tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74902275500187398852024-03-04T20:01:34.097-08:00Keeping Track of the Changes!Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03360100653977858770noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490227550018739885.post-77652437018525334802010-04-13T14:22:00.000-07:002010-08-23T13:02:03.855-07:00Catherine's First Meal<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIk3M7PYm0ghJXX3RnrB0adV4o8WjUdBE2qTrIyueaypnc64Ss8qq5nhpYWU11mRgnmCfRP-HHcymTxHeMYJV1bmlifQfkZi9pZXNFw9Ztm-1zSACRkHXu_XhCAHmX57bNGD29hg_2As/s1600/IMG_6078.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460852192425118322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIk3M7PYm0ghJXX3RnrB0adV4o8WjUdBE2qTrIyueaypnc64Ss8qq5nhpYWU11mRgnmCfRP-HHcymTxHeMYJV1bmlifQfkZi9pZXNFw9Ztm-1zSACRkHXu_XhCAHmX57bNGD29hg_2As/s320/IMG_6078.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsOcVdHIB_TABwDi7jMAu73PMIyFhinlTUnWLS-2MSXyt4C3yZnFUFP98o6XG9LcybXr8zBv37DoK8yRgvjBXrQQ2F0KmGo7sZ84veCRl_LNihbVf-yM4sYW0IFoMrijrOBIL-0tJP8A/s1600/IMG_6069.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460852181978594226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsOcVdHIB_TABwDi7jMAu73PMIyFhinlTUnWLS-2MSXyt4C3yZnFUFP98o6XG9LcybXr8zBv37DoK8yRgvjBXrQQ2F0KmGo7sZ84veCRl_LNihbVf-yM4sYW0IFoMrijrOBIL-0tJP8A/s320/IMG_6069.JPG" /></a><br /><div>I remember it seemed to take forever until Addie was old enough to eat "real" food. And yet, in what seems like a blink of the eye, Catherine is five and a half months old, and ready to start solids. More than anything, she showed me her readiness over the past few weeks as she began grabbing for our food, plates and cups. So today, Addie and I were ready to start her on the ever-so-decedent meal of brown rice cereal. </div><br /><div></div><div>Two things of note: one, Addie seemed to be more excited than Catherine for the big event; and two, Dan's famous "zucchini face" must be hereditary. The first time I made zucchini for him, he looked like he was going to throw it up, and Catherine made a similar face when trying rice cereal for the first time! </div></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03360100653977858770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490227550018739885.post-41386795107928946502009-12-18T12:00:00.000-08:002010-02-11T13:08:03.876-08:00The Big 3-0<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzprbhgLPnVz8w7GAw-K8p8GEju5vRgPqwNvp6JtIhbD_1R4B6b4_54MB9WBt0XQL6rEOsWOsltFF9kVTytCd9evUv5ebqbrAxC8UgpKBMifgp_ytPuX-SGNmAyEkLGnVc8SgcfInIL7I/s1600-h/IMG_5841.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437094914081099874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzprbhgLPnVz8w7GAw-K8p8GEju5vRgPqwNvp6JtIhbD_1R4B6b4_54MB9WBt0XQL6rEOsWOsltFF9kVTytCd9evUv5ebqbrAxC8UgpKBMifgp_ytPuX-SGNmAyEkLGnVc8SgcfInIL7I/s320/IMG_5841.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwas4BwiLiV7sPzrVGUyQqC51QR9whoYdhcbjpCnlPYe1eVRXeMzdOBcqwbiMADHV5GdsrbnRDMQIYWpo3cgDBtpwIIUbDrfkLHrCA7Cwi2sq2rZrLY-1lf8cE41dXkKqa3ZCT76mH9R4/s1600-h/IMG_5823.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437094906038849378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwas4BwiLiV7sPzrVGUyQqC51QR9whoYdhcbjpCnlPYe1eVRXeMzdOBcqwbiMADHV5GdsrbnRDMQIYWpo3cgDBtpwIIUbDrfkLHrCA7Cwi2sq2rZrLY-1lf8cE41dXkKqa3ZCT76mH9R4/s320/IMG_5823.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>While I usually do not like celebrations in my honor, for my 30th birthday this year, Dan planned a gathering of our friends for cupcakes and Karaoke. It was a perfect night - low-key and relaxing, yet quite fun. Not only do I have two beautiful girls to be thankful for, but I have a wonderful husband to share this journey of life with. Thirty wasn't bad at all - in fact, I am quite excited for this next decade! </div></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03360100653977858770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490227550018739885.post-49215981631572370642009-12-17T11:59:00.000-08:002010-02-11T13:08:36.125-08:00Cookie Decorating Party<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437093911851735010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vMmcEyNusv97ESK0YPhn1v_S9dzpQdGFmctEK1eny3iksLxpVB07tN3iJF8ATzwUYHa02s9Sy-yMprfRm8WsyGX4eI4zbo41Lskj2kbtkAzNlrjLbeRcebdRKrA1HOokALHqnz9PzLE/s320/IMG_5734.JPG" border="0" /> <div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAVgJ7EMQCipIadGTIMxkFF8Gay3TQy0hVGvdLIt0-VjC-oTk1thg5CtLaV4kVup8DyAwVvlj3dCJIYybE-b8XsOFROdMhD145m2B8I1AWQ506jj1gxewjxh-I-Mqp-fh1cfIenQ0FOTY/s1600-h/IMG_5779.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437093890548447122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAVgJ7EMQCipIadGTIMxkFF8Gay3TQy0hVGvdLIt0-VjC-oTk1thg5CtLaV4kVup8DyAwVvlj3dCJIYybE-b8XsOFROdMhD145m2B8I1AWQ506jj1gxewjxh-I-Mqp-fh1cfIenQ0FOTY/s320/IMG_5779.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0iOB9K8cGeYrmQXqr9k9PB_pa2vvYdQ1gkKoRZQYN-5K5iHxtcP9yVrSK0Xer7XpXHW55-VsIylGOAi1G6mhHXJo8BKS-29l1hMDQXLlMLlGbryVkOZoWvrJGycoYlECAoCtsnPtF5DY/s1600-h/IMG_5774.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437093883665431026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0iOB9K8cGeYrmQXqr9k9PB_pa2vvYdQ1gkKoRZQYN-5K5iHxtcP9yVrSK0Xer7XpXHW55-VsIylGOAi1G6mhHXJo8BKS-29l1hMDQXLlMLlGbryVkOZoWvrJGycoYlECAoCtsnPtF5DY/s320/IMG_5774.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXGMhFQ5J_OUc1aVfDwER2mwQLbBika8H5oAHfx-sdQaEU0MGijyl_RGDLz_rc9Zw3aMn-tSqF_mzlEzpmynGg_yuW_JDdA-ge52F0CV0nL7Fk7tR11o4sTUhkiPXCjIos3FlSvKxBlk/s1600-h/IMG_5757.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437093877793728130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXGMhFQ5J_OUc1aVfDwER2mwQLbBika8H5oAHfx-sdQaEU0MGijyl_RGDLz_rc9Zw3aMn-tSqF_mzlEzpmynGg_yuW_JDdA-ge52F0CV0nL7Fk7tR11o4sTUhkiPXCjIos3FlSvKxBlk/s320/IMG_5757.JPG" border="0" /></a> I had another small gathering for all of Addie's "friends" on her actual 2nd birthday, December 17th. Nate, Patrick, Kate, and Evie came over to decorate Christmas cookies, and although I think more ended up in their mouths than on the cookies, I believe everyone had a great time.<br /><br /><p>After the kids left, Dan and I gave Addie her birthday gift - a pink polka-dotted kitchen set. I still remember fondly the kitchen set my sister Elizabeth and I shared growing up, and since we have two girls now, I felt justified in getting them a pink one!<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyQoa3G-PmczVx07WgnPCzug8BLGHUamrFcaGu7caHaYNA8A6lN6lYarbtsO0FP_2fD1ROANnjC_0ZH4MXvWQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p></div></div></div></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03360100653977858770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490227550018739885.post-44172607432887491742009-12-12T15:37:00.000-08:002010-02-10T20:04:55.047-08:00Addie's Second Birthday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs5lhOYnTBxOM7gHj2pWg7-jRF6mcznb2vEFE9mVHOK0GPGKKnwYZaT1WRSK8vmg1II58F5l86yL5vZK2hBytdUah7VpRwB9rRpsRIbPmlY59I2Il2JeWfeycHBbor5YG17lvngUseCuk/s1600-h/IMG_5721.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436394872813203554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs5lhOYnTBxOM7gHj2pWg7-jRF6mcznb2vEFE9mVHOK0GPGKKnwYZaT1WRSK8vmg1II58F5l86yL5vZK2hBytdUah7VpRwB9rRpsRIbPmlY59I2Il2JeWfeycHBbor5YG17lvngUseCuk/s320/IMG_5721.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw9yPkL6pIs3DEZaLWSKSPoIt4Lliu7ZCA7ECdjblIRmuTVSVa1UF_1JHwSKQHxrC3TP59hssqV-K5-Uya6Iv-KEgz_I8VKUDae4BPU0xBdthtKic07O5xaDvug8LJcijDcHpQvVdnDog/s1600-h/IMG_5720.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436394863471839634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw9yPkL6pIs3DEZaLWSKSPoIt4Lliu7ZCA7ECdjblIRmuTVSVa1UF_1JHwSKQHxrC3TP59hssqV-K5-Uya6Iv-KEgz_I8VKUDae4BPU0xBdthtKic07O5xaDvug8LJcijDcHpQvVdnDog/s320/IMG_5720.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYvqEKRMaz_ugKcCEPwuRZQXsuAyA46KlgPOv_oKNnkRjkQwUrMa_dXhapJew8mWoRf7Dk_top5Ygw4ymLPDAHf1OhfjEoDeTMBRK4JmGK77CjP2QS1p3K9vUYCyeKokY4t5Ruhri_5w/s1600-h/IMG_5715.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436392604253290562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYvqEKRMaz_ugKcCEPwuRZQXsuAyA46KlgPOv_oKNnkRjkQwUrMa_dXhapJew8mWoRf7Dk_top5Ygw4ymLPDAHf1OhfjEoDeTMBRK4JmGK77CjP2QS1p3K9vUYCyeKokY4t5Ruhri_5w/s320/IMG_5715.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6mGz4Rk3wLAp9DvBXpkvrNGrh2XrPEbwCdBAgIu0zXsEVsunrQmx2YU4n1DCOqO-fDjeiRbo_Ksl_7fTCsXOOlh6kc_WAmU4nN-hnSJ3joLakBtx4FOZ6vjv7aerlI970N2vNnzDfyUQ/s1600-h/IMG_5711.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436392594539703842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6mGz4Rk3wLAp9DvBXpkvrNGrh2XrPEbwCdBAgIu0zXsEVsunrQmx2YU4n1DCOqO-fDjeiRbo_Ksl_7fTCsXOOlh6kc_WAmU4nN-hnSJ3joLakBtx4FOZ6vjv7aerlI970N2vNnzDfyUQ/s320/IMG_5711.JPG" border="0" /></a>Having my birthday 11 days before Christmas, makes me quite sensitive to Addie's December 17th birthday. Because of that, I think this year I went a little overboard in celebrations for her. I guess I don't want her to feel her birthday is overlooked by Christmas, but at the same time, I'm thinking next year one party will suffice - instead of two! </div><div> </div><div>On the Saturday before her birthday, we had Mimi and Papa, Grammy and Grampa, Uncle Sean, Aunt Elizabeth, and Uncle John over. I made Addie a cake in the shape of her favorite monkey, Curious George. While it took her a while to figure out just who was on the cake, I still think it was worth the effort! We had a wonderful time celebrating with everyone - I just can't believe Addie is two already!<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwh5gkhIUJlGApOCY6kQz0j4gUHiFzKnkbUYE0iaKhfBwZdN7QNSkXI2XWf1XZ6dHIqVOYgJJ09MIHBu_iDoQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div></div></div></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03360100653977858770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490227550018739885.post-76190038653072360432009-12-05T15:28:00.000-08:002010-02-10T19:51:56.509-08:00Meeting Santa<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnje7SaUWnc3zuMtJ4kjGVcbilOiKwxaVgrZ1zkvKpZAiL2vm8RqujBaK9Fa418m_DsgolGj-8I2tYcfi1hXd8pONLPROEsfI8gi_SLScK2eTHNrNyxGJRBVkQtymg0Z5EytkijL3Sqg/s1600-h/IMG_5684.