tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55639198705901813262024-03-19T06:12:11.893-06:00Aimee's Bowl of CherriesThe life and times of our family! My husband and I (okay, and our two dogs) welcomed our daughter, Piper, into our family this May, and have never had more fun! Piper was born 8 weeks early, with Duodenal Atresia (a congenital defect that requires surgery immediately after birth). She also has a little extra chromosome, known as Down Syndrome. What a journey this has been-- we can't wait to see what's to come!Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08403185508352002940noreply@blogger.comBlogger716125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563919870590181326.post-4707693082977352682015-10-05T16:20:00.001-06:002015-10-05T16:20:28.501-06:00Step Up for Down Syndrome 2015<p>I admit. I slacked this year. I just… wasn’t in the mood. So at the last minute we decided to go with no tent, no food, no strollers or wagons. Just GO. </p> <blockquote> <p align="center"><font size="2"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EvRqhejaJdM/VhL3jdl5gcI/AAAAAAAAJbY/GjbzMzBAFZo/s1600-h/DSC_0126%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0126" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0126" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9slIxML6-YU/VhL3keAESHI/AAAAAAAAJbg/wKs7ai_TMZg/DSC_0126_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a><em>The obligatory “Mom, it’s too bright! Please stop making us take a picture here!” picture. It was so stinking hot, no one had their long-sleeved walk shirts on. But they did look cute.</em></font></p></blockquote> <p>I’m so glad we did. I’m <em>always </em>glad we go. It’s so much fun seeing all the kids. I run the Mom’s Night Out group here in town, so I see the moms routinely, but the kids not nearly as often. My mom, our loyal supporter, came with us (as always) which the kids <em>adored</em>, obviously.<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sEM6iMeJB4w/VhL3laY-PWI/AAAAAAAAJbo/XSQiQsT_P0w/s1600-h/DSC_0110%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0110" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0110" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r8MrsS_KHHY/VhL3l2Y3oyI/AAAAAAAAJbs/lPQJ6mzOB3o/DSC_0110_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p>It was <strong><em>hot</em> </strong>this year, so I was exceedingly glad that we didn’t have a tent to set up, take down, and haul back to the car. We tent-hopped with our friends which actually worked out well- I think we saw a lot more people that way! </p> <p>We did NOT do the 2 mile loop since we had three kids and no way for the girls to ride. But that worked out well, too- they could dilly-dally on the 1 mile loop, they could watch the ducks, and it wasn’t as busy. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nEplryxtAvE/VhL3mjvOqTI/AAAAAAAAJb4/cuN48xD58VA/s1600-h/DSC_0112%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0112" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0112" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aA8IxKgnB0M/VhL3nFBHgzI/AAAAAAAAJb8/ZfWdinrJ7y4/DSC_0112_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J5bJ5Bw2GGY/VhL3n1_wJGI/AAAAAAAAJcI/CA-ammCiPTM/s1600-h/DSC_0115%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0115" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0115" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aWYqhaJCv2o/VhL3oby9tSI/AAAAAAAAJcM/8G0m2wR_eb0/DSC_0115_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p>Besides, there’s only, like, two times a year, <em>maybe</em>, that Piper has the chance to get her face painted like a tiger. It’s <em>always</em> a tiger. Every. single. time. Doesn’t matter what else happened- Piper got tiger stripes, so the day was a success!<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2mek37qc3DM/VhL3pV4rQbI/AAAAAAAAJcY/wklQ27hiJ0Y/s1600-h/DSC_0139%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0139" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0139" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aacjokgHNto/VhL3qngIw_I/AAAAAAAAJcg/l49cYUKWoww/DSC_0139_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08403185508352002940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563919870590181326.post-77784040445852921972015-09-13T20:54:00.001-06:002015-09-13T20:54:21.216-06:00Goodbye Summertime!<p>Our neighborhood is so much fun. This weekend they had an end of summer bash, including Chickfila for dinner, cookies for dessert, ponies to ride, bounce houses, face painters, a live band, tractor rides…</p> <p>Addy wanted to do the horses first, so we headed that way. Addy was a natural- her pony rides at school are paying off.<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-duyR3cs3TNM/VfY2gQYdQ8I/AAAAAAAAJYg/mInZM4_Vw8s/s1600-h/DSC_0355%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0355" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0355" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YCx_PQeMH5A/VfY2hDDppGI/AAAAAAAAJYo/n0ezp3aIods/DSC_0355_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PDcKXD1Neb8/VfY2ikxfbsI/AAAAAAAAJYw/r2obpASJWsY/s1600-h/DSC_0354%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0354" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0354" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C8nqdKdjpw4/VfY2jUvfVNI/AAAAAAAAJY4/ZC0jaES53P4/DSC_0354_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p>But Piper surprised me with her lack of trepidation. And she was even on the BIG one!<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ceAR65MrxYw/VfY2j9JO7iI/AAAAAAAAJY8/W_DnejekogE/s1600-h/DSC_0365%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0365" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0365" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GWxjWVPn-TQ/VfY2maErTkI/AAAAAAAAJZI/22Yg6L_F_Yc/DSC_0365_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HfsnAuZZq-Q/VfY2oXXHA4I/AAAAAAAAJZQ/SG7lnIHcIOA/s1600-h/DSC_0362%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0362" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0362" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cyhkcSXKwwo/VfY2pV8LBQI/AAAAAAAAJZY/A1VyA4ZI6XM/DSC_0362_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="332" height="488"></a></p> <p>But as soon as they were off the ponies, Piper catapulted herself toward the bounce house. I’m pretty sure she would have stayed in there the whole time if we’d let her. Run in the door, bounce a while, climb up the stairs, go down the slide, repeat. Oh, and giggle. A lot. There were <em>lots</em> of squealing giggles.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IY1Ka4c18bA/VfY2pv0NddI/AAAAAAAAJZg/T5P2KIZHwjw/s1600-h/DSC_0368%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0368" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0368" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K2XTpIhNOXc/VfY2qzokoaI/AAAAAAAAJZo/bVTBCQHBUYA/DSC_0368_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ftQOApNs-CQ/VfY2rxk42YI/AAAAAAAAJZw/fybWbKs4ZAs/s1600-h/DSC_0369%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0369" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0369" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S9JO65xyaY8/VfY2svGFp3I/AAAAAAAAJZ4/MhzvPTOBUBE/DSC_0369_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p>Cody, who was fighting <em>something</em> all week wasn’t invited into the bounce house. This is what he had to say about<em> that</em>. <img style="float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; margin-right: auto" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/N36-toC0uPA75grJkSSA2ICJKiYD67QZ9debRUPfSRzk-RfkHsMtnojLssgV16KLmiHBvqi3aQJBfQf01AblCY0wRnbc1OJNtghFAJv1MzBMXwnjVeT5iPS3sHjJXody2MQpNBOIGxd-UNf5XkhOZwTOhhYb0IHLdpgTi9BbuDYzWAAfXPSPn9Rj2iN1EZQvmILazCa59Sdryo0CHKkUCa7Ql2TPDM05BbqQzArmZdmm_-lNK99OYSKbaXjnuAJDaLF9mgavrC3oksIQZN99avkD1CuRpu10Nbm_smYiDzNMlLFzBCivbQQCi7FeCtBAUMaG_HTQ-IfyOojtkB9Az4cSZqZ3jL1O675ScH7rVAYMwF0mdOzuJZGY9t0Z84FyuOSfU1sRCZlCSMuegUIN9_nVrna0s02FTzDlnzBs7ra1IrEcSn7pOgXpxTMHvZIwDGreSSDB6GUKPfN6_UT_C30f0OAroSqZsR8pZcewdyQU1lD5lU2JNGatdruqKMtXK44gnaVdqKPoh0xQufVpG1DJGnnsbanTX_HC3AzWOS6R=w436-h775-no" width="329" height="585"></p> <p>While Piper bounced away, Luke took Addy and Cody on the tractor ride. Cody, who’s currently addicted to anything with wheels (and stuck in the backpack) thought it was a great idea.<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y7fNDfDC9Lk/VfY2tARPQvI/AAAAAAAAJaA/jA1dCNF7pJ4/s1600-h/DSC_0379%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0379" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0379" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CSwiyEd4h1c/VfY2udSN4pI/AAAAAAAAJaI/6Sf_AR2n5u4/DSC_0379_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> <p>Luke and Addy and Cody were on the tractor, and Piper was trapped inside the bounce house, and I was chatting with a family who’s buying the lot a few houses up from us. And being the <em>stellar</em> mom I am, I just assumed that Piper would continue bouncing her heart out.</p> <p>So you can imagine my surprise when I looked over and saw this:<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6x5ZxUoP8BM/VfY2vb-6b9I/AAAAAAAAJaQ/fyrrKU2e_cc/s1600-h/DSC_0375%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0375" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0375" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VC9D_dpqXE0/VfY2whGtgPI/AAAAAAAAJaY/wgzqbALhTcA/DSC_0375_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p>Shocking- my kid found her way to dance on the stage. Glad she didn’t go too far, I s’pose.</p> <p>We ended the night with ice cream from the food truck that was there. Addy was <em>dead set</em> on blue. Usually when I think “blue” I think blue-ish. This was not blue-ish. This was, well, BLUE.</p> <p>Note to self: inform teacher tomorrow that Piper’s lips are STILL blue from ice cream, <em>not respiratory failure or deadly virus</em>. <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NqsQPRcgzfw/VfY2xtBnaGI/AAAAAAAAJag/cEjMnsPhkPA/s1600-h/DSC_0406%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0406" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0406" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5rxA32lCeb8/VfY2ysdOYuI/AAAAAAAAJao/bBjwVPpPZQY/DSC_0406_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kCEnQ4FwHJg/VfY2zuuge0I/AAAAAAAAJaw/kL2LYoYNTiU/s1600-h/DSC_0412%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0412" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0412" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lJU5SIIhV_Y/VfY20Ko2UpI/AAAAAAAAJa0/-gFU0cszqjY/DSC_0412_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o-s3OSsgqUc/VfY21aWe-sI/AAAAAAAAJbA/T6WoygZ12Mg/s1600-h/DSC_0403%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0403" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0403" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JtTpBD4K5cM/VfY22JWiiSI/AAAAAAAAJbI/JbjnbFSLIwk/DSC_0403_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p>At the end of the night, there was a group of about five families in the bounce house. And <em>every one of them</em> had melting down kids. I told the girls they had ONE MORE SLIDE. Addy looked at me, got her mad face on, and determinedly (loudly) stated “NO! TWENTY MORE TIMES!” </p> <p>You’re killing me, Addy. And you’re gonna have to work on those bargaining skills.