tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78761164437846677042024-03-18T20:42:49.926-07:00Maple Valley MomentsSometimes Constructive, Often Messy...Five Bees in the Trianglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073557450855722246noreply@blogger.comBlogger224125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876116443784667704.post-41954988814350492702010-08-19T05:37:00.001-07:002010-08-19T05:55:02.323-07:00So Long, Maple Valley<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstpmSf9aSrb2vdfVym6SN8BQO2NDhyphenhyphend5R6pgjvYPbWDDJ7gQjSGXHnh080F7zj5S8-y0t8MKAkPF0C9GkQSqz311LcMBHJQr3yR1hFJKDNMTKMHCKWOmIZk749uZU239haMGEc1ZnQosV/s1600/050.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507101484815818946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstpmSf9aSrb2vdfVym6SN8BQO2NDhyphenhyphend5R6pgjvYPbWDDJ7gQjSGXHnh080F7zj5S8-y0t8MKAkPF0C9GkQSqz311LcMBHJQr3yR1hFJKDNMTKMHCKWOmIZk749uZU239haMGEc1ZnQosV/s320/050.JPG" /></a> Our moments in Maple Valley have come to an end. We enjoyed six wonderful years in the 'yellow house' and it was hard to say goodbye. We are thankful for great memories with dear friends and our precious family. It is especially hard for me because this is the place where the boys began their lives. Even though Luke was born in Oregon, we moved in when he was a newborn. This was their <em>home. </em>But, the adventures continue and we are slowly adjusting to east coast living. You can follow us once again at our new blog: fivebeesinthetriangle.blogspot.com<br /><br /><br /><div><img border="0" src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h46/campclan/MVM/MVMsignature2.gif" /></div>Five Bees in the Trianglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073557450855722246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876116443784667704.post-77823267891298417822010-07-25T20:41:00.000-07:002010-07-25T20:49:41.783-07:00Eli's Baptism<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2nbrcnRamzpn_wqV8iNxpuGbi2FGRYCWR2W07GWMuuAlJlkRzrfJVnYDahj8nObaJNqIgbXEJaMptQOIlzQcR5_40wr4cFyaZAj49OM4rnN3j62xqOnQ_QBx6EfnfYc9CRZZ-nANPkLw7/s1600/IMG_0999.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498055583821750898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2nbrcnRamzpn_wqV8iNxpuGbi2FGRYCWR2W07GWMuuAlJlkRzrfJVnYDahj8nObaJNqIgbXEJaMptQOIlzQcR5_40wr4cFyaZAj49OM4rnN3j62xqOnQ_QBx6EfnfYc9CRZZ-nANPkLw7/s320/IMG_0999.JPG" /></a> Not long ago, Steve and I were struggling with the decision to have a third child. He met with Pastor Mark for breakfast at the local greasy spoon (Gloria's). We're sure glad they had that talk! We jokingly refer to Pastor Mark as being partly responsible for Eli.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOVaiybKLgiGvmVACY4m262l9XPEP6KejETXlLuKSsLTAHiDqzcdpE-Wi9moDClN-rNMAl0yk8TXlh1zaYPvw290OrVcnEcWVLFS_4SlXqpYDFaNNhyGYhV4nARMm1S_3KVVtt05v8TgK/s1600/IMG_1003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498055574107875010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOVaiybKLgiGvmVACY4m262l9XPEP6KejETXlLuKSsLTAHiDqzcdpE-Wi9moDClN-rNMAl0yk8TXlh1zaYPvw290OrVcnEcWVLFS_4SlXqpYDFaNNhyGYhV4nARMm1S_3KVVtt05v8TgK/s320/IMG_1003.JPG" /></a> Another family had their precious little boys baptized, as well. Sergei and Ivan were recently adopted from Russia. Very, very cute!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnQaXzxcLVJaALb_ua9A3U9haVZGmLnCE0_X7jLMr9dhaCkyy9b3bzO9ws8mY9_xjK6kYlw1gZREdgr4OvT8x25BV1WHv9AjCL8xHUB9nq-Q805TCs0ERRB69jzaJb3eEWDWoSgJVj4eH/s1600/IMG_1004_edited-1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 306px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498055569901782018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnQaXzxcLVJaALb_ua9A3U9haVZGmLnCE0_X7jLMr9dhaCkyy9b3bzO9ws8mY9_xjK6kYlw1gZREdgr4OvT8x25BV1WHv9AjCL8xHUB9nq-Q805TCs0ERRB69jzaJb3eEWDWoSgJVj4eH/s320/IMG_1004_edited-1.JPG" /></a> The big brothers behaved so well.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2U6_xDHpnFsH6_enf1I7_7LXTKd_HLny5lvyiqDJ8fpBHIUGlhIs6UoZvQOz-5ec8Oo-4GLikElh3hU1PE-SHqUfyfg_EgpUphumVbnZ4HP_i8BLzEzlPbhDvMI0W1xIoi5I_doSLXZBP/s1600/IMG_1006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498055559497076674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2U6_xDHpnFsH6_enf1I7_7LXTKd_HLny5lvyiqDJ8fpBHIUGlhIs6UoZvQOz-5ec8Oo-4GLikElh3hU1PE-SHqUfyfg_EgpUphumVbnZ4HP_i8BLzEzlPbhDvMI0W1xIoi5I_doSLXZBP/s320/IMG_1006.JPG" /></a> Eli was totally mellow, never made a peep. Right after lunch, I was changing his diaper and noticed a mysterious rash on his lower leg. I googled it and found it to be a rash worthy of a trip to urgent care. My parents stayed with the boys and Steve and I raced to the Pediatrician. I thought it looked like purpura, which is indicative of an infection. But his CBC was normal and he appears otherwise healthy. We were sent home. Whew! I was not looking forward to spending the night at Children's Hospital. Mr. Mellow ended up having a very memorable baptism.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><img border="0" src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h46/campclan/MVM/MVMsignature2.gif" /></div></div></div><br /></div>Five Bees in the Trianglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073557450855722246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876116443784667704.post-80158802648612351382010-07-18T21:23:00.001-07:002010-07-18T21:37:42.717-07:00Day Out With Thomas<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLZSy_a504EAUkvTli61sFMr0eEk4GI77NjgsuX0KBYJ-cWvI-eZ6Smuvv95X3XZIU5BM01wsse192LJ0OoWAVEtrRc2zmEXMdRpFynBwFO6hJxyrzrugB7-2jSJnhdYi_egnauOK8vjs/s1600/IMG_0983.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495469388291088450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLZSy_a504EAUkvTli61sFMr0eEk4GI77NjgsuX0KBYJ-cWvI-eZ6Smuvv95X3XZIU5BM01wsse192LJ0OoWAVEtrRc2zmEXMdRpFynBwFO6hJxyrzrugB7-2jSJnhdYi_egnauOK8vjs/s320/IMG_0983.JPG" /></a> We took the boys to see Thomas the Train in Snoqualmie today. I thought it didn't quite live up to the hype, but they seemed to have a good time. I imagined a little more quality time with our favorite little blue train, but he was being a Very Useful Engine, hauling people back and forth all day. Which is why I didn't take his picture.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaIpJbNrFQhnyHjXnrDGDb5i_hf3rY9MDUPKBEWx6dcsCqeqoijAtbkDrs9z0fk_heIntKbaCd_w5RnTYzyBZgH01tmjmo_0w8UQKYacQF_8rP_yajZqlr101zY8BiAO0x2JBXJkvy0GiZ/s1600/IMG_0965.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495469145484438002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaIpJbNrFQhnyHjXnrDGDb5i_hf3rY9MDUPKBEWx6dcsCqeqoijAtbkDrs9z0fk_heIntKbaCd_w5RnTYzyBZgH01tmjmo_0w8UQKYacQF_8rP_yajZqlr101zY8BiAO0x2JBXJkvy0GiZ/s320/IMG_0965.JPG" /></a> The boys thought the store packed full of train stuff was totally awesome. We managed to get out with only two small trains.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhknk13USV8JMDLcBjPyHTxrqbWIt8DgKaj0dT_V0ds1dyGCw1pTtHTBS_HldDJgI2RlM3L9MCAXQJwit4c3s9HAGJCrR265lQDy_DC93toQI-aGB2TpLMq-_M5Ywd8s90GTk-i0mA6t87b/s1600/IMG_0968.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495469138557749122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhknk13USV8JMDLcBjPyHTxrqbWIt8DgKaj0dT_V0ds1dyGCw1pTtHTBS_HldDJgI2RlM3L9MCAXQJwit4c3s9HAGJCrR265lQDy_DC93toQI-aGB2TpLMq-_M5Ywd8s90GTk-i0mA6t87b/s320/IMG_0968.JPG" /></a> Eli was awesome once again! He naps wherever, whenever and never cried about being dragged all over creation. He fell asleep right after I took his picture and slept through the whole ride.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Qx6hXuRU0tsOFTs_PtQ5js6jjOUihyWUc0YxV1CM1I8XM0AxuWrx6SyzM7Z-tMiK5qmAWEvjdoCp_4n5p9B-cOLv-IRt8tqZ7QxFAH1rV_sW20VQpH0zknTRdKL371kJ_eB6iv76qexm/s1600/IMG_0975.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495469127589593202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Qx6hXuRU0tsOFTs_PtQ5js6jjOUihyWUc0YxV1CM1I8XM0AxuWrx6SyzM7Z-tMiK5qmAWEvjdoCp_4n5p9B-cOLv-IRt8tqZ7QxFAH1rV_sW20VQpH0zknTRdKL371kJ_eB6iv76qexm/s320/IMG_0975.JPG" /></a> Our window was wide open and the boys enjoyed the view. The tracks aren't used much anymore so the blackberry bushes are sort of taking over. Andy wanted to ride with his head hanging out the window but the conductor told him he couldn't. Just when he pulled his head back inside, the bushes poked through the window.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidYY8JnQfhZwnJ9dLjNfSSZEkNRRFaeEjRXaHWAEaOJ_Pztv2sMEW0qC__vb16WRQux5xgRWU1Lt8kM6T_7E2oD678x6Aj2ll8gOW9ZBDgUynMMtmQWq05lpUIP5qkWjktOoSSJNeuRvfa/s1600/IMG_0977.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495469125453311874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidYY8JnQfhZwnJ9dLjNfSSZEkNRRFaeEjRXaHWAEaOJ_Pztv2sMEW0qC__vb16WRQux5xgRWU1Lt8kM6T_7E2oD678x6Aj2ll8gOW9ZBDgUynMMtmQWq05lpUIP5qkWjktOoSSJNeuRvfa/s320/IMG_0977.JPG" /></a> This was the view from Steve and Eli's seat. I was glad I wasn't part of the crew that built the railroad tracks on the side of the mountain. Good grief. It went straight down. I noticed the moms and dads who weren't fond of heights scooted back from the windows. Yikes!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-TxlBlRlP6XMj9gbp_tcDoEi6PAMXlfIbGC9JtGeJ6VECoSVfGFs-_g2D4BMBQOYIXSZMvXyNbTdeqPnOiZg17FgkutEjabWIayIQwrNPmBYJ5giwblv9oclIKiJ4B3ihSn7B3XQGDQm/s1600/IMG_0988.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495469117180516802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-TxlBlRlP6XMj9gbp_tcDoEi6PAMXlfIbGC9JtGeJ6VECoSVfGFs-_g2D4BMBQOYIXSZMvXyNbTdeqPnOiZg17FgkutEjabWIayIQwrNPmBYJ5giwblv9oclIKiJ4B3ihSn7B3XQGDQm/s320/IMG_0988.JPG" /></a> A local musician named Eric Ode was performing. He handed out "shakers" and the boys danced for a few minutes. I always wanted to hear him sing and today was my lucky day. He also sang the Itsy, Bitsy Spider, which is currently our family's favorite tune.<br /><br /><br /><div><img border="0" src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h46/campclan/MVM/MVMsignature2.gif" /></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Five Bees in the Trianglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073557450855722246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876116443784667704.post-11648431922681914572010-07-12T08:45:00.001-07:002010-07-12T09:10:20.748-07:00We (Were) Feelin' Hot! Hot! Hot!