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436390403435864962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnje7SaUWnc3zuMtJ4kjGVcbilOiKwxaVgrZ1zkvKpZAiL2vm8RqujBaK9Fa418m_DsgolGj-8I2tYcfi1hXd8pONLPROEsfI8gi_SLScK2eTHNrNyxGJRBVkQtymg0Z5EytkijL3Sqg/s320/IMG_5684.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5oaue_or3W-WB6AwjzFdC9XWIfjBAxNO5-RVdJr69f3fyvNZ-M_KH-bKUHXkUaGNMkb-YCF_hemQwXhKURzjVQ2C4G2QTldA8izvAj_Mk4wN6KebaIvCElV8o4THC7PYPeeVdVmyBwk/s1600-h/IMG_5683.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436390392911394930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5oaue_or3W-WB6AwjzFdC9XWIfjBAxNO5-RVdJr69f3fyvNZ-M_KH-bKUHXkUaGNMkb-YCF_hemQwXhKURzjVQ2C4G2QTldA8izvAj_Mk4wN6KebaIvCElV8o4THC7PYPeeVdVmyBwk/s320/IMG_5683.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPMuDpyfN87UmUXj-gK6X6OcVaKVn0LucwKrnoUW1YVrYx0LcaZ4Q45VqI97HkKtAN4IqTre7wMEBlt5C6NZEwLv2wNNbZ8ark_dDA6zbkk_s48ARHL3YlpdGHQgrNpzK5NOlzGoJSJc/s1600-h/IMG_5681.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436390373995757938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPMuDpyfN87UmUXj-gK6X6OcVaKVn0LucwKrnoUW1YVrYx0LcaZ4Q45VqI97HkKtAN4IqTre7wMEBlt5C6NZEwLv2wNNbZ8ark_dDA6zbkk_s48ARHL3YlpdGHQgrNpzK5NOlzGoJSJc/s320/IMG_5681.JPG" border="0" /></a>Despite the fact this was Addie's third Christmas, she had her first encounter with Santa this year. And as the picture illustrates, it did not go well! </div><br /><div></div><div>I took her to a brunch sponsored by the Notre Dame Club of Chicago, and while her best friend Evie was there, it did not distract Addie from the large man with a big white beard. She wanted nothing to do with Santa! In fact when he first came out, she grabbed my hand and tried to drag me right out of the room: "Mom, let's go home. Let's go find Daddy. Let's go get bagels." She tried everything she could to get out of the room, so needless to say, I did not get her to sit on his lap. We'll try again next year! </div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03360100653977858770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490227550018739885.post-53659107167669321902009-12-05T15:08:00.000-08:002010-02-10T19:50:56.666-08:00Deck the Halls!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkCHUQxX9fuKCG40036LcbfNo_ZKNd8VwKf9txWcelGIQOwsl62FLWFO5vED0F0hOQ72avGJZtMeDAK1BbINslNewD395b4HAEYBIqc7XQ31kboJPcX6gBQIA7fT6mLsKacl7sYrdoXQI/s1600-h/IMG_5692.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436388822831694546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkCHUQxX9fuKCG40036LcbfNo_ZKNd8VwKf9txWcelGIQOwsl62FLWFO5vED0F0hOQ72avGJZtMeDAK1BbINslNewD395b4HAEYBIqc7XQ31kboJPcX6gBQIA7fT6mLsKacl7sYrdoXQI/s320/IMG_5692.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOm9FsHe1N6O7CoQKXnCYtiV5UXML1mhhWXOJ-c191-pZecT2IRDKwytV6PT1mEK_XQNppr9lI0j5t_KZIHZzp5TDkdgAUW2vzyg_tZvbW54xj6VP3OQphSCvtqJYmBa-lX5IL9QzUxao/s1600-h/IMG_5688.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436388383552717650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOm9FsHe1N6O7CoQKXnCYtiV5UXML1mhhWXOJ-c191-pZecT2IRDKwytV6PT1mEK_XQNppr9lI0j5t_KZIHZzp5TDkdgAUW2vzyg_tZvbW54xj6VP3OQphSCvtqJYmBa-lX5IL9QzUxao/s320/IMG_5688.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRGLJZPMoNBdzNNOkwm24ybE_YssjW2o-RYrLUduqIhVubWiGt5KCxx-q0trDituTT_Ian6ThS_V_q-3X2ZMJBmsxn2P7VmwicxIt5lMNig6LwGPxmQ3tt1XP9oE_DCl3hHiDEWB5R69U/s1600-h/IMG_5685.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436388358760277858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRGLJZPMoNBdzNNOkwm24ybE_YssjW2o-RYrLUduqIhVubWiGt5KCxx-q0trDituTT_Ian6ThS_V_q-3X2ZMJBmsxn2P7VmwicxIt5lMNig6LwGPxmQ3tt1XP9oE_DCl3hHiDEWB5R69U/s320/IMG_5685.JPG" border="0" /></a> With cheerleading back in full swing, it was hard for Dan, Addie and I to find a Saturday night when we could all decorate our house for Christmas. Luckily we squeezed it in the weekend after Thanksgiving. </div><div></div><br /><div>This year, Addie was more helpful than ever. She took ornaments out of our big storage box and proudly hung them herself. Catherine was alert, sitting in her bouncy seat, enjoying the night as well. Dan and I both said we could not have imagined a better decorating session - something that used to be a chore was truly delightful and heightened our anticipation for Christmas morning.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw17S6n0aIi3hhRTk45sJrzxda_sbZb7AiLrhvt98lOPUsbd2bov3avnySx17pgZMiOwAkqrG9fQM5p4IoUoQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div></div></div></div></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03360100653977858770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490227550018739885.post-15192322072615445652009-11-26T14:37:00.000-08:002010-02-10T19:49:37.571-08:00Thanksgiving 2009<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRgfx3RD86NyHp-gtNr7uqTYJF4LW0Xfegp8egCxeesCexuAfWYh0FGXGwnP-PsuOwSO5atxjrhwsTQOyJHh0TeRh0jLkGAju3pFkwBGtEdpt4cmQHOJXpTFPiHwG94_Lqbm6LqlTVW8/s1600-h/IMG_5664.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436378951703528354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRgfx3RD86NyHp-gtNr7uqTYJF4LW0Xfegp8egCxeesCexuAfWYh0FGXGwnP-PsuOwSO5atxjrhwsTQOyJHh0TeRh0jLkGAju3pFkwBGtEdpt4cmQHOJXpTFPiHwG94_Lqbm6LqlTVW8/s320/IMG_5664.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFnTn1KcCvsJ1mRxRuNu41Dfni6bk2AOucjPJsHleCna7C-Vl9rfJamhA_Zj4OtqyYQKYQQo-27NAiMBnELPlIJf9KMb1OzJ6EE6jzmI9Qiy-V3FHwWF55GAY2vPCDxzpu-GBPA6thok/s1600-h/IMG_5641.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436378941472847698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFnTn1KcCvsJ1mRxRuNu41Dfni6bk2AOucjPJsHleCna7C-Vl9rfJamhA_Zj4OtqyYQKYQQo-27NAiMBnELPlIJf9KMb1OzJ6EE6jzmI9Qiy-V3FHwWF55GAY2vPCDxzpu-GBPA6thok/s320/IMG_5641.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZarzBXZFCsTcFUtAF-tlwZdjuwBJDaDQMRb5i2OVNCWXc-_lzAfLwkjCXJvJPce_1kNEXeA29NPmP1S_cYpexkCo6tjRsUn3MlzUktOmOdcbEShV59KZ-CME5GpQ_b7GPPHhz3odcv0/s1600-h/IMG_5621.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436378940343180386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZarzBXZFCsTcFUtAF-tlwZdjuwBJDaDQMRb5i2OVNCWXc-_lzAfLwkjCXJvJPce_1kNEXeA29NPmP1S_cYpexkCo6tjRsUn3MlzUktOmOdcbEShV59KZ-CME5GpQ_b7GPPHhz3odcv0/s320/IMG_5621.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHtysf9jxOhAXfBRDFFWrMyfhtCeOM5Z1ZMF1v9pkWPczliw2wJ7IUKQ1nEYfjhWMgREPlWwaA_HF5o2OVLpxzZ_QS8pHkJqaBMVYJ7Tj3ofhlEO0aHhtwh2_I9GcKWMhnchDs2DZdo0Q/s1600-h/IMG_5633.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436378926766260594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHtysf9jxOhAXfBRDFFWrMyfhtCeOM5Z1ZMF1v9pkWPczliw2wJ7IUKQ1nEYfjhWMgREPlWwaA_HF5o2OVLpxzZ_QS8pHkJqaBMVYJ7Tj3ofhlEO0aHhtwh2_I9GcKWMhnchDs2DZdo0Q/s320/IMG_5633.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436378917087618754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjdbkSTpdAlxP_427Nic-Bh4LFaWnz2Wnmrn7ITb3wSzwSse47H42M_I66nXYptQWmceyZmj9ac3dh2K-XdwEY3UO3v1xzK0LpvHmZsIqcS8xG87rMyo4h6l7cmkROmRZQa0pI-AixXY/s320/IMG_5645.JPG" border="0" /> A couple weeks before Thanksgiving, we had a major health scare with Catherine. She caught a cold from Addie and spiked a fever of 102.9. Our pediatrician sent us straight to the ER at Children's Memorial, and they admitted us for two nights while they ran several tests. Through a spinal tap, blood work, and a catheter, they concluded she did not have a bacterial infection, and that it was most likely a virus that caused the high temperature. Ah, the perils of being a second born!<br /><br /><div></div><div>So needless to say, we almost opted out of the trip home to Kentucky for the Thanksgiving holiday, but Dan knew that would break my heart, and so he insisted we take the risk and just keep Catherine quarantined upstairs at my parents' house when necessary. And so off we were - with a 23-month-old, and a one-month old! </div><div></div><br /><div>The trip went very well - Addie was able to enjoy so much more of the Holiday traditions, from hiking on Friday to candy houses on Saturday, she fit right in with the other kids. Catherine did very well too - she hung out with Mimi while Dan and I hiked with Addie, and she enjoyed watching the touch football game with me in the Camry as her Dad sprinted around faster than anyone! </div><div></div><br /><div>All in all, a great trip that nearly erased the trip the hospital a week before. We had a lot to be thankful for!<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw11Pt83XB7LggK1CSZhTwcAdswTZC9yN-y1QKh2iCaIxtoHtBtCPvGgJfa769OZISq2aQkmWV6O7SotyTwgQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div></div></div></div></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03360100653977858770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490227550018739885.post-71334819398061287452009-10-31T14:30:00.000-07:002010-02-10T19:47:50.639-08:00Halloween 2009<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHB-XgP_o9Y3biiy5ypO8iv1sQoflknilz8ZQBOkzb64pd2h0whdQ56gpdP6OJj_9g6BkjmBiHgPRK5t_mrCr3RCVn9u0Vx736ImAzXiENllA_shv8AV69-khyphenhyphenAX73YpAqkVSxAT7VKDk/s1600-h/IMG_5524.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436376103877322002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHB-XgP_o9Y3biiy5ypO8iv1sQoflknilz8ZQBOkzb64pd2h0whdQ56gpdP6OJj_9g6BkjmBiHgPRK5t_mrCr3RCVn9u0Vx736ImAzXiENllA_shv8AV69-khyphenhyphenAX73YpAqkVSxAT7VKDk/s320/IMG_5524.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZwnziC3NAA24cO-TRYfOKM4OJX7UtGMj4wdiEJsqJ3_9RfwbiNFtbJeKa40kTel53wqGehPglH4azNDqEz1-ETPr4_rPkGeRrcpYzbTHfg9gw8ggtCe2R_bC8HmnLv-WjfCd4YeGng0/s1600-h/IMG_5527.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436376098701935954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZwnziC3NAA24cO-TRYfOKM4OJX7UtGMj4wdiEJsqJ3_9RfwbiNFtbJeKa40kTel53wqGehPglH4azNDqEz1-ETPr4_rPkGeRrcpYzbTHfg9gw8ggtCe2R_bC8HmnLv-WjfCd4YeGng0/s320/IMG_5527.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0A9SRAF3NRc5AYDJfzweuQI4MzXRO5zVz962Kuf4j60rDlD3mE7vaBfcfU5v912KSF-EkXjNlua6U2Wh4MGbtf5ACuGiuyQDPNtTodZ3HtDlgpv2RWmx0ok11vdN9WRggltdLhB2r6hE/s1600-h/IMG_5526.