tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29296490682730599282024-03-12T23:55:05.442-04:00Adventures with Austin & OwenJenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701129437364790818noreply@blogger.comBlogger948125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929649068273059928.post-90847226223357134602014-01-15T10:08:00.002-05:002014-01-15T10:08:44.896-05:00Naked Elves<div style="text-align: center;">
I went to pick the boys up from preschool one day last week and Austin's teacher stopped me for a chat. It was a couple days after the big "winter blast" of 2014. Which was basically just a couple days where the temps got down into the single digits and schools were delayed because it was.....cold. Not icy or snowy...just cold.</div>
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But anyway, apparently Austin's teacher and the preschool director were in his class and having a quick chat about the chilly temperatures when Austin piped up and told them that his daddy had told him all about the "naked elves." Feeling confused, they continued to ask him what he was talking about and he insisted he knew all about the "naked elves." This apparently went on for a few more minutes until one of them finally realized he was saying <b><u><i>negatives</i></u></b>...as in temperatures below 0. I got a small chuckle when I heard the story but in reality I was just confused at how two preschool teachers could confuse the word negatives with naked elves. </div>
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On the ride home I asked Austin what it was called when the temperature went below zero and sure enough, all I could hear was "naked elves!" At that point the story went from slightly amusing to hilarious as I couldn't stop thinking about what in the world his teachers must have thought of us teaching our kids about naked elves!!</div>
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And while we're certainly not naked, take a look at this fine family of dancing elves!!</div>
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Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701129437364790818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929649068273059928.post-80595439090824803352014-01-04T23:45:00.000-05:002014-01-04T23:45:09.547-05:00Blue Eyed Boy<div style="text-align: center;">
Mom called him "Mista Blue Eyes."</div>
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She also called those baby blues "ladykillers."</div>
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If only she could see him now!!</div>
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Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701129437364790818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929649068273059928.post-22389494502133385422014-01-03T11:14:00.000-05:002014-01-03T11:14:46.330-05:00Hearts, rainbows and tiger paws!<div style="text-align: center;">
Austin and Owen are not the sleeping-in type. I usually open my eyes around 7 am to see one of their cute wide-eyed faces staring right back at me hollering "good morning mommy, get up." They don't even have to walk very far to wake me up seeing as how at least half the time one of them sneaks into my bed in the wee hours of the morning, flails their arms and legs about and then settles in so close to me that it pushes me to the very outer edge of my king sized bed. (I complain about it a lot, but secretly I kind of love it.)</div>
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However, I AM the sleeping in type, considering my bedtime is usually around 1-2 am, I find it almost impossible to get my legs working before 7:45. Austin, being the mature 5 year old that he is, understands this and will entertain himself for a half hour or so in the mornings by either turning on the tv, coloring or stealing my phone to play games. Owen will often stay in bed and cuddle with me until it's time to get up, or on some mornings he'll go find his brother to play. Some of their best brotherly bonding moments seem to happen before 8 am. </div>
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This morning Austin woke me up before 7 am and I groggily told him to hop in my bed and that we'd get up when the sun came up. He declined (he's never been one for cuddling) and said he was going to go color. I never heard Owen get up but they both came into my room around 7:30 am with a mountain of pictures they'd drawn for their favorite football player, Clemson's quarterback, #10, Tajh Boyd. </div>
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Tonight is the Orange Bowl and Tajh's last game of his college career so they thoughtfully drew him pictures to say "thanks" and "we'll miss you..."</div>
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...on the cardboard cake plates I bought for making baby shower diaper cakes.</div>
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Hearts, rainbows and tiger paws!</div>
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(Owen did the two on the right, he's still not big on coloring yet.)</div>
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Christmas morning this year, Santa brought them matching #10 jerseys. </div>
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They've hardly taken them off since!</div>
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Go Tigers!</div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701129437364790818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929649068273059928.post-79474047242074985472014-01-02T22:54:00.002-05:002014-01-02T22:54:31.087-05:00Rainy DayRyan went back to work today after almost 2 weeks off for the holidays. It was a yucky and rainy day and the disaster that is my house right now was making me more depressed. I called/texted no less than 7 friends to get together a playdate but no one was quite feeling it today. (Note to self...give friends more than a half hours notice when you want to hang out.)<br />
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We ended up doing the only thing I could think of that would help the boys release some of their pent up energy while being indoors...we went to Monkey Joes. Sure they'll have a cold for the next two weeks now, but it was fun. It also reminded me how thankful I am that the boys are so close in age since they pretty much ran around and played with each other the entire time. I often forget how great it is that they're only 18 months apart since 50% of the time they're together they're fighting or arguing over a toy. The other 50% of the time they're best friends though, so it makes it all worth it!<br />
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<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701129437364790818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929649068273059928.post-52461323618665289752014-01-01T22:38:00.000-05:002014-01-02T22:42:27.070-05:00Happy 2014!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Surprise!!</div>
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We're back!!</div>
<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701129437364790818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929649068273059928.post-17346764453754680742012-08-28T23:38:00.000-04:002012-08-28T23:38:21.260-04:00Monster Truckin'Mine and Ryan's 5 year anniversary was August 11th...which just so happened to coincide with the big Back to School Monster Truck Bash at the Charlotte Speedway. Our boys really love their monster trucks, and this is a once a year event, so we put the romance aside for awhile and off we went! And since his grandsons have converted him into a monster truck fan as well, my dad (Papa), came up and went with us too.<br />
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We started at the pit party and got pictures with all the trucks and even a few of our favorite drivers. Austin and Papa rode Sergeant Smash and it was a big hit. Owen was fascinated, and apparently a little hungry because he kept sneaking up to the people behind us and stealing their food. Austin's favorite truck, Stone Crusher, won both events and I couldn't wait to see how excited he'd be...until he told me that Stone Crusher was now his old favorite truck and his new favorite trucks were Equalizer and Hooked. I should have realized that when Stone Crusher did so well that Austin was going to lose interest. My boy loves an underdog!!<br />
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Austin posing with his "former" favorite truck</div>
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Owen watching Sergeant Smash do his thing. </div>
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A rare photo with me in it!</div>
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Big Tires!</div>
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How many children can you fit in a monster truck tire?? </div>
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Austin and Papa after riding in the truck.</div>
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Me and Austin with our favorite driver, Jim Koehler.</div>
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Austin with Steve Sims, Stone Crusher's driver.</div>
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"Hands on your knees, hands on your knees..."</div>
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"You see dat??"</div>
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<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701129437364790818noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929649068273059928.post-6806796399127720652012-08-11T00:54:00.000-04:002012-08-11T00:54:35.620-04:00Project Playroom: Chalkboard TableOne of my "must-haves" while we were house hunting was that it had to have a space that I could use for the boys' playroom. I was tired of having my living room covered in toys that I had to clean up several times a day and the boys needed a bigger space all their own to play in. The new house has a formal sitting room downstairs that ended up being perfect for project playroom.<br />
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It is still a work in progress, but coming along pretty good so far! I hope to do a whole blog tour once we're a little more settled, but I do want to share my super easy, super cheap and super fun chalkboard table project since it's one of the first things I accomplished after we moved in.<br />
