tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-369922722024-03-06T22:29:29.267-08:00AlpengartenThe poppy meets the edelweisscarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06162310243682406838noreply@blogger.comBlogger112125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36992272.post-38118521588196138132011-06-16T10:05:00.001-07:002011-06-16T10:10:26.759-07:00Liam<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV7-8S2Ihg15c5rp81YIXP0o4Lu2eNc0b8QWVnGY-_NkubpLN0MmcgpYVaYA5VEt48T0JsbxUijN3dhKMtaIkFolSnqLdUhph3xo8atFn5r5PSVqqo93ibmgWscvhilnESQhGJ/s1600/IMG_3592.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV7-8S2Ihg15c5rp81YIXP0o4Lu2eNc0b8QWVnGY-_NkubpLN0MmcgpYVaYA5VEt48T0JsbxUijN3dhKMtaIkFolSnqLdUhph3xo8atFn5r5PSVqqo93ibmgWscvhilnESQhGJ/s400/IMG_3592.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618865325306227538" /></a><br /><div>The future is bright...the future is BLUE!</div><div><br /></div><div>With so much love, we welcome our sweet baby boy</div><div><br /></div><div>Liam Oliver</div><div><br /></div><div>born June 4th, 2011.</div><div><br /></div><div>We are feeling so blessed and full of gratitude for his safe arrival. We're so glad you're here with us, little one. xo</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06162310243682406838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36992272.post-61442918379388779402010-08-20T12:47:00.001-07:002010-08-20T13:58:07.839-07:00my baby is TWO!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJ37SkF9UT7frr-RULAoaeIcgN1O4wKcUl9qv9u-WlN4v7bzJe4n-HUTrKq9mInIuhRF2RoHrFtd2HyFi4a2wrd1LVRNrxYKbb_kJ-fwV4wNEwWtZmik670NwHu7dNMlyFoy1/s1600/IMG_3201.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJ37SkF9UT7frr-RULAoaeIcgN1O4wKcUl9qv9u-WlN4v7bzJe4n-HUTrKq9mInIuhRF2RoHrFtd2HyFi4a2wrd1LVRNrxYKbb_kJ-fwV4wNEwWtZmik670NwHu7dNMlyFoy1/s400/IMG_3201.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507598610338464018" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhELiBUZalbxlaRfE2LFZZgvaRv3MCSU3zv6jg2JvODuM03xpKR54xs0UgMdFR7AE28pojmk98eepzmc_SFk9AKlgpO6LpC7eC4sg8hnqBTtcXOVNU_Qiqiuw-f5BqlanV5i42i/s1600/IMG_3198.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhELiBUZalbxlaRfE2LFZZgvaRv3MCSU3zv6jg2JvODuM03xpKR54xs0UgMdFR7AE28pojmk98eepzmc_SFk9AKlgpO6LpC7eC4sg8hnqBTtcXOVNU_Qiqiuw-f5BqlanV5i42i/s400/IMG_3198.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507598162230444098" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVHd3mjGzTpCvHqWbcmMn-3e1a9O7RNfdUr2TzYfYv-hJPJOiCUDjuG66joQrPEVFMjLFV_KYPFpBrIZiy9mSvZtlWwPD9l423UbV5YU_LnvAoQeriJm6cN8aCLhayf4haH7j/s1600/IMG_3196.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVHd3mjGzTpCvHqWbcmMn-3e1a9O7RNfdUr2TzYfYv-hJPJOiCUDjuG66joQrPEVFMjLFV_KYPFpBrIZiy9mSvZtlWwPD9l423UbV5YU_LnvAoQeriJm6cN8aCLhayf4haH7j/s400/IMG_3196.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507581752615255282" /></a><div><br /></div><div>This sweet little boy is such a treasure to me. There isn't a minute that goes by that I am not full of gratitude for having him in my life.</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy 2nd birthday, my angel. xoxoxo</div>carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06162310243682406838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36992272.post-17991088492255788312010-07-22T07:56:00.000-07:002010-07-22T08:11:09.757-07:00around town<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4HwrSwS3V-FbEGZ2Lz_i9WvHN2f0a3WBRE8Taa5ihznBlV2UGeMnN0r-dyqXNcR7WmxQ-kP8ZL9TbO7rP55e5Q6ZVcGRoCIEKwWBe0z2YLLYwyyUP3dSTVpAOnOOaNnfP2aq/s1600/IMG_3186.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4HwrSwS3V-FbEGZ2Lz_i9WvHN2f0a3WBRE8Taa5ihznBlV2UGeMnN0r-dyqXNcR7WmxQ-kP8ZL9TbO7rP55e5Q6ZVcGRoCIEKwWBe0z2YLLYwyyUP3dSTVpAOnOOaNnfP2aq/s400/IMG_3186.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496746244104944754" /></a><br /><div>.:<i>drinking fountain</i></div><div><i><br /></i><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLYpJh6o41nUcPr5KK5nDb4yHGmTIFaNBt6O8i9i8LiinzDiiexDTsPZEAuzdHrgcukQZMGAz_4Oc-D704x43WGuP2AlKtmsBYqAjki1K3k7Oz8LFQdY6wF7_iyTFxh0IF1-xE/s1600/IMG_3187.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLYpJh6o41nUcPr5KK5nDb4yHGmTIFaNBt6O8i9i8LiinzDiiexDTsPZEAuzdHrgcukQZMGAz_4Oc-D704x43WGuP2AlKtmsBYqAjki1K3k7Oz8LFQdY6wF7_iyTFxh0IF1-xE/s400/IMG_3187.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496745846299068946" /></a>.:<i>Zytglogge</i></div><div><i><br /></i><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFoLmgXFXeJgXw5n1vmDGOVCu7VgrDa4rPCA3oMfj2KLLtpJyoFYXCJ9NMizw_RUWy7lSGVnsfY0qUpqJoKRveiqWKWnFcQ57Dr9QfIuqenkby4KOvJL_5wAEqrELUowxhJC0/s1600/IMG_3189.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFoLmgXFXeJgXw5n1vmDGOVCu7VgrDa4rPCA3oMfj2KLLtpJyoFYXCJ9NMizw_RUWy7lSGVnsfY0qUpqJoKRveiqWKWnFcQ57Dr9QfIuqenkby4KOvJL_5wAEqrELUowxhJC0/s400/IMG_3189.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496745513037742930" /></a>.:<i>bookstore</i></div><div><i><br /></i><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFueRL8AHjjFfId90J4kxg6ghG6jI0MAJOrrhpCyuCIN1MpCAmQ-DBhDGJJvf9r4J5-XbZwUC8Y2QzjCHJ53yFu9LtDSeiMU03KdChA5sZK3wEZpQoyVteYlSK3CDSNt_4P0t/s1600/IMG_3191.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFueRL8AHjjFfId90J4kxg6ghG6jI0MAJOrrhpCyuCIN1MpCAmQ-DBhDGJJvf9r4J5-XbZwUC8Y2QzjCHJ53yFu9LtDSeiMU03KdChA5sZK3wEZpQoyVteYlSK3CDSNt_4P0t/s400/IMG_3191.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496745248724100722" /></a>.:<i>antique scooter</i></div><div><i><br /></i><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAw3FGN4O7ojxoi9Rt0qn4eolDsXlEF5B0YobDh815tAdlg8N-T1PMNFFj6-El4kczPdKt95isXfso-g0LErXXJ8-K9LWYHc3hnKAxSEVkpdI_HY3aHioNgPdbGDvuI7IUrxZ5/s1600/IMG_3192.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAw3FGN4O7ojxoi9Rt0qn4eolDsXlEF5B0YobDh815tAdlg8N-T1PMNFFj6-El4kczPdKt95isXfso-g0LErXXJ8-K9LWYHc3hnKAxSEVkpdI_HY3aHioNgPdbGDvuI7IUrxZ5/s400/IMG_3192.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496744939025747826" /></a>.:<i>our favorite toys in our favorite toy shop (+ me in the mirror!) :-)</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>We're just taking it easy and enjoying the beautiful summery weather...sometimes seeking shade under the protective arcades of our beautiful, medieval old town. Thought I'd share a few images with you!</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Happy summer! xo </i></div>carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06162310243682406838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36992272.post-46373389767873242422010-06-06T11:56:00.000-07:002010-06-06T12:27:53.930-07:00Re-inspired<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_ADCyqZyi8_EvdNEu1cnedxK7PVhVRmGPRO6vDETm9_Ydk5yV_whu82lGS5NLWiExNri7GuDppAVebPMz6qBM3ZwoNeGZmpppXvSCgVBrtmz39AHrIhT3sEqZ_uBQQB1TEB0/s1600/IMG_3109.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_ADCyqZyi8_EvdNEu1cnedxK7PVhVRmGPRO6vDETm9_Ydk5yV_whu82lGS5NLWiExNri7GuDppAVebPMz6qBM3ZwoNeGZmpppXvSCgVBrtmz39AHrIhT3sEqZ_uBQQB1TEB0/s400/IMG_3109.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479736990867200386" /></a><br /><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>.:Poor blog, it needs a nice, colorful rainbow to cheer it up after being neglected for so long. xo:.</b></span></i></div><div><br /></div><div>Let's see. Besides having a chatty, messy toddler underfoot and a 7 year old with a constant stream of big, impossible-to-answer questions, and a large garden which is losing the battle against slugs and weeds, and a husband who was recently sent to a conference all the way in Qatar, and endless heaps of crunchy, air-dried laundry, and a major homeschooling identity crisis...besides all <i>that</i>...everything is just great. :-)</div><div><br /></div><div>We've made some big changes around here lately and everyone is feeling re-inspired! First, we overhauled our homeschooling priorities. Basically, we had lost track of what was really important to us (mainly due to time/toddler constraints) and started to only do the bare bones stuff. The magic that we started out with and which is the entire reason we even chose this path was completely starting to fade. So we rearranged things and had lots of talks and for the past few weeks we have all been so much happier! yay! We're back to lots of beautiful arts and crafts, enchanting stories, and soulful activities galore. I am so very grateful to have this beautiful life here with my children. It feels like a true luxury to be able to surround them with so much beauty and goodness. My whole heart and soul are in this mama-gig, for sure.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our family time on the weekends has also started to take on a new rhythm which is now a nice, balanced mix of fun and productivity...ensuring that we're all feeling rested, rejuvenated and ready for the week ahead. One really does have to be organized with little children around or else things can get chaotic surprisingly fast!</div><div><br /></div><div>Not much excitement recently, our days are pretty quiet and rhythmic. We're outside all the time now and we're all feeling much healthier for it. Being in Sardinia made me especially thankful for all the comforts and blessings that come with life in Switzerland. I am so hopelessly attached to my organic fresh food, our amazing health care system, our public transportation, our clean, orderly neighborhoods. My goodness, it's an abundant life we lead. </div><div><br /></div><div>More photos soon. xo</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06162310243682406838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36992272.post-91924126802357974942010-05-10T03:45:00.001-07:002010-05-10T04:35:27.513-07:00Sardegna<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeE8RkOKTIjJCB2So4xE0TvImVk6UT2Pgo_u-AGdEQXKrF0veJ2YtVr6WzcY3oLUxrZZs6TOBWa5_TrwzeHDqMsKHo1bCqGQsl0ebscPdBP0w38Gpbx4bG4myXH-msD6HwcCtX/s1600/IMG_3018.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeE8RkOKTIjJCB2So4xE0TvImVk6UT2Pgo_u-AGdEQXKrF0veJ2YtVr6WzcY3oLUxrZZs6TOBWa5_TrwzeHDqMsKHo1bCqGQsl0ebscPdBP0w38Gpbx4bG4myXH-msD6HwcCtX/s400/IMG_3018.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469592473198538434" /></a><br /><div>We just got back from our trip to Sardinia (Sardegna in Italian). We stayed on the southern coast, and the flight from here was only 1 hour and 25 minutes. The beaches are truly stunning, and we were soooooo happy to be soaking up all that seaside beauty. The boys loved the wide open spaces and all of that sand to play with! </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4WlfzY5M1DkRtO7RvSpjkidLc3BQBtUeaQayKjnPnuoiGlffbYLz3jogcJMIa13fcMd-lj-JYuOWOAxu8f4pNUvTHQECdDc9npaZ6vnKPHpe-9bEb3020WgLOhRS8ZtMy1ky/s1600/IMG_3013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4WlfzY5M1DkRtO7RvSpjkidLc3BQBtUeaQayKjnPnuoiGlffbYLz3jogcJMIa13fcMd-lj-JYuOWOAxu8f4pNUvTHQECdDc9npaZ6vnKPHpe-9bEb3020WgLOhRS8ZtMy1ky/s400/IMG_3013.