tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77784365866689121252024-03-12T19:09:49.746-07:00John & Shannon HuffordWelcome to our World!John n Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646089976330205667noreply@blogger.comBlogger517125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7778436586668912125.post-18587507799927103582014-10-31T12:17:00.000-07:002015-10-29T12:17:17.494-07:00Halloween Happiness<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Halloween is always super-busy but ALWAYS super-fun as well. This year we were able to celebrate lots. Our good friends April & Tommy invited a group of us out to their farm for a fun Halloween party and campfire. We just couldn't resist.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our little ladybug was on-the-go during the whole party. It sure made for a lot of work for Mommy just trying to keep up with her and keep her from falling down the deck stairs. Oh well, it was worth it for such a cutie!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jonas spent most of his time on this motorcycle (or trying to get back on it). He was a huge fan. Just look at that smile!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This year, I decided we would do a "practice-run" in preparation for the real trick-or-treat night. After all, when you have such young little kiddos you REALLY have to amp up the excitement of wearing their costume. Or else, they will reject you when the big night comes. Even if candy is used as bribery. It wasn't long after we started our test-run that a lady drove by in a panic asking if that was the night of Trick-or-Treat. Nope! Just practicing our skills maam!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Costume-clad kids and they are raring to go!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Prepping the pumpkins for a fun night of carving!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Addison gets braver every year. She was anxious to get started.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jonas got a little help from Daddy this year. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Reaching in for the gooey guts. He didn't mind!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Grandpa Bell was able to join us for a quick visit and was lucky enough to enjoy our pumpkin carving as well.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Addison had no fear either! Much better from when she was a little baby and wouldn't touch that stuff to save her life.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jonas took a little time out to give us his biggest cheesy grin!</span></td></tr>
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<br />John n Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646089976330205667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7778436586668912125.post-64161344961670286412014-10-24T12:28:00.000-07:002015-10-29T12:30:24.468-07:00Kindy Field Trip<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I may or may not have been more excited than Addison when it was time for her first kindergarten field trip. We were headed off to the Right Choices corn maze! I was lucky enough to leave the youngest two kiddos with my friend April so I could give my undivided attention to Addison and help out with her classroom friends. It was such a fun (albeit LONG) day and I was so glad I went. It was great seeing how she interacts with her classmates. It was fun seeing how good her teacher was with making the kids listen and obey with her fun personality. And it was of course always fun to have Addison all to myself. My Mom spent most of her time at my class parties/school and it was always a fun memory of mine. I'm happy to return the favor to Addison as she grows up. Even if it's a small miracle to find places to farm out her siblings while I do it.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My cute little girly waiting patiently in line for the cow train ride.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">She finally got saddled up on her cow!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Her whole kindy class with her awesome teacher Mrs. Bush.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3vsZOquTUvY/VjJyvttBHTI/AAAAAAAAF40/tgNM6Oo6odI/s1600/2014-10-24-12h42m06-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3vsZOquTUvY/VjJyvttBHTI/AAAAAAAAF40/tgNM6Oo6odI/s320/2014-10-24-12h42m06-1.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Taking a ride down the slide!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gIKyR7GnvJQ/VjJywMsxR0I/AAAAAAAAF44/ZvWFnTAOARQ/s1600/2014-10-24-12h49m25.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gIKyR7GnvJQ/VjJywMsxR0I/AAAAAAAAF44/ZvWFnTAOARQ/s320/2014-10-24-12h49m25.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Posing with her little pumpkin she got to take home.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Overall, it was a FUN but very exhausting and long day. I got to sign Addison out and take her home with me afterward. She was in the car for less than five minutes before she zonked out from all the fun. So glad I'm able to go and do these fun field-trips with her. And so grateful for her fun teacher and many friends she has at school.</span><br />
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<br />John n Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646089976330205667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7778436586668912125.post-64333417946797885062014-10-18T11:48:00.000-07:002015-10-29T12:00:57.410-07:00Pumpkin Patch Fun<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Every year I look forward to our tradition of going to a pumpkin patch and spending ridiculous amounts of money making awesome memories. Okay, so technically it's not so much fun to dump the money but it's par for the course right? And the memories are priceless. The kiddos are ALWAYS a fan of this tradition.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This year we decided to venture out and try a new pumpkin patch. We drove a good little ways to get to the Farmland Adventures patch all the way in Springdale. I had heard such good things about it and it definitely did not disappoint. We all had a blast!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Addison taking a turn riding & roping on the pretend horses.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jonas riding his pretend pony.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Brooklyn was not a fan of the fake pony.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jonas and his bucking bronco!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Addison was apparently skilled enough on her test run that she got to advance to a real pony ride!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Brooklyn spent all of her time walking (and falling) in this cool tube in the play area. She's easy to please.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jonas and Addison hanging out in the corn box.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jonas found his perfect pumpkin!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This pumpkin patch had super cool animals of all kinds and most of them were able to be pet by the kiddos. Here's Jonas scaling the fence to give Mr. Camel a good rub.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Addison's turn to love on the camel!</span></td></tr>
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<br />John n Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646089976330205667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7778436586668912125.post-11479870168944965292014-09-30T12:18:00.000-07:002015-07-23T12:18:49.505-07:00September Randomness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm noticing more and more that any "adventures" we have that are worth documenting are very sporadic and random in nature. Most of them aren't grand enough to warrant their own blog post so they get thrown into my "randomness" posts for the month. However, I'm reminding myself they must still be journal'd for memory's sake. Especially for MY memory's sake. Life with three kiddos can be crazy but is still so fun. Here's what we did in September!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mBgA0h_f7ko/VbE3O6buWII/AAAAAAAAFxU/_flPm9O3wQo/s1600/IMG_1963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mBgA0h_f7ko/VbE3O6buWII/AAAAAAAAFxU/_flPm9O3wQo/s320/IMG_1963.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jonas got overloaded with any/all things superhero for his birthday presents this year. Here he is sporting one of many fun toys he got. My own little Iron-Man. Even cuter than the real one!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PeUKb8yMf6s/VbE3O6p4dQI/AAAAAAAAFxY/nkP-k8xzsxI/s1600/IMG_1973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PeUKb8yMf6s/VbE3O6p4dQI/AAAAAAAAFxY/nkP-k8xzsxI/s320/IMG_1973.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"What's that?" "Ohhhhh, just taking the chair for it's nightly walk." This girly is slowly getting more and more mobile lately. This is her latest trick to maneuvering around the living room. Whatever works!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dfQQOHIGRn0/VbE3PC6lioI/AAAAAAAAFxg/sZMTyE0T_xk/s1600/IMG_1981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dfQQOHIGRn0/VbE3PC6lioI/AAAAAAAAFxg/sZMTyE0T_xk/s320/IMG_1981.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ahhhhh, this is the life. Don't feel bad for them, they owed me after the crazy and chaotic day the gave me. I love when I get pampered by these cute kiddos. I'm a lucky lady.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kZQj0xWzNoo/VbE3QPf9I3I/AAAAAAAAFxo/Mfv2hn0psiU/s1600/IMG_2002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kZQj0xWzNoo/VbE3QPf9I3I/AAAAAAAAFxo/Mfv2hn0psiU/s320/IMG_2002.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Eating lunch with our favorite kindergartner. We may or may not be taking total advantage of this lunch-school-kindergarten-eating tradition. It's not only an excuse to see our favorite girl but also to eat Chick-fil-a!! Woohoo! So glad she loves it too.....for now.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Raising a ruckus....or at least kids who like to ride on them. This year, Aunt Sarah was selling her house and before she did she requested that we have ONE more Thanksgiving celebration in it....early...as in September. So of course, we didn't need much excuse to chow down on turkey and fixings. It quickly got nicknamed "Fakesgiving". So Happy Fakesgiving to you! It's now officially a thing.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZPc_G2JrYw/VbE3QyiyiKI/AAAAAAAAFx4/mrpMUqHYX_4/s1600/IMG_2039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZPc_G2JrYw/VbE3QyiyiKI/AAAAAAAAFx4/mrpMUqHYX_4/s320/IMG_2039.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My two ruckus-loving kiddos...and their Daddy. They actually got a trip around the neighborhood. Brooklyn just got to keep the seat warm in the driveway...parked. Hehehe.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xa8d7mYiZfY/VbE3R6VuX4I/AAAAAAAAFyI/nKn77eHVCs8/s1600/IMG_2048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xa8d7mYiZfY/VbE3R6VuX4I/AAAAAAAAFyI/nKn77eHVCs8/s320/IMG_2048.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Apple-sharing 101. Take a bite and pass it down. I've decided this is the new way we eat apples around here. Totally cuts down on apple waste and finding the random half-eaten ones in mysterious places around the house.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a73maVXY4no/VbE3R0UFmnI/AAAAAAAAFyE/yYCxKYnDOdA/s1600/IMG_2065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a73maVXY4no/VbE3R0UFmnI/AAAAAAAAFyE/yYCxKYnDOdA/s320/IMG_2065.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This little girl takes after her Daddy and is constantly on the move. I decided to soak up this rare moment wherein she actually HELD STILL and let me cuddle on her this afternoon. It was lovely.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NS1srtEbUHQ/VbE3TmBRMZI/AAAAAAAAFyg/zP4SrMlpLSM/s1600/IMG_2089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NS1srtEbUHQ/VbE3TmBRMZI/AAAAAAAAFyg/zP4SrMlpLSM/s320/IMG_2089.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Addison sharing her after-school snack. She is such a great big-sister....and a great Mommy helper as well! So beyond grateful for her.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XIGw3X681L8/VbE3TxDoeNI/AAAAAAAAFyk/YSTdE49mRT4/s1600/IMG_2107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XIGw3X681L8/VbE3TxDoeNI/AAAAAAAAFyk/YSTdE49mRT4/s320/IMG_2107.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">She wants nothing to do with what's inside. She just wants to hold it like a big girl. She loves to copy her siblings. Such a cutie.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-USGNBC9LLBA/VbE3TgNvK9I/AAAAAAAAFyc/MP0yAn8jnlE/s1600/IMG_2118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-USGNBC9LLBA/VbE3TgNvK9I/AAAAAAAAFyc/MP0yAn8jnlE/s320/IMG_2118.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jonas and Mommy sneaking in some cuddles. You have to act quick with this one too - and hold him down long enough to snag a quick snuggle. This day I was lucky. Other days not so much.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CqEJdTufveg/VbE3U9VvLzI/AAAAAAAAFy8/6weDbhJV74k/s1600/IMG_2134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CqEJdTufveg/VbE3U9VvLzI/AAAAAAAAFy8/6weDbhJV74k/s320/IMG_2134.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Daddy is the "fun-parent" around here. Three kids....riding one Daddy. A very fun bedtime tradition.