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I am so grateful that we have an IKEA less than 10 minutes from our house and a lot of my projects involve cheap IKEA finds. This table was less than $20 and was fairly easy to assemble on my own. Out of the box it is a natural wood color with a white top and seats so there are tons of possibilities. I chose to add a couple coats of orange spray paint and with some swipes of chalkboard paint on top...voila! Easy chalkboard table!!<br />
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FYI - I have since added a hook and a small bucket on the outside to hold the chalk and erasers. Chalk storage is key, as I learned rather quickly. Otherwise you'll find chalk all over your house, it will get stepped on and end up as multicolored dust all over your new floors!!<br />
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<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701129437364790818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929649068273059928.post-2020862531900118092012-08-09T23:08:00.000-04:002012-08-09T23:08:02.303-04:00Pretty Pink PolishSo, one day last week I was in the kitchen putting away some dishes, Owen was napping and Austin was playing with his cars quietly on the stairs. It was a typical weekday afternoon...except that Austin was <i>quiet</i>, which is most certainly NOT typical. However, before I put 2 and 2 together and realized that I was doing household chores alone and quietly while my 3 year old was awake...I see him walking towards me with a huge grin on his face. <br />
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Uh Oh!<br />
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Before I could ask, he says to me, "Hi! I'm Mommy" and holds out his hands.....<br />
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Of course my first reaction was to panic and run around looking for spilled pink polish on our brand new carpet. Luckily I found the bottle upright, closed up tightly and sitting on the stairs where Austin had been playing. Then I was finally able to "admire" his work (and make a mental note to hide all my nail polish in the future). Now, there's nothing really <i>wrong</i> with a 3 year old boy wanting to be like his mom and paint his nails pink, but just for good measure we decided it couldn't hurt to go play a few games of monster truck racing and superheroes....<br />
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<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701129437364790818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929649068273059928.post-16769505002424418852012-08-08T22:45:00.001-04:002012-08-08T22:45:19.529-04:00Confessions and Updates!!Well hey there...remember me? It's been so long that I barely remember how to work this thing anymore. I haven't even taken a peek at this blog in months or even considered writing again, but for some reason tonight just seemed like a good night to give it a try and possibly get back in the swing of things. <br />
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This blog was a huge part of my life for so long, but honestly, life just got in the way. I have really missed updating this online scrapbook about my boys' lives and the adventures of our family. It was not only a place to jot down some awesome memories for my own future reference, but a way of letting friends and family know how we were doing and what we were up to. My mom especially loved my blogs and it's been difficult to write them knowing she's not able to read them anymore.<br />
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It's been a little over 8 months since she's been gone now. Her sudden passing really sent me into some dark places, a depression if you will, and it's been a daily struggle to deal with so many of those emotions. I often don't feel like the same person I was just 8 short months ago but I'm fighting now to get that person back.<br />
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Back in my busy blogging days I took my camera everywhere just in case a blogworthy moment popped up. I wrote down the funny things the boys did or said so I wouldn't forget to share it in my next post. I even made sure we had exciting adventures as often as possible so I could fill the blog with our fun family memories. I'm hoping that re-starting this blog will bring some of that back.<br />
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So, without further adieu, let me catch you up on some things!<br />
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-In April we celebrated Easter at Papa's house as well as his 61st birthday. We spent a lot of time outdoors in the beautiful Spring weather, rode scooters, went strawberry picking, attended a few baseball games, met Braves legend, Dale Murphy, and met up with friends in Columbia for Toy Story on Ice and Tyler's 4th birthday.<br />
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-In May we celebrated Owen's 2nd birthday, attended Austin's end of the year preschool party, went to Tiger World, did a lot of swimming and some slip 'n sliding, had Austin's last t-ball game of the season and watched our first major hail storm.<br />
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-In June we went to the beach, saw a good friend get married, Austin caught his first crab, Owen had his first glass of sweet tea and stayed awake for about 14 hours straight and after months of looking we bought a new house!!<br />
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-In July we packed...and packed...and moved...and moved...and cleaned...and unpacked...and moved some more...and continued unpacking and made several trips to Lowe's and spent way too much money on U-hauls and blinds and paint and furniture, etc., etc. We also celebrated the 4th of July at our local park, had a huge yard sale, played in the pool, ate popsicles on the porch and Austin started swim lessons.<br />
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So there ya have it...4 months in one post! Whew! Still with me? Hope so...and hopefully a lot more where this came from in the near future!!!Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701129437364790818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929649068273059928.post-13315935625875831522012-05-10T22:44:00.000-04:002012-05-10T22:44:52.222-04:00Owen's 2nd Birthday!Owen turned 2 years old last Friday. Has it really been 2 years already?! He's growing up so fast, and believe it or not, getting cuter and sweeter by the day! On his actual birthday Owen was treated to some of his favorite foods, more presents than he knew what to do with and about 375 renditions of the Happy Birthday song. He blew out his birthday candle no less than 10 times but didn't touch his cake. (He sure didn't get his odd distaste for cake from me!!) Luckily I had some chocolate chip cookies on hand and those seemed to suffice. :-)<br />
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Taking a bite of his birthday french toast!</div>
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We couldn't wait ALL day for daddy to get home...so we had to open a few presents a little early. You can see Austin throwing a tantrum in the background because I wouldn't let him open all of Owen's presents. Hard lesson to learn for a 3 year old....</div>
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Yay for finger paints!! Owen loves to get his hands dirty.</div>
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Enjoying a few of his other gifts once AmMa and Daddy got there!</div>
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Our big gift to Owen was this little motorized Thomas car since he's too small to drive Austin's Power Wheels.</div>
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This is Owen's reaction when he saw Thomas...</div>
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Priceless!</div>
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Owen enjoyed a birthday dinner of a turkey dog, tater tots and corn. Just a couple of his faves.</div>
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Happy Birthday round 1!</div>
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Saturday morning we were up bright and early for Austin's 8am t-ball game and then home to get ready for Owen's big birthday bash!! We had his party at one of his favorite places, Romp n' Roll, and it was tons of fun. Afterwards we came home to open even more awesome presents, eat some pizza and enjoy our company. It was a busy but super fun weekend.<br />
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Yummy birthday cupcakes!</div>
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Had a blast making these candy trains...thanks Pinterest!!</div>
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Party hats and Owen's framed party invite</div>
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The favors...candy trains!</div>
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Loved how cute this sign turned out!</div>
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Owen for 2!!</div>
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Trying to get that bouncy castle up as fast as possible!</div>
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Having a blast!!</div>
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The clean up game had those kiddos working hard!</div>
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Singing Itsy Bitsy Spider with friend Eli</div>
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Laughing with big brother and Salem</div>
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Cake Time!</div>
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Blowing out his candle! Loved all the cute kiddos in their party hats!</div>
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Again, no interest in the cake, but boy did he enjoy that juice box!!</div>
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This photo op was a fail!!</div>
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Popping bubbles!</div>
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3 cute 2 year olds bouncing away!</div>
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Owen and Salem chatting away about the letters on the window.</div>
