tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49753001251202180742023-11-16T08:32:23.260-05:00Good Golly Miss Molly! Oh Boy Baby Brother!Loving life with Molly and her baby brother Sam!Molly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08591245425404213705noreply@blogger.comBlogger359125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975300125120218074.post-78635952700587966622013-01-21T14:58:00.000-05:002013-03-12T16:02:21.105-04:00Hank the Horse Outing<p>Sam’s preschool class has a mascot named Hank, who is a little stuffed horse. Throughout the school year, each child gets to take Hank home for a week to have all sorts of adventures. At some point Hank is photographed with the child and a brief story of Hanks visit is written. This story and picture become a page in a class book about Hank.</p> <p>Since Sam had a rocky start to preschool, his teacher decided that maybe a visit from Hank would make his adjustment go more smoothly.</p> <p>Sam.loved.Hank.</p> <p>Hank accompanied us to a variety of locations throughout the week. Here is the story that we wrote for Hank’s book:</p> <ul> <li>Hank had a lot of exciting adventures while visiting Sam this week. He took numerous trips around the house in Sam’s Tonka trucks, played at the park, and attended a Little Gym class with Sam. Hank and Sam’s favorite activity together was a trip to Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt. They shared a cake batter frozen yogurt topped with M&Ms and little cheese cake bites. Yummy! </li> </ul> <p>And here are some of the photos that we took while at Menchie’s with Hank.</p> <p align="center">Sam and Hank eating yogurt. Hank got the green spoon and Sam got the brown spoon (which, by the way, is his favorite color).<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6xJcOp7-_N-B_klCZ_fjUm-5A4OO6giGTFX1mZ94p60aw0sMZJyeJEcqVuhq6FH2N5nwKx3HBtucOIMQMpD32FESKRpmDuEH0M6N5TCl1yVLowZGl9xWb6JNuQN6VKhDujNlrYxkbelV/s1600-h/IMG_0016%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0016" alt="IMG_0016" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSVPQyF_reNljST541fOV5nqxc00cT9det_Gz9PgUJgtOMjz7eCF2zmOuk10HaLfZnKh3ITSMrpLAYxi-OrvEPvbsoYX_xiQ7_AH9I5SNOLs_NXDF51Lg0RvTGLvLgxvyOT_VdUV2Nw-e//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="323" /></a></p> <p align="center">Sam and Hank pose for a picture.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWiJah-xVSOYdHCxIETvb7JKLkHqz8WubHxIo2YY6oF8s7E1oP3SQ5Vekf6msHAeEz2655zzX62lh7tIxYSRjF3p5gVA6oXy-znUOkDXFItkI8Ue01BUtjPDoty8-xNMirEWMdoKwUiaEB/s1600-h/IMG_0018%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0018" alt="IMG_0018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnGVrDlbqFRjTxfNQoF02eK4ed4b8TN8wIoJJcQefYafc_j4WR_q6qM3GaH5AK5RPC63nsBdYvFeuqfXwzW0Mh86dMI8_xfkPbneWBIj7wSa_lefcLUlsTA1OwZ5PO2Fvm8cv-AqGfWSn//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="323" /></a></p> <p align="center">Hank being a crazy horse!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkp3K5dG5ji8or01n3YCvWpuyJeMFZfzhbGXwnChD24g4sfEk7aSqUAoqrCsbsGDtAj0Toc6iGKJMemzMxxpI1_K5EACyg2CT5qcafQpgfWpYVZJ01Od9R9p0x3Wt8fYY1yM9noB_jeKX/s1600-h/IMG_0020%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0020" alt="IMG_0020" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcomnC-iL7P54Z6bA5Dn6M2aDr_T22l8rF_ED6JqNNFAEcVJdtJDMoEaB7CeqbEWxB22F1bqo3WBfteczjyNKjf9Wvl9YLArnj7dXSQ48_09aDeZ3Tlvh3zSh_KeGk5F5UEtKt-4jOSYn//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">Here is a couple of Hank’s friends who tagged along on this outing.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJkhdI3nmxBhA_Vf1DP51z0yRUry95O187Q5f-wYhWZ7TwWpSLl_7_eXcpcFhJsBQ9LHZkKfyBY6GISwW2LwnNMXdypglfwlYiEXijT9KzBrN-KRR_peFmKOxraCqh5paH0ZB_IYja4p05/s1600-h/IMG_0022%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0022" alt="IMG_0022" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIC2alTDyVTZHpxCTJ_h2Qe5amt5EwbCjwoKRK0jZZ5ER-vLxj2pKZFYZep0l8Z-9W5C-9UGAHlQfGA-eG6w8RNR7avSEU6UkaPTa1Rwgub25uFH1n3kH0B0AnnhTsE1sYBOt6tsvG-EhA//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Sam and Hank enjoy some deep conversation.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilr7O6ic_MFnI8nNSKONFsJ0h8yEuuzrQck1W0JKMqSUbfGwmTN6kvSbOD6Ya-Y7Wgaap5gA4vbn5OpF__zFnv-eXHpTBSIVqO7dGGgji1XWgOzL9Wv9HFguzI-xFq3vSqsL_r7SKhCozr/s1600-h/IMG_0026%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0026" alt="IMG_0026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-DrtTYcGUudHONXEW9JOcDkLrqB17gUsLbQ8Zjk1YScoe4-5Rv-r8R7JFEdezHech-FJqmhsPoQ-OrVAvtQqAOOgo7bHrfUKC-gbL2J0ik_jvO3Furbu0e5Ul9RwdJyzUWs5-wLsgiEK//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Hank is a bit sloppy so required a bib.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFjpem61ti5LctyJNtXdD38lteNF4N-wjy6-oPQu9G6J0MsJC00EadBmAOuaoTxnL9FNQ4yMMVixwF3PjiaqoE9Iv-vJwbgaTnATMQekH5DLw8xQLFPvC4Hc9z-ZxAED_lUELY9535qvf/s1600-h/IMG_0028%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0028" alt="IMG_0028" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXzGM5adi9lLRGAe5rh5TYTkvIDz_5Jmn-JPQI2dzVvlXze7kNvvaXDRiPEmRGZjOr8xJ8OUCdsVvzvipMhsPFe0LE4S6iMcP9ftBEbg1gIVefDuG8-qeMdC7YgDkD2Wpmis9rqPtmtYB//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Hank got full so Sam finished the rest of the yogurt all by himself.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoDMyt6zh9uHFkYsnRhj8VdoNUrDZdBF27zRII9nbIZi-o3CawLNsBAouruhaLkabuCikWhjGDeZWoNZqLso6FAimFLwWCOdAv5VFJjlDpsv5Z0hvoDf1YqdQruL_k5lJEGELXFVtdW9e/s1600-h/IMG_0029%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0029" alt="IMG_0029" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVqJzj4yAeKxVFYeure1UX2oCuI7GNMZvM3nLOy3wlKNF-Y2YpTp_7fhdOOIzq8sG8bbdJE9FftBZQCT3tiaemkl0jj34QfHcnmNSjwioDy6eHfKCJPT2KapoD6J0jZXBOQKyPAzsCJhRT//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p>The hope was that Sam would be excited about returning to school on Monday so that he could share his story and picture with the class. I’d love to say that the plan worked but, ummm…not so much.</p> <p>Oh well, Sam thoroughly enjoyed his week with Hank and got an unexpected bowl of frozen yogurt out of it, so it’s not all bad!</p> Molly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08591245425404213705noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975300125120218074.post-17264738067068059502013-01-15T21:47:00.000-05:002013-03-12T15:28:04.093-04:00Molly’s Best Buddy Mia Turns 7<p>Molly loves her buddy Mia. LOVES her. Even though the girls are now separated by a hundred or so miles, they still get super excited at the prospect of spending time together. It doesn’t take more than a minute for the time and distance to melt away before they are sharing secrets and giggles.</p> <p> And what makes it even better is that Mia’s mom is my best buddy. It doesn’t take us long before we are sharing secrets and giggles, too. Oh alright, at our age its more like sharing gossip than giggles, but you get the point.</p> <p>Mia turned seven last Saturday. As fortune would have it, we just happened to be in town and got to celebrate her birthday with her. Mia invited Molly out to lunch and the girls picked their favorite place: Noodles.</p> <p align="center">While waiting for the food to arrive, Mia and Molly work on a craft.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjG_3kYWxn96lT993tcX7DdIgM17CJiePY2EPVDdVN3jyLzHxIpcRTTO8ZsQqb5wpq6i3ZuWGGDd_et0oKGaaS4PP8q4ZxfernQfWx23NarmoIv-UMSREGoPMQ-zmYaOeiSpr25rBwJMsN/s1600-h/IMG_0002%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0002" alt="IMG_0002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXChPzcLleoJ66kQ7CH8YLJm9JW-66WGLI_GoY0gSFMn6LaBLYBMjjW-2iUJOChARQGQhhAfbWB7zQmq5jStPanCftHT5JOvDjtwRbZ29PcceW5yKeTJZ_68s1wcJrYPcpjdVRelxPeo8//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">The girls show off their BFF purses.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vYx8KtV39Bwiwpy-7470uVK_ue3zFpnMYBygzWGdmhiFdhrt-xoPjxjXuYR0B3sqbw_p8Gy0kEo2sty2NdimYWWIMNcZx5Lkvoc_mVm8WhXGEcTrMZbSeFVP0vv0eJnfaaAWHVgJzMm_/s1600-h/IMG_0005%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0005" alt="IMG_0005" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZKctodeXAwDI-o8keEFvE5GWuEVF4yrzlo81f3-3jb7LQLWl2OFvejGZLKQbAvjOcoXLA0MSLMEYjlha9RvgLV-JxbJU3jwZh1gSXBWq-_pXW3PQGrvZI06hg2tDOwMxHbDDlazaCyZ9//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Obligatory friendship pose before lunch.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-aqpnfDPvOq2U75GNQQTQhVW6Q4AEFvMt6xVc77B9EaAGknpSQLvmHSXK1SrA_VMgHu7pcxItGh3rIW-cC9FH84hASgtv-yN4wVvnSmNd-obcjjZFX0iu2CqGk5nfZSo94EetdeqCcd0t/s1600-h/IMG_9993%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9993" alt="IMG_9993" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-CytRd2VCaqOmqL78tXY4wi7DI0jBIBcQIn-oXm82YgjuGLyfPxwtdEy1M8CwqGLvpmQ0b62iCRrMaY04OdpnTmwN0Yk0pTJuxIXS2_f3WaXv5AX5_ppD4QVtAKxqmmGWhaq474AP2Zu//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Big bowls of mac-n-cheese and chocolate milk. This is gourmet dining at its best when you are 7.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkiE3LztV16HB_IaXzGY-YHDwN7zxnysSZLYAd-hi5VPQOmuM6sa5kpp2WcynVKlW1V317HWZx3wwJTfNBXf7Z5MnCw7i786rJuYjs1sIhNTMUpjXTMsjhKK0zsHgpizJFPCzILa-svZh/s1600-h/IMG_9994%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9994" alt="IMG_9994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvGfiajYm-4PiNjP1dKfXpX2kSnfVFjRolNGGDGBcuisZEjOLTR_MUWNENgfAhUBUbsWTr6Pfb7SPHeSm6lt99rpcrgBx0b4Pr9ACwKnPUj1uUsvaN2zs0-j3PV92vSWvayWUQzrCQ67n//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Mia takes a break from eating to open her present.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFuoqyHysZkndmIXqGDuePk17VAfeVa6olYwn7DCzek9DO3Wk97TMeSCLfAI3PpQDX0bMSaaz4OY42vlZaIXewpT2s0-6J9zMLFdJnqBivR27dpgcy9SMHDHpvSYTzVZXYBH1voC39eh7B/s1600-h/IMG_9995%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9995" alt="IMG_9995" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Mwg3gZkeANbT9KUzv0taTGxZtfND2EVKxrLUAOWBX6YSuI50IWnaJvAQCVL4NAgTsq8jLN2hsjbewtNVlRwAKGHSK0XsFVoc2sL-ubyuXfkDe8x9bEKDy8tmECqpYJmx8RrOk4pX61vH//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p>So glad that we were able to enjoy the afternoon with some our good friends and even more glad that we got to celebrate a special day for a very special little girl!</p> <p>Happy Birthday Mia!</p> Molly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08591245425404213705noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975300125120218074.post-28818950541305016762013-01-14T23:11:00.000-05:002013-02-21T17:17:10.053-05:00Toothless Grin<p align="center">I wish someone would have warned me before we had kids just how traumatizing every childhood milestone would be. It’s not traumatizing to the kids so much. It’s traumatizing to me.</p> <p align="center">Take teeth, for instance. I sulked when Molly’s two bottom teeth came out. Her baby teeth. Ouch. She’s not a baby anymore. Sniff sniff. </p> <p align="center">I finally get over that, and what happens? She loses her top teeth. Even more traumatizing. </p> <p align="center">For me, I mean. </p> <p align="center">Molly was thrilled. See:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3dw7M5IE1YZLek2KHy8YXUTfnqXJiQ2EsQsiXdWECg236uSRG3mR0ElNB9_fKwF-NSuybbTmVrO7ep0Bjv-5V_6BYpcTUSjvzvgf4kB5DOwRa8x_Zp7Ry-MxRdBe_ok7hb05USzu4sqT/s1600-h/IMG_9974%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9974" alt="IMG_9974" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWusuTHTEhrL8ceut02cQSxM-AdQuFNztft7QDNCbnNtL_IIGbkxKfgHjnrXsx-hp5WJCC6YAJTIE9BynE2LTx_OUqOHK2E0gO9d-mSTGyUC0M2eeKBhs26iRafAh5h2irRCwF1u8rou7s//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a>On January 11, 2013 my little girl bounced off the bus and happily announcing that she lost her front left tooth at school. She even had a nifty little necklace to hold it.</p> <p align="center">Reality set in. </p> <p align="center">Losing the two bottom teeth seems so easy now. You really didn’t see them and the teeth that grew in to replace the baby teeth were kind of small anyway.</p> <p align="center">But this? This is a different story.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-zaBZxv5lCjNUZv6FaDN7JhlDNqptvNw2u7tsTjFmLTW6t7kkzD5sM9rXBRXFoXFHF-ozFJBKtiE4gz5Ia0rhpuc0nr9RUQ00-_lTBPK_F5ijBhsfLf5qffbCWgfnS_TzmmBM_HeRJ-e/s1600-h/IMG_9975%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9975" alt="IMG_9975" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNavs2PADywwf5jO1CSXsoK27G0kOD8I6vve9Nd-y7AMRhi2AzSx7ExoE3Vv0uTmL56GnZqwjb8QwHzB8u6h2Rdn4DPAJYSHJGeNApCbslWqZpno0AR5N3Vy3KpbbCay-BpSY7sftq-c1//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a>No hiding this.</p> <p align="center">Or this:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLa-n4WYfXWa-1ksrC87k6Gj88Ud-ORZ_i-c_AW8hGFprss0PWtBcV3G1MGsGh9u-QZMfn-lh95AWO8bzgGomyYLhDl7JUZJVGkk9EryiGMNH3fzd8DbbNreocAlX6J7-zVLwExZb5zA9R/s1600-h/IMG_9976%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9976" alt="IMG_9976" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9NUHXyhEztOURYIxxvOqnaVZ9MzP96NY3-n-Fa-AF5GjzaxjRRTLRe3-_6qa-wEOjr12Mdkms26cl-mSiPfeN2MrjhoIyC1XiRpmRFh2eQ3Rf3hY4j1XbFbj0wTeRGY1dmjloorqP_O4//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">While I sulked in the recliner, lamenting the loss of my daughter's childhood, she got busy writing a note to the Tooth Fairy:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv7UcERyzrnRCAzO7gAMacCUbjR-fqj4ZbtjDXKgqRQbHbMl2viyen8QUw0XgJNNpF8n1M4sTn10cfM9GNE3iCtmyPIHpkRKWdPOUVqe9ZouzCGS1EjkyH5ylEprwkAmn0ux4Wd9ycliqD/s1600-h/IMG_9980%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9980" alt="IMG_9980" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgno9UUJAxP7i49JgIh0Btf02HqfdF9HbRuFTU34wATVJb7JrzF3IXAmMm8lAKB4RIcFcDKIeKht8yyy9tsa5CuBNZwjOhriMrHHhaWUAVf1bcOu-myJk-qXzRYdT8bjOxhz7hSbh4JcVPZ//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Seems that she wants me to keep her teeth as a memento. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvDZhf4zwlRtdWLA5Ns74iDuASuBPcOYOBWb9qkOHLgnS0DrVwyop-VfOUqE4wq7kHxMTa1VSEn3-MLpLYkNGk8vmXGCd2Ba7HIEZGuyhpN294U-lQXTYLWYlPeCj07v7GxqoMbPO65Lxe/s1600-h/IMG_9987%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9987" alt="IMG_9987" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmenSqQ1eIFVD_cwS2iTEiX0oy03srromJXlJCP2-kFT2Dje4zdeEtce8mCMxmZuYL9UUuXIu9nn_U4Ws6-9Lum2UIH7H0afmBNlgSOtAoHcZFnSOxSgAkCCLm7HuI61BrDmmiPFXrAFnt//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Duh! Like I am going to throw them away? I have no clue what I will do with a jar full of baby teeth, but I have no intention of getting rid of them. Weird as that seems.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvRHO0lb357D47mKmxJIQvQvUQtjbYt8lDbi8CY325ToEHj5Sh3lsefKcU_jMjk2EhFxb_sCqsf9GL8YkuwbZlBxjJfqndtLAQezR133JpYAsAiaafN6d1QpjxbspOfvoJo88s7_grkLB/s1600-h/IMG_9990%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9990" alt="IMG_9990" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHeciYH4kXHBERu6NdQy7Zq5ZUZ2TImvubzqob67tEVnfntFpuO7vXsqqx4oA88KQi5XCHmJduPE_SGL5ekT-WG0o2b6XPqj-MYkjIC_BvOnQNSYsZvoJfKowOmjaEbsrpTXkaRxOEOzRU//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Now that top tooth #1 was gone and there was no turning back, I was ready for #2 to go, as well. Tooth #2 was really loose and flapped all over the place whenever Molly talked. </p> <p align="center">It really grossed me out.</p> <p align="center">Luckily we didn’t have to wait long because tonight Molly twisted, and pulled, and tugged and that loose tooth finally came out. </p> <p align="center">Now we have the toothless grin and I must admit, as much as I hate this milestone….<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0T1kYv8M8CeR48r3y9jVO6lkYCONWOxgnlzTuFxWhPxg9AvCRCuagHPI0CmTbwOI6Ao2uEThY9lyZgISVkIPgnbYdWWjeEwsSUDGpa6eIyY1H-lKFP4BejcjCC5GUfDjn6FPY-zxGgGnr/s1600-h/IMG_9991%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9991" alt="IMG_9991" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxZGeaCVBQS2nn3nZ7Um2bfAuJJa0PxRU_awcsfzYKpVeRamjq01FhduteKb1iq-1jry3Yu2XhFpw7iQ_tvh2CRPfG5Mg9HitPBYg54392oSK8J5C2iBCT0hcEs8eeKhEl5xU4OvXCwE5//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a>she does look pretty darn cute!</p> Molly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08591245425404213705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975300125120218074.post-57125536838793459812013-01-07T19:31:00.000-05:002013-02-21T16:46:12.341-05:001st Day of Preschool *Gulp*<p>Somebody tell me how this is possible. </p> <p>My little boy just turned three years old two days ago and now he is going to school. That just seems wrong. You wouldn’t send a two-year-old to school, so why on Earth would you send a little boy who was two years old just two days ago to school?</p> <p>Still shaking my head in disbelief over this one. But off to school he goes.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgH4RfAn2LQsOARhGZbJSg3HgRuijXY6iCDI3t42LYaVlx685F8PPUpAt-vVzr9ziZTJMI5JU0S-dKNL6sw-fiepewSeDGfnTiPqXwcLzH_T2LZ2VH-QnCQKtRhhWtoYYo0r8jlMJVxHX/s1600-h/IMG_9965%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9965" alt="IMG_9965" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YhTv-UuY7n-Opgu3fhUXCwqYeJdFv9iAT0slwoYw518lpdEj7lo6joGG_sE2SFFITtGOJmdTLldLu8bUMNmLbs-YYl5fYUqdxag3PLbdhafRxZoqRbxdoOMTtgHJFPvhlANDDcczrs6Z//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="674" /></a></p> <p>Sam was eligible to early intervention through the county until age three. Miss Bev dutifully showed up at our doorstep every other week and we played.  And learned, but it was learning through play. </p> <p>Then Sam celebrated his birthday and Miss Bev stopped coming. I still get teary about it. *sigh*</p> <p>Now Sam’s intervention services are turned over to the school district, and he is off to preschool. Without me. Outside of the safe, nurturing walls of his home and his family. And truthfully, I had more than a few hesitations about it.</p> <p>Of course we have other options for speech intervention. We could have a speech therapist over to the house, we could bring him to the school just for speech time, we could use intervention funding to hire a private speech therapist. </p> <p>But in all honesty, we feel that this is the best option.</p> <p>Sam is a social boy. He loves being around kids. Kids are great motivators and role models for speech. He will also get much more time with the speech therapist being enrolled in preschool. Time that we couldn’t duplicate in a home setting. </p> <p>Really, it is a big win for everyone. Except for my mommy heart which still sees him as a baby. </p> <p>We’ve only had Sam for a year. It feels like he is being stolen from me. And I am not taking it very well.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7sKdRdOxAEdk_qOLev8w0m5bgNB0eIMS8YWOCPY8wOAfjFIxMr9RsmMNTtok23CEgAcAzlQLRs_Ej4NpDXSxeF3oVY7cH8a72-meD04YMQHFGaqbKOeNGjAEtBC5CwgItt8O3p7x_Q1fz/s1600-h/IMG_9966%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9966" alt="IMG_9966" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHW_jUIkHHSOUhp3AIKHmpeMLa0r8yU_xzb8Mom0KXzkmq3Hx3NdcpL1mZbIaTaQxPM57Ca7u0Gzh5C_iqF1JCAKEb-SVuFKl7hyZvomaxWEOuTlAUe5I13WfL9ESXM90LiJULJC4u9XYz//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p>When I took Sam for a tour of his new school, he was very excited. He sees sister going to school each day, and the fact that he was now standing inside a school seemed pretty cool to him. When I signed to him that this was “Sam’s school,” he looked at me in disbelief.</p> <p>He questioned me by repeatedly signing back, “Sam’s school?”  I answered him in the affirmative each time. Then he signed, “Molly’s school?” wondering if I somehow made a mistake in my communication skills. I assured him that this was not Molly’s school, but <em>his</em> school.</p> <p>He raised both arms above his head and shouted, “HURRAY!”</p> <p>For the past two weeks he has been asking about <em>Sam’s school</em> and we have been counting down until the first day. Today was it. </p> <p>This morning both Sam and Molly donned coats and backpacks and we headed out the door. Upon arriving at Molly’s bus stop, Sam was greeted by the bus stop moms with excitement and good luck wishes. </p> <p>It was a t this point that I lost it.</p> <p>WHY IS THIS HAPPENING? I SHOULD BE WALKING BACK TO THE HOUSE. I SHOULD BE SITTING ON THE SOFA SHARING A YOGURT WITH MY BABY AS WE WATCH MISS SPIDER’S SUNNYPATCH. I SHOULD <em>NOT</em> BE DRIVING HIM TO SCHOOL!!!</p> <p>It really caught me off guard. I though I had come to terms with the whole baby-going-to-school thing. Apparently not.</p> <p> But Sam had to go to school and having a blubbering idiot for a mom was not going make the process easier for him. Therefore, I dried my tears, pulled on my big girl pants and loaded my school boy into the van. He was thrilled.</p> <p>Sam was all about going to school….well, except for the whole mom-is-going-to-leave-me-here-by-myself thing. When it came time for saying goodbye, Sam put the Vulcan death grip on me and I knew we were in for a challenge.</p> <p>When a child typically has this reaction on the first day of school, you might just say, “Leave, let him cry it out. He’ll be fine.” And that’s exactly what Sam’s teacher told me.</p> <p>Except I just couldn’t do it with Sam. It was only a year ago that someone arrived at Sam’s foster home where they took him from the loving arms of his foster parents and thrust him into a tall American stranger’s arms. His whole life was turned upside down and he has never seen that life in China again. How could he trust that this wasn’t going to happen to him again.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5zMWC2M2JNffhvNdIZHnYWnddF71FvBxTTv8jM1_gfPePVeQKM5XCbvwhz0MdUMiWyK-laKW4tvrSfrI0SKOcFZ9I20LpqnO3hzoUdylo8_mXJUC9LgCwVityV0QKJH117qfvAFlNLLsH/s1600-h/IMG_9968%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9968" alt="IMG_9968" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY59W6Ya_q1-YvpzVQQd5v8YHgTs0iG3N63sVZlFpcHSkXhDy2Sri5AehGUnchnipWYtcAeGWYGlVAFpX0vrHUlUvlJ_f42J9M7hVdirota-8fhGxifX9yyViv_eCvKgLTqH-4OMB0eY6C//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="677" /></a></p> <p>So now we have started what I am sure is going to be a process--attending preschool without Mom. I know I need to be out of the classroom. I know he needs to be there alone. I can’t go to preschool with him. But I am not going to leave him there when he is terrified and feeling abandoned. </p> <p>My plan is to stay as long as he needs, but spend every minute pushing him towards independence. </p> <p>When Sam finally let up on his grip around my neck, I had him sit in my lap. When he would sit in my lap, I had him move to the floor. When he’d sit on the floor, I scooted back. A constant dance of being there for him yet encouraging his independence.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1UkmiN6qKyvzPJ3qbhlssvhpCRxo6sNKsg71VHy2pfS4AFYS3HpSDM0SrQ9RtxvVAoNVbbOQMXxX74UKAKGA9Lb1pCVLEX3Z-W5RRMF7_Mjq53uOD8aJeqXpyr9FB1lBQRz74hgegw6v/s1600-h/IMG_9969%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9969" alt="IMG_9969" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7DdZKSIe1FXiYwmJr8E84rQCZpgHS5r8TL1pxAnJBN4KyMuDqEPVs3oC8drCxwJfGPAIXUFfB1HdgzUYrRxV7M74ptzZ6Oba0jIaSy_Dnk3pTVy6PEYSLtz7wVBqDyZ0IUIdN-nZqcLI//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="677" /></a></p> <p>Day one wasn’t bad. Sam actively engaged in some activities, left my side on many occasions, and I was eventually able to sit in the hall for the last 20 minutes of class! </p> <p>How long will it take until I can drop him off, kiss him goodbye and go? Don’t know. But I was oh, so proud of my schoolboy today! He took some very big steps.</p> <p>And so did I.</p> <p><strong>Update 1/21/13:</strong> Well, it’s been two weeks since Sam started preschool. I think that I can say that we are over the hump. Every day I spent less and less time in the classroom with Sam, until I could drop him off at the door and leave. </p> <p>He still signs “No school!” to me as we drive to school, but once there  he joins in and has a good time. Today was the first day where I said goodbye and he waved to me and turned to join the class with a smile on his face.</p> <p><strong>Update 2/21/13:</strong> Sam is now excited about school. He asks if it is time to go to school and shouts, “Hurray!” if I tell him yes. He has no problems when I drop him off and participates in all the activities throughout the day. </p> <p>He is always really excited when I come pick him up. He runs out in the hall and gives me a big hug and says/signs “mama!” over and over. Then hugs me some more. </p> <p>It’s the best part of my day!