tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48144581542230374812024-03-12T23:11:47.590-07:00A Glass Half-Full Sort of GirlBlogging about the bright side since 2010Bright Side Pursuitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11659714394059966266noreply@blogger.comBlogger506125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4814458154223037481.post-36316015565614334122017-01-03T11:28:00.001-08:002017-01-03T11:29:24.965-08:00We've Moved!<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qUDBQXUDZ_Bb-VDaloyIQvGyM22iAX2Z9RRLCR_0pph4G9AEI3Y9wKF1FnR8-qiR3gZjaVxuwxPJGzMEHaUlSKkYV3d2LAzR8E-oWGs1ZIT8-tlbG6eDswrG3bKMj43eMY3S8TdXPtmV/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qUDBQXUDZ_Bb-VDaloyIQvGyM22iAX2Z9RRLCR_0pph4G9AEI3Y9wKF1FnR8-qiR3gZjaVxuwxPJGzMEHaUlSKkYV3d2LAzR8E-oWGs1ZIT8-tlbG6eDswrG3bKMj43eMY3S8TdXPtmV/s640/028.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After five fun years (and more than 530 posts!) on Blogger, I've hauled over all my content to a shiny new site! (Or rather, my brother-in-law and fellow blogging enthusiast </span><a href="http://manofthehouse.blog/"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Luke</span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> did. Thaaaaaank you, Luke!) You can still follow me, my family, and all of my upbeat thoughts on life here:</span></div>
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<a href="https://glasshalffullness.com/"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">glasshalffullness.com</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's still being tweaked and beautified, but I love it so far!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Also, I couldn't find a good photo pertaining to "moving" so here is Cece when she was one and helping us push plants around Home Depot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thanks again for reading and I hope your new year is off to a wonderful start!</span></div>
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Bright Side Pursuitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11659714394059966266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4814458154223037481.post-12861225041875273152016-12-05T07:33:00.001-08:002016-12-05T07:33:04.266-08:00"Magical" pictures by the Christmas tree<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Between the picturesque first snowfall, our TWO Christmas trees, and the nonstop holiday music I play at home, holiday spirit levels are high in our house. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The girls even voluntarily tried on their Christmas outfits and for the first time in history asked me to take pictures of them. Hence, blog post. Cece mostly directed this impromptu photo shoot and also insisted that the lights be off. (I tried to explain that makes it harder to take pictures, but she's a lady with a vision.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here's how it turned out:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Kinda, sorta, pinterest-y? I'll try this shot again in the future, I think it could be really sweet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cecelia Ray in her holiday glory. I love.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmCJvqYb3sGFhhkTNDfjqmQpTZu-zlOStqzzpBXyjw7DzEqhzR2NgT8O7L0foq1vX0ZF-3GPprUnWHkjpVeoSMjVrmNCOpUIEtDTj9ozncemdnCw2pEL5TEZBYfBnpRhk-4bhefzxXIVx/s1600/IMG_5853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmCJvqYb3sGFhhkTNDfjqmQpTZu-zlOStqzzpBXyjw7DzEqhzR2NgT8O7L0foq1vX0ZF-3GPprUnWHkjpVeoSMjVrmNCOpUIEtDTj9ozncemdnCw2pEL5TEZBYfBnpRhk-4bhefzxXIVx/s640/IMG_5853.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGX0zl6xmY0_pUTC8ngG73VJebs1xA5y8gBoLFs6SUv0mbk_Kc6whrXJZYRkNP1cy2TgZ78zNqdh6B5ffEabAivd2Gj3HPsfqaON2KV3ZHeV9LMZ8-le75C2kmsIF6QpI_ls6igFBQCcl0/s1600/IMG_5854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGX0zl6xmY0_pUTC8ngG73VJebs1xA5y8gBoLFs6SUv0mbk_Kc6whrXJZYRkNP1cy2TgZ78zNqdh6B5ffEabAivd2Gj3HPsfqaON2KV3ZHeV9LMZ8-le75C2kmsIF6QpI_ls6igFBQCcl0/s640/IMG_5854.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And Rosie in her holiday glory. I may have to send out a secondary Christmas card this year of just Rosie like this.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Then upstairs, Cece wanted a photo series of her holding an assortment of ornaments. So we have about 20 of these types of pictures.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3j-4oZdONd1W7Xdkow2sVBUZalIPZ05aBBNU9EK4OkvUi6QEQpMY5sOKcd1LLHRyAsmV4_wo0VpyP2PjktrDIceFCcuELtOxIHUBFlIpDv0bE7CNGZHVniIvkDRcdynf4yaeMxb0tNJS6/s1600/IMG_5869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3j-4oZdONd1W7Xdkow2sVBUZalIPZ05aBBNU9EK4OkvUi6QEQpMY5sOKcd1LLHRyAsmV4_wo0VpyP2PjktrDIceFCcuELtOxIHUBFlIpDv0bE7CNGZHVniIvkDRcdynf4yaeMxb0tNJS6/s640/IMG_5869.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And Rosie wanted to pose with an Easter egg. Because, why not?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjehyf6KUbBi0uvtLFJ3RtaZe8ebfIbZKDKKdgw9f01mMRa-twvB426NGiEa3S-4CRkMMGP4AKf3yVBZopgYdx3DGFhQjuo6PML0hniKEuIRsiQuteSq_TrlrahmzQluZU8zD1xcQJdguLA/s1600/IMG_5892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjehyf6KUbBi0uvtLFJ3RtaZe8ebfIbZKDKKdgw9f01mMRa-twvB426NGiEa3S-4CRkMMGP4AKf3yVBZopgYdx3DGFhQjuo6PML0hniKEuIRsiQuteSq_TrlrahmzQluZU8zD1xcQJdguLA/s640/IMG_5892.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And before the evening was over, Rosie had to give me her new trademark pose which will undoubtedly be on her first album cover. Or inside her first book jacket. She has inherited Joe's diva personality and I think she'll go far ; )</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hope you had a great first weekend in December! I'm hoping to post more frequently this month so stay tuned for more Rosie and Cece holiday adventures!</span></div>
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Bright Side Pursuitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11659714394059966266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4814458154223037481.post-2099932610494074212016-11-23T05:37:00.001-08:002016-11-23T06:21:12.808-08:00Life Lately... and Thankfulness!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Good morning! I'm going to attempt a little combination post of what's been happening with us lately in addition to a few words of thankfulness in there with Thanksgiving being tomorrow and all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Earlier in November, my sister flew in to visit for a few days and (as I suspected), we had a smashing time. The girls loved having Auntie Robbo around to read stories, dote on them, and make elaborate play-doh cupcakes. They also enjoyed riding her down the playground slide like a toboggan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Fortunately, I fed Robbyn lots of coffee and pastries to keep her going strong in Auntie Mode.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Joe was very nice to keep shooing us out of the house and we managed several fun outings. We shopped in Stillwater one day and met Michael and McKenzie at </span><a href="http://wedgeandwheel.com/"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Wedge & Wheel</span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> and shared an out-of-control cheeseboard. It was a fantastic time (Until Rosie decided that bread and cheese isn't a proper lunch and got real mad. Fortunately, that was toward the end of the meal.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Things got even more sisterly as we also had dinner out at <a href="http://craftsmanrestaurant.com/">The Craftsman</a> and brought along my birthday-having sister-in-law. It was a delightful evening, we ate all the things , talked about all the things, and even shared three desserts at the end!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'm so glad Robbyn was able to swing in and visit. I'm always a little more inspired and energized after we've spent some time together. First of all, she's a babe so I always feel motivated to, you know, change out of my sweat pants and put on some make up. Plus, I love rehashing our childhood, especially since having two girls of my own really gives me flashbacks all the time. And I love how she just gets me excited about life, everything from our next big steps, to thinking up new ideas for our small side businesses, to trying new recipes, to planning trips, etc. I really really have the best siblings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Even better, she was able to accompany me to my first ultrasound with this third babe and that was extremely special. I can't tell you how much I love having a new little one to stare at on our refrigerator!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Rosie recently went through a tough week where there were lots of tantrums. And crying over everything. And then I was crying of course, because I felt frustrated and also helpless. I even brought her into the doctor because I was concerned that maybe I was missing an ear infection, painful teething, or something else causing her discomfort. They said she was fine... just two years old. Awesome.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Fortunately, some one-one-one time seems to have remedied things and she's back to being energetic and cheery for the most part. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I've found that my greatest cure in life and my secret to maintain sanity on the treadmill that is parenthood is time to myself in anyway, shape, or form. I do not feel guilty about it in the least. Be it a ladies night out or reading my library book with coffee in the morning before the kids up, it's my way to feel human...like ME! I will say, being able to wake up before the girls do is probably the things that sets me up most for success on any given day. Sometimes I whisper to my coffee like a crazy person "I WILL do better today!" Kidding. (No, I'm not.)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkaPgkH1bpAV771NEGg0cGqzW2FAGimEG9UpGL2FDrCkHbolRreJLZbYiOdjhhw8Cg8uCloxP7GOw7o5fKcWlFY8Ds6mGuGnu9dkdkszD_AcRDM13m86w1oFkP0UZfGlV1gRzsBYQ1M406/s1600/IMG_7742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkaPgkH1bpAV771NEGg0cGqzW2FAGimEG9UpGL2FDrCkHbolRreJLZbYiOdjhhw8Cg8uCloxP7GOw7o5fKcWlFY8Ds6mGuGnu9dkdkszD_AcRDM13m86w1oFkP0UZfGlV1gRzsBYQ1M406/s640/IMG_7742.JPG" width="640" /></span></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">All of that self-care and de-stressing is quite important because the holidays are seriously upon us! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Last weekend Cece and I had a fun date together grabbing some Starbucks (hot chocolate for her) and shopping for new Christmas decorations. We had a lovely time together and I can't believe how grown-up she is getting. I already know I am no where near ready to have a big-kid, but ready or not, it's happening. I feel like raising girls in our current world is a mighty challenge, but one that I need to tackle head-on. Because I feel at the end of the day nothing in the world is more important to me than raising strong girls in this world who know that they are so very loved.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNVQfK88jBanqghDV70eCuUBVMfl8VEbEgd-cff4qY-waB282zH-xAGpJ69pMIbrJPVdEpyNtFfLHTh2bUQGVlILSXNb2DKo0WkUxg4sbH9dw9GjlwhIE2FbXEPf990Q6zY4bzdADIVbjT/s1600/IMG_7764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNVQfK88jBanqghDV70eCuUBVMfl8VEbEgd-cff4qY-waB282zH-xAGpJ69pMIbrJPVdEpyNtFfLHTh2bUQGVlILSXNb2DKo0WkUxg4sbH9dw9GjlwhIE2FbXEPf990Q6zY4bzdADIVbjT/s640/IMG_7764.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Speak of the girls, we recently bunked them up in an early effort to make space for the new baby. We got them new beds and rearranged their room. And now, it's pretty much my most favorite space in the house. Someday I'll get around to posting more pics of our whole house as I've been wanting to give a little bloggy tour of our new place... but I keep wanting to take photos of the rooms when they are actually clean and that keeps not happening.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-4tz9e9zBUQ1bZ_UhKxcIlSJASyOskZLWvCBdaA235VdNDfbIRJ-H40o1w6krYRYQm_KRzjPeZMiCtWm54LGwC-rpbWSlm-NkVHdCFCXyaD1UL_4EXgZxAyvEvAXqU4qpnWMPDrjmfZw/s1600/IMG_7727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-4tz9e9zBUQ1bZ_UhKxcIlSJASyOskZLWvCBdaA235VdNDfbIRJ-H40o1w6krYRYQm_KRzjPeZMiCtWm54LGwC-rpbWSlm-NkVHdCFCXyaD1UL_4EXgZxAyvEvAXqU4qpnWMPDrjmfZw/s640/IMG_7727.JPG" width="640" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And if we're going to be real here, their room usually looks more like some variation of this. ^^^</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Which is still awesome.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi312hpa3jA_d9z-rpKbL6ydIK_u_562_cT0PYwfkMaK-bHD6ndig9hXe67GCTAbzc3tAk8VKomPO16O4K4cGQRY268_9Z66ML3cwiVYdK-DRtHujI1wNEaXmnWR5Dxn1FceimHjSipeuYg/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi312hpa3jA_d9z-rpKbL6ydIK_u_562_cT0PYwfkMaK-bHD6ndig9hXe67GCTAbzc3tAk8VKomPO16O4K4cGQRY268_9Z66ML3cwiVYdK-DRtHujI1wNEaXmnWR5Dxn1FceimHjSipeuYg/s640/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="438" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here's a recent pic of the two boo-boos together. I found matching Christmas PJs last week and couldn't resist already giving them to the girls. I'm still awed at how big they've gotten... and at the fact that I'm still a mom. It's been almost six years and I still feel like I can't always process that this is real life. Some days I feel like I'm a teenager and still waiting for the adult to show up!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So that's a few of the things happening lately. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sometimes it's easy to feel overwhelmed. There was a good chunk of time this month where Rosie was having her epic tantrums, housework and projects needed doing everywhere I looked, I hadn't been caught up on editing photos in months, and it was hard to be on any kind of media without getting all of the post-election news and problems with the country and the world. It feels a little hard to be going into Thanksgiving and the holidays with everyone so divided. Sometimes it feels like a lot. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But. I am thankful for so much. This has been a big year for us (and a pretty wild year for the world). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">How much more could I ask for? Joe and I come from two wonderful families and have two lovely healthy girls and one more baby on the way. We're living in a neighborhood and house that is so fantastic that I can't believe it's ours after almost six months. And even though I dabble in photography, I'm massively thankful that our life has worked out where our home and kids are my first job. I haven't quite figured out how to express gratitude without sounding braggy, but I just want to make it clear that I don't take what I have for granted for a moment. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0r22qrOwXLtfV_7cJk1QEMlmPrnN9kEpJLytT86yOxeVSoZ6eNK8SxDNrMEdxe3k4vMz7gWIuB4_nDxZsoF32NeNsn2RJeRqQdPazBxm6nZqTS6cDN4SzEZUphpYZuhG-XZHrmDwsitqU/s1600/IMG_7757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0r22qrOwXLtfV_7cJk1QEMlmPrnN9kEpJLytT86yOxeVSoZ6eNK8SxDNrMEdxe3k4vMz7gWIuB4_nDxZsoF32NeNsn2RJeRqQdPazBxm6nZqTS6cDN4SzEZUphpYZuhG-XZHrmDwsitqU/s400/IMG_7757.JPG" width="400" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Lastly, I just wanted to express my thankfulness and love for my husband who has made my dream life possible through his hard work everyday. And what's more, I love how he still comes home tired as hell and still helps me around the house and still has energy and smiles and silliness and stories and tuck-ins for the girls when I feel like I am running on empty. So, Joe, if you actually get to reading this... thank you for all you do! It's not easy, and we're both often exhausted, but there's not anyone else I want to be this exhausted with. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is a photo of us from Thanksgiving 2006. Look how rested and relaxed we probably were ten years ago, haha.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Happy Thanksgiving to all! May your hearts be full and your pants be stretchy!</span></div>
