tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13918439184774957102024-03-05T13:08:01.630-08:00Johnson Family BlogSarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00787579665009104266noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391843918477495710.post-11903446641110561052009-10-15T11:55:00.000-07:002009-10-15T13:48:56.570-07:00First Words<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdH76Rk0Rei7842es5x_d5jsioSXAelSF8ftfKZoB9vBdGoVITHNdBvzGu2q0bf5aqpTMEY3oMxybSkqXqxLu0BmuR5-4k3lXRtnOh1tm-g77Z0cfzpcouSNtA3C_jezU3w9GYnoCGB8/s1600-h/IMG_3658.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdH76Rk0Rei7842es5x_d5jsioSXAelSF8ftfKZoB9vBdGoVITHNdBvzGu2q0bf5aqpTMEY3oMxybSkqXqxLu0BmuR5-4k3lXRtnOh1tm-g77Z0cfzpcouSNtA3C_jezU3w9GYnoCGB8/s400/IMG_3658.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392912380118910018" /></a><br />I've been so bad about blogging lately. Oops! :)<div><br /></div><div>I thought I should get on and record Max first words. Shortly after he turned one, he started saying "Go". It is on one of his baby signing videos and he loves to do the sign with it when he says it. Now he's asks me to "go" all of the time and runs to the front door. It is so fitting with his personality that this would be his first word. He's very active and loves to be out-and-about!</div><div><br /></div><div>On our trip to Japan, he surprised me by trying a few other words. He was very interested in the trains and buses we used to get around Japan. He knows the sign for both, but now when he signs "bus" he also tries to say it aloud. </div><div><br /></div><div>I try to get him to say "Mama" to me all the time. He says "mamamama" often, but not applying it to me. Well, the other day, he patted my leg and said "Mama". Something must have clicked because now he says "Mama" pretty often. It's confusing, though, because he also still likes to say "mamamama" when he chatters. </div><div>He has also gotten pretty good at saying "banana" and is trying to say "water". </div><div><br /></div><div>I know he'll be talking up a storm before I know it, but right now it amazes me to watch him learn. He's gone from a little ball of mush to a walking, talking little person in a year!</div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00787579665009104266noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391843918477495710.post-1405775091528414302009-08-27T14:22:00.000-07:002009-08-27T16:24:25.631-07:00I Have a One-Year Old!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjF-fs9DeNP18fYTYAiGg86oU2ddAkCFtwgqnzAGL4l7CAJgQtQ4HL8uy8Bz-wPQ1fXccMrIpburyf_G50_wDCVYGwMPU4dzVORoHmZWREABwCb4zG7SW3ERZ03b6ovIajQp9zaR4-v1M/s1600-h/2009_08_22+Max%27s+1st+Birthday.jpg"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvzFIkHUfWRnIEoRVd3mmweSc4NPGIGfOgg9hyphenhyphenyH2BM6MVK_8kEalhsL01ZV7zoTELcWxO8Npp86blxrATuCCdlBuMIo0UCMs_c1u3-RjW2ZW5hnac7TqJ4RRJgDiupadze2RSwH8D9w/s1600-h/IMG_3149.JPG"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></span></a></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFZ7c-BY2TcW04se1_0buS_7T0GECyhAZP2J5_Srs6gVC4gbTUw8PjQHxDSAC-s0vii287qWXrnxoKOiEG3WMEbm5oUq0kWoosCEKtcnQKxClHI8o5fMS80DHchbHXAgiUmPYxRF5vMo/s1600-h/IMG_3280.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFZ7c-BY2TcW04se1_0buS_7T0GECyhAZP2J5_Srs6gVC4gbTUw8PjQHxDSAC-s0vii287qWXrnxoKOiEG3WMEbm5oUq0kWoosCEKtcnQKxClHI8o5fMS80DHchbHXAgiUmPYxRF5vMo/s320/IMG_3280.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374770583254403154" /></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Max with his very first birthday card from Great Grandma Dempewolf. He's so excited!</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwTBFjbkeHrtQC4TXylYdq_XodLLGKBL_donjxu7cr09k3Ozc42W0jmG2sir9hNgX1RN-_YLwLCLf23IlQUBlpBgTH8C9HQF456aDm-gIBBcpFEePIDzzvX-WfActTA32WkEMhQxaX1I/s1600-h/IMG_3328.JPG"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><br /></span></div>I know all moms talk about how fast their kids have grown up, but I still wasn't prepared for how fast Max's first year would go by. Goodness!<div><br /></div><div>Max learned a lot in the last month:</div><div><br /></div><div>He now walks everywhere. He's pretty fast, too!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwTBFjbkeHrtQC4TXylYdq_XodLLGKBL_donjxu7cr09k3Ozc42W0jmG2sir9hNgX1RN-_YLwLCLf23IlQUBlpBgTH8C9HQF456aDm-gIBBcpFEePIDzzvX-WfActTA32WkEMhQxaX1I/s320/IMG_3328.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374770570884090658" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>He learned to drink from a straw.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvzFIkHUfWRnIEoRVd3mmweSc4NPGIGfOgg9hyphenhyphenyH2BM6MVK_8kEalhsL01ZV7zoTELcWxO8Npp86blxrATuCCdlBuMIo0UCMs_c1u3-RjW2ZW5hnac7TqJ4RRJgDiupadze2RSwH8D9w/s320/IMG_3149.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374770602662469650" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div>He gives really great hugs.</div><div><br /></div><div>He loves to play with balls and will "fetch" (I told Nic he has to call that game "Go get it" instead of fetch). </div><div><br /></div><div>He learned a ton of new signs and even made up some of his own. He now knows:</div><div>Eat</div><div>Drink </div><div>Milk </div><div>Banana</div><div>Cracker</div><div>More</div><div>All Done</div><div>Ball</div><div>Book</div><div>Shoes<br />Hat </div><div>Dad</div><div>Grandpa (or Grandboy---my dad taught him this)</div><div>Baby</div><div>Dog</div><div>Car</div><div>Wash hands</div><div>Brush teeth</div><div>Brush hair</div><div>Phone</div><div><br /></div><div>That's over 20 words! I just never thought he understood that much of what I said, and then all of the sudden he's signing everything.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>For his birthday, he got to have cake for the very first time. He smashed it up pretty well, but he didn't really eat very much!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsZEeE-mT7Zbk7ClUapbR4tBpsRcJlDkv7vHFF6VVB-7bsodKaOSROTjI_7vIePLyEL-_TFjh_gOc5394c4RLJP5dGUVuoNsyQFuvwl1deo2FATqToT8E-lh4Q7-rRVDPh17tAyeAyeA/s320/IMG_3311.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374763263667658258" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Then we took him to the San Diego Zoo. Max loves to look at animals, but kind of freaks out when they get too close. So, while most kids would love the petting zoo the most, Max loved everything else and found the petting zoo pretty intimidating.</span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjF-fs9DeNP18fYTYAiGg86oU2ddAkCFtwgqnzAGL4l7CAJgQtQ4HL8uy8Bz-wPQ1fXccMrIpburyf_G50_wDCVYGwMPU4dzVORoHmZWREABwCb4zG7SW3ERZ03b6ovIajQp9zaR4-v1M/s1600-h/2009_08_22+Max%27s+1st+Birthday.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjF-fs9DeNP18fYTYAiGg86oU2ddAkCFtwgqnzAGL4l7CAJgQtQ4HL8uy8Bz-wPQ1fXccMrIpburyf_G50_wDCVYGwMPU4dzVORoHmZWREABwCb4zG7SW3ERZ03b6ovIajQp9zaR4-v1M/s400/2009_08_22+Max%27s+1st+Birthday.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374773653439828098" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a><br /></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00787579665009104266noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391843918477495710.post-70877674825014679092009-08-18T14:32:00.000-07:002009-08-19T11:32:34.290-07:00Cayucos Vacation 2009<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I love the central coast of California. We vacationed there when I was a kid. I went to college there. I met and fell in love with Nic there. So many great memories! This summer my whole family (except my brother, David, who now lives in Texas) got together to rent a beach house in Cayucos, a quaint little beach town 15 minutes north of San Luis Obispo.<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNcKteTAyCr8XuvNVbCeQYTiYAvDQUBYT1iQNgGCjJFKTpK4CodguOxTjL3S8qoRs56sXnxfm9LyOmyKTyrzDFNk7E3hOHHQj_EInrPi3xRx2CJOx_ucZ2bxx72O-viKaewQ3z9CoOhzM/s320/IMG_1595.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371547052082533922" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><div><br /></div><div>After a long day of driving, we arrived and found the house to be just as cute as it looked on the internet. It was only a block from the beach. It was nice and open, and accommodated all 13 of us quite well except that one "bedroom" was actually a loft (Poor Danny, Shannon, and Connor!). The rest of the night was spent settling in and eating birthday cake for all the recent birthdays.</div><div><br /></div><div>On Monday morning, we went to check out the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elephant_seal">elephant seals</a>. They are so huge that when they are out in the water they look like giant rocks. When they are on land, it is really neat to see them fight.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPti30BUnD8TrG5TAy5GFhaiV8KmnL71PnDBBBNDpNaqXetWVamRyxn1R7OQr8qkWIGoyPErHyevRv-D5gpnhxOYIRZbvTUCXqLjiy-vK1R44y3j_6i0vOg8lmoHEF_w987-qBhyphenhyphen-Dmo/s320/Italy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371436708481268562" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div>Afterward, Nic, Max, and I enjoyed a nice lunch and fudge in Cambria. Then we took Max to the beach. He was crazy! As soon as he got there, he was screeching with delight and wanted to run straight into the water, which he later did. At one point, he fell on his face right in the water, but after a few minutes he was ready to run right back in (with close parental supervision, of course!). </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijkhpN2oGLolOrN-7brpr333goVbsE8APNVsIMab-1jIYMM_eGyYKuaVIlmaqInQlPlJXhGE98rThxgP06LS_nXysz8MJZiG1Zuf2RS87zLzoanejT-ldFBirHhz74Jm4Oi8udyqjp_Bk/s320/IMG_3045.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371547060636444802" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>We spent the next morning exploring Morro Bay. We got there pretty early in the morning. None of the tourists were there yet, and we took a long walk and watched all of the businesses getting ready for the day. Then, we rented a surrey to ride out to Morro Rock. I always wondered what the baskets on the front are for (because they aren't good for holding stuff!). Turns out, they are made as a seat for little children. Max pretty much only got to be in the basket for a picture because it freaked me out to have him riding up there. He rode along in the Baby Bjorn instead. On our ride, we saw lots of sea lions and otters. It is such a beautiful place with lots of wildlife. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkPmLuWv2oxuyLbV7VnOQX0GbWo6Po5HaWVxq8k3Hi5JFhI_eVBJvJpIgjsnnEdOoRXLY969s98pxR0OITQI-kgU6rMb0L3sgKGF3paFwiQlIeBoom749sstdWVn64a2uYPgyq0z6Qzk/s320/IMG_3050.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371436718753773714" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></div><div>In the evening, we walked from our beach house down to the pier in Cayucos. The tide was coming up and at one point we ran out of beach! We had to time our crossing to prevent getting too wet. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntAS1ItATdioe0CvyYnt6DBfmB91Do-_sA_C9djYSYrp9jC5In2RN5f78qBxyPkI2pZm5c4asYZJDWjjeWDnNgRsY7afyjLivqnDt7Xju4x-DAKsneDg9W2e_dfSvijgkgAR3mELdaGE/s1600-h/Cayucos+August+2009.