DSC_0057_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627608095998711346" border="0" /></a>We simply enjoyed our time together!<br /><br />A day or so later, we explored downtown Retyhmno. It's another beautiful harbor village ...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV6EaObCkX71IUTkcf_wSgVyXkk18imJRkIcsOHg3yYRrF1j5PDAdLY-hb528VStjfV2n1U8wHGv43NYQbM-aSa0eGyLirxTDh-4mh45hcDlFnXMd1F9KCMEd3keIpZBNrc9nvg-ZRfgE/s1600/DSC_0024.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV6EaObCkX71IUTkcf_wSgVyXkk18imJRkIcsOHg3yYRrF1j5PDAdLY-hb528VStjfV2n1U8wHGv43NYQbM-aSa0eGyLirxTDh-4mh45hcDlFnXMd1F9KCMEd3keIpZBNrc9nvg-ZRfgE/s400/DSC_0024.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627608939265380786" border="0" /></a>We walked around the harbor and admired the boats ...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh509A7EsuWXN514r2MOjZQUw8nrmMQiMCv5oQZ7TVMJ0r7tW_wsGsSbGxuXymKqL_NpVhbYOcudd5oO-0z2eu5iXGVEE5DvcPNBcklDcAlWneLNUvUFo0SF0ppB3tN3zUOHwVdAvMLRVY/s1600/DSC_0014.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh509A7EsuWXN514r2MOjZQUw8nrmMQiMCv5oQZ7TVMJ0r7tW_wsGsSbGxuXymKqL_NpVhbYOcudd5oO-0z2eu5iXGVEE5DvcPNBcklDcAlWneLNUvUFo0SF0ppB3tN3zUOHwVdAvMLRVY/s400/DSC_0014.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627608932910439970" border="0" /></a>We strolled through the town and stopped for lunch and coffee. We enjoyed some lively conversation with Kelty!<br /><br />Our outdoor adventure for the trip was a visit up to Mount Ida to explore the Cave of Zeus! According to Greek mythology, this network of caves is where the goddess Rhea raised Zeus to protect him from his father Cronus ...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK89ktSETZz69UH1gjYh2xLvjZ-21vVHoEIxDPiQzAbcHlNNuyfz9aFm8EqNnWzUPjnfDi9xrcjNk3QBmm4STyY6QYqR8P3eDw8xQQKw7Jq_mIav82h0tjFXPYPyAwpZR2tjvmvTMkPTI/s1600/DSC_0038.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK89ktSETZz69UH1gjYh2xLvjZ-21vVHoEIxDPiQzAbcHlNNuyfz9aFm8EqNnWzUPjnfDi9xrcjNk3QBmm4STyY6QYqR8P3eDw8xQQKw7Jq_mIav82h0tjFXPYPyAwpZR2tjvmvTMkPTI/s400/DSC_0038.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627614530755725922" border="0" /></a>The 3-hour drive took us through the mountains and a few sleepy little villages ...<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0X0-GhXmPcXL_ouxcWIa1xIfroMX_PH8JB7Bgx5EUnILzrn8J409tJZDFInx6fn6iYtJkDZVQv2-HZ6ULN1VsjvpyJH-tm4oyb8hsi7ss_EvTQdDIv_RXvpdygh2sZTphQp0_dTARTA/s1600/DSC_0047.jpg"><br /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGr6pv8QQaqUQyxHHZrCNozJph3UUWxRwuoQaW9Yda33zDcS186mBxixvJROSiBeTk_cImqOmpUc00mpXLe0wYfxZPLES2iPT1Jxl-ZVL-jAOceD6NrlqRrTd90uM1gd0xf-aHw1-sxJ8/s1600/DSC_0047.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGr6pv8QQaqUQyxHHZrCNozJph3UUWxRwuoQaW9Yda33zDcS186mBxixvJROSiBeTk_cImqOmpUc00mpXLe0wYfxZPLES2iPT1Jxl-ZVL-jAOceD6NrlqRrTd90uM1gd0xf-aHw1-sxJ8/s400/DSC_0047.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627610950940788610" border="0" /></a>We stopped along the way to get a closer look at the sheep and goats that were ALL OVER THE PLACE. At one point we simply had to stop on the road because they were blocking it. This drive was a little interesting. We were literally the ONLY car on the road, with exception of a few sheep/goat farmers ... we saw nobody. I think our little trek up to the Cave of Zeus could have easily been turned into a horror movie ... we were so isolated!<br /><br />After our drive to the top of Mount Ida, we hiked about 45 minutes to the Caves of Zeus ...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPFu8UCVKbF1Zu7cy34k8-5G8McYQ8Nqltkrp3BNUSEmxJ4CCeHFQUcVPbtdhcYPgvNR3nR3rTIfAh4_X1lqGXCsfg8Z_7lzZRrrQigg4_3koi_95Qa8GdYvr3ws_3LUSB0aArhJNGoY/s1600/DSC_0072.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPFu8UCVKbF1Zu7cy34k8-5G8McYQ8Nqltkrp3BNUSEmxJ4CCeHFQUcVPbtdhcYPgvNR3nR3rTIfAh4_X1lqGXCsfg8Z_7lzZRrrQigg4_3koi_95Qa8GdYvr3ws_3LUSB0aArhJNGoY/s400/DSC_0072.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627610936679295106" border="0" /></a>It was beautiful! Just like our drive ... we were the ONLY ones at the cave. Weird. We climbed down to explore little, it was pretty creepy but awesome.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGiAUpnUM07z-hZndUdv2CJOlcIpjmvijZx65gV4CDOsksYkV-oIR6Jg-l_Er5EUj-_zATPTMa6DXn20Ih5IwE-D-9ucLrlxKUe9_czUKrsL3QhiwDuZSfKTklOqEFGRSU5W23_JjV4so/s1600/DSC_0116.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGiAUpnUM07z-hZndUdv2CJOlcIpjmvijZx65gV4CDOsksYkV-oIR6Jg-l_Er5EUj-_zATPTMa6DXn20Ih5IwE-D-9ucLrlxKUe9_czUKrsL3QhiwDuZSfKTklOqEFGRSU5W23_JjV4so/s400/DSC_0116.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627610931683654130" border="0" /></a>Sitting at the mouth of the cave ...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7RiAEliS2tcMBIVzEvxTSe2DjTr0CocVeWtl6BGKJ3BGbm9IF49tua43Cr8XuAUgY20zrDG0AfRaGd2OBYRhHljk3ZxXXlkBdNJvhoQuE9qpRTImv2SZB9LnWvteogxYmL-6Ptxx8EE/s1600/DSC_0131.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7RiAEliS2tcMBIVzEvxTSe2DjTr0CocVeWtl6BGKJ3BGbm9IF49tua43Cr8XuAUgY20zrDG0AfRaGd2OBYRhHljk3ZxXXlkBdNJvhoQuE9qpRTImv2SZB9LnWvteogxYmL-6Ptxx8EE/s400/DSC_0131.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627610914379389538" border="0" /></a>The view from the top was amazing!<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1THwt9RTqKBbgNAL6y7fe8enC8fdVJ5F7ljGCmNGsxDclxHL-a_Lj3o-RY8X4e1R976o9TNu6gvJBSGnzT2WMs4AE-tnhOvEpPEKMTWKN9n1OqRUUccIMdD89o2trkXKQ5TkqVh_j2Y/s1600/DSC_0129.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1THwt9RTqKBbgNAL6y7fe8enC8fdVJ5F7ljGCmNGsxDclxHL-a_Lj3o-RY8X4e1R976o9TNu6gvJBSGnzT2WMs4AE-tnhOvEpPEKMTWKN9n1OqRUUccIMdD89o2trkXKQ5TkqVh_j2Y/s400/DSC_0129.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627610920377846306" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We gave our Greek vacation, two thumbs up! The locals were friendly and loved children! Everywhere we went they were giving Kelty candy, free ice cream, and "pretend" shots of Ouzo and Raki while mommy and daddy enjoyed the real thing! The food was fantastic and the scenery was beautiful.<br /><br />... and that's a wrap on Greece!<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02819314200667965646noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4970349887538741853.post-37414012872810465252011-06-29T13:50:00.007+02:002011-06-29T14:21:29.471+02:00Support Those With Apraxia of Speech<div style="text-align: center;">The Vivint Gives Back project is giving away $1,250,000 to charities ... and YOU decide where it goes! By simply following them on Facebook, you can make your vote count ... and don't forget to VOTE DAILY! Please click the banner to start the voting process ...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.vivint.com/givesbackproject/charity/82"><img src="http://media.vivint.com/www.vivint.com/en/images/givesbackproject/givesback_banner_468x60_version_2.gif" alt="Vivint is giving away $1.25 Million to charities. Help us win!" height="60" width="450" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />I'm asking for your vote to support CASANA, the Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America. In doing so, you will also be supporting the community that provides support to our family and our son Kelty, who has Apraxia.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwMquj_b3RNhb-1in7Y_qJGA2Y9w8TyUlpp2eKQR8eR4evyfnKrmF2rfhAkBr9T9xtR1uhA-w2BGxHEkASf2RMjPHyk9FZMM6rLbiOtv_hB5Psx0M2bjU0zFdSkkP_r0IagoJK1TT4nMA/s1600/KeltyCASANA.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 388px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwMquj_b3RNhb-1in7Y_qJGA2Y9w8TyUlpp2eKQR8eR4evyfnKrmF2rfhAkBr9T9xtR1uhA-w2BGxHEkASf2RMjPHyk9FZMM6rLbiOtv_hB5Psx0M2bjU0zFdSkkP_r0IagoJK1TT4nMA/s400/KeltyCASANA.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623614570889681602" border="0" /></a>Kelty! You can't pass up that smile!<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">A little about CASANA ...</span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.apraxia-kids.org/"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America</span></a> is the only charity organization dedicated solely to helping children that have the neurological speech disorder , apraxia. Their mission is to strengthen support systems for children with apraxia of speech to give them every opportunity to develop speech. CASANA's goals are to support the children and their families, educate current and future speech language pathologists in correct treatment of apraxia, to fund research into childhood apraxia of speech and to raise awareness about this neurological speech disorder.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Please spread the word!<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02819314200667965646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4970349887538741853.post-46232797229047654542011-06-26T14:18:00.005+02:002011-06-26T14:40:33.134+02:00Giveaway!<div style="text-align: center;">Mallorie of<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" > <a href="http://gndphotography.blogspot.com/">GND Photography</a></span> is hosting an AWESOME <span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" ><a href="http://gndphotography.blogspot.com/">Summer Giveaway</a></span> over at her blog! The giveaway is packed with a selection of beautiful products! Take a moment to stop by her blog. Entry is fast and simple ... simply "like" the Facebook page or Etsy shop of each vendor! For additional entries, simply refer your friends. You do not need to be local to win! Here is just a sampling of what the winner receives ...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Custom ChichiKids "Define Me" Shirt</span></span><br />(Yup ... I'm contributing!) Whoop!<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wvyDqPacPRZIv55NmfqEyB5ft0vHa15BBYyxIylkeWCclWSlJc7-M97ErJZn-X-NyAkWA83kz1YGGN55DicVXf7Gzm8l9Y2Aw1JpNjm5fMUOq1tt3aUeGBoYdjJa96Fi54Nxlb-MOXY/s1600/define+me.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wvyDqPacPRZIv55NmfqEyB5ft0vHa15BBYyxIylkeWCclWSlJc7-M97ErJZn-X-NyAkWA83kz1YGGN55DicVXf7Gzm8l9Y2Aw1JpNjm5fMUOq1tt3aUeGBoYdjJa96Fi54Nxlb-MOXY/s400/define+me.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622503332478703650" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Buntings!</span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGH9REj-V6MIGWziGh01lJYTHATecijl33SbGcVU7niMda9s-tE-S1KgGLjV2XXl8hM4QI9GZdz0wLnxXZgJcygneNKcJPOjM-j_sJSUODg8VGX4VF-Vlk6eAX87pfHhLxEeEuRKHpFg/s1600/bunting.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGH9REj-V6MIGWziGh01lJYTHATecijl33SbGcVU7niMda9s-tE-S1KgGLjV2XXl8hM4QI9GZdz0wLnxXZgJcygneNKcJPOjM-j_sJSUODg8VGX4VF-Vlk6eAX87pfHhLxEeEuRKHpFg/s400/bunting.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622503329389983666" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 204, 255);"><span style="font-size:130%;">Feather Headband<br /><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJE364JVmVPKt-Qr08sjToJucXUdbN6crLBBtjwslokEbuv4juuwDynhYEUsnaXPRmuC6PrKCoUOCLgxnh96hBRbKzUjYbtdLoqTxADlBVEC8jlrshBFipt6aw-9sxx4KCmAS2A9ViRno/s1600/Headband.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 228px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJE364JVmVPKt-Qr08sjToJucXUdbN6crLBBtjwslokEbuv4juuwDynhYEUsnaXPRmuC6PrKCoUOCLgxnh96hBRbKzUjYbtdLoqTxADlBVEC8jlrshBFipt6aw-9sxx4KCmAS2A9ViRno/s400/Headband.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622503324390699202" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 204, 255);"><span style="font-size:130%;">$25 Gift Certificate to MadHattery Boutique<br /><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi18kM3p8WdzAfWymxlh2ETgp4tBY1uE1jrfOlqm7KDhMhdq4Vk6asJKk6CBhe_IDL33_ylFZ3z6iX2FjGnX4L7eCJpUkL-AdyKqyoeNCiZgPb0bzLsCJ5Pp6YJD8-0G9c79Hx4O15SsTo/s1600/Java.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 247px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi18kM3p8WdzAfWymxlh2ETgp4tBY1uE1jrfOlqm7KDhMhdq4Vk6asJKk6CBhe_IDL33_ylFZ3z6iX2FjGnX4L7eCJpUkL-AdyKqyoeNCiZgPb0bzLsCJ5Pp6YJD8-0G9c79Hx4O15SsTo/s400/Java.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622503316588111250" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 204, 255);"><span style="font-size:130%;">$25 Gift Certificate to Rusted Chain<br /></span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmyebyDRCM0FzNaqWBPUqA8bAdZU2U-R13Z82f-89kGelaWVeMqtrqC1Gq68RyiBnEPUckKOzIScnDJWdXvcdUFyLobJV9q2uOcFHpYOf7EoGEFVFDdYk2uZAZAry2WHfEfH26MQSNdY/s1600/jewelry.