tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34922104296904348162024-02-22T08:08:12.376-08:00Groettum FamilyUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger589125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492210429690434816.post-30620335302498690322013-12-03T10:41:00.001-08:002013-12-03T11:06:55.608-08:00An update and a short vent.<p>Several times a week I try to remind myself to sit down and blog. It’s so frustrating to realize how many months have gone without updating (for myself more than anything else) but then I remember that we’re too busy living, a pretty good reason to not have time to catch up!</p> <p>Gavin has been so excited to start hockey! It’s definitely the highlight of his week. Since he could walk, his favorite toy has been his hockey stick. I am so excited to see him begin this new journey – as a mom of a child with a serious disease, these events of normalcy mean even more! He went from only being able to skate with the aid of a walker (three weeks before his season started) to skating across the rink. His determination to succeed has been so enjoyable to witness! I love that he loves being active, he doesn’t yet realize what an amazing impact it will have on his lungs/health, but as a mom knowing he’s “treating” himself and not even realizing it because he’s having so much fun – is pretty awesome!</p> <p>He is also continuing to enjoy preschool! His fantastic teacher from last year retired (sigh) and his new teacher has been my first hurdle in the school system – at least her lack of compassion/knowledge makes it all the more clear that we need to get a 504 plan set up for him when he enters the public school system next year! But beyond that, he is continuing to thrive in a school environment, and passed his kindergarten readiness tests with flying colors! He is starting to read, and it is such a fun process to watch. He can read most three letter words and loves to sound out longer ones. It’s been a lot of repeating books at bedtime, but I can see him following the words and he loves to point out the ones he knows. He’s also a little obsessed with math. A little scary for a parent who doesn’t enjoy that subject! He can watch a basketball game – see that the score is 83-79 – know that they are four points apart and can rattle off how the team behind can tie, or even surpass the other teams points. He also can read the names of the teams scrolling across the bottom of the screen. And who said watching ESPN never taught a child something! Ha!</p> <p>We are still on the emotional high of Gavin being on Kalydeco. People continuously keep asking me if we’ve noticed any changes – it’s hard. He started off so healthy that the changes will not be obvious. We’ve noticed small ones here & there, but I have to wait until the study is over before getting it into specifics. We do not get to know his sweat test results – I hope to get those eventually, as I am anxious to see if they changed! He managed to fight off one cold without any antibiotics (a first in <em>years</em> for him) and I only put him on antibiotics for a second one because we were out of town and I didn’t want him to spend Thanksgiving sick. Another medication, that will work in combination with Kalydeco, is on the horizon. At the rate things are going, he’ll probably be on that too (in a study or “over the counter”) by the time he is six or not long thereafter. In early stages of the study – the combination of the two meds have brought CF patients with his mutations, into the range of a carrier (just one CF gene, not two). I am a carrier and have zero major health issues with it, so this is even more of a miracle!</p> <p align="left">Even on Kalydeco, Gavin’s maintenance of his disease has not changed. He still does the same amount of breathing treatments – one hour a day healthy, or two hours a day when sick – takes the same pills, and is monitored just a closely, if not more closely. While we are getting closer & closer to that cure, or at least a control, his daily routine has not changed. Until there is <em>long</em> term, definitive, proof that his treatments aren’t necessary, we will not remove them from his day. As much as the extra time would be nice, risking his future health is not worth it. He will always need to take pancreatic enzymes with food, as his pancreas will never function correctly (although his dosage has slightly lowered as his body has an easier task of digesting food without all the extra mucus now!).</p> <p>Health wise, Gavin has been doing great! For any CF parent, entering cold/flu season brings an extra sense of stress but we’re coping ok so far. We’ve had a few insurance snafus that have been a struggle to deal with, Casey’s work insurance decided to drop both Gavin and I from the plan with no warning. They claimed to have been following their verification dependent guidelines, but it was complete bs. We never ONCE received any information that they were going to drop us – I mean, come on. Our child has an incurable disease, do you think that we’d <em>ever</em> ignore a warning about loss of insurance? This was seriously the most frightening moment I have had as a parent in the past four and a half years. After hours upon hours (I’m talking 20+ hours) on the phone it was finally resolved, but it shouldn’t have ever happened in the first place. They tried to tell me to pay in cash for everything up front and they would reimburse me. First, ha – I don’t trust you to reimburse and second, his meds cost over $25,000/month – we don’t have that kind of cash! Can I just say, an insurance company’s definition of “urgent” is 4-7 business days?!? The lack of regulation with issues such as these are scary – especially realizing that it’s only going to get worse as time goes on. </p> <p>Just as we figured out the insurance mess, they informed us that we now were forced to use a mail order pharmacy of their choice for Gavin’s more expensive medications. No problem, except for that fact that this particular mail order is a nightmare to deal with. It took me a <em>week</em> to just get<em> one</em> prescription filled. Not even in mailed and in our hands, a week just to “accept” the prescription. Anther 10+ hours of arguing on the phone before his medication was mailed out. Every time I would call they had another excuse to give me. But here is the kicker, they would never let me talk to someone in the processing department (“they don’t talk to the public”) and refused to tell me what steps needed to be taken to get the prescription filled. Their inability to give me a straight answer, and constant transferring of my calls, made it very clear that their “process” is a complete mess and something shady was going on. I got to to point of desperation of contacting both our state’s Attorney General and writing a formal complaint to the Better Business Bureau to get my child his meds. Not surprisingly, when they found out I had taken these steps the process moved ahead very quickly. It is so sad that it takes that much of a fight, and that degree of concern, to just get someone to “care” about my child and that he <em>needs</em> this medication to stay out of the hospital.</p> <p>After speaking with the Attorney General’s office, they informed me that all they could really do was mediate a voluntary discussion to help fix our situation so that future issues would not arise. Yet, she also informed me that there is little to no regulation on mail order pharmacies. Yes, they have to be licensed but beyond that there isn’t much else being monitored. This is very scary! Especially since we have no choice but to use them, or we pay for the entire prescription out of our own pocket (this one medication is $5,000/month). She advised me to contact either Amy Klobuchar or Al Franklin – she too agreed that this is a scary situation and felt bad that there wasn’t any more she could personally do. She stated that yes, this is a big enough of an issue to be raising a stink about, and that both individuals would be great contacts. I don’t just want our own personal situation resolved – I don’t want <em>any</em> individual living with a complex disease to have to fight for their necessary drugs. I refuse to accept this pharmacy for what they are, it’s a broken system that needs to be fixed – and if no one steps up to raise their voice, nothing will ever be solved. Their ability to take over a week to fulfill a single prescription (yes, this is their normal procedure my badgering is what got Gav’s meds filled more “quickly”) before even mailing it out, taking several more days, is absurd. <em>Especially</em> when they are messing with the health of a four year old child. The insurance companies are not following up with these pharmacies to make sure things are going well, the insurance companies/government are also not creating <em>any</em> sort of regulations for them. We pay out our butts for insurance, and to have to fight a disease AND fight getting his meds is more than we can bear at times. Once the New Year hits, I’m starting the process of contacting these representatives. Wish me luck that something can be done!</p> <p>We did our best to make sure Gavin had no idea about any of this, as much as he already goes through – I want him to live as carefree as possible. Had he gotten wind of this, his little caring heart would have been stressed out for his mama. I made sure to step out of hearing range when I laid into the supervisors, while he knows he has CF I don’t want him worrying about what will happen if he didn’t get his meds as needed – that’s my job as mom to worry/stress. While he grows we’ll let him become more involved in the process, but for now he doesn’t need to know.</p> <p>Other than insurance stresses, and the rush of the holiday season – life truly is fantastic! We are so blessed in so many ways.</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492210429690434816.post-35989756677998828012013-10-02T11:12:00.001-07:002013-10-02T11:14:01.070-07:00Not So Easy<p>Yesterday, Gavin had another visit to Amplatz for his Kalydeco drug study.</p> <p>I don’t know if we have been living in a blissful state of ignorance, but when your child has never had a hospitalization, watching him struggle in a hospital setting is heart breaking.</p> <p>A tough part of the study is that it’s not being conducted at our normal clinic. Instead, its in a completely different area of campus so Gavin doesn’t know anyone on the team (with exception to the research team). And being surrounded by a room full of grown up strangers poking & prodding at you must be so overwhelming.</p> <p>Yesterday, they failed twice to get an IV started on him. He needed the IV as they had to get several blood draws from him to observe how his body is handling the new medication.</p> <p>After over 2 1/2 hours of going back and forth, and Gavin (understandingly) completely melting down, Casey and I demanded a regular old blood draw which went off without a hitch.</p> <p>The research team then suggested we get another person to come upstairs with an ultrasound machine to aid in getting one started. With the help of this machine, they were able to get an IV started before Gavin even knew what was happening. Had I known there was a possibility of the crap Gav had to go through? I would have demanded this from the beginning. I mean, he is there for a RESEARCH study. Yes, a study for a life saving drug, but it’s a STUDY. All we ask is that they at least try to make it as stress free as possible. Why it took several hours and a completely traumatized child to try a different step is a question I’ll probably never get an answer to.</p> <p>But no worries, I’m sure you’re not surprised that I didn’t keep my opinions to myself! I made it very, <em>very</em> clear that the morning was not tolerated nor was it to ever be repeated. For any kid.</p> <p>Thankfully, once the IV was started our day went forward as planned. Delayed in time, but moving forward nonetheless.</p> <p>One of the Child Life Specialists came in and spoke with Gavin several times, including the explanation of the IV using a teddy bear. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eNj0OHuKwg8/UkxiDX7CKKI/AAAAAAAAGnU/D-wfEp-0JC8/s1600-h/IMG_7401%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7401" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7401" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LnxBK87Do1o/UkxiD5tuBjI/AAAAAAAAGnc/WvL135HYrtM/IMG_7401_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="259" height="299"></a></p> <p>They also sent him home with a bag full of real (and safe) medical supplies for him to play with. My biggest concern was creating a fear of doctors in his mind and we’re hoping that having these items at home will help to ease any fears that may have been formed yesterday. </p> <p>Trying to look your four year old in the eye and explain that yes, what is happening right now <em>does</em> help him tore me apart. Like any parent says – I wish I could have taken all the pain away and placed it on myself. I did manage to sneak off to the gift shop and stocked up on some toys. Well, kind of a lot of toys. Enough for the sales girl to look at me with a curiously raised eyebrow and me responding with a shoulder shrug and a guilty “I’m spoiling my kid and I know it,” glance back.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NO3Gn-QfX0o/UkxiFAND0TI/AAAAAAAAGnk/fvtwTkAVbqM/s1600-h/IMG_7403%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7403" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7403" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-US653_Dc8HQ/UkxiF9VL1vI/AAAAAAAAGns/1kGb4A4dxec/IMG_7403_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="397" height="305"></a></p> <p>We spent the rest of the day laying low watching the clock slowly creep towards four o’clock. I don’t think we could have booked it out of there any more quickly. I keep reminding myself that the big picture is what we need to focus on. That the hard days are resulting in a healthier, brighter future. But as much as I try to convince myself of this – the difficult days are just that. Emotionally & physically difficult.</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492210429690434816.post-42628672820148673432013-09-17T10:39:00.000-07:002013-10-02T10:40:40.590-07:00The beginning of a new chapter<p>On September 17th, 2013, Gavin got his first dose of Kalydeco.</p> <p>To be honest, I thought I would have this grandiose emotional moment. But like most things, the moment passed in the blink of an eye and it wasn’t until our drive home that it truly hit me.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Y4pGUqWCFQE/UkxalDiUkkI/AAAAAAAAGm8/8xbtoRX22AM/s1600-h/IMG_8840%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8840" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_8840" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-grcpG8_Ti2o/Ukxal2-HhwI/AAAAAAAAGnE/J-RCFfZW4Zg/IMG_8840_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" height="265"></a><br><em>(in the study, the capsule is opened and the inner tablets are dissolved in applesauce)</em></p> <p>Gavin is taking Kalydeco. Our miracle drug is here. In my house. Right now. The drug is in my possession, and there is no more wondering when, if or how. We are beyond lucky that he has started this medication before he has ever once cultured any bad bugs, and that he has never been hospitalized.</p> <p>People ask, have you noticed any changes? Honestly, not really anything significant. And I hope it stays that way. Why? Because he is SO healthy. So to me, NO changes means he’s staying right where he needs to be. Sure, a slightly more “stable” digestive system is starting to show its face, and any other positive changes will be welcomed with open arms. But to us, keeping him where he’s at is what we need. Healthy and happy is the goal. Anything extra is just an added benefit.</p> <p>This visit included another quick check up from the doc, sweat test, and blood draw but wasn’t anything too strenuous.</p> <p>Still trying to wrap my head around it all.</p> <p>It may sound trite, but I wonder if there will forever be a “before Kalydeco and after Kalydeco,” state of mind in our home.</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492210429690434816.post-58779512014062411452013-08-27T11:42:00.001-07:002013-08-27T11:42:55.090-07:00It’s happening!<p>Kalydeco. It’s happening for Gavin.</p> <p>When Gavin was first diagnosed shortly after birth through the newborn screening test, we heard about Kalydeco (then known as VX-770) at one of his first appointments. We really didn’t understand much about it at that time other than he had the “right mutation” (G551d) and that he might be able to get on the medication by high school.</p> <p>A few months later we were told – he might be able to get on the medication by middle school.</p> <p>Which then became elementary school. And then WHAM. The results were far better than anyone could have ever imagined and after the studies were completed it was crazy fast tracked by the FDA and it looked like he’d be on it by preschool. </p> <p>On January 31st, 2012 the FDA approved Kalydeco (you may see it called ivacaftor) for all CF patients with the G551d mutation aged six and older. At this time, Gavin was just a couple weeks away from turning three.</p> <p>We knew that it would be awhile for the medication to get started in pediatric trials (ages 2-5) but had no idea it would be until August 2013! Yet, we are ever so thankful that it is available and Gavin is one of the rare few that are able to use the drug. Thankfully, because the medication is already approved by the FDA, the study would not have any placebos – but patients are still unaware of which dosage they are taking. </p> <p>One of the delays was that the lab rats started to develop cataracts (still uncertain if this will also happen in humans). This became apparent after the medication was approved for those over six, but weighed heavily on the start dates of the pediatric trials. And then came the issue of, “who pays for the cataract issues if they do develop?” Of course no one wanted the responsibility. That is what kept our clinic out of the Part A section of the study – needless to say, I wasn’t thrilled that those “politics” were keeping my child off this potentially life saving medication and made my point clear to the clinic/research team. </p> <p>After several potential start dates that kept falling through, we were told in July of this year that they’d start enrolling in August. Only one spot in our HUGE clinic was available and GAVIN GOT IN! </p> <p>Yesterday morning, Gavin and I got up around 5:30 am and headed up to Amplatz Children's Hospital to begin his evaluation for the study – just to make sure he was “healthy” enough to participate. </p> <p>I could not believe how well he behaved. Not only was he amazing at last week’s regular quarterly check up with his pulmonologist – yesterday he was happy, carefree and more than willing to do whatever the research team asked!</p> <p>He got his vitals checked, followed by an EKG to make sure that ticker is working well.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0QdCZlxzC0g/UhzzB6d6tKI/AAAAAAAAGk0/57GD-kG2HoI/s1600-h/IMG_7237%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7237" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7237" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9jJLDClOPdU/UhzzCzZhB4I/AAAAAAAAGk8/SBue7urNk3c/IMG_7237_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="286" height="395"></a></p> <p>He has had a slight murmur since birth, something both his pulm. and pediatrician said isn’t anything to worry about – but of course showed up on the EKG. It doesn’t exclude him from the study, but they want him to meet with a cardiologist at his next appointment in September and possibly needs an ECHO, will update on that when I know more. Nothing needed to “fix,” they just are covering all their bases – as many of you know, every t has to be crossed when participating in a research study, especially one this big!</p> <p>A lot of the day was waiting. Waiting for this doctor. Waiting for this test etc. And the research coordinators kept complimenting him on his amazing behavior! </p> <p>Following the EKG, we went to get his blood drawn. He whimpered – but only for a moment. THANK GOODNESS for that numbing cream! It sure is a life saver! He completed a urine sample and then had a sweat test done. Gavin last had a sweat test completed when he was an infant (just a few weeks old) – it is a diagnostic tool for CF. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UFL5uIbMSYs/UhzzD1DoYcI/AAAAAAAAGlE/oZMXtJQC6sQ/s1600-h/IMG_7243%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7243" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7243" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qLgxZ_uzOqA/UhzzElzt3uI/AAAAAAAAGlM/GxhqD-0C3W0/IMG_7243_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="385" height="296"></a></p> <p>To make a long story short, a chemical is placed on a small patch of skin which “forces” the skin to sweat. After a half hour that sweat is measured – and the results indicate whether or not that person has the disease. A high number (over 50/60) indicates CF, but the number does not indicate the severity of the disease. Many adults on Kalydeco have seen a HUGE drop in their sweat test numbers, some even into the normal range! Basically, it shows that the body is able to function more normally, producing more normal results.