tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57955813965551525262024-02-20T07:43:30.962-08:00Sisters ShineShared joy is double joy.Ivyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06152333946902801828noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795581396555152526.post-21357957023842062242009-07-05T13:03:00.001-07:002009-07-05T13:44:46.494-07:004th of July in Dallas!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SlELcoMwrLI/AAAAAAAApVU/YyLKmEzCzCo/s1600-h/DSC05857.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SlELcoMwrLI/AAAAAAAApVU/YyLKmEzCzCo/s320/DSC05857.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355074018375412914" /></a>We had a great time in downtown Dallas last night celebrating the 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> of July. It was a lot of fun but very hot! Stephen and I were talking about it and it seems like being in Connecticut last summer made us soft. In one summer we forgot how hot it gets in the south. But we remember now! We have always wanted to take a ride on the swan boats so we finally did.<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SlELcO4AIbI/AAAAAAAApVM/_huiqzBRnD4/s1600-h/DSC05852.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SlELcO4AIbI/AAAAAAAApVM/_huiqzBRnD4/s320/DSC05852.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355074011577459122" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SlELbp8NHKI/AAAAAAAApVE/3kGGiCVf6d8/s1600-h/DSC05854.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SlELbp8NHKI/AAAAAAAApVE/3kGGiCVf6d8/s320/DSC05854.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355074001662975138" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SlELbdAToEI/AAAAAAAApU8/c6ZZe80nTsA/s1600-h/DSC05860.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SlELbdAToEI/AAAAAAAApU8/c6ZZe80nTsA/s320/DSC05860.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355073998190518338" /></a>Here is Stella helping Stephen steer the boat!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SlEJ6gNedeI/AAAAAAAApU0/KEP8OtktLMs/s1600-h/DSC05861.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SlEJ6gNedeI/AAAAAAAApU0/KEP8OtktLMs/s320/DSC05861.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355072332603749858" /></a>After our boat ride we headed to the Cotton Bowl stadium to get ready for the big fireworks show. Stephen with a Texas size corn dog!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SlEJ6e2nemI/AAAAAAAApUs/Ocd2jcS5oIM/s1600-h/DSC05875.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SlEJ6e2nemI/AAAAAAAApUs/Ocd2jcS5oIM/s320/DSC05875.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355072332239436386" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SlEJ6BrZeoI/AAAAAAAApUk/85uR0cvxv0s/s1600-h/DSC05881.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SlEJ6BrZeoI/AAAAAAAApUk/85uR0cvxv0s/s320/DSC05881.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355072324407753346" /></a>Stella had a great time marching to the music!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SlEJ53YKchI/AAAAAAAApUc/ORs3gzimfs8/s1600-h/DSC05898.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SlEJ53YKchI/AAAAAAAApUc/ORs3gzimfs8/s320/DSC05898.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355072321642721810" /></a>Almost time for the fireworks!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SlEJ5UA-agI/AAAAAAAApUU/VR75qPaDp_8/s1600-h/DSC05900.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SlEJ5UA-agI/AAAAAAAApUU/VR75qPaDp_8/s320/DSC05900.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355072312150223362" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SlEIdeu78ZI/AAAAAAAApUM/WWK4sGVEmcE/s1600-h/DSC05902.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SlEIdeu78ZI/AAAAAAAApUM/WWK4sGVEmcE/s320/DSC05902.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355070734479389074" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SlEIdM1WuwI/AAAAAAAApUE/ZWC_ou5Rfpo/s1600-h/DSC05903.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SlEIdM1WuwI/AAAAAAAApUE/ZWC_ou5Rfpo/s320/DSC05903.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355070729674472194" /></a>Stella loved the fireworks show! It was so much fun to see her watching them. It was one of those moments when you get to have a first time again through the eyes of your child.</div><div>I just thanked God for the joy of being a mom to my two beautiful girls!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SlEIcv57a4I/AAAAAAAApT8/NSEwq5yxARM/s1600-h/DSC05906.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SlEIcv57a4I/AAAAAAAApT8/NSEwq5yxARM/s320/DSC05906.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355070721909025666" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SlEIccerbSI/AAAAAAAApT0/GBxaktuzQGU/s1600-h/DSC05941.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SlEIccerbSI/AAAAAAAApT0/GBxaktuzQGU/s320/DSC05941.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355070716694457634" /></a>Rayna did such a great job watching the fireworks. She was a little <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">cautious but she enjoyed them too. I think this picture captures just that.</span></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SlEIcGIBDEI/AAAAAAAApTs/5ZkeeEUOVB4/s1600-h/DSC05934.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SlEIcGIBDEI/AAAAAAAApTs/5ZkeeEUOVB4/s320/DSC05934.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355070710693825602" /></a> The fireworks were great! They even made designs with the fireworks like hearts, smiles, the shape of Texas, and my favorite peace signs! And there was even a breeze to top it all off. It was a great night. We hope yours was too. Happy 4th of July!</div>Ivyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06152333946902801828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795581396555152526.post-6127344466641270972009-07-04T06:50:00.000-07:002009-07-04T07:03:00.669-07:004 New Posts!!!I haven't posted in awhile so here are four new posts of what we have been up to!Ivyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06152333946902801828noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795581396555152526.post-55918035723879148892009-07-04T06:39:00.000-07:002009-07-04T07:22:50.790-07:00Rainforest Cafe & Carousel!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk9fTNwQ44I/AAAAAAAAovs/nSQXxPaajSY/s1600-h/DSC05819.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk9fTNwQ44I/AAAAAAAAovs/nSQXxPaajSY/s320/DSC05819.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354603265681056642" /></a>We went to the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Rain Forest</span> Cafe on Stephen's day off. It is a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">tourist</span> type of restaurant with a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">rain forest</span> theme. There is a waterfall and animals everywhere that move and make noises. About every ten minutes all of the lights blink and there are thunder sounds to simulate a rainstorm. Stella loved it! In between the "storms" she looked around and said to me very seriously, "I think something magical is about to happen!" It was so <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">precious</span>! It made an $11 hamburger worth it for sure! :)<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk9fSxIdNII/AAAAAAAAovk/RVrXAdUTGEQ/s1600-h/DSC05816.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk9fSxIdNII/AAAAAAAAovk/RVrXAdUTGEQ/s320/DSC05816.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354603257997898882" /></a>As you can see Rayna did not like it! In between major frowns she would bury her face in one of our shoulders and close her eyes tight! I thought she would get used to it but it just wasn't happening. So we asked our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">waitress</span> if we could move to the back of the restaurant where it was a lot less wild!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk9fSROfMsI/AAAAAAAAovc/ejugHIzzP9w/s1600-h/DSC05827.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk9fSROfMsI/AAAAAAAAovc/ejugHIzzP9w/s320/DSC05827.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354603249433260738" /></a>When we switched seats Rayna started to enjoy it much more. She was able to take everything in from a distance rather than being in the middle of the action.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk9dAkT4DcI/AAAAAAAAovU/R9Tcq6k2CME/s1600-h/DSC05829.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk9dAf40kcI/AAAAAAAAovM/EVVSZUxR80k/s1600-h/DSC05837.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk9dAf40kcI/AAAAAAAAovM/EVVSZUxR80k/s320/DSC05837.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354600745108017602" /></a>There was a waterfall and fog machine right behind our seat and the girls had a great time getting sprinkled on for the whole meal!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk9c_yBEZnI/AAAAAAAAovE/m2lb9TQaWhs/s1600-h/DSC05836.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk9c_yBEZnI/AAAAAAAAovE/m2lb9TQaWhs/s320/DSC05836.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354600732794578546" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk9c_l84VSI/AAAAAAAAou8/bqIIcx7AQgg/s1600-h/DSC05840.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk9c_l84VSI/AAAAAAAAou8/bqIIcx7AQgg/s320/DSC05840.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354600729555784994" /></a>Here are the girls on the carousel at the mall. Usually Rayna doesn't want to ride it. She just says she wants to wave to Stella. I guess she is officially all grown up now because she rode the carousel and loved it! The horses rocked instead of going up and down. Stella and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Rayna</span> both rode as fast as they could and had a great time.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk9c_Ts_ibI/AAAAAAAAou0/SDj9_Hu4Sm4/s1600-h/DSC05842.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk9c_Ts_ibI/AAAAAAAAou0/SDj9_Hu4Sm4/s320/DSC05842.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354600724657310130" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Woah</span> Horsey, slow down! As you can see Stella loved it as usual!</div>Ivyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06152333946902801828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795581396555152526.post-59889290391675306752009-07-04T06:15:00.001-07:002009-07-04T06:27:43.282-07:00Dallas Spray Park<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk9XRGn82pI/AAAAAAAAouE/FNPFzwmbhww/s1600-h/DSC05761.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk9XRGn82pI/AAAAAAAAouE/FNPFzwmbhww/s320/DSC05761.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354594433314380434" /></a>We went to a spray park in Dallas yesterday. Here are a few pictures of the girls having fun in the blazing heat!<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk9XQs0mE1I/AAAAAAAAot8/kRg_m-MwoW0/s1600-h/DSC05757.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk9XQs0mE1I/AAAAAAAAot8/kRg_m-MwoW0/s320/DSC05757.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354594426388091730" /></a>I asked Stephen to try and get a picture of Rayna's curls. They have gotten even more curly lately. They are little ringlets. I have had several people ask me if I curled it. It is so gorgeous. I hope they don't grow out!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk9XQReB3gI/AAAAAAAAot0/M-Q6-m7oPfk/s1600-h/DSC05748.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk9XQReB3gI/AAAAAAAAot0/M-Q6-m7oPfk/s320/DSC05748.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354594419045686786" /></a>Stella loved her goggles so much she insisted on wearing them at the spray park. We tried to tell her that a spray park is not like a pool but she insisted!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk9XQD_qWqI/AAAAAAAAots/nZFwMA9joyw/s1600-h/DSC05775.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk9XQD_qWqI/AAAAAAAAots/nZFwMA9joyw/s320/DSC05775.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354594415428655778" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk9XPhBX-BI/AAAAAAAAotk/98soQc5e3Lo/s1600-h/DSC05807.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk9XPhBX-BI/AAAAAAAAotk/98soQc5e3Lo/s320/DSC05807.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354594406040598546" /></a>Driving is always a favorite! Rayna even tells me when she grows up she is going to drive. Our two year old is already thinking about driving! :) </div>Ivyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06152333946902801828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795581396555152526.post-20939376833512999242009-07-03T14:05:00.000-07:002009-07-04T07:19:59.234-07:00Stella's Swimming Lessons!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk52qNqBekI/AAAAAAAAoso/CHqyur8vDpQ/s1600-h/DSC05555.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk52qNqBekI/AAAAAAAAoso/CHqyur8vDpQ/s320/DSC05555.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354347474582600258" /></a>Stella has been taking swimming lessons for the last two weeks at a swimming school in Dallas. It was every morning for two weeks. She loved it! These pictures are from her last day of class. Stephen got to come with us because he was off for the 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span></span> of July. I wish you all could have seen her face when she got to bring Stephen into her class. Her smile couldn't have been bigger. She was so proud to show him all of her hard work!<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk52pt7HlmI/AAAAAAAAosg/rmOmthMko64/s1600-h/DSC05569.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk52pt7HlmI/AAAAAAAAosg/rmOmthMko64/s320/DSC05569.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354347466064369250" /></a>Here they are lined up to begin class. The little girl in the class is named Adelaide. And her teacher Ms. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Rebecca</span></span> always called the girls Miss Stella and Miss Adelaide. When Stella would come home and tell us stories about swimming she always told me about Miss Adelaide. I told her that it was just Adelaide but she insisted it was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">MissAdelaide</span></span>. She would run it together like a name not realizing Ms. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Rebecca</span></span> was saying Miss.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk52pbssWwI/AAAAAAAAosY/4HySzLuq4fA/s1600-h/DSC05573.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk52pbssWwI/AAAAAAAAosY/4HySzLuq4fA/s320/DSC05573.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354347461172026114" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk52pEYr9eI/AAAAAAAAosQ/q8uZczKFCEY/s1600-h/DSC05587.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk52pEYr9eI/AAAAAAAAosQ/q8uZczKFCEY/s320/DSC05587.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354347454914098658" /></a>Every day the teacher had a theme and all of the games the kids played went with that theme. Friday was fish day. I don't know what the teacher was saying to them but they were always laughing about the different things she was telling them.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk51mRsyAaI/AAAAAAAAosI/iMNJ1V0Sy4k/s1600-h/DSC05564.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk51mRsyAaI/AAAAAAAAosI/iMNJ1V0Sy4k/s320/DSC05564.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354346307436806562" /></a>Here is Rayna with her very sad face because Stephen went inside the pool area and left her. But overall she did so well. I was very <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">surprised</span> that she didn't ask to get in the water but I think she knew the routine because it was just like when we used to bring Stella to dance. We would bring her to the side of the pool and then go and watch in the waiting area with the glass wall. She is in a nonstop talking phase so she kept me entertained telling me about everything going on. It was a lot of fun!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk51l4925yI/AAAAAAAAosA/TD4XF08rn0w/s1600-h/DSC05589.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk51l4925yI/AAAAAAAAosA/TD4XF08rn0w/s320/DSC05589.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354346300797544226" /></a>Here is Stella swimming underwater. The teacher would bring her down to the step in the pool and she would jump off and swim to her. By the end of the class Stella could hold her breath for nine seconds and swim to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Rebecca</span></span>. I was so impressed!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk51ltKTZoI/AAAAAAAAor4/IoyR1Trg9tU/s1600-h/DSC05595.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk51ltKTZoI/AAAAAAAAor4/IoyR1Trg9tU/s320/DSC05595.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354346297628518018" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk51lYwcdxI/AAAAAAAAorw/zEeIm2T655U/s1600-h/DSC05628.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk51lYwcdxI/AAAAAAAAorw/zEeIm2T655U/s320/DSC05628.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354346292151351058" /></a>Stella loved wearing her goggles. She would keep them on between her turns so she looked really cute sitting on the side of the pool.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk51k96QAuI/AAAAAAAAoro/qNbH35rQZ6o/s1600-h/DSC05643.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk51k96QAuI/AAAAAAAAoro/qNbH35rQZ6o/s320/DSC05643.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354346284944720610" /></a>Making her "pillow" and floating with Ms. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Rebecca</span></span>.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk50NjTib5I/AAAAAAAAorg/5EgSUgnVoCQ/s1600-h/DSC05654.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk50NjTib5I/AAAAAAAAorg/5EgSUgnVoCQ/s320/DSC05654.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354344783154409362" /></a>One of Stella's favorite parts of the class was giving Ms. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Rebecca</span></span> high fives. After they had taken their turn she would give them five and they could choose if they wanted her to spin around or fall back into the pool. Stella would always choose to have her fall back. So she would giver her five and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Rebecca</span></span> would act like it pushed her back into the pool and under water. The kids loved it! One morning when Stella was eating her oatmeal she told me she had to eat it all so she would have enough energy to knock Mrs. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Rebecca</span></span> over when she gave her a high five!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk50NCHaUFI/AAAAAAAAorY/2JchjIBcVPI/s1600-h/DSC05666.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk50NCHaUFI/AAAAAAAAorY/2JchjIBcVPI/s320/DSC05666.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354344774245175378" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk50M39wGQI/AAAAAAAAorQ/kBx8b-rBgow/s1600-h/DSC05676.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk50M39wGQI/AAAAAAAAorQ/kBx8b-rBgow/s320/DSC05676.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354344771520305410" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk50MpaRZfI/AAAAAAAAorI/8B8uoqOyda4/s1600-h/DSC05711.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk50MpaRZfI/AAAAAAAAorI/8B8uoqOyda4/s320/DSC05711.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354344767613396466" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk50MWFA-yI/AAAAAAAAorA/ymmt6jp0WxQ/s1600-h/DSC05729.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk50MWFA-yI/AAAAAAAAorA/ymmt6jp0WxQ/s320/DSC05729.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354344762423966498" /></a>Every day the kids got a little prize to go with the theme for the day. Stella always made sure to ask for one for Rayna too. It was a lot of fun for Stella and we had a great time watching her too!</div>Ivyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06152333946902801828noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795581396555152526.post-17748534443059907482009-07-03T13:38:00.000-07:002009-07-04T07:13:11.013-07:00Gran and DD come to visit Dallas!Gran and DD came to visit us in Dallas last weekend and we had a wonderful time. Here are just some of the highlights from their visit.<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk5yiSdN3yI/AAAAAAAAoq4/zmwJP0Bw2YI/s1600-h/DSC05377.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk5yiSdN3yI/AAAAAAAAoq4/zmwJP0Bw2YI/s320/DSC05377.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354342940385599266" /></a>Gran and DD brought the girls bags filled with fun things. One of their favorites were these glasses. The girls would ask us to close our eyes and then they would put on their disguises. Then everyone would play along saying, "Oh, what <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">happened</span> to Stella?" Then she would take them off and we would all cheer. They could have played it all day!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk5yiG9_0iI/AAAAAAAAoqw/PtXpjV58HMU/s1600-h/DSC05378.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk5yiG9_0iI/AAAAAAAAoqw/PtXpjV58HMU/s320/DSC05378.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354342937301864994" /></a>I love this one. She is checking herself out in her new mirror!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk5yh49MdVI/AAAAAAAAoqo/jKQckteI5kM/s1600-h/DSC05405.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk5yh49MdVI/AAAAAAAAoqo/jKQckteI5kM/s320/DSC05405.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354342933540402514" /></a>Here we are after another wonderful meal at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Chuy's</span>. Inside <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Chuy's</span> is decorated with a lot of Elvis <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">memorabilia</span>. The girls call it the Elvis Restaurant. They were so excited to bring Gran and DD to say hi to Elvis.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk5xakA8GDI/AAAAAAAAoqg/E3q_8GMDdNE/s1600-h/DSC05427.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk5xakA8GDI/AAAAAAAAoqg/E3q_8GMDdNE/s320/DSC05427.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354341708148250674" /></a>The girls were entertained all weekend with books and games. They always love to have Gran and DD read to them.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk5xaQIVF1I/AAAAAAAAoqY/tWxkmIyqIUk/s1600-h/DSC05449.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk5xaQIVF1I/AAAAAAAAoqY/tWxkmIyqIUk/s320/DSC05449.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354341702810539858" /></a>On Saturday night Stella fell asleep really early. So Rayna had the night to herself. We were all sitting around in a circle and Rayna would go from one lap to another requesting a game or song from each person. It was so much fun for me to see her get to be the spotlight. The life of a second child is so different than the first. Of course, I think it is so much more fun to come into the world with a sister there to welcome you but it was fun to see Rayna get a night all to herself!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk5xZ2v9aYI/AAAAAAAAoqQ/Z4gORMEX290/s1600-h/DSC05456.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk5xZ2v9aYI/AAAAAAAAoqQ/Z4gORMEX290/s320/DSC05456.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354341695997438338" /></a>Aunt Chris came to town Saturday night and suprised Gran and DD! It was so much fun to have her with us!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk5xZgzYiwI/AAAAAAAAoqI/1eQerrYbCx8/s1600-h/DSC05461.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk5xZgzYiwI/AAAAAAAAoqI/1eQerrYbCx8/s320/DSC05461.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354341690106219266" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk5xZEYnsiI/AAAAAAAAoqA/KcYLcOg2zR8/s1600-h/DSC05482.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk5xZEYnsiI/AAAAAAAAoqA/KcYLcOg2zR8/s320/DSC05482.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354341682477773346" /></a>Sunday morning we went to Arlington. Our first stop was cowgirl hat shopping! Here are the girls trying on all of the different hats.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk5vy78X0hI/AAAAAAAAop4/44gu_3LrYdw/s1600-h/DSC05502.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk5vy78X0hI/AAAAAAAAop4/44gu_3LrYdw/s320/DSC05502.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354339927865152018" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk5vytV6DxI/AAAAAAAAopw/UIACKg41rzY/s1600-h/DSC05500.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk5vytV6DxI/AAAAAAAAopw/UIACKg41rzY/s320/DSC05500.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354339923945721618" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk5vyR2aG5I/AAAAAAAAopo/zjfEyJq5q8w/s1600-h/DSC05521.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk5vyR2aG5I/AAAAAAAAopo/zjfEyJq5q8w/s320/DSC05521.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354339916565846930" /></a>Then we went to a restaurant called Trail Dust. It was a cowboy restaurant with a huge slide from the second floor to the first. It was really high so the girls had to go down with someone. Stephen took them over and over again! I didn't get a picture of it but Gran even went down the slide! What a fun grandmother!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk5vx-oOv5I/AAAAAAAAopg/9KtCKAMGSJk/s1600-h/DSC05522.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk5vx-oOv5I/AAAAAAAAopg/9KtCKAMGSJk/s320/DSC05522.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354339911406108562" /></a>I have to admit I was a little nervous going down! But it was a lot of fun.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk5vxvXWG5I/AAAAAAAAopY/nLHTcOv8Wk4/s1600-h/DSC05524.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk5vxvXWG5I/AAAAAAAAopY/nLHTcOv8Wk4/s320/DSC05524.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354339907308755858" /></a>One of the "rules" at Trail Dust is no ties allowed. So DD brought two old ties and the guys wore them. After noon on Sunday they go around and anyone wearing a tie gets it cut off! We thought Stella would love this but for some reason it caught her off guard and she cried when they came to cut off the ties. She got over it quickly but she talked about it all day! I think the whole thing was just confusing. I wish we had explained to her more ahead of time. But, of course, now she can't wait to go back!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk5uF_XxU9I/AAAAAAAAopQ/0udXe27EAFQ/s1600-h/DSC05527.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk5uF_XxU9I/AAAAAAAAopQ/0udXe27EAFQ/s320/DSC05527.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354338056179635154" /></a>DD with half a tie!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk5uFlgv7pI/AAAAAAAAopI/JHGCPLfMME4/s1600-h/DSC05537.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk5uFlgv7pI/AAAAAAAAopI/JHGCPLfMME4/s320/DSC05537.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354338049237970578" /></a>Rayna enjoying her smores sundae!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk5uFLDmYpI/AAAAAAAAopA/FgtRtG7nxQo/s1600-h/DSC05542.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk5uFLDmYpI/AAAAAAAAopA/FgtRtG7nxQo/s320/DSC05542.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354338042136388242" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk5uE68bXCI/AAAAAAAAoo4/W1-jSPtCPIE/s1600-h/DSC05548.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk5uE68bXCI/AAAAAAAAoo4/W1-jSPtCPIE/s320/DSC05548.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354338037811338274" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk5uEiEBGUI/AAAAAAAAoow/t3XAvJC2ZHs/s1600-h/DSC05553.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sk5uEiEBGUI/AAAAAAAAoow/t3XAvJC2ZHs/s320/DSC05553.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354338031132285250" /></a>We had a great visit with Gran, DD, & Aunt Chris! Thanks for coming y'all!!</div>Ivyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06152333946902801828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795581396555152526.post-7623758468479234402009-06-16T04:09:00.000-07:002009-06-16T04:46:00.700-07:00Happy Anniversary Mimi and Pops<div style="text-align: center;">Happy Anniversay Mimi & Pops! Thanks for getting married!