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HoRun3SuAnM/VbE3VPXNF8I/AAAAAAAAFy0/Mh7O5wDzajU/s1600/IMG_2139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HoRun3SuAnM/VbE3VPXNF8I/AAAAAAAAFy0/Mh7O5wDzajU/s320/IMG_2139.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's a happy day when the family "mess-maker" learns how to clean up after himself. Saves me some work that's for sure!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M44HSCndbzQ/VbE3VV_ZjRI/AAAAAAAAFy4/EX2xREil8GM/s1600/IMG_2143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M44HSCndbzQ/VbE3VV_ZjRI/AAAAAAAAFy4/EX2xREil8GM/s320/IMG_2143.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And now we come full-circle. The "imitator" has now become the "imitatee". </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-79VdXCwQ1fY/VbE3WtRyhLI/AAAAAAAAFzc/AtqJPElTrEE/s1600/IMG_2152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-79VdXCwQ1fY/VbE3WtRyhLI/AAAAAAAAFzc/AtqJPElTrEE/s320/IMG_2152.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">She's a speed-walker when she has something to push. And the library is definitely her speed-walking location of choice. Libraries aren't relaxing for me at all anymore.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s_SfzF53U9Y/VbE3WSbzCPI/AAAAAAAAFzE/HdwE3Q35h6E/s1600/IMG_2155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s_SfzF53U9Y/VbE3WSbzCPI/AAAAAAAAFzE/HdwE3Q35h6E/s320/IMG_2155.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I love when she finds a friend to walk-in to school with. And I love that they hold hands when they do.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-isYuUc6MUTw/VbE3W4rJjNI/AAAAAAAAFzY/FvJNadGSZ3w/s1600/IMG_2163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-isYuUc6MUTw/VbE3W4rJjNI/AAAAAAAAFzY/FvJNadGSZ3w/s320/IMG_2163.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I love when my babies master the straw....makes my life easier!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NuPFdTqsjQc/VbE3X1VXiEI/AAAAAAAAFzg/Xe1YY4UWpl0/s1600/IMG_2172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NuPFdTqsjQc/VbE3X1VXiEI/AAAAAAAAFzg/Xe1YY4UWpl0/s320/IMG_2172.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Addison was lucky enough to get one of the first award's at this year's first Colt Stampede. Her teacher wanted to recognize her for her tender heart. She said she's so helpful to not only the teacher but to her friends as well. We are grateful for such a special little girly. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j29NyjNcKsc/VbE3Y9TYi0I/AAAAAAAAFz4/zTtPiq29ax4/s1600/IMG_2192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j29NyjNcKsc/VbE3Y9TYi0I/AAAAAAAAFz4/zTtPiq29ax4/s320/IMG_2192.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's official! She now officially walks more than she crawls. On wood-chips no less! I can barely master those!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kEdR6xEO3DA/VbE3Y8R7drI/AAAAAAAAFz0/oPEdJ0gifBE/s1600/IMG_2203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kEdR6xEO3DA/VbE3Y8R7drI/AAAAAAAAFz0/oPEdJ0gifBE/s320/IMG_2203.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The number one sign that you've had a long day....you fall out of bed and keep on sleeping. I believe John and I are both guilty of doing this exact same thing when we were his age....but mine was the top bunk.</span></td></tr>
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John n Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646089976330205667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7778436586668912125.post-89638556055879567372014-09-01T14:10:00.000-07:002015-07-23T11:44:27.453-07:00Jonas Turns Three!<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Jonas was a lucky boy for his 3rd birthday....kinda sorta. We got to spend his birthday on the road for vacation. We enjoyed a quick trip to visit Grandma Parr and Aunt Ann & Uncle Roger. We were literally in the van and driving during his special day. However, that didn't stop us from celebrating while we were in Illinois with family. And they were all SO sweet and celebrating our special guy. They each snuck out before our dinner celebrations and bought him presents and surprises for his big day. Such sweet family....we are grateful for their kindness. I'm sure Jonas is as well since he scored some extra love and gifts! He didn't seem to mind a traveling birthday. Interestingly enough, his namesake...Daddy...spent his birthdays growing up in a similar fashion. Except he was in the back of a suburban and Jonas was in the back of a minivan. ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Unfortunately, since we did spend his day on vacation and on the road, we didn't get to take advantage of too many picture opportunities. I was only able to scramble up a few here and there. But believe me when I said we had quite a grand time celebrating our little big boy. We are SO grateful for Jonas and the role he plays in our family. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Happy 3rd Birthday Jonas!!</b></span></div>
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<br />John n Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646089976330205667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7778436586668912125.post-57925955311967557842014-08-31T18:38:00.000-07:002015-07-23T11:36:51.723-07:00August Randomness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">August was our "last hurrah" month for the summer of 2014. We had plenty to fill our days up with before we sent our big girl Addison off to school. Here's just a few things we enjoyed during August...</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6akB6YQrpr0/VbEt94GPlvI/AAAAAAAAFuw/D19BwgjgKA0/s1600/IMG_1664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6akB6YQrpr0/VbEt94GPlvI/AAAAAAAAFuw/D19BwgjgKA0/s320/IMG_1664.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jump Zone! The older two kiddos were running around like crazy monkeys. This monkey wanted to stay by me and the little kid playground. I was totally fine with it since it meant I didn't have to crawl inside a huge bounce house. She's my little buddy and I love it.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7m8pWd8O8U/VbEuFhQ0oxI/AAAAAAAAFwQ/SHShu1NIfw8/s1600/IMG_2130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7m8pWd8O8U/VbEuFhQ0oxI/AAAAAAAAFwQ/SHShu1NIfw8/s320/IMG_2130.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A Daddy & Jonas selfie while picking blueberries. I believe with was a "pre-sweat" picture instead of a post-sweat pic.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jSew_iZoXLQ/VbEt9AEmwVI/AAAAAAAAFuo/TSGiMdqVf1I/s1600/IMG_1682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jSew_iZoXLQ/VbEt9AEmwVI/AAAAAAAAFuo/TSGiMdqVf1I/s320/IMG_1682.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jonas and Daddy went Blackberry picking. As you can see it was a pretty hot day but they still had a blast. I think they should have recorded Jonas' starting weight and ending weight and charged us for the difference. From the looks of those lips he looks like he may have sampled a few-hundred while he picked.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LUBg90oXFWQ/VbEuFJ9AWtI/AAAAAAAAFwI/HwMg1Cn5PWY/s1600/IMG_2112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LUBg90oXFWQ/VbEuFJ9AWtI/AAAAAAAAFwI/HwMg1Cn5PWY/s320/IMG_2112.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A nice reflective moment whilst picking the berries. I'm guessing his thought was "Which one do I want in my belly?!" 99% sure that's where those little berries ended up.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DbAeKPo8vOo/VbEt99BD7gI/AAAAAAAAFu4/Yq7lei-ZRb0/s1600/IMG_1700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DbAeKPo8vOo/VbEt99BD7gI/AAAAAAAAFu4/Yq7lei-ZRb0/s320/IMG_1700.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"C'mon puppy.....go!" Says Jonas as he pulls Brooklyn by her binky chain. So fun watching these two bond while Addison is in school.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OoDLjz0oovw/VbEt-VezACI/AAAAAAAAFu0/bzsocq-1Zmo/s1600/IMG_1708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OoDLjz0oovw/VbEt-VezACI/AAAAAAAAFu0/bzsocq-1Zmo/s320/IMG_1708.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Addison was lucky enough to go on a "Mommy-Date" with me as we went to a Young Women's activity. This activity happened to be a fun swim in a friend's pool. Here she is getting brave (with the help of the YW cheering section) as she chose to slide down the fun slide. After she conquered it she went down it again about a billion more times.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qdaTM9XSnBI/VbEt_ZWu40I/AAAAAAAAFvI/13Gd0P3lMO8/s1600/IMG_1718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qdaTM9XSnBI/VbEt_ZWu40I/AAAAAAAAFvI/13Gd0P3lMO8/s320/IMG_1718.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And of course, after the pool fun she was able to sit on a horse with my YW Avery. What could get more fun in one night than a pool AND a horse ride!? She's a happy little girl.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s381jEJLfqQ/VbEt_-1SJnI/AAAAAAAAFvQ/zM9Zy-KeFI0/s1600/IMG_1744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s381jEJLfqQ/VbEt_-1SJnI/AAAAAAAAFvQ/zM9Zy-KeFI0/s320/IMG_1744.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This was the Sunday I realized that I dressed my child up as "Pebbles" from "The Flintstones." It was a total accident (albeit a funny one) and never occurred to me until after church was over. Such a cute Pebbles she is!</span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CrTs5wTtqWo/VbEuAOu3OzI/AAAAAAAAFvM/qhADhb_p4H8/s1600/IMG_1757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CrTs5wTtqWo/VbEuAOu3OzI/AAAAAAAAFvM/qhADhb_p4H8/s320/IMG_1757.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One of our many trips to the "Poppy Store" (aka: Target). This is what happens when Hufford children get the sniff of the corn. They LOVE them some popcorn. It's in their DNA after all.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yiPlBfO7IHk/VbEuBedpN3I/AAAAAAAAFvg/uJhktmDSml8/s1600/IMG_1790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yiPlBfO7IHk/VbEuBedpN3I/AAAAAAAAFvg/uJhktmDSml8/s320/IMG_1790.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A friendly neighborhood bike-ride....er wagon ride. Apparently, Jonas wanted to protect that noggin even while riding in the wagon.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0F_ucAPFMQE/VbEuCYy3wXI/AAAAAAAAFvs/0fn6VIKTiMM/s1600/IMG_1804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0F_ucAPFMQE/VbEuCYy3wXI/AAAAAAAAFvs/0fn6VIKTiMM/s320/IMG_1804.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My Sunday morning "Twinners".</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DFxMHVFIQkA/VbEuCRbwjQI/AAAAAAAAFvo/kiALbSeHLqs/s1600/IMG_1857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DFxMHVFIQkA/VbEuCRbwjQI/AAAAAAAAFvo/kiALbSeHLqs/s320/IMG_1857.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Again, Jonas and Brooklyn bonding over cookies & giggles while Addison is in school. I'm always fascinated with what they choose to do with their time but I'm quickly learning that their little minds are more similar than I originally thought. Two peas in a pod.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sHD6SWzYmpg/VbEuCzr_PsI/AAAAAAAAFvw/RQ8VOO8ti6k/s1600/IMG_1883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sHD6SWzYmpg/VbEuCzr_PsI/AAAAAAAAFvw/RQ8VOO8ti6k/s320/IMG_1883.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While I'm mopping the floors, he asks me in his deep manly voice.... "Want me to sing 'Let it Go' Mom? Yes please! After finishing he says "Amen."</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_cC8lQ3Scmk/VbEuERsr2uI/AAAAAAAAFwA/d099lWnDsZ8/s1600/IMG_1898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_cC8lQ3Scmk/VbEuERsr2uI/AAAAAAAAFwA/d099lWnDsZ8/s320/IMG_1898.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Nothing like a last-minute stay-cation to make our Monday exciting. It's the only good thing to come from a broken AC unit at home. The kiddos loved it. I did too....until we had to go back to a hot house and wait another day for a working/replaced unit. Merry Christmas in August to us!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jmA2Skk4vJ4/VbEuEoRf31I/AAAAAAAAFwE/DHaLqqYi0vY/s1600/IMG_1903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jmA2Skk4vJ4/VbEuEoRf31I/AAAAAAAAFwE/DHaLqqYi0vY/s320/IMG_1903.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hanging out with this nugget, in the driveway, in the van, with AC blowing at max, as we wait on AC replacement quotes on the house.</span> </td></tr>
