tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326149512024-03-12T22:30:55.979-05:00The Freed FamilyIf we weren’t all crazy, we would go insane…Jason, Katie, Ellie, Max and Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17718910881401869050noreply@blogger.comBlogger261125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32614951.post-40340015651179473972011-11-18T16:53:00.000-06:002011-11-18T16:53:03.205-06:00Well done<div class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB">After a long day at the babysitter's, Will was a tired kiddo when I got home from work. So he ate, got into jammies and was asleep in his crib before 7pm. He awoke at 3am fussing, so I sleepily nursed him and then changed his very full diaper, which was about to burst. As I zipped up his jammies, he looked up at me through the darkness in the room, with a full tummy and a dry diaper, and started clapping.</span></div><div></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB">As exhausted as we moms are when we have to wake up in the middle of the night to care for hungry, or wet, or sick, or crying babies, it's all worth it when your baby applauds you. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB">I love my little munchkin!</span><br />
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</span></div>Jason, Katie, Ellie, Max and Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17718910881401869050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32614951.post-71228932162738417682011-11-05T16:01:00.008-05:002011-11-18T16:52:28.666-06:00Leaf Me Alone<div style="text-align: center;">The leaves are really starting to come down in the yard, so we took advantage of the nice afternoon and made a leaf pile. The kids (and the dog) loved jumping and playing in the leaves, and Jason loved raking them up over and over again (wink).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Is there any better fall activity than playing in the leaves?!!<br />
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</div>Jason, Katie, Ellie, Max and Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17718910881401869050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32614951.post-81033975470985488932011-10-31T15:42:00.003-05:002011-11-18T16:47:57.251-06:00Happy Halloween<div style="text-align: center;">Happy Halloween from the Supers!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We headed to Olivette this year to trick-or-treat with the Hesemanns, which was very exciting for us. I'm so happy to have my sister living nearby, so we can do these types of fun things together. All the kids dressed up like superheros (except for Audrey, who was an adorable, little bug). Ellie and Ella were Supergirl, Max was Batman, and Will was Superman. They were all adorable.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We walked through Laura & Nate's neighborhood or the cool Halloween night. The houses there are on much bigger lots than in our neighborhood, so it takes a lot longer to go from door to door. Which meant a slower trick-or-treating outing, and it meant the kids got a lot less candy than they would have had we stayed in our neighborhood. But that's perfectly fine. We always have way too much candy anyway, that ends up getting thrown out around Thanksgiving because it gets forgotten.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ellie had 2 school Halloween parties/parades in the days leading up to Halloween. Jason and I got to watch one parade, and adore all the kids in their awesome costumes. What fun! Next year will be even better when Will and Audrey are both able to walk and enjoy the evening a little more. Can't wait.<br />
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</div>Jason, Katie, Ellie, Max and Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17718910881401869050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32614951.post-40637725325297983292011-10-28T15:51:00.004-05:002011-11-18T16:42:54.206-06:008 Months Old<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-neom8LGOXOA/TsbYoHcwGuI/AAAAAAAAB6c/VchjOXtpXp4/s1600/DSCN1768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-neom8LGOXOA/TsbYoHcwGuI/AAAAAAAAB6c/VchjOXtpXp4/s400/DSCN1768.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I have failed, once again, in getting a picture of Will on his 8 month birthday, but that hasn't stopped him from growing and learning new things. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Will is finally starting to enjoy baby food. He'll eat most any kind of baby food, without making the yuk face, and he's even starting to try to table foods. He loves to drink water from his sippy cup like the big kids. He has two teeth now.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Will is finally sleeping longer at night, which is awesome for us. His soft, fine, baby hair is getting long enough to be messy when he wakes up in the morning, though he is certainly my baldest baby. And he always wakes up happy in the morning. Sometimes our only indication that he is awake, is when we hear his fish tank music box turn on. We'll go in his room to find him standing at the fish tank or playing with his blanket, but we never hear any fussing or crying. The same goes for waking up from naps. In fact, the only time he fusses when waking up is if it is the middle of the night, and then it's necessary in order to get our attention.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Will is getting more and more verbal and loves to have conversations with us and his brother and sister. He loves to blow raspberries and will sometimes give big, wet kisses, which I absolutely adore. I can't get enough of this little guy. Love him!</div>Jason, Katie, Ellie, Max and Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17718910881401869050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32614951.post-54565610869054662992011-10-26T15:32:00.024-05:002011-11-18T16:42:42.659-06:00Crawling!!<div style="text-align: center;">Will has figured it out. He is officially a crawler. In the past couple of weeks he has really been working hard on mastering the movements, and then it finally clicked. Just in time for his 8 month birthday, he has conquered yet another milestone.<br />
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I thought my house was already fairly baby-proofed since we've been through this twice before; however, we've found that Will is much more interested in electric outlets than the other two were. He especially enjoys the sockets that have cords plugged in. And it seems like Ellie and Max have no less than 1 Million bite size toys that always seem to be left on the floor...we've got some issues to tackle.<br />
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</div>Jason, Katie, Ellie, Max and Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17718910881401869050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32614951.post-7880561670542334642011-10-25T15:27:00.008-05:002011-11-18T16:35:54.481-06:00Pumpkin Carving<div style="text-align: center;">Ellie begged us to carve a pumpkin this year...we usually just paint or draw with markers...much easier and less mess. But this year, she wanted the real deal, as long as J agreed to scoop out the guts (she's not one for getting her hands too dirty). I sketched out the very basic jack-o-lantern design for Ellie's approval, but it was quickly rejected as not being scary enough. So we added the angry eyebrows, and....Voila, scary pumpkin. We're in the Halloween countdown now.<br />
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</div>Jason, Katie, Ellie, Max and Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17718910881401869050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32614951.post-78001187790345390092011-10-10T15:25:00.004-05:002011-11-18T16:27:24.946-06:00Old Iron Works Day 2011<div style="text-align: center;">I always look forward to Old Iron Works Day each year. It really signals autumn for me. This year it was rather warm for the trip to Meramac Springs, but we still had lots of fun. I have such fond memories of this day trip from when I was a kid, and we're working on making lots more memories with our kids.<br />
