tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64548585636241382642024-03-09T20:46:15.130-06:00Somewhere Over the CamoAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854302342303748377noreply@blogger.comBlogger654125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454858563624138264.post-80971491411512477352021-04-23T10:58:00.003-05:002021-04-23T10:58:23.732-05:00Brooklyn | FIVE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6zB7MtbeUAi9OGgWFSMRemtECAktQAxwuWGvZu5Y6aTZdB27TVdlB_1MjFhcG6YgV8t7zoi5CvzIuNYeoctBvhfs5KlUtIjHo3U_Mtya6lXSUA-IHQ-tbFJsWUw7wUpU2qKRWPy6KfnZ_/s2048/A50837E1-934B-4949-9E4C-C9EEE6352CEC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6zB7MtbeUAi9OGgWFSMRemtECAktQAxwuWGvZu5Y6aTZdB27TVdlB_1MjFhcG6YgV8t7zoi5CvzIuNYeoctBvhfs5KlUtIjHo3U_Mtya6lXSUA-IHQ-tbFJsWUw7wUpU2qKRWPy6KfnZ_/s16000/A50837E1-934B-4949-9E4C-C9EEE6352CEC.JPG" /></a></div><p>Somehow five years have past since our sweet, squished nose girl came into this world. Your birth was a complete and utter whirlwind. While I wouldn't go back and relive the days leading up to your birth... getting you out of all of it, makes it worth it.</p><p>I didn't do a fourth birthday post. We were in the early stages of a worldwide pandemic. Covid-19 came in and completely rocked mama's world. I had beliefs that we would come out of the other side of it and host your 4th birthday party. To this day you haven't had a friend birthday party and that makes me sad. Nothing about your birthdays has ever been standard and normal. But the years to come we will make special and all about you.</p><p>At 5...</p><p>-You love to color and be crafty.</p><p>-You love workbooks. A lot. I can't wait to see how you love kindergarten this fall. I think you are going to take to it like a fly. You love learning.</p><p>-You are sassy and you have a temper. Both of which probably come from mama. We are working on productive ways to express ourselves and most days are really good. Every now and again though.. LOL.</p><p>-You love lounging in pajamas all day long. You are not a fan of getting dressed unless it leads to something fun.</p><p>-Your love language is definitely touch. You love to dole out hugs and sit right on top of/next to people.</p><p>-You got a bike for your birthday and immediately took to it. I wouldn't at all be surprised if you don't bust out of training wheels before your big sister.</p><p>-You love to swing. Especially if someone is pushing you. We are still working on learning how to do it yourself. I think it will happen soon!</p><p>-You love hand feeding the chickens. Crazy girl.</p><p>-You have an ornery streak at least a mile wild. You make me laugh so much with some of your antics. </p><p>-You have mastered hiding the mess in your room. Tucking the toys and other things in the corners and under beds to get done faster. I give you credit for figuring that out on your own. Even if it drives mama insane.</p><p>-You love daddy, cheese and the color pink.</p><p>-You love barbies and dolls still. You got some new barbies for your birthday and latched on to them with extreme possessiveness. You've always been my doll girl.</p><p>-You love to jump in every last puddle and don't mind getting your hands dirty in the mud, the rain or the snow. I think you'll be daddy's best friend when it comes to all things outdoors.</p><p>-You have a great throwing arm and I think you may also be our sporty girl. The pandemic set us all back as we were supposed to start soccer with both you and Grace last year but it got postponed because of the virus. Maybe this next year will bringing those new opportunities.</p><p>To my Brooklyn girl,</p><p>This last year has been crazy. To say the least. Getting to spend all day everyday with you and your sisters has often been hard. But nothing that I can't overcome with one of your hugs. You are a fierce lover and I am so proud to be your mama. You keep me laughing and on my toes. I am obsessed with what you find joy in. I can't wait to see what the next year of starting school is going to bring to you. You are already teaching yourself so very much with a constant need to appease your learning cravings. You can't wait for kindergarten and it is going to be the best ever. Thanks for being the perfect middle between your sisters. We love you so, so much.</p><p>Love,</p><p>Mama</p>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854302342303748377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454858563624138264.post-63508719335662266512021-04-23T10:57:00.002-05:002021-04-23T10:57:18.602-05:00Emily | THREE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9KrLJf0SnAppenAfPcfy5J3PBExWk_e5tbQZ6Jf1UfdcU8f2y0py8gSAv7hawKqIwEVPYcolfmdcrMj0tLmVHMxc6pQesrgPnuGJutUVXzq8k3aRsqHnNc72RvQg_sWm4ZIqrg_b3veZ/s2048/5A3F3881-1B1D-4842-A073-B50EF21AAAF5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9KrLJf0SnAppenAfPcfy5J3PBExWk_e5tbQZ6Jf1UfdcU8f2y0py8gSAv7hawKqIwEVPYcolfmdcrMj0tLmVHMxc6pQesrgPnuGJutUVXzq8k3aRsqHnNc72RvQg_sWm4ZIqrg_b3veZ/s16000/5A3F3881-1B1D-4842-A073-B50EF21AAAF5.JPG" /></a></div><p>Three years ago our world was absolutely rocked when the sweetest baby rushed into the world 2 plus weeks early. Mama was not ready. But the moment that little squish came into our life... we knew our family was complete. </p><p>We didn’t know we needed an Emily. But you’ve been such a blessing.</p><p>I’m not sure I did an at two post. For that mama is sorry. Your second birthday happened in the early stages of a worldwide pandemic and things were pretty rocky. The last year ended up being a blessing in disguise because you got even more time at home with both your sisters than you would have before.</p><p>At three you are...</p><p>Wrapped around daddy’s little finger. You are his number one which is both good and bad. You get away with a lot your sisters never would have. </p><p>Somewhere between a redhead and a blonde. A dirty blonde I guess. </p><p>Full of redhead sass. That comes from me and only me. </p><p>Stubborn as all get out. If you don’t want to - whatever it is will not happen. If you do want to - you will not stop until you get it. This will hopefully come in handy as an adult. You know what you want and are not afraid to go after it. </p><p>The biggest and best cuddle bug and love. You love to list out everyone you love (I love mommy. I love daddy. I love “Gace”. I love “book”. I love Diesel. Etc.). Watching you run and jump into daddy’s arms for a hug is one of my favorite things. </p><p>When I ask you what your name is. You will respond with “I is baby.” May you forever feel special as the baby of the family. </p><p>Moved to a big girl bed. But prefer to sleep in mommy and daddy’s bed pressed flat against someone’s back. We are working on it. </p><p>Obsessed with doing whatever your sisters are doing. Hide and seek. Barbies. Coloring. You are there with them. But you don’t mind sprawling on the floor playing with your little people by yourself. </p><p>Love Mickey Mouse, still. And Peppa Pig.</p><p>Love hand feeding the chickens. Giving Diesel hugs. Running errands with mommy. Snacks (all the snacks). Doing everything yourself. Not wearing shoes. </p><p>Dislikes chocolate, cake and cookies. Helping clean up. Not getting your way. </p><p>Dear Emily girl,</p><p>Mommy loves you. I know I’m not daddy. But you know I’m always here for you. Your sweet and loving personality is one I hope never goes away. You’ve got your spice but you always know when someone needs a hug to be cheered up. Mommy is going to miss my little mini me when you start preschool this fall but I am so excited to hear how you will take on all the things as the big girl you want to be. You’ll always be mommy and daddy’s baby... always. </p><p>Love,</p><p>Mommy</p>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854302342303748377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454858563624138264.post-17549156719045139192021-03-23T14:22:00.001-05:002021-03-23T14:22:46.432-05:00Austin, TX - Spring Break 2021<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrf_f4hHKZ16o85yvf-fpdr7tMi64St1rJQ-s_FYsZG-AGv5UtAXORLiv-klUjk9nA6Qe52yWcn-EnsNg2N70rdioIQEsJbiJuSpXQif_rwQ8Uih8ZWSMaONtywCUhx-P38VMemEFwSxqw/s2048/IMG_2837.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrf_f4hHKZ16o85yvf-fpdr7tMi64St1rJQ-s_FYsZG-AGv5UtAXORLiv-klUjk9nA6Qe52yWcn-EnsNg2N70rdioIQEsJbiJuSpXQif_rwQ8Uih8ZWSMaONtywCUhx-P38VMemEFwSxqw/s16000/IMG_2837.HEIC" /></a></div><p>After a year of staying home during the height of the pandemic... we finally broke out to go somewhere outside of Kansas and farther away than my parents lake house in Missouri. </p><p>One positive the last year brought us was my college best friend and her family relocated from California to Texas. Specifically Austin. So a road trip over Spring Break was in order. </p><p>We left Wednesday morning and made the trip in 11 hours. Traveling with young children is less than ideal but we were pleasantly surprised at how our kids handled it. The key to any successful road trip is flexibility. Stop when you need to. Don’t have a hard timeline. And for kids? Stock up at the dollar store on both snacks, special treats and small trinket toys. The girls were pumped for all the fun things they picked out to take on the road with us (silly putty, coloring sets, sticker sets, mermaid barbies and travel bingo). Plus it saved the hassle of stopping to get snacks every time someone decided they were hungry. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQLzPd2WzCLwp5a8Asa6k4vEVYWxU8bfkPMtokhQjkoA2ND61FbqThMwb0nyuppVhSVgJEVhRbjG18lb9l2CNuqGZRnlmLDZNIo8zim8ZqPkyZ_Mvl0zUgezNzBi9t3Vl8mG3oo9AOGqy/s2048/IMG_2736+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQLzPd2WzCLwp5a8Asa6k4vEVYWxU8bfkPMtokhQjkoA2ND61FbqThMwb0nyuppVhSVgJEVhRbjG18lb9l2CNuqGZRnlmLDZNIo8zim8ZqPkyZ_Mvl0zUgezNzBi9t3Vl8mG3oo9AOGqy/s16000/IMG_2736+Copy.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7meV2HJEdYn563_U7wBkFNB-P3yfo2u0mgzenhi6BL-nRQ6B-iiFzlUgc_N6by8juZp1fu2Ltr1h4bMXpAor9NTAz861Rk0iz4-Cqdh6vC_8k3rZSnw5V8w_OiBoAqQ2Eq2P1yW-gYm3/s2048/377494F6-D75D-4D26-AEBC-F886E7F7C865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7meV2HJEdYn563_U7wBkFNB-P3yfo2u0mgzenhi6BL-nRQ6B-iiFzlUgc_N6by8juZp1fu2Ltr1h4bMXpAor9NTAz861Rk0iz4-Cqdh6vC_8k3rZSnw5V8w_OiBoAqQ2Eq2P1yW-gYm3/s16000/377494F6-D75D-4D26-AEBC-F886E7F7C865.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqOcw_nK8QYbuxeBwC3hm7NexRmzZgjnMqdu6SMRULwotDFwLNou3FfXqKJoglUBpOV_pVF9p4H_AExkUlkvcPY8eCK4Pcd7DK1RDa5xK-owYq8l0Z8pTwo07pJNt1yXPbW1OV9qxSoZkc/s2048/3862E7E4-733A-4E29-860F-FBED911079C2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqOcw_nK8QYbuxeBwC3hm7NexRmzZgjnMqdu6SMRULwotDFwLNou3FfXqKJoglUBpOV_pVF9p4H_AExkUlkvcPY8eCK4Pcd7DK1RDa5xK-owYq8l0Z8pTwo07pJNt1yXPbW1OV9qxSoZkc/s16000/3862E7E4-733A-4E29-860F-FBED911079C2.JPG" /></a></div><p>Our trip was mainly spent getting to see my friend and her family. So we attended softball games for her oldest daughter, the girls spent lots of time playing with her youngest daughter in her room, movie nights, playing at local parks and getting muddy in the backyard. It was a huge hit for all the littler kids. </p><p>But we did manage to squeeze in a few tourist activities as well. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBra-wrb5QNokC_W1OFT02S4j24SniMVYKIb8DXDWqSE0xY1W7RWteT-L-80uZO_pARKouu2COUM-ZTzoqgz3qeKI3-MaxHazuOnr5MjSoh4nodXDaLOW6CRRsWXVUQdwPHV5evs5Tf_x0/s2048/B6E09E55-0548-4F10-903C-BB7C722ACB06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBra-wrb5QNokC_W1OFT02S4j24SniMVYKIb8DXDWqSE0xY1W7RWteT-L-80uZO_pARKouu2COUM-ZTzoqgz3qeKI3-MaxHazuOnr5MjSoh4nodXDaLOW6CRRsWXVUQdwPHV5evs5Tf_x0/s16000/B6E09E55-0548-4F10-903C-BB7C722ACB06.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ej5S8-aja5rT-QWUdbUl_ObZ1oYSuuiErTY9Dg3QvUz4RwC0jOeKrV3j7Ouwk428BDEZKodqZWJk7a1C5CgvdszWwNAL4EQARIqMuzIfiBpKF3KyKeQBwPF44T2S__pOrfGqUwcvUce1/s2048/IMG_2785.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ej5S8-aja5rT-QWUdbUl_ObZ1oYSuuiErTY9Dg3QvUz4RwC0jOeKrV3j7Ouwk428BDEZKodqZWJk7a1C5CgvdszWwNAL4EQARIqMuzIfiBpKF3KyKeQBwPF44T2S__pOrfGqUwcvUce1/s16000/IMG_2785.HEIC" /></a></div><p>One afternoon the girls and I met my high school best friend, who is now a permanent RVer with her husband, to tour the Texas State Capitol. We were super lucky that our trips overlapped and we took our routine day trips (my friend is my go to for all the random day trip activities here local. She’s always up to hang with the girls and I!) to another state. Currently the capitol is not doing guided tours. But the building is open for self guided tours and most areas are open for viewing. I realized about half way through this was really the first opportunity I’ve had to take my kids to something historically touristy majorly out of state. Grace was super into it and took her camera (a Christmas gift from grandparents) with her to document ALL the things. The weather was gorgeous and we definitely enjoyed walking around both in and out. Also the Texas Capitol Police are very helpful, informative and friendly. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsFoMWy-f1K9wtY_gyR6bOvp4TuS-hZ9-ckQPIZyeQzlFQxG6PR-v9kn5L2E1GIG4_KF4A_Y3jTiIWMP3aXORlkiD9XdWz8hVA64cyBKAYWxLFIRgZW6TSVFNtsir2N_0pw8-pUJ6oD6ai/s2048/0BF93D4E-B80F-40EA-BEF6-4DBF8D0575DF.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsFoMWy-f1K9wtY_gyR6bOvp4TuS-hZ9-ckQPIZyeQzlFQxG6PR-v9kn5L2E1GIG4_KF4A_Y3jTiIWMP3aXORlkiD9XdWz8hVA64cyBKAYWxLFIRgZW6TSVFNtsir2N_0pw8-pUJ6oD6ai/s16000/0BF93D4E-B80F-40EA-BEF6-4DBF8D0575DF.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIPHERhcm7frXm-NFUitvwvcc8nLnO8Pi6HviUpkeh7Ewvs7DNV3Pz3N2IjHKqt4GmmImZC8IAz3KfCxwd0URd2lhNWTPH2gT4aZ5TqlWW2piF_BXENrKIEPqVryKpavnkhDJSdIB-KWM/s2048/A1A89FEB-860C-4624-B6B1-645BD0C19651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIPHERhcm7frXm-NFUitvwvcc8nLnO8Pi6HviUpkeh7Ewvs7DNV3Pz3N2IjHKqt4GmmImZC8IAz3KfCxwd0URd2lhNWTPH2gT4aZ5TqlWW2piF_BXENrKIEPqVryKpavnkhDJSdIB-KWM/s16000/A1A89FEB-860C-4624-B6B1-645BD0C19651.JPG" /></a></div><p>Later that day we met the friend we were staying with and her kids to do a mural tour. Austin is a larger version of Lawrence with all sorts of fun outdoor murals. We ended up following <a href="https://www.kidsandsuitcases.com/austin-murals-with-route-map/">this tour</a> and visiting 5 of the murals. Quite a few on the route are located near University of Texas Austin, which makes them harder to get to. But a bunch of them are easy to access with a parking lot nearby. The Love from Austin mural is on the side of the cutest little gift shop. We purchased our trip ornament and our locket here because...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvpa_rynlB3vzmVVujEQ7ZKYaGL5QjEwZlhTjGh8TrsebkztrNFiJqXlDMJRm5-KGT7HWHB2lGCd8Ng7Hy6C_MKlpEF0bmJG7L5-yyAtWC-DP7EVnNGcN44SutI4RkUD09mDrlx6mV1UK/s2048/6BAA8C33-957A-40AD-9BDD-DC9A99B66E2C.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvpa_rynlB3vzmVVujEQ7ZKYaGL5QjEwZlhTjGh8TrsebkztrNFiJqXlDMJRm5-KGT7HWHB2lGCd8Ng7Hy6C_MKlpEF0bmJG7L5-yyAtWC-DP7EVnNGcN44SutI4RkUD09mDrlx6mV1UK/s16000/6BAA8C33-957A-40AD-9BDD-DC9A99B66E2C.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFb1brGPdxxt8dEmeEK5_pV4g7SaVfFgRSWgubvFy9x6AW8cFV7CoW_AXnOBC2DNJs2EmtczXqqsVEOvtGKK3yOTtty32xCmziErw5sIBPTe1mAaZV3VNQFBe309x-D0QYV91hMbsJGfnF/s2048/C0D88F6C-DC3D-450B-9682-A4647C439CC6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFb1brGPdxxt8dEmeEK5_pV4g7SaVfFgRSWgubvFy9x6AW8cFV7CoW_AXnOBC2DNJs2EmtczXqqsVEOvtGKK3yOTtty32xCmziErw5sIBPTe1mAaZV3VNQFBe309x-D0QYV91hMbsJGfnF/s16000/C0D88F6C-DC3D-450B-9682-A4647C439CC6.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA0hrEgZETwrLZUGnZP5YxuzYAyXoPmeQu54E4V7Ah9PytSJH9MeBDPHzWJueUxwc6Z645iAj1OBa9sy3IJQf2ByrlJ4ulDvkq8_EzfFaP9_Xc0w-mB4Zb8Oj4fQhyphenhyphenOG9dEQeoVMMNsAY0/s2048/CF57112D-5F7A-480C-9823-4BA742E2ADDB.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA0hrEgZETwrLZUGnZP5YxuzYAyXoPmeQu54E4V7Ah9PytSJH9MeBDPHzWJueUxwc6Z645iAj1OBa9sy3IJQf2ByrlJ4ulDvkq8_EzfFaP9_Xc0w-mB4Zb8Oj4fQhyphenhyphenOG9dEQeoVMMNsAY0/s16000/CF57112D-5F7A-480C-9823-4BA742E2ADDB.JPG" /></a></div><p>We wrapped up the night meeting all the husbands for dinner at The Oasis which overlooks Lake Travis. The food is Texmex and so so. But the views are amazing. After dinner we hung two lockets on the rail overlooking the water. A permanent mark to document our adventure. We ended up coming back the next day to see the views during the day and do a bit more shopping plus grab some ice cream. It’s a unique area with a fun assortment of things to see and do. </p><p>A few days before we left for Texas... the Texas governor lifted the mask mandate. Despite this, we felt safe during all of our outings. We are very fortunate that Rob has already been fully vaccinated. But the girls and I really had no reason to worry as we wore masks and all the places we went to also required a mask be worn by all patrons.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1qhtGOTDJXxbEdWhmVT6umtHRUChJ8CrzMlwFxofu0ZRbevz1zRhGdnG6ZBCxxczfbLeKRFAuDI7MLMi9ecOQgyZK_jGqm15yI7D9Smtz3k5GJ_dsq33E8FoPJlYi3dhqsPfD0FdhUSP/s2048/18E31BEC-7B3D-4F51-894B-9902AB73F081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1qhtGOTDJXxbEdWhmVT6umtHRUChJ8CrzMlwFxofu0ZRbevz1zRhGdnG6ZBCxxczfbLeKRFAuDI7MLMi9ecOQgyZK_jGqm15yI7D9Smtz3k5GJ_dsq33E8FoPJlYi3dhqsPfD0FdhUSP/s16000/18E31BEC-7B3D-4F51-894B-9902AB73F081.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXUfTiWhNIIid_qGZshTBM3KsrWcdzfvfNpXquK0Koxq-qUEa_yGWsgd7Un6K1gCj-Edwik5ocHy-dIJZX69olgYjrZaEl0_Vj_zVq1ZkDhVmO0Yc9ZsbhhGoiT2kebFztQ1CzbTyHE6mp/s2048/8724DEE1-3485-4EBC-A624-3DD901145005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXUfTiWhNIIid_qGZshTBM3KsrWcdzfvfNpXquK0Koxq-qUEa_yGWsgd7Un6K1gCj-Edwik5ocHy-dIJZX69olgYjrZaEl0_Vj_zVq1ZkDhVmO0Yc9ZsbhhGoiT2kebFztQ1CzbTyHE6mp/s16000/8724DEE1-3485-4EBC-A624-3DD901145005.JPG" /></a></div><p>Getting away for spring break was just what we needed though. Seeing friends we hadn’t seen in a couple of years was the best way to spend our time. We already can’t wait for the next adventure!</p><p><br /></p>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854302342303748377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454858563624138264.post-46070984687768973402021-01-25T11:34:00.003-06:002021-01-25T11:34:30.218-06:00Grace | SEVEN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHSHa2ZdE4cd055AvH-aewGvsb4Oe8uI4Tx5PYzV4_UPiiWZRMuLRlpYIKuPeh33Tor4rioLoJh3j4m-douGbtmMjQQ0A_vxokfZ4DR6jX_iqyBoFGExIQAf2OUGkEdhLc37vRMtgiIjI/s2048/44F663F9-38CE-40AF-B1EE-4D4807299B00.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHSHa2ZdE4cd055AvH-aewGvsb4Oe8uI4Tx5PYzV4_UPiiWZRMuLRlpYIKuPeh33Tor4rioLoJh3j4m-douGbtmMjQQ0A_vxokfZ4DR6jX_iqyBoFGExIQAf2OUGkEdhLc37vRMtgiIjI/s16000/44F663F9-38CE-40AF-B1EE-4D4807299B00.JPG" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">January 25, 2014.</span></p><p>Our world forever changed.</p><p>We became parents to the sweetest little squish there ever was.</p><p>The last seven years have been filled with highs, lows, memories and adventures. Being parents though has forever shaped the last seven years. It all started with one little girl.</p><p>Grace Elaine, I am so proud to be your mother. Your soul is the absolute sweetest but you know how and when to be spicy. You have figured out how to always keep us on our toes and your funny personality is turning out just like daddy's. I love all the things you create, your creative gene definitely comes from mama. Your imagination is amazing and you know how and when someone just needs a cuddle. You feel all the things with your heart, and while it may be something that leads to a lot of strong emotions, I love the way you feel all the things on a personal level. That will be huge for you later in life but also be something you will have to find a way to overcome. You are smart as a whip and learning how to read. School this year has been a struggle with the virtual aspect. But you push through and day by day we get closer to being fully back in person. You are doing your best to adapt at all times and that is really all we can ask of you. You love to give people things, making your own Christmas gifts for everyone this year. You got that trait from mama, too. I just love you and I am so so proud of you.</p><p><i><b>A few likes:</b></i></p><p>-Doggy, still.</p><p>-Hamburgers were added to the like list this year.</p><p>-Drawing and coloring.</p><p>-Being in charge.</p><p>-The color pink.</p><p>-In person schooling.</p><p>-Dallas Cowboys.</p><p>-Legos.</p><p><i><b>A few dislikes:</b></i></p><p>-Breaking your arm and not being able to play on the playground.</p><p>-Virtual schooling.</p>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854302342303748377noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454858563624138264.post-61922005394102609412021-01-08T09:00:00.005-06:002021-01-08T09:00:02.064-06:002021 | GOALS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_4oBARyXdi-04yGPZdYZITR6IE26jOZ0ikLvfdf1DO4RuYEKmK1W_Q1_d7mTemaO-7JmUW25PfVjXfKx6Fq69FOqluX0ztRUiPVrR8zxiFTqipZzPwEM5e5P1K2-Rtx4b94Wbt3gSSwS/s2048/FDD68F28-F576-4163-B50B-C2BA0563E890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_4oBARyXdi-04yGPZdYZITR6IE26jOZ0ikLvfdf1DO4RuYEKmK1W_Q1_d7mTemaO-7JmUW25PfVjXfKx6Fq69FOqluX0ztRUiPVrR8zxiFTqipZzPwEM5e5P1K2-Rtx4b94Wbt3gSSwS/s16000/FDD68F28-F576-4163-B50B-C2BA0563E890.JPG" /></a></div><p>We made it 6 days before 2021 started feeling just as chaotic as 2020. Obviously the calendar changing from December 31st to January 1st doesn't literally change anything except maybe our mindset. Something about that calendar changing from December to January seemed to bring a breath of fresh air.</p><p>With that fresh air I sat down and looked at 2021 and what I hope to get from it. Last year I wrote my goals and when they popped up on Instagram it was awesome to look back and see that I achieved many of the goals I put into place.</p><p><b><i>My 2021 goals -</i></b></p><p><b>1. Read 75 books. </b> I know I read over 100 books last year (!!! Which was huge!), but I want to be realistic in my goals this year. It is already shaping up to be a fairly eventful year around here and I want to be able to enjoy leisurely reading the same trashy romance novels I already enjoy. There is absolutely no shame in my game, y'all.</p><p><b>2. Say yes to at least 5 things that make me uncomfortable. </b>Since starting Lawrence Lady Boss Project I have been fortunate to jump on board with lots of ideas and opportunities that otherwise would not have been presented to me. In 2021, I want to expand on that and say yes to 5 more things!</p><p><b>3. Write more. </b>Every year I say this. Every year I want to take the time and document the memories that my family will hopefully eventually look back on. And every year I prioritize other things. Not this year.</p><p><b>4. Return to in-person networking. </b> I put this as a goal but the reality is that it is 100% out of my control. That being said, I REALLY hope that 2021 gives us the opportunity to get back out there and be together.</p><p><b>5. Reach 100 rides on the Echelon.</b> I am still not loving it, as of now. But I am hoping to keep pushing on it until I am. This is a big year in our family with my sister getting married, and I want to look and feel my best. So I will keep moving and keep doing every day to get to the other side.</p><p>So that is that. Some of it is cliche and over used... but if I can hit at least 3 of these this year, I will be beyond happy.</p>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854302342303748377noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454858563624138264.post-33961327852289337912021-01-03T20:07:00.014-06:002021-01-03T20:36:28.867-06:00All that is left to say about 2020.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXW3AZWH0VeYA8AIlXH3Pz3szdFqpVrvbMYJy_e1CsFcDryth_ooB40is36IhUpWc5e3JS1i66AF_X6LYPm0G4ERUfNsUwxkMEX7DyeLW15UVR_ertr_WOjiMnESdg8bqjYNKic4tcwxwz/s960/IMG_1323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="852" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXW3AZWH0VeYA8AIlXH3Pz3szdFqpVrvbMYJy_e1CsFcDryth_ooB40is36IhUpWc5e3JS1i66AF_X6LYPm0G4ERUfNsUwxkMEX7DyeLW15UVR_ertr_WOjiMnESdg8bqjYNKic4tcwxwz/s16000/IMG_1323.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We made it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I last updated on life it was June of 2020. I was optimistic that Grace's return to school would be triumphant that fall and my husband would eventually relocate back to his work office. I was severely fooling myself to be completely real.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">COVID-19 turned into almost an entire year of giving, and it isn't even over yet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Throughout all of it we found our way and made lots of great memories along the way. Do I ever want to repeat a year like 2020? Hard no. But I am hoping we come out the other side of this with lots of life lessons we never quiet expected.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>JULY -</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU23kqgYQtnEOUUym3JUyDwyyYq0z1pkGTySCngjAcDdUiZGGmPJmNXXxX3LPv00OXpqPcLnvk2sbKeOuHpX2zXOeLY_bk1KMwzKOXVzeHxDzL5tJA4DT4Emsu9jGHejWRK_UB9ClOAU59/s1824/IMG_5938.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1824" data-original-width="1368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU23kqgYQtnEOUUym3JUyDwyyYq0z1pkGTySCngjAcDdUiZGGmPJmNXXxX3LPv00OXpqPcLnvk2sbKeOuHpX2zXOeLY_bk1KMwzKOXVzeHxDzL5tJA4DT4Emsu9jGHejWRK_UB9ClOAU59/s16000/IMG_5938.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHkuVJD5CxpUji9xWLC4XwJFW77a9A0tZohrFFljbOIdfPjoBWzuR_4yDhikVuOkE8cL4tqBN2l2xJyXHmmoKzxjDlsFC9wpzJAhRmmWtezPo_d6qA571V6HDR5_C4q7ZCkJCnIFG4TvO/s4032/IMG_5950.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHkuVJD5CxpUji9xWLC4XwJFW77a9A0tZohrFFljbOIdfPjoBWzuR_4yDhikVuOkE8cL4tqBN2l2xJyXHmmoKzxjDlsFC9wpzJAhRmmWtezPo_d6qA571V6HDR5_C4q7ZCkJCnIFG4TvO/s16000/IMG_5950.HEIC" /></a></div><p></p>July 4th was brought in at my parents lakehouse. A place we visited several times this summer and were very thankful to have as an escape when we just needed to get away from all that was happening in our community. Missouri, in general, handled the pandemic way different than our town did, but we were able to hole up in the house and spend our days on the lake. Someplace not as many were fortunate to have.<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizHPBJJKz7Dn1nFVoi-8aVADKqTWi0eKEuNSYKyw14M5gX9rPz-nMk2FOGK-BJA0g-G3B5aTNZAebGAHfN_W9OcnzuAVZpBe7wZQ2jaRTJ-8YcdfJ3x_U0at1D1wq8KATZGm6NrlhD_bEY/s4032/IMG_6048.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizHPBJJKz7Dn1nFVoi-8aVADKqTWi0eKEuNSYKyw14M5gX9rPz-nMk2FOGK-BJA0g-G3B5aTNZAebGAHfN_W9OcnzuAVZpBe7wZQ2jaRTJ-8YcdfJ3x_U0at1D1wq8KATZGm6NrlhD_bEY/s16000/IMG_6048.HEIC" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Grace lost her first tooth this summer and then proceeded to lose two more to date. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfTMUiyFSd-LECvei0ZnLgv88j0Cz3W8RtJ3bcPFBnme5CnlBHFXhtoGE8llqlO2FzPAjslY4K0Cn3f3iJGZnBwn9KsXoM0-woTzfSAGlpUk0uOOoiRjp-E17yx22VaVtLJ1A9ZWu4Jxr/s4032/IMG_6096.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfTMUiyFSd-LECvei0ZnLgv88j0Cz3W8RtJ3bcPFBnme5CnlBHFXhtoGE8llqlO2FzPAjslY4K0Cn3f3iJGZnBwn9KsXoM0-woTzfSAGlpUk0uOOoiRjp-E17yx22VaVtLJ1A9ZWu4Jxr/s16000/IMG_6096.HEIC" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: left;">Our van had to go through a recall inspection and ended up failing. What this led to was two months of driving a rental van while they waited for Chrysler to address the recalled part. Thankfully this is hopefully an issue that will not follow our van until its dying breath but to say it was a fun hassle this summer is a literal understatement. We were thankful to get our van back before the original November window that was quoted to us though.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH4O07GOhvGvkjwE6afJwy3YFxJW0q_LhBXjjspzHT3X1Xeu48KDBp5-VtXTX4lbXLib4Im366f9fNEAEeSfT8fCt9zjwvjqDr2ElwfEEdFDvwwqlGYHgVzHKfilrBKFxznxIyzXLUVNm2/s3511/Adjustments+Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2341" data-original-width="3511" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH4O07GOhvGvkjwE6afJwy3YFxJW0q_LhBXjjspzHT3X1Xeu48KDBp5-VtXTX4lbXLib4Im366f9fNEAEeSfT8fCt9zjwvjqDr2ElwfEEdFDvwwqlGYHgVzHKfilrBKFxznxIyzXLUVNm2/s16000/Adjustments+Copy.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-uAlSXLeS_8v6dsMDyAAK-0j7kVkz-n4ZMwM3661kpRo94vKCWfC04JaGOc5MxxYt0fRBE-XT1PQl3P4UKf7vWx1rpnjeLJxNuWXn_OVSssT3xM0zjMU7gjT1RQvK22UbV6_AtWFUFue/s4497/IMG_4401.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4497" data-original-width="2997" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-uAlSXLeS_8v6dsMDyAAK-0j7kVkz-n4ZMwM3661kpRo94vKCWfC04JaGOc5MxxYt0fRBE-XT1PQl3P4UKf7vWx1rpnjeLJxNuWXn_OVSssT3xM0zjMU7gjT1RQvK22UbV6_AtWFUFue/s16000/IMG_4401.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: left;">The girls and I took several trips out to various sunflower fields in the area. One of my favorite things that Kansas presents in the late summer/early fall is sunflowers. It is always an adventure getting there and my kids may not enjoy the dirt and heat. But it is worth it every time.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nxGM7y8FaiGcBTLcWYenXwq7r31ZPhiCctHycJvWFmnLu81PKYHhBCHuBkKsvbUzqLhFjeppHfKn_rP1N9tWPXyBshyphenhypheng7lN_Vc-EuCZ3kYesjIbrAiC9wPfmOU9_MaMtv5Ha2TCWHJbT/s3040/IMG_6289.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2280" data-original-width="3040" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nxGM7y8FaiGcBTLcWYenXwq7r31ZPhiCctHycJvWFmnLu81PKYHhBCHuBkKsvbUzqLhFjeppHfKn_rP1N9tWPXyBshyphenhypheng7lN_Vc-EuCZ3kYesjIbrAiC9wPfmOU9_MaMtv5Ha2TCWHJbT/s16000/IMG_6289.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgLW7D5d0P6Jk2lsHITzdx0Q8-UZgc6lQ5zDd6tXxa0GJE-XgeZeCWhX2-WJJmqMBB_El5BIKz5TGLqF5VxFEsHPDpdub8j1zAWLftAWt9y-e0RsPZ21NJV1sRS4gIzpyrrSPRVsmSmWp/s4898/IMG_6304.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3265" data-original-width="4898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgLW7D5d0P6Jk2lsHITzdx0Q8-UZgc6lQ5zDd6tXxa0GJE-XgeZeCWhX2-WJJmqMBB_El5BIKz5TGLqF5VxFEsHPDpdub8j1zAWLftAWt9y-e0RsPZ21NJV1sRS4gIzpyrrSPRVsmSmWp/s16000/IMG_6304.