tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9978618392743059442024-03-13T21:53:58.463-07:00The Gray's Wild AdventuresJenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736786988175703793noreply@blogger.comBlogger164125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997861839274305944.post-68746548793260907612011-03-17T21:17:00.000-07:002011-03-21T14:32:52.665-07:00Day 15 - Golfland.<div style="text-align: center;"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Plans for today - head to Mesa and enjoy the afternoon at Golfland. And that we did! ☺</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We even managed to sneak in a little shopping!</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We enjoyed a french toast breakfast (thank-you Daddy!), packed up our lunch and drove into Phoenix. It was hot & and lovely! We went to a few box stores first as golfing didn’t open until noon. The girls wandered through a few favorites while the boys checked out the auto center. We had a “tail-gate” lunch before heading into the castle. It was very busy (Spring Break for the AZ kids) so we sent the guys in to get the tickets while us girls (and Matthew) sat in the shade. We teed off on the “Lost Dutchman” course and enjoyed an afternoon of laughs & multiple putting strokes! I think Daddy was the winner with Joshua & Grandpa tying for second. It was lots of fun and Matthew enjoyed watching all the golfers along the way. After our game of golf we crossed the street and checked out the go-cart races. David, Joshua, Megan & Grandpa all hit the track and raced! It was fun to watch them go & they all had fun too. Everyone was feeling pretty hot, so we loaded up and found some slurpees, thank-you Circle K, and iced coffees before making our way home. We found a Hobby Lobby on the way home and the men were gracious (again) to let us stop and enjoy a final shop at the greatest craft store EVER! ☺ We picked up some material (Megan has some new sewing projects awaiting her) and a few scrapbooking goodies (Happy Birthday to me from Mom & Dad Gray!!). We enjoyed delicious leftovers from Jim’s Indonesian dinner last night and then the kids played Dutch Blitz until bedtime.</span></span></p></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W1voq4JrUYw/TYdpBoYZmyI/AAAAAAAAEpk/Q82B5PiKw2I/s1600/IMG_4246.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W1voq4JrUYw/TYdpBoYZmyI/AAAAAAAAEpk/Q82B5PiKw2I/s320/IMG_4246.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586549339516934946" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; ">Welcome to Golfland.</div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-URQZgUnUqJI/TYdqx7QeX6I/AAAAAAAAEqM/FtmT5ZNOS_w/s1600/IMG_4228.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-URQZgUnUqJI/TYdqx7QeX6I/AAAAAAAAEqM/FtmT5ZNOS_w/s320/IMG_4228.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586551268729315234" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Sarah hung out at the climbing park until we had our golfing tickets.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w1NcDSiuiPo/TYdqVyyKkdI/AAAAAAAAEqE/FGHQdv2ORic/s1600/IMG_4230.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w1NcDSiuiPo/TYdqVyyKkdI/AAAAAAAAEqE/FGHQdv2ORic/s320/IMG_4230.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586550785418367442" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">First putt of the day.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sPa36WQ7ejg/TYdqIYl6ceI/AAAAAAAAEp8/sfPrZz_Hfz8/s1600/IMG_4232.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sPa36WQ7ejg/TYdqIYl6ceI/AAAAAAAAEp8/sfPrZz_Hfz8/s320/IMG_4232.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586550555049357794" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The Lost Dutchman.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bJ5qZcb4JgE/TYdp7E5ORRI/AAAAAAAAEp0/XKdj7UYC2cg/s1600/IMG_4236.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bJ5qZcb4JgE/TYdp7E5ORRI/AAAAAAAAEp0/XKdj7UYC2cg/s320/IMG_4236.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586550326423340306" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">munch, munch.... still no teeth.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FfrpbYCDSjk/TYdpgIBFxmI/AAAAAAAAEps/WjFMC_uzZGE/s1600/IMG_4242.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FfrpbYCDSjk/TYdpgIBFxmI/AAAAAAAAEps/WjFMC_uzZGE/s320/IMG_4242.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586549863405176418" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Joshua thought this rollercoaster loop was cool.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W1voq4JrUYw/TYdpBoYZmyI/AAAAAAAAEpk/Q82B5PiKw2I/s1600/IMG_4246.JPG"><br /></a></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RhJY1sjW_Kc/TYdo2HrnJII/AAAAAAAAEpc/f0P79F7k_0s/s1600/IMG_4250.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RhJY1sjW_Kc/TYdo2HrnJII/AAAAAAAAEpc/f0P79F7k_0s/s320/IMG_4250.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586549141760582786" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The racing fans.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QMUGWPaKnzY/TYdom8AxSXI/AAAAAAAAEpU/EKCXXmRe8Wg/s1600/IMG_4252.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QMUGWPaKnzY/TYdom8AxSXI/AAAAAAAAEpU/EKCXXmRe8Wg/s320/IMG_4252.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586548880930064754" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Enjoying Grandma cuddles :)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d0RvAVIUf6w/TYdoX9R14JI/AAAAAAAAEpM/f25wxbZCFss/s1600/IMG_4259.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d0RvAVIUf6w/TYdoX9R14JI/AAAAAAAAEpM/f25wxbZCFss/s320/IMG_4259.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586548623572066450" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We RACE!!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b_taFcPEDIQ/TYdnjdIvRmI/AAAAAAAAEpE/U4Y0KFWN_U8/s1600/IMG_4264.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b_taFcPEDIQ/TYdnjdIvRmI/AAAAAAAAEpE/U4Y0KFWN_U8/s320/IMG_4264.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586547721590752866" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Megan's Driving...</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v-Q52y_ag-c/TYdnPShxK_I/AAAAAAAAEo8/jqN17jACqyo/s1600/IMG_4269.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v-Q52y_ag-c/TYdnPShxK_I/AAAAAAAAEo8/jqN17jACqyo/s320/IMG_4269.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586547375145561074" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Getting passed!!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qP-DX6HRuH0/TYdmtOInHQI/AAAAAAAAEo0/0mOMWgRz6Kw/s1600/IMG_4276.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qP-DX6HRuH0/TYdmtOInHQI/AAAAAAAAEo0/0mOMWgRz6Kw/s320/IMG_4276.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586546789850750210" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The racers!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DjXFU1tO_T4/TYbSNhIR2sI/AAAAAAAAEos/VFpevAt-1qc/s1600/IMG_4279.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DjXFU1tO_T4/TYbSNhIR2sI/AAAAAAAAEos/VFpevAt-1qc/s320/IMG_4279.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586383517472905922" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">A fun day at Golfland.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><br /></p></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736786988175703793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997861839274305944.post-43396357494727850892011-03-16T10:29:00.000-07:002011-03-20T21:17:47.256-07:00Day 14 - Hanging out in Florence<div style="text-align: center;"><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We had a lazy day today hanging out in Florence. It was neat to be able to come out this way as the area here is so much different from Goodyear. Big farms run into desert areas and then here and there housing areas and of course box stores pop up all over :) The pool at this house is not heated and the hot weather has just begun so it was COLD. We had a very warm day in the low 30s so Grandpa and Sarah both went in for a QUICK and “refreshing” dip. Sarah said it was COLD, Grandpa would say it was REFRESHING :). We had a lunchtime BBQ and enjoyed eating outside in the heat. By the afternoon everyone was ready to do something, so we made our way to the nearby park and everyone played some soccer & football. We ended the evening with an extra special treat.... INDONESIAN DINNER. Yummy. Thank-you Grandpa Jim!! Joshua was his little helper and hopefully learning and watching carefully!! haha. We ended the evening with a family movie night and then once the kids were all tucked in, we pulled out the cards and played a couple rounds..... the boys can’t seem to win :)</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YO4P7ApdF1s/TYWRf7HiO3I/AAAAAAAAEok/-ewECiWyc88/s1600/IMG_4149.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YO4P7ApdF1s/TYWRf7HiO3I/AAAAAAAAEok/-ewECiWyc88/s320/IMG_4149.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586030890454236018" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">A new hat :)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mIqBV9r3ZDk/TYWQCN0w09I/AAAAAAAAEoc/GMc5--Hi6E8/s1600/IMG_4165.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mIqBV9r3ZDk/TYWQCN0w09I/AAAAAAAAEoc/GMc5--Hi6E8/s320/IMG_4165.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586029280568071122" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Great park nearby with perfect grassy areas!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yi2G5PswnqU/TYWLpn7X7xI/AAAAAAAAEoU/JSlZghpEUUk/s1600/IMG_4182.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yi2G5PswnqU/TYWLpn7X7xI/AAAAAAAAEoU/JSlZghpEUUk/s320/IMG_4182.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586024460031880978" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Football champs!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wWQUEfXLFNw/TYTrDBfwbmI/AAAAAAAAEoM/uxRRNhjSyu4/s1600/IMG_4185.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wWQUEfXLFNw/TYTrDBfwbmI/AAAAAAAAEoM/uxRRNhjSyu4/s320/IMG_4185.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585847875020025442" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Pinned!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cqqe3I5EMns/TYTqo2O0cqI/AAAAAAAAEoE/B0sEnDeZqwE/s1600/IMG_4191.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cqqe3I5EMns/TYTqo2O0cqI/AAAAAAAAEoE/B0sEnDeZqwE/s320/IMG_4191.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585847425319596706" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Sarah's sassy shadow.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ciMlohOXY_Q/TYTqSuDsFVI/AAAAAAAAEn8/7pOSA5NXwGI/s1600/IMG_4193.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ciMlohOXY_Q/TYTqSuDsFVI/AAAAAAAAEn8/7pOSA5NXwGI/s320/IMG_4193.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585847045168305490" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Megan's funky Egyptian shadow.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d0UbUyy6PMs/TYTp8z3AvUI/AAAAAAAAEn0/EwSIMU0SH4g/s1600/IMG_4199.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d0UbUyy6PMs/TYTp8z3AvUI/AAAAAAAAEn0/EwSIMU0SH4g/s320/IMG_4199.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585846668768623938" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Sarah took some icy cold water out of the UNheated pool (and it was COLD!) and decided to cool herself off by pouring it over her head :)</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qAI8fljZdAo/TYTpSDRsoBI/AAAAAAAAEnk/7p-sf0Vl-Io/s1600/IMG_4196.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qAI8fljZdAo/TYTpSDRsoBI/AAAAAAAAEnk/7p-sf0Vl-Io/s320/IMG_4196.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585845934172708882" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Baby, that's cold!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aIJSlqzwCpI/TYTpDkwq_DI/AAAAAAAAEnc/yYNQ03cTop8/s1600/IMG_4202.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aIJSlqzwCpI/TYTpDkwq_DI/AAAAAAAAEnc/yYNQ03cTop8/s320/IMG_4202.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585845685462957106" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Refreshing!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C5SREwQZACc/TYToyuumYGI/AAAAAAAAEnU/gePW32cr4no/s1600/IMG_4204.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C5SREwQZACc/TYToyuumYGI/AAAAAAAAEnU/gePW32cr4no/s320/IMG_4204.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585845396080844898" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Sweet ♥</div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736786988175703793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997861839274305944.post-62451214470729981212011-03-15T08:20:00.000-07:002011-03-19T09:50:23.591-07:00Day 13 - Goodbye Goodyear, hello shopping :)<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Sad to think the holiday is coming to an end. Two weeks goes by far too quickly! We had one more move to make so this morning we packed up our things, stuffed the truck and made our way to town. Today was a day of shopping before heading to our new location in Florence, AZ. This was exciting and fun for the ladies of the group, but patience testing for the males! They did great though and let us take our time as we strolled through our favorite US stores - TJ MAXX, Hobby Lobby & Old Navy {to name a few}. A stop at Costco to pick up a few items and then we were on the road and made our way to Florence. Grandma & Grandpa have friends who own a home there and they were gracious to let us all spend a few nights there. With Spring Training going on in Goodyear it was next to impossible to find places to stay, so we were thankful to have this house in Florence as a back-up (and it was needed!!)</span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6BIq0stuW4I/TYTdb6IdWWI/AAAAAAAAEnM/82XyGj_ngoo/s1600/IMG_4081.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6BIq0stuW4I/TYTdb6IdWWI/AAAAAAAAEnM/82XyGj_ngoo/s320/IMG_4081.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585832909377198434" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The goodbye shot by the pool :) It was very bright on the eyes!