</div><div style="text-align: center;">We love you,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Stephen, Ivy, Stella, & Rayna</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GDnJOY2A32Q&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GDnJOY2A32Q&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div>Ivyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06152333946902801828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795581396555152526.post-80303639362001343442009-05-26T15:00:00.001-07:002009-05-27T13:05:24.168-07:00Austin!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShxxaDnYLsI/AAAAAAAAj0Q/QjM2IuhmZW4/s1600-h/DSC04671.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShxxaDnYLsI/AAAAAAAAj0Q/QjM2IuhmZW4/s320/DSC04671.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340267950615572162" /></a>We went to Austin over Memorial weekend to spend time with one of our favorite families The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Carlsons</span>! Of course, our first stop was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Chuy's</span>! Our favorite <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Tex</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Mex</span> restaurant. There isn't a better way to get a fun weekend started.<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShxxZ0tMJnI/AAAAAAAAj0I/nl6sM-xdNmI/s1600-h/DSC04679.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShxxZ0tMJnI/AAAAAAAAj0I/nl6sM-xdNmI/s320/DSC04679.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340267946613417586" /></a>The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Wachsmann</span> family came over for dinner that night. It was so much fun to get all of our kids together. We have seven between us now! When we first started getting together Reece was the only one. How times have changed!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShxxZcc3c2I/AAAAAAAAj0A/9Iff-eKQqxE/s1600-h/DSC04680.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShxxZcc3c2I/AAAAAAAAj0A/9Iff-eKQqxE/s320/DSC04680.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340267940102501218" /></a>Both girls had a great time playing with their dog Page!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShxxY__K-1I/AAAAAAAAjz4/f5OxKJEiMoE/s1600-h/DSC04684.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShxxY__K-1I/AAAAAAAAjz4/f5OxKJEiMoE/s320/DSC04684.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340267932461759314" /></a>The next day was rainy on and off. But we made the best of it. We made a quick stop at our old condo. It was so strange to walk into the courtyard that we went in so many times. It feels like so long ago and yesterday at the same time.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShxxYakVHmI/AAAAAAAAjzw/MoZFu1fXWvY/s1600-h/DSC04689.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShxxYakVHmI/AAAAAAAAjzw/MoZFu1fXWvY/s320/DSC04689.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340267922417065570" /></a>Then we were off to lunch at Central Market. The kids had fun playing on the playground while we waited for our food.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Shxv6cbGm4I/AAAAAAAAjzo/_rIFlXwfKOo/s1600-h/DSC04706.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Shxv6cbGm4I/AAAAAAAAjzo/_rIFlXwfKOo/s320/DSC04706.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340266308007533442" /></a>We spent a couple of hours downtown at the Austin Children's Museum. Here are a few pictures of us having fun with the kids.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Shxv6P6zG_I/AAAAAAAAjzg/FTnjpzJ_Cws/s1600-h/DSC04733.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Shxv6P6zG_I/AAAAAAAAjzg/FTnjpzJ_Cws/s320/DSC04733.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340266304650812402" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Shxv5nmLq_I/AAAAAAAAjzY/EKdyWPURHgQ/s1600-h/DSC04735.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Shxv5nmLq_I/AAAAAAAAjzY/EKdyWPURHgQ/s320/DSC04735.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340266293826923506" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Shxv5ThJl2I/AAAAAAAAjzQ/kXlFQCHz8BQ/s1600-h/DSC04761.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Shxv5ThJl2I/AAAAAAAAjzQ/kXlFQCHz8BQ/s320/DSC04761.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340266288437106530" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Shxv5CWVYhI/AAAAAAAAjzI/Lr6GlloZWkM/s1600-h/DSC04778.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Shxv5CWVYhI/AAAAAAAAjzI/Lr6GlloZWkM/s320/DSC04778.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340266283828339218" /></a>Then we went to the South Congress area and went to a local <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">boot store</span>. I have always wanted to go there and get the girls pink cowgirl boots and this seemed like a great day to do it!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Shxtv1OEIPI/AAAAAAAAjzA/oIn2KDj8BEI/s1600-h/DSC04780.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Shxtv1OEIPI/AAAAAAAAjzA/oIn2KDj8BEI/s320/DSC04780.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340263926661914866" /></a>The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Carlsons</span> are so much fun and joined in on the adventure!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShxtvqmHAcI/AAAAAAAAjy4/F2pK4kzH6Xo/s1600-h/DSC04775.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShxtvqmHAcI/AAAAAAAAjy4/F2pK4kzH6Xo/s320/DSC04775.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340263923809976770" /></a>Here is Sophia in her new red boots. They fit her personality so well!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShxtvKqgUuI/AAAAAAAAjyw/hnl97nPdXUE/s1600-h/DSC04786.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShxtvKqgUuI/AAAAAAAAjyw/hnl97nPdXUE/s320/DSC04786.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340263915238478562" /></a>When all four kids walked out of the store with their new boots on everyone standing around had a fit! They even took pictures! It was funny to see them try walking in them at first. One lady said it reminded her of the first time someone walks in snow skis. It was such a great end to our day in Austin.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShxtuvAdEoI/AAAAAAAAjyo/bApErtdAVjI/s1600-h/DSC04837.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShxtuvAdEoI/AAAAAAAAjyo/bApErtdAVjI/s320/DSC04837.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340263907814347394" /></a>But the fun didn't stop there. I don't think the smile left Stella's face the entire trip. She had so much fun jumping on the trampline with Reece. It was just as much fun to watch her too!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShxtuSUMRMI/AAAAAAAAjyg/8cWTnL09thU/s1600-h/DSC04912.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShxtuSUMRMI/AAAAAAAAjyg/8cWTnL09thU/s320/DSC04912.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340263900112504002" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShxsPEyQzrI/AAAAAAAAjyY/R2wT1dwq6JA/s1600-h/DSC04917.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShxsPEyQzrI/AAAAAAAAjyY/R2wT1dwq6JA/s320/DSC04917.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340262264392961714" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShxsO-dXXlI/AAAAAAAAjyQ/-Pdq3HD5mKY/s1600-h/DSC04963.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShxsO-dXXlI/AAAAAAAAjyQ/-Pdq3HD5mKY/s320/DSC04963.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340262262694698578" /></a>We stayed outside for the rest of the day playing in the pool and enjoying being together.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShxsORZAYfI/AAAAAAAAjyI/3sVPV3FHhLI/s1600-h/DSC05068.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShxsORZAYfI/AAAAAAAAjyI/3sVPV3FHhLI/s320/DSC05068.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340262250596819442" /></a>Here are the girls relaxing after such a great day!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShxsN0N54KI/AAAAAAAAjyA/DHzGvyhagcs/s1600-h/DSC05081.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShxsN0N54KI/AAAAAAAAjyA/DHzGvyhagcs/s320/DSC05081.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340262242765627554" /></a>On Monday the guys made kabobs for us. They were great!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShxsNtcvR3I/AAAAAAAAjx4/brLTeRvK0Mg/s1600-h/DSC05085.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShxsNtcvR3I/AAAAAAAAjx4/brLTeRvK0Mg/s320/DSC05085.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340262240948799346" /></a>Heather came by that morning with her four precious kids! It was so much fun to see them. It is strange how time passes and so many things change but there were a few moments this weekend that it felt like nothing had changed at all. I guess that is what good friends are all about.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Shxn7XDMaOI/AAAAAAAAjxw/0BeIjeI9oe4/s1600-h/DSC05091.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Shxn7XDMaOI/AAAAAAAAjxw/0BeIjeI9oe4/s320/DSC05091.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340257527651920098" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Shxn614B66I/AAAAAAAAjxo/bsGLDybjHTU/s1600-h/DSC05093.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Shxn614B66I/AAAAAAAAjxo/bsGLDybjHTU/s320/DSC05093.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340257518746725282" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Shxn6lDkuyI/AAAAAAAAjxg/gCCHcGAIPrE/s1600-h/DSC05099.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Shxn6lDkuyI/AAAAAAAAjxg/gCCHcGAIPrE/s320/DSC05099.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340257514231741218" /></a>Our little foursome sporting their new boots! </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Shxn6eej82I/AAAAAAAAjxY/3ZLFgKK1Iq8/s1600-h/DSC05109.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Shxn6eej82I/AAAAAAAAjxY/3ZLFgKK1Iq8/s320/DSC05109.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340257512465888098" /></a>The cowgirls were all worn out on the way home! They slept most of the way back.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Shxn6CwsIRI/AAAAAAAAjxQ/XhuE4ayNEKg/s1600-h/DSC05116.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Shxn6CwsIRI/AAAAAAAAjxQ/XhuE4ayNEKg/s320/DSC05116.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340257505025728786" /></a>Thanks for an amazing weekend! We love you so much and can't wait to do it again soon!<br /></div>Ivyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06152333946902801828noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795581396555152526.post-42377608177903234392009-05-22T18:49:00.000-07:002009-05-23T05:08:06.510-07:00Happy Birthday Uncle Anderson & Leo!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Shfm56UGrVI/AAAAAAAAhrQ/pmBA-wiZpwQ/s1600-h/DSC04032.JPG"></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pyTpV09vBy8&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pyTpV09vBy8&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><br /></div>Happy 27<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> Birthday Uncle Anderson! We love you so much!! Stephen, Ivy, Stella & Rayna<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShdWrXq6H8I/AAAAAAAAhqI/FFbgtdpiL8A/s1600-h/10.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 258px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShdWrXq6H8I/AAAAAAAAhqI/FFbgtdpiL8A/s320/10.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338831186359361474" /><br /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShdWrpzxCxI/AAAAAAAAhqQ/bsvAywibx6U/s1600-h/13.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShdWrpzxCxI/AAAAAAAAhqQ/bsvAywibx6U/s320/13.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338831191228353298" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 283px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShdWr5OTd7I/AAAAAAAAhqg/6KdNQxpjVIw/s1600-h/ivy%27sfam4.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShdWr5OTd7I/AAAAAAAAhqg/6KdNQxpjVIw/s320/ivy%27sfam4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338831195366193074" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 218px; height: 320px; " /></a></span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShdWrs9HYgI/AAAAAAAAhqY/kboaw7FqKPw/s1600-h/16.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShdWrs9HYgI/AAAAAAAAhqY/kboaw7FqKPw/s320/16.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338831192072872450" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 216px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><br />Happy Birthday Cousin Leo! We are so excited you are TWO-years-old! You are the best cousin and Nephew in the whole world! We love you, Stephen, Ivy, Stella, & Rayna<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Fjmdl4sbY-U&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Fjmdl4sbY-U&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Shfm56UGrVI/AAAAAAAAhrQ/pmBA-wiZpwQ/s1600-h/DSC04032.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Shfm56UGrVI/AAAAAAAAhrQ/pmBA-wiZpwQ/s320/DSC04032.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338989765851524434" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Shfm5qf15fI/AAAAAAAAhrI/i1HWqdaUVJ8/s1600-h/DSC04025.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Shfm5qf15fI/AAAAAAAAhrI/i1HWqdaUVJ8/s320/DSC04025.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338989761605789170" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Shfm5R2P4gI/AAAAAAAAhrA/J-9r_9adLWM/s1600-h/DSC04078.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Shfm5R2P4gI/AAAAAAAAhrA/J-9r_9adLWM/s320/DSC04078.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338989754988880386" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Ivyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06152333946902801828noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795581396555152526.post-48416086357000329852009-05-18T07:10:00.000-07:002009-05-18T14:59:41.572-07:00Texas Rangers Baseball Game<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShFvpGxGAKI/AAAAAAAAhk4/AhVo1HmFnTc/s1600-h/DSC04588.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShFvpGxGAKI/AAAAAAAAhk4/AhVo1HmFnTc/s320/DSC04588.