tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28937776381141911172024-02-06T18:57:23.301-08:00The Loco Adventures of Sarah and AndrewUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger359125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893777638114191117.post-22682692498757419162015-02-23T13:10:00.001-08:002015-02-23T13:12:06.586-08:00Running in the Sun <p dir="ltr">I'm trying out this blogging on my phone. We'll see how it goes. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I've been doing pretty good with running (overall). It's fun. When I smile, it's easier. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Today we went in the jogging stroller because it was a nice, sunny, 45° day. I feel great now. I ran 2 miles, only walking up the tough hills. Those kids are getting big! Then we played at the park and walked in the woods. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvvAF94UzWUSwL5_FZiTUf0Lhba8-8hGi9Bkg68iafdaYwDV9puZyhSkV2_vsVSS58eh1D_Ecx3Gndiw-gt5a10E3Dvea-qyRHdkElKxLnYXCYtuMeiMY66YMLUbI5NaJgW3R3BSNaRusx/s1600/20150223_115838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvvAF94UzWUSwL5_FZiTUf0Lhba8-8hGi9Bkg68iafdaYwDV9puZyhSkV2_vsVSS58eh1D_Ecx3Gndiw-gt5a10E3Dvea-qyRHdkElKxLnYXCYtuMeiMY66YMLUbI5NaJgW3R3BSNaRusx/s640/20150223_115838.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrikwJvT5wwiPlxMeOW2yt9pF0inOl64tv_f0tgcSbnE3IHVq2SltgpMc2yof-CryBcFNfz0MGXgminZN_d0TkOcP2BWXAEfUNrBZS0rGCHAOQnFXc_UqqKTldH9dRkjNTcax0_2EPi7Hr/s1600/20150223_115924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrikwJvT5wwiPlxMeOW2yt9pF0inOl64tv_f0tgcSbnE3IHVq2SltgpMc2yof-CryBcFNfz0MGXgminZN_d0TkOcP2BWXAEfUNrBZS0rGCHAOQnFXc_UqqKTldH9dRkjNTcax0_2EPi7Hr/s640/20150223_115924.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUqu1ebjqVaKmM7T9vovpHcLIL8xj2Sgid4gqAv45tmv8qbePgN1VqBCcgwPPOlJmpw7ny9IWs4urZcoy9YWvAAAL2XAHNpixHBeOitsrPENDHe0v7yBTcYuDbSWCNhKU0ZB3b2LKWaiO9/s1600/20150223_112240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUqu1ebjqVaKmM7T9vovpHcLIL8xj2Sgid4gqAv45tmv8qbePgN1VqBCcgwPPOlJmpw7ny9IWs4urZcoy9YWvAAAL2XAHNpixHBeOitsrPENDHe0v7yBTcYuDbSWCNhKU0ZB3b2LKWaiO9/s640/20150223_112240.jpg"> </a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893777638114191117.post-91469983674906543262014-10-29T20:59:00.002-07:002014-10-29T20:59:43.311-07:00Baby Boy is Getting Old!Our little boy Benji was born in August. He is too cute! I am very busy and lazy and blogging is, frankly, not very convenient.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnA049FYCTinWHhcqyGnlat-c5GDreN93g-oaep935o4bnfnWxTCBo6npjeC8BtgD38IXZnLSNhDCyElCPJEwZDN6ZFWJ9ZoLTnoHTPpqOqyweKZizOB3Dx241USLBGKnsLA5eyGb4Wsb3/s1600/Collages+for+Blog-014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnA049FYCTinWHhcqyGnlat-c5GDreN93g-oaep935o4bnfnWxTCBo6npjeC8BtgD38IXZnLSNhDCyElCPJEwZDN6ZFWJ9ZoLTnoHTPpqOqyweKZizOB3Dx241USLBGKnsLA5eyGb4Wsb3/s1600/Collages+for+Blog-014.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After a four-hour, epidural-less, whirlwind labor, Benji joined us. Yes I was upset that we only had our phones for his first pictures.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He was 7 lbs 2 oz and 19.5 inches long.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He was a sweetheart from the very beginning.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHsvC1O0W-SgIu9W2dQrdQzK42mC_rykDMLMyewsuXFeL9gwcmfs-AYeR8j1fkAPjxcbJUVoyXNgiz0_Et7KxKbxxXcVc1sgfNfQo4-yCgPNChS8e-ZT3S-c70Ri6CxQG9lQip0L5g3BZ/s1600/Collages+for+Blog-015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHsvC1O0W-SgIu9W2dQrdQzK42mC_rykDMLMyewsuXFeL9gwcmfs-AYeR8j1fkAPjxcbJUVoyXNgiz0_Et7KxKbxxXcVc1sgfNfQo4-yCgPNChS8e-ZT3S-c70Ri6CxQG9lQip0L5g3BZ/s1600/Collages+for+Blog-015.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We got a huge surprise when our families drove up together from Utah to meet Benji. They are crazy and only spent 1.5 days not travelling. But they got to meet our little guy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRn2myaRHZCHrWNFBOQQW5KcYFtvWuqmI7fUm76WFBPxks5R_R5ISaqbZ63fxSJgBvlhTLGZwimgt9ZmaExRgkXbwwGjKzdCV6t05ny7m7cbVilXztsIAro5JmYSz3ZkrvQkAzshLAvF5f/s1600/Collages+for+Blog-016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRn2myaRHZCHrWNFBOQQW5KcYFtvWuqmI7fUm76WFBPxks5R_R5ISaqbZ63fxSJgBvlhTLGZwimgt9ZmaExRgkXbwwGjKzdCV6t05ny7m7cbVilXztsIAro5JmYSz3ZkrvQkAzshLAvF5f/s1600/Collages+for+Blog-016.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And since then, we have fallen even more in love with him and have taken him on many adventures including many walks, a trip to the zoo, and his first dip in the lake. I think he looks a lot like my dad.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjliGLYJmlKd8jA2q_YSaI17FFDHx_Jwv_eeqqpO9ZOpL65rjphDCu1tTTSyjDci7A3XS0D-x25-kzKdI5IjD2PK3agKq_2833t634GiJjoApFOcHeukVAJNf6H9D6DhioJa8u4P3rLlDdt/s1600/Collages+for+Blog-017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjliGLYJmlKd8jA2q_YSaI17FFDHx_Jwv_eeqqpO9ZOpL65rjphDCu1tTTSyjDci7A3XS0D-x25-kzKdI5IjD2PK3agKq_2833t634GiJjoApFOcHeukVAJNf6H9D6DhioJa8u4P3rLlDdt/s1600/Collages+for+Blog-017.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now that he is getting older (I mean, he is super old, 2 1/2 months!), it is really fun to see his little personality develop. Benji is so smiley and is constantly cooing and gurgling (not constantly, he is quietish when he sleeps and sometimes he screams). He is so chill and loves to be snuggled.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We love our Benji Boy!</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893777638114191117.post-50078123202573817482014-08-11T21:08:00.001-07:002014-08-11T21:08:46.753-07:00Counting Down...Obviously, I am really pregnant. Like due in one week. And it is super hot right now. Today, our car thermometer said it was 93*. This is very hot because I get grumpy and uncomfortable when it hits 80* here in Washington (I do not like humidity). We ate out so we could dine in some air conditioning. Poor Rachel has to deal with a tired, sore, and often grumpy mom all day long. I read her many books so she doesn't destroy everything all day. But she still does and makes a huge mess and runs around naked laughing. This girl is going to get a rude awakening when I birth out her brother and become mobile again---no more running just out of mom's reach (except she will probably get faster).<br />
<br />
We are excited for the Baby Boy to arrive. I am excited to not be pregnant and to meet this little fellow. Andrew is excited to see The Boy wiggling because he always misses my tummy going crazy. Rachel has no idea but we get her to say, "Come play with me, Baby Brother." I think she is more excited about Grandma coming on an <b>AIRPLANE </b>to the <b>AIRPORT </b>in two weeks (bolded words make her super excited). So we all have things to look forward to coinciding with the birth of the Baby Boy. Any day would be great! Preferably sooner than later. Can heat put you into labor?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893777638114191117.post-11978405833928128532014-08-11T20:53:00.002-07:002014-08-11T20:53:52.835-07:00Outdoorsy Summer AdventuresYou know us, we love to be in the mountains. Even though we are busy with a house, fun with friends, Rachel, and trips, we have gotten into the great outdoors a few times this summer.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Bridal Veil Falls</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
In May, we hiked to <a href="http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/bridal-veil-falls">Bridal Veil Falls</a>. It was a bit steep but not too bad. It is a beautiful, roaring waterfall. Rachel loved it. We hiked with Andrew's brother Wesley and his wife Maren. Andrew took many beautiful photos.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, Andrew used his $250 memory card that he was swindled into buying. It died in June on our family vacation. And we do not have the money to pay for someone to recover the photos at this time. Needless to say, we are unhappy about this. The moral of the story is to not spend that much money on a memory card.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Fishing in Daddy's "Boat"</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
We don't have a real boat (someday!), but Andrew does have a float tube. He went out one morning to our neighborhood lake to try his luck at fishing. No luck. Rachel and I went to see him in the morning. Rachel got to wear her life jacket and did really great on Daddy's "boat". Since then, she loves pointing out boats and saying they are Dad's.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp73_eg2jFzYX9y9jL0ymyTVzal1yBYGvk-thUv5UNhAVSNgTIRfb4T86KH9kv0aA9l2Q8c2UN9t63jseJqbeaYahoLi0nDHzOiEJIx5GvYGZ7dV1Pz_ayKQxjOyaSlCwfbI8js0anc8l_/s1600/Collages+for+Blog-011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp73_eg2jFzYX9y9jL0ymyTVzal1yBYGvk-thUv5UNhAVSNgTIRfb4T86KH9kv0aA9l2Q8c2UN9t63jseJqbeaYahoLi0nDHzOiEJIx5GvYGZ7dV1Pz_ayKQxjOyaSlCwfbI8js0anc8l_/s1600/Collages+for+Blog-011.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