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8_2rfvxiU8RqPwWXQf0679AZNJ89WEECESCrSeYzBWXM4y-BXJc7kadYqWuDlGGCZrIlotPS9-WkkJOxqJxp_YwauCPZ7tZE4YLdcYHjbWJdzowcgBVQCa6wpsABClbPWXTP39EAoQQy/s1600/IMG_0963_edited-1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493046972436546162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8_2rfvxiU8RqPwWXQf0679AZNJ89WEECESCrSeYzBWXM4y-BXJc7kadYqWuDlGGCZrIlotPS9-WkkJOxqJxp_YwauCPZ7tZE4YLdcYHjbWJdzowcgBVQCa6wpsABClbPWXTP39EAoQQy/s320/IMG_0963_edited-1.JPG" /></a> Summer blasted us with record high temperatures last week. In an effort to keep cool, the boys spent several evenings having water fights with Steve. No, those aren't pesticides, either. We've found these containers to be a little more resilient than the average water gun...and a lot more fun, too. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPIxg__WEQlKmyJK-YzT-1pKHMfiwKEoTJoFbBqB9c1-El9ILrjnkrlxzczXotOqoJybBNBEP9IXSF66kXG_0nb3QadvnZgd-_PmvSKe78BUTKe5JAqxG4tfSTYoiJLAJ2CkCAG9k_0m0/s1600/IMG_0959.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493046965000953794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPIxg__WEQlKmyJK-YzT-1pKHMfiwKEoTJoFbBqB9c1-El9ILrjnkrlxzczXotOqoJybBNBEP9IXSF66kXG_0nb3QadvnZgd-_PmvSKe78BUTKe5JAqxG4tfSTYoiJLAJ2CkCAG9k_0m0/s320/IMG_0959.JPG" /></a><br />The ice cream truck conveniently rolls through the neighborhood every afternoon, just before dinner. Occasionally I succumb to the begging and pleading (or the peer pressure of our neighbors) and buy Andy the largest rocket-shaped popsicle ever created.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEYIoA6DCo9HiL4RMd42w41lHO1L4w_1zCxStOih2r_fKOTZ6ezYl63BUKMUJZIe4ewhXmbeubP0TzWOBy6LSUIc_X5UZJxnkeODUk1hROkuiSj2UtlHH2qHqshrutmL65vGKTO7dzIri/s1600/IMG_0960.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493046953868553698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEYIoA6DCo9HiL4RMd42w41lHO1L4w_1zCxStOih2r_fKOTZ6ezYl63BUKMUJZIe4ewhXmbeubP0TzWOBy6LSUIc_X5UZJxnkeODUk1hROkuiSj2UtlHH2qHqshrutmL65vGKTO7dzIri/s320/IMG_0960.JPG" /></a> Luke says the sno-cone is his new favorite<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFp-PVeZd_-49Jr5x-swfi8r1LO5iwxS3EAq-__IZNdOkui9QkjBGhEbSrPvSTJce66ftZGUV08W6YmLx2ML9i0ETNPqheRckM8kmS_s5XDKqbFY4p0Sw7VqMZdP2ayL4qECEuf9GrZex/s1600/IMG_0954.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493046942220483538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFp-PVeZd_-49Jr5x-swfi8r1LO5iwxS3EAq-__IZNdOkui9QkjBGhEbSrPvSTJce66ftZGUV08W6YmLx2ML9i0ETNPqheRckM8kmS_s5XDKqbFY4p0Sw7VqMZdP2ayL4qECEuf9GrZex/s320/IMG_0954.JPG" /></a> Say, "FD & C red dye # 5!"</div><div>Yum!</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDtSPeltApUP-_yHtXB77EiQYw_4NzHlNLXcoqwcKnytQQnTX4mwPiij_DFXsCoFNtdLrZAqxVYz8FEeI9pg1mzvuQXXP4hm8saMFDQBujHKDvdncs8da4kcCattm6A_SjAR6NGNujNJe/s1600/IMG_0948.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493046934748737602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDtSPeltApUP-_yHtXB77EiQYw_4NzHlNLXcoqwcKnytQQnTX4mwPiij_DFXsCoFNtdLrZAqxVYz8FEeI9pg1mzvuQXXP4hm8saMFDQBujHKDvdncs8da4kcCattm6A_SjAR6NGNujNJe/s320/IMG_0948.JPG" /></a><br />Eli makes this face whenever the camera comes out. A bit of a ham, perhaps?<br /><br /><div><img border="0" src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h46/campclan/MVM/MVMsignature2.gif" /></div></div></div><br /></div>Five Bees in the Trianglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073557450855722246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876116443784667704.post-69243370318244188032010-07-04T09:40:00.000-07:002010-07-04T10:01:20.907-07:00Let's Talk About Me<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0hp_99OBFVeu2VNNy36um2uVD1-K18iGau5b2BRx0K2kR4rKdI1btSOlsAmr2xP8PFAOsUJh7H9EM0Y60N3nklbIcs0QsZHursDqWXj8AjlsgSrGf8Hat6YQWeeHNKOgbOuk9dHAgOy7/s1600/IMG_0872_edited-1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 309px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490093855908286050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0hp_99OBFVeu2VNNy36um2uVD1-K18iGau5b2BRx0K2kR4rKdI1btSOlsAmr2xP8PFAOsUJh7H9EM0Y60N3nklbIcs0QsZHursDqWXj8AjlsgSrGf8Hat6YQWeeHNKOgbOuk9dHAgOy7/s320/IMG_0872_edited-1.JPG" /></a> I recently celebrated the fourth anniversary of my 30th birthday. My wish list was short, but 'funny cake' from Grandma Nancy's kitchen was my first request...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2b4OK83Y39OG9pBwntYyvlHBxW3ESMQXRe1t778eMMkG5nIImb0qJ0GKrGbLmxtx95Ysn1OFis_xCbpMmVYIl9pUFQx9TyFW6sKaPj9c-Xgkph6bwpXtUDLwoZ-NayQ8-tuRHw_v5AA2/s1600/IMG_0869_edited-1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490093414830044338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2b4OK83Y39OG9pBwntYyvlHBxW3ESMQXRe1t778eMMkG5nIImb0qJ0GKrGbLmxtx95Ysn1OFis_xCbpMmVYIl9pUFQx9TyFW6sKaPj9c-Xgkph6bwpXtUDLwoZ-NayQ8-tuRHw_v5AA2/s320/IMG_0869_edited-1.JPG" /></a> ...wouldn't be a birthday without counting my blessings so let's start with this little guy. Although his prodigious noggin confounds the physician, it just makes me smile. We are so glad Eli is part of our lives. He truly completes the family and we are grateful.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiRQ0Kql5wUiWhx_kEIjD05JJdvsl4v2-iO0J0VwoFztPmaZSiegBogRBqc0zDPRVuVF1cCA8jbmrUwUZR6Z0YtcWrYM0rqyiUbpoBG6HpGyNIXMMaryS6aH5voGg-jbgtg1P5VbuXj00/s1600/IMG_0877_edited-1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490093405088238018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiRQ0Kql5wUiWhx_kEIjD05JJdvsl4v2-iO0J0VwoFztPmaZSiegBogRBqc0zDPRVuVF1cCA8jbmrUwUZR6Z0YtcWrYM0rqyiUbpoBG6HpGyNIXMMaryS6aH5voGg-jbgtg1P5VbuXj00/s320/IMG_0877_edited-1.JPG" /></a> The story of my life: 3 pairs of extra hands involved in every activity. The second item on my list was a Kindle. I am a gadget girl at heart and have drooled over Dad's since Christmas.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9HpsnRJEMFLEp8qIDrkmcxOjY25T1XvtCwMP-PT_0eVEaRKHLHe8T9WvQBFLLRJNCKClP-GlwDAlDxFvqaisEsDUIsAAThqHvDzmWnsud5xB-a3FAQ3pdbhOGWzOgl4do_fegpSx4g7q/s1600/IMG_0876_edited-1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490093400424558706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9HpsnRJEMFLEp8qIDrkmcxOjY25T1XvtCwMP-PT_0eVEaRKHLHe8T9WvQBFLLRJNCKClP-GlwDAlDxFvqaisEsDUIsAAThqHvDzmWnsud5xB-a3FAQ3pdbhOGWzOgl4do_fegpSx4g7q/s320/IMG_0876_edited-1.JPG" /></a> Although some might call this a 'blooper' it couldn't be a more accurate snapshot of us:</div><div>Steve and I smiling for the camera while wrangling our posse, Luke is distracted by his new Lego catalog off-camera, Eli is as mellow as can be and Andy is laughing with delight.<br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCBglUFjM8GAzdicoIUwpZtjpIwC34gohNz-MuwsHVPvovmh20SNbpjdWyWsl_rfxiiM8oH8p6OWsiURsKpldsxykxXqm9g_e8vEfOYtfJpYykEbqtSdn8jt72REoe1aw1sWhCc4DPJmB/s1600/100_1694.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490093383295207266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCBglUFjM8GAzdicoIUwpZtjpIwC34gohNz-MuwsHVPvovmh20SNbpjdWyWsl_rfxiiM8oH8p6OWsiURsKpldsxykxXqm9g_e8vEfOYtfJpYykEbqtSdn8jt72REoe1aw1sWhCc4DPJmB/s320/100_1694.JPG" /></a> Finally! An excellent picture of Papa holding Eli. Hooray! I've waited and waited to add this shot to my collection.<br />Thanks, family! It was a fun day. I am so blessed.<br /><div><img border="0" src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h46/campclan/MVM/MVMsignature2.gif" /></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Five Bees in the Trianglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073557450855722246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876116443784667704.post-78547238561926740722010-06-25T20:54:00.001-07:002010-06-25T21:03:59.862-07:00Bikes and Bubbles<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUkXV9xnmZ91PZ8z8LPefZCDJTtfStogEGoYYiAr2Fh706Mkk5liSnGQcSWK6ouXuW7y40hRF2oB2OgQYRmLcx3_-TLGcHtLIQ4mE2Mk_u6-i42h9FzY6bQSIQN3RiSeOVN1APX8btiYw/s1600/IMG_0856.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486926646132334498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUkXV9xnmZ91PZ8z8LPefZCDJTtfStogEGoYYiAr2Fh706Mkk5liSnGQcSWK6ouXuW7y40hRF2oB2OgQYRmLcx3_-TLGcHtLIQ4mE2Mk_u6-i42h9FzY6bQSIQN3RiSeOVN1APX8btiYw/s320/IMG_0856.JPG" /></a> Preparing for a little practice riding sans training wheels. Our neighbor zipped by without her training wheels this afternoon. I think it annoyed Luke a little bit that a girl was "ahead" of him. But he took it all in stride and happily went for a spin. I ran alongside, awkwardly supporting his seat and yelling encouragement. I am definitely a mom.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifWVIdFF5g-PAZl0PBBaZBLu4kpv30WM7rEypcoVS5panS73ZXidfv3xt0qA935Jd-gXfAnzAZ3ZAESnFiYS127jNUkC5D3w-6nPYhTtsDphtJhcCpUa3aejDY9HEDMuzZSZjiy536Kb_M/s1600/IMG_0857.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486926633246115074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifWVIdFF5g-PAZl0PBBaZBLu4kpv30WM7rEypcoVS5panS73ZXidfv3xt0qA935Jd-gXfAnzAZ3ZAESnFiYS127jNUkC5D3w-6nPYhTtsDphtJhcCpUa3aejDY9HEDMuzZSZjiy536Kb_M/s320/IMG_0857.JPG" /></a> Andy wanted all of his safety equipment on for 3.5 seconds to pose for a picture. Then he wanted me to take it all off again. This child is so "me" it's almost scary. He adores this jeep, by the way.<br /><div align="center">Quite possibly the best hand-me-down toy we ever received.<br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDTnlMadd1FDDGhflkc5jIFZic484gBimU4frgGfFRZytonyqgb9mjPUwjiQUpB0Ynfwq4Y-QIm_I7U6AEEBaWrtN5HUxrcstkXnX7QLBFlA3X4YTODx7ITV3CWmj8mtUb3kp5Q3lwMQ8/s1600/IMG_0854.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486926622855484354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDTnlMadd1FDDGhflkc5jIFZic484gBimU4frgGfFRZytonyqgb9mjPUwjiQUpB0Ynfwq4Y-QIm_I7U6AEEBaWrtN5HUxrcstkXnX7QLBFlA3X4YTODx7ITV3CWmj8mtUb3kp5Q3lwMQ8/s320/IMG_0854.JPG" /></a> I tried to get Andy to ride Luke's other bike with the training wheels. He refused to pedal. When he sits on his tiny little trike, he won't pedal either. He scoots around with his feet.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFt1Pyc1NSdZp7SzPcu7biShW8dYiBL3Seb14aO-jJMtocU70Su3tUo5Uo6JvlVN2q7tJxJU8UrGjJxJwRu3iP0iUmp_uNvVKyvapOfdcVrrJyBu1ZCRezeO96KsO2_pI98wnWi8hU89cv/s1600/IMG_0852.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486926613732632066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFt1Pyc1NSdZp7SzPcu7biShW8dYiBL3Seb14aO-jJMtocU70Su3tUo5Uo6JvlVN2q7tJxJU8UrGjJxJwRu3iP0iUmp_uNvVKyvapOfdcVrrJyBu1ZCRezeO96KsO2_pI98wnWi8hU89cv/s320/IMG_0852.JPG" /></a> We are totally exhausted by Friday afternoon. I'm so glad the bikes and the giant bubbles kept them entertained.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzU51N_WJwrdDvUcx296BtFJwWlrYPjGGh5p6GRkBepsRarOWbVEQmbAdrZ-lgBAm5siwA_AikwmGB3ZphW1i9Gb_4qFcJu4H6GYKBq14e15KD5pmh_ixh9Jvad4uOh5zslupLXVWUYtqB/s1600/IMG_0850.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486926606981451458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzU51N_WJwrdDvUcx296BtFJwWlrYPjGGh5p6GRkBepsRarOWbVEQmbAdrZ-lgBAm5siwA_AikwmGB3ZphW1i9Gb_4qFcJu4H6GYKBq14e15KD5pmh_ixh9Jvad4uOh5zslupLXVWUYtqB/s320/IMG_0850.JPG" /></a> Trying to capture a giant bubble on the wand.