</p> <p>In the midst of all of this, a pulmonologist from our clinic that is running the study stopped by to do a quick evaluation. I’m sure the poor man thinks I’m a crazy mom – I had never met him in person before, he only “knows” me as the incredibly angry mom that want on several email rants when our clinic didn’t get into Part A of the study. (Hey, when you’re at one of the best clinics in the world you expect only the best care – and when that’s not there mama bear comes out to play!). But nonetheless he was extremely friendly and great with Gavin – so even if he thinks I’m nuts at least he’s great with my child! That’s all I ask for!</p> <p>Finally, we headed across the street from the hospital to the ophthalmologist. Because those darn lab rats began to develop cataracts, part of the study now includes extensive eye exams. This doc had to go through special training just for this one study, so we are eternally grateful for her willingness to help! She was FANTASTIC. (If anyone in MN is in need of an ophthalmologist for their child, I am more than happy to pass on her name!) He went through an array of tests – and his only complaint of the <em>entire day</em> was the eye drops causing his eyes to dilate.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-po6G-NevkwQ/UhzzFXrCJtI/AAAAAAAAGlU/8-lPJowe_o4/s1600-h/IMG_7244%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7244" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7244" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dAao3Q5DYzc/UhzzF2H5XvI/AAAAAAAAGlc/v43lMpJu-Os/IMG_7244_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OMFNCu3_QGE/UhzzGoMVshI/AAAAAAAAGlk/FLCUzpFMLeA/s1600-h/IMG_7246%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7246" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7246" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pHV5xvzwcQA/UhzzHTslAeI/AAAAAAAAGls/OXEF7PO831Y/IMG_7246_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-G3TN7uVC0_M/UhzzH8lkM5I/AAAAAAAAGl0/5Abyp0hTs3w/s1600-h/IMG_7247%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7247" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7247" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QOz4B3TJ8d8/UhzzIvBCLAI/AAAAAAAAGl8/rNZ9xpTTBOA/IMG_7247_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-O-y9zvyXVRc/UhzzJUu5N2I/AAAAAAAAGmE/CPbB_qHhpnk/s1600-h/IMG_7248%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7248" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7248" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3yyaEOaSF3s/UhzzJ8cpbeI/AAAAAAAAGmM/NCYexXOyGxU/IMG_7248_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cgFejPLxKtg/UhzzKUWvxMI/AAAAAAAAGmU/vOuVOq6S78g/s1600-h/IMG_7249%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7249" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7249" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ceufk6Q0JkI/UhzzLNKW_gI/AAAAAAAAGmc/Trt33ApzsAs/IMG_7249_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a></p> <p>I think that Gavin will talk about this part of the study for a long time. They were a fantastic crew and they actually made the eye exam fun for him.</p> <p>And I couldn’t be more thankful than the two study coordinators that trooped through this nearly six hour day. They were so sweet with my son, and so unbelievably friendly. Just when I think I couldn’t love our clinic more, I meet even more of the team and become more and more impressed!</p> <p>At the end of it all, Gavin and I stopped at Perkins for pancakes to celebrate a job well done. I asked what the worst part of the day was. Two things (1) the eye drops (2) his own pulmonologist wasn’t there. I mean seriously?!? What kid gets bummed about <em>not </em>seeing their doctor, we are so blessed to have her!</p> <p>I am not allowed to publicly reveal any results of the study – but I am able to let close friends/family know. Basically – they don’t want anyone going on social media blaring the results before they are analyzed and published. But if you really want to know, you can message me personally and I can let you know how things progress.</p> <p>All in all, it was a long but successful day! Just a couple more weeks until his first dose!</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492210429690434816.post-35402866855289644282013-05-21T09:10:00.001-07:002013-05-21T09:18:10.643-07:00Those Moments<p align="left">Before becoming a parent, you see images/clips/tv shows/movies etc. of parents gushing over those “proud parenting moments.” Before kids, we can all live to imagine what that must feel like, how it must feel to see a part of you succeeding.</p> <p align="left">But nothing can prepare you for those moments. Whether it’s a first step or a gold medal, watching your heart and soul accomplishing milestones is hard to describe. </p> <p align="left">One of my favorite characteristics of Gavin is that whatever he tries, he gives it his full attention and dedication. Nothing is ever done halfway with this little guy – like his mama, it’s all or nothing. </p> <p align="left">Since getting his bike tire fixed, getting Gavin <em>off</em> his bike has become a challenge. Every free moment is filled with, “can I go ride mama? please?” We luckily live on a dead end street and in the last 48 hours I’ve lost track of how many laps he has pedaled. As he crosses the street to enter our driveway (after cautiously looking both ways) I immediately hear, “AGAIN!” And either Casey or I have to say, “Ready….set…go!!!!” And he’s off, pedaling as quickly as those little legs will take him.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BoCNuaHhg1U/UZucMbTRFGI/AAAAAAAAGiw/zw74A_gPZVs/s1600-h/IMG_7863%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7863" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7863" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8Cj_dIW7RODox5PveRqSF1wT4LVunwn0cr5UvnGSDi2JiVjeNdodX7JYHeRJSFUXdYTStDUgWi0HtbtTdPVCgVdHanxso1VqkphOTwGKpXcXdZV86aUaCt6YkRPR54JBYK-0jN3L8ZpO/?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-a_k3tcnWIzw/UZucN4tSfVI/AAAAAAAAGjA/Ne_CDLljQJI/s1600-h/Bike%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Bike" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Bike" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-44KWLTizEJs/UZucOQ5cKnI/AAAAAAAAGjI/psTshO4u4_s/Bike_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zMv8AYreyHA/UZucO3YoB8I/AAAAAAAAGjQ/fdjtVwzkaAU/s1600-h/IMG_7879%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7879" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7879" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-psRLiVUuV7k/UZucPpogJbI/AAAAAAAAGjY/umbbt0zjP0c/IMG_7879_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6BY5XzU6Hos/UZucQMOC5_I/AAAAAAAAGjg/GISGt4XCRgU/s1600-h/IMG_7874%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7874" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7874" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Oq4iJcnR-H4/UZucQvX11DI/AAAAAAAAGjo/uwxq3oN8IDo/IMG_7874_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="493" height="368"></a></p> <p align="left">If this keeps up, I’d be willing to bet he’ll toss those training wheels aside by the end of the summer. It’s more than fun to watch him enjoy this new sense of freedom, and nothing is better than spending the last few minutes of dusk (in a season before mosquitoes) watching him ride and listening to his little voice singing happily as he circles the block again and again.</p> <p align="left">Gavin is also finishing up his first year of preschool. After swallowing my fears (and pride) of sending our kiddo with some extra needs into a place I can’t control – my fears were quickly diminished. In this last year school year, Gavin has thrived. He <em>loves</em> making new friends, learning letters/numbers/simple math, and getting some time away from the chaos of our home. He was blessed to have two of the best teachers I could have asked for. </p> <p align="center"><br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Pp3I3rCBItU/UZucRI21OQI/AAAAAAAAGjw/MAPwu6ufphI/s1600-h/end%252520of%252520preschool%2525203%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="end of preschool 3" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="end of preschool 3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_mjndfDqiiE/UZucR8oTldI/AAAAAAAAGj4/QbbhhewWSsc/end%252520of%252520preschool%2525203_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="175" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hvUCgRDKx2g/UZucUN2R91I/AAAAAAAAGkA/s7cmdFP41l0/s1600-h/end%252520of%252520preschool%2525202%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="end of preschool 2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="end of preschool 2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKphsLEWycB0H-aGGGCDykPchetTG7y8841G3a__MtMho1OSwUtyRXlN-cAg1YStPRwIeAMBYCKr_5pTibhgfIzzPplDnjsu8ZHAYudBf36MIAngmf_W0GjO1fkK-iWi7F7f1gUahwRVC/?imgmax=800" width="175" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SZh6JGhWAT4/UZucVKIm8VI/AAAAAAAAGkQ/CpWe_FcecTU/s1600-h/end%252520of%252520preschool%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="end of preschool" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="end of preschool" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sEcBEUbeV6o/UZucV3D87GI/AAAAAAAAGkY/3mBwdS5dhL4/end%252520of%252520preschool_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="176" height="244"></a></p> <p>When you see someone everyday, it can be difficult to see the physical changes happening right before your eyes. While I knew he had grown since his first day, seeing the images side by side really show the difference the last few months have brought.</p> <p><img style="float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; margin-right: auto" alt="Photo: Beginning & end of preschool 2012-13, cannot believe how quickly this school year flew by" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/p480x480/941257_10100425442691826_1287772635_n.jpg" width="530" height="378"> </p> <p>The baby face of three has disappeared into the “bigger” kid looks of four. We couldn’t be more proud of the kid he has become.</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492210429690434816.post-73458549917859873512013-05-09T11:47:00.001-07:002013-05-09T11:48:57.567-07:00Catching Up<p>Finally. Spring.</p> <p>After a snowstorm at the beginning of May left us with 15.5 inches of snow – we’re finally past one of the worst winters I can remember.</p> <p>Mother nature really messed with our heads this year</p> <p align="center"><strong><em>Tuesday, April 30th</em></strong></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cuJoSHDQ9KE/UYvuhKKCRfI/AAAAAAAAGec/SvYgy8yYL2o/s1600-h/IMG_7746.jpg"><img title="IMG_7746" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7746" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-f38-d3X3--E/UYvujCbMOAI/AAAAAAAAGek/NMaR-W2q1Bo/IMG_7746_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="255" height="393"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ioURzKtQ-2E/UYvukrfc3LI/AAAAAAAAGes/naCcwRCQliA/s1600-h/IMG_7729%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7729" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7729" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aERt0uPz-nc/UYvumPPBfyI/AAAAAAAAGe0/JFyokfIYUaI/IMG_7729_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-r2iia0vL0PU/UYvunhkqW1I/AAAAAAAAGe8/ww4m3Bedvpg/s1600-h/IMG_7740%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7740" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7740" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cc9uJQzP18I/UYvup9spG6I/AAAAAAAAGfE/AfC7eFg7A5w/IMG_7740_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a></p> <p align="center"><strong><em>Thursday, May 2nd</em></strong></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKLZa9Hd1VszPVeOvTn37vP8SrBusdy0-7ADoBtQtWSZiv7S70FhVGIJPFcmlWWJ40tjtCpYifgb_F7DbSokbSGK9rjWvv_aLawXvqMeOXhlYnSkzmOmmQdbGprfDQjS0-9Cd_vXpc1RX/s1600-h/IMG_7783%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7783" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7783" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bOm7xRAuFgA/UYvusU9vcVI/AAAAAAAAGfU/QgbOeIY4VXg/IMG_7783_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="196" height="315"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8vNvAC1gGq0/UYvutq-DY8I/AAAAAAAAGfc/ovdkS76Kxu4/s1600-h/IMG_7781%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7781" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7781" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6fRVvR65G-Y/UYvuuyZGwEI/AAAAAAAAGfk/UbcYxD5K8Bg/IMG_7781_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="199" height="314"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbQAIdzHZtwLZeESKTv2TziVweNJKgjos5lq09XRPG2IfHYnW6zqHn9rUi4kwB5Cr41MGSciG1rf5OLoIF-sMn5bL_SkBs6ALzh8C7VGRES1430y10T7fUk2NM9PyKJ24X_qggrD1QNkNH/s1600-h/IMG_7780%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7780" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7780" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-M5GI5GEVJD4/UYvuxmP1xRI/AAAAAAAAGf0/yPGc8G4weZo/IMG_7780_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="275"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZI-nP8w3CyQ/UYvuzKJ8i8I/AAAAAAAAGf8/9Oqkjov02qY/s1600-h/IMG_77664.jpg"><img title="IMG_7766" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7766" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pcmQoBiLwWo/UYvu0l7TNcI/AAAAAAAAGgE/o-jRN1cPLcM/IMG_7766_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="276"></a></p> <p align="center"><strong><em>Sunday, May 5th</em></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-b3jWBam9hyI/UYvu1wy3FsI/AAAAAAAAGgM/jZToVT5drVA/s1600-h/IMG_7797%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7797" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7797" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-S2wTw5dvOOo/UYvu29A3mYI/AAAAAAAAGgU/G2dl7BnqJiw/IMG_7797_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XHQ7CNq9c8o/UYvu4YhmULI/AAAAAAAAGgc/61bpDzzmOBM/s1600-h/IMG_7798%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7798" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7798" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eYGN642n3fo/UYvu6K-cyjI/AAAAAAAAGgk/Tw8HCJBY-dU/IMG_7798_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-826S-b4ecnE/UYvu73gTiiI/AAAAAAAAGgs/k0QKHrmHsmc/s1600-h/IMG_7801%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7801" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7801" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BdKzmEIoFeY/UYvu9sBiROI/AAAAAAAAGg0/D5T68Bt4COg/IMG_7801_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a></p> <p>Yep, shoveling snow in shorts. That pretty much sums up the last month or so! </p> <p>In the midst of this we had our FIFTH Great Strides Walk! Once all the checks are deposited, we will have raised nearly $7,000! Thank you so very much for your generosity! We feel very blessed to have so many people fighting alongside us to keep our kiddo healthy and strong!</p> <p>This year Gavin really understood that the money we raised was for him – and as much as it breaks my heart that at 4 he already understands his life will always be a fight for health, it makes me proud that he is becoming just as determined as we are to work hard and raise awareness.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZxMwcyipS_M/UYvu_lbPT4I/AAAAAAAAGg8/ue37cuYlhOw/s1600-h/IMG_7787%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7787" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7787" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7ox5BsJRVvo/UYvvBovlqsI/AAAAAAAAGhE/n_0nzmRk1Mk/IMG_7787_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="452" height="317"></a><br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lpHYr47zEZo/UYvvDLe2NbI/AAAAAAAAGhM/XryNgUGY5HQ/s1600-h/IMG_7789%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7789" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7789" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4zSjdqpb05k/UYvvFC5YrVI/AAAAAAAAGhU/Gws7NR6IfGU/IMG_7789_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="228" height="362"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zUKbsMT8Yag/UYvvGm0lQ_I/AAAAAAAAGhc/XOMC1m7r92U/s1600-h/IMG_7792%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7792" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7792" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UXBVbY0AIDY/UYvvIvkKX5I/AAAAAAAAGhk/VEGheIdO3UQ/IMG_7792_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="226" height="363"></a></p> <p align="left">It was far from being the warmest weather we’ve walked in…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yxUALEkeyTc/UYvvJ6-y9jI/AAAAAAAAGhs/Srk7CEmfxEc/s1600-h/IMG_7795%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7795" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7795" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LHrH1zFwxiQ/UYvvLL_qiZI/AAAAAAAAGh0/JEHE2xgWYlA/IMG_7795_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="447" height="314"></a></p> <p>But we trudged through the slush & snow! Another successful walk in the books!</p> <p>And thanks to a group on Facebook filled with fellow CF mamas – I became aware that this little guy was “free” for our our family since Gavin uses the Hill Rom vest. Gavin named him Button, and loves that he’s no longer the only one with a vest in our house!</p> <p><img style="float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; margin-right: auto" alt="" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/944776_10100414480699746_941314696_n.jpg" width="370" height="370"></p> <p>At four, he’s already beginning to learn to read. He’s working hard on sounding out the letters and trying to come up with the word. I love listening to him in the evenings as he lays in bed (after we’ve read him his stories) trying to reread some of his favorites on his own. </p> <p>He’s fascinated with simple addition & subtraction problems and when watching a sport on tv he can quickly figure out who is in the lead, by how much & what the other team needs to do to catch up/win.</p> <p>His imaginary friend, “Brainy,” (quite the name I know, he must be smart!) makes an “appearance” fairly often these days. Gavin loves to pretend that he’s playing sports with this buddy and talks about him often. Thankfully we haven’t had to set a plate for Brainy at the table! (yet!)</p> <p>Getting him back inside when he’s playing outside is always an adventure in itself. This kid loves the outdoors – especially when he’s playing some sort of sport. He still loves to drive his John Deere tractor around the yard, peddle his bike around the cul-de-sac, play in the sand at the park and swing on our swing set in the backyard.</p> <p><img style="float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; margin-right: auto" alt="" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/922733_10100409012503056_2100256305_n.jpg" width="399" height="304"></p> <p><img style="float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; margin-right: auto" alt="" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/21181_10100409400764976_847147892_n.jpg" width="288" height="374"></p> <p>As much as he doesn’t like doing his vest he rarely complains about it. As long as he’s got the cartoon of his choice on tv, he calmly & bravely sits for each thirty minute session!</p> <p><img style="float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; margin-right: auto" alt="" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/11938_10100403784894226_943344891_n.jpg" width="265" height="354"></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492210429690434816.post-31231747731045555812013-03-18T13:05:00.001-07:002013-03-18T13:05:06.463-07:00And it continues…<p>We’re over it. </p> <p>Winter, that is.</p> <p>Nearly every morning, Gavin asks me if summer will be here by bedtime. Once again, on the 18th of March, we’re in the middle of a winter storm. A bunch melted over the weekend, just to get replenished today.</p> <p>Yech.</p> <p>In December, the first sprinkle of snow brought out all the neighbors – almost as if we’re racing to be the first to clear the driveway. By mid-March? Well, it’s 3 in the afternoon and I don’t think anyone on our block has touched a shovel. Looks like we’re not the only ones over it!</p> <p>I hate to complain about the weather, as we do love living in a state with four distinct seasons, but too much is too much. The grey skies and never ending snow has put all of us in a funk. </p> <p>But in typical Gavin fashion, he made the best of what we have and we headed out to build a snowman. We completely cheated this year by buying a snowman kit but when we only have one teeny little tree (no sticks for arms!) and wood chips for landscaping anything helps!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bGACFMlm3YA/UUdzZiQ8DKI/AAAAAAAAGdc/Hb2Yp1boLUE/s1600-h/IMG_7483%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7483" border="0" alt="IMG_7483" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GejIHIfp9jY/UUdzaJ0HlkI/AAAAAAAAGdk/t6X9CgAK9QQ/IMG_7483_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="302" height="460"></a><em>picture perfect snowman</em><br><br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OUNJEb7WhIY/UUdzamv36WI/AAAAAAAAGds/aVClQdSzu34/s1600-h/IMG_7486%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7486" border="0" alt="IMG_7486" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-w1zylR2dcl0/UUdzbbjo5sI/AAAAAAAAGd0/kcEybLUs1P0/IMG_7486_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="301" height="459"></a><br><em>that even got a hug…</em><br><br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FOht8iMKyGo/UUdzb1-N9MI/AAAAAAAAGd8/HvOUHbbAvM4/s1600-h/IMG_7485%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7485" border="0" alt="IMG_7485" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3aUVJTVl2LQ/UUdzcZUq7kI/AAAAAAAAGeE/hHJGq08CfGw/IMG_7485_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="301" height="464"></a><br><em>and a kiss!