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntAS1ItATdioe0CvyYnt6DBfmB91Do-_sA_C9djYSYrp9jC5In2RN5f78qBxyPkI2pZm5c4asYZJDWjjeWDnNgRsY7afyjLivqnDt7Xju4x-DAKsneDg9W2e_dfSvijgkgAR3mELdaGE/s320/Cayucos+August+2009.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371547071984229842" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijkhpN2oGLolOrN-7brpr333goVbsE8APNVsIMab-1jIYMM_eGyYKuaVIlmaqInQlPlJXhGE98rThxgP06LS_nXysz8MJZiG1Zuf2RS87zLzoanejT-ldFBirHhz74Jm4Oi8udyqjp_Bk/s1600-h/IMG_3045.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijkhpN2oGLolOrN-7brpr333goVbsE8APNVsIMab-1jIYMM_eGyYKuaVIlmaqInQlPlJXhGE98rThxgP06LS_nXysz8MJZiG1Zuf2RS87zLzoanejT-ldFBirHhz74Jm4Oi8udyqjp_Bk/s1600-h/IMG_3045.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijkhpN2oGLolOrN-7brpr333goVbsE8APNVsIMab-1jIYMM_eGyYKuaVIlmaqInQlPlJXhGE98rThxgP06LS_nXysz8MJZiG1Zuf2RS87zLzoanejT-ldFBirHhz74Jm4Oi8udyqjp_Bk/s1600-h/IMG_3045.JPG"></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In the morning, we kayaked out to the sand spit in Morro Bay. In the middle of the bay, there is a large bank of sand. It connects to the land miles away and has a narrow peninsula that extends out. It is a really easy little paddle across the calm bay. We also got to see the sea lions up close, as they were swimming near our kayak. Max didn't like his life jacket, but he did love exploring the strangely soft sand on the sand spit. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgncwo_SB2YroPzJEGSCXCOX-9i_DM2LgEF0BEWafuNjuJDKk31cowPZZ9pYFH6QqmOUWQO2ayYKn9pyAF7vGgQS8bW8YDhiU5NOs35c8VlSN4i4b1gshqM7jVnBKwSaWTHiYoGrghHlcM/s320/Starred+Photos2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371555378220532482" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div>While Max and I were taking a nap, Nic and the others went down to the beach. They found a giant hole (no one was around) and used it to bury each other. After awhile, a 13-year-old kid comes down and really rips into them for ruining his hole that he'd been working on for two days. Oops!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4koCt_OCpkZ7JyxD7xOct90g4r9sig4q8QVECLVMw9W2PQI9BV9OfFUiB9-de3AW-MmwbmB5QbP7M77J_jYyahWA4C0cR2a_TXhUvatjlr1C02SGYmOrrmqdHVeS3NPOD1xStSJxwCfE/s320/IMG_3107.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371555362676601570" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>The next morning, Max woke up early. So, we headed to San Luis Obispo to hike to the cement 'P' that is on the mountain above Cal Poly. The trail was much steeper than I remembered. The views were beautiful, but the P was hideous close up. Years and years of paint were built up on it. We followed our hike with a yummy breakfast at one of our favorite SLO restaurants, <a href="http://www.bigskycafe.com/">Big Sky</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtm4rF7QS-6Nm9qjsi56QlJYzsL3-W8oPNH61i7F_4-fmaN8uHuF47-v9nlJzL8l-5JeJVShl2XBqcviSQ2YX435FXVfN4iYvPNTgVppo8Ti_eAObfhMhcqtntx27znwsYJnhzZxf6PFk/s1600-h/IMG_3127.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtm4rF7QS-6Nm9qjsi56QlJYzsL3-W8oPNH61i7F_4-fmaN8uHuF47-v9nlJzL8l-5JeJVShl2XBqcviSQ2YX435FXVfN4iYvPNTgVppo8Ti_eAObfhMhcqtntx27znwsYJnhzZxf6PFk/s320/IMG_3127.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371555372575181650" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /></div><div>In the afternoon, we took a drive through See Canyon. First we stopped at the Avila Barn and checked out their cute animals. Then we were on our way. The views were beautiful, as always. Some day, Nic and I want to have a house out there! </div><div><br /></div><div>We came back around to San Luis Obispo just in time to meet everyone for dinner at Woodstock's Pizza and a stroll through the World Famous Farmer's Market. The farmer's market in SLO isn't just fruit and veggie stands. All the local restaurants have booths. There are musicians, puppet shows, booths for causes, balloons, and lots of people. I love the fun atmosphere.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tBtV6ZOtG8X1LDm_DIGxDdRG1deGo8RgDHx0-ewkODTRcaC8H3HgaxidqBlrBqHefapR79xrrtYgELBCnbPQzSxZaLKKA5S0a8xbTOkju9JCvvfovWDLOjgSUjq2hZiWUMC2W6DqkIY/s320/IMG_3175.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371724259980465282" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div>We had to stop off at the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bubblegum_Alley">Gum Wall (aka Bubble Gum Alley) </a>. On our second anniversary, Nic and I made a heart on the gum wall with our initials in it. Now, for each anniversary we add another heart (the collage below shows the progression). This year was a lot easier because we had helpers. Usually we're about to puke from chewing so much sugary gum!</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOvNmgumDW90PLY_TevX40oaWi5eDpdo_d94XmAA-DF-R4Ym1puhj_2PZfrHAfx9z3vhMCJHPvHQ_EsY9N7n3rB0o2Nif3Vp5hN_HP0h5DRTpIXXwkyfpgHg-UH0uVhNlZjWTxtSolM4/s1600-h/Starred+Photos3.jpg" style="text-decoration: none; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOvNmgumDW90PLY_TevX40oaWi5eDpdo_d94XmAA-DF-R4Ym1puhj_2PZfrHAfx9z3vhMCJHPvHQ_EsY9N7n3rB0o2Nif3Vp5hN_HP0h5DRTpIXXwkyfpgHg-UH0uVhNlZjWTxtSolM4/s320/Starred+Photos3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371724248557747410" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We spent Friday morning at beautiful Montana De Oro. </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_146OPOhmCcJ0VU827zITMA5pbxq_jpA-3v0TRtzs8z3RDnXE_atsHvB8Hxz79AHECSqD45q7RC1eF8D7Yfkwd7P_eUm9ROK2ZLZBJXTg2pBxEMEUfxNxe_XDbOiz578QwXf-T1_K5s/s320/vacation+184.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371724262122175314" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><div>In the evening, my parents watched the kids while we headed out for date night! Nic went all out. He brought me flowers, took me to a beautiful restaurant with amazing food and views, and we followed it up with sparkling cider, cherries, and gummy bears while watching the sunset. So romantic!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WovL-26kl1WQ8IRGoX0yz-aGhUBeGG3XTxhIN6L71c0AuOplfP4oRHnrEUhrDWRjKx8iGNuUpP9MKzkE2uJtKN4dnkGhYtEhl3nW1wiNMBBffXHsX8BY5Cxxx7rFgvWCEe7o0Qbq2ak/s320/Cayucos+August+20091.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371730301706976114" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><br /></div><div>Saturday was the Walk to the Rock. It is about 5 miles from Cayucos to Morro Rock. We used to do it as kids, and I think it was easier then. This time, it was so foggy we couldn't see Morro Rock at all. Without a landmark, it seemed like we might never get there. But we made it!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxJtSVmY78XhPe_oDvpqrwp3wCNTAYPk6uj5qtYowGV4HizaBC2uaBgCyGc8JcuF0fyNyfzFmiTW0IORV8soz857RWyfyehyUqNzZz60CcUO-_2uU25L4b3Juwpxbkr6me39adwWjs6U/s320/Cayucos+August+20092.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371730309829957842" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>We spent our last night having a bonfire on the beach. We roasted hot dogs and marshmallows and even saw dolphins. It was a great end to a great trip!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUTs0kUXE1vpqtAYgSVuqgAWsjIRc4eDNz6klKQ6CMRDJm1L-tEvmN8-W_uOlMe6wWtatsnqQivL9343Mr9eLK3jug1yPNSEsQl2bhc53xnjZdjdnsSd1BN9hJ_JA3ogFovLRDqco19BA/s320/IMG_3259.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371730285384807042" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-0OqspWFwwIzD_3AFZngjaxf0DAxMe15WEibxtfe5FEOXc2AXuYMzTAeEl5RGAgS0hOAlWOa8fv8TT9o_iiyk-Jc5uczkbNNHFXWxTkx-rJNBe6Voj-rl6rUcIwhLNbieEqWt4aZ-VQ/s1600-h/IMG_3269.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-0OqspWFwwIzD_3AFZngjaxf0DAxMe15WEibxtfe5FEOXc2AXuYMzTAeEl5RGAgS0hOAlWOa8fv8TT9o_iiyk-Jc5uczkbNNHFXWxTkx-rJNBe6Voj-rl6rUcIwhLNbieEqWt4aZ-VQ/s320/IMG_3269.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371730275053339714" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00787579665009104266noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391843918477495710.post-68753051552337672962009-07-28T15:09:00.000-07:002009-07-28T15:47:31.898-07:004th Anniversary<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMzJ3WfQ2tNNO-qLdNSL8VXZKTKaQAKxmtv67CMs4rNJ3NgRY_-rIP5aLPWvj9SBxhjE9arEzGjpMS0Uixv1eTGEvEcPvLWoYBOz9t69gWJ4LDxNaDFT2PKVhdvkmIpb2gdhNJQpFUud8/s1600-h/IMG_2939.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMzJ3WfQ2tNNO-qLdNSL8VXZKTKaQAKxmtv67CMs4rNJ3NgRY_-rIP5aLPWvj9SBxhjE9arEzGjpMS0Uixv1eTGEvEcPvLWoYBOz9t69gWJ4LDxNaDFT2PKVhdvkmIpb2gdhNJQpFUud8/s320/IMG_2939.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363645790736498354" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmouFX5vMeUWgmCpp7OhijNyCEO3MmCxnrSpb4noo3LNcqGUATfBwjdQLLEMQOF2lnYa0BKLp99uNu40QVaGSTNkMzzeNpcmDhl5hUxKpwppSDE8bLq7NOtAqtfoyoxAPIaM20ucxdcY/s1600-h/IMG_2969.JPG"></a><div style="text-align: center;">So, I'm a little late in blogging about this, but we had such a great anniversary! In years past, we've always taken a long weekend to go on a little trip, but I knew that wouldn't be possible this year because of our little guy. We settled for an overnight trip, and it ended up being so much fun!</div>We drove up near Tehachapi to <a href="http://www.rankinranch.com/">Rankin Ranch</a>. I would highly recommend it, especially for a family vacation. I thought we'd go on a horse ride, and then just kind of hang out. I bought a new book thinking that I'd finish it while we were there, but there was so much to do.<br />We relaxed in their lovely pool,<div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMEO5JYOoHCSdwXWDkXt19ekzAqyfOend7gCi__3YuJv5l3OqY4yhnze216Z72axaCresr4Wg29VvVJNQGV1VbYubXPpP4X50f4p70qK5M8SCJHIbN5TV750Z1T889ClqzX_HfOu6tS4/s320/IMG_2918.JPG" alt="" border="0" /><br />Played shuffleboard,</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD35-sTPpiHEd_Fn-TCFC-66emH6r4K18cML7YOrI-NO4P7cdnY57GXCJWYzkS-DcTlbYdKfi_zMyhcedjCqJY9h38bkC4oBzDse9mIceVLWumbPgGlj88ZKPGpzQdrmdkz6DzvqoaSNE/s1600-h/IMG_2923.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD35-sTPpiHEd_Fn-TCFC-66emH6r4K18cML7YOrI-NO4P7cdnY57GXCJWYzkS-DcTlbYdKfi_zMyhcedjCqJY9h38bkC4oBzDse9mIceVLWumbPgGlj88ZKPGpzQdrmdkz6DzvqoaSNE/s320/IMG_2923.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Had a fantastic "steak fry" dinner,</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjWL2PwTw99oW_r79YwRs20xbUkOtIQAV0dq6lhPJJdILb_2l9R6PxhYBKkkXV7VcuQajNy0gON-t52xEyvlAPYfZNP4_VGDYpj3ywM9JOWeC801G5e9TB2RCkW4WEqttUHy4aW_qTbc/s1600-h/IMG_2927.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjWL2PwTw99oW_r79YwRs20xbUkOtIQAV0dq6lhPJJdILb_2l9R6PxhYBKkkXV7VcuQajNy0gON-t52xEyvlAPYfZNP4_VGDYpj3ywM9JOWeC801G5e9TB2RCkW4WEqttUHy4aW_qTbc/s320/IMG_2927.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Participated in their evening "horse race" (the kids at the ranch made stick horses, the adults got to bet fake money, and the horse that gets to move forward is determined by the roll of the dice. Nic won the most money and got a tee shirt), </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9Fpb45fDLrDY8IUHJbJeDgjqnoTUil-Uq8ySGN5P02IzhuebOShGPcV8vH2rRyUiJWefzmyFieSuyinC9iefvdvQMcTE1fB_A9HORUe_UnImVW9WPFmgZFv3i9Aoi2AJCz3E1p5ukNE/s1600-h/IMG_2947.JPG" style="text-decoration: none; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9Fpb45fDLrDY8IUHJbJeDgjqnoTUil-Uq8ySGN5P02IzhuebOShGPcV8vH2rRyUiJWefzmyFieSuyinC9iefvdvQMcTE1fB_A9HORUe_UnImVW9WPFmgZFv3i9Aoi2AJCz3E1p5ukNE/s320/IMG_2947.