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436376090545185058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0A9SRAF3NRc5AYDJfzweuQI4MzXRO5zVz962Kuf4j60rDlD3mE7vaBfcfU5v912KSF-EkXjNlua6U2Wh4MGbtf5ACuGiuyQDPNtTodZ3HtDlgpv2RWmx0ok11vdN9WRggltdLhB2r6hE/s320/IMG_5526.JPG" border="0" /></a>Addie's Princess Leia costume from 2008 put a lot of pressure on Dan and I to keep up the creativity for years to come - or at least that's what I tell him! </div><div><div></div><br /><div>I think we did well this year, making our own Maggie Simpson costume from scratch. We went to Jo Ann fabrics, and bought cloth in various colors. To make the hair piece, we sewed the yellow cloth to a headband and stuffed it with cotton balls. Even Dan spend a few hours the weekend before Halloween sewing the blue pajamas together. As you can see from the pictures, the costume turned out quite well! Now what the heck will we do next year to top that???? </div></div></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03360100653977858770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490227550018739885.post-40307653737832439722009-10-29T14:08:00.000-07:002010-02-10T19:46:55.424-08:00Catherine Clare is born!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjACBGcnGFd26OVtJZft8Ew5nn4RC3FKaJJ9M3Y71wMRp-re3kHauKk_qrt042WPIxQDE4n3vTlGBEfqxENBQRp7Pl3KKWB_xHCcVAsz1YYRKyG0dG9BVmOJTdAes4NkKULjKTAhEjXcc4/s1600-h/IMG_5504.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436374324895703954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjACBGcnGFd26OVtJZft8Ew5nn4RC3FKaJJ9M3Y71wMRp-re3kHauKk_qrt042WPIxQDE4n3vTlGBEfqxENBQRp7Pl3KKWB_xHCcVAsz1YYRKyG0dG9BVmOJTdAes4NkKULjKTAhEjXcc4/s320/IMG_5504.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbp65UyrmymENVAfEapJSwoJgXNoMW4ohQBrmJfkyMxUXHAoqB1jZQOK-DBeffwi4TFMIulMGpc1NRsH_JIAWUYTsbbNdXA8nANhJTQmAwxA5BOc2_6a2ZotZUv0i3WWuYRO58dGRM57U/s1600-h/IMG_5506.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436373389369508818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbp65UyrmymENVAfEapJSwoJgXNoMW4ohQBrmJfkyMxUXHAoqB1jZQOK-DBeffwi4TFMIulMGpc1NRsH_JIAWUYTsbbNdXA8nANhJTQmAwxA5BOc2_6a2ZotZUv0i3WWuYRO58dGRM57U/s320/IMG_5506.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJRJ4xWZ5Uc7jTxK8gwSTuOLZlSS1sQarj67T48CPBZzX6iUUzxCSHNGvZysIZB3FwSuJmwycPOOpVGTG1HCBTgWQDo1jLvyFD-l2jBxC_8ct67duYE9EBuxCMPCv79Hx_4TMBEE19iKg/s1600-h/IMG_0395.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436373385231292994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJRJ4xWZ5Uc7jTxK8gwSTuOLZlSS1sQarj67T48CPBZzX6iUUzxCSHNGvZysIZB3FwSuJmwycPOOpVGTG1HCBTgWQDo1jLvyFD-l2jBxC_8ct67duYE9EBuxCMPCv79Hx_4TMBEE19iKg/s320/IMG_0395.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRAfxSOP5ZyQfKFbfRvyHJA0a-QGDmUK-Rp8ftWun0WgfB1r7nBVM8GQbgUaE1FULfd-F1eTi45zuacuCpzaYt7K3t8NFWv8zly3s3LzDZKfcf8tWP5fEtMMkLe5X4b0sehc8LMA-yGi0/s1600-h/IMG_0392.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436373370797027170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRAfxSOP5ZyQfKFbfRvyHJA0a-QGDmUK-Rp8ftWun0WgfB1r7nBVM8GQbgUaE1FULfd-F1eTi45zuacuCpzaYt7K3t8NFWv8zly3s3LzDZKfcf8tWP5fEtMMkLe5X4b0sehc8LMA-yGi0/s320/IMG_0392.JPG" border="0" /></a>While I know it has been three months since her birth, I promise now to keep the blog updated in a more timely fashion! At 1:49 pm, right in the heart of downtown Chicago, Dan and I welcomed our second daughter Catherine Clare. She came so quickly that my OB, Dr. Nye, was still driving in from Oak Park when she arrived. But don't worry, the residents and attending physician were wonderful, and she came out beautiful, happy and healthy.<br /><div><div></div><br /><div>From the moment Catherine arrived, Addie has taken to her little sister. Not once has she shown jealousy or resentment, rather she is quite protective of little Catherine. I feel so blessed to have two wonderful daughters! </div></div></div></div></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03360100653977858770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490227550018739885.post-55118905905631460162009-10-24T20:14:00.000-07:002009-10-24T20:40:13.661-07:00Carving Our Pumpkin!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixywaAcusxYsJxIZ4ew-zIf9rdtQZAeOf2YFAPhlDZ_lfQiOzEAi2gxJgc4ex_Wgbm8xpf7InfxP6fgqrcxNTgatqjILx3ejbz32Gsha8guAimOqP4cZGMuvG1ij8VY2JKLgToa2lWO68/s1600-h/IMG_5425.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396374200197215634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixywaAcusxYsJxIZ4ew-zIf9rdtQZAeOf2YFAPhlDZ_lfQiOzEAi2gxJgc4ex_Wgbm8xpf7InfxP6fgqrcxNTgatqjILx3ejbz32Gsha8guAimOqP4cZGMuvG1ij8VY2JKLgToa2lWO68/s320/IMG_5425.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQz_ofSxlEEwiD6X7grAJQtKRJ2KMDrnwE9Y1KJjN1y5o_v3fVjF3dx1qtErRhMe-qEGKvZVi0fe9LeNgmg1tj2L5lXyb7v1MSvpuyVGHviUz2vn6ocqoiEEHDgzGXHUNTkWGxDfSTKvc/s1600-h/IMG_5426.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396374196604550850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQz_ofSxlEEwiD6X7grAJQtKRJ2KMDrnwE9Y1KJjN1y5o_v3fVjF3dx1qtErRhMe-qEGKvZVi0fe9LeNgmg1tj2L5lXyb7v1MSvpuyVGHviUz2vn6ocqoiEEHDgzGXHUNTkWGxDfSTKvc/s320/IMG_5426.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwiV-IkYcwB5c8U8fUdPSrWi7ium2SPzZI2CPCNQVimTMnUbsmjPn0RYY4nc-fqklJ18tKknNRwrHvv49dof2iAYC-lQJ1h7eT9Rtve-kzgDMo1A6_NPGWVoHh4vmeIl50NQHbAg4oPw/s1600-h/IMG_5434.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396374185910928418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwiV-IkYcwB5c8U8fUdPSrWi7ium2SPzZI2CPCNQVimTMnUbsmjPn0RYY4nc-fqklJ18tKknNRwrHvv49dof2iAYC-lQJ1h7eT9Rtve-kzgDMo1A6_NPGWVoHh4vmeIl50NQHbAg4oPw/s320/IMG_5434.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQhfwBJWZZsrUDJCgxTL1-5-SBb0Zlkl66AaBrv7tFPHkVBumVqT4p16iKvrxvfn-9cC9O4JvwcuA82zB9drFKIlVHXvoUV82RRb2rNnIDhjznu5TTI-e2lpdWAKt7767Ci1b6WVbXtc/s1600-h/IMG_5432.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396374183365603170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQhfwBJWZZsrUDJCgxTL1-5-SBb0Zlkl66AaBrv7tFPHkVBumVqT4p16iKvrxvfn-9cC9O4JvwcuA82zB9drFKIlVHXvoUV82RRb2rNnIDhjznu5TTI-e2lpdWAKt7767Ci1b6WVbXtc/s320/IMG_5432.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-lmSgBIK792VywLOXsHSyWLSMzpyH7nrViKOs7VxvxIdnGN33rDFSBs6hlmzuaC4mecG7m2mmnxIgjgp0FO8T2PCXTa5Nh72P3zYGBI_lXKZjupTi0rIdAsbWq6xJ8hfXWvgK4C3Pmkk/s1600-h/IMG_5442.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396374172642923570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-lmSgBIK792VywLOXsHSyWLSMzpyH7nrViKOs7VxvxIdnGN33rDFSBs6hlmzuaC4mecG7m2mmnxIgjgp0FO8T2PCXTa5Nh72P3zYGBI_lXKZjupTi0rIdAsbWq6xJ8hfXWvgK4C3Pmkk/s320/IMG_5442.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>In anticipation of Halloween, Dan, Addie and I carved our pumpkin tonight. </div><br /><div></div><div>As a family, we discussed possible shapes for the facial features. I asked Dan if the eyes should be upside-down or right-side-up triangles, and as he was about to give his opinion, Addie quickly answered "upside-down, upside-down." So of course we obliged her request! We wanted it to be a happy Jack-O-Lantern, so Dan carved a huge smile. </div><div></div><br /><div>Addie stood on a chair next to Dan and I as we took turns carving. She was very interested in the entire process, and although she seemed a little scared when we first turned out the lights and lit the candle, after a little getting used to it, she was very proud of her Jack-O-Lantern! </div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyFp9kE8_SnQGrJMsohjDsMwe9t8vz5-5O3tFNbT2TfTjoszPQS9jIXliht8LFPR4BJ0uzRbS6j-LNrIEHYEg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div></div></div></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxZOVY0zGdPlYDqnq14hXgtZitWSu6H5BSYDIRdaDbl0tOuaFwa2Gzek25FsgJE4cb9aPfXv0QNlr8far3OgA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03360100653977858770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490227550018739885.post-76695247432821630372009-10-18T08:20:00.000-07:002009-10-22T08:52:54.271-07:00The Pumpkin Farm<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOIhQGyTxVNZmi3GZPcD62RfEp2m_CFCpj90c4aexFct66vpk5g6brBDW7RcwA4nyV_YySMj8UJz-BCjt9vTkz7Rgz_mk-RkdhLWwODA1i-XQY0YpR1jg4nqCDeyfd0DSB6F-yRkVu8ck/s1600-h/IMG_5409.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395448723037737938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOIhQGyTxVNZmi3GZPcD62RfEp2m_CFCpj90c4aexFct66vpk5g6brBDW7RcwA4nyV_YySMj8UJz-BCjt9vTkz7Rgz_mk-RkdhLWwODA1i-XQY0YpR1jg4nqCDeyfd0DSB6F-yRkVu8ck/s320/IMG_5409.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgqIJZcCWKLfRBA_8bqsXFxPr1bWvbuPj_lM9cCI_gJU4dgvpbWXOfi34HtUwy_6EzjoZWY-5A-_XgP0YZBcCZgbJcHVDZzMikMckE86M0WTU0ScBsJaBHHVW4cqOZvlhtWRWSkRr7iQ/s1600-h/IMG_5377.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395448716499798338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgqIJZcCWKLfRBA_8bqsXFxPr1bWvbuPj_lM9cCI_gJU4dgvpbWXOfi34HtUwy_6EzjoZWY-5A-_XgP0YZBcCZgbJcHVDZzMikMckE86M0WTU0ScBsJaBHHVW4cqOZvlhtWRWSkRr7iQ/s320/IMG_5377.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgWmwRcexyInfx_iDFtTV3cmj6zpvF9CGK3j8VrluuCeM7Qse1v19iYaz96Ow6lXOGzzp3rF2MNW8a-P9vXO96z_tQwj8UPXU3OHGhtruKmNFYKS3m0gXPG7j1kKcjcwvQJgjgjbGqcw/s1600-h/IMG_5372.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395448710648627074" style="DISPLAY: block; 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MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdbS4TGH799cGzo3R7PQ_mVvn4IXGJxNJ8foW62fiA7MhqrxPlnWvVMYdtS0T1lGStylU26Ck7Sfeh-jyBPVoX5TnZgkbAemB_Sm9-hMUjzqAczoYEZTPKtC0eZR_KT23L_-31GRB1Oo/s320/IMG_5398.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDSUZnAeHDp1ZGqMRf7cNll3ffWW-3IfIQlFqckKdUVBDB8pN6TfgzKv-rOA_xKG0tJzVssvi_hVJgmdzMzH6iaTjGErTPjoIIRsV_biq7a8MLdCFc-m77R6J-k3Hau3yBNmdhgtDY9E/s1600-h/IMG_5387.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395447677248639666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDSUZnAeHDp1ZGqMRf7cNll3ffWW-3IfIQlFqckKdUVBDB8pN6TfgzKv-rOA_xKG0tJzVssvi_hVJgmdzMzH6iaTjGErTPjoIIRsV_biq7a8MLdCFc-m77R6J-k3Hau3yBNmdhgtDY9E/s320/IMG_5387.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjul43AU2xXNB31JnfVWRNRHMO3i2qbN1jPwhp0-8O6Zw-rjJ-KfHQAva3JJd8R68PnFLkH2f_HTHJ2oj_FKlu58OFfmFBUsrVFgQdCtY4fNU74G2JdcamLi-aI7v0n_MUJTXBLQ6QbjCc/s1600-h/IMG_5402.