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</div>Jason, Katie, Ellie, Max and Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17718910881401869050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32614951.post-88730347530643161632011-10-09T15:20:00.004-05:002011-11-18T16:22:05.026-06:00Arizona Family Visit to MO<div style="text-align: center;">Our Arizona family came for a visit in October. My sister-in-law, Traci, and my niece and nephew, Hannah & Ian, came into town for a few days, but unfortunately, my brother didn't get to join them for this trip. My kids were thrilled to get to see Ian and Hannah, and we took full advantage of our time together. There was a trip to the Science Center, a trip to Old Iron Works Day at Meramac Springs, McDonalds playplace, fishing with Popi, and lots of playing time. We sure enjoyed the visit, and Ellie and Max are both asking when we'll get to see them again.<br />
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</div>Jason, Katie, Ellie, Max and Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17718910881401869050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32614951.post-63431773683777937792011-10-07T15:13:00.004-05:002011-11-18T16:16:31.180-06:00Pulling Up<div style="text-align: center;">While Will is working on mastering crawling, he has reached another major milestone...he can pull to standing without assistance. When did we first notice? When we walked into his room and found this...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jZ_s1EMIDPs/TsbYvubLvGI/AAAAAAAAB6k/bOH7dgg4N8E/s1600/DSCN1765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jZ_s1EMIDPs/TsbYvubLvGI/AAAAAAAAB6k/bOH7dgg4N8E/s400/DSCN1765.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">He was very proud of himself. I guess it's time to lower the crib.</div>Jason, Katie, Ellie, Max and Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17718910881401869050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32614951.post-11153321138029282162011-09-30T15:06:00.007-05:002011-11-18T16:15:15.863-06:00Fun in the Tub<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OMA2ZqQ0dgc/TsbXpVj9h5I/AAAAAAAAB58/KZgLSwsyNCQ/s1600/DSCN1753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OMA2ZqQ0dgc/TsbXpVj9h5I/AAAAAAAAB58/KZgLSwsyNCQ/s400/DSCN1753.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Will is crazy about bath time, especially now that he is sitting up so confidently. Yes, he has been sitting up for a while, but I'm a little slow in remembering to take pictures of bath time. I always love the pics of each kid in the baby bathtub, before they transition to the regular tub. They all loved the baby tub and baths in general...what's not to like about being able to splash to your heart's content and get mom and dad soaked.</div>Jason, Katie, Ellie, Max and Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17718910881401869050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32614951.post-79994191206994193262011-09-28T21:48:00.041-05:002011-10-25T10:59:41.541-05:007 Months Old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H6fSG6QD2mA/Tp9QcvtIraI/AAAAAAAAB20/sM-0JpuPo-k/s1600/DSCN1738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" ida="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H6fSG6QD2mA/Tp9QcvtIraI/AAAAAAAAB20/sM-0JpuPo-k/s400/DSCN1738.JPG" width="300px" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="center">I was a bit distracted, or I procrastinated, or I just forgot...but anyway, I didn't get a 7 month picture of Will with the proper signage, so these cute pictures will have to do for this month's update.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Mr. Smiley is just as cute and lovable as ever. He's over 20 pounds now, though I don't know his exact weight. He's finally sleeping a little better at night, but he still usually wakes up once during the night because he's hungry and has a wet diaper. He still just has the one tooth, but we can see the whites of two more starting to break through...OUCH!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">He is trying his best to figure out crawling, though it's still way too early in my opinion. Both Ellie and Max didn't crawl till 9 months, and since Will is probably my last baby, I'd be perfectly happy if he doesn't start crawling for another few months. I just want to enjoy this fun stage as long as possible before he's on the move. He can move from the sitting position, onto his belly to try to scoot around and get something, then back to sitting all on his own. And it seems that once they can move from tummy back to sitting by themselves, it's just a matter of time before they connect all the movements and figure out crawling. </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Will loves to clap and play patty-cake. He'll dance (bounce and wave arms around) when Ellie is performing a routine or listening to music. And he is starting to really like tv. I know, I know, he shouldn't be watching tv yet, but it's kind of hard to avoid when there are older siblings. The tv is constantly on Disney, Nick Jr., or Sprout, and he is already picking his favorites. His head whips around to watch as soon as he hears the songs for Backyardigans, the Wiggles, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Blues Clues.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Will is our lovable, squeezable, smoochable little guy!</div>Jason, Katie, Ellie, Max and Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17718910881401869050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32614951.post-55284077430002266262011-09-17T17:26:00.002-05:002011-10-19T17:50:11.179-05:00Walk to End Alzheimer's<div style="text-align: center;">On September 17, we met at Busch Stadium to participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer's. This is a cause that is near and dear to our hearts, as both Jason's Grandma and Grandpa Pohlman have been afflicted with this terrible disease. Jason's Grandma lost her battle in June, and his Grandpa is still fighting it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">When Jason saw an announcement for the walk, we decided to put a little team together and make a very modest goal to raise $200. Well, our little team turned into 20 people and we ended up raising close to $2,000, with the help and support of very generous friends and family! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We were happy to contribute to this worthwhile cause if in just a small way, and it was lots of fun to participate in the walk. I'm sure Jason will say that the coolest part was that the walk began and ended in Busch Stadium, including a final lap around the field.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OvtqIh3XjZI/Tp9O388OAnI/AAAAAAAAB1s/Y3YsyPXYM3c/s1600/DSCN1696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OvtqIh3XjZI/Tp9O388OAnI/AAAAAAAAB1s/Y3YsyPXYM3c/s640/DSCN1696.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">During our final lap around the field, Jason's uncle, Scott, decided to go for the fly ball. I can't believe I caught it with my camera.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K1jBfMaOIXs/Tp9P5U6lcOI/AAAAAAAAB2M/LOIYYDrin0w/s1600/DSCN1709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K1jBfMaOIXs/Tp9P5U6lcOI/AAAAAAAAB2M/LOIYYDrin0w/s400/DSCN1709.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Then of course, not to be outdone, Jason went for his own fly ball, with the appropriate sign in the background. I'm sure he would want me to say that I was a little slow on the trigger and didn't snap the picture at the height of his jump. He actually got a lot more air than it seems from this picture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XFpRnVmqDcY/Tp9QBEoN81I/AAAAAAAAB2U/XZkq-cgFQKA/s1600/DSCN1713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XFpRnVmqDcY/Tp9QBEoN81I/AAAAAAAAB2U/XZkq-cgFQKA/s400/DSCN1713.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">We've got our work cut out for us next year to try to top the amazing results of our inaugural year, but I'm sure we can do it. Go Team Pohlman!<br />