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm not too sure WHY Joshua is wearing a hoodie, I guess morning temperatures in the mid-20s was a little cool for him ;-)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t90RIEOS4jY/TYTdKsJ0i3I/AAAAAAAAEnE/oQouWQZRkcM/s1600/IMG_4084.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t90RIEOS4jY/TYTdKsJ0i3I/AAAAAAAAEnE/oQouWQZRkcM/s320/IMG_4084.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585832613567040370" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWDIOz6S4HY/TYTc6yLIvjI/AAAAAAAAEm8/sEJ5ltXSVPQ/s1600/IMG_4086.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWDIOz6S4HY/TYTc6yLIvjI/AAAAAAAAEm8/sEJ5ltXSVPQ/s320/IMG_4086.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585832340305264178" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Early birthday gift from Grandma & Grandpa Jim</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--dWcCOuA50o/TYTcm4Go8_I/AAAAAAAAEm0/DJghhWfm390/s1600/IMG_4088.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--dWcCOuA50o/TYTcm4Go8_I/AAAAAAAAEm0/DJghhWfm390/s320/IMG_4088.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585831998299632626" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Woohoo... some US spending money!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L00Jm7lo3JU/TYTcS9CKW0I/AAAAAAAAEms/fIaQrzNpdGo/s1600/IMG_4089.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L00Jm7lo3JU/TYTcS9CKW0I/AAAAAAAAEms/fIaQrzNpdGo/s320/IMG_4089.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585831656025643842" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Sarah also got an EXTRA early birthday gift....</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ph3r0O8Sz5M/TYTbzGKUn5I/AAAAAAAAEmk/kCwohktKIMA/s1600/IMG_4092.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ph3r0O8Sz5M/TYTbzGKUn5I/AAAAAAAAEmk/kCwohktKIMA/s320/IMG_4092.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585831108719976338" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">... a beautiful new sweater, thank-you Grandma!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3NLxQHUfPLE/TYTbJS_KaDI/AAAAAAAAEmc/7UPanECraf4/s1600/IMG_4093.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3NLxQHUfPLE/TYTbJS_KaDI/AAAAAAAAEmc/7UPanECraf4/s320/IMG_4093.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585830390608324658" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">All packed up and ready to go....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><br /></p></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736786988175703793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997861839274305944.post-64547875516308135902011-03-14T09:19:00.000-07:002011-03-19T08:20:12.598-07:00Day 12 - Relax & soak up the sun!<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We are enjoying "our" house here in Estrella and wish we could stay the full week. It was booked so we are just thankful we were able to squeeze a few days in! This morning the guys got up and cooked a delicious breakfast that we enjoyed outside on the back deck. It was already nice and warm out - love that! After breakfast, we packed into the SUV and went to the lake for a walk. The palm trees were beautiful and we enjoyed a leisurely morning walk. Matthew loved the ducks and looking about. He’s getting really good at sitting up now. He drifted off for a nap by the end of the walk :) We got back to the house, had lunch and then everyone lounged by the pool. We spent the afternoon laying in the sun, splashing in the water and sipping cold drinks. Ahhh.... love holidays!!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The BBQ was fired up for some burgers for dinner and we continued to enjoy a day/evening of relaxation. The kids played some Dutch Blitz with Grandma & Grandpa and David and Joshua went for an evening swim. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Another great day in paradise.</span></span></p><div><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; ">✷</span></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mp2_csqehE4/TYRFHF5oFNI/AAAAAAAAEmU/CdhJVrPjfbI/s1600/IMG_4013.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mp2_csqehE4/TYRFHF5oFNI/AAAAAAAAEmU/CdhJVrPjfbI/s320/IMG_4013.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585665425991537874" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Beautiful flowers around the lake, they smelled so good too!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5_Ff604LWKM/TYREtFbbVrI/AAAAAAAAEmM/3SISBpwhwXs/s1600/IMG_4014.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5_Ff604LWKM/TYREtFbbVrI/AAAAAAAAEmM/3SISBpwhwXs/s320/IMG_4014.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585664979188274866" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Our walking path & views</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YHBWM-osqfU/TYRDfaNnRbI/AAAAAAAAEmE/_73LVtY01GA/s1600/IMG_4015.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YHBWM-osqfU/TYRDfaNnRbI/AAAAAAAAEmE/_73LVtY01GA/s320/IMG_4015.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585663644737684914" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Hug a {palm} tree :)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NIPsAEGqmpM/TYRDKEJSAxI/AAAAAAAAEl8/4lCH4YRC4Dw/s1600/IMG_4028.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NIPsAEGqmpM/TYRDKEJSAxI/AAAAAAAAEl8/4lCH4YRC4Dw/s320/IMG_4028.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585663278036681490" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Our boys!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0A_q4SEKEq8/TYRCvFDzyKI/AAAAAAAAEl0/W90K8yLc1Iw/s1600/IMG_4031.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0A_q4SEKEq8/TYRCvFDzyKI/AAAAAAAAEl0/W90K8yLc1Iw/s320/IMG_4031.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585662814425696418" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Kids are sure loving Grandma & Grandpa being with us :)</div><div style="text-align: center;">I think Grandma & Grandpa like it too! </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P7oP4BqnNMk/TYRBoA2yzWI/AAAAAAAAEls/x6BZMCCdWi8/s1600/IMG_4035.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P7oP4BqnNMk/TYRBoA2yzWI/AAAAAAAAEls/x6BZMCCdWi8/s320/IMG_4035.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585661593526652258" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Palm trees and blue skies.... and the heat = Fabulous!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wlIWFqqYiyU/TYRBQnU7e9I/AAAAAAAAElk/46AfNnMYZgw/s1600/IMG_4043.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wlIWFqqYiyU/TYRBQnU7e9I/AAAAAAAAElk/46AfNnMYZgw/s320/IMG_4043.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585661191536737234" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Palm Masks</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8CsHayF9jG8/TYQ_jzINosI/AAAAAAAAElc/k5OFfr3tz6w/s1600/IMG_4046.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8CsHayF9jG8/TYQ_jzINosI/AAAAAAAAElc/k5OFfr3tz6w/s320/IMG_4046.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585659322098885314" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Sleepy baby who loves being able to put his soother in his mouth all by himself... even if it is upside down!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-czz8qXU3sZM/TYQ-3oYFAxI/AAAAAAAAElU/Y1mVOfBHlEs/s1600/IMG_4069.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-czz8qXU3sZM/TYQ-3oYFAxI/AAAAAAAAElU/Y1mVOfBHlEs/s320/IMG_4069.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585658563298394898" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Sunshine cuddles with Grandma</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ta46stuXHss/TYQ7v0nNWoI/AAAAAAAAElM/tBs_GOQL_IA/s1600/IMG_4079.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ta46stuXHss/TYQ7v0nNWoI/AAAAAAAAElM/tBs_GOQL_IA/s320/IMG_4079.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585655130609244802" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; min-height: 14px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:16px;">Grandma played A LOT of games :) </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; min-height: 14px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:16px;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; min-height: 14px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:16px;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; min-height: 14px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:16px;">*** we've been away from internet for a few days.... will update as soon as we can.</span></span></p></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736786988175703793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997861839274305944.post-18374330048855703842011-03-13T21:43:00.000-07:002011-03-14T23:53:55.682-07:00Day 11 - Sunday & Sunshine<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center; ">Arizona did not disappoint and we enjoyed a day of heat & sunshine. We got up and the boys made a delicious breakfast which we enjoyed outside on the back deck. Then it was off to church. We were excited to go back to Harvest Baptist in Goodyear and see the pastor and friends we have met again. We went over to the McLellan & Prittchets for lunch and got to to know them a bit better. Then it was off to Walmart for some groceries and back to the house to enjoy the afternoon poolside!</div><div style="text-align: center; ">We spent the rest of the day relaxing, visiting, swimming, bbq-ing, hot tubbing, and playing games.</div></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aSR5UYbW6F0/TX8L1qCw1eI/AAAAAAAAElE/xExpk8ecS98/s1600/IMG_3964.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aSR5UYbW6F0/TX8L1qCw1eI/AAAAAAAAElE/xExpk8ecS98/s320/IMG_3964.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584195079409554914" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Tummy time in the shade.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lxJj2ZeIgxY/TX8Kw-kbIbI/AAAAAAAAEk8/mqGnD0U4LX0/s1600/IMG_3967.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lxJj2ZeIgxY/TX8Kw-kbIbI/AAAAAAAAEk8/mqGnD0U4LX0/s320/IMG_3967.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584193899508474290" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Ahhhh.... the goggles are back!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w20V9N4l-pE/TX8KaIZ2nDI/AAAAAAAAEk0/Eymh8xuW0J0/s1600/IMG_3968.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w20V9N4l-pE/TX8KaIZ2nDI/AAAAAAAAEk0/Eymh8xuW0J0/s320/IMG_3968.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584193507011501106" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Matthew loves the water (it's a heated pool, so it felt really nice in there!)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g1OcBCrFqCc/TX8KCPE4III/AAAAAAAAEks/ebWjEzGRcSU/s1600/IMG_3972.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 243px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g1OcBCrFqCc/TX8KCPE4III/AAAAAAAAEks/ebWjEzGRcSU/s320/IMG_3972.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584193096485707906" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Drippy Baby.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-997vgPSW3I0/TX8JxHujqvI/AAAAAAAAEkk/MFzdwU0GY94/s1600/IMG_3974.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-997vgPSW3I0/TX8JxHujqvI/AAAAAAAAEkk/MFzdwU0GY94/s320/IMG_3974.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584192802455268082" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Daddy & his kids :)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m8CgPx_Ym_A/TX8JXX-PyEI/AAAAAAAAEkc/fHtvQ_P6TpI/s1600/IMG_3979.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m8CgPx_Ym_A/TX8JXX-PyEI/AAAAAAAAEkc/fHtvQ_P6TpI/s320/IMG_3979.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584192360139442242" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Matthew's first "swim" :)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IOwtHsxM8nI/TX8I9w-NBAI/AAAAAAAAEkU/u6YukWwKubQ/s1600/IMG_3980.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IOwtHsxM8nI/TX8I9w-NBAI/AAAAAAAAEkU/u6YukWwKubQ/s320/IMG_3980.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584191920173548546" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Let the diving for darts begin!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KiXUkyW16SM/TX8Ik5LwfDI/AAAAAAAAEkM/RTO1jdACdzk/s1600/IMG_3984.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KiXUkyW16SM/TX8Ik5LwfDI/AAAAAAAAEkM/RTO1jdACdzk/s320/IMG_3984.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584191492881153074" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Hot tub time with Grandma!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X6ox03fIcB4/TX8IHGBMJyI/AAAAAAAAEkE/K8Ea-XtazOA/s1600/IMG_3989.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X6ox03fIcB4/TX8IHGBMJyI/AAAAAAAAEkE/K8Ea-XtazOA/s320/IMG_3989.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584190980930414370" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Prune Face!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yvAOLTYg_to/TX8HgfZnm2I/AAAAAAAAEj8/NrVH4TAE6HQ/s1600/IMG_3991.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yvAOLTYg_to/TX8HgfZnm2I/AAAAAAAAEj8/NrVH4TAE6HQ/s320/IMG_3991.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584190317728865122" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Arizona Smiles</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tI87EbT195Q/TX2yxL_S5nI/AAAAAAAAEj0/i_ydCMMmOAw/s1600/IMG_3993.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tI87EbT195Q/TX2yxL_S5nI/AAAAAAAAEj0/i_ydCMMmOAw/s320/IMG_3993.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583815671110887026" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">An Amazon order arrived :)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-psqjh4MkmvI/TX2gkXLzJ5I/AAAAAAAAEjs/Ix2WIfvVxtM/s1600/IMG_3998.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-psqjh4MkmvI/TX2gkXLzJ5I/AAAAAAAAEjs/Ix2WIfvVxtM/s320/IMG_3998.