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395447667048820450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjul43AU2xXNB31JnfVWRNRHMO3i2qbN1jPwhp0-8O6Zw-rjJ-KfHQAva3JJd8R68PnFLkH2f_HTHJ2oj_FKlu58OFfmFBUsrVFgQdCtY4fNU74G2JdcamLi-aI7v0n_MUJTXBLQ6QbjCc/s320/IMG_5402.JPG" border="0" /></a>In anticipation for Halloween this year, I researched local pumpkin farms where Dan and I could take Addie. I found one about an hour outside the city, and with my sister Elizabeth's family, and my cousin Sarah's family, we <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">trekked</span> out to the suburbs in search of a little fall fun.<br /><div></div><br /><div>The farm was amazing! There was a petting zoo with animals ranging from normal goats and sheep, to an exotic camel and zebra. Addie loved feeding the animals carrots and petting them gently. There was a little train that she rode with Dan, Jeff and Nate. We also were able to take a tractor-wagon ride out to a field where we could pick out pumpkins. </div><div></div><br /><div>It was a perfect fall day - brisk and sunny. I believe Addie's favorite part was running around the pumpkin field from pumpkin to pumpkin, trying to get them to roll. </div><div></div><br /><div>Before we left the farm, Addie picked out a little pumpkin for the "baby" - hopefully he or she will arrive before Halloween - and we also bought a couple large pumpkins to carve into Jack-O-Lanterns in the coming weeks. It was a great day and we are already planning our trip back next year! </div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dynu1Eon4t_GE5Y-ol0HPb6b11X6XX5WmN5DlCA9Q5OJprnZcx6pDVyA1oq3rioRuf9QlHQRyx1k6AUBxUTZg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzvsS_K75nCdyfEx_pNoy_7W_iyypmiuEJNhRME8Yp0aZI6X56k07iasEDvMWsppuTe95AEVGD25JF3tPpu_w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03360100653977858770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490227550018739885.post-22615614508657259422009-09-28T11:24:00.000-07:002009-09-28T11:56:33.182-07:00Big Girl Bed<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqSN-zsJu-GFq2Vtye6FM2U0BuSm0bPPQpQupO2X9l7jkOkKTAut6K_J3joRN7u2xb-COQbzlSX2lDGDqB4aRDK_tXRzduEU505F3MdDvZvGjN4jS668IqqZq6f7odhjFQwSXTfWX1BUo/s1600-h/IMG_5349.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386590902002160866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqSN-zsJu-GFq2Vtye6FM2U0BuSm0bPPQpQupO2X9l7jkOkKTAut6K_J3joRN7u2xb-COQbzlSX2lDGDqB4aRDK_tXRzduEU505F3MdDvZvGjN4jS668IqqZq6f7odhjFQwSXTfWX1BUo/s320/IMG_5349.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzqmq7rchxQv6JgpiZOGgv362dT4aCfVWm9UGEM_KdoKf0M16ar5M-JW3luHEacZ1Xf0B1_im4mn2Uod6vHHXpTtMWxanQo9CbRRs7gmaJDMNhSz22kwb3asSphy3ApC3CY5W25IF6j8/s1600-h/IMG_5348.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386590893988331410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzqmq7rchxQv6JgpiZOGgv362dT4aCfVWm9UGEM_KdoKf0M16ar5M-JW3luHEacZ1Xf0B1_im4mn2Uod6vHHXpTtMWxanQo9CbRRs7gmaJDMNhSz22kwb3asSphy3ApC3CY5W25IF6j8/s320/IMG_5348.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_IemlDFNL0f-dMwDt3j8VDbKZRJ14AxoFpsmhEP200qkJfLqOBSxw_nnuARBwCkcAjv4-SsMwPt81fqz39uslDEmkbgXNmNK1Uu_LbP-tcygJLl12QMKtpGfXgZn9NIPt0tx8zgs3flE/s1600-h/IMG_5344.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386590883819354066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_IemlDFNL0f-dMwDt3j8VDbKZRJ14AxoFpsmhEP200qkJfLqOBSxw_nnuARBwCkcAjv4-SsMwPt81fqz39uslDEmkbgXNmNK1Uu_LbP-tcygJLl12QMKtpGfXgZn9NIPt0tx8zgs3flE/s320/IMG_5344.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>Last Monday, Addie's new bunk beds were delivered. She and I spent many hours over the past week in in her new room. Bringing toys in. Reading stories. Admiring her new blankets. From the start - she loved the beds and the new room. So last night, after tethering the dresser to the wall, filling in all the electric sockets, and baby-proofing the side-railings on the bed, Dan and I decided it was time to let her move in officially and sleep in the new bed. </div><div></div><br /><div>Perhaps like many transitions we will face over the next 18+ years, I had much more trouble adjusting last night than Addie did. Addie climbed right into bed, took her pacifiers, and fell asleep without a peep. I cried myself to sleep, clinched Dan's hand, and woke up several times thinking about how grown-up Addie has become. </div><div></div><br /><div>Now don't get me wrong - I feel so blessed that the Little Miss slept from 9 pm to 9 am without even skipping a beat. (And that she is back in the bed now napping.) I know few 21-month-old toddlers can just go from their cribs to their beds without any question. But I just can't believe how independent she has become. Ultimately because we are now less than a month away from number 2's arrival, I know this will help a ton. So hopefully I can take a cue from my daughter, and go with the flow! </div><div> </div><div>I'm incluidng a video of Addie when she woke up this morning. Poor thing was barely rubbing the sleep out of her eyes and I was trying to make her perform. Ah well, she'll thank me someday, right? </div><div> </div></div></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz_5YxBRUcJwvv3zxlVlXhs5yibVJKuGY3q_ryyeneqZPucqYUCPgiz_ldiOKrjyKGPvujf325zeYf_Vs8jSg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03360100653977858770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490227550018739885.post-2960002567728659222009-09-16T12:25:00.000-07:002009-09-23T12:34:28.750-07:00My grocery helper<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXkclqK-W90w0yQrCFGE1qx-8JT2bsrhrRusCiA3_tYIA9DnbDsrjT7iymlmDfL-qK_9htmRmtZeyVIJ4NXpeIZDpU4AxAf-i-w6QvyYXFETqPrDAQVrBtgZsNRpzFzPo2AiZi6SugaI/s1600-h/IMG_5237.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384747903234130850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXkclqK-W90w0yQrCFGE1qx-8JT2bsrhrRusCiA3_tYIA9DnbDsrjT7iymlmDfL-qK_9htmRmtZeyVIJ4NXpeIZDpU4AxAf-i-w6QvyYXFETqPrDAQVrBtgZsNRpzFzPo2AiZi6SugaI/s320/IMG_5237.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Plb38D1Q5qobclkT3n2CdugSKKrSFDMmz1WXEH0wJVJI8X5NGl219SXV0ls0_gWY2tONO1r0qRg7fo3eyY79-B5b8plFEQj_CWdjhjoeUXkEintxVfF0njPIe5S47pM6TEBprCYMQOc/s1600-h/IMG_5235.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384747892853994322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Plb38D1Q5qobclkT3n2CdugSKKrSFDMmz1WXEH0wJVJI8X5NGl219SXV0ls0_gWY2tONO1r0qRg7fo3eyY79-B5b8plFEQj_CWdjhjoeUXkEintxVfF0njPIe5S47pM6TEBprCYMQOc/s320/IMG_5235.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJOX99V8OLTNvT0TqkAZRbaLbn1Br3EyjywxYI1-ZWmOnvjh-W1hnPw90hKtwFn4Uf8o4M8UZG6iM8MBGgZPbV_NF2rDyWoEW6zIu_nl7JTAa0s113yH6FsODTbXLUYi7yh8NoCPRo_A/s1600-h/IMG_5236.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384747887892304130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJOX99V8OLTNvT0TqkAZRbaLbn1Br3EyjywxYI1-ZWmOnvjh-W1hnPw90hKtwFn4Uf8o4M8UZG6iM8MBGgZPbV_NF2rDyWoEW6zIu_nl7JTAa0s113yH6FsODTbXLUYi7yh8NoCPRo_A/s320/IMG_5236.JPG" border="0" /></a>With a little over a month left before the new baby arrives, I am trying to think of ways to adjust normal chores so they won't be impossible with two children. One task I know will change is grocery shopping. Up to this point, Addie has rode along in the cart I push, helping count apples and bananas; helping pick out her favorite cereals; and helping to make sure we remember Dan's bagels for his lunch.<br /><div></div><br /><div>The supermarket we go to actually has mini-shopping carts for children to use, so a couple weeks ago, I decided to let Addie give those a try. I figure this way, the new baby can sleep in the car seat in the big cart I push, and Addie can go along side me with her own cart. </div><br /><div></div><div>As all who know her can imagine, she loves the independence and ability to have her own cart. Of course I hear over and over: "Addie's cart;" "Addie do;" "Follow Mommy." She has run into people a couple times going a little reckless and fast, but all in all, she has done well. Now if I can only control what she puts in "Addie's cart," I will be all set for the end of October! </div></div></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03360100653977858770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490227550018739885.post-38405345811307262362009-09-05T12:02:00.000-07:002009-09-23T12:23:55.798-07:00Cheer, cheer for old Notre Dame...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1cOflmHaeWvYM2T9wGVWUZhusB9MW3cvq3QQnLEIZDFBTh-ffpnSZvju-ueaVP_2XuuUalZvJ7gCWBn1V3_Ndt0NOOajechBCaulFgaAU_KjkBj1Dj-7CPpwshI11fVe5vENVLxo-7lI/s1600-h/IMG_5252.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384743896034474530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1cOflmHaeWvYM2T9wGVWUZhusB9MW3cvq3QQnLEIZDFBTh-ffpnSZvju-ueaVP_2XuuUalZvJ7gCWBn1V3_Ndt0NOOajechBCaulFgaAU_KjkBj1Dj-7CPpwshI11fVe5vENVLxo-7lI/s320/IMG_5252.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPsvonlmKT9jgM_hdq3iHBfDlXutr7nBuHEVWbdiwlmRo5OoE746E3d3go1awzhR4jvPGYe6Eerki0r23iCBDUwotVem1ydKBa1Uy8NtbqcP3C_xpZI4Kgr3mU5H36g8fq2h2Vs69uWiU/s1600-h/IMG_5306.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384743889153401026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPsvonlmKT9jgM_hdq3iHBfDlXutr7nBuHEVWbdiwlmRo5OoE746E3d3go1awzhR4jvPGYe6Eerki0r23iCBDUwotVem1ydKBa1Uy8NtbqcP3C_xpZI4Kgr3mU5H36g8fq2h2Vs69uWiU/s320/IMG_5306.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb5exssPSlGjL544X1v9hZnTzIow5atEGYw3wt7LigVIt80LcDuKTAiYqMGOyjmi4QVUv_aoEmGy7FA1kxa-gK35D1Bu8b1L-GkFjnFKcJS4jJ_himiqPDucAQgUTQ1RU9BgyN-gYiBTM/s1600-h/IMG_5279.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384743880209354610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb5exssPSlGjL544X1v9hZnTzIow5atEGYw3wt7LigVIt80LcDuKTAiYqMGOyjmi4QVUv_aoEmGy7FA1kxa-gK35D1Bu8b1L-GkFjnFKcJS4jJ_himiqPDucAQgUTQ1RU9BgyN-gYiBTM/s320/IMG_5279.JPG" border="0" /></a>It is hard to believe Dan and I started dating eight years ago at Notre Dame. Because we met there, we both share a love for Fall and the start of college football season. For the past two years, we have been able to go back to campus with Addie and share this love. While the weekends are hectic and exhausting, they are so much fun. We both have a lot of friends who come back, so each weekend is somewhat of a Homecoming.