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 274px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmyebyDRCM0FzNaqWBPUqA8bAdZU2U-R13Z82f-89kGelaWVeMqtrqC1Gq68RyiBnEPUckKOzIScnDJWdXvcdUFyLobJV9q2uOcFHpYOf7EoGEFVFDdYk2uZAZAry2WHfEfH26MQSNdY/s400/jewelry.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622503314793578274" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">... and there is so much <span style="font-weight: bold;">MORE</span>! Visit her <span style="font-size:180%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://gndphotography.blogspot.com/">GIVEAWAY</a></span> post, visit the vendors, and enter to win!<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02819314200667965646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4970349887538741853.post-19746531113241825972011-06-25T07:31:00.002+02:002011-06-25T07:41:05.782+02:00Meal Planning Board ~ TUTORIALI'm working on a few posts to catch everyone up on our recent adventures ... until they go "live" I've posted my <a href="http://ohsochichi.blogspot.com/2011/03/meal-planning-board-tutorial.html">Meal Planning Board Tutorial</a> over at my DIY blog, OH SO Chichi. Enjoy!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXgzX-dZnS0JSvr75m7CPnJX5wErcqdvg25YzmrvIN8qgHDe5Q6fl7Bjnv5rfzXsoK2HR5nmMipI1AD8B-EIufuJbpdPJiA7WutDhUYKgXW_NxJzaQbbG29oqdn5HnKwi8x7uXBes-Pg/s1600/MenuBoardFullView3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXgzX-dZnS0JSvr75m7CPnJX5wErcqdvg25YzmrvIN8qgHDe5Q6fl7Bjnv5rfzXsoK2HR5nmMipI1AD8B-EIufuJbpdPJiA7WutDhUYKgXW_NxJzaQbbG29oqdn5HnKwi8x7uXBes-Pg/s400/MenuBoardFullView3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586180537331325874" border="0" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02819314200667965646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4970349887538741853.post-52090128998723424512011-06-02T15:53:00.005+02:002011-06-02T16:19:14.623+02:00It's A Bird ... It's a Plane ... It's<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />... SUPER KELTY!</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii31f1Pmrt9jD1LIsdtHSc4l1SqGV3ozp8lZu9rs_SLJZJXWfBoC-L2X9QcUtmnAboxLSfAYMpvhB1vFBUGsoKeSpqhJzTzYD1j9LWrsTUjWkqe2pm7khsM9e4TACjvPXlZlnB-8wrnG0/s1600/DSC_0004.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii31f1Pmrt9jD1LIsdtHSc4l1SqGV3ozp8lZu9rs_SLJZJXWfBoC-L2X9QcUtmnAboxLSfAYMpvhB1vFBUGsoKeSpqhJzTzYD1j9LWrsTUjWkqe2pm7khsM9e4TACjvPXlZlnB-8wrnG0/s400/DSC_0004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613624156293022562" border="0" /></a>We've been living with a superhero!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQTum248XTMVQl5EwajFmMz_U-uw-N25UklD3KqCRegjQkEdReWs9DssIcZULoEe05eetr7I3HraBjtsl8iPk_OoivJFa4RHUBdMaqKT1A6Rgy_6oR75ZESi9as1w0FUtYjQg2tWfO38/s1600/DSC_0010.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQTum248XTMVQl5EwajFmMz_U-uw-N25UklD3KqCRegjQkEdReWs9DssIcZULoEe05eetr7I3HraBjtsl8iPk_OoivJFa4RHUBdMaqKT1A6Rgy_6oR75ZESi9as1w0FUtYjQg2tWfO38/s400/DSC_0010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613624153938945826" border="0" /></a>He tried to fly ....<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMED858O0iBR3Q7Y_mTs2W3n-Tt1avs8gH_ZuKOi13Qvt2E2sjqP9abE06_7fwm5muwuBMPz1uYg90DO1Q5AJzhvGZIHTLKoO2-bcEajiIyTWdp4UuEG5P8rL7xCKzZkaRHPHwtnjOJsg/s1600/DSC_0017.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMED858O0iBR3Q7Y_mTs2W3n-Tt1avs8gH_ZuKOi13Qvt2E2sjqP9abE06_7fwm5muwuBMPz1uYg90DO1Q5AJzhvGZIHTLKoO2-bcEajiIyTWdp4UuEG5P8rL7xCKzZkaRHPHwtnjOJsg/s400/DSC_0017.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613624145839054018" border="0" /></a>and was very upset when he couldn't ...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSEEU3oDpXY-w9a7oAXttv1i1fa-TyTpYW0vc4rOsMKScf7yig6RgvMke6YDDQ4He04kM0-sSDOEmwa5pPHFHH0LOiOKjSQMi7lJP_AKwDSWLk85a3yv2UmkY8318iuG8ntw3FsnEQNw/s1600/DSC_0014.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSEEU3oDpXY-w9a7oAXttv1i1fa-TyTpYW0vc4rOsMKScf7yig6RgvMke6YDDQ4He04kM0-sSDOEmwa5pPHFHH0LOiOKjSQMi7lJP_AKwDSWLk85a3yv2UmkY8318iuG8ntw3FsnEQNw/s400/DSC_0014.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613624147567542450" border="0" /></a>turns out, our little superhero is our son in disguise ... who knew!<br /><br />Super Kelty visits us almost daily ... he is a happy superhero who runs fast, jumps high and gives great hugs! When entering and exiting he puts his hands on his hips, puffs out his chest, and exclaims "Uh Huh!". I hope he sticks around for awhile!<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02819314200667965646noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4970349887538741853.post-74038516640785477372011-03-16T00:14:00.001+01:002012-04-26T20:58:33.632+02:00Kitchen Command Center ~ Finally!I started drafting up plans for my little <span style="color: #339999; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Kitchen Command Center</span> a few month ago ... and FINALLY ... I've finished! As I've said before, the hardest part about living in Europe and having a DIY addiction is actually finding the materials. This is one of those projects where I spent weeks trying to find the right materials and waiting for them to arrive. When all of my supplies came in ... I swear, the skies parted and a little beam of light glistened through my kitchen window ... I may have heard angels singing (<span style="font-style: italic;">or it could have been my iPod</span>).<br />
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So here it is ....<br />
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<span style="color: #339999; font-size: 180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kitchen Command Center</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknl7XivtidaBshud4ZyLFQc11iAgKhf_I-7z3lanGsPaSwJCbCTozbJe3-6LGMVrhpAlYrtNPYiiWwldcwvIkCcU2SaZpTQ5dD5F6bA0OxeIY5Z5LmTz0xy1x_s3p1zUJ8ux3R_7Fwhg/s1600/IMG_0205.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584420606352589778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknl7XivtidaBshud4ZyLFQc11iAgKhf_I-7z3lanGsPaSwJCbCTozbJe3-6LGMVrhpAlYrtNPYiiWwldcwvIkCcU2SaZpTQ5dD5F6bA0OxeIY5Z5LmTz0xy1x_s3p1zUJ8ux3R_7Fwhg/s400/IMG_0205.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Do you see the little ray of light shining into my kitchen? Yes, this was a happy day!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW7OYU08IaGiffcrtzkYUjA6RsoJ5xVKUdhyvfkgzpu-iai19__5sANkM8yAyZcLdhknfHSX8I1EvR2eXy6y7z35DvvcKHcXHfhTgbGoblicg7NfODdH-69zYwP-2G1lM7eBmke4V6Na4/s1600/IMG_0204.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584420277647122850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW7OYU08IaGiffcrtzkYUjA6RsoJ5xVKUdhyvfkgzpu-iai19__5sANkM8yAyZcLdhknfHSX8I1EvR2eXy6y7z35DvvcKHcXHfhTgbGoblicg7NfODdH-69zYwP-2G1lM7eBmke4V6Na4/s400/IMG_0204.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a>Our <span style="color: #339999; font-weight: bold;">Kitchen Command Center</span> features a <span style="color: #00cccc;">Meal Planning Board</span>, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Dry Erase Note Board</span>, <span style="color: #cc6600;">Magnet Boards</span> and <span style="color: #33cc00;">Chore Charts</span> ... it has everything we need to plan out our week.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMO4xHecV7ZwEuNF1-0VNqw17fOhCLDCPAH_TmRCYrHrdYtyA-M0R21uPf9HNYKpxQ6zozYsncAlcLbzReIo5bepYtARAyWEmksm45UiLZKK4jRBSTw36OSkBmz-pwJ0Kc1myo6zz2OoI/s1600/IMG_0187.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584420273820462850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMO4xHecV7ZwEuNF1-0VNqw17fOhCLDCPAH_TmRCYrHrdYtyA-M0R21uPf9HNYKpxQ6zozYsncAlcLbzReIo5bepYtARAyWEmksm45UiLZKK4jRBSTw36OSkBmz-pwJ0Kc1myo6zz2OoI/s400/IMG_0187.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 270px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>The <span style="color: #00cccc;">Meal Planning Board</span> was originally inspired by Charity over at <a href="http://allthingsbeautiful-charity.blogspot.com/2010/05/meal-planner-menu-board.html">All Things Beautiful</a>. I'll be sharing a tutorial for my <span style="color: #00cccc;">Meal Planning Board</span> later this week over at OH SO Chichi, so please stop over.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpqSBd5FK83aU411B07Ot93I-yYWsc7s-N2vRP-HyO16z0UG68r9gDX1_VCZLMtk1GnyE-qE3L5YhCWVoY14nwpISuIUdCup1Oqt5rQ-6P_kckfp-teznIK-8PSxan5PUrWHVIbA2r-g/s1600/IMG_0189.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584420268241333026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpqSBd5FK83aU411B07Ot93I-yYWsc7s-N2vRP-HyO16z0UG68r9gDX1_VCZLMtk1GnyE-qE3L5YhCWVoY14nwpISuIUdCup1Oqt5rQ-6P_kckfp-teznIK-8PSxan5PUrWHVIbA2r-g/s400/IMG_0189.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>I divided our meals into 3 categories; "favorites", "fast", and "new"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjCa77LfEOA7ZnovhyNF8KQGytGW_kJGq0IKr6-SVcpL6dvXo3RDHpMKpCL4UGPwhiVMGgFgc5rby0s4TTACBMKnryqMIBUKLlP_uPHHHXowj8s9SK85kUx6Tq3k_DnAJxcWlMI3QW_iU/s1600/IMG_0193.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584420263832475634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjCa77LfEOA7ZnovhyNF8KQGytGW_kJGq0IKr6-SVcpL6dvXo3RDHpMKpCL4UGPwhiVMGgFgc5rby0s4TTACBMKnryqMIBUKLlP_uPHHHXowj8s9SK85kUx6Tq3k_DnAJxcWlMI3QW_iU/s400/IMG_0193.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>I embellished good 'ole clothespins to display our meals for the week (Sun - Sat). I've shared a tutorial on how to make your own "Not Your Average Clothespins" <a href="http://ohsochichi.blogspot.com/2011/03/not-your-average-clothes-pin-2.html">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_qflM0R_YAHLny1opYdYBMzXEAimQEYnJ0rzIVyisicJiyBB6Q8cqrnbjc03Zu7cocJP_OzTLZsf5a1MMNiPDpDQPJWF4nf5Vxcsi99K_pAmfjJvle_B5vRFoPEG8REgVCTC3EO6SVI/s1600/IMG_0185.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584420266138310738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_qflM0R_YAHLny1opYdYBMzXEAimQEYnJ0rzIVyisicJiyBB6Q8cqrnbjc03Zu7cocJP_OzTLZsf5a1MMNiPDpDQPJWF4nf5Vxcsi99K_pAmfjJvle_B5vRFoPEG8REgVCTC3EO6SVI/s400/IMG_0185.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>The fabric makes me smile ... and crave sweets.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlET1JQ2IHTO9Vews2FDSy_xTHc7dGmSe3ms7zg6Z8npm9TdhFpjx28H31PVoucfzYIVK-zVDnkjTMI5gysJHrTZEKdM-HBo4k7EygkqOojhn-aGaM_c0bykC5HmB6vj6fTcgzNYtM00/s1600/IMG_0180.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584418783263485330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlET1JQ2IHTO9Vews2FDSy_xTHc7dGmSe3ms7zg6Z8npm9TdhFpjx28H31PVoucfzYIVK-zVDnkjTMI5gysJHrTZEKdM-HBo4k7EygkqOojhn-aGaM_c0bykC5HmB6vj6fTcgzNYtM00/s400/IMG_0180.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>A simple-to-make <span style="color: #cc0000;">DIY Dry Erase Note Board</span> for important reminders, "to-do" lists, and loving notes to the hubby and kiddo! The tutorial for this is also coming later this week over at OH SO Chichi, but you can get a pretty good idea from one of my previous projects <a href="http://ohsochichi.blogspot.com/2011/02/interchangeble-diy-dry-erase-board.html">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVE-sImAJgFc96GoGMOtF6-D9YFBONllNy07Ss8PbOrpl03fWgHxzsfi6By403chIl_IiDjMPmjoiEXskWqUNTNNWvkpC1eY8hnsEwsRFtSUk7UlR75a-vnVbobaoos1RS3lpyFWhO2cs/s1600/IMG_0174.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584418780756359714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVE-sImAJgFc96GoGMOtF6-D9YFBONllNy07Ss8PbOrpl03fWgHxzsfi6By403chIl_IiDjMPmjoiEXskWqUNTNNWvkpC1eY8hnsEwsRFtSUk7UlR75a-vnVbobaoos1RS3lpyFWhO2cs/s400/IMG_0174.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 268px;" /></a>My personal favorite ... the <span style="color: #ff6600;">Magnet Boards</span> and <span style="color: #33cc00;">Chore Charts</span>! I purchased these beauties on Etsy from a wonderful shop,<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AbbiesHouse"> Abbie's House</a>. Now I know every DIY'er has that urge to make everything themselves, but I believe in supporting others in their artistry too. I {heart} handmade! When I saw these <span style="color: #33cc00;">Chore Charts</span> at Abbie's House, there was no hesitation ... they were clean, simple, and beautifully made. She was also so kind as to create two, custom "blank" <span style="color: #ff6600;">Magnet Boards</span> to coordinate with the <span style="color: #33cc00;">Chore Charts</span> I ordered. She's great ... go check her out!<br />