</p> Molly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08591245425404213705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975300125120218074.post-10174276148328336182013-01-05T23:57:00.000-05:002013-02-02T18:59:59.817-05:00Happy 3rd Birthday Sam Qiao!<p>Today we celebrated Sam’s 3rd birthday, but it was more like a first birthday, at least for us. </p> <p>Sam’s second birthday was spent in China. We celebrated with a small cake and a happy birthday song sang by our travel group. But it was the day before we left for the United States. Most of the day was spent packing, checking travel arrangements and saying our goodbyes. Not a proper birthday at all.</p> <p>This birthday—the 3rd birthday that felt like a 1st birthday--would be different. There would be balloons, and decorations, presents, and family. The day would be all about Sam.</p> <p>And I would be there with my camera to capture each and every moment. </p> <p>Of course.</p> <p align="center">Waking up a three-year-old and getting some cuddle time with Daddy.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdrfLo3SMyl3kKMtWQ1HA0xyCUbspD0amf3Ux4qwojJ4pu-jKlkMmq80n6Ofe44OlBMMRNLBPtvQglLiZs27RYfivVZl_oy5zGmiqH_7kQDvo-SUHYDcxnP3YHhglZHgC0III-qOBkOIv/s1600-h/IMG_9847%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9847" alt="IMG_9847" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC2Asmnus93W6aGXXRVgum5FQ-EU0CtiP0eauGLFRQdD0hjr7sd4fA4aiBeD_9e0RJa0Bfum13WwgHAee6odf8riJovw6obyxz6MosdUkydn5Xe-aBQaWO3byRyEmkSrrK5JqCruDDP3qc//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">A special treat for the birthday boy: watching Thomas on TV from the comfort of Mom and Dad’s bed.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Ge00VEeRhzA2yr6rqwT-qhw8gLMcvWMVBOkl_ChaIl08SUYaeCPbIfy8-bJwthkWIoz5hDRqHTa1_UzPo07RGGnAoDZJVKDZDD3gU-HCWqICuyYYSj0n_4gy90TwBKw3vXh1rqAmFuIN/s1600-h/IMG_9851%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9851" alt="IMG_9851" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQkXOPc4i-kVXluHHxad6TMsFQiXvwAjMu4x0BKKYiJOShhuBAFbTrHLgD51-ozNrgFVK0GRop3F6ngWsCvx8W-_j5L_0QKWz1JXTvXti4klbkHrQYgRcno_c_kzSeyqTyEZF2OoyFBvQ//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="323" /></a></p> <p align="center">Sam enjoyed some time playing with his Christmas gifts. Having a birthday so close to Christmas, everything still seems new and fun. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsJryOXtqFhXeBnqZB2qmSMu3u3brgP6Avw-hWNSRud7zXsIoH9HDFExoZ4h9gIXD6bSKWBzDVRP9FbSa01uWV7awStf3xyyY-ESioTDwXsPTxey-y7nm8ApJfUcSbCsv7nFk2DRifgDA/s1600-h/IMG_9853%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9853" alt="IMG_9853" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktZ6BjcDcKo7ybV0T_Y4b5QVcpFE5jkjWEGKI-GO4fgpMHCdwZ1aaJotV4e8WPmdJasmxNHiFBrNEPkMj_0RQ5c-HCWNxdvBDhyphenhyphen2pM10GhRkLsuoQNVvJ46dTBgjw4olhHxmTz6OqDZ8a//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Eating breakfast. Sam requested hot cereal with chocolate sprinkles, pineapple and scrambled eggs. And that’s exactly what he got.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8PX1sRgXNlD9IDnntWDCwnQw3MpNsY_Xf0GXWoeThjb2t-LTC7TC52xaORkdu4CEoN2wUNkuxJN4-6QSk97Eonnn4bCtJMV_YnDsPkdRKwYJ2TF_jg13IPikvxJJG2oPy8bdNNX_QhKd/s1600-h/IMG_9855%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9855" alt="IMG_9855" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKp91y5vPjtdcE3MgFRF4ijCo6sYb1Xa1BDxt3NbDzPbe-Kob1DbLU2QczEpf26VTLqbw3F6Tatgyx_07ofC96nisrK2dMkautFPGwzKjV42a4GmZCIBrTJdTl_CbS69yD9UpNWl4oAAUz//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="323" /></a></p> <p align="center">Our dear friend Susanne and her son Max stopped by to give Sam his very first gift.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsplVXfBSAD7-sPUseRQDaEXOkDEmMxB2nZpf9mBtWrcoA51jKxzOSd-JklDYfaIsawBOgMK0B-nDWmD7S2TRF5g5yjnhA1_rWByC6paS0D0Cwbgsp2Ck2MuJPIbAoykCuFYgV62QQpsi3/s1600-h/IMG_9859%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9859" alt="IMG_9859" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkOCvPPls9VWRdSWqVIbXAl7RnTtU_yjiaKUi3LFNw6xN3eeNoZy_ZewaHqINUP680SVgxMtBcRNpRPjgMkH2CwMWo0zHDqjp2yfzd5j8m7xc4n0pCkIsrlP1NM8-Ye_8i8P2tUJ9vgty//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="674" /></a></p> <p align="center">Sam and Max check out the Alphabet Duplo blocks. Which were very cool, by the way.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghqx8IPIraVf8sHzV42CpkZx4AoAuvevMiUOsRMPSuDfgiyzYJ4MqIw1WHkAHCLPmf4EvmzNrK2PjRxounJz5cYxk0JW3R4BhzaS8LgRWJHMnu1Hga4HfB4JbPpF9EQuUz-eaH1fktrZl5/s1600-h/IMG_9860%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9860" alt="IMG_9860" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhua1_tcEpoUgLjFM8Gkgh11NmsZJgTNMNA67Ee9GE25H_4noVefiGto4LJU4OtVkb8V_uzYYQKRQ2oQnF6X2utp9AUHt__PYGTI1jSvJcxdxb42vR6lnSj8vX-Mnx0yrEQ24Ia6dVRZD7V//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="321" /></a></p> <p align="center">After a brief visit with Max and Susanne, we loaded up the car and made the drive to Aunt Karen’s.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionYbG-iu3SJCqc3piAKSOPX4O8lrT6lpMtKXheCMlZHoAWwoIjwgXcFhj7bZiHTaILW74d8JkWkUftrpT2_UdDYmObg2sDI9X6UgwopzQ3g88araTr6avNKldi6iA_v47MiLOFvhAVIQ2/s1600-h/IMG_9863%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9863" alt="IMG_9863" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzQOnmQQbjpFBnP_mgE3frk5J0qkDQvpiyznKTqUCKdidmJ1QoxHcg5woWMAi62xYvwg3TcTQHX3_1w61w0T07An9vPOLJfpktuYXNm99w8itdblJ3bHgv0RFHlxt1Gae2IKxhmCmwVrw//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Upon our arrival, these two little monkeys find the candy dish within minutes.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtV16tcbfHV-9kNfuRkpijWNT7E5xFuKePWu9Ndh0CnlJ9I7vW8wLCE7OFAtWgNsUfBWZF3QZFyyuJTPDyjFZpU-Abht0rUrphg39YJlwQVIp8FFArQlurqk9VpBDyUG9gtVHgbRNN5nd/s1600-h/IMG_9864%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9864" alt="IMG_9864" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOB1XoQewvx__PPJAULQV5xtv24g_W4MZr5yBQvzNr_vXsMd5pRKJC0x6rDIiLvFluB9cah5R2Fx82Rb_VT0abm3UW8yPTIdojJWhJ051u0i_4USX-s-HMq-zm_bOjLDgWw76ChH3NJCSc//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">The day was spent fooling around with cousin Matt…<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgEoVEcr8p4c7FwEjwfmNEx6Oub6l72A882RQRQIkcRXdD-RoPyS4nFLKottq5AY2lIie2p_2RYzubFsTxD5Yt_D95jrYKPaXF0wuIyUKObBk0FkCgN5Wx-Ug4o-ZYiMgfd3TgpbhQPou/s1600-h/IMG_9866%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9866" alt="IMG_9866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZzuynl1e9eVt4jn8dQA8FVI2j8fzsbNYtf4ap40JS3ggwwU0IQeRmYRhazwqKrnKizoJyewc22NdsSl-w7Ao1AVJjMWYcOZGZQdJY2td55eBVIMQHQCFOmvjxTVigXahdS88aeHwqInm//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">…getting cuddles from Grandmom…<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1KKP9TbG_w5V7MOxx6jaSn3gwY9-4DLwNszh_QQCblh7rXIqKKlr-KEnWKiT_CcmTV4aNhObphJxDuFVQnXY0mDmKcWkiRTcTT5kO8jJpPqVEe4nVaU6gl-_zmB7UAdEU3BnEweqkBviC/s1600-h/IMG_9869%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9869" alt="IMG_9869" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSo1Ix1cN80E5MdiOubgZiRXI_AqTG1CqL4vnQ4GiintAuC5f0cZEg4l4AI8eUKViy8LlICVHY0Oa80EEKDJT6vV5yelKMjNAkgEhA1oBYEwMdHytmprdDf_tV7AtgcGujlk5-muy7Qktq//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">….and playing Wii with cousin Allison.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnpjde30xqIh3Gno3VyBQY7SNeoS6MHhhMq1XSNdQeTbrGj91sB95B47lO2B-rlvQBuo920LdjG7BJiAk1vciJ9-1iRsfajCd1zD2Z1ZDoldw5c2wFNKdZ7Zt65zwT_zmUli_k8wzvf4uM/s1600-h/IMG_9871%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9871" alt="IMG_9871" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHlaxSBm1omVUClyyPhNqWW_BKbkKMECk2HoIttoDdBedBxsX5iXxcev9bkrKteKYJ3EA27gmqOuE6B8YcBq6Kvfe3QzNf0VMU8veX_zN-WbcPuWqRvS_C5EIwe7yp4O_qa5_WqlP1J6Nn//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">Lots of fresh snow outside called for some serious winter gear. For some reason kids think going out in this is fun!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_yC5o8-xEJkq_GAsMtuFx8d9HbDNabgLY3W2r1wbUqK25Rg7-5V_QlQ6qii7EpVZNq3RDvjMkEYGSBgJd5sN5RqoTX63yKRxwocydyrhzW5MdBl4rkeIeHUrvEZJvgA_Huu6TNYAiY5E/s1600-h/IMG_9873%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9873" alt="IMG_9873" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfpf1nEXZTvIorlpnZ4ONcpDwqD9Ic9mz_cGDZGnD34KvypSoWSxEXPY3awqwsLcwEpSiuCWNcwb7U_a5xedrXi_y_kp6inf3wvlThVANehehEUX5wnZA4x9qNX9IGSwbH9NVxRj0obWyX//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">Tony was elected to accompany the crew outdoors while I took pictures from the back deck. And got snowballs launched at me.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ6q1vK9cQp-rsF50FmM-IQb2JJCZzfDFFwcNu3Tlpfla6DAKCoPgnc49ye4krlh22uVggJilTC6D00F2c0mGnP8o1Ro4JPajqmxVPZ0D_gHaYr-wEWLVdJdXNc9AnLl2f7XLJPr0CYzeQ/s1600-h/IMG_9874%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9874" alt="IMG_9874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6W7PGgx63Pd_VpFAZMYe34QI7NkdJ3f19_5FsKrANSsbWEHu34_W8ZA0BTnK_7PClsBV9cTgtlryICStmmrYrRJ6PlCG_hR8JWxx9bWcuxwnOAJUVPpbAXkvN3xqh-zddumeM6brV1M2//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">After coming inside and warming up, the birthday boy was ready for dinner. We had all of his Chinese favorites. Although Sam has never met a food he didn’t like, Chinese is still what he prefers. Well, that and chocolate.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghqlmE1MXz3-S93g5pyHKAvI0kmpE5yQ0RmswTxBDq7n30uFZykUx6VzVW1Qr4pp15m_F949a4WorUCBD0-F9uBjcE7REZ_YVefjFXrHA9edTuRl1TGjg3tSNzBSFC4KxI-EG7_n3Vli1g/s1600-h/IMG_9875%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9875" alt="IMG_9875" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEhr7uORNNzYUGN_VK0tGHnWeDOwE9DMZI5O4me5oZ0mDFfEWK19ScgOwEZj19vQ6Vjxo22WK1e-W7RY03Ayx9SLDlwWxM-HxmoTLsVsZdmXmI0xa9kpBMAhYQEk-9MOfpCZzZNz85s2B//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Digging in. Yum!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIsw5n8eYTVYpFuu7EbYLIxEcbM09hgs6G-Y-eGxHJ6Wo4z5qCvtaF-uySqz5i1kIrPzlX3GH5Pz3jH_754xWI25vuUZSBKiROwdiJjVUVhK4spO1qkyq7L_0xOJFoim2zik8nLZaMjhK9/s1600-h/IMG_9876%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9876" alt="IMG_9876" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5A073xRuLpXEBx8ixabkBV3ZJAUZgFkeZA5Y6L_bh6e62uTGw2nOQWa99YLXgLue3doeMIKHHWWHv9WKoGXdcE3BYgPka1-qskZgxALZfFcD_lpn36CJQ7Ua6oKyW8jD8t-szf1JrSkM5//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Sam’s cake.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjurE5LfskxQlpapvfnQKv2cqTw_kLf8Mgj5eW7-UpMWtvnA2K0Utaw1bOw_E_AH6-f7G4-aAFsl1MTMswVRKgDdeLFCUneYpyufyxFeULoxaEfyrfKK2IchO3i1uNt8_gIYweUULI4gVNj/s1600-h/IMG_9882%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9882" alt="IMG_9882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WValSnRJl5_FHDw9vXdc5aMpFz7GDTAh9EIs9gPcDbd48ZY7vP27Qw19Y_jNxuuGmjFjwf9N5hz7bqQPm4Zi1Uw5A92YwvUXzIWpZg_iXzLEuiLUhytTF86zKvmeZasJI7Rm3Ruxr92a//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Table decorated for the birthday celebration.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3XcyU6RkHYmdF1EqsJfygm0MtKyB3PqK4kC8kYOblB9p-f8EuQzRdThSLyNwTdwhMjpf4IQdbP2pv3Lg4k8q7H6w3Dt3WPV2xbnzZj63JCV8qZRBynzETELaZCK8kMbEIJKP_-iAGRXNf/s1600-h/IMG_9888%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9888" alt="IMG_9888" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxAomywmHpIascAZ0kKkZ_s8Z9CzbhaHB1CBQhFK3QH09cGMPQw3WKTXYa2o07qjUJ1YxwFO985iLSsLhOh9NSlYKB4gVNlde6RIrlmtyN_rNWduKrXLMkp747dMsqvZQ3-3cfWuINqZyR//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="701" /></a></p> <p align="center">And just a few gifts for a very special boy.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_om7XBi8gOQU__30Dc303S6XDlpkJu3EBSKDy_1fzyudqLyT4keihqMO9XdtPIARf8kqO96wALCReYli58cq7V0D8Y-r05WjCI7soJGpXmv2JMXLOY6yF06u5g2gpRGzRVr2MNjmOVZb-/s1600-h/IMG_9894%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9894" alt="IMG_9894" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGf83TUsxvVfl6hMPW7vuVpttTAqEgRIU3gxoHB-EKdVN4vPI6ALREPbs-JWxxY6t8enyw0udJyZZW7T8Q9mKUFPaiePyEhLu1MUk7nkHPi2tJSFnKf4UZYo_gHm3mlO-uA8CvADfoxhMR//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="320" /></a></p> <p align="center">Sam has attended enough parties to know what this part is all about. He is just overjoyed that this time HE gets to be the guest of honor.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hyphenhyphen4hT6gXtoRh5jSOW_u7VJRh9j_hHFQRwcV8Dv4Bl2fj80zFgTGIFbnvtQ8bHHVUCE32qchb-kbKUz6nwnWiRIUt7bHQ2LteZ3ekpqufA-2pfmKL4BtuCo1GZb-9V0n8-qW9zH28A1tp/s1600-h/IMG_9898%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9898" alt="IMG_9898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfSbon9eSFXFR9pnE4z469NEcGgf2YNKAuYJKFPV_qd9Y9f0Zk3WBLCgw_fRol4Md0Ck2tAB2CEBuy0fF-WMRhlK5QX8dS4Ves2chYmQYRYBiZWB0dmqNGDXjcZWhjlNLuGAPo9wbmM8q//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">Getting ready to blow out the candle.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFyVvBEjoWZAGyM8UY1VHjWBZrkTgYVPDtlF5s-bY2RCja7lPWC4XaXx14frNDS-0_oLOWtzuT6lY82BogmUiKcduMlWb_aH6e28FssN_AAx06KLbqh4XJe9KJ3awUrz40dNGxQobxaPx/s1600-h/IMG_9902%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9902" alt="IMG_9902" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4NTVMpCK3Ovay9rMFLqXIsEwRwxkm62dLrvAo-mkTsu_5RHTCDhlC-7xN-aNPlQX3wlxfT4zLFI-nIcR4HI_qbWGkZHfSOKprD-yEKh5xk52jW3gp0oews9qDPFNcW3vkIYdAQDq3AKKN//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">Which he did with his nose. We are still working getting airflow through the lips. Next year he’ll have it for sure!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJmGeM-gecjgHBTWtuznK1po9WTD8hTKhKrKX2ap-hvh7zNXlSQ0gwMN3U9HFNagi7JjY_6xeUPGm1VHVLfnvL2AnDsfMVR3uSbSRitgee3uoIxm5aKW3nPI_iFQ0vxy8mLi6dlMeuXfo/s1600-h/IMG_9903%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9903" alt="IMG_9903" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-MzOc1ma6TtNaPJOSCw-13OO3mo6fEYgle0CJ1RglufvAj70UxZsiauo7tb40-8H-KEu5tUoDTys6cUjupRMQdJe-IyAkZkVmZlIzbXJDs1py2LqUMi8j63-gHzKzuA_irI3wvaSTMAb//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">Getting his first take of his birthday cake.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZZZALEtEwNxq4NNpLf-KjNX4fMifOa2RJ_Ru_aLd1V87kZssBOtIl-aMGLVHqqwAtlhK18H1I9qhbAWOU7EWlp9T0UrGfIJsUM2qxppET2Oq_VycKqKwlSMuyHI6YZv9p1Pd6pKdXzLm/s1600-h/IMG_9908%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9908" alt="IMG_9908" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxpu3Bxf-hQ6mPat2PgTf-dXcjrdBdjtpiQzc58gpPIuyRjncuyUAvh5aTP2vVJINHMSTxmtKyJRc3DD_aEMWzaAB0u99ZJeajA9ZX94etwv2PlZgI40zLCRscBgIaI9_Izp3ns3KiIMv//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">Molly is excited to join in on this part.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QGqNOg8LBLQtxMFd_GkL1HR_DGCGIxqDsP-qiQ2KRE0-_ti0vKIVDD8MmOl57C_DG5Q_x2P556octodFc3PCk5WBwIejsgiwrXHtfX8_a0n3U40uZoQ1dAVouuZS2pA5MkvB6yaDShFJ/s1600-h/IMG_9911%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9911" alt="IMG_9911" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6Cpsf6i6Pe_xx_RfKMMwHsFSS0r2GJL0S4GB6-MwbkdC7oFn28MgL_WF4CayS_ASqilEGN763_qxhsNZhuc-ms1Qk04Yiv8BmZZFUYzrCs4jBgRbW9T-_NyUEckVGQvgTKcrtPo8zU0R//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">Sam was eager to devour his entire piece of cake. This boy has a giant sweet tooth!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DYq6u4GnWTHJArzh2W-qbSYQOk9H5aM-JDzMfcdkRt66qlgrbWlrWMyTjcbfAeKH8B_hlYIrt8_ubUfixKZoa3mS9NTQinMF6RsL1qKc2N9STOj_vFrFUYXFm_rEai-ifkvaCkdSi_hL/s1600-h/IMG_9915%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9915" alt="IMG_9915" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW0VvdOGNSweNi5-Uvf8ERQP6zbAZCPqdqE8gnGbocUXiszERIg6UKYdYGLKEPPEXM-VNGlLH_RplTv5fbRAyNGUDjm418zCE1TlinEQCuW68XyVzNkUAT23PP7swVu5HF-ZzCf0V83h3e//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="674" /></a></p> <p align="center">Family photo. Love this!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAzypwjE_3LBbZcFND1bAfxbsHxs0du82Q0pNPS3fxr25UfNHfjLqV_pI1VCNjb7Am-hWqOEqV51QX8jn3fi14CVIYzlbwSqHEF2fpVaswQa2Q4C2siD0NznBzSMCF-GD_dFDIeAMiRCKs/s1600-h/IMG_9920%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9920" alt="IMG_9920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4q5nrlAG1VO5J2R3RlYSTq0CeBXnRnLsjZjE2l-Xr7nOrd_87csnTENko51ooIy2Z3i7P1sr4Gfz-qbfrXkTuUOuZQe44vjdpmbRkLjbnQVMEA_IHHXkM-18gwqGPvxIvdu04OCrhWx4E//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Having a ‘see food’ moment with Mom.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNcWa6bQiqtwWgZ1uQWGx0Qb5jocVcxfmz0ZVO8cHCpYZUy7nyNbniNWmcKTjicgWqvZ4L-535TMNNVAlLiG3QBNpk636FDXJmrbcbahMjwW5JfVxNfyUutp_EJbYwMh3cdd9btQUz82g/s1600-h/IMG_9923%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9923" alt="IMG_9923" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRAqCDpxrFpWEFMiEw8TeopyM_TyWfzqyOnYV5ygYJlNAaNoBPGAZwrPNSa2LY_B_ckdn_OT8hWnsmx7agBteCAAI7eYgrBTVW4rz8gpl6xAOlUTBwhr_CKIZT8vkWRhEHkwQD-uZaLtOH//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">I’m guessing that Sam approves.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0j3tsa5EDVitYTVGPjNm4dy0p8l0aRVmpNIVZTnmVeg8gWa6BZI1WbOZKtmi83kfjEHWSiBgeZ5FRm-YH8VIJNNZkvDjSKCS0yOT0EQGsOdwUIK8b_5W-LS_Na3RsbzSGQxwHp_abD63w/s1600-h/IMG_9924%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9924" alt="IMG_9924" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1M0SlyBn56YksSrQLR9h6ICvyIIItxG05NkHSiW0tsmGVadhQM71tLFVa7dixCfvLyIBdN1lyUIDijJPN0FrZ1IyqO1pLdJwFcTVa7HpvWWL5h0NAP3IdGV025Q8fkEHI0hLNew-JzH9E//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">Getting his hands washed by Aunt Karen so he can move on to the next part of the party…<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-Uw3B-kff6zkIhqd3stG85d0lTNVW5xfOUBt-shBKl8hA3uQU0hwzWs6hQg7sJAfDmV5PZ31GZNlvkdN0PPLdQPNC0g2bLkdfO1y4jDWdB4WCxXj5iFCK7cTW7q5g1aU9l3szYHjPBU0/s1600-h/IMG_9929%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9929" alt="IMG_9929" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWP01gYsz6J4MNPH_78-xAhzikCoFazsPua6fyn1LPYxitm6nLN3H7-Kkt2WFwJ2libwT6pvdoSN62YAP7jz9WkafaJ3sTEBEdg_dmEkNEs27NcXnHP9hBwhUcSig7MI_2uHpfSrCwutTz//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="323" /></a></p> <p align="center">…opening presents!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYx4rg7HDPIKfTd7iwZLWuI8IAT1jms-kXaBQvTu2tQ7_JVcDeQHN5a566B0WiYL_G1yHIHqn1WG8_ZD3otHE0WVSytZjIjaeZtPnZFvcXRLGQMXrKzAlUN0OW8KhjSCF90B5NYD2agFu7/s1600-h/IMG_9931%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9931" alt="IMG_9931" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiC3EE3fSsZaD0jVf8LiYmg299XJaMkq_cx0YXpwof-9mjJFAbtvgSoJHUPyfsVguow1LXy_a53bWnoqfh6HEGtoqSTGhFhvFrHfHtceCrBhLtaf4OL04-hgntHfw0vtiUkihzTtlRaBex//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="677" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCOBRo_z464btj_tkM64jRAR3D3tr6r9hL6u5FLj9lkJhv8tkALlYkWscJKLpxGTIKqfjK0TlpaGm0Q73dOCko9WtMTNu73rmsTgmyelwPhpseMnsXWkQcq-apY4UmLa-o2GLmpI8vh3n/s1600-h/IMG_9934%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9934" alt="IMG_9934" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6AogFGNd8wWATrMVYeVDa7kuNrDC8L7O-XaJqkwuL32j9-sU1Q7qXOdI43n-7y1TOApKuZ8UYyiZqVJZ6qs0vF4N0JtjqDYQasDzB7eFa9Vha9UeIhqI0vyEcHFPXifKSWgc38F5B8g2//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="677" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0QADivchzD7zXOIsf47KuOAc4lQvaB7iEjGRdN7HFjgEHacjVh4cQAd6Hm6Z3WkPbqw4MZ9zUXklv6ZGPSFqcyNLMK1I6ySIT66In6EZS1lbKcG67stSLfHnrygMWBi_LmifUnN83Gh6i/s1600-h/IMG_9942%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9942" alt="IMG_9942" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwguwFrm4fuJN3MQ7ggNNx4xUycf6Gy4cCi7T0uavEniAqbDmdqCFU9HqBJoqaX62iz5SZh2ERsd14-ZVSsw9eH_CpY3Fx2WWa4nmQn8Pc3jlioHhrlEPdZlSQEfMkIoD-L0EuetcrfR6k//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtysHn8082UlDQVQzkrlB45Gs2ZNrm7XTr8Nv6p1MBUeFkPUgGGxii_DKQZ0aAJVvF9lSMNM7d4pGy8AImBAGrNvFtp2MvPXgyjzB6AzA4XGVPRMGQK2XrNhA9RmUtM_1_c8oC1ZAN8_b/s1600-h/IMG_9944%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9944" alt="IMG_9944" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHuT3IVlEo7GzIISV3QMyxL4v78knCWcM6wo9lUsgwTNgC4s3LrTyShgnjDPPgl6Xc2Yh1VcCyt41W4fx9GjfoKKMkFM6cd1c_RBloxQmbGQvDpuuTb1tXXUPn9HmDzMzdWg_AibZxSJj5//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPKy-A8Du6IdUkjKbLPhJvsrY_j-V6MGs0ZfnPHOaxkuV6sX_E3oCNJHIIAiXgWRsP8zTYp2tnqN9jMvMnoqKTDqEyiqjJVbuRJc8T1vPTocZTVqCXqF1rME9UcTscQXWmEKhMe31KxAv/s1600-h/IMG_9947%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9947" alt="IMG_9947" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN96kyjqHr8MAFLS9tkqu0YDYb7O3hUI5JAy6b3noWypyWRfae6bm8rHUASiZGd0hHQgcBSAqI7IlH6GWa5k24V1iiltxZ-29Jz-m6ZrF_oQCSJdgYYHOF78CaMExMShtKhm7MYJf9TD4_//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgZB2YqiKZE-v2OWw5sl_sFfIoYrmathtmyvgU5vJ8fpFKMBfV1PhGatODj7PLQA4o792DawrhczkdNxaifzwKtBUEsl_xTjVvVj7VPYW8IC_FXWkgCg3nTogFrr_ZGFHqi1RyEWo0Hnu/s1600-h/IMG_9952%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9952" alt="IMG_9952" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopslAUX4T5Elkbs4srUNBCkQkKlWZc6bLT2OEfygnbkBNbCiR3rzV6aUHUpZc8aRbhmwKPji20Iy8b1m6-ch7NJwZCYb57Dzs2A3b57eJ59z_vgmLzezZayIjSnBSJ_A497ZIxi4jvK1K//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="677" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizzfUQ3iy7tsxxtFGOGSX0VIStd-xLamdaHQLfY8WqgHfHB4XpTTuc5eHl6h7glhGN2KEOia020RRsBaj-xC8fZSyESzgOZhQAr0yJL7WSEt1BSvCBJq9LU20msHI3kl2y3ZLWSYtRU66a/s1600-h/IMG_9953%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9953" alt="IMG_9953" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Qe2Ia0aLWpmrrbZ4MSniWMSt1zkiSbPL1yrTQI-tyec0tAipLtUjN16m4h17KE-LGDLkYpVxmIkiRtLSVUSojjOCCzL4DU0CXxFjfBBK_uSwdHigCSq4VN_-O_pdwvCshx-egjHrHWxN//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77YPr16nu8qO3XJmkCO_qQy07FCZ9EhdYPQdYRpnPJ3mpQPTXiAjCG7wmMqOia5PXSQLsC6jr4fhC69HVoqgJ2Syi63fECZm3fzawx9MjHS4Ou_li-MIlAkWpDHb2oEgtx2EpelW1UKDS/s1600-h/IMG_9957%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9957" alt="IMG_9957" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQv08jk5QzO-t011XW274OGWrOHJNxnTWalgR1MN_BjsKBb_f2RMowcrTu1YDhYPlBOegcaZm2lJO4uafyFexmtGsRb_drtWLvaKYK8CiDIzsJuksNHmg46UY1D1QR75c1OQDKGffZSYb//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Before leaving for home, the cousins give Molly and Sam a bubble bath. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXDaY0uPoZlZyxyqX8XZ0sQaJG00tQrM1TdWvtft3vN55ERdZNShxcgPm47d3w01uxrHb8yV04_dWYZv7cTR84RlvYPuyDMXYMm8eG4ZJ1MenViv1MDXE9GscfhlYa_4dMopAS63i8lop/s1600-h/IMG_9958%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9958" alt="IMG_9958" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLe4-C7KjV4JHOCPk9BS7ax66p-1c8bzTyUIsx5bJvdoXdOtkh8jybFyQGMYJDjMYX6Q-pQ1g8cu-VPw4LD447BvVhLI8d2bfTPN30S_ySAL2-uxedsyBnalNrLedAr0UVhyphenhyphenzzrZ41J-R1//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Squeaky clean birthday boy.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji7CcFpv9F0qEqTisSgJzng4pc7Uf46og1rfkETlNI0kZYOtMjHiUUJmNjgp63Kmw_M62yAXHEyDEhteF1LnCBG7-RM6QsgrQ5vGJLxGQtRo13Od2uduxdA_2fzV6ASgd2knW98vzjsRgf/s1600-h/IMG_9960%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9960" alt="IMG_9960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENOcruDf8BbR3Yq2lhZAapFk5Wm4Q8UsgYr04vNYEMEPecQqlLRz6u2teiRzVahsfMM0mqKNA4GnW_4dYqzCdWQ8xQ2jEvIisdVvrAJ5m1LNmoDYKBPFmYE5lWsRpgV6hqIGq2kEN1WpG//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="323" /></a></p> <p align="center">Unfortunately, all good things must come to and end. But not before a goodbye squeeze from Uncle Jack.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT0whXa8WfMAhBiajmcq1HTwwJJ0lRNJYGfFxZSb7iqEpfTjGq_c1UszcibsFIi5v-Wzv8PGkJYc4Wr7-DepKl9_tk2DxDZTYblkAKrf7XVTfqPiVhILEUnKik93DVBDK8olJXsMECV7BL/s1600-h/photo%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="photo" alt="photo" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOheAj7J_EPBBoL_6w6dhG5vEgXB5BZRngCq1JKt6MfAOYmLTnMAoiALipIXgPMTGbVsw_qR_CnCtLADiH8W2l8xCymNgLukqu13zZHeLrq9QHgkXx-sRYXTwlX9AcbhpIEIkulQ-8xlv9//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="600" /></a></p> <p>Happy 3rd Birthday Sam!  You bring joy to everyone you meet, and brighten the world with your smile. We are forever grateful that you were chosen to be our son. We love you so very much and cannot wait to spend a lifetime of birthdays with you.</p> Molly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08591245425404213705noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975300125120218074.post-70160228569671713842013-01-01T17:44:00.000-05:002013-02-01T17:49:38.330-05:00We’re Rockin’ in the New Year<p>Sort of.