Hosting Heartfelt Holiday Parties

<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTHBPC7EY5aFJoo-4TOKNizsFM6j0KbhGwH25iiBeoWbcZd1_aAsdo4UMw0qkwohR76toI4Y5K70Ho1-L9pGrHG6Qk8OZyzZzj6-EJIoPLAb_Xbt11i_97yIoH3MOAzBzYwkFFz6kV4xA/s1600/IMG_4648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTHBPC7EY5aFJoo-4TOKNizsFM6j0KbhGwH25iiBeoWbcZd1_aAsdo4UMw0qkwohR76toI4Y5K70Ho1-L9pGrHG6Qk8OZyzZzj6-EJIoPLAb_Xbt11i_97yIoH3MOAzBzYwkFFz6kV4xA/s1600/IMG_4648.jpg" width="424" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start;">As you all know, each month I write an article for My Well-Being.com.  This month I shared my ideas for Hosting Heartfelt Holiday Parties.  It is not too late to try some of these ideas this year - most are very simple and require minimal planning.  Enjoy this excerpt, read the entire article, <a href="http://www.mywell-being.com/enjoy/ideas-hosting-heartfelt-holiday-parties-jhobick-2014-12-14-h0m0p1l2-000011110000">here</a>.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start;"><br />"Each Holiday season I make our family entertaining plan.  We don't host a large fancy open house or a cocktail party for a hundred people, but we host many small gatherings for our friends and family.  When I make this plan and schedule, we talk about what we really want to experience during the Holiday season - memorable moments with our family, magical experiences with our daughter, festive celebrations with friends and traditions of giving to others.  We do our best to plan our entire month of December around these goals of truly experiencing the warmth, peace and love that the Holidays can bring....</span></div><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start;">Caroling Party, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start;">Cookie Decorating Party, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start;">Candlelight Dinner, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start;">Stocking Stuffing Party..."</span></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start;">Keep reading and get more details about each of these parties ideas, <a href="http://www.mywell-being.com/enjoy/ideas-hosting-heartfelt-holiday-parties-jhobick-2014-12-14-h0m0p1l2-000011110000">here</a>.  Happy Holiday Hosting!</span></div><br />

Hosting Heartfelt Holiday Parties

As you all know, each month I write an article for My Well-Being.com.  This month I shared my ideas for Hosting Heartfelt Holiday Parties.  ...

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Fall Fun on the Farm | Our Trip to Fahrmeier Farms