<br />Can't believe we are still wearing sweatpants on the 25th of June.<br /><div><img border="0" src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h46/campclan/MVM/MVMsignature2.gif" /></div></div></div><br /></div>Five Bees in the Trianglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073557450855722246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876116443784667704.post-90122432399803374532010-06-23T07:58:00.001-07:002010-06-23T08:19:55.221-07:00One Week Down...How Many Left?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLzSAQPqrPaOoVDy4cFTHnNgE3r-rQobfzYTMp2yu-gVLLL_3Oj-H1sXtG7ay1jWsxHePBVorrmJt0QNayMfVuJUE_kcwM7GYCRx-SqYoCLL3XBGOBBQH9CyllgUk2UEIgceYdIEIEMdWg/s1600/IMG_0813.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485984263215606322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLzSAQPqrPaOoVDy4cFTHnNgE3r-rQobfzYTMp2yu-gVLLL_3Oj-H1sXtG7ay1jWsxHePBVorrmJt0QNayMfVuJUE_kcwM7GYCRx-SqYoCLL3XBGOBBQH9CyllgUk2UEIgceYdIEIEMdWg/s320/IMG_0813.JPG" /></a> We have successfully completed our first week of summer vacation. The rain finally stopped and we were able to get outside. We spent most of Friday morning at our favorite park.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIItx9_eMkzkAuX_r-dw7cxUI8LlmCRg_dl60wYzdMeXbhaUD8a8GUSmG3j3SPdH_f6FrpdDhIyIDt1MWmOTS0GdNXOKF72pH580LaD0Ze1CfW5yrRk7Hdwqfb7A11GhC3Kl2APb9Rdg-K/s1600/IMG_0816.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485984257039810818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIItx9_eMkzkAuX_r-dw7cxUI8LlmCRg_dl60wYzdMeXbhaUD8a8GUSmG3j3SPdH_f6FrpdDhIyIDt1MWmOTS0GdNXOKF72pH580LaD0Ze1CfW5yrRk7Hdwqfb7A11GhC3Kl2APb9Rdg-K/s320/IMG_0816.JPG" /></a> I've often wondered if I should capitalize on Luke's love of learning by implementing some informal "lessons" this summer. Nothing fancy, nothing official, just the basics. Well, the boys took matters into their own hands at the park. They love taking their hot wheels cars to the top of the twisty slide. This often leads to a confrontation as one boy climbs up and one boy climbs down. I'm glad I was standing there because suddenly there was a gasp and Andy was falling off the top of the slide. Luke grabbed his foot and I caught the rest of him before he hit the ground. An excellent lesson in basic physics, I suppose.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhShHAIA-B4-DGCSZ98lrj-zCju2Yx9XLBRLEZMKzUgJlwgPbfjXki_9BguII4ROo2BQJb_h4VmiR7kZqTlsMpxs_6z6nD2QGKLI7Fln3UNl3ZtHjhZHCGssdUcGMQAYaedit0IR524cayw/s1600/IMG_0822.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485984247158206706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhShHAIA-B4-DGCSZ98lrj-zCju2Yx9XLBRLEZMKzUgJlwgPbfjXki_9BguII4ROo2BQJb_h4VmiR7kZqTlsMpxs_6z6nD2QGKLI7Fln3UNl3ZtHjhZHCGssdUcGMQAYaedit0IR524cayw/s320/IMG_0822.JPG" /></a> Steve took the boys to our local fire station for an "open house" on Saturday. They loved it! Luke got to dress up and use the fire hose. They also learned how to safely exit a house when there is smoke in your room. I stayed home with Eli, but I hear the whole event was a big hit.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOE4eJu_S5uQsBWUTm3njmc5QIViN1j_JufIymTkUmO-V0dUYfRicbbNohabKjQKE6a7qOBCw6ZL7q62xbQ8jVhA8bVSfkDXvnM1fA-z-tztpU3OfKHj64P04rzw7fcfQN9SXppT_j9wh/s1600/IMG_0838_edited-1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485984239115396626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOE4eJu_S5uQsBWUTm3njmc5QIViN1j_JufIymTkUmO-V0dUYfRicbbNohabKjQKE6a7qOBCw6ZL7q62xbQ8jVhA8bVSfkDXvnM1fA-z-tztpU3OfKHj64P04rzw7fcfQN9SXppT_j9wh/s320/IMG_0838_edited-1.JPG" /></a> We went to Eatonville to visit Papa Dave and Grandma Nancy for Father's Day. I have taken a picture of Steve with the boys every Father's Day out on the deck. However, it was pouring buckets so we opted for the couch. Andy is proudly displaying his craft project from Sunday school. Eli is in the way, but Steve is wearing his paper tie that Luke made for him at school.<br /><br /><div><img border="0" src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h46/campclan/MVM/MVMsignature2.gif" /></div></div></div></div>Five Bees in the Trianglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073557450855722246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876116443784667704.post-14612903897658825132010-06-16T14:02:00.001-07:002010-06-16T14:07:42.357-07:00Last Day of School<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPbTvtzpLWjbPx2IwqAf2jWHp8GtgUFTvIz_GTP1dkz7wdOyXqAW2PXlAq9B8hmfAS_w0Q_Va4Ll1D1dz-Ig177_Ry53V2KRDXsGSc7_sBsfID71QiW6FCLj_71cuNpJKLKI1hUteVzWkP/s1600/IMG_0795_edited-1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483480221166048738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPbTvtzpLWjbPx2IwqAf2jWHp8GtgUFTvIz_GTP1dkz7wdOyXqAW2PXlAq9B8hmfAS_w0Q_Va4Ll1D1dz-Ig177_Ry53V2KRDXsGSc7_sBsfID71QiW6FCLj_71cuNpJKLKI1hUteVzWkP/s320/IMG_0795_edited-1.JPG" /></a> Luke's good friend Cooper hosted a last day of Kindergarten celebration. It was supposed to be a pool party, but the pouring rain forced the party into the garage. Including younger siblings, I think there were 8 boys and one very brave girl.<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7NWGvVUo3n0_9yboHyQRVzp43TZDZBU47MKm0egN-KhpP-WH4TtF_mEXTvcJKt4boPUZjaea-f8ITSftfdT1HoFd_e2Xq30ch2-oF2q4MdTeECi-j8Or7Km8Hag4ifJPsahpAOj7sI_jx/s1600/IMG_0797.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483480208969531010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7NWGvVUo3n0_9yboHyQRVzp43TZDZBU47MKm0egN-KhpP-WH4TtF_mEXTvcJKt4boPUZjaea-f8ITSftfdT1HoFd_e2Xq30ch2-oF2q4MdTeECi-j8Or7Km8Hag4ifJPsahpAOj7sI_jx/s320/IMG_0797.JPG" /></a> Thanks for the delicious cupcake!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_cR9pd-xnOA7DtI2_vABmi5JmAl84qQvuf9gWFi9QDUKpE2JREDceMiRqxu5pJLtYCfTlnc6eYFAUO_YQuX30rKzm1WlPq6eGiTsyQoCeDMyheO_wGPodynR81bn3vCFYAMgvEAVk6_m1/s1600/IMG_0801.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483480194414851938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_cR9pd-xnOA7DtI2_vABmi5JmAl84qQvuf9gWFi9QDUKpE2JREDceMiRqxu5pJLtYCfTlnc6eYFAUO_YQuX30rKzm1WlPq6eGiTsyQoCeDMyheO_wGPodynR81bn3vCFYAMgvEAVk6_m1/s320/IMG_0801.JPG" /></a> C'mon! Give me some candy! Andy didn't want to take a turn smacking the pinata until somebody broke it open and he realized it was raining candy. He was all over that.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphen2UwVKqNY7SLC142CP99Zb6-Eve-t5tSKJMirN8xO5p0weRg24nVgWtCNlvT39OjS3e6f7oHZPolfSt0nNq88pE_77CN4I9q6qXfsO-pPGluRIWjklTORkJtOVm1zj8IxhkRaHDiSWbB/s1600/IMG_0806.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483480183561057714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphen2UwVKqNY7SLC142CP99Zb6-Eve-t5tSKJMirN8xO5p0weRg24nVgWtCNlvT39OjS3e6f7oHZPolfSt0nNq88pE_77CN4I9q6qXfsO-pPGluRIWjklTORkJtOVm1zj8IxhkRaHDiSWbB/s320/IMG_0806.JPG" /></a> Relaxing after a long walk with Dad and a very fun last day of school. He had a great year in kindergarten, we are so proud of him.<br /><br /><div><img border="0" src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h46/campclan/MVM/MVMsignature2.gif" /></div></div></div></div>Five Bees in the Trianglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073557450855722246noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876116443784667704.post-47220037909034869412010-06-13T20:43:00.000-07:002010-06-13T20:58:08.804-07:00It's All About the Tricks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEokQap24laAlv-O-z21LbWl5GpTqnTZz3Y2twB0i8LYhipsCooFopuu5Inb-MlHzMLs65krGfNWX_iYXpS8x2VQgP1uEvQVvJOPzdiYlBM5JcC9LYcl9yWJZf2GBes3whyphenhyphenUiUU4etpIVB/s1600/IMG_0781.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482471090630789218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEokQap24laAlv-O-z21LbWl5GpTqnTZz3Y2twB0i8LYhipsCooFopuu5Inb-MlHzMLs65krGfNWX_iYXpS8x2VQgP1uEvQVvJOPzdiYlBM5JcC9LYcl9yWJZf2GBes3whyphenhyphenUiUU4etpIVB/s320/IMG_0781.JPG" /></a> "Watch this, Mom! Look me! Watch! Watch!" That's the theme at our house these days. I'm always interested to see what they are up to. This tower of cups is a funny story. Luke came home from school last week and told me he had learned about stacking cups in PE. I vaguely recalled a story about the world's fastest 5 year old cup stacker on You Tube but didn't really think it was the same thing. So he slowly and deliberately got out <em>all </em>of our colorful cups and began building a pyramid on the kitchen counter. Suddenly my life flashed before my eyes and I saw myself sitting in a gymnasium for hours on end, watching kids stack cups like maniacs. Yawn. On the other hand, aren't gymnasiums warm and dry? Free from the unpleasant elements of rain, wind, sleet and hail? With this epiphany in mind, I nearly jumped in my mini van and raced to accumulate all the necessary supplies to become proficient in 'speed stacking'. But, alas, the novelty wore off by dinner and he didn't mention it again. Andy, on the other hand, patiently waited for Luke to leave for school the next day, then climbed up on the counter, asked for the cups and wanted to build a pyramid. Hence, the photo with the proud smile.<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtFVJcJzxJhX9teP1c9hpoEHLVE2JQGgOuPizN9BI2G-rDZ9rqXr5ltEfB3gFeBdRlTMZ7sOTdrFdVEANt4AVX27ejjgWDuEnLhp5pN0Flb7IkTFOOCMLV0wxbii27r2jW1tDQEB-cqp6/s1600/IMG_0782.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482471061044662034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtFVJcJzxJhX9teP1c9hpoEHLVE2JQGgOuPizN9BI2G-rDZ9rqXr5ltEfB3gFeBdRlTMZ7sOTdrFdVEANt4AVX27ejjgWDuEnLhp5pN0Flb7IkTFOOCMLV0wxbii27r2jW1tDQEB-cqp6/s320/IMG_0782.JPG" /></a> If not a speedy stacker of cups, perhaps a rabbi? Just kidding. This was the trick of the day.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhG_LRpTUbzKWTE_CKlzAb_SgvjDL4v2KLBQZQcpTQzYHLGlLomib4NkMD_GkGykfhMx2Q4OwBaJn5ES9Q7fZIUwa_1vFb4mrL_KviLgUjTxaWftLjuKbMNubPG2IKBxOZFokDJoLQ2R0/s1600/IMG_0786.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482471051580049586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhG_LRpTUbzKWTE_CKlzAb_SgvjDL4v2KLBQZQcpTQzYHLGlLomib4NkMD_GkGykfhMx2Q4OwBaJn5ES9Q7fZIUwa_1vFb4mrL_KviLgUjTxaWftLjuKbMNubPG2IKBxOZFokDJoLQ2R0/s320/IMG_0786.JPG" /></a> Six months and one week of Eli. Doesn't this smile just melt your heart? He's going to get away with A LOT of mischief. I can just see it coming.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gCksMvtGLVQzsEglisJKGovcAWahvJ0xpK8k_famFVNAwATbCI_SAfmARQniAdfxeIz7yLuLXLgTAz7Jq0TACjfaHwSuFrQHfOEieZTXr5FnAqanybuWFyOhGCOmVL5nVQR5pLbW0jnL/s1600/IMG_0792.