</p> <p align="center">I mean if you call this rockin’ then, yes, we were rockin’.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wegNhnFFD5fwV1xT6ctbyvoSK6kSDezCGOGjWJLbxQL-fP57jhRhOJOL2-UK3Os-djqunfr_Y6v-RgcFPqtDfo1SK7ErC8W_mIeNXOLIRL_wyYHiZugMBdcl6bnMaFWIpfBdcghBRKkV/s1600-h/IMG_9835%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9835" alt="IMG_9835" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZ7jfyzVCuDbGx7U-A0W4QPoOMjNxNdcAtvZp6Gi4UgR3YP0jOj1LCZvmH63N_xrC1OAkjUY-cWlPtC0jHmnqiQGhRcifZnjy503JyjnCquw0at_hCZcLrJrW9LE892Q7X8W9NcHBB_U2//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a>Yeah, some of of didn’t make it till midnight.</p> <p align="center">But the rest of us…um, we didn’t make it either. </p> <p align="center">At 10:47 on the dot (or thereabouts) we did the count, blew the horns and welcomed in 2013 minus 1 hour 13 minutes.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7dF2qPMB3sO8PaaCFN-xddLFC7Zzl-qIZbNXkNFfXs2wWWteLGCV-5W36znloBS-3pBiV3V2Zmviaxb7SFkwzcpU6huJgEfPNqJF55bFNvSVTS9TGdsn043RAXqMLj5NkZrQ6FMgbSso/s1600-h/IMG_9840%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9840" alt="IMG_9840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7V8OGArvmbsa7TUab_ALCCTMlokI2hL-v3eY0I2QHxoWO4z1dA8zhqezfhUpgBPveHdtHgxU39f8xLIH14eK1F12m09Uk9uZYs5D4GGwrC4JKY-Tebj35S2lOfrX1Fq1a9cq834MxhOi//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="677" /></a>And about 15 minutes later, the whole family was tucked into bed.</p> <p align="center">Here are a couple of other shots from the evening’s festivities.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWuYo_7sE1_IPbckCAp-m6e8mnIfWFvPoLYSw0I18e0YLsV1aPl6u_Rm_9Y9ALChJD9xM4WaGoT3Cy_RM4l_0iXyQ5KtgI-W2J3iYSgVPBXMOuEvv3TS9mowHi5jJGCYFCsX3K1tTCAyJ/s1600-h/IMG_9842%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9842" alt="IMG_9842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdI5v8rjxri38zXl1K91-LtcbwrLgXjURXOHA8wj0DrqdNAE7NOUJpsQoVqlJjH3KVYs7CxTpokopZ1MzlP0TIjIQK6-mHCTv4qqLvSC_oYEX8YAgQpeIaoKbBmjZsmnc4rnrRi4FWqvV//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTorBtugIyRA4gmWK6SJPQ37DZ7xHTkal29IzXWxytAFO2h7B-S_m5wblqFZchbVk0Vxnj8x5IH6drO4RfKkJWYL9e8QIyulF0NSlrA_Gx9Aatqm5G_1IyWKPJIXS3wEF7o8NNhyZiuBr/s1600-h/IMG_9843%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9843" alt="IMG_9843" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xMjI_pkyuLJB_F_eUM4AAtBxXLTw3GO1Dul7ZstfXYOZh7H5eUr4Qp6jIt-64aC53sqBiArGiX5pyNGIp-b7zUXc8hA6EEUbIKresRg9blz2G7ER-LV8OzoGr09NwBm5HYH_cA6axDX8//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="312" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe56gjnGZuP56QkJrkpebRjgiO6vuHdmzlOpWx7N4Bfztpw5nPUF6mPVO-NJRM5l3_n1KoxmtyZM-nMye_NjVNLdPzFTLqmQ5GBkfbQcb2zJY5VVW89YrZa5t1_cwNw_lqqTVLJVMkD91e/s1600-h/IMG_9846%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9846" alt="IMG_9846" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeznWPvP5uXGrJlQ6nto3SuNWBBNXK3DHCm1D5FViFQviGyTXuLyQfHu9vHcV-AVeSUPS_0P_ixaUOkd2Ls_M4ePzAeKfKvYRBNQzgDyTQiNXe1vvVMmxmXA7mzPJnIYncjh1KuO65jTFT//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a>As you can see, it was quite a celebration.</p> <p align="center">Maybe next year we will make it to midnight. </p> <p align="center">But I doubt it.</p> <p align="center">Happy 2013 Everyone!</p> <p align="center">Goodnight.</p> Molly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08591245425404213705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975300125120218074.post-9951931909238546782012-12-26T21:54:00.000-05:002013-01-20T16:59:04.660-05:001st Gotcha Day Anniversary For Our Baby Boy!<p align="center">I can’t believe it has already been a year since this day.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0myvpDU0-_WCaGluuxKEKeDdAIyVaBiHCYJLkp4nvSZviF89a3zJCF3N4ukNGxvxXtgOhwDu8CPKGJpGgBgniCJMwvCSoMJovEsDMsT9hI9XZAS3IjZQmEId9cI0FezcvxcgxGKXnS5G/s1600-h/IMG_1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_1" alt="IMG_1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYp2Apk4hPfh40uoM1BEZHVfLu2zk_D3BFFaqurRmvAxlfJvPJtKKLotAibbA-4Nj71Yd54mkx7PlM-yJbe4Yg4M1Ue8wWGJuM62E3klaYgddIPzc-pnrvnfZk5ryG2WK1Ub3Kb8b8H0EO//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a>The day they placed Dang Qiao in my arms and he became Samuel Qiao, our son. In a pink puffy coat and purple puffy pants!</p> <p align="center"> I only had the slightest inkling of how our lives were changing. Of how amazing our little boy was. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7v5c48kfbZulpKidHWFJKubxR_DNYoWjb9K8_SrtwCIGrAR91kxx0yMB99S-1_4EDlNR5u9T0H1CoVmSzNzrgK1tmITD3Ea3tmeVpt6H_2fTHYhILozVrI7t7x7Kr2-Tw8eaiy7yODLDc/s1600-h/IMG_2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_2" alt="IMG_2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5zHdU4qUowTeEQovZMOAUGAolQ_ab3ss_PEcQ3NEnTv_yFD43gKzknMixZ8Y53jL1OrEmtGT9WKFj0mwYk5ENw-OocKpFWpqyY_AdGxdnSXgF5vI0li3_osXiKxnWmaszYWUZKwV9_HkO//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="674" /></a>Sure, I knew immediately that he was sweet and loving. That he had a personality that attracted you to him. Expressive eyes that spoke what his mouth could not.</p> <p align="center">But I had no clue about how this small little child from the other side of the world would transform us with just his smile. What he would teach us about resiliency, strength and determination. How much we would love him.</p> <p align="center">Sam is our little soldier, taking on every challenge in his path with gusto. He’s the child whose cup is always half full. The boy who lights up any room he walks into. He immediately captures the hearts of everyone he meets.</p> <p align="center">We are the luckiest people in the world because we were chosen to be his parents. Not a day goes by that we don’t praise God for giving us this miracle of a child.</p> <p align="center">So how did Sam spend his 1st Gotcha Day anniversary?</p> <p align="center">Well, it started getting bundled up and playing in the season’s 1st snowfall.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZrx342eJs4kxIGHhyH481qGGoYhfaV98ZS2u8vUdnZG-Fo7xH-xVmjm5ZeOtx33dld-S3eEYb0AIHKJ1YEb-YxH0uY-eJNQaynNHQl2mwQX0epwcfeW1uchYyc1z1bNjGtRjEGpYf28GT/s1600-h/IMG_9805%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9805" alt="IMG_9805" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitW02LBJciekNvfUAH-JjWRP4nh8tzM-cKdhUJcFhQ8CzjFi5bjL7Hqb5GKDAROrKO6A1FGyLhBMVcpTq40_wP8SCMS9QbIULercp8kvbyc3HkbGu4dqwHw58XOxx5ZJ4ZdT2Sa_lFJKrc//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">And throwing the season’s first snowball!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJMn0AMz2Lv5cOLWFNAdgA2qvEdJcLbN6iwgcgdOecwnsnWa_C3x82bjEco9nJKEX5X0FTfuaigr7WoZU_S4oq6P_p3si20U5pJH57Wqic6655Cv9B-gmJQ9BN3TcDtHQajklSMrME-bo/s1600-h/IMG_9807%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9807" alt="IMG_9807" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8cppGn4L81p5crVOC9t3BmCyE2MaBHbw2Xs-Iu-0g20sVelasuMCiy0ROJo-MGcOqYUsVyi25AAA73-8i7i2AMdkj3FiDIKrQPqvrG1r7r85x6rto4OhxhAuA_rczSloF4H4ZWsBUqZz//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">Big sister Molly joined in all the fun.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXSIkQ9MQ9-DLy4LiTi9hUTUZKbpYpIaOSIlSjug__xlCz3YsTjaaiNYtMtEwU3FfXoBvlRyxOUBahpSA8CJKDGn_pQc2xuYRaa8HryAL6bUgB5HMH05c90KUMbfLVx25DxL4rt268aXkm/s1600-h/IMG_9808%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9808" alt="IMG_9808" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuEl-4HMj_oMK8B9svd4BIGffkDRlm76k_oZrVW4ksSvVxeD7vint7BglSRj05KEcWNhjcJRoibeh-UlwWTQme7Igz1g3x9LeYd4yZ3wZFgkneKep6Mf9u3ueUOnKqiRYs8n7I10Oq_Hau//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="740" /></a></p> <p align="center">Later, Sam moved inside to play with all of his Christmas gifts.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4vPf-a-eQcli1cGIdd12t28Ir1-bidydYfEMTMqpXbix2QwpaR9JdEXx06Sqdd_c2wLaOn7F6TKMtIr4gRNlb8EBg0p34egQd9OlwmwaihFpdQjLzAPjlmtC48OYnoWXkSo5nyHUf4ew/s1600-h/IMG_9810%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9810" alt="IMG_9810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaITEi3_aNhkDqC-Vy1h8Xi5IapqQ07_9DYjlF3FPkPp4aZB8BTimawX1_qmNW31zWnyz50fKnLAyu8g8eEgnlQ9-let67EVaTBlxSEwciccTWlMk_hVfFaJHx5Y8glQJ5tmC2_If5heD//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="732" /></a>This toy might be Sam’s favorite Christmas gift, but my favorite Christmas gift will always be Sam. Sure became ours the day after Christmas in China, but it was still Christmas Day here in the States.</p> <p align="center">For his Gotcha Day dinner we ordered Chinese food, which Sam still prefers to this day. He gives it his trademark thumbs up…<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzajsfbZDwpgH4GY6DBoXgEZrep9jimrPwLl_GHPK8YuM0DJ__X3lI9KWaUQnTA148KxItMZkYkKC2BHp3APdFX6uCCPaKKBZWlDeLg2H4w3XpGGGTXKRs7phQM9qCNdT13M2oY2ggS6Xc/s1600-h/IMG_9811%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9811" alt="IMG_9811" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ts80ocnFaRdum2oCAURDzfaWZhSA0HQYmMxgGNAF8D6Mm4_5eDTR26u3sNzxmT7HlkNDk2bqBjwOcd5Tq58d4mWYZyUdOpk9EIA9ZyM1F98JwkNpi_EvSJ0Js888zQjxnbc7EtLQKnRE//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a>…and wink!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-p_EngRJy6M9bQaV5SIpjmonvP0cTIOMm7KY9pymfQsKUFJK01QGJUzDkmdCGwemYSPKix-Pgvq_x_UUEfbTjT0NYTKPuHyeCFUIG3fFw32uXSF0JE-yN2whCs8PzX33t0XkRhMu7-ZM/s1600-h/IMG_9812%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9812" alt="IMG_9812" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPW0x8jrjyV1r21uyKvdKIBmNiZ7bv7nssMm-1QiN3Q_d0HUhRVEEq7vPv5dQPvyS0_kM2ObaLteHkOdeF9rSFOZLl57SaVnMvA0XnMTwKYtPZUaSDolCxbxCBb10iyIfXi3VUuXjHrpga//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Then it was on to his Gotcha Day present. While in China last year, I purchased a small gift to give him on each anniversary of his adoption.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhquYL3vaCsth3PZksnOvhPTFlQ9dTLj2uAByVIx627ER70yZbUgnUqFsUkC8hhyphenhyphenje0aVoDEByLUBvbEH1PrQRYJ3iofsv0c7F8HJ-wAIKfl97q8j3fk9MHzOL7QLeg0MlLDJIkU9GKlNOk/s1600-h/IMG_9816%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9816" alt="IMG_9816" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDCNG6Z-SJMAbHlQYz19AiDZTLHSsxE7fMXsOiyz-pHMEPOQOpEe5DQu7AAEp6vmPhCgnX-eRLI6k7GsBKlfXaoqmaiy5b5lgMwUYKhYThEKtVWUpA5M20XJPpPyQuiMy7PqBjtDOCSrvM//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">This year was the tradition Chinese Tiger hat. Perfect for our boy who was born in the year of the tiger.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJxJsJS7lvjQa6tXqijuabSgtmqS4hTbWhqwhXXdLSnKczG4v2BlKz4HuzUEzPwAiTMReUwfNp7z80HMblsztDnf2RjcU33KB2krkdQf0efXqNmJwkxKm-TpplCd6_xNyYjn8RhJbGe1wg/s1600-h/IMG_9818%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9818" alt="IMG_9818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDtNqX6ezHq89MyQV1Yoyb-j4QMd2YAoj-kmOn3R6_AsRCQmvVhOvhiXr4FxgdzEwgb83DK_EushVh8bJt6JD34aOTAJU6hMLehdSw8I20DJlAVgKLov2aNSPmAAUUC5Sp-ctWwQ-jqyx//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">Sam holding his referral picture. He’s grown up so much!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghYMX6YpjJWTEYnluDaZM0rffPhaAlSYcEW2lj87EeP3B3WocSQgKtQoH0zIfI6uqwJ9G8Nx_Vl6aIlYafyeQpNW3Dm8OLbLr5DTjYUM10qyyOjSXPGb35KFnRGDq6iCCr890OlkZMavMp/s1600-h/IMG_9820%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9820" alt="IMG_9820" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbwmCF92gzWkubufn4ws8QtzfjbT62oRa1IieQWli04gCjk2zbsOg5u6PFC0YTQ5vEospYAwlO5TAeBaZJhk6GqZbhKEzNyYka8SsK9CThyphenhyphenanrY-KXU1WhMBFw3CobpAH70Ya_WZDRhtz//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">Then it was time to pose for some obligatory family pictures.</p> <p align="center">First up, a picture with Dad…<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZrlmaaVCfVYCwu3MkymwytbkCZVcDC6wf1FCxGPelt4lBQq1DwjtI_LlkUvDopNe-90akT5Ix6II0TiJXN5rVdhM4dXuhk94FGJv0rBxpt1W4_bMGz6Xt-6IFB0tlA14l3I2ebScpvDU-/s1600-h/IMG_9825%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9825" alt="IMG_9825" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJwv5z-zZ98tv9t6FDYPGUrluIpEYhJK0d-w2zCIMaGS-Bw7jjNLCS5Ug5iKvMoC31a-vYkn0SNU9DbZaB0Hq_cb54ZnSQSuta2mBIIKORsMnoRkBVY-yTrxim-pOeLnT-q1EslhnNYB5r//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">…Then Mom…<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZiW3yFpm8RRbDfzV5Ktx86YvG_VkgLYWJ5mtjp3l43wR6LMiQVAIBM23VgpklWMDyfotXaqFiNiyxDioFopBTOjkssGS698M7NiDGr-26HWkd8U55MTrivRACTbcFNYJsPxEYCR8jHF64/s1600-h/IMG_9832%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9832" alt="IMG_9832" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwF_UfGpHA9HhX1EZedEDqWll4n9D05wgaBsJImb4rzUw68DYWZtThEwlHlc774g6Wrq944ctpKjXrHvdY8kYeGArh0s09weBpn10QbTrnOiiQwPGLGpem4NhHJzTU-pJ1RZN-lDFk1iLY//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">…and we can’t forget Sis!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60ub2eaoaHxfFn3jyOQrvd1c5i1ZWz1__p8qpayRIltm1XJ_s_qNwxTpVqFghIfP9GfwQP_RynreohbdiGVdOBWmC5ta6_TFJ75AkW9i1f_RpMPB1ZQVzuPLBvFjKHu4qV4hFljlpeahF/s1600-h/IMG_9826%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9826" alt="IMG_9826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYowjznR_37evLs_-DczWh7aouwIQHyAMVF5PfriEQ5S6wysiXPTVYvzOAngaCmnoedXdyCA4Or2EEDFNargDHr6R0vNtC4OWsACnN8nA9j7OeV8BbsEIKqdLYeEq7-JNLp9fYpxKf1z_L//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Finally one last picture with both Mom and Dad.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SI2f37lamWluXbu7qIVZ9IEcFs8LdxpJq2-3GhWtNKY5yWcibJPIQTYEDkKIGAwgpyVPCfe7qtrq5wBbDM-Deg1261VTGKUW-8u0JsrDaPrLXSyhfBFhOzx1tPLiz2slkAWu9PqpY6-M/s1600-h/IMG_9830%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9830" alt="IMG_9830" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-bdm-wnA9tiuGC9rH97qPZznd0q7Oh2dpzqbIbbBipbOYwr3CLPn8ARwZyp_gL8QKPaB5wzfo8WpQXeydvdSWjTGXS2dSh40P3dZVfgWdLeZXe_d4H6wJBWSj-nqk6E6xcad2Z5pEf-K//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a>Forever in our heart, Forever our Son.</p> <p align="center">We love you Sam Qiao, and can’t wait to see all the wonderful things that Forever has in store for you!</p> Molly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08591245425404213705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975300125120218074.post-62570103990731289612012-12-25T16:06:00.000-05:002013-01-20T14:44:30.977-05:00Christmas With Molly and Sam<p>Get a cup of coffee. Grab a snack. Sit back and get yourself comfortable. This is gonna be a long one, folks. </p> <p>Because I am going to be long on pictures, I will try to be short on words. No, really, I’ll give it my best. </p> <p>But first I need to say just a few words about the kids and Christmas. Now that we have two children, I really I looked forward to  the energy that is created during the holidays. They didn’t disappoint.</p> <p>Sam, for the most part, didn’t have a clue what was happening. But that didn’t stop him form having a great time. He saw that Molly was excited, so that made him excited, too. He eagerly sucked in all that Christmas had to offer from shredding trough wrapping paper to gorging on Christmas candy.</p> <p>It was a wonderful holiday knowing that our family is now complete.</p> <p>Alrighty, let’s get moving. Here are the pictures. Lots and lots of pictures.</p> <p align="center">Christmas morning: The halls were decked, the presents were wrapped….<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPzIfFRQomI-4dm_v7XeWczGnkTbqUAVMCyeZMptCCDVVNCcEmzHbsaVgYgkPH_hA4pDr-ztJp1ENjZBuOwxMpqXUolAIU8_suasCqk0cgY7qIZiPTckDlVabIjUpyt4CPHej9-qn_K8A/s1600-h/IMG_97354.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9735" alt="IMG_9735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEkD-6SKi1jT5EKwkLX7dovdvUl7BKnEBvfLp50mRFru63CBlEiXyFOZOV1FE7OM9nWRjgmektnYGt8U-bbE-smtA5BIkSiF3JaPbH67LJQy5Qb_FhaOlodWTPvU4u_QEIYom6hn1tadlK//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">and even the stocking were hung (and filled) with care. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugAiKqM5Z2kj2A70DY2uZfzWm2wsiV_ut2dVRRSNU6mDJBLj6Zj_o2K2UVU5Kps-AMUUvrGyWXwd_m4RSeIFsU_OI3AYkM0-I2jSmWiFmK_Tlj3C-OGzOlr-mzSldYoIWQYrfz1hAHgE6/s1600-h/IMG_97425.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9742" alt="IMG_9742" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxIe8RjAa-q2XKjSFXqDnO2wUKNkpI3tufVox3KHLshyphenhyphene9Pg0EbV-_8bUabSXXfM2Zs8VN8rehIE0UeG6JT4rN8EAS41h8NNuJIVgdcX0nRbtGbYjsgGX1OB2INJiXuoAxjfmZXKqcAbHt//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">Two anxious kids peeking over the loft to see if St. Nick had been there!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2UWQ4f8YxqrlJ6Bf4nnz84BB1r7vCN3f_BYQ1CJp8Ve0p9DCofgnKKns3BxMmu7X3DqayNAqfB5Szz-205vap8TV3DHlEtTrE9Yipho9Le-BHP7cupNCZCan6ZiP8E04PeJs1ke-igGvD/s1600-h/IMG_97444.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9744" alt="IMG_9744" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUlQXVpanJmNSEBLg_BSrkrQ6Xi0siuwCxho5q1vOOyq1wcrUzSwRuFrvedX9gy9Ps80jibicCqk3wlpTXlk-ELa5EOoG5apR80mzmWEHNBhNSCgnpKX9nMQCmYS4clTDJWXBR2mZR16VL//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="287" /></a></p> <p align="center">Molly was the first down stairs (she has longer legs).<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqsfw_u5YbVZ69Gj3iM8P1hV5WnVUqRJFduy_Fsm-0HmV-JxSb-xXt0Pair7i8XpQsiW66YmIxmKboEkzc9wb_xd-Ds6Lxoir6UMbfjvyYzF6wpfS3RYJejaU4gAtKkc5xNZ280fcjmh0/s1600-h/IMG_97454.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9745" alt="IMG_9745" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrujjUv5Is1hHsaDTbOe1WjwvFXPqAUhJtP8BrGKJ2iECgjlJgRQTTBOsr0o2wxmUFocTW9-cBnIuWHY5rx6Pew2GxJ_owQpzd5lc-Q_M09YJXNJlbmDfsdkdezg5OxFwLlnTMdyrANkqu//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">Followed ‘shortly’ by Sam.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kDEMGZnaur5HlILx4cvl_LSnwTo4drXwWySIDoukbUqDvqvQhTh7XH5hEnJfOhCJz3RZs0P1mhxFsqHnquixLsaWgYZtXtMnUYLs2xD6OJkpvBALAYEVrSLZBFVvSK7PkiAXRdSZiyd8/s1600-h/IMG_97464.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9746" alt="IMG_9746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3HdnzQ4R9f2R-9w65vbvCaVa-9BdmG03H2Nj6T2eB2_11kS1fIhOeY3QFmKJUycwHWM0Igp9nGakw4mPttNZidDOrbJ_EB6M-ySsOufdrVC3gK4tk8TEY2b7TroNiWdFHp7mlUP4zzJre//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="674" /></a></p> <p align="center">Checking out the tree full of presents.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8BZ4lLL1tUWrqiYOw1LzS8K7kWdIqVH8CgbrdcaXNQMpq3j3uIZk-Pyg1NrMJLTC4unDxKO0OmjiTjwtmTwhjQ-4lgexYFFyw11aAg7y4Ufc_yhqw8kNk-5yY50NmTPkOUYIjH56RMp8/s1600-h/IMG_97474.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9747" alt="IMG_9747" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRbSdi6xR9QZ1Tao-nMON3iRpKFrzwSXOV-z632voHUgw0RB4vM72k_-5CTrjmr1vFIuW9rKn-wZH_gyNI8DyLiI09FDa51ESJBkBu5He7FR62ZZ2WvnMk0krnwcR-YCnKmkppmTW3Z-YH//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Opening their first gift from Santa.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYG5mWecrFL18XCPNq6dPc_U3Jp5ZKv_GuV_rnouvcRmyM5CXLByikAsjBXoxt6lC7z_aQOyateoRxMvEwh0CB0-yRlKnHgxAbjoeUIvfr3LO74ML5-ZAVu-ab0gd08_6qxdL449nLqrf/s1600-h/IMG_97484.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9748" alt="IMG_9748" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuuZX3OzXqifMiTDiSECTCeNXSt_q_uhh1ZJLJG4VymELFg7UUsFcfOyYW02nUPN2Ms5GpIz3wRCwLW2ZvJwypi2e4q6arA6VsJSB3-bt1WDFlkaauR0Oe6nBBodrpr8iPhTAdeHu-O87P//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="301" /></a></p> <p align="center">Pillow Pets!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PGrup5gIaq5c2rbsU0nNXiDj8n61Kyx0sUpGFSRAyGbJlOLtsY69JBsbaIqH0fCTMaZOJcUzURnmTr-QwMP-3aFYJSuKU96aVMMVhRNCUBUCQZlwCwVDKCpQgoECkR4uPzXWeGcWat8R/s1600-h/IMG_97494.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9749" alt="IMG_9749" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-syFy11CJqaScSCF6fdShRwF9EDNwYj3_rQy3W54V-wQVPqGcmJTrt2y_Alom9SBaBTyIgPguXeHN8qCB9KPhWVApDWrnUU2gCGHgk4pGa9GS8RHV4q9izBtBHjLnYYTOYOt9xgoZY8LV//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="323" /></a></p> <p align="center">From Grandmom: A cool outdoor game for Molly and a train set for Sam.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmufrnWyY1L1dLgbt_ThkZPdBE040l1xnpiO0UlwxlOV5fXbzAISziv74YepXE_fMeXhaikRFJ9BJLc-68uKXKB11-MgDto_prCJn6PJs5Jm5JZNiNuUkxzCyRjuSirk6AvSUqzobSHvL/s1600-h/IMG_97504.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9750" alt="IMG_9750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ub3k6pNudty3F4IMXxjN2u0odTUQnUEFFvE-6n6jNRomiK928wMOgTGv7_OtMwsfhZClMpfFKrRimV8bV7l0lfcdM2SoGHmKo43HUIdVPr4KNaLbei06cpBZqa19SIcHNnGOZTvf42G9//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a>Both were put into action on Christmas morning. Good thing the outdoor game has a soft ball because it was played in just about every room of the house.</p> <p align="center">Dear ol’ Santa Claus gave both kids a DVD. Sam got <em>Finding Nemo…</em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmcnwUdJ4W5lwaUfl1jpsQdGXBQBal20f6jUhCY1hRXwQU0ZR8iWWzM_QdF5vlpACVegMoSS77kEtRCItD1PHcYEGZerw5M9XWX8CDoCyANQJ6Rjb9BcdPKFVE9wg3MHkFW7kVIGOYfV3/s1600-h/IMG_97544.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9754" alt="IMG_9754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJKQ937dK74W8pzoPpMKLYTglHZuyMtCjWDxy2vpo3jwGDRpv153VM09hDReZJojka1TwGb-IVDQUkTSgbdKujHQqFsw-w3pLWSpPgQl3bT82MUtHNUCdBqU93V1am_EtCkyV26PuiMpt5//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">…and Molly got <em>Tinkerbell, Secret of the Wings.</em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEE1ymdx1M0hCBY2HlD-EY4RY1PwwHQtmVFMDh7spkiEogvXVZgj5y0iTFsRcqzL7fJPa2ETL3xus9h6X4BjVNywGNvFbh4WzMHl_6WV1ON9fNtYERV3A_GBWFa4cI2CnhV47ezSg9-5d/s1600-h/IMG_97904.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9790" alt="IMG_9790" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtct4D-hU-QJCWFVMxeITBkMg3mHiU4uY_hpdRAg_5JprtL5E8qbc83LTZkzBwnyDNeRCSSJuuxnmIfATwUQtt_RcV1jM6z-SpHIFheSK4fS7eno-60NJ1PH3EuhNGxA0cxC9KwoFBE4jd//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">Grandma and Grandpa gave Molly a boxful of puppets.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCR37G37Huy0Unobb3WKmN9b8xiS6l2vNntTnTbuBCJ4U7NdJhCOve-F4I4Pe5BGD2W6XVPN1FjTYHggKHCmv8hChoosdUbMCwmm5JQPERNiwV5TiDjzhjmEMjjT36OX4XvSf9w5pAHUol/s1600-h/IMG_97514.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9751" alt="IMG_9751" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3_oKg677xPTgoiOWFW6uNzk9k5xbzJoPQo8zqHAIRLfaUbRwkDX7BMuMAEWMvMNvZPsVc-Nfh3Xbc0C697CJWuD7yx2MdRggyEtzaDyfHVhT2W98ZKtQ-tnOU8mvXcbWYt6ErwUcI-SY//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a>Can’t wait to watch all of the puppet shows from Molly’s creative mind.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidl47rbCuvykm50-_1RDuEMwaRghYgSexjcNWV5l3kLU8RqULMXT3tpUiWf4R5kyDDX3D0V4BKbwsIFMJSskMyGXajUqTpg9I2bWUpLwj0CkrILg7hyXIZyIkZ9ITxuZctil6qgTtcDn7I/s1600-h/IMG_97534.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9753" alt="IMG_9753" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCeZbnrHTZP-HPJqS3buBkc4wbkQQzyxWyoVf-jI0Bgp3MN7Q8XQp5A8IfYIZPl7ValI7-nD8w0Vtn68ew0ewH8iIfrPivYSxhq-gRjSQpYW9J-ARRrNSnghGcASttkjDUY9yWt3v-KdzO//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Auntie Molly and Uncle Eli gave Sam Chuck the Truck’s Tumble Tower. A bunch of noisy boy-style fun!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUGZdzbnO0OH9ec_ScYPm5ma7gpyQrZB4hBBz014voaUk-epg7gXlQyx1lLzYqC0Zj9wKZFJnGeOGr55UbvfyNhLpU2oq7BIpWLQ1XbmeUq3fgwRgv24ajlcGREQMtl4ZyvJxfAFa7xfLF/s1600-h/IMG_97584.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9758" alt="IMG_9758" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwXWliJ-iccHOeEJ8xEdRvDqZmsLSMGJLlKGoa3d1N30zMMrXpO3EQLWSzbrXG6k71A8yb1xJVbP9sZsS5bGAVr698C9iMgPTSy9Bqt8dFabZ6aaD_u6jnjxa6aRiZJP048R_-vPBaVWWg//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="677" /></a></p> <p align="center">Santa brought Molly the <em>Velveteen Rabbit</em> book and stuffed animal. She said, “I didn’t know Santa shopped at Kohls.” Apparently she had seen these on display during a shopping trip. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-AkfMxDkiM92US88XJp1OCx7Un2-Uz-ZhQFy6D_2pR3gVjqOwnvH73Cmc_mblYl_xfHNONBAyKuTSU2kWfXaJ14ejKXpP1ibRenj60RipEmsiPWBoaKgCqbP8PFxDV5S_ptWQKfdgefl/s1600-h/IMG_97564.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9756" alt="IMG_9756" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3tUoH_C2a3YSsK8alCQ8By83tyK7ctJiGJLbhKeRJkv8Btc4qjBn_VntEISJ780j35Hx8Vd4ujTMjWUoDtSXyhdfA077nUvzLNNziRLojTKETaJsuqYCX4YitK3Pt3k0zoSsFbglZzJO//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="677" /></a>Luckily, she still wants to believe so badly that it made perfect sense to her that Santa would get part of his shopping done at the Kohls.  </p> <p align="center">Sam hugging his Inkoos, a stuffed animal that you color with magic markers then throw in the washing and color again.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCxXFsaSJ75tQzXsIR28JcdT1-fGuqLNpE3TMIjw3GviBWLqJOzFGeJx1-xdYX4qVaCklnkGMxnh97ntAACZgpCFIvvrQyibrEOTBUW3bc3rVNXrCooi8Uk42nKJ51xRq4P6m_aETttoE/s1600-h/IMG_97614.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9761" alt="IMG_9761" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKi48Nay8JhlfIKUaylTkYkKYifkbPXenYEsn5ZnMEhygI8_2OBC1Xgp9LqNoxF3nkwmAKYORdwIEh8WIGRAL_EP4n9TfHY2NMKMiJ8aME0IHOjn0eWEaN8OtP_cy13Asb-gIvUb8uJOCX//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">Molly showing off her new books from Aunt Kathy and family.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHaZMfPg7qM1MbeSY_h1lw6giPdRbzU6lL0hvgv44K2oE2dnfTpb0Tbq6E6uyowYNetrDBB6Zsbn9-w87RqP98vrH2YyowIXcgHAslbWc3YSth3lfYQdZcyIQpZrgAmiGAIE112a1VVS1L/s1600-h/IMG_97604.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9760" alt="IMG_9760" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJX0Lf1eB_5nX9hIRKV1Lp1x-JmxsGM26POKqimCZxMcS7tWsKQPgHW2vDCh-mTeKioK9asj9hVw9Doe3uENQwXQs0jtmtLeVpNf6RMZ8qLjpp7McJJcrAU2PmKcmzEVxfRWqUme-gumU//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">Sam and Molly ripping into a gift.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF2NGpOYiCJdReiD179LyZAe6DbUXP85XQdInlM_MwpKVaGDqJ0ol_N_7JgVYS23-IorV3J46oEs3-3Iydqacqc8e5zFSDy1OGwt1RjprNPSPoSObH7U9VEvKhITiaTSPec2cA5g5Vjgxo/s1600-h/IMG_97624.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9762" alt="IMG_9762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVB5RCml53RCyHAR2BUlb4K7CHBz93_jTl2d3EFJanVCack-Y2h4vrV0jRZUlFW26w7EOfZWmQBu9hEXkczMJWvokGMMQxRes5PjnoJkiZB4DyCe0Cul911taxUF-AHOJKVDPxaW2OmYLL//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">What did you get, Sis? Magnaformers from Uncle Jack! A totally awesome present!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFlNi8Esb31stMut4tF5F02DqEcb2L8bnr8fwz_os1P5m_ERAtN7D3E1UfpzHsEm4L96omgLCCtobKvqoczoftSXrLOvhyCEG5IUJmHMsiz86CyJIIHerlU4PEzi63PXekEWvNMSICZAb/s1600-h/IMG_97634.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9763" alt="IMG_9763" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcnlegqg7xKvd1bKHSTSm9SrsbYGVNEGvqOVgflcaZm1rUh10wvE_zLC2Ah0y75rF-XK2itWGt6up_T0ivVCwYzRbgaNYW5E1TAW9W2Nwirma45mFv9ovZrDeNaeSA7X5R5snP5oL6bQ6//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Aunt Shell obviously knows what boys like…A fold and carry anywhere Thomas the Tank Engine set.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMgZhFUIZfS-BAxJrefRSTjlktn8fA26dCbG12g6G_V5byeW0mtlDjSHkA_bGbuvy5Nucl7s4HvhZGzGOP98OZRAmCQsqZMFBCeGPjU24TTyqL-Ymdjozhq78hLF2_TLl_WXaSuIj3DkkS/s1600-h/IMG_97644.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9764" alt="IMG_9764" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Atr98E1k5o-iDyTkFJBM3lQrDBlLxbZwEY3VfHaN6yB9NlE9qMrk9y5G4GBlL-n5Kl-NZcCOPuda6_-YohIB8VaxjCFVGVs5cUC9HB4lnkW2QTgMwvQd5j6AWHuTyFztcAn80guEuwLI//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">When Molly sat on Santa’s lap, she only asked for one thing: An Inkoos. Santa did not disappoint.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJV3XhrYaygZMkFVZsCRA7DNAQJoS7pREmXiE7y3QPlY_hEhNMasP9gBExKIbMZKXSpQVZx8fDl-JGCUNsvf_I-zWw7QuACKCFjbzCDsPH22W6roTmsCYdHPytmRmT0NDRpcrM_4dzCRlA/s1600-h/IMG_97674.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9767" alt="IMG_9767" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5oZWOUXEIU5oUHsu9bR2N9wF3mwFnIzOoDnBKWwTXgj0MmJN5KyhrVGPY7PO1wXdIe-U4NxPH-HzWG7aEfHhRp0NBDioOWCnwwao1d6QQsEo5SvdgNepiDVd5f6MoICrgeG_WOWEy2aqm//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">Santa also came through with a  Doggy Dream Lite for Sam. Way to go Santa. You are one smart dude.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGq-rp2D1rC97teFdM71dhh3gDHumeRV9pKoQstzcKyIAddTPCt6IE176ZqHmLjMa4ztIpRgx6QL7HBe2K4rIgHQPvSjzVyGdA0hCjtWJZYev3s-pBSIUcNrBB6ZiHydehDl1LmMaYOKKn/s1600-h/IMG_97724.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9772" alt="IMG_9772" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsAPAShmzM9eoFof8xiJZ-NaOs3xaOiC0D5rowB9e02YlrLuVgB66LmKTcuZzr45ptCBSL-vTi5rmCpqDTK8pZT6KeL6WHW-3bK3CPbeMSw6N6wO5QrRy8e2Lom8ReZcwWOoKAHDetWkMO//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">Aunt Shell gave Molly all sorts of outdoor toys: Cup stilts,  jump rope, a jump-and-twist, and sonic foxtail ball. We are going to have a fun spring!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFQrBIE85oaUCNg9lWk9xjp_j4lmlSSViTHECWBWo29_7RjMloWEDy-sLqSb84CBdj5FsJr-mpa7-iSTsiRKgAAtHHcO7gxBdyZVRPcxOl_n_ZQp-4TCWBnTW1GPUhmkBShZJLq7Rhh9s/s1600-h/IMG_97734.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9773" alt="IMG_9773" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLi-il8BEg6FzyhDksrgPZhxMKc3SQaGUObwsVmEmJ23r-IcYZBuJTs5MgF-bCb7hvdpjGDssvUjPOmhuKdi8Yt-TrDvzMLBARW5GhUCQep9_vkCn_on6g1WSR_SwgyjbmyZ-Yxkv7DsBb//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="674" /></a></p> <p align="center">Grandma and Grandpa came through with Tonkas for Sam. A rescue helicopter….<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQ1moDSimqQ2R-3m6r0kR2PWSxdFhTwYdQcl0wgZX-yBR7OfueBy3MvG_-QPomme1bRGH6-KABrLDUefeGZRAWU4Ab9bQKvPNSzDCtHBs5gkGFKnVkMT0TnUuZSBFYBfIZXtC4WN9Esb_/s1600-h/IMG_97774.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9777" alt="IMG_9777" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxUlvXWVjC1NX-n3y1qfALtAWexTU8SMEWhfW62pHwOEq5Xov1uc0ri_bb8OJbm2XcTaYk30EikWKvLUR6wVh5MATkwwTB3TP2HqhfXgUAIGNr736mzG8cikXRuHBYejri4Unb0kIOcn4//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a>and a huge steel dump truck. He was in boy heaven.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFKO_0U9mxaYNl5mdLn4pH649n5_Veq1_ua6EoHLU_GwAYw6BwtNvVjN_PGFNh8JOu_wgbJaxyeavm5BXoPU0CGFnkutKJQ80Wo0yyshNTqkX4n-rir8eRmapQ5t3FTJWR3w5XozdBvmb/s1600-h/IMG_97824.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9782" alt="IMG_9782" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3KnKzjby1HYRQifqMNP1cafjGIKmcm8W20NdAxCRI8dyfyzifkCz_tdNZ366IrM_5Jz1V0Kpu5j4LC7zJce16jnMz57K38e0VaTXoy8jCPrpoH5Z0lbF79yH_B7USiIUA8Fs9jBnz8i8//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Molly was thrilled with her twirling ribbon…<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDUKDmDZvZWPooGBfBUi_cjWaJEWEz5kxgpBzrE9x1WiJYSTyqi6nlMYkyH221oaxVn0BNBoi7-1sC3AV9jCOzgi0EvrvhKhTQpPRp3uVWvD967maXFetpm0kwvn5MA-vlJgNEk4_S_fU/s1600-h/IMG_97784.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9778" alt="IMG_9778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-SNo9Zq77u9CCJvY-WASV7bHtmWMwTB9-eSf7BA0FiWhftzg7jmBj-1W4M8105yygP6usy4A4zrNOTrsjodYr3DtxLC3jOsk5fylVF25f7-D5KZ7SyJrQEGFapcKDmS03bMTua_6bZ3XA//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="674" /></a></p> <p align="center">…and her ladybug bath towel both from Auntie Molly and Uncle Eli.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2G14SKruQukeE9AoeXfXFaUprYaj-SvQEtAgTX72EOJZBhMYGLlxMcEkRL5W9q7icCbqUfUIwRkBtp7aQc7UmfbSw1vYp_ATls050aaDlEMbGmvfPBpgYrSELAB6yhJImL8bGp9HAirYu/s1600-h/IMG_97834.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9783" alt="IMG_9783" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdrrPBeZg_CFzUcQ-6D1tp2Zu1ahvCRB5Z8qTYMfiQaY9Mw8Nz8Zyh_JA8-qguoz8fzme1QMkpWjlKb26Gp9uxbWwOjq2LPulv0uMhJ1kdsiW-S3JYKf25EXE-LR0KiZW5xTFs4-lY_Oy//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">Sam’s eager to read his new books from Aunt Kathy.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRcIJrqcthuF8DSKg09kOYQUhiBKRmvJPVLyc30Fv-fUA3rxtEfAEUNuORCoBR1506WMclauZ872PDEQwTgSFbTVqeplIOfCr3_rDBNZ6QOSlwU7fTObADDkd8jr6_KhKA3-uK5fk6m0J/s1600-h/IMG_97884.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9788" alt="IMG_9788" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrU36NdBF_IXGHPzBOQXrWK65aopCrbGi8n3QM3QgmliHoKjMhx5syEVqIB3-FQ3ZoOzj1VgkiAR7uoZI1pe_mdX2QAxWeOq8VSBhQ-YTCYVe70S3yiSkYIiWKJKMD0qKMaKGHOge31lN//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">Molly shows off her Pathwords game. Mom and Dad are so practical with the educational gifts. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnK4Fe33alUe3RXFtHgn1PopbdusPMUBFIikLoJuhqcta64BOMs4Ochf5nJdV_RNIU7bMr285Y5JQKgKwUsPXgHPQHoKyFR5o0OFpU2oxAfpLWeiVq40G6oeMvCfAXaSTAEOe7oLyt5PX/s1600-h/IMG_97864.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9786" alt="IMG_9786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGS9riR9rZTm2Wjhs0Z3J5mB_Ykss28_UQJBZXul45iPy2AlcJmPMn7A5yJLseOtcEQcCx8KXMLrmCvQg2iWvLCvcBW5wLSHC2xmS5vtt2lU2hCplFdjkaNdN5QW33CcyQ8uWdYN2FT6Mk//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">Sam rips into his Marble Run toy from Uncle Jack. Another toy played over and over on all day long.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOMbnw_UAntxc0D0NdvmUQLiYiAPhDzUg35mxTN_AtZ9E4bbtM32qHGB8uCsRaHvethTUeJ4h5qEYW6iO6wazym6LwGv17kwd35u-SeWkjIZThNmbVWG4o9J4wbWAKGhJf28a-LhY4qrs0/s1600-h/IMG_97924.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9792" alt="IMG_9792" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6rwHD5tbrRuiZNYJbXFtCSthsSR18nixUIBLtwGFWFC8-uFNiZ5vEU3FIjCsz4QKwjGUcJjVZZrHzwP4NM8gPzLKZXTb-gKTc9fK4O615dYhCC9U_-CT1xvzhja8GTK8nBCHdCEu2AVd//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">Mom and Dad also got some presents. Here’s a picture Molly drew for us. So sweet.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5C4psSstkpTpcn4OnjmSCFbLWZfvJHshbDeMHnypdIrt2ibiKGUzsDg-SaCJItySdlFBIe8veMFdkhtk7CbKHg3ff6jS1SDiq8tM7_o76jCE-pWTwOaRjlFSMk3WDnyB7nb6SbsZoynrw/s1600-h/IMG_97964.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9796" alt="IMG_9796" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5Kffm5cfV-GvylDXkNtVL5_BCPgJeWAW37Yc7-dXALO7w6C1lHN9YlGVXm5WJls2tTZHSp9LLVwzMTWWuPLCJ4KqEBF6GsMlJwKhm1HkWDhmka5duyA7m0pwm7TBr6yGZlmfTY1YrF3n//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">And a baby Jesus in the manger that she created out of her own imagination. I thought that was brilliant and so meaningful!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62iYlsXtAyHc7NZ_UKt5z1SDUDGuysoKq8usrDM7hNu8ViDB5noVxiS6k6PyT-bw3FZnI1pJbDGxJHqQ3TkCT0r5q-mIZBt5SR7SjxIeK-_8GXTF-kTMwJPAc30kDJpl0CJrzwSPN8Pi8/s1600-h/IMG_97984.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9798" alt="IMG_9798" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5igVTXl6k2OEi0lUw12rqsRoIbGdbnolkf55txad9uovF2qKVz95AcI3x7ahctIeiq3mEup3mGwqhPr8-tKWZV2YaJ1EkurifKKSxSua8zdQjArP_FXrgh4kke5P24JeSVImGQ6wpDFm//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">She also made us this ornament as school. Love those special gifts that you get to collect each year. So precious.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOlDmkl7QjRdN-xfu0CJdLmzWuOnFh0uu0ki7c6yLd56eeF_G7wh9HaR54bEgsTqBP3wsOFUfjjdm8IAOoowGoo7FQ7x-gdBtmmLLb3F_DfRoNYUjAFBBcx4s2jfZ073xaSEtFLuxfgKQ/s1600-h/IMG_97994.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9799" alt="IMG_9799" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-K17gn8LU9AVJLPgRZzyKKHv9PAht7DjitIFyMVAiWaLXES10QyH42PUdcubAQ4rKK83FMwSvgx9pHNbsXdZV1_sd0nt9IWEMCkUzhhokUG4T0Ehzmqgm4UFU8T3PfzcOD0J31jK2Q9AD//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="674" /></a>After all of the presents were opened, we sat down to a big ol’ family breakfast, but soon after the kids were ready to rip into their stockings.</p> <p align="center">Molly checking out her goodies.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-gBzkrSLBRcSDRySFf3WdIUZOoaCspaD7lY6XziuNGyLzwAUlmbXEOaZiqJ9jtnMa6DQLm2CQOvVOopx_DtcZrHd034kXS2YNqDcAT2Wo82wvzZSUCfzCxBwRXRfBa0WHIkMzUzRTsvy/s1600-h/IMG_98014.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9801" alt="IMG_9801" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWLYA9jrzz-FLHI7GlRWiLO9lDiBxqpyZVNNyHh8a9feYfKvCSAyNIx9n2fU_oz1fS9_cxomu-Jk0OmPnC0_wDzng5D9t3_fPNKNeozI-quKGk4aiMA8I_qXJI_lU3QJckq4YM6Fwdo1W//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="674" /></a></p> <p align="center">Sam was thrilled with the candy canes sticking out of the top of his stocking.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkfQ2j7wqEyvPR50CNvJV563pDAM0uxF0njIVWDiJ_N-nqtU0z6Z51bYTfAXzelnWqH5e9k02wTR4HDQECU5rSEYzTvVKBEcDAHfab1WCJjeYbVc2oZeep-Ag9MAxH7az6uxy2OGwOf9f/s1600-h/IMG_98024.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9802" alt="IMG_9802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgO3YrmkTmaBH3Up0rmUU8_1C8ahOnPJqHIz-_VWc210NW5MmfOqu9e-U_qL6PjA5C467hJxtmYG_PaPT6b2St_DWfY_uCYa2SNHLCYBPR9bw0LbFdIaD2jDTe29JdvejLX_rtnXwJkPl8//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">And even more thrilled when he discovered more things inside.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-Bw6xoCwWmsYnrBwYPPuzPbtpscRNaRihFO2j42OknGm8Y62mkzjBFnY1wr9ZGme1RVZ_B5odIvRKDnecrNeAYzyG1ROCWpwxdbDw3z_YR5qz0B2WBEmikcQIu1ugiW5GuisjfJjU43g/s1600-h/IMG_98044.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9804" alt="IMG_9804" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicyf0gdWvi0hA-WfSRTijMza20dCS_yDezlXDf1qspyUDs84O7FoSJO2dfcMW1ViBC2lWWcFQNe5ORB_vRmIHkcjSdsPvyRVncQoomQik10G3s2dEE9FDCSHkX6fZBF5ffl0Edv2jha0f7//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p>The rest of the day was spent unpackaging, assembling and playing with all of the wonderful gifts. Every one of them so perfect. Every one of them so appreciated. </p> <p>Watching our kids enjoy Christmas and enjoy each other was the biggest and best gift of all. It truly was a magical Christmas! </p> Molly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08591245425404213705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975300125120218074.post-4401356525072195272012-12-24T23:19:00.000-05:002013-01-13T15:20:01.111-05:00Twas the Night Before Christmas 2012<p>It’s an magical Christmas at our house this year. This is Sam’s first official Christmas and he loves all of the excitement of the season’s events. He loves the presents, lights, parties, food and even Santa. I wonder if he has any clue about what will happen when he wakes up in the morning! </p> <p>Our Christmas Eve traditions are probably not all that original, but Molly has been really looking forward to this evening. And because Molly’s excited, so is Sam.</p> <p align="center">After dinner, we bathed the kids and got them ready for bed. Then we loaded in the van so that we could go out and look at all of the holiday lights.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqF-nIbA8EBbzmaaG_gw5DSjhW9QD1e4Yvdfa7swl5obPJww76NFZgW0SlN0E3yCBrS44HgWdwcuVGvS7JZtTLeK0ujB0DRDQoxHr7zjGwOPp8t-Sa0lp1lCehB03QjgACuOSvCqsx9vKs/s1600-h/IMG_0556%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0556" alt="IMG_0556" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJ8KOsjfiFkSNTu9D48zbnM3lsaQ-SsttJZZNK9HX7F81GlJhKJYI0sEAqwT59QEUsHLRziCTqwmWnJpxQkP336WApQR1FxMK5_Irn5XTaZWJYba62mBhrqTL9oGFlUltxJONIPNnti4J//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Apparently we got too late of a start, because 10 minutes into the tour, I looked in the back seat and saw this:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOgzhnBy76J6loaja1TEAxCC2Jg1AgaP18nxlZnBaxrHpPEIPgmhjf-2q_XcZZDq1940vrVOZZ5I9JUC-R_lMnJpUjW4D49PLxmJLG7_y0u7BuiQAzHmFRIFO8XxiySPhS-9hNX7c3Lj7e/s1600-h/IMG_0557%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0557" alt="IMG_0557" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJbbrfjLGT3qQHInvhVCu_bJRqDxlI0HaSI5ghlw2CTKejqV-AH_5ow1B_LXT3c__pTm2DKA5wZnERRAYEcvzjZNcpWUoWOpKNW1Q1Jcc_hEpq8dfDcaIvy9RnJbOuddCsn8w_9krRVse//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="307" /></a></p> <p align="center">Poor Sam. His first Christmas with us and he misses out on all of the good stuff!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk1c2Qde6S6qTGvAjouGN0QSGpDn-zXLVggsoCvsAYLm3a67fx1RoN7tEGkzRz5TmpL9ktrx1QsdFqvHgrt_JAnSjM5nwxb-YruRvTE0aRY8nBpbdqRBsDmwkSkDxF9p_uhxXuPsEhrag3/s1600-h/IMG_0558%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0558" alt="IMG_0558" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_U0skuOHdtUJvdOD4ZoAkrBYdsdDkVPp4Qs_IRFTLrEdMX_aljs5k7I1o9yuB0AiGJBOoTmtm24_Ghdjsgr2nhJFxHQhG4bkKPHDosU60S8wvobQ5XkAwMa6BKBBpWK7G-t6SFyv2OVG//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="323" /></a></p> <p align="center">Once home, we carried Sam in and <em>posed</em> him under the tree. At least he would look like he was a part of things. Sort of. Molly and I snuggled in for the annual reading of <em>Twas the Night Before Christmas.</em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj01SWrJqB_hJfTz-ew1qp8HtFbTECTN1ZrnaadBE0IqEqpOKNp1pMlE7fV7NKClmNyrcAaQxaBjPhO1hnRzJAUzqZkuCCepSCqPud1JkE5vT3CvF71a3Y4lCG8L4U29a5yqcsgixcC6ilv/s1600-h/IMG_0560%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0560" alt="IMG_0560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMd31i1BLu-9jI5QHas_YOru8SboB7Jzu5ceypUy32fV9nqDYXqeijfCHyvMdWRwlEgA0DwCMD7njFx9QyFW695GkWp8XXZWunhiJCHKW5ExFWrW2SkoK3fZfAPXCDmdL4kKys0o5lTLN//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a>Sam slept for the entire book. Sigh. Oh well, there is always next year.</p> <p align="center">Next up: preparing for Santa. Molly brought a plate of cookies and glass of milk for Santa, and a plate of oats for the reindeer. I carefully moved sleeping Sam over to the fireplace to pose him for the next picture.  Lo and behold, he woke up! At least he caught the tail end of the traditions. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNY3qhzTElc6ks1owI99Ywlob68uwDqCgqezQ5s49QnQNr2s3dmpO7YdWtmGCqiSmhikAm33Iz6SMXfVt6YQZIkk4l2jzpcQQBy5aJRgR4NCJpPQWewGEycLsYaOzJ3S4Qhm-vXnhENCq5/s1600-h/IMG_0563%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0563" alt="IMG_0563" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkVhRgxXP0JsnOvIUQbtt_od0jhRqecSwyM3Fk9EBAIIiSD3TUmyY1h921TRtVagTzyYa9AQ7HD1Ywjnl9PViPXWoAHpl7BeRfZdlIun2Hwkn8LpsIXiphmh3HN1qk9T_p7_z9rNB2hz1//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a>Right after this picture was snapped, Molly knocked the glass of milk, spilling it’s contents all over the carpet. So now we have another Christmas tradition. </p> <p align="center">Steam cleaning the family room carpet.</p> Molly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08591245425404213705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975300125120218074.post-86158241017289316032012-12-23T14:40:00.000-05:002013-01-13T14:42:20.280-05:00Gingerbread Houses 2011<p>Your read that correctly. 2011. Because I bought these Gingerbread House Kits last year. </p> <p>My original plan was for Molly to have her pal Max over to make these last Christmas. But China had other plans, and I ended up half way around the world last Christmas.</p> <p>The gingerbread houses sat unopened in the corner of my dining room for a year. That’s right. I didn’t move them for an entire year. Except to vacuum.</p> <p>I considered making gingerbread houses for Valentines Day. But February 14th came and went. Then I contemplated doing them for Easter, but that day came and went as well. I thought it would be kind of comical to do them in the middle of summer, but  well, you know. </p> <p>So when this Christmas rolled around again I thought: <em>Hey, now I have two kids. And two gingerbread houses! It doesn’t matter that they are a year old. I’ll just tell my two little cherubs that that candy is old and not to eat it. That should work. No sweat. It’s all good!</em></p> <p align="center">The gingerbread houses were unboxed, craft paper covered the table, instructions on <em>not to eat the candy</em> were given and we were good to go.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggt2k5CPlI39Q6mfmaTtwUe12RHu12UdAq9O3NZ9a5qKb5eDw8pArmP2u2ITzdyWi7_sllK6zNGuTRHtTNV6d6bWQyEpZv7mtcBx5tymrHyza3e6NOUGMperkcHCp6Vbmg0dV5kbs0KZIw/s1600-h/IMG_0513%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0513" alt="IMG_0513" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMJ63mUPqVtMQzs_ITuJdBF3Z1Rof16n-LkidFCOnFcV03aDwPEc7hTfeLQeRibOfN78sJXjCOiZIgwHOak3BygKFenUCB1Pb7ZSjVdmoxDQFpSQS4mPq4xWecTBhV5Gig9iagaP42odU//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Typically I am the kind of person that wants to control an activity like this: We must pick a design and work carefully to ensure the design is implemented to perfection. </p> <p align="center">I can be a wee bit anal. </p> <p align="center">This year, I turned over a new leaf and decided to let the kids just go for it. I would sit back and only offer help when it was requested and only do what was requested. Nothing more. </p> <p align="center">It was liberating!</p> <p align="center">Here’s Sam, deep in concentration, working on his roof.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntTUBAqLoKtZ9Qg9p_i57hmokrj8Se4eKfwYOmCNLq3EG20__KYhN6ClPfb0MqEpz_aJkQOaJKXww_5SXSXAc3DtjIp6QGItRmcJp2cylc2b5mbuPFoWf8SGrQKzXI2C2FBjq_9IW-BUy/s1600-h/IMG_0518%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0518" alt="IMG_0518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkdTzwIMCq44ifrRiG68l7_iwJxGtofn6KAw-a461j7ZQpuiJItzI_i5nl7WeYpzStsJuT4_8TDzrpRDVnVn8YU2L-fKKYZudcequCmd1qrnOzclJkZlQl8VxntME4V73u0OcYP44ri348//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">And the same goes for Molly.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfncTU209n2vUvwmADPM-ziUrj9lAJl_1boPhYVE9GR0xQpjnHm89Wvs5ky1Z4VdZcAQoBw-yr77-bnkT8V_mse06lwNGzWlmHs6O93Ga4VmfjUSjhAs-63iLF64dCGS6Qg_SBoR-f_aJ/s1600-h/IMG_0522%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0522" alt="IMG_0522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdM8pBRBjM9GBum8AN2LoEPMSvJkMsXkyjhqUV4Emm-0yisRD82zZ8A558U8CWYvGw8dOD3fXwdUNjHYnp-mBQRmX0Y1nHcTveffnnccnOtgtRl_3tl1HKrbQhjvL1wf7QYaXixyndquti//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Next, Molly comes over and tries to get Sam to eat some of the year-old candy.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxT7y5tH_mepsASHp7C8qCy8m9sDNWWnj7P7MIU6k62pr0SbmK8ArgTzbvw-iGThuef8XWXhQT2KlSElOPHjr4MrFybZeajC7Ni6k_38Tbs3o_3tBPWoi-5Z67LHK39vq-Tyh5b3mORR7j/s1600-h/IMG_0528%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0528" alt="IMG_0528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8vzAe_QGtSlNIzRnkqcM5iehG5L_BnmhjZ28UAqrTOMaI3MKov_g50a7j9jIjWE4dUUrqd12EI9uYDZ3bhV09abbaGY53pUlEkbewmIXCgizwONZ-HnfLQp2-hk9lfP899ylIguo52Pp//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">And here is Sam complying with her request.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxs-OAnOOfom7DdvQZb22kGFI4P9DyimGN0RZBxPa6tCo4I6m5VA4rE_mB23mguoA9k1wy2ulZ1q2flmhWxH9FnDkeyWo1crkas-8CCUU_9OMFJhKAG2mfoCQgCpuGdw0PQhm9ilYUndHs/s1600-h/IMG_0531%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0531" alt="IMG_0531" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLoru0W6I8ryjXHdLQs8Nj5YIcwVxWbycUSgSyWnhWF65itSpH_lpkGVmlWw1NcvBVjJLvuMJxugCG6PFl_xPILARBmX5-GSkTvkE4bTWH2_-1PeXkHAG9lh0Jj3C-CYrY1ZhY0RSqMQlr//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="323" /></a></p> <p align="center">I’m not sure if Molly is laughing because he actually did it, or because she realized that he didn’t die from the experience and now she could also eat the year-old candy, too.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIt0INOfmqSsgDW0qmd7a1RZ2ybRoHKvJqaRypOVHjsrxRmGXF_Uc6oLqKdgoMrlW8ZAo2P0Se-h8y0gud_4HENmGdkfagCldN822ZH4TjGW5oll1SFQrx9lGvS051eIwm_5OQe5arbu8/s1600-h/IMG_0529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0529" alt="IMG_0529" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDtvLJFtxA3ywbBszN2zQSCiy-b0JNHvhxYrsICSmPzpUH4Z9s2KqOAZnz8STj1Ng_CGAwGJJRVqbNs3vzGnUGT087vseS07TQNz0IKtIQ4v8K3rXQo_OITAG61ODaRuaXNG4WIa-ZuO2_//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">I didn’t have to worry about micro-managing this project because I had an able assistant who was more than willing to jump in and dictate how things were to be done.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFnO3zxvNXJneIGjP8biWfCaW8b_519c1btC_S1JvUk35TSF-Krpcihn7AiLazTmhOOTigBz01c5ofqV_Uiga6RmjYfSlmGyWKabyZbMq5c2ZF-k9Sv2pXbfAU59F4_sFvND-PBZuIJ_lJ/s1600-h/IMG_0532%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0532" alt="IMG_0532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8nmUNRilENJ7WIYMQedfJiM1hROf0FUWlfBnhz1iNAIau-6x0X7R0dn5CCoD-Qo6bNin9kVLKoFZ5Jjm7TdqCBvKH0vjNEPtGV-oqjXEf3qYF-0CU7CSHieGxs7tDuRIoY_jOVnaARSQ//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Done giving <em>directions</em> to her brother, Molly moves on to her own house.