<br /><div><div></div><br /><div>Addie has had a lot of fun this year as well. Her best friend Evie was at both games we attended, as were other children of Dan and my college friends. Addie loved tailgating, playing outside, and eating rice krispie treats! She especially loved going to see the band at the second game - you can see from the videos, she did a very good attempt at the Irish jig. </div><div></div><br /><div>Due to Soldato number 2 arriving in late October, we will not be attending any more games this year - but I can hardly wait to take Big Sister Addie and the new little one next Fall!<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxmsHJrWWrSg6BIUHwAizr7TJHIZV-f9bkxE79LnOmU7y4OkONVFL4cIJEigI7noFM66vutD9TfUFNTDTLHEA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div></div></div></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx-CtJopofQ_DUzPVdkRcCRMmzRLy7iWkbJLDXdcrRhnFSRuuSoytOYjiosKOmFXLWd9VyeKdy04ZWpMJnfQQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03360100653977858770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490227550018739885.post-68778479248974345032009-08-08T13:23:00.000-07:002009-08-11T20:06:06.120-07:00North Carolina 2009<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUH6L88IyqN5qLm3p3EwURMD9HUPxMwtl_hoGn6ZBi-YhAUgjDd4nGcQYeC2AXrT_DfV1MRQPgOdTIkwM8Oq5qDqnTFORwHxpDTEELTv5J7mPPT0qPNSnU4Gh6QsPeSC3m_mbUik0hSU/s1600-h/IMG_5113.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368808474728967986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUH6L88IyqN5qLm3p3EwURMD9HUPxMwtl_hoGn6ZBi-YhAUgjDd4nGcQYeC2AXrT_DfV1MRQPgOdTIkwM8Oq5qDqnTFORwHxpDTEELTv5J7mPPT0qPNSnU4Gh6QsPeSC3m_mbUik0hSU/s320/IMG_5113.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYstHNa9ekzCVgO8dHdmbgYoxsjuhcb1AUPr1QWfuPF-ByBMIPvHV9kQivECms6XO0QTbtRt0zBTZkzfXZS1KHNqvHDTLavHXNEz_N23oKYbcLP9rcHwxw-3v3RTO5dRhvhHh-_qxvZe8/s1600-h/IMG_5143.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368808465899000274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYstHNa9ekzCVgO8dHdmbgYoxsjuhcb1AUPr1QWfuPF-ByBMIPvHV9kQivECms6XO0QTbtRt0zBTZkzfXZS1KHNqvHDTLavHXNEz_N23oKYbcLP9rcHwxw-3v3RTO5dRhvhHh-_qxvZe8/s320/IMG_5143.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0v35w68qb-Hdh4U82LL61EdFv00vyCTCPFeBx4oTM8FHX41nO-gmosOsbnZgZWtUOwkDgWtfLpg14HavG3NcyY3neUdHiXGsPYsvEHqqbcii5-TeyHrRjZ_BEknt5FXYJ0_UFm6b-K5U/s1600-h/IMG_5124.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368808456351450018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0v35w68qb-Hdh4U82LL61EdFv00vyCTCPFeBx4oTM8FHX41nO-gmosOsbnZgZWtUOwkDgWtfLpg14HavG3NcyY3neUdHiXGsPYsvEHqqbcii5-TeyHrRjZ_BEknt5FXYJ0_UFm6b-K5U/s320/IMG_5124.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZl0I9B-tbbiixyEjtAuMxNajlQu4MWcTAvj00LuYtskgzxdRWexccm6kXMB6cFDnJzGqt7XLpe_n8FGR0aKG_XdYSxt-U1WWH610SKKf0ze2yDTUm8BzO-rGxx8-xN5Crk-A9KqiLwG8/s1600-h/IMG_5098.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368808453878769650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZl0I9B-tbbiixyEjtAuMxNajlQu4MWcTAvj00LuYtskgzxdRWexccm6kXMB6cFDnJzGqt7XLpe_n8FGR0aKG_XdYSxt-U1WWH610SKKf0ze2yDTUm8BzO-rGxx8-xN5Crk-A9KqiLwG8/s320/IMG_5098.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOYEkrXDaeL4vT7NuDkvqLA3cLmpBfjqhEOOl6cgmLtYzirIKUPphqcHX8NGwVv-aSmhSw0B3OKePiiLrwwA34xC0HZV1iFVEgr5st042Xi7-ShVg4TIPBdXheTlOcRvvin1xsO2Q-o4/s1600-h/IMG_5063.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368808443979043682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOYEkrXDaeL4vT7NuDkvqLA3cLmpBfjqhEOOl6cgmLtYzirIKUPphqcHX8NGwVv-aSmhSw0B3OKePiiLrwwA34xC0HZV1iFVEgr5st042Xi7-ShVg4TIPBdXheTlOcRvvin1xsO2Q-o4/s320/IMG_5063.JPG" border="0" /></a> <p>Growing up we took family vacations to many locations throughout the United States: Utah, Arizona and New Mexico; Idaho and Montana; Boston; New York City; Ocean City, NJ; Ocean City, MD; and Washington, DC. You name it, we've been there. However, the past few years, my parents have settled on renting a beach house in Oak Island, North Carolina, and I couldn't be happier. </p><p>It truly is beautiful there. The beach is uncrowded. The water is warm. The seafood and vegetables are at their freshest. It is a very relaxing week, and gives us a chance to catch up on each other's lives, that with each year seem to be more and more busy. </p><p>Of course this year was a little less relaxing for Dan and I, mainly because we were chasing Miss Addie around. Despite the fact that the ocean waves knocked her down a few times, she still showed no fear, running right out into the sea as if she could swim fully by herself. Needless to say, she also loved digging in the sand. She occupied herself for hours filling buckets, digging holes, and collecting shells. Honestly, it is the perfect vacation for a 19-month-old.<br /></p><p>Dan and I both said the week gave us some time to reflect on just how far Addie has come since our last trip to North Carolina. Last year she was crawling and barely pulling herself up on furniture. This year, she ran and jumped with ease. Last year she'd babbled "Da da" every once and a while. This year, as you can see from the video, she can count to ten. Last year, she showed little independence, clinging to and crying for me at times. While this year, she was too busy exploring and hanging out with Uncle Don (John) to know if I was there or not. Honestly, I cannot believe how much she has changed - but it is all good change, and I look forward to seeing just how far she'll go over the next 12 months.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyLkFojUfpOe_mrnJuc9U1wOyRSbWVX6aol366NRNg_uP1p-QY3lIKkQ7RonVRtPlrrxz7_WhhmIQ4bWOnylQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzNdBCUimiicJomMSvcQwlzCmizuBx_y5wy5YuYy-9vlFjE4iuCxSy3AIxdNqhtA31lxX-5GLcypgy-Wgwfug' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p></div></div></div></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzRVFOfKCz7wPaswb3sqRgQZl7I0k823ISwTZzTF7l25Q-vFjNayR33gJCJI4GMl0XbxY1_W3gbGQWlRmSDwg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzvFHAiUKGFnZCFBlEfFJPxqgcUhCzQQUvbEpH1oi7r1fwYYpUJo2FlLfaA-rClPQGsjGZaVlftGx0YN03qmA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03360100653977858770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490227550018739885.post-32976347775461836692009-07-18T13:02:00.000-07:002009-08-11T20:07:05.231-07:00Music Class<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYflwxKgTxRx1PsFID9GWD4bc0rvum1UzFkpDyBPj9DdNGicJglfieOyB_jCaj-8Ugr-1muZHHdLlOpLWlTZ7c0YyH91_8dVbJqfrK-AfgJgDMppKR4qyDjy8YdpN1PrTDwf6Iut3xPfY/s1600-h/IMG_5056.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368802871277573458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYflwxKgTxRx1PsFID9GWD4bc0rvum1UzFkpDyBPj9DdNGicJglfieOyB_jCaj-8Ugr-1muZHHdLlOpLWlTZ7c0YyH91_8dVbJqfrK-AfgJgDMppKR4qyDjy8YdpN1PrTDwf6Iut3xPfY/s320/IMG_5056.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnYLbxlk7jiKO-6zpGbKWZhYnvjY9JKpwCFkB64By4Uy5s_Hn7Cg36Uy8NDkibGeTubj3emvOTpStO9NibN_MzhJ5iBS7XhyE5wSxrqe6zDHU4aNJhxWYvY3QXdmz3kEV8Bi44r0fmqsU/s1600-h/IMG_5058.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368802164326557234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnYLbxlk7jiKO-6zpGbKWZhYnvjY9JKpwCFkB64By4Uy5s_Hn7Cg36Uy8NDkibGeTubj3emvOTpStO9NibN_MzhJ5iBS7XhyE5wSxrqe6zDHU4aNJhxWYvY3QXdmz3kEV8Bi44r0fmqsU/s320/IMG_5058.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DhVD5GhkX4HGbYWrXcOo-9_5Geqv2kbpQyQdbblH3_NY1xMOyHP_vFdGY6jGj7wJ5PAKCk9hIjc75SHCQl-LESLR7uVu7cLHKweecpaXg6Hs6neFTl9gjsH2P-bsn8ay6ILQjt58fLE/s1600-h/IMG_5055.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368802158820399698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DhVD5GhkX4HGbYWrXcOo-9_5Geqv2kbpQyQdbblH3_NY1xMOyHP_vFdGY6jGj7wJ5PAKCk9hIjc75SHCQl-LESLR7uVu7cLHKweecpaXg6Hs6neFTl9gjsH2P-bsn8ay6ILQjt58fLE/s320/IMG_5055.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2zmQ_pAm5lix-hwC3UswtVYQuZXAxoXRYwL1UZ4lNT81ALnKP9YS__yRtnXT98aF3qq_82XyukqhmoOgAu0y-Hw9ss90ywtVkpa6Omf0lFz0e_ReP1fu80-3rdgK0ICQgJ58llGDlCg/s1600-h/IMG_5054.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368802150515380962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2zmQ_pAm5lix-hwC3UswtVYQuZXAxoXRYwL1UZ4lNT81ALnKP9YS__yRtnXT98aF3qq_82XyukqhmoOgAu0y-Hw9ss90ywtVkpa6Omf0lFz0e_ReP1fu80-3rdgK0ICQgJ58llGDlCg/s320/IMG_5054.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Fza-VKQOpxBs1lLlFs6gwJ56Uui2qOcyJnpcgy0cfBdzfw_u9hWHQqwqh-va4CvKWNsN3xeG2kDaHhFUD35_luX-pZOfim7P9Agur2KuZ148W85h6jgkT5yac39hqTOROtZ49iku5go/s1600-h/IMG_5053.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368802139396064034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Fza-VKQOpxBs1lLlFs6gwJ56Uui2qOcyJnpcgy0cfBdzfw_u9hWHQqwqh-va4CvKWNsN3xeG2kDaHhFUD35_luX-pZOfim7P9Agur2KuZ148W85h6jgkT5yac39hqTOROtZ49iku5go/s320/IMG_5053.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQMChzo1Zo_hJPhyxJlLCbWKVtCwhDqC81QkGvRxPagzP0VEm6SQ99HNWY9sNN4cE9k77pxTz8y5DHHJVwfC2pN_skuO5M5uA2goZiSNBfPZjCcH9dBAwkmYrTQnANouxHNgTyIM6orWs/s1600-h/IMG_5052.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368802130676896658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQMChzo1Zo_hJPhyxJlLCbWKVtCwhDqC81QkGvRxPagzP0VEm6SQ99HNWY9sNN4cE9k77pxTz8y5DHHJVwfC2pN_skuO5M5uA2goZiSNBfPZjCcH9dBAwkmYrTQnANouxHNgTyIM6orWs/s320/IMG_5052.