tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69176777061198143602024-02-19T23:32:01.273-08:00Stop Clamoring AlreadyUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger274125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917677706119814360.post-64575073357890311242018-02-08T20:05:00.000-08:002018-02-08T20:05:05.214-08:00In case you are wondering...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/5hU7GJIYgys/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5hU7GJIYgys?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
How I am adjusting to a more rural lifestyle after a year in Mountain Home, we will call this video clip exhibit A. A bird is trapped in the house and Declan and I are trying to deflect it out the patio doors, but the dogs have other ideas. Spoiler Alert: it does not end well for our erstwhile visitor.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917677706119814360.post-53027705043972566602017-11-29T19:15:00.000-08:002018-02-14T10:47:22.673-08:00Soccer Declan really enjoyed playing soccer here in Mountain Home for the first time. He played on the "Farm Bureau Insurance" team. I advocated for them to name themselves the "Riders" but was outvoted. The team was co-ed, which was fun. Declan also got the chance to play goal one game, which he really enjoyed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSyssu0u4MKI9sy9qyVWWpwroj83-YelCn4RaSqmeYaAFF-jvV5H_TlIl0ae1j8PWvP6iw8ZX9c-v-l1rGYHWyCh5ZFEK2q_gZ4YLSkJd1gOC2FHnYOjEbF833fI_UENWffQWygLX40C1/s1600/declan+soccer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1063" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSyssu0u4MKI9sy9qyVWWpwroj83-YelCn4RaSqmeYaAFF-jvV5H_TlIl0ae1j8PWvP6iw8ZX9c-v-l1rGYHWyCh5ZFEK2q_gZ4YLSkJd1gOC2FHnYOjEbF833fI_UENWffQWygLX40C1/s320/declan+soccer.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
When the photographer took this picture, he tried to elicit a smile from Declan by saying something to the effect that "aren't girls icky?", and Declan replied that that was a very sexist thing to say. The photographer was quite flummoxed and told me he must have said that a 1000 times to different boys and this was the first objection. My boy is woke!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917677706119814360.post-87976071170850572532017-11-16T10:41:00.000-08:002018-02-14T10:42:09.193-08:004th Grade Spelling BeeLet me tell you, I think I discovered why Canadians have a longer life expectancy than Americans, despite spending much less on health care: spelling bees. It was so tense, I can't even tell you. It reminded me of the strongly unpleasant feeling I had watching Shane compete on Jeopardy. Your brain knows this should be fun, but there is still some adrenal . Declan won his class spelling bee, thus earning a spot at the grade final. At Hackler there are more than 300 kids in 4th grade, and they all came out to watch. The thirteen finalists represented each of their classes well, battling it out well into the the 6th grade word list. There were many tense moments for me in the audience, as they started with 2nd grade words which we had not reviewed, and I white-knuckled it when Declan got words like "cheddar" which I wasn't sure if he had ever seen written. He cruised through 12 rounds, making it to the top 3 when he stumbled on "regents". One of the other finalists also stumbled on his word, leaving a championship opening for Yasmine, on the word "bulletin". Declan and Isaac battled it out for second place, as two people were to go on to the County bee. Declan managed to earn that spot in the spell-off, when Isaac misspelled "cypher". <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4v_lJ6ewsLmv4Ahm-0lHV9AJt4RXCANX54_Mm6P0bFWhU7z-Lzqf8_3SlxqfKIMFlXkSYdnMnOC0DnBxgY9gB-jSs9cKsQRUkR0ej-F2sTb6aANiDqTrBvP4hGzLJDM48r97oNaypDNb4/s1600/20171116_162025000_iOS.mov" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4v_lJ6ewsLmv4Ahm-0lHV9AJt4RXCANX54_Mm6P0bFWhU7z-Lzqf8_3SlxqfKIMFlXkSYdnMnOC0DnBxgY9gB-jSs9cKsQRUkR0ej-F2sTb6aANiDqTrBvP4hGzLJDM48r97oNaypDNb4/s320/20171116_162025000_iOS.mov" width="320" /></a> Onto the County bee next year!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm9xyDkcdZ9Ko-LTAv1C01yuKQVDN031wfKz-NtQZImh1l27IrnsqxfNAleioOt-CIOTxBqgSqvoj1yfcNv_7hPcf10kzWsol4csu1fypIvvmMXTJjc0Y5kdVnQN0OjK7DPfVFcQb33ZUV/s1600/IMG_2771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm9xyDkcdZ9Ko-LTAv1C01yuKQVDN031wfKz-NtQZImh1l27IrnsqxfNAleioOt-CIOTxBqgSqvoj1yfcNv_7hPcf10kzWsol4csu1fypIvvmMXTJjc0Y5kdVnQN0OjK7DPfVFcQb33ZUV/s320/IMG_2771.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917677706119814360.post-89418139061196692812017-10-28T10:12:00.000-07:002018-02-14T10:12:59.411-08:00Chili Cookoff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSByNuFDl4eOzjObXoZ-E1tL1cvqu51C6C7TgXGIS4cK9UKwJ0j_C8cJiYmsDFcbJzhdVRKK3Xji1xYPfYC-uumWfO4MdHUIZqjF1CFVMe_GHpx4iU1olXrf4n05IfYAMS4ytKNqcoNCZQ/s1600/20171020_231554812_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSByNuFDl4eOzjObXoZ-E1tL1cvqu51C6C7TgXGIS4cK9UKwJ0j_C8cJiYmsDFcbJzhdVRKK3Xji1xYPfYC-uumWfO4MdHUIZqjF1CFVMe_GHpx4iU1olXrf4n05IfYAMS4ytKNqcoNCZQ/s320/20171020_231554812_iOS.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
The hospital here announced a chili cookoff for employees with cash prizes, and I was all over that like white on rice. I haven't cooked competitively since I was a 1st grade dreamer with a carrot cake in the school bakeoff. I won a blue ribbon for my troubles. I wasn't ready to break my win streak, but chili is not really my forte. At home I make a vegan chili, which I knew wasn't winning anything around these parts. The debate around here is whether there should be beans in chili, not if there should be *only* beans in chili. So I started experimenting with various recipes, and no word of a lie, we ate chili for dinner for like 3 weeks running. This process culminated in an in-house cookoff for our unwitting houseguests, the Whites. Declan made a white chicken chili in the instant pot with a recipe I found for him on the internet to provide some competition but, with a nearly unanimous vote, my all-meat chili won top honours. Unfortunately, that sent Declan back to the drawing board, and he ended up going with another instant pot chicken chili recipe for contest time, despite not having practiced it at all, and ended up winning the whole cookoff. There were only 12 entrants, but he really won it fair and square, and took home a $100 Visa gift card for his troubles. I took second place and $50.<br />
<br />
When Declan asked me if I thought he won because the judges decided to go easy on him because he was a kid competing in an adult competition, I told him probably so. But really his chili was the best one out there. It just killed me a little because his was instant pot, press a button and go, and mine was legit- slaving over a hot stove toasting chilis and the like. Go figure. +-<br />
<br />
This is a picture of Declan, who after tasting his own chili said, "Wow, I see why people love it so much." This was before he had been declared winner, mind you.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO8npUy9fKRGOSk7q_2V6C0_pR2p_gIWwCfKXbbFIC3OoTTpY_MbVKL1j2ERorFILWJA4xwj15glNSAtnV08D5AC8_2ayf3SlDXmLdhyiXWR4abC0jF04TS2DiZHzI7vsutlaNkIUqBgDJ/s1600/20171020_234350097_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO8npUy9fKRGOSk7q_2V6C0_pR2p_gIWwCfKXbbFIC3OoTTpY_MbVKL1j2ERorFILWJA4xwj15glNSAtnV08D5AC8_2ayf3SlDXmLdhyiXWR4abC0jF04TS2DiZHzI7vsutlaNkIUqBgDJ/s320/20171020_234350097_iOS.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<b><br /></b>
Also note his sweater- this was a conscious choice. His plan was that if anyone complimented him on it, he would reply "I thought it might get a little CHILI tonight." Ha. Ladies and gentlemen, my son. Unfortunately the only person who noticed his sweater preempted his pun, by commenting that it was a good thing he wore that sweater because it was a little chilly out. He straight up facepalmed. So close to glory! <i>Per aspera ad astrum, </i>my child.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVvLzDaNqGB3vyYbolCP_zatFIPn9bLVGC0tlxiXFi0EEJHBhWI2tOmrXRLuXAJnHUS-of0TZBZ0-TeiUYTdXZMMmWK2SoB3jpw9sCI_RPG4bMP7xs1kDBsZsn1rGpYDUlUsXWZCOAT29/s1600/20171020_231544478_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVvLzDaNqGB3vyYbolCP_zatFIPn9bLVGC0tlxiXFi0EEJHBhWI2tOmrXRLuXAJnHUS-of0TZBZ0-TeiUYTdXZMMmWK2SoB3jpw9sCI_RPG4bMP7xs1kDBsZsn1rGpYDUlUsXWZCOAT29/s320/20171020_231544478_iOS.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917677706119814360.post-10627547363038994182017-09-09T10:46:00.000-07:002018-02-14T10:46:48.796-08:00Baxter County Fair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQil5wsd_fAApBysR93OfRja1n2RaMoOr1UzKaD6cexeLgavKWJZnhjcl_W4Rd_aAdiE18SziJJ5cR_lLneMPqignHEYt9i0lCTHy1qBMGHrXOTxdg0wZ602TBJXymXOkR5VtX2vO5UjGx/s1600/IMG_1557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQil5wsd_fAApBysR93OfRja1n2RaMoOr1UzKaD6cexeLgavKWJZnhjcl_W4Rd_aAdiE18SziJJ5cR_lLneMPqignHEYt9i0lCTHy1qBMGHrXOTxdg0wZ602TBJXymXOkR5VtX2vO5UjGx/s320/IMG_1557.JPG" width="240" /></a>This being our first year as residents of Baxter County, we were excited to check out the County Fair. We had a great time. It was a perfect evening. When we entered, I asked the ticket lady how much it would be for the three of us, and she said "Fifteen dollars". I replied "That sounds like a fair price" and she gave me what I now call the Baxter stare. Declan went on to earn his very own Baxter stare by telling the owner of this 4H goat, that he was sporting a "Nice Goatee". Made me laugh.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKt5-IPJsn9f0YgdjxQDzYPWJc89knEOj_3eh6_k0Xb0OtjPEeucQEnsBG6nhAbjGHBzY_dzF_Y6_BgV8rhGKIIxO0nqCbhV1_u2Tw63g9XnsHIj39oCUGB4zqBJiTY5T95Xz-RV4bw46k/s1600/IMG_1564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKt5-IPJsn9f0YgdjxQDzYPWJc89knEOj_3eh6_k0Xb0OtjPEeucQEnsBG6nhAbjGHBzY_dzF_Y6_BgV8rhGKIIxO0nqCbhV1_u2Tw63g9XnsHIj39oCUGB4zqBJiTY5T95Xz-RV4bw46k/s320/IMG_1564.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmeR91aC1F_NUtFxRguUKCm26SNDtdvfYyfisdDZPgMyHZm-EAaT8t9zSOmch8TVDhfxq2HGU4n8ac5SYXmDByBKdngrKVvncPhLwGU_6eKT7dWdujhuSJr__JKoa8iurY_k3lTF9Wa92/s1600/IMG_1576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmeR91aC1F_NUtFxRguUKCm26SNDtdvfYyfisdDZPgMyHZm-EAaT8t9zSOmch8TVDhfxq2HGU4n8ac5SYXmDByBKdngrKVvncPhLwGU_6eKT7dWdujhuSJr__JKoa8iurY_k3lTF9Wa92/s320/IMG_1576.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Our favourite stand was a wagering game, wherein you put a quarter on a particular colour, and then they release a rat, like an actual living, breathing scurrying rat, and whatever colour hole he scurries into on the spinning colour wheel is the winner. I have never seen such a thing in all my days.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxHa5b6-Sn0ffr2Ypdaa3qw3KtjZuq3pwvzfCAqhvRxVmoVloEhdw4Ws42b30nQ67dArYArUVH5qFkD8yEaFAG38lcndpSne9qf2AvYDaW24Ud0vvT_iTYicOdp8fqsq_kPj0vV3JYpHm/s1600/20170913_235159000_iOS.MOV" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxHa5b6-Sn0ffr2Ypdaa3qw3KtjZuq3pwvzfCAqhvRxVmoVloEhdw4Ws42b30nQ67dArYArUVH5qFkD8yEaFAG38lcndpSne9qf2AvYDaW24Ud0vvT_iTYicOdp8fqsq_kPj0vV3JYpHm/s320/20170913_235159000_iOS.MOV" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbLPSferrNr_cuJ6bDE1ymo9RXfOPJMqVTaFHxPMSZ5_XXSN30lWUFBsjkjcRAKEOD5rPEgjA4qJo-2nEh3_hFXZMQ36qRjlzQFBbEWcqh2kZx2iDrrsVTdTLeI2eIVx-95WPsvS4BylqO/s1600/20170913_234820000_iOS.MOV" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbLPSferrNr_cuJ6bDE1ymo9RXfOPJMqVTaFHxPMSZ5_XXSN30lWUFBsjkjcRAKEOD5rPEgjA4qJo-2nEh3_hFXZMQ36qRjlzQFBbEWcqh2kZx2iDrrsVTdTLeI2eIVx-95WPsvS4BylqO/s320/20170913_234820000_iOS.MOV" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfQaqg07EL6bGnqxy8ZzbYKy9ueWzjLKyn8Gkv7b7xE0sWw682XORXg2CIuGUdr6HNTDshivGLU5n_-3IMFpQj3bzvC34QKG6CSXwLn_NfFY2V-sIIA5WZeeYzIRhECMDZAsgH3h_reKO/s1600/20170913_234953000_iOS.MOV" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfQaqg07EL6bGnqxy8ZzbYKy9ueWzjLKyn8Gkv7b7xE0sWw682XORXg2CIuGUdr6HNTDshivGLU5n_-3IMFpQj3bzvC34QKG6CSXwLn_NfFY2V-sIIA5WZeeYzIRhECMDZAsgH3h_reKO/s320/20170913_234953000_iOS.MOV" width="180" /></a></div>
