tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80598888373133433502024-03-18T22:01:30.882-07:00BANANAS & BEESEnjoying this one wild and beautiful lifeEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085771404278972299noreply@blogger.comBlogger951125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8059888837313343350.post-62683736111511691372016-02-02T07:44:00.001-08:002016-02-02T07:48:53.591-08:00Sick Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQp69dfZHjqeRHosbq-c9h1Y2yCCpWNDuMHG84HsWsBhhuOisdS_wN7-7XJVXQajVYlUAoFApAnj0vmwlM5DErU38RzdM4RjI30yd1LteRZwU6VpvzKUgxhbTLAx6cZFVWQjXWqzE5srS/s640/blogger-image-1688778471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQp69dfZHjqeRHosbq-c9h1Y2yCCpWNDuMHG84HsWsBhhuOisdS_wN7-7XJVXQajVYlUAoFApAnj0vmwlM5DErU38RzdM4RjI30yd1LteRZwU6VpvzKUgxhbTLAx6cZFVWQjXWqzE5srS/s640/blogger-image-1688778471.jpg"></a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> Hannah napping after school yesterday</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-6_3914TKfyAEKKEuB9MFRPososSMq9qQcrb-mjHZEhtzUVSIJoqcROxn4RKAMyOdH5EC8ATQRAGBZ4TfblkMog-6_RLFxYfpAMbKxxAtrqYZDynjCQ5XwFcQ5UCFGORZamG91zLbHOM/s640/blogger-image-973268917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-6_3914TKfyAEKKEuB9MFRPososSMq9qQcrb-mjHZEhtzUVSIJoqcROxn4RKAMyOdH5EC8ATQRAGBZ4TfblkMog-6_RLFxYfpAMbKxxAtrqYZDynjCQ5XwFcQ5UCFGORZamG91zLbHOM/s640/blogger-image-973268917.jpg"></a></div>Lucas watching a movie with his head on my lap.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Two out of my three kids are home sick today. Lucas started throwing up Sunday night and puked off and on all day Monday. Even crackers and water didn't stay down. And he spiked a fever to go along with the throw-ups. Thankfully, by bedtime last night his fever had broken and his tummy seemed settled. He's home today mainly to rest and recover. He feels much better, ate a little breakfast, but still feels tired and weak. </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Hannah, on the other hand, came home from school yesterday saying her throat hurt and she felt awful. And she looked it too. Her eyes told the story. She promptly went to my bed, pulled up a blanket and fell asleep. I let her sleep for awhile, then I woke her up and took her to a nearby clinic (too late to get in with her pediatrician). 102 temp and a positive strep test for her. So, we grabbed her antibiotics, gave her some Tylenol, and she was basically out for the night. Today she is a tiny bit better, but still contagious, so no school for her.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">With two kids at home and my schedule cleared, I had high hopes for getting a lot done today. But that never goes as planned. Here's an example from this morning of how things typically go....</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">*I survey the messy kitchen and think I will tackle unloading the dishwasher. But before I start, I need to pee, so I run to the bathroom really quick.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">*I get to the bathroom, sit down, then glance to my right to see there is no toilet paper. No problem, I open the nearby cabinet to grab some more, but we are out there too. Deep breath, pull up my pants and go out to the garage to the shelf where I keep extra packs of toilet paper and paper towels from Sam's. </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">*As I'm heading back to the bathroom to restock the toilet paper supply and go to the bathroom, Lucas yells from the living room, "Mom! Ellie (our black cat) is about to throw up on the carpet!!!" I drop the toilet paper and run into the living to just in time to gently toss Ellie off the brand new rug and onto the stained concrete floor (much easier to clean). She proceeds to vomit up part of her last meal. </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">*New mission: clean cat puke. You see, while easier to clean than carpet, cat barf is highly acidic so if it sits on the concrete for a long time, it eats away at the stain. So prompt clean up is the way to go. </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">*As I'm finishing up cleaning the floor, Hannah (remember she's sick) says, "Mom, can you start a bath for me please? I think that will help me feel better." Sure, kid. Run a bath with bubbles. </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">*Walk back into the kitchen, see the full dishwasher and think, "Oh yeah! I was going to unload that." Let me run and pee really quick.....</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085771404278972299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8059888837313343350.post-48078563435342635072016-01-20T08:48:00.002-08:002016-01-20T08:49:32.012-08:002015 Year in ReviewNow that we are 20 days into 2016, let's take a look back at 2015. Seems like a good time, right? Better late than never, I suppose. :)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
JANUARY</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38jpTV2ne_nIpsZfBP94MLvM1H1uz7sJxuIq-LjxHKvAxBu2aHpE0NSunayvmir040jndA5UKJHRERfKfGoMrerRWLEAG8idyUS9bB-nE69t8PwAW8uys9l89yDUUWdgcx0q3F6w7Tr_5/s1600/10933826_10153659871514240_8071483664049322532_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38jpTV2ne_nIpsZfBP94MLvM1H1uz7sJxuIq-LjxHKvAxBu2aHpE0NSunayvmir040jndA5UKJHRERfKfGoMrerRWLEAG8idyUS9bB-nE69t8PwAW8uys9l89yDUUWdgcx0q3F6w7Tr_5/s400/10933826_10153659871514240_8071483664049322532_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lucas turned 5 1/2 on January 24th. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We celebrated by bringing donuts to his Pre-K class.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In January, I was in the middle of a long-term maternity teaching position in a Pre-K classroom directly across from Lucas' room.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
FEBRUARY</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtG0qSGJaJHd9MVCZPlODCXM6wFuMSeWrj_VU0q8MRJlpoeTt0GpwBW4CKK-ulYpJp-miwBQ-piCZUjnh0rvdE2LZ11AZTirtLQyQPF-OBcIuGzdM8MKC1_dC-WG-3f7G0T6UfgC-OpDw/s1600/10917438_10153693906579240_2447325628451433630_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtG0qSGJaJHd9MVCZPlODCXM6wFuMSeWrj_VU0q8MRJlpoeTt0GpwBW4CKK-ulYpJp-miwBQ-piCZUjnh0rvdE2LZ11AZTirtLQyQPF-OBcIuGzdM8MKC1_dC-WG-3f7G0T6UfgC-OpDw/s400/10917438_10153693906579240_2447325628451433630_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I turned 38 on February 3, 2015.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We celebrated with friends at Old Germany restaurant in Choctaw, OK.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The rest of February was pretty predictable: cold, snow, Valentine's Day, cold, snow.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I continued teaching at Deer Creek Elementary.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
MARCH</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIjtY5q5zmNdoScaim9pUUPawbfYDgESYgKjogX050FnjIopnHZ4XN1-KCmnCX3fxJbHVQ69HWxjKO1LOvUhP3yMrFog7SaVLSkU07a0TTTYUz1fT4BbIi88_NTWwsbBp3C2WVujPryDD/s1600/10408839_10153778795714240_1772487266872128617_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIjtY5q5zmNdoScaim9pUUPawbfYDgESYgKjogX050FnjIopnHZ4XN1-KCmnCX3fxJbHVQ69HWxjKO1LOvUhP3yMrFog7SaVLSkU07a0TTTYUz1fT4BbIi88_NTWwsbBp3C2WVujPryDD/s400/10408839_10153778795714240_1772487266872128617_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In March, the weather started warming up!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mike turned 39 on March 15, 2015.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
River came to visit for Spring Break, and I finished my last day of teaching on March 1st!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
APRIL</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3bRPLT4sp2033jILFDWgAXMANZJw5SLZYnnCeG6AhnaHifeEIDKPhhwHL1X3Mwsb1KxEGtl6cqvVQycneriNr1t0q-oGcSA1u72ugyWdwK8xM8o0CVyvsVTdWiI5qa0psAbBmihll4WK/s1600/11127813_10153827679399240_1501654518907933636_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3bRPLT4sp2033jILFDWgAXMANZJw5SLZYnnCeG6AhnaHifeEIDKPhhwHL1X3Mwsb1KxEGtl6cqvVQycneriNr1t0q-oGcSA1u72ugyWdwK8xM8o0CVyvsVTdWiI5qa0psAbBmihll4WK/s400/11127813_10153827679399240_1501654518907933636_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy Easter 2015!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Poor Leah was in the middle of using her pallet expander and her smile was a little off. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8NAXOTKGY_JTRZbcDWqjNCFFOZF6en7wKmsXJQK1tqjP-AVciPXvLo34S1Psx17oeZJ1JBwa3XkNfBrF7VizPPKFBrIGA6GP-c1PGwkIvSt-zheAs00Rx7LaoD1RuXqaMd5kBKywT_loY/s1600/11149406_10153860650249240_4592736857842115892_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8NAXOTKGY_JTRZbcDWqjNCFFOZF6en7wKmsXJQK1tqjP-AVciPXvLo34S1Psx17oeZJ1JBwa3XkNfBrF7VizPPKFBrIGA6GP-c1PGwkIvSt-zheAs00Rx7LaoD1RuXqaMd5kBKywT_loY/s400/11149406_10153860650249240_4592736857842115892_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We went to the Energy FC opening season game on April 18th!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0O8EszImmxrErijeUxEweaN0ncQQ1kiUHYlM3ZfUZViWuYDqhvsFRTwQhw4zdxTEFYwITUv41naOUBJepYukJmD_TZkNDdm101o6Q5PYLYyZ4oJT7rwYeKrkTrd995PtJkuqeYD61Odm/s1600/11159504_10153878324374240_5353424912494308129_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0O8EszImmxrErijeUxEweaN0ncQQ1kiUHYlM3ZfUZViWuYDqhvsFRTwQhw4zdxTEFYwITUv41naOUBJepYukJmD_TZkNDdm101o6Q5PYLYyZ4oJT7rwYeKrkTrd995PtJkuqeYD61Odm/s400/11159504_10153878324374240_5353424912494308129_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We went camping in the Wichita Mountains the last weekend in April.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
MAY</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjchTLJksg6gZEWihL7HpBEDrW0jM5aS9LDPc3cPId1G6JQ0U97Rh5YUpuzoW7JF0GVOzbLOg2dTBX10QLubN20kDmXMu-jQszptfDQjTHNmV0H504a6tfBQoWc9l7tn8Z3GzABHVYuxNv/s1600/11144949_10153909874929240_5084499921853019335_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjchTLJksg6gZEWihL7HpBEDrW0jM5aS9LDPc3cPId1G6JQ0U97Rh5YUpuzoW7JF0GVOzbLOg2dTBX10QLubN20kDmXMu-jQszptfDQjTHNmV0H504a6tfBQoWc9l7tn8Z3GzABHVYuxNv/s400/11144949_10153909874929240_5084499921853019335_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We celebrated Mother's Day with these three kiddos!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1oKc_HiAXpOdf0blx75vkIKvQSOTVMYhi6HyFP8XEx83YU0FHdKBtqXLhxH9mpZH0yVb_wYsOEQguUtsfhVP8p59en5dcoMyUEdAGZNj9xrb7Xcl8ccf96a-ByhelH8T3e_Enfm5dh5uK/s1600/1901417_10153912384349240_2369884264684848079_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1oKc_HiAXpOdf0blx75vkIKvQSOTVMYhi6HyFP8XEx83YU0FHdKBtqXLhxH9mpZH0yVb_wYsOEQguUtsfhVP8p59en5dcoMyUEdAGZNj9xrb7Xcl8ccf96a-ByhelH8T3e_Enfm5dh5uK/s400/1901417_10153912384349240_2369884264684848079_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
At the Myriad Botanic Gardens a few days before school was out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Beautiful weather and the excitement of summer was in the air!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lucas finished Pre-K and the girls finished 4th grade this month.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
JUNE</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-AJIkOjyd2R6xRAohrGgQtsFKi0GOPh63qzA2-P1xwwada_vdLVaYQ4JFlIMMM3zSPbb7cItVSo9lxULsAbybckiFmfrmkriN38hsvHOB2k5Or_qrbiL9hsW8cuIA5r2MUHCH75kGLX5/s1600/11401567_10154002238019240_2557480274185771144_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-AJIkOjyd2R6xRAohrGgQtsFKi0GOPh63qzA2-P1xwwada_vdLVaYQ4JFlIMMM3zSPbb7cItVSo9lxULsAbybckiFmfrmkriN38hsvHOB2k5Or_qrbiL9hsW8cuIA5r2MUHCH75kGLX5/s320/11401567_10154002238019240_2557480274185771144_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mike and I celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary while on a vacation to Eureka Springs, Arkansas.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We also went to Silver Dollar City and Fantastic Caverns in Missouri. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADkTX3OFUgyuMbBGSutdNzlHnjNc6NfiWzuYL0zuZgBPSR5mFoSB9OZlbQkfvbWR-04qvtqWuNtTHqmHkTrX-t8gl_rywoubiJzLBMc98rAOA7zkwHm4oJaRkbEAbW_EMeMOHd22knsYS/s1600/10400060_10154041274964240_8488437774624513551_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADkTX3OFUgyuMbBGSutdNzlHnjNc6NfiWzuYL0zuZgBPSR5mFoSB9OZlbQkfvbWR-04qvtqWuNtTHqmHkTrX-t8gl_rywoubiJzLBMc98rAOA7zkwHm4oJaRkbEAbW_EMeMOHd22knsYS/s400/10400060_10154041274964240_8488437774624513551_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It got hot!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Swimming at Beth's pool is a summer staple, and we look forward to it every year.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
JULY</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPFNoTGq0MNevMpsNu78dzpPLwoVtNasBlQvnfKXm268BNxJch5iIK2pG0iNgrmNbGuLS7qQ7DIfQnpc7zMrCMO_VWG1JsrAHr7jmq326GHpXHAPOVJOecCWdY4CNoIXHzISf4XIdgHZU/s1600/11696015_10154067295219240_4395515056608729772_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPFNoTGq0MNevMpsNu78dzpPLwoVtNasBlQvnfKXm268BNxJch5iIK2pG0iNgrmNbGuLS7qQ7DIfQnpc7zMrCMO_VWG1JsrAHr7jmq326GHpXHAPOVJOecCWdY4CNoIXHzISf4XIdgHZU/s400/11696015_10154067295219240_4395515056608729772_n.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy Independence Day, America!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahzY5SPQWxq_Vd-RclbPz4IBYWGYEO_ZJb-PY-5eJFlhUKG6B3Y7XxOFeLL0GWn7SoJXHhQjHaN3_DdG9ANbRuZZ_yLTemiJS-iZ31tcRHr-1f04qUcI3phv1m35prEPBD8hiHm66UoGg/s1600/11707509_10154082947039240_266550161015245745_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahzY5SPQWxq_Vd-RclbPz4IBYWGYEO_ZJb-PY-5eJFlhUKG6B3Y7XxOFeLL0GWn7SoJXHhQjHaN3_DdG9ANbRuZZ_yLTemiJS-iZ31tcRHr-1f04qUcI3phv1m35prEPBD8hiHm66UoGg/s400/11707509_10154082947039240_266550161015245745_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We took an epic trip to Long Beach Island, NJ with Mike's entire family to celebrate his parents' 50th wedding anniversary. It was SO MUCH fun!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Leah, Hannah and their cousin, Velda had a blast playing in the Atlantic Ocean!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkkDMYVcH-PbdprsCObdreT2JJyfZC9welgKrf9c6PLIWLCQ5YfFZ5Mv59Qpswdl3CGS_UWPqN0zAKfZYIavusRXXJbFqxhjXEYbXJQSyM7H-SF00bFg6GO-jgKyGh2C4M_TX3nVl45DQ/s1600/12079660_10154287411699240_6774552545667284379_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkkDMYVcH-PbdprsCObdreT2JJyfZC9welgKrf9c6PLIWLCQ5YfFZ5Mv59Qpswdl3CGS_UWPqN0zAKfZYIavusRXXJbFqxhjXEYbXJQSyM7H-SF00bFg6GO-jgKyGh2C4M_TX3nVl45DQ/s400/12079660_10154287411699240_6774552545667284379_n.jpg" width="301" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Family Beach Picture (also our Christmas card photo)!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Love these people. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRm_Ef-NcD6rTDDCjWl1Medd5q0lVEYZn_LDcDzdcB3Z43G1gM-J7OMVcYo63ByTVJiYRTpOVq_fT500jxwKtZ6gQSZtQdZiFx25Ro-b8EhuMMZ98fZNL-gwFMmBy7LaDedRpK6qlkKhB/s1600/10984124_10154134909369240_6288537692178500650_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRm_Ef-NcD6rTDDCjWl1Medd5q0lVEYZn_LDcDzdcB3Z43G1gM-J7OMVcYo63ByTVJiYRTpOVq_fT500jxwKtZ6gQSZtQdZiFx25Ro-b8EhuMMZ98fZNL-gwFMmBy7LaDedRpK6qlkKhB/s400/10984124_10154134909369240_6288537692178500650_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On July 24th, Lucas turned 6 years old!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We celebrated by taking him and two buddies to see an Energy Soccer game.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
AUGUST</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABGXSC5p5AV2RfcF0pNFfMJvG5fcnUHCk_kHi2ikjm_2ZSGIfe5QikshLs7a8brgGWAMBJo0pqpLxwxLqAS-cL0LqUv6Qow8SA1_cNwQRh3Md59RGPO6t5A80O5lTRtmsFxSs2iPDMHA1/s1600/11889514_10154157474064240_3323257530700912979_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABGXSC5p5AV2RfcF0pNFfMJvG5fcnUHCk_kHi2ikjm_2ZSGIfe5QikshLs7a8brgGWAMBJo0pqpLxwxLqAS-cL0LqUv6Qow8SA1_cNwQRh3Md59RGPO6t5A80O5lTRtmsFxSs2iPDMHA1/s400/11889514_10154157474064240_3323257530700912979_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
School started early on August 10th! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hannah and Leah began 5th grade at Deer Creek Intermediate School.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcjmLAZyplyc24LVbM4D7nboajSjRDE3kYEYmwGWwA0YncZYORq4bP3sY0jQdEVnRwDdD9K36S6p6IkFLxZkEokI5ibkzMhGwDyTg9UC9EZDs2OS2jw3gQysyAUH0dVa3tLnibY55n-KOa/s1600/11846714_10154157474004240_5377924775298811504_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcjmLAZyplyc24LVbM4D7nboajSjRDE3kYEYmwGWwA0YncZYORq4bP3sY0jQdEVnRwDdD9K36S6p6IkFLxZkEokI5ibkzMhGwDyTg9UC9EZDs2OS2jw3gQysyAUH0dVa3tLnibY55n-KOa/s400/11846714_10154157474004240_5377924775298811504_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Cutie Patootie (a.k.a. Lucas) started Kindergarten at Deer Creek Elementary.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
SEPTEMBER</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQOkFxGPbLWUXMQtWzehWthYq5uNUX9QeQJrU5x2Y1LlBuNVg_PXu9RDEnE8L9dFdNKfgCLI2b_ccEUm2134SZ1SvaNIsGI9C3RUZ3wW-5WLhHN5mXPVxihWN8ybWVGGZRrQph3mhGUNN/s1600/12036491_10154242488999240_7150459226207489254_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQOkFxGPbLWUXMQtWzehWthYq5uNUX9QeQJrU5x2Y1LlBuNVg_PXu9RDEnE8L9dFdNKfgCLI2b_ccEUm2134SZ1SvaNIsGI9C3RUZ3wW-5WLhHN5mXPVxihWN8ybWVGGZRrQph3mhGUNN/s400/12036491_10154242488999240_7150459226207489254_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In September, the Galloway's took their annual pilgrimage to the Great State Fair of Oklahoma!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJof1SzS2In2VFJ6c6BHjbOtM40DrxkgjmSa1VR1fCl4v1wqkTCE6z9jLZDNeVlD2CDc8L5tUC1SIFXos1vCbZ6766n79MwK4ZvZNVz8Hmh_8bJRgfq-yvFN0dyLE1Zfxk5sSzEGKVMOce/s1600/12033050_10154246506849240_6640990439514771261_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJof1SzS2In2VFJ6c6BHjbOtM40DrxkgjmSa1VR1fCl4v1wqkTCE6z9jLZDNeVlD2CDc8L5tUC1SIFXos1vCbZ6766n79MwK4ZvZNVz8Hmh_8bJRgfq-yvFN0dyLE1Zfxk5sSzEGKVMOce/s400/12033050_10154246506849240_6640990439514771261_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Fall soccer was in full swing, rain or shine!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Go Destroyers!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
OCTOBER</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96VHGohHsrJ11NL-CAkhNATD9rtuQLKemaLDgDPLSog-F6pceK-PsKgJc4jJmPhUm7OmNg75CBfxfn7eD_pMZLmcp81IXXjXKqmr2JXkKn1Vxwt0gAi54ynaUTBEUpWK2i15XaFY4oDri/s1600/12079535_10154276282559240_1180206533212452859_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96VHGohHsrJ11NL-CAkhNATD9rtuQLKemaLDgDPLSog-F6pceK-PsKgJc4jJmPhUm7OmNg75CBfxfn7eD_pMZLmcp81IXXjXKqmr2JXkKn1Vxwt0gAi54ynaUTBEUpWK2i15XaFY4oDri/s400/12079535_10154276282559240_1180206533212452859_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
October 6th was our third annual House of Healing Gala. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There were weeks of frenzied activity leading up to the event, and it was a big success!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Plus working with these two ladies made it super fun.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvI9iHoJ2Dt5d7Weal1dVM0EKzUyiNvmsW1vQpdOeh6SMscWaQtxVonNpMmcgrx8ZbEaVoD0FHizmKeSJWlPxti9WY39hIAD8eX4Hy3VBxlUfL534grwqJX-k6uFQsRv7QvxdD8-yGTAta/s1600/12108273_10154293338679240_2660186492324117673_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvI9iHoJ2Dt5d7Weal1dVM0EKzUyiNvmsW1vQpdOeh6SMscWaQtxVonNpMmcgrx8ZbEaVoD0FHizmKeSJWlPxti9WY39hIAD8eX4Hy3VBxlUfL534grwqJX-k6uFQsRv7QvxdD8-yGTAta/s400/12108273_10154293338679240_2660186492324117673_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