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P.S. The Stroh's hat Jason is sporting is in honor of his Grandpa, but it still embarrasses the kids. Aren't they too young to be embarrassed by their parents?</div>Jason, Katie, Ellie, Max and Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17718910881401869050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32614951.post-11864911788845644082011-09-06T19:11:00.001-05:002011-10-19T17:24:22.878-05:00Tiny Dancer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRkRdggCzjs/Tp9LY4ObnNI/AAAAAAAAB1c/w9X9EHdXhxI/s1600/DSCN1691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRkRdggCzjs/Tp9LY4ObnNI/AAAAAAAAB1c/w9X9EHdXhxI/s400/DSCN1691.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XHSUeKzqT0w/Tp9LfSDc3uI/AAAAAAAAB1k/rsl0ylWW3QQ/s1600/DSCN1692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XHSUeKzqT0w/Tp9LfSDc3uI/AAAAAAAAB1k/rsl0ylWW3QQ/s400/DSCN1692.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">After begging for months and me procrastinating for months, Ellie has finally started dance class. She is taking a combined ballet / tap class, because that was what was offered at the studio we chose. She was adamant that she only wanted to take ballet, but low and behold, she has found that tap is actually pretty fun too. What's not to like about wearing shiny, cute shoes that make lots of cool noises when you walk across the floor. Her class is pretty small, but she's making some great friends already. We've already gotten the flier for her first recital which is not till June...they really plan ahead. And I'm already dreading it a little. I have visions of sitting in a theatre for hours and hours and hours watching routine after routine that all look pretty much the same. Thankfully, some other moms who had girls in classes at the same studio last year have told me that their recitals are totally manageable - an hour and a half tops. But I am a little excited to see Ellie girl all dressed up in her adorable costume, with a big smile on her face. She's having a ball, and that's what is most important.</div>Jason, Katie, Ellie, Max and Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17718910881401869050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32614951.post-32962976532607629642011-09-03T16:03:00.070-05:002011-09-19T16:21:58.807-05:00The Case of the Missing Birthday Present<div style="text-align: center;">Ellie has really been into scavenger / treasure hunts over the last year and told me 6 months ago that she wanted a treasure hunt for her birthday. Remembering how much I loved scavenger hunts when I was kid, I thought it sounded like a great idea. So as her birthday started to approach, I started thinking about clues. I made myself focus on the party early in the summer so that I could have plenty of time to come up with some good clues...I would think about rhymes and puzzles on my commute into the office in the morning or when I was falling asleep at night and pray I was able to remember them long enough to write them down. Judging by my daughter's reaction ("this was the best party ever"), I think it was a success.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Invitation</div><div style="text-align: center;">We mailed the invites in a plain, brown envelope, to set the tone for the party.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RoK3Zn69wdo/Tm0eDMiKdQI/AAAAAAAABy0/OYU5ZH1aZ1w/s1600/DSCN1583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RoK3Zn69wdo/Tm0eDMiKdQI/AAAAAAAABy0/OYU5ZH1aZ1w/s640/DSCN1583.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Knowing that we would have about 10 kids at the party, I thought it would be best to split them into 2 teams. I used the same brown envelopes for the clues and printed either a star or moon on each envelope to distinguish the teams. The teams ended up being girls against boys...are we really getting into that stage already? While both teams had the same clues, they were in a slightly different order to avoid traffic jams and fighting.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Before the hunt began, each kid got a notebook, pencil, and magnifying glass - the tools of a great detective.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OvH5OM8BQFg/Tm0eJcU-j3I/AAAAAAAABy4/fpeV__yF-QI/s1600/DSCN1592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OvH5OM8BQFg/Tm0eJcU-j3I/AAAAAAAABy4/fpeV__yF-QI/s320/DSCN1592.JPG" width="240px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Clue #1</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lNAeMMjAfbQ/Tm0eW_2et7I/AAAAAAAABy8/_ATYwDLHOPE/s1600/DSCN1609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lNAeMMjAfbQ/Tm0eW_2et7I/AAAAAAAABy8/_ATYwDLHOPE/s320/DSCN1609.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Muu1ObVjpg/Tneg2LGH_9I/AAAAAAAAB0g/dNKb6k34f6M/s1600/DSCN1623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Muu1ObVjpg/Tneg2LGH_9I/AAAAAAAAB0g/dNKb6k34f6M/s320/DSCN1623.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jhKekYi9uh4/Tneg3yCCvYI/AAAAAAAAB0k/MzJobe7RIsc/s1600/DSCN1624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jhKekYi9uh4/Tneg3yCCvYI/AAAAAAAAB0k/MzJobe7RIsc/s320/DSCN1624.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The girls quickly found the first clue at the piano and with the help of their reader, Elizabeth, </div><div style="text-align: center;">were on to Clue #2.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-snVONLf6nFc/Tm0enziKlyI/AAAAAAAABzE/mUIZ9WnAZn8/s1600/DSCN1612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-snVONLf6nFc/Tm0enziKlyI/AAAAAAAABzE/mUIZ9WnAZn8/s320/DSCN1612.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Clue #3</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R28N1MlRTMY/Tm0evM2ubdI/AAAAAAAABzI/dqs-f9ptB9s/s1600/DSCN1603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R28N1MlRTMY/Tm0evM2ubdI/AAAAAAAABzI/dqs-f9ptB9s/s320/DSCN1603.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4YbM-GKRISg/TnehGGHlcyI/AAAAAAAAB00/GIY5oGSO0gA/s1600/DSCN1628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4YbM-GKRISg/TnehGGHlcyI/AAAAAAAAB00/GIY5oGSO0gA/s320/DSCN1628.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">After finding Clue #4 on Ellie's bed, they headed back down stairs, to work on the next puzzle.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fLHf4Na9Gns/Tm0e3NTBBrI/AAAAAAAABzM/2teF1spMSxM/s1600/DSCN1601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fLHf4Na9Gns/Tm0e3NTBBrI/AAAAAAAABzM/2teF1spMSxM/s320/DSCN1601.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The boys worked hard on figuring out the clues. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RuYikIgAwGg/TnehBENVoDI/AAAAAAAAB0s/izNr6-6mgQE/s1600/DSCN1626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RuYikIgAwGg/TnehBENVoDI/AAAAAAAAB0s/izNr6-6mgQE/s320/DSCN1626.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Clue #5</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YuXICI0q3K0/Tm0e-U0KfAI/AAAAAAAABzQ/nOEILbT_Knk/s1600/DSCN1607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YuXICI0q3K0/Tm0e-U0KfAI/AAAAAAAABzQ/nOEILbT_Knk/s320/DSCN1607.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Clue #6</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5gjmKJrK_Tg/Tm0fGEl2pDI/AAAAAAAABzU/n8T-CN9wrx0/s1600/DSCN1608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5gjmKJrK_Tg/Tm0fGEl2pDI/AAAAAAAABzU/n8T-CN9wrx0/s320/DSCN1608.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Clue #7 (one of my favorites)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tCF3E3cbsXs/Tm0fN2L6sEI/AAAAAAAABzY/0ygguxOWl2k/s1600/DSCN1614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tCF3E3cbsXs/Tm0fN2L6sEI/AAAAAAAABzY/0ygguxOWl2k/s320/DSCN1614.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Clue #8 (they had to put the puzzle together to lead them to the Gator in the garage)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MkY9S78UGwk/Tm0fUj7Za8I/AAAAAAAABzc/NjlyaXv6rBk/s1600/DSCN1620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MkY9S78UGwk/Tm0fUj7Za8I/AAAAAAAABzc/NjlyaXv6rBk/s320/DSCN1620.