tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78599799934124852122024-02-18T19:52:52.158-08:00Got Injera?The story of our adoption from EthiopiaBrianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08909453622709747422noreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859979993412485212.post-2845425169518707622010-04-13T20:22:00.000-07:002010-04-13T20:54:36.192-07:00The latest<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLLasS-KdSma22RFVAtS1sU8tJYscuWL8xtC-FraRpzlah7A4nG-1gQ3dqdeYw0bJeyGD5iJzPYELa3Mt-J_ze4FxwSTviNOzJk7V08FLNvlFnW9GBGdyQKX2CXSdSBdcl3EtVmkeAEg0/s1600/P1230472.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459832368510589682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLLasS-KdSma22RFVAtS1sU8tJYscuWL8xtC-FraRpzlah7A4nG-1gQ3dqdeYw0bJeyGD5iJzPYELa3Mt-J_ze4FxwSTviNOzJk7V08FLNvlFnW9GBGdyQKX2CXSdSBdcl3EtVmkeAEg0/s320/P1230472.JPG" /></a> Mom and Anna dressed up for a girls' day out together.</div><div align="center"><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWsxbqM05r-s_DbEQtp-5jmuXh9JX-VQdPmEnfw4b_-UZ9LVFK-ndTEu3u216M95v9fFCjNEqh13tx00loiCuEyL2kqc7t6AyWYHUp2qtnbOxho7iPIPXbR9aZ0NZKVodTxSjTbvD112k/s1600/P1290515.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459831666621106386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWsxbqM05r-s_DbEQtp-5jmuXh9JX-VQdPmEnfw4b_-UZ9LVFK-ndTEu3u216M95v9fFCjNEqh13tx00loiCuEyL2kqc7t6AyWYHUp2qtnbOxho7iPIPXbR9aZ0NZKVodTxSjTbvD112k/s320/P1290515.JPG" /></a> This girl LOVES her own reflection. Her hair twists lasted about five days, with daily changes of the snap beads on the ends.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNs_lElI5GoEcNec4zwh6y3rvHHiOOCv8FHAcDfFlz1vcnN_oyr2KPShPSpnTM2fzVIr_AbonNBmnY-bH3rPMYOgeDnxDvxmFCH2TlZ8XmFUq6DeIMMyvNaOf-Ko9H6kGmhyo6y8RpIF4/s1600/P2130608.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459831657962167842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNs_lElI5GoEcNec4zwh6y3rvHHiOOCv8FHAcDfFlz1vcnN_oyr2KPShPSpnTM2fzVIr_AbonNBmnY-bH3rPMYOgeDnxDvxmFCH2TlZ8XmFUq6DeIMMyvNaOf-Ko9H6kGmhyo6y8RpIF4/s320/P2130608.JPG" /></a>Ernie and Anna love posing for the new camera. It takes fabulous action photos.</div><div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MsD1BT2uOW4dVrKvsTvY_ETVLgz7uo5vCs4EeIVn9EeOu9AxMkCfgPiBmsOuaTRBJHTLgRObfY5Nv6nhQIzw80RMLd955SYjXXDLJCEj9pH9ByuLUeY9TA6hcXUwqpGDrgOiDw1mDEQ/s1600/P2140661.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459831649355788434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MsD1BT2uOW4dVrKvsTvY_ETVLgz7uo5vCs4EeIVn9EeOu9AxMkCfgPiBmsOuaTRBJHTLgRObfY5Nv6nhQIzw80RMLd955SYjXXDLJCEj9pH9ByuLUeY9TA6hcXUwqpGDrgOiDw1mDEQ/s320/P2140661.JPG" /></a>We play lots of "baby doll" in our house. Here the kids are modeling their baby slings, made out of scarves from Ethiopia.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDNsEuL2QK1x1mrYUqxflI6an5zhyphenhyphen95q5qrUDQqJmpX12A_XxftJeMKehI6w8tGS-KMA8o5l0AozShQKk98HzQgaLwfk7vPHOEMuRVjHdKPgAWn3Y3LJIx6EVmScP6kid8gp8swKAyJ0/s1600/P2150666.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459831647425376770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDNsEuL2QK1x1mrYUqxflI6an5zhyphenhyphen95q5qrUDQqJmpX12A_XxftJeMKehI6w8tGS-KMA8o5l0AozShQKk98HzQgaLwfk7vPHOEMuRVjHdKPgAWn3Y3LJIx6EVmScP6kid8gp8swKAyJ0/s320/P2150666.JPG" /></a>The kids decided to join Dad in his post-run stretching. Anna considers the tutu appropriate for any occasion.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5E_Q3vCBGZ_l0uwV89qjPjww51u6aoGUrBZ4YJvNvTkx-16TXIEPLbB2tNaWqoUY9aIMB_sraoocr3juABpwOubJbPdqWqMMFM6YfK6_FwRAQft4d-j1axMrYEQ28WZdvU4atlVU1q_8/s1600/P2250682.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459831637347326642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5E_Q3vCBGZ_l0uwV89qjPjww51u6aoGUrBZ4YJvNvTkx-16TXIEPLbB2tNaWqoUY9aIMB_sraoocr3juABpwOubJbPdqWqMMFM6YfK6_FwRAQft4d-j1axMrYEQ28WZdvU4atlVU1q_8/s320/P2250682.JPG" /></a> Here we are sharing a homemade Ethiopian meal. We purchased the injera from a restaurant in Seattle.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIYgWU5AgRvgBaS8xd1jOXosG2EBFYcIWtZCn4sIUR1ves5c5PjKX6znKpYdWufFqqClZFfCUbrthkVilmV8nXtBCKvDLBBTujgPFe5hnRLugq4LKx3UVvHt7RsL7v7Qa_qXnAOUIUEI/s1600/P3300745.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459830514365718322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIYgWU5AgRvgBaS8xd1jOXosG2EBFYcIWtZCn4sIUR1ves5c5PjKX6znKpYdWufFqqClZFfCUbrthkVilmV8nXtBCKvDLBBTujgPFe5hnRLugq4LKx3UVvHt7RsL7v7Qa_qXnAOUIUEI/s320/P3300745.JPG" /></a> 25 weeks along. Can't wait for July!</div><div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKlJB5TqAmv_iuDTD_F8c0Erj9w1Y8faHCBmKyqdS95chZuBenVncC5hEaO2Et-Cwj866LoWAdDzmcdbcPu957iXlHTumbQnRzywzHz6QsyoIJ7m5TdPhkrmhqEqPWbd9ramBq2N3kY0/s1600/P4060801.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459830507619793010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKlJB5TqAmv_iuDTD_F8c0Erj9w1Y8faHCBmKyqdS95chZuBenVncC5hEaO2Et-Cwj866LoWAdDzmcdbcPu957iXlHTumbQnRzywzHz6QsyoIJ7m5TdPhkrmhqEqPWbd9ramBq2N3kY0/s320/P4060801.JPG" /></a> Is it wrong to laugh when your kid falls down in the ocean? Is it wrong to make her walk out on her own so you don't get all wet? It is wrong to take dozens of pictures chronicling her misadventure?<br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_nOrU4yLrV0ni-RoI_rN4twm-Js-gLJj53IbmvT7L71udLl9Mbv4A0-nsK_9YczoRWQtzD2xs1kRI_66X3_10z4DOyOrH_cuu1duqCpbua-W9ULmq-_ITSGDn3wn_oR7tZiYTnP20Lc/s1600/P4060841.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459830492736365666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_nOrU4yLrV0ni-RoI_rN4twm-Js-gLJj53IbmvT7L71udLl9Mbv4A0-nsK_9YczoRWQtzD2xs1kRI_66X3_10z4DOyOrH_cuu1duqCpbua-W9ULmq-_ITSGDn3wn_oR7tZiYTnP20Lc/s320/P4060841.JPG" /></a> I love this picture of Ernie. It captures his beautiful spirit so perfectly!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8y6O0kepx8POCHwMkYSrv1xJmpGQyuTH6IA0P7hyBb-9jPKy8InzmqGbjyLtP22RTrwwDqDcebs3ToBaK41VdPjgpsnsa9NjtDftkr_ocAxnbwBTNpQTKA2t_WwIgpI7bYFP5lTXXhEk/s1600/P4060879.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459830457617030882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8y6O0kepx8POCHwMkYSrv1xJmpGQyuTH6IA0P7hyBb-9jPKy8InzmqGbjyLtP22RTrwwDqDcebs3ToBaK41VdPjgpsnsa9NjtDftkr_ocAxnbwBTNpQTKA2t_WwIgpI7bYFP5lTXXhEk/s320/P4060879.JPG" /></a>After a long day at the ocean, the kids fall asleep pretty fast. <br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07234311499984421227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859979993412485212.post-34165830563468608022010-04-10T09:06:00.001-07:002010-04-10T09:12:08.758-07:00Ernie's first short story<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWc7IEQHWUv_XpV3sCoEJzPpleOw9Nlj6jUpm9WWLd_dD_xlT7Z9zaTB8FpvzsdmMAg32b3TFnyBveE8jSH6EOyjjGEh_x8mu3GE1s4FZRPHmSMAHOVETa0Fmy2MPURGzNouis5Pbj_zM/s1600/titlepage.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 247px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458541665585641586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWc7IEQHWUv_XpV3sCoEJzPpleOw9Nlj6jUpm9WWLd_dD_xlT7Z9zaTB8FpvzsdmMAg32b3TFnyBveE8jSH6EOyjjGEh_x8mu3GE1s4FZRPHmSMAHOVETa0Fmy2MPURGzNouis5Pbj_zM/s320/titlepage.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRyvUpUDGSEtmMeer8LODuB4dcGuQ7wnY9flpwzUD2WH1yeof73HvDe9tmQuwG8eD4zb5tNHwtcu6l6qEPRpS6Z7fW6QVhiEdRufDtAWTw1fvgB7ss2Xwjl5wf9XRPEg_5Yzts_S73VU/s1600/page001.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 247px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458541553360824018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRyvUpUDGSEtmMeer8LODuB4dcGuQ7wnY9flpwzUD2WH1yeof73HvDe9tmQuwG8eD4zb5tNHwtcu6l6qEPRpS6Z7fW6QVhiEdRufDtAWTw1fvgB7ss2Xwjl5wf9XRPEg_5Yzts_S73VU/s320/page001.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7tonYEsmNitTFy0mJPVvXH9xCrq00IS9wWqkUUYaDtlO9MBwEy-O9H7FMJBzxBBIWvOPNZuCgijbxH2adHIC8U4kixsjmeXoZ4N4UyBtfP8NcYDELxa9j-CIDE1jHkvSf6-DJHRC0rvY/s1600/page002.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 247px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458541547596591378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7tonYEsmNitTFy0mJPVvXH9xCrq00IS9wWqkUUYaDtlO9MBwEy-O9H7FMJBzxBBIWvOPNZuCgijbxH2adHIC8U4kixsjmeXoZ4N4UyBtfP8NcYDELxa9j-CIDE1jHkvSf6-DJHRC0rvY/s320/page002.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8q0kO9MGS6tqDfZjJnAbGui3I5X-5MPZe3JERQYW-w6pT7gJ2GN2R_uhdkHlJCgNG_Ys8lqYpxdHy_tw87w8j8x6F3cMs9GdUzjOy-EDbPVP4w2VOrYZn-FWHX400xzzvcSjXkjWbQVY/s1600/page003.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 247px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458541542367219426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8q0kO9MGS6tqDfZjJnAbGui3I5X-5MPZe3JERQYW-w6pT7gJ2GN2R_uhdkHlJCgNG_Ys8lqYpxdHy_tw87w8j8x6F3cMs9GdUzjOy-EDbPVP4w2VOrYZn-FWHX400xzzvcSjXkjWbQVY/s320/page003.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKIchh3deSuxSDhMIYAhJja3v7tugW8SVFsmWSmonnlJJAcyX47kE4EROY-4_roYit_3TCmxswswRJVnF6YPUIktgLARok0kjrLTZWrcbffPkOqdZf4sv37KXKjNwX9zzvakoql0csyMQ/s1600/page004.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 247px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458541534026358290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKIchh3deSuxSDhMIYAhJja3v7tugW8SVFsmWSmonnlJJAcyX47kE4EROY-4_roYit_3TCmxswswRJVnF6YPUIktgLARok0kjrLTZWrcbffPkOqdZf4sv37KXKjNwX9zzvakoql0csyMQ/s320/page004.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEwWwyRlEna4YoYGbKgnnpDr0Jsyb5S4C6o3NxgMbCKRnKaHrrNXWOdio13WWJsD_6MZdj0tlfynYijiZ6-PdxdSnRdvmFD9cDR_HBH7DMjrR7eHnTJ7KUluHq2yOEL-dcOptA-rphPJ8/s1600/page005.