</em></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492210429690434816.post-33496594240212311972013-03-06T07:49:00.001-08:002013-03-06T07:50:47.301-08:00Enjoying the snow<p> </p> <p>What a bizarre winter this has been! From rain, to sleet to snow – and don’t forget the ice! It took until March to get a combination of enough snow on the ground and weather warm enough to enjoy being outside for more than 10 minutes. I kid you not, In January the daycare kids had out our summer bikes/toys as we had no snow! Anytime we’d get some on the ground, it would rain – bummer for the littles in my house needing to escape the house!</p> <p>The last 24-48 hours brought about 10 inches of the fluffy stuff and we’ve been loving every second of it! It took a lot of convincing to get Gavin to come inside yesterday evening, even after being outside for nearly two hours. </p> <p>Yesterday brought back a lot of childhood memories. Helping shovel the driveway. Digging tunnels in the large snow piles. The excitement of enjoying the outdoors trumping the wet and cold winter clothing. The shrieks of neighborhood children combined with the loud whirring of snow plows clearing driveways and sidewalks. </p> <p>The news may have “complained” about digging out – but honestly our street was full of laughter and joy. Even amidst the piles of the snow, the warmer weather and fast melting snow was proof enough that spring is coming quickly – the end of cabin fever is near! </p> <p>As ready as we are to no longer need 4o minutes to get dressed warmly enough to head outside to play, we’re enjoying what is here now and soon enough we’ll be sweating and cursing the heat, wishing for a quick relief of cool weather!</p> <p><br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Is8y4S8aUR8/UTdljACkSMI/AAAAAAAAGbE/Au2FhMMBKiE/s1600-h/tunnel2%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="tunnel2" border="0" alt="tunnel2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Z8_LYWcJUIs/UTdljzbBVsI/AAAAAAAAGbM/f9_QyZaUTfg/tunnel2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="514" height="353"></a></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492210429690434816.post-68735512454873056552013-02-15T07:52:00.001-08:002013-03-06T10:45:14.896-08:00Valentine’s Day<p>We had a quiet, but fun Valentine’s day this year. Gavin is at an age where every holiday – whether big or small – seems magical & exciting. Probably because he is hoping for presents! Ha!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JqJAGA_nT4o/UTdo447PTzI/AAAAAAAAGbU/SogkHibOakU/s1600-h/IMG_7394%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7394" border="0" alt="IMG_7394" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mcYkWixQuSc/UTdo5vHTtyI/AAAAAAAAGbc/_RIQ3gkuOnE/IMG_7394_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="177" height="269"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ewbKq-loL4s/UTdo6TyRTEI/AAAAAAAAGbk/05J2AL2joY4/s1600-h/IMG_7385%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7385" border="0" alt="IMG_7385" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-H4G4l83PDnY/UTdo65iudvI/AAAAAAAAGbs/tUyKRkGpceM/IMG_7385_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="177" height="269"></a><br><em>Valentine’s day shirt, and daycare valentines</em></p> <p>This was the first year that Gavin was able to celebrate Valentine's day with a classroom of friends! He couldn’t wait to get home and sift through all the cards…and candy. I probably didn’t win mother of the year for the amount I let him have over the next 24 hours, but the faster he ate it – the faster it was gone – and I didn’t have to hear, “Just one more piece, mama?” anymore!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VTuD4j4CLGg/UTdo782nVpI/AAAAAAAAGb0/EuUfgGObUIw/s1600-h/IMG_7397%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7397" border="0" alt="IMG_7397" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dmv33VAk1AE/UTdo8fNyZ6I/AAAAAAAAGb8/1eevSBWSwUY/IMG_7397_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-u5zS0n5FkHw/UTdo9LQWHRI/AAAAAAAAGcE/FuU8PPDFuCs/s1600-h/IMG_7398%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7398" border="0" alt="IMG_7398" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bDzHbgBlq9c/UTdo9iqHBsI/AAAAAAAAGcM/SQ8ZCaNYMIY/IMG_7398_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IMEnxPxGlew/UTdo-ZUV1rI/AAAAAAAAGcU/AiSC8bFcE8g/s1600-h/IMG_7399%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7399" border="0" alt="IMG_7399" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-blFLzjoxzcM/UTdo_NQC9YI/AAAAAAAAGcc/TdaFo--XZNM/IMG_7399_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_nykEJyeI3s/UTdo_tPuozI/AAAAAAAAGck/bcSA2q9h9eM/s1600-h/IMG_7402%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7402" border="0" alt="IMG_7402" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mS-3jq8YYBw/UTdpANQNbdI/AAAAAAAAGcs/M7Z5M94r9do/IMG_7402_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5C1cr43zXEU/UTdpBI33yqI/AAAAAAAAGc0/efQdOhVvoxw/s1600-h/IMG_7403%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7403" border="0" alt="IMG_7403" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eWie7NzIXzI/UTdpBxvCcHI/AAAAAAAAGc8/ekHlthziaMQ/IMG_7403_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WZKUy3n0PRU/UTdpChnigjI/AAAAAAAAGdE/6YuUmCvwuJM/s1600-h/IMG_7405%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7405" border="0" alt="IMG_7405" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LTJyIuJ7Q0w/UTdpDRHwM0I/AAAAAAAAGdM/9q8Nve8Ggy8/IMG_7405_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a></p> <p>Any valentine that had a princess, or looked too girly, was quickly handed to me (gee thanks) – but not before removing the precious candy for himself! What a stinker!</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492210429690434816.post-74818243887942424492013-02-10T07:04:00.000-08:002013-03-06T07:10:08.370-08:00He turned FOUR!<p>Not quite sure how time flew so quickly, but my little buddy turned four! He had quite the few days of celebration. Since Christmas he has been begging us for a Kindle of his own, and his wish came true!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TmyoG2UiJqk/UTdbENCCfsI/AAAAAAAAGPY/JK6KXWiSXAc/s1600-h/IMG_72273.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7227" border="0" alt="IMG_7227" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1dOlEUcPP1E/UTdbE-HBOVI/AAAAAAAAGPg/TRkwuieLlYw/IMG_7227_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SC17TCeFOd8/UTdbFe3IN6I/AAAAAAAAGPo/Z9UHwVP8Awk/s1600-h/IMG_72313.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7231" border="0" alt="IMG_7231" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pQshlPuBp1Q/UTdbGC2VAHI/AAAAAAAAGPw/HSTAy1QBgPM/IMG_7231_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LVDbAuA8NXU/UTdbGiHRKvI/AAAAAAAAGP4/-m-ylZEbmj0/s1600-h/IMG_72343.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7234" border="0" alt="IMG_7234" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-owrWS5p0Trg/UTdbHATK_UI/AAAAAAAAGQA/K-ube-S3Wa0/IMG_7234_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a></p> <p>We let him open it the night before his actual birthday so that he could bring it with him to his CF clinic if we had a lot down time.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SzXu3U6Tjwk/UTdbH0tVW6I/AAAAAAAAGQI/eQsHvxO0mEE/s1600-h/IMG_72373.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7237" border="0" alt="IMG_7237" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OymysjW1aA4/UTdbIeySx6I/AAAAAAAAGQQ/bPgzOHodCQw/IMG_7237_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gdYnjGDEhSY/UTdbJO5cuUI/AAAAAAAAGQY/2tTdLHxK8lU/s1600-h/IMG_72413.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7241" border="0" alt="IMG_7241" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pU2K9Fb5Wqg/UTdbJudSziI/AAAAAAAAGQg/gCw1qLRqEDM/IMG_7241_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a></p> <p align="left">I had hoped to get more pictures of him at his clinic visit – but it was a long, long day. He was really scared throughout a lot of it (I can’t blame him!) and he would barely leave my arms the entire time we were there. It was a long morning on all of us – an extra thank you to his team for their patience!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-G0t21qB2Z6s/UTdbKGXI_dI/AAAAAAAAGQo/QVmLGWklNAE/s1600-h/IMG_72423.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7242" border="0" alt="IMG_7242" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jS3gPyz6Pqk/UTdbLGYb_oI/AAAAAAAAGQw/aVNl6f7SKa0/IMG_7242_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkawAwbPiPqZyYGUgax8wci56aN2s9qcMPkAMUFq80LRQ6qpyzrpTvgZLke_PfqyRSIob2-eDOEGhwLmIedpzvl8Aht8Vg60rYPnNnFaxJFOl4-R9o1gc-4ssreq1sAs2LLYFMuEHGhcy/s1600-h/IMG_72453.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7245" border="0" alt="IMG_7245" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MXwX790c2qE/UTdbMXIWZCI/AAAAAAAAGRA/bL5BRTyNKok/IMG_7245_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a></p> <p align="left">His CF team threw him an impromptu birthday celebration where they all came in and sang, gave him gifts and everyone signed a card. We are so lucky to have such a great team!</p> <p align="left">After clinic we headed over to the Children’s Museum in St. Paul. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VsPUzWD3kSQ/UTdbM32GBWI/AAAAAAAAGRI/6KE_nvVvOpU/s1600-h/IMG_72503.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7250" border="0" alt="IMG_7250" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wcfO4GPd83c/UTdbNmFRohI/AAAAAAAAGRQ/S5TYcfHOJNI/IMG_7250_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rkJr-IaZlgU/UTdbOIgqYlI/AAAAAAAAGRY/ubrUqsmzinM/s1600-h/IMG_72513.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7251" border="0" alt="IMG_7251" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GzgNSI5Rs1c/UTdbWH_86wI/AAAAAAAAGRg/EGITEP1PmgU/IMG_7251_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sST3XmBhwq8/UTdbW3D25sI/AAAAAAAAGRo/nft_7JWgeks/s1600-h/IMG_72563.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7256" border="0" alt="IMG_7256" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vlNU2qoQyEs/UTdbXYYBEMI/AAAAAAAAGRw/tNDy9XGXAjs/IMG_7256_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fgYGJaJ5y38/UTdbYDTC9DI/AAAAAAAAGR4/LHhh_cVjFH8/s1600-h/IMG_72573.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7257" border="0" alt="IMG_7257" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-taal76JA-ME/UTdbYjl9F5I/AAAAAAAAGSA/dzXfoj5mjEk/IMG_7257_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7_9uNT099RA/UTdbZH1rVAI/AAAAAAAAGSI/7XHtZsmM2JE/s1600-h/IMG_72533.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7253" border="0" alt="IMG_7253" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TgCNlhqltm0/UTdbZplvBfI/AAAAAAAAGSQ/43Hfjct5xdk/IMG_7253_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0joHSoB7MtuE8HIhQkhvoF1gcgHI2lQ3iyRxD4K8P_k_uTaHDtBqVSpf0u0U-zO2N3QFG8xF10wdCBdvokNWSkxwRN4JyiM18x5Lw6r4-bG_YG0mQ5qTW7KhwnlyESO6yWEwp03rYZRcU/s1600-h/IMG_72593.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7259" border="0" alt="IMG_7259" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6pq3kQHotQQ/UTdbbFsLaWI/AAAAAAAAGSg/IPVjowkgSf0/IMG_7259_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NtQMSkbxG8s/UTdbbjK_qHI/AAAAAAAAGSo/PkKLH7jTKa8/s1600-h/IMG_72473.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7247" border="0" alt="IMG_7247" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-t_sfVDWUzAY/UTdbcezmnBI/AAAAAAAAGSw/nD4qZyZ6tdU/IMG_7247_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LZTeLa1aAsk/UTdbc3ALKmI/AAAAAAAAGS4/WG_h8HKlEb0/s1600-h/IMG_72613.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7261" border="0" alt="IMG_7261" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-urQc0yuY_co/UTdbdg_WiHI/AAAAAAAAGTA/QjzaPpm-yu4/IMG_7261_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dsPoHChSXv0/UTdbeJYXxXI/AAAAAAAAGTM/QZqlM3zQPTU/s1600-h/IMG_72753.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7275" border="0" alt="IMG_7275" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rHPj-oT35pY/UTdbe19NO0I/AAAAAAAAGTU/VhjB0LxxOzU/IMG_7275_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yufuP4K05DM/UTdbfZ0JbxI/AAAAAAAAGTc/t_FTlVAAYWo/s1600-h/IMG_72833.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7283" border="0" alt="IMG_7283" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-a-l5E5Pwl-o/UTdbgFrjH4I/AAAAAAAAGTk/EL8vHotKoLg/IMG_7283_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SxKs1SwqLYs/UTdbg9ovN4I/AAAAAAAAGTs/bHeU4WFAZkA/s1600-h/IMG_72773.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7277" border="0" alt="IMG_7277" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-N6gDMlW5qBY/UTdbhTAGIGI/AAAAAAAAGT0/LEzavt72d30/IMG_7277_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jZkLf8rDZYY/UTdbhxJBndI/AAAAAAAAGT8/BKuSuaHgmmE/s1600-h/IMG_72803.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7280" border="0" alt="IMG_7280" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-A9eS7dl1FIg/UTdbiuFK27I/AAAAAAAAGUE/2Jp0H9eEPD0/IMG_7280_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br><br>Headed home to open a few more presents and enjoy birthday cake<br><br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NsJWsDx96Aw/UTdbjSYv_KI/AAAAAAAAGUM/oqgW5L4MgoI/s1600-h/IMG_72953.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7295" border="0" alt="IMG_7295" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CZgW8NvQJLk/UTdbj4NWx-I/AAAAAAAAGUU/PDmd0xIZNdA/IMG_7295_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QhxL6I7A9Jo/UTdbkm6bE8I/AAAAAAAAGUc/RUAcu8lWxMU/s1600-h/IMG_72983.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7298" border="0" alt="IMG_7298" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nZcvsszeOew/UTdblLHvUrI/AAAAAAAAGUk/E_0BKbdvsGU/IMG_7298_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-C-6erbmjaZY/UTdblrTHWYI/AAAAAAAAGUs/HKsIU_Q04JY/s1600-h/IMG_72993.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7299" border="0" alt="IMG_7299" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XYucpuUp8Rg/UTdbmRzaxXI/AAAAAAAAGU0/QgRV5dGuQGo/IMG_7299_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7xMoHoRHnjo/UTdbm9_RvmI/AAAAAAAAGU8/LfEmODrpxFU/s1600-h/IMG_73003.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7300" border="0" alt="IMG_7300" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/---3WV93dyOA/UTdbnfW7H5I/AAAAAAAAGVE/-cw5NUzNlCQ/IMG_7300_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-33d2MEyU0VY/UTdbn-SDcAI/AAAAAAAAGVM/WyGm4cICMGM/s1600-h/IMG_73073.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7307" border="0" alt="IMG_7307" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-S1fVpUaJanM/UTdboTycuFI/AAAAAAAAGVU/0x4V_S9CzUw/IMG_7307_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ITtlFCvlb2E/UTdbpNK4uvI/AAAAAAAAGVc/8hkrVAQQPWY/s1600-h/IMG_73083.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7308" border="0" alt="IMG_7308" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KNCTrn-iJR8/UTdbpvxScCI/AAAAAAAAGVk/K0Bi2lPKnmY/IMG_7308_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a></p> <p align="center">Present from London from Unc<br></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dMp13vnXj4A/UTdbqKzOBxI/AAAAAAAAGVs/ozh6xToEs8M/s1600-h/IMG_73213.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7321" border="0" alt="IMG_7321" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iWDDe7xG1og/UTdbqpoEHKI/AAAAAAAAGV0/Vnb91NqiI4Y/IMG_7321_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><br><br>Enjoyed a birthday party with his daycare friends</p> <p align="center"><br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yRtOcLIL32Y/UTdbrfHf8TI/AAAAAAAAGV8/1L__639CODQ/s1600-h/IMG_73123.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7312" border="0" alt="IMG_7312" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KtNWQLV_5tE/UTdbsOW3qmI/AAAAAAAAGWE/j1jXhgAj2RI/IMG_7312_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qyu10ZNURjY/UTdbsmY5r8I/AAAAAAAAGWM/_IK4XvWwd3s/s1600-h/IMG_73243.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7324" border="0" alt="IMG_7324" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tbbXVNnKo_M/UTdbtPs4awI/AAAAAAAAGWU/HO3h6IdL-5M/IMG_7324_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-23qPLSeBG_E/UTdbtw4yI2I/AAAAAAAAGWc/o-0iFd6TSQI/s1600-h/IMG_73313.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7331" border="0" alt="IMG_7331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33fwftRjCC-UnRpiH_LG-ZJRMQjCByPIKMCA8tbchFe1RkXjOrKCoOcLwZEAj0gK3iVnBeVkwvXgfw-BNEiatcVhidAQQ3ctEguc8Xvqxa9xHyxLH76EE5ll71mcl7MsU-rpJXX7PtzL4/?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-W2QKjqvLDLA/UTdbvEVRsfI/AAAAAAAAGWs/3iIv_3_mFpk/s1600-h/IMG_73323.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7332" border="0" alt="IMG_7332" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-driTHcDJA6E/UTdbvgOMTwI/AAAAAAAAGW0/AeekeHD94sw/IMG_7332_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sJJnbAnfqwA/UTdbwEVITlI/AAAAAAAAGW8/ck9aCgvdEvM/s1600-h/IMG_73383.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7338" border="0" alt="IMG_7338" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LGYgY3Ff46o/UTdbwpYAoOI/AAAAAAAAGXE/ZCTW0w6FeSQ/IMG_7338_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--6GdrfUam2o/UTdbxbN_LXI/AAAAAAAAGXM/tCdr5Hedk3U/s1600-h/IMG_73433.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7343" border="0" alt="IMG_7343" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KbF4PHuvyoo/UTdby2EM0JI/AAAAAAAAGXU/F8xoW3-wZsI/IMG_7343_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><br></p> <p align="center">Even though the weather prevents several friends/family members from his birthday party – our four year old was thrilled with his Spiderman themed party! Including the impromptu cupcakes, as the “real” ones got stuck in the Twin Cities!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2YxS_DWQjio/UTdb0MvR-VI/AAAAAAAAGXc/GLhkzd8PfDw/s1600-h/IMG_73473.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7347" border="0" alt="IMG_7347" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8VjAFj-1lfg/UTdb1qmvUMI/AAAAAAAAGXk/dL2D-kCkiPM/IMG_7347_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rVx_Kt9FLFw/UTdb3C0M8mI/AAAAAAAAGXs/HeRIaUZZyEc/s1600-h/IMG_73483.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7348" border="0" alt="IMG_7348" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WIlwG7-YOAU/UTdb4Q2ZUdI/AAAAAAAAGX0/whF049QSLkY/IMG_7348_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pO-n_dn6kaA/UTdb58vFoQI/AAAAAAAAGX8/e31_BERB4Z8/s1600-h/IMG_73493.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7349" border="0" alt="IMG_7349" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qzbqo7aNT4g/UTdb690yHpI/AAAAAAAAGYE/d33Q6mDn0ik/IMG_7349_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-T0Ti6eSQXfU/UTdb8euPSOI/AAAAAAAAGYM/uSrumIAZZuA/s1600-h/IMG_73523.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7352" border="0" alt="IMG_7352" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qp_vFn07abE/UTdb9h7FT4I/AAAAAAAAGYU/TFbhpsmMKQw/IMG_7352_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswNX1mSHKyyP_RT6OZpBKmk5QTdGYlmg8Ob34hDN6bej4cMO3b35sZ9YcqAbW_cJuRKLZKw6ey4gu-tcdVM168mrwDlLF4Pag6hZVbpyCOtax5pNPCMUJht30jBJythhHFoUvU7vX9yq6/s1600-h/IMG_73533.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; 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border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7362" border="0" alt="IMG_7362" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VWxqzESDCQU/UTdcI7jdEoI/AAAAAAAAGZk/4c2_oLTZiAY/IMG_7362_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-o_v65Ps0A_c/UTdcJ9n6RGI/AAAAAAAAGZs/eSr-ndajU3Y/s1600-h/IMG_73673.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7367" border="0" alt="IMG_7367" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vl7W7OVsdqc/UTdcKkzMrgI/AAAAAAAAGZ0/zKdYvr_xmKg/IMG_7367_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4RDE1m3mjz8/UTdcMwIPraI/AAAAAAAAGZ8/VLfqIiVbatQ/s1600-h/IMG_73683.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7368" border="0" alt="IMG_7368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7NLQ7NX_dyTmiPGxTf6MV827UU8LfBJGwkkEqughhrRwnpTIQltMAMYI6ecG2Cg4RHyRNHGGVLwA1Swg6VN-kvHEUqpNIsUUsAv8A2pPlt2SqPJ03RHjfFEEjZMxXNQ9XoOEt6NkUfVOg/?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bVG1H_T2L48/UTdcOoMXueI/AAAAAAAAGaM/BApdWPtXRuA/s1600-h/IMG_73693.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7369" border="0" alt="IMG_7369" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZTuWuGU22G4/UTdcP5qBLeI/AAAAAAAAGaU/ks7SwMYHjwY/IMG_7369_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iH6JCKP63ao/UTdcQxEhhbI/AAAAAAAAGac/7jwLsSq8X7w/s1600-h/IMG_73703.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7370" border="0" alt="IMG_7370" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-89mrvhvBVAk/UTdcRuQMWBI/AAAAAAAAGak/D3megkfOsvs/IMG_7370_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dDHdK-riYwg/UTdcSna8FhI/AAAAAAAAGas/XKI4rK7dYUQ/s1600-h/IMG_73813.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7381" border="0" alt="IMG_7381" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vEGolKWrRk8/UTdcTkih-FI/AAAAAAAAGa0/xHCQr6nV-yo/IMG_7381_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a></p> <p>After all the celebrations ended, Gavin told me it was his best birthday ever – but he can’t wait for his “five” birthday, and has already started a list of present ideas!