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>Throughout this summer, Addie and I have tried out a couple of new classes. I decided to have her take a break from gymnastics (although we start back up in September) to try out swimming and the Old Town School of Music's "Wiggleworms" class. She has loved both! </div><div></div><br /><div>On Wednesdays we go to swim and gym at the YMCA. For 30 minutes she runs throughout the gym, playing with various toys and balls put out by the teacher. Then we change into our suits, and head to the pool for another 30 minutes. And believe me, this is her favorite part of the week! She loves the water. In fact, the teacher said the YMCA no longer teaches that it is a good idea to dunk kids at a young age to get them used to being underwater. They used to think if babies would go under, if only for a split second, they'd be more likely to jump in as children because they'd be used to water in their face. Addie's teacher explained that this gave 90% of children a fear of the water, and it only worked for the 10% that were dare devils. She then looked at Addie and said, "Addie, I'm sure you'd be part of that 10% - you don't mind water on your face at all!" So sums up our first experience with swimming lessons. When the other children are crying because they are forced to jump of the wall, Addie is saying "more, more." When the other children are barely splashing with their hands and feet, Addie is kicking and splashing away. I'm very glad we did the lessons this summer. </div><div></div><br /><div>Beyond swimming, we have also loved the "Wiggleworms" class. My cousin Sarah and her son Nate went with us, which was nice to spend time with them. The class has given me some new songs to sing to Addie, instead of all the old staples I (and perhaps she) was getting sick of. Addie loves to sing and dance, and while at the beginning of class she is usually shy, by the end, she is in the center of the room dancing with all her new friends. I took a few pictures of Addie and Nate at music - as you can see we have future music stars on our hands! </div></div></div></div></div></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03360100653977858770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490227550018739885.post-71588680390269134942009-07-05T12:55:00.000-07:002009-08-11T13:01:37.286-07:00Addie's First Cousin!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1FV7IBGhr_U_nEtqiQyLqDNL4xlO4CS9Ytvuk0EZgF0auMQTg6zO8niMVmmE04G2B790s7X7dPmvo61w_4a7N-WtxyyrWM2cXN4kypyuRAPlAmSGv3nn5lOIKCwahJDPzgYHICwHmUjs/s1600-h/IMG_4920.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368798320253387426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1FV7IBGhr_U_nEtqiQyLqDNL4xlO4CS9Ytvuk0EZgF0auMQTg6zO8niMVmmE04G2B790s7X7dPmvo61w_4a7N-WtxyyrWM2cXN4kypyuRAPlAmSGv3nn5lOIKCwahJDPzgYHICwHmUjs/s320/IMG_4920.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWDfGks8zUVuU08lfb38A2VZYddrsEFaiK6DC9THWaASRSJBKO8zv_mOZkSm2-gb3t-G1yP9dcuwh5LOqxFmEqvrA8V9zhJFj0DGnwD9VrbMPH9XfmI9rWVA7UKE2p0iLsiwwwUk0K3U/s1600-h/IMG_4919.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368798312306167634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWDfGks8zUVuU08lfb38A2VZYddrsEFaiK6DC9THWaASRSJBKO8zv_mOZkSm2-gb3t-G1yP9dcuwh5LOqxFmEqvrA8V9zhJFj0DGnwD9VrbMPH9XfmI9rWVA7UKE2p0iLsiwwwUk0K3U/s320/IMG_4919.JPG" border="0" /></a>Thanks to the birth of my sister's first baby Patrick Joseph, Addie is getting some good practice as a big sister before her younger sibling arrives in October. She loves Baby Patrick - and from their first meeting on this day in July, she has wanted to "hold 'em" "hold 'em" "hold 'em." </div><div> </div><div>Here she was helping push him in his swing - of course not knowing this was an automatic swing, not a regular one like those she sees at the park. But all in all, she is very sweet with her little cousin, and I can't wait until they can truly play together! </div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03360100653977858770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490227550018739885.post-59516303287774659202009-07-04T12:30:00.000-07:002009-08-11T12:55:45.692-07:00Pheasant Run 2009<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6glYsc1jha-p7sPxbRJojsit80xy_3cUPvgG8AlY9oTlz1jLdzRcl6cchz-hg0CEAibzaxOrhIcZIeEOXfeuaGEY67MaP0v87WkfaAODJ1WW07DrL2TvMG-_8qtt3aOEMYKaBXMtgNI/s1600-h/IMG_4891.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368796516995872562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6glYsc1jha-p7sPxbRJojsit80xy_3cUPvgG8AlY9oTlz1jLdzRcl6cchz-hg0CEAibzaxOrhIcZIeEOXfeuaGEY67MaP0v87WkfaAODJ1WW07DrL2TvMG-_8qtt3aOEMYKaBXMtgNI/s320/IMG_4891.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLq-WRBndJr8xM0pK0nEf62Bg95MNfZSyZw9JUlZ0WL8ci6pNXgw5_986PXHbPj1YtYquNTbmNPtulPGVc0Bb-oupd2uoht0VuEnDt_NKifqqKMeqyO_lhk_Q9vawQT2zXnTc3GXAk0tg/s1600-h/IMG_4854.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368793897918289266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLq-WRBndJr8xM0pK0nEf62Bg95MNfZSyZw9JUlZ0WL8ci6pNXgw5_986PXHbPj1YtYquNTbmNPtulPGVc0Bb-oupd2uoht0VuEnDt_NKifqqKMeqyO_lhk_Q9vawQT2zXnTc3GXAk0tg/s320/IMG_4854.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5lj3VSgJEUzxN5n1RuEKVVaYEGJXQRsIqQGyceUg7P_1k6aZkoNOft-h8vTigwa8zdzmWIKyN6aa6_y_pBH6zuC4qbG2bysV50ACbIA7CdndjG2lacEAfhitAhYPiAlwRDaI00OJqGbI/s1600-h/IMG_4863.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368793889880218306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5lj3VSgJEUzxN5n1RuEKVVaYEGJXQRsIqQGyceUg7P_1k6aZkoNOft-h8vTigwa8zdzmWIKyN6aa6_y_pBH6zuC4qbG2bysV50ACbIA7CdndjG2lacEAfhitAhYPiAlwRDaI00OJqGbI/s320/IMG_4863.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYUBMlnty38bB0Sz1aqS7DXTD5W2KJEnhsRzisP5Kwg6sq2rIe9YL4yycXc-AlfNxlWwkRNUrMXlydJh9AZqHOHd0tz8gihOhnfwsrgFrBWs2in5NLVXFscNQOFHlj_pByNKoC-isN0o/s1600-h/IMG_4894.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368793881806110194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYUBMlnty38bB0Sz1aqS7DXTD5W2KJEnhsRzisP5Kwg6sq2rIe9YL4yycXc-AlfNxlWwkRNUrMXlydJh9AZqHOHd0tz8gihOhnfwsrgFrBWs2in5NLVXFscNQOFHlj_pByNKoC-isN0o/s320/IMG_4894.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvSdQzzPDoB-ZN2Aho1WgkYweKjPz-maDXe-S_2BvRVCH9hySAVwtLWAWDhgtTQTev1hi0P0RyMHvIyHROfHfdwF46wy8w4UaaJXLrd26YzVs4FupE7kDifF1kn1ebtKxxYiFPSHMeio/s1600-h/IMG_4906.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368793876677372722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvSdQzzPDoB-ZN2Aho1WgkYweKjPz-maDXe-S_2BvRVCH9hySAVwtLWAWDhgtTQTev1hi0P0RyMHvIyHROfHfdwF46wy8w4UaaJXLrd26YzVs4FupE7kDifF1kn1ebtKxxYiFPSHMeio/s320/IMG_4906.JPG" border="0" /></a>Every year since our engagement, I have gone with Dan and his family to Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles IL for the Fourth of July. The tradition was started by Dan's Grampa and Grandma Soldato to ensure the entire clan got together and spent quality time swimming, golfing, and catching up. Addie has joined in the fun for the past two years, although I must admit, she was much more engaged this year. </div><div></div><br /><div>She loved swimming (of course) in the various pools throughout the resort. She loved playing on the putting green and watching her Dad golf. She loved the dinners of choice - pizza and pasta. She was in heaven! </div><div></div><br /><div>Of course one of my favorite parts as always was seeing Dan hang out with his brothers. No in the world understands Dan as they do, and the boys always have such a great time together. They have inside jokes that go back decades. </div><div></div><br /><div>All in all, a very fun and relaxing weekend! </div></div></div></div></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03360100653977858770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490227550018739885.post-79146681355743230602009-06-28T11:14:00.000-07:002009-07-17T11:47:19.555-07:00Papa's River Camp<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-GI50YTHKw1Uu1SDIbLxcTCMwSlVQAo79VD6iKWxINJ24tNi4ye6uzbhSfWgyy-eNp9MgSd_9-p6ILsZeScxZ8BbPJ93kxQuVSCpu9PU1NO7FUhi4Q5omxiYOmEZNl4_JGwGCmX5iPI/s1600-h/IMG_4746.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359498265525928818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-GI50YTHKw1Uu1SDIbLxcTCMwSlVQAo79VD6iKWxINJ24tNi4ye6uzbhSfWgyy-eNp9MgSd_9-p6ILsZeScxZ8BbPJ93kxQuVSCpu9PU1NO7FUhi4Q5omxiYOmEZNl4_JGwGCmX5iPI/s320/IMG_4746.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQ7tkR9W2IvcIvdggkZoBVHv0xYX2UXDrCXCoqaIAUK_WzjEWx84ROtOvZYoOfoO42UAk7w-cZ70XdMABbtKwZfN9k716u4-5xZKYDTS6ky9ldtiKqWeGiZC5y0KiOPFBJ1DeGvxesyQ/s1600-h/IMG_4819.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359498258955040306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQ7tkR9W2IvcIvdggkZoBVHv0xYX2UXDrCXCoqaIAUK_WzjEWx84ROtOvZYoOfoO42UAk7w-cZ70XdMABbtKwZfN9k716u4-5xZKYDTS6ky9ldtiKqWeGiZC5y0KiOPFBJ1DeGvxesyQ/s320/IMG_4819.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANTUdb7sHk3WsniR4N63JaQFcdEzkOpjN3RlR6mW7DlK_-kBtydTwwod9Z0ZDTnBnNU69DYcPj38_oUS9O1JqVNZr_qRlmw0JdTDiqd9CWGr2v81T2VEjuZcgLja-nptcvj4CtsSwGw0/s1600-h/IMG_4766.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359498251515350674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANTUdb7sHk3WsniR4N63JaQFcdEzkOpjN3RlR6mW7DlK_-kBtydTwwod9Z0ZDTnBnNU69DYcPj38_oUS9O1JqVNZr_qRlmw0JdTDiqd9CWGr2v81T2VEjuZcgLja-nptcvj4CtsSwGw0/s320/IMG_4766.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUao0bzFm771zME3L3LHrYTw0sTnXxPOAGbXW2v7IL5CZYsyTas0CGMURK4JZg7opTTzuu0a7AedNvmABWStqp5EmtfyPAIiLwOWjM2D85sxuwV4SM615eXCUOKktjmedeaZH64qS1DCU/s1600-h/IMG_4828.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359498242202002450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUao0bzFm771zME3L3LHrYTw0sTnXxPOAGbXW2v7IL5CZYsyTas0CGMURK4JZg7opTTzuu0a7AedNvmABWStqp5EmtfyPAIiLwOWjM2D85sxuwV4SM615eXCUOKktjmedeaZH64qS1DCU/s320/IMG_4828.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7C-Cp70GfjpbqcRtwdJpIjQ1DvCBVM2zGg6SDWoIMzASINejr0xSF347P0Hy1OWy4GCEtygVHlCRfeLkvymEhn4aL0VWyzAkzqQqHndH_4vMBDea4jOIJDKIKFukHZ3qjdeD4FD2yrk/s1600-h/IMG_4788.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359498239002980098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7C-Cp70GfjpbqcRtwdJpIjQ1DvCBVM2zGg6SDWoIMzASINejr0xSF347P0Hy1OWy4GCEtygVHlCRfeLkvymEhn4aL0VWyzAkzqQqHndH_4vMBDea4jOIJDKIKFukHZ3qjdeD4FD2yrk/s320/IMG_4788.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>My favorite part of summer growing up was the time we spent down at the River. My father inherited a rustic cabin on the Kentucky River, and as a child my family spent most summer days swimming, hanging out, and relaxing by the river. We have never had a TV at the cabin, which leaves much more time for conversation, playing cards, and outdoor activities. Life is simple, but in many, many ways, better. </div><div></div><br /><div>I was able to take Addie to Kentucky for almost a week this June, and like me, she loved the River. She could not get enough of the pool - despite the water's cooler temperature. She loved exploring the creek with her Papa and letting the water run through her toes. She liked seeing many different critters - including a cute, little frog which she could pet and watch jump. All in all, outdoor life at it best. </div><br /><div></div><div>My Dad is going to make "River Camp" an annual event for all the grandchildren, so we had to have the inaugural year with just Miss Addie. Next year she will be joined by her cousin Patrick and a younger brother or sister. Hard to believe Mimi and Papa's family is expanding so rapidly!!! </div></div></div></div></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwryeebe1vOxG-zP9CosufKbcrPKKqgkzzVxBhuQiWqiwJw5rUM_hxyNT6KQbr82gsHQ5dEJwTrQ6cCD3LASQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxgcnEt_cIe7xCJr_z-CZsz1p4riw72QKN-_DVebZJHmF_UL33COvjHPBlCcMjUQOL0s0YF-AgNJwB0BWmJ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03360100653977858770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490227550018739885.post-8521637741449401532009-06-20T11:47:00.000-07:002009-07-17T18:52:11.205-07:00Addie's First Cubs game!