</p> Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08403185508352002940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563919870590181326.post-17309908291221670112015-09-12T10:58:00.001-06:002015-09-12T10:58:25.641-06:00Addy is a BUBBLEGUM!<p>Adalynn had her first day of preschool this week.</p> <p>To say that she was excited would not do her enthusiasm justice.<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wP7Waxi9pNo/VfRZmfK92pI/AAAAAAAAJXY/-3outMHYJzw/s1600-h/DSC_0295%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0295" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0295" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F2DpDcY7z8M/VfRZoYn4YDI/AAAAAAAAJXg/BtN4ai3MEwk/DSC_0295_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> <p>Piper’s been in school for three weeks; poor Addy has been anxiously, not-so-patiently waiting for HER turn to go to school. “But Cody can’t go, because he’s not big enough! RIGHT, Mom? Cody can’t go because he’s a <em>baby</em>, right?” </p> <p>I’ve been hearing endless renditions of “My bunny Jack…” “I have twoooo peacocks- Peter is green and Angel is white!” “Mom! Did you know I have PONIES at my preschool???”</p> <p>And usually all I can think is “If <em>I </em>had all that to look forward to, I’d be excited, too- <strong>can I come???</strong>” <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-23LTA_TS1hs/VfRZo9-2oOI/AAAAAAAAJXo/3Hn4yUo0lOY/s1600-h/DSC_0286%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0286" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0286" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fRr-qLHgSvU/VfRZpUrC3FI/AAAAAAAAJXw/g-LuaeDKy3c/DSC_0286_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> <p>Thursday was, finally, The Day. She was all giggles. And ready to go EARLY. She had to pick out shoes that matched her shirt and a headband that matched her shoes. “I wonder what we’re going to have for snack? I wonder if we’ll get to see the animals? Mom- I use the pink potties, right? Not the blue potties, because those are for the <em>boys</em>.” <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MA2DDLeJDsg/VfRZqUkNHwI/AAAAAAAAJX4/lWECr76O7Yk/s1600-h/DSC_0304%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0304" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0304" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BPQn094eFrs/VfRZqx0Z4WI/AAAAAAAAJX8/361KB_Np7jo/DSC_0304_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p>And she marched up to that place like the owned the joint. No hesitation. No nerves. No particular youthful excitement- just plain LET’S GET TO WORK. She went to her room, hung up her backpack, found her name plate, stuck it on the wall, and was the first to enthusiastically. gleefully, answer the Question of the Day: “What classroom are you in?” “<strong>I’M A BUUUUBBLEGUUUUUUM!!!</strong>” <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K2BUUAj3bWk/VfRZrTy837I/AAAAAAAAJYI/Omr5lY5Hem8/s1600-h/DSC_0330%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0330" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0330" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qzCMxucAeko/VfRZsMFgspI/AAAAAAAAJYM/sX-f_1EqVn8/DSC_0330_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08403185508352002940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563919870590181326.post-59458975735466571012015-09-02T08:48:00.001-06:002015-09-02T08:48:35.811-06:00Anatomy of a Handstand<p>Graceful, yes???</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3SEymOQW7wc/VecMIH3ZA3I/AAAAAAAAJVs/dkWK4HXGuDg/s1600-h/DSC_0333%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0333" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0333" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uSUi8rnKtdw/VecMJBWfpJI/AAAAAAAAJV0/6H0VboQaJcM/DSC_0333_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lJsvDCHBtOY/VecMJwBMilI/AAAAAAAAJV8/Rsgjsu8sLyU/s1600-h/DSC_0321%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0321" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0321" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i8QQfbtrEc0/VecMKf5PxpI/AAAAAAAAJWE/FNk89JrBfEg/DSC_0321_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Dz3laMdNrv4/VecMK2x76XI/AAAAAAAAJWI/En0VFU9_dZQ/s1600-h/DSC_0331%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0331" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0331" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YoUl5zehrVA/VecMLLhM2VI/AAAAAAAAJWQ/rX5045OEPmQ/DSC_0331_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hju2AsrFZn4/VecMNHWNwHI/AAAAAAAAJWc/JWEkjaWKPsw/s1600-h/DSC_0322%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0322" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0322" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VnEN-YpV1v4/VecMN9rio3I/AAAAAAAAJWk/n9cKBcLOL2g/DSC_0322_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pjpWDfa-B-k/VecMOK5Eg_I/AAAAAAAAJWo/JjaZCLy2IDY/s1600-h/DSC_0338%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0338" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0338" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-woGf7JqJNP0/VecMOfcAFZI/AAAAAAAAJWw/36iLmPNiJus/DSC_0338_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rv5Gs5UzqpI/VecMO7PY9wI/AAAAAAAAJW8/5rNR0zcUthE/s1600-h/DSC_0337%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0337" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0337" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CggZQcqAyqM/VecMPu1Sx_I/AAAAAAAAJXE/gtINAxOeKm0/DSC_0337_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08403185508352002940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563919870590181326.post-78129944827417400842015-08-31T21:27:00.001-06:002015-08-31T21:27:02.133-06:00Piper the Ballerina<p>When it comes to Piper and Down syndrome, we’re incredibly fortunate to live here in Denver. Children’s Hospital, the Sie Center for Down Syndrome, Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association, Linda Crnic Institute, Global Down Syndrome Foundation… It’s really awesome. There are clearly benefits to having access to the medical care, sure, but that’s not <em>nearly</em> as fun as <strong><em>this.</em></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d2ZpJx0jOP8/VeUa8Pt0oII/AAAAAAAAJUk/Njwq5_o9fCA/s1600-h/DSC_0858%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0858" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0858" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--2gz6UZFWRI/VeUa8nLOH1I/AAAAAAAAJUs/mxXv-tdB2pg/DSC_0858_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> <p>Last week, Piper started the Be Beautiful Be Yourself ballet class sponsored by Global. It’s taught by THE Pat Winders and two other ballet instructors. And <em>it’s AT Colorado Ballet</em>- a <em>real</em> ballet company.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l2e3BeSW3XY/VeUa9k5xVRI/AAAAAAAAJU0/sjsJOCKh8E4/s1600-h/DSC_0866%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0866" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0866" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EkLXeLnVg60/VeUa-AhZVAI/AAAAAAAAJU8/vaI11hOob0c/DSC_0866_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> <p>How cool is that???</p> <p>Last year, I took Piper to a showing of The Nutcracker and it’s been ballerina twirls ever since. She and Addy (who has not seen the ballet, for the record) have acted out the Mouse King and the Nutcracker and the Sugar Plum Fairy more times than I can possibly count.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4Cic-7VMtoY/VeUa-yk_r_I/AAAAAAAAJVE/wnT7YD3wcbw/s1600-h/DSC_0865%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0865" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0865" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qc8VO8dIcZ8/VeUa_W0CSRI/AAAAAAAAJVI/LSmPoIMlobo/DSC_0865_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> <p>When they first let the class into the ballet room, I’m pretty sure all Piper wanted to do was leap in front of the mirrors. She ran and leaped and twirled and leaped. She was in <strong>heaven</strong>. </p> <p>Sometimes things are tough. Sometimes things are really hard and frustrating leaving us both feeling helpless. But sometimes I get to see this spark and Piper just seems to glow. I’m so excited that we’ve found something that’s JUST fun. JUST for Piper (thanks to Nana- Addy and Cody hang out with her while I drive Piper across town. And home. THANKS NANA!) </p> <p>And the leotards and tights and shoes and ballerina hair? </p> <p>Those are just an added bonus. Because I’m pretty sure I’ve never seen a cuter ballerina.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TyimWtfkwbk/VeUbAB0NdfI/AAAAAAAAJVU/3Od52Fk08a8/s1600-h/DSC_0868%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0868" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0868" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yfIv9JcEnK4/VeUbA1cq7qI/AAAAAAAAJVc/bYNrDHkI8dw/DSC_0868_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08403185508352002940noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563919870590181326.post-44529426872497333562015-08-29T22:11:00.001-06:002015-08-29T22:11:29.340-06:00Back to School!<p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e6bDPZnj5ik/VeKCX62We7I/AAAAAAAAJTs/epo89rrCZ-I/s1600-h/DSC_0034%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0034" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0034" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5ph_RfvpObU/VeKCYsmrooI/AAAAAAAAJT0/IhGB9UK9EmE/DSC_0034_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> <p>Piper’s been back at school for a couple weeks now, <em>and it’s going well!</em></p> <p>I’ve been struggling with “coming out” with the details for this year. So, I’m going to summarize to give a very “Reader’s Digest” version.</p> <p>We moved in October of last year. Piper started full-day, full-inclusion kindergarten in August. She did great. She was wonderfully supported and well loved. She was known by <em>everyone</em> (students and teachers alike) by name. </p> <p>And then we moved.</p> <p>If there was <em>any way</em> I could have transported her to her old school, I would have. We moved into our neighborhood, in part, <em>for</em> the school, but we loved the old one so much. New School is one of the best grade schools in the state. I’ve never heard negatives about New School. New School is HUGE and covers a large geographic area; I couldn’t wait to find out who else lived in our area.