tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61868753240478769392024-03-12T17:58:05.090-07:00Jenerator's JourneysJennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14091150784619987006noreply@blogger.comBlogger159125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6186875324047876939.post-2569391581879027552013-08-06T20:56:00.001-07:002013-08-06T20:59:01.727-07:00Carpinteria 2013<blockquote></blockquote> <p><font face="arial">Despite my efforts to skip this summer adventure this year, the twins persisted and we spent a few days at the Kent family reunion.  This gathering is only held every other year due to the distance that people have moved over time.  We had family in attendance from Minnesota, Washington, Utah and Arizona.  Early in the week they had up to 60 people camping and eating as a group.  By the time we arrived on Wednesday, the group had dropped by about 15 people and by Friday there was around 40.  <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AtbJrC_wSFw/UgHErCROj_I/AAAAAAAAB88/kf4_sfdxZ44/s1600-h/IMG_3031%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3031" border="0" alt="IMG_3031" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xfM37hXcV_I/UgHEsXvkREI/AAAAAAAAB9E/UNQkNn8IOf4/IMG_3031_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="240" /></a></font></p> <p><font face="arial">Due to lack of time off and financial constraints, Harley and I both worked up until Wednesday.  We picked Adam and Luke up on the way out of town and arrived in Carpinteria around 8:00.  The kids were so excited to see everyone that we went directly to the campsites. After visiting for a hour or so, we checked into Motel 6 for just one night.  I convinced myself that it would be too hard to get everyone and everything set up after dark.  But honestly Motel 6 was no real treat.  It was barely a step up from camping.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TTjnpZsN3Kc/UgHEt751UcI/AAAAAAAAB9M/M2PPFIz4gdU/s1600-h/IMG_3030%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3030" border="0" alt="IMG_3030" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pHCURISahPw/UgHEv4aALwI/AAAAAAAAB9U/I3iqbijYwyU/IMG_3030_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="270" /></a>The following morning we had breakfast at IHOP.  The kids love eating breakfast in a restaurant.  Emma tried eggs, hashbrowns, and pancakes.   She is getting to the point were she wants to eat just about everything we eat.  Its fun to watch her.  </font></p> <p><font face="arial">The next two nights we camped in a tent and didn’t sleep to great either night.  Emma was restless and I was constantly worried she was going to start crying and wake everyone camping around us. She mainly slept on the air mattress with Harley and I. <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1P6Jl2HA2ds/UgHExxhNEhI/AAAAAAAAB9c/P46VFowyAKE/s1600-h/IMG_3028%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3028" border="0" alt="IMG_3028" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JTnmjKVSt4c/UgHEzUmlBEI/AAAAAAAAB9k/AB7jzSjslPE/IMG_3028_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240" /></a> </font></p> <p><font face="Arial">Highlights of the trip included the beach, the candy store, and Foster’s Freeze.  </font></p> <p><font face="Arial">All the kids loved the beach.   I don’t care for the salt water and the sand but they don’t seem to mind.  Emma ate a little sand but mostly just wanted to play with it and throw it.  </font></p> <p><font face="Arial"></font></p> <p><font face="Arial"></font></p> <p><font face="Arial"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fvrHymOa1Fk/UgHE1DaO_CI/AAAAAAAAB9s/9-CfJrt86u0/s1600-h/IMG_3016%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3016" border="0" alt="IMG_3016" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_yArQxExemU/UgHE2VLzNaI/AAAAAAAAB90/qUG8m3n6ZDk/IMG_3016_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wewFlVxulms/UgHE37wTBLI/AAAAAAAAB98/740m_yhs7Qk/s1600-h/IMG_3018%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3018" border="0" alt="IMG_3018" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-za-WHXSBCQE/UgHE43sJ-OI/AAAAAAAAB-E/8hYMgDr_JHE/IMG_3018_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="179" height="240" /></a> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ocu1TOZLd_E/UgHE5_4zumI/AAAAAAAAB-M/7TZNzdnmxuo/s1600-h/IMG_3022%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3022" border="0" alt="IMG_3022" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sPGwx7psEME/UgHE7fBCmlI/AAAAAAAAB-U/A3n3_XZnjhM/IMG_3022_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dpiTMR6GyEM/UgHE8a4jT4I/AAAAAAAACCQ/hF0nVHPQkjo/s1600-h/IMG_3060%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3060" border="0" alt="IMG_3060" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_f2JurcRW6E/UgHE9bOGJkI/AAAAAAAACCY/G4iiR4hEod8/IMG_3060_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240" /></a>  </p> <p><font face="arial">Emma actually took a nice nap on the beach one day while the boys were busy playing in the ocean. The used the boogie boards some but preferred just jumping and swimming in the crashing waves. They also enjoyed catching sand crabs and seashells.</font></p> <p><font face="arial"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NwodBmchV3Q/UgHE-qo72hI/AAAAAAAAB-s/tSmoKzxPUWo/s1600-h/IMG_3061%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3061" border="0" alt="IMG_3061" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4Ak9iggzxxg/UgHE_ptKPSI/AAAAAAAAB-0/1JyS-yZ2Kcs/IMG_3061_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="240" /></a></font><font face="arial"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YF4yo1CXsyM/UgHFBJJix-I/AAAAAAAAB-8/BFJBkOwczWk/s1600-h/IMG_3068%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3068" border="0" alt="IMG_3068" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GDYJ6hR8mwc/UgHFCEoNS1I/AAAAAAAAB_E/mVdlI2hHgh0/IMG_3068_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="328" height="235" /></a>We took a walk on morning to the local candy shop which is another long time tradition.  We gave the boys each a dollar limit and they cooperated for the most part.  The both bought a  and thank goodness <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dAhtnybngos/UgHFDiGxbYI/AAAAAAAACB8/hu-IG-HHaao/s1600-h/IMG_3052%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3052" border="0" alt="IMG_3052" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6HmjphPryfA/UgHFElgEORI/AAAAAAAACCE/JLnzmgf0_Rw/IMG_3052_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="180" /></a> lost interest before it was ever completely eaten.   I got some Malt Balls and Harley chose some chocolate covered Honeycomb.  The best part for me was watching all the children walk to the store and interact with one another…. followed by the excitement in their eyes when they enter the candy shop.  <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MYKFpJkk1ug/UgHFGWBYQ1I/AAAAAAAAB_c/w4HwNp4KHsE/s1600-h/IMG_3047%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3047" border="0" alt="IMG_3047" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6coRq3ekNAw/UgHFHQLbZOI/AAAAAAAAB_k/KyqlcRtiA4w/IMG_3047_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="270" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-C6UXH1UVLfk/UgHFItBxTnI/AAAAAAAAB_s/KRlFtkt1ZZg/s1600-h/IMG_3054%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3054" border="0" alt="IMG_3054" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0ER57viSbyg/UgHFJRnALxI/AAAAAAAAB_0/1cEZUYcNJBA/IMG_3054_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oRFqeDqoufQ/UgHFKUpfVPI/AAAAAAAAB_8/8LfQ51R-W8U/s1600-h/IMG_3051%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3051" border="0" alt="IMG_3051" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_wDE7R8Y2Io/UgHFLrqTfJI/AAAAAAAACAE/YHz3Xc9mbAs/IMG_3051_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240" /></a> </font></p> <p><font face="Arial">Another highlight for the children is going out to ice cream at Foster’s Freeze.  Its much more expensive than Thrifty’s was when I was a child but that doesn’t exist anymore.  This picture makes them look so sweet but ti doesn’t tell the real story.  Before and after this, Adam and Luke were teaching Krew how to make fart noises with their armpits.  It was classic…..BOYS….!</font><font face="Arial"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sn5L8or7PuA/UgHFMyChkHI/AAAAAAAACAM/HCe4D9AIBUY/s1600-h/IMG_3070%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3070" border="0" alt="IMG_3070" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Vwrsffe_sIw/UgHFOHuF_9I/AAAAAAAACAU/KhPKliDsXwo/IMG_3070_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="270" /></a>The trip wouldn’t have been complete without a night out for the adults.  Michelle Hollis watched the boys while we went out to eat at The Palms.  Its a family owned steak house that we have been going to for years and years.  The catch is you have to cook your own meat which Harley thought was ridiculous.  I love it because its tradition and associated with so many great childhood memories.  </font></p> <p><font face="Arial">We had the opportunity to help cook a few meals while we were there.   We cooked pancakes and sausage for breakfast one morning and prepped all the ingredients for some yummy tin foil dinners.  The boys helped with the dishes one morning and were constantly helping with Emma so we could do our part.  <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DlsdnA2aWkA/UgHFPWK6jCI/AAAAAAAACAc/ZU7h-2Pu3R0/s1600-h/IMG_3037%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3037" border="0" alt="IMG_3037" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DEHe8kcEmh8/UgHFQdYtJTI/AAAAAAAACAk/7RjayesAU8E/IMG_3037_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="270" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QtHXFDjCWQY/UgHFRHFyDNI/AAAAAAAACAs/cAIs9Z6LarY/s1600-h/IMG_3042%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3042" border="0" alt="IMG_3042" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xtajEv10e10/UgHFSC_U_fI/AAAAAAAACA0/FkKJfpl9rb4/IMG_3042_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ihn8fXD9htk/UgHFS9UBRjI/AAAAAAAACA8/ex1RJxqhAFs/s1600-h/IMG_3046%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3046" border="0" alt="IMG_3046" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-F0Zb0zQysgs/UgHFT69JnXI/AAAAAAAACBE/6-ir5ipKmC8/IMG_3046_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240" /></a> </font></p> <p><font face="Arial">On the way home we made a few stops.  The first was at the Ventura Mission.  With he boys going into fourth grade this year, I thought it would be fun to give them a jump start on the <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qdia3mXh578/UgHFUqc3XbI/AAAAAAAACBM/3Oi9Y2FUfs8/s1600-h/IMG_3077%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3077" border="0" alt="IMG_3077" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nlxCIPyXMI8/UgHFVlpvFDI/AAAAAAAACBU/nW00NyBbB68/IMG_3077_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240" /></a>California mission curriculum.   But sadly they weren’t interested in the slightest bit.  I guessing that maybe next summer will be more appropriate once they have been educated a bit more about them.  </font></p> <p><font face="Arial">Last stop was a visit with the Spendlove’s in Santa Paula.  They are dear friends of Harley’s from his mission nearly twenty years ago.  He thoroughly enjoyed reconnecting with them.  </font><font face="Arial"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MW51KxmxpnI/UgHFWvCE_hI/AAAAAAAACBc/aJxwvDc45vs/s1600-h/IMG_3075%25255B5%25255D.jpg"></a><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3075" border="0" alt="IMG_3075" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ssZ8JwEtAoM/UgHFXpH1UJI/AAAAAAAACBk/O-eMaZHqETU/IMG_3075_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="240" /></font><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6NIQoj1z2Es/UgHFYxN7FEI/AAAAAAAACBs/iF8jTZsJUyQ/s1600-h/IMG_3079%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3079" border="0" alt="IMG_3079" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pg8o7xYRbYw/UgHFZlz52cI/AAAAAAAACB0/MkSboQeaoB4/IMG_3079_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="270" /></a>    </p> <p><font face="Arial"></font></p> Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14091150784619987006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6186875324047876939.post-3637445833446641942013-08-05T12:45:00.001-07:002013-08-05T12:45:25.369-07:00Summer Fun<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7Rs7KH6EBpA/UgAAZo_KUoI/AAAAAAAAB5U/lbj8SKg-OQI/s1600-h/IMG_30135.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3013" border="0" alt="IMG_3013" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IZgWt6e6pr8/UgAAay_dl8I/AAAAAAAAB5c/lyf1hvCeTww/IMG_3013_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="270" /></a> </p> <p><font face="Arial">After Adam and Luke finished Cub Scout Camp, we drove to San Diego for the weekend.  We hit horrible traffic in Los Angeles so we stopped for dinner at the Cheesecake Factory.  I had my favorite Thai Lettuce Wraps, Luke had a cheese pizza, and Harley and Adam shared a Shepard’s Pie.  We didn’t arrive in San Diego until almost 10:00.  Our hotel was the Town & County in Mission Valley.  I purchased it over Hotwire so we got a good deal but the beds were tiny!!  Or we have just gotten spoiled by our CAL King.  Saturday, June 15th we dropped the kids off at Don and Cara’s house while we attended my cousin Karleigh and Brandon’s temple sealing.   Following the sealing, we were able to stand as proxy for many of my ancestor’s sealings.  It was a very special experience for all of us.  That evening we attended the reception and visited with some of my extended family.  The twins were bored but cooperated nicely. <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-B1MrbA0RkeA/UgAAcI-Q25I/AAAAAAAAB5k/bCIQUXNhviQ/s1600-h/IMG_29575.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_2957" border="0" alt="IMG_2957" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cXKRGbJ5pYs/UgAAdJcJurI/AAAAAAAAB5s/8p9l7cDUKoM/IMG_2957_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="270" /></a>The following day we went to the San Diego Zoo.  It was a perfect day as far as the weather was concerned.  Emma did well in the stroller in the morning but by afternoon she wanted to be out seeing and doing.  Weighing 21 pounds, we took turns carrying her around.  All in all she was a happy little baby.  <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-y_X614Ga6nk/UgAAecdNmuI/AAAAAAAAB50/qF6xO2J5SXM/s1600-h/IMG_29794.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="IMG_2979" border="0" alt="IMG_2979" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rCOdbIi9jJw/UgAAfPo6GmI/AAAAAAAAB58/WFRlVZUbo7g/IMG_2979_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="180" /></a> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mrMy1GMHDCo/UgAAgd2okKI/AAAAAAAAB6E/B1dUwSzjAAE/s1600-h/IMG_2976%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2976" border="0" alt="IMG_2976" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HNbi3ZYlhag/UgAAhMh397I/AAAAAAAAB6M/8npyckkvaN0/IMG_2976_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="180" /></a></p> <p><font face="Arial">I think my favorite animals to see are always the pandas.   