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: left;">In late July, Lawrence Lady Boss Project joined the Lawrence Chamber on a sponsored membership. I hosted my ribbon cutting in conjunction with a Virtual Networking Night Out hosted out of RPG and their amazing upstairs area. I've had my work cut out for me trying to find ways to pull off networking events during this pandemic. I'm not sure when my community is going to be ready to get back to in person networking, but I am hoping that 2021 will bring us all back together.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>AUGUST -</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBktMUl_3Sv4Kf8HN9EpIdrnk8ZrB73HHDsH1wWJ0eRkXgkPHpz1m_WSd1tegqEC8chVQts_UCTHtDmfsmeC5YqR_HNpIdoiAurUgqTnJ3ja2JFzKwxSPMZD6ZI8h5d6SyiPqYtiCMMrR/s3332/IMG_6345.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3332" data-original-width="2499" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBktMUl_3Sv4Kf8HN9EpIdrnk8ZrB73HHDsH1wWJ0eRkXgkPHpz1m_WSd1tegqEC8chVQts_UCTHtDmfsmeC5YqR_HNpIdoiAurUgqTnJ3ja2JFzKwxSPMZD6ZI8h5d6SyiPqYtiCMMrR/s16000/IMG_6345.HEIC" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: left;">We were fortunate to spend over a week visiting with Rob's grandparents as they stayed with us. There was baking and playing outside. Rob took his grandfather fishing and we enjoyed our time together. It is so special to me that the girls get to have a relationship with Rob's grandparents as all of mine have been gone for many years. We definitely don't take for granted our time with them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqEukMu8mL5n9ZODpqU2u3FI-cnql_oMzNy6qq3qu3tqfqXR9Zfh8OcLMlUskxerjC1qCUP8rwaD40XTf7gDpzhczxKxuG1us0e7_9JqKV8P12K4g4ogXHlSM1iJ9sIhdz1Fri8IUf8crA/s4032/IMG_6369.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqEukMu8mL5n9ZODpqU2u3FI-cnql_oMzNy6qq3qu3tqfqXR9Zfh8OcLMlUskxerjC1qCUP8rwaD40XTf7gDpzhczxKxuG1us0e7_9JqKV8P12K4g4ogXHlSM1iJ9sIhdz1Fri8IUf8crA/s16000/IMG_6369.HEIC" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3w_G-maBUS9NZziW3rCWOFlhLvxeEH1_um0ED-lzIWFo872Cv8FGPGlyMVrd0_PfszRe3L3ist5QgloNnflRKL12ITnOiD7m1pULHE69b2EAfCAMmuFOk0Mn4MhYXp5MWtEH_F8kdBFE1/s4032/IMG_6360.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3w_G-maBUS9NZziW3rCWOFlhLvxeEH1_um0ED-lzIWFo872Cv8FGPGlyMVrd0_PfszRe3L3ist5QgloNnflRKL12ITnOiD7m1pULHE69b2EAfCAMmuFOk0Mn4MhYXp5MWtEH_F8kdBFE1/s16000/IMG_6360.HEIC" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We took the ultimate plunge this summer and Rob opened his own hair salon in our bathroom. It was truly horrific in many ways but the girls ultimately really love their shorter hair. I believe I am still in mourning for all the long locks that are gone, but it couldn't last forever, and hopefully they will invite them back at some point.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4avCOmxsiK1OuKLrpDfzZO1mMmZQNJhLV22J1PiU66kmKDK4LJ-boFC27Yf-KaBp3pdCB6qZzNrmH8zybNT9sYEGZSEG6JxTGXbp5rgXoP8b9grmsQL4jvV0We74R6P43ZOxJ69v56Sog/s3759/IMG_6553.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3759" data-original-width="2819" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4avCOmxsiK1OuKLrpDfzZO1mMmZQNJhLV22J1PiU66kmKDK4LJ-boFC27Yf-KaBp3pdCB6qZzNrmH8zybNT9sYEGZSEG6JxTGXbp5rgXoP8b9grmsQL4jvV0We74R6P43ZOxJ69v56Sog/s16000/IMG_6553.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: left;">We also checked another Pandemic activity off of our list in the form of matching tie-dye. Then wore them at the same time at the lake, as you do.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>SEPTEMBER-</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9xpB-WYRzxrdn6THI6GD1GI8a2XqjYqhkJOf5NajIic2B6fv0zqhEDabffkudqC1AsfStC5BkNIMAMo1CCSqj8YlhhxqTmrT1VbIwtYMqaQq5nyQoGY8osZndIj5XNg4t_Hq7FqZ6mEH/s4032/IMG_6880.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9xpB-WYRzxrdn6THI6GD1GI8a2XqjYqhkJOf5NajIic2B6fv0zqhEDabffkudqC1AsfStC5BkNIMAMo1CCSqj8YlhhxqTmrT1VbIwtYMqaQq5nyQoGY8osZndIj5XNg4t_Hq7FqZ6mEH/s16000/IMG_6880.HEIC" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zs7cO20QBUBVjcx9zT6HR0zhHDxb6ME1nhl5EqHcoz0tuuNHLrOElSeMsDW_H4i3mHF6mT1P5Qs_f_UWpQEjKOJQC_ELZ2E4KKGgwLkWzwHQcm7MCs7byJGPJ0AqFR-Dm5WrKu36K1JP/s3853/IMG_6866.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3853" data-original-width="2890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zs7cO20QBUBVjcx9zT6HR0zhHDxb6ME1nhl5EqHcoz0tuuNHLrOElSeMsDW_H4i3mHF6mT1P5Qs_f_UWpQEjKOJQC_ELZ2E4KKGgwLkWzwHQcm7MCs7byJGPJ0AqFR-Dm5WrKu36K1JP/s16000/IMG_6866.HEIC" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: left;">We spent one relatively stuffy afternoon down at Union Station reliving the Super Bowl win that happened earlier this year, as hard as it is to believe. It was a great time out with one of my oldest friends, Kara.</div><br style="text-align: left;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEger03DKl_4ZcTLidlCwI6OxqOMNNAMlv1vciH7nXoibeLi_q03kY6tJhJS0pSxrNFC7TB8KL4E89f94wQbgcERorBclOwtWhDrmwuZY9_tpvf9dinOazUnfK27z008wQ3uOC3YeEgDEESQ/s3814/Adjustments+Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3814" data-original-width="2860" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEger03DKl_4ZcTLidlCwI6OxqOMNNAMlv1vciH7nXoibeLi_q03kY6tJhJS0pSxrNFC7TB8KL4E89f94wQbgcERorBclOwtWhDrmwuZY9_tpvf9dinOazUnfK27z008wQ3uOC3YeEgDEESQ/s16000/Adjustments+Copy.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOkpW2RkMuQ4MS5Mpa7pd-DfB27w2IT6WeFWATIUiKQR50fnUfZDJGjLzaOuQFSyn70fVdPHZgQfa6lNARDdDtj02DnVIdlePnDMHNYMSNfxBPUi09ULjW4BFGXI5icJskHlhECjzzeYz/s4032/IMG_6925.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOkpW2RkMuQ4MS5Mpa7pd-DfB27w2IT6WeFWATIUiKQR50fnUfZDJGjLzaOuQFSyn70fVdPHZgQfa6lNARDdDtj02DnVIdlePnDMHNYMSNfxBPUi09ULjW4BFGXI5icJskHlhECjzzeYz/s16000/IMG_6925.HEIC" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: left;">Grace finally went back to school in September. It looked a lot different than we expected. Our district decided to pursue a 100% virtual curriculum. Something out 1st grader found challenging at every turn. She's not reading yet and receives ELA Title services through our school. Not being in person ended up being a huge issue for us this fall. With Rob working from home, the other two girls at home playing and the rest of the comings and goings of our house, it was a challenge to keep her engaged with a screen for hours of the day. To this day we are still experiencing some virtual days - but our district has shifted to a hybrid schedule that means Grace is in her school building two times a week, and virtual the other two days with Wednesday being a mainly self-guided day. Something less than thrilling for us. This year has taught me just how thankful I am for the teachers in our district and our public school system when it operates in a normal compactly.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinX9BpowUxqffxJ-Y5Oi4IdEFBI5MtRLEGvgdp6sJSPM88QLvbhkK-sm9EIvZ7JH0Zs4Pu0xC9OrUUcUvntae36vNl4seAq6pjRiz9pjLKo2tQzG-NLNJQSqWB_r9CFQPf3GwJVWQ09kwn/s3024/IMG_6985.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinX9BpowUxqffxJ-Y5Oi4IdEFBI5MtRLEGvgdp6sJSPM88QLvbhkK-sm9EIvZ7JH0Zs4Pu0xC9OrUUcUvntae36vNl4seAq6pjRiz9pjLKo2tQzG-NLNJQSqWB_r9CFQPf3GwJVWQ09kwn/s16000/IMG_6985.HEIC" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFuIw0xbocXXmf9I3ezgMga2ruSFb90H_PfJlC2Us1A4o5PbQudoIdCgFbbhPMeD07VScLtk0GYQ57N_UDUJkruko4h2NTXLzfs9UtfHCw9mmS1eQl7wS_ebno7zZPM9U7-Ikg-za0_d0/s4032/IMG_7077.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFuIw0xbocXXmf9I3ezgMga2ruSFb90H_PfJlC2Us1A4o5PbQudoIdCgFbbhPMeD07VScLtk0GYQ57N_UDUJkruko4h2NTXLzfs9UtfHCw9mmS1eQl7wS_ebno7zZPM9U7-Ikg-za0_d0/s16000/IMG_7077.HEIC" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmwYofJXSo-YhtFz7KscpcxvY1raGQRn2AcMpibPKZbNTQ-OFIuIhVsw6oRSJHN2_CdvCWiCpxP37mBt-1K3Q5WADJ1ukuKqcGTq-NM3ovnWiRNfLQ_UHmhBj95f7GbzFAfK7JTaIuG0L/s4032/Adjustments+Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmwYofJXSo-YhtFz7KscpcxvY1raGQRn2AcMpibPKZbNTQ-OFIuIhVsw6oRSJHN2_CdvCWiCpxP37mBt-1K3Q5WADJ1ukuKqcGTq-NM3ovnWiRNfLQ_UHmhBj95f7GbzFAfK7JTaIuG0L/s16000/Adjustments+Copy.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We found a fun way to bring together some of the amazing boutiques here in town in September with a socially distanced shop crawl. I had 6 local boutiques participating and we had such a fun time. It was all in honor of National Women's Small Business Month and National Business Women's Day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48_lpydXqATSbN_xM7KG6rzfznkPbfWgGZoL5A08bRHC9GbSze69hP_3IgXPamWfb11XMSpYt2g-vJJGIExmmFLt4uL1mnNsY0cY7Z0ZchBU0Vumx0CumMw6okHGKh40d8e_j3G1SGHC1/s2048/IMG_7322.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48_lpydXqATSbN_xM7KG6rzfznkPbfWgGZoL5A08bRHC9GbSze69hP_3IgXPamWfb11XMSpYt2g-vJJGIExmmFLt4uL1mnNsY0cY7Z0ZchBU0Vumx0CumMw6okHGKh40d8e_j3G1SGHC1/s16000/IMG_7322.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was able to sneak away for an evening in Manhattan with my best friends from high school. We went to a vineyard and sat outside on the most gorgeous evening ever before grabbing dinner and parting ways. I am forever thankful for these women being in my life for all the years they have been at this point.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>OCTOBER -</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhr1jkOqIhGy4iNf8bYEXGyz5WokqgRaOdBoXDCPIfGgZwsK9sLkyyjOA4ukPDAomLVVhiQfuhSLOHzKDtEwdHaU3sgB333YXCrXh9iZD4UWMkczk4Nke6tzkIOJi_Ia9iE7ELX9K7jUVa/s2898/TBP_5597+Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2898" data-original-width="1990" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhr1jkOqIhGy4iNf8bYEXGyz5WokqgRaOdBoXDCPIfGgZwsK9sLkyyjOA4ukPDAomLVVhiQfuhSLOHzKDtEwdHaU3sgB333YXCrXh9iZD4UWMkczk4Nke6tzkIOJi_Ia9iE7ELX9K7jUVa/s16000/TBP_5597+Copy.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDl7H2T1tD-N9ejKrTvRfHlM3n0qFSG0uZb3y2gLSEEy5A_PG_fvK9vLdgmYj0PZRVirNaYDwkV_aFcbiMi6m9IXWHUlJcxf9_A6A3ytRKbRymgbM18bt1E7-4H_a56dkqK50JlYAjfdR-/s4826/TBP_5569.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3315" data-original-width="4826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDl7H2T1tD-N9ejKrTvRfHlM3n0qFSG0uZb3y2gLSEEy5A_PG_fvK9vLdgmYj0PZRVirNaYDwkV_aFcbiMi6m9IXWHUlJcxf9_A6A3ytRKbRymgbM18bt1E7-4H_a56dkqK50JlYAjfdR-/s16000/TBP_5569.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTFh-bmpBVYVoTQL1WdWy4zLYLO4CZN8HkXJx7tmiZyVDOg71jL8N8y0egsi7gylnDQ12oAvQUQBcdQJuE-jpqfsuYwqBIW8dGdNndLp08AMsRSsB7OimyONjOxKvi-rjmOyJZCtzcbkn/s4792/TBP_5326.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3338" data-original-width="4792" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTFh-bmpBVYVoTQL1WdWy4zLYLO4CZN8HkXJx7tmiZyVDOg71jL8N8y0egsi7gylnDQ12oAvQUQBcdQJuE-jpqfsuYwqBIW8dGdNndLp08AMsRSsB7OimyONjOxKvi-rjmOyJZCtzcbkn/s16000/TBP_5326.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: left;">Our entire family took advantage of one beautiful night at Baker Wetlands and got some updated family photos thanks to Trina Baker Photography. They are absolutely my very favorite photos to date even though Emily was an absolute turkey and would not cooperate, at all.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiip7qeMm2tFCoYd9Qe_GDP8XwIA3S-UzlDFCAJowZyMAnhc2cJRikunPEhUogM9ewoQq5WJp0lOB8Yl6PBpiPtnNSk75uuAuF3Is4M6HZfwfGco8X3AUmvX1Rr2wO6HlHcSC5moxWq_bcv/s3446/IMG_7483.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3446" data-original-width="2584" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiip7qeMm2tFCoYd9Qe_GDP8XwIA3S-UzlDFCAJowZyMAnhc2cJRikunPEhUogM9ewoQq5WJp0lOB8Yl6PBpiPtnNSk75uuAuF3Is4M6HZfwfGco8X3AUmvX1Rr2wO6HlHcSC5moxWq_bcv/s16000/IMG_7483.HEIC" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWuvXtHXkfDcZAwt9lBPVoNqkMXUGRDjlxxcKxLwl4qe1rgPr_Mc2FpWI4LCc9-1Lib-xTeNjxnbHM-rAVDeYG-vtp7xPGFB7_25o5CCn5hXDmZbMhMOlu6cImC981QrJ8yXay52GRtiZ_/s3518/IMG_7484.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3518" data-original-width="2638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWuvXtHXkfDcZAwt9lBPVoNqkMXUGRDjlxxcKxLwl4qe1rgPr_Mc2FpWI4LCc9-1Lib-xTeNjxnbHM-rAVDeYG-vtp7xPGFB7_25o5CCn5hXDmZbMhMOlu6cImC981QrJ8yXay52GRtiZ_/s16000/IMG_7484.HEIC" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhouykyJfVUNfVrapdkKbKEIpCHsFhchOruB9sl2zTjWyNDhZ4vwdzsgHxtmuPEl1Hr0WynyqTHfftztmXm9PUZOfgNg46WRP34rqRS7rfd1EHpgfSUdAinoq9Et4S4GU00KnWLt8X2ItH4/s3641/IMG_7485.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3641" data-original-width="2731" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhouykyJfVUNfVrapdkKbKEIpCHsFhchOruB9sl2zTjWyNDhZ4vwdzsgHxtmuPEl1Hr0WynyqTHfftztmXm9PUZOfgNg46WRP34rqRS7rfd1EHpgfSUdAinoq9Et4S4GU00KnWLt8X2ItH4/s16000/IMG_7485.HEIC" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: left;">One thing not cancelled this year? The pumpkin patch. More than enough space to spread out and see and do all the things that mark our standard fall traditions in this area. We got some pumpkins, and took all of the pictures. Thank goodness.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qdqqGK_kqP9j0Qzr6IinGa_bLH45gkNU5n4RfF6p5z32u6muFSLklJbgZMCrrHQhI0TH_VbtmBX6GF4CKD2nHsRIDszp8JuvEo5zYT3IgDwOzRTIACTrUQEzHIkvcOx55PuHO0pv3H_k/s3583/IMG_7658.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3583" data-original-width="2687" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qdqqGK_kqP9j0Qzr6IinGa_bLH45gkNU5n4RfF6p5z32u6muFSLklJbgZMCrrHQhI0TH_VbtmBX6GF4CKD2nHsRIDszp8JuvEo5zYT3IgDwOzRTIACTrUQEzHIkvcOx55PuHO0pv3H_k/s16000/IMG_7658.HEIC" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: left;">Prior to going back hybrid, we spent an evening out in front of the district offices helping the district realize that there were parents that wanted our kids back in person. As all the surrounding districts went back in person full time, ours was still seeing lots of push back from our school board. The bottom line is that the kids here will not go back to a full in-person schooling this year. Unfortunately in many ways that makes me feel like it is a loss for us this year, but what can ya do? All the other options are full and booked.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_7TQ1LHxo_HIeIZOaPwCRG_BOinlcS3mBs_3d0GRR48cHvtCw6KK3wuKutLZnc_AFSgVcCkFbposnUG-ApdDzYLw7fJO8g9GIxkX2UJeAcEtsPpBuhYnkWH67kefT0IrX3n_X4pVBJSg/s1237/IMG_7781.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="1237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_7TQ1LHxo_HIeIZOaPwCRG_BOinlcS3mBs_3d0GRR48cHvtCw6KK3wuKutLZnc_AFSgVcCkFbposnUG-ApdDzYLw7fJO8g9GIxkX2UJeAcEtsPpBuhYnkWH67kefT0IrX3n_X4pVBJSg/s16000/IMG_7781.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Networking wise, we wrapped up October and the She Means Business events with a Virtual Networking Night Out. Its as a great way to see National Women's Small Business month go.</div><br style="text-align: left;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmo7rJzXSMnoOB24DxDJOeiLElYs_s7Nkp1PGEk9jDy6M3DMBGNeBlfATVsYZSEM1UKPfnYk8tL1vdTWMhSfPUiLBnTNFCa3MrTiZfOWL2nHA_zdZX8ZZHr-8epotBSGRkIAa-xhEVJLE/s4032/IMG_0107+Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmo7rJzXSMnoOB24DxDJOeiLElYs_s7Nkp1PGEk9jDy6M3DMBGNeBlfATVsYZSEM1UKPfnYk8tL1vdTWMhSfPUiLBnTNFCa3MrTiZfOWL2nHA_zdZX8ZZHr-8epotBSGRkIAa-xhEVJLE/s16000/IMG_0107+Copy.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkuqsVQ62RT_-8Ya4c0JnGMa1Tv2LZsWMOa5h_JiHlGmeLBJstfoxPBYs8pGSj7f0mgEsuQJnm3KT8AK6-SQVaYKTw3WbmSjfc5lFjFOubYsoi_XxKRJ-cqvjXW2E3Jdd6bd74jnqo6sCF/s4032/IMG_0106+Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkuqsVQ62RT_-8Ya4c0JnGMa1Tv2LZsWMOa5h_JiHlGmeLBJstfoxPBYs8pGSj7f0mgEsuQJnm3KT8AK6-SQVaYKTw3WbmSjfc5lFjFOubYsoi_XxKRJ-cqvjXW2E3Jdd6bd74jnqo6sCF/s16000/IMG_0106+Copy.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CIxoEQysioBmHnL886_LnDyR5Ma-FYww5RPjOFSUKI0IKlyXT6JK7AYpPJP20DhZXmZA4rTj9Fg_Iy4svH66y0OjQRTraZ0Ui-xkwgu8qX9IjZ58cn1TWqw7TAgIQHo4UBq15Kh1hnaW/s4032/IMG_0105+Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CIxoEQysioBmHnL886_LnDyR5Ma-FYww5RPjOFSUKI0IKlyXT6JK7AYpPJP20DhZXmZA4rTj9Fg_Iy4svH66y0OjQRTraZ0Ui-xkwgu8qX9IjZ58cn1TWqw7TAgIQHo4UBq15Kh1hnaW/s16000/IMG_0105+Copy.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: left;">Halloween was another thing not cancelled this year. It was different, to say the least, but we still took advantage of what our community had to offer. The girls trick or treated and we had fun seeing what some of our neighbors had come up with as stand ins for handing out candy. As for us? We put the candy on a table and let the kids grab it themselves.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>NOVEMBER - </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5TudDF5bTY1Pv1WnLjvJbGAEcaxxhckJ-gjfGbYwkbXVQHfxTHQN1wjQ4_b22tRSGEwVi8Ymnu1I9227dXiR4J3Hir3261FxmZnO2s5sH7SHxxRm6EoKDqiAg07rW1e0Tw96PhdUp3FOs/s2876/IMG_0193_jpg.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2876" data-original-width="2876" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5TudDF5bTY1Pv1WnLjvJbGAEcaxxhckJ-gjfGbYwkbXVQHfxTHQN1wjQ4_b22tRSGEwVi8Ymnu1I9227dXiR4J3Hir3261FxmZnO2s5sH7SHxxRm6EoKDqiAg07rW1e0Tw96PhdUp3FOs/s16000/IMG_0193_jpg.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We watched our days go by with the most gorgeous leaves, ever. The girls loved playing in them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGTTBe6wvmItF1MijhjtCRAKTkpCjKXtIxR_VKJkQnybe-tLUapx1RlDW1mSdf7YqJzNIiysBV7g0RXspe0D7-WSiF-ObqRctblSqFOhcPXjGIdh8C2szP3JDN-V0ZPOyO6a2X6A2ZI8r/s4032/IMG_0443+Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGTTBe6wvmItF1MijhjtCRAKTkpCjKXtIxR_VKJkQnybe-tLUapx1RlDW1mSdf7YqJzNIiysBV7g0RXspe0D7-WSiF-ObqRctblSqFOhcPXjGIdh8C2szP3JDN-V0ZPOyO6a2X6A2ZI8r/s16000/IMG_0443+Copy.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_FDmvJG_zCiXoiUSMeUoK7MWhlZp5j0Jmq1wJ3PPcu35lDJuREu3ThSp5FLXXxprfQQE_ZhtTXA_S_BshC9yTiYzIXeh83fdnfW5vA8e9l4jyxBltLjkVyrooiZ7Qth5ZdvaPlGuKdvX/s4032/IMG_0773.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_FDmvJG_zCiXoiUSMeUoK7MWhlZp5j0Jmq1wJ3PPcu35lDJuREu3ThSp5FLXXxprfQQE_ZhtTXA_S_BshC9yTiYzIXeh83fdnfW5vA8e9l4jyxBltLjkVyrooiZ7Qth5ZdvaPlGuKdvX/s16000/IMG_0773.HEIC" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Perhaps the biggest news of 2020 was that we added chickens to our crazy! We ordered 5 Black Australorps. Unfortunately, one little lady did not survive the transition. So we ended with our 4 girls. This has been such an adventure and I think we are all enjoying these little ladies and the fun that comes with having chickens. Even though they are REALLY starting to stink up our laundry room at this point.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKfxzbwVEv1glbMDvjgH5i_HcuctDv5LRLnkbQI2qPleAe3IuJ_Ycf3wzBqIBjb19kmnEVn3yCYZx3bKBiRP9zovMGi1BCG0yYPymYz0vKD6IWrbk0gN59XZWNwToeKFyNj89-Eb5qqidV/s3109/20201126_133243.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2332" data-original-width="3109" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKfxzbwVEv1glbMDvjgH5i_HcuctDv5LRLnkbQI2qPleAe3IuJ_Ycf3wzBqIBjb19kmnEVn3yCYZx3bKBiRP9zovMGi1BCG0yYPymYz0vKD6IWrbk0gN59XZWNwToeKFyNj89-Eb5qqidV/s16000/20201126_133243.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: left;">For Thanksgiving we hosted our circle of people that we have socially been around for the last few months. It was a great night full of food, Cards Against Humanity and so much laugher. We so enjoyed our time with our people.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>DECEMBER-</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfqPQGmpBWnUkULGvlHX7seryzKQx6mlj98vksKB6I2FuX3xKI0-MAufUWhFlHNa6iHB5yQrzjMzTxVYkyBhJMXCeq0e7LwTVcu8ce4UMG28up7KP9oKmJFB5jVWZunv-HI8oM8V8vQWRP/s3088/IMG_0812+Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfqPQGmpBWnUkULGvlHX7seryzKQx6mlj98vksKB6I2FuX3xKI0-MAufUWhFlHNa6iHB5yQrzjMzTxVYkyBhJMXCeq0e7LwTVcu8ce4UMG28up7KP9oKmJFB5jVWZunv-HI8oM8V8vQWRP/s16000/IMG_0812+Copy.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: left;">The first part of December brought in the last networking event of 2020. We hosted another Holiday Shop Crawl and unfortunately we had to make it virtual because of the state of our community. It was still a lot of fun to be out showing off some of the fun holiday options available at local boutiques. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-VwBgAglP_dLD36Nb9sWWs4mt5E52o_q5WutVZ6Sa8JaJ_p_6DvoEbY6h4Stfe0K6Lb3xAhG3fLBAzTJUSOGTsZ0kfqqKi3KuFgObiVL3PhXlIklqxLq4-q1C8Giz8WDWCRmGfVCp_ra/s4032/IMG_0894.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-VwBgAglP_dLD36Nb9sWWs4mt5E52o_q5WutVZ6Sa8JaJ_p_6DvoEbY6h4Stfe0K6Lb3xAhG3fLBAzTJUSOGTsZ0kfqqKi3KuFgObiVL3PhXlIklqxLq4-q1C8Giz8WDWCRmGfVCp_ra/s16000/IMG_0894.HEIC" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcE9EIR6bqvYi6Z7OSMiVO03UNo2nFelvsul1hBoZC8Fh1mcmYZYE39sr0VDD1NSMvqavpY97caHyI2XfwjHXuIgZx8HSic0yXbwQASivuO5P84U4SZDCgAADM01S3CmnVaYBTm2Ripb2/s4032/IMG_1053+Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcE9EIR6bqvYi6Z7OSMiVO03UNo2nFelvsul1hBoZC8Fh1mcmYZYE39sr0VDD1NSMvqavpY97caHyI2XfwjHXuIgZx8HSic0yXbwQASivuO5P84U4SZDCgAADM01S3CmnVaYBTm2Ripb2/s16000/IMG_1053+Copy.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My sister and her boyfriend got engaged! Then she went and found her dress almost right away. I am so excited for the next year and all it has to offer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhOIY4kuA7NAuknWWpltu4SnQE0oG9B0IclswVanfexcrYzhU1T26aXs8eBcgszDSZIjCIosba3Ri_YWpY_znMLJvNQADSeMG1LlbDyDxtA_riUH5Uqz8ds1y_A2hUMhe3fDIWHSeMFcE/s4032/IMG_0927.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhOIY4kuA7NAuknWWpltu4SnQE0oG9B0IclswVanfexcrYzhU1T26aXs8eBcgszDSZIjCIosba3Ri_YWpY_znMLJvNQADSeMG1LlbDyDxtA_riUH5Uqz8ds1y_A2hUMhe3fDIWHSeMFcE/s16000/IMG_0927.HEIC" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98DIlAoTHiBu7SYcHjaMSsbbh9OaSOjh0ByZhpLdQxPP4vROjFjCCXpi5OPe5BVBNGk_78W1lSojPdyUqGsAW1RwP5kV_V5inPBqRHiqkwgkDR7tBNe626TlQ7MdDCW_GrZUegIZr1nc_/s2732/269F98A7-A317-4330-BEA4-AA4B6FB7E2A2+Copy+Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2732" data-original-width="2732" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98DIlAoTHiBu7SYcHjaMSsbbh9OaSOjh0ByZhpLdQxPP4vROjFjCCXpi5OPe5BVBNGk_78W1lSojPdyUqGsAW1RwP5kV_V5inPBqRHiqkwgkDR7tBNe626TlQ7MdDCW_GrZUegIZr1nc_/s16000/269F98A7-A317-4330-BEA4-AA4B6FB7E2A2+Copy+Copy.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: left;">Perhaps one of the coolest things to come to our town during the pandemic was the Snowglobe Popup Christmas bar downtown. I got to go for brunch with one of my good friends and it was so good and so fun.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2dCxZ0pwHZokYeV3IMSCtPBaO3baYNVQadsxgdBMhU1crZDia_CKWlHblTsEDHvt5Ix044KBz13HqKJHoRM3Dq7ah8mLZvZ8B_eGoGhn3I3GXSiZUNis-4SrkepmhNUlSCho05C1lWjr/s2878/IMG_0933+Copy+Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2158" data-original-width="2878" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2dCxZ0pwHZokYeV3IMSCtPBaO3baYNVQadsxgdBMhU1crZDia_CKWlHblTsEDHvt5Ix044KBz13HqKJHoRM3Dq7ah8mLZvZ8B_eGoGhn3I3GXSiZUNis-4SrkepmhNUlSCho05C1lWjr/s16000/IMG_0933+Copy+Copy.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn734lafyx-RP7Itf200fo87c5h-C3OaCq3zSole34idzcxLlhjdqanskLkkE8OSM3Ieomn4CESJ9NCfQkoqR2_o5Efg7sreF7M8iDzAh1GdWWlPyTdlq5B0ZHRJvPf12ODSBJ0ENzC5X4/s1250/IMG_0950.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="1250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn734lafyx-RP7Itf200fo87c5h-C3OaCq3zSole34idzcxLlhjdqanskLkkE8OSM3Ieomn4CESJ9NCfQkoqR2_o5Efg7sreF7M8iDzAh1GdWWlPyTdlq5B0ZHRJvPf12ODSBJ0ENzC5X4/s16000/IMG_0950.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: left;">Christmas was another holiday not ruined by Covid. One of the best parts of this whole pandemic has been seeing the fun ways people have gotten creative with making things happen. Our local indoor play space hosted Santa this year in an appointment only, behind a Plexiglas set up. The girls were so pumped.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_hNPL2Jp_p9vhT9ZZUsAE9SjXCUm2MA096-dFXRryiW6fF3iX2fV3tsmRwn4fkRTmsEHIqQPahlKQfsrKrHCAGUUi1F2s-JXyP8pe2hvjIc-tbpT7c2iOG8XKdQz-xFT-AVgWjLEexxu/s3174/IMG_1128+Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2389" data-original-width="3174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_hNPL2Jp_p9vhT9ZZUsAE9SjXCUm2MA096-dFXRryiW6fF3iX2fV3tsmRwn4fkRTmsEHIqQPahlKQfsrKrHCAGUUi1F2s-JXyP8pe2hvjIc-tbpT7c2iOG8XKdQz-xFT-AVgWjLEexxu/s16000/IMG_1128+Copy.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We were blessed this year to get to see both sides of the family. We spent 48 hours with Rob's family and got to see almost all of his siblings and all of our sweet nephews. It is a challenge to get things all lined up, but we made it happen and it was so much fun for our kids and everyone.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gj_LUjiCv7ZfscZz4DTx9iLFkKlCZ6yWbp7PCggGc_SWbSIcTyGr0P55lQnfc7rdpG8YCDv-ZAz2eYSDnoFQ_FZ-wAOUtdXgKqTT6Qpb38OMoRp01tDmPvUjL-5k1r7pml8YblLEpWiZ/s3567/IMG_1249+Copy+Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3567" data-original-width="2675" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gj_LUjiCv7ZfscZz4DTx9iLFkKlCZ6yWbp7PCggGc_SWbSIcTyGr0P55lQnfc7rdpG8YCDv-ZAz2eYSDnoFQ_FZ-wAOUtdXgKqTT6Qpb38OMoRp01tDmPvUjL-5k1r7pml8YblLEpWiZ/s16000/IMG_1249+Copy+Copy.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-vFrgM1j2fGwx2E1yii0hC13NzvNCEukbD3Ktf_qeN7K4qSaQwqhTaYakrx4PhkiG3o1BaXeXCk-ENbXRRrIsuyHFMemX7zKlD1MivRmD-AhQbuvAN78crvf9lKhEBakUgfsGBni_1wQ/s3717/IMG_1211+Copy+Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3717" data-original-width="2787" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-vFrgM1j2fGwx2E1yii0hC13NzvNCEukbD3Ktf_qeN7K4qSaQwqhTaYakrx4PhkiG3o1BaXeXCk-ENbXRRrIsuyHFMemX7zKlD1MivRmD-AhQbuvAN78crvf9lKhEBakUgfsGBni_1wQ/s16000/IMG_1211+Copy+Copy.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw8nRZsdBdJcNlmBg00lT2TbGdyfn9SfUsZco8XlK5mFhXMm8E0riukdlQKTc-9FtIe0oZNY4xTOOHyBONO4qsq00wfuPLyHb5mIOa2LecGCWsGTAtJz1CB1hJhtQH5yeSAB2LuCkUEFGp/s3088/IMG_1198.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw8nRZsdBdJcNlmBg00lT2TbGdyfn9SfUsZco8XlK5mFhXMm8E0riukdlQKTc-9FtIe0oZNY4xTOOHyBONO4qsq00wfuPLyHb5mIOa2LecGCWsGTAtJz1CB1hJhtQH5yeSAB2LuCkUEFGp/s16000/IMG_1198.HEIC" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We wrapped up our Christmas actives with my side of the family. I think we had some happy girls by the end of things and we were all wiped out otherwise so a success it was.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjyevYdnriHRS8SGhlS8BqHgntbzqD9iLMVItREUuF1GNJYlOZc0TSiUr_DXBd5YjBVX-wDXybgmGFc_gEgHd8wsA7GGLpioet8HjWSN0Ci3NTkUH3QMyV-_4zVgl9rAv8pF_Y6edhma-/s3256/IMG_1298+Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2442" data-original-width="3256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjyevYdnriHRS8SGhlS8BqHgntbzqD9iLMVItREUuF1GNJYlOZc0TSiUr_DXBd5YjBVX-wDXybgmGFc_gEgHd8wsA7GGLpioet8HjWSN0Ci3NTkUH3QMyV-_4zVgl9rAv8pF_Y6edhma-/s16000/IMG_1298+Copy.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had one amazing day where the temperature was above average and the chickens got the first taste of the great outdoors. Here in the New Year they will head outside and we will miss having them inside, but we will not miss their smell.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-43B5SM_TKN5NNFVaS7JwoTK6OpiHlJ5vcMFiWGDZyW5moG_xpekHA1LMs3Yhv9iAlUFE4O8IWZxdA7fx7M04DC3Woi15n5ol7ilxt-9b1z5D1-9S88tjTGzPsl2rTmHXpVNW9CqDDG4i/s4032/IMG_1384.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-43B5SM_TKN5NNFVaS7JwoTK6OpiHlJ5vcMFiWGDZyW5moG_xpekHA1LMs3Yhv9iAlUFE4O8IWZxdA7fx7M04DC3Woi15n5ol7ilxt-9b1z5D1-9S88tjTGzPsl2rTmHXpVNW9CqDDG4i/s16000/IMG_1384.HEIC" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And finally - happy New Year from our family to yours.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854302342303748377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454858563624138264.post-69208761266566859352020-11-30T11:02:00.003-06:002020-11-30T11:07:20.157-06:00Dressing up for the holidays | WITH SHINESTY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-kyNgymq3676OCZigLoX-lCVVxYF7qCZMcZKWP_ydjFdpnXdTYNGYNFSKuhKONjZBrCxhGVXRMhYLE4oSByozeabJNTKVURyIGk8KdjxlhpCgkRztwu9xAEfxGATsAa1IYVlUK-eJXnu/s1701/731C4AEC-FD93-4EDA-A48A-3C47F5A82DEC.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1701" data-original-width="1133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-kyNgymq3676OCZigLoX-lCVVxYF7qCZMcZKWP_ydjFdpnXdTYNGYNFSKuhKONjZBrCxhGVXRMhYLE4oSByozeabJNTKVURyIGk8KdjxlhpCgkRztwu9xAEfxGATsAa1IYVlUK-eJXnu/s16000/731C4AEC-FD93-4EDA-A48A-3C47F5A82DEC.JPG" /></a></div><p>I am back with one of my favorite companies to work with... the one and only <a href="https://www.shinesty.com">SHINESTY</a>. You may remember them because everything they put out is the most unique and guaranteed to make you stand out at any of your holiday parties. "We created Shinesty for one reason and one reason only:
To bring you the most outlandish collection of clothing the world has ever seen." Mission accomplished.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlVPGU8rKZuU-lbk2r472UbIhM5A8BGAPUh8XiOVVzupnc6UGyh3nrv7bNM0MKAaTqbv1AaIc6ygIo-rcbvL13HNDObD5uyzLS8hCEKoun_ZtTLbTyAppuTV2dOhgzqflUgnBrYE-hrnP/s1641/49CBFA0F-2FB5-4791-B67E-240DC43E9C1C.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1641" data-original-width="1094" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlVPGU8rKZuU-lbk2r472UbIhM5A8BGAPUh8XiOVVzupnc6UGyh3nrv7bNM0MKAaTqbv1AaIc6ygIo-rcbvL13HNDObD5uyzLS8hCEKoun_ZtTLbTyAppuTV2dOhgzqflUgnBrYE-hrnP/s16000/49CBFA0F-2FB5-4791-B67E-240DC43E9C1C.JPG" /></a></div><p><a href="https://www.somewhereoverthecamo.com/2019/12/christmas-pajama-traditions-with.html" target="_blank">LAST YEAR I FEATURED THESE HOLIDAY PAJAMAS.</a>. I STILL rock those this year because they are some of the best quality pajamas I have ever owned. This year though? This year they sent me a holiday dress. Even though I am not yet sure if I will have anywhere to wear it... the quality is there and the print is without a doubt holiday spirit quality. It even has pockets, y'all. </p><p>I've definitely found my new Christmas sweater replacement. I am in the size XXL and <a href="https://www.shinesty.com/products/the-dapper-doily-turtleneck-dress" target="_blank">THIS DRESS</a> is currently on sale for $34.99 - 50% off!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuByLeKzQ74kdsFpU2d3LVzynUapTUTlP3tRF5oXWN-e19e-Obv8W18nXAeFwnD-n3XC8-BZg_r6gSHc06LHAcj85dz0T91bmLiVOy-6yg_IaG5FiPsW4citXO6RCZBkfiYB4hpTDVmSe8/s2048/40B8768D-2DDF-4873-8485-C632E402AD55.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuByLeKzQ74kdsFpU2d3LVzynUapTUTlP3tRF5oXWN-e19e-Obv8W18nXAeFwnD-n3XC8-BZg_r6gSHc06LHAcj85dz0T91bmLiVOy-6yg_IaG5FiPsW4citXO6RCZBkfiYB4hpTDVmSe8/s16000/40B8768D-2DDF-4873-8485-C632E402AD55.JPG" /></a></div><p>Dress it up, or dress it down. I can guarantee you will find <a href="https://www.shinesty.com/collections/womens-ugly-christmas-dresses-and-clothing" target="_blank">AN OUTFIT TO WEAR TO ANY OF YOUR HOLIDAY PARTIES</a>. Or gift your husband some of their boxers. Or pick out pajamas for the whole family. </p><p>Through the end of the day today they are offering up to 50% money back on any purchase as part of their Cyber Monday deals. I promise you... you will find something you have to add to your holiday outfit collection.</p><p><b>What print are you loving?</b></p><p><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">I received this dress in exchange for this honest review. All opinions are my own.</span></i></p>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854302342303748377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454858563624138264.post-62658114574315279592020-06-30T10:59:00.001-05:002020-06-30T10:59:18.266-05:00So far this PANDEMIC...I seriously never thought the word pandemic would become our everyday reality. I never imagined living through what 2020 has so far brought us. It's chaos. It is quite literally history in the making. Which is something else entirely.<br />