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 247px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458541522124983650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEwWwyRlEna4YoYGbKgnnpDr0Jsyb5S4C6o3NxgMbCKRnKaHrrNXWOdio13WWJsD_6MZdj0tlfynYijiZ6-PdxdSnRdvmFD9cDR_HBH7DMjrR7eHnTJ7KUluHq2yOEL-dcOptA-rphPJ8/s320/page005.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9mcqWnVrrsi7Xk2zNHgYm8mJBrv-jDJnWOV706xwWonZ-DWz6qbwYyZmAbCVDBx6ct96aASrtPlmr9EFfmulsjcsBLsbvm3yBH1q2JhURg2GeIYny0i89FoHdt-xLw4nenbeNAMXBbZ0/s1600/page006.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 247px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458541218756675698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9mcqWnVrrsi7Xk2zNHgYm8mJBrv-jDJnWOV706xwWonZ-DWz6qbwYyZmAbCVDBx6ct96aASrtPlmr9EFfmulsjcsBLsbvm3yBH1q2JhURg2GeIYny0i89FoHdt-xLw4nenbeNAMXBbZ0/s320/page006.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiuTtPDvyvsltCvuPqRnV5oFGsNrl4vRzXhSqNf-CTRkZPn2SjuqChHPlQYKNcHw3IoU5lK2W7NwYerT2rltp8gwDRQEWhIxMX1VyPwmpi4l23PRVdla2LyHq_ZV2rQ-2HaX1o8JIpOC8/s1600/page007.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 247px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458541213838249106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiuTtPDvyvsltCvuPqRnV5oFGsNrl4vRzXhSqNf-CTRkZPn2SjuqChHPlQYKNcHw3IoU5lK2W7NwYerT2rltp8gwDRQEWhIxMX1VyPwmpi4l23PRVdla2LyHq_ZV2rQ-2HaX1o8JIpOC8/s320/page007.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUpqWeBsqJ3NPFK5Sy1WWYjpEPhuPma791G_3JnlQG85oittKKjQaa0v8VqGetTnNh_KzCASP7QZWg9jjxN57TPpjtzNeVeZwlSs11Bx-pwsGJYSdBtpYwVyzUvrqLvXdYWzubSoYKhU/s1600/page008.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 247px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458541206867241186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUpqWeBsqJ3NPFK5Sy1WWYjpEPhuPma791G_3JnlQG85oittKKjQaa0v8VqGetTnNh_KzCASP7QZWg9jjxN57TPpjtzNeVeZwlSs11Bx-pwsGJYSdBtpYwVyzUvrqLvXdYWzubSoYKhU/s320/page008.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQDec1lqY3stH2rLneFc3CLuKuDtMVd7UDpP4NYT5hoEw-T_TEdLJ2c0xdc2qHbK9wKbcLzTTGi97ZIyRuJ7zwY8_7yJcPxwOquz4_2nl9NB6U5cYoAU8Qw0f-3YcX7A-uomjjvoyYcV0/s1600/page009.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 247px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458541202218619746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQDec1lqY3stH2rLneFc3CLuKuDtMVd7UDpP4NYT5hoEw-T_TEdLJ2c0xdc2qHbK9wKbcLzTTGi97ZIyRuJ7zwY8_7yJcPxwOquz4_2nl9NB6U5cYoAU8Qw0f-3YcX7A-uomjjvoyYcV0/s320/page009.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2W_5fdx5E9_f6v0t4kMotZIJZkPUVzIpvkA9iUoOmWwraryQjIBtYZc_US2XfpfDXrHV2ICQSu2nAHhdUmfLDYvRIg8wFFwCCQcFk8CmP7u9KPAlGynU7WJvPvjMoHy_YvazLVlwSid0/s1600/page010.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 247px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458541192207846706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2W_5fdx5E9_f6v0t4kMotZIJZkPUVzIpvkA9iUoOmWwraryQjIBtYZc_US2XfpfDXrHV2ICQSu2nAHhdUmfLDYvRIg8wFFwCCQcFk8CmP7u9KPAlGynU7WJvPvjMoHy_YvazLVlwSid0/s320/page010.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07234311499984421227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859979993412485212.post-57843362058571458802010-01-31T09:08:00.000-08:002010-01-31T09:17:00.521-08:00Other news I forgot in the last 2 posts<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdjZnty7oepvlRKvYseoPA3KI9NtnG6C-lmNbFiT_7dpZd6c_h39wHeZkjLAB4i1mqq5X8_k2Bmaib108RkLX3gLokGF-MIcxiitj0F-IN_kQVCXBat2wmSO1H2JGmtgAkd0w0DZXOgU/s1600-h/PC180050.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432953658588421506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdjZnty7oepvlRKvYseoPA3KI9NtnG6C-lmNbFiT_7dpZd6c_h39wHeZkjLAB4i1mqq5X8_k2Bmaib108RkLX3gLokGF-MIcxiitj0F-IN_kQVCXBat2wmSO1H2JGmtgAkd0w0DZXOgU/s320/PC180050.JPG" /></a><br /><div>The binky is gone. Cold turkey was the only way. We tried cutting off the tip little by little, but she hated that even more than it being gone. As a consequence of taking away the binky, Anna decided to climb out of her crib. The bunk beds are up and Ernie and Anna are now sharing sleeping quarters while the other bedroom transformed into a playroom.</div><div><br /> </div><div>Ernie is doing great in kindergarten. His reading skills are just blossoming! It is such a wonder to see him put together words and actually understand what he is reading. It makes me much more determined to get Anna learning her letters (she knows "A" and points it out whereever we go) so we can move down that path towards reading with her too.</div><div><br /></div><div>More news to come in a few weeks!</div>Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07234311499984421227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859979993412485212.post-65175293613677781692010-01-31T08:48:00.000-08:002010-01-31T09:05:09.270-08:00December and lots of pictures!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvQLgpFAq8F9srQcIXJZWdHi4koj4eUuTT0ELsKvtP_wqmkYEq7qGoskQWPXsQbDGzl20LPTUpXfZlXWkBRgxRG9qrvWNtWvtFYRIo-YY-ErYiMfSPPoa3raJGWWtf6Uv2UWrRdIvW88/s1600-h/PC060005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432949179743455986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvQLgpFAq8F9srQcIXJZWdHi4koj4eUuTT0ELsKvtP_wqmkYEq7qGoskQWPXsQbDGzl20LPTUpXfZlXWkBRgxRG9qrvWNtWvtFYRIo-YY-ErYiMfSPPoa3raJGWWtf6Uv2UWrRdIvW88/s320/PC060005.JPG" /></a> *Cooking dinner. Pants are optional. Anna is now potty trained. WOO HOO!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCcluvK1nPNsK-stcXmbYuhxzZWv9cPhhyBkGXqAsyiVTcorPqQzEt4HP-BZDc5esgS59qxhQ6wSvF2LYZEAp_yjnnwfPuOwsTQBLCo2lnxwhJxy0GLZwkZ10JOvWVzk7hTt1QqX2ARlk/s1600-h/PC170039.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432948632507312626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCcluvK1nPNsK-stcXmbYuhxzZWv9cPhhyBkGXqAsyiVTcorPqQzEt4HP-BZDc5esgS59qxhQ6wSvF2LYZEAp_yjnnwfPuOwsTQBLCo2lnxwhJxy0GLZwkZ10JOvWVzk7hTt1QqX2ARlk/s320/PC170039.JPG" /></a> *Mom trying to get a nice picture of the kids together. Ha ha.</div><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhMbiY1iJ_wnanM8z3WJ-WR07A6ja3pKxnftjiPOl_QppzxxKnkVNpRnnsHIxt3B1ZjTPoP8P5y62E7maQ4FJ_HpgOAQ5Y3Pc978nilw4-JRZXuXeq0SuyKlsjXX7spqDdSC0M2Hlb0M/s1600-h/PC180049.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432948623702749698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhMbiY1iJ_wnanM8z3WJ-WR07A6ja3pKxnftjiPOl_QppzxxKnkVNpRnnsHIxt3B1ZjTPoP8P5y62E7maQ4FJ_HpgOAQ5Y3Pc978nilw4-JRZXuXeq0SuyKlsjXX7spqDdSC0M2Hlb0M/s320/PC180049.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbkQARVbun8nRRlBP3xTep1VCerSu3n6gyJXgSlPCkL4bCFO80mc5uu-REXgR0uZ1XycywL80U-Ggd7KcVzJ42AqyINVeN5rBK0mYfJsDxJJ0qiR2xTkpKGY-CUMte78KbGmH16_Iv4xs/s1600-h/PC180055.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432948613070402306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbkQARVbun8nRRlBP3xTep1VCerSu3n6gyJXgSlPCkL4bCFO80mc5uu-REXgR0uZ1XycywL80U-Ggd7KcVzJ42AqyINVeN5rBK0mYfJsDxJJ0qiR2xTkpKGY-CUMte78KbGmH16_Iv4xs/s320/PC180055.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlviVNcr6A8JSWyrIHTLfL5zhelEHk5WuKP46WkGVtIygtnLA-t_NlLVV6Rs4s563nvY0VlWUYDOoOMkc9es9WX7XMwZa08nMy1rgYHfMQH4AswYxklHBEUy-xbPtPsZbRt6gu_cGrLVc/s1600-h/PC180061.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432948598259293570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlviVNcr6A8JSWyrIHTLfL5zhelEHk5WuKP46WkGVtIygtnLA-t_NlLVV6Rs4s563nvY0VlWUYDOoOMkc9es9WX7XMwZa08nMy1rgYHfMQH4AswYxklHBEUy-xbPtPsZbRt6gu_cGrLVc/s320/PC180061.JPG" /></a> *Just goofing around with the new camera.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSb9F4BQfPAhrb2Ht_J8Jo_f0xp3KgeMFa9EP_g7hJg3Ki9dqmCp4FKAO-jPg5rt_ir8IzEwqy9twedwJG434MOH8z_pdADnPYsp03Ucy4fX-YhSUsd-zuwj8njMQAxcv1YTYJQtsjZ0/s1600-h/PC180095.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432948590636194578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSb9F4BQfPAhrb2Ht_J8Jo_f0xp3KgeMFa9EP_g7hJg3Ki9dqmCp4FKAO-jPg5rt_ir8IzEwqy9twedwJG434MOH8z_pdADnPYsp03Ucy4fX-YhSUsd-zuwj8njMQAxcv1YTYJQtsjZ0/s320/PC180095.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbpA5GlzsV2n0ejo7luA04lzZMwVf_rl9NrUximE3fOjV66OQjEf3l9DI_RFoUnsL9DATSVl25HAHNmVEzlbZjKYwXSWTly6qR3S_lH_WDUKzwlr1pSL2y-zANy2dsrOncbUqbUSr7Mo/s1600-h/PC180156.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432947858769257250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbpA5GlzsV2n0ejo7luA04lzZMwVf_rl9NrUximE3fOjV66OQjEf3l9DI_RFoUnsL9DATSVl25HAHNmVEzlbZjKYwXSWTly6qR3S_lH_WDUKzwlr1pSL2y-zANy2dsrOncbUqbUSr7Mo/s320/PC180156.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYxtAmynQQB37hDMEJ61nqPoOyb-G0zdoNsKeX1aRHmNbvbkOWoQZY29GrqUAEJoUZclDULsqSP9G9UiX6C2WJnebZgRaBtlumRaybGL21SvjpBkHFzem-MCB7t_1gZCJFVrjd76RadsA/s1600-h/PC250212.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432947847114024306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYxtAmynQQB37hDMEJ61nqPoOyb-G0zdoNsKeX1aRHmNbvbkOWoQZY29GrqUAEJoUZclDULsqSP9G9UiX6C2WJnebZgRaBtlumRaybGL21SvjpBkHFzem-MCB7t_1gZCJFVrjd76RadsA/s320/PC250212.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_w5lEPVlhqQx-NEdsYUvyqunPbYaB592-0LVXR0VS1k7dQT9vtd4emv7RMATB5Y-s9M9Q7BaClrYnlxcnao-dRG1Ki7byQpFmTXkWqTFwCJWBfVBVDaGwQxxTrwyh6TmKt1lwg6jITw/s1600-h/PC250219.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432947838316372386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_w5lEPVlhqQx-NEdsYUvyqunPbYaB592-0LVXR0VS1k7dQT9vtd4emv7RMATB5Y-s9M9Q7BaClrYnlxcnao-dRG1Ki7byQpFmTXkWqTFwCJWBfVBVDaGwQxxTrwyh6TmKt1lwg6jITw/s320/PC250219.JPG" /></a> *Ernie is loving the legos Grandma and Grandpa got him for Christmas.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjF5LbBfboASpWsMqaS4osqCTklv_l2SbtXlnvYiLM9d5wZmfizvvPQ3geqzdE-q9TtnLh4v5ZU9jQMCvIO_riMqun86O6_7xFDmGAsiOJTm2FFAEBq2Y39CwFxeBLPdF0PZJcEFspY4/s1600-h/PC250224.