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Opening more awesome new toys!!</div>
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This boy is going to be riding around the neighborhood in style now!!</div>
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<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701129437364790818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929649068273059928.post-35418200275603828202012-04-11T09:42:00.000-04:002012-04-11T09:42:16.811-04:00Happy Easter!I'm trying to get back into the swing of things, more to come very soon, but for now I'll just leave you with this little nugget!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VogNPj57rG8/T4WJ4KHmoLI/AAAAAAAAuxM/ua-IrmbqHho/s1600/Easter2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VogNPj57rG8/T4WJ4KHmoLI/AAAAAAAAuxM/ua-IrmbqHho/s640/Easter2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701129437364790818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929649068273059928.post-34533812727838148172012-03-20T00:36:00.000-04:002012-03-20T00:36:11.901-04:00For Mama...Today would have been my mom's 60th birthday. Last year at this time we were celebrating, not only my mother's last birthday on this Earth, but my sister's beautiful wedding as well. It's crazy to think how much things can change in a year's time. March 19th will forever in my heart be a day of tremendous joy, extreme sadness and one that's flooded with memories from the 30 wonderful years I was lucky to be able to spend with my amazing mother.<br />
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Like I've said before, my mom was a huge part of the reason I kept this blog going for as long as I did. So, to honor her on her birthday I want to have a post of pictures....pictures of her daughter who misses her like crazy, her son-in-law who loved and respected her, and her two grandchildren who were the light of her life and whom she loved to no end.<br />
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Happy 60th Birthday, Mama! I hope you enjoy the pictures!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M1kwTYOwyEQ/T2f1etRq0BI/AAAAAAAAqzU/BNr0Z3gSaoA/s1600/March+029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M1kwTYOwyEQ/T2f1etRq0BI/AAAAAAAAqzU/BNr0Z3gSaoA/s640/March+029.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Here we are at the Bobcats game. The boys really enjoyed it, especially Austin!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rUYJQOTDdT8/T2f1fqfL39I/AAAAAAAAqzY/hOlJ7aJZzuI/s1600/March+057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rUYJQOTDdT8/T2f1fqfL39I/AAAAAAAAqzY/hOlJ7aJZzuI/s640/March+057.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We got to see Michael Jordan (from afar), which Ryan and I thought was pretty cool!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MfhQT2v8T-k/T2f1lC_hNUI/AAAAAAAAqzk/VZLMjJl3_-Q/s1600/March+070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MfhQT2v8T-k/T2f1lC_hNUI/AAAAAAAAqzk/VZLMjJl3_-Q/s640/March+070.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Austin loved dancing in the aisle!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dVBRwWNF2O4/T2f1rN_yElI/AAAAAAAAqzs/RYi5lyAP1Wo/s1600/March+074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dVBRwWNF2O4/T2f1rN_yElI/AAAAAAAAqzs/RYi5lyAP1Wo/s640/March+074.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Owen had a ball roaming free up and down our row...he always likes to be on the move these days!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sQ1pqtQqh-g/T2f1zeoEmWI/AAAAAAAAqz0/ivuEz3FPWqk/s1600/March+077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sQ1pqtQqh-g/T2f1zeoEmWI/AAAAAAAAqz0/ivuEz3FPWqk/s640/March+077.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Austin had his first T-ball practice last weekend...and you'll never guess who's coaching his team, Ryan! Both boys are doing awesome and are really enjoying it.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QB4_PSDiBBA/T2f16HR_f8I/AAAAAAAAqz8/MFad56C29-E/s1600/March+078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QB4_PSDiBBA/T2f16HR_f8I/AAAAAAAAqz8/MFad56C29-E/s640/March+078.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pe72PmqLZvw/T2f2AZ2I1_I/AAAAAAAAq0I/_aOT-pP63Ak/s1600/March+082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pe72PmqLZvw/T2f2AZ2I1_I/AAAAAAAAq0I/_aOT-pP63Ak/s640/March+082.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ryan does great giving each of the kids individual attention and batting practice while the assistant coaches keep the others active and busy. Our first game is in a couple weeks and we're all looking forward to it!</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ESy4BjcGwIM/T2f2TrgtbaI/AAAAAAAAq0Y/zo22U7xfFQY/s1600/March+087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ESy4BjcGwIM/T2f2TrgtbaI/AAAAAAAAq0Y/zo22U7xfFQY/s640/March+087.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-219vJrl8r7w/T2f2cZvQ8HI/AAAAAAAAq0k/V9WQ7C6JrmI/s1600/March+100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-219vJrl8r7w/T2f2cZvQ8HI/AAAAAAAAq0k/V9WQ7C6JrmI/s640/March+100.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was Austin one afternoon after playing at the park all morning. He's been protesting naps a lot lately...which means he falls asleep in random places sometimes when he has a big day! I've never seen him fall asleep like this before!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qLIk2lmKY3A/T2f2ik7EaXI/AAAAAAAAq0s/mUCOWVRc4NE/s1600/March+107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qLIk2lmKY3A/T2f2ik7EaXI/AAAAAAAAq0s/mUCOWVRc4NE/s640/March+107.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Owen's too young for team sports, but he's still having a blast and making friends! This is him and his buddy Everett at the park one day last week. The weather has been beautiful lately and we've been soaking it up!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vv7YqVeuB2k/T2f2qeYRW4I/AAAAAAAAq00/AClKGCh89Pk/s1600/March+120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vv7YqVeuB2k/T2f2qeYRW4I/AAAAAAAAq00/AClKGCh89Pk/s640/March+120.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Boys will be boys! Three little boys playing monster trucks in the dirt!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-okf5HTZW_VQ/T2f2u-EAYzI/AAAAAAAAq08/MnbuRvRLyuQ/s1600/March+140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-okf5HTZW_VQ/T2f2u-EAYzI/AAAAAAAAq08/MnbuRvRLyuQ/s640/March+140.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is Austin's "best friend" Christian (Everett's big brother). They play really well together and we really look forward to our play dates! Their mom is really cool too and we enjoy hanging out while the boys play.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sa7aTrrbwBU/T2f20lEYUxI/AAAAAAAAq1E/cOaykCltMl8/s1600/March+158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sa7aTrrbwBU/T2f20lEYUxI/AAAAAAAAq1E/cOaykCltMl8/s640/March+158.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Of course Christian's parents are big Gamecock fans, which makes me love this picture even more!! :-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9DkSsSadxS4/T2f247iUetI/AAAAAAAAq1M/pGpUTD_3bEU/s1600/March+170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9DkSsSadxS4/T2f247iUetI/AAAAAAAAq1M/pGpUTD_3bEU/s640/March+170.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My silly boy on his way to preschool before St. Patrick's Day. He looks cute in his green! I packed him an all green lunch that day and he was most excited to eat his shamrock cookie and green Jell-O!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g67B23ECJFQ/T2f29-oub_I/AAAAAAAAq1Y/_ZSSdofSrSU/s1600/March+191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g67B23ECJFQ/T2f29-oub_I/AAAAAAAAq1Y/_ZSSdofSrSU/s640/March+191.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We made his teachers a special St. Patty's Day treat and he was excited to get to school and hand them out!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iXXdDezvlLM/T2gA4SxSr3I/AAAAAAAAq20/3TRW_Q8HoEg/s1600/March+313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iXXdDezvlLM/T2gA4SxSr3I/AAAAAAAAq20/3TRW_Q8HoEg/s640/March+313.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The boys made some cute artwork which I just had to show you. Austin's turned out really good and he impressed me. Of course he liked opening the gold coins and eating the chocolate more than anything! Owen's is a little more abstract but totally cute nonetheless!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Idjdhg8qx6s/T2f3ANvrlOI/AAAAAAAAq1g/HA3KuzTyTus/s1600/March+229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Idjdhg8qx6s/T2f3ANvrlOI/AAAAAAAAq1g/HA3KuzTyTus/s640/March+229.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We spent St. Patrick's Day (and your birthday) weekend in Columbia this year with daddy and the family. We took the boys to Chuck E Cheese which was quite the interesting experience!! Afterwards we went to see Aunt Geraldine and Uncle Carroll's new house that they're building. It's gorgeous and the boys loved running all around the big open spaces. We all got filthy but it was worth it!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7k28CFmWONk/T2f3Cc839oI/AAAAAAAAq1o/c0lWfoGwgcM/s1600/March+246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7k28CFmWONk/T2f3Cc839oI/AAAAAAAAq1o/c0lWfoGwgcM/s640/March+246.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Mister Blue Eyes" (as you liked to call him) really had a blast. He was playing peek a boo around the columns and just laughing away!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lno_qAKT8Qg/T2f3GupsqzI/AAAAAAAAq1w/T3bpNxzQ3ZM/s1600/March+254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lno_qAKT8Qg/T2f3GupsqzI/AAAAAAAAq1w/T3bpNxzQ3ZM/s640/March+254.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SId3gqxty0g/T2f3LJqjM5I/AAAAAAAAq14/c3Qqy1l0mqw/s1600/March+257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SId3gqxty0g/T2f3LJqjM5I/AAAAAAAAq14/c3Qqy1l0mqw/s640/March+257.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ryan gave us all a little scare as he tossed Owen up in the air a few times. Owen calls it "flying" and asks to "fly" all the time! This boy really is fearless!