</p> <p>New School had no desire, no willingness, and no attitude to serve my child. In my naivety, I’d assumed that people would <em>want</em> my child to succeed. I never, in my wildest dreams, thought people would push her to fail.</p> <p>We’ll fast forward to the end of the school year. We made the excruciatingly difficult decision to pull Piper from school and request a repeat of kindergarten in a different school. We’ve been working to get Our Kid back since then. </p> <p>It’s been wretched.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8qfLb2mzlcw/VeKCZR65kBI/AAAAAAAAJT8/7CZhSoDFxDo/s1600-h/DSC_0002%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0002" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0002" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YL6kkfWjEdA/VeKCaN_LmRI/AAAAAAAAJUE/rFKgEnz319c/DSC_0002_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> <p>But it’s time to move onward. We’ve had a few “trust issues” at THIS New School (frankly for both her and I!), but things are going SO much better! I <strong>hate</strong> the idea that Piper’s not at her home school. I <strong>hate</strong> the idea that we now have major decisions to make about Addy’s placement for kindergarten next year (because we have to “apply” for kindergarten spots in January! YIKES!) But, most of all, I <strong>deplore</strong> that Piper went through what she did last year. But the new school is excited about having her. They’re willing to take suggestions. They’re willing to talk with the professionals we work with at Children’s Hospital. Most of all, they see her potential, they see her intelligence, <em>they see her worth</em>. </p> <p>We have high hopes for a stellar year. And I could not be more happy or more excited that Piper’s happy at school again. <em>Everyone</em> deserves to be happy at school! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jpcqvwNzNOI/VeKCa9dwbSI/AAAAAAAAJUM/XTc05fMuu6s/s1600-h/DSC_0010%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0010" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0010" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2ngb8dF9waY/VeKCb2OG6EI/AAAAAAAAJUU/4Pq5ToNWys0/DSC_0010_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08403185508352002940noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563919870590181326.post-80597541341452164072015-08-16T20:38:00.001-06:002015-08-16T20:38:22.551-06:00Goodbye, Summer!<p>School starts tomorrow.</p> <p>Sigh.</p> <p>I’m ready.</p> <p>I’m so NOT ready. </p> <p>Please tell me I’m not the only one who feels so conflicted this time of year. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qT5fMb3gx4I/VdFJCc7cysI/AAAAAAAAJSU/maNNVHbA27I/s1600-h/DSC_02937.jpg"><img title="DSC_0293" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0293" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MnegwgzYgm0/VdFJDuDrhvI/AAAAAAAAJSc/Tfn1S99AsU4/DSC_0293_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p>To celebrate (read: keep our minds busy so we can’t get nervous about tomorrow) we played at the pool this afternoon. Piper was, of course, in heaven. Addy was having a ball. And Cody, who’s been, generally, timid at the pool so far this summer, was surprisingly adventurous and didn’t cling to my side the entire time.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vRidHwFjY_c/VdFJEC6T1UI/AAAAAAAAJSk/MSALC7iM2rQ/s1600-h/DSC_02888.jpg"><img title="DSC_0288" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0288" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/---Q9w0RwC6o/VdFJEahcBiI/AAAAAAAAJSo/uJqVvu2WTaI/DSC_0288_thumb8.jpg?imgmax=800" width="322" height="488"></a></p> <p>He even <em>wanted</em> the sprayers on, and pushed the button any time they stopped.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PqG8ojXdf5k/VdFJE_uCO9I/AAAAAAAAJSw/CgJ95xgvKRY/s1600-h/DSC_03088.jpg"><img title="DSC_0308" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0308" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qHFUUIS0uBg/VdFJFjgymnI/AAAAAAAAJS8/nYiXimUAzcI/DSC_0308_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p>It was so horribly bright when we got there, Cody wouldn’t hardly open his eyes. Ten minutes later, the clouds started rolling in. Within an hour, we were <em>freezing</em>. By the time we got changed, drove home, and got inside, we were in the middle of a horrible thunderstorm that was shaking the house in the same instant the lightning flashed. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4_-FkBopSMw/VdFJFwu8SrI/AAAAAAAAJTE/i-fVMjGw8OI/s1600-h/DSC_03013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0301" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0301" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GiVOOQPGFe8/VdFJGkiSsTI/AAAAAAAAJTI/2aqF6lZ3elM/DSC_0301_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p>Good ol’ Colorado.</p> <p>But, it worked. The kids had a blast. And, the best part of all, went to bed easily tonight. Here’s hoping things go smoothly tomorrow, and that the tears are minimal. You know, from me. And her sister. Last year, it was <em>Addy</em> who cried on Piper’s first day…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z_Knfc_XK9s/VdFJG4MwckI/AAAAAAAAJTU/ZEdzqW7i9uw/s1600-h/DSC_03097.jpg"><img title="DSC_0309" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0309" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WmtcdHIVt8U/VdFJHSKBYaI/AAAAAAAAJTY/qr_pjyL1_ag/DSC_0309_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08403185508352002940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563919870590181326.post-1361404723619168632015-08-13T21:57:00.001-06:002015-08-13T21:57:22.890-06:00Ice Cream Sundae Monday<p>My grandpa and I? We’ve <em>always </em>been ice cream buddies. I remember many times that he and I got in trouble for spoiling our dinner (or lunch because, let’s face it, it’s <em>never </em>too early for ice cream…) So, naturally, we need to indoctrinate the next generation, right???</p> <p>To celebrate Piper’s return to school, my grandparents had us over for an ice cream sundae party. Mom supplied the goods.</p> <p>And according to these faces, <em>they were <strong>goods</strong></em>. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--okzIC7VRFc/Vc1m_ps4XkI/AAAAAAAAJQM/sDmBxIU1NFA/s1600-h/100D51006%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="100D51006" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="100D51006" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JO2A7jWTWME/Vc1nADOFCwI/AAAAAAAAJQU/XyawrF8Sw-0/100D51006_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="488"></a>Cody was in heaven. Although my boy who usually chomps down his raspberries was slightly less in love with the sour-against-the-sweet-ice cream. It surprised him. Several times.</p> <p>Ice cream? Absolutely. Whipped cream? Of course! Chocolate pudding??? NO WAY!<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O57qg6v-5Ag/Vc1nBA654zI/AAAAAAAAJQc/yAH-Vd5CZro/s1600-h/DSC_1018%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1018" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1018" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kr5P-eTOrpc/Vc1nBi1OTaI/AAAAAAAAJQk/bvntyaXpxjA/DSC_1018_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p>Once the kids were properly sugared-up, they went crazy outside. Cody has a “thing” for “bike hats!” right now, so, of course, he insisted on wearing this one. That was too big. And that he couldn’t hold up on his baby neck. He didn’t mind. <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-McdcvBcXHgc/Vc1nCrO6PWI/AAAAAAAAJQs/oBtn8_CKkbI/s1600-h/DSC_1035%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1035" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1035" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KBfELeer0F8/Vc1nCwn8WEI/AAAAAAAAJQw/yImMyn8NfDg/DSC_1035_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" align="left" height="488"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HvYaaFLL7TA/Vc1nDLmU-6I/AAAAAAAAJQ4/OnAWbguSYyU/s1600-h/DSC_1036%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1036" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1036" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JGbG3YheIvU/Vc1nDvowOjI/AAAAAAAAJRA/Z2qoFbFR_Tk/DSC_1036_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" align="right" height="488"></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><u></u> </p> <p><u></u> </p> <p> </p> <p><u></u> </p> <p><u></u> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>…and then there’s this doozy- a true photobomb of Piper. I cracked up when I saw her face on this picture…<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f-JNDgaO77A/Vc1nD6SVxxI/AAAAAAAAJRM/yvM1AnKm3tE/s1600-h/DSC_1037%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1037" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1037" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RNgunBnVAnI/Vc1nEd6IDtI/AAAAAAAAJRQ/hldMpZL2-Gg/DSC_1037_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5I-O2q6Dufs/Vc1nFN1UigI/AAAAAAAAJRc/k7WAVBcanAM/s1600-h/DSC_1041%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1041" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1041" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rNEV8R7Yrxw/Vc1nFtrRitI/AAAAAAAAJRg/R_Co_guUbGQ/DSC_1041_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p>The girls are generally really good at including Cody in their games. He’s getting really good at playing “baby” or “dog” or any other of the myriad choices of characters as assigned. But it <em>always</em> seems like the poor dude is a day late and a dollar short. Just as he gets settled on something, the big two are off. He even has a distinct cry for “But wait! I finally got here and you’re leaving already?!?! Can’t you play for a MINUTE???”<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lbspDSK8zlY/Vc1nGFqu8UI/AAAAAAAAJRs/_aS07xKaKDU/s1600-h/DSC_1038%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1038" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1038" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NER2MrJeR1E/Vc1nGyk0lvI/AAAAAAAAJR0/BpT-sdOkceQ/DSC_1038_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p>…apparently they were off to go “camping” with a “picnic.” Piper even packed a backpack. I’m sure the pretend credit cards, car, and ball will be very useful whilst in the wild. <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TcY4KRkZaqE/Vc1nHouZoJI/AAAAAAAAJR8/4pLqmE2Y1PM/s1600-h/DSC_1050%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1050" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1050" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wvxnorYus3k/Vc1nH58_5TI/AAAAAAAAJSE/vgQMGlAfIjw/DSC_1050_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> <p>Thanks Grandma and Grandpa and Nana for all the fun! But next time you load my kids up with sugar, <em>they’re staying the night at YOUR house. </em>Love ya!