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469592127849776018" /></a>The weather wasn't perfect, but it was much sunnier and warmer than back home in Switzerland, where it was apparently COLD and raining cats and dogs most of the week.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTvq9F5bI5IY_k-QWSkLo8o2aSAccYuhamCkRC_owi8LkINEgPqEaHmQJXFJrusgVo8PzQQgKyWc2HAkU6lV1iNPYr9i1asHkK-J_i-UqJyehvXi5kcTBVMulduhEGE8DUEt_q/s1600/IMG_3012.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTvq9F5bI5IY_k-QWSkLo8o2aSAccYuhamCkRC_owi8LkINEgPqEaHmQJXFJrusgVo8PzQQgKyWc2HAkU6lV1iNPYr9i1asHkK-J_i-UqJyehvXi5kcTBVMulduhEGE8DUEt_q/s400/IMG_3012.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469591724849998354" /></a>Sardinia is known for the clear, turquoise water. Beautiful to look at, but I didn't dare go in that cold water. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUvaBrRNekiIu69gxHIKG8XxPMKhzQmJQbU_DXs0KzUxQyKnoCDBunQ2e8wbEeNl2fjWWsKG_nPB7pd_dnAdDR3odTqiQMK3ZbPdZvPNhOLeg2aF8BJ4Dhc3KsL1mvcZCduPw/s1600/IMG_3050.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUvaBrRNekiIu69gxHIKG8XxPMKhzQmJQbU_DXs0KzUxQyKnoCDBunQ2e8wbEeNl2fjWWsKG_nPB7pd_dnAdDR3odTqiQMK3ZbPdZvPNhOLeg2aF8BJ4Dhc3KsL1mvcZCduPw/s400/IMG_3050.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469591275345720274" /></a>Little brother was acting like he had been on a beach every day of his life, although it was his first time. He loved it...especially making sand cakes and kicking sand up in the air.<br /><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGpkzc49jrwat2fl4F4KFMXmsrEf_-D75KiYuIeUsn3e2PUpYmsbTfh53LPWr21Sb0cMcIQ4Xk0ORy_p2MHAOUYPCbUBe99-73PxAtZB3oKEcDZDGYdzrUCrCaCNgZyeWHTkR/s1600/IMG_3082.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGpkzc49jrwat2fl4F4KFMXmsrEf_-D75KiYuIeUsn3e2PUpYmsbTfh53LPWr21Sb0cMcIQ4Xk0ORy_p2MHAOUYPCbUBe99-73PxAtZB3oKEcDZDGYdzrUCrCaCNgZyeWHTkR/s400/IMG_3082.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469591028335265170" /></a>and big brother ran and ran and ran. Off season has benefits, mainly that we had entire beaches to ourselves. Wide open spaces is not something we have a lot of in Switzerland.</div><div><br /></div><div>We stayed in a small, traditional town. It wasn't a beautiful town, but very typical of the region and the locals were extremely friendly...they absolutely adore children! I was disappointed in the food. Everyone talks about the food in Italy being so amazing, and I guess if you find pasta and pizza amazing, it probably is. We ate out a lot and it was nearly impossible to get fresh, live food. No salads! There was a nice farmer's market in town, though, and we were able to stock up on gorgeous fruit.</div><div><br /></div><div>Basically, this was meant as a beach holiday and that's what we did every day. For that, Sardinia is just right. :-)</div><div><br /></div><div>Very happy to be home now, too! xo</div>carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06162310243682406838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36992272.post-72748186635767668772010-04-04T09:49:00.000-07:002010-04-04T10:58:20.303-07:00Spring crafting and a very happy Easter<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWaUUpKFCGptu8LusLV1tGwPHwudJAsVk8UYPjCxB3iKckt5dIwbethk3338AFNaT6wQNQx2SxsvKClDFwbIBCWZSm1vvWIu1Em3k1DuafbKT0JLaNIvxmomuXYbBhDzczgjd/s1600/IMG_2915.JPG"><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWaUUpKFCGptu8LusLV1tGwPHwudJAsVk8UYPjCxB3iKckt5dIwbethk3338AFNaT6wQNQx2SxsvKClDFwbIBCWZSm1vvWIu1Em3k1DuafbKT0JLaNIvxmomuXYbBhDzczgjd/s400/IMG_2915.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456332255666142978" /></a><br /><div>We're having so much fun making spring-inspired crafts this year! I made these two little guys above for the boys' Easter baskets this year.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4t13Sy3Hozh7a4O0hZREebTlNyKtTgNcMYoudyy-g0S5BbK_nHmXYkQUhe26UFQTNVOF2qmriIwBnY7tPvmKF7nwN-FRmnINJu-OUOFl21d3a_AGzFvu8bhObQP63idQPl86a/s1600/IMG_2902.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4t13Sy3Hozh7a4O0hZREebTlNyKtTgNcMYoudyy-g0S5BbK_nHmXYkQUhe26UFQTNVOF2qmriIwBnY7tPvmKF7nwN-FRmnINJu-OUOFl21d3a_AGzFvu8bhObQP63idQPl86a/s400/IMG_2902.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456331919859075746" /></a><br /></div><div>We've been decorating our windows with colorful things to bring even more brightness inside. Like these window stars in springy colors.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_865X7T_OnlgpvjJT_bVz59KCY3jDCf-y-VGY90YC0Kuvx7lTdK8Pncpoi80pUhBDXwC1aGl9tVP3pVja2DPzwmhBoJ4dED_75vFuwyiVfZ8dmETobXfBe7MpA8ziP_m4C9S/s1600/IMG_2903.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_865X7T_OnlgpvjJT_bVz59KCY3jDCf-y-VGY90YC0Kuvx7lTdK8Pncpoi80pUhBDXwC1aGl9tVP3pVja2DPzwmhBoJ4dED_75vFuwyiVfZ8dmETobXfBe7MpA8ziP_m4C9S/s400/IMG_2903.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456331507604700466" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GW0OulzolKRdlHNFlLoSWN6WNXucHhVzxaGm6YEgc7NlUmCHJ2nPudr3U83Ksz6MSXLu0DpKBFDT-JztJVWYF_3DgXcN2XJk2KQDxfk8D_ly7AOkUi3Aq_Y7PC-wa5oncspi/s1600/IMG_2918.JPG"></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GW0OulzolKRdlHNFlLoSWN6WNXucHhVzxaGm6YEgc7NlUmCHJ2nPudr3U83Ksz6MSXLu0DpKBFDT-JztJVWYF_3DgXcN2XJk2KQDxfk8D_ly7AOkUi3Aq_Y7PC-wa5oncspi/s1600/IMG_2918.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GW0OulzolKRdlHNFlLoSWN6WNXucHhVzxaGm6YEgc7NlUmCHJ2nPudr3U83Ksz6MSXLu0DpKBFDT-JztJVWYF_3DgXcN2XJk2KQDxfk8D_ly7AOkUi3Aq_Y7PC-wa5oncspi/s400/IMG_2918.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456330752341028690" /></a><br /></div><div>We made a window clover for St. Patrick's Day<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Vfs5ubfQ7Xqb4p5ycaFxKq1ZbeI3A3LCLXwwdaNRRE8RxY5Fvcf-lHBJto5mgyxAYXH2Uf_aCQj8-gHeJv4gzNy_bBIbAlmTCOCdHSFvFQYio82ylhLDtPcOTHPQerlj3kwK/s1600/IMG_2901.JPG"></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Vfs5ubfQ7Xqb4p5ycaFxKq1ZbeI3A3LCLXwwdaNRRE8RxY5Fvcf-lHBJto5mgyxAYXH2Uf_aCQj8-gHeJv4gzNy_bBIbAlmTCOCdHSFvFQYio82ylhLDtPcOTHPQerlj3kwK/s1600/IMG_2901.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Vfs5ubfQ7Xqb4p5ycaFxKq1ZbeI3A3LCLXwwdaNRRE8RxY5Fvcf-lHBJto5mgyxAYXH2Uf_aCQj8-gHeJv4gzNy_bBIbAlmTCOCdHSFvFQYio82ylhLDtPcOTHPQerlj3kwK/s400/IMG_2901.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456330389628847906" /></a><br />and these kirigami flowers...these are so easy to make and look so pretty with the light shining through. Now that we've discovered these, you won't be able to stop me from making millions! :-) Big brother can make them on his own, too.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjflCYWgj6OfCD7BsRV1g5yum39Uv61vqiGj_enqqmvLTXMWlChAFCjsEeSG8U1Dqz3O1cka9gBYbRYuumDNpAJ0LXW_DXixdmYqnCjxmM66uwyQdR9GGVZ8k_pnPejRiMlofkR/s1600/IMG_2917.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjflCYWgj6OfCD7BsRV1g5yum39Uv61vqiGj_enqqmvLTXMWlChAFCjsEeSG8U1Dqz3O1cka9gBYbRYuumDNpAJ0LXW_DXixdmYqnCjxmM66uwyQdR9GGVZ8k_pnPejRiMlofkR/s400/IMG_2917.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456329993558415714" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGzT5jqw31H2J6_cqhYhQClT4zsNAQ5qY1v4RHaYxvdMOAsDHnNnmgY-OIlPZTx6IRy2AVjxu9TXLMuez2op7gathnWEAOjd93GLFReOv_az0D-CXFPPcKFdpiG-DghG4CLkV/s1600/IMG_2921.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGzT5jqw31H2J6_cqhYhQClT4zsNAQ5qY1v4RHaYxvdMOAsDHnNnmgY-OIlPZTx6IRy2AVjxu9TXLMuez2op7gathnWEAOjd93GLFReOv_az0D-CXFPPcKFdpiG-DghG4CLkV/s400/IMG_2921.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456329758075721122" /></a><br /></div><div>These flowers were fun as there was a lot of tracing and cutting involved. It took big brother a very long time to cut out around all those little fingers!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92seUdAYCKabX1qY9xIO6kw_eqpaxccxG2feRt_Uu1nLDvmsg2ilSsZhCp0Vi18a623u3go2V_WyTpOLWcNKdgIO6tjb2l2wQNxg49YM-5SY8fGJD2b2Qx0qD3WJCSjKfDhQ3/s1600/IMG_2889.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92seUdAYCKabX1qY9xIO6kw_eqpaxccxG2feRt_Uu1nLDvmsg2ilSsZhCp0Vi18a623u3go2V_WyTpOLWcNKdgIO6tjb2l2wQNxg49YM-5SY8fGJD2b2Qx0qD3WJCSjKfDhQ3/s400/IMG_2889.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456329474580741906" /></a><br /></div><div>We dyed our eggs the traditional Swiss way this year, with onion skins. You then press leaves and flowers against the eggs and wrap with nylons and boil them and you get a sort of botanical print right on the egg. The farmers at the farmer's market sell them and they are so beautiful. I have a long way to go before I perfect the technique. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1xiMEAHDZBThf9OXeQdoBnVnsTMbKGsIV09zUhNth2CGtNIImWKK6LemPDVtjUw7d1eMFULU4-x4vD0-PfIXwsUOtmdOvtt8x2EFX4lXCCNGo6JBJKFxt5DLUgcR7hYBxe_h/s1600/IMG_2920.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1xiMEAHDZBThf9OXeQdoBnVnsTMbKGsIV09zUhNth2CGtNIImWKK6LemPDVtjUw7d1eMFULU4-x4vD0-PfIXwsUOtmdOvtt8x2EFX4lXCCNGo6JBJKFxt5DLUgcR7hYBxe_h/s400/IMG_2920.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456328639141233234" /></a>This batch was initially dyed with Yellowwood, but the color was much too pale so we ended up dying color on top of that and they turned out rather pretty in the end.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3H8GSbFnZkHj_bf1RyIJqNwRYMlXalDqJ6l8Hx_mFIitTYx-t0U_heqRifjjHaBisWa1pE_l6mFOXLfcVqaSOIEIawUe62W86Ty25FjqrcfQzNloikTzvWdJp61JABAlAZxa6/s1600/IMG_2914.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3H8GSbFnZkHj_bf1RyIJqNwRYMlXalDqJ6l8Hx_mFIitTYx-t0U_heqRifjjHaBisWa1pE_l6mFOXLfcVqaSOIEIawUe62W86Ty25FjqrcfQzNloikTzvWdJp61JABAlAZxa6/s400/IMG_2914.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456328355866782562" /></a><br /></div><div>Here are our sweet boys after their egg hunt in our yard.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqhp0u5lQWyjKB2UNikxORkM7yu9YUCSEH1g8bPQjukbFA4nm79oZqiGB8Ejb1TlttKOMzA0R4tkChhV6xQFo6AvV-LQpnoXKofD6NFhgkfBWdgBAQyHVytY323EWxgy4EydR/s1600/IMG_2909.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqhp0u5lQWyjKB2UNikxORkM7yu9YUCSEH1g8bPQjukbFA4nm79oZqiGB8Ejb1TlttKOMzA0R4tkChhV6xQFo6AvV-LQpnoXKofD6NFhgkfBWdgBAQyHVytY323EWxgy4EydR/s400/IMG_2909.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456327997546038834" /></a><br />Big brother was very nice and made sure to let the little one find some of the eggs for himself.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioAkEol9FYDGsm59ojJ7Ivx-ixcNEyXthSHsDClJqQ5xibtXNHnmgCvAPHOAvoaeAsHGfGjUNZRvOYwDNIF1bqXGHxpjED5lTFmyoSHHUQ6UU3zqG9DO6NISDRpNATYyYwVLvO/s1600/IMG_2893.JPG"><br /><br /></a><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioAkEol9FYDGsm59ojJ7Ivx-ixcNEyXthSHsDClJqQ5xibtXNHnmgCvAPHOAvoaeAsHGfGjUNZRvOYwDNIF1bqXGHxpjED5lTFmyoSHHUQ6UU3zqG9DO6NISDRpNATYyYwVLvO/s1600/IMG_2893.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioAkEol9FYDGsm59ojJ7Ivx-ixcNEyXthSHsDClJqQ5xibtXNHnmgCvAPHOAvoaeAsHGfGjUNZRvOYwDNIF1bqXGHxpjED5lTFmyoSHHUQ6UU3zqG9DO6NISDRpNATYyYwVLvO/s400/IMG_2893.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456327375349547282" /></a><br /></div><div>HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!