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432947832237475090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjF5LbBfboASpWsMqaS4osqCTklv_l2SbtXlnvYiLM9d5wZmfizvvPQ3geqzdE-q9TtnLh4v5ZU9jQMCvIO_riMqun86O6_7xFDmGAsiOJTm2FFAEBq2Y39CwFxeBLPdF0PZJcEFspY4/s320/PC250224.JPG" /></a> *The highlight of our Christmas was a visit from Aunt Jen, Uncle Mike and cousins Chris and Emily.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxEMPdoaXlh0ZmPAjNMJXBRqpkG_nd8apOQYrJkaE8VW-4cIPDAB6ylonvbKHUFkyv3P3SrMyH8B0ZWiI7VXEcqZqzte9K_1S_fxujmu0VfKAD4Sls0EpVeGQfMomORbT1YLBNYvBgPQo/s1600-h/PC260229.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432947820348248370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxEMPdoaXlh0ZmPAjNMJXBRqpkG_nd8apOQYrJkaE8VW-4cIPDAB6ylonvbKHUFkyv3P3SrMyH8B0ZWiI7VXEcqZqzte9K_1S_fxujmu0VfKAD4Sls0EpVeGQfMomORbT1YLBNYvBgPQo/s320/PC260229.JPG" /></a> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07234311499984421227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859979993412485212.post-65735917422161283402010-01-31T08:20:00.001-08:002010-01-31T08:46:19.826-08:00October and November<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HnIn6m4WvrFHFE_jIUTuyxFzuTvVZjEEmWD73AHZUhl6-RoMPBExcv-Df3hNWiWU9yw_T2OaE6lOwJTW3Iiys7OquubwYo03Alf7sAS4nCINZz5seFRLTntOaM-CdlDZiwhqnhDfhGc/s1600-h/105_2417.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432943161901085186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HnIn6m4WvrFHFE_jIUTuyxFzuTvVZjEEmWD73AHZUhl6-RoMPBExcv-Df3hNWiWU9yw_T2OaE6lOwJTW3Iiys7OquubwYo03Alf7sAS4nCINZz5seFRLTntOaM-CdlDZiwhqnhDfhGc/s320/105_2417.JPG" /></a><br /> *Anna is loving Little Gym. Even better is that she gets to wear a leotard with Tinkerbell on it.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKDm1Q6f58nx0dU5_1yeaqfEiG8LigMtSLFOSu9Fqc56YJ8H6nDKv69nsdLqYtoMJMVfMmtjDnUkS9OHdMIk1RSL_g_zt8NFWYROwPuHaNn0PaC3nyWzPPWlVqFHT9m0s4-BmcwZgw3W0/s1600-h/105_2431.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432943148403779970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKDm1Q6f58nx0dU5_1yeaqfEiG8LigMtSLFOSu9Fqc56YJ8H6nDKv69nsdLqYtoMJMVfMmtjDnUkS9OHdMIk1RSL_g_zt8NFWYROwPuHaNn0PaC3nyWzPPWlVqFHT9m0s4-BmcwZgw3W0/s320/105_2431.JPG" /></a>*We visited the train yard at Snoqualmie for the afternoon. Brian doesn't mind going there in the least, since we get to stop at the Snoqualmie Taproom for lunch. </div><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4Wat4AiSZioB7zdFpxU2k9YzZUrX1ArvOMlTzZhsNzaDfwzu9vPecgQX-KOX33wWr9U3kzjWyAshBHMpVb00McK1sko8-uakvB4GeRXchdyD_hDxvdCPwYYfATpFVlfaFCqBZSO-Wc4/s1600-h/105_2454.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432943128247591090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4Wat4AiSZioB7zdFpxU2k9YzZUrX1ArvOMlTzZhsNzaDfwzu9vPecgQX-KOX33wWr9U3kzjWyAshBHMpVb00McK1sko8-uakvB4GeRXchdyD_hDxvdCPwYYfATpFVlfaFCqBZSO-Wc4/s320/105_2454.JPG" /></a> *One set of Halloween costumes from the depths of the dress-up box. Ernie has worn this frog costume at least 3 years. This is the second year Anna has worn the flower costure.</div><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFffSymj4ipyVvJANPXXI7khq5rOo0R5x-Kw4vKLyiTyUECfeCNbqtFFbWpznsZlwZPKC992K3IAD5ko0FrqiX0W0NBtj6g9bZx-hWsZS-EpUZ0RjGJvhUpI8OxvfMCoPELnfgXVaEpk0/s1600-h/105_2468.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432943118507869106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFffSymj4ipyVvJANPXXI7khq5rOo0R5x-Kw4vKLyiTyUECfeCNbqtFFbWpznsZlwZPKC992K3IAD5ko0FrqiX0W0NBtj6g9bZx-hWsZS-EpUZ0RjGJvhUpI8OxvfMCoPELnfgXVaEpk0/s320/105_2468.JPG" /></a> *Pirate Ernie and Knight Samuel enjoying hot cocoa on the hay ride.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6sd0tDuc1MuAiS5GJGx8m4ZKX81xhVT9I_kFuwGInKDkxnRAvv6trLEgkDBaxWV86vH1WZDNxKx5n5EL1oeTotYGFpYnez83NIv0N1umBoryj53Ezx8ZHjpA2-Sjgs5GWe0W6x4QaFto/s1600-h/105_2476.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432943105006599090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6sd0tDuc1MuAiS5GJGx8m4ZKX81xhVT9I_kFuwGInKDkxnRAvv6trLEgkDBaxWV86vH1WZDNxKx5n5EL1oeTotYGFpYnez83NIv0N1umBoryj53Ezx8ZHjpA2-Sjgs5GWe0W6x4QaFto/s320/105_2476.JPG" /></a> *Anna as Tinkerbell. Ernie as a pirate. We also did Pirate Tigger one day.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVxl4g477FBex8UkqHzos9YrbcPfkzHQLGo_RKCXUjn69DnfbXw52UVkkW0X2nY7ZVqY39xkFTBwzUOZNKc-ZEvzOshq0RXSNjDu1UmH7E4OlUteopuuJr-8_lW-N3eeYXlIB18ttFe4/s1600-h/105_2445.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432941582385270994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVxl4g477FBex8UkqHzos9YrbcPfkzHQLGo_RKCXUjn69DnfbXw52UVkkW0X2nY7ZVqY39xkFTBwzUOZNKc-ZEvzOshq0RXSNjDu1UmH7E4OlUteopuuJr-8_lW-N3eeYXlIB18ttFe4/s320/105_2445.JPG" /></a>*Carving pumpkins this year was a blast!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-6rODKNia1g5oUC7qTotpFTvSksZ5H22xJEfYu_UPSlWobixClAe2XKcHNHqFPOCGLRqDG-eBMhObRLbrFIhuoSY2W7w3UBg7LL9SEvKhX8Ounvb3i75IFg06eUoTJKlawQ6CmD6lCLM/s1600-h/105_2424.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432941569410697506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-6rODKNia1g5oUC7qTotpFTvSksZ5H22xJEfYu_UPSlWobixClAe2XKcHNHqFPOCGLRqDG-eBMhObRLbrFIhuoSY2W7w3UBg7LL9SEvKhX8Ounvb3i75IFg06eUoTJKlawQ6CmD6lCLM/s320/105_2424.JPG" /></a> *Enjoying the "corn box" at our new favorite pumpkin patch.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpjeqaQ8tIqp4-yskl_LOAPn8lRbf02AVQGTCsDup5XpoVEQVxj5BRGLmpkdSmSHHTMsUiiI0dnpGp3V1SWW0WKmNj2o9yUGfsySqA_b5zxttxO1UgvJKimD0QwPTdhb9aGY_9JyUZhA/s1600-h/105_2497.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432941553118150050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpjeqaQ8tIqp4-yskl_LOAPn8lRbf02AVQGTCsDup5XpoVEQVxj5BRGLmpkdSmSHHTMsUiiI0dnpGp3V1SWW0WKmNj2o9yUGfsySqA_b5zxttxO1UgvJKimD0QwPTdhb9aGY_9JyUZhA/s320/105_2497.JPG" /></a> *The kids could not wait to decorate the Christmas tree. It went up the day after Thanksgiving. Ernie was enthralled with the Polar Express train around the tree and spent hours playing with it.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaoksT_VnTmOyamtxWwpoMtfPuuDYsgkXiqFFHCOUoo1WFoBIT_kmMTFdFqTf_GxuiRrCFqTqCt-4fCCidNFgSkix48rdaoBPzxnPBwAE7nbk2Y1lVbMdf7maBA3ZIacS5GWmSrjQQ4r8/s1600-h/105_2490.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432941539247085602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaoksT_VnTmOyamtxWwpoMtfPuuDYsgkXiqFFHCOUoo1WFoBIT_kmMTFdFqTf_GxuiRrCFqTqCt-4fCCidNFgSkix48rdaoBPzxnPBwAE7nbk2Y1lVbMdf7maBA3ZIacS5GWmSrjQQ4r8/s320/105_2490.JPG" /></a> *Finishing touches on the Christmas tree.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-bZL6B79xwBw2BhINJj0VH9vsSJMnpKy018PNB18z1KtdvfD17ZBaBudvbDCbKxwulMynI45eXGGX1TQRC87JmddxOvKEoeIX2XbewX_IDYM66rTi5a0yAXZ06GgAslX4A0Dw2s2mYlA/s1600-h/105_2499.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432941526782996466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-bZL6B79xwBw2BhINJj0VH9vsSJMnpKy018PNB18z1KtdvfD17ZBaBudvbDCbKxwulMynI45eXGGX1TQRC87JmddxOvKEoeIX2XbewX_IDYM66rTi5a0yAXZ06GgAslX4A0Dw2s2mYlA/s320/105_2499.JPG" /></a>* I love so many things about having a little girl. I actually teared up the first time we painted our fingernails together. <div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07234311499984421227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859979993412485212.post-17913238560966094492009-12-21T08:14:00.000-08:002009-12-21T08:18:46.369-08:00Recipe Request #2Easy home-made macaroni and cheese ( I double this recipe)<br />2 cups uncooked macaroni<br />1 cup milk<br />1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese<br />1/2 tsp salt<br />1/2 tsp dry mustard<br />1/4 tsp pepper<br />1 Tbsp butter<br /><br />1. Cook macaroni as directed on package. Drain and return to pot on stove on low heat. Stir in remaining ingredients.<br />2. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and sauce is desired consistency.Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07234311499984421227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859979993412485212.post-89012406090559570892009-12-21T08:01:00.001-08:002009-12-21T08:14:41.684-08:00Recipe RequestsGuiness Chocolate Cake (thanks Erica!)<br />cake:<br />2 cups Guiness<br />2 cups unsalted butter<br />1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder (dutch process preferred)<br />4 cups all purpose flour<br />4 cups sugar<br />1 Tbsp baking soda<br />1 1/2 tsp salt<br />4 large eggs<br />1 1/3 cups sour cream<br /><br />icing:<br />2 cups whipping cream<br />1 pound bittersweet chocolate or semisweet chocolate chips<br /><br />preparation:<br />for cake: preheat oven to 350 degrees<br />butter three 8-inch round cake pans with 2-inch high sides. line with parchment paper. butter paper.<br />bring Guiness and butter to simmer in heavy large sauce pan over medium heat.<br />add cocoa ppowder and whisk until mixture is smooth. cool slightly.<br />Whisk flour, sugar, baking soda and salt in large bowl to blend. <br />Using electric mixer, beat eggs and sour cream in another large bowl to blend.<br />Add Guiness-chocolate mix to egg mixture and beat just to combine. <br />Add flour mixture and beat briefly on low speed.<br />Using rubber spatula, fold batter until completely combined.<br />Divide batter equally among prepared pans. Bake until toothpick inserted into center of cake comes out clean, about 35 minutes. Transfer cakes to rack, cool 10 minutes. Turn cakes out onto rack and cool completely.<br /><br />For icing:<br />Bring cream to simmer in heavy saucepan. Remove from heat. Add chopped chocolate and whisk until melted and smooth. Refrigerate until icing is spreadable, stirring frequently, about 2 hours.