tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27291449306438847642024-03-13T23:09:32.278-05:00The Heidt FamilyWatch our family grow and change!John & Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03943496917737350818noreply@blogger.comBlogger788125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729144930643884764.post-9436590082712545822010-10-19T22:45:00.003-05:002010-10-19T22:49:18.636-05:00Delay, A MoveWe've been having some trouble with running out of space around here. Being that all serious adult discussions take place between 8-9:30 along with mass quantities of wine consumption, it took us some time to figure out what to do next. Like, close to two months of decision time. However! We have reached a decision! One of you will have to return to the house and pack your bags....<br /><br />Because we are moving to a new blog spot. Come find us here:<br /><br />http://familyheidt.blogspot.com/<br /><br />For right now, we've decided to leave this blog up and running so we can easily refer back to it with the touch of the button. If we ever feel differently, I think I will tell you first. Probably. All new updates will be posted at the above link from here on out.John & Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03943496917737350818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729144930643884764.post-6564803324518646482010-08-03T15:22:00.003-05:002010-09-26T22:26:31.248-05:00Hot NEW ItemMaybe you've heard that William loves to read. More specifically, have someone read to him. Just about any time an adult is sits down in our house for more than 38 seconds (theory tested today), William will appear with a book in his hand and plop themselves in their lap. Even if he has never met them before. If he had his way, I have no doubt that he would sit and read just about anything for an entire day (theory as of yet untested). While this love is something I want to cultivate and nurture, there are just only so many times a day I can read "Bob's Pizza", "Blue's Birthday Party", or "Tonka Trucks:Super Machines" before I become mentally unstable. So, it is a delicate balance. However, last week when William was sick we (re)discovered a miraculous new invention: BOOKS ON TAPE (or CD) from the library. MIRACLE!! AMAZING!!! What will they think of next? Better yet, WHY oh WHY didn't I think of this sooner*?<br /><br />William can listen to that Thomas the Train book over and over and over and over and over and over again as much as he wants <span style="font-style: italic;">and I don't have to be the one reading it every.single.time.</span> Words fail me on this momentous occasion.<br /><br />*Disclaimer: Why yes, I will still read to William. Probably a LOT. He likes to read, I L-O-V-E to read. But, now I have a whole new tool to use when I just.can't.take.it.anymore.John & Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03943496917737350818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729144930643884764.post-5840528551634917302010-07-31T22:31:00.004-05:002010-09-25T22:53:53.226-05:00Mia SingsAmelia and William are so different. All the time we are noticing ways in which the two are different. William knows the words to a lot of songs. But, he rarely sings. Ever.<br /><br />Mia loves to sing. She recently started singing along when we sing at night. She doesn't sing many actual words that you might recognize, but it is still very, very cute.<br /><br />Here she is singing one of her favorites Old McDonald with Grandma Gerry when we were in Grand Forks.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyaL1JoMJgM-UO4Qh3OOVhjF0rnUPmvFo36ghO5aLgB8iS-S2O1nED27KHOr1r8-nSK9_tfZjNHyv5tq3PRzw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>John & Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03943496917737350818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729144930643884764.post-69965447468336959682010-07-30T20:06:00.004-05:002010-09-24T23:18:25.521-05:00Swimming Lessons**I've been working on this post for a long time now. We have now used close to 99% of the storage Blogger allows for pictures, video, etc. I'm not sure what we need to do to get back on track, but time has been very short as of late. We do have more swimming pictures, video to share...check back soon. Or in December :)<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">_______________________________________________<br /></div>We enjoyed two whirlwind weeks of swimming lessons here. We were at the pool every evening Monday through Thursday. Which was a lot of fun - but I think I ready to have some evenings left without rush, rush, rushing around. Both kids did really well with the lessons.<br /><br />Amelia had her swimming lessons first. I usually got in with her because she is really truly a Mama's girl. Daddy got in with her twice and she spent a lot of her time trying to get to me instead of blowing bubbles. Plus, it was nicer to be in the pool when the temperature is 100 degrees (no exaggeration here, the temperature was at or over 100 for most of our swimming days - such a difference from <a href="http://theheidtfamily.blogspot.com/2009/07/swimming-lessons.html">last year!</a>). Although the water is not exactly refreshing after baking in the heat all day. Most days it was like getting into a warm bath - yuck! It beat sitting on the hot concrete outside the pool though!<br /><br />Amelia is totally fearless when it comes to the water and being around it. My heart may have permanently taken up residence in my throat after the last two weeks. She runs into the pool, dips her head in the water, and splashes herself without hesitation. She also jumps gleefully from the edge whether I am looking or not. Giggling. I will admit I harbored a jealous grudge towards the other mamas in our class. The other babies in the class were not mobile and were happy parked on their behinds in the shallow end with a water can for entertainment. Not our Amelia. She ran laps in, out and around the pool with me chasing her every which way. The other mamas sat and gabbed while their sweet babies played quietly at their feet. My sweet baby spent her time alternating between running away from me and then shrieking when I carried her back to her classmates at the shallow end of the pool. I got quite the workout! Skills wise, Amelia did some great kicking and perfected her bubble blowing skills. She jumped fearlessly to me until somehow I let her scrape her arm on the way into the pool one time. Then she spent her time trying to run away, giggling like crazy. All in all, I was exhausted every evening and she had a good time wearing me out.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TIheQDSaAlI/AAAAAAAAKaA/y44dt3UKI3k/s1600/IMG_8016.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TIheQDSaAlI/AAAAAAAAKaA/y44dt3UKI3k/s320/IMG_8016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514761373568598610" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/THsyrYwyEYI/AAAAAAAAKZE/IVkUz6_b19c/s1600/IMG_7917.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/THsyrYwyEYI/AAAAAAAAKZE/IVkUz6_b19c/s320/IMG_7917.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511054289980756354" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/THsyuX75KUI/AAAAAAAAKZk/QW_t1rYu5GM/s1600/IMG_7958.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/THsyuX75KUI/AAAAAAAAKZk/QW_t1rYu5GM/s320/IMG_7958.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511054341298530626" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TIhePMVCxvI/AAAAAAAAKZw/VzWGcaMLD-8/s1600/IMG_7997.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TIhePMVCxvI/AAAAAAAAKZw/VzWGcaMLD-8/s320/IMG_7997.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514761358815708914" border="0" /></a><br />We weren't able to find swimming lessons for both kids at the same time which meant William had to wait his turn.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/THsytH5J9JI/AAAAAAAAKZM/dEts0ClzgXE/s1600/IMG_7924.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/THsytH5J9JI/AAAAAAAAKZM/dEts0ClzgXE/s320/IMG_7924.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511054319812211858" border="0" /></a>Which really was hard for him when he really wanted to get in and play in the water with Amelia.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/THsytyBsfpI/AAAAAAAAKZc/QJkZCHZTwBk/s1600/IMG_7945.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/THsytyBsfpI/AAAAAAAAKZc/QJkZCHZTwBk/s320/IMG_7945.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511054331122318994" border="0" /></a><br />Amelia had to do some waiting too after her lesson. Oftentimes one of us would just take her home - she is SUCH a handful to watch in the pool area! If you take your eyes off her for a moment she would be climbing into the pool fully dressed with shoes on. Or digging in the garbage can. Or investigating the contents of another mom's diaper bag.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TIhePtNsGgI/AAAAAAAAKZ4/l-O5Ci09ETY/s1600/IMG_8006.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TIhePtNsGgI/AAAAAAAAKZ4/l-O5Ci09ETY/s320/IMG_8006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514761367643232770" border="0" /></a><br /></div>This is the first year William is actually old enough to get in without a parent. He was so excited and PROUD to be swimming with the other kids. Just look at his cute little face in the above picture. John and I attempted to calmly watch the lesson from the deck chairs. Each evening I, in particular, would resolve to sit back and watch so as not to put unneeded pressure on William. I wanted him to have fun and learn without me breathing down his neck. Without fail moments in to the lesson, we both transformed ourselves into Helicopter Parents and hovered close by for the entire lesson. We tried, honestly. But failed. We clapped, we cheered, we hissed at him to sit DOWN and LISTEN. We were excited, thrilled and disappointed all in a 25 minute lesson. I'm not sure if William even knew we were there.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/THsytRmQpOI/AAAAAAAAKZU/M7Z_2bvDzaY/s1600/IMG_7935.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/THsytRmQpOI/AAAAAAAAKZU/M7Z_2bvDzaY/s320/IMG_7935.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511054322417312994" border="0" /></a>He very much admired his teacher, Tori and was so EXCITED about swimming.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">With some of our previous struggles with fear of water and resistance to swimming, this was a wonderful thing. He jumped, he splashed and he tried very hard to do what the teacher was asking. He had to work VERY hard to relax in the water in order to float on his back. My poor baby was so scared the first time. His body was stiff with fear and I could see him struggling - I just really wanted to jump in and rescue him. But, as if by magic, he allowed himself to relax in his teacher's arms until he was floating with assistance. With his HEAD in the WATER touching his EARS. This is Big News people. I had tears in my eyes because I knew how hard he was having to work and how afraid he was. But he did it and a LOT of other new things too.<br /><br />Skill wise, William grew by leaps and bounds this year. Enough that I am considering signing him up again this fall for the same class to keep the positive feeling and cement some of his new skills. William allowed his face to get in the water, he jumped willingly into the pool, and tried just about everything the teacher asked him to do. He floated on his front and back with help. He kicked his feet on his front and back and reached for weighted eggs in deepish water. The only part he flat out refused to participate in was putting his whole head under water. He wouldn't be peer pressured, bribed, bullied or otherwise convinced that it was a good idea to put his whole head under water. No way, no how. Not even after two weeks of swimming classes (minus the two days he was sick, poor guy).<br /><br />Funny William story:<br /><br />The teacher had explained the crawl stroke to the kids as using your hands to reach out into the water and scoop it up toward yourself like spooning ice cream from a bowl into your mouth. Every night she would review the skill and remind them to scoop some ice cream with their hands. Because of the age of the students, the kids got individual turns with the teacher assisting them. It was William's turn and John was watching when he noticed on every stroke, William was opening his mouth and pushing water in. When William's turn was over and another student started, John asked William what he had been doing. William replied, "Eating my ice cream!"<br /></div></div>John & Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03943496917737350818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729144930643884764.post-56486095587253600352010-07-29T19:28:00.002-05:002010-08-24T14:36:13.521-05:00William conversations v.2One of the skills were are working with William on is counting. He and I were practicing while we were out shopping the other day and got all the way up to 49 when he was distracted by something.<br /><br />Mama: What comes after 49?<br /><br />William: 5-T*<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">_________________________<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Another skill** we are working on is identifying the beginning letter sounds of words. William thinks this is a really fun game. He especially likes to sing a song about each letter like this:<br /><br />ex: "The A says ahhh the A says ahh! Every letter makes a sound, the A says ahhhh and aaaaa."***<br /><br />Then we each take a few turns coming up with a word that starts with that letter.<br /><br />The other day we got to the letter G, sang our song and I waited while William thought about a word that started with G. What did he come up with? Garlic. For some reason this was so unexpected to me, I had to ask him to repeat himself. Twice.<br /><br /><br /></div></div>*I think this is because we talked about how forty is like the number 4. Maybe. Who knows what is going on inside his head.<br /><br />**We're gearing up for preschool around here!<br /><br />***Now that I think about it, I think this song is from a Leapfrog DVD we checked out from the library and watched once on the way to Grandma's house.John & Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03943496917737350818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729144930643884764.post-82612805227242500242010-07-25T16:57:00.004-05:002010-08-18T23:39:03.521-05:00A conversationThe other day, I sat down to play duplos (interlocking blocks) with William.<br /><br />Me: I am going to make a stack just using the blue [duplo] blocks (thinks to herself: look! counting, sorting, cooperative play. Mother of the Year Material here!)<br /><br />William: I will make my stack out of the white blocks...short discussion ensues regarding the stacking method, etc.<br /><br />Me: How many blocks are in my tower? (Smug. I am awesome at this parenting stuff.)<br /><br />William: I made a ishinging stick!<br /><br />Me: (What are you talking about? Must redirect.) How many blocks are in your tower?<br /><br />William: I will turn you into something with my special ishinging stick!<br /><br />Me: (Seriously, what are you talking about?) What are you going to do?<br /><br />William: I will turn you into a beautiful OVEN with my special ishing* stick!! Are you ready?<br /><br />Me: (Now I finally understand WHAT he is saying. But, what does one reply to something like this?) An oven?<br /><br />W: YES! A beautiful OVEN! It will be FUN!<br /><br />Me: (Imagining what pretend play potential there is with an oven. Not finding much there.) Really? An oven? Can I make cookie for you?<br /><br />W: No. You will just sit and open the door on your belly.<br /><br />Me: (Where did this go wrong? And how do I end this? Soon. Distraction. I will distract him.) I wonder what Daddy is doing now?<br /><br /><br /><br />*wishingJohn & Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03943496917737350818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729144930643884764.post-6000569612671240432010-07-22T13:04:00.003-05:002010-08-18T23:37:25.112-05:00Writing!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TGy0zmVgSqI/AAAAAAAAKY8/4KfWV3-iD0s/s1600/IMG_7855.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TGy0zPrINyI/AAAAAAAAKY0/bXlVjzRoPSQ/s1600/IMG_7854.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TGy0zPrINyI/AAAAAAAAKY0/bXlVjzRoPSQ/s320/IMG_7854.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506975236841027362" border="0" /></a><br />William wrote his name (well, part of it) all by himself yesterday! This has been a LONG time coming and he has been very stubborn about it - I'm trying to keep my Mama zen about all things happening when he is ready. It's been hard on me to wait though! I think (hope?)we're going to see a lot more writing soon! Yay!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TGy0zmVgSqI/AAAAAAAAKY8/4KfWV3-iD0s/s1600/IMG_7855.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TGy0zmVgSqI/AAAAAAAAKY8/4KfWV3-iD0s/s320/IMG_7855.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506975242924346018" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Also, he colored me this alligator, which tickled me pink (green?)<br /></div>John & Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03943496917737350818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729144930643884764.post-10532805347777736272010-07-21T09:17:00.012-05:002010-08-12T13:14:28.897-05:00The Missing Post: VBSWe did Vacation Bible School again this year at our church before we left to go on vacation. It was a whirlwind of fun, as always! Somehow it just didn't get put up here yet!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEiJFYhE62I/AAAAAAAAKJM/flEaJYWzn48/s1600/IMG_2515.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEiJFYhE62I/AAAAAAAAKJM/flEaJYWzn48/s320/IMG_2515.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496794070779226978" border="0" /></a>Mama teaching - it's what she does<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEiK0Ovk92I/AAAAAAAAKK8/8s3ARIWuD4U/s1600/IMG_6933.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEiK0Ovk92I/AAAAAAAAKK8/8s3ARIWuD4U/s320/IMG_6933.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496795975121172322" border="0" /></a>Sometime she dresses up to tell the story. Not that William listens any better (it was SO interesting for me to see William in a group and how his behavior was different)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEiv80kWVtI/AAAAAAAAKLE/ygd22r4mW3A/s1600/IMG_6946.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEiv80kWVtI/AAAAAAAAKLE/ygd22r4mW3A/s320/IMG_6946.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496836804643804882" border="0" /></a>Daddy carried Amelia on his back and was the official Photographer. The director of the program loved having a lot of pictures to pick from!