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2dGen5xr8taxYOmZ3aFifsKt31SkFe8SjMwgiZiTac2zjNHoXV4K9zNlYY8XbWW8-qsGTIPbN4-YdnyChORPovCHmKHJdBQwHinAhWQRrjRKk56Wbs3CwOnJW8HtkLGS6WyRCipmcDEZ/s1600-h/IMG_0533%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0533" alt="IMG_0533" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuL5MjgOQP8EGLXr1pc4M4uD8ZGVLmLXm9VhvaaR3VNnJ4YvIM2_wFQ8_QV3Er8-EX38bsSwR0wZIQfWAbvm9Z717mo05TqnW6mGr0keGueYodDRzPN7UaGF3NGZjeh1toMqHRPgmOzbPH//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">Sam, still eating candy. Ugh.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYEpmcihRZiU4DZmA8tB1TV9cGFVr6eYiAw6IiCZ-4vfHcNAmqQ8lBiKsiCrMrsXymjK3LoNiwE3AxKN1TQMH6jCmvX-25VGkYH0nofBdgf_SIeaz4vNqoBSvSXBMHvulVbxMFqezRl-Of/s1600-h/IMG_0536%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0536" alt="IMG_0536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07tB9pN7osOQKZhM_pnF7ky9w573U40Q8IqH9YTDABaxTEh6TJ-T4q2BYIyTwZJm1VX0Z9Oq4SxhJVZVvucTA2xw-j2he5Wnfq1lN_W8f4JagwdvNTuY8gZagQs28P_LIdhICPjsAi4JZ//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">The front of Sam’s house, <strike>dictated by Molly</strike> completed with Molly’s help.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUp8XE4j-fDpoWzKcfN5s7HF146XLIrF-NI61W5ZQiAuzDRHUt5s_v-Vct4BNIuWkcBSyyJG2xTDNKuFgUxG4A68fAEzu8onpIOKQc1o0zW5guimqyawnmU_6jDP9Ij3V5jfbmFL-f_V5W/s1600-h/IMG_0537%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0537" alt="IMG_0537" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmwLTanxAkC35tZ73hnoFvNMo3KXmSyDyaP4rnLDxz5cNYgdB4xSW37pA4Vn25XvndtXsft8JBIzn5GO24wElW1kWtaBX-mfnceC01QlZBetto0KDGT0rg8bHlRdcIuK5TEA3I5PANICON//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">The side of the house, an original Sam creation.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsg59Mu_cXHPBDkcLu7a_BSrNR0m_i-EuEYFh-sOoRQzmXmrUChXihs1sF9ZXuEgUSouhI6lCAqET8dY2mhqKiIBy1ADTyj5ujL9keS_V7U357Kzm9UHX6qlBOUQMqkLfzsoUjw_T_wCBx/s1600-h/IMG_0538%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0538" alt="IMG_0538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1myb2_8YD1mLkLWPjAMc-5k0_XqwrMG55-DPmsohp-ehIeggFhZ9tan49Q-3wOoPiRtTF_tABjHKhZEPUmGgSVgjalvZDehJqCwrdV9WNZSVU9bpqzRkZ9ygm6BjMZaKQ2I_ccS61cTs//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">The back, also a Sam original. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1czWsUIYn5qMNfeBPRMIOAjko0mrywB04mipE9AFMZv_gF665-8L2I-Lu_Uq_IUJwOJKmTXkfl0sz03BCI7c1iNL7CKy30pIi2T2SKAnxYk67CHU-otHVCW76idB_oe_MrmvNISeBpUiu/s1600-h/IMG_0539%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0539" alt="IMG_0539" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiks8oIYq0n_-Em8KZGOWXoSl0cR6DbtBIiBAFOmbmN5vJreB8HOusLu9n15JMiY3L6njI7rJbAS2wsgpA_9-YJcikkZIW6lBPXfJbyMWdihto43cxXszqyRdKOn6TcjKMhxgHYSdqcvgB4//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="674" /></a>I actually love the random piece of purple and white striped candy. Amazing what happens when you give up control!</p> <p align="center">The front of Molly’s house. Striking how much it looks like Sam’s. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLQOzXBXWyg0UUtFNWeO0qYr-Yw3bg5EWWDskstI1l3bz_8DaWxc9cq9ZyWm4qrZlF0zheUy5bUW41RQ6SZEXsKRtxb7zfptFaHx0PKv6Gqku3SY7WGXwlNJu07_hBqbjW4gkzTls8rht/s1600-h/IMG_0541%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0541" alt="IMG_0541" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm9bCwJzEdlEdmffcOCWxjRlsybRG7c7e1arbMdNtm11D1cn99xgltwNonaqaq8ZFMnxZo4vBWvtk1w3a5SXkHXmTK3MsWxFolAPGF1FtLsXkYo9KYYjcRaXAXc_8Gpzv2yfzgpHAPZaPz//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="674" /></a></p> <p align="center">And the side…<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4IFX7ilriYuA3RuHKP_eixLJLtk5JimYLEB-Yru8C8tJuoaCIjos348xDpMpvQAXn1wEv51VPAlchgfgawVIm0tiIAxBwSCgHvBV_PVeMRkpi3uDiRd330tXl9tWOSI2Yz4tZJ56gqOgh/s1600-h/IMG_0542%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0542" alt="IMG_0542" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRgdLcNCaX7zvoDjSI4CIykjBfVaH-8aBjNvuMIaKV9uuXTM0LxUSKyJuzTCK2k2PFiQVsapvErqGfFv94h0cLHnJTEHhdxKIw7JzEYVWyPkGs9YG9JVJfCm9DUGuKCe2jsjEAQD3yfso//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="674" /></a></p> <p align="center">And finally the back. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXbcwXic1C7923iz-zW1322SXqQkEtV8nZO6Z6TlKltoXIfZqztjW-NVN2x9EMJ-o2TKSZJK7vdrkSENc7ZiPkGThok4a0p51V7pIvqRy2JeUuDyG46oC3wYuAZgL8TcdwND3f-1BSuKAV/s1600-h/IMG_0543%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0543" alt="IMG_0543" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Iptla_uxyKjvZ4xEPwe4EPoRL7Le5AZCj5E_f4kKlM8SLSBAtZXFiYjA8SdVWZbF50Dy_FISml7_ON8l5pI1fFA-4f60B3qTCrFlrSdgUL_cHpxfE0jtwKvMC8dYYFojq7Uo6gPpvxbW//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a>So cute!</p> <p align="center">Showing off  their houses.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQfSo57YePYRKg4bORitE-UBD7IQxx9xnE4WxmepDiSJm3Yd18P6UXIbpT1Eb5a8Q5l2m1BGbTq7AhLGBfGioqZl2DQXGHD5Lmg4nuxlkOuAxRSjMddAPC3eQ5eGYO9zQdjLISQ5rhh16p/s1600-h/IMG_0550%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0550" alt="IMG_0550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYT05tC82iChLPXybiCyNUhq5_tULLj21QltXI8pbvRHBHIMmFL6c6Wk3CAPPEAVEPwosQ_mEGlAwIQXTMy2LpJhZ8652gs_ZndPvKH3ZACwfuHuzFe4oO9IqtIxbFLkOiiWLKSuIIa2y//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">And giving the trademark thumbs up.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQGJrv-MOw0zc5rckiKpAlVfVg3CXMNXbtkgkzCjbUWBzLBaJ-l95IhKrJQI_UqzqRrny6wgCEq6ao2aVcN02PneuVMQumYiSb6tj9BuNr-dQihMgsfnhdXWtgKMvqz2AZT6CdSjxwJWn/s1600-h/IMG_0552%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0552" alt="IMG_0552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_w_pfzeZrINW-LvZlF8kzBPwZ17ZCrsIs68kh0BDqFYNS4iASeh3PBnZVsffwBVk7_Fs6Qsuwurk2ayAzgTONUwowkHb6ybYnGQ0kcKtfGCROGP26wAHp4cu57kZ_hAHQs5O-KlYUyrd1//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p>All’s well that ends well. </p> <p>I gave up control, Molly jumped in to<strike> </strike>fill my shoes, and no one died from eating year-old candy. It was a win-win for everyone!</p> <p>Oh, and I no longer have to Gingerbread House Kits sitting on my dining room floor. It’s the magic of Christmas, folks!</p> Molly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08591245425404213705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975300125120218074.post-29068169555434251602012-12-22T22:15:00.000-05:002013-01-13T13:18:43.809-05:00Another Day, Another Chance to Party<p>But this time, it’s wasn’t a Christmas Party. Molly’s friend and bus stop buddy, Ryan, celebrated his 7th birthday. Molly was thrilled to attend. She’s always up for a good party.</p> <p>Ryan’s celebration was at a local bouncy/inflatable place, that provided a few hours of air-filled fun!</p> <p>First up was <em>Plant the Flag</em> where you must run as high as you can, up a steep ramp and attempt to attach your flag before….<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Qz5-VW6btiLecJ3JSFayzPMdqs-sq7_se9Y32lvX-vHL44eS1t6n5mY00ueWZFsEQV2EFGn4lyicDOaNhiPQZnewGS_opgCPCBPQktTcDUZcZV8rOCbZjtA4ztNWIfLOAKDmCE4ZDiJd/s1600-h/IMG_0484%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0484" alt="IMG_0484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinB3qGaE97VN6zU7iOBJ6STq77fkjCkM21bnlC_2ghxx-IFe3BfwOo_w9Aubm0MT9h4jAb4jBGfo7uTiw-ruoJIeYMkZ9Tjnx0HxZlbwni-l23hpnPnV6h9ie-xUROKmrHsceHD9774Fiv//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">…..gravity takes over and you slide back down. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1sU1tMarLBRGlyTQ6LTbX_IlTg744YL-DT3H9aOy46V7djBwtk_G8MQk-5MswQof4J4vf_BLkY4cbUBlmaC4HH2bd_gkmv1Xt6VM4lFS084CEr-CtjVciPf_4V4Z6zCqVXuZbA5d_daRN/s1600-h/IMG_0485%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0485" alt="IMG_0485" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbjJsNoJRHS6RUzwFQ126xA15yLABzRNAFAXJqF7Hlv4h3f_t-8Bf9FWxZ2imUAAxWPTAA4851lvcbKAoUcTMRy636YbtzYattySEMyRfXrOwt2kVFK3zcdJBhE3pjurYYEEfeUSzuPVtW//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="674" /></a>This was way harder than it looked, but the kids never gave up worked their way higher and higher up the ramp each time.</p> <p align="center">Next Molly moved to the giant slide.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhByT2OddiZ_-XjWCnMuglMxCF7kwejHbCpsfO2KQK3_TqJcqkw1yrrSM8WK7_R4hNG-UeLaxQeYR6B0JdEYKn-OjemvAZiY0ZbtBFh7J6G_lNDSKVEQzwryVwdiVJI_whAReLypeghA8cr/s1600-h/IMG_0486%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0486" alt="IMG_0486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtoh36wxiVtByAjh5hFzTgCcpm1cpqO_1Ax3ndMXcGTOSuvpmGck_vUstxrRLTtzMo31piN7qZnhCARUqX2QvP5hUdEjiGCogHwxGhYUrlM2lL0PRDyzgIs2bmRPk17UqHd5O9rDfr5H7//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="674" /></a>Hmmmm, I’m going out on a limb here, but by the look of her face I am going to guess that Molly had fun doing this.</p> <p align="center">And of course there were plenty of bouncy opportunities with the multiple bounce houses.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZpZHC1k4LavDGdMT26wm9lr100rB-8UszS5Qnip95IP9PwDHsUplPQ-j7J2Ong4sukl9KtB31aS2MSyp7CLxhtUpsG_mjkzbixGzFnlBMWJVgUlP7Nag0e2ONL0viDpZz5sdxIB0nCE8a/s1600-h/IMG_0488%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0488" alt="IMG_0488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4j_D6frLR9r6zlcXC-pHQ5vKrp6wLAThyphenhyphenHNy8Bqmb6bkogSHTRqUohfy2xZpO7ig3ndIvo9JeWR-Yy-HYBqZJZjoGAi5qwN7LpaNdMEy2dznU2VSGN6TLoqZ0BgWr4lQETxSF0tyIfeBz//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEQscb3_2wOkodyTxCLHiNT3LIydiK2RG0P2DFmN0gwV2q0ZLz5JL1VwiH73O7VggsJK0cjFpLV2qGtZsXmkhgxV2UVCG7YKN1AWVIYrrLv0Ds3k-OJdIR3UYyl3xQpffyYXqqc-Jt46m/s1600-h/IMG_0496%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0496" alt="IMG_0496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIobjzF_nW1hslobE5POJRa4rbqzHeBpMPMv40lYlQi5P2lW_-8ch-3Who1EpMI1FtuoTA-KMTM8AwGB2DPq5ayQPit3M6GW4WkIwgZZz5qRbfCJVsHZ12lKBaCUJJ_ToxVsv0-kr66PAO//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Things got really fun when they gave the kids glow necklaces and turned on the black lights!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9UwBFziZ6bhJs-tw_XjPcyXjn7SrOYxHk-dTfRZx5jxZlalPQJSw-eiGWqa6JBQogsBBAfc1HxrgS2qNQwjgYkLuH4THOSOsaWWf2lw-VgYPRAiYcSVh-lNKSvPJ9A8mmDvHNppAmMV7/s1600-h/IMG_0491%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0491" alt="IMG_0491" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6E9H2lzSQEthyRcPhU9ccBYW4oyXf4TjXbBDHPrdbepmbO7ye31QFmPbhMtml4NSyWj6j39ACGN_Mp8jslDYsYBq_BY4ti5cPhcegUH69RAfh4ZL3r2eCKmCaSiYko6zOmQgs_cdDMZRp//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="674" /></a></p> <p align="center">Group shot, a birthday party must.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_PocpKIyiSsHvP9H2B5URr91D-SY6QovuMkp1G_gs1zRnVVLV_xcOiBqQtvdE6KboKFH3sc3aUHDB0wEOdxINJ0wVDSPTXfWsZZwgLwkQw37JexbpFI32EkhRagxt2_2NHo-5LsDYTnZ/s1600-h/IMG_0498%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0498" alt="IMG_0498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMoy14okG9yH8BRc5fqekpTjvnWjj5x6nuK8gnjZbVcN5b74QUWY1cVMM0vFvJ3qgpdCibQwVmyrw6s8wSECg37uGzqnm-SXYLrkg_0rQ7doNQX3nSzMph-jCeUwWgCsCSOl91bwRwzin//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="323" /></a></p> <p align="center">Boy parties are relatively new to Molly. She’s used to girly-girl parties complete with princesses and frills.One look at this cake and you know your not in Kanas anymore!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN01dGLKxWLK22NxGUReUe3HrAwpoh4cCa_xKpb_k2ARbP_jYj5kY0dJiovYSTsJDjB_1faFdIrBkpflAJGHUnLZqeBFE-oTp0ohwP-SNptFVmP_9zFCjt0DSJ3ZfQeUaDHdO2b9t7jpRf/s1600-h/IMG_0499%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0499" alt="IMG_0499" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5eVmYTKAk1uwusMYRSQeT6wTdRCusSbgeP2lw3nVy3AgBdZz55TjU2HPGECXVg-xYUu4RyT5v04FUAcMwhMg2Pdcw-r-0ZxGyFp9h8Bf_610l_zzvUuyiLOOuiAaTidzNg63oLNLYZwG//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="323" /></a>If you are a boy, you have got to think that this is just about the coolest cake around.</p> <p align="center">Here’s the birthday boy, Ryan.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72BmJpPUm1qMQ-rtPn3rZFJ-ypdWNqPDxFfHpRzzd6KKy3ejfq52syrsL0-CBtFonUjsbEfSKi7UqQyzvuWoeDZGxEJCa6Yitu1xUF6_0xW_9c7HsLPP8_Pv3f4SSQsj2WqSnAcAFMda-/s1600-h/IMG_0501%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0501" alt="IMG_0501" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipse4xyIFYgKVdkTcJU7xQmgAdhszhuhs9_0OvKvXidZTyiL_wYthvIbKNuwO9jquFyKdc9-axPtSG0IR78aLsFw6xp5GnJCMlOwMRy4B1hZ0dZrFQ8StVPmjTfTBf7Yp7AyCN_M5j8oWU//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="674" /></a></p> <p align="center">Watching Ryan blow out his candles.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVIp5V0xJgQI3DBJcsIkV1ak927wT2jV6V3tPFkIvBAKRfwEcbHJAve9U1vRJecGY46DfmxnxmdlYaLgDSz4n-6BownJfmDZ1VfejqgMsP0L2nSa8TJjpQcONVHG_d2O79SQQGFVZYoTR/s1600-h/IMG_0505%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0505" alt="IMG_0505" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOTmAdTS0NCW5RM_Z30D7CMs1y2xom12gJDRpsu-2FSu28gRTVdqysLbKHljyWk5CckPpJrk1NlxgV1CCjLxl6BMRX16hlIFyPoxRXp_ZL4cJLF84olj7KFoGMvUBxSEh2bKrPqAy3vYm//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Molly eating her cake. It almost looks like she’s not enjoying it.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBTshevaLImE-7TB7nAWJzNjZNst3GxtYaA6AezmLajlUEql3V6i9PyGhqF4I3x6k_gZQebpkRzvua7fRCisj0X4GTfHydtbJ9Q2TMlMm9398My24bF_puFV8NydsW8YRiwBi7IaEDyqfJ/s1600-h/IMG_0506%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0506" alt="IMG_0506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYqytTkKLuiiqalvrkeOGFY-EU_-lxd0fD_7XV-YUs7Ozg5aNf5DlYYHfcUjNwCDYelw_-n6zpXoTPMBbgRyWWBvSkc-wytcHzBKiw6lGwmy10idZQOBKSlph4R4Fxkk52BXHwsQU2uRL//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="677" /></a></p> <p align="center">No worries. The cake meets her sugar-high standards.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34q8z1uiBb8neK-_lRL5TyRyHWt4O43rmw84SLKfBrleY6DIIc5G3V3cx6Q1QJkRdpTd2TxdR6CP9abxoP_qhPrv8QRUH2uOVCWSyLjRhqOfUdGTrIikc5PdVoPhe2AoSbEdb-vhvj4ih/s1600-h/IMG_0507%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0507" alt="IMG_0507" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJJAwgg0UVyeAl-mDkk9Hy6pH4TncKl3E5NFnjR6DiW2T8JNWUw9q31KFRQ0Aa8Ko9tS7LpCgfUUnWH9lJGWYr15CWmYioxmNQue2OkD9bQ9rwh95iRleiNsr4CRC8erGg4t5ysAmGEcy//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="677" /></a></p> <p align="center">Time for opening gifts. Molly, patiently waiting for her gift to be opened.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vAAaybbMr6nLaupn2JgV4cqtmmXLwEX1MXJYAFyV5GoDaHsMlf1164ZYICVruAyV6Q9ADNtgCCH6P5Z_pOFgkGwA6BB18b-lVGS273q1QMfGDykKUmEjVNrN8JRQwscXhTT8BXjJI2CS/s1600-h/IMG_0510%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0510" alt="IMG_0510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFsd9wZpvGKNV3W8Ot06aGIoh5Ucsdml7Qo7DSjynxkqun07-jXMHX6nZAXPbKM2qSsmgyG3b3vyTqEYyanj91DlXkXBeytL_iWB36moJa2_xAzpP-yDL6mR9uyEwMs43MK4i2PJo6Abqs//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Finally, her turn up front to watch Ryan open her gift.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVvN3CDMEkZLHKJvFXqg4vYtejruVsaLIw8-83Xdz2k2x-uIQfm9DrlBPPOzM5gJ7Jlxngs_RbnxXnce8bA6JOKJt2P7LDoqaXq5-SIqP3Gcwue5pHWBfm7GDUOO7_ilMFlSKHPA6bDqHe/s1600-h/IMG_0511%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0511" alt="IMG_0511" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCDQv7yw_tZPK2aTX3ihvc-pRC2c1AyFel5j8CVpCKYYxt3w1bpOwpcl3JjxvZoFiYZKt5W5kcN6czOpAWZ_lx8jIglAuOSCjtQBUCGCD9ErmRMJSv0Cj01gxFGsAs0HQT0566yidC8It//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="323" /></a></p> <p align="center">Happy 7th Birthday, Ryan!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXZP2zYIQolv6iEvpnB4CxesobIRqjltiYDD7TE0ZC6Uu7Wf8wmxfFawR5tU09mG9DjrneDsDSOIm0DwgaxdRxOom508orDXrUnbjvh0bgsaDKs6OJR952uWf-Tvs6ohEJDlTxKL1SAPvj/s1600-h/IMG_0512%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0512" alt="IMG_0512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0e5DGvHSyuRMj24SUK27pHF844EMR9pfu34bg4y2UxMxY_CDith360IS0BEaWpSNSXu28H0NXy980IZFCdWYwdqB8LU0s8KYrEkKiOyOdUZs1dgAydPImmvFkSK6wAoAgtLYIOvYSckug//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="323" /></a></p> Molly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08591245425404213705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975300125120218074.post-1561227285475876412012-12-19T15:34:00.000-05:002013-01-04T15:35:43.451-05:00Holiday This and That<p>Some random happenings around the holiday….</p> <p align="center">Sam shows off his Frosty foam craft that we hung on the refrigerator.  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsps59zJ_IP4qV3rBWVrzHYLaGH4xAEHKhLxnyb9eSlNUNP5G3Xc3EBnjQKlTLokE0rEIs-IpR6X9SKDFinUKY6G7d9K4nHZzl1W8Nxcimbx13zwgJSCUf9mphsO39bec696E2_0GVsaOf/s1600-h/IMG_0429%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0429" alt="IMG_0429" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHXuevpsGEYHXBiUmJsFr7ZKKXDTjILLD3HozZKHrDWRPjsDqYYi9ElShA9Mld1ctX21-VgnaY2XN1BQEvM9wc66kNR0wLtgIhnLy2WVESfhqHRPOqcG1VZAoDHUyFEvBsrPg6zSX1FxiM//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="674" /></a>He was so proud to have something he made hanging on display.</p> <p align="center">The top Frosty foam craft is one that Molly assembled. She completed it earlier in the week and stuck it on the fridge.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUScI-CuQFruqpN36NftqJvt1sSjO-f4Z2m3JSl_fbIHFeQF0k1urHG50Doc3E2wpU5E2uiDXwU5DT5xswjxrLpYOBBk3rQ1GudeFYPrCA_FzKwhyphenhyphenEpQdewdX1vgVzUyJFo6PpkzcM5Yn3/s1600-h/IMG_0430%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0430" alt="IMG_0430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-pmaxdrRHuqXqhwoRxiwxSFROVpl1Zym_e0_rQ5AN2rm7-vKgBbzHxnH3ILKc7WRFAzAMZ06dfk_y0EYeZDhOvSe1OT2yPTtRqM20uYbByi7EB0_BpRZBcgh2R54BfytGqhz9JjpCHdX//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a>Sam did his project a few days later. He wanted his to look just like Molly’s. He kept running between the refrigerator and the table where he was working to make sure everything was in the right place. So stinkin’ cute. I think he did an outstanding job!</p> <p align="center">Sam is a trooper when it comes to the holidays. He happily accompanies me while I do the Christmas shopping and run errands. He never whines, complains or makes things difficult. Never. He does have his limits, though.</p> <p align="center">When we came home from a recent marathon shopping trip, I began to put away the day’s purchases . After a few minutes I realized that  the house had grown very quiet. Not always a good sign with an almost three-year-old. </p> <p align="center">When I peeked into the family room, this is what I saw. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1bXhHdtA7v9ao_9ppqUrLZY1cNHAPCRBDxRrp2eXYSoSPZArsBAMmhKyeccQLuGhwNXYNhOOSeccSNDNyHUx0mgghIo7ASSheAGaVIJC5cL9DTB3XPetqJ92sSEsgbmkw7R2e4eB0FvqS/s1600-h/IMG_0473%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0473" alt="IMG_0473" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5rzE7lu0ybnGUrRGjr4OuB8HBbXzKw-IYaSCL1-ltR1GX9lEPEfLlzVsmTd01y7za9-L1UnGSuIGyctx5h4DDKd7hogUlMzAcTyMjSRtCrHOvBhMvORVYhhWa9XaasAj1t4Zy020tany//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a>Fast asleep, sitting up, with his shoes still on! Love that boy!</p> <p align="center">Molly had her classroom Christmas Party yesterday, and like a good mother I couldn’t wait to go and <strike>take pictures</strike> volunteer. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDy_N5VHF71eSAAjf5dTHdFFVnhTYRB0yBOfREIv5_-bRJnksnWHWlsHCULU7QA6dwAE7TVS9cSTIa2BxTrIupzbxaFqNLLrakG23FQ4NNHHtS5UQvtUeAKs3XDCSM20faBqfYgidx7-9/s1600-h/IMG_0474%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0474" alt="IMG_0474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY88NvAwWlZp2fMCgAIoeGshyRf7Dc8ndBulqP2DNxGahu4FNM8tIo0RvD0kgUrce_NsZAmBAfjz6u7TaY-ZQlD_klM_hBS9VF5D6LVsgiYnj4LG7sefI0RHCKn2oq_EtAZApVNjfTpFkB//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a>I was so busy helping out that I only got the picture above and the one below. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJDcMOJWGvj3TZ_eTGlcL-ZvniZzDb8GoN4WllzDrfVT-nTbMB6OeoMl_i4DzaEi_vXG9Y4HiukDBMdSbAScgEu0ZsOsopoj7zO76aZyKaVtb6C-5nTa7bAIWKbeKBcw94z8AfHXdZeQSS/s1600-h/IMG_0475%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0475" alt="IMG_0475" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxQKso6QNZj5plFN7zmj0p-bc5CakhL7WH10K-v1144IFIY3WrEvO0COB4uzLIw09dfpypEE8oGWirFhIRIAdMDHA9O2WNBwNgDOETQhBWRXoAXxJ-SVhhakkrBDkATQPTT-wFzCdy6OD//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a>Neither of them with her looking at the camera. Sigh. </p> <p align="center">She did agree to pose for a picture once we got home…<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWi2VjIN7Z0y4H92kWp2erwkXmsmmXWItgWZCxLzNOpyHQSrOxc_4Rxg9nMRSKo1iIK-3pQTve5ciwh7AJHIu_fAAYdjfcIOXKZJYiqRzaJjau1lBFiUblc1rXKUkyrfm3wE4g5B5AMANT/s1600-h/IMG_0476%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0476" alt="IMG_0476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJNf_KCDX1h39PL1V48bH1Ztm59CNdOSPp2Q2swV2dWTcwNuSBX6Iau6Q_H9_EV4lqmUQne-kxosPaQYiyg2fhzKDKMUPVohl-UOsWwUh_COU3IhgAQjLqVj5fBibdnkobLuFXbsLPybv//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a>…as long as she could do it from the dryer. Silly girl!</p> <p align="center">And finally today was pajama day at school. Molly, of course, was ecstatic! She was even up and dressed (in a fresh pair of PJs) before I could go in her room to get her up.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTylg0t0bug-ACFljRmUfXqn_sYN45QNgDXe7oQxILqDMu0xSw-LG1r25UTATlE1qkBUsLeCpysfiBAjGf2PgT0Wuf25SXPwhA1cFoyBm9LuIqjsS6TDl_e-yR1fv2m0_nEQc6945yegCy/s1600-h/IMG_0477%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0477" alt="IMG_0477" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipB-Nn0S7RFfyx_dlPnFIZTk3K8rVY1Vm7VwDLBI9ZwOhDbk20Kd1iEunQKZkdu9y6emKnPeG8V3EgfP9lT40KMOWPIzBRiFkl2-9pS_Q_TWywEutivNX9K96jM_nB4rqJhFa_vcGlh3gh//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="637" /></a>If you know Molly and how she loves her some sleep, you’d know that this was a true Christmas miracle.</p> <p align="center">And yes, my photographic skills are so poor that it looks like she has a festive Christmas decoration growing out of her head. My sister (the professional photographer) would be ashamed.</p> <p align="center">Sam saw Molly having her PJ picture taken and wanted in on the action.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlhWr0g9lMG2fplDUdZq6w2-Ag0i096zWxSNjFJubASUW__qFYhNlXrt4tGqIaWVqEVrscPwmf3iYPWyyAUPGUbqKzYiJqNF8B76mhPh3kr873N-1coBlXQFs_qW66JKMCmklUj1uAq2z/s1600-h/IMG_0480%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0480" alt="IMG_0480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDKGERZQ7RH9wXjVMy1ahB1p3m9J4R-knqVsBAzNq_9f_DaY7ao28DbIVdiHK5NgF9CuRBaqK1e4ELfTODJzFyIrprtpcSoQYpVu9nor6eWOkUudcGU168EymTAyYJBtZNX1EJaq4FU9v//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a>Here he is with a Christmas stocking growing out of his head. (Sigh, again.)</p> <p align="center">More Christmas posts to come. Stay tuned!</p> Molly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08591245425404213705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975300125120218074.post-72886872267358180862012-12-15T19:53:00.000-05:002013-01-03T17:55:44.639-05:00Bowling for Christmas<p>Nothing says <em>Merry Christmas</em> like a trip to the bowling alley, right? C’mon. Rolling balls, crashing pins and that neat ball return thingy. What else elicits the true feeling of Christmas. That’s why they put bowling scenes on so many Christmas Cards.</p> <p>Imagine our excitement when we learned that Molly’s China Friends were having their holiday get-together at the local lanes!</p> <p>Seriously, it was a lot of fun. The kids love to bowl. The lanes serve pizza and fruit punch. Pair that with some of your best buds and it’s a party by any standard.</p> <p>Here’s the pictorial of the festivities.</p> <p align="center">Molly, a proficient Wii bowler, is confident that she can translate those skills to the wood.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIFM_sjhdhYuoi8W6C6UGBFdzpGh6VQ6Ihfq4Sj1OKsBZR2E6ZiCBv0_JXXgMqe2pxLIRL6FBzlIdWJ2BdVxdSM18No-cZNYCvNUNoP8_TwGkVO5gkcFcO3Amr0eTPc2SKqmdIRHssm-2/s1600-h/IMG_0431%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0431" alt="IMG_0431" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wFzwJ4ilL81mOPSbozkr2ax97ah491X7Xiv9W18WJ_hLpU2DmFQP3mFFOwZDzbo4gAt9Lxj_8IPsb5jCO7Le92ryK-WU1BamzTAfRZppgOWXMho4h8t-uGgS8aPLBxWAEe5kkW6E3Im9//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="674" /></a></p> <p align="center"> Sam eagerly waits to see if Molly converts her split.