<br /><br />Place 1 cake layer on plate. Spread 2/3 cup icing on top. Top with second layer. Spread 2/3 cup icing on top. Top with third layer. Spread remaining icing over top and sided of cake.<br /><br /><br />YUM!Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07234311499984421227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859979993412485212.post-58692885919720846032009-12-02T09:48:00.000-08:002009-12-02T09:51:11.224-08:00Conversations with Anna: (Repayment for having to wake up 3 times last night to soothe her)Anna: I think you're wonderful.<br />Mom: What?<br />Anna: You're WUUUNDERFUL.<br />Mom: Thanks, sweetheart.<br />Anna: You're welcome, sweetheart.Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07234311499984421227noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859979993412485212.post-41041444786200596542009-10-11T12:44:00.000-07:002009-10-11T12:51:58.128-07:00A beautiful Fall day<div align="center">Daddy is getting some serious yard work done. Anna is napping. Ernie helped collect leaves and now is creating a waterfall* in the back yard. I just finished dipping said leaves in wax. I am hoping to use them for craft projects with Ernie and if they last, as decorations for the Thanksgiving table.</div><div align="center"> </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj656NtobSg1WAy7__TBXctpZ1lbpiYxVkYjv4GzImgdOi3PF8Qi9UmOXYDwUCFVkdvWwjMmP7m1aWSHpoNXGEAeCcpWZlWAhKydvYdY-9yjftYnEEocHHj3qn2IcCmIv0nAc0w4Til3w0/s1600-h/105_2407.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391431121786959362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj656NtobSg1WAy7__TBXctpZ1lbpiYxVkYjv4GzImgdOi3PF8Qi9UmOXYDwUCFVkdvWwjMmP7m1aWSHpoNXGEAeCcpWZlWAhKydvYdY-9yjftYnEEocHHj3qn2IcCmIv0nAc0w4Til3w0/s320/105_2407.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPK3TEdv6WYTh0yjkzF7uj1jAL8PGvwGwArqziAWDpbdXtv_l-XcMUTVciKrRgOt5J_JeI5C75Pxb48fo6L20cn_to6Q3fxGEVwtB9nRV16TGHRQ0tqhHrGPAe_WPaJwO03n4ysa0SPs/s1600-h/105_2406.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391431114850511170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPK3TEdv6WYTh0yjkzF7uj1jAL8PGvwGwArqziAWDpbdXtv_l-XcMUTVciKrRgOt5J_JeI5C75Pxb48fo6L20cn_to6Q3fxGEVwtB9nRV16TGHRQ0tqhHrGPAe_WPaJwO03n4ysa0SPs/s320/105_2406.JPG" /></a> </div><div>*waterfall= the hose + the newly exposed rockery uncovered when Dad cut back the foliage in the back yard<br /><br /><div></div></div>Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07234311499984421227noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859979993412485212.post-36059320714810732842009-10-05T14:50:00.000-07:002009-10-05T17:52:27.015-07:00We love Fall because . . .<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0A8dBSCoxo41KcB_syXDuyfab5xlyiIi0P0VXVescznLS_bsRobpxiy4V87FUN5LkkqOpIIWuL5dEswOxVM4ipgMuTfqoboAcht6Gk-kdxq68nBukJeVNpVmoIUOZQZBhQrFVzrPqY5o/s1600-h/105_2392.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389238106534535330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0A8dBSCoxo41KcB_syXDuyfab5xlyiIi0P0VXVescznLS_bsRobpxiy4V87FUN5LkkqOpIIWuL5dEswOxVM4ipgMuTfqoboAcht6Gk-kdxq68nBukJeVNpVmoIUOZQZBhQrFVzrPqY5o/s320/105_2392.JPG" /></a>We spend lots of time doing pumpkin art projects.</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1eyGXKCdrtx_745bTDox93ShzpwSbuVtPSCkP4gkGFGBW_acKzuiReqhdzwGsjt9vPlOJ27PzVyDgKAU2dTvIgKt8zUk5zs-Mq8LNIQySiAXIxzD-vWGREb7A83u4-XXCExKHxoorr8/s1600-h/105_2379.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389238098268531794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1eyGXKCdrtx_745bTDox93ShzpwSbuVtPSCkP4gkGFGBW_acKzuiReqhdzwGsjt9vPlOJ27PzVyDgKAU2dTvIgKt8zUk5zs-Mq8LNIQySiAXIxzD-vWGREb7A83u4-XXCExKHxoorr8/s320/105_2379.JPG" /></a>We visit the Pacific Science Center when the weather turns cold.</div><div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdG46c4TVSeViPY8HVASMPCTjVJEQEHVjRLzqdAzuYOwoXv2H6qlJuQJvopKqBxWGJdmP85w3ekpJ94iur3rDzwpTkTbK7GT3iVE6D_WLKkAOSBbNaiPBmlHuH5TLZkAGtSCh1N7l9wbI/s1600-h/105_2371.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389238083853875042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdG46c4TVSeViPY8HVASMPCTjVJEQEHVjRLzqdAzuYOwoXv2H6qlJuQJvopKqBxWGJdmP85w3ekpJ94iur3rDzwpTkTbK7GT3iVE6D_WLKkAOSBbNaiPBmlHuH5TLZkAGtSCh1N7l9wbI/s320/105_2371.JPG" /></a> We head to warmer climates to visit with special friends!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-UQiYt-9NdEwNpsMVnaIKKmvN2_pN_T2RsPVrZIOaBwbWBoUUYgaX4VJR2KPT7xJ4yxP9wHcpEVLezKaAvI7_2p40G89AoSzhu6eWKNL43ZPokdljJCVmjkt3TbbdLaGeQntTgq-kHA/s1600-h/105_2365.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389238074756666706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-UQiYt-9NdEwNpsMVnaIKKmvN2_pN_T2RsPVrZIOaBwbWBoUUYgaX4VJR2KPT7xJ4yxP9wHcpEVLezKaAvI7_2p40G89AoSzhu6eWKNL43ZPokdljJCVmjkt3TbbdLaGeQntTgq-kHA/s320/105_2365.JPG" /></a> We get to wear our fuzzy warm footie pjs.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbkzWIFto_gwf-HQB6UQxOkcOJtvlePaCZZejseK_OQVDEUu0ZA_471Bn2u4dYYUQtivVXaZLH3vNQczsheMwEEjvW7SR2JYOOA9MqjYEnIJn5TQE9cSLqYSOs1QvTvIC1NkQe0TIJJbk/s1600-h/105_2390.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389238058762163378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbkzWIFto_gwf-HQB6UQxOkcOJtvlePaCZZejseK_OQVDEUu0ZA_471Bn2u4dYYUQtivVXaZLH3vNQczsheMwEEjvW7SR2JYOOA9MqjYEnIJn5TQE9cSLqYSOs1QvTvIC1NkQe0TIJJbk/s320/105_2390.JPG" /></a> We jump fully clothed into the sudsy pool we've been using to clean up our summer toys.</div><br /></div>Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07234311499984421227noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859979993412485212.post-52063707664885487312009-10-01T09:57:00.000-07:002009-10-01T10:01:46.819-07:00Anna's Anatomy LessonStarting to fugure out the differences between boys and girls...<br /><br />According to Anna:<br />Daddy have a peanut<br />Ernie have a peanut<br />Anna have a bubeyena<br />Mommy have...a privacy<br /><br />Kids are hilarious.Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08909453622709747422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859979993412485212.post-11432462717735202792009-09-19T09:38:00.000-07:002009-09-19T09:46:27.446-07:00Conversations with Anna: Identity Clarification<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibSwg6BkNCR4f-p0wEyF-4Ik76ZLgU861jFK61uM0D7SnMF4EGnIJinUSIT1ZaAgbJTrnXeShmuiCfIP4vqxMhIFRYM_XH5BcY3a3x8amjpfs0iQH-w4g1d02kNh4HqB8u9rt7eEvOJMo/s1600-h/105_0028.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383220774138075426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibSwg6BkNCR4f-p0wEyF-4Ik76ZLgU861jFK61uM0D7SnMF4EGnIJinUSIT1ZaAgbJTrnXeShmuiCfIP4vqxMhIFRYM_XH5BcY3a3x8amjpfs0iQH-w4g1d02kNh4HqB8u9rt7eEvOJMo/s320/105_0028.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Just in case you were wondering who's who in the Frick family . . . this brief exchange occurred at the dinner table one night.</div><br /><div>Ernie: I'm me.</div><br /><div>Anna: No, I'M me. You're you, you're you, you're you and I'm me.</div><br /><div></div>Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07234311499984421227noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859979993412485212.post-90743532064584945582009-09-14T11:06:00.001-07:002009-09-14T11:13:27.533-07:00Ethiopian new year and more hair pics<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3LMpn6yGAAteaHytE0bSwCgNdRZONdAvXdj3LwaJ0zIvPoLHz_1BJBRZMr7VisjzNonGbOaR_1VIwSil4igyTLqBNjXYEsglWWxHtO1eS7Lz_x7z-wAoDgETItVQXQdu21OI5Me4TwQ/s1600-h/105_2359.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381386698521627698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3LMpn6yGAAteaHytE0bSwCgNdRZONdAvXdj3LwaJ0zIvPoLHz_1BJBRZMr7VisjzNonGbOaR_1VIwSil4igyTLqBNjXYEsglWWxHtO1eS7Lz_x7z-wAoDgETItVQXQdu21OI5Me4TwQ/s320/105_2359.JPG" /></a>On Saturday we celebrated Ethiopian New Year with the local Ethiopian community. For the first time, Anna really loved the Ethiopian food dishes. Both kids love injera. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg67LV57_MB98GKyQ9kXgZW7Ysan9kd3P3LX5FB-LGTvQWxBVR1n1wgRX-OZM3ot7HFhExgIyGVOPPJX6hsCMAgRVlrnLM9PhcBTSivK6bHTEH_qGmRNXXXMcNZOIxWtQ5dqPH_zBNsaJ8/s1600-h/105_2361.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381386688082485042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg67LV57_MB98GKyQ9kXgZW7Ysan9kd3P3LX5FB-LGTvQWxBVR1n1wgRX-OZM3ot7HFhExgIyGVOPPJX6hsCMAgRVlrnLM9PhcBTSivK6bHTEH_qGmRNXXXMcNZOIxWtQ5dqPH_zBNsaJ8/s320/105_2361.JPG" /></a>I think Anna is smiling in this picture, but it's hard to tell.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUdITSW7oJTJpvZdgLWnDfF42NNY3bu8S8_gf_ot79MlDaOTuPpBAmrSWcVPc8pXnvmuz8d5_2uGF30v4B6BOU9OmEaigZxoJJmHnkF70OPg4D6I532QPhDLSm1mJ8FWE_pfiFvZI5w0/s1600-h/105_2362.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381386680383880930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUdITSW7oJTJpvZdgLWnDfF42NNY3bu8S8_gf_ot79MlDaOTuPpBAmrSWcVPc8pXnvmuz8d5_2uGF30v4B6BOU9OmEaigZxoJJmHnkF70OPg4D6I532QPhDLSm1mJ8FWE_pfiFvZI5w0/s320/105_2362.JPG" /></a> Anna's first cornrows braided by Mom. You can't beat YouTube for how-to videos!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcg3zriJG1vauQ0ObkEgLFyKMseYHfVmlC1mbtEerpQE-GF9ZPwOiCqaiwcuHjGeqvurZ0J0bAZdFigLVcuEcAy59gjIV6zYgeziCegXhv9403ofqxiTIqFGpP8eNM2lXulwiMdwknjQ/s1600-h/105_2363.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381386673555000498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcg3zriJG1vauQ0ObkEgLFyKMseYHfVmlC1mbtEerpQE-GF9ZPwOiCqaiwcuHjGeqvurZ0J0bAZdFigLVcuEcAy59gjIV6zYgeziCegXhv9403ofqxiTIqFGpP8eNM2lXulwiMdwknjQ/s320/105_2363.JPG" /></a> I am pretty happy with my first try at cornrows. Nine braids took about 45 minutes, 1 dvd, 2 television shows, a lollipop and one binky.