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3DzaOktvjyQ/T2f3OWK8agI/AAAAAAAAq2A/hCo02Ui7fk4/s1600/March+259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3DzaOktvjyQ/T2f3OWK8agI/AAAAAAAAq2A/hCo02Ui7fk4/s640/March+259.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That's a face of pure joy!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DyyDt93dVEE/T2f3VE0QIwI/AAAAAAAAq2I/vkm7q51DAoM/s1600/March+269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DyyDt93dVEE/T2f3VE0QIwI/AAAAAAAAq2I/vkm7q51DAoM/s640/March+269.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On Sunday we met with the family at Miyo's for lunch (because we know it was one of your favorites)! We had a delicious lunch and then came back by the house for some Easter egg hunting fun! Owen was exhausted and had to take a nap, but Austin really enjoyed hunting the eggs and found all 36 of them...twice!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bG5p40tS97U/T2f3Z89zHnI/AAAAAAAAq2Q/67Wc7aMBeZ8/s1600/March+274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bG5p40tS97U/T2f3Z89zHnI/AAAAAAAAq2Q/67Wc7aMBeZ8/s640/March+274.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-39XF-XJVMsg/T2f3hD89nrI/AAAAAAAAq2c/4dFBqlH7amQ/s1600/March+282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-39XF-XJVMsg/T2f3hD89nrI/AAAAAAAAq2c/4dFBqlH7amQ/s640/March+282.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He really like when we hid them in the cars!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-45CiD_z4GCY/T2f3lzMH0qI/AAAAAAAAq2k/EVUnmpLJIGo/s1600/March+294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-45CiD_z4GCY/T2f3lzMH0qI/AAAAAAAAq2k/EVUnmpLJIGo/s640/March+294.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was a beautiful day and your dogwood tree out front was in full bloom.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1xXLSeMBtPQ/T2f3qhQs2HI/AAAAAAAAq2s/e0EmAKIONbA/s1600/March+309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1xXLSeMBtPQ/T2f3qhQs2HI/AAAAAAAAq2s/e0EmAKIONbA/s640/March+309.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Those yellow flowers (I know they have a name but that's all I ever knew them by) were really beautiful and made me think of you. The yard and front porch are still just the way you left them. Even though everything around there reminded me of you, I felt more at peace being home because it made me feel closer to you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I spent a lot of the afternoon at the cemetery. It's a peaceful place and somewhere I can always talk to you and know you're listening. The boys stopped by and Owen said Happy Birthday and Austin sang to you. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We all love you so much and miss you more than words can say. Happy Birthday, mama!</div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701129437364790818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929649068273059928.post-17354658681602268852012-02-29T00:48:00.001-05:002012-02-29T00:49:35.501-05:0021 Months!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6OYoAqcPDis/T025F4r8eJI/AAAAAAAAqy0/Ur_XZHETgWY/s1600/FebruaryOwenRnr2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6OYoAqcPDis/T025F4r8eJI/AAAAAAAAqy0/Ur_XZHETgWY/s400/FebruaryOwenRnr2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2TxfJeei69k/T025GT1uJ1I/AAAAAAAAqy8/_9P66VhGWqQ/s1600/FebryaryOwenrnr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2TxfJeei69k/T025GT1uJ1I/AAAAAAAAqy8/_9P66VhGWqQ/s400/FebryaryOwenrnr.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Well, I couldn't stay gone forever and I was starting to get sad that I haven't been keeping up with Owen's monthly posts. So, here it is, Owen at 21 months!<br />
<br />
-Can recognize and say every letter of the alphabet and numbers 1-13<br />
-Can count to 10 in Spanish (Thanks, Dora!)<br />
-OBSESSED with monster trucks and would rather watch a Monster Jam event on TV than anything else. He requests to watch Monster Jam every morning when he wakes up and at least several other times throughout the day. Oh, and he knows the name of almost all the trucks!<br />
-Calls himself Owie<br />
-New favorite phrase is "ach dis!" (watch this) and he will stare you down and continue to repeat it until you watch him. Usually this is in reference to launching his cars in the air...<br />
-LOVES to read and will sit in my lap and read books all day if I let him. Some favorites are Dear Zoo, Goodnight Gorilla, Potty For Me, Freight Train, Easy Street and his Pixar Look and Find book.<br />
-Talks <u>all</u> the time now. I can't believe I was ever worried!<br />
-Says please and thank you most of the time.<br />
-Asks for a sucker every time I sit him in a shopping cart...or a cookie if we're at the grocery store.<br />
-Really loves animals and blows them kisses when we see them out, on tv or in a book.<br />
-Likes to run around, race and play chase with Austin. He thinks he's just as big as his brother!<br />
-Knows his shapes and colors, but can't ever get red right. We're starting to think he might be color blind like my dad.<br />
-Sleeps about 11 hours at night and takes one 2-3 hour nap each day.<br />
-His favorite thing to do at playgym is go down the slide, walk the balance beam and play with the parachute.<br />
-Has really come out of his shell lately and loves to be around other people. He still has his shy days/moments, but they are becoming few and far between.<br />
-Tells me and Ryan "Lub Eww" (Love You).<br />
-Says "Bess Eww" when someone sneezes.<br />
-Is waaay too busy to eat most days so I have to follow him around with a spoon at mealtime. He's also extraordinarily picky. Lately his staples have included PB&J sandwiches, Nutella sandwiches, greek yogurt, goldfish, chicken nuggets and pizza.<br />
-Still sucks his thumb at night and sleeps with his duck duck. He's a total cuddlebug as well and I love it! :-)<br />
-Weighs about 25lbs. I haven't measured height in awhile, but judging by his peers he seems to be on the shorter side.<br />
-Wears size 18-24mo. and a few 2Ts.<br />
-His favorite toys (besides cars and monster trucks) are his Leap Frog Laptop and VTech Text & Go.<br />
-Randomly sings songs to himself. He loves Wheels on the Bus, Twinkle, Twinkle, Happy and You Know It, Taxi, and the ABC's. Yesterday he starting singing "Moo Moo Cow" in the carJenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701129437364790818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929649068273059928.post-79974764976279634902012-01-13T10:37:00.000-05:002012-01-13T10:37:47.007-05:00Gone but Not ForgottonDear Friends, Family and Followers,<br />
<br />
For those of you who do not know, my mother unexpectedly passed away on January 3, 2012. I am grief stricken, in disbelief and dealing with a sadness I have never felt before. My mom adored my boys more than anything and she loved this blog. She's a big reason why I kept it going as long as I did and if there was a period of time where there were no posts, she would let me know and ask for more stories and pictures ASAP! For that reason, I plan to keep blogging, but for now I have to step back and take a break. It may be a week, a month or several months, but hopefully when I do come back it will be in full force with tons of pictures and updates.<br />
<br />
For now, please follow my Facebook account for pictures and updates on Austin and Owen.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6CIGT1KuWKc/TxBPsLBJPyI/AAAAAAAApbQ/AahJC1zV8xw/s1600/378569_2306973954432_1251806798_31893357_170812013_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6CIGT1KuWKc/TxBPsLBJPyI/AAAAAAAApbQ/AahJC1zV8xw/s640/378569_2306973954432_1251806798_31893357_170812013_n.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701129437364790818noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929649068273059928.post-5694050385805791092012-01-01T08:00:00.000-05:002011-12-30T01:40:26.703-05:00Happy New Year from the Harrises!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3fDMamHYhFc/Tv1cTeRP_2I/AAAAAAAAoM4/5pNjHFPEkLY/s1600/1+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3fDMamHYhFc/Tv1cTeRP_2I/AAAAAAAAoM4/5pNjHFPEkLY/s640/1+%25281%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701129437364790818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929649068273059928.post-26276226975165522432011-12-30T00:15:00.001-05:002012-01-13T11:03:23.808-05:00Catching Up!December is always such a fabulously busy month, but this year really takes the cake! As much as I hate it, I don't have time to write a post for every fun event that has taken place this month. In fact, I'm finding it hard to find the time to blog at all as of lately (am I'm sure you've noticed), but I promise not to give up as long as a few of you just hang in there with me! :) <br />
<br />
So here goes...our December, the condensed version:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2XVG27rJcSw/TtOZ7Ie1RnI/AAAAAAAAmBc/tYyEm0fghW4/s1600/November+557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2XVG27rJcSw/TtOZ7Ie1RnI/AAAAAAAAmBc/tYyEm0fghW4/s640/November+557.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My cute little Clemson elf loved decorating his very own orange Christmas tree!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r8bqhz1JTCE/TtOaKTkTjDI/AAAAAAAAmCk/InIvJPin2RQ/s1600/November+575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r8bqhz1JTCE/TtOaKTkTjDI/AAAAAAAAmCk/InIvJPin2RQ/s640/November+575.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Only 2 ornaments were harmed in the process...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fGL1DvZm6XY/TtOanZ5x1LI/AAAAAAAAmEk/Wd1RRE4Az7A/s1600/November+607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fGL1DvZm6XY/TtOanZ5x1LI/AAAAAAAAmEk/Wd1RRE4Az7A/s640/November+607.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Setting up the Santa train!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-99ncNggoIdE/Tt2XKqnblhI/AAAAAAAAmmQ/7T-exAIQUQ0/s1600/December+172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-99ncNggoIdE/Tt2XKqnblhI/AAAAAAAAmmQ/7T-exAIQUQ0/s640/December+172.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After driving through the lights at the speedway</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3ABR7dKMmxo/Tt2XdVAzdwI/AAAAAAAAmns/TwcR3hk6D4M/s1600/December+195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3ABR7dKMmxo/Tt2XdVAzdwI/AAAAAAAAmns/TwcR3hk6D4M/s640/December+195.