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8jIInztHoREuwRpESm_UUL3kB4j0qR4VTLc_F9zCAZilfOogtXH3VHb0Xo7hjOv6d8nPEVxTjpwmvt1JrcfVmq_6Who7WN0NWIX1YJAF7NjGD1zu0k95Vu1AU6OzCc4S1g9Jqk9g4wXbh/s1600-h/IMG_0432%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0432" alt="IMG_0432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnEhmAhu5xGY28Rf7L8CGqQkbWWnyyTV-SOQ66S4ATqDylx8QVbqE6IqgEfrWVqwY1rNIkRTZehJBm-h76Om6j7InQ_aax3d9bbfhkhjFJ3HpX_Qn6DHkA3OD8FSOmn3kwDdMVRuXO58Xd//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">Good Job, Sis!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvorP9BIlejzSRMl67hHrRquQJgCIbS9yoSkXc304la2RHZHrDWUeCG5dMooTd1T3LPaPYxqWgtEbaGRmPjW7IGLppyv9EEHE76dkfnU_fl6KMBvgYyg_zZQJovgE7vODrv4Jd6rX90MX/s1600-h/IMG_0433%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0433" alt="IMG_0433" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3QHdqKpYuLyY9Fl99Itnb4bLOH1ul7HgTivaSXVtFG7Rdg9-70X5huJBnE9XKltpsYSgaFkAnCpIHcFY5T80mXjsD90W3bp5xGq9kHEimxfva7pEfi-1vhU7cRk-RzNePYrA6zkjjWb9//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">Sam Qiao: Master of the ball return. He made sure that everyone’s ball was ready and available.Such a gentleman.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_nAM79aC9RDrbD9uwG4aAo70t72QEg4hbTpzDd1O4ew-4gHe6t4DPDBe_49icDEyHYzDe7cQzxN0MLbeVZBqNeEAB4fg6F2tBHj4s1KXRY7qrIF7VRXhKQ1RUDfdjoEmxF2Lj-7LQTreW/s1600-h/IMG_0435%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0435" alt="IMG_0435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFcMuQwro02DSW8x8dbHItIBdkKYGOrN206e9y7JxNlQVEtrtRYZKA_CBeAM9sQMb2PZK44Gb7FcGCSxUA0IrOKOkYKus1pP2bET8pJe0O6KdsjQUbqV4mVJ5yhGP38NszltwUSy9uFkEb//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">Bowling Stud.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFueR6YGHB86V3MPAlsVLuDPkiRmIXNB-ymvFT9WypgZQEH_2wXqIpeE66XbzLCGVpDjCbY70a-zQfCJWD8Virp237QqPfPJEhmaaRwAV2thysyLB2Nla8-HnyMjKKobShpTQgIoNjq2D/s1600-h/IMG_0436%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0436" alt="IMG_0436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBPdGNdwFey61xSYqrjIXyADo-8RdI5NiRGr2qd-Z12JAiZcmlpoQavkIYpdBw2nQh2LyOrOSaMPfdOhAAv-Rc_Z0asLKSzFZQkgZrQc5BQJeG-Ba_gySnbx_A5pIUguBidF9zKW4H-yc//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="674" /></a></p> <p align="center">Sam even offers Alex some bowling advice. “Okay Alex, when you get to this line, throw the ball!”<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQ2kWaaHUW_bKyylFig9aDCXt4C9gVNkgspWVcwVAYQ-5CjBU-1JYUE25ccAAFWFw8mPFWLz_osxh1b-6NYDRw9tk7xQpkKYAanH0MYB3tS5FWScZO09HWBzEDrdNBQ6UyKeVI2U7RbOx/s1600-h/IMG_0438%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0438" alt="IMG_0438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOKFT6cpTyPWEZRnhj7jqQnK0B9UVgIw3xXfF04Vcaw9MyDwRmZVWLy-kYrjFxRGC7FjFW41feSb0da3Z8-LG5MU8YvJ_5VWNn7TWhqUFkilIfQcoplZPS622fANneXRQu1a65Dk5V-CMJ//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">After the kids bowled for a while, it was time to eat. But not before a group picture. Like I always say, LOVE THOSE GIRLS!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNefUhgylqGhteSQVnKDIGgwkqSrq0zc6FEK3AuCQFk82DC7JXoPxdz4HtDMfT5Opivx21DULLhO5AHhB-FBIIlCRrI-onRRCMIm-v-HxxmjNwc-MXwEdO3rN0PDKDh_qGp_vlgC0562yI/s1600-h/IMG_0451%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0451" alt="IMG_0451" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz94W6xhk__Y4d1ZMaQwgiXp8rcMs05y11m8gSMik_fsa0CRg-RkCadSkkfIHQnJ8HCs9Pv8vzl82EqdiDK5ZCuvIe8uOStrsDDgNN-q1VZb-_LNUWkhx6A0oYmvm3Kn-KPE_GGf5kWv4T//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Bowling alley pizza. Yum. Sort of.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpa_2mBDNEKf1NAmvWUbTZy7View1syviPCOClvqKxP0D-AUNGE5vg4n5qhaBoxy9aO6oWBQ0iMJr9w7kH6cMxl4d7JZvAzwBaZw_-wcfsUdnWz7f1I9HYteH37jt42ZsBOqJHTmyRQaC6/s1600-h/IMG_0455%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0455" alt="IMG_0455" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEfEnQqOejXI9XdEESpFr34lXkMGh4-x6Fmuo4u383THwq1jd6fOMSdMAmss6L-5ldazCc9awRUF1eAHf-lg8PP59zhC3CNUphfCAi8pqeAK54SMGTXDFyNZnaPVwqfHoeExkD5ZVR3A2//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Sam gives it his trademark wink and a thumbs up.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52SYgEwOkUJwbSz2MeatMyPYRNVVguzOxpeBTWPaY8vJmfnD2Rim4kj2ySy5LEEkRHK9v9-OFSYjgnGvrfOuMyX_NmP-7zinIri40AleNzJ-7RcRGzxVvUzZ6Ir1GIWKNZUp-OkoVt0Zw/s1600-h/IMG_0457%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0457" alt="IMG_0457" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdAvm8EQ-mTKSuaMAtN9EHTsGMN4K0T9I1Hed0Fs49pHHTq8tjBBh9Qy5kdvlPaHDMxQ_DJKMF5cn2tXSceh0zcrxqbK2anbGIdGoQbQwXkRW3kWljI7XfdClSdizn61_Jek7e4H0KnisG//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="674" /></a></p> <p align="center">After lunch, there was time to bowl a few more frames.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_uJbDxULcR3yDPocjxL6WMRotVfTfI6T8WdJYI4L4Ympwq29AaXxWuIU2aa43KO78PT1zR0sK7NpVUkjLKBQed5r_hBofAzVeNeO8ZeZYwvipHWkBEfyHuSn5aR6YsUQOPkr_LBZxFI6/s1600-h/IMG_0461%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0461" alt="IMG_0461" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlHJQ9wPcU5R3b7YkGxEYoS5qk7Jes43gw-3QwFBHSmVkNQl3Hd7j2NqmzSquIbKQe_jSmn2QPD0TlEpV74B3MFJH0xHd1_RAXLNkYedzF-Dty3by5wCHKP9m60a_XP25FSDcv7Tn-r7s//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">And hang out with friends (who aren’t looking at the camera). <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUZ8fbdFgztz9HGBOLiGk0-ny-1HJy4EO10qysteWaZZ1CANMyCslNBs8abzudLinkVGLJVZLpM6_Yn7HBVJc2OpU0iuSeFSF7D_4tzv2vgZNPJv7x5hJhb8dLKR4kiAPFLr1fpqKV2Ly/s1600-h/IMG_0463%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0463" alt="IMG_0463" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIYg6L3ujWNa9Cg3mL1H-c7tmhLKmEaK4LOQ8pgo1oKWQaRUgl7OYP7Qmy9G-Tf1nD_iMru9cbDB8F5wVqnTbCJjOwStzUXhHC4_OqyurhtQC_KSO2BsVHkzm0jVsyKxesNNqSSK1dM-w//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="323" /></a></p> <p align="center">Sam just couldn’t get enough of Staci. Luckily, she was a good sport about Sam’s fondness.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj27cT-w_wypHEWVJoMQHomW_ZPhnB2RCLJ_m_etGHlMGert8rns4TKsyaHGuzzpZ4ug4ufBaCwCHxiL_TLRBvAFJT9MHfhWAgbxltUEHV_5UgeXYu9nfc0XZjfJW_jlWbb80cKnmzMDHG4/s1600-h/IMG_0464%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0464" alt="IMG_0464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3qI2FZURSZEXCmG4Kvd899jFK9gHSDDU3lelYwx-Nlc9gxEB2LsOHRl_ynHa7fqxP2IjYDX9wI4PeDNGrmesfB5_NaNtgYzhAO4L74L7_HkUyLec9Cn1nm-XelsalyjS_18pUkOzqaFE//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="323" /></a></p> <p align="center">What party would be complete without a gift exchange. Molly drew the number 3 for the gift exchange so was early in the picking process. She chose one of the biggest bags. Because bigger is always better when you are six.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRjs6CBhPCHjFvTUam3ysqM7TlLJ7t3BSqlwJrWeH2ss5RBpBkXffV1oNg-LM7Y5o6DSEPezdtafzc59tG8Ni41nmMX6OV7sKWIjo6MI7Blx5bmMcDdexj7eaLUEjMCVYPFENoZwBYLfpA/s1600-h/IMG_0465%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0465" alt="IMG_0465" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIYD6sxv7DxwV3L608_scBOn4E0gYsS_wL8rgXYFUiTyaCQBmrF1JiMj1HbdPVFFjSXZ_P4LxYvSQnjhaTtpjHWmdcLhyphenhyphenPRK4aY1ocn0tWqA7sK0GFKPF7Ki7fV4NJaaps-7k69YiN5v8//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="270" /></a></p> <p align="center">Molly  with her loot.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqUXkKibdlTyWIAw5pL6wVmwlwyIw8YWSStWn6H19GLsvk48-IecpJCZqKK2rJZOl3XVucR4JitzfGdtePaznK4UW_IORAlDEhN_XixuKtTTfCLqcyVzDsqa5rdU4rXNO_CCuSJh1vwlqk/s1600-h/IMG_0467%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0467" alt="IMG_0467" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQYbF5amk0g7VuYvqKdVJ2CwB5C7Pdzw3DCvY2tIlJ2xPOKGCGwoP3OwhcSODJ5c8GASmQz_OmAGD22CwriGbfREh6sBJ9IvsIy0Nv5n802qwwjGZgM3swPLe9-jtf5yhoMWJPQd1b4oyB//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">Sam with his.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZlGa-PNHCr5Ikwuv7WX8_c36mroAiJJ_iXES3fhSOQbuWeSxGm0NViLZbq6FtnZRc5s5kmSZ4IjvEhQJpDQcxL4E_83iUwNlAezUkXoYcIL6LQxprsfanaKbJCykoi9s18llTzDVIoFG/s1600-h/IMG_0468%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0468" alt="IMG_0468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6ItY4CPhOXgxtq8zFfyEyXo1OJ4BlHZSa-mCVm1bvZ66rj-D0cTt_h8d9AagolfkwWsmM698SHAUB_QIcAUVL-QGpJlkL4pr3ceQJQGv7yd1UTfbls7UB15evRMBSylR4sY06Ei7z6xb//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">Molly picked Faith’s gift and she was eager to see if Molly liked it. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX2_Pq2xTswWZI7SnOsz2-iipWHoq_wAcgmTvVpEDtINQPtD7qi0RQ6_up9h5iQryyU986MWyLo42YEGkyIYCLV4HjzrhT2nJ5RGTE5eJlpkv5irhEF-XsepCdmMJUmVg2VkUbVZeNN_4M/s1600-h/IMG_0471%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0471" alt="IMG_0471" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-qrXx1cVkETLB6U1mRCuu_oTnR_Kdw4nDCwBTvmYqhnF0EcpUdyJMLr_H4NOkB0v8XeCkNCmNKQhPKmQ87rqiiUfhAoj8qcS1rjiV0M4f0pFqnZ2L9aMJRrG9TcdWjBeE7Crr4Tp-8zN//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a>It’s glittery, sparkly, and girly. Of course she like it!</p> <p align="center">Hope your Christmas brings you happiness and joy to SPARE.</p> <p align="center">Sorry, I could help myself.</p> Molly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08591245425404213705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975300125120218074.post-86871572322248782342012-12-11T15:08:00.000-05:002013-01-03T15:34:00.460-05:00I Hope My Grandma is Proud of Me…<p>because for only the second time in my life, I made her Christmas cookies. At least I think they are Christmas cookies. Maybe when my dad was growing up they were whenever cookies, but when I was a kid they were reserved for Christmastime only. </p> <p>These cookies have a hint of orange, and a hint of lemon. They are kind of like a scone, but kind of not. They are not too sweet, but just sweet enough. They are like nothing that I have ever had anywhere (except maybe a relative’s house, but that doesn’t count—same recipe). Unique and delicious.</p> <p>Once you see the recipe, you’ll understand why this is only the second time that I have made them. It’s a big recipe. And it makes a lot of cookies. A lot. Twenty-five dozen or so. It’s not like I can crank these out after Molly gets home from school for an afternoon snack. Nope. These take awhile.</p> <p>But they are worth it.</p> <p>Here’s the recipe. In case you want to make them. I even took pictures. Big surprise.</p> <p align="left">Here’s what you need to get <font color="#000000">started:</font><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9OT53LiGR8k3jLuSxW4lNVpYhXQrIPvwO8TubCVWuukkPUur29UH6Qr0ptiUCtFT1B4IqP4EnylYqN9WChdQRx_Fi3YdXCq555-A8Qa4G9_Cwr5R3lHYU64-0ajmZLy1fZQ39z5MN-JM/s1600-h/IMG_0360%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0360" alt="IMG_0360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HmtAxZMC1Y0o1z0Ccmzoiq2uuY9QdNwFLk_Pm_jxko7b7Sxdl5LBBiDmxFZCadVKp_nOqcPQb9BzauMSrk2986q4DSFoVBsuZQIk72NDECYVF5HmWNldHAgkvTd440HcIRmOzhOkJME9//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="left"><strong>First Step</strong></p> <ul> <ul> <li> <div align="left">5 pounds flour</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">2 1/2 pounds sugar (almost 6 cups)</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">1 tsp. salt</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">2 pounds Crisco                                     (Crisco? Yuck, I know. But trust me, your heart will be fine.) </div> </li> </ul> </ul> <p align="left">Mix these ingredients together in a large container. My Grandma used a big turkey roasting pan. I don’t have one that big so I got creative.Yes, that is a big Rubbermaid container. Trust me, you’ll need something that big.  </p> <p align="left">You have to mix this all together with your hands, which really grosses me out, squishing the Crisco through my fingers and all, but you have to do it. Just wash your hands first. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6psY5FHSn8pz6tutrBvyxMz3QHbDZII3TecR1Qril_8MBYnVpiVlivQCfrScrxgufyfIe60KUVcwJrsS3NFeTxF7wdbE3PrTOcZmyw4VK5Uzf_j9AA1fE4M1zN0d9-GKbwtp3TjX3pNW/s1600-h/IMG_0363%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0363" alt="IMG_0363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgveW5Ut3cxcdb6noanM8SWdddyOcwwh9eN0lJT-txWVAQO1siy7g2m4GOYmOQG9kdiVHlZh8wKgZW8LgA8qa3zM1_o7RrfkkihdP5vSDZWD42r814zsDtwOBqPhZdBuFUYpk1RhzlsMYCs//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></a></p> <p align="left">When you are done it will look like this: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wOIcWLJVvlEjNx-EfyHd-gVTTtFsOV1cOTT3hoYiwr1Jnb4yalazLFS2zBxNWl5vOfGtp7IYoAEs1Pz7n6gfCC5PmIhj0BXeBk9EZO7S9gwJO4amHRWBU86aGS-TE2WyxkabTFQpzy92/s1600-h/IMG_0366%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0366" alt="IMG_0366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJWTfvdn1XMxXR6S-gH1PSxqk5qqM4IgHKVfonZVIftNxPAXI-59WLuESc-0necH-IXBlwK2q7v1pv7-n0IZF-3r1obohdTmU5RfSRwX_zRxba8ja4kluSQcfD4mIj0-vqu-Vi-78yPcdX//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="left"><strong>Second Step</strong></p> <p align="left">Add 6 heaping Tbs. of baking powder and mix again. Use your hands, they are already messy anyway. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNS9ImODV3bPHXrTwT9ClRcnqgmlsylt79sDNKx3FVfoowqEpqN0YAh-IutQSShbu-goV0YiZIRDYpP_p2BU-GzJ0SunVbwPO6ScEHnsUQYkaAKY2Gsp-SB3uGK0B9dtak2Y60_2MtA-DT/s1600-h/IMG_0368%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0368" alt="IMG_0368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqxWJaSvwzJC2VeAaFDl-OiCNRclX0yp8Uh0s-FWPI3VfpEVYJWkhruhs9X2b2F7ErsSNYONrImGhrw5yNHwbthiLRJENXlffe7US8Gda1OZfUGD42O3IPujOdYzZRekkQ4lHg7AxvWvf//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="left"><strong>Third Step</strong></p> <p align="left">In a separate bowl, mix the following:</p> <ul> <li> <div align="left"> grated peel from 3 oranges</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">juice from 1 orange</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">1 dozen eggs </div> </li> <li> <div align="left">6 Tbs. vanilla</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">1/2 C milk   </div> </li> </ul> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJQ8tqAtYglG1GLmpRm_gcp901giriO8PkGDo9h_-OrxMSf3uKbtLqFRUl5hfAX-317WUKeK55Arws2UYaH3KZXr91Fw7ti-wTpQD0Ige3bcG_wt5bkS_bCUrfklXwVF0LYJ6VpK_mEOW/s1600-h/IMG_0369%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0369" alt="IMG_0369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSd5mk2CdD8JmTbZKguVQ9kq8i2bsGr737G3ZSqFS7IEve4Iin3KxsfGWoL4MlHwiTGDzbjWdXa8I1G4vK38hZmb6FHeQjXnaZd_pJzcWsTqzib1anrY6DFSLb5gffwygv4nbp2255nbx//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="left"><strong>Fourth Step</strong></p> <p align="left">Make a well in the flour mixture and add the egg mixture. </p> <p align="left">Guess what you need to do again? Mix it with your hands. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVeUmhInyk1vC5YcvQKqQ43sFgkuex9sKz1UotZVP-T2aetkZ5PgrTeggPWEkk16SHvUDWQN5glH0nXunGjBLVEIaYqN4OBZeuAW4Vt0wKYpVXT-PdvDhszjy-uE9IBVF7e9XoaPeUuhIu/s1600-h/IMG_0372%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0372" alt="IMG_0372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgav6bU1pm_kBzmXfUej4uHTJrvD_uX5nH7j_SZHkE4WoHTbkL4F1Gq_Y526z2DOtlJ_MpCbvRJ_BkGWdPizfWgEqyEKI1bpz_OL-_lIEWaF-Hl0g0CGs9bY5LluAIvDAM1G2rBMNwJ8N2m//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a>This time is even more gross because it’s wet and sticky, but it’s all part of the process. </p> <p align="left">It will be worth it in the end. Promise. </p> <p align="left">After you have kneaded the dough for a while it will look like this:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qjE5h1F0L3ktkLgSIFVrUgeanfbKl1CwzkuWnwqU7UNL3xRdJ2cYlTaAqRKLmz5U7qEPuS6rh1iHymqOfYjac9PQ7RNQVc0DHIZLvRRDRrUkA921-3f4N0EIo3xocHvfyucJOpL7Wjjb/s1600-h/IMG_0374%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0374" alt="IMG_0374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhozujI8TT9MUMbHfSh87sOnUAOItDQ5fD8nk1I3ATGABcyjnD4EtBNAvOiLlX1a_RAEWPr4oReJ5U_4H6EAeE4b6y61Nwfu6QknEFjkN1nyzu1cfTwyjN-EBevUhHb905JVNiDbl2mf4tT//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="left">At this point it is important that you have your dough inspected by <em>this</em> little cutie! If he is not available, you may substitute your own little cutie. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1siZrb0TXxg_1MhlmR6gmu8dsoy-FjjLl8mTZOQ7u1WXx3ooxF7_hrnUA85LQ9moQJVR2tLhAIocUBa8OuNZjIoQLnIc3ycRl-bmMf5zsw16MofaNSjzqmbK_ATRq84H7YrGuOPM99-J/s1600-h/IMG_0375%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0375" alt="IMG_0375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNRCuaRYkXvbR4bmEtgborH7zsKVKcUKtYdqHrPnxvBrNeJmhBYLII2A8DD0J_qVPN4AhX_Ft-Taz9paY92A3JTI53n_q3O4rsJJuIydlJfNufZjDMtNdK9a0KRAs4yuLKDjZlWltnvrn//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPDntPVA7p6LDrz9RszqJk-xDYV1h_NLxDJSs7PUcOy4Rv1_XU-lnHDfV8-zJmgWQexVc0-XkPzum4gS4fJJ8ESTGZpU5bJy3HLTXjmipcnEVNI8HlS3o_FRZET1UIcD34HPMb8kC_OC5/s1600-h/IMG_0377%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0377" alt="IMG_0377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1CSmG1VS22Tunb2Ka6fsetinGf-F9Odih72W4J7MxNTf5RMWd1eqCvlCuX1wjdEl0imdZ6VKOkFAyMo7Vhu7Yxc5UyzPLQfqycjsfuLlzLIILqYoU7QoQ3-wLkN_Tz2damLuzwu2UaxH//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="677" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5UP4ScbuYsFZ0-cdtUPPxcCBiwEdE-OJrWBjQgbSvh3s3JSKUFk3Xfahmij4U63aDtr1GqrACScTv4ZYPah5aiCkVOcabxEzmSQ_ZYEitCINoKPWawM3MQ6k2lFOOJGlCM-m-kWLVebX/s1600-h/IMG_0379%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0379" alt="IMG_0379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipR7CtC0mdqaFo2rUZyHxpFYVUB9Wc40jt_bcvhPszSWnvnj64njXbwcz0h6FKqsZKiklMy1WxbA7ynt09Ec9aS4AvjhYeFPA2YJ3oi-uT0nERLS3QDo9eA4B8c-vrr2qFiDglBW8et734//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="674" /></a></p> <p align="left">You have to let the dough sit for an hour or so. Not sure why, but Grandma said so in her recipe and you don’t want to mess with Grandma. </p> <p align="left">Take this time to prepare your counters. You will need a lot of room for cookies to cool and be decorated. Grandma used to cover  the counters and kitchen table with aluminum foil, so that’s what I do, too. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE_armlnIgyl6qFp-Br00BLlRAWb0MbWfH-4FAVosugB4DM-XqiT7sexVy4jz1OaPBLI-GaHlQHdOL_qNEiabmDMIdiIb4Ydq_hnaHQ6oIR9cVdq7jR3C8aI6YJswqeGBTX2Y7OMmkMzJ3/s1600-h/IMG_0380%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0380" alt="IMG_0380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfiS1V0LNdk-NHh2IVGoX6lwqZdcPNAOurRHQMn7pYjiIwmvuuKUmZ2rmXtydqGXubB8bplzEJrvTrHVkfUpN2oTK1rX9ptDl3Uzus6q9ZXNVF115l4X02A8TDSceXBvzIyEouDlPJ8mWd//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="323" /></a></p> <p align="left">Now that the dough has rested, it’s time to shape the cookies. Grandma was so good that she could just grab the correct amount of dough and shape the cookies to a uniform size. I am not. I use this large cookie scoop. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGfQi6YX4_i39gfiewuc662bt3SxITxvOJ7B7zL519YoriHBgLIX73NhfxF1rrYm9014UpZ9Q5Pov9Ajkk9WxmhuWeEaVl2OJPgoqI17k6KxXlQh5QKBgPRUxXUOd_73jXAC0eVdqs2FVB/s1600-h/IMG_0381%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0381" alt="IMG_0381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMRdvGCXet7ZgF1f4t6PnA5AMVc4aQRPkgh8zOyQymqpDerYOx-szOEzM5Eh3euAT-WBzfT0nqb5k8oXD57B-4F6o5rXgzQ3I9zBHv48BnLtUNCSEqepZNvwmMK9KYses7f0nX014HxAD//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="left">There are three basic shapes. The first one is the “S” shape. Get a ball of dough, roll it into a snake (yes, with your hands again) and shape it into an “S.” Fill an entire sheet, leaving room for them to spread. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMFJO3DtaBvDXngmdWTUGTBF_pMdKvtmkOLekfVN4Yp2Sim-UMvWtF-XNC4qeFq-hBvlSWGk41VWemiix3q4wmUPGfWZa4FwaIpKIMlbuKiM0TXqTy7oDjPuxdYZMtMNTcSuprg7jSE-7/s1600-h/IMG_0382%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0382" alt="IMG_0382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzeYGLj75h29wvmE9v7SvU3gjYI6dEdOgZqsyvt9cmoUkohtmWllYhd4yx9w8aofH10eu1HmucEeP_smdKeBDnj_RA1kBnJdQ8y2u0ZgFz-KrTX0AXG0dOnJMdJaVjbh5C2Ktovzga1Rm//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="left"> The next shape is an “O.” Do the same as for the S-shape, but make an O-shape instead. Duh. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFb3tKea5K9yZ1Lpi6h-AzelQLYKtl3cNy9DVrUnnYZRvvfe2g5p5VOVHGZROLWacNQ1cbRi9kczXTZ5WFFqDvW62MDAsKnS5YIK-mIAVJ-iNhEbJmcNQoFOZVcsMccclSGE2zrpNHuf1h/s1600-h/IMG_0383%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0383" alt="IMG_0383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzd234hHvukIKYvVUtUSiSqWrUVkBf67Ql-NIiBzK1SLLGDKQATrYD4QZCGW9sp6PTRMoIJbzUmV2XsRE_OU85HoPPYGNkkHJBFqi5m1IhGHCrOy70QleDPLmsjrrH0Q2FJhyphenhyphenrCIPB1ui3//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="323" /></a></p> <p align="left">The final shape is the bar. Get a scoop of dough and form it into a rectangular-ish bar. I know that flattening the scoop of dough into a circle would be easier, but make a bar. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBMjKsVA-ZxHPbFclGI-vI6l7MPYJVRO2oqB31dRc7pH-wExJPwBylc2IbgNgBPluumJ3bMDDW0IokqAUsCTfEHbiGRq4TC41LJSL6i7c3r0oNDbdJm63sKF0TA_FDUaq6jmXzjoQXDuz/s1600-h/IMG_0384%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0384" alt="IMG_0384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2T6DmKGLFrpGN0XC93faYg9eETeptuBnLY93P8N0o3VG1ho7jsKW4etbTI8fD3TETLC5bbL7Tl5PDgXcoIUhSmZCS0IUhx7B4_7HE-fK4cbzbTmabbsiFx8XRu0l0SkyT9bulieqiazZ//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="left"> Could you do other shapes? Ummm….no. That’s not the way it’s done. If you want to tempt fate, you go right ahead and make other shapes. But I’m not. It just wouldn’t be right. </p> <p align="left">Now it’s time to bake. </p> <p align="left">Bake cookies at 400 degrees for 3-4 minutes on the bottom shelf of the oven, then move the pan to the top shelf and bake for another 3-4 minutes. </p> <p align="left">They come out looking like this: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3bpDVc8jhxap3AMHc1XaGS50Wikwu-bF9AC2YF0fAmz4VvSAvo7jakMwhnVtfa94XL003N79daJhHrJKGlyKWkFWQY8GEiG7uJfXHsR6kJO9TZsSbOwce4DCTDExJLFV4UfRhC9Bmgewx/s1600-h/IMG_0386%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0386" alt="IMG_0386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIx_xI0LKDGeJPMM5TVqpPu3im3RqINdl2LRDdl44u9rWpAkJC8n9Mn7OG7Jq4jqyMIlJOmACzZJoomPxrFBKP4jEXkLGO2E8POXpmBvg4l-BMTYHWPtgVWCw2l9zr9M2mQO9Q-oOb-o0q//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a>They are not suppose to brown, so don’t over bake. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgncAjZXSdTVXwk02MQDG9D2x1YTDovKDEK7BYXyD7bXBWgRp8pMzJSNnvSENzyc4He8u8ZB6YvndUQmgL9BefwWOaSy31gh8oibVzhkf0BZVvT8kKp8cLlXwmTE37Npfzo4rcHTRxT61iD/s1600-h/IMG_0388%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0388" alt="IMG_0388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiq0ytIlw_9wZ1wjrMv6HgksELCc9L9hwhtie3pFXOhWmGIt3Nd7H1PfXoXYr8d-HAAayA8D7BDovrmaF7jXsoOzYUzgNZXFYjfC1osl1alXVzxjCLtJjeowh3RFO0DzpCBc8Od7bYOEsv//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="323" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3WOfF6iUUFPeRYTz8saEpLmQ-oc9SFMGtYx2BmV3VkSLAOvIWlFSjh2ERnYLRZJ5HrZ4OpoMdewoXV74-BuqamY9auKhw-bZ24C5Fv5Ol37xBGWP0rvbjN4G2y4wb2anMci6C0NwWyt8/s1600-h/IMG_0389%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0389" alt="IMG_0389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjs8xQOhk6ud6k-TPiHl4iuWGUCKvDBqILrcM_wFG-wdVO3Mzvc37lyRUmmN0qM-gMjFWcAL0iEzKYERu1-R9qjSaFZFD4V5-Dz8rNZ_jaOcwElYVbcwhvhbkkG3zvpD-cQyBET6OLAp9//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="323" /></a></p> <p align="left">I start my baking with one tray on the bottom rack. After 3 minutes, that tray moves to the top rack and a new pan goes in the bottom. Another 3 minutes and top pan comes out, bottom pan goes to the top rack and new pan goes in on the bottom rack. </p> <p align="left">You then have 3 minutes to transfer the baked cookies to the foil, cool they tray quickly under water and and shape another tray or dough before the timer goes off. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfMeG65CZE6wP6ZGqtwHCKojyGeyTx0gdmFRYJTdoAMYr-Hno39pKtnA05BiqjkexxGddjdGiV3wfIWPyApnnYR-23NyWY3WmV3UVhOZhQS0FrHc9B-rbLdSwfHkEVQtz3_0ovyidIjJZL/s1600-h/IMG_0391%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0391" alt="IMG_0391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6XBBhhb4PqyNiVJ46EMD7ophPV9a3aDQV8MxD0qoKpNy4CcEs06yP4GDknetkF0mKpbo5rQHPb5xws7NvFoTBFAB0iPHyNB9h2FHPSSU2n2nTkAFJD0-FmXLFZgofd2x7gqyQB-myqt5A//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="left">Baked tray comes out--bottom tray goes to top--new tray goes in—empty /cool /refill tray. Repeat. A lot. This is marathon cookie making, folks.  </p> <p align="left">Once you are done, your counter will look like this: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyhl86us2wV7dUlMRTlYNIC5hYMdFhCJXYPJeZgzl7sx91PxbMGlQIWnSz21kJgIf_NH6jDo8RXqYDnLl56tedqkkFAEo_lkIvOY3XIkkR10JWCcq1ZFbzt76iaUxqeatj5MWyJXzEa9R/s1600-h/IMG_0399%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0399" alt="IMG_0399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphen0WfPYy1J_coW3qrc6PaGPX91dyP1Dh9Cob4xfj-WKqH5NzaAfLiD_awPTN-Ipp8ZLC5TLl1onJVyrnlEP95ouK5JW8Zpijg2eDPABoKqAJ_sAtAIvtmcEF9_uWXMm3ZNKEyz4jOyWLC//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a> And this:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCC_8U1_5dwdCq0s3S1XYqtysr7dkG3RUEg5aNi-s4DaTqkxhNDA4deNK4rtX8Skj8uLPDwjMPKKgbPO-U6eIL_MjytGB5A8DTxDN_wA6yILyOzIRrsgfpELoyR8L5VAUY1dfHlkGL2bG/s1600-h/IMG_0400%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0400" alt="IMG_0400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9U_pogg3nxk5S7NxtCSBEtLLkjrRrG1QxHmQsDK1kms90YUNXksTjjGEi8IWcEsBuq83t-yRAHh8-a0D9lOplZRAgNOGMQrxvcOmIpn_d9SwypuQWLHd_JNsvBavEV7-dLdHjAOuhLK8//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a>Yum!  But we’re not done. Time to glaze and decorate. </p> <p align="left">For the glaze, you will need to mix: </p> <ul> <li> <div align="left">the juice from 4 lemons (or the equivalent in bottled lemon juice)</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">32 oz. bag of powdered sugar<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJVI-XbGmywcdpJ9wyto1HaLEHXCiQbnNPV4fEVslHo2fNTTXrVgUZKb8DOrVkPtSirz7Vt_ZX7GkW8PqXpZymy0usMUrLnxV9SJIKzInKUfIY763AC5dUyc2zZreGOvt1GRWMX8qeNPhF/s1600-h/IMG_0406%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0406" alt="IMG_0406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV0g1p8g4fu-cUNIZ6KnAb3wMyeHngG2FrU8rs7kSklR3v4BJHIQRazhAs3HUjOW6x8UiXtcisP_rlftvYoPUwPDFOQGIUayojVrKvRq9ccc_2NjlpwPCAEaEI8I6_MYm9c4N27HXFpcjH//?imgmax=800" width="425" height="632" /></a></div> </li> </ul> <p align="left">To decorate you will need :</p> <ul> <li> <div align="left">nonpareil sprinkles</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">candied cherries</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">chopped walnuts<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFuP_3vitoMwjoFn6-odPTVSMy2oCxdIMwWFU8uCHSH-otuhULvXWzaS9-G6c2jtKq1JcFcWzeFCDuI8q4LCgBaKTu8qUW1XVgQPFSaRKkGIAQiEOLCVvfcPIWtlLm2kf1wAQdIB0M38yl/s1600-h/IMG_0408%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline; float: left" title="IMG_0408" alt="IMG_0408" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkoDz96k-LmgfyyFgxV1FR6c5WeGKl8_bTQl8JDOaxBhBZWwcL-wEAGiaDcxGisNhhGQET352Fl5ja4z0itfHevOPsohthgeS8T5C0N-eSZtBhTAew_0H61czjbAIePZybOQyArwldMJbr//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></div> </li> </ul> <p align="left">I use a pastry brush to glaze about 6 cookies at a time. Once glazed immediately place sprinkles/cherries/walnuts on top of glaze. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmLhrCzgALMVJxCyzreqYQ3wMV4worIWYCYgpejlE4HrCSS-AtU950rfTCG4S_7VRfbTEZH6lgUWc9pkTTj02OBhG3FrFULL32GGPNpem6YlXn9O9hdnfnie3fMGkkBG9BVUoVvKOtCt8/s1600-h/IMG_0413%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0413" alt="IMG_0413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4NspOrMixosQYOvSNTs9khMhN8mN6O3hUIAip5pgBepGu1SeJ9JKqQJ7Qyk_mq-CpUGpqP-vmmPcj6QHCV71Ma8CupLMKN8v5A3mMXWz_oOf6DPgRsF8eITFnQZIqBY7sAYDvpN4ISJu//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="323" /></a></p> <p>This must be done in the following combination:</p> <ul> <li> <div align="left">S-shaped cookies get nonpareil sprinkles</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">O-shaped cookies get candied cherries</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">Bar-shaped cookies get walnuts</div> </li> </ul> <p align="left">I mean you could go and get crazy and mix it up, but my Grandma is watching from heaven. Just sayin’.</p> <p align="left">After oh, about 6 hours (if you are working solo), this is what you will end up with….Double Yum! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVomjMLPkHH7Snf-x1pcwYEHTFKdDwwdxwZ1Y2VcdpRBPrIdY2R7YYi5wAg5yjpPoH20q0TEopAzZ91xMO9nl0D7E9opoZTPPYbCYDzg5oT4igIbMn-C6R9W12ffucj7KP3bGhMb7wOstT/s1600-h/IMG_0415%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0415" alt="IMG_0415" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSeMjiaD-wh8vCn1muo5Wds-A2s8gJku9yTPizRdcjebh0bMJ7d8IizweknKeKbH-yhVzb24jThX19Pp-F76SpHVYYJ0gfYu7SMK4fK63JXL6vPB-jB4qwNAblQWvukao6BbHmlVV7Bqa//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEj55MNx6wVYzUBFiemdcinR0skigCKJr7ThTrX-NAIJnbJxY1T3GQ3HPhyF14H8AnL3qEhk6YpugISx_hyphenhyphendmQiCqDs3ymSoW6rq0_YFpTNwlnABsQnvncRVycvnGA8mGY8oH0bmqupij6/s1600-h/IMG_0421%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0421" alt="IMG_0421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXghgPjRwU2d0TAkWn5WOSHLQTk2dnbgwTNaeip8Rmy-PZ49bb8EViDyX9aYzXpdpPvlj9OdjRqBX5uPDwc1tiGbx25orix0D4FS0zTQ-dyAyTEkS_YTZKp1pKzK1ez4YluYQdKsBKlRJE//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="left">Here is a little shot of me showing off my baking skills. Which are limited. And in case you are wondering, no, we did not eat 25 dozen cookies. Although we could have. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZSp9kurhV8TcFcmJLTMPHBorPq7gMWNEbvB8GOKXubjxuaHgw78MaUDmkioLj8iyWdRGumF6icV9X72LrFoYMftny1TSxfb30zB7E55DeYrd0Rn7gDtjuPeaa3TVx8KY6RXebslcfF27/s1600-h/IMG_0422%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0422" alt="IMG_0422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNLTgKclHGCxy-nVFYzPa21XG0jiRmLaoI0GQ8lHVOdWJ-DF-q_FMcH3J1zM2FMJnpETYsP5hjRljaaXWrSTBS9Er9RXcarsDM-GXl3kMJ0krNlajQQuHT09xqKn7T8XnRGa_K4hMfdfK7//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="left">Half of the cookies were sent to my parents in Colorado. My dad has fond memories of eating these when he was a little boy. My mom has fond memories (or maybe nightmares) about making these cookies with my grandma year after year after year after year. </p> <p align="left">I knew they would enjoy a big box of cookies (which cost me more to mail than it did to purchase all of the ingredients). And they did. And probably will for the next couple of weeks since they have 13 dozen. </p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6iGdWTC6zosX4gkzT0T0JUQeKncI8rEf7kteZ8AqIlxzUrYzrp-fRFm30oJaBspl11Wh5GaPHb6leEvBJGZbgle6yqTSKwXommo2KdxrOmzFYpO7bGbDngrreuq0qFaXkz03LNyQukwi6/s1600-h/IMG_0363%25255B6%25255D.jpg"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhYivbzYA3CuFqWsbVuLsIrJOcI-eZoFzfZkBGUCZ0G3LWn3I9o1R4nxoCPSwZYc133dBZukRpGf9uuSk2DenVmrd0ytfYZ7RA7WNNuVJkZbV20CDtouOZ1UXnDyQ7sriJeCKdjq-FkBF/s1600-h/IMG_0425%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0425" alt="IMG_0425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXDb9LGjA7Y_fWtY0cfQ6MYuAWjET_g5ioD9wLfuZaMc3dGwuOCd2WlKes1pYN6mMkFlOLqqgNFNpVjp72nTMGSMoaxgUT4wqCsO1ydHaXCm6WXjghZhdV3_uHLVtOZjSdQl56xLUYoMS//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></a> <p>I would like to say that I am making this my new holiday tradition, but golly, I don’t know if I have that much motivation. </p> <p>But we had them this year and they were de-lish. Dad even gave me a big stamp of approval….said they were spot-on perfect! Just like his mother’s. And that made it worth every <strike>second</strike> <strike>minute</strike> hour it took to make them.</p> Molly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08591245425404213705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975300125120218074.post-30330434900073192662012-12-08T22:54:00.000-05:002012-12-16T15:02:01.514-05:002012 Saint Nicholas Party<p>This is our second year to attend this special event. I have this dear friend, Susanne, who is from Germany. She has lots of traditions that she likes to incorporate into her family’s life here in America. Lucky for us, some of those traditions are parties, in which we are invited to attend!</p> <p>Molly was absolutely awestruck at last year’s party. And although Saint Nicholas wasn’t a surprise for her this year, she was still completely invested in it. Sam was thrilled beyond belief.(Okay, Sam is thrilled about going to the grocery store or picking Molly up from school or eating breakfast. He’s just that kind of kid. But he was over the top with this party!)</p> <p align="center">First up was making these adorable reindeer hats.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZ02eIrMnzGeZWJ6EF1ehTWCyYuu43XrG7xaEwmzx5mltLKMjTA9_CpIcAWzIMOXfsjNBS2xXwhS_lQeuGnhgZ10aUhIBwJ0s69ymKxWxcChZAzY-3JpKv4W-p6K1R5WOxiGo2jJnmnUA/s1600-h/IMG_0299%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0299" alt="IMG_0299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVluyKvLjWJZld0TYqIj7NZAS7OroSpips5R4H_0n-Yi4asmYeF1QOhMVuAtWzb-HvBg0kKhhoIumm820N8SsuHvGdNJ7NMNoIJy98hqGIuMHsCGEtnlErIVhPIjWmzQW-duXc8osZGOUB//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="678" /></a></p> <p align="center">Seriously, can it get any cuter than this?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-leOBFPj4wx-pVvTznjzS51y4npJ4iuHo8229cnHcxMKNO9dgxrUji1nldJn2AJDzMuiEz0CfaeIspXApLfTDJJfU1N2qSeQWcwK_J5_jcdo49A-8ziCkOMc12Hh3JAlus428kOxRcJrt/s1600-h/IMG_0303%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0303" alt="IMG_0303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWTWRhDvo7kYM1IsvY4KyOkVJRHBjZud_8xQqOOwyFVvC8JUY8lOVdZApCyoTKRsyLBAgm_zFEgV0jL6jGN5JALislVYvVYq2ir9VxVzs-zN70ZSmboxUTifx9F6HZa5_q-49eGKqSvw8//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Then it was time for a story. This year it was <em>The Polar Express</em>.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswCzVtt9OSGJO0_Etd88WxaK-0LILrTL0xQW_lOETDok5LsLSV9zDF1md4uYdVeOqJVnnP6HSVL3oW8hI7GNtaWcWIXPhwX5hzsPtjl7pbuRICOw-2DSW0oKECOTNLusd1y20irNeXzca/s1600-h/IMG_0305%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0305" alt="IMG_0305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkZi7hdbxk9UuECYVXAYzL7N0QbvPYzy17V0SeiZ4tBU3d3vj4-AzaZGthOzP6iXIMUXfywhh1wRYEjs8bj87xC6jSYju2xtPqNxP61zXWLPJAP3QMP9SMxqUcX3BafMTs0E5xAwkDOWi//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Finally, a knock at the door, and the moment the kids had all been waiting for….the arrival of Saint Nicholas.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7iPsJxzKUmogDGDjDVVMTWIe26njswN-ITEgrjlWGT1GC7hTe2DAHJ6tpcBvRRUyqjjeAtwY16aMYxBL-WHyFaPvjB3F_gZS-P1or1W3l9dsZJ3i9xOG-VD6Hgaj4AXM1kSABs9WzB4e/s1600-h/IMG_0308%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0308" alt="IMG_0308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhb2Ljp6oFoIsuGlYYFAsvBlSSHJc5x1n4QnVKdzosbSWiVI0fd_J-xhvbO6T1TMF44Tz56z0jpcNz9aiqrS2gtGZO5O6Uz0MpZ0IYTHbvobuBDewM5AmHrBpR9jZTTD-Mybl27I8wyBZy//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a>I mean, how cool is that? Saint Nicholas shows up in the flesh! At the party!</p> <p align="center">Saint Nicholas called each child up one by one and told them specifically why he was proud of them.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXNXDMQO5USQ-Q_lxTru_lHOEshdcWztZRiImO1JEds9q_Bce78JmyYsyLebOpP9eursPc8hAcopV_NxorjmWDL3EPlGNoHpHycm85tif7dh8DXz6XByPbQfGGUs9wlLwVljFEtWlmdpO/s1600-h/IMG_0312%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0312" alt="IMG_0312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWdFlqGWALsmPuO1XCxYmGOwgxh_S2hWIBMNRMIbtI5CQxCOybwE_dm2zVk4le_o1KQP37ojAySDqEU0K1WlVhAiTThsqXEnau6Pm5CEi6f5RMhBYcZfBm78qv8djfBSLglSl3pTZNq1S//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Saint Nicholas was proud that Molly was a great big sister, playing with her brother and teaching him so many new things.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFkv7KiiBjgAYdrqu3nTbT1CIhYZP68uuZfqcDHzRubUgmVfVe3unn6o1UjjZovXQ4-94R_QIABmwV9W1A58vKeWXs3o77c0GApCvKyM5y7SdS5L1N7oNgYT3Vz9jSfDUu_mdB3iyMdDO/s1600-h/IMG_0318%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0318" alt="IMG_0318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9iRNhMtmii8bJBk_oja8ByxIhQt6uP-_JvVgZIuikV-IbV7eYdy8Lmllu0WUN0e00Dw-TYuurTfwJR4ZNsEG7ACjTTM4TzD0v6a2HHrCkxUo_fs_DucxnJqldbHxtI0DbtO87jt4TXKT//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">He then gave her a special gift.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tWON6V0powG_E8LDayudRYvrAn48hSXC0hbASawzrMQDn23SyQkPOy5foKaIWCr6X0d65qT61QRXJtocMtr503jygMDNsMq2XRu84DQAHY7trN-7gX4kdlNpIMCZfDMgWygAeuQ7rXNN/s1600-h/IMG_0319%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0319" alt="IMG_0319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHnVTLqWIaTQLWMeB1uBTMSZ5R2ssGKfDpOw1NSAXPrBKLErFvoXFL35tqz-531gvLi9CHJIDK9E20eY1QmqeWe4jtuz6XlM32yP_yl9xd1Wcm42aRw2LAOtw8IvcgMa7QOOb_1p91zONQ//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Next it was Sam’s turn. Saint Nicholas was proud that Sam was so brave as he got a new family, a new country and endured two major surgeries.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Yh919q2-qLh7hEY8Qd9xIXxSqXzijjn0per40axd3nw_V1G5hFh83xWgHBIS4Ylz2ty61K7m94dpe-GlaenOVF2hUcXr7OJWCyulS9pTndomLJFkFlFDqpGpe_iW3Km2adtU_XzRtKBw/s1600-h/IMG_0321%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0321" alt="IMG_0321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5S2Ru7RsBBMs1s2rIJAOuwEefbb4XVSzoZqRlbJLhOnsP5qngY8xHW-_IKZCKEDD_zmRNdBo87iFnLk1LCwpMnqdFRMrFYap_bkvHNKT_Be-dHkDU8coyVaB-UAVAzN9hldK7g9d5YSb//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Sam got a special gift, as well.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxhxpZM0btzh4QCl6uKVUaFnFQnusz-YRCHVyfvgtHPwieLm8mHEU1QsLxC33OgLXX2Z8zO7odUWBGfBPKvebIzjgaw0Lg6zlHaMZZNlk2GulXn9gjjjURK_fUQeqxhjB1OByI_2GkjA-/s1600-h/IMG_0322%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0322" alt="IMG_0322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdWsinhszfz1qTnQz4QcZGb1EVpv7kT1XFiSCT9fLPbg5wd7bnpYkL03QJ-e8w1B9-8EFXNBhQzDHvQFVqn1mcnqDX2l8Ug7OZw3fzifHyTlcP8jQoAM9PbMapuTZ_YyBTctL7biQUxqw//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Soon it was time for Saint Nicholas to leave…<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rtUh9cOixOZAYauqsyiexobgtjdCVzhIA8hd80Q0jzDwew5X68tL7McNIasLEKBqyLDtippGr1d2DP1Oh5X7AGNk6aZjpOU1Gn03NIx-_qOGgkFRJ_Xms87gv__AVTQsdAGuW0fdzeFE/s1600-h/IMG_0327%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0327" alt="IMG_0327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVTnl_vpDQNA2ZWHbuHwWs4IVe50mb28Cdu0QOKWsFy5qm_EEltQRgao4WvKGKilnsHUPhtdppw2mZhiJ2wW2bV3fYUzsNOzLejMhJNp8aPnh-C1Hi8Hur37nc6ovhjVLc-URYd4ucJUN//?imgmax=800" width="400" height="600" /></a></p> <p align="center">…and for the kids to open their presents.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPnPIcCgzw-WZ0NSC-qOOsen-RcWz-r3H4PoH9LvHDmSLGWQLi6wo6LvQ4n6HVAkYFXeCZhdc8znm2XUuIGJiBbCB53L8eBGzT0-hNTOQMVBZsoICZuoDw3dsZ1sR-JZiWb6TVYL_6wK8/s1600-h/IMG_0329%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0329" alt="IMG_0329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU448Tp4kWIjiBbZXBG5o-zGG2M3JQNjStA13E5o77LL1mzLXMAbCe4Jd0W_eDfl5KGgoU7KC4v3sRqruqwWxqXKmB_LageuO8erD6lt2mSPwte4lr1ktGiiH3OiFOf8kZ1QBaMvVmSPWE//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="674" /></a></p> <p align="center">Sam got a Thomas train. That St. Nick is one smart cookie.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMWNOtUL6s_0Ad6QQT2GlOkQtc7aSFEBlr4sghhkbJi3ACc8q6W4awIa6e5_9yrZA6xp8Dz8HF6szXKmnapyapDExSnsM8wfUHCZ9SAUGzPulL7N9-Tgot_wdkUJh9TghGM-PXi0zzbmd/s1600-h/IMG_0333%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0333" alt="IMG_0333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3GQWC6Y8n2iN7DFESkP_DyUJLiZyBXJS2xGmrgWtEO2NjbSPJdFR_96pDNndy9lAhcgLZO8Wew63w1aELarmKmICN5RA9iabiapdHw_aBEl2qooSIkQPkizTP5iqgqnzZrRlZ_ALayTsL//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDIkaXpXji8QejFYOasIAdOi1hiw4xHMkxleAIVcck5jzkrTAR0D8epzrzk4kgDlC9_mJXnwJXmQ30ynWmqXb1E2nuAKUR0u6bHPJHhrNLzJxpdKNFHMF92hJiOxQPu93PTWk6j7Et31VF/s1600-h/IMG_0331%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0331" alt="IMG_0331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7Q1y76dzD1NzjK4UUD07ndV8zgzXTk75VvsccSiQsEw2sO2ctNhFAAa4OiVZSovavFftCV2WKEpo7nDfHBSq_2uGtx9JUKgILcHXIfn-ggXEMAQVdNZ6eX978P1NVI10dD5d60BPEBG3//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">Molly got a glitter messenger bag. She adored it.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMkfsnlLcT1-fqpUoLqwQgVHp15ye-4RI2JYIK5x25Z_JG4_kAkWpykcs7g3pNciOKS5ftJhoXT6DxSDWalAShFiIgLqP46Lf3eoCaBdr8TCagRu57MFzo4KPMG4ZfHgfHymR0yrhU0ZKM/s1600-h/IMG_0332%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0332" alt="IMG_0332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_hXwuVgUUpQ4dQMmmjevisSNDoeaTdKKlF91z6sQN7G7k19bBMgocGgW3SJ9aEjKd0ONSP81sGY1XwyrLdU89K9gSn3oBKapqNKjEa1CiP41lNNxcFLRD7rtM_8zhDyeN72qKTtOzUoTK//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">After all of the excitement, we all sat down to a dinner of “Eatball Soup.” It was actually wedding soup, but several years ago, one of the kids dubbed it Eatball Soup and the name kind of stuck.</p> <p align="center">Either way it was delicious, made with veal meatballs. Ummm, hello? Veal meatballs? Seriously yummy. Don’t hate me for loving veal. </p> <p align="center">The adults wound down with some fun conversation. While the kids wound down with a nice Christmas movie. On top of Michael.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZ2WC3mrVL_nphmrK2GjDH52XrDO-M3QBogqOUtECeOTRfY9_DVJUg5sNXmR-DWcZXSnvKM3I6uFihDdLEqkonigqb_AHDk9YucMvDEbeS2Eo-Wone06Vp2fZzGeMMYCMD1xTLRTZElJ6/s1600-h/IMG_0337%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0337" alt="IMG_0337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZ41K6bCRuixuV5nFf1tWrorkgjwKnkWcS9yvjiHFMna5h4qiyx1n7tmhVzsMSra_OTnEqZDuze9ThC9DO0hV_IDxMeZnN0drEQGuPtoL8618EbZTKyxQrhTVI-QEYEiRjczLlHWFPqBB//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="323" /></a>What a wonderful memory for the kids. And what a relaxing evening for us adults, as well. Thanks, Susanne and Michael. You’re the best!</p> Molly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08591245425404213705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975300125120218074.post-91938933729466104312012-12-04T13:45:00.000-05:002012-12-16T13:52:02.447-05:00T’wasn’t the Night Before Christmas<p>…but I dressed my kids in their Christmas PJs anyway, and took pictures of them. </p> <p>They were going to be the pictures I used for this year’s Christmas cards. But then I changed my mind and went in a different direction. </p> <p>So what is a girl to do with all of the pictures?</p> <p>Post them on the blog, of course!</p> <p align="center">Are you up there, Santa Claus?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfjIE4adjB9NIfA-tp8j36ZPffgJSibTtKWVW3hI2jglmbObw5DfIe0NusUsVq4HJEk6z-AWy0Yxko2CJJORd0sjXRe4bHtSnEqXWW-sca5Cvv-Gb1nOm4lPe28gRW5eEwZc0-PnDWXmO2/s1600-h/IMG_0174%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0174" alt="IMG_0174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8UKixvJkQkkxVpsOjo-JrOXNlZQDhcTL8ehc_Xsakt_W9uKCM1y4Zpo9PLZcNjZyefVPyL3at8Hf2J4_dLPotEZQPjdzOEUvXuZ9F-ulk1ufQc7yipQTWYbnt0eeM0zj7Y8uJMJwPrjg//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="289" /></a></p> <p align="center">Whoa, there’s someone stuck inside the chimney!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbOjpuWWK8WZz5_003w_NVmNSOh2b1OvfP98HuB2ZRqhaQgD6h8yfuQRSGx_MdxAQjYlFmKtVzcikNnVmA8yY6RxclSIDGjrgngO-tC6y9aZa346qeuMkPk1GPT2Tb-oIufT3Gki-tVAf/s1600-h/IMG_0180%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0180" alt="IMG_0180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RHvp4hbeZMPhsnDL9dlHyLRwm59xDHQLCIshb1spnEfZ_zYh4V863I10Dhu2ZwMs2FDnTXWZjQ8F8Y81HNO56NLJUQtdOuFOJatKrJ0xq5H8kyJGpsyYO-8FvXHH6Ucr31MwCxAPSD34//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Sibling love.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDy8mejcJexlqF5g6zq94ZxlxmJUQIyRZcQzaNlcETBank4MtToOsd-OecaPw8QedTAao1WseUWQowdArrGxCUEegoJrhqQx5QG3pNN7XhtpwOmW7fvWwWb-ZYve-EuSsXoa5REEW-z2v/s1600-h/IMG_0195%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0195" alt="IMG_0195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQUjqIW9z59L1bu1Xd6DYgcxtEVquZAJYUBR7M1F2e0xv1AbvQomZPg1QWHYx8MvoEpbDJVcQ-8iM0_M5QvAELuKtzxFZCwz-8qya1b18VFvb7rj13XmVl9D5OUvy1Y3b9FWicmLHGcgq//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="684" /></a></p> <p align="center">Sibling cuteness.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpcKFjgRyWgCo-PZPROCBibcEdTkpfNKLrSYWLcdcOMkilEuamVXeBj3-whAsCYTBnjRgzq33FXkvXSBGurGFLTpU8FYtboMAGuEaqhhWDzb6PbKxZ0Binb6QvlRZF4oIDz8iVm71OCLmL/s1600-h/IMG_0200%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0200" alt="IMG_0200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTdu8IrqdJlkGsK4ucMGaubCdzQQ4v-83dAq4pICp9FFh01k7YpRbXujbMnfOCcSAIjZqAwDAvjEQEk2x8ggJDThiFscibjGkjxn-sNsdp_tRj8E21pflVMsvt64crQBre6qYlSK7wI3X//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="677" /></a></p> <p align="center">Sibling silliness.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fba9T3mtMrNB2ipEPtBmiEB49-z61i2jT7eDy-vqiW1Upto5iVbQfk5x_e5ANzidKCCvGp33GLSB7tQ9OY_8rprJIBt2zAsbKeGQ15ZKi5FwT-sEedCfJlq3vv-nKh9tzEQP-PKeJp4S/s1600-h/IMG_0220%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0220" alt="IMG_0220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2aqHuimZpBg_JCErVMxKBFMpjMevF-OrMrptq99OhtCcqRGtjZEOzTsz24fKC3RCpN7EZoIkejjoomYlqoZDnruN-noJDFsMd_CTL5lFksH__1R3QbEx4RFDJJn1o0HtHMwN3gOrkmUqn//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85UjjGRkqB6l1BuKbJ29RQZ2LXgEHpepPjo1DMNxqte3MpW_XHLq8mk05WVwSvTGyCI18J3j5fg2-9Avkix4tBTmABwdfSdzMf8_EpJk-oACUvUTEyykaNZZYbmCa1Vd-CQnfoEXAB_rb/s1600-h/IMG_0222%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0222" alt="IMG_0222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamCs3fdcgyndVusaMR__iVa3J42iojg10u13J8rQdGLdD7VLmuukyrqYLimjHL2aNaTDXwD3yYfVyZFbf1toe1klO14iNTrbU0BfoHQ9dz02Uxw_TiBujCMD5hzsSaHYPd9w9St-okaKF//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">Sibling cuddles.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbem6BHhylm8TgbFxJnSo94UkyOkhvmKKZbQl1DGtV3a6f5QyCEmGCAH0pZwKMdmQQCKoc3Gl1tasZvi79gLr3o-v2oRgaZ9iyBx1YUfkN0GpWrNa94TJTwVmOUtg48sYmyvbMYeRGqr-/s1600-h/IMG_0228%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0228" alt="IMG_0228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVw46erF57ckhpWOjcyF3wAiaNSlvTO7G2KHfJZM_K1YZT_6oK9o2uSzhmeUYbx1WZwkLuLLnUwPyuc8S0skaMoOMWzkit3Mk1vnG0Vt7AfDx4udTnJUfVBQD1GK4DXvSDPG2IutqZuChw//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Look who else came down the chimney.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZSbcSuBl5lpKf-um6FBjViWm-e75mT52vgTQsExYhoH6VE-IunFbKtl0G4atw2HT2nL9YsMBwAob8yRbwuQ7u64msx0b5wCRiis5jh_npiK5MQH8xscye7XC5PjU7_xpJ2TwR04hJWMr/s1600-h/IMG_0240%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0240" alt="IMG_0240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvTLVVtDb0Gp_P12rrOAMUhezYphAoWj0RD42-NtWxD321neSw1X6zxYyC1VjGPUARLkHvn8JerglOzMO6-R735zKsg77bP8S4Z6w0fXAALwnkK2Y-e2_tzAMeS7rdRt8ez5zCMctFzePb//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="674" /></a></p> <p align="center">Aaah, if they could just good along this well all of the time!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg637ZEGoN9LDP5PcUmiv3hn1qGhp9Ey34E-5fPJDuYs_GFR1GVV92ZT4H9pk9WhuSUoaHHO7AMMyaXphi7yI9NmsUGYuILJK8QrfEA8Jzmmrjpv_I8iqiyTQKdFN5lDHtou60LEcwbRb68/s1600-h/IMG_0248%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0248" alt="IMG_0248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83604yObfyZQtGf2hZWNQYNQmmjzj_Aj20bfJmW7KGu10UR4OMQAeuvCudkgAB8h2priKHOzA5A8swSm7gPNG_d1_tkKyVoCv9LUkLwWJ_fYJ6dLBxb7l8rFLr-XwrKMX21lyzXLyDxnH//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRFGnJ2sekvvWvuY4e7m9F2b8QoiNEdJMVXDazkucp2KROM7FU6Npc_EnwOvzIMCXrfSqyXHiRJhqQB2J5yM0Wr1acdKuQxbE2KwgQk4VQ86h9vpUtH0AvwnicnLsmVXMA4FM0WNEGvfCt/s1600-h/IMG_0249%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0249" alt="IMG_0249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRiOnGlRPCyrnY6DCLWkcBnkaHRusdmmKz62iTa4wpVFmcW0Fx91L0iscqo4fMfxBeohXxtUL9UMp6AeALcROZB6iYdbrB2NGt4i_DdU8v3BFcT9VgctImpYpbm2rx5EaE7RYcQFSBUU8u//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Fake sleeping…Molly’s pretty good at it.