</div><div>xoxo</div><div><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06162310243682406838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36992272.post-27198101024116903882010-03-30T02:45:00.000-07:002010-03-30T03:06:22.365-07:00Spring! and the end of our Winterschlaf<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWkrI4oRGtoVxPZoLAQu_DSlNoZEx7sgUy5U4LmfY5hDKTQHntAi_WOahqALgwZP9uFnnddC6UaYxygs7Fk4d9NbfGmH21DdnDbJMUbeXl2YKE1RCRBcJgJglaBWN8_-9fBtK/s1600/IMG_2873.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWkrI4oRGtoVxPZoLAQu_DSlNoZEx7sgUy5U4LmfY5hDKTQHntAi_WOahqALgwZP9uFnnddC6UaYxygs7Fk4d9NbfGmH21DdnDbJMUbeXl2YKE1RCRBcJgJglaBWN8_-9fBtK/s400/IMG_2873.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454361742856475058" /></a><br /><div>In German, the word for hibernation is "Winterschlaf" or winter sleep. I have always felt like that word more closely describes how I feel in winter. Things get pretty quiet around here and the world outside of our cozy, warm house does indeed seem to be asleep. Anyway, no more...as the sun has returned, the days are warmer, the daffodils and tulips are coming and things feel very much awake!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlC-omxwQHjGhBG_xTA3SzKbQDiLbpiieV-P6caAQc7W82L08RbP8E_YgvQapESO8ysFkFpoVVOGI1Tsj5vxvXGjRj9wM1HiDkQd8PNF5z7YB7RoWMYLdyFnxsdPOGqHUrEHGW/s1600/IMG_2853.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlC-omxwQHjGhBG_xTA3SzKbQDiLbpiieV-P6caAQc7W82L08RbP8E_YgvQapESO8ysFkFpoVVOGI1Tsj5vxvXGjRj9wM1HiDkQd8PNF5z7YB7RoWMYLdyFnxsdPOGqHUrEHGW/s400/IMG_2853.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454361437195341314" /></a><br /></div><div>The boys and I are venturing out quite a bit more these days, too...lots of day trips. In the photo above, we are visiting a butterfly garden. The cold days aren't entirely behind us, but we feel the new energy of this awakening season and we are inspired by all the changes taking place around us. I am also motivated to do a big spring cleaning, but there is so much to do! Better get to it before our much needed family vacation next month. It's such a great feeling to come back to a fresh, orderly home!</div><div><br /></div><div>wishing you a Happy Spring from the Alps! xoxo</div><div><div><br /></div></div>carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06162310243682406838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36992272.post-47107857414906213552010-02-27T14:23:00.000-08:002010-02-27T14:59:56.944-08:00No. 8 Swiss Top Ten: It's Easy Being Green<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlP2VHLRkGOemEAbg85857LPOFb9Fz57Z1MPPrUmsX6TT3vwhiQVUYYe4CvPSmYCh6koKF8CbukOEAXsoitnkK-aL7p1FW37BrFeXvGJzuASV4EHYLCjmcxmjC02SbaLj8tMv_/s1600-h/IMG_2338.jpg"><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlP2VHLRkGOemEAbg85857LPOFb9Fz57Z1MPPrUmsX6TT3vwhiQVUYYe4CvPSmYCh6koKF8CbukOEAXsoitnkK-aL7p1FW37BrFeXvGJzuASV4EHYLCjmcxmjC02SbaLj8tMv_/s400/IMG_2338.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443054981201449906" /></a> <br /><div>It's really, really nice living in a place where respect for the environment is totally mainstream. Nearly everything can be recycled here...with ease...and more importantly, everyone does it. People ride bikes...even 80 year olds, women with small children, those with a load to haul...and they do it all year round, even when snow is thick on the ground. When they do drive, it's likely to be the smallest car they can possibly manage and normally only 1 per family. You can get everywhere via tram, bus, train, boat, bike or foot. </div><div><br /></div><div>Also, I don't know any Swiss who dries their clothes in a clothes dryer. They hang it out to air dry. Outside if the weather is good, inside if it's not. These are wealthy people I'm talking about, folks. It's a choice. It may seem like a small thing to you, but I'm constantly amazed at how many inconveniences such an affluent society is willing to put up with for the sake of the greater good. It's inspiring!</div><div><br /></div><div>We've been working on ways to green up our home life even more. Here are some things we do at the moment:</div><div><br /></div><div>-air dry all our clothes. we have no dryer...typical Swiss family! I have a love/hate relationship with this one :-)</div><div>-recycle everything (glass, paper, plastic bottles etc)</div><div>-reusable grocery bags (have done this for as long as I can remember)</div><div>-buy organic food (have done this for years, too)</div><div>-use eco laundry detergent/fabric softener</div><div>-use natural cosmetics (me)</div><div>-natural toiletries for the boys (shampoo, bath soap, etc)</div><div>-use cloth diapers (part time)</div><div>-use cloth napkins at meal times</div><div><br /></div><div>things we'd like to improve on:</div><div>-less plastic! It's getting harder and harder to buy anything without plastic...crazy! I want to do the majority of our shopping at the farmer's market to try and avoid this</div><div>-bathroom cleaning products...the ones i use are fairly eco, but i think we can take it a step further</div><div>-shampoo! we're totally mainstream on this one...haven't found a natural one that we like. the next step is to try and make one myself!</div><div>-use cloth diapers more than part time (i love them. this is mainly a laundry issue. I need to get organized!)</div><div>-less electrosmog in our bedroom. our house has very little electrosmog in general, but our bedroom has too much, scary.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm sure there's more. I'm really into all this right now! I'm so grateful for all the environmental lessons I've learned since moving here. It's definitely one of the top reasons to love living in this beautiful place!</div><div><br /></div><div>What are your green aspirations?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06162310243682406838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36992272.post-49138067365680959272010-01-22T12:03:00.001-08:002010-01-22T12:13:44.092-08:00:.portraits.:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmhqD4EqAitYho4zDmtB8l3qLu3mTHXFDvCl_ZhhF_MrL0R3qJuj0I4hcnwO7j06_hONo9v47FYVjNIndlCmU0WFDkDOSF7T0BWR2S-FDc7gkTcv8CFkZVdMH_JCeI4kkr4kE/s1600-h/CM190909-76e.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmhqD4EqAitYho4zDmtB8l3qLu3mTHXFDvCl_ZhhF_MrL0R3qJuj0I4hcnwO7j06_hONo9v47FYVjNIndlCmU0WFDkDOSF7T0BWR2S-FDc7gkTcv8CFkZVdMH_JCeI4kkr4kE/s400/CM190909-76e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429658761710656770" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjWHj4Syu8irodgb93ntiqq0hdgJwNQAaNHrnwzC5mZfLpmwZXKyiCHN6Ghi8BwPBdmRsic3DRdY58krymquo6mKo95YZznvCoaqN686r2v2TrR6lN2vXJ_Aw0hHHl-p6TZAl-/s1600-h/CM190909-117e.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjWHj4Syu8irodgb93ntiqq0hdgJwNQAaNHrnwzC5mZfLpmwZXKyiCHN6Ghi8BwPBdmRsic3DRdY58krymquo6mKo95YZznvCoaqN686r2v2TrR6lN2vXJ_Aw0hHHl-p6TZAl-/s400/CM190909-117e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429658612183339410" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAp9NcjmNRyzwgwApbj-YIghmY7dGqguiJijZ-_2mudShwjd6mDRzPD-ACq_pfaNgf_fuwtbc6Js5POOBo0sXmrwWj-3h5nMr2qfoVR4IEsG8O2Xag-dBKWzgxRVsJ3jYt8GuO/s1600-h/CM190909-107e.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAp9NcjmNRyzwgwApbj-YIghmY7dGqguiJijZ-_2mudShwjd6mDRzPD-ACq_pfaNgf_fuwtbc6Js5POOBo0sXmrwWj-3h5nMr2qfoVR4IEsG8O2Xag-dBKWzgxRVsJ3jYt8GuO/s400/CM190909-107e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429658433970444066" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLgstHV9ukEvBRXaT6zmaasvBlF2JMdKm7yiOkg4DFDEK1srHpYl7nSU4VD9KnTYOC6B95Yd2KiG-Sy0XEGcqf3GpiApWBs7It3jK7rzil38FNpqSpxBXh4SY-w9TZsLJ8SZL/s1600-h/CM190909-72e.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLgstHV9ukEvBRXaT6zmaasvBlF2JMdKm7yiOkg4DFDEK1srHpYl7nSU4VD9KnTYOC6B95Yd2KiG-Sy0XEGcqf3GpiApWBs7It3jK7rzil38FNpqSpxBXh4SY-w9TZsLJ8SZL/s400/CM190909-72e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429658210445147410" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-e0yHzRznmdxaM26iX70HavTywg4AlHSsVial_i4oIyxiTx1GVD9OYYRf009KT_JIMTZOAMc7pKKRVA2yBqmW9gHffS4Sr3dNI83oacgHPFwweOhbQw1EKvjK5UK_TrrfZyg/s1600-h/CM190909-66e.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-e0yHzRznmdxaM26iX70HavTywg4AlHSsVial_i4oIyxiTx1GVD9OYYRf009KT_JIMTZOAMc7pKKRVA2yBqmW9gHffS4Sr3dNI83oacgHPFwweOhbQw1EKvjK5UK_TrrfZyg/s400/CM190909-66e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429658025953079570" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8_zn9kGLwfCkrHwWjcuRABjari8tdLRsbLH6-zKt6fhtksd1HuC3tYr1bGuDlN2Av3_SXcw0U4jLR7u-agEpsCzrqbH5htSvUnxcQtpt9RTDTJoWhQT42BWDHTJasylK4rkz/s1600-h/CM190909-47e.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8_zn9kGLwfCkrHwWjcuRABjari8tdLRsbLH6-zKt6fhtksd1HuC3tYr1bGuDlN2Av3_SXcw0U4jLR7u-agEpsCzrqbH5htSvUnxcQtpt9RTDTJoWhQT42BWDHTJasylK4rkz/s400/CM190909-47e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429657902126809250" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1y3Pq4cZWGChQKbHPNVWO8tHbhI7OKXVyGjANxtwW2lRiyzO0cGoy3OyAuyqcYATGSRlbHe_67hGyZx67urtsQkz8-HBI4SjX-omlLgKDomE8f7bb_WHTa2uuJpr5dh-sMyP3/s1600-h/CM190909-32e.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1y3Pq4cZWGChQKbHPNVWO8tHbhI7OKXVyGjANxtwW2lRiyzO0cGoy3OyAuyqcYATGSRlbHe_67hGyZx67urtsQkz8-HBI4SjX-omlLgKDomE8f7bb_WHTa2uuJpr5dh-sMyP3/s400/CM190909-32e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429657703177325186" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVD3j6WISk8Oc78LjxxmTNWsFJ02pEHEFHjvgtV1sWrec8qigDuhMqFVdByUNf2QwObUUotG5h3HGD1w6bbVIcsp75_qvetQRMipEvmiWolSdTbIl143zI05MBVOA9iK5oyNfn/s1600-h/CM190909-23e.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVD3j6WISk8Oc78LjxxmTNWsFJ02pEHEFHjvgtV1sWrec8qigDuhMqFVdByUNf2QwObUUotG5h3HGD1w6bbVIcsp75_qvetQRMipEvmiWolSdTbIl143zI05MBVOA9iK5oyNfn/s400/CM190909-23e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429657555830713266" /></a><br /><div>ahhh...aren't we a sweet little family? So, so much to be thankful for.</div><div><br /></div><div>wishing you lots of love and gratitude in the new year and beyond. </div>carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06162310243682406838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36992272.post-74552254940178085872009-12-24T12:39:00.000-08:002009-12-24T13:07:36.720-08:00christmas is upon us...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXMPoyKU7K9vlBHvBiJlYlZoFRdgs8ktlQ70sSDGwgrHSjnEG5-3jo2qfkrDXDna8nwpgQNkXiOGX3NtEuOh9LFLQNvHvuR_z7J4RK69-Vv0xw-fL9jGDvRW3KELaN6YS-xZR/s1600-h/IMG_2711.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXMPoyKU7K9vlBHvBiJlYlZoFRdgs8ktlQ70sSDGwgrHSjnEG5-3jo2qfkrDXDna8nwpgQNkXiOGX3NtEuOh9LFLQNvHvuR_z7J4RK69-Vv0xw-fL9jGDvRW3KELaN6YS-xZR/s400/IMG_2711.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418906466075949442" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzNNgqh-3ixxtMjfwZ2l-gGZcMefbzZi74LLnwvstIAKUl8wC7aUgRlvxaLvbPQUwscjhlVpKXTve2gxkhxs_xVnN1guSZ9Jrus_h-b05UWOakGLUpEnCBhZvdqREuLDgx1gj/s1600-h/IMG_2730.