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEi2EedfMFI/AAAAAAAAKME/zYfc_2ZKCsM/s1600/IMG_7063.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEi2EedfMFI/AAAAAAAAKME/zYfc_2ZKCsM/s320/IMG_7063.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496843533218164818" border="0" /></a>Amelia also got to hang out with the high school helpers when they weren't busy. She LOVED music time!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEiJF31lEbI/AAAAAAAAKJU/mR0mrzbx1fI/s1600/IMG_2535.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEiJF31lEbI/AAAAAAAAKJU/mR0mrzbx1fI/s320/IMG_2535.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496794079186719154" border="0" /></a>William has talked someone else into reading him a book!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEiv9SH8POI/AAAAAAAAKLM/r21QMIWEcYg/s1600/IMG_6948.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEiv9SH8POI/AAAAAAAAKLM/r21QMIWEcYg/s320/IMG_6948.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496836812577717474" border="0" /></a>He listened (sometimes) to stories told by Mama<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEiJGde912I/AAAAAAAAKJc/NunHPuudmF8/s1600/IMG_2542.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEiJGde912I/AAAAAAAAKJc/NunHPuudmF8/s320/IMG_2542.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496794089292420962" border="0" /></a>Tracing the kids shapes outside - William's super creative/fun/wonderful teacher had some pretty interesting shaped students (shape on the above right). The kids LOVED standing up to find themselves as a whale/alligator/monkey. PS She is an art student.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEiv9xIBz6I/AAAAAAAAKLU/XlKUTpWBefg/s1600/IMG_6963.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEiv9xIBz6I/AAAAAAAAKLU/XlKUTpWBefg/s320/IMG_6963.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496836820899581858" border="0" /></a>He drew with chalk<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEiv-DuIooI/AAAAAAAAKLc/k_EpqYUgKLc/s1600/IMG_6973.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEiv-DuIooI/AAAAAAAAKLc/k_EpqYUgKLc/s320/IMG_6973.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496836825891250818" border="0" /></a>He did fun crafts<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEi554PEiPI/AAAAAAAAKM0/3nXF9RpTPhY/s1600/IMG_7089.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEi554PEiPI/AAAAAAAAKM0/3nXF9RpTPhY/s320/IMG_7089.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496847749204969714" border="0" /></a>He ate delicious snacks <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEi55f44euI/AAAAAAAAKMs/1l7u8ZYaH70/s1600/IMG_7050.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEi55f44euI/AAAAAAAAKMs/1l7u8ZYaH70/s320/IMG_7050.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496847742669454050" border="0" /></a>Sang some songs (although, I will admit this is probably the part he liked the least)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEi2FA1F9vI/AAAAAAAAKMM/LZnagQBk6ys/s1600/IMG_7080.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEi2FA1F9vI/AAAAAAAAKMM/LZnagQBk6ys/s320/IMG_7080.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496843542443980530" border="0" /></a>William also got to play some games (I don't know what they were doing here..)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEi2DCvYE6I/AAAAAAAAKL0/nJN6O_TU2R0/s1600/IMG_7023.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEi2DCvYE6I/AAAAAAAAKL0/nJN6O_TU2R0/s320/IMG_7023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496843508597134242" border="0" /></a>Made friends (and did A LOT of running)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEiv-tIqn2I/AAAAAAAAKLk/YCJP25apnNM/s1600/IMG_7010.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEiv-tIqn2I/AAAAAAAAKLk/YCJP25apnNM/s320/IMG_7010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496836837008383842" border="0" /></a>Played with water balloons<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEi54zgBXBI/AAAAAAAAKMk/CkkWWaqu1RI/s1600/IMG_7016.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEi54zgBXBI/AAAAAAAAKMk/CkkWWaqu1RI/s320/IMG_7016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496847730754018322" border="0" /></a><br />And this picture shows why I am totally in love with his teacher. William had a water balloon and before he started playing a game, it popped all over his shirt. You could see the emotions playing across his face - he wasn't sure if he should cry or be mad or...when he looked up at Jessie (teacher), she laughed at him and said "That was SO silly!" William thought for a split second and laughed too. He continued to laugh about that silly balloon for the rest of the week. Which is why I will be taking her with me on every trip/vacation after I win the lottery. She was WONDERFUL with William and handled his poor tired, overstimulated self like a pro. We'll be sad when she goes back to school in a few short weeks! It sure does take some very special people to make a VBS run!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEi3GWylN3I/AAAAAAAAKMU/cZSzUpivVSY/s1600/IMG_7126.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEi3GWylN3I/AAAAAAAAKMU/cZSzUpivVSY/s320/IMG_7126.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496844665030522738" border="0" /></a>Conned someone else into reading him a book!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEi54JDDyKI/AAAAAAAAKMc/8tLBESw2KBY/s1600/IMG_7102.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEi54JDDyKI/AAAAAAAAKMc/8tLBESw2KBY/s320/IMG_7102.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496847719358253218" border="0" /></a>He even got to color his own Tshirt<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEiJHAhPN6I/AAAAAAAAKJk/M-dVJ5Z0Z5k/s1600/IMG_2566.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEiJHAhPN6I/AAAAAAAAKJk/M-dVJ5Z0Z5k/s320/IMG_2566.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496794098697189282" border="0" /></a>Mama and Mia on the last night - there wasn't any teaching responsibilities so I was free to enjoy myself!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEiJHgVRPBI/AAAAAAAAKJs/WLy0nJj0rWU/s1600/IMG_2579.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEiJHgVRPBI/AAAAAAAAKJs/WLy0nJj0rWU/s320/IMG_2579.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496794107236924434" border="0" /></a>The kids singing during their final night - William is in the front row, center with blue/green striped shorts<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEiJ8ezQLPI/AAAAAAAAKJ8/I0DcqjhihVI/s1600/IMG_2607.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEiJ8ezQLPI/AAAAAAAAKJ8/I0DcqjhihVI/s320/IMG_2607.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496795017358879986" border="0" /></a>Amelia enjoyed the cookies with dinner on Friday night (we had a cookout at church)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEiJ83INQDI/AAAAAAAAKKE/PXQbFv955mM/s1600/IMG_2611.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEiJ83INQDI/AAAAAAAAKKE/PXQbFv955mM/s320/IMG_2611.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496795023889219634" border="0" /></a>She also enjoyed hanging out with a kiddo her age in the ball pool<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEiJ9j9MWqI/AAAAAAAAKKM/iw8hTqQ9W4w/s1600/IMG_2616.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEiJ9j9MWqI/AAAAAAAAKKM/iw8hTqQ9W4w/s320/IMG_2616.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496795035922619042" border="0" /></a>William enjoyed the boat races<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEiKy3OppvI/AAAAAAAAKKs/KBaIeAibi88/s1600/IMG_2641.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEiKy3OppvI/AAAAAAAAKKs/KBaIeAibi88/s320/IMG_2641.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496795951629182706" border="0" /></a>Sliding down the giant slide<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEiJ946m6SI/AAAAAAAAKKU/E7SdG_PZSvY/s1600/IMG_2628.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEiJ946m6SI/AAAAAAAAKKU/E7SdG_PZSvY/s320/IMG_2628.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496795041548921122" border="0" /></a>Getting temporary tattoos<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEiKxqBb1JI/AAAAAAAAKKc/UhRuuYyp7WM/s1600/IMG_2635.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEiKxqBb1JI/AAAAAAAAKKc/UhRuuYyp7WM/s320/IMG_2635.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496795930904220818" border="0" /></a>He also requested this cool white snake - painted by his very talented VBS teacher!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEiKyVU-UuI/AAAAAAAAKKk/-Q9hUShaBiI/s1600/IMG_2637.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEiKyVU-UuI/AAAAAAAAKKk/-Q9hUShaBiI/s320/IMG_2637.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496795942528897762" border="0" /></a>Those blue eyes! He was so sad when that snake washed off - I finally convinced him it had crawled into his ear to take a nap. Both kids were SO over tired by the end of the week the smallest thing would set them off.<br /></div>John & Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03943496917737350818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729144930643884764.post-20330451560319446572010-07-18T22:13:00.003-05:002010-08-11T16:24:40.069-05:00Potato, Potato<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPDW6rnA8I/AAAAAAAAKBM/GNziAAm-fN8/s1600/IMG_6907.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPDW6rnA8I/AAAAAAAAKBM/GNziAAm-fN8/s320/IMG_6907.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495450768798843842" border="0" /></a><br />The semi truck was in need of some cargo...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPDXf9wnII/AAAAAAAAKBU/DR0oAaZQrco/s1600/IMG_6908.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPDXf9wnII/AAAAAAAAKBU/DR0oAaZQrco/s320/IMG_6908.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495450778807082114" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Precious potato cargo<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPDYgKArEI/AAAAAAAAKBk/EAjla1A77g8/s1600/IMG_6912.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPDYgKArEI/AAAAAAAAKBk/EAjla1A77g8/s320/IMG_6912.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495450796038335554" border="0" /></a><br />Freight drop off/pick up point<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPDYMZR9zI/AAAAAAAAKBc/Bjq3ONYdjR4/s1600/IMG_6911.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPDYMZR9zI/AAAAAAAAKBc/Bjq3ONYdjR4/s320/IMG_6911.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495450790733674290" border="0" /></a>And our smallest truck driver copying her brother<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">*Photos from 6/13/10<br /></div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPDXf9wnII/AAAAAAAAKBU/DR0oAaZQrco/s1600/IMG_6908.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPDW6rnA8I/AAAAAAAAKBM/GNziAAm-fN8/s1600/IMG_6907.JPG"><br /></a>John & Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03943496917737350818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729144930643884764.post-74701291367990162462010-07-10T09:12:00.013-05:002010-08-10T20:48:20.957-05:00Rochester, o BOYWe have been busy, busy, busy running around in Rochester. We've filled up every day with all kinds of fun stuff for the kids (and grown ups!). When you are down by an adult away from home, I highly advise planning a LOT of activities to break up the days. We usually did something like this: breakfast, morning activity, lunch, naps, afternoon activity, dinner and evening activity. We got a LOT in that way!<br /><br />On Monday we said goodbye to Daddy so he could go back and work the rest of the week. William went with Mama and Grandpa to the Rochester fireworks. Uncle Mike didn't stay for the fireworks.<br /><br />On Tuesday, we went to Nana to the House of Bounce. It is an indoor inflatable play area. Very much fun - although it was a little hard to keep track of the two kids and take pictures.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TF79XDDHhOI/AAAAAAAAKYM/6NL8T3LPWLQ/s1600/IMG_4490.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TF79XDDHhOI/AAAAAAAAKYM/6NL8T3LPWLQ/s320/IMG_4490.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503114367090525410" border="0" /></a><br />Amelia loved the climbing part - although I was surprised to see her show a little fear of the bigger ladders - probably a good thing!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TF79X8eo5xI/AAAAAAAAKYU/-if-siojOoI/s1600/IMG_4497.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TF79X8eo5xI/AAAAAAAAKYU/-if-siojOoI/s320/IMG_4497.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503114382506780434" border="0" /></a>William scaled this climbing wall without any trouble - I was worried he would get scared so high up in the air, so I attempted to follow him. It took me several (read:at least 5) tries to get up there. When I reached the top? William was already behind me climbing up again. So much for him needing my help! William also attempted the biggest, baddest inflatable slide I've ever seen without any prompting from me. I don't have pictures, just video.<br /><br />After dinner, we attempted to take the kids to yet another local park. When we got there, we found there was an All Comers Track meet going on. In short, the track meet is for anyone who shows up (I tried to find an article to link to without success). There were running races going on for kids of all ages and different field events going on as well. William REALLY wanted to run, but we just couldn't find a race for his age group. He was almost in tears every time a race started and he wasn't able to run. He was able to take a few turns at the long jump. He still wanted to run, but he was happy to have been able to play at all. While we were in line for the long jump, there was an all ages sprint - William and I could have run together*. We were on the verge of a meltdown when it was time to finally check out the park across the street (our original destination). Luckily, there was a huge sand pit with several dump truck toys to distract him away from his despair. I was hugely impressed with the concept and the number people who attended the event. The event organization was really confusing, but we would definitely try to go another evening of running!<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzY5D1caP51xchTdun4zcMGHVvVTPs36MEqG4hNTQf1OGPhpbhZUelujSktQipavBmLay0xu5m2R5-w4gY9' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><br />On Wednesday, we went to a place called Lark Toys in Kellogg, Minnesota. It is perhaps one of the last family owned/operated toy stores left in the area. It was WONDERFUL. They had a lot of educational type games and toys you wouldn't find in a big chain toy store. I very much enjoyed.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjr1KeIGTI/AAAAAAAAKUE/5K61Y9O8uBI/s1600/IMG_7666.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjr1KeIGTI/AAAAAAAAKUE/5K61Y9O8uBI/s320/IMG_7666.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501406243409369394" border="0" /></a><br />Marbles anyone? I initially thought these were bouncy balls and so I didn't respond when Amelia grabbed as many as she could carry...until she banged the glass marbles against a glass display case. We had to finally leave this area because she would NOT leave the marbles alone!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjr1oNWXLI/AAAAAAAAKUM/TKtcVAtYKmE/s1600/IMG_7684.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjr1oNWXLI/AAAAAAAAKUM/TKtcVAtYKmE/s320/IMG_7684.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501406251392064690" border="0" /></a>They also have a hand carved carousel inside the kids got to ride on. I thought William would be interested in riding on a moving (up and down) animal, but he made a beeline for this cart pulled by the ostrich. To humor me, he walked around the carousel once, but in the end decided he wanted to be in the cart.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjr106QwpI/AAAAAAAAKUU/53rrUDe3ayc/s1600/IMG_7690.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjr106QwpI/AAAAAAAAKUU/53rrUDe3ayc/s320/IMG_7690.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501406254801666706" border="0" /></a><br />PS Yes, their shirts do match because I am a nerd. Also, I didn't buy the shirts to be matching. I bought William this shirt in two sizes because I thought it was cute. It just happens the big one now fits William and the smaller one fits Mia.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjr2eGjtUI/AAAAAAAAKUc/PCk3r98Wjto/s1600/IMG_7692.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjr2eGjtUI/AAAAAAAAKUc/PCk3r98Wjto/s320/IMG_7692.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501406265859093826" border="0" /></a><br />Amelia blows mama a kiss<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjr2_bhsNI/AAAAAAAAKUk/zUZ6GrH_gPs/s1600/IMG_7696.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjr2_bhsNI/AAAAAAAAKUk/zUZ6GrH_gPs/s320/IMG_7696.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501406274805412050" border="0" /></a><br />They also sold pieces of heaven (fudge). This might be the best fudge I have ever eaten. It was called carmel pecan. I would call it heavenly.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjtxbzRmMI/AAAAAAAAKUs/K_Wf5jgAX30/s1600/IMG_7698.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjtxbzRmMI/AAAAAAAAKUs/K_Wf5jgAX30/s320/IMG_7698.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501408378365253826" border="0" /></a><br />Amelia enjoyed sharing her fudge with Nana (chocolate). Watch your fingers Nana!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjtx7yxrjI/AAAAAAAAKU0/mvS531Xw4Gk/s1600/IMG_7706.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjtx7yxrjI/AAAAAAAAKU0/mvS531Xw4Gk/s320/IMG_7706.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501408386953096754" border="0" /></a><br />After lunch and a nap, Jessica (my BFF from high school) and her daughter Cana came over to play. William and Cana liked to make the cars roll down the wagon handle. Interestingly, William did a great job sharing and being patient with Cana. Much more so than he would have done with Amelia. Somehow this reassures me.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjtyIDakvI/AAAAAAAAKU8/RUg74J818lc/s1600/IMG_7712.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjtyIDakvI/AAAAAAAAKU8/RUg74J818lc/s320/IMG_7712.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501408390244111090" border="0" /></a><br />Amelia decided it was time for some hugging. Cana wasn't so sure, but she played along.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjtyhK8Z1I/AAAAAAAAKVE/wPAo4lQ0iJk/s1600/IMG_7714.