A beautiful sunrise; lilypads; "Mom, the sun is in my eyes!"; Rachel and Andrew seeing the sights of the lake; Rachel and Sarah after the cruise.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>The Big Four Ice Caves</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
In the middle of July, we went hiking to the <a href="http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/big-four-ice-caves">Big Four Ice Caves</a>. It is a pretty easy hike. I was 35 weeks pregnant, no climbing to the top of a mountain this pregnancy. But we had a great time. Rachel kept singing, "Hiking! Hiking!" I think she likes hiking. You were born into the right family, little girl.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6TNIRI9czjofE2DaqsB5dz84E4-5-IjPjvGh3bRswIHqM7HoVUrwyJGzI04oCj7JOW9WmvVELIlSS_remBF-C6JE1Ngj-ZYL8MKUooqyXEfVN9aE46kKWWh1BOfNjsTrKBmksap6nGkiq/s1600/Collages+for+Blog-010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6TNIRI9czjofE2DaqsB5dz84E4-5-IjPjvGh3bRswIHqM7HoVUrwyJGzI04oCj7JOW9WmvVELIlSS_remBF-C6JE1Ngj-ZYL8MKUooqyXEfVN9aE46kKWWh1BOfNjsTrKBmksap6nGkiq/s1600/Collages+for+Blog-010.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
The cutest hiker EVER; the Ice Caves are pretty much melting snow that make caves, they weren't very impressive right now; Sarah and Rachel; trees in front of The Big Four (the mountain); Sarah waiting for Rachel and Andrew (can you see the belly?); a waterfall going down to the snow; Rachel and Sarah at the picnic at Coal Lake; wildflowers along the road.<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Camping at Cascade Park</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
We went camping with our friends at a Church property called Cascade Park. Rachel had so much fun getting dirty and playing with the big kids. All the kids loved the awesome barrel swing next to our campsite. We ate yummy food and had lots of fun. Rachel even slept really well in the tent!---until 5:20 when some very noisy crows started cackling in the trees next to our tent. I went out and shooed them away, but Rachel would not go back to sleep. She was fairly pleasant but super tired. Andrew and I were really tired, too, as we had stayed up late looking at stars and chatting with our friends.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicuhkkV_I5HySqVg5CR9GNjcWHEKaMPUV9TBIQ51BuyX8lhSm_rMuJiPyKo8hmbEPDQVvHuDsEjM0Stw0pDFnDovR8Vt-7Z8by84Do-2sGZGu22zAj1svcbfrasI_0htJybHB2DaVkhNpM/s1600/Collages+for+Blog-012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicuhkkV_I5HySqVg5CR9GNjcWHEKaMPUV9TBIQ51BuyX8lhSm_rMuJiPyKo8hmbEPDQVvHuDsEjM0Stw0pDFnDovR8Vt-7Z8by84Do-2sGZGu22zAj1svcbfrasI_0htJybHB2DaVkhNpM/s1600/Collages+for+Blog-012.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
Claire, Rachel, and Dallon having fun around the fire; all three kids on the swing, pushed by Kendra; Dallon kept kissing Rachel in the swing, which was really funny because she always tries to kiss him when she plays with him, but he never lets her; Rachel in the swing; a very sleepy Rachel snuggled up in a sleeping bag; Rachel and the awesome swing---so very tired but she did not want to get out.<br />
<br />
<br />
We have had a pretty great summer and have gotten out into the wild at least once a month. That has been nice. I hope you have had a great summer, too!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893777638114191117.post-13079672123297420242014-07-07T20:24:00.000-07:002014-07-07T20:24:14.543-07:00No Posts in June?Yes, no posts in June. We had a fun and busy month. We were gone for half the month and we were busy/I was tired the other half of the time.<br />
<br />
Here is a summary. Maybe there will be more posts later, and maybe there won't.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGo-1BIys10Akrmx9Lg7gKkzRvZC3V0xfsbvL-icT305nbcJBnqcyighoJNyhKSOE4cBCDxuyM6Y4-yjfy-b_9h7tfnxjZcIq0r2Z-vqVa-mpOzTruBxFeDA5Fi2WUmPpnbDOq8PzmP9L/s1600/2014-06-05+09.36.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGo-1BIys10Akrmx9Lg7gKkzRvZC3V0xfsbvL-icT305nbcJBnqcyighoJNyhKSOE4cBCDxuyM6Y4-yjfy-b_9h7tfnxjZcIq0r2Z-vqVa-mpOzTruBxFeDA5Fi2WUmPpnbDOq8PzmP9L/s1600/2014-06-05+09.36.33.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rachel painting on our vacation with Grandma.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEK8RAa_3KiSDHnQLnXZ2it6_UvttCIxkFTWKc-jQaP8PyMxuujdU_L60jTFAgKMZzxqSHrccrM0SsHip1iFn8sjnLfx9XhSbpPr56lF8wzabzl95W2EK9Ykq29XBSkrl91ZKrRt0BLG0/s1600/2014-06-07+09.46.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEK8RAa_3KiSDHnQLnXZ2it6_UvttCIxkFTWKc-jQaP8PyMxuujdU_L60jTFAgKMZzxqSHrccrM0SsHip1iFn8sjnLfx9XhSbpPr56lF8wzabzl95W2EK9Ykq29XBSkrl91ZKrRt0BLG0/s1600/2014-06-07+09.46.32.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blowing bubbles with Grandma and Nigel.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZq-8bMdcZfZJ0mrGMFZsb-9oqHRKWMpOP-mMRktupPCljKSxX1cDDzthATVdUDQcpR4yPMZjiZltGRMJKiZX1BhHmaTdDz2yiwrTZhrXDaE6Np98RcQa61X_T9dB7hZV6B9gldU3Tlcn/s1600/2014-06-12+16.31.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZq-8bMdcZfZJ0mrGMFZsb-9oqHRKWMpOP-mMRktupPCljKSxX1cDDzthATVdUDQcpR4yPMZjiZltGRMJKiZX1BhHmaTdDz2yiwrTZhrXDaE6Np98RcQa61X_T9dB7hZV6B9gldU3Tlcn/s1600/2014-06-12+16.31.38.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She climbed this all by herself. She is getting to be a climber.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjkFOj61UnmGW7KQKvaYfAS42zSYbrglUeUDAXakg48slSQ8JEkdbnYxrkOkxor4SMB8_g8oVxQuHDXn0zmQUNBdow2DUht7wx5xz_iCxM6v5U20iSzOub8dRKplJZy4gyXIL2ZQ_fSrE/s1600/2014-06-13+16.59.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjkFOj61UnmGW7KQKvaYfAS42zSYbrglUeUDAXakg48slSQ8JEkdbnYxrkOkxor4SMB8_g8oVxQuHDXn0zmQUNBdow2DUht7wx5xz_iCxM6v5U20iSzOub8dRKplJZy4gyXIL2ZQ_fSrE/s1600/2014-06-13+16.59.20.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helping mom work in the yard.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8SKUPgtvWXsdUPRfGuL23gbmxzYDY-lrXuUdYyLKfYfdYWUrmZYAlH2fG2Fzwpt8okiqhXv4uqXR7Sj8XlxeGmjmScnzWL0weV5Q9jB6UL-ZLoQiIJ0hABCe_XoSxy-jRj1MCIRU8CZA/s1600/2014-06-18+12.07.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8SKUPgtvWXsdUPRfGuL23gbmxzYDY-lrXuUdYyLKfYfdYWUrmZYAlH2fG2Fzwpt8okiqhXv4uqXR7Sj8XlxeGmjmScnzWL0weV5Q9jB6UL-ZLoQiIJ0hABCe_XoSxy-jRj1MCIRU8CZA/s1600/2014-06-18+12.07.10.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting wedding cakes ready for Elise's wedding.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN61MpWrnLuFUyCLOFIC7xHZIQ9jybI0UoIFj7XO3TPDLdapH4eEjw4ED2yDR_KVSi57Dg9uhgGRs3kUU_qRrliYuzHA9SBJcDhnam8gYNNinJStJgip-tDaKA0HXWXJuwkZPJ5ZpT-h5v/s1600/2014-06-19+13.40.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN61MpWrnLuFUyCLOFIC7xHZIQ9jybI0UoIFj7XO3TPDLdapH4eEjw4ED2yDR_KVSi57Dg9uhgGRs3kUU_qRrliYuzHA9SBJcDhnam8gYNNinJStJgip-tDaKA0HXWXJuwkZPJ5ZpT-h5v/s1600/2014-06-19+13.40.54.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rachel at the wedding.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And there are some pictures from my phone.<br />
<br />
In other news, I have just 6 weeks left until The Boy arrives!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893777638114191117.post-36768196411890552132014-05-23T09:00:00.000-07:002014-05-23T09:00:01.314-07:00Our Trip to UtahMy grandma passed away on May 1, so we all took a quick trip down to Utah for the funeral. Although it was for a sad event (and a joyous celebration of a lovely, long life), we made the best of our time with family.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKS1wI3bjHHzKJ-KFSRbTx_a6gfP3HBxbTV5d47AfitEVqW_Xmpe-EwdxVkzZocKqeD8rdoIs2VT__NusppO84SzJlxj_c7g9D3zNcfttc-a39_WBu5bAsPFf7Wj67UiuQSLVteHmcfwbI/s1600/Collages+for+Blog-008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKS1wI3bjHHzKJ-KFSRbTx_a6gfP3HBxbTV5d47AfitEVqW_Xmpe-EwdxVkzZocKqeD8rdoIs2VT__NusppO84SzJlxj_c7g9D3zNcfttc-a39_WBu5bAsPFf7Wj67UiuQSLVteHmcfwbI/s1600/Collages+for+Blog-008.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Who knew SeaTac airport had a little play land? Rachel loved climbing and sliding on the toys, especially the slide and the airplane.</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;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35H3VSBg9_MLUEB4mrNvKZxAXVmbmxxwpdCh1aySWpLedpy0cFCw3r-4ZSMWL5jXsV_NWEUQCNYMTmCz_F9a3UC3XGQN5cJ74xxqLX-dYprA6-hDHZ2ai8OG5EIzjGHjWvF2TXMwXIKXv/s1600/Collages+for+Blog-007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35H3VSBg9_MLUEB4mrNvKZxAXVmbmxxwpdCh1aySWpLedpy0cFCw3r-4ZSMWL5jXsV_NWEUQCNYMTmCz_F9a3UC3XGQN5cJ74xxqLX-dYprA6-hDHZ2ai8OG5EIzjGHjWvF2TXMwXIKXv/s1600/Collages+for+Blog-007.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We went to feed watermelon rinds to the local horse and colt. The kids were very intrigued.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6PwSgGNpoOJrX3_1LLrsa5QmELzfv1Oa51ZiG8DL7DSnc7vtTUdw8TfLU7zAarx_jroqFtNSUtWKllcrKcoyQInMNkkZ6g7kFtST3wj4lNbKCGsKpa3yJGoViUiv-ptblrefYJnr2_MId/s1600/Collages+for+Blog-009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6PwSgGNpoOJrX3_1LLrsa5QmELzfv1Oa51ZiG8DL7DSnc7vtTUdw8TfLU7zAarx_jroqFtNSUtWKllcrKcoyQInMNkkZ6g7kFtST3wj4lNbKCGsKpa3yJGoViUiv-ptblrefYJnr2_MId/s1600/Collages+for+Blog-009.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We also made a point to visit with Andrew's elderly <i>grosseltern</i>, Oma and Opa.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The bottom two pictures are after the funeral, where we got a picture of all of Grandma's grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Quite a legacy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I will miss my Grandma, but I know I will see her again. And, as one friend said to my mom, "Look at the great lengths she went to so that you could have all your kids with you on Mother's Day!" And look at how wonderful it was for all Grandpa's grandchildren to be with him for this day.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893777638114191117.post-5220000875059540482014-05-22T20:30:00.000-07:002014-05-22T20:30:00.167-07:00Our Little Fish, ContinuedHere are some more pictures of Rachel at swimming lessons. This time, with me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi930-O-AjIHAq8qvBBKWrn2Hyq3kvchPlrTHDcQzvbnlBMPIBDLs2suHYz86pbNdTo9Uk_zaOzrDKusxiRJ7SD0vijc3U97I00Kebh3z-UOdzHIg-4ObMod29rqRmKXkKUNo6bXD1yQh-8/s1600/Collages+for+Blog-006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi930-O-AjIHAq8qvBBKWrn2Hyq3kvchPlrTHDcQzvbnlBMPIBDLs2suHYz86pbNdTo9Uk_zaOzrDKusxiRJ7SD0vijc3U97I00Kebh3z-UOdzHIg-4ObMod29rqRmKXkKUNo6bXD1yQh-8/s1600/Collages+for+Blog-006.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