</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492210429690434816.post-3876800386828620112012-11-26T12:25:00.001-08:002012-11-26T12:30:12.888-08:00Christmastime Is Here!<p>We are right in the midst of the holiday season! We had a great time in Iowa for Thanksgiving, celebrating with my mom’s side of the family. Lots of aunts, uncles and cousins – including a new baby! Gavin was thrilled to have another kiddo around, and even asked me to bring him home with us.</p> <p>While there, my cousin Lacey took family pictures for us (love having a photog in the family!). Here is one sneak peek of the shoot – the rest will have to wait until Christmas cards go out!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-f7TUEww4Pac/ULPQQvN6mOI/AAAAAAAAGNk/aao2k6pvdQg/s1600-h/tootsies%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="tootsies" border="0" alt="tootsies" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Uv-Wr-DSQsQ/ULPQRgv7fTI/AAAAAAAAGNs/jxwL93Uc9Jc/tootsies_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="281"></a></p> <p>Once home, I immediately pulled out all of our holiday décor. I probably should have taken down & put away all of the fall stuff first – it was pretty disastrous around here for awhile! </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rjEK476VjUI/ULPQSXvLjRI/AAAAAAAAGN0/dcw3lAoqqs4/s1600-h/tree%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="tree" border="0" alt="tree" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Qz4ovEh-Keg/ULPQTKg4-hI/AAAAAAAAGN8/tpJWs-GAGow/tree_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="314" height="326"></a></p> <p>It was fun to pull out all of our family ornaments. After nearly seven years of being together, and four years of Christmases as a family of three, our personal collection has started to grow. No longer do we have the perfectly matching ornaments, but a collage of hand made ornaments mixed in with the fancy ones – and I wouldn’t have it any other way! </p> <p>This is the first year that Gavin truly remembered some of our “traditions” and how this whole Christmas thing works. It has been so much fun! </p> <p>And to keep him in line, and to ensure no coal in his stocking – this guy showed up this morning!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-H9vHkHhhveI/ULPQTgh-i9I/AAAAAAAAGOE/AdtYuoXq100/s1600-h/elf%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="elf" border="0" alt="elf" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Mt2mw8cPVcI/ULPQUb4fu3I/AAAAAAAAGOM/u6rdw_GCKFg/elf_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" height="351"></a></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492210429690434816.post-28246084515719947392012-11-01T07:34:00.001-07:002012-11-01T07:34:05.642-07:00Pumpkins & Halloween Fun!<p align="left">We visited Sekapp’s Apple Orchard/Pumpkin Patch…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EHGDr9H9QYU/UJKHrgc_nrI/AAAAAAAAGEY/mHSp4Cl7SpY/s1600-h/IMG_4726%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4726" border="0" alt="IMG_4726" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5UBSpOkAF5I/UJKHsIEI2PI/AAAAAAAAGEg/MsqB08MN408/IMG_4726_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FLbvYTaQfNE/UJKHtLvozOI/AAAAAAAAGEo/_g_FSHhTYWs/s1600-h/IMG_4731%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4731" border="0" alt="IMG_4731" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jhcr0tB-jsQ/UJKHtj1ZqcI/AAAAAAAAGEw/UcsqHZoNUbE/IMG_4731_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cMyKdYhD19I/UJKHuAdXifI/AAAAAAAAGE4/TPWj73IezSc/s1600-h/IMG_4732%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4732" border="0" alt="IMG_4732" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7kfCdOlk_mg/UJKHu3rElHI/AAAAAAAAGFA/_9IB5037FaA/IMG_4732_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a></p> <p align="center">Gavin painted a pumpkin…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-28YMTXVpCu0/UJKHvsF7BpI/AAAAAAAAGFI/hHHyU58QC7Y/s1600-h/IMG_4831%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4831" border="0" alt="IMG_4831" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-un2aqpF1gYM/UJKHwfThGOI/AAAAAAAAGFQ/sfG44OrckBY/IMG_4831_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jDFDHVJzhOA/UJKHxPwIneI/AAAAAAAAGFY/Al63ePJ5LdU/s1600-h/IMG_4832%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4832" border="0" alt="IMG_4832" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Sw5SLks6ZW4/UJKHxs-fQGI/AAAAAAAAGFg/MGhRgs2Dzbk/IMG_4832_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-o3fzPVtX8NU/UJKHyVRmk8I/AAAAAAAAGFo/MXXXq8G46cM/s1600-h/IMG_4838%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4838" border="0" alt="IMG_4838" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qxu4qY0tfxM/UJKHzLNpbvI/AAAAAAAAGFw/5FwIgSkfA0I/IMG_4838_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7Yt1u-IWwl5c3bNX7wHa-hkGCGAYg3jqF6YbgoAKfZhO_dEY3rIuTUhBhAPQZzXQX4jnj8IcSooTdZQ440eJaso7dceoeFY1syEpstoLnLEKaS2JlLDQYJWfGhBfBqn_DQj2FfDMvoSj/s1600-h/IMG_4839%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4839" border="0" alt="IMG_4839" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7iAmR4M7e58/UJKH0U1UcpI/AAAAAAAAGGA/UORDYsAv9sg/IMG_4839_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwI26HP9oJmegpKyVUcBSk7u9rZjlPCZRnltdNPI7xXtG5vIYWL3JeWGa-SL8DbPXCEsTS_biEcA2ZIiRgMUr8pmfysQ7vWCW68KIav6f0NWdeGe2LOV4rqSmbUnVFpZxWT0gm7zeEduX4/s1600-h/IMG_4833%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4833" border="0" alt="IMG_4833" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aNiXY0NUlfs/UJKH2DpYsuI/AAAAAAAAGGQ/JzYD7QVX5Wg/IMG_4833_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnD9hSEOaUix3OgFPAbfUGfwDIJ429t3XOdOeO-xyTLrgZdSQTvVTPNAj9DSJ6o7Kplh9CfSYG3ePZz0YQfJ25ZazRBjTZ-Jb8Eij0KsJ4959SU-oc40bjc1BSMcwTc2NM_c-DlCdt39Y_/s1600-h/IMG_4841%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4841" border="0" alt="IMG_4841" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wq8EAkELyT4/UJKH4M6S-TI/AAAAAAAAGGc/4qtcH2_RgkU/IMG_4841_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4i1jz1zJna4/UJKH48KAFvI/AAAAAAAAGGo/WSInjquG2W0/s1600-h/IMG_4842%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4842" border="0" alt="IMG_4842" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xgxmIQ8t4rs/UJKH5hczkhI/AAAAAAAAGGw/vnm25-MXcmA/IMG_4842_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nyEHtiF6GAw/UJKH6Nm-85I/AAAAAAAAGG4/bBRXPOaFEkg/s1600-h/IMG_4843%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4843" border="0" alt="IMG_4843" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Hf_XZS1sFLE/UJKH6_vuBjI/AAAAAAAAGHA/797DBqISOJY/IMG_4843_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aaiIK9-tXzE/UJKH7TBpoNI/AAAAAAAAGHI/4T2pOaSIW6k/s1600-h/IMG_4845%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4845" border="0" alt="IMG_4845" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6gv8nuTGGrg/UJKH762u-AI/AAAAAAAAGHQ/x8TYkztQJko/IMG_4845_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a></p> <p align="center">We carved pumpkins…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VxhmfO7XWB4/UJKH8o-TReI/AAAAAAAAGHY/U7skT-IaheU/s1600-h/IMG_4926%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4926" border="0" alt="IMG_4926" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5eq3ccoeB3A/UJKH9MqhMVI/AAAAAAAAGHg/Q2yAJ9EXuBs/IMG_4926_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OOH3G8WaF74/UJKH-NE1kpI/AAAAAAAAGHo/xEQaUgmJgfE/s1600-h/IMG_4929%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4929" border="0" alt="IMG_4929" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UdQa47j_8Lg/UJKH-lZQeYI/AAAAAAAAGHw/sssj_-6Zhm8/IMG_4929_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Hz_pHak74sE/UJKH_TCUxnI/AAAAAAAAGH4/RewenFFdBZY/s1600-h/IMG_4927%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4927" border="0" alt="IMG_4927" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-83U4RmUrOp8/UJKIAE7kuhI/AAAAAAAAGIA/Mhwwjh4VNSo/IMG_4927_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Dx3PNxWRD6E/UJKIAu-XTVI/AAAAAAAAGII/QMa4E0ANOuo/s1600-h/IMG_4925%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4925" border="0" alt="IMG_4925" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Z7ddH8nB1bI/UJKIBRBemDI/AAAAAAAAGIQ/Xadqlxl91Tw/IMG_4925_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Mz4Ygd1bfnc/UJKICbD8bSI/AAAAAAAAGIY/J_UuHoyXS3Y/s1600-h/IMG_4928%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4928" border="0" alt="IMG_4928" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jPbRVus7jIM/UJKIDC-_jeI/AAAAAAAAGIg/_9EPmLNQ5mM/IMG_4928_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AOqvej-p-B0/UJKIDnv7_SI/AAAAAAAAGIo/Sv79gX8djDo/s1600-h/IMG_4930%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4930" border="0" alt="IMG_4930" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bIMbyDWPrr4/UJKIEVXKzuI/AAAAAAAAGIw/dQY6Y5GYTiI/IMG_4930_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-N098gsSBfOE/UJKIFL29EII/AAAAAAAAGI4/_fiwvT4l7xM/s1600-h/IMG_4931%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4931" border="0" alt="IMG_4931" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GDsJalSXClU/UJKIF1K-z7I/AAAAAAAAGJA/qu1R7JNk54Y/IMG_4931_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8SblT25rEqo/UJKIGtFtNSI/AAAAAAAAGJI/7IkxCObGMyE/s1600-h/IMG_4932%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4932" border="0" alt="IMG_4932" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JkERbR2qkIU/UJKIHCj-HiI/AAAAAAAAGJQ/RTvDHp3cNy4/IMG_4932_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0eiLOoG0sdc/UJKIH1PF8JI/AAAAAAAAGJY/2eCHmXYGDrs/s1600-h/IMG_4934%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4934" border="0" alt="IMG_4934" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-40gHAuvyu5E/UJKIIjqZX9I/AAAAAAAAGJg/ON_HGffEaDw/IMG_4934_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-exey2IgkUzc/UJKIJHwCTsI/AAAAAAAAGJo/LeTMLdlJ1yU/s1600-h/IMG_4935%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4935" border="0" alt="IMG_4935" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-L07hyraJ88o/UJKIJoNYzfI/AAAAAAAAGJw/miiSGNaVQ8g/IMG_4935_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-70kg7OuO28E/UJKIKYkGo9I/AAAAAAAAGJ4/UcWZ_J_ErM0/s1600-h/IMG_4936%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4936" border="0" alt="IMG_4936" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ONIumkUk4Rw/UJKIK-FiT3I/AAAAAAAAGKA/8hiBlkPFL18/IMG_4936_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pf4g_rS4Rno/UJKILRp7MrI/AAAAAAAAGKI/ANxdRarqP6Q/s1600-h/IMG_4937%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4937" border="0" alt="IMG_4937" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lgnwDw02JIk/UJKIMLSNrUI/AAAAAAAAGKQ/pobutSiM_CY/IMG_4937_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LQFmCunVhDM/UJKIMrYjZpI/AAAAAAAAGKY/MG2kF3lcGmg/s1600-h/IMG_4945%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4945" border="0" alt="IMG_4945" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1-xqU5qzmyA/UJKINf5Ie8I/AAAAAAAAGKg/2B0aGbMfZpg/IMG_4945_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kHGNbSgnlmU/UJKIOIcAIJI/AAAAAAAAGKo/RqcoNJC3TV8/s1600-h/IMG_4947%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4947" border="0" alt="IMG_4947" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LarkSMsaY6k/UJKIOoxE2tI/AAAAAAAAGKw/JK8XRYLxKdc/IMG_4947_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vQ38l_Ubq18/UJKIPLjTFfI/AAAAAAAAGK4/Uty8orvBj4Q/s1600-h/IMG_4958%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4958" border="0" alt="IMG_4958" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-A5Ym8iyEh7M/UJKIPwTrIWI/AAAAAAAAGLA/BVVlTqjmT0k/IMG_4958_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="489" height="297"></a></p> <p align="center">We played Halloween games at our daycare…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qkjSI1aSNl8/UJKIQR1viGI/AAAAAAAAGLI/qPjTvI73Ek8/s1600-h/IMG_4993%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4993" border="0" alt="IMG_4993" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tVrtcq6WX4o/UJKIQxYEwuI/AAAAAAAAGLQ/fVP-oG9ClUo/IMG_4993_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183"></a><br><font size="1"><em>(decorating felt pumpkins)</em></font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-w5x9ON8_1bo/UJKIRhXbMwI/AAAAAAAAGLY/3FKfdI7alYQ/s1600-h/IMG_4979%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4979" border="0" alt="IMG_4979" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRR9mhsU0cG8ePOFfib2zZSWJEKNb5kVmi_bi-rlZuciaqAEZcv7g3bL9JxzEye7haOgOxJ9zA7bIkX6RRkNKyvD3Wwhv-XnyKMj57uEWEhtoG2w3IQtSBUbTiGlTaoauxBSEJGk8t_rWp/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183"></a><br><font size="1"><em>(Halloween memory)</em></font><font size="1"><br></font><br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FKXngbyy5eM/UJKITG6drLI/AAAAAAAAGLk/iVG1xJuY9Xo/s1600-h/IMG_5006%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5006" border="0" alt="IMG_5006" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-B3YorvF4umY/UJKITtqA9NI/AAAAAAAAGLs/HC-0JAR7Ff4/IMG_5006_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5DAd_9WmpsU/UJKIUeFwxrI/AAAAAAAAGL4/978_kXvvV8Q/s1600-h/IMG_5007%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5007" border="0" alt="IMG_5007" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VbJugrJfKdU/UJKIUxvdZZI/AAAAAAAAGMA/trDHuv6z_Uc/IMG_5007_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><br><font size="1"><em>(pin the hat on the witch!)</em></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="1"><em></em></font> </p> <p align="center">And of course we went trick or treating!!!</p> <p align="center"><br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VgxH4iuEDFw/UJKIVYrQyfI/AAAAAAAAGMI/F6TQY3tO5hA/s1600-h/IMG_5030%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5030" border="0" alt="IMG_5030" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-O5ePmRlQEpo/UJKIV1K42PI/AAAAAAAAGMQ/eoFY5iJNLUc/IMG_5030_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="220" height="300"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fwFGQ8Ps1EY/UJKIWb8rWMI/AAAAAAAAGMY/CiklabvkMH8/s1600-h/IMG_5032%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5032" border="0" alt="IMG_5032" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XTjtBLOCO_I/UJKIW3Pa6NI/AAAAAAAAGMc/0HXmEZJnpAk/IMG_5032_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="220" height="300"></a><br><em><font size="1">(someone is ‘Spidey’ obsessed in our house!)</font></em></p> <p>Hope you all had a fantastic October and Halloween! </p> <p>We’re feeling pretty blessed to be able to celebrate as normal as our friends/family on the east coast deal with the devastating results of Hurricane Sandy. It may be chilly outside, but we have our warm beds to come home to at the end of the night.</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492210429690434816.post-41709180622452147782012-09-06T19:12:00.001-07:002012-09-06T19:12:38.383-07:00Gymnastics<p>Just a quick note this evening – more for my own family records than anything else. Tonight, Gavin started gymnastics. Due to gym rules I couldn’t get any pictures (yes, I was miserable) but he sure had fun! There were six little ones in his class, and three were boys! I was happily surprised!</p> <p>Good news? He does very well following directions and participating in class. Not so good news? He’s a bit too eager about participating – if someone ahead of him went too slow, he budged ahead of them. Followed class tonight with a talk on the ride home about how proud we were of him – but that he needs to slow down and respect his new friends! </p> <p>I’m hoping that this is something that Gavin will stick with for awhile. Just enough exercise to help keep those lungs healthy – but will also help keep a gangly little boy coordinated and on balance. But whether he chooses to continue, or find something else he enjoys, that’s his decision!</p> <p>While I didn’t get a picture of him at the gym, I did manage to catch a fun glimpse into our life this evening. </p> <p>This lip…</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_iNJiriTvZY/UElYEnlln_I/AAAAAAAAGDQ/dmCTSgcYSM0/s1600-h/that%252520lip%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="that lip" border="0" alt="that lip" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fE_uIBW9Kcg/UElYFJGh-_I/AAAAAAAAGDY/jKXefDesMVM/that%252520lip_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="309" height="438"></a></p> <p>has been perfecting a pout for the last 3 1/2 years. Sorry buddy, as cute as that face is – you’re still not getting your way and staying up until morning time!</p> <p>Goodnight!</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492210429690434816.post-31479439507103048842012-09-05T11:32:00.001-07:002012-09-05T11:36:06.762-07:00Preschool!<p>Where has time gone? How have 3 1/2 years possibly flown by so quickly?</p> <p>And let’s be honest – when Gavin was first born, and diagnosed with CF, I had this image of sickly kid. A kid always in the hospital. Always dealing with doctors. No sense of a “normal” life.</p> <p>So needless to say, today was even more special. To have a reality check. That CF or not, our life <em>is</em> normal. Yes, he had to take his enzymes. Yes, we had to wake up early to get his treatments done. But man. The kid did it. And he did it with flying colors.</p> <p>I am beyond proud.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Up-Mj2YQzO4/UEeaZZzI1cI/AAAAAAAAF_o/b1KJn2CGqM8/s1600-h/IMG_4134%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4134" border="0" alt="IMG_4134" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-So_PMx9QWXQ/UEeaaA3tVcI/AAAAAAAAF_w/FICYOD-KQTc/IMG_4134_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mFySFAQFtPw/UEeaa4AMEhI/AAAAAAAAF_4/S2ZhjWibwPk/s1600-h/IMG_4135%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4135" border="0" alt="IMG_4135" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Jibyc-e9EFA/UEeabqq_3kI/AAAAAAAAGAA/2Os9CmyOGgs/IMG_4135_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><br><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hsP_HkJK3uM/UEeacI3HDII/AAAAAAAAGAI/b0XJlOsQq0k/s1600-h/IMG_4138%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4138" border="0" alt="IMG_4138" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lfTyZfmq0n4/UEeaczPgiOI/AAAAAAAAGAQ/2DD1A05LOT0/IMG_4138_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="365" height="498"></a><br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uPSLfbEs6CQ/UEeadopOJaI/AAAAAAAAGAY/pY-h2C8Ngu0/s1600-h/IMG_4140%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4140" border="0" alt="IMG_4140" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PeuX3q96Lz0/UEeaeDAbLjI/AAAAAAAAGAg/oTd3ZeZ9IbE/IMG_4140_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bPduxPgyqiY/UEeaerk8LZI/AAAAAAAAGAo/yNEJD80MaV0/s1600-h/IMG_4141%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4141" border="0" alt="IMG_4141" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-p7kJkH99aLM/UEeafdq1oFI/AAAAAAAAGAw/YvaNqXSQmaY/IMG_4141_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jYU8uTSFjQw/UEeaf_VBUrI/AAAAAAAAGA4/Y0kjpdrp-_w/s1600-h/IMG_4152%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4152" border="0" alt="IMG_4152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gC5ibJ6jWX2tIsM7-cs9cNuaom29zvGR0hZ0rt63OxHDv8KWbFuZq4wAOxaSyIP7_8C_rdAhyphenhyphens6IDDA6RhQzOkkxhvJTKY6IcJKLZGI8Vb4nE_cBdKLYhjtev_5WEiLPO0oMfZwzMhEu/?imgmax=800" width="369" height="284"></a><br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MlnCKlSvx-o/UEeahY-RjcI/AAAAAAAAGBI/IPCn6hpbo7g/s1600-h/IMG_4143%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4143" border="0" alt="IMG_4143" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DfCvLTrhHFY/UEeah9kDS4I/AAAAAAAAGBQ/HFJ4c7HpcKw/IMG_4143_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rDK__YlfHOk/UEeaigzibNI/AAAAAAAAGBY/3zhs1TXUiOs/s1600-h/IMG_4145%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4145" border="0" alt="IMG_4145" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-127HTecjN9c/UEeajf2B1cI/AAAAAAAAGBg/ixp7D5g1vuM/IMG_4145_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><br><br><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-x5fCc-7j72s/UEeaj18wOPI/AAAAAAAAGBo/s6_IQ6lBb1M/s1600-h/IMG_4147%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4147" border="0" alt="IMG_4147" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-al6BJ0if-oA/UEeanHZs5CI/AAAAAAAAGBw/u9eCwep35RA/IMG_4147_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="270" height="368"></a><br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BHgZWhg6UZM/UEearEOZ-BI/AAAAAAAAGB4/oW3O6_-j7rs/s1600-h/IMG_4148%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4148" border="0" alt="IMG_4148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLDmAJN8m3F85QZ9M534WKqqh7xiZSt8lHbCQznW13Lrex1go6-wMOUhwn67X6joDujOasVfRVsfUd1V8HEg-VR-ohtfy796zYU6bKe66vmqiFpaxARN8Xx6Qfhx1JH762jhFRn9XK2li/?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fW7YRAAvBG0/UEeasbk-QpI/AAAAAAAAGCI/wMbDk0QH3ww/s1600-h/IMG_4149%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4149" border="0" alt="IMG_4149" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BksE6dYoVI8/UEeas5B_UwI/AAAAAAAAGCQ/8kQKXFW_VU4/IMG_4149_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a></p> <p>And nothing made this mama prouder than a raving review from his teacher when I came to pick him up. And nothing made me happier than the running hug I received when he noticed me – followed by a big kiss and a “I missed you sooooo much mommy!”