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Clue #9</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GyHsMwIbZ1w/Tm0hhV6XW8I/AAAAAAAAB0U/LVXuaQQC5cY/s1600/DSCN1617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GyHsMwIbZ1w/Tm0hhV6XW8I/AAAAAAAAB0U/LVXuaQQC5cY/s400/DSCN1617.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Clue #10</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qELJif_KB6g/Tm0fra1z5GI/AAAAAAAABzo/_F81i5g3Kos/s1600/DSCN1606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qELJif_KB6g/Tm0fra1z5GI/AAAAAAAABzo/_F81i5g3Kos/s320/DSCN1606.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Clue #11</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YF-ucml190Y/Tm0fzGCxXoI/AAAAAAAABzs/Z71b9WLWsCY/s1600/DSCN1613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YF-ucml190Y/Tm0fzGCxXoI/AAAAAAAABzs/Z71b9WLWsCY/s320/DSCN1613.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Clue #12</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zdiUKmyle88/Tm0f6wByxkI/AAAAAAAABzw/QrxRVm34dM0/s1600/DSCN1604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zdiUKmyle88/Tm0f6wByxkI/AAAAAAAABzw/QrxRVm34dM0/s320/DSCN1604.JPG" width="320px" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0w2WPy1cxW8/Tneg-5q7wWI/AAAAAAAAB0o/EviWN8t0Htg/s1600/DSCN1625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0w2WPy1cxW8/Tneg-5q7wWI/AAAAAAAAB0o/EviWN8t0Htg/s320/DSCN1625.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The boys figures out the clue and headed for the biggest mirror in the house...and found...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Clue #13 (one of the hardest clues)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q0Qu_N2KYTY/Tm0gCZ4eqxI/AAAAAAAABz0/znUhivYoRgA/s1600/DSCN1602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q0Qu_N2KYTY/Tm0gCZ4eqxI/AAAAAAAABz0/znUhivYoRgA/s320/DSCN1602.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vhdFTWPz0Ns/TnehDyMzzkI/AAAAAAAAB0w/ULGPXQR7owo/s1600/DSCN1627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vhdFTWPz0Ns/TnehDyMzzkI/AAAAAAAAB0w/ULGPXQR7owo/s320/DSCN1627.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jason always tells Ellie and Max that when the streetlights come on, it is time to go inside. Ellie had no trouble with this clue, but it was a little tough for everyone else. The boys finally found the streetlight, with some hinting.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Clue #14 (Max proved his worth to the boys' team by knowing exactly what and where this toy was)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BRf5EL0PbME/Tm0hZ6dzH1I/AAAAAAAAB0Q/yb7TL6jg8qI/s1600/DSCN1615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BRf5EL0PbME/Tm0hZ6dzH1I/AAAAAAAAB0Q/yb7TL6jg8qI/s320/DSCN1615.JPG" width="240px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Clue #15 - Another puzzle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G7MiQzq8qws/Tm0gL6p2H3I/AAAAAAAABz4/wB3CxX8CUA4/s1600/DSCN1600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G7MiQzq8qws/Tm0gL6p2H3I/AAAAAAAABz4/wB3CxX8CUA4/s320/DSCN1600.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u0K0rLztGFE/TnehJqLMdXI/AAAAAAAAB08/XeZA3cm_YSE/s1600/DSCN1633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u0K0rLztGFE/TnehJqLMdXI/AAAAAAAAB08/XeZA3cm_YSE/s320/DSCN1633.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The girls huddled up to figure out the puzzle clue that would send them to search under the dining room table.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Clue #16</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gyzgfk3ckJQ/Tm0gTeFmQbI/AAAAAAAABz8/AKPQ9YzxnGw/s1600/DSCN1611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gyzgfk3ckJQ/Tm0gTeFmQbI/AAAAAAAABz8/AKPQ9YzxnGw/s320/DSCN1611.JPG" width="320px" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LBSyCdVhwA0/TnehH20I_lI/AAAAAAAAB04/RnkkoRTpKew/s1600/DSCN1630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LBSyCdVhwA0/TnehH20I_lI/AAAAAAAAB04/RnkkoRTpKew/s320/DSCN1630.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Apparently this clue was not hidden too well...both teams found it quickly. (Please disregard our burnt up backyard. It's been a hot summer).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Clue #17</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lTMLrTb3VGM/Tm0horRltAI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/3kX0kqArhQ4/s1600/DSCN1618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lTMLrTb3VGM/Tm0horRltAI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/3kX0kqArhQ4/s320/DSCN1618.JPG" width="240px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Clue #18</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EabseR2m3p8/Tm0gpbMkiEI/AAAAAAAAB0A/Jf6zbH6MifA/s1600/DSCN1610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EabseR2m3p8/Tm0gpbMkiEI/AAAAAAAAB0A/Jf6zbH6MifA/s320/DSCN1610.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Clue #19 (another one for Max to shine - this guy is on the dresser in Max's room)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o1eVyxL4On8/Tm0hKwg-lFI/AAAAAAAAB0I/Ulzh_R-k2-k/s1600/DSCN1616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o1eVyxL4On8/Tm0hKwg-lFI/AAAAAAAAB0I/Ulzh_R-k2-k/s320/DSCN1616.JPG" width="240px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Clue #20</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g1Qh3PH-96E/Tm0hSeJG7SI/AAAAAAAAB0M/gRhGuJMBGN8/s1600/DSCN1605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g1Qh3PH-96E/Tm0hSeJG7SI/AAAAAAAAB0M/gRhGuJMBGN8/s320/DSCN1605.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Clue #21 - The Final Clue.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eFIChC-qhg0/Tm0gxOoCuRI/AAAAAAAAB0E/Qf4cBFMnVc0/s1600/DSCN1619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eFIChC-qhg0/Tm0gxOoCuRI/AAAAAAAAB0E/Qf4cBFMnVc0/s320/DSCN1619.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">The girls found the final clue first, and then the race was on to solve the last puzzle. They had to scratch out all the letters in the word BALL, then read the word that remained to find the location of the treasure...which took them to the dryer in the laundry room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xF99Nv8vRGg/TnehZesxu0I/AAAAAAAAB1E/h7Nk7ptHEJU/s1600/DSCN1639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xF99Nv8vRGg/TnehZesxu0I/AAAAAAAAB1E/h7Nk7ptHEJU/s320/DSCN1639.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J6tr85JH3Po/Tnehb-0H6yI/AAAAAAAAB1I/Ezoe4QbvCOA/s1600/DSCN1640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J6tr85JH3Po/Tnehb-0H6yI/AAAAAAAAB1I/Ezoe4QbvCOA/s320/DSCN1640.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Everyone got little treasure chests filled with gold coins, compass rings, jewels, and other little toys. The birthday girl got the big prize...her own ipod. Sorry Kids, we couldn't get an ipod treasure for everyone...Now that would have been a party!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eO7WX0EuHJs/TneheqtVQ8I/AAAAAAAAB1M/_CncfKe9YyA/s1600/DSCN1643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eO7WX0EuHJs/TneheqtVQ8I/AAAAAAAAB1M/_CncfKe9YyA/s320/DSCN1643.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The awesome treasure chest birthday cake my mom made for the party. Another amazing creation by Gran.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i0OnDslE9K4/TnehRNIw6lI/AAAAAAAAB1A/CDjcKVgDWOk/s1600/DSCN1635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i0OnDslE9K4/TnehRNIw6lI/AAAAAAAAB1A/CDjcKVgDWOk/s320/DSCN1635.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mYHrmT4mcj0/Tnehj5gAD4I/AAAAAAAAB1Q/za6JC_Hezl0/s1600/DSCN1646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mYHrmT4mcj0/Tnehj5gAD4I/AAAAAAAAB1Q/za6JC_Hezl0/s320/DSCN1646.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ellie got tons of great gifts. We have such generous family and friends. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And the final fun for the day was a pinata (which we almost forgot about). All the younger kids got a few swings at the ice cream cone, before handing the stick to the older kids. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vtSgnqVAxMw/Tneh48xpABI/AAAAAAAAB1U/Jm0pngKdz7E/s1600/DSCN1672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vtSgnqVAxMw/Tneh48xpABI/AAAAAAAAB1U/Jm0pngKdz7E/s320/DSCN1672.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Candy Carnage</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCQCur13jA8/Tneh6TrploI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/cwiH95CsIrY/s1600/DSCN1679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCQCur13jA8/Tneh6TrploI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/cwiH95CsIrY/s320/DSCN1679.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">What a fun day! I probably need to start thinking about new clues now, because I know Max is going to ask for his pirate treasure hunt birthday party soon.</div>Jason, Katie, Ellie, Max and Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17718910881401869050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32614951.post-73592760531187963702011-08-31T15:43:00.001-05:002011-09-12T13:08:56.852-05:00Little Miss 5-year-old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6YMD5lSe6NU/Tm0S6HD08WI/AAAAAAAAByg/-jTeT3ItOmk/s1600/DSCN1528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6YMD5lSe6NU/Tm0S6HD08WI/AAAAAAAAByg/-jTeT3ItOmk/s400/DSCN1528.JPG" width="300px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UCQS-NGd-ds/Tm0TE43zP1I/AAAAAAAAByk/qn7WzIRuwRw/s1600/DSCN1533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UCQS-NGd-ds/Tm0TE43zP1I/AAAAAAAAByk/qn7WzIRuwRw/s320/DSCN1533.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Isjcxz2F6Ls/Tm0TPtCVJTI/AAAAAAAAByo/98nCHjLwJcM/s1600/DSCN1562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Isjcxz2F6Ls/Tm0TPtCVJTI/AAAAAAAAByo/98nCHjLwJcM/s320/DSCN1562.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U7_7Wjh9KPI/Tm0TWhMX0CI/AAAAAAAABys/yfBAlLOZevw/s1600/DSCN1567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U7_7Wjh9KPI/Tm0TWhMX0CI/AAAAAAAABys/yfBAlLOZevw/s320/DSCN1567.JPG" width="240px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-laIlaW8EMlQ/Tm0TdyIM2QI/AAAAAAAAByw/qpqV3jyDi9c/s1600/DSCN1571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-laIlaW8EMlQ/Tm0TdyIM2QI/AAAAAAAAByw/qpqV3jyDi9c/s320/DSCN1571.JPG" width="240px" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Ellie is 5-years-old! I can't believe she is 5 already.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ellie unfortunately had school on her birthday. I went with her to school on the day before her birthday, and Jason went with her on her actual birthday (because she has different teachers and different classes on MWF and TR). When I asked her what she wanted for her birthday dinner, she said "breakfast." So she chose to go to Cracker Barrel for dinner, and she didn't get any arguments. After dinner, we came home and opened a few presents, Max put the gift bag on his head, then we had cake and cupcakes. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Unlike her little brother, she did not go to the doctor on her birthday. Her doctor's appointment is at the end of September, and she'll be due for quite a few shots. Ugh! I'm not looking forward to that day.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ellie is such a special girl. She is sweet, super smart, friendly, and kind-hearted (she even got teary eyed at an episode of <i>Phineas and Ferb</i> recently when Perry the Platypus got his feelings hurt). She is my little helper, fetching me diapers, wipes, and toys when needed. She is anxious to learn new things, and loves to do homework - practicing writing and reading. She loves school, and always has a big smile on her face when she walks in the doors (the teachers always comment about it). She bring so much life and energy into our home (it would be so boring without her). We love you, Ellie Girl.</div>Jason, Katie, Ellie, Max and Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17718910881401869050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32614951.post-82279641251453146122011-08-29T15:09:00.001-05:002011-09-12T13:04:54.206-05:006 Months Old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xv3dRHc4Lkc/Tm0Sq8Y3qXI/AAAAAAAAByY/hMrg72Y-dNg/s1600/DSCN1519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xv3dRHc4Lkc/Tm0Sq8Y3qXI/AAAAAAAAByY/hMrg72Y-dNg/s400/DSCN1519.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G8-CDgxpeoA/Tm0SzTsEIHI/AAAAAAAAByc/hNJsgZOSbdM/s1600/DSCN1526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G8-CDgxpeoA/Tm0SzTsEIHI/AAAAAAAAByc/hNJsgZOSbdM/s400/DSCN1526.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Will is now 6 months old...that's half a year already!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">He is growing so quickly now, and it seems like he is reaching new milestones everyday. He is sitting up on his own, which is awesome. This is always my favorite time for my babies - I love it when they can sit up confidently, I can put some toys in front of them and they are happy and content, but not yet mobile. He loves his jumparoo, but is a little less thrilled with his swing lately. He is just starting to scoot around on his tummy, well more like spinning around on his tummy, when he is on the floor and spots something that he wants (usually his binkie). He has one little tooth that has barely broken through, and we can see 2 more that want to pop through soon. He smiles all the time, and can really get going with the giggles.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">He had a doctor's visit this morning. He weighed 19 pounds, 5 1/2 ounces, which puts him in the 81st percentile for weight, and he was 28 1/2 inches tall, which puts him in the 97th percentile for height. He's wearing 9-12 month clothing. I'm working up some strong arm muscles from lugging him around in his car seat. The other kids were a year old when they weighed 19+ pounds, and I definitely wasn't carrying them around in the car seat anymore. His days in the movable car seat are probably numbered.</div><div style="text-align: center;">He had 2 shots at the doctor's office. He didn't even cry for the first shot, but the second one put him over the edge, and he got pretty mad. I picked him up right away, and he gave the nurse the death stare as if saying, "How dare you stick that thing in my leg!!" But he calmed down almost immediately, and was smiling at the doctor and nurses again as we walked out of the exam room.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Will is a happy, playful, active little guy. He loves his sister and brother, and his binkie. He brings so much joy into our home, and I can't imagine our family without him. We love you, Buddy!</div>Jason, Katie, Ellie, Max and Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17718910881401869050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32614951.post-65462928897292060622011-08-08T15:07:00.000-05:002011-09-11T15:07:56.908-05:00A New School Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HGeMDcWozhY/Tm0SjpNGu9I/AAAAAAAAByU/iJbAdluJI3Y/s1600/DSCN1517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HGeMDcWozhY/Tm0SjpNGu9I/AAAAAAAAByU/iJbAdluJI3Y/s400/DSCN1517.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Ellie has started her third and final year of preschool. She turns 5 at the end of the month, but in MO, you have to be 5 by August 1st in order to start kindergarten...so we're doing another year of preschool. She is definitely ready for kindergarten, but I'm trying to slow down and enjoy this little extra time I get with her at home.</div>
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She is going to half-day preschool 5 days a week. She was super excited to start back to school, meet new teachers, and make new friends. Ellie is a smart, outgoing, friendly girl, so I never worry about how she'll do on her own at school. We always get rave reviews from her teachers, and would expect nothing less.</div>