Rachel waving hello; "jumping" out of the water; going down the slide after the last lesson (she has pretty much refused to go down any slide since); wrapped up in her towel; post-dunk.<br />
<br />
Rachel did great at swimming lessons and I had a fun time with her!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893777638114191117.post-55839842052214798712014-05-20T13:06:00.001-07:002014-05-20T13:06:27.427-07:00Our Little FishI signed Rachel up for swimming lessons, you know the kind where the parent is in the water and you sing songs and splash and pretty much just try to help them be comfortable in the water. She loved it. So did I.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZCwbczf13FazJ5pq_3iNlqlnsB4YSAkFihFPo7LTddtO5djWoZV6RwOT0sBXm-yZji2ctzXgIH6XyhK3JjHWS_m1tvS6BdHYenXMfwuZZJBoe01gfeiOW91eD8HD08FMHOdskOUr2ULq/s1600/Collages+for+Blog-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZCwbczf13FazJ5pq_3iNlqlnsB4YSAkFihFPo7LTddtO5djWoZV6RwOT0sBXm-yZji2ctzXgIH6XyhK3JjHWS_m1tvS6BdHYenXMfwuZZJBoe01gfeiOW91eD8HD08FMHOdskOUr2ULq/s1600/Collages+for+Blog-001.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
She liked "swimming" after the rubber ducks, singing the songs, "jumping" off the wall into the water, and watching the other kids. She did not like "floating" on her back very much. Some days she liked blowing bubbles and splashing, other days she did not.<br />
<br />
Since swimming lessons have been over, she has found her swim suits and said "swinnin" almost every day. I think we will be spending a lot of time in the pool, lake, or wading pool this summer.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893777638114191117.post-72894470833590208052014-05-06T21:16:00.000-07:002014-05-06T21:16:15.728-07:00Who Wore It Better?: 25 Weeks EditionWho wore 25 weeks pregnant better? Pregnancy #1 Sarah or Pregnancy #2 Sarah?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8XiD71fSAayEbP7uFMfdAKwA-VOtO3rvchxGlDm1Q4MG6heaI13eVW4ej9ZzjW4AafFHvhKVsc_pwd5JdpinXNnaUHQDrkLr2wKaVazHoGnwqkLoS8scR0NPzkLTxc70oQFX3kIs13sYC/s1600/Collages+for+Blog-005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8XiD71fSAayEbP7uFMfdAKwA-VOtO3rvchxGlDm1Q4MG6heaI13eVW4ej9ZzjW4AafFHvhKVsc_pwd5JdpinXNnaUHQDrkLr2wKaVazHoGnwqkLoS8scR0NPzkLTxc70oQFX3kIs13sYC/s1600/Collages+for+Blog-005.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The details:<br />
<br />
<b>Pregnancy #1 Sarah</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>is happy to finally look pregnant instead of slightly fat.</li>
<li>has a round belly.</li>
<li>has an old school phone.</li>
<li>is having a girl.</li>
<li>has no acne and crazy leg/armpit hair.</li>
<li>feels great.</li>
<li>is freakishly pale in July.</li>
<li>is making a soft, "madonna and child"-like smile.</li>
<li>is looking forward to her new baby.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Pregnancy #2 Sarah</b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>has been looking pregnant for a while, but is happy overall about how she's carrying the baby.</li>
<li>has a lumpy belly.</li>
<li>has a phone she wants to upgrade.</li>
<li>is having a boy.</li>
<li>has horrible acne and is almost a naked mole rat in shaved areas.</li>
<li>feels sick and tired.</li>
<li>has a tan in May? in Washington?</li>
<li>is sticking her tongue out because she is sick and sassy.</li>
<li>is looking forward to her new baby but does not know how she is going to manage two kids.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>So----who wore it better?</b></div>
</div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
Honestly, I do not know. I think I'm currently looking pretty great for being 25 weeks and feeling horrible and in my second pregnancy. And what you can't see in my bathroom selfies is my legs. I think my legs are in better shape this time around than last time. But the first time, I was not all lumpy yet. I am currently lumpy thanks to pregnancy #1.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You can tell me what you think of how I look if you want to. My feelings truly will not be hurt! I have a pretty positive self image and body image. But you don't have to say if you don't want to. ;)</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893777638114191117.post-60280736440744530942014-04-21T09:59:00.000-07:002014-04-21T09:59:15.407-07:00Easter FunThis is my 350th post on the blog! Wow. That is a lot of posts. I am also trying something new with pictures. It takes more work, but it will take up less space.<br />
<br />
As you know, it was just Easter weekend. We had a fun time celebrating in many ways, mostly in egg hunts.<br />
<br />
<b>Ward Easter Egg-stravaganza</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdOi29EWB26SGMhlR2uwgkKyGH79XVwuoVkILszpGbNdnxNDAzp7Gzm4VfFrShr4cqjtS2V5mKszzIjTwymtOChLtz-POtrkfmKv_05MgBUWogV1RCLNV-rXbDtgGk8nP6mhlf0ObhRX7/s1600/Collages+for+Blog-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdOi29EWB26SGMhlR2uwgkKyGH79XVwuoVkILszpGbNdnxNDAzp7Gzm4VfFrShr4cqjtS2V5mKszzIjTwymtOChLtz-POtrkfmKv_05MgBUWogV1RCLNV-rXbDtgGk8nP6mhlf0ObhRX7/s1600/Collages+for+Blog-002.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
Rachel chilling at breakfast; throwing a fit because she wants to go outside NOW; finding an egg; a full basket of eggs; finding a sneaky egg.<br />
<br />
She also learned how to say "egg" so she had plenty of opportunity to practice.<br />
<br />
<b>Finding her basket at home</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXACINZynnL7xy7EzBiIurLoqKPYkAv8NDU3g8TYQe3NueUi7Yh6YnfRb8pMAB-JHXv4_DNgvfe9jZwyQcS-bam8Xm0QKYZEhAM5iXu1Ycl9IvT_lRO15Iw1Bx-GY3xzFPh4KmQ6ZoJ2l8/s1600/Collages+for+Blog-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXACINZynnL7xy7EzBiIurLoqKPYkAv8NDU3g8TYQe3NueUi7Yh6YnfRb8pMAB-JHXv4_DNgvfe9jZwyQcS-bam8Xm0QKYZEhAM5iXu1Ycl9IvT_lRO15Iw1Bx-GY3xzFPh4KmQ6ZoJ2l8/s1600/Collages+for+Blog-003.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
It's Easter morning!; searching for the basket; found it!; and there are treats; eating a Reese's peanut butter egg for breakfast; showing dad what she got; too cute.<br />
<br />
Rachel seemed pretty excited about the things in her basket. We did not go crazy with gifts from the Easter bunny. Thanks to my parents, we did not have to buy any candy.<br />
<br />
<b>HOA egg hunt</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I'm on our HOA board and headed up an egg hunt for children.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqrk0Rr3HbR0NPUvSL97gQlsfDnDeAxqSfRiKONXxUVc9DQ-gSMCHnVx1NkqQ_kgUWbdsR8BlOAhimOevp6Ppo7Hs4TuMQ55HL9TlrTigS0ZSg1Pn5CnnsEda2oLKQTY1jsX5JLkmEulj/s1600/Collages+for+Blog-004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqrk0Rr3HbR0NPUvSL97gQlsfDnDeAxqSfRiKONXxUVc9DQ-gSMCHnVx1NkqQ_kgUWbdsR8BlOAhimOevp6Ppo7Hs4TuMQ55HL9TlrTigS0ZSg1Pn5CnnsEda2oLKQTY1jsX5JLkmEulj/s1600/Collages+for+Blog-004.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
Finding eggs strewn about on the grass; a plethora of eggs; the kids who came; on the hunt with mom; an egg in a tree!; family Easter picture.<br />
<br />
The other people helping me with the egg hunt thought we needed about 400 eggs. And then only 7 two-year-olds showed up. By the end, the parents were saying, "If you get five more eggs, we can go home."<br />
<br />
And Rachel's dress is a size 18 month dress. It looked more like a ball gown because she is barely into 12 month clothes.<br />
<br />