October brings my favorite week of the year: TENKILLER WEEK!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This year, the weather was unusually warm, so we actually took the boat out and swam in the lake.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJIfrGdMit1ZBdvn7yRTJdkf6iV3is1W9kr3DcFPNxQw3hoj1f5BM8SMMb7uXPFPoSn3yzpmm4LOJJU9M2kPwi2rn_fYyW6KBRmlMO2GLdIpGvOODBu3UzJJxjc9C9wDnb55ygdXlOcePo/s1600/12118931_10154298353019240_8333024593376377301_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJIfrGdMit1ZBdvn7yRTJdkf6iV3is1W9kr3DcFPNxQw3hoj1f5BM8SMMb7uXPFPoSn3yzpmm4LOJJU9M2kPwi2rn_fYyW6KBRmlMO2GLdIpGvOODBu3UzJJxjc9C9wDnb55ygdXlOcePo/s400/12118931_10154298353019240_8333024593376377301_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Such. Good. Memories.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWpOHgmq2yZlf_zhw2nj8U5pQAsJUwjB0i0Py0Mb0YGzLLreeeJrYRMkg-MURwiD4d5K7d4Xb2DeN50k6fOJjESeZ3IOAKx0bHJnSE3aNNhfc9zx_XUlhjX9I5xX5Bb1w7OMUvxFM3ZW1T/s1600/12196333_10154321205769240_1701553046634170599_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWpOHgmq2yZlf_zhw2nj8U5pQAsJUwjB0i0Py0Mb0YGzLLreeeJrYRMkg-MURwiD4d5K7d4Xb2DeN50k6fOJjESeZ3IOAKx0bHJnSE3aNNhfc9zx_XUlhjX9I5xX5Bb1w7OMUvxFM3ZW1T/s400/12196333_10154321205769240_1701553046634170599_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy Halloween!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This year we had Cleopatra, Darth Vader, and Katniss Everdeen.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
NOVEMBER</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9gMi2_yiSm87HYw0nHxcwOoUBNSj1bxvIIex8Z6SRrpBeUfpnbNLEomxPIkzCEUPUEHY5PenOgfzOlaKcxOJdnocKPJyAG3WQ36gGd2QnBJ9AftSVJZWogcn7bWmv1CCi8yIyG5ZrYMwP/s1600/12278891_10154365509484240_5471178565723225608_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9gMi2_yiSm87HYw0nHxcwOoUBNSj1bxvIIex8Z6SRrpBeUfpnbNLEomxPIkzCEUPUEHY5PenOgfzOlaKcxOJdnocKPJyAG3WQ36gGd2QnBJ9AftSVJZWogcn7bWmv1CCi8yIyG5ZrYMwP/s400/12278891_10154365509484240_5471178565723225608_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
November brought in gray days, cooler weather and more indoor activities (like this trip to the public library).</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPcLO73qhyKDyRFOd4kF5ykQS1x_qzpIdnwiTA5z7HLSs557x_p5zapg-JW6A_J5kzemKidVBsARt8DM-5jlP7Tm3Buym6lKNb4H4JKeJQcNzi8svQaolx-cuyFs7TSmhMSBVCMZZnNLAa/s1600/12108030_10154362398414240_2673414113114104069_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPcLO73qhyKDyRFOd4kF5ykQS1x_qzpIdnwiTA5z7HLSs557x_p5zapg-JW6A_J5kzemKidVBsARt8DM-5jlP7Tm3Buym6lKNb4H4JKeJQcNzi8svQaolx-cuyFs7TSmhMSBVCMZZnNLAa/s400/12108030_10154362398414240_2673414113114104069_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>My mom's handwriting on a recipe card</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And then there was Thanksgiving.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This year, it was just the five of us. We cooked a big meal, went to the movies and stayed snuggled in together. It was wonderfully relaxing and low key.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
DECEMBER</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpo9rexaTiCc89oQwew4nZ779_RUCNnpNSxkT0Y3D-H8HeNilKCR5Tbjks_HqZ4oacJ2xRtzkCiDDXt_0p8wf3IP7G4zNvR38mzf8W90WhV4aQNt5BhpjIw9jI2gMkzSU1AlnqD2rdtqi2/s1600/12301720_10154376464999240_1624577480488372528_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpo9rexaTiCc89oQwew4nZ779_RUCNnpNSxkT0Y3D-H8HeNilKCR5Tbjks_HqZ4oacJ2xRtzkCiDDXt_0p8wf3IP7G4zNvR38mzf8W90WhV4aQNt5BhpjIw9jI2gMkzSU1AlnqD2rdtqi2/s400/12301720_10154376464999240_1624577480488372528_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
December 1st this sweet Barred Owl showed up on my front porch and made my biggest Facebook post of all time! We ended up rescuing this poor, sick boy, but unfortunately he did not make it. His presence (though short) impacted our lives in a big way! Through this encounter, we learned about Wild Care Oklahoma, a fabulous non-profit just a little south of Oklahoma City.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Check them out: <a href="http://www.wildcareoklahoma.org/">http://www.wildcareoklahoma.org/</a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8mkWLDfI0t71Ps2sACz9LY-UFH4mBkZ2WWZO2CPU7DXn8f36CCwgQu55fEXHL0gc5MNZxaT39Hx0MBEQcqJ4iUZMPCSxqJ8O7zf8xJ9oqROW7API3WgiIimd68154PqagFvm0rAWHGxD/s1600/12376279_10154406729999240_2569780284501386858_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8mkWLDfI0t71Ps2sACz9LY-UFH4mBkZ2WWZO2CPU7DXn8f36CCwgQu55fEXHL0gc5MNZxaT39Hx0MBEQcqJ4iUZMPCSxqJ8O7zf8xJ9oqROW7API3WgiIimd68154PqagFvm0rAWHGxD/s400/12376279_10154406729999240_2569780284501386858_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
These two beauties turned 11 on December 16th!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We celebrated by inviting 11 of their closest friends over for pizza, cake and a Minute to Win It themed party.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8AtGnj5eZ-cIA__Xtw1pMyX6ONrTorygiO9OJGoqGHEWVnXJpakADSdL95NezWdnKirDn1TLrnPk_bExGV-kUsZKZHcDSfDpchejUaN9LdtKAxs87xXnigsTgJR3qfv8u8gDVPWe5k-Bl/s1600/1653478_10154428412554240_4719824070694441253_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8AtGnj5eZ-cIA__Xtw1pMyX6ONrTorygiO9OJGoqGHEWVnXJpakADSdL95NezWdnKirDn1TLrnPk_bExGV-kUsZKZHcDSfDpchejUaN9LdtKAxs87xXnigsTgJR3qfv8u8gDVPWe5k-Bl/s400/1653478_10154428412554240_4719824070694441253_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Christmas Eve Service at church</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
All is calm, all is bright.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayYATCTEfCXBIxRd9frxqPSWkK4Tr7GWOjO3F68B67p0TVhQ_9OxXQCZZH3pT9BghG9nMdLMla2c4na0o5mcUO6KILHatnpMZ3gewpGfjlsLFj15qUdK9DJSoYUkohGrZ9p0NduI8GzRB/s1600/1385526_10154429443129240_4257098723654591971_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayYATCTEfCXBIxRd9frxqPSWkK4Tr7GWOjO3F68B67p0TVhQ_9OxXQCZZH3pT9BghG9nMdLMla2c4na0o5mcUO6KILHatnpMZ3gewpGfjlsLFj15qUdK9DJSoYUkohGrZ9p0NduI8GzRB/s400/1385526_10154429443129240_4257098723654591971_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Christmas 2015 in full swing!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6SkZPtPcrAGOCXjMsyl0E3ICZQhP_jJHaEhyT1HJryizLN1Ap9FYJxQY1P1xuK48RnkpWuXKCB2YDj3wQ6E-zH9Z_Mddi2E3SkR0VbNMleeheC0-rSV9-oN8prJk-zfUwoiS2tgiUrle/s1600/10600355_10154445083444240_5473385760982663548_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6SkZPtPcrAGOCXjMsyl0E3ICZQhP_jJHaEhyT1HJryizLN1Ap9FYJxQY1P1xuK48RnkpWuXKCB2YDj3wQ6E-zH9Z_Mddi2E3SkR0VbNMleeheC0-rSV9-oN8prJk-zfUwoiS2tgiUrle/s400/10600355_10154445083444240_5473385760982663548_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
New Year's Eve</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lucas started making emoji faces to try to stay awake. We celebrated with Mike's parents, Grandma Velda and a few friends who stopped by. My mother-in-law made her famous chili and a cherry pie, we watched the OU Sooners lose to Clemson (boo) then we rang in the New Year with the East Coast and called it a night.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What a year!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We are looking forward to all the fun things 2016 will bring!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085771404278972299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8059888837313343350.post-24553305312359621262015-11-28T21:14:00.001-08:002015-11-29T08:19:15.072-08:00Ice, Ice Baby!We are in the middle of our first ice storm of the fall/winter season. It started yesterday with a steady drizzle which turned into sleet which turned into thick ice. Ice that coated trees, sidewalks, bushes, outdoor furniture--everything! <div><br></div><div>Lots of trees are losing limbs and many people in Oklahoma City are without power. It's a mess around here.</div><div><br></div><div>Thankfully, at our house, we still have power and heat. In fact, we have a fire going, and our Christmas tree up. We are cozy, warm, safe and looking forward to watching the big Bedlam football game later tonight. It's the biggest football day in our state when The University of Oklahoma plays Oklahoma State University. And a Big 12 Championship is on the line too! Everyone declares a side for this game. We are all OU and Boomer Sooner in this house, by the way.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzc9qXm1IPLUM_nJJ82BTL0UgiGC6_ErbTbpL3iueBVUY-msTgxFk1yTaqjojwEeqGDBd0qbGJPQkJ-Tx3wmRdpyl9aYA468BWznTldJAIDeI-0szfr-RqVxC8P8tFaRUP5gvqDOBZXRPz/s640/blogger-image--1065008950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzc9qXm1IPLUM_nJJ82BTL0UgiGC6_ErbTbpL3iueBVUY-msTgxFk1yTaqjojwEeqGDBd0qbGJPQkJ-Tx3wmRdpyl9aYA468BWznTldJAIDeI-0szfr-RqVxC8P8tFaRUP5gvqDOBZXRPz/s640/blogger-image--1065008950.jpg"></a></div>The tree is up!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFonTxh3G9WAb_-hmhw02seFFdTezFH5BIBBwfloBqGBIzDfawFFTvf-MycodGn61iKO7W2HdEat7pMNnccOMDR2uw7cr0-F5q39Rb4fRHP4yc6p4_pia_NtPOO8QGHuCN0UDsYE1CRT7B/s640/blogger-image--1627738921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFonTxh3G9WAb_-hmhw02seFFdTezFH5BIBBwfloBqGBIzDfawFFTvf-MycodGn61iKO7W2HdEat7pMNnccOMDR2uw7cr0-F5q39Rb4fRHP4yc6p4_pia_NtPOO8QGHuCN0UDsYE1CRT7B/s640/blogger-image--1627738921.jpg"></a></div>And the stockings are hung.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwW_xd2uroy60ESJKV1iXsVPnl2Br9tPKXvfkPXx-NtcY_5A6hRy8HJmM4YGQIRPei4ukS-MpXm4hfLBmRVgWIYb1jb2geeL3ud8m6NeNO3pdHSFt6F-hbA0laSCNmjfj9omCgTOGDE7R/s640/blogger-image--782510893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwW_xd2uroy60ESJKV1iXsVPnl2Br9tPKXvfkPXx-NtcY_5A6hRy8HJmM4YGQIRPei4ukS-MpXm4hfLBmRVgWIYb1jb2geeL3ud8m6NeNO3pdHSFt6F-hbA0laSCNmjfj9omCgTOGDE7R/s640/blogger-image--782510893.jpg"></a></div>Our icy Bradford Pear tree</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeL4ISKxhkvQUBNOoHDjDFeZ0m8rqqighoo0Duknt9w9opZ5X8XLkq5wzJ3oj2T9n5QMKB_2NF0Rqzb73PwIjvA_Y58PqobhT3b1APUOFM7BSiFIGTnM7RvGRkl3obMBQkJl8lcHzQ1vA/s640/blogger-image--2080086258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeL4ISKxhkvQUBNOoHDjDFeZ0m8rqqighoo0Duknt9w9opZ5X8XLkq5wzJ3oj2T9n5QMKB_2NF0Rqzb73PwIjvA_Y58PqobhT3b1APUOFM7BSiFIGTnM7RvGRkl3obMBQkJl8lcHzQ1vA/s640/blogger-image--2080086258.jpg"></a></div>Anyone want to jump?</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSXoKXlD7Gm8kRyFPtDDv3-MycnBrrRmfm_ZcERqol7i4pihSKKMjkVRBCunNobVFyYaRxt5-9kO0AxKyvwjDcG75JIbWW492-VvbRs8QmcIp03jJH3uqcKVTM8vtGNgp_-64JOCIJTH0/s640/blogger-image--440963540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSXoKXlD7Gm8kRyFPtDDv3-MycnBrrRmfm_ZcERqol7i4pihSKKMjkVRBCunNobVFyYaRxt5-9kO0AxKyvwjDcG75JIbWW492-VvbRs8QmcIp03jJH3uqcKVTM8vtGNgp_-64JOCIJTH0/s640/blogger-image--440963540.jpg"></a></div>Frozen berries</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqiPsLthDB70lYDyqv932QDIyBYWNBzjp8A7JiCoejyZQ0HEbGINslr2LtBq_4vN7Kqls9gYn8zDfhw3k9uUaeo51yz8OhA4FcA6_ggE6dfJtypq6bJyQ-CbTsdWjznxLcuDsS7M4muYUw/s640/blogger-image--1803056059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqiPsLthDB70lYDyqv932QDIyBYWNBzjp8A7JiCoejyZQ0HEbGINslr2LtBq_4vN7Kqls9gYn8zDfhw3k9uUaeo51yz8OhA4FcA6_ggE6dfJtypq6bJyQ-CbTsdWjznxLcuDsS7M4muYUw/s640/blogger-image--1803056059.jpg"></a></div></div><div>Fence accumulation</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDF4Ru2a99Ij4Eo99DMioLArlWi7_QlpxvTrAQyl4TsJgqTowr4TCbXVbORTZRVwLAtb30kDsYaHUfe2iE6td9oqy7zdabx63VtjKPn2VJYi_aLqTmHyWQ63gtATCRM4h4SFGiXKaNwmTP/s640/blogger-image-147499820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDF4Ru2a99Ij4Eo99DMioLArlWi7_QlpxvTrAQyl4TsJgqTowr4TCbXVbORTZRVwLAtb30kDsYaHUfe2iE6td9oqy7zdabx63VtjKPn2VJYi_aLqTmHyWQ63gtATCRM4h4SFGiXKaNwmTP/s640/blogger-image-147499820.jpg"></a></div>Ready to cheer on the Sooners!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxQMFbZlIZ3bny4mTGHBDzxZx16giTXkT0tWvP71ipkdybmaDD3ThdjdbaBdrCaj2vDYmbl-ShFALOC9nYrOiq7LPaL8_s-zHg67vdgrxzt13_GZTjgoNiYjsBUAhD-eHHPQfSMaqxgis/s640/blogger-image--102745325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxQMFbZlIZ3bny4mTGHBDzxZx16giTXkT0tWvP71ipkdybmaDD3ThdjdbaBdrCaj2vDYmbl-ShFALOC9nYrOiq7LPaL8_s-zHg67vdgrxzt13_GZTjgoNiYjsBUAhD-eHHPQfSMaqxgis/s640/blogger-image--102745325.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085771404278972299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8059888837313343350.post-51278707230340730232015-11-27T10:13:00.001-08:002015-11-27T10:13:30.352-08:00Happy Thanksgiving 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjybl3NOt5gjJwbF_L72pjIudyxYaiyf0baUeSupbEHYaUE69gK6zOlIiMg7vhgSIpLjMv2HLcEmP2SbLn0DG6ANh1hLRTKdnARd4HUO3tZ61vzeuKTLYHiciuO3rVc_A4RhnWml8XynXd2/s640/blogger-image--1215839898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjybl3NOt5gjJwbF_L72pjIudyxYaiyf0baUeSupbEHYaUE69gK6zOlIiMg7vhgSIpLjMv2HLcEmP2SbLn0DG6ANh1hLRTKdnARd4HUO3tZ61vzeuKTLYHiciuO3rVc_A4RhnWml8XynXd2/s640/blogger-image--1215839898.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Galloway Girls (and the rest of us too) wish you a very happy Thanksgiving!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOohPEaje3obbo-512lkOVyJz9Mjuame7461MktBd9VinFPcR7IdF6yM5eFL3O54jtc8v5y-UYfvCMpESEu69b76a8N4hAVPjEvHfQp80nk3JdKxrT4M-b8LhJg6jf6_KWGCkK655GgPt/s640/blogger-image-1852257863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOohPEaje3obbo-512lkOVyJz9Mjuame7461MktBd9VinFPcR7IdF6yM5eFL3O54jtc8v5y-UYfvCMpESEu69b76a8N4hAVPjEvHfQp80nk3JdKxrT4M-b8LhJg6jf6_KWGCkK655GgPt/s640/blogger-image-1852257863.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We celebrated at home, just the five of us. It was mellow and calm and delicious. Look at this feast! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGo_buhGfVo_xuYKKYN8TqjqW1VhJz0QC_xDQ6xZW5qYEelZd3YWUbPNr7HgysI6P08T5onMNC9qwN6_mwzuf_nHWjxUZu6hjIbClg0bK-t9IORweTK8mhM4hEkzHOw_N7D2FS-eQYPvoN/s640/blogger-image-14782051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGo_buhGfVo_xuYKKYN8TqjqW1VhJz0QC_xDQ6xZW5qYEelZd3YWUbPNr7HgysI6P08T5onMNC9qwN6_mwzuf_nHWjxUZu6hjIbClg0bK-t9IORweTK8mhM4hEkzHOw_N7D2FS-eQYPvoN/s640/blogger-image-14782051.jpg"></a></div>The crown jewel of the feast is the cornbread dressing--a family recipe passed down from Mike's Granny Lucy. It must be made in a cast iron skillet and this year is was perfection. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Tomorrow we start decorating for Christmas, but today we have so much to be thankful for!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085771404278972299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8059888837313343350.post-41074881896366545102015-11-25T09:44:00.001-08:002015-11-25T09:44:39.453-08:00Sort-of Sick DayLast week Lucas was sort-of sick. <div><br></div><div>Moms, you know the scenario-- snotty nose, cough, tired eyes from several nights of restless sleep, but no fever (unless 99 degrees counts for something), no vomit, no major red flags that require a stay home day from school. It's one of those times where "mom instincts" kick in. You just know your baby needs a day off to rest and recover. And that's the kind of day Lucas and I had.<div><br></div><div>He wasn't sick enough to just lay pathetically on the couch, so I let him guide our plans for the day. What did my boy want to do?</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWlYNH_QnEIjL1UjseqzEUS_tTLMt2QnR9godgfrE-z50v4h6xexBgtDgPS34z3B2Y0SHfEuXsALnzUfz3j9cu5BR0ANa2iPGlmo2af0nWMwYthBezs2CxA-udcbJHFJjj5vxM_FmKKtk/s640/blogger-image--1851531634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWlYNH_QnEIjL1UjseqzEUS_tTLMt2QnR9godgfrE-z50v4h6xexBgtDgPS34z3B2Y0SHfEuXsALnzUfz3j9cu5BR0ANa2iPGlmo2af0nWMwYthBezs2CxA-udcbJHFJjj5vxM_FmKKtk/s640/blogger-image--1851531634.jpg"></a></div>We started with games. If playing games is a love language, it's at the top of this little guy's list. We worked our way through his favorites: Spot It, Connect 4, Checkers, Jenga, Crazy 8's, and Chutes & Ladders. He is a tough competitor!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxyzNhdjw1wtmmG5tAwSm0VycP0whLGXKMHFLLlJ8qMqEt_ilkb5btF6o9yf5wNxmTgyGh53k5kfU9cPVQM13jDOGCRYDYvxdNcfw-fxj82IM5uHaPCZNTbCVVKEVYAE55TPgTqDqIr4u/s640/blogger-image--503342875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxyzNhdjw1wtmmG5tAwSm0VycP0whLGXKMHFLLlJ8qMqEt_ilkb5btF6o9yf5wNxmTgyGh53k5kfU9cPVQM13jDOGCRYDYvxdNcfw-fxj82IM5uHaPCZNTbCVVKEVYAE55TPgTqDqIr4u/s640/blogger-image--503342875.jpg"></a></div>Next, he wanted to "bake a cake." I rummaged through my pantry and found this Red Velvet cake mix. Perfect. He loves to help me in the kitchen. Cracking eggs is a special skill he has mastered. And don't get me started on stirring. He can stir and mix with the best of them. </div><div>Later, after the cake cooled, we made cream cheese frosting to complete our baking experience. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcGNCB-dMHbi-cW5-jGvMetoiI6FS-wSXPsETC8W2P21uw_mHwtqXaSDYVCMurByZD8T1yddYq2qGsltaCAvZowwlOR4vAwNjL4R-BuZ8hspayI6nDivSBwKBNFOebX_FcLXYe4NZSvM_V/s640/blogger-image--453617792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcGNCB-dMHbi-cW5-jGvMetoiI6FS-wSXPsETC8W2P21uw_mHwtqXaSDYVCMurByZD8T1yddYq2qGsltaCAvZowwlOR4vAwNjL4R-BuZ8hspayI6nDivSBwKBNFOebX_FcLXYe4NZSvM_V/s640/blogger-image--453617792.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuFIks3HCFFR-cuPJDiqnWg1cDZxgQqqyvaasVvRF_zzaPqLg-G14rYJ3w7cIkdPYiOAW3chfbz3xyAiVtlYu0QLIuOxTuK4RBMbOXUiPFv-1SNg8ysUMAQpYvZPZc8LIAQUbAcGjA3upT/s640/blogger-image-1290699422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuFIks3HCFFR-cuPJDiqnWg1cDZxgQqqyvaasVvRF_zzaPqLg-G14rYJ3w7cIkdPYiOAW3chfbz3xyAiVtlYu0QLIuOxTuK4RBMbOXUiPFv-1SNg8ysUMAQpYvZPZc8LIAQUbAcGjA3upT/s640/blogger-image-1290699422.jpg"></a></div>Next up was coloring. When he was a toddler, he was too busy to sit down and draw. But this year in particular, he has found a real love of art. He enjoys creating, drawing and coloring, and will sit still for long periods of time to focus on his work. The top photo is a mother/son collaboration featuring Mike reaching up for a napkin before digging into a giant ice cream sundae. The bottom work was a guided activity--I told him to draw a scene where everything has "normal colors." Then draw the same scene where everything has "not normal colors." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">At this point, Mom needed a break and we needed some lunch, so it was movie time. He vegged out on the couch and watched Turbo while I got our lunch ready and straightened up the house a bit. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2CbwdqzA0c46e5wYBxPKQQpHW36bYsE0JYIfr4BOX5CmeuvJSShpwlBOqIvGIn73aYRmkLGu8IP9NRYUF1uPXSX-M2pM5Co0DVO3T191od2-zKKm3_cW6HcJVI_IevPqhkLqyBwZOfBhZ/s640/blogger-image--281110829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2CbwdqzA0c46e5wYBxPKQQpHW36bYsE0JYIfr4BOX5CmeuvJSShpwlBOqIvGIn73aYRmkLGu8IP9NRYUF1uPXSX-M2pM5Co0DVO3T191od2-zKKm3_cW6HcJVI_IevPqhkLqyBwZOfBhZ/s640/blogger-image--281110829.jpg"></a></div>After the movie he wanted to do a science experiment. I went with a super easy one. Pour milk into a pie plate. Add four drops of food coloring. Add a drop of dish washing liquid, then use a toothpick or straw to swirl the colors around. It makes a cool tie-dyed effect. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4diRKZaUnHvaaGktyx9ONVGgdhEau1z4D1quHkGIhv9B8JKJBxbKpHDDiImO_a5L9rkY9ZH6SRIBg3AfRGWi5NDpngjBBRAVkjDySfPN9U78q0YMFL5heP0dDxATVviNefr2JD78ZyTx/s640/blogger-image--1689050534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4diRKZaUnHvaaGktyx9ONVGgdhEau1z4D1quHkGIhv9B8JKJBxbKpHDDiImO_a5L9rkY9ZH6SRIBg3AfRGWi5NDpngjBBRAVkjDySfPN9U78q0YMFL5heP0dDxATVviNefr2JD78ZyTx/s640/blogger-image--1689050534.jpg"></a></div>He had a good time predicting what would happen next,talking about color mixing, warm vs. cool colors...it was simple, but he enjoyed it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDcJ8fmk4kTUwooDF_8J-c_us1kdfiLVM_XAwBPTkejbMkbXY8cQQYWSwTCJgkeV4U7E2BT1mK2xLd2u3pD5W6fkyXgld8Romis8MxzyWhTd5kT2Ay6C8MKkWTBdBhoyzrO7ZqS8NBfy8u/s640/blogger-image--1331856449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDcJ8fmk4kTUwooDF_8J-c_us1kdfiLVM_XAwBPTkejbMkbXY8cQQYWSwTCJgkeV4U7E2BT1mK2xLd2u3pD5W6fkyXgld8Romis8MxzyWhTd5kT2Ay6C8MKkWTBdBhoyzrO7ZqS8NBfy8u/s640/blogger-image--1331856449.jpg"></a></div>Like staring at a lava lamp, it was hard to look away.