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583795659568523154" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">David was pretty happy to be back on BBQ duty :)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--yHgpXbEYNY/TX2eztWPvyI/AAAAAAAAEjk/u1D8g1H48ic/s1600/IMG_4000.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--yHgpXbEYNY/TX2eztWPvyI/AAAAAAAAEjk/u1D8g1H48ic/s320/IMG_4000.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583793724192702242" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Dinner outside in the heat -- I don't think we'll be "allowed" to eat a single meal INSIDE :)</div><img src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" alt="Add Image" border="0" class="gl_photo" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3vJfCp0UrAs/TX2dQhNOh7I/AAAAAAAAEjc/0LIOU5P4APg/s1600/IMG_4001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3vJfCp0UrAs/TX2dQhNOh7I/AAAAAAAAEjc/0LIOU5P4APg/s320/IMG_4001.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583792020126599090" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Joshua thought the fireplace was pretty cool. In the evening he lit a small fire and we all sat around and enjoyed a bowl of ice cream & a mug of coffee.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736786988175703793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997861839274305944.post-41378199278034469862011-03-12T21:15:00.000-08:002011-03-14T23:28:31.187-07:00Day 10 - Road trip<div style="text-align: center;">After "living" in the hotel for 9 days I was impressed with how quickly we got packed up and on our way. It was a cooler day in CA and it felt fantastic to feel the temperatures rise as we made our way to AZ. Sarah travelled with Grandma & Grandpa Jim and the kids nodded off & on as the sunshine poured into the vehicle.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lovely.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We stopped in Palm Springs for lunch (thank-you Costco) and then were back on the road.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We got to our house here in Goodyear around 6pm and the kids had fun running around checking it all out. It's a beautiful home and we are looking forward to our few days here!</div><div style="text-align: center;">We had a bite to eat and the guys went down to Safeway to pick up a few groceries for breakfast in the morning :)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Bathing suits were quickly put on and the kids had an evening swim and soak in the hot tub.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Once the kids were put to bed we played a round of cards before heading to bed ourselves. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iz1Ay8oqD9s/TX2bAikHbtI/AAAAAAAAEjU/EVC1eJ0Hu2M/s1600/IMG_3959.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iz1Ay8oqD9s/TX2bAikHbtI/AAAAAAAAEjU/EVC1eJ0Hu2M/s320/IMG_3959.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583789546589875922" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Goodbye Disneyland.</div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736786988175703793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997861839274305944.post-84575554146812902692011-03-11T16:01:00.000-08:002011-03-13T21:15:05.932-07:00Day 9 - Last day of Disney Magic<div style="text-align: center;">It's hard to believe today was our last day at the parks. We've had such a great time, everyone has had so much fun & Matthew has been amazing - perfect combinations!! :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center; ">Joshua was still DETERMINED to get me ON the Screamin' so we started our day over on the California side, first stop - Screamin'. I was SHAKING in my boots as we stood in line.... and "luck" wasn't on my side this time as David & I ended up in the VERY FRONT!!!</div><div style="text-align: center; ">5-4-3-2-1-SCREAM!</div><div style="text-align: center; ">And... that's exactly what I did! hahahah.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">It was {actually} fun and I even did it a second time :)</div><div style="text-align: center; ">On the Cali side we did the Golden Zepher, Jellyfish, Hemlik the Caterpillar, Monsters Inc., Crush the talking Turtle & Toy Story Mania as well as the Screamin'.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">We bought our signature Disneyland mugs and then left the park for some lunch, iced coffees & pool time at the hotel. Grandma, Grandpa & Megan went to a little bakery too :)</div><div style="text-align: center; ">After a little relaxing, we packed up and went to Disneyland. Here we managed to get on Big Thunder a few times, Pirates, The Jungle Cruise, Autotopia and the highlight - FIREWORKS! It was great and this time Sarah was able to see Tinkerbell fly across the sky.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">After the fireworks, there was one final ride on Big Thunder & then we took the monorail to end our time at Disneyland.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Sad to say goodbye to the happiest place on earth, but we are looking forward to our time in Arizona :)</div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6SVaBJwpDOM/TX2VL6hqDII/AAAAAAAAEjE/6Z2E9UnkBXY/s1600/DSCN5081.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/-6SVaBJwpDOM/TX2VL6hqDII/AAAAAAAAEjE/6Z2E9UnkBXY/s320/DSCN5081.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583783144930806914" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">It's a Small World.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kQ11EJ-vUQ4/TX2UaPDwz-I/AAAAAAAAEi8/EpEA_MPcNPQ/s1600/DSCN5080.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/-kQ11EJ-vUQ4/TX2UaPDwz-I/AAAAAAAAEi8/EpEA_MPcNPQ/s320/DSCN5080.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583782291449106402" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">It's a Bug's Life</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pG48TFAcQJE/TX2T-6u-0zI/AAAAAAAAEi0/mrGTw3VmwTU/s1600/DSCN5076.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/-pG48TFAcQJE/TX2T-6u-0zI/AAAAAAAAEi0/mrGTw3VmwTU/s320/DSCN5076.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583781822136767282" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Megan in the teacup, purple of course!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SKmpxq2TuuE/TXq-QMFty_I/AAAAAAAAEis/2PAehKEWLCE/s1600/IMG_3907.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SKmpxq2TuuE/TXq-QMFty_I/AAAAAAAAEis/2PAehKEWLCE/s320/IMG_3907.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582983873411533810" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Lots of construction at California Adventure.... looks like some great rides are being built!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BDim4_1Eup8/TXq9eLzhS3I/AAAAAAAAEik/9QbL59MUIs4/s1600/IMG_3909.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 245px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BDim4_1Eup8/TXq9eLzhS3I/AAAAAAAAEik/9QbL59MUIs4/s320/IMG_3909.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582983014341757810" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Me, freaking out!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P_oU0j6HUqM/TX2Vg7bv_WI/AAAAAAAAEjM/zGly4r0ZZlU/s1600/DSCN5096.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P_oU0j6HUqM/TX2Vg7bv_WI/AAAAAAAAEjM/zGly4r0ZZlU/s320/DSCN5096.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583783505951718754" 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;">The second time we sat behind Megan and Joshua.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CRmwo6k-a1M/TXq9IINiFyI/AAAAAAAAEic/Wb7ZCbSD8W0/s1600/IMG_3936.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CRmwo6k-a1M/TXq9IINiFyI/AAAAAAAAEic/Wb7ZCbSD8W0/s320/IMG_3936.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582982635419997986" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Megan and a cupcake :)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EuxAdzUzWE0/TXq8v3L-doI/AAAAAAAAEiU/vOJTOGWsMjo/s1600/IMG_3945.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EuxAdzUzWE0/TXq8v3L-doI/AAAAAAAAEiU/vOJTOGWsMjo/s320/IMG_3945.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582982218533205634" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Monsters Inc.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EwIP90a8FJo/TXq8atsF5OI/AAAAAAAAEiM/3r9zbq7QQoU/s1600/IMG_3947.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EwIP90a8FJo/TXq8atsF5OI/AAAAAAAAEiM/3r9zbq7QQoU/s320/IMG_3947.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582981855206302946" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">So nice to see all the pretty flowers.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q9qRBWZ197I/TXq8HDL2dWI/AAAAAAAAEiE/gQVfRFgqaMQ/s1600/IMG_3952.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q9qRBWZ197I/TXq8HDL2dWI/AAAAAAAAEiE/gQVfRFgqaMQ/s320/IMG_3952.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582981517379269986" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We sure hope so!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736786988175703793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997861839274305944.post-90350567431656584882011-03-10T22:32:00.000-08:002011-03-11T16:01:11.843-08:00Day 8 - Magic Morning<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center; ">We woke up around 6:30 this morning to get out by 7:30. We did great! We made it to Disneyland for our Magic Morning, 8am entry :)</div><div style="text-align: center; ">We started the day in Fantasyland. Matthew could go on ALL these rides which was so fun. We went on Peter Pan's Flight, Pinocchio, Dumbo, teacups, Alice in Wonderland and then over to It's A Small World. Matthew is a typical BOY... this is the ONE ride he fussed on a bit ;) Hahaha. Well, not really, he was just hungry :)</div><div style="text-align: center; ">We made our way to Big Thunder Mountain (Matthew fell asleep) so everyone went on and Jim & I had a bench visit while we waited for the 'wildest ride in the wilderness' to come to an end.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">It was hot today and everyone started to feel the heat so Daddy bought us all a pineapple ice cream treat. YUM.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">We wandered over to the California side to check out Screamin' (Mommy too!!). As "luck" would have it, it was shut down (WHEW!!) for a bit this afternoon. The boys all cooled off on the River Run. We wandered around a little and everyone was feeling that 6:30 wake up, so we left the park and walked back to the hotel for a couple hours to rest, grab a bite to eat and relax. Felt nice.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">By 5 everyone was ready to get back to the park for a few more hours. We went to the California side again and made it on Soaring over California (twice) and Toy Story Mania (and and the boys did Screamin' as it was back up & running).</div><div style="text-align: center; ">It was a jam-packed day of sunshine & good times!</div><div>✷</div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DBKytpAVeAk/TXq2mJAF1XI/AAAAAAAAEh8/KYIfM6qbPqc/s1600/IMG_3847.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DBKytpAVeAk/TXq2mJAF1XI/AAAAAAAAEh8/KYIfM6qbPqc/s320/IMG_3847.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582975454446736754" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Through the castle to Fanstasyland.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mjeljlgCetc/TXq2VI14hRI/AAAAAAAAEh0/yxNvSuO06_4/s1600/IMG_3849.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mjeljlgCetc/TXq2VI14hRI/AAAAAAAAEh0/yxNvSuO06_4/s320/IMG_3849.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582975162346145042" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The Dumbo line :)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ofl9RSl7xTs/TXq15kPhX1I/AAAAAAAAEhs/q2-t7EP6sIQ/s1600/IMG_3858.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ofl9RSl7xTs/TXq15kPhX1I/AAAAAAAAEhs/q2-t7EP6sIQ/s320/IMG_3858.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582974688665100114" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Grandma & Sarah in the front, Megs in the middle, Matthew & me with Joshua in the back.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RQQMsd-xdtY/TXq1pMDcPaI/AAAAAAAAEhk/EnFKCN0DyT8/s1600/IMG_3863.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RQQMsd-xdtY/TXq1pMDcPaI/AAAAAAAAEhk/EnFKCN0DyT8/s320/IMG_3863.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582974407294074274" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">signature teacup photo :)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yrREGm_MwKU/TXq1R03W9rI/AAAAAAAAEhc/lB4jRWd7r6U/s1600/IMG_3871.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yrREGm_MwKU/TXq1R03W9rI/AAAAAAAAEhc/lB4jRWd7r6U/s320/IMG_3871.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582974005932390066" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This time we went on the teacups, first for us!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mY4NP1xWzmo/TXq00508lTI/AAAAAAAAEhU/8Ynqo2fZ_jE/s1600/IMG_3875.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mY4NP1xWzmo/TXq00508lTI/AAAAAAAAEhU/8Ynqo2fZ_jE/s320/IMG_3875.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582973509048243506" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Snuggle time with Grandma.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DjaAJnpcvxI/TXq0X9qidMI/AAAAAAAAEhM/xl8qy7Oxff8/s1600/IMG_3884.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DjaAJnpcvxI/TXq0X9qidMI/AAAAAAAAEhM/xl8qy7Oxff8/s320/IMG_3884.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582973011862123714" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Pineapple ice-cream and floats - YUM.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-82lFamtDeZM/TXqz7ztCpxI/AAAAAAAAEhE/2UAJa2TC1pQ/s1600/IMG_3889.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 189px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-82lFamtDeZM/TXqz7ztCpxI/AAAAAAAAEhE/2UAJa2TC1pQ/s320/IMG_3889.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582972528151930642" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The boys went on the Grizzly River Run to cool off in the afternoon.