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482471032431101810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gCksMvtGLVQzsEglisJKGovcAWahvJ0xpK8k_famFVNAwATbCI_SAfmARQniAdfxeIz7yLuLXLgTAz7Jq0TACjfaHwSuFrQHfOEieZTXr5FnAqanybuWFyOhGCOmVL5nVQR5pLbW0jnL/s320/IMG_0792.JPG" /></a> Meanwhile, Jake has managed to survive the arrival of a third boy. He even gives him affectionate licks from time to time. Eli is captivated by this large, fury, jingle jangle that wanders around from time to time.</div><div>The biggest highlight of the week, of which there aren't any photos because he wouldn't have had time to take them...Steve took the boys to our annual community celebration: Maple Valley Days. They left at 8:30am to get a "spot" for the parade and I didn't see them again until close to 4 in the afternoon. They had a blast. Steve deserves a medal.<br />Summer officially starts for us on Tuesday at 11:56am when Luke kisses Kindergarten good-bye. Yikes!<br /><div><img border="0" src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h46/campclan/MVM/MVMsignature2.gif" /></div></div></div></div>Five Bees in the Trianglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073557450855722246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876116443784667704.post-16798586834703933172010-06-06T21:06:00.001-07:002010-06-06T21:24:41.776-07:00Birthdays, Cousins and Cake! Oh, My!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnsc4Cm2xQE0_6OIRHt4Yk0eBRIdLO8OkESIyil7mYkGrw3aSdcP4AIAl9oaBbdvwzUz0j6WAyFR_tAZ5Ml-qncaPHM2KCJH3L0qoYpLSAwHJTcrt3HeHbUxMB2_YN7KGx5bYU1hK0L0I_/s1600/IMG_0780.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479880756664513698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnsc4Cm2xQE0_6OIRHt4Yk0eBRIdLO8OkESIyil7mYkGrw3aSdcP4AIAl9oaBbdvwzUz0j6WAyFR_tAZ5Ml-qncaPHM2KCJH3L0qoYpLSAwHJTcrt3HeHbUxMB2_YN7KGx5bYU1hK0L0I_/s320/IMG_0780.JPG" /></a> Eli is 6 months old today, we can't hardly believe it. He is so easy to have around. His little belly laugh is just delightful.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijurrKYbyaZDYc7Ekg3z4jY8RIOxad6kfPcd_NGWSbgskiun0yorQ-rc-NEbt1_rksGiWnaoGIwgMidtL18OZOtEoGi_7OaweMAjcp_3-wjY14awNqHz-DqIMvSZ1hFOQVsLMcfdcNTxr5/s1600/IMG_0773.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479880752848180642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijurrKYbyaZDYc7Ekg3z4jY8RIOxad6kfPcd_NGWSbgskiun0yorQ-rc-NEbt1_rksGiWnaoGIwgMidtL18OZOtEoGi_7OaweMAjcp_3-wjY14awNqHz-DqIMvSZ1hFOQVsLMcfdcNTxr5/s320/IMG_0773.JPG" /></a> Papa Dave and almost all of his grandchildren<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknmIHjXRDzdyj5MpI3d3o_4hnmmPu_ogevqhrQu3odY1iDTwzzOTlvKKpDAB6W2BgJi-mj1TcVYy_1qEEjBoqmD_4PqLfNTDFtqgWbZsSGibbjZv9RNaB8-T3XS9qvQ5bVPKjNt8fmEJj/s1600/IMG_0767.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479880743432838418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknmIHjXRDzdyj5MpI3d3o_4hnmmPu_ogevqhrQu3odY1iDTwzzOTlvKKpDAB6W2BgJi-mj1TcVYy_1qEEjBoqmD_4PqLfNTDFtqgWbZsSGibbjZv9RNaB8-T3XS9qvQ5bVPKjNt8fmEJj/s320/IMG_0767.JPG" /></a> We celebrated two birthdays today. We're efficient like that.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMBEb6r_hpJmVdFXGKQWDYKmiEMSAG-WEyEyi1VhqadvScBZjWJlNppTcY8Gxrjqt18wXKW9UOENFZYSqd_8_-4r9mBMJVcdHOTjew1Sk6L8SNePoLzTiilBLTMtOzpESxauY3u_FgseO/s1600/IMG_0765_edited-1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 273px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479880734271838402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMBEb6r_hpJmVdFXGKQWDYKmiEMSAG-WEyEyi1VhqadvScBZjWJlNppTcY8Gxrjqt18wXKW9UOENFZYSqd_8_-4r9mBMJVcdHOTjew1Sk6L8SNePoLzTiilBLTMtOzpESxauY3u_FgseO/s320/IMG_0765_edited-1.JPG" /></a> Allie and her assistant, Andy<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Gjy330E4bdUIZi_D4XI6ucxWRxE8YleCp16GQZ0ReT7KlNk7jm8x9jUHNg7O-5kdJFhV0fJjHvcRTW2klpwJ3j1ZpwKVfum5wXF5jBjenjRcrtAz3XSaFkpjvNNFVRDBlG3BwOGYtiPa/s1600/IMG_0762.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479880720086428418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Gjy330E4bdUIZi_D4XI6ucxWRxE8YleCp16GQZ0ReT7KlNk7jm8x9jUHNg7O-5kdJFhV0fJjHvcRTW2klpwJ3j1ZpwKVfum5wXF5jBjenjRcrtAz3XSaFkpjvNNFVRDBlG3BwOGYtiPa/s320/IMG_0762.JPG" /></a> The rain let up for a little bit so everybody went outside to practice t-ball, softball and shooting Sprite cans with the BB gun. Even though the weather was crummy (again), we were not discouraged. It was nice to be together. The kiddos are all growing up so fast. They keep us laughing with the clever things they say. </div><div>Happy Birthday, Heather and Papa!<br /><br /><br /><div><img border="0" src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h46/campclan/MVM/MVMsignature2.gif" /></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Five Bees in the Trianglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073557450855722246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876116443784667704.post-69312041881211594152010-05-31T20:47:00.000-07:002010-05-31T21:00:12.389-07:00Our Island Adventure<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaRMRcBNfZHEIAvsAN3-1WT2Ip7YJ5VgwPJ0q4ABQRDyVvTbWOYSt-Atlkykf8y1VRIROvBNunHYJgSYpgaFCLErlshoWm4BCj5HkPgkAEI2khno2QvS-I5W9Ta73AIX6YE0SEwOG0nZlN/s1600/IMG_0734.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477647977733057634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaRMRcBNfZHEIAvsAN3-1WT2Ip7YJ5VgwPJ0q4ABQRDyVvTbWOYSt-Atlkykf8y1VRIROvBNunHYJgSYpgaFCLErlshoWm4BCj5HkPgkAEI2khno2QvS-I5W9Ta73AIX6YE0SEwOG0nZlN/s320/IMG_0734.JPG" /></a> We decided to get out of town for the long weekend. I found a brand new, beautiful house overlooking the water that just happened to be available. Camano Island is an easy 2 hour drive, which is about all we can stand with 3 little boys in the car. This gigantic star fish is one of the many the boys discovered at the State Park.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3AmLw5Q5W6Q0Sm6uuAIQXB2pe2R4jxRDxjoA_Ww5vWJA-Xnz_4IvN4a-jf6rG2YGSiFPcdqfDhpZG6orBS6rxazNqsiAd8a4uWQNNtVZu59uljo4COGaYaScUkdPOZqrfTQJVr5DsLTom/s1600/IMG_0733.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477647968258934178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3AmLw5Q5W6Q0Sm6uuAIQXB2pe2R4jxRDxjoA_Ww5vWJA-Xnz_4IvN4a-jf6rG2YGSiFPcdqfDhpZG6orBS6rxazNqsiAd8a4uWQNNtVZu59uljo4COGaYaScUkdPOZqrfTQJVr5DsLTom/s320/IMG_0733.JPG" /></a> Western Washington is having a miserably soggy May, but we would not be discouraged from getting out and about. The boys were good sports about putting on their rain gear and heading out for the afternoon with Steve. We just could not get over these amazing star fish!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkeQdNVyimLN-5pcFiEvJuJhFSjiE8Xczzusv0gbttQXWWo2Fxau7Es-iZjJGeuG7XkN769RtSKeZiot9JLNT-gCmSovdvdzYY0bOqcNIBGR_U4fly2eRfmKJgi2RUVqfl1XGb4lmtamki/s1600/IMG_0713.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477647962531185010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkeQdNVyimLN-5pcFiEvJuJhFSjiE8Xczzusv0gbttQXWWo2Fxau7Es-iZjJGeuG7XkN769RtSKeZiot9JLNT-gCmSovdvdzYY0bOqcNIBGR_U4fly2eRfmKJgi2RUVqfl1XGb4lmtamki/s320/IMG_0713.JPG" /></a> Luke wanted to try a group photo. Andy is inside the house asleep. Honest.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5K7ABR2BaL6tosr46vQv3MDrNnUIZiHQwD-gD_wgkViiN6JMh5sPaNAHNa-atzjrAva3irCFE9vxlr1EVPDriwzmeQJTIRMXph-GE_gfNvBJnVPj1zHL3XR_O6XaDFP7sMsOevkrqIZM/s1600/IMG_0711.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477647955438891874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5K7ABR2BaL6tosr46vQv3MDrNnUIZiHQwD-gD_wgkViiN6JMh5sPaNAHNa-atzjrAva3irCFE9vxlr1EVPDriwzmeQJTIRMXph-GE_gfNvBJnVPj1zHL3XR_O6XaDFP7sMsOevkrqIZM/s320/IMG_0711.JPG" /></a> My pictures are out of sequence and I'm too tired to fix it, but we stopped at the Children's museum on the way to the island. I usually take the boys here once a year. I wanted Steve to see it, too. We were able to connect with one of my college roommates who lives nearby. It wasn't quite as easy to visit as it used to be, with 3 adults chasing after 5 little kids, but still fun to see her and catch up a little bit.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TVr0c2kVdCcza6XiUhLHIfQqmYmgD5Q1mxUL36_7ngnyb3AS0LKCAGiinGzB4aveS0auSseaPCZiJjOwRJeRKlHHubHzcXZk_9mr3UlO6UhXVUaNQthfBLW3rZAvuTLiEx-FS11qhVAu/s1600/IMG_0709.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477647949547581618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TVr0c2kVdCcza6XiUhLHIfQqmYmgD5Q1mxUL36_7ngnyb3AS0LKCAGiinGzB4aveS0auSseaPCZiJjOwRJeRKlHHubHzcXZk_9mr3UlO6UhXVUaNQthfBLW3rZAvuTLiEx-FS11qhVAu/s320/IMG_0709.JPG" /></a> Andy was in awe of the train exhibit. He spent almost his entire visit playing with the trains. I literally dragged him out, kicking and screaming, when it was time for lunch. They would've stayed all day, but Eli didn't have any place to nap and 3 hours without sleeping was about all he could take. </div><div>Although I wish the weather wasn't so nasty, I am glad we chose to go on our trip, anyway. We played lots of board games (hooray for Battleship!), read books and watched our favorite shows. The house was amazing and the scenery enjoyable. A great start to our summer.<br /><br /><div><img border="0" src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h46/campclan/MVM/MVMsignature2.gif" /></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Five Bees in the Trianglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073557450855722246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876116443784667704.post-17187516445876492142010-05-24T07:45:00.001-07:002010-05-24T07:58:17.031-07:00Little Mister Goes Vertical<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixDzGnXEls8qYpIdOZOin1u_bgG3G5xmmiKmi8Ctza6FWljNNg1tSNaAkF84giHhe875rdWeLixIbSo5rBESyajsTXaoYfaFERs6WPxjNgL2061zzDG2kO7HzaKLVGHMpFj9Snt-aYK1DF/s1600/IMG_0705.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474848969260220770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixDzGnXEls8qYpIdOZOin1u_bgG3G5xmmiKmi8Ctza6FWljNNg1tSNaAkF84giHhe875rdWeLixIbSo5rBESyajsTXaoYfaFERs6WPxjNgL2061zzDG2kO7HzaKLVGHMpFj9Snt-aYK1DF/s320/IMG_0705.JPG" /></a> In keeping with his role as the third child, Eli spends a lot of time on his backside. The floor gym, the car seat, the stroller, naps in the swing, sleeping in his crib. Given the size of his noggin, he doesn't look like he'll be sitting up any time soon. Unfortunately, the back of his head is looking a little...odd. A baby in a helmet is about the last thing I need this summer, so I am on a quest to get that boy off his backside and hopefully re-shape that luscious melon. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZJDakhwEkrwYtOBWx8SxKRuDK_kH4fpUGC3XPStvuRfxN_8fpln0E54eB__K6pHwASv3mOMALtZTswhLquilOfCme8KgTCVfAXYULyr3MoonQQzlJ3Fz1PUnC71ovfWrxsZw3QqRRN2D/s1600/IMG_0707.