</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492210429690434816.post-70677135625757009842012-09-05T11:22:00.001-07:002012-09-05T11:22:31.387-07:00A Mini Getaway<p>This past weekend we jetted up to the Twin Cities to start off our extended Labor Day weekend with a bang. </p> <p>We joined Casey’s parents at the Waterpark of America/Radisson Hotel. Gavin was so excited about getting the chance to sleep in a bunk bed that he initially forgot all about the waterpark! It didn’t hurt that our room overlooked one of MSP’s runways – he sat and watched numerous planes take off and land.</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5GlXjkPmWzc/UEeWr915uFI/AAAAAAAAF5A/SvIvdNQgxx4/s1600-h/IMG_4075%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4075" border="0" alt="IMG_4075" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0X9RmyELLd8/UEeWst6fohI/AAAAAAAAF5I/N5fsrxE8-Hw/IMG_4075_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="251" height="342"></a><br>Evening one at the park was spent on the slides. Sorry the pictures are awful – I was just too busy playing to pay attention to getting great pictures. From the kids area, to riding several slides – our little man had a blast! </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aD7Yrfqu2L8/UEeWt1XPRoI/AAAAAAAAF5Q/9nffWO1X-2g/s1600-h/IMG_4077%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4077" border="0" alt="IMG_4077" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jz_epK0IFZg/UEeWuVBUPDI/AAAAAAAAF5Y/vIBPiQnJXfM/IMG_4077_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-V6326pUdP7U/UEeWwidiH-I/AAAAAAAAF5g/--4RDuxIV90/s1600-h/IMG_4076%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4076" border="0" alt="IMG_4076" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kuGmf8Ta_bY/UEeWw8n7c0I/AAAAAAAAF5o/RSAbdgde3ZQ/IMG_4076_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eiX7DXoSsUg/UEeWxmnxDhI/AAAAAAAAF5w/skNbMKgYTEQ/s1600-h/IMG_4078%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4078" border="0" alt="IMG_4078" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sWsoSjZVMwM/UEeWymIgFJI/AAAAAAAAF54/-FTF7Gfil4s/IMG_4078_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a></p> <p align="left">Our last day, Saturday morning, was spent in the pool. Gavin wanted nothing to do with the slides – he enjoyed “learning” how to swim and getting passed between Casey and myself.</p> <p align="left">Friday morning we woke up bright and early and hit up the state fair. Our first stop? Machinery hill. Gavin was <em>obsessed</em> with sitting in every tractor within eyesight – and for those of you who have been there, you know its more than a lot.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zXq-RWFdP9k/UEeWzP5HExI/AAAAAAAAF6A/xajAXhC4GcY/s1600-h/IMG_4081%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4081" border="0" alt="IMG_4081" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CI0GCFcW4fk/UEeXxC1FUeI/AAAAAAAAF6Q/gF9X_7Kcews/IMG_4081_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="234" height="319"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qyXGSkDCSZ0/UEeXx-OuN6I/AAAAAAAAF6Y/actG4Lnapd8/s1600-h/IMG_4082%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4082" border="0" alt="IMG_4082" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WtLTLyZf_s4/UEeXyqfRPlI/AAAAAAAAF6g/uQ4djMxfj1M/IMG_4082_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="234" height="319"></a><br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6XNhGQGwjRo/UEeXzdRdG6I/AAAAAAAAF6o/jIrZVh7Ezv4/s1600-h/IMG_4084%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4084" border="0" alt="IMG_4084" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-m2IAWVvToWY/UEeX0FyPTfI/AAAAAAAAF6w/-_cQCWAXPBs/IMG_4084_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="462" height="360"></a><br></p> <p align="left">Gavin got a chance to learn about farming. How to plant the seed, water it, pick it and even “sell” his produce at a (pretend) farmer’s market. </p> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8mUbQEJLKhdohiLvofj-sJoUlcOXPmXxzsYD0BHM_C3zt4C4jAHj7pfrKRPMJ8oG7ShDUIhqNGpjWwH5VrbCbf4InGUdSdJAyXq5RZAIR60CQfVCNEFoxCxaBv2iCz8ddt9otzSYOPi35/s1600-h/IMG_4079%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4079" border="0" alt="IMG_4079" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dLgGj4jkigU/UEeX1RfTSZI/AAAAAAAAF7A/xA6vSxc1LoM/IMG_4079_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="268" height="365"></a></p> <p align="left">With his (play) money, he was able to purchase a toy/treat at the county store. He happily picked out a small, stuffed sheep.<br><br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6SlxdkP5ciM/UEeX2NogjFI/AAAAAAAAF7I/4xB93mKtOZg/s1600-h/IMG_4123%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4123" border="0" alt="IMG_4123" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dLRQNXEuopI/UEeX2hZmicI/AAAAAAAAF7Q/woR2l42gNvs/IMG_4123_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="265" height="361"></a></p> <p align="left">We played in the huge sandbox – and because we were there so early he got it all to himself! Total rarity at the fair!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-S_ykve8Sn1I/UEeX3NrbWYI/AAAAAAAAF7Y/fUYbjplkTz0/s1600-h/IMG_4086%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4086" border="0" alt="IMG_4086" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4jgEHgKt8M8/UEeX34G4cxI/AAAAAAAAF7g/z0hDk8hdRIs/IMG_4086_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-X_i-WWBfrkI/UEeX4gLwa4I/AAAAAAAAF7o/m0pbliCpCpk/s1600-h/IMG_4087%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4087" border="0" alt="IMG_4087" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TiWg_TA7ssg/UEeX5n-wEhI/AAAAAAAAF7w/9ER3LFahxLE/IMG_4087_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><br></p> <p align="left">We had lots of fun at the Kidway…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-S6pj5T2DErQ/UEeX60leYXI/AAAAAAAAF74/pC90N9rTvn0/s1600-h/IMG_4088%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4088" border="0" alt="IMG_4088" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-A_aDQql2KnA/UEeX7iXnlGI/AAAAAAAAF8A/6sC45vj4IfQ/IMG_4088_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YwSCjaPbmbk/UEeX8RvXg-I/AAAAAAAAF8I/HKrl1KmEg1k/s1600-h/IMG_4091%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4091" border="0" alt="IMG_4091" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qzbBA0jkUbI/UEeX-u0iFqI/AAAAAAAAF8Q/T-fmR48_Obc/IMG_4091_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a></p> <p align="left">I managed to ride the spinning teacups with Gavin – without getting ill. My great-grandfather was one of people who created the tilt-a-whirl. So from a young age, my cousins and I were taught how get those cars spinning like crazy. I clearly remember the first time my brother, cousin Jason and I managed to get our grandfather to turn a lovely shade of green. I suppose I should add – that was the last time he rode it with us as well! </p> <p align="left">After getting of the ride, Casey informed me that Gavin and I were “flying” – feels good to know that I can still survive those kinds of rides!</p> <p align="left">My personal favorite was watching Gavin drive these bumper boats. They were propelled just enough to give the kids motion, but they barely moved. It was hysterical watching a bunch of preschool aged children aimlessly bump into each other. However, I would <em>not</em> want this job at the fair!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-moid-WtD-jE/UEeX_XTfH7I/AAAAAAAAF8Y/E2CEmT2cOyA/s1600-h/IMG_4092%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4092" border="0" alt="IMG_4092" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxj0lwRkpDux-vC8MBmWtJ558MCVUp5Ok75QL8xWjYYB2Z7vYiovyFcFUGQRoBz4q8CaUBTc6G0nSeyF330Fc8qB8qYxcP29WpdbgN5vKwrQ8ZEplicBvv8ZxMeYv3CPSxLQ-iGquPf4zI/?imgmax=800" width="267" height="210"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DODonr1wxnw/UEeYBK_HLtI/AAAAAAAAF8o/Obl2jDv3L_c/s1600-h/IMG_4093%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4093" border="0" alt="IMG_4093" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gD1OaO0gNmI/UEeYFONVpBI/AAAAAAAAF8w/TPphq9P5C0k/IMG_4093_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="273" height="210"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-p0xxhf0fUhg/UEeYFw8i4gI/AAAAAAAAF84/2N6iu_kt5Ps/s1600-h/IMG_4094%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4094" border="0" alt="IMG_4094" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-z1BNlCAfjdk/UEeYGbCQ0pI/AAAAAAAAF9A/l5COjjmlgDg/IMG_4094_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="265" height="219"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Qqx0AfaTB_U/UEeYHNY1GoI/AAAAAAAAF9I/9hTYFmUinBk/s1600-h/IMG_4095%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4095" border="0" alt="IMG_4095" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-COdBo3uQrWc/UEeYHx9bkTI/AAAAAAAAF9Q/dlS8U0IKUak/IMG_4095_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="275" height="217"></a></p> <p align="left">Gav and I rode the SkyRide and soared high above the fair grounds – even passing over our family. I love that my little daredevil will do this stuff with me now!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MJzihMopeMk/UEeYJeEi-zI/AAAAAAAAF9Y/lSH0AhTznm0/s1600-h/IMG_4096%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4096" border="0" alt="IMG_4096" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZlOAq6pXEw0/UEeYKP1tRsI/AAAAAAAAF9g/ImHPa0cp0sU/IMG_4096_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="417" height="322"></a></p> <p align="left">After hours of fun, and shoving our faces full of food - we ended the day with a stop at the rodeo in the coliseum. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-16Mr7Lxnti4/UEeYK6XC4FI/AAAAAAAAF9o/QYk23jYeoRo/s1600-h/IMG_4097%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4097" border="0" alt="IMG_4097" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0Oj3lCrOiu0qBlF7Jmq_mScQhdFrNqavXZ_ZCU4aHG7O6jzmP92nUq9prCi4laFUAtV-PyPnJPLaomJYWmcTcwB6PczZdh-UYuCza7RGuTZZFHfVDsygeP3Kdg5FgZyhGLo2HdqXv1y_/?imgmax=800" width="260" height="354"></a><br><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mS9N_sk81yk/UEeYLwb4INI/AAAAAAAAF94/W3yYH9EjpUk/s1600-h/IMG_4100%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4100" border="0" alt="IMG_4100" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-P5HBRY-JM7M/UEeYMsjA6iI/AAAAAAAAF-A/4on8W7S4QT0/IMG_4100_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="257"></a><br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Fp1T_XsAC_w/UEeYNSzN4SI/AAAAAAAAF-I/JiWUVEHoHUU/s1600-h/IMG_4108%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4108" border="0" alt="IMG_4108" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wpgnsbSQuFo/UEeYN0gf9-I/AAAAAAAAF-Q/LInYAdqqjGU/IMG_4108_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="257"></a><br><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VFqqG41whNs/UEeYOnOdhFI/AAAAAAAAF-Y/YgIvkmcWw8o/s1600-h/IMG_4110%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4110" border="0" alt="IMG_4110" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9JR-ZLkQSsE/UEeYPU2zjBI/AAAAAAAAF-g/MXU2g_GBLIc/IMG_4110_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="261"></a></p> <p>Getting a break from walking, and the heat of the day, ended our trip with a bang. Well, literally. While driving back to the hotel – we were rear ended. Nothing major, and everyone was fine – but definitely not the ending to the day that we had all hoped for!</p> <p>Casey and I were able to sneak in a trip to the Mall of America & to IKEA – where we picked up more wooden train pieces. Needless to say – we have one happy little boy!</p> <p align="center"><br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0QtMbIFWf1U/UEeYPwJH4EI/AAAAAAAAF-o/gzhDPpN9jFY/s1600-h/IMG_4114%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4114" border="0" alt="IMG_4114" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-w1nKFxj59oI/UEeYQTKgGUI/AAAAAAAAF-w/HQC74PW_xOE/IMG_4114_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nfYm1nBUvnw/UEeYRUg0RNI/AAAAAAAAF-4/WFIwgdtqyhs/s1600-h/IMG_4115%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4115" border="0" alt="IMG_4115" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6_zVOEqMtFc/UEeYSC8OAUI/AAAAAAAAF_A/IGheak41jlc/IMG_4115_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rU-Thletbyk/UEeYSk8jlTI/AAAAAAAAF_I/sDj4hp5NbG4/s1600-h/IMG_4116%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4116" border="0" alt="IMG_4116" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-M0iBC70nhLM/UEeYTcWt_cI/AAAAAAAAF_Q/9WqK6o5rvfM/IMG_4116_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a></p> <p align="left">Life is good!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-U7g8lp9wPl8/UEeYT1NNTUI/AAAAAAAAF_Y/OH4Og3qFQaM/s1600-h/IMG_4121%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4121" border="0" alt="IMG_4121" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-W2oZyZf6flM/UEeYZf9NxQI/AAAAAAAAF_g/VtcQBNkaY7g/IMG_4121_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="276" height="376"></a></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492210429690434816.post-68062746188132319122012-08-29T10:48:00.001-07:002012-08-29T10:48:18.958-07:00Quick Update & Photo Dump<p>Today is our last “real” day before the school season begins. Tomorrow we’re taking a long five day weekend to just relax and play! </p> <p>I cannot believe that my little buddy is already old enough for preschool! Starting next week he’ll be in school, Sunday school, taking swimming lessons and starting gymnastics – he’ll be busy but the extra exercise will be perfect for his lungs! The trick will be getting him from place to place – it’s extremely difficult when both parents work, the number of evening activities in our city are extremely limited. I can only imagine how much harder it will be when he is older and possibly has siblings!</p> <p>The pediatric Kalydeco study is <em>finally</em> moving forward – we should be able to begin within the next 4-8 weeks. I cannot even explain the relief we will feel when he is on that miracle drug! When Gavin was born, we were told this drug was something that was possibly attainable by his <em>high school</em> years – and just 3 1/2 years later, in his <em>preschool years</em> – he will be starting an amazing medication. We feel beyond blessed.</p> <p>And now – a small photo dump from my iphone, from some of our summer adventures. We’re ready for the brisk air of fall – but not quite ready to say goodbye to the summer fun – bittersweet!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vB0_BYuSaDU/UD5VQCZaaDI/AAAAAAAAFwA/t6COqr1z438/s1600-h/IMG_3710%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3710" border="0" alt="IMG_3710" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EG-wmBir-aE/UD5VQYtFr7I/AAAAAAAAFwI/JFebz3JwY0M/IMG_3710_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WZOGFkhZMV8/UD5VRJfqs5I/AAAAAAAAFwQ/n4EG7khamZ4/s1600-h/IMG_3716%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3716" border="0" alt="IMG_3716" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PIDYoARsd3k/UD5VRhFCb-I/AAAAAAAAFwY/QlmZYeHjW4U/IMG_3716_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3Oqtzw91eXk/UD5VScFF-KI/AAAAAAAAFwg/84tws60h_B4/s1600-h/IMG_3722%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; 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margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3735" border="0" alt="IMG_3735" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-c251f04I3cs/UD5VVqTnK8I/AAAAAAAAFxI/51zKgyc6xnA/IMG_3735_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0aLZ4AUQtZw/UD5VWaKTLoI/AAAAAAAAFxQ/HhLS67NUBus/s1600-h/IMG_3737%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3737" border="0" alt="IMG_3737" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rEI_x8YJAJM/UD5VW1swKEI/AAAAAAAAFxY/ya1uSLsubUo/IMG_3737_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-m3ztCt8gmQA/UD5VXXhKsfI/AAAAAAAAFxg/_z9W-S3D0L4/s1600-h/IMG_3750%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; 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margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4014" border="0" alt="IMG_4014" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qFbbUtTd0H4/UD5V1FXUHHI/AAAAAAAAF3o/-L7IE6TMM5A/IMG_4014_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-D3jD2xHLrRo/UD5V146VagI/AAAAAAAAF3w/qvR6JSeunD8/s1600-h/IMG_4015%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4015" border="0" alt="IMG_4015" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9KG-pf-vFPs/UD5V2E3Q6pI/AAAAAAAAF34/thJxQAB8Yls/IMG_4015_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kEsuJHjyqKw/UD5V2j4L8MI/AAAAAAAAF4A/Vp_FrcCn3RE/s1600-h/IMG_4019%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4019" border="0" alt="IMG_4019" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3Gh4ZjzS7NE/UD5V3ComxGI/AAAAAAAAF4I/Mkgc1_UvshE/IMG_4019_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492210429690434816.post-61019924718644519792012-08-08T11:26:00.001-07:002012-08-08T11:26:54.376-07:00National Night Out 2012<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sx1LP_SW_mg/UCKvQ9VAsAI/AAAAAAAAFs8/Rt6yuxtvs6A/s1600-h/national%252520night%252520out%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="national night out" border="0" alt="national night out" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0UZS8q1MXdo/UCKvRXY0m9I/AAAAAAAAFtE/6IEMwIKTer0/national%252520night%252520out_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="352" height="245"></a></p> <p>Last night we hosted the annual National Night Out block party for the second year in a row. Once again we were blessed with some fantastic weather! Considering the heat wave we dealt with most of the summer, mid 80s felt perfect!</p> <p>As usual, it was an evening filled with potluck food, drinks and great conversation! A first for this year? I asked all of the kids to decorate their bikes/wagons/scooters so we could have a mini parade around the neighborhood. I was psyched when the big kids (middle school and older) joined in on the fun! No one was too cool for the parade!</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Tk3QA6ukkE8/UCKvRxkjZeI/AAAAAAAAFtM/J_Ht7H1jEg8/s1600-h/Natl%252520Night%252520Out%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Natl Night Out" border="0" alt="Natl Night Out" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SCvZ-g3xWEw/UCKvSTXgetI/AAAAAAAAFtU/YxCSVpxcSco/Natl%252520Night%252520Out_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="501" height="260"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JL0IJaDE3QM/UCKvS3j48pI/AAAAAAAAFtc/aEruYvhlAj8/s1600-h/natl%252520night%252520out%2525205%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="natl night out 5" border="0" alt="natl night out 5" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aXNHw9FBbog/UCKvTXdga4I/AAAAAAAAFtk/yO3OVlKtF4Y/natl%252520night%252520out%2525205_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="498" height="217"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-msW9hUYjFzI/UCKvUU_5qFI/AAAAAAAAFts/uBMmplHRLps/s1600-h/Natl%252520Night%252520out%25252011%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Natl Night out 11" border="0" alt="Natl Night out 11" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TEJWzW1VnTQ/UCKvUyLhmKI/AAAAAAAAFt0/OKVtI1bmjSQ/Natl%252520Night%252520out%25252011_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="499" height="263"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qE4iD4O6j0A/UCKvVSGp_gI/AAAAAAAAFt8/2vx2Ginyshw/s1600-h/natl%252520night%252520out%2525209%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="natl night out 9" border="0" alt="natl night out 9" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Iv9DOayCdYU/UCKvV-HoWZI/AAAAAAAAFuE/7IIcVPP342k/natl%252520night%252520out%2525209_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="503" height="252"></a></p> <p align="left">We were also lucky enough to be visited by a team of local fire fighters again this year!<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KuhGELQQ4i4/UCKvWQDCMGI/AAAAAAAAFuM/r13sKpR3T6Q/s1600-h/natl%252520night%252520out%2525204%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="natl night out 4" border="0" alt="natl night out 4" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oi72GJ0GYaE/UCKvW3mfNUI/AAAAAAAAFuU/luyP-lgf7S4/natl%252520night%252520out%2525204_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="318"></a></p> <p align="left">When they arrived they stated that they knew they needed to stop by because we were their rowdiest bunch last year – a fact that didn’t surprise any of us in the least!