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363641802826770498" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /></div><div><br />And looked at the beautiful night sky in the hot tub, until we had a bunch of kids come join us :)</div><div><br /></div><div><br />In the morning, we headed out on our horse ride. I was nervous because I hadn't been on a horse in a long time. I had fun, and it wasn't scary, but my butt was sore afterwards!</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoEnks2-vDQDl8dyz_wiPUr2ffn2iaN9NDGmIO5ylT4ZrwF0G5US9TaNNOu-Rb0ZzeXJv65xfbxQlCClkid25gQKBlzXiHvQANwuKzSu9n3WdXJB3JK4q2hZ9-OUmwFZi86SJa9IZ7WP4/s320/IMG_2958.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363641818743885538" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span>I impressed Nic with my archery skills. I got a few bulls eyes. It blew his mind.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmouFX5vMeUWgmCpp7OhijNyCEO3MmCxnrSpb4noo3LNcqGUATfBwjdQLLEMQOF2lnYa0BKLp99uNu40QVaGSTNkMzzeNpcmDhl5hUxKpwppSDE8bLq7NOtAqtfoyoxAPIaM20ucxdcY/s320/IMG_2969.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363645781300163970" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span>We had to head home after lunch, but even the driving was fun. We realized on the way home that we hadn't turned on the radio at all on the way there or the way home. We were just having a great time talking.<br />I am so lucky to be married to such a wonderful man. It was so great to spend some time relaxing with just him. It always reminds me that he is totally my best friend. Even though it was only one night, I felt so refreshed, but by the time we got home I was definitely missing my little Max!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_JSRNwWLbW3N86RasSVl-h1Q15kcoGVS2-eFcFf1pW7FpTRmJPKC30fGq7nMHXdD0Ckcxeh9SIXmD1_-7-75tm2aAcYH4oEPF37VRrKaKvqJSSC2snbeoHsKXGXLG7xL8B9ujfQN_qK8/s320/IMG_2960.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363641810457070418" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00787579665009104266noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391843918477495710.post-91618824239015740692009-07-22T14:36:00.000-07:002009-07-22T15:32:50.306-07:0011 Months Old<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMn0fjSGCu2WtCC8RgAZJApvW6uiHyFBl2MrCZMRlKNy8h4kKE1xownLFAkRW-IamvZVZVd-QxHHmivYAeadEq8ryfJVMzLwnhpiut_oRPiKG_eaw_rMzOIoWFd-v8Gr67IC7m5Ms_tyI/s1600-h/IMG_2985.JPG"></a><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcISqr_-J3Lh__REAdjiS_JNzrpB0Ol63LwCMY9I1nxHAeAl1Rdg5JqoPsm11-AimLds9OFtZQfohLyX1hVLNQlOlp-I5YbjroHdXqBuOPlDOYx1jSolqm0omj4j5Q1W4jKRqYdbNzZtg/s320/IMG_2983.JPG" alt="" border="0" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHXnEDmehHrJoorKy5CBME1n_Z-mpWfDIeucc-9hEBhLfPYHGlVPy48_ysfXkcQ4S2rmrXF72hOTw5z2cn8Dg0B7QSb2r3g5SKm65nxPCAytImDFMq_NURQ9XHPzEJNAOtF_sSbLaJy9M/s320/IMG_2980.JPG" alt="" border="0" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW05Pq-f0iVZpuxRFCm7FEK5SaDVyXF4MWlhHkp3ABPXgCg3RuoJ6ZvRlMcO6bCLPrGKBPOhIAn7EqlNv0n1S0bCVebJqmUmp6rffruHDliL6NCNDPh0fjsEQyrp7RwEBHCPZ7dJsPbs4/s320/IMG_2993.JPG" alt="" border="0" /> </div><br /><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center">Today, Max is 11 months old. </div><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center">It is really hard to get a good picture of Max now because he's so mobile. The minute I get the camera out, he's on my lap. It makes for lots of pictures like this:</div><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMn0fjSGCu2WtCC8RgAZJApvW6uiHyFBl2MrCZMRlKNy8h4kKE1xownLFAkRW-IamvZVZVd-QxHHmivYAeadEq8ryfJVMzLwnhpiut_oRPiKG_eaw_rMzOIoWFd-v8Gr67IC7m5Ms_tyI/s320/IMG_2985.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361411390513439442" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center">He can now walk all the way across a room. He still prefers to crawl for long distances, though. </div><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center">He stayed overnight without his us for the first time this month, and he didn't even cry the whole time. My parents said he was pretty cheery. :)</div><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center">He enjoys trying to climb on everything. He uses anything he can find as a step stool. </div><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center">I've been trying to teach him more baby signs, but he finds that "eat" and "more" seem to get him what he wants.</div><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center">He is very playful, loving, active, and curious. </div><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center">I love this kid!</div><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><br /><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00787579665009104266noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391843918477495710.post-48598657137037450752009-07-06T22:28:00.000-07:002009-07-07T12:00:01.940-07:00First Steps and Cute VideosMax took his first steps on the Fourth of July. He'd become an expert on standing on his own, and was experimenting with taking steps. He was only ever able to get one step in before falling. Nic, Max, and I were all playing together in Max's room, and Max took about five steps. It was so nice that Nic got to be there to witness it. It was so cool, and he's been practicing ever since then. He's not a full-fledged walker yet, but that's just around the corner. I tried to get a video of him trying to walk today, but we were having a rough day so all I could get was a lot of whining.<div><br /></div><div>So, I thought I'd share a couple of other cute videos, instead.</div><div><br /></div><div>Max seriously loves to wrestle me. He is such a good body slammer. :)</div><div><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-fi8NNeaars&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-fi8NNeaars&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /></div><div>Here is Max demonstrating some of his baby sign language. He loved the cherries and kept asking for "more". </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:10px;"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zoR0vxBJKQE&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zoR0vxBJKQE&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></span></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00787579665009104266noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391843918477495710.post-26047936893743017662009-07-06T22:18:00.000-07:002009-07-06T22:20:56.564-07:00Fourth of July<div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center">I love holiday weekends when I have more time to hang out with my sweetie! It is always nice to have an extra Saturday. On Friday, we went down to visit Nic's dad who just got back from a fabulous trip to Switzerland and Croatia. Max loved playing in the jets at the pool with his Grandpa.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05QFASrWrT4knFVCmKqD3rFaM2RSeoSbiwpiKorkFG0O8zTNZ7Jdud8A5P2-8WjuanB5EtvMsIAYmksQ_u8Xcsrgj42HYhDovzuk4DWBcUfzMBAUj1S5-545c_NjzJ8vVopGxNDR9EFc/s1600-h/IMG_2831.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05QFASrWrT4knFVCmKqD3rFaM2RSeoSbiwpiKorkFG0O8zTNZ7Jdud8A5P2-8WjuanB5EtvMsIAYmksQ_u8Xcsrgj42HYhDovzuk4DWBcUfzMBAUj1S5-545c_NjzJ8vVopGxNDR9EFc/s320/IMG_2831.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Then, on Saturday, Max was so excited about the fourth of July that he woke up really early and during the night, too. So, while we planned on going to the pancake breakfast at church, we ended up all taking a nap around that time. We did get some yummy doughnuts before we conked out, though.<br />Once we were refreshed, we headed out to the Corona Fourth of July Parade. I am just so delighted that our town has a parade. There were a lot of people there, and it is really cute. I was afraid that Max wouldn't like the noise (there were a lot of sirens and honking). He didn't cry, but he wasn't impressed by the parade either. We couldn't get him to crack a smile for any of the pictures.<br /></div><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDfxciviuTVPDMPVWb48RLewgrg83Evl6jrEMoqEXjbS1OkcgB8WO-fd0MfO2jryU9uvpgWzwB0dH9j2SmFCAY_1BcYRFpcpfB1A9G57BHlXY-7RC5NiOgsWgjdR-MGl2O4_MqatDnCY/s1600-h/IMG_2845.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDfxciviuTVPDMPVWb48RLewgrg83Evl6jrEMoqEXjbS1OkcgB8WO-fd0MfO2jryU9uvpgWzwB0dH9j2SmFCAY_1BcYRFpcpfB1A9G57BHlXY-7RC5NiOgsWgjdR-MGl2O4_MqatDnCY/s320/IMG_2845.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>In the afternoon, my parents came over and we had a rousing game of Bocce Ball. I'd never played before, and it was really fun. I think if we'd played according to the regulations, I would be terrible, but on a smaller backyard court, I did alright. Nic was especially impressed with my overhand throwing technique.<br /><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixFo31OkRgeeg-AGUnSeKqoTf23XTzqqFHAgHauSPlcOat42P4zhbWWavLQsEjaYwmwQKQHVQofV-XQwnwRSpuKfMVuhjvwRUHLpbKvipiXnMq99sofmuzaRL7I4KY0WjkTw0DZHxdYZw/s1600-h/IMG_2855.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixFo31OkRgeeg-AGUnSeKqoTf23XTzqqFHAgHauSPlcOat42P4zhbWWavLQsEjaYwmwQKQHVQofV-XQwnwRSpuKfMVuhjvwRUHLpbKvipiXnMq99sofmuzaRL7I4KY0WjkTw0DZHxdYZw/s320/IMG_2855.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsE5YS5GpwNtB0kmxaIY_Wlh8nI0wuZesIuInYt2_CyKdZ5Jfy86XJC83yYTo83OrnkpuEhAIkm_cjhUMfpV8RIt-egWMa7sR3NFHfhbw_xL2KnbnhYE7nuhj68YaoRxfAC974GUD9RQ/s1600-h/IMG_2861.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsE5YS5GpwNtB0kmxaIY_Wlh8nI0wuZesIuInYt2_CyKdZ5Jfy86XJC83yYTo83OrnkpuEhAIkm_cjhUMfpV8RIt-egWMa7sR3NFHfhbw_xL2KnbnhYE7nuhj68YaoRxfAC974GUD9RQ/s320/IMG_2861.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br />Afterwards, we had a great barbeque--- at Wood Ranch Grill. No work or clean up! Then my parents headed home. We put our little guy in bed and resigned ourselves to missing the fireworks, but when we could hear them going off we checked to see if we could see any of them. It wasn't a great view, but we could see them. It was so nice to enjoy them together without even having to leave the house!<div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00787579665009104266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391843918477495710.post-88845803334632046852009-06-30T16:06:00.000-07:002009-06-30T17:34:41.806-07:0010 months old<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZj3D83G6bZdhYyRIG611WFHUSZ7rdMA_7Kw-bX9GmdhYJBZjBhWjrP0sUI1BMs7EQ1_VU5g1ZHGriRvDVGkbYx5MnM72Ynb-T16-sErfHdIUkbwvr68ck0-SykSdxUiUCc5jTIIkVonw/s1600-h/10+months+028.JPG"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QSjKb3pBVgP7S2vbpkpRUlQ5tcFd64gmwflaYZnXoPi_-ARB5_4kGImWYb3n3gcihwIvEvxIssYMVweCYI02ImOE6goNBAPA_e09hFqHccNKcaFhcfPIU5JPF_DswWzeZM8oSfXZZeI/s1600-h/10+months+017.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QSjKb3pBVgP7S2vbpkpRUlQ5tcFd64gmwflaYZnXoPi_-ARB5_4kGImWYb3n3gcihwIvEvxIssYMVweCYI02ImOE6goNBAPA_e09hFqHccNKcaFhcfPIU5JPF_DswWzeZM8oSfXZZeI/s320/10+months+017.