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John n Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646089976330205667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7778436586668912125.post-8532697431222544632014-08-29T12:16:00.000-07:002015-03-04T14:10:21.615-08:00Mini Family Vacay<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This year's "Official Family Vacation" consisted of a handful of smaller low-key vacations. Which, when you have so many kids as young as we do, it's a blessing in disguise. Really, it is. Our final mini-vacation consisted of a long extended weekend trip to visit Grandma Parr and Aunt Ann and Uncle Roger. Ever since John and I have been married, we've been talking about taking a trip to visit them. I had never met them until their earlier visit just this year to Arkansas. They were just so fun to hang out with that we didn't want it to end and decided THIS would be the year that we finally followed-through and made the trek to Albingdon, IL. Of course, with any trip with little kids, our drive consisted of a lot of little stops along the way to help break up those long car rides.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nFPM5wKURVo/VPd_9NCd0_I/AAAAAAAAFpw/18XMKyH6q4Q/s1600/IMG_1926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nFPM5wKURVo/VPd_9NCd0_I/AAAAAAAAFpw/18XMKyH6q4Q/s1600/IMG_1926.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Brooklyn is liking this trip so far! Who knew it'd include french fries!?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s3xavVI-q7c/VPd_-bjFtwI/AAAAAAAAFqE/QrewbQWDzjE/s1600/IMG_1939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s3xavVI-q7c/VPd_-bjFtwI/AAAAAAAAFqE/QrewbQWDzjE/s1600/IMG_1939.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jonas and Addison got quite the hook-up with fun driving activities thanks to Mommy. Jonas is such a novice to coloring that he has yet to learn what crayons are actually used for....besides poking in things.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The trip itself was about 8 hours (one-way). Luckily, we went through St. Louis on our way and decided to make it our half-way stop. We arrived in time to check in to our hotel and unpack. Unfortunately, since it was so late we didn't get to take advantage of the hotel pool and ended up going straight to bed with sleepy little kids. However, we did arrive just in time to evacuate the hotel due to a fire alarm being set off. Literally, it was within minutes of us dumping all of our suitcases, and kids, off our arms and sitting exhausted on the beds. Once we heard the loudspeaker in the room telling us to evacuate John and I both immediately looked for Jonas and were asking him "Jonas, what did you touch!?" It was funny really....only after we confirmed that he had nothing to do with the alarm or the evacuation. But it did set our hearts aflutter for a minute there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It made for an exciting adventure to load up all three kids and once again exit the hotel via three flights of stairs, in the dark of the night, in a big city. Luckily, it was a nicer part of St. Louis so that helped. We had fun watching the firemen and the bright fire-truck do their thing while we waited for all floors to be searched. Eventually, we got to go back in and settle in to bed. With kids in tow, anything can be an exciting adventure, even the frustrating, boring, scary, fire-false-alarm evacuation.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F0-STC3MKI0/VPd_8g5HzdI/AAAAAAAAFpo/K4Gi0glvTFk/s1600/IMG_1927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F0-STC3MKI0/VPd_8g5HzdI/AAAAAAAAFpo/K4Gi0glvTFk/s1600/IMG_1927.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We were all quite enamored with the pretty sparkling lights at 11:00 at night.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The next morning we were off to explore the St. Louis Zoo. I spent my single years visiting this attraction frequently so I was thrilled for the opportunity to share it with my little family. The best part of the zoo is that it's free! And of course, the other best parts is that it is quite a nice zoo. Since the day was soooo hot and we were only halfway to our trip destination we didn't spend a ton of time there. We quickly had tired kids and tired parents and were ready to hit the road to IL. We did enjoy the seeing the monkey's, the reptile house, and watching a sea lion show that had us all enthralled.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a8VYbwH3_Bo/VPd_9IsWHsI/AAAAAAAAFp0/vHiWFp-HX_A/s1600/IMG_1933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a8VYbwH3_Bo/VPd_9IsWHsI/AAAAAAAAFp0/vHiWFp-HX_A/s1600/IMG_1933.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Checking out one of Mommy's favorites...the orangutan. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Trying to keep cool in the heat. This big mist blower was probably our favorite attraction. We are Hufford's after all!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Eventually, we made it to our destination and were SO happy to see Grandma Parr and Aunt Ann and Uncle Roger. They were beyond hospitable and the kids just thoroughly enjoyed our stay at their house. Once I got past the anxiety of my kids trying to play with (break) all of the fragile decorations, I enjoyed myself too! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Aunt Ann with Brooklyn and Addison. They loved sitting in these two wooden chairs so much that Aunt Ann gave them to us to take home. We were thrilled! Especially since they apparently belonged to Grandpa Joe when he was just a little boy.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jonas and Addison were quite impressed with Uncle Roger's disappearing quarter tricks. I must say, I was pretty impressed myself! The man has skills!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tucking Jonas into bed. He and Addison were lucky enough to share a room and also got to cuddle with their own stuffed animals provided by Aunt Ann. She thought of everything folks!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Addison cuddling up in her bed for the night.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Grandma Parr & Aunt Ann were SO good with the kids. Aunt Ann bought toys specially for these kiddos to play with when we arrived. They also immediately took them on a walk to the park once we arrived which gave Daddy & Mommy a much needed break! We were all smitten with them pretty quickly.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All in all, it was a great relaxing trip. They showed us so much of their hometown, treated us to so many yummy breakfasts out at their favorite diner, and even made the yummiest homemade meals for our dinners. They were even kind enough to not tell us their house was haunted until AFTER we finished our stay. Cool but definitely creepy! It was a beautiful house and had LOTS of history so I'm not too surprised but I'm very glad the ghosts decided to leave us alone while we were there. They showed us a cool small airport that had such old classic planes that were taking off and landing. Roger, Ann, and Grandma Parr were so hospitable and we were so grateful. I'm very glad we had the opportunity to visit them and their stomping grounds. Until next time!</span>John n Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646089976330205667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7778436586668912125.post-88594346182210687092014-08-22T12:15:00.000-07:002015-03-02T19:21:40.598-08:00Daddy's Birthday Celebration<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's that time of year again where Daddy gets another year older and wiser too. I always enjoy celebrating his birthday for many reasons. One of which being that it reminds me he will always be OLDER than me. Not by much....but still older.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We always enjoy showering this guy in love and gifts and cuddles. He doesn't ever require much attention on a day-to-day basis so it's pretty easy for him to be overlooked. He provides so much for our family in so many ways so its only appropriate we get the chance to show him our gratitude every once in awhile.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Apparently, I was a little too busy running the celebration festivities and didn't get much opportunity to document the event with pictures. I'll choose to spend this time talking about all the amazing things we love about Daddy....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He's always happy. Really, I would say about 95% of the time he is happy and positive no matter what is going on. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He loves me. I'm grateful for this and also grateful that he expresses his love for me so often. He shows and tells the children how much he loves me and he also tells me when it's just him and I hanging out. He is always happy to volunteer his feelings toward me and his gratitude for what I contribute to our family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He loves his kids. Not only does he tell them frequently but he also shows them. And this is my favorite. He's always down on the ground playing with them, wrestling, giving them pony rides, going out in the snow, throwing balls back-and-forth, and of course cuddling. I love seeing how much they love him in return. Before I ever met him I always wished and hoped I could find a future Daddy just like him. I'm so grateful that I picked him and that he was everything I was hoping for way back when. I'm grateful my kids get relationships with their Dad that I always wanted to have when I was their age. It was and is always very important to me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He loves anything and everything. He does! He'll eat or try just about any type of food. He'll also try any type of hobby out there. He's always open to trying new things. This makes him very experienced in lots of different areas when it comes to home repair, car repair, or cooking yummy food concoctions. I love how well-rounded he is and I have this character trait to thank for it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He loves his family. Not only immediate family but extended family too. Both my side and his own. He accepts and loves and looks past everyone's weaknesses and loves them regardless. Again, not only does he verbalize it but his actions toward them just reiterates it even more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He's funny. He makes all of us laugh with his witty sense-of-humor. He is great at entertaining the kids and making them giggle and then he can turn around and say something witty and get me belly laughing almost in the same instant.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He is a hard and smart worker. He loves his job. Even on the days he doesn't he's always devoted to working and supporting our family and takes that responsibility on happily and accepts his duty. He is also good about leaving work stuff at work and clearing his mind when he walks through the door at the end of the day to play with us. He definitely has a lot on his plate at work...pretty much 24/7 but we rarely hear him complain or deal with it at home. He gives us his undivided attention and we are very grateful.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He is very helpful. Not only does he do a lot during his day job but he is always willing to step in and help out at home and the responsibilities that need to be done. I'm grateful that our kids understand that Mommy & Daddy are partners in life and in our home. Daddies do dishes, Daddies do laundry, Daddies help at home. And he never complains when dinner isn't made, or laundry isn't washed, or the house is a mess. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I could go on and on about our wonderful Daddy but there are more posts to be made and I need to leave some of our favorite qualities of him for future posts too! Needless to say....we are all pretty smitten by this guy.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Happy Birthday Daddy!</span></div>
John n Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646089976330205667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7778436586668912125.post-3505937708653723692014-08-18T12:15:00.000-07:002015-03-04T13:56:21.443-08:00Our Big School Girl<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The day has finally come. This little girly is now officially a kindergartner.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thanks to her open-house the week prior, we were able to find out that her first ever elementary teacher is named Mrs. Bush. And we also quickly learned that she did not have any church friends in her class....at all....which is rare considering there are maybe at least 10 kids in her church group that are her same age...and attending the same school. Secretly, I was quite grateful for this realization. While Addison is a VERY sweet and loving personality, she is also a bit timid. I knew since she was going into a classroom where she didn't know anyone that it would help push her past the wall of just clinging to a "friend" she already knew and force her to not only make new friends but learn to step out of her shell a little. I'm almost positive she gets her timid-ness from me so I feel like I can speculate in this situation with some merit. ;)</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Meeting Mrs. Bush for the first time! It didn't take them long to be smitten with each other.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Regardless, it was so fun checking out her classroom, her teacher, her desk, her future friends, and putting all of her new school supplies in their places. It's so fun having a child in school. I love to see the excitement (and nervousness) on her face as she experiences all of these firsts.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Showing off her very own cubby.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Right outside her classroom. She was so brave and so excited.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Mommy got designated as the "form-filler-outer-person" and was busy at work on the first day. Who would have known that I would have had all the homework so soon!?