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjtyhK8Z1I/AAAAAAAAKVE/wPAo4lQ0iJk/s320/IMG_7714.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501408396986574674" border="0" /></a><br />More hugs.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjty13MRBI/AAAAAAAAKVM/uHMbq4v7H_M/s1600/IMG_7716.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjty13MRBI/AAAAAAAAKVM/uHMbq4v7H_M/s320/IMG_7716.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501408402540872722" border="0" /></a><br />I finally distracted both girls with stickers. The stickers were a hit.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFju3cKs4EI/AAAAAAAAKVU/z3LLDcUrb_E/s1600/IMG_7719.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFju3cKs4EI/AAAAAAAAKVU/z3LLDcUrb_E/s320/IMG_7719.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501409581054353474" border="0" /></a><br />After dinner, we played outside with some neighborhood kids. Amelia's favorite toy was this (now) empty bag from the toy store. Originally, it held her new stuffed animal. Clearly, she would have been just as happy with only a new bag from the store.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFju4OkjgDI/AAAAAAAAKVk/l1WmnnOm4iM/s1600/IMG_7727.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFju4OkjgDI/AAAAAAAAKVk/l1WmnnOm4iM/s320/IMG_7727.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501409594584563762" border="0" /></a><br />Although it was fun to peek inside of it.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFju37psKWI/AAAAAAAAKVc/gKrDTF_RtWE/s1600/IMG_7723.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFju37psKWI/AAAAAAAAKVc/gKrDTF_RtWE/s320/IMG_7723.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501409589505829218" border="0" /></a>William got some more practice in on his bike. He was very excited when Grandpa got his bike out to ride too!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Thursday we got to spend some time with Grandpa Heidt in the morning. We read books, played and walked to a small neighborhood park together. After lunch and a nap, the kids were delighted to find this had pulled up in front of Grandma's house:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFju46evOxI/AAAAAAAAKVs/dOyIcVTy31E/s1600/IMG_7738.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFju46evOxI/AAAAAAAAKVs/dOyIcVTy31E/s320/IMG_7738.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501409606371326738" border="0" /></a>It didn't stay for long, but both kids were very VERY impressed.<br /></div><br />Shortly after the digger drove away, Cana came over again to play in the sprinkler.<br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFju5B0d3eI/AAAAAAAAKV0/geo14GXG7SQ/s1600/IMG_7742.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFju5B0d3eI/AAAAAAAAKV0/geo14GXG7SQ/s320/IMG_7742.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501409608341511650" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjvj4g22HI/AAAAAAAAKV8/nm8mP52fySw/s1600/IMG_7747.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjvj4g22HI/AAAAAAAAKV8/nm8mP52fySw/s320/IMG_7747.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501410344577718386" border="0" /></a>These two girls are SO cute!<br /><br /></div>We squeezed in dinner with Aunt Kaye and then more riding bikes again. No pictures of this - we were having so much fun!<br /><br />On Friday, we went out to a little zoo/nature center called Oxbow Park with Grandpa Heidt. The kids really enjoyed looking at the animals and running around.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjvka_G-sI/AAAAAAAAKWE/0dlvEDeKB4Q/s1600/IMG_7749.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjvka_G-sI/AAAAAAAAKWE/0dlvEDeKB4Q/s320/IMG_7749.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501410353831410370" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Amelia got bonus points for wearing her "I love Grandpa" shirt. The stroller is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Amelia is really only interested in riding in it if it is moving. If it stops for more than 15 seconds, she is wiggling out of the straps, standing up, and crawling out. Most of the time I don't even bother with it anymore as I usually end up having to carry Amelia AND push the stroller.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjvkrcSAfI/AAAAAAAAKWM/hyF1yAmisyU/s1600/IMG_7751.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjvkrcSAfI/AAAAAAAAKWM/hyF1yAmisyU/s320/IMG_7751.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501410358248735218" border="0" /></a>Amelia and Grandpa at the zoo<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjvlLZnTII/AAAAAAAAKWU/i7JTyRstJuQ/s1600/IMG_7753.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjvlLZnTII/AAAAAAAAKWU/i7JTyRstJuQ/s320/IMG_7753.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501410366827482242" border="0" /></a><br />Amelia and William check out the turkeys together. After the zoo, Grandpa treated us to lunch before I took the kids home for their naps.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjvlnphpkI/AAAAAAAAKWc/QDRT2vWm5XE/s1600/IMG_7796.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjvlnphpkI/AAAAAAAAKWc/QDRT2vWm5XE/s320/IMG_7796.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501410374410413634" border="0" /></a>After the naps, it was time to tire out the kiddos. William had been riding his bike and Amelia was riding on this toy when they had a better idea. This entertained them (and me) for a VERY long time.<br /><br />The highlight of Friday was Daddy returning to Grandpa and Grandma's house! The kids were pretty excited to see him again. They were also excited when Aunt Megan rolled in for dinner.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjwPSczSJI/AAAAAAAAKWk/tUV3xuhnsmY/s1600/IMG_7799.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjwPSczSJI/AAAAAAAAKWk/tUV3xuhnsmY/s320/IMG_7799.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501411090274404498" border="0" /></a><br />A little Saturday morning yoga to wake up - notice William behind the brightly colored pants.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjwQtEUbnI/AAAAAAAAKW8/wSyK5vBHCx4/s1600/IMG_7807.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjwQtEUbnI/AAAAAAAAKW8/wSyK5vBHCx4/s320/IMG_7807.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501411114599345778" border="0" /></a><br />Saturday afternoon we ran through the sprinkler again - this time Megan joined the kids in the water! What a great Auntie!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjwQE23csI/AAAAAAAAKW0/dzGMBBawGqw/s1600/IMG_7805.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjwQE23csI/AAAAAAAAKW0/dzGMBBawGqw/s320/IMG_7805.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501411103805502146" border="0" /></a><br />Amelia liked the coke can better than the sprinkler.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjwP09pjCI/AAAAAAAAKWs/QTMta-C8T_s/s1600/IMG_7802.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjwP09pjCI/AAAAAAAAKWs/QTMta-C8T_s/s320/IMG_7802.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501411099538983970" border="0" /></a><br />After the sprinkler, William helped shuck the corn. I walked up to take his picture (wearing his 4th of July outfit again) and the following conversation took place:<br />William:Look Mama! I'm corning!<br />Mama: Wow! You are a great helper!<br />W: I am a GREAT corn-er!<br />Mama: (tries to hide laughter): Yes, yes you are sweetie!<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjwQzW0pMI/AAAAAAAAKXE/2oqck7m2S14/s1600/IMG_7810.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjwQzW0pMI/AAAAAAAAKXE/2oqck7m2S14/s320/IMG_7810.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501411116287567042" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Where did William go?<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjw4RN6ZQI/AAAAAAAAKXM/l6dK45sSarQ/s1600/IMG_7811.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjw4RN6ZQI/AAAAAAAAKXM/l6dK45sSarQ/s320/IMG_7811.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501411794318157058" border="0" /></a>There he is! Our first success with hide n go seek (unprompted)<br /><br />The most exciting event (and the reason we stayed for so long in Minnesota) was the arrival of my aunt/uncle from Massachusetts. We don't get to see them every year, so we always try to make it work when they are in town. We've been pretty lucky the last few years!<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjw4975kLI/AAAAAAAAKXY/3DHXyeC_jhI/s1600/IMG_7817.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjw4975kLI/AAAAAAAAKXY/3DHXyeC_jhI/s320/IMG_7817.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501411806322200754" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Amelia is much happier to see Bobby this year!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TF79Yb5sN5I/AAAAAAAAKYc/Uztdt-eJa64/s1600/IMG_4614.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TF79Yb5sN5I/AAAAAAAAKYc/Uztdt-eJa64/s320/IMG_4614.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503114390941742994" border="0" /></a><br />She showed him the flowers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjw5V6BfmI/AAAAAAAAKXk/mBf7RO1J-N4/s1600/IMG_7818.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjw5V6BfmI/AAAAAAAAKXk/mBf7RO1J-N4/s320/IMG_7818.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501411812756782690" border="0" /></a>William showed off his biking skills<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjw6HoDaRI/AAAAAAAAKXw/hMCvq0iLHz0/s1600/IMG_7821.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjw6HoDaRI/AAAAAAAAKXw/hMCvq0iLHz0/s320/IMG_7821.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501411826103183634" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Aunt Megan was there to make sure Amelia didn't injure herself on the huge bike she insisted on riding. ( I know you are thinking "Kelly, she is a BABY. Just tell her no or take it away." I say to you: You don't have any idea how DETERMINED this girl is. I'm already choosing my battles.)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TF79ZgeshII/AAAAAAAAKYs/pbwT1rRoYOE/s1600/IMG_4623.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TF79ZgeshII/AAAAAAAAKYs/pbwT1rRoYOE/s320/IMG_4623.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503114409350562946" border="0" /></a>Game night Saturday night! Hurray!<br /><br />Late Sunday morning we got back on the road to come home again. It was a LONG trip, but so much fun! Thanks for putting up with us for so long Grandpa and Grandma!<br /><br /><br /></div>*Technically I am not running until my heels are better. They are not better. However, this would be an instance where I would run without thinking twice. There are just some occasions that do not get a do over in life. Running with your 3 year old? That would be one of them.John & Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03943496917737350818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729144930643884764.post-16560879607056060332010-07-05T23:06:00.005-05:002010-08-08T14:34:39.856-05:00FireworksHere is What I did on my Summer Vacation Part III: Rochester Again<br /><br />In the great summer vacation plan, John needed to go back to work. Because we came back from Fargo a day early, John didn't need to drive close to twelve hours in one day. Twelve hours isn't too bad, but when you've spent the night in a hotel without a good night's rest...well...that isn't a good idea.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjkLOjrj0I/AAAAAAAAKTM/QPYVYDImQy4/s1600/IMG_7545.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjkLOjrj0I/AAAAAAAAKTM/QPYVYDImQy4/s320/IMG_7545.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501397826370506562" border="0" /></a>John noticed this freezer case in our hotel. Really cold please.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjkLfbMXbI/AAAAAAAAKTU/nVJ0EcaSje4/s1600/IMG_7638.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjkLfbMXbI/AAAAAAAAKTU/nVJ0EcaSje4/s320/IMG_7638.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501397830898310578" border="0" /></a>Tip #4323: If you are eating in front of my kids, you will have to share. Even if I just fed them their body weight in oatmeal. They still have room for a little more AND will complain when their sister gets more bites. They will stand in front of you with their mouths open like little birds until you insert your food in their mouth. Plan accordingly.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjnpOIhuuI/AAAAAAAAKT8/eSgLOS1Ttow/s1600/IMG_7655.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjnpOIhuuI/AAAAAAAAKT8/eSgLOS1Ttow/s320/IMG_7655.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501401640187575010" border="0" /></a>Tip #3453: My kids like potatoes. They fit in little hands very well and are stored at eye level and Nana's house. You just don't know where you are going to find them later.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjkLziwdeI/AAAAAAAAKTc/U-KIx4YQeUs/s1600/IMG_7644.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjkLziwdeI/AAAAAAAAKTc/U-KIx4YQeUs/s320/IMG_7644.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501397836298745314" border="0" /></a>No fireworks yet again for us on the 4th of July. My top ten "Summer ToDo List 2010" is going to be tricky to complete. Grandpa Kevin and I took William down to the Rochester fireworks (John was back in STL for work the next day). I wasn't sure how well he was going to do, so we picked an area with easy exit access. It wasn't the best viewing, but William didn't know any different and THAT is what this was all about. I didn't think he really understood what we were doing until he reminded me he saw fireworks last year at Kyle's house (our neighbors). Which was exactly right. Last year I scooped him out of bed and ran him to the neighbors house to catch the end of the fireworks when I realized he was still awake. I couldn't believe he remembered that.<br /><br />William was SO excited about going. It was pretty special to be up late AND have Grandpa and Mama all to himself. While we were driving to the fireworks, William had only good things to say. He complimented the fence around a house. He told us how much he loved the van, his carseat and fireworks. Finally he sighed and said "This is my BEST favorite day ever. I am happy." And that my friends, that made me happy.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjkMO7RKoI/AAAAAAAAKTk/lNN4OnWJVjc/s1600/IMG_7647.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjkMO7RKoI/AAAAAAAAKTk/lNN4OnWJVjc/s320/IMG_7647.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501397843649309314" border="0" /></a><br />We got there early so make sure we got a good parking space. William was pretty well behaved while waiting. Out of all the stuff I brought with to entertain him, he enjoyed the people watching the most.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjkMmvG5-I/AAAAAAAAKTs/OtupS1xq5IA/s1600/IMG_7650.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjkMmvG5-I/AAAAAAAAKTs/OtupS1xq5IA/s320/IMG_7650.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501397850040756194" border="0" /></a><br />Sitting with Grandpa and drinking his "diet Coke" (sprite). He calls everything in a can diet coke.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjnozZtvnI/AAAAAAAAKT0/hYYDodosGsY/s1600/IMG_7652.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFjnozZtvnI/AAAAAAAAKT0/hYYDodosGsY/s320/IMG_7652.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501401633011908210" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Finally!!! The fireworks! The face says it all: he loved it! He talked about it nonstop during the fireworks until Grandpa nicely told him to just watch, not talk. He then proceeded to talk about it most of the way home. One moment he was talking and two seconds later he was sound asleep in his carseat. So sound asleep he didn't wake up when I unbuckled him or carried him into the house. So sound asleep he fell down on the rug when I tried to take off his shoes and coat. So sound asleep he didn't wake up after falling onto the hard ground. He just stayed sleeping curled up into a little ball. On the rug in the entryway. He finally woke up a little when I tried to get pajamas over his limp noodley body enough to tell me he "loves fireworks and wants to see them again tomorrow". I told him we'd have to talk about it tomorrow. I'll fight that battle in the morning.<br /></div>John & Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03943496917737350818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729144930643884764.post-3229787981320297772010-07-04T21:38:00.013-05:002010-08-03T23:13:01.881-05:00Grand Forks/ Fargo Aurit Family ReunionOh boy, this is going to be a long one. With a LOT of pictures. We have been BUSY.<br /><br />On Wednesday (6/30), we drove to Grand Forks, ND to visit my grandparents. It is a pretty special thing to have four great grandparents - so we try to get to see them whenever we can. The kids were great in the car, although I was hoping for more sleeping time than they gave me.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Grandpa and Grandma were able to come with us and Uncle Mike met us there - LOTS of family together is one of my personal favorite things.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFh9HAf5KEI/AAAAAAAAKOM/qD3HnU8yX3k/s1600/IMG_7403.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFh9HAf5KEI/AAAAAAAAKOM/qD3HnU8yX3k/s320/IMG_7403.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501284504179386434" border="0" /></a><br />Amelia in one of her 5 fourth of July outfits. This one is particularly fitting as the caption on the front says "Ms Independent". So true of our little miss. She was so happy to be out of the car finally.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFh9HmO-vsI/AAAAAAAAKOU/jCgFBb6cTpA/s1600/IMG_7405.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFh9HmO-vsI/AAAAAAAAKOU/jCgFBb6cTpA/s320/IMG_7405.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501284514308996802" border="0" /></a><br />Amelia LOVED my grandma's dog, Barney. She was fascinated with him and always made sure to look for him whenever we drove up to the house.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFh9IAv_FwI/AAAAAAAAKOc/hMnXeQusJW4/s1600/IMG_7407.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFh9IAv_FwI/AAAAAAAAKOc/hMnXeQusJW4/s320/IMG_7407.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501284521426753282" border="0" /></a>William was THRILLED about seeing Uncle Mike again. Right away he asked when we were going to the hotel pool to swim (the last time we saw Mike was at a hotel with a pool).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFh9IpiHajI/AAAAAAAAKOk/KfT7DIAkuZM/s1600/IMG_7413.