<br />
We have learned a lot during this pandemic. Namely, I am SO glad our kids are the age they are. While we missed the end of kindergarten for Grace and part of Brooke's first year of preschool... they aren't really super affected by everything going on. They know there is a "sickness" and that we can't go about our business as normal. But they don't miss the things that older kids are missing. SO I am beyond grateful for that part of it.<br />
<br />
Rob has learned that working from home is a trip when you have 3 young kids at home. For his position and who his peers are, most people are significantly older and past this stage in life. His co-workers have become used to Emily barging in mid-meeting just to cuddle up next to daddy. Definitely not ideal, but you do what you can. We will be sad to see daddy go back to work, but mama would be lying if she said she isn't ready. Rob and I have always thrived off of not being around each other all the time, something the military helped establish in us (long distance dating, deployment, long days at work, etc.)... at this point, I am ready for him to leave, so we can have the coming home.<br />
<br />
As for me? I have learned that I decided not to pursue elementary education for a reason. Which was absolutely the right call. Teaching my kiddo was hard and not ideal. We made it through for sure, but some days I wondered about it all. Again - going back to the glad she was only finishing up kindergarten side of things. In general, I have battled my anxiety something fierce. Fear of the unknown is hard for a planner like myself. I like to know what and when to expect things and needless to say that is impossible during a pandemic. I have struggled through bad days and a lack of routine and through acknowledging that I am struggling, I have found a little bit of a reprieve.<br />
<br />
Someday we will look back at this chapter in our life and it will (hopefully) be hard to believe our times were like this. We will not remember all the small details that led to bigger things.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBoFfaGoF4yCn3msFT2KY6aFawnpR6RUGRFp57UjGjBP1WEF1SXNzcDaOpAI2PTdNIDgoYLV_u1rnEQTLkgZ5H-yfRBdm-i2ue33eiKCxLadiIQ30kf9pBY5SPNK1qrG_FBPd8M85VizUN/s1600/IMG_3858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBoFfaGoF4yCn3msFT2KY6aFawnpR6RUGRFp57UjGjBP1WEF1SXNzcDaOpAI2PTdNIDgoYLV_u1rnEQTLkgZ5H-yfRBdm-i2ue33eiKCxLadiIQ30kf9pBY5SPNK1qrG_FBPd8M85VizUN/s1600/IMG_3858.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivhwEH1OT2cBi_m8C-IxLk5QINDL0xApaxupet4_-DcuP_sqDfc5rpevhomkPJMQAh-K9-p3O3wuFfZzreo0V7Cr2N_pFP_dZ0f82ynO7RAMK6pnU1_cpuD1ejIUDJmSgiToaBUZIZsNzl/s1600/IMG_3839.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivhwEH1OT2cBi_m8C-IxLk5QINDL0xApaxupet4_-DcuP_sqDfc5rpevhomkPJMQAh-K9-p3O3wuFfZzreo0V7Cr2N_pFP_dZ0f82ynO7RAMK6pnU1_cpuD1ejIUDJmSgiToaBUZIZsNzl/s1600/IMG_3839.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
Our last adventure before Kansas went under a stay-at-home order was to see our sweet friends Heather and Lucy and spend the day at the Topeka Zoo. We managed to get in almost a full spring break before things went completely sideways. I will forever remember sitting at lunch with Heather and watching as KU cancelled sporting events and the NBA cancelled their season. It was surreal. We left thinking, this may be our last time together for awhile. Not truly understanding what was on our way. The next day the girls and I went to the store one last time and that was our last visit into a store for almost two months.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrt2pDr3yTFwDrlBX7Jue6XZEXs_yFDGhxCrsuCI0kuLyafPUSnIdGoB0uV5XP7fxHNWAqjkWJs-i-DRxvdMqO3mf7b_q37Mzp903YxV-hYRPU10j0woGxcdUoxsJ02gDUJ3LnYt9WHcA/s1600/IMG_3924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrt2pDr3yTFwDrlBX7Jue6XZEXs_yFDGhxCrsuCI0kuLyafPUSnIdGoB0uV5XP7fxHNWAqjkWJs-i-DRxvdMqO3mf7b_q37Mzp903YxV-hYRPU10j0woGxcdUoxsJ02gDUJ3LnYt9WHcA/s1600/IMG_3924.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
We celebrated St. Patrick's Day a day late. The nice part of being in a pandemic is you can do whatever you want basically. Nobody is there to tell your kids it is not actually SPD. Rob and I also celebrated 10 years of marriage. Through all of this we started making an effort to "date" again. Having all these kids, dating is not a priority. So we would put the kids to bed and then sit outside with a steak and a board game. It was a nice way to force us to pay attention to just us for awhile.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fj7U6Ib70VnpSB44gzXDwTRQIupWD1JyOMgEh_4eG7qDMGYw9rK8PPFc1gJEjPASRaxmiZakfkUjtrXaGmONtl997qJhKM2tOaFLKhBIvjsBRkRkSa7pe-LYPhqnrFtnWFO3UVRnDP0E/s1600/A4B72DBD-5990-4387-8B47-B509993F9372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fj7U6Ib70VnpSB44gzXDwTRQIupWD1JyOMgEh_4eG7qDMGYw9rK8PPFc1gJEjPASRaxmiZakfkUjtrXaGmONtl997qJhKM2tOaFLKhBIvjsBRkRkSa7pe-LYPhqnrFtnWFO3UVRnDP0E/s1600/A4B72DBD-5990-4387-8B47-B509993F9372.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
The girls became masters of Facetiming family. This was our first Facetime call with my parents. My kids missed their grandparents, a lot. So thank heavens for technology so we can actually keep up with them. Imagine doing this back in 1918 with the Spanish flu.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGszRlxp-fllo3dHWEFDqqLxz8Rsd9RQCjseKX_N5SW8cub4ecS9j7PXOnCJFiUGR6JYxg0Av4HZBKxzfEU3Zbu7hqGMezPSEwCLut9XPcHEgzpmxJmJbuwpSBHTeZ7EccXtdWpZ-0X8_2/s1600/5A230966-7A23-49D2-9375-D27644FA6D16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGszRlxp-fllo3dHWEFDqqLxz8Rsd9RQCjseKX_N5SW8cub4ecS9j7PXOnCJFiUGR6JYxg0Av4HZBKxzfEU3Zbu7hqGMezPSEwCLut9XPcHEgzpmxJmJbuwpSBHTeZ7EccXtdWpZ-0X8_2/s1600/5A230966-7A23-49D2-9375-D27644FA6D16.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Grace's school did a drive-by parade with teachers and staff from her elementary school. Her smile was huge and she loved seeing her teacher. Sometimes I don't think she really realizes that she will not be in Mrs. D's class anymore. Shoot, at this point we don't even know what the next school year is going to look like.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUn5sQc6g1WeRTrdAszTPpLxeQB6QYYyDX_9o_fiA0epIbvJKPlqNM6F9mAgvBy_Q1GI0iYuKCRCpbvc1N4XNhm-lE6vLUJXDFzxiVoVffYk8DlAQ8boIok7499SAJUs6fYYRyqs5seuf/s1600/IMG_4030.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="739" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUn5sQc6g1WeRTrdAszTPpLxeQB6QYYyDX_9o_fiA0epIbvJKPlqNM6F9mAgvBy_Q1GI0iYuKCRCpbvc1N4XNhm-lE6vLUJXDFzxiVoVffYk8DlAQ8boIok7499SAJUs6fYYRyqs5seuf/s1600/IMG_4030.PNG" /></a></div>
<br />
My friends and I spent one evening on a friendship date. We swore up and down that we would do it more often and as I type this... it is the only one we managed to do. We chatted for hours and laughed so much I went to bed with a sore belly. I miss my friends, something fierce.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6a6xx6vyhrNk17OrN_PbTsJGYQVVay3Bw3FCVMrDJ3EKTEu0XPUp4LM3kiutF0IcFhop71Q9GOCEyXcua78Za8MVFA4lU099knQ9qw31MZGIAQUg0MGqLXVa0NVTP-4ljhMGiumM5JSj/s1600/IMG_4061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6a6xx6vyhrNk17OrN_PbTsJGYQVVay3Bw3FCVMrDJ3EKTEu0XPUp4LM3kiutF0IcFhop71Q9GOCEyXcua78Za8MVFA4lU099knQ9qw31MZGIAQUg0MGqLXVa0NVTP-4ljhMGiumM5JSj/s1600/IMG_4061.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Emily turned 2 during this pandemic. We originally had a birthday party scheduled for her and Brooke but canceled it in favor of a small social distancing gathering with my parents and my sister. They came over with some gifts and we kept it super simple. Every one of my kids has been short changed when it comes to their second birthday, it is almost becoming the norm at this point.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7E9cRaoNF_o0LvEvLN_lA0t5e1V1L1mlhNlqaQf1ntwDg63y5uptpDGR-mgSFpeRlUxt_GHjiXs_LDUUXZ_q29FQdVpUrhyphenhyphenIFT0WX7oh8ykH7abLReTvzJUEPwZBO0tYlJyBNORxyVtqK/s1600/IMG_4087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7E9cRaoNF_o0LvEvLN_lA0t5e1V1L1mlhNlqaQf1ntwDg63y5uptpDGR-mgSFpeRlUxt_GHjiXs_LDUUXZ_q29FQdVpUrhyphenhyphenIFT0WX7oh8ykH7abLReTvzJUEPwZBO0tYlJyBNORxyVtqK/s1600/IMG_4087.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9qn0X_gzuW1oDjXyd2nKEoOYtIu8vjozQ8ta_ZBF8uLbPKxnmNSh77vzIAQOGVAtOx3r7Rz8Rzv2Gpj2e_9uxUza95vFDVKZ6ftNWL6uRAmRW-LfNDN4UsDYQftAlC3Cx_Spd5qJi1Li/s1600/IMG_4101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9qn0X_gzuW1oDjXyd2nKEoOYtIu8vjozQ8ta_ZBF8uLbPKxnmNSh77vzIAQOGVAtOx3r7Rz8Rzv2Gpj2e_9uxUza95vFDVKZ6ftNWL6uRAmRW-LfNDN4UsDYQftAlC3Cx_Spd5qJi1Li/s1600/IMG_4101.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
The next day was Brooke's 4th birthday. Rob set out on a mission to make the day extra special for our four year old. She was very aware that her birthday party was not going on as she had planned. She asked for a long list of random and fun activities (daddy painting her toenails, mudding in daddy's truck, pizza for dinner, etc). At the end of the day she proclaimed it her "best birthday ever"!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqEc8Pa66hvIh8G8xygFwLzKLdYpPQYyLkuZ6D4pmSHLlLYcmz52LRnYUSaBPnAHHQ5A6qorePgH7g4dyj6eea9vhbHjjlEYBz2yIB1mDRp5awuh6IWDDQMP4B8qD6ZMN8b7hAMr2n6W8/s1600/Adjustments+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqEc8Pa66hvIh8G8xygFwLzKLdYpPQYyLkuZ6D4pmSHLlLYcmz52LRnYUSaBPnAHHQ5A6qorePgH7g4dyj6eea9vhbHjjlEYBz2yIB1mDRp5awuh6IWDDQMP4B8qD6ZMN8b7hAMr2n6W8/s1600/Adjustments+Copy.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
One of the greatest challenges I am learning to get through - is making my Lawrence Lady Boss Project helpful to all those I have connected with so far. I started sharing as many resources as possible and we even organized one of these fun social media posts that were all the rage early on in this pandemic. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPklC5W2jOyZIAHfiEvKldTCwGsXDqyQIQatfeIK_Ap0PE_0BzgLW81Xnh4ohwhRFX4O13-7clVG-rOZhtD80t39Xjah0v08dMcqtu06ny_Cjei-XSdGH4SWR3i_1cNItyKqekQ0uUH2j/s1600/IMG_4280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPklC5W2jOyZIAHfiEvKldTCwGsXDqyQIQatfeIK_Ap0PE_0BzgLW81Xnh4ohwhRFX4O13-7clVG-rOZhtD80t39Xjah0v08dMcqtu06ny_Cjei-XSdGH4SWR3i_1cNItyKqekQ0uUH2j/s1600/IMG_4280.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Easter was also celebrated differently this year. The girls got baskets and that was about it. We didn't even have a chance to do an egg hunt because the weather was not cooperating. It will definitely go down as one of the most low-key Easters to date.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqyeAz-IIZImB0ChmPOUKEzLXPs06dfz02wNw3Y60VkLd2wle0WzMWf9EYuZG-8KXSwEmDQH1NlqI6MkbvHV_vWnWBP4NiIizkAs8skl4cdCDndd10Dm6lXQ_cd2NyW1iottGzmkHdMu7H/s1600/IMG_4289.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="739" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqyeAz-IIZImB0ChmPOUKEzLXPs06dfz02wNw3Y60VkLd2wle0WzMWf9EYuZG-8KXSwEmDQH1NlqI6MkbvHV_vWnWBP4NiIizkAs8skl4cdCDndd10Dm6lXQ_cd2NyW1iottGzmkHdMu7H/s1600/IMG_4289.PNG" /></a></div>
<br />
Easter was also my Mom's birthday. We celebrated over a massive family FaceTime. Cake and lots of laughter as my family discovered the different filters they could put on their faces. Definitely not how we wanted to spend Mom's birthday, but something we are, again, glad we were able to be a part of through the miracles of technology.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzch4GnsfDvdVDypHiKvmrvdsUKXxGehRyPxl761FRdt2PqNww1uv1filS0FYSzLfVPjCCvuuVJIJL5oOrm-UZOoLnODyl5tMf6AOwVPDXY8luPaXkdt1inFqJj2CwcE30mdlAbbgufg4H/s1600/IMG_4177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzch4GnsfDvdVDypHiKvmrvdsUKXxGehRyPxl761FRdt2PqNww1uv1filS0FYSzLfVPjCCvuuVJIJL5oOrm-UZOoLnODyl5tMf6AOwVPDXY8luPaXkdt1inFqJj2CwcE30mdlAbbgufg4H/s1600/IMG_4177.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
I got to play dress up for a few weeks as I tried on and took pictures of all the beautiful new extended sizing pieces that Stripes Boutique added to their collection at KB & Co. Claire dropped off a massive box and over the course of a few days, I went through and tried everything on and did the whole Influenster thing. It was so much fun!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE_v2hMX0R1ggxmOKR9tjzjW_bIF_Yel_7rXBzVAyV8rXMd91EB_rA-A_g9M_isjL3V9ElEb-8ybCyzWzOaGhBjU7gmhCTBhpBX9BO22EfH_cY9GQBneTPG9wlibH-ndRLc6TNZTbhLt2V/s1600/IMG_4219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE_v2hMX0R1ggxmOKR9tjzjW_bIF_Yel_7rXBzVAyV8rXMd91EB_rA-A_g9M_isjL3V9ElEb-8ybCyzWzOaGhBjU7gmhCTBhpBX9BO22EfH_cY9GQBneTPG9wlibH-ndRLc6TNZTbhLt2V/s1600/IMG_4219.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
One morning Rob requested that I get some updated pictures of the girls. We tried a couple different times before I finally struck gold on a few front porch gems. The girls are at the age where one will strike a pose if you ask, the other will put on a pained smile and never look at the camera, and the last one will look at you and pretend she didn't hear you. So this is nothing short of a miracle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0QbTsaSkjwSEIL6R7jjXF9oDAFvBhQj_NZOQ9f64IUT9BFNZRFNADTlU2l_5ByeRzi01pPZ-dXZgYsm8vbzNNG_Rb1P8mqIdJCP3RQL4RZKHq3UZ64a9gL0MMiRp78PFVwOB8Y5lCDup/s1600/IMG_4692.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0QbTsaSkjwSEIL6R7jjXF9oDAFvBhQj_NZOQ9f64IUT9BFNZRFNADTlU2l_5ByeRzi01pPZ-dXZgYsm8vbzNNG_Rb1P8mqIdJCP3RQL4RZKHq3UZ64a9gL0MMiRp78PFVwOB8Y5lCDup/s1600/IMG_4692.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
Rob led the charge to make Sundays special in our household. We try and do something fun with the kids at mealtime. Order in, ice cream after dinner, make your own pizzas. We've tried so many things but the kids definitely loved making their own pizzas the best.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOoV52Ew_4WfoZleyXO02wrhWKibCdrQhU4Kquuej6AQoX6uX-t7mTOPLRvVAKNjGCeeENRGSxWPbJZpwds9luPsW9xIo9u1Yg2FRYQAuX1HDlH51f8X-LvE0KKvPVsfYwSBVVN-3Fpse/s1600/IMG_4324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOoV52Ew_4WfoZleyXO02wrhWKibCdrQhU4Kquuej6AQoX6uX-t7mTOPLRvVAKNjGCeeENRGSxWPbJZpwds9luPsW9xIo9u1Yg2FRYQAuX1HDlH51f8X-LvE0KKvPVsfYwSBVVN-3Fpse/s1600/IMG_4324.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
We finally tackled a project we had talked about doing for over a year now. We bought the kids a playground and my husband (with the help of my dad) built it for them. It has been awesome having this right outside in our backyard as playgrounds were closed to the public. Once it started heating up, it has become harder to use it... but we know that we have years of enjoyment left with this expense.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCtJls4i0oE1mPAo_bhNy1EQcSHZ1eonmQ0d_SbcHGOL8cb0SA0OvnJgTkLpahRU8U4tQk6SDTfvHu2l57aYyZL7nva6wYQ-_RsLxGgKBZTIW6K7Ai-f0tw0cliFTut-ZLzLcazZ2EOWC/s1600/IMG_5109.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCtJls4i0oE1mPAo_bhNy1EQcSHZ1eonmQ0d_SbcHGOL8cb0SA0OvnJgTkLpahRU8U4tQk6SDTfvHu2l57aYyZL7nva6wYQ-_RsLxGgKBZTIW6K7Ai-f0tw0cliFTut-ZLzLcazZ2EOWC/s1600/IMG_5109.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYtmn3kvxSxT4tx6xaZX_Q6q_lVrGB3F9dYrq0JzR8Yf8Jx3pJ8fZiX6t7CqsFUksl9J51lRWnVfYe7pKRWksHnPTmgfyjqS2-gHWzpDaGH7dAZ0ZFFv6e0f7cwbhwvEWmM0pFKZ_jzWO/s1600/IMG_5070.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYtmn3kvxSxT4tx6xaZX_Q6q_lVrGB3F9dYrq0JzR8Yf8Jx3pJ8fZiX6t7CqsFUksl9J51lRWnVfYe7pKRWksHnPTmgfyjqS2-gHWzpDaGH7dAZ0ZFFv6e0f7cwbhwvEWmM0pFKZ_jzWO/s1600/IMG_5070.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
We finally broke out of our stay-at-home order long enough to go down to the lake with my parents. I have never been so thankful for my parents lake house, as I have been during this pandemic. This was one of my favorite weekends down there as the weather was cool and the bugs were minimal. We wrapped up the weekend celebrating Mother's Day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfp8QSI2rMhhYhUrHj6cKc_U3uvWrXcI0-YHwIHndRH6EgbpwMJ0KKNwrt4I0KcAChmDaaqUudjprutoRrf4se_H-i2sjUGFqa41TiuNAp8kYvwo35k6a6wTbFhjhrpBPx1SNprtpc9__l/s1600/IMG_5169.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfp8QSI2rMhhYhUrHj6cKc_U3uvWrXcI0-YHwIHndRH6EgbpwMJ0KKNwrt4I0KcAChmDaaqUudjprutoRrf4se_H-i2sjUGFqa41TiuNAp8kYvwo35k6a6wTbFhjhrpBPx1SNprtpc9__l/s1600/IMG_5169.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
Brooke's last day of preschool was documented. Brooke loved Zoom calling her classmates, but otherwise we just kept doing what we normally do when it comes to "schooling" her. We let her color, play make believe and encourage using good listening ears. Basically all they do at preschool anyway at this stage!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWig1kYeOV7TH6CZJE3nbcFgdRXOySxJqCq0jELcaAzKhGO6mUHkRiHzMO4Hfyq2vHEaIkvuazHyB0MT4hqqJLPdMR8-qJpCKnnR__nt9zfXPZgmJwG4ex3A3WUX2P2WFnuMAEvDaN2w9V/s1600/IMG_5213.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWig1kYeOV7TH6CZJE3nbcFgdRXOySxJqCq0jELcaAzKhGO6mUHkRiHzMO4Hfyq2vHEaIkvuazHyB0MT4hqqJLPdMR8-qJpCKnnR__nt9zfXPZgmJwG4ex3A3WUX2P2WFnuMAEvDaN2w9V/s1600/IMG_5213.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVdNfaSrPEnjUma7fxOm24tPjrZ-z9IIa9tFF9sIgHYD0WENzCSHovtnne8lz2Wl_P02-VoVgVlr3jA2-A8_kFwMnP_jk6Djw90OPmU0h1o6OXmohw-saLIEb33cioIoYKihQnUTcRxLD/s1600/IMG_5210.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVdNfaSrPEnjUma7fxOm24tPjrZ-z9IIa9tFF9sIgHYD0WENzCSHovtnne8lz2Wl_P02-VoVgVlr3jA2-A8_kFwMnP_jk6Djw90OPmU0h1o6OXmohw-saLIEb33cioIoYKihQnUTcRxLD/s1600/IMG_5210.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Ol1ojXOhqrk245vKkIIP1A_d_rMPOT7_RyllkhCUqEBM4iGY91mOZnXZkJkq_jWZNxr2ZqOkOaTckHCyZLno96jQ7yDzjx4CSDU9rLw4Z7lHiLvL5RwmdRwxPi4Pd3SmZ3EzEIUSlIZV/s1600/IMG_5207.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Ol1ojXOhqrk245vKkIIP1A_d_rMPOT7_RyllkhCUqEBM4iGY91mOZnXZkJkq_jWZNxr2ZqOkOaTckHCyZLno96jQ7yDzjx4CSDU9rLw4Z7lHiLvL5RwmdRwxPi4Pd3SmZ3EzEIUSlIZV/s1600/IMG_5207.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzSFd7V-xUYSrZAWYD4UM701PfIU9Mmf4qxKSkfmLO7E7L4dK6GN1x4n5-oadytmuBygp42zM9FYpWjoU9ks5eZ1jSS194QXdMHf_Ts9qTiwIw1zlN9N7CDCmCq8e2nNm_wCoAo0O794ch/s1600/IMG_5199.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzSFd7V-xUYSrZAWYD4UM701PfIU9Mmf4qxKSkfmLO7E7L4dK6GN1x4n5-oadytmuBygp42zM9FYpWjoU9ks5eZ1jSS194QXdMHf_Ts9qTiwIw1zlN9N7CDCmCq8e2nNm_wCoAo0O794ch/s1600/IMG_5199.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
Rob made it his mission this summer to get all three girls their first fish. Mission accomplished. Princess dresses and all. Their enthusiasm for this has been such a joy to watch. We've spent a few afternoons out fishing at the Douglas County Fishing Lake.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUnAhWHGceEEgfeXpfrsIIYDo-1SsiBFtTVIOkYGGCiedYrpNVUGiwcVMpOIDLsQjudemnRPikM-BM7uMCZM3ZYsWlO2ZTZVkB6LJyQsPyKy7DHNyNaGvkGVwXGNHPEsPZr1lscn0d1Jf/s1600/IMG_5255.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUnAhWHGceEEgfeXpfrsIIYDo-1SsiBFtTVIOkYGGCiedYrpNVUGiwcVMpOIDLsQjudemnRPikM-BM7uMCZM3ZYsWlO2ZTZVkB6LJyQsPyKy7DHNyNaGvkGVwXGNHPEsPZr1lscn0d1Jf/s1600/IMG_5255.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
To celebrate the last day of school, our school district did a school bus parade with signs, bubbles, music, streamers and more. It was such a special touch - and the girls loved seeing all of the buses right there from the driveway.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88HLB0NoQFnsl6oehm9eFR3uqca1UvoyIrXFcNw13qLzXjZUK0XpVoq3WcMXgmBZmtbXr0FSs6851Ci3O_00dBmGXNSF77iJ3iFUASbc73mBxzRJtmq6BTTIkI3z8opXS6FgiD3WQ_Vpv/s1600/IMG_5268.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88HLB0NoQFnsl6oehm9eFR3uqca1UvoyIrXFcNw13qLzXjZUK0XpVoq3WcMXgmBZmtbXr0FSs6851Ci3O_00dBmGXNSF77iJ3iFUASbc73mBxzRJtmq6BTTIkI3z8opXS6FgiD3WQ_Vpv/s1600/IMG_5268.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
Grace's last day of kindergarten. We dropped a special gift off to her teacher's home and spent some time catching up with her. I will truly miss Grace's teacher next year. She is such a gem and I appreciate all that she did above and beyond for us. It is crazy for me to think WE HAVE A FIRST GRADER!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3PeW7X8uyFCefoVnzESJBQF-JEYapmxunWAto62l4x6nJ6hRB1s60ltuuT6REjAPbhzCPO9WcmdlWSH2RcDKtQtJNDN1XtlsE65RfnDmEAW6pZr4FPhI2lZZxpmBeDPwFRpNO8f6vmZt/s1600/IMG_5305.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3PeW7X8uyFCefoVnzESJBQF-JEYapmxunWAto62l4x6nJ6hRB1s60ltuuT6REjAPbhzCPO9WcmdlWSH2RcDKtQtJNDN1XtlsE65RfnDmEAW6pZr4FPhI2lZZxpmBeDPwFRpNO8f6vmZt/s1600/IMG_5305.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
Memorial Day weekend we went and spent a day with Rob's family. We saw them last at Grace's birthday party in January. They spoiled the younger two girls with birthday gifts and the girls spent the afternoon playing with their cousins. It was a nice break to see family.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjri50ObVgZMASmZEHUMfgCbMCwkMEuZgu3x6BxEGT4WB1itHh8t6gOv-WcIGL1AbZEHO4rL11Zo2RfSrx4wPXxQ_tDfP3dr2Z-_sq_ih9EOizd9rLIG3WxE5EybNT5WnSQlD4ZH_e8AB_F/s1600/IMG_5373.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjri50ObVgZMASmZEHUMfgCbMCwkMEuZgu3x6BxEGT4WB1itHh8t6gOv-WcIGL1AbZEHO4rL11Zo2RfSrx4wPXxQ_tDfP3dr2Z-_sq_ih9EOizd9rLIG3WxE5EybNT5WnSQlD4ZH_e8AB_F/s1600/IMG_5373.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
Memorial Day weekend wrapped up at my parent's lake house where Grandpa also did some spoiling and installed this beautiful swing right there in the yard. The girls giggles were the absolute best as they went flying through the trees.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_rQbPc-bLXV3alKk-lW-7GA8-coWzrZsy1Bv5ROPoQrs4uZrM5hX9K1VKxjmQitmgfPuVkqIiLBtlTKBDV8evWjdkNDlhr7F0914n0R2JxEeCg3tGPtNooNhJLpWZpU1e3kY-6o6gnHbN/s1600/Adjustments+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_rQbPc-bLXV3alKk-lW-7GA8-coWzrZsy1Bv5ROPoQrs4uZrM5hX9K1VKxjmQitmgfPuVkqIiLBtlTKBDV8evWjdkNDlhr7F0914n0R2JxEeCg3tGPtNooNhJLpWZpU1e3kY-6o6gnHbN/s1600/Adjustments+Copy.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9KhYdwDLQfkP1DbNl5qpEu4yxvp5IFfAoVBrdQ_yrAeyYVOp69Td3YehsBiWtRe_tw-DAL_VYPo4zeb9jTcj3C9TEF1dkXqgyNy9CAQafq5VDleUbD5oXTWFbSwVEVWjSX7VqWsYtquy/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-05-28+at+8.35.00+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9KhYdwDLQfkP1DbNl5qpEu4yxvp5IFfAoVBrdQ_yrAeyYVOp69Td3YehsBiWtRe_tw-DAL_VYPo4zeb9jTcj3C9TEF1dkXqgyNy9CAQafq5VDleUbD5oXTWFbSwVEVWjSX7VqWsYtquy/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-05-28+at+8.35.00+PM.png" /></a></div>
<br />
I hosted a Virtual Networking Night Out via Zoom. There were two fantastic speakers and lots of giveaways. I will NEVER be used to not getting a reaction out of people when everyone is on mute. But I think it was a fun evening regardless and people seemed to really be able to refill their cup. Which makes me feel like the purpose was definitely served.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWr_D3PjMwaksztfDlx7_J36ZXJZAF47sRA1A8P6aEyhjok9TjModEJ9F0QVBqEJDRQDOtWBa14g1qzaA6ufkbeGQtbxyehc9BZv-ydsrXKR4w0ydUem7dCSFmyDVBc4ZZSGtsyP3o-3o7/s1600/IMG_5576.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWr_D3PjMwaksztfDlx7_J36ZXJZAF47sRA1A8P6aEyhjok9TjModEJ9F0QVBqEJDRQDOtWBa14g1qzaA6ufkbeGQtbxyehc9BZv-ydsrXKR4w0ydUem7dCSFmyDVBc4ZZSGtsyP3o-3o7/s1600/IMG_5576.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKuhsiGINXQT7B0mNHcoIo50QsejtIRDgKrr5ovLnZ0yW4_zrZQf69YVdGAgAeeqrdtO8oJOfpgnhQKkWE5CF0YwPq4QtW7Stcq9SPvNFuO7X5AFaTX9KRGfckK1vU09qZgBODbuXBn3K/s1600/IMG_1783.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKuhsiGINXQT7B0mNHcoIo50QsejtIRDgKrr5ovLnZ0yW4_zrZQf69YVdGAgAeeqrdtO8oJOfpgnhQKkWE5CF0YwPq4QtW7Stcq9SPvNFuO7X5AFaTX9KRGfckK1vU09qZgBODbuXBn3K/s1600/IMG_1783.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIO2nMkA4eU3YeJy55hK_8x8uO75_7Pgv56mjlID3NmUJ5OlRlhsDaAYAH_uyHwbex-R-bmFqFlQCS6gM2Cjtiw1H6iqn0AcWM1imwm6-9M87AalB9xAgiMjepLxX8niySRtkTAcc4jYy/s1600/IMG_5600.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIO2nMkA4eU3YeJy55hK_8x8uO75_7Pgv56mjlID3NmUJ5OlRlhsDaAYAH_uyHwbex-R-bmFqFlQCS6gM2Cjtiw1H6iqn0AcWM1imwm6-9M87AalB9xAgiMjepLxX8niySRtkTAcc4jYy/s1600/IMG_5600.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
We hit up the lake, again, a few weeks ago. It was the weekend we finally got to put the boat in the water. Between the pool on the deck and the boat in the water, we had such a fun weekend splashing in the sun. This summer Brooke has moved up to trusting her life jacket and we are so thankful for that. One kid to go. Although Emily has no fear and just tries to walk off the edge of the Lilly Pad, giving mama a mini heart attack every time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDx8WbYZkH_XM73gHUOpFNHhevjOkTB6WmjwT3W1OJWx9F4UZjl3MAexI7hM9DGNu2E5rEPlicZxNeFYAWfFCgaF4lKZYxlknq_0Ic2Ev7jL5kw6TEJLVI8EW9klh59d4sfhAXNnFk5roi/s1600/IMG_5654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDx8WbYZkH_XM73gHUOpFNHhevjOkTB6WmjwT3W1OJWx9F4UZjl3MAexI7hM9DGNu2E5rEPlicZxNeFYAWfFCgaF4lKZYxlknq_0Ic2Ev7jL5kw6TEJLVI8EW9klh59d4sfhAXNnFk5roi/s1600/IMG_5654.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZ23yYMP44CGi5Iv5u6ZiNv3QUHxPquMCu6IHV102cipAma6D_OnGjfftFG41nB4SuIkjIJWhcv3wOzHKnp77sZVWYgc0Y3R42uFjLjXZnEvnDocMMn2SCqJeRvXjFjS9I-H0KWTjRsvz/s1600/IMG_5657+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZ23yYMP44CGi5Iv5u6ZiNv3QUHxPquMCu6IHV102cipAma6D_OnGjfftFG41nB4SuIkjIJWhcv3wOzHKnp77sZVWYgc0Y3R42uFjLjXZnEvnDocMMn2SCqJeRvXjFjS9I-H0KWTjRsvz/s1600/IMG_5657+Copy.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
We also got some professional Porch Photos done to go right there under pandemic things. The lovely Trina Baker came out and shot a handful of photos for us. We love them and know someday we will look back at these pictures and say "remember when..."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVKWs70hY3YDOnsQ3eBNug7XkykUy0JAT4Xq9xkVUmUrZ90jwHfUUBmmjg3EE_dKOy76euipXuQh7-GjTk6870a1uNyYOnvRVLYapGIQCBLbJnVgXPP8pIe_B6YRsZRLDTk7AFuJodyPL/s1600/IMG_5661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVKWs70hY3YDOnsQ3eBNug7XkykUy0JAT4Xq9xkVUmUrZ90jwHfUUBmmjg3EE_dKOy76euipXuQh7-GjTk6870a1uNyYOnvRVLYapGIQCBLbJnVgXPP8pIe_B6YRsZRLDTk7AFuJodyPL/s1600/IMG_5661.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
To mark my first adventure back into the world of restaurants and socialization... I met up with a blog friend, Lisa before her and her husband moved out of Kansas. We ate at Free State and then walked down Mass St. before wrapping up with a driving tour of KU campus. It was a lovely opportunity to get to know each other more, even with the circumstances.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0Ddo4jozX2YzW1QyWWVfRC29NobRilA7VDVEqeSeMbvblXLfJ8YtgpRdd2yyuXLBEQAWKFNJr-EcGK86n5UTrd08pLfc3GiAYmVjl8pQ3t00J2qfeJA_EKHRfugoFpWeSgxEN3pExA5l/s1600/IMG_5739.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0Ddo4jozX2YzW1QyWWVfRC29NobRilA7VDVEqeSeMbvblXLfJ8YtgpRdd2yyuXLBEQAWKFNJr-EcGK86n5UTrd08pLfc3GiAYmVjl8pQ3t00J2qfeJA_EKHRfugoFpWeSgxEN3pExA5l/s1600/IMG_5739.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
We celebrated Father's Day with our favorite girl dad. One of our favorite things about holidays like this is letting daddy rule the day. Between the amazing meal he cooked for dinner and the rest of our activities, I think he had a good one.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBw0ZLhsikJcy_dFK1kzoK9DOXlLEK55jOVvaEHaLSMGku27hVK6xPUA3u8HoMP9GdJ67qldShZqQsgOBdQmyxDJ2-T_w31astgo5XoCPlGi-knJWrnJqX7wmWlvuXRd38kAY7iXuZds1R/s1600/IMG_5789.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBw0ZLhsikJcy_dFK1kzoK9DOXlLEK55jOVvaEHaLSMGku27hVK6xPUA3u8HoMP9GdJ67qldShZqQsgOBdQmyxDJ2-T_w31astgo5XoCPlGi-knJWrnJqX7wmWlvuXRd38kAY7iXuZds1R/s1600/IMG_5789.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
The girls and I spent a day in Kansas City seeing my best friend from college's oldest daughter. Every year she spends some time in Kansas with family so we came over and spent the afternoon with her. Lots of swimming, tie-dye, cookie decorating and laughter. The girls loved playing in the pool and I am just so thankful we got to see this sweet girl.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrr_L48Pf9gyQi-FUJSq1cIx89JyUOP66Kq9v6zw1uYD-Il5ubr8aUMQAQfOWxtEnnSI53sa6m9_k19lT01JnYeEHjtiyldB5kG2gRtXP9sqUPHn9LAlWMUygcAqCPyVoDNpONt1uijYt/s1600/IMG_5793.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrr_L48Pf9gyQi-FUJSq1cIx89JyUOP66Kq9v6zw1uYD-Il5ubr8aUMQAQfOWxtEnnSI53sa6m9_k19lT01JnYeEHjtiyldB5kG2gRtXP9sqUPHn9LAlWMUygcAqCPyVoDNpONt1uijYt/s1600/IMG_5793.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