<b>We also tried to remember the reason for Easter---our Savior, Jesus Christ.</b> We had a wonderful stake conference on Sunday. I was in the choir. It was nice to sing songs about Him and feel the Spirit testify of His resurrection.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893777638114191117.post-74049642245421453992014-04-04T10:50:00.000-07:002014-04-04T10:50:09.505-07:00And The New Baby Is...VERY CUTE! And also, A BOY! And he sure wasn't shy. He was sleeping, so he doesn't sleep in a very shy way.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7CVpY6FjLnivtNdIPOS1Y118A3_DAhK-yKKvS4JeEe4amhNeFD00Xuc-6jBE0xtWj-6Ent46FOlGCBUCBg8yy0fRc2G_l0KJGgnNw3CUPQiz8n9AmzkKtmYUWPsNJMS3WBvVmBnSCGdt/s1600/babyultrasound.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7CVpY6FjLnivtNdIPOS1Y118A3_DAhK-yKKvS4JeEe4amhNeFD00Xuc-6jBE0xtWj-6Ent46FOlGCBUCBg8yy0fRc2G_l0KJGgnNw3CUPQiz8n9AmzkKtmYUWPsNJMS3WBvVmBnSCGdt/s1600/babyultrasound.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Boy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
We were excited. Andrew was smug because he guessed it. He just knew it. He was especially smug because he "knew" it two for two. We'll see how smart he is in the future.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mBXNAhp9MSsXiNCTIb2yitQ0I8BLL_sxklxe9qUNw6F2121Uqm9zl94K-X_bzCNB0ZfB0WL-2KAsEhFxMx1m2ovow4gQW5ty_RtJtupCw3kPEGlP4m2KJF9DG-FFmidY_dXUx4A_kvtH/s1600/DSCF7825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mBXNAhp9MSsXiNCTIb2yitQ0I8BLL_sxklxe9qUNw6F2121Uqm9zl94K-X_bzCNB0ZfB0WL-2KAsEhFxMx1m2ovow4gQW5ty_RtJtupCw3kPEGlP4m2KJF9DG-FFmidY_dXUx4A_kvtH/s1600/DSCF7825.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rachel is disappointed there isn't any chocolate in the bucket.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I was pretty sure it was a boy, but I wasn't positive like Andrew was.<br />
<br />
Of course, every pregnancy is different, but this one seemed very different.<br />
<br />
I broke out. My belly seemed lower. I wanted to eat hamburgers instead of curry. And those are the not gross differences between this pregnancy and the last.<br />
<br />
I did hope for a boy. One of each would be nice---and I <i>had</i> wanted a son first, so second will be great. Hopefully this pregnancy continues to go well!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893777638114191117.post-11406907574052220842014-03-26T11:07:00.001-07:002014-03-26T11:07:56.893-07:00Blogging WoesSo, I am having some blogging issues and it is not necessarily because I am lazy or don't want to get on the computer. It has to do with images.<br />
<br />
I ran out of space to upload pictures to blogger a while ago. I opened a flickr account. This works OK, but people started added some of my pictures to their favorites or whatever. I don't know these people. So then I started making my images private and that worked for a while, but then suddenly you couldn't see them. Then I made the images in my last post public and a bunch of people marked them as favorites. I still don't know those people who are favoriting my sweet little girl. And the main point of this blog is so you who I know can see pictures of my sweet little girl and future sweet little baby (coming in August, I haven't mentioned that). As of late I have been using Facebook to share pictures (I know, the safest and most private place on the internet---not).<br />
<br />
Pretty much I will have to explore my options but I'm thinking I might need to delete some earlier posts and maybe make my blog private. Sorry to those who have private blogs, but I really hate private blogs. I hate checking them, I hate that I have to be logged in. I am pretty much 90% less likely to read your blog if it is private. I will keep thinking about this and exploring options but input from my readers would be appreciated.<br />
<br />
That's all for now!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893777638114191117.post-88281831043258824652014-02-26T09:49:00.001-08:002014-02-26T09:49:38.726-08:00February Photo DumpAndrew got a new camera, so if it looks like he doesn't do anything with us, that is not true. He is playing with his fancy pantsy camera.<br />
<br />
In February, we didn't do anything big. We lived our normal lives.<br />
<br />
We went on lots of walks in the cold.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="320" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" nbsp="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/12796733345/player/7c124b0f67" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="213"></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="213" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" nbsp="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/12796723705/player/00f1b73da2" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="320"></iframe><br />
<br />
We bathed.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="213" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" nbsp="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/12796713905/player/d28c454520" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="320"></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="213" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" nbsp="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/12796617545/player/8f3489e0a8" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="320"></iframe><br />
<br />
We napped and awoke from said naps.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="213" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" nbsp="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/12797109714/player/b7d2a89a7d" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="320"></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="213" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" nbsp="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/12797118994/player/4282785042" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="320"></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="213" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" nbsp="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/12796785153/player/cfd04411a6" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="320"></iframe><br />
<br />
We went to the zoo and hung out in a meerkat hole.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="240" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" nbsp="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/12796779283/player/3795a5e4f0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="320"></iframe><br />
<br />
We learned how to climb things.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="213" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" nbsp="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/12796680995/player/2a1f4508bc" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="320"></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="320" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" nbsp="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/12797042204/player/e34770fdc0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="213"></iframe><br />
<br />
We celebrated Valentine's Day. Thanks Andrew!<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="320" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" nbsp="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/12796665375/player/fe8a91ca5f" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="213"></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="320" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" nbsp="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/12797062384/player/76b607a51c" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="213"></iframe><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(You can see that I'm not good at the new camera)</span><br />
<br />
We read books.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="320" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" nbsp="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/12796645395/player/9af5e5c8f8" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="213"></iframe><br />
<br />
We practiced the piano.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="213" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" nbsp="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/12796623985/player/19df4e85ab" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="320"></iframe><br />
<br />
And brushed our teeth.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="213" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" nbsp="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/12796639395/player/ef0a537166" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="320"></iframe><br />
<br />
Pretty uneventful but also really great!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893777638114191117.post-1148756128983761902014-02-19T10:45:00.000-08:002014-02-19T10:45:32.756-08:00Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow (in February)We had a pretty good snowstorm a few weeks ago. Andrew and I were on a hot date at the Stake Valentine's Social/Seminar/Dance. That was pretty fun. Especially because Rachel was at home, sleeping in her bed. We looked at the window and the snow was coming down! Beautiful. We both really miss the snow. It doesn't feel like winter (especially Christmas) without snow or general freezing conditions. We drove home after doing a few donuts in the Church parking lot (CURSE YOU, SUBARU! Not conducive for donuts). And while driving home, we were amazed and laughing and horrified as we watched Washington drivers who did everything you aren't supposed to do in the snow. (I realize that it does not snow here very often and that they don't have these things pounded into their heads, but it was still amazing.) One of my friends described it as "a clumsy ballet." Yes.<br />