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8nfwclWgT5OUEH3Py9UdaDHEJQssOMXVpqziybDGgo9XLnepkW0GnyQo8ngLBpM0ykyh0laAGkSiyOc4V1CP-JkYJcXs4eKLrKYzNVzGrTBq00vjZVWiRwceIDuT_KG9aYqzb_vfFaAj/s1600/IMG_4969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8nfwclWgT5OUEH3Py9UdaDHEJQssOMXVpqziybDGgo9XLnepkW0GnyQo8ngLBpM0ykyh0laAGkSiyOc4V1CP-JkYJcXs4eKLrKYzNVzGrTBq00vjZVWiRwceIDuT_KG9aYqzb_vfFaAj/s1600/IMG_4969.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>My cousins have a farm just outside of Kansas City - a real farm.  Where they grow things.  They produce amazing heirloom tomatoes, vegetables and fruits.  This year my cousin and his wife, Lorin, (that have a little boy Emma's age) have developed a U-Pick area of the farm.  They saw a need in our area's market for a real farm experience for kids and familes. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHIAo4Q-53XO9JeCM5sn5Xqf1bNrQzvmVBEW-XPx5kSUHu2kR0OfZqU-8qtJfYbbFGaJgTp79lNm28NV82UxfM3u1qPXA3guXfF0nKI59lZ3j-E2XQLA9rIeBQzHFGUsdmAVJNYiA2apO/s1600/IMG_4965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHIAo4Q-53XO9JeCM5sn5Xqf1bNrQzvmVBEW-XPx5kSUHu2kR0OfZqU-8qtJfYbbFGaJgTp79lNm28NV82UxfM3u1qPXA3guXfF0nKI59lZ3j-E2XQLA9rIeBQzHFGUsdmAVJNYiA2apO/s1600/IMG_4965.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />So many of the area's U-Pick apples, pumpkins and berries farms are filled with other attractions that really have nothing to do with the actual art of farming - the experience of getting to come out to the beautiful wide open, see the fields, see how things grow and breathe fresh air.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTGuNfUEHLVW894caWLIT0yQ2BxsdVEt6QKDyFapoX2QCmX6MeWCjrUCF53tyiTLib99L0ZDU1VWhz4HMpmpwGQ26TXzLmV4Ja3PPZavsOX9W0UpotorvshOjGBOguFBVhZ87JVDMT1dPJ/s1600/IMG_4967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTGuNfUEHLVW894caWLIT0yQ2BxsdVEt6QKDyFapoX2QCmX6MeWCjrUCF53tyiTLib99L0ZDU1VWhz4HMpmpwGQ26TXzLmV4Ja3PPZavsOX9W0UpotorvshOjGBOguFBVhZ87JVDMT1dPJ/s1600/IMG_4967.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />They built their own "Little Red Barn" as they call it.  It houses their fresh produce, fresh apple muffins and local cider.  Lorin has done such a cute job with everything - charming and quaint. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_YtPxlAVe_125ph8RUQQws6H0pTNN4-dQZsPQzSHsPuxA_hE9rZS3ADhB8dsD5ho_ukhsZXfLsNEuSxQwBqf9X3umGxbgWKcVA4KZFJTUfmuBbjO05RK6KR9kTIprYRJMJu4Yed56NHI/s1600/IMG_4962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_YtPxlAVe_125ph8RUQQws6H0pTNN4-dQZsPQzSHsPuxA_hE9rZS3ADhB8dsD5ho_ukhsZXfLsNEuSxQwBqf9X3umGxbgWKcVA4KZFJTUfmuBbjO05RK6KR9kTIprYRJMJu4Yed56NHI/s1600/IMG_4962.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Each weekend in the month of October they have good ol' fashioned activities planned - s'mores roasting over a bon fire, apple butter making, pumpkin carving contests and family photos.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is their facebook page that has a schedule of events : <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FahrmeiersMarket">Fahrmeier Farms Facebook</a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1V8tLIlnRvhBp-rs7Op46D7kqw6Gjr92Q0Vemki0Q2gvZYpbfFTCivqT8r_TyeV2Fpm7u-H-eyLMiGs8eCXk04xU34N1gyunNwReLOt4o3HJH-u3cG8lzuDvgOegUHj7AsaLREfRVCWJ3/s1600/IMG_4972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1V8tLIlnRvhBp-rs7Op46D7kqw6Gjr92Q0Vemki0Q2gvZYpbfFTCivqT8r_TyeV2Fpm7u-H-eyLMiGs8eCXk04xU34N1gyunNwReLOt4o3HJH-u3cG8lzuDvgOegUHj7AsaLREfRVCWJ3/s1600/IMG_4972.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7HquJdPFJ-QlAgDSPPuJ68fY6Ae0Q3JNq5JUvwo2ivH9M8bIcznjNPlDukJ-fmKWX0lS_z9I5q9ujVFiiF-uNDlKBhAA_FUu-fFU3LGtDhyphenhyphen7zAnYGd_KfQB5sY3FHUt15jwbdtqZicnD/s1600/IMG_4974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7HquJdPFJ-QlAgDSPPuJ68fY6Ae0Q3JNq5JUvwo2ivH9M8bIcznjNPlDukJ-fmKWX0lS_z9I5q9ujVFiiF-uNDlKBhAA_FUu-fFU3LGtDhyphenhyphen7zAnYGd_KfQB5sY3FHUt15jwbdtqZicnD/s1600/IMG_4974.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>Emma just wanted to pick flowers...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjY5bFKhb_TaFUhOF2VhrCGis7gApQ922RaKoDcYjo8epWuOfg0gi6aBGdWKJUfvMkqmY1T3QLtHfQMRA_ZuRBHIKyvy_VHyms10IaEnKagyGfLPwfBsbl8Ii2KclIOw3p5OIDF49ewEJ/s1600/IMG_4978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjY5bFKhb_TaFUhOF2VhrCGis7gApQ922RaKoDcYjo8epWuOfg0gi6aBGdWKJUfvMkqmY1T3QLtHfQMRA_ZuRBHIKyvy_VHyms10IaEnKagyGfLPwfBsbl8Ii2KclIOw3p5OIDF49ewEJ/s1600/IMG_4978.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />We tried to take a good family picture... but I had my camera settings all messed up when I handed off my camera to my cousin : )  Oopsy!  Guess we'll have to think of something else for the Christmas card...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKvLKKihUixhmAc04tcOz69N2iVx0UbY83gsg7UOG6Wj_N3cXtvvaiCNda0Oaot5FVfIiN8Ri8SDmaxTDXWh81RKsV4qwUGSyxUi-NA3qtHNtF5J13Vp7XEoxuCjL8PiprWHMRzCz2gbl/s1600/IMG_4966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKvLKKihUixhmAc04tcOz69N2iVx0UbY83gsg7UOG6Wj_N3cXtvvaiCNda0Oaot5FVfIiN8Ri8SDmaxTDXWh81RKsV4qwUGSyxUi-NA3qtHNtF5J13Vp7XEoxuCjL8PiprWHMRzCz2gbl/s1600/IMG_4966.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgraB0irL3RUOJKzJSCeS_4sYk6xXaPcf9FEpsNNQw7XjcaZH-Ffo9CK803kuwIKIgg2OJXccsscVuYZ9w82wUS6m8MEaHYmy2vBwFL-Pyx4PIB3QU1PaCpasG0hJsFf9qI31pq2SXq5I-U/s1600/IMG_4981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgraB0irL3RUOJKzJSCeS_4sYk6xXaPcf9FEpsNNQw7XjcaZH-Ffo9CK803kuwIKIgg2OJXccsscVuYZ9w82wUS6m8MEaHYmy2vBwFL-Pyx4PIB3QU1PaCpasG0hJsFf9qI31pq2SXq5I-U/s1600/IMG_4981.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlAarHyzkOtPvXU4VrUIDa70maOMX8bptVheAag0Asv2hcU5XOU42R1pT6scbUxyjEl0u_qETouTG-g6YJz_-wnmrR4dHA2nb0JKgAzBdCPWEktqMOlreHWxVbfstB96XkHB3mgK6sQ_V/s1600/IMG_4982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlAarHyzkOtPvXU4VrUIDa70maOMX8bptVheAag0Asv2hcU5XOU42R1pT6scbUxyjEl0u_qETouTG-g6YJz_-wnmrR4dHA2nb0JKgAzBdCPWEktqMOlreHWxVbfstB96XkHB3mgK6sQ_V/s1600/IMG_4982.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcfc_J7mlOV0kYGNVex1wINAkzcddInyPvBa6eoa-I0i6rz0t8p2OrxhSbcMO6zBsJF35qFYtt1ITO6iph-Rt_ANY9UW7OdqqkBpoRZaou3PpFmrFA6P8PPn16pTZ9I_V6zScOoJLEq4X/s1600/IMG_4964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcfc_J7mlOV0kYGNVex1wINAkzcddInyPvBa6eoa-I0i6rz0t8p2OrxhSbcMO6zBsJF35qFYtt1ITO6iph-Rt_ANY9UW7OdqqkBpoRZaou3PpFmrFA6P8PPn16pTZ9I_V6zScOoJLEq4X/s1600/IMG_4964.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hope your kiddos get to do some running around in the fresh air this weekend - the weather is soooo beautiful around here!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />

Fall Fun on the Farm | Our Trip to Fahrmeier Farms

My cousins have a farm just outside of Kansas City - a real farm.  Where they grow things.  They produce amazing heirloom tomatoes, vegetabl...

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This Week's Menu | Emma's Back to School ; (