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2uTXJy54ScL9hAk654Zp227zDRVWUFDtAb-g-2AFvpb2_VlBasgT-OkOqy25hyphenhyphenwLDK1f5eoHO4lUljie4L8pZQ4CBGfXYNsMXGl9yy5H4XMbFncRVwYFf9jNhWTMPkYh1Ffj-OE6XBkA/s640/blogger-image-178165690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2uTXJy54ScL9hAk654Zp227zDRVWUFDtAb-g-2AFvpb2_VlBasgT-OkOqy25hyphenhyphenwLDK1f5eoHO4lUljie4L8pZQ4CBGfXYNsMXGl9yy5H4XMbFncRVwYFf9jNhWTMPkYh1Ffj-OE6XBkA/s640/blogger-image-178165690.jpg"></a></div>Next up--books. This is Mom's favorite and Lucas loves it too. He's reading now (simple stories), so he likes to try to point out words he knows or read a sentence or two. Current faves: the Teacher from the Black Lagoon series, Frances the Badger books, and Mister Muster. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYKQ771Dzjqym0ep3VLCIouvamB5BS4zU3YfP44UgrAF9k7a1RJOptPqjpDOy4mls3CVf-LTEgvRPRNtYJgA-juLuN3MP-MpGY1uCWsgkYOoeIWzDUof9CW3yZUiXRDetfNVbDrNyHBWQ3/s640/blogger-image--1428480932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYKQ771Dzjqym0ep3VLCIouvamB5BS4zU3YfP44UgrAF9k7a1RJOptPqjpDOy4mls3CVf-LTEgvRPRNtYJgA-juLuN3MP-MpGY1uCWsgkYOoeIWzDUof9CW3yZUiXRDetfNVbDrNyHBWQ3/s640/blogger-image--1428480932.jpg"></a></div>We had so much fun just the two of us!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg141347bV6kQR6vVfMEaVLcwhikeyYv2ZMvCT-FheDG890iq85NAjz2AhMhZLi252S5o6vLbVdb0Rs10Vz9PeVO_tzdjHDnGGc9MZaCe4R6bx5Npa6ZBdy8wjNHXcqh1p68orQ-RIh_jUp/s640/blogger-image--929126830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg141347bV6kQR6vVfMEaVLcwhikeyYv2ZMvCT-FheDG890iq85NAjz2AhMhZLi252S5o6vLbVdb0Rs10Vz9PeVO_tzdjHDnGGc9MZaCe4R6bx5Npa6ZBdy8wjNHXcqh1p68orQ-RIh_jUp/s640/blogger-image--929126830.jpg"></a></div>And this eventually happened shortly after his sisters came home. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgF5O2s_D6Sf-afGLpTIZDCFZZAAgg7TpvLKrezQuQP0sp3mHrHf7jaQ2oxXu-c9MzHsvQsEH_mpYxfzxMLFP-wE14F9KQRxwVYZAjwQqgSUWjMA5BdTy5gPlpuu4bNLFPZeBoxUribHc/s640/blogger-image-1367279418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgF5O2s_D6Sf-afGLpTIZDCFZZAAgg7TpvLKrezQuQP0sp3mHrHf7jaQ2oxXu-c9MzHsvQsEH_mpYxfzxMLFP-wE14F9KQRxwVYZAjwQqgSUWjMA5BdTy5gPlpuu4bNLFPZeBoxUribHc/s640/blogger-image-1367279418.jpg"></a></div></div>Later that evening, we were snuggling on the couch and he randomly told me, "I enjoy loving you, Mom."</div><div><br></div><div>Heart. Burst.</div><div><br></div><div>I sure love this kid. And I'm happy to report he is feeling much better. :)</div></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085771404278972299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8059888837313343350.post-17234629033843803202015-11-01T07:30:00.001-08:002015-11-01T07:30:27.999-08:00Halloween 2015There was a lot of drama leading up to this year's costume choices. I'll spare you the details, but it involved scouring the Internet, not ordering in time, one costume way too big, a full day of searching local stores for accessories, and many theme changes. With that being said, I'm happy with what we ended up with. May I present the Galloway kids of 2015: Cleopatra, Darth Vader and Katniss Everdeen.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOWUehEMO3LS3TFMGle5e0LKox-HtKC286jPC7NzHvEtEdPSStPQUw1Q5e2q5XJJIEiCz1EgiWqdKI8QdDuGNY2Ylw4WNFL_h4Yuu6KrWC1trcLovCikgfzoZjv_pYWGdSumJycrhNGSGO/s640/blogger-image-296372685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOWUehEMO3LS3TFMGle5e0LKox-HtKC286jPC7NzHvEtEdPSStPQUw1Q5e2q5XJJIEiCz1EgiWqdKI8QdDuGNY2Ylw4WNFL_h4Yuu6KrWC1trcLovCikgfzoZjv_pYWGdSumJycrhNGSGO/s640/blogger-image-296372685.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ready to stop taking pictures and start knocking on doors! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMTGY09E0wO0Y-v0qEGNrrRLGVURqzF_38qia16n5gIzahScVLDzGI03A2oKrEBg5UT0xHzWi_diGiZrOdrptWR-XwJF0PTJgCe0fCWZIO-UgR4KA4zpBSC5QKW6hD2GgzrV5eSkRs5RI1/s640/blogger-image--1295951807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMTGY09E0wO0Y-v0qEGNrrRLGVURqzF_38qia16n5gIzahScVLDzGI03A2oKrEBg5UT0xHzWi_diGiZrOdrptWR-XwJF0PTJgCe0fCWZIO-UgR4KA4zpBSC5QKW6hD2GgzrV5eSkRs5RI1/s640/blogger-image--1295951807.jpg"></a></div>Hannah as Cleopatra--this was her fourth choice for a costume, but she rocked it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-PDiNs0CM8ZfRUHr80n4rn43N8Epk361fKBPCht5DGasIrXRrgvR563cpwpf6vI5t4IS-GSyybHAZiW_AOkNH4lgLLOMhC6WVvcXluKQ9bQhd6Pr9jcgbdUAx9Ztk3hZOOhKnRlTEHK_/s640/blogger-image--1046271617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-PDiNs0CM8ZfRUHr80n4rn43N8Epk361fKBPCht5DGasIrXRrgvR563cpwpf6vI5t4IS-GSyybHAZiW_AOkNH4lgLLOMhC6WVvcXluKQ9bQhd6Pr9jcgbdUAx9Ztk3hZOOhKnRlTEHK_/s640/blogger-image--1046271617.jpg"></a></div>Leah is obsessed with The Hunger Games right now. She has read the first two books and we let her watch the first movie. She gets it. She can handle it. We are ok with that. Katniss is her hero.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLSJ04ktBU5tcYiJhS3oPa9W4Mo6f3LLi_YS6Pj9V-EztSmDMsB8L2rH1_Xq4DrjZvL49qq1N-iLkGcHOWSoZfruaqb22U-AwpzHsh8BtUqglFM7Ts5hQvlzB89eWSMW_pVeUjXOAtj1E/s640/blogger-image-156356947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLSJ04ktBU5tcYiJhS3oPa9W4Mo6f3LLi_YS6Pj9V-EztSmDMsB8L2rH1_Xq4DrjZvL49qq1N-iLkGcHOWSoZfruaqb22U-AwpzHsh8BtUqglFM7Ts5hQvlzB89eWSMW_pVeUjXOAtj1E/s640/blogger-image-156356947.jpg"></a></div></div>Darth Vader in action. This was a hand-me-down costume from a friend. The new red power ranger costume we had purchased turned out to be about four sizes too big. We will save it for next year. Bummer.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQfaOKrvVXTFtVR3w_uAkbpYqhldBdO6-9xFY8bMQ70SmiQhfc7oG6iwPzPMy22OzhNR5dOH0GAjbTHIvUokx9W2IIn9ma0BDjs57v6DN93g9SDpN9AN8oSh_J7o44Be3QpR1gBBJiXtV/s640/blogger-image--1707530652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQfaOKrvVXTFtVR3w_uAkbpYqhldBdO6-9xFY8bMQ70SmiQhfc7oG6iwPzPMy22OzhNR5dOH0GAjbTHIvUokx9W2IIn9ma0BDjs57v6DN93g9SDpN9AN8oSh_J7o44Be3QpR1gBBJiXtV/s640/blogger-image--1707530652.jpg"></a></div>Lucas and his buddy Houston.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnkKIEJXLGiixsxmXXzZx2_14Od-pddckG98X03NForY_t2N3ew2CG70W4ngMZ1P07_ZTrqNJR-hoqJmnA4Agd_MQNN98fcAEexp-WQ4G9R94Ei27x6tJ_YqkHddWUAubELCrP1SXUJQvA/s640/blogger-image--1622240629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnkKIEJXLGiixsxmXXzZx2_14Od-pddckG98X03NForY_t2N3ew2CG70W4ngMZ1P07_ZTrqNJR-hoqJmnA4Agd_MQNN98fcAEexp-WQ4G9R94Ei27x6tJ_YqkHddWUAubELCrP1SXUJQvA/s640/blogger-image--1622240629.jpg"></a></div>Hannah, India, Leah and Adilee.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAkN1u9T1d7cSeDDV_TlFHjkypKp96fK-QvFsFSgmDsnzP5AEy5Rrli3Tdk76XC9WGeypgSkJtnoDomZ3eo8uzLyuUrK964q6Z9PIwTHV0rN-mIp8pG9rOiNOCNkyiEC_Dn0MxZKWvQnt/s640/blogger-image-1509683207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAkN1u9T1d7cSeDDV_TlFHjkypKp96fK-QvFsFSgmDsnzP5AEy5Rrli3Tdk76XC9WGeypgSkJtnoDomZ3eo8uzLyuUrK964q6Z9PIwTHV0rN-mIp8pG9rOiNOCNkyiEC_Dn0MxZKWvQnt/s640/blogger-image-1509683207.jpg"></a></div>Our neighbors really got into the decorating this year!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJmutjuMTUO2PZAqAoFl3IWw9g1sQwmkR1s6evKELEF0sIaWiIKGhpLhujdFJ5XB5O-aClgJbA9DkWz76oJPvzkJInSJrf5xdI-XchDrSJJJyQOBJYvifviQzVTKQG4i_r-HEDXu9sgpZC/s640/blogger-image--1394437720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJmutjuMTUO2PZAqAoFl3IWw9g1sQwmkR1s6evKELEF0sIaWiIKGhpLhujdFJ5XB5O-aClgJbA9DkWz76oJPvzkJInSJrf5xdI-XchDrSJJJyQOBJYvifviQzVTKQG4i_r-HEDXu9sgpZC/s640/blogger-image--1394437720.jpg"></a></div>Lucas and James</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKurWjE8Qeykn-NfCjR42bGAAEH-7yPpGDK4FA5KIq4QzImgYrztorTmXd9HHIJbpI0PN3TpsEntsC8rp-oF9itAU01Xp5pjHZSB7f_AkEVhMPn1GWv_JHH9l-6i9g2hCKlMCQ6iLsg-HB/s640/blogger-image--87237364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKurWjE8Qeykn-NfCjR42bGAAEH-7yPpGDK4FA5KIq4QzImgYrztorTmXd9HHIJbpI0PN3TpsEntsC8rp-oF9itAU01Xp5pjHZSB7f_AkEVhMPn1GWv_JHH9l-6i9g2hCKlMCQ6iLsg-HB/s640/blogger-image--87237364.jpg"></a></div>Beautiful Halloween sunset</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKr_Y6zvZo-_qLbqaMHVYFRpdX9A3ZoXoxkQjEr3VuNknNP3VcojTd84YqWYUN9s5OK-6JtfaJ27GJeQ0cUlNMQVcHkFtcCphpVNtqlb1U44-dEmOBhmY9NwZWdtsphVdxj3VkaYOaRs5/s640/blogger-image--1768914344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKr_Y6zvZo-_qLbqaMHVYFRpdX9A3ZoXoxkQjEr3VuNknNP3VcojTd84YqWYUN9s5OK-6JtfaJ27GJeQ0cUlNMQVcHkFtcCphpVNtqlb1U44-dEmOBhmY9NwZWdtsphVdxj3VkaYOaRs5/s640/blogger-image--1768914344.jpg"></a></div>Toward the end we were all cold and tired, but like any good parent I kept snapping pictures and making my kids pose. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5iN4OPsNYnfpwOx6PUAHchAe9CzTSGwlXfohHauIyb9hIctaEZC8v5LklAvSpyJfvVC9y98OIPNqkPs4PcOyCmxhJt5w5ABwhYuGY9Jq6HCPK6wkTi39IJpBNoN1JVb0Q_TYSgy0gBhCn/s640/blogger-image-1704809594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5iN4OPsNYnfpwOx6PUAHchAe9CzTSGwlXfohHauIyb9hIctaEZC8v5LklAvSpyJfvVC9y98OIPNqkPs4PcOyCmxhJt5w5ABwhYuGY9Jq6HCPK6wkTi39IJpBNoN1JVb0Q_TYSgy0gBhCn/s640/blogger-image-1704809594.jpg"></a></div>Another festive neighborhood yard. This came complete with the Ghostbusters theme song playing on repeat.</div><div><br></div><div>We came home and sorted through our spoils. And we all ate a few (Leah gave me a Heath bar! Woot!!). The kids' friends India and James spent the night and as tradition states in our home we must watch the Disney cartoon version of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. It's narrated by Bing Crosby and retells the Washington Irvington story so well for a young audience. It's just a little spooky, but mostly fun. We love it.</div><div><br></div><div>Later, after all five kids were put to bed, someone in our neighborhood started shooting off Halloween colored fireworks! They were loud, big and lasted for quite awhile! Oh my! A new tradition?! I suppose we will have to wait until next year to find out.</div><div><br></div><div>Happy Halloween!!</div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085771404278972299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8059888837313343350.post-45812798265790184232015-10-28T19:54:00.001-07:002015-10-28T19:54:11.030-07:00Second Birthday Pic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3W8tr_8N5kvZJFiLp5hrqxMyanq2IOMh0dOmIzxIfFZwNWo5i3IYAMxDpnCD9n4GNNHoQqTT_bHozI1Bv6GENcN9qWy2IK8PhMdALj3LtSWRbyo2AMZXnNYL79cOtGUJyN66EswA6rPB/s1600/5097_98301294239_430738_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3W8tr_8N5kvZJFiLp5hrqxMyanq2IOMh0dOmIzxIfFZwNWo5i3IYAMxDpnCD9n4GNNHoQqTT_bHozI1Bv6GENcN9qWy2IK8PhMdALj3LtSWRbyo2AMZXnNYL79cOtGUJyN66EswA6rPB/s640/5097_98301294239_430738_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This is my mom and I at my baby show for Lucas. She was so excited for Lucas to arrive. It was a beautiful day--so bright and sunny and full of family and friends. And I'm so glad I could share it with her.<br />
<br />
Gosh, I miss her smile.<br />
<br />
One of my biggest fears is that I'll forget her. That's why I love to look at pictures and retell stories and listen to videos of her voice.<br />
<br />
No, I'll never forget. How could I forget a part of me?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085771404278972299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8059888837313343350.post-75427790858950555602015-10-26T19:20:00.001-07:002015-10-26T19:20:56.572-07:00Birthday WeekThis Friday is my mom's birthday. I spent 34 birthdays with her, and this will mark the 4th without her. I've been thinking about her so much lately. Yesterday, I thought about her and cried off and on all day. Today I've been thinking about her and smiling. Grief is weird. <div><br></div><div>In her honor, I thought I'd share one photo of my mom a day leading up to her birthday on the 30th.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6JLxvs16lMcU31R6lD68E3p_B6HyrXh-qYWnh4muLJAGSG8PHdw7TrbvKdkVwZtgzQ1ohgcu0YAkpVDBYHudcDwnruKZG35eEakT4T9oeM1IAdaM6yRhv2F5dKbf09K0WYXbg_MrTmXD/s640/blogger-image-80788705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6JLxvs16lMcU31R6lD68E3p_B6HyrXh-qYWnh4muLJAGSG8PHdw7TrbvKdkVwZtgzQ1ohgcu0YAkpVDBYHudcDwnruKZG35eEakT4T9oeM1IAdaM6yRhv2F5dKbf09K0WYXbg_MrTmXD/s640/blogger-image-80788705.jpg"></a></div>The back of this photo reads, "Barb gathering pecans, 1301 Edgewood Dr, Graham, TX, Fall,1975." </div><div><br></div><div>I was about 18 months away from being born when this picture was taken. Mom was at the end of her battle with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. She had recently finished brutal rounds of chemo and radiation. Her hair was starting to grow back. She was thin and weak, but so very happy to be alive. She had been told that because of the radiation she received, having children would be a slim possibility. I know she was struggling with this--the thought that she might never have children. But she trusted God. Sought His will. And found refuge in the shadow of the Almighty. </div><div><br></div><div>The following May of 1976, my mom found out a baby was on the way--me. And I would be her only baby. </div><div><br></div><div>I look at her face in this picture and see the strongest, bravest woman I've ever known. </div><div><br></div><div>Thank you, Lord, for letting me be that miracle baby. </div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085771404278972299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8059888837313343350.post-25380237308095078252015-10-23T22:24:00.001-07:002015-10-23T22:24:42.447-07:00August 2015August in Oklahoma is one word: HOT. Usually over 100 degrees. It's delightful (not). Yet, if you can be near a pool or some sort of water source, it's not that bad. I still prefer the ease of summer--throw on shorts, tank, flip flops and you're good to go. Sleeping in, no set schedule, vacations...,I digress.<div><br></div><div>With school staring August 13th this year, we only had two weeks of summer left to play. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-ABh3qZY3FfKy4kLhJgreU4k4YP-mCkyFJaHpv0XHfVZc6Vuxh9o8eK9RyT5VdIQ4wKRF2UTTpWj73sBI8wPFa-EAHme5QAgoqmfraU2q0u4Agku3hrsU_Yf5yk-NlWTHkqmthPcOBH4/s640/blogger-image-2099433362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-ABh3qZY3FfKy4kLhJgreU4k4YP-mCkyFJaHpv0XHfVZc6Vuxh9o8eK9RyT5VdIQ4wKRF2UTTpWj73sBI8wPFa-EAHme5QAgoqmfraU2q0u4Agku3hrsU_Yf5yk-NlWTHkqmthPcOBH4/s640/blogger-image-2099433362.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My dear friend and college roomie, LeAnn, came down from Kansas for a visit with her boys. She surprised me with the news that she is pregnant with her third baby--a girl! LeAnn is amazing--smart (has her PhD in biochemistry and microbiology), beautiful, patient and so genuine and kind. She is a friend to everyone. I just love her and cherished our short, but sweet visit. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlLQtjQNg0a5XkwVy59_eE1iV8Ui9VblXvtNKsgmrFYwOctaMOeEe7VkCkvVJY5t5N624xcmAJb3Qhi-zO_uH3UTkpFo9P5cSMBQy7rwHWWRQjjtzNaZRLJHx-IxMHiaOGPPwDZTGocLo/s640/blogger-image--924101272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlLQtjQNg0a5XkwVy59_eE1iV8Ui9VblXvtNKsgmrFYwOctaMOeEe7VkCkvVJY5t5N624xcmAJb3Qhi-zO_uH3UTkpFo9P5cSMBQy7rwHWWRQjjtzNaZRLJHx-IxMHiaOGPPwDZTGocLo/s640/blogger-image--924101272.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We took in another fun Energy game!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqLk_4RMtWq4d1sFV5tY07WADZh8AA5LuGQU61q2O2MkgTZyOm3qCTt-aefC5L33mKE6Pt9Sj86kdFSLWU5g6sJxee26UhyGZkVd00OetI-sk9xHSBLxXQONNkg9x_45JyziSF8hDePAy/s640/blogger-image--409899728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqLk_4RMtWq4d1sFV5tY07WADZh8AA5LuGQU61q2O2MkgTZyOm3qCTt-aefC5L33mKE6Pt9Sj86kdFSLWU5g6sJxee26UhyGZkVd00OetI-sk9xHSBLxXQONNkg9x_45JyziSF8hDePAy/s640/blogger-image--409899728.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We finally started the project of redoing our girls' room, taking it from toddler girls to young ladies. We started with new paint and carpet, then added bunk beds, new comforters and a desk. We still aren't finished, but we made big strides forward in August.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGkITvHoxQ3XnlAV6z3MyI4LD2fPhM0dm-iKUGcTTsW9O1rQ2WG4ExAxREZEZXkf-xaQWEuJGVrHX83ZSE3h6hgbUQsjwr2159baON6ihlbsv7jWqzr4bPOasLszDMt9KfHp6aQnv4OraZ/s640/blogger-image-1721810328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGkITvHoxQ3XnlAV6z3MyI4LD2fPhM0dm-iKUGcTTsW9O1rQ2WG4ExAxREZEZXkf-xaQWEuJGVrHX83ZSE3h6hgbUQsjwr2159baON6ihlbsv7jWqzr4bPOasLszDMt9KfHp6aQnv4OraZ/s640/blogger-image-1721810328.jpg"></a></div>Getting there! We definitely freed up more floor space! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4z7DTg9qhdMsNdJL-guFUvikpDI8GJazX_5tBO11NaBuXRcjWOHu9TdQgtfA1gvODOgs7ogVtsmi3voXYiwrZjgnZtyS9ftQ3pcnwUuenM72rIaM8Qdhmmo-KaZmn8AaYbZywT4e6JC-/s640/blogger-image-1718988447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4z7DTg9qhdMsNdJL-guFUvikpDI8GJazX_5tBO11NaBuXRcjWOHu9TdQgtfA1gvODOgs7ogVtsmi3voXYiwrZjgnZtyS9ftQ3pcnwUuenM72rIaM8Qdhmmo-KaZmn8AaYbZywT4e6JC-/s640/blogger-image-1718988447.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My dad took Lucas to a Dodger's game for a special Guy's night out. They had a blast!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1JXKdoqPg5758ZQGbYpH_hpftb5yBchUgG0YPTEc2TIUQpWYKxczr7hetITXYboj_4oaijAkpyIdVLqOntPGKjBeUfcx150ZfqGuHEuxemNBa27dk7L0tlGAznbzNTRwPU7ZNhyphenhyphen5Q9x9/s640/blogger-image--906098021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1JXKdoqPg5758ZQGbYpH_hpftb5yBchUgG0YPTEc2TIUQpWYKxczr7hetITXYboj_4oaijAkpyIdVLqOntPGKjBeUfcx150ZfqGuHEuxemNBa27dk7L0tlGAznbzNTRwPU7ZNhyphenhyphen5Q9x9/s640/blogger-image--906098021.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The second weekend in August, my friend Nikki and I decided to take a quick Mothers/Daughters' road trip. We decided to make this an annual thing from here out with these simple rules: 1. It will just be a weekend trip 2. It will be to an off the beaten path kind of place--no theme parks or or gimmicky kid traps. These girls' only trips will be focused on the journey, the quality time and a quirky experience so we can bond even more over the unique experience. For our innaugural trip, we chose the exotic town of Graham, TX. Why, you ask? This is the town I was born in and lived until I was ten years old. It's a quaint, small town of 8,000 in north-central Texas Hill Country. And it's only a 3.5 hour drive from OKC. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQXsIqaI3GA8gKTGlHxOEZ1znMAj9BfD4BWAdxIuvpFCcP_mPq_qLxvz_n9DWgI1tGiGPkQqi7JhSgAJdF1oWMZc4ttTzDd1zyW89lN9y8FE95NZSky261wbQkQK8RB8Qg-yNou1ewE89/s640/blogger-image--1401595491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQXsIqaI3GA8gKTGlHxOEZ1znMAj9BfD4BWAdxIuvpFCcP_mPq_qLxvz_n9DWgI1tGiGPkQqi7JhSgAJdF1oWMZc4ttTzDd1zyW89lN9y8FE95NZSky261wbQkQK8RB8Qg-yNou1ewE89/s640/blogger-image--1401595491.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We arrived around 1:00 and went straight to the Dairy King of course. That's right, Dairy KING, not Queen. The King is a total greasy dive that has been in Graham forever, and you must get a vanilla cream Coke when you go. It's the law. It might even be the eleventh commandment. Served with crushed ice and a classy super sized styrofoam cup, it's summer perfection. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Next we checked into our hotel then changed and headed to the city pool where we swam the afternoon away. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ll76QYUCZSqGVZQlfn0io4f4LUrXo15ZUsf0kXMducJ7MPlZOas7YRJHLGVj1cnka4EyeMJKmj3neEsqVBG6tOyd0IF-OXpt9cVD-W_-S8SHayIam4N05tx_A0jcEGOI4gO7gR1B7kLI/s640/blogger-image--1382985449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ll76QYUCZSqGVZQlfn0io4f4LUrXo15ZUsf0kXMducJ7MPlZOas7YRJHLGVj1cnka4EyeMJKmj3neEsqVBG6tOyd0IF-OXpt9cVD-W_-S8SHayIam4N05tx_A0jcEGOI4gO7gR1B7kLI/s640/blogger-image--1382985449.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Cooling off! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBygLiMBK_y5kM-SufE6Qh0d0XLOjSJfCbCs0LGzdOmno5Xwa5fcgbxznSvg4rQMrspv6eFnwuUePGpo2lwiBd1XiA2RLdph44bMitCe1QdvBri7oEds9zSvBMCUhmEag3NrDHzgKhx7aU/s640/blogger-image--2005472546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBygLiMBK_y5kM-SufE6Qh0d0XLOjSJfCbCs0LGzdOmno5Xwa5fcgbxznSvg4rQMrspv6eFnwuUePGpo2lwiBd1XiA2RLdph44bMitCe1QdvBri7oEds9zSvBMCUhmEag3NrDHzgKhx7aU/s640/blogger-image--2005472546.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Later, back at the hotel, we did facial masks, manicures and pedicures. The girls loved it. Then we went next door to Pizza Hut for dinner before our final event for the evening--a drive-in movie! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZp2M1XhYKItH2US4b6Vejz74J-zOeq3l7-aAlcn2UG8BJJoh7Tvxg66kDtynoRdl0GkQO4aZ7i5B9y6O__OYGKAcMBsaPpKyxrD9NrUeLaau_giY0cIHUhcRrsYSdTRJ8kn1oaI4Wjljd/s640/blogger-image--795575473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZp2M1XhYKItH2US4b6Vejz74J-zOeq3l7-aAlcn2UG8BJJoh7Tvxg66kDtynoRdl0GkQO4aZ7i5B9y6O__OYGKAcMBsaPpKyxrD9NrUeLaau_giY0cIHUhcRrsYSdTRJ8kn1oaI4Wjljd/s640/blogger-image--795575473.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I grew up going to this drive-in! The firstv movie I saw here was Flight of the Navigator with my friend Shauna. We sat in the back of her dad's brown and orange pick-up truck and loved every minute of it! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqssguFjQWOFnoaSlpKyGd_GpntDAdJdc5igWBMtl4H8uZonMhVxHGeu9I3n962ocETDcXxw1F4GI6kMEdn3ySJjeRf4MwPFsVmrci776DY6OdbkVONcZLrN9AIcjCDKy1MVuuz8KodLa-/s640/blogger-image-104995707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqssguFjQWOFnoaSlpKyGd_GpntDAdJdc5igWBMtl4H8uZonMhVxHGeu9I3n962ocETDcXxw1F4GI6kMEdn3ySJjeRf4MwPFsVmrci776DY6OdbkVONcZLrN9AIcjCDKy1MVuuz8KodLa-/s640/blogger-image-104995707.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This night's feature was Pixels. It was meh, but the girls had tons of fun. Especially since we loaded them up with candy too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQd5ZOTnmQJKZvAStz6hG698Ds0n3UFmjSmuPECX7bG7Ipi_vUp3sROqpkbdanNp6BhIV-Nxs4qCT4ATJqdQJOyG_bDSO7cSbJkf3USS_LmPeGs3VyADmKvXFSS8wwzONJIy7yGXY3kHR/s640/blogger-image-122399049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQd5ZOTnmQJKZvAStz6hG698Ds0n3UFmjSmuPECX7bG7Ipi_vUp3sROqpkbdanNp6BhIV-Nxs4qCT4ATJqdQJOyG_bDSO7cSbJkf3USS_LmPeGs3VyADmKvXFSS8wwzONJIy7yGXY3kHR/s640/blogger-image-122399049.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The next morning we slept in, ate breakfast at the hotel, swam at the hotel pool, then checked out. On the way out of town, we stopped by Shauna's mom's house which happens to be across the street from the house I lived in. We got to sit and visit with her for a bit before we hit the road back to Oklahoma. But not without another Dairy King drive through!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Then, a few days later....school started!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvFuaOTQD3TaiJKXHE54Vhk8NMZx8d6WSopmheBaofYgGmAUzeIw68CAAzD4gSY-w0AmJnCVh1_2TCxn7vuYPCxil0AhROdpz6ZDjtSbxaZNfH0LU-JMl6dsq0s6X8hNi90LkDpV0qwt5Q/s640/blogger-image--381814415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvFuaOTQD3TaiJKXHE54Vhk8NMZx8d6WSopmheBaofYgGmAUzeIw68CAAzD4gSY-w0AmJnCVh1_2TCxn7vuYPCxil0AhROdpz6ZDjtSbxaZNfH0LU-JMl6dsq0s6X8hNi90LkDpV0qwt5Q/s640/blogger-image--381814415.jpg"></a></div>Hannah and Leah started 5th grade at Deer Creek Intermediate School! A new adventure!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFIcrtsGF5d9ggZiA9XzZYDLDmEJUuoLp_-5-nQLdur95qaIiF3kloZWiUSEll2i4PxbSl4oD6Tmh_C4ahSCjByyNEtw3VVD0mzHIDgpl4cVu2dui4U8FaL1OPcFxXF0bt6cyyIE6Ol0s/s640/blogger-image--1198970253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFIcrtsGF5d9ggZiA9XzZYDLDmEJUuoLp_-5-nQLdur95qaIiF3kloZWiUSEll2i4PxbSl4oD6Tmh_C4ahSCjByyNEtw3VVD0mzHIDgpl4cVu2dui4U8FaL1OPcFxXF0bt6cyyIE6Ol0s/s640/blogger-image--1198970253.jpg"></a></div><br></div>And Lucas started kindergarten at Deer Creek Elementary School just down the street. My handsome boy!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7EU04q-nx1GLv22OKOIooPydmV7iFcmCxxUWDZJlGLl-9-NuHYe97KTUqSgU7jYtV6M-SWjay09ifMuB57m4ycJ6-iRItLUOH_27iyqTU23ye7MD-tRh6YptGzzFzCMiJCuVjbz47lxcC/s640/blogger-image--1671210524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7EU04q-nx1GLv22OKOIooPydmV7iFcmCxxUWDZJlGLl-9-NuHYe97KTUqSgU7jYtV6M-SWjay09ifMuB57m4ycJ6-iRItLUOH_27iyqTU23ye7MD-tRh6YptGzzFzCMiJCuVjbz47lxcC/s640/blogger-image--1671210524.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBVwYbpKJbybKYV5mC8jmRNNxEpEzJ-QSAMF0AdgAtYlVDrmXwSbS98ZvSSujNNBh_Bd2F-u7nLDVJ3V1RwhuiujoGS5lO1bYzehFR5WQDJ_3Hwy7cPOIh1qFBd61qCn0wWV2Bovg0Af7O/s640/blogger-image--1078924686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBVwYbpKJbybKYV5mC8jmRNNxEpEzJ-QSAMF0AdgAtYlVDrmXwSbS98ZvSSujNNBh_Bd2F-u7nLDVJ3V1RwhuiujoGS5lO1bYzehFR5WQDJ_3Hwy7cPOIh1qFBd61qCn0wWV2Bovg0Af7O/s640/blogger-image--1078924686.jpg"></a></div></div>Once school started, I could really start devoting a day or two a week working on the House of Healing Gala. This is Nikki, Kathy and I working on securing auction donations downtown in Bricktown one afternoon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I blinked and August was over! </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085771404278972299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8059888837313343350.post-31059045475714270112015-10-22T07:36:00.001-07:002015-10-22T07:36:35.928-07:00On Napping<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8PmhpXm2rYWzbqzQMdHejmwQshp6eKXWiWnRV5NjYccpN-Ybi0w0hksO_hSN5eGIpKidkFeuYv6iiyZCEALGRn4DZd79Zp2OkZL1ezoJtXk9af_7BYcDh8TfGh9s8BeinG4-n7sieaLs/s640/blogger-image-1227086043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8PmhpXm2rYWzbqzQMdHejmwQshp6eKXWiWnRV5NjYccpN-Ybi0w0hksO_hSN5eGIpKidkFeuYv6iiyZCEALGRn4DZd79Zp2OkZL1ezoJtXk9af_7BYcDh8TfGh9s8BeinG4-n7sieaLs/s640/blogger-image-1227086043.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hi, my name is Emily. I'm 38 years old, and I've been allowing myself a nap time as needed. There. I said it. No guilt about it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As moms, I find that there is a tendency to find ourselves filling up our time to overflowing most days. Then as if to show our "good mom badge" we list off all the things we do in our day and all the activities we take our kids to justify how tired we feel. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Is being a mom physically exhausting? Yes. Most days. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Is it ok to allow ourselves to say "no" to some activities (let's don't jam pack our days, shall we?) and allow ourselves a break during the day? Yes! It's ok! It doesn't show weakness or defeat at all! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It usually hits me around 2:00 in the afternoon. My eyes feel heavy, my body just wants to be still for a little while. And I realized, that by 2:00 I have been up and working for eight hours already! After working eight hours at any job, you would get a break. And guess what? From the time my girls walk in the door at 3:00 until I crawl into bed around 10:30 or 11:00, I've worked a second eight hour shift! No wonder moms are tired!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So if time allows for it, and if I feel sleepy (some days miraculously I don't!), I give myself permission to lie down on the couch and close my eyes for 20 minutes or so. And that little break for my mind and body does wonders for me. I feel like I can tackle the afternoon with more energy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And I'm ok with that! </div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085771404278972299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8059888837313343350.post-26362806011346848132015-10-20T18:45:00.001-07:002015-10-20T18:50:42.351-07:00Tenkiller 2015<div><br></div>This fall break marked the seventh time we have gathered at my aunt and uncle's house at Lake Tenkiller in NE Oklahoma. Our good friends, the Reutlinger's (also from OKC) and the Miller's (from Dallas) meet up with us there every year for a week of togetherness and family fun. It truly feels more like hanging out with family for the week. Our nine kids have grown up together and get along great. And the six of us adults laugh and talk and play games. It's seriously one of my favorite things every year. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhia3yeQEv153cMG9VxoQlK3QEIFKpsYDuaPxjOUS-Tyzns8FfwBQD6VT1EdrnDthvp1naWUJ-d95dt9qskhyphenhyphenqG_K94v0jFgqtv_mt5EfqWf5WyC1V9N077w2QT-IyYm2wBGQ7-bEjy34sP/s640/blogger-image-89390050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhia3yeQEv153cMG9VxoQlK3QEIFKpsYDuaPxjOUS-Tyzns8FfwBQD6VT1EdrnDthvp1naWUJ-d95dt9qskhyphenhyphenqG_K94v0jFgqtv_mt5EfqWf5WyC1V9N077w2QT-IyYm2wBGQ7-bEjy34sP/s640/blogger-image-89390050.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Our days started and ended on this back patio--coffee and pajamas in the morning and a glass of wine or sangria in the evening. We may or may not have still been in our pajamas in the evening. Don't judge. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br></i></div>Arriving late Wednesday afternoon after a three hour drive from Oklahoma City, we got unpacked and settled in. My aunt Mary and uncle John live in Tulsa and use the lake house all summer. They are not there as often during the school year, so they graciously let us use it! Their home is at the top of Buckhorn Mountain. The front yard gives a view of the lake while the back yard looks out into the woods. It's so very peaceful. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyKu704l_toNXRxL6zyCPNeHbdKsjH5hmf0f1fzm2JcTQwaPtbVmLKOO6_6BBm02Z43ZP8ayBiTw-ln6_aOjjJymYFV77CT9NK-Qvvyg5Eksg9OYLcxHmImV6qak09vSJg0_pOdkeEIAC/s640/blogger-image--744017312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyKu704l_toNXRxL6zyCPNeHbdKsjH5hmf0f1fzm2JcTQwaPtbVmLKOO6_6BBm02Z43ZP8ayBiTw-ln6_aOjjJymYFV77CT9NK-Qvvyg5Eksg9OYLcxHmImV6qak09vSJg0_pOdkeEIAC/s640/blogger-image--744017312.jpg"></a></div><i>Looking out into the woods from the back patio. </i></div><div><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XXubmpm-gIy5h2ZA8y9o8XkpxwRsAQwFR68A8GXKBpi8zuslaLYS5IeAMdp_xCKgsb4_vQjqAwygXJNYs_X3ImTgAIJncyX690zRZvpsfTtPCF9szA1F-V73r6FJ8uYCXLQDfSh_8yTg/s640/blogger-image-2120292784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XXubmpm-gIy5h2ZA8y9o8XkpxwRsAQwFR68A8GXKBpi8zuslaLYS5IeAMdp_xCKgsb4_vQjqAwygXJNYs_X3ImTgAIJncyX690zRZvpsfTtPCF9szA1F-V73r6FJ8uYCXLQDfSh_8yTg/s640/blogger-image-2120292784.jpg"></a></div>Tradition states that we end every day with a sunset walk. </i></div><div><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLMzxbCOHFfVVxoiW1NX3Pb9WNXCPPYCKGRyBChs1q65tvor59jtk7kax6WTcG3ocFJpivsjqsLJ4ReK1_ck6YlVTpgSJ5vFIeN8GRxDoPDcnJyEbX95yO9s6ZX1DmVRb5N8Zv7YkLH5IW/s640/blogger-image--1083083288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLMzxbCOHFfVVxoiW1NX3Pb9WNXCPPYCKGRyBChs1q65tvor59jtk7kax6WTcG3ocFJpivsjqsLJ4ReK1_ck6YlVTpgSJ5vFIeN8GRxDoPDcnJyEbX95yO9s6ZX1DmVRb5N8Zv7YkLH5IW/s640/blogger-image--1083083288.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Millers brought their sailboat, so Thursday we hung out on the water all afternoon. It was unseasonably warm (90 degrees), so we actually let the kids swim! In October! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPtq8pIchslmGOmlX7hu05LNYkUgfh-MsvNepi6F-co5LnHpVZagFVMg4R-pOf78i_5P576MJMsndXM8ShB8lwPNWkKtgNNwgkMIbH5ObNVBKiEr4p0WjcIktp66z2cPWOyn1GFM_YerP/s640/blogger-image--1325542164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPtq8pIchslmGOmlX7hu05LNYkUgfh-MsvNepi6F-co5LnHpVZagFVMg4R-pOf78i_5P576MJMsndXM8ShB8lwPNWkKtgNNwgkMIbH5ObNVBKiEr4p0WjcIktp66z2cPWOyn1GFM_YerP/s640/blogger-image--1325542164.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Mike and Reed learning the ropes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQoNOkoOeZxnDsyn01tZxyuD6ko5gHGGivmJdCCrowgUPsEC-omRoz9XlMuf_LROLF-PNHqlcTKgQH9Pqlp4CJeQGxtBYSS-Zqwewvzhm8UIZfEXiIwnJ-638CjlQynIwE5FSNgvq3H91d/s640/blogger-image--871261442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQoNOkoOeZxnDsyn01tZxyuD6ko5gHGGivmJdCCrowgUPsEC-omRoz9XlMuf_LROLF-PNHqlcTKgQH9Pqlp4CJeQGxtBYSS-Zqwewvzhm8UIZfEXiIwnJ-638CjlQynIwE5FSNgvq3H91d/s640/blogger-image--871261442.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmfDyCCxVRvpmzRAIgWsjRTKrUETbqBLyiYpoqGE1FGFRgaqIG9xhTlGT0rVJw_wA1K3muBtP9MQSyUg4FXsJ0aalKhkVM_PXUOlP4UV5EgMZgOVRDca4YsU3OFAFv-vL03GJz9yMyeM_/s640/blogger-image--1224801639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmfDyCCxVRvpmzRAIgWsjRTKrUETbqBLyiYpoqGE1FGFRgaqIG9xhTlGT0rVJw_wA1K3muBtP9MQSyUg4FXsJ0aalKhkVM_PXUOlP4UV5EgMZgOVRDca4YsU3OFAFv-vL03GJz9yMyeM_/s640/blogger-image--1224801639.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Nikki, Angie and I doing our sailing pose.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-MAE7FEpy0enaHRy93_3kqQrFs8hfHL-pdvmrh21T-iT1aVwPPyfP-PDixadQFl15n6xX3-6X8wpfhSKE1lFnXdDiwRB12wNBcfKhvQOpEwPe17nmWj-wlDxm82UR_bKWY-rrCozcglu/s640/blogger-image-770725923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-MAE7FEpy0enaHRy93_3kqQrFs8hfHL-pdvmrh21T-iT1aVwPPyfP-PDixadQFl15n6xX3-6X8wpfhSKE1lFnXdDiwRB12wNBcfKhvQOpEwPe17nmWj-wlDxm82UR_bKWY-rrCozcglu/s640/blogger-image-770725923.jpg"></a></div>Proof that our kids actually swam in the lake in the fall. They said it was cold, but not too bad. This momma didn't jump in though! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXK_X-VQj72O1I8DMGL9GeUklJAsgVja9tj8nGtf_XS8eZV-F1YLa-Ia7KH58Z-eZVRss0natGSrUqR7J9o6j0wG1hU_Hd5ucS5PlcoBwntZm1-GhCKQRBGPjUnmO-nSck75V0Mn_QS7G/s640/blogger-image-314953418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXK_X-VQj72O1I8DMGL9GeUklJAsgVja9tj8nGtf_XS8eZV-F1YLa-Ia7KH58Z-eZVRss0natGSrUqR7J9o6j0wG1hU_Hd5ucS5PlcoBwntZm1-GhCKQRBGPjUnmO-nSck75V0Mn_QS7G/s640/blogger-image-314953418.jpg"></a></div>Later, after the kids were all in bed, we opted for Bananagrams and Sangria. We might have been singing, "Your Lips Taste Like Sangria" all evening. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIiXWOFPdvngMgNJpuiw0LuohiNwsd0HD_pwdYiDgtXqfvfGLj-dImvs9lbXJMg1isWUSbfjj_hnL_-atlTDSSWW7j2WWLex7I9VKSDHHan5wbFJHLD47IL_gDnFqfSw4GvgyCy4cv_Qnt/s640/blogger-image-1134124837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIiXWOFPdvngMgNJpuiw0LuohiNwsd0HD_pwdYiDgtXqfvfGLj-dImvs9lbXJMg1isWUSbfjj_hnL_-atlTDSSWW7j2WWLex7I9VKSDHHan5wbFJHLD47IL_gDnFqfSw4GvgyCy4cv_Qnt/s640/blogger-image-1134124837.jpg"></a></div><i> Day Three breakfast. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUn2BQMKxlfoFCKCelEdVwdA8uBPOQ-vbOK8AvseARMBNmTPyxtRVqC-7jlRdGNVrWUxMJwtcYcB6jq1OEyKn1Uth0FH2pyR8DTFjV4HDk7f_EDbTZMISGR3p4ugBW4Pzm2gQl2WH6hQH/s640/blogger-image--1288385891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUn2BQMKxlfoFCKCelEdVwdA8uBPOQ-vbOK8AvseARMBNmTPyxtRVqC-7jlRdGNVrWUxMJwtcYcB6jq1OEyKn1Uth0FH2pyR8DTFjV4HDk7f_EDbTZMISGR3p4ugBW4Pzm2gQl2WH6hQH/s640/blogger-image--1288385891.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Four years ago we built this fort in the woods. Every year the kids add to it. They literally play in it all day breaking only to eat and go to the bathroom. The girls really beautified it this year! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiee6l8sZNMvKXCCJ_6BT4qlXGgv02oYbkcyFSuBqACVypPTRUSF98YqfJaXTZ5hjYk8UV6tBoLyH74_LKPR8qmvEy1ZPz0srYxtd3MOEHS00IJVDtGORmHkQ3s5jKwiDHKKgxC_zgjAixv/s640/blogger-image-516400820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiee6l8sZNMvKXCCJ_6BT4qlXGgv02oYbkcyFSuBqACVypPTRUSF98YqfJaXTZ5hjYk8UV6tBoLyH74_LKPR8qmvEy1ZPz0srYxtd3MOEHS00IJVDtGORmHkQ3s5jKwiDHKKgxC_zgjAixv/s640/blogger-image-516400820.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;">Silly girls: Leah, Hannah, Marlee and Madison</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2NCc4LrbPgs8amODgkpmOIkd-oWbGXMB_bYworWpR9vhIrqn0bJ9okhdiFTEk19V9OB540PjiK55X_VdY7MwNX33jMgRbd3NH6TpvGEJCe_xaC5On02T6gTZtKlJIucOIJS3eOrMxpZk1/s640/blogger-image--2043948985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2NCc4LrbPgs8amODgkpmOIkd-oWbGXMB_bYworWpR9vhIrqn0bJ9okhdiFTEk19V9OB540PjiK55X_VdY7MwNX33jMgRbd3NH6TpvGEJCe_xaC5On02T6gTZtKlJIucOIJS3eOrMxpZk1/s640/blogger-image--2043948985.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;">There was corn hole. Lots of corn hole. And jokes about saying "corn hole." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_qFs9si1T782f0oefTQcjV7XzQbxZ2cU9eDtd8gnM8B2CjB_2IWp7Er4rIq-cRhWq-F7xLhiarW8ViMgIjDQ2wkWbHtZMRAXKOCeCTcvjRXNHfv2GAojfUrtVORPgOl1y8OTQM6DdD_-/s640/blogger-image--261732828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_qFs9si1T782f0oefTQcjV7XzQbxZ2cU9eDtd8gnM8B2CjB_2IWp7Er4rIq-cRhWq-F7xLhiarW8ViMgIjDQ2wkWbHtZMRAXKOCeCTcvjRXNHfv2GAojfUrtVORPgOl1y8OTQM6DdD_-/s640/blogger-image--261732828.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;">Brian kissing his new pal, Bob the (fake) Bison. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_M8cOj8WTHYRVDKek3MAhYQHle22o1E-MgIhcpgF_hcWLC_LzWOWPQD1q3OM5FLh-tSHt4H298hfbTbPv5MQqdVw78kpLUyIV0zH9O7MUn_3oe3FeLmBiPgxVoFECAGhLhA0DQnTAI0T/s640/blogger-image--318698034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_M8cOj8WTHYRVDKek3MAhYQHle22o1E-MgIhcpgF_hcWLC_LzWOWPQD1q3OM5FLh-tSHt4H298hfbTbPv5MQqdVw78kpLUyIV0zH9O7MUn_3oe3FeLmBiPgxVoFECAGhLhA0DQnTAI0T/s640/blogger-image--318698034.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;"> Late night Clue. Mrs. White did it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphenuFW7TYlpVC6rIxilOTvTcUZsc5ce7bN6YT9S8nXU9vmieG-5QXfXQsC-oKKQkKq80hnSJLK8MM8h8xkCJVgnv6Bit1o4XbWnehQKLFyniMgVpTOOfiEXCsP4Gr6_BmRzXCQL__DLLv2/s640/blogger-image-1670892930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphenuFW7TYlpVC6rIxilOTvTcUZsc5ce7bN6YT9S8nXU9vmieG-5QXfXQsC-oKKQkKq80hnSJLK8MM8h8xkCJVgnv6Bit1o4XbWnehQKLFyniMgVpTOOfiEXCsP4Gr6_BmRzXCQL__DLLv2/s640/blogger-image-1670892930.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;">Day Four started with pumpkin carving.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8yoOomGNy6BgPYUXmcoWC17vC3HgePivi7c6ue3HtxtGIrkWckAK_MhduwPoa8cqvXwmknoC5RTRPs6LEIHDMy8z01eJXN4D0EQbTAUZkICGMNSIkWanfkzMC5GrEa0e8UoNSr_Nz6gB-/s640/blogger-image-1171900844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8yoOomGNy6BgPYUXmcoWC17vC3HgePivi7c6ue3HtxtGIrkWckAK_MhduwPoa8cqvXwmknoC5RTRPs6LEIHDMy8z01eJXN4D0EQbTAUZkICGMNSIkWanfkzMC5GrEa0e8UoNSr_Nz6gB-/s640/blogger-image-1171900844.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;">Then somehow transitioned into an adult pyramid and a Whip and Nae-Nae dance off.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPqvpnTB_iOqljkBxZitYYvLPPksfdO4RgG9uJapJT8gc1_bu2aaovfLTQM_teQEbt3V1boGuhzmy1nJGrne3ZwiDSSM_9gvKiwLCf-IuoCFImrLwrSr6Ibj68V_4lOxpoQeKYBEvEakM/s640/blogger-image--816168188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPqvpnTB_iOqljkBxZitYYvLPPksfdO4RgG9uJapJT8gc1_bu2aaovfLTQM_teQEbt3V1boGuhzmy1nJGrne3ZwiDSSM_9gvKiwLCf-IuoCFImrLwrSr6Ibj68V_4lOxpoQeKYBEvEakM/s640/blogger-image--816168188.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;"> Our traditional soccer game. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCrC6jdW7dMR4vw7UufFzdDH26R9yHP5iZaOVX-ve-R-jSquHRjQOatnzKsHx-CT-8KpWi5x7wV3PXe5JI0oGCpktnhKkpryp8uRzUY72R8RufMUydxB8nQHfdmT17bgOHZHs7uJs8ESpR/s640/blogger-image--1785562223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCrC6jdW7dMR4vw7UufFzdDH26R9yHP5iZaOVX-ve-R-jSquHRjQOatnzKsHx-CT-8KpWi5x7wV3PXe5JI0oGCpktnhKkpryp8uRzUY72R8RufMUydxB8nQHfdmT17bgOHZHs7uJs8ESpR/s640/blogger-image--1785562223.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;">The old faithful playground nearby always gets a fair amount of abuse by our kids each year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILcAJpMuYenn01WrarFQlccOgivbj2N0dKpIx9n1959WJcZtz8xL0jlMGx3wPILjijQF2GAyOkoHdNL8ivEDJuDOD5FSZzrtZdVJBslxN4KSuJDoHGY4SZU0cHtlAzWy3yZ8JRzg9DNke/s640/blogger-image--910541858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILcAJpMuYenn01WrarFQlccOgivbj2N0dKpIx9n1959WJcZtz8xL0jlMGx3wPILjijQF2GAyOkoHdNL8ivEDJuDOD5FSZzrtZdVJBslxN4KSuJDoHGY4SZU0cHtlAzWy3yZ8JRzg9DNke/s640/blogger-image--910541858.