tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26285424911044366392024-02-07T00:09:21.156-08:00SmithsonianRich'n'Rachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12779160298627318930noreply@blogger.comBlogger217125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2628542491104436639.post-84467555935572023042015-02-15T15:22:00.000-08:002015-09-04T14:43:02.201-07:00birthday bash<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I think it is safe to say that Marty Boy had a pretty good 2nd birthday. Last year we didn't do much - just a little get-together with my family at my parents' house where we had some cake and ice cream. It was strawberry shortcake because Marty loves strawberries, and we just kept it simple. And I'm glad we did it that way. This year, we made a much bigger deal of the whole thing. In true "Rachel" fashion, I wanted it to be a birth week, but the only real big thing we did before the actual day was decorate the Christmas tree. To be honest, he redecorated the dang thing every day it was up, so that festivity was a never-ending one.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAObh0brx7h__iDNleL8HT4tidJfQpByX5GcB-tAt4_zEwIpnVo_SDu1uj1cZcZcfAzdMhhXs2RoPLAhM_W9lA3HnptMHoaZovnqrjfHi7yo1qTGUa_mwnerOAdUgMpy7MBA6-TPE5AXJP/s1600/IMG_20141201_210121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAObh0brx7h__iDNleL8HT4tidJfQpByX5GcB-tAt4_zEwIpnVo_SDu1uj1cZcZcfAzdMhhXs2RoPLAhM_W9lA3HnptMHoaZovnqrjfHi7yo1qTGUa_mwnerOAdUgMpy7MBA6-TPE5AXJP/s1600/IMG_20141201_210121.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The actual day fell on a Friday that Richard had to work, but he planned to take the second half of the day off to celebrate. So while he was at work, I let Marty start the day exactly how he wanted to, watching a movie with his truck.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-dplUnfROR7BW9NXAy5taKcdDrUFDU8FI5piNSlP1GUfMzk90Y35qXeoxzFEVDa2Zy2ikvFWKFJ_dWGIHv20Y5uCIpDjHnjr8d5iYwVvfx3hyphenhyphenLFSHQijJl3I0mC5kN_i-3MQ_skHEhxWf/s1600/IMG_20141205_081207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-dplUnfROR7BW9NXAy5taKcdDrUFDU8FI5piNSlP1GUfMzk90Y35qXeoxzFEVDa2Zy2ikvFWKFJ_dWGIHv20Y5uCIpDjHnjr8d5iYwVvfx3hyphenhyphenLFSHQijJl3I0mC5kN_i-3MQ_skHEhxWf/s1600/IMG_20141205_081207.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While he was watching his movie, I got his first gift ready: dinosaur bedding. As soon as he was finished dancing to the music during the credits of his movie, I told him there was a surprise in his room, so he let me hold his hand and walk him in. When I pointed out the dinosaurs he went crazy. It was an even better reaction than I'd hoped for, and I'm so glad that I took pictures of it.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotgA4nZlblFiGaMo373JLg4iYBfU37ClOoHu98477Q-VTjJqXPUg3dVET0IrmaaTwHS5OSPfdkSXBP8LavT7IEw9Jqrq4M-n8YvKTN6jDATLOrKbdFTO1hErv1XceaPY9ywrjAqtXWyD_/s1600/IMG_20141205_092328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotgA4nZlblFiGaMo373JLg4iYBfU37ClOoHu98477Q-VTjJqXPUg3dVET0IrmaaTwHS5OSPfdkSXBP8LavT7IEw9Jqrq4M-n8YvKTN6jDATLOrKbdFTO1hErv1XceaPY9ywrjAqtXWyD_/s1600/IMG_20141205_092328.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I had to run an errand at the mall, which he is usually ok with. But he ALWAYS runs to the candy machines and asks me for "pennies.". Until this very day I had always just told him I didn't have any pennies. But it was a special day, so I came prepared! He was shocked and so excited to get some candy. He chose the little dog bones, this was his way of thanking me after putting the first one in his mouth. I kept the rest in my pocket and gave him two at a time until they were gone, which was after we left the mall. There has never been a smoother shopping trip in our history of shopping together.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZf8hSrXtXJCMkXzcJlv9Mya-fn_tVfSBfg1Rt1sW2273hOeK8t_8D-CQLH2seCCEGkYQQ6Xkq8bA8EBOHV5iBpbo3_YWY0k52nmaU9a9tuJkkUUOsRhmeyo-5sSXZzZgsPC1oushpwHr/s1600/IMG_20141205_132512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZf8hSrXtXJCMkXzcJlv9Mya-fn_tVfSBfg1Rt1sW2273hOeK8t_8D-CQLH2seCCEGkYQQ6Xkq8bA8EBOHV5iBpbo3_YWY0k52nmaU9a9tuJkkUUOsRhmeyo-5sSXZzZgsPC1oushpwHr/s1600/IMG_20141205_132512.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I really wanted to pack the day full of fun activities, but didn't want to break the bank, so I decided to take him to the Hill Air Force Base Aerospace Museum, which is free. Richard took him there once, but it was close to nap time and didn't last super long. Marty remembered it, though, and he'd asked to go back a bunch of times. It was a hit. His favorite were the "big guys."</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdJSZLNT_LGhopcCwukM-uLlnOOm4H28yPgRg9b1ONHAot1HAvzvmifURaVdeyFNRK95-lLsW8KYiEgeadfJu60nE1rY6K65wIdJnZW18uUKx9ml2mNUIaOtGTvKmxTBBYcs1FVnOr40W/s1600/IMG_20141205_132856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdJSZLNT_LGhopcCwukM-uLlnOOm4H28yPgRg9b1ONHAot1HAvzvmifURaVdeyFNRK95-lLsW8KYiEgeadfJu60nE1rY6K65wIdJnZW18uUKx9ml2mNUIaOtGTvKmxTBBYcs1FVnOr40W/s1600/IMG_20141205_132856.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We went home for lunch, and my mom came over to surprise Marty with balloons. He loved them. And he loved showing her his dinosaur bedding. Richard came home while the birthday boy was napping, and we actually had to wake him from his nap to head out for his big birthday adventure on time. Waking him is never an easy thing to do, nor does it ever yield very positive results. This day was no different, and I'm not sure why we thought it would be just because it was his birthday. But Richard had come up with the really great idea to ride the FrontRunner to Farmington and take the boy to see a movie., and because it was such a fun idea I got super excited about it. So that is why we woke him from a dead sleep on his birthday.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Although this picture doesn't show it well, Marty really did love being on the train. He didn't really show us by smiling, but rather in getting pretty upset when we had to get off. But then we watched the train drive away and he got excited.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0dmFH_AQWJ1af3QjPxC-HRvOz0B1Vk8LOwnvGcKTAiiSUVIjwIhXHjN-ip_SDwRAde5kGBKs5mQb_3gGFVdI3r5b4qusASDvYtWyGVnCm2OuwCdBqzkYwwlWEdyDk5rtFQTXr_N1SNH2/s1600/IMG_20141205_214318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0dmFH_AQWJ1af3QjPxC-HRvOz0B1Vk8LOwnvGcKTAiiSUVIjwIhXHjN-ip_SDwRAde5kGBKs5mQb_3gGFVdI3r5b4qusASDvYtWyGVnCm2OuwCdBqzkYwwlWEdyDk5rtFQTXr_N1SNH2/s1600/IMG_20141205_214318.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I seriously think that it was when the clock struck 4:17 pm, and our son turned two years old that he threw the biggest and craziest tantrum he has ever thrown in his lifetime (up to that point - I'm sure he's surpassed it by now). He wanted to run right out into the middle of the street, into oncoming traffic, but we wouldn't let him, so of course he had a meltdown. He calmed down quite a bit once we got to the fountain. We'd never been so grateful for water set to music.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvGS4twdagQpRnpFlZWCBe9w0jSh7faQ7G2grrYAt3zQ3yKqTe2GTQ5PEqYM9ZxQ5laxFeJOfzvNE06rOjRR_-SKzKP2l8EwK30Tps8GEg9uUUFoVgui9BdzmmG8W9n9l1n-8BUEEgLDh/s1600/IMG_20141205_214911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvGS4twdagQpRnpFlZWCBe9w0jSh7faQ7G2grrYAt3zQ3yKqTe2GTQ5PEqYM9ZxQ5laxFeJOfzvNE06rOjRR_-SKzKP2l8EwK30Tps8GEg9uUUFoVgui9BdzmmG8W9n9l1n-8BUEEgLDh/s1600/IMG_20141205_214911.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We had a little bit of time to kill before the movie started, so we dropped by Madbrook and got a birthday treat. I was confused when Richard said he didn't want a donut, but when Marty only ate the sprinkles off of his and Richard ate the rest, I realized that had been his plan all along.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHgndZiSpYqGnEhSbAQCV6KrJxT_oFWY-2UE436OIqQkkktOwleE-RdGOVV1iAepcKkKhuPahWJbGCDoih18jcH_MT5AZRqrdcW00F3_LNE3HNvC52ph0GzZ7zgWOzUGKS-kiujRThqgE6/s1600/IMG_20141205_215824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHgndZiSpYqGnEhSbAQCV6KrJxT_oFWY-2UE436OIqQkkktOwleE-RdGOVV1iAepcKkKhuPahWJbGCDoih18jcH_MT5AZRqrdcW00F3_LNE3HNvC52ph0GzZ7zgWOzUGKS-kiujRThqgE6/s1600/IMG_20141205_215824.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We went to see "The Penguins of Madagascar," and we all loved it. Marty especially. When the movie was over, we went back outside to watch the fountains again before meeting up with Grandma and Grandpa and Sarah for dinner. Marty gave Richard this mischievous little look, as if to say, "Get ready, Dad...". And then as we walked to dinner at the other end of the shopping center he proceeded to have many small versions of the previously mentioned meltdown.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcIojMM-BpXCYyxFJEkv18NpdUUc3aNoYBvSdLbYAOD_ybO0AD291zm1hHyYq5eJ_pvuu7XPZA1YiDZESdUTPXmJCiKCkzj3BHyTgICom7p2HNXECCSU2WqHmJcLYc_kas8sEcf207b4K6/s1600/IMG_20141205_220143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcIojMM-BpXCYyxFJEkv18NpdUUc3aNoYBvSdLbYAOD_ybO0AD291zm1hHyYq5eJ_pvuu7XPZA1YiDZESdUTPXmJCiKCkzj3BHyTgICom7p2HNXECCSU2WqHmJcLYc_kas8sEcf207b4K6/s1600/IMG_20141205_220143.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He took a quick break from screaming his head off as we tried to save him from sprinting into the road to run a few laps around the clothing racks in a department store, and then he got right back to business.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hx9iy3zgY8lZOkqTT5IPCs96Dc3aemanCLQMBtaenW-CuTWFPkiLGprdEN1IQalTl6saLKqWAZfKTg0h39fnwDBqlXCmnOjKyQXixFRD3YrHuIUKyMBBuNg8sv9BwgmweexMFq93uDzp/s1600/IMG_20141205_220621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hx9iy3zgY8lZOkqTT5IPCs96Dc3aemanCLQMBtaenW-CuTWFPkiLGprdEN1IQalTl6saLKqWAZfKTg0h39fnwDBqlXCmnOjKyQXixFRD3YrHuIUKyMBBuNg8sv9BwgmweexMFq93uDzp/s1600/IMG_20141205_220621.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We finally made it to dinner, where we had to just laugh as we told everyone what had just happened so that we didn't end up crying about it instead.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio73cae0k78IcRK5dt606ollgTr3ZoSJEVDArPiQZVyr4Jpx6mfL3SiALLh_TM8fia42D_Pmx6H2EpXhwcZv5J3cNAvleBL2tA4xNRZ9Xq670GDGBHf5THGZBVLZO7yRCN-VTHB8Z60RB_/s1600/IMG_20141205_221152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio73cae0k78IcRK5dt606ollgTr3ZoSJEVDArPiQZVyr4Jpx6mfL3SiALLh_TM8fia42D_Pmx6H2EpXhwcZv5J3cNAvleBL2tA4xNRZ9Xq670GDGBHf5THGZBVLZO7yRCN-VTHB8Z60RB_/s1600/IMG_20141205_221152.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We had a little time left between dinner and when our return train would arrive, so we decided to cap things off with some frozen yogurt. It's not a birthday without ice cream!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We rode home on the train with a boatload of youth who had come down from Idaho to see the lights at Temple Square, and Marty was wary enough of the train full of strangers that he stayed on our laps the entire time. He showed a bit more enthusiasm on our return trip, but we were all so tired that none of us put up a fight when it was time to get off.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When we got home we brushed teeth, got in our jammies, and ended the night like we always do, with stories and snuggles.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEShCs6jRN886Izn9RHHZImigqPwdvLTsNhiPAxKa2a7Q72JT9gC50QkyrwivIpwpQ-21VFDcHGiEefwTzc4rqz2PpCOqQqEOdjV2bzhu4a3p1DM4808QqTILtX_q0E38sWDD6RLSkq7x/s1600/IMG_20141205_221635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEShCs6jRN886Izn9RHHZImigqPwdvLTsNhiPAxKa2a7Q72JT9gC50QkyrwivIpwpQ-21VFDcHGiEefwTzc4rqz2PpCOqQqEOdjV2bzhu4a3p1DM4808QqTILtX_q0E38sWDD6RLSkq7x/s1600/IMG_20141205_221635.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We may have packed a little too much into one day of celebrating, and we really should have known better than to wake up our little sleeping beauty, but even when I think about those holy fits he threw I think it was one of the best days. Ever. We made a lot of memories, and we got to make a big deal about our favorite person in the world. And there's nothing better than that.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708818417031846182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2628542491104436639.post-52687515284652373322015-01-22T14:44:00.000-08:002015-01-22T14:44:07.391-08:00twoI wrote this letter the night before Marty's birthday, Dec. 5, as Richard and I sat in bed talking and laughing and crying (only I cried) about how much we love our little buddy. And, although it seems impossible, I think that in just shy of 2 months we love him even more than we did that night.<br />
<br />
Dear Marty Boy, <br />
<br />
Happy birthday! You are 2 years old today (at exactly 4:17 PM). Though I still call you my baby. You will always be my baby. And you think it's funny when I call you that. I love making you laugh, and it's not hard to do. I love the way you like to snuggle when you're first waking up, either in the morning or after a nap. You still go after Daddy's ears like they might fall off his head at any moment and you just have to get in all the time with them that you can before they do. And now, you've started nuzzling your face into the crook of my elbows. I've stretched out many a long-sleeved shirt in order to bare my elbows for you, but I don't mind. <br />
<br />
You have more energy than anyone I know, and I love watching you use it. You're always running, you rarely walk from point A to point B, and you jump more than anyone/thing I've ever seen. You're a really good jumper, too - on the couch, the bed, the floor, chairs, stairs, you name it, you'll jump on it. And you usually want us to watch you do it, too. We love it when you say, "Daddy/Mommy, watch!" Your jump is actually also part of your collection of signature dance moves. Spinning in circles, shaking your booty and wiggling your hips, waving your arms around and flapping them like chicken wings are all in there, too, but the jump is really where it's at. You're currently perfecting your "spin move" and incorporating it into as many parts of the day as you can: as we walk/run to the car, walk down the sidewalk, or jumping on the couch. You even make your cars do spin moves as you drive them around the coffee table and furniture. Speaking of cars, you're kind of obsessed. Not only with cars, though. Tractors, trucks, buses, bikes, trains, and especially ambulances are all part of the obsession. I think it's safe to say that you almost always have a car in at least one of your hands, whether you're in the tub, climbing a ladder to a slide, or reading a book. Your cars/trucks/tractors/trains are never far from reach. Racing. Did I mention the racing? You can run from one end of the driveway and back again for, well, probably days at a time. And the great thing is, you want us to do it with you. We also race around the house when it's too cold outside, and when you need a break, you lay down and say you need to do some "feeping" (sleeping), and then 5 seconds later we're at it again. I'm glad you want us to be a part of your races and your fun.<br />
<br />
You're so smart. I know I'm biased because you're my son, but I just think you are so smart! You can count to ten (usually on your own terms, not often on command), and you do best when we play hide and seek. Hide and seek is pretty fun to play with you because you love to find and be found - if you think it is taking us too long to find you, you start growling to draw us in, or just jump out and do that irresistible growl-laugh you do when you're really excited. Back to counting: you're favorite numbers seem to be six and seven, but Daddy and I have both heard you count from 1 to 10 without skipping any numbers. You have a memory like an elephant. We check out new books every week or two when we go to story time at the library, and before we return them you've got them memorized. I know this because as I read them I will pause at the end of every other sentence and you will finish it for me. And you will even mimic the way that I say them (like growling when I say "vroom," or making your voice higher to say "hooray!"). You're getting so good with colors - you've know green, blue, red, orange, yellow, pink and purple. Even if you tell us that most things are "boon" (blue). You're a singer, too, you know. You can't really carry a tune quite yet, but you love when we sing songs, and you'll help us out with the words just like when we read stories. Baa baa black sheep is probably your all-time favorite, and the one that you request most often, but you also love "ring around the rosy," "popcorn popping on the apricot tree," "once there was a snowman," "I am a child of God," and "Jesus wants me for a sunbeam," among others. You love to look at books and be read to. Your favorite books right now are "Bob's birthday," "Go, Dog, Go," Mr. Doodle had a Poodle," "Green eggs and ham," "Monsters, Inc.," and the musical book of nursery rhymes.<br />
<br />
For only being 2, you sure have a lot of friends. Every morning when you look outside and see the Hyers' house across the street, you immediately start asking to play with Hudson. He may be two years older than you, but you guys play together pretty well. And little Esther loves playing with you, too. You always have fun when we meet the Johnson twins at the Tree House Museum, and it's pretty clear that you love playing with Emma while Mom is visiting teaching. My favorite is watching you play with Maddie ("Mannie"), though. You run and laugh and play and wrestle and dance better with her than any other friend, and it always sounds like you're being tortured when we have to leave her house. I'm glad you have so many little buddies, and I hope that it stays that way. Good friends are important. They matter. I think you're also starting to make friends in Nursery at church. You have come so far since that first awful day at Nursery, when we were both in tears. You still don't like going to the church, I think because you're worried we will leave you, but as soon as you walk in that door and take your teachers the star with your picture on it, you're happy to be there. And we love picking you up - it is the highlight of being at church for us. It was only about two months ago that we asked you what you did, and you actually answered us - you told us that you sang songs, and played with toys and bubbles. It melted our hearts, and we were so glad and relieved that you were happy about it. When we're pretending to be on the phone, you always call one of your friends (usually Hudson or Maddie). You ask them how they are doing, and then you tell them about elephants. Even when we are really on the phone with someone, like Daddy or grandpa or grandma, you almost always tell them about elephants. Sometimes we haven't seen or talked about them for days, but it seems they are just always on your mind.<br />
<br />
Your favorite foods include pizza, pesto pasta, pickles, pears, oranges (canned or fresh, you love them all!), macaroni and cheese, blueberries, quesadillas, cheese of any kind, hummus (you don't even need chips), tomatoes, goldfish/fishy crackers, bacon, fruit snacks and gummy vitamins, juice, suckers, ice cream, and popcorn. Oh my, you <em>love</em> popcorn! You call it "pop pop," and we love making it for you when we have a family movie night. We also love that you love movies. It used to be that you only had eyes for Elmo, but your movie interests have expanded to include the likes of animated films as well. We've gone through long stretches where you'll watch only one movie, but thus far they've been really good ones: Wreck it Ralph, Monsters, Inc., Cars, Frozen, and currently you're quite smitten with Tangled. I swore, before I had you, that I'd never let my kids watch movies. What did I know? We love watching them with you, and seeing you be excited by a story or character. We love cuddling up on the couch as a little family, and then dancing like crazy to the music that plays during the credits at the end. You also love to dance like crazy to Daddy playing guitar, but only if it's "loud" and "fast." You get frustrated when he starts to slow things down or do some finger picking.<br />
<br />
Your smile is to die for. It was Labor Day weekend when you started to really cheese it. You squint your eyes as much as possible, scrunch up your cheeks, and grin like the silly, goofy boy that you are at your core. And now when we ask you for a smile, that is what we get. It never ever disappoints us.<br />
<br />
Some things that you really <em>don't</em> like are brushing your teeth, having your hair washed, getting in the car seat (sometimes), when Daddy stops throwing you high into the air, and coming inside before you're done playing.<br />
<br />
You love dogs, but still get a little nervous around them. You love cats so much that I think you might hug one to death someday. I will try to prevent that for all our sakes. You love jumping on your bed naked, and you're starting to tell me when you poop and want to sit on the potty. You love your grandparents on both sides. You still suck your left thumb and rub your right ear (and we still think that's ok). You pick your nose and eat the boogers you get out if we don't snatch it away first. You have one volume: LOUD. You love to help with laundry, and by help I mean make a mess of it. You like to drive your cars on the inside of the dishwasher. You laugh pretty hard when we try to kiss you at the same time (3-kiss!), and you love to separate Mommy and Daddy when they kiss each other. Most nights it takes both of us to get you to sleep, Daddy first, then Mommy. You've got a great throw (no matter what it is that you're throwing). You love to help Daddy play the guitar, and you like to use picks to do it. You also love to sit on Dad's lap and play the drums, and "help" Mommy vacuum.<br />
<br />
More than anything, you're a sweet, smart, funny, happy, energetic, and loveable little boy. You make us the happiest and proudest parents in the world, and you occupy the biggest space in our hearts. Thinking about how much I love you brings tears to my eyes, and a smile to my face. Thanks for making our lives what they are - it's sometimes hard to remember what they were before you got here, because they are so much better and fuller now.<br />
<br />
Happy birthday, buddy. We love you.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708818417031846182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2628542491104436639.post-60839336157971043482014-12-04T21:40:00.001-08:002014-12-04T21:40:33.739-08:00november 3It's been 3 and a half weeks since I wrote this post. I couldn't bring myself to publish it, but now I feel I need to. I don't want it to just sit and collect dust where I can't even look back on it. This is my journal, and I need to have it "out there" as part of my closure. That seems like the wrong word to use. Maybe healing would be a better word. Because I'm still sad, but I'm ok. I'm healing. And I'm so happy and thankful for what I have. 3 weeks ago:<br />
<br />
I've never had a "worst day of my life." I can easily think of the best: Marty being born, marrying Richard, Paul McCartney concert with my family. Those are at the top of the list, anyway. And I probably could have thought hard to think back on a fight Richard and I have had - there have been a couple of doozies - but I don't know if they would really fall under the Worst Day category, or meet whatever criteria there might be for something like that. That changed on November 3, though.<br />
<br />
Earlier this year, we started talking about when we thought we might like to have another kid. It was kind of a scary thought, but as time went on, it was something we both knew we wanted. And as even more time went on, we realized it was something we <i>really</i> wanted. Like, not just something we felt like we needed to do so that our kids aren't spaced 5 years apart. We wanted it. So, I went to the doctor and had him take my IUD out. About a month went by, I had my first normal cycle, and then we were on our family vacation and Marty was sleeping in the bed with us, so nothing happened right away. We never had the "let's try" conversation, but I was paying very close attention to when I would most likely be ovulating, and let's just say we had a lot of fun. As the days went by - if I'm being honest, I was actually counting the minutes as they passed! - I wondered if I might be pregnant, but I waited until well after I should have had another period to take a test. I even told Katie when we were in Las Vegas that I might be, that I was almost certain that I was pregnant, but I was just a little scared to know for sure. Because it was something that I wanted so badly that I didn't want to find out it wasn't real. The week after I got home, I took it. I didn't know if I should wait for Richard like I did with Marty Boy, and I was so nervous and kind of freaking out, so I just did it while he was at work. Marty was eating a snack in his high chair, so I went in the bathroom and peed on the stick. I left it in there for like 45 minutes without checking. I was too nervous. I got ready for my volleyball game, got Marty ready for his night home with Richard, and when they'd gone down to watch a movie together, I finally checked it right before I walked out the door. POSITIVE. This was a risky move, because if it had been negative I'd probably have been really upset, but it wasn't so I was thrilled. I ran down to kiss the boys goodbye, and I told Richard there was a surprise for him in the bathroom. He totally thought Marty had pooped in the toilet and I'd saved it to show him. Funny how parenthood changes the list of things you get excited about. Anyway, I was thrilled, and I felt a little weird about telling Richard that way, but I was excited for him to see that it wasn't just a turd in the toilet. After my game, I looked at my phone, and Richard had sent me the sweetest text message. I locked it and still have it saved. I called him right away, and we got to be excited together. Then when I got home, he gave me a big hug and we snuggled on the couch for awhile. I apologized for being sweaty, and he said, "but the baby's not sweaty!" It was fun. We were really happy. And we both decided that we were going to wait until we knew the gender until we told anybody if we possibly could. Or at least until Christmas and then we could tell our families in a really fun way and have it be a fun surprise present for them. I ended up telling Katie because I'd told her I might be, and my friend Rebecca who lives across the street, who I see almost everyday because Marty is obsessed with playing with her son Hudson, asked me point blank if I was, and I'm the worst liar in the world, so she knew, too. I made the appointment with my doctor, and they said I'd have to wait until I was 8 weeks, so it would be the first week of November.<br />