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXP9VfxEuy6asP20C4AAeifoCWuixyThXjSzGlVOdyWEh9PoFWXu3ZPsREe229W3yQ2rZAaPuWeIS9D3Ey5bme1L9t8sXfZrIsIwtNNTKQd59MWp91fCa1M4Cobu6r8lBGdV1IssTQl3wK/s1600/IMG_3415.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXP9VfxEuy6asP20C4AAeifoCWuixyThXjSzGlVOdyWEh9PoFWXu3ZPsREe229W3yQ2rZAaPuWeIS9D3Ey5bme1L9t8sXfZrIsIwtNNTKQd59MWp91fCa1M4Cobu6r8lBGdV1IssTQl3wK/s1600/IMG_3415.jpg" width="426" /></a>Right now I'm feeling very love/hate towards Back to School.  I love the rhythms of routine that go along with the school year - my walk with Mr. Darcy in the morning, off to school for Emma, work for Mike and me, then to the grocery store with Emma when I pick her up in the early afternoon, we take a walk around the neighborhood, then we make dinner.  I love that little routine of ours.<br /><br />What I'm hating right now was dropping her off at her first day in the big kid classroom.  She was so brave and sweet with a little hint of timidness when we dropped her off this morning.  I am so proud of the brave, big girl she has become, but heartbroken at the same time.  She seems so grown up as she showed off her new backpack to her teachers and then held their hand as she set off to explore the new classroom.<br /><br />In her old room (the "Two's & Toddlers" room) she had gotten so comfortable and would bounce around the second she entered.  This day felt different.  She was so putting on such a strong, brave face even though I could feel her little nerves as she entered.  She was in control of her fears, and she was calm.  When did my little girl transform into this lovely little tiny lady?  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rKTpcMcE1oZHfSYY-O5EcRIapqMUFrxWZw-4lArGALyjh3QtDZIrnof5e-t75hlVEfVep_CH7Npik4d6nuYnJC1t9SZQ4tVYloDK5JHCtTp98yvoSfDUcTQh7Mp1l2pfkwVNJwJ_UWpO/s1600/IMG_3389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rKTpcMcE1oZHfSYY-O5EcRIapqMUFrxWZw-4lArGALyjh3QtDZIrnof5e-t75hlVEfVep_CH7Npik4d6nuYnJC1t9SZQ4tVYloDK5JHCtTp98yvoSfDUcTQh7Mp1l2pfkwVNJwJ_UWpO/s1600/IMG_3389.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>Like all working Mom's I struggle with the decision to work.  I'm very fortunate that I get to be a little of both - I work from home for 20 hours a week divided over a couple of days, then get to be a stay-at-home mom the rest of the time. I love having Emma here at home with me while we keep the house, piddle in the kitchen, run our errands and go exploring outside.  But there is a part of me that needs to work, too.  I'm a worker bee - it is the way I'm built.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3j3ewRlhca6_63CLibGrKUDKvD3iiUl41xjp0iDHELctTyWd8XxMqw2SQcXHswSFmjUxYos-K4KVBLrim09mLXhuGnRf9mIuW33sJ-ayaMlHkCdI90z_OKv80Ef-JLfOgclT8bsR9pk6/s1600/IMG_3409.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3j3ewRlhca6_63CLibGrKUDKvD3iiUl41xjp0iDHELctTyWd8XxMqw2SQcXHswSFmjUxYos-K4KVBLrim09mLXhuGnRf9mIuW33sJ-ayaMlHkCdI90z_OKv80Ef-JLfOgclT8bsR9pk6/s1600/IMG_3409.jpg" width="488" /></a> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I've come to terms with the fact that I'm best as a Mom and Wife when I have that couple of days a week to work, let my brain focus and be creative.  Of course, there is always a part of me that feels a bit guilty for loving what I do so much, but at the end of the day, I hope Emma finds a passion that can be as fulfilling for her, too.  I'm so grateful that I have the best of both worlds, but I'm very much missing my Emma this morning.<br /><br />Our summer break has given me a chance to reflect on what I do here and given me some new perspective and inspiration.  I'm attempting to be more organized in all aspects of my life - on here and at home.  One thing that is always a priority for us as a family is dinner time every night.  Every single night we sit down together as a family and eat at the dinner table.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_AbV5ZA369UOCsCtjS-yfBHOBgJEnfVqXBOGqn-4mbT09yaE6D9FbCHAjKs9Z-eOU7OU6F4v8iwoH8m8UjBTr9FDWdxH2zb8MdHZkZQnQaXlG91OBH7F4pl22SiSGUj8NtEZ6VgLfrLF/s1600/IMG_3399.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_AbV5ZA369UOCsCtjS-yfBHOBgJEnfVqXBOGqn-4mbT09yaE6D9FbCHAjKs9Z-eOU7OU6F4v8iwoH8m8UjBTr9FDWdxH2zb8MdHZkZQnQaXlG91OBH7F4pl22SiSGUj8NtEZ6VgLfrLF/s1600/IMG_3399.jpg" width="426" /></a> <br />Because I've never been very organized about meal planning, we go to the store almost every day.  It is my goal to be more efficient with our errands, so I'm going to try to shop for a couple of days at a time so our afternoons are more open.  I'm also planning to incorporate one night of leftovers transformed into a new dinner.  I think this is a really smart way to be efficient with our time and money... after all, each night that I don't have to buy something for dinner is about a savings of $25-30, adding up to more than $100 a month with really no sacrifice at all.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIYPK-yccRFEhO_BJ_HJCwGsNP9PNw5JBL69aBP9i2GraISd8gGsazRX7lE2K4x1blHUpTbQtMgIaz6WkepEL_pBuhYjx_xTpA3uj6TeuZzIXGvYNcz1UYoNPEKpNdZEIiN10S3Fvz1Y1/s1600/IMG_3406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIYPK-yccRFEhO_BJ_HJCwGsNP9PNw5JBL69aBP9i2GraISd8gGsazRX7lE2K4x1blHUpTbQtMgIaz6WkepEL_pBuhYjx_xTpA3uj6TeuZzIXGvYNcz1UYoNPEKpNdZEIiN10S3Fvz1Y1/s1600/IMG_3406.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><br /><br />I also am conscious that we have leftover options for lunches the next day for Mike and me.  Mike likes to workout over lunch, so if he can take something with him to the office, he earns an extra 30 minutes in his day if he doesn't have to stop for lunch.  <br /><br />I'm going to focus on sharing more recipes and home projects here this Fall.  You can expect to see at least 2 recipes each week, along with a home project (mostly inspiration boards and construction updates... slated to start in 1 month!).  Once a week I'll share a product update for the Store - the new Fall Collection is coming out this Thursday.