We have started venturing out with the girls more, all wearing masks and staying at least 6 feet away from strangers. We have been keeping our social circle small and contained. We are trying to find our new normal at this point knowing we can not stay home forever. The girls have been great about wearing their masks in public and for that I am thankful. As I write this masks are soon to become required state wide. I can't say it enough, but I am so thankful that our governor is who she is. Governor Kelly has really stayed ahead of the curve by cancelling the rest of the school year early, calling for a stay-at-home order early on, and putting in place the required mask rule. It makes me feel confident in her leadership.<br />
<br />
The pandemic is not over, yet. Nobody even knows what the rest of the year is going to look like. The unknown makes me nervous and anxious. But we are doing what we can to keep our family safe, and that is really all I can hope and ask for.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854302342303748377noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454858563624138264.post-39653800713188802212020-03-31T11:07:00.000-05:002020-04-09T11:11:23.729-05:00The last of 2019.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's March, still, and we are very much still stuck at home. Doing our part to flatten the curve. So what better time to actually document and wrap up the last part of 2019? I've been meaning to but honestly blogging always falls by the wayside in favor of life.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With that... here is the last of 2019.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheUfIvReM2sP0DQk1ZtHioKebHIzvNX9yY16Zd0hcS4RcvYTa-gaae42mHH2OuPsnDU83D65Zzuu_mnuQFLWKbHm8yyM90LGWi7pZVsvaqMaSbnO_JSo6KXJoKcSgVe4DWcpLYHtUmbG1T/s1600/IMG_2322.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheUfIvReM2sP0DQk1ZtHioKebHIzvNX9yY16Zd0hcS4RcvYTa-gaae42mHH2OuPsnDU83D65Zzuu_mnuQFLWKbHm8yyM90LGWi7pZVsvaqMaSbnO_JSo6KXJoKcSgVe4DWcpLYHtUmbG1T/s1600/IMG_2322.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
We celebrated the kick off of (a very good) football season with family and fellow Chiefs fans. Started the season saying it was OUR YEAR. And what do you know?!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikBOExdAAbeVt-MDdxT0MgQIiSRLWhBaIHooiHfF4TZ8FWs0eit0mOG0YTbSXkbHlV4uqnNa_A-SWWJVlmFtUhwKfTp7n9SWs9Rp8LnuwQhmlcZmpFpQabNtjPkXIqLL-aFqP_Cn3yPmiu/s1600/IMG_2577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikBOExdAAbeVt-MDdxT0MgQIiSRLWhBaIHooiHfF4TZ8FWs0eit0mOG0YTbSXkbHlV4uqnNa_A-SWWJVlmFtUhwKfTp7n9SWs9Rp8LnuwQhmlcZmpFpQabNtjPkXIqLL-aFqP_Cn3yPmiu/s1600/IMG_2577.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbfAFaRX32CkUvWxvEZl6cfTEIatoMTdkDGQeBHtcPKJfGjlmL8G-etZXD8ekZXX7Ti8wpcBy0qZsPt3OIpudJqVxz9uCO0lwSILebH3cc7BHD1aiUTmUL-2F0u3kNSX4KZFb0dtyn4-Ya/s1600/IMG_2573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbfAFaRX32CkUvWxvEZl6cfTEIatoMTdkDGQeBHtcPKJfGjlmL8G-etZXD8ekZXX7Ti8wpcBy0qZsPt3OIpudJqVxz9uCO0lwSILebH3cc7BHD1aiUTmUL-2F0u3kNSX4KZFb0dtyn4-Ya/s1600/IMG_2573.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtysa_W9NgdQ0cVwDujwzZ5FQTDc07liAMaEQ5m-9hzB83suCs_sxmakdSkn91xeToG8rZs9ZFvG0lpa4eX84QViOSyuOsRqjmiZ9S2m26kXCpbkBGSIPPnHHVfF-w-kT39J7z26Cdb4-L/s1600/IMG_2576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtysa_W9NgdQ0cVwDujwzZ5FQTDc07liAMaEQ5m-9hzB83suCs_sxmakdSkn91xeToG8rZs9ZFvG0lpa4eX84QViOSyuOsRqjmiZ9S2m26kXCpbkBGSIPPnHHVfF-w-kT39J7z26Cdb4-L/s1600/IMG_2576.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-yMfcB_0qGApZ9w1ADM4T5Y8_3L8yaICr90M9h4_1iyx-CjfP5nJKvfS8eWCA-3qMvyWvXLgxHN6W8q11HamY9a1oFkQMjVDMkaKCImGbw3aqvelPXot7RZ9FILVaj6lNhL3JHSIleUh/s1600/IMG_2575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-yMfcB_0qGApZ9w1ADM4T5Y8_3L8yaICr90M9h4_1iyx-CjfP5nJKvfS8eWCA-3qMvyWvXLgxHN6W8q11HamY9a1oFkQMjVDMkaKCImGbw3aqvelPXot7RZ9FILVaj6lNhL3JHSIleUh/s1600/IMG_2575.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
We got our family pictures taken by Lashay Photography.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2hzVL5MVBOmND0_6j7ynJl1aiQTX12tiB0PpO_9pIeUG0q63ZksV9ly4FVJntJOyQwC6FAmPpaB6nQ1EtN5yloYBBPMLOcyppIJjkpPzbUUb0va2-mbczIAvFHjfvLZbV6TgPnfx-5AP/s1600/IMG_4034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2hzVL5MVBOmND0_6j7ynJl1aiQTX12tiB0PpO_9pIeUG0q63ZksV9ly4FVJntJOyQwC6FAmPpaB6nQ1EtN5yloYBBPMLOcyppIJjkpPzbUUb0va2-mbczIAvFHjfvLZbV6TgPnfx-5AP/s1600/IMG_4034.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
We visited the sunflower fields at the very end of the season. Long enough to snap a couple of pictures and then boogie. It is tradition and y'all I am all FOR tradition.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNe6hgFfWeSTIDBUyyGMAxbqdptAvRNblCUfRojkVtIKDP-EPTKyt0lLOa99g2CltS4CEl7WrBijqQSIfHs7tu9bGdwpCl9wsZdj2hnr3vOD57TLyxqMcWTUWoQ3cEsHnJGw7GiCxNhGR/s1600/IMG_0064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNe6hgFfWeSTIDBUyyGMAxbqdptAvRNblCUfRojkVtIKDP-EPTKyt0lLOa99g2CltS4CEl7WrBijqQSIfHs7tu9bGdwpCl9wsZdj2hnr3vOD57TLyxqMcWTUWoQ3cEsHnJGw7GiCxNhGR/s1600/IMG_0064.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-sldatFBpR-p-6xeONRH_wZKu8Z-7Po8Z4GYYDK6vjaV7y0G8nBLZe0CXKxsW35xkayvw1bty9kUkqEoaqMKz4srwRBfJQ_Np47_Z5eb5bjWzlT0UmIMMGUVCoXBRyyQBbmHrPR9_cFP/s1600/IMG_0079.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-sldatFBpR-p-6xeONRH_wZKu8Z-7Po8Z4GYYDK6vjaV7y0G8nBLZe0CXKxsW35xkayvw1bty9kUkqEoaqMKz4srwRBfJQ_Np47_Z5eb5bjWzlT0UmIMMGUVCoXBRyyQBbmHrPR9_cFP/s1600/IMG_0079.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
I was featured in a magazine for Lawrence Lady Boss Project. It is a local magazine, L Women's Magazine, but it is distributed to the entire town and it was such a special feeling and such a great high to ride.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVyC5mx0kN5OurR_5pwwdrskGqeFf71xAhEZTQYJRhFoo4guroE5JxCkOyFLEtOBnVzOtKt2c9sJSyKUViTtcttzi1Ys444TvfOjQnGUluXl9dJmGNCiBmBojbIMaWbZQIzRqRTTv8ZsP/s1600/IMG_4063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVyC5mx0kN5OurR_5pwwdrskGqeFf71xAhEZTQYJRhFoo4guroE5JxCkOyFLEtOBnVzOtKt2c9sJSyKUViTtcttzi1Ys444TvfOjQnGUluXl9dJmGNCiBmBojbIMaWbZQIzRqRTTv8ZsP/s1600/IMG_4063.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5LPLEKGR0R33UW-n9g6nak1e59PsjVc_wGH_fcHuxGGQn1vCd4PhcuymU-HM2j9a4AHn_E7KAz-qwRMqFBFQJTJHWAyBgm_kAssVFmfqCOITmeW0n5E1hksfGyYi7cOGoJby7X_-c5mAh/s1600/IMG_4067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5LPLEKGR0R33UW-n9g6nak1e59PsjVc_wGH_fcHuxGGQn1vCd4PhcuymU-HM2j9a4AHn_E7KAz-qwRMqFBFQJTJHWAyBgm_kAssVFmfqCOITmeW0n5E1hksfGyYi7cOGoJby7X_-c5mAh/s1600/IMG_4067.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
We threw my parents a surprise 30th anniversary party. They are truly an inspiration and it was a lot of fun planning and executing this with so many of our friends and family coming out to celebrate my parents with us.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz9toullRf9u2uLkl37RpXp42PWe17u357SRIG_-X6hoc2ZUrY4FOPkmayKbc_ySCDtV-L_VPMDkaYakxYU4CywCo9h3LUz3emwbFZPYH8MWy58KjSIGF_UNKnWD3IBzx4TbF3tcSgY9GX/s1600/IMG_0385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz9toullRf9u2uLkl37RpXp42PWe17u357SRIG_-X6hoc2ZUrY4FOPkmayKbc_ySCDtV-L_VPMDkaYakxYU4CywCo9h3LUz3emwbFZPYH8MWy58KjSIGF_UNKnWD3IBzx4TbF3tcSgY9GX/s1600/IMG_0385.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqC7HmmnUZxDpMTcfT5_7lPxmdSaJF7zx8hOb5Lfo6lEdFkThOrclvILM8_nqsVPiI8GJqOzA1b82k5xU4N-d-wB3MsQHzEZyENRFcITB25yTueD5IBA-hRG8KwPUGF4ztD5OArBO2lK9A/s1600/IMG_0404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqC7HmmnUZxDpMTcfT5_7lPxmdSaJF7zx8hOb5Lfo6lEdFkThOrclvILM8_nqsVPiI8GJqOzA1b82k5xU4N-d-wB3MsQHzEZyENRFcITB25yTueD5IBA-hRG8KwPUGF4ztD5OArBO2lK9A/s1600/IMG_0404.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
I did something completely out of my comfort zone and walked in a fashion show for a good cause, Cooper's Cause. It was crazy and insane and an experience like no other. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWzKugQUgtsTvU-ypXZxkLQf8q7Mel0V7gU4JqnN-TtmGLyRehGS7OZNEeW5Y2z9sPqFEXzefXbh4tBYb3XnMy6_-VIE20lc-8ovPyjtbeQWgizPqB6wBCEIvbstBiy02QjguVS7y9CvOB/s1600/IMG_0512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWzKugQUgtsTvU-ypXZxkLQf8q7Mel0V7gU4JqnN-TtmGLyRehGS7OZNEeW5Y2z9sPqFEXzefXbh4tBYb3XnMy6_-VIE20lc-8ovPyjtbeQWgizPqB6wBCEIvbstBiy02QjguVS7y9CvOB/s1600/IMG_0512.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNM5wI-4eoNXp2vhSC6_ONSaEZE5JBFoiUEkVevWVvtNEgB6czo8hiNQuycKCQ9V_475V1JGL4KR6bnyqjwQCkLSS05sVVdvym1azteS2lyI4uQ9OGgxwrOhwZbiq1TCaHmCceS_btwns/s1600/IMG_0519.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1029" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNM5wI-4eoNXp2vhSC6_ONSaEZE5JBFoiUEkVevWVvtNEgB6czo8hiNQuycKCQ9V_475V1JGL4KR6bnyqjwQCkLSS05sVVdvym1azteS2lyI4uQ9OGgxwrOhwZbiq1TCaHmCceS_btwns/s1600/IMG_0519.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXv9ntGb_Qwh2YTNd-Am8IhYs6O2AqRNThg0S97t-AECMdFRHMAKXjJRdGettOtekKs61iQSjZ6t2DgScbzGmwQxpKBhzQ162WqJNL-QlawlWubW2I_hWq2B_8phzmhvreRTVq2Ep5NZMK/s1600/IMG_0518.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXv9ntGb_Qwh2YTNd-Am8IhYs6O2AqRNThg0S97t-AECMdFRHMAKXjJRdGettOtekKs61iQSjZ6t2DgScbzGmwQxpKBhzQ162WqJNL-QlawlWubW2I_hWq2B_8phzmhvreRTVq2Ep5NZMK/s1600/IMG_0518.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGrfQp40gz_QO96wbX1rAi2HTV8UML_irRXt7T-u5Z21NusbqZceBVCiuuS_D7BzMYz_FDTXq53rjDQqRBTDzRJyrRiEzRuaikJctydREumK81TDo8zAQsOPkiROL7tiWXg_jF8EQ80Q9t/s1600/IMG_0517.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1043" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGrfQp40gz_QO96wbX1rAi2HTV8UML_irRXt7T-u5Z21NusbqZceBVCiuuS_D7BzMYz_FDTXq53rjDQqRBTDzRJyrRiEzRuaikJctydREumK81TDo8zAQsOPkiROL7tiWXg_jF8EQ80Q9t/s1600/IMG_0517.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
We went to the pumpkin patch. Another tradition. I am all about the traditions.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBb8cCXEhRS_uVTggeGWlcSaIzzNXnTjV1ibr3WbE30yRew_rkhBs9dxShbtEg88FftoUZwNQ8JEjSQ3u7_S3bUDvOZ2eLY_lJ63UF139v0dOwRqZU76_2yUokQTN9U1V6k67heVSEZt6T/s1600/IMG_0612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBb8cCXEhRS_uVTggeGWlcSaIzzNXnTjV1ibr3WbE30yRew_rkhBs9dxShbtEg88FftoUZwNQ8JEjSQ3u7_S3bUDvOZ2eLY_lJ63UF139v0dOwRqZU76_2yUokQTN9U1V6k67heVSEZt6T/s1600/IMG_0612.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Our Halloween was fun with a bunch of super girls in the house. Halloween itself ended up being chilly but everyone was super into it regardless. Emily ran to every house with her sisters and kept up the pace better than we expected.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4ENwR7rvZYjZdT6o8Kdk3KgSloue5A_eLkDgzThiKAxEo6HA8OinTLsvek1s-VW5IYRhcdoQtd3ksjNuq_YpsZvjE9oyJqzEiJGsyP_rxeGsPVNtNr8iiT8xv_3DTVqtZDAOs5TyRPlc/s1600/IMG_0606.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4ENwR7rvZYjZdT6o8Kdk3KgSloue5A_eLkDgzThiKAxEo6HA8OinTLsvek1s-VW5IYRhcdoQtd3ksjNuq_YpsZvjE9oyJqzEiJGsyP_rxeGsPVNtNr8iiT8xv_3DTVqtZDAOs5TyRPlc/s1600/IMG_0606.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
Grace had some art featured at school. We've always known this little lady has artistic talent but it is so cool to see other people recognize and appreciate it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1vTdd5fr-WC9MpWcdGEIUa-UuhCmkOmst5ABZ8E0Uvt2r02IrqL88TKQOoOCZ7SfN751de02trowm4vkOpNtGY2iYKRXguF8YBKsg1GqlDCcMaFoZkftbMYwYsqRFLZEMRnYYrg5p13s/s1600/IMG_1257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1vTdd5fr-WC9MpWcdGEIUa-UuhCmkOmst5ABZ8E0Uvt2r02IrqL88TKQOoOCZ7SfN751de02trowm4vkOpNtGY2iYKRXguF8YBKsg1GqlDCcMaFoZkftbMYwYsqRFLZEMRnYYrg5p13s/s1600/IMG_1257.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I met one of the gals I have followed in the blogging world for YEARS. Elizabeth embarked on a cross country adventure and stopped in our little town for a night. It was so fun to meet her and extra crazy that one of my best friends has followed her as well. For completely different reasons, too!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-87KD0dQ24eXeED7ybIg1IoOhJwajpOz_Yz721ZPKkz77zsRaWwLIMSYgCoUl7f23xtcE-DXG1SsraH4d1Ey0G0QrVw5d-pQ46UlQN5k0QxQaIPgpOzBE7xyEKzwOJB8Y7SnSMkA8vIvH/s1600/IMG_1302.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-87KD0dQ24eXeED7ybIg1IoOhJwajpOz_Yz721ZPKkz77zsRaWwLIMSYgCoUl7f23xtcE-DXG1SsraH4d1Ey0G0QrVw5d-pQ46UlQN5k0QxQaIPgpOzBE7xyEKzwOJB8Y7SnSMkA8vIvH/s1600/IMG_1302.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj63NOL_E11M77BxatAD96m0FqtcgJEoiqFsR6PFWic9nrt7BOQiquAcxiVNdpt1TWYmiYf6ZiI1E6OYO6pkJrzWgj7jGiu8K0MIGwxqsF8QGj_XRl3wEm6uLDhkhgF0WhQhf3udWmrHmHe/s1600/IMG_1316.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj63NOL_E11M77BxatAD96m0FqtcgJEoiqFsR6PFWic9nrt7BOQiquAcxiVNdpt1TWYmiYf6ZiI1E6OYO6pkJrzWgj7jGiu8K0MIGwxqsF8QGj_XRl3wEm6uLDhkhgF0WhQhf3udWmrHmHe/s1600/IMG_1316.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
Thanksgiving 2019. We hosted, again. This is my favorite holiday to host. Hands down. We enjoyed a feast and time with family and it was so perfect!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIGIaKQZaGGAI9NPInpeEkiJG7l-to_c_MHNQMliccmtmUFjFtnezK4zjj8110SjuB7H3va45TVAAtM9_4qTLbFjGzL7Rhz3_k40ZptxL2uDeRn74-XsPMyZdSdeOZpJ406UDs5Qdj-SFl/s1600/IMG_4139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIGIaKQZaGGAI9NPInpeEkiJG7l-to_c_MHNQMliccmtmUFjFtnezK4zjj8110SjuB7H3va45TVAAtM9_4qTLbFjGzL7Rhz3_k40ZptxL2uDeRn74-XsPMyZdSdeOZpJ406UDs5Qdj-SFl/s1600/IMG_4139.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-gYRgS4q663VQRZ3PtBIMbPIJ4tz2aH48Jae4SFHk-Bzr_wJj5sKsfBE_8mSAuomJ3t4m1jjLd6FGJWWLf7Y6uwm35THwayxlie6VuMK6KVqLDxUPtZju-v7OMkhv3qlavHfa_Bc8oDR/s1600/IMG_1577.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-gYRgS4q663VQRZ3PtBIMbPIJ4tz2aH48Jae4SFHk-Bzr_wJj5sKsfBE_8mSAuomJ3t4m1jjLd6FGJWWLf7Y6uwm35THwayxlie6VuMK6KVqLDxUPtZju-v7OMkhv3qlavHfa_Bc8oDR/s1600/IMG_1577.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
Brooke had her first preschool performance. She did fantastic and it was so fun to watch her!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-V5m-cV6nk_IZ3Nc4P2LJ-g7dmdK3bxi2mKX_caO5p_xql751QRl1udspGC_3myYYzDxmYvXzHdDmZrIdtzgR5HUR3AoBBUdrGzAspGG9zak8TINSYg5q4L28XyVbtiJL53WHwXDHcWxE/s1600/IMG_1886.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-V5m-cV6nk_IZ3Nc4P2LJ-g7dmdK3bxi2mKX_caO5p_xql751QRl1udspGC_3myYYzDxmYvXzHdDmZrIdtzgR5HUR3AoBBUdrGzAspGG9zak8TINSYg5q4L28XyVbtiJL53WHwXDHcWxE/s1600/IMG_1886.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
We visited Santa, a lot.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiguBtG5i-w3w6Rx3m55PDgS4sksh5bCgbdeG9OeCR2emw0MMqSOu5Zt21glL30F64G9QtwxDNSM21CcvPS4T2Mvap-d9yGJjqNlrCpINJ_y83LI7OKazztpgfPRRvD2ShiarTXgTIyJi1u/s1600/IMG_2025.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiguBtG5i-w3w6Rx3m55PDgS4sksh5bCgbdeG9OeCR2emw0MMqSOu5Zt21glL30F64G9QtwxDNSM21CcvPS4T2Mvap-d9yGJjqNlrCpINJ_y83LI7OKazztpgfPRRvD2ShiarTXgTIyJi1u/s1600/IMG_2025.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
We celebrated Christmas at my in-laws. Were the kids were absolutely spoiled rotten!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6UzLjtP5y-qXCTlK1xD8mQOPGx_zgu5oIu2aFW4SOTcnE0LebwjwhM4Hfk9bM1godd9eiorUsqmUu2P5WyPCrFMKrJnZYF7pPzYxZzt8eEV-h0hPgiXHbb6MkkUqY2nBQRgG8elktfj4x/s1600/IMG_2126.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6UzLjtP5y-qXCTlK1xD8mQOPGx_zgu5oIu2aFW4SOTcnE0LebwjwhM4Hfk9bM1godd9eiorUsqmUu2P5WyPCrFMKrJnZYF7pPzYxZzt8eEV-h0hPgiXHbb6MkkUqY2nBQRgG8elktfj4x/s1600/IMG_2126.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
We did Christmas Eve at my parents. We hit up mass in Eudora and then had dinner and presents at my parents house. Christmas morning was spent at our house with brunch and more presents. My favorite way to celebrate Jesus' birthday.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4T84qZLMTiyboJW4Aa_GY04t_b1OpWUFZdBgcIvr0mIXOirUc8D7D_n8BdQxdZWbFE0ewy4P-gzrrjAXVSHJUftGM1cw64YIge_fCYte8l0OP2uc9fMOY_88BgsdoQ6Wc_wzLE2PL9OG/s1600/IMG_2197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4T84qZLMTiyboJW4Aa_GY04t_b1OpWUFZdBgcIvr0mIXOirUc8D7D_n8BdQxdZWbFE0ewy4P-gzrrjAXVSHJUftGM1cw64YIge_fCYte8l0OP2uc9fMOY_88BgsdoQ6Wc_wzLE2PL9OG/s1600/IMG_2197.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Our Christmas card this year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLxBWRFYKWc8zXDtc7L5XF5wciJtUNzA-hiEQrX7YLAJE-X6uUMwHs33BHWGSjjqg7eoOMMI-4TSWu7SPUks9RZxgrJuqZA9sWovSda7Qi0F7joaCQZIDctPcEiI0JGatpkQ5p3m6HfWC/s1600/IMG_2224.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLxBWRFYKWc8zXDtc7L5XF5wciJtUNzA-hiEQrX7YLAJE-X6uUMwHs33BHWGSjjqg7eoOMMI-4TSWu7SPUks9RZxgrJuqZA9sWovSda7Qi0F7joaCQZIDctPcEiI0JGatpkQ5p3m6HfWC/s1600/IMG_2224.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our last activity of 2019 was to celebrate New Year's Eve at the library at noon. The kids really enjoyed the balloon drop and fun activities that the library incorporated into the day. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And now we are finally ready for April and the rest of 2020... if we ever get to it.</div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854302342303748377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454858563624138264.post-77220946841060407552020-01-29T15:48:00.001-06:002020-01-29T15:52:37.395-06:00Nursing to weaning, and everything in between.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1qm7b8EMqEqDMUO_T-OS5HFFJ7p7XatNNrlIMuFESUfcm_wxHRCTwpyEuaKCBq3fAsWBvNIJiWEIuVFh2sdv3g0wGWqG-f_G4UwWnFCtOyTvWPt7HFg_6mGckkQ8uKscwej4wsEd9AEu/s1600/IMG_2281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1qm7b8EMqEqDMUO_T-OS5HFFJ7p7XatNNrlIMuFESUfcm_wxHRCTwpyEuaKCBq3fAsWBvNIJiWEIuVFh2sdv3g0wGWqG-f_G4UwWnFCtOyTvWPt7HFg_6mGckkQ8uKscwej4wsEd9AEu/s1600/IMG_2281.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
As I start to gather my thoughts for this post, we are just 5 days away from Grace's 6th birthday. Almost 6 years ago my breastfeeding journey began. And I am now 24 hours into the end of this chapter of my life.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The last 6 plus years I have been pregnant or nursing. Early summer 2013, I got pregnant with Grace. She was born in January of 2014 and nursed until she was 22 months old. I was almost 5 months pregnant with Brooklyn when I weaned Grace. In March of 2016, Brooklyn was born and she nursed until she was 17 months old. I was 2 months pregnant (and extremely nauseous!) with Emily when I had no choice but to wean Brooke. Emily was born in March of 2018 and will be about a week shy of 22 months old when we put the final period on this chapter.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I talk a lot about chapters on this blog. There was the life before kids chapter, the military chapter, the Maryland chapter, the Georgia chapter, and so on and so forth. Writing the end of this chapter feels so much more significant than any of the ones prior.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm sad. I am so very ready. But I am so very sad.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I will never be pregnant or nurse another baby, again. This is really the end.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This body has given me three healthy pregnancies, three healthy babies and over five years of nursing. I'm proud as hell. The bond my babies and I have can not be duplicated or replaced. I grew them, I exclusively fed them, I held them in the middle of the night, I sacrificed so much of me for my babies.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I knew going into this year I wanted to have Emily weaned before I turn 30 at the end of February. So much so that I put it on my list as a goal for the year. Two weeks ago we started this process. We cut out the nap time feeding, the morning feeding, the middle of the night feeding and now the bedtime feeding. I expected this great fight from Emily, but she has honestly taken it in strides. She has always been much more attached than her sisters ever were. Almost possessive. But here we are. <br />
<br />
So what have I learned?<br />
<br />
--To breastfeed or not to breastfeed was never an option for me. My plan was to breastfeed. I am SO lucky that my body produced enough milk to help me put thigh rolls on my girls. Not everyone is as fortunate, and I know this now. It it not something I take for granted.<br />
<br />
--A Haakaa was the best $20 investment, EVER. With my first two babies I wasted so much milk that naturally let down while I was nursing. I was able to have a supply in my freezer with Emily that I never had with the others and it was just from catching my let down in this little silicone cup.<br />
<br />
--YOU know your body. Both Grace and Brooklyn nursed with the assistance of a nipple shield the whole time. It was a pain in the rear, but it allowed us to be able to nurse. One experience that will forever be in my memory... after delivering Brooke, I had an overnight nurse that tried to get her to latch without the use of a shield. I was in the hospital by myself (Rob was with Grace) and she had me in tears as she refused to listen to me. I just wanted her to bring me a shield. The minute she finally gave in, Brooke latched and we were on our way. FIGHT FOR YOURSELF. You know what does or doesn't, or is or isn't working.<br />
<br />
--Likewise... when it comes time to wean... Listen to yourself. If it has been a few months and you are more miserable than anything else, move on. You tried and you should be proud of that. If you have been nursing for an extended amount of time but you are ready to move on, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. It is YOUR choice when, where and how you nurse. I knew our journey was coming to an end when I stopped enjoying it. Emily was possessive and pushy and I had started to come to hate nursing. I knew we needed to wrap things up.<br />
<br />
--There will be emotions. I cried for almost two straight days after our last nursing session. I knew I was ready and I knew she was ready, but dang. Part of it was hormones and part of it was the end of a significant chapter in my life. But I wasn't prepared for feeling like I was going to cry at every mention of it. It doesn't help that you are walking around with a chest full, just waiting to nurse. It's like a constant reminder that the chapter is ending.<br />
<br />
--Let your people in. For me, I shared this journey on Instagram with all my followers... but let your mama know, your significant other, your best friends. I had a whole group of people checking in on me as we cut things off. For them, I am SO thankful.<br />
<br />
--Go slowly. We went from nursing in the morning, before nap time, before bedtime and in the middle of the night to not nursing at all. But we did it slowly. We cut out the nap time nursing session first. A week later, I cut out the morning nursing session. We went from cuddling and nursing to start the day to just getting up and going. Then we cut out the middle of the night nursing, by just rocking her back to sleep. The bedtime one was the one I dreaded the most. But by that point, she had adjusted to the idea and eventually went from crying for an hour plus after laying her down to just a few minutes before falling asleep. Slow and steady was best for both me AND her. It took us about three weeks from start to finish.<br />
<br />
--When you decide to completely wean, make sure it is during a time where you don't have a lot going on. You'll be miserable and emotional. Take a few days. Let your body adjust and get it done.<br />
<br />
Most importantly, remember how many mamas went through this exact stage in your life. It is HARD... but we all make it to the other side, one way or another. My child is still clingy as ever and has adjusted beautifully to life without nursing. I am excited for this next chapter in our life. Proud as hell to get to celebrate the last six years, but ready to move on.</div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854302342303748377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454858563624138264.post-55706021295576686542020-01-27T20:54:00.000-06:002020-01-27T20:57:35.100-06:00Grace | SIX<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQplsOcOkL7SbDU5SoLJHmvQlJg0Uz2o4iL_JYH5oIZNrUg_uqd5XOeW0NI15neyOXX4_1KidW0WYX-hKiANdWvXRtapuqykIlw42E-PTlcSU6IbmSPKnZb7BVggbeG1xQXC88ysOlzK-/s1600/IMG_2816.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQplsOcOkL7SbDU5SoLJHmvQlJg0Uz2o4iL_JYH5oIZNrUg_uqd5XOeW0NI15neyOXX4_1KidW0WYX-hKiANdWvXRtapuqykIlw42E-PTlcSU6IbmSPKnZb7BVggbeG1xQXC88ysOlzK-/s1600/IMG_2816.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
January 25, 2014. We became parents to a baby girl. After a brief trip to the NICU (she was noisy and had issues breathing right off the bat), she settled into a peaceful, easy going personality. And it has been that way ever since.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhy5VMysXwLA07fYMKEKp8vnixVZQbu7UhRTZTaljP6UqyaF9ifYo74NPOcOjmcHvRDizgQffyQ_8y_HbyyoupIvhiglwxmnQNTUkGxtIwSTsfu0QJ8ysoYFQd2eRgyiv_dt2-_GY23NC/s1600/IMG_2820.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhy5VMysXwLA07fYMKEKp8vnixVZQbu7UhRTZTaljP6UqyaF9ifYo74NPOcOjmcHvRDizgQffyQ_8y_HbyyoupIvhiglwxmnQNTUkGxtIwSTsfu0QJ8ysoYFQd2eRgyiv_dt2-_GY23NC/s1600/IMG_2820.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
Grace has rolled through life adjusting to move after move, becoming a big sister twice, experiencing everything first and while she wears her heart on her sleeve, she loves fiercely. I'm never surprised to find her completely zoned out just rubbing the dog or cornering a sister to give them a hug they weren't wanting or expecting. And somehow our sweet oldest girl is now six.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Irv7ftbnWvIcADedoW4kvtGIJXscVnhkjdSFvnhulFJww_gZweGFdEZBRYCBI66K6ZludyTobVDnXpTqaJUqDvbpS1h4ExQrnp7gbXStlzGmgSDLKFt3xLj1JACxdJ4PNckXgCwTA_sg/s1600/IMG_2827.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Irv7ftbnWvIcADedoW4kvtGIJXscVnhkjdSFvnhulFJww_gZweGFdEZBRYCBI66K6ZludyTobVDnXpTqaJUqDvbpS1h4ExQrnp7gbXStlzGmgSDLKFt3xLj1JACxdJ4PNckXgCwTA_sg/s1600/IMG_2827.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
Saturday, after a super early wake up call, was Grace's day. We got donuts for breakfast. She picked out a special gift with daddy at the store. She anxiously waited for her party to start. We invited friends and family over for unicorn horn decorating (ice cream cones), presents, cake, and goody bags. After her party we went to dinner with family and everyone woke up Sunday completely wiped. But happy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzXSTaw_dQWLVnsJraZ9a9Ie_ryS1SmODy094IvpCFV40xliuRkqTSN-Oeu4WeozWgHro9y-Xlu9lQ5N1NKxEp_CnRKNxrq337gArYx8AQJyH1a59QnP2pEzze3gw-wI5en7kqVkjuG6ue/s1600/IMG_2866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzXSTaw_dQWLVnsJraZ9a9Ie_ryS1SmODy094IvpCFV40xliuRkqTSN-Oeu4WeozWgHro9y-Xlu9lQ5N1NKxEp_CnRKNxrq337gArYx8AQJyH1a59QnP2pEzze3gw-wI5en7kqVkjuG6ue/s1600/IMG_2866.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
While we deal with a lot of emotions in this house, this stage in life is one of my favorites. Grace's personality is caring and inquisitive, but also a rule follower. She listens, is helpful, and loves doing big sister things right there at mommy's side. This year she started kindergarten and has come so far since the first days of preschool. School has been a great fit for our girl and I love hearing from her teacher when she talks about our girl and her successes. She is creative and loves Legos. She loves routine and hates feeling like she is left out of things. When she walks out the door or spends time away from me, I never worry about how she handles herself with other people.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HUArCsLDlFlNRtF3uEmYa7yeZr3zntBdB4wKJLz1Ikb00Kc8MEWMqY9Vq3lqGwE0bdWBYdQ0jd31-k4cdjnADCWmkXObMb-4MlLGAsFWEws7yc2cJSwX3sp7HIh2HdY6WN988F2itfPV/s1600/IMG_2834.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HUArCsLDlFlNRtF3uEmYa7yeZr3zntBdB4wKJLz1Ikb00Kc8MEWMqY9Vq3lqGwE0bdWBYdQ0jd31-k4cdjnADCWmkXObMb-4MlLGAsFWEws7yc2cJSwX3sp7HIh2HdY6WN988F2itfPV/s1600/IMG_2834.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
I am proud to be her mama.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjtn8s0kNoDUEPuzBy74uCJkq7avhNLcz4OFRmgmLHYPn8kvxJwzwtwHadU2jmTsh0ErKlkkT8h9oWqO8OvT1vmJMYXsExPVu_XXgUcnCqXim1JIve3M9dQi2b7PgIIB6gyWnc6m-73uN/s1600/IMG_2864.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjtn8s0kNoDUEPuzBy74uCJkq7avhNLcz4OFRmgmLHYPn8kvxJwzwtwHadU2jmTsh0ErKlkkT8h9oWqO8OvT1vmJMYXsExPVu_XXgUcnCqXim1JIve3M9dQi2b7PgIIB6gyWnc6m-73uN/s1600/IMG_2864.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
To my oldest baby girl - Never ever stop being you. Your personality is something to be proud of. Don't let people walk all over you in life, as there is not a single thing you can't accomplish. Not a single thing. I'm so excited to see what the next year holds for you as you get further into school and grow more into the little lady you are becoming. Selfishly, I hope the next year goes slowly though. The time is going far too quick. It seems like just the other day we were welcoming you into the world and discovering the world as you did. Mama is ALWAYS here for you and ALWAYS behind you as your biggest cheerleader. I love you, always and forever.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854302342303748377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454858563624138264.post-86451521799004361422020-01-14T22:34:00.000-06:002020-01-14T22:34:37.925-06:00FLOURISHING in 2020<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRkXH7nP5M2dqM3aYBnE9bxShUxR7eQ0hmhJk-Wpqa3v3jLcJqzdtjSXUMISIfk9fBvasxneW8_nw0iEksXEr1sj8w9u2UntKHSXQlLfG5yimoZxm0SpTGnUTYL2ow3W-BMtISVqUHJtM/s1600/IMG_2548.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRkXH7nP5M2dqM3aYBnE9bxShUxR7eQ0hmhJk-Wpqa3v3jLcJqzdtjSXUMISIfk9fBvasxneW8_nw0iEksXEr1sj8w9u2UntKHSXQlLfG5yimoZxm0SpTGnUTYL2ow3W-BMtISVqUHJtM/s1600/IMG_2548.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