<br />
We saw:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Slamming of the breaks</li>
<li>Overcorrecting</li>
<li>Sharp turns</li>
<li>Hitting the gas</li>
</ul>
<br />
Wow. Who knew driving in the snow was such a skill?<br />
<br />
The next morning, we went out and played in <b>2 inches</b> of the white stuff.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="320" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" nbsp="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/12639648705/player/1905b4d1f4" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="213"></iframe><br />
Rachel seemed pretty interested.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="213" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" nbsp="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/12640136824/player/a2a93ff80e" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="320"></iframe><br />
Her boots collected the snow so she was walking on platform boots. It was hilarious.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="213" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" nbsp="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/12639787633/player/43b14fb184" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="320"></iframe><br />
Going down the hill with Mom.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="213" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" nbsp="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/12639651785/player/9a2042a685" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="320"></iframe><br />
Rachel raising her arms in the sled with Dad.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="320" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" nbsp="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/12639650315/player/5e9d141f2e" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="256"></iframe><br />
A beautiful baby who loves the snow.<br />
<br />
I think Rachel really liked it. Every time we are in the garage and she sees her snowboots, she grabs them and drags them everywhere.<br />
<br />
I hope that it snows again soon!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893777638114191117.post-66098690976249204522014-02-03T12:44:00.000-08:002014-02-03T12:44:28.831-08:00Super Bowl Sunday in Seattle's Seahawk SuburbsPeople here were really excited about the Seahawks being the champions and being in the Super Bowl. We wondered if anyone would be at church. Church starts at 1 and ends at 4 and the game started at 3:30. During sacrament meeting, the chapel was full of blue and green. The die hards were so pleased. Us bandwagoners were pleased that we wore the right colors to church. Rachel's dress was perfect. You will see a picture soon.<br />
<br />
While sacrament meeting had been as full as it usually is, the third hour in Relief Society had about 10 sisters, as opposed to the usual 20ish. And instead of Primary kids banging down the door at the end of church, it was the High Priests who rushed in and threw the chairs up and set up the Seminary seating.<br />
<br />
Driving home was weird because there were not very many cars. We all changed our clothes and got our blue and green jello, cookie dough, and ice cream, and headed out. And there were even less cars on the road going to our friends house!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="240" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" nbsp="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/12293724934/player/d101a8b8c4" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="320"></iframe><br />
Rachel playing with her friend Ethan.<br />
<br />
We ate food and treats and were not very healthy. We cheered and had a good old time.<br />
<br />
I couldn't help but taunt my cousin Scott a little bit via text. Turns out I texted him at pretty much the worse point of the game for the Broncos---no points, Seahawks at like 36 or something (I don't really care that much about football).<br />
<br />
Sarah: Enjoying the game?<br />
Scott: No offense Sarah, but go to hell<br />
Sarah: None taken.<br />
Sarah: I imagine the Broncos are feeling like they're in hell right now.<br />
Scott: They should, cause I do<br />
<i>After the game.</i><br />
Sarah: Don't cry.<br />
Scott: You're not the boss of me.<br />
<br />
Thanks for the great laughs Scott!<br />
<br />
Rachel had not napped since the morning and being awake through all of church and having fun with your buddies all evening can really tire you out. She got really really snuggly, which never ever happens.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="320" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" nbsp="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/12293459413/player/eb6c90b8cb" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="240"></iframe><br />
Snuggling with Dad.<br />
<br />
And then the Seahawks won and all the Broncos looked sad and they dumped Gatorade on the coach before the game was done and it really wasn't that intense. People were screaming and setting off fireworks and we went home before the buzzed drivers got out onto the road.<br />
<br />
And that is our tale of being Seahawks fans because we live in Washington.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893777638114191117.post-36415487901166834022014-01-21T09:46:00.001-08:002014-01-21T09:56:56.993-08:00Sorry and Nothing Much but Randoms and SeahawksSorry the pictures aren't working. We shall see when I get around to fixing it. I just have other things that need to get done, you know?<br />
<br />
It has been super foggy lately but yesterday and (it seems like) today the sun burned the fog off and was a lovely day. We went to the park and got some lovely Vitamin D yesterday, and we will do that this afternoon too.<br />
<br />
I feel like we are obligated to watch the Super Bowl and to support the Seahawks. Usually, I don't watch or care about the Super Bowl, and if we didn't live in the Seattle area, I would root for the Broncos, so it is kind of weird to feel obligated in this way.<br />
<br />
Speaking of that, we learned that Rachel is afraid of fireworks when people around us set off fireworks after the win on Sunday. I can only imagine the noise people will make <strike>if the Seahawks win, </strike>when the Seahawks win. It will be bigger the the Fourth of July, and that was big.<br />
<br />
We are trying to deep clean our house to rid it of demons in preparation of Chinese New Year. It is always something I begin with gusto and then have to drag myself to do finish it.<br />
<br />
We have friends living in Belgium and friends who will be living in the UK at the same time and we thought we should go visit them. Unfortunately, Andrew does not have enough vacation time. Well, he does right now but we have to save it for the summer when we go to Lake Cascade with my family and then when we go to Utah for a wedding. Sorry friends living in Europe.<br />
<br />
And that is all for now!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893777638114191117.post-52343384110956359742014-01-13T15:21:00.001-08:002014-01-13T15:21:44.311-08:00It's January!Well I have been slacking but that doesn't matter. The main reason is that I am too lazy (and confused about whatever program Andrew wants me to use) to put pictures on the computer, and then to flickr, and then to the blog. So I thought I'd post Christmas stuff, but that isn't on here.<br />
<br />
So here is a Thanksgiving picture.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="320" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" nbsp="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/11937952256/player/cd1834af30" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="256"></iframe><br />
<br />
And here is a very random picture from a walk I went on with Andrew, Rachel, and Wesley (Maren was running).<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="240" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" nbsp="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/11937955146/player/54c112360c" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="320"></iframe><br />
Yes, that is a chicken with some ducks.<br />
<br />
We are doing fine around here. Not too much to report.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893777638114191117.post-50593672961192184602013-12-09T10:23:00.001-08:002013-12-09T10:23:59.993-08:00We Have A Piano!It is a new-to-us but very old piano.<br />
<br />
<img alt="image.jpeg" height="298" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1/?ui=2&ik=54372a6857&view=att&th=142d8699f88e2b89&attid=0.1.1&disp=emb&zw&atsh=1" width="400" /><br />
<br />
I am really happy to finally have a piano in our home. I've already been playing on it. It is really out of tune, but I am just happy to have a piano after many years of wanting one.<br />
<br />