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Am Ma and Austin feeding a goat at Carolina Christmas</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C4ezYS8w4UU/Tt2Xi-syZXI/AAAAAAAAmoI/Y-OFA5ij7lM/s1600/December+202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C4ezYS8w4UU/Tt2Xi-syZXI/AAAAAAAAmoI/Y-OFA5ij7lM/s640/December+202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Owen's turn!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i1cQ6_IiN30/Tt2Xy6wjIWI/AAAAAAAAmpM/SWjoa6HLbss/s1600/December+219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i1cQ6_IiN30/Tt2Xy6wjIWI/AAAAAAAAmpM/SWjoa6HLbss/s640/December+219.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Guess who wasn't a fan of Santa...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0k4E4THjEnA/Tt2X68KgNhI/AAAAAAAAmps/GbyqshGaN3Y/s1600/December+227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0k4E4THjEnA/Tt2X68KgNhI/AAAAAAAAmps/GbyqshGaN3Y/s640/December+227.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Austin mailing off his and Owen's letters to Santa. He asked for cars, trucks, crayons, trains and stickers. Owen asked for everything his big brother wanted. Mom and Dad told Santa that sharing wasn't one of the boys' strong points and maybe he should just bring two of everything.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0D0WiTC0OxM/Tt2YG-DnN4I/AAAAAAAAmqo/TNVI3CMrY8Q/s1600/December+242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0D0WiTC0OxM/Tt2YG-DnN4I/AAAAAAAAmqo/TNVI3CMrY8Q/s640/December+242.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you can't see over it, just look through it! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-Ry__HdeiQ/Tt2YRPE6j8I/AAAAAAAAmrQ/k0tdLm9dakY/s1600/December+252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-Ry__HdeiQ/Tt2YRPE6j8I/AAAAAAAAmrQ/k0tdLm9dakY/s640/December+252.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Austin trying out one of the Legend cars.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mnuuUxsHbnA/Tt2ah9G710I/AAAAAAAAmz4/r-AiufcU1BA/s1600/December+390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mnuuUxsHbnA/Tt2ah9G710I/AAAAAAAAmz4/r-AiufcU1BA/s640/December+390.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our attempt at a Christmas card photo. One hour and over a hundred pictures later, this was about the best we could do. However, it didn't really matter in the end because I forgot to send out Christmas cards this year anyway! (I told ya its been a crazy month!)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gB6_er1WZdw/TuVviyr94OI/AAAAAAAAnBI/MACZfkfPCFI/s1600/December+446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gB6_er1WZdw/TuVviyr94OI/AAAAAAAAnBI/MACZfkfPCFI/s640/December+446.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Before the holidays, we met up with friends at Discovery Place Kids. Austin and Christian had a blast playing together!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hFaEmue0Oko/TuVv8kUQIrI/AAAAAAAAnBY/ps5-lY3dIxs/s1600/December+482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hFaEmue0Oko/TuVv8kUQIrI/AAAAAAAAnBY/ps5-lY3dIxs/s640/December+482.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">How cute are these two firefighters? </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LoTJak_Sk9A/TuVwQroYFgI/AAAAAAAAnBo/IPrm-yVOkGg/s1600/December+509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LoTJak_Sk9A/TuVwQroYFgI/AAAAAAAAnBo/IPrm-yVOkGg/s640/December+509.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Trying to decide who should be the cashier and who should bag the groceries.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FdEDN--OZr8/TuVwVn7GqXI/AAAAAAAAm-o/CavtgEQ7oZo/s1600/December+516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FdEDN--OZr8/TuVwVn7GqXI/AAAAAAAAm-o/CavtgEQ7oZo/s640/December+516.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Owen loved doing the grocery shopping!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7AbptcydANA/TuVwZkkGJ_I/AAAAAAAAm_A/iAlGzaB222Q/s1600/December+522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7AbptcydANA/TuVwZkkGJ_I/AAAAAAAAm_A/iAlGzaB222Q/s640/December+522.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Austin was shocked to hear me over the speaker when he pulled up to the bank window! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E3-jmXnTNRQ/TwErjewu5DI/AAAAAAAApWc/J-fWyMIACaI/s1600/Disney+211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E3-jmXnTNRQ/TwErjewu5DI/AAAAAAAApWc/J-fWyMIACaI/s640/Disney+211.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Austin's Christmas program at preschool. He really liked those jingle bells!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_NDHBRvB2L8/TwEr5hj28gI/AAAAAAAApXo/cvxQGiy-xTg/s1600/Disney+230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_NDHBRvB2L8/TwEr5hj28gI/AAAAAAAApXo/cvxQGiy-xTg/s640/Disney+230.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Showing us their obstacle course.</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qbnrVZjW7L8/Tv0-1E2C4NI/AAAAAAAAoGc/00ZtJJB0cn4/s1600/Disney+247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qbnrVZjW7L8/Tv0-1E2C4NI/AAAAAAAAoGc/00ZtJJB0cn4/s640/Disney+247.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JFRUejGxwNQ/Tv0-3WY98MI/AAAAAAAAoGk/gxn68-TjH0g/s1600/Disney+242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JFRUejGxwNQ/Tv0-3WY98MI/AAAAAAAAoGk/gxn68-TjH0g/s640/Disney+242.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S_XVthRc4cI/TwEsYRzGZdI/AAAAAAAApZ0/eEulcNw-f1k/s1600/Disney+265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S_XVthRc4cI/TwEsYRzGZdI/AAAAAAAApZ0/eEulcNw-f1k/s640/Disney+265.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">A well-deserved snack after all that hard work! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qdyVg-IbB9A/TwEsbCOgJ-I/AAAAAAAApaA/C-im1lEKvvU/s1600/Disney+268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qdyVg-IbB9A/TwEsbCOgJ-I/AAAAAAAApaA/C-im1lEKvvU/s640/Disney+268.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Owen and daddy were there too. Owen is mad that he doesn't get to go to preschool because it sure does look like fun!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eF6uxoFtQFI/Tv0y-12kTCI/AAAAAAAAnww/aDee-9eFA_g/s1600/Disney+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eF6uxoFtQFI/Tv0y-12kTCI/AAAAAAAAnww/aDee-9eFA_g/s640/Disney+002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Austin was so excited about making this gingerbread house so as a treat to him, we made it together while Owen was napping one day.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DNIvUwMCzRk/Tv0zIZr1N3I/AAAAAAAAnxg/9ZKH5hyzaR8/s1600/Disney+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DNIvUwMCzRk/Tv0zIZr1N3I/AAAAAAAAnxg/9ZKH5hyzaR8/s640/Disney+014.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He ended up eating more candy than he actually put on the house, but it was a lot of fun and an excellent way to teach and reinforce patterns.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MxGbXEmZjK4/Tv0zScw0rUI/AAAAAAAAnyU/gfYC9bqSxHI/s1600/Disney+027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MxGbXEmZjK4/Tv0zScw0rUI/AAAAAAAAnyU/gfYC9bqSxHI/s640/Disney+027.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The finished product!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sXU-83VcDaI/Tv00Ua0X9xI/AAAAAAAAn2o/W0eXvMUXhn8/s1600/Disney+096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sXU-83VcDaI/Tv00Ua0X9xI/AAAAAAAAn2o/W0eXvMUXhn8/s640/Disney+096.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Update: Owen still doesn't like Santa.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nkFcEoP9Jfo/Tv00l2SfZEI/AAAAAAAAn4M/k1tJ_J8xKSc/s1600/Disney+121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nkFcEoP9Jfo/Tv00l2SfZEI/AAAAAAAAn4M/k1tJ_J8xKSc/s640/Disney+121.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2450NeQsJk4/Tv00aagXAlI/AAAAAAAAn3M/lAbathBh-uA/s1600/Disney+105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2450NeQsJk4/Tv00aagXAlI/AAAAAAAAn3M/lAbathBh-uA/s640/Disney+105.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He got over it as soon as he saw the remote control cars, however!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bx0FnuzP6t4/Tv0_cebmPiI/AAAAAAAAoGw/5kPIQSczlNM/s1600/Disney+084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bx0FnuzP6t4/Tv0_cebmPiI/AAAAAAAAoGw/5kPIQSczlNM/s640/Disney+084.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Making cookies for Santa!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WLx0MW6neas/Tv02yvmyC9I/AAAAAAAAoC0/WhVJ0vP5AIQ/s1600/Disney+291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WLx0MW6neas/Tv02yvmyC9I/AAAAAAAAoC0/WhVJ0vP5AIQ/s640/Disney+291.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701129437364790818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929649068273059928.post-13097323371224522742011-12-19T15:17:00.000-05:002011-12-19T15:17:18.759-05:00Just a Tidbit...So much to do and so little time! I don't know when updating the blog is going to make it to the forefront of my massive to-do list, but I did want to leave you with a tiny tidbit of what we've been up to lately....<div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ln5zfJJ-nw/Tu-N6xkpngI/AAAAAAAAnUQ/yaEwl9tr48k/s1600/Disney+104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ln5zfJJ-nw/Tu-N6xkpngI/AAAAAAAAnUQ/yaEwl9tr48k/s640/Disney+104.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l_csQ89Kobs/Tu-Mn8KIyJI/AAAAAAAAnOw/aaFboCOCE74/s1600/Disney+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l_csQ89Kobs/Tu-Mn8KIyJI/AAAAAAAAnOw/aaFboCOCE74/s640/Disney+016.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">More to come later from our magical time at the happiest place on Earth!!</div><div><br />
</div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701129437364790818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929649068273059928.post-4072808508454748892011-12-06T01:08:00.000-05:002011-12-06T01:08:14.947-05:0030On 12/2/11, I officially turned 30. I'll admit, I didn't wake up in the best of moods. Turning 30 hit me harder than I thought it would. I remember just 5 short years ago, meeting several law school classmates of Ryan's who were in their 30's and thinking, "wow, they're so old!" I never imagined I, myself, would turn 30 so quickly...<br />