<br /><br /><br /><br />I'm also planning to share our weekly meal plans here every Sunday so you can use our plan as inspiration for your own (of course, I'm already a day late this week!).  I'd love to hear more about how you organize your family's meal planning, too.  Right now I'm looking for lots of inspiration for make-ahead meals and ways to reuse leftovers.  Please share your favorites!<br /><br />This Week's Menu : <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinf4NozGgaCVirJ9eBGZtvRK3w9Svl4mZEjM02DMUO9zDFLh91zHb4eCYqWgfuj5qiy_B6hD4ggq2NlO_XimuK3d8vtoXTaslz3erBgdaFbO6ii15OYomu_I9b6I54OI_tpcs1Py7f3JGI/s1600/IMG_3315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinf4NozGgaCVirJ9eBGZtvRK3w9Svl4mZEjM02DMUO9zDFLh91zHb4eCYqWgfuj5qiy_B6hD4ggq2NlO_XimuK3d8vtoXTaslz3erBgdaFbO6ii15OYomu_I9b6I54OI_tpcs1Py7f3JGI/s1600/IMG_3315.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Sunday : "<a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2014/08/our-favorite-spaghetti-sauce-homemade.html">The" Spaghetti Sauce & Homemade Meatballs</a> with <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2014/01/italian-restaurant-salad.html">Italian Restaurant Salad</a> and Easy <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2014/08/our-favorite-spaghetti-sauce-homemade.html">"Homemade" Garlic Bread</a><br /><br />Last week I shared our new favorite tomato sauce - the best, and simplest sauce you'll ever try.  This is a Sunday night staple at our house (or something equally as comforting like Pot Roast or Roasted Chicken).  I also love making this on a Sunday because leftover meatballs + garlic bread turn into meatball sandwiches for Mike's lunch.  <br /><br /><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5OaVULn_aKlL9_po3rePWqbnIkEo33FhEnatL5l56RSJrkPBT-UQdc7mPPfKg9cW3J-Br6rU-o3mt5Yoyxnx8hxolnUpW24tYMC-OxYphOYAElQc1qryJEEFPptWeV_MBylqbi1s3bug/s640/IMG_0061.JPG" width="640" /><br /><br />Monday : <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/01/crispy-lemon-chicken-with-basil-mashed.html">Meyer Lemon Chicken with Basil Mashed Potatoes</a><br /><br />This is one of my all time favorites.  You can grill the chicken and serve with veggies if you're in the mood for a lighter/fresher dinner, too.  I make sure to prepare extra chicken to use for the Bacon & Chicken Panini's the next night.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvb6-Q5gFzi4KgqIIG5rtWxCuXwFg3gzzU4I5GBCy7qKLeW6VP747gmaeKXtRWG3Fv77PEAyF54JTvL5ySJddoDik5LjFXAkfSaOG0-Tbe1qPq3N4PbeQBF7tpLYb9RP6qF62ekeJDKNbR/s1600/IMG_3213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvb6-Q5gFzi4KgqIIG5rtWxCuXwFg3gzzU4I5GBCy7qKLeW6VP747gmaeKXtRWG3Fv77PEAyF54JTvL5ySJddoDik5LjFXAkfSaOG0-Tbe1qPq3N4PbeQBF7tpLYb9RP6qF62ekeJDKNbR/s1600/IMG_3213.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Tuesday : Leftovers Night : Tomato Bisque and Bacon Chicken Panini's<br /><br />Recipe to come tomorrow!  I use the left over Tomato Sauce to make tomato bisque by adding chicken stock and cream, then bringing it to a simmer.  We always have bacon and cheese, so this is something that I can make almost any night of the week.<br /><br /><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNOQNKfezjiFQwkma-tvPP9pMjOkNQYQCh96h8WnyrrXZtyWDg3sEPOt8HZeFg2yF0jpm6JI-HxKUwA9FULBbVj6zWI1hf5ivmEEse-5_nggbNF3w4sMTC-Ux0jbTCIFgq3JHqZhEmyM/s640/meatloaf+close.jpg" width="640" /><br /><br />Wednesday : <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/01/1770-house-meatloaf-green-beans.html"> Mike's Favorite Meatloaf</a>, Chive Mashed Potatoes & Roasted Carrots with Salted Caramel Apple Pie<br /><br />Wednesday is one of my days home with Emma so we like to make a big meal and dessert that we can work on all day.  We use the Barefoot Contessa's Meatloaf recipe as a base, but I've made a couple of revisions that make it easier.  I'll share our version later this week... and that Apple Pie!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQV372lzWAJ7HJQ3h0lyO8mCsWjD8kPmwlS44kNdv9wy8hZMUZDzOAAWbgB7uqw1f_vSHjdI1B-S6wYCCeBZKXxPRUp3zXV_aGDGdDSjya37Ocm7oHIPf6gNfxp-wQzZSok_67TE3-ttC/s1600/IMG_3268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQV372lzWAJ7HJQ3h0lyO8mCsWjD8kPmwlS44kNdv9wy8hZMUZDzOAAWbgB7uqw1f_vSHjdI1B-S6wYCCeBZKXxPRUp3zXV_aGDGdDSjya37Ocm7oHIPf6gNfxp-wQzZSok_67TE3-ttC/s1600/IMG_3268.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Thursday : <a href="http://nineandsixteen.blogspot.com/2014/07/recipe-korean-beef-tacos-with-mango.html">Tessa's Tacos</a><br /><br />We've always loved shredded beef tacos at our house, but now we have a new favorite that Tessa shared a couple of weeks ago.  It is called Korean Beef Tacos with a Mango & Cilantro Slaw.  Sooo good.  <br /><br />Friday : Pizza Night<br /><br />We go out almost every Friday night - usually to the pool for dinner, or something easy and family friendly.  <br /><br />Saturday : Parade & Carnival in Lexington<br /><br />This weekend we're headed back home to Lexington for the Heritage Days Festival!  Emma can't wait to see her cousins and go to Moo-Moo's Carnival.<br />............<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwO1SR1QdxoGfD3XBmB7fZcrVK1OF1uqjvwO8ouhg16NuO7VaG912lfkGVLrvOWmtrNhcA4UufomgfieoKsEcTkaPt48TF3R67lXb23SQwuA1b8KLZeWKM_ZRiRhqx6nhrpFPnr0WZ0FJ4/s1600/IMG_3425.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwO1SR1QdxoGfD3XBmB7fZcrVK1OF1uqjvwO8ouhg16NuO7VaG912lfkGVLrvOWmtrNhcA4UufomgfieoKsEcTkaPt48TF3R67lXb23SQwuA1b8KLZeWKM_ZRiRhqx6nhrpFPnr0WZ0FJ4/s1600/IMG_3425.jpg" width="426" /></a>Just writing this post and planning our week has eased my heartache just a little from this morning.  I'm planning to spend the rest of the morning finishing packaging products for the big unveiling of the new Fall Collection and organizing the new craft station I made out of cabinetry this weekend - can't wait to share photos later this week.  <br /><br />Happy Monday,<br />Jenny<br /><br /><br /><br />