Jason, Katie, Ellie, Max and Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17718910881401869050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32614951.post-20205597283542795362011-07-31T16:25:00.002-05:002011-08-22T17:32:42.450-05:00Lake Week 2011<div align="center">Lake Week 2011 is now in the history books. It was another fun filled week with lots of swimming, golfing, and eating. Here are just a few of the highlights.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><em>Miner Mike's</em></span></strong></div><div align="center"><br />
We can't go to the Lake without spending an afternoon at Miner Mike's. The kids really look forward to this day. We spend a ton of dough, and they come away with some lovely prizes - bouncy balls, parachute guys, and stickers - but at least they have lots of fun.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dyPaUrchjfQ/TlLJ6dZkLyI/AAAAAAAABwA/q-QzzYuVKKI/s1600/DSCN1426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" qaa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dyPaUrchjfQ/TlLJ6dZkLyI/AAAAAAAABwA/q-QzzYuVKKI/s320/DSCN1426.JPG" width="240px" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GtbfRqNExqQ/TlLKDZv9AjI/AAAAAAAABwI/WqwkIXZMEuw/s1600/DSCN1435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GtbfRqNExqQ/TlLKDZv9AjI/AAAAAAAABwI/WqwkIXZMEuw/s320/DSCN1435.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IqUgFMjf_yU/TlLKJDXXerI/AAAAAAAABwM/OubU1s4czeM/s1600/DSCN1421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" qaa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IqUgFMjf_yU/TlLKJDXXerI/AAAAAAAABwM/OubU1s4czeM/s320/DSCN1421.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><em>Putt Putt Golf at Pirate's Cove</em></span></strong><br />
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"Can we go putt putt today?" was asked multiple times every day until we finally made it to the course. Putt-putt with the kids is always interesting. There were a few times that Jason had to make some quick moves to either avoid getting hit in the shins with a ball or retrieve a ball from going over a waterfall. Max has quite the powerful little swing, and he doesn't practice putting too often. </div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HWaabAIIKbI/TlLMglMH_9I/AAAAAAAABwQ/LtMPeb8BX-o/s1600/DSCN1438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HWaabAIIKbI/TlLMglMH_9I/AAAAAAAABwQ/LtMPeb8BX-o/s320/DSCN1438.JPG" width="240px" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cwvgNpROQaM/TlLMq1_WeFI/AAAAAAAABwU/TUwo3_14QUU/s1600/DSCN1439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" qaa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cwvgNpROQaM/TlLMq1_WeFI/AAAAAAAABwU/TUwo3_14QUU/s320/DSCN1439.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gzr7OSwobHg/TlLM3aHJ81I/AAAAAAAABwc/WtwMiixeyqw/s1600/DSCN1444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" qaa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gzr7OSwobHg/TlLM3aHJ81I/AAAAAAAABwc/WtwMiixeyqw/s320/DSCN1444.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o0hEhetrRBs/TlLNFkppNZI/AAAAAAAABwg/2H0HSwOQbic/s1600/DSCN1451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" qaa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o0hEhetrRBs/TlLNFkppNZI/AAAAAAAABwg/2H0HSwOQbic/s320/DSCN1451.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lest39llOJU/TlLNLFbpSXI/AAAAAAAABwk/I-ZaKOX-m10/s1600/DSCN1454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" qaa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lest39llOJU/TlLNLFbpSXI/AAAAAAAABwk/I-ZaKOX-m10/s320/DSCN1454.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">Annual Couples Golf Tournament</span></em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">What would Lake Week be without the couples golf tournament. Our outfits this year were very tame, with everyone sporting their college logos. This year's variation included all the young ones competing against all the old ones. Jason and I just made the cut to get to stay with the young group...I'm not sure I could handle it if I were considered in the "Old" group. Unfortunately though, the young ones did not have the depth of experience that the Oldies did, and we sadly lost the Freed Cup to the saggier crew. It will return to its rightful owners next year, though.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k_NT_lvEFck/TlLSip4Gm3I/AAAAAAAABwo/qRN_zDz1LcU/s1600/DSCN1456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" qaa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k_NT_lvEFck/TlLSip4Gm3I/AAAAAAAABwo/qRN_zDz1LcU/s640/DSCN1456.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div> The Young Team<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jt5XnG_c_Y4/TlLSnO3zwGI/AAAAAAAABws/ZDd9RtSwZiw/s1600/DSCN1461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" qaa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jt5XnG_c_Y4/TlLSnO3zwGI/AAAAAAAABws/ZDd9RtSwZiw/s400/DSCN1461.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qDIiy7xPYrU/TlLSuYnR4GI/AAAAAAAABww/-QWVsxfOTIw/s1600/DSCN1493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" qaa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qDIiy7xPYrU/TlLSuYnR4GI/AAAAAAAABww/-QWVsxfOTIw/s640/DSCN1493.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div>The Old Team</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Pool Time</span></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">There was lots of time spent in the pool and lake. The kids got to swim every day, which they loved. My kids are very fair, so they are never without sunscreen, which then keeps them looking rather fair. At the beginning of the week, someone made the comment to Ellie that she was looking very white. Her response..."I know. I'm as white as a ghost. I'd say white as an angel, but I'm not that good." My kids are awesome.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y0dGfga9Y_E/TlLS9Lh05eI/AAAAAAAABw0/j5DU_2tLVY4/s1600/DSCN1465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" qaa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y0dGfga9Y_E/TlLS9Lh05eI/AAAAAAAABw0/j5DU_2tLVY4/s320/DSCN1465.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uxo05wC-qpQ/TlLTHHbglbI/AAAAAAAABw4/GDQbhamM2Ys/s1600/DSCN1468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" qaa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uxo05wC-qpQ/TlLTHHbglbI/AAAAAAAABw4/GDQbhamM2Ys/s320/DSCN1468.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wPtri_J6kqk/TlLTOlbFrHI/AAAAAAAABw8/dTVyRWYZ3fQ/s1600/DSCN1467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" qaa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wPtri_J6kqk/TlLTOlbFrHI/AAAAAAAABw8/dTVyRWYZ3fQ/s320/DSCN1467.JPG" width="240px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DaJrXapq7io/TlLTV3SMinI/AAAAAAAABxA/XSQkwS08iyg/s1600/DSCN1473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" qaa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DaJrXapq7io/TlLTV3SMinI/AAAAAAAABxA/XSQkwS08iyg/s320/DSCN1473.JPG" width="240px" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Hanging Out Together Time</span></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The best part of the week, in my opinion, is getting to hang out, relax, and visit with everyone. While I was confined to the condo more than I would prefer (because a 5 month old baby can't be in the sun and still requires frequent naps), it's still nice to be on "vacation" with my family. When we are all together there are 2 things that we never have a shortage of ... (1) good food and (2) laughter. What more could we need?!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BcSr491fNXQ/TlLTbR5rBpI/AAAAAAAABxE/6xTceAtIRts/s1600/DSCN1477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" qaa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BcSr491fNXQ/TlLTbR5rBpI/AAAAAAAABxE/6xTceAtIRts/s320/DSCN1477.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div> Relaxing with Dad<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xWT8-Y19RmU/TlLThFMs9eI/AAAAAAAABxI/DQO23FMdjL0/s1600/DSCN1482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" qaa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xWT8-Y19RmU/TlLThFMs9eI/AAAAAAAABxI/DQO23FMdjL0/s320/DSCN1482.