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFh9IpiHajI/AAAAAAAAKOk/KfT7DIAkuZM/s320/IMG_7413.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501284532374432306" border="0" /></a>Mia and her grandpa. She is totally in love with grandpa. While we were visiting this time, she started saying grandpa (Boppa). She never, ever said it in a normal voice - it was either in a high pitch squeal or yelled at the top of her lungs. Here they are playing "So Big", although Amelia doesn't wait anymore for Grandpa to ask how big she is. As soon as he picks her up, she reaches her arms up over her head and looks at him, prompting him to ask the question...because after he asks how big she is, he tickles her belly.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFTo8FARREI/AAAAAAAAKN8/ECNZevVKhYw/s1600/IMG_4313.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFTo8FARREI/AAAAAAAAKN8/ECNZevVKhYw/s320/IMG_4313.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500277163759322178" border="0" /></a><br />We are so lucky to have the great grandparents in the same town. It usually works out for us all go out together as a big group for dinner at least once. More hands=AWESOME.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFh9I_fl28I/AAAAAAAAKOs/4UUuJV2hhNQ/s1600/IMG_7422.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFh9I_fl28I/AAAAAAAAKOs/4UUuJV2hhNQ/s320/IMG_7422.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501284538269424578" border="0" /></a>After dinner on Wednesday, we stopped at a park to play. The diggers were a big hit with the boys of all ages.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFh-H5gx6dI/AAAAAAAAKO0/q_OdaY4wVc8/s1600/IMG_7423.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFh-H5gx6dI/AAAAAAAAKO0/q_OdaY4wVc8/s320/IMG_7423.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501285618995554770" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The big kid plays<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFh-IpJXGzI/AAAAAAAAKPE/sY-bwuci15o/s1600/IMG_7431.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFh-IpJXGzI/AAAAAAAAKPE/sY-bwuci15o/s320/IMG_7431.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501285631782230834" border="0" /></a>Grandpa gets in on the fun too (the biggest kid?)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFh-IdbkAhI/AAAAAAAAKO8/UBAWU1DxXTo/s1600/IMG_7424.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFh-IdbkAhI/AAAAAAAAKO8/UBAWU1DxXTo/s320/IMG_7424.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501285628637348370" border="0" /></a>Grandma and Amelia liked this car - while we were in Grand Forks, Amelia started saying Grandma (Nana). Great Grandma Nona was the first to catch on - I was sure she was talking about the bananas on the counter (nanas). However, I will admit I was proved wrong later in the day when there weren't any bananas in sight!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFh-JCuf8gI/AAAAAAAAKPM/tMWfMHucmw0/s1600/IMG_7441.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFh-JCuf8gI/AAAAAAAAKPM/tMWfMHucmw0/s320/IMG_7441.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501285638648885762" border="0" /></a><br />Let me tell you - playground equipment has come a LONG way! I am enjoying testing out all the new stuff!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFh-JoBeq-I/AAAAAAAAKPU/xYuQyzYoxMc/s1600/IMG_7444.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFh-JoBeq-I/AAAAAAAAKPU/xYuQyzYoxMc/s320/IMG_7444.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501285648660605922" border="0" /></a><br />This was COOL in a sciency way. Depending on how to moved your body weight, the toy would spin. It could get going pretty fast!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFh_rLA45wI/AAAAAAAAKPc/auYg8AVS7OI/s1600/IMG_7445.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFh_rLA45wI/AAAAAAAAKPc/auYg8AVS7OI/s320/IMG_7445.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501287324500682498" border="0" /></a>Mike reads to William AKA Big Guy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFh_rZpaHsI/AAAAAAAAKPk/LEw5SMA-JGs/s1600/IMG_7449.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFh_rZpaHsI/AAAAAAAAKPk/LEw5SMA-JGs/s320/IMG_7449.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501287328428728002" border="0" /></a>Great Grandma Gerry put together treasure chests for the kids. Every morning when we came to visit, the treasure chest had different, child friendly items in it to play with. The kids LOVED to come in and find out what special treasure was waiting for them. This was Amelia's special chest.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFh_rxh3vqI/AAAAAAAAKPs/WvBhL0QxoZE/s1600/IMG_7453.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFh_rxh3vqI/AAAAAAAAKPs/WvBhL0QxoZE/s320/IMG_7453.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501287334839565986" border="0" /></a> Another treasure chest - with stuffed animals!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFh_sfgtBwI/AAAAAAAAKP0/pSw8xrdAzK0/s1600/IMG_7466.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFh_sfgtBwI/AAAAAAAAKP0/pSw8xrdAzK0/s320/IMG_7466.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501287347182700290" border="0" /></a>Amelia has developed a love for purses - consider yourself warned. She has no problem walking off with one that isn't hers.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFTo86h9aCI/AAAAAAAAKOE/csS41rBcY_U/s1600/IMG_4342.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFTo86h9aCI/AAAAAAAAKOE/csS41rBcY_U/s320/IMG_4342.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500277178127706146" border="0" /></a><br />Amelia and Nana enjoying some chips and salsa at La Capana (for the record - William at this age drank the salsa out of the cup. Amelia wasn't a huge fan.)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiCiAsw3pI/AAAAAAAAKQU/LmN-vph79rI/s1600/IMG_7469.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiCiAsw3pI/AAAAAAAAKQU/LmN-vph79rI/s320/IMG_7469.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501290465647976082" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mike was lucky enough to sit by William...until William wiped his hands on Mike's shirt (I admit, I laughed)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiChKCEbgI/AAAAAAAAKQE/uOJs_Lq22mo/s1600/IMG_7454.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiChKCEbgI/AAAAAAAAKQE/uOJs_Lq22mo/s320/IMG_7454.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501290450973388290" border="0" /></a>Playing SO BIG with Uncle Mike = not as good as Grandpa. She gave up on him pretty quickly.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiChgJXzQI/AAAAAAAAKQM/A7Y-nN_qbDA/s1600/IMG_7461.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiChgJXzQI/AAAAAAAAKQM/A7Y-nN_qbDA/s320/IMG_7461.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501290456909597954" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">William got a lot of truck playing in with Grandma's trains/trucks<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiCjIaSd3I/AAAAAAAAKQk/34Vs5YWKmjk/s1600/IMG_7478.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiCjIaSd3I/AAAAAAAAKQk/34Vs5YWKmjk/s320/IMG_7478.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501290484897838962" border="0" /></a>Sometimes the only way to make this little girl happy is to let her sit in her high chair. She is SO clingy when she knows food is being prepared. It doesn't matter how many snacks she has had or how many distracting activities we come up with. Here she knew we were making dinner, but the booster seat wasn't even installed yet. But, she was happiest parked right here in her chair on the floor.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiEKpKOT7I/AAAAAAAAKQs/w1VD8-Sbt4g/s1600/IMG_7490.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiEKpKOT7I/AAAAAAAAKQs/w1VD8-Sbt4g/s320/IMG_7490.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501292263215353778" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">At some point, the kids decided to play beauty parlor. With wooden utensils (meat mallet, wooden spoons, etc). Nana was the only taker customer wise.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiEKym0bVI/AAAAAAAAKQ0/ef3ms1qqMCU/s1600/IMG_7502.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiEKym0bVI/AAAAAAAAKQ0/ef3ms1qqMCU/s320/IMG_7502.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501292265751211346" border="0" /></a><br />Uncle Mike helps Amelia with the monkey bars<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiELZ8uZJI/AAAAAAAAKQ8/mepIDnegdt8/s1600/IMG_7510.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiELZ8uZJI/AAAAAAAAKQ8/mepIDnegdt8/s320/IMG_7510.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501292276312073362" border="0" /></a><br />Out for a family fire truck ride...(enlarge this photo to check out John, you won't be sorry...)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiEMOdnliI/AAAAAAAAKRE/VWqSZskysTQ/s1600/IMG_7515.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiEMOdnliI/AAAAAAAAKRE/VWqSZskysTQ/s320/IMG_7515.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501292290408683042" border="0" /></a>This is a park I've been going to with my family since I was really little (my grandparents live in the same house across the street). It is so special to take my kids there and make new memories!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiFiDKWRmI/AAAAAAAAKRU/WFUmt1v4Arc/s1600/IMG_7522.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiFiDKWRmI/AAAAAAAAKRU/WFUmt1v4Arc/s320/IMG_7522.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501293764843816546" border="0" /></a>One of our goals on this "vacation" was to really work with William on riding his big bike. He really needed some time to develop his confidence - he is very capable, just lacks the confidence. We rode to the park every morning after breakfast to blow off some steam. As an added bonus, you have to work pretty hard to find a hill bigger than a curb. It really is the perfect place to practice.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiFiqt0YCI/AAAAAAAAKRc/55HUm37CYZ8/s1600/IMG_7523.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiFiqt0YCI/AAAAAAAAKRc/55HUm37CYZ8/s320/IMG_7523.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501293775461572642" border="0" /></a>Amelia loved playing with the diggers too...she just needed some help to make it work. She would work her way over to the toy and then scream until someone came to help her. That's my girl, right?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiFjNrjXDI/AAAAAAAAKRk/D5HvScS8KN8/s1600/IMG_7524.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiFjNrjXDI/AAAAAAAAKRk/D5HvScS8KN8/s320/IMG_7524.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501293784847309874" border="0" /></a><br />Stretch! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiFjvJiL2I/AAAAAAAAKRs/k6mnVsDXR2M/s1600/IMG_7538.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiFjvJiL2I/AAAAAAAAKRs/k6mnVsDXR2M/s320/IMG_7538.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501293793831432034" border="0" /></a><br />Treasure chest fun: stickers!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiFjyjryrI/AAAAAAAAKR0/A3qqAHaRGU4/s1600/IMG_7539.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiFjyjryrI/AAAAAAAAKR0/A3qqAHaRGU4/s320/IMG_7539.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501293794746419890" border="0" /></a>Grandpa Tom was VERY beautiful by the time the kids were done with him - Amelia was looking pretty good too (in background)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiI7AhHf3I/AAAAAAAAKR8/ibdWOehAXiM/s1600/IMG_7548.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiI7AhHf3I/AAAAAAAAKR8/ibdWOehAXiM/s320/IMG_7548.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501297492165623666" border="0" /></a>On Saturday afternoon it was time to move on to our North Dakota Adventure Part II: Fargo. John's family had planned a reunion, so we packed our bags for another (1 hour) car trip to catch up with John's family. Saturday evening was filled with playing at a park, eating pizza with John's huge extended family and finally a swim in the hotel swimming pool! This was the first time we stayed in a hotel with two kids. Bedtime was a little tricky with getting both kids to sleep in the same space. See their happy faces eating breakfast in our hotel room the next morning?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiI7urphwI/AAAAAAAAKSE/e9uzBAMbmdQ/s1600/IMG_7565.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiI7urphwI/AAAAAAAAKSE/e9uzBAMbmdQ/s320/IMG_7565.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501297504557827842" border="0" /></a><br />Before the reunion started, we had lots of time. We took another dip in the pool, ran some errands and even swung by Concordia College in Moorhead, MN (2 minutes away) where I spent my freshman year of college. William joined me for a short walk through campus - although he had a hard time wrapping his brain around "Mama's school".<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiI8HerkWI/AAAAAAAAKSM/DWfhGRyh4kM/s1600/IMG_7573.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiI8HerkWI/AAAAAAAAKSM/DWfhGRyh4kM/s320/IMG_7573.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501297511214322018" border="0" /></a><br />Place of personal importance: where I started seriously running my freshman year of college: the Olson Forum (can you use two semi colons in a sentence? I'm sure I just broke some rules). Sadly, all the doors were locked because it was a holiday and I didn't get any pictures of the inside of buildings. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiI87Fic3I/AAAAAAAAKSU/4QHCvKvbvFE/s1600/IMG_7577.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiI87Fic3I/AAAAAAAAKSU/4QHCvKvbvFE/s320/IMG_7577.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501297525067510642" border="0" /></a>The reunion/picnic was held at a park in Fargo on the 4th of July. While visiting with the Des Moines Heidts over Memorial Day, my sister in law and I cooked up some patriotic T shirts for the kids to wear. All the Heidt cousins are wearing home crafted T shirts. We also made the little boys matching hats and the girls matching hair clips. You can see here William is a little jealous of all the attention the little boy in the middle was getting about his shirt being up. After he noticed, he wouldn't leave his shirt down either.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiI9YkT1jI/AAAAAAAAKSc/V2945OB0rr8/s1600/IMG_7582.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiI9YkT1jI/AAAAAAAAKSc/V2945OB0rr8/s320/IMG_7582.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501297532981204530" border="0" /></a>The Heidt cousins + a few extras. I wasn't able to get just one of the Heidt kids - we kept picking up extra kids :) (L-R) Alex, Elena, ?, Emerson, Audra, Logan, Ben, Amelia, Becca, ?, Mikey, William.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiJuSuc1qI/AAAAAAAAKSk/u5_tvCVbgXo/s1600/IMG_7583.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiJuSuc1qI/AAAAAAAAKSk/u5_tvCVbgXo/s320/IMG_7583.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501298373226714786" border="0" /></a>Amelia decides this photo session is OVER. Her shirt was the most time consuming!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiJwYkTv1I/AAAAAAAAKTE/FlrI3H72brM/s1600/IMG_7613.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiJwYkTv1I/AAAAAAAAKTE/FlrI3H72brM/s320/IMG_7613.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501298409154527058" border="0" /></a>Our family<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiJv--DEGI/AAAAAAAAKS8/7qT3I97ZfTI/s1600/IMG_7602.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiJv--DEGI/AAAAAAAAKS8/7qT3I97ZfTI/s320/IMG_7602.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501298402283163746" border="0" /></a><br />The reunion was put together by John's aunt/uncle team: Bud & Terri<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiJvkMybBI/AAAAAAAAKS0/gt1YcvAYTAU/s1600/IMG_7599.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiJvkMybBI/AAAAAAAAKS0/gt1YcvAYTAU/s320/IMG_7599.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501298395097230354" border="0" /></a>Here is where I spent most of my time: at the playground chasing kids.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiJu2R5J-I/AAAAAAAAKSs/LBCspG9Z8_8/s1600/IMG_7585.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TFiJu2R5J-I/AAAAAAAAKSs/LBCspG9Z8_8/s320/IMG_7585.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501298382770612194" border="0" /></a>And this picture just makes me laugh. One of the kids managed to get a ball stuck up high in a tree branch. You would NOT believe the number of people and the amount of time it took to get this ball down.<br /><br />We had planned on staying the night again in Fargo in order to spend more time with the family we so rarely get to see. We were looking forward to a 4th of July parade and hopefully some fireworks with the big boy. However, as the afternoon went on, many people hit the road to go home. We left the picnic to after Amelia came completely unglued so she could nap at the hotel. In the fifteen minutes it took us to get back to the hotel, we made some quick decisions and decided to hit the road as well. Even though we prepaid our room (lesson learned, not doing that again), we decided it would be better for everyone to go back to Grandma and Grandpa's house a day early. We would be able to catch the fireworks with family, visit with Uncle Mike, and spread the kids out a little more for some better sleep at night. All good things. So instead of putting Amelia down for a nap, I ran around like a crazy woman and packed up our room and checked us out of the hotel in less than 12 minutes. I rock.<br /><br />Lucky for us, Grandma and Grandpa were excited about our plans when we called them from the road :) Too late to turn back! Unluckily, when we were about 45 minutes out from Rochester, my mom called to let us know the Rochester fireworks were canceled due to bad weather moving into the area. Can you believe our luck? First the parade and then the fireworks! At least the fireworks had a reschedule date.<br /><br /></div>John & Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03943496917737350818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729144930643884764.post-27612636471511694712010-06-26T11:31:00.014-05:002010-07-26T00:05:27.876-05:00Rain on my Parade, Breakfast on the Farm<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TE0R6XUoBiI/AAAAAAAAKN0/Tz_q1oOGurw/s1600/IMG_4258.