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzNNgqh-3ixxtMjfwZ2l-gGZcMefbzZi74LLnwvstIAKUl8wC7aUgRlvxaLvbPQUwscjhlVpKXTve2gxkhxs_xVnN1guSZ9Jrus_h-b05UWOakGLUpEnCBhZvdqREuLDgx1gj/s400/IMG_2730.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418905877500171970" /></a><br /><div>Life really does seem to fly by with a toddler in the house...phew...Christmas is already here. Hard to believe! </div><div><br /></div><div>The little ones are tucked in bed as I write this, hardly able to contain their excitement about what awaits them in the morning. I have a load more baking to do tomorrow (family gifts are all baked ones). I feel extremely grateful, happier than ever, if not a little worn out. Did I mention I have a toddler in the house? :-)</div><div><br /></div><div>And Grandma, Grandpa and Sandy and Mom...if you read this...I'm woefully behind on mailing out letters/cards and photos...please be patient with me, and know that you're really and truly in my heart and mind...and it is absolutely my new year's resolution to be more on top of my written correspondence! Er, did I mention that I have an energetic toddler in the house? hehe </div><div><br /></div><div>Grandma, I made your chocolate ripple cookies today, as I do every year for Christmas. They transport me right back to my childhood every time and I'm so happy to share them with others every year. </div><div><br /></div><div>Wishing you all a very merry christmas, with lots of love and good memories. We're thinking of all of you...especially because we're so far away!</div>carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06162310243682406838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36992272.post-37187869137481074792009-11-23T12:48:00.000-08:002009-11-23T12:54:51.843-08:00outside with little bro<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhon2TnHXo833MTQpx9O8Qipov4FLkZMx2YTu7G1XlgpgxCg_Rb0p8TNd68h4Sy2d0-XCob3uNADz4q-3JOs2Sz0LhtffzLGcBENtVORa7M6pRtczBwEYoByhvs9yUoJOqPvvTD/s1600/IMG_2630.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhon2TnHXo833MTQpx9O8Qipov4FLkZMx2YTu7G1XlgpgxCg_Rb0p8TNd68h4Sy2d0-XCob3uNADz4q-3JOs2Sz0LhtffzLGcBENtVORa7M6pRtczBwEYoByhvs9yUoJOqPvvTD/s400/IMG_2630.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407405255090138802" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXt9uB8oKcoV4rZsKr6I1PctlA5ElTNuj0Kn4dhak5W3NSLym-6MTbwItVLNVM22FTV8zMNVqO6oPI_2Kt4EABHv5VI2R7ICTjXhQ2mv187iiu_E4rtfpqfzIPUm1KyU70WcK/s1600/IMG_2633.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXt9uB8oKcoV4rZsKr6I1PctlA5ElTNuj0Kn4dhak5W3NSLym-6MTbwItVLNVM22FTV8zMNVqO6oPI_2Kt4EABHv5VI2R7ICTjXhQ2mv187iiu_E4rtfpqfzIPUm1KyU70WcK/s400/IMG_2633.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407405099204330194" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivslV7NjhlNfgxIANORQJDZOUEn4SwWip1sf-zUmJ9dQiwDFqM_9A73XJxQ4NjAH-A3d1pagrrI62jX63tgwALENzKt9uY5QlpZBzvjJkGMqZTf9-LM-suGROe9wT0EA8ocv1K/s1600/IMG_2625.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivslV7NjhlNfgxIANORQJDZOUEn4SwWip1sf-zUmJ9dQiwDFqM_9A73XJxQ4NjAH-A3d1pagrrI62jX63tgwALENzKt9uY5QlpZBzvjJkGMqZTf9-LM-suGROe9wT0EA8ocv1K/s400/IMG_2625.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407404779742931554" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWnaTdCHRwLjiedhz2FL3Hf7Ixc63g53OvL5Ci3JrN6ernjpmSfK2-U0LspNjrH7AYQM_fFDJuW4FGMOtZjp3bmk2NzaXHLHWfFpqw0EuG-DHwUX5CWAhCOYqO9k2ce3i_oFNi/s1600/IMG_2626.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWnaTdCHRwLjiedhz2FL3Hf7Ixc63g53OvL5Ci3JrN6ernjpmSfK2-U0LspNjrH7AYQM_fFDJuW4FGMOtZjp3bmk2NzaXHLHWfFpqw0EuG-DHwUX5CWAhCOYqO9k2ce3i_oFNi/s400/IMG_2626.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407404488053860034" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJIfPyuCKPOSYlXmg3raSrpgFJP0G_pKcJsIzghOh-MVENq2uWoT2ko2N0ZzSocwgoF0mgEXBWrHn8NJo5MuQTBmaTFZcUiY4JmGm41Ml1a3cir4MZqhrqnLIIFaKPJJWWXD5K/s1600/IMG_2624.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJIfPyuCKPOSYlXmg3raSrpgFJP0G_pKcJsIzghOh-MVENq2uWoT2ko2N0ZzSocwgoF0mgEXBWrHn8NJo5MuQTBmaTFZcUiY4JmGm41Ml1a3cir4MZqhrqnLIIFaKPJJWWXD5K/s400/IMG_2624.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407404294332296370" border="0" /></a>carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06162310243682406838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36992272.post-26685391356216193382009-11-23T11:52:00.000-08:002009-11-23T12:41:02.109-08:00A birthday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbeDG9_fNsHzSz-EnwDVaTNToaIJgrass4h27TTxqkIFqI6M2SWP9Bbg1DKGwtvHRCycD7Q_QJc70a2KG3DLeJptrehosZxD_iV3YRgWawqHnn_5Uv9gUMfeIhI8LxKwWpFkSe/s1600/DSCN1701.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbeDG9_fNsHzSz-EnwDVaTNToaIJgrass4h27TTxqkIFqI6M2SWP9Bbg1DKGwtvHRCycD7Q_QJc70a2KG3DLeJptrehosZxD_iV3YRgWawqHnn_5Uv9gUMfeIhI8LxKwWpFkSe/s400/DSCN1701.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407391580933594450" border="0" /></a><br />Dear sweet big brother,<br /><br />Seven years ago you opened your eyes to the world, and I became a mother. Have I ever properly thanked you for choosing me? :-) We so wanted your 7th birthday to be special. We wanted you to have a perfect day, surrounded by friends and fun.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqZBeInIAzOGIIbF3w2J3oaIvwxaHfuEDV-s_bMoGIwy0A_8xVPusQnmY9G4ofRJZBjuSDoeImXgc55Lng4HA7ooYwIrH_JjBC3uy68KYyMTs6J8y81ffE4AM7n9d-UnWjVg-/s1600/IMG_2580.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqZBeInIAzOGIIbF3w2J3oaIvwxaHfuEDV-s_bMoGIwy0A_8xVPusQnmY9G4ofRJZBjuSDoeImXgc55Lng4HA7ooYwIrH_JjBC3uy68KYyMTs6J8y81ffE4AM7n9d-UnWjVg-/s400/IMG_2580.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407391199472303250" border="0" /></a><br />So we set your presents out on the table next to your birthday ring so they'd be right there to greet you in the morning...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfeBvb3JSMeQ12QJjSMttPmTqHZOTG9bV41E8WYHoqVXwj27mYZSaaXqlvMr002stLjD90B5kfemlXEdVw8J4joa9uoLP9ptoqTfXsq0do_W-m_S5KnLKD9gtHgQDSMitcj_xG/s1600/IMG_2589.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfeBvb3JSMeQ12QJjSMttPmTqHZOTG9bV41E8WYHoqVXwj27mYZSaaXqlvMr002stLjD90B5kfemlXEdVw8J4joa9uoLP9ptoqTfXsq0do_W-m_S5KnLKD9gtHgQDSMitcj_xG/s400/IMG_2589.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407391064041219330" border="0" /></a><br />We invited your best buddies...7 kids in all if you count your baby brother (which you did, sweet)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjLf1HBtJ5NlYfvO572oTKv6ISfiCR66h-A82UCeN36TIPR6MCpCnILDtbIKrDWjshFdzw-iSJptv0fFZGF3e94ayZewO67OQ1-Ya_TJOCOyTHiwSffFbjXlzJ7NEciO9lQcZ/s1600/IMG_2586.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjLf1HBtJ5NlYfvO572oTKv6ISfiCR66h-A82UCeN36TIPR6MCpCnILDtbIKrDWjshFdzw-iSJptv0fFZGF3e94ayZewO67OQ1-Ya_TJOCOyTHiwSffFbjXlzJ7NEciO9lQcZ/s400/IMG_2586.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407390744240041842" border="0" /></a><br />I baked you a "gnome mountain cake" per your request. I modeled the gnomes out of marzipan and found little mushroom candles to match. This cake was a huge hit and so many of you had seconds that there were no leftovers!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhstaWhwElc2DsxNlupvNTyjxKSvPIqLWGbrRlmJIidIGFDxkUp_gXpdSTWE8_vDjNrkoUD2KEPohDaKnHRcC2m94Pgd1YztQzQQhZaYoyVnavgdjk_5UuzoYGXY1YORlAWoH23/s1600/IMG_2607.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhstaWhwElc2DsxNlupvNTyjxKSvPIqLWGbrRlmJIidIGFDxkUp_gXpdSTWE8_vDjNrkoUD2KEPohDaKnHRcC2m94Pgd1YztQzQQhZaYoyVnavgdjk_5UuzoYGXY1YORlAWoH23/s400/IMG_2607.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407390573666125122" border="0" /></a><br />You got so many nice presents. Like the one you're wearing! It was made with love by a friend and since it was the very first thing you opened, you decided to put it on right away.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD24aPViLjyDGr152gzQNovopCPIg7p05ZQTmqZ-KYmd_H3Pw8mOjL1dzICSS_4JfGabW-QkuZxHHCMpvleKGy_WRb7kXrq0OSKUc3VABs3hcKrfY22B2ZZWcfXCtxMzt-beu5/s1600/IMG_2611.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD24aPViLjyDGr152gzQNovopCPIg7p05ZQTmqZ-KYmd_H3Pw8mOjL1dzICSS_4JfGabW-QkuZxHHCMpvleKGy_WRb7kXrq0OSKUc3VABs3hcKrfY22B2ZZWcfXCtxMzt-beu5/s400/IMG_2611.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407390377701247122" border="0" /></a><br />And here I am with your little brother. The only photo of me from your birthday party...looking tired and satisfied. So glad you had a wonderful day, so proud to be your mama, and so in awe that we've been around the sun 7 times together already!<br /><br />It's been a joy. Happy Birthday, Alex.<br /><br />Love,<br />Mamacarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06162310243682406838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36992272.post-48576879591177099372009-11-01T12:21:00.001-08:002009-11-01T12:34:43.111-08:00Fall-ing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQFNPNsjxqL0_pNItqBWSeQvpOzzfgOMoE5FaIUTeXyHljWV4_eN8nRwBbLyo_NeJSLoDZfA6lnxu3zTiY73G_iFj708FeJva4qG5dQ8fbSoszt3Y9SHsBx_rMMDK_p2pnx6i/s1600-h/IMG_2554.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQFNPNsjxqL0_pNItqBWSeQvpOzzfgOMoE5FaIUTeXyHljWV4_eN8nRwBbLyo_NeJSLoDZfA6lnxu3zTiY73G_iFj708FeJva4qG5dQ8fbSoszt3Y9SHsBx_rMMDK_p2pnx6i/s400/IMG_2554.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399233974286247122" border="0" /></a><br />Our little garden gnome.<br /><br />Fall is both my favorite and also our busiest time of year. So many family birthdays, holidays, events, etc...weekend after weekend full with no sign of letting up until after Christmas. It's all so wonderful and so FAST. Slow down, Fall, so I can enjoy you a bit more!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjep8nDFf3joYxZPlmWrqB63d1fir5FYkmWz4AVzSq9fz5IiUZjB-tgL0k-rUyXrHEkAM7jXtPM6Z_ieC38CAKfYZnXQP9DHbCh842oEql02AZbQ6-0nIsfwnsJS902scR9v1b1/s1600-h/IMG_2577.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjep8nDFf3joYxZPlmWrqB63d1fir5FYkmWz4AVzSq9fz5IiUZjB-tgL0k-rUyXrHEkAM7jXtPM6Z_ieC38CAKfYZnXQP9DHbCh842oEql02AZbQ6-0nIsfwnsJS902scR9v1b1/s400/IMG_2577.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399233719202316290" border="0" /></a><br />We had a Halloween party! Can you spot my little Robin Hood?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVi7x7tVvcr3-17Z_UY6Jzmcrk7BMGeZz3DPg23-k9rhbxnLJED-pGcZzqetFZx-YlVEjvmPm3jWI0-GcXKUucqXjyjmCa_y8lV6dQKXSPJS5LbaAVqYGGSlGNbdrE-TewTsQ4/s1600-h/IMG_2539.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVi7x7tVvcr3-17Z_UY6Jzmcrk7BMGeZz3DPg23-k9rhbxnLJED-pGcZzqetFZx-YlVEjvmPm3jWI0-GcXKUucqXjyjmCa_y8lV6dQKXSPJS5LbaAVqYGGSlGNbdrE-TewTsQ4/s400/IMG_2539.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399233332217450034" border="0" /></a><br />Ahhhh, now this might just be one of the best things about this time of year for big brother.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSg5X4GtYmdGry_xDF_1syB5gTWANZf_t1ZMVZZ3QBzdNxltoTrXhBvASLQjgP_mPjaNLJnOAUNsipDL_DflChZnNmpO4S9CpK26zlYgEL7NL3B9ddyBztFRjq02MmF4cLzcOB/s1600-h/IMG_2537.