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">By default, Daddy was designated as the "keep the children entertained while Mommy was busy" person. They chose to take selfies. No telling where Jonas was off exploring during this time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The rest of the gang was pretty thrilled for her too. Daddy made sure to take a late day at work so he could join us in all the "first-day festivities" and he was so glad he did. Jonas was a little envious of all the excitement she was experiencing and tried several times to join in on the fun. He insisted that he wear his spider-man back-pack to her school, that he join in all of her pictures (including the picture with the teacher), and I think he may have been a little shocked that he wasn't allowed to stay in the classroom with her. Not too long buddy and you'll be experiencing all these same firsts for yourself! Brooklyn was pretty indifferent and obviously didn't quite know what exactly was going on. She loves her Addison though so she was pretty thrilled when it was time to get her off the bus later that day.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jonas spent most of the morning convinced that he was also going to school like Addison was. So cute that he insisted on wearing his "pack-pack" as well.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Daddy & Addison right before it was time to say good-bye to her for the day.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Taking the customary 'Mommy Picture' before heading into her big girl school. Jonas was not wanting to be left out.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Heading to the bus stop to pick up our Addison for the first day! We all sure missed having her home with us!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jonas waiting patiently for the bus and his Addison. I think he probably missed her the most out of all of us. They are pretty good buddies.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jonas burning off some energy and excitement while hanging out at the bus stop waiting for Addison.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Eeeek! Here comes the big yellow school bus! We were all a little excited to see our Addison. We missed her so much and were so anxious to hear how her first day went!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Her first ever bus ride! I remember looking for school buses with her ever since she was a baby. Now my baby is riding one as an official kindergartner!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And of course, I just HAD to make her some of her favorite cookies to eat when she got home. It was her only request so I was happy to oblige. She quickly asked if she was going to get some the next day too. I just told her that we'd put the extras in baggies and eat the leftovers tomorrow. This Mama doesn't have much time for THAT much baking.</span></td></tr>
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John n Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646089976330205667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7778436586668912125.post-77270231139822309562014-07-31T13:40:00.000-07:002015-03-04T13:40:28.845-08:00July's Random Happenings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ohhhh, the things we did in July...</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Grandpa Bell came to Arky for a visit. The kids sure enjoy the random visits from Grandpa.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aKvCnnNE02I/VPd587E5XUI/AAAAAAAAFmw/goR7m5-BIXM/s1600/IMG_1467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aKvCnnNE02I/VPd587E5XUI/AAAAAAAAFmw/goR7m5-BIXM/s1600/IMG_1467.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Addison spending some quiet time at the park writing in her diary. Such a big girl.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E7UU5uIVYuQ/VPd59GF3ZEI/AAAAAAAAFms/kB9CDwg-pro/s1600/IMG_1514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E7UU5uIVYuQ/VPd59GF3ZEI/AAAAAAAAFms/kB9CDwg-pro/s1600/IMG_1514.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lots of days spent at Jump Zone to avoid this horrible July heat. Brooklyn is starting to finally like that place. Addison and Jonas were too busy running around and sweating (like Hufford's) to bother with a picture.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g2hazcCIL7A/VPd5-O2q8qI/AAAAAAAAFm8/n4iB5W6N-3s/s1600/IMG_1528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g2hazcCIL7A/VPd5-O2q8qI/AAAAAAAAFm8/n4iB5W6N-3s/s1600/IMG_1528.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Brooklyn showing off her favorite perch position. What a cute little birdie she makes.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HPQAfdAsrHw/VPd5-c7fb1I/AAAAAAAAFnA/vv6gpaafrcY/s1600/IMG_1586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HPQAfdAsrHw/VPd5-c7fb1I/AAAAAAAAFnA/vv6gpaafrcY/s1600/IMG_1586.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jonas giving underwear a try. I'm guessing we aren't quite ready to hop on that potty-training wagon with him yet.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QyLAf3l58os/VPd5_CrjjkI/AAAAAAAAFnU/kGbSKN7V_sA/s1600/IMG_1590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QyLAf3l58os/VPd5_CrjjkI/AAAAAAAAFnU/kGbSKN7V_sA/s1600/IMG_1590.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jonas heading to the dentist for the first time and showing off those pearly whites. No cavities Mom!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6uCQkzq4r-w/VPd5_bBgDAI/AAAAAAAAFnQ/OUqJYrbIXA8/s1600/IMG_1613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6uCQkzq4r-w/VPd5_bBgDAI/AAAAAAAAFnQ/OUqJYrbIXA8/s1600/IMG_1613.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One of our many many many trips to the neighborhood pool to cool down in the July heat.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TSuv_A6XP2Y/VPd6AyPlY4I/AAAAAAAAFno/IFP6i8D-h24/s1600/IMG_1654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TSuv_A6XP2Y/VPd6AyPlY4I/AAAAAAAAFno/IFP6i8D-h24/s1600/IMG_1654.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Addison and Jonas got to enjoy a fun friend play-date and get their faces painted. These were both Mommy's handiwork -f or the sake of time. Luckily, they both thought I did an amazing job. Shhhh....don't tell them! And yes, that cute ninja turtle was quite happy although he seems to look otherwise.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jonas and Brooklyn make quite the team. Double trouble anyone? They really do have a lot in common and usually don't need much convincing to figure out what mess they will make next. Lucky me.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Daddy and Brooklyn taking some selfies during some downtime of waiting in the car - most likely on Mommy of course.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pd3oh0gMYws/VPd6CBtXo9I/AAAAAAAAFn4/pzIBKIbM5Yc/s1600/IMG_2075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pd3oh0gMYws/VPd6CBtXo9I/AAAAAAAAFn4/pzIBKIbM5Yc/s1600/IMG_2075.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jonas and Addison were lucky enough to go on a "Daddy Date" to Daddy's work. Ice cream and movies. Now I bet they are convinced this is how Daddy spends his days when he's not home with us. I know I am!</span></td></tr>
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John n Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646089976330205667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7778436586668912125.post-28642552689022374082014-07-26T12:17:00.000-07:002015-03-02T18:37:23.324-08:00Family Photos 2014<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm sure you are quite aware, by now dear reader, that I'm an avid proponent of pictures. Any and all. The candid, the first year pictures, the family pictures, you name it. My husband is convinced it's because all of my baby pictures were destroyed in a family fire when I was two years old. I'm not entirely sure that is the reason but whatever it is - I just like pictures. However, please know that I do NOT enjoy the process of taking said pictures. It's hard, it's miserable, it's usually hot OR cold, the kids never cooperate, everyone is whining, everyone blames me for making them do it, yadda yadda. It's NOT fun. Not even for me. But I push through the pain and whalah, after we've all recovered and settled back into our normal lives, our wonderful pictures are edited, finished, and given to us. And we all sit around and oooh and ahhh at them. Okay, maybe I do most of the gawking but I do know everyone is grateful for all that they endured to get them. And if they aren't....I am. And that is what keeps me going when it's time to take them again the next year. So worth it my friends. And I am pretty lucky to have such great photographers whom I also consider close friends, in my midst. I'm a lucky lady. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I did make a world-changing realization this year though. Usually, each kid gets their own photo-shoot around their birthday. Yes, this just drags the picture taking misery on longer than necessary. This year I decided.....lets do it ALL in one fell swoop! So much less painful for everyone involved....and cheaper too! This was our first time doing it this way and I'm already a fan. Since we all have birthdays in the summer, we just pick a date in the middle and go for it. Yes, it always seems to be too hot for our own good but when you get such cute pictures back you never remember all the sweat you shed to get them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here are a few of our family photo shoot from this year! Enjoy! I know I do every time I look at them.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Brooklyn - 1 Year Old</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>John n Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646089976330205667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7778436586668912125.post-56341961953101302262014-07-24T13:20:00.000-07:002015-03-04T13:28:55.955-08:00Pioneer Day CelebrationOur ward has quite the wonderful primary presidency. As a result, we have quite the fun little primary celebrations. Unfortunately, we don't have near as many as I would like but of course for July 24th - Pioneer Day you can't NOT celebrate. Addison was the only one "qualified" to be there but since Jonas was envious I allowed him to attend too. And then Brooklyn and I tagged along and helped out where we could. It was so fun to see just exactly what goes into such a fun party.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The whole primary gang after they went on their "trek" around the church building. It was hot and even the few minutes we walked in that heat made me grateful that I wasn't a pioneer back then.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My cute little pioneer. Thank you to Bentley who loaned her some accessories to fit in with the group.</span></td></tr>
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John n Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646089976330205667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7778436586668912125.post-8174659471759323772014-07-20T13:13:00.000-07:002015-03-04T13:24:06.705-08:00Ashlyn's Baptism Celebration<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One of the many things I love about my family - extended family - is that we all try so hard to support each other in momentous occassions that really matter. For example: Baptisms and Blessings. To be frank, we do manage to have quite the frequent celebrations of all kinds throughout the year, sometimes we can't all make it and sometimes we can. However, when it involves a baptism or a blessing then we all try extra hard to make it work. So I wasn't surprised when we packed the house to celebrate Ashlyn's special baptism celebration. However, despite the grand occassion, I only seemed to snap pictures of the party we had before and after the even itself. Silly me. But, I must prove to you...it was quite the party! We are always glad to have a reason to celebrate and cram pack a two-day weekend to the hilt with food, fun, and family.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jonas quickly realizing that not all costumes are created equal. Sorry Jonas that you have been blessed with the 'Hufford Noggin' but I am quite amazed you were able to wedge it in there - and that it wasn't a permanent accessory after that either.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Brooklyn playing with her cousin Lydia. Brooklyn is 4 months younger but definitely trumps her in size. I totally didn't mean to make them match but you have to admit it's pretty cute!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Talk about getting our money's worth at the local drive-in! And yes, they only charge by the vehicle. Luckily they never realized just the huge group of children we were smuggling past their gates. The cousins all had a BLAST even if we did only last for the first feature.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hanging out at the pool while celebrating Ashlyn's birthday party. I'd venture to guess that Brooklyn is quite the fan of the watermelon.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After the baptism was over the boys enjoyed a little b-ball game. It was adorable to see just how much Jonas was loving playing with Uncle Quentin & Uncle Nick. They were so good to include him and even lift him to the basket to make his winning goal.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hitting the road for our three hour drive home from KC. It's always a fun time in Kansas City. And thankfully the kids were sleeping before we ever made it to the freeway. Lots of cousin packed playtime and fun events can sure wear a person out!</span></td></tr>