<br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div><br /></div>Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07234311499984421227noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859979993412485212.post-59700767234350611742009-09-04T09:05:00.000-07:002009-09-04T09:49:53.030-07:00Most of July, August and a little September<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0-izsHMrO7w6mPCiQ624C2rG5XbBOld82BY9q5C4cyVub2KC8sweWsBK8-L2R_U-yHL17sSya1XdDx3Ufx8vmLj9ignYepc8C_dw2AGQ569mfCg8ox9lIi8O5iEmsbBKNfYdaJlAd-w/s1600-h/105_0113.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377646496072274018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0-izsHMrO7w6mPCiQ624C2rG5XbBOld82BY9q5C4cyVub2KC8sweWsBK8-L2R_U-yHL17sSya1XdDx3Ufx8vmLj9ignYepc8C_dw2AGQ569mfCg8ox9lIi8O5iEmsbBKNfYdaJlAd-w/s320/105_0113.JPG" /></a>Mama loves summertime! It makes me wish we lived somewhere the sun shines all year long. I love the extra space of the backyard and the kids are so happy playing in the dirt and sandbox.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8OsE2ZIBW4ySf6vHdyUB19jt8aDIPqm69IhrSeDjh7LJzvb_InYyd0NZ74a7u1QwTMa4eNVkXx_mJfqAqtX35BFNpVzcNiZusK9U3BL1-yeW3RVVYFQnpB-0gbFgIkdhxUPtUr1HDx8/s1600-h/105_0141.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377646155022690706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8OsE2ZIBW4ySf6vHdyUB19jt8aDIPqm69IhrSeDjh7LJzvb_InYyd0NZ74a7u1QwTMa4eNVkXx_mJfqAqtX35BFNpVzcNiZusK9U3BL1-yeW3RVVYFQnpB-0gbFgIkdhxUPtUr1HDx8/s320/105_0141.JPG" /></a>A new obsession for the five year old (and Dad). Pirate legos!<br /><br /><br /><br />* I just had to take a break from writing this post to emergency clean Anna's room. This is the second time she has taken off her diaper after pooping and trying to put it in the diaper genie. The first time she did it right before we were leaving to take the kids to Grandma's so we could fly to Vegas. Yes, Vegas was awesome.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJxQdgLCvn9quz3srNikoyGx-kTnz2SgXZdr-2evdJmuS2BwfK0LzAYmJCG1RLA2g09gDygJviD0__iiwg5tptfBOR30WOYh0Oui24Egl7-Xqc3EA0QohLk4fmu6dJmc53JNJL80t7tcU/s1600-h/105_0152.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377646125438848226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJxQdgLCvn9quz3srNikoyGx-kTnz2SgXZdr-2evdJmuS2BwfK0LzAYmJCG1RLA2g09gDygJviD0__iiwg5tptfBOR30WOYh0Oui24Egl7-Xqc3EA0QohLk4fmu6dJmc53JNJL80t7tcU/s320/105_0152.JPG" /></a> Yep. My kids are brilliant. That's them sitting in the wagon next to the sprinkler.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCZzWOy_I6fJUfoL6zsWyjM_e2H99ZtFa11ArJeUfTBqkT2u-N08xnCZIEAtzZC53VQ_H-OAB754nBsfNge3cGYfTuFIYgZBKozq_Rm_9B6rrPiQo26N3OoizmQ-LvdJM783NH-D1D0c/s1600-h/105_0005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377646104575520786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCZzWOy_I6fJUfoL6zsWyjM_e2H99ZtFa11ArJeUfTBqkT2u-N08xnCZIEAtzZC53VQ_H-OAB754nBsfNge3cGYfTuFIYgZBKozq_Rm_9B6rrPiQo26N3OoizmQ-LvdJM783NH-D1D0c/s320/105_0005.JPG" /></a> Blowing out candles at their shared birthday party<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIuYn85A_QepEHyRrH0EDWUn6HWL7Yj2KtLlp8jbyUdozFE_JjCENZWUlienACB8W_XcV3sxT-NzrygiWjeE9hvLjH-UDCg1e0gWkzoZga7LZf5K3rh_coVKlH9p1VFsjczOjNqxAXuuk/s1600-h/105_0018.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377646052027557650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIuYn85A_QepEHyRrH0EDWUn6HWL7Yj2KtLlp8jbyUdozFE_JjCENZWUlienACB8W_XcV3sxT-NzrygiWjeE9hvLjH-UDCg1e0gWkzoZga7LZf5K3rh_coVKlH9p1VFsjczOjNqxAXuuk/s320/105_0018.JPG" /></a>A new hairstyle<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34ShXzii43nxKNbSV8HdpreBL_HXD7i9iRSG42KqCtSD8BECWK5IEeGlWSkxZjw0jvp6R80PpdSsw23EB2cUjystXdJ702JuakLHlCERsSCKtVWfAJCwZaF2Nsf7cG_wzV8lkgtA_95Q/s1600-h/105_0031.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377646044777467394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34ShXzii43nxKNbSV8HdpreBL_HXD7i9iRSG42KqCtSD8BECWK5IEeGlWSkxZjw0jvp6R80PpdSsw23EB2cUjystXdJ702JuakLHlCERsSCKtVWfAJCwZaF2Nsf7cG_wzV8lkgtA_95Q/s320/105_0031.JPG" /></a> We vacationed at Sunriver and loved every minute of it! This pic is at the entrance to the lava cave. Anna's assesment of the "laba cabe": "It's dark in here. I don't wanna go down there. Look, Mommy, a big rock!"<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCRE1b845VI3w8_zdC5qhbBcGBvZhTuoeXuGxFhfirexsjC3peLXEuhtfOOZvprprpindLv5RLGWD3Z9c0jzHbJsPPVZUDX-7W_3Kd2T_Eg4xnlR_OEgLCPTS_beV-CQJOZAERTvBpKqs/s1600-h/105_0063.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377645208841829410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCRE1b845VI3w8_zdC5qhbBcGBvZhTuoeXuGxFhfirexsjC3peLXEuhtfOOZvprprpindLv5RLGWD3Z9c0jzHbJsPPVZUDX-7W_3Kd2T_Eg4xnlR_OEgLCPTS_beV-CQJOZAERTvBpKqs/s320/105_0063.JPG" /></a> Three precious boys enjoying the spoils of the vegetable garden<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWxVr8gqjGnDv8x4W7rbz0Q8YZd4QPkqMcoAy57yrNzytVmmGgJDlHENZOIPqByctz45Pj8TTuhTRDHMHtqh10mzkgW-HFynH-pT5ypZW2pG0hDRHJ2zTxIb5JKP-4iUWHg_GveOfIQo/s1600-h/105_0068.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377645202681087234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWxVr8gqjGnDv8x4W7rbz0Q8YZd4QPkqMcoAy57yrNzytVmmGgJDlHENZOIPqByctz45Pj8TTuhTRDHMHtqh10mzkgW-HFynH-pT5ypZW2pG0hDRHJ2zTxIb5JKP-4iUWHg_GveOfIQo/s320/105_0068.JPG" /></a> Grandpa is a favorite around here. He is nice and calm and Anna always enjoys a quiet minute with him. Of course I think she has conned him into singing to her. Not really something to remark upon, except that she had him going for about 15 minutes straight.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVIqxCdOmxopDTUqCFHo_zbeXDYhfHfaG3Xw5Uf4XF2qlvPo0f39a6i2LXP6aIr75t_UiAZYVXHZq8IebwhLnZxuUNSTmoq6zr5jlgdHdzDtG-r9L6zeZH29-GfMRb9WQsYvWVlUqRPwU/s1600-h/Ethiochild+002.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377645191096334754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVIqxCdOmxopDTUqCFHo_zbeXDYhfHfaG3Xw5Uf4XF2qlvPo0f39a6i2LXP6aIr75t_UiAZYVXHZq8IebwhLnZxuUNSTmoq6zr5jlgdHdzDtG-r9L6zeZH29-GfMRb9WQsYvWVlUqRPwU/s320/Ethiochild+002.jpg" /></a> A visit to Kokeb restaurant with other families with Ethiopian kiddos<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheRwy_2KvdPzOMCk__PebQU0VNRk0JpRyqHq7Qo_6BBKiVU3_bTwAToxfrraGdPZrthyg4qLFkTMzVEgKcRoqjuMkrbBvXXAdVEyFfRcZTcmeC28y5x2Axp771PMEg-hhmm7F4LGbclrY/s1600-h/105_0076.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377645184953929698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheRwy_2KvdPzOMCk__PebQU0VNRk0JpRyqHq7Qo_6BBKiVU3_bTwAToxfrraGdPZrthyg4qLFkTMzVEgKcRoqjuMkrbBvXXAdVEyFfRcZTcmeC28y5x2Axp771PMEg-hhmm7F4LGbclrY/s320/105_0076.JPG" /></a> Ernie's first day of kindergarten was Wednesday. <br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7m90ukSEY0pi9Tj0qptdqEQ-SrVHfAqQLd605yJw_ckjjS2xLLmJhVlo8_w6hYsGc2cH1C0oICnWUnLtnJIXbjkLozOhiB7WZRLBWFiCuMrk6bX2ipjf9KimnzfmLMebT5Z90ugumDbk/s1600-h/105_0086.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377645174825101810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7m90ukSEY0pi9Tj0qptdqEQ-SrVHfAqQLd605yJw_ckjjS2xLLmJhVlo8_w6hYsGc2cH1C0oICnWUnLtnJIXbjkLozOhiB7WZRLBWFiCuMrk6bX2ipjf9KimnzfmLMebT5Z90ugumDbk/s320/105_0086.JPG" /></a> This picture does not do justice to how unbelievable LOUD it was in our house at this moment. Brian is playing guitar, Ernie is wailing on the saxophone, but Anna has not quite figured out the flute.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07234311499984421227noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859979993412485212.post-6356903727313053522009-07-25T09:52:00.000-07:002009-07-25T10:23:51.259-07:00Early July<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswt-mJxgu-771UN7ucj33jaovHwT81K47rOkpNtsONhgN52rT_GcFgaT2HiQisIrwcaXCdqD7uaQrhU6w2vq5LmOt6vpFVeBKEtdyQkSr2el0UGrn0_Z8EVYOISFsnIx2YOnjF91woqE/s1600-h/105_0044.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362444828499153730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswt-mJxgu-771UN7ucj33jaovHwT81K47rOkpNtsONhgN52rT_GcFgaT2HiQisIrwcaXCdqD7uaQrhU6w2vq5LmOt6vpFVeBKEtdyQkSr2el0UGrn0_Z8EVYOISFsnIx2YOnjF91woqE/s320/105_0044.JPG" /></a> We had friends over to play in the water one hot afternoon. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI1REWoxYfmeCInVYvycYhlQgmUTOcQEJWz9eOHrNs7UqsQYolXGYsJYGigLYaxueGDFt8mMo29WZFNHDtWwUdP3NmhtlGfJIS1zyP_jUPcoKiTb9tMywJafqc3gZYrV7hYkFidtIeQC4/s1600-h/105_0033.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362444812700957314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI1REWoxYfmeCInVYvycYhlQgmUTOcQEJWz9eOHrNs7UqsQYolXGYsJYGigLYaxueGDFt8mMo29WZFNHDtWwUdP3NmhtlGfJIS1zyP_jUPcoKiTb9tMywJafqc3gZYrV7hYkFidtIeQC4/s320/105_0033.JPG" /></a>Haeli and Ernie had a blast on the water slide.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSZPBoROzqjSYa7bGknr1ktgH3o081J8S64hZ3JG_ve6BMxUlBtYHwY963DwDkWbf_soBBTNeBZ9MfqakcjwUVWy_96c1c9LzKtEyumBQLGSHhBoM_PaAasdHn5RNNzswaeynzq2jWQ8/s1600-h/105_0050.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362444284112075586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSZPBoROzqjSYa7bGknr1ktgH3o081J8S64hZ3JG_ve6BMxUlBtYHwY963DwDkWbf_soBBTNeBZ9MfqakcjwUVWy_96c1c9LzKtEyumBQLGSHhBoM_PaAasdHn5RNNzswaeynzq2jWQ8/s320/105_0050.JPG" /></a>Early on the morning of the 4th, we hiked up to Denny Creek Slippery Slabs. <a href="http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/denny-creek">http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/denny-creek</a> Check it out. It is the perfect hike and picnic/playspot if you've got little ones. We had so much fun!