The boys couldn’t decide what their favorites were but I think Emma loved the Giraffes the </font><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XxPDVj7zVAI/UgAAiV8CNGI/AAAAAAAAB6U/ztnYSB3nHFc/s1600-h/IMG_2980%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font face="Arial"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2980" border="0" alt="IMG_2980" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MQUw3OjCDMA/UgAAjZXIYuI/AAAAAAAAB6c/TCXbACn-7Ao/IMG_2980_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="320" /></font></a><font face="Arial">most.  Most of  the family watched a 4D Ice Age movie until Emma lost the plot.   She didn’t seem to like the movement of the chairs and the air blowing in our face.   We bought a huge drink with refills and we couldn’t seem to keep it filled.  It proved to be an excellent investment for the day.  </font></p> <p><font face="Arial"></font></p> <p><font face="Arial"></font></p> <p><font face="Arial"></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QbZFQTpD4QU/UgAAkQVAg3I/AAAAAAAAB6k/KM3pfqK2qeM/s1600-h/IMG_2982%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font face="Arial"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2982" border="0" alt="IMG_2982" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-06eqYniOcHE/UgAAlM6RPCI/AAAAAAAAB6s/o9bpd8eB30k/IMG_2982_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240" /></font></a><font face="Arial"> </font><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jhYJSgVruIY/UgAAmCwxINI/AAAAAAAAB60/bVmd_bs7jK0/s1600-h/IMG_2989%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><font face="Arial"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2989" border="0" alt="IMG_2989" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EB99WIJicH4/UgAAnEJWyJI/AAAAAAAAB68/LfVvzQlXA6U/IMG_2989_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240" /></font></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Hs0V6gh7QiE/UgAAodBSngI/AAAAAAAAB7E/9WYhsHPbhl8/s1600-h/IMG_2984%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font face="Arial"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2984" border="0" alt="IMG_2984" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IteurbcS5K4/UgAApIKA3jI/AAAAAAAAB7M/BGsuJnGqONM/IMG_2984_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="240" /></font></a><font face="Arial">The zoo had a new section, at least one that I have never attended , that was particularly excited for our family…..the Australian Outback.  There was a rather large exhibit of koalas.   The kids had fun pretending to be koalas in the trees.  Its probably the closest we will all get to experiencing Australia all together for a number of years.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qRNDHrBP7Mo/UgAAqCOTH1I/AAAAAAAAB7U/ej-e67kN9WU/s1600-h/IMG_2990%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2990" border="0" alt="IMG_2990" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fADTCm_4uJM/UgAAq_agLAI/AAAAAAAAB7c/Pq8m_Wz5O68/IMG_2990_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5IeULMr9V8c/UgAAr8QyNFI/AAAAAAAAB7k/uJoLPi1hhbA/s1600-h/IMG_2991%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2991" border="0" alt="IMG_2991" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pJstyRxrFrU/UgAAsyPIQ9I/AAAAAAAAB7s/1CsVznVavbw/IMG_2991_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HvfY3dB8T98/UgAAt8fd6kI/AAAAAAAAB70/W_ZRKBdbVrQ/s1600-h/IMG_2994%25255B5%25255D.jpg"></a> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2994" border="0" alt="IMG_2994" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-N786CBSP1TM/UgAAvBUx4mI/AAAAAAAAB78/y4M_bl2sG4s/IMG_2994_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="270" /></p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-feedG244yCg/UgAAwd6aCjI/AAAAAAAAB8E/Pm5GlX-Qs1w/s1600-h/IMG_2997%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2997" border="0" alt="IMG_2997" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XeLJOA2ljuk/UgAAxbpJtFI/AAAAAAAAB8M/SXSBMqs7L4E/IMG_2997_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="270" /></a><font face="arial"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iUI_Qh9qoNA/UgAAyOr5VjI/AAAAAAAAB8U/vOCTAaxuG9U/s1600-h/IMG_3009%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3009" border="0" alt="IMG_3009" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TlzbhsxKzaA/UgAAzBD1ZdI/AAAAAAAAB8c/NenwyI-rau8/IMG_3009_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="318" height="241" /></a> Although after departing San Diego, we traveled to Los Angeles.  We stopped for dinner at another one of my favorites spots….Cafe Rio in Lake Forest.   The kids enjoyed it and were even more pleased with a Jack in the Box milkshake for dessert.   We stayed in a hotel near the airport for this night and woke early to head off to our day of appointments.  First stop was the Australian Consulate.  Harley renewed his passport and Emma got her first Aussie passport.  <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-50BRVLtlEXU/UgAAz8J4pYI/AAAAAAAAB8k/zIq5BPBbTYg/s1600-h/IMG_3107%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3107" border="0" alt="IMG_3107" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wABvl01Q5qI/UgAA0gIsgUI/AAAAAAAAB8s/TaD-m8IzWLk/IMG_3107_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="386" height="198" /></a>Sadly, the boys were disappointed that we weren’t able to get theirs. Then we drove through Hollywood to Kaiser where Adam attended an appointment with the pediatric urologist.  They seemed to have some new ideas which we hope we can implement to help Adam overcome his problem.  He seems encouraged by the doctor too. </font></p> <p><font face="Arial">It was a lovely weekend away with the family but it sure was great to get home and jump in the pool!!!</font></p> <p> </p> <p><font face="Arial"> </font></p> Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14091150784619987006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6186875324047876939.post-8023923794170441502013-06-10T15:07:00.000-07:002013-07-06T15:08:56.989-07:00Emma at 9 months<p> </p> <p><font face="Courier New">Emma brings so much joy into our home.  Harley refers to her as a happy little vegemite.  The month of May we spent a good deal of time traveling in the car. On one trip to San Diego, we only stopped once each direction to change her diaper.  She took her bottle in the car seat and slept the bulk of the way.  She is a trooper!  <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nMO5cWAXakk/UdiU-Vrb20I/AAAAAAAAB4c/RxFlDfiB0Pg/s1600-h/IMG_2945%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2945" border="0" alt="IMG_2945" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qtbLhp6lp7c/UdiU_XwxViI/AAAAAAAAB4k/30uyumiD6rU/IMG_2945_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="320" /></a> She decided this month that she prefers what we are eating and drinking as opposed to baby food.  She just pushes the spoon away if we try to sneak it by her.  She loves watermelon, cantaloupe, and bananas.   She tried a bit of Alaskan cod and wanted more!  She is crawling well and getting into everything.  If you leave the bathroom door open she goes straight for the toilet paper or toilet water.  She really has become more attached to her pacifier which I hope won’t be to our detriment. She has been teething like crazy.  She now has 8 teeth (4 top and 4 bottom).  Her hair is actually starting to <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FsRuS6THTfk/UdiVACovbFI/AAAAAAAAB4s/Y-gkQ5FuDls/s1600-h/IMG_2933%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2933" border="0" alt="IMG_2933" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-viG1qfbggFI/UdiVBFx39MI/AAAAAAAAB40/pH3KUpLkq5E/IMG_2933_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="320" /></a>grow more like she has a mohawk. She can light up a room with her smiles and laughter. Adam can make her laugh with just one look most of the time.  She claps her hand and likes to play peek-a-boo.  She likes to watch Baby Einstein and wants to follow the boys into their bedroom.  If they won’t let her she sits outside the door waiting for them.  She either gives up or starts crying which none of us can resist.  She’s even cute when she cries.   </font></p> <p><font face="Courier New">  <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iF92qvrueu4/UdiVB4dQ5-I/AAAAAAAAB48/7fjade9jVfY/s1600-h/IMG_2935%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2935" border="0" alt="IMG_2935" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MhTqgcVE-Pk/UdiVCjTXoWI/AAAAAAAAB5E/-h82JBpXLLg/IMG_2935_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="320" /></a></font></p> Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14091150784619987006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6186875324047876939.post-19199926232400575422013-06-09T13:41:00.001-07:002013-06-09T13:44:58.113-07:00First week of Summer Vacation 2013<p> </p> <p><font size="3" face="Arial">One of my biggest challenges during the year is summer vacation.   Luckily it is a time when we have Adam and Luke with us half time.   But trying to keep them productively busy and happy is always a hard task. We started off the time by making a list of things they would like to do at home and outside the home.   I was surprised by the length of the list and the thoughtful ideas they had.  We put together a calendar outlining the days they will be spending with us.   Then we began planning the first week.   Highlights of the week included:  going to see the movie Epic at the Wofford Heights theater, swimming and bowling with the Bunting children, a road trip to the Cat House Museum in Rosamond, and finally a trip with the entire family to the Trail of 100 Giants.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-R7ORCUwP0kw/UbTocdyup1I/AAAAAAAAByw/JI0lsLhWw6E/s1600-h/IMG_2904%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2904" border="0" alt="IMG_2904" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UfVaQ1Pq6fU/UbTodNVwCmI/AAAAAAAABy4/ObJhOTAM0YE/IMG_2904_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="270" /></a> The trip to the Cat House went relatively well.  Its about a 1 1/2 hour trip and everyone cooperated in the car.  Adam and Luke practiced multiplication facts and Emma slept most of the way.   We arrived at 11:30 which we a big mistake.   It was 95 degrees already and the majority of the felines we in their dens.  We only spotted a few which was very disappointing to children and myself.  As we went to leave the docent mentioned that the best time to come visit was during feeding time which takes place between 2:30-3:00.  Really????  Couldn’t they have mentioned that on the website.  So we decided to go have lunch and come back later.  We had over two hours to burn in the dead heat of the day.  And was it worth sticking around……..yes I think so.   All of the animals on display, excluding the tiger, <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4cA5X5n6Wz4/UbTodoGNzRI/AAAAAAAABzA/-kxzN0EYD3s/s1600-h/IMG_2903%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2903" border="0" alt="IMG_2903" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sKFyFnXxPfQ/UbTod_vPvTI/AAAAAAAABzI/vOzmxMJzYgg/IMG_2903_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="320" /></a> were out on display.  Also around the property are some beautiful peacocks. Adam and Luke wanted to chase them but the docent said absolutely no chasing the peacocks! I think the kids were still a bit disappointed with the day.  They wanted them to do tricks or something to entertain them a bit more.  But all in all it was much better than a day spent watching television and playing video games right?   I think so but I’m sure they would hesitate to answer.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Arial"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vjljznRWYpk/UbToeaoKL8I/AAAAAAAABzQ/M8L2OS6PCkY/s1600-h/IMG_2884%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2884" border="0" alt="IMG_2884" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xAQURfrzxMw/UbToet3RepI/AAAAAAAABzY/XbmSNX7fZ44/IMG_2884_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Pyl_iuYMHdY/UbTofbcz-fI/AAAAAAAABzg/V-Xp0BYekcA/s1600-h/IMG_2911%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2911" border="0" alt="IMG_2911" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Moy-OnHgmmQ/UbTof_giKSI/AAAAAAAABzo/TGZt55EOGf0/IMG_2911_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="270" /></a></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Arial">Harley has wanted to take the boys to the Trail of 100 Giants for a few years now.   Saturday the temperatures were predicted to hit 108-110 degrees.  We decided it would be a great day to go up into the high country and enjoy some of the beauty and cooler temperatures there.  Also 1 1/2 hour drive from home, we found ourselves <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UNSCcl6SSmU/UbTogVHI2jI/AAAAAAAABzw/dkJ6B4SoS4o/s1600-h/IMG_2921%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2921" border="0" alt="IMG_2921" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EbRYoB4K_gM/UbTog992jUI/AAAAAAAABz4/cQRBAT5girc/IMG_2921_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="320" /></a> surround by some of God’s beautiful creations.  The  Sequoia National  Forest is absolutely gorgeous.  The trees in this particular forest make up half of all those living in the world.  It is estimated that some of the larger ones are 1500 years old.  They are over 125 trees with a base of more than 10 feet in diameter.  The trail was fully paved until two trees whose root systems were intertwined recently collapsed.<img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2919" border="0" alt="IMG_2919" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bpFFuR0r5V0/UbTohesu5BI/AAAAAAAAB0A/H3Kf_cV62ak/IMG_2919_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="270" />So we had to go off-roading with the stroller.  After walking the mile trailing and dodging bees, we sat for a drink and snack in a grove of trees.   We finished the adventure off dinner at the Pizza Factory.  <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5csqQXGhXo0/UbToh9EIFnI/AAAAAAAAB0I/AaIR39IFbxY/s1600-h/IMG_2925%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2925" border="0" alt="IMG_2925" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PFnvjOVoac8/UbToiX9BJrI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/VSSdsxH1NX8/IMG_2925_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="270" /></a> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Arial">We also set some goals for the summer which include reading and completing a book each week they are here visiting.  And today they will finish their first books.  Thanks to our great neighbors Bob and Jacque they have taken an interest in the Hardy Boys series.  </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Arial">The boys have been particularly helpful with Emma also.  Adam has a way with her that always results in laughter.  Luke is very protective of Emma and never wants to hear her whine.  They are happy to play with her and give her a bottle.  It is sure nice to have more helpers!!!!!!!!!!  </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Arial">Since I work outside the home two days a week, the children are subject to daycare.   Luckily we have some wonderful solutions!   On Tuesday, Sandy Yunt come into our home to babysit.  All the kids LOVE her!   This makes leaving for the day easy for a mother.   On Thursdays, Adam and Luke go to Pat Harker’s home for child care.   