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353270661638370658" /></a><br />Little Max is 10 months old! <div><br /></div><div>This month he started doing a few signs. I've been trying to teach him sign language since he was 4 months old (I think I started too early). He will copy my signs for "all done" and "more". He will give me the sign for "milk" and "eat". Eat is his favorite. He tells me he wants to eat all the time! He also started waving hello and goodbye pretty consistently.</div><div><br /></div><div>Max has been eating a lot more solids and has started on some table foods. We shared our first dinner with him the other day. It was messy, but he loved it!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibhQvS_Gar5ibeU-L2Qgi5WfrFCfkFCcH-Ik-RCEyN0Z7kEKHQgLnApI-39unBIjF9lBrm7QjKS-cNSILAGi_oRvFPAGvziMX2_Z2Scv35BOO4MfQXO_uSFHtwHgnvd0yo4kGy2qMMB9w/s320/10+months+005.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353270669244988178" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>On his ten month birthday, he started standing up on his own without pulling up on something, and once he's up he can stand for quite a while! Walking is just around the corner. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipiTVDi17oZOdF2G-o1UmZptEVm6A1dPlnltNEa_qRdLB0j_JIqB6PTv4ql02NLkyU3N52k1jY3pcHXXJAkAvxVKOolFsg3tYg8P1fpR0KhDR40pSaM3rdaFomOkh8ZeRrPXCMEUNtUzM/s1600-h/10+months+030.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipiTVDi17oZOdF2G-o1UmZptEVm6A1dPlnltNEa_qRdLB0j_JIqB6PTv4ql02NLkyU3N52k1jY3pcHXXJAkAvxVKOolFsg3tYg8P1fpR0KhDR40pSaM3rdaFomOkh8ZeRrPXCMEUNtUzM/s320/10+months+030.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353279214211059730" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVBJoc8fTjTJhJmLO-aRevB8NtAPLZtxVFuU1VaW2eZIsjMof-JsfYeEFshsYKlHV121ez8rfi27hyQX8sf3Fddg_X5AmlZMUplufYKZWQqhB-m8_I6_qKg_Z0yaPZtl8gPOCdCSu99g/s320/10+months+029.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353279219053353186" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZj3D83G6bZdhYyRIG611WFHUSZ7rdMA_7Kw-bX9GmdhYJBZjBhWjrP0sUI1BMs7EQ1_VU5g1ZHGriRvDVGkbYx5MnM72Ynb-T16-sErfHdIUkbwvr68ck0-SykSdxUiUCc5jTIIkVonw/s320/10+months+028.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353279223953390578" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>As I was writing this, I looked over and found him standing up on TOP of one of our footstools. Aack!</div><div><br /></div><div>He loves rough housing with his mama, being outside, riding in his stroller, swinging in his swing, and looking for trouble wherever he can find it.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFfRhktVoOw8Ws1NmXNmVWAjYNc_6W6fUdaMR3Hm1MVpb_0b5SCX3FESeeh7vqfxAtrlCa5379P4-vADdlaKq4buATAuxnXS2MtDdB_fjaDah1wJtqZahP_RuJI9LdH0KF_HErz-BOlI0/s320/10+months+041.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353270676397245138" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibhQvS_Gar5ibeU-L2Qgi5WfrFCfkFCcH-Ik-RCEyN0Z7kEKHQgLnApI-39unBIjF9lBrm7QjKS-cNSILAGi_oRvFPAGvziMX2_Z2Scv35BOO4MfQXO_uSFHtwHgnvd0yo4kGy2qMMB9w/s1600-h/10+months+005.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibhQvS_Gar5ibeU-L2Qgi5WfrFCfkFCcH-Ik-RCEyN0Z7kEKHQgLnApI-39unBIjF9lBrm7QjKS-cNSILAGi_oRvFPAGvziMX2_Z2Scv35BOO4MfQXO_uSFHtwHgnvd0yo4kGy2qMMB9w/s1600-h/10+months+005.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibhQvS_Gar5ibeU-L2Qgi5WfrFCfkFCcH-Ik-RCEyN0Z7kEKHQgLnApI-39unBIjF9lBrm7QjKS-cNSILAGi_oRvFPAGvziMX2_Z2Scv35BOO4MfQXO_uSFHtwHgnvd0yo4kGy2qMMB9w/s1600-h/10+months+005.JPG"></a></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00787579665009104266noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391843918477495710.post-73502388341140439212009-06-25T22:04:00.000-07:002009-06-25T22:58:30.824-07:00Nic's First Father's Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43P9tdtwsmOe7WsluvkbS3hoGQ2bWZixJymG6nj1chyphenhyphenbBviKWERBASz7xo1IUjMzotEg4e0t_gbRqrtu-UJrwviLKxjzHg7k49PlE_0eKDSDabRLsnSE3zcQ673mqu-s7PA2WTMysIqM/s1600-h/Fathers+Day+2009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43P9tdtwsmOe7WsluvkbS3hoGQ2bWZixJymG6nj1chyphenhyphenbBviKWERBASz7xo1IUjMzotEg4e0t_gbRqrtu-UJrwviLKxjzHg7k49PlE_0eKDSDabRLsnSE3zcQ673mqu-s7PA2WTMysIqM/s320/Fathers+Day+2009.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351511143030442722" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br />iv></div>Nic made my first Mother's Day super special, so the pressure was on for Father's Day! Max and I worked on a secret craft project the day before, and it was much messier than I anticipated--- it was not exactly covert when we are both covered with red paint. <div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />>div><div>Nic awoke to a sign on his door that Max left, explaining that he'd snuck out of bed in the night to leave Nic a Father's Day message. There were footsteps leading out of his bedroom into the hallway, and the halls were covered in ties with Father's Day songs on them. Too bad I decided on red paint at the store, it looked a little bit like a murder scene!</div><div><br /></div><div> We had cinnamon rolls and opened presents. Nic got a tangelo tree, which will be fun because it will grow like little Max. One day we'll look back at our big tree and think of Nic's first Father's Day.</div><div><br /></div><div>I wanted to make a special dinner, but that's hard when you aren't a great cook. I found a great recipe, though, and it turned out really nice. We had <a href="http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/recipes/grilled-skirt-steak-fruit-113648.aspx">grilled steak with fruit salsa</a>, and for dessert we had <a href="http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/recipes/triple-layer-mud-pie-51081.aspx">mud pie</a>. Yum!</div><div><br /></div><div>I can't say enough how lucky I am to have such a wonderful husband. He's a great dad to our little boy, and he's my best friend. I hope he felt appreciated on Father's Day because we couldn't live without him!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00787579665009104266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391843918477495710.post-33579783177776874682009-06-16T11:42:00.000-07:002009-06-16T12:31:48.844-07:00World's First Conjoined Triplet Separation<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiveAm7MvSA2f6Zvr5DypLbr4mTmwGEmxHd011OqdsHax88hyOz-2EmBylXykj11HwmJC55cgG5YyAC93qLaFm2NJGIhux1DPjfYGCuAJjLKqCkcnjGo3EnuZPOrsl63wbqWAQ4kVvsjJ8/s1600-h/IMG_2711.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiveAm7MvSA2f6Zvr5DypLbr4mTmwGEmxHd011OqdsHax88hyOz-2EmBylXykj11HwmJC55cgG5YyAC93qLaFm2NJGIhux1DPjfYGCuAJjLKqCkcnjGo3EnuZPOrsl63wbqWAQ4kVvsjJ8/s320/IMG_2711.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348005431583853666" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>This is my first year ever having a garden, and I am really liking it. Nic lovingly built me a few raised beds. We filled them with really nice soil, so growing has been easy. I've enjoyed spending the time outdoors, and it has been fun to watch all my plants grow from tiny seeds. I've been so excited every step of the way. Now, we can eat some of our veggies, and that is the best part. We've had snap peas, carrots, green onions, and zucchini. We have tomatoes, corn, peppers, and onions on the way. I'm definitely not a gardening expert, and when it came to thinning my vegetables I probably didn't thin as much as I should have. It just seemed a shame to pluck up perfectly good plants. Well, here's what happens when you let your carrots remain crowded. You get a Siamese triplet carrot.<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNb34Z3WAKk5zWPQUgIhzBALSYUrcX0mMSLreCCgIpHG7qpZ5NsjovzC1EtZbU3lQwdWchqi0iiV0mE_Q-I3UpLfuGTd0cQK2ZS6OH6_vwCh0Wdj1p6jQDj3MDZWEjJ0FFke5zrchxw4/s320/IMG_2720.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348005420872651810" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdeLI0TEu87pOvaNoLzlLZR_o0aX8tg3cxGVL4OTxP5LdMmRy6axTk56oPTT5TkB738BhcZWZWYkfnchlbupXfKgTeb8nkYqgs1FrGblJL1tvNTgKTjD2oZfWdgsv2jvy7TfAYqDXT1g/s320/IMG_2721.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348005424357976962" /><div style="text-align: left;">We successfully separated the carrots, and they came out kind of cool and swirled. We, of course, ate them anyway, and it got us thinking how nice it is to know where your food comes from. We never would have bought such crazy carrots from the store, but we grew them ourselves and knew that there was nothing wrong with them . I'm hoping to add another bed to our garden next spring, so that we can produce more of our produce. :)</div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00787579665009104266noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391843918477495710.post-28816740649861519132009-05-29T14:16:00.000-07:002009-05-29T14:30:51.246-07:009 Months old<div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPH73AYjSvs8uh0VjTSQrzg-vXHcoqyqRv2feEzZdKE7OOaV7tM-FfK4khFEAlcty2Wlkw3WIErwXpw9SjwT_PIK00QZTfRfjyoBQjTKwJAgKo59wyf2gWyJO0-VLi4vH0J741KSsTNsE/s1600-h/family+picture+Memorial+Day+2009.jpg"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPH73AYjSvs8uh0VjTSQrzg-vXHcoqyqRv2feEzZdKE7OOaV7tM-FfK4khFEAlcty2Wlkw3WIErwXpw9SjwT_PIK00QZTfRfjyoBQjTKwJAgKo59wyf2gWyJO0-VLi4vH0J741KSsTNsE/s320/family+picture+Memorial+Day+2009.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Camera is still broken. This is the most recent picture I have of Max. It is obviously cropped from a huge family picture. I'll probably post the whole picture soon in another blog. </span></div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It just seems so crazy that my little boy is 9 months old now. He learned how to do a lot this month, and he is getting in to trouble all the time. We had to bring out the big guns with childproofing, and now it's hard getting around my house with all the gates (there are really only two, but it feels like a lot!).</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This past month Max:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-Started sleeping through the night!!! It took a couple rough nights of letting him get used to falling back to sleep on his own, but now he always goes to bed at 7:30 and wakes up around 6 or 6:30.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-Cruised around the room using furniture before he started to crawl. I thought he might go straight to walking.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-Started to crawl with his belly off the ground. He's so fast!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-Cut FIVE teeth. He now has a total of seven.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-Learned to climb up the stairs.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- Started standing on his own for a few seconds.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- Made lots of cute noises. He finally makes "mama" sounds, but I don't think he applies them to me. He also loves to yell while covering and uncovering his mouth because it makes a funny noise.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- Took swimming lessons and loved the water. It was so cute to watch him splash around, and he really looks like he's about to swim away when he's in the pool.