Every year as we say goodbye to one year and welcome a new one, we look forward with bright and hopeful eyes. "2019 was rough. 2020 will DEFINITELY be my year." Like somehow the change of the calendar will actually change the realities of everyday life. But we set the goals, the intentions, the word of the year and we hope to make the changes to achieve all of the things.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In 2019, I watched people get pregnant and have babies after years of trying, open up businesses that were dreamed of on vision boards and make career changes, sometimes by will, sometimes not. For us, 2019 was the year of new adventures. I started a networking group that I am truly passionate about and Rob became the chairperson for the local Ducks Unlimited chapter. We've said yes to new opportunities and it is something we hope to cultivate for many years to come.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So when I look towards 2020, I don't hope for much change but I do have a vision for how this year will go. This is the year I turn 30 and celebrate 10 years of marriage. This is the year I want to make about me. Selfishly.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My number one goal for this year is to take more time for myself. As a mom of three little girls, I am running from here to there and always busy opening snacks, cleaning the kitchen, picking up toys, changing diapers. From morning to night, I keep three little people alive and then if I can keep my eyes open, I get time for myself at the end of the day. This year I want to change that. I want to go get a massage, a facial, a pedicure. I want to whiten my teeth and do more face masks. I want to get back into yoga and find more ways to fit exercise into my day to day routine. I want to go out with friends more and read more. I want to put more of an emphasis on me, in both big and small ways.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
With that, I also want to wean Emily. At the end of March she turns 2, and it is time. I have been pregnant or nursing since 2013 and while I love my ability to nurture my children... I am ready. Nursing Emily has been such a different experience. She is the only one of my three that doesn't use a shield when nursing. But in a way that has made her so much more possessive. Heaven forbid my husband even look our way while nursing. She's demanding and bossy and it is no longer something I truly enjoy. My goal is to have her completely weaned by the end of February, ideally earlier. I'm ready to put the baby making and feeding chapter of my life behind me and watch these little people become little ladies with their own thoughts, perceptions and goals in life.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Every year I add my blogging to my list as something I want to "do better" at. This blog has always stood as a form of documenting my family and all our adventures and activities. I want to document more and grow this blog. Which means mixing in more generic posts, growing my following on Instagram and focusing on keeping up with a routine and schedule. Writing has always been something that soothes me. Sometimes though it is the last thing I take time for. Focusing with the kids around is hard. Focusing when I am tired and ready for bed is hard. Writing often takes the back burner unintentionally. Maybe (hopefully) 2020 will be the year that changes.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Perhaps one of the biggest life style changes I hope to focus on this year? Learning to be okay with saying "no" to people and not have immense guilt. As a people pleaser it is easy to get carried away with trying to make everyone happy. It is not realistic and it does nothing for my anxiety. I want this to be the year that I learn how to say "no", mean it, and not carry it around with me. I owe it to myself.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So with that my word of the year is FLOURISH. The literal definition is to grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way, especially as the result of a particularly favorable environment. Which at this point in my life is my ultimate goal... to grow in a healthy way.<br />
<br />
<i>So tell me... What are your goals?</i><br />
<i>What is your word of the year?</i><br />
<br />
And just for fun...<br />
Grace's goal - <b>"Do whatever I want."</b><br />
Brooke's goal -<b> "Play with bubbles."</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854302342303748377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454858563624138264.post-54298281028146167732019-12-11T22:03:00.001-06:002020-01-14T22:34:57.325-06:00Christmas Pajama Traditions with Shinesty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHj5lHcRKG4a0xVmTq5xfm1CrcYXDiEVNCSL2vocYlvve526PER6QfuMGQy9K3NKcUi_SyY8yRiVALNbXMBl7xndwwPzk4IYC79mXQrXqR1WixwfZi_tD-WwaRfBLssV47Bsya-GM9SJwT/s1600/IMG_1808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHj5lHcRKG4a0xVmTq5xfm1CrcYXDiEVNCSL2vocYlvve526PER6QfuMGQy9K3NKcUi_SyY8yRiVALNbXMBl7xndwwPzk4IYC79mXQrXqR1WixwfZi_tD-WwaRfBLssV47Bsya-GM9SJwT/s1600/IMG_1808.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
My favorite part of being a parent is the holidays. Grace's first Christmas we started establishing traditions and now that our little family is complete each year we add new traditions to look forward to and in my opinion, it just makes the holidays so much more fun. We visit Santa, we write and mail letters to the North Pole, we make sweets with the family and deliver them to the neighbors... but my favorite tradition is the pajamas.<br />
<br />
Growing up, every Christmas Eve amongst the toys, clothes and other goodies, my parents gifted us a pair of (mostly) matching pajamas. Before bed we pulled them from the pile and slipped into them eagerly waiting all that comes with Christmas morning. My parents still buy the pajamas for us, but now Rob and I get to buy the pajamas for our girls, carrying on the tradition. I tuck them into a box with a book for them to open at Grandma and Grandpa's house Christmas Eve before we head home and tuck sleepy baby bodies into bed to play Santa.<br />
<br />
The Christmas Eve pajama tradition has stuck with me for almost thirty years. It helps make Christmas the holiday that it is. <br />
<br />
Now that I am the one doing the pajama shopping, I am constantly looking for companies that offer good, high quality pajamas with quick shipping and, of course, the option for the matching element.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_I7dZR3rFOHcdKzEmiGW-YUsN6oW2X1GX4-apbZt6UjkCHxVF50lbc2CTXhLhfctf-UKJMb2kVxBkYj6Nue4C2xAeh7rN9bEwNaDs-U5Ei7ByqakV2EcgSDIJFYJgiHe8rET2FEk_fS73/s1600/IMG_1723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_I7dZR3rFOHcdKzEmiGW-YUsN6oW2X1GX4-apbZt6UjkCHxVF50lbc2CTXhLhfctf-UKJMb2kVxBkYj6Nue4C2xAeh7rN9bEwNaDs-U5Ei7ByqakV2EcgSDIJFYJgiHe8rET2FEk_fS73/s1600/IMG_1723.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Enter <a href="https://www.shinesty.com/">Shinesty</a>, the company with the sole mission of bringing you the most outlandish collection of clothing the world has ever seen. You've seen me feature patriotic wear (<a href="https://www.somewhereoverthecamo.com/2018/09/shine-on-with-shinesty.html">here</a> and <a href="https://www.somewhereoverthecamo.com/2019/06/shining-with-shinesty.html">here</a>), but now they offer pajamas and it is a game changer. They sent me a pair and I am obsessed.<br />
<br />
Every piece I've received gets here quickly and is the highest quality, ever. So not only are these pajamas cute, but they are also comfortable and you bet I am going to be living in them year round. The material is a polyester/spandex mixture, so it clings where you want it to but is still soft as can be and covers all of the bases for wants and needs in pajamas.<br />
<br />
But you guys, not only do they offer pajamas for adults, they also offer pajamas for dogs and kids, too. Literally the WHOLE family. It is a <a href="https://www.shinesty.com/collections/christmas-pajamas">holiday jammie one stop shop</a> and I can not praise this company and their outlandish ways enough. Right now they are even offering free slippers with any pajama set.<br />
<br />
There is absolutely still time to get your holiday pajamas through Shinesty and start or carry on those family traditions... so what print are you loving?<br />
<br />
<i>While I received a free pair of pajamas in exchange for an honest review... all opinions are absolutely my own.</i>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854302342303748377noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454858563624138264.post-84405877175505442922019-10-09T10:38:00.000-05:002019-10-09T10:38:27.645-05:00Slice of Life - the Summer editionIt has been a moment. And by moment I clearly mean most of the summer and into the fall that our life has mostly been off the blog. I'm doing my best to document it on Instagram and other forms of social media... but this is where I want it to end up. This is our family scrapbook.<br />
<br />
So I'm going to take it back to this summer and write about a few of my favorite moments post Father's day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXc3XUUaxP2rOYwrSyIpVoDDaxci2cOGOQ3TnlWsGMv3ySnvdeBu8Y35djsuMJyqeWQmwoOdl3X9H9KUTYw5MJQSrq-FCwM9rXZwXAolaMEtf0ZAm75kMEc0Oi1d_My5tduoApSm7FxLQT/s1600/8925765395214517154_IMG_3759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXc3XUUaxP2rOYwrSyIpVoDDaxci2cOGOQ3TnlWsGMv3ySnvdeBu8Y35djsuMJyqeWQmwoOdl3X9H9KUTYw5MJQSrq-FCwM9rXZwXAolaMEtf0ZAm75kMEc0Oi1d_My5tduoApSm7FxLQT/s1600/8925765395214517154_IMG_3759.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Probably the best part of our summer was getting to vacation with my college best friend and her family. I wrote all about the Branson portion <a href="https://www.somewhereoverthecamo.com/2019/07/traveling-with-kids-branson-mo.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigr5H7cXIPj-BqkPZ-ASSB_5aaGz_uwSEPKXaeskIJ4Fd8iYb4Q66ESMkvmAj_MEPQauv70aNmu2623EHhuOvtutvcz_jzpof2kVOvB0MNLVkYUkI23z_iSGXnk61-6BLQmgUSNbwftEcF/s1600/IMG_0328.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigr5H7cXIPj-BqkPZ-ASSB_5aaGz_uwSEPKXaeskIJ4Fd8iYb4Q66ESMkvmAj_MEPQauv70aNmu2623EHhuOvtutvcz_jzpof2kVOvB0MNLVkYUkI23z_iSGXnk61-6BLQmgUSNbwftEcF/s1600/IMG_0328.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
We spent the last few days our sweet California friends were in Kansas doing all sorts of local things. We started off with dinner with Kara and getting eaten alive by mosquitos all in the name of a good photo.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgq63PVekAZMjg6WRALerYmnM5IzA1qxRDWinhhl9JOzXsruytDwyP_AjZaU8TH2O-B10UmbBZiDkh2fMvkNUoH5CdCsMY3mmp4z6FUEq9P3VK26_mapH3859hjjY5N40LILDf-7XC8bA/s1600/IMG_2243.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgq63PVekAZMjg6WRALerYmnM5IzA1qxRDWinhhl9JOzXsruytDwyP_AjZaU8TH2O-B10UmbBZiDkh2fMvkNUoH5CdCsMY3mmp4z6FUEq9P3VK26_mapH3859hjjY5N40LILDf-7XC8bA/s1600/IMG_2243.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
Rob took the two big girls and Joe to a Sporting KC game that night. Grace absolutely loved it and we converted Brylee to a Sporting KC fan, even when they were playing LA. So we consider that a win on all accounts.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwqSK8QvaPmj-rcQbtphmrpFW6xEIItXuuyV6QIve0PJ2kdQwYE0kwKDXC8-SD3fDEzDcFipu8uuKHP8Yoy1yEFNQibB5OPHzfri6maFRffsLFwcAT4-I06hnY6gJpOK5sUzmPbIZBGCh/s1600/C8FF58DD-74D2-4B36-9010-3457E3B09992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwqSK8QvaPmj-rcQbtphmrpFW6xEIItXuuyV6QIve0PJ2kdQwYE0kwKDXC8-SD3fDEzDcFipu8uuKHP8Yoy1yEFNQibB5OPHzfri6maFRffsLFwcAT4-I06hnY6gJpOK5sUzmPbIZBGCh/s1600/C8FF58DD-74D2-4B36-9010-3457E3B09992.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhec54qWBJ05SJpLmE0GQf6w5ZHtCQfBriyn4HkboTyN351LmvkqO46VK76Av3hQl4-pLFmoYk0Q0wLnUyN1r7WirR7EszCIKuYSJpob0Ad9OIHAmCQjUQId5FEz57VnZwycgr2xkbWFwxy/s1600/IMG_0500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhec54qWBJ05SJpLmE0GQf6w5ZHtCQfBriyn4HkboTyN351LmvkqO46VK76Av3hQl4-pLFmoYk0Q0wLnUyN1r7WirR7EszCIKuYSJpob0Ad9OIHAmCQjUQId5FEz57VnZwycgr2xkbWFwxy/s1600/IMG_0500.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We spent our Fourth of July grilling out, blowing up some fireworks and again, being eaten alive my mosquitos in the name of a good time. We ended up finding a really good place by the river to watch fireworks and my sister and her boyfriend were able to join us for the festivities. ˙Happy Birthday America!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3zWDOO90hAEwebm2A687REzIM48VbS7yPTDCq5zmQd7zid-zFkhySNJZwmOOdZC_Ca9yeCDUC2AGRHEEO35mVyBdtF1uknDcSlNpjjleGU51RJUyRfCkZ_2glalcnqqpEJVEZ1aDHXSV/s1600/IMG_0398.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3zWDOO90hAEwebm2A687REzIM48VbS7yPTDCq5zmQd7zid-zFkhySNJZwmOOdZC_Ca9yeCDUC2AGRHEEO35mVyBdtF1uknDcSlNpjjleGU51RJUyRfCkZ_2glalcnqqpEJVEZ1aDHXSV/s1600/IMG_0398.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
That last night we spent together we popped up the tent in the living room and let the girls camp out. I hope these little memories of time spent with special friends doing special things will stick with them well into adulthood. Because I know they all loved it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibrxm9FF_anRkTPuEStHM84uDKWrOK8RUTlOEj3JszvAXolDqCLN8AnPZT-uvqe6GnUEjim3iwjKEX9I8UpG-9xQEYnUJ_m75J5TNNkiszOPa3fYf8sEds2IUx_jNuIuZHjvFFPNeX5AT9/s1600/-861426710900310002_IMG_3850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1144" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibrxm9FF_anRkTPuEStHM84uDKWrOK8RUTlOEj3JszvAXolDqCLN8AnPZT-uvqe6GnUEjim3iwjKEX9I8UpG-9xQEYnUJ_m75J5TNNkiszOPa3fYf8sEds2IUx_jNuIuZHjvFFPNeX5AT9/s1600/-861426710900310002_IMG_3850.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEIJiMJrpkf8U444FJJDdG5e8gxMredd07FTQSmjV3U3Z3tC9L2HFglRVcn4nl0-vZXLlcd-ef8VBYxzYphP38XbT47T0588HOmhBcLMS4QZUiLiBOSalBrn5F3ONxefjhecWjgE9iaFa/s1600/-865149856020542178_IMG_3917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEIJiMJrpkf8U444FJJDdG5e8gxMredd07FTQSmjV3U3Z3tC9L2HFglRVcn4nl0-vZXLlcd-ef8VBYxzYphP38XbT47T0588HOmhBcLMS4QZUiLiBOSalBrn5F3ONxefjhecWjgE9iaFa/s1600/-865149856020542178_IMG_3917.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3Qj2432mGjb8LcDys8GyroGvI9PrVPyGObVYXgG7wUUCdBgstmmF8YLMXwG0dOc9uqDY9NwEriP4r6hxeB-W08iR9Gz-gcQEqpz9lX7mIo5HxwXly-ddym58m2DJwSaNkciOmaYM1Ymq/s1600/3067804148885952291_IMG_3921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1031" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3Qj2432mGjb8LcDys8GyroGvI9PrVPyGObVYXgG7wUUCdBgstmmF8YLMXwG0dOc9uqDY9NwEriP4r6hxeB-W08iR9Gz-gcQEqpz9lX7mIo5HxwXly-ddym58m2DJwSaNkciOmaYM1Ymq/s1600/3067804148885952291_IMG_3921.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cFEA7-ApZyWzzHGxFqAskAe4ZGGBDpNymQRqYcW533p59Qij9OWzWnsSpztDUzzztqsIW3t66po0TIo8ZcrLV9SD5axuCTtbRxiBkLYdNpt3_MlAEnuf6iTvzGFKVIfJaXcTvg6h2hBQ/s1600/-1462476393714612613_IMG_3940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cFEA7-ApZyWzzHGxFqAskAe4ZGGBDpNymQRqYcW533p59Qij9OWzWnsSpztDUzzztqsIW3t66po0TIo8ZcrLV9SD5axuCTtbRxiBkLYdNpt3_MlAEnuf6iTvzGFKVIfJaXcTvg6h2hBQ/s1600/-1462476393714612613_IMG_3940.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQHsVE0lBxzejMTsrc2m2aNV74Pahjfi0jqqVcw4M51EMWiwbArxCu3tscsN2WTEWD5-ecvlzaRL_5VO0U7-jrhNwD5LkDdD9k-iEwXwYy6x1tVws8z2Bh70a_P5JcuFaD3nKPSjQAd9sU/s1600/IMG_0424.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQHsVE0lBxzejMTsrc2m2aNV74Pahjfi0jqqVcw4M51EMWiwbArxCu3tscsN2WTEWD5-ecvlzaRL_5VO0U7-jrhNwD5LkDdD9k-iEwXwYy6x1tVws8z2Bh70a_P5JcuFaD3nKPSjQAd9sU/s1600/IMG_0424.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
On our last day with our sweet friends we drove into Kansas City to go to Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead and eat dinner before parting ways. It was a good last day spent making even more memories. Plus BreeAnna and Joe asked Rob and I to be Dakota's Godparents, of which they hold the same title for Emily. Something I truly honor - because I absolutely adore that girl, just like the rest of her family. It was a fantastic way to wrap up our big trip of the summer. And we can't wait to do something similar again in a few years in a new location.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UNLJpBMFW7JdOnmmOvUNt-J_K2fX1YuLEjzAc2uIcQZudvOfdixBfClCXre2gtemL7w5876L_6IMtvzsV90XUEPv8Y_cc_6-XmqEVGk6F53mEgx5xxxOS5iFCLWxfhojXr5ZajL0La2D/s1600/IMG_0519.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UNLJpBMFW7JdOnmmOvUNt-J_K2fX1YuLEjzAc2uIcQZudvOfdixBfClCXre2gtemL7w5876L_6IMtvzsV90XUEPv8Y_cc_6-XmqEVGk6F53mEgx5xxxOS5iFCLWxfhojXr5ZajL0La2D/s1600/IMG_0519.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMpl57cPmvkS9Nqp5A3JgB9_JukNjCl5ckbty6zIkdG_m9nMTpI3FgJtNh0UtNHABNwbrSOxsnwGp9tYbuzqkVIQUAiimjzDDuYTRABouzwsPgXsaETBW-38TEPev8dZZU9mlHj5PCz3mE/s1600/IMG_0523.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMpl57cPmvkS9Nqp5A3JgB9_JukNjCl5ckbty6zIkdG_m9nMTpI3FgJtNh0UtNHABNwbrSOxsnwGp9tYbuzqkVIQUAiimjzDDuYTRABouzwsPgXsaETBW-38TEPev8dZZU9mlHj5PCz3mE/s1600/IMG_0523.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKUpSOhvWsOQmYYNwCVH2RYxB3Tb_WQFs5fLWmW802wo82eXqUW8Gd-8M8JC40i8ykW1iK1_fIMEz5ybfe2ZBw3JmbNxx4zJloqYCDlAgRWRHVtVJSTDj41iGGOpq0HpIoKI-5ZGqFkgv/s1600/IMG_0525.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1181" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKUpSOhvWsOQmYYNwCVH2RYxB3Tb_WQFs5fLWmW802wo82eXqUW8Gd-8M8JC40i8ykW1iK1_fIMEz5ybfe2ZBw3JmbNxx4zJloqYCDlAgRWRHVtVJSTDj41iGGOpq0HpIoKI-5ZGqFkgv/s1600/IMG_0525.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRe8one7ZE66gh3h0IT_D0UL8C33M5XAjuXkS_MEWo3vEcW5s4e4nhOuyWcYw8HORrkUH1lO-LqsotzLWFpg3V7aGdeJ39HkLwffcx2y0gAdh3l3K_7q2MgxXrH3fOM3pORnSyYSm2sJs/s1600/IMG_0778.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRe8one7ZE66gh3h0IT_D0UL8C33M5XAjuXkS_MEWo3vEcW5s4e4nhOuyWcYw8HORrkUH1lO-LqsotzLWFpg3V7aGdeJ39HkLwffcx2y0gAdh3l3K_7q2MgxXrH3fOM3pORnSyYSm2sJs/s1600/IMG_0778.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fiEgEkm-w7UpYQ8dTAxocueWbwOg2xf6krV0PdvrZ2fFQzkeAlt5q9xaOFtlB4rFWOWGzn7dQXBlYAl0cRzzLnzC9neW-A-YvCLFN9XW3HZOYHD-Toat0wTEvQsoRlkWAspNS3HS4PB1/s1600/IMG_0783.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fiEgEkm-w7UpYQ8dTAxocueWbwOg2xf6krV0PdvrZ2fFQzkeAlt5q9xaOFtlB4rFWOWGzn7dQXBlYAl0cRzzLnzC9neW-A-YvCLFN9XW3HZOYHD-Toat0wTEvQsoRlkWAspNS3HS4PB1/s1600/IMG_0783.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwB56BeAnK7LxopEZOq76FAff1RKTBDPA_tQ9vpZIkZilQA6t7BDNQ7e9zMCGU351nqj07fvr9D5NU6sXfeL5oJ2Kc-L7CLxxzX-RxvonOmJMpRrbcquNSiQAcFhiZEP6_qtaeSuDFtvsV/s1600/IMG_0784.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwB56BeAnK7LxopEZOq76FAff1RKTBDPA_tQ9vpZIkZilQA6t7BDNQ7e9zMCGU351nqj07fvr9D5NU6sXfeL5oJ2Kc-L7CLxxzX-RxvonOmJMpRrbcquNSiQAcFhiZEP6_qtaeSuDFtvsV/s1600/IMG_0784.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There were a couple of blog related events in Kansas City that made my list this summer. I went to the Nekter Juice Bar Skoop launch social, which was AMAZING. And healthy for you, so that is really awesome. I also made it out to the Dames Collective KC launch party. They are a networking group in Kansas City that meets monthly for social opportunities. It was a lovely launch and great to meet the founder all the way from California.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjaqkP_v4E-FgYn_KCO8Dxy7SGYZE46JNmAhIZx8rJPziwGm-2gH4xPXzi0j6Z3U3lD_JgkFw2TERXXskLkl9IPoZxkk1UOE2HE9sQ4U0XIVJV0VaagUX3R0W_3SmvMNDrsvrK1mvc6vS/s1600/IMG_0590.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjaqkP_v4E-FgYn_KCO8Dxy7SGYZE46JNmAhIZx8rJPziwGm-2gH4xPXzi0j6Z3U3lD_JgkFw2TERXXskLkl9IPoZxkk1UOE2HE9sQ4U0XIVJV0VaagUX3R0W_3SmvMNDrsvrK1mvc6vS/s1600/IMG_0590.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
We got to celebrate some of our local friends as they baptized their girls into the Catholic faith. Always a day for celebration and we were glad to be able to make it straight out of the pool and into church.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqVLXfoe5L87CO9fv10Ej_yG4L2k5ssozfvoHwB_Rm2B64KLMhoIHifEHoh9vTTnhdv5iz1igFf2FuuC6MXML8lMWPNvFY5khJUaE_60odJVUbeklN3brEnXYG4CwHF-O1WONuzD3ouZOS/s1600/IMG_0825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqVLXfoe5L87CO9fv10Ej_yG4L2k5ssozfvoHwB_Rm2B64KLMhoIHifEHoh9vTTnhdv5iz1igFf2FuuC6MXML8lMWPNvFY5khJUaE_60odJVUbeklN3brEnXYG4CwHF-O1WONuzD3ouZOS/s1600/IMG_0825.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
This year I said yes to joining the steering team for my MOPs group. We had our retreat late this summer and it was such a fun way to bond and get to know one another. So far this MOPs year has been nothing short of amazing and with such a creative group of ladies, it has been lots of fun to see what everyone has come up with to make it exciting and special.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXhbz_wWUjBuxBVJjv5kU6_zdczu7Ilvhtkdm5M7EiFnbxu_JnwHIb6uSBOwAR7WPo4latqI45MmuJNKyYmDNzwHUuAJkFBctEDj6iMZp4VCaIY6jqFGaXeVgE70kJqB5OpCLcDONutvw/s1600/IMG_0946.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXhbz_wWUjBuxBVJjv5kU6_zdczu7Ilvhtkdm5M7EiFnbxu_JnwHIb6uSBOwAR7WPo4latqI45MmuJNKyYmDNzwHUuAJkFBctEDj6iMZp4VCaIY6jqFGaXeVgE70kJqB5OpCLcDONutvw/s1600/IMG_0946.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2NiIo0gGSuHJd1BwZKqJ8RAmoY4GMzpTjqyljBbpZMp26OqNddMj78bPKvN8N7wXaBkICf5Q2ynVmx8rVKhMCO8YgU1jGZ9DGHc4bYzhWzLxNB3OOHClSz17h7w4mr7K1p6Ly0wIu13I/s1600/IMG_0952.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2NiIo0gGSuHJd1BwZKqJ8RAmoY4GMzpTjqyljBbpZMp26OqNddMj78bPKvN8N7wXaBkICf5Q2ynVmx8rVKhMCO8YgU1jGZ9DGHc4bYzhWzLxNB3OOHClSz17h7w4mr7K1p6Ly0wIu13I/s1600/IMG_0952.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FERyI2QYcdjVr8c7fjBAFlcuyBJyl_eKyugR-xp0HrWrPZ9w-7P_6EHSJrg3Dzlgr10L90UBjhIHhlOA8obn76wOtMmyfffKuqa0sqaedNc7EP4VZsn43Ed0k1oVuxMe01lJVRFbkFnm/s1600/IMG_0960.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1072" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FERyI2QYcdjVr8c7fjBAFlcuyBJyl_eKyugR-xp0HrWrPZ9w-7P_6EHSJrg3Dzlgr10L90UBjhIHhlOA8obn76wOtMmyfffKuqa0sqaedNc7EP4VZsn43Ed0k1oVuxMe01lJVRFbkFnm/s1600/IMG_0960.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
Shortly before school started back up we took a quick road trip to spend the day in Wamego with some friends. We visited the Oz Museum, the Oz winery and got lunch. It was a fantastic morning doing something we haven't yet gotten to do. If you are local, we definitely recommend a day trip out to Wamego... we were surprised by all that there is to do.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcfbI8YYoZmeWRAldmMf1W2kIMnZk-CbrLAaqhvJT2OZR2cEf7YMO12ot9kRFBUqetr3nwPbwPLvBhfovuYCOp2Tf8CoQT6YRrxh8_X9gAFKHT6TqgJO4jcIzodiRnylMZTXnwLO287YF/s1600/IMG_0994.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcfbI8YYoZmeWRAldmMf1W2kIMnZk-CbrLAaqhvJT2OZR2cEf7YMO12ot9kRFBUqetr3nwPbwPLvBhfovuYCOp2Tf8CoQT6YRrxh8_X9gAFKHT6TqgJO4jcIzodiRnylMZTXnwLO287YF/s1600/IMG_0994.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmhD1Oi0M3CSG5LNcGCZix6GCFD9Y59qWbTIszIBbpsu0h3qToBJtwxzO7LmVJu01VQHgS59r2KE_LKx5UYrslJ22yFhEcfKa7gk6HNhQ7tb6nq2ooaoogMhsEJ8RYUXvSeejE903m2NN/s1600/IMG_1089.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmhD1Oi0M3CSG5LNcGCZix6GCFD9Y59qWbTIszIBbpsu0h3qToBJtwxzO7LmVJu01VQHgS59r2KE_LKx5UYrslJ22yFhEcfKa7gk6HNhQ7tb6nq2ooaoogMhsEJ8RYUXvSeejE903m2NN/s1600/IMG_1089.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2JMW-x1OYThDB7VSyQcOYUKC0CQlB_evjgHfK29VgucVx1dzoe93LFJ-JNT4alKAFWxMO5SaFelqijFLEjzTUyNIM6FCSoFh8nSixPt_qZoTgONRBA-tAfczx71843PzE2r0JU8iwMR6K/s1600/IMG_1071.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2JMW-x1OYThDB7VSyQcOYUKC0CQlB_evjgHfK29VgucVx1dzoe93LFJ-JNT4alKAFWxMO5SaFelqijFLEjzTUyNIM6FCSoFh8nSixPt_qZoTgONRBA-tAfczx71843PzE2r0JU8iwMR6K/s1600/IMG_1071.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8p3KTjvfb6XyPgCI9k0ySW0vI1lGiNJBxLPkkBZ1JbFrqqyeVAvc7eeQWLFzOzqOFfHjhFp0ehAAnL7YrtgOE3KCOEqZKbAQASZYH0qrOUJrhj4FsKemXQ9XztBhIuxSJPAxDjzL8Xhdr/s1600/IMG_1092.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8p3KTjvfb6XyPgCI9k0ySW0vI1lGiNJBxLPkkBZ1JbFrqqyeVAvc7eeQWLFzOzqOFfHjhFp0ehAAnL7YrtgOE3KCOEqZKbAQASZYH0qrOUJrhj4FsKemXQ9XztBhIuxSJPAxDjzL8Xhdr/s1600/IMG_1092.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
We spent our last weekend at the lake for the summer. We really look forward to the years where going to the lake is actually relaxing. Unfortunately, I think we still have a couple of seasons before all of our girls enjoy it to the full potential and we don't have to watch like a hawk to make sure no accidents happen. We enjoy our time spent there, but it really isn't a weekend getaway just yet. In time though we know it is going to be just that.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuTM28WJsXqXkBtEXHRyp7YwJUvx4drTnS9FS73KAAkT2CxaxYHFOEYfISS2IyO63e-hZy6KpGEyymDLBPQU5untHcwelYpMdwaLaPxVqWufKvnA9rR7c3tTXNwF8eGkWPq9dwLkVA8sK3/s1600/IMG_1199.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuTM28WJsXqXkBtEXHRyp7YwJUvx4drTnS9FS73KAAkT2CxaxYHFOEYfISS2IyO63e-hZy6KpGEyymDLBPQU5untHcwelYpMdwaLaPxVqWufKvnA9rR7c3tTXNwF8eGkWPq9dwLkVA8sK3/s1600/IMG_1199.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
The girls and I spent a day on the Country Club Plaza with my mom. I had to run an errand for the husband and we ended up walking around and taking it all in. I always love the architecture in that neck of the woods but we rarely have a reason to go down there, so it was a nice day spent taking in the views.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBKMQUBHxkiiNxau3zRkd2kfv2j1iSQtuRpM3BeUkBxfPL4QkKHyf-RoMTi985XA1AGxFlXzLX4AwHrWgepqEsZDIn6g7FuvOVRWUkyc2PVWyMhpDx_uEe4pMbEtwZ-ZvwY8qc_J6Jtvwj/s1600/IMG_1215.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBKMQUBHxkiiNxau3zRkd2kfv2j1iSQtuRpM3BeUkBxfPL4QkKHyf-RoMTi985XA1AGxFlXzLX4AwHrWgepqEsZDIn6g7FuvOVRWUkyc2PVWyMhpDx_uEe4pMbEtwZ-ZvwY8qc_J6Jtvwj/s1600/IMG_1215.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1CxZqqwmAS5bpbsBgZuYhC7SHkaeOBdWYjgd5IEyJZ1wpOc-VyDD3J7v65Ry24oGNsW0QubEAImLIRJaypRA18DxxZ9Ic0WMWkd6avxo1DgVAz_xyi4LsL4e4ywqknEPm8I154-jdkrm/s1600/IMG_1216.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1CxZqqwmAS5bpbsBgZuYhC7SHkaeOBdWYjgd5IEyJZ1wpOc-VyDD3J7v65Ry24oGNsW0QubEAImLIRJaypRA18DxxZ9Ic0WMWkd6avxo1DgVAz_xyi4LsL4e4ywqknEPm8I154-jdkrm/s1600/IMG_1216.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPcpdxffF5-c3OWMaSoNeF_-AsnxgMzf7GrHIPuaWaWTfMzshi7pha9qbbuAUiUBFQIOxzLqxJZ-EDoePNpaqUMlLREpgmCj2lpQFZqX6eJgzdO0ZCAgZzvnpp34DJVFrOLypbBIsWoC8b/s1600/IMG_1264.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPcpdxffF5-c3OWMaSoNeF_-AsnxgMzf7GrHIPuaWaWTfMzshi7pha9qbbuAUiUBFQIOxzLqxJZ-EDoePNpaqUMlLREpgmCj2lpQFZqX6eJgzdO0ZCAgZzvnpp34DJVFrOLypbBIsWoC8b/s1600/IMG_1264.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNiwnb-EgdEe7mOPpRtsv8yV-I_cMS4H72tEURTvP6LYzWoXhN1L6gUlfOFcDTIc2NbD3toB2QxAADfR4zkcBEthVEPwgoI2vW4vbZIDvpQ1JWZlv0WT4xeScjzIi18DIx8MiRwHy1e5Y5/s1600/IMG_1313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNiwnb-EgdEe7mOPpRtsv8yV-I_cMS4H72tEURTvP6LYzWoXhN1L6gUlfOFcDTIc2NbD3toB2QxAADfR4zkcBEthVEPwgoI2vW4vbZIDvpQ1JWZlv0WT4xeScjzIi18DIx8MiRwHy1e5Y5/s1600/IMG_1313.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKoI9_St6vsHMeWDeWMlBVr_gRidlmEfWHcjIzOzWHEao2voe4VmZEGx3ImoxjSwcpSMhfSJuxJtwJk2-wKR_vW-Nwxw6jRSjbSBNNvgB8WiM61OiPG5V2sCnRC3DAUVystkesfIAdKEq_/s1600/IMG_1314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKoI9_St6vsHMeWDeWMlBVr_gRidlmEfWHcjIzOzWHEao2voe4VmZEGx3ImoxjSwcpSMhfSJuxJtwJk2-wKR_vW-Nwxw6jRSjbSBNNvgB8WiM61OiPG5V2sCnRC3DAUVystkesfIAdKEq_/s1600/IMG_1314.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0o0Pr1bEqe3aqs0TQFYTTUUP1CdknuyZ6w6DfatE7hz0MYTg-VUVAgg2Tg2mmU5rOnLH-avg247FUPwAbgzFTdPPIDaKdXxWxVe6UuzvFyXPBYUa0cdU77bXSu00vYQjM64hAgUG4LidJ/s1600/IMG_1335.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0o0Pr1bEqe3aqs0TQFYTTUUP1CdknuyZ6w6DfatE7hz0MYTg-VUVAgg2Tg2mmU5rOnLH-avg247FUPwAbgzFTdPPIDaKdXxWxVe6UuzvFyXPBYUa0cdU77bXSu00vYQjM64hAgUG4LidJ/s1600/IMG_1335.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYH1utCaxNjbONSlEzg08GfMCQyRyow2yC7yuQhEtgUYwq_8wkWrEwJTq5WMGTqs8ixxNGzqxszsJWdXxt5c8XpJhQ27KrkJIkWHGCo0SMd2cJyavA0i2bPiIDYwnfXAnpKi_xTDOyIgB-/s1600/IMG_1345.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYH1utCaxNjbONSlEzg08GfMCQyRyow2yC7yuQhEtgUYwq_8wkWrEwJTq5WMGTqs8ixxNGzqxszsJWdXxt5c8XpJhQ27KrkJIkWHGCo0SMd2cJyavA0i2bPiIDYwnfXAnpKi_xTDOyIgB-/s1600/IMG_1345.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1PujsjJdwYSvTgwdOX3us8V9R7A2R0uwYNkNYPP6nYFAxCbskJc36mCnOO7HjyElCsOk1g2ci6Jk0UjPCOFxdvshD6Kg4_TqrI2MOlFFN7YQ5l08KWbTUlqAeduFkbhwRPhp9oDaLPz8s/s1600/IMG_1374.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1145" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1PujsjJdwYSvTgwdOX3us8V9R7A2R0uwYNkNYPP6nYFAxCbskJc36mCnOO7HjyElCsOk1g2ci6Jk0UjPCOFxdvshD6Kg4_TqrI2MOlFFN7YQ5l08KWbTUlqAeduFkbhwRPhp9oDaLPz8s/s1600/IMG_1374.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6U5FU0P1DUpceoBH_UzquQF1ik2HafRaR0_A5MPTneG5sbK_wNt_PWxjpIdkvo6EsuOOK4XOmnWOfBXEC5mtU1_9_72SqpXC5T5DrlTDO2ZdMVTlF3ZOuNtnJgAjn1p_e6tNvuM1qFMD/s1600/IMG_1401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6U5FU0P1DUpceoBH_UzquQF1ik2HafRaR0_A5MPTneG5sbK_wNt_PWxjpIdkvo6EsuOOK4XOmnWOfBXEC5mtU1_9_72SqpXC5T5DrlTDO2ZdMVTlF3ZOuNtnJgAjn1p_e6tNvuM1qFMD/s1600/IMG_1401.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3qZeUUkENOU1RqxndftCM5bIx1AHADNM-dZ2Sz0lG-hhF_QPdY3YHlpt_bqXkEQO7d7Fl1LITLsdsJvMxeFB6CZFcTJKSDef7CwHKTdIPnMI09tudmSCxq__KraKuV2QxBFPcZWC7bpf/s1600/IMG_1385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="756" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3qZeUUkENOU1RqxndftCM5bIx1AHADNM-dZ2Sz0lG-hhF_QPdY3YHlpt_bqXkEQO7d7Fl1LITLsdsJvMxeFB6CZFcTJKSDef7CwHKTdIPnMI09tudmSCxq__KraKuV2QxBFPcZWC7bpf/s1600/IMG_1385.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally, our last adventure before school started back up was our annual trip to Western Kansas. Our true reason for the trip this year was my cousin getting married, but we managed to turn it into a few days of fun. She planned it perfectly (on accident) with the Decatur County Fair we so love to drive out and enjoy. It is one of those volunteer ran fairs where the county owns all the rides and everything costs 25 cents. For a mere $20, you can entertain yourself all night long. This year was extra special because Rob made the trip with us. We rode the little train, checked out all the rides and won the kids prizes before taking off to Colby for the night. Saturday was the wedding in a gorgeous old barn. Unfortunately there isn't any A/C so we were all dripping in sweat and pretty grimy by the end of it but it was nice to be there to celebrate with my cousin. We ended up calling it a night a bit early because the kids were just not having it anymore. Our Saturday night festivities wrapped up with a massive storm blowing through town and the hotel we were staying in losing power for several hours. That is an experience a little too close to apocalyptic for me. It was out for a little over an hour but we definitely made the most of it with 3/5ths of my family already asleep. Sunday morning we celebrated my cousins baby turning 1 before we headed out of town for the big week of Grace starting kindergarten.<br />