<u></u><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917677706119814360.post-70533199980538317862017-07-02T19:59:00.000-07:002018-02-14T10:47:59.700-08:00Post-Target LifeNow that we have moved to Mountain Home, we are more than 2 hours drive from our nearest Target store. This takes me back to my life before Shane, when I lived in benighted Canada, and only got to go to Target when I was passing through Bellingham. I would always stop for stationary and wrapping paper. Now, it is a rare occasion indeed and Declan misses it to. So when I picked him up from Camp Mitchell, we were both keen to stop in Conway to hit up the Tar-gay. It was too hot to leave Livvie in the car, so we smuggled her in. Which is to say, we rolled her in in a regular red cart. As if they were expecting us, they had a selfie area set up where you could have your picture taken with Bullseye. We did.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFQySIcGSEre2-AItOlLHccdevtVtkV6zjCv1-gWB1vQy-6lsncfafYHDjFqCFke8Eng-5OQtFcP_oU9mt2tqT5JDjAO5aBqE-1ojPOgiFxjsuy79wfY_Vk80I3-fXxUi4wHtPtLqC2gmV/s1600/20170721_173232660_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFQySIcGSEre2-AItOlLHccdevtVtkV6zjCv1-gWB1vQy-6lsncfafYHDjFqCFke8Eng-5OQtFcP_oU9mt2tqT5JDjAO5aBqE-1ojPOgiFxjsuy79wfY_Vk80I3-fXxUi4wHtPtLqC2gmV/s320/20170721_173232660_iOS.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPPtlpuKMWYcf7r92DRn9rWoxAMj9VePHFKiw6QfRXsJeYuax3HR0pusCluUr_LKUBXs5So13U4EvxTlm8vwlO1p5fBr2pW6qzMXVB0FMi8dC6KKU9VNz5s-NL8ARKadZn6pXVcv8hINN/s1600/20170721_174043584_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPPtlpuKMWYcf7r92DRn9rWoxAMj9VePHFKiw6QfRXsJeYuax3HR0pusCluUr_LKUBXs5So13U4EvxTlm8vwlO1p5fBr2pW6qzMXVB0FMi8dC6KKU9VNz5s-NL8ARKadZn6pXVcv8hINN/s320/20170721_174043584_iOS.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh73d1Ic_2D-3VXgiEWEFRvAM4mh88UOtgFSFu3FNvxcYOgO-Ic_-FNyhoNXFofJFMq7mKwhpdIdcKiwpR4V22LC1_JFet-ARsfsPsRl7fsMaz5Mo70Jcg7pRrEN0MqVf9eAi66ZImjWoE/s1600/20170721_174107105_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh73d1Ic_2D-3VXgiEWEFRvAM4mh88UOtgFSFu3FNvxcYOgO-Ic_-FNyhoNXFofJFMq7mKwhpdIdcKiwpR4V22LC1_JFet-ARsfsPsRl7fsMaz5Mo70Jcg7pRrEN0MqVf9eAi66ZImjWoE/s320/20170721_174107105_iOS.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Conway, AR, USA35.0886963 -92.442101134.880777800000004 -92.7648246 35.2966148 -92.1193776tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917677706119814360.post-33211269177468847892016-05-13T10:33:00.000-07:002018-02-14T10:48:45.506-08:00Submarine Sleepover<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOtAjehILWF65jbCrOhuoc9pSUiAuTMP-DsyFgNw7yDyCDI2yiBLaZ4WdyGwOjiQBVt8yF8hMHOIGGLpJ_B0O0F6TkmjnPvnXO3G2BU0peKpPogAxL_COdSDkON0C0t4NLLZXw5YhlfBn/s1600/IMG_4360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOtAjehILWF65jbCrOhuoc9pSUiAuTMP-DsyFgNw7yDyCDI2yiBLaZ4WdyGwOjiQBVt8yF8hMHOIGGLpJ_B0O0F6TkmjnPvnXO3G2BU0peKpPogAxL_COdSDkON0C0t4NLLZXw5YhlfBn/s400/IMG_4360.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Declan's Cubscout troop had a sleepover in the USS Razorback, a decommissioned submarine that is parked on the Arkansas River. First off was a very interesting tour, where we saw all the bells and whistles and guts of the submarine, including the bridge, where the internal temperature was usually well above 100 degrees. That lets me out for a submariner career. Well that, and the blood chilling claustrophobia. The boys played then had a thematically appropriate dinner of submarine sandwiches and then played games and watched a movie: Das Boot. Oh it wasn't actually Das Boot, but it was something nautical I'm sure. </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_Y53zCbg-1gbPSABgqESKBqPDyI2mPkvvX_J4LodlmqIEZNwdje3o0PF4vtoRytfqpQd7VCUxzsmpLZpqzhTuEn2oFq0LsNisjCvYiWBnhUCOrgtEWaAzBGWu0MBZBwoIsS2aR0KVtbj/s1600/IMG_4347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_Y53zCbg-1gbPSABgqESKBqPDyI2mPkvvX_J4LodlmqIEZNwdje3o0PF4vtoRytfqpQd7VCUxzsmpLZpqzhTuEn2oFq0LsNisjCvYiWBnhUCOrgtEWaAzBGWu0MBZBwoIsS2aR0KVtbj/s320/IMG_4347.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
<b><br /></b>
They spent the night in the bunks 3 or 4 stacked high, and in the morning dined on doughnuts and chocolate milk. Declan insisted on buying a bucket of army men the next day. I told him that the military life is not all doughnuts and movie nights. But maybe it is, I've never enlisted. There are lots of sleepovers, I know that much.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhklqZJS23S_uEKB8AgrwPw0wrB4i-AXomT_RyeqN6gkCvmU5PACQVJqIDKHIZ9jvc9x2LlfQMAqbxMKMP86N2Yo6KHCA0Wrf-MCeEWqc3dtW_0nTUfA6h3i5N4AknE72is6zpeAjAa0EtS/s1600/IMG_4352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhklqZJS23S_uEKB8AgrwPw0wrB4i-AXomT_RyeqN6gkCvmU5PACQVJqIDKHIZ9jvc9x2LlfQMAqbxMKMP86N2Yo6KHCA0Wrf-MCeEWqc3dtW_0nTUfA6h3i5N4AknE72is6zpeAjAa0EtS/s320/IMG_4352.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkoq6-7KUGVZGFiFFCwMylsRrMyjGOZNidy-H9-Un-uYtROEBCeGPDdsf_GLzH7StALFfW9AczUSkuNtkP_hKG2Q6K39Tj_mvHTF-exP6hsw_tJBXWE-zP3fvW7aHJDnprUUQoBhPb7rmk/s1600/IMG_4368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkoq6-7KUGVZGFiFFCwMylsRrMyjGOZNidy-H9-Un-uYtROEBCeGPDdsf_GLzH7StALFfW9AczUSkuNtkP_hKG2Q6K39Tj_mvHTF-exP6hsw_tJBXWE-zP3fvW7aHJDnprUUQoBhPb7rmk/s320/IMG_4368.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhvZH1EbTy35kbWPpzLd0Rs7hZFzO5ijIhS3OMnJHWVnfcqMDlnC_TbMiI7fFjQCOro4RIlBRSNoqQKUUvhVNxPmED8IggXnbhyphenhyphenrz0r-9L78nQd6mvln9SQuQYVNo9en4095SNnkoRoyRU/s1600/IMG_4349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhvZH1EbTy35kbWPpzLd0Rs7hZFzO5ijIhS3OMnJHWVnfcqMDlnC_TbMiI7fFjQCOro4RIlBRSNoqQKUUvhVNxPmED8IggXnbhyphenhyphenrz0r-9L78nQd6mvln9SQuQYVNo9en4095SNnkoRoyRU/s320/IMG_4349.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyUy8I6AdhaHeLp9hmCHATjK3ljXwgyOGcvWUBeVbPmpmxpJvSOvmrZcG_XDQl5lhW4Skh7W7nLbJUbc2_HpnglLaZHxX8DbLwm8-E0r_UWXiGsE5d-ufZ-6HkYKdZP__4FqSaS41BbTk/s1600/IMG_4373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyUy8I6AdhaHeLp9hmCHATjK3ljXwgyOGcvWUBeVbPmpmxpJvSOvmrZcG_XDQl5lhW4Skh7W7nLbJUbc2_HpnglLaZHxX8DbLwm8-E0r_UWXiGsE5d-ufZ-6HkYKdZP__4FqSaS41BbTk/s320/IMG_4373.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MPilX65VZBWRScrst9kE-qGEJHk-ZQMuBxPbjOMGmXBZG6jn1lrS-8zd_7GDPLfK0wgEuxyiND3ixgPrUeP9se7Of91LwncgwI4Wku2HaYgGbe5QG13bJm2iWKgN42LMOCnPBPvTKdcQ/s1600/IMG_4377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MPilX65VZBWRScrst9kE-qGEJHk-ZQMuBxPbjOMGmXBZG6jn1lrS-8zd_7GDPLfK0wgEuxyiND3ixgPrUeP9se7Of91LwncgwI4Wku2HaYgGbe5QG13bJm2iWKgN42LMOCnPBPvTKdcQ/s320/IMG_4377.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUU3Ez3VUH5_MtXg0AORIK-_9IZP9cpIEqwNQTNy4KEOmCUV6xrp3kJefRZdXmvtSjScppK69Tf9hK65cWeh8mt0OIv66Vfl5esPuxXuHWmxoxw0sSC_n2oHscprMauMwgNK7AjKKXfu-6/s1600/IMG_4372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUU3Ez3VUH5_MtXg0AORIK-_9IZP9cpIEqwNQTNy4KEOmCUV6xrp3kJefRZdXmvtSjScppK69Tf9hK65cWeh8mt0OIv66Vfl5esPuxXuHWmxoxw0sSC_n2oHscprMauMwgNK7AjKKXfu-6/s320/IMG_4372.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWackFyi6iWdrUzNTY9TQwrk4zkRCAUBMNYkdsQpchH6sJKS_SiGYwDN1-9goyj6KmXrns2Nj-HTtqaTDQXYfbSuHTSAU9JYAzYu7sX1mdvN06-UrExVuF9-NkHj_JhcVp-CV5C_PTF5tB/s1600/IMG_4328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWackFyi6iWdrUzNTY9TQwrk4zkRCAUBMNYkdsQpchH6sJKS_SiGYwDN1-9goyj6KmXrns2Nj-HTtqaTDQXYfbSuHTSAU9JYAzYu7sX1mdvN06-UrExVuF9-NkHj_JhcVp-CV5C_PTF5tB/s320/IMG_4328.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917677706119814360.post-43229039926454670412014-07-08T20:49:00.001-07:002014-07-08T20:49:42.393-07:00Spring Break - St. Maarten<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Vn9FAfrY_MIlFqgiYv-siXZoM8sG7cAxAPsxdBSTZjBJJDTSZkHEXf7V4ZH135gO5NonijQHd8uE1I32TMxiqVU0tSUvldmNPKKEd-k4MbBztZ5QiU517RJovKMa2E3HXDi6UWWjJuVF/s1600/P3260173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Vn9FAfrY_MIlFqgiYv-siXZoM8sG7cAxAPsxdBSTZjBJJDTSZkHEXf7V4ZH135gO5NonijQHd8uE1I32TMxiqVU0tSUvldmNPKKEd-k4MbBztZ5QiU517RJovKMa2E3HXDi6UWWjJuVF/s1600/P3260173.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
We had the most fun on our last stop - at St. Maarten. We had opted to take a powerboat tour of the island, which is not the sort of thing we normally would go for, but it was super fun. We had a uber-German boat driver, to whom the whole sea was an autobahn. I've never gone so fast in a boat. It was crazy, and Declan loved every minute of it. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAv3iiHOOnp4ZcpRs6x4rG-o6Qxi3dVIsKV09i6Zem0NEbhxZPJtTRGWIv_ZqAPvccdSVLXVipwEbWTmlHvHwIjOr9N385GlXqXFUkUUxyLJLO_zHN5MMh_yPZ5RQ5cUd5Evz0ml1s84uG/s1600/P3260178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAv3iiHOOnp4ZcpRs6x4rG-o6Qxi3dVIsKV09i6Zem0NEbhxZPJtTRGWIv_ZqAPvccdSVLXVipwEbWTmlHvHwIjOr9N385GlXqXFUkUUxyLJLO_zHN5MMh_yPZ5RQ5cUd5Evz0ml1s84uG/s1600/P3260178.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at Declan's "I can't believe how fast we are going" face!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We stopped at a variety of different snorkel spots and beaches on both the French and Dutch sides of the island. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFP55wvZkk-Z5nTBla7j_Nerm9cgY0o2xjRO6td97kVcp09XJdfdQeXbBTYGHDt7MH6ukt6PZc08TZRGaa3wlb2h239TOjL8UcYz2pVc2I0FKhxPXmzhtWfod1_OdMUYp3BCXg43-MttF/s1600/P3260273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFP55wvZkk-Z5nTBla7j_Nerm9cgY0o2xjRO6td97kVcp09XJdfdQeXbBTYGHDt7MH6ukt6PZc08TZRGaa3wlb2h239TOjL8UcYz2pVc2I0FKhxPXmzhtWfod1_OdMUYp3BCXg43-MttF/s1600/P3260273.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LQcYj69LbkSllq7ylqX-6TwTDDRLZTPNmgBrZNUT3gkZzBXhv7AItyPDDOTWvtkCRlHbC7gZMCky9ueWBIMMUVvYmgRnHLHk-PkQL97LHEyjFi-RWx7t42fMKF0BpN2AfEEQ7wTILSqq/s1600/P3260204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LQcYj69LbkSllq7ylqX-6TwTDDRLZTPNmgBrZNUT3gkZzBXhv7AItyPDDOTWvtkCRlHbC7gZMCky9ueWBIMMUVvYmgRnHLHk-PkQL97LHEyjFi-RWx7t42fMKF0BpN2AfEEQ7wTILSqq/s1600/P3260204.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Declan was excited to spot some sea turtles- this one had fish hitching a ride on his back.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We got some good beach time in too.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSr8CbaIu4QnRKKclOfk24fqu28c-fLnrqf9j-yBdwK0sx-mTPBY5DNCWEropWoUDBHzhOEs5zGekt9lp4rjz-CFRZYtcN2gkvkrfKZ9V6QBNUM4kYjb8vn-DlPTLTyOA1cyN6M7M6sxc/s1600/P3260256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSr8CbaIu4QnRKKclOfk24fqu28c-fLnrqf9j-yBdwK0sx-mTPBY5DNCWEropWoUDBHzhOEs5zGekt9lp4rjz-CFRZYtcN2gkvkrfKZ9V6QBNUM4kYjb8vn-DlPTLTyOA1cyN6M7M6sxc/s1600/P3260256.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
At one of the beaches we came upon a heap of iguanas. Here Declan tries to feed them a blade of grass.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzuSCgmCNqwZWTraE1ufUR6IaHceXPTij3Qp6vdye_zW7PL58LKXfGrnNIO043N8deUmm_B0O9p-hRHfnPttg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We had much better luck after getting a tray of kitchen refuse from a nearby restaurant. The iguanas came a-runnin' after that!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMrDFWawyXHr_55BempMSHQ1jCGamENLXE0tD0WPsXJT_nhdwfxMPxlDzs50XyVfs97BvYP2mB7EtfSO6Om0wabgVOdyHVE3uMDEzPGG29YPjhxlH_j7exS7f5LHEadH7wREfgAtFzOD0/s1600/P3260250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMrDFWawyXHr_55BempMSHQ1jCGamENLXE0tD0WPsXJT_nhdwfxMPxlDzs50XyVfs97BvYP2mB7EtfSO6Om0wabgVOdyHVE3uMDEzPGG29YPjhxlH_j7exS7f5LHEadH7wREfgAtFzOD0/s1600/P3260250.JPG" height="249" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSwtfLZKWsE3py3JhlSh4S7gq8XU7uUYHNNAe-7gEQaiNLB0OhGkmATrIjxNyXKjkJdAegDN4p7HvYS2kYFCp3HqUnDmLoXW7gw6jGuOb-zWgd7kZUfvyvdJnMmDucIMplti7IGoVUDfS/s1600/P3260233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSwtfLZKWsE3py3JhlSh4S7gq8XU7uUYHNNAe-7gEQaiNLB0OhGkmATrIjxNyXKjkJdAegDN4p7HvYS2kYFCp3HqUnDmLoXW7gw6jGuOb-zWgd7kZUfvyvdJnMmDucIMplti7IGoVUDfS/s1600/P3260233.JPG" height="320" width="246" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GVOeOxD9__7dPWwJOaXYG_O66pX2wep_lXRQMV3cZ-J_EH4__fU1wE0T3_EgNZRynXP-HeJShMdY4N4oe4bJvDqQwKmvhF6ANwqb2ZlnDvRlUVPgRYg-nKkFyaC4G_OojvMlZroG39S2/s1600/P3260247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GVOeOxD9__7dPWwJOaXYG_O66pX2wep_lXRQMV3cZ-J_EH4__fU1wE0T3_EgNZRynXP-HeJShMdY4N4oe4bJvDqQwKmvhF6ANwqb2ZlnDvRlUVPgRYg-nKkFyaC4G_OojvMlZroG39S2/s1600/P3260247.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We did make a stop at the famous "Airport Beach" which has St. Maarten's airport runway immediately adjacent. I did not capture in the photo how thrillingly close the airplanes really do come to touching down on sunbathers. It was off the chain.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhflHSnaah0DUQ7KcCgczFpm7P7Qv_RpyKKnS48qiD35Hdb1-mhKUdmrMi4askuFQq4pnEYT-CPcQk76ya1nmYmo6sTKb5SKBupPhP-8G05jTD09AmBKrAgOXyPLt9hTHOq9tuIwyL6hZ/s1600/P3260266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhflHSnaah0DUQ7KcCgczFpm7P7Qv_RpyKKnS48qiD35Hdb1-mhKUdmrMi4askuFQq4pnEYT-CPcQk76ya1nmYmo6sTKb5SKBupPhP-8G05jTD09AmBKrAgOXyPLt9hTHOq9tuIwyL6hZ/s1600/P3260266.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This just looks like an airplane flying by. Was way more exciting than that in person. I'm just not a great photographer! I used up all my action shots on the iguana.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917677706119814360.post-36057535783580688622014-07-08T20:49:00.000-07:002014-07-08T20:49:34.313-07:00Spring Break - St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our next port was St. John in the US Virgin Islands, but we wanted to head over to St. Thomas, because <i>National Park. </i>So we chartered a sailboat and headed over for some National Park snorkel action!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHn8wZhJRkLNqlVeojD2M-b95Uf06zjkIoMj_AvCsrrPB5FMLGq49LB6JZxkc8XBTAL9Uoz2YB9L3MnR03YdDXfgmcFM84AsKJg9si2PZUrLBdVTROYBQU_5s3Re5rkpS4Xq_UkJhG3O1/s1600/P3250136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHn8wZhJRkLNqlVeojD2M-b95Uf06zjkIoMj_AvCsrrPB5FMLGq49LB6JZxkc8XBTAL9Uoz2YB9L3MnR03YdDXfgmcFM84AsKJg9si2PZUrLBdVTROYBQU_5s3Re5rkpS4Xq_UkJhG3O1/s1600/P3250136.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Db7VVP1aFkpzo6EpVucX6my60G-UfXY6w4y4nj3bVhlwHIE1A92e5BUCu4WpZAJx2CrX6vtd23Ag27VqeRyNKLYpnkra9uzUjNE5oA8vPef0hMzGgx9Y6mUBQm8rhtDO2on9LAOjhJZZ/s1600/P3250118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Db7VVP1aFkpzo6EpVucX6my60G-UfXY6w4y4nj3bVhlwHIE1A92e5BUCu4WpZAJx2CrX6vtd23Ag27VqeRyNKLYpnkra9uzUjNE5oA8vPef0hMzGgx9Y6mUBQm8rhtDO2on9LAOjhJZZ/s1600/P3250118.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFiERhb09qfOMVPc1R3AZcV87WYbTn-ARoUWQtSEFyEuwAAXNkNejIubW9BOre_yRKM3ujvLyfxHa3mKEIAERRPLVIZ_Y5vpqDobYIJH9hfPUmRrvUYkD6c1sz7qCF-7wkGThLp5-hioyC/s1600/P3250084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFiERhb09qfOMVPc1R3AZcV87WYbTn-ARoUWQtSEFyEuwAAXNkNejIubW9BOre_yRKM3ujvLyfxHa3mKEIAERRPLVIZ_Y5vpqDobYIJH9hfPUmRrvUYkD6c1sz7qCF-7wkGThLp5-hioyC/s1600/P3250084.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