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TE0R59gBpmI/AAAAAAAAKNs/frO6BidKb1A/s1600/IMG_4237.JPG"><br /></a><br />What I did on my Summer Vacation, PART I<br /><br /><br />We started planning this trip in December last year when we learned John's family would be having a reunion in Fargo, ND over the 4th of July. Originally this trip had some more traveling and sightseeing added to it. Until I came back to reality and realized every day in a small hotel room with two little kids cannot be considered a vacation. Especially when it is followed by a family reunion in yet another small hotel room. The Glacier National Park and North Dakota Badlands trip went back on the shelf for another time. Sad.<br /><br />Anyhow, when we learned we would be in Fargo, ND over the 4th of July, we started planning around it. Fargo is roughly an hour from where all four of my grandparents live. When you have four fabulous grandparents, you don't get an hour away from their house and not stop in. So, we coordinated with Grandpa Kevin and Grandpa Kim to drive to Grand Forks, ND for a few days to visit. As we were finalizing our plans, I realized the summer Rochesterfest celebration would be going on just <span style="font-style: italic;">days</span> before we were set to get to Rochester. So, we arranged and rearranged everything to get to Rochester, MN for a few of my favorite events: The Parade and Breakfast on the Farm. You'll find PARADE listed high up on my official "Things to do, Summer 2010" list. I LOVE a good parade and the Rochesterfest parade rarely disappoints. Unless you don't like parades. Then it is a long slow torture.<br /><br />We packed up and drove the close to seven hours to Grandpa Kevin and Grandma Kim's house. They had made arrangements to sit on the curb in front of Grandma's coworker and even went out early to reserve us some seats! Even Aunt Megan drove down to join us! Grandma packed us up a picnic dinner and we were SET! We didn't actually tell William about the parade before we got in the car to GO to the parade. I was worried something about it wouldn't work out and I didn't want to be stuck explaining for days on end what happened to the parade. William was so thrilled about going to the parade and having all kinds of people around. This boy loves a crowd. And tubas. He was so excited about seeing a TUBA in the marching band.<br /><br />We got down to our spot and enjoyed our picnic dinner. It was finally time for the parade to start! HURRAY! The first official group was several state patrol cars flashing their lights - William was over the moon. The second group was the Boy Scouts carrying the flag and handing out candy. CANDY? YOU DIDN'T SAY ANYTHING ABOUT CANDY! William couldn't believe so many good things were all in one place: Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Megan, police cars, marching bands with TUBAS, squirt guns (Grandma brought to entertain the "kids"), and CANDY. It would be huge understatement to say William was <span style="font-style: italic;">beside</span> himself with joy<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TE0J02jzTZI/AAAAAAAAKNU/h0HPgo1xTRs/s1600/IMG_4194.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TE0J02jzTZI/AAAAAAAAKNU/h0HPgo1xTRs/s320/IMG_4194.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498061523692768658" border="0" /></a>The preparade entertainment: squirt guns with Grandpa. William's expression says it all: total WIN.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TE0J1jn4xZI/AAAAAAAAKNc/zVMvjxx_vcM/s1600/IMG_4197.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TE0J1jn4xZI/AAAAAAAAKNc/zVMvjxx_vcM/s320/IMG_4197.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498061535789499794" border="0" /></a>The look of excitement/anticipation! So excited!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TE0J2BFx_2I/AAAAAAAAKNk/a3rEp4144Pc/s1600/IMG_4198.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TE0J2BFx_2I/AAAAAAAAKNk/a3rEp4144Pc/s320/IMG_4198.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498061543699513186" border="0" /></a>Amelia has no idea, but is loving all the attention and the number of people around to watch. This girl loves a crowd!<br /><br /></div>Then the unthinkable happened. The announcer announced that the parade had been called off due to inclement weather moving into the area. Immediately. We were so SO sad. In the paper the next day we learned this was the first time in twenty eight years the parade has been called off.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEdCJ4oO2pI/AAAAAAAAKEk/xshn3YbkWHY/s1600/IMG_7163.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEdCJ4oO2pI/AAAAAAAAKEk/xshn3YbkWHY/s320/IMG_7163.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496434607816366738" border="0" /></a>Instead we went back to Grandma's and practiced giving hugs.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEdCKU2WiNI/AAAAAAAAKEs/Vbrhz_tNpKQ/s1600/IMG_7164.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEdCKU2WiNI/AAAAAAAAKEs/Vbrhz_tNpKQ/s320/IMG_7164.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496434615391783122" border="0" /></a>And playing dinosaurs with Aunt Megan<br /><br /></div>The following morning, we made plans to meet several friends out at an event called "Breakfast on the Farm". Which is just like it says. A local farmer opens up their family farm and invites the whole town to breakfast in their front yard. There are tractor displays, animal displays, a HUGE breakfast, wagon rides, games and so much more. Again, I didn't tell William what we were doing until we are on our way, so he was thrilled to find out we were going to eat breakfast AT A FARM. With TRACTORS. Anyway, it was a LOT of fun to take part in two of my favorite events from Rochestfest past.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEdCKzQ0mhI/AAAAAAAAKE0/8PECKUpa1ok/s1600/IMG_7168.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEdCKzQ0mhI/AAAAAAAAKE0/8PECKUpa1ok/s320/IMG_7168.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496434623555869202" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEdCLRI_21I/AAAAAAAAKE8/67d86ZoMBeY/s1600/IMG_7174.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEdCLRI_21I/AAAAAAAAKE8/67d86ZoMBeY/s320/IMG_7174.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496434631576116050" border="0" /></a>This is one of two pancake grills working to serve everyone (note: I think it would be super fun to make pancakes like this for a boat load of people)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEdCLoeJjbI/AAAAAAAAKFE/7r0MSvc6Pf8/s1600/IMG_7178.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEdCLoeJjbI/AAAAAAAAKFE/7r0MSvc6Pf8/s320/IMG_7178.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496434637838847410" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Two items of interest here: The cooks use a drill with mixing attachment to whip up their batter (a la tiling adhesive) and if you happen to look at the cook funny, you'll end up having to catch you breakfast as it flies through the air. The boy in blue above the drill is working hard to catch himself some pancakes.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TE0R59gBpmI/AAAAAAAAKNs/frO6BidKb1A/s1600/IMG_4237.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TE0R59gBpmI/AAAAAAAAKNs/frO6BidKb1A/s320/IMG_4237.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498070407548348002" border="0" /></a>Eating with the fam. I will say that the best part was NOT when I had to eat my breakfast with wiggly Amelia on my lap.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEdDwBSf5cI/AAAAAAAAKFM/KtQd3bkv46Q/s1600/IMG_7188.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEdDwBSf5cI/AAAAAAAAKFM/KtQd3bkv46Q/s320/IMG_7188.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496436362487784898" border="0" /></a>William's favorite thing? Getting to "drive" a tractor<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEdDwi74FrI/AAAAAAAAKFU/rhoo9XqX7mw/s1600/IMG_7191.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEdDwi74FrI/AAAAAAAAKFU/rhoo9XqX7mw/s320/IMG_7191.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496436371519706802" border="0" /></a>Yet another tractor. This one made me nervous as there were still keys in the ignition as William discovered. Apparently, the owners had driven the tractors over the night before/early that morning for display. We had a hard time getting him away from this one!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEdDxPnhViI/AAAAAAAAKFc/E_bXoAQRhXo/s1600/IMG_7196.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEdDxPnhViI/AAAAAAAAKFc/E_bXoAQRhXo/s320/IMG_7196.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496436383513925154" border="0" /></a>William checks out the animal displays with Aunt Megan. I tend to avoid the animal displays....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TE0R6XUoBiI/AAAAAAAAKN0/Tz_q1oOGurw/s1600/IMG_4258.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TE0R6XUoBiI/AAAAAAAAKN0/Tz_q1oOGurw/s320/IMG_4258.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498070414479853090" border="0" /></a>Cute bunnies!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEdDxsiN10I/AAAAAAAAKFk/GXO5c0u89T4/s1600/IMG_7198.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEdDxsiN10I/AAAAAAAAKFk/GXO5c0u89T4/s320/IMG_7198.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496436391276304194" border="0" /></a>William standing in the corn field. We have some cute video of this somewhere...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEdDyE_ehqI/AAAAAAAAKFs/Loh8gECxaVA/s1600/IMG_7202.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEdDyE_ehqI/AAAAAAAAKFs/Loh8gECxaVA/s320/IMG_7202.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496436397841483426" border="0" /></a>Not a great picture, but William with Grandma on the horse drawn wagon ride.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEdFcgoc_EI/AAAAAAAAKF0/LKRMAsU2M0Y/s1600/IMG_7205.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEdFcgoc_EI/AAAAAAAAKF0/LKRMAsU2M0Y/s320/IMG_7205.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496438226327239746" border="0" /></a>Some friendly Brown Swiss cows<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEdFdNSZJ7I/AAAAAAAAKF8/us9ZcChoVj0/s1600/IMG_7215.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEdFdNSZJ7I/AAAAAAAAKF8/us9ZcChoVj0/s320/IMG_7215.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496438238314309554" border="0" /></a>Horseback riding for William (not at the farm, later in the afternoon)<br /><br /></div>The next few days held a lot of visiting with John's brother, Mike and family, a visit to a LOT of parks for play with friends, a birthday dinner with Grandma and Grandpa (for Daddy, Kaye & Scott), a date out with our favorite couple (Jessica and Chris), hiking at Quarry Hill and playing with the grandparents. We usually pack in the activities, but this was a new all time level of busy-ness!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEdFdpRxlmI/AAAAAAAAKGE/jDHXCgcDj-k/s1600/IMG_7231.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEdFdpRxlmI/AAAAAAAAKGE/jDHXCgcDj-k/s320/IMG_7231.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496438245827909218" border="0" /></a>Reading books with Grandpa Heidt and cousins, Alex/Elena<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEdFefp9eaI/AAAAAAAAKGM/aTxnKAs0C_E/s1600/IMG_7235.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEdFefp9eaI/AAAAAAAAKGM/aTxnKAs0C_E/s320/IMG_7235.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496438260424866210" border="0" /></a>Four cousins snuggled up and ready for a story read by Uncle Mike<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEdFe0Q8EYI/AAAAAAAAKGU/NYrASAujbms/s1600/IMG_7240.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEdFe0Q8EYI/AAAAAAAAKGU/NYrASAujbms/s320/IMG_7240.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496438265957060994" border="0" /></a>This is what happens all the time. You start reading to William a super long book. All the other kids loose interest right away, but William has an astonishing attention span. He will sit for HOURS and listen to stories.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEekBPti-kI/AAAAAAAAKGc/3naoCqUcbQ4/s1600/IMG_7255.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEekBPti-kI/AAAAAAAAKGc/3naoCqUcbQ4/s320/IMG_7255.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496542211533371970" border="0" /></a>The three [almost] three year olds were such a blast to watch together this time! They are really playing well together, and even include Amelia a lot of the time! So sweet! The kids love to give each other some hugging - they are so excited about each other they would usually start jumping up and down. The missing kid/s would then usually notice they were missing out on the fun and take off full speed toward the hugging pair, bowling them over more often than not.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEekBoPbfSI/AAAAAAAAKGk/jrksS1Walas/s1600/IMG_7259.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEekBoPbfSI/AAAAAAAAKGk/jrksS1Walas/s320/IMG_7259.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496542218117938466" border="0" /></a>Everyone hugs!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEekB3IICVI/AAAAAAAAKGs/PUcBr45DODQ/s1600/IMG_7261.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEekB3IICVI/AAAAAAAAKGs/PUcBr45DODQ/s320/IMG_7261.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496542222113835346" border="0" /></a>Sweet HUGS!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEekCdhfEeI/AAAAAAAAKG0/Z0xjhJWAE5w/s1600/IMG_7264.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEekCdhfEeI/AAAAAAAAKG0/Z0xjhJWAE5w/s320/IMG_7264.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496542232420749794" border="0" /></a>Grandpa Heidt and William stand in front of a DIGGER at Uncle Mike's new house site.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEekC4AeQoI/AAAAAAAAKG8/78WkNgzdeQ0/s1600/IMG_7269.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEekC4AeQoI/AAAAAAAAKG8/78WkNgzdeQ0/s320/IMG_7269.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496542239530041986" border="0" /></a>William in a digger bucket at Uncle Mike's new house site<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEemE-VXbUI/AAAAAAAAKHE/SHOVyqACCY4/s1600/IMG_7277.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEemE-VXbUI/AAAAAAAAKHE/SHOVyqACCY4/s320/IMG_7277.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496544474611281218" border="0" /></a>Mama testing out the playground equipment<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEemFbXg3CI/AAAAAAAAKHM/rpA1CbYl_OQ/s1600/IMG_7278.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEemFbXg3CI/AAAAAAAAKHM/rpA1CbYl_OQ/s320/IMG_7278.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496544482404916258" border="0" /></a>Uncle Mike showing the boys how it is done!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEemFxwhpAI/AAAAAAAAKHU/UsNWA0tuwVg/s1600/IMG_7280.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEemFxwhpAI/AAAAAAAAKHU/UsNWA0tuwVg/s320/IMG_7280.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496544488415405058" border="0" /></a>Uncle Mike helping Alex up the slide<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEemGe6BMAI/AAAAAAAAKHc/WFuB67jg5FM/s1600/IMG_7285.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEemGe6BMAI/AAAAAAAAKHc/WFuB67jg5FM/s320/IMG_7285.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496544500534816770" border="0" /></a>The famous corn cob water tower<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEemHN7odhI/AAAAAAAAKHk/csgr1wd1e58/s1600/IMG_7289.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEemHN7odhI/AAAAAAAAKHk/csgr1wd1e58/s320/IMG_7289.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496544513158051346" border="0" /></a>At some point, the kids decided it was super fun to ride around in the car together - so we ended up with four kids in the van!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEew2izWt9I/AAAAAAAAKHs/PBr8Y5MrYtQ/s1600/IMG_7290.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEew2izWt9I/AAAAAAAAKHs/PBr8Y5MrYtQ/s320/IMG_7290.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496556321330608082" border="0" /></a>Amelia and Alex in the middle seats. If you're wondering why I didn't sit in the front seat, I'm not really sure why. Sometimes I don't think.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEew3V9omdI/AAAAAAAAKH0/eU2nsjmfkkI/s1600/IMG_7299.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEew3V9omdI/AAAAAAAAKH0/eU2nsjmfkkI/s320/IMG_7299.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496556335063931346" border="0" /></a>The cousins riding the alligator (crocodile?)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEew32Q-i6I/AAAAAAAAKH8/-BQBiGHOBmE/s1600/IMG_7300.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEew32Q-i6I/AAAAAAAAKH8/-BQBiGHOBmE/s320/IMG_7300.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496556343734995874" border="0" /></a>Another shot of all the kids on the crocodile!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEew4XBPGtI/AAAAAAAAKIE/n3E-DVaU8ck/s1600/IMG_7303.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEew4XBPGtI/AAAAAAAAKIE/n3E-DVaU8ck/s320/IMG_7303.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496556352527342290" border="0" /></a>The boys race down the slide - they had a WONDERFUL time playing together. William was exhausted after chasing/running/jumping/climbing/playing with his cousins!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEew4zcd1uI/AAAAAAAAKIM/sdPqYceAn98/s1600/IMG_7305.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEew4zcd1uI/AAAAAAAAKIM/sdPqYceAn98/s320/IMG_7305.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496556360157746914" border="0" /></a>Uncle John and Alex?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEeynEUp2GI/AAAAAAAAKIU/BiyLRCET89w/s1600/IMG_7310.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEeynEUp2GI/AAAAAAAAKIU/BiyLRCET89w/s320/IMG_7310.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496558254473992290" border="0" /></a>Amelia peeks!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEeyn5KRxOI/AAAAAAAAKIc/nkKp8F0XHhU/s1600/IMG_7313.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEeyn5KRxOI/AAAAAAAAKIc/nkKp8F0XHhU/s320/IMG_7313.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496558268657550562" border="0" /></a>Look at all the grown ups watching out for our kids - YAY! (Grandpa Heidt, Aunt Tien, Uncle Mike and a piece of Mama)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEeyo7oiyII/AAAAAAAAKIk/zCr1p-pplL4/s1600/IMG_7316.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEeyo7oiyII/AAAAAAAAKIk/zCr1p-pplL4/s320/IMG_7316.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496558286501234818" border="0" /></a>William and Alex get silly<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEeypuB_UcI/AAAAAAAAKIs/4rYQTxI_drM/s1600/IMG_7332.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEeypuB_UcI/AAAAAAAAKIs/4rYQTxI_drM/s320/IMG_7332.