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSg5X4GtYmdGry_xDF_1syB5gTWANZf_t1ZMVZZ3QBzdNxltoTrXhBvASLQjgP_mPjaNLJnOAUNsipDL_DflChZnNmpO4S9CpK26zlYgEL7NL3B9ddyBztFRjq02MmF4cLzcOB/s400/IMG_2537.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399233238661819218" border="0" /></a><br />More than usual farm visits for us right now, too. For pumpkins, apples, pears, Süssmost, etc...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1nMHhyB_8YBl3oR0kQpfftx644M_j_ImYSfemF0PKweMpsA-PKTVxZmNWjLw_w77WuOxubfOm9_CAnya8JG_oeKET2KmAqF7NLlawkqLbIfYg0iqUQDg0dBkhbK1uh-TD_3e/s1600-h/IMG_2536.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1nMHhyB_8YBl3oR0kQpfftx644M_j_ImYSfemF0PKweMpsA-PKTVxZmNWjLw_w77WuOxubfOm9_CAnya8JG_oeKET2KmAqF7NLlawkqLbIfYg0iqUQDg0dBkhbK1uh-TD_3e/s400/IMG_2536.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399233152576253682" border="0" /></a><br />What? Aren't farmhouses decorated with onion garlands everywhere in the world?<br /><br />All is well in our cozy little part of the Alpine world. Busy and wonderful. Now that the Halloween party is behind us we have to concentrate on big brother's birthday party next weekend! Two weeks after that we're off to Vienna again, this time for 10 days. A good place to kick of the Advent festivities for sure.<br /><br />Hope you're all well! We're thinking of you as the air gets colder and the beautiful colored leaves start to be blown away by gusty winds...carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06162310243682406838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36992272.post-41288499624874094432009-09-24T02:52:00.000-07:002009-09-24T03:06:53.463-07:00my hearts<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZhvAhebdJjXsfmHoUHNqzsT58X2p4QH4j9SVT1cQea4GsABeMtGf-fLQpLwU23GhK7Bg1hWaqoKGUdsBmnr8j9flVFVIA0tasHgGnX1FVxHD9lL7rP1ufSaVr_Lx6XG-InUH/s1600-h/IMG_2481.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZhvAhebdJjXsfmHoUHNqzsT58X2p4QH4j9SVT1cQea4GsABeMtGf-fLQpLwU23GhK7Bg1hWaqoKGUdsBmnr8j9flVFVIA0tasHgGnX1FVxHD9lL7rP1ufSaVr_Lx6XG-InUH/s400/IMG_2481.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384970863265552914" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Little brother walks around pushing this wagon *constantly* right now. A few weeks ago he started standing up without holding anything, and about a week ago he started taking a few steps! He always beams with pride when he does it and we're all clapping and getting excited along with him. It's the cutest phase ever!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUeKKEQysYMXC1Q8loZsWiCBHeeblUscLHkrI_M25f37N5G5xkR_jVKvjPMJdczvWJMIpqCeZJcHRJ-ivyzjg-G0sFaK3uthVt0GCPI1c2FWcgIXkdvrBrWSu0gf67eRAhYoe2/s1600-h/IMG_2479.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUeKKEQysYMXC1Q8loZsWiCBHeeblUscLHkrI_M25f37N5G5xkR_jVKvjPMJdczvWJMIpqCeZJcHRJ-ivyzjg-G0sFaK3uthVt0GCPI1c2FWcgIXkdvrBrWSu0gf67eRAhYoe2/s400/IMG_2479.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384970722704082306" border="0" /></a><br />Big brother recently had his last day of tennis for the season (that's him on the left). He thinks he'd like to try it again in the Spring when it starts back up again. We're trying out a few different ideas for a winter activity. He's looking into Turnen (which is like tumbling/gymnastics), yoga, and tap dancing (Steptanz). :-) haha<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsx8zt_hgkHL6hHMQAIll_VN13rIs5LspQ_2y4EpTorW2V-hlrn8ZKWOqM05mzgK6yJ13RgxzOLssYyo_9vjyRGrcPa4CPjdqHbQJs83m3P2IlFQqHWYC_5yMmbMnBgW9mNRFP/s1600-h/IMG_2473.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsx8zt_hgkHL6hHMQAIll_VN13rIs5LspQ_2y4EpTorW2V-hlrn8ZKWOqM05mzgK6yJ13RgxzOLssYyo_9vjyRGrcPa4CPjdqHbQJs83m3P2IlFQqHWYC_5yMmbMnBgW9mNRFP/s400/IMG_2473.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384970547371494674" border="0" /></a><br />Standing!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-zX_wnuJ-FplbMp9ZwSzTo7k8PnZ_ib9PS3q1IM3HbmfJyX06yrbnS5Xfru_QP731B7qXLHMGbvZuHWDUEg-xxyaGSb-LOqFYtrMOwDFY9earMtx77thDnFxcv9EckAJKiGZ/s1600-h/IMG_2470.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-zX_wnuJ-FplbMp9ZwSzTo7k8PnZ_ib9PS3q1IM3HbmfJyX06yrbnS5Xfru_QP731B7qXLHMGbvZuHWDUEg-xxyaGSb-LOqFYtrMOwDFY9earMtx77thDnFxcv9EckAJKiGZ/s400/IMG_2470.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384970371045487138" border="0" /></a><br />Crawling through the tunnel...again and again...so happy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBuHc_3uAYooEJambtWeyc50ICamieGSE34tQ7jB2R9gjkrFjYTDteEZAeWqLwBzb5OAms8PE5742bmV1IH1YD_QZ91nzaRTBKC4b7W_DF_RgPq3784UKc60wNUNnl50a0nnYl/s1600-h/IMG_2469.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBuHc_3uAYooEJambtWeyc50ICamieGSE34tQ7jB2R9gjkrFjYTDteEZAeWqLwBzb5OAms8PE5742bmV1IH1YD_QZ91nzaRTBKC4b7W_DF_RgPq3784UKc60wNUNnl50a0nnYl/s400/IMG_2469.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384970186287172402" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Besides little brother learning to walk (!) we're just gearing up for Fall. We've potted our fall plants, said goodbye to most of our veggie garden, started up with the whirlwind of home/unschooling activities. I love this time of year. I'll try to remember to take lots of pictures!carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06162310243682406838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36992272.post-84953852410562314102009-09-23T13:25:00.001-07:002009-09-23T13:56:42.429-07:00No. 7 The four seasons (Swiss Top Ten)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mUx1-ujF8oVpRv3MJ54E5BbjYNsLO2wtVumBvRM5Xv7xRzjjzfhnJj8pBARwN_ZRyP5vQmUuId2X4lQtwGYGpKzhZdw0Y-XZMwA3_ghv-C9vImbWK-UVfNjPpSfDlUQW0E3U/s1600-h/IMG_1752.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mUx1-ujF8oVpRv3MJ54E5BbjYNsLO2wtVumBvRM5Xv7xRzjjzfhnJj8pBARwN_ZRyP5vQmUuId2X4lQtwGYGpKzhZdw0Y-XZMwA3_ghv-C9vImbWK-UVfNjPpSfDlUQW0E3U/s400/IMG_1752.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384763757936385442" border="0" /></a><br />winter<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBu8uy0L7cDvd2QnUiF16bQo0pCsg3oCnbB6NNat4wcm30zGKAJ4JHjljveeCJCeKOALfKtWkWyEvjWMkbVgTzYSASxyRsJSuqJUX8z086BFfT-XRgYdGi_3Jd2nZ2n14J09Qs/s1600-h/IMG_2164.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBu8uy0L7cDvd2QnUiF16bQo0pCsg3oCnbB6NNat4wcm30zGKAJ4JHjljveeCJCeKOALfKtWkWyEvjWMkbVgTzYSASxyRsJSuqJUX8z086BFfT-XRgYdGi_3Jd2nZ2n14J09Qs/s400/IMG_2164.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384763520616085858" border="0" /></a><br />spring<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY7EIqplVSay-YA-lFZ3_IRpBLP70E3VetmAwzlWOW4ncHgDpjPphuwJxTQfBsyrRXaBA7i-RFU2v_TwdwGM9rlezXdkk0vEqKmNJkxWxJmqlEZWbJsfR0XSBxL5_H5pwCLsVF/s1600-h/IMG_1293.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY7EIqplVSay-YA-lFZ3_IRpBLP70E3VetmAwzlWOW4ncHgDpjPphuwJxTQfBsyrRXaBA7i-RFU2v_TwdwGM9rlezXdkk0vEqKmNJkxWxJmqlEZWbJsfR0XSBxL5_H5pwCLsVF/s400/IMG_1293.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384762593067372786" border="0" /></a><br />summer<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxuQggQTqNHdWwFr2fYlkoTTk4U4GuHLEYlKOzy0O6EdYPrrPGrHUd5fq5iCcFtTaRTiSyA1MmqI0D02bLAjUIPFOx-geVtE7SN5znUWcbSA3ZZbVjLyWp-HPwBYmShMninCq9/s1600-h/IMG_1472.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxuQggQTqNHdWwFr2fYlkoTTk4U4GuHLEYlKOzy0O6EdYPrrPGrHUd5fq5iCcFtTaRTiSyA1MmqI0D02bLAjUIPFOx-geVtE7SN5znUWcbSA3ZZbVjLyWp-HPwBYmShMninCq9/s400/IMG_1472.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384762037879078258" border="0" /></a><br />autumn<br /><br /><br />I will finish this Swiss Top Ten series if it's the last thing I do!! hehe<br /><br />In short, I have come to love the four seasons as experienced here. It is absolutely amazing to see things transform before your eyes, to feel and smell it in the air. Oh, and to experience it with small children!!! The first snow! The first purple crocuses popping up in the garden. The endless piles of leaves.<br /><br />I know we had seasons in California, too...but believe me when I say it was nothing at all like this. I remain a true blue sunshine girl at heart, but I need my four seasons now!! If only all that winter magic didn't last *quite* as long. hmmm.<br /><br />(All the photos above are of our garden as seen out of our living room window.)carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06162310243682406838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36992272.post-56732363177598715252009-08-20T14:08:00.001-07:002009-08-20T14:21:20.846-07:00ONE!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8QS638GPUM_cFKd9jo0kThpsrEg032HlP6KxR7H-dhXDE4xkXYE7k6apTpCO4QNrt7b8maLHZ_KQ4SVYqpUZ-pTIKdIms6Pv3BLhNX95OcErTusIGLet70n5M0p39r5O_Gg2B/s1600-h/IMG_2376.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8QS638GPUM_cFKd9jo0kThpsrEg032HlP6KxR7H-dhXDE4xkXYE7k6apTpCO4QNrt7b8maLHZ_KQ4SVYqpUZ-pTIKdIms6Pv3BLhNX95OcErTusIGLet70n5M0p39r5O_Gg2B/s400/IMG_2376.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372157433735076770" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7BLEtP-zgXC4TOaVbJteDckO3PoTAAwFFFOPPddupEi0HC_JNxJ47nr6U0RYeeRMbTBxIIyOwPk6VuysIpI5eKCqV6J12tI0xMUHgDyWhR3HhmMdy-apYSU-NFyF6Y6YDbFQL/s1600-h/IMG_2349.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7BLEtP-zgXC4TOaVbJteDckO3PoTAAwFFFOPPddupEi0HC_JNxJ47nr6U0RYeeRMbTBxIIyOwPk6VuysIpI5eKCqV6J12tI0xMUHgDyWhR3HhmMdy-apYSU-NFyF6Y6YDbFQL/s400/IMG_2349.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372157073362406546" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5rM6E1JKS-Pem8Py2HJf5sStjta_hpiyzQhAV3i4aIzf3WMULvaWkPqj_sQsmY2NfrT6EqHsj5ZKa7g4qKVKrxqfTHfGEyEr0pZG08He303hF9mVryjPiskv-mfvwBUPKfSYQ/s1600-h/IMG_2405.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5rM6E1JKS-Pem8Py2HJf5sStjta_hpiyzQhAV3i4aIzf3WMULvaWkPqj_sQsmY2NfrT6EqHsj5ZKa7g4qKVKrxqfTHfGEyEr0pZG08He303hF9mVryjPiskv-mfvwBUPKfSYQ/s400/IMG_2405.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372156451957230642" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFMvRjJaM6ZVhodDQNX_9N7JdEw435gILrvqowGvsfvXB96DOL3NfOJihVxYNS4LYdpbeLV4OOMBmaz4-DXr7H_UHauTKwbcH97qyyYiETZiCN0NaHA0WKTgV_CK7KxXPFo099/s1600-h/IMG_2402.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFMvRjJaM6ZVhodDQNX_9N7JdEw435gILrvqowGvsfvXB96DOL3NfOJihVxYNS4LYdpbeLV4OOMBmaz4-DXr7H_UHauTKwbcH97qyyYiETZiCN0NaHA0WKTgV_CK7KxXPFo099/s400/IMG_2402.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372156310764359298" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDXqt7_B7dcuE9vVIAfAJDuRQbB5dIQZEHn-e5kiRfPLQKILZzzNpOvPmyoxhzweZFjJWxJvDjAYlYVSXNX0pbdFpkv87AiRluJo9QLVP3HUutk9ob99ZCehNoS7u736tt8DJ/s1600-h/IMG_2400.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDXqt7_B7dcuE9vVIAfAJDuRQbB5dIQZEHn-e5kiRfPLQKILZzzNpOvPmyoxhzweZFjJWxJvDjAYlYVSXNX0pbdFpkv87AiRluJo9QLVP3HUutk9ob99ZCehNoS7u736tt8DJ/s400/IMG_2400.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372156175614087730" border="0" /></a><br /><br />What can I even say? This sweet little boy came into our lives a year ago...bringing so much love and light and happiness with him, it's almost impossible to put into words.