<br />
It was the best way to wrap up the unofficial end of summer.<br />
<br />
<i>And if you made it all the way to the end of this post, I commend you. Playing catch up is sometimes boring for anyone not directly involved. Am I right?!</i>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854302342303748377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454858563624138264.post-16244336167299512292019-09-04T22:02:00.000-05:002019-09-04T22:02:20.958-05:00Brooklyn goes to preschool.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhABws79W62UwnaN261NwB08s3CaENwAPeik-wPe4tB08nvoCLEEGO_n0C10EuBKtpZ-jgRi1ECkcji0_BiIBwIZUt8jVIC1G_uQuCd64bMgkYAy0nvdJFkzRm5Hcq2oPwj3NZ4pcB33qB3/s1600/IMG_1928.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhABws79W62UwnaN261NwB08s3CaENwAPeik-wPe4tB08nvoCLEEGO_n0C10EuBKtpZ-jgRi1ECkcji0_BiIBwIZUt8jVIC1G_uQuCd64bMgkYAy0nvdJFkzRm5Hcq2oPwj3NZ4pcB33qB3/s1600/IMG_1928.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
This week marks another milestone in our parenting adventure - our middle baby is officially in a two day preschool program. She's in the exact same class, at the exact same school, with one of the same teachers Grace had when she started two years ago. <br />
<br />
This is a huge milestone for many reasons... but mainly because it means Brooklyn is potty trained.<br />
<br />
Potty training is the worst. All parents know this. But with Grace it was a breeze, relatively speaking. Within a week she completely had it. We knew then we were fortunate but had no idea just how true that was. Then we embarked on potty training Brooke and we realized just how insanely good we had it.<br />
<br />
As a disclaimer, in so many ways, Brooke is the polar opposite of her big sister. She is feisty, ornery, loud, determined and strong willed in areas that her sister is not. Her personality is out of this world but it also means that when it comes to parenting skills, ours were not at all prepared for our second child. <br />
<br />
Enter potty training. We waited until the second half of this summer, hoping that maybe it would just catch on with her big sister being potty trained for the last two years. Unfortunately, no such luck for us. Somehow, someway, we made it through. Eventually Rob made the call and decided we were going to cold turkey (ironically enough, this is also how we broke her of her binky as a toddler) remove diapers and pull-ups from the equation and after a rocky few days it seemed to have clicked. I hesitate to say she is potty trained, simply because it has been a long second half of the summer. But if I am being really real, she is.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEpQOMzneD4tzKIw0XFICYoJpSpPzcdwB4nizh4FpjF83tGXxRchXbqhglYeQjg5TDowtCJ0FCdAlE-li9AijnGd5adRXVc0QwlRievK12CVsfl4T6vrfCAK3EIrASUrhNxWuWaXVDLlWg/s1600/IMG_1950.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEpQOMzneD4tzKIw0XFICYoJpSpPzcdwB4nizh4FpjF83tGXxRchXbqhglYeQjg5TDowtCJ0FCdAlE-li9AijnGd5adRXVc0QwlRievK12CVsfl4T6vrfCAK3EIrASUrhNxWuWaXVDLlWg/s1600/IMG_1950.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
Last week was her preschool orientation and meet the teacher gathering. I guess maybe I didn't know what to expect, but I was completely blown away by Brooke's reaction to the classroom. She walked in and sat down and didn't even hesitate. She responded to her teachers, said hello to her classmates, and listened when given directions. And when it was time to go she announced that she wanted to stay there forever.<br />
<br />
I fired off a text to Rob and said, "you'd never believe how Brooke is acting!" Usually when someone says "hi" to Brooke that she doesn't know, she will hide behind my leg and refuse to say a peep to them. She doesn't like being told what to do and rarely does she initiate the conversation with people. But none of these characteristics were present at preschool.<br />
<br />
She was confident. She was bold. She listened. Her perfect little smile was readily available. And she surprised me in so many ways.<br />
<br />
Monday night she crashed hard knowing that in the morning she got to go to school. Tuesday she was up and getting ready the moment I said "baby, it's time to get ready for school". She hopped out of bed and went through all the motions. We snapped some pictures and we were off.<br />
<br />
After dropping Grace off at school, daddy met us at preschool to walk our girl in. She didn't look back or hesitate in the least. This girl is so ready to take on this year at preschool, and that makes me one proud mama. But there is nothing better than seeing your 3 year olds face when they see you at the end of a two and a half hour separation. <br />
<br />
She's ready to take on the world y'all, but she still needs me. That makes the growing up a little bit easier to deal with.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854302342303748377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454858563624138264.post-27354653338298215452019-08-16T20:43:00.000-05:002019-08-16T20:50:41.372-05:00Sending my oldest to kindergarten<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUveGufi2CaRbgEVGsnmHB1clnHexR6WZMSDsbY7vPwZG9Vy-HB2V3EBC-lDEcCVQM94QGmbGs8kdAnSXyasgALltgjvCXk0A8Y75IXfDG7YIFy_1A6qyyrhOarf6aGiPbkLPX4FAuqCc/s1600/IMG_1446.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1109" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUveGufi2CaRbgEVGsnmHB1clnHexR6WZMSDsbY7vPwZG9Vy-HB2V3EBC-lDEcCVQM94QGmbGs8kdAnSXyasgALltgjvCXk0A8Y75IXfDG7YIFy_1A6qyyrhOarf6aGiPbkLPX4FAuqCc/s1600/IMG_1446.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
On Wednesday, Grace started kindergarten.<br />
<br />
We spent the days and weeks leading up to it hyping our girl up. Although truly, she was so ready, and excited for school to start back up again. <br />
<br />
The night before we packed a lunch together, dropped off her school supplies at Back to School Night, took an extra long bath, discussed how we would do her hair in the morning and almost as soon as her head hit the pillow, she was asleep.<br />
<br />
Wednesday was a blur. I didn't have to wake our girl up - she was ready, shoes on and everything with time to spare. My mom came out to partake in the festivities with us and as soon as pictures were taken, we loaded up the van and we were off to drop our girl off.<br />
<br />
She walked in and hardly looked back. We hugged her and whispered the "I love you", "have fun" and "use your manners" messages, and then we were walking back to the van down a kid for the next 5 and a half hours. <br />
<br />
And not a single tear was shed.<br />
<br />
On Thursday we repeated Wednesday.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLbL7R9JfNkrdBrzMkIT_jJezurYDSzwreZFM3SEbu4B-LGRGHbGuRmVltzPif_s2zzdVcs2J80xazGGwe2rS8FNPIIMOJcGKlFenX76fWnKquTniW-PO7Z8KZb_oSgll57E3dA0nT-0Bs/s1600/IMG_1459.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLbL7R9JfNkrdBrzMkIT_jJezurYDSzwreZFM3SEbu4B-LGRGHbGuRmVltzPif_s2zzdVcs2J80xazGGwe2rS8FNPIIMOJcGKlFenX76fWnKquTniW-PO7Z8KZb_oSgll57E3dA0nT-0Bs/s1600/IMG_1459.HEIC" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On top of all the excitement from kindergarten -<br />
I have been battling some MAJOR allergies since our trip to <br />
Western Kansas this last weekend. So please ignore the weepy eyes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
But Thursday night it hit me like a chunk of bricks. Over five years ago I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of this baby girl. I was large, miserable and ready, or as ready as you can be when you are about to welcome your first baby. I had no idea what the next years would look like and at the time I just couldn't wait to meet this girl.<br />
<br />
She was worth the wait, in every way.<br />
<br />
Now I look at her and I don't see the 8 pound, 5 ounce baby girl we brought into the world in 2014. I see my baby, starting to look and act older. She's helpful, she is wise beyond her years, she is witty. She likes to carry a purse to dinner, and that haircut she got before school started? It somehow aged her a few years. She wants to order her own food at restaurants and help us unbuckle her sisters. She knows when cuddles are needed and uses her manners without having to be reminded. She tells you sweet things without being prompted and asks the questions that catch you off guard. She sits patiently in the dental chair and wants to answer for herself. She recognizes the route home. She is big hearted. She is taller. She is beautiful. <br />
<br />
She walks into school and doesn't look back.<br />
<br />
Will these milestones ever get easier?Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854302342303748377noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454858563624138264.post-50116971152976877112019-07-10T15:08:00.000-05:002019-07-10T15:09:07.753-05:00Exploring Branson, MO<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEXJUv6T-YVyljbO8g8JjYLjZK44Iq_A991h4gKL9-j6xAi3_h0iBD7yHCu2CfeUJXL6t0ylRbScc7pSpnKI4wA9OhUfuYmmdWhx2lUc5IyIMpzqPDkn442ArIijkgpfthVsahYGGqWOf9/s1600/branson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1149" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEXJUv6T-YVyljbO8g8JjYLjZK44Iq_A991h4gKL9-j6xAi3_h0iBD7yHCu2CfeUJXL6t0ylRbScc7pSpnKI4wA9OhUfuYmmdWhx2lUc5IyIMpzqPDkn442ArIijkgpfthVsahYGGqWOf9/s1600/branson.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Last week was super special for us because we got to embark on our first family vacation as a family of 5. Not only that, but we were also joined by my college best friend, her husband and their two girls. So let's count that - 4 adults and 5 girls aged 8 to 11 months. I'm not even sure we can use the word vacation to describe what we experienced. More like a trip. Traveling with kids is something else entirely. But we had so much fun regardless!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
BreeAnna and her family flew in from California for a week so after a few days spent at my parents lakehouse, we drove to Branson for 48 hours, and here is what we did.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofBF7Ux198TEu6orcvnmsa8p-FJbymmQBA3kJnY-GtrUT3EnfkFGCuL-s-Uaw01fZL4lY_krO8fvgvkUGpZ8yaQLmBHBLdDVzFiErU7Q1KsmjPBBAbt9hFwk1uvF-0gY_XBffTNIagYHT/s1600/8925765395214517154_IMG_3759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofBF7Ux198TEu6orcvnmsa8p-FJbymmQBA3kJnY-GtrUT3EnfkFGCuL-s-Uaw01fZL4lY_krO8fvgvkUGpZ8yaQLmBHBLdDVzFiErU7Q1KsmjPBBAbt9hFwk1uvF-0gY_XBffTNIagYHT/s1600/8925765395214517154_IMG_3759.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><i>We rented a condo through Airbnb.</i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div>
Going into this trip we knew we wanted to rent something where we could all stay together versus two hotel rooms. So Rob hopped on Airbnb a few months before our trip date and booked an amazing two bedroom, two bathroom condo in Pointe Royale Golf Resort, just minutes from the strip. We had access to a playground and a pool, plus a full kitchen. The space was big enough that after we put the kids to bed, we could enjoy ourselves on the balcony until the wee hours of the morning and not disturb any kids. It was PERFECT and came in cheaper than what we would have paid for two hotel rooms on the strip.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW3Z1-HzlMIyjzLhV2UAY8qIJo6ooqIAfJjUzTvJKnq5cLMHAf7cxSf11HjkpYmpHIIvAN8-KCJu9zCWizEKIk77Zse-tlW-s23yGfXMJkAqINpHEBHEN9GtOaFXRB5ViTzxT5B0wAoFNr/s1600/IMG_0162.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW3Z1-HzlMIyjzLhV2UAY8qIJo6ooqIAfJjUzTvJKnq5cLMHAf7cxSf11HjkpYmpHIIvAN8-KCJu9zCWizEKIk77Zse-tlW-s23yGfXMJkAqINpHEBHEN9GtOaFXRB5ViTzxT5B0wAoFNr/s1600/IMG_0162.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><i>We ate dinner at Smith Creek Moonshine, on The Landing.</i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div>
This is a great option for those with kids because it is not necessarily a sit down meal, but it also isn't fast food. You order at the counter and then you grab the food from a window 5-10 minutes later. Our entire group LOVED the spiral cut french fries and there was space for a dance party and our double stroller, which is always a win for me.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjfTiVEa5ACA2jS5JQzzQUAuzkv-_GXJGwsJAcGGMOzmk49bhMfr27jJIicEVBoXRwFlwVeR2U50ELPHhpfXAdw4gMDkooqOFUnTf3gyQL-kY9fEZgCjWa4Qzdkem4D5clAzzmEh4k0q_/s1600/-8459031027163780931_IMG_3761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjfTiVEa5ACA2jS5JQzzQUAuzkv-_GXJGwsJAcGGMOzmk49bhMfr27jJIicEVBoXRwFlwVeR2U50ELPHhpfXAdw4gMDkooqOFUnTf3gyQL-kY9fEZgCjWa4Qzdkem4D5clAzzmEh4k0q_/s1600/-8459031027163780931_IMG_3761.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEM3PCPLDsN-s6W3WmCTt0Nb-Z352EyJlK7U_K0p9fjeMiCNDRjg7Jp5LH3JT2_MW57S-igl90mDgcqZjeYO_MUW55r8o8DCR47Iql6Rrb4e4gBjmbaQwbik3Kb9xDgwJJ0D4n_3UqVEQq/s1600/6936114512398364778_IMG_3795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1210" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEM3PCPLDsN-s6W3WmCTt0Nb-Z352EyJlK7U_K0p9fjeMiCNDRjg7Jp5LH3JT2_MW57S-igl90mDgcqZjeYO_MUW55r8o8DCR47Iql6Rrb4e4gBjmbaQwbik3Kb9xDgwJJ0D4n_3UqVEQq/s1600/6936114512398364778_IMG_3795.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><i>We saw the fire and water show on The Landing.</i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div>
I sort of remember this show being more impressive than what it was. But considering it is FREE, it was a great option for our large group. After the show was over we walked along the water where the temperature was significantly cooler than elsewhere in Branson. Plus, the men got to watch ducks do their thing and the kids loved running along the path.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><i>We ate breakfast at the condo both days.</i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div>
Rob brought along our Blackstone grill and fired it up for some pancakes, eggs and bacon the first morning and the second morning we ate some cereal we brought along from the lake. This allowed us to leisurely start both mornings without as much chaos.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbIOcMu0Dno5C9Rw_1w2zjFkc58NDjSGxr_zFhsdo9d_Jo8VWa4CJN2PRcz_Va8vEliaglA67T52FgzA_cd6yviBGjRPAORxK4zE_gZ-cA_AOGIIV6mgA3NR1LZ-L0eHurg-ADPEoPkr_a/s1600/-1314131502827498925_IMG_3811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbIOcMu0Dno5C9Rw_1w2zjFkc58NDjSGxr_zFhsdo9d_Jo8VWa4CJN2PRcz_Va8vEliaglA67T52FgzA_cd6yviBGjRPAORxK4zE_gZ-cA_AOGIIV6mgA3NR1LZ-L0eHurg-ADPEoPkr_a/s1600/-1314131502827498925_IMG_3811.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfOMBtP4BZbV_UsMIczAkvWtoGF7z89HFjmK5Cgot062fA4JJb9NFDTcmW4WDRivqBn3ZVqPyHm510fHiEMs4H7FRr_hlJ40cGdHzVn5b2lu_CAD92sqlEIhmo0sgPTlG5z2BQv5D84dHU/s1600/-2139305783970513502_IMG_3818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfOMBtP4BZbV_UsMIczAkvWtoGF7z89HFjmK5Cgot062fA4JJb9NFDTcmW4WDRivqBn3ZVqPyHm510fHiEMs4H7FRr_hlJ40cGdHzVn5b2lu_CAD92sqlEIhmo0sgPTlG5z2BQv5D84dHU/s1600/-2139305783970513502_IMG_3818.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDk3FBMFl0hPDoAVjFBj6y6DLYBKco2DfTMPxMXM7OcG_lTOrfztIirh3uhZjwAdPv5aQWaqSfgIheiViQRJ4EsYi_7K8akdDKMLm3JAfEsJuFkYyGjY8oit1DlIwrhSierBsKwStiiao/s1600/4EB1821F-58C5-4F61-B921-16E750848731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDk3FBMFl0hPDoAVjFBj6y6DLYBKco2DfTMPxMXM7OcG_lTOrfztIirh3uhZjwAdPv5aQWaqSfgIheiViQRJ4EsYi_7K8akdDKMLm3JAfEsJuFkYyGjY8oit1DlIwrhSierBsKwStiiao/s1600/4EB1821F-58C5-4F61-B921-16E750848731.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><i>We visited Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery.</i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div>
When we started planning this trip, Rob said the only thing he wanted to do was go to the fish hatchery. It is free to get in and for just a few quarters the kids get tons of entertainment. We probably could have stayed longer had it not been so piping hot (I got a sunburn!). The kids were in awe of the fish and I think every last one of us walked away with some knowledge we didn't previously have. You do not even have to be an outdoor enthusiast to enjoy this.<br />
<br />
<b><i>We ate lunch at Mel's Hard Luck Diner, where they sing to you.</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
For lunch we tasked Rob with finding us somewhere to eat, and he did not disappoint. At all. We ended up going to Mel's Hard Luck Diner, on the strip, where the servers sing to you. The food was surprisingly good and all the kids enjoyed the singing. Plus we asked for a basket of fries for the impatient littles and literally three minutes later a fresh basket of fries was in front of us. That's a WIN for me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OCdMGvRRZG-ZcjMQuRV7CGBGHBoFFXR5QxGxPdkUmra6TDo4hHrZo7hgw_E39SSxYuDVGuzU7VJTAHbWOwFdXvqRS_akMCio4Asr1gFSeLjsoZ9OiaBU6rScbFl9s8q8A_-eeF_h5O5e/s1600/IMG_0214.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OCdMGvRRZG-ZcjMQuRV7CGBGHBoFFXR5QxGxPdkUmra6TDo4hHrZo7hgw_E39SSxYuDVGuzU7VJTAHbWOwFdXvqRS_akMCio4Asr1gFSeLjsoZ9OiaBU6rScbFl9s8q8A_-eeF_h5O5e/s1600/IMG_0214.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBDhVhi7aHBgpj1NyUy2iKrR87NnlrmvF0bSBgo6QqoJZoe_Bu1RIrzjPWZsGZTb_2SZio7pQTEJGJFWNJLzuZo-DoCNbuVkx6iTEOLNdPTfZfgU2fLN_r6REPW7tTooy66SakIB6YN2-/s1600/IMG_0215.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBDhVhi7aHBgpj1NyUy2iKrR87NnlrmvF0bSBgo6QqoJZoe_Bu1RIrzjPWZsGZTb_2SZio7pQTEJGJFWNJLzuZo-DoCNbuVkx6iTEOLNdPTfZfgU2fLN_r6REPW7tTooy66SakIB6YN2-/s1600/IMG_0215.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5plAicpQErNE6BjukHbujwiNEafzfPN2pHw-hZf1V9G6Wx5JYDKVktqsS9o_I8pyr_lAGWEegjvLd1ewh9s5q5uOtunMV6UkAGUUZjy0EMX-a1wapfsYl1XL5oNu2xByb5vHYjXSjoUyV/s1600/IMG_0216.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5plAicpQErNE6BjukHbujwiNEafzfPN2pHw-hZf1V9G6Wx5JYDKVktqsS9o_I8pyr_lAGWEegjvLd1ewh9s5q5uOtunMV6UkAGUUZjy0EMX-a1wapfsYl1XL5oNu2xByb5vHYjXSjoUyV/s1600/IMG_0216.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i>We walked around the Grand Village Shops.</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
Mel's Hard Luck Diner is located in this charming outdoor village of shops. So after we ate, we walked off our lunch. While most of the stores were niche and overpriced, we did utilize a lot of the fun photo opportunities, because blogging, and there was enough shade to justify being outside without dying.<br />
<br />
<b><i>We drove downtown to go to Dick's 5 & 10.</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
I sort of feel like it is a must to do some souvenir shopping while on vacation. So we drove back downtown to stop in at Dick's 5 & 10. Which was PACKED. With both stuff and people. The older girls on our trip wanted to pickup a special something to go home with, so it ended up being worth it because everyone found something. Grace and Brooke walked out with beautiful little fans. Emily snagged a rubber duck. I picked an ornament to go on our Christmas tree this year. Special, small and cheap mementos that mark our first vacation as a family of 5.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRAIeavKyAdUR3PejwITFeFKdTz8FUFrTy9rqxli1j11QB-Q7GTzKNRVrUBvF-_1Twhl6PgwhpvDT9eRN2TWNMylh4Ybh8LF6tpuclOX4TSG1AN1YtnAtpJNB2Im_8e2SZnyL6gdY5yWs/s1600/IMG_0243.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRAIeavKyAdUR3PejwITFeFKdTz8FUFrTy9rqxli1j11QB-Q7GTzKNRVrUBvF-_1Twhl6PgwhpvDT9eRN2TWNMylh4Ybh8LF6tpuclOX4TSG1AN1YtnAtpJNB2Im_8e2SZnyL6gdY5yWs/s1600/IMG_0243.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7A96yDeBgB2IIer9_0TbYnHVOG1xCyGifamDbny71d6Os1hyphenhyphenFFTFvHQmBYTFBiHTX9tbH7PYr1lWdFVt0i77fF4iQ_Hv84oqbYJxaJJBH7zTa65aR9qfnhaKmc9055fAjgYoncNnwmIv/s1600/IMG_0244.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1323" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7A96yDeBgB2IIer9_0TbYnHVOG1xCyGifamDbny71d6Os1hyphenhyphenFFTFvHQmBYTFBiHTX9tbH7PYr1lWdFVt0i77fF4iQ_Hv84oqbYJxaJJBH7zTa65aR9qfnhaKmc9055fAjgYoncNnwmIv/s1600/IMG_0244.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i>We bought a Groupon and got some Old Time photos done.</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
Somehow I managed to convince my husband that getting Old Time photos done would be loads of fun. I will probably never be able to convince him of this, ever again. We brought a $10 Groupon that gave us the sitting fee for free and included one 8 by 10, a $75 value. So we showed up, there was no wait, we got changed... started taking pictures and Emily drops a heavy gun on Grace's head. Chaos ensued. Somehow by the hairs on our chin, we made it through, sort of sane. A couple of things I will say about this experience... although it doesn't necessarily say it, if two families show up together, they will only accept one Groupon. Plan to spend about two hours doing this. They do a full fledge photo shoot and then try and sell you an expensive package of all the pictures, once edited. Don't let the "photographer" (sales person) guilt you into buying more. They will try and they may even throw out that they don't get a commission unless you buy X amount... which will make you feel bad, but if you don't like all of them, don't buy them. Period. At the end of the day, we really love what we went home with, but it was definitely a one time ordeal.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWBDpujAiQiNwRX8cdhfKu-SCyRKSifF-nE8JaEd_v52ZLu8xG170u5y9iiAnzlyNtyfaaURr9iXN4T6YfACCKGilMH_uBWZREXrL5YlYh__q_bKn0i5SmyqTZY8IMHBJe3SpxCMk_oTU/s1600/IMG_0245.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWBDpujAiQiNwRX8cdhfKu-SCyRKSifF-nE8JaEd_v52ZLu8xG170u5y9iiAnzlyNtyfaaURr9iXN4T6YfACCKGilMH_uBWZREXrL5YlYh__q_bKn0i5SmyqTZY8IMHBJe3SpxCMk_oTU/s1600/IMG_0245.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i>We ordered pizza to the condo, but could have easily cooked.</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
By the time we got home, everyone was tired. So we opted for the easy route of ordering pizza in. Originally we planned to cook in our fully equipped condo. If our trip would have had more days, meaning we could spread things out, we would have definitely used the kitchen more. Unfortunately though - it was a jam packed day and we were wiped. The pizza absolutely hit the spot.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhECKSKAcpULb7xmrDPLxpn2i33o5k4lSnvSbKRfX0l6bTeOKIcnEBRwH_k5GLJy78O9m8NDHRyhLy5QhXBBDzJc6r8koaa52cPqBfpKF6VUspvG5c0peHMsfr5X_lFv4zwBVmB6D8QnD4y/s1600/IMG_0254.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhECKSKAcpULb7xmrDPLxpn2i33o5k4lSnvSbKRfX0l6bTeOKIcnEBRwH_k5GLJy78O9m8NDHRyhLy5QhXBBDzJc6r8koaa52cPqBfpKF6VUspvG5c0peHMsfr5X_lFv4zwBVmB6D8QnD4y/s1600/IMG_0254.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgbv8W7_4vBQgTg1qimMSr3496wy-HLgTQbFseAf162yyTQStA0C5vixIMrOAZKIB-diRqdBzWtQSManBvvx_HlVy0MHftxUasQC4XjokFabJjzRXHWrdKST3jgJWyoE-SIQEvL3VZmpU/s1600/IMG_0222.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgbv8W7_4vBQgTg1qimMSr3496wy-HLgTQbFseAf162yyTQStA0C5vixIMrOAZKIB-diRqdBzWtQSManBvvx_HlVy0MHftxUasQC4XjokFabJjzRXHWrdKST3jgJWyoE-SIQEvL3VZmpU/s1600/IMG_0222.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i>We stopped at Dolly's Stampede to see the horses.</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
We all would have loved to have taken the kids to see the Stampede, but it is something I want to do when all of the kiddos are old enough to enjoy it. So instead, we stopped long enough to see all the beautiful horses used in the show. Their stables wrap around the edge of the building, so as long as they aren't being used in a show, you can stop and visit them without having to spend a dime. My horse loving girls absolutely adored it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNNwJRhHwBU6JgzpY2O6dJwnZmwvMg_lg4k4TR0HlcbKeO0yptB-iS_WwQoqIJ9DzdMNOiOySb0S82nK2E2mM3cZRMjKddBVv7OpQCNmdBT7AF7I0JqlVUPjcbTL97p7sK24mkTPqEfSO/s1600/IMG_0257.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNNwJRhHwBU6JgzpY2O6dJwnZmwvMg_lg4k4TR0HlcbKeO0yptB-iS_WwQoqIJ9DzdMNOiOySb0S82nK2E2mM3cZRMjKddBVv7OpQCNmdBT7AF7I0JqlVUPjcbTL97p7sK24mkTPqEfSO/s1600/IMG_0257.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTWzt460HcZqBcbWoPDd-fgV5FeoQmbXJBJTSI-ywENtX0V1ahcfRg6P9wxC8hYBIGwEHGekcJf3WtBtz1N-AvlycvpN5We7uUVg-nw30OnfSfXWcZFQNiwUXgxaYBMzi8QUghQiW0xVH/s1600/B0EF5377-BA91-4EC4-AFFD-0FCE4FFFEA0A.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTWzt460HcZqBcbWoPDd-fgV5FeoQmbXJBJTSI-ywENtX0V1ahcfRg6P9wxC8hYBIGwEHGekcJf3WtBtz1N-AvlycvpN5We7uUVg-nw30OnfSfXWcZFQNiwUXgxaYBMzi8QUghQiW0xVH/s1600/B0EF5377-BA91-4EC4-AFFD-0FCE4FFFEA0A.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i>We ate lunch at Lambert's Cafe in Ozark.</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
After we checked out of the condo, we decided to do an early lunch at Lambert's in Ozark. This is about a 30 minute drive from Branson, but definitely a must do. We have been to Lambert's a lot because my husbands family is in Springfield, and every time it is worth it. They throw rolls at you, keeping the entire meal loads of fun. My advice - get there early! We went around 11:15/11:30 and had no wait! By the time we left about 12:30 there was a massive crowd out front waiting, on a Tuesday no less.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAlTnTQX8JnQqJdUWvj_11HRpZBaQT7-dIuq3n-eQbtbN4ryXogCZpq1ZWX5J-xdSpxYBgHikXFT2EHTLQbJ6pkDqEPAV8gjTaoWhy7avm46Nes5Aim0cHLfO4FK_EnRAjdsvMbexnMuOr/s1600/IMG_0265.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAlTnTQX8JnQqJdUWvj_11HRpZBaQT7-dIuq3n-eQbtbN4ryXogCZpq1ZWX5J-xdSpxYBgHikXFT2EHTLQbJ6pkDqEPAV8gjTaoWhy7avm46Nes5Aim0cHLfO4FK_EnRAjdsvMbexnMuOr/s1600/IMG_0265.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbr9t8Eyt-KQ6juSQKcFoxChVCNNjxBOfosyCGG3S-goMzKWv-rDd8blrNS0HIH6-FYSvV9TIBaDzBFS-FWVxE3HLrw8CXKXJcnKyvZRfvOTEX3SQqMRlC4Itkux9ie5Qsyow4NzxX-JM0/s1600/IMG_0279.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbr9t8Eyt-KQ6juSQKcFoxChVCNNjxBOfosyCGG3S-goMzKWv-rDd8blrNS0HIH6-FYSvV9TIBaDzBFS-FWVxE3HLrw8CXKXJcnKyvZRfvOTEX3SQqMRlC4Itkux9ie5Qsyow4NzxX-JM0/s1600/IMG_0279.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i>We visited Bass Pro Shops in Springfield.</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
If you are driving to and from Kansas City, stopping in at the original Bass Pro in Springfield is a must. This is about 45 minutes from Branson, but so worth it. They have an aquarium and several museums and SO much to see and do. We had a couple of dudes who clearly love the outdoors that were in heaven when we stopped to see the Big Game Awards exhibit on display there this summer. There is a Bass Pro at Branson landing, but I think the real deal is worth the drive.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4GbBZGyhqGJhUBjVNgTACMSBgRyQI03V_QVq_B5-zXbLMy30pjg73rE4rgXDWWvZuGOFAvZIo2_1G8vwERZFVVvgQF7gwhTa2VpRrqtKgbDJxAo6lqAZwi7ZS6PSPcCfAGpw7iOfhfWiP/s1600/IMG_0297.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4GbBZGyhqGJhUBjVNgTACMSBgRyQI03V_QVq_B5-zXbLMy30pjg73rE4rgXDWWvZuGOFAvZIo2_1G8vwERZFVVvgQF7gwhTa2VpRrqtKgbDJxAo6lqAZwi7ZS6PSPcCfAGpw7iOfhfWiP/s1600/IMG_0297.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i>We stopped to sample cheese at Osceola Cheese Company.</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
This last bit I am throwing in for those of you commuting from KC to Branson. Stop at Osceola Cheese Co. You will NOT regret it. This is another thing we do when we drive to see Rob's family. You can sample all kinds of cheeses and then take home what you like. There are also clean restrooms and other snacks and drinks available. The perfect pit stop.<br />
<br />
For us, spending less than 48 hours in Branson ended up being the right amount of time. We kept our budget small with plans to visit again in the future (Christmas in Branson is GORGEOUS!), which took the pressure off of the entire trip. You could easily visit Branson and drop a small fortune to see and do everything. There are helicopter tours, ziplines, shows galore, amazing museums and of course, Silver Dollar City. For us it was not worth it to drop a lot of money on tickets because the kids just aren't old enough to truly enjoy it.<br />
<br />
More than anything though, getting to go on a family vacation with beloved friends meant absolutely everything to us. We are already planning our next group family vacation for a few years from now. Which will hopefully make the time go in between visits a little quicker.<br />
<br />
Until then we have all these memories from our the last week to share.</div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854302342303748377noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454858563624138264.post-46403086513679161602019-07-01T09:00:00.000-05:002019-07-08T13:36:18.934-05:00Family Traditions with Add-A-Pearl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFat2cFJJqET11rsif_CGrJ95y54k3uuGl86ARBkCV7hxRBgC1YrHLMBY1kuQAZ7z19-VtWGAVdkBIfRg_1Kk5H3IPh4AH9SM7zzV62-EI-1n0gY80exE33zQNflxOIJSoeSkzbXA7EZ_6/s1600/2728643798347925510_IMG_3559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFat2cFJJqET11rsif_CGrJ95y54k3uuGl86ARBkCV7hxRBgC1YrHLMBY1kuQAZ7z19-VtWGAVdkBIfRg_1Kk5H3IPh4AH9SM7zzV62-EI-1n0gY80exE33zQNflxOIJSoeSkzbXA7EZ_6/s1600/2728643798347925510_IMG_3559.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
As my girls grow older and embark on new adventures, I am constantly looking for ways to create new traditions. Things they will look forward to, expect and maybe bring into parenthood on their own someday.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We have already established the end of school picnic at the drive-in, the summer bucket list, and the balloons to celebrate all birthdays.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin6YJjF8OVqmocaisbjryeOq36eR5z8lB7JpruOqmRcRTCDqRSvxLyBdKoWpiDEMrFnox1WS3NNaJaQYbPTPrRrb_Q8pdrTG-oPfCG8nw1HDoFbAaA1UlRcUzNk8SAdBwazyeiVi8tsgzC/s1600/-5634356725440830051_IMG_3563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin6YJjF8OVqmocaisbjryeOq36eR5z8lB7JpruOqmRcRTCDqRSvxLyBdKoWpiDEMrFnox1WS3NNaJaQYbPTPrRrb_Q8pdrTG-oPfCG8nw1HDoFbAaA1UlRcUzNk8SAdBwazyeiVi8tsgzC/s1600/-5634356725440830051_IMG_3563.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But I think I have discovered our next family tradition, with <a href="https://www.addapearl.com/">Add-A-Pearl</a>, a company that has been around since 1854.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