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I love them so much that ... you see the top <span style="color: #33cc00;">Chore Chart</span> titled "<span style="font-weight: bold;">Jaime & Al</span>" ... that's <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">my</span> Chore Chart (<span style="font-style: italic;">ok, so I share with the hubby ... but we know the truth</span>)! So much cuter than scribbling out my chores on a piece of paper ... you're NEVER too old for a <span style="color: #33cc00;">Chore Chart</span>! :o)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWfK_J1JlVVeXW6rq8fLQmI9Taenke4ZO2f4buGUYAj6rhkyxA2gZnnVQbCsooY8_XbF02bstpk_vBu1oXpRX_LBJ6lHinHD2AG1DgrcZYnH1JrNJnTifJGJ5BOkMEfLP4IfeLkWA4Rw/s1600/IMG_0176.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584418780053241090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWfK_J1JlVVeXW6rq8fLQmI9Taenke4ZO2f4buGUYAj6rhkyxA2gZnnVQbCsooY8_XbF02bstpk_vBu1oXpRX_LBJ6lHinHD2AG1DgrcZYnH1JrNJnTifJGJ5BOkMEfLP4IfeLkWA4Rw/s400/IMG_0176.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 349px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AbbiesHouse">Abbie's House</a> has a cute selection of "chore magnet" bundles. This <span style="color: #ff6600;">Magnet Board</span> keeps all of our "extra" chores that don't have a home under the "to do" or "done" list for the day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFS9uWUVsQR-d2-rOYt4lmXifdsXsFBujh-BymaJzYVYdeMbuJBsM9GpNIOnnfCC4nrgLgQauMJzLubK4AESpArYwd7FmRmS0xh1c0rbrO1LlaqgI1ABVrf5mGm2mPoKrtDh0pqb3kKrk/s1600/IMG_0198.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584418774872922338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFS9uWUVsQR-d2-rOYt4lmXifdsXsFBujh-BymaJzYVYdeMbuJBsM9GpNIOnnfCC4nrgLgQauMJzLubK4AESpArYwd7FmRmS0xh1c0rbrO1LlaqgI1ABVrf5mGm2mPoKrtDh0pqb3kKrk/s400/IMG_0198.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>The 2nd <span style="color: #ff6600;">Magnet Board</span> is for general use. I clip up mail that needs to be taken to the post, permission slips, etc. I made large, 1 1/8" cover-button magnets in coordinating fabrics to match the <span style="color: #339999;">Meal Planning Board</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Dry Erase Board</span>. You can find my Cover Button Tutorial <a href="http://ohsochichi.blogspot.com/2011/03/fabric-covered-button-photo-tutorial.html">here</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YVMDiXBRIzOzdbLT5rKdvrNAQ-qU8aqT4GJ1xa8_53VEFyQovXuYvaMQIM5Jndbr1njZfULubu97uawdy7QnxopgM4vn0QTCK5c0BjuU3MzBaE8ItvXLS8UjKGGj-oxAQFJ4hlHGzOo/s1600/IMG_0202.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584418771494164370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YVMDiXBRIzOzdbLT5rKdvrNAQ-qU8aqT4GJ1xa8_53VEFyQovXuYvaMQIM5Jndbr1njZfULubu97uawdy7QnxopgM4vn0QTCK5c0BjuU3MzBaE8ItvXLS8UjKGGj-oxAQFJ4hlHGzOo/s400/IMG_0202.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>... and one last look at the <span style="color: #339999; font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kitchen Command Center</span></span>. It makes me smile every day!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;">Find out how I hung everything, <a href="http://theclayfamilyblog.blogspot.de/2012/04/kitchen-command-center-behind-scenes.html" target="_blank">here</a>!</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02819314200667965646noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4970349887538741853.post-88789579254055399732011-03-14T23:59:00.003+01:002011-03-15T00:13:45.428+01:00Playground ~ "No Bye"<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><br />Spring = More Outdoor Play! </span>This weekend we spent a lot of time outside and amongst other things, took a trip to the playground. But all good things must come to an end ...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">"No Bye"</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbsJcX6iDN_e29TdbAXHLg6DBza1vQDjKTpmxcHXcjUaG7LnVMU4IDelwS4k3SZObt0gOwSTRESD_3iOJ3n7nxCqVUV04KcdukCw3UfT-Ts4W8wN961PMRpT6pUNoQjwClFHbjxrbGfQ/s1600/Spring+2011_Playground.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbsJcX6iDN_e29TdbAXHLg6DBza1vQDjKTpmxcHXcjUaG7LnVMU4IDelwS4k3SZObt0gOwSTRESD_3iOJ3n7nxCqVUV04KcdukCw3UfT-Ts4W8wN961PMRpT6pUNoQjwClFHbjxrbGfQ/s400/Spring+2011_Playground.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584074458967968242" border="0" /></a>I don't know how I managed to capture this; but it's classic! Kelty is reaching back desperately for the <span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">playground</span> ...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDq3XF6PVKxfYycarjJgqUwKWDh80FJd268OwCltXWzdNe7o9fiNYE1-tI-LkRfPOzm1bEBDt56e6WQHsMkq49PmK6ixKA6a2vBQlUtopUdEHOJ3zWjgcHsWmgSmMjoRvohKRURfWaps/s1600/Spring2011_Playground2+.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDq3XF6PVKxfYycarjJgqUwKWDh80FJd268OwCltXWzdNe7o9fiNYE1-tI-LkRfPOzm1bEBDt56e6WQHsMkq49PmK6ixKA6a2vBQlUtopUdEHOJ3zWjgcHsWmgSmMjoRvohKRURfWaps/s400/Spring2011_Playground2+.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584074456221468962" border="0" /></a>... but don't be sad, he was actually full of smiles! Oh how I love the happiness behind a <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">spontaneous smile</span>!<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02819314200667965646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4970349887538741853.post-87276273825274995952011-03-14T21:48:00.003+01:002011-03-14T22:00:59.339+01:00Not Your Average Clothes Pin 2I just posted a really simple and quick project to re-purpose and re-style your average clothespin ... making it <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">oh so</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 204, 204);"> functionally</span> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 204, 204);">cute</span> ... over at <a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://ohsochichi.blogspot.com/2011/03/not-your-average-clothes-pin-2.html">OH SO Chichi</a>!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 204, 204);"><span style="font-size:180%;">Not Your Average Clothespin 2<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7P8LqGf_FIwOqbUTFzOy6LoooOlhJvs0jrrptaSGFw9Wr7VGGu25pFe0-hVuh980zAVKhD_ne9ZzrHqfMRMau4xpt0t2rShVsKwJguYUQqgDx29nlM3dwnIANL9P3FpreE1wjPRVIO58/s1600/IMG_0382.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7P8LqGf_FIwOqbUTFzOy6LoooOlhJvs0jrrptaSGFw9Wr7VGGu25pFe0-hVuh980zAVKhD_ne9ZzrHqfMRMau4xpt0t2rShVsKwJguYUQqgDx29nlM3dwnIANL9P3FpreE1wjPRVIO58/s400/IMG_0382.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584028519373177954" border="0" /></a><br />This is ramping up for the reveal of my <span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">Kitchen Command Center</span> project that I started in December!<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02819314200667965646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4970349887538741853.post-1538203869053945252011-03-10T11:09:00.007+01:002011-03-10T13:25:42.089+01:00Introducing ...<span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />OH SO Chichi</span></span> ... <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">the BLOG</span></span>!<br /><br />I know, why stop at 2 blogs when you can have 3? I started this little project over a year ago. Once I started posting craft projects and tutorials, Etsy business stuff and linking to craft parties ... I felt a little guilty that I was taking away from the "family" side of things. So I came up with a design concept and put myself on my <a href="http://www.aprilshowersblogdesign.com/">blog designer's</a> waiting list. Now, over a year later, I'm debuting my <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">Craft and Business Blog</span> ... <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">OH SO Chichi</span></span>!<br /><br /><center><a href="http://ohsochichi.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq48/aprildurham23/Jaime%20Clay%20Chichi/JaimeCChichiButton.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a></center><br />There is still more work to be done and the blog is still developing, but I've finally gotten it to the point where I'm comfortable putting it out there. I've been spending a crazy amount of time each evening working on my "label" buttons, developing content and importing projects from <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">"Our Journey"</span>. I'm pretty proud of the work I've done!<br /><br />How is this going to change <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">"Our Journey"</span>? I'm still going to post my home decor and craft projects; but I won't be posting tutorials here or the projects I'm linking to blog parties. Most of my ChichiKids and Etsy ventures will be posted over at<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"> <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">OH SO Chichi</span></span> as well ... though I may make a few announcements here. I'm trying to get <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;">"Our Journey"</span> back to family oriented stories and keeping the "business" over at <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">OH SO Chichi</span> ... after all, I don't think everyone that visits this blog wants to read about my son pooping his pants in public ... but, hey ... if you do, keep following along! :o) I know I actually like a few personal stories thrown in the mix over at my favorites craft blogs ... it keeps it real!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">OH SO Chichi</span>. Eventually I'll start offering giveaways and hosting project parties of my own! I'm so excited about this ... but I understand I need to build some credibility over there first. Right now <span style="font-weight: bold;">I'm my only "follower" ... umm, hint</span>. I also have a portion dedicated to Etsy! I'll be posting video tutorials for my appliques and iron-on transfers, as well as applique project tutorials and promotions!<br /><br />Most importantly, <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">OH SO Chichi</span> is more about <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">YOU</span></span> than me. I find a tremendous amount inspiration in "blog-land" and I really wanted a place to feature some of the great people, projects, and blogs out there! I'll be featuring projects and "great finds", hosting blog parties and will be on the look-out for blog/businesses to award the <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">OH SO Chichi <span style="font-style: italic;">SEAL OF APPROVAL</span></span> ...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">OH SO Chichi </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">SEAL OF APPROVAL</span>. I've always wanted an avenue to recognize other people for their amazing talents; whether it be a blog, project or hand-made product. You know how Better Homes and Gardens has a seal of approval ... something tried and tested that they feel is really up to par? Well, that's kind of what the <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">OH SO Chichi <span style="font-style: italic;">SEAL OF APPROVAL</span></span> is about! Whether it's an AMAZING item I've purchased on Etsy or a really inspirational blog ... I wanted a way to put the word out. So I developed the the <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">OH SO Chichi SEAL OF APPROVAL</span>. It's basically a way to give recognition to outstanding bloggers and Etsy shops ... and they'll have a cute little button to post on their blog or in their shop!<br /><br />So, please take a moment to check out <a href="http://www.ohsochichi.blogspot.com">OH SO Chichi</a> and follow along!