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div> Happy Boy <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n9CVPixjqms/TlLW-p1KqVI/AAAAAAAABx8/wpAhfAXs1Sw/s1600/DSCN1487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n9CVPixjqms/TlLW-p1KqVI/AAAAAAAABx8/wpAhfAXs1Sw/s320/DSCN1487.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> Crazy, Sweaty, Chloriney, Sunscreeny Haired Max<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cuxr_5zNqQw/TlLTru8xtxI/AAAAAAAABxQ/aac2eeKpT5A/s1600/DSCN1490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cuxr_5zNqQw/TlLTru8xtxI/AAAAAAAABxQ/aac2eeKpT5A/s320/DSCN1490.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>Some of the crew<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MnIs_k6SM8Q/TlLT3aDr3SI/AAAAAAAABxU/PT0rXODQjxY/s1600/DSCN1496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" qaa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MnIs_k6SM8Q/TlLT3aDr3SI/AAAAAAAABxU/PT0rXODQjxY/s320/DSCN1496.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div> Alex and Danielle<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aChHObPl3SM/TlLT6WJ5jqI/AAAAAAAABxY/rMwOxu7urS0/s1600/DSCN1499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aChHObPl3SM/TlLT6WJ5jqI/AAAAAAAABxY/rMwOxu7urS0/s320/DSCN1499.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div> Abby and Sue<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sbyvgqFeipE/TlLT8lVPQSI/AAAAAAAABxc/fqB5UpLMWGQ/s1600/DSCN1500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sbyvgqFeipE/TlLT8lVPQSI/AAAAAAAABxc/fqB5UpLMWGQ/s320/DSCN1500.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div> Corey and Erin ("Hey Corey, Guess What?")<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QAGSgV-dLg0/TlLT-6iPFAI/AAAAAAAABxg/MQqCHiYhZFw/s1600/DSCN1501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" qaa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QAGSgV-dLg0/TlLT-6iPFAI/AAAAAAAABxg/MQqCHiYhZFw/s320/DSCN1501.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div> Allie and Brad<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9DM909Oz0QQ/TlLUB0wekvI/AAAAAAAABxk/Uz0HjO6rNX0/s1600/DSCN1502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" qaa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9DM909Oz0QQ/TlLUB0wekvI/AAAAAAAABxk/Uz0HjO6rNX0/s320/DSCN1502.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Valerie and Kameron</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-khFGavrRRjg/TlLUEb2dKQI/AAAAAAAABxo/rw52fjThfNk/s1600/DSCN1504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" qaa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-khFGavrRRjg/TlLUEb2dKQI/AAAAAAAABxo/rw52fjThfNk/s320/DSCN1504.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div> Kelly and Justin<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-12MAntboo3s/TlLUGKfrxuI/AAAAAAAABxs/az5jzvsFYbc/s1600/DSCN1505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" qaa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-12MAntboo3s/TlLUGKfrxuI/AAAAAAAABxs/az5jzvsFYbc/s320/DSCN1505.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>Sherry and Pam</div>Jason, Katie, Ellie, Max and Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17718910881401869050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32614951.post-56583720011392915282011-07-28T18:09:00.002-05:002011-08-23T18:22:14.597-05:005 Months Old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6JLaBf4giMA/TlQzdp4kWnI/AAAAAAAAByA/LM1jguNxWUQ/s1600/DSCN1509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6JLaBf4giMA/TlQzdp4kWnI/AAAAAAAAByA/LM1jguNxWUQ/s320/DSCN1509.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k3TQzDE4CCY/TlQzf8G0BCI/AAAAAAAAByE/llEv9d_1ICk/s1600/DSCN1513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k3TQzDE4CCY/TlQzf8G0BCI/AAAAAAAAByE/llEv9d_1ICk/s320/DSCN1513.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center">Isn't he just the cutest!?!! He's getting so big, though I haven't weighed him lately. Will's wearing 9-12 months clothes now, which is kind of crazy to me. I thought it would be great having another boy born in the same season as Max, because I assumed I wouldn't have to buy tons of clothes. Unfortunately, he is growing at a faster pace than Max did, so we're having to buy some summer clothes in bigger sizes. I'm ready for the cooler weather (for so many reasons) so we can transition back to some of Max's duds.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">We've slowed down on the baby food for a while. He was eating it great, but his stomach didn't seem to like it too much. He has a bit of a sensitive digestive system, just like Ellie did, so we're going to wait a little longer and hope it develops some more before venturing into jarred meats - GROSS.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">We've been putting Will into the exersaucer and even brought the high chair out of the basement. He loves being able to sit up straighter and watch everything that is going around him. His big brother and sister love him to pieces and fight over who gets to hold him. They can both get some big giggles out of him too. I'll try to post a video soon.</div>Jason, Katie, Ellie, Max and Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17718910881401869050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32614951.post-1705051384314828992011-07-10T16:08:00.003-05:002011-08-22T17:32:24.928-05:00Yea For Baby Food<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ytb0t03XbLw/TlLGAn5ePCI/AAAAAAAABv4/AgimxMtLZ6w/s1600/DSCN1416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ytb0t03XbLw/TlLGAn5ePCI/AAAAAAAABv4/AgimxMtLZ6w/s320/DSCN1416.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Our Little Man is growing up so quickly. He tried baby cereal for the first time today and loved it. I made just a tiny bit, foolishly thinking that he might struggle to eat off a spoon. But he did not struggle at all. I had to make 2 more helpings of cereal before he was finally finished. I almost don't know what to do with a child that eats from a spoon so easily. Here comes lots of fun with sweet potatoes and green beans. YEA!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Jason, Katie, Ellie, Max and Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17718910881401869050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32614951.post-84010036851043043792011-06-28T14:47:00.010-05:002011-08-22T17:32:02.758-05:004 Months Old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l64oXLGdQRA/TlK2r5797LI/AAAAAAAABvc/4i2_rGYQu-4/s1600/DSCN1388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" qaa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l64oXLGdQRA/TlK2r5797LI/AAAAAAAABvc/4i2_rGYQu-4/s400/DSCN1388.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-06IaUKR0isg/TlLEpTvdDTI/AAAAAAAABv0/kRrpafvw4QI/s1600/DSCN1397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" qaa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-06IaUKR0isg/TlLEpTvdDTI/AAAAAAAABv0/kRrpafvw4QI/s400/DSCN1397.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BHxn6_AIJyI/TlK20Ve220I/AAAAAAAABvk/c39WuM8XwgI/s1600/DSCN1403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" qaa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BHxn6_AIJyI/TlK20Ve220I/AAAAAAAABvk/c39WuM8XwgI/s400/DSCN1403.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Will is 4 months old. He is by far my biggest child. At his doctor's appointment today he weighed 17 pounds, 1 1/2 ounces, which puts him in the 95th percentile in weight. He was 27 1/2 inches long, which puts him in the 97th percentile for height. With both Ellie and Max, they didn't quite hit the 20 pound mark by their first birthday (the weight and age minimum to be able to turn their carseats forward facing), but I don't think that will be a concern for Will. He may even hit the 20 pound mark before his 6 month birthday. It makes me a little sad to not be able to snuggle with a tiny newborn anymore, but I'm happy that he is growing and thriving. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">He is still happy and content most of the time. He is developing a great smile and laugh. You can't help but smile when you hear his little laugh...it's contagious. He's working on cutting a few teeth, but none have popped through yet. I wish they would hurry up, so he doesn't have to be in so much pain.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The transition back to work hasn't been too bad. It is such a blessing to have my mom there with the kids while I'm away. I can focus on my work and not worry about the kids too much, knowing that they are in great hands...and the kids love spending time with their granny. And it is awesome to walk in the door and be greeted by happy "MOM"'s and big hugs from the big kids, and great, big smiles from Will when he meets my eyes. Love 'em all bunches!</div>Jason, Katie, Ellie, Max and Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17718910881401869050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32614951.post-16294078695507507372011-06-26T14:12:00.007-05:002011-08-22T17:31:48.097-05:00At the Driving RangeI've know I've said it before, but Max loves golf. He can't wait for Jason to get home in evenings so they can go into the back yard and hit tennis balls with golf clubs for our dog, Lucy, to chase. And if we're out playing in the front yard, he always has a golf club in hand and will whack anything that slightly resembles a ball.<br />