</p> Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08403185508352002940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563919870590181326.post-39021922134926732192015-08-12T21:09:00.001-06:002015-08-12T21:09:05.606-06:00“Camping”<p>Luke has been <em>dying</em> to put up the tent and camp in the backyard with the kids. *I* am <strong>not</strong> brave enough to attempt “real” camping until the kids are bigger. </p> <p>We used to enjoy camping. </p> <p>I have a feeling that camping with three small kids would kill that enjoyment <em>forever</em>, so backyard camping is the solution for now.</p> <p>They were <em>very </em>excited about the tent. Even Cody got in on the action.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ElAm2fnN-nw/VcwKKwj3FqI/AAAAAAAAJOU/aqPQFjvUk1U/s1600-h/DSC_0717%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0717" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0717" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l4ISAexRjNw/VcwKLRQTdtI/AAAAAAAAJOc/AUiRPwNqEao/DSC_0717_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p>While Addy and Cody rough-housed outside, Piper was READY.<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Csi4zuHV2Qo/VcwKMN2BZTI/AAAAAAAAJOk/QdThjuBWf8U/s1600-h/DSC_0741%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0741" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0741" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RoeFjbhFJiI/VcwKM1U2y9I/AAAAAAAAJOs/Me6v85JK44E/DSC_0741_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p>…but she was more than willing to get out of her sleeping bag for marshmallows. Piper would NEVER turn down a marshmallow. <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-exGmme_p5N8/VcwKN7qe_hI/AAAAAAAAJO0/hIKER1_AWLI/s1600-h/DSC_0752%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0752" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0752" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_UZl3qN0Yaw/VcwKO7gdv3I/AAAAAAAAJO8/1OpseAspMeY/DSC_0752_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V6KOX26rQI4/VcwKPaWvMHI/AAAAAAAAJPE/MnXzpktzzJM/s1600-h/DSC_0776%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0776" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0776" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-50mXSobILoM/VcwKP4Nmf7I/AAAAAAAAJPM/-j5aj44DTPU/DSC_0776_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-13WxyyyNuw8/VcwKQ7R8T9I/AAAAAAAAJPU/RiPMlzGq4xI/s1600-h/DSC_0753%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0753" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0753" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TivDhrd70FQ/VcwKRVl9C5I/AAAAAAAAJPc/bCkK0KBhFVo/DSC_0753_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NFu9zVqb1ro/VcwKSGS9InI/AAAAAAAAJPk/XeclPCMeAo8/s1600-h/DSC_0756%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0756" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0756" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IBOX-R98V-4/VcwKSxLO_wI/AAAAAAAAJPo/KvBUu38YrRs/DSC_0756_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> <p>Cody wasn’t invited to the marshmallow funfest, but didn’t seem to mind. He <em>did</em> mind not being invited to the sleepover, however.<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wj8G9ysP6F4/VcwKTPxHEcI/AAAAAAAAJPw/-tfnF8hG_Ns/s1600-h/DSC_0770%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0770" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0770" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OAQfq4iapo4/VcwKT4DTf9I/AAAAAAAAJP8/DjVTWGTpOsU/DSC_0770_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> <p>In the end, there was no “sleep over” to be had. The wind was <em>awful</em> and the girls decided that camping wasn’t as much fun when the marshmallows ran out. </p> <p>Did I mention that I’m not brave enough for camping yet???</p> Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08403185508352002940noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563919870590181326.post-3049849467007485862015-08-10T21:10:00.001-06:002015-08-10T21:10:33.324-06:00I <3 my little girls<p>Addy comes sheepishly into the kitchen tonight while I was cooking dinner. </p> <p>“Mommy- I have something special for you.” From behind her back she pulls a “bouquet” of spent geranium stalks that I had dead-headed earlier. “It’s how I say “I love you!”” <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S2rjuHOQSmQ/VclnoYM_Q4I/AAAAAAAAJNs/-24ksOjBwhQ/s1600-h/DSC_0565%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0565" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0565" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v2PBrOHAG50/Vclno4VIj1I/AAAAAAAAJNw/WtGCYen4eNE/DSC_0565_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p>Melt your heart, right???</p> <p>…Then Piper runs from the house yelling “Me toooooo!”</p> <p>About two minutes later, she comes in bearing a nice big branch of the LIVE geranium plant. “Love you, too, Mommy!” And skips away.<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v2feBfpccB4/VclnpWqw22I/AAAAAAAAJN8/eidIqGCctzI/s1600-h/DSC_0567%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0567" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0567" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NCLo5CQNQyA/VclnqL8EYOI/AAAAAAAAJOE/rHPAIeGDJWo/DSC_0567_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> <p>Not sure which was my favorite.</p> Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08403185508352002940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563919870590181326.post-47521023733571361412015-08-09T20:04:00.001-06:002015-08-09T20:04:36.352-06:00Munchkins in space!<p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qqUEntWUfYU/VcgGsFqRmrI/AAAAAAAAJNU/y8HW6hja_fI/s1600-h/DSC_0834%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0834" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0834" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MXF-p_hOcVE/VcgGs3_SfLI/AAAAAAAAJNY/GTYpRorqmNI/DSC_0834_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p>You know, just your standard early-morning-cartoon-watching-in-our-rocket-ship-that-we-colored action. And Addy has her spaceman headband on. </p> <p>And yes, Cody <em>had</em> just raided my kitchen and was walking around with the pancake maker. </p> <p>All before 6am…</p> Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08403185508352002940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563919870590181326.post-86681987613924483822015-08-08T21:54:00.001-06:002015-08-08T22:21:47.261-06:00A-Hiking We Will Go!<p>I can't believe summer is already coming to a close. I have no idea how that happened. Piper goes back to school a week from Monday. <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ryjgMnIJInI/VcbVLZ9Es5I/AAAAAAAAJKc/n3_4S8BwxtM/s1600-h/DSC_0876%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0876" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0876" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P56Ysw3_FS8/VcbVLxR5G9I/AAAAAAAAJKk/ysaWhis6_jc/DSC_0876_thumb%25255B14%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" align="left" height="488"></a> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i87Zyh_IW4I/VcbVMdVOcjI/AAAAAAAAJKs/z46GqORNTVw/s1600-h/DSC_0875%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0875" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0875" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DrjkBaB86Hc/VcbVNCb2fjI/AAAAAAAAJK0/U1KBZNL8c0s/DSC_0875_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="326" align="right" height="488"></a> <p> <p> <p> <p> <p> <p> <p> <p> <p> <p> <p> <p> <p> <p>I'm simultaneously ecstatic, and mourning the loss of slimmer schedules, lax bedtimes, popsicles, swimming... We ended the year last year in a whole wad of stress. It’s been so freeing watching the girls blossom this summer. Now that everyone is in bed asleep, it’s easier for me to say “I just don’t want summer to end!” …but wait until 10am tomorrow. My tone may be a tad different… <blockquote> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6P-H-KVimg0/VcbVN0jJ5PI/AAAAAAAAJK8/mQjOBfQ3VsQ/s1600-h/DSC_0884%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0884" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0884" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hISkCEIwmw4/VcbVOUYS4CI/AAAAAAAAJLA/zk2rEyWzfVg/DSC_0884_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a><font size="2"><em>“Bugs, Addy! In the cave [hole in the log]! Look with the magnifying glass! BUGS!”</em></font></p></blockquote> <p>So, on our countdown to the school year, we took the kids "hiking" this morning up toward Boulder. This trail head was awesome with three small kiddos. No grade, flat path ("sport wheelchair accessible" wins big in my book...), massive amounts of shade, <i>and a stream</i>. What more could you want? <p align="center"><em><font size="2"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FqlUi5HwKq0/VcbVPBjS2dI/AAAAAAAAJLM/CCbTcIOYj7A/s1600-h/DSC_0896%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0896" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0896" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NES4pXq6xmo/VcbVPmON0KI/AAAAAAAAJLQ/KbHinXvkFO4/DSC_0896_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a>“See ya!” may be my least favorite Piper-ism to-date. If she weren’t so dang cute when she said it.</font></em> <p>We had an impromptu dinner picnic at the pool on Friday night, so the kids were up late, and were a <i>little</i> tired today. But we have only four weekend days left before school starts, so, frankly, <i>I didn't care</i>. <p align="center"><em><font size="2"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bt_bTWoHWyw/VcbVQFlD5-I/AAAAAAAAJLc/FxW63UDFsag/s1600-h/DSC_0917%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0917" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0917" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oKWu1OrULDg/VcbVQmTKMgI/AAAAAAAAJLg/HW8ICEy9iF8/DSC_0917_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a>Why yes, yes that is my child petting a ladybug. Gosh I love her!</font></em> <p>Piper cared.