tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23478210170687919752024-03-18T19:50:02.549-07:00The Benich FamilyLori Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16433470022061472622noreply@blogger.comBlogger182125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347821017068791975.post-58541471589281379602012-09-25T19:24:00.001-07:002012-09-25T19:24:39.778-07:00Marilyn<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I never realized I was a Marilyn Monroe fan until recently. I had been searching for quotes for a project I've been working on, and ran across several Marilyn quotes. I liked so many of them and had to share. Perhaps you too, are a Marilyn fan.</span><br />
<br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="huge" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">-"A career is wonderful, but you can't curl up with it on a cold night."</span> </span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="huge" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></span></span></i>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="huge" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">-"I don't mind living in a man's world as long as I can be a woman in it."</span> </span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">-"A girl knows her limits, but a wise girl knows she has none."</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">-"It's better to be absolutely ridiculous than to be absolutely boring."</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">-"I'm selfish, impatient, and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at </span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best."</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">-"If you can make a girl laugh, you can make her do anything."</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="huge" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></span></span></i>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="huge" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">-"I don't want to make money, I just want to be wonderful.</span> "</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="huge" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></span></span></i>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="huge" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">-"I'm very definitely a woman and I enjoy it.</span> "</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">-"A girl doesn't need anyone that doesn't need her."</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="huge" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></span></span></i>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="huge" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">-"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #232323; line-height: 19px;"><span class="firstword" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Believe</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #232323; line-height: 19px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #232323; line-height: 19px;">that everything happens for a reason. People change so you can learn to let go. Things go wrong so you can appreciate them when they're right. You believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself. And sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together."</span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #232323; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></i>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #232323; line-height: 19px;">and maybe my favorite....</span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #232323; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></i>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">-"Give a girl the right pair of shoes, and she can conquer the world."</span></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #dbdbdb; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span></span>Lori Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16433470022061472622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347821017068791975.post-90245232438499709292012-06-17T10:28:00.001-07:002012-06-17T10:51:58.840-07:00First Big SpillI'm sure today was the first of many, but boy did it hurt! I've nearly conquered learning my way around one of the "easiest" loops at McAllister, And during my 2nd easy loop, one of those easy descents got the best of me. I tried to veer to the right, but the roots on the left tripped me up and I found myself going over my handlebars, skidding down the dirt, and ending up with my bike on top of me. I won't lie, I cried a bit. It hurt!!<br />
I dusted myself off, put my chain back on, and VERY SLOWLY made my way back to my car. <br />
These pics were taken just about 30 minutes after the spill, after I had time to clean up a bit! Now that's it's been a few hours later, these bruises are REALLY gonna be good!<br />
<br />
I think I'm ready to go again, but I may need to hire a biking buddy. <div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnENM8KhmQFRO__i467exnwQjVzz2VTFc2EKq_YyIkotZIZBCLMfAsroHcdnXIh0vluOCcIlttYZzoBEU73z22fx8iYXV5NJbQIWBMzFUArbZEOCfCIZrTnqwoR1HfsFtv6F22M32zje7/s640/blogger-image-1292459753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnENM8KhmQFRO__i467exnwQjVzz2VTFc2EKq_YyIkotZIZBCLMfAsroHcdnXIh0vluOCcIlttYZzoBEU73z22fx8iYXV5NJbQIWBMzFUArbZEOCfCIZrTnqwoR1HfsFtv6F22M32zje7/s640/blogger-image-1292459753.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwzwvfnr76-5KpQReugaoA8XYewICBc6HtuayF4REjwR-zqI-LT0HtfL_7DHVCQZ1srRVMFqGdiWLuPNySNdaNG0hi1fycZRO2eQhjjvw63Yg11up5rlPjwpLl8KYSYIYyu_2JJxwEZmC/s640/blogger-image-815323338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwzwvfnr76-5KpQReugaoA8XYewICBc6HtuayF4REjwR-zqI-LT0HtfL_7DHVCQZ1srRVMFqGdiWLuPNySNdaNG0hi1fycZRO2eQhjjvw63Yg11up5rlPjwpLl8KYSYIYyu_2JJxwEZmC/s640/blogger-image-815323338.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj18AhxbRzd81Frf55dk1Qq-NjhQyGobPsWL2YNKRRYF3Iddw-NVxYlThlTXPfVvvGjMG19fqaq2RG1HGl65yOAmiXnSHWrPX0CRtMOH_O-vfqFGAFy2VPs7DbGjHTJbA5icxEasdgu6Unx/s640/blogger-image-2015278112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj18AhxbRzd81Frf55dk1Qq-NjhQyGobPsWL2YNKRRYF3Iddw-NVxYlThlTXPfVvvGjMG19fqaq2RG1HGl65yOAmiXnSHWrPX0CRtMOH_O-vfqFGAFy2VPs7DbGjHTJbA5icxEasdgu6Unx/s640/blogger-image-2015278112.jpg" /></a></div>Lori Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16433470022061472622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347821017068791975.post-71677085639438556872012-05-22T18:00:00.001-07:002012-05-22T18:00:19.522-07:00Exploring the GreenbeltI always knew we had a great Greenbelt behind our house, full of wildlife and preventing us from ever having back-door neighbors. What I didn't know is how great of a workout it could be!!<br />
I recently bought a mountain bike. I was looking for an exercise I could do on my own and enjoy. I've never been a runner, tennis is GREAT but you always need a partner, I never seem to stay in a routine with a gym, so why not try biking?? <br />
It turns out I have a newfound respect for bikers of all kinds. It's not as easy as it looks! You don't realize your neighborhood has hills until you're pushing uphill while your quads are screaming "you haven't done this to me in 20 years and you think you can conquer this now!?!?". I started on the roads with a little over 3 miles. A couple days later I pushed it to 4. Then 5, then 6. <br />
Then I decided to venture off-road into the Greenbelt behind our house. I have to admit, I grinned as I swerved off the road, down a fairly steep, grassy hill towards the beginning of the trail. <br />
I have nothing to compare my Greenbelt to, but for this rookie, it was pretty tough in parts, very rocky, a couple good climbs, and the wooded trail proved to be a really nice change of pace! (oh, and THANK GOODNESS for padded shorts!)<br />
<br />
I'm not very good, but getting better. I'm not very fit, but it's good exercise. I'm not very fast, but getting faster and stronger every time I go out. <br />
I read this recently and loved it:<br />
"Good thing don't come to those who wait. Good things come to those who work their asses off and never give up!"<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKh80XKYuYwrDncXJRIyryJYtTcR39UN1Z-Oy0H72u97GJuoVd20jSSwvje9kMnCCeSX0fm-YMeM32ucV_5SfaRmAAjdrzbeWMMareXhcaSaa0KjBJJfxK9IdzYOEGWxVZL5crI3Qg_xWW/s640/blogger-image-1693396237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKh80XKYuYwrDncXJRIyryJYtTcR39UN1Z-Oy0H72u97GJuoVd20jSSwvje9kMnCCeSX0fm-YMeM32ucV_5SfaRmAAjdrzbeWMMareXhcaSaa0KjBJJfxK9IdzYOEGWxVZL5crI3Qg_xWW/s640/blogger-image-1693396237.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjHrHe_GEWrDnwErZRoac8dcKn-IW0Hho98CxklNvrfsvCJeAOwwARQ9Nj7dq6hXnfXGyXFpmSa4ZFVV25kdR1k7ejNsDGALNM39CPpJOOlTu0aV6uXcuNKhY9-VpSER51ramAAtCCd-ac/s640/blogger-image-1049966458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjHrHe_GEWrDnwErZRoac8dcKn-IW0Hho98CxklNvrfsvCJeAOwwARQ9Nj7dq6hXnfXGyXFpmSa4ZFVV25kdR1k7ejNsDGALNM39CPpJOOlTu0aV6uXcuNKhY9-VpSER51ramAAtCCd-ac/s640/blogger-image-1049966458.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_MLp744TAKTu91971JNW9jBZBqnNsz7LTs5luWWjvN-bc5ghrUxjV5W2DttxpIcL6p8jMUvgF78S9KtgSxkHV7lafSYTKQhIaaOVRSHiyq0jqHkXo-5KlRNI5wp_p816MKWW0-zYufPE/s640/blogger-image--199242102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_MLp744TAKTu91971JNW9jBZBqnNsz7LTs5luWWjvN-bc5ghrUxjV5W2DttxpIcL6p8jMUvgF78S9KtgSxkHV7lafSYTKQhIaaOVRSHiyq0jqHkXo-5KlRNI5wp_p816MKWW0-zYufPE/s640/blogger-image--199242102.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGkOdGOLqntt7X-Tm92W73cxwEuA4l_l2nXIbLeXcIRPx2vlNdQ-rMuE9yyURKWscHXzWLYpTokJ3SBbt1V35myWgLdvuQXKD4OHf8TIAwKO5AzyoG0tdpht1PgD39Wq_lyUV-Y-J9pBS/s640/blogger-image-1188589932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGkOdGOLqntt7X-Tm92W73cxwEuA4l_l2nXIbLeXcIRPx2vlNdQ-rMuE9yyURKWscHXzWLYpTokJ3SBbt1V35myWgLdvuQXKD4OHf8TIAwKO5AzyoG0tdpht1PgD39Wq_lyUV-Y-J9pBS/s640/blogger-image-1188589932.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-5I-PfTPicfeC0mxXCFTXfFVbILIUlVX-zYLbSi9YKtdXQWBAWdnJtcmd_Y3Vt06HWVATqISvJrT7oNakdRBYOC7Fjr1Be7N-Hn7FXM83SC3xXkHbOWrZhnMN0PJ6eu2rCazs6XrpWnu/s640/blogger-image--288772463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-5I-PfTPicfeC0mxXCFTXfFVbILIUlVX-zYLbSi9YKtdXQWBAWdnJtcmd_Y3Vt06HWVATqISvJrT7oNakdRBYOC7Fjr1Be7N-Hn7FXM83SC3xXkHbOWrZhnMN0PJ6eu2rCazs6XrpWnu/s640/blogger-image--288772463.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHHF5Ei32veDk9jkAAEZIk_lMPi30gYFoYOa8ZTWO3K9ev40C4uJKccz7ljNz2pxCSpCRPWQ7_c7sEpMV9cCmvPsfD98V9sKjFXSvzI6ZPDrpdrcQ4dBuIXyRmMN03VEP3ckH41FD3pbN/s640/blogger-image--2015978821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHHF5Ei32veDk9jkAAEZIk_lMPi30gYFoYOa8ZTWO3K9ev40C4uJKccz7ljNz2pxCSpCRPWQ7_c7sEpMV9cCmvPsfD98V9sKjFXSvzI6ZPDrpdrcQ4dBuIXyRmMN03VEP3ckH41FD3pbN/s640/blogger-image--2015978821.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjAb5iZMhPjG51U3YFvTjxz0v4lZvic08IjvKJS08MWarhabxc6yjjpZJ4d0MKD7AWyutugKtXwj3DjlvWJrqb6jgz6T3MouY0DihQGcDQRmh7oLxMwVbj8vvxL1t8-VonnIBzHFXkCzcQ/s640/blogger-image-1428694480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjAb5iZMhPjG51U3YFvTjxz0v4lZvic08IjvKJS08MWarhabxc6yjjpZJ4d0MKD7AWyutugKtXwj3DjlvWJrqb6jgz6T3MouY0DihQGcDQRmh7oLxMwVbj8vvxL1t8-VonnIBzHFXkCzcQ/s640/blogger-image-1428694480.jpg" /></a></div>Lori Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16433470022061472622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347821017068791975.post-52455396674488635862012-04-26T16:11:00.001-07:002012-04-26T16:11:23.770-07:00Deep breath!It's Thursday, and the week has been what I describe as my new "typical" work week. I'm already past 40 hours, I'm exhausted, a little beat up, a lot behind, semi-stressed and overly brain dead. <br />
I left work with approximately 150 emails unread in my inbox so I reach for my blackberry in hopes to read, respond and delete as many as possible within the 45-minute block for dance class. I get through about four and then the red battery indicator says it has had enough and dies. <br />
<br />
So I sit in the lobby of the dance studio and close my eyes and take a deep breath! I realize that for just a few minutes, I am not mommy. I am not the boss woman. I am just one woman, a tired woman, taking a deep breath and getting ready to tackle the world again. <br />
<br />
Little did I know when I started this post (on the mobile app!!) that at the end of those 45 minutes, the parents would get to go watch/video their tap dance. And as much as I enjoyed my moment of silence, Aubree's wiggle tap dance reminded me how much I enjoy being mommy....<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsEisD01-x_IxH1NKZiuhH8SNla0ItpGUSiAjI2WlnPTPvFpqDSXgHhASjhR65jshue2OD_aQcESdbkk-YQGn3dpTXGCXvS5fmro_bcK5If2k-NU3FE9FHPguaF4th0TqbdFtOxzWpKlV/s640/blogger-image--1845750826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsEisD01-x_IxH1NKZiuhH8SNla0ItpGUSiAjI2WlnPTPvFpqDSXgHhASjhR65jshue2OD_aQcESdbkk-YQGn3dpTXGCXvS5fmro_bcK5If2k-NU3FE9FHPguaF4th0TqbdFtOxzWpKlV/s640/blogger-image--1845750826.jpg" /></a></div>Lori Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16433470022061472622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347821017068791975.post-26765790185006015452012-04-22T17:56:00.000-07:002012-04-22T17:56:07.955-07:00The Best Year of my Life...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfCCvVPoF1ECSul_lm4szIC3hPETfYTG2HEKRwakdSJFbB4nw2l473udosx48eUxd_FtbSkHuYWG9SYWAfUSdxk03l-H-jf1d1nKof_VBIHnVue6autMP095K3rtIhh67ZU6oYm2MW5p0/s1600/DSC_0072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfCCvVPoF1ECSul_lm4szIC3hPETfYTG2HEKRwakdSJFbB4nw2l473udosx48eUxd_FtbSkHuYWG9SYWAfUSdxk03l-H-jf1d1nKof_VBIHnVue6autMP095K3rtIhh67ZU6oYm2MW5p0/s400/DSC_0072.JPG" width="265" /></a>Little did I know that as I embarked upon my 33rd birthday, I was about to enter into the BEST year of my life! Now, you're probably thinking, "she's only been 33 for five days, how does she know it will be the best year of her life?" Well, it's on the internet! It has to be true, right??<br />