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337169785392595106" /></a>Thanks to our new friends Tiffany and Tyler and their three girls we got to have an amazing new experience in Dallas. We went to a Texas Rangers Baseball game. Now you might be surprised to hear me so excited about a baseball game but this wasn't just any baseball game experience...<div>Here are Stephen and the girls in front of the stadium.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShFvo1R39oI/AAAAAAAAhkw/eo5FGCRzlPY/s1600-h/DSC04592.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShFvo1R39oI/AAAAAAAAhkw/eo5FGCRzlPY/s320/DSC04592.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337169780698248834" /></a>Tiffany told me that they had a suite for the game. But I wasn't sure exactly what she meant. When we got there we couldn't believe how nice it was. We had our own room and bathroom! And on top of all of that the room was full of food and drinks!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShFvog0OWTI/AAAAAAAAhko/vFgfWX4fzbc/s1600-h/DSC04593.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShFvog0OWTI/AAAAAAAAhko/vFgfWX4fzbc/s320/DSC04593.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337169775205177650" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShFthm4u9VI/AAAAAAAAhkg/zVCg_F_LgaQ/s1600-h/DSC04598.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShFthm4u9VI/AAAAAAAAhkg/zVCg_F_LgaQ/s320/DSC04598.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337167457552364882" /></a>And to top it all off we were right behind home plate! I don't think there could be a better way to experience a sports game of any kind than this. Stephen and I were joking that we were ruined after this experience. Now if we could just get this set up for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">LSU</span> football! Oh, and I forgot to mention that we even had reserved parking right in front of the stadium. We really couldn't believe it. We were so thankful to Tiffany and Tyler for inviting us to such a special event. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShFthUOPNpI/AAAAAAAAhkY/1dA-cs7JyEI/s1600-h/DSC04606.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShFthUOPNpI/AAAAAAAAhkY/1dA-cs7JyEI/s320/DSC04606.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337167452542285458" /></a>Rayna loved clapping every time the crowd would start to cheer. Whatever she was doing she would have to stop and clap.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShFthKS52XI/AAAAAAAAhkQ/YjG2x5XVHZQ/s1600-h/DSC04616.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShFthKS52XI/AAAAAAAAhkQ/YjG2x5XVHZQ/s320/DSC04616.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337167449877502322" /></a>Here are the girls all lined up watching the game. The family that invited us has three girls and another couple was there with a baby girl. So there were six little girls in all. I can't imagine a better way to watch a baseball game! See... dads don't need boys to enjoy this kind of thing :)</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShFtg5r7qWI/AAAAAAAAhkI/uI2KPhY8_wM/s1600-h/DSC04629.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShFtg5r7qWI/AAAAAAAAhkI/uI2KPhY8_wM/s320/DSC04629.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337167445419075938" /></a>Seriously, doesn't this look like one of those backgrounds you stand in front of to take a picture!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShFtgoVNafI/AAAAAAAAhkA/IimYcC3G9GE/s1600-h/DSC04631.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ShFtgoVNafI/AAAAAAAAhkA/IimYcC3G9GE/s320/DSC04631.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337167440760367602" /></a>       As you can see we all had a really great time! Thanks Martin Family!!</div>Ivyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06152333946902801828noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795581396555152526.post-33910083101605605702009-05-12T07:47:00.001-07:002009-05-12T15:19:34.219-07:00"Ballerina Girl... You are so Lovely"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SgmO9zvTOqI/AAAAAAAAhgQ/e3Isa-IcWWM/s1600-h/DSC04355.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SgmO9zvTOqI/AAAAAAAAhgQ/e3Isa-IcWWM/s320/DSC04355.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334952426108828322" /></a>Stella was in her very first dance recital on Sunday afternoon. It was a wonderful Mother's Day present to see my sweet girl all dressed up for her big day! Here she is at home before we left for the recital.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SgmO9qAnD6I/AAAAAAAAhgI/Vo_Xbx6FhS8/s1600-h/DSC04363.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SgmO9qAnD6I/AAAAAAAAhgI/Vo_Xbx6FhS8/s320/DSC04363.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334952423497076642" /></a>She was very excited about it all which made me so happy. I didn't know what to expect. The funny thing is she really didn't either. On the way there Stephen and I were talking about how she wasn't nervous at all because she really didn't know what she was on her way to do. We had talked about  the recital and that all of the moms and dads would be watching in the audience but I wasn't sure how she would react to the whole thing.<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SgmO9ZaXdbI/AAAAAAAAhgA/BNbcAs7j2lA/s1600-h/DSC04417.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SgmO9ZaXdbI/AAAAAAAAhgA/BNbcAs7j2lA/s320/DSC04417.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334952419041703346" /></a>I love this picture. She looks so serious and so beautiful. She looks like a professional dancer already!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SgmO9PtWBsI/AAAAAAAAhf4/BJN1ExxFj3Y/s1600-h/DSC04450.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SgmO9PtWBsI/AAAAAAAAhf4/BJN1ExxFj3Y/s320/DSC04450.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334952416436946626" /></a>We had lots of hair <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">spray</span> applications. And she even got to wear a little make-up, which was very exciting for her!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SgmO8m_RnAI/AAAAAAAAhfw/G8TLMs5MlmY/s1600-h/DSC04472.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SgmO8m_RnAI/AAAAAAAAhfw/G8TLMs5MlmY/s320/DSC04472.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334952405506300930" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SgmNdjcnm1I/AAAAAAAAhfo/eTBo0hQUyEE/s1600-h/DSC04481.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SgmNdjcnm1I/AAAAAAAAhfo/eTBo0hQUyEE/s320/DSC04481.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334950772468063058" /></a>Rayna did a great job <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">throughout</span> the whole event. She played in the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">cafeteria</span> while we got ready. And during the recital she did great. It was about 2 hours long and included 30 different dances but she had a good time. She enjoyed watching all of the little girls and looking out for Stella. And of course we had lots of snacks and toys on hand too. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SgmNdQKJW_I/AAAAAAAAhfg/lDqtVz-tgjU/s1600-h/DSC04491.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SgmNdQKJW_I/AAAAAAAAhfg/lDqtVz-tgjU/s320/DSC04491.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334950767290309618" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SgmNc6xCPOI/AAAAAAAAhfY/t4ASH3CCIZw/s1600-h/DSC04555.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SgmNc6xCPOI/AAAAAAAAhfY/t4ASH3CCIZw/s320/DSC04555.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334950761547840738" /></a>Here is Rayna greeting Stella after the recital. She was so proud of her big sister! And Stella loved being greeted by such adoring fans.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SgmNc_oMWsI/AAAAAAAAhfQ/yYLYSmFkyTs/s1600-h/DSC04436.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SgmNc_oMWsI/AAAAAAAAhfQ/yYLYSmFkyTs/s320/DSC04436.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334950762852932290" /></a>When she was up there on that big stage looking more gorgeous than I could have ever imagined, I thought that is my daughter. The baby girl that made me a mother. I couldn't even cry. I couldn't even let myself think about what it all meant. I was so proud of her for getting up there and not being scared. I just had to focus on that and not think about anything else. Or I may have started crying and never stopped. How can this be that my tiny baby is old enough to get all dressed up and stand, without me, on a huge stage. It was one of those moments when the reality of how quickly it is all going hit me.  But instead of thinking of what will be I had to let that reality remind me of what is at this moment. She is growing and changing right before our eyes and I want to cherish every moment. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SgmNcbVfF7I/AAAAAAAAhfI/Vm45MnEPkhk/s1600-h/DSC04577.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SgmNcbVfF7I/AAAAAAAAhfI/Vm45MnEPkhk/s320/DSC04577.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334950753110792114" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Below is the video of Stella's recital we put on You Tube. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We weren't sure of the size of the auditorium that Stella would be performing in. So I told here that she might be able to see us. But that was a mistake because I didn't realize how big it was and we were in the back. You can see that she is looking for us during most of the dance!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">For the second song Stephen went up to the front. Toward the end of the song Stella spots Stephen. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">See if you can tell when she does :)</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial;font-size:13px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;font-size:13px;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /><br /></span><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/j_KkVwvXxI4&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/j_KkVwvXxI4&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Ivyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06152333946902801828noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795581396555152526.post-70129638942869208942009-05-03T06:23:00.000-07:002009-05-03T08:07:15.260-07:00Imagination Grows<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sf2cU1d_bPI/AAAAAAAAhNk/rh_O53Pod4g/s1600-h/DSC04316.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sf2cU1d_bPI/AAAAAAAAhNk/rh_O53Pod4g/s320/DSC04316.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331589415640722674" /></a>It has been really fun to watch the girls' imagination grow as they create new games to play around the house. One of their new favorites they call "Making a Train".<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sf2cUlGg6FI/AAAAAAAAhNc/QT4Ls45SRlo/s1600-h/DSC04317.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sf2cUlGg6FI/AAAAAAAAhNc/QT4Ls45SRlo/s320/DSC04317.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331589411247286354" /></a>They get all of the containers off of the storage shelf I use for all of their kitchen play toys. They dump all of the play food and other toys out of the containers as you see above.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sf2cUWJIfqI/AAAAAAAAhNU/hbJOAMJpsn8/s1600-h/DSC04318.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sf2cUWJIfqI/AAAAAAAAhNU/hbJOAMJpsn8/s320/DSC04318.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331589407231737506" /></a>Then they line all of the containers up and put a baby or animal in each "car" of the train.</div><div>They usually give each baby something to eat or drink for the trip. They love this game and can play it all day. Stella always assigns a special baby to the engine or the caboose. They also save one container to ride in themselves. I just have to laugh that I bought these shelves to keep everything more organized and it seems to have had the opposite effect! </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sf2cUDfWTvI/AAAAAAAAhNM/FAhuoRVba3k/s1600-h/DSC04319.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sf2cUDfWTvI/AAAAAAAAhNM/FAhuoRVba3k/s320/DSC04319.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331589402224643826" /></a>The other new game the girls love to play they call "Fortress". They take all of the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">cushions</span> off of the couch and throw them into a huge pile. They they load all of their babies into the middle of the "fortress". </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sf2cT11o_vI/AAAAAAAAhNE/7JVK8XbuRvs/s1600-h/DSC04321.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sf2cT11o_vI/AAAAAAAAhNE/7JVK8XbuRvs/s320/DSC04321.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331589398560046834" /></a>They also love to jump from the couch to the middle of the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">cushions</span>. It brings back memories to watch them play these games. I remember our brown couch with a blue flowers and huge leaves pattern. My brothers and I would play these very same games. It was always so much fun. It is funny how you don't have to teach kids how to play these games. It is just one of the great things about being a kid. I used to think the house looked pretty clean if most of the toys were picked up off the floor. Now it looks great just to have to cushions actually on the couch!  :)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Ivyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06152333946902801828noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795581396555152526.post-30061299328987304582009-04-26T16:09:00.001-07:002009-04-26T18:36:54.782-07:00Our first "Garden"!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SfTsJkOTDpI/AAAAAAAAhDU/EfR71IhXbu4/s1600-h/DSC04283.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SfTsJkOTDpI/AAAAAAAAhDU/EfR71IhXbu4/s320/DSC04283.