This was Declan's first time snorkelling in open waters and he did amazingly well! I made him wear his puddle jumper against his will, but we had to swim a long way from the boat's anchor point to the beach at the National Park. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwOQGu3WPTiYzxA6g6lfE1AaYeVT8zi5m8Bkrd0dnfQPDha_jjwFOtALRq0pU3lUOYiUzjnBehV4wcCP6U3XQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0SDQ5tFuuqyVi7E1JupyKHC5usNXYHZEnOoUx-RZoc92I6tHdCQKS-Trzr4ec8P0owYKDC-buZwDT3NaQo194jJz7zpYLf16_pCQrOuukNUO_CltyX2fSoc8wUkW4YiWwMvGJbPGErGK/s1600/P3250089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0SDQ5tFuuqyVi7E1JupyKHC5usNXYHZEnOoUx-RZoc92I6tHdCQKS-Trzr4ec8P0owYKDC-buZwDT3NaQo194jJz7zpYLf16_pCQrOuukNUO_CltyX2fSoc8wUkW4YiWwMvGJbPGErGK/s1600/P3250089.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc81Sd5P3aqGuK5xNjlLg4315Gme1e56Z8E2X-3sd_tNv4dXqcwQaAgJCyyzJZQwbua6hgwiRIeVsdK_Z8WDy0WJK4gZiQeV-pAaReBkuIl3XJ1G6qKp4vnelf31mJnBQsaqM-vXpMPQvK/s1600/P3250098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc81Sd5P3aqGuK5xNjlLg4315Gme1e56Z8E2X-3sd_tNv4dXqcwQaAgJCyyzJZQwbua6hgwiRIeVsdK_Z8WDy0WJK4gZiQeV-pAaReBkuIl3XJ1G6qKp4vnelf31mJnBQsaqM-vXpMPQvK/s1600/P3250098.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the National Park beach, not to crowded!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NDzV8FPc6lTEJGgOfbG3kSQLji4A2jztDJc_tQfU5kiB9CRmWKJ1_J2OonURp_F4Byt99-3oZXeNIOc00RouXyOSzTNznjU3AlRyuBhOGBtXO0EIko8K3AffEZ_Epon4rxKBJo83Bur5/s1600/P3250100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NDzV8FPc6lTEJGgOfbG3kSQLji4A2jztDJc_tQfU5kiB9CRmWKJ1_J2OonURp_F4Byt99-3oZXeNIOc00RouXyOSzTNznjU3AlRyuBhOGBtXO0EIko8K3AffEZ_Epon4rxKBJo83Bur5/s1600/P3250100.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVLtW3uuAm-Sq4AcJTNdvEW6sTlO-pMFggdYk0as_CLaa5GxYMfwSHiGeK8F-krX4gGNK4JNOEwqOAHy94xRT907aCOKeoPYFLN528TOp3FJlKXPnTc9eYnMkzG8K-uIMSHq7Ylh8m5Dn_/s1600/P3250107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVLtW3uuAm-Sq4AcJTNdvEW6sTlO-pMFggdYk0as_CLaa5GxYMfwSHiGeK8F-krX4gGNK4JNOEwqOAHy94xRT907aCOKeoPYFLN528TOp3FJlKXPnTc9eYnMkzG8K-uIMSHq7Ylh8m5Dn_/s1600/P3250107.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We were joined at the boat by a 4 foot long barracuda. Declan opted to get out of the water, but I couldn't bring myself to get out. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAyxTYOjAxjNFVE3V8VhoAKfbiZ6h0LNsGCDhpjxGugivkWt1AOSmYM_dznEkzlENfm_4bVpdVAmdnxhh9JgUgmjXVMcfM0wQlktgcTrgXJHvG0GsMqYMlZuBsCmxdKnB1-iP0ary8_2i/s1600/P3250166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAyxTYOjAxjNFVE3V8VhoAKfbiZ6h0LNsGCDhpjxGugivkWt1AOSmYM_dznEkzlENfm_4bVpdVAmdnxhh9JgUgmjXVMcfM0wQlktgcTrgXJHvG0GsMqYMlZuBsCmxdKnB1-iP0ary8_2i/s1600/P3250166.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Needs something to scale, to recreate the terror!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUgiqJ-BrO4UVZaKzQRORGYaL-hQsYhpaDjHQrtT2MVi8UUSw0uLYIfYnka-RrLRgOP08XyELmaa_i6eUVKgmFdQFIOf9lsY6xsTVi3RHAvuRsFli-y1gPPPNM6d80iO_usSZT_0pb2Lc/s1600/P3250160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUgiqJ-BrO4UVZaKzQRORGYaL-hQsYhpaDjHQrtT2MVi8UUSw0uLYIfYnka-RrLRgOP08XyELmaa_i6eUVKgmFdQFIOf9lsY6xsTVi3RHAvuRsFli-y1gPPPNM6d80iO_usSZT_0pb2Lc/s1600/P3250160.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Let's get out of here!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbdKQ84V9DFi53LcgF9Li-WHH2QY5la4MPFkkVpV3XfR23YK2JmSU38n76DlIavEHZYUoWyQkkr1V_w9nUw3BcpmPQIMcUenwZFTR1Iyg4dtfK-NrHN8mLOxyz18ChyphenhyphentjCKxXD0bn1Ps4/s1600/P3250155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbdKQ84V9DFi53LcgF9Li-WHH2QY5la4MPFkkVpV3XfR23YK2JmSU38n76DlIavEHZYUoWyQkkr1V_w9nUw3BcpmPQIMcUenwZFTR1Iyg4dtfK-NrHN8mLOxyz18ChyphenhyphentjCKxXD0bn1Ps4/s1600/P3250155.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917677706119814360.post-74728461197212791622014-07-08T20:48:00.004-07:002014-07-08T20:48:50.293-07:00Spring Break - Puerto Rico<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9STEXGNTvqTL18UUL4iEGDcoGZhDxl9qWYfVWrMP00qlzB4JAM6U38ecjIqarcwe0d7AzNQ69D-Jq1AcBv-lucewn0wiPtS_nxPZrJie_qPXdGH-nFPvenEx1v8_j17ZEvcaU1RmNXT2/s1600/P3240060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9STEXGNTvqTL18UUL4iEGDcoGZhDxl9qWYfVWrMP00qlzB4JAM6U38ecjIqarcwe0d7AzNQ69D-Jq1AcBv-lucewn0wiPtS_nxPZrJie_qPXdGH-nFPvenEx1v8_j17ZEvcaU1RmNXT2/s1600/P3240060.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our first stop was Puerto Rico, and we opted to spend our time at the San Juan National Historic Site of the Castillo San Cristobal, where we learned about Puerto Rico being the Gibraltar of the Caribbean. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-O6DweHlhijsSN2lQiQMy77pUkzkOOsYq31tRN9R4rXVm96m5W_sfGi3oq6zUPMP0Z3dcdU6y1w0IUM-3yeHLdO8cw-svdBYtgtTFFlFQe1ZOgIcODnmHqPrbX4THeHylXYxXsyDA4Fj-/s1600/P3240052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-O6DweHlhijsSN2lQiQMy77pUkzkOOsYq31tRN9R4rXVm96m5W_sfGi3oq6zUPMP0Z3dcdU6y1w0IUM-3yeHLdO8cw-svdBYtgtTFFlFQe1ZOgIcODnmHqPrbX4THeHylXYxXsyDA4Fj-/s1600/P3240052.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>\</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxtUHWeIPAcVsNAFvMMpCCF3ucZ4Dsf_jgMJ6rTLutPnlmpkjmRfYJZOodLTrp0z1zvkqLmctym24erAqrj6-qD_84TN3nL9lpFVQZrCX1cJVIZCx_qiRsPiHb_ztRhv7IkhfSlgJtfxy/s1600/P3240048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxtUHWeIPAcVsNAFvMMpCCF3ucZ4Dsf_jgMJ6rTLutPnlmpkjmRfYJZOodLTrp0z1zvkqLmctym24erAqrj6-qD_84TN3nL9lpFVQZrCX1cJVIZCx_qiRsPiHb_ztRhv7IkhfSlgJtfxy/s1600/P3240048.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Declan became a Junior Ranger here, which was extra challenging because the workbook was in Spanish. We muddled through somehow.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGV7Qu4D2w3NBvuWzopf7y9Z1bfVaprVTj4rzya3wtEUDs7A3SXjaWSUYYyHPvheJMgkxOImiU-ogCORGinWJwa6X1ZXG-XlOtAlLuFUJGLgXYR6ZIXyVcTAZGhzsglncoH1T7Rw6s7rNk/s1600/P3240029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGV7Qu4D2w3NBvuWzopf7y9Z1bfVaprVTj4rzya3wtEUDs7A3SXjaWSUYYyHPvheJMgkxOImiU-ogCORGinWJwa6X1ZXG-XlOtAlLuFUJGLgXYR6ZIXyVcTAZGhzsglncoH1T7Rw6s7rNk/s1600/P3240029.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exit through the Gift Shop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Declan opted to take some of his very own souvenir money to commission some avian novelty photos. He is a boy after my own heart!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRhzjGTEIllX6t1Pc4vC1jw-hbTQq8pG5ByzpEGpb-UlRQqxB-0LD6g8cLtk6exVr4KN5F5zXIu3yY9qKI_eNBC3PmXZQQKZ0CNjQm1o4ks51uhGN_F7Wj2v8ZImPu3g3YQ_-jvhc8zgj/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRhzjGTEIllX6t1Pc4vC1jw-hbTQq8pG5ByzpEGpb-UlRQqxB-0LD6g8cLtk6exVr4KN5F5zXIu3yY9qKI_eNBC3PmXZQQKZ0CNjQm1o4ks51uhGN_F7Wj2v8ZImPu3g3YQ_-jvhc8zgj/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcZXxt0JmGOTRuExfsEJCRJJU6WvHs00aqesTrYNZsg_UyTowc7H_REVgd3Xz9SYe9_DUjryZf7wH0fDbjVBPC-93aCxXLtWKvVMry9lnPmHSUHA-E5hFgr1InJslGPx9Z0z-LHiHSD3c/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcZXxt0JmGOTRuExfsEJCRJJU6WvHs00aqesTrYNZsg_UyTowc7H_REVgd3Xz9SYe9_DUjryZf7wH0fDbjVBPC-93aCxXLtWKvVMry9lnPmHSUHA-E5hFgr1InJslGPx9Z0z-LHiHSD3c/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUJ8rV5tMS67DsIkNpWU1PUFPe65UiCVe4qxeAIPv0ZpxVWVfKs2nK8GBnl04mdojOKh1oyKabngqRIExZciOO6l2BhcqxlZhX0ZZTaN-k_zcGpzQ-01180-c-SJ2VSruPxVo0TjOi57B/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUJ8rV5tMS67DsIkNpWU1PUFPe65UiCVe4qxeAIPv0ZpxVWVfKs2nK8GBnl04mdojOKh1oyKabngqRIExZciOO6l2BhcqxlZhX0ZZTaN-k_zcGpzQ-01180-c-SJ2VSruPxVo0TjOi57B/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917677706119814360.post-64283884425750788092014-07-08T20:48:00.003-07:002014-07-08T20:48:39.553-07:00Spring Break - Caribbean Cruise<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRysfxundXKrz2TUeILU0b-f8CbJzCyoI3m5CLd0NQ2F0kfmpgzVCqOmGadvGnpYRu9ZLluVEk6UF1vfctY2uLpvUOPRs6NtFZ59rH9_-wE48utWL7-6CMoQ_9iSfnDiB6snSftJVI8Mn6/s1600/P3240027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRysfxundXKrz2TUeILU0b-f8CbJzCyoI3m5CLd0NQ2F0kfmpgzVCqOmGadvGnpYRu9ZLluVEk6UF1vfctY2uLpvUOPRs6NtFZ59rH9_-wE48utWL7-6CMoQ_9iSfnDiB6snSftJVI8Mn6/s1600/P3240027.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
We took a last minute spur of the moment trip to the Caribbean over Spring Break, and ended up on the Celebrity Reflection. going to Puerto Rico, St. Maarten and St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. We got a very reasonable price, with none of the expected school-holiday-price gouge. Apparently because Celebrity doesn't target families as their preferred demographic, they don't charge a premium for school break holidays. The time we took a Royal Caribbean cruise at Spring Break on the Oasis of the Seas, I think the premium was almost 100%, ie. we could have taken the same trip a week later for half the price. The cheapness of the Celebrity pricing made me worry that it wouldn't be nice or family-friendly, but we found it to be nicer than all the other ships we have cruised on, and, surprisingly, had the best kids club programming- better than Disney even.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgckA6hxeSiFg6EmIYnGYgD97Q5dzX494Gh2aRDCVENgJayR4w4s40UIXR3-BXw0WX_fsCjBe61pEE4aXOgm7Sr7dg1AA2H_0R9I4f7fTjII7UHsOMHKjENAiy_xqGherOxJybH4PnU61Ka/s1600/P3220011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgckA6hxeSiFg6EmIYnGYgD97Q5dzX494Gh2aRDCVENgJayR4w4s40UIXR3-BXw0WX_fsCjBe61pEE4aXOgm7Sr7dg1AA2H_0R9I4f7fTjII7UHsOMHKjENAiy_xqGherOxJybH4PnU61Ka/s1600/P3220011.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Sailaway.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcAJDVgF_WWmMcxUJ5JjdUDcZ9ctrHxyi8A_9GeSQqyRboMnsaz4HymANoWD-Qo6nbDUkZtderVwuUOrDq48TfArGU-GZc_iBel8X5YfD-mBBMa9FkkTjsgDfuy1iHH8Q-CkPlN1UWy-_/s1600/P3230021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcAJDVgF_WWmMcxUJ5JjdUDcZ9ctrHxyi8A_9GeSQqyRboMnsaz4HymANoWD-Qo6nbDUkZtderVwuUOrDq48TfArGU-GZc_iBel8X5YfD-mBBMa9FkkTjsgDfuy1iHH8Q-CkPlN1UWy-_/s1600/P3230021.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obligatory towel animal shot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our room was lovely, but Declan had to sleep on the least comfortable pullout on the Seven Seas. The whole ship was only a year old, but they seemed to be using pre-War technology on the pull out. There was sharp exposed metal that Declan had to climb over to get in and out of bed. Poor baby looked as though he'd been mauled by a cheetah by the end of the week! Anomalous crappy thing in an otherwise lovely ship. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTEdpwu30E6CXj3WSmyBFde4E8cSYnMlc2sEZqPjoEgsUmMpG8PSvuqVFth3IOL7EGQR85COI3-knmk3PwV9E1wB3n8X55rjD8rB2ECLKhH7tftuUIQFTJ0hVdBtJbEYWlrU3gTJFdedN/s1600/P3230022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTEdpwu30E6CXj3WSmyBFde4E8cSYnMlc2sEZqPjoEgsUmMpG8PSvuqVFth3IOL7EGQR85COI3-knmk3PwV9E1wB3n8X55rjD8rB2ECLKhH7tftuUIQFTJ0hVdBtJbEYWlrU3gTJFdedN/s1600/P3230022.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Celebrity targets the spa-loving demographic, which apparently includes Declan. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qhimoKHbO844D9h6Y8g0vlTGnDTZ34GPEQ9GWLLO3AdFbBDWSq1_z1BYvwmuy8ZAmUrAzzTt-i0BIKmteZCN6Vmo8adcFaz96S4xo6f9FHz_Hh4i_qjgurJ12dPf6sl0TI0Dy8_m2pVj/s1600/IMG_5117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qhimoKHbO844D9h6Y8g0vlTGnDTZ34GPEQ9GWLLO3AdFbBDWSq1_z1BYvwmuy8ZAmUrAzzTt-i0BIKmteZCN6Vmo8adcFaz96S4xo6f9FHz_Hh4i_qjgurJ12dPf6sl0TI0Dy8_m2pVj/s1600/IMG_5117.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjci0eBCJFa40n0SZyVQRQxsw1GzxE9QPQdi2usyl1i0KODS_tfY6p62TZdeWWnD-YfH65UuRuKl035VfGEKJRjIIVaV8nlwJGf3zHiAbUsgdGf9WpFPO59tMcfTPvMb8t6kkDB80W6RQkH/s1600/IMG_5118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjci0eBCJFa40n0SZyVQRQxsw1GzxE9QPQdi2usyl1i0KODS_tfY6p62TZdeWWnD-YfH65UuRuKl035VfGEKJRjIIVaV8nlwJGf3zHiAbUsgdGf9WpFPO59tMcfTPvMb8t6kkDB80W6RQkH/s1600/IMG_5118.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Food was very good- I would say noticeably better than the other ships we've been on, but we didn't eat in the main dining room, opting instead for the spa cuisine specialty restaurant. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJdJWEDvGLB13Q8fK3VjUiKKJkZ4FEcBH8eVaXIYG1Nieeew32WeFlFDtR7wmZhIXrWgvEM6EBt84yopKckSWCbFhPVD3qKcAAicW1rAd3UxOZejN8F79gCgsN6VTb1dqHzYRba6J3jY2/s1600/P3270281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJdJWEDvGLB13Q8fK3VjUiKKJkZ4FEcBH8eVaXIYG1Nieeew32WeFlFDtR7wmZhIXrWgvEM6EBt84yopKckSWCbFhPVD3qKcAAicW1rAd3UxOZejN8F79gCgsN6VTb1dqHzYRba6J3jY2/s1600/P3270281.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One night we had dinner at a different specialty restaurants- Qsine, which was a molecular gastronomy type establishment. Declan loved it- especially how playfully all the food was presented, like the sushi lollipops. This dinner had a terrible, unforeseen consequence: now whenever Declan is asked what his favourite food is, he will say "molecular gastronomy" which is so punchworthy, I can't even. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNQVKhdlwNcACzmnn1p2StG3BMS0VcFq9lZYWFmyZbOsJgchRGEo5jt32ag14XamcV74bex8uqSPQ_qRisoHZrELMcXMq1ltmXoYQH1d_kWHVuBIHu8Kmhmzdmh73F9E65IJVqgdjFJkj/s1600/IMG_5163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNQVKhdlwNcACzmnn1p2StG3BMS0VcFq9lZYWFmyZbOsJgchRGEo5jt32ag14XamcV74bex8uqSPQ_qRisoHZrELMcXMq1ltmXoYQH1d_kWHVuBIHu8Kmhmzdmh73F9E65IJVqgdjFJkj/s1600/IMG_5163.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Breakfast on our balcony - if you look carefully you can see the beauty of the natural surroundings- Senor Frogs in the background.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkDja4h1jmgHLgEp8YwkTzb0IvnKnsysFAoT_ceR-pXe4rIq5iIRsQybp_JxY1NMG3x1uDKP5zqZuxr6LxmWMHBry0ZeKl_gjU0gZHvfRby9ODmKRwP8QoFZxqQT3-X2JmOoMjeDvH8432/s1600/P3250065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkDja4h1jmgHLgEp8YwkTzb0IvnKnsysFAoT_ceR-pXe4rIq5iIRsQybp_JxY1NMG3x1uDKP5zqZuxr6LxmWMHBry0ZeKl_gjU0gZHvfRby9ODmKRwP8QoFZxqQT3-X2JmOoMjeDvH8432/s1600/P3250065.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There were a lot of fun adult activities onboard too- including a faux Amazing Race type game that Shane and I took way too seriously. In the final round, I actually committed battery against a stranger in the ship's elevator. In my defense, he kind of started it, and it clinched the silver medal for us! Super fun. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQ0YdGkCnTiTtvw_c5M-WH7LEolfTg_qcHG9vOelGiRoRovjZ6wDZ98UGIjGwaiZ57o2A4t9koS3-82_aN5Cu4qkjuIRmqkh-MT_yzDB_VkBcGY1r1z5gm5pI_rF-wQS2NWSXrx0JB24I/s1600/P3280289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQ0YdGkCnTiTtvw_c5M-WH7LEolfTg_qcHG9vOelGiRoRovjZ6wDZ98UGIjGwaiZ57o2A4t9koS3-82_aN5Cu4qkjuIRmqkh-MT_yzDB_VkBcGY1r1z5gm5pI_rF-wQS2NWSXrx0JB24I/s1600/P3280289.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obligatory Bingo game</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917677706119814360.post-78916981243580994342014-07-08T11:44:00.000-07:002014-07-08T11:44:57.934-07:00Los Angeles - Jeopardy <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhar0Y4YkHmko4OxkQZWpA1CKyXyDJSvXMq7UfGLNS2JbdwKj5_m8FiCgmiLg7duGxmcs7hMbTRmbo_-o5k4CtCKkIZcmuZhtFxpyHGao8mKJtbRwPI2pSmb82sZKODjlZW587J9DRQ4lXq/s1600/declan+shane+poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhar0Y4YkHmko4OxkQZWpA1CKyXyDJSvXMq7UfGLNS2JbdwKj5_m8FiCgmiLg7duGxmcs7hMbTRmbo_-o5k4CtCKkIZcmuZhtFxpyHGao8mKJtbRwPI2pSmb82sZKODjlZW587J9DRQ4lXq/s1600/declan+shane+poster.jpg" height="400" width="222" /></a></div>