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John n Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646089976330205667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7778436586668912125.post-5426510558234572392014-07-11T13:03:00.000-07:002015-03-04T13:04:08.477-08:00Moooooove Over Chick O' Lay<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's deep in my genetic DNA to do most anything for a free meal. My parents raised me this way. I embrace it. Especially if it means we get to dress up like cows and get a free meal at our favorite restaurant....."Chick O' Lay" (Which is Chick-Fil-A to the non-Hufford kiddos). I've tried to make it every year to this momentous occassion and frankly I think I skipped a few in there by pure accident. Who doesn't want free food whilst dressed up in bovine attire? This year we were lucky enough to be able to dress up, load up the cow trailer, and head on over to dine on our chicken. Soooo worth it. Especially when looking at the pictures of these cute little bovines. Such good sports they are.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Addison & Jonas "mid-Moo" while I snapped the picture. Look at all of those cute little cow hooves!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And my little bovines again. I don't think Brooklyn thought we were very sane at this point. Maybe it's because she didn't know what was awaiting us on the other end. Free chicken my little baby calf!</span></td></tr>
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<br />John n Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646089976330205667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7778436586668912125.post-9639501591972124942014-07-10T12:55:00.000-07:002015-03-04T12:58:13.484-08:00Public Library Fun<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I must admit, when Addison was a baby (as in tiny newborn) I was so on top of participating in the local library's fun events. So much so, that I embarassingly called and asked the library how young was "too young" for attending story-time with my child? Why in the world I thought there was an age-limit I'll never know. But I do know I was itching for an excuse to jump into all things stay-at-home Mommyish. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />Fast forward to three kids later and frankly our public library fun is dwindling fast. It may be the combination of dragging all three kids there, getting them to hold still, etc. It's just plain exhausting! But after writing this post I really need to recommit to trying harder. Our library does so many fun things it's a shame not to participate. Especially since they have a craft time after each story time which makes me feel less bad that I do ZERO, ZILCH crafts with my kids during the week. At least we can go to the library and make a mess on their turf and let them do all the prep and clean-up involved right? That is enough of a reason to get this Mommy and her three kids out of the house once a week!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For this rare library excursion we were able to attend a fun clown activity with some friends. I went into it not quite knowing what to expect and heavens the crowd I had to fight to get a decent seat, and not lose my children, was starting to tell me it wasn't worth all the work it took to get there. But once Mr. Clown jumped into his production I quickly changed my mind. He had us all laughing, kids and adults! It was such a cute and well put together performance that I was very glad we fought through the battle and made it. I think Addison was really the only one (aside from me) that really seemed to get anything out of it. Jonas spent 95% of his time showing me the balloon that was caught up in the ceiling rafters....over and over again. But really, it was SO cute and I'm SO glad we went. Here's to many more library excursions in our future! Even if we have to battle half of the community to get a good seat.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Mr. Clown guy showing all of the kids these cool experiments. Not only was it education but he had the kids in stitches the whole time. He put in quite the workout to make it happen. I kept thinking.....what if that were MY Dad? Hehe.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Afterward we celebrated with a quick grocery shopping jaunt. I've become quite amazing at feeding my kids lunch whilst doing my grocery shopping. Thank you walmart for your "chicken balls, juice bottles, and free bakery cookies" even if the cookies are the super messy kind. I do realize beggars can't be choosers. My kids love them so it's worth it I suppose.</span></td></tr>
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John n Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646089976330205667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7778436586668912125.post-38277907112356529582014-07-04T12:25:00.000-07:002015-03-04T12:47:27.584-08:00Weekes Family Reunion<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My dear Grandma Weekes has openly expressed her "dying wish" - no, she's not dying, nor is she even close to it, but she's always been very intent on laying on the guilt in hopes of getting all of her many many grandchildren to obey her requests... Anyway I digress, she's been spending the last year or so begging and pleading for all of her grandchildren to come and celebrate in a good old fashioned Weekes Family Reunion this summer. I must admit, I tried my hardest to come up with excuses as to why we couldn't make it (it has been quite a busy summer!) and I wasn't entirely sure John had the vacation days at work to use toward it, but in the end I'm glad we made it work. I have some dear cousins that spent a LOT of time planning it and also my dear Grandmother who footed most of the bill (if not all) just in an attempt to get everyone there. In the end, it was a great time and my kids had a blast. Of course, I also had a blast getting to see all the cousins I grew up with way back when. So, thank you to my dear Grandmother for making it such a priority for all of us to be there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were lucky enough, to book Aunt Cassie's floor space for the festivities which meant we didn't have to camp overnight in the summer heat for the three days it went on. I didn't see camping with a one year old as a very fun idea although there were plenty of others who were quite a bit more brave than I was. Regardless, I was quite thrilled that Cassie lived only a few minutes from the campground and we could still drive over and enjoy all of the festivities that were going on during the day and evening. It was quite the production and next time I promise not to drag my feet in getting us there like I did this time. Lesson learned.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CjR3hG4-PnM/VPduJXO3OeI/AAAAAAAAFj0/ZrbYiH7jPL8/s1600/IMG_1406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CjR3hG4-PnM/VPduJXO3OeI/AAAAAAAAFj0/ZrbYiH7jPL8/s1600/IMG_1406.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Daddy & Jonas having a reflective moment while fishing. Jonas LOVED fishing.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cbIpszGXvf0/VPduQy6dBOI/AAAAAAAAFj8/uZWWNlzyiw0/s1600/IMG_1407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cbIpszGXvf0/VPduQy6dBOI/AAAAAAAAFj8/uZWWNlzyiw0/s1600/IMG_1407.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Daddy posing with Addison, Jonas, and Alexa while baiting the fishing hook.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j6lWEm4-TxQ/VPduX8MNwhI/AAAAAAAAFkE/ZFlijcwsPvI/s1600/IMG_1403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j6lWEm4-TxQ/VPduX8MNwhI/AAAAAAAAFkE/ZFlijcwsPvI/s1600/IMG_1403.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Brooklyn showing off her reunion t-shirt. Can anything get cuter than this? I think not.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M0JPJFJCo04/VPdueN8f-TI/AAAAAAAAFkM/y2z_9OEfWSw/s1600/IMG_1409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M0JPJFJCo04/VPdueN8f-TI/AAAAAAAAFkM/y2z_9OEfWSw/s1600/IMG_1409.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Grandma Bell hanging out with Brooklyn at the reunion. I think these two look so much alike.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6wjOomUsTKQ/VPdui2kwT4I/AAAAAAAAFkU/QREb_ncVWDE/s1600/IMG_1418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6wjOomUsTKQ/VPdui2kwT4I/AAAAAAAAFkU/QREb_ncVWDE/s1600/IMG_1418.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Grandma Bell with the whole Hufford clan and matching shirts to boot!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o4daYNGsfOg/VPP8T_3ypdI/AAAAAAAAFdI/Us4ZHHVPyCw/s1600/IMG_2047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o4daYNGsfOg/VPP8T_3ypdI/AAAAAAAAFdI/Us4ZHHVPyCw/s1600/IMG_2047.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Daddy and Addison and Jonas spent a LOT of their spare time during the reunion just hanging out at the dock. They loved having a private little swimming area to play in. Not to mention, the fishing they were able to do (for the first time!) It made for such great memories.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B9CqK2EE5Cw/VPP8UAIx9gI/AAAAAAAAFdQ/SmJiJGdY3fU/s1600/IMG_2049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B9CqK2EE5Cw/VPP8UAIx9gI/AAAAAAAAFdQ/SmJiJGdY3fU/s1600/IMG_2049.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jonas soaking his feet off the dock at the lake.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fRMArG-40bA/VPP8UsSAoPI/AAAAAAAAFdU/j6dGCiwmC_M/s1600/IMG_2050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fRMArG-40bA/VPP8UsSAoPI/AAAAAAAAFdU/j6dGCiwmC_M/s1600/IMG_2050.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here are the two worn out swimmers. They spent so much time here. Needless to say, it wasn't hard to get them to sleep every night because of it.</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ME5nV5wERCU/VPP8VY-1aaI/AAAAAAAAFdg/SHmQ59-gQgA/s1600/IMG_2056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ME5nV5wERCU/VPP8VY-1aaI/AAAAAAAAFdg/SHmQ59-gQgA/s1600/IMG_2056.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And here they are hanging out with Makinley. Getting in some more cousin fun before it was time to head to bed.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RCchrAOgX4Y/VPP8WF1d2xI/AAAAAAAAFdo/3C0NYLoEV2s/s1600/IMG_2062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RCchrAOgX4Y/VPP8WF1d2xI/AAAAAAAAFdo/3C0NYLoEV2s/s1600/IMG_2062.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">To escape the heat, Daddy took these three to a movie matinee to see 'How To Train Your Dragon 2'. They all had a great time. Especially because popcorn was involved!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g5XU9gniB0M/VPP8X9dR8EI/AAAAAAAAFd0/GmROntxcaAM/s1600/IMG_2067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g5XU9gniB0M/VPP8X9dR8EI/AAAAAAAAFd0/GmROntxcaAM/s1600/IMG_2067.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And of course, it isn't a Weekes gathering without a Luau. My Tauai cousins are part Samoan so they always are gracious enough to share their talents and culture with the family. Addison and Alexa were thrilled to be a part of the production. Even if their grass skirts were a few sizes too big.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tXXZqQ8P4A4/VPP8Y29qEwI/AAAAAAAAFd8/5yc5538eaS0/s1600/IMG_2073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tXXZqQ8P4A4/VPP8Y29qEwI/AAAAAAAAFd8/5yc5538eaS0/s1600/IMG_2073.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And of course, our last day of the weekend consisted of a baby blessing at Kyle & Cassie's church for baby Kesten. Here is Grandpa heading to the car with a few of the boy cousins. Too cute of a picture to pass up.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yCroHyOps6Q/VPP8Q0cjehI/AAAAAAAAFcg/IddU_w-rrM8/s1600/10489854_10153096025219848_6565520569548496111_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yCroHyOps6Q/VPP8Q0cjehI/AAAAAAAAFcg/IddU_w-rrM8/s1600/10489854_10153096025219848_6565520569548496111_n.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I failed to mention that this trip had dual purposes. My Dad's side of the family was visiting Missouri for their own reunion on their other side. Naturally, we had to plan an afternoon together to have our own mini-impromptu reunion at a beautiful park that was strategically in the middle of our paths. Definitely worth all the work it took to make it happen.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wtHy5o0l2Hg/VPP8Q6Z7HSI/AAAAAAAAFcc/PKGI0OTnhbo/s1600/10525802_10153096025439848_312860175241231163_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wtHy5o0l2Hg/VPP8Q6Z7HSI/AAAAAAAAFcc/PKGI0OTnhbo/s1600/10525802_10153096025439848_312860175241231163_n.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All of the cousins hanging out at the "Bell Family Reunion."</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hnOQKIVSa3w/VPP8QzkFb-I/AAAAAAAAFc4/SCj8KzPSAoY/s1600/10527327_10153096026554848_3870406794197927607_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hnOQKIVSa3w/VPP8QzkFb-I/AAAAAAAAFc4/SCj8KzPSAoY/s1600/10527327_10153096026554848_3870406794197927607_n.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And of course a picture of some of the Bell cousins that were lucky enough to show up. Lots of years spent growing up with these hooligans. Oh the memories we could share.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ljaZOKYRwDc/VPP8RisMyYI/AAAAAAAAFck/-i4CsvKy6B4/s1600/10557180_10153096026104848_1925246581040346654_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ljaZOKYRwDc/VPP8RisMyYI/AAAAAAAAFck/-i4CsvKy6B4/s1600/10557180_10153096026104848_1925246581040346654_n.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And what is a party without a pinata? Here is Addison taking a swing. She's so tender I don't think she even made a dent in it but it was sure fun trying.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E0xDQm3VlKA/VPP8SOP15NI/AAAAAAAAFc0/DBe8ZfTHw8w/s1600/10558468_10153096078239848_1793320398_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E0xDQm3VlKA/VPP8SOP15NI/AAAAAAAAFc0/DBe8ZfTHw8w/s1600/10558468_10153096078239848_1793320398_o.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here are MOST of the Bell siblings (and spouses). We were sad we didn't get to spend time with Aunt Lorraine. Maybe next time!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6cLrtSrnhNU/VPP8SZatzVI/AAAAAAAAFc8/KO4lwqu8tlg/s1600/10571124_10153096078224848_965106557_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6cLrtSrnhNU/VPP8SZatzVI/AAAAAAAAFc8/KO4lwqu8tlg/s1600/10571124_10153096078224848_965106557_o.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And one more of the whole gang! It was more entertaining trying to get this picture prepped and ready to auto-shoot than I was expecting. Thus, the smiles on our faces were quite genuine while laughing at the whole process. So glad so many got to reunite and share memories.</span></td></tr>