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Bright Side Pursuitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11659714394059966266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4814458154223037481.post-57998591446109456872016-11-12T06:13:00.001-08:002016-11-12T06:13:30.844-08:00Family Pictures 2016... and news!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Holiday greetings from our family! We took our Christmas card photos weeks ago (back in October) in an extremely successful 10 minutes session by Joe's cousin Ashley (THANK YOU, ASHLEY!!!) I've been dying to share photos, not just because I love sharing pictures, but so I can finally announce that BABY #3 is on the way!!! Cece is very excited, Rosie is still grasping the concept, Joe is pumped to have another minion, and I'm thrilled/nervous/excited to have another babe around here!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Baby is due in May, I've been feeling pretty decent (just hungry, sleepy, and emotional, but that's really no different than how things normally are... I just can't fit into clothes with buttons or zippers. Meh. Not a tragedy.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What do you think? Boy or girl this time? If it's a girl, Cece has had the name "Lily Bloom Flower" picked out for months. (Apparently, she wishes that's what we named her.) We just had our first ultrasound and we know it's not twins, but we do know that the baby is looking ever-so-cute so far. We're feeling very lucky around here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Thanks for stopping by and reading! Will try to keep up the blogging as our journey with baby #3 continues.</span></div>
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Bright Side Pursuitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11659714394059966266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4814458154223037481.post-39789063603950008592016-11-07T04:51:00.000-08:002016-11-07T04:51:10.595-08:00Halloween 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8V5pmMDjkdsgpq_ZRDXfXaJ-TSje9HiFmOIcStwmIWR2gQPcz06nhSvZ2Inb5K4dbkBH4sd9-jsHsgNzJxSfCh90tyl1vZ3qwSUr4__KCd2uAbDqEViJSaGRp4mCPjMZuNmk16iYZGCg/s1600/IMG_4963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8V5pmMDjkdsgpq_ZRDXfXaJ-TSje9HiFmOIcStwmIWR2gQPcz06nhSvZ2Inb5K4dbkBH4sd9-jsHsgNzJxSfCh90tyl1vZ3qwSUr4__KCd2uAbDqEViJSaGRp4mCPjMZuNmk16iYZGCg/s640/IMG_4963.JPG" width="426" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hi, friends! Last Monday was Halloween and our first time trick-or-treating in our new neighborhood. And O M Goodness. What fun the girls had and what an impressive candy haul they brought home! (Thanks, girls!) Cece wanted a mermaid costume this year and Rosie was excited to be Elena of Avalor. The girls let me put long sleeve shirts under their costumes without any fuss which I considered a major win. (I remember being devastated to wear a turtleneck under my princess Jasmine costume one year. I just really wanted to freeze and my mom wouldn't let me. Sigh.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A few more photos from my phone below:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5iqoIX4LoY6cHvLCOl1C3fQEFOZxTGJEomOWYMn3gk3I5pSUeRCHZPwgYWiqMzggB-q65SUD1nxgWdDH4FWVdmhGhAqg9PTpgUO-bR197xI7ZHw-WIPSjCsI1anbz1koV5IyALZLowg_/s1600/IMG_7483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5iqoIX4LoY6cHvLCOl1C3fQEFOZxTGJEomOWYMn3gk3I5pSUeRCHZPwgYWiqMzggB-q65SUD1nxgWdDH4FWVdmhGhAqg9PTpgUO-bR197xI7ZHw-WIPSjCsI1anbz1koV5IyALZLowg_/s640/IMG_7483.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I can't remember if I've ever mentioned this, but I truly hate carving pumpkins. Like, everything about the process. Fortunately, the girls were happy to just paint their pumpkins this year. Again, thanks girls!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAZimQnywUAAfJTdvvLntO4VpIznFrOGS1FcRdeaceGX9zfrup-93_oe8k7P62UHEtpzTfdxuZjDgCL9uo-Nq1-0BE-sdC_vRl2kuQp_VYRlbkgiFH81UeR8PrrzBUD9lJsDLJX0IRLne/s1600/IMG_7516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAZimQnywUAAfJTdvvLntO4VpIznFrOGS1FcRdeaceGX9zfrup-93_oe8k7P62UHEtpzTfdxuZjDgCL9uo-Nq1-0BE-sdC_vRl2kuQp_VYRlbkgiFH81UeR8PrrzBUD9lJsDLJX0IRLne/s640/IMG_7516.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YwUqlvXjm92t44cOKKTOJHNLCV_ludSejeoKMVwMEIcqVT9WIl4jVzUdKkZjzjf0vebZcT6gcdXnPmN5vZCRP9Oo6hRAdMHIrZlJZSRZzpVcvzIfkh5DlL5xN2aoD6BOWoNd7wBMdBAp/s1600/IMG_7520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YwUqlvXjm92t44cOKKTOJHNLCV_ludSejeoKMVwMEIcqVT9WIl4jVzUdKkZjzjf0vebZcT6gcdXnPmN5vZCRP9Oo6hRAdMHIrZlJZSRZzpVcvzIfkh5DlL5xN2aoD6BOWoNd7wBMdBAp/s640/IMG_7520.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We started out trick-or-treating by cruising around the neighborhood in our fly new ride. However, the girls ditched the car when they realized it was way faster to run from house to house.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQj0y0VTdnEaGiL35jF_ypj_lm9rq0j1rjrbutQZg6HGZihSJzW0sPCIKHoFp6bKjxdUNt1u8rxrEZnPrmXt8_pt-XZ_JFgMEd_IE6JzeJ00LLYtfCIiUf8s6Pit5k1lM9PrHlNPr-vCs_/s1600/IMG_7523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQj0y0VTdnEaGiL35jF_ypj_lm9rq0j1rjrbutQZg6HGZihSJzW0sPCIKHoFp6bKjxdUNt1u8rxrEZnPrmXt8_pt-XZ_JFgMEd_IE6JzeJ00LLYtfCIiUf8s6Pit5k1lM9PrHlNPr-vCs_/s640/IMG_7523.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">To say our neighborhood was filled with trick-or-treaters is a serious understatement. I had never seen so many kids and parents out celebrating Halloween. It really was a blast and we had a great time with some of Cece's friends from school. I think we stayed out for about an hour and a half and then came home to warm up with hot chocolate, bath time, and the Vikings game ; ) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Cece and Rosie also got to hand out candy for a little while after they came home and I think they enjoyed that almost as much as trick-or-treating itself!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cece has already been asking how many days until next Halloween. I don't blame you girl, this was a great one!</span></div>
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Bright Side Pursuitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11659714394059966266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4814458154223037481.post-25831931560952073732016-10-27T13:50:00.000-07:002016-10-27T19:44:25.839-07:00Halloween Candy Houses<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikS6-f6x9pWL7iYQvYq19Exfh-U-F2Pa-Nc7QmpUgQrbpz0guPo1Y2bSh5Z9Z3Hcn3vCymW6zxs7gaWqgPwUpB-f0vRcwZsqxixtgtRjmeOotmmNDBiDwXseiCPX623Lt8nbZb7ANDCNqU/s1600/IMG_4401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikS6-f6x9pWL7iYQvYq19Exfh-U-F2Pa-Nc7QmpUgQrbpz0guPo1Y2bSh5Z9Z3Hcn3vCymW6zxs7gaWqgPwUpB-f0vRcwZsqxixtgtRjmeOotmmNDBiDwXseiCPX623Lt8nbZb7ANDCNqU/s640/IMG_4401.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Happy almost-Halloween! Cece recently had a four-day weekend and we kept busy for most of it. However, on Monday we relaxed around the house and I managed to facilitate a small Halloween project for the girls. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">During the Christmas season, making gingerbread houses is one of our favorite things to do. I figured we could start honing our skills and put a Halloween spin on the candy house idea. Really, all this meant was that I bought some candy corn and dark chocolate frosting. And I then quickly assembled simple structures from graham crackers that we already had in the pantry. (Joe called my construction skills too simple and "Ted Mosby-like" but I don't care. The girls turned them into masterpieces!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I tried to monitor the candy-eating and frosting-licking, but as you can see, Rosie is totally guilty of sweet consumption (and so stinkin' adorable!). Cece could work on a project like this literally for hours. She was so sweet and thankful that I set this up for them!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I also love how Rosie's house's door is a nod to Olaf the snowman.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeosIw6Utf0TY6f_tuVL0jq0ren_w1rZAXERDNHbdSMo2WxNrp00KY-JNa33As5qJaqVZM2LprYHZG1k9OPJnVwQPNne9Td5MOTe9rj4J2VOxYA_L7icEiCyCBZkJTtU2Gfw556rhFJS-8/s1600/IMG_4409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeosIw6Utf0TY6f_tuVL0jq0ren_w1rZAXERDNHbdSMo2WxNrp00KY-JNa33As5qJaqVZM2LprYHZG1k9OPJnVwQPNne9Td5MOTe9rj4J2VOxYA_L7icEiCyCBZkJTtU2Gfw556rhFJS-8/s640/IMG_4409.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As you can see, the girls had a lot of fun and these masterpieces are now centerpieces on our dining room table. (Of course, the smell of frosting was making me crave cupcakes... so I might have baked a whole batch of cupcakes today... whoops.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Anyways, thanks for checking out our cute candy houses!</span></div>
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Bright Side Pursuitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11659714394059966266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4814458154223037481.post-75017909056122672222016-10-26T12:31:00.000-07:002016-10-26T12:31:44.963-07:00ALL the things!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4yweQtrEad7J0Aj6ak0G2DCksxfNmQellVIP-88MxseWnDTDpStLd5XBngLDWRnOcDCN2MDxPR8Zw5rIfUfW3sJDdiuAQAo29EUMIX2RQqIPLJ9k42CSpLSFnd9LnTbPYooJtu8Mg-3hf/s1600/IMG_6418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4yweQtrEad7J0Aj6ak0G2DCksxfNmQellVIP-88MxseWnDTDpStLd5XBngLDWRnOcDCN2MDxPR8Zw5rIfUfW3sJDdiuAQAo29EUMIX2RQqIPLJ9k42CSpLSFnd9LnTbPYooJtu8Mg-3hf/s640/IMG_6418.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Well, hi! It's been nearly two months since my last post. (As you can see, the above photo is from late summer when Target still thought kids carts were a good idea.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> We've been staying busy with all things fall and adjusting to Cece's life in kindergarten. I've been taking lots of family pictures and even shot two weddings in the past couple months. Therefore, any time I can manage to get on the computer, I try to get as much editing done as possible and blogging gets put on the backburner.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">However. I've decided to take a little time and just jot down a few things that have happened over the past couple months. (And then finally I can check off "update blog" as it's been on my to-do list for about seven weeks ; )</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This lovely lake shot is from early September when I flew out to Boston for Labor Day weekend to shoot a wedding in at <a href="http://www.camplenox.com/">Camp Lenox</a> in Massachusetts. It was a fun and beautiful weekend to celebrate such Katrina and Aaron, who are a wonderful couple and I'm honored that they asked me to help document their day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I managed a teeny tiny bit of sight seeing before my getting on my return flight. I was able to check out <a href="http://www.thefreedomtrail.org/freedom-trail/boston-common.shtml">Boston Common</a> and even spotted <a href="http://cheersboston.com/">Cheers</a>! Next time I'm out that way, there's about 30 other things I'd love to check out. So, I've made a list for next time because there needs to be a next time!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Also in early September, we made our second trip out to the <a href="http://renaissancefest.com/">MN Renaissance Festival</a>. Despite Rosie's pouting face in this picture, our whole family had a blast with the Olsons eating festival food, finding fairies, supervising pony rides, testing out enchanted scrunchies, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Are we magical mamas or what??? My mom says that I can't wear my wench costume all the time. Phooey. I say this is the ultimate ladies night attire. Til next year, Ren fest!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Now that Cece is living that kindergarten life, I am under new management... the management of Rosie Posie. It's been intense. I've been instructed to make her tacos everyday and also give horsie rides on demand.