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXn62HaezQjntSWw0xfr6GC2rzmXr6pf1aePmybsylOsAHNTszN0mPzEu0uXhyM4mbiQQeoS-Aln-FpVl-F6NBck__F_Q3ULoPGapY_373qJYWJRXRiVfSB5eHno7e8Xl9ZvWyavzqrDbX/s1600-h/IMG_0265%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0265" alt="IMG_0265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAgC1v5nV2I6MQ0K-lX0Qc3Iw6F6BOaie_yZJpHwe9F4RDRXje_UG84XQpd1Z1yggMTqtxbKr8BRyD2gcU-IEFcLJQ3zxJaaBJI-Vk91ymNG2TYBZ_HeimDEyN08VVfmRo-p9DOA2eD4wm//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="323" /></a></p> <p align="center">Sam’s a little stiff. But cute, nonetheless.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRwS2p_tlACbkNPB-yR4sS6uyW1XB4gbgJnfWAgoN5D5Xiq-EH2RhcuypQ4L5SVaQ6ValgNuSNnp5iGc6IfrtG0zLy7mFqd5FMBs8pgpjtyuCBPzn5P9a260vlinpD5ctu8qoAtGoocBY/s1600-h/IMG_0269%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0269" alt="IMG_0269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzD3W5QeY7_s0foR53ZpAq9_6nqxfVqb6ScDXqA_VIr-9ynfb4_zt-PZFy52PokvTcjAkvN3Yx2gdTthW02UISpkR0L5tQA-XWDzIRly_xeW6h448g7Hlq2IoKIbSQEP9GRxQXOOiQhZzf//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="323" /></a></p> <p align="center">Merry (3 weeks before) Christmas to all, and to all a good night! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyoMTpxB0ZgGzZ7azPhh14oqUjVay_n7HYvA2gaa433eJev1hGiHgaIXXYpgSMkvqNxNHyDklPi5ccjyu2muKuHkOJedV6y1yLeo7tja3DqS_awOmwmGarEuDjVJVmyi0L3RM7ifD6KvW0/s1600-h/IMG_0270%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0270" alt="IMG_0270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnEqyvOxDhbGKO_9-1I-7Q1bIHPK5IqjWEckIA1laol4diq5dPBJTtYjsQHYfinLPyVy3wIVPeNv6abfU1eP3XcvMTvccqQmGkZCVI-zouw0_jrCV3ksLAw2MQr_8GMaKbVjd4OVlRy1Mz//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a>Look at Sam. What a ham! Hey, that rhymed.</p> Molly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08591245425404213705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975300125120218074.post-28906594801436194872012-12-01T16:26:00.000-05:002012-12-09T16:32:50.564-05:00Christmastime is Party Time!<p>Oh, how I love our<em> Families With Children From China</em> group. I adore them so much that I just can’t seem to make the break from them. You see, they are in our previous hometown--two hours away. Our new hometown has a FCC group and perhaps I should make the switch to a new group. But I can’t.</p> <p>In my honest opinion, the old hometown has one of the best FCC’s in the country.We have a very large group of dedicated families. We have tons of great activities throughout the year and we offer Chinese heritage classes (Mandarin, martial arts, Chinese dance, Chinese calligraphy) that are second to none. Really.</p> <p>So almost every Saturday, we load up the van with snacks, DVDs and Mandarin homework assignments and make the four hour round-trip trek to participate.</p> <p>This week was our annual FCC Christmas Party. The kids were so excited to get dressed up and see all of their friends. Well at least Molly was. Sam’s a boy. He doesn’t care what he wears or who he sees. But he was thrilled about going to the party. </p> <p align="center">Each year at Christmas, our group has a special candle lighting ceremony to honor all of the new kids that have come home from China during that year. That means that we got to honor Sam this time!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowf1O3bfYo5uOrtfRstUk7Jac-QWWAOaL5SkU_UI8O2MNwBAUmEOTeBrHdrAxCymgIYid3IwGnK66oScIw_rO6iJoHIRP_M0qQ5Uu-7A1nWROL5-SKyt9Ev_PRNACH4HmJBS0PFrsZWEU/s1600-h/IMG_0111%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0111" alt="IMG_0111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_G3X53qM6a6Hp-M-PvHO1MZdU9eHCQgcASH921KVyeXCmwzBiOBS2Tu68d3csFJwbEuaR_VXEf14UtrC_txetuzKO7QMTvU48h4YL7WRFsA_I2P6OHPW94qTg-gr4-ixlOLq7ygqX7iJH//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="308" /></a>How exciting it was to see Sam’s cute little face on the big screens and join all of the other families up on stage.</p> <p align="center">Our little family, finally complete. Unless….haha, no plans to grow our family any bigger. But with all of the cute little kids around, it’s tempting!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPlrHn2qKV0GhSGM7IKJuypzLKFoYSWkDvWPYgvj8gJ3bG4lQNzSMEsDuOFTlbjKahtYDE3YBjIqhfnwOmu9cpbQsxYowBCq0lVbKZISwRVKrYAMflRAk4co27pWs-JGLfr4LkKaj6tg4C/s1600-h/IMG_0113%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0113" alt="IMG_0113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNiyfUw2QVlSImhmV65Li52EjGerklaqsG7StAdXl_JiuU0hsYhE050NXJnuplOhom_vCczd-jiauwaO7B1zjPWPkUKj9Yqfx83C_JmN8_vUYYTDXQtBxcWkbFHA8KK3l_Wep6npsIJtxW//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="628" /></a></p> <p align="center">All the new arrivals with their forever families. Beautiful. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPAW80cQk8ZcwH0hoGHZP4S5LLhqfIPZRLxanSmdUPLFc6trTXtbZ7Pi9DDfz-XUh7UAEi7Up96dZuM_N6iwkxjWuNUnvCIw0Htc4R7_V_ZL8rxxrHTkVQh_E2dztMpEyqP-0sfc3yfc7/s1600-h/IMG_0117%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0117" alt="IMG_0117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTT_imZLSjpcquDOMBnmpRjFNXGadDM8OoY9Bdpa6Kso6jhRnlyVEIF-k-xx5uIO20VEFIp0v31C-RyvuhjT83i26UOlWm4SfL9bGc49OMdQXpOcyIozqJSye7UTmbziIvNp5jWbo20bQ1//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="315" /></a></p> <p align="center">Another tradition at the party is the visit from the man in red. And our Santa rocks! He always does an awesome job with the kids. And it saves me from having to go to the mall and wait with all of the little <strike>brats</strike> cherubs, in a line that stretches from Macy’s to JC Penny.</p> <p align="center">Sam was a bit tentative during his first visit, so I sat with him. He gave Santa a high five, and all was good.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7oKxA67bl7veqOOamRhKIVbEu4mRt-wEkOMeqFTZqa6WuNqL4vQ6PQpArAhP2k0RwAbA8FFe2_fNW9Q5JJ6RVzOnL6iQ9lvvCWg_z3wTG0zR4WkB9_QY5E9LYsCvGir5VgSSQv5EgvLX7/s1600-h/IMG_0118%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0118" alt="IMG_0118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMRUHGoSSl0f9iB3PvJ5BmSliheADyQP6klcF_7jMRMx2jVyn4etLxTgxs3koDbx9nPGd4fcYpA6iGfnMFrqcMnrO49AW8R8fa-izPe4S0ih5fEILE3jz6JvWgSQmxSGbXjpO0EVoiluZ//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">Look how happy he is…<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBAnqMDUuzMRgyY2rC1fueQZX287QGxgU0GheWeTbe7VhCT5dSCaCBlv5pr30hbHoBLeNvR0no1Bvl6CyB-iN6M5B6d6Pyi23AcvqELAmwuI4u48rxuN-ZjYjgszzz88NVSp57Udle0zx/s1600-h/IMG_0120%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0120" alt="IMG_0120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bfBKtD4I60cYaM_Mf7dZ2jP_Iy7nBRjK1FlxZzZqBsIk_xmgQzoRp-cLNH81SqK5oOX_R-G48ovIbPiG9XCYtMWxlfYNSoVVtXUsBlFLT1GeXY4tzMgkIoui3nep9WFDIW2fF_WwLdAP//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="316" /></a></p> <p align="center">Until I left.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6f3Mza_Of_WpB3KSpPyTDaqv0TuReafRDeZDDcb-_jjqYmshvDhfSXqEyn4cIRLLh0OI2xsuba3B_pXdMCs6jsKLLHIUAKKCdcHQxqxkn62g-UglE5VRCt08EfJ78mNnVL1Y3DYUhwg8/s1600-h/IMG_0124%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0124" alt="IMG_0124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9wG28GJOCTiRBvFpY8Quueu6KiBac2Xs8WmQHFyq1nzuFp0WY53iDgEtgZqxfKUxmLgQ7i6sRb0gvilLxuJGtgIy5Nr3T80K0x9PvdLMJCYcotM9bsALWcxJh-fothz4OZyJ2O5E0QXTo//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="319" /></a></p> <p align="center">Here is Sam’s fiancé Audrey and her mom, Christine. Sweet little Audrey was a little shy around the big guy in red, as well.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyNn3WGIsID2b0Cw24wTpqGONTR45ZOBCOKITc4Z3ZZjEkIzlxk1VhSjk7MJZQwoR5p9R3pBf5OlG_U5cyjhMrU7WQtaqUUgWtnVI_RF05l1rmNaKAXKTAmd5H8ojZBgw-Ju8gvuHNtp6s/s1600-h/IMG_0126%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0126" alt="IMG_0126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHL6n35rwLl9MZ1j9cv4yuiPTe6tKCjFVU5X57wCpcycpZsauSgnhp99l0S2H9AGyzv65iMHYlLOkYgN60SnFhjAHmR223NyTHgafO3uCS6PTx0F0HUHQ3-nqu1C77-jvkiMcoDpRviAgz//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a>Is she not the cutest thing ever. I am sure that she and Sam will have a long happy life together. </p> <p align="center">Sam got a lot more cheerful when Molly joined in on the Santa visit.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsP1agUCZGBCS_C4tc85Pp4UwUQSeJNCqx6D9YgQntuz7oys71l-is0EIFV4WLec-BYl2LbHxCa1NXtTqAOSMs4zXsTNVhhRQrq2QwGgCNmrsOcp3YbPUQEqU4wxetjR33O0dKLliSmEyI/s1600-h/IMG_0134%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0134" alt="IMG_0134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXroUPgJjsC-SxWkg5sQXR-Ko0WiK0S8DhqLvlMmUK_ORaQLYCOp9YyKJbeIbkaVk8kNfnQHnzMEVhcPZF7sfCUSN8S9achU2wMRl8jftMM-ug8DiExdv0-fWvcaLWC78HTveTWsCCfYG//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="320" /></a></p> <p align="center">Molly telling Santa what she wanted for Christmas. She only asked for an Inkadoo so it was kind of a short chat.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dQ2yJaO1Nvqy0L-_I4c0YoFuG6tiLBVD6ZtfsYAMbrlZXau55GWN2K3DYBBdo8MmT_BBhfVLeHGGPmwYpFHdhaxj-09YIH08AXuYkepvFCNwPJhho1xJpC2hyfT_Reqj24HUS5kYcFuV/s1600-h/IMG_0138%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0138" alt="IMG_0138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjQJRytD4mAQ_TSYFAGsjO6Sed7fgxDgbNFVPy-gqt4Pwpkz3Im1-2BHYmJKY_B1KAEUr3RlpSAQa-JyHpaIueHGjxy1YYZ1GBuEDKLrpTdKtZDm4Apq0Kolf3R7kN86k43RzThgRVEN9//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="308" /></a> <br />Next, Mia joined in because what is cuter than two adorable best friends sitting with Santa.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2wagp8a5byZjGYFw2v48X6NYimo9kA0mhjb7XO402hLahEd9Wdn2FXT9BZ0qwHlO9mlb9vlD_2289jda7sSqQ-xnDTwv6Gb44B-HUXHKAv9EYTWvETXfBdrdzxx5eTrZZpKxN1lXYJnj/s1600-h/IMG_0145%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0145" alt="IMG_0145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUTCW3E0wvRcHVAIA2727TSiF-jJdXzEElphm2tu0BpoEKuVhw6jqrcnyPnLkRcJi7OOqIGDCZklEmh2s4hFAPv1_b_bUG7vVFkC87LcwmsQFYw4mqbCETGp38we465Q_LL9JGIpOQNw4//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">The party also had lots of fun games for the kids. I didn’t get pictures of that because I was too busy <strike>talking with my friends</strike> helping out to take pictures. But trust me, they were fun. I think. And I am sure—well at least pretty sure--that my kids participated.</p> <p align="center">Molly and Sam playing around the Christmas tree.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis9MSSWC-NTuyvmTIrff_zua24JFBYQGBlVeXSkdi9vSCsgqhyphenhyphenoifTR3gmC1VO1j5f1Mq_6lS1xk-X1Uo921Usv9Rmvbf-U3bYFbyDK5WCtL4mZljSRPN1friIIv5zVehIDY4zUZF5NdgP/s1600-h/IMG_0149%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0149" alt="IMG_0149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMn19jH2nlCq0q1-acoqOZla7wYz3ou8H2_ZjMTBUbeG42IaAS84XFpFNTdeCkewGBvys18QQM-4Meh1qH8qehy3uFJmZ39-bw2L1kAk71MEVWNdXIzP4Q6jDc6hFyJjn6e1Zefo7sKxsb//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">Megan is Mia’s older sister and she totally loves Sam. She calls him her little brother. And as you can see, he loves her, too. How could I leave all of this, I ask you? The answer is: I CAN’T!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiabBpl1OVZiSLJPrBS8_RFfufBaSsGkisMZNmx4nFFKzpxA4WhdNJWqhlQGxv-8IjraPGdiuuIwhYRUoG2V45ER3TlqNzxui0GkEyglsU0SQTT16EFJiysAED3kLdUvfEOHgS0_5px9iNH/s1600-h/IMG_0152%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0152" alt="IMG_0152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7SKoWUFe5dnXmNEuMlgBO8Jh4wCw1w880OLH7BPMkm6zhK8DviNzxI7R-D9R1QJ_0agaTZc7SpjOFXqwr9Np3db2bvlPy0YmrDYRWtqq3qaQCGjtNhLDU7Elf8DmRlXTmRbrq4kdTjmon//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a></p> <p align="center">Molly and Mia making a holiday craft.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lypWObR_RTiFPmaERNhvjRsnfHoZHJzWLAT0nfTmQJgdXfwooFXXj7Tqbw3uKbsU5YwiatwNM4c62bh-7iZh1pLsw4EGxOeDmQkE5AAO_ledBsLkO9C1poVDBugpdNla6cTdNYMC-uIF/s1600-h/IMG_0164%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0164" alt="IMG_0164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgZKjXryFvTtc50VLgE2T1OHOqMd-VUXbfKEQ6L8c5KPTCryo9sCk-ezAnBuBqaOGwxxoJWQ3GgmztJP7VeOKYnQbslBVaYPK8KgMVGWkbb9H2a2e4ccfyJjXiDUbsNfUhyLSbauzNakO_//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a>I did stop socializing long enough to get pictures of this.</p> <p align="center">Big sis Megan helps Sam with his craft.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhik0lce5KRaGmtfgXYKxpg_q3Ra7k4sptgNnCuwuvzR8bkc8ptIVtPQIldkVJhWofy8Ek9I36QPxZupqH19ItqcwYTEsbdHu2gHrX8BM0bpKFYU8vMEUXgza7zfbkk1ALCUiSCrrkPh3BI/s1600-h/IMG_0166%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0166" alt="IMG_0166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFTE6xrY5lPdYsDzhJPs3bVOMj8L_49ImyB7lm9dDbkI4j9-m4YoMGkqo0XmZEHKQ9EHgYi6tNIQ83wLVBWGcBeFPa8aJ2qCB9F1cRMFLC5ouIKWuOX06uWKSMmV63NnBG2GupQ_rFx2F//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center">The girls hard at work with their coloring. Mia stops to check out Molly’s work.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimq9wkMCWuFgejpEGm7pRC4n7o6TZQm6hswiY-AjWo2EYyr66lFgEgsXWg3OBvLnHQ0X3YSPTXHhHuKFXtg3615bamp3Nyb1JWmUSHLIyOTJ_S0tXC1sEosq8N7mA2dHuIAvIylwuLRs68/s1600-h/IMG_0167%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0167" alt="IMG_0167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2c2wofydMT4pW5adkCyUs1H5i2CyKLE-KMNHPbYrOLTQczRsmAz2QIZrPM9B9Be4WnzKl3gl7XbpJat-3aQ4Q59sAuBfbEKYvrTSNPPFn7q5h9ku8OlWoSl3vdo9IcpHNNIwjweUyq-nr//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="313" /></a>Love that little Meezers.</p> <p align="center">Sam couldn’t be left out on anything. He is my boy on the go!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOh49ov1VR9ljYu92yoI9uPpVG403KLZTJJLBeqZCOl4dCX1bjfGq6dmKgTILTXKjlTe5Wd89SMOIDUTcn6St7_dzR2mW1e6T0Po2UXPb5sPSrrMAlx2JbEdd4vL8KKNiknHMCcZjVcXX4/s1600-h/IMG_0168%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0168" alt="IMG_0168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQblWSWg6MfmLcK5p8AQl-5TPlDYfM8-o381k1qMgM2Le9AHG6hxzuE6T7YGThiSdUpWIWoVEdMODfkTuH53CZcicoETDf-_xWa8FFe9lix_19M4cj8Ms9P2EOxAyzdahOMxXov1yFCKh//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">You can pretty much count on seeing me back at this Christmas Party (and other FCC events) for years to come. Worth every minute on the road! </p> Molly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08591245425404213705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975300125120218074.post-11993259121292561962012-12-01T15:26:00.000-05:002012-12-09T15:33:25.147-05:00December 1st…Time to Break Out the Advent Calendars<p>Ah, December 1st. The Christmas season officially begins. At least at our house. I am not a Black Friday gal and don’t really like my decorations enough to look at them for 6 solid weeks, so December 1st is early enough for me.</p> <p>Molly always looks forward to the 1st. And I am sure Sam will, too. Why? It’s not the festive decorations or the Christmas music that I will finally allow them to play. Nope. They are all about the goodies. And in this case, the goodies contained behind the little doors of the advent calendars.</p> <p>Yes, calendar<strong>S</strong>. Plural. Because we have two different varieties around here. My kids always follow the policy that if one is good, two is better. Especially when treats are involved.</p> <p align="center">First, there is the traditional calendar that has a festive little holiday scene with 24 little cardboard doors to open. My sweet friend Susanne gave these to Molly and Sam.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7602s-0YymU1sP8URVmBaPsHhzYjlnmYVDZsiBDrHYJPmBrdNThRAovf6lG3Qlx_GnbxiVoPNsQapvxm3CHK5zvVKeuesLddB7nD1rqRZpfY7SKqKk1m5mGN3zVRYG2d6jt877ztQA3d/s1600-h/IMG_0104%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0104" alt="IMG_0104" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSC5gTJ4ZDDsUe-P0tRCkiGddbyB-nGV9WdJkXpwIbKikM2RNF5IijdHe6ZA4WZGZcP1YLjI6BIMAFvPOpgRCS7WirMDcexDi_i3ZdwEhKyoWqRtGkeZFJC0l4dl664rsVMjkJ4HHUT-yr//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a>Tucked behind each door is a little piece of chocolate candy. Oh the joy of getting that one little piece of chocolate each day. At seven AM. When you’re a kid you run downstairs at the crack of dawn each morning because the 1 inch square piece of chocolate is pretty much the most important thing of the day, apparently.</p> <p align="center">The second calendar takes the form of a little 3D village, that has doors, windows, chimneys and bell towers that open up to reveal a gift (or in most cases a note, because the gift wont fit in the tiny space provided) each day. </p> <p align="center">When Molly was little (and the village was new) I took pictures of Molly’s excitement as she opened each day’s gift and then dutifully posted those pictures here on the blog.  </p> <p align="center">This year? Well, don’t be surprised if this all you get. Because golly gee, life seems so much busier with two kids. Or maybe I just feel that much older.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0oYuqWkU-x-qDPyv_QoSmaPDRrgtLHUKiwWH19xhFEK2UNgCz604e6qj8hhQj1VEi-FBHwxqMmrbzqtKvM6RP9blzwuiYBass5oLheSDq-RyzZ15dhZ26xyCrt1s6SoMUkl7OTGzp4Rb/s1600-h/IMG_0105%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0105" alt="IMG_0105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiia9xLKe0wdsb6j52RW4g7sNTz5K4S7BZSfvMFzLTgo6GTjcDJNEhGCVi8kxV_6HwVkdLid0AjZDTUo8ZYRo5FGygSTgcoAAWnlJeCecdSdky3gsS6XYdfrxM9jvqcHbyBmGaXBj_H0fst//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a>I know, I know. You can’t see the cute little advent village or the kids faces. I’m slipping. Bad mommy.</p> <p align="center">But here is a picture of Molly reading the note contained behind door number one. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjeG0M6uQPw-Z_7vM5GAzCirt87EaUQtEmu-k8axZ00pt6ib6-3KolmZtLOzTcHbZxNc1BW4udPfFCsTtDRWA-OJsi-6ieO9Zb1BjUrcf4GFZP4JyIljGc77UsiRT6gVME2LfIVpTVvdH/s1600-h/IMG_0107%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0107" alt="IMG_0107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-kbRnUj6Bs_-81oWKimFq8E6FmMdNQ4jC_wy7tEOo3Ugy8135_m_-JtUTDQZhI_VV_PX_0mAzl0taxc1WFopMzgMoX1JRWGdoijt_ciWf51KEReRK0kH_Y2hFbv6gvFdxE1DMoUFSn8m//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a>Sam, experiencing his first Christmas with us, has no clue what’s going on. But he is happy nonetheless. That’s just how he is.      Love.that.kid.</p> <p align="center">Anyhoo, the note inside told the kids that they could find their gift in the van when we were on the way to attend the Families With Children From China Christmas Party. Inside the van they found a brand new <em>Polar Express</em> DVD all cued up in the DVD player. </p> <p align="center">Obviously you can’t tell that Molly is holding the <em>Polar Express</em> case because my photography skills are limited and I can’t figure out how to make it so that the flash doesn’t bounce off of the reflective cover. But trust me, it’s the<em> Polar Express</em>.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgay5x4LEUbTZod8wKwVWWfpuPT0u0pHjb3NcNb8inSNQsxjUkiSJAQSC_Z8CH6Zo70RcNetsYKR08bKtb5q6ZuMHP4DZ-B61ZZDgTfq5YpgvuxAZYJT0x_zzchxfAtZCn9WTwiDtHHG6hI/s1600-h/IMG_0109%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0109" alt="IMG_0109" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9qA_iSzNBA6yqg2k54kbYtxIEd4Zp-PkiFqCq_SAr_EtbH23X2Q_6_EKybzwDCQVHTTUM9gvNHvEmepUJsjd_tfFxKcNxgCB1YwBv6ktuWl7j3dayRGrN2n2FPodCE3MqSCFAD960WVW//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a>And they had plenty of time to watch it, too. The party was in our old hometown, two hours away.</p> <p align="center">Let the Christmas Season commence!</p> Molly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08591245425404213705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975300125120218074.post-36000896134116728012012-11-22T18:11:00.000-05:002012-11-24T18:12:34.509-05:00A Year to be VERY Thankful<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuZrd4KwYxmVjgtyFNhXFt7inbqRb9erqV3zNwRuLy5p7Q6poHTFf_PjdZON53U9tQdsAqO65N8Z5QjuD3FKGNJu_BGbFHM18Tkk17PMv6DVGs371z0VQdqZXe38w-Yi5k3EEpdUQLzGo/s1600-h/IMG_0099%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0099" alt="IMG_0099" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcliRMvTWk48JBGdfhzF3ydCjGCRdqjOLEfnXcX0NHZ0CdiGHEGKjFIe6KvloXhmqco2gRlulFU4D4pxsYhTKf5T6Xe-58WAEMVLMSoUPMDnghFs0UJ966_1S5lMVllzF2-uAQWHkuRDbj//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgammCM-t1jad4n-KoyeQRBt-oB0tPo-Dl2SK9O-2q2pfNSlZdXwRW1KDsAFGYreZec6lXwN51m2_USQLlwjMGaFgW4XDr2DsYFRf67NIPOUPvs5HBGAPQ42VZzbsHaFKi17to5zYjGBbOB/s1600-h/IMG_0102%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0102" alt="IMG_0102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSJ6xs_4gP7m1XBxo7teOOF4nFqvumQpp0VVdWmvUdkzzD3WiLXCBUfLI4fkq7Wc8nmiOJt4_GlDR0DHsG-tmN94Uj2hbBflOT3MjWZioeF37Gn5iwgNxVPBFXidSn7mBVrDWCNI5bIfJ//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a></p> Molly's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08591245425404213705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975300125120218074.post-58370221417255268812012-11-14T18:13:00.000-05:002012-11-24T18:13:55.841-05:00All Work and No Play Makes for Sleepy Kids!<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDiHORJjS3mhHbRmuS7NanQYC3h7NlkKxWgAWnD6dg8kd0wOAXVfaENOzXWGS0PmBI61oYIl4QUEvpASQ001OMSp5atVw585N6Utai3TcZXp6AKWjsTlkSWspSm_UYux6DSPAP2XfvbAE3/s1600-h/IMG_0089%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0089" alt="IMG_0089" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEion5hykbLnkzizBInpPhM23MrNWejgTjEId3oASzWwK7Ga0tZU6j9Hzm6tRKEXlIWxEmhrLrQ3q4IUMdpjW6buDE99__wb0Md8dIhVE3qxwb7dYMKurXCVciiaTyb0acjvJ2NcXGZ5c3Oo//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-5VnvPq4NCpvibTK-DRXvocFIrgNOxlvx_SmxfrTXc5tIA5Y0qsj-mTJDzs2SV5zYe9bBC-HzHN74q60YJG_fbZKoUqkcyrh5_nPV8RDi6KHu_m-dR5VnzCOeFKcXekAQGFQ1IR-JWQd/s1600-h/IMG_0090%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0090" alt="IMG_0090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkRNqhBThWBasw2wkld64osn5vOtYsk5Z0ykVu8jEuVkTO1cNoSqryW6k_2yPEeeeoXQtvupw2HLkFvv2DgVEeMgOC3lT6AL0q5nXiMbC6JILveqI-LjBFCeRlRb3HjvZ_BLIB1BEHyTZ//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqlIuXV3Di4pNoXRVd1A5HU_2o1V6weno_kOXl2nvtX2v0pJy8Zh0rA3uZ5pFJ2qQZ0vsxoUktRvI1f-hE2dcTjR6So6JxY0CPhWBukKDMREFrDFbEcz0x3Z6Jg_N2Dh4jfJT7OpHz0mXa/s1600-h/IMG_0091%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0091" alt="IMG_0091" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHWgFGZhUR61iNhhXFXQvx6IY7YjYMgP08IfMrwL6UeFoJSuOodJGxkHJibPWjM-S_W9xIpaTG4xgyHgr7KOrAVEmWjTF22kQgAp2TbtFZTqtBcfo_v7rWhOVzPGY9VGe8g0Y1Y-SyXCJO//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="324" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvTuTtrKQphnCLb93WPvFobe3mdaOaNgHlMuH9XT2WIt5yQ3GkIK7r6qzLyk11lgwnQ6N9TuWYF84sYNHf3R5cD5VB15URTUxIBz4ObDhdgkkdXhlHAw0C8um9lAIzzAfB3lOcAkJrAktp/s1600-h/IMG_0092%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; 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(Molly’s 6th!)<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2kRTHi-FxChUHZAMtXR_9ORjNMCIjG2oO9DQOEEpYUL8hpz8oGlchGN_2me06sRxfpQ-k_R3kSRlgo4IWHzakFWHATXbQgBrGPlk8uIfCBVeQeW_f9ZgMDU8i1NBATTjc6adocy0NNpe/s1600-h/IMG_9955%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9955" alt="IMG_9955" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2eBq8QqHcfjr113zXfQyT1nEEczHmybbvihG9rihgnJAW4hTc5I-BRTTGflHlvznXytC6XFIIrGoMCaD57-0ZkxemDcHuLKjjTDecaUDe_0pRSR3Zb-jNN6nK6GV118xIbmrfzahU7HYv//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPrqQ8Vpw8zEY1Zu4AkLIPISby5bGf9_ytQbw833Ep51jTOwXckYE7wOT7elTQ9O1F8glhKdHggjhaH3-5uAUWjz2jzUMEqPGgk5BT5LB63aTdoOl2Xq2c7ldKvHWu0Q3qo5BgCLVBk8Q/s1600-h/IMG_9963%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_9963" alt="IMG_9963" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiywCVmj2e5q7qmm0qA2uts4NjgaKpvqL_P-LinOBKzH12f-nlZhOoM1dcdb468NIwFJ8jAenXjHD34o0tfTkmtW0t6VxHea30H_c_qDbHcvlj2hEXEQUUFWOgpIy0s_THmroLRcJUu55m6//?imgmax=800" width="450" height="674" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWGFeGfSvzTILDiLFyROte58F_k3_7ydado92rSsZdHt7vADLIa9xgxgqpJvg1q_FmbLVNfIsgoD4byuyOy_5fTsvmhq0EnFEB-pZnAyEnek7pXAOtIV0f3O4RUbw0m2EkTBSC8fwWBHaG/s1600-h/IMG_9964%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; 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