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jESmM4uX3j4/UCKvXUfIhdI/AAAAAAAAFuc/pY_eT5gdOkk/s1600-h/natl%252520night%252520out%2525207%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="natl night out 7" border="0" alt="natl night out 7" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XytQoLZb68c/UCKvXyf8FaI/AAAAAAAAFuk/6_jwkEunAII/natl%252520night%252520out%2525207_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dLR4wQ596WQ/UCKvYmulmgI/AAAAAAAAFus/GZ-qYAGGKAE/s1600-h/natl%252520night%252520out%2525203%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="natl night out 3" border="0" alt="natl night out 3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XL_U4oO8jlU/UCKvZHa6H-I/AAAAAAAAFu0/X8idItS1JTU/natl%252520night%252520out%2525203_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bAw5aH1_tmA/UCKvZspJw2I/AAAAAAAAFu8/8dbsdANtrG4/s1600-h/natl%252520night%252520out%25252010%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="natl night out 10" border="0" alt="natl night out 10" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Kjqpa7o8q8A/UCKvaIJnd4I/AAAAAAAAFvE/JL9KghDYtwc/natl%252520night%252520out%25252010_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a></p> <p>The air was filled with the sounds of adults happily enjoying a drink with friends, the screams & laughter of kids as they played tag in our back yard, and the contented coos of our newest six week old neighbor. All in all, a wonderful night!</p> <p>As the evening turned into dusk – everyone slowly packed up their things and headed home. We are very lucky to live on such a friendly block – where everyone knows everyone and the kids are able to run free between yards. After a tie for a win for best block party across our city last year – we’re hoping that we can pull off a solo win for 2012!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EMoyt-bPRnM/UCKvaljRdbI/AAAAAAAAFvM/E0_0wq_9zNw/s1600-h/Natl%252520Night%252520Out%2525202%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Natl Night Out 2" border="0" alt="Natl Night Out 2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vAW0fF3ddgU/UCKvbRa0YtI/AAAAAAAAFvU/a5pNFPgomU4/Natl%252520Night%252520Out%2525202_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="506" height="466"></a></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492210429690434816.post-21472450899321587512012-08-01T08:01:00.001-07:002012-08-01T08:01:58.675-07:00Heise Reunion 2012<p>Why hello there blog – it’s been awhile. We’ve been having so much fun this summer, that I keep running out of time to post! </p> <p>Last Thursday, Gavin had an <em>amazing</em> CF check up. He went from the 30th percentile (height to weight ratio) to the 48th percentile! Hooray! We also got a tentative start date for the pediatric Kalydeco trial – but I’ll wait to post more on that until we are more definite on the details. </p> <p>We also loved Gavin’s instructions for his care between now and his next visit</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rHJUZFEB7y8/UBlEVFbJ_-I/AAAAAAAAFbs/g9pwcaypvjc/s1600-h/stay%252520awesome%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="stay awesome" border="0" alt="stay awesome" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kZ_xf2-CEHw/UBlEVtx311I/AAAAAAAAFb0/RjYq-AGXRmU/stay%252520awesome_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="474" height="182"></a></p> <p>After clinic, we headed up north for our annual Heise reunion, with a pit stop at Lake Mille Lacs to check out the view</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VLw4ud9CDPc/UBlEVwBesjI/AAAAAAAAFb8/HvSlQVDVayU/s1600-h/Mille%252520Lacs%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Mille Lacs" border="0" alt="Mille Lacs" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KdRkVdiIBOM/UBlEWRokonI/AAAAAAAAFcE/dUdFmRYbaH8/Mille%252520Lacs_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="309" height="321"></a></p> <p>We were missing quite a few faces this year, but we still managed to have a bunch of fun!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PBXf8TiW4TM/UBlEWwgLPgI/AAAAAAAAFcM/U-Ls7iqxtNY/s1600-h/heise%252520clan%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="heise clan" border="0" alt="heise clan" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ifEUCRYovUw/UBlEXnB_1cI/AAAAAAAAFcU/SRuX7HGFKys/heise%252520clan_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="301"></a></p> <p>One of Gavin’s many firsts of the weekend, was getting the opportunity to shoot an air rifle (with assistance of course!). </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ze4En2KOHYA/UBlEYDeSWVI/AAAAAAAAFcc/Kng7JI4KWK4/s1600-h/casey%252520gav%252520shooting%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="casey gav shooting" border="0" alt="casey gav shooting" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MO3TGHAL2G4/UBlEYtkwZxI/AAAAAAAAFck/SwXmzVYDLks/casey%252520gav%252520shooting_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="411" height="284"></a></p> <p>And he did <em>really</em> well! Just look at that target!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-P7O9_uUn2SU/UBlEZB9qDSI/AAAAAAAAFcs/n2PxVyjgYPU/s1600-h/gav%252520target%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="gav target" border="0" alt="gav target" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KuEi9L85QnQ/UBlEZrvUvQI/AAAAAAAAFc0/-2Ul15Ytlac/gav%252520target_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="411" height="316"></a></p> <p align="left">All of the family members took a turn at shooting, including my grandmother – Go Gramma, Go!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gsEvg5Hsmiw/UBlEaHD2mVI/AAAAAAAAFc8/CXjVPTI6fsQ/s1600-h/Gma%252520shooting%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Gma shooting" border="0" alt="Gma shooting" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-agDAzpIqsUE/UBlEagZb-TI/AAAAAAAAFdE/u-dA9NC7jlI/Gma%252520shooting_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="235" height="358"></a></p> <p align="left">After each shot Gavin and my Aunt Joly would run up to the target to point out the results</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-k2-lrhLlMiE/UBlEbHFYvZI/AAAAAAAAFdM/K7OrdnAAENk/s1600-h/checking%252520target%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="checking target" border="0" alt="checking target" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Pl2Hd6g-LKY/UBlEbopcO3I/AAAAAAAAFdU/VxejykamiDc/checking%252520target_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="312" height="353"></a></p> <p align="left">Gavin also jumped off the dock for the first time. His fear of the water sees to have completely disappeared – much to this mama’s delight!</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvDhnTlsaTkRfUvDuExDqUMPHyQCnGqCg2RSV4LaRUCdvWcJ7mg-WP1hGmCeFXGJWKbtM_9DRMSBzdDABtgWzKp8GUJPJX7rPOoJxME7LmPNQucAWtcEbxMLY0EgR2jchmCA7bBijeHMK/s1600-h/Jumping%252520in%252520Lake%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Jumping in Lake" border="0" alt="Jumping in Lake" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5XLlTVbBveU/UBlEcglgaiI/AAAAAAAAFdk/7-qpvJL6g_g/Jumping%252520in%252520Lake_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="261" height="266"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Q-hDfvRazko/UBlEfcXS6hI/AAAAAAAAFds/Nv_Znko02SQ/s1600-h/kicking%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="kicking" border="0" alt="kicking" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zh1XXOrFOcw/UBlEf9K_d1I/AAAAAAAAFd0/u6FcBO-65QM/kicking_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="193" height="268"></a></p> <p>Our fearless buddy also tried out tubing for the first time. While I was concerned he would panic, he just kept yelling, “faster! faster!”</p> <p align="center"><br><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JLZSz9Mj700/UBlEhzD2rhI/AAAAAAAAFd8/-duqFGV6FVk/s1600-h/Gavin%252520me%252520tube%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Gavin me tube" border="0" alt="Gavin me tube" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2Hv_DOftvvo/UBlEiaHej5I/AAAAAAAAFeE/jdToz3BeFGs/Gavin%252520me%252520tube_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="290" height="307"></a><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheukWSfehLfxp7LQVJ14agxy4r8guyxfe4LFPKPDgso2rEeJiWCUvAfh5QwJBziWsjZZieKGUnpoLU04ddux9O0wp8hcueuDoWEfh6j_xeYgxN1HJRAbDcLYxA5vLOWDFXS5BXWubwSyxR/s1600-h/mom%252520and%252520gav%252520tubing%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="mom and gav tubing" border="0" alt="mom and gav tubing" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-inOsB0up5Ek/UBlEjgaNCsI/AAAAAAAAFeU/uJpHYKNTGIU/mom%252520and%252520gav%252520tubing_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="369" height="285"></a></p> <p>His ride was certainly a lot tamer than the rides that some of us adults went on…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mkAxsaQZcC8/UBlEkPxNXeI/AAAAAAAAFec/pjhd2rkPHiQ/s1600-h/David%252520Casey%252520tube%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="David Casey tube" border="0" alt="David Casey tube" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TX940NF2LP4/UBlEkm8WohI/AAAAAAAAFek/W59A_iOvNUo/David%252520Casey%252520tube_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" height="271"></a><em>My brother on the left, Casey on the right</em></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hQkYjQZWDNs/UBlElKFcbaI/AAAAAAAAFes/MpcMdPNh4qI/s1600-h/lacey%252520jen%252520tube%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><em><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="lacey jen tube" border="0" alt="lacey jen tube" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tn3c2tW7qbk/UBlElhE5kOI/AAAAAAAAFe0/jDVMGc412E8/lacey%252520jen%252520tube_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="280"></em></a><br><em>Me on the left, cousin Lacey on the right</em></p><em></em> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8Bkgnb5gD2A/UBlEpqi47II/AAAAAAAAFe8/a-13DrcV4Mg/s1600-h/david%252520and%252520jessica%252520tubing%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="david and jessica tubing" border="0" alt="david and jessica tubing" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lWyMUb9ZRg4/UBlEq_-qNhI/AAAAAAAAFfE/jEt2KNAGzcc/david%252520and%252520jessica%252520tubing_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="419" height="289"></a><br><em>My brother David and his girlfriend, Jessica</em></p> <p align="left">Along with all the fun in the water, Gavin got plenty of time playing in his “sand pit.” I am pretty sure I used an entire spray bottle of ‘Shout’ trying to get his clothes clean!</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-P-gUkA7eLKs/UBlEr9Ps7-I/AAAAAAAAFfM/cRRctfjL7oM/s1600-h/buried%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="buried" border="0" alt="buried" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UrMDVk61tEc/UBlEtv6pySI/AAAAAAAAFfU/0A3x8zemwPM/buried_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="223" height="339"></a>While digging, we heard Gavin yell, “Look at all these golf balls I found!” Low and behold, he had dug up a nest of turtle eggs</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HZjEBZAcKSM/UBlEtyHUkNI/AAAAAAAAFfc/BlNCGoTDyTg/s1600-h/Turtle%252520Eggs%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Turtle Eggs" border="0" alt="Turtle Eggs" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HT4Kh_81Dxg/UBlEvsalVrI/AAAAAAAAFfk/n6ZcluI3MAc/Turtle%252520Eggs_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="287"></a><br>All in all it was a fun weekend, with perfect weather, filled with many fun activities.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-26fn7BNfH3I/UBlEw7_nv3I/AAAAAAAAFfs/YvYQLefZh6Q/s1600-h/Fishing%252520with%252520Uncle%252520Pat%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Fishing with Uncle Pat" border="0" alt="Fishing with Uncle Pat" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ivb4nfr9bmk/UBlEykastdI/AAAAAAAAFf0/CqWUv6iGinE/Fishing%252520with%252520Uncle%252520Pat_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="231" height="352"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4FZEkCHxaOA/UBlE0cSJB-I/AAAAAAAAFf8/DuRTfpzPaII/s1600-h/Gavin%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Gavin" border="0" alt="Gavin" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Wk4gO8sEAOA/UBlE05ueEYI/AAAAAAAAFgE/nstnq1_wfUs/Gavin_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="222" height="352"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YN56r3MKLZc/UBlE1bnRLDI/AAAAAAAAFgM/W2y6MDEgpg0/s1600-h/john%252520deere%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="john deere" border="0" alt="john deere" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4ZYLuuo9MIU/UBlE1ybXEDI/AAAAAAAAFgU/3W12QOvmsZA/john%252520deere_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="453" height="313"></a><br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Nx8f8eh8jI8/UBlE2R8JJWI/AAAAAAAAFgc/MOAYP9rH9aY/s1600-h/sleepy%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="sleepy" border="0" alt="sleepy" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XGrP9T28g-I/UBlE3LsnRhI/AAAAAAAAFgk/5ucw7N5p5_w/sleepy_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="456" height="358"></a><br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-v-zS_GzYIt0/UBlE3t5dsNI/AAAAAAAAFgs/evA6fFLlSt8/s1600-h/Casey%252520Jen%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Casey Jen" border="0" alt="Casey Jen" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1YBAENKzs4o/UBlE4JPUf0I/AAAAAAAAFg0/_nYJKmK6qkI/Casey%252520Jen_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="229" height="349"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-T_gvFymt0nA/UBlE4rAhUfI/AAAAAAAAFg8/ABpef9yxXCE/s1600-h/Family%252520of%2525203%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Family of 3" border="0" alt="Family of 3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QptIPuQbBt8/UBlE5R7F_DI/AAAAAAAAFhE/FWgM1ZgBLzA/Family%252520of%2525203_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="229" height="349"></a></p> <p>Thank you to my cousin Lacey, for taking so many fabulous pictures! </p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492210429690434816.post-55437771491828888902012-04-23T08:09:00.000-07:002012-08-01T14:04:43.877-07:00A Trip to the Dells<p>A trip the Dells was in order this spring, as we headed to the Great Wolf Lodge. Because we went off season, we lucked out with some great prices – and a relatively quiet water park!</p> <p>Our little buddy has gotten to be a great traveler in the car! Arriving early on a Thursday evening, we were delighted to discover a very large hotel room, complete with a fireplace - a definite plus on a dreary, damp weekend!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HGJYp2LZt5k/UBmYIXNClYI/AAAAAAAAFhk/GBYmBXAtDOk/s1600-h/IMG_2693.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2693" border="0" alt="IMG_2693" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-m9yWKfJ4SrA/UBmYJEA1I8I/AAAAAAAAFhs/uC2aCn1lsDs/IMG_2693_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="335"></a></p> <p>Almost immediately, we headed to the indoor waterpark – any worries I had about Gavin being scared were quickly diminished. He loved every second of it!</p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-S5NXYOavV9I/UBmYJou9YqI/AAAAAAAAFh0/LdfD8_SeqIg/s1600-h/IMG_27116.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2711" border="0" alt="IMG_2711" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sr9lT-z_-NM/UBmYKasHS_I/AAAAAAAAFh4/_z4QPkv_VAg/IMG_2711_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1kx011M1pW0/UBmYK6Wme6I/AAAAAAAAFiE/3HBd5e9K2i8/s1600-h/IMG_27136.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2713" border="0" alt="IMG_2713" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6kTQMfaJnmM/UBmYLhyqniI/AAAAAAAAFiM/_dxNP1KEDms/IMG_2713_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Nu4Oo1UkVdc/UBmYMHp8SLI/AAAAAAAAFiU/BmO3kMdL47U/s1600-h/IMG_27126.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2712" border="0" alt="IMG_2712" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1XUokfegDTI/UBmYNYhjZ2I/AAAAAAAAFic/KuJ05nIKhU0/IMG_2712_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pZm1y5MTzqc/UBmYOEtqkYI/AAAAAAAAFik/yp-Hv-m90is/s1600-h/IMG_26943.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2694" border="0" alt="IMG_2694" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQoSXKcGuHit9LU0kBpO-csK3wtmcmxhIlqUIt1foNVZo3AwaZBI8IZ4JlHbG42HQtZ8-3taN99JrkJXYXB2HmoEWKeq52G_lZmi9KoSw-0pkbeX2lOimX8VGCCIsQtq4Kyw90sJ41GI-/?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AhIUNmqySzI/UBmYP7J53iI/AAAAAAAAFi0/OQTZwJZKgDg/s1600-h/IMG_26953.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2695" border="0" alt="IMG_2695" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bTGfjLgFk9U/UBmYQXse8DI/AAAAAAAAFi8/mmB8cOBSap0/IMG_2695_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-p8cbs7WMuHs/UBmYRFOHBYI/AAAAAAAAFjE/E6RYic0nzxE/s1600-h/IMG_26986.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2698" border="0" alt="IMG_2698" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-As3ucWU7JPQ/UBmYR622JNI/AAAAAAAAFjI/AfvBjeBuoGc/IMG_2698_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hJFFvt1V_ng/UBmYSfO84DI/AAAAAAAAFjU/u2y2npObt5c/s1600-h/IMG_26976.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2697" border="0" alt="IMG_2697" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9VeQEhbtXec/UBmYTNyO-YI/AAAAAAAAFjc/7yI1UN69XeU/IMG_2697_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QtQR7OEBxZk/UBmYaa8Wo1I/AAAAAAAAFjo/m9wVuGY1lsQ/s1600-h/IMG_26996.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2699" border="0" alt="IMG_2699" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iphcZcoCw2c/UBmYazgJbnI/AAAAAAAAFjw/iPIQCQojrl0/IMG_2699_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-76woW-iXVkA/UBmYbpIjwxI/AAAAAAAAFj4/o9o6SUdcx7M/s1600-h/IMG_2703.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2703" border="0" alt="IMG_2703" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8BGBMT9lgXQ/UBmYcQeZWBI/AAAAAAAAFkA/f_XpNXPHJu0/IMG_2703_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" height="269"></a><br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-14mlpdlHk1I/UBmYdOObmrI/AAAAAAAAFkI/uPH2jfKVIEQ/s1600-h/IMG_27106.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2710" border="0" alt="IMG_2710" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RqL6Fj8IH4A/UBmYeNv9dOI/AAAAAAAAFkQ/qMpIzJersbo/IMG_2710_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-duUgGmUYjLs/UBmYer4ODEI/AAAAAAAAFkY/nqisaehTedM/s1600-h/IMG_27096.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2709" border="0" alt="IMG_2709" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NBe7hIR8fhg/UBmYfcZbrsI/AAAAAAAAFkg/gKF8qnQZ_xQ/IMG_2709_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ebSAl5Faf8w/UBmYg46rEJI/AAAAAAAAFko/S9karQESvWA/s1600-h/IMG_27646.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2764" border="0" alt="IMG_2764" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HliOl1M3pLM/UBmYiExXZII/AAAAAAAAFkw/jDhXFXUnThc/IMG_2764_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="159" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VeTAoLu3Yxc/UBmYio60NUI/AAAAAAAAFk4/4wvrhLGSOxg/s1600-h/IMG_27196.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2719" border="0" alt="IMG_2719" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RZY8XentQvw/UBmYjMF0swI/AAAAAAAAFlA/2MxFo-KF04I/IMG_2719_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a></p> <p>Amidst the three days of fun in the water, we headed next door to Knuckleheads – and enjoyed a mini indoor theme park & arcade…most of which we had to ourselves! Hitting those couple of weeks between spring break & summer break was perfect!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6_UF9WpGzRY/UBmYkAKkyuI/AAAAAAAAFlI/B_LUuJENgVY/s1600-h/IMG_2720%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2720" border="0" alt="IMG_2720" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XWlaC3AaxFE/UBmYk2-q23I/AAAAAAAAFlQ/p2A366_6Dac/IMG_2720_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="332" height="261"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dXWZpgS-Rkg/UBmYlo1-jhI/AAAAAAAAFlY/cUVzhQYlby0/s1600-h/IMG_2724.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2724" border="0" alt="IMG_2724" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gU_-XtNG6KA/UBmYl13UC9I/AAAAAAAAFlg/ZGo1O_MXQ0g/IMG_2724_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="257"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_XeZ0_FROuI/UBmYmvEcggI/AAAAAAAAFlo/PAFPVoHNhEU/s1600-h/IMG_27276.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2727" border="0" alt="IMG_2727" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PC8NBaA1LHk/UBmYnFqItmI/AAAAAAAAFlw/fSf-k5zK1n8/IMG_2727_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wJh6YoFuDmA/UBmYnw9UGMI/AAAAAAAAFl4/sUZRySQcOxo/s1600-h/IMG_27436.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2743" border="0" alt="IMG_2743" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBCUlPOJSGMsqFiouvr2BIdakmOY-QtURNI-4w193EGrtq0IkbmVZq5MWF5dArZGxxqj1IdzQVEtqbb264lm5KxvI-y0lx08l9U7KzZ9dlVRBQ_HtL44nlEO05nVJ-r5OfjFNG_urC_0RS/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8bDmDM20eJ4/UBmYo5WqHZI/AAAAAAAAFmI/WyTij7nkJwc/s1600-h/IMG_27336.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2733" border="0" alt="IMG_2733" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EN4PCW2QrjI/UBmYpT3uurI/AAAAAAAAFmQ/8SjqeL2ZyPg/IMG_2733_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sMIlOVEjcfI/UBmYp-5lw7I/AAAAAAAAFmY/yavdlrS-Kfc/s1600-h/IMG_27406.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2740" border="0" alt="IMG_2740" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-I5iv4ZdBUbQ/UBmYqRYfcyI/AAAAAAAAFmg/fp2HPCnRKNc/IMG_2740_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1hPAowaUCHsbPd5UbZv8diemy3Zy8bsH6_FgbwPp8XecVt9kd3V28UTawJE7oS0TpLbMjxKneusY5dy9e7RG7fjWvu__gPuYwpBsouqXDqw-9HeCqDbmjIEdQbUbU2H1Qhyphenhypheno4GlLvlbD/s1600-h/IMG_2749.