They love it there because it is a never-ending fun house.  They swim, play tag football, basketball, video games, and play with newly acquired friends.  Emma goes to Grandma and Grandpa’s house.  Emma’s excitement when we arrive is adorable.  A few times when the front door is locked and we can’t get in immediately she gets a worried look on her face.  That look is instantly changed when she spots Grandpa coming to the door through the window.  What a blessing it is to have so many people that are willing to assist in nurturing and loving our children. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Arial">Looking forward to lots of fun adventures this summer.  NEXT UP:   Weekend away in San Diego and Los Angeles</font></p> Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14091150784619987006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6186875324047876939.post-25722658981667374122013-06-01T14:39:00.000-07:002013-07-06T14:42:31.468-07:00aMazing Month of May<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TyFAvEMMOdU/UdiOHPw8cuI/AAAAAAAAB0k/bluqzJH1R9U/s1600-h/IMG_2672%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2672" border="0" alt="IMG_2672" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pKOpPrQ2yXc/UdiOIGWYItI/AAAAAAAAB0s/CPfLSewXTac/IMG_2672_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" height="197" /></a><font face="Arial">The month of May 2013 has been one of the busiest months is a long time.  We end April by celebrating Adam and Luke’s birthdays and that was just the beginning of the celebrations yet to come.   </font></p> <p><font face="Arial">My mom, my sisters, and I hosted a bridal shower for Krissy.  We held it at my family’s favorite restaurant in Bakersfield… Rosa’s.   We had about 15 close friends and family their to honor Krissy.  </font><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wiLE0pSq5h8/UdiOIzdSnJI/AAAAAAAAB00/2n5KlvF3ld0/s1600-h/IMG_2670%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font face="Arial"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2670" border="0" alt="IMG_2670" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GfkBIebc0vU/UdiOJ3KAFhI/AAAAAAAAB08/RGgicSMuyE8/IMG_2670_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="240" /></font></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5A__nwvZ5ks/UdiOLBqfmmI/AAAAAAAAB1E/4Mww1vBDdw4/s1600-h/IMG_2674%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><font face="Arial"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2674" border="0" alt="IMG_2674" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-of5E2zJCOB8/UdiOMKWd9ZI/AAAAAAAAB1M/F0VohoYUKv8/IMG_2674_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="222" /></font></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nE8G45MaZv0/UdiONCwBSCI/AAAAAAAAB1U/NOrY3_SxiN0/s1600-h/IMG_2671%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font face="Arial"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2671" border="0" alt="IMG_2671" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-s5XB1ODHnF4/UdiON3l-hKI/AAAAAAAAB1c/NBr2EGfXzYc/IMG_2671_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="240" /></font></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ga9qj1hz6VQ/UdiOPCacQdI/AAAAAAAAB1k/zuTZHMzvS70/s1600-h/IMG_2682%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font face="Arial"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2682" border="0" alt="IMG_2682" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8f4ubWoU_B4/UdiOQAZmkWI/AAAAAAAAB1s/I3IomSrSUfM/IMG_2682_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="318" height="242" /></font></a><font face="Arial">Krissy was showered with some lovely gifts for her new home and some fun gifts for she and Daniel to enjoy.  Did I mention that Krissy likes “playing nurse?”</font></p> <p><font face="Arial"></font></p> <p><font face="Arial"></font></p> <p><font face="Arial"></font></p> <p><font face="Arial"></font></p> <p><font face="Arial"></font></p> <p><font face="Arial"></font></p> <p><font face="Arial">The following weekend, I was able to take out my endowments at the Los Angeles Temple.  My lovely family accompanied me and my Mom was my escort.   It was a very special day for all involved.   Thanks to Tori Hogue for watching Emma outside the temple that day for us.  From there, my parents jumped on an airplane to St. Kitts for the week.  </font></p> <p><font face="Arial">A few days before my parents returned, I learned that my Uncle Ray had taken a bad fall and was in the hospital in San Diego.  He had broken five ribs and punctured his lung.    I desperately wanted to go be with Farris but was stuck in Lake Isabella helping with Nicole and Kelly.  I also realized that taking a 8 month old to hang out at the hospital probably wasn’t the best idea.   The day after my parents returned, my Dad, Emma, and I drove to San Diego to see Ray.   By the time we arrived it was determined that his condition wasn’t improving and that he probably wouldn’t live another day.   We were able to visit with him and both Emma and I got kisses from him.  It was a bitter sweet  visit for us because Ray passed away the following day.  I will always cherish that visit and the memories made throughout my life with him.  </font></p> <p><font face="Arial">Ray was a wonderful man is so many ways.  He was extremely charitable and willing to help me when I lived in San Diego.  I stayed in their home for about 2 months while waiting for my apartment to be available.  He and Farris couldn’t have been more accommodating of me.   They taught me to play Scrabble which I think they beat me every single time.   Ray tried to teach me how to ballroom dance but like many others decided it was hopeless.  He always complimented me and said if he was younger he would have married me in a heartbeat.  </font><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Yl-KpRJ9toc/UdiOQ7eV6GI/AAAAAAAAB10/ItmkCJ3_yNQ/s1600-h/IMG_1825%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><font face="Arial"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_1825" border="0" alt="IMG_1825" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Q4x1bDrnV0s/UdiOR_bt2wI/AAAAAAAAB18/OX21c2lOww4/IMG_1825_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="238" /></font></a><font face="Arial"> </font></p> <p><font face="Arial">Childhood memories of Ray are plentiful.  Some of my favorites include times spent at the beach in Carpinteria.  Ray was the master chef and spent hours cooking for all of us.   He also taught me how to play bridge and progressive rummy….both games I still love.  He pitched the ball as slow as possible in hopes of making it so I could hit it when we played family softball.   He instilled in us a love for the Padres and was ever hopeful that they would make it to the world series again.  He and Farris always brought a container of Red  Vines and See’s candy for the adults.  Most Thanksgivings they came to Lake Isabella for a visit.   I can still remember the excitement as a child awaiting their arrival.  </font></p> <p><font face="Arial">Ray will be missed but he leaves behind a legacy of love for his family, his country and our church.  I know he is rejoicing with loved ones on the other side.     Ray’s funeral was planned for the following Saturday (the day after our next celebration…)</font><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JZ7nKzUPoqM/UdiOTF8_KzI/AAAAAAAAB2E/GmYQGQZsvjQ/s1600-h/IMG_2797%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font face="Arial"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2797" border="0" alt="IMG_2797" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-N4atfWpyNIc/UdiOT83zLKI/AAAAAAAAB2M/uIehPpmGOz0/IMG_2797_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="270" /></font></a></p> <p><font face="Arial">On Friday, May 24, 2013, Krissy married Daniel Schultz in the Fresno, California Temple.   It was a simple wedding with immediate family and friends.   We stayed Thursday night at Krissy and Daniel’s new home in Tulare and put together the flowers for the event.  Following the wedding, we had an intimate luncheon at a restaurant fifteen minutes away.  Dessert was cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory!  </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eMRhzRsSBKQ/UdiOUxqJMQI/AAAAAAAAB2U/bfXUWdvVx8k/s1600-h/IMG_2801%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font face="Arial"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2822" border="0" alt="IMG_2822" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YOsP5tFcprI/UdiOVlU0YEI/AAAAAAAAB2c/b0yWACly05M/IMG_2822%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240" /> <img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2834" border="0" alt="IMG_2834" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eWVAupAQvjI/UdiOWShX3II/AAAAAAAAB2g/-fOen0Db38A/IMG_2834%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240" /> <img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2801" border="0" alt="IMG_2801" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-s9878GJNeVI/UdiOXowpPEI/AAAAAAAAB2s/dtgmGnL50Y8/IMG_2801_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="320" /></font></a><font face="Arial">The following day we left for San Diego at 5:30 in the morning.  We arrived at Miramar Military Cemetery in plenty of time for Ray’s interment.  Ray was </font><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oGByWQJV-uw/UdiOYfNiVkI/AAAAAAAAB20/mAB1Noyo1o0/s1600-h/IMG_2860%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font face="Arial"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2860" border="0" alt="IMG_2860" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LEWxfFo-sDU/UdiOZQcHHkI/AAAAAAAAB28/jCwO4yz0xcE/IMG_2860_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="320" /></font></a><font face="Arial">a Marine during World War II and one of the few survivors of Iwo Jima .  He was honored  with a complete military service.   We then proceeded to El Cajon where we had a memorial service at the church building.   Nancy, Howard, Craig and my Dad all spoke paying tribute to an incredible man.    The members of the ward provided a lovely luncheon after the service.    Almost all of my Dad’s living cousins were in attendance.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-t8RRfQ-BU1E/UdiOaBu1dcI/AAAAAAAAB3E/dAx0n_AIFSc/s1600-h/IMG_2857%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><font face="Arial"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2857" border="0" alt="IMG_2857" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0FwD_1Dlvlw/UdiObFSloDI/AAAAAAAAB3M/uUX9ri0cvdw/IMG_2857_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="369" height="263" /></font></a><font face="Arial">   </font><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6HMvuWjc8eI/UdiOcM8nt9I/AAAAAAAAB3U/m9vyDICffyc/s1600-h/IMG_2862%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font face="Arial"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2862" border="0" alt="IMG_2862" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2QM87vBgsyY/UdiOdGtcWbI/AAAAAAAAB3c/B-g5Oxryc3E/IMG_2862_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="240" /></font></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ioz-898b1lY/UdiOd4NOyRI/AAAAAAAAB3k/9JI9RtFA6CQ/s1600-h/IMG_2866%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><font face="Arial"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2866" border="0" alt="IMG_2866" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3n59dzj5GOc/UdiOeoNyUhI/AAAAAAAAB3s/JQkmfmNNicc/IMG_2866_thumb%25255B14%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="187" /></font></a><font face="Arial">The month of May ended with the conclusion of the twin’s completing the third 3rd grade and joining us for the summer.  Emma was truly in heaven with them around the house.  </font></p> <p><font face="Arial">We also celebrated Elle and Kent’s birthdays a few days late due to all the craziness.   </font><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EBKosuZTCjk/UdiOfhRoq-I/AAAAAAAAB30/0ZREheMGD8Y/s1600-h/IMG_2875%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font face="Arial"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2875" border="0" alt="IMG_2875" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2JSY95G-b3s/UdiOgeGGr4I/AAAAAAAAB38/2HBNmsGXggA/IMG_2875_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="180" /></font></a><font face="Arial"> I made them (along with Adam and Luke) lap boards this year for their birthdays.   I think they all liked them.   We are sad that the Tucker children  will be moving to Tulare soon but happy for all the new changes to come in the years ahead.    </font><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_fYn_EJWR3A/UdiOhXzfN0I/AAAAAAAAB4E/KUpaeyB26b4/s1600-h/IMG_2873%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2873" border="0" alt="IMG_2873" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rHJVCdKNydg/UdiOiZEQXqI/AAAAAAAAB4M/883c8pZme7o/IMG_2873_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="180" /></a></p> Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14091150784619987006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6186875324047876939.post-89581372254915994122013-04-14T14:36:00.001-07:002013-04-14T14:36:20.044-07:00Easter Vacation with the Twins<font face="Arial Black"> <p> <br />Adam and Luke spent their Spring Break with us this year.  It ended up being 11 long days packed with fun!  Emma was delighted to have them around and they were very helpful with her.   For days after they left so seemed to be “looking for them".”</p> <p>Highlights of the week included:</p> <p>1. Going to the movies on free popcorn night for Jenny’s birthday.  We saw the “Croods”.  It was a perfect movie for the whole family.  </p> <p>2.  The twins met Sandy and absolutely loved having her babysit them.  She was willing to play basketball with them and enjoyed playing tricks on them.</p> <p>3.  The Bunny Run at Yokuts Park benefiting FARA.  The boys ran the whole way and Adam finished fourth and Luke 7th.   Emma loved the Easter Bunny!!!  <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zHVIGh4fLBA/UWshBgrtQ6I/AAAAAAAABus/gsGDeUEqYfI/s1600-h/IMG_2567%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2567" border="0" alt="IMG_2567" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Q86O_pA_PPc/UWshC8KncSI/AAAAAAAABu0/jO3lkTO41mc/IMG_2567_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="270" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-k47TR-4Xz2A/UWshESIfkRI/AAAAAAAABu8/lRzcPKyV0FE/s1600-h/IMG_2571%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2571" border="0" alt="IMG_2571" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-z0742v40LRg/UWshGJy43SI/AAAAAAAABvE/RdGlL8Jwtmo/IMG_2571_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="270" /></a>4.  The twins played at Pat’s while Harley and I worked one day.  Luke wanted to go play with Sandy instead! One night they played games with Bob and Jacque so we could go out to Sierra Vista for my birthday dinner!</p> <p>5.  Dental appointments…..with no new cavities!</p> <p>6.  Dinner with our dear friends the Stingels.</p> <p>7.  Two days of bowling.  Video game rentals<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Zu8MJJxcGuA/UWshHisVt6I/AAAAAAAABvM/5puY9YwoF2o/s1600-h/IMG_2573%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2573" border="0" alt="IMG_2573" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wNAwrWay4A0/UWshIwRRfwI/AAAAAAAABvU/pNpxXO06wb0/IMG_2573_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" height="225" /></a> from Redbox.  