<br />
So our main purpose of this trip was to attend the tapings of the last three rounds of the Jeopardy Battle of the Decades tournament. Shane was the alternate, and sequestered away in the green room for the whole first day of taping, while Declan and I were in the studio audience. It was a marathon of being well-behaved and quiet as the audience was miked during the performances too, so any peep that Declan made would be turn up on the show's audio. Even during the commerical breaks when they weren't taping, Declan still had to be quiet as either Alex Trebek or announcer Johnny Gilbert would come out and talk to the studio audience. Normally, audience members must be at least 10 years old, but Declan was invited to attend specially by the contestant coordinator, so we were working overtime to keep on our very best behaviour. Declan was particularly excited to watch Ken Jennings play as he had been reading some of the children's trivia books that Ken has published- his line of Junior Genius guides. Declan was also very excited to see Shane get up on stage and play a warm up round during a filming break. He yelled "That's my Daddy!" for the whole audience to hear, and followed up with "He's the alternate!" by way of explanation. It was very sweet- he was so proud of Shane! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXfZuqisoU83o2YwpTWF47EybsTQ6N3PwO8HIZ7BnAFiTTZ0Y63zZw299KCzIr8atMqPnwiJZckoGJPvbE873lwsOaZpOGSv0hN_An79ZcbM1WPAJm103vvKBxmDRDGIOlCZk-_Z1Q0vD/s1600/P4160563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXfZuqisoU83o2YwpTWF47EybsTQ6N3PwO8HIZ7BnAFiTTZ0Y63zZw299KCzIr8atMqPnwiJZckoGJPvbE873lwsOaZpOGSv0hN_An79ZcbM1WPAJm103vvKBxmDRDGIOlCZk-_Z1Q0vD/s1600/P4160563.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Cardboard Alex inside the Studio</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Each day we were there they taped 5 episodes with an hour break for lunch. During commercial breaks in the filiming of each episode, Alex Trebek would often solicit questions from the audience and everytime Declan's hand would shoot up right away. I can't begin to express to you how much terror that would bring in to my heart, as there was no telling what he would come up with. Indeed, the first time Alex called on Declan to ask a question, Declan said "I have seen you try to sell me things on a commercial, Alex Trebek". It wasn't even a question- very much an accusation. Luckily Alex seemed to relish the opportunity to talk about his work schilling for Colonial Penn Insurance. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAclIq3IQOk2nmBVEAtYzN8XlBIevx4HYFoW8qcXHV2O_zbPtTZ2tCOyfoNBQBB5gbyz5UmybyTl3SkDRtEDi5ZTi27WVFQGJpEaQALfJsebldtpVWRTsa83PJhWbrDxJgU-YXHvoGqXfk/s1600/P4160561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAclIq3IQOk2nmBVEAtYzN8XlBIevx4HYFoW8qcXHV2O_zbPtTZ2tCOyfoNBQBB5gbyz5UmybyTl3SkDRtEDi5ZTi27WVFQGJpEaQALfJsebldtpVWRTsa83PJhWbrDxJgU-YXHvoGqXfk/s1600/P4160561.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
After the end of the first day of tapings, we were mingling outside chatting with friends who were either playing in the tournament or there to watch it. The "quiz" community is not overly large, and we have made a lot of friends through the various quiz groups that Shane is involved with, which overlaps with the Jeopardy crowd quite a bit, so this tournament was a nice little reunion. I brought Declan over to meet Brad Rutter, who although he is not quite the household name that Ken Jennings is, he has beaten Ken Jennings before, is overall the most winningest player in Jeopardy history, and is the only player never to have lost a game. I introduced him to Declan saying "this is Brad Rutter, he has won more money on Jeopardy than anybody else. He's won over 3 and a half million dollars!" Declan looks right at Brad and says "Where's Ken?" To his credit, Brad laughed and retold the story in his contestant interview the next day, during the finals where he played against Ken Jennings again, and won again, adding another million to his total winnings. Ken got a kick out of the story too, and sent Declan an autographed Junior Genius Guide for his troubles!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz1ajlLqm5dniKuxS2sp2NuvjW1whRq9XoqU4zFI2JnVQlNxoc7fwpCBZhWpn3pNULQk1SjtgkWAR7W0Nh1zw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
After the final taping we were all invited over to a Jeopardy 30th anniversary party over on the Wheel of Fortune set. It was pretty tony, featuring signature blue cocktails, a french fry bar, and a candy table to end all candy tables. For once we put no limits on Declan letting him fill up a whole punnet box with whatever candies he fancied. He then proceeded to dance jigs for the producers and the contestant coordinators and anyone else who wanted to watch.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKSn-GOyqCHeoqBNXGuYchfZOXN_TPMYPWAvT4RGplFyx9ii5ahJChklZHJTuTusZNXcKko18WtNl8DvkGzYzECBI6yebKmUrnJx5XLKYPuGYZ6Kchxo3MO9HkeHtAhk9KpL6oWLHkGeh4/s1600/P4170567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKSn-GOyqCHeoqBNXGuYchfZOXN_TPMYPWAvT4RGplFyx9ii5ahJChklZHJTuTusZNXcKko18WtNl8DvkGzYzECBI6yebKmUrnJx5XLKYPuGYZ6Kchxo3MO9HkeHtAhk9KpL6oWLHkGeh4/s1600/P4170567.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vp-YBDpa_hjX7XaruLGljF8xPU2MNDVH-Vp4hQoDDPeMab0hVidAczfyJoLF16vqWJVx09s_kLIIKrEQXLZn6NS7bxz0hZifFZuXfMPveBrzEoNIF2_i-dwuYRIS4oPnMG-k_Xoj2Bu6/s1600/declan+and+alex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vp-YBDpa_hjX7XaruLGljF8xPU2MNDVH-Vp4hQoDDPeMab0hVidAczfyJoLF16vqWJVx09s_kLIIKrEQXLZn6NS7bxz0hZifFZuXfMPveBrzEoNIF2_i-dwuYRIS4oPnMG-k_Xoj2Bu6/s1600/declan+and+alex.jpg" height="320" width="305" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Partying with Alex</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917677706119814360.post-24459257852844133572014-07-08T11:40:00.002-07:002014-07-08T11:42:56.313-07:00Los Angeles - Channel IslandsFor our last day of our LA holiday, we took a daytrip out to the Channel Islands National Park. It was the perfect complement to the busy crowded theme park days. It was so lovely and quiet. Because it is hard to get to, it is one of the least visited national parks in the US. We went by boat- it was about an hour-and-a-half each way. Declan was confused to see what appeared to be the exact same buoy with the exact same sealions on it that we saw in Alaska last summer. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHgclMFKh7_PdKAOkeGECdA9pBFL6DHzzqzAbo5IIz1WeBDAjdDJDhMjOFoPH7sRDAnD_GfspqVluDeZCrY59VVP8dOwNJ5-aF_cBYv6zBHBO0rkLYYb3RSJRhLhPsPygfUz0pIsAIT4Ql/s1600/DSC_0219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHgclMFKh7_PdKAOkeGECdA9pBFL6DHzzqzAbo5IIz1WeBDAjdDJDhMjOFoPH7sRDAnD_GfspqVluDeZCrY59VVP8dOwNJ5-aF_cBYv6zBHBO0rkLYYb3RSJRhLhPsPygfUz0pIsAIT4Ql/s1600/DSC_0219.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Confused face</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are no services on the island at all, so we had to pack our own lunch. We ordered a lunch to go the strangely luxurious Hilton room service and it did not disappoint- a mammoth wicker basket with all kinds of punnet boxes full of delectables and table linens. On the very top was one marked "chocolate covered strawberries" which made us the target of much taunting from the other park-bound passengers on the boat over. They were all hard core hikers packing only dehydrated foodstuffs. We enjoyed the heck out of our picnic though.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZ3CqZHhg7xxb59dL001uDL83amJVt-DDVyeyY2SVqn_RtwkpEVX5Cv9KJqylf2CWVcXI_tDkObCZ6iTFaIUvk_e87NpDQMvo4U122eS7jIED4McqxPBCrk6gzZC8-Ttg2vLIgj1F3DBe/s1600/DSC_0236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZ3CqZHhg7xxb59dL001uDL83amJVt-DDVyeyY2SVqn_RtwkpEVX5Cv9KJqylf2CWVcXI_tDkObCZ6iTFaIUvk_e87NpDQMvo4U122eS7jIED4McqxPBCrk6gzZC8-Ttg2vLIgj1F3DBe/s1600/DSC_0236.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7BeZeau0Hw7w-VKDF4NpQo3FojN8kF1LS2IXbA8msI5u5ep4-fxJM8DDQo7Vc7cabL-lmAmtiemvfrhWsr7hPtGtjdXva-U1Rp6MZrLoat5n3ixzlDD31Pf0FjvLCfP5xv8leQCB9OzO/s1600/DSC_0233+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7BeZeau0Hw7w-VKDF4NpQo3FojN8kF1LS2IXbA8msI5u5ep4-fxJM8DDQo7Vc7cabL-lmAmtiemvfrhWsr7hPtGtjdXva-U1Rp6MZrLoat5n3ixzlDD31Pf0FjvLCfP5xv8leQCB9OzO/s1600/DSC_0233+-+Copy.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFESn3JUqc4wIjzqfBT2QzwbFYkvXfIF6H5c5eh39f9R4wnF3QZv4h8H2me5gXQEB8Eo0Q_EeA5fTpAhrfrLFtFai_hIjWhdWwBfABbRF62sb1_YqdHEIFBhmt_XXzkhoKv9uuUOavAS9V/s1600/DSC_0231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFESn3JUqc4wIjzqfBT2QzwbFYkvXfIF6H5c5eh39f9R4wnF3QZv4h8H2me5gXQEB8Eo0Q_EeA5fTpAhrfrLFtFai_hIjWhdWwBfABbRF62sb1_YqdHEIFBhmt_XXzkhoKv9uuUOavAS9V/s1600/DSC_0231.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After lunch we went for a hike around the island. It was gorgeous and no other people around. Lovely day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEMfucIkb00CAsMoIpbpP_zr7FLWeuXfgQygEaC7lO7Fuu0kxpfdkTEGM9s8RDhsv9zDik9pO3Ypk5kE5nLf9F5x0gqiSSbHJLxiQm91kxCODTQib_dW7mWrFIiXpYeOddUTi8C1qhs1m/s1600/DSC_0292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEMfucIkb00CAsMoIpbpP_zr7FLWeuXfgQygEaC7lO7Fuu0kxpfdkTEGM9s8RDhsv9zDik9pO3Ypk5kE5nLf9F5x0gqiSSbHJLxiQm91kxCODTQib_dW7mWrFIiXpYeOddUTi8C1qhs1m/s1600/DSC_0292.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-55Q3lk7AMfUdNWaVYOtjsANnrHN3q9dV69Ut_2WaVuSkWzxNaO3cJWQ-YXPTrtS4MJM0aRy2h9McM_Vs1zcuh56Nr6uZAUtes1aZEXL6VSDqI2hdwEQ6URGI1iIQFIUVvyuc4LQZq_T/s1600/DSC_0295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-55Q3lk7AMfUdNWaVYOtjsANnrHN3q9dV69Ut_2WaVuSkWzxNaO3cJWQ-YXPTrtS4MJM0aRy2h9McM_Vs1zcuh56Nr6uZAUtes1aZEXL6VSDqI2hdwEQ6URGI1iIQFIUVvyuc4LQZq_T/s1600/DSC_0295.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHeCM6ubtPRgGL_eVkTKmCuAJWsz2Ia62dO82n_Cz0bKzcHIGJKwVhBLT07zPTpkLTA6TRcCdtog0Ssdt_YKqyIFaGdwBb4Qe8PL0KnkbThb5PRp57koXkxLS9dblVar1y32Q4PtWTaEab/s1600/DSC_0303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHeCM6ubtPRgGL_eVkTKmCuAJWsz2Ia62dO82n_Cz0bKzcHIGJKwVhBLT07zPTpkLTA6TRcCdtog0Ssdt_YKqyIFaGdwBb4Qe8PL0KnkbThb5PRp57koXkxLS9dblVar1y32Q4PtWTaEab/s1600/DSC_0303.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0SWdBz16C_jrdi0WONOzQ7UqzlPzEkaWd2MAsdPcoUAOZXljiWuqRw-TNvymS4pUYdzQTqwCWXZ5XHHJ0IrTCoHyQ4CmoOtYS8yL9xjztA6fpxcLO-71-ArcJmMZpxalojV8TAgT8u0D/s1600/DSC_0316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0SWdBz16C_jrdi0WONOzQ7UqzlPzEkaWd2MAsdPcoUAOZXljiWuqRw-TNvymS4pUYdzQTqwCWXZ5XHHJ0IrTCoHyQ4CmoOtYS8yL9xjztA6fpxcLO-71-ArcJmMZpxalojV8TAgT8u0D/s1600/DSC_0316.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxsa72HRum1reBGbiQ8wpGBWwES-7OX24tOij434HbPsVMVn90eSohSDYUXGul_7v8slZHIFkY2M1ILzRm_ZuKHJG2b5GlvffEoKUjo-TzksrzII76PNwyetdP8EcgrkzPRhNHMz6M2ft0/s1600/DSC_0266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxsa72HRum1reBGbiQ8wpGBWwES-7OX24tOij434HbPsVMVn90eSohSDYUXGul_7v8slZHIFkY2M1ILzRm_ZuKHJG2b5GlvffEoKUjo-TzksrzII76PNwyetdP8EcgrkzPRhNHMz6M2ft0/s1600/DSC_0266.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7SKw8p2tA4MhE_MGt9PIGJVEqvxoMoxovQ_mAYKCnWXwvVxwuSqmOTouYGWbaxG4OGF7xFPjRRehExAe8uUXQ-3qPWC2oSLoBLAp6Da_FZzVAlJRF02wyqu2o6nGzbc5TXcJzVgN6whyphenhyphen/s1600/DSC_0329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7SKw8p2tA4MhE_MGt9PIGJVEqvxoMoxovQ_mAYKCnWXwvVxwuSqmOTouYGWbaxG4OGF7xFPjRRehExAe8uUXQ-3qPWC2oSLoBLAp6Da_FZzVAlJRF02wyqu2o6nGzbc5TXcJzVgN6whyphenhyphen/s1600/DSC_0329.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Declan earning his Junior Ranger Badge on the boat trip back.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917677706119814360.post-63957341107339574522014-07-08T11:18:00.000-07:002014-07-08T11:42:50.545-07:00Los Angeles - Universal Studios<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Friday was Declan's actual birthday so we started off the day with opening presents in pajamas. Since we were travelling I only brought the presents he was receiving from us, and left the ones from extended family at home. I took video as he opened the gifts and post it here because it perfectly represents his developmental stage where he is so sweetly appreciative of the small inexpensive gifts we were giving him, yet at the same time, was quite disappointed when the well ran dry. Takes after his mama! All of his presents from us had a "National Park" theme to them, as we have really been enjoying visiting the US national parks in the past couple of years, and Declan is crazy about the awesome Junior Ranger program. He has become a Junior Ranger at 8 different parks so far, and he takes his responsibilities very seriously. Said responsibilities mostly manifest in picking up other people's litter while visiting the parks, but hey. Ecological awareness must start somewhere! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/flIyWo3GgtI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