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02819314200667965646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4970349887538741853.post-45657548367136893572011-03-09T19:35:00.001+01:002011-03-09T20:53:22.974+01:00Scrabble Tile DecorI randomly purchased a hand-blown glass <span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204); font-weight: bold;">Chicken</span> at a Bizarre last weekend ... I know, right!? Let me tell you ... I don't <span style="font-style: italic;">"do"</span> knick-knacks or random decorative purchases. So you can imagine when I walked into the house and showed my hubby our new "chicken" he seriously thought it was some kind of joke ... a chicken? I don't know, maybe it was the color ... but this little guy stole my heart. It was the fastest and most spontaneous purchase I may have ever made!<br /><br />Moving along ... I needed to find a home for <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 204, 204);">"Peep"</span>. I thought on top of our old wine barrel would be a great place. As I struggled to decorate this little corner, my kiddo pulled out the Scrabble box ... the inspiration was right there in his sticky little hands! I grabbed a really cool empty wine bottle that I had kept from over a year ago, pulled out a few tiles, dumped the rest in the bottle and voila! Then I decided it needed a little more color. I grabbed a bottle of craft paint, applied a thin layer and then ... VOILA! I love how something so incredibly simple can really make an impact. <span style="font-style: italic;">P.S.... Do you like the little love note to my hubby I snuck in there</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCzs8z0d0OfXCFRstBFTd_FmjVtasBwuqdeDFWP86KUSHoluT7UKtCBeQdmM5RpSC_MusfPmBIb8vR4Mn1mQCipxCHFsiCfEaQ6Fk2Ky9DA8VfVWdCcCLVWHz6EEKxRO3zyZQU4o8uudA/s1600/DSC_0032.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCzs8z0d0OfXCFRstBFTd_FmjVtasBwuqdeDFWP86KUSHoluT7UKtCBeQdmM5RpSC_MusfPmBIb8vR4Mn1mQCipxCHFsiCfEaQ6Fk2Ky9DA8VfVWdCcCLVWHz6EEKxRO3zyZQU4o8uudA/s200/DSC_0032.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582104832540511890" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPBPqHPFb8grLtmu8ENX-KyqxBm1OWjXzMJhKhh-p0XsdNOZU8lZgSfJRqUFsCqFGiTLNNgWmACuvhUA5P-9cgEZtsBVyTtF3wC9PqHY6XNV_Ix2YRfbRLLj7F3QUfFlisZP4uMV5yHU/s1600/DSC_0039.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPBPqHPFb8grLtmu8ENX-KyqxBm1OWjXzMJhKhh-p0XsdNOZU8lZgSfJRqUFsCqFGiTLNNgWmACuvhUA5P-9cgEZtsBVyTtF3wC9PqHY6XNV_Ix2YRfbRLLj7F3QUfFlisZP4uMV5yHU/s200/DSC_0039.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582104838571758290" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Before (left) and After (right)<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qTT9o2CIek7RyvAaV6Ag_Q5QZWZxDmMgb5JRMe_Jma9QBYQ0R5NNn62_jodXsANffhPQ4w0fYAlNcoBd-PZoy1o46xds2LVoT-B3c7ucmvTuLC5XS4pHGrwLYDVS2kciUk20j6_0wUU/s1600/DSC_0033.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qTT9o2CIek7RyvAaV6Ag_Q5QZWZxDmMgb5JRMe_Jma9QBYQ0R5NNn62_jodXsANffhPQ4w0fYAlNcoBd-PZoy1o46xds2LVoT-B3c7ucmvTuLC5XS4pHGrwLYDVS2kciUk20j6_0wUU/s400/DSC_0033.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582103730986767602" border="0" /></a>A few strokes of craft paint and 5-minutes later we were done ...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNiyrjVC5AnGJcsaLfYHhJfA_45SiO2Fgj1RFiXf_IPJ5Hv5c2EzJZJtsXArKKskICPUSg9dwrq2EkIniYKOu1S6yfWiM2M7YB3pr0aPrnI7gHhAcxHTBG1tpF7PpPPpqjONgXO3Btjc/s1600/DSC_0039.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNiyrjVC5AnGJcsaLfYHhJfA_45SiO2Fgj1RFiXf_IPJ5Hv5c2EzJZJtsXArKKskICPUSg9dwrq2EkIniYKOu1S6yfWiM2M7YB3pr0aPrnI7gHhAcxHTBG1tpF7PpPPpqjONgXO3Btjc/s400/DSC_0039.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582103720788633874" border="0" /></a>Scrabble Tile Letters with a Blue Tile Holder<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEGrwk3xcvt1ZoEiBwThZbs3bOqIxEwH20HFxSUYgTKNXDviRzaZ0Dpu_oXJouitfHFFe9lxlON6VdMqaPlzvLpRCDWlnzQEkblNwfFQMkSUsC0Dj45bkW3Fsiv-hC3U3ad6Vgl6ila2I/s1600/DSC_0043.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEGrwk3xcvt1ZoEiBwThZbs3bOqIxEwH20HFxSUYgTKNXDviRzaZ0Dpu_oXJouitfHFFe9lxlON6VdMqaPlzvLpRCDWlnzQEkblNwfFQMkSUsC0Dj45bkW3Fsiv-hC3U3ad6Vgl6ila2I/s400/DSC_0043.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582103713466657346" border="0" /></a>"U R MY FAVORITE" ... a little love note to the hubby ... think he'll notice? The extra letter tiles are in the old wine bottle that is also used as a bookend for our Wine Journal. Maybe the hubby will spell out a new note occasionally ... hint, hint.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbmOtkTBIcw26ElxEkHiCCJzjp8wqImptCYCnnrKe6jIFTRGxk6vOhFTqAbRd2ZR12TZ7XwwpMhyDLRlE7mFYDrfHR0qo0AyGj-hYhBDuJnGOcmTs6yjQfmXJGUcGTcEdIOkehY34Tmc/s1600/DSC_0046.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 328px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbmOtkTBIcw26ElxEkHiCCJzjp8wqImptCYCnnrKe6jIFTRGxk6vOhFTqAbRd2ZR12TZ7XwwpMhyDLRlE7mFYDrfHR0qo0AyGj-hYhBDuJnGOcmTs6yjQfmXJGUcGTcEdIOkehY34Tmc/s400/DSC_0046.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582103711686870354" border="0" /></a>Re-purposed wine bottle turned decorative<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0okz8y6qPsL2dyO_dvk-i94MNdCRRWb5McAxoLhq8T2EOQqrlL2Qe43tCcHYo_zNL2cCultKSZBDIpiT3Ux10ohmjlOmYkatk0kGcOF1zSIpqAYZ8Zw0MV7O8SE-Di05pXTh2kABhmw/s1600/DSC_0044.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0okz8y6qPsL2dyO_dvk-i94MNdCRRWb5McAxoLhq8T2EOQqrlL2Qe43tCcHYo_zNL2cCultKSZBDIpiT3Ux10ohmjlOmYkatk0kGcOF1zSIpqAYZ8Zw0MV7O8SE-Di05pXTh2kABhmw/s400/DSC_0044.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582103709877237778" border="0" /></a>... let's not forget the inspiration behind it all. A chicken named <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 204, 204);">Peep</span>.<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02819314200667965646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4970349887538741853.post-43434400938585217702011-03-07T11:19:00.007+01:002011-03-07T12:01:07.102+01:00Day to Day ...I'm attempting to break out of my blogging hiatus! We've been so busy! We're finally feeling a little relief from Al's work schedule, Kelty had the "crud" for a week and is now back to his former active self, I've been busy filling Etsy orders and playing around with my new Silhouette machine, I started an on-line photography course and am developing a 3rd blog dedicated to my business and DIY projects! We've also been making arrangements for a medical TDY to the states for Kelty and planning a few summer excursions to Greece, Cinque Terre, and Norway. Holy cow! Here are a few moments I've captured along the way ...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9ko2Rx_-0mWTZApZMf8eaYe2Fm3KRSibXJkgRlN3oD59CuLUfBNzQNZaADZq0c-Rh4oi4cNDS7fWgwq1w4qkrNRIjooIZ0YcZVsMcCWzmIn7mnDiKJ-KgBnEgARsCoElDyASI1mcFlw/s1600/IMG_0268.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9ko2Rx_-0mWTZApZMf8eaYe2Fm3KRSibXJkgRlN3oD59CuLUfBNzQNZaADZq0c-Rh4oi4cNDS7fWgwq1w4qkrNRIjooIZ0YcZVsMcCWzmIn7mnDiKJ-KgBnEgARsCoElDyASI1mcFlw/s400/IMG_0268.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581284476532542818" border="0" /></a>We're feeling a little Spring in the air! Ok, so it's still cold but nothing we can't manage with a few a layers! We've been taking frequent family walks and enjoying the fresh air. Kelty is sporting his new Camelbak ... he loves it.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8ezjqy6raSkALPXmWUJ0Dz39C0g1RVk8qMaQZX9Izt8LWNmK4mk-TOJYQKhyxpzaotb1Vnnk0dRRQLvlZpfjVxP7NZZskji5yxif8p9QuO1vqo4iARzhP8vPYOmtO2XMU83e9TyBsV4/s1600/IMG_0260.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8ezjqy6raSkALPXmWUJ0Dz39C0g1RVk8qMaQZX9Izt8LWNmK4mk-TOJYQKhyxpzaotb1Vnnk0dRRQLvlZpfjVxP7NZZskji5yxif8p9QuO1vqo4iARzhP8vPYOmtO2XMU83e9TyBsV4/s400/IMG_0260.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581284475480566018" border="0" /></a>We love our little outdoor adventures. Al picked up toddler hiking poles a few months ago when he was in the "states".<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmM8rLDj29ZYPDqbADI9lrjBIFAJDlu5M7XaWHgcDUNjvuO51VnY1ZMh6eLgztk4Zr8g80V_RdGuaGGVofSLz7Cb15SooMZ9166TJUE-MjHrCgtJ_8YGy_wjg1x0B_6JOOunkgDcyTHVc/s1600/IMG_0076.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmM8rLDj29ZYPDqbADI9lrjBIFAJDlu5M7XaWHgcDUNjvuO51VnY1ZMh6eLgztk4Zr8g80V_RdGuaGGVofSLz7Cb15SooMZ9166TJUE-MjHrCgtJ_8YGy_wjg1x0B_6JOOunkgDcyTHVc/s400/IMG_0076.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581284471143745682" border="0" /></a>Kelty donned his "work glasses" before working on his train track ... safety first! ;o)<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLM1LUr6d5tguWy9ir0keybpsz_CW1UWgNNDNC8Sb1FWqTxk77EzZ5MNNyuDs44kNNwEs5wczgficE79LOaH_Mk3xy1iPS-2-_fOiLMpquzOO2SsUhkLMzZNZJtJYL_sS50IXK4MUidXQ/s1600/IMG_0074.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLM1LUr6d5tguWy9ir0keybpsz_CW1UWgNNDNC8Sb1FWqTxk77EzZ5MNNyuDs44kNNwEs5wczgficE79LOaH_Mk3xy1iPS-2-_fOiLMpquzOO2SsUhkLMzZNZJtJYL_sS50IXK4MUidXQ/s400/IMG_0074.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581284466841321282" border="0" /></a>Repairing the railway.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Hs1D2GEMfJUsrGX6LO3-pAR4rCETiCjcn9DJKkdmdQ33A7qT5PHbZbr5B9nebHe0H0u-dITb0G2yK7t4bcbM6V2VLoFnk4Ktrqhfjqs0g2Xgrj9Im-VBSDdhbOv-vMwjHRXvC5n3Q0w/s1600/IMG_0034.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Hs1D2GEMfJUsrGX6LO3-pAR4rCETiCjcn9DJKkdmdQ33A7qT5PHbZbr5B9nebHe0H0u-dITb0G2yK7t4bcbM6V2VLoFnk4Ktrqhfjqs0g2Xgrj9Im-VBSDdhbOv-vMwjHRXvC5n3Q0w/s400/IMG_0034.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581284464106964130" border="0" /></a>Kelty takes good care of his bike.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs88Xf_jbxfFmuOerUoYcSiqA8LAQKEwtT8sWeOHklARKc7RivHndo7QZk4L1K_jKZR2LzSL8L3j1S0t7Xcgq9uvu0gELatahWbdJ7FeUUmrNCVjbOFjHK7fKrQxAFFB7OLW_FmMRGWAY/s1600/IMG_0306.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs88Xf_jbxfFmuOerUoYcSiqA8LAQKEwtT8sWeOHklARKc7RivHndo7QZk4L1K_jKZR2LzSL8L3j1S0t7Xcgq9uvu0gELatahWbdJ7FeUUmrNCVjbOFjHK7fKrQxAFFB7OLW_FmMRGWAY/s400/IMG_0306.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581286105421521810" border="0" /></a>The kiddo has a slight addiction to Lucky Charms. I caught him in the kitchen digging through the Lucky Charms bag to find the marshmallow "charms" ... what's even better is that he's wearing a Lucky Charms graphic tee. Oh how I love this little guy!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDG5Fc7_nBBcrI9OS59fcT0DSUIfFyqIoVYcXpf9_NCX8a2v_HhJ9H1G6RH3pezWJrwDL8-GahI_JFUPv-H8gqzlYoQBBcaXmmGCFs6P8TDBgxKXbLZ47KGQOx74aGh9WtLyetjq3jVjA/s1600/IMG_0314.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDG5Fc7_nBBcrI9OS59fcT0DSUIfFyqIoVYcXpf9_NCX8a2v_HhJ9H1G6RH3pezWJrwDL8-GahI_JFUPv-H8gqzlYoQBBcaXmmGCFs6P8TDBgxKXbLZ47KGQOx74aGh9WtLyetjq3jVjA/s400/IMG_0314.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581286096227518338" border="0" /></a>The "big" slide ... I can't believe he's big enough to do this on his own and I can't believe my heart survives watching him go down it!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_HQPoG-3mQOdKcLg9N_QDBoNsOKHE5kr8NNp0BWZm_LxAtiuYdouRoGpniwFr4Qbg4GPIYCdu_99o45Wz8cqmtpZpXQe3KIk9wkiLleMFe8mCtCdJbg05yBvK3bg3LFFFl7Voa8gkkg/s1600/IMG_0290.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_HQPoG-3mQOdKcLg9N_QDBoNsOKHE5kr8NNp0BWZm_LxAtiuYdouRoGpniwFr4Qbg4GPIYCdu_99o45Wz8cqmtpZpXQe3KIk9wkiLleMFe8mCtCdJbg05yBvK3bg3LFFFl7Voa8gkkg/s400/IMG_0290.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581286092145284354" border="0" /></a>An early evening bike ride to visit the horses and the nearby Horse Farm.<br /><br />A few cute "un-photo" moments:<br /><br />Kelty has started calling the crescent moon, "Banana Moon"<br />Kelty melts my heart with random kisses on the forehead followed by "Love You Ma"<br />Kelty has this thing about playing "robot"<br />He picks out 3 vitamins every morning ... one for Dad, one for Mom, and one for himself<br />Kelty seems to enjoy burping ... then saying "cuse me"<br />He navigates around our new Ipod Touch better than I do!<br /><br />... and that's a bit of a photo journey of our life, day-to-day.<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02819314200667965646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4970349887538741853.post-79964979300114365432011-02-22T06:00:00.014+01:002011-02-26T19:58:18.909+01:00Decorative {Documenting Your Travels} MapThis is one of my favorite "decorative documentation" projects in our house. This project can be done with a <span style="font-weight: bold;">World Map</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Country Map</span>, or <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">State Map</span> to fit your personal travel journeys!