And of course 20 minutes of reading each day!</p> <p>8.  Easter Egg Hunt at Kissack Ranch(where Krissy and kids have been living for the past 1 1/2 years).</p> <p>  <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YA5alWI6P10/UWshKGkuaAI/AAAAAAAABvc/O2eWs8_0ni4/s1600-h/IMG_2579%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2579" border="0" alt="IMG_2579" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oQqreveEVYM/UWshLbtSVrI/AAAAAAAABvk/ipv9dIpOkkU/IMG_2579_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" height="373" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-O52DVWfSOLE/UWshM3FZLhI/AAAAAAAABvs/1Gawi-pCmjw/s1600-h/IMG_2582%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2582" border="0" alt="IMG_2582" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wte5HIGzZsY/UWshN5GYaZI/AAAAAAAABv0/v7k3H6gvMAA/IMG_2582_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="270" /></a>9.  Then another family Easter Egg Hunt at the church.  Can you say way tooooo much candy!   We actually shared a bunch with the full time missionaries because we were overloaded.  Thanks also to our neighbors Bob and Jacque who always give the kids a basket full of goodies.    <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hV0UZSnXlKc/UWshPC9mwrI/AAAAAAAABv8/6Xh0HRFFgcE/s1600-h/IMG_2584%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2584" border="0" alt="IMG_2584" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-87wb9SGUf98/UWshQmBSozI/AAAAAAAABwE/SsGUcdmk3yw/IMG_2584_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" height="225" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QYdZD9jpMNY/UWshTdXusrI/AAAAAAAABwM/lrD-IusBYL0/s1600-h/IMG_2586%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2586" border="0" alt="IMG_2586" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TjtvGrUMG7E/UWshUg3HgsI/AAAAAAAABwU/MLMk4XZDukA/IMG_2586_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="240" /></a>  10.  Two FHE Evenings!  We made Easter cookies from a recipe that Karrie’s Bunting posted online. Each ingredient represented a different part of the Easter story and message.  The boys loved it and seemed to learn in the process.  The second FHE was on how we are not forgotten.  We planted Forget-Me-Nots and are waiting for them to sprout.  </p> </font> Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14091150784619987006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6186875324047876939.post-9760042175958290332013-04-14T10:38:00.001-07:002013-04-14T10:39:24.880-07:00Emma at Seven Months<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3RpCgKMiwq8/UWrpg7SaMwI/AAAAAAAABuU/MCyp3JiUYG4/s1600-h/IMG_2621%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2621" border="0" alt="IMG_2621" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Psj15k1V4is/UWrphQ6rULI/AAAAAAAABuc/3AzlEQEgots/IMG_2621_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="427" /></a> </p> <p><font face="Courier">What a true joy Emma has been over the past seven months.   My mom reminds me often of what an excellent baby she truly is.   A few weeks ago a lady at church said she needed a new name GOGO!  She has turned into a quite active and wiggly little girl with an emerging personality.   </font></p> <p><font face="Courier">A few milestones:</font></p> <p><font face="Courier">* She wants to stand all the time!</font></p> <p><font face="Courier">* She is beginning to crawl and goes from sitting to the crawl position and back without any trouble.</font></p> <p><font face="Courier">* She hates having her face wiped,particularly her nose.  With a cold that is no fun!</font></p> <p><font face="Courier">* She loves to babble and babble.</font></p> <p><font face="Courier">* Her face lights up when she sees her brothers.  They love to make her laugh.   </font></p> <p><font face="Courier">* Her favorite toys are:  balls, wooden spoons, anything she can fit in her mouth.  </font></p> <p><font face="Courier">* She loves feeling the texture of things by scratching them!</font></p> <p><font face="Courier">* She is still happy in the car seat but even happier in the stroller.  She wants to see everything.  Some have called her a busybody. </font></p> <p><font face="Courier">* She loves her babysitter Sandy and waved goodbye to her for the first time.  </font></p> <p><font face="Courier">* Spent two days and nights without Mommy and didn’t seem to be bothered at all. </font></p> <p><font face="Courier">The only real problem with Miss Emma is that she seems to be growing up to quickly.   I am amazed by how quickly the last seven months have gone.  She is a wonderful blessing in our lives. </font></p> Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14091150784619987006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6186875324047876939.post-45412414032396422242013-04-14T10:21:00.001-07:002013-04-14T10:21:59.183-07:00Luke’s Animal Project<blockquote></blockquote> <p> </p> <p>The third graders at Norris Elementary School are all required to do an animal project in the Spring.  Adam’s class did theirs first and Adam choose to research and learn about deer.   Somehow I didn’t get any pictures of his finished mobile but it was awesome.   We hung the homemade deer from a Manzanita branch with targets in red and white hanging around the deer.  Adam said the teacher loved it and he got an A!  </p> <p>Luke decided he wanted to learn about Kangaroos.  Since Kangaroos are only found in Australia and New Zealand the project took on an Aussie theme.  Harley cut out the boomerang and Luke insisted on painting it exactly like the one hanging in their bedroom.  Here’s the finished project!<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-m2z1VYLq8Ys/UWrls8ezyvI/AAAAAAAABt8/HZeGHVNm5uY/s1600-h/IMG_2601%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2601" border="0" alt="IMG_2601" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hYEkx_wA1aU/UWrltmHW1xI/AAAAAAAABuE/6GuoeZ6x3V4/IMG_2601_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a></p> Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14091150784619987006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6186875324047876939.post-37383052736410167842013-03-20T11:51:00.001-07:002013-03-20T11:52:38.230-07:00March: Weekend Getways, Sickness, and Birthdays<p> </p> <p><font face="Courier New">One of Harley’s Birthday requests, was a trip to Paso Robles to see his dear friend Hugh.  So we picked the boys up from school Friday afternoon and drove to Paso Robles.  We arrived just in time to meet Hugh and Michelle for dinner at Chili’s.   Emma enjoyed sitting in a high chair for the first time but seemed stressed about by all the noise and things to look at. The boys went to Hugh’s hill that evening to enjoy a fire and some ginger beer. We stayed at the Holiday Inn which I purchased on Priceline for an incredible deal. Adam and Luke love staying in hotels and were so excited for the breakfast buffet in the morning.  <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-x3RYBXqsaEI/UUoFNNsodGI/AAAAAAAABno/JdAxToFdOOU/s1600-h/IMG_2488%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2488" border="0" alt="IMG_2488" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jOaN8S4C-9I/UUoFNlr6qwI/AAAAAAAABnw/BSIDpw9GTZI/IMG_2488_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" height="225" /></a> I am certain they tried everything.  What the boys didn’t eat, Harley finished off.  Luke even asked if we could come back for lunch!  But we headed to do a bit of shopping and pick up a picnic lunch to enjoy atop Hugh’s Sound of Music hill.   Harley and the twins rode around the ranch on the Kabota.  Both Adam and Luke got to drive it themselves.  The highlight of day was target practice with Riley and Hugh.  Everyone including myself practiced their aim.  I think mine was the worst. The trip home seemed longer than ever but Emma did fabulous in the car. </font></p> <p><font face="Courier New"></font></p> <p><font face="Courier New">The following Monday morning, Emma and I took off on a road trip to Vallejo to visit two of my dear friends from college.   Its about a 5 1/2 hour drive and she did amazingly.  We spent two days visiting with Anne Connors and her family and Nancy and Jarrod Phelps.   It was a truly a relaxing few days. We didn’t really do anything particularly exiting other than chat and then chat some more.  One night we drove to Napa and went out to dinner with Nancy and family.   Emma was a <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dcELFF_pv4Q/UUoFOpMY0HI/AAAAAAAABn4/x2IZdBZvoFM/s1600-h/IMG_2491%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2491" border="0" alt="IMG_2491" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8jg0pL1RBr4/UUoFPX4SgfI/AAAAAAAABoA/HAoscDCLLJQ/IMG_2491_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" height="210" /></a> perfect angel the whole time.   Anne commented that she is certain we will have another child because Emma is the kind of baby that makes you want more.  Only time will tell…   </font><font face="Courier New">Emma made friends with Anne’s youngest daughter Anna. She was so sweet with her.   On the trip home Emma was awake and playful the first hour and then slept for three hours straight.  I almost made it to Bakersfield without stopping!</font></p> <p><font face="Courier New">For Harley’s 42nd Birthday, I had planned a party at my parents.  The theme was American stars and flags to celebrate his newly acquired citizenship also.  Early in the day he was surprised by a birthday visit from Hugh and Riley.   By late afternoon he wasn’t feeling well and by dinnertime he had a fever.  The following week was awful!!  He had a fever for four days and missed two days of work.  Not a good thing when you are still doing your probationary time as a new hire.  And Emma came down with something too!!  She had a <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hKxsWGCmLKs/UUoFP6GS-hI/AAAAAAAABoI/6BwzoVzzfGc/s1600-h/IMG_2532%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2532" border="0" alt="IMG_2532" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-U2M_xFck6jk/UUoFQg1PRlI/AAAAAAAABoQ/M96orwGzktM/IMG_2532_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="220" height="293" /></a> mild fever for four days, diarrhea, wasn’t eating very much, extremely restless and fussy.   By Friday, I decided it best I take her to the doctor to rule out an ear infection because she had started playing with her right ear.   I wasn’t able to get her into Dr. Fan but another pediatrician had the time.  She determined that Emma was just a “FUSSY INFANT".  Needless to say I believe she was wrong and the visit was a complete waste of time.   She did however recommended Pedialyte because of the diarrhea and Emma loved drinking the orange flavored variety.   Despite feeling lousy, she still managed to be happy 75% of the time.  </font></p> <p><font face="Courier New">Nancy sent us a gift box in the mail with lots of fun clothes from Gymboree. A few milestones for Emma this month include:</font></p> <p><font face="Courier New">* Reaching our for everything…including Mom and Dad (a few favorites include Mom’s hair and Dad’s glasses).</font></p> <p><font face="Courier New">* Sitting up extremely well without support.  Trying to sit up on her own.</font></p> <p><font face="Courier New">* Feeding herself the bottle, picking up Gerber Puffs to feed herself.</font></p> <p><font face="Courier New">* Loves to ride in the stroller and play in the Baby Einstein stationary walker.</font></p> <p><font face="Courier New">* Rolling over finally!!</font></p> <p><font face="Courier New">* Laughs and laughs.  Such sweet sounds.  </font></p> <p><font face="Courier New">* Wakes from naps happy!      </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WJPT2ZVILTw/UUoFRdsQBbI/AAAAAAAABoY/a4hy2zuP8Wk/s1600-h/IMG_2529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font face="Courier New">* Babbling more and more.</font></a></p> <p><font face="Courier New"><font face="Impact"></font><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2529" border="0" alt="IMG_2529" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vrnACWHZi3U/UUoFR9kx3wI/AAAAAAAABog/MJPRxNXtzmw/IMG_2529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="220" height="293" /></font><font face="Courier New">  </font></p> Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14091150784619987006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6186875324047876939.post-25771888963663007082012-12-24T21:04:00.000-08:002013-03-21T21:06:48.342-07:00Christmas Pictures<p>After a horrific experience at JCPenney’s trying to get a decent picture of the kids, we resorted to contacting Jocelyn to take our pictures.   As usual she did a beautiful job!   Here’s a few of our favorites.  <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sdlPST4fGUM/UUoSZZ2nC-I/AAAAAAAABrU/Hqe_PE9xero/s1600-h/IMG_2796%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_2796" border="0" alt="IMG_2796" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-omgloU5bzRM/UUoSaHbc63I/AAAAAAAABrc/uaLCTLcbVfo/IMG_2796_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="213" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KskxZLU-Ze0/UUoSawIZDBI/AAAAAAAABrk/wdGoM244IA0/s1600-h/IMG_2816%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_2816" border="0" alt="IMG_2816" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AG4soCMvtEw/UUoSbsyX7FI/AAAAAAAABrs/iumBHm3XTps/IMG_2816_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="220" height="330" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Evrkxth9sTE/UUoScseeknI/AAAAAAAABr0/OR0LbidmP8w/s1600-h/IMG_2837%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_2837" border="0" alt="IMG_2837" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5RvSmRLjeE4/UUoSfjMiy4I/AAAAAAAABr8/bflUprIE9Zk/IMG_2837_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="240" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wI30TYG9uYM/UUoShbqIbLI/AAAAAAAABsE/YcDLvLsJOxc/s1600-h/IMG_2842%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_2842" border="0" alt="IMG_2842" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wXt_xjzQL9g/UUoSiGTY9xI/AAAAAAAABsM/3CS_J2mZBNY/IMG_2842_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="213" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vivbrhMUM9A/UUoSi0xkjTI/AAAAAAAABsU/-fkG4b93Gpk/s1600-h/IMG_2857%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_2857" border="0" alt="IMG_2857" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EJbv4tSX_jY/UUoSjqE6phI/AAAAAAAABsc/E_Vhy7SaHQw/IMG_2857_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="240" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8ehJj8wUobQ/UUoSktoGRAI/AAAAAAAABsk/f3-OkIc4xyU/s1600-h/IMG_2873%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_2873" border="0" alt="IMG_2873" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8bssnO1Itzw/UUvYOoxLwCI/AAAAAAAABs8/Sq1Uj4jtLxc/IMG_2873_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="213" /></a>    <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-s8ClqdrLu9Q/UUvYPPWHssI/AAAAAAAABtE/lI1j4RjXU28/s1600-h/IMG_29054.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2905" border="0" alt="IMG_2905" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nsqI4Wh22lY/UUvYPg7ufiI/AAAAAAAABtM/bwoopUtxzNU/IMG_2905_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="270" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-m6KCYSdLVlc/UUvYQaa5TTI/AAAAAAAABtU/Dwhp-KN-e_Y/s1600-h/IMG_29014.