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736786988175703793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997861839274305944.post-79689139596680187052011-03-09T20:01:00.000-08:002011-03-09T20:51:22.871-08:00Day 7 - Sun & Surf<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">We enjoyed a slower morning, had breakfast, and packed up for a day at the beach with temperatures in the high 20s. We made a quick stop at Target for a beach blanket, Starbucks for some coffee, & Chevron for slushies :)</div><div style="text-align: center;">An afternoon of sun & sand was wonderful. We had a picnic lunch, played football, searched for seashells & shark teeth, built sandcastles, & laid in the sun.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We packed up, loaded up the truck, and then took a walk along the pier. The wind picked up but it was still nice to walk along and see all the surfers out there. It's no wonder sharks mistake them for seals! There were so many of them in a big cluster waiting for waves; surfers that is, not sharks! :)</div><div style="text-align: center;">We drove back to the hotel in time for the kids to make it to the rootbeer float night. They were happy. Grandma & Grandpa went to Costco to pick up dinner (chickens and salads). After dinner we got ready for tomorrow and went to bed early. We're heading to Disneyland tomorrow with our Magic Morning, so we hope to be walking by 7:30 - That will be a challenge!</div><div style="text-align: center;">We'll see how we do.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's due to be another high 20s day - should be fantastic!</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GOZDuSUV6t0/TXhTASCnXMI/AAAAAAAAEg0/4XVR8keWuEA/s1600/IMG_3801.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GOZDuSUV6t0/TXhTASCnXMI/AAAAAAAAEg0/4XVR8keWuEA/s320/IMG_3801.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582303002433641666" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JNNkCJoNucY/TXhSPbTd2rI/AAAAAAAAEgs/VMrQ9benG_0/s1600/IMG_3753.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JNNkCJoNucY/TXhSPbTd2rI/AAAAAAAAEgs/VMrQ9benG_0/s320/IMG_3753.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582302163106650802" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Lunchtime on the beach.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wF67QqVjGcw/TXhR_xvaAII/AAAAAAAAEgk/GD7tPUv-O8I/s1600/IMG_3756.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wF67QqVjGcw/TXhR_xvaAII/AAAAAAAAEgk/GD7tPUv-O8I/s320/IMG_3756.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582301894251511938" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Matthew stretching out in the shade.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1uB8Kf2Oddw/TXhRu0JTt5I/AAAAAAAAEgc/vg1aPJL4C4U/s1600/IMG_3758.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1uB8Kf2Oddw/TXhRu0JTt5I/AAAAAAAAEgc/vg1aPJL4C4U/s320/IMG_3758.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582301602839246738" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Grandpa Jim's sunning spot.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R3LUJCymlQs/TXhQBFi4xqI/AAAAAAAAEgU/zth1BSADVXQ/s1600/IMG_3760.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R3LUJCymlQs/TXhQBFi4xqI/AAAAAAAAEgU/zth1BSADVXQ/s320/IMG_3760.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582299717724325538" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The first handful (of many) seashells.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2d0rSadk0ZM/TXhPc_t5zDI/AAAAAAAAEgM/fcsfllch6MM/s1600/IMG_3767.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2d0rSadk0ZM/TXhPc_t5zDI/AAAAAAAAEgM/fcsfllch6MM/s320/IMG_3767.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582299097684626482" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Sorting out the collection to pick the best ones.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-83dwy9oZSJE/TXhPGYuqvAI/AAAAAAAAEgE/yA-ROgKj4Vg/s1600/IMG_3768.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-83dwy9oZSJE/TXhPGYuqvAI/AAAAAAAAEgE/yA-ROgKj4Vg/s320/IMG_3768.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582298709261728770" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">A perfect shell :)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gAxxwt8I7Ew/TXhO4RRJGFI/AAAAAAAAEf8/ny-euqXY8QM/s1600/IMG_3786.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gAxxwt8I7Ew/TXhO4RRJGFI/AAAAAAAAEf8/ny-euqXY8QM/s320/IMG_3786.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582298466740672594" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Megan helping Matthew test out the waters... they were FREEZING!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7cGEVZMXcZg/TXhOrC23s6I/AAAAAAAAEf0/cxy-A3L1PbI/s1600/IMG_3794.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7cGEVZMXcZg/TXhOrC23s6I/AAAAAAAAEf0/cxy-A3L1PbI/s320/IMG_3794.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582298239534085026" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The shirt:</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Baby - Pee all you can pee"</div><div style="text-align: center;">☺</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bzHA-BGNzpo/TXhOdiThJPI/AAAAAAAAEfs/fUk79TV_th0/s1600/IMG_3809.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 178px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bzHA-BGNzpo/TXhOdiThJPI/AAAAAAAAEfs/fUk79TV_th0/s320/IMG_3809.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582298007457572082" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Our family ♥</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xhER85Quj7Q/TXhOTFInKBI/AAAAAAAAEfk/C1GbMQNCjRQ/s1600/IMG_3819.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xhER85Quj7Q/TXhOTFInKBI/AAAAAAAAEfk/C1GbMQNCjRQ/s320/IMG_3819.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582297827828508690" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Miss Megs enjoying the warm ocean breezes.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jaO72sypTsk/TXhOCuMJ96I/AAAAAAAAEfc/UzUklKDZKEE/s1600/IMG_3822.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jaO72sypTsk/TXhOCuMJ96I/AAAAAAAAEfc/UzUklKDZKEE/s320/IMG_3822.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582297546791450530" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Joshua working on his hole...</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zu8Eav2tGLU/TXhNwIHDkWI/AAAAAAAAEfU/9p3ueHthHAw/s1600/IMG_3833.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zu8Eav2tGLU/TXhNwIHDkWI/AAAAAAAAEfU/9p3ueHthHAw/s320/IMG_3833.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582297227331866978" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Joshua's swagger wagon ;)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fQbfXx-zKxI/TXhNh1ToqUI/AAAAAAAAEfM/0Xr9CfB6NLU/s1600/IMG_3843.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fQbfXx-zKxI/TXhNh1ToqUI/AAAAAAAAEfM/0Xr9CfB6NLU/s320/IMG_3843.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582296981766187330" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Seals? Nope - surfers!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3HEuAP0pFWg/TXhTvaLz1tI/AAAAAAAAEg8/3auV-LcLVMI/s1600/IMG_3846.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3HEuAP0pFWg/TXhTvaLz1tI/AAAAAAAAEg8/3auV-LcLVMI/s320/IMG_3846.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582303812073543378" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736786988175703793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997861839274305944.post-31987035660299593222011-03-08T22:37:00.000-08:002011-03-09T09:01:33.717-08:00Day 6 - California Adventure with Grandma/pa :)<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center; ">Everyone slept fantastic last night and woke up feeling well rested and on the mend. Praise the Lord! Still a few wobbly legs, noses to blow & heavy heads... but so much better than what we've all been feeling!</div><div style="text-align: center; ">We all went and had breakfast, packed up and had our morning walk to the park :) We decided to head over to California Adventure as we had to get fast passes to the new presentation World of Color. We did Soaring over California and then Joshua & David did Screamin'. Once they came off of that ride we went down to the pier so that I could feed Matthew. While I fed him everyone went on a tour at the bakery (one of Megan's favorites!). Everyone stopped to snack on some of the freshly baked bread Grandpa bought and then it was off to Toy Story Mania! The boys quickly hopped on Screamin' (again) and then we went down to Bug's Life to watch the 3D show "It's a Bugs Life". Matthew didn't like that one too much - it was on the verge of being unbearably loud for us adults! Not sure why it was SO loud, but it was so David took him out for the last bit of the show. We then wandered over to watch "Aladdin". We love this one!</div><div style="text-align: center; ">It was such a beautiful day - so warm! A few sunburns were noted :)</div><div style="text-align: center; ">We left the park for a little trip to Costco for some supper & treats :) Nice to get out for a little break. Kids were eager to get back though so we dressed a little warmer as we knew we were going to be at the park a little later tonight with the show in the evening. We went over to Disneyland for Sarah's favorite ride, Big Thunder Mountain. Grandma & Grandpa BOTH came on this ride with us too. YAY! Although, I think Grandpa has officially volunteered to watch Matthew when we do this ride again! :)</div><div style="text-align: center; ">We then made our way back to California to take in World of Color. WOW - truly spectacular (as all things Disney seem to be!).</div><div style="text-align: center; ">It was late and we had a bit of a trek through the crowds and back to our hotel. Kids did awesome and Matthew had another fabulous day! Such a blessing!!</div><div style="text-align: center; ">We got back to the hotel and Sarah said she wasn't sure she had the energy to pick up her toothbrush and even brush one tooth :)</div><div style="text-align: center; ">We take a break from the parks tomorrow and with it being the hottest day (suppose to be 27C tomorrow) we're planning on hitting the beach for the day! :)</div><div style="text-align: center; ">We're ready for a lazy day of sunshine!</div><div><br /></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_gP_CbGwUCQ/TXetWijDGiI/AAAAAAAAEfE/NrTn7ymVK1s/s1600/IMG_3672.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_gP_CbGwUCQ/TXetWijDGiI/AAAAAAAAEfE/NrTn7ymVK1s/s320/IMG_3672.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582120865891555874" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">All ready to head to the park!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q-jZD0466Pw/TXesyijiOjI/AAAAAAAAEe8/NGHU4zV8XNk/s1600/IMG_3671.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q-jZD0466Pw/TXesyijiOjI/AAAAAAAAEe8/NGHU4zV8XNk/s320/IMG_3671.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582120247418305074" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Matthew is ready for another day of sunshine!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kO5yG-1nwIw/TXesV5l_J6I/AAAAAAAAEe0/Po_uUYxx6OU/s1600/IMG_3682.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kO5yG-1nwIw/TXesV5l_J6I/AAAAAAAAEe0/Po_uUYxx6OU/s320/IMG_3682.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582119755386398626" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">California Adventure - loving all the spring flowers!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4urubfCVpbs/TXer8eq4IgI/AAAAAAAAEes/eSmwRPlnxw4/s1600/IMG_3691.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4urubfCVpbs/TXer8eq4IgI/AAAAAAAAEes/eSmwRPlnxw4/s320/IMG_3691.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582119318662423042" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The bread tour :)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oDHCQ4FfTVA/TXerSfKUXlI/AAAAAAAAEek/tlGU3ugxcEA/s1600/IMG_3703.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oDHCQ4FfTVA/TXerSfKUXlI/AAAAAAAAEek/tlGU3ugxcEA/s320/IMG_3703.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582118597239791186" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Doesn't look like they're having fun does it?</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VYe5OR7LKwk/TXeqvyxwlUI/AAAAAAAAEec/17YTa1oEQCM/s1600/IMG_3704.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VYe5OR7LKwk/TXeqvyxwlUI/AAAAAAAAEec/17YTa1oEQCM/s320/IMG_3704.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582118001210070338" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I think Sarah has been glued to Grandma since their arrival!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lb46PvRtJmY/TXeqetvFirI/AAAAAAAAEeU/ooXsRBZ35mc/s1600/IMG_3705.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lb46PvRtJmY/TXeqetvFirI/AAAAAAAAEeU/ooXsRBZ35mc/s320/IMG_3705.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582117707798907570" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Toy Story Mania, my favorite ride :)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2byVQcHWmRM/TXep-ImKOfI/AAAAAAAAEeM/7eoQx3oOO5o/s1600/IMG_3716.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2byVQcHWmRM/TXep-ImKOfI/AAAAAAAAEeM/7eoQx3oOO5o/s320/IMG_3716.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582117148073540082" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Joshua & David are pretty disappointed their favorite ride, Splash Mountain, is closed... looks like Screamin' is the new favorite this time!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--w9_3AP8udA/TXepramMEWI/AAAAAAAAEeE/6aqqVhs2tb8/s1600/IMG_3737.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--w9_3AP8udA/TXepramMEWI/AAAAAAAAEeE/6aqqVhs2tb8/s320/IMG_3737.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582116826487984482" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Squeezing in one final ride over at Disneyland, Big Thunder Mountain. Guess that flash was pretty bright.... Sarah opted to just keep those eyes CLOSED! :)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dE5tHpjDdbM/TXepa6_bUMI/AAAAAAAAEd8/TUQ-9qRbp6A/s1600/IMG_3751.