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;"> Yum s'mores!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDs3EzIKKfw7CdeFWtYZjp1yxwFLGjUvGzPSVZ57MSgslN7tHnGNsfb2j_42TXVK2aXNUvudy6aCuJGJGyTAEsjbZVVPWEBF6DeqPzVKvWN-xJrelIJLhF6TXsrCaZtNmSk1tIEtS4aUl/s640/blogger-image-763937293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDs3EzIKKfw7CdeFWtYZjp1yxwFLGjUvGzPSVZ57MSgslN7tHnGNsfb2j_42TXVK2aXNUvudy6aCuJGJGyTAEsjbZVVPWEBF6DeqPzVKvWN-xJrelIJLhF6TXsrCaZtNmSk1tIEtS4aUl/s640/blogger-image-763937293.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;"> Yuck, s'mores! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirU1OT5tMQrpkZU-loXvcjge4slZOFPd23EJizAi8Xm2CPgTGkSaxJ2DRgXkoKfRm2l1uwoBm156xdGR1czbOfP9cQrmu9ajlxxgEE1uLankDZMftT0lrfoFZ4YKO0A5vUQgmFj_00LvW6/s640/blogger-image-1496651157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirU1OT5tMQrpkZU-loXvcjge4slZOFPd23EJizAi8Xm2CPgTGkSaxJ2DRgXkoKfRm2l1uwoBm156xdGR1czbOfP9cQrmu9ajlxxgEE1uLankDZMftT0lrfoFZ4YKO0A5vUQgmFj_00LvW6/s640/blogger-image-1496651157.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;">Chicken Creek woods provided the perfect playground for hide and seek and capture the flag. There was lots of running followed by sore muscles the next day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBubeZXTfIMIqot3EwUppGg4mjZAxy5Cxz5igXJOBSbL3x94jjcZWHKDNJnH3egehnoqsOANN3z7AchMvpaNYHijRuvdRb6ruugmUnMwng0yfQBh0-2O_EsXFXK0KQZYgSxi-3e_z7ooam/s640/blogger-image--2066426371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBubeZXTfIMIqot3EwUppGg4mjZAxy5Cxz5igXJOBSbL3x94jjcZWHKDNJnH3egehnoqsOANN3z7AchMvpaNYHijRuvdRb6ruugmUnMwng0yfQBh0-2O_EsXFXK0KQZYgSxi-3e_z7ooam/s640/blogger-image--2066426371.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;">The Galloway Pumpkin at night. It's Rumble, the Bison--our NBA mascot. He looks a little more sinister here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqoyo1ubNX0NhJa4Xqckf5CZeFfWiG5t9w8KawsHTRrHnh5jjCFPWz3MP1FcsZshkgVnoXobkS4kar11U0sY3voWYmVpWM7UNfIy7u6Vbdmbb4KYk63H-dC7UK3npkDBVoYxPVnO0AQ0f9/s640/blogger-image--787550054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqoyo1ubNX0NhJa4Xqckf5CZeFfWiG5t9w8KawsHTRrHnh5jjCFPWz3MP1FcsZshkgVnoXobkS4kar11U0sY3voWYmVpWM7UNfIy7u6Vbdmbb4KYk63H-dC7UK3npkDBVoYxPVnO0AQ0f9/s640/blogger-image--787550054.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;">The kids! Ages 11,10,10,8,8,6,6,6,3</div><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Sq_V5FgE_wmCsK6yUCQA0odI7OmhXzNujQsQAr-CBQfh3mtldQ8hQAqsaTSjKcA_vi3kigeMV-vU7-U-l0vy8MmD7N59-6DTi8GvCzv0a6rf1ko1c4NLVtTwCWrR10tTvdn7xJRPH37Z/s640/blogger-image-17249958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Sq_V5FgE_wmCsK6yUCQA0odI7OmhXzNujQsQAr-CBQfh3mtldQ8hQAqsaTSjKcA_vi3kigeMV-vU7-U-l0vy8MmD7N59-6DTi8GvCzv0a6rf1ko1c4NLVtTwCWrR10tTvdn7xJRPH37Z/s640/blogger-image-17249958.jpg"></a></div>The ladies! I'm not going to show our ages, but they are all under 40 for now.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijnKeV9oaajPBvr8IpxtqpGkNInYhhJf2Pje7Z62ntVJ_sriW6KY3XiNJiE1hTf3OJLFcbkn0zWOX5b_bObhHhu8PYxYtkkvv5rry8Nm_V9x-iEcpiFqHtY41wGsqkxrrvBoeUyfMgBD9j/s640/blogger-image--715348133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijnKeV9oaajPBvr8IpxtqpGkNInYhhJf2Pje7Z62ntVJ_sriW6KY3XiNJiE1hTf3OJLFcbkn0zWOX5b_bObhHhu8PYxYtkkvv5rry8Nm_V9x-iEcpiFqHtY41wGsqkxrrvBoeUyfMgBD9j/s640/blogger-image--715348133.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;"> The Galloways!</div><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gMeT5yjE2DkfOTEUP9iuR_mbDrYt7_1WfMNa8SgYg-u5DJjkAq3IrNd-ezJoqlL23PYMi5RL68IvXjlkpOhx7UZ7BzHJp6q1xGNFNmn-Qo-g_krHVpHupDkzU-ZaghIC6lNw4kHHyt25/s640/blogger-image--973558856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gMeT5yjE2DkfOTEUP9iuR_mbDrYt7_1WfMNa8SgYg-u5DJjkAq3IrNd-ezJoqlL23PYMi5RL68IvXjlkpOhx7UZ7BzHJp6q1xGNFNmn-Qo-g_krHVpHupDkzU-ZaghIC6lNw4kHHyt25/s640/blogger-image--973558856.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> The Reutlingers!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1-2F-bP7laPpATKXGrN759TVAegpRJ4s4IuIMtvfrjMIlO9B6y6TEJARCt2-YpQac6Q7wfn1iwLzJwUQ4tfXs5bwmLa6_t51r2dHbrf1J-gOt1JpiJqNVbAlqh1hy7qbjXkRu90OUBJE/s640/blogger-image-667187097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1-2F-bP7laPpATKXGrN759TVAegpRJ4s4IuIMtvfrjMIlO9B6y6TEJARCt2-YpQac6Q7wfn1iwLzJwUQ4tfXs5bwmLa6_t51r2dHbrf1J-gOt1JpiJqNVbAlqh1hy7qbjXkRu90OUBJE/s640/blogger-image-667187097.jpg"></a></div> The Millers!</div>Can't wait to do it again next year! Only 11 months away. :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085771404278972299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8059888837313343350.post-29858350141905350302015-10-18T05:49:00.001-07:002015-10-18T05:49:16.229-07:00Happy Sunday<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5JviIzP5xiF3lsOJtdwkchLCQ5Zf9p-no-Oboek1xKDIsJCXrlEQuSM8WAh6gbpSw_WaMoz5-kkbZsp7fI-ghiOku-iV3xnsaEhfazZDQiCtvbTUn7pkWRwQm1rTHg2VW5CUe69Wdu9CS/s640/blogger-image--214459761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5JviIzP5xiF3lsOJtdwkchLCQ5Zf9p-no-Oboek1xKDIsJCXrlEQuSM8WAh6gbpSw_WaMoz5-kkbZsp7fI-ghiOku-iV3xnsaEhfazZDQiCtvbTUn7pkWRwQm1rTHg2VW5CUe69Wdu9CS/s640/blogger-image--214459761.jpg"></a></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085771404278972299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8059888837313343350.post-72665452034762919672015-10-15T22:02:00.001-07:002015-10-15T22:02:45.130-07:00Parked Here For Awhile<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmXZbGnwTGMjq2sdsXHxNYoJ6W2OfBBGvtTWfgYzTtf0tC0N9HiyAtEIADRNBYq_EvkkJ8nLwLTrT-rqkXJMw0BjGx7TI5P2ukD7cDlqWafJdRAXZGPESnZ4KJOBiLTeJTaptOoWRPvy4H/s640/blogger-image--652862369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmXZbGnwTGMjq2sdsXHxNYoJ6W2OfBBGvtTWfgYzTtf0tC0N9HiyAtEIADRNBYq_EvkkJ8nLwLTrT-rqkXJMw0BjGx7TI5P2ukD7cDlqWafJdRAXZGPESnZ4KJOBiLTeJTaptOoWRPvy4H/s640/blogger-image--652862369.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's fall break here, so yesterday we checked the kids out early and hit the road for our seventh annual trip to my family's cabin at Lake Tenkiller. So, I'll be parked right here for the next four days with some of my favorite people in the entire world--friends you know so well you can fold each other's underwear right out of the dryer or discuss bowel movements one minute and deep spiritual things the next. Lots of laughs, games, stories, walks in the woods, boat rides on the lake, and late night movies. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">No wi-fi. No Walmart or Starbucks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It might be my favorite week of the year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'll check back in with plenty of stories on Monday! </div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085771404278972299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8059888837313343350.post-26241164705054476222015-10-13T08:29:00.001-07:002015-10-13T08:30:55.364-07:00July 2015Catching up again today. So let's look back at July, shall we? It was a big month, so get ready for picture overload.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Fourth of July this year was all about tradition. Doing things we do every year. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We look forward to them and it's part of the rhythm or our lives. Starting off with the LibertyFest Parade in Edmond. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2fUNZnEfJEbKSbsj-ZqbwyJc4lgBpwaaTY1qaRGA9D8bRxhigZYOxKWrsJWx-BOb9YuCVOwLMQsFgrPasypzky8GgCqvbLF-UYHGeE1qyED0xTucYLcUtlfLA0HizyMcuTvKnnKHvLQw/s1600/11696015_10154067295219240_4395515056608729772_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2fUNZnEfJEbKSbsj-ZqbwyJc4lgBpwaaTY1qaRGA9D8bRxhigZYOxKWrsJWx-BOb9YuCVOwLMQsFgrPasypzky8GgCqvbLF-UYHGeE1qyED0xTucYLcUtlfLA0HizyMcuTvKnnKHvLQw/s400/11696015_10154067295219240_4395515056608729772_n.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Up early and ready for the parade!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's 8:30 am here and it's probably already 90 degrees.</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/AVvXsEgR3i9ck4fffN6QBouZ_g5eQTJOwTZznUWW5nZohx6SFrCqakR715-ci3ZkJI2QM88BkbVFoR5jkPDPutt6sKg2BwkWytOAZQ9_dUjHCgSrQXBXK5I6xamEnbVw_XaS2W2GKOrump2hgt8u/s1600/11666064_10154068693609240_1105422149298732407_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3i9ck4fffN6QBouZ_g5eQTJOwTZznUWW5nZohx6SFrCqakR715-ci3ZkJI2QM88BkbVFoR5jkPDPutt6sKg2BwkWytOAZQ9_dUjHCgSrQXBXK5I6xamEnbVw_XaS2W2GKOrump2hgt8u/s400/11666064_10154068693609240_1105422149298732407_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Top Left: Lucas and I at the parade. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Top Right: Leah with a sparkler at our friend Beth's pool. We always spend the afternoon and early evening there with friends. We swim, we eat, we let the kids play with fireworks. It's great! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bottom: The day concludes with a fantastic fireworks presentation at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A few days later, on July 9th, we hopped on a plane (a direct flight none the less! woot! woot!) to Newark, New Jersey to spend 11 days celebrating family. And it all started with these two.....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRFS0xZvbX0-L_ZVYah1_YT3K31b7UFAF8GQHQiNSzVJuCyNpW4Sh6f4L5UzzWwV-vFDbAZq30ts5fyg-WzdDr5G49IcWXauuhcxPCE3vLib6EzUXa5vm6LQIkIPSjCY3-DWn3-AxDaYkj/s1600/12109016_10154287411759240_935084585878501068_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRFS0xZvbX0-L_ZVYah1_YT3K31b7UFAF8GQHQiNSzVJuCyNpW4Sh6f4L5UzzWwV-vFDbAZq30ts5fyg-WzdDr5G49IcWXauuhcxPCE3vLib6EzUXa5vm6LQIkIPSjCY3-DWn3-AxDaYkj/s400/12109016_10154287411759240_935084585878501068_n.jpg" width="342" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is Richard and Dixie Galloway, Mike's parents.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They celebrated 50 years of marriage this summer and to celebrate all three of their children, plus spouses and all nine grandchildren, and one great-grandmother, all descended upon the east coast for a fun filled reunion. Mike's brother, Juan and his family live in New Jersey, but we came from Oklahoma (duh) and Mike's sister, Rachel and her family flew in from Alaska!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We all stayed at Mike's parents' house in Elizabeth, NJ for a few days, then we loaded up and headed to Long Beach Island for a week at the shore. It was just so, so fun.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhmWtgkVU8iY4BoOhdT_CLgfkbDDyOV-lIRKpoXEHCP6ESHGVxloCIlLtcrlqrST1f0alD2YWZkj21OCt-EBkHCb1JO5hTLgY9LnQ1Oy8iZdLLEJzobKCy6txE2G5a_QPHtg_EPT6OCg3/s1600/11760080_1678913179005557_6825236794325927434_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhmWtgkVU8iY4BoOhdT_CLgfkbDDyOV-lIRKpoXEHCP6ESHGVxloCIlLtcrlqrST1f0alD2YWZkj21OCt-EBkHCb1JO5hTLgY9LnQ1Oy8iZdLLEJzobKCy6txE2G5a_QPHtg_EPT6OCg3/s400/11760080_1678913179005557_6825236794325927434_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Loaded up in the van and ready to go!</div>
We had to bring enough food to feed 18 people three meals a day for seven days.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Just let that sink in....it was a lot!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKKdWgLKvoPpY9Gf2_SEhk9UiERdXLAeHdHrIfOjFogFb-SBxCIMF_wKSdmOjV2TnGJG4TcLJydlpzRb6vQnYIysjpUwLWVngvRzz96M9fNT_3mrKYyhKQXvt3SzkzvQ3QlMThVCN-e_N/s1600/11742623_10154082690814240_8845193333851212120_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKKdWgLKvoPpY9Gf2_SEhk9UiERdXLAeHdHrIfOjFogFb-SBxCIMF_wKSdmOjV2TnGJG4TcLJydlpzRb6vQnYIysjpUwLWVngvRzz96M9fNT_3mrKYyhKQXvt3SzkzvQ3QlMThVCN-e_N/s400/11742623_10154082690814240_8845193333851212120_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We've arrived!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I loved the house we stayed in. It was built in 1890 and had 8 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms and plenty of space for everyone.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq2YC85N6C1ZcT3xURkC4meV3QHNnhZzkjGX2c8-W-YEE0uzYN31vXwthSPxx4kB0j-H19L8R_miOqwgpK5wZEd0oTwHXsvjYtaLbVnlJQZHO0TmcIG9y7fZ77eIMCa_XoujM8IL4FiJPv/s1600/11667518_10154082690854240_8654171826511253793_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq2YC85N6C1ZcT3xURkC4meV3QHNnhZzkjGX2c8-W-YEE0uzYN31vXwthSPxx4kB0j-H19L8R_miOqwgpK5wZEd0oTwHXsvjYtaLbVnlJQZHO0TmcIG9y7fZ77eIMCa_XoujM8IL4FiJPv/s400/11667518_10154082690854240_8654171826511253793_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But THIS. This was the best feature of the house. It was wrap-around porch heaven.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We spent most of our down time all gathered on the porch, talking, playing games, being silly.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We even hosted a talent show on the porch and celebrated two different family birthdays with cake and ice cream out here. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One day, I want a house with a porch like this. A girl can dream!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7P0uLFDUlqiYsjmje4txkS59yg-YH8H1Y_q-RRM3hH6_zPrn52bfgvZ4yMh0j2J-rsM7Z8t9HQbC6xmV0ewqBVyFT3ek2a6pN04vrwY98RcpSmd6tBpxwzzKKKui-NE8YhqheUMvnwGw/s1600/11707527_10154082690894240_2641507572981853695_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7P0uLFDUlqiYsjmje4txkS59yg-YH8H1Y_q-RRM3hH6_zPrn52bfgvZ4yMh0j2J-rsM7Z8t9HQbC6xmV0ewqBVyFT3ek2a6pN04vrwY98RcpSmd6tBpxwzzKKKui-NE8YhqheUMvnwGw/s400/11707527_10154082690894240_2641507572981853695_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Each and every room in the house had a stained glass window like this. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I loved the simple color block pattern. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The window in the bedroom Mike and I stayed in faced east, so we had the morning sunlight streaming in different colors across our bed every morning. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
At this time, it seems like a re-cap of who was staying here is in order. Starting from the top...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Grandma Velda: Mike's 92 year old grandma, mother of Richard (Mike's dad)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Richard and Dixie Galloway: Parents who started it all</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Juan and Tracy Galloway: Mike's brother and his awesome wife</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
River: 19 year old niece</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hailey: 18 year old niece</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Corban: 15 year old nephew</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Connor: 13 year old nephew</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mike and Emily Galloway: The "Oklahoma Galloways"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Leah: 10 year old daughter</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hannah: 10 year old daughter</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lucas: 5 year old son</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Rachel and Juan Martinez: Mike's sister and her Colombian husband</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Velda: 7 year old niece</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Rose: 7 month old niece</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/AVvXsEjikQZP35A8Dl_xw0LfVH5RGjfDohN7suQBJ3g7CrrAUOta_4WUoG6-oJeiKSoUmhO-fHm0ZxMTCscyUgGh6WXxCUF99r9Id-6pncnVF1Gwxxr8zC4E9M-Te8pU36SIQo23wyobF2rtXwy_/s1600/11707509_10154082947039240_266550161015245745_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjikQZP35A8Dl_xw0LfVH5RGjfDohN7suQBJ3g7CrrAUOta_4WUoG6-oJeiKSoUmhO-fHm0ZxMTCscyUgGh6WXxCUF99r9Id-6pncnVF1Gwxxr8zC4E9M-Te8pU36SIQo23wyobF2rtXwy_/s400/11707509_10154082947039240_266550161015245745_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hannah, Leah and Velda (the three amigas) playing in the Atlantic.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
These three are so close and have so much fun together.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Why can't we live closer to each other!?!?!?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I loved that they had an entire week to just play and make memories together.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There was a lot of giggling in the house with these three (and they also shared a room together on the top floor of our beach house).</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsWw99i-p-zZchxe_00gobh_bZ3KYG3ZDcHR046LiN78d6jfz_oGCCBOavihPgrfWz_caDnGkQBbuh3suKJOQXQJDv7J2gTn1uxbQWf3wlGYv7a7Gf4iDFLB_YMzbVi6BByMILhrtmusJ/s1600/11700904_10154088586764240_7737857027216341481_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsWw99i-p-zZchxe_00gobh_bZ3KYG3ZDcHR046LiN78d6jfz_oGCCBOavihPgrfWz_caDnGkQBbuh3suKJOQXQJDv7J2gTn1uxbQWf3wlGYv7a7Gf4iDFLB_YMzbVi6BByMILhrtmusJ/s400/11700904_10154088586764240_7737857027216341481_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Another awesome thing about this trip was that I got to meet my newest niece, Rose, for the first time! She was born in Alaska on December 1st of 2014. She's everything I could have imagined and more: beautiful, chunky, smiley, sweet, cuddly, wonderful, yummy....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love her.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Top Left: Building sand tunnels</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Top Right: Sweet Rose</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bottom: Leah and I taking a walk through Beach Haven, the little town we stayed in.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpywuZO9Eko6irS3NvskTFNA29k2bOh3fLEBUh3JTKLO77aILWhyNblbqDWSUWr_alUCenThT1B7-VFC5Xl0yTjC9Qwxx-I9DbajIZ-BYCUQEIKo6Sn4Vlf3PA0L1eaHNQd_P7Mv80Y1z/s1600/11705051_1678903345673207_6708516918370997150_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpywuZO9Eko6irS3NvskTFNA29k2bOh3fLEBUh3JTKLO77aILWhyNblbqDWSUWr_alUCenThT1B7-VFC5Xl0yTjC9Qwxx-I9DbajIZ-BYCUQEIKo6Sn4Vlf3PA0L1eaHNQd_P7Mv80Y1z/s400/11705051_1678903345673207_6708516918370997150_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Uncle Juan using his selfie stick.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We took all the kids to the local amusement park, Fantasy Island, one night and let them ride rides and play games.</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/AVvXsEjfrgZSUqjOgmv6SNLKaVefHRo47Q-RjfGYd8K3CzL_WkmpDgPWygQRlmB1EaTyuv0BX4uD-kE-hLQh1k0HmobhGv5dtDpODwypUwo2AhI_S0_wTw-kyNiA2QJ7hFKdyCi25mjEVhHErvnk/s1600/11695948_10154091219229240_5983400148128628597_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfrgZSUqjOgmv6SNLKaVefHRo47Q-RjfGYd8K3CzL_WkmpDgPWygQRlmB1EaTyuv0BX4uD-kE-hLQh1k0HmobhGv5dtDpODwypUwo2AhI_S0_wTw-kyNiA2QJ7hFKdyCi25mjEVhHErvnk/s400/11695948_10154091219229240_5983400148128628597_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Top Left: one of our nightly walks to get ice cream at Barry's. Coffee flavor is the bomb.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Top Right: Me at the beach on a cloudy, dreamy day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bottom Left: Lucas taking a contemplative walk on the shore. We saw a school of dolphins swimming by shortly after I took this pic!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bottom Right: River and Hailey were in charge of our chalkboard menu every day. Mike crushed it will some killer kabobs one night. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-zuHKD50vJMdkY-_twvwnmx9Xdrd2fb5LNiIodVwwGzpq2HyUzfDRIKiCmQ_Gm09HWubuZUuX44v0T18i7gVYbk6lOgiNU-Osh0lvrwYrkNIV9REQfGfYHTrseOTSFp2YxnP45WDm1lC/s1600/12087272_10154287412204240_7428572383181001374_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-zuHKD50vJMdkY-_twvwnmx9Xdrd2fb5LNiIodVwwGzpq2HyUzfDRIKiCmQ_Gm09HWubuZUuX44v0T18i7gVYbk6lOgiNU-Osh0lvrwYrkNIV9REQfGfYHTrseOTSFp2YxnP45WDm1lC/s400/12087272_10154287412204240_7428572383181001374_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lucas buried and loving it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This child managed to get sand in every crack and crevice of his body on a daily basis.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7MvEzwQLwQR5PSrAPYfRGCpyF0FgCvi5cZk2ZysopctSgwDBv706AhTF-kUCsliP0RfHgwiiW1BIO-Ho0W2UeMmNAc6kr3K79u4Pt1OncBLoEjY1-m54-zYQ9P9dC5-A4k7IUl7lcefvj/s1600/12144831_10154287412084240_5876172243803002306_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7MvEzwQLwQR5PSrAPYfRGCpyF0FgCvi5cZk2ZysopctSgwDBv706AhTF-kUCsliP0RfHgwiiW1BIO-Ho0W2UeMmNAc6kr3K79u4Pt1OncBLoEjY1-m54-zYQ9P9dC5-A4k7IUl7lcefvj/s400/12144831_10154287412084240_5876172243803002306_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Kan Jam!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lucas LOVES to play games, and this one was a big hit. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mike and Lucas = killer team</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mike and Emily = comical losers</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mommy's not skilled with a frisbee.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZySrE-YdBw00apG85QvV63nhTNaVPW07ByreAPT8XiULBAJJxX9pa3rrwphdz5ctwdLwpidHriA7LUiBMRzoEDwxUQNbyw9THV2sl0eZLSPBW4MQLu4eDEuHCMg6LwJTv85ckhrHXCANl/s1600/11745622_10154085990234240_3138364760464570043_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZySrE-YdBw00apG85QvV63nhTNaVPW07ByreAPT8XiULBAJJxX9pa3rrwphdz5ctwdLwpidHriA7LUiBMRzoEDwxUQNbyw9THV2sl0eZLSPBW4MQLu4eDEuHCMg6LwJTv85ckhrHXCANl/s400/11745622_10154085990234240_3138364760464570043_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