<br />
I kept feeling pretty normal, except for a week of awful indigestion which could have been from anything. I also started to feel nauseated in the afternoons, which I chalked up to "morning sickness" or something, neither of which I ever experienced with Marty. I kept waiting for my boobs to start hurting, because that was the big clue the first time around. It finally started happening last week. I still hadn't seen many symptoms, though, and I was starting to be a little nervous, so I took another pregnancy test. Still positive. I thought it would be, but mind monsters started getting to me, and I had to do it "just in case." I was totally relieved. Especially because I know so many people who have had miscarriages recently. That always made me really nervous, but my mom never had any miscarriages. I don't know if that means anything at all, but I remember Dr. Hartman telling me that if my mom got sick I was likely to get sick, and if she got vericose veins that I was more likely to get those, too, so for some reason I just lumped miscarriages with that short list of things that are hereditary.<br />
<br />
Last weekend, the weekend before our Monday afternoon appointment, I started to get super excited. I was basically counting down the minutes until we would get to see our little baby's heartbeat. I confirmed with Richard that he would be there - he was going to leave early from work and just meet us there. I asked him if I should ask Rebecca to watch Marty Boy, and he said no. He wanted our little family to all be there for this exciting thing.<br />
<br />
Monday rolled around, and it just felt like 3:00 would never come. But it did. Marty woke up at the perfect time from his nap, and off we went to the hospital. He was a little nervous when we got there, I think because he remembered his old pediatrician's office, but as soon as he realized it wasn't for him, he was fine. Running around the waiting area, chomping down his pickles I'd brought for his snack, and just being his perfect little self. When the nurse called me back, I told her that Richard was on his way, and she said we could just get the boring stuff out of the way first: weight, blood pressure, etc. We did, and Marty was just sucking on a sucker, with not a care in the world. She led us to the exam room and asked me to take off my bottoms. I couldn't remember if he'd done an actual exam at our first appointment last time, so I didn't ask any questions. I just did it. Marty sat on a chair like a champ, and we chatted while we waited for Dr. Hartman and Richard. Hartman got there first. He asked me a few questions, and determined that I was actually 10 weeks along, not 8. He also said I didn't need to be half-naked because I had a pap-smear at my last appointment, but that train had already left the station. When he was about to get started, like literally pulling my shirt up to squirt the jelly on my belly, Richard walked into the room. Perfect timing. He was all smiles, and I was so happy he was there. He picked up Marty, and walked around behind Dr. Hartman so that he could see the monitor for the ultrasound. He moved the thing around a bit, and I couldn't see anything. He was super quiet. He said that he was confused, asked who had done the tests. I told him I couldn't see anything, and that I took two, one just last week. He said that my bladder was so full it might have been making it hard to get a good angle on things. I told him I didn't go to the bathroom for a long time because I thought they might need me to pee in a cup. He backed up, grabbed another wand, and came back over. He said that he knew I was having anxiety, and he was just going to do a vaginal ultrasound right away to ease my mind because he knew I'd go nuts in the bathroom if he had me go at that very minute. He was right. He finally got a good view. No heartbeat. Before he even said anything, tears started running down my face. He took his time, making sure he got it right, but eventually he told us that there was no heartbeat. Our baby had died at 8 weeks. Two weeks earlier. He apologized, said he'd let me go to the bathroom, and then he'd come right back. I sat up, and Richard came over and hugged me. I just cried into his chest for a minute. I got up and went to the bathroom, which was connected to the room we were in, and then went back to the table. Dr. Hartman came back in, checked again, apologized again, and then started to give us some information. 15% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. That sounded like too much to me. He told me my options: wait it out and let my body work things out on its own, or come in for him to do a D & C. I didn't want to do it alone, who knows when. I just wanted this nightmare to be over. I told him we'd check with our insurance and let him know as soon as possible. He was very nice, and answered all of our questions. There weren't that many. I tried to pull myself together, not cry as we walked out of the office, but the second I turned down the hall, the nurse who had walked me back said she was so sorry, and I lost it. Kept trying to hold it together, but it didn't work. I'm sure I terrified the two pregnant women in the waiting area as we walked through, and I felt bad, but I also didn't care. <br />
<br />
Richard walked me to his car, which I wanted to drive home by myself, and then he took Marty to my car. I sat there and sobbed, and then I called my mom. Who didn't even know I was pregnant. It had been so hard for me not to tell her when she took me to lunch for my birthday the week before. When I bought a sweater dress and blouse that were just a little too big so that my growing pregnant belly would still fit in them. She was at work, but I knew she would answer. She was so sad. Her voice got emotional, but I don't think she really cried. At least not while we were on the phone. She was so sorry, and she said all the right things. I never stopped crying, not even after we got off the phone. I started to drive home, though, and when I finally parked in the driveway, I texted Katie to tell her, too. I thought about tell Rebecca, but I just couldn't. <br />
<br />
Marty and Richard were out back picking grapes when I got home, so I went back to tell Richard I was home, and then just went inside and started searching for my insurance card. I called the company, told them the situation, and the girl told me it was covered 100%, as long as it was "involuntary." I could tell she felt so bad saying that, because I was still in tears, but I knew she was just doing her job. It wasn't her fault I lost my baby. I called Hartman's office and scheduled my D & C for Thursday. It was the soonest they could get me in. I also called Jackie. She had a miscarriage right before getting pregnant with Maddie, and I just felt like I needed to talk to someone who had been through it, too. I had no idea what to expect from the D & C, and I just needed to be reassured. She was the perfect person to talk to, and she's been really amazing all week, calling to check up on me, sending me little text messages, and covering for me at our volleyball game on Wednesday. She really is my best friend, even after all these years.<br />
<br />
When the boys walked in a minute later, I told Richard about my appointment. He hugged me, and I just kept crying. Marty ran over and started tugging on our legs. He kept saying "Mama," which eventually turned into "Mommy." He's never called me mommy. He started to give me big hugs - he does this when he knows I'm sad - the good kind, where he is the one who holds on longest. And amid all of the "mommy's" he said, "mommy, wuv you." He has never said that to me before. He has said it to Richard, but not quite as clearly as it was this day. He said it twice. Richard walked back over to us, hugged us both, and I just kept crying. This moment was the thing that kept me from shattering into a million pieces. My sweet Marty Boy.<br />
<br />
Richard had a guitar lesson that evening, so he got ready for that. I usually make dinner while he's teaching, but I was in no mood to cook, so I put a movie on for Marty and drove to Cafe Rio to get us some dinner. While we were eating, after the guitar lesson was over, there was a knock at our door. It was my mom, and she'd brought us some pumpkin steamers from Kneaders. My favorite. She gave me a hug, but I didn't cry. Then she sat with us for a few minutes and we talked for a little bit. I can't remember if I cried the whole time she was here. I think I was cried out for the moment. I asked her to tell my dad, because I just didn't want to talk about it anymore. And then I asked her not to tell anyone else. It was so nice of her to come over, and I really appreciated just knowing that she was thinking of me. Later that night, I got text messages from my dad <i>and Sarah</i>. Both telling me they were sorry and they loved us. I should have known my mom would tell my sisters. She told Chelsea the next day. I just told them both thanks, and not to tell anyone else. Also that I don't want to talk about it when I see them. The rest of that night is a blur. I just can't remember it.<br />
<br />
The next day, Hartman's office called and asked if I could come in on Wednesday instead of Thursday. I said yes, feeling relieved and sad at the same time. Relieved that it would be over one day sooner, and sad for the same reason. It was so weird, the timing of that call. Marty got tired about an hour earlier than normal, and he fell asleep really quickly for his nap, which never happens. And not five minutes after I left his room, my phone rang. I'm glad he wasn't awake to see me lose it again. My mom got to the house for our Tuesday lunch shortly after that, but she only stayed for a couple of minutes. We worked things out so that she would watch Marty for me, and then she told me to get some rest. I didn't have much of an appetite, which isn't my style at all. Usually in an emotional situation I'm an over-eater, but this was different. I slept while Marty slept, and when he woke up I felt bad for being such a bum all day, so I took him to the Tree House for an hour before they closed. He had a great time, playing with the trains, checking on the cow and sheep, and even drumming his little heart out. I hope that my sadness hasn't affected him negatively. It didn't seem to that day, at least.<br />
<br />
That night Richard and I planned for him to be at the hospital when I woke up the next day, but for some reason I just kind of wanted to be alone before the procedure. That's not really my style, either. Normally I want to talk about and analyze things to death with him. But this time I didn't want to dwell on it or talk about it up until the very moment it would happen. I just wanted to read my book and try to keep my mind off of it as much as I could. I knew it wouldn't really work that way, but I felt like I just needed some time to myself with this. I really didn't want to be alone after, though.<br />
<br />
The morning of November 5, Marty and I did our normal thing: we ate breakfast together, watched a show and got ready, and then we had to go to the store to get a stupid pill for me to take before the surgery. He was such a good sport, being super playful and happy all morning. We went home, and before I knew it my mom was there to pick us up. I got the diaper bag ready for her to take Marty to Tree House, and then they took me to the hospital. I checked in fine, but as soon as I sat in the waiting area I started to cry. When I finally stopped, I read my book for about a minute before they paged me to fill out paperwork. I cried up at the counter, and then again when my nurse came for me. She was very nice, and as soon as I sat down in the consultation room, she grabbed my hand and gave me some tissues. She took my vitals, asked me some questions, and then led me to my waiting bed and asked me to change my clothes. The next nurse who came in to give me my IV started to tear up when she saw me crying. She was very nice, too, and it was nice to talk to her about other things. When she left, Dr. Hartman came in. He asked how I was, and if I had any questions. I said I was ok, and that I had none. He squeezed my foot, and then explained some of the recovery stuff to me. He said that it was going to be more of an emotional recovery than a physical one, and that I don't need to be examined by him afterward, but if I would like to I can make an appointment to talk with him in about a week. I'm not going to, but I appreciated it. I was crying, of course, and he squeezed my foot again before he left. Those two little squeezes meant a lot to me, coming from him.<br />
<br />
I ended up being in that waiting area long enough to finish my book, read the information they'd given me, and then try to take a nap. I couldn't fall asleep, but I did start crying again. Luckily it wasn't long before my anesthesiologist came in to start giving me drugs and wheel me to the operating room. He patted my shoulder as I was crying on our way down the hall, and I kept hoping that I would pass out soon, but it didn't happen. As they wheeled me into the room I could hear people laughing and joking around. It was the nurses and staff who were going to be helping with my procedure, and it really made me mad. As they helped me scoot from my bed over to the operating table, one nurse said, "are you just a little scared?" and I said "no." and kept crying. I wasn't scared, I was sad. I was devastated. I was heartbroken. But I didn't have to listen to them much longer because the anesthesiologist put monitors on my chest and then oxygen over my mouth and nose, and that was the last thing I can remember before I slowly woke up in the recovery room. <br />
<br />
As I was working my way through the fog, I felt tears still running down my face, and I heard someone telling someone else to take me to 2nd phase recovery where my husband was waiting for me. When I finally got there, I didn't see Richard. I was really crying, and I asked where he was. The nurse said she would go get him, and after no time at all he was standing right beside me. He hugged me and I just cried. Then he had a seat and asked me about it. I told him what I remembered, and it was so nice to have him there. He'd had to wait about 45 minutes, and I felt bad that he was missing work, but I was just so glad to have him with me. Our nurse here was so nice. She brought me apple juice, and then she brought us both hot chocolate. I'd been fasting, and even though I don't remember feeling hungry or thirsty, I drank my drinks so fast. I didn't want to stay there any longer than I absolutely had to, so I changed my clothes, Richard went to get the car, and the nurse pushed me in a wheelchair to the curb where he picked me up. Then we went home. Marty was just waking from his nap when we got there, and he was kind of sad, so he came right to me and we snuggled on the couch for a bit. My mom left to pick up Sarah (who had been walking to our house from the train station because by the time my mom was supposed to pick her up Marty was already napping and she couldn't leave the house) and get us dinner. We were still snuggling on the couch, and Richard was playing guitar when they got back. I remember my mom asking about how it went, but I don't think that we talked about it much after that. It was just nice to have them there, and be a little distracted. Marty was really excited to have Sarah there, and he was showing off for her big time, running around and jumping on to and off of everything, including Richard. I was still feeling a little woozy from the anesthesia, and probably just from the day, so I started to lose steam pretty quickly. When they left, I just wanted to lay down. Richard fixed Marty some macaroni and cheese for dinner, and then he asked if I wanted to be alone. I really did. I don't know why, I just did. So he took the boy over to Russ's house to do some recording stuff, and I stayed home and laid in bed watching a movie.<br />
<br />
Rebecca had texted me while my mom and sister were over, asking if everything was ok because she had seen my mom taking care of Marty throughout the day. I answered letting her know what had happened, and later that night she came over with ice cream. Richard and Marty had gotten home, so Richard put him to bed while I talked with Rebecca in the front room. I was starting to feel a little better, and wasn't near as emotional, so I was ok talking about it. I was glad to finally tell the only other person who knew I was pregnant what was really happening, too. I'm so grateful for her friendship, and feel so lucky that we moved in across the street from them.<br />
<br />
Since Wednesday, I have felt a lot of different emotions, and I've had so many thoughts go through my mind. Richard and I have talked about it so much, and we just have so much love for our friends who have had to experience this, some more than once. He is so confident that we will be able to have another baby, and I want to be that confident, too. Little slivers of worry and fear are present when I think about it, though. I am starting to feel a little more normal, but these waves of sadness hit me occasionally and leave me crying in their wake. It has happened in the car, in the shower, in bed, at the computer, on the phone, watching a movie with Marty. No warning, just tears. I've tried to tell Richard how weird it is to feel all of this - normal and heartbroken at the same time. Like I should start moving on, but not sure how. He said something that made me truly believe that he knows just how I'm feeling, even if he's not crying about it. He said that it's hard to move forward when there's not really a sense of closure. Agreed. I found these quotes online that describe that feeling pretty well:<br />
<br />
"I never knew until that moment how bad it could hurt to lose something you never really had."<br />
"There is a unique pain that comes from preparing a place in your heart for a child that never comes."<br />
"How do you say goodbye when you never got the chance to say hello?"<br />
<br />
It's not that I thought I was special. I knew that miscarriage was a possibility from the very beginning, and that is why we told ourselves that we were waiting to announce it to anyone. But I think I wanted to believe I was special, and that I wouldn't have to experience it like so many I know have had to. And I for sure know that I wasn't expecting it. Even when I was feeling superstitious and nervous, I never really thought that it was going to end like this. Although I've been wanting to "get it over with" from the moment I knew there wasn't a heartbeat, I just don't want it to really be over. Because even though I hate this feeling of loss, I also don't want to forget it, and there is nothing for me to remember it by. I think that is why I'm writing it all down. I'm documenting it so that there will some proof. Proof that we did get pregnant, and that we were so excited for our little baby to come. Proof that our little baby only made it to 8 weeks, but that we didn't know it until 10 weeks. Proof that although Richard is a rock who is holding me up, that he is also disappointed and sad and feeling a loss just like I am. Proof that my heart can be so full of love for Marty Boy, but also broken for the little baby I will never know in this life. Proof that I loved him/her so much even though we never got to meet, and proof that I'm not quite sure how to say goodbye.<br />
<br />
I don't think that my situation is harder than anyone else's. But I think that for me it is especially difficult to have happen <i>now. </i>Now that I know. I was so scared of being a mother for so long. So scared of all of it: pregnancy, delivery, breastfeeding, motherhood, marriage with kids. And while we were busy being scared, we stayed busy having adventures, making memories, being in love, and having fun with just the two of us. But once Marty Boy came along, he showed us how special life can really be. The adventures we have with him, the memories we make, the fun that we have as a family (that I am IN LOVE WITH) are special in a league of their own. My heart is changed, and I love being a mother, with Richard as the father, more than anything I could possibly imagine. I don't think I could have known what an incredible loss this really is without knowing how special it was going to be to add to this little one to our mix. I knew it, and now I'm feeling this loss on a more special level than I would if I didn't know it.<br />
<br />
I'm going to keep on loving being a mother, with the best father and husband ever. I'm going to keep having adventures, making memories, being in love, and having fun with my little family. I'm going to be ok. Eventually. And I'm going to keep loving the baby I didn't get to hold or know in this life.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708818417031846182noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2628542491104436639.post-34670208830214881942014-11-07T14:24:00.000-08:002014-11-07T14:24:09.433-08:00lagoon day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Every summer, my parents' employer hosts a work Lagoon day. This year they offered to pay for all of us because they really wanted to show Marty off to all of their friends and coworkers. So, we let them. There was a little drama with scheduling because although we'd had it planned for months, it ended up being the day that Richard had to harvest the honey from his beehive with Spencer Bowman. That sadly meant that Richard didn't get to stay for the entire time, but he did get to see and be a part of the very best things that happened that day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We started out playing the little games set up for families with kids, and then worked our way to the pavilion for bingo and lunch. Bingo didn't last as long as it used to now that we've got Marty, but watching him stuff his face and cleaning up the mess after him was more fun than continuously losing at bingo anyway.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2KyjlNlEDiP_2-6eEVth92Y2dNk4iUTZRcOqcxMnwt8tsTpDUni1727i6ibXdCEwFDrHIBY3_Z2NhxBGrIj4DpXLh4XgaW4r_IW7BFPaUmgN-pZ9opKNwcNNJcJJneXX09mIu7ZYW8nha/s1600/IMG_20140906_111218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2KyjlNlEDiP_2-6eEVth92Y2dNk4iUTZRcOqcxMnwt8tsTpDUni1727i6ibXdCEwFDrHIBY3_Z2NhxBGrIj4DpXLh4XgaW4r_IW7BFPaUmgN-pZ9opKNwcNNJcJJneXX09mIu7ZYW8nha/s1600/IMG_20140906_111218.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We hoped that he'd love the rides, but were a little nervous that after we'd let my parents bank roll this day he might hate it all and we'd leave after a half hour. He loved just about every stinking minute of every ride.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzy6Wsfqboq-6ARV66CMAH0g3qTky6NYJAyFC3pd7qf4PFdzccRgbc7rVxIXQEDwUruPm0CHr48g1hw2YK5nmC7rxMjEEX0uzUiPzWzWpW4nj0GUywjvt81ULqSXKyl-nfjMCHljnS8N2p/s1600/IMG_20140906_125407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzy6Wsfqboq-6ARV66CMAH0g3qTky6NYJAyFC3pd7qf4PFdzccRgbc7rVxIXQEDwUruPm0CHr48g1hw2YK5nmC7rxMjEEX0uzUiPzWzWpW4nj0GUywjvt81ULqSXKyl-nfjMCHljnS8N2p/s1600/IMG_20140906_125407.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There were moments when his face didn't quite show the level of enthusiasm that I think he was actually feeling. Like this, for instance. Not a lot of emotion on that face. But did he want to get off of that helicopter when it came time? No way. Also, I didn't let him suck on every handle bar in the park. I just tried to pick my battles and be realistic about the gross things that my toddler is inevitably going to do. It made for a much more relaxing and enjoyable day than it potentially could have been.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qAcrf4WWuI6KlTt-qpiwyLtqm_1LEa8OpWhDM10fGS1wEOscyewdZePCh88uXLHz2mZkapvW5PTUJO5bEE0HLcDq60aTtqakQd1WMeIViDB3fNXvLlv2EOE1VIc_M6f9sX6qLZK61BNo/s1600/IMG_20140906_131232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qAcrf4WWuI6KlTt-qpiwyLtqm_1LEa8OpWhDM10fGS1wEOscyewdZePCh88uXLHz2mZkapvW5PTUJO5bEE0HLcDq60aTtqakQd1WMeIViDB3fNXvLlv2EOE1VIc_M6f9sX6qLZK61BNo/s1600/IMG_20140906_131232.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm sure people thought we were totally obnoxious as we yelled Marty's name and leaned over the railing to wave at him every time he came around on a ride, but we didn't care. I seriously almost started to cry as I watched him go on his first solo ride. He was totally fine, didn't need us at all. He loved it, and he laughed and waved back to us as he went around and around. It was one of those moments where I have to focus on really enjoying so I don't get sad that he's getting to be such a big boy. It's a bittersweet thing. Just a little bit bitter, and whole lot sweet, though.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BQ1HCKB6BSVdAsu0dXyPT7sZFUPjMxN5QjQxcvrAsmzUeFan44S1uMF3y_RYwX07mDCQ6zxcKj9tlmBddT1Nj-zfkjF0yBX0f01XzWgb1pgWFKLOg_QX0GeZd-jhP9MAgaYt2AyHZGFg/s1600/IMG_20140906_132100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BQ1HCKB6BSVdAsu0dXyPT7sZFUPjMxN5QjQxcvrAsmzUeFan44S1uMF3y_RYwX07mDCQ6zxcKj9tlmBddT1Nj-zfkjF0yBX0f01XzWgb1pgWFKLOg_QX0GeZd-jhP9MAgaYt2AyHZGFg/s1600/IMG_20140906_132100.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I swore to Richard that we wouldn't go on the train because the "zoo" that it drives through has "animal cruelty" written all over it. But when Marty saw the "choo-choo" my soap box disappeared and I HAD to take him on it. The kid loves trains, I love him, so what was I to do?</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguytiHHqCJATiqUMWAoppoCeYqbHt4DIGF43m4jzsvooeQ2KDi3GqthDyl4iHYNTy3U9REI607In5BmU13JnzzMxLvuCcYJ_0aMBPeXeaeWoSY56p3IMbxN0p4RJceE_xtBVqD6oX9_u0Y/s1600/IMG_20140906_133757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguytiHHqCJATiqUMWAoppoCeYqbHt4DIGF43m4jzsvooeQ2KDi3GqthDyl4iHYNTy3U9REI607In5BmU13JnzzMxLvuCcYJ_0aMBPeXeaeWoSY56p3IMbxN0p4RJceE_xtBVqD6oX9_u0Y/s1600/IMG_20140906_133757.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was sad when Richard left because I didn't want him to miss even a second of our son's first amusement park experience, but it kind of wound down quickly after he left. We rode a handful of rides, went back to the blankets to take a breather and eat some snacks, and then walked around for a bit.