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474848960114214978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZJDakhwEkrwYtOBWx8SxKRuDK_kH4fpUGC3XPStvuRfxN_8fpln0E54eB__K6pHwASv3mOMALtZTswhLquilOfCme8KgTCVfAXYULyr3MoonQQzlJ3Fz1PUnC71ovfWrxsZw3QqRRN2D/s320/IMG_0707.JPG" /></a> Thanks to my latest acquisition from Craigslist (a nearly new Jumperoo), Eli has now gone vertical. He is in awe of his surroundings. At first he just sat there quietly and stared. Sucked on his fingers. Stared some more. I think it must be hard work holding up that giant head because he starts to cry pretty quickly. So much fun, this little guy.<br /><br /><div></div></div>Five Bees in the Trianglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073557450855722246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876116443784667704.post-30245021964584696412010-05-16T20:32:00.000-07:002010-05-16T20:41:38.383-07:00Girl Time<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRQiwxzprUt0dERVqMjw9Wc-SCdtzEfkPPtBN6NMMrqfdxc7u87m9deQWC_USNhpuPy9Y7aIPSxXALSDYDNTvp0-2GpmV1pzoo7u4j3q3tI2VJCZvaaO1Qpk0ARt_D7xzo2559_Tl5J8c/s1600/IMG_0701_edited-1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 241px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472077253794712370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRQiwxzprUt0dERVqMjw9Wc-SCdtzEfkPPtBN6NMMrqfdxc7u87m9deQWC_USNhpuPy9Y7aIPSxXALSDYDNTvp0-2GpmV1pzoo7u4j3q3tI2VJCZvaaO1Qpk0ARt_D7xzo2559_Tl5J8c/s320/IMG_0701_edited-1.JPG" /></a> Heather hosted a table at Graham Emmanuel Baptist's annual Friendship Tea. What a treat! Every year, the ladies outdo themselves. Just when I think it can't get any better, they step it up a notch. I sat with Heather, Mom and several other wonderful ladies. The food was fantastic, the conversation enjoyable and we were blessed to hear from a fabulous speaker. The theme was "Seasons of Life" and a lovely 87 year old woman told how her walk with the Lord was evident in every season of her life. I'm amazed the life experience a woman can share if we just give her a chance to talk. She lived through the Depression, sent her husband off to war, weathered the failure of her marriage, parented as a single mom, remarried and is now enjoying "the golden years" with her husband and extended family. I'm sure she felt like her story was quite ordinary, but I thought we were inspired and encouraged by her words. A delightful lady and a lovely afternoon with two of my favorite 'girls'.<br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img border="0" src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h46/campclan/MVM/MVMsignature2.gif" /></div>Five Bees in the Trianglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073557450855722246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876116443784667704.post-26520997022016951742010-05-09T20:56:00.001-07:002010-05-09T21:07:35.726-07:00Mother's Day Weekend<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQX97RhMeVNG15SHx2eBurgDc_yX9_l4XhB-OBIZbNk49dDBITHgIneH1IiVy2HdLvUvJWn6mJv5ZZ8-V_aF5on9L3aSP30hyphenhyphenDhbqotjlMf0ycBdCRRy3AhB4T4Fe4LMkHIM3DsTo1_dW/s1600/IMG_0659_edited-1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 164px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469485876140817346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQX97RhMeVNG15SHx2eBurgDc_yX9_l4XhB-OBIZbNk49dDBITHgIneH1IiVy2HdLvUvJWn6mJv5ZZ8-V_aF5on9L3aSP30hyphenhyphenDhbqotjlMf0ycBdCRRy3AhB4T4Fe4LMkHIM3DsTo1_dW/s320/IMG_0659_edited-1.jpg" /></a> Finally! A sunny day on the t-ball field. Most practices were cancelled in April due to all the rain. Andy detests practice; he whines and complains the entire time. But, come Saturday morning he seems to enjoy playing in the game. I sat right near third base yesterday and he paused to make a face at me. Every time he got to third base, he would ask me if he was done and where was the mommy with the snacks. He cracks me up.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFZ9Fa-VSUXfXEueBmRFLg4Qp9TMQS_CFPm8JIZBvOnAsTofms9gGrf9UGcAQ-VaFek581j22BGQEdtA9IChm6YyT_l8diRjHKuVFd-h4YjaSh11Fs6iSwbjZ5shyphenhyphenl6opzJHRwh4aAsSs/s1600/IMG_0666.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469485860690443090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFZ9Fa-VSUXfXEueBmRFLg4Qp9TMQS_CFPm8JIZBvOnAsTofms9gGrf9UGcAQ-VaFek581j22BGQEdtA9IChm6YyT_l8diRjHKuVFd-h4YjaSh11Fs6iSwbjZ5shyphenhyphenl6opzJHRwh4aAsSs/s320/IMG_0666.JPG" /></a> Steve took the boys camping on Saturday night at a near by state park. Oh, they love it. As soon as he announced where they were going, there was much leaping and dancing with delight. They kept squealing about "fire" and staying in the yurt. (It's an enclosed, heated structure that resembles a teepee). Apparently these millipedes were quite fascinating. They befriended another family with young boys who were camping near by. Luke's only complaint was that they didn't stay longer. Eli and I stayed at home this time, but maybe we'll catch the next camping adventure.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Kvf0ZLjPMOfVIrCXRkUOByjV9VsOD0ow6tp0_WHNiYPlhdZz89HyUAs0912JBWgmXuiESpaZ4Ak04RhftokKZIsoGD_s0ngG5hci5ChJWpuRUgs8_4hp49DuUx1Zs2gRDXISn3k73htp/s1600/IMG_0670.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469485850672826258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Kvf0ZLjPMOfVIrCXRkUOByjV9VsOD0ow6tp0_WHNiYPlhdZz89HyUAs0912JBWgmXuiESpaZ4Ak04RhftokKZIsoGD_s0ngG5hci5ChJWpuRUgs8_4hp49DuUx1Zs2gRDXISn3k73htp/s320/IMG_0670.JPG" /></a> We all gathered at Grandma and Papa's for Mother's day lunch. The weather was beautiful, the kiddos were well-behaved. The cousins sure enjoy one another's company. They rode the riding mower, took turns shooting at cans with the BB gun and helped Papa plant a few things in the garden. What a fantastic day. We are so blessed to have such fantastic children in our lives.<br /><br /><br /><div><img border="0" src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h46/campclan/MVM/MVMsignature2.gif" /></div></div><br /></div>Five Bees in the Trianglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073557450855722246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876116443784667704.post-24042988084166647432010-05-02T20:19:00.000-07:002010-05-02T20:41:34.676-07:00All Boy, All the TimeLuke and Andy have decided that perhaps they are worthy of one another's company. Much yelling and chasing ensues as they invent little games to play together. At least they are having fun. God sure has a sense of humor: I don't like loud noise, chaos or dirt. So he sent me all boys and boatloads of the 3 things I dislike the most. Ha, ha. It is funny to hear them laughing like little hienas. I know, I know...someday I'll have a clean, quiet house and I'll long for the preschool years again.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRbakvXKTI6ZUALI_Tsb3owxUzY-ZxIDsOiKGstuB85yL43WzS7DmW4WxJkwtFxMnUp6HySLPhALuNELAuJxbGNtTZek8GqXHFBbGI-K_vKoiXM61onOkG1HoiNdXgjxRqogmVE2TWD-9/s1600/IMG_0656.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466881008452106210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRbakvXKTI6ZUALI_Tsb3owxUzY-ZxIDsOiKGstuB85yL43WzS7DmW4WxJkwtFxMnUp6HySLPhALuNELAuJxbGNtTZek8GqXHFBbGI-K_vKoiXM61onOkG1HoiNdXgjxRqogmVE2TWD-9/s320/IMG_0656.JPG" /></a></p>In an uncharacteristically mellow mood, Luke decided to hang out with Eli while he was waiting his turn in the tub tonight. Eli seems a little perturbed that we broke out the camera. He was probably hoping it was time for rice cereal and pureed pears.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1uYe7GRQGy9zq_xEVSgy3EglK_8xnXaB4bh98ZEd0ak-SVn8rD3ClmS620Cil1hzABnry_wT9dXXJ8OYvh5NHohD7PwxB1hG4uX3_SsUAaXlKCJgPrp8l4uW6cpI1j3BTZijHW7gsvbVk/s1600/IMG_0644.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466881920062387394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1uYe7GRQGy9zq_xEVSgy3EglK_8xnXaB4bh98ZEd0ak-SVn8rD3ClmS620Cil1hzABnry_wT9dXXJ8OYvh5NHohD7PwxB1hG4uX3_SsUAaXlKCJgPrp8l4uW6cpI1j3BTZijHW7gsvbVk/s320/IMG_0644.JPG" /></a></p><p align="center">This was yesterday, I think. Enjoying his first "meal" of rice cereal and Gerber bananas. He was so happy to see that spoon comin'. He kicked his feet with glee and opened right up. I had to switch to a booster seat today because he was bouncing so hard in this chair and making it nearly impossible to feed him.<br />I can't believe we've hit five months already. Yikes!</p><img border="0" src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h46/campclan/MVM/MVMsignature2.gif" />Five Bees in the Trianglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073557450855722246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876116443784667704.post-34549801567489620182010-04-23T14:16:00.000-07:002010-04-23T14:27:32.228-07:00The Waiting Game<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6bKYj5TA1JgDVY3Wxjt2Dq_0zDst1tvvvQaKQdiuGvu0AboJdx4OV0vqtLxjF0jT8QTF3BW8hoyWE6av7lfsTv7pdC4jgVm_wwa45GtBFafZNzhHBSAL4bG3ATy8lkn7odaQHf6qBpTT/s1600/IMG_0627.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463446500767580530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6bKYj5TA1JgDVY3Wxjt2Dq_0zDst1tvvvQaKQdiuGvu0AboJdx4OV0vqtLxjF0jT8QTF3BW8hoyWE6av7lfsTv7pdC4jgVm_wwa45GtBFafZNzhHBSAL4bG3ATy8lkn7odaQHf6qBpTT/s320/IMG_0627.JPG" /></a> Eli, spitting up for the camera<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4a9EMiN7Mt9C6IvXpCqK3b4LRnwWKLWwJmnvocaXS6gTaaijTRK4JnfIuLLGYsNNbLEygiwUFKE_hcpSGIHmRGDyPGFVlyKyqwbS4s2_7jMjH6exDgkjSi5XSEzWRS6h7myzq_pgPiWQ/s1600/IMG_0633_edited-1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463446493776380050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4a9EMiN7Mt9C6IvXpCqK3b4LRnwWKLWwJmnvocaXS6gTaaijTRK4JnfIuLLGYsNNbLEygiwUFKE_hcpSGIHmRGDyPGFVlyKyqwbS4s2_7jMjH6exDgkjSi5XSEzWRS6h7myzq_pgPiWQ/s320/IMG_0633_edited-1.JPG" /></a> Amy Lynn, turning the big SEVEN<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0p06aNIqDstcJEb0vJugd_MbB6WtYFj-oFAwZd0ZyyrjQPgL-gz3AfrJfwdfmf5JwOxngIZGEnn5Nre9qaEER5JDhwtJsQo7GPUDGimQNLsYI5J7lxMFDX4sBtFAptrNzSeb1DLbR8LTS/s1600/IMG_0634.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463446482471627970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0p06aNIqDstcJEb0vJugd_MbB6WtYFj-oFAwZd0ZyyrjQPgL-gz3AfrJfwdfmf5JwOxngIZGEnn5Nre9qaEER5JDhwtJsQo7GPUDGimQNLsYI5J7lxMFDX4sBtFAptrNzSeb1DLbR8LTS/s320/IMG_0634.JPG" /></a> Just chugging along<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAO6a8ZjJU7tRnyYrrgiBdsdshYTLOq9P8DTM1Rs4PO-Pb7su2P_BRQ1DQqKMj8D3Q5sRNfCQk8Ezk4gWWW7fjKpuqpBfXgayjA9hcNbkcOkbdoL9d5VpSWVtUqdHoqOKRw5rcLV68jXE2/s1600/IMG_0639.