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2901" border="0" alt="IMG_2901" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bMLPGddGdc0/UUvYQ50bFlI/AAAAAAAABtc/Ig3emyLemRM/IMG_2901_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="270" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2PvkzC8ldAM/UUvYRycYn7I/AAAAAAAABtk/Q2cPUj0zFgQ/s1600-h/IMG_29485.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_2948" border="0" alt="IMG_2948" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8J51kEIfblg/UUvYSnCZ03I/AAAAAAAABts/5Haqk08Z87o/IMG_2948_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="267" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><font size="6" face="Meiryo">Merry Christmas!!! </font></p> Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14091150784619987006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6186875324047876939.post-11296969771350368722012-12-21T12:23:00.000-08:002013-03-20T12:31:36.178-07:0040th Anniversary in Maui<p><strong><font face="Arial"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-o2nHVxbuLl4/UUoMPTnLEMI/AAAAAAAABos/_4M2j6xWvAA/s1600-h/maui20128.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="maui 2012" border="0" alt="maui 2012" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TpG5XdFeLmo/UUoMQWvkI2I/AAAAAAAABo0/0rrAucJIwRU/maui2012_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" height="291" /></a> The first part of December the whole Kent family ventured off with eleven suitcases on an American Airlines flight to Maui.  It was Emma’s first time on a plane and she did wonderful.   The plane to Maui wasn’t full so the gave us an extra seat to put Emma’s car seat in.  She slept in the car seat nearly the entire  5 1/2 hour flight.  Everyone on the plane was commenting on how beautiful she was and how happy and content she was.  </font></strong></p> <p><strong><font face="Arial">As usual, my Dad had made all the arrangements and we stayed in a lovely condo at the Marriott Ocean Club in Kanapaali.  The resort was gorgeous and <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zgEGWlL_ACM/UUoMRb6xeUI/AAAAAAAABo8/uIGYLjwgoYc/s1600-h/IMG_2182%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2182" border="0" alt="IMG_2182" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VQ0y_9JIjSY/UUoMR-RaGtI/AAAAAAAABpE/G6dDvYnaDAw/IMG_2182_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="180" /></a>the rooms were very similar to other Marriott time shares that we have frequented.  The first two nights we shared a condo with Daniel, Krissy’s boyfriend and then we moved to a larger condo with a kitchen and laundry facilities.  </font></strong></p> <p><strong><font face="Arial">The weather was perfect.   Most days the high was in the low <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DT4hNeJhEtY/UUoMS4SdYRI/AAAAAAAABpM/dhU7ibicz2U/s1600-h/IMG_22154.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="IMG_2215" border="0" alt="IMG_2215" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LIuqtX3CrF4/UUoMTQsT2VI/AAAAAAAABpU/Dk2vqUKdkjI/IMG_2215_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="180" /></a> 80’s.  The only complaint was that we seem to have brought the wind with us.  The wind made for rough seas which affected are diving opportunities.  We ended up only diving one day with Lahaina Divers.   The company was just OK but I think we have gotten spoiled by Austin in St. Kitts.  We went to two sights.  The first was the Carthaginian which is a sailing ship that was sunk to create an artificial reef about seven years ago.   It lacked life and the ship wasn’t anything spectacular. The highlight was seeing Sponge Bob.  The second sight was a broken down pier that actually had some sea life.  We spotted a few turtles and two white-tipped reef sharks.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mW3clKBYrUo/UUoMUS1BUHI/AAAAAAAABpc/admLPeg0H3c/s1600-h/IMG_22385.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2238" border="0" alt="IMG_2238" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-11YERjn2ZhA/UUoMVJRAB0I/AAAAAAAABpk/UnMTMs9u-P8/IMG_2238_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="270" /></a></font></strong></p> <p><strong><font face="Arial">Other highlights of the trip included indulging in frozen yogurt from Yogurt Land which was in Whaler’s Village, a nice walk along the beach from the condo.  Elle loaded her yogurt up with<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WWTpmq25dDY/UUoMV59y6TI/AAAAAAAABps/yUTJGI7v3ic/s1600-h/IMG_22813.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="IMG_2281" border="0" alt="IMG_2281" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-o-2i6p7IgHM/UUoMWX_ZPDI/AAAAAAAABp0/h9qFnJplBYE/IMG_2281_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> every topping that looked yummy.  It looked disgusting actually! She was in heaven though.  </font></strong></p> <p><strong><font face="Arial">One day a group of us went to the Maui Ocean Center which is a sea life aquarium.  The kids loved it and I always enjoy seeing jellyfish and sea horses.</font></strong><strong><font face="Arial">  Luckily Grandpa kept Emma behind so Harley and I could enjoy the experience as well.<img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2164" border="0" alt="IMG_2164" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gew85xH0Lpw/UUoMXPJ8sGI/AAAAAAAABp8/NuAlkNRprVo/IMG_2164_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="270" /></font></strong></p> <p><strong><font face="Arial">Another day, Harley, Daniel, Krissy and I went ziplining.   It was definately an experience.  The guides we had made it quite entertaining.  It’s quite a  thrill and not scary at all really!  <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RYJfNlhFAKA/UUoMYHoD56I/AAAAAAAABqE/XBDxSXZ6aHw/s1600-h/IMG_2302%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2302" border="0" alt="IMG_2302" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4KuxwOvDWhk/UUoMZJYbZ0I/AAAAAAAABqM/G2Uc2jXTt0U/IMG_2302_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="180" /></a> It was the first time for Daniel and Harley and I think they had a blast as well.</font></strong></p> <p><strong><font face="Arial">As with most of our travels, we cooked in the majority of the time.  We went to Costco and Safeway to purchase <img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2303" border="0" alt="IMG_2303" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RGwqyQ8XwIY/UUoMZ_hBXUI/AAAAAAAABqU/oiwCmi01Kro/IMG_2303_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" height="225" />food and took turns cooking.  One night we treated my parents to a Anniversary dinner night out at Kimo’s.   Some stayed back for pizza and the dive in movie! Nicole, Daniel, Harley and I went to Leilani’s on the Beach.   Nicole really wanted king crab and clam chowder and she got her wish that night.   </font></strong></p> <p><strong><font face="Arial">The last night we all went out to Cool Cat Cafe down in Lahaina <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-S_TbMwFI2Wk/UUoMhaYIwmI/AAAAAAAABqc/JvZibsYeEy8/s1600-h/IMG_2293%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2293" border="0" alt="IMG_2293" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4FYsDy5qw6A/UUoMh2UnEOI/AAAAAAAABqk/6-Q0c5CDD4I/IMG_2293_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240" /></a>by the big banyan tree.  The burgers were good and the company was great!  Another treat that we devoured was Hawaiian shaved ice.   Along with the shaved ice and flavoring, they out ice cream on the bottom and sweetened condensed milk on the top.   It was truly heavenly.   So much for trying to shed any baby weight this week.</font></strong></p> <p><strong><font face="Arial">   </font><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2314" border="0" alt="IMG_2314" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Wh_YeGnh_S0/UUoMiSRNz3I/AAAAAAAABqs/S8wgmvqDd5c/IMG_2314_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="270" /></strong></p> <p><strong><font face="Arial">One </font></strong><strong><font face="Arial">of the biggest highlights of the proposal and subsequent engagement of  Krissy and Daniel.   Welcome to the family Daniel!   Atleast this week you got a pretty good clue what the Kent family is about.  </font></strong><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-d56dEtIXu5Q/UUoMjf7XU4I/AAAAAAAABq0/L_3NQci5i-I/s1600-h/IMG_2314%25255B5%25255D.jpg"></a></p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OAj7fkYvwxk/UUoMkJ1nuKI/AAAAAAAABq8/jcEjjNqSVl0/s1600-h/IMG_2315%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2315" border="0" alt="IMG_2315" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-C4nrouVqp1g/UUoMlGBv-pI/AAAAAAAABrE/7xyrV67Qbss/IMG_2315_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" height="225" /></a>  <p><strong><font face="Arial"></font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cjP572KHBsE/UUoMmsA7oxI/AAAAAAAABrM/8ja9bb0ZvWI/s1600-h/IMG_2303%25255B5%25255D.jpg"></a></p> Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14091150784619987006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6186875324047876939.post-91697981994073856412012-12-08T21:36:00.001-08:002012-12-08T21:38:43.324-08:00Ugly Sweater Party<p><font face="Arial"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--T2T0EDISZk/UMQjL8WxjZI/AAAAAAAABmg/0oAboBtd4nw/s1600-h/IMG_2061%25255B18%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2061" border="0" alt="IMG_2061" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BBYyk9kyq5I/UMQjMU1__wI/AAAAAAAABmk/nVRs34WmaCQ/IMG_2061_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="305" /></a>This year I volunteered to host the 3rd Annual Ugly Sweater Party.   Kelly has made this a Christmas tradition and we always have a lot of good laughs.  This year Krissy put together a Hot Chocolate bar with numerous tasty additives.  From whip cream to caramel chips to toffee bits…..it was lovely.  And my Dad made his famous homemade cinnamon rolls.  We had all the attendees bring a gift to “re-gift".”   We then played the white elephant gift exchange game.  The hottest gift was brought by Daniel and it was a $10.00 walmart shop vac.  Harley secured an insulated travel mug that you can plug into keep warm in the car and I ended up with an ugly picture frame.  LOTS OF LAUGHS AND GOOD FUN WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS!!  This is a great way to kick off the Christmas season. <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ibyb8s6JS9Q/UMQjNZENf5I/AAAAAAAABmo/gQLcy0I3voE/s1600-h/IMG_2062%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2062" border="0" alt="IMG_2062" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_ZCE_ZjFNu8/UMQjN69hnEI/AAAAAAAABms/wpFpcx0-6Ds/IMG_2062_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="260" /></a></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iHYFm144Lf8/UMQjOiDp5ZI/AAAAAAAABmw/pJYiq7lFAA8/s1600-h/IMG_2063%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2063" border="0" alt="IMG_2063" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-arYL3RJZciE/UMQjPP9nDGI/AAAAAAAABm0/YS2p1Gt7ffw/IMG_2063_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="260" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font face="Arial">Janice and Joe Dier were particularly ugly!<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9h7f4nXpP7U/UMQjQKz34AI/AAAAAAAABm4/xTSZr__pmO4/s1600-h/IMG_2064%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2064" border="0" alt="IMG_2064" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gSvjEVo4cCg/UMQjQvLjioI/AAAAAAAABm8/Kqxo1uJbD_g/IMG_2064_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="340" height="260" /></a></font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DeYMRTNZNoM/UMQjRXl0lLI/AAAAAAAABnA/81DM8QB75OQ/s1600-h/IMG_2065%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2065" border="0" alt="IMG_2065" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-em3wXHjetys/UMQjSLyb7KI/AAAAAAAABnE/5mj1Imeszt4/IMG_2065_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="260" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-H1NPcUqr9eU/UMQjStKd4mI/AAAAAAAABnI/-v97qhQT4CY/s1600-h/IMG_2068%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2068" border="0" alt="IMG_2068" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UPXN0Mb7DdY/UMQjTJ-KwzI/AAAAAAAABnM/rzrC4084Crg/IMG_2068_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="260" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font face="Arial">Daniel and Dad modeling their Christmas cheer.</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Arial"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-su9hdCJ48Cw/UMQjUFyykvI/AAAAAAAABnQ/jbMlmroX9nc/s1600-h/IMG_2078%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2078" border="0" alt="IMG_2078" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UQsBitjeGAs/UMQjUlCUWTI/AAAAAAAABnU/AV0xkAN8ED0/IMG_2078_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="313" /></a></font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Arial">Luke trying on Harley’s ugly sweater.  Quite the combination!</font></p> Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14091150784619987006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6186875324047876939.post-13188987708261461912012-12-08T10:51:00.001-08:002012-12-08T10:51:31.484-08:00Three months old<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SGXUGCDHwLg/UMOMI8IM-hI/AAAAAAAABjk/iyMeww1cKdw/s1600-h/IMG_2149%25255B22%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2149" border="0" alt="IMG_2149" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JprJwrzWhrY/UMOMJTcRbzI/AAAAAAAABjs/eTahHtUm3vk/IMG_2149_thumb%25255B16%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="240" /></a></p> <p>Emma’s first three months have gone extremely fast compared to three months of pregnancy.  Times are busy with my return to work and Harley’s new job.   Emma has done great with the changes.  She has the best babysitters…Grandma Kent along with help from Sandy Yunt.    </p> <p>Emma tip the scale at 11.4 lbs and  is 24.5 inches long according to my measurements.   She is now into six month size clothing.   She is smiling lots and even laughing a bit.  She pushes off everything to try and stand with assistance.  She holds her head proudly and turns it all directions to check out what is happening around her constantly. She seems particularly interested in the bright colors of the television.  She loves to suck on her fists which we are trying to break her of using the pacifier but its not really working.  She is already “talking” or babbling way too much for our liking.  Hopefully its not a sign of the future but my mom assures me that I never stopped talking once I started.  Everywhere we go strangers comment on how beautiful she is.  It appears that she recognizes herself in the mirror by the huge smiles she gives.  Its still hard to get her to smile for the camera.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JvaczaeeWcg/UMOMJ1XYUFI/AAAAAAAABj0/YouWVbHL9Ik/s1600-h/IMG_2159%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2159" border="0" alt="IMG_2159" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_5IiZZ8-6nc/UMOMKgcB9ZI/AAAAAAAABj8/cxyFm9xCDWI/IMG_2159_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="180" /></a></p> <p>Emma is still a slow eater.  She is still nursing but happy to have the bottle.  I find her very difficult to burp still.  Sometimes it is a half hour later before we get one out of her.  This month her sleeping habits really improved.  