These beautiful, authentic, pearl necklaces start with anywhere from 1 pearl, to 3 pearls or more and are strung on high quality silver, white gold and gold chains. The idea is that you can add pearls as milestones are achieved creating a unique and beautiful set of pearls that any girl would adore. For me, I love that family members can add pearls to my girls necklaces and each pearl will represent an important moment in their lives.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4HSKNjOdgaLQVO5aN1EZIoXP2-o85-qCNLBy7zM7kfrkZFHdep32WeITmEb6FD5JDAta-MO7GNtOYa03XjTh8vRUMrBeTc9YFUyPdWqS68It0VOIbNIhLyBnZ9RvSL8dcPHtWeVqg4oX/s1600/-1342364060634475993_IMG_3558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4HSKNjOdgaLQVO5aN1EZIoXP2-o85-qCNLBy7zM7kfrkZFHdep32WeITmEb6FD5JDAta-MO7GNtOYa03XjTh8vRUMrBeTc9YFUyPdWqS68It0VOIbNIhLyBnZ9RvSL8dcPHtWeVqg4oX/s1600/-1342364060634475993_IMG_3558.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Talk about a family tradition worth passing down.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Grace just got her starter necklace and is absolutely obsessed with it. The dainty necklace is perfect for any little girl, girlie girl or not. This is Grace's first piece of high quality jewelry and I can't wait to complete the chain for her as the years go on.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7dZsg4rsnDTcmmN7x2CBIUd9oMhBtRRWZD_jJs4JwMGDNkXxYApRl3wsOAEvfQWoJuAsTVzsuTPdnnYJVsZc9nDIaqTCHjjBSTuNbjXv6P_KvlATM34CgnjEAz8qthu-pQFvhA9NZq0K/s1600/2547404694778418439_IMG_3562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7dZsg4rsnDTcmmN7x2CBIUd9oMhBtRRWZD_jJs4JwMGDNkXxYApRl3wsOAEvfQWoJuAsTVzsuTPdnnYJVsZc9nDIaqTCHjjBSTuNbjXv6P_KvlATM34CgnjEAz8qthu-pQFvhA9NZq0K/s1600/2547404694778418439_IMG_3562.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It gives me something to look forward to with both Brooklyn and Emily - and I know we will celebrate moving on to kindergarten with a starter necklace for them to grow into. How beautiful is that y'all?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANPqJXraDy8vJd4Niv7Ty8YxFEYnVMC0impFYOg1DLAPY_wdMrRBWattHogO-qMogUAmYqOQTfpv5ZxLEcnfRR1JsULUfvxKSUra4p1Mbn_X6k7R1qmc9D6Y0KurnUoAI1LeVkRr2-Tgp/s1600/-551048390628885721_IMG_3565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANPqJXraDy8vJd4Niv7Ty8YxFEYnVMC0impFYOg1DLAPY_wdMrRBWattHogO-qMogUAmYqOQTfpv5ZxLEcnfRR1JsULUfvxKSUra4p1Mbn_X6k7R1qmc9D6Y0KurnUoAI1LeVkRr2-Tgp/s1600/-551048390628885721_IMG_3565.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Please visit <a href="https://www.addapearl.com/">Add-A-Pearl</a> to order your own starter necklace.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>I received this necklace in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.</i></div>
</div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854302342303748377noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454858563624138264.post-63618358881094545122019-06-28T12:31:00.000-05:002019-06-28T12:31:32.694-05:002019 SUMMER BUCKET LIST<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhwivWo6vZYwyPOZLFOmT_-nw7aS-RNCfHD6ZRQ0lPbzOXohWoGwQbEUlu_pHRcEE623njudJcxm057SQF0Gefq9HGY2qLPR09YPa-5SFiXkMY5VIH7yGRxp_RMheAf0Bp7jvBiWHcsBh/s1600/IMG_9851.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhwivWo6vZYwyPOZLFOmT_-nw7aS-RNCfHD6ZRQ0lPbzOXohWoGwQbEUlu_pHRcEE623njudJcxm057SQF0Gefq9HGY2qLPR09YPa-5SFiXkMY5VIH7yGRxp_RMheAf0Bp7jvBiWHcsBh/s1600/IMG_9851.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
So it is almost July and it has officially turned into that hot muggy nonsense that I absolutely loathe. Summer isn't my jam. But in so many ways I have learned that keeping my kids occupied during the summer months helps them, helps me, helps everyones sanity. Sure, we already have a month behind us, but there is still a month and a half to finish off our list. Some of these things we've already tackled, but I always think it is fun to see what people come up with for a summer bucket list. So here is ours...<br />
<br />
-Go to <a href="https://www.opkansas.org/things-to-see-and-do/deanna-rose-childrens-farmstead/" target="_blank">Deanna Rose Farmstead</a><br />
-Complete the summer reading program through the library<br />
-Swim lessons<br />
-Picnic at the lake<br />
-Go to the fair<br />
-Visit Branson<br />
-Go to the zoo<br />
-Run through the sprinkler<br />
-Spend a few days at the lakehouse<br />
-Build a fort and watch a movie in it<br />
-See family in Western Kansas<br />
-Take sister pictures of my girls<br />
-Have lunch with Grandma<br />
-Practice writing names<br />
-Learn the difference between left and right<br />
-Potty train Brooklyn!!! (HAS to be done!)<br />
-Attend Vacation Bible School<br />
-Go to the farmers' market<br />
-Celebrate the 4th of July with friends<br />
-Back to school shop<br />
<br />
This weekend we will tackle a good chunk of this list and I CAN'T wait. It is going to be lots of fun for all of us (hopefully!).<br />
<br />
How is your summer shaping up?!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854302342303748377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454858563624138264.post-18434098291979531592019-06-26T10:44:00.000-05:002019-06-26T10:44:43.931-05:00Shining with Shinesty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovSIsnRxtWeLmNGKf-lRpxGmWEyAb5J4bQn1Fq_ZtQWrF5QQhV8zTQJW64vJCZwUIfkV1XWv7sdEMFS4mH-NKptS5S2gD5WAMF95RxlKjUH4azW8CBFQ-SxwCJzQDPFOkuMkG9_Sk6Bzr/s1600/-5625125174556888651_IMG_3581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovSIsnRxtWeLmNGKf-lRpxGmWEyAb5J4bQn1Fq_ZtQWrF5QQhV8zTQJW64vJCZwUIfkV1XWv7sdEMFS4mH-NKptS5S2gD5WAMF95RxlKjUH4azW8CBFQ-SxwCJzQDPFOkuMkG9_Sk6Bzr/s1600/-5625125174556888651_IMG_3581.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
We are just a little over a week away from one of my personal favorite holidays, America's birthday. There will be fireworks. There will be good food. There will be time spent with family. And there will DEFINITELY be some red, white and blue clothing. I am who I am, and I don't apologize for it.<br />
<br />
You might remember last year <a href="https://www.somewhereoverthecamo.com/2018/09/shine-on-with-shinesty.html">I did a review</a> on the most patriotic boxer shorts and a beautiful striped shirt for myself from <a href="https://www.shinesty.com/">Shinesty</a>... well I'm back this year with another review for you. But this time it is something completely different and 100% out of my comfort zone.<br />
<br />
Enter this <a href="https://www.shinesty.com/products/usa-star-jumpsuit">blue starred jumpsuit</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4yXlVbWvAX4FDpKRCj14m_AkHJQAXDf903wSNLt_LViGYxydCObXDSIaMjwqDGJcbG4JkjLoiR9acqunc3oW9cgVzT92iOIHg7WydZ1OwVNnRs6Pl1lRE16SJ0u7GoCns79jIWB5vLEa/s1600/5750633840382783411_IMG_3613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4yXlVbWvAX4FDpKRCj14m_AkHJQAXDf903wSNLt_LViGYxydCObXDSIaMjwqDGJcbG4JkjLoiR9acqunc3oW9cgVzT92iOIHg7WydZ1OwVNnRs6Pl1lRE16SJ0u7GoCns79jIWB5vLEa/s1600/5750633840382783411_IMG_3613.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
The fine folks over at Shinesty designed this jumpsuit with the formal side of things in mind. It is a high quality stretchy material that is comfortable for day or night wear. I glammed mine up, but I think you could probably pull off sandals and a jean jacket too. It is fairly low cut for my comfort bubble and doesn't hit me on my calves like it is designed to, but it is still super fun.<br />
<br />
Are you not looking for a formal piece for the fourth? Look at these beauties.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tr5Im1cueh3assjfIOWkQp8eCBJt1UkAAZFQJlwMGo7ZdVLGCaxH6Q7js-wBn1VgvIKeXFt8LdF-g6AU1oJFF6iLozQkoSFPApAq2diWjiHnn0xhQ7g5KbWh5PjyucwSUxFT_4LYnU4o/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-06-26+at+10.35.59+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1178" data-original-width="1040" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tr5Im1cueh3assjfIOWkQp8eCBJt1UkAAZFQJlwMGo7ZdVLGCaxH6Q7js-wBn1VgvIKeXFt8LdF-g6AU1oJFF6iLozQkoSFPApAq2diWjiHnn0xhQ7g5KbWh5PjyucwSUxFT_4LYnU4o/s320/Screen+Shot+2019-06-26+at+10.35.59+AM.png" width="282" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.shinesty.com/products/new-stripe-flag-usa-dress">Skater Dress</a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-RjKnD7ajMPvawGtWYNPeA_xVQlcl9FfynJR0vL0SFKjtpfZaiTFsRUnT325csZgxcuSk6ogI2OJJwoIsllU8N2KL1yV8ckIgYjAh0KhaPBK6pfBSM5YMixWD6LrCEKnAYlPhg57kiH2/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-06-26+at+10.37.53+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1168" data-original-width="856" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-RjKnD7ajMPvawGtWYNPeA_xVQlcl9FfynJR0vL0SFKjtpfZaiTFsRUnT325csZgxcuSk6ogI2OJJwoIsllU8N2KL1yV8ckIgYjAh0KhaPBK6pfBSM5YMixWD6LrCEKnAYlPhg57kiH2/s320/Screen+Shot+2019-06-26+at+10.37.53+AM.png" width="234" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.shinesty.com/products/womens-striped-red-white-blue-usa-tees">My striped shirt.</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now only $14.99!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqjBZ2MQH5uhK1nf3NE8SVHuozZnOn4pmdV13DgdJ9y2Os33PscT64OwmCXSdJBduQRhAaGe5d3vQse54SqGrHMUF6e0R4yLFGtzoYtDfBwqZhzsOIxfmWo08ABPCnEO7ZmCLYpMYzkRR/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-06-26+at+10.39.55+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="628" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqjBZ2MQH5uhK1nf3NE8SVHuozZnOn4pmdV13DgdJ9y2Os33PscT64OwmCXSdJBduQRhAaGe5d3vQse54SqGrHMUF6e0R4yLFGtzoYtDfBwqZhzsOIxfmWo08ABPCnEO7ZmCLYpMYzkRR/s320/Screen+Shot+2019-06-26+at+10.39.55+AM.png" width="303" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.shinesty.com/products/womens-martha-j-usa-print-blazer">Blazer</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://www.shinesty.com/">Shinesty</a> proudly produces an entire line of patriotic wear. So I promise you there is something for everyone. Their prices are super affordable and y'all, their shipping is SUPER fast. Two things I adore in a company. So run.. check it out.. if you order by 3 pm today, it will be at your door before the fourth.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_OoM0BGrwVZ0DNsRovYXomhGTDVz6egUL65l6e3-SCtu2qKd_7QwzV4C9NF3daqN7zW8YizJuJE-m8PB1YiXkq2e_coV4kvbUD62htukag9Si8RDLP6hBfb6s3DdTA9kzWqP0hil2O4A/s1600/-8761699438016720304_IMG_3618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_OoM0BGrwVZ0DNsRovYXomhGTDVz6egUL65l6e3-SCtu2qKd_7QwzV4C9NF3daqN7zW8YizJuJE-m8PB1YiXkq2e_coV4kvbUD62htukag9Si8RDLP6hBfb6s3DdTA9kzWqP0hil2O4A/s1600/-8761699438016720304_IMG_3618.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>As always, all opinions expressed are my own. I received this jumpsuit in exchange for an honest review.</i>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854302342303748377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454858563624138264.post-14042369975389839822019-06-21T12:03:00.001-05:002019-06-21T12:04:00.102-05:00Oh hi summer, here's the last few months.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It is June and I honestly have not a clue where the last month plus went. Life has been busy but I also haven't felt the overall urge to write. It happens sometimes. I have been dumping a lot of my effort into my networking group because it brings me a lot of joy. As a result - the blog front has been left relatively silent. </div>
<br />
So let's play catch up from the last couple of months.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjiYMJZqz_Rl2GLZU8te-Jv-djyjL5p9CLXFM6wKNazmiVv88pultvfgPICLUsWlShpAicNWpjw7xm52P6T-q-2I4L9SjUjc7hp7_Ineww7DpDTb59uRV7_a3N1OBU_NyQ7HNTvLe6eHRp/s1600/LND_4469EC2B-C101-4B04-9E66-5CA9120BC86D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjiYMJZqz_Rl2GLZU8te-Jv-djyjL5p9CLXFM6wKNazmiVv88pultvfgPICLUsWlShpAicNWpjw7xm52P6T-q-2I4L9SjUjc7hp7_Ineww7DpDTb59uRV7_a3N1OBU_NyQ7HNTvLe6eHRp/s1600/LND_4469EC2B-C101-4B04-9E66-5CA9120BC86D.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
The girls and I spent an evening in Topeka back at the end of April. My one goal was to catch the last little bit of tulip season and it was beautiful. Next year we will catch the beauty even earlier in the season. We picked up a picnic and played at the park and drove home in time for bedtime. I wanted to say it was simple and rewarding but I think by the end of it I was losing my cool. It happens y'all. I do have three kids. Who are usually really good... but the earlier in the day, the better.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaFnuymMOcrSG4uOFSxrPJHY5VQs3DRYai61-5g9JJAU8vxWhAKl0QDZw8eRT0Y_EBflibIloneQwhmpaiRFs_kWSDdxFWSEzs0SuM0SPPjBq0f8FClHRWzOPzh3ba67enah-2Ab-qeKWq/s1600/IMG_8612.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaFnuymMOcrSG4uOFSxrPJHY5VQs3DRYai61-5g9JJAU8vxWhAKl0QDZw8eRT0Y_EBflibIloneQwhmpaiRFs_kWSDdxFWSEzs0SuM0SPPjBq0f8FClHRWzOPzh3ba67enah-2Ab-qeKWq/s1600/IMG_8612.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14YCfzESnIsXKAzbBR5HVDx4nRGwuXOY965Cptrd8y8ogjTdw0lEXepAUL5Bym1PeMWo4jeUya_w7pU6YcDAtHR5vuLAC3VHkwfapl2FpVGHoEwJ7mHaCPReAfZuPNdnCC09Ob_XvIVqo/s1600/IMG_8627.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1027" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14YCfzESnIsXKAzbBR5HVDx4nRGwuXOY965Cptrd8y8ogjTdw0lEXepAUL5Bym1PeMWo4jeUya_w7pU6YcDAtHR5vuLAC3VHkwfapl2FpVGHoEwJ7mHaCPReAfZuPNdnCC09Ob_XvIVqo/s1600/IMG_8627.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
Rob surprised the girls with tickets to Frozen on Ice. In our house, Frozen is a way of life. It's not uncommon for the girls to be requested to be called "Anna" or "Elsa". It's not uncommon for kids to be serenading you with "Let It Go". And if they are playing Barbies, it is often to act out the movie. The obsession is really real. So taking them to this event was absolutely worth it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcCtd76QvGG7u3F_XovomUiUe-76lfdfIzTMydCqAYdHMGaGCWV3KwK69s81t_rPBPRbrs054GcFORCWYnMu4VbP5Q3eTk66Va_71epFb_rgUlcZVe83kw-m0fJXcclKdTZNmr3YASVbf/s1600/IMG_8695.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcCtd76QvGG7u3F_XovomUiUe-76lfdfIzTMydCqAYdHMGaGCWV3KwK69s81t_rPBPRbrs054GcFORCWYnMu4VbP5Q3eTk66Va_71epFb_rgUlcZVe83kw-m0fJXcclKdTZNmr3YASVbf/s1600/IMG_8695.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
We went to Grace's kindergarten orientation. I can hardly believe that in just a few short months she will be a kindergartener! We got to tour her school and while it is one of the older schools here in Lawrence I think it will end up being a great fit for our little lady. We are definitely excited to see how the first year of all day school goes!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-06w28ZFcXarcKFfUbWFE786KRW58TK02GskaVErfbwqDJVm3KiNOfkAh4BaGP_YgHth980kg30KO49WPxTKPgjFLNamwfzqzx_w2C_89syF8hyhvMRVWzfjg3ipiXIMe8OlLRC-hRxF/s1600/IMG_8709.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-06w28ZFcXarcKFfUbWFE786KRW58TK02GskaVErfbwqDJVm3KiNOfkAh4BaGP_YgHth980kg30KO49WPxTKPgjFLNamwfzqzx_w2C_89syF8hyhvMRVWzfjg3ipiXIMe8OlLRC-hRxF/s1600/IMG_8709.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZwm_manQjjY0_Y3Oa-QQpVN7JcLiQDq2w_L9A8tYKVBsQX-EpFAK61g69hOcvg7tjd4eeuLdu5Ds9zwDk4B1gvyqwmOZo5yTJ-hJ1YyiicW2d3fFeOtrvxjz8mKNSJc02HYK1EFZlycZW/s1600/IMG_8706.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZwm_manQjjY0_Y3Oa-QQpVN7JcLiQDq2w_L9A8tYKVBsQX-EpFAK61g69hOcvg7tjd4eeuLdu5Ds9zwDk4B1gvyqwmOZo5yTJ-hJ1YyiicW2d3fFeOtrvxjz8mKNSJc02HYK1EFZlycZW/s1600/IMG_8706.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
It is crazy to me to be wrapping up school still because I feel like Grace has been out of school FOR FREAKING EVER. In reality it hasn't been too terribly long. One of my favorite traditions from her time at preschool is their mom's day event. I had a baby-sitter for the littles and the one on one time with my oldest was just the best. We got to check out her art and I'm biased, but she's got talent. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnMIwFz7GXj1vnlT7mzWnQzsYYQGTSeNIjENjKYu7GGoWAwnrOZB7qDdWTX6t31MKvoJNxbOAOBwkVk-JjOT9C1D9BX-RsFt46em4duLKaY9dDZKcCJXBxlWVvmqUiAmSUJT1dQdre5n1/s1600/IMG_8850.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnMIwFz7GXj1vnlT7mzWnQzsYYQGTSeNIjENjKYu7GGoWAwnrOZB7qDdWTX6t31MKvoJNxbOAOBwkVk-JjOT9C1D9BX-RsFt46em4duLKaY9dDZKcCJXBxlWVvmqUiAmSUJT1dQdre5n1/s1600/IMG_8850.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfNf9gp1IyODXBuQy6PvvIpm4J35JzMd3Fuu1PKpGmHruYqzuxP-Z_GHoKrD6iGIT7zNVSu9PqV6798zmk52oI0b8_O3tfbbeG6c7Yclhnt7hk8OalFmahw12vWD_ImO98_YZfIZkeLHLR/s1600/IMG_8855.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfNf9gp1IyODXBuQy6PvvIpm4J35JzMd3Fuu1PKpGmHruYqzuxP-Z_GHoKrD6iGIT7zNVSu9PqV6798zmk52oI0b8_O3tfbbeG6c7Yclhnt7hk8OalFmahw12vWD_ImO98_YZfIZkeLHLR/s1600/IMG_8855.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
One of the best things about my networking passion is the people I have met and crossed paths with since then. This lovely lady took a chance on me and my ideas and hosted the first Networking Night Out event that I had in April at her boutique KB & Co. She invited me to be part of her three year anniversary party for her business and it was so much fun. We modeled clothing and had a complete blast. I adore this town and the people in it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2A0L5QHuE6TTzN8Jvbt6b5_OEH3fito3wGCcBZpk19ePyYdesTFqNNq_CCitke4fVkqktOe-eFw4P_1zpEbYRPYbqIJBG3pFsHGp05kp1ZOiF-wBX3YNZo-LGoaJAfEckTLaZp9g_YV5H/s1600/IMG_8893.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2A0L5QHuE6TTzN8Jvbt6b5_OEH3fito3wGCcBZpk19ePyYdesTFqNNq_CCitke4fVkqktOe-eFw4P_1zpEbYRPYbqIJBG3pFsHGp05kp1ZOiF-wBX3YNZo-LGoaJAfEckTLaZp9g_YV5H/s1600/IMG_8893.HEIC" /></a></div>
Mother's day with my mama. Another year that I am thankful for her being around to answer all my questions and lend a supporting hand. My life would be a lot more difficult without her. That is without a doubt.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9h6SMTnUdh47efd6lXJ_6WK2P6gQH2Vx39-scp9teUzVQ4I0ydNQG8WkuFXMWdYD1citdN7sz7C1GlRCO6G_4c4HjXj3tntrFzeo3gab2JCO27gt5dR36Ft7AtGNsHYRFD67N-TKk2MZ/s1600/IMG_8951.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1063" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9h6SMTnUdh47efd6lXJ_6WK2P6gQH2Vx39-scp9teUzVQ4I0ydNQG8WkuFXMWdYD1citdN7sz7C1GlRCO6G_4c4HjXj3tntrFzeo3gab2JCO27gt5dR36Ft7AtGNsHYRFD67N-TKk2MZ/s1600/IMG_8951.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
Grace's last day of preschool was huge. Not only does she go to kindergarten next year but it also means Brooke enters the world of preschool, if we can get her potty trained... Grace wrapped up the year with a bike rally and cried as we pulled out of the parking lot. She really enjoyed this year, her teachers and her friends.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipd6JjTwY8qOwAk7wPyLjpfxaVU89ZAjOLvaQYDemMUM282BzrxUITz6VFiMW50tfq9r8593GwqvQhcnaANTUbaz0VLovH60IEoPWoux4S5qdtIYdyq9C7LJHGAIA6VBxMlsqj_u1c7SPp/s1600/IMG_9075.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipd6JjTwY8qOwAk7wPyLjpfxaVU89ZAjOLvaQYDemMUM282BzrxUITz6VFiMW50tfq9r8593GwqvQhcnaANTUbaz0VLovH60IEoPWoux4S5qdtIYdyq9C7LJHGAIA6VBxMlsqj_u1c7SPp/s1600/IMG_9075.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vikN4tDnr_hyk5y1IXSv05gPUSiFMGwGTNvfdx4-AAFbKcZWddEmJznXvcUkizi9Gs8kQpN4VQS4Wc1JOxBwe3xsQdQMYmtRcBhQMR2xKwCmnH6b6OxKKkPyASgfBnfcq7KQtvSzPzOh/s1600/IMG_9089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vikN4tDnr_hyk5y1IXSv05gPUSiFMGwGTNvfdx4-AAFbKcZWddEmJznXvcUkizi9Gs8kQpN4VQS4Wc1JOxBwe3xsQdQMYmtRcBhQMR2xKwCmnH6b6OxKKkPyASgfBnfcq7KQtvSzPzOh/s1600/IMG_9089.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
One of our first adventures for the summer break was to go to the zoo with friends. We love the Topeka Zoo because it is small but lots of fun still. The kids were literal feet away from the tigers for heavens sake. It has become tradition to hit up Cracker Barrel after the zoo and the kids just enjoy running around with each other. Us moms, we enjoy it too, I think.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW259zEYHniK3XfEbiDdqatajX7dlet5Eh2YxSua89oGDuHgb_PZdto6E5aMovVEk5ft906NHnYjHgtEbV61w_3N7yhzENfES3vWfNiFyxOuzan5eXkVtRW86MSyVNJbANMIn7n_VXkTFF/s1600/IMG_9124.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW259zEYHniK3XfEbiDdqatajX7dlet5Eh2YxSua89oGDuHgb_PZdto6E5aMovVEk5ft906NHnYjHgtEbV61w_3N7yhzENfES3vWfNiFyxOuzan5eXkVtRW86MSyVNJbANMIn7n_VXkTFF/s1600/IMG_9124.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoat2kxSgc3uMgHz3Aj_oqmlaRkwKMmaVt2PHh2aEh-lv2AEAa92tu6vYYLYR-GVtv0P7vOHU5Nn6MpS3JkeBpQlsHzeVyHFkqa5v97Tt4AY6glZvQqHI06c_sxRa63e88s8QlaEltu8h5/s1600/IMG_9144.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1209" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoat2kxSgc3uMgHz3Aj_oqmlaRkwKMmaVt2PHh2aEh-lv2AEAa92tu6vYYLYR-GVtv0P7vOHU5Nn6MpS3JkeBpQlsHzeVyHFkqa5v97Tt4AY6glZvQqHI06c_sxRa63e88s8QlaEltu8h5/s1600/IMG_9144.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
Most of you probably saw on my various social media channels that my dad had an accident at the lake memorial day weekend. He fell off the roof of their lakehouse and landed on a ladder fracturing 5 ribs and his L3. We left town last minute and spent a couple of days at the lake to be there for my mom and sister while my dad was in the hospital. He's home now and in recovery and more than anything we are thankful that we got to spend some unprompted time with our family in that neck of the woods. The babies are growing so rapidly. So even an afternoon spent together is everything. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVasry8b08T17lJcDBQ8O_kA0CerymnpIzqdRVg172ixpEkDS_gbPQe5V0A9BadlqBYDTVWbgbIiY7DtWb8svax4tPbhOCAPHUDEucs82PxWZSHzxSczZfdfjz1IHij7lHZLGh4iMGWd1u/s1600/IMG_9184.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="1125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVasry8b08T17lJcDBQ8O_kA0CerymnpIzqdRVg172ixpEkDS_gbPQe5V0A9BadlqBYDTVWbgbIiY7DtWb8svax4tPbhOCAPHUDEucs82PxWZSHzxSczZfdfjz1IHij7lHZLGh4iMGWd1u/s1600/IMG_9184.PNG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2gQcdiScNShuIUN28VBX7KsRxx4ffLVwoIlMA8TubF_UJnL3fitZHhFryV0ydJ7nxOPyUvqlKAdA437CQ3pEtcnO3NV0YW4nuuUu-jwciPvkjtxUZxN6xetgS_kv4oM9xyMjivObrfCJN/s1600/IMG_9186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2gQcdiScNShuIUN28VBX7KsRxx4ffLVwoIlMA8TubF_UJnL3fitZHhFryV0ydJ7nxOPyUvqlKAdA437CQ3pEtcnO3NV0YW4nuuUu-jwciPvkjtxUZxN6xetgS_kv4oM9xyMjivObrfCJN/s1600/IMG_9186.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Thankfully, we got home in time to be in our basement as an EF-4 tornado took out houses just a few miles south of us. The path was WAY too close to home and the same storm traveled near my parents home just an hour after they got dad home from the hospital. The damage was excessive. But the community has rallied so hard behind those hit and it is something beautiful to come out of the damage.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6fMXVG34YfWdZcf2YOqp_e01zPlGA2CsyKj1ktNOCA1a8IvMkKiob79Wkw_3mZnsXxjRTc2GMBqjYDzoT_8KkgpiawesmvbRkgVMjV3RbhovlPjeCCVQN6sGhzKweZeaD875aDgQ2IIi/s1600/IMG_9253.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6fMXVG34YfWdZcf2YOqp_e01zPlGA2CsyKj1ktNOCA1a8IvMkKiob79Wkw_3mZnsXxjRTc2GMBqjYDzoT_8KkgpiawesmvbRkgVMjV3RbhovlPjeCCVQN6sGhzKweZeaD875aDgQ2IIi/s1600/IMG_9253.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
My girl Jen and I took a SUPER long trip into Kansas City to attend a blogger event at the cutest boutique, Frankie and Jules. There was champagne on tap, swag bags, cookies, sweet friends, good shopping and so much more. Definitely worth the time and I always enjoy spending time with this girl whether it be MOPs or blogger events.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptqpmcM4A-epMjv4mMnZ1_YJW4TCjE4_3t8Dk-ANmaPKW9BDfZ_RiqBQhGaewrYHiL5W7qWPGZiEb8UdU1-nMhBxHDpufSut-o5z7ifAQmvzfwh7UomBEuGRrgtjZIuN5mQTXzhv2iR1K/s1600/LND_9B597131-9FAE-436B-9CE3-9C2B99C51B31.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptqpmcM4A-epMjv4mMnZ1_YJW4TCjE4_3t8Dk-ANmaPKW9BDfZ_RiqBQhGaewrYHiL5W7qWPGZiEb8UdU1-nMhBxHDpufSut-o5z7ifAQmvzfwh7UomBEuGRrgtjZIuN5mQTXzhv2iR1K/s1600/LND_9B597131-9FAE-436B-9CE3-9C2B99C51B31.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-T9bHWLGSnAwNVwTGi7KufViDnZPraIKz23g8fdUmEfDlBUUFczJqmj4YftrkRRT37Snow9WffTqjDbeOUtGOTqQZIwImBV20XPZ6V32ktfxtgeuF4Iio3pvU-hvcVFcn8uKrZ9Auxc2E/s1600/IMG_9476.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-T9bHWLGSnAwNVwTGi7KufViDnZPraIKz23g8fdUmEfDlBUUFczJqmj4YftrkRRT37Snow9WffTqjDbeOUtGOTqQZIwImBV20XPZ6V32ktfxtgeuF4Iio3pvU-hvcVFcn8uKrZ9Auxc2E/s1600/IMG_9476.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
I am not the only one in this family that likes to volunteer all my extra time to the cause. Rob puts his passion for hunting to good use and helps put together the Ducks Unlimited Banquet for the Jayhawks Chapter here in Lawrence. They had an AMAZING event and the total for the night was significantly larger than last year. A true hunter loves to conserve the very environments they live out of for large chunks of the year, and that is the number one goal of Ducks Unlimited. I am forever proud of this man.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQz429VSe18yPo2oqB9BSE8nC_MlrL5Nwx4IC4aL2rS7lghCUT8bJ_CpbEdmb8TCY9rBXP8JKG0xLcgVYzTpSEL7pi1b8uv4SKX9UHT9OdFUrTxdL1_kHLSUJO__ZOLX2AE4sEwSOsqBz/s1600/IMG_9660.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQz429VSe18yPo2oqB9BSE8nC_MlrL5Nwx4IC4aL2rS7lghCUT8bJ_CpbEdmb8TCY9rBXP8JKG0xLcgVYzTpSEL7pi1b8uv4SKX9UHT9OdFUrTxdL1_kHLSUJO__ZOLX2AE4sEwSOsqBz/s1600/IMG_9660.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1sIWtzSzLkEvWSBoxtipMbJmCyfnoCwiDkZx1866kwnR9ArYMSL4T9jE01QA4wkPZZuDQ35eDFq5hEkDwAW-OQsRy7Fi2HlYgJJtWh5WMYrZulPMlAmdQCW16BioxWOGY0dQPW3Cr8Fi9/s1600/IMG_9698.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1sIWtzSzLkEvWSBoxtipMbJmCyfnoCwiDkZx1866kwnR9ArYMSL4T9jE01QA4wkPZZuDQ35eDFq5hEkDwAW-OQsRy7Fi2HlYgJJtWh5WMYrZulPMlAmdQCW16BioxWOGY0dQPW3Cr8Fi9/s1600/IMG_9698.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
And finally, we celebrated Father's Day with my dad a few days before Sunday with dinner and candy. This year more than anything I am thankful we got to spend time with him in one piece and relatively mobile. The girls and I spent Sunday with Rob eating good food and walking the hardware stores. A better fathers day could not have been dreamt of for this guy.<br />
<br />