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463446471826155426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAO6a8ZjJU7tRnyYrrgiBdsdshYTLOq9P8DTM1Rs4PO-Pb7su2P_BRQ1DQqKMj8D3Q5sRNfCQk8Ezk4gWWW7fjKpuqpBfXgayjA9hcNbkcOkbdoL9d5VpSWVtUqdHoqOKRw5rcLV68jXE2/s320/IMG_0639.JPG" /></a> Still more Legos occupying every flat surface in our home<br /><br /><div>Steve is on the hunt for a new job. His current position will be eliminated this summer as toothbrush manufacturing moves overseas. I'm thankful that he has interviews and opportunities, but the uncertainty is getting under my skin. We waited a week to hear any updates on the most recent interview, only to get a big, fat "no thank you". However, as that door closed, another opened and he has a whole new set of interviews lined up for May. So, while we play the waiting game, the boys and I are just trying to keep ourselves occupied. </div><div>They have no idea their world could be turned upside down (and maybe packed into boxes) in a matter of days or weeks. Perhaps I should adopt their 'ignorance is bliss' perspective. I'll just sit around building things out of Legos, racing matchbox cars and asking lots of questions. Someone else can worry about potentially selling the house, cleaning out the closets, moving with a dog and 3 kids. </div><div>Sometimes, I think adulthood is overrated. </div><br /><img border="0" src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h46/campclan/MVM/MVMsignature2.gif" /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div> </div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div> </div></div></div><br /></div>Five Bees in the Trianglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073557450855722246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876116443784667704.post-79908550047056583962010-04-11T13:29:00.000-07:002010-04-11T13:49:00.387-07:00A Little More Birthday Fun<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBvIGz8rLWkQXgmhkf_Py6wEf-vmK6fdvt6zjdJ6iDXAVKCTjP7UyL7O803X3Jo5EVGPWxdXMXegvv9CBYBvQgKFwS8lw2SAbYoz2RwVhjeKoFqIh1PcKxJWVUI44sAQmnexOnObuqPZc/s1600/IMG_0597_edited-1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458981642987932690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBvIGz8rLWkQXgmhkf_Py6wEf-vmK6fdvt6zjdJ6iDXAVKCTjP7UyL7O803X3Jo5EVGPWxdXMXegvv9CBYBvQgKFwS8lw2SAbYoz2RwVhjeKoFqIh1PcKxJWVUI44sAQmnexOnObuqPZc/s320/IMG_0597_edited-1.JPG" /></a> The boys don't play well together very often, but Luke has really impressed us with his ability to share his new presents with Andy. I don't think Luke has even had a chance to touch this car yet.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTy0gPHTVP7USqXfnFkbX67Mk_Y6DyQbEicKK-aNwWGxZd77tBvGwEIS5hoibWo5SFckgH7-RFRbdTtUALL7cZGMIfQ_2uE42BChmdGdR76_FWDk6APMijyqhMIllBGOpKuUR2vUbvtdIL/s1600/IMG_0615_edited-1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 194px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458981638796337714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTy0gPHTVP7USqXfnFkbX67Mk_Y6DyQbEicKK-aNwWGxZd77tBvGwEIS5hoibWo5SFckgH7-RFRbdTtUALL7cZGMIfQ_2uE42BChmdGdR76_FWDk6APMijyqhMIllBGOpKuUR2vUbvtdIL/s320/IMG_0615_edited-1.JPG" /></a> Thanks for the awesome card! We finally had Luke's party with his friends.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Q1_nB99MfAv_YYpPW2H0JRAWIuFXdnzXR4fFOSPbMBcKvcgKugt1yQAnMhEUut7iDStknfnFZ5hDluJWNaitvHpOdcKkJHH4PIncrJAUPLCDjyH5R9bBhwZ26rQugILspJv3ZN7OVbpt/s1600/IMG_0618.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458981623286014050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Q1_nB99MfAv_YYpPW2H0JRAWIuFXdnzXR4fFOSPbMBcKvcgKugt1yQAnMhEUut7iDStknfnFZ5hDluJWNaitvHpOdcKkJHH4PIncrJAUPLCDjyH5R9bBhwZ26rQugILspJv3ZN7OVbpt/s320/IMG_0618.JPG" /></a> Eli spent most of Saturday in his car seat, between the birthday party and the beginning of t-ball. He transitioned to all formula, all the time this week and he is much a happier, more flexible baby. This makes for a much happier, more flexible mama, as well.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dlFBu3oO7b-Ai4LszKFOdJAktIep18PQzA1YURDgMJp4jjFJrFIlnul01DRCfDAUl6wbbMp6bldCw8S7FB4L1a0ud2SdGcEQQsdPYKXlv3HzYLL-yf7Bbv6qR3hycxje2rAoQkjR1enU/s1600/IMG_0619.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458981616389762082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dlFBu3oO7b-Ai4LszKFOdJAktIep18PQzA1YURDgMJp4jjFJrFIlnul01DRCfDAUl6wbbMp6bldCw8S7FB4L1a0ud2SdGcEQQsdPYKXlv3HzYLL-yf7Bbv6qR3hycxje2rAoQkjR1enU/s320/IMG_0619.JPG" /></a> I missed Andy's first t-ball game due to the birthday party, but Steve said he did well. He was fascinated with his uniform shirt because he has a number 2 on the back. He was pretty excited about the post-game refreshments, too.<br /><div>I did the thing I said I wouldn't do this weekend: totally overscheduled my children. It was exhausting and fun, but I hope it doesn't become a frequent occurence.<br /><img border="0" src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h46/campclan/MVM/MVMsignature2.gif" /></div></div></div><br /></div>Five Bees in the Trianglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073557450855722246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876116443784667704.post-51467378751703127542010-04-06T10:35:00.001-07:002010-04-06T10:49:48.892-07:00An Uninvited Guest<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1FtHNkKDh5o1hyphenhyphenHUUTkCZ00BB5OWmKA-BzPNFHKTyuhDz4iYlxxa3DHdLOO2N9PU9Y4wDxwyPno-GZm4PdBsETFK64Gusj8cSF501cs2317SegRNx2yduaLHguqs5mJcdsWv0cDHaAR_7/s1600/IMG_0593_edited-1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 261px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457081559987302258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1FtHNkKDh5o1hyphenhyphenHUUTkCZ00BB5OWmKA-BzPNFHKTyuhDz4iYlxxa3DHdLOO2N9PU9Y4wDxwyPno-GZm4PdBsETFK64Gusj8cSF501cs2317SegRNx2yduaLHguqs5mJcdsWv0cDHaAR_7/s320/IMG_0593_edited-1.jpg" /></a> We went to Grandma and Papa's for Easter. Grandma was kind enough to make a cake for Luke.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFMnxyrRsaWs3c_IFYNdsRVwclbcCRUW-rSRfCRgmpC0-lhphY0G17l2-6io5hae6gi9qyVfguvF6PFQJZTCT34PVITOF5bhSZopIcQMLBeeFCVRvv9sw287uPxuzcoPuVoVdpc8t0Ywk/s1600/IMG_0591.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457081554328628418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFMnxyrRsaWs3c_IFYNdsRVwclbcCRUW-rSRfCRgmpC0-lhphY0G17l2-6io5hae6gi9qyVfguvF6PFQJZTCT34PVITOF5bhSZopIcQMLBeeFCVRvv9sw287uPxuzcoPuVoVdpc8t0Ywk/s320/IMG_0591.JPG" /></a> Emily and Andy, hunting for eggs<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6eLW1zp_S1-kG2z_ZBYS3BvNWWOWgQbShXyNEdgWmOSjG3YFtUsPl5K_9tv8B7IQ3w0mD9g6aQaHIvp6WgNMt6YiEt4nxHzOx2wLtYyxPzWbqJ8uXpS3LQ0mQiNreDdZzpiHOlzoRNvhv/s1600/IMG_0592_edited-1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457081545096509362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6eLW1zp_S1-kG2z_ZBYS3BvNWWOWgQbShXyNEdgWmOSjG3YFtUsPl5K_9tv8B7IQ3w0mD9g6aQaHIvp6WgNMt6YiEt4nxHzOx2wLtYyxPzWbqJ8uXpS3LQ0mQiNreDdZzpiHOlzoRNvhv/s320/IMG_0592_edited-1.JPG" /></a> Luke and Allie, busy collecting eggs</div><div> </div><div>So we had an unexpected and much despised guest over the weekend: the stomach flu! Andy and I didn't feel well on Saturday, but I really thought it was related to something we ate. </div><div>Boy, was I wrong.</div><div>We unknowingly exposed the whole family on Easter Sunday. Sorry, kids.</div><div>These pictures were taken when everyone was still feeling well. The weather was miserable but everyone persevered in the gusts of wind to find their eggs. The rain held off until evening.</div><div>I didn't take any pictures of Eli on his first Easter because he decided to scream all afternoon.</div><div>We all took turns holding and rocking him. He never got sick, but he certainly was miserable.<br />We had to cancel Luke's birthday party with his school friends. That's back on the calendar for a later date. Poor fella. He was so sick yesterday that he didn't even care. </div><div>Hopefully we are all on the mend.<br /><br /><img border="0" src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h46/campclan/MVM/MVMsignature2.gif" /></div><br /></div>Five Bees in the Trianglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073557450855722246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876116443784667704.post-31808385461054460642010-04-03T15:03:00.001-07:002010-04-03T15:09:48.527-07:00The Birthday Boy<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0sAaQ29DMFSjtycvQ-4eyhGGjr28d-yFfiwCbuMUW-d5LbQ3WDCFQsjj-83vTdLUHBp8sapsGR_OMNk6OhLqY3ukxByt8dDdjplLuQ008yn4AUaVPnnTamuqfRWhLHeQK8TybZwf3z2X1/s1600/IMG_0582_edited-1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 234px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456035913515519762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0sAaQ29DMFSjtycvQ-4eyhGGjr28d-yFfiwCbuMUW-d5LbQ3WDCFQsjj-83vTdLUHBp8sapsGR_OMNk6OhLqY3ukxByt8dDdjplLuQ008yn4AUaVPnnTamuqfRWhLHeQK8TybZwf3z2X1/s320/IMG_0582_edited-1.jpg" /></a> Luke's new favorite Lego creation and the bane of our existence. They spent several hours working on this, but pieces keep falling off and aggravating the Lego engineers that live here.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYGctwHtXOj8NwasQj1aqEKX3ga66UAVvArNw4Y4CuNn9eQKNrkynlt8G6eKIL61IPV3LcniEnN6qk93KDd8CbLvYT_c98bFKz0ElPgAEMlRUr9dARO56OwpJeav2I3irqU1msFl5bK7N/s1600/IMG_0580_edited-1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 279px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456035903283013474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYGctwHtXOj8NwasQj1aqEKX3ga66UAVvArNw4Y4CuNn9eQKNrkynlt8G6eKIL61IPV3LcniEnN6qk93KDd8CbLvYT_c98bFKz0ElPgAEMlRUr9dARO56OwpJeav2I3irqU1msFl5bK7N/s320/IMG_0580_edited-1.jpg" /></a> A chocolate cake with chocolate frosting, adorned with Lego guys...he didn't want any cake. Glad I didn't invest much time and effort in the preparation. Luke is definitely not someone who is impressed by culinary skills or fancy meals. Good to know.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEEjnjcVbbbVuxSLj3YI_O4MoRofs9Di1gWxeL7fnSi9IdboM-cSoh9jSyd_RVeyOYvy3ki2bQuqi7BV2o6KpVYsfswtoeRDa7M7V49KDO5Hkj0r0emi1KyFVbYmkCrP9DccxO_FLGQLvN/s1600/IMG_0574.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456035881705972818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEEjnjcVbbbVuxSLj3YI_O4MoRofs9Di1gWxeL7fnSi9IdboM-cSoh9jSyd_RVeyOYvy3ki2bQuqi7BV2o6KpVYsfswtoeRDa7M7V49KDO5Hkj0r0emi1KyFVbYmkCrP9DccxO_FLGQLvN/s320/IMG_0574.JPG" /></a> Not only was it his 6th birthday, but also his first day of spring break. Except for Steve, who had to work, we all spent the day in our pajamas and Luke spent plenty of time playing the Wii.