Here's the <a href="http://blog.timesunion.com/hottopics/best-year-of-your-life-is-33-survey-says/9122/" target="_blank">proof</a>.<br />
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Obviously there are 360 more days to go and the reality is that there is nothing that will promise me this will be the best year of my life. But what I can do is make a few promises to myself. Promises to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">smile</span> more. Worry less. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Laugh</span> more. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Accept</span> criticism and failure. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Appreciate</span>. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Listen</span>. Don't hate. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Embrace</span> change. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Take chances</span>. Be <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">thankful</span>. Cherish <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">friendships</span>. And <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Love</span> deeply ---<br />
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That, just might be the secret to the best year of my life, and quite possibly a recipe I can reuse again and again and again.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
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<br />Lori Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16433470022061472622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347821017068791975.post-74698425852787349502012-04-20T21:27:00.001-07:002012-04-20T21:27:17.729-07:0010-word ChallengeI've contemplated giving up the blog. I mean seriously, it's been EIGHT MONTHS since I last updated it?? But I can't. I love going back and re-reading old posts now. I can't imagine how much I'll love reading them in another 30 years. I'm a wordy person and I could probably recap the last 8 months by writing a novel. However, I've been through several challenges lately so let's make up a new one...recap each month in less than 10 words each! (Crap...this could be hard...)<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">August 2011</span> - Princess Baby turned three! Brock started first grade! Mom Married! (phew! 10 words)</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">September 2011</span> - Aubree started DANCE CLASS!!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">October 2011</span> - Bachelorette Party; Las Vegas; First Louis Vuitton purchase!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">November 2011</span> - My Bestie got MARRIED!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> December 2011 </span>- We boycotted traveling for Christmas (gasp!!!) - Christmas @ home!!!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">January 2012</span> - NYE Party; Superhero Room Makeover; Hard work month</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">February 2012</span> - Brock turns Seven; Started new diet (currently down 27 lbs!!!)</div>
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(diet progress: February picture and April picture!!)</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">March 2012</span> - Booked Ireland Vacation! Started playing tennis again. College Station. </div>
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And that brings us to APRIL! And maybe, just MAYBE, I will post again before 2013! ;-)Lori Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16433470022061472622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347821017068791975.post-59383759510747602312011-08-07T20:08:00.001-07:002011-08-07T20:33:44.749-07:00Little Moments<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9CZSSf0IjZmJVYn-GvK6nQePYpyEqQ8404aBzJDyGgZUUHwexv_noADTvKXUCno-8-ic5LCffm2tRTya70kXM7ey1xoU3RcxQRfKjfyxAoIISjDiJ9GfUZ5fhDLUgXVD5-NsZk6kTrNk/s1600/DSC_0282.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9CZSSf0IjZmJVYn-GvK6nQePYpyEqQ8404aBzJDyGgZUUHwexv_noADTvKXUCno-8-ic5LCffm2tRTya70kXM7ey1xoU3RcxQRfKjfyxAoIISjDiJ9GfUZ5fhDLUgXVD5-NsZk6kTrNk/s320/DSC_0282.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638322560296951010" /></a><div>As another crazy week is quickly approaching, I want to thank my little Aubree for an oh-so subtle reminder. I'm constantly juggling life, and sometimes I don't feel all that successful at anything because I'm trying too hard at so many things. But as I'm sitting by her sleepy little self in the dark, I finally hear that "sound": the irregular pattern of her sucking her thumb that tells me she is finally asleep. And I realize I knew, because it's the little things that make the Mom in me, a good Mom. :-) I also realize it's these little moments that will pass too quickly. In five days she'll turn 3. It won't be long and she'll outgrow that "sound" as fast as she outgrew all the size 3 & 4's in her closet! </div><div>I don't want to forget these seemingly insignificant little moments, and I hope I can take more opportunities to post them since I can't rely on my brain for anything these days!!</div><div><br /></div><div>(Yes, as you may have guessed...I used a past picture. Since she doesn't really suck her thumb anymore unless she's going to sleep, I don't have too many to choose from.)</div>Lori Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16433470022061472622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347821017068791975.post-34159195026082933362011-06-23T17:49:00.000-07:002011-06-23T18:05:29.794-07:00Our Newest Addition<div style="text-align: center;">After Sarge made his trip to Doggie Heaven, we decided we would wait a while before getting another furry family member. Well, that lasted a whole six weeks.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Meet Rocky, our little boxer who is going to get very, very big!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVW-PfPKkYAQ39bxN2EokFkRVopX9gR2AdlbI2ASt81mZUeY3CqCUPN4CBz7HF4ZU24ngD35U4MCsxZOszOfFGDTD3-iMkcEyL4sTYPybwv6SS6aI4DaYZJfd2utVwDHLhSN2pGyKRfNQO/s400/DSC_0463.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621584193646942066" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil50gKQZJ38XnhoAS-YY4AN5Ov0SxeORmyaPGMAeto1y-8ymPw9dQtSMhSu7sRg0HFCYA0P1sjsXY8gRTcjeho80ZPWT_z_Gzg0N-bfz4VwRldftiW7mGIc-fDHgSvu1HEUh8vP9D49cpP/s400/DSC_0510.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621584200180520898" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF055VzC0yAewu4T3NV5VH77qGtDtIvnWyOtCYZtZmo4gDoheaVhGExd7tX_4JGcTRfv3UU0sctXV9sBIhwutMbtUzkagCtWRQWD2mig8dx59tVviYu-9lr5FrfZ8VBi-Gl2WEBJVA4IYJ/s400/DSC_0511.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621584203261921330" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Rocky's Statistics:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Born on 3/31/11 and the largest of his litter.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Temporarily in the lightweight category weighing in at 14.2 pounds @ 10 weeks</div><div style="text-align: center;">Almost naturally responds to the command "Sit".</div><div style="text-align: center;">Has a fond love of toes and anything else he can sink his puppy teeth into.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Enjoys comfy places to sleep.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thinks his name is "No".</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>Lori Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16433470022061472622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347821017068791975.post-11482815657166577622011-06-22T16:54:00.000-07:002011-06-22T17:17:12.688-07:00Glass Balls<div style="text-align: center;">Oh where, oh where, has my blogging time gone? Oh where, oh where could it be?</div><div><br /></div><div>I don't even remember if I've written this in past blogs or not, but in April I took a management position at work. To say it was a totally new experience is an understatement. I'm getting along, and know it's getting easier with time, but the learning curve is slow...and there is so much more to go.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm trying my best to juggle being Lori the mom, Lori the wife, Lori the daughter/sister, Lori the friend, Lori the manager and Lori herself. That is an effort that will never end, and most likely I will never feel truly successful at any of them. In the midst of that juggling act, several</div><div>other balls have dropped. Something I learned along the way is that you have to know which balls in life are made of glass, and which balls are made of rubber. You don't want to drop the glass balls because they may not ever be repaired. But the rubber balls can bounce on their own for a while until you have the time to pick it back up. My family is definitely made of glass. Unfortunately, my love of photography and blogging is a ball made of rubber. Therefore, many weeks go by without an update. I would love to have the time to sit down and blog a couple times a week, but in 20 years when my kids are gone, there should be plenty of time to blog about my empty nest. I may not remember all the details of these days (since they won't be preserved on the world wide web!) but I will know that I was there for my family as much as possible. </div><div>So, to any followers I may have (bless you if you are still checking in!)...I promise </div><div>to continue to keep up the posts as much as possible. In the meantime, go take care of your glass balls too and get off the computer. ;-)</div><div><br /></div><div>And because I still love pictures...here's the sweet picture of the week!!!</div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BMFTg_heM-kcUZ8C9JlU7miaIV6gLKeGJrBn0TayrMjNqGK-OizLGkyQ0dDHQ1QyNZb1vSDveY9fWwGPjU20ICURmP9zNjzPtHVOAlHWH7PqFxzHKL9TKaFZvzvq4qY8iHJzDHBbnhYA/s400/DSCF3212.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621202109421303090" /></div>Lori Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16433470022061472622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347821017068791975.post-52191126048214626662011-05-01T19:08:00.000-07:002011-05-01T19:57:39.604-07:00Our Sarge<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1pSrikMd_Rf7ALewlp388rEJr0yy7BEfQ6zIdyAQE8mjec0qD6m5m8bhpI5fECaTIvstapznhPp9XjZdyiRZrhJ0saeMGPZLU4ReAGpGUjC6md-A-3J_zrKy71fT_x2pyxamhfR9kke-m/s1600/DSC_1222.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1pSrikMd_Rf7ALewlp388rEJr0yy7BEfQ6zIdyAQE8mjec0qD6m5m8bhpI5fECaTIvstapznhPp9XjZdyiRZrhJ0saeMGPZLU4ReAGpGUjC6md-A-3J_zrKy71fT_x2pyxamhfR9kke-m/s400/DSC_1222.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601947087940432226" /></a>Back in May of 2000, Tom and I went home to his mom's house in Hillje. The dog they had who roamed around this country area was the puppy (and named: Puppy) of another dog they had once won/bought at the church auction. Well, Puppy was a mutt and mated with the mutt down the street and when we arrived that day, we saw several brand new puppies. They were a few weeks old at the time, and seriously...who can resist a puppy?? There was one puppy in particular who was so ridiculously cute. He was brown with a white patch on the lower part of his neck, and a bit on his toes. The thing about this dog is he wouldn't leave my feet alone. He kept trying to nip at them and of course those puppy teeth did nothing more than tickle the heck out of me. I somehow convinced Tom we should take this one "home". By home, I mean College Station where I was living in an apartment, and Tom in the notoriously famous trailer. On the way to College Station, we decided his name would be Sarge. For all you Aggies out there, we named him for Ol' Sarge.<div>Sarge started off much like a child with divorced parents. He spent some time with me at my apartment, and with Tom at his trailer. He was the good ol' college puppy who tried beer at a very young age and ate all sorts of goodies from a rookie mom & dad and all their college friends. In 2001, I moved to San Antonio while Tom finished up school at A&M. Sarge would again spend a week San Antonio, then a week in College Station.</div><div>I think Sarge was very happy when Mom and Dad FINALLY tied the knot so he had one place to call home! </div><div>Sarge was spoiled from day one, and it didn't stop anytime soon. </div><div>He always slept on the bed with one or both of us, despite having many dog beds in his lifetime. As a puppy, he would fall asleep chewing on Tom's hair. (weird...I know) When it was cold, he would spend the night curled up under the covers by your feet. </div><div>He was always an inside dog. He would whine nonstop if left outside for any amount of time. He would also run, run, run if he ever managed to escape. </div><div>He was a picky eater when it came to table food. No chip without dip, please. He loved stealing food from the table, counter, anywhere he could find it. (Don't ask Tom about the steaks that mysteriously vanished from the countertop...not his finest moment.) I recall one time though I had NyQuill sitting on the coffee table. I wouldn't drink it without having water or something to chase it with. Well, sneaky Sarge went in for a taste...I laughed so hard as he quickly backed off and began messing with his mouth to escape the taste! </div><div>We took him to obedience school once. We thought he would get kicked out, but he made it through successfully. Now, if only we had kept up with the obedience. Little did we know they were training US, not him.