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<br />We are fortunate and blessed to be living in an area where European travel is easy and quite affordable. If you look over to my sidebar under "Our Destinations", you'll see we've done quite a bit of traveling in the last 2 years. Traveling around Europe when you live in Europe is near the equivalent of simply exploring your "home-state" in the U.S. We're talking ... Paris is only a 4-hour drive, Rome is a $30 plane ticket, the Netherlands is a 4-hour drive, Austria is 4-hours away ... you get my drift. So as I said, most of our destinations are just a simple drive or a cheap plane ticket away.
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<br />We wanted a simple yet decorative way to document our travels as a family. This <span style="font-weight: bold;">Travel Map</span> is by no means my original idea ... in fact, as a pilot, my husband's flying unit usually has one of these hanging in their building ... just not as "pretty"! At a semi-recent spouses' meeting, the host had a decorative version in her home and as I wiped the drool off my chin, I said ... "this is it"! That night I hopped on Amazon and found a 36" x 40" antique-style, laminated world map and ordered it immediately. Shortly after it arrived we took it to get framed and adhered to foam poster board (a good DIY project) and then found the perfect spot for it in our home. <span style="font-style: italic;">I would have loved to do this as a full-blown DIY project but we have a hard time finding the right supplies here.</span>
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<br />Now, I have to admit ... the hubby was not really on board with this little project until he pushed-in the first map tack ... then he was quite excited to step back and see the beauty of the project! This is a great conversation piece when you have guests over and also great for the kids .. and to be honest, Al and I have spent a lot of time just looking and reminiscing about the places we've been has a family.
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<br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">Decorative {Documenting Your Travels} Map</span>
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Supplies</span>
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<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/World-Executive-Poster-Sized-Tubed/dp/1597752088/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b">World Map</a> or<a href="http://www.amazon.com/United-States-Executive-Poster-tubed/dp/1597752207/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_a"> U.S. Map</a></span><span style="text-decoration: underline;font-size:100%;" >
<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Inch-Map-Tacks-Chocolate/dp/B004EFX4K0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=office-products&qid=1298369858&sr=8-2">Map Tacks</a></span>
<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Foam Board</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: normal;font-size:100%;" >
<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Custom Frame</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: normal;font-size:100%;" >
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxaLYwe0rYIbMQ34d7fw5XuajPngDSpj5DrLTE9FFTI5uTh4SLKc7g8pBlhz8Yp50M74nKr-K9k_4hQsSsjJZtv7lMLBZwE-P-zABTML48I4wqedjtgtnBuvGr_eT1XWjooK61S5dZbg/s1600/IMG_2344.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxaLYwe0rYIbMQ34d7fw5XuajPngDSpj5DrLTE9FFTI5uTh4SLKc7g8pBlhz8Yp50M74nKr-K9k_4hQsSsjJZtv7lMLBZwE-P-zABTML48I4wqedjtgtnBuvGr_eT1XWjooK61S5dZbg/s400/IMG_2344.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574250403857988162" border="0" /></a>We used 1/16th map tacks to mark the cities we've lived in and the cities we've explored as a family. We decided not to mark the places we've traveled individually; just our family travel.
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<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigZcp8BW4jugCons8PHGBwuYKOeDouBC9Apveb-RKp2EUZOa52AgBukQmfBcfs-v1wwSXXNqF9cpMi9OFH0Lm283X3pbqMgpmpRmHGPqMBLDzzoTDjPDPndZKAaa7WZRIZQcEVYfGkZBI/s1600/IMG_2345.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigZcp8BW4jugCons8PHGBwuYKOeDouBC9Apveb-RKp2EUZOa52AgBukQmfBcfs-v1wwSXXNqF9cpMi9OFH0Lm283X3pbqMgpmpRmHGPqMBLDzzoTDjPDPndZKAaa7WZRIZQcEVYfGkZBI/s400/IMG_2345.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574250395675162530" border="0" /></a>We didn't realize how much time we've spent on the East coast! It's time to venture "out West" when we move back to the states.
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<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06iekzWHW-hD0cg0GIGDFqkOLNpAS6rewE7vwhtjh1FDFhm7W9eycWiv5fmZVDyQyDOpYkh_K-2Y9iI9i9HhR8S1nZNaAHbLG_UhWSdUQ59OO0_xbJoS8H4I1-JNlv0xmw1cfLj2u-Ng/s1600/IMG_0148.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06iekzWHW-hD0cg0GIGDFqkOLNpAS6rewE7vwhtjh1FDFhm7W9eycWiv5fmZVDyQyDOpYkh_K-2Y9iI9i9HhR8S1nZNaAHbLG_UhWSdUQ59OO0_xbJoS8H4I1-JNlv0xmw1cfLj2u-Ng/s400/IMG_0148.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576464173327042610" border="0" /></a>Taking a step back to get an idea of size and scale.
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<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0); font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thanks to my awesome husband for just "trusting me on this one"!</span></span>
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">I'm linking this to ...</span></span>
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<br /><center><a href="http://www.happyhappyhousewife.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i492.photobucket.com/albums/rr283/StacyRisenmay/linkypartybutton-1.jpg" border="0" height="85" width="85" /></a><a href="http://www.craftedition.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv7wBgGQdDgUSO_HMIeNgqm8m1jEYf1fJEeLdSLnemOU3ApTlqaVQNjS3qLZIamkNyc1MgangKoP55aGhc2NVVBNPOOqM2dpUlrMhilPRqrEN7wYrRT2PFBPhHzLUUd_RL3lAwM7A5g7Uu/s800/takealookbutton.png" border="0" height="85" width="85" /></a><a href="http://bluecricketdesign.net/" target="_blank"><img alt="Show and Tell Green" 0="" src="http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c201/rdulgarian/showandtellcopy-1.jpg" height="85" width="85" /></a><a href="http://www.mybackyardeden.com/"><img alt="Make it Yours @ My Backyard Eden" src="http://i46.tinypic.com/28jck5l.jpg" border="0" height="85" width="85" /></a><a border="0" href="http://firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com/search/label/Show%20Off%20Your%20Stuff%20Party" target="_blank"><img src="http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd3/fjnorm/ShowOffYourStuffPartyButton2.jpg" height="85" width="85" /></a><a href="http://www.iamalongfortheride.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy62/aftr/Button-9.jpg" border="0" height="85" width="85" /></a><a href="http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://hadfield.smugmug.com/photos/978446890_7b2ZN-O.png" border="0" height="85" width="85"</a> <a href=" http://www.serenitynow4amanda.blogspot.com/ " target="_blank"><img height="85" width="85" src="http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae332/Amanda_SerenityNow/Blog%20Party%20Buttons/WeekendBloggyReading.png" border="0" alt="Weekend Bloggy Reading"></a></center>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02819314200667965646noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4970349887538741853.post-71209441333894980272011-02-14T21:13:00.003+01:002011-02-14T21:27:54.623+01:00I am ...Megan from the <a href="http://brassyapple.blogspot.com/">Brassy Apple</a> (a GREAT crafting blog I follow)<b> <span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></b>recently started a new blog called <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-size:100%;" ><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://iammorethanjust.blogspot.com/">"I AM"</a></span>.<b><br /><br /></b>Here is a snippet from her blog where she shares what <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://iammorethanjust.blogspot.com/">I AM</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>is all about ...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">"We are more than just............women, mothers, teachers, stay at home moms, working moms, single, divorced, married, tall, short, blonde, brunette..........</span><b style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">"I AM"</b><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 51, 0);"> will let you declare through a photo bits of yourself and your daily life to share with other women.</span><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">"</span><br /></div><br />I encourage you to take a moment and check it out and participate! She accepts photo submissions! Today she has shared a photo I sent of Al and Kelty during one of our Sunday afternoon walks ... I'm so touched that she posted it on Valentine's Day since her theme this month was "love". Now go take a peek at her blog ...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://iammorethanjust.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v714/mycreations/Blog/Iamreader.jpg" /><br/></a><br/><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02819314200667965646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4970349887538741853.post-3733693425536993112011-02-03T11:04:00.027+01:002011-03-02T14:07:56.529+01:00DIY Jewelry TreeOn my most recent trip back to the "states", Mom and I hit JoAnn Fabrics (whoop!). The hardest part about living overseas and having an addiction to DIY projects is the ability to find the supplies you need. I usually end up ordering on-line and waiting .... waiting ... waiting for the delivery ... or I make a list of projects and supplies then wait until I travel back to the U.S. and make a GIGANTIC purchase! Either method requires waiting ... and I don't like waiting!<br /><br />Anyway ... I found this <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Valentine Tree</span> at JoAnn's for $4.99 plus 40% off ... yippee! When I saw it I immediately thought "<span style="font-weight: bold;">jewelry organizer</span>". My only regret is that I didn't buy more! A few coats of black paint and the transformation from <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Valentine Tree</span> to <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jewelry Tree</span></span> was complete ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Supplies</span></span><br /><br />Valentine Tree (JoAnn Fabrics is having 70% their Valentine decorations ... so go! go! go!)