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwCNNGfdEEC0H2cx1sNWVcALUQ6mb9e4yVyfB4usUwpcatTv48n9bovhYfSjR-pjsSiwU6yfm_bg7k7hZnkhv0veKSaLrwGlGlJCE0SLMdXZkShlfETCxSuY2-cDxTLflqWZykx4KUgDNh/s1600/IMG_0550_edited-1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456035869793159250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwCNNGfdEEC0H2cx1sNWVcALUQ6mb9e4yVyfB4usUwpcatTv48n9bovhYfSjR-pjsSiwU6yfm_bg7k7hZnkhv0veKSaLrwGlGlJCE0SLMdXZkShlfETCxSuY2-cDxTLflqWZykx4KUgDNh/s320/IMG_0550_edited-1.JPG" /></a> He wanted to stage a photo shoot with his new Lego guys. Since I write this blog, I have limited Lego guy photo submissions to one. </div><div>Happy birthday, Lukester!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><img border="0" src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h46/campclan/MVM/MVMsignature2.gif" /></div></div></div><br /></div>Five Bees in the Trianglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073557450855722246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876116443784667704.post-46751227367982738812010-03-30T14:13:00.001-07:002010-03-30T14:21:38.560-07:00Week 16 and Other Good Times<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vU14d-eyRWOxcBJTbl9vdTR3Qmdx7ohSZefqsBS0qxQ7rtiLvvqkFSzvr2tmSnf4zaWMqdcZmHTARweXdEk5Ss5X-doPMSEJwV_2unJW9x0ZCfaRi03PY2DZoffDnYGpsxaU6C16UFAl/s1600/IMG_0541_edited-1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454539197129189858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vU14d-eyRWOxcBJTbl9vdTR3Qmdx7ohSZefqsBS0qxQ7rtiLvvqkFSzvr2tmSnf4zaWMqdcZmHTARweXdEk5Ss5X-doPMSEJwV_2unJW9x0ZCfaRi03PY2DZoffDnYGpsxaU6C16UFAl/s320/IMG_0541_edited-1.JPG" /></a> This picture is so telling: Andy clowning around and Luke snuggling up to Eli. Luke is totally smitten with Eli, tells me 10 times a day how much he loves him. I try to imagine the kind of adventures these 3 will have together someday...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LjzwjLAhDn9S8BM5IMbvoMTrML2gu2LNB1g7MP0RQX4fddQqf-sOQ6-5uoXoRtdZ2g97wzBAtiL3077zI6MnNGL8wcGfz0KziIOX6P_xUpeQROmXvUBlgB_fECLQFgoOgqRogj1-XDWE/s1600/IMG_0539.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454539182201124850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LjzwjLAhDn9S8BM5IMbvoMTrML2gu2LNB1g7MP0RQX4fddQqf-sOQ6-5uoXoRtdZ2g97wzBAtiL3077zI6MnNGL8wcGfz0KziIOX6P_xUpeQROmXvUBlgB_fECLQFgoOgqRogj1-XDWE/s320/IMG_0539.JPG" /></a> Week 16: a cooing, smiling, drooling bundle of boy<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVS0Vxsx0W2iXV7d8xhy8CgH6jV-rmfmcwXE0UJPWLB1pZVbIaBrPzf2FIt5wWef20RclonpSFKefD3Jm04kzJN42k3P1zkwx9rADB3OrUX9tRqFkVBy31WYmayX9nKyK48-H0DcHIrNfx/s1600/IMG_0535_edited-1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454539174001128994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVS0Vxsx0W2iXV7d8xhy8CgH6jV-rmfmcwXE0UJPWLB1pZVbIaBrPzf2FIt5wWef20RclonpSFKefD3Jm04kzJN42k3P1zkwx9rADB3OrUX9tRqFkVBy31WYmayX9nKyK48-H0DcHIrNfx/s320/IMG_0535_edited-1.jpg" /></a> Andy's latest obsession: Costco strawberries<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxXpAY6ZyFqZ4ToNkx5ilo2WALbaMnwyD4-fPz4h82Bx-cROKH4OTHJF33HWfH7rX62RQfSJRDswvg2172CkX6W1NdM0wy3o-bpFYiN7UQPM1ZM72ic6cX0owDV3cNVwShUrhEf1GJmgc/s1600/IMG_0532.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454539160496343314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxXpAY6ZyFqZ4ToNkx5ilo2WALbaMnwyD4-fPz4h82Bx-cROKH4OTHJF33HWfH7rX62RQfSJRDswvg2172CkX6W1NdM0wy3o-bpFYiN7UQPM1ZM72ic6cX0owDV3cNVwShUrhEf1GJmgc/s320/IMG_0532.JPG" /></a> We went to visit Auntie Heather and Uncle Scott on Saturday. Andy was permitted to put his paws on Aaron's Lego creation for a few minutes.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpaLj5hePD88srF81Rn1Fbhd1I8YPZRyE2mq6SkGWQbQNGFJrJFcRWhgshAdvOXUjt4Cig9FO1MrWaQW1I6OFKnCvooNmEKvKoYXqs1NF5AVswDjkr9WLjTTzIKuXs-9G-h5J4rq3LKlwK/s1600/IMG_0530.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454539149000471586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpaLj5hePD88srF81Rn1Fbhd1I8YPZRyE2mq6SkGWQbQNGFJrJFcRWhgshAdvOXUjt4Cig9FO1MrWaQW1I6OFKnCvooNmEKvKoYXqs1NF5AVswDjkr9WLjTTzIKuXs-9G-h5J4rq3LKlwK/s320/IMG_0530.JPG" /></a> Steve's idea of a good time: the new 2010 Mustang!</div><div>Our friend works for Ford and was able to bring this baby home for the weekend. He was kind enough to take Steve for a ride and pose for a photo op.<br /><div><br /><img border="0" src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h46/campclan/MVM/MVMsignature2.gif" /></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Five Bees in the Trianglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073557450855722246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876116443784667704.post-57455767287017907052010-03-30T14:06:00.000-07:002010-03-30T14:12:57.000-07:00Is it Spring or Not?<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUEIe-qXedQ7fZcI0yz0Cxjugc41QG-cMJNlhSSHhosiOm0t0zunf-TOtkCa4e-wPlWpSGRqA1Es6R6ebLg4o35SmVwkvkFzHxXb5jlP5axvCM6OJLPQkOVwyrDRgjaHRRB4ZEOzca3JH/s1600/IMG_0527.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454536850455020898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUEIe-qXedQ7fZcI0yz0Cxjugc41QG-cMJNlhSSHhosiOm0t0zunf-TOtkCa4e-wPlWpSGRqA1Es6R6ebLg4o35SmVwkvkFzHxXb5jlP5axvCM6OJLPQkOVwyrDRgjaHRRB4ZEOzca3JH/s320/IMG_0527.JPG" /></a> He's at a great age for the park: can climb and slide without help, eager to try new things, entertains himself by taking his hot wheels cars down the slide with him. There's a lot joy in being Andy.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDn07D0Zxo1QtPziG1h-WhoJCMvbZXPu_0iIheAVM6i4vOD5ukc1_ObhEZW7hlvpVeAhoasb9L-lqivXmkbnum_S_x2Vw45gK6AyhX87_X-cZh2aKUKFsFT-BnvHExNkp1HQ_VtMwkd5EO/s1600/IMG_0525.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454536835199831586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDn07D0Zxo1QtPziG1h-WhoJCMvbZXPu_0iIheAVM6i4vOD5ukc1_ObhEZW7hlvpVeAhoasb9L-lqivXmkbnum_S_x2Vw45gK6AyhX87_X-cZh2aKUKFsFT-BnvHExNkp1HQ_VtMwkd5EO/s320/IMG_0525.JPG" /></a> Fueling his water addiction<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-U9xzFXmT-Hh1GEvl4cQuAhzOvjA_QXeDYdJV4A0-Jz9ygRMPVcdb4pjUWy7BPvdn8qzTC8tORTb6F70tmEGmBPWGIhg5-ctj_7dmcwx72KvdEaXWdjWQ1hSoeIKIfLrNL6RfCD5FX8F/s1600/IMG_0512.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454536822964794082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-U9xzFXmT-Hh1GEvl4cQuAhzOvjA_QXeDYdJV4A0-Jz9ygRMPVcdb4pjUWy7BPvdn8qzTC8tORTb6F70tmEGmBPWGIhg5-ctj_7dmcwx72KvdEaXWdjWQ1hSoeIKIfLrNL6RfCD5FX8F/s320/IMG_0512.JPG" /></a> This is Eli's first big trip to the park. He was a good sport about hanging out in his stroller for 2 hours. The weather was perfect!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGv6r9po81cMeE1TWCcRGGe91zhbW5JsxT4g_jed98SRxWCkBJC018n0Uhuhvq6pNcXx97kJ3ZCnMN40HTNvyfrdnVtG2mOICPlHeEOgAAeR-XUz1QbCEmdptStVaFZp90xJlRIgRQ1a3/s1600/IMG_0510.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454536806173378498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGv6r9po81cMeE1TWCcRGGe91zhbW5JsxT4g_jed98SRxWCkBJC018n0Uhuhvq6pNcXx97kJ3ZCnMN40HTNvyfrdnVtG2mOICPlHeEOgAAeR-XUz1QbCEmdptStVaFZp90xJlRIgRQ1a3/s320/IMG_0510.JPG" /></a> Luke's idea of a great day: no school and a trip to his favorite park<br /><div><br /><img border="0" src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h46/campclan/MVM/MVMsignature2.gif" /></div></div></div><br /></div>Five Bees in the Trianglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073557450855722246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876116443784667704.post-83250052160550232702010-03-16T07:49:00.001-07:002010-03-16T08:06:02.589-07:00It's Business as Usual Around Here<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhg44oATsIbDpNMlIGumLpupIv3sw9x4OhGgX6NRWQLh7PbBgt6bb9d5Gc3roxv2fJd3Ori78jH57CsIxoOB9sA6zOKUHIJqT2ZEEyVC0eocoE1_g3Vt9KRW-rnuFCacDkrIMvEu3koGfW/s1600-h/IMG_0502.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449244262433985170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhg44oATsIbDpNMlIGumLpupIv3sw9x4OhGgX6NRWQLh7PbBgt6bb9d5Gc3roxv2fJd3Ori78jH57CsIxoOB9sA6zOKUHIJqT2ZEEyVC0eocoE1_g3Vt9KRW-rnuFCacDkrIMvEu3koGfW/s320/IMG_0502.JPG" /></a> This is week 14 for Mr. Eli...his major achievements are frequent smiles and cooing to get someone's attention. It would be nice if he would work on his night time sleep-still waking up once or twice. We are definitely ready to put the newborn phase behind us.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSvXKtQnz_bFM7HwPMZxHZJnAVs6edswBC4wujya1EwBR3ifnTniN3Z0p8N6mSHVMqeMK5DFQqiIICB_RMIiThDXPwtR93e41H0BCCAcanUupFp_WbMGmqxj6rxLgxqNO2RYj4lqdvPbJM/s1600-h/IMG_0498.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449244249765146466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSvXKtQnz_bFM7HwPMZxHZJnAVs6edswBC4wujya1EwBR3ifnTniN3Z0p8N6mSHVMqeMK5DFQqiIICB_RMIiThDXPwtR93e41H0BCCAcanUupFp_WbMGmqxj6rxLgxqNO2RYj4lqdvPbJM/s320/IMG_0498.JPG" /></a> Surprise. Another picture of Andy holding a car. He loves these automobloxs Aunt Holly and Uncle Stowe sent for Christmas. He takes them apart, mixes the pieces up and builds a hybrid. He also likes to take the rubber off the wheels and stuff them down the heater vent. I've spent more time than I would care to admit fishing little rubber circles out of the vents in the family room. Yesterday we went outside in the balmy 60 degree sunshine and found our neighbor and his 5 year old shoveling gravel out of his truck to make a dog run in his yard. He let Luke and Andy climb in the back and "help". Luke and the other little boy found other things to do, but Andy was in heaven. He got out the diggers and the dump trucks and moved the gravel all around the truck. I was going to take a picture, but I was a little embarrassed that he was still in his pajamas at 4pm.<br />Sorry, no picture of the eldest. He is presently shunning the camera and stressing out about St. Patrick's Day. I tried to tell him he's irish and he should just embrace it. He will have none of it. I think a little girl in his class told him she was going to pinch him. We explained numerous times that if you just wear green, no one will pinch you. He is not at all convinced. I'm probably going to have to bribe him to get him on the school bus tomorrow.<br /><br /><div><br /><img border="0" src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h46/campclan/MVM/MVMsignature2.gif" /></div><br /></div>Five Bees in the Trianglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073557450855722246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876116443784667704.post-20340437963741244082010-03-05T10:44:00.001-08:002010-03-05T10:54:14.766-08:00Nope, Just a Giant Noggin<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvnVm-WE7mna0L1u3w6SGdF3wfsdPGMDEY6nANyAbORDoWw9Rc_h3iw50UZxJbHCsGMdIMfaanayYG00gCEbu4oBWz69a117jsyRRdTg85G6CR0FsVHQryhU3_2PlTHInI8yRXUJsPWfK/s1600-h/IMG_0496.