<br /><br /></div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49WVSnyAzch0FZ8HZluU27P602JFkjYCl6pBmwbC7-Ngq128x0iT-XFNJDjuCA7Z0EmGWgP5KW5Op52zRnKrtHfr2cdWE3r6q01atisrKxUmPWmCaCPqSr3yBrSvt1O7IANLxQ_c6ejs/s1600-h/105_0066.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362444280855561458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49WVSnyAzch0FZ8HZluU27P602JFkjYCl6pBmwbC7-Ngq128x0iT-XFNJDjuCA7Z0EmGWgP5KW5Op52zRnKrtHfr2cdWE3r6q01atisrKxUmPWmCaCPqSr3yBrSvt1O7IANLxQ_c6ejs/s320/105_0066.JPG" /></a>Ernie braves the chilly, chilly water. It was so cold it hurt!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpVVpD0al6YKqtqg7sb-fzyKsthtjJdJ0IcYK8wGAizOVGcEpphCwIb80CwGCUYpncZDr0s-MInxO9oRlXVk8x13EAIIV-DBsn9ikl7N2d3ssZ9sKt9eHU1KFoxGQ_AD2TzCivYj9Uv8/s1600-h/105_0072.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362444275920981170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpVVpD0al6YKqtqg7sb-fzyKsthtjJdJ0IcYK8wGAizOVGcEpphCwIb80CwGCUYpncZDr0s-MInxO9oRlXVk8x13EAIIV-DBsn9ikl7N2d3ssZ9sKt9eHU1KFoxGQ_AD2TzCivYj9Uv8/s320/105_0072.JPG" /></a>It is almost impossible to get a pic of these two where they are both smiling!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9JPWCL2hRNdBq4pGltvvGbB4Y2uenAAdWERjEJQcahm7mUeXUgZCNE80IWPBT7aPsAzuBpDhTYBDggq7MMHEPxuoW3bGJMTVbH37xEeYnrpfUBdYigM54vYJkV-gKdteX6N8Ih7MvqWQ/s1600-h/105_0079.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362444262104422946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9JPWCL2hRNdBq4pGltvvGbB4Y2uenAAdWERjEJQcahm7mUeXUgZCNE80IWPBT7aPsAzuBpDhTYBDggq7MMHEPxuoW3bGJMTVbH37xEeYnrpfUBdYigM54vYJkV-gKdteX6N8Ih7MvqWQ/s320/105_0079.JPG" /></a> Ernie loves to climb. He was so excited on our trip up to the slabs. He kept telling us how much fun he was having.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_3BXXdctgYw1_nUBGx16ZYM4-bBgbdiRmyI6EBC_yfbmBfPMnkTEgX16itzlcGfBM9ZFpmm6bxGAhvqWvyTmdsPnVY5GLnQrS-jJkx1WLQAyUqiGU-bWuV-2tzUpwc7tK17Qf2MMFw8/s1600-h/105_0083.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362443723525150274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_3BXXdctgYw1_nUBGx16ZYM4-bBgbdiRmyI6EBC_yfbmBfPMnkTEgX16itzlcGfBM9ZFpmm6bxGAhvqWvyTmdsPnVY5GLnQrS-jJkx1WLQAyUqiGU-bWuV-2tzUpwc7tK17Qf2MMFw8/s320/105_0083.JPG" /></a> I got them both to smile in this picture. Dessert helps.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBl0Kc4GH-WqAJG4tJS8DcKb_NQ8AnVWeYdY1ty6LN66lCuHFV7XrQBULiH4OZG_xcuAI6aGfzWUSgCPAEGAowS8uU7A9M9G2O6q-d0KTsd-XTbXRofH3APdCaEtw-vDsZ-G_NHjZEmko/s1600-h/105_0096.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362443713074740978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBl0Kc4GH-WqAJG4tJS8DcKb_NQ8AnVWeYdY1ty6LN66lCuHFV7XrQBULiH4OZG_xcuAI6aGfzWUSgCPAEGAowS8uU7A9M9G2O6q-d0KTsd-XTbXRofH3APdCaEtw-vDsZ-G_NHjZEmko/s320/105_0096.JPG" /></a> We had a great time decorating Ernie's birthday cupcakes together. Dinosaurs . . . surprise, surprise.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiu3pS8jfW4B8QtzOj4SH1bJ0p7upd20yRhD01-ydPMUjw1wcWsdIt3x2xZd1iYMwYLEzL4tfVfcJdIkC1B1M5EdA-t-OA2gdS-H0RoXqN3cyHZvVqisUHkcQexOvOMAmPnAkEBWFLBVY/s1600-h/105_0106.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362443711280377282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiu3pS8jfW4B8QtzOj4SH1bJ0p7upd20yRhD01-ydPMUjw1wcWsdIt3x2xZd1iYMwYLEzL4tfVfcJdIkC1B1M5EdA-t-OA2gdS-H0RoXqN3cyHZvVqisUHkcQexOvOMAmPnAkEBWFLBVY/s320/105_0106.JPG" /></a>Ernie turns five. Oh my goodness! I love five. He is so self sufficient. He's fun to talk to. We have a great time together.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVoloosV3uwFph6B4kfAZFX2X8OZLpOqI4A4NshBD_CmdqefefQNOGlssr0FaXBo_6TfkBYBbXICp30VK28iSeWajVnrryMi2OEkOCR_IWs6jUh10qoXjhAZVw0pEp5yQOz-Lj6xYnZZY/s1600-h/105_0109.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362443699037561842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVoloosV3uwFph6B4kfAZFX2X8OZLpOqI4A4NshBD_CmdqefefQNOGlssr0FaXBo_6TfkBYBbXICp30VK28iSeWajVnrryMi2OEkOCR_IWs6jUh10qoXjhAZVw0pEp5yQOz-Lj6xYnZZY/s320/105_0109.JPG" /></a> Ernie is getting more creative playing with his sister. She's becoming useful. I had to snap this picture when I saw that Anna was actually pushing him around the yard.<br /><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07234311499984421227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859979993412485212.post-63570068788099096572009-06-14T22:01:00.000-07:002009-06-15T08:16:28.975-07:00May/June update<div>Anna:<br />*Is talking like crazy. She sounds so funny repeating phrases that Ernie has said. "My tummy hurts really bad." "No thank you." "Oh please. Oh please. Oh please." "I don't like this part." "I don't like it anymore."<br />* Knows all the words to and will sing over and over "Bingle Fells"<br />* Knows all the words to various dinosaur songs<br />* Is starting to propel herself around in the pool while wearing her floaty swimsuit<br />* Sang the words "green anaconda" over and over again in the locker room at the pool today, to the great amusement of everyone present<br />* We've tried a few new hair styles. I like the one that pulls her hair back from her face in braids.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKv2z5QXmdFjgs0Lj-TlO1RCawMvoQ7fEhOp4K4tiQo6_PJLp2KgJH1gat_J4QJknMP_bUGWtCbRYJDPPBIhijrMJmZsAJcTsV34BQuGEX-TEB9I1ESwBulIFqGM5L-e6qSukJdv8i2FA/s1600-h/105_0006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347421546406519010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKv2z5QXmdFjgs0Lj-TlO1RCawMvoQ7fEhOp4K4tiQo6_PJLp2KgJH1gat_J4QJknMP_bUGWtCbRYJDPPBIhijrMJmZsAJcTsV34BQuGEX-TEB9I1ESwBulIFqGM5L-e6qSukJdv8i2FA/s320/105_0006.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbIcEIJSYHyYD7YVP8isn5-IvHb6vcMEkWVXZg1cBynBXNn-Hc4atGplaitlAGtKSF-qKt6IOSBFSIy-NDz1dgUe2v90hmyvQbPaZljqyj4iC-c2fErZHXpXbOULHq2NxqR8BhoQ1VuQ/s1600-h/105_0034.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347421154137033762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbIcEIJSYHyYD7YVP8isn5-IvHb6vcMEkWVXZg1cBynBXNn-Hc4atGplaitlAGtKSF-qKt6IOSBFSIy-NDz1dgUe2v90hmyvQbPaZljqyj4iC-c2fErZHXpXbOULHq2NxqR8BhoQ1VuQ/s320/105_0034.JPG" /></a> * Likes smores almost as much as her brother<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6D15FoSpHbGMZ732AdJVDxCgCg3ZaLyYrX0gXu8dZu7S93XBLy35Y2eTG6boA0jb8zq5Y6EUOwcXAykOpXVTf3mFNV9WKzVydPd3d1TxscK7T5vbIUq8Y1XKTno-OTyklRRgMiIK_fUg/s1600-h/105_0019.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347421145332929602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6D15FoSpHbGMZ732AdJVDxCgCg3ZaLyYrX0gXu8dZu7S93XBLy35Y2eTG6boA0jb8zq5Y6EUOwcXAykOpXVTf3mFNV9WKzVydPd3d1TxscK7T5vbIUq8Y1XKTno-OTyklRRgMiIK_fUg/s320/105_0019.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Ernie:</div><br /><div>* Finished pre-school last week. Sigh.</div><br /><div>* Is reading more than ever. He is not enthusiastic about sitting down to read a book, but likes to read signs etc. He did sit down and read "Hop on Pop" to Anna, who listened very patiently.</div><br /><div>* Is swimming on his own without a life jacket this summer.</div><br /><div>* Displays a smore-induced stupor<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7pNBVwTfP0XSQP7KsM-0yvaV9Jlw1N2BSGHm06uE9QKlz44YqZmhoq0Gqloqxbx8QweEkeERUhinrNOii6u6Mf4C7OD7tBJWsJpHIdDLOnSQ8Pq7HyaJiKbpYFBYusLn83gAp6YXBkQ/s1600-h/105_0017.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347421143192116530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7pNBVwTfP0XSQP7KsM-0yvaV9Jlw1N2BSGHm06uE9QKlz44YqZmhoq0Gqloqxbx8QweEkeERUhinrNOii6u6Mf4C7OD7tBJWsJpHIdDLOnSQ8Pq7HyaJiKbpYFBYusLn83gAp6YXBkQ/s320/105_0017.JPG" /></a><br />* Is not giving up dinosaurs anytime soon. This is him "acting out dinosaurs."<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFV71Kmh5mdhEn5ZUbUSQBvqHxbDE1bWGAtZjjP1WTK91SiUfyzBZpqVOKdGTG4Q0rEARcG_Tv9QruabVwR9xtX3IAFGwr6M_5AWOtqIsvTiRKyDSz0OaNrQ308FmCNBIRIltXTKllAx4/s1600-h/105_0012.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347421136293390434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFV71Kmh5mdhEn5ZUbUSQBvqHxbDE1bWGAtZjjP1WTK91SiUfyzBZpqVOKdGTG4Q0rEARcG_Tv9QruabVwR9xtX3IAFGwr6M_5AWOtqIsvTiRKyDSz0OaNrQ308FmCNBIRIltXTKllAx4/s320/105_0012.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><div>*Is participating in his first organized sports team. He has joined the swim team and here is a pic of his climb up the blocks for his first race ever. There is nothing cuter than this little boy in his team jammers.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVaty86vGbnu4WFn9CdTcEC25cWJ0L1uFMEfR8SNUG3UEWdYMjyHF1tPDPhf1R_t1dABg5PjBwthgxwmvTuQ4GYNataUJeQcYNg99EXSNmhkjtVf67zULXth6LY110RI4fYv78bUPCfDk/s1600-h/105_0056.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347421129262319938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVaty86vGbnu4WFn9CdTcEC25cWJ0L1uFMEfR8SNUG3UEWdYMjyHF1tPDPhf1R_t1dABg5PjBwthgxwmvTuQ4GYNataUJeQcYNg99EXSNmhkjtVf67zULXth6LY110RI4fYv78bUPCfDk/s320/105_0056.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><div>Brian:</div><br /><div>* Made a beautiful cedar potting bench for the back patio.</div><br /><div>* Constructed his own kegerator to cool and dispense his home brew. Yes, you can now have hand-crafted beer on tap at the Frick household. This month's choices: Red Hook ESB clone from the Frickin' Brewery or Wild Cat IPA from Snoqualmie Taproom and Brewery. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347570930977913042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXu5oUVo5ubxvbjF0gTDD0RYH18yVnWcDKH_jDb6gViahBwacix2AuD-BZwAlFXNKSEM_IsT_qGxAJDAj_2M1LjuKgx2WNTwo8Mxgmf6hGhKuoKiUw4KmxgJimqaob0WrrLI5cFSC8bU/s320/105_0001.JPG" /></div><div> </div><br /><div>* Plays co-ed softball Friday nights. He really enjoyed the kids' cheering at the last game. Anna: "Hi Dada. Hi Dada. Hi Dada. Hi Dada." Ernie: "Go Daddy go!"</div><br /><div>* Is very excited that fishing season has started.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Noelle:</div><br /><div>* Has started the season selling pottery at the farmer's market. I have 5 Saturdays left this summer.</div><br /><div>* Is counting the days until the Rock 'n Roll half marathon. I'm ready. I ran 12 miles yesterday.</div><br /><div>* Talked Brian into watching "Twilight" with her last night. Loved it! I've read the first two books, and am planning on saving the next one for our trip to Las Vegas.</div><br /><div>* Is thinking "This was a really long update. How long until I write the next one?"</div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07234311499984421227noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859979993412485212.post-32731163096095027272009-05-19T20:36:00.000-07:002009-05-20T06:49:35.074-07:00Sweet Clara<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAFHcSVNIuuYJMck1iSR4Q7iX6eEZzHux9h3kBqLth4Eps9CjTvKzAWcpvn_v2fsV3947Evyr7Lq5Yhc3kc5HyfZM1CJ8EdoUPHTCECa6yl_K4-p3iP3h8PT80lqIJ7nh7NEp6QGmTsqw/s1600-h/105_0009.JPG"></a><div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337746127849237378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOXbguFTy-0zRtjS72wEnJGKQ3ynBsM5gMucQLLt33iQb2nVVieNkRn6ZDND1Vskeowy6dT19NfHjkMPoOIPdnRPZjfwoVjBLkWBBTeMiLD-FQ_jOUfQH4VqA4kcI0f7vJ4fd8Khj8dLI/s320/105_0007.JPG" /></div><br /><div align="center">Ernie and Clara enjoying the festivities at the Spring Performance</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337746138683288338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3O1PuQdhB2bz3VMZS6XcSm5N8LMgNe2n8SGCcb8tJHBXAANZgTne5oDO-eQRfrFkTi9ZrtsmLr3fyvHC_AU9Ajh81wjD9IGp4kyEuaVcDgtKQF8U0oRCI79wflUUyfHgFeJMDwIPxCNw/s320/105_0010.JPG" /></div><br /><div align="center">Running off into the sunset together</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left">Preface to Ernie's converation with Dad tonight: Ernie has a baby doll that sleeps with him everynight. He named her Baby Karen years ago.</div><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Ernie: Dad, I gave Baby Karen a new name.</div><div align="left">Dad: What's that?</div><div align="left">Ernie: Baby Clara.</div><div align="left">Dad: When did you re-name her Baby Clara?</div><div align="left">Ernie: Well, when that beautiful girl walked into my class.</div><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Sweet Ernie.</div><br /><div align="left"><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div></div>Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07234311499984421227noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859979993412485212.post-60517075303858004292009-05-15T12:51:00.000-07:002009-05-15T12:56:29.529-07:00Unsolicited Parenting TipGot monsters? Got Febreeze? Or should I say "monster spray"? Many a night has found me frantically drenching Ernie's bed, closet, underneath the furniture, in the hallway and in the dresser drawers with Febreeze, all in the name of warding off monsters at bedtime. The biggest benefit? Ernie's room no longer smells like Little Boy. Wait, I mean, the biggest benefit is that Ernie is no longer whining about going to sleep. Wait. Let me try this again. The biggest benefit is that Ernie is no longer scared of monsters. Right? <br />Disclaimer: I did not come up with this idea myself. I blame it on my sister-in-law, Jen, from whom I am reasonably uncertain I got this tip.<br />One of these days (months) I will write a real update on the Frick family.Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07234311499984421227noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859979993412485212.post-77082182916707378512009-04-28T06:34:00.000-07:002009-04-28T06:39:24.624-07:00Another brilliant hiding spot<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1vMaKtHZkC75noj4aXJlm06ZmYpc9WF-8DE4A5FVsaAQl6BmbHeadlch2fJ4X0mM5g9Ke5-JQx6YczggIVN540iDxNFQoAnTxxdTS3PDVqtJajkQ_aCY9BuXOJBzgLhVBoWGlaz8SdUM/s1600-h/100_2925.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329735714922632754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1vMaKtHZkC75noj4aXJlm06ZmYpc9WF-8DE4A5FVsaAQl6BmbHeadlch2fJ4X0mM5g9Ke5-JQx6YczggIVN540iDxNFQoAnTxxdTS3PDVqtJajkQ_aCY9BuXOJBzgLhVBoWGlaz8SdUM/s320/100_2925.JPG" /></a> Yes, we are a little hide-and-seek obsessed. Can you spot both kids hiding in this picture?<br /><br /></div>Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07234311499984421227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859979993412485212.post-8773841288429034332009-04-15T15:04:00.001-07:002009-04-15T15:06:56.473-07:00Another use for that old mattress<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfva7ntWGPW9BhzqEPAhlsvP6tIAF3TdjdjU9UivpZLkoG7L9loMvu1TS2dgewED7XNOqg_RZTI0W1pvUangk3K7WkElQm8OEELCZTOyV7a2FgPDQ14b_IV-FOwSvTqGlbCNTVLVu_ZCY/s1600-h/100_2799.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325042693350030162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfva7ntWGPW9BhzqEPAhlsvP6tIAF3TdjdjU9UivpZLkoG7L9loMvu1TS2dgewED7XNOqg_RZTI0W1pvUangk3K7WkElQm8OEELCZTOyV7a2FgPDQ14b_IV-FOwSvTqGlbCNTVLVu_ZCY/s320/100_2799.JPG" /></a> Prop it up against the couch. Play hide and seek. If I can't see you, you can't see me.<br /><br /></div>Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07234311499984421227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859979993412485212.post-80396691587665227802009-04-04T21:09:00.001-07:002009-04-04T21:11:10.091-07:00And you thought YOU were having a bad hair day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgirxF0FpdpJ4SKpMKBEWTkKqDBEV2KFuwls6Xmp63dzZwnXKeCbwEPE7BTZ_CDrn0FCCizKGvjZnMgYE97CRoldTO3b1rZo7H4Np7nW4g1gNFJNTuxX2rCD8L63mQXJAWeH61W4TAs5FQ/s1600-h/100_2736.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321054842020928066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgirxF0FpdpJ4SKpMKBEWTkKqDBEV2KFuwls6Xmp63dzZwnXKeCbwEPE7BTZ_CDrn0FCCizKGvjZnMgYE97CRoldTO3b1rZo7H4Np7nW4g1gNFJNTuxX2rCD8L63mQXJAWeH61W4TAs5FQ/s320/100_2736.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div>Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07234311499984421227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859979993412485212.post-55500538573714150392009-03-31T20:34:00.000-07:002009-03-31T21:29:33.228-07:00What's Happening<div>Here's the update for you fans of the Frick clan.<br /></div><div>* Anna is really talking these days. She has several phrases she repeats throughout the day. Sometimes even at appropriate times. Today the litany went something like this:</div><div>"let's see, let's see,</div><div>excuse me, excuse me, excuse me,</div><div>singing, singing, singing (said anytime there is NOT music playing, aka a gentle request to Turn On The Music), </div><div>oh man, oh man, oh man (new today),</div><div>I did it!</div><div>walk around, walk around, walk around"</div><br /><div></div><div>* Brian went to Ernie's preschool parent/teacher conference. The teachers just love Ernie and had only great things to say about him. We've decided to send Ernie to a private, half day kindergarten. We just loved the classroom, teacher, and the fact that he'll be attending with his good friend Patrick, with whom he's been friends since they were babies. </div><br /><div></div><div>* Every night at dinner everyone answers the questions: What was the best part of your day? What was the worst part? Anna said her favorite part was "hie an see, papa," which translates, "playing hide and seek with Grandpa."</div><br /><div>*Ernie has a crush on his friend Clara at school. According to his teachers, the feeling is mutual. One day I asked Ernie what he did in the gym at school. He said he ran around. I asked who he was running with. He sheepishly relied that he was running around AFTER Clara. I asked him if she knew he was following her. As an answer I didn't get any words, but I did get eye-rolling and a devilish little grin. </div><br /><div></div><div>* Anna is starting to ask "why?" What I want to know is: Why is this happening already?!?</div><br /><div>* Dinosaurs are quickly eclipsing trains in our house. </div><br /><div>* Anna is starting to sing her ABCs. She actually is pronouncing some of the letters and it's very clear what she is singing.</div><br /><div>* Here are the latest pictures:</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARWAQXUuxY1JUeH3Kifp0rXDbJ0p_cJJ7PD2HQdgXyMYRpGyTF-jgoS6kQVKSKz7Y-IG6X6P7iZxQLUr_auOCsuNaNek5iuJktnxqKavubyTSj1QyvcJguVm5mgFdEMtopDMFT9yriQg/s1600-h/100_2790.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319574116886233906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARWAQXUuxY1JUeH3Kifp0rXDbJ0p_cJJ7PD2HQdgXyMYRpGyTF-jgoS6kQVKSKz7Y-IG6X6P7iZxQLUr_auOCsuNaNek5iuJktnxqKavubyTSj1QyvcJguVm5mgFdEMtopDMFT9yriQg/s320/100_2790.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4r8fSwjhBVCduzkSWSzGdjvhndbl4269tQ8X2FidVCvUznGW16pKgv5Ii9GMmR5L0Fbu1atFyeamxEad-3i14yP7py4go5yNOYvqLxLa30RFrdu-3xgUu52tyFaYbK9ZfLL2zmwq-vaE/s1600-h/100_2786.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319574111939803170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4r8fSwjhBVCduzkSWSzGdjvhndbl4269tQ8X2FidVCvUznGW16pKgv5Ii9GMmR5L0Fbu1atFyeamxEad-3i14yP7py4go5yNOYvqLxLa30RFrdu-3xgUu52tyFaYbK9ZfLL2zmwq-vaE/s320/100_2786.