This Week's Menu | Emma's Back to School ; (

Right now I'm feeling very love/hate towards Back to School.  I love the rhythms of routine that go along with the school year - my walk...

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The View from Where I Sit | Our Summer "Break"

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzK08dDgLtNpUTB9CWhkt9eBKIJpqrgckbbVMXJe7gSgk8ktcTt2NtPYB9LzWZxwhwdby5JGVyzLESC5F_OQj5x_JOvxWz7Ub2DP1lcjxJVQAiWMIbtjDwmy13QSBGbaGekSRANfrysqSj/s1600/IMG_3080.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzK08dDgLtNpUTB9CWhkt9eBKIJpqrgckbbVMXJe7gSgk8ktcTt2NtPYB9LzWZxwhwdby5JGVyzLESC5F_OQj5x_JOvxWz7Ub2DP1lcjxJVQAiWMIbtjDwmy13QSBGbaGekSRANfrysqSj/s1600/IMG_3080.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />I'm sorry I've been gone for a little while - almost two weeks now.  In reality, I haven't been far.  I've just taken a little break.  We haven't been on a lavish vacation (unless you count vacation bible school...?), and we haven't been doing that much.  And it has been perfect.  Emma's been on school break for the last couple of weeks, with a couple of more to go.  While we've been in a sort of "summer" mode for most of summer (pool, early walks, donut breakfasts, golf, tennis, lounging, etc.) there has still been work and we haven't had a real break until now.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5SsttDKTJDgUTrAH63FIqvcmKA7uwYbXdlrWLHBq0Admv1FvrIpCw43wyq4g0CFeDMTTY6EEQAH1u35hHDDA10gvarVxLp8TzkUB7YwAv8FgFIIsO2PxCYnGuZYGk_jj9wwVvAwJz0VN/s1600/IMG_3071.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5SsttDKTJDgUTrAH63FIqvcmKA7uwYbXdlrWLHBq0Admv1FvrIpCw43wyq4g0CFeDMTTY6EEQAH1u35hHDDA10gvarVxLp8TzkUB7YwAv8FgFIIsO2PxCYnGuZYGk_jj9wwVvAwJz0VN/s1600/IMG_3071.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />When Emma was just two(ish) months old, I did a post about <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/01/view-from-where-i-sit-my-home-is-where.html">"The View from Where I Sit"</a>- it was just a snapshot of what a normal day looked like to us at that point in our life.  A newborn baby, puppy and cozy house.  It was beautiful - snuggle moments, our bulletin board of cards and photos, Emma taking a nap, Darcy taking a nap...  The only way it would've been better is if I were actually taking a nap, too ;)   For the last two weeks I've taken a nap almost every day.  You really do learn more about being a Mom as time goes by.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtjM-f_elPxFVYpuyJN02MPYgmHPvMi7miTmf2mCilWAu1sW3rxn8an5M0Ccqt__29lqmbMNvos0PQ_Njn1Jwi7AueQAHGnl4-CIWb2PAXw2-O2Ae8Y5fVCByv543jYhCE8XOa9MfWaZZ/s1600/IMG_3151.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtjM-f_elPxFVYpuyJN02MPYgmHPvMi7miTmf2mCilWAu1sW3rxn8an5M0Ccqt__29lqmbMNvos0PQ_Njn1Jwi7AueQAHGnl4-CIWb2PAXw2-O2Ae8Y5fVCByv543jYhCE8XOa9MfWaZZ/s1600/IMG_3151.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Documenting these "everydays" was something I was going to try to do more often for the blog, because I love taking a moment to stop and appreciate the everyday, the beautiful pauses between the big moments that make up a "normal" day.  It probably comes to no surprise given the name of this blog, that I love "normal" days - everydays<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQO_KcvdXruBAD0nGyJcuf6iQtH9XFmVDpGoNWsKr0z-Mqd8cUiIKPniUOjzQIx6dYEIJgZ1Jx43hTnPreN-uEN7_XOHm__exMyMLd3VQBYwn89_0HmvohkKU01MYdKvfUKaWZX-DZeeq/s1600/IMG_3093.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQO_KcvdXruBAD0nGyJcuf6iQtH9XFmVDpGoNWsKr0z-Mqd8cUiIKPniUOjzQIx6dYEIJgZ1Jx43hTnPreN-uEN7_XOHm__exMyMLd3VQBYwn89_0HmvohkKU01MYdKvfUKaWZX-DZeeq/s1600/IMG_3093.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her favorite spot in the kitchen. </td></tr></tbody></table>I love routine, being at home, keeping a home and the rhythms of everyday.  I think it is just as important to document those times in our lives as I do the big moments.  After all, it is these normal, everyday moments that actually make up our lives.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Just like most (all?) of you, I have my everyday moments of frustrations, too.  Sometimes I think if I have to pick up one more puzzle, clean crumbs out of my sheets again or sweep up another spilled bowl of dog food I might go bonkers.  Taking a second to browse around the house with my camera and document these moments of "messes" adds perspective and beauty to these un-produced moments that make up our everydays.  <br /><br />Welcome to our home any given day of the week. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1w1sqo5cZQcHfhbs4MQ27GSOabp6doZiRdB0S625Pr1xE12DCfTdfPs5Ea1366hXodsBt3tqb4mwT53UfS6V0gjpiWQmFIkZ0lSuQoz0CZJXIVqfIlFYN2r6QTdyf2xNkURioV73W1phz/s1600/IMG_3107.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1w1sqo5cZQcHfhbs4MQ27GSOabp6doZiRdB0S625Pr1xE12DCfTdfPs5Ea1366hXodsBt3tqb4mwT53UfS6V0gjpiWQmFIkZ0lSuQoz0CZJXIVqfIlFYN2r6QTdyf2xNkURioV73W1phz/s1600/IMG_3107.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />If you've lived with a toddler, you know that floors are rarely tidy, and laundry is rarely put away. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdj-CCW0xObHLlvIt6yFhtbq8zszWUlMeQYikbchlQPsiK_NxqhsPHY1K8g8jKo_msxIYcyYtx4ugXyQHZDIXNvwXj1DON14_TS4R3LaZDXHXiBU1gQmx5MNFlcZcjPohXR8_NGpYo5765/s1600/IMG_3096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdj-CCW0xObHLlvIt6yFhtbq8zszWUlMeQYikbchlQPsiK_NxqhsPHY1K8g8jKo_msxIYcyYtx4ugXyQHZDIXNvwXj1DON14_TS4R3LaZDXHXiBU1gQmx5MNFlcZcjPohXR8_NGpYo5765/s1600/IMG_3096.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Watercolors on the mantle... hopefully to be framed for Emma's room this week. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeKe8d_mgUqdFRk-B5mQVtVbykvPe-2OoooNB_ByHw7jvH3wyXQaex4aMWd_zN1oQpZHGC0PqmwyAMg8MyrFO-S-Tngo4dSBTrYcrri3qaY7fSnGDXsUJCTlbitprXmiQBpFw5JqWIN9c0/s1600/IMG_3099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeKe8d_mgUqdFRk-B5mQVtVbykvPe-2OoooNB_ByHw7jvH3wyXQaex4aMWd_zN1oQpZHGC0PqmwyAMg8MyrFO-S-Tngo4dSBTrYcrri3qaY7fSnGDXsUJCTlbitprXmiQBpFw5JqWIN9c0/s1600/IMG_3099.