<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V1THqHG_ZrM/VcbVRK6k3XI/AAAAAAAAJLs/VDMcjuloCc0/s1600-h/DSC_0932%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0932" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0932" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2rqvzFva2ok/VcbVRk3a2TI/AAAAAAAAJLw/FOlw4-JENGI/DSC_0932_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a> <p>Poor munchkin was asking for "lunch at home" by about 100 yards in. And it was 9:45. <p>But, she toughed it out (with a few tears) and we made it through. The many dogs we stopped to pet helped tremendously. We've been working with the kids on "dog etiquette"- we have two major babies for dogs, and the girls just don't realize that not all dogs like kids. Piper did great asking "I pet your dog?" <i>and everyone understood her</i>. It's the little things. <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ieIrhX9Eu1s/VcbVRyf9hNI/AAAAAAAAJL8/Et8x-ek2Ttc/s1600-h/DSC_0872%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0872" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0872" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LisTn-0igwc/VcbVSZ5skqI/AAAAAAAAJMA/V9vxxGfoTi0/DSC_0872_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="488"></a> <p>I promised the girls that on the way back, we could go river walking. Some of my favorite memories are walking the rivers up in Yellowstone with my mom. (Not my dad. My dad's bare feet have never seen the light of day. River walking is <i>not</i> a sport in which he partakes.) <p>Cody, ironically, could. not. <em>wait</em>. He was the only one in non-water-friendly shoes, so he got to go barefoot. He <em>loved</em> it. <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VEVR5YSq_-w/VcbVTDHJSyI/AAAAAAAAJMM/5jxGKOr8ZqE/s1600-h/DSC_0951%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0951" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0951" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GB4VjCL8Zy4/VcbVTnOe0-I/AAAAAAAAJMQ/I6O0bI-83j0/DSC_0951_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a> <p>Until he got cold tooties.<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TgtYTX7mm8o/VcbVT7hN1mI/AAAAAAAAJMc/TZVoiHRmJGM/s1600-h/DSC_0950%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0950" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0950" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bH4L04nEh0s/VcbVUSLuLzI/AAAAAAAAJMg/9iZu5s6NIs4/DSC_0950_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a> <p>Addy couldn’t get enough. I think she would have hung out all day long if she could. She’s ready for Wyoming, Nana!<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A_Hikw10DFA/VcbVU4K_O5I/AAAAAAAAJMs/uy9usP1Ta8Q/s1600-h/DSC_0965%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0965" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0965" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-APnh_zu8Cso/VcbVVSBvSJI/AAAAAAAAJMw/Rsg6Qor3aJ8/DSC_0965_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AECM1ByAMA8/VcbVWA3I01I/AAAAAAAAJM8/9cut0BwWpDs/s1600-h/DSC_0947%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0947" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0947" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LgE4LwmGVf4/VcbVWtCfSBI/AAAAAAAAJNA/npchVaGl1Tg/DSC_0947_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p>Piper, on the other hand, wasn’t a huge fan of getting into freezing water, thankyouverymuch, and she was more concerned about how much longer until lunchtime (it was now 11, mind you.) And because she was tired, her sensory issues came into play with the “but we don’t wear shoes in water!!!” argument. And since Cody didn’t have to wear shoes… It was a little rough. </p> <p>But not as rough as it was when she biffed it slipping on a rock and ended up <em>soaked</em> in said icy water. </p> <p>It was a good end to the day. But nothing a spare mommy shirt that was left in the nice warm car couldn’t solve</p> <p>The girls and Luke are currently asleep in a tent in the backyard. </p> <p>I’ll keep you posted as to how <em>that </em>turns out. </p> Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08403185508352002940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563919870590181326.post-85758791928344464652015-07-22T22:54:00.002-06:002015-07-22T22:54:30.494-06:00Yippee!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We bought our house new, which means that certain things aren't included. Like curtains. There are a <i>lot</i> of windows to cover in a new house. Just sayin'.</div>
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We also had to finish our backyard. And after a surprisingly, uncharacteristically, wet spring, "landscaping" is even less fun than it sounds.</div>
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I'm happy to say that as of last weekend, the yard is DONE. Minus a bit more rock we need, and we need to paint the fence, but it's DONE. 1000 feet of sod, 20 tons of rock, sprinkler, 40-some fence posts... We're SO glad to be able to use the yard now! </div>
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As happy as Luke and I am, the kids are <i>ecstatic.</i> It's so nice to be able to eat dinner outside and just PLAY!</div>
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<br />Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08403185508352002940noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563919870590181326.post-28223603659218281182015-07-10T22:25:00.001-06:002015-07-10T22:28:46.887-06:00Anything you can do...Third kid syndrome- "Sure, honey- you go right on ahead and try out your sisters' bike that's too big. I'll just sit here and take your picture." That's cool, right?<br />
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Ended well, yes? Cody's so awesome, though- he tries, he falls, he cries for a second, and is off trying to figure out something else to do. <br />
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He thinks he can do anything his sisters can do.<br />
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And dad. Surely anything Dad can do, he can do too, right? Who doesn't want to use a drill???<br />
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PS- We have pretty strict "you must wear your helmet to ride bikes" rule at our house. He tried. </div>
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<br />Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08403185508352002940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563919870590181326.post-62679663145628619162015-07-09T21:50:00.001-06:002015-07-09T21:50:26.395-06:00Fourth of July!<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Happy Independence Day! It's so fun now that the girls are getting old enough to enjoy some of the fun parts of holidays. We're about a thousand feet higher elevation than Denver, and we don't have a whole lot of neighbors yet, so we figured we'd be able to watch some of the municipalities' firework shows from our back porch. It'll probably be the only year we'll be able to see Denver so well (next year the area will be totally built out.) Besides, I wasn't sure that the kids would be okay with the crowds, the sounds, and being up WAY past their bedtimes, so this seemed like a good option.</div>
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The neighborhood had a bicycle parade in the morning. The girls had a blast decorating their bikes. And they looked awfully cute, if I do say so myself.</div>
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Some pre-bike ride sibling love. And bickering.</div>
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Piper's new wheels. It's a Weehoo- and she LOVES it. It's just like the hook-on bikes, but it's recumbent and has the back for support. We're hoping this will allow us to take longer bike rides as a family (she and Addy can trade off if we need.) She likes to go FAST. But when they're staying still? Not her favorite. (Side note: kind of majorly bummed that I didn't close the garage door. Pardon the mess- we're in the middle of fencing and back yard finishing. Goody.) </div>
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Addy's bike. There's no such thing as "too many bows" for this child. The route was a mile long, up and down hills (because remember- we live near the foothills now and there's no such thing as "flat.") Addy rode the WHOLE WAY. We had a few mishaps when she'd get distracted by the other people (HUNDREDS) and forget to brake, but ya know. </div>
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Even Cody's bike was decked out. He was less than enthused at the whole thing, but he survived. </div>
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By the time the fireworks were starting, the kids were exHAUSTed. We could sneak a peak at some that were starting, but we didn't stay out too long. Maybe next year we can see the REAL ones. But this was a pretty awesome Fourth.</div>
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Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08403185508352002940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563919870590181326.post-6485406795356309432015-07-08T22:07:00.002-06:002015-07-08T22:07:27.725-06:00Two years, eh???It’s been TWO YEARS since I’ve blogged.<br />
<br />
I miss it. A lot.<br />
<br />
Let’s give this whole thing a go again, shall we? The Reader’s Digest
version of the past 24 months:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-BlhecHtjYxwQDqIOZAqlBMCePmT2XZTP4f4NMLWbX3W26HD2hTypTU23ZNdaaDxFmUxaCng3M9jIISY_OL3DxLkkM9ISv3oJRvmRa8s7zpIRhXjUE8wTPvJh8ZRZ7WroFryvpnd9WM/s1600/piper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-BlhecHtjYxwQDqIOZAqlBMCePmT2XZTP4f4NMLWbX3W26HD2hTypTU23ZNdaaDxFmUxaCng3M9jIISY_OL3DxLkkM9ISv3oJRvmRa8s7zpIRhXjUE8wTPvJh8ZRZ7WroFryvpnd9WM/s400/piper.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Piper’s now SIX. How? How can that be??? Her hair is long (although still
as blond as can be- she calls it her Rapunzel hair), she’s tall (considering she
was my kid who barely touched the Down syndrome growth chart for <em>years</em>,
I can’t believe she’s about 60% on there now…), she’s hysterical, and she enjoys
life. She loves anything artsy- she can sit and paint for hours if I let her.
Confidence is not her strong suit, which is hard to watch. She still won’t let
us watch her <em>work</em> at something until she knows she can do it.
Depending on the environment, she can be fiercely independent or horrendously
resistant. We try to foster the former. I still know of no kid who gets more
attention from strangers; no one can resist her smile, wave, or “HI!”<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVXThiMvhOugsk0h5xvz6SMQI5AT-BK7Tm4AbcLM_y7n6zzv7QGVDUQhP6SbRny6gBCCiNWLDHtZXcgu2L46MHaPBUUpykDCe7B3GY3n43q2oXqB-X5sOozX3hf9Dk5ETtciL-8Ta6Uo/s1600/Addy+easter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVXThiMvhOugsk0h5xvz6SMQI5AT-BK7Tm4AbcLM_y7n6zzv7QGVDUQhP6SbRny6gBCCiNWLDHtZXcgu2L46MHaPBUUpykDCe7B3GY3n43q2oXqB-X5sOozX3hf9Dk5ETtciL-8Ta6Uo/s400/Addy+easter.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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Piper is best friends with little sister, Addy. Addy just turned four and is
a spitFIRE. She started preschool this year at a FARM. She has sheep,
chickens, peacocks, goats, ducks, and a bunny named Jack. Best of all, though,
are the ponies that they get to ride. How cool is that??? She just started
back at gymnastics after a eight month hiatus and she’s in heaven. Sometimes I
worry that she (and us!) put too much responsibility and pressure on her. She’s
rather mature for a just-turned-four-year-old, and we have to remind ourselves
that she’s still little. In the last year or so, I’d say, she’s slowly started
taking over the role of Big Sister. She seems to hold herself accountable for
the wrongdoings of others. She gets mad- no, more than that, it hurts her
heart- when she doesn’t do things to her expectations. She seems to worry.