Most nights she will sleep six hours straight.   She happily goes to bed in her crib every night but once she wakes has difficulty going back to sleep in the crib.   And ‘m so tired I give in most of the time.  She loves cuddling and being warm.  When I put her down she immediately stretches and often wakes herself up.  During the day she sleeps best in her car seat.   This has proved to be nice some days with all the traveling to and from Bakersfield that I do.   She does wonderfully in the car…thank goodness.  </p> <p>She had her first cold this month passed on to her by me.   Poor baby woke for over a week very congested but it didn’t seem to affect her temperament.  Emma is a very content, happy baby.  We continue to feel blessed to have her in our lives.   What an incredible miracle!   </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9-DH2Q3geeY/UMOMKzLPRnI/AAAAAAAABkE/J6MkO6CeyN0/s1600-h/IMG_2135%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2135" border="0" alt="IMG_2135" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sW8JATAmovA/UMOMLq2NHdI/AAAAAAAABkM/i-_LuHQTSdE/IMG_2135_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iTLg3qjtTZs/UMOMMMIPBtI/AAAAAAAABkU/NCm5tYHIbaA/s1600-h/IMG_2090%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2090" border="0" alt="IMG_2090" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-o14H1gcqisY/UMOMMp44x_I/AAAAAAAABkc/dd62HAI9aOw/IMG_2090_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240" /></a></p> Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14091150784619987006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6186875324047876939.post-41924591016191246262012-10-21T22:37:00.001-07:002012-10-21T22:38:55.467-07:00Emma Jane’s Arrival<p><font face="Arial">By midnight my water had broke and the contractions were becoming more and more uncomfortable.  The gave me some fentanyl to take the edge off until I could get an epidural.  It was a busy night at the hospital so they was actually a line of people waiting for epidurals.  By the time I got one, it was 1:00 in the morning and I was dilated to 7cms.  The doctor recommended I get some sleep at that point and that is just what Harley did. The room had a couch that made into bed and he snored for few hours straight.  Due to issues with my blood pressure being too low, they put me on oxygen.  It caused  The irritation from the mask made it impossible to sleep.  By three o’clock the nurse said I was dilated to a 10 and soon would be ready to push.  Three more hours past and no one even entered the room to check on me.  By 6:00 the baby heart rate was dropping and the urge to push was there.  I made Harley go find a nurse to get the doctor.  A new nurse came in and checked me and agreed it was time.  Dr. Cohen and the NICU staff arrived and prepared for the delivery.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6UWFovQigwA/UITbNO29lpI/AAAAAAAABhI/B7GorpVAwEk/s1600-h/IMG_1545%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_1545" border="0" alt="IMG_1545" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PR3x1OCqZe8/UITbN37MNkI/AAAAAAAABhQ/_mV8IuhO70A/IMG_1545_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="270" /></a>  When my water broke there was meconium in it so they were prepared in case you have ingested it into your lungs.  After pushing about 10-12 times, Emma Jane was born at 7:01 am and placed in my arms.  She was perfect!   <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZHvf8sl979Y/UITbPI1GttI/AAAAAAAABhY/Z-qP5TmrP5E/s1600-h/IMG_1563%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_1563" border="0" alt="IMG_1563" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-817rGWl1JF8/UITbSlvk7OI/AAAAAAAABhg/xcS3b650cfo/IMG_1563_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="360" /></a> Emma Jane’s weighed 7lbs and 3 oz.  She was measured at 20.25 inches long and surprisingly had brown hair. One of the first things Harley and I noticed were her long toes and fingers.   She also has big beautiful lips! <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xOtBWXaVTHY/UITbTqCSPYI/AAAAAAAABho/nQlc5DThPH4/s1600-h/IMG_1557%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_1557" border="0" alt="IMG_1557" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mxHsjDt80ZA/UITbUk31HWI/AAAAAAAABhw/wuwDS6abtKo/IMG_1557_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="361" height="269" /></a> Harley was a great support through all of it. He watched the whole birth in amazement and was able to cut the umbilical cord.   As soon as he set his eyes upon her he was in love.  <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oTYF4TENuiM/UITbV62fYTI/AAAAAAAABh4/0KFueBQnvGI/s1600-h/IMG_1567%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_1567" border="0" alt="IMG_1567" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pUqxnpzko24/UITbW6xQ3jI/AAAAAAAABiA/JevJou_9RJA/IMG_1567_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="220" height="293" /></a>The first visitor arrived at 11:00 and somehow avoided the camera.   Grandma Kent was in love too!  She brought Harley and I some snacks to eat and a diet coke!  She relieved Harley so he could go pick up Adam and Luke to meet their sister for the first time.  <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zcpGytcSkAo/UITbYJOqE5I/AAAAAAAABiI/a2-tYLs5yQY/s1600-h/IMG_1569%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_1569" border="0" alt="IMG_1569" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-c0tkmQxGHg0/UITbZTlEj7I/AAAAAAAABiQ/dJ8aIlflWGE/IMG_1569_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="360" /></a> Adam was particularly eager to hold Emma but Luke was a little more reserved.   But Harley was happy not to have to share also.  <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IIYtrZuwZXo/UITbaM_W0vI/AAAAAAAABiY/eapf1uYWZ0I/s1600-h/IMG_1572%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_1572" border="0" alt="IMG_1572" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0PZ8c71N5QU/UITba9SBwrI/AAAAAAAABig/YnY58Sf4MDc/IMG_1572_thumb%25255B13%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jb1fTsTXfaY/UITbcE4MHTI/AAAAAAAABio/_XwMdqXrD3Q/s1600-h/IMG_1576%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_1576" border="0" alt="IMG_1576" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-E9IupBK-Mqc/UITbdqMQC3I/AAAAAAAABiw/k6u0z-Ur5ik/IMG_1576_thumb%25255B18%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="170" height="240" /></a>  </font></p> <p><font face="Arial">As soon as my Dad and Krissy finished work, the rest of the crew came to visit.  I think Elle was the most excited of everyone!  Even before Emma was born, Elle was her biggest fan.   Uncle Howard dropped by that evening also.  <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VwV0QSxyixI/UITbfgqAofI/AAAAAAAABi4/xYMNVOARvCY/s1600-h/IMG_1577%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_1577" border="0" alt="IMG_1577" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZsZl-YuMldA/UITbgwsjxzI/AAAAAAAABjA/cXle78WjiJ0/IMG_1577_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="270" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TB4rvq8jPcA/UITbhzlvHtI/AAAAAAAABjI/WQ2JkHc5plk/s1600-h/IMG_1579%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_1579" border="0" alt="IMG_1579" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-atZEHwQ6TKQ/UITbi1LPBVI/AAAAAAAABjQ/n7ilwcuSA74/IMG_1579_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="270" /></a>We spent the night in the hospital since Emma was born in the morning.  The hospital was so busy we stayed in a delivery room until we were discharged. It was a large spacious room but the bed was for deliveries not recoveries.  Not that I would have slept well that night anyways.   Harley stayed in a hotel because he was in desperate need of a good nights rest.</font></p> <p><font face="Arial">During the night Emma started choking and spitting up brown mucus.  It scared me which made it difficult to sleep.  Around 3:00 in the morning the nurse offered to watch Emma for a few hours so I could sleep.  Those few hours of sleep truly helped me get through the night.</font></p> <p><font face="Arial">The following day we spent working with the lactation nurses.  One was from England and Harley made friends with her immediately.   Some would say they spoke the same language and loved joking with one another.  The staff pediatrician and the on call doctor were slow in getting us released so we didn’t arrive home until 4:00 that evening.  Aunt Krissy had decorated the outside of the house with pink balloons and Aunt Kelly had made a sign announcing Emma’s birth.  It was wonderful to bring Emma home.  </font></p> Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14091150784619987006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6186875324047876939.post-46443037086450853792012-10-21T11:17:00.001-07:002012-10-21T11:17:50.103-07:00Is this really happening??<p> </p> <p><font face="Arial Black">Tuesday, September 4th was a busy day for this soon to be Momma.   I started the morning early by returning your brothers Adam and Luke to school.  After that I went have fetal monitoring done which the doctors had me doing twice a week to check up on your development.  They were concerned that you weren’t growing and that had me scared.  I had to have two ultrasounds done at 37 and 38 weeks to compare your size.    Then I had a doctors appointment to check to see if I was progressing.   Dr. Reddy said I was dilated 2cms and that it could be a week or two or any day.   Following that I ran a few errands before attending a counseling appointment with Charree Kashwer.  By the time I left Bakersfield to drive home I was exhausted and not feeling very well.  The contractions seemed to be more consistent and uncomfortable but I wasn’t sure if I was just tired and less tolerant or they were the real thing.  I got home by 4:00, unloaded the car, and went straight to lie down.  </font></p> <p><font face="Arial Black">Unfortunately, I couldn’t sleep and just became more and more agitated.  Harley was working at Vons until 6:00 so I decided I better start timing the contractions.    They were about 7 minutes apart and consistent!  Yiks!!!   When Harley arrived home at 6:30 they were about five minutes apart and we debated what to do.   I didn’t want to drive to Bakersfield unless it was the real thing though.  So we took a walk to the church and hospital and back home.  Still no change.   I got in the pool and swam around for a half hour.  Still no change.  I called my Mom and she came down and started timing the contractions.   At 8:30 she agreed that we better head to Bakersfield.   The ride to Bakersfield wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be and we arrived at San Joaquin Hospital at 9:30.  </font></p> <p><font face="Arial Black">The nurse who examined me informed me that I hadn’t progressed enough and that they probably wouldn’t admit me.   Wrong thing to tell a pregnant woman!!!   Luckily  Dr. Cohen agreed to wait and monitor me for an hour and at 11:00 they admitted me.  He said baby Emma would be born on the 5th of September.  </font></p> Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14091150784619987006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6186875324047876939.post-71439320229439457732012-10-15T09:00:00.000-07:002013-05-06T09:03:30.500-07:00Emma’s Blessing Day<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Lnt5eseYBJY/UYfTW0lCeSI/AAAAAAAABws/9GaXSCzRBfY/s1600-h/IMG_17666.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_1766" border="0" alt="IMG_1766" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jPTOJmm34N8/UYfTXpdWypI/AAAAAAAABw0/IL6rpUVoB0c/IMG_1766_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a>On Sunday, October 14th, Harley Luke Alfred gave Emma Jane Alfred a name and a blessing in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Present in the Priesthood circle were  Daniel Schultz, Howard Kent, Grandpa Maughan Kent, and Ron Stingel.   Emma was as cooperative as could be!  Emma wore a little hat especially made for her from an old dear friend Linda Hedrick. What a wonderful blessing we have received from our Father in Heaven! <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qMZnVg17dag/UYfTYsuTtGI/AAAAAAAABw8/eFYkDuHredU/s1600-h/IMG_1774%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_1774" border="0" alt="IMG_1774" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bNaXTxyMSh4/UYfTdNcm05I/AAAAAAAABxE/YQecU44ArfA/IMG_1774_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2YzYjcu0BWQ/UYfTeA0rn1I/AAAAAAAABxM/zFSx7oUYmiQ/s1600-h/IMG_1778%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_1778" border="0" alt="IMG_1778" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-if7cM1zCsAc/UYfTe5UsNpI/AAAAAAAABxU/gaf0szwRTI0/IMG_1778_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--6b1b5KBOyA/UYfTfkC7lEI/AAAAAAAABxc/wEBu1ObKr_c/s1600-h/IMG_1790%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_1790" border="0" alt="IMG_1790" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zaTveGSG3sw/UYfTgEDcGII/AAAAAAAABxk/ymM_cVLKXPI/IMG_1790_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="347" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dCN6Q-nkiJc/UYfTgw6weGI/AAAAAAAABxs/t0Gce1eiLkU/s1600-h/IMG_1793%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_1793" border="0" alt="IMG_1793" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-foZ7dM8_WU0/UYfTiTCR79I/AAAAAAAABx0/4hMZSfW89EY/IMG_1793_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pboUX1XfoWI/UYfTjMu-23I/AAAAAAAABx8/_VtPw42D60Y/s1600-h/IMG_1794%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_1794" border="0" alt="IMG_1794" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iyf3JuEZhpQ/UYfTjw8mPqI/AAAAAAAAByE/hAeBpg9VyL4/IMG_1794_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ePux6dyRqo4/UYfTlJn9vwI/AAAAAAAAByM/9L6F3W9ihX4/s1600-h/IMG_1798%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_1798" border="0" alt="IMG_1798" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-f6Dg_PdD_k8/UYfTl1FSFjI/AAAAAAAAByU/dE4rb0DMXHc/IMG_1798_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="340" height="255" /></a></p> Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14091150784619987006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6186875324047876939.post-88587070893406125892012-09-02T20:23:00.001-07:002012-09-02T20:23:45.392-07:00Daddy loves us!<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gJzxRSA2FmI/UEQiuPO8yyI/AAAAAAAABgs/wjvECx2atjw/s1600-h/IMG_1537%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_1537" border="0" alt="IMG_1537" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3ZU_TcBwlwc/UEQivmf_s8I/AAAAAAAABg0/dBo8-8rVE6c/IMG_1537_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="270" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">Harley brought these home to me after a few particularly difficult days!  He knows how much  I love yellow so he had the florist at Vons throw in the yellow rose.  He has been very supportive through this difficult pregnancy and I am very grateful to him.  He has even been rubbing my feet and legs every night with lavender lotion to help me try to relax.   I can’t say that it has completely worked because a restful nights sleep hasn’t occurred many weeks.  </font></p> Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14091150784619987006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6186875324047876939.post-8538786072307594172012-09-02T20:07:00.001-07:002012-09-02T20:08:33.859-07:00Coming Soon From Down Under<p> </p> <p><font face="Arial">Another one of Kelly’s clever creations………………………….