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlwgdlIvgDJgcitzwzYAmOw2-CxzXo95QqrpMPbOJjnC4hitRv5UkxqlJRB20Gqcm9lU1kT32QxgntfW4gAD4Cne1DaOPLobqlY15EzCvMG9aeGhxIZWs98tcKfVFY6twukhKUBuXmT4/s1600-h/100_2762.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319574106982713778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlwgdlIvgDJgcitzwzYAmOw2-CxzXo95QqrpMPbOJjnC4hitRv5UkxqlJRB20Gqcm9lU1kT32QxgntfW4gAD4Cne1DaOPLobqlY15EzCvMG9aeGhxIZWs98tcKfVFY6twukhKUBuXmT4/s320/100_2762.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div></div></div>Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07234311499984421227noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859979993412485212.post-35373055040383115272009-03-04T08:21:00.000-08:002009-03-04T08:30:45.674-08:00What to do with an old mattress<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qbOhoPCh-8FZK7TyCSYk7ww2DPzQ_JFUrgdaz3kHT0y-_NMCLE2K3AQf9R7XxgjWMHeCGwZlduCiMnoNf69OQqCpsDQu_RC3hmXjoBCqF-unT-nqf5jdNu6Glw8YNpgKlmCJ-kohcJQ/s1600-h/100_2726.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309369149159199042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qbOhoPCh-8FZK7TyCSYk7ww2DPzQ_JFUrgdaz3kHT0y-_NMCLE2K3AQf9R7XxgjWMHeCGwZlduCiMnoNf69OQqCpsDQu_RC3hmXjoBCqF-unT-nqf5jdNu6Glw8YNpgKlmCJ-kohcJQ/s320/100_2726.JPG" border="0" /></a> Put it on the floor for jumping practice. Don't forget to put the keyboard's demo music on full blast for maximum jumping enhancement.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgoq-f8-JyJ4mq_jVONRwjh_IrRKColiLV3eSsX1d2MFBnL3Qj1Yta5bpV0wMqx_Ew7Kticp15mQ0OJ6DibYh9mDyTezqN-4TK4mCpYsZM1ncCfrDOi-7dYLXPYgxhJj7TcEDJhU5fuGs/s1600-h/100_2716.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309369149662013426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgoq-f8-JyJ4mq_jVONRwjh_IrRKColiLV3eSsX1d2MFBnL3Qj1Yta5bpV0wMqx_Ew7Kticp15mQ0OJ6DibYh9mDyTezqN-4TK4mCpYsZM1ncCfrDOi-7dYLXPYgxhJj7TcEDJhU5fuGs/s320/100_2716.JPG" border="0" /></a>Of course we don't need any fancy music making machines. We can make noise just with our hands!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGWo9uuIFH9OBfOHVqLzz-9138HC8Wx5dEujF3bnMiAa1WCseTypqE_Ec9zto0Hnmezy0R2VtBgXYqyNhlukRoUS9Td9KcKctY0fEKJxQzDcdXfyl5lZxWt-Ga450ZH0AgE5rgPsBEdo/s1600-h/100_2721.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309369144494635970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGWo9uuIFH9OBfOHVqLzz-9138HC8Wx5dEujF3bnMiAa1WCseTypqE_Ec9zto0Hnmezy0R2VtBgXYqyNhlukRoUS9Td9KcKctY0fEKJxQzDcdXfyl5lZxWt-Ga450ZH0AgE5rgPsBEdo/s320/100_2721.JPG" border="0" /></a> And totally unrelated to mattresses or noise . . . Ernie is practicing his picture taking prowess. He's just old enough not to completely break the camera when he touches it. <div></div></div><br /></div>Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07234311499984421227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859979993412485212.post-44816879091238055402009-02-25T08:30:00.000-08:002009-02-25T08:38:23.089-08:00Just pictures<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrzxfo6cSV7OaqX06rshGkXyo1Js_g6r8Za8gKkaQlrvcvgFL_0YXeVrRXRDf95kSLq6iB-kAHe3Hb6enYyWINWFUxBja-mt8gxLKGDRVUggbGPQT3uJDJk5IIsn-YYmBldtb6HC0xFGs/s1600-h/100_2693.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306774107027400402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrzxfo6cSV7OaqX06rshGkXyo1Js_g6r8Za8gKkaQlrvcvgFL_0YXeVrRXRDf95kSLq6iB-kAHe3Hb6enYyWINWFUxBja-mt8gxLKGDRVUggbGPQT3uJDJk5IIsn-YYmBldtb6HC0xFGs/s320/100_2693.JPG" border="0" /></a>I can't believe how big she is getting. </div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwm1K3ULnz-G2RvLbu3vlwj4mGNJA2iSdlUCF3uymu-J02syLkbgv6RroVD-nxK5SGKq1QB86gtRaZFsGKDobWjYSQmlBQnAbETcQsxZdTiRIP0xZhexXrprgsPI1oNBOIX7h99WHMPEQ/s1600-h/100_2687.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306774100827450194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwm1K3ULnz-G2RvLbu3vlwj4mGNJA2iSdlUCF3uymu-J02syLkbgv6RroVD-nxK5SGKq1QB86gtRaZFsGKDobWjYSQmlBQnAbETcQsxZdTiRIP0xZhexXrprgsPI1oNBOIX7h99WHMPEQ/s320/100_2687.JPG" border="0" /></a>Anna fell asleep like this the other night. Her legs are crossed and going up the side of the crib. We have a whole mess of funny Ernie sleeping poses, but we're saving them for a slideshow at his wedding or highschool graduation party. </div><div> </div><div><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpmMHjshJiM25DYacL1Xy-NP7wOYo3RezX_QyoCKEVxP_PhZAkSebSkhJD2NzWTviYDYg7OfTF1nJW5hga96vmD9HMF1LT4y6FM37DCt4qGzpUfL_3WF0s3VZb2KO-rTYACZM4TYAotO4/s1600-h/100_2680.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306774090663996514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpmMHjshJiM25DYacL1Xy-NP7wOYo3RezX_QyoCKEVxP_PhZAkSebSkhJD2NzWTviYDYg7OfTF1nJW5hga96vmD9HMF1LT4y6FM37DCt4qGzpUfL_3WF0s3VZb2KO-rTYACZM4TYAotO4/s320/100_2680.JPG" border="0" /></a> Digging will never go out of style at our house.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLHvAzt8ARZe-hnPo8_GhFqkIID8NvX_sIzQ9n3FBQU-9rFIhwL47fyRVpJmCIXC-HzzqpkNst4vi_3ZoG7kivQxxoXQzTYpvIRp5P1_ZNDDpLTlzQqyRdjh8Va53s6kMxCEZeMx20L1Q/s1600-h/100_2667.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306774078427519954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLHvAzt8ARZe-hnPo8_GhFqkIID8NvX_sIzQ9n3FBQU-9rFIhwL47fyRVpJmCIXC-HzzqpkNst4vi_3ZoG7kivQxxoXQzTYpvIRp5P1_ZNDDpLTlzQqyRdjh8Va53s6kMxCEZeMx20L1Q/s320/100_2667.JPG" border="0" /></a> The kids are sporting their Valentine's outfits<br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07234311499984421227noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859979993412485212.post-84814375661160955432009-02-12T15:36:00.000-08:002009-02-12T16:07:13.736-08:00Yes, we're still here<div align="center">It's been a while, but we're still here. The past month I haven't taken many pictures, but we've enjoyed lots of family time. Yep, I missed posting on the big day that was Anna's anniversary of coming home. I guess that has been my biggest hurdle in getting back to the blog. I know I was supposed to post lots of cute photographs of our first day back and then some from a year later, but really, the time just got away from me. Since my last post, we've enjoyed Christmas and New Year's festivities, birthday parties, a trip to Leavenworth for skiing, Quest, the Big Show, visits from out of town family, the Festival of Lights and both Brian and I have been carving out some time for a little extra exercise. </div><div align="center"><div><br /><div>Ernie is really starting to read. He's been reluctant to spend any time actually reading himself, so I took a cue from the potty training handbook, and motivated him with a few m n m's each time he read a book. Nothing like a little bribery to get your kid reading. I wonder how long I'm going to get use such a small reward for such a huge accomplishment!</div><br /><div>Anna is talking like crazy. Some days, she'll walk up to me a spout off entire sentences in baby babble, then look at me expectantly or waggle her eyebrows at me. She is using too many words to count. And she has just refined the word milk from "mup" to "milt." Its hard for me to believe she is speaking better than some kids her own age when she had a 4 month deficit of English to begin with. It makes me think they must have really been talking with her when she lived at House of Hope, even if it was Amharic.</div><br /><div>The festival of Lights, Ernie's preschool winter performance, is definitely deserving of its own post, so I'm going to delay a little until I can get Brian to create a video for me. There's just no way of describing it that comes close to seeing actual footage from that night. Here's a teaser: Brian was laughing so hard that the camera was shaking as he tried to capture Ernie singing.</div><div> </div><div>Here are some pics to enjoy:</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-NnaS8GAUrDqaOuB1yTz0Q21tSjuNgniL0pI8bufK-SYQdeDyp8rO85L7BKYxQA3b835KzhValF01jdFTPHQl6oefP1Aonw3LgqmsFx4uW-xuMC_gOepS7MdT3vtka_eZDOIs22QSyk/s1600-h/100_2647.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302065743505122370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-NnaS8GAUrDqaOuB1yTz0Q21tSjuNgniL0pI8bufK-SYQdeDyp8rO85L7BKYxQA3b835KzhValF01jdFTPHQl6oefP1Aonw3LgqmsFx4uW-xuMC_gOepS7MdT3vtka_eZDOIs22QSyk/s320/100_2647.JPG" border="0" /></a> Ernie on the podium at the Big Show</div><div align="center"><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPkBaRS0TW3bZ9OMKhkenCvXNx9P4vRrdsP-QHtegE7i6k9_zXZ9D4iOO_K8_FmWl6RWMhvroHV1L7ThR9fuQGV5tG4nIAY3bbLiLwcS_ppNEeQF6T1XGNTarVG6uu3KMjcJw0ewPZUXg/s1600-h/100_2616.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302065740921647762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPkBaRS0TW3bZ9OMKhkenCvXNx9P4vRrdsP-QHtegE7i6k9_zXZ9D4iOO_K8_FmWl6RWMhvroHV1L7ThR9fuQGV5tG4nIAY3bbLiLwcS_ppNEeQF6T1XGNTarVG6uu3KMjcJw0ewPZUXg/s320/100_2616.JPG" border="0" /></a>Brian, Anna and Ernie goofing around as usual<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi1qfe_TDWIRU833DBbfw1j0FcRp4OBKgOKzgJSk7Hs_DddfIwgYRX3cLjCQxM9BWQrBUukL8XMTgXIIeufGMFDZxGBTKxHGGWRyrN7gJwKlInBZvgNA2AHvfEXAWKx7SseByvNfTiO1g/s1600-h/100_2592.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302065736477972754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi1qfe_TDWIRU833DBbfw1j0FcRp4OBKgOKzgJSk7Hs_DddfIwgYRX3cLjCQxM9BWQrBUukL8XMTgXIIeufGMFDZxGBTKxHGGWRyrN7gJwKlInBZvgNA2AHvfEXAWKx7SseByvNfTiO1g/s320/100_2592.JPG" border="0" /></a>Anna enjoying the view in Leavenworth<br /></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07234311499984421227noreply@blogger.com1