We’re working on it. She is also the most genuine, loving kid I know. Her
compassion for others is far beyond her years. She has a sparkly personality,
and I’m loving watching her grow up. <br />
<br />
<br />
Perhaps the BIGGEST news of the past<ahem> two years is the
addition of Cody James. Cody was born in March of 2014. The girls are
<em>smitten</em>. Just when they didn’t think it could be any more fun to have
a baby brother, he’s gotten big enough to play WITH them. Life is good. Cody
is ALL boy. He ooo’s-and-aww’s over the fancy cars. He loves big trucks.
Anything with wheels are awesome. He likes to hammer. He’s a block-stacking
master. But there is<em> nothing</em> cuter than Cody walking around caring for
his baby dolls. He is a sweet hugger and gives the most disgusting
kisses. </ahem><br />
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<br />
Last summer, Luke had a chance to take a job with a start-up in Boulder
working on data storage. We hadn’t planned on moving until at least this
summer, but between adding another body to the mix, and Luke’s now three hours
of commute each day, we decided maybe we’d start looking sooner. Luke got his
job in August. We thought this spring would be a good time to move. But then
maybe Christmas break would be better. <br />
<br />
We moved in October.<br />
<br />
We started willy-nilly looking at houses mid-August. Found a house we loved
the first week of September. We signed a contract on Saturday morning. We
packed our house Saturday and Sunday, and had it cleaned, packed, staged, and
ready for photos on Monday. The house was on the market Wednesday night, and we
had it sold on Thursday. We closed on both houses in less than a month. Still
not entirely sure how it all worked out so quickly. We doubled our space, added
two bedrooms (and an office!) and what feels like a never-ending line of toilets
to clean. We <em>love</em> our house. We’re at the base of the foothills which
is awesome. The community will have two swimming pools (one of which will be
lap lanes indoors), two rec centers, a dozen parks, a community garden… They
have concerts and movies in the park, community picnics, Easter Egg Hunts and
Santa Claus visits. We feel very blessed! <br />
<br />
Life has certainly changed. We’re exponentially busier. Life is chaotic.
But it’s OUR chaos, so it’s all good. I look at the kids and can’t figure out
how they got so big so quickly. As much as I hate to see each stage phase out,
I’m always tickled to see how they grow. I’ll never know how I got so lucky to
have the three of them!Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08403185508352002940noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563919870590181326.post-45099492438027094772013-06-26T20:59:00.001-06:002013-06-26T20:59:40.206-06:00Piper, The Gymnast<p>Addy started gymnastics last fall in an effort to find <em>her</em> something school-like to do while Piper was in preschool. She was pretty jealous of the fact that Piper got to go to “’cool,” so we called it Addy’s school for a while. Of course, that was secondary to the fact that I had a one year old who was, literally, climbing the walls of my house and <em>needed</em> an outlet. And to learn to move correctly. And, you know, learn to <em>fall</em> correctly. The first several sessions I found myself saying “There is <em>no way</em> Piper would have been willing to do this when she was Addy’s age…” She has thrived in gymnastics!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1GsoydifpLs/Ucuqg1BWGcI/AAAAAAAAI30/ryKOnmsvnM4/s1600-h/June1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="June1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="June1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5D5scPlnX7o/UcuqhgrGHiI/AAAAAAAAI38/XePIiAFVit0/June1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="383" height="571"></a></p> <p>As the year went on, Addy would learn a new skill and come home to practice. Piper always wanted to take part, too, an often learned whatever it was that Addy was doing. Because of school, I think, her willingness to try new things and stretch outside of her comfort zone was improving dramatically. And with the end of school (Piper didn’t qualify for ESY/summer school), I needed something FUN for Piper to do this summer, too. Addy’s class is for kids 2-3 1/2; I talked to her teachers and asked if I could bring Piper, too, even though she’s a little older. My biggest concern was that the class for 3 1/2+ wasn’t a parent-tot class- and I wasn’t sure that Piper would be ready to try all of those new things independently.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LZT_bprJuTg/UcuqiRcyhkI/AAAAAAAAI4E/OSMmDyyuDCg/s1600-h/DSC_1081%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1081" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1081" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-y9XtDs5XQq8/Ucuqi-Ho1OI/AAAAAAAAI4M/kSIDk0WR_gw/DSC_1081_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> <p>On her first day of class, I asked the girls if they BOTH wanted to go to gymnastics. Addy, of course, squealed with delight. To my surprise, Piper was almost more excited. She went into the other room, got her suit, got her backpack, and said “READY!”</p> <p>She did a thousand times better than I had expected. There were no meltdowns because it was scary. She listened and followed directions. She tried new things. And she was <em>good</em>. She was successful in her attempts- she was so tickled with herself!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0bMIR_8CbzI/Ucuqj9gvkzI/AAAAAAAAI4U/ZRjaoJEof00/s1600-h/DSC_1126%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1126" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1126" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-z7BHE1OKdE8/UcuqkSK14ZI/AAAAAAAAI4c/KFWve_Phwis/DSC_1126_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> <p>She’s only been three times so far, but every time we go, I’m surprised at what she’s willing to do. She’s walked across the uneven parallel bars with her feet on the bottom and her hands on the top- independently. She bear walks across the parallel bars. She summersaults, backward rolls, walks across the balance beam- forward and backward. She balances on one foot on the balance beam. She swings form the rings, and hangs like a monkey on the bars. Like all the other kids in the class, she needs a little help and and little reassurance to complete the task, but complete she does!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-W-rS8_HgpMg/Ucuqk133WQI/AAAAAAAAI4k/v9hS9aUna9o/s1600-h/DSC_1127%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1127" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1127" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kPHAM7qL4MM/UcuqlQW2ChI/AAAAAAAAI4s/79symAvF96Q/DSC_1127_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> <p>Her teacher pulled me aside the other day and asked what, exactly, Piper’s diagnosis was. She went on to say how awesome it was to see Piper working so hard, and that she even had to go home and brag to her husband about how much she’s willing to try. I couldn’t have been happier or more proud, though, when she said “I’m just <em>so glad she’s here</em>!” </p> <p>Yup, it was a good choice to put Piper in the class. I’m so proud of her!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7RRpUJqjob8/UcuqmDmVCHI/AAAAAAAAI40/8nbIBIHAPw0/s1600-h/DSC_1116%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1116" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1116" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AHGwtwRaiTk/Ucuqmhh0x5I/AAAAAAAAI48/Zr9wi0h02wg/DSC_1116_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08403185508352002940noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563919870590181326.post-424945966532306452013-06-25T14:27:00.001-06:002013-06-25T14:27:46.201-06:00Attack of the Little Sister<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-g3mHa6vztE8/Ucn9PXxNbHI/AAAAAAAAI2E/YZfKeqMzsbw/s1600-h/June3.jpg"><img title="June" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="June" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rL87eIFOeek/Ucn9QbNN0jI/AAAAAAAAI2M/6OM1e2UlsX4/June_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="554" height="554"></a></p> Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08403185508352002940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563919870590181326.post-91233762290504039122013-06-24T21:01:00.001-06:002013-06-24T21:01:46.737-06:00ALL the tools<p>My dad has all the tools. As in, my dad has <em>all </em>the tools. </p> <p>And usually not just one of each tool- at least two, and often times three or four of the <em>same</em> thing.</p> <p>But I digress.</p> <p>Dad has been up to our house a few times in the past month to help with a few things (thanks, Dad!) and in the process, the girls have seen some of Dad’s “toys.” </p> <p>You can imagine their surprise when Nana and Grandpa had a tool set they could play with!<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-w2sVFQC_CL4/UckIF0zyAhI/AAAAAAAAI1s/GedpQnb-4iE/s1600-h/DSC_0361%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0361" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0361" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-b5VJVGJmRj0/UckIGfHRTYI/AAAAAAAAI10/2G0JXCgzji4/DSC_0361_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p>Watch out, Grandpa- someone is going to want to play with wood scraps and wood glue <em>soon</em>!</p> Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08403185508352002940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563919870590181326.post-31997550877990926592013-06-24T20:35:00.001-06:002013-06-24T20:35:50.275-06:00Betchya can’t…<p>Bet YOU can’t do this!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EreIKvosHlg/UckB87bTVYI/AAAAAAAAI0k/ce9vfcgUCno/s1600-h/DSC_0109%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0109" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0109" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IABMvF6jRjY/UckB9UfzS-I/AAAAAAAAI0s/OUUTjOeTWsY/DSC_0109_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hHeTbkj5xaI/UckB-NDHfpI/AAAAAAAAI00/JIiD8EwFBKE/s1600-h/DSC_0115%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0115" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0115" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-R5E17QXUO7E/UckB-pOHLEI/AAAAAAAAI08/WP-A7hDqZ1M/DSC_0115_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6PvZqQy-guo/UckB_e9KBJI/AAAAAAAAI1E/m5SpbebzMSU/s1600-h/DSC_0108%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0108" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0108" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MivSDytxhII/UckB_lOUgVI/AAAAAAAAI1M/-HHNMfy8N6E/DSC_0108_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-po8RiD6wmIk/UckCAVs0B3I/AAAAAAAAI1U/5W9-DlfZsYs/s1600-h/DSC_0118%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0118" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0118" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-X9g881kHcaA/UckCA_ZwBMI/AAAAAAAAI1c/bGW9fPcvHhQ/DSC_0118_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08403185508352002940noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563919870590181326.post-50596255967255663312013-06-14T15:11:00.000-06:002013-06-25T15:11:44.498-06:00The Brunt of OT Practice<p>I know we have an issue when Piper comes running to find me screaming “MOM! MOM! MOM!” It’s always followed by a (usually intelligible) diatribe about what has transpired. </p> <p>Examples include “Addy beep beep beep car!” when Addy had found my car keys and hit the panic button on the key fob. “Addy PEW!”