While Lucas was busy building sand castles and playing games, the girls were busy boogie boarding!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was their favorite thing to do and they spent literally hours working on their skills. They actually got pretty good. Lucas tried it too, but the girls were ALL ABOUT IT.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGk_3K7aNZBQX5WZeq-f652Wd5D3-jlbjpfT3vCJ4KDFLKurIc9AKJ4y6zVlE5yxnGSAFq07B7YPioSVbI3lHgHN3dPzRAaFBinaXx4rjhyphenhyphenOp5E01wDrdpZEcKw7OhAwLtk7zwbpb2w9C/s1600/12087252_10154287412179240_900438496089532615_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGk_3K7aNZBQX5WZeq-f652Wd5D3-jlbjpfT3vCJ4KDFLKurIc9AKJ4y6zVlE5yxnGSAFq07B7YPioSVbI3lHgHN3dPzRAaFBinaXx4rjhyphenhyphenOp5E01wDrdpZEcKw7OhAwLtk7zwbpb2w9C/s400/12087252_10154287412179240_900438496089532615_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is my favorite picture of Lucas from our trip.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My boy and the big Atlantic stretching out before him.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64rK_LHn9pc1ZvbT8X9OQDAp5gub5V2Lrk5esRYjFpi3nSmj3-yp8tG0PaKRvcfUrZ01FRvijZleyQKPWnwc5Ut1OvnFG10RwOGhARGk17PdK7zE9_9zwBoVoz-uFDkShWc2bYGvJ5pNP/s1600/11696507_10153096706256275_2389835187445897152_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64rK_LHn9pc1ZvbT8X9OQDAp5gub5V2Lrk5esRYjFpi3nSmj3-yp8tG0PaKRvcfUrZ01FRvijZleyQKPWnwc5Ut1OvnFG10RwOGhARGk17PdK7zE9_9zwBoVoz-uFDkShWc2bYGvJ5pNP/s400/11696507_10153096706256275_2389835187445897152_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our whole crew!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I married into an awesome family.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love these people.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfJAPws_6GAidvEns5994ynFXVKlJ5utPbfJFVvrTthsEBqr3CHSDFc5ozDkkbNITSRgbeFEp2rFt1RQv-Vlme2XGVmx88pOu9EMZACpYK0zkiYckr-Py9Z6A2V7zAp21aJVXR32XiEbr/s1600/11742849_10154093114209240_4199322804298847445_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfJAPws_6GAidvEns5994ynFXVKlJ5utPbfJFVvrTthsEBqr3CHSDFc5ozDkkbNITSRgbeFEp2rFt1RQv-Vlme2XGVmx88pOu9EMZACpYK0zkiYckr-Py9Z6A2V7zAp21aJVXR32XiEbr/s400/11742849_10154093114209240_4199322804298847445_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
XOXOXO</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love him.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKTdxyWDDeeF6ze-NmuRAE0DugpCa-iUVAHXw0Rxnfxd0Zvffj1JlkkWcv9OSxAfwRhJn5wxOwDbysmLxASmqxFalvDYS_YwDsoHza5b3iLXZOCQE66m8gCd2p6S-z0efZd5F06dLRAyf/s1600/12079660_10154287411699240_6774552545667284379_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKTdxyWDDeeF6ze-NmuRAE0DugpCa-iUVAHXw0Rxnfxd0Zvffj1JlkkWcv9OSxAfwRhJn5wxOwDbysmLxASmqxFalvDYS_YwDsoHza5b3iLXZOCQE66m8gCd2p6S-z0efZd5F06dLRAyf/s400/12079660_10154287411699240_6774552545667284379_n.jpg" width="301" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Five Oklahoma Galloways</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTqqyDDAFsn0GuvuJghJHnZWY-eptYqDhv44vZQHSmcA6v9VnkotLznGbDbsCGOAZTvtDerPhKxoHjcCC1B_fub82KJQHUqqnfuFhd_AaIEUINx_Nm1Rg3duM9w9Xz-6gU-0azh8GpTB8J/s1600/12105930_10154287411969240_4469884602123844890_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTqqyDDAFsn0GuvuJghJHnZWY-eptYqDhv44vZQHSmcA6v9VnkotLznGbDbsCGOAZTvtDerPhKxoHjcCC1B_fub82KJQHUqqnfuFhd_AaIEUINx_Nm1Rg3duM9w9Xz-6gU-0azh8GpTB8J/s400/12105930_10154287411969240_4469884602123844890_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mike, Juan and Juan</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yes, Mike's brother is named Juan (Juan Carlos Ricardo Galloway).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
No, Mike's brother is not Hispanic.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yes, Mike's brother-in-law is also named Juan (Juan Pablo Martinez).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yes, we have a lot of fun with this!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXCsY1om0TpQM6dTKnOdyAr-SdtTC8MYouwimWxwTfkcvanEbjRUuGUtR_5RCku3acSN2Nwz59vTThAdfGhU-Ga2cGfAWJgYa3NXBMHDMkXHPGaKeea13Ej1547Ogk_hYPQx09YtVnkjC/s1600/12106925_10154287411939240_1266390458915836047_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXCsY1om0TpQM6dTKnOdyAr-SdtTC8MYouwimWxwTfkcvanEbjRUuGUtR_5RCku3acSN2Nwz59vTThAdfGhU-Ga2cGfAWJgYa3NXBMHDMkXHPGaKeea13Ej1547Ogk_hYPQx09YtVnkjC/s400/12106925_10154287411939240_1266390458915836047_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My wonderful sisters-in-law, Rachel and Tracy</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQVb9tfoAFd8FR1_sIcZUGhuvmTBCRs1Wi7l4SzsBVeL91k-roTl_edRiPBJW2Y1-ineB4L1be0OjkFIOjhXnCCAONlX_2sfcdCU4-osA8VpNpY5_-qGr9MxBTCLQbRmHJOW7dbGNx0a8K/s1600/11059787_10154097737009240_4302917378098770739_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQVb9tfoAFd8FR1_sIcZUGhuvmTBCRs1Wi7l4SzsBVeL91k-roTl_edRiPBJW2Y1-ineB4L1be0OjkFIOjhXnCCAONlX_2sfcdCU4-osA8VpNpY5_-qGr9MxBTCLQbRmHJOW7dbGNx0a8K/s400/11059787_10154097737009240_4302917378098770739_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After seven days, we came back to Elizabeth for two more nights. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of those nights, we were able to jump on the train into New York City (it's a short 15 minute ride) for a double date night with Rachel and Juan. We ate delicious pizza at John's on Bleeker in Greenwich Village, then had coffee and cupcakes at Sweet Revenge. We were in food comas, but had a wonderful time. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Top Left: pizza place</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bottom Left: Freedom Tower</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Right: Rachel and me</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We flew home on the 19th and will always cherish the fun memories of that trip.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On July 24th, our Lucas Gabriel turned 6!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOFaV-gNoars9EdpdtO-FmIq6VXOG15ilM62aHAW1uohYA8uug83PYeMv1wiFZtuTMBGchgM8d_RukOKAmGBOMoP3IiaBz2o28Ey_8F7KcuF6TT7lXDJ00PcKK8_-GbpSBM5C5yR0xs9o/s1600/11015800_1022452341101352_8079796165107075291_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOFaV-gNoars9EdpdtO-FmIq6VXOG15ilM62aHAW1uohYA8uug83PYeMv1wiFZtuTMBGchgM8d_RukOKAmGBOMoP3IiaBz2o28Ey_8F7KcuF6TT7lXDJ00PcKK8_-GbpSBM5C5yR0xs9o/s320/11015800_1022452341101352_8079796165107075291_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
From six weeks to six years, this boy has brought so much joy to our family.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He is sweet, smart, athletic, a good friend, and still likes to snuggle with him mom.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He will have my heart forever.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWyR8Goq7fUI9sOP0TV20Vz3uYo0uFH_hbv28baEh2MYemvAdAAZvM66nmiBiuSdFHsAxvKHkTiZQy_JdzCRNo-IGnKWGfQlTm9rQgai_zhDyijd8srt0iJ7Dpod-rNJYYLasurUfVvS1n/s1600/10986425_10154109489364240_4454680795742538357_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWyR8Goq7fUI9sOP0TV20Vz3uYo0uFH_hbv28baEh2MYemvAdAAZvM66nmiBiuSdFHsAxvKHkTiZQy_JdzCRNo-IGnKWGfQlTm9rQgai_zhDyijd8srt0iJ7Dpod-rNJYYLasurUfVvS1n/s400/10986425_10154109489364240_4454680795742538357_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Birthday Boy in his new Energy Hat.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQkdoyAyS5V_IvjpO6xPppK-CGPfr2ckXx6ByUdonvpJz2gGWV01egmCyJn3xPkdRvEtkgbMIUFJyGwEjN-plfXV7J6jP8_hCUt04jBJ3IWxARPgf_M8wmCqxwNd3ChdrciyCgjKDSLqs/s1600/11796271_10154134987929240_5217241189310075817_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQkdoyAyS5V_IvjpO6xPppK-CGPfr2ckXx6ByUdonvpJz2gGWV01egmCyJn3xPkdRvEtkgbMIUFJyGwEjN-plfXV7J6jP8_hCUt04jBJ3IWxARPgf_M8wmCqxwNd3ChdrciyCgjKDSLqs/s400/11796271_10154134987929240_5217241189310075817_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Instead of a big party, he requested that we take him and his two buddies to an Energy Soccer Game.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Done! We had cake and pizza at our house beforehand, then headed to the game.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And the Energy won!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1V_h6wkC2iSV7ccd5G5Gm_svnuqZVvwmDlVCTIOqRmQX3nsGPqN3RUSt3MiIJnzrwezN_EtSzlDOtQdHQeixrA9LycG8FKbwODY0LKYzFMierxWcuCWA132LfMlswHOuYS6MLdxaIJaCs/s1600/11214281_10154067144014240_3424513080775252591_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1V_h6wkC2iSV7ccd5G5Gm_svnuqZVvwmDlVCTIOqRmQX3nsGPqN3RUSt3MiIJnzrwezN_EtSzlDOtQdHQeixrA9LycG8FKbwODY0LKYzFMierxWcuCWA132LfMlswHOuYS6MLdxaIJaCs/s400/11214281_10154067144014240_3424513080775252591_n.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A few days later, he lost his very first tooth.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was a big month for this boy.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7frthst-566UD2WONI2J0iCLtZb8PMkOdLFv_YTMMOUptbO4ZmbzvA3maiUf2JuSU46_2eFKmc6VMTKkrTtZvvaqJ57Hrl2x2z0Q_o-reo1rr0BKlaklUKjwEvr24YpHSM3lhKCIuCdW/s1600/11057451_10154112500344240_2827279191550964573_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7frthst-566UD2WONI2J0iCLtZb8PMkOdLFv_YTMMOUptbO4ZmbzvA3maiUf2JuSU46_2eFKmc6VMTKkrTtZvvaqJ57Hrl2x2z0Q_o-reo1rr0BKlaklUKjwEvr24YpHSM3lhKCIuCdW/s400/11057451_10154112500344240_2827279191550964573_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
July 25th we celebrated one of my bestie's birthday.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Nikki is truly more like a sister than just a friend.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We've known each other over 15 years and have laughed, cried, prayed, talked (and talked and talked and talked) together, and we never seem to run out of things to talk about!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A group of us met up at The Grand House in the Asian District of OKC and had a yummy dinner out. Later we went back to our house for cake and games.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibpAxavEY4g518Do7gTG4QoWej59qZPu6ioigNCPbuW4eyfVxOu3tc3eW5faMj5lfB18qIEYinTOQDMQMsMN6JgckDmauW11nIaTARoZRIqiKE9QQU8Ml7exCrQOZLYLMg8UzskUdESiYs/s1600/11796281_10154108705829240_732700725427989959_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibpAxavEY4g518Do7gTG4QoWej59qZPu6ioigNCPbuW4eyfVxOu3tc3eW5faMj5lfB18qIEYinTOQDMQMsMN6JgckDmauW11nIaTARoZRIqiKE9QQU8Ml7exCrQOZLYLMg8UzskUdESiYs/s400/11796281_10154108705829240_732700725427989959_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Summer wouldn't be complete without a trip to a water park.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our last weekend in July, we took the kids to Andy Alligator's Water Park. It's a smaller park than others in the city, but the kids love it and because of its size, we can keep track of everyone easily.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevwWVIiZENyK15FgsRQ6fCrnJeJgrRT47s6TR6_9ohWZ_lGBwQPj3nNSn3KZ-R8WIiuRHzdfMrKBLU7hFEoQ-q_3qgkcXyiN63p4TPWW4faxnhTTOOkhlGmVMY9EW0NYdtpwepw0yVByN/s1600/12009842_10154255646849240_7593816993929028678_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevwWVIiZENyK15FgsRQ6fCrnJeJgrRT47s6TR6_9ohWZ_lGBwQPj3nNSn3KZ-R8WIiuRHzdfMrKBLU7hFEoQ-q_3qgkcXyiN63p4TPWW4faxnhTTOOkhlGmVMY9EW0NYdtpwepw0yVByN/s400/12009842_10154255646849240_7593816993929028678_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Having twins is such a blessing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
These two really do love each other.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Phew! I think that about covers July!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085771404278972299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8059888837313343350.post-64575040911865403102015-10-12T05:53:00.001-07:002015-10-12T05:53:42.856-07:00Use Your EnergyYesterday our semi-pro soccer team, the OKC ENERGY, played in the Western Conference finals against the LA Galaxy. We got tickets for Mike, Lucas and I to attend. My girls weren't too jazzed about going, so our good friend/babysitter, Jacque, came to hang out with them and have a girls' night. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOba4oG-UcyLrFOuzMedGfoxCQB6s5qR5d5GuAK3WpZMm6C7e0-Zj1SHEsi0ns2fMbt3IBoOLHhAbPjZj-ASXT-fdvMlMTJq8HMbatxobBTKF5dx8KLqzjZ3C4usJs09IMbGSVxsZvxO0/s640/blogger-image-2084182912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOba4oG-UcyLrFOuzMedGfoxCQB6s5qR5d5GuAK3WpZMm6C7e0-Zj1SHEsi0ns2fMbt3IBoOLHhAbPjZj-ASXT-fdvMlMTJq8HMbatxobBTKF5dx8KLqzjZ3C4usJs09IMbGSVxsZvxO0/s640/blogger-image-2084182912.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Taft Stadium was packed with over 8,000 people in attendance. This is only the second year for OKC to have a soccer team, and I love the way our city (and state!) have rallied to support them. Lucas was totally into it and loved clapping, chanting and cheering. When the lady a few rows behind us yelled, "You suck!" after a questionable call by the ref, Lucas followed suit and quickly chimed in. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Whoops! We had a quiet discussion about not yelling things like that and he got the message. But it was still kinda funny. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTtdRqwgspFFWULrNRJxjqRQosI9_29dco98270GVvqQ3LSRYremwVG_DVmJcBrUXtI14bmaXchWDB0Xqp3KuFMd3iC06Sf_8dKVoOiE9HpEMvyDHkAhMbXFtQl9LPsDVmcfkwnBbipct/s640/blogger-image-519126442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTtdRqwgspFFWULrNRJxjqRQosI9_29dco98270GVvqQ3LSRYremwVG_DVmJcBrUXtI14bmaXchWDB0Xqp3KuFMd3iC06Sf_8dKVoOiE9HpEMvyDHkAhMbXFtQl9LPsDVmcfkwnBbipct/s640/blogger-image-519126442.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Here's a highlight for me from last night--Coit's has returned! My entire life, Coit's Drive-In's were local restaurant staples in OKC, serving hot dogs, chili and frosty mugs of root beer. Sadly, they closed their stores a few years ago to the sounds of weeping in the streets. But recently, they have returned to the OKC food scene in the form of a food truck! <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Praise Jesus, Amen. I enjoyed myself a chili dog and a root beer and it was goooood.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jFNTPPwNX-Uk6VD-TrsCm2nzSKt-yONC-owEZNhqJge9y7lCNqSSzvB9Gql2FiLVFv2VV20rr1skRSqbSeAx8Snlnh1IXddTeGpWvm4AjE6gODt8MMdjlDRodz2Zci5avhdwhc66UiRN/s640/blogger-image--1706692953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jFNTPPwNX-Uk6VD-TrsCm2nzSKt-yONC-owEZNhqJge9y7lCNqSSzvB9Gql2FiLVFv2VV20rr1skRSqbSeAx8Snlnh1IXddTeGpWvm4AjE6gODt8MMdjlDRodz2Zci5avhdwhc66UiRN/s640/blogger-image--1706692953.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sadly, our Energy team fell 2-1 to the Galaxy. But they fought hard and had a great season. We are thinking of buying season tickets next year. I had no idea how much fun soccer could be until I married a soccer fanatic and gave birth to one too! </div> </span></div><br></div><br></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085771404278972299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8059888837313343350.post-45515886392909222422015-10-11T12:37:00.001-07:002015-10-11T12:37:39.510-07:00Be All There<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbphC8XjsQCNvu44jizQJacQXjA-XNFC8Mz_AM7eLcZVrgvqVfASzYrtDh_ha2k6ztck7eLlDqVm9Q7R3fYs2xj4mS1mQ_zHF4xpvk-MlbJqDziA_wdzSt4VelLdls3ny-lSwPt6p5msQ7/s640/blogger-image--1004616105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbphC8XjsQCNvu44jizQJacQXjA-XNFC8Mz_AM7eLcZVrgvqVfASzYrtDh_ha2k6ztck7eLlDqVm9Q7R3fYs2xj4mS1mQ_zHF4xpvk-MlbJqDziA_wdzSt4VelLdls3ny-lSwPt6p5msQ7/s640/blogger-image--1004616105.jpg"></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This morning at church, our pastor shared a quote from Jim Elliot, and it really stuck with me.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>"Wherever you are, be all there."</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Wherever I go, whomever I'm with or whatever I'm doing, I want to be ALL THERE. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Fully present. Engaged. Offering to God all that I am and who He created me to be. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I want to carry that thought into this week and always. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085771404278972299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8059888837313343350.post-28061054506518534362015-10-10T13:32:00.000-07:002015-10-10T14:49:02.183-07:00Catch Up DayIt's a beautiful, fall Saturday here. Lucas had a soccer game this morning (He played great and had a hat trick, but his team still lost 8-7), then we came home and watched the Red River Rivalry football game (that's OU vs. TX for those who don't know), and sadly OU lost. Tomorrow night we have tickets to go watch the OKC Energy Soccer Team play in their conference championship game, so we better not lose that one! Ugh!<br>
<br>
So, to get my mind off the sports losses today, let's play a little blog catch up since I never posted at all this summer!<br>
<br>
If I were to bullet point the Galloway Summer of 2015, it would look like this:<br>
<br>
June<br>
--VBS<br>
--16th wedding anniversary<br>
--Swimming<br>
--Trip to Arkansas and Missouri<br>
<br>
July<br>
--Independence Day<br>
--Trip to New Jersey and New York<br>
--Lucas turned 6!<br>
--Swimming<br>
<br>
August<br>
--More swimming<br>
--Girls' trip to Texas<br>
--School started<br>
<br>
That's the cliff notes version. I thought I'd at least elaborate a little and show some pics for posterity's sake. Let's start with May and June!<br>
<br>
Technically, our summers in Oklahoma start mid to late May. School was out this year on May 20th, so we had a good 11 days of "summer" before we hit the typical summer months. I honestly can't remember much about those days except that we slept in, played with friends, and had a Memorial Day party with friends from church.<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQIyRsxH8aNCbP5E6V1ssj94JqgeEJYQ48CvzeMSeqQbJoMGGtp8KB96LXr6D9pcBEcNUxFZAbz5_SMBIX2UnssjW823kre-o9tbKXYC9mBS_9HJs06TYWpeqai-R-xMY-S_kGVkmrZAw/s1600/11351475_10153952324154240_4651738072706484431_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQIyRsxH8aNCbP5E6V1ssj94JqgeEJYQ48CvzeMSeqQbJoMGGtp8KB96LXr6D9pcBEcNUxFZAbz5_SMBIX2UnssjW823kre-o9tbKXYC9mBS_9HJs06TYWpeqai-R-xMY-S_kGVkmrZAw/s400/11351475_10153952324154240_4651738072706484431_n.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Playing the best game ever at our Memorial Day party.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Let's just say it got competitive.</div>