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Both Ellie and Max have been asking to go to the golf course, so we finally took the whole family to the driving range. The big kids both had a great time hitting balls, and Will had a nice nap in the stroller enjoying the fresh air. Ellie is developing a nice little swing, and Max is perfecting his.<br />
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I was able to catch a little video of Max hitting, though he was starting to get angry with me if I pointed the camera in his direction, and would tell me, "No, don't take pictures of ME!"<br />
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</div>Jason, Katie, Ellie, Max and Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17718910881401869050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32614951.post-79081136163910565842011-06-25T13:57:00.004-05:002011-08-22T17:31:27.278-05:00Riding a Two-wheelerPeer pressure starts early. Ellie's neighbor friend recently decided that she wants to ride her bike without training wheels (in order to keep up with her big brother and sisters). Soon after that revelation, Ellie too decided that she is ready to start riding her bike without training wheels. So when the weekend rolled around she begged Jason to take her training wheels off. She was very proud of herself and did great for her first try at two-wheels. I'm predicting she'll be a pro by the fall. And yes, she is also Miss Safety, with her helmet, elbow and knee guards.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yp137QHlvE8/TlKowIU7lBI/AAAAAAAABvQ/8PeLS-Ek8P0/s1600/DSCN1363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yp137QHlvE8/TlKowIU7lBI/AAAAAAAABvQ/8PeLS-Ek8P0/s400/DSCN1363.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div>Jason, Katie, Ellie, Max and Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17718910881401869050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32614951.post-10357933696978573372011-06-21T15:14:00.000-05:002011-08-23T18:08:31.538-05:00Toe SuckerWill has reached a couple of very important miles in the last few weeks - he is now rolling over and he can suck his toes. Yes, I know, sucking his own toes is not technically a milestone, but it's pretty darn cute. And since he's not walking yet, we're fairly confident that his feet are clean. Don't they look tasty?!<br />
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We didn't actually witness the first rolling over, but we put him down for a nap on his back and found him on his stomach later. Since then, he has become a master at rolling over, both back to front and front to back. The only bad part of reaching this milestone is that it means no more leaving him alone on the bed...we've now moved on to the pillow barricade.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0RoTNu1Du5Q/TlK7Icfx4pI/AAAAAAAABvs/yg8-XLzPaIY/s1600/DSCN1378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" qaa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0RoTNu1Du5Q/TlK7Icfx4pI/AAAAAAAABvs/yg8-XLzPaIY/s400/DSCN1378.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cKY0o15xF58/TlK7LdDaDSI/AAAAAAAABvw/4nZ6fVlNrwQ/s1600/DSCN1385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" qaa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cKY0o15xF58/TlK7LdDaDSI/AAAAAAAABvw/4nZ6fVlNrwQ/s400/DSCN1385.JPG" width="300px" /></a></div>Jason, Katie, Ellie, Max and Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17718910881401869050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32614951.post-21162281744214903512011-06-19T10:19:00.001-05:002011-06-19T10:20:10.209-05:00Happy Father's Day<div style="text-align: center;">With a 3-month-old, I highly value sleep and just wanted to sleep-in for Mother's Day. I thought Jason would also want to sleep-in, but there's only one thing that Jason values more than sleep...so for Father's Day, Jason woke up super early to play golf with his dad. We went to Columbia on Friday night so that J could also wake up super early on Saturday morning to play golf with Popi and Uncle Nate.</div><br />
Ellie and Max were very excited for Father's Day, and started planning way in advance. Ellie wanted it to be a very special weekend for her daddy, so we had a list. While J golfed, we got to work.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">1.) Ellie and Gran made the cool banner of ties early in the week, but it stayed hidden till we put it up to surprise J this weekend.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w_Y2GF_uv1g/Tf4LoZcvuaI/AAAAAAAABus/nA9nKby8pdg/s1600/DSCN1347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w_Y2GF_uv1g/Tf4LoZcvuaI/AAAAAAAABus/nA9nKby8pdg/s400/DSCN1347.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">2.) We made shirt and tie cards for all of the dads in our lives - J, Popi, Papa, and GGPa (and Uncle Nate too since we were spending the day with him on Saturday). Aren't these just the cutest cards. I saw the cards in my Martha Stewart Living magazine last month, and tore out the page so we would remember to make them when it got closer to Father's Day. Check out the website for the how-to. <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/fathers-day-crafts-for-kids">http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/fathers-day-crafts-for-kids</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">(I think they would also be adorable with floral paper and no tie for a Hawaiian luau theme event...just an idea to tuck away).</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mAt66oARqNc/Tf4L8lVUK9I/AAAAAAAABu0/bhhbuMRtwnE/s1600/DSCN1356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mAt66oARqNc/Tf4L8lVUK9I/AAAAAAAABu0/bhhbuMRtwnE/s400/DSCN1356.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">3.) We made J's favorite chocolate chip cookies. They're also everyone else's favorite too, so that's a bonus. For the last few days, Max has been asking for cookie dough as soon as he opens his eyes in the morning...that's my boy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4KMwco4SLl8/Tf4MMgNbiTI/AAAAAAAABu8/OT2DDR75mKs/s1600/DSCN1349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4KMwco4SLl8/Tf4MMgNbiTI/AAAAAAAABu8/OT2DDR75mKs/s320/DSCN1349.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4.) We are planning on loving on Dad all day long.</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Father's Day to all the dads in our lives. We have all been blessed with some wonderful fathers. My dad is one of the kindest, gentlest, and most caring men I know, and I know Jason would say the same about his dad. Our kiddos are lucky to have such great grandpas.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">And my kiddos are also lucky to have such a great daddy. He's patient, playful, silly, funny, and very loving. He's a great dad. We love you!</div>Jason, Katie, Ellie, Max and Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17718910881401869050noreply@blogger.com0