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445222906220403634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvnVm-WE7mna0L1u3w6SGdF3wfsdPGMDEY6nANyAbORDoWw9Rc_h3iw50UZxJbHCsGMdIMfaanayYG00gCEbu4oBWz69a117jsyRRdTg85G6CR0FsVHQryhU3_2PlTHInI8yRXUJsPWfK/s320/IMG_0496.JPG" /></a> Eli and I spent most of Monday at Mary Bridge children's hospital getting an MRI of his head. I always get a little stressed navigating outside my usual territory. I'm not that familiar with Tacoma, finding parking, getting inside the hospital. Who designs the layouts of hospitals, anyway? As I was leaving, I decided I should be thankful I felt lost most of the day. I sat next to a woman whose 8 week old baby was having his 4th MRI. I'm glad the children's hospital is a foreign land for me. That means we have (mostly) healthy children. The results came back quickly and everything is 'unremarkable'. I guess that's doctor-speak for normal. As we suspected, it's just a giant noggin.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFuuw2Frh3Gq8LOLtFtnziQ6qaBqgpvb3zyB7abhRNBxvnXXKcdlaCeorlZrqrPZ9jK-E9i-BYLqOia8bu309CdDcr5wHeh7UbzKWzpSr1nFViRr3wf9DePM1L_A1tYMsrPhj3peH-kwm/s1600-h/IMG_0495.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445222895041004386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFuuw2Frh3Gq8LOLtFtnziQ6qaBqgpvb3zyB7abhRNBxvnXXKcdlaCeorlZrqrPZ9jK-E9i-BYLqOia8bu309CdDcr5wHeh7UbzKWzpSr1nFViRr3wf9DePM1L_A1tYMsrPhj3peH-kwm/s320/IMG_0495.JPG" /></a> Meanwhile, back at the ranch...Andy continues to entertain us with his antics. Typical middle child, he's always good for a laugh.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvCKhXnepZyf49pma6zYNCoD1NFUy1cc02FskvHq2TWw1VnGl_Ag2QUfb0lpbzN450TsHAugIWIRijUP5dviVXS4o-Sv_6gDp011fX_XpsgeViDNvxdXsUv9zhoWQTH6yAsRofUw41Y2m/s1600-h/IMG_0497.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445222886321045154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvCKhXnepZyf49pma6zYNCoD1NFUy1cc02FskvHq2TWw1VnGl_Ag2QUfb0lpbzN450TsHAugIWIRijUP5dviVXS4o-Sv_6gDp011fX_XpsgeViDNvxdXsUv9zhoWQTH6yAsRofUw41Y2m/s320/IMG_0497.JPG" /></a> I came downstairs this morning to find Luke fully engrossed in his new Star Wars books at 6:20am. Although I'm not a fan of SW at all, I'm glad we are raising the next generation of book worms.<br /><br /><br /><div><br /><img border="0" src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h46/campclan/MVM/MVMsignature2.gif" /></div></div><br /></div>Five Bees in the Trianglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073557450855722246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876116443784667704.post-91001476352421875402010-02-22T07:56:00.001-08:002010-02-22T08:13:39.686-08:00Eli and the Luscious Melon<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9xqw5w2GItlZ9xB8SMdzH-Z9YQNTaKoOJBQH7yNJtShCePDRsmAr6CocnL655cf9QEXfVDihDiaTjfFFY9qhyWC-10W-gfYiYN_fimNlMp90fDX8mbOVNrNFP4bJ3M7tQzzxN28-A6gi/s1600-h/IMG_0494.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441100911417426594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9xqw5w2GItlZ9xB8SMdzH-Z9YQNTaKoOJBQH7yNJtShCePDRsmAr6CocnL655cf9QEXfVDihDiaTjfFFY9qhyWC-10W-gfYiYN_fimNlMp90fDX8mbOVNrNFP4bJ3M7tQzzxN28-A6gi/s320/IMG_0494.JPG" /></a> It has been just one thing after another around here lately. I'm not sure if it's the added responsibility of having an infant in the house, or just a phase of life, but as soon as one issue is resolved, another comes up. Luke has struggled with sleeping through the night for months and months. I think I've consistently whined about this issue, but we finally exhausted all of our creative resources for getting him back to sleep. We decided to visit a sleep specialist. After blood work and a sleep study, the diagnosis is extremely low iron stores, which causes frequent leg movement and lots of night waking. While we are grateful that he doesn't have apnea, we are now facing many months of daily supplements in an effort to raise his iron levels.<br /><div>Given our track record of late, it was no surprise to me that Eli's pediatric appointment would result in yet another health issue. The pediatrician came in the room, took one look at the growth chart and did a double take regarding the size of Eli's head. Not only is it gynormous, but he has shot to the top of the growth chart since our last appointment in January. That is tremendous growth in a very short amount of time. He needs an MRI to evaluate the fluid levels in his brain. Perhaps there is a blockage preventing fluid from circulating properly, which would cause some swelling. The treatment for this is a shunt. Ugh. </div><div>It's my personal opinion, carefully dressed in denial, I'm sure, that he comes from a long line of giant noggins and everything will be just fine. However, every time he cries a little more than he should, I can't help but wonder if he's in pain. Does it hurt when your head grows that quickly? Are there symptoms we should be aware of that aren't readily apparent? These are the things we're pondering this week, while bribing Luke to take his iron supplements. </div>Five Bees in the Trianglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073557450855722246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876116443784667704.post-81947631494550517042010-02-10T07:46:00.000-08:002010-02-10T08:22:05.970-08:00Poor Choices, Close Calls, Counting Our Blessings<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguiNXqSTcLlH6zhBno_yo-GpFtRiL6gVBAISsZCYG4XymGrcj-awI39CH9CaZt3FfAxwj4PmN_arlcECd2JYq43S0dG2wAqTMPMwXFg9zuc6kbpQWOHT1k6hkbgQ1aHFrVKYHNnHcNSWdo/s1600-h/IMG_0470.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436642260201956450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguiNXqSTcLlH6zhBno_yo-GpFtRiL6gVBAISsZCYG4XymGrcj-awI39CH9CaZt3FfAxwj4PmN_arlcECd2JYq43S0dG2wAqTMPMwXFg9zuc6kbpQWOHT1k6hkbgQ1aHFrVKYHNnHcNSWdo/s320/IMG_0470.JPG" /></a> Andrew and his new favorite car. Yes, I know he still has a binky.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3P1MCKm4LNEK4NN5wEBUzLI_1KeADSE6Ry9U9TymhF4ougPL-xRaM7gBuZWpaDt1Ba0FW5lCkGTi4G-zDoNBhBW_4B49fCLEQXlDZM8cjdsiobF56okJHGmOYWHQZLOC-Ct6AVurnlkD/s1600-h/IMG_0469.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436642248135326546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3P1MCKm4LNEK4NN5wEBUzLI_1KeADSE6Ry9U9TymhF4ougPL-xRaM7gBuZWpaDt1Ba0FW5lCkGTi4G-zDoNBhBW_4B49fCLEQXlDZM8cjdsiobF56okJHGmOYWHQZLOC-Ct6AVurnlkD/s320/IMG_0469.JPG" /></a> This picture warms my heart. Luke is such a sweetie to Eli. What's especially funny is that Eli looks exactly like Luke did at 2 months old. Genetics are amazing.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSNm8l1SRFjHswpMCwUGTv5DxSbUCaQWINK0X_U-ggnX1cZY-ycalHqcZkZIIP0LmZikCRffAsTd_-_j6b80KFt2ImZEuftweFM7T6NtjF6zSpwihOuj1Cc89e_gN0ot_bx7qBXO6jrbk_/s1600-h/IMG_0465.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436642238662662738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSNm8l1SRFjHswpMCwUGTv5DxSbUCaQWINK0X_U-ggnX1cZY-ycalHqcZkZIIP0LmZikCRffAsTd_-_j6b80KFt2ImZEuftweFM7T6NtjF6zSpwihOuj1Cc89e_gN0ot_bx7qBXO6jrbk_/s320/IMG_0465.JPG" /></a>9 weeks old and quite pleased with his new floor gym</div><div> </div><div>Last Friday was a doozy. Luke has struggled with sleep issues for several months. Steve and I are at the end of our rope in terms of what to do to help him sleep. We just cannot deal with any more sleep deprivation, especially since Eli is sleeping well at night. It really stinks to be up with 2 kids at 2am. So, we went to see a pediatric sleep specialist. In my foggy, sleep-deprived state, I didn't really consider the ramifications of taking the whole family. Thankfully, Steve went with me. Needless to say, it was a very long morning, complete with poor behavior, a behind-schedule physician and topped off with a blood draw for Luke. <br />I was never so happy to get home and get everybody out of the car. </div><div>We were driving each other nuts by late afternoon and the boys were begging to go outside. We bundled the baby into the stroller and headed out the door. At the last minute, Luke asked if he could walk Jake, our 80 pound black lab.</div><div>Have I mentioned I exist in a foggy, sleep-deprived state?<br />I said, "sure".</div><div>Luke and the dog were actually doing very well. We got about halfway around our block and dogs started barking from behind fences and Luke got flustered. I saw a very large dog sitting in his own front yard and his owner was brushing him. As we got a little closer, I decided to take the leash back from Luke. I now have our dog on a leash, a baby in a stroller and two little boys trailing behind.</div><div><em>What was I thinking?!</em></div><div>In an instant, that very large dog was upon us. He went straight for Jake's neck. Jake tried to get away and the owner and another neighbor pulled the gynormous Akita dog off before he could attack again. In the commotion, the dogs knocked the stroller over and Eli's head hit the sidewalk. I became one hysterical mama, which terrified the boys. Suddenly everyone was crying and the dog owner was terribly distraught. We were actually in someone else's driveway and the family came out to help. The woman was a familiar face and really helped calm everybody (me) down. The children that lived there are classmates of Luke's, so they started a game of tag on the lawn. We checked Eli out and he immediately stopped crying and started trying to smile at everybody. He had a small bump on his forehead but that was all. The dog's owner offered to pay for any damages, which I appreciated. After he went back in the house, I found out the dog is a repeat offender and has already bitten two children. </div><div>While I am the first to admit that I made a poor choice and we should have left the dog at home, this was a bad situation that could have been extremely traumatic. I know what it is to care about your dog, but there comes a time when a dog can't be trusted and needs to be kept away from children and other dogs. Several other neighbors have come forward and mentioned an unfortunate encounter with this same dog. As much as I dislike conflict, I know we need to take action and more than likely have this dog removed from the neighborhood. Part of me wants to wait until we get reimbursed for Jake's vet bill (almost $700 for emergency surgery). </div><div>As the weekend went on and I shared our experience with friends and family, I just felt very grateful that we weren't severely injured. I'm thankful for neighbors who help out, even if we don't know each other as well as we should. There are many blessings to count.<br /></div><div><br /><img border="0" src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h46/campclan/MVM/MVMsignature2.gif" /></div><br /></div>Five Bees in the Trianglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073557450855722246noreply@blogger.com1