</div><div>Sarge lived the life of a luxury dog. Well, for at least 5 years. In 2005 Brock arrived. I don't think Sarge ever forgave us. I had no idea how he would do with a baby. Sarge was never really a calm dog. I was shocked. He instinctively knew this was not a toy. He would watch over Brock, alert us anytime he needed a diaper change, and would howl (seriously...HOWL) if Brock was crying or whining. He would still sleep with Tom & I. He liked Brock but was still OUR dog. As Brock grew, he simply ADORED Sarge. They were a good pair and generally seemed to know when each other wanted to play, and when they wanted to rest.</div><div>In 2008, Sarge didn't understand why we would do this again. Aubree entered the world and if Sarge could talk, I think we would have laughed at his reaction. Really?? Sarge liked Aubree and for the most part she liked him. Although, they never quite had the relationship Sarge and Brock had.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, in 2011 Sarge started getting sick. He really got thin, wouldn't eat much, and was generally just lazy. We monitored him for a while, but it wasn't long until we were constantly cleaning carpets because Sarge couldn't keep anything in. We came home from work one day and the very thin dog had a bloated up like a pot-belly pig. We took him into the vet knowing it may very well be a hard trip. We were right. The vet said he either had heart disease or liver disease. We could do more tests to pinpoint the illness, but either way it was terminal and the poor dog was at a point where he could hardly move. He couldn't jump up on the bed. He couldn't even jump up on the couch. Looking in his eyes you saw pain. The hyper, sometimes obnoxious, lovable Sarge was not there. We put him down on Thursday, April 14. Three days before my 32nd birthday. I was 21 when we got Sarge. At my age, 11 years is nearly one-third of my life. I miss him so much. It's been a little over two weeks and I still catch myself thinking of him when I come home each day. I still glance in his dog bed direction when I got to bed in the evenings. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sarge, you really were a good dog. Not the best behaved. Not a pure breed with papers. But a good dog who saw us through most of our milestones in life. College graduations, Engagement, Marriage, New Homes, Babies and more. I love you Sarge.</div><div><br /></div><div>By the way...I didn't realize until he was gone what a good housekeeper he was!! It wasn't but two days after he left us that we noticed how DIRTY the kitchen floor was! We've vacuumed it more in the past two weeks than we probably did in the past 4 months. He was quite the vacuum himself!</div>Lori Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16433470022061472622noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347821017068791975.post-59539365719113218802011-04-10T09:39:00.000-07:002011-04-10T10:18:13.857-07:00Aubree's World<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcivP_yNF3w4OMFbfC4F7diqx4Ndb_K6ZAQBaL9uo66DjZdJ5qeONyQfLd66KlfmIoftjiRX80Z6xgnglerMEBeS9QYmyII0_Gml_8pv_OO9DS-QINh6W8KFjh_Qw0gCoSWVyXzLteV3Gq/s1600/DSC_0155.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcivP_yNF3w4OMFbfC4F7diqx4Ndb_K6ZAQBaL9uo66DjZdJ5qeONyQfLd66KlfmIoftjiRX80Z6xgnglerMEBeS9QYmyII0_Gml_8pv_OO9DS-QINh6W8KFjh_Qw0gCoSWVyXzLteV3Gq/s320/DSC_0155.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594004918841867378" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">I've been so bad lately about updating the blog. But I had a few thoughts this morning that I thought were mildly entertaining, so why not share? ;-)</div><div><br /></div><div>It is no less than a few times per day when Aubree will do something (good, bad, indifferent) and Tom & I look at each other, our eyes meet, and we just give this exasperated little laugh because there's not any words that can truly describe her.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I imagine when Aubree opens her eyes for the day, she sees the whole world in a pink hue, with sparkles on everything, rainbows and butterflies in they sky, and everything in her line of sight (no doubt) belongs to her and her kingdom. Her royal path must have lots of hills and curves, because she almost never walks, but rather hops and prances to her own beat. While the princess is not lacking for anything, we frequently do the unspeakable, and discipline her. She may be princess, but that only makes mommy the Queen! ;-)</div><div><br /></div><div>--For those of you who know our dear Aubree, I imagine you would agree to the statement above, and even add a few more descriptors! We love her dearly. She leaves no room for a shred of boredom in our lives, and does an exceptional job making sure her big brother ALWAYS knows she's around.</div><div><br /></div><div>I love you Aubree! One day, when you dig back in this blog and read all mommy's thoughts and memories of your childhood, I hope you smile a little, are intrigued to think of what your own daughter will be like someday, and realize when you thought mom & dad were being cruel, we were doing our best to make you the best person you can be. Oh, and the wake-up calls we're planning on giving you at 5am on Saturdays when you're 16...those are just payback! </div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8kGNEZqiVyNJa64zB7iJKPdWwbufNUAJnuiT-hCwp5u-Cfz5-w4MJ4GIfegLUVSvmTt9YmaZ3YIRpBxGemYnzlxFe1QXHwNZtLlJMXo7nnhighOWbglo2XJMRxrV0RXs73ktBrDfI1eU/s400/DSC_0250.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594004359488875106" /></div>Lori Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16433470022061472622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347821017068791975.post-1405858685487557742011-03-31T17:31:00.001-07:002011-03-31T19:04:07.286-07:00Girls Trip 2011<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8b8NIkpaZF6leK5NtT1ek4zS7e7h8WSePu7YWVXhx02D-BnCHhBn0_ArtjJ2YTnwI4MdT_rdlxbiKtOfTKU3gbZVTHijNScktPybz4bkOQAsg7Q5hrtaCTQawm3PCZbIGi-POu036Uuue/s1600/DSC_0061.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590407002531847106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8b8NIkpaZF6leK5NtT1ek4zS7e7h8WSePu7YWVXhx02D-BnCHhBn0_ArtjJ2YTnwI4MdT_rdlxbiKtOfTKU3gbZVTHijNScktPybz4bkOQAsg7Q5hrtaCTQawm3PCZbIGi-POu036Uuue/s320/DSC_0061.JPG" /></a> I had the opportunity to take a girls trip this year with my mom and sisters. It was quite the relaxing get-away! My mom's cousin owns a cute little cabin in the mountains of Ruidoso, New Mexico. So off the four of us went. We left very early Saturday morning in the denali. I started out driving, Meredith was my co-pilot, and the "kids" (well, actually just Mom and Dede) were in the back enjoying the DVD player. ;-) </div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>We were quick and efficient travelers (traveling without kids tends to do that!). Plus, there are not many places to eat or get gas on the route from San Antonio to Ruidoso. We had to be strategic about where we needed to fill both our gas tank and tummies. We made it to Pecos, Texas where we planned to find lunch. We found an ity bity town with not much more than a Sonic. Imagine our surprise to find the best Sonic burger I have ever tasted in my WHOLE life! If you ever find yourself in Pecos, give it a try. Hopefully you'll have the same cook we did. ;-)</p><br /><p align="center">Our first stop in New Mexico was to Carlsbad Caverns. It was impressive, and a nice walk after spending 8 or so hours in the car.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590410449414568754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsZ6wHaJ2NMxv_ghn_XlN24HW8NdEYZ2mXwi_qMYOZsQK5js7PGhU37n2lU00ZEM1EJgnmxBXJCu6J6r6qAS3t_Ot4zKUL3s9ZmTZnOMs8qqoH9qVzLYUTEJ1rdTzK9WHmpdVa42i2brT0/s320/DSC_0752.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590410443754426530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5-gKByb94AQQk8pS1wsY4e0PCIE3VOnQoaUA_Ejex2sx9VfRFwRB6HEvfxQ6TN_Boic0QzMfjENyazajbKcGfaQ6xYWHB_oM_s0lINqRE6GJ4lHM0C07DWDjYC2vVcAjALsYgQK0UFmv/s320/DSC_0711.JPG" /></p><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><p align="center"></p><br /><div align="center">During our time in Ruidoso, we didn't plan too many activities. Just took our days there at a nice, slow pace!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Photographed the beautiful St. Joseph's Mission. (And learned this is the same church in the photograph that has been in my grandmother's house!)</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590428872455215554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuQYX7FcZdlQyaKdIlcHTcEbyL8saN5BX9_JYgea__tky2dm9fHGxmD1FJHiyenlSZqpo1bofs6OOs4p_AtfaoDYuASoOCOCYzT_DrJgE5O1J0Hudc_1BISKOFljoIWoJ7zF9U0qoZbABS/s320/DSC_1031.JPG" />Went back in time and got a bit on the rowdy side! <br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590428868168501346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Cu3PrWRb_ijc0LaSO30UPIpujJoGhbvc3DCC0ig1DiMPU3rcDNfUPncYTfi_THyS2LlKIjcr9ZUZORlt0g2QZqbPpD4HFRJQOS7LajQX4y92isyvLxBXXIzlRr3R2C5T73nNbLHQLoxp/s320/DSC07594.JPG" /> <br /><div></div><br /><div>Fell in love with the Ruidoso Bears! (Even brought a few home with us!)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590427561810754386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxaeZurLxVDRV97TSgdHzVoA8htGJW1Vwfy6_kL5sfolNxmt-iuO2pYaxQUUFSuoaL98qNWKv2EmIzqoqd_NlilFYhybSV0b3TxMLQthp9Aqu9EY5EouV2ffifmJHar3MXGWy314twQiAw/s320/DSC_0803.JPG" /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Did a little Wine Tasting at The Cellar (yes...brought a few of these home with me too!)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590427558110692914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIumj7pesZUO6zHcp9rV_mfMoyDXXEDggwcC2whNFi1X5XNvH5oGFgjKOwZRNn01QPVUtnRllq0IJbWYU5jLldvOVxGV3ckNVJa-2iHKZHrB6j9mw-c-9fqs3mveoJ9EohzH3fZuvNFNIj/s320/DSC_0984+%25282%2529.JPG" /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Spent a few days shopping the Main street in town. It's full of really cute and fun shops! </div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590427552220427730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtlNMiTwLVOzemG1ATFJV9RQM3bTKo5-zM9id8UbvttUOZoxQJIrkbv-M6d02o0IuLNWATSdJXpPO_0EVj6RoHqqjAHum1JQTUMCQrx91xqpucgVZv9630YTFwNahlCqJlOq18183cQEjQ/s320/DSC_0980+%25282%2529.JPG" /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Enjoying the scenery and hiking at the Petroglyphs site in Three Rivers, New Mexico. </div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH0cA3XUh1Y-rU4CB-zufxSj8ajz1FxT5DK3Y-O1FnU5tm_uFKd8wkmNpKsXk7hrjB_0OIRxtYxnKtBVt6QypEpPS-Qd706Tnr-Ofug5PSD9VZj5d8nPyBGquvfdO1-Uir8o0bCZxhlbg7/s1600/DSC_0988.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590418121541712258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH0cA3XUh1Y-rU4CB-zufxSj8ajz1FxT5DK3Y-O1FnU5tm_uFKd8wkmNpKsXk7hrjB_0OIRxtYxnKtBVt6QypEpPS-Qd706Tnr-Ofug5PSD9VZj5d8nPyBGquvfdO1-Uir8o0bCZxhlbg7/s320/DSC_0988.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikMPp0OvnwKYgGyzJzc286Wde3D3wqZpyJXwc3F2knzyRl2jEOsckpodFmMxn6AbzQ8brBDmhSZhPuxEBcr2286Rb71dPm7hS85fnnXCr446j83BX5-Q7og0T91DhDh2pPmxRahUlMWJcE/s1600/DSC_0974.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 214px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590418124550622546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikMPp0OvnwKYgGyzJzc286Wde3D3wqZpyJXwc3F2knzyRl2jEOsckpodFmMxn6AbzQ8brBDmhSZhPuxEBcr2286Rb71dPm7hS85fnnXCr446j83BX5-Q7og0T91DhDh2pPmxRahUlMWJcE/s320/DSC_0974.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZihtv-2vV5F0UDAoDlydhEunuG2GcjH16B-zbi4GsBvVwdV_TISGBWr0HbbS0zC5TR6F1Cphpbi3zK0xa-g6ieiWtdFvSI2xjLmV3OCVpy4mVnHwS3auQsUzPCxpzCsx6aPqgXNy1ZGcZ/s1600/DSC_0910.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590418129370434306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZihtv-2vV5F0UDAoDlydhEunuG2GcjH16B-zbi4GsBvVwdV_TISGBWr0HbbS0zC5TR6F1Cphpbi3zK0xa-g6ieiWtdFvSI2xjLmV3OCVpy4mVnHwS3auQsUzPCxpzCsx6aPqgXNy1ZGcZ/s320/DSC_0910.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><div></div><br /><p></p><br /><div></div><br /><p align="center">Finally, at Pine Knots, we did a lot of stressing. Stressing over catching perfect "close-up". Stressing over the perfect mixture of a cold morning and hot coffee. Stressing over who would get the peanuts first...the deer or the blue jays. And when we couldn't stress any more, we stressed ourselves to sleep.</p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590419153271431986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgegViAI_bl8M1benFaf_L8NaxFEVbPkjfDSMbflMJEDf86POISqHivNxFTWlE9pikUbz4ygg963aL5XRth08PGYjpPbfiXOAQVBnFlGMMXolOxKPCdJllfYdWTwpooGqc-YKKgkpi9c_xO/s400/DSC_0768+%25282%2529.JPG" /> <br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fUovhTJZocEzSxD6dC_T14-tpw54HkgNFm0RSMxkv4BKE4BQgJ4zNKAAh6IZjbEk8zPxvLqbKDuUwMz2XnccCZR-Lnhdi36XDX1AE64lP2h0LKKIvTTRxuwVmy-12BM6JMOVPf14yQ67/s1600/DSC_0007+%25282%2529.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590412358139588466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fUovhTJZocEzSxD6dC_T14-tpw54HkgNFm0RSMxkv4BKE4BQgJ4zNKAAh6IZjbEk8zPxvLqbKDuUwMz2XnccCZR-Lnhdi36XDX1AE64lP2h0LKKIvTTRxuwVmy-12BM6JMOVPf14yQ67/s320/DSC_0007+%25282%2529.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGG5RI0J7AarhUKJ5YftzKFvCnBP6u1HnGE-uhgNc-Pz0wENAdJLX0WWtGvYzNaBzXgp0GGkiVbGUNzFT20_lXYVaLz1Woag3SI9geu46jlOejqSSTFul87xxCSmsRVOsrrLK-_2nW8MZ/s1600/DSC_0783+%25282%2529.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 214px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590412375860028914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGG5RI0J7AarhUKJ5YftzKFvCnBP6u1HnGE-uhgNc-Pz0wENAdJLX0WWtGvYzNaBzXgp0GGkiVbGUNzFT20_lXYVaLz1Woag3SI9geu46jlOejqSSTFul87xxCSmsRVOsrrLK-_2nW8MZ/s320/DSC_0783+%25282%2529.JPG" /></a> </p><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFLK0kS3cgXlvuYcfTagqpFYkLwc6S2u5U8PxslzKccuUezdTNSIpgNYV38AnHmE1yNgdM_vCEeXYX-TKOUcbZONHQhdhL6CS_q2gC9-f1WchcoPw5-Exx7IwsOj51L8MC0W7N4ARj_sm/s1600/DSC_0016.