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- Started initiating peek-a-boo. One day, he took off his bib, covered his face, then uncovered it really fast, and laughed. Now he plays peek-a-boo all the time. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- Developed a talent for finding any cupboard that isn't locked.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">He is such a wonderful little guy, and I just love seeing his personality develop every day.</span></div></span></span></span></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00787579665009104266noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391843918477495710.post-62782134878795606192009-05-12T17:24:00.000-07:002009-05-14T13:14:44.391-07:00My first Mother's DayI had such a wonderful Mother's Day! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Nic</span> really went all out to make it a nice day. It made me feel so appreciated. The day started with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Nic</span> making yummy cinnamon rolls and showing me my gift, which was gorgeous urns filled with flowers for our porch. They look great! Max was sweet enough to take a long morning nap, so I also got a long morning nap. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Nic</span> cooked up an awesome dinner and dessert. I wish my camera wasn't broken because his presentation was so beautiful. <div>Having my first Mother's Day made me really reflect on how grateful I am to be a mother. Having Max has changed my life in so many wonderful ways that I never would have imagined. He makes me laugh every day, and watching him grow is such a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">privilege</span>. It just amazes and humbles me that I've been entrusted me to take care of this precious little gift. I'm so glad that I had such a wonderful mom to show me how it's done. I hope that one day I can be half as good as my mom!</div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00787579665009104266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391843918477495710.post-31998693411320120422009-05-06T14:02:00.001-07:002009-05-06T15:42:19.673-07:00A Tribute to Nic<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0YW3fsC8XyEA3hUitbvbq-oWACD4U0-QjUnFfve7ZPpmyVVq1BEx9KjUSnHkPR0-cceCT1xZXKMSTgi8ky8N8HFW3B-ErMKBGoZPIUtd7A6MzpuLfBi42GolDJFXgb1BZphyRKfAbww/s1600-h/Best+of+Nic.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332844060255764834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0YW3fsC8XyEA3hUitbvbq-oWACD4U0-QjUnFfve7ZPpmyVVq1BEx9KjUSnHkPR0-cceCT1xZXKMSTgi8ky8N8HFW3B-ErMKBGoZPIUtd7A6MzpuLfBi42GolDJFXgb1BZphyRKfAbww/s400/Best+of+Nic.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>So, Nic was looking at my blog the other day, and was disappointed at how little he was featured. He went on to point out that he only had one picture in the last month. I certainly do not want rivalry between my two favorite guys for space on my blog, so this blog is dedicated to my sweet husband.</div><br /><br /><div>I am so lucky to be married to such a great guy. I thought I would list some of the things he has done for me over the years. </div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332837337742392322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHB4tJrHvmN7M0Rd4oQ43jfdC9NTsmQT0rQRgbw7htiISr7orwa1zy3fX1wLM73MLcx7hj6kK1wOlTzYTSxM5Z5m9Hp820DyTClTrRlSL5Xc8spkK0hkjaNvY8cQLSt4JzILXy2ueJBM/s320/Image005.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>When we first started dating:</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>- We'd only been dating a couple months, but Nic planned an elaborate surprise picnic on the beach for my birthday. I thought he had to go study, but he asked me to walk with him. We got out to the parking lot, and he had somehow packed everything up into my car (he didn't have one) without me knowing it!</div><br /><br /><div>- At the dorms, there is a list for packages. I would check it every day, but I NEVER got anything. One day I was surprised to see my name on the list. Inside the package was everything Nic had ever heard me mention that I liked. He'd been keeping a list!</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332837335338244882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZH6RqjxPiSNxikr6TIqg3zdRlv7kzPWNpTMedlmLlzZmEGqgaLnt1HGE_HVRbDs2dhENrl3-oSk6i74S6tdLZADyWMVNUXuYFMZ0jMCDT1DFIx3Eiu1OUDV76v8_G0X4m15NudYyBMsQ/s320/04-13-2005+08%3B54%3B51PM.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>When Nic moved to Chicago:<br /><br /></div><div>- When we found out that Nic got into grad school in Chicago, I thought we should just break up. I didn't want to do a long distance relationship because I thought we'd never see each other. Nic promised that he would come to see me every three weeks, and he did! </div><br /><div>- When his program was almost over, and he was searching for a job he restricted his search to California so that we wouldn't have to be so far apart. A lot of his friends got much higher paying jobs in NY and elsewhere, but Nic didn't even consider any of those jobs. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332837338745892546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL68uiaLhzuTWhgyzkW7GUZaC5LE8CkmoLOR9LSmmOb3SSk0sbECucRU7p-z1rdxYb0z_Qzh6cbTDtn1DWHnkOKp5f4Yd-CAzLqvW5uLbyyK5ZxNqtCwIHpXdsH-GDPauLpC96hi8-a6w/s320/miata_2.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>When Nic moved back to California:<br /></div><div>- I was still in school in San Luis Obispo, and Nic was working in Newport Beach. He drove up to see me every weekend. He HATES to drive. (I would drive down sometimes, but less often).</div><br /><div>- We were engaged at this point, and knew that we were going to get married in Southern California. Nic totally took the lead in checking out all of our prospective wedding venues!</div><br /><div>- For Easter, my parents were adamant that they would not be hiding eggs for me that year, as I was all grown up and about to be married. I was a little bit bummed that it would be my first year with no egg hunt, so Nic made sure I had one! <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332837346118570866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4vfAwxAl5x7uJ0M_XE8-EarM-SCRxrNyYxXmt6nDzTQfemgt1cXthFGDuxttzNDTR1__iXmwreKdSsxRVKoCAGWcIBcvM0EOGrd4jv6TDR6KvWgpsPKE4Azpyq-at6_WZqRAaWHhxmQ/s320/IMG_0168.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><br /><div>From the time we got married to now:<br /></div><br /><div>- Nic is the entertainer of children. Whenever we have family get-togethers, he is always outside making up a game for the kids. It is so cute. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332837339740026962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYN0yb6TOFeW8wy-IB53TQMMWlwazkNP3_rA_WIPilKrnZ1T-dAvJsueNZP0p7jP1OJn6pAzStNS_9OvTf_fqlApZHSfRfXVtYlf1Hs-0s_Nhtx6e-rZGGykiAVjW-kqXs4S2Q8py26gY/s320/new+mexico+trip+002.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div>- He gives really sweet and thoughtful gifts. Nic is known for his frugality, but when it comes to buying me presents, it all goes out the window. He will only buy me the best, which is so funny because I would never buy such nice things for myself. My birthdays and Christmas are awesome. </div><br /><div>- When I was pregnant, there were a lot of foods that I didn't like. For Valentine's Day, he made me grilled cheese sandwiches because they were the only thing I ever wanted to eat!<br /></div><div>- He is absolutely the best daddy, but takes no credit for it. He is always telling people that I do everything, and that my job is so hard. You'll notice, though, that he's always helping. On Sundays, he is always the one out in the hall with him. As soon as he gets home during the week, he's playing with Max and changing diapers! </div><br /><br /><div>This is just a small sampling of the nice things Nic does for me every day, but the main point is: Nic is the best! </div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00787579665009104266noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391843918477495710.post-29193934163016062762009-04-28T13:08:00.000-07:002009-04-28T13:08:33.909-07:008 months old<div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNbhJFT1QAd6-8GyQ2kBGN2poLgaARDNqYpP1n-U59GBj5s7uBMbgxOnUEz9mHoSYh65Io-j0qdOWuPChitVknEc4dH_phrL9AQ_VHLEEKHeV5FzaMo1FtIqFuZ25MoHBs3PIo2RMmI4/s1600-h/102308+046.jpg"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNbhJFT1QAd6-8GyQ2kBGN2poLgaARDNqYpP1n-U59GBj5s7uBMbgxOnUEz9mHoSYh65Io-j0qdOWuPChitVknEc4dH_phrL9AQ_VHLEEKHeV5FzaMo1FtIqFuZ25MoHBs3PIo2RMmI4/s320/102308+046.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><br />Max is now 8 months old.<br /><br />He now "army crawls" all over the place.<br /><br />He has pulled himself up to standing on our coffee table, and loves if we will let him hold our hands so that he can stand and walk.<br /><br />He can go from a crawling position to sitting.<br /><br />He pushes up on his hands and feet like a little stink bug.<br /><br />He eats BIG meals. He must be a growing boy!<br /><br />He loves being outside.<br /><br />He follows me around and holds on to my legs.<br /><br />He is so <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">snuggly</span>. He always wants to be as close as possible. Just like his dad!<div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00787579665009104266noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391843918477495710.post-67854894292115536892009-04-28T12:34:00.000-07:002009-04-28T12:59:11.795-07:00LA Trip<div><br /><br /><div>So, my sister is a super terrific mom, and decided that over spring break she would take her kids on a cultural excursion to Los Angeles. Cool, huh? Well, it gets even cooler because Max and I were invited along.</div><div>Day one was spent appreciating the art and the views at the Getty Center. I'd never really gotten a chance to look through the gardens before. They are magnificent. Then, we cruised over to the Santa Monica Pier. It was really windy and cold, but we had fun riding the carousel and enjoying the atmosphere. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329834066384717634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5vByQZ-nh4uFtvUMYjToIcfy28sBLHPAthhFYtv64P-8irqntOT9eqOpDSHzrSl6ShS4Lp831zHKmwDzDy5zI9u1LB8-gm6JjZ1iwi9vCvPpZt0GeLpZs4tGMnSbQmC0qS09MqlaZPo/s400/2009-04-17.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>On day two, our Mom met us at Union Station. It was so glamorous that I've decided that train travel is the way to go! We took the Metro to Chinatown, which is a great place for souvenirs that don't cost a fortune. Afterwards, we headed to historic Olvera Street for some yummy food and a visit to the oldest house in LA. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329834071531832866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0P29iCu1-kAYZi6z6xH3yK75PEjEaYWJ7kV6yLa5_CdJbaAnMHjzUQAlRQ31Y_ZXh3fdEMkhqTZQ78-JNdtOGZI7saEqDOi8EsrhM3d_DvAmUWFvIJh_sMCW34SHLoQ3rfTMnJ9HtKyE/s400/2009-04-171.