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Luckily, I am quite blessed to have wonderful friends and family who were able to make turning 30 a little less of a blow. My amazing mother-in-law, came up to watch the boys the afternoon of my birthday and Ryan whisked me off on a surprise trip to Asheville, NC to visit the Biltmore House. Biltmore is a very special place for me and Ryan because in our first year of dating we bought season passes and spent countless weekends there exploring and just being two crazy kids in love! We hadn't been back since, so it was a perfect birthday getaway.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mYkI8gAcIso/Tt2bNHpKQEI/AAAAAAAAm2c/3jj0XB1lihQ/s1600/aDecember+066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mYkI8gAcIso/Tt2bNHpKQEI/AAAAAAAAm2c/3jj0XB1lihQ/s640/aDecember+066.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p5mgjKc3Rbc/Tt2bOdqYcjI/AAAAAAAAm2g/5hSUZDVrf6U/s1600/aDecember+067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p5mgjKc3Rbc/Tt2bOdqYcjI/AAAAAAAAm2g/5hSUZDVrf6U/s640/aDecember+067.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CbFTThfeRTM/Tt2bRI8OtdI/AAAAAAAAm2s/hzFNh9_mupw/s1600/aDecember+080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CbFTThfeRTM/Tt2bRI8OtdI/AAAAAAAAm2s/hzFNh9_mupw/s640/aDecember+080.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yjUsjx6X8tw/Tt2bSQPhhEI/AAAAAAAAm2w/0unXR5Iam_A/s1600/aDecember+089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yjUsjx6X8tw/Tt2bSQPhhEI/AAAAAAAAm2w/0unXR5Iam_A/s640/aDecember+089.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xrFYWXnun7g/Tt2bV1xB4dI/AAAAAAAAm3E/uYQmkKf0eG4/s1600/aDecember+123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xrFYWXnun7g/Tt2bV1xB4dI/AAAAAAAAm3E/uYQmkKf0eG4/s640/aDecember+123.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x6XGWTILfqY/Tt2bTkAe2XI/AAAAAAAAm24/zt3JR-620og/s1600/aDecember+097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x6XGWTILfqY/Tt2bTkAe2XI/AAAAAAAAm24/zt3JR-620og/s640/aDecember+097.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
Ryan had a wonderful and romantic trip planned. We got to the Biltmore House that evening and toured the winery until our dinner reservations. We had a delicious dinner at the Deerpark Inn and ended our night with a candlelight Christmas tour of the house. The next morning we went back to Biltmore and just wondered around the grounds and took in the beautiful scenery. After lunch we drove back to Charlotte, checked in with AmMa and the boys and then headed uptown to watch our Tigers play in the ACC championship game. The game was amazing, the atmosphere was electric and the Tigers pulled out a convincing win! And wouldn't you know it...Clemson wins their 1st ACC title in...30 years!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rCuZzemMQiU/Tt2xJUnp53I/AAAAAAAAm3I/D7R278obYgU/s1600/340384_10100220851364018_12702472_46414607_2049367900_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rCuZzemMQiU/Tt2xJUnp53I/AAAAAAAAm3I/D7R278obYgU/s640/340384_10100220851364018_12702472_46414607_2049367900_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
We came back home, both excited and exhausted. I had already forgotten how sad I was about being 30. I think I can make it through 30 ok...just don't talk to me about 31!!Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701129437364790818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929649068273059928.post-13067421001561722442011-12-05T01:07:00.000-05:002011-12-05T01:07:31.159-05:00Lazy 5Almost every weekend we go in search of fun family activities in the area that we can enjoy with the boys. Last weekend we discovered what could possibly be our favorite place yet....the Lazy 5 Ranch. It's a drive-through animal park with hundreds...probably thousands...of free roaming animals that you can see up close, touch and even feed. It was a huge hit with the kids and Ryan and I had a blast as well! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rAVFjyatVKA/TtxTH4hP_dI/AAAAAAAAmXs/KJb49PzNFII/s1600/aNovember+634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rAVFjyatVKA/TtxTH4hP_dI/AAAAAAAAmXs/KJb49PzNFII/s640/aNovember+634.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Checking out the scenery!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ig2WPILRUY/TtxTQdiNs1I/AAAAAAAAmXw/2KD9CZN8t4o/s1600/aNovember+642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ig2WPILRUY/TtxTQdiNs1I/AAAAAAAAmXw/2KD9CZN8t4o/s640/aNovember+642.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iAnf9q4t-_U/TtxTUISzCRI/AAAAAAAAmX0/qgyCrx8j2wU/s1600/aNovember+652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iAnf9q4t-_U/TtxTUISzCRI/AAAAAAAAmX0/qgyCrx8j2wU/s640/aNovember+652.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qKCFVyrJWEU/TtxUkgUxpWI/AAAAAAAAmYQ/H3yLZuMx7QA/s1600/aNovember+671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qKCFVyrJWEU/TtxUkgUxpWI/AAAAAAAAmYQ/H3yLZuMx7QA/s640/aNovember+671.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_VvWe5UYqwc/TtxUlbXI_6I/AAAAAAAAmYU/kAfyvOtSqMI/s1600/aNovember+684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_VvWe5UYqwc/TtxUlbXI_6I/AAAAAAAAmYU/kAfyvOtSqMI/s640/aNovember+684.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6_oe9riKPPM/TtxUmhMZg0I/AAAAAAAAmYY/FPEmE8sYcgs/s1600/aNovember+692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6_oe9riKPPM/TtxUmhMZg0I/AAAAAAAAmYY/FPEmE8sYcgs/s640/aNovember+692.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Feeding the sheep and goats!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QxmB8aM2IE8/TtxUsxpPryI/AAAAAAAAmYo/sduAUMps7JE/s1600/aNovember+727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QxmB8aM2IE8/TtxUsxpPryI/AAAAAAAAmYo/sduAUMps7JE/s640/aNovember+727.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Watching the big horse get his sore foot fixed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UM_ghUMECbA/TtxUwBZwHOI/AAAAAAAAmYs/ZvrxAMkWn4Y/s1600/aNovember+730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UM_ghUMECbA/TtxUwBZwHOI/AAAAAAAAmYs/ZvrxAMkWn4Y/s640/aNovember+730.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Owen imitating the big camel!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-81R-xHzmgf8/TtxUyB98rLI/AAAAAAAAmY0/aIdiA-IT7og/s1600/aNovember+740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-81R-xHzmgf8/TtxUyB98rLI/AAAAAAAAmY0/aIdiA-IT7og/s640/aNovember+740.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4d46UT4Q_iI/TtxU06-fqfI/AAAAAAAAmY8/UxvvF4vU07c/s1600/aNovember+761-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4d46UT4Q_iI/TtxU06-fqfI/AAAAAAAAmY8/UxvvF4vU07c/s640/aNovember+761-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Love the cute little lemurs!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G_bGNqo80L0/TtxU17XeBCI/AAAAAAAAmZA/RTddfPvUj1A/s1600/aNovember+774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G_bGNqo80L0/TtxU17XeBCI/AAAAAAAAmZA/RTddfPvUj1A/s640/aNovember+774.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Hold onto your buckets tight!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1OXTAQ2suKI/TtxU7LPXQcI/AAAAAAAAmZM/fSdPk3f_7YA/s1600/aNovember+782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1OXTAQ2suKI/TtxU7LPXQcI/AAAAAAAAmZM/fSdPk3f_7YA/s640/aNovember+782.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The Watusi</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-turL0rVuC_U/TtxU8m2V9iI/AAAAAAAAmZQ/m51DJZZQrnQ/s1600/aNovember+785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-turL0rVuC_U/TtxU8m2V9iI/AAAAAAAAmZQ/m51DJZZQrnQ/s640/aNovember+785.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> A small sampling of what we saw on our wagon ride.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k_au6iKwRyw/TtxU9auPJFI/AAAAAAAAmZU/HC92cX8OA1M/s1600/aNovember+790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k_au6iKwRyw/TtxU9auPJFI/AAAAAAAAmZU/HC92cX8OA1M/s640/aNovember+790.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The Brahma</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8vrezJEo8o8/TtxU_bjQ6pI/AAAAAAAAmZc/evqA0z0a5h4/s1600/aNovember+793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8vrezJEo8o8/TtxU_bjQ6pI/AAAAAAAAmZc/evqA0z0a5h4/s640/aNovember+793.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Mom and baby zebra</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yq5_27iPCJQ/TtxVCFmHKNI/AAAAAAAAmZg/qynvS0m05CI/s1600/aNovember+802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yq5_27iPCJQ/TtxVCFmHKNI/AAAAAAAAmZg/qynvS0m05CI/s640/aNovember+802.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6VIMPP-To8I/TtxVIUadpXI/AAAAAAAAmZs/qcGSdOFHaMY/s1600/aNovember+814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6VIMPP-To8I/TtxVIUadpXI/AAAAAAAAmZs/qcGSdOFHaMY/s640/aNovember+814.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Ryan feeding a llama</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uXRD-4UvPUk/TtxVQKvFffI/AAAAAAAAmZ0/9FclA92vmGo/s1600/aNovember+829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uXRD-4UvPUk/TtxVQKvFffI/AAAAAAAAmZ0/9FclA92vmGo/s640/aNovember+829.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The big, hungry giraffes that ended up eating all the rest of our food.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7MPg7cakXdQ/TtxVTkGirlI/AAAAAAAAmZ4/jZobCEpl_q0/s1600/aNovember+832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7MPg7cakXdQ/TtxVTkGirlI/AAAAAAAAmZ4/jZobCEpl_q0/s640/aNovember+832.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Owen loves giraffes!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O5MztOwea1c/TtxWGz3rogI/AAAAAAAAmaI/iE-3lzCHPnM/s1600/aNovember+843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O5MztOwea1c/TtxWGz3rogI/AAAAAAAAmaI/iE-3lzCHPnM/s640/aNovember+843.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> So beautiful!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rULRb6suS00/TtxWIEme2GI/AAAAAAAAmaM/pGISASroivc/s1600/aNovember+847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rULRb6suS00/TtxWIEme2GI/AAAAAAAAmaM/pGISASroivc/s640/aNovember+847.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V2QBfalGRRE/TtxWIwpjk-I/AAAAAAAAmaQ/s5sDSc5EdY0/s1600/aNovember+856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V2QBfalGRRE/TtxWIwpjk-I/AAAAAAAAmaQ/s5sDSc5EdY0/s640/aNovember+856.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Enjoying the wagon ride!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QGP4dsFHBU4/TtxWJv7Nj1I/AAAAAAAAmaU/xgmqSH-tfcI/s1600/aNovember+877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QGP4dsFHBU4/TtxWJv7Nj1I/AAAAAAAAmaU/xgmqSH-tfcI/s640/aNovember+877.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1dW_e0vpJcE/TtxWKjIHhDI/AAAAAAAAmaY/8V8WcsYCh-4/s1600/aNovember+887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1dW_e0vpJcE/TtxWKjIHhDI/AAAAAAAAmaY/8V8WcsYCh-4/s640/aNovember+887.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Baby goats playing...so cute!</div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701129437364790818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929649068273059928.post-78079289566995192332011-11-30T14:38:00.000-05:002011-11-30T14:38:33.606-05:00Thanksgiving CraftinessThanks to <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a>, I'm finally starting to express that tiny little crafty bone in my body. I've always wanted to be crafty, but just never had the patience, skill or creativity to do things on my own. Not to mention that I am totally scatterbrained half the time and can't ever finish what I start. Lucky for me, Pinterest has tons of cute ideas all in one place and often links to step by step instructions. It really is a lot of fun to make cute things that you know your kids can help with and will enjoy!<br />