</font><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-j07og5wL52s/UEQe-XfTFBI/AAAAAAAABgc/waur1r9AZJ8/s1600-h/IMG_1504%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_1504" border="0" alt="IMG_1504" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-g7S_CktLyro/UEQfAv6br-I/AAAAAAAABgg/MNtSg-JRwrc/IMG_1504_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="426" /></a> </p> <p><font face="Arial">This picture was taken when I was about 38 weeks.  Everywhere I go people say that I’m not “very big.”  I sure feel BIG at this point.  I have gained around 28lbs so far and hoping not to gain much more.  The only bad news is that I am actually measuring small also.  Kaiser’s on call doctor that I saw at 37 weeks overreacted and caused quite the alarm for me.  He strongly felt that the baby had stopped growing and ordered fetal monitoring and an ultrasound.  He then proceeded to say that I needed to be induced and that he would start the process by stripping my membranes.    I was in such shock and panic that I couldn’t even comprehend what he was saying.   For a first time mother with a history of anxiety problems, this put me over the edge.  Since that date, I have had five appointments for fetal monitoring and two ultrasounds.  It appears that the baby may be slightly behind in development (like 4-6 days).   The first ultrasound at 37 1/2 weeks estimated the baby to be around 7 lbs and I am still waiting the results of the 2nd one.  Luckily the procedure he performed did not put me into labor but just caused a lot of cramping and discomfort for a few days.  With all the procedures and tests I have had performed during this pregnancy, this little girl has proven to be stubborn…so I am certain she will come whenever she wants to!  </font></p> Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14091150784619987006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6186875324047876939.post-87944133485308927892012-09-02T19:48:00.001-07:002012-09-02T19:50:12.115-07:00Last Day of Work<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yRAJcqjxAH4/UEQaawOX9jI/AAAAAAAABfU/V1pjQdafQTg/s1600-h/IMG_1511%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_1511" border="0" alt="IMG_1511" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-R8R_Gea7l60/UEQabTx_6JI/AAAAAAAABfc/WCBWlJrTWhs/IMG_1511_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="270" /></a> </p> <p>Thursday, August 30th was my last day of work before starting my maternity leave. It was a much anticipated day as work was getting harder and harder with my big belly.   Actually the belly wasn’t the biggest limiting factor….it was my lack of energy that was prohibitive.    I came into work that morning to find my operatory decorated in pink balloons and streamers.   Terri had a friend of hers make cupcakes to celebrate after lunch at Sierra Vista.   There  were two flavors of cupcakes:  lemon cheesecake and chocolate with raspberry.    Of course, the lemon ones were my favorite!</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gzPOAZ5tOAI/UEQacG2et5I/AAAAAAAABfk/PsB70efAJ80/s1600-h/IMG_1506%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_1506" border="0" alt="IMG_1506" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6HXYx5s-2ec/UEQac_4zOcI/AAAAAAAABfs/jy_g4cmWKqE/IMG_1506_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WCcD8GZny48/UEQadpW9z-I/AAAAAAAABf0/aS2xgrni5fE/s1600-h/IMG_1508%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_1508" border="0" alt="IMG_1508" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7JrzoCgQLHY/UEQaeATKiTI/AAAAAAAABf8/3gddUFBOTGg/IMG_1508_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240" /></a></p> <p>My mom and all my sisters joined us for a lovely lunch.   A number of patients brought gifts to me in the last few weeks of work.  I’m so grateful to my work family who make times like this truly a celebration. They have all helped me through the last nine difficult months.   They are the most supportive friends anyone could ask for.  </p> <p>Everyone including myself is anxious for this little girl’s arrival!  </p> Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14091150784619987006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6186875324047876939.post-71508313047806808952011-06-09T03:17:00.001-07:002011-06-09T03:17:07.112-07:00Off to Cairns (CANS)<p>We started off the morning with breakfast at Pancakes on the Rocks in Darling Harbour. Harley loved the breakfast and for some reason my stomach wasn’t tolerating it.  We then boarded the fast ferry back to Circular Quay.  I know it may sound pathetic but I wanted to get some pictures of the Sydney Opera House from the Harbour and when I had the chance my camera battery was dead.   So alot of fuss for a picture or two but it made me happy.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_UZ-pTwxhSQ/TfCdNo2izFI/AAAAAAAABek/SmeTfwdjY3Q/s1600-h/IMG_0859%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0859" border="0" alt="IMG_0859" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YbJKIvmZnTs/TfCdOlavFQI/AAAAAAAABeo/hCYlYmu7QZ4/IMG_0859_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="244" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-R7I0t5a2Cmc/TfCdSDLgsaI/AAAAAAAABes/DvcH36MLelM/s1600-h/IMG_0866%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0866" border="0" alt="IMG_0866" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wv018Wz6Xn4/TfCdSxgNLvI/AAAAAAAABew/zA73gzUDaz8/IMG_0866_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="244" /></a></p> <p>Upon returning to our hotel, we packed up for our trip to Cairns.  The whole airport experience was amazingly different than home.  We checked in via a computer using Harley’s passport.  It printed both our tickets and baggage tickets.  We then weighed them and the machine accepted or rejected the bags.  Not one person was involved in the process.  So I had my passport ready to be checked at security and no one asked for it.  We didn’t even have to take our jackets and shoes off and water bottles were allowed.  So I boarded the plane without anyone ever ID-ing me.  Rather odd I thought!</p> <p>After a three hour flight we arrived in Cairns without problem.  We rented a car and drove to Trinity Beach where are accommodations are.  It is a small quiet beach village about 2o minutes from the main city.  The manager upgraded us to a two bedroom apartment which is just about the size of our home.  Laundry facilities, fully equipped kitchen, a big jacuzzi tub, and lots of extra space!  What a treat!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lMDNR4kynQI/TfCdYVyOoyI/AAAAAAAABe0/9MTFYJRLL_I/s1600-h/IMG_0884%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0884" border="0" alt="IMG_0884" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0CKQV2127hk/TfCdZUqx5eI/AAAAAAAABe4/pNtFAA2EsA0/IMG_0884_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RX27Y8SFTr8/TfCdcS7c3FI/AAAAAAAABe8/Du2OBq9A0QQ/s1600-h/IMG_0887%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0887" border="0" alt="IMG_0887" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zfGMMs-nn3g/TfCddUxIZ3I/AAAAAAAABfA/00m0fc19JN8/IMG_0887_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4f1UwKB7u9E/TfCdieVEwbI/AAAAAAAABfE/1bxphQZXHOw/s1600-h/IMG_0888%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0888" border="0" alt="IMG_0888" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-diZ-aQXvWnI/TfCdjIs7EvI/AAAAAAAABfI/oPv6Ko5E28o/IMG_0888_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kqPUPjrcmig/TfCdnmRbC-I/AAAAAAAABfM/tcpiddk7oNA/s1600-h/IMG_0889%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0889" border="0" alt="IMG_0889" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-q5PhtUWAVyo/TfCdoewEJ7I/AAAAAAAABfQ/z-ZF0ox7HvE/IMG_0889_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14091150784619987006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6186875324047876939.post-50543328414509580362011-06-09T02:49:00.001-07:002011-06-09T02:50:39.370-07:00Sydney Opera House, Seafood Market, and Bondi Beach<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YFO1hlJS8jg/TfCWMMNe7PI/AAAAAAAABc4/-nEiBnvRXak/s1600-h/IMG_0740%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0740" border="0" alt="IMG_0740" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-G-PF8-8rS4o/TfCWNb4sBCI/AAAAAAAABc8/YB75nfqCibU/IMG_0740_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <p>We started the <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UVrWlZvb54s/TfCWSTGU4gI/AAAAAAAABdA/lZpC7JM8Q8M/s1600-h/IMG_0738%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0738" border="0" alt="IMG_0738" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Mrp4bUnaCUw/TfCWT3xpaiI/AAAAAAAABdE/zyguHShvyS4/IMG_0738_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>morning with the essential tour of the world famous Sydney Opera House.  Harley’s sister Pam and husband Hugh met us there to join the tour.  The Opera House is located in an area referred to as Cincular Quay (pronounced Key) on Syndey Harbour.  It is a gorgeous location with views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.  </p> <p>  </p> <p>The Sydney Opera House was completed in 1971 after nearly 14 years of construction and a final cost of 102 million dollars.  Way over budget a lottery fund was set up to cover the cost.  The tour guide mentioned that per capita Australia gambles way more than any nation in the world.  The inside of the Opera house was very interesting.  The carpets in the lobbies are all bright purple.  This is how the original architect Utzon wanted them.  I thought it was pretty ugly but I am certain Nicole would have loved it.   We were able to tour both concert halls which sit side by side.  The concert hall pictured below is the largest seating 2,690 and is where the majoirty of the operas and ballets take place.  </p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0741" border="0" alt="IMG_0741" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wqh2PT-ZHT0/TfCWU_H4lvI/AAAAAAAABdI/7mjSeF1PrZQ/IMG_0741_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-48J-7lejdos/TfCWZNBLrcI/AAAAAAAABdM/9CAn2m8Oaso/s1600-h/IMG_0767%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0767" border="0" alt="IMG_0767" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qUIQ0WfF4Q8/TfCWaEluKqI/AAAAAAAABdQ/LndtoXI60Xw/IMG_0767_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jQIQS1mtTFM/TfCWcnxVuJI/AAAAAAAABdU/WjZfqsrHH9I/s1600-h/IMG_0782%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0782" border="0" alt="IMG_0782" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LF-TE2vS0WI/TfCWdk_5jOI/AAAAAAAABdY/_UjNeEchrck/IMG_0782_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Following the tour, we jumped on the Hop On- Hop Off Bus to see a few more sites.  The first stop was at the Sydney Fish Market for lunch. It’s the place for getting freshly caught fish for lunch.  Harley ordered Barramundi with chips (fries) and I had Shrimp and chips.  I was surprised to find out that you had to pay for ketchup ( or tomato sauce as they call it).  Harley has been in search of good Barramundi in the US without much luck so he was very happy.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JlaV2Yh4l9A/TfCWi2IXrLI/AAAAAAAABdc/3Fhjb5yc35k/s1600-h/IMG_0785%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0785" border="0" alt="IMG_0785" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1BGqoupWQ94/TfCWjk95VTI/AAAAAAAABdg/MJDJ-t-ryO4/IMG_0785_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ET0-xvmq8NM/TfCWmurKlpI/AAAAAAAABdk/pcR1lEDQTx8/s1600-h/IMG_0787%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0787" border="0" alt="IMG_0787" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FD9H-jJpMXs/TfCWnaNvU2I/AAAAAAAABdo/rLHj8XelT1k/IMG_0787_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1_9Eeznoxqo/TfCWrFOJjJI/AAAAAAAABds/sTfoyi4c1kA/s1600-h/IMG_0788%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0788" border="0" alt="IMG_0788" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-N70NeToQnbU/TfCWsICE8AI/AAAAAAAABdw/3K26SNeJQj0/IMG_0788_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p> We then got back on the bus and traveled to Bondi Beach.  The word bondi is Aboriginal for waters breaking over rocks.  It is a cresent of beautiful white sand.  Along one side of the beach there is a club called Icebreakers.  To become a member you have to swim in the water every Sunday for four years straight. It looked absolutely freezing.   Needless to say it is a pretty exclusive club.  We enjoyed a nice stroll along the beach and admired the sandstone and the erosion that has shaped it over the years.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LM7ROfSRhh4/TfCWxsiFgFI/AAAAAAAABd0/jyj7EprS7_E/s1600-h/IMG_0790%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0790" border="0" alt="IMG_0790" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pWGCHucr3S0/TfCWys_RrzI/AAAAAAAABd4/Krn_FTFuIXs/IMG_0790_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MQJxfyv8dpM/TfCW38CClwI/AAAAAAAABd8/_CCvWaw6-cc/s1600-h/IMG_0793%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0793" border="0" alt="IMG_0793" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dJIovsvDZzI/TfCW5Fc_PgI/AAAAAAAABeA/Sn85oYSTHAo/IMG_0793_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aSFYHCYJzqw/TfCW-KGurZI/AAAAAAAABeE/BghCF9Qs9eY/s1600-h/IMG_0807%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0807" border="0" alt="IMG_0807" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-u1gTY0UQdpI/TfCW_KNq6VI/AAAAAAAABeI/MY29USNtn-8/IMG_0807_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-92kZfIU-EEc/TfCXDJ5dnKI/AAAAAAAABeM/1TUayPP3rek/s1600-h/IMG_0812%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0812" border="0" alt="IMG_0812" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_B_zkXs_K-8/TfCXEvtNRAI/AAAAAAAABeQ/LpXYdveV5RU/IMG_0812_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>While in Sydney, their annual festival of the arts, sculpture, music and lights was taking place.  So we ventured down to the Rocks and found an incredible light show on the Customs House.  I can’t possibly describe how amazing it was and the following picture doesn’t do it justice.  We also saw a fire show in Campbell’s Cove choreographed to music.  To top it off they had a laser light show continuously on the Sydney Opera house.  It was truly spectacular.  We finished out the evening with dinner at a pizza place.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Vc8J5c6KfAI/TfCXIcxDOsI/AAAAAAAABeU/CVfJaWQ0awA/s1600-h/IMG_0830%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0830" border="0" alt="IMG_0830" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FGCij9D2tqY/TfCXJgEgrYI/AAAAAAAABeY/B7ewqfyMNSU/IMG_0830_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-R2Ish_x7SRc/TfCXL4smtSI/AAAAAAAABec/_0W8Wecmdps/s1600-h/IMG_0846%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0846" border="0" alt="IMG_0846" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pgyllJIYCFU/TfCXNIlBigI/AAAAAAAABeg/fpXms2Mun-A/IMG_0846_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14091150784619987006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6186875324047876939.post-23287880873457306452011-06-09T01:44:00.001-07:002011-06-09T01:44:13.098-07:00Days 1 & 2 Down Under<p>We arrived at LAX with no problem and plenty of time to spare. The first surprise was when the ticket agent informed us that I would need a visa to fly to Australia. I was not aware of this at all and had a mini panic attack. Luckily the agent was able to take care of the paperwork and I paid a $25.00 fee to get one. The flight was 14.5 <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GslcodBbAls/Te8qpNE_y9I/AAAAAAAABaw/Vd6Fm6IjkvQ/s1600-h/IMG_0586%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0586" border="0" alt="IMG_0586" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Jjuf51uR040/Te8qqHRENlI/AAAAAAAABa0/nmaLhSgBoZk/IMG_0586_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>hours and it actually didn’t seem that long...thank goodness. We both slept for 6-7 hours and watched a few movies. Harley enjoyed the airplane food and I wasn’t too disgusted by it. We took a cab to Sydney with is about a 25 minute ride. The weather is much cooler than I imagined it would be.