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496558300029735362" border="0" /></a>A big storm blew through on Saturday night, knocking down a LOT of trees. William was fascinated by the tree removal process (it involved trucks. And power tools).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEeyqAHvTjI/AAAAAAAAKI0/CNPC5a1sDi8/s1600/IMG_7333.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEeyqAHvTjI/AAAAAAAAKI0/CNPC5a1sDi8/s320/IMG_7333.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496558304885689906" border="0" /></a>Uncle Mike started out reading to all the kids and again is left with only one....<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>On Wednesday morning, it was time to pack up and drive to North Dakota for some time with the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Great</span> grandparents!John & Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03943496917737350818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729144930643884764.post-26012812776026555172010-06-24T14:16:00.003-05:002010-07-20T13:38:17.147-05:00Question of the DayAmelia is going through a huge word explosion. She is picking up words by the dozen every day. So very cute. She uses "hot" for anything that is hot or cold. "Milk" is any liquid she would like to drink. "Down" means she wants to be either up or down, depending on which location she is currently in. "Books" are anything with pages. So, so cute. But I know where it is going.<br /><br />Where it is going is the point William is at. William now has enough words and is able to string them together to form coherent thoughts (okay, sometimes). He has been asking questions for a long time, but has recently reached the point where I just don't know the answer.<br /><br />Example:<br /><br />Do kitties use toilet paper? (asked while innocently perched on the toilet following a discussion regarding the importance of it)<br /><br />Where does God live?<br /><br />Why do I poop?<br /><br />What do ghost do? What are the for?<br /><br /><br />There is always one question a day that seems to just come out of the blue and take me by surprise. I don't know how to even begin answering some of the things he thinks about.<br /><br />Then there are the more frustrating ones. Developmentally, I'm sure there is a name for this stage and I learned about it in my Child Development classes. But, I can't remember it now. But the scenario goes a lot like this:<br /><br />William: What is this for?<br />Mama: What is it? I can't see you in your room from the kitchen. (usually as I am furiously prepping a meal/cleaning up after a meal/trying to eat a cookie without being detected)<br />W: What is it?<br />M: I don't know, I can't see it.<br />W: Yes you can! Silly! What is it?<br />M: I don't know, I can't see it. What color is it?<br />W:......red? Blue?........CRASH!<br /><br />And then an entire box of toys is emptied onto the floor in which I will step on each and every painful piece in my rush to make sure he is okay. And, I'll never know which toy he had in his hand to figure out what he was thinking. At least five times a day he will have a burning question he expects me to answer without seeing or knowing anything about the particular object in his hand.John & Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03943496917737350818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729144930643884764.post-46553791509335897002010-06-22T20:24:00.003-05:002010-07-20T13:37:18.174-05:00UpfrontI'm a pretty upfront person most of the time. I'll tell you what I think honestly if you ask for my opinion. And sometimes if you don't. You'll have noticed it has been quiet around here lately and there are reasons. Of course, they aren't reasons I really want to talk about in such a public place, so you'll just have to be satisfied with knowing everything is okay. It has been difficult for me, as writing is one way that I process the events that happen day to day and also how I record the milestones of our children. However, I knew I wasn't going to be able to write about the events of the day without talking honestly about everything else going on. So I didn't write at all. Sorry about that. I think we'll be back up to speed shortly.John & Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03943496917737350818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729144930643884764.post-12744829219265831492010-06-20T12:34:00.007-05:002010-07-20T13:36:37.946-05:00Happy Father's Day!<div style="text-align: center;">Father's Day 2010!!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />-Started with sleeping in...a real treat around here!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TB67ZIZxz6I/AAAAAAAAJ2M/V9DNQ0L689I/s1600/IMG_2656.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TB67ZIZxz6I/AAAAAAAAJ2M/V9DNQ0L689I/s320/IMG_2656.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485027436610572194" border="0" /></a><br />Followed by a delicious breakfast in bed of donuts, juice and fresh raspberries -YUM!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TB67Z48Us0I/AAAAAAAAJ2U/V5anzZMbZhY/s1600/IMG_2658.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TB67Z48Us0I/AAAAAAAAJ2U/V5anzZMbZhY/s320/IMG_2658.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485027449640366914" border="0" /></a><br />Trying to keep the kids out of the breakfast can be a little...tricky<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TB67bKgbEFI/AAAAAAAAJ2c/Ghvp_3MJtQM/s1600/IMG_2661.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TB67bKgbEFI/AAAAAAAAJ2c/Ghvp_3MJtQM/s320/IMG_2661.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485027471535050834" border="0" /></a><br />Showing Daddy his homemade card - it has a lot of TRUCKS.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TB67caPQqII/AAAAAAAAJ2k/w0VZ36gRVkY/s1600/IMG_2663.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TB67caPQqII/AAAAAAAAJ2k/w0VZ36gRVkY/s320/IMG_2663.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485027492937902210" border="0" /></a><br />Daddy's present: a new toothbrush! How exciting!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TB67d0fk8rI/AAAAAAAAJ2s/dSLt6B7VzYs/s1600/IMG_2664.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TB67d0fk8rI/AAAAAAAAJ2s/dSLt6B7VzYs/s320/IMG_2664.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485027517165531826" border="0" /></a>Fabulous Kid#2<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TB68jGpPqOI/AAAAAAAAJ20/SOVCWevRLy4/s1600/IMG_2666.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TB68jGpPqOI/AAAAAAAAJ20/SOVCWevRLy4/s320/IMG_2666.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485028707448891618" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Awesome Kid #1<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TB68k5Huh8I/AAAAAAAAJ28/VxPlwq4sTDs/s1600/IMG_2669.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TB68k5Huh8I/AAAAAAAAJ28/VxPlwq4sTDs/s320/IMG_2669.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485028738178385858" border="0" /></a><br />When we couldn't take it anymore, we all had our breakfast of yummy donuts ("bagels"). For some reason William kept calling them bagels - this is also the only reason William didn't blow my cover. We picked up the donuts at the store while John was out yesterday and hid them. William talked about the yummy bagels for the rest of the day. Whew!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TB68mjeub6I/AAAAAAAAJ3E/_q-wbXrfl6Q/s1600/IMG_2670.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TB68mjeub6I/AAAAAAAAJ3E/_q-wbXrfl6Q/s320/IMG_2670.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485028766729007010" border="0" /></a><br />Mmmmmmm....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TB68nNccZdI/AAAAAAAAJ3M/jtmXZnBmmt0/s1600/IMG_2673.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TB68nNccZdI/AAAAAAAAJ3M/jtmXZnBmmt0/s320/IMG_2673.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485028777993725394" border="0" /></a><br />Amelia's first donut - she is a little more ladylike only due to the fact I cut her pieces up a LOT smaller.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TB68nbY5YzI/AAAAAAAAJ3U/tBFXcHtVeBA/s1600/IMG_2680.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TB68nbY5YzI/AAAAAAAAJ3U/tBFXcHtVeBA/s320/IMG_2680.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485028781736944434" border="0" /></a><br />Kids dressed super cute for church! Amelia is craning around my head to get a better view of the TV. Nice, huh?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TB7AiWw2UxI/AAAAAAAAJ3c/6UyfW7J8MwQ/s1600/IMG_2687.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TB7AiWw2UxI/AAAAAAAAJ3c/6UyfW7J8MwQ/s320/IMG_2687.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485033092642394898" border="0" /></a><br />Daddy and his crabby girl. The girl with a shark tattoo.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TB7AjKvdf9I/AAAAAAAAJ3k/4bzBUeq8GpY/s1600/IMG_2693.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TB7AjKvdf9I/AAAAAAAAJ3k/4bzBUeq8GpY/s320/IMG_2693.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485033106595217362" border="0" /></a>The handsome men <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TB7AkUnGWVI/AAAAAAAAJ3s/ClRgLnb03RY/s1600/IMG_2705.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TB7AkUnGWVI/AAAAAAAAJ3s/ClRgLnb03RY/s320/IMG_2705.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485033126424369490" border="0" /></a>Only Daddy is strong enough to carry both of them<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TB7AlqPD-UI/AAAAAAAAJ30/7YDpp5v_Vd8/s1600/IMG_2711.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TB7AlqPD-UI/AAAAAAAAJ30/7YDpp5v_Vd8/s320/IMG_2711.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485033149408999746" border="0" /></a>Amelia running away in her pretty dress from Grandma Kim<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TB7Am5U3CPI/AAAAAAAAJ38/WnUCP_FNJPY/s1600/IMG_2719.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TB7Am5U3CPI/AAAAAAAAJ38/WnUCP_FNJPY/s320/IMG_2719.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485033170639718642" border="0" /></a>Amelia's pretty dress<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TB7Coc4nXbI/AAAAAAAAJ4E/YL-k-28hCeE/s1600/IMG_2722.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TB7Coc4nXbI/AAAAAAAAJ4E/YL-k-28hCeE/s320/IMG_2722.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485035396388052402" border="0" /></a>Daddy and his kids!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TB7CowGiqeI/AAAAAAAAJ4M/Y2Wuj2UaMac/s1600/IMG_2724.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TB7CowGiqeI/AAAAAAAAJ4M/Y2Wuj2UaMac/s320/IMG_2724.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485035401546738146" border="0" /></a>The best one of Daddy<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TB7CqATKImI/AAAAAAAAJ4U/pSdj8f8g6es/s1600/IMG_2725.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TB7CqATKImI/AAAAAAAAJ4U/pSdj8f8g6es/s320/IMG_2725.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485035423074493026" border="0" /></a>The best one of William<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TB7CredIlXI/AAAAAAAAJ4c/GOaoYjgQciE/s1600/IMG_2727.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TB7CredIlXI/AAAAAAAAJ4c/GOaoYjgQciE/s320/IMG_2727.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485035448349267314" border="0" /></a><br />The best one of Amelia<br /></div>John & Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03943496917737350818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729144930643884764.post-90334121782950490522010-06-12T18:47:00.004-05:002010-07-20T13:24:49.243-05:00New CarJust in time for a very BIG birthday present, we brought home our Nissan Versa. While we were shopping for a new car, we were using the following criteria:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEXm7RHJADI/AAAAAAAAKEU/TZU2DJbMsJQ/s1600/IMG_6904.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEXm7RHJADI/AAAAAAAAKEU/TZU2DJbMsJQ/s320/IMG_6904.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496052826155581490" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">In color "Polished Moonbeam Opal" or something like that. Or silver.<br /></span><br /></span></div>1) Had to be able to fit two carseats in the backseat<br />2) Good highway gas mileage as John drives on the highway a longish distance everyday<br />3) Air conditioning<br />4) In a price range that would sink us financially and could be paid off by the end of this year<br /><br />We had our eye on a few hybrids including the Prius. However, criteria number 4 just didn't allow us to fully pursue this one at this time.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEXm60mYtrI/AAAAAAAAKEM/OxuVoDDX9-o/s1600/IMG_6902.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEXm60mYtrI/AAAAAAAAKEM/OxuVoDDX9-o/s320/IMG_6902.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496052818502006450" border="0" /></a>So far we are liking the car. The engine is smaller than the Grand Prix John was driving, so that is something we are still getting used to while driving down the highway. Surprisingly, the interior of the car has more room of it than the Grand Prix, but the overall size is smaller. Strange.<br /><br />The biggest bummer overall is that I helped John wash the Grand Prix three days before the accident. Big waste of my time!<br /><br /><br />In other news, William suddenly appears to be a whole head taller. Overnight it feels like he is now able to reach things on shelves and counters that were previously "safe zones" (as in, "Where did you get that sucker?"). So, we pulled out the trusty yard stick to get some hard numbers on the situation. In January, he was 39 inches tall. It is hard to see in this picture, but he is now just over 40 inches tall when he is standing up straight (which he is NOT in this picture). I guess all it takes is an extra inch to put you at counter height in our house...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEXm7ykN7VI/AAAAAAAAKEc/of37hFORkUI/s1600/IMG_6915.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEXm7ykN7VI/AAAAAAAAKEc/of37hFORkUI/s320/IMG_6915.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496052835135909202" border="0" /></a><br /></div>John & Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03943496917737350818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729144930643884764.post-15622576025154736842010-06-10T22:06:00.005-05:002010-07-19T22:31:24.951-05:00Happy Birthday Daddy!Happy Birthday Daddy! William was so excited for it to be "Daddy's special DAY!" We talked aobut it and talked about it and talked about it ALL DAY LONG. Thank goodness John gets home on the early side. I'm not sure how much longer I could take it!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPKa-E-LAI/AAAAAAAAKDU/hZextbEWjUs/s1600/IMG_2462.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPKa-E-LAI/AAAAAAAAKDU/hZextbEWjUs/s320/IMG_2462.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495458535011396610" border="0" /></a><br />Daddy and his kiddos - William looking like a model posing<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPKaSTTKjI/AAAAAAAAKDM/ddfCH_oJdD0/s1600/IMG_2460.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPKaSTTKjI/AAAAAAAAKDM/ddfCH_oJdD0/s320/IMG_2460.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495458523260332594" border="0" /></a><br />Cute of everyone<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPKZ2M2SvI/AAAAAAAAKDE/-oqJw4T3n5c/s1600/IMG_2459.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPKZ2M2SvI/AAAAAAAAKDE/-oqJw4T3n5c/s320/IMG_2459.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495458515717081842" border="0" /></a>Apparently my son has squeezed in some modeling classes recently....<br /><br /><br /></div>We've been furiously car shopping the last few days. I can only tell you that car shopping with a non stop talking 3 1/2 year old and a very active 15 month old is nothing but joy. It looks like I will be spending my date night budget for the next few months on hiring a sitter so we can car shop. Alone. Together. Without children in tow. It will be worth every penny.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPKbRBEEFI/AAAAAAAAKDc/xkD2DmGnKhY/s1600/IMG_2464.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPKbRBEEFI/AAAAAAAAKDc/xkD2DmGnKhY/s320/IMG_2464.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495458540095279186" border="0" /></a><br />The beautiful birthday cake William helped me to make<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPKbwHRSKI/AAAAAAAAKDk/w2Lmy-EoS5Q/s1600/IMG_2468.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPKbwHRSKI/AAAAAAAAKDk/w2Lmy-EoS5Q/s320/IMG_2468.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495458548442810530" border="0" /></a>Singing happy birthday under the Happy Birthday Banner<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPLP9vy7MI/AAAAAAAAKDs/CHR8tdhCixs/s1600/IMG_2471.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPLP9vy7MI/AAAAAAAAKDs/CHR8tdhCixs/s320/IMG_2471.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495459445455645890" border="0" /></a><br />Amelia enjoyed the cake very much<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPLQQvT1vI/AAAAAAAAKD0/4PRLwniEwQw/s1600/IMG_2474.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPLQQvT1vI/AAAAAAAAKD0/4PRLwniEwQw/s320/IMG_2474.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495459450553882354" border="0" /></a>Very, very, very much!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPLQ_6QUbI/AAAAAAAAKD8/YkUmELa4ogg/s1600/IMG_6879.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPLQ_6QUbI/AAAAAAAAKD8/YkUmELa4ogg/s320/IMG_6879.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495459463216255410" border="0" /></a>William would hand John a present and say: "Here dad! This one is a beautiful NEW shirt! It's BLUE!" We're going to try and work on that before Christmas. I promise.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPLRXyFeeI/AAAAAAAAKEE/6pab1u2Wh28/s1600/IMG_6887.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPLRXyFeeI/AAAAAAAAKEE/6pab1u2Wh28/s320/IMG_6887.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495459469624441314" border="0" /></a>Here Dad! This one is new grilling tools!<br /><br /><br />After a yummy dinner of grilled hamburgers, we went out to test drive some new vehicles sans kiddos. So exciting and I'm sure it was just what John wanted!<br /></div></div>John & Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03943496917737350818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729144930643884764.post-53373518540045360092010-06-08T22:17:00.005-05:002010-07-19T22:30:11.810-05:00Daddy's Exciting dayJohn was in a car accident on his way to work this morning. Our family was so lucky in many ways today, which we are trying to remember as we wade through the insurance red tape. First and foremost, John is 100% okay without any injury or muscle soreness.