<br />Black Paint (I used spray paint)<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jewelry Tree</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnu0MLQCxa8RetiihmOLSXpF-NIUQAm1cGEmENVIKtJZlE2Cb6XQtsBhJktrAa73qwLFCQQT_X0mvDSl4jjcBasESy2Ew492O-5R29HJ2wvxi8X5liJNhpuKCc-Bt2hVzrDDI7apY0Qy4/s1600/DSC_0079_2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnu0MLQCxa8RetiihmOLSXpF-NIUQAm1cGEmENVIKtJZlE2Cb6XQtsBhJktrAa73qwLFCQQT_X0mvDSl4jjcBasESy2Ew492O-5R29HJ2wvxi8X5liJNhpuKCc-Bt2hVzrDDI7apY0Qy4/s400/DSC_0079_2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569404167897346066" border="0" /></a>I place my "everyday jewelry" on the tree for safekeeping and quick access<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjt1cW4gAD3OBo2EnY-IQxQhVnF16caX7oUXMCnT-SBFpvv_UOxpP5kS2nuKMXEXt7OCCfVclD1GI8DesHYK4x3btYlijMvDMif_ss-YqidC5-Z1Hz5ervezopqXXkHRh3buJzu7KTZM/s1600/DSC_0066_2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjt1cW4gAD3OBo2EnY-IQxQhVnF16caX7oUXMCnT-SBFpvv_UOxpP5kS2nuKMXEXt7OCCfVclD1GI8DesHYK4x3btYlijMvDMif_ss-YqidC5-Z1Hz5ervezopqXXkHRh3buJzu7KTZM/s400/DSC_0066_2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569403356470942658" border="0" /></a>Before ... Valentine Decoration (ho-hum)<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBI7hbtF-bIkc07tvMXg5xYNoyGImTl8rDwaDonCi5h4OisPUQeZW_BjFZ5jkeFUSs-pyWZ48J8Ey8OVvCtdmQ0bsl_gxNExWZ0ZN2Dpw8iTxahBH3TI78bIAc_sNVe_lfBjYlB5Y8L4/s1600/DSC_0074_2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBI7hbtF-bIkc07tvMXg5xYNoyGImTl8rDwaDonCi5h4OisPUQeZW_BjFZ5jkeFUSs-pyWZ48J8Ey8OVvCtdmQ0bsl_gxNExWZ0ZN2Dpw8iTxahBH3TI78bIAc_sNVe_lfBjYlB5Y8L4/s400/DSC_0074_2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569403353851388210" border="0" /></a>After ... Sophisticated Jewelry Tree (cute!)<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07exUbMiEWHg_D6IcDstRgt2GABejvHAzWi54o5zW43uTB3BMds7usIYqAnzJKH3viKit-ChQyzS1kPIcrIweBYUtP1ZC-ztluk4OYLjeuanMCfozd41IvZpp1IdCSkFAYtD8DiHjNFQ/s1600/DSC_0078_2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 309px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07exUbMiEWHg_D6IcDstRgt2GABejvHAzWi54o5zW43uTB3BMds7usIYqAnzJKH3viKit-ChQyzS1kPIcrIweBYUtP1ZC-ztluk4OYLjeuanMCfozd41IvZpp1IdCSkFAYtD8DiHjNFQ/s400/DSC_0078_2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569403347749159714" border="0" /></a>Top to bottom ...<br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >(no, I don't keep my jewelry on the floor by our wine crates ... this was just the best lighting in the house)</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjfi3AkO3XaZCkStzcioqCqk0V8_H9f04K7KEtyI_C1guptq3QH_ulGzmuCzX6lUV_fdQOrWZhGWtSWXuHn9CyHuJZq-cUg01dDaEUlynUfCMKEBMtmI_KSeivFoZAf3XmmnBxkvfVu4/s1600/DSC_0082_2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 332px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjfi3AkO3XaZCkStzcioqCqk0V8_H9f04K7KEtyI_C1guptq3QH_ulGzmuCzX6lUV_fdQOrWZhGWtSWXuHn9CyHuJZq-cUg01dDaEUlynUfCMKEBMtmI_KSeivFoZAf3XmmnBxkvfVu4/s400/DSC_0082_2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569403340111692002" border="0" /></a>The kiddo came over while I was taking photos and said "oh, nice" ... nothing like a little approval from the little one!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsInD4dnOqny8e2IG-cK6nBqt55zTC1hOC6TW6SP38pL5tI2r0RzpME9yJsrHX4qJD1eEY8cb0QcHLrwLS63DMAljzxCoPoh-6d7cwicADrb-ApYJAj_rpImr5ZKUfNdPLaOz8OUsURMw/s1600/DSC_0091_2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsInD4dnOqny8e2IG-cK6nBqt55zTC1hOC6TW6SP38pL5tI2r0RzpME9yJsrHX4qJD1eEY8cb0QcHLrwLS63DMAljzxCoPoh-6d7cwicADrb-ApYJAj_rpImr5ZKUfNdPLaOz8OUsURMw/s400/DSC_0091_2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569403337865379458" border="0" /></a>Then he decided I needed to wear ALL my jewelry ... so sweet!<br /><br />I'm linking this to ...<br /><br /><a href="http://todayscreativeblog.net/get-your-craft-on-41/">Get Your Craft On @ Today's Creative Blog</a><br /><a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/">Strut Your Stuff Thursday @ Somewhat Simple</a><br /><a href="http://firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com/search/label/Show%20Off%20Your%20Stuff%20Party">Show Of Your Stuff @ Fireflies and Jellybeans</a><br /><a href="http://733blog.blogspot.com/2011/02/sugar-spice-44.html">Sugar & Spice and Everything Nice @ Seven Thirty Three</a><br /><a href="http://sassysites.blogspot.com/2011/02/ffafriday.html">Free For All Friday @ Sassy Sites</a><br /><a href="http://alittlelovelyblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/saturday-soiree-38.html">Saturday Soiree @ A Little Lovely</a><br /><a href="http://sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com/2011/02/market-yourself-monday-v-day-jars.html">Market Yourself Monday @ Sumo's Sweet Stuff</a><br /><br /><a border="0" href="http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://hadfield.smugmug.com/photos/978446890_7b2ZN-O.png" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.504main.com/"><img alt="504 Main" src="http://i883.photobucket.com/albums/ac35/Holly7081/Grab_button_150-1-3.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a border="0" href="http://funtocraft.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img hlnk="alt=" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3477/4555724910_ffc44e57f2_o.jpg" target="_blank" title="It's Fun to Craft!" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://thehillsarelivin.blogspot.com/" title="A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS"><img alt="calm+breeze+banner+friday.jpg" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TbuGosHc_QggaK10uMe51oNKeQykQPBabwk6-a9lLW4_HQI1T_gYiyPg7m_2obDfi62qz2y01RwovCTA8BwK11STd6cnly1ET8094qcI34PDX6LDY9SOhMXkMrRmyslzLILCbTCZxQ0/s1600/calm+breeze+banner+friday.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.bubblynaturecreations.com/p/linky-parties.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Bubbly Nature" src="http://i632.photobucket.com/albums/uu43/okiesrockwell/projectpartycopy-1.png" /></a></center><br /><center><a href="http://memakingdo.blogspot.com/"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdkNiVuQjEeaC6U6Q1_QEgDi2WQfYt9Qv3JVYA0Cqgzxze7N4JXXqd0g3rlhVBWLp5LSm6-pBq8iaSiUY2dOwFYjLUEYHMS6gJ8D1QPS_lDrwYCoVW4uLmUWIdwCJqBiX02aBExTruOQqB/s1600/partybutton.jpg" border="0" /></a></center><br /><a href="http://www.craftskeepmesane.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> <img alt="Keeping It Simple" src="http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad206/kaysinerwt/th_DSCF63832.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.happyhappyhousewife.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i492.photobucket.com/albums/rr283/StacyRisenmay/linkypartybutton-1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a border="0" href="http://www.craftedition.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv7wBgGQdDgUSO_HMIeNgqm8m1jEYf1fJEeLdSLnemOU3ApTlqaVQNjS3qLZIamkNyc1MgangKoP55aGhc2NVVBNPOOqM2dpUlrMhilPRqrEN7wYrRT2PFBPhHzLUUd_RL3lAwM7A5g7Uu/s800/takealookbutton.png" /></a><br /><br /></div> <center><a href="http://thetreasurista.blogspot.com/p/treasuristas-thursday-treasures-come.html"><img src="http://i1176.photobucket.com/albums/x330/treasurista/Thetreasuristathursdays/fabric2-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a></center>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02819314200667965646noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4970349887538741853.post-10011889346238038992011-01-31T16:45:00.005+01:002011-02-16T11:39:10.356+01:00No "Nugget" Left Behind ...If you're drinking your morning coffee ... put it down. If you're drinking soda ... put it down. If you're eating ... stop. Now ....<br /><br />Today Kelty and I were running errands. We were standing in the middle of base Thrift Shop and Kelty announces ...<br /><br />Kelty: "poo!"<br /><br />Mommy: "Oh! You have to go potty!"<br /><br />Kelty: "no"<br /><br />Mommy: "You don't have to go potty?"<br /><br />Kelty: "poo" (<span style="font-style: italic;">as he is signing the word "potty"</span>)<br /><br />Mommy: "Did you already go poo?"<br /><br />Kelty: "ehh" <span style="font-style: italic;">(his version of "yes")</span><br /><br />Mommy: "Uh, oh. Ok, let's walk over the grocery store to use the bathroom."<br /><br />Mommy walks with a waddling child .... out of the store and starts toward the staircase ... mommy suddenly sees a little ball roll on the floor ... mommy leans in for a closer look ... it's a "poo nugget" ... crap! ... mommy scoops up Kelty ... and walks briskly towards the door (<span style="font-style: italic;">thinking she'll return for the nugget in a minute before anything else happens</span>) ... mommy walks down the staircase and down the stairs ... out drops another "poo nugget" ... crap! ... running faster out of the building through the parking lot and to the grocery store and to the bathroom. Mommy pulls down Kelty's pants and little "poo nuggets" spill scatter on the floor. Mommy cleans up Kelty <span style="font-style: italic;">and the floor</span> and briskly walks outside and back to the store to (<span style="font-style: italic;">as inconspicuously as possible</span>) pick up the nuggets. Mommy stops to pick up the last seen nugget ... looks up and whoa! there's another ... picks it up and whoa! there's another ... picks it up and whoa! there's another. Mommy followed a perfectly laid trail of "poo nuggets" up the staircase, down a hallway ... and into the store ... and through the store.<br /><br />My child pooped in a store today ... and left a trail of poo about every 2 feet. Thank God people were too busy shopping to realize they were prancing around little "poo nuggets" scattered throughout the shop.<br /><br />... for the love of being a mommy.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I'm sharing this with other mommy bloggers over at <span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><a href="http://flexibledreams.blogspot.com/2011/02/real-moms-real-laughs-2.html">Real Moms - Real Laughs</a></span>!<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02819314200667965646noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4970349887538741853.post-84889402502943553902011-01-28T08:50:00.011+01:002011-01-28T14:27:20.087+01:00Comforts of Home ~ A Photo JourneyWhen I was visiting "home" this summer, I snagged my Dad's Canon DSLR daily and took photos around our property ... I was working on a "secret" photo book for my family called <span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Comforts of Home"</span></span>. Over the course of 32 years, my parents have created and maintained a home and property full of beauty and treasured memories ...<br /><br />In 1978 (when I was 2, my sis was 6, and our big bro was 10,), my parents moved us from Detroit to a tiny little town in Northern Michigan. My Dad, Mom, and Grandpa Joe built our house from the ground up ... literally. No contractors, no builders, no carpenters ... just the family hammering nails one-at-a-time by hand. During the process we stayed in a little cabin near my Grandma and Grandpa Lutz, just 15 minutes away ... in this little red cabin is where I have my first memory! We moved into our framed-in house just before Christmas of 1978. Our home and property continued to grow throughout my childhood ... some rooms finished, some rooms unfinished (some are still unfinished) ... but it was a beautiful!<br /><br />Our property grew to include horse stables, pig pens, a barn, tack-rooms, a riding arena, and even a log-cabin playhouse. We grew up riding and showing horses, cutting our own fire wood, bailing our own hay, mucking stalls, and spending countless hours playing on our wooded 14-acres and the surrounding woods. Horse fences were my balance beams, stump piles were home to my imagination of fighting of monsters over hot lava, the huge tree swing was home to my Olympic debut of choreographed tree swinging ... and the list goes on. I was truly blessed with a fantastic childhood. So you can imagine, I find great comfort when I return to home to our tiny little town in Northern Michigan and walk around our property; for even though the wood on the barns may be deteriorating, the horse fence no longer stands, the door to the tack room is broken, and the paint in the playhouse is faded and chipped ... my heart swells with beautiful memories of the place I still call home ...