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioINEEOQkcAkcfnBJc4uK0Qy6i6jPeMFU0OjSNrmSYMhSzZYH3SfDGkwTRqoazRs5MFOyUZzblyG7NTzEmiRoOin2Tq4wdvQInXwnWHhpJsA8Ou3xq1sfrWY0LOn_nQfQML_3RAp8wcnc/s1600-h/IMG_4659.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359504648229286978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioINEEOQkcAkcfnBJc4uK0Qy6i6jPeMFU0OjSNrmSYMhSzZYH3SfDGkwTRqoazRs5MFOyUZzblyG7NTzEmiRoOin2Tq4wdvQInXwnWHhpJsA8Ou3xq1sfrWY0LOn_nQfQML_3RAp8wcnc/s320/IMG_4659.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5WKt-DxBHd1shNe_saNB05dlrnAqdhyphenhyphengGW7RAfzqF3Xbfgz0fBoG7cn0xqMOVYx4TRaM3WX-7mBIFvKZg4ENuwTKZg4GdDXQoKalJcciaGUguYyooqKybc8-JhQLTc45UCkaHtoONFE/s1600-h/IMG_4669.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359504637099727986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5WKt-DxBHd1shNe_saNB05dlrnAqdhyphenhyphengGW7RAfzqF3Xbfgz0fBoG7cn0xqMOVYx4TRaM3WX-7mBIFvKZg4ENuwTKZg4GdDXQoKalJcciaGUguYyooqKybc8-JhQLTc45UCkaHtoONFE/s320/IMG_4669.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMmUB8PWb-SWZ2ihoqJRsCwl8IiQDF9lK9MfKZaleDZhbXdms727_L7LnqRyhgpigjW0sdGz-zAKsON0SQLu7npfA8lJrn8DKXmv784GSOXztds8DhZAjit6K8aGbNAoYtuZdE5-ooKs/s1600-h/IMG_4676.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359504633995386450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMmUB8PWb-SWZ2ihoqJRsCwl8IiQDF9lK9MfKZaleDZhbXdms727_L7LnqRyhgpigjW0sdGz-zAKsON0SQLu7npfA8lJrn8DKXmv784GSOXztds8DhZAjit6K8aGbNAoYtuZdE5-ooKs/s320/IMG_4676.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPon_a6PtM3msGBt4Uo46IJROcKCKnQRyjP3z6mF8H02K4M89ycgGqvA7cX0CjwQMJAHYabGV2fhbhrwWt4aZanRacO2VmbBDQ7SKXsaaxw-RiWOMUWxgQQ3J7XGEtyzwj3_ahtRqk9uE/s1600-h/IMG_4677.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359504624335478882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPon_a6PtM3msGBt4Uo46IJROcKCKnQRyjP3z6mF8H02K4M89ycgGqvA7cX0CjwQMJAHYabGV2fhbhrwWt4aZanRacO2VmbBDQ7SKXsaaxw-RiWOMUWxgQQ3J7XGEtyzwj3_ahtRqk9uE/s320/IMG_4677.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7HWskZC4vl2oudCTqX-PZtTqLf15F0P2_-32sSPV_KsERr3TWey04eDBTYACw7kHfcKgg8fO5FXMvaVMUp7crUUVlH4gk3OduuR1jP9Zpkq7SzmeqnklarjUQZLcumYjWVlXYF1Nk3o/s1600-h/IMG_4680.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359504616474550498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7HWskZC4vl2oudCTqX-PZtTqLf15F0P2_-32sSPV_KsERr3TWey04eDBTYACw7kHfcKgg8fO5FXMvaVMUp7crUUVlH4gk3OduuR1jP9Zpkq7SzmeqnklarjUQZLcumYjWVlXYF1Nk3o/s320/IMG_4680.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>Long before spring training started, Dan worked hard to get four tickets to a weekend Cubs game at Wrigley Field this summer. Living three blocks away from the historic home of the Cubs, we knew we had to take Addie soon to experience America's favorite past time. My cousin Sarah and her husband Jeff and 12-month old son Nate were able to join us for the afternoon at the ball park. Addie and Nate did very well, and while Sarah and I did have take them home at the start of the 8th inning, I was impressed they endured the heat and crowd with a smile for the that long. Jeff and Dan make it through 13-inning game and were rewarded at the end with a Cubs' victory! </div></div></div></div></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03360100653977858770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490227550018739885.post-18665090344551778412009-06-04T12:00:00.000-07:002009-06-04T19:52:37.326-07:00Playing at the park!<p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwQtR8PecBj8hv-a1y-TIym2mbQglhWofXsSxp8nwla-3kKWqedD1PPnpy7bowUplXi5hbS6Dl7aKmie6NiaA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw_23JZuHznQEdweWN3FyNSBlN1DX1GmgqzPBJhkD4PuhVzfjeIDkDOyDEFNc_Sb9G0UflR2fBnlC-jIM-r' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwrzYDhCZSpAApS9V7D0xtGWzLsOP2LP9J34snNzqcsj4kQNYRLCBB5yU0HB4a0zOQd2Vd5qAbKprG8qBa6vw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxeKtoG0pChtWZFEmjg69dPvpnBkjA4ecEKh9bucjrC4C3HztYdY1oxanBM6EYK6QRNbftTYN_tfSaou0AJ2A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxBDS7Ugrl9zLn965qsGy_JTf-2Iw0x7JIfn8Kh36S9LvjcQEtjnSDkXxaeMADz7ewAvedAtw3WE91Ai4w3yg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p>One of Addie and my favorite activities these days is taking a trip to the park. I've found one we both love, a little west of Wrigley Field. I love it because it is about a mile away, which provides a good walk to get there and back. Addie loves it because there is an abundance of sand throughout the park. It is especially fun to walk there on game days and see the crowds coming to cheer on the Cubs. </p><p><br />I videoed her today doing most of her favorite park activities: the swings, which these days she either loves or hates; the slide; the "jumping bridge," which I think you can tell from the video somewhat bounces as she walks; and of course, playing in the sand! No matter how I try to steer her away from this one place at the park, she always finds her way back. It is a little fort, under one of the slides, with a cute little window where several kids play restaurant, store, etc. </p><p><br />As you can tell, the park is very busy on nice days, which is good. Addie makes new friends each time we go, and it is nice for me to be able to interact with other Moms and Dads as well. I hope you enjoy all the videos!</p><p></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03360100653977858770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490227550018739885.post-68532779708834569782009-06-03T12:48:00.000-07:002009-06-03T14:28:31.958-07:00Alomst a year and a half!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbUA9sIW_qvrXMEjYWdE1BW7aILVM5X2HoruaSEYtVASDuAhYLdbyNvkn6lCcbDgDFqN_j1AbzAuUztJsh9S7np2NHMJnRlzloytz36VHpWTFq3qyAJuq7CxYwTi_tg9EkkCjr6SMbsQ/s1600-h/IMG_4505.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343193769964580082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbUA9sIW_qvrXMEjYWdE1BW7aILVM5X2HoruaSEYtVASDuAhYLdbyNvkn6lCcbDgDFqN_j1AbzAuUztJsh9S7np2NHMJnRlzloytz36VHpWTFq3qyAJuq7CxYwTi_tg9EkkCjr6SMbsQ/s320/IMG_4505.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHawiJ7VGZjQ97Tw7PGmU1q8FWZmL_5Cqh5rw34koEN0Hql7gEFvYjGudFlg5FCdnxhxup9UEQJ5DyMUOz9VqgTiISoo7F9lcALzXmypxip4eXytLcUoZLN-XyI52rWK-OJtoqZ6blfCk/s1600-h/IMG_4499.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343193765035072082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHawiJ7VGZjQ97Tw7PGmU1q8FWZmL_5Cqh5rw34koEN0Hql7gEFvYjGudFlg5FCdnxhxup9UEQJ5DyMUOz9VqgTiISoo7F9lcALzXmypxip4eXytLcUoZLN-XyI52rWK-OJtoqZ6blfCk/s320/IMG_4499.JPG" border="0" /></a> Several times over the past few weeks, I find myself staring at Addie. It seems she no longer is a little baby anymore -- I truly feel she is turning into a "kid." Whether it's running independently from one apparatus to the next at the park or fetching various books for me to read, I'm realizing slowly that she is truly a one-and-a-half-year old. While of course she is still very dependent on Dan and I, compared to this time last year, she really can get around now and entertain herself for long periods of time.<br /><div></div><br /><div> A couple weeks ago, I finally decided to give full self-feeding a try. Addie has been eating finger foods by herself for a while now, but I could tell she was ready to take over the fork and spoon. So despite the major messes, Dan and I have stuck to putting food on her tray or in a bowl for dinner each night, and letting her have at it. As you can see from the video below, she has made great progress. Today she fed herself an entire bowl of oatmeal. Last week, she mastered peas, macaroni and cheese, and grilled chicken. </div><div></div><br /><div> I am so amazed at her development and how quickly she learns new skills. It is so fun to watch her grow!<br /></div></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw2-j3AMxjFDqFiB1J4okN9chv6CzwG72ZD2hAKlqVQDWzOH_9pbdepUZK6SuRtoYu2vUlXMbruSMpDP6UxfQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03360100653977858770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490227550018739885.post-9428882811550570412009-05-25T11:37:00.000-07:002009-05-29T12:12:40.580-07:00Memorial Day at the Lake<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfG5PIEgQdXPpIdYra6RF6ef_DsbFEyKzEy3YgcbbxHTYja6tAh5lmWeEUpv6PnuEpaIdzVJNkiwQ26qh3aQZ29cETPzmr16uxYSEVyVfAlohUF0ezFQF0KblnpxP9j9TohHyb7U3LJUs/s1600-h/IMG_4484.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341319096307435874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfG5PIEgQdXPpIdYra6RF6ef_DsbFEyKzEy3YgcbbxHTYja6tAh5lmWeEUpv6PnuEpaIdzVJNkiwQ26qh3aQZ29cETPzmr16uxYSEVyVfAlohUF0ezFQF0KblnpxP9j9TohHyb7U3LJUs/s320/IMG_4484.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxis8sM7SLL8URvq9mk0O9ZDoIvC0EjFgaknYVg0HT2IOKZhCXlaqmZlLiGi96bfNH8nsr3TGpZ1-23wFU27Z-HFImxM7GWQtxCyO7ge0jQmI8mYhVbNxFNYJT2Uwr-MFg7SAI_yC0XFM/s1600-h/IMG_4483.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341319086822314098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxis8sM7SLL8URvq9mk0O9ZDoIvC0EjFgaknYVg0HT2IOKZhCXlaqmZlLiGi96bfNH8nsr3TGpZ1-23wFU27Z-HFImxM7GWQtxCyO7ge0jQmI8mYhVbNxFNYJT2Uwr-MFg7SAI_yC0XFM/s320/IMG_4483.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbSw82vvVEBegiAPm_VAA-_vo5HYyMEhDj1MvoTKq-EnZ2pm71qj2735ScqXmfuBPqmwPm_kjlox5TEZBjKBcbd0mWrFQn00IqFmDlnphnLdlstzr1-lPKwRPr1Aoo6nGCtESyR4lEkI8/s1600-h/IMG_4482.