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 214px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590412365513899042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFLK0kS3cgXlvuYcfTagqpFYkLwc6S2u5U8PxslzKccuUezdTNSIpgNYV38AnHmE1yNgdM_vCEeXYX-TKOUcbZONHQhdhL6CS_q2gC9-f1WchcoPw5-Exx7IwsOj51L8MC0W7N4ARj_sm/s320/DSC_0016.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGjI6oTEO3Ju1kc2mghYb7hySrOj6bsesXqmJsuOVSrVge5lY9aAZiEBQqlbopgBnct3bxxnRY1oIDYF5i_gcFbxFazs_dZufdU51H1jdHZcktkhhlYhE2iIZVcMxPuz2Bz8pfJHvsjyh/s1600/DSC_0891.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590412378120573202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGjI6oTEO3Ju1kc2mghYb7hySrOj6bsesXqmJsuOVSrVge5lY9aAZiEBQqlbopgBnct3bxxnRY1oIDYF5i_gcFbxFazs_dZufdU51H1jdHZcktkhhlYhE2iIZVcMxPuz2Bz8pfJHvsjyh/s320/DSC_0891.JPG" /></a></p><br /><p><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590412369962426562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ZIbXro6j-fRxGUI8OiGsdpKGJY64K5KEhZiK9kvhyphenhyphenvHLJKw3_Mq7Kf9Dp8T1QFTNsydfjVs452KRELpJ15moEUQ6Fb_e5DF3RGmy8GjQzaE8COHYhbo9izrBWnqTQlS_Q-d-XRcQhLSH/s320/DSC_0779+%25282%2529.JPG" /></p></div></div></div>Lori Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16433470022061472622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347821017068791975.post-13446210108236253832011-03-10T19:40:00.000-08:002011-03-10T20:04:20.713-08:00Super Brock and his Super 6th Birthday Party<div align="center">This year, I got creative. Or crazy?? I wanted this birthday party to be fun for a bunch of 6 year olds, so I knew it had to be organized or there would be kids going every direction.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">On Brock's birthday invitation, it stated we needed all super heroes to help save Brock's birthday party by finding the cake. The villains had captured it, of course!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Activity #1: Decorate your goody bag while waiting for all the super heroes to arrive.</div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582663393856146594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjql_cz_nkO4qpYt1jXmfnJOlc7NDPxn6llNPLCr4zYLNyogWTS8jUV1m18EZ98zV8LXz7yaIXjkG-ZZGOoAtC4U4QAWl1vPsv29ZxOK70ktht6q1DCuRxbkrsZFZu_7UPik5lWoUlbWuQZ/s400/DSC_0327.JPG" /></div><div align="center">Activity #2: Begin "caping" the super heroes!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNXUYT_maR8rcs7D7xK4LrzQyL2FkZY0-3VmHPA3wpKk-5bHew_nP6riO4moGbVr4zuyLlteFwqIessOdfYr2xj1P-o3xDEub32GeQGjPQoWHD6K3TmbRvq1sD3d4hbJl1bWq8tEuvPl8/s1600/DSC_0345.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582665030545955874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNXUYT_maR8rcs7D7xK4LrzQyL2FkZY0-3VmHPA3wpKk-5bHew_nP6riO4moGbVr4zuyLlteFwqIessOdfYr2xj1P-o3xDEub32GeQGjPQoWHD6K3TmbRvq1sD3d4hbJl1bWq8tEuvPl8/s400/DSC_0345.JPG" /></a> </div><p align="center">Activity #3: Pin the Mask on the Super Hero<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOzIogWqxx-5pttDoUTF3aEsx2b9zfwghgwv2qZzFFC7AgSRUTwtO4YXcjxrp9sCkxs-1KJEJBfwQ1I_MX4V5POLv-8QABXkWG8cCSRpbVMbl-E6enT7UJurUczYHxVwE7GYvgBqPGm7VL/s1600/DSC_0378.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582665021249335570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOzIogWqxx-5pttDoUTF3aEsx2b9zfwghgwv2qZzFFC7AgSRUTwtO4YXcjxrp9sCkxs-1KJEJBfwQ1I_MX4V5POLv-8QABXkWG8cCSRpbVMbl-E6enT7UJurUczYHxVwE7GYvgBqPGm7VL/s400/DSC_0378.JPG" /></a><br />Activity #4: Super Hero Shoot-Out<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8rmM1WdZfYbyvYlbGC1ydXXiyInP32JEVZah1UDPy4gCHJwGg0NjmhPIapYaDGLs-qm7hM4d5pmFeClNnSSkLRp0T5JNEKhNelI7WKJYv_NRmY-RrTt5mBiBGs1F50xPxmHzCJUF2yXiv/s1600/DSC_0399.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582665018946918882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8rmM1WdZfYbyvYlbGC1ydXXiyInP32JEVZah1UDPy4gCHJwGg0NjmhPIapYaDGLs-qm7hM4d5pmFeClNnSSkLRp0T5JNEKhNelI7WKJYv_NRmY-RrTt5mBiBGs1F50xPxmHzCJUF2yXiv/s400/DSC_0399.JPG" /></a> </p><p align="center">Activity #5: Show off your Super Hero Moves!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHECRr5b_KvJV-3mic4CDa-zV8HcMCSaT4kinNnIFQOWf-Hlg7Krh61rAkxfNbEQ_ZPEfzOWQCvSIlQtNbj6I9zDPT301jCo-VxGXDQbwJyJEIYs1mR38kwI2FLhlwQJW0QW8eifCdhOP/s1600/DSC_0422.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582664324384886194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHECRr5b_KvJV-3mic4CDa-zV8HcMCSaT4kinNnIFQOWf-Hlg7Krh61rAkxfNbEQ_ZPEfzOWQCvSIlQtNbj6I9zDPT301jCo-VxGXDQbwJyJEIYs1mR38kwI2FLhlwQJW0QW8eifCdhOP/s400/DSC_0422.JPG" /></a><br />Activity #6: Find the moons in the sea of asteroids (or ball pit)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUZfa4wgu1KyRdc273n-EQ31OPrdhbrJ9ynbKI4SIuPiV8Upr4SwTzfTCrGNuCywg37GWhEDb83cjVUFjyuJ3xQYDBWpAAnS_XAQdk29yD0kU2IvBDXv9776U-jxtpTmmf7ZAHP5YbWhI/s1600/DSC_0441.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582664312312179042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUZfa4wgu1KyRdc273n-EQ31OPrdhbrJ9ynbKI4SIuPiV8Upr4SwTzfTCrGNuCywg37GWhEDb83cjVUFjyuJ3xQYDBWpAAnS_XAQdk29yD0kU2IvBDXv9776U-jxtpTmmf7ZAHP5YbWhI/s400/DSC_0441.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Note: After each activity was completed, the Super Heroes received a CLUE! They had to match the shape on the back of the letter to the one on the door. After all the activities were completed, it spelled out the location of the cake!!</p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZxQQgVyNK8jNPBNlFIuR8bfSKyD1LiYpGzGC6todCIUK1K7Nk3iRGQlTIpI8otGGa9SVpnWidOudU4W1R4me-7AGV6vQ2KMEqiEwaNtOmK8gzQ4FvLjwOrBeqtVpt3unFGZBy337vVFP/s1600/DSC_0459.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582664311083654642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZxQQgVyNK8jNPBNlFIuR8bfSKyD1LiYpGzGC6todCIUK1K7Nk3iRGQlTIpI8otGGa9SVpnWidOudU4W1R4me-7AGV6vQ2KMEqiEwaNtOmK8gzQ4FvLjwOrBeqtVpt3unFGZBy337vVFP/s400/DSC_0459.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Activity #7: Super Obstacle Course! (Since the weather didn't cooperate, I was so thankful for two stair cases. They went up the main staircase, through the tunnel, around the pool table, over a dog, over the slide, under the boogie boards, through a tent, through the bathroom, into the family room, shot a basket in the basketball goal, down the second staircase, through another tent, and back into the main room downstairs!)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsTjG1vdBzVGEkKGclYmiB1npVdN__KElOmpbgf-h_7Qbq_Rym381eyZOw7TIGpyoNxb1ILLamwJH7pAaqvt0im4PuvNMcs1gPcaAVqZk-gCzss3SKwIhPhVFHejxh0ZtnBOGLQBQqmt7/s1600/DSC_0500.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582664304680012146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsTjG1vdBzVGEkKGclYmiB1npVdN__KElOmpbgf-h_7Qbq_Rym381eyZOw7TIGpyoNxb1ILLamwJH7pAaqvt0im4PuvNMcs1gPcaAVqZk-gCzss3SKwIhPhVFHejxh0ZtnBOGLQBQqmt7/s400/DSC_0500.JPG" /></a><br />Activity #8: Villain Tie Up! (Special Thanks to Carlos and Tom who may not have actually agreed to be our villains. But we did make them promise to be good before we let them out of toilet paper captivity.)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRALbpKq8weUhUwHPcwMEqfUcx2mssme3dxO7NuFk23LlWeeuAeUi7WmmRad4IYsE4a2sWUWVe-F9d1DPGiKMsO2blK5QDzxmwT68A50xMCpNk5d48WGYeV-QSr7RNvzJHdaLpUjJpBg4Q/s1600/DSC_0527.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582664296766396050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRALbpKq8weUhUwHPcwMEqfUcx2mssme3dxO7NuFk23LlWeeuAeUi7WmmRad4IYsE4a2sWUWVe-F9d1DPGiKMsO2blK5QDzxmwT68A50xMCpNk5d48WGYeV-QSr7RNvzJHdaLpUjJpBg4Q/s400/DSC_0527.JPG" /></a><br />All that, and we spelled the word PANTRY! So off they went to find the cake!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQsmQAXKXosXEIQnWMfP_0qTiwENYAS2TuWgwbXmI00ee5uMdK0ehpKO3LsLCWGzBeoE8qR9VMVc__14Xc_9LrOXrDRPtAbUiPni8Es0sIuCL8q1L7IwX8WqBoVlLskMKMFBwIOBCvuns/s1600/DSC_0544.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582663415846241074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQsmQAXKXosXEIQnWMfP_0qTiwENYAS2TuWgwbXmI00ee5uMdK0ehpKO3LsLCWGzBeoE8qR9VMVc__14Xc_9LrOXrDRPtAbUiPni8Es0sIuCL8q1L7IwX8WqBoVlLskMKMFBwIOBCvuns/s400/DSC_0544.JPG" /></a><br />Happy Birthday to our little Broc-quito! I simply cannot believe you are already SIX years old!! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDmN87cNL0lLh16AIHxF73z08eGYAjzq3sED4SgA1c051DEF2McYbhZT1jcn9CLur0chpsKok85CjJF5cAV0eB9mroStSHQzNhbaFkUWIwb7cSYnW-FiHe4HJzw0T0mySKYmyoXEt5bThG/s1600/DSC_0568.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582663406623785682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDmN87cNL0lLh16AIHxF73z08eGYAjzq3sED4SgA1c051DEF2McYbhZT1jcn9CLur0chpsKok85CjJF5cAV0eB9mroStSHQzNhbaFkUWIwb7cSYnW-FiHe4HJzw0T0mySKYmyoXEt5bThG/s400/DSC_0568.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I Love you Super Brock!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7ANi1WXlhQ57OwFhMnkG0I4oPEKn4Vl60ptUH5UV93jzT8db5qwWwJFvGlxdBHuHQObiCBJu5Xd3s7PYhMDaIWl7Ow2Zgb9Yt-jAZbhNvKMhEvhzqxBRbH061Ywar1QVQCkz6S8n6fGY/s1600/DSC_0696.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582663402921111298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7ANi1WXlhQ57OwFhMnkG0I4oPEKn4Vl60ptUH5UV93jzT8db5qwWwJFvGlxdBHuHQObiCBJu5Xd3s7PYhMDaIWl7Ow2Zgb9Yt-jAZbhNvKMhEvhzqxBRbH061Ywar1QVQCkz6S8n6fGY/s400/DSC_0696.JPG" /></a> </p><p align="center">.....The Incredibles don't have anything on us!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfSTMxibgrqCsNu48aS5C6OB59SRsP1dvR8dwt4fJcttL_jakJD39EkxWq6x_fR3nNon9UNgHOX0A3wgaRB0etEDEnVLr9FyAevfjZsNl6CDSiYIQlbAMZgzEWu57ShaJUGqXcLDNt4q4K/s1600/DSC_0692.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 286px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582663399915733506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfSTMxibgrqCsNu48aS5C6OB59SRsP1dvR8dwt4fJcttL_jakJD39EkxWq6x_fR3nNon9UNgHOX0A3wgaRB0etEDEnVLr9FyAevfjZsNl6CDSiYIQlbAMZgzEWu57ShaJUGqXcLDNt4q4K/s400/DSC_0692.JPG" /></a></p>Lori Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16433470022061472622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347821017068791975.post-22832770178513261072011-03-08T18:07:00.001-08:002011-03-08T18:48:43.653-08:00The Making of a Super Hero PartyHow would you go about making a super fantastic super hero party? I'm not too sure. But here's how we did it! ;-) <div><div><div><div><div></div><div> </div><div>Step 1: Take one over-achieving mom who has a habit of taking on too much with a background in "try to do it yourself, it's cheaper".</div><br /><div></div><div>Step 2: Make a trip to your local fabric store, only to check out and realize you just spent the same amount of money in fabric that you could have bought the final product for.</div><br /><div></div><div>Step 3: Spend two whole weekends, and about 15 evenings sewing capes, cuting out initials, cutting out masks and sewing elastic/velcro. (Don't forget to profusely thank mom & sister for helping the first weekend)</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581903834214508914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQei2UP879N14h75ZDy2GDalE-2d046Nz2mtAUC1a6-LDDxvOkNO-TdVEbn6_KhAVMl6tSCX-OUkIlkzyBCfgAz64LQwtoEACZVWHlC_c4I2GuJsSwwM5fe1XQsmISuAwUK8_64i69nLLx/s400/photo+1.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581903838502942130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB31QWfaIHETzIAAJ5tS0EYl-3EJ4QaSes9mFj2ZHxjDR1EoeYjd0HHle_PCdB2z_CkWlkSLUFlomKKcwz0ybjuVcPwLzkbutdJACYsyzEDqeymnD5v7BHeVbiRW1Dw7jgwjScSzceyLYH/s400/photo+2.JPG" /><br /><div></div><div>Step 4: Go even further and dream up a series of games with prizes and clues to eventually get to the grand prize: The CAKE!</div><br /><div></div><div>Step 5: Invite about 25 kids (ages 6mos to 6 years) to your HOUSE for this big festivity. Hey, only a handful ever actually show up, Right??</div><div></div><br /><div>Step 6: Wait for RSVPs. Iron on initials of kids to their capes after they RSVP.</div><br /><div></div><div>Step 7: Make more capes after RSVPs out-number the stock pile of capes you had already made!</div><br /><div></div><div>Step 8: Sweetly ask your teacher sister to make a "pin the mask on the superhero" poster. (Then thank her because it was better than you even imagined!)<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581903840767033234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1DkAlHN_kHkVoDyfYB7gjytsCMAM1XH9X6l3ELuN1AYAA77HPNrpJOk0HU-gWcEjaBWkKgY41Ntt9HBPuzrHhpnArvBxJKrNmZ96VmzU-94IT84UjP8u7bBSFjmYSogooTespK2oZd_i/s400/DSC_0379.JPG" /></div><br /><div></div><div>Step 9: Pray for good weather. You now have made 29 capes total and have no idea how to pull this off inside your house. *Note: two capes were for the brave (or crazy) parents and there were 6 on standby for any surprise guests.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581903846070635730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqh43O1cltB8vS8kb4WN3TdG0XuAT7jnz0ID9drohGFo6q3zi-zPwrDS1REzsoV_IbkbeJNdu7knkim32ACiNyCA3Wcqn_dIM7Pb9VVwkxser702aFxnSkbFZUwJHBBzsVeuVQQS5g2wu/s400/DSC_0268.JPG" /></div><br /><div></div><div>Step 10: When it rains all morning of the party day, you get creative and are thankful your house has 2 staircases which make the obstacle course flow rather nicely.</div><br /><div></div><div>Step 11: After managing to hold your sanity for two hours with a smile on your face, 18 kids in your house, and pulling off a very successful party...kick back with a couple drinks and vow never to do that again!</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581903852606198290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Ma23QVre_o3nRAlkWDXIiv8Nn77ublQPs0-RkrfVbjTH8HQXQ37eSBFcJy2_jN20J6JR_TRsjLSn9igaAu0n9dNrEHDlcFSvqqobNH83Q3i6Xih4irsVm8TDUijsO0hUFd4nrbtemTCA/s400/DSC_0474.JPG" /><br /><div></div><div>Step 12: Refer back to step #1. Will most likely repeat this process (with another theme) in the near future.</div><br /><br /><div></div><div>I LOVE my kids, and I LOVE being a mom! (I also love breaks from time to time though!) I love party planning, and although I go a little crazy periodically, love the smiles on their faces to have such a happy day!