<br /><br />Happy Birthday, little brother. We're soooooooooo glad you're here. :-)<br /><br />Just don't grow up too fast, OK?carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06162310243682406838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36992272.post-68286639664001784192009-08-20T13:57:00.001-07:002009-08-20T14:07:42.655-07:00Summertime<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiDvG3_07RHXkvNQV_j5MYJooZLWZA4vWh1Gun3RZVkZKXWvNehyphenhyphenTJP4j8lHsAdX9XiRjiziUquK5W7ALu3HAPRFbRUhVX-4GNhzZzmlKG1JoWpnZSGOFeWZwsNR4tlZ2LjL0v/s1600-h/IMG_2341.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiDvG3_07RHXkvNQV_j5MYJooZLWZA4vWh1Gun3RZVkZKXWvNehyphenhyphenTJP4j8lHsAdX9XiRjiziUquK5W7ALu3HAPRFbRUhVX-4GNhzZzmlKG1JoWpnZSGOFeWZwsNR4tlZ2LjL0v/s400/IMG_2341.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372155127856292946" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFc-xDe8n0b1Xe_yKuJIuthXGCXRmhDlBcq8dHs6U4ZxzsdHpBoUPFKwJlee89ayDVRNDE-S-vRZdOaDt_NnHwR0xGJOBiabXkDMwUszPv3s71ol_vunFGhAgMcWbsB0wEd4k/s1600-h/IMG_2338.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFc-xDe8n0b1Xe_yKuJIuthXGCXRmhDlBcq8dHs6U4ZxzsdHpBoUPFKwJlee89ayDVRNDE-S-vRZdOaDt_NnHwR0xGJOBiabXkDMwUszPv3s71ol_vunFGhAgMcWbsB0wEd4k/s400/IMG_2338.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372154823710172930" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiw7bfY3FLlobwgB0RSMywm_OBdCrJltRk-zbAt1HUgR_bSF9S0GP7xBGqe9vo7HfVsXGOIyFvJ9_eOvmyCquECidXGaqONJEcRynikTHX6RZsvkmPCxX-GRlceR7e8xF3yqvf/s1600-h/IMG_2331.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiw7bfY3FLlobwgB0RSMywm_OBdCrJltRk-zbAt1HUgR_bSF9S0GP7xBGqe9vo7HfVsXGOIyFvJ9_eOvmyCquECidXGaqONJEcRynikTHX6RZsvkmPCxX-GRlceR7e8xF3yqvf/s400/IMG_2331.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372154562315326834" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2uRGL9R4wfbKYdstDchwjoNczj-nT1Vyk9Zg2Wl5uRwbwxivl2W-veEsgRE-LoMaUvc49Elm8i01yIpPMT1TFArck8cIGNhsFChWL96GADlzT_jcnd9GLJa4L9ZPGjc6pYCi/s1600-h/IMG_2329.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2uRGL9R4wfbKYdstDchwjoNczj-nT1Vyk9Zg2Wl5uRwbwxivl2W-veEsgRE-LoMaUvc49Elm8i01yIpPMT1TFArck8cIGNhsFChWL96GADlzT_jcnd9GLJa4L9ZPGjc6pYCi/s400/IMG_2329.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372154368460863698" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwT3oyA26JbLp0lpmc7TCFm2wsWrLX-Xu9q7692edG5V1j3dloimdYGucblScQMGmzzz3Z0KJTJv3dPIXtdmYmjjMYEa5a7G00t9lj-8IWBZ1FnLqtQXqwIb07sI8RgQjt01zB/s1600-h/IMG_2328.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwT3oyA26JbLp0lpmc7TCFm2wsWrLX-Xu9q7692edG5V1j3dloimdYGucblScQMGmzzz3Z0KJTJv3dPIXtdmYmjjMYEa5a7G00t9lj-8IWBZ1FnLqtQXqwIb07sI8RgQjt01zB/s400/IMG_2328.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372154187960995506" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4yqfWOXy9sfXJ8laURpmx8jPo1J18Pw2-FvWGeQyPsIBQhc9T2ZyCaj-EUx5ZM-DlVlm3d8lQgrgIEirHzYD481RR7ol6VyENshfQS_ZLWoBO7HgtGvpTmipH7CM3bj7n0yDH/s1600-h/IMG_2297.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4yqfWOXy9sfXJ8laURpmx8jPo1J18Pw2-FvWGeQyPsIBQhc9T2ZyCaj-EUx5ZM-DlVlm3d8lQgrgIEirHzYD481RR7ol6VyENshfQS_ZLWoBO7HgtGvpTmipH7CM3bj7n0yDH/s400/IMG_2297.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372153753392808146" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-vQTqmhiQgAFEAYmSyQP0-oQn8d9Px5mchm3ljH25VJL_vHGUj4YLtWbhiy9Z_DXJu_kYcMqrE-qfY4z20WstjjtkE_YkGIHO3rM8h3hpS2mCBUGE9XzQnu323IRrf-qsYg0J/s1600-h/IMG_2293.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-vQTqmhiQgAFEAYmSyQP0-oQn8d9Px5mchm3ljH25VJL_vHGUj4YLtWbhiy9Z_DXJu_kYcMqrE-qfY4z20WstjjtkE_YkGIHO3rM8h3hpS2mCBUGE9XzQnu323IRrf-qsYg0J/s400/IMG_2293.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372153490387436834" border="0" /></a>carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06162310243682406838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36992272.post-2755866786323726552009-07-03T05:06:00.000-07:002009-07-03T05:22:40.064-07:00our garden<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXa1X0_kGhNw0AimSH6N9P-gIF0B94n3R6P5yNjkTzU9ReT9UadtU4PWSkzWBIrfpeMPTYZ_dfMnht7L_QlPhyphenhyphenTtP4HH2NfSbncH602nvnz5dL2iRXgy7IzrTlQSnmLK7EpX6p/s1600-h/IMG_2221.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXa1X0_kGhNw0AimSH6N9P-gIF0B94n3R6P5yNjkTzU9ReT9UadtU4PWSkzWBIrfpeMPTYZ_dfMnht7L_QlPhyphenhyphenTtP4HH2NfSbncH602nvnz5dL2iRXgy7IzrTlQSnmLK7EpX6p/s400/IMG_2221.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354206359106883602" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_zNcaFZyvmByA4kygbx6Ylus-WbIduRLe81OU7SLAhUOqkD5XvvlregdyORd8XHaeAet6mVERp4xyBUFrakHR-_jGIrHov1jnQjrwW7T5nX5kV_pMAAT_dZQuHPOQlAJc3Rg/s1600-h/IMG_2253.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_zNcaFZyvmByA4kygbx6Ylus-WbIduRLe81OU7SLAhUOqkD5XvvlregdyORd8XHaeAet6mVERp4xyBUFrakHR-_jGIrHov1jnQjrwW7T5nX5kV_pMAAT_dZQuHPOQlAJc3Rg/s400/IMG_2253.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354205136629543922" border="0" /></a><br />Big brother's garden patch as of yesterday.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPMkdYlI9d5Nxltdjfd4dlR5BD8Tf8GHqMvfpH_bwjMEyX-TnUZ-61GivvpGOR3kHGpyqweji5Dfa24AnKg1dLlehVDUD_34Ws037EKetT2EzKgir83N4Pptbq3gTWn6RuUAx/s1600-h/IMG_2235.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPMkdYlI9d5Nxltdjfd4dlR5BD8Tf8GHqMvfpH_bwjMEyX-TnUZ-61GivvpGOR3kHGpyqweji5Dfa24AnKg1dLlehVDUD_34Ws037EKetT2EzKgir83N4Pptbq3gTWn6RuUAx/s400/IMG_2235.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354204965097535410" border="0" /></a><br />space to play!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8d5TNoGx68S6_71PzIANaqtEHN-hzAAN0l7QrELkkPkx4kIRDKezJkiIIzdQC6bInmktvg71f8HNxV6sZNpUVATMyEhENWU__vkg50WTyhJf0zOTNEEmShtGSYuImaMXVxJbb/s1600-h/IMG_2255.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8d5TNoGx68S6_71PzIANaqtEHN-hzAAN0l7QrELkkPkx4kIRDKezJkiIIzdQC6bInmktvg71f8HNxV6sZNpUVATMyEhENWU__vkg50WTyhJf0zOTNEEmShtGSYuImaMXVxJbb/s400/IMG_2255.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354204826636615314" border="0" /></a><br />watering it is his favorite part by far!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphene3xoS9fIgc1ubARGDU3RjrK1gE40-F2L85CweFq6u7wONOY7tXm4jEdiXAk7Sgfw-is9LQ19mAHEp89Z0QVtXTFbj51TJyEDiBRxibhKalJalr6RAXJ538j9DZn7x9Mc8KC/s1600-h/IMG_2228.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphene3xoS9fIgc1ubARGDU3RjrK1gE40-F2L85CweFq6u7wONOY7tXm4jEdiXAk7Sgfw-is9LQ19mAHEp89Z0QVtXTFbj51TJyEDiBRxibhKalJalr6RAXJ538j9DZn7x9Mc8KC/s400/IMG_2228.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354204703087593794" border="0" /></a><br />our terrace pots<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbkolalgV5ShXI3iWLSkxA3wl3ydi3tsrFjoXdydlsJr1HjDamZ7KoXaP75rUGqiqpC2PniazHRpqTRf8rOVA9aEzRcr30QIgSfFGfxDdJJsP2nswPzY4p2ljp0JQZ4BGTsMy/s1600-h/IMG_2222.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbkolalgV5ShXI3iWLSkxA3wl3ydi3tsrFjoXdydlsJr1HjDamZ7KoXaP75rUGqiqpC2PniazHRpqTRf8rOVA9aEzRcr30QIgSfFGfxDdJJsP2nswPzY4p2ljp0JQZ4BGTsMy/s400/IMG_2222.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354204576257309106" border="0" /></a><br />gooseberries<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL54mEylAxVc4XbIzzmluV-sP_WGbBndmkeAAYgOX6sU4jgCurbXlifOj9ArttwCYI46YSC4Dhm9Gt8ShLybTbCxQrzCPgNnGpWB2DyCNO_pOmpf6WyvzQsWPvb9rzX4rw-Z7G/s1600-h/IMG_2227.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL54mEylAxVc4XbIzzmluV-sP_WGbBndmkeAAYgOX6sU4jgCurbXlifOj9ArttwCYI46YSC4Dhm9Gt8ShLybTbCxQrzCPgNnGpWB2DyCNO_pOmpf6WyvzQsWPvb9rzX4rw-Z7G/s400/IMG_2227.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354204484190063442" border="0" /></a><br />hydrangea<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFhvwajyMXO-CTvqgu5McAIcOAI_qTJ0DouOp8d8APA8oiQbBFd6Tmh3Rso5s6IuTvi7IXuFwKwQOjxWBXHVu6KbAcbDe3_UqR7gmIUvWR_TjwSILHi7uG3K4vwyJf10bU6vNs/s1600-h/IMG_2223.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFhvwajyMXO-CTvqgu5McAIcOAI_qTJ0DouOp8d8APA8oiQbBFd6Tmh3Rso5s6IuTvi7IXuFwKwQOjxWBXHVu6KbAcbDe3_UqR7gmIUvWR_TjwSILHi7uG3K4vwyJf10bU6vNs/s400/IMG_2223.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354204409547509698" border="0" /></a><br /><br />the day's small harvest.<br /><br />we could do so much more, but we're taking it easy this year since we have a babe in arms. I feel so lucky to have our very own beautiful outside space, which isn't something very many have in this crowded, mountainous land.<br /><br />I'd like to see yours, too!carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06162310243682406838noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36992272.post-8747673287165099022009-06-18T01:15:00.000-07:002009-06-18T01:32:19.185-07:00Juni<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7XlMtOZVWHlvxST2S6G6zgtlZOr4DmtCosu37cPEZjvkPetLgkWnD-SRt6pHdevatfjzeS0yLOOewXQHsLTP4ft6ztmLo1JEJJjgEiBdPxtQKLPpvON14BRwQ89bmRskwVE5/s1600-h/IMG_2198.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7XlMtOZVWHlvxST2S6G6zgtlZOr4DmtCosu37cPEZjvkPetLgkWnD-SRt6pHdevatfjzeS0yLOOewXQHsLTP4ft6ztmLo1JEJJjgEiBdPxtQKLPpvON14BRwQ89bmRskwVE5/s400/IMG_2198.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348579399003126082" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We live here.<br /><br />Can you believe that?<br /><br />This photo is taken near the cafe at one of our favorite city parks, where we've been spending quite a bit of time these days. I mean, just look at this place.<br /><br />And you? What's the view of your town?<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqlwnRtUCW0448GEqxPyqd8sH7G0aaie2B8NrUJvB7kpWmt-23_N_BDN6h69J2SMnREp8eSJz0Yf47GOlSPK34CypuQmvYIFjIxkW901Or9LCywhg7mG5Su0jQpUezDu6qa_c/s1600-h/IMG_2219.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqlwnRtUCW0448GEqxPyqd8sH7G0aaie2B8NrUJvB7kpWmt-23_N_BDN6h69J2SMnREp8eSJz0Yf47GOlSPK34CypuQmvYIFjIxkW901Or9LCywhg7mG5Su0jQpUezDu6qa_c/s400/IMG_2219.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348579234100424434" border="0" /></a><br />Big brother had a marvelous time at a dear friend's birthday party. Here he is swinging at the pink octopus pinata.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCAyAzld5I4VysXObO0pi26pAY0TkHVwwdripyQSHz3-BLMUVMzJ7YSDYraT7tXBzSJEPIY9Pndmo9YBFurTmIniqxDzHvrxhzO9fHF8aMWlToaKK_erJWd55lym1ldG0c7Nf/s1600-h/IMG_2205.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCAyAzld5I4VysXObO0pi26pAY0TkHVwwdripyQSHz3-BLMUVMzJ7YSDYraT7tXBzSJEPIY9Pndmo9YBFurTmIniqxDzHvrxhzO9fHF8aMWlToaKK_erJWd55lym1ldG0c7Nf/s400/IMG_2205.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348579099053052898" border="0" /></a><br />Little brother is changing every single day it seems. Right now he very much loves to rock in his little snail. :-)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYbMX6feNUSgEG9FfSlX5oWO8FycNDB5AEEMRUWRIPm9AaC4eOQ5eFwB1pavYbZHMRUKF1SgLEio6D3aXJmseMXXWiX9UBDTwtXxH2VMhDE3SaOWz2gkjrNZTWlbSUrhAfklL/s1600-h/IMG_2200.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYbMX6feNUSgEG9FfSlX5oWO8FycNDB5AEEMRUWRIPm9AaC4eOQ5eFwB1pavYbZHMRUKF1SgLEio6D3aXJmseMXXWiX9UBDTwtXxH2VMhDE3SaOWz2gkjrNZTWlbSUrhAfklL/s400/IMG_2200.