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Just kidding (a little). Actually, although we miss Cece during the day (as proven by Rosie sleeping on the floor next to Cece's bed at night), I have been enjoying my time with her a whole lot. Not to mention there's no sibling fighting for about 8 hours every day. And Rosie usually takes a nap which gives me time to do things like shower, make dinner, and edit the occasional batch of photos while there's daylight and I'm not totally sleepy. And Rosie is also probably the funniest person I know, so really, it's been a good situation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Joe and I even managed a trip to <a href="http://verticalendeavors.com/">Vertical Endeavors</a> with Rosie one morning while he was off. She's still a ways away from ringing the bell at the top, but she'll get there.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Climb on, Rosie Posie!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Gg7cVDUhhwgrdn38SROr6BR-YTmOYWM-IL66r0P9njIWq-71cPW2oCdQ7zl3hA3lk5qF09q64QLGgiS3poxFEsdPEWruMN8KkTHg5hZh0NO1RVerKbi3jwHDxlAT4h2TQdzOoBHeml2W/s1600/IMG_6979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Gg7cVDUhhwgrdn38SROr6BR-YTmOYWM-IL66r0P9njIWq-71cPW2oCdQ7zl3hA3lk5qF09q64QLGgiS3poxFEsdPEWruMN8KkTHg5hZh0NO1RVerKbi3jwHDxlAT4h2TQdzOoBHeml2W/s640/IMG_6979.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And we haven't been exactly amazing at trying out new restaurants since we've moved, but we did recently eat at <a href="http://sapporowi.com/">Sapporo</a> in Hudson. The kids were a little antsy, but all was good once we ordered dessert, of course. Yay for (family) date night!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I've been very fortunate to chaperone a couple field trips for Cece. In September we went to <a href="http://www.aftonapple.com/">Afton Apple Orchard</a> and picked all the good apples with proper apple picking technique (which we later used to bake apple crisp!). I also accompanied her to the <a href="http://thephipps.org/">The Phipps Center for the Arts</a> to see the play Mother Goosed. I sure love plays and since I don't think Hamilton is in my near future, this was the next best thing. Not to mention there was great weather that day and we got to have a picnic lunch. That chaperone life is good.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Joe and I also managed to get out for a date night recently. It was to attend Cady and Luke's wedding in Stillwater. Actually I was shooting the wedding. And I made Joe be my assistant (He was an amazing assistant! He carried my things, carried the bride's dress, assisted with my lighting needs. and grabbed me appetizers so I could keep up my energy and strength!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In October, we also celebrated several cousins' birthdays (Elise, Vincent, and Dominic) and we got to do so at the <a href="https://www.smm.org/">Science Museum</a>! All of the kids had a blast (and so did the adults). The girls especially loved when they got to make mini volcanoes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So it seems like everyone and their grandma on social media has managed to do multiple fall outings this year from farms to pumpkin patches to grape stomps. Feeling the peer pressure, I took the girls to <a href="http://axdahlfarms.com/season_fall.shtml">Axdahl's</a> where we attempted a corn maze (Cece tripped and got muddy and was not happy about it), visited a tiny petting zoo, and got some teeny pumpkins and caramel apples. Boom. Fall y'all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Just last week, I managed an awesome day-o-fun with Rosie Posie. After accompanying Cece to school for breakfast and the Scholastic Book fair, Rosie asked that we go to Teddy Bear Park. So we spent the morning in Stillwater. After Teddy Bear Park, we walked around, found Humpty Dumpty and the minions, did some window shopping (ok, I bought her a Pegasus), and we had lunch at <a href="http://www.leosgrill.com/">Leo's</a> (which is an awesome 50's diner and I had the most amazing seasonal salad) . Honestly, one of my favorite days. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">We've had many warm October days that were perfect for still playing outside, visiting playgrounds, and even chalking on our sidewalk. Although I've been cooking and baking all of my fall favorites (snickerdoodles!), it really hasn't been oven weather yet. Not complaining over here. Warm October days are the very best kind of days.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'm going to end the blog post with this picture because it makes me smile every time I look at it! Recently, Rosie has been very specific about who assists her. So, she did NOT want me to put on her socks the other morning, but was totally fine with Cece doing it. Two-year-olds... I tell you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'm hoping your fall is going great! If you made it to the end of this, thanks for reading about all the things.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">xoxo</span></div>
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Bright Side Pursuitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11659714394059966266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4814458154223037481.post-25063513377224619692016-09-07T10:36:00.001-07:002016-09-07T10:36:21.311-07:00First Day of Kindergarten!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOidhaFACHSAbFHqaNizot3NK8eC8dEZdrPp4EM6ANwzI94l5BMiADo3bob76Hp4tMast_vHYuWuX8AQ7LlCsmAFbGg91OuZDkM37szTJyRzqinYdjlvd20Kup_HDmXuYVlkX0Rg2nz6WU/s1600/IMG_2652-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOidhaFACHSAbFHqaNizot3NK8eC8dEZdrPp4EM6ANwzI94l5BMiADo3bob76Hp4tMast_vHYuWuX8AQ7LlCsmAFbGg91OuZDkM37szTJyRzqinYdjlvd20Kup_HDmXuYVlkX0Rg2nz6WU/s640/IMG_2652-2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">"Today is your day. Your mountain is waiting so get on your way."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">-Dr. Suess</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Our family woke up bright and early this morning to send Cece off on her way to her first day of kindergarten. We had a big family breakfast (French toast and farina with applesauce), put on shiny new shoes, packed a lunch, took some quick pictures, and then dropped Cece off to embark on her education.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I started regularly writing this personal blog about five years ago now and have loved having a place to record and share our family life. (And then be able to go back and relive it!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> It really all started with Cece and our adventures together during the day. Some days they would be big (road trip to Chicago!) and some days they would be small ( road trip to the Target dollar section!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I knew on some distant day in the future that I would be sending off a school age kiddo to kindergarten, but I can't believe that day is already here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cece, you've added so much light and brightness to my life. Sometimes I think I dreamed you into existence. And I realize that's can't be true because I couldn't have dreamed up a daughter as wonderful as you are. Even though I don't feel it always shows, being your mom and being home with you for the past five years has made me a better person.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> I hope you love school. I hope you come home excited to tell me about the kids in your class, your teacher, and what you learned that day. I hope you always love "arting" and reading and going to bed with a pile of books even when we tell you it's time to sleep. I hope that even when things are hard, you always tell me and we can work through it together. I also hope that I don't get nearly so emotional and weepy every new school year. (Because, seriously, this is ridiculous.) I wish you a spectacular day and a fantastic school year and I absolutely can't wait to hear how it all went!</span></div>
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Bright Side Pursuitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11659714394059966266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4814458154223037481.post-29063184962797281482016-08-31T05:31:00.001-07:002016-08-31T06:01:59.787-07:00Ren Fest 2016<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Over the weekend we put on our flower crowns and got a chance to partake in our favorite end-of-summer tradition... The Minnesota Renaissance Festival! How do you even pick a favorite part? It's all the things we love... knights, jousting, mermaids and fairies (because those are totally part of history), performers of all sorts, and the occasional turkey leg, of course. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This year, Cece got pulled on stage to be one of the tiny troubadours. I'm glad she gave it a try even though she was nervous at first. See her in the corner playing the triangle?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg187PAEgqqaPXIET2nglk9pJ-PtEjX4UzmzGNvItfP8HuJUNNIQWm75MsrMHPCl-9chPERcZUJNRBFNz82Qc8rNcu4Y7KcJ4Og1aqGR3XELtBOY7V7uuWHp-dt8McpT6PeD0GKzeOrdgRP/s640/IMG_0701.JPG" width="426" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">If you can't tell, the girls and I found the mermaid cove to be absolutely captivating. It never gets old. We may have entered the line three times to visit the mermaids and receive gifts of gems. (By the third visit, I had Joe go on without me so I could go eat a blooming onion by myself... See? Something for everyone.) Also, I loved how we had to tell Rosie to stop petting the mermaids tail so we could get a photo.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">We visited the Princess Court where the girls could dress up (although both opted not to. Cece insisted on wearing my skating dress from the 1998 ice show... I mean, you really can't compete with that kind of vintage ensemble : )</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Also, Cece decided that her heart's desire this year was to try out the big trampoline. What's more fun than watching your first-born voluntarily get catapulted into the air?</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">The answer is watching your two-year-old also get catapulted because you gotta do everything that your big sister does!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's not a true festival day without pony rides!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Or archery.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Oh yes, and the juggling and breathing of fire also cannot be skipped.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0mIoogZCKjv2hmq_ZG7lchKDYBeZvJVJAu9nlXmKGu_8ErstpM8XKACpYWr1cbEUAOYjhpshonrGcwRyInePnjHAY7-CmfEVZyt-HqbvQrgKLPb-Crji0v29H_7U24dq_DZhJFc9W1W3/s1600/IMG_0676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0mIoogZCKjv2hmq_ZG7lchKDYBeZvJVJAu9nlXmKGu_8ErstpM8XKACpYWr1cbEUAOYjhpshonrGcwRyInePnjHAY7-CmfEVZyt-HqbvQrgKLPb-Crji0v29H_7U24dq_DZhJFc9W1W3/s640/IMG_0676.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">We met a variety of characters on the street including this wind-up mechanical man.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2njFYK3m1E85F-JThnuge-4URciBeNuz4gAOsGEdrsQjL5oRxHBOZxSmhXtGIGnh8SBNawT8AcjvcZirzOVAPevnSAQHOr2wNIR_YY4rSnQhdfSOBMPHqLTkw0ps1-pCc01bV8e8Mrh9t/s1600/IMG_0666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2njFYK3m1E85F-JThnuge-4URciBeNuz4gAOsGEdrsQjL5oRxHBOZxSmhXtGIGnh8SBNawT8AcjvcZirzOVAPevnSAQHOr2wNIR_YY4rSnQhdfSOBMPHqLTkw0ps1-pCc01bV8e8Mrh9t/s640/IMG_0666.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">The girls insisted on riding the enormous rocking horse. Who were we to stop them?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhZDvHD0KicIl83w3wVsWBNe4Ro9Hlng6bmWAADK1gMZ7IQ4_CGavvRmeV6ngJGnvyawECD4pqPyOYxVUb3W1YNCGDOq4cGNq7RI4azdbJau2wFVf3sB82wAFLXonzPSlA5zaIa9YosIu/s1600/IMG_0679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhZDvHD0KicIl83w3wVsWBNe4Ro9Hlng6bmWAADK1gMZ7IQ4_CGavvRmeV6ngJGnvyawECD4pqPyOYxVUb3W1YNCGDOq4cGNq7RI4azdbJau2wFVf3sB82wAFLXonzPSlA5zaIa9YosIu/s640/IMG_0679.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'm glad to say that we did manage one family photo from the day... sitting on the throne of swords. To be framed, no?</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Sherwood Forest and Fairy Wing forest proved magical as always. (Even through walking with little ones over the forest terrain always stresses me out a little)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy56LSqwYuCkOLBNKWsrNzt9kHCFBv_8fhl7YwuPOy5-2bbwxeMwLzdvpOc7FGaQOsMxr5AbZVgfMY4OKM2L1UUs2nVDA7iLxOtH6uYrz0r0zPgtgyjdhN5zaS9IAryI2vyOPihRuidM1m/s1600/IMG_0731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy56LSqwYuCkOLBNKWsrNzt9kHCFBv_8fhl7YwuPOy5-2bbwxeMwLzdvpOc7FGaQOsMxr5AbZVgfMY4OKM2L1UUs2nVDA7iLxOtH6uYrz0r0zPgtgyjdhN5zaS9IAryI2vyOPihRuidM1m/s640/IMG_0731.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">After about four years of Renaissance Festival visits, we FINALLY managed to see a live joust to end the day. While eating ice cream. I'm sure that's how spectators used to do it back in the day. It was very clangy and bangy, but still fun!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I think the most amazing part of the day is that we were at the fest for about six hours and the girls (without naps) held it together and had such a great time! No naps, but also no meltdowns of any kind. Not when it rained a little bit ("Oh, it's just a little Scottish weather!") or when we had to hike for miles in the mud to get to and from our car, or even when we had to leave a fun event.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank you to my family for such a wonderful day and to all of the fantastic people who continue to put on such an entertaining festival. We may be back again before the season is over!</span></div>