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div>Thanks for including us in the fun, sis! </div></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00787579665009104266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391843918477495710.post-31557665510979113832009-04-28T12:08:00.001-07:002009-04-28T12:34:14.001-07:00Easter<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSq0Gjj9HEFeqx_PT5FrJZane9oiBZH-jxjKF71jWK5eQAXfVriZGfMGccNpVB-4soD6Y09luvrd4L18zvVFb53mehDXQcLzNtXED2FS-NEuFxZd8qpCvVMnW0IE2ROXEXfvfWqKiE9I/s1600-h/IMG_1428.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329822225848405826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSq0Gjj9HEFeqx_PT5FrJZane9oiBZH-jxjKF71jWK5eQAXfVriZGfMGccNpVB-4soD6Y09luvrd4L18zvVFb53mehDXQcLzNtXED2FS-NEuFxZd8qpCvVMnW0IE2ROXEXfvfWqKiE9I/s400/IMG_1428.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Max had a great first Easter. On Saturday night, we had a wonderful dinner at Nic's dad's house. The food was, of course, wonderful as was the company. We got a chance to visit with Nic's aunt and uncle, who hadn't seen Max since he was a newborn. We also got to talk with Nic's cousin and his new fiance and dispense all of our wedding advice. </div><div>Dale sent us home with some Easter presents, which we opened on Easter morning. Max loved his gifts and the paper that they were wrapped in. </div><div>There was a beautiful program put on by the choir at church. Afterwards, my parents joined us for Easter dinner at our house. </div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00787579665009104266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391843918477495710.post-51926392336977360602009-04-17T13:06:00.000-07:002009-04-17T17:23:05.452-07:00New York<div>I HATE when Nic goes on business trips. The day is just too long when you are a stay-at-home mom and your sweetie doesn't come home in the evening. So, when Nic told me that he had to go to New York. I decided to come along. Tagging along on business trips is the best because Nic's hotel was paid for from Sunday to Wednesday, so basically we just had to buy me a plane ticket and one extra night at the hotel. Nic bought my ticket with his frequent flier miles, and it turned out to be a better deal to fly business class. I never want to fly coach again! The seats were so big and comfy. They reclined. There was even room to put Max on the ground by our feet to play. They bring yummy food on nice trays with real dishes. Seriously, it was awesome. Enough about the flight... the trip was also great. </div><br /><br /><br /><div>We decided to leave the weekend before Nic had to be there, so we'd have a couple days together. Our first stop was the American Museum of Natural History. This is one of the best museums I have ever been to. I loved checking out the dinosaur bones. Also, if you've ever seen "Night at the Museum" it is really fun to look around for things from the movie. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325785940430616770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidC18ILUW0V1MRe-yoLVV9stbwy_WrqOJzpbbcoeMgThWxf2uvd9NqzPQtf-PfuFOmMZI22wqA7zCy6fDl1nSnYuoV6xbd1MQjsVFJSZQ6DHjfC5rJKbB0HEFbFAIbYTRE4r7PNoEuPow/s400/IMG_1300.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325786553140522546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97XDNJgtDO67HtVLqHm0Iy858WMpCpMKGkaYIoPSOoEmygFVVvNlNFDrhbzy2JHbt-mZ9RlMmatuRXAB5mEA8dSYR2zSTrXLbwVjLTVdfYjTFy9cJO0wa5F5bj1oMLZwFEr0MwuZte7g/s400/IMG_1302.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>The next day we took the subway out to Coney Island. Coney Island is interesting because it is kind of run down, but there is such a fun, lively spirit. nice boardwalk by the beach. Nic and I also had a lot of fun taking turns riding the historic Cyclone roller coaster. Then, we waited for an hour in line for Franks Famous Hot Dogs. After an hour, we still hadn't moved, so we called it quits. We got a corn dog at some little place on the boardwalk. It wasn't great, but it was better than standing in line for another hour. </div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3P79RqVW33vE76OskaUyHjKtrqsjMFMR3qbMc6PCUkB8PGkoXHH9pcnEX4Lo7sgoSl9m3qkQuc6ezATnUx7BE68g16s7hXq0Eq1Qw5Pazy9gp2n5QuZBmPL7mX7HkaRYHSO9N2LTiYio/s1600-h/2009_04_04.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325789051404705954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3P79RqVW33vE76OskaUyHjKtrqsjMFMR3qbMc6PCUkB8PGkoXHH9pcnEX4Lo7sgoSl9m3qkQuc6ezATnUx7BE68g16s7hXq0Eq1Qw5Pazy9gp2n5QuZBmPL7mX7HkaRYHSO9N2LTiYio/s400/2009_04_04.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>After our lunch, we walked down the boardwalk to Brighton Beach, which is a Russian area of New York. It was pretty cool to walk down the street and hear only Russian. A little lady even came up to us and started talking to us in Russian. I guess that we were smiling and nodding so well that she didn't notice that we didn't speak Russian. Nic said something in English, and then she realized that we hadn't understood a word she said. Then, in English, she told us how beautiful Max was and that we should have lots more babies. </div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGMO9tYlWtTg8cBNCY4HTTPrq7ZHiimvgW3YlM_ydjaAvNBtlL9F1AKjeCJgTFMa2TmleM4WTfrh564sSU4Nw4AeYg4cYg3Zah4JAYgaBAf70p1oUV4k2eb6I3ohhoEGCnKWLBwUW89s/s1600-h/IMG_1364.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325789043840709362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGMO9tYlWtTg8cBNCY4HTTPrq7ZHiimvgW3YlM_ydjaAvNBtlL9F1AKjeCJgTFMa2TmleM4WTfrh564sSU4Nw4AeYg4cYg3Zah4JAYgaBAf70p1oUV4k2eb6I3ohhoEGCnKWLBwUW89s/s400/IMG_1364.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>On Monday, Nic had to work. Max had been up all night, so he and I slept in. Then, I had to decide what the two of us would do. I opted for a walk in Central Park, but first I had to get there. The subways in New York are not all handicap accessible, which means that they aren't really stroller accessible either. I had to get Max out of the stroller, put him in his Baby Bjorn and then carry the stroller and all of our stuff down the stairs. We must have been quite a site because people were offering to help us all the time. It was so nice!</div><br /><div>When we finally got to Central Park, there was a slight drizzle, but it was so beautiful and peaceful. I was having such a nice time walking around, and so was Max! As we got into the middle of the park on the curving pathways it started to rain a bit harder, and just as I was thinking that I should probably head back it started to pour. Central Park is huge, and we quickly wanted to find the nearest subway station. Even though we took a pretty direct route, we were still walking in the pouring rain for about 15 minutes. We were soaked, and it was still quite an adventure getting home, especially because we apparently didn't know exactly where our hotel was. I'm just so proud that I did it. We had a fun day all by ourselves in New York City. </div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeNcFDCNUYPqovXQrUGNtv4s1g_iozDzTl7mArblQREWOUSBzxjAjjYKjRsbVXlRcf8OG3unzCSWVsVFybqnluCb-4rAbKToRflY5jxPs0jJCtQfTe17mv2evMTDEoo2fyvxhelPyYSwU/s1600-h/2009_04_05.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325795137314689042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeNcFDCNUYPqovXQrUGNtv4s1g_iozDzTl7mArblQREWOUSBzxjAjjYKjRsbVXlRcf8OG3unzCSWVsVFybqnluCb-4rAbKToRflY5jxPs0jJCtQfTe17mv2evMTDEoo2fyvxhelPyYSwU/s400/2009_04_05.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>On Tuesday, I decided that I would take Max to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. I had no idea how long the lines would be. First, you wait in line to get a ticket. Then, you wait in a huge line that wraps all around Battery Park to get on the ferry. Then you have to go through airport-style security, which is really a pain with a stroller. Finally, we got on the boat. The Statue of Liberty is beautiful, but I really enjoyed going to Ellis Island. My great-grandmother came through Ellis Island when she emigrated from Holland. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to look her up while I was there because I spent so much time wandering around the museum. It is amazing to think about all the people that came to our country from all over the world, and very sad to think of few people that came all the way here by ship and then weren't admitted. You get to walk through all the rooms that were a part of the examination process, and the audio tour has voice recordings of people who actually came through Ellis Island. </div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7v6YDNn4tJts6pnLmYdFovuP7Unr14l81VQtTJMUmUHEfXisBiqVMKs7QQZeS1gDivm92-AUhx8bn0vfqNpaFeLu_ZN-WJMMZvuh4Q18nHla9wTQxd4Io_6-lmVjF0rwUHADBPU-MyPo/s1600-h/2009_04_06.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325795131035070546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7v6YDNn4tJts6pnLmYdFovuP7Unr14l81VQtTJMUmUHEfXisBiqVMKs7QQZeS1gDivm92-AUhx8bn0vfqNpaFeLu_ZN-WJMMZvuh4Q18nHla9wTQxd4Io_6-lmVjF0rwUHADBPU-MyPo/s400/2009_04_06.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Overall, we loved coming along to New York. Spending time on our own there was much more fun than spending it here, and we still got to see Nic in the evenings. I don't think Nic is going to be able to get us to stay at home anymore. :)</div></div></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00787579665009104266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391843918477495710.post-3478508944161508012009-04-17T12:57:00.000-07:002009-04-17T13:06:39.384-07:00First Haircut<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7V1ryZPiuavcC93S-SY6d_dJeWCPhIc5EM21Z9XGrvTIS7sCKtYmfCI_m1rF5IIYFRau_uQbI9kvZrdJ4GSqiRC13YgMiJ8myP7KVyVA10tfePH-D4h1WddzCIUS6y-qliGGqowSfRyY/s1600-h/IMG_2663.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325753982116375522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7V1ryZPiuavcC93S-SY6d_dJeWCPhIc5EM21Z9XGrvTIS7sCKtYmfCI_m1rF5IIYFRau_uQbI9kvZrdJ4GSqiRC13YgMiJ8myP7KVyVA10tfePH-D4h1WddzCIUS6y-qliGGqowSfRyY/s400/IMG_2663.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>My sweet little Max was born with a ton of hair. I love his hair, but lately his long silky hair was getting a bit unmanageable (but it would have been perfect for putting bows in if he was a girl!). I'd been wanting to give him a haircut, but I was too scared. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Nic</span> was the brave one, and we took some clippers to his hair. He didn't like it much, but he looks like such a little grown up guy now!</div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00787579665009104266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391843918477495710.post-36374106653961171712009-04-17T12:30:00.000-07:002009-04-17T12:57:06.158-07:00Ireland, Part 5<div><br /><div><div>On our last day in Ireland, we drove out the the Cliffs of Moher. It was a very cold day already, but up on the cliffs it was so windy that we thought we might be blown over. However, the views were worth it. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325747463306090642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzAi59kPN3lzL_N3JVFtzx9v0vgOcHE-nQI_Wwmg6guz_HrrpIyAPsA1OyiISWs_Ag3zA4HIi3LhZBStxabIt-59QVageZHGQX0f737_rNIydMQQkaPiLiLeMwm-8RHGhFgCN_IRLCtow/s400/2009_03_26.