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348578933473847202" border="0" /></a><br />Have I ever posted a photo of our home from the front/street? Here it is. June has been met with lots of home repairs. Oy. Old houses!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUtUowJZYBmS7H7l_jpT1St8bqNsJGK5VjG6HGngJpkl3i20TjH3Ft3QEeCGz-rkokUKmsdYzAdMtumeLAXbVf3WCdbGal3JP-ThouEq49PdnPtHiYhmhHN9Byn034sZjcECM/s1600-h/IMG_2185.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUtUowJZYBmS7H7l_jpT1St8bqNsJGK5VjG6HGngJpkl3i20TjH3Ft3QEeCGz-rkokUKmsdYzAdMtumeLAXbVf3WCdbGal3JP-ThouEq49PdnPtHiYhmhHN9Byn034sZjcECM/s400/IMG_2185.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348578707826271906" border="0" /></a><br />The boys play so well together despite their age gap. They especially love to play under the beautiful playstands....when they're not outside in the garden that is!<br /><br />Lots going on here and nothing at the same time, ya know? Big brother has a nice little garden plot going, I'll take photos and tell you about that soon. We also got our official permission to homeschool! Which luckily lasts for 2 years so we won't have to go through the process again before we leave the country. Only 2 more weeks of Kindergarten before summer holidays. I have mixed feelings. His German is now quite good and we seem to really be at a big turning point with it. We could use a couple more months! We'll just have to hope that between play dates and tennis and singing (Kinderchor) he will be using it enough to keep it up. Trying to stay optimistic!<br /><br />That's it for now. Hope you are all well! Thinking of you....carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06162310243682406838noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36992272.post-18025265375352605002009-05-08T06:12:00.000-07:002009-05-08T07:04:03.430-07:00spring and our sprouts<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BKzYfslj3juMGNbcnrT1pYuykKo1l25fitX21pRXRZmqk4gr1JadfIoTsXxluvo67Yd8y_86UaYF6XhWMezMDJ7jKchSJa5kqIeI2yclPLL-BfawmqnPuVlabqJMaU3tfpCd/s1600-h/IMG_2095.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BKzYfslj3juMGNbcnrT1pYuykKo1l25fitX21pRXRZmqk4gr1JadfIoTsXxluvo67Yd8y_86UaYF6XhWMezMDJ7jKchSJa5kqIeI2yclPLL-BfawmqnPuVlabqJMaU3tfpCd/s400/IMG_2095.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333442223932798338" border="0" /></a><br />I can't ever remember a more stereotypical Spring since I've been living here. First the snowdrops, then the daffodils, now the lily of the valley (oh...how amazing these make our garden smell!). The days are sunny, then drizzly, then sunny again, then breezy...everything is budding and sprouting. We had such a long winter this year, Spring really does come just when you need it most, doesn't it? At least in this part of the world. I am a sun-lover at heart, but living with four distinct seasons has taught me so much more than I could ever express in words.<br /><br />Anyhoo, Easter was especially nice this year. The Easter bunny brought lovely things and was kind enough to hide some eggs in the garden for big brother to find...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQd1GoSUz7St3strMCWNIlO8-lq924mO5aPh-CGyzhRokQ-Qoy3FC0krVJQl2cCutcSthukEhYktPJU9xPFt2B4P3sTC99O8GNCQ_uUBUBqYw43-44mKhyEfxrfS2W5NBCwjFi/s1600-h/IMG_2145.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQd1GoSUz7St3strMCWNIlO8-lq924mO5aPh-CGyzhRokQ-Qoy3FC0krVJQl2cCutcSthukEhYktPJU9xPFt2B4P3sTC99O8GNCQ_uUBUBqYw43-44mKhyEfxrfS2W5NBCwjFi/s400/IMG_2145.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333442078331575010" border="0" /></a><br /><br />His Easter basket has since been repurposed into a toy basket for little brother.<br /><br />Other things making us happy these days:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnC-oHrLVt89NWUHEMYH2o7rdqpNr0W1hI6wXVmorlkSJj9TytrDM7ewP5JhavQMnFLsPA28YY1gi9yus5ea_BezEVvK6pb12Yst0kejnDzftd2oCZGTUoHE7PGwKCIuGO0cjh/s1600-h/IMG_2151.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnC-oHrLVt89NWUHEMYH2o7rdqpNr0W1hI6wXVmorlkSJj9TytrDM7ewP5JhavQMnFLsPA28YY1gi9yus5ea_BezEVvK6pb12Yst0kejnDzftd2oCZGTUoHE7PGwKCIuGO0cjh/s400/IMG_2151.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333441921382132786" border="0" /></a><br />A beautiful felt ball for a special baby boy...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nncjTNxFPyjbO4S9bBKZd0-6m278JXUQtY5w302tSrtX5TkEGmczGIQQ8xGymDqFMMXIw450yH9NzJAtQFKnlf-O2wltwj3jnQ82bB_ZyRwSlGedp3RgJU1aTHZ51hDqDaog/s1600-h/IMG_2141.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nncjTNxFPyjbO4S9bBKZd0-6m278JXUQtY5w302tSrtX5TkEGmczGIQQ8xGymDqFMMXIw450yH9NzJAtQFKnlf-O2wltwj3jnQ82bB_ZyRwSlGedp3RgJU1aTHZ51hDqDaog/s400/IMG_2141.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333441707579733634" border="0" /></a><br />A raised bed we've created in a previously unused corner of our yard...with old stones we found buried. In this bed we've planted peas, beets, sunflowers, arugula, and red/green pepper for now.<br />We've also started a much larger veg garden which will likely be a whole post unto itself. Big brother has his own bed, with special attention to companion planting...veggies, herbs, flowers and strawberries...let's call it "science" for homeschooling purposes, OK? :-)<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-zHBM-xZrxq76OqPXkqDTt6C7eqZy_nssTAu2hd6A_VNpAtbY4z1AiGQwljeDxxQXKFCb9lPUEHUgwwdMF6OlAkd5rfF2cKoGQVMPIwJnKJCAN6Nlme7uMlNhpeRgXvIx5fP/s1600-h/IMG_2139.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-zHBM-xZrxq76OqPXkqDTt6C7eqZy_nssTAu2hd6A_VNpAtbY4z1AiGQwljeDxxQXKFCb9lPUEHUgwwdMF6OlAkd5rfF2cKoGQVMPIwJnKJCAN6Nlme7uMlNhpeRgXvIx5fP/s400/IMG_2139.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333441555870952242" border="0" /></a><br />A little shepherd boy tending his lambs. I just love the imagery of this for some reason...you just can't stop me from gravitating to all things shepherd-like now that I am a mama of little boys. I want my boys to tend sheep?<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMEYGMMz51c3rcdIkGicYEijRlIxPQmgmT6zJcE0riqJ5pSQIWMIoztwlN_4hO8ZbnEwcLw2QyIhMfTkfOHNsRb7t2XSb6dtL-lKN8ExJgWkktr0eiKnb02As_nVq44BFQtRx/s1600-h/IMG_2133.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMEYGMMz51c3rcdIkGicYEijRlIxPQmgmT6zJcE0riqJ5pSQIWMIoztwlN_4hO8ZbnEwcLw2QyIhMfTkfOHNsRb7t2XSb6dtL-lKN8ExJgWkktr0eiKnb02As_nVq44BFQtRx/s400/IMG_2133.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333441305098304386" border="0" /></a><br />Big brother has also started his tennis lessons...here he is with his instructor. He really loves it so far, and he's been practicing at home in the garden, too. Lots of balls getting stuck in the hedge!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZwJQBc9QQfZ0sHVStavQ0BRuJlOld5DlTbQjrtPNbEd51CmqLtTuGW8NnrerKvji2EkbaWQwgOdZfgFd2kZ_oOcc1Xuw2jXvEekuxMi4SlbVZiw77lrUq1GLVO__gufQGpK4/s1600-h/IMG_2106.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZwJQBc9QQfZ0sHVStavQ0BRuJlOld5DlTbQjrtPNbEd51CmqLtTuGW8NnrerKvji2EkbaWQwgOdZfgFd2kZ_oOcc1Xuw2jXvEekuxMi4SlbVZiw77lrUq1GLVO__gufQGpK4/s400/IMG_2106.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333441017295643122" border="0" /></a><br />My tiniest boy, relaxing in a swing. It was his first time swinging, and he smiled the *entire* time with the most magical smile...just not for the camera...of course.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wy4khXGymLEBWJFB6zdXaFGNl1HZ2O_9zFpfSSRvo8ZufgcNoMykPoTkWyCpVytCZ1FmYDKKqjCAwMCFQ-foWrnJcWlWLJ8L6NafbkFr4Err9QprTsbK37u7r7SYccFRK_Ck/s1600-h/IMG_2091.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wy4khXGymLEBWJFB6zdXaFGNl1HZ2O_9zFpfSSRvo8ZufgcNoMykPoTkWyCpVytCZ1FmYDKKqjCAwMCFQ-foWrnJcWlWLJ8L6NafbkFr4Err9QprTsbK37u7r7SYccFRK_Ck/s400/IMG_2091.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333440780975556082" border="0" /></a><br />It's so nice to be outside all the time now! Lots of garden work (ominous patches of stinging nettles taking over!), lots of sprouting and planting of seeds. Watching everything begin to thrive and grow and change...including our boys. <br /><br />What's going on where you are? What interesting things are sprouting up?carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06162310243682406838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36992272.post-23926477839804679392009-04-01T13:39:00.000-07:002009-04-01T14:20:08.606-07:00Happy 1st of April post<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gliX69E9rCcJHp1796lC00G2dZBvXEzcKQddDvIUn0WfZ4T4trPjkl2qo1Xojsz6daSenL8gVP7My2ppwJ6iuRIHn7UpXF8qew8y8XVyQl8t2PRbErtSEIpyGN5-fXmMa7Tr/s1600-h/IMG_2081.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gliX69E9rCcJHp1796lC00G2dZBvXEzcKQddDvIUn0WfZ4T4trPjkl2qo1Xojsz6daSenL8gVP7My2ppwJ6iuRIHn7UpXF8qew8y8XVyQl8t2PRbErtSEIpyGN5-fXmMa7Tr/s400/IMG_2081.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319826328805967154" border="0" /></a><br />Oh my...how time flies! I do plan to post more, I promise. Soon there will be good reason to do so...with all the cool projects and discoveries that will be part of our home educating next "school year". That's right, we've officially decided to go school free after this year of Waldorf kindergarten is finished. Partly because we will be moving abroad...who knows where...in 2011 and it just doesn't seem right to put big brother through the whole process of integrating into a class just to rip him out again shortly after. Also, we love everything about the idea of having the world as our classroom! Can you imagine the possibilities? They are endless. It's practically magical. :-)<br /><br />Anyway, our little global learner is way into all things space at the moment...the sun, moon, planets, and stars. The sky is the limit. We have a very planetary walkway now, thanks to today's chalking session.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgytH5M7sIIjkXgyDEWWAJFyir8IuEKd-1r-528X2c5pPfGXE89zM0KPlSa4HAaXsODRC10e-TN1I0eYDa_Z8BqKvCdDb_RRlXNeRzkuzubthIIsFMY93IAfxXwIvsinqyubtd3/s1600-h/IMG_2080.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgytH5M7sIIjkXgyDEWWAJFyir8IuEKd-1r-528X2c5pPfGXE89zM0KPlSa4HAaXsODRC10e-TN1I0eYDa_Z8BqKvCdDb_RRlXNeRzkuzubthIIsFMY93IAfxXwIvsinqyubtd3/s400/IMG_2080.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319826216824534690" border="0" /></a><br />Other things making us happy right now...Hansel and Gretel! We *love* this tale right now, it's the perfect mix of kid power and the stuff daydreams are made of with plenty of the twisted, dark bits that make it so enticing to children at this stage of life (and their nostalgic mamas!). We found this wonderful Ostheimer cottage (which is discontinued...but one that I've been longing for for ages!) at an amazing little natural toy store in Vienna (they just happened to still have one tucked away in a dusty corner). I am so spoiled by the Universe! We snapped it up, brought it home and then witchy woman and her cat moved in shortly after...doing their best to lure in unsuspecting little Hansel and Gretel. This makes for hours of play around here. Er, but sometimes the odd dinosaur gets involved in the story, too...hehe And you thought the Grimm's stories are gory!