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZ-z28D6uHZ1t8lZ9ZRzsZuR22IiemCHwnw3dyR3vAyJ3KO7a099EXhQ1vLAatQzqH-H7RgwgPs3CXpeR4q0-SNpyk6s-Cqdi5JZ-GrYd7E0KmvqBrJmxbQPFNsWTYW5JReEWrmxDTytL/s1600/IMG_20140906_152139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZ-z28D6uHZ1t8lZ9ZRzsZuR22IiemCHwnw3dyR3vAyJ3KO7a099EXhQ1vLAatQzqH-H7RgwgPs3CXpeR4q0-SNpyk6s-Cqdi5JZ-GrYd7E0KmvqBrJmxbQPFNsWTYW5JReEWrmxDTytL/s1600/IMG_20140906_152139.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The last ride he went on (two times in a row) was the merry-go-round. I'm glad we ended on such a good one. He was starting to lose steam, but this one perked him right back up.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKzuOsvEMaNb9RgY3zVVVA-LcN7JaqSIFstMOip47XJ3yBBBWRx5QKL0kc4Z0_4BjhNL39fc6vrjkGQ3l069Ej1umSYrDTAx7zbRVudsBdnZzCiIHPh19kVySbUHxrGfZAsdW8Aq61lnv/s1600/IMG_20140906_155914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKzuOsvEMaNb9RgY3zVVVA-LcN7JaqSIFstMOip47XJ3yBBBWRx5QKL0kc4Z0_4BjhNL39fc6vrjkGQ3l069Ej1umSYrDTAx7zbRVudsBdnZzCiIHPh19kVySbUHxrGfZAsdW8Aq61lnv/s1600/IMG_20140906_155914.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP89gWczrsDdcqFui613VA3XXRvg7w_PZAHlrFO1BplB8hU39aPrTI4blH_cpgJDsiNf9MtjUsLtBKTlE-RS8xpQzxEKsnc2EB8zctmPUGstv0tp6bWgnfFOexXXweSxGfTWMexLcDZD2j/s1600/IMG_20140906_155919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP89gWczrsDdcqFui613VA3XXRvg7w_PZAHlrFO1BplB8hU39aPrTI4blH_cpgJDsiNf9MtjUsLtBKTlE-RS8xpQzxEKsnc2EB8zctmPUGstv0tp6bWgnfFOexXXweSxGfTWMexLcDZD2j/s1600/IMG_20140906_155919.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvsbx8Xd73s-8DAvhT5ACQTJBoC83-aTJAou-enwjkUop9zNNVLe8yTLOOFC1UCIrB-crkA-vXTrvEeX0OFmA7dpopRMhy5IdvzVxaZukDgS2-XF8z4hnqgsb7HiBlbtYzsRusCJxlMe_/s1600/IMG_20140906_155947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvsbx8Xd73s-8DAvhT5ACQTJBoC83-aTJAou-enwjkUop9zNNVLe8yTLOOFC1UCIrB-crkA-vXTrvEeX0OFmA7dpopRMhy5IdvzVxaZukDgS2-XF8z4hnqgsb7HiBlbtYzsRusCJxlMe_/s1600/IMG_20140906_155947.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Richard was planning to come back if we thought we were going to be staying late into the night, but I called him and told him not to worry about it. After running on all cylinders all day long, Marty finally crashed hard-core. And when my mom and I sat down for a minute because we weren't chasing him around anymore, we realized that we were spent, too. So, we packed up the car and headed home.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHlbSJuqGMoPmtVOgYzPKw79rWolm5efQVIlP-jHlxxaANnfl8Hfqh_ahUWoQr9B4SM3kMpe5eGM6_mBR_n8AYOw_TRIOLRmeB0hzPTQV-0-8le85_tFc89v7vFYR5hrJvvstOQBYJOM7/s1600/IMG_20140906_173910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHlbSJuqGMoPmtVOgYzPKw79rWolm5efQVIlP-jHlxxaANnfl8Hfqh_ahUWoQr9B4SM3kMpe5eGM6_mBR_n8AYOw_TRIOLRmeB0hzPTQV-0-8le85_tFc89v7vFYR5hrJvvstOQBYJOM7/s1600/IMG_20140906_173910.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It sounds silly, but Lagoon was magical that day. That chamber of my heart that magically appeared when Marty was born was beating a million times per minute while I watched him having so much fun. I love watching him experience something for the first time, and getting to experience it with him. And I love it even more when Richard and I are both a part of it. Parenthood is chaotic and hard and tiring and sometimes makes me feel like I am going nuts, but it is also the most special thing in the universe. It is joyful and funny and fulfilling and completely satisfying, and there is nothing that makes me happier.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708818417031846182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2628542491104436639.post-80904656191917211342014-11-07T13:55:00.002-08:002014-11-07T13:55:51.204-08:002nd annual family trip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last year we went had an east coast adventure when Richard graduated from the DCELP program in Boston. We invited our dads, and it was 11 days we will never forget. We loved that vacation, and we've always said that we want to be a family that makes fun memories and has travel adventures together, so at the end of August, we took our second big family trip. This time we went to San Diego. Although Richard and I both decided we wouldn't really want to live there (even if we could afford the cost of living there!), we had a great time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It all started with a short flight. Marty was a champ, and I seemed to have packed just the right amount of snacks and toys for all three of us to stay entertained for the entire time. Next, we hopped on a shuttle to pick up our rental car. That wasn't anybody's favorite part of the trip. Not even the second time we went there, on our second day, to trade in the car for one with a working air conditioner. But I will say it was one of the best decisions we made the entire trip. No AC = no bueno.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPfl4VJQPFo1oBTsEGcKaqYjmuyjr0VguD_NQpYqJker9c09AwzeE3LLPl3MCR0lpLjWtZPrKzdB1AeecLTRdCmYpEGGHVkzI4bKrvOC0eHnHKQ78mdtkNkRizbEKFh8CDSiVcoQON9idy/s1600/IMG_20140827_145454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPfl4VJQPFo1oBTsEGcKaqYjmuyjr0VguD_NQpYqJker9c09AwzeE3LLPl3MCR0lpLjWtZPrKzdB1AeecLTRdCmYpEGGHVkzI4bKrvOC0eHnHKQ78mdtkNkRizbEKFh8CDSiVcoQON9idy/s1600/IMG_20140827_145454.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We stayed at a hotel on Point Loma Naval Base, right in San Diego. Richard was able to get us a screamin' deal because he is an Air Force employee. We will probably only stay on military bases for the rest of our lives, or at least for the rest of the time Richard works there. Whichever lasts longer, I guess. It was that good of a deal, and it was that nice of a place. It was also within walking distance of a shopping center that we killed a little time at.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhE7JAv-Qm0If-9xkzX7hgYwwiJWS8spGmMeg66CtPEPbnKlvPBEWu2QWvQfEwJ-IDZ1B0Cf3aWYMDHlVzNAK_zIEcfi5fcpMyBPKicV177DAU589rvFDaL7B1lHHnOCnwnzjjdKzvE42f/s1600/IMG_20140827_191106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhE7JAv-Qm0If-9xkzX7hgYwwiJWS8spGmMeg66CtPEPbnKlvPBEWu2QWvQfEwJ-IDZ1B0Cf3aWYMDHlVzNAK_zIEcfi5fcpMyBPKicV177DAU589rvFDaL7B1lHHnOCnwnzjjdKzvE42f/s1600/IMG_20140827_191106.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYRfqzim4YsCYmWAbJIicBFxa3iCiEfRkRT3eIru1RGYEKUzVwnreVBwDTq8vhupirlLCh-HdFoWmuBCAuh6-k3w0mUJ2SN9niWj2-1bDibJlEXRFKzAUKG-rAQpyz89-RLyXuMAMi_Zo/s1600/IMG_20140827_192511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYRfqzim4YsCYmWAbJIicBFxa3iCiEfRkRT3eIru1RGYEKUzVwnreVBwDTq8vhupirlLCh-HdFoWmuBCAuh6-k3w0mUJ2SN9niWj2-1bDibJlEXRFKzAUKG-rAQpyz89-RLyXuMAMi_Zo/s1600/IMG_20140827_192511.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The only real plans we made were to visit the San Diego Zoo. We had recently been the Hogle Zoo with Scott and Megan, but we both wanted to see it, and we thought Marty Boy would love it. The first thing we did was take a bus tour of the entire park, thinking it would help us get oriented, and that way we could decide what we really wanted to walk around to see.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsoyERhJuRFh88XN05GpiEr-CQsOiQKGEKOu2E9TcXkGREiWLZKGwQXxhrTBzPhFOuxi7EixzR13TuGYi9RbV3ZuYWAttzMRgcU5U6bFO6Kw3LfCaQoWgM3FK_BpsDx9bbY-NhR5Xb3vQ2/s1600/IMG_20140828_100827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsoyERhJuRFh88XN05GpiEr-CQsOiQKGEKOu2E9TcXkGREiWLZKGwQXxhrTBzPhFOuxi7EixzR13TuGYi9RbV3ZuYWAttzMRgcU5U6bFO6Kw3LfCaQoWgM3FK_BpsDx9bbY-NhR5Xb3vQ2/s1600/IMG_20140828_100827.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0MtgG5W0RL_vN1ieUTVJb3jtvDCLeWG41Bb_9pZjfDUlVLbo7dbXU9-LAEEnXHg4ifht0HKdkdPxHH0DIVq3rBOEAE4eOLaYkcdM9yCEo3huXLGxmDGLnlUKIUlx4xySeXV8UVXTOJ8a/s1600/IMG_20140828_102458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0MtgG5W0RL_vN1ieUTVJb3jtvDCLeWG41Bb_9pZjfDUlVLbo7dbXU9-LAEEnXHg4ifht0HKdkdPxHH0DIVq3rBOEAE4eOLaYkcdM9yCEo3huXLGxmDGLnlUKIUlx4xySeXV8UVXTOJ8a/s1600/IMG_20140828_102458.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The park was humongous, and totally overwhelming. It was incredible, but definitely not easy to navigate. Even after the bus tour. We were constantly looking at park maps and making U-turns. There is no easy way to make a big loop and just see everything, either.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTdBUs0ffY5wzSuiQrpe3GWJtyrtNRW2YTGdz7Z_mGZO1JYNbToBUnQbWRBRzOnBecOGwsZhyF5bVyNJVrL3GVJcU0Jnb6I23a9hXVPZW7mxmJT46qa2Ds4z37UISOPLzipDaTd_ohDhJ8/s1600/IMG_20140828_113856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTdBUs0ffY5wzSuiQrpe3GWJtyrtNRW2YTGdz7Z_mGZO1JYNbToBUnQbWRBRzOnBecOGwsZhyF5bVyNJVrL3GVJcU0Jnb6I23a9hXVPZW7mxmJT46qa2Ds4z37UISOPLzipDaTd_ohDhJ8/s1600/IMG_20140828_113856.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We spent a lot of time looking at the monkeys/gorillas/apes. And thank goodness the boy wanted to play on these statues for awhile. Richard and I were getting to the point where we were kind of over the zoo, but felt like we really needed to stay longer to get our money's worth, and also to show Marty a good time. Even though he was probably over it, too, because he was throwing A LOT of fits. Anyway, we took a little break, ate some snacks, and got right back to it.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2H-yrbuY7Ajt6wyiPmEmpT_mz8dFnHsZ1k7r3JQG2pRImPhn5WAshjMvi5BRFh1V-gCaeX3oVJif2zEf3fWen0sT_2TnbJ63jkUOllptcnqEQmUL0t7eev70TekAyutExrNkw_po9Bbj/s1600/IMG_20140828_114439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2H-yrbuY7Ajt6wyiPmEmpT_mz8dFnHsZ1k7r3JQG2pRImPhn5WAshjMvi5BRFh1V-gCaeX3oVJif2zEf3fWen0sT_2TnbJ63jkUOllptcnqEQmUL0t7eev70TekAyutExrNkw_po9Bbj/s1600/IMG_20140828_114439.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjdZ8W3BQyiD9ADTRld1zy1y6cxBuhKUjNJ4r04VPmQg8eieLzTbldUC9E_GZmz0NgNwmKZ170RqYcGl1L9fq90EO5AEoFfk1c67C-vhB2KDWweFB6sftGDEyNePKBrDf1oyuYh3VAB2K/s1600/IMG_20140828_120828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjdZ8W3BQyiD9ADTRld1zy1y6cxBuhKUjNJ4r04VPmQg8eieLzTbldUC9E_GZmz0NgNwmKZ170RqYcGl1L9fq90EO5AEoFfk1c67C-vhB2KDWweFB6sftGDEyNePKBrDf1oyuYh3VAB2K/s1600/IMG_20140828_120828.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was worth every sweaty minute when we got to the elephants. This kid loved them. And we loved watching him love them so much. I think he said the word "eh-fint" (elephant) more than any other word that entire week.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXW85kNGxPwD5zEHjErl6Eb-STlBh_3zBZxWAodm2vkOmrKNjUxbqIQYC5J53ihUum9kEYs9Dq6rpH-5A_c4FtXFQB9m16KQMnkR4lsTVNxpZFeos8OZDBlIjOgxEoG4jcps_DW_ijxK5f/s1600/IMG_20140828_125517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXW85kNGxPwD5zEHjErl6Eb-STlBh_3zBZxWAodm2vkOmrKNjUxbqIQYC5J53ihUum9kEYs9Dq6rpH-5A_c4FtXFQB9m16KQMnkR4lsTVNxpZFeos8OZDBlIjOgxEoG4jcps_DW_ijxK5f/s1600/IMG_20140828_125517.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGlRlLLGkB70haUtEGR_LyrriNGNLq3KiapfUTKzpTXZpM2KNzB1HVnIiadivx5Cv55Qo-8OiumhssG3w9pZm1nsyT17W45rraoLXcxqnGFkhswhwm1cqR8zW-IPOQWdEbl8S3OHEArJD/s1600/IMG_20140828_130736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGlRlLLGkB70haUtEGR_LyrriNGNLq3KiapfUTKzpTXZpM2KNzB1HVnIiadivx5Cv55Qo-8OiumhssG3w9pZm1nsyT17W45rraoLXcxqnGFkhswhwm1cqR8zW-IPOQWdEbl8S3OHEArJD/s1600/IMG_20140828_130736.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our other favorite exhibit was probably the hippos and the lion. They were both huge, and right up close to the glass, and really cool to see. It makes me sad to say that it was behind glass. Even though this zoo had amazing exhibits, it <i>was</i> still a little sad to think of all those animals in captivity. Our tour guide told us that it is a facility that breeds endangered animals, and saves lots, too. So that's something, I guess. Anyway, we saw a lot of really cool things, but after like four hours we were ready to call it quits. So we found a park map, located the gondola ride, and trekked it over so we could get back to the front gates and get the heck out of there.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5BALaNroXuuHTCB_45TiMksNKkZoQM6i-xOgLEKcPhyphenhyphenDp9mjN1P5VNhgLTDzwPuFqJUmLq3dUNODfVTyPqXWRyu3O67FuJs-okWsk7_E-NTViry8WX-1ht4uOmqeMdZxTs3lDAmm6uyn/s1600/IMG_20140828_124455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5BALaNroXuuHTCB_45TiMksNKkZoQM6i-xOgLEKcPhyphenhyphenDp9mjN1P5VNhgLTDzwPuFqJUmLq3dUNODfVTyPqXWRyu3O67FuJs-okWsk7_E-NTViry8WX-1ht4uOmqeMdZxTs3lDAmm6uyn/s1600/IMG_20140828_124455.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgheiFlBZ0m3bhrlHEXjdbBmoPHE5pEpiU2XcrBMkjerlm3-3OoKzIt8-ppZ8BZFAsTDbanExvqXhdA-BPbZ3jhWd9Ul6ZuyRW4mE5OmYEXg-dZgdbEFCEouIsqQG6HrZPB5D51aNfpvMbF/s1600/IMG_20140828_134714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgheiFlBZ0m3bhrlHEXjdbBmoPHE5pEpiU2XcrBMkjerlm3-3OoKzIt8-ppZ8BZFAsTDbanExvqXhdA-BPbZ3jhWd9Ul6ZuyRW4mE5OmYEXg-dZgdbEFCEouIsqQG6HrZPB5D51aNfpvMbF/s1600/IMG_20140828_134714.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmi3caUQl7tyWFmp9_ssA8hp_lQXT3Vxu79a9avBdi5lD_AeqSGrc1GTgVR_0q98x7VQDv3P66N-zRJYnwfLdWwL_tRo8TNjpC_miUuoBpvaGDI1jN24WXtIhkiS1H5n2vh8H7wtHhr1-q/s1600/IMG_20140828_134900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmi3caUQl7tyWFmp9_ssA8hp_lQXT3Vxu79a9avBdi5lD_AeqSGrc1GTgVR_0q98x7VQDv3P66N-zRJYnwfLdWwL_tRo8TNjpC_miUuoBpvaGDI1jN24WXtIhkiS1H5n2vh8H7wtHhr1-q/s1600/IMG_20140828_134900.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmVM3hKB8uItXe7o4xSdmXQLLhW5RQx94oGoE30jB6A8ychs6rMskCGas-RcKb58VgV67L8McFkE_bhAqqVw3ViRCtfDJXkHclOnXxzEZEFaaTRAgpEOaCRC9xnqZeyTSICa7TgoZKdrj/s1600/IMG_20140828_141334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmVM3hKB8uItXe7o4xSdmXQLLhW5RQx94oGoE30jB6A8ychs6rMskCGas-RcKb58VgV67L8McFkE_bhAqqVw3ViRCtfDJXkHclOnXxzEZEFaaTRAgpEOaCRC9xnqZeyTSICa7TgoZKdrj/s1600/IMG_20140828_141334.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Richard took Marty and I back to the hotel so we could take a nap, and then he drove around and explored the area a little bit. Then he took us to a place he thought we'd really like: Mission Beach. He was right. Our first stop was a gourmet grilled cheese restaurant. TO DIE FOR. Basically my dream come true. Mine had macaroni and cheese in it, and I loved every bite.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgH4jQ8Q55DsbXz3KOBJ0irACCoTy96n9ZdRHDZhl5UtOV-ADQXyYeZ1omFdeEYfsf7a66oSEI6CbXCCWFipIWMr1kTvJO-zUX9hNyQnEe92hjnRujKHDWvuzv3YuKJd12TFP1Z8Z9WGeQ/s1600/IMG_20140828_202751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgH4jQ8Q55DsbXz3KOBJ0irACCoTy96n9ZdRHDZhl5UtOV-ADQXyYeZ1omFdeEYfsf7a66oSEI6CbXCCWFipIWMr1kTvJO-zUX9hNyQnEe92hjnRujKHDWvuzv3YuKJd12TFP1Z8Z9WGeQ/s1600/IMG_20140828_202751.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next, we went over to the pier where all the action was. There was a roller coaster, lots of rides and games, and even an "indoor" surfing competition. We watched that for a little bit, but then we hit the jack-pot and took Marty on the merry-go-round. I know this picture is blurry, but he was so happy, and this is the only one that really shows his smile. He was so excited!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmb4xgjKD3mX2JcBEUWjDzTcQ_uL7xsYvJN4PcrlKnPpESrQ0NjXJssEr04AEx7GykizQwFan_19ja_BHn5FrfnX05CU1_WCferg796ODSrdkxMZgfXk2k3CNYcVcAPBjjd4L_p3MDJRrG/s1600/IMG_20140828_205550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmb4xgjKD3mX2JcBEUWjDzTcQ_uL7xsYvJN4PcrlKnPpESrQ0NjXJssEr04AEx7GykizQwFan_19ja_BHn5FrfnX05CU1_WCferg796ODSrdkxMZgfXk2k3CNYcVcAPBjjd4L_p3MDJRrG/s1600/IMG_20140828_205550.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We let him choose which animal he wanted to ride, and he insisted on this cat with a fish in its mouth. He loved every minute of it, and frankly so did we. There is just nothing better than making this kid really stinking happy.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMviF4tWz1Fq3izVB4sTzt1M-0qYvmLNgmRM2K-JG-3dKBKheR5YoxgGsfqTWWHfL66ekExhuqweA18F37xbltXx7gwaZrljm0y36WqQ1ENjfsHmGsPH7ug0eAfluX_jg3BsYZ0FJ47_z/s1600/IMG_20140828_205558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMviF4tWz1Fq3izVB4sTzt1M-0qYvmLNgmRM2K-JG-3dKBKheR5YoxgGsfqTWWHfL66ekExhuqweA18F37xbltXx7gwaZrljm0y36WqQ1ENjfsHmGsPH7ug0eAfluX_jg3BsYZ0FJ47_z/s1600/IMG_20140828_205558.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In the mornings we ate breakfast like hobos, with our hands, on the floor. Except that we were in a hotel.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOc9fua8YC31d1tNellRUk3O-ag5nUJOIRiSVmSc9leeTYJYnQ-kgO8-2mbCzOLrsJriFVEtMrUv7XZVz8Td954SqePG7YpI_fwJiz-oiJvwD8dq_RbP51msF42oE7vU9qfI-SQ6qJpkno/s1600/IMG_20140829_074217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOc9fua8YC31d1tNellRUk3O-ag5nUJOIRiSVmSc9leeTYJYnQ-kgO8-2mbCzOLrsJriFVEtMrUv7XZVz8Td954SqePG7YpI_fwJiz-oiJvwD8dq_RbP51msF42oE7vU9qfI-SQ6qJpkno/s1600/IMG_20140829_074217.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our first trip to the ocean was on a private beach at another Naval Base hotel. There were multiple "campuses" for the base, and this wasn't the one we were staying on. But it was nice that it wasn't very busy. We all lathered up with sun screen, and headed straight to the water. I was shocked that Marty did shove fistfuls of sand into his mouth within the first ten seconds of being on the beach. And I kept thinking I was surprised it hadn't happened yet, but never said anything out loud for fear I would jinx it.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Ba2nU9unfx7ukoSA4O7LGCS_ukcoVAOABHgn5M_MBBZQBQpGxx2D3WoEXBjahNJ17kBrRAN_eME5HmPSxCxcb1eSOeKV2jNmm219pBA5ky5i1TXJERDbKVK7yZBOA-9j-sq5xcge3TCU/s1600/IMG_20140829_100147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Ba2nU9unfx7ukoSA4O7LGCS_ukcoVAOABHgn5M_MBBZQBQpGxx2D3WoEXBjahNJ17kBrRAN_eME5HmPSxCxcb1eSOeKV2jNmm219pBA5ky5i1TXJERDbKVK7yZBOA-9j-sq5xcge3TCU/s1600/IMG_20140829_100147.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He loved the water, as long as it wasn't "getting him" too much. we played in the very shallow waves for quite awhile.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuF8KJ3uczE4wZFNmZ04rEDgTzVIF1RxAiifneoq2w99KsyyEgf-y-eDgGUj5U3xOenKTvpk8MznnH53fGvNpz1TN3U3tN8ESo2MXBWjRv8c7R3e5Psq1rZNueZ3MY0ckdmPhuPEb_Wzvg/s1600/IMG_20140829_100310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuF8KJ3uczE4wZFNmZ04rEDgTzVIF1RxAiifneoq2w99KsyyEgf-y-eDgGUj5U3xOenKTvpk8MznnH53fGvNpz1TN3U3tN8ESo2MXBWjRv8c7R3e5Psq1rZNueZ3MY0ckdmPhuPEb_Wzvg/s1600/IMG_20140829_100310.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And then a wave finally got him, and he was basically in our arms for the rest of the time we were in the water.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtYvRRHPKMpaEOHaQ_Wb_mI7APvCtgUAd-DZ2gsWdvzlHyu8YbKZ13kVmLYOXYy81XYEe5cihx_IvtZ7Gz5E65_gqxsy9oMQz3ZUnh9PBLkbBKQwHEZlHEhHkYxlfzSaJOSy7Dtq8ctZey/s1600/IMG_20140829_102752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtYvRRHPKMpaEOHaQ_Wb_mI7APvCtgUAd-DZ2gsWdvzlHyu8YbKZ13kVmLYOXYy81XYEe5cihx_IvtZ7Gz5E65_gqxsy9oMQz3ZUnh9PBLkbBKQwHEZlHEhHkYxlfzSaJOSy7Dtq8ctZey/s1600/IMG_20140829_102752.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He really loved the salty taste of the water, and kept licking his hands. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzqeld20GD9e6DhUyghpw6ovIM14GbRQ4QD7qiLElqw8Yvy9QefyRweGfgcPgoyoR9aeqf5D71xp59md0riIEAuVAdLy_xDc0ZHCaz1_0huKMw9oj4-mE24Axj_uXR078SVbR1T0A8BmHU/s1600/IMG_20140829_102902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzqeld20GD9e6DhUyghpw6ovIM14GbRQ4QD7qiLElqw8Yvy9QefyRweGfgcPgoyoR9aeqf5D71xp59md0riIEAuVAdLy_xDc0ZHCaz1_0huKMw9oj4-mE24Axj_uXR078SVbR1T0A8BmHU/s1600/IMG_20140829_102902.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And then, I can't remember if it was Richard or myself, but one of us brought up the fact that no sand-eating had taken place thus far. Big mistake. Shortly after, the sand-eating commenced. Woof.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pxo-U66hbiaz8wvnysdzhiIFJbNmLyX33n0IwJvYZyNGClyRDErEOlYuGsaC8weW2b0ABtX4KHKxY38JGn9KeLCrP8GZSAkuigfWT21fLiRX-y8nkjoVolEc4FKnYI3LyngY0VI8mSP4/s1600/IMG_20140829_112617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pxo-U66hbiaz8wvnysdzhiIFJbNmLyX33n0IwJvYZyNGClyRDErEOlYuGsaC8weW2b0ABtX4KHKxY38JGn9KeLCrP8GZSAkuigfWT21fLiRX-y8nkjoVolEc4FKnYI3LyngY0VI8mSP4/s1600/IMG_20140829_112617.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The combination of the sun, running in sand, and playing in the water pooped our little buddy right out. But we didn't let that stop us. A couple of friends had mentioned a BBQ place called Phil's, which was really close to our hotel, so we stopped there for lunch.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhum6dtcAkZBnIEqQO71hQ8jzPkhO7SliXQpqtHLIr63PGAw7yloww3tvTSOAb1xpiFsbyiXnfKhfI4anpU5tIQEDxKv0ejQwnQJXKBqF93ovCi7ezoZbY9emWFCjyx8ODnhefqFxT0xJaK/s1600/IMG_20140829_124335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhum6dtcAkZBnIEqQO71hQ8jzPkhO7SliXQpqtHLIr63PGAw7yloww3tvTSOAb1xpiFsbyiXnfKhfI4anpU5tIQEDxKv0ejQwnQJXKBqF93ovCi7ezoZbY9emWFCjyx8ODnhefqFxT0xJaK/s1600/IMG_20140829_124335.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Definitely the best local food we ate while we were there. We should have gone back a second time (when we sadly happened upon the worst seafood of our lives), but we didn't. Luckily, though, we went the first time, and enjoyed every finger-licking bite.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigevT0eRplzmAhu5xdYeWpftQqiM43ORaokeoRlebGzS5EiB8g5pFMQzbPH62ENo81dE_26C3Jz23oI0fmWcsYwpQ9o5tyJjhybjXaBZerrz1rAlJR5SBlZn2Xi_Xyw-lEfRzTSBuPEcoc/s1600/IMG_20140829_130858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigevT0eRplzmAhu5xdYeWpftQqiM43ORaokeoRlebGzS5EiB8g5pFMQzbPH62ENo81dE_26C3Jz23oI0fmWcsYwpQ9o5tyJjhybjXaBZerrz1rAlJR5SBlZn2Xi_Xyw-lEfRzTSBuPEcoc/s1600/IMG_20140829_130858.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Later that day, we went to La Jolla to see a bunch of seals. They wreaked. Bad. It was kind of cool to see, but we'd waken Marty from a nap, and he wasn't too thrilled about it, so it really wasn't anyone's favorite vacation memory.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAE13MH1O3RxnsgqKShh1H7p1CKV_a7swyi0khs3QO5ZvMi6KTrY5tnRrmyhJau42y9hHiFpAZH2AwW8laHLe2dwwp3ubxVxeJZQxF_xN14pl-7JFohIoV825rR77GJRNFcfxECj7iPGsG/s1600/IMG_20140829_172536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAE13MH1O3RxnsgqKShh1H7p1CKV_a7swyi0khs3QO5ZvMi6KTrY5tnRrmyhJau42y9hHiFpAZH2AwW8laHLe2dwwp3ubxVxeJZQxF_xN14pl-7JFohIoV825rR77GJRNFcfxECj7iPGsG/s1600/IMG_20140829_172536.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He didn't want to ride in the stroller, and he didn't want to be held.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9zKj5bVviszc84-HZL3MGm59Iua2DDDm_VoOD3i9M6rIEaISVV3-yoBUNXOgUDHOJbJgq401Z4zj6GogSrIXQIv8IJI6__jyGDuFth55vvdXzc1aCEBo1FdNowwyTcFHQ0L2cFLRS96-/s1600/IMG_20140829_172937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9zKj5bVviszc84-HZL3MGm59Iua2DDDm_VoOD3i9M6rIEaISVV3-yoBUNXOgUDHOJbJgq401Z4zj6GogSrIXQIv8IJI6__jyGDuFth55vvdXzc1aCEBo1FdNowwyTcFHQ0L2cFLRS96-/s1600/IMG_20140829_172937.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He also didn't really feel like walking.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LH6H1b_DMMlPx8-dAjJ0wiD2p3oQDFo3l663U_wtzrpB3qGeK6j63PH9zxKQ1aSJtwS_Ufn302u_atvmcNNOYkbNwHEnlQhcWUH7QM7aunOvpC5Kp_qJkvab6Pwfbf2zsZcMlJN51I_j/s1600/IMG_20140829_173751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LH6H1b_DMMlPx8-dAjJ0wiD2p3oQDFo3l663U_wtzrpB3qGeK6j63PH9zxKQ1aSJtwS_Ufn302u_atvmcNNOYkbNwHEnlQhcWUH7QM7aunOvpC5Kp_qJkvab6Pwfbf2zsZcMlJN51I_j/s1600/IMG_20140829_173751.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It started making us feel a little crazy.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCRxXvYtITvN50pnX0pc2wM_W4YmW3XHwQllzKUmIbNVEQs1uAxpqx7-j2Kx7pXsm1bgqgEq2pQbsYE0qtLrYk5oywJsAZpbmKpNXi9482xj0w9fLjFZNnxaEf0nz80nuIn9d1IwII8tu/s1600/IMG_20140829_175918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCRxXvYtITvN50pnX0pc2wM_W4YmW3XHwQllzKUmIbNVEQs1uAxpqx7-j2Kx7pXsm1bgqgEq2pQbsYE0qtLrYk5oywJsAZpbmKpNXi9482xj0w9fLjFZNnxaEf0nz80nuIn9d1IwII8tu/s1600/IMG_20140829_175918.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But then we found a little ice cream/bakery called The Baked Bear where they make delicious ice cream sandwiches out of whatever cookies/brownies/doughnuts you want. I got mine with one brownie, one cookie, and the best birthday cake ice cream ever. It turned my frown upside-down in no time.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hfzXazWj8zTh8NRsdPgdj7nCA3jFwYQ8yYog1_QA0TDJZoj1Un6Q2aWeULqBpFcWioq1Tjii8Ky8nBx2CbRUQOy70y7-Dw5qxH5OLktybi5A5cJu2mRws36SV6vkNEL_c265BWUWEZTV/s1600/IMG_20140829_184644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hfzXazWj8zTh8NRsdPgdj7nCA3jFwYQ8yYog1_QA0TDJZoj1Un6Q2aWeULqBpFcWioq1Tjii8Ky8nBx2CbRUQOy70y7-Dw5qxH5OLktybi5A5cJu2mRws36SV6vkNEL_c265BWUWEZTV/s1600/IMG_20140829_184644.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We then headed back to the beach. I think it was still mission beach, but just a different stretch. More conducive to actual beach activities. Pretty sure Marty was happy to be in a giant sand box for so much of our trip. I really had to just not think about the mess we would eventually be cleaning up from sand being in every crevice of his body, clothing and diaper so that I could let loose and have as much fun as he was. It wasn't hard to do when this infectious little tornado was by my side.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2q7BlL1Kfqz-TcWqd6zKQT38kg5IWDP1a6Dy6LQ-zXX3ewZiYvG1Lrdx1vrlqn1iXc2hXBAB8G63rqAisCeOQfB5JhmGZLEHBO8QHq8mfRItgyhEsd1kJu0Y9BUn_68txuZy06bRkbihI/s1600/IMG_20140829_190112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2q7BlL1Kfqz-TcWqd6zKQT38kg5IWDP1a6Dy6LQ-zXX3ewZiYvG1Lrdx1vrlqn1iXc2hXBAB8G63rqAisCeOQfB5JhmGZLEHBO8QHq8mfRItgyhEsd1kJu0Y9BUn_68txuZy06bRkbihI/s1600/IMG_20140829_190112.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHEiPWe7Sw5KiCtJTrkIlqLfNGWue9T3sDJYV6cEnctHe2sXkHIxFkZkVZqVbAYgJYq-rLM34Tx6X1nty-igcmADvsm8YLPcUZiMg_vmeH4MxdGOAG0S0hQu61yCrMzT6oM-X1mFKHFjP/s1600/IMG_20140829_190153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHEiPWe7Sw5KiCtJTrkIlqLfNGWue9T3sDJYV6cEnctHe2sXkHIxFkZkVZqVbAYgJYq-rLM34Tx6X1nty-igcmADvsm8YLPcUZiMg_vmeH4MxdGOAG0S0hQu61yCrMzT6oM-X1mFKHFjP/s1600/IMG_20140829_190153.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He made his way under the pier, calling it a tunnel. We spent the rest of our time that evening running through the tunnel.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgQEiaeUVPyN2Ky-FuVVDqw-OgOSo-uGl_p_pRm_iIYLtna1WplbbLksjVNf79fsD289PYfSUYMxaSnGe7XozUrJ9EgtG5fNhigm9h2MrHeNufWaa1aZ_5jH7cAqjL-ufkTwuThCgyIXN/s1600/IMG_20140829_191345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgQEiaeUVPyN2Ky-FuVVDqw-OgOSo-uGl_p_pRm_iIYLtna1WplbbLksjVNf79fsD289PYfSUYMxaSnGe7XozUrJ9EgtG5fNhigm9h2MrHeNufWaa1aZ_5jH7cAqjL-ufkTwuThCgyIXN/s1600/IMG_20140829_191345.