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div>Then we headed to the Burren. The Burren is very interesting. Most of Ireland is so green, but the Burren is completely rocky. People say it is kind of like a "lunar landscape". However, some of the most diverse plant life in Ireland grows between the rocks. Also located in the Burren are several megalithic tombs. We saw the Poulnabrone tomb, which is thought to be from between 3800 and 3200 B.C. !</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325751320313747330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVmV_QxxBkjgc9E3M_qiQDtb-bhb1LzA0HqVNeSQWuLxLmIz9Bg5DazgZE47B69TOHpSmF2Hjm5YD6c-cqMcgzPA0DNBp6T96ebv8JUf8JfhacshitUQ4fdjZTSKp75Z-XTVWnWjNSzA/s400/2009_03_261.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>Ireland is such a beautiful place with so many things to see. We only got to explore the south-western part. I would love to go back some day!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325751323396252274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvKG-pxVtPLmCGskljGKRpwkE7FMzxuDqxWKeUfdsEvh-KZUpeMvZ-xqWrYRsBfychGMV-c6iSynUc-zL4ffLiUyL8LpryvVl2C9rVZ99azsL-_GrPjI0_GsbaU2PtpPGcHHRrPfNY8o/s400/IMG_2657.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00787579665009104266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391843918477495710.post-17928590705533514862009-04-17T11:59:00.000-07:002009-04-17T12:30:24.650-07:00Ireland, Part 4<div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325739984948725378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0EKmhLoJeRSLUK74_77-EApKxhxBhsNY6-N-DIcu_jjEuk-RW6vLZBkY63ElV00TCbXJrzBF-9Aba5a2BydOV9rfAuADoEInCAVnQyLYBQ79zTivNjHNw9huDzqI_h_juPkYDAjvJFM/s400/IMG_2512.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div>In the morning, we headed out to Limerick to see King John's castle. They had a very nice audio-visual presentation about the castle's history, which really about how Ireland has so many castles because it has such a violent history. </div><br /><br /><br /><div>We hadn't had much of a chance to explore Adare and the manor grounds yet, so we headed back to our apartment. Nic and I went on a tour of the grounds of Adare Manor led by the manor's head arborist. It was so cool. The estate is huge and has such beautiful gardens. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325742261968235362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiG0J_IoSFw1Cc9lhvBjMgTw2qxp8EoQTtfElJ56Z1MNWkXJ9HYUGSVJ-3OMGM1GtkEinjwM_Ry0MvJufsEJasZZ_jrwhrs-OLir6kRlDCqA8U77nx_WIQues-yr8qfNjT8z1Xi8kT-hM/s400/2009_03_25.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>That evening, my parents were so sweet and agreed to watch Max while Nic and I had a fabulous dinner at the manor's restaurant. It was very elegant and romantic. The tables were all lit by candlelight, and the food was so good! We splurged and had the eight course tasting menu. It was our best meal in Ireland, which is quite an accomplishment because we had some great food. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325744872245531266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Rae5F32N9zqY3lfWC1l3qk3b4U0NclyyYlXQgz_BF3sGZM8B9sK39DYNVrU0WPr1X_ovSsrepHls-Po9QPbmMkFhsh6KjZTLDaZKexqvjdjYc8sL8TV6hJoFuPtADrLlVlo8_Tkct_E/s400/IMG_2567.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00787579665009104266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391843918477495710.post-25485309698959251862009-04-14T13:40:00.000-07:002009-04-14T18:55:59.438-07:00Ireland, Part 3<div align="center"></div><div align="left">The next morning, we packed up and took off for Cork and Blarney Castle. This was supposed to be one of our longest day trips, but after being so lost the night before it felt like we got to Blarney in no time!<br /></div><div align="left">I wasn't sure if I even wanted to go to Blarney Castle. I just thought it would be a stupid tourist trap because everyone goes there to kiss the Blarney Stone. I am so glad we went! It is a beautiful castle on amazing grounds, and it's no wonder everyone kisses the Blarney Stone. It is very <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">exhilarating</span>!<br /></div><div align="left">First, we wandered around the gardens, which were very cool. They had signs that explained the magical things that were thought to happen in the garden. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324654102695466370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmqPBUcRGv9jIAeQNfCthfPr1lFbrh30lAoWk3lxDp7LUgSm_EeBoq2ILot_IR3-I_LbVV8nRaexZqWzRcOT0UG_bjdwAvbE9zI_orwn-3drzWA4GW01ek1BqX5LV0LRJeAsnK9FPOECY/s320/IMG_2419.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:78%;">All of the clovers that we saw in the garden had four leaves. Must be a lucky place!</span><br /><br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324654114996416642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_UifYWu2wtaU-WrAlyVJfx7ft7aftE0vFMAg85pOpAxhEjlgJSENsyQBySlcGglaoEsusTB8SG1iwZR9zREO_RmROirbo-ujNaC4W-_APREn95e2l8MiT8xIu-0HPaKDMH61Qa_VxQ64/s320/IMG_2424.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:78%;"> This stone looks like a profile of a witch.</span><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324654107220878626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtJKSw4y-sAo9SdwbtHSscuB9B-y3Vu1V9f3prCXzIyNDWi2idj4jmY4Cdzwo4PyLF64Lu2Ji6gqxI51sAebUxH3xSW46uyZkX3dRtU8iJIA6z5bVVhEcW5A0Mhyxsm62aF4xDzfr-W0/s320/IMG_2427.JPG" border="0" />Then it was on to the castle. What remains of the castle is mostly just the keep, which was built in 1446. There are places that you can explore if you are more adventurous than me, like tiny tunnels that go through the castle wall, but just getting to the top is quite an adventure. The winding stair case is so steep, I wasn't sure I was going to make it! When we finally made it to the top, it was time to kiss the Blarney Stone. To reach the stone, you have to bend over backwards because the stone is lower than the floor you lay down on. You are up really high, and even though there are a couple of bars and a man to hold you, I was so nervous! <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324693846855051426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 447px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 303px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-oG7hsPv_Cv4nLny_5c26OWFiwxDvU9FxxqtilsIUUDYoUZqN4kKY5h4TaFtXXjXdkwokdyMc6ru7oQC1YEdiU3z-ca4qBmkwwIlhYsNP8dYV-kr3eu4IUa6VRiv0V1MhyyQ3B7qoNJk/s400/2009_03_24.jpg" border="0" /><br />Then we drove just a few minutes to Cork. Cork is a really neat city. I thought it was really interesting that it is the second largest city in Ireland, but its population is smaller than Corona! We started out by cruising through the English Market, which is an indoor market with local vendors that sell fresh meats, cheeses, fruits, and bread. We bought enough to have a yummy picnic in the park.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324698673908117122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1H72F8GfG-mSAhuodHrhgLb8-bojBwHQbYdT3qzktvZf0KL5dMC4qeVd0Oql4THs9srB5vx1_jyCdg68w8baPsarWnVH1uBt0iqkC2EckV3DRmv8JR-093h2B0O4uOO_mt30c_uKZeRQ/s400/2009_03_241.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br />Mom and Dad decided to take a bus tour, while <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Nic</span>, Max, and I opted for a walking tour. The city is very walkable, and we got to talk to quite a few friendly locals. On our tour we stopped at St. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Finbarre' s</span> Cathedral, which has been a religious site since St. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Finbarre</span> established his <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">monastery</span> here in 606 A.D. The current building was built in the 1865 and has beautiful stained glass depicting bible scenes. Then we headed to the university, which had beautiful grounds and a lively feel. Once we met back up with my parents, we were looking for a place to eat when one of the local college students suggested one of his favorite restaurants. It was casual and delicious. A perfect ending to the day. I loved Cork.I think I could definitely live there. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324698681236822082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhormpzkl-JBdtTAoECb2H1QH6yZ89BipGzxp3iHNPGG_lTaCnZP0ZmoEcoR2BlpwqzBr5kJ3lj47PyqAEMm3GJsCPGfFQrdQDT6LTIbziCCYINTEO9jwdVGan7wCY9_-t8YEuM8YY8BII/s400/2009_03_242.jpg" border="0" />Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00787579665009104266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391843918477495710.post-24045384735500679652009-04-13T10:50:00.000-07:002009-04-13T11:44:43.867-07:00Ireland, Part 2<div><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><div>We were very tired from our journey around the Ring of Kerry, so we slept in a bit the next day. The Ring of Kerry was so much driving that we decided it would be nice to do something closer to home. The Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle are only about an hour drive from Adare, so we felt we picked the perfect destination. The boys identified the most direct route on the map, and we headed out. We were enjoying the scenery so much, that it took us awhile to realize that we weren't where we thought we should be on the map.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324239511542814834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyjDzTLx2sD2MS0AjRKuowP91azc8MRLxY-GxQ7zZnK-mDzT-NNXWgjQChh-Qh4DnXSwT8M1_TMHxD18U5I9iIMg2eze_vsER-SRYw8u1IAGzMxD8zeK01s5oOsd9JFpj5bD99bCkmbBM/s400/IMG_2354.JPG" border="0" /> Luckily, there are a lot of signs even on the back roads in Ireland, so we made it to Cahir but it took a little bit longer than we thought. </div><div><br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324239521670044082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMoZGKRK9boShdKTVQcTELdmFYi2qacOKi1Hs4BrfgTKUq0UTVJwBhc6rtovwTwcgzSb6glhcirVs4Zc6UO2z_ABortKe7lTl4i3Oypc91Mqq0uxx4_8vXJJVjAxG1pkslCBy_zsjoSM/s400/IMG_2357.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>Cahir Castle was one of my favorite places we visited. It is a huge castle that is very well preserved. There weren't very many people there, and it was fun to wander around the castle pretty much on our own. It was interesting to see all of the effort that went into making a castle defensible.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324239526416787154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8fVLUVJuGiIWD5jI3uibYXRR51bTdgwfiTbRt5zD6GQyzlrYp4jwRb3ficfLiqXFOeBn0gFWN5_Iz36X_fQ6lYSv9CZ6sT5vxGeT9G3szw2k5n-RD_7TFl1y5jn98O6FtQgl4-bVse-U/s400/IMG_2366.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div>After we'd had some lunch we continued on to the Rock of Cashel, which was only a few miles away. The Rock of Cashel was a fortress at least from the 5th Century, when it is said that St. Patrick baptized the King of Munster there. The castle was given to the Catholic Church and most of what remains today was built in the 12th and 13th centuries. It is situated way up on a windy hill. It is very dramatic looking!