<br />
Lest you think all is too sweet and wholesome with our family, after present opening, Shane and I left Declan at the hotel with a babysitter while we went and did a callback audition with The Chase game show. Now we have left him with hotel babysitters many times, but this one really pushed the envelope. Her name was Mary, and she was 85 if she was a day and was so frail that she became quite winded walking from the elevator to our room (about 30 feet). I wasn't worried about Declan but the whole time we were at the audition I kept envisioning the ways in which Mary might shuffle off this mortal coil in our absence. When we returned, she was surprisingly as alive as when we left, but Shane had to help her out of the chair as she could not get to her feet on her own. So that was a new low for us in outsourcing childcare. Happy Birthday, Honey!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcPFDJbv0cbxmigMZX0IJisIxAjozNhXLkHKUv6gEuYQTTG_kUQSow2YrCPztIbhXm_53ueOxQX5TNUSX0Xvzgor2MQmM7HhSXyW1TJrsnHHpfGIo5ZZxUqTKT0xV0nJZhKrCtU3bxoHb/s1600/declan+universal+birthday+shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcPFDJbv0cbxmigMZX0IJisIxAjozNhXLkHKUv6gEuYQTTG_kUQSow2YrCPztIbhXm_53ueOxQX5TNUSX0Xvzgor2MQmM7HhSXyW1TJrsnHHpfGIo5ZZxUqTKT0xV0nJZhKrCtU3bxoHb/s1600/declan+universal+birthday+shot.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The rest of the day we walked over to Universal Studios next door, and had a grand time. It was actually a lot more fun than I was expecting for some reason. Highlights for Declan were the pet show, the Jurassic Park water ride that we went on 4x, and the Studio tour, which was as delightfully cheesy as ever. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyeRIl3iHsoPgZUIUKqqyOmgauKVK5IF2M6O28gh3Ll94el_tOkBFbOCqm4EEz_6Ph5SyeSszqk1Kii5h64vQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9baprwDtgTxs5xTa_iD4oi-0YTBY6N3kd-oSsx6EVvtGLIHe1mAlHIVSHkM8PN3jnSCPKroPRYto-omr8aTruio9s00FhBTphyphenhyphenXWNS-OdCc4qoHRAcuAcrR9o5XLgQTfXTgsDIdjAypoX/s1600/P4180609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9baprwDtgTxs5xTa_iD4oi-0YTBY6N3kd-oSsx6EVvtGLIHe1mAlHIVSHkM8PN3jnSCPKroPRYto-omr8aTruio9s00FhBTphyphenhyphenXWNS-OdCc4qoHRAcuAcrR9o5XLgQTfXTgsDIdjAypoX/s1600/P4180609.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9BvBwChMDx8RwD2sk8-p9hdtLUSyOsISHwGBDEBOFkTkz1nLfJK5rbOzCFEeHfrSfKWzZXP8RKZ4ZTiBz-iW5m_yhtpaEK5Hf5Cn493GRaMtBXtwqwzZq20YLPWjeB0PS6lbA_wGgxiFS/s1600/P4180613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9BvBwChMDx8RwD2sk8-p9hdtLUSyOsISHwGBDEBOFkTkz1nLfJK5rbOzCFEeHfrSfKWzZXP8RKZ4ZTiBz-iW5m_yhtpaEK5Hf5Cn493GRaMtBXtwqwzZq20YLPWjeB0PS6lbA_wGgxiFS/s1600/P4180613.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiilF1ITP_LB_pTQVw9pTuUtP-tWyPBPYTGsnUGRQwqHZpgQdBWOx-ZUiQgWAqMMHWCJCqHBiC-FB8lo0nfLpi2rIfVR3X0LPiiZT6Zzxvns3klViuGWfqlTkCnKVPe3b0PCqee8G8WBLR7/s1600/P4180603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiilF1ITP_LB_pTQVw9pTuUtP-tWyPBPYTGsnUGRQwqHZpgQdBWOx-ZUiQgWAqMMHWCJCqHBiC-FB8lo0nfLpi2rIfVR3X0LPiiZT6Zzxvns3klViuGWfqlTkCnKVPe3b0PCqee8G8WBLR7/s1600/P4180603.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917677706119814360.post-3413266367573200292014-07-07T19:41:00.003-07:002014-07-08T11:42:23.063-07:00Los Angeles - California AdventureOur second day of the LA trip we had planned to go to California Adventure. Because we were only staying in Anaheim one night before moving to our free Jeopardy hotel, we opted to stay at the Disney property in the Grand Californian Hotel. The hotel itself was kind of meh- a three star hotel at five star prices, but it gives an important perk of being allowed access to the theme parks one hour before they are open. The bad news meant we had to be up to line up at the gate at 6.30 am, but in that first hour of limited admission, we were able to get in a whole day's worth of rides. The most popular ride there right now is Radiator Springs Racers, a Cars themed roller coaster, and during the day the lineups were between 90 and 120 minutes long, but we were able to ride it 3 times before the park opened. As painful as it was to get that early start, it was well worth it in terms of being able to cram as many rides in as possible. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fVZ6SbPWce_9l8Uh2aE_Sibnkh-qNIiTBWVD12_yLawVthKNpLmSoC7YkvgX72Yew0Lib1yFyMLtFd6JXmsFXRxIBzbNMOujQbrj-Xv2y72yq8PTTCrEs5yAWVnfz9bsyd9eGGrTBvsy/s1600/P4140475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fVZ6SbPWce_9l8Uh2aE_Sibnkh-qNIiTBWVD12_yLawVthKNpLmSoC7YkvgX72Yew0Lib1yFyMLtFd6JXmsFXRxIBzbNMOujQbrj-Xv2y72yq8PTTCrEs5yAWVnfz9bsyd9eGGrTBvsy/s1600/P4140475.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">California Adventure- as the first ones in.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0h9vNgFWPPV67UkFYOPXXomwdfZLRws3YoZnoVMg6JDdo2zwL5I1UghA3vlJlxu0v9AIYyD1il93jnVHvAkp5HNoQ_QHWZXIMdrlMQxVcX4ww0ktCIlOMWDlIxfmwFoRR_5pIXv6mYMT/s1600/P4140476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0h9vNgFWPPV67UkFYOPXXomwdfZLRws3YoZnoVMg6JDdo2zwL5I1UghA3vlJlxu0v9AIYyD1il93jnVHvAkp5HNoQ_QHWZXIMdrlMQxVcX4ww0ktCIlOMWDlIxfmwFoRR_5pIXv6mYMT/s1600/P4140476.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moments later, the theme park crush resumes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz369SdHvM_be1G84wea69P_ZOgCG-R5rp1wAjbNh3PLpu0Ie-VLT-Tux-7av0cWN75CvQCk3_xGn-BG1sln75WnAbkzFEvP5NSms0PkHI6Ax3a1sU1B_Ymgb1OJ4P-Zj9Mo4prWElk8k9/s1600/P4140504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz369SdHvM_be1G84wea69P_ZOgCG-R5rp1wAjbNh3PLpu0Ie-VLT-Tux-7av0cWN75CvQCk3_xGn-BG1sln75WnAbkzFEvP5NSms0PkHI6Ax3a1sU1B_Ymgb1OJ4P-Zj9Mo4prWElk8k9/s1600/P4140504.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Declan was never really a huge Cars fan, but he sure enjoyed Radiator Springs, the Disney version. They've done a really good job with it and it feels like an old dusty town. </div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zEj_Ih0JNIiZnjGgfZqOL1ZTJLuMIJne5zIJPN0nL27RJ1mFa2ABlGfMZHHjSfjHwrDfXfvDrwwPOVgWOPpHEjDg0WlK3iOo6u1F8RojbpAS7reMGPxasntzs780bcSRbN-EfnqCM_Vb/s1600/P4140549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zEj_Ih0JNIiZnjGgfZqOL1ZTJLuMIJne5zIJPN0nL27RJ1mFa2ABlGfMZHHjSfjHwrDfXfvDrwwPOVgWOPpHEjDg0WlK3iOo6u1F8RojbpAS7reMGPxasntzs780bcSRbN-EfnqCM_Vb/s1600/P4140549.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
It was fun to see the life-size versions of the Cars characters driving around. Mater even stopped by to wish Declan a happy birthday, which blew his mind.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxI-E2C2dsuRbpj_8W2GlZL9S48pXVUPQdN-BAhvGuM-5R6c5Mr6e3yxJ0j5h4IwZEDwq8KAsXghQpAcV5pNA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqjE9BfnxfF2yJFz9tDNrnbABfLgE3xNMaeebAPSJOCKv68iMxYTvypOwhcLfgwGVBHzHPhAJl-hy9HJxwU6LNrIJbI7Q0WK02yj6zy7Hv4MAKUxog-8VH9a0er7uD2DCabUd7RjBbDU5/s1600/P4140510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqjE9BfnxfF2yJFz9tDNrnbABfLgE3xNMaeebAPSJOCKv68iMxYTvypOwhcLfgwGVBHzHPhAJl-hy9HJxwU6LNrIJbI7Q0WK02yj6zy7Hv4MAKUxog-8VH9a0er7uD2DCabUd7RjBbDU5/s1600/P4140510.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfHWpnOI4wyDJAgj5k_ffmzdHwJMw9DSuvBrndpBagcs3rygFOeZGzawrA96sLrQzb5u8t_pF-shEMcoJpKT5eCeFfPsKa5mV0jVuG5IPneJYParxQQS6Uq6u76UsVA7gZ7-G4wD_Phjp/s1600/P4140506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfHWpnOI4wyDJAgj5k_ffmzdHwJMw9DSuvBrndpBagcs3rygFOeZGzawrA96sLrQzb5u8t_pF-shEMcoJpKT5eCeFfPsKa5mV0jVuG5IPneJYParxQQS6Uq6u76UsVA7gZ7-G4wD_Phjp/s1600/P4140506.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13.333333015441895px;">Luigi's Tires Selfie<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2IevFXOHK5LBUaj3nKKDiFeZPI9Z5lGrHhy_a-e2HNgjt4tnvSx54ygdXKrdBdiwEfnkCtGmFv5CMsEaQQmlR1JGgs1qJ7p4PyJMEAMzdiPpmDBmbUeZbJ97Ku8y0oNwzf71Gcm8C4Tl/s1600/P4140512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2IevFXOHK5LBUaj3nKKDiFeZPI9Z5lGrHhy_a-e2HNgjt4tnvSx54ygdXKrdBdiwEfnkCtGmFv5CMsEaQQmlR1JGgs1qJ7p4PyJMEAMzdiPpmDBmbUeZbJ97Ku8y0oNwzf71Gcm8C4Tl/s1600/P4140512.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We packed it in and headed off to the airport to pick up Shane, and move into our Jeopardy Hotel which was the Hilton Universal Studios. Weird aside about the Hilton Universal Studios, it is a 3 star hotel with 5 star room service. I've had worse room service in all kinds of luxury hotels than they are inexplicably dishing up the Universal Hilton. On the down side, or the not-down side I should say, hotel elevators would not pick up at our floor- the 8th. We would have to walk up one floor to catch an elevator. But hey, it was free.<br />
<br />
We had a little tiny Easter Egg hunt in our room, as it was Easter Monday. It is really easy to hide tiny eggs very, very well, and it took a good hour of "warmer colder" hints before he found all the eggs again. The real challenge was for me to remember where I had hid them. I think there is one still in that hotel room.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYLC__m8qd9TEY7D0LT2LvYei3pYHXYlpg73CU9U6_KymKs3cAkGBULJKLhPYF3IeX1rK9tnb-mxgeVKJGOsXl_SAGZRX38bd-PKCPpulu9osh8Bq5DR1fBo3IZdmIHK5Si8XxqfYIFK2/s1600/DSC_0213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYLC__m8qd9TEY7D0LT2LvYei3pYHXYlpg73CU9U6_KymKs3cAkGBULJKLhPYF3IeX1rK9tnb-mxgeVKJGOsXl_SAGZRX38bd-PKCPpulu9osh8Bq5DR1fBo3IZdmIHK5Si8XxqfYIFK2/s1600/DSC_0213.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917677706119814360.post-75912026990803032562014-07-07T18:02:00.000-07:002014-07-07T18:02:19.042-07:00PA Pioneer DaysFor Pioneer Day at Pulaski Academy the kids are invited to dress up old timey style. I have no idea what went on at Pioneer Day as it was at school and parents weren't invited. But how cute is this picture on his way in to school?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIe2cZgAmn0PHuKnhZ9igXeNwcRv86tf2HGRAdH9GDbsCrjfc5rFaiEmnkx0fQ6UkSHxr1veOIE8vLp6XgU3a0sOv_okd_L23cEHkuVb1I5blu7siw8dSZyBk1zx2Zum7cl7dtGD65aJu/s1600/IMG_3049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIe2cZgAmn0PHuKnhZ9igXeNwcRv86tf2HGRAdH9GDbsCrjfc5rFaiEmnkx0fQ6UkSHxr1veOIE8vLp6XgU3a0sOv_okd_L23cEHkuVb1I5blu7siw8dSZyBk1zx2Zum7cl7dtGD65aJu/s320/IMG_3049.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917677706119814360.post-42446675553658264082014-07-07T18:01:00.000-07:002014-07-08T11:42:07.075-07:00Los Angeles- Disneyland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After his heartbreaking bad luck in the first round of the Jeopardy Decades tournament, Shane was pickedv to be the alternate for the next round of the tournament. Should any of the lovely friends and competitors who had made it through to the next round be unable to play, Shane would be on hand to take their place. The chances of this happening were very slim, and since the show's producers had </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
specially invited Declan to attend, we decided to make a family trip out of it, and celebrate Declan's sixth birthday on the road. Great idea, but I accidentally booked Declan and I on flights a day too early, before we had our Jeopardy-sponsored hotel room and a day before Shane was to arrive. We decided that this would be a good time for Declan and I to go to Disneyland, as we could stay out in Anaheim for the night and save the price of admission </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
for Shane's ticket. At $100/day per adult, that's not nothing. We flew out to LA at 6 am and went straight from the airport to Disneyland. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKyCp5pd6UVsY4BYtDzuRQ9dcmuGrI3AzYLtvCABoPltfIb0lqLA7zx_mof9B5Yd651RtWwsk3sYFRp1jZYnr6YH1jDK8oliofz-Qqt-ISj0ov1vop9h1kSsiRCeEDT7f20rJV5iX8Amvj/s1600/DSC_0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKyCp5pd6UVsY4BYtDzuRQ9dcmuGrI3AzYLtvCABoPltfIb0lqLA7zx_mof9B5Yd651RtWwsk3sYFRp1jZYnr6YH1jDK8oliofz-Qqt-ISj0ov1vop9h1kSsiRCeEDT7f20rJV5iX8Amvj/s1600/DSC_0067.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Since it was his birthday week, the staff gave Declan a birthday button, which meant that every Disney employee, er. cast member was contractually obligated to stop whatever work they were doing to wish Declan a happy birthday as we walked by. First on our agenda was to hit Space Mountain. At our first Disneyworld trip in the fall of 2012, Declan wasn't tall enough to go on Space Mountain. We had been milking this as a reason to eat veg for the last year and a half, and finally now he was tall enough to make the cut. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8ekiraySpC85Al2ULnEBoBgTG_yVKyQJT36mJKmeF7oTL-MkP0NtLa3S0x35al7RIpVA96MMLYkYWwEChyphenhyphenvvI39kVEKOGzFr9yBP_WiMcC8SDLGKyEM4lpZYkb4DqAfSVn_HDZTzcp3j/s1600/P4130444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8ekiraySpC85Al2ULnEBoBgTG_yVKyQJT36mJKmeF7oTL-MkP0NtLa3S0x35al7RIpVA96MMLYkYWwEChyphenhyphenvvI39kVEKOGzFr9yBP_WiMcC8SDLGKyEM4lpZYkb4DqAfSVn_HDZTzcp3j/s1600/P4130444.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before Space Mountain - so excited!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSn4DA7syyK3Z3ix6TCTsb-rIUJ-MGN-fCFtKZMDzdISMWwWVz5gbd3Vo3kgghKa5o5LsDBUlDPQBtF_OxPmoVafSYn37eyW6e3jQa1kQvzqPelMsavL655CmbrcbKlMQL0wqf6JpAQ-MR/s1600/P4130447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSn4DA7syyK3Z3ix6TCTsb-rIUJ-MGN-fCFtKZMDzdISMWwWVz5gbd3Vo3kgghKa5o5LsDBUlDPQBtF_OxPmoVafSYn37eyW6e3jQa1kQvzqPelMsavL655CmbrcbKlMQL0wqf6JpAQ-MR/s1600/P4130447.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">During Space Mountain- so terrified! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDN9b-YhiB07O0meTTT_uKTjUnbcBXJwABCvIyM3Qzibu0xby3gHXe5zyScpMhQIQOCUmaDPGr6IW9CWt8wmX-rsvS_DBRtDlHcE1EGD7zJClfZFQN6tf-3wWmTS4UBTKbsGc0G0SooNmf/s1600/P4130452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDN9b-YhiB07O0meTTT_uKTjUnbcBXJwABCvIyM3Qzibu0xby3gHXe5zyScpMhQIQOCUmaDPGr6IW9CWt8wmX-rsvS_DBRtDlHcE1EGD7zJClfZFQN6tf-3wWmTS4UBTKbsGc0G0SooNmf/s1600/P4130452.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After Space Mountain- just glad to be alive.<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