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRKS-XubSUfHehe4v9pPJsdJEVjA7NzTSmL-4aBJrUAlylq8x11md0yr3HOP_w8zbe5VDy3UwdYcGegFYDev5neS1U_oz6jbTybjJ_EsPvZe0RAyI-7LGj_0Uo_-FObnIN_tWMUqcrW9I/s1600/IMG_1742.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRKS-XubSUfHehe4v9pPJsdJEVjA7NzTSmL-4aBJrUAlylq8x11md0yr3HOP_w8zbe5VDy3UwdYcGegFYDev5neS1U_oz6jbTybjJ_EsPvZe0RAyI-7LGj_0Uo_-FObnIN_tWMUqcrW9I/s400/IMG_1742.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567143691934329842" border="0" /></a>Handcrafted by my dad, <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">"THE REICHLINS"</span> sign stands proudly at the end of our wooded driveway. The sign was built out of an old beam and is held by an old "double-tree" which was used for animal-drawn wagons and such.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3QGUHerNPnc6s5Y-DJ9LQD6QIyK_33rqOHlqWJDIskhKm8UNn2NFxikv1l5jZp5QzF2wPfbxDvDe10daA36Ey8GnOnTMVAK_yX3Bq67cW0aYHuup_J_ALrLL199NfdShRBj6QXAUAftk/s1600/IMG_1517.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3QGUHerNPnc6s5Y-DJ9LQD6QIyK_33rqOHlqWJDIskhKm8UNn2NFxikv1l5jZp5QzF2wPfbxDvDe10daA36Ey8GnOnTMVAK_yX3Bq67cW0aYHuup_J_ALrLL199NfdShRBj6QXAUAftk/s400/IMG_1517.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567143682446996098" border="0" /></a>With just a trace of its original bright blue color left, <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">the</span> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">water pump</span> has been operated by every hand in the family. It has been used to water horses, pigs, dogs, cats, chickens, rabbits and goats. It has been used to wash horses and dirty hands, to hose down equipment and weathered barns. Its water has been sipped during outdoor chores, while cutting wood, and<br />after outdoor play.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Xim-7Aa_4kmVlKxIswpfzCf68h3oGwKDFuJTs95hgL5zbb_y_ZoCFDwq_FEZhtTDlfXEWFuEwVnnjt1nAE3Mt8VXUlxbPMnxMLeTqEAIt7m0ULnqZLZxdHCHFF2P_ZSB0myKl9L9qho/s1600/IMG_1735.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Xim-7Aa_4kmVlKxIswpfzCf68h3oGwKDFuJTs95hgL5zbb_y_ZoCFDwq_FEZhtTDlfXEWFuEwVnnjt1nAE3Mt8VXUlxbPMnxMLeTqEAIt7m0ULnqZLZxdHCHFF2P_ZSB0myKl9L9qho/s400/IMG_1735.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567143685774651346" border="0" /></a>This spot has held <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">wood</span> to brighten and warm our evenings with family and evenings with friends. It has provided just the right amount of light to catch Dad creeping out of the woods walking on stilts and wearing a gas mask. It has given off just enough glow to allow us to stray from the pit to catch fireflys and find sticks to roast marshmallows. We've sat around the fire pit and celebrated weddings and family gatherings.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGvYmT5dR1ceO7hpl2c8cVoiCEVdaIGq3X27XbF3sHQHllreYxVryHQ3ES2KBYAcEUaM1u8QcBQJn0j1sw2-ePxjqYiRyzHtLxySyFvXHMRhMvHamF7sTxRMjwbjIWbgitf8LdgNyM6o/s1600/IMG_1507.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGvYmT5dR1ceO7hpl2c8cVoiCEVdaIGq3X27XbF3sHQHllreYxVryHQ3ES2KBYAcEUaM1u8QcBQJn0j1sw2-ePxjqYiRyzHtLxySyFvXHMRhMvHamF7sTxRMjwbjIWbgitf8LdgNyM6o/s400/IMG_1507.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567146603871233842" border="0" /></a>The <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 204, 204);">Playhouse</span> was many things. A grocery store, a toy store, a school house. It was home to our imagination. Its pastel yellow walls have held chalkboards and plaques ... and handrawn flowers made by two little girls. The floor has held a toy box, old wooden school desks and little plastic cash registers. Most comforting, the Playhouse held the imagination and laughter of little girls at play.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfnuWZ0Au0A6ejxpBMqPz1O9Iex8vuIJ_Vki08StKGDYiBCCTizVtXSU1u0amVoHzKfEwH0O8JDVDsYjCbLlU3DbsMYKySuviyqnEXchr5FDKrxAmICEjerVI8zmZZrHxGrgwO6gpxDw/s1600/IMG_1724.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfnuWZ0Au0A6ejxpBMqPz1O9Iex8vuIJ_Vki08StKGDYiBCCTizVtXSU1u0amVoHzKfEwH0O8JDVDsYjCbLlU3DbsMYKySuviyqnEXchr5FDKrxAmICEjerVI8zmZZrHxGrgwO6gpxDw/s400/IMG_1724.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567146601073251778" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">The Call Box</span>. It's always there. Even as the family, the house, and the property change ... it's always there.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">* My dad is a retired cop .. he worked in undercover narcotics in Detroit in the 70's (yikes)! Though this box is not affiliated with his days on the police force, it's always been a reminder for me.</span><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKT_tP6PZSUDw5HbF0uoZgfr5NlqQw-iW4ZoPO05QQojIO9F6Ams6bivwuliRuMVDv1M9-7cnAdz44CGqA4AnabTBo6cZEzn-aWM3_nVkgushDK3THvYGgCFpdBepTKrPxdVe7kJme-Yw/s1600/IMG_1661.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKT_tP6PZSUDw5HbF0uoZgfr5NlqQw-iW4ZoPO05QQojIO9F6Ams6bivwuliRuMVDv1M9-7cnAdz44CGqA4AnabTBo6cZEzn-aWM3_nVkgushDK3THvYGgCFpdBepTKrPxdVe7kJme-Yw/s400/IMG_1661.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567146597378770370" border="0" /></a>Relics of 4-H and horses, saddles, bridles, cowboy hats, ribbons, and photos. The grain barrel. Rakes, shovels, pitch forks, and wheel barrels. High School float meetings. Home to old toys, school projects, and out-of season furniture.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">The Tack Room</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 102, 51);">Grain Room</span> have held many things and many memories.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWmczseFXP_Z2kgGP1IJxy1fUOmLWm-tPK0UMbshuJNitHOOMY69LAP6uOuV1fxEce59r5rKFV7RX692_hks4oDTO2OF_Uitqx98tRqU1-WO-Eqx-7sbX9D9nO5HoC8tQImmWh3CnLPjs/s1600/IMG_1650.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWmczseFXP_Z2kgGP1IJxy1fUOmLWm-tPK0UMbshuJNitHOOMY69LAP6uOuV1fxEce59r5rKFV7RX692_hks4oDTO2OF_Uitqx98tRqU1-WO-Eqx-7sbX9D9nO5HoC8tQImmWh3CnLPjs/s400/IMG_1650.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567146588282268482" border="0" /></a>There is beauty in old things.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">Rings</span> once used to tie the horses for grooming, washing and saddling.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GDH77vxZ63fngcrrj-df8o0wTQ3WgqAdWQtYip-pQiy3M56gfzG24DGlbO99QJCpMN7UyiCM-EjRRwBxwRxhxRvxkukH1w_WjQLzc06taOD1TQiS_9-e5aWk7dfmBkQCfyyVHdVY9BU/s1600/IMG_1639.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GDH77vxZ63fngcrrj-df8o0wTQ3WgqAdWQtYip-pQiy3M56gfzG24DGlbO99QJCpMN7UyiCM-EjRRwBxwRxhxRvxkukH1w_WjQLzc06taOD1TQiS_9-e5aWk7dfmBkQCfyyVHdVY9BU/s400/IMG_1639.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567146586795491394" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">An insulator and a piece of wiring from the electric fence.</span><br /><br />Still standing around the perimeter of the arena, a comforting reminder of our fun-filled and chore-filled days of having horses.<br /><br />Memories of 4-H, training, riding and showing. Horseback camping, trail riding, Elk Hill, campers, horse trailers, outhouses, and campfires. Grain, bailing hay, storing hay, binder twine and mucking stalls. Saddles, blankets and halters. The big white bathtub with the heating coil to keep the horses water from freezing in winter. Running out in the dark to feed and brush the horses. Chasing down the horses after Rosetta Rose jiggled the gate hook free.<br />Getting bucked into the <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">electric fence</span> and daring each other to touch it.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0v-PaYaS7woSLFbP4WOxwEvlXwyvlKWTvqLx3nXyPRt_7xGgd-Ct-OYtyhfowLfwMZeuwIGkKkCuF_fUV5Q5OqAY5RpaLn8xN_KuGZRC0Zf0TXsCeeSGr3lEVAWdzLbFSpUFTeaDsCc/s1600/IMG_1727.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0v-PaYaS7woSLFbP4WOxwEvlXwyvlKWTvqLx3nXyPRt_7xGgd-Ct-OYtyhfowLfwMZeuwIGkKkCuF_fUV5Q5OqAY5RpaLn8xN_KuGZRC0Zf0TXsCeeSGr3lEVAWdzLbFSpUFTeaDsCc/s400/IMG_1727.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567156871300100386" border="0" /></a>Memories of <span style="font-weight: bold;">target practice</span> from the back deck.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvl53WblD8nZ65_cRGxxeqxRWHPWvLqfquJnpJD5Qoev7YdyJVWBEX2su6D9OPQ2o01yO_dkH_4-4-CrGDVG_U70VcMw9rj1OZ65XlMOm4WfC5ybEe7CDvIRhPTZHk-vKFm4XjiS3EXgs/s1600/IMG_1629.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvl53WblD8nZ65_cRGxxeqxRWHPWvLqfquJnpJD5Qoev7YdyJVWBEX2su6D9OPQ2o01yO_dkH_4-4-CrGDVG_U70VcMw9rj1OZ65XlMOm4WfC5ybEe7CDvIRhPTZHk-vKFm4XjiS3EXgs/s400/IMG_1629.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567156868221057106" border="0" /></a>The <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">gliding bench</span> placed beside the fire-pit.<br /><br />It may be old, rusted, and showing years of use ... but it's a reminder that things don't need to be new or shiny to be beautiful.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3tzMVRWw4LypdW4RHxVi24mwIZOSJZhtHxGs_4laUMzFQCjx6GhO4rmK2a37j0F9J5CIITow9TtOrJUQG37QzDErrnu1qM2UJbWG9ZZhOHqKTPXGVRKFVvb__V5Rxql8PVLSn0zsORr0/s1600/IMG_1809.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3tzMVRWw4LypdW4RHxVi24mwIZOSJZhtHxGs_4laUMzFQCjx6GhO4rmK2a37j0F9J5CIITow9TtOrJUQG37QzDErrnu1qM2UJbWG9ZZhOHqKTPXGVRKFVvb__V5Rxql8PVLSn0zsORr0/s400/IMG_1809.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567156876910004690" border="0" /></a>Wherever we go, whatever we do ...this will always be our call to come home.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">* This is an old siren. It was placed on the exterior of our home and was wired to a tiny push-button on the inside of the house ... recessed into the wood. With a push of a button our parents would sound the siren and it was our call to come in from outside. You could hear the siren a mile away!</span><br /><br />These are a few excerpts from the 54-page photo book titled, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Comforts of Home</span>, I presented to my family for Christmas 2010. When my parents ask, "Did you have a good childhood ... do you have good memories?" ... now I can simply say ...<br /><br />"Look at the book and you'll find your answer".<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">With all my love, Jaime</span><br /><br /><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02819314200667965646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4970349887538741853.post-24936439584421833712011-01-27T15:44:00.005+01:002011-01-27T16:35:47.221+01:00Whining Has Consequences ...Lately I'm hearing A LOT of whining when Kelty wants something ... whether it's water, juice, milk, a snack, a toy he can't reach, etc. There is no build-up to the whine ... his request simply starts with a whine and it gets <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 255, 153);">louder</span> and <span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 153);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">louder</span></span> and <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 255, 153);font-size:180%;" >louder</span> ... when he wants something he wants it immediately.