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For Thanksgiving I decided to make an array of themed goodies:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-16aX9GZwldw/Ts232krFXGI/AAAAAAAAlzE/FaTKy5E5-Nc/s1600/November+332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-16aX9GZwldw/Ts232krFXGI/AAAAAAAAlzE/FaTKy5E5-Nc/s640/November+332.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Fudge Stripe Cookie and Reese's Cup Pilgram Hats</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TQv7z7z_czQ/Ts236wh1GHI/AAAAAAAAlzg/xk_Q0VHBvDY/s1600/November+339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TQv7z7z_czQ/Ts236wh1GHI/AAAAAAAAlzg/xk_Q0VHBvDY/s640/November+339.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Oreo Turkey</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RdGJ1vekHgY/Ts24CWPFlgI/AAAAAAAAl0M/4PYOHNfxkLc/s1600/November+350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RdGJ1vekHgY/Ts24CWPFlgI/AAAAAAAAl0M/4PYOHNfxkLc/s640/November+350.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...and the Hershey Kiss and Nutter Butter Acorns.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g829NOXVPM8/Ts24iLAI0PI/AAAAAAAAl4Q/zvau7azwxGM/s1600/November+390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g829NOXVPM8/Ts24iLAI0PI/AAAAAAAAl4Q/zvau7azwxGM/s640/November+390.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wz1S2SYE4hA/Ts24rHiFgWI/AAAAAAAAl4Y/FQRa8xQAzNM/s1600/November+401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wz1S2SYE4hA/Ts24rHiFgWI/AAAAAAAAl4Y/FQRa8xQAzNM/s640/November+401.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also used the acorns to decorate my homemade caramel cake!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8OfueAyLGb0/Ts24yzge2vI/AAAAAAAAl4E/xmNj8fVamkQ/s1600/November+412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8OfueAyLGb0/Ts24yzge2vI/AAAAAAAAl4E/xmNj8fVamkQ/s640/November+412.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yum!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(For tutorials on how to make these fun treats, find me on Pinterest and check out my Thanksgiving board pins.)</div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701129437364790818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929649068273059928.post-40388852390850751302011-11-30T14:11:00.000-05:002011-11-30T14:11:10.992-05:00Thanksgiving 2011We journeyed down to Columbia for Thanksgiving this year at Mimi and Papa's house. It was a whirlwind of a day that ended far too quickly. Uncle Nick earned his gold star for actively entertaining Austin outside almost the entire afternoon. Papa then earned his platinum star for keeping up with both kids outside while Ryan and I chatted with our good friends Whitney and Travis who were in town visiting from Virginia. The kids were so exhausted that they were completely sacked out before we even left the neighborhood! <br />
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The day after, Austin kept telling me he wanted to go back to Mimi and Papa's house in "Combia." I asked him why and he replied, "...because I get to play outside ALL day!" :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0prwl0sRJeE/TtOYIUd_7hI/AAAAAAAAl5A/zD83SsmNLaE/s1600/November+422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0prwl0sRJeE/TtOYIUd_7hI/AAAAAAAAl5A/zD83SsmNLaE/s640/November+422.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ready for the feast!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c5tvieHl2oQ/TtOYP74bWrI/AAAAAAAAl5g/pfnfoPDFT2o/s1600/November+430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c5tvieHl2oQ/TtOYP74bWrI/AAAAAAAAl5g/pfnfoPDFT2o/s640/November+430.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Being a typical boy, lounging around and hogging the remote.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9mAF0wyccDs/TtOYY8Bfm6I/AAAAAAAAmW4/4gV2H_ISHpA/s1600/November+438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9mAF0wyccDs/TtOYY8Bfm6I/AAAAAAAAmW4/4gV2H_ISHpA/s640/November+438.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Playing with Papa</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-02zQxZzyhXg/TtOYlj9hZpI/AAAAAAAAmW8/EDbbhfhwg6w/s1600/November+454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-02zQxZzyhXg/TtOYlj9hZpI/AAAAAAAAmW8/EDbbhfhwg6w/s640/November+454.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Playing drums in the bed of Papa's truck.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WUS2KCFpUVA/TtOYyk5E7FI/AAAAAAAAmXE/_3YHxXa3yOk/s1600/November+471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WUS2KCFpUVA/TtOYyk5E7FI/AAAAAAAAmXE/_3YHxXa3yOk/s640/November+471.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tissue paper....cheap and endless entertainment!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HstU-D-ICBs/TtOY5nCdFTI/AAAAAAAAl8o/v8gk1nl03nc/s1600/November+480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HstU-D-ICBs/TtOY5nCdFTI/AAAAAAAAl8o/v8gk1nl03nc/s640/November+480.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PTaLohy3DeI/TtOY9DtYQXI/AAAAAAAAmXQ/UcBwp_Avihk/s1600/November+485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PTaLohy3DeI/TtOY9DtYQXI/AAAAAAAAmXQ/UcBwp_Avihk/s640/November+485.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Hey Aunt Caca, smell this paper!" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">SMASH!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uYjTgnjYurA/TtOZQe0h8OI/AAAAAAAAl-k/SqXOZ51ADs4/s1600/November+511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uYjTgnjYurA/TtOZQe0h8OI/AAAAAAAAl-k/SqXOZ51ADs4/s640/November+511.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Giving Miss Whitney a big hug!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QzG-NYoI9pA/TtOZSuqsM7I/AAAAAAAAl-w/AzzqeJBUcBM/s1600/November+514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QzG-NYoI9pA/TtOZSuqsM7I/AAAAAAAAl-w/AzzqeJBUcBM/s640/November+514.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here comes the cuteness....</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D8GXRu022a0/TtOZVCXMS-I/AAAAAAAAl-8/PBqiqamdSOU/s1600/November+517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D8GXRu022a0/TtOZVCXMS-I/AAAAAAAAl-8/PBqiqamdSOU/s640/November+517.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ta-Da!</div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701129437364790818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929649068273059928.post-89522965863727771842011-11-29T15:30:00.000-05:002011-11-29T15:30:28.655-05:00Where a Kid Can Be a Kid!Yep, we broke down and took the boys to Chuck E. Cheese for the first time a couple weeks ago. Honestly the thought had never crossed my mind until we passed the place on the interstate and Austin said he wanted to go there. In actuality he though it was a Monkey Joes, but we decided to check it out anyway. <br />
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First of all, I had no idea this place was so cheap. Every game was 1 token and we got about 50 tokens for only $10 which lasted us for almost 2 hours. There was a toddler room for Owen to play in and tons of rides and games for the boys to enjoy. We also discovered Austin's new love for air hockey...and he's actually pretty good! Owen was in heaven because there were gobs and gobs of buttons to "pish" and he became infatuated with the mouse ride and this duck game where you try to knock the ducks in the water.<br />