He hated it. That's the first roller coaster he hasn't wanted to do over. All those vegetables for nothing. Star Tours was a big hit though, and in keeping with his newly discovered love of Star Wars, a big portion of the day at Disney was spent at the Jedi Training Academy. This is a live action audience participation show that young would-be padewans can participate in. The hard part is getting chosen from the audience to join the Academy. We had read up a little online on how to get picked, and had donned some Star Wars gear in hopes of being chosen. This part was stressful! It was heartbreaking to see kids get passed over by the Jedi Master. Declan was one of the last chosen, and it was a relief. He was issued a Jedi Robe and a light saber, and received some instruction in hand-to-hand combat. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSkSJliAUDQrKo9SxNsNaef2x9zfAyrza28gbP0941sDQ-uR4MLGJvtPDDTGH914Fovq7ofXXYNKh50gLoLl6u1WbHMVTLPTcstwunYxF6r8lcs9DwNg-8puaxGdXmAoGkJtP6kY38NtsZ/s1600/DSC_0080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSkSJliAUDQrKo9SxNsNaef2x9zfAyrza28gbP0941sDQ-uR4MLGJvtPDDTGH914Fovq7ofXXYNKh50gLoLl6u1WbHMVTLPTcstwunYxF6r8lcs9DwNg-8puaxGdXmAoGkJtP6kY38NtsZ/s1600/DSC_0080.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEU2wqPcalY_tuAnzJu_TfOI6fr55jmKwFPzppAPpRr5KDvMD6YXWk34Ja5jyzvbvJKAFdNFlsJ4cBTcq8zavsYLwbtodWrfveERbA4N7t0DLrC4DbANuabqV9-dK65hRm_ZUMUnF9DHki/s1600/jedi+declan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEU2wqPcalY_tuAnzJu_TfOI6fr55jmKwFPzppAPpRr5KDvMD6YXWk34Ja5jyzvbvJKAFdNFlsJ4cBTcq8zavsYLwbtodWrfveERbA4N7t0DLrC4DbANuabqV9-dK65hRm_ZUMUnF9DHki/s1600/jedi+declan.jpg" height="400" width="270" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Padewan learner.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After learning some light saber basics, Declan got to go up on stage and confront Darth Vader mano a mano. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5dV556-bAzuuxEBfuFwby8hT-IBYro_8_FYO9aRC82MrOUCk-xMOuHTl-QGzPdj3MgBc-sD1hAKt7A96zTVlr0G4FF4ht5PhIVSmVq4vhaXMAwmBbLoUAaw48vU_fAHTvGh5cPyikrW9/s1600/battling+darth+vader.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5dV556-bAzuuxEBfuFwby8hT-IBYro_8_FYO9aRC82MrOUCk-xMOuHTl-QGzPdj3MgBc-sD1hAKt7A96zTVlr0G4FF4ht5PhIVSmVq4vhaXMAwmBbLoUAaw48vU_fAHTvGh5cPyikrW9/s1600/battling+darth+vader.jpg" height="204" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
He also opte to go back and battle Darth Maul. I thought this very brave, as Darth Maul looked scary as all get out, and they generally only had the big kids go up against him. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilt-GVhendi7rvzmLOQPg_TcRGOOD4gj77sZjSdq2bruTtFOXYHXbKSu5J7rFxcGU0Sz_TJkFIdRonU62C6f38XXpGgYzC-bWWf8bj_sxIwwJLpj-oU87UEkzRSXwwLB9taT2bZgl94Q2M/s1600/jedi+darth+maul+vader.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilt-GVhendi7rvzmLOQPg_TcRGOOD4gj77sZjSdq2bruTtFOXYHXbKSu5J7rFxcGU0Sz_TJkFIdRonU62C6f38XXpGgYzC-bWWf8bj_sxIwwJLpj-oU87UEkzRSXwwLB9taT2bZgl94Q2M/s1600/jedi+darth+maul+vader.jpg" height="282" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwvZ-KgrrilgfsPWExdYWMRVLWrtotrth7E7SXdor7a62g9Jn0tOIJ2U1oqeCIsvHU5V2PPMtNoTnROGvWOPqDKgcgEm9nd8ToddsW-QipNB1JwZ9BPnwW1Hn-SAriwsTHoz0yJeaQuWs/s1600/jedi+darth+maul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwvZ-KgrrilgfsPWExdYWMRVLWrtotrth7E7SXdor7a62g9Jn0tOIJ2U1oqeCIsvHU5V2PPMtNoTnROGvWOPqDKgcgEm9nd8ToddsW-QipNB1JwZ9BPnwW1Hn-SAriwsTHoz0yJeaQuWs/s1600/jedi+darth+maul.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
The Jedi Training was definitely Declan's highlight of the day. His favourite ride was the Matterhorn. We ended up packing it in a bit early as our day had started with a 2 AM PST trip to the airport, so we were both ready to turn in at dinner time. But we enjoyed every minute while we were there.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDsrctuJ7ND8OvgnTT5sLe46MA5hlpb0G8pM06GBj4a7SykLUSnubUMx4T-hCllB3LYjcSHgzYXQvOugsRZpzi32MlaR9zDjp_SAX0EObHuCFsXn5vd6I1MOtknWvG3cr1Bk9EO47BXR65/s1600/DSC_0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDsrctuJ7ND8OvgnTT5sLe46MA5hlpb0G8pM06GBj4a7SykLUSnubUMx4T-hCllB3LYjcSHgzYXQvOugsRZpzi32MlaR9zDjp_SAX0EObHuCFsXn5vd6I1MOtknWvG3cr1Bk9EO47BXR65/s1600/DSC_0059.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917677706119814360.post-12110111165618611132014-07-06T19:52:00.000-07:002014-07-06T19:52:01.300-07:00Toad Suck Pet ShowWe kicked off summer with a visit to the annual Toad Suck festival. Loyal readers will recollect that this is <a href="http://stopclamoringalready.blogspot.com/2013/05/toad-suck-time-warp.html" target="_blank">the very first festival Declan ever attended.</a> His life has basically been one festival after another ever since. For the first time, Declan entered the Toad Suck Pet Show competition, with his bff Phoebe, who was suitably attired as a hamburger. It was a tough competition- all the boys and girls who had entered were quite a bit older, and had dogs that did actual tricks. Phoebe will only listen to Declan if he is holding a treat, otherwise she files him under disregard. I had forgotten to bring some training treats, but got a granola bar out of my purse and broke it into pieces so Declan could use that to bribe Phoebe with compliance.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsvMyJX6T7ZEa7mnBMdxsZ5FWutPevtEPtpT5aSPWaBIP4IP3YVDGh9MyBMfNX0dkbc9ypOs20__u2WDRR_CkEkB0FB6m6d6dz3RsRR-QktE05eF4NMO9kNpDYOwzVPMC1yD8JiYWbOuN2/s1600/DSC_0343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsvMyJX6T7ZEa7mnBMdxsZ5FWutPevtEPtpT5aSPWaBIP4IP3YVDGh9MyBMfNX0dkbc9ypOs20__u2WDRR_CkEkB0FB6m6d6dz3RsRR-QktE05eF4NMO9kNpDYOwzVPMC1yD8JiYWbOuN2/s1600/DSC_0343.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The Emcee asked Declan what kind of dog Phoebe was, and he replied "Spaniel crossed with Burger". Declan is coming into his own comedy-wise, and he had the audience laughing pretty heartily. He ran through Phoebe's trick repetoire pretty quickly, ("Sit" and "Lie Down"), the Emcee asked if Declan could do some tricks to help catch Phoebe up to the other dogs in the show. Declan said he could sit as well, promptly sank to the grass, then popped up again and tossed one of the "training treats" from his pocket into his mouth. Not realizing, the treats were actually chunks of granola bar, the audience was aghast, but the judges were won over by Declan's commitment to his role.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDgHddJ8tXlMAlABq8BqLz32NpSlh9rmLbuWKluFrg3UVrhSLtGDW2p8z3KriOn4vwmrZGzpnONUHDOQfBYZiyZWrFKZE6tRasrwcwzQLTB-XM4B-EU2_jxsA64l1vtACrByYZ2xG_Zn5/s1600/DSC_0340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDgHddJ8tXlMAlABq8BqLz32NpSlh9rmLbuWKluFrg3UVrhSLtGDW2p8z3KriOn4vwmrZGzpnONUHDOQfBYZiyZWrFKZE6tRasrwcwzQLTB-XM4B-EU2_jxsA64l1vtACrByYZ2xG_Zn5/s1600/DSC_0340.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We had a real Toddlers & Tiaras moment when the judges announced the winners from the "Large Dog" category and Phoebe was not among them; Declan was completely downtrodden <i>not realizing he had pulled for a higher title. </i>When Declan and Phoebe were called up as winners of BEST IN SHOW and awarded a ginormous trophy, Declan could not stop making this face for quite some time. This is his surprised face. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYD6-W6UtfhD67H2N8wKV4bd2Ypu7HswDD6z-1BHvPGm2b6M-TpRWCmnIxAzToDzd1p0Gfp1UqKbLFODv-YlyarQ3sP9M9xuquC9QPrOoaOiMmOiGklaUFTwFPnJrMrCZmEx4vrbmkaNVy/s1600/DSC_0371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYD6-W6UtfhD67H2N8wKV4bd2Ypu7HswDD6z-1BHvPGm2b6M-TpRWCmnIxAzToDzd1p0Gfp1UqKbLFODv-YlyarQ3sP9M9xuquC9QPrOoaOiMmOiGklaUFTwFPnJrMrCZmEx4vrbmkaNVy/s1600/DSC_0371.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Still his surprised face.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yYR6xtW-eLp25TuCTAuIsrdM2BrT8FX-AzRvdHS9JVX4EEwSDDOsH9uWFA5pdktNd9S5zRcSfTx_IQiM50wnS3GLKSp5yim-RXixoy0PiBmjuYrZUzVm4EOcHhUGP1-PWcdQhyphenhyphenAxzAnl/s1600/DSC_0373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yYR6xtW-eLp25TuCTAuIsrdM2BrT8FX-AzRvdHS9JVX4EEwSDDOsH9uWFA5pdktNd9S5zRcSfTx_IQiM50wnS3GLKSp5yim-RXixoy0PiBmjuYrZUzVm4EOcHhUGP1-PWcdQhyphenhyphenAxzAnl/s1600/DSC_0373.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
What a team!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycYamB93i5Io0VovJGKgiuNomne455rfP0dWeiXBnLgpicS-mWWMOIDCuBjzCIewiolYGg3JIE7uu0KKQOnp-kmPHSkCAM0ZJIaoZiyR-DQH9e3AIja404sPEKJCQBjeK7wFoz7ZDsuGr/s1600/DSC_0375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycYamB93i5Io0VovJGKgiuNomne455rfP0dWeiXBnLgpicS-mWWMOIDCuBjzCIewiolYGg3JIE7uu0KKQOnp-kmPHSkCAM0ZJIaoZiyR-DQH9e3AIja404sPEKJCQBjeK7wFoz7ZDsuGr/s1600/DSC_0375.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
Celebratory Jig. Trophy now has pride of place on Declan's night stand.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-BJxmNlf25VgVjyTPDpuKMLF4aWAgUDG049NaWFNPI8sCUYYSACJs6gq4ZROuCkMAZY7Jq0zxZw69G-Q6dr4UYUZJKm6yR8ByZEAKbcObml4nh3zvke8BVQ1Dq8th83fMsXNg04OxmOFt/s1600/DSC_0376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-BJxmNlf25VgVjyTPDpuKMLF4aWAgUDG049NaWFNPI8sCUYYSACJs6gq4ZROuCkMAZY7Jq0zxZw69G-Q6dr4UYUZJKm6yR8ByZEAKbcObml4nh3zvke8BVQ1Dq8th83fMsXNg04OxmOFt/s1600/DSC_0376.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917677706119814360.post-6775589514814918152014-07-05T20:33:00.001-07:002014-07-05T20:33:56.958-07:00Vocabulary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzc06qeYG95wwimD-hLfzoB6Vu4So_a3oZH7etIowhf-XPIiFnsnw35e1_U6ztXnvSecB_bATnCZcr0ZL6MyQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Declan's vocabulary is growing by leaps and bounds. On this day, he used the word "parkour", which I wouldn't have thought he would know, so I asked him what he thought it meant, and this was his demonstration. Makes me laugh, everytime.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917677706119814360.post-57575848931348088222014-02-17T06:15:00.000-08:002014-02-17T06:15:01.637-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7RFkmmfnQaqfOkNXnUsFzW_87rMNkUdxnM51Lpeo-D0Pv-Li4kHy3x_9PogQ51ONyjXFrM2_Pg0-hm5Yt1iBgV5MbBwmNUNEG13ccVYKi88V1Nfb3GM4GUOQiOnpBjDnOOjQsa4036Xl/s1600/P2161572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7RFkmmfnQaqfOkNXnUsFzW_87rMNkUdxnM51Lpeo-D0Pv-Li4kHy3x_9PogQ51ONyjXFrM2_Pg0-hm5Yt1iBgV5MbBwmNUNEG13ccVYKi88V1Nfb3GM4GUOQiOnpBjDnOOjQsa4036Xl/s1600/P2161572.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Declan had his first solo trail ride today, on a very gentle senior horse named Brownie. It was an all-terrain adventure, ridgin through woods, meadows and fording 4 different streams, up and down some pretty extreme embankments. When we got home Shane asked him how the trip was, Declan said "It was a very long journey." It was nice to be out in the beautiful weather after what seemed like a particularly long and nasty winter this year. <br />
<br />
Afterwards we went to the gym to learn how to snorkel in anticipation of our Spring Break Caribbean vacation that is around the corner. Declan took to it right away and really enjoyed practicing. He has never been too keen on getting into the open ocean though, so we will see how he fares now that he is a little older. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEAAtID3x1J5fUkunMN3aNqMAweWIX-Vnh6vk9pduwERApW30nzYwdds3cMpJu9XYSKGzYWa1K4XO5QyGdSBeE9skjgZ416g3cyllTqSRerWz9a4X4u0zmuJdGWq_VeNjQO4bQSvX7ao2/s1600/P2161610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEAAtID3x1J5fUkunMN3aNqMAweWIX-Vnh6vk9pduwERApW30nzYwdds3cMpJu9XYSKGzYWa1K4XO5QyGdSBeE9skjgZ416g3cyllTqSRerWz9a4X4u0zmuJdGWq_VeNjQO4bQSvX7ao2/s1600/P2161610.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzNl8reu8fpRk76ApdBKwJsFubnkOKA5mabRZS2klto3L7pYzjCJWYnVsNjpUBk-lLqt_OsNMe401D39fBgeb2kaRAd-EB1LiXcwXKLXz9sGo8IyLmhRJ7XV5L0HU2jwJLuA9fhZxt0ky/s1600/P2161602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzNl8reu8fpRk76ApdBKwJsFubnkOKA5mabRZS2klto3L7pYzjCJWYnVsNjpUBk-lLqt_OsNMe401D39fBgeb2kaRAd-EB1LiXcwXKLXz9sGo8IyLmhRJ7XV5L0HU2jwJLuA9fhZxt0ky/s1600/P2161602.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXNaleWucaqoVQ7g0ZaBKgV-q7tUobZAGcWx0von4_a7o6EJcQUgewcGAlUl_MwgOJD8-Tcngs3Qg5zkpJhX-q8dXH7Rpu0NTSCqkLaTdF3bZZgelTFYbdpWxpQyE3SYGsye_Bbmpvsk5/s1600/P2161597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXNaleWucaqoVQ7g0ZaBKgV-q7tUobZAGcWx0von4_a7o6EJcQUgewcGAlUl_MwgOJD8-Tcngs3Qg5zkpJhX-q8dXH7Rpu0NTSCqkLaTdF3bZZgelTFYbdpWxpQyE3SYGsye_Bbmpvsk5/s1600/P2161597.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917677706119814360.post-60137095628990564442013-10-09T16:47:00.003-07:002013-10-09T16:47:51.448-07:00Detailed Twitter Signup Instructions
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here are detailed instructions on how to sign up for Twitter for those of you unfamiliar with Twitter but wanting to help vote for Shane to get back on Jeopardy.