</p> <p>We arrived at them Menzies hotel at 10:00 and surprisingly we were able to check in early! The hotel is centrally loc<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-l9pOp787Zxs/Te8scxI4pcI/AAAAAAAABbU/vX_lCfS4Auw/s1600-h/IMG_0585%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0585" border="0" alt="IMG_0585" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-adgZHklDqqQ/Te8setRCogI/AAAAAAAABbY/1crSMJl5N5k/IMG_0585_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="251" height="189" /></a>ated and the room in nothing fancy. It reminds me of a few hotels in Europe in which everything is small.  Thank goodness it was truely a king size bed though. After getting cleaned up and ready for the day, we hit the streets. First stop was to have a meat pie and a ginger beer for Harley. I was pleasantly surprised by how tasty the meat pies were. Then we walked the streets and ended up at the Sydney SkyTower. The SkyTower is Sydney’s landmark tower which affords you a 360 degree views of the city. It wasn’t the clearest of days but still the views were amazing. My only complaint would have been that it was a bit pricey! We then wandered the streets, walked through Hyde Park, and stopped in the Queen Victoria’s Building which has been renovated and turned into an upscale shopping center. We were so exhausted, we went back to our hotel to rest for a bit. We began walking the wrong direction which we <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ojH7E_pI34M/Te8skqRufrI/AAAAAAAABbc/XMz77HgkyxE/s1600-h/IMG_0587%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0587" border="0" alt="IMG_0587" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-t6cIo9d2JY0/Te8smeWE-sI/AAAAAAAABbg/BLPtGZcdYjs/IMG_0587_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ityh_KvJa98/Te8stZlDFYI/AAAAAAAABbk/Pnb-sC95Zx4/IMG_0596%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0596" border="0" alt="IMG_0596" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-H_rv4IuWZzM/TfCHSi_DN6I/AAAAAAAABcA/sLKqpvOZS6A/IMG_0596_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>actually realized after about 20 minutes. Ooops. We took an afternoon nap and woke in time to get ready for dinner with Harley’s sister Pam and her husband Hugh. We walked down to the part of the city called the Rocks to find a place to eat. Unfortunately the streets were jammed packed and every restaurant was also. We ended up eating at a sidewalk cafe and the food was decent. We had a lovely visit with Pam and Hugh over dinner and retired to bed early to prepare for our big day.</p> <p> </p> <p>Day Two began around 4:00 when we woke and couldn’t get back to sleep. We must have since the alarm woke us at 6:00 to get us out the door for a 7:00 pickup. We had arranged a tour with a company called Blue Diamond Tours. It is a small company owned and run by a young married couple. They picked us up in a 12 passenger Mercedes van. Seven others joined the tour. It was great to have a small intimate group. Our first stop was for <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-soQYPE1EUmw/TfCHWD-PMMI/AAAAAAAABcE/58TlnCIPdlM/s1600-h/IMG_0625%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0625" border="0" alt="IMG_0625" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Cs0pGcxnY-g/TfCHW8DjRoI/AAAAAAAABcI/gNA39VVj5Uo/IMG_0625_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>English tea, scones, and pretzels at a little family owned bakery outside Sydney. Then they drove us into the Blue Mountains which is about an hour and a half from the city center. We first went to Scenic World which is an old coal mining area that has been turned into a tourist attraction. You first ride across the valley in a glass floor Skyway. When you arrive on the other side you take a railway which is supposedly has the steepest incline of any in the world at 53 degrees. It was a bit nerve wracking....yes. Then you have arrived in the Jamison Valley.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tTiE7ohqgP8/TfCHaR-n0II/AAAAAAAABcQ/hLQGZwQL0wM/s1600-h/IMG_0629%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0629" border="0" alt="IMG_0629" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-V3syBh4C-5c/TfCHbEDlO6I/AAAAAAAABcU/2kby-Jwwh7s/IMG_0629_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wS3cZ53rEh0/TfCHemSsFzI/AAAAAAAABcY/WsDV7K_I8R0/s1600-h/IMG_0637%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0637" border="0" alt="IMG_0637" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eMVaqbnObK8/TfCHftjN1OI/AAAAAAAABcc/nTW6Darr2B4/IMG_0637_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>We walked through this beautiful rainforest canopy for about an hour and tried not to freeze. You return via a scenic ca<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lVdc8mgfGjA/TfCHjnTF5wI/AAAAAAAABcg/GWAo6_zn-ws/s1600-h/IMG_0704%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0704" border="0" alt="IMG_0704" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2f8hj_m72yI/TfCHnQ69tLI/AAAAAAAABck/Z0N00ThaJBk/IMG_0704_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229" /></a>bleway. The views of the Blue Mountains and surrounding valleys were beautiful. A stop at a beautiful waterfall preceded the most popular lookout at Echo Point. The site was crammed with tourists but we were able to get some incredible views of the Three Sisters, despite the less than ideal pictures. A quaint shopping village nearby was the next stop. Lunch was had a the Sportsmans Club. We then traveled to Featherdale Wildlife Park just outside Sydney. It is a small park with animals common to Australia. We saw wombats, emus, tasmanian devils, dingos, koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, echinidas, penguins, and much more. We feeds some tiny wallabies corn flakes and had our picture take with a koala. Unfortunately, not ten minutes after arriving the battery on my camera died. So I went for my backup and the battery on it was dead. I was sooooo sad. I wanted pictures of all<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lfUWSvG2ddg/TfCHutVyjAI/AAAAAAAABco/pIGrlNCh8C0/s1600-h/IMG_0722%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0722" border="0" alt="IMG_0722" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DyRTUBSZBJM/TfCHvhTKN7I/AAAAAAAABcs/suZ70L0cTtc/IMG_0722_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fdRnMR2Ky7M/TfCH1RRLAfI/AAAAAAAABcw/tSrdJ7qS-Vg/s1600-h/IMG_0733%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0733" border="0" alt="IMG_0733" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-j5jWMI32vmY/TfCH2uFtueI/AAAAAAAABc0/nVZF_EYAigY/IMG_0733_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>these cute animals more than anything. Oh well, there wasn’t much I could do but be disappointed. They drove us by Sydney’s Olympic Park which is completely still utilized. The tour guides Alena and Rob dropped us off in Breakfast Point and we took the ferry back to the Circular Quay. Due to the weather, we chose to sit inside which obscured the views a bit but the bridge and city views were spectacular. Wished I had a working camera.  We walked all over trying to find a place to eat dinner tonight and settled on a meat pie for Harley and a Subway sandwich for me. We were to the point we were so hungry we didn’t care. The tour guides recommended a chocolate bar and it just happened to be down the street from our hotel. So on the walk back we picked up a toffee flavored hot chocolate and honestly weren’t too impressed. Another early night for us. </p> Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14091150784619987006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6186875324047876939.post-9504088856691807352010-11-06T12:38:00.001-07:002010-11-06T12:38:27.467-07:00Home Again…..in St. Kitts<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_od9HHaykBV8/TNWumn-10aI/AAAAAAAABZ0/gXLJCgbpOjE/s1600-h/IMG_8970%5B12%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8970" border="0" alt="IMG_8970" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_od9HHaykBV8/TNWumzzpKPI/AAAAAAAABZ4/SzkWQNHRjW0/IMG_8970_thumb%5B12%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="267" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_od9HHaykBV8/TNWunnBwqoI/AAAAAAAABZ8/xVp1WR4e_GI/s1600-h/IMG_8973%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8973" border="0" alt="IMG_8973" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_od9HHaykBV8/TNWuoLFIxKI/AAAAAAAABaA/Dtof8DWTVPQ/IMG_8973_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="230" /></a>\</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_od9HHaykBV8/TNWuo8y8DxI/AAAAAAAABaE/xAqAlJbFxck/s1600-h/IMG_8980%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8980" border="0" alt="IMG_8980" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_od9HHaykBV8/TNWupI-2rdI/AAAAAAAABaI/4RRAOAvShwE/IMG_8980_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="270" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_od9HHaykBV8/TNWup4UytNI/AAAAAAAABaM/y8qMbtSt274/s1600-h/IMG_9030%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9030" border="0" alt="IMG_9030" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_od9HHaykBV8/TNWuqGjzwLI/AAAAAAAABaQ/jfo7BQtTvYU/IMG_9030_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_od9HHaykBV8/TNWuqyi2GfI/AAAAAAAABaU/viWJ-GAx8hE/s1600-h/IMG_9051%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9051" border="0" alt="IMG_9051" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_od9HHaykBV8/TNWurJhORcI/AAAAAAAABaY/Ow2P3drK3MI/IMG_9051_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_od9HHaykBV8/TNWusEPEM7I/AAAAAAAABac/n3Y8HzRd8_c/s1600-h/IMG_9053%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9053" border="0" alt="IMG_9053" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_od9HHaykBV8/TNWusZUpHnI/AAAAAAAABag/VvDod0fIwOE/IMG_9053_thumb%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="236" /></a></p> Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14091150784619987006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6186875324047876939.post-82488499330688917402010-10-17T21:27:00.001-07:002010-10-17T21:28:30.853-07:00Invitations by Kelly<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_od9HHaykBV8/TLvMqu036GI/AAAAAAAABZk/ptL0G6lj3pQ/s1600-h/mdsurcolor_copy%5B7%5D.jpg"><img title="mdsurcolor_copy" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="280" alt="mdsurcolor_copy" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_od9HHaykBV8/TLvMrqVaPPI/AAAAAAAABZs/WlqujByUuX0/mdsurcolor_copy_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" border="0" /></a></p> Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14091150784619987006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6186875324047876939.post-84517201721996875172010-10-17T19:11:00.001-07:002010-10-17T19:11:50.980-07:0060 Things We Know and Love About our Parents<p>On Saturday, October 16th, we jointly celebrated my parents 60th Birthdays with a surprise party.   And YES…it was still a surprise.  The party was held at Sierra Vista Restaurant in Southlake and we had 40 friends and family in attendance.   Everyone had a choice of prime rib, shrimp, or chicken.  Joy Hurley and Toni Hogue of Sierra Vista  did an excellent job serving us.  The evening was rounded with stories and tributes to my parents.  My sister and I put together the following list of 60 Things We Know and Love about our Parents.</p> <ol> <li>Taking us to school in Silky Red Pajamas </li> <li>Giving us a love for Broadway plays </li> <li>Making up songs like the Wheelchair Family and Fatty Fatty Two By Four </li> <li>Teaching us how to ski between their legs while skiing backwards </li> <li>Giving us a love for the beach minus the camping part. </li> <li>Equipping us with a stylish wardrobe in high school thanks to all his girlfriends at Harris. </li> <li>Their generosity to those less fortunate </li> <li>Patiently gardening with Nicole </li> <li>Diet Coke with Cherries and a few more cherries </li> <li>99 Cent Whoppers and Water at Burger King </li> <li>Expand-o-matic Pants </li> <li>Butter as a major food group </li> <li>Preparation H </li> <li>Chocolate Milkshakes for dinner </li> <li>Giving us a love for good literature </li> <li>I CARE PILLS </li> <li>Discount travel specialist </li> <li>Braiding and curling four girls hair </li> <li>Their expensive taste in cars….aka the Silver Bullet/ the Handy Van </li> <li>Mom tolerating Dad’s love affair’s with Dennis Miller, Ann Coulter, and Rush Limbaugh </li> <li>Teaching us how to be kind to one another which occasionally involved time-out hugs. </li> <li>Debbie Kent’s Summer Boot Camp </li> <li>Tutoring us in high school math whether we wanted the help or not </li> <li>Vasoline coated feet </li> <li>Is it cheesy enough? </li> <li>Instilling in us a love for our extended family </li> <li>Super Mario Brothers Competitor </li> <li>Their Stock in Kirkland Brand Motrin </li> <li>Best Saturday morning short order cooking in town </li> <li>Velour Jumpsuits, Denver Bronco Shorts, and Cal Trans worker coordinating t-shirt and swim trunks. </li> <li>Cream, Cream and more cream. </li> <li>Brown trout stories </li> <li>Yummy chocolate chip cookies </li> <li>All their tireless efforts to help each of their children become successful. </li> <li>Making sure all the computers in the house are equipped with the latest and greatest software. </li> <li>Love for the Padres and Lakers </li> <li>Bringing us up in the gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints </li> <li>Texas Hold Em Tournaments, Bridge and Progressive Rummy </li> <li>Teaching us that all obstacles can be overcome. </li> <li>Giving us a love for the water including swimming, snorkeling, boating, wave running, scuba diving.</li> <li>Watching Mystery TV shows together </li> <li>Dad perming his hair </li> <li>Love of Toyota Camry's </li> <li>AM/PM stops for coke Slushies </li> <li>Mom going back to school to get her education with Joe </li> <li>An unending supply of currently used toothbrushes </li> <li>Always thinking of others </li> <li>Passing on the clumsy gene </li> <li>That dad can still get mom to turn Beet red </li> <li>The Whittleton giggle </li> <li>Always prepared to give hugs </li> <li>Reading out loud </li> <li>Loves and supports us unconditionally </li> <li>Sneezing 5-6 times in a row </li> <li>Love of Neal Diamond and Barry Manilow </li> <li>Tender hearted </li> <li>Speaking Spanish when we're around so we don't know what they're talking about </li> <li>Unconventional swimming lessons, "Jenny, Joe don't help her" </li> <li>Being courageous, strong, and faithful </li> <li>Loving each other</li> </ol> Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14091150784619987006noreply@blogger.com1