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Has been on my list all summer, of course.  I sort of like them here, though, for now.  Little easy displays like this are good reminders not to take our home, our things or our "displays" too seriously.</div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6KWjURScPV-JMmr0FbZP2ms8Sz8F1vC7E0aTv7ySsCFVcvw2NU8gMC-Rf8AREtCwSnL1ufaghLuSX4YfYnmnYqH8YGMW4BwqOs74okzAOOGh48sxSYGY5QEMlhdTBO_TvPQQfOGOuyacK/s1600/IMG_3062.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6KWjURScPV-JMmr0FbZP2ms8Sz8F1vC7E0aTv7ySsCFVcvw2NU8gMC-Rf8AREtCwSnL1ufaghLuSX4YfYnmnYqH8YGMW4BwqOs74okzAOOGh48sxSYGY5QEMlhdTBO_TvPQQfOGOuyacK/s1600/IMG_3062.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Test burning a new custom candle scent for the store.  I'm obsessed - you'll love it. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxURwB44ms1GbS4diS6vlW2fULtD9wdGswdF_Vav_bMQ6HjVUwn4qiO7aXzpcwYJNW1nUarcDrFylxUGMsqoj8l0J12Kz6kzOW07UAwMAnisi49S6RAZk869PG-8eNkkONudycEYDGyTH/s1600/IMG_3101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxURwB44ms1GbS4diS6vlW2fULtD9wdGswdF_Vav_bMQ6HjVUwn4qiO7aXzpcwYJNW1nUarcDrFylxUGMsqoj8l0J12Kz6kzOW07UAwMAnisi49S6RAZk869PG-8eNkkONudycEYDGyTH/s1600/IMG_3101.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />New backpack and lunch box ready for school! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHwpciELPKXmzKz6rnItA_S-x91SeHU66p1Lup9TksDm2dmGtVNcseR0wLH7sIMD9tweMxdMzP03ktDPs0G5bd9vc93qjOKxy-uWnsl2XPPd4pGhLIiwpFQTGavvx-PPst1idD-xthpe5/s1600/IMG_3103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHwpciELPKXmzKz6rnItA_S-x91SeHU66p1Lup9TksDm2dmGtVNcseR0wLH7sIMD9tweMxdMzP03ktDPs0G5bd9vc93qjOKxy-uWnsl2XPPd4pGhLIiwpFQTGavvx-PPst1idD-xthpe5/s1600/IMG_3103.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtu6fkBLfwvyloLU-unn3hJsGXW7e06yqR1XGEX7JxMmLO6iLKxREBuiEeAjqjb_noQma2ki_sZmd7Ry3BX28jXCVEqh0ysR-3J84umpJ4Vo3nWOOx5LJkyufLVrhd55WA8urvb-p3mIs/s1600/IMG_3115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtu6fkBLfwvyloLU-unn3hJsGXW7e06yqR1XGEX7JxMmLO6iLKxREBuiEeAjqjb_noQma2ki_sZmd7Ry3BX28jXCVEqh0ysR-3J84umpJ4Vo3nWOOx5LJkyufLVrhd55WA8urvb-p3mIs/s1600/IMG_3115.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />By the time I get up the stairs...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvuo_hW0jI49X7hR7Gl8Jz1Oaxh1WsZRSxWhjYhklBz5anfk-hKv5koJxgUZ6GW1ULuyRuuAeeThkm34swg3Z_-0PO2K5mqszYE6fwZkIuMeaE5-L27um9PBX6RJpyU_zkDS5pR4Sdjf6Y/s1600/IMG_3108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvuo_hW0jI49X7hR7Gl8Jz1Oaxh1WsZRSxWhjYhklBz5anfk-hKv5koJxgUZ6GW1ULuyRuuAeeThkm34swg3Z_-0PO2K5mqszYE6fwZkIuMeaE5-L27um9PBX6RJpyU_zkDS5pR4Sdjf6Y/s1600/IMG_3108.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Layers of frames and loose snapshots.  </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIoC8Vjv4gD0-6PdkTs4aIFhjFLX85mZVubT9NwG-DgeqrVNuNmRex4goJwhyphenhyphenS1X3TjlkWuCAPrANBYP_n11r6t-o44h50gy0tPtM60QfhzdhMb1j9yasYYeXX00lNOvccwFykP0iksA02/s1600/IMG_3109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIoC8Vjv4gD0-6PdkTs4aIFhjFLX85mZVubT9NwG-DgeqrVNuNmRex4goJwhyphenhyphenS1X3TjlkWuCAPrANBYP_n11r6t-o44h50gy0tPtM60QfhzdhMb1j9yasYYeXX00lNOvccwFykP0iksA02/s1600/IMG_3109.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />We've never really officially settled in here, with the impending construction starting next month, so nothing really has a place that has been contemplated - mostly just where everything ends up it stays.  The silhouette?  Also to be framed this week.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfp0IxKDV7TU82gwpgQA_baxuiM08WLKJY309qxXyTR4sHEqmPWLpKEsutw_wD_Z4Mo_8nI1Tf2mSyxZJeEg_EbkASeJsmf1Y49IZ-onReiPrFNRxX5medNnqgLVCXvfxqA4IbYInX63LR/s1600/IMG_3112.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfp0IxKDV7TU82gwpgQA_baxuiM08WLKJY309qxXyTR4sHEqmPWLpKEsutw_wD_Z4Mo_8nI1Tf2mSyxZJeEg_EbkASeJsmf1Y49IZ-onReiPrFNRxX5medNnqgLVCXvfxqA4IbYInX63LR/s1600/IMG_3112.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I stumbled upon some Pixie Dust in the guest room...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYxWyVM4LtSNYvjLiJ7CIljZzfCBxy4UhHLZom8yXk6PVEhY-HmJ2yzljTPjulYMBSXKINMHojGUKGyaqAcqCM9xCznlde4G5v9RyB9MzbOUSZLeg4kka1pEgH3GdecQB-wF0oO-O1VfZV/s1600/IMG_3124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYxWyVM4LtSNYvjLiJ7CIljZzfCBxy4UhHLZom8yXk6PVEhY-HmJ2yzljTPjulYMBSXKINMHojGUKGyaqAcqCM9xCznlde4G5v9RyB9MzbOUSZLeg4kka1pEgH3GdecQB-wF0oO-O1VfZV/s1600/IMG_3124.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Smiling Emma is enjoying crumbing my bed : ) <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3VDtA3sFccOcKdJnVnQLSkePJKTT3px-2EjF34e-pczuKuyOiJHKadAADxPkGQynmzJG9fTJrQPNanOBjUxquCN60gK2uUK3-1c4QMGdMDcD6ftOU8wdP5pyFegvP9nLXNPi9pw9rCRq/s1600/IMG_3134.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3VDtA3sFccOcKdJnVnQLSkePJKTT3px-2EjF34e-pczuKuyOiJHKadAADxPkGQynmzJG9fTJrQPNanOBjUxquCN60gK2uUK3-1c4QMGdMDcD6ftOU8wdP5pyFegvP9nLXNPi9pw9rCRq/s1600/IMG_3134.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our evening reading materials.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFaPcnRgfv84oe46MpLow-vMOVFY8jgOb_abshpp1nBqOp7vY9HNn1oZ0MKQC0GKQvO837VHySZQLGITS-Zom4zzhOg6AHb65jSm6S8uO2_eEr0lHT2qlPRk11-YLKFusU6xNPP_s_Gwas/s1600/IMG_3139.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFaPcnRgfv84oe46MpLow-vMOVFY8jgOb_abshpp1nBqOp7vY9HNn1oZ0MKQC0GKQvO837VHySZQLGITS-Zom4zzhOg6AHb65jSm6S8uO2_eEr0lHT2qlPRk11-YLKFusU6xNPP_s_Gwas/s1600/IMG_3139.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sweet little summer shoes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg28p79GTMS-h8GtIIlybCXBhOC6kzlC_fxjwzMZ0h_UuNa7ZUmGwHrhdCV31OJsHMoPsrFnYpfwRBhU5PzP1JbesEcq6R_EnGRN8WZfrlv4Cm1gf2ipmzRaekJo95cZHbpXQenTCrzbnz/s1600/IMG_3132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg28p79GTMS-h8GtIIlybCXBhOC6kzlC_fxjwzMZ0h_UuNa7ZUmGwHrhdCV31OJsHMoPsrFnYpfwRBhU5PzP1JbesEcq6R_EnGRN8WZfrlv4Cm1gf2ipmzRaekJo95cZHbpXQenTCrzbnz/s1600/IMG_3132.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> Did I mention we're potty training? 