A friend of a friend gave it to us for free. She said that she just wanted it to go to a good home where it would be played and loved.<br />
<br />
I am happy.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893777638114191117.post-36018954790389127322013-12-02T10:40:00.000-08:002013-12-02T10:44:38.119-08:00Trans Siberian Orchestra ConcertWe went to the Trans Siberian Orchestra (TSO) concert two weekends ago. I am not much of a rocker and my rock concerts have pretty much just consisted of a Hootie and the Blowfish concert when I was 15 and Ryan Shupe and the Rubber Band concerts at college. Love Ryan Shupe. I wasn't familiar with Hootie and kept wondering why it smelled so funny there.<br />
<br />
We won tickets from a friend's raffle. Our seats were in a suite! I have never been in a suite, it was so sweet. The best part was that we had our own personal toilet. Here is the order of awesome things about being in a suite.<br />
<ol>
<li>Personal toilet</li>
<li>Having water to drink the whole time.</li>
<li>Having a place to set your food and water on in front of you.</li>
<li>Feeling like a queen and referring to all the other people as "the peasants" for the whole night.</li>
<li>Comfy seats.</li>
<li>Being with 16 people you know because everyone from your ward won tickets.</li>
<li>Parking right across the street for FREE!</li>
</ol>
<div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/11175818966/" title="DSCN1574 by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCN1574" height="240" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2889/11175818966_560acfd757_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
Me in the suite.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/11175881724/" title="DSCN1576 by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCN1576" height="240" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2841/11175881724_56d043b786_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
Our personal toilet.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/11175828096/" title="DSCN1579 by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCN1579" height="240" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5520/11175828096_2d5592e951_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
There is horrible lighting in the suites, but there we are.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As you can tell, being in the suite was pretty cool.</div>
<div>
<br />
The concert was fun, too. I wasn't sure what to expect as I was only family with TSO's Christmas songs. They played some Christmas songs, then had a Christmas story/music thing, played more Christmas songs, and then played other songs.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/11175848604/" title="DSCN1585 by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCN1585" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7293/11175848604_7179d88acb_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/11175975133/" title="DSCN1586 by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCN1586" height="240" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3734/11175975133_c5612ef3f9_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/11175804255/" title="DSCN1594 by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCN1594" height="240" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3716/11175804255_0018ee0f84_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/11175862794/" title="DSCN1590 by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCN1590" height="240" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5486/11175862794_31d8db6211_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/11175793225/" title="DSCN1597 by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCN1597" height="240" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3733/11175793225_32851f35d3_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/11175860334/" title="DSCN1599 by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCN1599" height="240" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3733/11175860334_a85a57042f_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
This man who was a rock singer and had Thor hair.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/11175990143/" title="DSCN1596 by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCN1596" height="240" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2863/11175990143_3b016a39c5_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Electric violin power!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/11175846076/" title="DSCN1601 by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCN1601" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7445/11175846076_d6ee499dd2_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Andrew and I are so dumb at rock and roll. The lead guitarist said that his best friend Paul was there and he got the group together. Everyone was screaming. We were like, "YAY!" but didn't know why everyone was freaking out. And then later on the drive home when we talked with Shannon did we realize that it was Paul McCartney! ooooff! So that was pretty cool in retrospect.<br />
<br />
The lights were amazing, it was really loud and I did put in earplugs, the music was great and fun. I really am not much of a rocker, but we had a great time. I am glad we won the tickets and I think we should go to more rock concerts in the future. As long as we balance those with symphonies because that is what I love.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/11175873614/" title="DSCN1608 by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCN1608" height="240" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2842/11175873614_b3c66dd0be_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
In front of the Space Needle.</div>
<div>
<br />
Here is a funny thing. Yesterday, a TSO song came on our Pandora, and it was one where they all flipped their hair like crazy. I started flipping my hair/head banging and I gave myself whiplash. My neck hurts so bad. Rock stars must have very strong necks so they don't get brain damage or whiplash after every concert. Also, they have amazing conditioner to keep their hair so smooth and shiny despite their rocking.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893777638114191117.post-64767791373024844112013-11-24T20:43:00.001-08:002013-11-24T20:43:26.978-08:00A Day at the BeachAndrew's mom and aunt came to visit us. We went to Picnic Point one day. Even though it was cold and windy, we all enjoyed being at the beach.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/11042890154/" title="DSCN1495.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCN1495.JPG" height="240" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5549/11042890154_09298a41ac_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Rachel and Tante Karen<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/11042901774/" title="DSCN1498.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCN1498.JPG" height="240" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5527/11042901774_6035ea1ec8_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
There were a whole bunch of these dead, dried up jellyfish all over the beach. They must have gotten stuck when the tide went out.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/11042969273/" title="DSCN1505.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCN1505.JPG" height="240" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3764/11042969273_cb779c5c04_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Rachel learned how to throw rocks into the sea.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/11042885246/" title="DSCN1511.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCN1511.JPG" height="320" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5491/11042885246_a3b3fe476f_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
And she loved picking up rocks.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/11042889866/" title="DSCN1513.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCN1513.JPG" height="240" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3746/11042889866_a0f943563f_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
I fell off the log and into the water. No surprises there.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/11042939164/" title="DSCN1514.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCN1514.JPG" height="240" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2877/11042939164_76b3ea0a02_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
We found a dead salmon.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/11042807115/" title="DSCN1517.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCN1517.JPG" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7403/11042807115_45b85d0717_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
It was beautiful.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/11042954684/" title="DSCN1522.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCN1522.JPG" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7363/11042954684_bcbfbd70c5_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