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329143908172762770" /></a> This weekend we started our first small <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">attempt</span> at gardening. Of course, we don't have a yard so a few potted plants on our balcony was the best we could do. Stella was so excited about it. She couldn't wait to put our new plants in their pots. On Saturday we went to a local farmer's market and bought two tomato plants and two basil plants. Then we went and got a few pots and a few petunias just for fun.<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SfTsJctv-oI/AAAAAAAAhDM/BIrI7DDdESE/s1600-h/DSC04280.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SfTsJctv-oI/AAAAAAAAhDM/BIrI7DDdESE/s320/DSC04280.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329143906157197954" /></a>Here are Stella and Rayna decorating the pots before planting.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SfTsJDdWy1I/AAAAAAAAhDE/rMVToEReiDY/s1600-h/DSC04286.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SfTsJDdWy1I/AAAAAAAAhDE/rMVToEReiDY/s320/DSC04286.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329143899377552210" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SfTrMxukmgI/AAAAAAAAhC8/wstn2SZZJAg/s1600-h/DSC04297.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SfTrMxukmgI/AAAAAAAAhC8/wstn2SZZJAg/s320/DSC04297.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329142863825771010" /></a>Stella was so excited about her new garden gloves. It is precious how serious and focused she was about it all. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SfTrMhNKoLI/AAAAAAAAhC0/HikZYp-mGKw/s1600-h/DSC04306.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SfTrMhNKoLI/AAAAAAAAhC0/HikZYp-mGKw/s320/DSC04306.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329142859390689458" /></a>Here she is posing with her new tomato plant!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SfTrMfxl2xI/AAAAAAAAhCs/IzoX7tlBW-E/s1600-h/DSC04309.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SfTrMfxl2xI/AAAAAAAAhCs/IzoX7tlBW-E/s320/DSC04309.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329142859006597906" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SfTrLysDWDI/AAAAAAAAhCk/s_ikOpdN6Gs/s1600-h/DSC04305.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SfTrLysDWDI/AAAAAAAAhCk/s_ikOpdN6Gs/s320/DSC04305.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329142846903769138" /></a>She was way too busy to have time to smile for the camera but I love how you can get a feel for how serious it all was to her. I think she may have gotten her Mimi's love for gardening. Now I just hope she got her green thumb too!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SfTrLi1hSII/AAAAAAAAhCc/a0kT62S2HwE/s1600-h/DSC04313.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SfTrLi1hSII/AAAAAAAAhCc/a0kT62S2HwE/s320/DSC04313.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329142842648512642" /></a>Last step... getting them all watered. I don't think I'll have any trouble remembering to water them. Stella can't wait to get back to work tomorrow! We'll keep you posted... </div><div><br /></div>Ivyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06152333946902801828noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795581396555152526.post-74585275643258406062009-04-19T05:20:00.001-07:002009-04-19T17:25:21.606-07:00Easter!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Seup6A5EmLI/AAAAAAAAhAw/_o9CVlF3jL8/s1600-h/DSC03305.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326537798432626866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Seup6A5EmLI/AAAAAAAAhAw/_o9CVlF3jL8/s320/DSC03305.JPG" border="0" /></a> Spring is here! The flowers are blooming and there was a lot of Easter celebrating to be had on our trip to Louisiana. The weather was amazing and the girls enjoyed at least five different egg hunts. On our trip to Baton Rouge we stopped at our favorite rest stop, Granny & Papas' house.<br />Here are Stephen and the girls taking a break on the swing in the backyard. I remember swinging on this swing as a child and it is fun to watch my girls enjoy it too!<br /><div><div><div><div><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SesdJOKGrTI/AAAAAAAAgw4/-JuRw0Lba6s/s1600-h/DSC03280.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326383028552248626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SesdJOKGrTI/AAAAAAAAgw4/-JuRw0Lba6s/s320/DSC03280.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />We spent a couple of hours in Granny & Papas' backyard hunting eggs, making flower necklaces, and enjoying the best Great Grandparents! Here is Stella watching Rayna find the eggs she "hid" for her little sister. You've gotta love the hands behind her back teacher stance.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SesdI5O1AuI/AAAAAAAAgww/9tHU-XRbhKw/s1600-h/DSC03330.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326383022934917858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SesdI5O1AuI/AAAAAAAAgww/9tHU-XRbhKw/s320/DSC03330.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The girls had so much fun picking flowers to make necklaces, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">bracelets</span>, and rings. Papas had to teach Rayna how to pick them with the stems still attached. But she eventually got it!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SesdIuVsHgI/AAAAAAAAgwo/9BIHHzCNPYk/s1600-h/DSC03345.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326383020010905090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SesdIuVsHgI/AAAAAAAAgwo/9BIHHzCNPYk/s320/DSC03345.JPG" border="0" /></a> Stephen got so many great shots of the girls. He got this one from a distance and she didn't even know he was taking a picture of her. They had such a great time with Granny and Papas.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SesdIRBMsuI/AAAAAAAAgwg/AmbzbNBGS3c/s1600-h/DSC03349.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326383012140331746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SesdIRBMsuI/AAAAAAAAgwg/AmbzbNBGS3c/s320/DSC03349.JPG" border="0" /></a> This picture makes me tear up every time. I feel like it captures her so well. Always focused and taking in everything around her. The flower ring on her little finger just reminds me to take it all in. My sweet little girl is growing up so quickly.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SesbrqwwZkI/AAAAAAAAgwY/V2LmFJ8HrBE/s1600-h/DSC03380.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326381421322856002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SesbrqwwZkI/AAAAAAAAgwY/V2LmFJ8HrBE/s320/DSC03380.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here they are on one of their many hunts! This one is at Gran & <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">DD's</span></span> house. Stephen tells me about the many adventures they had as kids on these very stairs and it looks like the tradition <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">continues</span>.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sesbrc5eFxI/AAAAAAAAgwQ/UxXyX6_Snf0/s1600-h/DSC03456.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326381417601308434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sesbrc5eFxI/AAAAAAAAgwQ/UxXyX6_Snf0/s320/DSC03456.JPG" border="0" /></a> DD is such a great story teller. He must have read Goodnight Moon to Rayna a dozen times.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SesbrAL_FcI/AAAAAAAAgwI/KVi1MYl-sVY/s1600-h/DSC03476.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326381409894340034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SesbrAL_FcI/AAAAAAAAgwI/KVi1MYl-sVY/s320/DSC03476.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Uncle Paul read to Stella and Rayna too. As you can see, they thought he was very entertaining!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sesbq7f6H4I/AAAAAAAAgwA/mfgaWBWWJL4/s1600-h/DSC03486.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326381408635723650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sesbq7f6H4I/AAAAAAAAgwA/mfgaWBWWJL4/s320/DSC03486.JPG" border="0" /></a> Look at this great Easter dessert Gran made. It was even better than it looks! And Stella enjoyed it as much as she was expecting to!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SesbqmTx42I/AAAAAAAAgv4/HAfTLjDtY9A/s1600-h/DSC03499.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326381402947707746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SesbqmTx42I/AAAAAAAAgv4/HAfTLjDtY9A/s320/DSC03499.JPG" border="0" /></a> Can you see the extra "child" in the back of our stroller? It's Missy, Aunt Chris's dog! She had a great time strolling around the neighborhood with us. And of course the girls thought it was great too.<br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SesaNSKr1YI/AAAAAAAAgvo/DoX9S970AjU/s1600-h/DSC03521.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326379799813019010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SesaNSKr1YI/AAAAAAAAgvo/DoX9S970AjU/s320/DSC03521.JPG" border="0" /></a> We love every chance we get to spend with our siblings. And getting to see them have fun with our girls makes it even better. Here is Rayna having a great time making faces with her Uncle Mark.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SesaNJnichI/AAAAAAAAgvg/rOqnVlmXlpU/s1600-h/DSC03702.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326379797518119442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SesaNJnichI/AAAAAAAAgvg/rOqnVlmXlpU/s320/DSC03702.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here are the girls with Mimi in her Garden. I just love this picture. Mimi looks like a grandmother fairy walking around her garden with her little grandchildren by her side.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SesaM8yvzjI/AAAAAAAAgvY/lOtESa8SUmk/s1600-h/DSC03731.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326379794075471410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SesaM8yvzjI/AAAAAAAAgvY/lOtESa8SUmk/s320/DSC03731.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here we are on Easter <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">morning</span> at our favorite church, Abiding Hope. </div><div> </div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326561845754199890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Seu_xwJT_1I/AAAAAAAAhA4/GPNl-9lX8do/s320/DSC03735.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SesaMrMnrMI/AAAAAAAAgvQ/hqiPOfH1lgI/s1600-h/DSC03746.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326379789352152258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SesaMrMnrMI/AAAAAAAAgvQ/hqiPOfH1lgI/s320/DSC03746.JPG" border="0" /></a> I love this picture. It captures Stella and Rayna's personalities really well: Stella smiling her sweet smile and Rayna being her silly self. Getting great pictures of them together is a lot of work but when we get one it is so much fun! </div><br /><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326487490384612162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Set8Jszvy0I/AAAAAAAAgx8/SAD0p0JbNYw/s320/DSC03776.JPG" border="0" /> This picture makes me smile every time. Rayna's face is too funny looking at her big sister. I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">don't </span>really know what Stella was saying but I love the sweet admiration in Ray's eyes.<br /><div><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SesYfO4RSmI/AAAAAAAAgu4/DXz3YMRp8GI/s1600-h/DSC03953.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326377909144865378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SesYfO4RSmI/AAAAAAAAgu4/DXz3YMRp8GI/s320/DSC03953.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Here is Mimi "hiding" eggs. I think the girls may have a little bit of an idea where to look :)<br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SesYekoBrTI/AAAAAAAAguo/ygKBPjlQFRM/s1600-h/DSC04032.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326377897802444082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SesYekoBrTI/AAAAAAAAguo/ygKBPjlQFRM/s320/DSC04032.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here is our best attempt at getting all three Davis <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">grandkids</span></span> together. We love getting to spend time with Leo. It is great to watch them together. The girls had fun playing with him and his cars and trains! But eventually the cars and trains even become babies. I overheard Stella reminding Rayna to take her train to the potty if he need to go :)</div><br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326485276986313186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Set6I3QeCeI/AAAAAAAAgx0/lgEzTae9zQA/s320/DSC04104.JPG" border="0" />We stayed in Baton Rouge for a couple of days after Stephen had to head back to Dallas. We went to check out the new park there. The weather was gorgeous and the park was so nice. It is surrounded by huge trees and has lots of neat playground equipment. Here we are at the Labyrinth. Mimi and I had a great time making our way around its path.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326485272712422882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Set6InVfpeI/AAAAAAAAgxs/_0ZqJt6wsa4/s320/DSC04107.JPG" border="0" /> </div><br /><div>We ended our trip with our first <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">crawfish</span></span> boil of the season. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">crawfish</span></span> were big and delicious. Stella was a little worried about them pinching her at first. But once she realized they couldn't, she ate a lot of them. I was so proud of my Texas born girl showing off her <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">cajun</span></span> side!</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><br /><div>Getting to spend time with our family was wonderful. It is always hard to leave but very worth the trip. We can't wait to come back soon. Love y'all...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Ivyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06152333946902801828noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795581396555152526.post-60167017113122969282009-04-09T04:49:00.000-07:002009-04-09T10:10:46.076-07:00Dallas Bluebonnets!<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sd3mB4ngBvI/AAAAAAAAeXs/HkY5Cq0L_N4/s1600-h/DSC00989.