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2749" border="0" alt="IMG_2749" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nrAz4mYY6FY/UBmYrsXyXlI/AAAAAAAAFmw/zHyjDoyyi1I/IMG_2749_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="357" height="275"></a><br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qgdxyYqRUVk/UBmYsW2XtUI/AAAAAAAAFm4/tkF9QOQIBYk/s1600-h/IMG_27516.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2751" border="0" alt="IMG_2751" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4dq6OeLay2s/UBmYv0tb-YI/AAAAAAAAFnA/DLm1wqX0Hc8/IMG_2751_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WuA7rNLb8Nw/UBmYxJN1SHI/AAAAAAAAFnI/wD0CJZVIbcM/s1600-h/IMG_27526.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2752" border="0" alt="IMG_2752" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-g9o-EZi24J8/UBmY0KR1y8I/AAAAAAAAFnQ/o-ZD0PWhWbs/IMG_2752_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183"></a></p> <p align="left">Needless to say, after story time provided by the hotel (for all of the kids) – our nights went quickly from this…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-weiMDFjloc4/UBmY0iUp4DI/AAAAAAAAFnY/9tUjAk2RER4/s1600-h/IMG_2757%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2757" border="0" alt="IMG_2757" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3_0uHkpPliw/UBmY1OTd3II/AAAAAAAAFng/I9_o5KqF8vI/IMG_2757_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="371" height="290"></a></p> <p align="left">To this…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wSFK4nxzsbI/UBmY2QzORzI/AAAAAAAAFno/1jrfl3FuMvI/s1600-h/IMG_2759.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2759" border="0" alt="IMG_2759" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-h0Lk6eDtqvI/UBmY3lc2cZI/AAAAAAAAFnw/_xt3Y5FV2Ak/IMG_2759_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="366" height="282"></a></p> <p align="left">And like the good little CF’er that he is – morning and evening treatments came right along with us on vacation</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GDNODzqXLtw/UBmY4PE7WjI/AAAAAAAAFn4/r2SrgB_JUEQ/s1600-h/IMG_2760%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2760" border="0" alt="IMG_2760" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cDwHT01vjgo/UBmY4wVnjxI/AAAAAAAAFoA/Bk90axcLE6A/IMG_2760_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="408"></a></p> <p align="left">True to Wisconsin Dells form – we enjoyed a brief moment of sunshine with a ride on the famous Ducks. While Gavin was infatuated with the fact that a vehicle could travel on both land & water – Casey and I enjoyed the scenery. The quick trip was a bit chilly, but worth it! We didn’t even have to stand in line!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-B3CQbkRl610/UBmY5UeQELI/AAAAAAAAFoI/3h0AawEQovA/s1600-h/IMG_27656.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2765" border="0" alt="IMG_2765" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-N_IBwPlgiHQ/UBmY50FJwtI/AAAAAAAAFoQ/PtCCo6CUZP0/IMG_2765_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OoCdDsnRDnI/UBmY6usFGII/AAAAAAAAFoY/f2sH6pwOHC4/s1600-h/IMG_27696.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2769" border="0" alt="IMG_2769" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cw8AE2WQG3Q/UBmY7Fgg1gI/AAAAAAAAFog/VfuQjmGeCEk/IMG_2769_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgar1OHTUTm1zpqj-3OMDbyZggd_j3fKAU8pHI0tNSQxbSjZY0G8r6G_Lb9QtJ6_Yp5RiDT5RsbYkixtSFjv_zfrLJ00Vfg0_PQbT0dh8XlbnQ_M-nm-_s1BJ_rlwbeNfPwjf7UKMqKcmR9/s1600-h/IMG_27736.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2773" border="0" alt="IMG_2773" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mBwsLfZereQ/UBmY8L2x5kI/AAAAAAAAFow/I4lBjmlUwUE/IMG_2773_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a></p> <p>This quick getaway was pure perfection for our family of three – we had a blast and cannot wait to head back to the Dells again! </p> <p>A few more highlights…</p> <p>A conversation & a snack with Daddy</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OnJ1coJqge8/UBmY8y-gjCI/AAAAAAAAFo4/KnGp3q3eOPk/s1600-h/IMG_27816.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2781" border="0" alt="IMG_2781" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dJNqI1KYWX8/UBmY9YduNHI/AAAAAAAAFpA/9c0c8yVNsBM/IMG_2781_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XtkCvmnRwlA/UBmY93YnxoI/AAAAAAAAFpI/BKb0BrnDstU/s1600-h/IMG_27826.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2782" border="0" alt="IMG_2782" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-umjXO2R3s-I/UBmZD7z6yhI/AAAAAAAAFpQ/QSM67wM6O2o/IMG_2782_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CMygde4TCqs/UBmZELLCi-I/AAAAAAAAFpY/T0flQVOwbrU/s1600-h/IMG_27836.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2783" border="0" alt="IMG_2783" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VBoEz5rv_6I/UBmZEr4YviI/AAAAAAAAFpg/nH_hUTu7zTA/IMG_2783_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Zvt8m5_WTkA/UBmZFWrO6UI/AAAAAAAAFpo/_d14AwUQgVs/s1600-h/IMG_27846.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2784" border="0" alt="IMG_2784" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-p-PGA1ATVqg/UBmZF2CvxCI/AAAAAAAAFps/XnbLb-ixfIQ/IMG_2784_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eAS-W-1-MGo/UBmZGWMGSjI/AAAAAAAAFp0/pzvkMX9cpsc/s1600-h/IMG_27856.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2785" border="0" alt="IMG_2785" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EUxrkKZ1Xls/UBmZHVgZKfI/AAAAAAAAFp8/BQQfUdtuCvE/IMG_2785_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iejaFPZ-eXw/UBmZH4wzwmI/AAAAAAAAFqI/zeqbse53WyY/s1600-h/IMG_27866.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2786" border="0" alt="IMG_2786" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-McFglDxb2gA/UBmZJBnUR-I/AAAAAAAAFqQ/VmZy9mHpLtI/IMG_2786_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a></p> <p>Snuggles with Mommy at story time in the lobby</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ankWBL0IX5s/UBmZJ-UB12I/AAAAAAAAFqY/QzaDrisuRmE/s1600-h/IMG_27906.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2790" border="0" alt="IMG_2790" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JM8M2jTW8AQ/UBmZKdqCmYI/AAAAAAAAFqg/qcQDtjjzCcI/IMG_2790_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FE1c93-1qik/UBmZK1RiS4I/AAAAAAAAFqo/28wWsVHaARw/s1600-h/IMG_27936.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2793" border="0" alt="IMG_2793" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mH2K2nYpDJg/UBmZLnuGTmI/AAAAAAAAFqs/VH-jEHUhaok/IMG_2793_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a></p> <p align="left">Feeding deer at the local deer park</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AiJfh2-35iA/UBmZMWlr_4I/AAAAAAAAFq4/AeyRAb7Mw0Q/s1600-h/IMG_28103.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2810" border="0" alt="IMG_2810" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Miks0PQFV5w/UBmZMw8kwiI/AAAAAAAAFrA/FAdxry6bxTY/IMG_2810_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IwRRt0tsJdM/UBmZNpZF03I/AAAAAAAAFrI/TTWNzfr0Co0/s1600-h/IMG_28313.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2831" border="0" alt="IMG_2831" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9R7O8fYrau0/UBmZOO6-9II/AAAAAAAAFrQ/15qz9UHL_XM/IMG_2831_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WdCFr6R02IM/UBmZO8KkjLI/AAAAAAAAFrY/v8jLmhp05J8/s1600-h/IMG_28323.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2832" border="0" alt="IMG_2832" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Twqp7W3ZlnA/UBmZPX0uP1I/AAAAAAAAFrg/K6n0a3yjrJM/IMG_2832_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YxXbuUAg-zE/UBmZQPgpC4I/AAAAAAAAFro/Y0kAgOJEiuo/s1600-h/IMG_28333.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2833" border="0" alt="IMG_2833" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3xMZReE3Ep0/UBmZQsjStOI/AAAAAAAAFrw/WjefbdJrRfY/IMG_2833_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EuRorBXGT7U/UBmZRVQt0YI/AAAAAAAAFr4/i7xRXYiZXZY/s1600-h/IMG_28363.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2836" border="0" alt="IMG_2836" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-S0ZJbJjzuvA/UBmZR0wxmfI/AAAAAAAAFsA/e09BlZ-VqO4/IMG_2836_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zyRdI1jXevs/UBmZS1QvHXI/AAAAAAAAFsI/pFUCvc7d-KY/s1600-h/IMG_28383.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2838" border="0" alt="IMG_2838" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uHJXIo7Pd4o/UBmZWiPtRDI/AAAAAAAAFsQ/gubRZDAkvZo/IMG_2838_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183"></a></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492210429690434816.post-77776867623420476512012-04-17T14:10:00.001-07:002012-04-17T14:10:25.274-07:00Just Sayin’ a Thank You<p>Being the mom of a child with extra needs has it’s challenges. Duh. Well, you’d think that it would be “duh…”</p> <p>But today, I would like to say thank you to that handful of friends who have stuck by me through this crazy rollercoaster Cystic Fibrosis has brought us on. The one’s who realize that my life has gotten to a new level of “crazy busy.” </p> <p>That on top of regular life, we have <em>at least</em> an hour a day of treatments & CF care that needs to be attended to. Not including the piles of pills and medicines we feed to our child every day. What we wouldn’t do for that extra hour in the day…</p> <p>That on top of regular bills, on a weekly (if not daily) basis we receive medical bills – bills that stress us out, and will have no end. </p> <p>That on top of regular life, we spend hours and hours on the phone with insurance companies because “someone coded something incorrectly.” </p> <p>That on top of regular life, we make the drive to visit Gavin’s medical team over and over again, keeping him as healthy as possible.</p> <p>That on top of regular life, we’d love to add to our family, but the threat of CF round two is just too scary. And we don’t have the 20 grand laying around to go through with IVF.</p> <p>That on top of regular life, when you have a child with extra needs – your social life takes a back seat. There aren’t enough hours in the day sometimes to return that phone call, that text, that email AND accomplish what <em>needs </em>to be done – and if you or we are sick, we’ll be missing that get together. That before you know it, a month has gone by and you haven’t even had a moment to sit down and chat. </p> <p>That on top of regular life, we spend our time trying to raise every penny possible to find that cure for our child. To shout from the top of rooftops, trying to make CF a household name – more awareness gets us closer to that cure.</p> <p>When Gavin was first diagnosed, I would read many stories of people losing “friends.” That many people “disappeared” not wanting to hear of the difficulties, and never understanding or trying to understand how much extra work truly goes into Gavin’s health. I was convinced that wouldn’t be us. I couldn’t imagine one person that didn’t or wouldn’t get it. But, well…almost 3 1/2 years in I stand corrected. There have been those that have disappeared. There are those that don’t want to hear about our difficulties. Those that – when you really, really need them – disappear into the woodwork. And then there are those who I haven’t seen or spoken to in over a decade, who have jumped forward and let me know that they are there – that they care, and they’re willing to help. Surprising how life works itself out.</p> <p>So THANK YOU to my amazing friends who have stuck by my side. The ones who have never judged, never questioned, but have just been there. I appreciate it more than you know. You know who you are :) </p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492210429690434816.post-72880914581524808322012-04-17T12:21:00.001-07:002012-04-17T12:35:18.891-07:00Simple, cheap wall décor (thank you Pinterest!)<p>If you’re friends with me on Facebook, you’ll know that I have a extreme obsession with Pinterest. Whether it’s food, crafts, home décor etc., I love finding new (and inexpensive!) ideas.</p> <p>This past weekend I combined two Pinterest finds to fill an empty corner of wall space. And per the suggestion of a high school friend, I’ll post my own “how to” here!</p> <p>On Saturday (and an extra trip on Sunday) I hit up our local Goodwill, Savers, & Salvation Army to find an array of picture frames to begin my own “cozy corner” (<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/682625/Living-Room-Detail-eclectic-living-room-san-francisco">Pinterest find #1</a>)</p> <p>- <em>Make sure that the frames have a way to be hung on the wall (or you’ll have to add hardware), and that the picture can easily be changed out! Also make sure the glass is in good condition, and not all scratched up. This will save you both time and money!</em></p> <p>The most I spent on a frame was $1.99, but the majority were just fifty cents or less. If you have random frames at home, this part won’t cost you a penny! The finish did not matter to me, but the “texture” of the frame did so that I could have the look of a collection made over the years, not a bunch of very similar finishes. I knew that a coat of spray paint could easily be used to change the look, and I added some white matting to a random few.</p> <p>My first step was to measure how high and wide I wanted the décor to be. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZuVd7jhQpaA/T43Chrn2SgI/AAAAAAAAFZc/kt5UEWpr_TY/s1600-h/IMG_2635%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2635" border="0" alt="IMG_2635" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RvSNwptFiwU/T43CiNeB4PI/AAAAAAAAFZk/7Lva11D_XAI/IMG_2635_thumb%25255B14%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="376" height="269"></a></p> <p align="left">I chose to go 45” across on the left wall, and wrapped around into the other corner, going 35” across and both are 21” high. I marked off the bottom edge of where my pictures would be hung using painters tape (I first marked the wall using a yard stick and a level to make sure it was straight!). This way I could play around with how high/low I wanted the frames to be hung before putting in any nails!</p> <p align="left">Then, I laid out the frames on my garage floor, so that I could figure out what layout “looked right.” I did not get a picture of this (sorry) but using painter’s tape on the ground, I framed out the size of the layout and moved the frames around within that taped off space until I got the look I wanted. If you do a corner like I did, make sure that you “balance out” both of the walls. I didn’t measure out the spacing, I just did it by eye. I did line up the edges of some of the frames, which was much more pleasing to the eye!</p> <p align="left">Once you have your layout – TAKE A DIGITAL PICTURE! That way when you move the frames around to paint, or to bring inside/hang on the wall etc. you have a document of how you had it laid out! </p> <p align="left">Choose which frames you’d like to paint (make sure to clean & sand!), and which ones are ok as is. I left several in the original finishes, but made sure that no similar colors or shades were next to each other. If I painted one a color, I made sure there was another in a similar shade, and balanced them out between the two walls (i.e. a red frame toward the top left of one side, balances well with a red frame toward the bottom right on the other). If I painted two frames the same color, the size/shape/texture of those two frames did not have to match – but I wanted the colors to look balanced and to have some cohesion with the colors throughout the rest of our upstairs.</p> <p align="left">While my painted frames were drying, I went inside (and used <a href="http://roost-home.blogspot.com/2010/09/another-take-on-gallery-wall.html">#2 Pinterest idea</a>) to cut out wax paper the size of my layout. I had to use two sheets of paper and taped them together to get my 21” height. Make sure you tape it with transparent tape!</p> <p align="left">Once my frames were dry, I brought them inside and laid them out onto the wax paper. You’ll notice that my vertical edges are not straight – because I didn’t need an exact width I just made sure the outer frames lined up, but if you are restricted to a certain width I’d made sure your edges of wax paper are squared. (The image below is actually before I had painted a few of my frames – but you get the gist)</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NU5RPCp8iLY/T43Ciajth2I/AAAAAAAAFZs/Kn0e6q6IEJM/s1600-h/IMG_2647%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2647" border="0" alt="IMG_2647" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-x40OEPM0pTA/T43Ci0BBjHI/AAAAAAAAFZ0/AskUNbeii_Y/IMG_2647_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="385" height="296"></a></p> <p align="left">Now, trace around each of the frames (I used a sharpie a regular pen doesn’t leave much of a line). Once all of the frames were traced, I flipped each individually over and marked where the nail hole needed to be. Because the wax paper is transparent, this is easy peasy! (Another good reason to have an image of your layout! you don’t have to remember which frame went where!)</p> <p align="left">Once you have marked all nail holes for all frames, line up the bottom edge of your wax paper, with the taped line you have on your wall and tape the paper to hold in place. Depending on how large your area is, you made need an extra set of hands.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HlF93sSyo18/T43CjgqcujI/AAAAAAAAFZ8/tjFNe6FwsMg/s1600-h/IMG_2643%25255B17%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2643" border="0" alt="IMG_2643" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ogJnIz_gkUE/T43CkAX9UBI/AAAAAAAAFaE/cT5pdOyxT2s/IMG_2643_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="392" height="301"></a><em><font size="1">much easier to see in person!</font></em><br></p> <p align="left">Pound a nail into each of the marks, tear away the wax paper, hang your pictures and you’re DONE! For each individual wall it took me about 10 minutes to trace, mark, hammer and hang! No headaches, no muss & fuss!</p> <p align="center"><br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-n-MCbgDbckw/T43CkmN9WWI/AAAAAAAAFaM/nGk8YnyoqJo/s1600-h/IMG_2643%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2643" border="0" alt="IMG_2643" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-y1YczgOhQMo/T43ClBWdPRI/AAAAAAAAFaU/8GWY46Dkclg/IMG_2643_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="243" height="194"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5Vd3ClDqr44/T43CmVmayLI/AAAAAAAAFac/3FroXJzFkd8/s1600-h/IMG_2644%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2644" border="0" alt="IMG_2644" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WQBcMliUSvU/T43Cm6cxmZI/AAAAAAAAFak/Ad5LTPv4-Ik/IMG_2644_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="194"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5vaD3gmczIw/T43Cncckw1I/AAAAAAAAFas/GmX7UkPso4I/s1600-h/IMG_2649%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2649" border="0" alt="IMG_2649" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QKdzI3engVI/T43CoDPvfcI/AAAAAAAAFa0/EqnuhVqROQU/IMG_2649_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="490" height="383"></a></p> <p align="left">This wax paper technique is great for many pictures, or just one! I always hated trying to line up a frame that needed multiple nails, to get it to hang straight! This will take out all of the measuring, all you need is a leveled line!</p> <p align="left">I had so many pictures I loved of Gavin stashed away, and I love that I can now have many of them out on display (although I did mix in some of Gavin’s artwork). As I poured through pictures, I realized that Gavin has had his photo taken by a LOT of professional photographers!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-R_z1OFTRJD4/T43Cov9BUQI/AAAAAAAAFa8/fBj3hPgOYMk/s1600-h/IMG_2653%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2653" border="0" alt="IMG_2653" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Xh-MYemrT5g/T43CpCNLLSI/AAAAAAAAFbE/W84fV2IFJFg/IMG_2653_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="397" height="305"></a></p> <p>These photos were taken with my phone, and I think it’s far better in person than in these images – but it gets the point across!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sRaEgaRr3nE/T43Cpwzw6qI/AAAAAAAAFbM/QzPDUu2cBpQ/s1600-h/IMG_2651%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2651" border="0" alt="IMG_2651" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Nt5q_95LfiA/T43Cq04lY8I/AAAAAAAAFbU/ruOdCktt44I/IMG_2651_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="467" height="365"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-l67XmIJeQDk/T43CrQTOx1I/AAAAAAAAFbc/QakM-fouRjQ/s1600-h/IMG_2652%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2652" border="0" alt="IMG_2652" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3SYu7k01LLs/T43CrqdiKpI/AAAAAAAAFbk/mpWyaf8xoeg/IMG_2652_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="345" height="405"></a></p> <p><em>p.s. many stores will sell kits to keep your pictures hanging straight, I just use a bit of painter’s tape, roll it so it sticks to the wall and to the frame…viola, no more crooked pictures and no harm done to either the frame or wall!</em></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492210429690434816.post-69634118192746949652012-04-09T12:04:00.001-07:002012-04-09T12:16:36.150-07:00Easter Recap<p align="left">Hope that everyone had a fantastic Easter! It’s hard to believe that yet another holiday has come and gone – time is flying by much too quickly!