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Bright Side Pursuitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11659714394059966266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4814458154223037481.post-13895473251765503492016-08-18T10:45:00.000-07:002016-08-21T12:33:23.583-07:00Remembering Grandma Geneva<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I've had the privilege of knowing Grandma Geneva for about 11 years. And although I've known her for much less time than her own kids and grandkids, I still feel broken-hearted and deeply saddend by her passing this week.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Although the details of her life have been recorded <a href="http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sctimes/obituary.aspx?n=geneva-reimer&pid=181102464">here</a>, I need to make it clear how bomb she was. I am going to miss her greatly, but I will always be inspired by her. As the matriarch of a huge family (</span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">six children, 24 grandchildren, and 33 great-grand children)</span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> she still always managed to make everyone feel special and welcomed, no matter the circumstances or size of the crowd on any given day. (This is no small feat. I can barely remember the names of my own two children some days.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Even when I was super new to the family (and nervous!), she would always chat me up with smiles and kindness and ask me about what was going on in my life. Being a couple states away from my own parents and grandparents, it meant a lot to be accepted so warmly. I loved seeing how much she enjoyed life and adored her family, always attending events (from weddings to first birthday parties) and giving the most thoughtful gifts. (Jars of homemade salsa were among our favorites and the handmade baby blankets will forever be treasured.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am inspired not only by her unwavering love for her family, but also the beautiful 60-year partnership she shared with Joe's grandpa. They did <i>everything</i> together and radiated happiness while doing so. I feel blessed to have witnessed what that kind of companionship looks and the legacy of love it leaves behind. Those are true relationship goals. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My own grandma passed away two years ago and I hope she and Geneva can bump into each other in heaven and chat it up (and brag about all of their grandkids, of course). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Saying goodbye is so difficult and painful, but I'm doing my best to remember that we are so lucky to have had someone in our lives that makes goodbye so hard.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;">We will remember and love you always, Grandma Geneva.</span></div>
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Bright Side Pursuitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11659714394059966266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4814458154223037481.post-64287458809802138422016-08-14T08:11:00.001-07:002016-08-14T08:14:57.217-07:00Monkey Run!<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFuVvpyssZTZia2HYwz0-gRlgeoo2TXXI51Z-ZPXSwows0S9jNQcLjqLd5WiM_e6mPzTZNRwesDBBk75flbz05uMDivj5vbF20edxGqg5kFwHZYV6XsuOX9z-spXgPe4-I24KoHCO-MJ3/s1600/IMG_0537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFuVvpyssZTZia2HYwz0-gRlgeoo2TXXI51Z-ZPXSwows0S9jNQcLjqLd5WiM_e6mPzTZNRwesDBBk75flbz05uMDivj5vbF20edxGqg5kFwHZYV6XsuOX9z-spXgPe4-I24KoHCO-MJ3/s640/IMG_0537.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Over the weekend, Joe ran his third (I think?) race of the season and Cece participated in her first mud run! Maybe it's the Olympics that has gotten to me, but I felt so very proud of both of them. Joe might as well have been taking a walk in the park instead of doing a 10K obstacle course and Cece didn't get squeamish about the mud or back down from any of the obstacles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Below are a few photos from the day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Joe ran the race with Jake, Cece ran with Penny. Emily and I carried all of the stuff around, and Jack and Rosie really enjoyed playing in the mud.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">One of the obstacles from the grown-up race. Very Ninja Warrior!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Penny and Cece warming up and stretching pre-race... afterall, no one wants a pulled hammy.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQcX3SRUNGNpw9CSzzFW1-oGzsr42r_V7DnQqdoVSsEFzB4r6AhepflNzBOdNIzcUnjrwGKt8xkw71O77N1rgbRxZLyOvKA_6lpPh98vTnITYS8ovrqnuDLzALgH0Ag8AAmZlU4Jm47hp/s1600/IMG_0513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQcX3SRUNGNpw9CSzzFW1-oGzsr42r_V7DnQqdoVSsEFzB4r6AhepflNzBOdNIzcUnjrwGKt8xkw71O77N1rgbRxZLyOvKA_6lpPh98vTnITYS8ovrqnuDLzALgH0Ag8AAmZlU4Jm47hp/s640/IMG_0513.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And then they were off! I didn't see them for about a half mile until they got close to the finish line.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47P4zUpRE7CZTVevtkzEicyu5_H6oMIJUEdwMIJUeuKy7pj0ID8OunN5S3uQdcbQ0eK3nkoxvQJGs7PkX2cmsWhj1jbbHgC0H2wObcndKTi9tacU1c1UhDzl9hcVmfnPRKUKye_8U7PKm/s1600/IMG_0528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47P4zUpRE7CZTVevtkzEicyu5_H6oMIJUEdwMIJUeuKy7pj0ID8OunN5S3uQdcbQ0eK3nkoxvQJGs7PkX2cmsWhj1jbbHgC0H2wObcndKTi9tacU1c1UhDzl9hcVmfnPRKUKye_8U7PKm/s640/IMG_0528.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> She finished strong and got a medal!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx3-Hn5pFYeOx8CobI7BRWlVZuRRn_HVkSjqNSAfF1zqccwzuMfTW5X5eTJMkyuFogeROrZfu1FsgpUiAxV_smJ8X_co0OxwJNBQcG3-iE-1UQkBNsWIr5B-1srB5C0KG0Z3DGQkrJmN0E/s1600/IMG_0543-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx3-Hn5pFYeOx8CobI7BRWlVZuRRn_HVkSjqNSAfF1zqccwzuMfTW5X5eTJMkyuFogeROrZfu1FsgpUiAxV_smJ8X_co0OxwJNBQcG3-iE-1UQkBNsWIr5B-1srB5C0KG0Z3DGQkrJmN0E/s640/IMG_0543-2.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Honestly, what can feel better than standing on the podium with your girlfriend?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Congrats again to these awesome little girls! (And congrats to the fellas of course who ran their race and then accompanied the girls for theirs.)</span></div>
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Bright Side Pursuitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11659714394059966266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4814458154223037481.post-12087993701516705502016-08-10T05:52:00.003-07:002016-08-10T05:52:39.456-07:00I'm on a boat!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBj_2jeZYT4PzmWUoSPW2IjtJZ2QfyGfxb2Swq9mNJ2isr1T_7dGD_q0RuVpDmBWUwXyb0ASO8IvC-Pxj-Sh2LwDgiLUqh-bAezZ7O1fTZa5JDxjerQUH6OJ7WnE1Rp6cUT1f2ijJEDqGu/s1600/IMG_0442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBj_2jeZYT4PzmWUoSPW2IjtJZ2QfyGfxb2Swq9mNJ2isr1T_7dGD_q0RuVpDmBWUwXyb0ASO8IvC-Pxj-Sh2LwDgiLUqh-bAezZ7O1fTZa5JDxjerQUH6OJ7WnE1Rp6cUT1f2ijJEDqGu/s640/IMG_0442.jpg" width="482" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After a morning of shopping and eating in Stillwater, the birthday fun continued on <a href="http://www.stillwaterriverboats.com/">a cruise on the St. Croix</a>! We had a dinner of BBQ ribs and got to enjoy sitting on the different decks, taking in the view, and looking out for mermaids, of course.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(This is not a photo of the boat we were on because I had forgotten to take one... but I think it probably looked similar to the one that was in front of us.)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPoBgV0jUu-SkXR2-PFzVkxzt6J5OAfUvt0SKXQBJcLwnMTr4e9YS5lBtcopvaVVs57IVP1YTNCzn1TQt8mHat5qwdELwUCfHnNjBkkT0x0qiPzZZ8i0o-0YK1Q2vVrSY8JMogg-bDbHK6/s1600/IMG_0481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPoBgV0jUu-SkXR2-PFzVkxzt6J5OAfUvt0SKXQBJcLwnMTr4e9YS5lBtcopvaVVs57IVP1YTNCzn1TQt8mHat5qwdELwUCfHnNjBkkT0x0qiPzZZ8i0o-0YK1Q2vVrSY8JMogg-bDbHK6/s640/IMG_0481.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This photo turned out really pink-ish, and I liked it so much that I'm just letting it stay that way, even though this is not the true colors of the boat.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6gb48SZ5KuBLt5StUlyYGvreXI-RVcP2u3t-AIyKG0UUxnZTRaQHx3ctIl4chkEyjRR95NmfGcYZMsTefWDWPdK7RR_oSoqFHYyW5N_p8Uz-R8ONz8VhUmJho3lpbh3IHkwD5mhHwYjA/s1600/IMG_0437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6gb48SZ5KuBLt5StUlyYGvreXI-RVcP2u3t-AIyKG0UUxnZTRaQHx3ctIl4chkEyjRR95NmfGcYZMsTefWDWPdK7RR_oSoqFHYyW5N_p8Uz-R8ONz8VhUmJho3lpbh3IHkwD5mhHwYjA/s640/IMG_0437.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGcWLdkBvtywvuoKo_IgmZor3gQ6qF-VdJQlxg0njLY9Hsr3RAR31DAjKyE7Bho6hDgLKOWSoGCJIAdJ51bDpugIi4JhGjZyeljrecxyLgCwiInHgDiLOumeFROzPLA6qqvCvrtFj6bpwP/s1600/IMG_0439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGcWLdkBvtywvuoKo_IgmZor3gQ6qF-VdJQlxg0njLY9Hsr3RAR31DAjKyE7Bho6hDgLKOWSoGCJIAdJ51bDpugIi4JhGjZyeljrecxyLgCwiInHgDiLOumeFROzPLA6qqvCvrtFj6bpwP/s640/IMG_0439.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Comin' through! Gotta raise up the bridge.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffEAdkhuF6XVAKanrGnFu3lyxm35JGJQjIk_OGeyPfBNiXuy9wGY8OK7-gVnHDyGixfuXfP_Ytfi8348Xsr-0p_sbXvx0sz1D19xsc2PRpaSV5414mYHQ0QcKcwfP3uZmTsl2QhYTNA-i/s1600/IMG_0450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffEAdkhuF6XVAKanrGnFu3lyxm35JGJQjIk_OGeyPfBNiXuy9wGY8OK7-gVnHDyGixfuXfP_Ytfi8348Xsr-0p_sbXvx0sz1D19xsc2PRpaSV5414mYHQ0QcKcwfP3uZmTsl2QhYTNA-i/s640/IMG_0450.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Gotta check below for mermaids too.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLF6ZngpvmWtmjYqFeyBY8QsLdb8x9EkKU1uYQmTmiBSA7VY0_0i_DaUtUnXChiwYasnxyt9M-fQUZNG6yU_bLqTYQ5dS-2sRXGLpPIFPgZ4hhVkIRhNIQNUJqN46IBmahnKc_ltGvQtR/s1600/IMG_0461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLF6ZngpvmWtmjYqFeyBY8QsLdb8x9EkKU1uYQmTmiBSA7VY0_0i_DaUtUnXChiwYasnxyt9M-fQUZNG6yU_bLqTYQ5dS-2sRXGLpPIFPgZ4hhVkIRhNIQNUJqN46IBmahnKc_ltGvQtR/s640/IMG_0461.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love Robbyn and Cece together. That's all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lovely ladies enjoying the sea breeze!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> The girls were a little antsy and squirrel-y, but I'm still glad they came with and also that the weather was perfect to be out for a couple hours. And Rosie looks quite happy, you would never know that she ended up in timeout on the boat...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Once more, I am so very thankful for all of the birthday wishes from EVERYONE over the past couple days. I'm also tremendously thankful for my family and friends who celebrated with me and made me feel so loved. Thirty feels fantastic so far!</span><br />
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Bright Side Pursuitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11659714394059966266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4814458154223037481.post-90005120397445099902016-08-10T05:28:00.000-07:002016-08-10T05:28:31.224-07:00This is 30!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Y3OXigNhCMmJ_neV9_0p0qMhVheJfmE1D5yzNx0oribRuNZFpW7EQKgLOgsxr_JOagtIkG07BL4gduZ7RfDi-UmisCOt1odMBAUO9-ydmuXHgZ0zsIUor2RO_x0wEy36Ic6WuwSaPl5C/s1600/IMG_6187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Y3OXigNhCMmJ_neV9_0p0qMhVheJfmE1D5yzNx0oribRuNZFpW7EQKgLOgsxr_JOagtIkG07BL4gduZ7RfDi-UmisCOt1odMBAUO9-ydmuXHgZ0zsIUor2RO_x0wEy36Ic6WuwSaPl5C/s640/IMG_6187.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My twenties are a thing of the past! If the last couple days are any indication of how this next decade is going to go, I say bring it. (Though I may need to pencil in more naps for myself...) My mom, sister, my mom's friend Denise and her daughter Jessica all came up to Minnesota/Wisconsin to visit my brother and I for Michael's 21st and my 30th birthday over the weekend. The first photo above was from my first night out with everyone at <a href="http://craftsmanrestaurant.com/">The Craftsman</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(Eek! My food still had a face on it. SO GOOD.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Michael was working and kindly sent a few extra appetizers and desserts our way. So delicious... please go if you haven't been!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On my actual birthday, I requested a morning in Stillwater, which is probably the most adorable town in the state of Minnesota. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The girls and I started out the morning at <a href="http://www.mara-mi.com/">Mara- Mi </a>and shared a cupcake and I got a iced coconut latte... Fancy, right? We then met our group of ladies for a morning of perusing the shops. (I'm pretty sure Joe was glad to be at work for this part of the day, haha.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We had a delicious lunch at Nacho Mama. We got to eat outside while Rosie took a stroller snooze and I got to totally enjoy my birthday tacos.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> I also need to add that my dress was a gift from Joe and the girls. I love, love, love when they buy me clothes because they have great taste and they get so excited to dress me up!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Just a few pics above from some of the shops. Again, the stores are adorable and all of the displays/merchandising are just fabulous and almost make me want to go back to working retail. Almost.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After shopping we came back to our house (so Robbyn could see it for the first time!) and we shared some coffee and birthday cake that Joe and the girls baked for me. We forgot to get a picture of it before it was cut, oops! But it was definitely delicious (I also love how you can see Olaf waving "hi" from the center!). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Post cake, we went on a dinner cruise, but that will be the next blog post ; )</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I loved this morning because it was reminiscent of when we lived in Chicago near 79th and Pulaski. For our birthdays, we would walk to Ford City with our mom, shop, have lunch (I would always end up with a new book) and then see a movie complete with Icees and theater snacks. It was always memorable, especially that one time </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">when all of that shopping induced labor and my brother was born the next day!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After all these years, not much has changed and I still just want to hang out with my family, squeeze in a good meal, get my hands on a new book, and enjoy the end of summer while celebrating. August birthday are sort of the best ; )</span></div>