<br>
The first two weeks of June we attended two different Vacation Bible Schools. We live in the Bible Belt and if you wanted to, you could send your child to a VBS every week of the entire summer. They are free and fun, and my kids enjoy them. But two or three a summer is plenty.<br>
<br>
The first one we attended is one that we have attended every summer for the last four years. It's at a church where they not only have the typical stuff: snack, Bible story, games, songs, but they also take advantage of the creek that runs behind the property and take the kids fishing and canoeing everyday too. My kids love it. The second VBS we attended was at our home church, and I took on a leadership role over one of the craft rooms. It was fun to be a part of the week with my kids and my close friends too.<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9ZEx5EAajnWwlP-YRRScY5TKWYcPcnujxyu4oa0cZX13B8zF1u96bHc0RGpQnrb9FxlQY-0VVYuNsrE9-dRxP55vnBkEbRPSFAC6Z98qLhZQI88BdU3FL0ljA8kekIlalLAacbusv9dO/s1600/11407002_10154016489254240_431533591645621491_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9ZEx5EAajnWwlP-YRRScY5TKWYcPcnujxyu4oa0cZX13B8zF1u96bHc0RGpQnrb9FxlQY-0VVYuNsrE9-dRxP55vnBkEbRPSFAC6Z98qLhZQI88BdU3FL0ljA8kekIlalLAacbusv9dO/s400/11407002_10154016489254240_431533591645621491_n.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Me, Kim, Tanda, and Nikki at the end-of-the-week VBS cookout.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was a great week!</div>
<br>
June 4th, Mike and I celebrated 16 years of marriage! Wow! That's a long time! We actually celebrated while we were on a short, three night/four day trip through NW Arkansas and Missouri. We drove to Eureka Springs, Arkansas with my dad and step mom and her granddaughter and checked in to a cozy cabin. While there we visited a Wildlife Sanctuary, toured a haunted hotel, shopped and meandered the quaint shops and winding streets.<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQyoqVhmiIs0KbZ7rUJEelcFqEgB-gCTFYsUFxVuPuM3o8s76tD1R52KQUr3fGwTMmK1W8B4iE3LESZhhqs4Ak9ds-n54Gm3Haer_gNSR3BY5BFJNDZLEKwD0WFRnEvlf4-KUGzWxTQsO/s1600/11351334_10153998966199240_6819369441722032559_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQyoqVhmiIs0KbZ7rUJEelcFqEgB-gCTFYsUFxVuPuM3o8s76tD1R52KQUr3fGwTMmK1W8B4iE3LESZhhqs4Ak9ds-n54Gm3Haer_gNSR3BY5BFJNDZLEKwD0WFRnEvlf4-KUGzWxTQsO/s400/11351334_10153998966199240_6819369441722032559_n.jpg" width="326"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wedding Day</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
June 4, 1999</div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhufIUydiC-VP0ucQZpRLx9vXDDHMVtzz8v7da4rZwV0Em19sCfcqO71vB_KvhO0BWiiIlakpZ77UwsmjnFA3nMPzuEKo5QZk1-tR2y4guIkoXgT6NXhuz8AfIIURHXEcD9k462mhx3Yv/s1600/11401567_10154002238019240_2557480274185771144_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhufIUydiC-VP0ucQZpRLx9vXDDHMVtzz8v7da4rZwV0Em19sCfcqO71vB_KvhO0BWiiIlakpZ77UwsmjnFA3nMPzuEKo5QZk1-tR2y4guIkoXgT6NXhuz8AfIIURHXEcD9k462mhx3Yv/s400/11401567_10154002238019240_2557480274185771144_n.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My dad and stepmom watched the kids one night while Mike and I went out to officially celebrate our anniversary. We ate a fantastic taco place called Aquarius Taqueria. Then strolled through the town and went for a sunset drive. It was wonderful and relaxing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Cqd0Z7t4FHE9ywfnkfcnpIYHDIn9bHP5bDkDgNr2Xe5VSvvvLRg-qlQLBFF0Vw5MQbi8FQFFSqh5oHzJzx4M60oSUyseQYQ_JvFxI_6XD45zwDxBHALMG7CyLtq7PGAWsApLZnUAFX4_/s1600/11406903_995699373776649_5129200069865292389_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Cqd0Z7t4FHE9ywfnkfcnpIYHDIn9bHP5bDkDgNr2Xe5VSvvvLRg-qlQLBFF0Vw5MQbi8FQFFSqh5oHzJzx4M60oSUyseQYQ_JvFxI_6XD45zwDxBHALMG7CyLtq7PGAWsApLZnUAFX4_/s400/11406903_995699373776649_5129200069865292389_n.jpg" width="300"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And then this happened. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What better to celebrate an anniversary than with a cheesy old-time photo.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In all honesty, we laughed our way through it and had a lot of fun.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After two days we headed to Missouri for a day at Silver Dollar City (think roller coasters and water rides and overpriced junk food) and then a tour of Fantastic Caverns (the country's only ride-through cave). My kids had so much fun with their cousin as we packed our last days absolutely full of activities (hence very little time for photos!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyDS9tgm9A8GfSroVa03T0bsJSHOKBpcrnT7_tnqxeP19xyLaL8w-8xxGvU3LtOde1yh3t_ewinr53WDlND6tn_obmXHRPOnOywoQF-BhUTTE7XgOpJr71G2lhOIRcrMKzIDrsu_pqSclv/s1600/10924693_10154005879504240_7971841765909499358_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyDS9tgm9A8GfSroVa03T0bsJSHOKBpcrnT7_tnqxeP19xyLaL8w-8xxGvU3LtOde1yh3t_ewinr53WDlND6tn_obmXHRPOnOywoQF-BhUTTE7XgOpJr71G2lhOIRcrMKzIDrsu_pqSclv/s400/10924693_10154005879504240_7971841765909499358_n.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here we are driving through Fantastic Caverns in Springfield, Missouri.</div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVE1Qpfvuo3OyebwfOy6lAsydYQT2uOmVP9B6Rk-6CQmaU1yZPnomXlz5LtHuoYI2JMdXehW_8AI8W0GkVdM7IikUByV1uXyf-nV6Cjpd3fAXTnT8WOXYgKH1CU83hrnPFYs11Y7kzmKD/s1600/10400060_10154041274964240_8488437774624513551_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVE1Qpfvuo3OyebwfOy6lAsydYQT2uOmVP9B6Rk-6CQmaU1yZPnomXlz5LtHuoYI2JMdXehW_8AI8W0GkVdM7IikUByV1uXyf-nV6Cjpd3fAXTnT8WOXYgKH1CU83hrnPFYs11Y7kzmKD/s400/10400060_10154041274964240_8488437774624513551_n.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The rest of the month of June looked like this.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Escaping the heat and swimming two or three times a week at my dear friend, Beth's pool.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
All I can say is, to survive summer in Oklahoma, you must be near water.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thank the Lord for Beth's pool.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Throw in a few trips to the park, the zoo and playing with friends and that about sums up the month of June!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<br>
<br>
<br>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085771404278972299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8059888837313343350.post-68436310954300133332015-10-09T16:47:00.002-07:002015-10-09T16:47:40.051-07:00The Gala of 2015For the last three years, I've volunteered my time with a local non-profit called House of Healing. This was the third year in a row to be a part of their annual charity gala and silent auction. Each year my role has changed a little, and this year I was the Gala Co-Chair along with my dear friend, Nikki. Our other friend, Shelley also served on the gala committee along with our directors, Kathy and Paula. A year of planning, list-making, decorating, scheming, talking, and deal-making finally came to fruition this past Tuesday night at the Denim & Diamonds Gala at Rose Creek Golf Club!<br />
<br />
Through a mutual friend, I was introduced to the two ladies who started House of Healing. I heard their stories, I saw their passion for what they do, and I could totally get behind that! House of Healing focuses on teenage girls ages 13-18 who are struggling, hurting, or going through a difficult time. They provide many resources including a vibrant mentoring program, counseling and equine therapy. A few years ago, House of Healing purchased 25 acres of land near Oklahoma City and next month our first bunk house will be finished and ready to move in! The bunk house will serve as a retreat center for the girls in their care. Eventually, the land will include a few residential homes where girls could live on a full time basis. House of Healing is a proactive organization instead of reactive. They try to intervene before girls make more serious life-altering decisions. They stress the importance of young women getting an education and becoming self-sufficient. They teach them communication skills and build up their self-esteem. They even offer parenting classes for willing family members. It's a great program and I was honored to put in the hours of work to make their gala a success. And it was fun having an excuse to get together with my good friends often during the week!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSP4kZ5PzmIUuAX-U-6NdmdcqPPGbdgKAddS90bCXzI18Y-Krjvu2DD7vzg61s5ZB5ybt4peIXrVD6WIO5gehl0ECQbNA7g7Uooy-aBnGkIqpZWu8UPE4leQ1DgKZy6kRPvUKQeXDNpBfD/s1600/12144934_10154275752159240_5950644090420578559_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSP4kZ5PzmIUuAX-U-6NdmdcqPPGbdgKAddS90bCXzI18Y-Krjvu2DD7vzg61s5ZB5ybt4peIXrVD6WIO5gehl0ECQbNA7g7Uooy-aBnGkIqpZWu8UPE4leQ1DgKZy6kRPvUKQeXDNpBfD/s400/12144934_10154275752159240_5950644090420578559_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We arrived at the golf club at 10:00 in the morning the day of the event and worked non-stop until it was time to begin at 6:30. We had to set up the silent auction, decorate the tables with the centerpieces we made, write some thank you notes, fill out bid sheets, go over the flow of the evening with our emcee and guest speakers, meet with volunteers and make sure they understood their tasks, adjust the seating chart, etc. It was non-stop movement! But I'm very pleased with the way the room looked. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Fun Fact: We had all our dessert donated by a local cupcake shop called Cuppies & Joe. We decided to use the cupcakes as a part of our table centerpieces, but we weren't sure how to display them. Pinterest to the rescue! We went to the dollar store, purchased 20 dinner plates and 20 martini glasses, turned the martini glass over and used a silicone glue to stick the bottom of the glass to the underside of the plate and voila! Plate stand centerpieces perfect for 8 cupcakes! I wish I had taken an up close pic of them. They turned out great for $2 a piece!</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/AVvXsEiTGwHa2knXma90qVDoH80XFEgUAWJVUHr6qM-N0M_qtGe1sOHVWCo7S6oDh2Bk8SJkIo3aV_lHp50dB9zOvzb9-xf7uZtRB6Fb41b7jaujvkVUtFQRR30juCqwikxeW0bx8jyBzrbPPZIO/s1600/12032677_10154276282604240_5158923901378620883_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGwHa2knXma90qVDoH80XFEgUAWJVUHr6qM-N0M_qtGe1sOHVWCo7S6oDh2Bk8SJkIo3aV_lHp50dB9zOvzb9-xf7uZtRB6Fb41b7jaujvkVUtFQRR30juCqwikxeW0bx8jyBzrbPPZIO/s400/12032677_10154276282604240_5158923901378620883_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mike and I just before the event started.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
With our gala being on a Tuesday night this year, we went with a business casual dress code and our theme was "Denim & Diamonds" which totally fits our program's theme. Our director, Kathy, is a country girl at heart. She is way more comfortable in a pair of jeans and her cowgirl boots than a fancy dress any day. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The theme just worked.</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/AVvXsEg6gxrIDxSxKECsFagRWEc9EjCGpaKsZdLEaXVi2BwkBwdSiyAKboj_xw11RS2eOik6G-uqkFIxf3ss2TwDBFKZHssCkP1bVa33USAvBXopRI5sylzUnpxH5_RgVJJVTsd3jm2GePW8qHaw/s1600/12079535_10154276282559240_1180206533212452859_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gxrIDxSxKECsFagRWEc9EjCGpaKsZdLEaXVi2BwkBwdSiyAKboj_xw11RS2eOik6G-uqkFIxf3ss2TwDBFKZHssCkP1bVa33USAvBXopRI5sylzUnpxH5_RgVJJVTsd3jm2GePW8qHaw/s400/12079535_10154276282559240_1180206533212452859_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Me with Shelley and Nikki</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pretty much every picture we are in has us holding our detailed gala program list. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXiXCcOGxzVrUHhq-cy7ioxfO03TNOrOzL-9-HlzU5gl7UNeTy8IjoDRTowAq70tMAbDhbfyEq8eRswQyP8Zuns1Ds7BnwgvMnpgNJxJbilpdH7VLWCvFEa6Kx6JkwsQ6ueKoEnt0MbsQW/s1600/12096261_10154276282734240_4632150475666199511_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXiXCcOGxzVrUHhq-cy7ioxfO03TNOrOzL-9-HlzU5gl7UNeTy8IjoDRTowAq70tMAbDhbfyEq8eRswQyP8Zuns1Ds7BnwgvMnpgNJxJbilpdH7VLWCvFEa6Kx6JkwsQ6ueKoEnt0MbsQW/s400/12096261_10154276282734240_4632150475666199511_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Nikki with our dear friend, Mona. She and her husband own a construction company, and they were our first ever event sponsors. Their generosity helped us take our event to another level this year!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdWXmo2REiZkMC3rJXwK8L5kk9Yrt4jlxEplHshrkK1xzIhz56fmt7DJelWQ9fzCafQsEAuxO9vWquzhX_BspzyZvU2l03OhtmAlqMKFB5R-whF6yjIHDLh0jSamFHE2t1JFzqg92DXSB/s1600/12108934_10153677687099777_1473936102547490870_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdWXmo2REiZkMC3rJXwK8L5kk9Yrt4jlxEplHshrkK1xzIhz56fmt7DJelWQ9fzCafQsEAuxO9vWquzhX_BspzyZvU2l03OhtmAlqMKFB5R-whF6yjIHDLh0jSamFHE2t1JFzqg92DXSB/s400/12108934_10153677687099777_1473936102547490870_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Packed House!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our evening featured 45 silent auction baskets, a DJ, dinner, dessert, an auctioneer conducting a live auction (we had six live auction items including trips to Taos and Destin and of course diamond jewelry), and a guest speaker.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_FB0AtSobDssgZ2z1Ohrck563saGyiJUWnkt9_g6DVHF1JQHbQEYJWwjkj2SQF5_nn5FphPoPHR48gOjFiXDl20PxIkeeUc8HJ7_1zYUM7cAQegkO47Bf0qjn8VnoEs9MRAzVlqS2u4JX/s1600/12140094_10154276282804240_800113189451047112_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_FB0AtSobDssgZ2z1Ohrck563saGyiJUWnkt9_g6DVHF1JQHbQEYJWwjkj2SQF5_nn5FphPoPHR48gOjFiXDl20PxIkeeUc8HJ7_1zYUM7cAQegkO47Bf0qjn8VnoEs9MRAzVlqS2u4JX/s400/12140094_10154276282804240_800113189451047112_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our gorgeous friend, Jamie, was our diamond model for the evening. She got to wear the earrings and bracelet and walk around letting everyone see them up close. Jamie is also a fitness instructor and about 6 feet tall. I'm on my tippy toes in this pic and she took off her heels and bent her knees.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySpFXVEHuwV6L5-RA-RgbcTRWuRNjAzq-SPQyninpKInS_QreP5FNLcljNWKo0mxixpvC9iLuxirdH1Cei-3yMBBhBNie5dPSXJyMreoEcjrbE1GK0vkOx85d5GMhToDDAiog4mHi-IJn/s1600/12045744_10154276282534240_4148962083859705668_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySpFXVEHuwV6L5-RA-RgbcTRWuRNjAzq-SPQyninpKInS_QreP5FNLcljNWKo0mxixpvC9iLuxirdH1Cei-3yMBBhBNie5dPSXJyMreoEcjrbE1GK0vkOx85d5GMhToDDAiog4mHi-IJn/s400/12045744_10154276282534240_4148962083859705668_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Gala committee with our fearless leaders, Kathy and Paula.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love this group of women!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My dad stepped up big time and watched the kids from as soon as school was out until ten o'clock that night. As soon as we got home, chatted for a few minutes (mercifully all our kids were asleep!), I crashed into bed and was asleep in minutes. The next day I was sore, tired and really felt the weight of the day before both physically and mentally. I allowed myself a good afternoon of rest before I had to jump back into real life. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
These kids don't feed themselves yet! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(I mean, they can make cereal and pb&j's and are generally pretty independent, but if I want them to actually eat well balanced meals, that involves me cooking). I was kind of hoping there would be a "gala fairy" that would magically appear to cook and clean for me the rest of the week.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Alas, she did not show.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Funny thing is, I'd do it all again next year!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You can go to <a href="http://www.house-of-healing.org/">www.house-of-healing.org</a> for more info!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085771404278972299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8059888837313343350.post-10448013453496377852015-10-03T09:16:00.001-07:002015-10-03T09:16:26.108-07:00Pumpkin Patch<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div>Yesterday Lucas went on his first school field trip to the Parkhurst Pumpkin Patch. The night before, he could hardly sleep he was so excited. He was excited to play with his friends, he was excited that I was coming as a chaperone, but he was most excited about riding a bus for the first time. He finally drifted off and woke up ready to go. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQoDMOvleDNjHekgIuyMY1_XGkA-okRuZKjk1sA7XJd2Z3j4n6qH1ygbsZoWk6Tgz8RcJA4axI6uot1CoaK5Ml40mSn5afkjeHHmx45osmUvYa_8kngAVP6_ekma2woyoKgo6CX3wM7Lv/s640/blogger-image--53354147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQoDMOvleDNjHekgIuyMY1_XGkA-okRuZKjk1sA7XJd2Z3j4n6qH1ygbsZoWk6Tgz8RcJA4axI6uot1CoaK5Ml40mSn5afkjeHHmx45osmUvYa_8kngAVP6_ekma2woyoKgo6CX3wM7Lv/s640/blogger-image--53354147.jpg"></a></div>Driving to the pumpkin patch which is located off of a section of the original Route 66. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLml4fx0c0qTUgBAp501DZ025DYrtBzmmz8SntL67B7jKHLNUM_Jz-unOQz3A56lE2fv3o590z-XIVHrwFQup6Ar2Qms54qiUaXI-nnqfW51kv1BVQv49f92JKkVnza4FZBDX4uBINhyW/s640/blogger-image-1576523814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLml4fx0c0qTUgBAp501DZ025DYrtBzmmz8SntL67B7jKHLNUM_Jz-unOQz3A56lE2fv3o590z-XIVHrwFQup6Ar2Qms54qiUaXI-nnqfW51kv1BVQv49f92JKkVnza4FZBDX4uBINhyW/s640/blogger-image-1576523814.jpg"></a></div>Mom and Lucas in the petting zoo area. We got to pet and feed goats, geese, rabbits, pigs, horses, and a donkey. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNEGkEo0FA_WGOULVTmO77ZLazt1w32M2D7K991GgDy6kmhqTlqnl2vmpQTg73DAAlmFxNq3uuCgDFTN62vMsx_WvZFBRnBHh9qCP-HP-aWfK7cX1oymvgTq8deXASsUUTIzJ1TMRZUFB/s640/blogger-image-1204202073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNEGkEo0FA_WGOULVTmO77ZLazt1w32M2D7K991GgDy6kmhqTlqnl2vmpQTg73DAAlmFxNq3uuCgDFTN62vMsx_WvZFBRnBHh9qCP-HP-aWfK7cX1oymvgTq8deXASsUUTIzJ1TMRZUFB/s640/blogger-image-1204202073.jpg"></a></div></div><div>Lucas with his buddies, Jace and Eli, along with their wonderful teacher, Mrs. Austin. This was waiting for the hay ride to begin. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQdYRVLAFx_VqF078V8cmfhWO-SsKsu2cT2Za1x6FcBuG1zzaPWRiKVVg5oF679oar6GhXq5EQOMgnHDjVpLijrEsHnPB5JNgJ6ygl7urLS2xyx90ztT-NJWmb6M1mVsXE-6EkJpByiI1/s640/blogger-image--13425876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQdYRVLAFx_VqF078V8cmfhWO-SsKsu2cT2Za1x6FcBuG1zzaPWRiKVVg5oF679oar6GhXq5EQOMgnHDjVpLijrEsHnPB5JNgJ6ygl7urLS2xyx90ztT-NJWmb6M1mVsXE-6EkJpByiI1/s640/blogger-image--13425876.jpg"></a></div>Lucas and his kindergarten class.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1YE57C-Zd5nW6lgPo03pnZh0QV2hsXR-6VwGZGrax3Z4x1qPmiecJaPjacGXrrXW9N0iGixPjUvH0e-YhCYu5EafESaWguxmRUK-KcKYY2QrVsscjAGpHZRaRcVLDWBQIt0e28TRynk5/s640/blogger-image-1329832645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1YE57C-Zd5nW6lgPo03pnZh0QV2hsXR-6VwGZGrax3Z4x1qPmiecJaPjacGXrrXW9N0iGixPjUvH0e-YhCYu5EafESaWguxmRUK-KcKYY2QrVsscjAGpHZRaRcVLDWBQIt0e28TRynk5/s640/blogger-image-1329832645.jpg"></a></div>Jace and Lucas. These two are peas in a pod. Fun fact: Jace's uncle is Blake Shelton from The Voice. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFtZnNp17jQ_95Pm-4iaIeU0EfYFhKfDxb-TvBL_iumcCti85-iDy6aiGJnk0LVXCD3DK4ZAeisWp6UvqKNaLZDZgyN_F4B6YjD4zAStB8-h7qH5s5-Wivxz9vzfaNppcaNsRq3Laf2pD/s640/blogger-image-728788122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFtZnNp17jQ_95Pm-4iaIeU0EfYFhKfDxb-TvBL_iumcCti85-iDy6aiGJnk0LVXCD3DK4ZAeisWp6UvqKNaLZDZgyN_F4B6YjD4zAStB8-h7qH5s5-Wivxz9vzfaNppcaNsRq3Laf2pD/s640/blogger-image-728788122.jpg"></a></div> Tire swing! </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4433Dd2O1nPH5KhM5F1SMJbEvUdKzbTB0YOZxfVCqg87NaPK8Y6dQFrPf0svAaFI2NeNwt2e9_gbaBhAobXcnxJ68qOhyphenhyphenFseQtG283NTlxjLNX2ikaY1M7bZS_wcAsh3nskJJtrwURLs/s640/blogger-image--1731774573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4433Dd2O1nPH5KhM5F1SMJbEvUdKzbTB0YOZxfVCqg87NaPK8Y6dQFrPf0svAaFI2NeNwt2e9_gbaBhAobXcnxJ68qOhyphenhyphenFseQtG283NTlxjLNX2ikaY1M7bZS_wcAsh3nskJJtrwURLs/s640/blogger-image--1731774573.jpg"></a></div> Tractor riding!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLP54AYmUWmz1d2T70vIPgzXDN4Gsg5By6y8QtHnB4AqyAyihboEX1v7VvksQkwt_4msQ3lnWURiHzMCBbe1KIHsLWgqw1byL7I0gqLLVhZJYQ0-By-Ej0zae_-nv0ojAgseEG-BW4h7Dt/s640/blogger-image--1689356071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLP54AYmUWmz1d2T70vIPgzXDN4Gsg5By6y8QtHnB4AqyAyihboEX1v7VvksQkwt_4msQ3lnWURiHzMCBbe1KIHsLWgqw1byL7I0gqLLVhZJYQ0-By-Ej0zae_-nv0ojAgseEG-BW4h7Dt/s640/blogger-image--1689356071.jpg"></a></div></div><div> Buddies sittin on hay bales.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUL-nAc5eC99RTTw624_-hDG8-PmgpABNQ1YylMD8J10sVyI-Jk41MAM6EJx7jTCuOBdoLGdedpe2VFqsc6qFPZDNEL94Sk6EFthqZqaTL91LIUCFBN8nppU25ypbzroAjyYbnxGPJBXOW/s640/blogger-image--857801491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUL-nAc5eC99RTTw624_-hDG8-PmgpABNQ1YylMD8J10sVyI-Jk41MAM6EJx7jTCuOBdoLGdedpe2VFqsc6qFPZDNEL94Sk6EFthqZqaTL91LIUCFBN8nppU25ypbzroAjyYbnxGPJBXOW/s640/blogger-image--857801491.jpg"></a></div>My favorite....a good old fashioned corn maze.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRnI3DSOeV7-OwGGKXbooBqqAHDK2AieJjKISblzCS-bkm1VULyb2EyhswQeGYCicHHthW9GaiaJf_qLESlgHulBbKHb9FDgd9T8UvG0sU6Vj7YcJKTWoYiTHiURW4yC_jCUOLFYVJtRB9/s640/blogger-image--1552398938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRnI3DSOeV7-OwGGKXbooBqqAHDK2AieJjKISblzCS-bkm1VULyb2EyhswQeGYCicHHthW9GaiaJf_qLESlgHulBbKHb9FDgd9T8UvG0sU6Vj7YcJKTWoYiTHiURW4yC_jCUOLFYVJtRB9/s640/blogger-image--1552398938.jpg"></a></div></div><div> C'mon, Mom!</div><div> Stop taking so many pictures! </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6J8zmjQqbnKo4j67Vio5QAkic19J8X4dPLPA11sruEPEPTflVmrFALcn5xcklkQSeFB3lZJMhHXowzj2k7W0KvhrKHcxSuhJSaOoy_FdNE4c6HE-S8LfpSVfLzsdTj-6JaIhMgdTgQH8x/s640/blogger-image-815882352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6J8zmjQqbnKo4j67Vio5QAkic19J8X4dPLPA11sruEPEPTflVmrFALcn5xcklkQSeFB3lZJMhHXowzj2k7W0KvhrKHcxSuhJSaOoy_FdNE4c6HE-S8LfpSVfLzsdTj-6JaIhMgdTgQH8x/s640/blogger-image-815882352.jpg"></a></div> Picking out a pumpkin to take </div><div> home.</div><div><br></div><div>Six years ago, I went on this same field trip with Hannah and Leah when they were in kindergarten. In a way, yesterday closed a chapter in the Galloway family as Lucas will likely be the last kindergartener. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The day was clear and cool and sunny with blue skies and lots of laughter. And will be a perfect memory for both of us. :)</span></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085771404278972299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8059888837313343350.post-72171362797105494762015-10-01T08:13:00.002-07:002015-10-01T08:16:32.700-07:00October<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgGozdCzVSzJPMzB34QZ6vl2ZVnbIRpNnhZoQcvyTgeq7lrQpG5SnlMtmp2yzEupXBxiN1qQ9H179PRg_S00iHCMc2tJVdusqQY_g_SVkzhE13F_afhlv7Dau9YK5CEQJ34-VjqxGVGSY/s1600/12049108_10153130243201451_2691049107088242052_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgGozdCzVSzJPMzB34QZ6vl2ZVnbIRpNnhZoQcvyTgeq7lrQpG5SnlMtmp2yzEupXBxiN1qQ9H179PRg_S00iHCMc2tJVdusqQY_g_SVkzhE13F_afhlv7Dau9YK5CEQJ34-VjqxGVGSY/s400/12049108_10153130243201451_2691049107088242052_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Welcome, October!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
An entire summer passed by without me writing one blog post. Oops.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'll have to write some "catching up posts" throughout the fall. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
That's right--It's FALL! AUTUMN! My second favorite season of the year.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Emily's Seasonal Rankings:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1. Summer </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2. Fall</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
3. Spring</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
4. Winter</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
October may be Oklahoma's most glorious month.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The mornings and evenings are crisp and cool, but not cold</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There's a gentle warmth in the afternoon, but it's not blazing hot.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Jackets are out, but no coats yet.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Scarves are becoming an acceptable part of the wardrobe again.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The sunlight is golden and mellow.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There is a very low risk of tornadoes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
People are outside all the time. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Like pretty much every gathering needs to be outside in October because the weather is so awesome.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
OU football is in full swing. (And OSU too, but whatevs).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The kids are totally in the school groove.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Chimineas. Fire pits.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
No snow. Just not gonna happen.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Soups and stews are back on the menu.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Fall Break.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Halloween.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And last, but not least, our annual vacation to Lake Tenkiller! YES, PLEASE!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The one thing Oklahoma does not have in October is fall leaves.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It usually doesn't get cold enough here for them to start changing, so it's still pretty green with just subtle hints of color change here and there.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Full blown fall leaves come in November. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
November's a good month too, but I won't rush it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
For now, I'm going to relish October.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I hope you are all having a wonderful October 1st wherever you are!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085771404278972299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8059888837313343350.post-68268431099978784072015-05-13T09:16:00.001-07:002015-05-13T09:16:56.068-07:00These Three<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NJI2lpNLzJPTJkzstEUOEZQQh6s08mUK3yb2-O0xAyHN5FGTEmo6okR-SHM2-o10HBHi-evL7lDZKJMBqIbz1RyAqo4hqmz4vLMWYA6Wy00ebkX7fa4B3M071qJsKTfvhLDX0rl-KhR9/s640/blogger-image-1231832321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NJI2lpNLzJPTJkzstEUOEZQQh6s08mUK3yb2-O0xAyHN5FGTEmo6okR-SHM2-o10HBHi-evL7lDZKJMBqIbz1RyAqo4hqmz4vLMWYA6Wy00ebkX7fa4B3M071qJsKTfvhLDX0rl-KhR9/s640/blogger-image-1231832321.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> These three bring me much joy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">And sometimes they make me want to pull my hair out. Like today when they were all fighting over a Bop-It toy before breakfast. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">But mostly they bring me joy. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Just needed to remind myself of that after a hectic morning. </span></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085771404278972299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8059888837313343350.post-80885485115860165992015-04-17T16:18:00.001-07:002015-04-17T16:18:33.583-07:00FridayI subbed a full day today in pre-K.<div>It was raining. </div><div>Which meant no recess.</div><div>They were loud.</div><div>They were full of energy.</div><div>And that leads me to my next point...I'm tired!!!!</div><div><br></div><div>Apparently this boy is too. But that's what happens on a rainy Friday after school when you curl up in a chair with your favorite fuzzy blanket to watch cartoons. </div><div><br></div><div>In fact, I might join him!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhskweRhFx6t4f6gGx1jh2-jlmKbM2ARBCkx2KB9unyQmcA1If1g5yYLzH5vwiALfVAAyLjv0NlYzMawG51WifhIjpKf7HydFqH3ijdJ00I2xGflOsAiS1YX5tx87d4kIYAAAZABzTSSx0R/s640/blogger-image-1478994950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhskweRhFx6t4f6gGx1jh2-jlmKbM2ARBCkx2KB9unyQmcA1If1g5yYLzH5vwiALfVAAyLjv0NlYzMawG51WifhIjpKf7HydFqH3ijdJ00I2xGflOsAiS1YX5tx87d4kIYAAAZABzTSSx0R/s640/blogger-image-1478994950.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085771404278972299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8059888837313343350.post-58467012997144109502015-04-10T09:08:00.001-07:002015-04-10T09:11:42.879-07:00Superstar<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Two weeks ago, a soccer superstar came to watch Lucas' game, and I have never seen my son's smile quite so big! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Who is this superstar, you ask? Well, sit back, relax, and let me tell you a little story....</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Several years ago, a couple at our church went on a mission trip to Bogota, Colombia. While there, they worked at an orphanage. One young boy in particular stood out to them. They made a deep connection with him that never went away. Over the next few years, they continued to stay connected to this boy through letters and email. They watched him grow into a fine young man and a phenomenal soccer player. Eventually, he was too old to stay in the orphanage any longer. Without any family, he would have been turned out to the streets to fend for himself. Our friends knew they had to do something. So they set to work finding a University to accept him on a soccer scholarship. After lots of searching, Jonathan (called Yopo) arrived at Oklahoma Baptist University to play on their team and go to school. On the weekends and during the summer he lives with the couple at our church (whom he called Mom and Dad even though there hasn't been an official adoption). He is thriving and happy--all 6 ft. 5 inches of him! And Lucas thinks he is the the coolest guy on earth. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">So when he came to watch Lucas play soccer, it may as well have been Messi or Beckham or Ronaldo or Pele. In Lucas' eyes, a superstar had arrived to see him play. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_bw7sDVvbk1GbVIJGhOfmyYWo9JPNMi296k8XowJJShabOoBj66YuhDIvcixRPPnhgJolf8qPqTHoL_3WBbFSc1nwuveM8EmqY_x6unMMfDCGgjHPFQLafm-Lsueygx1Lkf-OSEFhoYGP/s640/blogger-image-1360942154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_bw7sDVvbk1GbVIJGhOfmyYWo9JPNMi296k8XowJJShabOoBj66YuhDIvcixRPPnhgJolf8qPqTHoL_3WBbFSc1nwuveM8EmqY_x6unMMfDCGgjHPFQLafm-Lsueygx1Lkf-OSEFhoYGP/s640/blogger-image-1360942154.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Yopo, Lucas and James (Yopo's adopted brother) after the game. </span></div>
</div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085771404278972299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8059888837313343350.post-71086470656487988582015-04-09T07:43:00.001-07:002015-04-09T07:43:58.645-07:00Thursday FunnySaw this yesterday and it made me laugh. My entire family loves avacados. Be it guacamole, sliced on a sandwich, or chopped and added to a salad. Even Lucas, my pickiest eater, gobbles them up. But, those suckers are so tricky to get perfectly ripe! We've been eating them for so long now, that I'm much better at getting it right. However, there is nothing worse than looking forward to eating a yummy avocado, then cutting it open to find a brown, mushy mess. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_ZPq9D5_UPNscMeli_kjddgSlzi7NpFdAHaC06XgDUr-rmWtIj4BvM9PEon00Dh0rRAG1HX3rxGVjDXREbvWU3IIFcPbp-UeZ2090dFSCdlWGc1GSu9Lmrml-a_SaSTyEodfoYB8PRv_/s640/blogger-image-1138409869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_ZPq9D5_UPNscMeli_kjddgSlzi7NpFdAHaC06XgDUr-rmWtIj4BvM9PEon00Dh0rRAG1HX3rxGVjDXREbvWU3IIFcPbp-UeZ2090dFSCdlWGc1GSu9Lmrml-a_SaSTyEodfoYB8PRv_/s640/blogger-image-1138409869.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Avocado lovers unite!</div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085771404278972299noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8059888837313343350.post-50618357669403454942015-04-07T20:16:00.001-07:002015-04-07T20:16:02.817-07:00EasterThis year on Easter, the weather took a cool, rainy turn, but that just set the gentle atmosphere for a calm and lovely day.<div><br></div><div>We woke up, ate breakfast and headed to church. Afterwards, we came home and played board games until it was time to go to my Dad and Stepmom's house. This year, two of my stepbrothers were in town to celebrate with us. One of them flew in with his 8 year old daughter which my kids were excited about. A playmate!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcsmLY_3idotlh27LLAl6lEqO88O__A4dZYG4NpOXdscSZyaUtuEf2NG5TC9Rt2AMJU1JF5qOWWmE-npYLD6xUl8GePBLWk63qsyHWiRG74Y1MCuAzwJmsPG43wrle7R6DsPFsxJI7hDV/s640/blogger-image-455834445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcsmLY_3idotlh27LLAl6lEqO88O__A4dZYG4NpOXdscSZyaUtuEf2NG5TC9Rt2AMJU1JF5qOWWmE-npYLD6xUl8GePBLWk63qsyHWiRG74Y1MCuAzwJmsPG43wrle7R6DsPFsxJI7hDV/s640/blogger-image-455834445.jpg"></a></div>My three lovies at church Easter morning</div><div><br></div><div>First we had a scavenger hunt for each kiddo to find his or her Easter basket hidden somewhere in the house. My dad did a great job writing creative clues and even used four different colored post-it's so each child could follow the right path. They loved it! </div><div><br></div><div>Next up was an Easter egg hunt in the back yard. 145 eggs hidden, 10 minutes of wild hunting and they were all scooped up. Most of them were filled with money, so they cleaned up well! </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebeiDJWE9sFa4m-RngyNiRFtdhxzJhEbDAqLPws4VUcio_WoFrgIAVnVTI7AcZ3AecufxerMDACfaK8FS8i0yobbfhFe-7E3kVZyEJZ09oqit9ThhgBixWCb0lQAJM9QJ5twi7TrUvRTc/s640/blogger-image--1505819903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebeiDJWE9sFa4m-RngyNiRFtdhxzJhEbDAqLPws4VUcio_WoFrgIAVnVTI7AcZ3AecufxerMDACfaK8FS8i0yobbfhFe-7E3kVZyEJZ09oqit9ThhgBixWCb0lQAJM9QJ5twi7TrUvRTc/s640/blogger-image--1505819903.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFWx_4zKoo4hKnk3eem2t1_MrR6sj6sy-krnHi5gnwSDEr-OciPSqJsfliwuFs3shi8OitLQNYg5tf1ZiXdFpuSSUDPFEWCTk2GnFeY9XB2tFpqlGohbcZnI3-kFZJiUj-45O2WMxcDtC/s640/blogger-image--2114926055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFWx_4zKoo4hKnk3eem2t1_MrR6sj6sy-krnHi5gnwSDEr-OciPSqJsfliwuFs3shi8OitLQNYg5tf1ZiXdFpuSSUDPFEWCTk2GnFeY9XB2tFpqlGohbcZnI3-kFZJiUj-45O2WMxcDtC/s640/blogger-image--2114926055.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGu_MNyfDgTdvb0y6jzIIRso5MTSLEcS-HIp-Q2ZJQ0Gy9q5VmVNnIgabc1qOjPmVPHzyZkx-MlFIdCPsfZPMGsb6miELBB9qrSkOYXxaM_wIEX5tF9JU7CCplWdJJJ0qqBUH1Yqkf5s8L/s640/blogger-image-365695785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGu_MNyfDgTdvb0y6jzIIRso5MTSLEcS-HIp-Q2ZJQ0Gy9q5VmVNnIgabc1qOjPmVPHzyZkx-MlFIdCPsfZPMGsb6miELBB9qrSkOYXxaM_wIEX5tF9JU7CCplWdJJJ0qqBUH1Yqkf5s8L/s640/blogger-image-365695785.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The last activity was the annual jello egg fight. My stepmom made over 100 jello eggs using a special mold. We decided to have kids vs. adults, so everyone grabbed their egg ammo and found a good spot in the yard. Soon jello eggs were raining from the sky and flying through the air. No one officially kept score, but the kids thought it was fun to run around and pelt everyone with jello. There is a "no face" rule which most everyone followed (Who threw the one that hit my chin? I'm coming after you next year!).</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVmTdStUcPhLizFyZ1_ltpGuMFQlNRDQJrFAwqux4cdMUppo2f1oPkos8tPLXwhsXxIbd1tOhU2Rbsu-fItfrGzm1__xSvis2cyz0v9GGksBxGdAWW3HjcpBHX9d267z6b_0lwVLUGFVB/s640/blogger-image--1577604623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVmTdStUcPhLizFyZ1_ltpGuMFQlNRDQJrFAwqux4cdMUppo2f1oPkos8tPLXwhsXxIbd1tOhU2Rbsu-fItfrGzm1__xSvis2cyz0v9GGksBxGdAWW3HjcpBHX9d267z6b_0lwVLUGFVB/s640/blogger-image--1577604623.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwCOhzzWdpf9tIDzRZBYBj_yYUNruiaqXg2-Zb04neE-01XwznAhj5rilybNdZcbm9-3RIrSXDsPtGSrFxHPioOGJBVW_Oprpc86_zypgsXhHZWeGiCN1PXJQAnC9Q-XqgoL3_MmHjRpDB/s640/blogger-image--986793058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwCOhzzWdpf9tIDzRZBYBj_yYUNruiaqXg2-Zb04neE-01XwznAhj5rilybNdZcbm9-3RIrSXDsPtGSrFxHPioOGJBVW_Oprpc86_zypgsXhHZWeGiCN1PXJQAnC9Q-XqgoL3_MmHjRpDB/s640/blogger-image--986793058.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Lucas surrendering to his dad</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNAmpEMhPQT3dSl0kjXhs8S_yc8wiMEkoK5RLFCUyIwd2eI0OEUf4hWfnFIGp4qaSDhNLWq4YOcjYmGrWbP9KUfy11j9NLhvrRB46SMZcDEuek8mztOrK3ZshM-WgNcws1Jw107lz0dVgP/s640/blogger-image-1411867817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNAmpEMhPQT3dSl0kjXhs8S_yc8wiMEkoK5RLFCUyIwd2eI0OEUf4hWfnFIGp4qaSDhNLWq4YOcjYmGrWbP9KUfy11j9NLhvrRB46SMZcDEuek8mztOrK3ZshM-WgNcws1Jw107lz0dVgP/s640/blogger-image-1411867817.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div>Finally, dinner was served. My stepmom went above and beyond-- baby back ribs, corn casserole, broccoli slaw, Mac-n-cheese, rolls and strawberry cream cake. We stayed and talked until 8:00 when our kids had to be dragged home to go to bed. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Noc9cpUgF4I10D1Hk5OiBsYIDfXk24KiCjewy4GF-A62ySVyneKKOi8RyJRg8kn8kHebsS4pe6_3U6DdltUJlp_UySOWEQx6hJRccZDQUCKAp1Mzcxj_Xu0vVTVdLF-Z4YNTkzr6WdUL/s640/blogger-image--191134280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Noc9cpUgF4I10D1Hk5OiBsYIDfXk24KiCjewy4GF-A62ySVyneKKOi8RyJRg8kn8kHebsS4pe6_3U6DdltUJlp_UySOWEQx6hJRccZDQUCKAp1Mzcxj_Xu0vVTVdLF-Z4YNTkzr6WdUL/s640/blogger-image--191134280.jpg"></a></div> The kids' table </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGfGr87QZ0RlAIYUWhxxmgQ8WCA-KV1kVAz8tFXw9GTBX7llEo1IqMDTF_u_axT2OvZmYUNdNa2KFy46YNm4V4Y3uhZYmIOrALIGaxXGXIM13hQhrf2imuzFYty0Vryuzm15RoV4r8f5yk/s640/blogger-image-381675119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGfGr87QZ0RlAIYUWhxxmgQ8WCA-KV1kVAz8tFXw9GTBX7llEo1IqMDTF_u_axT2OvZmYUNdNa2KFy46YNm4V4Y3uhZYmIOrALIGaxXGXIM13hQhrf2imuzFYty0Vryuzm15RoV4r8f5yk/s640/blogger-image-381675119.jpg"></a></div> My dad and me</div><div><br></div><div>These last several years, holidays have had a tendency to get me down. Since my mom passed away, her absence is more noticed without her leading the egg hunt or baking a bunny cake. Without her thoughtful cards and warm hugs. But I am trying to make a conscious choice to be grateful. Grateful for a new family (as awkward as it is sometimes), grateful for my awesome kids and husband, and most importantly, grateful to Jesus. That He loves me--freely, unconditionally, completely. </div><div><br></div><div>Happy Easter! </div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085771404278972299noreply@blogger.com0