</div><br /><div></div><div>Now that we know how to make a super hero party, I'll review Brock's party in the next post.</div></div></div></div></div>Lori Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16433470022061472622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347821017068791975.post-75234129456769382812011-02-23T18:54:00.000-08:002011-02-23T19:56:12.786-08:00A LegacyWell, I (and most of my family) made it through a very tough week. Sunday I told my Grandma goodbye. Monday was a very somber Valentine's day. Tuesday Grandma went to Heaven. Wednesday was Brock's 6th Birthday. Thursday was the Rosary. Friday was the Funeral. Saturday was Brock's Birthday Party. Talk about a huge roller coaster of emotions in just a few days! But as my emotions were consistenly inconsistent, there was one thing that was always there. Family. The funeral was very hard for me. I couldn't make it through any of the songs. My cousin Thomas sang them and was amazing. I don't know how he did it. Going to the cemetery was difficult as well. When we returned to Grandma's house, it wasn't like TV where everyone is quiet, stands in small groups, wearing black and having a small bite to eat. Nope. Not our family. We ordered pizza, migrated to the garage and started with a circle of about 8 around the folding table. Pretty soon, we were finding anything and everything to sit on and extending the circle into an oval the size of the whole garage. Nearly everyone had changed into shorts, flip flops and short sleeves. Drinks had been poured and a margarita bucket was found in the deep freezer. --Thanks Grandma!! :-) There was NOTHING quiet about this group. There were lots of smiles, and lots of laughter. There were 9 siblings/spouses, 13 cousins & cousins-in-law, and a few extended family members. This was Grandma's Legacy. WE, are Grandma's Legacy. <div>I can only hope when my life on earth is over, I can leave a legacy like Grandma. No, I don't intend on having three more kids! ;-) But a family filled with love and faith. (And perhaps one that can fill a garage??)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577096378818722754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRptwbpq_z3Cr1GTJ2mp5McmDs1EuLkDumVrX4qBT7_mJnKDjdSUFGI0auKfm5E_x0fddoPYp97UXPpskD2mfJxzg2AF0wQXoqSbzZ9K7ENHoHFjWn74v31VgZfrbc8EEEF643Q0nkvls/s400/DSC_0494.JPG" /><span style="font-size:85%;">(This picture was taken on Thanksgiving evening 2010. Sadly, it only pictures the Aggie portion of our family, but I love this picture!)<br /></span><div></div>Lori Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16433470022061472622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347821017068791975.post-71675662190442809022011-02-17T10:41:00.000-08:002011-02-17T11:26:48.955-08:00Missing You Already<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMXSmj2TkNNgMhYhBjyKSL9xWStP_GXRwuMpEPe7XJVgfU9c_vVFzfPTLoxggErxfYS5RvgCMvq9W3ryb0dNqN_ejHYvNiHaP0r78_S6uiPcsYPG5ajeqlt20E9AYfMUCMP8kG0y23HvF/s1600/DSC_5376.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 268px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574739321343220930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMXSmj2TkNNgMhYhBjyKSL9xWStP_GXRwuMpEPe7XJVgfU9c_vVFzfPTLoxggErxfYS5RvgCMvq9W3ryb0dNqN_ejHYvNiHaP0r78_S6uiPcsYPG5ajeqlt20E9AYfMUCMP8kG0y23HvF/s400/DSC_5376.JPG" /></a>I shouldn't be blogging right now, because I'm supposed to be getting ready and packing to head out of town in a few hours. The reality of that journey has just hit. I'm packing for my Grandma's Funeral. I don't seem to have many tears left at this point, but perhaps they're being stored up for tonight and tomorrow.<br /><div>I've said oh so many times how thankful Tom and I are to have so many grandparents still with us. I often think about this around Christmas when we're making plans to see as many of them as possible. It always presents itself as a chore, and "one more stop", but in the end, I know these visits are precious. I had no idea Christmas 2010 would be as precious as it turned out to be. </div><br /><div>Grandma was in some pain at Christmas. I remember my eyes tearing up a bit during mass when I had a feeling that something wasn't quite right and we may not all be here next year. Odd, how accurate intuition can be.</div><br /><div>On January 14, we found out Grandma had cancer. We didn't know what we were facing yet, but it was found in part of her bone. </div><br /><div>The first week of February she was back in the hospital. We found out it was pancreatic cancer. There was quite a roller coaster of emotions, but in the end, it was decided the best thing to do was to send her home with hospice care. At that time, we believed we had between 3-6 months to make the rest of Grandma's life as special as possible.</div><br /><div>On February 10th, we got the call that anyone who wanted to come, should come now. I've never packed so fast in my life. I was afraid and unsure of what to expect when I got there. I am so thankful that although Grandma said some really goofy things (lots of morphine apparently will do that to you!), she knew me. I told her stories about the kids' snow day and she smiled big, with a special Grandma sparkle in her eye. She didn't sleep much that day, and when I saw all my family who came to see her, had to be thankful again. We have such a big family. And an amazing family. A family who truly loves spending time with each other, every chance we get. Who made us that way? Well, God of course, but Grandma did her fair share too. When I think about our family, this quote/song comes to mind: "All because two people fell in love."</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We spent the weekend with Grandma and by the time I left Sunday, I had told her goodbye. That was one of the hardest things I've ever done. I didn't actually say the word goodbye, but I told her I loved her so very much, kissed her forehead and told her I had to go home to the kids. Tears were obviously flowing as I walked outside, knowing I wouldn't see my very beloved Grandma again.</div><br /><div>Brock was riding with me, so possibly the second hardest thing I've done lately was hold it together and then explain to him that when people's bodies get old they aren't strong enough anymore and they go to heaven where they are all better, happy, meet God, play with the Angels, and watch over us.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I spent Monday and Tuesday with a huge cloud over my head. Wondering when I was going to get that call. Reading into every hour that went between mine and my mom's text messages. I found myself praying that her suffering would end and she could rejoice in Heaven.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>On Tuesday afternoon, Grandma passed away. My heart ached and tears flowed. However, I think I felt more peace that night and all day Wednesday than I had in the past week. I know she's in a better place. In fact, I know she's walking hand in hand with Grandpa and they both have huge smiles on their faces! My Grandpa died in 1970. My mom was very young and I obviously was far from even being a twinkle in someone's eye. He also died in February. I smile when I think that on February 15th, 2011 they had a very LONG, OVER-DUE, somewhat late Valentine's date! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Grandma, I miss you already. I find myself not believing you're really gone. I know the next few days will be very hard and I will be very sad, but for myself...not you. I'm sad I won't have you to hold here on Earth. I'm happy you are rejoicing in Heaven with your Lord, your Husband, and all who have gone before you. Please look after us, "and between now and then, until I see you again, I'll be loving you. Love, me." (--Collin Raye)</div>Lori Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16433470022061472622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347821017068791975.post-86653737854981097052011-02-04T19:30:00.000-08:002011-02-15T19:48:19.647-08:00"Is it a stay at home day?"<div>Brock has been asking for snow for at least a couple years now. Aubree and I were in the living room early this morning, and I could hardly wait for Brock to wake up so I could see his face when he found out it had SNOWED!<br /></div><div> </div><div>When he walked down the stairs he looked at us (watching tv) and immediately asked "is today a stay at home day?" </div><div>I told him "It's Friday. Do we stay at home on Fridays?" </div><div>He looked a little bummed when he said "no..." </div><div>Then I said..."except when it SNOWS!!" </div><br /><div>His eyes perked up and he got so excited! We looked outside, then we opened the door, and when he felt how cold it was, it took a bit more persuasion to get enough layers on to go outside! :-) Such a lucky boy...he got a visit from the tooth fairy and and snow, all in one night!</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574125214572529218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKM9mPTLju3xsF8is_5eTdoN78RDf6Q6H54Nq2nRwHG3NN3jomXFB8Mj3Wh9PWVo8Gpu3bMZdwdi1gzMlOlziOxDHMWU5810YnEULq3G_yEGQEnA6ZBewl5TeBK0cfLWeyma_37Uv8XCTy/s400/snow+%25281%2529.JPG" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Pqn2Nbl_PNXB5hEXdnylDoq6VbUgCHyFSV8g_ImDyR2EKbSAgktv23mXy3A1Aafo3S6TaN_eFolhY546IzlKnsQj84x07KJDQGDfn3pgkuIQg10zoySsaVKpy0j_BI5O7zO6e-leEyzC/s1600/snow+%252845%2529.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574126074025720626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Pqn2Nbl_PNXB5hEXdnylDoq6VbUgCHyFSV8g_ImDyR2EKbSAgktv23mXy3A1Aafo3S6TaN_eFolhY546IzlKnsQj84x07KJDQGDfn3pgkuIQg10zoySsaVKpy0j_BI5O7zO6e-leEyzC/s400/snow+%252845%2529.JPG" /></a><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574125210396547330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiEjVj2HN-YA9n2hexh_4VNd5rj3Qmq7AkjgdeOfu5Z6pF5uz8JvFQEuRbKY1bZOdUrLUd3LUWxx3uEzeGIyuKX_eBgFCT6LW1gQd06t8nA6harWmkgBTr6NUGu9hyZhwuAENAZcjdN2YJ/s400/snow+%252864%2529.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574125206074682338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnVCyM62wPpLPknsRzL2lfwb6J6jSqsGc6jLOkl8OVDSZrbVDmrczj31HEHd-2wKjJydSOragARmyp2i44mXppAaFLwCQe_X8OGGJCBUtAT41B0I86nuH3SHlL53HHF4Z53ZaKi-WfQaA9/s400/snow+%252857%2529.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574125197864464866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizh7hvvytzhPOAJa6cRVX8hdJUkmQLqbLlnN_yfnPAmy8nea3P1gPcNxGNJHdLmbBm84mvn6NpXmLNbFfqaplTSPWMUVQh3pBbh2-6Ww1YcijyTkLNmPMYM0e8ue9rfcY4ZPYTwte-OB8Y/s400/snow+%252841%2529.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574125198913919666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqveyohRn3xMPRX6cPr0ijRPl0ZMufbl_0IklwVoQmZdSxXyenV-DWIsmLC0RvxkPZmuzil8z0B_Jdc_aUhbmqX8WbRuBviz4WPXsw2RzvQrpEvJCsA6mbcSHaSejwOLdvZTXYUEGyTsu/s400/snow+%252836%2529.JPG" /> <div>The kids had a great time. I'm not sure Brock has EVER had as much fun as he did sledding! (or whatever you call this!) Aubree loved running around anywhere her Bubba did. And took every opportunity she could to eat the snow. eww!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhauWGBxQnDf3nJHgmM9b_nQ4DqrY2mPNG8XvNeYMXrFkiYNGyiktICu6Ms_W00bwrpIPeg794NsW1kh8AkHYiZZfYjRLH2B-UIyiXDIKKhumbYka1WqksOXOfk0dk-wUYE3Yqx6c-V8gJ8/s1600/snow+%252861%2529.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574126068010155282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhauWGBxQnDf3nJHgmM9b_nQ4DqrY2mPNG8XvNeYMXrFkiYNGyiktICu6Ms_W00bwrpIPeg794NsW1kh8AkHYiZZfYjRLH2B-UIyiXDIKKhumbYka1WqksOXOfk0dk-wUYE3Yqx6c-V8gJ8/s400/snow+%252861%2529.JPG" /></a> <div><div><div><div><div><div></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Lori Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16433470022061472622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347821017068791975.post-89747175497846141822011-01-30T19:29:00.000-08:002011-01-30T20:01:19.676-08:00Where did January go?My last blog post was updating you on our Christmas around Texas. And now I find myself on January 30th wondering...where did the month go???<br /><br /><br /><br />In typical Benich Family Tradition, we have kept ourselves very busy just being a family of four with two working parents. Sadly, I'm not sure I've taken my camera out this month at all...I will pause for those of you who are in shock. But never fear, when my camera is not on me, my phone definitely is. So you will get a picture filled post. (My favorites anyways!)<br /><br /><br />We had the pleasure of spending New Years Eve with Craig, Cathy and her family. Brock thought the noise makers were pretty cool. Funny though, no idea where that noise maker might be now! ;-)<br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568190651502723106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8eFdJj1SCc4Zrbe11NH8vU9qFsJsGyP4ufX8F5zpfLT1Q91IascImDcIR3JZp1MU9ewPBp0rXZaY6TYYA2EMswmVcPq1V2ypYN0ei6u4-tajwNTyTyEfiK8u0BFM89Wik7KCao7BYLa8/s400/1000000855.JPG" /></p><p>Aubree has started potty training. Well, let me re-phrase that. Aubree has started potty training AT SCHOOL. For a couple weeks now, she'll go at school all day long. Rarely wetting her clothes, and in big girl panties the whole day. She goes by herself some times too. As soon as Mommy is around, all progress takes a sudden hault! She does NOT want to go potty at home. I don't get it. I've tried nearly everything I can think of, but we're not making much progress at home. Here are a couple of my tricks.</p><p>...just sit on the potty and eat your cereal!</p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568190926769244754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbjIwYxC4TXoNYta9ugX1fNI2PxXXf8BU1DdYwNPQ2S9t-GNmdPXNE23_HVgvzbLskcc9DZBhHVARAIKoMfYBOp0OfWMhq6xuahEOZ-IVEH5DnVAkN4s9Q-bMEXA_sp0W0mQ-WV2Oex6T/s400/1000000962.JPG" /></p><p>...sit on the potty with baby?