So that was the last few months in a nutshell. I'm going to try and hop back on the wagon but the month of May and most of this summer has been beating me up just a little. But I'm going to try and step back and take it all back in. Starting with family vacation next week.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854302342303748377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454858563624138264.post-68672234497957021212019-05-06T14:53:00.000-05:002019-05-06T14:53:33.950-05:00Anxiety | An Open Dialogue<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhMeSPA_IlFK1QHjxF0tZjGjOjLdJs2Xk8t4a0dNUQPDneVvmqUshKZq4Rd5HAkwsXNiKDD4IQIvkG_Q86NCbBOjuG7xz1Bq9jE54w3cTjS-mPcFAml88WWXjvXg7_jjD3w8ONEiV8hhyphenhypheny/s1600/anxiety.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhMeSPA_IlFK1QHjxF0tZjGjOjLdJs2Xk8t4a0dNUQPDneVvmqUshKZq4Rd5HAkwsXNiKDD4IQIvkG_Q86NCbBOjuG7xz1Bq9jE54w3cTjS-mPcFAml88WWXjvXg7_jjD3w8ONEiV8hhyphenhypheny/s1600/anxiety.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So let's talk anxiety. It presents itself in many different ways. Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, and Postpartum, to name a few. All different but similar in so many ways.</span></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you don't know by now, I have anxiety. I've been diagnosed with both Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Postpartum Anxiety, twice.</span></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">By being honest and open about my anxiety, I have found I am not alone. At all. Women are more likely to suffer from anxiety, not surprisingly, but these days we are speaking out against the stigma associated with mental health disorders.</span></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today I am opening up the conversation to two amazing women from my local community that are open about their anxiety struggles. Jessica is a mom and business owner, about to open a new DIY art boutique, <a href="https://www.arworkshop.com/lawrence/">AR Workshop</a>, here in town this summer. Subrina is a stay-at-home mom that has recently felt the call to speak out in support of so many wonderful things. Then you have me, a stay-at-home mom that loves to network and support people in all their journeys. Here are our thoughts on anxiety.</span></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">How does your anxiety present itself?</span></i></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Jessica </b>- "Initially, I knew something was “off” because I was tired and feeling like not leaving the house. For me, living in the country and having no neighbors, I live for the times each day where I can socialize and be amongst people. However, in January after a VERY dark and cloudy winter, I didn’t really have any desire to go anywhere, do anything or see anyone. Then, the tightness in my chest began. I felt as though I were having a heart attack several times throughout the day and found it nearly impossible to breathe. Making a decision as simple as which cheese to buy at the grocery store seemed to take 10 minutes. One day, at Dillons, I was so overwhelmed with all of the choices that I left a nearly full cart in the produce section and ran out of the store. Having a toddler doesn’t help some days either. The chorus of “mom, mama, mommy, mama, mom” that I hear 100 times a day starts to literally hurt my ears."</span></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Subrina</b> - "I have both general anxiety and Social Anxiety Disorder as well as OCD. I have a constant need for order and cleanliness. I get overwhelmed very quickly when disorder occurs. I also get overstimulated with loud, constant noise. I have high levels of burning anxiety around large crowds. I tend to get very reserved and quiet in large groups."</span></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Amanda</b> - "I had that overwhelming worry and sense of doom that constantly hung around. The smallest issues could send me into an absolute tale spin of what ifs and exaggerated thoughts. It became all consuming and all that I focused on. In the height of my first round of Postpartum Anxiety, I refused to leave the house unless my husband was there with me. These days my anxiety consists of lots of double checking and mentally making sure I notice things so that if my mind questions it later, I can return to watching the garage door hit the ground before I pulled away."</span></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">What steps did you take to find a new level of normal upon diagnosis?</span></i></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>J</b> - "There was one really bad day in February where it took me an hour to physically get out of bed. I would take 10 deep breaths then sit up, 10 breaths then scoot to the edge of the bed, 10 deep breaths then swing my legs over the bed…and so on. That day I knew that my anxiety had reached a level where I needed help. I cried on Kirk’s shoulder about how everything seemed impossible. I had a to do list a mile long and so much to get done in any given day that I couldn’t even figure out where to begin. I called my doctor and she got me in immediately. I had experienced similar anxiety when we made the huge move from Denver to Kansas and I knew exactly what was happening. I began a small daily dose of anti-anxiety medication and quickly realized that if I were to miss a day of exercise I could feel the anxiety setting in. I have had to retrain my brain to not look at the whole to do list, but one thing at a time. Why I couldn’t do something that simple before is beyond me. Also, for me, talking about anxiety and making it known amongst my friends that I have it has been a tremendous help for me. Talking about and sharing my experiences has helped me to realize how many of my very own friends are suffering in silence."</span></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>S</b> - "Quiet times with the Lord and lots of prayer because medication did not work for me. I do self help through positive encouragement talks."</span></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>A</b> - "Identifying that there was a problem and seeking out help was the first step. After that everything seemed to fall into place and I was able to learn how to live with anxiety through various techniques and tricks"</span></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Did your doctor listen?</span></i></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>J</b> - "Yes. Very much so. And what I wish for others who suffer from anxiety is that they realize that medical care is available to HELP you and not judge you. My doctor never once made me feel like what I was describing with the tightness in my chest or fatigue was anything but “normal” and something everyone goes through."</span></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>S </b>- "Yes I have a good doctor that listens to my gut feelings and supports me."</span></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>A</b> - "I have seen MANY doctors about my anxiety. When I was first diagnosed with GAD I was a military spouse living in Georgia. A therapist diagnosed me and worked with me initially. Then my doctor in Tennessee diagnosed and listened to me with my first round of PPA. She was the one that gave me the phrase I have spent many years clinging to "is worrying about it going to change it?" Finally - with my most recent round of PPA, I saw our Family Doctor here in Lawrence. Not one person ever disregarded my feelings and made me feel less than and for that I am SO thankful. If one doesn't listen, find another."</span></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">What advice would you give someone experiencing anxiety?</span></i></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>J</b> - "TALK ABOUT IT!!!! You will be shocked how many of your own friends/family are right there with you and, often, the people who need help look a lot like people who don’t need help. Just talking about your anxiety is a completely Vulnerable move…and when you are open and vulnerable it makes others feel like they can trust you and be honest right back with you."</span></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>S</b> - "It can be an attack of the enemy and him preying on your perceived weakness. Speak life and positive words over yourself. Let yourself cry it out though and give yourself grace."</span></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>A</b> - "Don't be afraid to ask for help. I spent a good chunk of time beating myself up for something completely out of my control. It got me nowhere. By coming forward with my issues I learned I am not alone. So many people are suffering in silence, and they shouldn't be. It is nothing to be ashamed of, regardless of the stigma... because you aren't alone."</span></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">In your opinion, what is the best way to overcome anxiety?</span></i></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>J </b>- "I’m not here to push medication for anyone, but for me, a small daily dost of an anti-anxiety medication lifted the curtain from which I was hiding behind. I wasn’t even able to so much as make a choice about cheese and now I go weeks without even thinking about anxiety or the many choices I have to make in a day. It goes without saying that EXERCISE is so important to my mental health that, without it, I am grumpy and often don’t see the point in leaving the house some days. I work out 5-7 days a week and while the outward physical benefits are great, it’s how it makes me feel INSIDE that is the true benefit."</span></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>S</b> - "Prayer and strong positive support from good friends."</span></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>A</b> - "For me I tried lots of things. I tried therapy, deep breathing techniques, and yoga. Over the years certain things have worked during different times, a hug from my husband, a nap, a good book, things that distract my mind from the worries at hand. I still pull out my yoga mat when I start to feel overwhelmed, and it still works. The only thing I haven't tried is the prescription tucked in the back of my medicine cabinet. It's there, just in case. When I am done nursing our youngest, I hope to start using CBD oil, as another all natural option."</span></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">How is your everyday life with anxiety?</span></i></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>J</b> - "Honestly, I can go weeks at a time without experiencing anxiety. I think that because I haven’t held a traditional “job” since 2011, I am triggered a lot by what it takes to open a business and a franchise at that. If I am able to work alone in a quiet space with few distractions I forget that I even had a hard time accomplishing small tasks. Today, I was triggered when a friend asked me why I was starting my new business because I “have it made as a Stay At Home Mom” and “what was I thinking?” I started to feel that tightness in my chest again. Had I made a mistake? What WAS I doing? It’s when I second guess a decision or choice that I know in my heart is right that I realize it is fear talking and not my heart. After she said that to me, I went into Spin Class and my chest hurt so badly I was tempted to leave the room and hide. I shut off ALL negative thoughts and fears and pedaled my way through it. By the end of class, the only tightness I was experiencing was because of the Cardio element. Some days are hard, but less and less just by speaking about what I feel with others. As I share my story with other moms/women, I am saddened by the number of them who tell me they have debilitating anxiety too but don’t know who to talk to, are ashamed to talk about it or don’t want to tell their significant others. After the 10th friend said that to me, I realized it was my duty to “Make my Mess my Message.” Mental health is NOTHING to be ashamed of. I tend to think that being mentally UNhealthy and not talking about it for fear of how you will be perceived is the true shame in the mental health community. I’m good now. My head is in a great place and I’m back to being my “normal” (whatever that’s worth)."</span></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>S</b> - "My everyday life is filled with planning. If I plan well then I can keep my anxieties at bay. I'm not usually spontaneous because that's a major cause of panic. I have a notebook I use as a planner and I write to-do lists, meal plans, schedules, etc. in it everyday. I clean a lot too. Its therapeutic for me. It calms me but when the kids come in and bring "messes" it sometimes sends me over the edge. "Messes" is a curse word in our home, so the kids say. Time management is huge for me daily too. If I plan my time well, I can keep the anxieties lower too."</span></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>A</b> - "I have my good days and I have my bad days. But everyday is filled with routine. My anxiety is on the low side on the days that are expected and normal. The crazy and unexpected days often throw my anxiety into a tailspin. I am at the point now where I can easily identify when my anxiety is starting to flare up and I can take the necessary steps to help calm it and go about my day. I'm still learning though. I also talk about it and let people know when my anxiety is high and thankful I'm surrounded by an amazing village that understands what that means for me."</span></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Living with anxiety is COMMON and NOTHING to be ashamed of.</span></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Period.</span></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you are experiencing anxiety, ask for help. See your doctor. Talk to your friends. Admitting the problem is there is the first step towards finding a solution.</span></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">To talk to someone, call the <a href="https://www.nami.org/Find-Support/NAMI-HelpLine">National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)</a> Helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264). Or you can e-mail me and I will listen.</span></div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854302342303748377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454858563624138264.post-20999980595229699152019-04-30T15:09:00.001-05:002019-04-30T15:14:26.338-05:00Maternal Mental Health Week 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkojkRTkdR8wIKDecXgYGEi5odyFEiv3FmcYYz888yYcqObkthYkMK4kTXII8nwKOYmWay3ONLZEEClhhacLz3sqBqviv_ytEcotKmUZRByLM9sskm8E9ShmqvZGRtQq2r3kAIO_I_AXc/s1600/Making-over-gold-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkojkRTkdR8wIKDecXgYGEi5odyFEiv3FmcYYz888yYcqObkthYkMK4kTXII8nwKOYmWay3ONLZEEClhhacLz3sqBqviv_ytEcotKmUZRByLM9sskm8E9ShmqvZGRtQq2r3kAIO_I_AXc/s1600/Making-over-gold-2.png" /></a></div>
<br />
Did you know that maternal mental health disorders, like depression, are the number 1 complication from childbirth and one of the leading causes of maternal death?<br />
<br />
Did you know 1 in 5 mothers will suffer from a maternal mental health disorder and that less than 15% will seek out and sustain treatment options?<br />
<br />
Did you know that there are more new cases of mothers suffering from maternal depression each year than women diagnosed with breast cancer?<br />
<br />
Is your mind blown yet?<br />
<br />
April 29th to May 3rd is Maternal Mental Health Week. Organizations like <a href="https://www.thebluedotproject.org/">The Blue Dot Project</a> and <a href="https://www.postpartum.net/">Postpartum Support International</a> are working together to help break the stigma behind maternal mental health disorders. This year I am joining in to help spread awareness and rally behind women that silently suffer, because I've been there.<br />
<br />
In 2013, I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety.<br />
In 2016, I was diagnosed with Postpartum Anxiety.<br />
In 2018, I was diagnosed with Postpartum Anxiety, again.<br />
<br />
Being honest and open with my anxiety struggles is my way of bringing light to maternal mental health disorders. I have anxiety, it does not define me.<br />
<br />
To read about my anxiety struggles, click <a href="https://www.laurencecora.com/are-you-worried-guest-post/">here</a>.<br />
<br />
For more information on Maternal Mental Health Disorders - click <a href="https://www.thebluedotproject.org/whataremmhdisorders">here</a>.<br />
For more information on Maternal Mental Health Week - click <a href="https://www.thebluedotproject.org/mmhweek2019">here</a>.<br />
<br />
LOCAL FRIENDS - follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/buildyourvillagekansas/">Build Your Village Douglas County</a> for more local information. They have lots of great events planned for this week to celebrate MMHW, including a Climb Out of the Darkness walk on Saturday morning. I'll be there, will you?Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854302342303748377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454858563624138264.post-27106060349392042822019-04-26T11:01:00.000-05:002019-08-16T20:44:10.644-05:00My First Networking Night Out<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVk2g3q-7bSq0p9Aln8_w76ziLWb2GInNHd9AGKCNxJl1BXnrz8FgDZPeKgynNz5u4PVfTrwEhlzal-DYlwLZqhzpnMIYR-QcSfLEfgatIo3kGf_KtadsO7lY5n6kGjtJuQb1hsg_Ymtpv/s1600/20190416_LFK+Lady+Boss+Project+Trina+Baker+Photography_7180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVk2g3q-7bSq0p9Aln8_w76ziLWb2GInNHd9AGKCNxJl1BXnrz8FgDZPeKgynNz5u4PVfTrwEhlzal-DYlwLZqhzpnMIYR-QcSfLEfgatIo3kGf_KtadsO7lY5n6kGjtJuQb1hsg_Ymtpv/s1600/20190416_LFK+Lady+Boss+Project+Trina+Baker+Photography_7180.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All photos courtesy of <a href="http://www.trinabakerphotography.com/">Trina Baker Photography</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Back in February, I wrote about <a href="https://www.somewhereoverthecamo.com/2019/02/i-attended-my-first-blog-event.html">attending my first ever blog related event</a> in Kansas City. It was such a success and I had so much fun that I left with all these ideas about bringing the fun to Lawrence in a special and unique way. I had already launched my side project, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LFKLadyBossProject/">LFK Lady Boss Project</a> with the idea of getting lady bosses, of all kinds, together to network and truly enjoy time together. But I left with a renewed sense of what I wanted to do.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5fsVCoKvxk_EGo_pAtCk2Jxu_GM-esRQPKjvqS31ofvswS3ErC97TfwO70rJ9OafGk78U9VgALnaABryHRvugW3ChN7jcmGT1hWau0GJPfPQB__72K11KKv7twUT4TR2GL5Cex7s4dbAY/s1600/20190416_LFK+Lady+Boss+Project+Trina+Baker+Photography_7163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5fsVCoKvxk_EGo_pAtCk2Jxu_GM-esRQPKjvqS31ofvswS3ErC97TfwO70rJ9OafGk78U9VgALnaABryHRvugW3ChN7jcmGT1hWau0GJPfPQB__72K11KKv7twUT4TR2GL5Cex7s4dbAY/s1600/20190416_LFK+Lady+Boss+Project+Trina+Baker+Photography_7163.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All photos courtesy of <a href="http://www.trinabakerphotography.com/">Trina Baker Photography</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A week and a half ago, I hosted my first LFK Lady Boss Project Networking Night Out.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TS9i1RVbVR_5ELwcgqbNcr9MDmVLymPe6U54ZmQyhN1uyKP4uob090xN2oZchzP9tjMei26Uwy6lqMZ1MquQURUuFQZb2AnIDB8i4WY4xyv1ku6nh_M1llmlbwyyOqjvtXFa470HpDQf/s1600/20190416_LFK+Lady+Boss+Project+Trina+Baker+Photography_7167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TS9i1RVbVR_5ELwcgqbNcr9MDmVLymPe6U54ZmQyhN1uyKP4uob090xN2oZchzP9tjMei26Uwy6lqMZ1MquQURUuFQZb2AnIDB8i4WY4xyv1ku6nh_M1llmlbwyyOqjvtXFa470HpDQf/s1600/20190416_LFK+Lady+Boss+Project+Trina+Baker+Photography_7167.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All photos courtesy of <a href="http://www.trinabakerphotography.com/">Trina Baker Photography</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was a two hour networking gathering hosted downtown that had over 50 lady bosses of all kinds in attendance. I had one of the sweetest Lawrence business owners offer up her boutique, <a href="http://shopkbandco.com/">KB & Co</a>, with not much to go off of except my dreams. A local wedding and event planner, <a href="http://www.fashioned-events.com/">Fashioned Events</a>, stepped up to help me with the details. And finally, a photographer, <a href="http://www.trinabakerphotography.com/">Trina Baker Photography</a>, volunteered to fill the position of photographing the entire night. Without these three the night would not have been near as successful.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRvKNBGBagoSisTrPUBBV07ZYq6d2RPSLVCQ-2-B0vEOI0yF4uBsmhxYXANOiv-Mt8AonywM3SZYO2NWoyZ-g5lArgIbUe82r0gq5w3Pb52DGbrJWk-3HNFP3b-DUdsENHm4fOCLG9abe/s1600/20190416_LFK+Lady+Boss+Project+Trina+Baker+Photography_7202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRvKNBGBagoSisTrPUBBV07ZYq6d2RPSLVCQ-2-B0vEOI0yF4uBsmhxYXANOiv-Mt8AonywM3SZYO2NWoyZ-g5lArgIbUe82r0gq5w3Pb52DGbrJWk-3HNFP3b-DUdsENHm4fOCLG9abe/s1600/20190416_LFK+Lady+Boss+Project+Trina+Baker+Photography_7202.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All photos courtesy of <a href="http://www.trinabakerphotography.com/">Trina Baker Photography</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then I had some people volunteer to donate some sweets (<a href="https://www.mclainskc.com/">McLain's Market</a>, <a href="https://www.aprilssweettreatskansas.com/">April's Sweet Treats</a>, and <a href="http://www.bellarocadesigns.com/">BellaRoca Cakes</a>) and over 25 other lady bosses donated amazing giveaways. Trina set up a photo booth. There was shopping. There was cookies, cake pops and macaroons. And there was so many amazing ladies gathered together under one roof.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7OhGCLfJMp9RxR4iQC47s6WZWjj4DTLTwD66zpTujHgyXMhT1DQ5slr-uWfitmEMCkFN-j3F-6vtEM-2nUmzUpqwXqq2iN0pV4bpzgJAMsarBTEn7WLcj6To3FFCvpN4NzIE5nuSGkNk/s1600/20190416_LFK+Lady+Boss+Project+Trina+Baker+Photography_7231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7OhGCLfJMp9RxR4iQC47s6WZWjj4DTLTwD66zpTujHgyXMhT1DQ5slr-uWfitmEMCkFN-j3F-6vtEM-2nUmzUpqwXqq2iN0pV4bpzgJAMsarBTEn7WLcj6To3FFCvpN4NzIE5nuSGkNk/s1600/20190416_LFK+Lady+Boss+Project+Trina+Baker+Photography_7231.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All photos courtesy of <a href="http://www.trinabakerphotography.com/">Trina Baker Photography</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It has been a few days since I showed people what I hoped to do here in Lawrence. I have had great feedback and I have already embarked on planning the next Networking Night Out. Going to ride this way of success and keep it going. More than anything I want to do what I am so passionate about. I want to give back. Lawrence, Kansas is a one of a kind community where everyone comes together to lift each other up and do what we can for each other. I will never stop being thankful that our life brought us here.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFes7v8rPv3JdmNOCEx9Gkm7-pCJW_mRqcZ_j6lW_8NaW9KeBx9POA3pS_CPnLv-dhmgsd-oJQFOiubF2hKoVoLS46RoCVh711eSYkXjBEJGjAfnCpkjmTD2ZZZDpdexPb3f4zPsgZpvrx/s1600/20190416_LFK+Lady+Boss+Project+Trina+Baker+Photography_7232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFes7v8rPv3JdmNOCEx9Gkm7-pCJW_mRqcZ_j6lW_8NaW9KeBx9POA3pS_CPnLv-dhmgsd-oJQFOiubF2hKoVoLS46RoCVh711eSYkXjBEJGjAfnCpkjmTD2ZZZDpdexPb3f4zPsgZpvrx/s1600/20190416_LFK+Lady+Boss+Project+Trina+Baker+Photography_7232.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All photos courtesy of <a href="http://www.trinabakerphotography.com/">Trina Baker Photography</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">For more information about future events and to follow along with my side project, follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LFKLadyBossProject/">Facebook</a> and Instagram (@lfkladybossproject).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">If you have any questions about hosting your own event in your community, feel free to e-mail me!</span>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854302342303748377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454858563624138264.post-13477943592677766112019-04-23T19:55:00.004-05:002019-04-23T19:55:51.690-05:00HE IS RISEN - Easter 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5PPHIpRMDgxOHDABhLQUzA4iWBWA1JuO7pmHPBspQzcL1oVxYVkMNPOUyE_oTWRHEapkexStuQvVdNLDvebGyLYFAnYFPQXp7dDfmxhSKOuOqBnuG2HOym-q_1Y7L323ZoAJcPVEJ-NGj/s1600/IMG_8470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5PPHIpRMDgxOHDABhLQUzA4iWBWA1JuO7pmHPBspQzcL1oVxYVkMNPOUyE_oTWRHEapkexStuQvVdNLDvebGyLYFAnYFPQXp7dDfmxhSKOuOqBnuG2HOym-q_1Y7L323ZoAJcPVEJ-NGj/s1600/IMG_8470.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Easter is quickly moving up on my list of holidays. The spring colors, the pretty dresses, and above all else - He is risen! What better celebration could there be?<br />
<br />
Our Easter festivities were simple and perfect in many ways.<br />
<br />
We stood in a very long line to take pictures with real bunnies at our local indoor zoo, <a href="https://www.petworldlawrence.com/">Pet World</a>. The kids were patient and mostly content during the hour wait. Our donation to take the pictures went towards rabbit rescue and that absolutely makes it all worth it, even though Emily ended up not being a super big fan of the bunnies touching her. My sweet baby girl.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSmoiRbIWd72AZpP0VzDncSxQ5_Luz6sdFUk-sMi8NGjWV4sn4O7fpOjBYcjkeap1DHQpGfskbOiYIxXWyHvnkTYC-uAYAhSNe1kOgCbZLsoAyP-EQxFmE1sRq_mfoqvXx1Rqk7M0N2lx/s1600/LND_587017D1-12B8-4761-AC87-488F3E05E631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1116" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSmoiRbIWd72AZpP0VzDncSxQ5_Luz6sdFUk-sMi8NGjWV4sn4O7fpOjBYcjkeap1DHQpGfskbOiYIxXWyHvnkTYC-uAYAhSNe1kOgCbZLsoAyP-EQxFmE1sRq_mfoqvXx1Rqk7M0N2lx/s1600/LND_587017D1-12B8-4761-AC87-488F3E05E631.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfl6Zc6EuspqOhuQNF_f_6-QbLnGUjTRe8VZIWgDO0UvyID6nDznPxTVhlOqR2yaeZmiUutwGIlyjOW-_8p3LAxBn-zZ9xFHWGYGE0QkMAzj-ZnCyzY8k_KYqnFqdnjgFl-fKIFoMdKlOp/s1600/5538807207851411696_IMG_3372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1095" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfl6Zc6EuspqOhuQNF_f_6-QbLnGUjTRe8VZIWgDO0UvyID6nDznPxTVhlOqR2yaeZmiUutwGIlyjOW-_8p3LAxBn-zZ9xFHWGYGE0QkMAzj-ZnCyzY8k_KYqnFqdnjgFl-fKIFoMdKlOp/s1600/5538807207851411696_IMG_3372.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
On Good Friday, my mom came out to spend the night with us. Rob grilled up some salmon and we dyed eggs with the girls. This isn't a tradition I particularly look forward to but we enjoyed doing something special while Grandma was with us, which the kids really loved.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPe1IJcMK9S5sneUDIrAIEwDuzjrXMEgikPXsQ3ChXegPvbssTO7tyzhQCLGd2kx6c2fY0uYYNLWf6V0kWvOmGk1w1UHf9AILP-J0f0_zde3RpQK_Oq65ZFm8XeVa7bgN6Z1bXmMD_EUF/s1600/IMG_8310.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPe1IJcMK9S5sneUDIrAIEwDuzjrXMEgikPXsQ3ChXegPvbssTO7tyzhQCLGd2kx6c2fY0uYYNLWf6V0kWvOmGk1w1UHf9AILP-J0f0_zde3RpQK_Oq65ZFm8XeVa7bgN6Z1bXmMD_EUF/s1600/IMG_8310.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
Saturday morning we went over to the club for an Easter egg hunt and to see the bunny. It was the perfect size crowd and the girls knew what they were doing this year. Brooke picked up every pink and purple Easter egg in her direct path, which brings me great joy. The weather and the company made it a beautiful morning, even if we are 2 for 3 with the Easter bunny. Brooke only agreed to sit next to him if Grace was doing it too. Maybe next year?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEXw5FJ-ihwykzKq_32XoDMxMuGTCE393X3wahLYPLvReFtfIVJWZ9_qXt1H1RURvjMMznLFh8OMS2qotPMuTBn_nF3As5MAVU4xsc-YVXRivq1frPLlUx_J_lg2n41yuh2PMOHzrAhTw/s1600/LND_80861006-B40D-45CD-86C2-D166F5F6346D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1028" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEXw5FJ-ihwykzKq_32XoDMxMuGTCE393X3wahLYPLvReFtfIVJWZ9_qXt1H1RURvjMMznLFh8OMS2qotPMuTBn_nF3As5MAVU4xsc-YVXRivq1frPLlUx_J_lg2n41yuh2PMOHzrAhTw/s1600/LND_80861006-B40D-45CD-86C2-D166F5F6346D.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQYidz8Yv4PweUzvdNAnqEHZBTWXJCYWBJsXdI2q5dZMt2oHNxi1RDFA7gmKa9KTw63mztbP-ZxKCwjg9Sd8QvqVYLuylpSIIZsaza6a7L29MUhL75_4ynDR8j2nqPAprCuDlY_EuMsz4o/s1600/LND_EF19058A-AE1B-48BA-8AAB-EE191A9CB092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1054" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQYidz8Yv4PweUzvdNAnqEHZBTWXJCYWBJsXdI2q5dZMt2oHNxi1RDFA7gmKa9KTw63mztbP-ZxKCwjg9Sd8QvqVYLuylpSIIZsaza6a7L29MUhL75_4ynDR8j2nqPAprCuDlY_EuMsz4o/s1600/LND_EF19058A-AE1B-48BA-8AAB-EE191A9CB092.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhbKUCLfGnTOM7z5tAKR2DOsmICqK5kL1lqrEm3qlk_sllkcVSSx2SydBmtTWyevrNceUiRJApTG13GKID1l5mMg6AyZNhkZUSnxDoOHWCZMAtL9bkSkp0e1GcEoyd1zsMjgn8E67PQ47/s1600/-2705934007346319960_IMG_3394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhbKUCLfGnTOM7z5tAKR2DOsmICqK5kL1lqrEm3qlk_sllkcVSSx2SydBmtTWyevrNceUiRJApTG13GKID1l5mMg6AyZNhkZUSnxDoOHWCZMAtL9bkSkp0e1GcEoyd1zsMjgn8E67PQ47/s1600/-2705934007346319960_IMG_3394.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJxS9b13TEvIB271tV5LTeq2d24m1aOdIQ8vZCS6PuoQH9FoTufn-pBP79iGBeuVvgztO1knOhCNNJw6kAkRWBC8vq96y8KHae6UEL1Scs449UrDETdi2Gywx4bhMexcHn4-cEV4pMO6T/s1600/-3178473970479380453_IMG_3399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJxS9b13TEvIB271tV5LTeq2d24m1aOdIQ8vZCS6PuoQH9FoTufn-pBP79iGBeuVvgztO1knOhCNNJw6kAkRWBC8vq96y8KHae6UEL1Scs449UrDETdi2Gywx4bhMexcHn4-cEV4pMO6T/s1600/-3178473970479380453_IMG_3399.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Uao8S9Tzj0m-2pde2a70RNxgpf3yJCzQIjwdPZy3HUM9NCuSuFx3WAEVGYvhyyAmJ6e0PWVmeMKPeRlSzUYRd6UGaMLSR1oRw0JSmd0gG7ciqqf0b6xCCyUPTGtDdJJjvagCmNMVuWHl/s1600/-4654229611403312223_IMG_3403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1175" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Uao8S9Tzj0m-2pde2a70RNxgpf3yJCzQIjwdPZy3HUM9NCuSuFx3WAEVGYvhyyAmJ6e0PWVmeMKPeRlSzUYRd6UGaMLSR1oRw0JSmd0gG7ciqqf0b6xCCyUPTGtDdJJjvagCmNMVuWHl/s1600/-4654229611403312223_IMG_3403.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SomPrZAPD8BQez9eEcBuKQc1B2cQvWH_Qb_3BSMEAgb-mtMfqLIgRNgGAQ49q1mJ0RFINEYodekwT0pSI801sKTDw4StndH7LtDDsdaBXl-5VQ5pFhNwBBKxXmTqoPkLO0U_9NorzQym/s1600/IMG_8312.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SomPrZAPD8BQez9eEcBuKQc1B2cQvWH_Qb_3BSMEAgb-mtMfqLIgRNgGAQ49q1mJ0RFINEYodekwT0pSI801sKTDw4StndH7LtDDsdaBXl-5VQ5pFhNwBBKxXmTqoPkLO0U_9NorzQym/s1600/IMG_8312.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqe3p7HcxUlnOO7DQwet4vYsbAypJI3hldZlEm5nMypnumvP3NiCxSf5hM71DTWlXM2MrQyHMkWUvczy14-orzJccO_GInpL4HgROuloZWa5LkYm3pu9LQumzPrSkC1XF7aP1ZyZIipC3/s1600/IMG_8315.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqe3p7HcxUlnOO7DQwet4vYsbAypJI3hldZlEm5nMypnumvP3NiCxSf5hM71DTWlXM2MrQyHMkWUvczy14-orzJccO_GInpL4HgROuloZWa5LkYm3pu9LQumzPrSkC1XF7aP1ZyZIipC3/s1600/IMG_8315.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally - the bunny visited and the Easter dresses were donned to head off to mass in celebration. It was a beautiful gathering and we left ready to chow down on the feast my husband prepared. My parents, my sister, Rob's uncle and his girlfriend all made the trip out to celebrate the day with us. I don't think our girls could have enjoyed the day more. There was an egg hunt that consisted of hidden eggs, bubbles and chalk, plus all the sweets little tummies could handle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsD7LPLy2010dOPVQLmWmJ7yYOae8lkZFU46MbS4dhg3XDtyd70C2TQjMJMswld-O6xjxs0YWkJZ_EUOQhYKAOVyYgXmpPc3rylClwqyRLZi4dvb2y8K_GP5_p2Hcb5nMmi5c_CEck__J/s1600/-7361593384850075085_IMG_3443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1035" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsD7LPLy2010dOPVQLmWmJ7yYOae8lkZFU46MbS4dhg3XDtyd70C2TQjMJMswld-O6xjxs0YWkJZ_EUOQhYKAOVyYgXmpPc3rylClwqyRLZi4dvb2y8K_GP5_p2Hcb5nMmi5c_CEck__J/s1600/-7361593384850075085_IMG_3443.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbUnGcTEgG_VCCfFQwyrEkSKgzhl_n_138y5zRLq4dGWRR5Ff0iEr9_hsXXvtUxlu6j6RhKi3YhEfZPC1uA_fOufOWPTMm7d79x7O_dRErADSditpBVNbbEmn9L3TR2-uPWqm9zgObV5w/s1600/-2806791699329079461_IMG_3445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1146" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbUnGcTEgG_VCCfFQwyrEkSKgzhl_n_138y5zRLq4dGWRR5Ff0iEr9_hsXXvtUxlu6j6RhKi3YhEfZPC1uA_fOufOWPTMm7d79x7O_dRErADSditpBVNbbEmn9L3TR2-uPWqm9zgObV5w/s1600/-2806791699329079461_IMG_3445.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjCYOBgoKsthWF-pOFfKbjdxTCarLl7MrJDoaUsCHJnKMd9hUgnGYyr6SsjTF6X0nqkeu4sKpMd4bWyQI0ZjngurEPHK9nn6Rx-QZn-5M0PDpiTWIJ9bVtGy8CbzaZbDuKo5G7LQ7O1mrP/s1600/1183686266549083556_IMG_3458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1014" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjCYOBgoKsthWF-pOFfKbjdxTCarLl7MrJDoaUsCHJnKMd9hUgnGYyr6SsjTF6X0nqkeu4sKpMd4bWyQI0ZjngurEPHK9nn6Rx-QZn-5M0PDpiTWIJ9bVtGy8CbzaZbDuKo5G7LQ7O1mrP/s1600/1183686266549083556_IMG_3458.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbSoYAuA4dcVDEn97ChOO3aKk7RHvgRwnWDi0Uipu3xLNusXzrnBHDDJZGj9DwVUn8Hs3VmBKb3DR0liysTUjJ7S2cw0suCR7TWj79dc0bT8qpeQ6yC0XFRmrLLcFe9-AXW9LyFg1Icm7/s1600/LND_DAFCB17F-FC83-4E2E-823F-DAC3528B4B4B.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbSoYAuA4dcVDEn97ChOO3aKk7RHvgRwnWDi0Uipu3xLNusXzrnBHDDJZGj9DwVUn8Hs3VmBKb3DR0liysTUjJ7S2cw0suCR7TWj79dc0bT8qpeQ6yC0XFRmrLLcFe9-AXW9LyFg1Icm7/s1600/LND_DAFCB17F-FC83-4E2E-823F-DAC3528B4B4B.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
It was definitely a glorious Easter.<br />
<br />
What is your go to Easter activity?Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854302342303748377noreply@blogger.com0