It may look complicated but the whole process should only take you about a
minute.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go to
twitter.com and fill in the fields under the heading “New to Twitter”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can enter any name you would like, real
or otherwise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enter a valid email
address and a password and then choose “Sign Up for Twitter”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Under the heading “Join Twitter Today” you will
see your email and password as you entered them on the previous page, and be
asked to confirm a unique username.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
has to be different from all the other twitter users.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once you have picked a unique name, green
text in the margin will confirm that the username is available and you can
click on “Create My Account”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Twitter will show you an example tweet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Click on “Next”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Twitter will ask you to “Build Your Timeline” by
selecting at least 5 people to follow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You can select follow from any of Twitter’s suggestions or you can use
the search box to find people/groups you are interested in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you choose to follow someone that means
you will be able to read their tweets in your twitter feed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can follow as many people as you like.
Some people in turn, will follow you. Once you pick at least 5 people to follow,
you can click on next. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Twitter then asks you to “See Who is Here” which
means pick 5 more people/groups to follow. You can search for anything or
anybody in the search box, it can be news channels, television shows, bloggers,
athletes, basically anyone you can think of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Once you pick 5 more to follow, you can click “Next”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Twitter then invites you to “Add People You Know”.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can click on whichever email program
you use, Gmail, Hotmail, AOL or Yahoo!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This will bring up the Twitter accounts of anyone in your Contacts
list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you don’t want to add your
contacts, you can scroll down and click on the word “Skip” at the bottom of the
left-hand box.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Twitter then invites you to “Add<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Character” by adding a photo of yourself and
writing a short bio that will appear on your profile page.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you don’t wish to do this, click “Skip” at
the bottom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">8.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You have made it to your Twitter page now!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the upper right hand corner you will see a
square with a quill in it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPUB9Bkj3r4Wlw_mmRtxemCGcNl17vkoTSU4_Bn_Hzf3CWO9c1OkG9YnocblX0_0kZQ-0N2RjrS6QnyPvNtaEaYNDqSh_uFpJWaJ2N9Up6kuCF0QWDMzgcvHgmFUs4TFwyPaGvRI8-boQ/s1600/twitter_quill1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPUB9Bkj3r4Wlw_mmRtxemCGcNl17vkoTSU4_Bn_Hzf3CWO9c1OkG9YnocblX0_0kZQ-0N2RjrS6QnyPvNtaEaYNDqSh_uFpJWaJ2N9Up6kuCF0QWDMzgcvHgmFUs4TFwyPaGvRI8-boQ/s320/twitter_quill1.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Click on
this button and a dialogue box will open up under the heading “What’s Happening”
to allow you to compose a tweet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">9.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To vote for Shane type “Shane #JeopardyVote” and
then click the “Tweet” button.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because
you used the hashtag (#) before the phrase “jeopardyvote” Jeopardy producers
will be able to see your vote. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">10.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thanks for helping!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Retweet every day!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917677706119814360.post-18697154716586359422013-09-08T17:13:00.001-07:002013-09-08T17:13:58.445-07:00Best Buddies.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiuzzq_UL61skJs7CcBY0z-S0LfuSUFYp5U-x2w8szreYQHvW3tdJWNIBIIKfXBdPXO5clUI0VzRaLWOG9FNbrOxXW3dI1oSong2Qd8Vv7M3B97IWWwyJDKFssNllW6fBs4OC-a9bXd0f3/s1600/declan+and+phoebe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiuzzq_UL61skJs7CcBY0z-S0LfuSUFYp5U-x2w8szreYQHvW3tdJWNIBIIKfXBdPXO5clUI0VzRaLWOG9FNbrOxXW3dI1oSong2Qd8Vv7M3B97IWWwyJDKFssNllW6fBs4OC-a9bXd0f3/s320/declan+and+phoebe.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917677706119814360.post-35331587752200814952013-08-19T08:03:00.003-07:002013-08-19T08:06:24.442-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHHFS6o9owJpbJTRbdlxooWUzIbf3QVLA6DiNZ-0ZxHtQKQhumLXsLG-zrvVcaQDKYxdYu5rwpObK-xMdZXbYmaOxa2OBDaLBNFgJiVWgS2zv730kzYieu_-QzVcLPH_ypysLuQ5eONiv/s1600/first+day+of+kindergarent+038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHHFS6o9owJpbJTRbdlxooWUzIbf3QVLA6DiNZ-0ZxHtQKQhumLXsLG-zrvVcaQDKYxdYu5rwpObK-xMdZXbYmaOxa2OBDaLBNFgJiVWgS2zv730kzYieu_-QzVcLPH_ypysLuQ5eONiv/s320/first+day+of+kindergarent+038.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
Declan started Kindergarten today, at Forest Park, the fourth school he's gone to so far! He is a little nervous about starting at a brand new school, which I found somewhat surprising. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbFZaI0inksdhs06w2Wb82euvBhcSixBNVzbr7s9hutYWFHovTkx_BXtsyHNnP54AKPwCCZr1ND2sElUJ6yEpkN2WDoIlZvPtIvhnjijARq3ZYivtG045W0Qm-m1kuTxXCx_jmSNw5UeP/s1600/first+day+of+kindergarent+089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbFZaI0inksdhs06w2Wb82euvBhcSixBNVzbr7s9hutYWFHovTkx_BXtsyHNnP54AKPwCCZr1ND2sElUJ6yEpkN2WDoIlZvPtIvhnjijARq3ZYivtG045W0Qm-m1kuTxXCx_jmSNw5UeP/s320/first+day+of+kindergarent+089.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi790VnnRY0jgdOLJtPgs1CqNgksJPTi5cMmgsugQ1vfub6oQeIIbre9U0xIlSWcNFn_iLQXYGFgk-Lh9cWpxjtkjenvu3eXU0IE1Ow_xWqOgwno_K5JCfOw7e3O6H6pIhsoQ_crtix5jw0/s1600/first+day+of+kindergarent+105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi790VnnRY0jgdOLJtPgs1CqNgksJPTi5cMmgsugQ1vfub6oQeIIbre9U0xIlSWcNFn_iLQXYGFgk-Lh9cWpxjtkjenvu3eXU0IE1Ow_xWqOgwno_K5JCfOw7e3O6H6pIhsoQ_crtix5jw0/s400/first+day+of+kindergarent+105.JPG" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to check out his new backpack.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguy2xTIxoAcQjPRhcqLX4cGlHPqpjhpTrh45nBTB6NxjCNVQKx-hPmWA2bZ_PeuFj8MuUHyR2Tx5VIT1bC0-QOlp1ADVWfrVX9g9STPLBkNx_fI2ZNwaCp9vAm0dnOD9eBTYGDz0-jxSH_/s1600/first+day+of+kindergarent+092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguy2xTIxoAcQjPRhcqLX4cGlHPqpjhpTrh45nBTB6NxjCNVQKx-hPmWA2bZ_PeuFj8MuUHyR2Tx5VIT1bC0-QOlp1ADVWfrVX9g9STPLBkNx_fI2ZNwaCp9vAm0dnOD9eBTYGDz0-jxSH_/s320/first+day+of+kindergarent+092.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2zpc80CEr0O-AUr2dwMtJ29q4HVjuPuyvR0PoK3XGGAm277KE7UKfy5ZM4oCJJBV5GooRGuVsBWt-N6aettIjCHH-5K4EzVTYwgWQmfLLQSxCJHg2AbFEgsphW8KEGFIEp3pXJ7LScmo/s1600/first+day+of+kindergarent+093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2zpc80CEr0O-AUr2dwMtJ29q4HVjuPuyvR0PoK3XGGAm277KE7UKfy5ZM4oCJJBV5GooRGuVsBWt-N6aettIjCHH-5K4EzVTYwgWQmfLLQSxCJHg2AbFEgsphW8KEGFIEp3pXJ7LScmo/s320/first+day+of+kindergarent+093.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4thVSOhPbLu4aFKyOx_o7qKQfo2isNHMtoQ5dxbLpsnD8dCkEWdYY0fYagpu-87Iq10geMS3ArO-DlL1RrgQt0AX_Fnl6nzeiIFZZuEcGWgPaZK0o-tGgY-OZU9mLwYgql8r7O7EAZMK/s1600/first+day+of+kindergarent+113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4thVSOhPbLu4aFKyOx_o7qKQfo2isNHMtoQ5dxbLpsnD8dCkEWdYY0fYagpu-87Iq10geMS3ArO-DlL1RrgQt0AX_Fnl6nzeiIFZZuEcGWgPaZK0o-tGgY-OZU9mLwYgql8r7O7EAZMK/s400/first+day+of+kindergarent+113.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40wpG5a3WLlZOKxiBiW2zP9Q4JZKP7Np-FvJYHVIBnDeSoMrsCkUEEx8u7YXlpTgEtp9CY-wH4ZqmvEExFa4aHGEitZONr29LbPKObrPWyuVm5FadMRZA9Pbl87-wId9O3XtfHNOUotsT/s1600/first+day+of+kindergarent+118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40wpG5a3WLlZOKxiBiW2zP9Q4JZKP7Np-FvJYHVIBnDeSoMrsCkUEEx8u7YXlpTgEtp9CY-wH4ZqmvEExFa4aHGEitZONr29LbPKObrPWyuVm5FadMRZA9Pbl87-wId9O3XtfHNOUotsT/s320/first+day+of+kindergarent+118.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijdFmYVu8BFylLe-SMrvekeaxFm0DxwPY0ritXkii7_UkE0U3088QmbnwMEfRcMl27nlfSMGE3svrIq3Q_LQWI3JmK90E6-eVEcQfUfjiSqwX4gXX0MvSa7GHg_JsVzYO-ry5ux9FJ4ZSR/s1600/first+day+of+kindergarent+120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijdFmYVu8BFylLe-SMrvekeaxFm0DxwPY0ritXkii7_UkE0U3088QmbnwMEfRcMl27nlfSMGE3svrIq3Q_LQWI3JmK90E6-eVEcQfUfjiSqwX4gXX0MvSa7GHg_JsVzYO-ry5ux9FJ4ZSR/s320/first+day+of+kindergarent+120.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giving Mrs. Johnson an apple on the first day. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKo9ebvtQkL3u6WdP_mrPtQLOhs4B6Jzc1WnbkbSwCOoAh94hVgkYJFH5JvuLBAm3GdS-AeN2ZkhqfN353geyeJC-kXcJwNnp1ZRt7MOJCEbnpgHvv3p8anxmP1TL0QCPnWWmUvptECkVn/s1600/first+day+of+kindergarent+124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuj1DNmfDhMh1h561J5niUPJDjTiplvnXjtpV-829mW33ACy5K2w92MfDCmIDsdK6WDl0t7dBk-NmaPc3hF6PJI3yB0X8eO0yWmd0ETqO0LWcbFuRdNMsnZrMa_cn0o7Yu8zN7WlsELlfY/s1600/first+day+of+kindergarent+125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuj1DNmfDhMh1h561J5niUPJDjTiplvnXjtpV-829mW33ACy5K2w92MfDCmIDsdK6WDl0t7dBk-NmaPc3hF6PJI3yB0X8eO0yWmd0ETqO0LWcbFuRdNMsnZrMa_cn0o7Yu8zN7WlsELlfY/s320/first+day+of+kindergarent+125.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At his seat, facing the corner of the room like a perpetual time out.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40wpG5a3WLlZOKxiBiW2zP9Q4JZKP7Np-FvJYHVIBnDeSoMrsCkUEEx8u7YXlpTgEtp9CY-wH4ZqmvEExFa4aHGEitZONr29LbPKObrPWyuVm5FadMRZA9Pbl87-wId9O3XtfHNOUotsT/s1600/first+day+of+kindergarent+118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigCIH-utoBkcYgAiE0RbhghMygzmhWHNbx6ZE1RtUfdD2Y0C3FcdroXervppFS3eYegXORqluvDTYzfAp2E5YQ8oCWXo5gkFmumBxr_nuSCaa_ueTdsr9-z3KZ9zo9E77dru0PXRgK1Cbb/s1600/first+day+of+kindergarent+123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigCIH-utoBkcYgAiE0RbhghMygzmhWHNbx6ZE1RtUfdD2Y0C3FcdroXervppFS3eYegXORqluvDTYzfAp2E5YQ8oCWXo5gkFmumBxr_nuSCaa_ueTdsr9-z3KZ9zo9E77dru0PXRgK1Cbb/s320/first+day+of+kindergarent+123.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKo9ebvtQkL3u6WdP_mrPtQLOhs4B6Jzc1WnbkbSwCOoAh94hVgkYJFH5JvuLBAm3GdS-AeN2ZkhqfN353geyeJC-kXcJwNnp1ZRt7MOJCEbnpgHvv3p8anxmP1TL0QCPnWWmUvptECkVn/s1600/first+day+of+kindergarent+124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKo9ebvtQkL3u6WdP_mrPtQLOhs4B6Jzc1WnbkbSwCOoAh94hVgkYJFH5JvuLBAm3GdS-AeN2ZkhqfN353geyeJC-kXcJwNnp1ZRt7MOJCEbnpgHvv3p8anxmP1TL0QCPnWWmUvptECkVn/s320/first+day+of+kindergarent+124.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917677706119814360.post-80972889454228314112013-05-13T20:02:00.000-07:002013-05-13T20:05:44.582-07:00The Great Thunder Snow of Christmas 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We were in the midst of a lovely Christmas dinner at our friends' the Lawrences when the dreaded thunder snow came to town. Emily must have worked for days making that dinner, with a beautiful roasted duck main course and elaborate accoutrements, and they lost power right in the middle of dinner. When we looked outside, we started to get pretty nervous about how quickly the snow was accumulating and decided we had better leave forthwith. We got about half a mile before Shane's car got thoroughly stuck in the now pretty much impassable roads. We lucked into a lift home from Byron's brother who happened to be passing through with a 4WD truck. We returned home to lose power ourselves later that night. It would be 5 days before we would get power back.