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Bright Side Pursuitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11659714394059966266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4814458154223037481.post-35856365360799350572016-08-04T09:28:00.002-07:002016-08-04T09:28:20.661-07:00Beachable Moments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Greetings from the beach! Over the weekend we packed 50 bags or so for a couple hours of fun in the sun in Hudson. This is one of my favorite days from this summer so far. We started off the morning with a playground visit and then decided that there was no better day for an impromptu trip to the beach since the weather was essentially perfect.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> After spending a couple hours on the beach, we got ice cream from Dairy Queen. (Every perfect summer day must include ice cream). Post ice cream, the girls fell asleep in the car so we drove around a bit of the countryside, looking at land, fancy houses, and horses and cows. We even stopped at a stand for some sweet corn and peaches. We got a lot accomplished around the house, grilled steak and our newly acquired corn for dinner, and ended the day with another playground trip near our house,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">At the beach, Rosie was actually pretty hesitant about getting in the water (I think the waves freaked her out, but she warmed up to the idea of getting wet after she saw some ducks.) Cece frolicked as only a Cece can frolic in the water and then everyone settled in the sand to make a castle which then turned into a volcano.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've mentioned this before, but boy, pool days and beach days with small kids are so much work. I do know that some day I'll have less on my plate, less in my arms, and not nearly as much to carry and I'll look back and reminisce about chubby legs in bathing suits, kids who smell like sunscreen, and sand in every imaginable place and think "Those were the days!" Because they are. Really. The best days.</span></div>
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Bright Side Pursuitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11659714394059966266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4814458154223037481.post-47623417003172090432016-08-01T06:01:00.000-07:002016-08-01T06:01:01.724-07:00No-ouch Cacti<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">My longtime crafting buddy (Cece) and I got around to doing an EASY and fun art project one rainy afternoon last week. This project is too heavy to put on the fridge, but can be displayed anywhere in our house! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There's plenty of different versions of this on<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/146437425362785957/">Pinterest</a>, but really all you need is clay pots, craft paint, brushes, large (preferably smooth) rocks, and smaller rocks to fill your pot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> (We got our large rocks from outside so they are more textured.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Paint your larger rocks green and let dry. Then use white paint to create designs (spikes, swirls, stripes, etc.). Once everything is dry, fill pots with rocks and arrange your painted rocks in a way that pleases you!</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">Aside from getting all of the supplies set up, I sat back for most of this project. I contributed by painting the pots white. Cece then took this picture of me with my camera... Artsy shot, right? I love it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love how these turned out!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Succulents and cacti are really having their moment right now, which makes me happy because we always had these in our house growing up (courtesy of my mom, the plant lady.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Although with these </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">non-prickly ones, you can't dare your siblings to touch them or anything. (Not that we would ever do that...) I hope my mom enjoys getting one of these as a gift for her upcoming birthday!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lastly, I just need to say that Cece has really been such an enthusiastic buddy about doing creative projects together and I love it. She loves planning projects, shopping for supplies, and turning on some good tunes while we get to work. I hope that never ever changes!</span></div>
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Bright Side Pursuitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11659714394059966266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4814458154223037481.post-20705978406112206422016-07-27T06:29:00.000-07:002016-07-27T07:03:30.325-07:00Teddy Bears, Splash Pads, and More!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Like all parents in the summer, my ears perk up when I get wind of activities that are not only fun for kids but also free. Since the sweltering heat has subsided, the girls and I were able to make it out to a couple new (to us) parks now that we are living east of the Twin Cities. I've read on several blogs about how adorable and fun Teddy Bear Park in Stillwater is, so we gave it a try this week. (And it served as an excuse to go out to Stillwater, which is pretty much the most picturesque town ever!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As you can see, it was beary cute and perfect for the girls' ages. They requested to go back soon, so I think we will be meeting up with the bears again in the near future. Maybe we'll even bring a pic-a-nic basket!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We also made it out to the new splash pad at Bielenberg Park in Woodbury. Cece was filled with pure jubilation as you can see in these pictures. Rosie was... skeptical at best. I mean, to be honest, Cece ran around the splashpad like a joyous free spirit and Rosie opted to sit on a towel with me and eat a granola bar while watching Cece. I can't really fault her. Sometimes, you just need some shade and a snack, right? Also, my favorite part of the visit was when Cece asked me if splash pads had chemicals in the water. I said I didn't think so. Then she immediately opened her mouth to catch a stream of water (pictured above). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After removing Cece from the splash pad area, we spent a little bit of time at the adjacent park. Madison's Place Universal Access Playground is probably the COOLEST playground I've ever been to in my life. This is not a statement to be taken lightly... I've been to A LOT of playgrounds. We didn't spend as much time there as I would have liked (you know, kid schedules and delaying meals and naps is not something I like to mess around with). However, every fun feature you've ever seen at a playground is basically ALL in this one spot. It's huge and sprawling and has ramps for wheelchair access (also nice for toddlers, I might add!). We will be back here for sure! Anyone want to meet up for a play date? Let me know!</span></div>
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Bright Side Pursuitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11659714394059966266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4814458154223037481.post-48751638374667885952016-07-25T12:33:00.001-07:002016-07-25T15:22:25.608-07:00In Summer!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hello! Summer is about two-thirds over and life has been a whirl of time with cousins, living it up swim-style, lots of hot dogs and corn on the cob, athletic events, playground visits, sunscreen slathering, and kids who literally never go to bed because it's always light out (they must be solar-powered, because their energy is endless). I'm going to try my best to post about some of the highlights from the last month. I think the above photo of Cece and her cousin friend Michaela (which I did not take, I think Andrea did) is one of my favorites from the whole summer so far.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As mentioned, we've joined the Olsons several times this summer at their neighborhood pool. As any parent knows, a day at the pool is not some relaxadaisical spontaneous activity. You have to pack all the things, bribe your oldest kid to carry some of the things, and then participate in an afternoon of intense supervision, because they are little and it's, ya know, a pool. BUT the girls almost always have a blast, so it makes all of the pre-pool work worth it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Speak of things that are not relaxing, in June, Joe ran his first Spartan race because he's <strike>out of his bloody mind </strike>one sexy and fit fella. The girls and I came out to support him and he did an AMAZING job. (His results are<a href="https://results.chronotrack.com/m/ctlive/#15742/result/36936/21796993"> here</a>) Later in July he also ran the Tough Mudder and I also participated in the Riverfront Victory Games, because I wanted my own moment to shine. However, there are no photos from my recent "race", nor was there any shining on my part as it ended up being a whole lot more difficult than I had anticipated and I even ended up throwing up at the end. So... despite recently joining the gym, fitness and I aren't exactly bffs at the moment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Above are a few more photos from our recent road trip to Wisconsin Dells and Chicago for Robbyn's wedding. The girls (as expected) loved the pools in Wisconsin Dells and loved living that hotel life. Is there anything better than Rosie lounging in a queen bed or her wearing a flotation device on her head while in the van? No, not there is not.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Since we had just arrived back in town, our Fourth of July festivities weren't over-the-top, but just the right amount of fun for our family. Our neighborhood had a get-together that included a BBQ and lots of fun for kiddos including a waterside, bounce house, and kickball. The girls also got a real thrill from sparklers and watching Joe light up a few (weak) Roman candles. Happy Belated Birthday, America!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We also got a chance to make it out to the MN Zoo with cousins and see the new <a href="http://mnzoo.org/dinosaurs/">dinosaur exhibit </a>which I definitely recommend (They move, roar, and even spit, which the kids got a kick out of.) We also saw the butterfly garden for the first time, fed animals at the farm area, and sent Rosie on her first camel ride. So despite having two very tired kiddos at the end of the day, I think we can chalk that outing up as a success.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Speak of outings, I also went to see my sister-in-law Kim reunite, sing, and do her rockstar thing with her cover band Big Night Out with a couple of my other sister-in-laws ( I have a lot of sister-in-laws). It was a treat to be out and about and have a drink without a diaper bag, although I'm pretty sure I still found some diapers in my purse while at the bar. Thanks again for the invite and for the great show!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'm not terribly proud to admit it, but there has been a small bit of Pokemon playing in our house. I definitely feel that less screens are best for everyone, but at least this ridiculous game has gotten us on some scenic family walks (hence the above photo).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Lastly, the most recent happening was a five-day visit by Sarah, Will, and Evie to see our new house. I felt so bad that this was probably the hottest week of the entire year, so it was a lot of time spent inside our house and only very brief playground visits. Even so, the girls were gaga for baby Evie and, as usual, Sarah and I had some solid nights of good snacking and catching up when all the kids got to sleeping. Thank you again for making the trip out to see us! (And thanks for taking this picture as this is our only documentation of this trip!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(I loved how our tough and rambunctious Rosie gets all gooey over a cute baby!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So there you have our summer thus far! It's been difficult for me to sit down and start blogging again due to the fact that I haven't been caught up on my photo editing until, like, yesterday. (You can see some of my recent sessions from this summer <a href="http://www.rachelyuengaetz.com/galleries.html">here</a>.) But also because all of the tragedies that have been occurring at a rapid pace in our own country as well as across the world. Once I had thought I had somewhat processed one event, something terrible would happen again and it didn't seem right to stick my head in the sand and just write about "summer fun!" like nothing bad has been happening. I don't have answers or solutions. I don't think it's enough for me to just post about how my thoughts and prayers are with those who are in pain. I do know, until I figure out a meaningful way to be part of world-peacemaking, it is my job is to continue to raise two more humans in this world who are filled with love and light, compassion, intelligence, and kindness. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So. Here's to not giving up on tomorrow, no matter how hard and how scary things look today.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I know we are still looking forward to the rest of summer and getting fall started on the right foot. Also, I have some fun blog post ideas in my head, so check back here soon, hope I can get them going!</span></div>