<br /><br />For a while I was catching myself yelling back, "hold on!", and then it hit me ... I grabbed the timer from the kitchen and had a little chat with Kelty. I explained if he needed something then he needs to ask nicely and sometimes he may have to wait a few minutes until I can get it for him ... if he whines I will set the timer to 3 minutes and I will not get his juice/water/snack/toy/etc. until the 3 minutes is over and the timer rings. I'm hoping this will teach him a little patience ... and that whining has consequences.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUSXuDZVPp0lHd7DOs3x7YeBstGSRL6mdWEjUDslLwjG6SlfI2Zw9RECcJLFqGISzu1yZKtiyRT1iyYMGsA716SNghuTO5JKJrh1YtvW0bxRtFcm_a1x4QlfE2kdwSXFyr5jVUvFpEFQ/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 324px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUSXuDZVPp0lHd7DOs3x7YeBstGSRL6mdWEjUDslLwjG6SlfI2Zw9RECcJLFqGISzu1yZKtiyRT1iyYMGsA716SNghuTO5JKJrh1YtvW0bxRtFcm_a1x4QlfE2kdwSXFyr5jVUvFpEFQ/s400/DSC_0002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566877430098302674" border="0" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02819314200667965646noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4970349887538741853.post-78533580823852428412011-01-20T13:07:00.009+01:002011-01-20T15:14:16.584+01:00Home For The HolidaysI know, I know ... it's mid January and I'm just now posting about our holidays! I took an extended holiday break and visited with my family in Northern Michigan through the middle of January. Our internet was intermittent at best so I decided to wait until our return to blog about our holidays.<br /><br />Al and I flew to Michigan just before Christmas and enjoyed the holidays with my parents, my sister Jess and her family. Unfortunately Al had to return to Germany on the 28th but I stayed behind to enjoy a little extra time with family. My sister and parents even pulled "Kelty Duty" so I could fly to Orlando and work a shift at Disney to keep my show approvals in Fantasmic! and keep my employment status! Here is a little photo recap of our holiday break ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16xGgcFw2B4FIGAXOePs0oGbvPqUBZvpqkuc6L8NEIRU6hnbqtl9Up3WRvuYSZk5Eb7Y0NgZ9gLpKJ8jMLXxTIb5yDBUmTmG9tjiRxxj5boWNN1cggslwkS-kin2Wcqe7m06maC2gAAw/s1600/IMG_2436.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16xGgcFw2B4FIGAXOePs0oGbvPqUBZvpqkuc6L8NEIRU6hnbqtl9Up3WRvuYSZk5Eb7Y0NgZ9gLpKJ8jMLXxTIb5yDBUmTmG9tjiRxxj5boWNN1cggslwkS-kin2Wcqe7m06maC2gAAw/s400/IMG_2436.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564252511450082802" border="0" /></a>We rode the snowmobile ...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7EyaM5lOXmCnLyYFTABNZLrpQw1MqdETxnWRsnveoYlNRmHutCDoTsfS7RR36DxeQDfxjHPFCkBzfC9v6Cm0wL7avp4tTjn-qMOpOLFAuSYiw61TC4aOGEtKZ9qSlEraHwFWYVRzjl6s/s1600/IMG_2442.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7EyaM5lOXmCnLyYFTABNZLrpQw1MqdETxnWRsnveoYlNRmHutCDoTsfS7RR36DxeQDfxjHPFCkBzfC9v6Cm0wL7avp4tTjn-qMOpOLFAuSYiw61TC4aOGEtKZ9qSlEraHwFWYVRzjl6s/s400/IMG_2442.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564252500497687234" border="0" /></a>And any other thing that could take on the snow ...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA421FRZO22c1b3cmnb36SZowushyphenhyphenThJeFA8nfNGCv3B2llubPJSyKrwPyoHv79vI2E1vDI2pCwQFo1vQ_tXB6c6RxR98g7npNpFvIet0cRTVLWX-jR0brGE4nSSpzcTLriIXHJBtjyKA/s1600/IMG_2473.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA421FRZO22c1b3cmnb36SZowushyphenhyphenThJeFA8nfNGCv3B2llubPJSyKrwPyoHv79vI2E1vDI2pCwQFo1vQ_tXB6c6RxR98g7npNpFvIet0cRTVLWX-jR0brGE4nSSpzcTLriIXHJBtjyKA/s400/IMG_2473.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564252493818878354" border="0" /></a>Put the kids in matching PJ's on Christmas morning ...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoB5MVBWB1sOtTk876QVmLEvKoG4r8a9r69h5tjSZKGMFlBImgis8tssBAoXavf-DyDaYFU47Jhg-yR_CeOCPXQ3Tpv5-6veoDHisRCiLbugA9M1ZLKtl12Mwm6ig2uZo1abek6LX8B5w/s1600/IMG_2480.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoB5MVBWB1sOtTk876QVmLEvKoG4r8a9r69h5tjSZKGMFlBImgis8tssBAoXavf-DyDaYFU47Jhg-yR_CeOCPXQ3Tpv5-6veoDHisRCiLbugA9M1ZLKtl12Mwm6ig2uZo1abek6LX8B5w/s400/IMG_2480.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564252493136941346" border="0" /></a>We kept family traditions ...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMQK_u15MSLHCZaNSXnY9AGJ-4-kHxUN1RMatjrkctFXsiYSprlkA9QtYMdm_O9Y3XovXi1KSM7UJbs9AIe6u3PHlTsvuW8krHAbP7_vL46bUep9bwwDVXXs8V4-8j6Y0_MEtp5m20q8/s1600/IMG_2495.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMQK_u15MSLHCZaNSXnY9AGJ-4-kHxUN1RMatjrkctFXsiYSprlkA9QtYMdm_O9Y3XovXi1KSM7UJbs9AIe6u3PHlTsvuW8krHAbP7_vL46bUep9bwwDVXXs8V4-8j6Y0_MEtp5m20q8/s400/IMG_2495.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564252483166172306" border="0" /></a>Loved our gifts ....<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQPQ0E9kHsOGjyn-y1pW4dDfSm3WidC2iXmj6mZpgp48AMWaN4yX6E9slPOne7W_iSABcH2TiVs_a0xAH7PKrObKBzyU_Dyii8lyXh-itOXd8UDSNWMn4C2_LZY7yOToA3j-4faspYtc/s1600/IMG_2588.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQPQ0E9kHsOGjyn-y1pW4dDfSm3WidC2iXmj6mZpgp48AMWaN4yX6E9slPOne7W_iSABcH2TiVs_a0xAH7PKrObKBzyU_Dyii8lyXh-itOXd8UDSNWMn4C2_LZY7yOToA3j-4faspYtc/s400/IMG_2588.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564250454725220850" border="0" /></a>We had a full table for Christmas dinner ...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8GPjkF3BEjx3SUnUyeX6QAC0HVwibBx_Xt9BjtQZ9MSHGLy5eYZaHOWo85xW3qGEluuyti6t54BvpeAqzBuqhXYIkAlSNYBLQ0vQTuGUuyADzR79r2ZpGzf29b0oWGxiwQnHZOKeSw44/s1600/IMG_2603.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8GPjkF3BEjx3SUnUyeX6QAC0HVwibBx_Xt9BjtQZ9MSHGLy5eYZaHOWo85xW3qGEluuyti6t54BvpeAqzBuqhXYIkAlSNYBLQ0vQTuGUuyADzR79r2ZpGzf29b0oWGxiwQnHZOKeSw44/s400/IMG_2603.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564250445620907906" border="0" /></a>John Charles shared a few of his gaming skills with Kelty ...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOlYpNjPCum2V3bY_H6SkONUFOrr_diOLfrDkgNiREcZ0OPCB7D082OUDKJkUJzvKSKrxB32dnrb3dD6h2Re9JUyAizToxE66L72pKMORlkxsBVU2_RY6K8_gwUbdYJV2MONrU7dTPmy8/s1600/IMG_2623.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOlYpNjPCum2V3bY_H6SkONUFOrr_diOLfrDkgNiREcZ0OPCB7D082OUDKJkUJzvKSKrxB32dnrb3dD6h2Re9JUyAizToxE66L72pKMORlkxsBVU2_RY6K8_gwUbdYJV2MONrU7dTPmy8/s400/IMG_2623.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564250441421165458" border="0" /></a>The kids performed countless concerts ...<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(Topping the charts were: I Gotta Feeling, Sweet Caroline, Iko Iko, and Hoedown Throwdown)</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzXyxNs1pwdpTmJ4OD9GL5bUNHzlxb-hGB1zehHlN1HFMk5N5xkrpF4dck3Y2CShrdXYZqiIs4wQCPFZ8i5mBGc_V8mHUcw0udmQXVSOtwsY2zxNDxm39FxDKQroD3JGu0apdWX0FAflQ/s1600/IMG_2679.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzXyxNs1pwdpTmJ4OD9GL5bUNHzlxb-hGB1zehHlN1HFMk5N5xkrpF4dck3Y2CShrdXYZqiIs4wQCPFZ8i5mBGc_V8mHUcw0udmQXVSOtwsY2zxNDxm39FxDKQroD3JGu0apdWX0FAflQ/s400/IMG_2679.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564250435345246866" border="0" /></a>We played in the snow ...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9TWmHZc_Oaz8GcVUQ2oc6MfvnN4EyiraEmgUcE9ADcYDiE9FkgcqeBbvegZjTAHA2RjTD2Ge5tjNAC-qQGke8pmCG38Gs44Hg0PCcOY5UNIov2y7cNOti6jKJf2aovj_0To5-H2onEAw/s1600/IMG_2700.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9TWmHZc_Oaz8GcVUQ2oc6MfvnN4EyiraEmgUcE9ADcYDiE9FkgcqeBbvegZjTAHA2RjTD2Ge5tjNAC-qQGke8pmCG38Gs44Hg0PCcOY5UNIov2y7cNOti6jKJf2aovj_0To5-H2onEAw/s400/IMG_2700.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564250434350825106" border="0" /></a>We sang some more ...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpAokXQNXJBAzfNO2NM6kH5gPhVnYuw3eft198pIao-7RCOu59UdfOCawfxO3yja6rCh7VtwkjmJNU96Nvr3cwIrFf14HBmNEcRDrOJ8UcsuXgY9OYnvKO9L3gHTyIIfGByieQvJwoBUg/s1600/SleddingMI"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpAokXQNXJBAzfNO2NM6kH5gPhVnYuw3eft198pIao-7RCOu59UdfOCawfxO3yja6rCh7VtwkjmJNU96Nvr3cwIrFf14HBmNEcRDrOJ8UcsuXgY9OYnvKO9L3gHTyIIfGByieQvJwoBUg/s400/SleddingMI" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564245768557424770" border="0" /></a>We met up with a few old friends and took the kids sledding ...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRVpVJIL07ZCLoDTB3ooE7HpgUX0WA2nWadtRFXdnKwxGrR78uRkkBRtZDV8UHcbp5yNxUVWEXsHaXIGLmJ5o0ZUiPlcccbxG3rqeRO_ah7glzpqsUo9yrrNfch8tsHdxYNq9R8jxmJbg/s1600/IMG_7683.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRVpVJIL07ZCLoDTB3ooE7HpgUX0WA2nWadtRFXdnKwxGrR78uRkkBRtZDV8UHcbp5yNxUVWEXsHaXIGLmJ5o0ZUiPlcccbxG3rqeRO_ah7glzpqsUo9yrrNfch8tsHdxYNq9R8jxmJbg/s400/IMG_7683.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564245768952661218" border="0" /></a>Kelty decided to play dead ...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1R5ztsIIRtsIreRLo5UytaZoqZ3ES8QHTYSeFx0lgSlCMNYGAZJspRrPcAbMHeCyQ4GgJkCUeHRTU7MFuP-cGrB1tuvevlN3SzIMS9k0DOjzmu4LVNZmdMcGIrmhfxDWxAktfNIuWRwQ/s1600/IMG_2712.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1R5ztsIIRtsIreRLo5UytaZoqZ3ES8QHTYSeFx0lgSlCMNYGAZJspRrPcAbMHeCyQ4GgJkCUeHRTU7MFuP-cGrB1tuvevlN3SzIMS9k0DOjzmu4LVNZmdMcGIrmhfxDWxAktfNIuWRwQ/s400/IMG_2712.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564266096198831378" border="0" /></a>Sang even more ...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizeZplGARz7NvC067Uzr7MYqcGFNRIysvCRqzvcaBK8v5WIiedDbVe-iyIBAdyoqXW6nccplZ5D_OMKzWEH1pX10ojw2kQHcBEVmhAsQqu25mdYaSNpwGPjCZ4o7KmA3cQnv8kSnGx-kc/s1600/IMG_7687.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizeZplGARz7NvC067Uzr7MYqcGFNRIysvCRqzvcaBK8v5WIiedDbVe-iyIBAdyoqXW6nccplZ5D_OMKzWEH1pX10ojw2kQHcBEVmhAsQqu25mdYaSNpwGPjCZ4o7KmA3cQnv8kSnGx-kc/s400/IMG_7687.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564245762249790306" border="0" /></a>The kids played ...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsW5HgNN9JdM3-VdduBrReP7QmDqZ3N465Y3rN5a83U0NplMMDj0a2rNozLwoFqhcHnk1_n7rg-J1V8sZyT_SJVTmoHzuj1V8F-YEQbD8oJ75ZbIOS0oo6pVGsSZUVhZxmWolnxc6NSjw/s1600/IMG_7696.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsW5HgNN9JdM3-VdduBrReP7QmDqZ3N465Y3rN5a83U0NplMMDj0a2rNozLwoFqhcHnk1_n7rg-J1V8sZyT_SJVTmoHzuj1V8F-YEQbD8oJ75ZbIOS0oo6pVGsSZUVhZxmWolnxc6NSjw/s400/IMG_7696.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564245759474397122" border="0" /></a>We watched movies ...<br /><br />So now I sit back in Germany ... in a dusty house (Christmas decorations still up), surrounded by piles of clothes (clean and dirty), sorting through toys (trying to figure out where to put everything), and totally jet-lagged! If you were home with us for Christmas you'd probably realize this is a REALLY short recap of events, but it was this or nothing ... I knew if I waited any longer to recap then it never would have happened ... and years from now I'd look back on the blog and wonder what the heck happened to Christmas 2010! :o)<br /><br />For family ... let us not forget:<br /><br />~ The great search for Hailey<br /><br />~ Jess and I fearing we lost our hubbies to a partially frozen lake, in the dark, with no phone and no flashlights and NO contact for HOURS<br /><br />~ <span style="font-style: italic;">Miche</span> purse shopping<br /><br />~ Coffee<br /><br />~ Lost teeth<br /><br />~ Airplanes ... airplanes ... airplanes<br /><br />~ Popcorn and movies<br /><br />~ ... and so much more!<br /><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02819314200667965646noreply@blogger.com1