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dE5tHpjDdbM/TXepa6_bUMI/AAAAAAAAEd8/TUQ-9qRbp6A/s320/IMG_3751.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582116543125999810" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">World of Color. This photo obviously does it NO justice... this was just what they had on while it ended and people were leaving. It was truly spectacular!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736786988175703793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997861839274305944.post-77492092415028365912011-03-07T08:13:00.000-08:002011-03-08T22:36:52.122-08:00Day 5 - DISNEYLAND!!<div style="text-align: center;">Megan was feeling quite a bit better this morning, but David has taken the dive into Sneezeville! It was now his turn to have the brutal day of being attached to a box of Kleenex. We took our time getting up, having breakfast and packing up for Disneyland. We decided to skip the shuttle and enjoy a nice walk to the park, it only takes us about 20 minutes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center; ">Of course the FIRST ride of the day HAD to be Big Thunder Mountain :) YEHAW!</div><div style="text-align: center; ">The kids and I went this time and Daddy and Matthew were onlookers (apparently Matthew is too little for this ride, *smiles*)</div><div style="text-align: center; ">It felt particularly odd this entrance into Disneyland. I'm not sure if it was because we were all still battling sniffles and coughs, if it seemed surreal that we were back or just simply familiar... it was wonderful though and we were ready for a fantastic day.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Next ride was Pirates and this time Matthew came too! I wasn't sure how he would do (flashbacks of the airplane danced in my head!), but he loved it. David held him and he enjoyed the drops and just looked at everything with amazement.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">We enjoyed lunch and then Daddy was needing some medication so we walked back to the hotel, took an afternoon break and David went out to get some meds. Once he returned, we reloaded and walked back.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">First ride was using the fastpass and getting on Space Mountain, great ride! Joshua tried it out this time, but he still prefers Screamin'. We then went over to the California side. Lots of construction going on; looks like some cool rides coming! We made it on Soaring (Matthew & I sat out this time), Toy Story Mania (my favorite and Matthew quite liked it too!), Screamin' (the boys did this one) and The Mickey's Ferris Wheel.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">A full day, but so much fun. Matthew did so amazing. Totally exceeded my expectations. He loved looking about, and he'd fall asleep when he was tired.... hoping tomorrow goes just as smoothly.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">By 8pm the park closed down and we made our way back to the hotel. We reached the lobby and the kids had a big surprise awaiting them.....</div><div style="text-align: center; ">GRANDMA & GRANDPA JIM were here!!!!</div><div style="text-align: center; ">What a fun surprise - kids are super excited (as are the grown-ups!)</div><div style="text-align: center; ">We chatted for a bit and the kids actually got a game of Dutch Blitz going with G&G ... and then everyone called it a night - we have a big day tomorrow.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Sarah & Megan had a sleepover in Grandma & Grandpa's room, David downed some Night time Cold meds and hit the pillow, and everyone settled in for a good nights sleep :)</div><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0KXAscR7X5o/TXZbBa7QYGI/AAAAAAAAEdE/pqyrJtB2luA/s1600/IMG_3621.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0KXAscR7X5o/TXZbBa7QYGI/AAAAAAAAEdE/pqyrJtB2luA/s320/IMG_3621.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581748868138164322" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div>All packed up and ready for our first day back at the park :)</div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CdtQwcNO41A/TXZepsJfQsI/AAAAAAAAEd0/9tKTPfQ7BF8/s1600/IMG_3635.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CdtQwcNO41A/TXZepsJfQsI/AAAAAAAAEd0/9tKTPfQ7BF8/s320/IMG_3635.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581752858490913474" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Matthew's first ride - Pirates of the Caribbean. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_AhY_hn0D_Q/TXZeCTQUi2I/AAAAAAAAEds/KhNgehPzmVE/s1600/IMG_3646.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_AhY_hn0D_Q/TXZeCTQUi2I/AAAAAAAAEds/KhNgehPzmVE/s320/IMG_3646.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581752181793786722" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">After Space Mountain, we took Matthew onto Astro Blasters - Daddy still rocks at this game!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTSKRM4d8QQ/TXZdWtFhpGI/AAAAAAAAEdk/-eK7kiHSZ9I/s1600/IMG_3654.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTSKRM4d8QQ/TXZdWtFhpGI/AAAAAAAAEdk/-eK7kiHSZ9I/s320/IMG_3654.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581751432813585506" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">What's a visit to Disneyland WITHOUT a cream cheese filled soft pretzel! Mmmmmm.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--9oxqbKvpMM/TXZcbm5ZQnI/AAAAAAAAEdc/mM6vlrYB9Ik/s1600/IMG_3665.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--9oxqbKvpMM/TXZcbm5ZQnI/AAAAAAAAEdc/mM6vlrYB9Ik/s320/IMG_3665.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581750417539809906" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">While Joshua & Daddy hit Screamin', the girls & Matthew took Mickey's Ferris Wheel. It was getting windy and it was a bit chilly at the top tonight!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-afaACiMPpuo/TXZb5ujSNoI/AAAAAAAAEdU/4-6wu3HAHaU/s1600/IMG_3666.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-afaACiMPpuo/TXZb5ujSNoI/AAAAAAAAEdU/4-6wu3HAHaU/s320/IMG_3666.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581749835479004802" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">So excited to have Grandma & Grandpa with us! Matthew didn't make strange at all and just stared at Grandma :)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GK5p53Jjpi8/TXZbsRbZBHI/AAAAAAAAEdM/6nGmmjVNf2I/s1600/IMG_3669.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GK5p53Jjpi8/TXZbsRbZBHI/AAAAAAAAEdM/6nGmmjVNf2I/s320/IMG_3669.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581749604322968690" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Smiles for Grandma....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Looking forward to another fantastic day!</div><div style="text-align: center;">☼</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736786988175703793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997861839274305944.post-61887043056211624782011-03-06T20:14:00.000-08:002011-03-08T08:03:39.182-08:00Day 4 - Anaheim Garden Walk... and sniffles.<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center; ">Today was Megan's day to be sick. Poor thing couldn't even get out of bed this morning! We all laid pretty low, trying to regain some energy. This bug seems to be hitting us hard. Sarah & Joshua have really perked up, although Joshua is still coughing & complaining of a sore throat - they are feverless! I'm thinking that may not be a word - feverless. Aw well, I'm using it! :) By 12:30 Megan had managed to get a glass of orange juice down and meds kicked in and she felt she was up to get some fresh air. So off to Costco we went to start off with a nice cool treat. Megan's favorite thing about Costco in the USA? The ICE CREAM BAR! That hit the spot! From there we enjoyed a nice walk near our hotel. We went to the Anaheim Garden Walk. It's a collection of restaurants, shops, a theater & a bowling alley... just a nice place to take a stroll :) </div><div style="text-align: center; ">We ended the night with pizza & Amazing Race.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Then lights out.... we're off to see Mickey Mouse in the morning :)</div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FcqvBQaPqOo/TXRiBLnc3iI/AAAAAAAAEc8/mTB_GVcS1GE/s1600/IMG_3570.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FcqvBQaPqOo/TXRiBLnc3iI/AAAAAAAAEc8/mTB_GVcS1GE/s320/IMG_3570.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581193610656538146" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Just an empty lot we saw on our walk and were amazed at all the wildflowers growing in there. It was so pretty!</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k0ALdBVTLC0/TXRg4bMVh1I/AAAAAAAAEc0/TecEPDFayDE/s1600/IMG_3579.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k0ALdBVTLC0/TXRg4bMVh1I/AAAAAAAAEc0/TecEPDFayDE/s320/IMG_3579.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581192360707327826" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Strike a pose!</div><div style="text-align: center;">There were a bunch of very cool murals at the Anaheim Garden Walk.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> JUMP!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E8nXS9bneZs/TXRgWeWGFzI/AAAAAAAAEcs/-qX-KgYXgKU/s1600/IMG_3581.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E8nXS9bneZs/TXRgWeWGFzI/AAAAAAAAEcs/-qX-KgYXgKU/s320/IMG_3581.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581191777438013234" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JdI19w-HwAM/TXRfclfASYI/AAAAAAAAEck/iqSCqrOqvIo/s1600/IMG_3586.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JdI19w-HwAM/TXRfclfASYI/AAAAAAAAEck/iqSCqrOqvIo/s320/IMG_3586.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581190782922017154" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Lots of beautiful poppies planted there too.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HVVywYnVPqk/TXRdUppJ8SI/AAAAAAAAEcc/ylJQZRIz5Uw/s1600/IMG_3595.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HVVywYnVPqk/TXRdUppJ8SI/AAAAAAAAEcc/ylJQZRIz5Uw/s320/IMG_3595.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581188447576125730" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Boys will be boys!!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VwbRFnCRoYA/TXRc0PGuSNI/AAAAAAAAEcU/tJ2JkV9juJs/s1600/IMG_3607.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VwbRFnCRoYA/TXRc0PGuSNI/AAAAAAAAEcU/tJ2JkV9juJs/s320/IMG_3607.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581187890696571090" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The family shot.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pxFoFrC76bU/TXRcTykwVTI/AAAAAAAAEcM/IrTrfXr5cSk/s1600/IMG_3619.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pxFoFrC76bU/TXRcTykwVTI/AAAAAAAAEcM/IrTrfXr5cSk/s320/IMG_3619.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581187333282092338" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Pizza Night brought to you by Costco :)</div></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736786988175703793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997861839274305944.post-41129761613729826202011-03-05T11:14:00.000-08:002011-03-06T12:13:50.505-08:00Day 3 - Huntington Beach<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center; ">We woke achy, and pretty much everyone is feeling sick. Megan so far has been feeling the best. We all got up and went for breakfast, and did start feeling a bit better. We decided to head out and find a beach, nothing like a bit of fresh air! First off... the warm air feels amazing. Although the trip here would be classified (so far) as our worst yet, the warm air feels lovely! Secondly... we're all together. We're all sick together, but still together, and I love that.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Before checking out the beach we decided to grab some grub at Costco. We love Costco :) We have a suite here in Anaheim so wanted some food so we could eat in. We took food back to the hotel (usually we're worried about things freezing, now we don't want things to spoil in the heat, gotta love that!) and then headed for the ocean. We knew we liked Huntington Beach, so we decided to head there for the afternoon.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Matthew is still not quite himself and would not settle in his stroller. We finally took him out and plunked him in the sand. WOW! He loved it. So cute. He grabbed at the sand and thought it was the greatest thing.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Megan slowly started taking a turn for the worse and David started coughing as well. Oh boy!</div><div style="text-align: center; ">We got back to the hotel, had a bite to eat, showered & everyone was in bed before 9!</div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MgOuWQK6Vag/TXPjhekJ3kI/AAAAAAAAEcE/6Q-a8gLJiOI/s1600/IMG_3422.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MgOuWQK6Vag/TXPjhekJ3kI/AAAAAAAAEcE/6Q-a8gLJiOI/s320/IMG_3422.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581054527522070082" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Our swagger-wagon :)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoARXneZIyU/TXPjRb0JOfI/AAAAAAAAEb8/TyKf4OD0iTI/s1600/IMG_3431.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoARXneZIyU/TXPjRb0JOfI/AAAAAAAAEb8/TyKf4OD0iTI/s320/IMG_3431.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581054251905923570" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Matthew is loving the sunshine.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vGstPqJ_Evg/TXPi97f6DkI/AAAAAAAAEb0/zhOPTFpWX48/s1600/IMG_3464.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vGstPqJ_Evg/TXPi97f6DkI/AAAAAAAAEb0/zhOPTFpWX48/s320/IMG_3464.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581053916813594178" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The pier at Huntington Beach.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jHeAeDr5_xw/TXPiZ83UZQI/AAAAAAAAEbs/OAgT3kgmoF8/s1600/IMG_3452.