</p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568190666317029074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-oRRq1ESxoD5qUQt6xhc6Pw8v_esRnt_YvVurPMr3hXUetxRcdWxT-fEhHC9y8sWZe2cCmGyAkphYen3OO8w49v-fxS54KFUHvzvaewbll3RhqIuTEJDuiE8oTyBZnhrwIWOP0XKURri/s400/1000000901.JPG" /></p><p>Did you notice the look of pure joy in both pictures? Yeah, there is attitude there. Regardless, she was so very excited to get her panties. In fact, the day we brought them home from the store, she took off her pajamas, and put all 7 pairs on. (We had to work on that concept.)</p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568190659576866242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhv76ugVqpZwTnfFsL4jV_knKLdrgUGuRBQqHP59FUg59O5em3lr0msLcoXnNwGwtkiiFd-Ngh6hQKMZUu1U-xFoXcf2QVMEc7LhDY48QPtVI3fE4n6L9X-7XXWS80eG7CIAbDbl1gCt2/s400/1000000880.JPG" /></p><p>Another classic Aubree moment. She spills the cereal on the floor one Saturday morning. Sarge starts eating the cereal. Aubree breaks down and starts crying because Sarge is eating the cereal. When she found out she couldn't beat him, she decided to join him. She ate EVERY marshmallow off the floor as quickly as she could before Sarge got them! What a mess. Then, I made her vacuum. :-)</p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568190928664286658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV7QzSQfeWqW6veylk5j9lqnuUYKWExa3xVfsa1w1mc_GlCoyP73Ne75KsHpK8ZySMJVRUGb6y2S0v6f_vufKoEJiRj4FGTV7MDbHfaLuyOcCyO89L7UUbt6dCHsRT_h3h0mlig3dhEOil/s400/1000000919.JPG" /></p><p>I wondered why she didn't follow me inside that day. I had to walk back outside and found this. Pull toys? No, we have coolers. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohw_w543SbqU8K6WAafIBrCDFKRaGAWrO-tyh8mOGWf64ux001QMDvvQ37PMne7o4v6xOtmZ1uz_dMnypKT7mTjGrRnmGwL6z2NsOYIs-hXKYQEVxqpWZJyd84C2fkWl39f5qtTyFoVuE/s1600/1000000973.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568190932341749970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohw_w543SbqU8K6WAafIBrCDFKRaGAWrO-tyh8mOGWf64ux001QMDvvQ37PMne7o4v6xOtmZ1uz_dMnypKT7mTjGrRnmGwL6z2NsOYIs-hXKYQEVxqpWZJyd84C2fkWl39f5qtTyFoVuE/s400/1000000973.JPG" /></a> Another trip to the dentist for Brock! He is soooo good for the dentist! Now we're working on being that good when Mommy and Daddy help to brush, floss and use mouthwash. </p><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuGY8bb7qSueq3wHuDb1gmbyGEbgSetehptAsUujXPuuuKsWDiBhwS_aZwUiIw7dp3WCKR1noQOOvP21lQlEvrPaCWQYx3NQb5crFa6hqb75YqDuKRYXXN0C969dx7UYyKp1td0oJm5Rk/s1600/1000000892.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 298px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568190659158839314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuGY8bb7qSueq3wHuDb1gmbyGEbgSetehptAsUujXPuuuKsWDiBhwS_aZwUiIw7dp3WCKR1noQOOvP21lQlEvrPaCWQYx3NQb5crFa6hqb75YqDuKRYXXN0C969dx7UYyKp1td0oJm5Rk/s400/1000000892.JPG" /></a><br /><div>And the week is never complete without a pillow fight in the living room. Dad enjoys his fair share of fun with those as well. :-) <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqzDwTaeGb44VwG7KeQOBvgvs7OPA8W2y3aZUcDn6v2pcqllirEKcYt9Ok7li6eupxaT7_o2-Vv5pnFGAmJ1mDraS25GXJyhOqwzsFRPxWNQmnfj9xXtPUbKxAXDXy6SEVv6fnaQwtEh8P/s1600/1000000869.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568190654932544498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqzDwTaeGb44VwG7KeQOBvgvs7OPA8W2y3aZUcDn6v2pcqllirEKcYt9Ok7li6eupxaT7_o2-Vv5pnFGAmJ1mDraS25GXJyhOqwzsFRPxWNQmnfj9xXtPUbKxAXDXy6SEVv6fnaQwtEh8P/s400/1000000869.JPG" /></a><br /><br />So nothing terribly interesting in January...but we had a lot of family time, and family time is a good thing!</div></div></div></div></div>Lori Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16433470022061472622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347821017068791975.post-56323275559307201972011-01-01T18:09:00.000-08:002011-01-01T19:29:30.579-08:00Merry(1) Merry(2) Merry(3) Merry(4) Merry(5) Merry(6) Merry(7) Christmas!We survived another Annual Tour of Texas! This time totaling 7 Christmases. Trying to share each would be difficult, as well as time consuming, so here are the cliff notes!<br />We went to six different cities in 4 days. Over the course of those 4 days, we saw:<br />* 6 PARENTS<br />* 4 GRANDPARENTS<br />* 4 BROTHERS<br />* 5 SISTERS<br />* 6 AUNTS<br />* 6 UNCLES<br />* 17 COUSINS<br />* 4 BUNS-IN-THE-OVEN!!!!<br />* 1 NIECE<br />* 1 NEPHEW<br />* 2 GREAT AUNTS (My Grandma's sisters)<br />* nearly 30 Second Cousins and I won't even wager a guess on how many 3rd cousins I saw.<br /><br />So, why do we travel? Because we are SO BLESSED with SO MUCH FAMILY!<br /><br /><br /> Christmas #1 - San Antonio, our own Tom Benich Family Christmas. It was a great Christmas but what makes me laugh ( or perhaps shake my head) is knowing each of us got hand-helds. Aubree got the Fisher Price iXL which didn't make the picture. With all these hand-helds, we're going to have to make sure we incorporate lots of outdoor family time this year, but they were very handy for all our travels.<br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557416270109460178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-9vxz4Ke0jvL0v0xdW0NKY0Kf-SrasYjipQebbQClJAkhhOTmBgv0wDZ_VA6avNIYeqd9yJ0BjMUdDxyuwmmj0pFWoIOJGdGcak7XpjWRS0UrN9p0iMonJ7oNjChTmXbTZvl_5rhNOHlW/s400/DSC_0327.JPG" /> </p><p>Christmas #2 - Conroe, with Tom's dad. Brock and Aubree had a great time playing with their cousin Avery. We walked to the park and had lots of fun. They also had a blast when Grandpa and Grandma took them to Build-A-Bear to make their own reindeer!<br /></p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557415489446088530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0otVClRtLEK9sWQaN4ali3-EceQugVI1ePhxDuvwSHJdGovwuxQ0ZXy4EVAdzK3MIxvXGJ0hIbCd35Xtd2LnxKL_mjh6V0RCUVuQT1CJYZovYVbpsoXf87HkefSvsaD_4UMgXON_RcS7/s400/DSC_5065.JPG" /></p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557415493219479346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBr5cpnI1SGFyZGsZKjpV8iICvPa5JSGOzprdivcdN_2T-ALlknR6UGUmLNubJxhqMR00KiV2YiBe0S0W_iFSg8lz-a8SY-kVfw1JS2C63M-vAla6AR_stNleZICL4Sj5E6Naio3r1Rtw/s400/DSC_5166.JPG" /></p><p> </p><p>Christmas #3 - Houston, with Tom's Grandparents. Be sure to check out the dresses Aubree and Avery are wearing. Tom's mom made them. They are PRECIOUS! And smocked on both the front and the back! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557413678940099458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsT5QWh0nlCGBhRyLRTmpu4EzOFoQdAYSLQPH7b2ODexGakblNv4sHRt-bE5dCmlav0ZxL4Tip6J_WgPY8vrMAz1YTlFAIWlJq1-e5AQP0GtGjHaPjIe8L9siPhSuU1YmNdMno3JPPzVav/s400/DSC_5200.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557413681215541234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJfoHUaq-oAlm0T3dCX35_RperoQBbz5B_nbB_rYSEsg2Df-Fp1sqbVsUx1yY8iSOIWMk0YPgiHmOYx4JFuVonnDfuK9oDD4_2zqbdPYhd12wpUYw0jI7f0J0oR4YWo-haG6iKb3cGfuV2/s400/DSC_5201.JPG" /></p><p> </p><p>Christmas #4 - El Campo, with my dad and our family, then with my Grandma Dornak and Many Many Many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. Aubree got a cute coloring playset from her Paw Paw and E, but instead of coloring politely, she unrolled the thing as if she was showing Paw Paw her Christmas list! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557411507479733986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLCof2R5xaDlr_YuE0EQyV2EvdhPIqbolO_rFVgePZmKBdhSktdpoPGAY5n9ELJske5TJTeQwBFthL0N8Xayv78T9sZyw6-5Wtb18fh9Gv3fVGQl2kA_lBEFEwwkKJFg5rqiVnmz9QQX6U/s400/DSC_5251.JPG" /></p><p>A very special treat at Great Grandma's house was a visit from SANTA!! Brock knows the routine by now and was very excited. Aubree on the other hand, didn't want to sit on his lap......<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557411510451698642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-4DkJGvDa4AZt2YZZ0qLe8wQHiLfmCDzaB6zw_49eEsjf6sXm3ZrzbQIU-sOzoQ2-wlZzOuMqDLISlb09tXBnwMjJls6MBejm8LexOrMHSE5pN3SBA-jlUcGouWHJUo85TqUz1V742wp/s400/DSC_5263.JPG" /></p><p>.....but she insisted on showing Santa her *SPARKLE SHOES*!! I laughed so hard. That came out of no where. What a G-I-R-L!!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557411517359276882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJ0ECzYhPn-dFn0MkB2kYkGW-bq3-NaJb0EW1OiP0rRKHQwRyqdyJ4UVYGkdYQVXI1mzO8wuWnAdvfkT1Iov_LmRXO5sHjx41XwzuXh-9oDkia0PaseLMLa-6B5x6wuiIhGlRkowtHfPF/s400/DSC_5270.JPG" /></p><p>And won't this be fun in the years to come! All those buns in the oven!!!!!!! :-D <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557411520415170226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhupf0fyNIwPfKHY3Aty_eFNUfo5ScTpCqyBOQQHDsVFU1ecSPZ1xbW8qz3XQLCBFKjf4ItTLxtVWPcJu7M1eb0JHl-rYI__0NNTWdzyvUhQtmJqetbduFJoJPZX04MYNqOdejk37JLFU_R/s400/DSC_5343.JPG" /></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Christmas #5 - Victoria, with my Grandma and Many Many Many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. The kids always love seeing GG and her dog, Tag. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557409547766161746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifB3XpSdjmnyj4HQMWYeDFmC5EqqliJ_kThoFNiM6saqKyJr1oXH_dJn-US-KDbZhJfGYhw43GJ4JhRr8o7EAbgJjmt6beB92iV2PsYbPjrVCoeD8nhEEqw-Y626gl7kVD91gVS43_yiz/s400/DSC_5349.JPG" />We "almost" got a good family picture. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557409554085288354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUbsFyxI4eIGg9MdBI7jb9jeshBuYDdzjd7nB2iBkc_MtpejHOxPm3lLfX6CxWf6-NW6Jiqgv4fsbG-uMqrgwXeuqrJPAudYIM0PO8w_ElxjfBpc2tNO1krdzkqMO5dIVDoDfZ75QVQmYp/s400/DSC_5367.JPG" /></p><p>And is Christmas really complete without a SNUGGIE???<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557409565876503538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi44VKVpKX7KgXOuVIM9lfDFEMDt3xQ7FwTLl0mcbaLWcE7UQXQYhRMcou9_JmegwXHRx9dE1-Iv9436eCtaIrfKDhpj55Y-r6DCVlPI1yhn_OVPzYbELkqHwdvtchiX-jYx_VGwNQ2u5iz/s400/DSC_5448.JPG" /></p><p>Or, attire from BUCK-EES??? A buckees hat and tail...what a wardrobe accessory! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557409558391003666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQsooGukMoJ43CRIRM_h0UO2pe-WR-YtBsr43ym72BOm7WOz5yjZddJTOBje5whs7ZILkvGpgUtypGfeNGl1dxQcc_UmkgnKi_8UcC6W5D76o3pLVqbxTF38TDoaRGND8RAEWmoPnwzsyv/s400/DSC_5447.JPG" /></p><p> </p><p>Christmas #6 - San Antonio with just Tom's mom and his siblings. Let's just face it...these kids are worn out from pictures by this point! Brock, Avery & Aubree were still ready to OPEN presents though! I don't think that ever got old.</p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557407652292627234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TYUr9vJu2yyYEJIyhZbvzl1YzPEGFhNIhNwcTqrotbEXzjXReR1TMoid_W_ZyojwvCQ6tTFslk_HXyeumGkQdsSQbn1V9NnjP7d3jyr8TcgfPZgTU1F3LlncI_aJTphxNWKcBXfnKVek/s400/DSC_5474.JPG" /></p><p>Brock got two Nerf guns from Aunt Cathy, Uncle Craig, and Avery. I know he loves them...but not sure if Daddy and Uncle Craig love them more!! Words cannot describe the moves these guys were doing around the house!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557407657138891538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZpSRUZnJhVhSC3adpkxdX1R4ggwDtQtLN75bmB5NB2ghTsh-U6sGqyMsiPiEQs5y9ueK7sNlD87QTMVnO0IRYR_7MBhui1GIJyxTO4eaeWpmJWMV_K52RLnWWO5TmMRXjsjb9EYYbR74/s400/DSC_5521.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557407656664528338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGkac906Mmr5LKvy1DsVohUS7TizukihMbTSrlhIZLkS_YKAQ5LhqZao0AnMbYsp6NmyBlkVPaXqBToq-zZBZLe8W21IvF-oAAl5vBEFyqIZLVU4R0835eEGFQ0R7jDTk81svoQIyarEVQ/s400/DSC_5520.JPG" /></p><p> </p><p>Christmas # 7 - San Antonio with my mom and siblings. Again, the kids were done with pictures! We got a picture of Brock and Conner, and Brock and Aubree, but not Brock, Aubree and Conner! ;-)</p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557416992998054674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihk-EgLzoMWST5DJTwbXlylBV36XLI6krYGZhyphenhyphenn8efc7-TLONP4cynEFrvMw_l-vbgZVNhyZLG74Cgr5CFWefVWh7u8_AUehSbhl79Qu3lm7KVCK0xTzir9eJtWhzGzyWMTcSp5RhtmhPf/s400/DSC_5664.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557416986670781762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLeibvhU2j_46YgRuzYpJPuL4OV6aga5z1hFPBAAimgNwlhpy3MncVDeLkUjvjtI9Safi89hPPDOGCYoyQnxxkTAjnsJdQaFktCXW6MumkYsMm1ewq00GGirAA1ZsEL2G_dKPBVvAFnomF/s400/DSC_5659.JPG" /> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557406602848020642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiV_3HHgQz_78yGU5octgtn5th74EMMtvDcEiNE9ZuFcxYEC1MMNYD6uYV5K5WEu3TaKYusbNE7FKX8qsiqagknkObVB93l1W8oI2BQFQUF3f69gnKEKsHH6bwOU6fLFk9MVuay-TrCrVt/s400/DSC_5593.JPG" /></p><p>And as for the gift of the year...a wii and Tetris Party for Mom! We had our very own Tetris party two nights in a row! With box wine, of course! ;-) Only the classy stuff here.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557406603546606002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdEG6giKJeHexMzun31ld1WZAGYehyphenhyphenu-Y3C1GAwwt3ULggkr5LtnCJPr8Rb2pJXLi5Zz-Wxi13t-QO6Z4-RfumksThyXXjjaCNaWRaKIBWvy9xuOHRc8YovbeCa2e9NEUnSxsdjMBOvdg/s400/DSC_5723.JPG" /></p><p>The Tetris gang: Lori vs. Mom vs. Dede vs. Jeffrey. Christa and Brock cheered us on!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557406605889639090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1jERIw8VzKmKTA0lJOVYzABzI34DPEfoXOf-1ZlO2oWg08URl2WpfVZgISEhT7asUX787dFLaYjAzzzCswUv42umy7SERTwq-nXEu7rZmPT7jcYZtivDCQwBLNXaJ_OBoCh79QeYZlpm/s400/DSC_5728.JPG" /> </p><p><br /><br />Bless any of you who are still reading! <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p>Lori Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16433470022061472622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347821017068791975.post-83424939011060052192010-12-22T06:21:00.000-08:002010-12-22T07:56:03.240-08:00Jingle (Bell), our Elf<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZjw5kVPPo2ELxmXUaVJA5uyzWJipMfsZVSBnJv2cQpyTZNUZMHEHOOSoa-1sMTHwCDIlVCgCP8dD0SWKZ9K19zBGveNDIhtt-A95vBKTn2FyjoFanZ5XXY8AaqAWyih3Ke9l98yQsmDb/s1600/DSC_0067.