</div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324246964597594834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijzgcSpcjDKEy1hZhFOFcBGHJ7wpR3qvjGQP2fW318DHNJwazkA0ESlrNK5LTxOpm5nFWSY3T4vQwf8rbDuEapsbc7ZxloP7GRb7vWzNRP9nFG-1akTK1Gjg1_0BORg_DP2vfFd4OEZa4/s400/2009_03_23.jpg" border="0" />Our journey home was quite an adventure. Once again, we thought we'd located ourselves on the map, and started on our way. We soon realized that we had no idea where we were and started following the signs. Well, the signs weren't as reliable as they had been on the way there. We'd see a sign for the town we were heading toward saying it was 7km away, and the next sign we'd see would say it was 16km away. We were all getting restless, but there was nothing to do but keep following the signs. After looking at several maps on the computer when we got back, we think that we must have been zig-zagging back and forth. Our hour long trip home took almost two hours!<br /><div></div><br /><div></div></div></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00787579665009104266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391843918477495710.post-19366549238273515362009-04-09T14:08:00.000-07:002009-04-10T11:25:33.280-07:00Ireland, Part 1<div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="center">My camera has been broken, so I'm just getting around to blogging about our wonderful trip to Ireland. It may be boring, but I'm going to be fairly detailed because I'll forget all the details if I don't record them while they are fresh in my memory!<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="center">We had a great time! I was so worried about flying that far with Max, but even with a full day of travelling he was a very good boy. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322811567801454914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8IihrbERrk8KantMk10T1L-71BSb8UNauXkR3rZCzOsZ_vr39wTMKd7CeyMSaML5GRVDsuem4XsrVtv0F3kcmghNkQSMgqRtbELFoUFKGx4vD7KUmWkV87XfR2P3d1u4VDxwXguyzswk/s400/IMG_2260.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:78%;"> Max<span style="font-family:georgia;"> relaxing with Daddy on our 7 hour layover in NY.</span></span><br /><br /><br /><p align="left">We finally arrived in Shannon, Ireland in the morning on Sunday. We picked up our totally sweet mini-van and brave Nic drove us to our apartment in Adare on the left side of the road. </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323118138327143586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyhaaXAJGeekvETDZ3O69Y7iLyY2fLQXl1X-B0NjYD-HaNnvXrPyQXkjMiF9OnD2lsZKywrtME0Z6N7LNFYGPFjh6g7vrWlhtB2tsibUNjH_F6lh8_yfW_w-dCrPMBu9_2FZuVA1NiJo/s400/IMG_2356.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><p align="left">We arrived in Adare exhausted, but were pleased with our place. It was a 3 bedroom, 4 bathroom apartment situated on the grounds of the beautiful Adare Manor. Our apartment was bigger than our house!</p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323118140164796306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjxDdOSKR2A3lYx13Fs_iyTUOgahDe4-REAyx03lOmfX2qZYcYYtoKz6KsoZTq3Ksd3zQ9YPf6OCXCa68Wad32H3ebWT_RbzPfJ9pgSdVAqgaZrorzT6G0D0eK_ihPEZ_1HrSuFCMdTVE/s400/IMG_1263.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:78%;"> Max hanging with Grandpa in our apartment. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:78%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323129015408496898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKkgA3mtfTxqpdPSJ7QHtgWdHN77CzdtggFHM3bWJ6ksCtMnuPK1QA51dpCv1V36lM4KPJn96p0kvcS_lnSqtHdBBajwDQgKW73_uwm6HzhcJGPgCP7D0w9-whKXvREs3Rlb-wQz6xYE/s400/IMG_2537.JPG" border="0" /> The Manor House</span><br /><br />We all took a big nap and woke up in time for dinner. We decided to take a look around the village of Adare. Adare Manor was built by the Earl of Dunraven in 1832. He also designed the servants houses surrounding his manor to look like little thatched roof English cottages. It is one of the most picturesque villages in Ireland. We had dinner in a cute little place called the Blue Door. The food was fabulous, and it was warm and cozy. Max was a little bit restless, but he loved to go outside and look in the window at his family.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323122249432402306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDl32IZ190EV_JXk2mGKgrZWqSSq1-t96SdXGPFn1JgJaZNTWOY6j0fwqsAwCx3Swpco6MJX5Yh0tud-yNzSQlHOOunFk54W5ynYxER9aLWypcJpsVxKfG0-eUoGtbvZS3jor9iweAKM/s400/IMG_2547.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323122244685253778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc8FUmTPYgVe8J6D2bQ_97ISP-c8olkxin8j1Li0gC4EVj4WvtQ3CZ8ju-2_WZQkWP-U66C99Ti-wz5DTrZsUOU_VtpS6yKyuYAVifrvsXT-rLWvRK9eQ84XhgOPeT8zWABBiOtJ_hF5I/s400/IMG_2264.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="left">The next morning we got an early start to drive the Ring of Kerry. It is a beautiful drive around the coast and countryside. There were lots of cute little towns to take a look at, too. </p><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323125292204587474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgJTphjDSHSembv3tpaJHVPhNHa2ekE_yBWt3LE35My3wyXqCDhNCl2VL5iW9lZrLJM7D5p-Mzgss7Ei1clDpECyQlQOEd2per-sy6g_RlCpbQIrMkWS5sHn0EqcvGvhiVlWYbJbA0a8/s400/Starred+Photos1.jpg" border="0" /><br />At lunch, Max got his first taste of potatoes. We thought it was fitting because they serve them with everything in Ireland. He was not a fan.<br /><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323125945536181906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgemSC8rFiM7HEGoFS9WK29NiyjNmt2JDmVCPwMkcADyeMa4ZTEVeBe_2ca30gC0oxLK6zlFROVCwXDc288y6Z8CY9pfUjiXjg1IQbZeJSOCdBZslOfBFPz6tNkTlpEtJyxd2LbB7CmCl0/s400/IMG_2270.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>My favorite stop of the day was Staigue Fort. It is an old ring fort probably built between 300 and 400 AD. It is off the road a bit, and you can just walk in and climb around. The walls are 18 ft high and 13 ft thick in places.</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323128035523950914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_KGYUHovWS7IrOuq-rMLxUfDk0odAXdL9BRC4fPZRbGHKBh7Fv7Zdyw3s5RNQwfQhN8WJYH0CyrvwYBMgXkMQJ1Jg_nvPMCxYJyjAEVQ7DIPgbUQwySyusTtqALDUMM6srETXxkL4o8/s400/IMG_2310.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><p>It was a very full day. Driving the Ring of Kerry takes 4 hours if you don't stop at all, and we had to drive an hour and a half to get there!</p><p> To be continued....</p>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00787579665009104266noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391843918477495710.post-6010318518704723272009-04-09T13:58:00.000-07:002009-04-09T14:08:24.123-07:007 months old<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjK7EvKKKS4wMBgohN9JbX3fcRomc7qwkXNlui1lzfNG_mAkY2EXfOOvEmWFJ7OSBBc9Os8ZguiEv_4msbEvApkxbF_PFT_yrfGIk-C6Zn4JNYzwQ4gLEs_wh7eOIUK74SglXbngQn12A/s1600-h/IMG_2462.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322801374811048450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjK7EvKKKS4wMBgohN9JbX3fcRomc7qwkXNlui1lzfNG_mAkY2EXfOOvEmWFJ7OSBBc9Os8ZguiEv_4msbEvApkxbF_PFT_yrfGIk-C6Zn4JNYzwQ4gLEs_wh7eOIUK74SglXbngQn12A/s400/IMG_2462.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>At 7 months months old Max took his first trip out of the country. He turned 7 months while we were on our trip to Ireland. He was such a good boy. </div><br /><div>Max has been scooting around and trying to push up on his hands and knees.</div><br /><div>He babbles a little bit more. His favorite sound is "ga".</div><br /><div>He can sit for as long as he wants without falling over.</div><br /><div>He loves to clap his hands. </div><br /><div>He eats three little meals and drinks juice and water from a sippy cup. </div><br /><div>He is getting so big!</div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00787579665009104266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391843918477495710.post-39158272429238050002009-03-02T10:05:00.000-08:002009-03-02T10:33:21.050-08:006 months old<div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8n7L3Arlu19dNsLuPUYthtrlD1B68V1CRwf8j3uleThyphenhyphen1e-RPkvWMVkNULwj89KUG8N8kki9SPos847S8MGTsEwWwrI6CgklLyDHjYfBcADYjwzbFH_CqlHRiXwMJR1rMBAvmmcztQQ/s1600-h/IMG_2216.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308657090868756802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8n7L3Arlu19dNsLuPUYthtrlD1B68V1CRwf8j3uleThyphenhyphen1e-RPkvWMVkNULwj89KUG8N8kki9SPos847S8MGTsEwWwrI6CgklLyDHjYfBcADYjwzbFH_CqlHRiXwMJR1rMBAvmmcztQQ/s400/IMG_2216.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Max is now 6 months old. I can't believe it!<br /><br />At 6 months, his favorite food is carrots. His least favorite is peas. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308659578245160642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKmpTYIv5peNwhyphenhyphenZZex5ss8bP9Ya2jyCUONy29rcr2y1izA61FIZhIr6p5EvLLocAI7zTkseWR-wKYT5qMEDRF5neQ1PFYLILrXLjo76CvvWgZwVMcFu1cweCpk5-n_YUg0Rg3HJJZ6E8/s400/IMG_2146.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>He's a very happy little guy. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308657102691317634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZgRWz-RSOV7AmQ6cv1AKoQW50OSJIK8ysmJfRr1CcRP1g9EPvOSHB0X85_Uo4J1JkN9s5YBtNVY8u2pei9ckXSO0ftlrnCQOTfR7GZLAgR-y0ELPMzgPyJbjJ7dyOnwYPG64pqPHSKk/s400/IMG_2209.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div>He loves to play with his toys.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308659568194821106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhb-XgyyzPUlofBtl4ZqiIlyakfeT0yLfueJHN9-jowId-25vexKRSIykjqQTYrNfhFqCodriW0wwkWuc8UzkzDCi7YGt8fIv9JSgCKprBG9xQNfBbnTR3WwV_F6FRAGRskoRyLBIFBfQ/s400/IMG_2230.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>He rolls around really well, and loves to look at the underside of furniture.</div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308657118842034754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQ_AkckmNChhWBuBToCDNAEpJUMW9HcU-xih5ylYsKe8kxjeQyLt4ER6zhPAk8rysx4q5lmTdMSUZwbvQ7tnkcwMyJqokT6guU6jQTaqcfd3YPVphN_afCzNBVnRtvn23uli0pfigYT0/s400/IMG_2227.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div>He is getting so big! He can sit up on his own for a few seconds. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308657099630068642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLcJSEpeF_jtGI1KdLGCPMPo57eA0FoTIxZ5E_l9daeU9DepOAFmpLjsWWgraNIF_MkA5FkQUEDJ3q-iMLcK7OzIGhFNMuEhLFzISBSW90b-RkpKmeitwYeMm3D2GiCDQw3_UKq-uySI8/s400/IMG_2190.JPG" border="0" /></div>He can even put his binky in his mouth all on his own.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308657128603934354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimP-mDPy9b6sNBXMGmUP1aZeQTNQt3pZXzLqof_FIhrorc9wUYjHj5y5mqPYEMCnYm-k2DFu6hNN5acwNMgawx_6b24R3mSky9rydqK88YmgUJOho0YlLiYa4t42YGYDdmQ23kN0J_JbM/s400/IMG_2232.JPG" border="0" /> </div><br /><p> </p><p>Seriously, I just love this little guy!</p>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00787579665009104266noreply@blogger.com4