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This time on the beach was one of the big highlights for me on the trip. Just taking it easy, no time constraints, and being fancy-free with my boys. It made me feel lots of good feels.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBM3aD_wCIaXkx11tpQ_NDbNM667RACzPpdYqA2O97qvMrvfv11iMBUZ1Qm3cgvHXimVgdO7PVU6jGXYg53MVjuVVP0LjMPxL-4_Y8Plb6vEOefugE5sTrnJ6I7meuWgnzrgjCAjO4IxpY/s1600/IMG_20140829_191958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBM3aD_wCIaXkx11tpQ_NDbNM667RACzPpdYqA2O97qvMrvfv11iMBUZ1Qm3cgvHXimVgdO7PVU6jGXYg53MVjuVVP0LjMPxL-4_Y8Plb6vEOefugE5sTrnJ6I7meuWgnzrgjCAjO4IxpY/s1600/IMG_20140829_191958.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We met up with Richard's cousin Byron Halsey and his wife Ashley and their kids at the Festival of Sail the next day. It was downtown at the docks, and they had a handful of actual pirate ships docked for us to tour and explore.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCjqJ58bnV2rCluhYXWmIc9gbaNkP4okW1c5M8AflykSAjLBV1DEnCweqWRCdshZd00ZMZjiRF7W8v6PcAFaS0OOFkOzeU4uq56UfxNWYU3Wx_tAJ_YpTZj1baDx1CmpDI1xH_3H2ZHda/s1600/IMG_20140830_105941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCjqJ58bnV2rCluhYXWmIc9gbaNkP4okW1c5M8AflykSAjLBV1DEnCweqWRCdshZd00ZMZjiRF7W8v6PcAFaS0OOFkOzeU4uq56UfxNWYU3Wx_tAJ_YpTZj1baDx1CmpDI1xH_3H2ZHda/s1600/IMG_20140830_105941.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_tHmajNmnZVmiqBk-9ciPZMAXWoztEtzPmPTuTX_ADcUNAeqAvZdfhAcc2F1DPFRZSmg0TNmtlZsTRC6rDH9DrYnwaDwrxjbVkZJyq-LeVe1qZllp41KlWMVcxPTojVX2NLmOP26XR4z/s1600/IMG_20140830_110045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_tHmajNmnZVmiqBk-9ciPZMAXWoztEtzPmPTuTX_ADcUNAeqAvZdfhAcc2F1DPFRZSmg0TNmtlZsTRC6rDH9DrYnwaDwrxjbVkZJyq-LeVe1qZllp41KlWMVcxPTojVX2NLmOP26XR4z/s1600/IMG_20140830_110045.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was a hit, complete with a baby farm animal petting zoo. Marty was feeling extra shy and didn't really want to participate in that portion of the festivities, but he still had a great time running around with the Halsey kids.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWCjp9KDQU-L1ouoUluE4ebqeKI1oeXmus6CbinPGh7UbKh2ZBOz1zY182yW799AKLn1SBflwgqezGUOB2A_CiQieO0QRd9CIwjF_nNBH74r8nlpLwtcC7diEle-1dP17B_BGfXvIL43q/s1600/IMG_20140830_111659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWCjp9KDQU-L1ouoUluE4ebqeKI1oeXmus6CbinPGh7UbKh2ZBOz1zY182yW799AKLn1SBflwgqezGUOB2A_CiQieO0QRd9CIwjF_nNBH74r8nlpLwtcC7diEle-1dP17B_BGfXvIL43q/s1600/IMG_20140830_111659.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He was not a big fan of the pirates. But he didn't mind when they gave him a gold coin. He stuck it right in his mouth. Big surprise.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6zfFWF1k_Tl6QYS8ZID4uVqrHbRA7QjKRzykP7saaGW4wjelKZ7l16xnSkMkkIaAxbQ_WHSqhK60Ll5kUPHgkj7G1KUT06peljqzuTZcyySU_erZyYshGQnnZEP408YS-m2Su9aDmeR5/s1600/IMG_20140830_113935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6zfFWF1k_Tl6QYS8ZID4uVqrHbRA7QjKRzykP7saaGW4wjelKZ7l16xnSkMkkIaAxbQ_WHSqhK60Ll5kUPHgkj7G1KUT06peljqzuTZcyySU_erZyYshGQnnZEP408YS-m2Su9aDmeR5/s1600/IMG_20140830_113935.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Richard and Miles got to help raise the sails on one of the pirate ships. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2h9IrLeBjemzAu8lV80ZPU0qTCxXTkRfN-y-FJ0wypaEoWABCtiYFxlFZFJPf1suNRNFZ3Frdnlse5q8szVDBZ2uRG2kKxy84tXEli3daIvtkmkHmhrQV4yJ_ScLP2gnMufbghH_-hMmr/s1600/IMG_20140830_122322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2h9IrLeBjemzAu8lV80ZPU0qTCxXTkRfN-y-FJ0wypaEoWABCtiYFxlFZFJPf1suNRNFZ3Frdnlse5q8szVDBZ2uRG2kKxy84tXEli3daIvtkmkHmhrQV4yJ_ScLP2gnMufbghH_-hMmr/s1600/IMG_20140830_122322.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After the festival, we were all starving, so Byron and Ashley walked us through a farmer's market to one of their favorite pizza places.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAEZiWYzBVhRk7kDLs4irmkuywC5Y_dpOB4XlT_jcma45GoEAKLKB4Jnrz3HtA0vOOz_M-8WCYUYzZG0eshyphenhyphenLeiOD3h9DX49H1D175OMwBpTG1MaDxK9xdFQ6nqsgteIkqZRW2XNkBdVMb/s1600/IMG_20140830_130437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAEZiWYzBVhRk7kDLs4irmkuywC5Y_dpOB4XlT_jcma45GoEAKLKB4Jnrz3HtA0vOOz_M-8WCYUYzZG0eshyphenhyphenLeiOD3h9DX49H1D175OMwBpTG1MaDxK9xdFQ6nqsgteIkqZRW2XNkBdVMb/s1600/IMG_20140830_130437.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And after the tired and hangry (hungry + angry) kiddos had eaten their fill, they were right back to goofing around. It was fun to watch Marty make new little buddies. And it really just made me wish that we lived closer to the Halseys because we had such a good time with them. I hope we can see more of them, more often in the future.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILdybB9VOduJEFljRx3oQsNN4UdLE58Hn_T8u0cSjc9DhtHQDVClF-oldGBAyO65urQCBNL-ZuHbi3Z_YssDC8kazLjGZtkdej38poIuJJZ7JUligi0JL9UBgAFJnwF-Sixi7wQig1jdc/s1600/IMG_20140830_135330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILdybB9VOduJEFljRx3oQsNN4UdLE58Hn_T8u0cSjc9DhtHQDVClF-oldGBAyO65urQCBNL-ZuHbi3Z_YssDC8kazLjGZtkdej38poIuJJZ7JUligi0JL9UBgAFJnwF-Sixi7wQig1jdc/s1600/IMG_20140830_135330.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJK7CkFdjgAMVpnAzwhXfWMArJKayMdtgc0AwKudi5_QK4O3PP5I6LdwMe42JIFqzxduQciQasDZCBN6Lb-umHC-ffY3FqmOMTD0KLvuBtBKciaqESjqIjLeXntiEutFhrZ4SdgQevXFL5/s1600/IMG_20140830_135710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJK7CkFdjgAMVpnAzwhXfWMArJKayMdtgc0AwKudi5_QK4O3PP5I6LdwMe42JIFqzxduQciQasDZCBN6Lb-umHC-ffY3FqmOMTD0KLvuBtBKciaqESjqIjLeXntiEutFhrZ4SdgQevXFL5/s1600/IMG_20140830_135710.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That evening, after naps, we drove back to La Jolla to see the San Diego temple. We walked around the temple grounds, waiting for it to get dark and for the lights to come on. I had a very specific "memory" of seeing the San Diego temple when I was in high school, and it involved colored lights. Like pink, blue and purple lights shining on the temple so that it looked like a magic castle. Well, we waited around for a bit, but not long enough for many of the lights to come on. Only normal lights. Richard didn't believe me about the colored lights, so I called my mom to confirm. She informed me that it was actually the Disneyland castle that I was thinking about. No colored lights on any temples. I could have sworn...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW7W2amrNn6VSoo3BeyYsKytOA8z8ZMfVAINY31kXyhq4H6OIvWScy0hGizsBmhmIWziQ5q4NP5VvAoZAry31AvANLyXB4LFIGLGOZXmLmENYKDAjlH0kNIhaHPCHO8G7BPgXW6vh7Wn20/s1600/IMG_20140830_182552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW7W2amrNn6VSoo3BeyYsKytOA8z8ZMfVAINY31kXyhq4H6OIvWScy0hGizsBmhmIWziQ5q4NP5VvAoZAry31AvANLyXB4LFIGLGOZXmLmENYKDAjlH0kNIhaHPCHO8G7BPgXW6vh7Wn20/s1600/IMG_20140830_182552.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While we waited for my magical lights, Marty made the most of his dad's available ears. And I don't think that Richard minded one little bit.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkRLbnsHfl4ig0lxmUl_nKdb8e0B_KSm8QWM5CicSMIjLFhxsu9VGXHcf0RvNkTffRtbge7LEzC2GJOTGz02jrcsJJaO8EAwICjjhH8S98lQ10R1GOZ8aMqDKOoOwrAOk8TW1_an4P8aQ/s1600/IMG_20140830_184257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkRLbnsHfl4ig0lxmUl_nKdb8e0B_KSm8QWM5CicSMIjLFhxsu9VGXHcf0RvNkTffRtbge7LEzC2GJOTGz02jrcsJJaO8EAwICjjhH8S98lQ10R1GOZ8aMqDKOoOwrAOk8TW1_an4P8aQ/s1600/IMG_20140830_184257.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We also tried to get the perfect family selfie, which Marty obviously thoroughly enjoyed. Sorry buddy, you're stuck with us forEVER.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8NgzWtfQhqnKEvwmduo1bXZXGrt390NxE6N_53F5ZX-i1C0yM7C_2L1PGRz1jkKhb95IKIVhyphenhyphenJddQYbK_oXRRz7zYpu2pvGir16nXE1gT3fZupoXYDZzUwl8L2s_wGJte9eg4m88yK0a9/s1600/IMG_20140830_185103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8NgzWtfQhqnKEvwmduo1bXZXGrt390NxE6N_53F5ZX-i1C0yM7C_2L1PGRz1jkKhb95IKIVhyphenhyphenJddQYbK_oXRRz7zYpu2pvGir16nXE1gT3fZupoXYDZzUwl8L2s_wGJte9eg4m88yK0a9/s1600/IMG_20140830_185103.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sunday was lovely. We slept in, played in our hotel room, and watched the U.S. Open. I've never really watched tennis before in my life, but I started to really get into it on our trip. So did Marty. When we would get home from wherever we'd just been, I'd grab the remote and ask him if he wanted to watch tennis. Eventually, he started to say "ten-eese" when we walked into the room. Smarty pants.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlABjfqb6kMpJy7LfoFPxQ0YBSG2eSr8LPZeFFqBYEpXOu93W5t3PG0wsjk3MUMGR_DOTjxpJAYzDvovuOj2h3b64MC4fDdVbq5JOUOtAVB69KkCYgMVTAWYPd1Tky4QWW7Nk09Sg3Gf5V/s1600/IMG_20140831_084441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlABjfqb6kMpJy7LfoFPxQ0YBSG2eSr8LPZeFFqBYEpXOu93W5t3PG0wsjk3MUMGR_DOTjxpJAYzDvovuOj2h3b64MC4fDdVbq5JOUOtAVB69KkCYgMVTAWYPd1Tky4QWW7Nk09Sg3Gf5V/s1600/IMG_20140831_084441.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We went for a Sunday jog, that eventually turned into a Sunday stroll, that eventually turned into us renting paddle boards in a nearby marina. I'd seen people doing it, and from day one I told Richard that I wanted to try it while we were there. I got my wish, and this was by far my favorite thing we did on the vacation. Originally, we were just going to rent one board and take turns because we weren't sure Marty would like it enough to sit still on the board. So I went out first. But by the time I turned around, I saw Richard on a board, and Marty Boy sitting in front of him, loving every minute of it.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyxyf4lw-aTQvVHIMSHHV17l7_aL6VSRKU4ud2SQD-0qIM2CHg2B1gC_FNcMyowSRl2bF2o-wZoFLEKaXgMBsMu0OV0Hy9aqUeScine9dDjsBuaZHzJrx_VM8mHSBA3X9ubVA85Qirv8D8/s1600/IMG_20140831_112158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyxyf4lw-aTQvVHIMSHHV17l7_aL6VSRKU4ud2SQD-0qIM2CHg2B1gC_FNcMyowSRl2bF2o-wZoFLEKaXgMBsMu0OV0Hy9aqUeScine9dDjsBuaZHzJrx_VM8mHSBA3X9ubVA85Qirv8D8/s1600/IMG_20140831_112158.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We were only out on the boards for about 30-40 minutes, but it was awesome. I loved doing something new and so different, and having Marty be a part of it with us. He was such a good sport, and I'm glad that we could make that memory as a family. It seriously makes my heart swell just thinking about it.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDneqJkacjkNgb1VysMLPptSkWMSCwhiW2bsU_BxbfQg-svLwhpMXHBcjruVggF0Lb6XIm6lG3bOyLxObyFtQWYHd1KhqBZL3nUx3Id41ABlHxkIZAwAN4xYZOI7_yemW6VJT9N_41Ca2/s1600/IMG_20140831_112226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDneqJkacjkNgb1VysMLPptSkWMSCwhiW2bsU_BxbfQg-svLwhpMXHBcjruVggF0Lb6XIm6lG3bOyLxObyFtQWYHd1KhqBZL3nUx3Id41ABlHxkIZAwAN4xYZOI7_yemW6VJT9N_41Ca2/s1600/IMG_20140831_112226.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Later that day, we went to dinner at Byron and Ashley's house, and we didn't take a single picture. The food was delicious (tacos), the kids played together so well, and we just had a really great time. We stayed until after their kids went to bed, just talking and getting to know them better. They were so hospitable and generous while we were there. We have never experienced anything other than those things from any of Richard's family that we've visited on our travels, and those things always end up being some of our favorite things about our trips.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We also went back to Mission beach that day for Richard to meet up with one of his old high school friends, Miles Edwards, that he played in the band Stick Man Riot with. I think it's safe to say that Marty was pretty tired. You know he's exhausted when he can't even get the fruit loop all the way into his mouth.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMhRD-SoiludNYZ-FDAPYpsRF9Gn2PJ6MOu3VL_ooVb8ByBVwU7H7-WIdrxLdEBTcyLsvkqtE5i9xQiuQBV3Ve_aICCWnG3p-Xp81PxJpz0h595rBjRN0zOdgoiPHAZvKLp-ZakfiNYnA/s1600/IMG_20140831_133008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMhRD-SoiludNYZ-FDAPYpsRF9Gn2PJ6MOu3VL_ooVb8ByBVwU7H7-WIdrxLdEBTcyLsvkqtE5i9xQiuQBV3Ve_aICCWnG3p-Xp81PxJpz0h595rBjRN0zOdgoiPHAZvKLp-ZakfiNYnA/s1600/IMG_20140831_133008.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Miles is a lifeguard in San Diego. That day he was working out of the portable shown in the bottom of this picture. Richard went down to visit with him, and listen to some of the old tapes he'd found of them performing while I relaxed with a sleeping toddler up on the boardwalk. It was nice, but I got super hot and sweaty sitting in the sun, so I made my way down the beach, and just so happened to find myself cooling off with another scrumptious ice cream sandwich and The Baked Bear. Marty woke just in time to help me polish off the last couple of bites, and for Richard to meet up with us and head back to the hotel.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh54ySVh1xNieKU1WkLtkCRwqNyWbnii9pn0ddYIu91Agr8S2Gwq56iUxBYJTsaptedA1DfpjoVXZ1Rlk1VX1ArqjIZIpDUhW-A633Oqv_m4nRcWp3r2cEP9KB-Sag0Q-jzYIkTpoflj_fj/s1600/IMG_20140831_141234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh54ySVh1xNieKU1WkLtkCRwqNyWbnii9pn0ddYIu91Agr8S2Gwq56iUxBYJTsaptedA1DfpjoVXZ1Rlk1VX1ArqjIZIpDUhW-A633Oqv_m4nRcWp3r2cEP9KB-Sag0Q-jzYIkTpoflj_fj/s1600/IMG_20140831_141234.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our last full day of vacation was spent seeing more of San Diego's sights. We started at some tide pools, that were really cool, but because the tide was kind of high we actually couldn't see them all that well. Still, it was beautiful scenery, and made for some really great pictures.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQB_Apxi_zJRe04ljiIn820WIojeIBdS60BBHzxJm3vCTmv5ZL5Sqaf-EYzdmhWdfsxc6i-AxHJXyUr4j1AffLDxM2qzjT_PUNtHWKDTiafOUm295xZHs7MTk33p9DMD9-1u7UDEpGS2q/s1600/IMG_20140901_104335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQB_Apxi_zJRe04ljiIn820WIojeIBdS60BBHzxJm3vCTmv5ZL5Sqaf-EYzdmhWdfsxc6i-AxHJXyUr4j1AffLDxM2qzjT_PUNtHWKDTiafOUm295xZHs7MTk33p9DMD9-1u7UDEpGS2q/s1600/IMG_20140901_104335.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm not sure if it was the lack of a structured schedule for a full week, or just that he was feeling exceptionally moody on this particular day, but Marty was riding an emotional roller coaster. He would go from happy and running around like this...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOif0vYsxQQmUvZ5GsVAtJmpAiV3JvloIeiZD4mVOZVnF00cl677x3CTpnfJkPSUjdrqV2CSXnEqM9CM51e4g7OhyarvCUEliw-uqgt7wkbA61VJ6nqmHMs786-Zo1E1xYqLjkkbRj6kOA/s1600/IMG_20140901_104638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOif0vYsxQQmUvZ5GsVAtJmpAiV3JvloIeiZD4mVOZVnF00cl677x3CTpnfJkPSUjdrqV2CSXnEqM9CM51e4g7OhyarvCUEliw-uqgt7wkbA61VJ6nqmHMs786-Zo1E1xYqLjkkbRj6kOA/s1600/IMG_20140901_104638.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To pitching a fit and collapsing in the dirt like this. It happened at least twenty times that day. And probably ten of those were at the tide pools. It didn't take me long to realize that the tantrums ended faster if I just let him lay on the ground, so I quickly stopped trying to quiet him or get him out of the other tourists' way, and just let him collapse and get it out of his system so that we could get to where we wanted to go in less than 127 hours. I'm sure people without kids, or who have older kids and can't remember what this phase is like were judging the crap out of my parenting. But I really hope that those who are in similar stages of life were silently giving me a round of applause. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijoYvUyG4IirJaDqN9cIVAYeK-4ITyJBLBi0gfIHP4Ep1XR8kv-cjwfMZZdPBrc6tAITBknfix68XbgBxAumcasU8Ei7WH_ClSOOEPNtJneqn9Kq4o4Gd_UBCsXZQCpurBTbejq6MtPopM/s1600/IMG_20140901_110829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijoYvUyG4IirJaDqN9cIVAYeK-4ITyJBLBi0gfIHP4Ep1XR8kv-cjwfMZZdPBrc6tAITBknfix68XbgBxAumcasU8Ei7WH_ClSOOEPNtJneqn9Kq4o4Gd_UBCsXZQCpurBTbejq6MtPopM/s1600/IMG_20140901_110829.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We hiked up to a lighthouse that I now can't remember anything about. Except that the walk up there took five years because of the string of tantrums that occurred along the way.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-iSGD2B9NDfOYZAiq0WQY8Gv3G8qtkwMigGB9wh-VX5XRiRMt_8GIfz-uFF3X3dI67bCaSE6jOMHc3EFTb3bjpTImi1BeaXE_yiGFK_0D9BporCdZr7HsLFvJd5lL1kEI2xeMYcKcUwkY/s1600/IMG_20140901_112738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-iSGD2B9NDfOYZAiq0WQY8Gv3G8qtkwMigGB9wh-VX5XRiRMt_8GIfz-uFF3X3dI67bCaSE6jOMHc3EFTb3bjpTImi1BeaXE_yiGFK_0D9BporCdZr7HsLFvJd5lL1kEI2xeMYcKcUwkY/s1600/IMG_20140901_112738.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But we finally made it, and it was very cool to see.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfy7707tU9wQQALLM5WRLwBZXPUZpiKN_5A4OAFkSlMKCyPCSN-7lSwIZOdkJdXzbYUy38T-jKpbrtwxnVRpYS9dunYbKbaoTQzMwmfnEWG1W0kcu4PhVal0UsbLvx_pKNRzKEc0wfGUOA/s1600/IMG_20140901_113244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfy7707tU9wQQALLM5WRLwBZXPUZpiKN_5A4OAFkSlMKCyPCSN-7lSwIZOdkJdXzbYUy38T-jKpbrtwxnVRpYS9dunYbKbaoTQzMwmfnEWG1W0kcu4PhVal0UsbLvx_pKNRzKEc0wfGUOA/s1600/IMG_20140901_113244.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And there were plenty of tiny rocks, so Marty was basically in Heaven.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZqasAG-VKLqzE-6bExZXcJnOxIWh2sS8sbPMvRfdbrNiqCaxz1HgGTiItrWKQDeMnJAp9maMcrl1Kj5QogalvnVXIG7EsP7eajPIdoB0I3kq72VDTUEX6Z8IQsl7LbJ1Dh2yKbhWMCUd/s1600/IMG_20140901_114505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZqasAG-VKLqzE-6bExZXcJnOxIWh2sS8sbPMvRfdbrNiqCaxz1HgGTiItrWKQDeMnJAp9maMcrl1Kj5QogalvnVXIG7EsP7eajPIdoB0I3kq72VDTUEX6Z8IQsl7LbJ1Dh2yKbhWMCUd/s1600/IMG_20140901_114505.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxRwIjtpuv2cgJwKT2QcS6h-QS8XkfuaKzm69XWB0GVZf4bD89pWAk5dtlgYhvjz5Gs4oh-CPfOn_UKVjFDJRJtF2c0GmbggcHFvH-TbxxbAJ1rLXbAE2QLbU-r-xru3a7qhS15DKjsW-/s1600/IMG_20140901_114508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxRwIjtpuv2cgJwKT2QcS6h-QS8XkfuaKzm69XWB0GVZf4bD89pWAk5dtlgYhvjz5Gs4oh-CPfOn_UKVjFDJRJtF2c0GmbggcHFvH-TbxxbAJ1rLXbAE2QLbU-r-xru3a7qhS15DKjsW-/s1600/IMG_20140901_114508.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1n8hieYoPWAD5eEZUIjXsA5uQBk1hzFLD0BSDfy7v9d0QeOeB7RxM4NYQMzEDaKOzsThv44zdQx9gF3Ma2GwBSdK5-XFDG9SoMxdV3FN_95qvOP6a3fdA_xij3ZLvlIpVpiI8w79Hr1O/s1600/IMG_20140901_120249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1n8hieYoPWAD5eEZUIjXsA5uQBk1hzFLD0BSDfy7v9d0QeOeB7RxM4NYQMzEDaKOzsThv44zdQx9gF3Ma2GwBSdK5-XFDG9SoMxdV3FN_95qvOP6a3fdA_xij3ZLvlIpVpiI8w79Hr1O/s1600/IMG_20140901_120249.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We had more time to kill, so we drove back to Balboa Park (where the zoo is located) and walked around to see more of those sights until we just couldn't take any more of them. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgv3xJiELKveXbcyk6HoRW5RtBmtnIG2n4MdFwIWOJjwvaRDHGKLbgCXa67YHgzL_mnPKZpy41tC20gpliavEd9tQHzOVT63epp5uiCfAQUZU7Xan0zfgrrz3KTJXdwQ0WyqEagkjhgNz/s1600/IMG_20140901_132927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgv3xJiELKveXbcyk6HoRW5RtBmtnIG2n4MdFwIWOJjwvaRDHGKLbgCXa67YHgzL_mnPKZpy41tC20gpliavEd9tQHzOVT63epp5uiCfAQUZU7Xan0zfgrrz3KTJXdwQ0WyqEagkjhgNz/s1600/IMG_20140901_132927.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lots of walking, some climbing, lots of playing and some more tantrums. We were all pooped.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyTWA170GnBf27UVt3yjRY_qrfuQAqRNS5ZDjQdStn1NTL_ZQ849eA0RVcldfOVmXRLg0_DttjeXSIMCK5qmCud4TnsBEAo3QPOgpmX5Jxm7ElCFYWOPrDikqQ46_N3A7wUsx2stR4Z-9/s1600/IMG_20140901_144016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyTWA170GnBf27UVt3yjRY_qrfuQAqRNS5ZDjQdStn1NTL_ZQ849eA0RVcldfOVmXRLg0_DttjeXSIMCK5qmCud4TnsBEAo3QPOgpmX5Jxm7ElCFYWOPrDikqQ46_N3A7wUsx2stR4Z-9/s1600/IMG_20140901_144016.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And we were also starving. So we got way more ice cream than we needed, and kept eating even after we were stuffed. It was a fun day, but we were kind of grasping at straws trying to think of things to do. This was a good sign that we planned just the right length of trip and would be happy to get home.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvVi8Wk6gKD5c3m7mwlyU0r-RgXjBS_7KhxltYpVZj_o1afEuW_cwIPgiKm2dfH4iT992hEXN0FplhpuBElzysD22zzPEu_dGcgMFyYfyvwhNv0l5QpsummGGs8egdxFNKkySFLLQ6jek/s1600/IMG_20140901_161342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvVi8Wk6gKD5c3m7mwlyU0r-RgXjBS_7KhxltYpVZj_o1afEuW_cwIPgiKm2dfH4iT992hEXN0FplhpuBElzysD22zzPEu_dGcgMFyYfyvwhNv0l5QpsummGGs8egdxFNKkySFLLQ6jek/s1600/IMG_20140901_161342.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, we all snuggled up in the queen bed for one more night, and woke up way too early to return the rental car. It was either come home early in the morning or in the evening, and we thought we'd want some time to recoup from the trip.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHcD6XhndaaALu0r6aMMu4jRDCdftGrSE7f_8sHKiy4gfapYu80B6FUfqez1lprJl5zRgf4OrxPdh53xrGrVph_0-Ko28ta3k7Wl3KsBmHNQfe5FKcTDHxonc210qq4OlIVa6JB3RijCnZ/s1600/IMG_20140902_052818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHcD6XhndaaALu0r6aMMu4jRDCdftGrSE7f_8sHKiy4gfapYu80B6FUfqez1lprJl5zRgf4OrxPdh53xrGrVph_0-Ko28ta3k7Wl3KsBmHNQfe5FKcTDHxonc210qq4OlIVa6JB3RijCnZ/s1600/IMG_20140902_052818.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We were right. They both slept the entire flight. I read a book that I had taken on the trip, which I thought I'd finish in no time, but actually cracked open for the first time on that flight home.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaF8DMK7DXxMx-wWbMwAOx1zgTtxeS_2BBp1P1Xc3T3oljhK3hIYaNT0TZHPdRjbHGX5kssWvaBFpiAdXzHWwkqbayPRHJVpwyqW0zk7XMAJrHpxUELQvLKJ_8FiNIXn-WeX11hhtQCmY_/s1600/IMG_20140902_074722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaF8DMK7DXxMx-wWbMwAOx1zgTtxeS_2BBp1P1Xc3T3oljhK3hIYaNT0TZHPdRjbHGX5kssWvaBFpiAdXzHWwkqbayPRHJVpwyqW0zk7XMAJrHpxUELQvLKJ_8FiNIXn-WeX11hhtQCmY_/s1600/IMG_20140902_074722.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm so thankful that Richard has a job that allows me to stay home being a mom full-time, and also allows him to take time off for special family time, not to mention one that lets us live a life that can include these fun family adventures when we stick to our budget and save up. It was also great that his job hooked us up with the great/cheap place to stay. I'm glad that Richard and I are on the same page when it comes to family trips and making those lasting memories. And I love that travel is the thing that Richard and I fell in love with doing together before we added our Marty Boy to the mix. Maybe someday we'll take a vacation without him, but right now I can't even imagine that. The trips we've taken with him have been so special. That is our life now, and I'm so happy that it is. I love making these memories, and I'm excited to see what new places we go to to make more of them in the future. I really think we could do New York with a kid(s). And I think I'm slowly convincing Richard of that, too. So maybe they won't be new places, but definitely new experiences and memories as the little family I adore and am so happy to be a part of.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708818417031846182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2628542491104436639.post-76509092498027495202014-11-06T08:06:00.002-08:002014-11-06T08:06:50.008-08:00reunions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This summer was full of reunions. The first was one with Richard's high school friend Miles and his adorable family. Miles' wife is from Australia, so that is where they live. They were in Utah (and surrounding states) visiting family for a couple of weeks, so Richard made sure we got together with them. We met at a Golden Corral restaurant because Miles likes to eat at as many buffets as he possibly can when he comes to the states. I can't remember exactly what his reason was for that - maybe all of his favorite foods in one place? - but we did it. And really, with kids, it was a good choice. It was fun listening to Richard and Miles remember the good old days - we laughed a lot. And it was great getting to know his wife. We left wishing that they lived much closer than they do because they seem like the kind of couple we would have lots of fun spending time with.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCb8J1cy-g3bgnFt3OlNypMUHTGHI2P-FwGpwyoognxoVWEKuRyEgUw_jhNuZzikoMLCevzaAc_ibWXwoES_7MbdRSAS9L1IBCCasw6APUEccVYs2WugUdtby7okFQAGfMI_Bkf4CEdGC/s1600/IMG_20140706_142453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCb8J1cy-g3bgnFt3OlNypMUHTGHI2P-FwGpwyoognxoVWEKuRyEgUw_jhNuZzikoMLCevzaAc_ibWXwoES_7MbdRSAS9L1IBCCasw6APUEccVYs2WugUdtby7okFQAGfMI_Bkf4CEdGC/s1600/IMG_20140706_142453.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was also nice that our kids got along. Like, really well. I'm sure the other buffet patrons weren't thrilled about it, but they chased each other around our area of the restaurant for a long time. They weren't breaking anything or making a mess, so we just let them do their thing. I loved watching Marty make a new little buddy. I hope he can continue to be that easily amused and open to making new friends for the rest of his life.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZibcOR2ECuRJkFzak6xMt9o5JCupxJYN9enAmZxxH8wWkdaFWmxnLogMYEUKnajQlEQBllTuVOEcR1Mr4gcPSjeG_fq5y6nWAg3hjqrZnjwjR13iX166mxNDpG_EEvgVd77-rct4c0eog/s1600/IMG_20140706_140251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZibcOR2ECuRJkFzak6xMt9o5JCupxJYN9enAmZxxH8wWkdaFWmxnLogMYEUKnajQlEQBllTuVOEcR1Mr4gcPSjeG_fq5y6nWAg3hjqrZnjwjR13iX166mxNDpG_EEvgVd77-rct4c0eog/s1600/IMG_20140706_140251.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We also got a call from our favorite Arizonians, the Haws, and met up with them at the Layton park as they were driving home from a family funeral in Idaho. I've loved getting to know these guys over the years. And we have clearly taken our friendship to a whole new level (a subconscious one) because we showed up in matching outfits. Seriously, this just happened. Classic. I really wish these guys lived closer, too. They are so much fun, and their kids are amazing. Not to mention, they are incredible examples to us of how to thrive and be patient, happy parents and spouses. Again, we let the kids run around like crazy, and it worked for everyone. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPoqgy_aSDzd5K2gz_FvT1B8sPk_x9ZutaszA9IlAYWODaiYP3RZAbeZ8MtZ1GR0z94IM_hYsAbMU4-AkcA3ywtTiRVdqOSrrgdRs4M4PMlssqrY1kCvuNGYuEf40JvBqyq5-P0RSSm-Y/s1600/IMG_20140712_204424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPoqgy_aSDzd5K2gz_FvT1B8sPk_x9ZutaszA9IlAYWODaiYP3RZAbeZ8MtZ1GR0z94IM_hYsAbMU4-AkcA3ywtTiRVdqOSrrgdRs4M4PMlssqrY1kCvuNGYuEf40JvBqyq5-P0RSSm-Y/s1600/IMG_20140712_204424.