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553533882149122114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZjw5kVPPo2ELxmXUaVJA5uyzWJipMfsZVSBnJv2cQpyTZNUZMHEHOOSoa-1sMTHwCDIlVCgCP8dD0SWKZ9K19zBGveNDIhtt-A95vBKTn2FyjoFanZ5XXY8AaqAWyih3Ke9l98yQsmDb/s200/DSC_0067.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKdyqqtNBqkFwd_j1kcbjMXEQ_Et6erE-OomTpUnKi12R3gsYgUC0QeYWifUDa1gVsEON55pvTAH0ehaIrfXiiWVkeUw28-Lm8iy-uhkG6QE9G64ZuS6XQ8kQTpyjMCroxd-3lBj6Lvq1/s1600/DSC_0065.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553533871064933346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKdyqqtNBqkFwd_j1kcbjMXEQ_Et6erE-OomTpUnKi12R3gsYgUC0QeYWifUDa1gVsEON55pvTAH0ehaIrfXiiWVkeUw28-Lm8iy-uhkG6QE9G64ZuS6XQ8kQTpyjMCroxd-3lBj6Lvq1/s200/DSC_0065.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZMl_EwQZjyddpKm6I-8pjggLd7_0UQP561U6_t1lACICTB6OLl5y4Sdl-hOKquZ3Ta_YEeFnQZtY3XZQSH7O9FAEIDjhm_5883fHW0-xhcrhTOeevbZZ0x4C91aWNqDVoFTr7YP5zMOC/s1600/DSC_0066.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553533874883119106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZMl_EwQZjyddpKm6I-8pjggLd7_0UQP561U6_t1lACICTB6OLl5y4Sdl-hOKquZ3Ta_YEeFnQZtY3XZQSH7O9FAEIDjhm_5883fHW0-xhcrhTOeevbZZ0x4C91aWNqDVoFTr7YP5zMOC/s200/DSC_0066.JPG" /></a><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><br /><br /><br /> </div><br />For those who haven't heard of The Elf on the Shelf, it's a very cute tradition that I would encourage everyone with small children to embrace. You can buy a kit that includes your very own Elf from the North Pole, along with a book telling the story. The first time your Elf visits you, it is your job to name him/her. Our Elf arrived right after Thanksgiving last year and Brock named him Jingle. I thought that was a very cute and appropriate name for our little Elf! Aubree decided this year he should have a last name, of Bell. Brock isn't too keen on this longer name, but we told her if he got to pick his first name, it was only right that Aubree gets to pick his last name. ;-) Jingle sits on a shelf and quietly observes the kids' behavior each day. Every night after they have gone to bed, Jingle flies to the North Pole to report their behavior back to Santa. It's a lot of fun to watch the kids get out of bed (a little faster than normal!) and start looking all over the house for Jingle. The kids can talk to him, and we encourage that, but Jingle has strict orders from Santa not to talk back. We were able to write Santa a letter this year and send it back via Jingle. And to our amazement, Santa replied!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSipJi27TGi1PsxiiGv8VgvuWVbKJiE_9IJTJXOGXLuzI2qe3qwfEJTxIjN7kwPBf0Budtijg5Zh0CYzd2KYPG7VX76T1pNI9WVCOneXF5Pj1J5Nlo5Ae22GTgfIPttz1bABrHItCuy4FG/s1600/DSC_0061.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553533856568740578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSipJi27TGi1PsxiiGv8VgvuWVbKJiE_9IJTJXOGXLuzI2qe3qwfEJTxIjN7kwPBf0Budtijg5Zh0CYzd2KYPG7VX76T1pNI9WVCOneXF5Pj1J5Nlo5Ae22GTgfIPttz1bABrHItCuy4FG/s200/DSC_0061.JPG" /></a>After Christmas, the kids are a bit disappointed when Jingle disappears. To tell you the truth, Mom and Dad are a bit disappointed too. It comes in quite handy as a reminder when they aren't listening!<br /><br /><br />We love our Dear Jingle (Bell) and can't wait for him to return again next year.<br /><br /><br />On this post you will find a few of Jingle's locations this year. Goodbye Jingle! See you again in 2011!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBelBTKLs5liGu_3depYy8AJ3VROwtNBdMZL-Wu4KtBtoXQccmyWaiYZJ1n8Aq7cf7Iv7gH0t7BT7Tsfb1fdhD3WreS3iHs-Zpmd0AXikZD451hBfWAw3etxuYiKSOQ94_exDRMSxJP_Xh/s1600/DSC_0016.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 134px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553529832069417618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBelBTKLs5liGu_3depYy8AJ3VROwtNBdMZL-Wu4KtBtoXQccmyWaiYZJ1n8Aq7cf7Iv7gH0t7BT7Tsfb1fdhD3WreS3iHs-Zpmd0AXikZD451hBfWAw3etxuYiKSOQ94_exDRMSxJP_Xh/s200/DSC_0016.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQD1K6zWMB9egNHCcelWbFR6sy7ca9Kcxf11-FBssBs04DICv8V-4wdWf8S1WdpVFU1fq5m3OrvDrE_ouRMNrB74ugisVa4LVuoZELDYLtSy1H5J89RMudoqZ2z7MPz1Sz5NkMESGaoO32/s1600/DSC_0123.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 134px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553529842877618274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQD1K6zWMB9egNHCcelWbFR6sy7ca9Kcxf11-FBssBs04DICv8V-4wdWf8S1WdpVFU1fq5m3OrvDrE_ouRMNrB74ugisVa4LVuoZELDYLtSy1H5J89RMudoqZ2z7MPz1Sz5NkMESGaoO32/s200/DSC_0123.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_-GxkY6gHFa4tA1E5Ut4YKTsGKmriOHM2Q3gC_8JHbGxuv-zpsUFtkdBKPwv55KS3sqi8PlC6P4WvkkOdXLfrAvF2ePVPmSq_6bs2pYdBcQKal4nsdZ5JO9iG3P6jZhGqvqChvuhjuss/s1600/DSC_0772.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 134px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553529844721382386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_-GxkY6gHFa4tA1E5Ut4YKTsGKmriOHM2Q3gC_8JHbGxuv-zpsUFtkdBKPwv55KS3sqi8PlC6P4WvkkOdXLfrAvF2ePVPmSq_6bs2pYdBcQKal4nsdZ5JO9iG3P6jZhGqvqChvuhjuss/s200/DSC_0772.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHpIexBr53MlpOnjmV8DKrEWcVVmWq3cI_6-lXUhRivojlPV2q7_Jzn4l5X-VLRaQHNUpYaHxOuiE6dKMSeWqW1HZ8RxmkCcuBQyE6vftYwBy_nEgRP2BCMPnXrndqYpBXIiWAffmmssp/s1600/DSC_0773.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 134px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553529851993215202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHpIexBr53MlpOnjmV8DKrEWcVVmWq3cI_6-lXUhRivojlPV2q7_Jzn4l5X-VLRaQHNUpYaHxOuiE6dKMSeWqW1HZ8RxmkCcuBQyE6vftYwBy_nEgRP2BCMPnXrndqYpBXIiWAffmmssp/s200/DSC_0773.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwV_HOr4BrlKS29_h5FDCWRRSUin_cfi2HN5afBTlq1yID4AH74b8RjVwMSYAM_PVxLXFiFmH3WXyMdFh7GuV8LVES_LPztOHdEPQyXcB8BckDyT15J8jSdCpv-rImXFjjdSJMnjg2FJV/s1600/DSC_0063.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 134px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553533865327153922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwV_HOr4BrlKS29_h5FDCWRRSUin_cfi2HN5afBTlq1yID4AH74b8RjVwMSYAM_PVxLXFiFmH3WXyMdFh7GuV8LVES_LPztOHdEPQyXcB8BckDyT15J8jSdCpv-rImXFjjdSJMnjg2FJV/s200/DSC_0063.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div> </div></div>Lori Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16433470022061472622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347821017068791975.post-66710085340041900252010-12-21T19:20:00.000-08:002010-12-21T20:13:21.156-08:00Christmas Joy<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553342373351354162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcH5jK8d-2axKWLg_M-q6s12445CmqVmxPKDHQCmeDfXf14-_QwwidPsHCUej_7wdl1JYYEBMvFv4GHMPWb1M8yNX2ZIUNj2Kwbrx6EWd1S8_CFmhO-d_61ScYUDVS2BtvUMsXb5Jkxhg3/s400/DSC_0098.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553342371530209138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiak_w2b0Nl8uFHbX8HENFBBXlkqnB_nuozTHJ__cUiwxhDR-iSsx0V6LBypdXMok6PkskSJczUYGIre2bN3yxLToSfs952hNA4s7BsHqomQZNduI5u_1qrQCvNmmwVukb5JDjHGXLpa8ut/s400/DSC_0100.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553342364637560290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQPX8eHq3eln6gp7GmnicZ9OIkqI6H9gcE0YPmy4ynESa03c5oEJuh7YL114kVx6sqXPA8qXhMqeB3ZxBcrY1SlPpRWZah6YlOnvwQcs7PGZCKqz6tryMvTLaeoNzgIs2vkJUlA4AvoXH3/s400/DSC_0101.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553342360334875410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVPKTgNfNaKCPat-e5H6DyfWs01-RtQECAbMHsMraxLe8mG5qgsk-BdogcPSQCWXIw6HR2db4n1RtoaxcNN6lddI7JTu7qscYxc0ipq6WfW5vjGa6h4y3ffWbgrD4aZrAG55dT88qHd6o/s400/DSC_0102.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553342356271081634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZmoF3jLWfy2oTrk82p52mj4sTCPDQC3Mrt4-MuOQd6SBG1Mbm5pNhKLv8jNSsu4m49yzFsdBfUJN2JLRw2qGQV_pIjJ1728KdqicRLRX_1qlBcfjTQtXn3wuZcMn4_x9vCSwo_5_3gc9/s400/DSC_0103.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553352571449774450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAK5kozbPi5G6Scx5KLlp1cbzddP8mIb3GqdMrR1eueoOR-LMb0pAY-WMVDtG8D0ypdY0C0vo0fZoc7B35w_iVB3qkf3QyDlOd19kh9hyOKQLewugVe11qzq8yoh1_btGr1D8c2XOPAfwg/s400/DSC_0073.JPG" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYBrGYBJWhIH22yY1OSnpFnlIDoJC1woZM2t6CaF6RFdeEv35UpLH0xmylw7-clkcWa3VdL6KkciM5SH8A4X_lGOWTawX0_jva6akcpcAqL6eSMzZKReES3n_auIy7L7Ih-a0SgTPvtPp/s1600/DSC_0128.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553352576337776562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYBrGYBJWhIH22yY1OSnpFnlIDoJC1woZM2t6CaF6RFdeEv35UpLH0xmylw7-clkcWa3VdL6KkciM5SH8A4X_lGOWTawX0_jva6akcpcAqL6eSMzZKReES3n_auIy7L7Ih-a0SgTPvtPp/s400/DSC_0128.JPG" /></a> <div><div><div><div><div><div><div>These are the faces that make me smile. (And the last picture, Aubree's face just makes me laugh!) This is pure Christmas joy from a 2-year old and 5-year old point of view. And that equals pure joy for parents!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Lori Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16433470022061472622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347821017068791975.post-62172438101559042352010-12-17T19:12:00.000-08:002010-12-17T19:51:55.988-08:00Annual Tour of Texas - 2010<div align="left"> </div><div align="left">It's right around the corner! <strong>The Benich Family Annual Tour of Texas!</strong> Every year we say we're not going to travel all over the place, every year we do. I try so hard not to complain. We travel so much because we have so much family! How do you complain about that? However, the reality of it is with two children, it is hard, hectic, and wears us down. But 'TIS THE SEASON!<br /><br />Our line up this year.......good thing I'm still TOTALLY in love with my CAR!!!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSd7EIh9fZtx3QnOfxToVzDHc9pYmcuUDe9khZIE3ZZ0Nds2PMuvsd8c1QoONNproOxXYFZRmG9heFLOwldomYlqyJXO9W7KsshY5qfrOEpJMPv6CVQ_nyFgMqdsruz8at5aR2tD3Jv0M/s1600/DSC_1194bw.jpg"><strong><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551863778184241762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSd7EIh9fZtx3QnOfxToVzDHc9pYmcuUDe9khZIE3ZZ0Nds2PMuvsd8c1QoONNproOxXYFZRmG9heFLOwldomYlqyJXO9W7KsshY5qfrOEpJMPv6CVQ_nyFgMqdsruz8at5aR2tD3Jv0M/s320/DSC_1194bw.jpg" /></strong></a><strong> </strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEmPQmwT-gwf4sWuQzzcHb3pwSGRZkUU_z_99MEw0oGeFau3lp2h4U8FjIzJFIizgRmny9B7-tXNY3-_SECrgzk-12nvG7dLPGlkl0EevjwpGcHPCkC6mTdx2W5G8NzF0_8SB_yfE98T1g/s1600/DSC_1197bw.jpg"><strong><img style="WIDTH: 214px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551863772918524978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEmPQmwT-gwf4sWuQzzcHb3pwSGRZkUU_z_99MEw0oGeFau3lp2h4U8FjIzJFIizgRmny9B7-tXNY3-_SECrgzk-12nvG7dLPGlkl0EevjwpGcHPCkC6mTdx2W5G8NzF0_8SB_yfE98T1g/s320/DSC_1197bw.jpg" /></strong></a><br /><strong>Monday - Dec. 20<br /></strong>For multiple reasons, we're doing our own little Tom Benich family Christmas on Monday, December 20th. Brock wrote Santa a letter, and was able to deliver it via Jingle, our elf (who sits on a shelf). Santa wrote back that if Brock and Aubree were very good, he would deliver presents on the 20th. This will give the kids a couple days to play and enjoy their toys before we hit the road. It also gives Mom and Dad time to clean, grocery shop, and prepare for traveling and hosting.<br /><br /><strong>Tuesday - Dec. 21<br /></strong>Playing, Packing, and Grocery Shopping<br /><br /><strong>Wednesday - Dec. 22<br /></strong>Head out to Conroe to Tom's Dad's house and meeting up with Craig, Cathy & Avery!<br /><br /><strong>Thursday - Dec. 23<br /></strong>All day in Conroe.<br /><br /><strong>Friday - Dec. 24<br /></strong>Head to Richmond early to visit Tom's Grandparents.<br />Soon afterwards, head to El Campo to see my Dad and Grandma, plus the whole Dornak gang!<br /></div><div align="left"><strong></strong></div><div align="left"><strong>Saturday - Dec. 25</strong></div><div align="left">Early start for Christmas Mass in Victoria.</div><div align="left">Then Christmas with my Mom and Grandma, and the whole Franklin gang!</div><div align="left">After lunch we'll head back to San Antonio where we'll host the first of two Christmases in San Antonio. Tom's Mom and his siblings/family will arrive.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><strong></strong> </div><div align="left"><strong>Sunday - Dec. 26</strong></div><div align="left">Continue Christmas with the Benich side.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><strong></strong> </div><div align="left"><strong>Monday - Dec. 27</strong></div><div align="left">The Benich side will clear out and make room for the Dornak side to head into San Antonio.</div><div align="left">Dede will be back from Mississippi so we'll be able to have Mom and all us siblings here for our family Christmas.</div><div align="left"><br /><strong>Tuesday - Dec. 28</strong></div><div align="left">Continue Christmas? Or, Tom's Birthday? How about BOTH!</div><div align="left"><br /><strong>Wednesday - Dec 29</strong></div><div align="left">Is anyone else tired of Christmas????? ;-)</div><div align="left">Hopefully some time to rest is in our future.</div>Lori Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16433470022061472622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347821017068791975.post-16767687162309884492010-12-16T19:51:00.000-08:002010-12-16T20:03:33.129-08:00Four more days<div align="center">Last night both kids received a video message from Santa Claus. The look on Brock's face was precious. Santa spoke to each one individually, and even looked in his good "Book" he keeps for girls and boys. Their picture was there, right along with their age, school, special events that took place this year and he told them that he knows they've been trying very hard to be good...but you can always try harder! ;-)</div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUJ1lG_duJIilj0UTSzAc848JDHLGFkHy4yiGV_Tv3bM3rjjRRIm9pdDFkJZ8CzsLKuQrVZr62OVU6Gu2i_6GXl4ZHCXlhxLqDMaHY-JqX8ZRV3LmTM3BiwzhcbViv-bCsVcDYWggfKwW/s1600/DSC_0758.