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341319067764267074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbSw82vvVEBegiAPm_VAA-_vo5HYyMEhDj1MvoTKq-EnZ2pm71qj2735ScqXmfuBPqmwPm_kjlox5TEZBjKBcbd0mWrFQn00IqFmDlnphnLdlstzr1-lPKwRPr1Aoo6nGCtESyR4lEkI8/s320/IMG_4482.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-NUGLJXTDsxQn2L5pgajQK_oy75E8MPDNBgtELRvxAHMNISYndfXerrjeZ1xBXKUNfwLXOnZ4FAnMj6qQJdq-zZ2NCP1ihVn0S5XJH3UYJlaNqMTqBBYK7EiDlkqpCSEGUiMi2uN8iU/s1600-h/IMG_4492.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341318376222420162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-NUGLJXTDsxQn2L5pgajQK_oy75E8MPDNBgtELRvxAHMNISYndfXerrjeZ1xBXKUNfwLXOnZ4FAnMj6qQJdq-zZ2NCP1ihVn0S5XJH3UYJlaNqMTqBBYK7EiDlkqpCSEGUiMi2uN8iU/s320/IMG_4492.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFUU35HOJJV5xDJ4y0nW9NYBt6l7PX6fynkQCS4ZB7g8ulVLO2L_4ovOhSoB9yJIUilqIrpoBe23uqg7a3EL4ruWZgrjqk9GKNmNmZ5yl2bxtqd84j6fPu0LAukEl47e1ugqgpUEVbV0/s1600-h/IMG_4480.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341318363405636482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFUU35HOJJV5xDJ4y0nW9NYBt6l7PX6fynkQCS4ZB7g8ulVLO2L_4ovOhSoB9yJIUilqIrpoBe23uqg7a3EL4ruWZgrjqk9GKNmNmZ5yl2bxtqd84j6fPu0LAukEl47e1ugqgpUEVbV0/s320/IMG_4480.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341318348305818786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzXqsmQe8T_l0dH24hSXZ0nDVLIhgVZREmYHXInYDzWS90zFSSQpG2pwzkfV4xfZ5eN3fWzJb7YJqG4KkRJNO-0FyJ003NJwp7wURfzk5mbqXYoKEcpa4Sosdo9OkMk-pWQRq5iY3uTag/s320/IMG_4479.JPG" border="0" /> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8jPyTF8PmEzbJ4YcGjxpoeF3vAjBZcHDzfurG2crh23E5odeUESIopn6EFEJ-S5mVneMrciGnSsVECaHVnKVY2PbWmxne2n2rX75WKIbtlquHmZUF1Vi4z1V2MMAoRQ7HlCkhf6VkMo/s1600-h/IMG_4464.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341318337336968658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8jPyTF8PmEzbJ4YcGjxpoeF3vAjBZcHDzfurG2crh23E5odeUESIopn6EFEJ-S5mVneMrciGnSsVECaHVnKVY2PbWmxne2n2rX75WKIbtlquHmZUF1Vi4z1V2MMAoRQ7HlCkhf6VkMo/s320/IMG_4464.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div>Uncle Anthony, Addie's Godfather, was in Chicago for Memorial Day so we had a weekend full of events with Dan's family. Friday night the boys and Grammy and Grampa were able to see the Blackhawks beat the Redwings in hockey. Quite a game - and evidence the Hawks are going to be good for years to come. </div><div> </div><div>Saturday morning we headed to Michigan to Dan's parents' lake house. While it was beautiful out, a crisp 75 degrees, the water was a little too cold for swimming. However, Miss Addie did not seem to notice. She played on the shore of the lake for hours - digging up sand and placing it in her bucket; "tap tap" tapping her shovel to get the sand off; and floating around in her yellow innertube. Once again, we have proof she loves the water! </div><div> </div><div>The boys had a good time challenging each other in ladder ball. While I only took pictures on Satuday, when Dan and Pete were victorious, I can attest to the fact that Matt and Anthony were the victors on Sunday. They are very competitive, which is fun for spectators! </div><div> </div><div>All in all, it was a relaxing two days at the lake, and a great start to summer! </div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03360100653977858770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490227550018739885.post-48265749327592914632009-05-20T13:06:00.000-07:002009-05-27T13:14:15.735-07:00Addie's BFF<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJyRh0fLdHBRfN5in5H7wwTkAGmgdjn5G_DMbTKL48FbBdYijvgFARYSGw4WH5IFGT-LJKFNGn1JALYAly6t0neVtwcXGJSdw4E8MKZSRosNuSCuy-bB4slCENRwNAEQZ859PbJHQ7-DI/s1600-h/photo2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340599287780764498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJyRh0fLdHBRfN5in5H7wwTkAGmgdjn5G_DMbTKL48FbBdYijvgFARYSGw4WH5IFGT-LJKFNGn1JALYAly6t0neVtwcXGJSdw4E8MKZSRosNuSCuy-bB4slCENRwNAEQZ859PbJHQ7-DI/s320/photo2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibAAnEahGK1mk1QHCULEYsJiOJC0pMClNgV4QlZ1sX97KHGYlxrGKmN0UfPINGngHTxvPmM5yAWlXrDnCZlM8DOhmUJl_XRbzwieJ9cbuCX30FjV_71cOIgY_072SwPMX8ASKdprmEkMo/s1600-h/photo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340599281680330610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibAAnEahGK1mk1QHCULEYsJiOJC0pMClNgV4QlZ1sX97KHGYlxrGKmN0UfPINGngHTxvPmM5yAWlXrDnCZlM8DOhmUJl_XRbzwieJ9cbuCX30FjV_71cOIgY_072SwPMX8ASKdprmEkMo/s320/photo.jpg" border="0" /></a>My best friend from Notre Dame Maureen and I have luckily shared a lot over the past 11 years. We both lived in the cutest dorm Badin. We were roommates at a house a stone's throw away from our favorite bar Corby's. We both moved to Chicago two years after college graduation. We both married guys from our brother dorm Carroll. And we were both blessed with first-born daughters.<br /><br /><div></div><div>This has also luckily given Addie a friend for the past year. In fact it is so cute now because Addie can say "Evie" and the other day when Maureen and Evie came over, we swear Evie was saying "Addie" Despite being six months apart, the two get along famously. </div><br /><div></div><div>As you can see from the photos, I bought a $7 plastic pool from BabiesRUs, and Evie came over to enjoy the warmth and sunshine with Addie. The two had a wonderful time - splashing each other and playing around. I'm so happy summer is finally on it's way! </div></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03360100653977858770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490227550018739885.post-2400790925415317502009-05-16T12:46:00.000-07:002009-05-27T13:04:28.444-07:00Uncle David's Graduation Weekend<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340596151812819378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimX2PZptcuJQZyXZkeOs_z6QuAMY0T_hnOoHiSDLB1m5I1tXM8AgTSCPhl04u3-peNYnEeW1ZVk01rJNAv1CkoKu9vMi3ASlBAB41hpuKE2B_RSpHuQ9qehFUn0suD31VIXAZRCTVnM74/s320/IMG_4387.JPG" border="0" /> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9c-x2VSECX2vQ7Y-vIxsMjDLVQa7nk6p4d-WLhpDzSeq5xM4Vsx9i8uvPVnFGqkvOH9DfppU7YHRBJWLB8Eb4Xxj7Q-TnBcsXBDlHgJH5kQ0rL6YnMT9_be1pAWRm-YLlGMBwvQXz1Ao/s1600-h/IMG_4398.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340596145102366978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9c-x2VSECX2vQ7Y-vIxsMjDLVQa7nk6p4d-WLhpDzSeq5xM4Vsx9i8uvPVnFGqkvOH9DfppU7YHRBJWLB8Eb4Xxj7Q-TnBcsXBDlHgJH5kQ0rL6YnMT9_be1pAWRm-YLlGMBwvQXz1Ao/s320/IMG_4398.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb27Aio7z_T3oAIa2b0MNM670ylW6qczfspTqkBK3UcXzv1Q7mAuBaweHazbrNIyb2tsjQ9EjSe9fqYZErfVjg0sfvxlA688HwwesoWLBkTwUQsgoQHuyFcZWuzm8vqDeojx8_cF72gXo/s1600-h/IMG_4406.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340595762794057986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb27Aio7z_T3oAIa2b0MNM670ylW6qczfspTqkBK3UcXzv1Q7mAuBaweHazbrNIyb2tsjQ9EjSe9fqYZErfVjg0sfvxlA688HwwesoWLBkTwUQsgoQHuyFcZWuzm8vqDeojx8_cF72gXo/s320/IMG_4406.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZlaxW_A1cqpv1PfS4NtiIa2wvMCTR2UXLRXLIyYvANHjRyIrjbUbLn0UjYj8mv1E0gABgUqmP2uNxPLlf493MSCCjDWSeuAuO_qAiOIToQ9sJCIG7qA3Hp62cP31wBXx-o6g9V6CZ3aQ/s1600-h/IMG_4421.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340595752573079282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZlaxW_A1cqpv1PfS4NtiIa2wvMCTR2UXLRXLIyYvANHjRyIrjbUbLn0UjYj8mv1E0gABgUqmP2uNxPLlf493MSCCjDWSeuAuO_qAiOIToQ9sJCIG7qA3Hp62cP31wBXx-o6g9V6CZ3aQ/s320/IMG_4421.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yM1YL-NacJ9fpRH9WMzywAviB0SNoP99tRZIqtHUBOH-OXFFOifqxpEbk4UlKl3kaNDFvbj2gGR-9bkEvjVD1HRv4ACUPTTZWaysFp3xKXhJWtx7hw5ET7u2JkX6nV3yjdppPLWvrIc/s1600-h/IMG_4431.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340595747715370930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yM1YL-NacJ9fpRH9WMzywAviB0SNoP99tRZIqtHUBOH-OXFFOifqxpEbk4UlKl3kaNDFvbj2gGR-9bkEvjVD1HRv4ACUPTTZWaysFp3xKXhJWtx7hw5ET7u2JkX6nV3yjdppPLWvrIc/s320/IMG_4431.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAI9IIIc4AZYCSoEpdl8YACeN5eXSU9G-hSmjdjtFMM0f2zwq57_5nuh1SAlHBZ9mOzR2__Be_fzvVrz7hNzRAzIGtbywV9hTBL3FZhEGGYQ2rBVxMqOwIza3bW_KnqNVKnqaXDGLaQ58/s1600-h/IMG_4436.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340595744371167762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAI9IIIc4AZYCSoEpdl8YACeN5eXSU9G-hSmjdjtFMM0f2zwq57_5nuh1SAlHBZ9mOzR2__Be_fzvVrz7hNzRAzIGtbywV9hTBL3FZhEGGYQ2rBVxMqOwIza3bW_KnqNVKnqaXDGLaQ58/s320/IMG_4436.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Aw3AcXvmeckdZMlvjZXbjhI1q2AKHNKWsVmQyyDIo55WzCKiC_bWkwww54TjWDJeY9IdV10Rw20nrLt6kj79QJzGkTohjThP9WMLjDWnKO4YP1pumqib1p6SEUbK4Er7XLnDnVvcgzA/s1600-h/IMG_4441.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340595739979583602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Aw3AcXvmeckdZMlvjZXbjhI1q2AKHNKWsVmQyyDIo55WzCKiC_bWkwww54TjWDJeY9IdV10Rw20nrLt6kj79QJzGkTohjThP9WMLjDWnKO4YP1pumqib1p6SEUbK4Er7XLnDnVvcgzA/s320/IMG_4441.JPG" border="0" /></a>My youngest brother David graduated from Saint Louis University this Spring. The entire family, and a lot of our extended family, traveled to Saint Louis to celebrate. It is still hard for me to believe that my baby brother David is entering the working world. I remember vividly when he was born!<br /><br /><div></div><div>Addie did well on the trip to Missouri, despite a nearly 2-hour flight delay that forced us to arrive after 11 pm. Of course she didn't sleep a wink on the plane! David did a great job of planning the weekend - picking restaurants and activities that would be fun for us all to do. </div><div></div><br /><div>One of the highlights was a restaurant located right on a large lake in Saint Louis' version of Central Park. The lake had beautiful ducks that were quite friendly and up for feeding. Addie wanted to jump right in after her new friends, but luckily Papa held her back! </div><div></div><div> </div><div>Addie also enjoyed an Italian dinner on "The Hill." As you can see from the photos, she helped her self quite nicely to a full plate of spaghetti!<br /></div><div>All in all, it was a really nice weekend and a tribute to both David's hard work and my parents' generosity. Four children through college - I guess now they will be able to spend money where they want instead of always saving for us! </div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03360100653977858770noreply@blogger.com0