<br /><br />In short, John was merging onto a highway from another major highway several miles away from our house (From I70 to I370 for you locals). This interchange is a very busy area, but John was going to work early in the morning (roughly 5:00am) as is his normal routine. John had merged over and was driving when he heard a loud bang in the back end of his car. His car spun around and ran into a concrete divider between the two major interstates. After taking a few moments to recover, he called the police and reports were filed, etc.<br /><br />After calling the police, John called me. Not the best news I've ever received first thing in the morning. After all the paperwork was cleared up, I roused the kids out of bed and went to pick him up. We spent the day together beginning our journey through the red tape*.<br /><br /><br />*Update: John's car is totaled due to the extent of the damage and the age of the vehicle. Looks like we'll be spending the next few night car shopping together.....<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPIwp08_TI/AAAAAAAAKC8/2vxYIVT9wWQ/s1600/IMG_6868.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPIwp08_TI/AAAAAAAAKC8/2vxYIVT9wWQ/s320/IMG_6868.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495456708509367602" border="0" /></a>Front driver side corner of the car, which impacted the concrete wall.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPIwExPMKI/AAAAAAAAKC0/du2jPYxuHGc/s1600/IMG_6867.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPIwExPMKI/AAAAAAAAKC0/du2jPYxuHGc/s320/IMG_6867.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495456698561671330" border="0" /></a>Front passenger side. The bumper was pushed out.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPIgPGkBLI/AAAAAAAAKCs/8VZTe4gA_yU/s1600/IMG_6866.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPId_8vmNI/AAAAAAAAKCM/-CRA4LNY93I/s1600/IMG_6858.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPId_8vmNI/AAAAAAAAKCM/-CRA4LNY93I/s320/IMG_6858.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495456388030109906" border="0" /></a><br />Showing rear passenger wheel. The rear panel was undamaged but the wheel now rubs up against the wheel well. The axle was probably bent. There was some damage on the rear passenger door and on the wheel itself.John & Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03943496917737350818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729144930643884764.post-89577836815557048002010-06-01T16:34:00.004-05:002010-07-19T14:19:49.230-05:0014 MonthsAmelia was 14 months old on 5/30/10! We were in Des Moines, so I didn't take a special picture of her. I meant to, but it didn't happen. Probably because my children decided to not sleep while we were there.<br /><br /><br />Amelia has quite the personality lately (or, maybe always?). Whatever mood she is in, she gives 100000% of her energy in displaying it. She is:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPFlxcdRqI/AAAAAAAAKBs/LPHUg6jExdY/s1600/IMG_6774.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPFlxcdRqI/AAAAAAAAKBs/LPHUg6jExdY/s320/IMG_6774.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495453223040665250" border="0" /></a><br />Curious and determined! Here she wouldn't leave the flowers alone on Jim and Kendra's porch. We moved them, put them up, I hid them and even just held them on my lap. I finally had to take her inside because she just couldn't leave them alone! She was bound and determined to pull the pretty flowers off the plant and then upend the planter.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPFmkHmdHI/AAAAAAAAKB0/0Efnhl8doUE/s1600/IMG_6808.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPFmkHmdHI/AAAAAAAAKB0/0Efnhl8doUE/s320/IMG_6808.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495453236643394674" border="0" /></a>Silly. This face here is nothing but trouble. She makes this particular face (enlarge for the full effect) ALL the time. It usually means she isn't happy with the current situation and getting ready to complain. Or retaliate. Either way, get out of her way!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPFnCdJDxI/AAAAAAAAKB8/AQNAp0VbWm4/s1600/IMG_6813.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPFnCdJDxI/AAAAAAAAKB8/AQNAp0VbWm4/s320/IMG_6813.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495453244786806546" border="0" /></a>A ham! She recently started saying "CHEESE" when you pull the camera out. Even if you are taking pictures of someone else. Or are trying to get video of her doing something cute. You know, besides saying "CHEESE" at the top of her lungs.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPFn__rc9I/AAAAAAAAKCE/C6xnAff0PRg/s1600/IMG_5429.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEPFn__rc9I/AAAAAAAAKCE/C6xnAff0PRg/s320/IMG_5429.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495453261306229714" border="0" /></a>Dramatic! When things aren't going your way, you aren't afraid to let it all hang out. You scream, you wail, you hit/pinch/bite/kick, and you are not easily distracted.<br /><br /><br />This age is so fun with Amelia. She is so full of curiosity about the world around her and she doesn't ever stop until she is sleeping. This age is also totally exhausting because she doesn't EVER stop. Not for one minute. Not until she wails herself to sleep at night because she IS! NOT! DONE!<br /></div>John & Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03943496917737350818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729144930643884764.post-60567912231239483152010-05-29T14:29:00.013-05:002010-07-18T14:42:58.476-05:00Des MoinesWith the kids getting older, we are finally feeling like we are able to pick up some of our old traveling ways. We haven't been to see some family in a long time! We hadn't been to visit John's brother Jim and his family since I was pregnant with William (August 2006). It was high time to fix that problem!<br /><br />So, we packed the car and drove the seven hours to exotic Des Moines for our Memorial Day Weekend 2010!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENKTbyjf3I/AAAAAAAAJ68/BAGVY06uVmc/s1600/IMG_6654.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENKTbyjf3I/AAAAAAAAJ68/BAGVY06uVmc/s320/IMG_6654.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495317668059905906" border="0" /></a><br />When we got there, it was time to walk over and pick up Ben and Becca at school.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENKT89TyyI/AAAAAAAAJ7E/v12GAKjHlPw/s1600/IMG_6655.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENKT89TyyI/AAAAAAAAJ7E/v12GAKjHlPw/s320/IMG_6655.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495317676963384098" border="0" /></a>Mikey and William were fast friends<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENKUlhJC4I/AAAAAAAAJ7M/b69e_GcURS0/s1600/IMG_6657.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENKUlhJC4I/AAAAAAAAJ7M/b69e_GcURS0/s320/IMG_6657.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495317687851092866" border="0" /></a>Then it was time for some playing in the sprinkler!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENKVdSvIoI/AAAAAAAAJ7U/3Mm3qEXES7w/s1600/IMG_6658.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENKVdSvIoI/AAAAAAAAJ7U/3Mm3qEXES7w/s320/IMG_6658.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495317702823060098" border="0" /></a>Amelia couldn't decide if she was a fan...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENKVzYccXI/AAAAAAAAJ7c/YNxUaFiiRhE/s1600/IMG_6663.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENKVzYccXI/AAAAAAAAJ7c/YNxUaFiiRhE/s320/IMG_6663.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495317708752580978" border="0" /></a>What she really liked was watching the other kids.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENMVwd_lkI/AAAAAAAAJ7k/pQF2G3Ki75U/s1600/IMG_6664.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENMVwd_lkI/AAAAAAAAJ7k/pQF2G3Ki75U/s320/IMG_6664.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495319906993804866" border="0" /></a>Preferably from a lawn chair<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENMWXD_PTI/AAAAAAAAJ7s/M3RJm0HCY4o/s1600/IMG_6668.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENMWXD_PTI/AAAAAAAAJ7s/M3RJm0HCY4o/s320/IMG_6668.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495319917353712946" border="0" /></a>The kids also enjoyed painting the driveway. Or in Amelia's case, licking the driveway.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENMW7FMdRI/AAAAAAAAJ70/7A0F7VSqp8U/s1600/IMG_6678.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENMW7FMdRI/AAAAAAAAJ70/7A0F7VSqp8U/s320/IMG_6678.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495319927022449938" border="0" /></a>The next day we hit up the science center to blow some HUGE bubbles,<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENT1V_YdYI/AAAAAAAAJ_k/M6nxmFRTwZY/s1600/IMG_5265.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENT1V_YdYI/AAAAAAAAJ_k/M6nxmFRTwZY/s320/IMG_5265.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495328146223297922" border="0" /></a>went fishing,<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENMXO2qKBI/AAAAAAAAJ78/ZqRVV173Ghs/s1600/IMG_6689.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENMXO2qKBI/AAAAAAAAJ78/ZqRVV173Ghs/s320/IMG_6689.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495319932330190866" border="0" /></a>Play with gears,<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENMXv-O73I/AAAAAAAAJ8E/8KPm7O-ul3o/s1600/IMG_6694.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENMXv-O73I/AAAAAAAAJ8E/8KPm7O-ul3o/s320/IMG_6694.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495319941220331378" border="0" /></a>dry our hair,<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENNlGKcrVI/AAAAAAAAJ8M/o8U_Q_rU2uA/s1600/IMG_6696.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENNlGKcrVI/AAAAAAAAJ8M/o8U_Q_rU2uA/s320/IMG_6696.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495321270027070802" border="0" /></a>Drive a digger (did you hear him scream when I physically removed him? 'Cause it was LOUD.),<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENT1mXnclI/AAAAAAAAJ_s/HQTI22VEUnA/s1600/IMG_5297.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENT1mXnclI/AAAAAAAAJ_s/HQTI22VEUnA/s320/IMG_5297.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495328150619910738" border="0" /></a>built some rockets,<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENT2WradAI/AAAAAAAAJ_0/dsCCNm_LAJc/s1600/IMG_5302.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENT2WradAI/AAAAAAAAJ_0/dsCCNm_LAJc/s320/IMG_5302.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495328163587847170" border="0" /></a>tested some rockets,<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENWtzSTvmI/AAAAAAAAJ_8/sE2U34ZWEB4/s1600/IMG_5308.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENWtzSTvmI/AAAAAAAAJ_8/sE2U34ZWEB4/s320/IMG_5308.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495331315183238754" border="0" /></a>and played with our cousins.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENNlsjF87I/AAAAAAAAJ8U/hqB1dqxktOE/s1600/IMG_6700.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENNlsjF87I/AAAAAAAAJ8U/hqB1dqxktOE/s320/IMG_6700.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495321280330986418" border="0" /></a>One of William's favorite things is being part of a big group. He loved having all the extra people around to hold hands with, play with and laugh with. He totally ate up all the attention he got from the bigger kids! As you can see here, he's reaching for Uncle Jim's hand before walking further.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENT0Z1fkHI/AAAAAAAAJ_U/95lrPGJJ6cA/s1600/IMG_5263.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENT0Z1fkHI/AAAAAAAAJ_U/95lrPGJJ6cA/s320/IMG_5263.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495328130075693170" border="0" /></a>The little boys<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENT05HDkdI/AAAAAAAAJ_c/-ni-8LvaXnY/s1600/IMG_5261.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENT05HDkdI/AAAAAAAAJ_c/-ni-8LvaXnY/s320/IMG_5261.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495328138470855122" border="0" /></a>The bigger boys<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENNmAhD66I/AAAAAAAAJ8c/P4bBDHDgX1g/s1600/IMG_6701.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENNmAhD66I/AAAAAAAAJ8c/P4bBDHDgX1g/s320/IMG_6701.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495321285691173794" border="0" /></a>William also loved the big kid toys around - he spent HOURS playing with the train sets! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENNmTSg_oI/AAAAAAAAJ8k/gZ4e467YULQ/s1600/IMG_6704.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENNmTSg_oI/AAAAAAAAJ8k/gZ4e467YULQ/s320/IMG_6704.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495321290730438274" border="0" /></a>Not that Amelia was neglected! She loved the attention too! Here she is getting a piano lesson from Aunt Kendra!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENX6PSUhaI/AAAAAAAAKBE/mcrP5knvxsA/s1600/IMG_5437.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENX6PSUhaI/AAAAAAAAKBE/mcrP5knvxsA/s320/IMG_5437.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495332628369540514" border="0" /></a>I am also a huge fan of the cousins! Becca read to William everywhere we went! He was super happy - except when we had to get out of the car!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENWuQk8vYI/AAAAAAAAKAE/M0MhUm-cabE/s1600/IMG_5312.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENWuQk8vYI/AAAAAAAAKAE/M0MhUm-cabE/s320/IMG_5312.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495331323046051202" border="0" /></a> We also went to a local sculpture garden - with a riverwalk nearby. William enjoyed the water very much. Amelia was VERY crabby that we (I) didn't let her out of the stroller to play.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENWujOEf-I/AAAAAAAAKAM/BB1yV_s-TP4/s1600/IMG_5323.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENWujOEf-I/AAAAAAAAKAM/BB1yV_s-TP4/s320/IMG_5323.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495331328050364386" border="0" /></a>The kiddos<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENWv_OlMrI/AAAAAAAAKAU/S23knfDw6A0/s1600/IMG_5330.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENWv_OlMrI/AAAAAAAAKAU/S23knfDw6A0/s320/IMG_5330.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495331352748569266" border="0" /></a>The kiddos copying the sculpture's pose<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENNmjRUNOI/AAAAAAAAJ8s/jDVh0on2Huw/s1600/IMG_6719.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENNmjRUNOI/AAAAAAAAJ8s/jDVh0on2Huw/s320/IMG_6719.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495321295020373218" border="0" /></a>And hugging Mikey!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENOPL8qqwI/AAAAAAAAJ80/bnICG75_sCQ/s1600/IMG_6721.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENOPL8qqwI/AAAAAAAAJ80/bnICG75_sCQ/s320/IMG_6721.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495321993134385922" border="0" /></a>If you look carefully, you can see Amelia is being a stinker here. It's written all over her face. Becca rolled up behind Amelia for one of her hugs and Amelia thought it would be funny just to hug Mikey. She hugged him over and over and over again, delighting not only in the attention she was getting from Mikey, but the rise she was getting out of Becca by NOT hugging her. You think "Oh, she is just a little baby..." I've got news for you! She knows EXACTLY what she is doing!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENWwbWZaOI/AAAAAAAAKAc/UdccAMR5Hok/s1600/IMG_5354.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENWwbWZaOI/AAAAAAAAKAc/UdccAMR5Hok/s320/IMG_5354.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495331360297543906" border="0" /></a>Hugs!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENOPkBzw9I/AAAAAAAAJ88/b_cQOS_oBEo/s1600/IMG_6722.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENOPkBzw9I/AAAAAAAAJ88/b_cQOS_oBEo/s320/IMG_6722.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495321999598404562" border="0" /></a>This is the closest thing poor Becca got!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENX3jWWSOI/AAAAAAAAKAk/IlwxKys0oTs/s1600/IMG_5357.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENX3jWWSOI/AAAAAAAAKAk/IlwxKys0oTs/s320/IMG_5357.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495332582215534818" border="0" /></a><br />Until Ben took pity on her and joined in the hugging<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENOP67JP1I/AAAAAAAAJ9E/ejdgsTie39U/s1600/IMG_6723.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENOP67JP1I/AAAAAAAAJ9E/ejdgsTie39U/s320/IMG_6723.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495322005744467794" border="0" /></a>Then Amelia changed her mind!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENOQcnZTtI/AAAAAAAAJ9M/AxS90pjKLYM/s1600/IMG_6730.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENOQcnZTtI/AAAAAAAAJ9M/AxS90pjKLYM/s320/IMG_6730.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495322014788439762" border="0" /></a>Even Uncle Jim got in on the hugs - he had her GIGGLING like crazy! I think we might have some video to post? Not sure.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENOQ9BhtdI/AAAAAAAAJ9U/ZQlVCoBUejE/s1600/IMG_6735.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENOQ9BhtdI/AAAAAAAAJ9U/ZQlVCoBUejE/s320/IMG_6735.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495322023487976914" border="0" /></a>William gave himself a little music lesson<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENO_p1GZZI/AAAAAAAAJ9c/TncLLs75h4I/s1600/IMG_6741.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENO_p1GZZI/AAAAAAAAJ9c/TncLLs75h4I/s320/IMG_6741.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495322825789433234" border="0" /></a>So sweet! The cousins all holding hands (L-R: Becca, William, Mikey, Ben & Amelia)! We tried to put her in the middle, but William was not having it. He kept tripping her and pulling her down - turns out he wasn't happy about not being able to hold hands with Mikey.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENRficYGAI/AAAAAAAAJ-E/FRg31cRpHwE/s1600/IMG_6745.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENRficYGAI/AAAAAAAAJ-E/FRg31cRpHwE/s320/IMG_6745.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495325572585756674" border="0" /></a>William eating his ice cream and talking to Mikey. He was so excited about having an older kid to talk to (and LISTEN!), he didn't hardly eat a bite.