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My 10-year high school reunion also came around in August. On our wedding anniversary, actually. But Richard's band was playing at the Weber County Fair, so I decided to go stag. I tried to convince Jackie and Ceara to go, but to no avail. You know, it really worked out, though. I was looking forward to it, but when I pulled into the school parking lot I started to have a little panic attack. Not sure why, but I drove around for 5 minutes, took some deep breaths, and then dove in head-first. Luckily, some friendly faces pulled up next to me, so I didn't have to walk in alone. And I wasn't the only one without a spouse. I sat at a table full of old friends (and someone I actually considered an enemy - or maybe a "frenemy" back in high school), and it was great.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOpvBlhyphenhyphenur5COtpgzOtJVX0h8XfFuq7J6pl88sycNlSY1y0BZQ8gtlo5cbGpDFXlDVd7oty_vktZiUHgk83WPMXlcDT8GppMyO2Im5-kfcIs5WJ4ZUsB3O6drmR5HNS8HIHewtEUrJ1FW/s1600/IMG_20140809_204107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOpvBlhyphenhyphenur5COtpgzOtJVX0h8XfFuq7J6pl88sycNlSY1y0BZQ8gtlo5cbGpDFXlDVd7oty_vktZiUHgk83WPMXlcDT8GppMyO2Im5-kfcIs5WJ4ZUsB3O6drmR5HNS8HIHewtEUrJ1FW/s1600/IMG_20140809_204107.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was nice to sit with those people and catch up. It was also nice to talk about how we wish we'd known things then that we know now. Maybe we'd have been nicer (even when we didn't know we were being mean), and maybe we'd have been more confident in who we were at the time. Maybe we wouldn't have taken ourselves so seriously. And maybe I wouldn't have thought I had an enemy. Ten years later, it felt really good to sit at that table feeling like I really was or could be friends with everyone there. It was fun. And kind of healing in a way that I didn't know I needed to be healed. As much as I remember loving high school, I guess I've been carrying some emotional baggage, and it was good to dump it.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQU1-pnlYtEZwVz4Hvs41GSB7qT87UUq8g_jg43QRSEX6ncki-b_Yzllb2weQGET-1f4ZPyvJDErgFstIsMtNnp4HGtFkl0kJmQKFwc_Gr2IA-RVm-WTS4wzbbx114Juq9SpLRSf9J4rkq/s1600/IMG_20140809_204851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQU1-pnlYtEZwVz4Hvs41GSB7qT87UUq8g_jg43QRSEX6ncki-b_Yzllb2weQGET-1f4ZPyvJDErgFstIsMtNnp4HGtFkl0kJmQKFwc_Gr2IA-RVm-WTS4wzbbx114Juq9SpLRSf9J4rkq/s1600/IMG_20140809_204851.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There weren't many of us at this 10-year reunion, but I really enjoyed spending time with those who showed up. We walked around the school, which is so different than it was when we were there. And we even left a note for Mr. Staley, who is one of the very few teachers from "our day" that is still there. I like to think that we were unforgettable, but who knows if our names even registered in his memory when he saw that note. Some of us lingered a little longer than others - I think trying to hang on to that feeling that we are actually ok. OK with each other after all these years, and OK with ourselves. It was a good feeling.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I ended up wandering around the school grounds with Randall Eames, who was leaving Utah to pursue an educational and career dream of his in California the very next day. That was probably the cherry on top. As nervous as I was pulling into that parking lot, and as silly as I felt when my best friends didn't want to join me for the occasion, I am so glad that I went. And I look forward to the next one.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6xKMHPkBuG6QEyOCi4YMhKlJVe1eGVBmPcxkhL3QLIcONqZjuCMjrWQ4clkTBfQhl-CbWvfg13TA7xqoRi-_AXyPTDkTkUQAWfbfhx6sZtRzyE5VHxG8z10n_uGCIa6zpW_D7OxY4LAg/s1600/IMG_20140809_205951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6xKMHPkBuG6QEyOCi4YMhKlJVe1eGVBmPcxkhL3QLIcONqZjuCMjrWQ4clkTBfQhl-CbWvfg13TA7xqoRi-_AXyPTDkTkUQAWfbfhx6sZtRzyE5VHxG8z10n_uGCIa6zpW_D7OxY4LAg/s1600/IMG_20140809_205951.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708818417031846182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2628542491104436639.post-32768195048027084752014-10-14T15:22:00.000-07:002014-10-14T15:22:23.194-07:00summer shenanigans<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
To say that it was an epic summer, would be something of an understatement. We packed in a lot of fun activities, with some of our favorite people, making it something better described as <i>legendary</i>. Some of the highlights include:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Lots of swimming! We got a punch-pass to the Roy Aquatic Center, and we also made quite a few trips to the Riverdale splash pad for picnic lunches.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiau3oMPIyie9ndRGnV_t4RvB1lGgSYFbL-hdeohOjmaOPgQOpSbWkzY892t7CUqidKUMhx2rMsgs5Bua_ukrMDNqjvecfWA8UYcoALp-bllEbYtzJ2P9_Ciqt9mUpVXO3KUYpBfP6C7eLK/s1600/IMG_20140625_114811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiau3oMPIyie9ndRGnV_t4RvB1lGgSYFbL-hdeohOjmaOPgQOpSbWkzY892t7CUqidKUMhx2rMsgs5Bua_ukrMDNqjvecfWA8UYcoALp-bllEbYtzJ2P9_Ciqt9mUpVXO3KUYpBfP6C7eLK/s1600/IMG_20140625_114811.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwpHN5dG44_qTv4-XhLVZ9cLp0sRIMaqkUAcAC1LiI669Jtm2xXoUeF5rnmNGbjoGKqdG9wTxhMNFFHiksVfC7HcB2sefpOwa5_cTyVADwGmBMIC_nZf5xk6XIsLhjyUWk3bV5_0wV2XQh/s1600/IMG_20140818_191133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwpHN5dG44_qTv4-XhLVZ9cLp0sRIMaqkUAcAC1LiI669Jtm2xXoUeF5rnmNGbjoGKqdG9wTxhMNFFHiksVfC7HcB2sefpOwa5_cTyVADwGmBMIC_nZf5xk6XIsLhjyUWk3bV5_0wV2XQh/s1600/IMG_20140818_191133.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sometimes those picnics included donuts.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8jNuPVyomf55h_85Z5_lhDf6vzu7fa6owUHfYoVkvySnV2WbxygQgzHnNWrXe-Q53eC0i4D0cuAFZfS9eZiH_LAZ3YVB8nG9e5MKtc8l66ByARjop1SO3jPEoHBZZQZTKmXXu-qejaul/s1600/IMG_20140613_133923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8jNuPVyomf55h_85Z5_lhDf6vzu7fa6owUHfYoVkvySnV2WbxygQgzHnNWrXe-Q53eC0i4D0cuAFZfS9eZiH_LAZ3YVB8nG9e5MKtc8l66ByARjop1SO3jPEoHBZZQZTKmXXu-qejaul/s1600/IMG_20140613_133923.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We also went on some very memorable family dates! This one was at the rodeo on the 24th of July. Jackie and Matt invited us, and we thought it sounded like fun. It was fun. But sad at the same time. The only other memory I have of going to a rodeo was in Wyoming when I was really young, and I started crying when roping calves started. I almost did the same thing at this rodeo. Marty thought it was fun to see the horses, and we all loved watching the bucking broncos. But only until we started talking about why the broncos are bucking in the first place. I'm not sure if we'll ever go to another rodeo again.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj15gEN44CUokj-0muyYCXkLpGJV5AUYjqDpMIL8J-c7W4Q1Kc1a_EfUVJf1yN80Q5bUr415Wlly-ZeW1n4ZTACWTDEy17Y2DI9GW82EBToUBU6yXQ2Tt2b5f9DQAAuynTl_O1vu9YM4L4c/s1600/IMG_20140724_225017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj15gEN44CUokj-0muyYCXkLpGJV5AUYjqDpMIL8J-c7W4Q1Kc1a_EfUVJf1yN80Q5bUr415Wlly-ZeW1n4ZTACWTDEy17Y2DI9GW82EBToUBU6yXQ2Tt2b5f9DQAAuynTl_O1vu9YM4L4c/s1600/IMG_20140724_225017.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I think that our favorite family dates were at the drive-in. Last summer we talked about going <i>so many times, </i>but we never pulled the trigger because I was a stress case when it came to Marty's sleep schedule, and we worried that once we got in he'd hate it and cry and cry and we'd have to leave without a refund or seeing any of the movies we wanted to see. Well, I guess I've relaxed a bit in the schedule department because we went a couple of times this year, and they were both BIG HITS! We took Marty to see "How to Train Your Dragon: 2," and "Planes: 2." Both had more "grown-up" movies after, but it worked out great! He was hooked during the animated movies, and slept through most of the second. We actually left after the first movie one time because Richard was wiped, but it was still amazing. We took pizza for dinner, and snuggled up when the movies started. We never had good enough light to take pictures of the snuggling, but it's burned in my memory. I love the drive-in, and I love it even better with both of my boys!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmroowY2_ovYKQKx-XNcFYK7FOxjuCMVVlZR_4poCoqnWEiVV1yFXegZcp-JOSnfZDKrK0x3_HEiexPmtMhONbAZuwpeMuDbgOxb8h4BUDCePS3ZozV42NbQeUuVJOCZfwK9HEIY2mdAA/s1600/IMG_20140703_075918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmroowY2_ovYKQKx-XNcFYK7FOxjuCMVVlZR_4poCoqnWEiVV1yFXegZcp-JOSnfZDKrK0x3_HEiexPmtMhONbAZuwpeMuDbgOxb8h4BUDCePS3ZozV42NbQeUuVJOCZfwK9HEIY2mdAA/s1600/IMG_20140703_075918.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We made sure to share a snow cone to help beat the heat!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbezP3YXfzhIkKA6DFOCHnFwLFWsHNPNkxPCoEep8Xvt-gGhqhgGlbmWuQzmfqKn2P2NhiCSYhiClLnnFLwzObJWmjrMqXH-3BVybwXNXZ0B-vqxfrX8uF3GTY8MRa0-6HaflWlQuBv3m/s1600/IMG_20140708_195137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbezP3YXfzhIkKA6DFOCHnFwLFWsHNPNkxPCoEep8Xvt-gGhqhgGlbmWuQzmfqKn2P2NhiCSYhiClLnnFLwzObJWmjrMqXH-3BVybwXNXZ0B-vqxfrX8uF3GTY8MRa0-6HaflWlQuBv3m/s1600/IMG_20140708_195137.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclNhRGydkZ4rtbsRDhsdmFCg5cAxFdgdnmQ59yDG8qIHyX7fMsdExCO6WxOFS39MhOZuTV0wzH8nE0532RRarKWc6RsKn95UQlcgnlfmkjMlQ5Sy91cRtM4Hc3bMSrSGqwic7AebD9A3d/s1600/IMG_20140708_195208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclNhRGydkZ4rtbsRDhsdmFCg5cAxFdgdnmQ59yDG8qIHyX7fMsdExCO6WxOFS39MhOZuTV0wzH8nE0532RRarKWc6RsKn95UQlcgnlfmkjMlQ5Sy91cRtM4Hc3bMSrSGqwic7AebD9A3d/s1600/IMG_20140708_195208.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Marty got to play king-of-the-rock at our ward camp out. We talked about going camping this summer, and although it sounded like a good idea, and seemed like it'd be a good time, we never did it. We just went up for dinner, played some games, and came back to sleep in our own beds. Maybe next year...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zGwhQvNt4x4Fo2nRO1NwRmVw-0FaJJ_swQptk1xQyENE5AMY8-8TVgJxJupuMXkrIbad2SX3sKEohmWTrPDkGphNpRcS8148WZOos4FvySTFiZWbN6IYv9qVRMGCt53zGx2UFMQnPKxI/s1600/IMG_20140621_103216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zGwhQvNt4x4Fo2nRO1NwRmVw-0FaJJ_swQptk1xQyENE5AMY8-8TVgJxJupuMXkrIbad2SX3sKEohmWTrPDkGphNpRcS8148WZOos4FvySTFiZWbN6IYv9qVRMGCt53zGx2UFMQnPKxI/s1600/IMG_20140621_103216.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Grandma took us to the Dinosaur Park, and that was a smashing success! Other than the wicked blisters Marty got on his feet from stomping through puddles in his sandals, he had a great time. So did we, watching him run around like a little tornado, growling at all of the dinosaurs, and telling us all about every single one.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRUO5vGyjgdpt94Lj4O8qwhTDQIt6xS3fVnMuvzmMiEtTBKhefRoDvMc2fawJzdF0YHgtQPH_dS4GXJRoHqM9WurXGf41_r22qkAIN6fENtvZ_gDZ8GTUqEr77A82Mh8ArtfzBGARB_GO/s1600/IMG_20140710_225526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRUO5vGyjgdpt94Lj4O8qwhTDQIt6xS3fVnMuvzmMiEtTBKhefRoDvMc2fawJzdF0YHgtQPH_dS4GXJRoHqM9WurXGf41_r22qkAIN6fENtvZ_gDZ8GTUqEr77A82Mh8ArtfzBGARB_GO/s1600/IMG_20140710_225526.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I only got him to look away from the T-Rex by telling him, "Grandma has chocolate!" He takes after me a little, I guess.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQCBb4AMdiAuTzIzYz47bWuFH0CMDXE8dmYD9kkOz9koKTHzM6aNDn9jy8bMxYyUi4U2l4V10JAbcoPqpidPLbKZLSOw9XLNIc75l3Z7dV6hUD2bNBGeP9LqA96WpJPN5B-dzQrtSMn2O/s1600/IMG_20140710_225909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQCBb4AMdiAuTzIzYz47bWuFH0CMDXE8dmYD9kkOz9koKTHzM6aNDn9jy8bMxYyUi4U2l4V10JAbcoPqpidPLbKZLSOw9XLNIc75l3Z7dV6hUD2bNBGeP9LqA96WpJPN5B-dzQrtSMn2O/s1600/IMG_20140710_225909.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He also had a ball searching for gold and splashing everyone who got even a little close to him. I mean, that smile kind of says it all, right?</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrbILuW5AOX5Yx6qaayj-3lQnn3azOuo-9Y9RlefCts_XSJGjetx0sxcIb7CajkeyLDVSboJUGchLE2erJhhFK_8SF32iOqrsjgNHG-1VYItl_skxEpl9XlWPwUTNPXriRHGVlSz_3Dkpd/s1600/IMG_20140711_231455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrbILuW5AOX5Yx6qaayj-3lQnn3azOuo-9Y9RlefCts_XSJGjetx0sxcIb7CajkeyLDVSboJUGchLE2erJhhFK_8SF32iOqrsjgNHG-1VYItl_skxEpl9XlWPwUTNPXriRHGVlSz_3Dkpd/s1600/IMG_20140711_231455.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I tried my hand at a few Pinterest-inspired activities, and this one turned out best. I laid out a big sheet of paper, and made "paints" out of vanilla yogurt and colored jello powder. He used my basting brush to make his masterpiece.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCA2SrNckpBnympygqUVWSNuQFGBh_Nzhv_7QPUlpmqAYB74ocvrA5hlgdHnAQUQUHNSrXv8HnbfQmdwx67Bd84PjsJADL2ABDzVn_XbOgu0dcAbi6pjw0g2eQzLai8v5jvAg3zRe-rVyr/s1600/IMG_20140624_152630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCA2SrNckpBnympygqUVWSNuQFGBh_Nzhv_7QPUlpmqAYB74ocvrA5hlgdHnAQUQUHNSrXv8HnbfQmdwx67Bd84PjsJADL2ABDzVn_XbOgu0dcAbi6pjw0g2eQzLai8v5jvAg3zRe-rVyr/s1600/IMG_20140624_152630.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There was a lot more eating the paints happening than actual painting, but he loved it. We stayed outside for a really long time, just making a huge mess and having a really good time.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjwY9WaWQmGDmEYp_jdmFveDlbMFu-dh-92tBc4wMsj-9z3Omhyphenhyphen0XcWQeOeyDXw9WOo1t7B3ki4INXu08trxFgWnDj_5b4_swMCV8N91lESVixsSxrWSU6HVHPqhPY1OHYwzyT78LlEzgl/s1600/IMG_20140624_152712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjwY9WaWQmGDmEYp_jdmFveDlbMFu-dh-92tBc4wMsj-9z3Omhyphenhyphen0XcWQeOeyDXw9WOo1t7B3ki4INXu08trxFgWnDj_5b4_swMCV8N91lESVixsSxrWSU6HVHPqhPY1OHYwzyT78LlEzgl/s1600/IMG_20140624_152712.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4nf4UdlR_adxdj7cJ3YLwM_dM8bn91SlHV1EIlrdtd91NX4x_IoGLVkjwz-8Ig6-vQ7s5cG4Ayp1X_x7Z8reB2InmwYIQpN6prfAL_c1FAl3Rqy-FlQAOdRrABJsZM5QJLSrQVs3g90M/s1600/IMG_20140624_152808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4nf4UdlR_adxdj7cJ3YLwM_dM8bn91SlHV1EIlrdtd91NX4x_IoGLVkjwz-8Ig6-vQ7s5cG4Ayp1X_x7Z8reB2InmwYIQpN6prfAL_c1FAl3Rqy-FlQAOdRrABJsZM5QJLSrQVs3g90M/s1600/IMG_20140624_152808.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtL8rB3C7QaeyuiOwOWebmw9cZmv1E0V0OxQWHoHKijenD-lNXeqpK8ppQWB0rGYwBD0o6LR6UY3Y0mnavnMfzDSj9V4UiPEhB0LM__crNLm3sXwV6m05NzVxm90pR0cG2khe7m5w_V_j5/s1600/IMG_20140624_152904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtL8rB3C7QaeyuiOwOWebmw9cZmv1E0V0OxQWHoHKijenD-lNXeqpK8ppQWB0rGYwBD0o6LR6UY3Y0mnavnMfzDSj9V4UiPEhB0LM__crNLm3sXwV6m05NzVxm90pR0cG2khe7m5w_V_j5/s1600/IMG_20140624_152904.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I filled up the pool for him to stay cool, and so I could clean him up a little bit before taking his sticky little body inside when he was done. Pinterest success! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1UOr_8CAozgxFbOsSE1JYc7U-aAU8VHAXZ8Rcr6T4000LBx4eTMRVsFR00_p79wIGsJwlNgQgU4o6E5AQOWqy5WOU-oxqjJp9D3KBYop3sFq7bgKpR0vgCrEk2qx7vbJKU6oU07pucqV3/s1600/IMG_20140624_155114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1UOr_8CAozgxFbOsSE1JYc7U-aAU8VHAXZ8Rcr6T4000LBx4eTMRVsFR00_p79wIGsJwlNgQgU4o6E5AQOWqy5WOU-oxqjJp9D3KBYop3sFq7bgKpR0vgCrEk2qx7vbJKU6oU07pucqV3/s1600/IMG_20140624_155114.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We got to have a few day-long play dates with Emerson and Beckett while Michaela was at girls camp. Marty loved every minute of playing with his buddies. They probably felt like their lives were chaos because their mom is a pro at taking care of multiple toddlers all day, every day. I was/am an amateur! But I was so glad to have them.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYLr75tswzW2rCoL1CzSc0eDZidgLbkPCq5YBFge3j-JLwlrNrUq9rCEj3Hdl3q3ULW8hBXPikyT5ZImPtnaK22bU-JHZsroJuO_5UrCDboTbisEmBiYFFwLoDyYqWjMETHLf9Qm4whOFi/s1600/IMG_20140731_095528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYLr75tswzW2rCoL1CzSc0eDZidgLbkPCq5YBFge3j-JLwlrNrUq9rCEj3Hdl3q3ULW8hBXPikyT5ZImPtnaK22bU-JHZsroJuO_5UrCDboTbisEmBiYFFwLoDyYqWjMETHLf9Qm4whOFi/s1600/IMG_20140731_095528.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One afternoon after a grocery shopping trip, we came home to pouring rain. While I was bringing the groceries inside, he stayed out to play in the water that was dripping off of the carport, and just coming down in general. There was no lightning. After I was done, I let him keep doing his thing. He was having too much fun, and I knew that the pictures were going to be adorable. Besides, every kid needs to play in the rain.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqQWhI_vM9qq2F52RA_nR0ZNOfqDFYwL3_WEGpG537NhIRyQ2SRSP5hZG_AEvK_n-JUuEuaUP6xtfwd-bp2T3e_cVcgP5KGtemS-dFceFzFZ5DVDnOdz2af1CEr_IPlmH2lyhI2fllfK_/s1600/IMG_20140805_151218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqQWhI_vM9qq2F52RA_nR0ZNOfqDFYwL3_WEGpG537NhIRyQ2SRSP5hZG_AEvK_n-JUuEuaUP6xtfwd-bp2T3e_cVcgP5KGtemS-dFceFzFZ5DVDnOdz2af1CEr_IPlmH2lyhI2fllfK_/s1600/IMG_20140805_151218.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjRzwLVaNr4qRSkA89f7eyB3sWuG0H5A1DpWj55bVSRDX_Z5GjXmscYZPbahlxWv0h-Y3jKx0r2yZ7SGqrYiOXVg8r8CL_SC1K5kllRi_S6502a_CH9ZdI3yE_-omoSDdDrJQGuLZwm_N/s1600/IMG_20140805_151245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjRzwLVaNr4qRSkA89f7eyB3sWuG0H5A1DpWj55bVSRDX_Z5GjXmscYZPbahlxWv0h-Y3jKx0r2yZ7SGqrYiOXVg8r8CL_SC1K5kllRi_S6502a_CH9ZdI3yE_-omoSDdDrJQGuLZwm_N/s1600/IMG_20140805_151245.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3YGxv6wpa_fl6_oQZTJ9SN45eg61RRgSVg9cIAcE2zgZrw_c-uiYaGnZwIl1OOe8_pwgFZUoMezaH7XEWlUE6bOB1vJgemq2p3RUF9iT3VkBcEf_oI0G6Avn9GEMFlw3cxazAeIBAEUD/s1600/IMG_20140805_151319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3YGxv6wpa_fl6_oQZTJ9SN45eg61RRgSVg9cIAcE2zgZrw_c-uiYaGnZwIl1OOe8_pwgFZUoMezaH7XEWlUE6bOB1vJgemq2p3RUF9iT3VkBcEf_oI0G6Avn9GEMFlw3cxazAeIBAEUD/s1600/IMG_20140805_151319.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEj6ghU-ZIERpBIBwAdATI0zcnYd2uv2WHJ_SDNrPOolIIqBnNc8lH2IVa3v9M5gIWCbbuJ2zOkUgyoXSC3ltGkvIqqd81CQ5g2T6Xkk1jXS370V4PK1rVxPcPvVo7bxZjpblJwuvUP0J/s1600/IMG_20140805_151414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEj6ghU-ZIERpBIBwAdATI0zcnYd2uv2WHJ_SDNrPOolIIqBnNc8lH2IVa3v9M5gIWCbbuJ2zOkUgyoXSC3ltGkvIqqd81CQ5g2T6Xkk1jXS370V4PK1rVxPcPvVo7bxZjpblJwuvUP0J/s1600/IMG_20140805_151414.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We went to my cousin Christopher's wedding up Big Cottonwood Canyon at Heather's (his new bride, who we love!) family's cabin. Marty got to throw rocks in the river with Richard, and then he played on the teeter-totter with Richard and my dad. It was a good day all around.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfU1_jhWvZrcyw-DKELjgVkiIisTN7t2uu2c27jmz0CBW9ZaYXw4xz4ektykRpb4pFRxllYTDGTU7t1fileu-245VdYYoKvzc1tL2tS-0FDbhMcWdj-xsYHG7xL-6Zdi0UrL5krxsfgbB/s1600/IMG_20140614_175415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfU1_jhWvZrcyw-DKELjgVkiIisTN7t2uu2c27jmz0CBW9ZaYXw4xz4ektykRpb4pFRxllYTDGTU7t1fileu-245VdYYoKvzc1tL2tS-0FDbhMcWdj-xsYHG7xL-6Zdi0UrL5krxsfgbB/s1600/IMG_20140614_175415.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqWDaTXiKUqhudbC1CNpzUWQteYTe0WX_04yHcSyuiaRk5C8CRMHPW0JEXta6iSxU-xLzebV6nJRD0SOZS72MR8XjLaB6fPUibTOk7cAQGPNrTFGkcmzl8xGq5dDfD13kcHf2wSvjWk1z/s1600/IMG_20140614_181410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqWDaTXiKUqhudbC1CNpzUWQteYTe0WX_04yHcSyuiaRk5C8CRMHPW0JEXta6iSxU-xLzebV6nJRD0SOZS72MR8XjLaB6fPUibTOk7cAQGPNrTFGkcmzl8xGq5dDfD13kcHf2wSvjWk1z/s1600/IMG_20140614_181410.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We ate a lot of popsicles this summer. A LOT.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWuKrtys41UlMsvJAThr780Ld5Oo27BzAGijJMz8j5b0Q51Zm9j3DBwggbtrm8mAHy7OqMp-tFiQvugJ7yH4T6d6MMulxtmpqCT8aSaEjSDtGKFbakmk-HC4q7LPXIKeNAyoSUpdkNZNqF/s1600/IMG_20140701_201129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWuKrtys41UlMsvJAThr780Ld5Oo27BzAGijJMz8j5b0Q51Zm9j3DBwggbtrm8mAHy7OqMp-tFiQvugJ7yH4T6d6MMulxtmpqCT8aSaEjSDtGKFbakmk-HC4q7LPXIKeNAyoSUpdkNZNqF/s1600/IMG_20140701_201129.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We went to a "white-trash" themed birthday party for Spencer Bowman. I didn't want to worry about getting a babysitter (because we still don't really do that, and my parents weren't available), so we just made Marty part of our costume. He was the only kid there (until the Bowman's kids came outside), but I think he really added to the scenery by running around in just his diaper, most of the time with his hand down the front of it. He was thrilled to be there the second he saw that there was a "tractor" he could climb all over.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcTPJT30IblT8WA2_zFQ2Y6jAQ0dsVcpO9i12m6HjnfO__SkP0ebmb8webZe7f1JLr0Q29MMsCl1kHdbQDiMI3rFnRpdkS4a_3pOyknOLdzY2803fKzus0CnMUNErODnc6xW1TbNEZKwI/s1600/IMG_20140808_194226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcTPJT30IblT8WA2_zFQ2Y6jAQ0dsVcpO9i12m6HjnfO__SkP0ebmb8webZe7f1JLr0Q29MMsCl1kHdbQDiMI3rFnRpdkS4a_3pOyknOLdzY2803fKzus0CnMUNErODnc6xW1TbNEZKwI/s1600/IMG_20140808_194226.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmraAZpyO5QRBZdkr1TO1iE4PZoJQFLg68rwXp_DLwkURj66DEG_xMDv4HFyeTy6yykMi248o7RPZbkpoPKH-DxUzxqo5u6RDotSzCJWQwfpS8jz4g_WflDsyhE1gJ2-scGisduytYDTop/s1600/IMG_20140808_194338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmraAZpyO5QRBZdkr1TO1iE4PZoJQFLg68rwXp_DLwkURj66DEG_xMDv4HFyeTy6yykMi248o7RPZbkpoPKH-DxUzxqo5u6RDotSzCJWQwfpS8jz4g_WflDsyhE1gJ2-scGisduytYDTop/s1600/IMG_20140808_194338.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We had multiple family gatherings for the Shepherd side of the family at my aunt Chris's house. They have a great backyard that Marty loves. This particular night, Shay had brought out her giant stuffed dog, and the kids ended up sliding onto it. Marty got in on the action, and it was so fun to watch! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhEtupcCLher1N96pbh8GtbLlw787uMYV45Q9xVth04p60eImZVe1Rc4KHfxdFTD0DK_fpRH3FOZyEljRUpzJTm-1FeehxW7B2hz2wK0fWtW6bg8pv2UVLPP1YjABVIYYYaiLWMp_J2wh/s1600/IMG_20140817_194123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhEtupcCLher1N96pbh8GtbLlw787uMYV45Q9xVth04p60eImZVe1Rc4KHfxdFTD0DK_fpRH3FOZyEljRUpzJTm-1FeehxW7B2hz2wK0fWtW6bg8pv2UVLPP1YjABVIYYYaiLWMp_J2wh/s1600/IMG_20140817_194123.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhciHDAO1bNHOTwKKmXf_KMkt0DWx1VQeZCowPO7SbifuG6Dz-mPFlIWqJmD7uCgGFpNHFpbgq6A-9ojlPpu32c4u1IdMcWGWl_bXpXgBGlkA4_nOFFlqtA01l_yLOnyUyXNgblwIIYVOZl/s1600/IMG_20140817_194124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhciHDAO1bNHOTwKKmXf_KMkt0DWx1VQeZCowPO7SbifuG6Dz-mPFlIWqJmD7uCgGFpNHFpbgq6A-9ojlPpu32c4u1IdMcWGWl_bXpXgBGlkA4_nOFFlqtA01l_yLOnyUyXNgblwIIYVOZl/s1600/IMG_20140817_194124.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaN7EAU2xBBleChoErOJFHGK824840VCtRFJc0k_pZON898l1LyFlgAs98Gp1pGeQiXpulruFYx7wEBfhgzlZ-4atKAGFjGYmW1B_Lew-RQFlyQoeQ3i1-CtYGVGw9JCr-cghIqZ_rZJ-H/s1600/IMG_20140817_194124_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaN7EAU2xBBleChoErOJFHGK824840VCtRFJc0k_pZON898l1LyFlgAs98Gp1pGeQiXpulruFYx7wEBfhgzlZ-4atKAGFjGYmW1B_Lew-RQFlyQoeQ3i1-CtYGVGw9JCr-cghIqZ_rZJ-H/s1600/IMG_20140817_194124_1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sarah got in on the action, too.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwDc5nMARBEhix_rTW4-p20ENSgCrAxIXWe1L-kRmLngr72SXUw0_mrp4uWE67Dg1dvHK8L_MwMfm-TnfYkcTGgOMV0UzpobZafIEqByk2aAT-YWJFxtTVk_Iad031Q88lU8CDny-IstGc/s1600/IMG_20140817_194217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwDc5nMARBEhix_rTW4-p20ENSgCrAxIXWe1L-kRmLngr72SXUw0_mrp4uWE67Dg1dvHK8L_MwMfm-TnfYkcTGgOMV0UzpobZafIEqByk2aAT-YWJFxtTVk_Iad031Q88lU8CDny-IstGc/s1600/IMG_20140817_194217.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So many fun things happened to make up our legendary summer, and these were just some of them. I love the shenanigans we get into, and the adventures we have as a family. And I love seeing that after a day filled with fun leaves our little buddy feeling just as tired as we do. Sometimes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDgOtvsnz6I8T3ezsBq4bHGykfnG1m1q_LBU31MC0reepxdQStEqcnTCqCXOsWE9_zlytmMyNJ0WDjk6LAiyO6yQiedWibKEe0EqdbgFSlKdRTnfICd8517OyThgMYeFafD6TRrxNiggTq/s1600/IMG_20140711_224114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDgOtvsnz6I8T3ezsBq4bHGykfnG1m1q_LBU31MC0reepxdQStEqcnTCqCXOsWE9_zlytmMyNJ0WDjk6LAiyO6yQiedWibKEe0EqdbgFSlKdRTnfICd8517OyThgMYeFafD6TRrxNiggTq/s1600/IMG_20140711_224114.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span id="goog_482145628"></span><span id="goog_482145629"></span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708818417031846182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2628542491104436639.post-2142673066966078272014-10-07T19:54:00.000-07:002014-10-07T19:54:03.162-07:00blessings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In July, Megan and Scott welcomed little Simon Peter Morgan into the world, and we were very happy to go down to his blessing just a little while later. They are living in Manti, which is about a 3.5-hour drive, so by the time we got there this guy was going a little crazy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlyhnU94iVu1oULy9EIDfPgZ3O7E0Ea_6NND-p1La81yMgWwDBoznKExujF0gMZj_Fo4xlYDGVEvu2VhoSA-eLmj0FTd43MMzYqxpI-H8aue_E2l_B51GH_AfNy-P3L3Q1MTt0XCKHo2Y/s1600/IMG_20140727_083234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlyhnU94iVu1oULy9EIDfPgZ3O7E0Ea_6NND-p1La81yMgWwDBoznKExujF0gMZj_Fo4xlYDGVEvu2VhoSA-eLmj0FTd43MMzYqxpI-H8aue_E2l_B51GH_AfNy-P3L3Q1MTt0XCKHo2Y/s1600/IMG_20140727_083234.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Of course it was a day that I hadn't packed an extra outfit, so he peed through his diaper on the way down and ended up wearing no pants for the rest of the day. Didn't seem to bother him at all, so I didn't let it bother me, either. Who knows if it bothered anyone in the chapel. Who cares.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimpYf3A7jqiRzxvL3a2LPj5IZfQfTlCW74SP7znRkCIhBnyZdbtyYiWDubhYSIzkV-M7ma-YHKM_HWse7W5w-sxgjxWePKbzjTmKmBByPwW4bwdKdun85j3tUHvzEWasPabgztPPy9cAMc/s1600/IMG_20140727_125607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimpYf3A7jqiRzxvL3a2LPj5IZfQfTlCW74SP7znRkCIhBnyZdbtyYiWDubhYSIzkV-M7ma-YHKM_HWse7W5w-sxgjxWePKbzjTmKmBByPwW4bwdKdun85j3tUHvzEWasPabgztPPy9cAMc/s1600/IMG_20140727_125607.