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jHeAeDr5_xw/TXPiZ83UZQI/AAAAAAAAEbs/OAgT3kgmoF8/s320/IMG_3452.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581053298704934146" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">A quick stop at Target for a football. You can't go to the beach without a football!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IRmQnzf0T9w/TXPiMbsTAXI/AAAAAAAAEbk/usZwQXMVx3s/s1600/IMG_3467.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IRmQnzf0T9w/TXPiMbsTAXI/AAAAAAAAEbk/usZwQXMVx3s/s320/IMG_3467.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581053066462036338" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Our little beachcomber! Her pockets were bulging with shells.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5RzAWKLJKXM/TXPh0BzyExI/AAAAAAAAEbc/7dcm4-h5U6Q/s1600/IMG_3489.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5RzAWKLJKXM/TXPh0BzyExI/AAAAAAAAEbc/7dcm4-h5U6Q/s320/IMG_3489.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581052647197250322" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Beach toes.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-96fuyORRaNc/TXPhIcZhjQI/AAAAAAAAEbU/6MKU0vAMuQQ/s1600/IMG_3497.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-96fuyORRaNc/TXPhIcZhjQI/AAAAAAAAEbU/6MKU0vAMuQQ/s320/IMG_3497.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581051898420628738" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Matthew loved the sand!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BO-h6QQO4Fs/TXPgzJlJoGI/AAAAAAAAEbM/d5uHq1LF90Y/s1600/IMG_3503.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BO-h6QQO4Fs/TXPgzJlJoGI/AAAAAAAAEbM/d5uHq1LF90Y/s320/IMG_3503.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581051532591865954" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">A quick smile without the soother. We were hoping the soother in the mouth would keep the sand out!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vX_39THEw0M/TXPgkXzLpUI/AAAAAAAAEbE/ERLqPtD5GkM/s1600/IMG_3507.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vX_39THEw0M/TXPgkXzLpUI/AAAAAAAAEbE/ERLqPtD5GkM/s320/IMG_3507.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581051278710777154" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Joshua dug a hole for Matthew to hang out in :)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_cTM0wcI0Pc/TXPftL0SDxI/AAAAAAAAEa8/p8OQj9BGiyY/s1600/IMG_3509.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_cTM0wcI0Pc/TXPftL0SDxI/AAAAAAAAEa8/p8OQj9BGiyY/s320/IMG_3509.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581050330601361170" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I think he likes it!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RL1Tyew_ySI/TXPe9LOZUXI/AAAAAAAAEa0/2Pk_7Orrn88/s1600/IMG_3521.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RL1Tyew_ySI/TXPe9LOZUXI/AAAAAAAAEa0/2Pk_7Orrn88/s320/IMG_3521.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581049505808732530" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Megan & Daddy playing football - check out that blue sky!</div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736786988175703793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997861839274305944.post-79657985422879063422011-03-04T10:46:00.000-08:002011-03-06T11:14:36.305-08:00Leaving on a Jet Plane.....<div style="text-align: center;">What a day! Our wake up call went off at 5:30 and I'm not sure anyone got much sleep. With all the coughing, sneezing and blowing noses... the cold/flu bug seems to have caught us. Joshua & I are the worst as Sarah came down with it a couple days before we left.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We got down to get our breakfast and then back to our hotel room to get all our things together and down to catch our shuttle to the airport. We got to the airport around 7:30. We checked in. All our luggage got on and we made our way to our gate. We flew from Edmonton to Vancouver. Joshua thought the views were amazing!! He would look out his window and keep saying, "This is so cool!" :) Matthew had other thoughts, like "GET ME OFF THIS PLANE" - He cried pretty much the whole way - stressed me out, but everyone around us was very gracious! On the decent all the kids had sore ears with these nasty colds. The flight attendant gave them warm clothes to hold over their ears. Not sure if it helped too much, but it was a bit of a distraction. After landing in Vancouver, we had a few hours before the next flight. We wandered, Joshua tried to sleep... it was pretty exhausting. No one was feeling well, and we were beginning to think, turning around and heading back NORTH was more appealing.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We pressed onward and caught the flight to LA. Matthew did better - but screamed on the decent again, poor boy, he was NOT happy!</div><div style="text-align: center;">We picked up our luggage, caught another shuttle to the car rental and David stood in line and got us a sweet ride! :)</div><div style="text-align: center;">We drove to Anaheim and got to our hotel room. We made it! The warm breeze felt marvelous, but honestly the only thing everyone wanted at this point was....</div><div style="text-align: center;">sleep!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b9-y2QwJ19E/TXPX3BrOTNI/AAAAAAAAEak/q-gVAuTH5Ek/s1600/IMG_3411.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b9-y2QwJ19E/TXPX3BrOTNI/AAAAAAAAEak/q-gVAuTH5Ek/s320/IMG_3411.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581041703584681170" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">At the airport, all loaded up, ready for ... achooo!.... a new adventure.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-is5C57uJiGw/TXPXlWXpLwI/AAAAAAAAEac/koPIk6I-9uE/s1600/IMG_3418.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-is5C57uJiGw/TXPXlWXpLwI/AAAAAAAAEac/koPIk6I-9uE/s320/IMG_3418.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581041399902056194" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WWaJrd4bB-w/TXPY7aBKi5I/AAAAAAAAEas/r1UleluKDZI/s1600/IMG_3419.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WWaJrd4bB-w/TXPY7aBKi5I/AAAAAAAAEas/r1UleluKDZI/s320/IMG_3419.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581042878350265234" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 253px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Kids watched our plane come in... last time we'll snow for a bit :)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Let the thawing out begin!</div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736786988175703793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997861839274305944.post-87542575173493154922011-03-03T20:17:00.001-08:002011-03-03T20:20:01.209-08:00Day One - Let the Adventures Begin... again :)<div style="text-align: center;">Just a quick note to say we're back on the road for a 2 week adventure! This time we're flying which is a first for us with the kids and they are very excited about that part! Unfortunately everyone has come down with a bug & fevers.. oh boy! We've made it to Edmonton, and will get a 5:30am wake up call to get our things together, catch the shuttle and head to the airport. PRAYING that we're all feeling better come morning time.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We'll touch down in LA tomorrow evening.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And then....</div><div style="text-align: center;">we'll THAW OUT! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Ahhhh.</div><div style="text-align: center;">✷</div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736786988175703793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997861839274305944.post-15476091928463193952010-05-26T18:46:00.000-07:002010-05-26T19:04:49.669-07:00Day 57 - Goodbyes are never easy.<div><div style="text-align: center;">Today was pretty gloomy here although the sun poured out heat and the kids & their friends lived in the pool all day long! David & I puttered away at the packing all the while feeling that little tug of not wanting to leave and not wanting to say goodbye to our sunny Arizona.</div><div style="text-align: center;">HOWEVER- we did have a little birthday celebration for our sweet Sarah.</div><div style="text-align: center;">HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARAH!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">So hard to believe she is already nine years old!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_3R2JEzRtI/AAAAAAAAEK4/NvG-nOR54qk/s1600/IMG_0219.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_3R2JEzRtI/AAAAAAAAEK4/NvG-nOR54qk/s320/IMG_0219.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475763450031589074" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sarah could hardly wait to dig into those presents :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_3Radt9xVI/AAAAAAAAEKw/RW_LQOge27w/s1600/IMG_0226.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_3Radt9xVI/AAAAAAAAEKw/RW_LQOge27w/s320/IMG_0226.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475762974536615250" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center; ">Great Excitment - and someone pointed out to us that the plant in the background just adds to that excitment! ☺</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_3Radt9xVI/AAAAAAAAEKw/RW_LQOge27w/s1600/IMG_0226.JPG"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_3Q7HBGOYI/AAAAAAAAEKo/ezjQ2pgMirc/s1600/IMG_0241.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_3Q7HBGOYI/AAAAAAAAEKo/ezjQ2pgMirc/s320/IMG_0241.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475762435866900866" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Daddy was a little prickly on the face, so she opted for the head smooch! :)</div><div style="text-align: center;">♥</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_3Q7HBGOYI/AAAAAAAAEKo/ezjQ2pgMirc/s1600/IMG_0241.JPG"></a>We were at the urologist this afternoon and it looks like the stone has settled a bit, but could reactivate at any time. Not very reassuraing for a 30+ hour drive home, but we figure we can't wait here forever. David needs to get to Alberta and see a doctor who will take another scan and see where the stone is and then will make a decision as to what the next step will be. At this point our goal is to make it back to Alberta without the stone moving. The urologist did give David a prescription for some stronger pain medication to take as soon as he feels the pain come on so that is a little reassuring (although then he can't drive so we're in another prediciment - but we'll cross that bridge if that should happen - one thing at a time! ☺). He's been feeling pretty good the last few days, so we'll see.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The kids continued to play in the pool for the afternoon/early evening while we packed up, loaded up and hooked up the trailer.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's 7pm and we're *ready* to go. (No one is really<i> ready </i>but we knew the time was coming)</div><div style="text-align: center;">We'll make a stop at Walmart to pick up the prescription and then begin our during back. Not sure how far we'll get, but we'll try to update as we find internet along the way.</div><div style="text-align: center;">As this adventure ends, we know it's the beginning of another!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Pray for safety in our travels, good health, easy access to find & see a doctor for David & of course finding a suitable home as quickly as possible.</div><div style="text-align: center;">God is faithful. We are truly blessed!</div><div style="text-align: center;">☀</div></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736786988175703793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997861839274305944.post-64041739659915315232010-05-25T20:57:00.000-07:002010-05-25T22:36:26.532-07:00Day 56 - Packing Up & Preparing for our Goodbye :( ... and a little Birthday Celebrating!<div>Everyone was pretty heavy hearted today knowing it was {for sure this time} our last day in our Havasu house. We were just saying today that over this past year we've been in Arizona more than anywhere else... I guess that's why it feels like home. ☺</div><div style="text-align: center;">After "morning math", we started to get all packed up. *sigh*</div><div style="text-align: center;">Megan & I left the gang and got some much needed haircuts! The hairdresser was so nice and actually pregnant and due the day before me! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_yevaXIchI/AAAAAAAAEJg/cdmkib4pYOs/s320/DSCN4183.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475425784343065106" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That is actually the FRONT of Megan :) See what I mean? - she needed a haircut! ☺</div><div style="text-align: center;">Once we got back and had a bite for lunch, Sarah & Daddy went on a birthday date to Starbucks. She was pretty excited about this!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_yorDzAF3I/AAAAAAAAEJw/gBlGY55J_30/s1600/DSCN4184.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_yorDzAF3I/AAAAAAAAEJw/gBlGY55J_30/s320/DSCN4184.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475436704682743666" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And yes... she drank that WHOLE thing. David said the lady held up a small cup and asked her if that was a good size, to which Sarah responded, I'd like the large one! :) Once they got back home the kids spent the afternoon playing with Emily, basketball and then went in the pool for a few hours!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_yoRq4IQNI/AAAAAAAAEJo/Is-668OjmrE/s1600/DSCN4187.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_yoRq4IQNI/AAAAAAAAEJo/Is-668OjmrE/s320/DSCN4187.