And we watched the train go by. It was loud and fun!<br />
<br />
Good day at the beach.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893777638114191117.post-6595431002460642042013-10-28T13:45:00.000-07:002013-10-28T13:45:14.652-07:00Rachel's Birthday Extravaganza: Part 1You all know from Pinterest and current culture that your child's first birthday is really important. The second birthday or the first birthday for the third child, not so much.<br />
<br />
None of those Pinterest Moms love their first child as much as I do. Rachel is having <b>three</b> birthday celebrations. Pin it and compete with me.<br />
<br />
My parents and sister were in town a weekish ago so we, of course, celebrated Rachel's birthday. And Andrew's too a little.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/10542711544/" title="IMG_0006_edited-1.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0006_edited-1.JPG" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7430/10542711544_7dc42c9da2_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
Not so sure about this presents thing.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/10542913773/" title="IMG_0010_edited-1.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0010_edited-1.JPG" height="240" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3729/10542913773_eee9bab5cf_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Opening a present with Grandma.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/10542729824/" title="IMG_0013.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0013.JPG" height="320" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5508/10542729824_50f35a1d5e_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
She opened this dress and held it up and it was so funny.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/10542929193/" title="IMG_0017_edited-1.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0017_edited-1.JPG" height="320" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2838/10542929193_73c878e11d_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
What could it be?!?!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/10542714605/" title="IMG_0018.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0018.JPG" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7329/10542714605_1f625aa5cb_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
Hmmm...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/10542862704/" title="IMG_0026.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0026.JPG" height="240" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3722/10542862704_326dac5786_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
A wagon! "Quick, some assembly is required, Dad!"<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/10542835356/" title="IMG_0030.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0030.JPG" height="240" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3738/10542835356_4197f8dc99_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Andrew assembling the wagon handle.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/10542789404/" title="IMG_0032_edited-1.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0032_edited-1.JPG" height="240" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3755/10542789404_4bb7a63a58_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Nigel wondering why he doesn't get a present.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/10542721975/" title="IMG_0035.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0035.JPG" height="320" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2836/10542721975_de6c7bbc35_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
Cousins. This trip was fun because they actually interacted with each other, unlike two months ago.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/10542799884/" title="IMG_0038_edited-1.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0038_edited-1.JPG" height="240" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5485/10542799884_812d56533f_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
The birthday pigs.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/10542771866/" title="IMG_0040.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0040.JPG" height="320" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5490/10542771866_0d2883bd3d_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
"I WANT MY CUPCAKE!"<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/10542781706/" title="IMG_0043.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0043.JPG" height="320" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3729/10542781706_1cb59e9fdf_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
A delicious red velvet cupcake made with beets and topped with classily spread cream cheese frosting.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/10542793365/" title="IMG_0050.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0050.JPG" height="240" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5535/10542793365_0df495a7e0_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
They were delicious. Rachel isn't much of a cake smasher/smearer. She is very dainty and wants the food in her belly.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/10542802475/" title="IMG_0055_edited-1.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0055_edited-1.JPG" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7393/10542802475_5ba19737cf_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
"Dad, you have got to try this."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/10543047403/" title="IMG_0004_edited-1.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0004_edited-1.JPG" height="240" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3761/10543047403_85c735272f_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
And in the morning, Nigel pushed Rachel around in her wagon. So cute.<br />
<br />
Happy first birthday party to my sweet little Rachel!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893777638114191117.post-23459669457571375842013-10-11T14:36:00.002-07:002013-10-11T14:36:43.712-07:00What we want.It is that time of year! Birthday month for both Andrew and Rachel.<br />
<br />
Andrew wants money so he can save up for a fancy shmancy camera.<br />
<br />
We have decided that Rachel wants blocks, a doll, a table and chairs, and a kitchen. We already got her some plastic food and cars. She also wants someone who will walk around with her all day without their back seizing up.<br />
<br />
It isn't my birthday, but I will tell you what I want. I want books (ask me for specifics and I will tell you which ones to buy), a piano, and shoes and clothes.<br />
<br />
And this is why I am broken. I need new 'go anywhere shoes', but I don't want them. I want new running shoes. I need another pair of jeans that fits (yay I'm not so rotund!), but I want running long sleeve shirts or jackets and pants. At least we already bought a foam roller, or I would want one of those instead of something sensible, like a new pastry blender or citrus squeezer.<br />
<br />
The title of this blog post reminds me of that meme:<br />
What are we? WOMEN!<br />
What do we want? WE DON'T KNOW!<br />
When so we want it? NOW!<br />
<br />
Except I do know what I want and I think I must be going crazy. Running has addled my brain.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893777638114191117.post-72753821329662817012013-09-27T16:24:00.000-07:002013-09-27T16:24:00.124-07:00Winnie-the-Pooh NurseryAndrew's mom came to visit and was happy to paint a mural on our nursery wall! She said she always wanted to paint a mural in her kids' rooms but never was bold enough to decide on something and then follow through. I think she did a great job.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/9924213524/" title="IMG_0001.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0001.JPG" height="240" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3714/9924213524_19e97c6489_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
The base layer of the painting. She wanted it to look like a watercolor painting, as the A. A. Milne text's illustrations are.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/9924323613/" title="IMG_0003.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0003.JPG" height="240" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3702/9924323613_157de9f36f_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Trees to frame the painting.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/9924185456/" title="IMG_0007.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0007.JPG" height="320" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3768/9924185456_d269f7c819_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