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322663254674114290" style="text-decoration: underline;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; " alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sd3mB4ngBvI/AAAAAAAAeXs/HkY5Cq0L_N4/s320/DSC00989.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sd3mBhDp1aI/AAAAAAAAeXk/9sfCngFj2Sw/s1600-h/DSC01008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322663248349746594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sd3mBhDp1aI/AAAAAAAAeXk/9sfCngFj2Sw/s320/DSC01008.JPG" border="0" /></a> Remember these sweet babies? So much has changed since we were last in the bluebonnets. We have lived in Louisiana, Connecticut, and now back to Texas but now in Dallas. Life is just flying by...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sd3jQTwZvqI/AAAAAAAAeXc/O9Y8UgZq1fY/s1600-h/DSC03060.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322660203942493858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sd3jQTwZvqI/AAAAAAAAeXc/O9Y8UgZq1fY/s320/DSC03060.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br />And here they are today! </div><div><br /><div>We went to take pictures in the bluebonnets last night. There don't seem to be as many around here as there were in Austin. But we found a great stretch of them close by our house. The girls were excited about the craziness of it all. Of course they are used to getting lots of pictures taken. But jumping out of the car and taking pictures with the flowers on the side of the road. That is a new one even for us, as far as they can remember! </div><div><br /></div><div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sd3jQENEOfI/AAAAAAAAeXU/4Y7l0IPEJcg/s1600-h/DSC03092.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322660199767751154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 257px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sd3jQENEOfI/AAAAAAAAeXU/4Y7l0IPEJcg/s320/DSC03092.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div>Stella and I had been talking about going to take pictures in the bluebonnets all day and when we got there she was ready. She had so much fun sitting in the flowers and smiling for Dad.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sd3jPxwf0lI/AAAAAAAAeXM/rjBszUeQPSg/s1600-h/DSC03084.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322660194816086610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sd3jPxwf0lI/AAAAAAAAeXM/rjBszUeQPSg/s320/DSC03084.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sd3iX2_mtXI/AAAAAAAAeXE/cKKVZ_xUiN0/s1600-h/DSC03107.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322659234148955506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sd3iX2_mtXI/AAAAAAAAeXE/cKKVZ_xUiN0/s320/DSC03107.JPG" border="0" /></a> Rayna was a little more skeptical about the whole thing. But I promised her a "pinch of chew" (aka a tiny piece of gum) and she was willing to sit for a minute.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sd3iXhmn2VI/AAAAAAAAeW8/jUMdU6lQSuo/s1600-h/DSC03150.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322659228407028050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sd3iXhmn2VI/AAAAAAAAeW8/jUMdU6lQSuo/s320/DSC03150.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sd3iXd6xCnI/AAAAAAAAeW0/ZMeG2t4_NsM/s1600-h/DSC03177.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322659227417774706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sd3iXd6xCnI/AAAAAAAAeW0/ZMeG2t4_NsM/s320/DSC03177.JPG" border="0" /></a> She was much happier getting to walk around and explore! </div><div><br /><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sd3iXM3R1XI/AAAAAAAAeWs/3cc3h1In8KE/s1600-h/DSC03172.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322659222839743858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sd3iXM3R1XI/AAAAAAAAeWs/3cc3h1In8KE/s320/DSC03172.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sd4roUMGcpI/AAAAAAAAeqk/dzwyM40_OLc/s1600-h/DSC03182-2.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sd4roUMGcpI/AAAAAAAAeqk/dzwyM40_OLc/s320/DSC03182-2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322739781212730002" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div>Someone driving by honked. I guess it is the "Yeah, for taking pictures in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">bluebonnnets</span>!" honk. That got a great smile out of Rayna! There were people a little way down from us taking pictures of their 2 dogs in the bluebonnets. I guess everyone gets in on the bluebonnet fun!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Ivyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06152333946902801828noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795581396555152526.post-19617251873608244672009-04-08T05:44:00.000-07:002009-04-08T06:02:15.570-07:00Our 2 Year Old Girl!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SdyclL7prkI/AAAAAAAAeP4/aDmXXTZ5Sg0/s1600-h/DSC02346.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322301022317162050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SdyclL7prkI/AAAAAAAAeP4/aDmXXTZ5Sg0/s320/DSC02346.JPG" border="0" /></a> Rayna had her 2 year well-check yesterday. She did so well! I guess between all of the books we read about going to the doctor and Stella and Rayna always giving their babies check-ups with their doctor kit is just isn't a big deal anymore. She let the doctor check her out with no trouble and even showed off a few of her many talents for him. I was so proud!<br /><br />She is 28.3 lbs and about 35 inches (we got a few different measurements for height). So that makes her in the 70-75% for girls her age.<br />But we are always shining stars in the head department! She measured 19 3/4 inches and that is about the 97%!! No wonder she is so smart :)<br /><br />I still can't believe she is 2! Stephen got this great picture of her when she woke up from her nap last weekend. I love that he got her with her cat. She sleeps with it everyday. You can just see the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">admiration</span> in her eyes in the picture. She calls it her "baby cat". I never expected her to attach to a certain toy but attach she has! At least we have 2 of them just <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">in case</span> we ever lose one.<br /><br />Keep up the good work our sweet girl. We love you so...<br /><br />We can't wait to see you all this weekend!!Ivyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06152333946902801828noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795581396555152526.post-21710172784878062112009-04-04T12:43:00.000-07:002009-04-04T14:09:10.035-07:00Easter Egg Hunt at the Dallas Arboretum<div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sde92llcSmI/AAAAAAAAdkg/8KlqoOjM1E8/s1600-h/DSC02783.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320930230261271138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sde92llcSmI/AAAAAAAAdkg/8KlqoOjM1E8/s320/DSC02783.JPG" border="0" /></a> We went to the Dallas <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Arboretum</span> today for their annual Easter Breakfast and Hunt. We all had a great time together enjoying the Easter fun and beautiful blooms everywhere! Here is Stella at the breakfast very excited about the hunt to come.</div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sde92bfOq4I/AAAAAAAAdkY/RU9j1_zLZI8/s1600-h/DSC02790.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320930227550858114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sde92bfOq4I/AAAAAAAAdkY/RU9j1_zLZI8/s320/DSC02790.JPG" border="0" /></a> Do you recognize the bunny?<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sde92KvW4bI/AAAAAAAAdkQ/kHfxqChMkf4/s1600-h/DSC02814.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320930223055102386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sde92KvW4bI/AAAAAAAAdkQ/kHfxqChMkf4/s320/DSC02814.JPG" border="0" /></a> I love this! It is just before the egg hunt started. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">You</span> can see all of the tiny eggs all over the field behind Stella. I love that her expression is full of anticipation and excitement. She couldn't wait to get started.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sde918Y2mGI/AAAAAAAAdkI/SR0OoGmfmMY/s1600-h/DSC02819.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320930219202615394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sde918Y2mGI/AAAAAAAAdkI/SR0OoGmfmMY/s320/DSC02819.JPG" border="0" /></a> More getting ready for the big event.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sde91rZasAI/AAAAAAAAdkA/w8ctSMUG20Y/s1600-h/DSC02838.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320930214641577986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sde91rZasAI/AAAAAAAAdkA/w8ctSMUG20Y/s320/DSC02838.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Of course, the pictures of the actual hunt are very action type shots. Stella was just <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">squealing</span> and running around. When it got started it took her about a minute to focus and actually start picking up eggs <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">because</span> she was just so excited. It wouldn't have really mattered because it only took her a minute or so except for the fact that, despite there being tons of eggs the hunt only lasted about 5 minutes :). But she still got plenty of eggs!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sde8GFSmv8I/AAAAAAAAdj4/calIp6lWL0o/s1600-h/DSC02851.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320928297446981570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sde8GFSmv8I/AAAAAAAAdj4/calIp6lWL0o/s320/DSC02851.JPG" border="0" /></a> Rayna got right to work picking up as many eggs as she could get to!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sde8F0PlOZI/AAAAAAAAdjw/VhSNvFQF6b0/s1600-h/DSC02883.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320928292870896018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sde8F0PlOZI/AAAAAAAAdjw/VhSNvFQF6b0/s320/DSC02883.JPG" border="0" /></a> Our beautiful spring chicks. They just blended right in with all the blooming flowers.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sde8FlP5XXI/AAAAAAAAdjo/4uwI_w0dlzI/s1600-h/DSC02901.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320928288845684082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sde8FlP5XXI/AAAAAAAAdjo/4uwI_w0dlzI/s320/DSC02901.JPG" border="0" /></a> The girls love the little play houses they have at the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">arboretum</span>. This one is their favorite because there is a gate they can open and shut and this cute little bench.</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320934966330208642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SdfCKQ0RMYI/AAAAAAAAdko/tX7L8Hka4DQ/s320/DSC02910.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><div><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sde5y-_uHzI/AAAAAAAAdjQ/XyxTyLlto1I/s1600-h/DSC02926.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320925770316390194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sde5y-_uHzI/AAAAAAAAdjQ/XyxTyLlto1I/s320/DSC02926.JPG" border="0" /></a> Sweet sisters. One of my favorite things in life is seeing my girls happy together. I pray that their life will be so full of moments like this together.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320936680158976434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SdfDuBU42bI/AAAAAAAAdkw/_quVCgS6BIc/s320/DSC02919.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sde5yrVWvSI/AAAAAAAAdjI/I65PB3uko_E/s1600-h/DSC02935.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320925765038423330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sde5yrVWvSI/AAAAAAAAdjI/I65PB3uko_E/s320/DSC02935.JPG" border="0" /></a> The girls loved the Toad fountains! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sde5yKVRrlI/AAAAAAAAdi4/KrQY77O3RdM/s1600-h/DSC02993.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320925756179721810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sde5yKVRrlI/AAAAAAAAdi4/KrQY77O3RdM/s320/DSC02993.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sde5yMhdTcI/AAAAAAAAdiw/gzv9PKKZ1os/s1600-h/DSC03014-1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320925756767686082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sde5yMhdTcI/AAAAAAAAdiw/gzv9PKKZ1os/s320/DSC03014-1.JPG" border="0" /></a> Many thinks to our tireless photographer! I had to get him in at least one shot :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Ivyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06152333946902801828noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795581396555152526.post-64891068278522186272009-04-04T12:37:00.001-07:002009-04-04T12:43:24.920-07:00Uncle Bradley Comes to Dallas<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sde3ivFWHaI/AAAAAAAAdio/vFH7_SAUUMc/s1600-h/DSC02777.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320923292143852962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sde3ivFWHaI/AAAAAAAAdio/vFH7_SAUUMc/s320/DSC02777.JPG" border="0" /></a> Uncle Bradley had a conference here in Dallas so we got to have him stay with us a few nights this week. He even took care of us while he was here! He shined Stephen's old brown shoes and now they look brand new. And he took me out for a very relaxed and delicious dinner. Thanks Uncle Bradley. It was so fun to have you here. We miss you already!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sde3iV040kI/AAAAAAAAdig/7RlumUYID6A/s1600-h/DSC02780.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320923285363937858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sde3iV040kI/AAAAAAAAdig/7RlumUYID6A/s320/DSC02780.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div></div>Ivyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06152333946902801828noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795581396555152526.post-53163377656467262032009-03-30T05:38:00.000-07:002009-03-30T07:04:23.139-07:00Rayna Alice turns Two!!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SdDCgdTNf6I/AAAAAAAAcZw/U3cH-oSYk3M/s1600-h/DSC02410.JPG"></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SdDCBN1Wr7I/AAAAAAAAcZo/1RUP7NsU8v4/s1600-h/DSC02428.