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Bright Side Pursuitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11659714394059966266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4814458154223037481.post-4386681853060914542016-07-04T11:37:00.001-07:002016-07-06T05:41:18.120-07:00Congratulations Robbyn and Jason!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfbOWFv289CIt-ESV8flWHLYrDKjaoC6bQrnBNlG7lCTohR1A-ieR0P1fMmy77MwjrXU_mKVlpepdRKLV0tnAMmXno6WJ0H0hM4iKXXavj_aEAOh14vfLW2mH6MqFBcKG4l7r_42hvhsb/s1600/IMG_5693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfbOWFv289CIt-ESV8flWHLYrDKjaoC6bQrnBNlG7lCTohR1A-ieR0P1fMmy77MwjrXU_mKVlpepdRKLV0tnAMmXno6WJ0H0hM4iKXXavj_aEAOh14vfLW2mH6MqFBcKG4l7r_42hvhsb/s640/IMG_5693.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>"Oh let's get rich and buy our parents homes in the south of France.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Let's get rich and give everybody nice sweaters and teach them how to dance.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Let's get rich and build a house on a mountain making everybody look like ants. </i></b></span><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>From way up there, you and I. You and I."</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Over the weekend we traveled to Chicago to see my little sister get married! It was an honor and a privilege to stand by her side on her special day, just as it has been to grow up alongside her. The day was gorgeous and these pictures don't do justice! (The professional photos are going to be stunning and I can't wait to see them!)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-W7ElTAkn3zSEjjm5lFZMkLnNQTOoggcCHj7JTq-IJte8L6p7lpHcfhzMhPori3IR3tZgxQP5lhs5t0byUDOHH0W6IHrI-VnUt6blOOuC0lj2xsdQRwQHYcpeAmbGy2VK8zO2_dH-eHE/s1600/IMG_5696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-W7ElTAkn3zSEjjm5lFZMkLnNQTOoggcCHj7JTq-IJte8L6p7lpHcfhzMhPori3IR3tZgxQP5lhs5t0byUDOHH0W6IHrI-VnUt6blOOuC0lj2xsdQRwQHYcpeAmbGy2VK8zO2_dH-eHE/s400/IMG_5696.JPG" width="300" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSE4JtHmzttEe6y1wVm1Vsa5yozEW_A9-YHZHYELLbHkKKt7BEjnxjJr6HJ-gAH206JNdohd6NoAM_UEnEpu2y82xTEeWKMSvgaSF7sJT1YJlooqqho4rXZVULQxzCyX0dVgEIxs3Ud9l/s1600/IMG_5694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSE4JtHmzttEe6y1wVm1Vsa5yozEW_A9-YHZHYELLbHkKKt7BEjnxjJr6HJ-gAH206JNdohd6NoAM_UEnEpu2y82xTEeWKMSvgaSF7sJT1YJlooqqho4rXZVULQxzCyX0dVgEIxs3Ud9l/s400/IMG_5694.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Cece and Rosie had a part in the day as flower girls. Cece even got her hair professionally done (thanks, Mom!) and she loved being a part of the bridal party.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnUWtqn6ZyqLiFp75wwQmS4L1qOg7RJGqyjTXaCVJKXhxKCSfZiR8C5QSaviAk4nd-yV-NN36ke5w2I9mEHKWkl97ckAtYWKhzubw3qc8E_9hEylxZ3d0C2yURAXhbjKWwHGaoknRmoHF/s1600/IMG_5699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnUWtqn6ZyqLiFp75wwQmS4L1qOg7RJGqyjTXaCVJKXhxKCSfZiR8C5QSaviAk4nd-yV-NN36ke5w2I9mEHKWkl97ckAtYWKhzubw3qc8E_9hEylxZ3d0C2yURAXhbjKWwHGaoknRmoHF/s640/IMG_5699.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I can't stop looking at the first look. This might be one of my favorite moments of the whole day.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgel65uYbmO5sLUEsBqnsVbK3yNS-xYuGuFKnftfzHkoe5nR6SK5xeB-pR6aEaipVvnBJJvb4rc1-LrGUcNhs7pvfGBBhsbQkUY0iy7jpzHVy82mZiuHQMgXeswoIlZFh_trcyhEW7zGzG0/s1600/IMG_5669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgel65uYbmO5sLUEsBqnsVbK3yNS-xYuGuFKnftfzHkoe5nR6SK5xeB-pR6aEaipVvnBJJvb4rc1-LrGUcNhs7pvfGBBhsbQkUY0iy7jpzHVy82mZiuHQMgXeswoIlZFh_trcyhEW7zGzG0/s640/IMG_5669.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Robbyn and I also managed a pic together fresh off the hair and makeup chairs. Can someone please airbrush me and apply false lashes everyday? That would be spectacular, thanks ; ) I still can't get over how beautiful she (and Jay!) looked.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(From this point on, I put away my phone and participated in the ceremony which was short, sweet, and lovely. One of the best parts in my opinion was when Robbyn quoted the movie "When Harry Met Sally" and then took Jays tissue from his jacket pocket to dab her tears!)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOd0btwI2sv7AVV4AUFgLz4iPZDbYFXpDCT1uzvaRF-luajp7GzGrjgTwJZ65_MBJver4IB1jeKjv2w6kVrN_PUOsEoWM1QdmjHUe99SrM-njggz1psHX0brWr4bvXk5RY8iueM23ljxG/s1600/IMG_5689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOd0btwI2sv7AVV4AUFgLz4iPZDbYFXpDCT1uzvaRF-luajp7GzGrjgTwJZ65_MBJver4IB1jeKjv2w6kVrN_PUOsEoWM1QdmjHUe99SrM-njggz1psHX0brWr4bvXk5RY8iueM23ljxG/s640/IMG_5689.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This was an entirely DIY wedding, which included my sister making her own wedding cake. (Because why wouldn't she?) Also, sorry Robbyn for nearly giving you a heart attack several times as Cece attempted to touch the cake and also ran perilously close to the table. EEEEK!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And why wouldn't the tables be named after Air Jordans? (Oh, Jay.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Rosie thoroughly approved of the sweets table and the desserts. And she deserved a treat after being such a sweet flower girl!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To say my dad was greatly missed on the wedding day would be an understatement. However, my brother did a heck of a job walking Robbyn down the aisle and dancing with her! Great job representing, Michael!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We couldn't have asked for a lovelier or more fun day! The reception was filled with dancing, partying, laughing, and a his and hers keg stand. Post reception, the party continued at the bar in the hotel and I think I still need one more night of sleep to finally recover from it all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'm not going to blubber for too long on here (I already did that at the wedding), but I just wanted to say once more how much I love my sister and how much I love Robbyn and Jay as a couple. I can't wait to see how they grow together in the years ahead and to see the fun and adventure that they are sure to have.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Because, after all, when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible!</span></div>
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Bright Side Pursuitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11659714394059966266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4814458154223037481.post-9929479713017624582016-06-21T11:38:00.000-07:002016-06-21T11:46:41.949-07:00We've Moved!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hello blog world, my old friend! You probably gathered from my last (emotional) post three weeks ago that we've moved! We are now residents of Hudson, Wisconsin. And there's been a whole lot to do between unpacking, address changing, getting Cece signed up for school (and a little bit of summer school!), purchasing new furniture, <strike>arguing with each other about where stuff should go and who bought the wrong size curtain rod AGAIN </strike>and all those summer activities in between!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgY09zeKgNGnC2QY3kGK_SruQE-KS8zL_eiSUDmIck8Ch-5LXQSHghRDrIX6Lti396h74mw-9fcrjU9SYDxJyxteXxqDx6RUx9c-y2cBTLCxMKCqxTIGeUEz_8KCeoVDciW8cBuDRGAib9/s1600/IMG_5169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgY09zeKgNGnC2QY3kGK_SruQE-KS8zL_eiSUDmIck8Ch-5LXQSHghRDrIX6Lti396h74mw-9fcrjU9SYDxJyxteXxqDx6RUx9c-y2cBTLCxMKCqxTIGeUEz_8KCeoVDciW8cBuDRGAib9/s640/IMG_5169.JPG" width="512" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So here we all are together finally! Joe's parents were able to watch the girls for a couple day while we attended our closings and physically moved all of our things. It felt great to all be together again and the girls were ecstatic to be living and playing in the new house! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsomatLKGYyof-cbN3780ZPbxgnsrt9tW4NG3UIoYubA8VnOB81X2D8jSvwUv93f737POnPBz7faIejRlrwlv-jRpIZqi8URdrDyaAhh-X1RZQnaLpOYXlqgExU3467Jw6rDJkgR1DFw5a/s1600/IMG_5168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsomatLKGYyof-cbN3780ZPbxgnsrt9tW4NG3UIoYubA8VnOB81X2D8jSvwUv93f737POnPBz7faIejRlrwlv-jRpIZqi8URdrDyaAhh-X1RZQnaLpOYXlqgExU3467Jw6rDJkgR1DFw5a/s640/IMG_5168.JPG" width="640" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">One of our first purchases was seating for the front porch. I have a front porch! (I'm just going to continue saying that and sitting out there over and over again until it sinks in.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The above mentioned front porch pairs very well with the view and also a glass of wine on these long summer evenings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">During the first week we moved in I saw my first ever double rainbow and also saw the entire arc of one of the rainbows. This proves to me that the universe is happy for us as this rainbow was actually stretched right over our neighborhood. The girls and I were able to see it from Cece's bedroom window and I do say, it was magical.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And you heard right, the girls have their own bedrooms in addition to several play spaces! Of course, their favorite place to be is the master bath and my closet as they now have easy access to my shoes and jewelry. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Even though lots of spaces feel a far way from "done", I have to share a small peek of our dining room. As soon as we moved in, we purchased my dream dining table in addition to a dreamy chandelier. Eat your heart out, Joanna Gaines! My Fixer Upper dreams are literally coming true before my eyes! I am loving our meals in here together, that's for sure. Even eating hot dogs seems special in here!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Another favorite part of the house is the loft area upstairs where the bedrooms are. Instead of a dark narrow hallway, we basically have this bonus room that's full of light (and now teepee and toys). I recently discovered that Rosie knows how to climb INTO her crib. So we've transitioned her to a toddler bed which is just so darn exciting that she can't fall asleep during naps or bedtimes. So, she instead just falls asleep whenever, wherever. Hoping this phase is short-lived, but it is kind of funny finding her passed out in random places.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When Rosie is not falling asleep in random places, she has been enjoying the green space across the street from our house. Good for running around, picnics, and bird-watching!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsi3b1P9V8ZRZrTLG9u1e9PCJDXugXjWzlUXzwOZhX0BTeXhEpwlX81VI72PJx7YKMj0CXd5QQf1ivooapB4YAsUoTQJb-4VwpBm1DuU8hNHuE4nWgVGOXUwhsxyIYSxupXBPsZsMi34my/s1600/IMG_5355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsi3b1P9V8ZRZrTLG9u1e9PCJDXugXjWzlUXzwOZhX0BTeXhEpwlX81VI72PJx7YKMj0CXd5QQf1ivooapB4YAsUoTQJb-4VwpBm1DuU8hNHuE4nWgVGOXUwhsxyIYSxupXBPsZsMi34my/s640/IMG_5355.JPG" width="640" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We had a picnic lunch outside last week and Cece said "I've been waiting my whole life for this!" I don't blame her. Cheese and crackers outside on a nice day is my idea of perfection too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Cece keeps trying to photograph all the birds outside with my phone. It was super cute when she told me she want to be a nature photographer because she loves animals. It was slightly less cute (but still funny) when she told me "You're so big and noisy and scaring everything away!" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDLQjHyRnSMvwAuYhfwijY-GINTTNSR_Uy__GbtmaV9zZQqnelLgIORbQkevj9J7e8NIYRRUd1dVDEMTKZ408f2-aEWK3ebhKBLV26dZK98wFF_tbGd9DG2IujX2tACsSMrlLIU4HIPRB/s1600/IMG_5411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDLQjHyRnSMvwAuYhfwijY-GINTTNSR_Uy__GbtmaV9zZQqnelLgIORbQkevj9J7e8NIYRRUd1dVDEMTKZ408f2-aEWK3ebhKBLV26dZK98wFF_tbGd9DG2IujX2tACsSMrlLIU4HIPRB/s400/IMG_5411.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcq4iD6j1oe6VJrm6DTPsMO10c7kMIWyGHK6Itrm0XI_k4t9c53KFJespUjvx-XfY48HznvZoWyIPcjGMNnv7CcJ2EzfzNCL4pnutVad2ytiiBiBKhsSIdQea75fxB_Ukli3NI304U1O_/s1600/IMG_5412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcq4iD6j1oe6VJrm6DTPsMO10c7kMIWyGHK6Itrm0XI_k4t9c53KFJespUjvx-XfY48HznvZoWyIPcjGMNnv7CcJ2EzfzNCL4pnutVad2ytiiBiBKhsSIdQea75fxB_Ukli3NI304U1O_/s400/IMG_5412.JPG" width="300" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I need to also note that since we now have a large kitchen, Joe bought something he's always longed for but we've never had the storage to accommodate... a waffle maker! And he's already used it several times. (I, however, am intimidated by it. It looks too complicated and flippy to me. I know I would make a serious mess.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In addition to moving, lots of other things have been happening! My brother just completed his culinary program at the Art Institute. My mom came into town and we attended his senior portfolio show. This may have been the best graduation event I have ever attended due to the fact that it was fast, fun, and full of delicious food! Way to go, bro!!! I'm still crazy proud of him and can't wait to see what he does next.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We also attended the wedding of my friend Marla (no pics from my phone, but it was lovely!). We also celebrated our sixth anniversary as well as Father's Day. In the last three weeks I also managed two family photo shoots, one newborn photoshoot, and one T Rex photo shoot. Joe, the girls, and I have been out discovering all sorts of new parks and playgrounds and it's been a great experience to explore new places and meet new neighbors as well. Also, Cece just had <a href="https://manofthehouseblog.com/2016/06/20/michaelas-first-slumber-party/">her first official sleepover</a> at her cousin Michaela's house. Life has been kind of good for these girls lately!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here we are splash-padding it up in Woodbury with cousins last week. I'm hoping now that the initial stress and craziness of moving and settling in is winding down that we can now start really just relax and enjoy the rest of summer as much as possible!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I really want to thank all of our friends and family who have already trekked out to Wisconsin to visit us already (some several times!) So thank you Michael, Emily, Jess, Azure, Angela, Troy, Luke, and Andrea for visiting and helping us settle in! ESPECIALLY Joe's sisters. Our stuff would still be in boxes everywhere if not for them. They unflinchingly and efficiently took our boxes of total randomness and made our house a home that I LOVE living in. I seriously still think this may still all be a dream!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here's to a GREAT summer! There's still so much I want to do! And all you friends, please come visit!!!</span><br />