- I’ll leave <em>that</em> to your imagination. “Sissy uh oh!” is always a scary one because you have <em>no</em> idea <em>what</em> you’re about to get into- Addy climbing on the kitchen counters, Addy sitting in the bathroom sink, Addy making a mess…</p> <p>Notice a pattern here? Obviously, tattling has become the new norm in the house. So I usually try to ignore it and focus on Piper talking well instead (“Oh, Piper- I like to hear what you have to say!” and then move on without paying attention to the tattle- not sure if it’s working, but I hate to have her speech, which is still very much a struggle, go unnoticed.)</p> <p>But when Addy’s melting down and Piper comes running toward you hollering “MOM! Addy PEEEE!” I got a little nervous.</p> <p>This was <em>not</em> what I had envisioned.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gaxkxYKahiM/UcoHdyr1nwI/AAAAAAAAI2c/bfD3gjoGDok/s1600-h/DSC_0701%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0701" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0701" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ikpYXu78KGA/UcoHejAgKkI/AAAAAAAAI2k/Spm7ThJQlCE/DSC_0701_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p>Yeah- Piper had drawn a “P” and a “T” on Addy. Right dab in the middle of her forehead. </p> <p>I have <strong>no idea</strong> why.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4Z_k53py2Gg/UcoHfroGDSI/AAAAAAAAI2s/PKUYfqeJVoE/s1600-h/DSC_0707%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0707" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0707" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rJRuMrVMenY/UcoHf9-irZI/AAAAAAAAI20/Dg-wTrjunIk/DSC_0707_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> <p>Addy was NOT amused.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0o_MnlupRRY/UcoHghWsJTI/AAAAAAAAI28/fdjkwlzn22I/s1600-h/DSC_0709%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0709" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0709" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sFseBKMeUNI/UcoHhHmTilI/AAAAAAAAI3E/8oNmhzV38AU/DSC_0709_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kIc-lqOwTtI/UcoHh5EW1VI/AAAAAAAAI3M/xemFz8J6t_I/s1600-h/DSC_0710%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0710" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0710" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iPlXyRdrEHY/UcoHiNO93lI/AAAAAAAAI3U/uG1Wqyay1H8/DSC_0710_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zCj78k5TE_k/UcoHjTX9NfI/AAAAAAAAI3c/YqZdgfq3NNo/s1600-h/DSC_0711%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0711" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0711" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-itSiyxd1C6E/UcoHj1jq1gI/AAAAAAAAI3k/UNjNpg1en6I/DSC_0711_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p>Nope, not thrilled in the slightest. </p> <p>I didn’t know there’d be collateral damage in fine motor practice…</p> Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08403185508352002940noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563919870590181326.post-39807902073358389562013-06-10T20:25:00.000-06:002013-06-24T20:29:30.051-06:00New Fun Thing of the Week<p>Sidewalk chalk. Crappy paint brushes. Water. “Oh Boy!” Addy says.</p> <p>When we were kids, my mom would hand us an old drywall bucket filled with water, set us up with a couple of big, old paint brushes, and tells us to “paint the driveway.” </p> <p>I think we spent <em>hours</em> “painting” growing up. (I do remember the story of how my brother “helped” my parents with the REAL paint one time instead- I think the chain link is still painted after 30 years…)</p> <p>So when I found five paint brushes for $5 at Walmart, I <em>knew</em> what we needed to do with them. Then I got the super big pack of the aluminum chaffers from Costco (for about 20 cents a piece, I think) to make easy dipping.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LGVCuWWB99Q/UckAUVzooEI/AAAAAAAAIyM/X094MxmskU8/s1600-h/DSC_00587.jpg"><img title="DSC_0058" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0058" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Jln67Lj599E/UckAVWOnR6I/AAAAAAAAIyU/mw5awyvkgyA/DSC_0058_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-k2a5hV6GKYs/UckAWFvjMRI/AAAAAAAAIyc/CF8Cr3kmnYs/s1600-h/DSC_00647.jpg"><img title="DSC_0064" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0064" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-W82asQDpIdg/UckAW1-eJcI/AAAAAAAAIyk/lNd5OMksH1g/DSC_0064_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p>We discovered that coloring with chalk on the water offers a whole new sensation- it’s smoother, and prettier (more vibrant) which both girls enjoyed. I’ve decided that Crayola makes the BEST sidewalk chalk- it’s so bright!<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TAvboT3dymI/UckAYHWQSbI/AAAAAAAAIys/C8WdhEfrulI/s1600-h/DSC_00607.jpg"><img title="DSC_0060" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0060" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YduohqjBwvE/UckAYpIQCqI/AAAAAAAAIyw/S4KbfopBtQE/DSC_0060_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p>It’s also fun to draw shapes with the chalk and then paint with water over the top- it makes it all smooth and pretty (okay, so maybe <strong><em>I</em></strong> enjoy this part a little too much…)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wb6NEH8eLEY/UckAZlYdPUI/AAAAAAAAIy8/QWwiuW3OCoY/s1600-h/DSC_00597.jpg"><img title="DSC_0059" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0059" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-q0Z40GBz0ZU/UckAaWdV7nI/AAAAAAAAIzE/SD26faM4Qco/DSC_0059_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p>Piper has been borderline obsessed with rocks lately- they’re her go-to prop for anything pretend play- babies, food, drink, phones, animals, money… It was no surprise, then, that she wanted the rocks to play (in whatever capacity she decided at the time), too. She discovered that when the rocks were wet, they changed color! She was <em>so</em> excited. She “painted” lots of rocks figuring out which ones changed to “pretty.”<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ROcML3koUkU/UckAbYrEJjI/AAAAAAAAIzM/K6qpodPw938/s1600-h/DSC_00633.jpg"><img title="DSC_0063" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0063" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-y6hqWm_xZIk/UckAbs60keI/AAAAAAAAIzU/crmoybB7szU/DSC_0063_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p>I think it was about this time that Nana and Grandpa showed up. And gave the girls the <em>brilliant</em> idea to “wash” my car. I had one <em>really</em> clean spot on my otherwise filthy car. It really helped camouflage the dirt! <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZBMzly6nSZs/UckAcwfF_5I/AAAAAAAAIzc/MDwrwyuybms/s1600-h/DSC_00673.jpg"><img title="DSC_0067" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0067" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CtHnnLpIFsM/UckAdSEApJI/AAAAAAAAIzk/coIU4I1jOQY/DSC_0067_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WePWcaeUa0Q/UckAeMNrspI/AAAAAAAAIzs/_AXsJxZtTP4/s1600-h/DSC_00713.jpg"><img title="DSC_0071" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0071" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-guxAnTcp-u8/UckAe7p_TVI/AAAAAAAAIz0/1Eiboq1akfg/DSC_0071_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p>They used up all the water on the car and needed more. Have no fear- Nana to the rescue! Thanks, Nana, for helping Piper figure out the water sprayer. I’ve been soaked about a half dozen times since this. As has Addy. And maybe the neighbor as they drove down the street. And I’m pretty sure a baby bunny got in the line of fire once. We’ll call it fine motor practice- you know, using those hand muscles…</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2a0FzGgBh5I/UckAgK3IHgI/AAAAAAAAIz8/y8oNhZ3XYcY/s1600-h/DSC_00733.jpg"><img title="DSC_0073" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0073" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Y6RXNWM9VoA/UckAgk04iWI/AAAAAAAAI0E/_S0d9FfN8LE/DSC_0073_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p>The full tub of water lasted about six seconds before Piper decided to pour it down the driveway. And then sat in it. She was <em>not </em>too thrilled that she had a wet bottom. Darn those natural consequences!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-X8MK7vjoJ7s/UckAhmBLvYI/AAAAAAAAI0M/XPLFGf6Zixg/s1600-h/DSC_00743.jpg"><img title="DSC_0074" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0074" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mgxgd3csEUA/UckAiA4LSvI/AAAAAAAAI0U/RKi4AFhiryw/DSC_0074_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p>The girls <em>do</em> get a little dirty doing this, but that’s no real surprise. The chalk washes out of clothes with no issue whatsoever. Only real word of warning is that if you draw on the sidewalk and paint over the top, the chalk can stay there a LONG time. Especially here in Colorado when good soaking rains are few and far between. I think we’ve had “P I” on our driveway for a few weeks- the “P E R” somehow got washed off and left the rest. We are, admittedly, nerds in this house, but leaving “pi” on the driveway is overdoing it even for us!</p> Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08403185508352002940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563919870590181326.post-65127320335498663122013-06-06T21:36:00.001-06:002013-06-06T21:36:35.810-06:00First Melons of SUMMER!<p>The first slices of watermelon this season came with some speculation.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RErqKejdQaQ/UbFVFNXP66I/AAAAAAAAIt4/nOcjOJiKpec/s1600-h/DSC_0328%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0328" border="0" alt="DSC_0328" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8Ja1J3mvX5E/UbFVGT48wYI/AAAAAAAAIuA/YxX4sJn3uEk/DSC_0328_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p>Piper decided that it was good enough to eat, and dove right in despite being completely exhausted at the end of a long birthday party day.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RrywyxVuRY4/UbFVHiyH1CI/AAAAAAAAIuI/PGOIeioRQAQ/s1600-h/DSC_0337%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0337" border="0" alt="DSC_0337" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FNfJqEfo8uk/UbFVIEAsnrI/AAAAAAAAIuQ/MFgKDAmbOAY/DSC_0337_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> <p>In fact, she thought it was <em>so</em> good that she downright <strong>insisted</strong> that Addy take a break from the swing set to have a bite.