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John n Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646089976330205667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7778436586668912125.post-74391075596719726772014-07-02T21:43:00.000-07:002015-03-01T21:48:07.994-08:00Our Beautiful ONE Year Old!<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My friend/photographer offered to meet up with me and take some beautiful pictures of this cute little one-year old baby. How could I resist? Such beautiful pictures of a beautiful baby. She was a bit unsure of the whole situation but eventually was quite a cooperative subject. So glad we get to look back on these and enjoy them for a lifetime. Pictures are truly worth every penny spent.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>John n Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646089976330205667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7778436586668912125.post-22375910379145224702014-07-01T11:43:00.000-07:002015-03-02T18:19:10.184-08:00Happy Birthday Brooklyn!<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This was the month we celebrate our beautiful and sassy Brooklyn turning ONE year old! My how time flies. It's been so fun spending this past year with her and getting to know her sweet personality more and more as it develops. She's really been such an easy and laid-back baby for her first year. However, I'm starting to sense some sassy attitude working it's way through. She's proving to be a good blend of her older brother and sister. And she's starting to give us a run for our money. She's a cutie though and is such a good addition to our family so we wouldn't have it any other way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The special girl got TWO celebrations for her big day. The first one was a low-key at-home party which included her "favorite dinner." Granted, Mommy had to do her best guess at what her favorite meal would consist of since she hasn't quite mastered the verbal communication yet. I guessed chicken nuggets, french fries, and watermelon. I think I was pretty spot-on! Can I say how much I'm grateful that at these young ages, my kids birthday meals are soooo easy to make!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Her second celebration was the bigger of the two. We were able to rent our neighborhood clubhouse and decorate the heck out of it. I decided to go with the "Birds" theme and I think it turned out adorable. Thanks to the help of my friend Emily who already had a lot of themed decorations and was coincidentally an awesome party planner to boot. It looked adorable and of course Brooklyn looked adorable. All the extra work was worth it! Sidenote: I'm fully aware that any one year old child has no idea nor do they care how big of a production their first birthday is. I do this for me and my pictures and this blog. Years later they'll be so thankful that their Momma put so much work into such a special birthday. After all, this milestone is the only birthday I celebrate with such a big production. Enjoy the festive pictures!</span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">Happy ONE Year Brooklyn!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MJj1s73CQ1U/VPUS98Ntx_I/AAAAAAAAFe0/0kIQngr6tWA/s1600/10309127_10152474162655042_4310836020843732157_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MJj1s73CQ1U/VPUS98Ntx_I/AAAAAAAAFe0/0kIQngr6tWA/s1600/10309127_10152474162655042_4310836020843732157_n.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cake Smash....of course. BEST part of any first birthday. If I had to rate my kiddos and their level of "smash-ness" Brooklyn would come in 2nd place. She was interested but not overly thrilled about smearing it everywhere. Addison takes the cake (pun intended)! She thoroughly coated herself in her smash cake. Jonas was our lightweight and thus receives a 3rd place rank. He enjoyed it but surprisingly the thought of the mess turned him off from really getting into it. Whodathunk?!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zzPRejCIHPA/VPUS9-MzP2I/AAAAAAAAFe4/I84Me2gM7WU/s1600/10363227_10152474164460042_3250755700764824704_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zzPRejCIHPA/VPUS9-MzP2I/AAAAAAAAFe4/I84Me2gM7WU/s1600/10363227_10152474164460042_3250755700764824704_n.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sweet little one year old with her pensive thoughts.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-16FTIX2uoUM/VPUS9xADsvI/AAAAAAAAFe8/IsjFUh-IdNA/s1600/10399986_10152474166335042_4168180430027991394_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-16FTIX2uoUM/VPUS9xADsvI/AAAAAAAAFe8/IsjFUh-IdNA/s1600/10399986_10152474166335042_4168180430027991394_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Washing down all that cake with a nice bottle o' milk.....with Daddy of course.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iaahCpmh1Fk/VPUS-mmEoaI/AAAAAAAAFfA/eUv40ynanr0/s1600/10426653_10152474165625042_7941035782392729367_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iaahCpmh1Fk/VPUS-mmEoaI/AAAAAAAAFfA/eUv40ynanr0/s1600/10426653_10152474165625042_7941035782392729367_n.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Hufford Men....doing what they do.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r5FtvFa5Hnc/VPUS-4rnIbI/AAAAAAAAFgc/M0GsklYeLm4/s1600/10464192_10152474163715042_6776535215173659072_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r5FtvFa5Hnc/VPUS-4rnIbI/AAAAAAAAFgc/M0GsklYeLm4/s1600/10464192_10152474163715042_6776535215173659072_n.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--iZk0m35FTQ/VPUS_CfjYtI/AAAAAAAAFfE/djsdC_oqTJA/s1600/10470609_10152474164270042_7307219727817581960_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--iZk0m35FTQ/VPUS_CfjYtI/AAAAAAAAFfE/djsdC_oqTJA/s1600/10470609_10152474164270042_7307219727817581960_n.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Such a pretty big sister! Have I mentioned how helpful she is too? We got lucky with this one.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Z5FO9kapxY/VPUS_k-JBQI/AAAAAAAAFfM/DwRGnVRh4YY/s1600/10472085_10152474164560042_7810009643867982737_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Z5FO9kapxY/VPUS_k-JBQI/AAAAAAAAFfM/DwRGnVRh4YY/s1600/10472085_10152474164560042_7810009643867982737_n.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sneaking in a few Daddy snuggles. Or maybe just trying to get him as messy as she got herself.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-88fSRmYiUaA/VPUS_-4uXSI/AAAAAAAAFfQ/WjyZprECT0U/s1600/10475711_10152474166700042_8797243333184769566_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-88fSRmYiUaA/VPUS_-4uXSI/AAAAAAAAFfQ/WjyZprECT0U/s1600/10475711_10152474166700042_8797243333184769566_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The bird nest cupcakes. Cute and fairly easy. Thanks Pinterest!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gPlGXbo7M2A/VPUTAQzTjFI/AAAAAAAAFfU/kGwhKdo9ka8/s1600/10477294_10152474169220042_1775554464288712507_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gPlGXbo7M2A/VPUTAQzTjFI/AAAAAAAAFfU/kGwhKdo9ka8/s1600/10477294_10152474169220042_1775554464288712507_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The birthday spread. Sandwiches, toppings, fruit, chips, and pink lemonade of course.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJhlj-n6UnE/VPUTBZ2O4BI/AAAAAAAAFfk/VKRdIbq9Gv8/s1600/10492239_10152474167270042_5078959891482201614_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJhlj-n6UnE/VPUTBZ2O4BI/AAAAAAAAFfk/VKRdIbq9Gv8/s1600/10492239_10152474167270042_5078959891482201614_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A good look at her "smash cake" before she smashed it.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zd4KEGQUd2A/VPUTCIB-ViI/AAAAAAAAFfs/jkgCJBCrd2I/s1600/10505609_10152474167185042_2308389483682641793_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zd4KEGQUd2A/VPUTCIB-ViI/AAAAAAAAFfs/jkgCJBCrd2I/s1600/10505609_10152474167185042_2308389483682641793_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The paparazzi that couldn't resist snapping a few photos of the birthday girl - pre-smash.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CVESVZnl_GQ/VPUTDRk6flI/AAAAAAAAFgA/prJFG1Mp8Hs/s1600/IMG_2041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CVESVZnl_GQ/VPUTDRk6flI/AAAAAAAAFgA/prJFG1Mp8Hs/s1600/IMG_2041.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One of my favorite decorations at her party. A month-by-month glance of her first year. And yes, this crazy Momma takes full credit for spelling her own child's name wrong. Can I blame birthday party planning stress? If so, I choose to do that. Brooklyn, Mommy is fully aware that your name only has one "N" I promise!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eEmXWP8X0m0/VPUTAqAEU8I/AAAAAAAAFfY/jtnJMGDvIEk/s1600/10478083_10152474169380042_7473995690532464361_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eEmXWP8X0m0/VPUTAqAEU8I/AAAAAAAAFfY/jtnJMGDvIEk/s1600/10478083_10152474169380042_7473995690532464361_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our low-key family party with her "favorite dinner."</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gUZhZnC8MpA/VPUTBKN_bWI/AAAAAAAAFfg/Rr0hyGeRKAU/s1600/10478218_10152474169020042_8979634819888873217_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gUZhZnC8MpA/VPUTBKN_bWI/AAAAAAAAFfg/Rr0hyGeRKAU/s1600/10478218_10152474169020042_8979634819888873217_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Treating her to a birthday balloon on her special day. Jonas was just a tinge jealous that he didn't get one. Life can be so unfair. ;)</span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M8Y_jWRfpnk/VPUTCcciBGI/AAAAAAAAFfw/yC8-y8JwF-Y/s1600/IMG_2028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M8Y_jWRfpnk/VPUTCcciBGI/AAAAAAAAFfw/yC8-y8JwF-Y/s1600/IMG_2028.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And the birthday girl opening her family presents. Our chance to spoil the girl who totally spoiled us by joining our family. We are blessed. She is a perfect fit!</span></td></tr>