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Bright Side Pursuitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11659714394059966266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4814458154223037481.post-65345530491924862732016-05-31T05:30:00.001-07:002016-05-31T05:30:19.009-07:00In Praise of a Tiny House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4wDmhKpUhw40Wp_GPdkFfizguvwxwTGnjBJxZAdPcYBi5vAl0DRuiAi6cNX-i3E_3ui_xKYCvuvMCMkmu5R9nfrn1wuSS1L97w9pG-mWooysO35VGGPALx0pMV2SwtdW7lnCJJ-hHEkQW/s1600/IMG_4722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4wDmhKpUhw40Wp_GPdkFfizguvwxwTGnjBJxZAdPcYBi5vAl0DRuiAi6cNX-i3E_3ui_xKYCvuvMCMkmu5R9nfrn1wuSS1L97w9pG-mWooysO35VGGPALx0pMV2SwtdW7lnCJJ-hHEkQW/s640/IMG_4722.JPG" width="426" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Love grows best in little houses, with fewer walls to separate, Where you eat and sleep so close together, you can't help but communicate. And if we had more room between us, think of all we'd miss. Love grows best in houses just like this.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After nearly five years in our current home, we are selling and moving in just, well, today. It still feels very unreal and all the feelings are swirling about within me (excitement, anxiousness, sadness, happiness, etc.) I'm beyond thrilled to be moving to a new home that is going to have a long list of things we've only dreamed about (Central air! More than one bathroom!), a part of my heart will always be in this tiny house and the memories we've had here I will treasure forever.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This house is where I began my stay-at-home mom career (or CEO of domestic affairs as I will refer to it on my resume). I started out having no idea what I was doing. Nearly 5 years later, I can confidently report that I still have no #$%*ing idea what I'm doing. But I do know that love doing it and couldn't be more grateful for the experience and time with my little ladies. The memories of my girls here as babies are worth their weight in gold to me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I will dearly miss our big tree out in the front yard where both girls have swung, higher, higher! It was such a sweet surprise from Joe and over the past three years, it's gotten a whole lot of use!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xBE-Ng1-t_bl6esex2SfQspOcpWqHUrDdCVxnM_omXMagEP5kIdg15RPORvmNoYqffyu4dBjnUjMy_kjNjSvY7mkJ0WO9un7cMrvkvVr49e9x8yowdyJFfjGKBYI0BbLby4uTIn2enk4/s1600/IMG_4743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xBE-Ng1-t_bl6esex2SfQspOcpWqHUrDdCVxnM_omXMagEP5kIdg15RPORvmNoYqffyu4dBjnUjMy_kjNjSvY7mkJ0WO9un7cMrvkvVr49e9x8yowdyJFfjGKBYI0BbLby4uTIn2enk4/s640/IMG_4743.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57gisdgbYrxGBe5KDdGp3SOVe_mIis_Q8W7XndkJReXfn4_Uj56oP31lCzepr7AwgwVTHSHeUD2Xx2tQXw80D5lAjzdjEJfccVFZHetvf_o-JVjjxMpiWb7n9ThDNtcQDGV1fkSq9P8sz/s1600/IMG_4749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57gisdgbYrxGBe5KDdGp3SOVe_mIis_Q8W7XndkJReXfn4_Uj56oP31lCzepr7AwgwVTHSHeUD2Xx2tQXw80D5lAjzdjEJfccVFZHetvf_o-JVjjxMpiWb7n9ThDNtcQDGV1fkSq9P8sz/s640/IMG_4749.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I will remember building fairy gardens, making wonky planters, creating garden beds, and having little dirty hands "helping" with yard work every summer.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4EvZM2oaFoQRg1iAnsin8hxyXaXBMD37C022ohIlEv2k-lYuE_njpka5t2e8v_kUCrXC74LZpTLKe0_P7j9nu2janDOS-8zmFQ7q5Djpc4NggmUAJboWXNxalwboswx00bMIurT2XBQHk/s1600/IMG_4744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4EvZM2oaFoQRg1iAnsin8hxyXaXBMD37C022ohIlEv2k-lYuE_njpka5t2e8v_kUCrXC74LZpTLKe0_P7j9nu2janDOS-8zmFQ7q5Djpc4NggmUAJboWXNxalwboswx00bMIurT2XBQHk/s640/IMG_4744.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'll remember how I learned to cook a few good meals! In this house, I attempted a variety of recipes (some with more success than others) and ventured beyond making just tacos and spaghetti. (Even though that's not been the case lately, I know I can do it!)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQ63agu5oyqP87glPYYCZbFV3zu0BaEFzjTFSDAkknGfHKZ0CWlnzPQ0EESFsxA0XuCXvJKeBrAQFtbNkUvMDeZQz41r7tzmEw9HIeKtD1dq4-ELWTY80YSOZw_J1T21_kInSLmqWtTjl/s1600/IMG_4745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQ63agu5oyqP87glPYYCZbFV3zu0BaEFzjTFSDAkknGfHKZ0CWlnzPQ0EESFsxA0XuCXvJKeBrAQFtbNkUvMDeZQz41r7tzmEw9HIeKtD1dq4-ELWTY80YSOZw_J1T21_kInSLmqWtTjl/s640/IMG_4745.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'll remember and carry on our established traditions such a gingerbread house making every Christmas.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMLeNlGd34thdcbyuzMXXMSGbdvY5cS3CUIU5rvwn6BTm5w_ygkDTC4bcohhfZpjtE_5taFd5zP4kQtQiDzPqkr6DUaikSHCDxoAK_bi56awtiint8mFvUSP-vMxAUaBntKZcoPe8qXqC/s1600/IMG_4746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMLeNlGd34thdcbyuzMXXMSGbdvY5cS3CUIU5rvwn6BTm5w_ygkDTC4bcohhfZpjtE_5taFd5zP4kQtQiDzPqkr6DUaikSHCDxoAK_bi56awtiint8mFvUSP-vMxAUaBntKZcoPe8qXqC/s640/IMG_4746.JPG" width="416" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">I'll remember how in that really tiny bathroom, I taught a tiny person how to successfully use the potty several years ago which I honestly feel is one of my biggest life accomplishments.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieC0ylcmc6mZwIg0uRNdLABbLQMmBkj2m1VmggdGKQWB0xEPIdujUKLVN7OvqT0LVgc6NuoiwokMIwaG5dFzGsx5g7EG_ouQsUt-BcN4aKZ2zUI2ZU7a8w83MLHD7pyLvPgIoXsaEvmeJ4/s1600/IMG_4747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieC0ylcmc6mZwIg0uRNdLABbLQMmBkj2m1VmggdGKQWB0xEPIdujUKLVN7OvqT0LVgc6NuoiwokMIwaG5dFzGsx5g7EG_ouQsUt-BcN4aKZ2zUI2ZU7a8w83MLHD7pyLvPgIoXsaEvmeJ4/s640/IMG_4747.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'll remember big noisy meals at our tiny table as well as the quiet mornings drinking coffee with Joe before the girls woke up in the morning. This picture was taken the day we brought Rosie home from the hospital. We had a nice pre-made meal from Sarah and I think this pic really captures just how tiny, cozy, and special meals can be in a small space.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGwhD0QFS-LKANE6wZFvqkjT1eMwWV08asVgS3e-MwI3H9kpFx-56-1y-wzsLNn9sn1mAH6PCBeOfyguoPM41mAaFQirEKJcDDa4VKo9cKX0hZjJZaPFO27Qt3emZmO4igQzAwd2IOorY/s1600/IMG_4748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGwhD0QFS-LKANE6wZFvqkjT1eMwWV08asVgS3e-MwI3H9kpFx-56-1y-wzsLNn9sn1mAH6PCBeOfyguoPM41mAaFQirEKJcDDa4VKo9cKX0hZjJZaPFO27Qt3emZmO4igQzAwd2IOorY/s640/IMG_4748.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(So much birthday cake has been baked and eaten in this house!)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJgi8wxk2_Jsm6AeyKjKa9OMJ9VA7zYtgBELaEom7oYhGwcWS6EMtfhm8B54OmVqACA1CyVzZFhPKlqeSo2QUdJsWgeUAI9u_vRnslR0Fd8X5dK9GKjjx8F9wIxlXTMCvZ2KvuFNa74Ew/s1600/IMG_4750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJgi8wxk2_Jsm6AeyKjKa9OMJ9VA7zYtgBELaEom7oYhGwcWS6EMtfhm8B54OmVqACA1CyVzZFhPKlqeSo2QUdJsWgeUAI9u_vRnslR0Fd8X5dK9GKjjx8F9wIxlXTMCvZ2KvuFNa74Ew/s640/IMG_4750.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7pGp05NXX8AmxgmkMbX_zWrRtfbx54SRLSF35NVJ3HIHzk0XGW8k2KoxAlDq9-XVluTtTtmCwjDohGsL9yxZMIHQkRk0TCTf3DKtEv7Yf2Pldf-felsRakuXqlA7TPeWbO4aU2cMsW1fV/s1600/IMG_4751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7pGp05NXX8AmxgmkMbX_zWrRtfbx54SRLSF35NVJ3HIHzk0XGW8k2KoxAlDq9-XVluTtTtmCwjDohGsL9yxZMIHQkRk0TCTf3DKtEv7Yf2Pldf-felsRakuXqlA7TPeWbO4aU2cMsW1fV/s640/IMG_4751.JPG" width="426" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;">I'll remember the girls bedroom as a slightly magical place where they played and slept (sometimes).</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDnOUsi5UgIWUeO_8vXzwG5mVIY2DCK5pJKhR9vCfZWJmP3c_NkW57OsCwWZvXQfMCEmdexyZIppugsY1YpzKVXLkaad3RN6Taql95iLXIepD9RM_QnX1B5dLVeS3SOvh_hoVXJheYUkj/s1600/IMG_4753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDnOUsi5UgIWUeO_8vXzwG5mVIY2DCK5pJKhR9vCfZWJmP3c_NkW57OsCwWZvXQfMCEmdexyZIppugsY1YpzKVXLkaad3RN6Taql95iLXIepD9RM_QnX1B5dLVeS3SOvh_hoVXJheYUkj/s640/IMG_4753.JPG" width="426" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'll remember Cece starting her education while living in this house!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOisC4M7892kPTV7Ed6VyEOsI6rg3srNg4nPpWE8DpCORcK4u899Jq-fVnsHsw9scN7V7yZJtcsScs-vjPnJA12RvaQwoRcND12pLIzUJrTfHb_-utgHtDCu1RYs7NRQ6EqLBwSiKqd_Hc/s1600/IMG_4754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOisC4M7892kPTV7Ed6VyEOsI6rg3srNg4nPpWE8DpCORcK4u899Jq-fVnsHsw9scN7V7yZJtcsScs-vjPnJA12RvaQwoRcND12pLIzUJrTfHb_-utgHtDCu1RYs7NRQ6EqLBwSiKqd_Hc/s640/IMG_4754.JPG" width="426" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And I'll remember watching the girls learn to sit, crawl, stand, and walk. The big windows is where the girls learned to pull themselves up to standing and, of course, got nose and finger prints everywhere.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCso9xVKQSbzwrfckzvvK0ngipJ8xmf6Kq-1b-vOje3YTRAYxPwZmblD9M_eMgY8fhgImSmDHHrNXg470ie17ebw1N_AppBZ0uNiFdJktFNAaEAUvhDenUHfldFmtN9dEatH5nVRHgMMX6/s1600/IMG_4755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCso9xVKQSbzwrfckzvvK0ngipJ8xmf6Kq-1b-vOje3YTRAYxPwZmblD9M_eMgY8fhgImSmDHHrNXg470ie17ebw1N_AppBZ0uNiFdJktFNAaEAUvhDenUHfldFmtN9dEatH5nVRHgMMX6/s640/IMG_4755.JPG" width="387" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXiRQiPl1KXKySe2FWgJajURniM9J-Xy4_8Zo4upeJL4OIgWzQMPYSeO3pdQOs1hm_a1CvgH_WV7Bn9pIZtcfnubFwv6EkdEgewtaS2eJtUC-p_VNumG2qx8qiSZfUjKfU80U1mkR3JuEs/s1600/IMG_4756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXiRQiPl1KXKySe2FWgJajURniM9J-Xy4_8Zo4upeJL4OIgWzQMPYSeO3pdQOs1hm_a1CvgH_WV7Bn9pIZtcfnubFwv6EkdEgewtaS2eJtUC-p_VNumG2qx8qiSZfUjKfU80U1mkR3JuEs/s640/IMG_4756.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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I'll remember how there were literally no good backgrounds to take pictures, haha.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtg5PTJQVAU6ulVot0ulo7nhvQdXugjpAmSduoHDl4o-bKZWv8Ssjjstgu6vLA9Ov2BkG2SUPORurX7WjHRjtzbd489hRuMekguRYPRhRajafIek2fJWOgKZNCIc05kt_gUe4GJA-lpsA/s1600/IMG_4757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtg5PTJQVAU6ulVot0ulo7nhvQdXugjpAmSduoHDl4o-bKZWv8Ssjjstgu6vLA9Ov2BkG2SUPORurX7WjHRjtzbd489hRuMekguRYPRhRajafIek2fJWOgKZNCIc05kt_gUe4GJA-lpsA/s640/IMG_4757.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Again, limited space has made for some "cozy" situations.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESSkMuGmqKRTdMPJcfVtdSFsOVruwb8Vw_Jw1LWWqPsDFPzxy9JAW-s0VNtDBwQUeccBt_ZsoxI1bk333EF8JiQ7BAGWK3iSmr7j0-KUa38QJw4T6t0XH2whWFJZlBaW0hDAh3EwcoPmm/s1600/IMG_4758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESSkMuGmqKRTdMPJcfVtdSFsOVruwb8Vw_Jw1LWWqPsDFPzxy9JAW-s0VNtDBwQUeccBt_ZsoxI1bk333EF8JiQ7BAGWK3iSmr7j0-KUa38QJw4T6t0XH2whWFJZlBaW0hDAh3EwcoPmm/s640/IMG_4758.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And forts are easy to make with such easy access to the dining room chairs!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMDCyczNJBqbcHV60Edw0M5iytH3aeuVKg0F7FLhTsKA_Neayeyyk4tYote8RrE9wWh2syZT6PPYruLnqVJyrng25BZJBGc2N_2a4uGz9x-XOXSMNd6BytdnYbr8ynIRly4VRyopTZoMc/s1600/IMG_4759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMDCyczNJBqbcHV60Edw0M5iytH3aeuVKg0F7FLhTsKA_Neayeyyk4tYote8RrE9wWh2syZT6PPYruLnqVJyrng25BZJBGc2N_2a4uGz9x-XOXSMNd6BytdnYbr8ynIRly4VRyopTZoMc/s400/IMG_4759.JPG" width="283" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioamzSkCnz9mzrsRHWyUVn90xxbewFT-WfZOoA98CdmCgVWXsrKUVc0Iw7ZZp3UadlbGhIKpe0kabIl_zEPEN-n-tRus1TLbzYx35BqwBAxKNYCibfLeeDhIBq0t6pOLndC-SSf8IDoqxk/s1600/IMG_4760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioamzSkCnz9mzrsRHWyUVn90xxbewFT-WfZOoA98CdmCgVWXsrKUVc0Iw7ZZp3UadlbGhIKpe0kabIl_zEPEN-n-tRus1TLbzYx35BqwBAxKNYCibfLeeDhIBq0t6pOLndC-SSf8IDoqxk/s400/IMG_4760.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And I'll remember how our house would burst from the seams with holiday spirit every year because the spirit has literally no where else to go!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If I had to choose one photo that sums up why I've loved this house, it would be this. So many mornings, I've gotten to spend in this sunny living room with a cup of coffee and my ladies, just lounging in our jammies, playing, building, and "arting." I know I will miss these days with all of my heart when they are small and mine and can both fit on my lap and the same time. I'm actually getting teary as I write this, but I want to thank Joe from the bottom of my heart for giving me not only this home, but this life with our family. It has been a beautiful and "cozy" five years and I can't wait to see and share what the future brings for us!</span></div>