The View from Where I Sit | Our Summer "Break"

I'm sorry I've been gone for a little while - almost two weeks now.  In reality, I haven't been far.  I've just taken a litt...

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Our 4th of July Party & Parade

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIS4E5f_kzc8CA6WVbK4yvr9w6O2vSRHEOI5VCZOZRrHS3nLUfVqFIpATg58va1PVo0ZBe_36mu_rtmJigukZTX2DI08DTzQiyN65WOZOYSev05yQa6WcO0MLK_HPxo5tDzUe4AMm6OyTB/s1600/IMG_2294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIS4E5f_kzc8CA6WVbK4yvr9w6O2vSRHEOI5VCZOZRrHS3nLUfVqFIpATg58va1PVo0ZBe_36mu_rtmJigukZTX2DI08DTzQiyN65WOZOYSev05yQa6WcO0MLK_HPxo5tDzUe4AMm6OyTB/s1600/IMG_2294.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycQKV4UeBRUbAxnNk9jo6LT8vuqGYJQPJREIWf_e4s4cnpUX2nrWF1jCCOgjTuGN_owc9U6eehFbISsLvf3RGKSi3JJWa13sOh07y_O0QYZf1eyw-zZANvWyyOP12542RMJfI4UbXYS6h/s1600/IMG_2271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycQKV4UeBRUbAxnNk9jo6LT8vuqGYJQPJREIWf_e4s4cnpUX2nrWF1jCCOgjTuGN_owc9U6eehFbISsLvf3RGKSi3JJWa13sOh07y_O0QYZf1eyw-zZANvWyyOP12542RMJfI4UbXYS6h/s1600/IMG_2271.jpg" width="332" /></a></div>There is nothing in this world that makes me more happy than watching Emma play, laugh and be silly with friends.  This was one of those days - when around every corner there was giddy excitement.<br /><br />The entire day was a fun-packed and festive 4th of July - or as Emma called it, her "favorite day of my life."  It started with a little Donuts & Decorating party before the neighborhood bike parade, followed by lunch with a surprise (even to the parents) bounce house and face painting, then off to my parents' house out in the country for a relaxed day of swimming, BBQ and fireworks.<br /><br />The pre-parade party was a tradition we started <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/07/our-festive-fourth-decorating-our-wagon.html">last year</a> with just one other family.  This year our crew grew to over 25 with new babies and new friends.  What a year.  We are so blessed to have gathered such a wonderful group of friends and such a treat to share these fun holidays with our kids running around in the grass together.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3zqg7AEAMQAuoFbCYDjgbyJ6qW4tWGsciCpCxJ15kFiJJrpta_943kkehWkz3qQ4F6GM4xoKrKj8zYiJBqWaOOO8wQ3HBHFTWkO-4e0jktSSrQPQ7KWGpW3jUBt4eIGvH6qB37ClQOjk/s1600/IMG_2238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3zqg7AEAMQAuoFbCYDjgbyJ6qW4tWGsciCpCxJ15kFiJJrpta_943kkehWkz3qQ4F6GM4xoKrKj8zYiJBqWaOOO8wQ3HBHFTWkO-4e0jktSSrQPQ7KWGpW3jUBt4eIGvH6qB37ClQOjk/s1600/IMG_2238.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />When I was planning the party I had every intention of making homemade donuts.  Then I came to my senses.  As Ina says, there is no need to make everything from scratch when you're entertaining - you're guests just want to have a good time.  And I didn't want my house to smell like a fish fry.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIXBYGxgfyKLEZgZ_jIdaJfZDg0ukcailgZ6FReNIp24nIJnWmSFPM2eWqtw9LPwZmivJ0tK3Xzi1KbT7lhD5o8cpJ4RizDfeDnRtakdbzQIJnBJ6Zoko9FzJl0hbLh3OpvtsDVUDLXXR/s1600/IMG_2239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIXBYGxgfyKLEZgZ_jIdaJfZDg0ukcailgZ6FReNIp24nIJnWmSFPM2eWqtw9LPwZmivJ0tK3Xzi1KbT7lhD5o8cpJ4RizDfeDnRtakdbzQIJnBJ6Zoko9FzJl0hbLh3OpvtsDVUDLXXR/s1600/IMG_2239.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> The menu was simple : Piles of Donuts, Fruit and Juice... with Prosecco for the Moms.  I know I said that the Seafood Boil was the easiest party I'd ever done, but I was wrong.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQMw2qItXDBGij2Uf26xLjoa-uUYSmZ49zf0k8WG6XXd5scSDw4rsX4OPWCDHiCwuoDqvjZT6e0qnukcuDxVc2bGT9HWqUUD4MrFL4YjzuileXqY4dGtOnA7s0rYILNZU3UYA12-0iSLs/s1600/IMG_2253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQMw2qItXDBGij2Uf26xLjoa-uUYSmZ49zf0k8WG6XXd5scSDw4rsX4OPWCDHiCwuoDqvjZT6e0qnukcuDxVc2bGT9HWqUUD4MrFL4YjzuileXqY4dGtOnA7s0rYILNZU3UYA12-0iSLs/s1600/IMG_2253.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />We decorated bikes, wagons, strollers and cars (for Emma and Jack).  You can see, Emma is barefoot and busy with her donut and new headband (a gift from her friend)... can you imagine why this was her favorite day?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAagGzmOzH_kA0C-sJzBsYNHCHcHSMnBEkAsyCNR37isE84iurrf-4RTJNYiwsWhYpvaHY_tTpRSDwHsA05XjUZom10_5APGa-jx75PuWliKrGvlME18itHP1QMzxckXfAtETJ5E1IAEyT/s1600/IMG_2248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAagGzmOzH_kA0C-sJzBsYNHCHcHSMnBEkAsyCNR37isE84iurrf-4RTJNYiwsWhYpvaHY_tTpRSDwHsA05XjUZom10_5APGa-jx75PuWliKrGvlME18itHP1QMzxckXfAtETJ5E1IAEyT/s1600/IMG_2248.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Emma introducing her cousin, Sam, to her friends.  Emma's still rocking the headband in her own style - she put it on all by herself.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjdxMAVjbnQ3tztL2crgknNogxwZrAD5WzwDOLuFOsi67gU9qEWPrjXWZWX4LX7XrP7gij9HUP4ZUQ2fUGC75mGVLvPKdZrdxeErnHktm0XQsbNBpbd4U5s_mUTD8_laXFyLb3trwuqGx/s1600/IMG_2268.