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John n Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646089976330205667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7778436586668912125.post-50332091510455717362014-06-30T11:48:00.000-07:002015-03-01T21:37:25.250-08:00A Day In The Life<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">June has been a busy month! Nothing extrodinary but of course our day-to-day life is pretty exciting. Here's a bit of what June had in store for us. Love our summer fun!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-05R_gpmaoPE/VPPxPt3TvmI/AAAAAAAAFZY/FAmlDs0KptU/s1600/IMG_1975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-05R_gpmaoPE/VPPxPt3TvmI/AAAAAAAAFZY/FAmlDs0KptU/s1600/IMG_1975.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We had some new additions to the Hufford Home this month. Daddy found these cuties nesting in our backyard tree. Needless to say, it made quite an exciting time for the kiddos (and Daddy) to check on their progress daily.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r7Zvd67vPYo/VPPxc3DfHkI/AAAAAAAAFZg/8pDbMEk5XN0/s1600/IMG_1139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r7Zvd67vPYo/VPPxc3DfHkI/AAAAAAAAFZg/8pDbMEk5XN0/s1600/IMG_1139.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We spent a LOT of time at the neighborhood pool. This was a rare occassion where we got it mostly to ourselves. Jonas is learning to be more confident with his puddle jumper and without Mommy by his side. Needless to say, he's convinced he is drowning.....as is his big sister. He spent most of his time floating there and calling for Mommy only to be saved by his sister. Yes, Mommy had the situation perfectly assessed and there was no need for him to be worried. However, it was adorable to hear Addison keep telling him "You're okay" as she hugged him and swam to the side to "save him." She sure loves her brother.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sPiKs6mRMYg/VPPxez3cVCI/AAAAAAAAFZo/Qq2a1NLuQbY/s1600/IMG_1991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sPiKs6mRMYg/VPPxez3cVCI/AAAAAAAAFZo/Qq2a1NLuQbY/s1600/IMG_1991.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I don't really remember what happened here but it's always hilarious to see the predicaments these children can get themselves into. It's much more fun to make them pose for the picture than to save them right away. ;)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NWwShUcsHCU/VPPxsQk4_tI/AAAAAAAAFZw/M4g2WkPfhWA/s1600/IMG_2007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NWwShUcsHCU/VPPxsQk4_tI/AAAAAAAAFZw/M4g2WkPfhWA/s1600/IMG_2007.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Due to a sad family emergency we were able to have Uncle Jim visit from Utah. Needless to say, the kiddos immediately took right to him and rarely left his side. He makes a good wrestler...just like their Daddy. They were definitely fans of Uncle Jim!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ThnrhHWjOsc/VPPxzhrTobI/AAAAAAAAFZ4/KIrN-5EMq0E/s1600/IMG_1153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ThnrhHWjOsc/VPPxzhrTobI/AAAAAAAAFZ4/KIrN-5EMq0E/s1600/IMG_1153.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Just a random picture of a cutie-patootie playing with a "boon". She loves her some "boon's!"</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w5EwHubzOwk/VPPx4ciJiNI/AAAAAAAAFaA/sKVI84ek7l4/s1600/IMG_1160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w5EwHubzOwk/VPPx4ciJiNI/AAAAAAAAFaA/sKVI84ek7l4/s1600/IMG_1160.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sometimes, when<span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">tiny town and happened across a fun park to get our wiggles out at. Jonas was immediately drawn to the "tracker" of course.</span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> running "boring errands" we decide to mix it up with a bit of excitement. We spent this day in a VERY </span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YCs8rMhixLw/VPPyJUS_eSI/AAAAAAAAFaI/mvDt3dlY0Iw/s1600/IMG_1172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YCs8rMhixLw/VPPyJUS_eSI/AAAAAAAAFaI/mvDt3dlY0Iw/s1600/IMG_1172.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I had a few worries about Jonas' hearing. Mostly, due to some old ear infections he had in the past but also because it seemed he didn't seem to be hearing a lot of what I was saying to him. Welp, after a quick visit to the ENT (whom we love) we did a hearing test, had him checked out, and got the good news that he has absolutely NO hearing problems. Those ears work like a charm. Apparently so does his "typical boyhood" behavior of pretending to ignore Mom. Not sure if I was very excited to hear that "good news." I was hoping they'd have a good reason why this guy ignores me all the time!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nmtfuh1ajvQ/VPPyQpkAKLI/AAAAAAAAFaQ/c6B4eJH-NL4/s1600/IMG_1189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nmtfuh1ajvQ/VPPyQpkAKLI/AAAAAAAAFaQ/c6B4eJH-NL4/s1600/IMG_1189.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We spent some time at a summer movie with some friends. Of course, afterward we had to grab some groceries for dinner and these two LOVED pushing their very own shopping carts. It was awfully cute to watch them even though they spent most of their time ramming them into the backs of my ankles. ;)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iDJ10A8IpUk/VPPyfTS2p9I/AAAAAAAAFaY/8ghhFsdx_-Y/s1600/IMG_1229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iDJ10A8IpUk/VPPyfTS2p9I/AAAAAAAAFaY/8ghhFsdx_-Y/s1600/IMG_1229.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Just a cute picture of a cute baby from an impromptu lunch at the "Poppy (popcorn) store" (aka: Target)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NZaUMeizMUs/VPPyihbGJvI/AAAAAAAAFag/GfXnSCa94k8/s1600/IMG_1230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NZaUMeizMUs/VPPyihbGJvI/AAAAAAAAFag/GfXnSCa94k8/s1600/IMG_1230.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Same trip, same lunch, same store, but different cute kiddos. They sure love each other. And are so well-trained in the art of posing for the camera. Love these kiddos.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4_WHUKu8mlw/VPPynTwuKzI/AAAAAAAAFao/QQ4ckcs60gQ/s1600/IMG_1247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4_WHUKu8mlw/VPPynTwuKzI/AAAAAAAAFao/QQ4ckcs60gQ/s1600/IMG_1247.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This little girly is quite excited about one of her baby milestones! Her first gallon of whole milk! Mommy's quite excited to cut the budget back from that expensive formula too!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-boB3HXWwOqc/VPPyrudU-dI/AAAAAAAAFaw/BWmANuGS0Io/s1600/IMG_1251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-boB3HXWwOqc/VPPyrudU-dI/AAAAAAAAFaw/BWmANuGS0Io/s1600/IMG_1251.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Addison has always had a love for the life of a chef. She offered to make me breakfast this morning so of course it didn't take me long to comply. Here she is working hard to make some toast for me. Such a cute chef.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AtWLOosmDCk/VPPytxAqUqI/AAAAAAAAFa4/irLgM2BPGOY/s1600/IMG_1253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AtWLOosmDCk/VPPytxAqUqI/AAAAAAAAFa4/irLgM2BPGOY/s1600/IMG_1253.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And of course, her finished project. Granola cereal and a beautiful piece of toast. It's amazing how much better a meal can taste when you aren't the one who made it. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iSamLSACvgU/VPPyzPHwWII/AAAAAAAAFbA/8Q84l5y6VDE/s1600/IMG_1261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iSamLSACvgU/VPPyzPHwWII/AAAAAAAAFbA/8Q84l5y6VDE/s1600/IMG_1261.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here we are enjoying our free summer lunches at Mary Mae Elementary. The kids love eating at an actual school and I love not having to cook any lunch in the heat of the summer. It's a win-win.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FAQtyv7QdHg/VPPy9PIstFI/AAAAAAAAFbI/wQtPboR3P0c/s1600/IMG_1277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FAQtyv7QdHg/VPPy9PIstFI/AAAAAAAAFbI/wQtPboR3P0c/s1600/IMG_1277.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We spent a lot of our hot summer days at the local splash park. It's a frequent excursion we do. Of course, I had to snap a picture of this little model baby soaking in the sun and water.</span></td></tr>
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John n Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646089976330205667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7778436586668912125.post-45958045391379251542014-06-15T11:53:00.000-07:002015-03-01T19:11:59.733-08:00A Fabulous Father's Day<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We've been pretty blessed by pretty awesome Daddy. One of the many things that make him so awesome is that he never expects anything fancy for Father's Day, Birthdays, or any holiday. He's much more appreciative of the creative, thoughtful, meaningful gifts. Great right? Except, sometimes it can stress this poor Mama out. Especially, when I don't have a strong creative gene in my body. And year after year, my "creative" ideas get depleted. Oh well, he's definitely worth trying hard for. We hope he felt our love this Father's Day. We are grateful for him everyday but we are glad we get to shower him in love at least once a year. He's such a hard worker, loving and considerate, fun, patient, and most importantly ALWAYS tries harder to be a better and more loving Daddy and Husband. It's hard to imagine but yes he keeps getting better every year and we keep loving him more each year as well. We are blessed with a great Dad. So glad I found him so many years ago! I picked a good one!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Random pictures with his adorable babies.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9hcI8AWBHcs/VPPT-_67vrI/AAAAAAAAFYw/6V0GE0Mt7Uk/s1600/IMG_2010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9hcI8AWBHcs/VPPT-_67vrI/AAAAAAAAFYw/6V0GE0Mt7Uk/s1600/IMG_2010.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The gifts we came up with to celebrate the Daddy we all love. Addison made him the white book and illustrated her own pictures of all the reasons she loves her Dad. Jonas, being the baseball lover that he is, put his cute little blue handprint on the baseball along with his age and name. Brooklyn made the cute card with her handprints and of course the accordion hands to show Daddy just how much she loves him. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>John n Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646089976330205667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7778436586668912125.post-44842203474909842052014-06-01T11:45:00.000-07:002015-03-01T19:04:10.955-08:0011 Months Old<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Our little "Booken" is now 11 months OLD!! Where has the time gone? It seems to go faster and faster for each consecutive child. Mostly because I spend more of my time chasing around ALL the kids instead of just sitting and starting at her while she grows up in front of my eyes....like I did with Addison. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here is a glimpse of what our little "Book-a-dyn" (yes she has LOTS of nicknames) has been up to...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yza6hoDmq9s/VPPSLOEaOrI/AAAAAAAAFX4/Npjr-Yiv88I/s1600/IMG_1071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yza6hoDmq9s/VPPSLOEaOrI/AAAAAAAAFX4/Npjr-Yiv88I/s1600/IMG_1071.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Her first ponytail! Such a cutie and she just got even cuter! Love that kissy face too.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aZIKOVEZZXs/VPPSLhJ_w5I/AAAAAAAAFX8/8MiwocAD-PA/s1600/IMG_1098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aZIKOVEZZXs/VPPSLhJ_w5I/AAAAAAAAFX8/8MiwocAD-PA/s1600/IMG_1098.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Learning to eat like a big girl. Go cubbies!<br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p88OLCdYq5I/VPPSOS4wubI/AAAAAAAAFYY/tzuZLoc9sgk/s1600/IMG_1104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p88OLCdYq5I/VPPSOS4wubI/AAAAAAAAFYY/tzuZLoc9sgk/s1600/IMG_1104.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Swinging at the park. She loves it.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RUzBXm7tgCg/VPPSOW2akHI/AAAAAAAAFYQ/s-w_7wWRp6s/s1600/IMG_1128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RUzBXm7tgCg/VPPSOW2akHI/AAAAAAAAFYQ/s-w_7wWRp6s/s1600/IMG_1128.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Learning to make balloon animals.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iAH1uelxwMY/VPPSOqQZudI/AAAAAAAAFYU/5f2f13X9qW4/s1600/IMG_1996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iAH1uelxwMY/VPPSOqQZudI/AAAAAAAAFYU/5f2f13X9qW4/s1600/IMG_1996.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Showing off her hair bling - which I'm sure was put there by her big sister. And just to note, this girly was NEVER a fan of baby rice or baby cereal. She wanted the real food from the get-go. We gave it a ton of tries to no avail.</span></td></tr>
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John n Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646089976330205667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7778436586668912125.post-57320186183711223172014-05-31T11:47:00.000-07:002014-07-24T11:16:30.096-07:00A Day In The Life<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And now you've entered the dumping grounds for all the random happenings in May that are too minute to have their own post. Enjoy!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Brooklyn has decided to go on the hunt for her own food. Maybe I wasn't getting it to her fast enough? Either way, I'm not offended. Makes my job easier! Munching down on a forgotten apple on the floor. Third child problems. ;)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jonas starts most of his mornings out with tears. It's....not fun. However, this day the "bwoken banana" did not help matters. He kept following me around sobbing "Mommy, ith bwoken. Fix ith!" Sadly, I could not fulfill his request...so I just took a picture instead. Aren't I great at sympathizing with him? ;)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Brooklyn rarely gets Daddy to herself most days. Her siblings don't like to share. This was a rare moment for everyone and she was loving it. She sure loves her Daddy.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pmT_e7apwuY/U9FIb9orkQI/AAAAAAAAFN0/Zeip-OwSmU4/s1600/IMG_0852.JPG" height="320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is the face I peered into after I sent him to play in the backyard for a few minutes. I was a bit scared of bending down to sniff the mysterious brown substance so I could identify it. Luckily, it was just chocolate.....phew. I wouldn't put 'eating his own poop' past him though. This boy always keeps me guessing.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p3iJWRXptA8/U9FIjGOm0sI/AAAAAAAAFN8/iVCoj6zz8yE/s1600/IMG_0887.JPG" height="320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jonas was actually being SUPER helpful (not a norm for him at this age) and was proud to go in and keep Brooklyn happy while I finished getting ready. So grateful for him on his helpful days. And he likes being in charge when Addison is away at preschool.