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The most important thing was that we got to spend time and have fun with family that we don't get to see often enough. It was a really fun afternoon, but it just didn't seem to last long enough. It never does.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LCMsBTaLe2gkCWZ_jT3H7Zs51kq7Xg5pQ7kQX1MtlbM_GILSJAGeaSBKU1Sk6Z0UetQwzKcra5KhcKzJqOiJN5pcwIFEQjk59epAIGOIBxzkenNQo6Ez8CYAYv_XlrrtCZhvOIZ3dxkb/s1600/IMG_20140727_125519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LCMsBTaLe2gkCWZ_jT3H7Zs51kq7Xg5pQ7kQX1MtlbM_GILSJAGeaSBKU1Sk6Z0UetQwzKcra5KhcKzJqOiJN5pcwIFEQjk59epAIGOIBxzkenNQo6Ez8CYAYv_XlrrtCZhvOIZ3dxkb/s1600/IMG_20140727_125519.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was fun catching up with the newlyweds, and hearing how motherhood is the third time around from Megan. She is really like superwoman/supermom to me. I look up to her a lot, and I love that I can always ask her questions without feeling inferior. I think I hit the jackpot getting her for a sister-in-law.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJ7COsl-3KMof4ASH5tNg8CYFp2a7VW-5UqoWou57CDT-xIZ2MPNy80wbLEc1wZF04_3jEoJVfpNgsiMbsMG27thzbZNcfZzqP97TDoH1wXD7U8XpogF1eMLjEhrF7X5rqn-vqEux-gqt/s1600/IMG_20140727_125841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJ7COsl-3KMof4ASH5tNg8CYFp2a7VW-5UqoWou57CDT-xIZ2MPNy80wbLEc1wZF04_3jEoJVfpNgsiMbsMG27thzbZNcfZzqP97TDoH1wXD7U8XpogF1eMLjEhrF7X5rqn-vqEux-gqt/s1600/IMG_20140727_125841.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The drive home was just as eventful as the one there had been. I can't remember if I'd expected anything different. If I had, I can't imagine why. Life with this one is never dull, and is always good for a laugh.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTPGAijv-9wlL4E-KHVoJJ79KiH3oPrYncVNXnuWoIxw6pGAS1PN6ljp89idSM_7SA0f-BoZOyCkl_mGAQWPBmeUJMqtB5zoYcUAGK8WEQaxBWtCm-tx5ItgPG-X7lzF_JiK2fLE4MNQX/s1600/IMG_20140727_164159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTPGAijv-9wlL4E-KHVoJJ79KiH3oPrYncVNXnuWoIxw6pGAS1PN6ljp89idSM_7SA0f-BoZOyCkl_mGAQWPBmeUJMqtB5zoYcUAGK8WEQaxBWtCm-tx5ItgPG-X7lzF_JiK2fLE4MNQX/s1600/IMG_20140727_164159.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We dropped Richard off in Salt Lake because he was going to the Gary Clark Jr. concert with my dad. That is a guitar player they had seen in the Eric Clapton's Crossroads guitar festival movie that I sent them to for Richard's birthday last year. The concert was at Red Butte Gardens, and they had a great time. Marty was pretty upset that we left Richard, though, so I decided to make a visit to Granny and Gramps' house for a little break. It was just the ticket. They had him laughing his head off, and he had them busting a gut, too.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJlzkEK_zHdFpg2kKZ_j3Gszt36_NjA0mxSLoQrP-zqscfpRSr_RlV4m0Z-3pvjt9E1_kOKNMslXVmABeSKtalVWYSzBd-T5LVvQJ7i1q-BM7HkmDOzaZ72Kx3UGSdwN7S156ZsSXenbqa/s1600/IMG_20140727_180804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJlzkEK_zHdFpg2kKZ_j3Gszt36_NjA0mxSLoQrP-zqscfpRSr_RlV4m0Z-3pvjt9E1_kOKNMslXVmABeSKtalVWYSzBd-T5LVvQJ7i1q-BM7HkmDOzaZ72Kx3UGSdwN7S156ZsSXenbqa/s1600/IMG_20140727_180804.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPD89lF-WFmbzqXgBzOeketx7mvTcPd4T5fs9zd_CcByXEpXSuQszu7BnDd-ATirgEzYt_zX1VYzAQY5x-ZntxZKXeSZx0-Gzuyu44FJvRXmMkVwo4h3hyphenhyphen2YZOLv5jdpIv2aFEn-tuRnM0/s1600/IMG_20140727_180833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPD89lF-WFmbzqXgBzOeketx7mvTcPd4T5fs9zd_CcByXEpXSuQszu7BnDd-ATirgEzYt_zX1VYzAQY5x-ZntxZKXeSZx0-Gzuyu44FJvRXmMkVwo4h3hyphenhyphen2YZOLv5jdpIv2aFEn-tuRnM0/s1600/IMG_20140727_180833.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It is so sweet to watch him play with and talk to them. There is just something special between the three of them, I think. And it is to the point now where he doesn't need any time to warm up to them, he just dives in head first jabbering away and running around like the little tornado he is.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZi_JgLZVDe1VDbJHlrEj-0Vxj-qm9srmM0gCSf0tN9AXO3SekC5Wb1zOU-dSejDeveAr0gbS5yS-URss5Bwh9vFwDCNG6k9IienUcUd1AkFH6r21WDtmIcylJyzjB1suhINdOft-akyfX/s1600/IMG_20140727_180956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZi_JgLZVDe1VDbJHlrEj-0Vxj-qm9srmM0gCSf0tN9AXO3SekC5Wb1zOU-dSejDeveAr0gbS5yS-URss5Bwh9vFwDCNG6k9IienUcUd1AkFH6r21WDtmIcylJyzjB1suhINdOft-akyfX/s1600/IMG_20140727_180956.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There was more than one blessing that day. One for the baby. The ones where we got to spend time with Richard's family, strengthening those relationships. The one for time my dad and Richard spent together, enjoying a common hobby and interest. And the one for the time I got to spend watching my grandparents love my son, and watch him love them right back. Lots of blessings. We are pretty blessed.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708818417031846182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2628542491104436639.post-21214217817568226792014-10-07T14:30:00.002-07:002014-10-07T14:30:46.176-07:00Richard's ears<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For quite some time now, Marty has had a special love for Richard's ears. Not really one over the other. Just both of his ears. I honestly think it began when Marty could no longer easily use his own ears as a comfort tool after his hair had grown over them. He used to suck his left thumb, while rubbing his right ear with his right hand. And now that he can't get to his ears without his hair being in the way, he goes for Richard's ears whenever they are available. And if they aren't available, he'll make them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdGsPC3PyDTSePA0jNUC4ZoU7mSLeYf1ZRDpviDQGMRDTeXE6e_Ige3U7IeXZ7ntmLCPO6kXWjrmD4_UCNDs08ryJJlGl4VYQSyxk5Ea00x3XlkyCt_jKFV5fFZ9vvghUM_Gary0KBqVL/s1600/IMG_20140823_145745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdGsPC3PyDTSePA0jNUC4ZoU7mSLeYf1ZRDpviDQGMRDTeXE6e_Ige3U7IeXZ7ntmLCPO6kXWjrmD4_UCNDs08ryJJlGl4VYQSyxk5Ea00x3XlkyCt_jKFV5fFZ9vvghUM_Gary0KBqVL/s1600/IMG_20140823_145745.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_uroqTC2UvVGX-WPwW6fUjPdfPLwgIipSdpupnzWO_hGcvKK2P-xVzjNbbrVpXLiFNlIi83vrPzOO7NrjyRRjPSHTauhrLJ-f5hyuZWOxygX3M6TGnxUXOdFP8g4IXxMto7ISAhadAiOK/s1600/IMG_20140823_145749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_uroqTC2UvVGX-WPwW6fUjPdfPLwgIipSdpupnzWO_hGcvKK2P-xVzjNbbrVpXLiFNlIi83vrPzOO7NrjyRRjPSHTauhrLJ-f5hyuZWOxygX3M6TGnxUXOdFP8g4IXxMto7ISAhadAiOK/s1600/IMG_20140823_145749.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPV82-3ek9oYPwu-orfrG32yRpwso9RKTq1uMZQZCdDb8qtlOeplXX6cX2ew-O6cIRAepeKOe7jPQGjq2-kznFzBSLqPaBR8PE2MVlp2-3bZuqXMzhyvOZcvZJc3rr2N1vt64a8zTjzkg/s1600/IMG_20140823_145753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPV82-3ek9oYPwu-orfrG32yRpwso9RKTq1uMZQZCdDb8qtlOeplXX6cX2ew-O6cIRAepeKOe7jPQGjq2-kznFzBSLqPaBR8PE2MVlp2-3bZuqXMzhyvOZcvZJc3rr2N1vt64a8zTjzkg/s1600/IMG_20140823_145753.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWpYn5GPwbsVLeU2l1wmRda3ImlZoCEym2VSitpQeRPvhyphenhyphenu3ZJhhWRdOFNhADyG1V-RtDlIdaANrEIJ_Zq94geM26-6gtCUIpX6dJRuGOnSEIX_ddJ8tp-wvIqHD_Tf4o4oFT1bXCYMyc/s1600/IMG_20140823_145755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWpYn5GPwbsVLeU2l1wmRda3ImlZoCEym2VSitpQeRPvhyphenhyphenu3ZJhhWRdOFNhADyG1V-RtDlIdaANrEIJ_Zq94geM26-6gtCUIpX6dJRuGOnSEIX_ddJ8tp-wvIqHD_Tf4o4oFT1bXCYMyc/s1600/IMG_20140823_145755.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPPdo46mA-HGoX0GeGkAD4jQZ3HyWyhtAfRqgygtn32jicoqywifRgZTEsLbnj8NPPuaEcD1UJ9JsUvdvS0YiJ3PiM8326VJqltCsUu4K3s065kTMMwTJF19rp36RPtI50nZIch4nGQ39/s1600/IMG_20140823_145801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPPdo46mA-HGoX0GeGkAD4jQZ3HyWyhtAfRqgygtn32jicoqywifRgZTEsLbnj8NPPuaEcD1UJ9JsUvdvS0YiJ3PiM8326VJqltCsUu4K3s065kTMMwTJF19rp36RPtI50nZIch4nGQ39/s1600/IMG_20140823_145801.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEPQaGnzOo_BPJvBx1ZtuCUAe5el5udcLYj2X76jHNMP7EeT0r2mO0thWqXjUhWnTVOFWTPkOBUSY3DV_S4BrCrb6Gds1W-8XgH-0d6l1bCbwtYsSBkV9Nic81O-xGb-8Q1m1M-tY5TtuT/s1600/IMG_20140823_145803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEPQaGnzOo_BPJvBx1ZtuCUAe5el5udcLYj2X76jHNMP7EeT0r2mO0thWqXjUhWnTVOFWTPkOBUSY3DV_S4BrCrb6Gds1W-8XgH-0d6l1bCbwtYsSBkV9Nic81O-xGb-8Q1m1M-tY5TtuT/s1600/IMG_20140823_145803.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I think that Richard's ears are even better, though, because not only can Marty rub them with his hand, but he can literally rub his whole face against them. I know that sometimes it drives Richard crazy, and even hurts him if I haven't trimmed Marty's fingernails. But I also know that he secretly loves it when Marty Boy nuzzles his nose in real close. He doesn't do it to me, but he has been known to do it to my dad as well. For the most part, though, it is a very cute, and very silly thing that I get to watch my boys do. Ears. Who would have thought?!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRuQ02HC5oNSDqPgOfRNxNDkH9cuG1n3AjCTDqcWzO3S0sxqAqIayXgbS07vYsTkeDZkzqCnd1Oo8BMpS1dd30-Lseeibx-OXPYW920aSaTeHydSBhGLxMl0fOom-MpBWoa-j2MsDrAI_/s1600/IMG_20140827_125648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRuQ02HC5oNSDqPgOfRNxNDkH9cuG1n3AjCTDqcWzO3S0sxqAqIayXgbS07vYsTkeDZkzqCnd1Oo8BMpS1dd30-Lseeibx-OXPYW920aSaTeHydSBhGLxMl0fOom-MpBWoa-j2MsDrAI_/s1600/IMG_20140827_125648.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7ODXoGtbAMAopkIhH-60_3AKuJIcTQEhMuxmjUoKv7_Ix2-y7JUw9E_B8Ec5OJaUpbQ-73cE_QRLCqoTEq1IdTbu2eGhN7hRoTO5SI9uCVKS_vuJUv3NBw0Ni4Jq0UiX7t47UcoydE64/s1600/IMG_20140827_125652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7ODXoGtbAMAopkIhH-60_3AKuJIcTQEhMuxmjUoKv7_Ix2-y7JUw9E_B8Ec5OJaUpbQ-73cE_QRLCqoTEq1IdTbu2eGhN7hRoTO5SI9uCVKS_vuJUv3NBw0Ni4Jq0UiX7t47UcoydE64/s1600/IMG_20140827_125652.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708818417031846182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2628542491104436639.post-29835775289533937682014-10-07T14:20:00.001-07:002014-10-07T14:20:09.966-07:00cousins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Growing up, Richard had a lot of cousins that were right around his age. They had lots of fun at family reunions, and he even lived close to a couple for some time. Even today, when the family gets together, they seem to congregate and the good times start rolling right where they left off.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I only had two cousins who were close to my age. They were both boys, and although I saw one and we were pretty good friends, it never felt like I had "cousin friends" like Richard did.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Marty seems to be pretty lucky in the cousin department. The ones who we see most often, Shay and Kody, are 4-6 years older than he is, but they are the best of the best. They love playing with him, they look out for him, and they are super nice - always asking me if they can do something before they do it, and never hesitating to let me know if he has a stinky diaper. All around helpful, and I love it. So does he.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexPaPaJVa70AL9F0pv2-YCFiPpOyAc3btpKxl6i9UmltOta_HHp2LpPzEuoS6zdGgkdV52n7ZJfMGmBGiZSm-MgLxJKZfQnlLitv24pIMBptICYP3y0itBMj7OrLQeOPPICwGDReh1kVW/s1600/IMG_20140720_195843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexPaPaJVa70AL9F0pv2-YCFiPpOyAc3btpKxl6i9UmltOta_HHp2LpPzEuoS6zdGgkdV52n7ZJfMGmBGiZSm-MgLxJKZfQnlLitv24pIMBptICYP3y0itBMj7OrLQeOPPICwGDReh1kVW/s1600/IMG_20140720_195843.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWFunlZEZ4bI22rlx7kbvRAdFIhlzUoC4vgH21wxFQk7ipXO51h3k1ubLLyoZ6BqF2wzHf5VBuRcY5uHDp7sQSA0_zEQcyFJuNCzCTtNh4dynysiBeaatCTlnymijP7EilGfx49osH7lx1/s1600/IMG_20140720_195906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWFunlZEZ4bI22rlx7kbvRAdFIhlzUoC4vgH21wxFQk7ipXO51h3k1ubLLyoZ6BqF2wzHf5VBuRcY5uHDp7sQSA0_zEQcyFJuNCzCTtNh4dynysiBeaatCTlnymijP7EilGfx49osH7lx1/s1600/IMG_20140720_195906.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The other cousins that Marty has, on Richard's side, are just as great. Mary is only a couple months older than he is, and Eli is just super fun. He also thinks that Marty is a "cool guy." I'm pretty sure the feeling is mutual. For Eli's birthday, he asked Scott and Megan if he could go to the zoo with Marty. I about died when they told me because I thought that was so cute! We were excited to celebrate that fun day with them, and we loved seeing those cute kiddos enjoy each other's company.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWHrlwUPniPMv8eWyViW7PGuLSyvofPzw7N8NvsF9ZXpj7aR5IyqShFoAEl1EleDtJjJG8N644LQ2PzIoVyRJMVCqPIoGcEiHsbaY4HNy4xtNl7q5TlppNcNpO1EPCM-mH0dIBx_l8j3sS/s1600/IMG_20140823_131231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWHrlwUPniPMv8eWyViW7PGuLSyvofPzw7N8NvsF9ZXpj7aR5IyqShFoAEl1EleDtJjJG8N644LQ2PzIoVyRJMVCqPIoGcEiHsbaY4HNy4xtNl7q5TlppNcNpO1EPCM-mH0dIBx_l8j3sS/s1600/IMG_20140823_131231.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7PVqc9JdLpfdcRkSvheuoXLiU0GHfBIlBov4Y-D2rUZNfrWlVBFBS6HRnVgU0t8-WZv7BOPLfxg7a8kd83tdH0tzGgZFVaKllDnt69SkDo-kpV4l_Rul7bwA8E250OG8VS-ozG4rbCGyK/s1600/IMG_20140823_140241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7PVqc9JdLpfdcRkSvheuoXLiU0GHfBIlBov4Y-D2rUZNfrWlVBFBS6HRnVgU0t8-WZv7BOPLfxg7a8kd83tdH0tzGgZFVaKllDnt69SkDo-kpV4l_Rul7bwA8E250OG8VS-ozG4rbCGyK/s1600/IMG_20140823_140241.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhii7_zactPwF5luwy7Hm8j1Yui2-LijEJJjwMtoGayRjD_-jo1gMvwaa665wcR9XTczjinQh9G34zLrt2ioEQrtMAkysOiCB6y0TrEB68duCQuAukenI42U72aQAsdX0KR3VRjzEcgF1mc/s1600/IMG_20140823_143727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhii7_zactPwF5luwy7Hm8j1Yui2-LijEJJjwMtoGayRjD_-jo1gMvwaa665wcR9XTczjinQh9G34zLrt2ioEQrtMAkysOiCB6y0TrEB68duCQuAukenI42U72aQAsdX0KR3VRjzEcgF1mc/s1600/IMG_20140823_143727.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Believe it or not, Marty even talks about "the cousins" out of the blue sometimes. I think he just has really positive associations with all of them, and so he knows that when they are around he is going to have a good time and be happy. Which makes me really happy, too.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708818417031846182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2628542491104436639.post-44823798414515139012014-10-02T14:52:00.003-07:002014-10-02T14:52:43.689-07:00parade season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last 4th of July, we were on our East Coast Adventure Tour. This year though, we were back to old reliable: a West Point 4th. Always a hit. We started with the 5K - yes, we all did the 5K! Usually, I do the 2 mile walk with my parents and Richard does the run. But this year my mom was committed (after completing the Ogden half-marathon) to run-walking the actual 5K. Apparently my dad didn't know this until the gun went off that morning, but he did it anyway. Richard and I arrived late, as usual, and booked it to catch up with everyone. Had Richard started on time (and had we actually registered for the race), he would have finished 1st in his age group! I gave him a pat on the back. No medal needed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After the run, we had breakfast in the park, of course. And then we walked our grungy-looking selves down to my dad's truck that had been saving our parade spot since the night before. Gotta love tradition.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhVCuIbWqPRTGpugIRvPwkHskkCEdCv8k6IUGojYuT7gC8Lk38M0scn1mIX5JN-nO4-ZgEVbLBfZjiJ98Gkhmpza8gBOXHKMUMJQzW0vXMKRtnxANTkFMQYBSwaXfC4RFflSXKUEHtalJ/s1600/IMG_20140704_082518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhVCuIbWqPRTGpugIRvPwkHskkCEdCv8k6IUGojYuT7gC8Lk38M0scn1mIX5JN-nO4-ZgEVbLBfZjiJ98Gkhmpza8gBOXHKMUMJQzW0vXMKRtnxANTkFMQYBSwaXfC4RFflSXKUEHtalJ/s1600/IMG_20140704_082518.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Marty had just entered a stage of jumping off anything and everything, fearlessly. Notice that Richard is holding onto his hand, and not the other way around.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0oYML8qDMsYZ5gEyeS2fZZ-y4tUy8XC1H-0rPESi_6ZkZOupb820tgVWdnjQTXVK5wt7fFR6LKkq8yBIAMcyjHP04GTH5c-iWGIgtXS2PXZ_8oaUw6TfrQK7T0wFemCZzdhXfGx-uzOs/s1600/IMG_20140704_085640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0oYML8qDMsYZ5gEyeS2fZZ-y4tUy8XC1H-0rPESi_6ZkZOupb820tgVWdnjQTXVK5wt7fFR6LKkq8yBIAMcyjHP04GTH5c-iWGIgtXS2PXZ_8oaUw6TfrQK7T0wFemCZzdhXfGx-uzOs/s1600/IMG_20140704_085640.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Jeremy, Michaela, and the twins joined us for the big show. It was fun to watch the kids experiencing it all together.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJDv3t8zWiBg7RnjU1t_I9Kbn0AXVg8Y5cv3kOg6phG9Y1qYn-N51eL3nA-bsRTSkL72PxBj4UFluhOWLltc0amABvUJwMqTKyIkPl-gnKJZl2VFG_6vzB_HeZJ3rIgqlzFQ0f00A_bDK/s1600/IMG_20140704_091120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJDv3t8zWiBg7RnjU1t_I9Kbn0AXVg8Y5cv3kOg6phG9Y1qYn-N51eL3nA-bsRTSkL72PxBj4UFluhOWLltc0amABvUJwMqTKyIkPl-gnKJZl2VFG_6vzB_HeZJ3rIgqlzFQ0f00A_bDK/s1600/IMG_20140704_091120.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9vAyBQCVoC9Wfur-MglxqYaoz3rGJnoQzuB-7e7NIwweK_icYaJ-hZ1n8JlB3SF1bu5TRrba9cOu0AvGWBetx0SryuG4ySNi8aHpv7k5b3k_rcYpC6D7hBa-nc4knp5utYzy7Fd7A95N/s1600/IMG_20140704_091511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9vAyBQCVoC9Wfur-MglxqYaoz3rGJnoQzuB-7e7NIwweK_icYaJ-hZ1n8JlB3SF1bu5TRrba9cOu0AvGWBetx0SryuG4ySNi8aHpv7k5b3k_rcYpC6D7hBa-nc4knp5utYzy7Fd7A95N/s1600/IMG_20140704_091511.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We were a little nervous about them running into the street after the candy, but Richard did a great job of keeping our boy safe. The fact that the kids next to us grabbed most of it before Marty's little legs could get him around helped, too.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_WRwmlpSps0Ej8Y1nESGLBSjjT2UN9Sl9MpYu_hdMDv4cHswrnm68XhEnrz1JSx12Laj_0sy-BS5ZixBfWFzwWFzK_14naeidQxmNdo51sqMw8HIBjgQtomWjvnIaiGuZLA5XCJMunH5k/s1600/IMG_20140704_093548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_WRwmlpSps0Ej8Y1nESGLBSjjT2UN9Sl9MpYu_hdMDv4cHswrnm68XhEnrz1JSx12Laj_0sy-BS5ZixBfWFzwWFzK_14naeidQxmNdo51sqMw8HIBjgQtomWjvnIaiGuZLA5XCJMunH5k/s1600/IMG_20140704_093548.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFzcJ61BHGfHAzeVOoErGZy6mCy93687MU8x3wrEZ8W80wVusREbJAY5WQf0NdkrvYoJMsBfPaMzxTTooXMOj65ozRwCw3pG0WSDmFm4u1spoN6M5DHrVL6gLcu_9CEpLNYQA9pSVjU4c/s1600/IMG_20140704_093714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFzcJ61BHGfHAzeVOoErGZy6mCy93687MU8x3wrEZ8W80wVusREbJAY5WQf0NdkrvYoJMsBfPaMzxTTooXMOj65ozRwCw3pG0WSDmFm4u1spoN6M5DHrVL6gLcu_9CEpLNYQA9pSVjU4c/s1600/IMG_20140704_093714.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcp7v6atqT8merBYwPH8YPaFqkSkkrK9R3Vns4fPZGOf_qwv2CMfQu044Wsi9ZzJ9qP5bzW8tvzwzICiddMWmM0YunlWQJq3AHZG-pO0PlIy3GQ611f_Ja-lnqCCuETVVpvTCInkoAiWn0/s1600/IMG_20140704_093725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcp7v6atqT8merBYwPH8YPaFqkSkkrK9R3Vns4fPZGOf_qwv2CMfQu044Wsi9ZzJ9qP5bzW8tvzwzICiddMWmM0YunlWQJq3AHZG-pO0PlIy3GQ611f_Ja-lnqCCuETVVpvTCInkoAiWn0/s1600/IMG_20140704_093725.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We left for home long before the big firework show. We were all exhausted, and sleep felt more important than fighting traffic. Our neighbors had some decent ones going when we got home, though, so we didn't miss out completely.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Pioneer Day was another opportunity for candy and floats. Jackie and Maddie came over early that morning, and we all walked down to Washington Blvd. We got a place in the shade, which was great because it was a much longer parade than what we're used to in WP. That meant more tractors, which is only a good thing in this boy's mind.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCcCKOxuKklJexnRY7c64tApwwwSPfMPGhB2XjhP3UWzbJHLY_W4PTD7KWzc1Rksz0JkPZkXTUC8w0Lvf_8vrFrKexlKfIaTJMzq6HR5Xul2BVpt_Rf6UNwt07J7sLs9oPcHOHlrjdX6ag/s1600/IMG_20140724_093922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCcCKOxuKklJexnRY7c64tApwwwSPfMPGhB2XjhP3UWzbJHLY_W4PTD7KWzc1Rksz0JkPZkXTUC8w0Lvf_8vrFrKexlKfIaTJMzq6HR5Xul2BVpt_Rf6UNwt07J7sLs9oPcHOHlrjdX6ag/s1600/IMG_20140724_093922.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These two kill me. I love that they have so much fun together because it means that I get to hang out with Jackie and not have it be about <i>me</i>. Even though I'm getting the sweet end of the deal, too.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7Tqe0qEcS-RvAxp6wi2-kIMfAxIma668vkTei5saUZdufcVpXIQ-L9waejJTgk275_lQms_vyWrOfQNM_y7Os8ywu2AfdHJca7eeg3fen6ulC4LC-kQ2eeDTVdHxcBIJbv3s9xQ2Iea-/s1600/IMG_20140724_100834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7Tqe0qEcS-RvAxp6wi2-kIMfAxIma668vkTei5saUZdufcVpXIQ-L9waejJTgk275_lQms_vyWrOfQNM_y7Os8ywu2AfdHJca7eeg3fen6ulC4LC-kQ2eeDTVdHxcBIJbv3s9xQ2Iea-/s1600/IMG_20140724_100834.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He wasn't one for snuggling that morning, but I promise, we did have fun together. We love summer and candy and hanging out with family and friends. We love parade season.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0I4gFBzeaHCL6KG4AJo_RH-mpM6u5L8JlBUbmCzTGQQm3Xftn-Ofn1P81NzEe6_5RS_4UqHt7sdDOlvZvgSZ4HWEsi1ImCGnOXW_6tfITX6dIljQbWe18qPl9G7WxhZCMKt07CKz7CBzJ/s1600/IMG_20140724_102005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0I4gFBzeaHCL6KG4AJo_RH-mpM6u5L8JlBUbmCzTGQQm3Xftn-Ofn1P81NzEe6_5RS_4UqHt7sdDOlvZvgSZ4HWEsi1ImCGnOXW_6tfITX6dIljQbWe18qPl9G7WxhZCMKt07CKz7CBzJ/s1600/IMG_20140724_102005.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708818417031846182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2628542491104436639.post-87479443602462839642014-10-02T14:22:00.001-07:002014-10-02T14:22:08.757-07:00pony boy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It only lasted for a few days, at the very beginning of the summer. But the boy was so tired of me trying to sweep his hair out of his eyes that I resorted to a ponytail on the top of his head. I received a few "she's so cute" comments, and although I corrected the first couple, I ended up just thanking the rest. Because he <i>is</i> so cute. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtsyqnkBSVPKTvMxLG3g_VnjznvnvpKGD2xjGy8VBgML3V89IAfORwF7LSq9elraoGEOUWPSgpM7_pEJppzkuMkUBrPH2-Z_FkkpnzdTAqHyNDpmNBRWTjegrJM636dCKGmPWu9zNva-B/s1600/IMG_20140701_084446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtsyqnkBSVPKTvMxLG3g_VnjznvnvpKGD2xjGy8VBgML3V89IAfORwF7LSq9elraoGEOUWPSgpM7_pEJppzkuMkUBrPH2-Z_FkkpnzdTAqHyNDpmNBRWTjegrJM636dCKGmPWu9zNva-B/s1600/IMG_20140701_084446.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Like I said, it only lasted a few days. I moved onto a barrette, which worked much better, and was less of a struggle getting into his hair. I know that eventually a haircut will happen, but neither Richard or I are ready for it yet. We love this boy, and every single crazy long hair on his head!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwdYOPC5JVfNBmr5IIZwae4_D-3aT_FmsHr8Ikw23a_Eu6NIYbscqVoLrz_iwJN7x_NdJmlH7YleFm9w4YB427E37Wy2nvjZHN91W5_-_j9k3EEsu9VRGXLl5GOI89mBUJMt1kYBpUs2S/s1600/IMG_20140709_114931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwdYOPC5JVfNBmr5IIZwae4_D-3aT_FmsHr8Ikw23a_Eu6NIYbscqVoLrz_iwJN7x_NdJmlH7YleFm9w4YB427E37Wy2nvjZHN91W5_-_j9k3EEsu9VRGXLl5GOI89mBUJMt1kYBpUs2S/s1600/IMG_20140709_114931.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708818417031846182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2628542491104436639.post-34299263023812030042014-10-02T13:22:00.003-07:002014-10-02T13:22:45.612-07:00to the bride and groom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In keeping with tradition, I'm playing a mad game of catch-up. This happened ages ago, but it was a pretty important happening, so it deserves documentation.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We'd heard a lot about Austin's girlfriend Maren, but had never actually met her in person. I absolutely made him show me pictures on facebook, and asked him probably more questions about her and them than he was comfortable answering, but I like to get the scoop, so we felt like we kind of knew a little bit about her. And what we kind of knew, we really liked.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, when he told us he was planning to propose to her, we were all very happy for him, and I volunteered to be a part of it, since she didn't know me. He probably thought I was joking, but I absolutely was not. And luckily, he decided to take me up on the offer!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Almost exactly 6 months ago, on conference weekend (the next General Conference starts in 3 days), the surprise went down like this: I pretended to be a photographer with the Ensign (borrowed a nice-looking camera that I definitely didn't know how to use from some friends and pretended to take lots of pictures with it...I think I did get a few, but they were all horribly blurry and nothing worth keeping, unfortunately). I approached them as they were standing by the reflection pool in front of the temple, after the session they'd attended let out, and asked if I could take their photo for the conference edition of the magazine. They laughed and said yes, and when I was pretending to take pics, he got down on his knee and did the deed. He'd asked if I could take a photo with his phone, so I was recording it with that. Richard and Marty, Heidi and Peter were hiding in the crowd nearby, and when she visibly said yes, they all ran out cheering. Luckily, a girl from across the pond saw what was happening and was taking really good photos. She also took this one with my phone.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7o70UCfGRVgVPERePxEwUmGa4TO8UB0MDZhN1h-sB3ObRGps3cDI4axlETIKAwb3EKQak-aZxjSK_2b5XO0LzVkCaNOOF-_zOJd2lgFzKWYbrzK7T1d2_t6wLXufV0qSRmvOEN0KxKITv/s1600/10257942_10152156081533432_7226884792796763501_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7o70UCfGRVgVPERePxEwUmGa4TO8UB0MDZhN1h-sB3ObRGps3cDI4axlETIKAwb3EKQak-aZxjSK_2b5XO0LzVkCaNOOF-_zOJd2lgFzKWYbrzK7T1d2_t6wLXufV0qSRmvOEN0KxKITv/s1600/10257942_10152156081533432_7226884792796763501_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After we had formally been introduced, we walked to the Blue Iguana for some delicious Mexican food to celebrate. Austin and Maren were too excited to eat - they were making lots of phone calls, and clearly floating on cloud nine, but the rest of us put it away. Especially Richard. He ordered the biggest burrito any of us had ever seen, and if he finished it he would get his picture on the wall. Didn't happen, but it was funny to joke about. He literally ate it for multiple days after that as lunch leftovers at work. All in all, it was a great day. And we had a wedding to look forward to!