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjdxMAVjbnQ3tztL2crgknNogxwZrAD5WzwDOLuFOsi67gU9qEWPrjXWZWX4LX7XrP7gij9HUP4ZUQ2fUGC75mGVLvPKdZrdxeErnHktm0XQsbNBpbd4U5s_mUTD8_laXFyLb3trwuqGx/s1600/IMG_2268.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />And we're off to the parade!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeCeXZgTsbnupeqneBKth0bihOOA_eq7RC3JswFEE0M-NBu3hCOOPzGxJBMScjm41sNE546bUXdKN1iR-DeBGBK8DV9jVrU_XKbHdGiYpZ72WJKLFBW2amrHtrGkXUVsN9huTUoHyQyw8/s1600/IMG_2263.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeCeXZgTsbnupeqneBKth0bihOOA_eq7RC3JswFEE0M-NBu3hCOOPzGxJBMScjm41sNE546bUXdKN1iR-DeBGBK8DV9jVrU_XKbHdGiYpZ72WJKLFBW2amrHtrGkXUVsN9huTUoHyQyw8/s1600/IMG_2263.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />There's that sweet face of my Emma looking very much like her Dad.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvHpXSN2teb70gcfJlCiELwqBCk1BMoZ2SJDbl-IqftgtpBAu1TEOEDtKzhKxhehj-UveXy4FxfAZ9zuqSi5-NE1uoKtw-z-_45BQC3-UNCOw0sWowJsqPqd0qBb_nG486PEVK7KLVMOQ/s1600/IMG_2267.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvHpXSN2teb70gcfJlCiELwqBCk1BMoZ2SJDbl-IqftgtpBAu1TEOEDtKzhKxhehj-UveXy4FxfAZ9zuqSi5-NE1uoKtw-z-_45BQC3-UNCOw0sWowJsqPqd0qBb_nG486PEVK7KLVMOQ/s1600/IMG_2267.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Baby Kate along for the ride!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjyb3or0Zl6SzBzC1CLWoJcz37sz22do-nq9VVFnqri3V0XdGdjq_EmyKJajtqNYn6vX2ESnfnsbdaWxVoI8Yxz5Ge0U28_Q9NErznuDU9VZiZQpQoZyDOKzSXNuyXqt9Dbo8ug1kRtWp/s1600/IMG_2262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjyb3or0Zl6SzBzC1CLWoJcz37sz22do-nq9VVFnqri3V0XdGdjq_EmyKJajtqNYn6vX2ESnfnsbdaWxVoI8Yxz5Ge0U28_Q9NErznuDU9VZiZQpQoZyDOKzSXNuyXqt9Dbo8ug1kRtWp/s1600/IMG_2262.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sam's first down the street peddling on her pink borrowed bike from Moo-Moo's house.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdl3_31kknM3WaVy63L0ymcR8qRqTW8F7UHallF6MkWQCdvoEXkR3msDeMzol-Rf0xNkEFIlk9MxbZUiUGhlmMHrpesFtrAgOPo6z7DGzX8FEnAMCaod78PjnOdfJHHOhiJprhn99CDqQ/s1600/IMG_2286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdl3_31kknM3WaVy63L0ymcR8qRqTW8F7UHallF6MkWQCdvoEXkR3msDeMzol-Rf0xNkEFIlk9MxbZUiUGhlmMHrpesFtrAgOPo6z7DGzX8FEnAMCaod78PjnOdfJHHOhiJprhn99CDqQ/s1600/IMG_2286.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />The parade is when our neighborhood really shines - so many kids and families.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKN-L2-Q-S6aTv3VmVWElN3JhrztCEZgk1pZdq68sODo_V5BOx2toxuzQVEQdMRcViWisrqgsuKpHBqal0qt6X3DZTOvAP4BaKcKZD4SpCa4fj9BG0DNo48ObCMrogTmBkhpkjzLJpg2PJ/s1600/IMG_2287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKN-L2-Q-S6aTv3VmVWElN3JhrztCEZgk1pZdq68sODo_V5BOx2toxuzQVEQdMRcViWisrqgsuKpHBqal0qt6X3DZTOvAP4BaKcKZD4SpCa4fj9BG0DNo48ObCMrogTmBkhpkjzLJpg2PJ/s1600/IMG_2287.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Emma and Jack cruising the streets in their very patriotic cars... he's got his eye on that balloon!  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXt9GJtRrRGMnJEi2wBF23y1UzAYHt_5OUMo5bQYGGBnkA2CpGetRSL_tUMG4gPcV-Mx3XTWiTSKGE3nMzWz9sfCYL8yBGVm-iFY6WWSBmJc1wzMf1VpkgtoVh_CWjYLJi3zFYGUFOPqAA/s1600/IMG_2273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXt9GJtRrRGMnJEi2wBF23y1UzAYHt_5OUMo5bQYGGBnkA2CpGetRSL_tUMG4gPcV-Mx3XTWiTSKGE3nMzWz9sfCYL8yBGVm-iFY6WWSBmJc1wzMf1VpkgtoVh_CWjYLJi3zFYGUFOPqAA/s1600/IMG_2273.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />We tried to get a photo of all of the girls, again (like in Seaside)... but the girls thought it was hilarious to hide behind their balloons. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBhOr2m_3QmygLXipm2iZSJELzSKD7eMyxT8ARfDm_5yFFykC5NKdc_35bVgn4HJdROT3dppaWtbMX0Ek1DzMmis98yA-JDv8P_-9rv5RjFxMZKrGpaQ6Vzs243arVDzo155QBXmIe5NCB/s1600/IMG_2276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBhOr2m_3QmygLXipm2iZSJELzSKD7eMyxT8ARfDm_5yFFykC5NKdc_35bVgn4HJdROT3dppaWtbMX0Ek1DzMmis98yA-JDv8P_-9rv5RjFxMZKrGpaQ6Vzs243arVDzo155QBXmIe5NCB/s1600/IMG_2276.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Still hiding.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVaWrd9m1DDdTx5Ruru5FyeHK_YB59a30lHy_QSXJKPfYe69-FEEJblhObnOzWSSGjBKlSIZL-kAh8QVFsVEAdLXDBk07IhxAd9-gMYVKWLtH564Ot_qhSYGgy5AOnZpZhD3bxuhxYVRrn/s1600/IMG_2277.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVaWrd9m1DDdTx5Ruru5FyeHK_YB59a30lHy_QSXJKPfYe69-FEEJblhObnOzWSSGjBKlSIZL-kAh8QVFsVEAdLXDBk07IhxAd9-gMYVKWLtH564Ot_qhSYGgy5AOnZpZhD3bxuhxYVRrn/s1600/IMG_2277.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />This is what passes as a perfect picture!  This was the last photo I took with my camera - the rest of the day I was too busy watching Emma play and relaxing - maybe my favorite day, too.  Hope you all had a happy and safe 4th!

Our 4th of July Party & Parade

There is nothing in this world that makes me more happy than watching Emma play, laugh and be silly with friends.  This was one of those da...

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