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318964486073659314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SdDCBN1Wr7I/AAAAAAAAcZo/1RUP7NsU8v4/s320/DSC02428.JPG" border="0" /></a> Wow! We just got back from a jam packed and full of fun weekend! Our baby girl turned two and I still can't believe it. We arrived in Houston Friday night after a long, rainy, and traffic filled trip. But we made it and were ready to start our adventures. Friday night Stephen, Shelley, Chris, and I all went to see Anderson in Les Miserables. Mimi and Pops made it possible by staying in the hotel with the girls and entertaining until 11:00pm!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SdDCA3fVoII/AAAAAAAAcZg/N4DBTPh_7ys/s1600-h/DSC02429.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318964480075735170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SdDCA3fVoII/AAAAAAAAcZg/N4DBTPh_7ys/s320/DSC02429.JPG" border="0" /></a> Mimi and Pops said Rayna loved the Jack-in-the-box. They said she must have closed it and wound it at least 100 times. She thought it was so funny when Jack popped out of his box. It must be a special grandparent talent to be able to turn a hotel room into an action packed fun filled adventure but they did it with flying colors!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SdDCApLhR-I/AAAAAAAAcZY/FdxKSmVpZxw/s1600-h/DSC02401.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318964476234516450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SdDCApLhR-I/AAAAAAAAcZY/FdxKSmVpZxw/s320/DSC02401.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here we are ready for our big night! We had an amazing time. We had appetizers before the show at the restaurant in the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">theatre</span>. It was delicious and so much fun to be out at night with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">each other</span> and two of our favorite people, Chris and Shelley. Anderson was amazing in the show. We laughed and cried and loved every minute of it. My only problem was not telling everyone I saw that my brother was Marius. I was so proud!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SdDCAvAtZ1I/AAAAAAAAcZQ/CylALjhvD3k/s1600-h/DSC02471.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318964477799786322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SdDCAvAtZ1I/AAAAAAAAcZQ/CylALjhvD3k/s320/DSC02471.JPG" border="0" /></a> The next <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">morning</span> we all met at a Tex-Mex restaurant for brunch and Rayna's second birthday party! Rayna has been eating Tex-Mex since she was a fetus so it was a great way to celebrate her birthday. Here she is having a great time eating chips and dip, one of her favorites, and wearing all of the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">bracelets</span> Stella got her for her birthday!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SdDCAUH6fZI/AAAAAAAAcZI/D3exxB1P2MQ/s1600-h/DSC02487.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318964470582246802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SdDCAUH6fZI/AAAAAAAAcZI/D3exxB1P2MQ/s320/DSC02487.JPG" border="0" /></a> We were so busy, and ran out of room on the camera, so we didn't have time to get a lot of group shots. But here we all are (and don't forget our amazing camera man ;) watching Rayna open her birthday presents.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SdDArGKpR9I/AAAAAAAAcZA/8XAuGzG3D5k/s1600-h/DSC02460.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318963006546724818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SdDArGKpR9I/AAAAAAAAcZA/8XAuGzG3D5k/s320/DSC02460.JPG" border="0" /></a> Of course, Stella was happy to help open presents. It is hard for a three year old to hand over the spotlight for the day but I think Stella did a good job. Although, she did make sure to confirm that her day would come too:)!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SdDAqzToZ1I/AAAAAAAAcY4/JqDvvgrekiY/s1600-h/DSC02516.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318963001484142418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SdDAqzToZ1I/AAAAAAAAcY4/JqDvvgrekiY/s320/DSC02516.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Rayna loved all of her presents. It is amazing how many she got for not having a traditional birthday party. Here she is with a mouse puppet from Aunt Shelley. Aunt Melissa and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Janan</span></span> came with a truck full of gifts from them and from Granny and Papas. But by the time we got those our camera was all full! She loved those too.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SdDAqT8GNHI/AAAAAAAAcYw/BRP67bVOjX8/s1600-h/DSC02534.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318962993063933042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SdDAqT8GNHI/AAAAAAAAcYw/BRP67bVOjX8/s320/DSC02534.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here she is opening gifts. She had a system down. She would say, "Pull, pull, pull." as she opened all of her packages.<br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318962990438756594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SdDAqKKNMPI/AAAAAAAAcYo/63fEJOqq01E/s320/DSC02547.JPG" border="0" /><br />Here we are singing happy birthday to our sweet girl.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SdDApiLYfiI/AAAAAAAAcYg/mtBdBhYlu84/s1600-h/DSC02549.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318962979706273314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SdDApiLYfiI/AAAAAAAAcYg/mtBdBhYlu84/s320/DSC02549.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />She got very serious during the birthday song. It was like she knew she had a job to do. Stephen got this picture right before it was time for her to blow out the candles. It looks like she is making a sad face but she was just getting ready for her big performance.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SdC-uRxIV_I/AAAAAAAAcYQ/IuRa3MljTPs/s1600-h/DSC02550.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318960862177286130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SdC-uRxIV_I/AAAAAAAAcYQ/IuRa3MljTPs/s320/DSC02550.JPG" border="0" /></a> She took her job very seriously and got those candles blown out!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SdC-uA94gHI/AAAAAAAAcYI/Qb5AoXbCE6k/s1600-h/DSC02577.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318960857667371122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SdC-uA94gHI/AAAAAAAAcYI/Qb5AoXbCE6k/s320/DSC02577.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />As much as you want to see your children grow up and learn new things and experience all of the wonderful things life has to offer it is bitter sweet. I just wanted to soak her up that day and remember her soft baby skin and sweet baby voice. It would be okay if you knew later you could experience it all again but you can't. She is changing every day and growing into the beautiful person she will be. I'm just so thankful I get to witness it all. I really couldn't love you more my Rayna-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">roo</span></span>. Words can't describe the joy you bring to my life.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SdC-trxROKI/AAAAAAAAcYA/xK5zA3oOHHk/s1600-h/DSC02616.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318960851977320610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SdC-trxROKI/AAAAAAAAcYA/xK5zA3oOHHk/s320/DSC02616.JPG" border="0" /></a> After brunch we headed to the Houston zoo. This is about as good as the family portraits can get at this moment in our life. It was a beautiful day and the Houston zoo was great!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SdC-tiWG5fI/AAAAAAAAcX4/mN6SemM2aoE/s1600-h/DSC02663.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318960849447478770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SdC-tiWG5fI/AAAAAAAAcX4/mN6SemM2aoE/s320/DSC02663.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Aunt Melissa, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Janan</span></span>, Aunt Chris, and Aunt Shelley all came with us. The girls had a great time with such an attentive and supportive audience:)<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SdC-tJnq6yI/AAAAAAAAcXw/Av6p5l4mzHA/s1600-h/DSC02702.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318960842810256162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SdC-tJnq6yI/AAAAAAAAcXw/Av6p5l4mzHA/s320/DSC02702.JPG" border="0" /></a> Mimi took Stella on the carousel. This is always a favorite and I just love this picture! Stella had such a great weekend too. She loved being with people that love her so much. I wish we had a picture of every moment so we could try and hold on to it all. But even pictures can't capture it all. Our hearts are a little sad but so full of love. Weekends like this are what life is all about. Watching my brother <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">fulfill</span> his dreams and show his amazing talents, watching my parents love our girls and us with all their hearts, being with family and friends in gorgeous weather, and celebrating another year of life with my precious girls. It just doesn't get better than that. Thank you God for showing us your love through <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">each other</span>. We are blessed beyond measure. Thank you everyone for loving us from near and far. We love you all so much!</div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Ivyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06152333946902801828noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795581396555152526.post-18243978157827017762009-03-25T14:47:00.001-07:002009-03-25T14:58:38.915-07:00The Case of the Missing Socks<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ScqnWGe0J4I/AAAAAAAAcV0/CSlilNSMTkc/s1600-h/DSC02396.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317246308203112322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ScqnWGe0J4I/AAAAAAAAcV0/CSlilNSMTkc/s320/DSC02396.JPG" border="0" /></a> Lately I have noticed that the girls didn't have very many socks. Yesterday at the mall I almost got a pack but didn't like any of the ones they had. Now I'm so glad I didn't buy any. When Rayna woke up from her nap she only had one sock on. I started to look around for the other one. I looked behind her crib and look what I found! I pulled the crib out and not only found the missing sock but NINE other pairs. Can you please tell me how my daughter went to bed nine times with socks on and woke up without them and I didn't notice ?! I started laughing and asking Rayna about it and she was excited with me saying, "Socks behind the crib!" Like yeah isn't that great! :) It gave me a good laugh and nine pair of socks!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ScqnV2TAS_I/AAAAAAAAcVs/ESpxojqxYLg/s1600-h/DSC02393.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317246303858609138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ScqnV2TAS_I/AAAAAAAAcVs/ESpxojqxYLg/s320/DSC02393.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div></div>Ivyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06152333946902801828noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795581396555152526.post-20715908980485595222009-03-25T06:54:00.001-07:002009-03-25T07:27:57.933-07:00Saturday at the Dallas Zoo<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sco7Ldlf1RI/AAAAAAAAcA8/pHUyZqGSDCA/s1600-h/DSC02173.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317127378170795282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sco7Ldlf1RI/AAAAAAAAcA8/pHUyZqGSDCA/s320/DSC02173.JPG" border="0" /></a> This weekend we got to bring Stephen to see the Dallas zoo. We had such a great time showing him all around. The zoo has a great Children's zoo. Here they are playing in the water playground.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sco7LcNDmdI/AAAAAAAAcA0/pow1BeZJAak/s1600-h/DSC02219.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317127377799846354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sco7LcNDmdI/AAAAAAAAcA0/pow1BeZJAak/s320/DSC02219.JPG" border="0" /></a> They have a cute petting zoo with horses, pigs, and bunnies. Both of the girls loved petting the bunny!<br /><br /><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317127366430571778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sco7Kx2aPQI/AAAAAAAAcAs/_E8dCb2aZpc/s320/DSC02227.JPG" border="0" /> There are lots of statues of animals all around the zoo. Some are small like this lamb and some are several stories high. The girls love the statues almost as much as the animals. I think it is because they could touch them and pretend they were real.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sco5w6VgiLI/AAAAAAAAb_M/73SFHYKMj4k/s1600-h/DSC02253.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317125822520264882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sco5w6VgiLI/AAAAAAAAb_M/73SFHYKMj4k/s320/DSC02253.JPG" border="0" /></a> We brought a picnic lunch and sat at the picnic tables. Here is Rayna watching all of the birds in the trees above us.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sco5wcc1maI/AAAAAAAAb_E/10FBs_lIV7c/s1600-h/DSC02268.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317125814497941922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sco5wcc1maI/AAAAAAAAb_E/10FBs_lIV7c/s320/DSC02268.JPG" border="0" /></a> It was nice to have Stella there to pull all of our stuff ;) She is really turning into such a big girl. I have always heard people talk about preschool age kids asking endless questions. Stella has really started to do that. Yesterday she must have asked me 100 questions. I'm sure it wears you out after a while but right now it is amazing to see her mind growing right before our eyes. But it did surprise me that a 3 year old can ask tricky questions. Sometimes I try to explain and she still doesn't understand so I just tell her, "Well, maybe Daddy can explain it better when he gets home." And she always agrees that that is a good idea.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sco5vtwaCfI/AAAAAAAAb-8/hT_I7K8nwHo/s1600-h/DSC02263.