</p> <p align="left">Last week Gavin and I picked out a new playhouse. I gave him a range of options and <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3993289">this</a> is the one he settled on. I love that it also includes a mini kitchen and workbench. His favorite part was the picket fence & flower box – they are kid sized screws (the set comes with toy tools) and he is able to attach or detach the fence posts & flower box on the door by himself.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2TboOSBcwlk/T4MyZ2UcXsI/AAAAAAAAFVA/-PYgj2vUoUo/s1600-h/IMG_2535%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2535" border="0" alt="IMG_2535" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sQwTiUg9X1A/T4MyahAwLrI/AAAAAAAAFVI/6OjCagTrq1I/IMG_2535_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="311" height="239"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8sgpqsRco9Y/T4Mybeq8iII/AAAAAAAAFVQ/kzL3Ho680Oo/s1600-h/IMG_2532%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2532" border="0" alt="IMG_2532" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Q8uN0t6Uq64/T4MycNWayaI/AAAAAAAAFVY/JuVRuStKsdw/IMG_2532_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="237" height="323"></a></p> <p align="left">He was very proud of himself for being able to “help” while Casey and I put on the last finishing touches.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-I8iRZhjtw6g/T4MydYgdmwI/AAAAAAAAFVg/3y86vAL98oA/s1600-h/IMG_2536%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2536" border="0" alt="IMG_2536" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-q80J8goNAms/T4MyeEhhswI/AAAAAAAAFVo/lcURrmT4oKA/IMG_2536_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="345" height="265"></a></p> <p align="left">Once it was completed, we had one happy little guy. So happy, that he performed his own happy dance.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RBmwy1MWf4s/T4Myex8z2SI/AAAAAAAAFVw/WCIvB3MfFU4/s1600-h/IMG_2540%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2540" border="0" alt="IMG_2540" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SR3EP8PJUhk/T4MygG_PLEI/AAAAAAAAFV4/CNMONisZuzA/IMG_2540_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="347" height="267"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pS5_jGtWPEU/T4MygmFSycI/AAAAAAAAFWA/IukmjmFoTXg/s1600-h/IMG_2541%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2541" border="0" alt="IMG_2541" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OyaEhgMrRyI/T4MyhrzGNYI/AAAAAAAAFWI/KMvnQvp3pDQ/IMG_2541_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="349" height="268"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RUV_OlyFNTk/T4MyiFpb0jI/AAAAAAAAFWQ/pEA-pszY8N0/s1600-h/IMG_2542%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2542" border="0" alt="IMG_2542" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ofDDzZOP30c/T4Myiz87dlI/AAAAAAAAFWY/99XDOQiesFM/IMG_2542_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" height="269"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kP6o7C19SqM/T4MyjjWkfrI/AAAAAAAAFWg/niE9blMe20Y/s1600-h/IMG_2543%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2543" border="0" alt="IMG_2543" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ecTw-fgEsAI/T4MykN9mbsI/AAAAAAAAFWo/zKk3KOvhQOQ/IMG_2543_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="351" height="270"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-f4ZXPJwm7ZM/T4Myn41GGsI/AAAAAAAAFWw/WGXOn-LMZkk/s1600-h/IMG_2544%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2544" border="0" alt="IMG_2544" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-e0nTsRQuHWI/T4MyomfsohI/AAAAAAAAFW4/9g_ic9LyiEs/IMG_2544_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="352" height="271"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cfgp127OB20/T4MypFinw5I/AAAAAAAAFXA/hYWGD3xrMAc/s1600-h/IMG_2546%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2546" border="0" alt="IMG_2546" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-P_lCmA7ZNNE/T4Mypm4icMI/AAAAAAAAFXI/yZPd9aiUF3Q/IMG_2546_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="352" height="281"></a></p> <p align="left">We spent Easter weekend at my mom’s place – and snuck in a trip to the Mall of America. We didn’t tell Gavin that we were headed there – and just pulled into the parking ramp. As I got him out of his car seat, I could just see the light bulb go off.</p> <p align="left">Gavin: Mama, are we at the BIG mall?<br>Me: Yep!<br>Gavin: The one with my favorite rides?!?!<br>Me: Yep!<br>Gavin: We are at the MALL OF AMERICAAAAAAAAAA! Daddy & Oma, we’re at the Mall of Americaaaaaa!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--cBvchM2vME/T4Myq2lXnpI/AAAAAAAAFXQ/CPkN3PLrNvw/s1600-h/IMG_2549%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2549" border="0" alt="IMG_2549" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IDtpUk2npIY/T4MyrhymcsI/AAAAAAAAFXY/q-vE9SAq0Sg/IMG_2549_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="321" height="293"></a></p> <p align="left">The Easter bunny found his way to us at my mom’s house. Gavin was determined that he had heard him, but by the time he came to check, the Easter bunny had already hopped away. Nonetheless, we had one very spoiled little boy!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NHhUAg7hTiQ/T4MysDdTyCI/AAAAAAAAFXg/8rBwfTRTEIY/s1600-h/IMG_2550%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2550" border="0" alt="IMG_2550" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hgsUgmqYczo/T4MysslymqI/AAAAAAAAFXo/xM3pSjJr2aM/IMG_2550_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="408" height="314"></a></p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; width: 448px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:21d8f553-ce51-4b08-ba82-a2d19f959ce2" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="bfac3942-b582-4952-9b6e-61b4eb80b6f5" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UKxAFtVx9w&feature=youtube_gdata_player" target="_new"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Jhv_D--xQQs/T4Mys2WPnkI/AAAAAAAAFZQ/_I-FbRJUxH8/videod624b2a295e1%25255B16%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('bfac3942-b582-4952-9b6e-61b4eb80b6f5'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/9UKxAFtVx9w?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/9UKxAFtVx9w?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; width: 448px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:e898dd13-fe49-4f81-bb3d-2c767989c773" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="9ddeaa19-1f45-4993-839d-b7406af9b59a" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwYPtA7S6yI&feature=youtube_gdata_player" target="_new"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-t0oj54JZDc0/T4M1V5R4ekI/AAAAAAAAFZU/9atPzaeb_kg/video500f01bfc098%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('9ddeaa19-1f45-4993-839d-b7406af9b59a'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/CwYPtA7S6yI?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/CwYPtA7S6yI?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p align="left">And no worries, Gavin is very aware of the real meaning of the holiday! He will tell you all about Jesus, Heaven, and God if you ask (including the list of people he knows that are living with God in Heaven right now)</p> <p align="left">By 7 am, he was already into the candy. Talk about a nutritious breakfast!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9MQDzU1cS_E/T4MytVCu6EI/AAAAAAAAFX4/SQfI47HCXNw/s1600-h/IMG_2557%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2557" border="0" alt="IMG_2557" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ss8_LeurMlw/T4MyuM7qOSI/AAAAAAAAFYA/OTO9-zjRkAI/IMG_2557_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="159" height="221"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gp0PuG6fspU/T4MyvT0LC6I/AAAAAAAAFYI/0w1XB_QpEA8/s1600-h/IMG_2558%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2558" border="0" alt="IMG_2558" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FPKbPkRmNbY/T4Myv6a1anI/AAAAAAAAFYQ/bJ8T1lNDrJ8/IMG_2558_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="157" height="223"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zYi3N37IiKc/T4MywQq0IBI/AAAAAAAAFYY/mgqE2Oh8q7I/s1600-h/IMG_2562%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2562" border="0" alt="IMG_2562" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HIGMrzpGXdw/T4MyylYbZKI/AAAAAAAAFYg/BmLnQ7vRZ8I/IMG_2562_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="158" height="224"></a><br></p> <p align="left">We continued on with our second annual brunch and bowling, Easter celebration. Because, you know, nothing says Easter like a couple rounds of knocking over pins!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5gCV3p-tsQs/T4MyzHOfrlI/AAAAAAAAFYo/N8qfTVcqmRM/s1600-h/IMG_2576%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2576" border="0" alt="IMG_2576" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-78y8I-cz_Zo/T4My0EI7RoI/AAAAAAAAFYw/iT9Dtwe6hUI/IMG_2576_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="230" height="320"></a></p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:84a9e74b-7c9f-413f-893f-21f3bd8fdb87" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="5c487e08-2769-4782-a273-b60f75d4910e" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhooR__OeAI&feature=youtube_gdata_player" target="_new"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GHoRgTFykhE/T4My0i5YrmI/AAAAAAAAFZY/hYB73MEttrU/video6858d0e17606%25255B14%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('5c487e08-2769-4782-a273-b60f75d4910e'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/UhooR__OeAI?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/UhooR__OeAI?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492210429690434816.post-79995455965835330252012-03-27T13:20:00.001-07:002012-03-27T13:20:24.819-07:00GREAT STRIDES!<p><a href="http://www.cff.org/Great_Strides/JenGroettum"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Great Strides" border="0" alt="Great Strides" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Kmi0hpg3xmA/T3IhCGpW8OI/AAAAAAAAFU4/FEAI0t6hCMk/Great%252520Strides%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="259"></a></p> <p>It’s that time of year again! On May 5th, we will be walking in our local Great Strides Walk, raising money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.</p> <p>This is the first year we are walking in Rochester, which is a much smaller walk, and we’d like to make a <strong>big </strong>impact in our first year!</p> <p>So PLEASE, take a moment of your time and donate to our cause. In the mere three years we’ve been in this battle, SO many amazing things have happened. And it’s all because of generous people like YOU!</p> <p>Your donated dollars have made Kalydeco possible, a LIFE CHANGING medication that will soon be in our son’s hands. But our battle is so far from over. Until every last ounce of this disease is out of Gavin’s body – we will be fighting this fight.</p> <p>Someday CF will stand for Cure Found. And we need YOUR help to get there.</p> <p>Please click the image above to donate! (<em>If you are not comfortable donating online, please get a hold of me for my personal address</em>.)</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492210429690434816.post-40392130756567807482012-03-26T12:07:00.001-07:002012-03-26T12:07:11.673-07:00Time is flying by<p>We are still here! And we have been <em>blessed</em> with some insane weather! Excluding today (it’s rainy & cold) we’ve been enjoying sunshine and seventy+ degree weather!</p> <p>Whether it’s been coloring with chalk (the hat is a “fashion statement” not a necessity)</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6N7jbXYQEB0/T3C-EthD7nI/AAAAAAAAFSY/m4lffT7zQuA/s1600-h/coloring%25255B4%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="coloring" border="0" alt="coloring" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FqYCyG86mLU/T3C-FyHwLnI/AAAAAAAAFSg/RQn1bhJQYSM/coloring_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="284" height="387"></a></p> <p>Playing hopscotch</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-t5hoX9EeqEM/T3C-Gp0n9hI/AAAAAAAAFSo/mFiUJ-BrLkM/s1600-h/hopscotch%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="hopscotch" border="0" alt="hopscotch" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eQNS01BUIx8/T3C-HPVDjWI/AAAAAAAAFSw/qcZoP7-zy04/hopscotch_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="286" height="358"></a></p> <p>Heading to the park</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mW_juH6S5Xw/T3C-HvJynBI/AAAAAAAAFS4/ZmbEqATMScU/s1600-h/park%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="park" border="0" alt="park" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jT0xte8NyWk/T3C-IV_rkYI/AAAAAAAAFTA/VwneOYW4OHY/park_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="178" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BxMBl93lVVQ/T3C-KA_smTI/AAAAAAAAFTI/_z7399pS2fA/s1600-h/swinging%2525202%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="swinging 2" border="0" alt="swinging 2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ksfsWXNnWIE/T3C-LJtR3-I/AAAAAAAAFTQ/jRL1cQsMf_s/swinging%2525202_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7xN9Dmbm68iTXi-DEp3PZD96N-Dy0miNFCsxKrTr6jgSSY3TOaPbbOAP0CpP8sSFPVRgL9XcawxwJCE6Y2WUt0-0cWurTv2uU8bX4_h21EPt4iaNRJmgD6e9NRcS4E7BgO8yMxOz9d7a/s1600-h/swinging%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="swinging" border="0" alt="swinging" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9716pyiUyEs/T3C-NyoZ01I/AAAAAAAAFTg/34vWQuTfefA/swinging_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244"></a></p> <p>Or sneaking in some late night hockey in the garage</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ei80-04pjA8/T3C-PiV33AI/AAAAAAAAFTo/vQo3T659ros/s1600-h/hockey%252520boy%2525202%25255B5%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="hockey boy 2" border="0" alt="hockey boy 2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZkkYpCFbIo8/T3C-QFgNzuI/AAAAAAAAFTw/vEh-P_3v2gE/hockey%252520boy%2525202_thumb%25255B8%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="227" height="286"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aq7ocu-TRRA/T3C-RP15ZqI/AAAAAAAAFT4/9Yn_5jO4KcM/s1600-h/hockey%252520boy%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="hockey boy" border="0" alt="hockey boy" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-v3TlfxeSMfQ/T3C-RVbbaJI/AAAAAAAAFUA/Ijw7L435iyE/hockey%252520boy_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="211" height="286"></a></p> <p align="left">We’ve thoroughly been enjoying our escape from hibernation. While we had a mild winter, the gloomy skies that February brought had taken it’s toll on all three of us. Tempers flared more quickly, and crabbiness was prevalent. This sunshine was a necessity for our sanity!</p> <p align="left">Unfortunately, this activity</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4z5KJRNLkCY/T3C-SLOiXwI/AAAAAAAAFUI/x87xXehJYh0/s1600-h/raking%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="raking" border="0" alt="raking" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-winglIf7B_s/T3C-S5lIsQI/AAAAAAAAFUQ/asknrxAojq4/raking_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="365" height="281"></a></p> <p>Led to this</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KPKurb-Wz5M/T3C-Tgf9haI/AAAAAAAAFUY/s_4B74ihmRQ/s1600-h/sick%252520in%252520bed%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="sick in bed" border="0" alt="sick in bed" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eHuh2hrhvtQ/T3C-Uc1rEFI/AAAAAAAAFUg/H0eVumgxo8M/sick%252520in%252520bed_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="365" height="308"></a></p> <p align="left">With a combination of a cold and some serious spring allergies, Gavin has felt pretty awful today. I ended up spending the night on the floor of his room so that he wouldn’t wake up his dad…who started a new job today!</p> <p align="left">Gav has done his best to keep his spirits high, but an obvious sign that he’s not feeling well is his choosing to spending hours in (my) bed, when he could be playing with his daycare friends that are over. We snuck in an extra vest treatment, but he is getting old enough to realize that they make him feel better, and he didn’t complain once. It definitely helped that I told him he could lay in my bed while doing so!</p> <p align="left">I am ready for my happy, crafty little boy to be back to his old sweet self!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Bhy6PBRnPu4/T3C-V2INDGI/AAAAAAAAFUo/UVuGc4eUMf4/s1600-h/butterfly%25255B4%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="butterfly" border="0" alt="butterfly" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kGrV6AOMfNQ/T3C-XSG7lNI/AAAAAAAAFUw/CVUBiH1lBA0/butterfly_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="274" height="374"></a></p> <p>With our medical bills high, and money tight - we weren’t able to get too far away for a spring trip but will get a chance to hit up the Dells in just under a month. It may not be a tropical locale, but it is away from home and all three of us could use a break from life!</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492210429690434816.post-32064663010994050562012-02-06T12:20:00.001-08:002012-02-06T12:20:29.333-08:00A Big Thank You<p>A week has gone by and saying that Kalydeco has been approved is no longer an overwhelming shock to my system, we’ve absorbed the news and are trying to learn what the next steps will be for our family.</p> <p>But for all of you that have done research trials in the past that have gotten us to this point, and for all those who are still waiting for their own miracle drug – I just want to emphasize that we have not forgotten any of you. We will never let Gavin feel like he is entitled to this drug. He will forever know the hard work of countless doctors, scientists and CF patients before him. He will know from this early age that nothing like this comes about without hard work and dedication. We are doing what we can to get him into the pediatric study to thank those who have participated in the past, and our way of paying it forward to those who are patiently waiting their turn.</p> <p>To clarify – we are not sitting back on our heels waiting to get on this drug. Just ask Gavin’s pulmonologist how many emails I’ve been sending her for months – constantly asking if there is any new news on the upcoming study. BUT, we are doing what is ethically and morally right. We are going to work WITH the CFF and WITH Vertex. We are going to provide as much data possible. We are going to make sure Gavin is closely monitored throughout each stage of the study – and not just his physical status, but his mental and spiritual status as well. At the first sign of danger we’d pull him out – but we believe that tossing our kid a pill that has never been studied in a child his AGE (not his size, his age) is irresponsible. Every drug has a different effect on everyone, we’re going to march forward as veraciously as possible while simultaneously being cautious. We want this drug to be available to everyone – and Gavin needs to learn now that research is what gets us there.</p> <p>So THANK YOU. Thank you to the scientist’s at Vertex – to all of the scientist’s studying CF. Thank you to the CFF and every CF charity. Thank you to all of the doctor’s who spend their lives dedicating themselves to this disease. Thank you to those who have EVER done a research study at any level – it took a piece of all of those to even come up with the concept of this pill. Thank you to every person with CF, or parent of a CFer who whole heartedly told me how happy they were for our family. Thank you for feeling like you could also explain to me how hard it is to know that you or your child don’t qualify for it, and the mixed emotions that are there – it makes me feel pretty darn special to know that you can open up to me like that.</p> <p>And THANK YOU to every single person who has ever donated even a penny to the CFF, or any CF related charity. I am proud to be a part of a community who believes that your donated money needs to be going to RESEARCH – and Kalydeco is tangible proof that your money is going where it belongs. People often ask me why they don’t see commercials on tv advertising events, or why there isn’t apparel lined up in the stores – because we believe that the money you give us isn’t meant to go there – the money you give is to save lives. You will most likely hear about CF events through word of mouth, or the rare advertisement because we put the money where it belongs. Beyond grateful that Gavin - and Casey and I - are in the midst of such an amazing community.</p> <p>We are acutely aware how lucky we are with Gavin and his health thus far. Knowing that many have passed away, or have been too sick to benefit from this drug is a thought always in the back of our minds. I too wish this drug was possible many years ago, but at the same time feel very blessed that it’s happening right now. No CF patient is more important than another, but an adult whose disease has severely progressed is in the need to be on this drug immediately. We are lucky to be in a stage where yes, we want him on it as soon as possible, but that waiting a month or so to figure out what path we’ll be headed down does not mean immediate life or death for Gavin as it does for many others. We’re attempting to quickly move forward as ethically and as safely as possible.</p> <p>Thank you. </p> <p>Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1