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475436268496634066" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tyipcally the kids get to pick their birthday dinner {Sarah's this year was ham}, but seeing as we'll be traveling for her birthday we let her pick what restuarant she wanted to go to tonight. She wanted Chinese Food, but wanted to eat at home. So off David & I went to pick up some supper and a birthday cake! Emily was over for the afternoon and stayed for Sarah's birthday dinner. After dinner {and very full bellies} we went for an evening walk {or waddle, depending who we're talking about ☺}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_yw9ESAsOI/AAAAAAAAEKg/pIFWLD1e8jM/s1600/IMG_0201.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_yw9ESAsOI/AAAAAAAAEKg/pIFWLD1e8jM/s320/IMG_0201.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475445810143473890" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 250px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_yw9ESAsOI/AAAAAAAAEKg/pIFWLD1e8jM/s1600/IMG_0201.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_yv5Nivm-I/AAAAAAAAEKY/NfR3InSCtmY/s1600/IMG_0206.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_yv5Nivm-I/AAAAAAAAEKY/NfR3InSCtmY/s320/IMG_0206.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475444644398472162" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 310px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_yv5Nivm-I/AAAAAAAAEKY/NfR3InSCtmY/s1600/IMG_0206.JPG"></a>Cake time! A Butterfinger DQ Log... YUM.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It was now nearing 9pm and the kids all wanted to go for an evening swim/hot tub. So they spent the next hour enjoying their last night together. They're going to miss Emily!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_yvsrKlQuI/AAAAAAAAEKQ/61CfM-n4Gvs/s1600/IMG_0211.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_yvsrKlQuI/AAAAAAAAEKQ/61CfM-n4Gvs/s320/IMG_0211.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475444429011895010" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_yuHZaQtbI/AAAAAAAAEKI/aBXypXR8I6g/s1600/IMG_0215.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_yuHZaQtbI/AAAAAAAAEKI/aBXypXR8I6g/s320/IMG_0215.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475442689079031218" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_ytqPlM1wI/AAAAAAAAEKA/nnVFtRVsKxQ/s1600/IMG_0216.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_ytqPlM1wI/AAAAAAAAEKA/nnVFtRVsKxQ/s320/IMG_0216.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475442188224354050" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_ytPWNeVkI/AAAAAAAAEJ4/yjbAyv5MjLI/s1600/IMG_0218.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_ytPWNeVkI/AAAAAAAAEJ4/yjbAyv5MjLI/s320/IMG_0218.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475441726147417666" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We had a good day!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Also wanted to say thank-you to everyone for your prayers for David. We still haven't seen this stone that is traveling through his body! We go and see the urologist tomorrow afternoon and hopefully we'll get some direction as to where we go from here.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Goodnight,</div><div style="text-align: center;">☀</div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736786988175703793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997861839274305944.post-45628185828883307672010-05-24T16:22:00.000-07:002010-05-25T20:57:17.575-07:00Day 55 - Hanging out in Havasu<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center; ">Today was a good day for David. He went for his morning walk to see if he could bring on any pain and had a bit of discomfort that seemed to subside fairly quickly. Strange how he tries to bring on the pain, but he's thinking pain might be movement therefore pain is good!?</div><div style="text-align: center; ">We went out to IHOP for brunch and have come to the conclusion that US food portions are much, MUCH larger than ours in Canada. It's either that or we just don't eat out very often and have forgotten how much food they give you at restaurants - WAY more than you need!</div><div style="text-align: center; ">We got word that the rental we're in is being rented out Thursday so we have until Wednesday afternoon which had us doing a bit of packing this afternoon. Kids played outside most of the day/afternoon with the neighbor kids.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">We put our feet up for a family movie night and then worked our way to bed.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_xeZEOAOOI/AAAAAAAAEJQ/WBLKWrWtXh0/s1600/DSCN4180.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_xeZEOAOOI/AAAAAAAAEJQ/WBLKWrWtXh0/s320/DSCN4180.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475355031697897698" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The goofy gang acting silly at IHOP as we waited for our food. </div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736786988175703793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997861839274305944.post-83822936899666820822010-05-23T20:32:00.000-07:002010-05-23T21:47:21.392-07:00Day 54 - A rough night<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center; ">David has been off the painkillers trying to see if he can manage without (and therefore able to drive), but he was pretty uncomfortable throughout the night and he was hurting most of the day. This stone seems to really enjoy it in there as it seems to be taking it's time to slowly, painfully make its way down! Megan & I went out and bought tons of fluids and fruits to try and flush it out, and although his pain levels have increased there's still nothing to show for it.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">The pain subsided a bit late afternoon (he did take the painkillers again this morning) so we decided to go check out the local old fashioned ice-cream & soda pop shop. Very cute! The kids were delighted to pick out an ice cream treat {as was I, let's be honest!} and David had an old fashioned cherry soda float (more fluids!!). It was nice to get out even for the 1/2 hr and give David something to look at other than his pillow or the hot tub! We feel so badly for him, it's such an unbearable process!</div><div style="text-align: center; ">We knew we couldn't go out for dinner with David in this condition so we ordered in from the locals favorite restaurant, Angelina's. It was good, but we ordered way too much food, so we'll enjoy it for lunch tomorrow :)</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Kids played with Emily again for most of the day - they're going to be basketball pros at the end of this trip!</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_n33JrAwuI/AAAAAAAAEIQ/9eLRJiW9GtA/s1600/DSCN4171.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_n33JrAwuI/AAAAAAAAEIQ/9eLRJiW9GtA/s320/DSCN4171.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474679348906738402" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">What do you do with all this fruit?....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_n3kIP09-I/AAAAAAAAEII/iyDVXu7zbNE/s1600/DSCN4173.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_n3kIP09-I/AAAAAAAAEII/iyDVXu7zbNE/s320/DSCN4173.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474679022106769378" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">You make a delicious fruit salad!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_n3OUIuwrI/AAAAAAAAEIA/eylP04r8s6s/s1600/DSCN4174.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 261px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_n3OUIuwrI/AAAAAAAAEIA/eylP04r8s6s/s320/DSCN4174.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474678647341105842" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I loved the little message on the chalkboard...</div><div style="text-align: center;">"ice-cream makes you pretty"</div><div style="text-align: center;">☺</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_n24JJQ3MI/AAAAAAAAEH4/ZZ16aLNmNtU/s1600/DSCN4175.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_n24JJQ3MI/AAAAAAAAEH4/ZZ16aLNmNtU/s320/DSCN4175.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474678266433428674" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sarah enjoyed an orange, hand-mixed "old-fashioned Phosphates" - which is soda-pop!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_n2fsZTZwI/AAAAAAAAEHw/nDdZGV2mGpI/s1600/DSCN4177.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_n2fsZTZwI/AAAAAAAAEHw/nDdZGV2mGpI/s320/DSCN4177.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474677846399215362" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was a darling little shop with pink & brown striped walls. Megan enjoyed a double-scoop ice cream cone down to the last drip!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_n2J-UiUBI/AAAAAAAAEHo/7NdbsS7NPe4/s1600/DSCN4178.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 265px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_n2J-UiUBI/AAAAAAAAEHo/7NdbsS7NPe4/s320/DSCN4178.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474677473253937170" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Megan has always wanted to try a Cannoli so when I saw these on the menu at Angelina's I knew we HAD to order a couple! :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_n1o3Pq1uI/AAAAAAAAEHg/6thwWTtMO68/s1600/DSCN4179.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_n1o3Pq1uI/AAAAAAAAEHg/6thwWTtMO68/s320/DSCN4179.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474676904418793186" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Joshua's dessert pick was 7 layered chocolate cake. </div><div style="text-align: center;">No, he didn't eat it all ☺</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736786988175703793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997861839274305944.post-1140781368071446192010-05-22T20:29:00.001-07:002010-05-22T21:42:20.085-07:00Day 53 - More waiting.....<div style="text-align: center;">David slept really well last night which was great. We're still trying to organize everything with the insurance company and make sure we've got everything in place to head home. The major decision now is if we head back to Canada prior to this kidney stone showing itself or not. We've done lots of reading online and it seems these stones can hang around for awhile. David tried lots of walking, even a number of laps in the pool to get the discomfort levels back up (which worked) but then it fizzles out again once he's not active. So now he's thinking perhaps he should lay low in order to drive home & then finish dealing with it all once we're back in Alberta. Hmmmm. Decisions. </div><div style="text-align: center;">It was a nice day though and if you have to be "stuck" somewhere, we'd choose here! :) Megan took some time this afternoon and baked some cookies (she wanted to make cookies with Smarties to share with friends as they don't have Smarties here). Emily came over for the afternoon again and the kids had loads of fun playing together in the pool. David was feeling up to going out for dinner tonight (and our insurance covers meals right now) so we enjoyed a family dinner out at Red Robin's tonight. It was a real treat and I wish I had taken my camera to capture Joshua's face when his Oreo Milkshake arrived to the table. YUM! </div><div style="text-align: center;">We got home fully stuffed, kids quickly had an evening basketball game with Emily & her brother and then it was time for bed.</div><div style="text-align: center;">☀</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hoping to see a Kidney Stone tomorrow!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank-you for your prayers.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_ijZZg35uI/AAAAAAAAEHQ/ql5jfigRhJk/s1600/DSCN4168.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_ijZZg35uI/AAAAAAAAEHQ/ql5jfigRhJk/s320/DSCN4168.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474305003809662690" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mmmm, Megan you make gooooood cookies!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_ihfcQPCTI/AAAAAAAAEHI/G9D7g6Hhn1A/s1600/DSCN4169.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_ihfcQPCTI/AAAAAAAAEHI/G9D7g6Hhn1A/s320/DSCN4169.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474302908601141554" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736786988175703793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997861839274305944.post-26315348789889193482010-05-21T17:08:00.000-07:002010-05-22T17:52:54.813-07:00Day 52 - a day of waiting.<div style="text-align: center;">David slept on the couch as he struggled to find a comfortable position. He did sleep off and on though and felt the pain medication was helping. He was still uncomfortable, but nothing like the excruciating pain he was experiencing yesterday! The kids did their math and that's it. I have packed up all their school stuff and only left their math out so they were done "school" very quickly. Kids are out of school for the year here in Havasu so they were happy to hang out and play with Emily most of the day. She came over for an afternoon swim in the pool and even stayed for dinner.</div><div style="text-align: center;">David took walks and tried to get things moving as we await the arrival of this kidney stone! Nothing. He was even starting to feel a lot better which we weren't sure was a good or bad sign. Does that mean it's snuggling in somewhere and no longer moving?? It's a wait and see sort of thing.....</div><div style="text-align: center;">Makes me think of labor... all that walking around trying to get things moving! LOL </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_h65GOKrAI/AAAAAAAAEHA/R1ZDYHksNw4/s1600/DSCN4161.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_h65GOKrAI/AAAAAAAAEHA/R1ZDYHksNw4/s320/DSCN4161.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474260468410002434" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_h65GOKrAI/AAAAAAAAEHA/R1ZDYHksNw4/s1600/DSCN4161.JPG"></a>Going in for a dive off the highest level!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_h4j5xhqOI/AAAAAAAAEG4/YYmQDZ7BG2c/s1600/DSCN4163.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_h4j5xhqOI/AAAAAAAAEG4/YYmQDZ7BG2c/s320/DSCN4163.