Rachel loved watching Oma paint.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/9924232164/" title="IMG_0016.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0016.JPG" height="240" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3828/9924232164_38747d1d57_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Time to lower the crib! She's only 9 months old, for goodness sake.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/9924125446/" title="IMG_0001.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0001.JPG" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7364/9924125446_a1679027e1_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Putting some finishing touches on the beehive.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/9924132556/" title="IMG_0006.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0006.JPG" height="320" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5492/9924132556_36742e6c2e_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
Owl.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/9924283863/" title="IMG_0007.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0007.JPG" height="240" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5332/9924283863_122c37a400_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
The honeybees.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/9924289033/" title="IMG_0008.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0008.JPG" height="240" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5502/9924289033_31663fbbd2_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/9924196794/" title="IMG_0010.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0010.JPG" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7371/9924196794_a3a40be6cb_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/9924191574/" title="IMG_0009.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0009.JPG" height="320" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2883/9924191574_f78d882445_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/9924289033/" title="IMG_0008.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0008.JPG" height="240" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5502/9924289033_31663fbbd2_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/9924167306/" title="IMG_0012.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0012.JPG" height="320" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2847/9924167306_da997ec475_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
More characters will appear on the opposite wall at a later date.<br />
<br />
Rachel loves it. She waves at Owl when she wakes up and points from Owl and the honeybees whenever we go into her room.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893777638114191117.post-50760369639519039242013-09-25T08:28:00.000-07:002013-09-25T08:28:00.867-07:00Bath Time!I generally don't believe in posting pictures of naked babies on the internet, no matter how cute. But these are too funny.<br />
<br />
Our friends came to visit us and we put all three kids in the bathtub.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/9924545373/" title="IMG_0001.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0001.JPG" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7336/9924545373_b89581c8ac_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
The closest we get to having them all look at the camera at the same time.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/9924551253/" title="IMG_0003.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0003.JPG" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7361/9924551253_7bfe664d24_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
The little babies stare at the toddler's craziness.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/9924387605/" title="IMG_0006.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0006.JPG" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7432/9924387605_ffedd24ecc_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
The nasal aspirator: best bath toy ever. And dog-boy toy ever, too.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/9924394305/" title="IMG_0011.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0011.JPG" height="240" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2812/9924394305_7ee9f505e1_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
"Mom, this is the funnest bath of my life."<br />
<br />
So the pictures aren't that funny. But it was a funny bath.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893777638114191117.post-56605427123266331152013-09-24T15:53:00.001-07:002013-09-24T15:53:45.249-07:00Dash Point Half Marathon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
The half marathon is over and done. It was exhausting, grueling, and not really very fun. I mean, as I've been running more, I've enjoyed it, but this was an experience for which I was not prepared. I got the miles in, I should have been able to do it. I just wasn't ready for a trail run that had some really steep parts.</div>
<div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/9923911953/" title="IMG_0001.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0001.JPG" height="240" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3793/9923911953_e309c6ebcf_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
Sarah and I at Dash Point State Park before the race. Ready to ROCK IT!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/9923775866/" title="IMG_0002.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0002.JPG" height="240" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3720/9923775866_e75ab253ea_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
My loves and cheering section.</div>
<div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/9923924463/" title="IMG_0003.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0003.JPG" height="240" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5500/9923924463_816b0ef71e_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
Lining up in the slow wave.</div>
<div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<img height="320" src="https://sphotos-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1237033_616005428421438_44585916_n.jpg" width="240" /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
At the beginning of the race--don't I look fresh and happy to be running?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/herb_purganan/9695037131/" title="_HRB8113 by herb.purganan, on Flickr"><img alt="_HRB8113" height="320" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5511/9695037131_13f7e9f76c_n.jpg" width="212" /></a><br />
Running in the forest is fun! Oh actually it isn't because I just ran up a cliff! I'm a good faker.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/herb_purganan/9697745312/" title="_HRB7580 by herb.purganan, on Flickr"><img alt="_HRB7580" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7358/9697745312_1fbbca1617_n.jpg" width="212" /></a><br />
Daniel running the race (he's Andrew's running buddy).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/herb_purganan/9694987667/" title="_HRB8056 by herb.purganan, on Flickr"><img alt="_HRB8056" height="320" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5486/9694987667_7c6dddf5b1_n.jpg" width="212" /></a><br />
My friends Sarah and Melissa running. Looking good!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/9923787896/" title="IMG_0008.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0008.JPG" height="240" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5470/9923787896_7817857276_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
At the aid station--HALFWAY DONE!!!<br />
<br />
<img height="240" src="https://sphotos-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/998128_616151395073508_444735288_n.jpg" width="320" /><br />
Now I'm kind of running--don't judge, I'm super pooped.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/herb_purganan/9695548545/" title="_HRB8905 by herb.purganan, on Flickr"><img alt="_HRB8905" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7365/9695548545_670dc60400_n.jpg" width="212" /></a><br />
This is at about mile 8 and I was dying.<br />
<br />
By the end of the race, I was ready to cry.<br />
<br />
But I persevered and FINISHED.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81833136@N06/9923769435/" title="IMG_0013.JPG by sbfass, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0013.JPG" height="240" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5507/9923769435_3c3bd31094_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
None of us (me, Sarah, or Daniel) did as well as we had expected to had it been a road race. Daniel was expecting 1:45 and ran it in 2:45, I'm not sure what Sarah expected but she finished in 3:15, and I expected 2:45 and finished at 3:30.<br />
<br />
Daniel's wisdom about the race: "Your first trail run should not be a half marathon, and your first half marathon shouldn't be a trail run."<br />
<br />
Although I had ran on trails a few times, none of my long runs were on the trails. Moral of the story: <i>train in the race's conditions</i>.<br />
<br />
Even though I was dying, I feel like I paced myself really well. My snail pace was consistent and I finished. And, I can say that I ran a half marathon.<br />
<br />
Now, to find a good Redemption Race.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4