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551496544423599874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUJ1lG_duJIilj0UTSzAc848JDHLGFkHy4yiGV_Tv3bM3rjjRRIm9pdDFkJZ8CzsLKuQrVZr62OVU6Gu2i_6GXl4ZHCXlhxLqDMaHY-JqX8ZRV3LmTM3BiwzhcbViv-bCsVcDYWggfKwW/s400/DSC_0758.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxzH3nfU7ISmek6Qpt4ta7jdUhzDL-19uErVudZ2wtqgN515HcuWgbhgFQldYg0501oo3ECyjrb9OeOvSOOETfSbEzeGyIkTX9zmsJVZt_clRtaWS8Jdt-Dq6TgU1WaqeXidbOZ-_-u86/s1600/DSC_0761.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 268px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551496548612389618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxzH3nfU7ISmek6Qpt4ta7jdUhzDL-19uErVudZ2wtqgN515HcuWgbhgFQldYg0501oo3ECyjrb9OeOvSOOETfSbEzeGyIkTX9zmsJVZt_clRtaWS8Jdt-Dq6TgU1WaqeXidbOZ-_-u86/s400/DSC_0761.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I'm not sure I've ever been so excited for Christmas. But not for me. I'm ready to see their faces. I'm ready to enjoy the youthfulness that Christmas can bring. Four days and counting. Yes, I said Four days. I'll explain more in my next post.<br /></div>Lori Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16433470022061472622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347821017068791975.post-30974416013126812842010-12-14T18:14:00.000-08:002010-12-16T19:36:13.463-08:00St. Nick's 2010<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjBMasxArS9OuqZdD72PGyd3MgT9mjNLvIRRO4vlPgGYrU0a9N_71jhWvMvRsbH8w5hdAs-Sqnc94m7icoDVZnkLzNhd7agwWEE6Kv3ICzEC4i2ecPqSFH3LjOGOzD4jsOPF1mAJTSNlqA/s1600/DSC_0125.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551482781964712386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjBMasxArS9OuqZdD72PGyd3MgT9mjNLvIRRO4vlPgGYrU0a9N_71jhWvMvRsbH8w5hdAs-Sqnc94m7icoDVZnkLzNhd7agwWEE6Kv3ICzEC4i2ecPqSFH3LjOGOzD4jsOPF1mAJTSNlqA/s400/DSC_0125.JPG" /></a><u></u><br /><div align="center">It's a good thing the kids don't know the actual date of St. Nicholas' Day. It fell on a Sunday this year but we didn't celebrate it until a full week afterwards. There was so much going on, and the kids were cranky by the time we got home the night of the 6th, so we made an executive decision to celebrate a little late. I'm glad we did. We had a very pleasant morning. It took about 30 minutes for Brock to realize that the stockings had been filled with goodies. At that point, it was time to wake up daddy!</div><br /><br /><div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnJAOlxoK9MpQl4SVpzMHtHuUnILYPOLrSe6hGgMgolhC1LvT3I7TYrhFuVlqfeuzfTrQ9t_XUOVXFdMN-55FyIunt0eenaSWFf4XdV8mLeE1UiVqPGzEhFN2GRmR6Aj7PWqyBfCLaZRD/s1600/DSC_0130.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 159px; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551482510943315890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnJAOlxoK9MpQl4SVpzMHtHuUnILYPOLrSe6hGgMgolhC1LvT3I7TYrhFuVlqfeuzfTrQ9t_XUOVXFdMN-55FyIunt0eenaSWFf4XdV8mLeE1UiVqPGzEhFN2GRmR6Aj7PWqyBfCLaZRD/s320/DSC_0130.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWEPb6xAiY67bdWrzRNJXO6NZUyyAU_1XBXpGR5BaOyH4O4RM-LypP6opnlHs-FnoN7RWHEqeU5d0-88Htb5FbH0UMoj2o3-7MpKINFKeGNfieBBZxNeutWhdUVFdntIkFLz-FCChpm8rw/s1600/DSC_0129.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 172px; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551482506597384130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWEPb6xAiY67bdWrzRNJXO6NZUyyAU_1XBXpGR5BaOyH4O4RM-LypP6opnlHs-FnoN7RWHEqeU5d0-88Htb5FbH0UMoj2o3-7MpKINFKeGNfieBBZxNeutWhdUVFdntIkFLz-FCChpm8rw/s320/DSC_0129.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioAaH15Jf17cPllgovv_y64UHvkfqbPTyY_5sqz4kdhgwdZHhEHMV-CMGkEAlRREzQbnfD1y0uHVsh6z_ZIrULmpC6TnhOwswsbFd4Y2tVNEjeviGn7bI-tc9AHyWfRIU3mEh6utrv2mvw/s1600/DSC_0127.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 173px; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551482504202046306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioAaH15Jf17cPllgovv_y64UHvkfqbPTyY_5sqz4kdhgwdZHhEHMV-CMGkEAlRREzQbnfD1y0uHVsh6z_ZIrULmpC6TnhOwswsbFd4Y2tVNEjeviGn7bI-tc9AHyWfRIU3mEh6utrv2mvw/s320/DSC_0127.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDYmX7PyFld_Ofci823DZXMsUtJyghF3MTNvYqjML6WE-oW7rZ_KvvlChHoBcfk1xm3F1jGEFur9_HwJej5t5qnKqeFMYs9WOy2oZaf6kTQFtp1OnTVvfhWc-ph-N83FwmfDZk8b46x3UB/s1600/DSC_0131.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 167px; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551482499534628450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDYmX7PyFld_Ofci823DZXMsUtJyghF3MTNvYqjML6WE-oW7rZ_KvvlChHoBcfk1xm3F1jGEFur9_HwJej5t5qnKqeFMYs9WOy2oZaf6kTQFtp1OnTVvfhWc-ph-N83FwmfDZk8b46x3UB/s320/DSC_0131.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-oCZgMFPWITf_ovzI-Yja5tZgSLpcWa-cdp3nlWIHHkv3PW5CRR1_oQYcAIyrlq6m9UtIaXVT-3GOClSStTv6mTgNCuY_mzIVwoLV7h-JZvayKRWMkHABFeGoznXqJPCiV_FTn4RcjBLe/s1600/DSC_0141.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551481431434210866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-oCZgMFPWITf_ovzI-Yja5tZgSLpcWa-cdp3nlWIHHkv3PW5CRR1_oQYcAIyrlq6m9UtIaXVT-3GOClSStTv6mTgNCuY_mzIVwoLV7h-JZvayKRWMkHABFeGoznXqJPCiV_FTn4RcjBLe/s400/DSC_0141.JPG" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbXg_IWkD_xP2LvzyFmVZ0vv5VgLZZfBiUTc6B2lSBxPlYoR-ECvTtxrmuNGPkJNWCn3qozizBj-9HynyCe5loTl4LitEF2OQ2wdJuOGwHcuAo2hQHkFCLtsB7X9GmIHihyphenhyphenW1tDxLqrnZ1/s1600/DSC_0162.JPG"></a> After the kids checked their stockings, Mommy got a treat of her own. For those who don't know, I'm married to the BEST OMELETE MAKER in the world! And it also happens to be one of my most favorite foods! <br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcsNHXfbLg1vWgLloDKkH7vxJcJj3utcRZxcLgJhqWfToO-GE-40NQTLqrf6aj5gwjPWW3Y1SAbko63ZB1ojDiX8i_SUBE3oaZ3zHyfY9altkf4_wCg4_uchVm5GPic7dr55teOIH9UMs/s1600/DSC_0163.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551481416160685874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcsNHXfbLg1vWgLloDKkH7vxJcJj3utcRZxcLgJhqWfToO-GE-40NQTLqrf6aj5gwjPWW3Y1SAbko63ZB1ojDiX8i_SUBE3oaZ3zHyfY9altkf4_wCg4_uchVm5GPic7dr55teOIH9UMs/s400/DSC_0163.JPG" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPoqf_-EI60DDpQ4OSnTV6s3YGrYMwDk7F7dvNz3FN6zMrqaC_ZJk4Fx9siiX-r3ew8ZKkcLR1Tobm-DIqrYCiBuPsiDltejZIgVqTKEd0MGwhcs9K6jn4-QVhKJAxsi4ACz-veqcHkYM3/s1600/DSC_0169.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551481413318623554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPoqf_-EI60DDpQ4OSnTV6s3YGrYMwDk7F7dvNz3FN6zMrqaC_ZJk4Fx9siiX-r3ew8ZKkcLR1Tobm-DIqrYCiBuPsiDltejZIgVqTKEd0MGwhcs9K6jn4-QVhKJAxsi4ACz-veqcHkYM3/s400/DSC_0169.JPG" /></a> </div><div align="center">It was a very happy, and very YUMMY (celebrated) St. Nick's Day!<br /></div></div></div>Lori Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16433470022061472622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347821017068791975.post-13111024420458971672010-12-13T18:49:00.000-08:002010-12-13T19:55:22.678-08:00Children's Christmas Party<div align="center"> It's only December 13th and we've already been to three Christmas parties and celebrated St. Nicholas' Day! No wonder December passes so quickly...there is something new every week!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Both Tom and I had our team/faculty Christmas parties the past two Friday nights. This past Saturday morning though, we had the USAA Children's Christmas party. It's the first year we've gone and it was really great! It was pretty crowded, but seeing the extent the company goes to in order to bring smiles to the children's faces is very cool. The kids were excited to go. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj93kLdosClGDs-swax9xg-r2E4kqoXRD7ZSohYRjfqvkRVew_fpFG87KSntd-A0Y83zjAzQY0v1cdDUDbl-rNsPDtFCFu4oUTJIjxlVp4KclcYXUi-QqSYtGsr1ariRY0dnP_NZxuno3aM/s1600/DSC_0038g.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 214px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550376837952144210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj93kLdosClGDs-swax9xg-r2E4kqoXRD7ZSohYRjfqvkRVew_fpFG87KSntd-A0Y83zjAzQY0v1cdDUDbl-rNsPDtFCFu4oUTJIjxlVp4KclcYXUi-QqSYtGsr1ariRY0dnP_NZxuno3aM/s320/DSC_0038g.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1_5SZsnXmDav1W7oXISunwZR4foh2b5Ye4Rr3S7qZiNX9WmzLlBqQugMBgfkwZs6pqj-xiizC8By7GepFZWKAvQenTM3nl3Y2DcESKNOd1fev-WWdcym6odjfzMGksvj7rMhcgIChOCf/s1600/DSC_0046.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 214px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550376845007704706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1_5SZsnXmDav1W7oXISunwZR4foh2b5Ye4Rr3S7qZiNX9WmzLlBqQugMBgfkwZs6pqj-xiizC8By7GepFZWKAvQenTM3nl3Y2DcESKNOd1fev-WWdcym6odjfzMGksvj7rMhcgIChOCf/s320/DSC_0046.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1_5SZsnXmDav1W7oXISunwZR4foh2b5Ye4Rr3S7qZiNX9WmzLlBqQugMBgfkwZs6pqj-xiizC8By7GepFZWKAvQenTM3nl3Y2DcESKNOd1fev-WWdcym6odjfzMGksvj7rMhcgIChOCf/s1600/DSC_0046.JPG"></a> </div><div align="center">First thing we did was walk through the parking garage, up the "moving stairs" (might have been Brock's favorite part), and the kids each received a bag with tickets and a juice box. We went to the auditorium to watch the play, "If you give a Moose a Muffin". Brock thought it was great! Aubree's attention span only lasted about 15 minutes, but she did pretty good and even though we tempted fate by sitting next to the electronics, she did not unplug anything and it was a success!<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgobeqlJQKFEnWgM9xMRRhlY5Zu7CDSchRn8mtPZlkvNUkEURnEOyx52O7URSCUHErgmqHvTUcxHnNTt-1UrRsjp9xvQMkekI57i_u4d6Y7LDFVIf2jqGATIragQVi16uOrZ_6uw7Xu9iDb/s1600/DSC_0060.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550377713108578754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgobeqlJQKFEnWgM9xMRRhlY5Zu7CDSchRn8mtPZlkvNUkEURnEOyx52O7URSCUHErgmqHvTUcxHnNTt-1UrRsjp9xvQMkekI57i_u4d6Y7LDFVIf2jqGATIragQVi16uOrZ_6uw7Xu9iDb/s320/DSC_0060.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsw-CjkJ9v-TeAEwfdOR1FhepK6LG6aqln6WBoA4Ta8tlncrsMv5ZIEXpobi9IOotmyQBEj8dHLI1wqFnXjtNiPldm1Hw4-kEPGG7fUMVqibACSsTzn0OfLIoqAez5yoimB_Z6ueYZoOp-/s1600/DSC_0055.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 214px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550376843726774930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsw-CjkJ9v-TeAEwfdOR1FhepK6LG6aqln6WBoA4Ta8tlncrsMv5ZIEXpobi9IOotmyQBEj8dHLI1wqFnXjtNiPldm1Hw4-kEPGG7fUMVqibACSsTzn0OfLIoqAez5yoimB_Z6ueYZoOp-/s320/DSC_0055.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div> </div><div>After the play, the kids used their tickets to play games. There were lots of people but we managed to work our way into a few games. (In between a few fits that is!)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9j_vRlbuLzBRLs6XYR8XyJgWmhnMRlYKqyXmn_UMt6tDqNN2EMXaIG6GoYmk_lX_IbyuezaOwfLGkx_S3k7BIMTpSjTt1uKHByUiUNNkSyrGD3wlYvOvhvETyqatvG5pN5CxU_MJvNKYA/s1600/DSC_0079.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550377715946833314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9j_vRlbuLzBRLs6XYR8XyJgWmhnMRlYKqyXmn_UMt6tDqNN2EMXaIG6GoYmk_lX_IbyuezaOwfLGkx_S3k7BIMTpSjTt1uKHByUiUNNkSyrGD3wlYvOvhvETyqatvG5pN5CxU_MJvNKYA/s320/DSC_0079.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWU6au5od9FXHQe0wikBxQ6yvWRZ_mz_Z670oJq7UTzYmosLBiXZUVg8eWvm7joLrIKQXEtFrL_CYW8iyEipNQ8TrurrEFJOt__MCdAi9G-1fc178SpMf8pbfJKT0teBuUVjMIkKqTmIo/s1600/DSC_0086.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550377721182471138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWU6au5od9FXHQe0wikBxQ6yvWRZ_mz_Z670oJq7UTzYmosLBiXZUVg8eWvm7joLrIKQXEtFrL_CYW8iyEipNQ8TrurrEFJOt__MCdAi9G-1fc178SpMf8pbfJKT0teBuUVjMIkKqTmIo/s320/DSC_0086.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div>Santa Pictures were interesting! Brock was very excited...Aubree...well, you see the expression!</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimriBjPDsycSTQm62IZCPK2rm0c3cN_KIjEyg2Ok7WIfHiCfjnMBOf0WNidOFEENr6ESVEKVOKsTjloV16hyphenhyphenq7PlA0wosSHkmHd7KEumKvthd5UhNk-BCozb4gdXiIL6I010Z9p5sOgeAL/s1600/DSC_0075.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550376852443324754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimriBjPDsycSTQm62IZCPK2rm0c3cN_KIjEyg2Ok7WIfHiCfjnMBOf0WNidOFEENr6ESVEKVOKsTjloV16hyphenhyphenq7PlA0wosSHkmHd7KEumKvthd5UhNk-BCozb4gdXiIL6I010Z9p5sOgeAL/s320/DSC_0075.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div>Overall, we had a good time. We were all ready for naps by the time we got home, but it's definately something we'll look forward to doing again next year.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmMpY-IL4Hv-G6JuDGjXlgceBLUSu1pN5-VErlpjOYgUTcoRb7J_B5jgev6TZz4bo8KB5t5Bjmp6muqQWgK8qLwyxdHRMftfuhrO6aPINeom2ORTQQYVpdkZ8o_MvUcpCG6htgRWSVdaO/s1600/DSC_0083.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550377707862064386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmMpY-IL4Hv-G6JuDGjXlgceBLUSu1pN5-VErlpjOYgUTcoRb7J_B5jgev6TZz4bo8KB5t5Bjmp6muqQWgK8qLwyxdHRMftfuhrO6aPINeom2ORTQQYVpdkZ8o_MvUcpCG6htgRWSVdaO/s320/DSC_0083.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK86dM7V9YJI44UAoHnySD8eOQSa-MhTwbtJm4bR4uoSDLRpNRlM6gf8tpA32ZO6wumWbuwR4EKCUvivC0_Z_4P0b3_qYf1e4ZIlrbMWfGg9t7Ha5snvLl40H6lmHVI1DMv9UWgAVTf6Ca/s1600/DSC_0082.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550376861905188482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK86dM7V9YJI44UAoHnySD8eOQSa-MhTwbtJm4bR4uoSDLRpNRlM6gf8tpA32ZO6wumWbuwR4EKCUvivC0_Z_4P0b3_qYf1e4ZIlrbMWfGg9t7Ha5snvLl40H6lmHVI1DMv9UWgAVTf6Ca/s320/DSC_0082.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /></div>Lori Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16433470022061472622noreply@blogger.com1