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317125801963555314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sco5vtwaCfI/AAAAAAAAb-8/hT_I7K8nwHo/s320/DSC02263.JPG" border="0" /></a> Miss. Stella loved wearing my sunglasses and keeping track of the map. Here she is telling us what our next stop should be!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sco5vMRueyI/AAAAAAAAb-0/PhsK76s4CMk/s1600-h/DSC02280.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317125792976501538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sco5vMRueyI/AAAAAAAAb-0/PhsK76s4CMk/s320/DSC02280.JPG" border="0" /></a> Rayna wasn't really in a posed picture mood that day so we were pulling out all the stops to keep her happy trying to get a good picture. Here I was telling them to pretend that Daddy had a butterfly on his head while I touched his head. I love how with kids, even when they know you are just pretending, they have a look in their eyes like maybe you aren't. Everything is potentially magical. </div><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sco5uF4_SbI/AAAAAAAAb-s/rebCl4ZAdNY/s1600-h/DSC02299.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317125774082263474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sco5uF4_SbI/AAAAAAAAb-s/rebCl4ZAdNY/s320/DSC02299.JPG" border="0" /></a> We brought the wagon with us, instead of the stroller, and the girls loved it. It was a beautiful day. I'm so excited that spring is here!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Ivyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06152333946902801828noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795581396555152526.post-43566751035937457512009-03-21T17:21:00.000-07:002009-03-21T17:39:49.736-07:00Rayna's Birthday Bike<div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ScWE3YymmDI/AAAAAAAAbvk/EOLVqNz_5hg/s1600-h/DSC07828.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ScWE3YymmDI/AAAAAAAAbvk/EOLVqNz_5hg/s320/DSC07828.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>Gran and DD sent Rayna a new pink tricycle for her birthday! She was so excited when we opened the box and she saw what was inside.<br /><br /><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ScWE3hvV4yI/AAAAAAAAbvs/VWC5l7ZnIWg/s1600-h/DSC07834.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ScWE3hvV4yI/AAAAAAAAbvs/VWC5l7ZnIWg/s320/DSC07834.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>Here she is dancing around the room so excited while Stephen put together her new bike.<br /><br /><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ScWE3gT4NVI/AAAAAAAAbv0/C-SSF5foZcs/s1600-h/DSC02157.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ScWE3gT4NVI/AAAAAAAAbv0/C-SSF5foZcs/s320/DSC02157.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>Here she is ready to roll! She is still working on pushing the pedals but she had so much fun pressing the buttons on the front that light up and play music.<br /><br /><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ScWE34AkZLI/AAAAAAAAbwQ/njwtV3aq4Qc/s1600-h/DSC02167.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/ScWE34AkZLI/AAAAAAAAbwQ/njwtV3aq4Qc/s320/DSC02167.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><p>Of course, Stella had to get in on the fun. She did really well learning to push the petals. Our driveway is a little bit downhill so she loved riding down with Dad's help. Here she is right after making it down the driveway. Thanks Gran and DD!!</p><p></p>Ivyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06152333946902801828noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795581396555152526.post-89554066179039381072009-03-17T16:18:00.000-07:002009-03-17T18:03:14.671-07:00SunbeamsWhen Mimi came to Dallas she brought a book with "Jesus wants Me for a Sunbeam" as the words of the book. The girls loved it and have been singing it ever since.<br />They were singing in Stella's room so I had to grab the camera so we could share.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Bmac0NdXqs0&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Bmac0NdXqs0&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />Enjoy!Ivyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06152333946902801828noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795581396555152526.post-45999666005168161522009-03-15T13:56:00.001-07:002009-03-15T14:07:35.457-07:00My 29th Birthday!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sb1s0j82tvI/AAAAAAAAbnU/B0ZvdB_ALic/s1600-h/DSC02083.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313522785626535666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sb1s0j82tvI/AAAAAAAAbnU/B0ZvdB_ALic/s320/DSC02083.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here the girls are working hard to open my birthday gifts for me. It is so nice to have such great helpers!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sb1s0SLIKxI/AAAAAAAAbnM/lrCZvxZt1lk/s1600-h/DSC02090.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313522780854561554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sb1s0SLIKxI/AAAAAAAAbnM/lrCZvxZt1lk/s320/DSC02090.JPG" border="0" /></a> Stephen got me some gourmet cupcakes from Central Market. They were so delicious and Stella loved the rose on top of this one. She talked about it all day!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sb1szxq-FPI/AAAAAAAAbnE/5PpP9uv6_tw/s1600-h/DSC02096.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313522772129748210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sb1szxq-FPI/AAAAAAAAbnE/5PpP9uv6_tw/s320/DSC02096.JPG" border="0" /></a> After we ate Stephen helped clean the crumbs off of the girls. Leave it to a dad to think of using the dust buster. He could probably market this a "Dad's Little baby cleaner -<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">uper</span>!" As you can see the girls thought it was so hilarious I had to get the camera.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sb1szvBWX9I/AAAAAAAAbm8/y8rn34tu5Dk/s1600-h/DSC02101.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313522771418308562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sb1szvBWX9I/AAAAAAAAbm8/y8rn34tu5Dk/s320/DSC02101.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Ivyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06152333946902801828noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5795581396555152526.post-31366416021227784432009-03-12T14:13:00.000-07:002009-03-13T06:00:56.549-07:00Mimi comes to Dallas!<div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SbmC7geQLDI/AAAAAAAAbLQ/kVX8YQ35Wus/s1600-h/DSC01969.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312421194300927026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SbmC7geQLDI/AAAAAAAAbLQ/kVX8YQ35Wus/s320/DSC01969.JPG" border="0" /></a> Mimi came to visit us this week. It really goes without saying that we all had a wonderful time! I think the girls' very favorite part was having Mimi read them lots and lots of books! </div><div>But we did go on some adventures too. Here is a little recap.</div><div>Our first stop was lunch at the American Girl's Bistro. This is something I have been wanting to do with the girls for a long time. You get to bring your baby doll and they have high chairs for the dolls and little menus.<br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SbmAGvQ_X6I/AAAAAAAAbLI/OU9cCUxsURU/s1600-h/DSC01973.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312418088715509666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SbmAGvQ_X6I/AAAAAAAAbLI/OU9cCUxsURU/s320/DSC01973.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here is Stella telling Stephen all about what we were up too. You can see her baby Sadie looking over the menu.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SbmAGGGj3iI/AAAAAAAAbLA/s1Eced6FKeg/s1600-h/DSC01977.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312418077665910306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SbmAGGGj3iI/AAAAAAAAbLA/s1Eced6FKeg/s320/DSC01977.JPG" border="0" /></a> Rayna loved that her baby was in a high chair next to her. She kept telling us "baby high-chair!"<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SbmAFq0nUxI/AAAAAAAAbK4/7GbxyJsn_6I/s1600-h/DSC01983.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312418070342882066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SbmAFq0nUxI/AAAAAAAAbK4/7GbxyJsn_6I/s320/DSC01983.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here she is giving her doll a bite of her cookie. Check out that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">tongue</span>!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SbmAFQKhMeI/AAAAAAAAbKw/q0uVH1Jq3VE/s1600-h/DSC01988.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312418063186997730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SbmAFQKhMeI/AAAAAAAAbKw/q0uVH1Jq3VE/s320/DSC01988.JPG" border="0" /></a> Later Mimi and Stella made cookies. Mimi brought lots of things that start with the letter "D". She has been doing that for a while now. Usually she will send them a package full of little toys and things with a certain letter. But this time she got to deliver it in person. Here they are making Dinosaur and Duck cookies.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SbmAE5lArxI/AAAAAAAAbKo/FgDZAt3CD6Q/s1600-h/DSC01993.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312418057124097810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/SbmAE5lArxI/AAAAAAAAbKo/FgDZAt3CD6Q/s320/DSC01993.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here are Mimi and Stella doing the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Hokey</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Pokey</span>. The girls had fun dancing and playing the song over and over again.<br /><br /><div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sbl-eFrh8RI/AAAAAAAAbKY/LzFBEMb9XmI/s1600-h/DSC02000.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312416290846142738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sbl-eFrh8RI/AAAAAAAAbKY/LzFBEMb9XmI/s320/DSC02000.JPG" border="0" /></a> While I was upstairs Mimi and the girls set up this beautiful tea party place setting for my birthday party.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sbl-dIpP8pI/AAAAAAAAbKQ/yG7bZDyYyOI/s1600-h/DSC02008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312416274462012050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sbl-dIpP8pI/AAAAAAAAbKQ/yG7bZDyYyOI/s320/DSC02008.JPG" border="0" /></a> We had to make a stop at the grocery store and I had my camera in my purse. I was excited to get a picture of the girls with these little shopping carts that they love. The store was pretty empty so it was a great time to "take over" with the girls and their carts.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sbl-c-HrZaI/AAAAAAAAbKI/RM383UPBEik/s1600-h/DSC02013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312416271636850082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sbl-c-HrZaI/AAAAAAAAbKI/RM383UPBEik/s320/DSC02013.JPG" border="0" /></a> On Tuesday we went to the Arboretum for the first time. It was a rainy day but we still had a great time. The tulips and lots of other flowers were all blooming and were just beautiful.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sbl-cnMEEvI/AAAAAAAAbKA/_r26FG01A7Q/s1600-h/DSC02020.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312416265481229042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sbl-cnMEEvI/AAAAAAAAbKA/_r26FG01A7Q/s320/DSC02020.JPG" border="0" /></a> They also had lots of little story book themed playhouses or structures. We had a great time reading about the stories and going into each one.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sbl86OJqgKI/AAAAAAAAbJ4/bEwH5TsXbAk/s1600-h/DSC02021.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312414575133098146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sbl86OJqgKI/AAAAAAAAbJ4/bEwH5TsXbAk/s320/DSC02021.JPG" border="0" /></a> These Toad fountains were really fun. The girls loved that they could go under the water and not get wet!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sbl86FSAClI/AAAAAAAAbJw/RPMnZnxvBYU/s1600-h/DSC02033.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312414572752144978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sbl86FSAClI/AAAAAAAAbJw/RPMnZnxvBYU/s320/DSC02033.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here the girls are helping Mimi make a birthday cake for me.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sbl85hCa23I/AAAAAAAAbJo/AxuCs1Q-z3A/s1600-h/DSC02034.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312414563023117170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sbl85hCa23I/AAAAAAAAbJo/AxuCs1Q-z3A/s320/DSC02034.JPG" border="0" /></a> I love how seriously they took it. But tasting everything was the most important part, of course!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sbl85UO4_iI/AAAAAAAAbJg/6tU3dzb-_xE/s1600-h/DSC02055.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312414559585762850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sbl85UO4_iI/AAAAAAAAbJg/6tU3dzb-_xE/s320/DSC02055.JPG" border="0" /></a> Stella helping me blow out the candle!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sbl85D6kCZI/AAAAAAAAbJY/l6qqzMYF5WE/s1600-h/DSC02066.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312414555205536146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibkh0mjj4Eg/Sbl85D6kCZI/AAAAAAAAbJY/l6qqzMYF5WE/s320/DSC02066.JPG" border="0" /></a>On Wednesday we went to the Dallas Children's museum. The girls had a great time showing Mimi all of the fun things to do there. Here they are gathering eggs from the chickens. I didn't get many pictures here because they were running too fast from one thing to the next. They all came out <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">blurry</span>. And the pictures weren't nearly as good in general at all of our events with Mimi because our professional photographer (aka Stephen) was at work! </div><div> </div><div>We loved having Mimi with us so much. We had hardly pulled away from the airport and Stella said, "I miss Mimi already!" </div><div>We do miss her already but we are so glad she came!</div><div>Thanks for being so good to us. We love you Mimi!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Ivyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06152333946902801828noreply@blogger.com1