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Fast forward a couple of months, and the wedding festivities arrived. There was a dinner/reception the night before at her parents' house in Paradise. It was a luau theme, and totally adorable. The food was great, and even though it was pouring rain, it was a fun night getting to know her family and catching up with Richard's parents. It was still taking Marty a little while to warm up to Liz and Dale, but once he did, they were really having a ball together. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTy9kFWjjANS8iz53w5sgMh3P1iEIMbYgy2fHJeuNNYVqUUmoG3eOJs41h82TgLvwuxplJaShDaPqxfPkS46s_eEMPd0ZOT97dQlYVmLnB0FJ2dgSoophWeZQnE6GA7cj1D9o5ICO_B2fe/s1600/IMG_20140617_232821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTy9kFWjjANS8iz53w5sgMh3P1iEIMbYgy2fHJeuNNYVqUUmoG3eOJs41h82TgLvwuxplJaShDaPqxfPkS46s_eEMPd0ZOT97dQlYVmLnB0FJ2dgSoophWeZQnE6GA7cj1D9o5ICO_B2fe/s1600/IMG_20140617_232821.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0Xonh3GLc0czJm2n2EaHSlanYmTPHzMJLJoU5KvJtSYGKpgKKDpuht5Hf0m5ZCEcZbdaZFc2IvYa3rC3u6Nvan2iriT3f3cmIQzfMJJh5lnrW0yemmTBQRNY9FUYCt7BQ0GSRSikaX_0/s1600/1404247474953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0Xonh3GLc0czJm2n2EaHSlanYmTPHzMJLJoU5KvJtSYGKpgKKDpuht5Hf0m5ZCEcZbdaZFc2IvYa3rC3u6Nvan2iriT3f3cmIQzfMJJh5lnrW0yemmTBQRNY9FUYCt7BQ0GSRSikaX_0/s1600/1404247474953.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Megan was expecting to deliver her baby any minute at this point, so they had to miss the dinner, but we saw them the next day. We were running a little late, as usual, and were the last ones to enter the sealing room before the ceremony began. They tied the knot, and then we headed to Liberty Park for a delicious luncheon, where I was asked to give a little speech. They wanted one similar to the one I'd given at Heidi and Peter's wedding the previous summer (which was a huge hit and got lots of laughs), but I feel like expectations were too high, so it fell a little short. Anyway, I did it and we celebrated the new couple, and it was all very fun.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWM1WJYWJhs04ycsUVkZLTADd_UdbUuJ845OjauboZVFSVhCCQ2T3AkrDMHOiIqt8MRTRyyeT8YqlPkIgNzJt1lcgJL1ncn4GujIbuQedXZgW3RH7cjph8yOWCVEhxG1rb3qexMlW1GtI/s1600/1404247595944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWM1WJYWJhs04ycsUVkZLTADd_UdbUuJ845OjauboZVFSVhCCQ2T3AkrDMHOiIqt8MRTRyyeT8YqlPkIgNzJt1lcgJL1ncn4GujIbuQedXZgW3RH7cjph8yOWCVEhxG1rb3qexMlW1GtI/s1600/1404247595944.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">As people were starting to leave, we begged Megan and Scott to stay and hang out with us a little longer. We let the kids run around like banshees, which they loved, and we got to catch up, which <i>we</i> loved. I really miss living so close to them - there is no question we took that for granted while it lasted. We walked around the park, and the boys saw someone slack-lining unusually high, so of course they asked to try it. Scott was the only one to give it a go, and it never really turned out, but it was fun to watch.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLqOhw5Jk4XOHR4h0XxeyACWIxt_-tJI8foZ3j7TfSPgv0LdoGov3zUSS_f6Kzts6zToBdwDqp6b86KDARgxAUVcgLDICXQNmS_pfaietuAomGBOdC02Tcz_3Iwmq2NMn9-O0bkvufjks/s1600/1403306428263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLqOhw5Jk4XOHR4h0XxeyACWIxt_-tJI8foZ3j7TfSPgv0LdoGov3zUSS_f6Kzts6zToBdwDqp6b86KDARgxAUVcgLDICXQNmS_pfaietuAomGBOdC02Tcz_3Iwmq2NMn9-O0bkvufjks/s1600/1403306428263.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Eventually it was time for us all to go. Just days later, Megan gave birth to a healthy baby boy who they named Simon Peter Morgan. He is such a cutie, and fits right in the Eli and Mary. We love those kiddos, and Marty sure loves to hang out with them. I'm so glad he'll have these cousins to grow up with. But I digress...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We love Austin and Maren together, and we are so glad they found one another. Cheers to eternity.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTenk4l7lpwwPYdAiqdQ4DrrDhKQrpb_vaBLGKekSzPbNgXB7UPB8IFSUTyhovWAsvqdsIMMAHxWp9La3lERgWp_X7CJ4vW06Ek5X0z1ggLwNTiF7svZ_itebHEXps8MHzDIHzdqfG_FDP/s1600/10689668_10203833037998749_5840262549554776413_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTenk4l7lpwwPYdAiqdQ4DrrDhKQrpb_vaBLGKekSzPbNgXB7UPB8IFSUTyhovWAsvqdsIMMAHxWp9La3lERgWp_X7CJ4vW06Ek5X0z1ggLwNTiF7svZ_itebHEXps8MHzDIHzdqfG_FDP/s1600/10689668_10203833037998749_5840262549554776413_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708818417031846182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2628542491104436639.post-1868455134292170272014-07-16T19:38:00.000-07:002014-07-16T19:38:12.170-07:00Daddy rocks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If there is one thing I know for sure, it is that Marty thinks that Richard rocks. I don't know if there is anything he loves more than watching Richard play guitar.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Cco_KNfWBKB6O0MzrNEw3Ukr8R_UBdoHBH40XFS_oItX04NJZxEJVoB6l-m6Am9vMNI1xmMh0oGLU4GLbxX9xebyr7uJWT6IRxyktCtgLns6TnNwgnXJJJvp9qgzYUbtqlpIdqLUBox-/s640/IMG_20140623_192240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Cco_KNfWBKB6O0MzrNEw3Ukr8R_UBdoHBH40XFS_oItX04NJZxEJVoB6l-m6Am9vMNI1xmMh0oGLU4GLbxX9xebyr7uJWT6IRxyktCtgLns6TnNwgnXJJJvp9qgzYUbtqlpIdqLUBox-/s640/IMG_20140623_192240.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
That's not true. Maybe the one thing he loves more than that is to actually play guitar with him. When the band is jamming in the basement, Marty will stand in the front room, or at the top of the stairs, or on the porch if we are outside, and just dance. And I don't think that it is any coincidence that his dance move of choice when Richard is involved, is the head nod. It's almost a full-on head bang, and I'm sure once he's acquired the necessary amount of coordination, it will be.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ejiE8BpMSq6p44kNkAewrWlaVSbAHOa9-J-EvI_7odDln7pRoDnEAQGwHd-Bz8fe8CP6g9wxKBK-DyULvnB32KdbnvSRM3cSBnwpUzVdP1sahxYlx8feqcnkrwO6026gdArPpXkSYTRT/s640/IMG_20140623_192311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ejiE8BpMSq6p44kNkAewrWlaVSbAHOa9-J-EvI_7odDln7pRoDnEAQGwHd-Bz8fe8CP6g9wxKBK-DyULvnB32KdbnvSRM3cSBnwpUzVdP1sahxYlx8feqcnkrwO6026gdArPpXkSYTRT/s640/IMG_20140623_192311.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, it is no surprise that he has been their biggest fan at the shows I've taken him to. The first one was in a bar. I didn't know if I'd get away with it, but I did! Anyway, it's official: Richard is rocking both of our worlds.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfuQFo_IKfVEt4ve78YrmPMHtF0QIb7TJrDLv9OML-LfFIt-NfMTWVFR-GwW-3nlJCP2wkRfINBMaUKQf6lYu7Ozcb5Hx2TrU6r6yyAcP_cLq6n7m04eJoxGO7ctlczSzfzzqb0L04yt5/s1600/IMG_20140628_223721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfuQFo_IKfVEt4ve78YrmPMHtF0QIb7TJrDLv9OML-LfFIt-NfMTWVFR-GwW-3nlJCP2wkRfINBMaUKQf6lYu7Ozcb5Hx2TrU6r6yyAcP_cLq6n7m04eJoxGO7ctlczSzfzzqb0L04yt5/s640/IMG_20140628_223721.jpg" height="400" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Flh3.ggpht.com%2F-qA_tVuhmzeg%2FU7OFfz981HI%2FAAAAAAAABCE%2FvGkmfquS6qo%2Fs640%2FIMG_20140623_192240.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Cco_KNfWBKB6O0MzrNEw3Ukr8R_UBdoHBH40XFS_oItX04NJZxEJVoB6l-m6Am9vMNI1xmMh0oGLU4GLbxX9xebyr7uJWT6IRxyktCtgLns6TnNwgnXJJJvp9qgzYUbtqlpIdqLUBox-/s640/IMG_20140623_192240.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Flh3.ggpht.com%2F-juI89JZZc_g%2FU7OFikXlg1I%2FAAAAAAAABCM%2FcLy-sKjg6Jw%2Fs640%2FIMG_20140623_192311.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ejiE8BpMSq6p44kNkAewrWlaVSbAHOa9-J-EvI_7odDln7pRoDnEAQGwHd-Bz8fe8CP6g9wxKBK-DyULvnB32KdbnvSRM3cSBnwpUzVdP1sahxYlx8feqcnkrwO6026gdArPpXkSYTRT/s640/IMG_20140623_192311.jpg" -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708818417031846182noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2628542491104436639.post-89959854759788462062014-07-16T19:29:00.000-07:002014-07-16T19:29:10.602-07:00Oh-wow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Oh-wow." That was what Marty Boy said more than anything the day that we took him to the HAFB air show. And we never got tired of hearing it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnS0WqfnwspzxnVxdaJlSwO5Qc3eASj3CrVd9PF_Fg-nZnv_PGZHaI855wqo0YG5T3Xnys_0zEh0waKVNtz9nRDjFXghyBE8Jsyipa9rVl0xXofZ92xcyYb2qLVvK0SKP3qXj3WotoPuHF/s1600/IMG_20140629_224249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnS0WqfnwspzxnVxdaJlSwO5Qc3eASj3CrVd9PF_Fg-nZnv_PGZHaI855wqo0YG5T3Xnys_0zEh0waKVNtz9nRDjFXghyBE8Jsyipa9rVl0xXofZ92xcyYb2qLVvK0SKP3qXj3WotoPuHF/s640/IMG_20140629_224249.jpg" height="400" width="400" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was a super hot day, and there were lots of people there. But it was a little boy's dream come true walking around and through, and sitting in planes. He was a little cranky because we'd cut his nap short, but overall it was a fun memory. One that he's too little to recall, but that Richard and I will never forget.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBHvbGgUUh1Ql6GhAzSUo9ER0XtQuEOi8ZiQ_SGd-_37W_vaevSC6bK9Jth07yYg_jID7lt1MeKGtm54xKm8_Mw8zJOClB415ETaVIxFmx-W8YhURPnMT196NF8fArDIRw1c73xFgtr9L_/s1600/IMG_20140629_224755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBHvbGgUUh1Ql6GhAzSUo9ER0XtQuEOi8ZiQ_SGd-_37W_vaevSC6bK9Jth07yYg_jID7lt1MeKGtm54xKm8_Mw8zJOClB415ETaVIxFmx-W8YhURPnMT196NF8fArDIRw1c73xFgtr9L_/s640/IMG_20140629_224755.jpg" height="400" width="400" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We were all hot and sticky. And the fact that Marty wanted to be held 90% of the time because of the crowd (by me, oddly enough) made it a little hotter and stickier. But no less enjoyable.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEB4e9oWUQHEma-wJXve32syUSf9AHV2WuAjqgF1R45UaMrcmAzv53YnBQKyMODy25isjZKKthLs8mjr9QqO49djGOIHzIibXWAQs1uVYIK8QBAaoGF6GY93OXuWch35b7h9yX7115QHS/s1600/IMG_20140629_225059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEB4e9oWUQHEma-wJXve32syUSf9AHV2WuAjqgF1R45UaMrcmAzv53YnBQKyMODy25isjZKKthLs8mjr9QqO49djGOIHzIibXWAQs1uVYIK8QBAaoGF6GY93OXuWch35b7h9yX7115QHS/s640/IMG_20140629_225059.jpg" height="400" width="400" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I even pulled off a successful shoulder ride! It was a good day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jS0xEYQ0cVD5bfOtJEdHk8Kwdn3Va9yCwy7OUgg09oF2kzlLru7UBFHl6EPu-yZIicblErcPbwJtHBuRJRJa5I0b4FrYkcAe3OW0yDKSvhD1tHBe6j4nwsEqeWcMnxFKWSRGyDR48tid/s1600/IMG_20140629_225457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jS0xEYQ0cVD5bfOtJEdHk8Kwdn3Va9yCwy7OUgg09oF2kzlLru7UBFHl6EPu-yZIicblErcPbwJtHBuRJRJa5I0b4FrYkcAe3OW0yDKSvhD1tHBe6j4nwsEqeWcMnxFKWSRGyDR48tid/s640/IMG_20140629_225457.jpg" height="400" width="400" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And seeing this look on his face, while he said those magic words, made even the dreadful sunscreen application before we left the car seem totally worth it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLuHiFCTeLxt0l5gFoGpHf0ZXJI6zIh2mQPAMuCUtaEO2UTu9-wcYyaAasFAlnDXfc75Q7xliKFyt_Han4nUx7XY4wnaMi2tAwFKBJI-ipItZmjsl0JeQEqQA_9r4Q1HaS6OWIcqrFcLX/s1600/IMG_20140629_225659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLuHiFCTeLxt0l5gFoGpHf0ZXJI6zIh2mQPAMuCUtaEO2UTu9-wcYyaAasFAlnDXfc75Q7xliKFyt_Han4nUx7XY4wnaMi2tAwFKBJI-ipItZmjsl0JeQEqQA_9r4Q1HaS6OWIcqrFcLX/s640/IMG_20140629_225659.jpg" height="400" width="400" /> </a> </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708818417031846182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2628542491104436639.post-55210379552182652062014-07-16T19:19:00.003-07:002014-07-16T19:19:47.051-07:00Stealing kisses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
there was this one night, before bedtime, that richard kept asking marty for kisses. and every single time, he got what he asked for. every time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPNFEunBL6uJHqxj8XCpP5anT9T-rnoltduQgr2WMOQ8lp4MQOzmlJvWkJbDHrdgoHRZeyU4e5SQMS52JU7C7y76U89ryb4_enkN_yw94nLu2iE44JXq2XyqdSTq6_1jPD0qcAVayviDh/s1600/IMG_20140608_204558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPNFEunBL6uJHqxj8XCpP5anT9T-rnoltduQgr2WMOQ8lp4MQOzmlJvWkJbDHrdgoHRZeyU4e5SQMS52JU7C7y76U89ryb4_enkN_yw94nLu2iE44JXq2XyqdSTq6_1jPD0qcAVayviDh/s640/IMG_20140608_204558.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
but for some reason, whenever i asked for a kiss, this was marty's response. he would throw his head back and laugh his little head off. like what i was asking was absolutely ridiculous. we got some video of it. probably for one of those times that i'm feeling really bad about myself and need a little self-esteem boost. oh wait, no that wouldn't work at all.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcpjsFWx5Jva0mLNhl6AqSvgYtARTyHi9XCXeK0lPzeMrwWHWGHGhNZo9jQ3EyRPt7QKonMxh-DI5dy3F9K3lEyM6s2oahTKy5Hz54b6KZmSn_3y45088PX3kQDJ21EV9gsZQ138UmEZl/s1600/IMG_20140608_204610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcpjsFWx5Jva0mLNhl6AqSvgYtARTyHi9XCXeK0lPzeMrwWHWGHGhNZo9jQ3EyRPt7QKonMxh-DI5dy3F9K3lEyM6s2oahTKy5Hz54b6KZmSn_3y45088PX3kQDJ21EV9gsZQ138UmEZl/s640/IMG_20140608_204610.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
this was actually the start of a good week-long (or maybe a little longer) stretch where if i even entered the room at bath time or bedtime, marty would go nuts and think i was going to take him away from richard. at first it really hurt my feelings. i mean, it was dramatic. but i guess i'm just thankful he loves his dad so stinking much. and i got to where i just enjoyed a little break at the end of the day while the boys were hanging out together.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
funny how motherhood often feels like a big ball of contradicting emotions...sometimes at the end of the day i feel like i could use a little break, but when my boys are having fun together i just feel like i'm missing out and want in on that action.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708818417031846182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2628542491104436639.post-12732506611331678952014-07-01T22:03:00.000-07:002014-07-01T22:03:08.935-07:00Happy Easter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I know that Marty is still too young to understand the meaning and all the hype behind most of the things we get excited for him to experience these days. Easter was one of those things, but it didn't make it any less enjoyable for me or Richard.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We took him to an Easter egg hunt at HAFB that weekend. Yes, we were the parents who brought a plastic bag because we didn't think about buying a basket (but really, he didn't notice, and it would have just been filled with dirt anyway). And yes, he was more interested in the dirt around the baseball field where the hunt was taking place than in the hunt itself.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpmMKHY1wypUJLJavj5FAcHRddr6cqrT1X2kMv045VLqBBoq9VlrMsWhdu5v98MokpTFPmRRQa3w3Z7xyF69jqsozw261Z3TaKfYqqFogdV6fRBdlMHtFDbxt2mUNnD4A61Id-3k8sPVDf/s1600/IMG_20140419_100418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpmMKHY1wypUJLJavj5FAcHRddr6cqrT1X2kMv045VLqBBoq9VlrMsWhdu5v98MokpTFPmRRQa3w3Z7xyF69jqsozw261Z3TaKfYqqFogdV6fRBdlMHtFDbxt2mUNnD4A61Id-3k8sPVDf/s1600/IMG_20140419_100418.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our goal was for him to pick up at least one egg.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIyIiZ5B5cLbrT_V7WMq31ppSHp4qlcjLKzVDQGV9xxDmAteVEWZuunMuPyBG39g8IDYKIjh_ijARpMOy6c2hk04jrdgSARIy4ryQFxCVLznetokUGLE7_bi7Y_COJ7pAsEmQWXPilZVK/s1600/IMG_20140419_100747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIyIiZ5B5cLbrT_V7WMq31ppSHp4qlcjLKzVDQGV9xxDmAteVEWZuunMuPyBG39g8IDYKIjh_ijARpMOy6c2hk04jrdgSARIy4ryQFxCVLznetokUGLE7_bi7Y_COJ7pAsEmQWXPilZVK/s1600/IMG_20140419_100747.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was close. I think he ended up with three. I think he only actually picked up one of them on his own, though. Even that is a miracle when you consider how cutthroat some of those other parents were, pushing their kids around the field at warp-speed, yelling at them to pick up eggs. Luckily there were only stickers and little plastic prizes in the eggs. I'd hate to imagine what the parents could have been like had there been candy involved.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There was rather large success that morning:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After the Chuck E. Cheese and Santa Claus incidents, we were pretty nervous about letting the boy see the Easter Bunny. We weren't going to go out of our way to point him out, and we definitely weren't going to force a photo. But wouldn't you know, when that giant rabbit was walking across the field toward us, Marty stopped and stared. And then he actually started walking in his direction to get a closer look. The bunny stopped a few feet away from Marty and knelt down, reaching out his hand. Marty didn't move a muscle. Thank heavens the bunny had the good sense to stand and walk away. Had he pushed the boundaries of Marty's little bubble, we may have seen a meltdown that morning. However, Marty decided to follow the bunny to the edge of the field. It was adorable. And it also gave us hope that we will one day be able to take him to Disneyland.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP6muVePI8iBYKmOIHaKaoLLtJBDJglz9oiaJVq0DBWbWmQ2uRVIBUeZ-pOPeWzzbcmtTYo-BDvLUcOi4T1b_g-_ptMhHTrZ4XTxNLI3VEFUdioFlrcCmYlmcPpNQ6coMuyzVhXy6jXZDY/s1600/IMG_20140419_100823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP6muVePI8iBYKmOIHaKaoLLtJBDJglz9oiaJVq0DBWbWmQ2uRVIBUeZ-pOPeWzzbcmtTYo-BDvLUcOi4T1b_g-_ptMhHTrZ4XTxNLI3VEFUdioFlrcCmYlmcPpNQ6coMuyzVhXy6jXZDY/s1600/IMG_20140419_100823.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Instead of a basket, Marty received an Easter bucket, with a couple a swimsuit, some empty Easter eggs, and the movie <i>Frozen.</i> I admit, the movie was more for me than it was for him....or so I thought. He loves the movie and we watch it (or parts of it) almost daily. I know it's mostly because of the music, so I think we just need to get some other movies with music in them. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhCuNXm2UKPGXQtZTdJ8f66evpsANoqAaWu2UTSczMNgedsjU9Z6nP149wHYfQ9LDGbKaG50Br1uEjiSlPpjkdXDT-3uGBCjbXCWGlTdMdYGVd_7uFjrWWivVLydPDsON1urS7_YENpPW/s1600/IMG_20140420_072817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhCuNXm2UKPGXQtZTdJ8f66evpsANoqAaWu2UTSczMNgedsjU9Z6nP149wHYfQ9LDGbKaG50Br1uEjiSlPpjkdXDT-3uGBCjbXCWGlTdMdYGVd_7uFjrWWivVLydPDsON1urS7_YENpPW/s1600/IMG_20140420_072817.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We also went to church to celebrate the true reason for Easter. And clearly, we are very reverent. Only the most reverent people take pictures while still in the church building.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1GiLMYLrPWgptiQvNyUKxeMLnaFMPP2R1LJlxdq5Kwqf6daiBfF_5bJeaNtVuksh8bThCtMTm2P7MIuebrLXtJZu1gLIJiTPBZ3mQWASp4s75YBS4TUaY2b81dKUzXOYJG9Eb3YzmtN3F/s1600/IMG_20140420_120357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1GiLMYLrPWgptiQvNyUKxeMLnaFMPP2R1LJlxdq5Kwqf6daiBfF_5bJeaNtVuksh8bThCtMTm2P7MIuebrLXtJZu1gLIJiTPBZ3mQWASp4s75YBS4TUaY2b81dKUzXOYJG9Eb3YzmtN3F/s640/IMG_20140420_120357.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am so grateful for the atonement of my savior, Jesus Christ. I am blessed to be a wife and mother, but I am far from perfect at either of those things, and I mess up a lot in every other aspect of life, too. But it is comforting to know that someone understands all that I am going through, and that I can be forgiven of my mistakes. The fact that there is hope for me to become better, and that I can live with these boys forever is the most special gift. I am one lucky girl.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708818417031846182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2628542491104436639.post-45010740674639616372014-07-01T21:38:00.001-07:002014-07-01T21:38:05.608-07:00Moving on<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In January, Richard left the job he'd had (for over 4 years!) in staffing on Hill Air Force Base for a new position as a Management Support Specialist for the business office of 309th Maintenance Support Group. As much as he loved the people he was working with in staffing, he is really loving his new job. There are busy days, of course, but he seems very happy here. Something I remember him saying about his work in staffing is that he was part of a process, and that he really like opportunities where he could see a project through from beginning to end. He is getting a lot of those opportunities these days, and I think he is feeling more fulfilled because of it. Not to mention he gets to rub elbows with some pretty "high-ups" on base, and that is pretty cool.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREsYZOWCWSOSQ0i5bPnjvKWjrdb3GbTvx6ut3e0ztArE4xe-G2dc5KZ4Dt-lQ0oVSGzbRqbEbvqUIkQSUsvug59ZjQeBktHmCH9_XHOiK-0fH4O05Bs6jwCaywK7jKEr0n0IsYvWK_zEN/s1600/IMG_20140106_131101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREsYZOWCWSOSQ0i5bPnjvKWjrdb3GbTvx6ut3e0ztArE4xe-G2dc5KZ4Dt-lQ0oVSGzbRqbEbvqUIkQSUsvug59ZjQeBktHmCH9_XHOiK-0fH4O05Bs6jwCaywK7jKEr0n0IsYvWK_zEN/s640/IMG_20140106_131101.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
His old staffing team had a farewell luncheon for him before he made the switch, and they were nice enough to invite Marty and me. We are so proud of Richard, and so thankful for all of his hard work to support our family.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708818417031846182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2628542491104436639.post-42414561008776356092014-07-01T21:29:00.003-07:002014-07-01T21:29:37.308-07:00Mommy's little helper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I remember when I started watching little Andy Francis once a week, back when we lived in the basement apartment and didn't have any kids of our own. I remember thinking, "How does anyone with kids get anything done?" It's a completely different ball game getting things done with a little buddy as your sidekick 24/7. Let's just say that nap time is pretty productive for me. As long as I'm managing my time well, that is.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When Marty Boy is awake, he is willing to help me do my hair</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUhX4sfcCroswP-fepDH4YUMGeLba5_CYk2-yj9rSfmUmMFwn9hPD14bcbOIn-JNM_H2OcolIEcwxv6GRSKUL1j0ps9J2t-B7tKbQP90dfhk6YYjJP3hLjc-iN_oV5GH2xMPMrOX63kJSW/s1600/IMG_20140113_163600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUhX4sfcCroswP-fepDH4YUMGeLba5_CYk2-yj9rSfmUmMFwn9hPD14bcbOIn-JNM_H2OcolIEcwxv6GRSKUL1j0ps9J2t-B7tKbQP90dfhk6YYjJP3hLjc-iN_oV5GH2xMPMrOX63kJSW/s640/IMG_20140113_163600.jpg" height="400" width="300" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He loves organizing drawers in the kitchen when I'm making dinner, or doing dishes. It is almost impossible for me to load/unload the dishwasher without him trying to climb in.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4YOKCc6I1g_zu2r8IQ79voqDoMujMbCrF8QqArHSRJZ_ochxZUMt3o4wZwGwd0SKhJTFsb-ZQiwN2rk_5wyCCPQBnzfzAlJXg6lvDmzkKd3JMV7GoPm31IxzkXWayAXgJ2A6wUPeToCs/s1600/IMG_20140114_185911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4YOKCc6I1g_zu2r8IQ79voqDoMujMbCrF8QqArHSRJZ_ochxZUMt3o4wZwGwd0SKhJTFsb-ZQiwN2rk_5wyCCPQBnzfzAlJXg6lvDmzkKd3JMV7GoPm31IxzkXWayAXgJ2A6wUPeToCs/s640/IMG_20140114_185911.jpg" height="400" width="300" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, like I said, nap time is pretty productive when it comes to doing the things that I can't really do with my little buddy, but the time when he is awake is always way more fun.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHoNIQP3Sd6uWvs8kd7ygoIEySz_P8sgvry0uOIv2APl1PsHnk17zA9RrNSDtfeBNi-ttj2vAYSBlq-5IEUUaGEbUNFmyf1cT4NuZuIMfrFT4Kv-Lktoue671e2UMjEljXh7UJ2yp7vIQJ/s1600/IMG_20140116_154350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHoNIQP3Sd6uWvs8kd7ygoIEySz_P8sgvry0uOIv2APl1PsHnk17zA9RrNSDtfeBNi-ttj2vAYSBlq-5IEUUaGEbUNFmyf1cT4NuZuIMfrFT4Kv-Lktoue671e2UMjEljXh7UJ2yp7vIQJ/s640/IMG_20140116_154350.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Seeing and learning knew things, and making memories is way more fun than making the bed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNx6Tk1iskbJ_889OT4QtwZjTKB8Nz4F6BBnp3rNhDuaDAYOSoWwF9iT_0P6B-xpe-vy00VGF1RagyrQwpCHgq4ktOJnFLa_ajlwmPU3ART30zYg1NxAsAHZB7ov3WHUXlDN3RE10miuX/s1600/IMG_20140116_154618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNx6Tk1iskbJ_889OT4QtwZjTKB8Nz4F6BBnp3rNhDuaDAYOSoWwF9iT_0P6B-xpe-vy00VGF1RagyrQwpCHgq4ktOJnFLa_ajlwmPU3ART30zYg1NxAsAHZB7ov3WHUXlDN3RE10miuX/s640/IMG_20140116_154618.jpg" height="400" width="300" /> </a> </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708818417031846182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2628542491104436639.post-85148682606106006472014-07-01T21:22:00.002-07:002014-07-01T21:22:35.079-07:00sloppy kisses = best kisses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I had so much fun doing this little photo shoot with Marty Boy for Valentine's Day! He was only 14 months old, so we were still being pretty careful with the amount of sugar he was getting - not that we aren't careful now, but let's face it, he's getting a crapton more now. Anyway, it was kind of a milestone as far as his sugar consumption goes. He loved it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I plastered my lips with cheap red lipstick (that didn't fully come off for days), stripped him down, kissed him all over, and let him go crazy with the box of chocolates. He was a mess, the couch was a mess, and we were both having a ball.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAvT8mEIPOxh_Ti-NXFI3M42G6TQRAWJ_8AUvFs0ZT7g-A5qqVVt9IPqJZM2DVuTz6PulU_DjB5gz45VmDxIPEBJiOU-9sU0H2-4EOTXtoUMLRDebAFa1W2l2AZuQPwfKryLX3VgtdWZ-/s1600/1891287_10152020039293432_1884274778_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAvT8mEIPOxh_Ti-NXFI3M42G6TQRAWJ_8AUvFs0ZT7g-A5qqVVt9IPqJZM2DVuTz6PulU_DjB5gz45VmDxIPEBJiOU-9sU0H2-4EOTXtoUMLRDebAFa1W2l2AZuQPwfKryLX3VgtdWZ-/s1600/1891287_10152020039293432_1884274778_n.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was so fun to hear responses from family members that we sent these cards to. I'm totally one of those moms that loves to dress her kid up, and I'm going to get it ever chance I get!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708818417031846182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2628542491104436639.post-6289275785222424512014-05-26T20:59:00.003-07:002014-05-26T20:59:42.360-07:00Big<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