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8Vh-jKldpwo/UbFVI4TYWaI/AAAAAAAAIuY/r1mkYYelUZI/s1600-h/DSC_0344%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0344" border="0" alt="DSC_0344" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TqOmFA2zE2Y/UbFVJRRdmJI/AAAAAAAAIuc/VlJTYRQAnNs/DSC_0344_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> <p><em>That</em> was met with more speculation…<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Lm0Xk00cHWs/UbFVKEH-3JI/AAAAAAAAIuo/7-0HPqUoKxM/s1600-h/DSC_0341%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0341" border="0" alt="DSC_0341" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gN9pwdX1mEY/UbFVK3S72UI/AAAAAAAAIuw/Y5vuDcNiUcg/DSC_0341_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> <p>…tentative first tastes…<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GQl_pPgTVLw/UbFVLi1apkI/AAAAAAAAIu4/01fRZPM_Ae4/s1600-h/DSC_0342%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0342" border="0" alt="DSC_0342" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-C8b734vwkwk/UbFVMsRyGaI/AAAAAAAAIvA/6k346Qodjjg/DSC_0342_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> <p>…and quiet contemplation.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EKdIlNI4Hak/UbFVNZYK2SI/AAAAAAAAIvI/97vgoTj5TqE/s1600-h/DSC_0357%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0357" border="0" alt="DSC_0357" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-z01jqj7k0Ow/UbFVN6_vPXI/AAAAAAAAIvQ/8sBHAw3kdd8/DSC_0357_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> <p>And then… she found a <em>seed</em>.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--dZwd__hkj8/UbFVOktOImI/AAAAAAAAIvY/bmGzXaSVatY/s1600-h/DSC_0356%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0356" border="0" alt="DSC_0356" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dYaHV-9ZvIE/UbFVPLaDFTI/AAAAAAAAIvg/xysb2HU1CGo/DSC_0356_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> <p>Ooooh the horrors!<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AV9sltno6Jk/UbFVP3gf2BI/AAAAAAAAIvo/LTc18ErVVNk/s1600-h/DSC_0352%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0352" border="0" alt="DSC_0352" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8IzrQA-ELjs/UbFVQS2ur-I/AAAAAAAAIvw/mMWuz_3gHMM/DSC_0352_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> <p>Not sure she’ll be willing to venture down that avenue again any time soon. </p> <p>Piper won’t mind- I’m sure she’d be willing to eat Addy’s share.</p> Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08403185508352002940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563919870590181326.post-34605826851782423992013-05-30T20:28:00.001-06:002013-05-30T20:28:24.711-06:00Last Day of School!<p>I’m still not sure how it happened, but Piper’s first year of preschool is OVER! Last summer before school started, I couldn’t imagine putting Piper in school four days a week, three hours a day. She had an awfully hard start to the school year, but gradually settled in to her place in the classroom.</p> <p>She made friends. She learned a lot. She gained loads of confidence. It’s been difficult watching her struggle when it’s been hard, but it’s been <em>so awesome</em> to see her thrive when she succeeds. </p> <p>Her last day was a busy one- a performance of a song they were learning in music class (The Green Jelly Bean Song, in case you’re wondering, is one of her favorites right now), graduation for the kids moving on to kindergarten (only three of the sixteen kids will be in class with her again next year), lots and lots of snacks, and then, the culmination of it all, <em>Field Day!</em></p> <p>They did all kinds of games with the kindergartners (how fortunate for the kids that their field day was on a day that was slightly cool- the big kids had theirs on the first HOT day of the season!) I thoroughly enjoyed watching Piper with her friends, even though things were very different and she wasn’t entirely sure what was going on (read: we did a lot of chasing…)</p> <p>She <em>rocked</em> the races- kept up with the pack just fine, thankyouverymuch (that’s her in the green shirt at the bottom.) The only one she had a little difficulty with was the hopping one. She didn’t get out of the start blocks until a second late, so she wanted to catch up to the other kids. So she ran. And then realized that she was supposed to be jumping. So she jumped. Only problem was that she wasn’t <em>going</em> anywhere. She was jumping in place. So she ran. Which lead to more in-place jumping… You get the picture. It was pretty hilarious, actually- and she didn’t mind. In fact, she was pretty proud of herself when she crossed the finish line!<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zk-eRgPbDRY/UagKpjE1KMI/AAAAAAAAIsQ/dTTDEEw2SHg/s1600-h/DSC_0600%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0600" border="0" alt="DSC_0600" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--ocnsXG_QM0/UagKqJr0NRI/AAAAAAAAIsY/96tJ69GNsJ0/DSC_0600_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p>After a bit of time outdoors, they went in to the gym to swing on the ropes and play on the scooter boards. If you had told me <em>last</em> year that this would happen <em>this</em> year, I would have called you crazy! That’s her teacher behind her- took three people to get her on it since it was so high off the ground, but…<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yQxYm_UDDPo/UagKqxFuibI/AAAAAAAAIsg/ZsxQSMT1658/s1600-h/DSC_0616%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0616" border="0" alt="DSC_0616" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZjlcEYTSSQk/UagKr18W8RI/AAAAAAAAIso/lUhKnvv1v4k/DSC_0616_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p>…she did it!<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--8-MFHAOXiE/UagKskfGSuI/AAAAAAAAIsw/_jzLbHdgJrM/s1600-h/DSC_0618%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0618" border="0" alt="DSC_0618" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CIhoe8JodhU/UagKtd3xVyI/AAAAAAAAIs4/2LBmSw6Fdk0/DSC_0618_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p>And the scooters? Definitely a big hit! She was pretty quick on those boards!<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-X70rHKmHdlU/UagKuH2wU8I/AAAAAAAAItA/_1NBM_DtvJI/s1600-h/DSC_0625%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0625" border="0" alt="DSC_0625" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-izIGx14zq5g/UagKuoDmf8I/AAAAAAAAItI/UVlat-kspms/DSC_0625_thumb%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="328"></a></p> <p>Even Addy got in on the fun!<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IQAktxTRk5E/UagKvlPeXTI/AAAAAAAAItQ/uS06SSHwm-U/s1600-h/DSC_0629%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0629" border="0" alt="DSC_0629" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nh-9SfQXD4Q/UagKwWO8MgI/AAAAAAAAItY/yOMTVhbtynY/DSC_0629_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="325"></a></p> <p>…and me <<ahem>></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HNDXr_-52zU/UagKxKC9fbI/AAAAAAAAItg/8zafUKXCBzQ/s1600-h/DSC_0626%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0626" border="0" alt="DSC_0626" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JJPh6OaYfJU/UagKxvEXsYI/AAAAAAAAIto/7XnCztMp-_E/DSC_0626_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="329" height="488"></a></p> <p>We ended the day doing freeze tag in the field. Which is a rather unfair game to play when you’re the shortest one out there- no one could run through her legs to “unfreeze” her! So, she resorted to being the group unfreezer- She had <em>no</em> problems with that part! She thought it was pretty hilarious, too. Until she tried to go under Addy’s legs. </p> <p>It didn’t go over well.</p> <p>Popsicles provided a nice segue from all the games into goodbyes to all of her friends. And teachers. <<sniff sniff>></p> <p>What a big year it’s been- can’t wait to see what she learns next year! Let’s just hope it comes with fewer days spent in the hospital, shall we???</p> Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08403185508352002940noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563919870590181326.post-57898928806850689232013-05-28T16:28:00.001-06:002013-05-28T16:28:21.719-06:00The Stupid Dancing Flowers<p>My grandparents have these silly flowers and hula girls that dance when they’re in the sun- they’re solar powered, so they live on the window sill in the living room. In their packaging.</p> <p>“Why <strong>in</strong> the packaging?” you ask? Good question.</p> <p><em>This</em> is why:<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-70CkyhcBwMM/UaUvcNHltjI/AAAAAAAAIrI/XbmWodDwqvk/s1600-h/DSC_0444%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0444" border="0" alt="DSC_0444" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OTe6_w8mz28/UaUvcyhvIeI/AAAAAAAAIrQ/le6Flla4LnM/DSC_0444_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="488"></a></p> <p>Addy <em>loves</em> them. Actually, we’re not sure if she loves the dancers or if she loves taking them out of their packaging. Either way, the first thing she does is open up those plastic containers and extract the goodies from the inside.</p> <p>Even if we’re all <em>outside</em>, she’ll sneak inside, take the packages <em>out</em>side, and open them up.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xW1porvnbIE/UaUvdsIpd6I/AAAAAAAAIrY/LMsEQL2aMaY/s1600-h/DSC_0446%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0446" border="0" alt="DSC_0446" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JTKcAjq91sY/UaUveHmqBfI/AAAAAAAAIrg/sArKQalCkDo/DSC_0446_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3ep26-IkXL0/UaUve_Up4FI/AAAAAAAAIro/8pmB56qwuCo/s1600-h/DSC_0447%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0447" border="0" alt="DSC_0447" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-k-dxS1Eq0cU/UaUvfmH9v7I/AAAAAAAAIrw/pzBiKxUFRbQ/DSC_0447_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> <p>I don’t understand it, but she’s a girl on a mission every time we go to Grandma’s house.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7ApMqtyQjGg/UaUvgeZOJDI/AAAAAAAAIr4/H6waUSqKSxM/s1600-h/DSC_0450%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0450" border="0" alt="DSC_0450" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-V9vs1cWYzRs/UaUvg6zV2UI/AAAAAAAAIsA/xp2d0nfp5p0/DSC_0450_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="488"></a></p> <p>I also think she’s broken several- good thing they’re cheap. I don’t tell <em>her</em> that, though, because I’m <em>not</em> buying some for her to have at home. I think it’s a game best <strike>annoyed</strike> played for the great grandparents. </p> Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08403185508352002940noreply@blogger.com1