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474257905268140258" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_h4j5xhqOI/AAAAAAAAEG4/YYmQDZ7BG2c/s1600/DSCN4163.JPG"></a>Missing his pool....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_h23TouWmI/AAAAAAAAEGw/othl1VtYPsI/s1600/DSCN4164.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_h23TouWmI/AAAAAAAAEGw/othl1VtYPsI/s320/DSCN4164.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474256039604804194" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dinner with friends after a day of swimming :)</div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736786988175703793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997861839274305944.post-56875494756015880762010-05-20T08:59:00.000-07:002010-05-21T09:56:09.995-07:00Day 51 - The Unexpected<div style="text-align: center;">We started the day with delicious chocolate chip belgian waffles, complete with fresh strawberries and {hand-whipped} cream out on the deck in the warm sunshine. We made our plan of attack for the day to get packed up and ready to go. </div><div style="text-align: center;">As the work began though, David started experiencing excruciating pain. He took some medication and carried on thinking it would pass. It didn't. It worsened to the point that he was unable to do anything and I knew I had to get him to the emergency. It looked to be up in his kidney, and we suspected a kidney stone, though he's never had one before. He just knew it wasn't muscle or bone. The staff at Havasu Hospital were wonderful and even though 4 ambulances had just come in he got in rather quickly. The pain would come and go much like contractions - he can't believe we women go through that kind of pain! He'd be okay for a wee bit and then the pain would come on so terribly strong. He was hooked up to an IV with fluids and pain medication. They say kidney stones are the second most painful thing to child birth and I believe it! After a lot of blood work and a CT scan it was confirmed that he had a high kidney stone. He stayed in the hospital all day and then by about 7pm they gave him the choice to stay or come home with pain medication. He decided to come home, but I'm not sure he was happy with that choice when the pain came on and he didn't have it directly in his IV. Megan was such a blessing holding down the fort while I was with David, keeping the kids busy, fed and working in the house as we didn't know if we'd have to move to a hotel or what was going to happen. The owners of the vacation home were wonderful and have allowed us to stay until David is feeling better. We will be staying until the stone passes, he is off his meds, has seen the urologist and feeling up to a 30 hour road trip! They say it can take from 2-7 days so we are praying that it is on the lower end of that scale. We would certainly appreciate your prayers. We are thanking the Lord for his watchful care over us as we were planning on leaving yesterday and could have been in the middle of the desert when this began. </div><div style="text-align: center;">So... the adventure continues for a little longer -- </div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736786988175703793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997861839274305944.post-86155411157364866142010-05-19T17:53:00.000-07:002010-05-19T22:19:47.994-07:00Day 50 - hot, hot, hot<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sarah was able to get a bit more schoolwork done today thanks to a half a teaspoon of Dimetapp!</div><div style="text-align: center;"> ☺ </div><div style="text-align: center;">With only a couple days left in Havasu, school has been pared down to the minimal. A bit of language and some math and we're good to go. We can catch up when we're back in McMurray. Actually the kids are nearly all done their school for this year so it's really nice to be able to do less these days.</div><div style="text-align: center;">After lunch Megan and I went out to do a little shopping while the others played outside and in the pool. We hit 37+ today and I think we're due to see 40C tomorrow so it is hot. Feels awesome, we are loving the heat!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Kids spent all afternoon outside, playing with friends and in the pool. Everyone came in when they were hungry for leftover supper and then back out. It really is amazing to have such consistent weather. Something we've never experienced other than here and never tire of! David and I did a number of laps walking our "loop" while the kids played basketball next door. Hard to think that was more than likely our last sunset walk, we're feeling pretty glum with having to leave a place that feels so much like home to us.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Kids were called in as the sun went down and the streets were dark and headed out back for an evening hot-tub & swim. </div><div style="text-align: center;">One more day.... </div><div style="text-align: center;">☀</div><div style="text-align: center; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_S4T8uTK9I/AAAAAAAAEGo/9RI5SOb1eMU/s1600/DSCN4121.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_S4T8uTK9I/AAAAAAAAEGo/9RI5SOb1eMU/s320/DSCN4121.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473202100019342290" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; ">Cheesy grin Sarah enjoying an afternoon swim.</div><div style="text-align: center; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_S3_Z9dcZI/AAAAAAAAEGg/lhuHjJvwtxQ/s1600/DSCN4123.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_S3_Z9dcZI/AAAAAAAAEGg/lhuHjJvwtxQ/s320/DSCN4123.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473201747090305426" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; ">The new game - Jackpot!</div><div style="text-align: center; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_S178HBANI/AAAAAAAAEGY/q3nWuq8EJPQ/s1600/DSCN4125.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_S178HBANI/AAAAAAAAEGY/q3nWuq8EJPQ/s320/DSCN4125.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473199488514457810" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; ">Although it's after 5pm and the chairs are in the shade, this is usually David & my sunny spot to sit, chat & sip cold drinks!</div><div style="text-align: center; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_S1e_pH-aI/AAAAAAAAEGQ/uBl_ST2HP6I/s1600/DSCN4126.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_S1e_pH-aI/AAAAAAAAEGQ/uBl_ST2HP6I/s320/DSCN4126.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473198991246621090" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; ">A random photo on our walk. I get a kick out of the "fence" built with cinder blocks and old logs.</div><div style="text-align: center; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_S03f1GMMI/AAAAAAAAEGI/H_QnDsRLSS4/s1600/DSCN4128.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_S03f1GMMI/AAAAAAAAEGI/H_QnDsRLSS4/s320/DSCN4128.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473198312692003010" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 186px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; ">Typically where we find the kids - across the street playing basketball with Emily.</div><div style="text-align: center; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_S0eqGom2I/AAAAAAAAEGA/kJHq9gLnYWU/s1600/DSCN4144.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_S0eqGom2I/AAAAAAAAEGA/kJHq9gLnYWU/s320/DSCN4144.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473197885953186658" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; ">The man cave.... ahhhhhhhh.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_S0IwZoqMI/AAAAAAAAEF4/h8GX7riPRQo/s1600/DSCN4133.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_S0IwZoqMI/AAAAAAAAEF4/h8GX7riPRQo/s320/DSCN4133.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473197509686372546" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another fabulous evening swim.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cheers to a great day!</div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736786988175703793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997861839274305944.post-38185131347072183262010-05-18T17:10:00.000-07:002010-05-19T17:52:46.238-07:00Day 49 - Family Movie Night<div style="text-align: center;">Sarah seems to be sniffling & sneezing today and we're hoping it doesn't become anything for our long journey home. School went well, but Sarah had a shorter day with not feeling great. Once school was done and lunch munched down, David took Megan & Joshua out quadding for the afternoon. Sarah laid down for a rest and I actually had some quiet time to put my feet up and relax - it was lovely!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center; ">Kids played outside while dinner was being cooked and then we ate supper and watched the Duggars. The sun began to set so we went out for a nice family walk before coming back for our family movie night. Everyone was sleepy after the movie ended, but Joshua had his heart set on an evening swim so while the girls got ready for bed, he and David went out for awhile and swam under the stars!</div><div style="text-align: center; ">We've extended our stay here for a couple of days, so that's a treat. We pull out Friday instead of tomorrow. We'll have to soon start to think ab0ut packing....</div><div style="text-align: center; ">not today though.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">☺</div><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/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_SDZVd_rcI/AAAAAAAAEFg/NbH_JdAVSO0/s320/DSCN4115.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473143918444916162" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Megan took a couple pics of Josh at their favorite quad spot.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_SHJIdG5zI/AAAAAAAAEFw/-cDwSnt_dfc/s1600/DSCN4114.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_SHJIdG5zI/AAAAAAAAEFw/-cDwSnt_dfc/s320/DSCN4114.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473148038120138546" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736786988175703793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997861839274305944.post-80044080704646148392010-05-17T20:02:00.000-07:002010-05-17T22:29:28.955-07:00Day 48 - School & hanging at home kinda day....<div style="text-align: center;">Monday morning. David was out for his early bike ride and after such a late night the kids all slept in... even Sarah slept until 9am!! I can't remember the last time she did that. School was a later start and Sarah even hung out in her PJs a little longer :) We worked until about lunch time and then splashed in the pool and hung out at the house. David BBQ'd for dinner, we went for a family walk and then Daddy made drinks as Sarah wanted to have a dip in the hot tub before bed. Joshua then went for an evening swim while we were out on the deck. A nice quiet day ---</div><div style="text-align: center;">✪</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_IG9fP4SDI/AAAAAAAAEFY/qemnz420ffA/s1600/DSCN4092.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/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_IG9fP4SDI/AAAAAAAAEFY/qemnz420ffA/s320/DSCN4092.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472444150638463026" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">School time.... </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_IGoJ0cPWI/AAAAAAAAEFQ/oAIRgN4it_Q/s1600/DSCN4094.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/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_IGoJ0cPWI/AAAAAAAAEFQ/oAIRgN4it_Q/s320/DSCN4094.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472443784108981602" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Megan's favorite spot for Silent Reading... she's going to miss her hammock!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_IF6gyNE6I/AAAAAAAAEFI/2-eUzQkEFxA/s1600/DSCN4095.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/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_IF6gyNE6I/AAAAAAAAEFI/2-eUzQkEFxA/s320/DSCN4095.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472442999999632290" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Afternoon pool time!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_IFj-ZMBTI/AAAAAAAAEFA/Mu3g2mxAXvk/s1600/DSCN4098.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/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_IFj-ZMBTI/AAAAAAAAEFA/Mu3g2mxAXvk/s320/DSCN4098.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472442612810777906" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Some K'Nex building time with Dad!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_IFMmPBLRI/AAAAAAAAEE4/CzEqAg8UGs0/s1600/DSCN4104.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/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_IFMmPBLRI/AAAAAAAAEE4/CzEqAg8UGs0/s320/DSCN4104.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472442211188682002" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I thought this was so cute. When Sarah knew Mike, Leslie & Isabella were coming over she made this poster and taped it to the garage door.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_IEj-hTf5I/AAAAAAAAEEw/rU-jK9fuATI/s1600/DSCN4108.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/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_IEj-hTf5I/AAAAAAAAEEw/rU-jK9fuATI/s320/DSCN4108.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472441513333194642" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The bump continues to groooooooooow!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_IEPpOzUDI/AAAAAAAAEEo/76sOqZXfpbA/s1600/DSCN4112.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/_gdjTeT5SPvk/S_IEPpOzUDI/AAAAAAAAEEo/76sOqZXfpbA/s320/DSCN4112.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472441164021059634" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">A little orange julius this evening by the hot tub.</div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736786988175703793noreply@blogger.com2