i feel like it <i>just happened</i>. all of a sudden. one day at the library, after story time, he just waltzed right up to play with the bigger kids. and even though he was the only one putting the blocks in his mouth, he fit in.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNU8UrvEaNp0BkALgXLcVgHcSc83Zaxp8P4OA-k8ulo0ZQb4mB_nGTDajYMU_xuaSnonC9vw0PefNQxkg4I7OPe-gDi4vT6qsZ2i0D6kamC4F95CYQiWjLgqyXsYFpYk74ojiO1t-Pw7kv/s1600/IMG_20140106_111637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNU8UrvEaNp0BkALgXLcVgHcSc83Zaxp8P4OA-k8ulo0ZQb4mB_nGTDajYMU_xuaSnonC9vw0PefNQxkg4I7OPe-gDi4vT6qsZ2i0D6kamC4F95CYQiWjLgqyXsYFpYk74ojiO1t-Pw7kv/s640/IMG_20140106_111637.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
then, on a snowy day when i needed to get out of the house, we went to walk around the mall, and he ran right up to these candy jars like he knew that they were full of sugary goodness. of course, that was impossible because richard and i hadn't let a single grain of sugar pass through his little lips yet. but he <i>knew</i>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPzxmPXJvaDrsKLIpHomOd0CH1gpzNnuAQHT-2ZACJf40JLBGIQwmv9NM_8pldnYdqO9MAh74fdHGwmaYxB25mhwtalfP3ZORo9Z3yqX3TxK3YXaGaC2LOHiLdnl_aC_HCea5qWpEx-JL/s1600/IMG_20140107_155104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPzxmPXJvaDrsKLIpHomOd0CH1gpzNnuAQHT-2ZACJf40JLBGIQwmv9NM_8pldnYdqO9MAh74fdHGwmaYxB25mhwtalfP3ZORo9Z3yqX3TxK3YXaGaC2LOHiLdnl_aC_HCea5qWpEx-JL/s640/IMG_20140107_155104.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and then came drinking out of a normal cup. i mean, he is still perfecting that skill, but come on. a normal cup! he loves my protein shakes, and anything else that isn't confined to a cup by a lid.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6gyMKU0-figtpt2vtJF0mGNdf-hceLk69KX61K_0yHARdwGjP6WJcjqnPc3PHJtnrrKPmGIHzNuqy-58EyVMBanDpXk6p0OVYCJVVy5430EnBXA61rh77j1h-sxr2veAfVzA5fpPkamrQ/s1600/IMG_20140110_101708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6gyMKU0-figtpt2vtJF0mGNdf-hceLk69KX61K_0yHARdwGjP6WJcjqnPc3PHJtnrrKPmGIHzNuqy-58EyVMBanDpXk6p0OVYCJVVy5430EnBXA61rh77j1h-sxr2veAfVzA5fpPkamrQ/s640/IMG_20140110_101708.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
i feel like i've done a pretty good job of not getting sad about these things that make him seem like a big boy. i'm trying to really enjoy these moments as they come because i don't want to be one of those moms that is always saying how sad she is that her baby is getting <i>big</i>. i absolutely love watching him experience and learn these new things. BUT i am starting to see why people plan (or try) to have their kids 2 years apart.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708818417031846182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2628542491104436639.post-63431311034760609412014-05-09T14:39:00.002-07:002014-05-09T14:39:17.008-07:00Spill-proof?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
not so much.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJvxgnyXAzb9gg6EVRyiaOrTFM_byFwwWU1HoddqrsBi5yspQ7Rem_yed4OH_Tp0ZYKcZ2_YJebK0mqcbyeEaUStDblIunEoEq9pYhrgy_nFqz1GsYNbh5V_crslYFMLpAV-1k0ZuMHB-B/s1600/IMG_20140102_171329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJvxgnyXAzb9gg6EVRyiaOrTFM_byFwwWU1HoddqrsBi5yspQ7Rem_yed4OH_Tp0ZYKcZ2_YJebK0mqcbyeEaUStDblIunEoEq9pYhrgy_nFqz1GsYNbh5V_crslYFMLpAV-1k0ZuMHB-B/s640/IMG_20140102_171329.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
i bought one of those "no-spill" snack cups thinking i was a genius, and that marty would be so happy with his new independent snack-eating abilities. wrong. he was, however, thrilled with his new mess-making abilities. i don't think that "spill-proof" is even a real thing.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708818417031846182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2628542491104436639.post-63024291873829151862014-05-09T14:36:00.001-07:002014-05-09T14:36:22.219-07:00Counting down<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
we spent new year's eve with the bowman's, playing games and laughing a lot. it was the first and only time we've ever left marty with a babysitter that wasn't my parents. we asked our next-door-neighbor girl, bernice, if she would sit at our house while marty was sound asleep in his crib, and she said yes. her mom, maria, wouldn't let us pay her, so we gave her a boat load of candy instead.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsZqq3_jlcmY53fDdd9tsi0UXLiBw6qe-zhhqb2wQCJERWoI9HVaNpLT8MAoUN5QMx5OD5sNmTZ1dLZHyVXXZYvfrxLiVssy8TfZm3cEDeOAzyP00eDNBsnfeUTYRPK5P1WYO0g31QjWis/s1600/IMG_20140101_000042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsZqq3_jlcmY53fDdd9tsi0UXLiBw6qe-zhhqb2wQCJERWoI9HVaNpLT8MAoUN5QMx5OD5sNmTZ1dLZHyVXXZYvfrxLiVssy8TfZm3cEDeOAzyP00eDNBsnfeUTYRPK5P1WYO0g31QjWis/s640/IMG_20140101_000042.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
i love this guy, and i'm glad i got to count down to the new year with him. i honestly can't remember if we made any resolutions, which probably means we didn't. but with him by my side, i'm sure we'll do some pretty amazing things.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHH9Fk5O4Kl5ul68qavlyXJrEtPuNJ4Cw0APEQ1oTHIltNZVg5sQEF3iyuxDgki_g5XC5kzsoAqUMD2NOYzNqueo_RxcrSBAn6QDOaB9tckTdEqRnRI0Y86g1UqJZwu1gB-axLRniKb8v/s1600/IMG_20140101_000053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHH9Fk5O4Kl5ul68qavlyXJrEtPuNJ4Cw0APEQ1oTHIltNZVg5sQEF3iyuxDgki_g5XC5kzsoAqUMD2NOYzNqueo_RxcrSBAn6QDOaB9tckTdEqRnRI0Y86g1UqJZwu1gB-axLRniKb8v/s640/IMG_20140101_000053.jpg" height="400" width="300" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708818417031846182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2628542491104436639.post-51395167494150887652014-05-09T14:31:00.001-07:002014-05-09T14:31:39.309-07:00Ho ho holiday fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
our christmas holiday season usually starts the second thanksgiving is over. sometimes before, depending on how motivated i am to get our christmas decorations up. this christmas got its start at our ward christams party. i wasn't aware that santa would be making an appearance, and when i found out i probably should not have reacted the way i did. in my defense, though, richard reacted the exact same way. yes, marty boy had very recently been scared to death by chuck e. cheese, but for some reason we felt it was important to traumatize him further by taking a photo on santa/spencer bowman's lap. the very second that spencer walked into the gym in that costume, marty lost it. we didn't let that stop us. we just forced everyone to let us be the first family to take pictures so that we could leave with him right after. looking back, i'm not thrilled that we did it. i think this is our only real "mean mom and dad" moment, and my goal is to not do it again any time soon. richard is completely on board. even though we did get a couple of funny pictures out of it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPmVxT1uoR8aJOdMG_IbWlZwx9daKSALC3PvOYaA5OPu5LTD9qOTyZg7nUQDx310ODIjTxtF7WTLlznSBFWl6M6MBlPzfKMI78ZTPAFGcVJo6JDKSipXaXocpTUnMij_HqsJY_keixAQYJ/s1600/IMG_20131215_111934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPmVxT1uoR8aJOdMG_IbWlZwx9daKSALC3PvOYaA5OPu5LTD9qOTyZg7nUQDx310ODIjTxtF7WTLlznSBFWl6M6MBlPzfKMI78ZTPAFGcVJo6JDKSipXaXocpTUnMij_HqsJY_keixAQYJ/s640/IMG_20131215_111934.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
we really didn't spend a lot of time outside when it was snowy, but i did bundle up my little monster baby to help me deliver christmas cards to our neighborhood friends.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YPPlC4md7C8VeXb74OPYhcuw4fHwaY_NeNvLdUuEbIDciQWJi-zG63frCPHXJN19et6H5ASstc0tV3ZWimroyfu1t5uDu1Xzg_oNShdyvoI-aaeatOMaQ_t1eS_du8fzLdgkcuzcgxa0/s1600/IMG_20131220_160612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YPPlC4md7C8VeXb74OPYhcuw4fHwaY_NeNvLdUuEbIDciQWJi-zG63frCPHXJN19et6H5ASstc0tV3ZWimroyfu1t5uDu1Xzg_oNShdyvoI-aaeatOMaQ_t1eS_du8fzLdgkcuzcgxa0/s640/IMG_20131220_160612.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
the night before we left to spend christmas in st. george with the smiths, we got together at my parents' house to make our traditional graham cracker houses. i took notes on chelsea's past houses and loaded up the inside of mine with the candy i really wanted to eat. i was also reprimanded by chow for using too many orange sticks. she actually said to my mom, "see, i told you!" so apparently they talk about my chocolate hoarding behind my back. i. do. not. care.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJBQogHLt5thGWuJjgFjyW4Y1kA1CStIDkkFYBmeUO6oA7wuQzgMaQdjhG8FL2WrRkMVcqypED69fVOneztdjF9Aq3MOB4P36-xL9jV7zIeYP0oksyixZSF3RZtnriXz-tO-11KlCMQKb/s1600/IMG_20131220_210521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJBQogHLt5thGWuJjgFjyW4Y1kA1CStIDkkFYBmeUO6oA7wuQzgMaQdjhG8FL2WrRkMVcqypED69fVOneztdjF9Aq3MOB4P36-xL9jV7zIeYP0oksyixZSF3RZtnriXz-tO-11KlCMQKb/s640/IMG_20131220_210521.jpg" height="400" width="300" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
riard's house collapsed. i think he was a little disappointed, but not enough to scrap it. he was after the candy this year, too.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYLlhc3g0DAkFcqJQzJN9OhOKiyqWtT-TLmbmeKtPpbCfms2fSr-9wDtgNTc_C1bPJA5ZwIBqR9hWtrY-X0xLPTwOKPofVhU8zDMPKbf32Os_L90dAy05VrA4VMdL1xyb00eJeib4iQqS/s1600/IMG_20131220_210624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYLlhc3g0DAkFcqJQzJN9OhOKiyqWtT-TLmbmeKtPpbCfms2fSr-9wDtgNTc_C1bPJA5ZwIBqR9hWtrY-X0xLPTwOKPofVhU8zDMPKbf32Os_L90dAy05VrA4VMdL1xyb00eJeib4iQqS/s640/IMG_20131220_210624.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
marty got new jammies and snuggles from grandpa, so it was a good night for him, too.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYRHYYtK3TTk8b-n9AxUiwFHcG_6fIdh5kDSoYgGahOZvEb2xoSXl5K0eDalMnk9Gd6mpE58WpVXwsPnXN0JoX4IFc_YiXp8CgEVrPtlfHntLzML0Hu4g90jBZEealQW0sppBl_aAIutD/s1600/IMG_20131220_210320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYRHYYtK3TTk8b-n9AxUiwFHcG_6fIdh5kDSoYgGahOZvEb2xoSXl5K0eDalMnk9Gd6mpE58WpVXwsPnXN0JoX4IFc_YiXp8CgEVrPtlfHntLzML0Hu4g90jBZEealQW0sppBl_aAIutD/s640/IMG_20131220_210320.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
as much as i missed being with the porter side for the holiday, i have to admit that i really enjoyed our time in st. george. we played lots of pickle ball, and spent quite a bit of time at the park. the weather was fabulous, so we just wanted to be outside as much as possible. parents of the year award went to richard and i when we found marty slurping up melted snow off of the ground in the corner of the pickle ball courts. we just want to make sure that his immune system is good and strong. clearly it is.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7MpuJiQCL8dpopt6emyKVucFti-CmPaRqAXDaCrnhM4xydBuSmsK3YZz3l9y5cdgCvbSpELb1YbNvGqTtpFHub9gr9DiIkBLqAO4TIGgjrY4ZExejxqz7RL6mVLGOoxCkikuZXWlaJ_XA/s1600/IMG_20131224_164839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7MpuJiQCL8dpopt6emyKVucFti-CmPaRqAXDaCrnhM4xydBuSmsK3YZz3l9y5cdgCvbSpELb1YbNvGqTtpFHub9gr9DiIkBLqAO4TIGgjrY4ZExejxqz7RL6mVLGOoxCkikuZXWlaJ_XA/s640/IMG_20131224_164839.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
we could have withheld all presents from this boy and he wouldn't have cared for a second. this giant bear at grandma and grandpa smith's house was just about the greatest thing he'd ever seen. he laid on it and hugged it every five minutes, all week long.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWAN6qEktCYb1I5tIUWhXdximRb8VIgwLldT7RBzYcTrENcgH9sIF8fV0Nfz6oe5GWeyubSOif0IBznNpUGWvGOemrYL7X4UTcaDOi3mjmlMIJIMd6ZlfAIkVKNBGEiFDxoVvH5E4VY3rt/s1600/IMG_20131224_184554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWAN6qEktCYb1I5tIUWhXdximRb8VIgwLldT7RBzYcTrENcgH9sIF8fV0Nfz6oe5GWeyubSOif0IBznNpUGWvGOemrYL7X4UTcaDOi3mjmlMIJIMd6ZlfAIkVKNBGEiFDxoVvH5E4VY3rt/s640/IMG_20131224_184554.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
marty boy had a rough couple of nights at the beginning of our stay. on christmas eve, he wet through his diaper and none of us slept well at all. luckily just the sight of this little stinker puts us both in a better mood. even when the less-better mood is because of him. parenthood is complicated. did anybody tell us this before we were parents? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXAWYeQCu0cD6UKqw6zE-4gjkL2dcFHt3D44duOTGdC1btHxSWFX4rkP7MyFWLD-MNKaYKMzvIrRRi4t3apMpYYYV45AMX7Xl0yOW0_43SEW4p2lVfkMQnKtm3ioYLV7OranPfaBDyPAm_/s1600/IMG_20131225_072838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXAWYeQCu0cD6UKqw6zE-4gjkL2dcFHt3D44duOTGdC1btHxSWFX4rkP7MyFWLD-MNKaYKMzvIrRRi4t3apMpYYYV45AMX7Xl0yOW0_43SEW4p2lVfkMQnKtm3ioYLV7OranPfaBDyPAm_/s640/IMG_20131225_072838.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
we felt pretty bad that it was taking the boy awhile to warm up to liz, so we caved and let him have cinnamon rolls with everyone on christmas morning. and grandma got to feed them to him. the warming up went lots better after that.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRseuY67YnDaBBJ9ovQJbY0d2llOXAG7uR1-DWQNFsL3ZbGvLFvjfe50SN4COXwLxvhcOWQ60VbsLzM6FzY9VsYoSd_KvRba-knu1Ibcs5ZmplX4QoNWQ8-xV6SQI88jMrYE-zP_nj_I4V/s1600/IMG_20131225_083532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRseuY67YnDaBBJ9ovQJbY0d2llOXAG7uR1-DWQNFsL3ZbGvLFvjfe50SN4COXwLxvhcOWQ60VbsLzM6FzY9VsYoSd_KvRba-knu1Ibcs5ZmplX4QoNWQ8-xV6SQI88jMrYE-zP_nj_I4V/s640/IMG_20131225_083532.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
the presents were good all around. richard got me a book, some new running shoes for weber in motion coming up, and other good things. i gave him some stickygram magnets made from our instagram photos for him to put in his new office, a picture with maps of our favorite trips, and other good things. but the best part of it all was watching marty have fun that morning. fun with his toys, fun with the wrapping paper and boxes, and fun with richard's side of our family. christmas is so different with a kid, but i think it's a better kind of different.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsBch4uXTYdudTxF-0TZP1-nHYO51J_cDflmfNSsenZiCOLo9cHfWYDwhzaxdeLXWyZlGqHgK_o-rkjnaTk5Hi8dfckKUn4S_7iedw3xBQ_KLvURbpke-FUJ6X7lbccbrbWN_3clcnLHtR/s1600/IMG_20131225_093627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsBch4uXTYdudTxF-0TZP1-nHYO51J_cDflmfNSsenZiCOLo9cHfWYDwhzaxdeLXWyZlGqHgK_o-rkjnaTk5Hi8dfckKUn4S_7iedw3xBQ_KLvURbpke-FUJ6X7lbccbrbWN_3clcnLHtR/s640/IMG_20131225_093627.jpg" height="400" width="300" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
more time outside called for a walk to the duck pond with grandma and grandpa. i went to begin with, but ended up leaving the three of them alone to do some bonding.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkR23_omrVyE6qq1yo5y5ASlcetAcKf1CqHfcx1Ch2QSj6EXJHFJB-RbDtLCXg5UjerPOr1_g2jePDdizDznXcLK8toX7XwvoIqPGa8W7g0EzfiuhzFgSWGSelWEmQ7PMw_Z5wYXshYA83/s1600/IMG_20131225_160954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkR23_omrVyE6qq1yo5y5ASlcetAcKf1CqHfcx1Ch2QSj6EXJHFJB-RbDtLCXg5UjerPOr1_g2jePDdizDznXcLK8toX7XwvoIqPGa8W7g0EzfiuhzFgSWGSelWEmQ7PMw_Z5wYXshYA83/s640/IMG_20131225_160954.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
i don't think he missed me at all.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmkm_IpnVrN2VTftrq1ynNJlZeIYiTJb3628-r1aKLr4BJD2QlLwOVuOA8_6Pbm_uLN_LU3bFOHgdNuAHFlj1YI1iolXEeEnXJ7Fm0mVxdoCx052vbF61MwIpWr88UwnO-UAwTgfggdtV/s1600/IMG_20131225_160504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmkm_IpnVrN2VTftrq1ynNJlZeIYiTJb3628-r1aKLr4BJD2QlLwOVuOA8_6Pbm_uLN_LU3bFOHgdNuAHFlj1YI1iolXEeEnXJ7Fm0mVxdoCx052vbF61MwIpWr88UwnO-UAwTgfggdtV/s640/IMG_20131225_160504.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
some of our time was also spent doing our new workout program: focus t25. it is a beach body product, and i got sucked into doing a challenge group that an old friend was leading on facebook. i even signed up to be a beach body coach (which fizzled quickly, just like i knew it would). however, the workout program hasn't fizzled for me at all! richard even got on board for a little while. i seriously think i'm in better shape now than before i had marty boy. they are only 25 minutes long, but they are hard. i love them! richard got austin to do some work outs with him, and liz even did one, too! austin even got us the bonus package of dvd's to keep us going strong. it is my soul-mate of workouts.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP78kGh46781DUhZ96ju26ukOziSf-BBz9MFFp2NauxmaYlkFMc2_Wtivhd-Wrq4lQCkoBEyWYnz4je-RlkLs3Tvt443hOqAUrq7aYemxqkLpYzCcf3ucCD5T3VjjWckltWy8I_EL7KSpR/s1600/IMG_20131227_123436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP78kGh46781DUhZ96ju26ukOziSf-BBz9MFFp2NauxmaYlkFMc2_Wtivhd-Wrq4lQCkoBEyWYnz4je-RlkLs3Tvt443hOqAUrq7aYemxqkLpYzCcf3ucCD5T3VjjWckltWy8I_EL7KSpR/s640/IMG_20131227_123436.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
i came out of rook retirement. and it didn't even kill me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DeDSOC5vpWfzQl1TkggsP4FiRDS0JnqVDqgx3x1rA-PkCeSWn1XtDRTvpmqWq2AWnF3i_BUfU8apBtigZ2dkFLKgtmw5gdH-YmG6VXm8QZyz0K8hyphenhyphenAPp7x6HS3iwV8EQ1a4Mj0sAWijz/s1600/IMG_20131227_212246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DeDSOC5vpWfzQl1TkggsP4FiRDS0JnqVDqgx3x1rA-PkCeSWn1XtDRTvpmqWq2AWnF3i_BUfU8apBtigZ2dkFLKgtmw5gdH-YmG6VXm8QZyz0K8hyphenhyphenAPp7x6HS3iwV8EQ1a4Mj0sAWijz/s640/IMG_20131227_212246.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
dale took us all to austin's favorite sandwich place before we left to come back north. so we got to stuff our faces together one last time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVu78KMYWQvkP0Hq6UNvZGAGM0nbqOxNAwtezkUDynEUZlB4ftfQWZ_5KwqBGV3FrH39X8En9bbGEnF9bQKKNs6aeJfa4VeoZUY4VaQ6h4MQQOFQBFhiye_9nPWH2QHnm-A4j48gjLSPJ9/s1600/IMG_20131228_130754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVu78KMYWQvkP0Hq6UNvZGAGM0nbqOxNAwtezkUDynEUZlB4ftfQWZ_5KwqBGV3FrH39X8En9bbGEnF9bQKKNs6aeJfa4VeoZUY4VaQ6h4MQQOFQBFhiye_9nPWH2QHnm-A4j48gjLSPJ9/s640/IMG_20131228_130754.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
when we got home, my mom delivered all of the gifts that she gathered from family members while we were away. again, the best part of opening them was watching marty, who struck christmas gold! he got a couple of sound-making books that he still reads multiple times a day, super cute jammies, and a snoopy dog that he probably loves more than me. we tried to get him to pose with all of his gifts for a picture to send to everyone to say thanks, and it wasn't easy, so this is what we ended up with. this is the best one.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCaEcVbOzpZ8elJOZ5UQI1n63gPzXgfEaOB9MTFfOG2ts3-tvlYv3yjh0thHEC4NkQ-PQLZKBEe5CIIkXw5wJRi1dTyqhcnB4a3mUk6MgxeH-3nEgllI0lyBxRZ7j2AfWUMzm7WHjHcekL/s1600/IMG_20131230_182029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCaEcVbOzpZ8elJOZ5UQI1n63gPzXgfEaOB9MTFfOG2ts3-tvlYv3yjh0thHEC4NkQ-PQLZKBEe5CIIkXw5wJRi1dTyqhcnB4a3mUk6MgxeH-3nEgllI0lyBxRZ7j2AfWUMzm7WHjHcekL/s640/IMG_20131230_182029.jpg" height="400" width="300" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and speaking of the best of things, i know that last christmas was one-of-a-kind because we'd just had marty boy and it was our first as our little family, but this is right up there with that one in the rankings. being a parent is complicated, but it is the very best thing in the world. it makes all of our experiences with him the best we've ever had. so yes, it is mid-may as i sit and write about our christmas, but not because it wasn't worth writing about. because it most definitely was.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708818417031846182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2628542491104436639.post-64334642467431025342014-05-04T15:34:00.003-07:002014-05-04T15:34:53.104-07:00Thanks a lot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
before marty's birthday, we celebrated thanksgiving. we ended up being able to stuff our faces with both sides of our family, which involved a bit of travel, but was totally worth it. as we were eating those meals and spending time with our kin, i was making some mental notes about the things that i'm most grateful for. they include, but are not limited to...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
this little barrel of laughs. i'm grateful for a happy and healthy boy, who keeps us laughing around the clock. i love the perspective he's given me on topics ranging from patience to body image. he gives me a sense of purpose i can be proud of, and he makes me feel pretty special...even in the moments when i'm sure i'm screwing everything up (which is quite often).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgak2imKfhIeoluLqPcN6KRKVQkNLz9x2iTUey3o2F6hPDmqpW9uHETpHTkJacjPo8BzjmhirkXPAJJ0IqLNMl5mNUwnyOd9HmB8gR6rhtkFX7dPSmRSLYV7ZSBLHAG1p64X1QFQQ_9MgKF/s1600/IMG_20131128_150440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgak2imKfhIeoluLqPcN6KRKVQkNLz9x2iTUey3o2F6hPDmqpW9uHETpHTkJacjPo8BzjmhirkXPAJJ0IqLNMl5mNUwnyOd9HmB8gR6rhtkFX7dPSmRSLYV7ZSBLHAG1p64X1QFQQ_9MgKF/s640/IMG_20131128_150440.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
i'm grateful for this guy, who gave me my marty boy. he works so hard to take care of us now, and he's always thinking about our future and how he can make it one to look forward to. he supports me in pretty much everything i want to do, whether it is a craft, a new workout routine, something to do with the boy, or doing some work (i'll get to that in another post, soon). i know that he loves me, and our son, and that he will always be there for us. he's my best friend. he makes me crazy, and then he brings me back to normal. he is handsome, and talented, and i'm glad he's mine.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnOQajrLyBWiE_tcspL8herQZCkYtn98EQSKkZ2ahkEUoHh8z6FfxRYMltW1pi3H6nmJynaSe-xdCImoSU-gupg6w0MXgz75u7kzOntbEefb9LmNcWXJIy7EL2vgK3EVsjuWnYVmCWD1d/s640/IMG_20131128_153826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnOQajrLyBWiE_tcspL8herQZCkYtn98EQSKkZ2ahkEUoHh8z6FfxRYMltW1pi3H6nmJynaSe-xdCImoSU-gupg6w0MXgz75u7kzOntbEefb9LmNcWXJIy7EL2vgK3EVsjuWnYVmCWD1d/s640/IMG_20131128_153826.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
i'm grateful for family time. it is in those little moments together that you realize how much i love them, and that always gets me to thinking, "we should do this more often!" i love having a family that gets together all the time, even if sometimes i feel like it's an inconvenience because i'd rather take a longer sunday nap. sometimes those family gatherings result in arguments, but we are usually over by the time the next birthday rolls around. i'd like to think it's because we are so invested in each other.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBeyzw4XQZbuROz-mIhtWIqWpZS5iwHv4mawY7vlRve09zjghF2IdSf1cI3DR7MWwLnMjeiDNTNEgCFdakB_RHv8o4IA7ekMxcLHOmEQv86I72W0ko8xROPI2zQ9R8NH3zyrNnGaUpy8t/s1600/IMG_20131128_152309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBeyzw4XQZbuROz-mIhtWIqWpZS5iwHv4mawY7vlRve09zjghF2IdSf1cI3DR7MWwLnMjeiDNTNEgCFdakB_RHv8o4IA7ekMxcLHOmEQv86I72W0ko8xROPI2zQ9R8NH3zyrNnGaUpy8t/s640/IMG_20131128_152309.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
i also love the funny things that happen at our family get-togethers. like when my dad and his dad put my grandma to sleep at the dinner table with their stories.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWPqZhCS-kLXXrzV4nk2aL0ImnI3Io-T8ogDPltNHzVXV0tav-dCKJCHK5WvsQW-vWdGxLtAaqYXM2_CW9BDF47I888uFu8AzjCxV48hBz3_yDDY-D641QY9ulVZDJjxqK7EjSjZfLup_/s1600/IMG_20131128_153222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWPqZhCS-kLXXrzV4nk2aL0ImnI3Io-T8ogDPltNHzVXV0tav-dCKJCHK5WvsQW-vWdGxLtAaqYXM2_CW9BDF47I888uFu8AzjCxV48hBz3_yDDY-D641QY9ulVZDJjxqK7EjSjZfLup_/s640/IMG_20131128_153222.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
i'm grateful for snuggles.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSsLocASvCpvRizUt8OIfPql7aXgeyP-zRYaLANRK5-9yfCqahCIcptD94I8euP8fiLvzMzD_bXuubVtkRSV1D8mOLPXEkEA_9nNcMwFHVuSTWY3gkjsc_sCooX6gEmbPU-6mSCTpjvVsU/s1600/IMG_20131130_070354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSsLocASvCpvRizUt8OIfPql7aXgeyP-zRYaLANRK5-9yfCqahCIcptD94I8euP8fiLvzMzD_bXuubVtkRSV1D8mOLPXEkEA_9nNcMwFHVuSTWY3gkjsc_sCooX6gEmbPU-6mSCTpjvVsU/s640/IMG_20131130_070354.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
i'm grateful marty has cousins close to his age. and i'm grateful for the example of good parenting we have in scott and megan. i've called her a few times about things i'm worried about, and even though we do some things completely different, she always makes me feel better.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivck3f3uomsGefee79FWkY35cnVVTN81lk5rykDEGS1ZsIN3NznR8gXtcIMkAQHUFOVc8HVXLDjLhRbIsmjl1MkLD5g7QBN6TRQ56vIoQ2uoOfDIiEbwzBL8gSEvDgJ89C_zLr0jtH29Nw/s1600/IMG_20131130_093112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivck3f3uomsGefee79FWkY35cnVVTN81lk5rykDEGS1ZsIN3NznR8gXtcIMkAQHUFOVc8HVXLDjLhRbIsmjl1MkLD5g7QBN6TRQ56vIoQ2uoOfDIiEbwzBL8gSEvDgJ89C_zLr0jtH29Nw/s640/IMG_20131130_093112.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBTkG5Aqv8P-xfVQWiHhLqT8yypb1YYDuoEVQkrc8L17xjJgZU7EUhosFPONhwJMOvVLHVaTrftc-F1lx6FS28RRm4EYaujUuQWqZNlL95qvDamvzUR9qMOXC5vnQvky-IEgfl5R_JAh-A/s1600/IMG_20131130_093139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBTkG5Aqv8P-xfVQWiHhLqT8yypb1YYDuoEVQkrc8L17xjJgZU7EUhosFPONhwJMOvVLHVaTrftc-F1lx6FS28RRm4EYaujUuQWqZNlL95qvDamvzUR9qMOXC5vnQvky-IEgfl5R_JAh-A/s640/IMG_20131130_093139.jpg" height="400" width="300" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
i'm most grateful that i'll get to be with these guys forever. and ever, and ever.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjacDWUVfK8lx2lU_aeJsogapy-1nT0UlUdwfG6uJiIikfT82JC8ly3iFTZmCHknnM7NOaiJKm_bLUxpS81S9LWSMWKuz-dnvZQmUBCCA6EZcupQSBdWlgT4HXU9AmHzG0XNT4dofJ_ge2/s1600/IMG_20131130_100318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjacDWUVfK8lx2lU_aeJsogapy-1nT0UlUdwfG6uJiIikfT82JC8ly3iFTZmCHknnM7NOaiJKm_bLUxpS81S9LWSMWKuz-dnvZQmUBCCA6EZcupQSBdWlgT4HXU9AmHzG0XNT4dofJ_ge2/s640/IMG_20131130_100318.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </a> </div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Flh5.ggpht.com%2F-9Kyb2aaIxn4%2FU2ara3u7FiI%2FAAAAAAAAA94%2FyOesNNhi4FU%2Fs640%2FIMG_20131128_153826.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnOQajrLyBWiE_tcspL8herQZCkYtn98EQSKkZ2ahkEUoHh8z6FfxRYMltW1pi3H6nmJynaSe-xdCImoSU-gupg6w0MXgz75u7kzOntbEefb9LmNcWXJIy7EL2vgK3EVsjuWnYVmCWD1d/s640/IMG_20131128_153826.jpg" -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708818417031846182noreply@blogger.com0