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENRgTQlvPI/AAAAAAAAJ-M/Hpvq4M-q6dU/s1600/IMG_6748.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENRgTQlvPI/AAAAAAAAJ-M/Hpvq4M-q6dU/s320/IMG_6748.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495325585689656562" border="0" /></a>I could do an entire post about "How to eat ice cream" by William.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENX5AKQ_jI/AAAAAAAAKA0/nHTKRaVWypg/s1600/IMG_5397.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENX5AKQ_jI/AAAAAAAAKA0/nHTKRaVWypg/s320/IMG_5397.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495332607129353778" border="0" /></a>All the kids helped Uncle Jim wash his car<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENX5lro65I/AAAAAAAAKA8/g6tI0e6Kw2g/s1600/IMG_5398.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENX5lro65I/AAAAAAAAKA8/g6tI0e6Kw2g/s320/IMG_5398.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495332617201445778" border="0" /></a>Don't mess with Amelia's sponge!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENPABgsH4I/AAAAAAAAJ9k/MRF24DVW9Vo/s1600/IMG_6798.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENPABgsH4I/AAAAAAAAJ9k/MRF24DVW9Vo/s320/IMG_6798.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495322832146276226" border="0" /></a>After some ice cream - it was time for more sprinkler fun. Amelia would rather play in a bucket full of water...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENPAoXNuJI/AAAAAAAAJ9s/EbnmwOYAHOA/s1600/IMG_6805.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENPAoXNuJI/AAAAAAAAJ9s/EbnmwOYAHOA/s320/IMG_6805.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495322842575517842" border="0" /></a>There really isn't room for two....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENPBK_R8II/AAAAAAAAJ90/zHV6SZJYwWE/s1600/IMG_6806.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENPBK_R8II/AAAAAAAAJ90/zHV6SZJYwWE/s320/IMG_6806.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495322851870371970" border="0" /></a>although, I suppose for a kiss...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENSXcI1SaI/AAAAAAAAJ_E/lK-PwpUiAjw/s1600/IMG_6787.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENSXcI1SaI/AAAAAAAAJ_E/lK-PwpUiAjw/s320/IMG_6787.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495326532965845410" border="0" /></a>William loved watching the big kids run through the sprinkler and all their different jumps<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENSX7SzWJI/AAAAAAAAJ_M/5WK0LHr2af8/s1600/IMG_6788.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENSX7SzWJI/AAAAAAAAJ_M/5WK0LHr2af8/s320/IMG_6788.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495326541329160338" border="0" /></a>Uncle Jim wasn't about to miss out on the fun either! I think we have video of this also...hmmm...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENPBsGknsI/AAAAAAAAJ98/McvqYsaUuQA/s1600/IMG_6810.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENPBsGknsI/AAAAAAAAJ98/McvqYsaUuQA/s320/IMG_6810.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495322860759326402" border="0" /></a>For dinner that night, Amelia had corn on the cob for the first time. YUMMY!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENRgndyhqI/AAAAAAAAJ-U/B47mo4lq1p8/s1600/IMG_6812.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENRgndyhqI/AAAAAAAAJ-U/B47mo4lq1p8/s320/IMG_6812.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495325591113729698" border="0" /></a>She LOVED it!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENRh0HzgBI/AAAAAAAAJ-k/l0yUjDPKorU/s1600/IMG_6814.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENRh0HzgBI/AAAAAAAAJ-k/l0yUjDPKorU/s320/IMG_6814.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495325611691048978" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENRhH0EkQI/AAAAAAAAJ-c/Iu4bnoY7xI0/s1600/IMG_6813.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENRhH0EkQI/AAAAAAAAJ-c/Iu4bnoY7xI0/s320/IMG_6813.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495325599797121282" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENSW5n2yrI/AAAAAAAAJ-8/INUt5TryT4E/s1600/IMG_6822.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENSW5n2yrI/AAAAAAAAJ-8/INUt5TryT4E/s320/IMG_6822.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495326523700726450" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENSVrqmHNI/AAAAAAAAJ-s/cNLYe0YsFxU/s1600/IMG_6817.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENSVrqmHNI/AAAAAAAAJ-s/cNLYe0YsFxU/s320/IMG_6817.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495326502774250706" border="0" /></a>William insisted on having his own big cob...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENSWcLIKSI/AAAAAAAAJ-0/i9j-J_Urd_U/s1600/IMG_6818.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENSWcLIKSI/AAAAAAAAJ-0/i9j-J_Urd_U/s320/IMG_6818.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495326515795601698" border="0" /></a>As we expected, he wasn't exactly a fan - sorry Aunt Kendra!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENX4WOJtHI/AAAAAAAAKAs/cQdqIAO1i48/s1600/IMG_5381.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENX4WOJtHI/AAAAAAAAKAs/cQdqIAO1i48/s320/IMG_5381.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495332595871364210" border="0" /></a>William's elaborate train set up on the morning we were getting ready to leave<br /><br /><br />Thanks for hosting us Jim, Kendra and family! I know we are a lot of work - but we had so much FUN! Hopefully we'll work it out to do it again - a little sooner this time!<br /></div>John & Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03943496917737350818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729144930643884764.post-64651510711527639052010-05-22T23:30:00.005-05:002010-07-18T13:18:04.979-05:00Tooth #13, 14, A compilation of posts (a mix tape, if you will)Finally, we welcome the arrival of the last two teeth for some time (please God, let there be some time before we start molars. Thank you). Teeth #13 and #14 have arrived. These are the last two until the two year molars make their appearance sometime in the next year.<br /><br />We have been busy busy busy.<br /><br />I got a bee in my bonnet and decided it was high time to take our family berry picking after hearing a 20 second story on the news. My strawberry patch isn't yielding any berries yet and we were OUT of strawberry jelly around here. EMERGENCY!<br /><br />So, John took some time off and we went and picked strawberries. We picked and picked and picked. Twenty six pounds later, we rode home happy with our haul. William, surprisingly was a wonderful helper. He did not sample the berries and took his job seriously as picker. He located and gently picked only the reddest and nicest looking strawberries. He also managed to not SIT on any strawberries. Hurray! So proud!<br /><br />The rough plan was to make up some batches of strawberry jam over the weekend. This is something I have fond memories of from growing up. There was always chaos of kids running through the kitchen and the noise of the mashing, cutting, boiling, etc required by the jam process. I had warm fuzzy plans of William helping us stir and mash...until I thought things through and decided although he was a stellar picker, he (read: I) wasn't ready for him to be a helper in the jam process. Especially since I don't really recall what all happens to make jam.<br /><br />So, John and I ended up staying up until the wee hours of the morning making some strawberry jam. With almost every single one of the strawberries in that twenty six pounds. We were EXHAUSTED. And, I'm pretty sure we won't need to make jam for at least another year.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENEgqOlxOI/AAAAAAAAJ6U/Zm4RTvJUKCY/s1600/IMG_6580.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENEgqOlxOI/AAAAAAAAJ6U/Zm4RTvJUKCY/s320/IMG_6580.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495311298204124386" border="0" /></a>Strawberry picker #0. She rode in the hiking backpack in order to keep us sane.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENEhAJ2L9I/AAAAAAAAJ6c/Qj9e3cRmRj0/s1600/IMG_6582.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENEhAJ2L9I/AAAAAAAAJ6c/Qj9e3cRmRj0/s320/IMG_6582.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495311304089808850" border="0" /></a>Strawberry Picker #1<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENEhhjdRjI/AAAAAAAAJ6k/sZsR8sIZONA/s1600/IMG_6583.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENEhhjdRjI/AAAAAAAAJ6k/sZsR8sIZONA/s320/IMG_6583.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495311313055598130" border="0" /></a>Mama and William picking strawberries<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENEiLCIxMI/AAAAAAAAJ6s/cSVPisGiQfo/s1600/IMG_6585.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENEiLCIxMI/AAAAAAAAJ6s/cSVPisGiQfo/s320/IMG_6585.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495311324190131394" border="0" /></a>Mama and William picking strawberries - I thought for sure we were going to get rained on. Somehow we got lucky and stayed dry. But, the humidity? Was terrible.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENEiYZR9KI/AAAAAAAAJ60/Nk4bgEWAdUk/s1600/IMG_6592.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TENEiYZR9KI/AAAAAAAAJ60/Nk4bgEWAdUk/s320/IMG_6592.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495311327776863394" border="0" /></a>The berries tucked safely in the truck behind the stroller.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">-------------------------------------------------<br /></div><br />We've been trying to squeeze in bike riding practice whenever possible. It gets to be a little tricky because Amelia certainly has her own agenda when we are outside (scratch that, she ALWAYS has her own agenda). It is not possible to help William conquer the Fear of the Bike and chase the little daredevil out of the street. It is possible to put her in the stroller and have William pedal. The problem here being Amelia is only happy in the stroller when it is moving. No movement? She is climbing out, head first. Being that William prefers to pedal his bike .000000000000098 miles per hour (kid you not, it took him over an hour to pedal/argue/complain his way around the block which is less than .1 miles total), she is not happy to just Sit and Wait Patiently. So, John needs to be home and the evening needs to be less than boiling hot in order to maximize the patience of the parent assisting. So far we have mastered getting on/off the bike, pedaling, taking the helmet off, and braking. Next up: looking both ways before crossing the street, watching where you are going so as not to run over small people, pedaling, going down/up a curb without tipping over.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">--------------------------------------------<br /><div style="text-align: left;">Amelia is a climber. She will work her way up onto chairs, coffee tables, toys and such until she reaches the highest point in an area. And then she realizes she doesn't know how (or doesn't remember) how to get down. Recently, I was reading to William in our open living room attached to the kitchen. I knew Amelia was in there, but figured I had time to read the last one and a half pages before I had to pull her off something. Then I heard an unfamiliar clinking sound like someone putting away some glass glasses. I finished up reading to William and when I stood up, I saw Amelia standing (STANDING!) in the middle of the kitchen table touching the metal rings on the glass light fixture. Lucky for me, she wasn't swinging from the chandelier, but it was a close call.<br /><br />As this habit has developed, I'm repeatedly telling Amelia to "Get Down!" "No no nononononononoooo!" So, days after our kitchen table experiment I was interrupted in my Highly Important laundry folding to Amelia bellowing "Get Down!!!" "No no!!!" from the top of our dining room table. This trend has continued and now when she reaches the summit of her climb, she yells "Get Down!!!" "No no!!!" to alert me she is ready to be lifted down so she can locate another tall object to scale.<br /></div></div>John & Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03943496917737350818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729144930643884764.post-43730508969455908252010-05-18T16:32:00.004-05:002010-07-16T23:23:12.953-05:00ReCap: Amelia 1 Year<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEEvINTb1nI/AAAAAAAAJ5M/JB_cY1P6SCI/s1600/20100316_8588.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEEvINTb1nI/AAAAAAAAJ5M/JB_cY1P6SCI/s320/20100316_8588.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494724838425351794" border="0" /></a><br />One year dr appointment, one year pictures<br /><br />We had our 1 year visit with the ped. about a month ago and I just can't get my life together to get it posted. We'll see how long this one sits before it finally gets posted*.<br /><br />Not much has changed. Amelia is a big girl, topping the height charts at 31.25 inches. Amazingly, this is a gain of close to 2 inches since her 9 month appointment just three months ago. Her weight has dropped off some in the charts, which I think happened about this time for William also. She still gained 2 pounds over the last 3 months, but she is now in the 75% for weight instead of at the top of the chart. Fine by me. (Which puts her weight at 22 lbs 9 oz). The doctor is very pleased by her progress and didn't have any concerns. Nor do we. With William I sometimes felt like I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. Certainly it can't be all good, can it? This time I'm able to sit back and relax (some). I'm okay that we don't leave appointments with homework or things we need to work on. Luckily, I have my own private list of things in my head of skills I need to be working on with the kids. Good thing I took so many developmental psychology courses!<br /><br />We also had Amelia's one year pictures done and they turned out GORGEOUS. Seriously amazing. A coworker of my mom does a little photography out of her house. So, I can't really recommend her unless you live in Minnesota. And know my mom. So, here are a few of my favorites:<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEEnRFqMDdI/AAAAAAAAJ5E/Y0KXYsM8-ew/s1600/20100316_8562color.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEEnRFqMDdI/AAAAAAAAJ5E/Y0KXYsM8-ew/s320/20100316_8562color.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494716194899103186" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEEnQkGxqMI/AAAAAAAAJ48/HuCj7a9LYuo/s1600/20100316_8556.jpg"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEEnQHf9HqI/AAAAAAAAJ40/qq_KgKhxkts/s1600/20100316_8554b%26w.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEEnQHf9HqI/AAAAAAAAJ40/qq_KgKhxkts/s320/20100316_8554b%26w.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494716178213183138" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEEnPhu0dsI/AAAAAAAAJ4s/C2MBjEGheS4/s1600/20100316_8554.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEEnO-8isII/AAAAAAAAJ4k/eI_wN0NGsig/s1600/20100316_8552.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEEnO-8isII/AAAAAAAAJ4k/eI_wN0NGsig/s320/20100316_8552.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494716158737297538" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEEnRFqMDdI/AAAAAAAAJ5E/Y0KXYsM8-ew/s1600/20100316_8562color.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEEnQkGxqMI/AAAAAAAAJ48/HuCj7a9LYuo/s1600/20100316_8556.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEEnQkGxqMI/AAAAAAAAJ48/HuCj7a9LYuo/s320/20100316_8556.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494716185892202690" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEEnQHf9HqI/AAAAAAAAJ40/qq_KgKhxkts/s1600/20100316_8554b%26w.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEEnPhu0dsI/AAAAAAAAJ4s/C2MBjEGheS4/s1600/20100316_8554.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEEnPhu0dsI/AAAAAAAAJ4s/C2MBjEGheS4/s320/20100316_8554.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494716168074983106" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEEvI8SmaxI/AAAAAAAAJ5U/9-4-UcsEtrs/s1600/20100316_8596bw.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEEvI8SmaxI/AAAAAAAAJ5U/9-4-UcsEtrs/s320/20100316_8596bw.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494724851038317330" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEEvKwjkZ3I/AAAAAAAAJ5k/e_oXM7aQ3hc/s1600/20100316_8646.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEEvKwjkZ3I/AAAAAAAAJ5k/e_oXM7aQ3hc/s320/20100316_8646.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494724882248001394" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEEvJ2W_zcI/AAAAAAAAJ5c/glXsF72dGpA/s1600/20100316_8628.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEEvJ2W_zcI/AAAAAAAAJ5c/glXsF72dGpA/s320/20100316_8628.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494724866626014658" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEEv7ighutI/AAAAAAAAJ58/dVhTCw5B3JM/s1600/20100316_8764.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEEv7ighutI/AAAAAAAAJ58/dVhTCw5B3JM/s320/20100316_8764.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494725720290736850" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEEv6qLuacI/AAAAAAAAJ50/8PnTtK4xDJY/s1600/20100316_8685.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEEv6qLuacI/AAAAAAAAJ50/8PnTtK4xDJY/s320/20100316_8685.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494725705171102146" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEEvLj984rI/AAAAAAAAJ5s/GhlbEcy6MEI/s1600/20100316_8675color.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mrdVY6X1U_M/TEEvLj984rI/AAAAAAAAJ5s/GhlbEcy6MEI/s320/20100316_8675color.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494724896048865970" border="0" /></a><br />*Answer: close to 2 monthsJohn & Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03943496917737350818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729144930643884764.post-28888869173222574992010-05-15T21:49:00.003-05:002010-07-16T13:18:48.387-05:00WordsA lot of new words in the last few weeks (on Amelia's part)!<br /><br /><br />Milk<br />Please<br />Bless you<br />Book<br />Down<br />Nose<br /> and I'm pretty sure a word that sounds like Ammim that is supposed to be William. She says it first thing in the morning when she wakes up and points towards his door.John & Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03943496917737350818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729144930643884764.post-3846630750659576202010-05-13T21:37:00.001-05:002010-06-26T11:31:41.448-05:00Teeth #13 and #14Amelia got teeth #13 and #14. Upper canines.John & Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03943496917737350818noreply@blogger.com0