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">ANYtime Daddy is on the floor and crawling around, this little guy saddles up. I just happened to capture the picture as he was tossing his 'Daddy hat' around. Looks like a true blue cowboy to me!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WFXKYwZcU0g/U9FIz5hTp1I/AAAAAAAAFOM/pFlDzgtZ1wk/s1600/IMG_0917.jpg" height="320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I promise...we do do things with Addison too. She's just spent most of this month busy at preschool. I can really start to see how well Jonas and Brooklyn play together. It's a good thing since we will have a lot more time with each other when Addison is off to Kindergarten soon!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Daddy had to leave on a work trip so the kids and I went on an adventure of our own. We finally got to explore Crystal Bridges walking trails. We were in LOVE. It's so beautiful and well maintained. Aside from the random complaining of tired feet (yes I was mean and made them burn energy by walking most of it) it was a wonderful little stroll. Here they are showing off the cool bridge we found. They spent most of the time running ahead and exploring.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Annnnddd we also found a turtle on our little walk. Can't help but pose by a concrete turtle when you happen across one on a hike! Love my cute kiddos...especially since they were getting along so well.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sometimes we go for a walk around the square while waiting to pick Addison up from Preschool. Of course, you must ALWAYS dip the toes when a fountain is around. This little guy LOVES water.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We also spent a lot of time hanging out at the city splash park. We are huge fans of this one folks. This particular day was a bit chilly but we had it all to ourselves! I'd say Brooklyn was a fan for a first-timer!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Addison loved splashing around in her ballerina swimming suit as well. She didn't mind the cold weather one bit!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jonas is my water boy. He loves to drink it, play in it, bathe in it, swim in it, but mostly DRINK it. Apparently he got a bit parched during our play session.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We took a mini-family adventure in our backyard and went camping. We are hoping to do it "big leagues" if we can master the backyard first. It's a lot of hard work with such little kids but it also means it is a lot of fun with them too. Those two were so excited to sleep outside. Brooklyn and Mommy were the first to bail....at midnight...and retreat to the house. Which was good because within an hour Daddy called me on the phone and mentioned they were caught in a downpour with a leaky tent. The kiddos did so good sleeping in it...even with the rain coming in from every corner. After rescuing them, and most of our stuff, they went right back to bed! I'd say they are camping fans!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Of course, Daddy had to try out his latest youtube experiment. Our homemade air conditioner. Surprisingly it was pretty easy to make and worked pretty decent. It could have used a higher powered fan but apparently those aren't sold in stores anymore?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And last but not least....a random Sam's trip. They were thrilled to be 3 inches from a 54" big screen. Cute faces...love these kiddos.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>John n Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646089976330205667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7778436586668912125.post-16905800440448505802014-05-28T21:14:00.000-07:002014-07-22T11:43:23.381-07:00Happy Birthday Addison!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My oldest baby turned FIVE years old! When did that happen? She used to be soooo tiny. She made me a Mommy and I won't ever forget how I felt when I first held her and got to meet her five years ago on May 28th 2009. She's been such a joy to hang out with these past five years. She may look a lot like her Daddy but she acts a lot like me. That is fun to see most of the time but it can also make us butt heads sometimes because we are so much alike. She teaches me SO much about myself. More than she even realizes. I learn (and am reminded) every day why I'm this cute little girl's Mommy. And I'm forever grateful that I am. She's really a dream....such a good girly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For breakfast we surprised her with a yummy meal. White powder donuts - she ALWAYS asks to get these when we are at the store. Mommy prefers the chocolate ones so since I'm paying the bill, and since the white ones are always SO messy, we get chocolate. Alas, I knew she deserved some white ones for her special birthday breakfast. She's also a lover of ALL fruit. But mostly strawberries and blueberries. And ever since she was little, she has LOVED milk. Just like her Daddy. So of course we had to get her a cold glass full of milk too. This was one of the easiest breakfasts to make so we were both quite happy with it. Jonas was pretty thrilled he got to partake of it too. It pays to be the little brother sometimes. ;)</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Breakfast of champions! Five year old champions at least!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We didn't have too much planned for her big day. She was a nice girly and let me go visiting teaching the morning of her birthday. It wasn't too boring for her since one of the sisters we visit is the Mommy to one of her good guy friends. She enjoyed the play date at both houses.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Afterward, we were running off to meet up with Daddy for her birthday lunch. She had a hard time picking where she wanted to go. Mostly because she tries so hard to be a people-pleaser and was trying to pick where she thought WE wanted to go. She went through several choices and I kept trying to figure out which was HER choice instead of ours. After much insisting, her choice came through, McDonald's! Yes, that was ALL her choice...not one of my favorites but that day it was delicious since it was what SHE picked. I think part of the reason she picked it was because she was hoping for a Happy Meal and toy. And of course, how could we not? It was her birthday after all. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Waiting for Daddy at lunch. Hanging out in the play place while we did.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Of course, after lunch was naps and time to get ready for her next party. Dinner! With Grandma & Grandpa Fields too! For dinner she picked out all her favorites: Steak (always one of her favorites), french fries, macaroni & cheese, watermelon, and chocolate milk to drink. It was quite yummy and we were so glad Grandma & Grandpa Fields got to join us too.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Getting ready to dig in on her birthday dinner.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One more group picture before we eat. Not shown: Brooklyn & Mommy behind the camera.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Of course one of the best parts of birthdays is the yummy cake at the end. Mommy got to use her executive privileges on picking out/making this part. Of course, I know my girly well and thank heavens I guessed just what she loved. Strawberry cake! I think she was more excited about the decorations though. She is obsessed with the movie Frozen and I'm quite surprised we were able to find the tiara and jewelry since everything Frozen related is nowhere to be found on the shelves.</span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eE0lG_-Q378/U86rPSt_x5I/AAAAAAAAFMo/UGM4qwlL5Io/s1600/IMG_1039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eE0lG_-Q378/U86rPSt_x5I/AAAAAAAAFMo/UGM4qwlL5Io/s1600/IMG_1039.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And last but not least, Dessert!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And of course the part she waited the longest for....presents! She was gobbling up her dinner and then hovering around the table to encourage us to gobble up ours so we could move on to presents quickly. She definitely scored in this department! She was one happy girl and it was so much fun watching her open each one. Grandma & Grandpa hit the jackpot with Elsa/Frozen toys as well. She was thrilled. I'd say she thoroughly enjoyed turning five years old!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Iddzp92CaSI/U86rTurbLgI/AAAAAAAAFMw/AfE5XqcLwvM/s1600/IMG_1040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Iddzp92CaSI/U86rTurbLgI/AAAAAAAAFMw/AfE5XqcLwvM/s1600/IMG_1040.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Posing by her toy loot. She was loving it.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One of the things she did ask for was a lego set. As in the "big girl little legos". And Daddy made it happen. Daddy & Addison spent time together after the party was over and created this. He actually just watched while she built it all herself. Apparently she is quite the professional at lego-building. Looks like we are joining a new (albeit expensive) toy hobby now. I didn't know just how quickly she'd take to it. She loved it. Here's to hoping she doesn't lose any little pieces to Brooklyn or Jonas' tummies.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0887P0Ea0l4/U86rXAyvakI/AAAAAAAAFM4/ipqcwvlhDdE/s1600/IMG_1957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0887P0Ea0l4/U86rXAyvakI/AAAAAAAAFM4/ipqcwvlhDdE/s1600/IMG_1957.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Quite proud of her lego creation. I was impressed at how easily she took to this project.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And another favorite present? Grandma & Grandpa bought her a real microphone and the Disney Frozen soundtrack so she could belt out her music for all of us to hear. Seriously, she loves to perform. And she's memorized every word of Frozen. It was a little bit of heaven for her to show us her moves with her new microphone. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our little performer. She has so many of the words (and actions) memorized. It's hilarious and adorable.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We LOVE you Addison! We are so happy you are the oldest in our family. You are such a good example to your brother and sister (and Parents!). You have taught us so much by your quiet example and also your willingness to do good things and obey the rules. You have such a sweet personality and we are grateful we get to spend our lives with you in our family. I couldn't imagine what we'd do without you. Thank you for letting me be your Mom!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;"><b>HAPPY FIVE YEARS OLD ADDISON!</b></span></span></div>
John n Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646089976330205667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7778436586668912125.post-50269577997634079912014-05-23T19:36:00.000-07:002014-05-29T21:13:15.661-07:00Preschool Farewell!<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Addison has spent the last two school years in a wonderful preschool called Explore & Discover. We've all been pleased with it and her and she's especially loved having something of her own to belong to. Each of those two years I've looked forward to their end-of-year preschool singing performance. It's short and quick (after all they are 4 and 5 years old) but it's so fun to see what fun songs they've been learning throughout the year. This year was no different.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Getting ready to start their performance.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our cute Addibell.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AWga-uV2BY8/U4gDz1MRABI/AAAAAAAAFFw/jaJMcIc8mMs/s1600/IMG_1915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AWga-uV2BY8/U4gDz1MRABI/AAAAAAAAFFw/jaJMcIc8mMs/s1600/IMG_1915.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">She knew all the words and was thoroughly enjoying performing even though she acted a little shy while she did it. She's our little performer in the family and loves to be the center of attention.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After her performance, with her flowers and her kook-aid mustache. Love it.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">She was so lucky to have cousins Bryce, Karah, and Bradley come with Aunt Sarah. They were so sweet they even gave her flowers after she was done. She was in heaven.<br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fZnPJUav7AQ/U4gD3zdS1lI/AAAAAAAAFGg/qavON7uYWYI/s1600/IMG_1922.JPG" height="240" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Grandma & Grandpa even came to show their love and support. We of course had to celebrate with a yummy lunch at Chick-fil-a afterward.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jonas and Grandpa are pretty good buddies. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm so grateful for Addison and the desire she has to be such a good student. She loves to learn and she loves to sing and has a great memory to boot! I'm also appreciative of the support she gets from extended family for such special occasions as this one and future ones. We are blessed. Happy end-of-preschool-year to Addison!</span></div>
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