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Bright Side Pursuitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11659714394059966266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4814458154223037481.post-49222401508100147032016-05-27T11:40:00.000-07:002016-05-31T05:18:09.895-07:00School's Out for the Summer!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Cece just wrapped up her last day of preschool today! (I can't believe I just typed that!) Below are a few of the end-of-school events that have recently happened:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Last month Cece had her final dance recital. She and her other tutu-clad friends danced to "Rain, Rain, Go Away" with umbrella props and all. Just adorable! Rosie has since enjoyed warbling the words to the song too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In addition to dancing talents, Cece showed off her singing chops during the end-of-the-year spring program with her other classmates. Post concert, the girls got to snack on cookies and they also received balloons... which may have been their favorite part of the whole evening.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Not school-related, but I recently also took the girls to <a href="http://www.wildrumpusbooks.com/">The Wild Rumpus</a> (aka, the coolest kids' bookstore ever). Rosie fell hard in love with the kitty who was lounging about and both girls enjoyed listening to Lisa McCourt read from the <i>I Love You Stinky Face</i> books. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I also feel that it's important to note that Cece announced to everyone "My mom gets mad when I ask too many questions!" during the reading. And also Rosie kept trying to convince another kid share his snacks by rubbing her back and saying "Crackers? Please?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Just last week I accompanied Cece on her field trip to <a href="http://www.comozooconservatory.org/">Como Zoo</a>. It could not have been a more perfect day to have an outing to the zoo plus a picnic lunch. All that fresh air and fun wore her out quite a bit and she fell asleep on the bus ride home. I also love how we managed to not take any pictures of actual zoo animals, just with the statues.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And lastly, here is Cece with both of her teachers Mrs. Amy and Mrs. Lori (from last year and this year). I can't say enough good things about the preschool she has attended for the past two years and I'm slightly broken-hearted that we won't be back in the fall. But whenever I/we need to move on and say goodbye, I always remind myself that we are so lucky to have something that is so hard to say goodbye to.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ok, summer's here now! Let's do this!</span></div>
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Bright Side Pursuitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11659714394059966266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4814458154223037481.post-16188170664642163532016-05-13T07:07:00.000-07:002016-05-16T11:02:30.002-07:00Happy Belated Mother's Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEW6EQ28DtjOjZe7CG3OmAqVK_3Bh19_aO42PsiR-sk53Mfdk9xeUuLnyw6QyqzWESeZobzsARpfAYuIo9X5Rlxau_MPj9L_6Faua_RkBDMdL6UFjdnduXQZC5zRqMIVZpbmgxSigwvopr/s1600/IMG_4589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEW6EQ28DtjOjZe7CG3OmAqVK_3Bh19_aO42PsiR-sk53Mfdk9xeUuLnyw6QyqzWESeZobzsARpfAYuIo9X5Rlxau_MPj9L_6Faua_RkBDMdL6UFjdnduXQZC5zRqMIVZpbmgxSigwvopr/s640/IMG_4589.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Raise your hand if you thought last weekend was amazing and that every day should be Mother's Day! Everyone? That's what I thought. Not only was the weather phenomenal, but I got all treated nice and was bestowed with artwork, a cake, and some beautiful flowers. We also spent a couple days up at the cabin for the first time this season. The weather was RIDICULOUSLY awesome on Friday and the girls immediately wanted in their bathing suits and in the water. (Even though the water was/is frigid, you can't tell from these pics! Doesn't it look like July?)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As you can see, everyone thoroughly enjoyed Grandpa's new boat and also the new paddle board. I think it goes without saying, it was such a treat to spend so much time outside. It wore the girls out and it was FANTASTIC.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The only pic I have with myself and one of my kids over Mother's Day weekend is this one that Joe took. But I like it! I had forgotten to pack any type of swim attire for myself, but I really wanted to try out the paddle board. So I just hopped on with my clothes on. And so did Cece. I'm adaptable, I like fun, and I love my kids. And I think this pic captures the essence of my life right now!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Although I'm always reading blogs, memes, status updates, articles, etc. about how motherhood is so exhausting and how it's all about giving and giving so much of yourself (time, sleep, freedome, sanity, money, etc.), I</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> feel like what I have gotten in return is immeasurably wonderful. And now we just have more people in our tribe to have fun with. I hope my kids always know that they've enriched my life beyond anything I could have imagined. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Lastly, a pic of the awesome Fixer-Upper- esqure planter Joe got for me. I LOVE IT! Thanks again for making me feel so special! Hope your Mother's Day was great!</span></div>
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Bright Side Pursuitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11659714394059966266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4814458154223037481.post-71147941651234856032016-05-05T11:45:00.000-07:002016-05-05T11:45:28.910-07:00The Science of Having Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This has been a season of epic and generous birthday gifts and we're feeling very lucky around here. I could probably do a blog post on each one that the girls received! One of the gifts Cece got for her birthday was a lab set from Joe (he also couldn't resist the lab coat and safety goggles!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Joe, Cece, and Rosie spent the morning of Cece's 5th birthday doing various experiments and learning about lab equipment (beakers, tweezers, magnifying glass, eye droppers, etc.) We also tried to emphasize the importance of following directions and cleaning up after yourself... that's still a work in progress ; )</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This included using food coloring to demonstrate how mixing primary colors creates secondary colors.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There was also some volcanic activity ("LAVA!" said Rosie.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">By the way, Rosie in safety goggles melts my heart.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> After awhile, it became just fun to pour things back and forth between various containers and we just let them have at it. We're excited to continue doing all of the different experiments that came with the kit. Thank you, Joe, for thinking of such a fun birthday gift this year!</span></div>
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Bright Side Pursuitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11659714394059966266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4814458154223037481.post-80953541522346376192016-05-03T10:18:00.000-07:002016-05-10T10:49:37.945-07:00Two and Five<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Recently I managed to get both girls in for their two and five year check-ups at the doctor and I was feeling on a roll with getting at least a few things on my to-do list done in a timely manner. So, with the nice weather, I thought I should try to get some official two and five-year photos! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We went to the park this morning and I brought my camera along in hopes of getting some updated pictures for our home. We got a few keepers!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Oh, and here are the outtakes ; )</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"UGH! WHY DOES SHE KEEP TELLING US TO ACT NATURAL? WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I just wanna throw these flowers in the air!!! (And sorry you don't have hands in this pic, Cece...)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">^^^This is what happened when I told her to smile. ^^^</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I actually really love her face and smile, but there's a bar going through the back of her head. Bummer!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I've had a few people ask for pointers recently regarding taking your own kids photos. Be it with a camera or with a phone, here are some things that will help even without adjusting a single setting:</span></div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Be aware of what's in the background. (aka, other people, garbage cans, poles, etc. )Though these things can be edited out, it's always nice to get it right on the first try.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If possible, shoot outside and shoot when it's cloudy. Not having to figure out how to deal with harsh sun and patchy shadows is a nice time saver.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If it is sunny, make sure the kids are not looking directly into the sun to avoid washed out faces and squinty eyes.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Don't have them say "cheese." Everyone is over saying cheese. We say other things like "Spaghetti!" or "Minnie Mouse!" Really, anything random usually helps produce a genuinely happy expression.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Let them hold a "prop" if it elicits a smile (we were holding pine cones, dandelions, and rocks.... and I cropped them all out. I try to avoid excessive cropping, but I got a few nice smiles that way!)</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Or bribery works well too, at least with older kids. This particular morning I told them they could have banana bread when we got back home if they smiled nicely. Win!</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Get down to their level and fill up the frame with their body and face. That'll also help with omitting distracting elements in the background.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Embrace the chaos and the candid moments, because that's sure to happen pretty much every time. And some of those moments are pretty golden!</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Oh, and do cardio. Kids are fast. Some won't let you take their picture unless you can catch them.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I know my style of taking photos is not quite as polished as some might prefer. Sometimes there's grain, blur, darkness, etc. but regardless of your taste in photography, those few tricks mentioned above will make a big difference!</span></div>
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Bright Side Pursuitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11659714394059966266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4814458154223037481.post-3317944806503152732016-04-30T17:36:00.000-07:002016-04-30T17:36:04.078-07:00Happy 5th Birthday, Cece!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cece turned five today! One whole hand! Just months away from starting kindergarten and one more year closer to being able to vote. It's no exaggeration that they grow up so fast. Five is going to be a fantastic year from her, I can feel it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We celebrated the occasion by having a family party at Chuck E. Cheese per her request.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTiDijJ6gaz96z3YmDwMo3VUsGtGpLyRfj7OPn_f3KtvRkBulLHwqzfSdrIwivCB7qGfn98xWjHB4-ua8AgSeV_8jsvMoTq-kNNND13EH32I6Wq90MNGe5t9xyJzMYRDiwnO7vYpfNdv8/s1600/IMG_5007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTiDijJ6gaz96z3YmDwMo3VUsGtGpLyRfj7OPn_f3KtvRkBulLHwqzfSdrIwivCB7qGfn98xWjHB4-ua8AgSeV_8jsvMoTq-kNNND13EH32I6Wq90MNGe5t9xyJzMYRDiwnO7vYpfNdv8/s640/IMG_5007.JPG" width="426" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She ended up being kind of unsure of this Chuck E. fellow though. I don't blame her, I was a little wary of him myself. He's lost an alarming amount of weight since the 90s when I was a kid. And speak of change, there are no more tokens! All of your ride/game points go on a reloadable card. What in the world...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03EnZ45DUxetjTwyTSTMR9olBlwi9ElCx7pb2AkYFy2Wy2Lanoi5lR7ZSZp3DD1WuQo8slKas-DHRST8th9rVGX-IEKZNyilqxCSdbTS8qEYie2ZlMtUIGnslqOmNafbxEtVEIq4syPWp/s1600/IMG_4986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03EnZ45DUxetjTwyTSTMR9olBlwi9ElCx7pb2AkYFy2Wy2Lanoi5lR7ZSZp3DD1WuQo8slKas-DHRST8th9rVGX-IEKZNyilqxCSdbTS8qEYie2ZlMtUIGnslqOmNafbxEtVEIq4syPWp/s400/IMG_4986.JPG" width="266" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODe9J63u5SStHjk9HXJULaTOfgdwf71UXb22Xg_jCC9rlBkXhI8w1GXvvWXdFeNmMBZu-3zjkCnyxXT65bXN_lxTc2PlWbUaZBWV8meulR-2nKrD_iHiFqua8ACGctf5LbF_FG2mE-X0E/s1600/IMG_4980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODe9J63u5SStHjk9HXJULaTOfgdwf71UXb22Xg_jCC9rlBkXhI8w1GXvvWXdFeNmMBZu-3zjkCnyxXT65bXN_lxTc2PlWbUaZBWV8meulR-2nKrD_iHiFqua8ACGctf5LbF_FG2mE-X0E/s400/IMG_4980.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Rosie had no qualms. No surprise there.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUQ1dDacYWAoW3opIXSnTjhzuGu2FpmBWmDIV5BNg1_A2vhiHoYEbuyX_6sV9JMprWYQAk9ich6onUzuM9y8mPAJGKswTJLMGYDfaaqTIKstuMdduticjInU3Npxohbtxwcyr9vF7N7_a/s1600/IMG_4998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUQ1dDacYWAoW3opIXSnTjhzuGu2FpmBWmDIV5BNg1_A2vhiHoYEbuyX_6sV9JMprWYQAk9ich6onUzuM9y8mPAJGKswTJLMGYDfaaqTIKstuMdduticjInU3Npxohbtxwcyr9vF7N7_a/s640/IMG_4998.JPG" width="426" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cece said her favorite part of the party was being inside of the ticket machine. She even snagged the golden ticket by following Joe's advice and stomping on it. With her 1,000 points, she chose hair chalk as a prize which, you should know, will not come out with just one shampoo. But she thinks it's fab!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> And Cece said her other favorite part of the day was cake. Which makes me feel good since I baked it. (If there's one thing I'm quite talented at, it's following directions on box cake mix.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Thank you so much to Cece's cousins, grandparents, great grandparents, and aunts and uncles for celebrating with us today! It meant a lot to Cece and us having you all there. Below are a few more pics of all the party that people shared from phones.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy Birthday, Cece! It has been such blessing to be your mama these past five years!</span></div>
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