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I don't know why I had such a negative view of Chuck E. Cheese in my head, but that's been wiped clean as of now. It's definitely a cheap and entertaining way to spend a cold and rainy afternoon! Maybe next time we'll try the pizza. :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rbZ6Zw3tdQQ/Ts21rj2Va1I/AAAAAAAAluk/dzRriRdd8Y4/s1600/November+260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rbZ6Zw3tdQQ/Ts21rj2Va1I/AAAAAAAAluk/dzRriRdd8Y4/s640/November+260.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yGtKvqi8VvY/Ts21uie4ABI/AAAAAAAAlu0/RekX7P8qSCw/s1600/November+264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yGtKvqi8VvY/Ts21uie4ABI/AAAAAAAAlu0/RekX7P8qSCw/s640/November+264.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7dEWHRCB1T8/Ts214TvqIEI/AAAAAAAAlvk/7AblyS5ZFUE/s1600/November+276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7dEWHRCB1T8/Ts214TvqIEI/AAAAAAAAlvk/7AblyS5ZFUE/s640/November+276.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zCCmeYfyJsI/Ts228uR35qI/AAAAAAAAlvo/ViQLheP1nx0/s1600/November+277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zCCmeYfyJsI/Ts228uR35qI/AAAAAAAAlvo/ViQLheP1nx0/s640/November+277.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9GpPfrgzRg/Ts23NR82xII/AAAAAAAAlwc/h6KC5Z4_dJM/s1600/November+290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9GpPfrgzRg/Ts23NR82xII/AAAAAAAAlwc/h6KC5Z4_dJM/s640/November+290.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yWcwb5OUAyM/Ts23UIM7QOI/AAAAAAAAlw8/d24ejgO2dVo/s1600/November+298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yWcwb5OUAyM/Ts23UIM7QOI/AAAAAAAAlw8/d24ejgO2dVo/s640/November+298.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P0jq5SbrUPY/Ts23GP6RsqI/AAAAAAAAlwQ/ZzuByxZiu5c/s1600/November+287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P0jq5SbrUPY/Ts23GP6RsqI/AAAAAAAAlwQ/ZzuByxZiu5c/s640/November+287.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701129437364790818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929649068273059928.post-63042739904718676262011-11-29T15:15:00.001-05:002011-11-29T15:33:25.317-05:00Santa Arrives!A couple weekends ago, Santa Claus himself arrived in NC. And where do you think he made his first stop? Why Birkdale Village Shopping Center, of course! We had nothing better to do on a Saturday evening and I was really anxious to see how Austin would react to seeing Santa for the first time this season. The whole holiday celebration was a little lame and the parade was downright pathetic....but as soon as Santa turned that corner riding on the back of a pick-up truck....it became magical!! Owen was amused just watching the cars drive by, but Austin was downright smitten with Santa and after he passed us we had to hurriedly cross the road and stake out a place on the other side so we could see him drive by again. We then followed him to the Christmas tree and shouted "1-2-3, Santa light that tree" and watched as Santa "magically" lit the giant tree.<br />
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We had to promise Austin that we'd see Santa again soon just to get him to leave and then we went to IHOP down the road for a pancake supper. I have never been a big IHOP fan until realizing that it's the ONLY sit down restaurant where both boys will eat and behave relatively well. Austin kept waiting for Santa to join us at IHOP but then got distracted when he saw a girl dressed as a pirate walk in and sit at a table nearby. So distracted in fact that when we were walking out he walked face first into a table because he was so busy looking at this pirate girl that he wasn't watching where he was going.<br />
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We've been talking about Santa ever since and even made a visit to mall Santa just to chat one morning. When we lit up our Christmas tree this past weekend, Austin said to himself before he stepped on the button the turns the tree lights on, "1-2-3, Austin light that tree!" Oh, it's going to be a FUN holiday season!!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-13fC0pw4qGA/Tr_3QG_HaHI/AAAAAAAAluE/rkKwCUTkcow/s1600/November+239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-13fC0pw4qGA/Tr_3QG_HaHI/AAAAAAAAluE/rkKwCUTkcow/s640/November+239.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Waiting for the parade to start. Owen obviously not pleased about stopping to pose for a picture.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oet3Q6Lliv0/Tr_3RxIbigI/AAAAAAAAls4/V-ydKZHL6M4/s1600/November+241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oet3Q6Lliv0/Tr_3RxIbigI/AAAAAAAAls4/V-ydKZHL6M4/s640/November+241.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Santa!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Austin had just finished eating a Reeses cup that was thrown to him in the parade, hence the peanut butter in his teeth.)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jv84zvoSckE/Tr_3TVs_pmI/AAAAAAAAluI/bY531cq4y4I/s1600/November+243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jv84zvoSckE/Tr_3TVs_pmI/AAAAAAAAluI/bY531cq4y4I/s640/November+243.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh the joy! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ne5yxgmVeTA/Tr_3XFmhv9I/AAAAAAAAluM/42qhBieRnVY/s1600/November+247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ne5yxgmVeTA/Tr_3XFmhv9I/AAAAAAAAluM/42qhBieRnVY/s640/November+247.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Waving as Santa goes by... </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ljnu8S-jjZ8/Tr_3aNpfsaI/AAAAAAAAltg/xzUjlZjzbko/s1600/November+251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ljnu8S-jjZ8/Tr_3aNpfsaI/AAAAAAAAltg/xzUjlZjzbko/s640/November+251.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">...in the bed of a truck. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MykeWutFDQQ/Tr_3hHXzjnI/AAAAAAAAlt8/2x6ahaikDnU/s1600/November+258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MykeWutFDQQ/Tr_3hHXzjnI/AAAAAAAAlt8/2x6ahaikDnU/s640/November+258.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">An attempt to pose in front of the big tree. Austin was upset that his shoe had fallen off and Owen was busy watching the fake snow blow around.</div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701129437364790818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929649068273059928.post-59450649282434212722011-11-28T12:03:00.000-05:002011-11-28T12:03:36.308-05:00ZzzzzzzzzTell tale signs that we've been keeping pretty busy around here lately...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2d7_8dOB-uw/Ts23bgn6wEI/AAAAAAAAlxc/31BAH0V69-A/s1600/November+306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2d7_8dOB-uw/Ts23bgn6wEI/AAAAAAAAlxc/31BAH0V69-A/s640/November+306.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ML6UR9ef0gg/TtO7wtltUsI/AAAAAAAAmWs/6_CmM739y7A/s1600/November+895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ML6UR9ef0gg/TtO7wtltUsI/AAAAAAAAmWs/6_CmM739y7A/s640/November+895.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Believe it or not, these pictures document the very first times both kids have fallen asleep in someplace other than a bed, crib, or car seat....and they happened within a week of each other! Guess we need to tone down the holiday festivities a little bit and focus on catching up on a few more zzzz's!<br />
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Stay tuned to hear about all the fun we've been having! I foresee some wonderfully long nap times in my near future which means time to catch up on the blogging. :-)Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701129437364790818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929649068273059928.post-31793956214804312782011-11-11T01:07:00.000-05:002011-11-11T01:07:25.363-05:00Owen is 18 Months!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5_UPNolK5ww/Trs_ZpVKmgI/AAAAAAAAizE/-ufsde_3Kw4/s1600/October2+149-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5_UPNolK5ww/Trs_ZpVKmgI/AAAAAAAAizE/-ufsde_3Kw4/s640/October2+149-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LQa3g4uejQg/TrtCMakiNZI/AAAAAAAAjB0/hcbYdfoPEm8/s1600/October2+375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LQa3g4uejQg/TrtCMakiNZI/AAAAAAAAjB0/hcbYdfoPEm8/s640/October2+375.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Owen is officially 1.5 years old now! Here are a few fun facts about my sweet little 18 month old boy.<br />
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-Owen had his 2nd haircut this month. You can observe the before and after pictures above.<br />
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-FINALLY starting to enjoy a little variety in his diet! After a couple months of almost nothing but yogurt, applesauce, crackers and baby food pouches....this is by far the most exciting achievement right now!<br />
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-Loves Lightning McQueen ("Ly-ing") and Mater ("Mare") and points out everything with either of their pictures on it.<br />
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-Enjoys watching football (in moderation) and says "Uh oh!" every time there's a big tackle.<br />
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-Wants to "pish" (push) any button or flip any switch he can see.<br />
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-Will take a juice box over a piece of candy any day!<br />
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-Takes one 2-3 hour nap every afternoon.<br />
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-Can not be trusted to walk anywhere in public on his own! He refuses to hold my hand and often runs off. He's really starting to gain a new sense of independence!<br />
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-Loves to climb and walk up stairs and has no fear whatsoever. <br />
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-Saying new words everyday and putting several words together now. The other day he got breakfast all over his hands and said "I'm a mess!"<br />
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-Likes to stand at the window and look out at the squirrels and birds.<br />
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-Loves to dance and shake his booty!<br />
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-Says "Please" and "Thank You" some of the times. :)<br />
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-Currently dealing with (and not so well I might add) his first ear infection.<br />
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-Weighs 24 lbs. and measures 32.5 inches tall. Our new ped. office doesn't do percentiles, but I looked online and it says he's in the 25th for weight and 56th for height.<br />
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-Loves to sing Chicka, Chicka, Boom, Boom, Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, 5 Little Monkeys, She'll be Coming Round the Mountain, If You're Happy and You Know It, Wheels on the Bus, and Little Green Frog. Yes, Owen really likes music. :)<br />
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-Loves to put on socks and shoes...mainly because he thinks that means we're going outside.<br />
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-Still has a serious attachment to his "duck-duck." Even Austin knows better than to mess with Owen's duck-duck!<br />
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-Barely sits still long enough to read unless it's Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Chicka Chicka 1-2-3, A Potty for Me, The Gruffalo, or any book that has to do with cars or monster trucks.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701129437364790818noreply@blogger.com0