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYNO4QYzyfARcwsCbM2VGMceIvnEE5NGEGUK-JYGcI8z-NWEpoZorOC_pkUokVxCZie48FWSsF0mYygJ9u8mItPQKuxnf-SY3WUS5DeX3DaR_ERV2D9p20QG9PVcWGhas8aaY/s1600-h/IMG_2070.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYNO4QYzyfARcwsCbM2VGMceIvnEE5NGEGUK-JYGcI8z-NWEpoZorOC_pkUokVxCZie48FWSsF0mYygJ9u8mItPQKuxnf-SY3WUS5DeX3DaR_ERV2D9p20QG9PVcWGhas8aaY/s400/IMG_2070.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319826019020839362" border="0" /></a><br />And lastly for today my dearies...my precious little angel boy is 8 months old!!! Where oh where does the time go? It seems like just yesterday I had a tiny, sleeping newborn snuggled up into the crook of my neck and now this powerhouse of movement and funny screeches who won't sit still for a single moment...it's a wonder, let me assure you. I am enjoying every single minute that I spend with my guys, and we are all especially silly and giddy right now because Spring is undeniably upon us and we are bursting right along with all the new energy that comes with it.<br /><br />Hope all is well in your corner of the world, too!carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06162310243682406838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36992272.post-69102257716027523902009-03-08T01:17:00.001-08:002009-03-08T01:33:10.580-08:00February photos<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHzhZAz1xmy9qb2Y1qFEYaYSQqxOAjB_oOy7xjg7Uum7h59nFxxVe-IQHLWRbDcnNz1oUL-aRkSGySdkbFThK-H1K4MvrA0oTgksnoxiOBHueaHhN02yAWsPsBPJdVY3gJy3M/s1600-h/IMG_2049.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHzhZAz1xmy9qb2Y1qFEYaYSQqxOAjB_oOy7xjg7Uum7h59nFxxVe-IQHLWRbDcnNz1oUL-aRkSGySdkbFThK-H1K4MvrA0oTgksnoxiOBHueaHhN02yAWsPsBPJdVY3gJy3M/s400/IMG_2049.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310745370163803346" border="0" /></a><br />Straight to the highlight of every February...Fasnacht! (or Carnival if you prefer). As usual, we participated in the child's parade, which took place in our beautiful old town.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTcFXd_fT728K5dRcUfjsFVrLWG_wl6uVem0ecfUbPnXWNfWB8BpSLiFYgnlROWgum0rsmG75upwr1eymjbLV7cnOthJ-Lg10DEi4_lORZF-pQgyczuz-Q69Eu4Xje-ZYEkkyo/s1600-h/IMG_2055.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTcFXd_fT728K5dRcUfjsFVrLWG_wl6uVem0ecfUbPnXWNfWB8BpSLiFYgnlROWgum0rsmG75upwr1eymjbLV7cnOthJ-Lg10DEi4_lORZF-pQgyczuz-Q69Eu4Xje-ZYEkkyo/s400/IMG_2055.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310745223658274514" border="0" /></a><br />Here's big brother. We decided to get as much mileage as possible out of this dino costume. It won't fit next year, though. Check out the confetti on the street!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSs8h8A2n2i2ytk92qPmqQvfKIXocZT2z4qw3D-WEzDgRKvrXSdivAX0xoLq9nLpNQNFbr0uteFqb-Pj0sVOqfqFhHgAC2sI2ynS9P9sB3Bm0u8oLNCNesVe7ETWhOdwIUpTi1/s1600-h/IMG_2048.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSs8h8A2n2i2ytk92qPmqQvfKIXocZT2z4qw3D-WEzDgRKvrXSdivAX0xoLq9nLpNQNFbr0uteFqb-Pj0sVOqfqFhHgAC2sI2ynS9P9sB3Bm0u8oLNCNesVe7ETWhOdwIUpTi1/s400/IMG_2048.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310744664328894370" border="0" /></a><br />We threw plenty of confetti ourselves. Mostly at each other. :-)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1q9Ie_2NhftvtVbo17BlUxQ_UWtSKmcOOf7iMGBq2gM4uwJ78V56_iTPTy7rWhFsdlNUlEDX70edcVNw_nrrcrfSGRjY7AU1O9ezqIVJZW__NS62F0Vlco1Zw8OUT_inaQFwI/s1600-h/IMG_2053.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1q9Ie_2NhftvtVbo17BlUxQ_UWtSKmcOOf7iMGBq2gM4uwJ78V56_iTPTy7rWhFsdlNUlEDX70edcVNw_nrrcrfSGRjY7AU1O9ezqIVJZW__NS62F0Vlco1Zw8OUT_inaQFwI/s400/IMG_2053.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310744321165722034" border="0" /></a><br />I don't know this person...just one of many cool costumes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwSvOZqHyF4QiPi-DJYZa_pTrpnda1RMWJGBWy3UufKCHfp78vSMnTGEDpbxyQ87NqAtU7ek5a9fOq5ArTupUF0Dbf6V6l-RL7_OD8u_dz1LI6DG2l5oZlwntqtXlUBfCRFa7f/s1600-h/IMG_2044.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwSvOZqHyF4QiPi-DJYZa_pTrpnda1RMWJGBWy3UufKCHfp78vSMnTGEDpbxyQ87NqAtU7ek5a9fOq5ArTupUF0Dbf6V6l-RL7_OD8u_dz1LI6DG2l5oZlwntqtXlUBfCRFa7f/s400/IMG_2044.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310744069813318498" border="0" /></a><br />On to other February news, little brother is now eating solid food. His favorite is mangos...by far.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjrflZQs0M2Evt9BmiK2Kq2UYrfN0hgy0gGvKhYjPQvZ89YHWYp9stn5bruKitxRyhSlLOjO3ru6Ezu8GxCqRj1xFfJQQFh-GkeIBl0CkKtmlPlWy0rsqRBx_lo_idrhDRi7V/s1600-h/IMG_2010.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjrflZQs0M2Evt9BmiK2Kq2UYrfN0hgy0gGvKhYjPQvZ89YHWYp9stn5bruKitxRyhSlLOjO3ru6Ezu8GxCqRj1xFfJQQFh-GkeIBl0CkKtmlPlWy0rsqRBx_lo_idrhDRi7V/s400/IMG_2010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310743748694070082" border="0" /></a><br />And you just can't stop him from being on his stomach. He sort of rocks back and forth all the time, too. I think I see crawling in our near future.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSNzeM57IRfNj9PKXJcH4I4hfXez-nVQ0r21bbJV8NYm_8wUPfWkIVsG0Hm_bAEGj8PVj0RkeYB5BfSTK6AcAV2GROXDiHwsMJftFBvKoKAOKkPF-9z1D25tGrpkwBNyeNlud/s1600-h/IMG_2006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSNzeM57IRfNj9PKXJcH4I4hfXez-nVQ0r21bbJV8NYm_8wUPfWkIVsG0Hm_bAEGj8PVj0RkeYB5BfSTK6AcAV2GROXDiHwsMJftFBvKoKAOKkPF-9z1D25tGrpkwBNyeNlud/s400/IMG_2006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310743618142418866" border="0" /></a><br />Big brother is doing well...lots of learning to ski this winter, as well as sledding of course. Here he is with his beloved Mr. Caterpillar scarf, knit especially for him by Gigi's loving hands. :-)<br /><br />I'll try to post more, I promise. I'm slowly coming out of my usual winter hibernation!carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06162310243682406838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36992272.post-73727900733478231402009-01-22T11:34:00.000-08:002009-01-22T13:21:55.495-08:00a few January photos<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif6taBV-0lmoWrd3MyvbZvUAW2PWYzSw3nZ0bY1e_WCNpJ4XITPGn8K6Vy58d8PbVtz9QTX8XRIiGHEywFMeeZSUmKzsgNuQ51ZZSRROugH-PfIbUOS5mUeQjIWrc22P-mNJBB/s1600-h/IMG_2004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif6taBV-0lmoWrd3MyvbZvUAW2PWYzSw3nZ0bY1e_WCNpJ4XITPGn8K6Vy58d8PbVtz9QTX8XRIiGHEywFMeeZSUmKzsgNuQ51ZZSRROugH-PfIbUOS5mUeQjIWrc22P-mNJBB/s400/IMG_2004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294205330194561506" border="0" /></a><br />all bundled up in the Kinderwagen<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxG0Ze460yh3yUvSE3DvXarD7eoRytUYc2QfeWIFG0R_X3aQCOZS1CNli_9VpGHfaogcRQrVLn6NH-iAjdH_fkPPD443Yq_unYJ0ScTwOnvCZHccIcda_bw1A_ZqWrQ6LswfNW/s1600-h/IMG_1992.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxG0Ze460yh3yUvSE3DvXarD7eoRytUYc2QfeWIFG0R_X3aQCOZS1CNli_9VpGHfaogcRQrVLn6NH-iAjdH_fkPPD443Yq_unYJ0ScTwOnvCZHccIcda_bw1A_ZqWrQ6LswfNW/s400/IMG_1992.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294204922290847394" border="0" /></a><br />self-portrait. can someone please advise me about my hair?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AJmrYeMpsbtDCLCvDh9oV2BgYZSpwkSJbrMcEa8T-P01I9ne-DYfBG8Q9F6yToCwES_5FDdTDNp3M_oBJMSTvbNpAD7K7u7JoGEYxc5cpZaP8piYCu6t-YfgA6Knrdm-nTBR/s1600-h/IMG_1972.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AJmrYeMpsbtDCLCvDh9oV2BgYZSpwkSJbrMcEa8T-P01I9ne-DYfBG8Q9F6yToCwES_5FDdTDNp3M_oBJMSTvbNpAD7K7u7JoGEYxc5cpZaP8piYCu6t-YfgA6Knrdm-nTBR/s400/IMG_1972.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294204484539115650" border="0" /></a><br />teething on a kale stalk<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOvzEK8p0oNkRMbto2CF0LEJRKbp2hbC2-1G54A9VW0j5R_Ul1Copc5YLNiSGS1AJdyH1Or18o98hKeaNlpG3c7TUd8r0lvNmJMGGgvsmWjC-gKt72IJDJpQUBz2LI5C11UA9_/s1600-h/IMG_1959.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOvzEK8p0oNkRMbto2CF0LEJRKbp2hbC2-1G54A9VW0j5R_Ul1Copc5YLNiSGS1AJdyH1Or18o98hKeaNlpG3c7TUd8r0lvNmJMGGgvsmWjC-gKt72IJDJpQUBz2LI5C11UA9_/s400/IMG_1959.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294204206438047010" border="0" /></a><br />mr. cool about to hit the slopescarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06162310243682406838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36992272.post-37835481303283578742009-01-06T02:18:00.001-08:002009-01-06T02:25:13.682-08:00Sliding into the new year<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0t6wekA-B647eGZvcq8VExVSoEF_laRgz1t_QD8pZJlZiHaV76m3KPgPf5cWWwdIPgFl_1wKNkLrNm_eGHcg7fb_omqL5tkmfzFAmwkB7e1MaOWN4fnKzBwKFXMPogmjnlEh4/s1600-h/IMG_1899.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0t6wekA-B647eGZvcq8VExVSoEF_laRgz1t_QD8pZJlZiHaV76m3KPgPf5cWWwdIPgFl_1wKNkLrNm_eGHcg7fb_omqL5tkmfzFAmwkB7e1MaOWN4fnKzBwKFXMPogmjnlEh4/s400/IMG_1899.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288123351457978674" border="0" /></a><br /><br />As the Swiss say..."Guten Rutsch ins neue Jahr!", or wishing one a "Good slide into the new year". Big brother took this literally and decided to make his first attempt at skiing on New Year's Day (learning to ski being at the top of his "to do" list for 2009). Needless to say, he loved it!<br /><br />Once again, we have made plenty of resolutions...we'll see how many we get to this year. So far, we're off to a good start!<br /><br />Wishing you a beautiful, blissful new year!carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06162310243682406838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36992272.post-83563500600637356822008-12-23T09:10:00.001-08:002008-12-23T09:13:52.830-08:00merry christmas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxiPbJSHdbqQF5eHQkb7qXtKKwF0q_jUe32bJUrCtkjWQDk7LId1s9naPzTyxiauzEjQLLrkbPtZxtzPT31HiWTaY2aO2LlbWQaUVRylMF_gSXW1IRXnuvlpxR15bIvlxWHO00/s1600-h/IMG_1824.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxiPbJSHdbqQF5eHQkb7qXtKKwF0q_jUe32bJUrCtkjWQDk7LId1s9naPzTyxiauzEjQLLrkbPtZxtzPT31HiWTaY2aO2LlbWQaUVRylMF_gSXW1IRXnuvlpxR15bIvlxWHO00/s400/IMG_1824.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283034701303034242" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpKUHYreXmx5eVlPcKlW3YhckNyQ_l3XUoMnq_xK6dlU5dy9u47ZrNtHg27gtpARhVFNK0aVdF3VM-PY5A5eX_yWwgLf_L5ElufNZMBpBoTqWOjN35sf74yAYBlikDrLg1hwul/s1600-h/IMG_1823.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpKUHYreXmx5eVlPcKlW3YhckNyQ_l3XUoMnq_xK6dlU5dy9u47ZrNtHg27gtpARhVFNK0aVdF3VM-PY5A5eX_yWwgLf_L5ElufNZMBpBoTqWOjN35sf74yAYBlikDrLg1hwul/s400/IMG_1823.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283034294266129650" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Happy holidays from our little corner of the world to yours.carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06162310243682406838noreply@blogger.com0