</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBJdGD1vHzm-s2mMcG5qwkTbnnovBRYP85dyqKJnhfXny7yidLFyDJFgbU53nY7eJ8rJiaoZhuUt6Zrkws2qwlngcQ1lVigEz8y1yikypgBVyKN5XXyBGpKtJuLqvcgQbzPprTpfHdXZK/s1600/IMG_3184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOriNEHwAbTIcMkaUCQqiD1st88OWxTSCbevIGsCTEWz0qOK35jcI3Mb3QqrywLqbAfW6LSC_OV3aHinivI7r7z5Z406Ni_J2hHbOqa5JjFBvwqBNpGVwh4IU-xqtNU6g51Q-r6S9myDT5/s1600/IMG_3160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOriNEHwAbTIcMkaUCQqiD1st88OWxTSCbevIGsCTEWz0qOK35jcI3Mb3QqrywLqbAfW6LSC_OV3aHinivI7r7z5Z406Ni_J2hHbOqa5JjFBvwqBNpGVwh4IU-xqtNU6g51Q-r6S9myDT5/s320/IMG_3160.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's how I felt.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The damage from the storm was so extensive that hundreds of thousands of houses were out of power. It is crazy how quickly things went sideways- it is different from any snowstorm I've experienced in Canada. The problem comes from temperatures dropping too quickly from the usual mild weather, so that all the trees freeze, and so many trunks crack and limbs break, taking down basically all the power lines in the city. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ukzppbiTXFv7bzZnB9PFn9HQIwdQh_yFjFSklkNJA_8C2IWNOQeyVzRIxblrsTnsz2Y0LUYyOx5jTSHzCirFZPb0R3lD9u5HtEawDsrSJp58ZESMolyO9gODZ9poFJvYUlIAJBnUHH0S/s1600/IMG_3185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ukzppbiTXFv7bzZnB9PFn9HQIwdQh_yFjFSklkNJA_8C2IWNOQeyVzRIxblrsTnsz2Y0LUYyOx5jTSHzCirFZPb0R3lD9u5HtEawDsrSJp58ZESMolyO9gODZ9poFJvYUlIAJBnUHH0S/s320/IMG_3185.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our neighbours, bad time to have your house for sale.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBJdGD1vHzm-s2mMcG5qwkTbnnovBRYP85dyqKJnhfXny7yidLFyDJFgbU53nY7eJ8rJiaoZhuUt6Zrkws2qwlngcQ1lVigEz8y1yikypgBVyKN5XXyBGpKtJuLqvcgQbzPprTpfHdXZK/s1600/IMG_3184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBJdGD1vHzm-s2mMcG5qwkTbnnovBRYP85dyqKJnhfXny7yidLFyDJFgbU53nY7eJ8rJiaoZhuUt6Zrkws2qwlngcQ1lVigEz8y1yikypgBVyKN5XXyBGpKtJuLqvcgQbzPprTpfHdXZK/s320/IMG_3184.JPG" width="240" /></a> <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgueEImmoGjGm8PCfNZwm6tttODvuGiEumsBhXrnQ_KOHPUEkLS2g1XCkO2MhuYeQfcEA5O14p8nw6igMktzBoftSMQBtVQidIgyWp7tJCOHvaOedaxdE0NNH7hcMycN2Gg2Z_vyKz2SkfP/s1600/IMG_3159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgueEImmoGjGm8PCfNZwm6tttODvuGiEumsBhXrnQ_KOHPUEkLS2g1XCkO2MhuYeQfcEA5O14p8nw6igMktzBoftSMQBtVQidIgyWp7tJCOHvaOedaxdE0NNH7hcMycN2Gg2Z_vyKz2SkfP/s320/IMG_3159.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our big front yard tree snapped in two. <br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwNpYABctDYpjMHo72qCPd-PHKMiBultDxUwfyGLvRpvzXCH7NmjZ-Pa3R1znNUOt3zcrNIqAeU146vuGBpqg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
Tbere were some fun parts to the storm of course. We never miss an opportunity to learn new things.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
We took refuge in Shane's parents' house in Benton, as they had the good sense to have a generator and the kind hearts to take us in, Phoebe included. The only pictures I took made it look like conditions were dire, but truthfully we all had a good time. I like these pictures, misleading though they be! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBS6pMzFy9BoVlWnfpz4R9HKybJ-fnzz_u-06Ny_mmxJihJXzncbiPx5jMnrMmUB8Uh0qlNsyphtijhGMWypORGhuSUKMku_YVwcIiYBgDQZwOerZ1EU-CsOfj2TG_Bj84WO-HrHp142Sk/s1600/IMG_3179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBS6pMzFy9BoVlWnfpz4R9HKybJ-fnzz_u-06Ny_mmxJihJXzncbiPx5jMnrMmUB8Uh0qlNsyphtijhGMWypORGhuSUKMku_YVwcIiYBgDQZwOerZ1EU-CsOfj2TG_Bj84WO-HrHp142Sk/s320/IMG_3179.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quarters were a little cramped with all six of us under one roof.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917677706119814360.post-20690366456501147182013-05-11T11:57:00.000-07:002013-05-11T11:57:31.847-07:00Legoland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibi6bTH_zY6URiTv1atb1WphwkOxpzRT9x1OaIKf_ixbFnuaFS-wFb0_FSqE5Fhos1O3CAg6dSxYtDpwPlO2Zjgiz25F0v_D7YNjNAcGo6QMyUydsPnDQx8kMohPTnQPBG94v9Aam58-0h/s1600/DSCN2262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4eZdllG9r3qnb6lB2zUmI1MzduNj3P81ES_I6f_UXJUBTABaiTDjgiA0dE_vUO2R0Utf9btm876P8laG6bbDGzCNKmcqpoaqqYY_k5S-mKoyYt0pujX8mnDUydemV_0Xgt6S6wSAX_pw/s1600/DSCN2222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4eZdllG9r3qnb6lB2zUmI1MzduNj3P81ES_I6f_UXJUBTABaiTDjgiA0dE_vUO2R0Utf9btm876P8laG6bbDGzCNKmcqpoaqqYY_k5S-mKoyYt0pujX8mnDUydemV_0Xgt6S6wSAX_pw/s320/DSCN2222.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We spent a quality day at LEGOLAND, which was actually a really great amusement park for Declan's 4 year old self. He was big enough to go on just about all the rides, including their big roller coasters. Here's our roller coaster selfies!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4eZdllG9r3qnb6lB2zUmI1MzduNj3P81ES_I6f_UXJUBTABaiTDjgiA0dE_vUO2R0Utf9btm876P8laG6bbDGzCNKmcqpoaqqYY_k5S-mKoyYt0pujX8mnDUydemV_0Xgt6S6wSAX_pw/s1600/DSCN2222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4wlxg2qnNV1Q2Rdc5XcGWkQZoZz7rRvxNirNW4AcTs4S9HfB6Ywj-KmwjnV-OcM4wXqlp_ydwhGXAyIlnXuoFHFQg7sMLLEQljw1ZuSk7RUjs_7KPIIQbmk-pE9UBgJgeLNyMkj2kgvh/s1600/DSCN2229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibi6bTH_zY6URiTv1atb1WphwkOxpzRT9x1OaIKf_ixbFnuaFS-wFb0_FSqE5Fhos1O3CAg6dSxYtDpwPlO2Zjgiz25F0v_D7YNjNAcGo6QMyUydsPnDQx8kMohPTnQPBG94v9Aam58-0h/s1600/DSCN2262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibi6bTH_zY6URiTv1atb1WphwkOxpzRT9x1OaIKf_ixbFnuaFS-wFb0_FSqE5Fhos1O3CAg6dSxYtDpwPlO2Zjgiz25F0v_D7YNjNAcGo6QMyUydsPnDQx8kMohPTnQPBG94v9Aam58-0h/s320/DSCN2262.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC851uB19ymre6DtKN465f_XNdLkKG8TCXOphaEV8hHl75p8M6ghQhwdPzGND4Avjnhc7qkDjf_oAkwP323YdkaZBCfy9YiGUqS2jwKsHi-I5k8GRl4Wj4Fh6qBA2QAvw5HWE5PL_GIXS-/s1600/DSCN2295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC851uB19ymre6DtKN465f_XNdLkKG8TCXOphaEV8hHl75p8M6ghQhwdPzGND4Avjnhc7qkDjf_oAkwP323YdkaZBCfy9YiGUqS2jwKsHi-I5k8GRl4Wj4Fh6qBA2QAvw5HWE5PL_GIXS-/s320/DSCN2295.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkWi_L-TnyfkFe8sBwNLnfwUsZ-vq8VVT_oul_CR7xZYFL5ZstmNB_Dz0cKDPmmFKu9jNk7Fj50EKbHIN6r6KICr4RSsI1KB_YxTgmK-7SnfjFu7QnVxkCIODhWDFGBcF6f9tt1CbFuM1/s1600/DSCN2227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkWi_L-TnyfkFe8sBwNLnfwUsZ-vq8VVT_oul_CR7xZYFL5ZstmNB_Dz0cKDPmmFKu9jNk7Fj50EKbHIN6r6KICr4RSsI1KB_YxTgmK-7SnfjFu7QnVxkCIODhWDFGBcF6f9tt1CbFuM1/s320/DSCN2227.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4wlxg2qnNV1Q2Rdc5XcGWkQZoZz7rRvxNirNW4AcTs4S9HfB6Ywj-KmwjnV-OcM4wXqlp_ydwhGXAyIlnXuoFHFQg7sMLLEQljw1ZuSk7RUjs_7KPIIQbmk-pE9UBgJgeLNyMkj2kgvh/s1600/DSCN2229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4wlxg2qnNV1Q2Rdc5XcGWkQZoZz7rRvxNirNW4AcTs4S9HfB6Ywj-KmwjnV-OcM4wXqlp_ydwhGXAyIlnXuoFHFQg7sMLLEQljw1ZuSk7RUjs_7KPIIQbmk-pE9UBgJgeLNyMkj2kgvh/s320/DSCN2229.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Got no time for Two-Brick Hussies.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8LAD3R0T4t-synftvXTskvzh7J_i1iC9xXeqXOkU9LUxCJuXtJ_sNEZSNJSl8skg8IKWqQhbr93biGJumwuNV8jqRyQRNEkXogY9sWmLmtZqUh7CKLdo3_7NEpWx_g-3BFPXo9Jpwgnv/s1600/DSCN2248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8LAD3R0T4t-synftvXTskvzh7J_i1iC9xXeqXOkU9LUxCJuXtJ_sNEZSNJSl8skg8IKWqQhbr93biGJumwuNV8jqRyQRNEkXogY9sWmLmtZqUh7CKLdo3_7NEpWx_g-3BFPXo9Jpwgnv/s320/DSCN2248.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Joust Ride</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TtxCPJK8lXgeBcdNARG-WXrqkdFR41tuSWNsqRZFA-fA_F8OJ8sqEAyy8bx0Toqbn5xSAIxk2RwthlVKznRHEEChpICvmI-qlsxet1brLmL9_l3-p71JF3stJRtKsnhnxQsZLAUpNyTN/s1600/DSCN2251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TtxCPJK8lXgeBcdNARG-WXrqkdFR41tuSWNsqRZFA-fA_F8OJ8sqEAyy8bx0Toqbn5xSAIxk2RwthlVKznRHEEChpICvmI-qlsxet1brLmL9_l3-p71JF3stJRtKsnhnxQsZLAUpNyTN/s1600/DSCN2251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TtxCPJK8lXgeBcdNARG-WXrqkdFR41tuSWNsqRZFA-fA_F8OJ8sqEAyy8bx0Toqbn5xSAIxk2RwthlVKznRHEEChpICvmI-qlsxet1brLmL9_l3-p71JF3stJRtKsnhnxQsZLAUpNyTN/s320/DSCN2251.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqNBjFTe9zKRvYCvRbdHFvupWZfNGfyZf_ApCprbGZpe0CN5JpNdH8cpqbREVZYXd6uIsRtgap1SDNlDlcV0pqCMBMm4H7wiQIeyorNRouC3dO4K9Pe8XdhWz7PiP8WIjec4uCj1QOLhx/s1600/DSCN2305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqNBjFTe9zKRvYCvRbdHFvupWZfNGfyZf_ApCprbGZpe0CN5JpNdH8cpqbREVZYXd6uIsRtgap1SDNlDlcV0pqCMBMm4H7wiQIeyorNRouC3dO4K9Pe8XdhWz7PiP8WIjec4uCj1QOLhx/s320/DSCN2305.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With his wookie buddy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TtxCPJK8lXgeBcdNARG-WXrqkdFR41tuSWNsqRZFA-fA_F8OJ8sqEAyy8bx0Toqbn5xSAIxk2RwthlVKznRHEEChpICvmI-qlsxet1brLmL9_l3-p71JF3stJRtKsnhnxQsZLAUpNyTN/s1600/DSCN2251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TtxCPJK8lXgeBcdNARG-WXrqkdFR41tuSWNsqRZFA-fA_F8OJ8sqEAyy8bx0Toqbn5xSAIxk2RwthlVKznRHEEChpICvmI-qlsxet1brLmL9_l3-p71JF3stJRtKsnhnxQsZLAUpNyTN/s1600/DSCN2251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TtxCPJK8lXgeBcdNARG-WXrqkdFR41tuSWNsqRZFA-fA_F8OJ8sqEAyy8bx0Toqbn5xSAIxk2RwthlVKznRHEEChpICvmI-qlsxet1brLmL9_l3-p71JF3stJRtKsnhnxQsZLAUpNyTN/s1600/DSCN2251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TtxCPJK8lXgeBcdNARG-WXrqkdFR41tuSWNsqRZFA-fA_F8OJ8sqEAyy8bx0Toqbn5xSAIxk2RwthlVKznRHEEChpICvmI-qlsxet1brLmL9_l3-p71JF3stJRtKsnhnxQsZLAUpNyTN/s1600/DSCN2251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TtxCPJK8lXgeBcdNARG-WXrqkdFR41tuSWNsqRZFA-fA_F8OJ8sqEAyy8bx0Toqbn5xSAIxk2RwthlVKznRHEEChpICvmI-qlsxet1brLmL9_l3-p71JF3stJRtKsnhnxQsZLAUpNyTN/s1600/DSCN2251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq42i-4dPmGZ2cjsKER3NNXjz2DyJltlSevifZGyh2EZgFCJDYzhV8PR-ethbZz5s7A-Dk9SBvGBiYJDo3sDpGbcr1IK0grgqlG-LLU1Q2G4bNfRDYO0iptbDjOTQw0YtbmWLiOVblCN6V/s1600/DSCN2306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq42i-4dPmGZ2cjsKER3NNXjz2DyJltlSevifZGyh2EZgFCJDYzhV8PR-ethbZz5s7A-Dk9SBvGBiYJDo3sDpGbcr1IK0grgqlG-LLU1Q2G4bNfRDYO0iptbDjOTQw0YtbmWLiOVblCN6V/s320/DSCN2306.JPG" width="320" /></a></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you ask Declan about LEGOLAND, he will tell you that there was one terrible ride which essentially strapped you into a pirate ship and then unceremoniously dunked you into hypothermic water. When you disembarked, shivering and miserable, there was a strategically placed towel stand, selling towels for $20 a pop. To which I say, well played LEGOLAND, well played. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWncAeqnx8vjp5dsmy9n7Sro4N8sfehIUsz9Hi4yFQuzQM8R6hSHj68LcrNgflBBdUQZYTHR0rEUZGZRlkmNtSxgEMJDNNDGGVPCvPo9Yw52tQfNKBW1dAydeY2aeYx1efUMJ7RL8cS3PI/s1600/DSCN2308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWncAeqnx8vjp5dsmy9n7Sro4N8sfehIUsz9Hi4yFQuzQM8R6hSHj68LcrNgflBBdUQZYTHR0rEUZGZRlkmNtSxgEMJDNNDGGVPCvPo9Yw52tQfNKBW1dAydeY2aeYx1efUMJ7RL8cS3PI/s320/DSCN2308.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you ask me what the worst part of LEGOLAND was, you will get a different answer. Every year Shane and I go to Las Vegas for a getaway. We have always told Declan it is a city for grownups, and not fun for kids, so he's never been too upset to be left at home. Well now that he's seen Las Vegas rendered in Lego, it looks like maybe Vegas is the most fun place on Earth. He ran around pointing out all the Las Vegas features "it has an Eiffel tower, and a castle, and gondolas and a pyramid, and there's a giant circus right in the middle of town!" Well when you put it like that, it does look like a lot of fun for kids doesn't it?? I am anticipating much complaining the next time we try to go without Declan. Thanks LEGOLAND! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTQID9kNmBZnZa3kJQ68MAUMFip8G5LZybzkWPD4XsdrmnXlmYfCTJb8RZxmDDKMOgA-AFgC72Lb5ZxLtr9uh3Gy-1i11W82CqRn2sxiJo9WZHS-Z210pO3NmLJG1DIXdZKboaWpABBRh/s1600/DSCN2302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTQID9kNmBZnZa3kJQ68MAUMFip8G5LZybzkWPD4XsdrmnXlmYfCTJb8RZxmDDKMOgA-AFgC72Lb5ZxLtr9uh3Gy-1i11W82CqRn2sxiJo9WZHS-Z210pO3NmLJG1DIXdZKboaWpABBRh/s320/DSCN2302.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Declan was happy to see they fixed the Sphinx's face. Everything is better in Vegas. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwBPnlWYiiClhePCEdmpJcUhqcUgMUPFyUIM7hzxRRDeG8Jlmd6VH2B98q_vEaeHDqsuS7YDWPkpSDuj72ZaBFNychk91pOeNHtQS_jfOn1I56-3Ow9MfaJtLokAwePKQTHAugn1qWuFS/s1600/DSCN2300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwBPnlWYiiClhePCEdmpJcUhqcUgMUPFyUIM7hzxRRDeG8Jlmd6VH2B98q_vEaeHDqsuS7YDWPkpSDuj72ZaBFNychk91pOeNHtQS_jfOn1I56-3Ow9MfaJtLokAwePKQTHAugn1qWuFS/s320/DSCN2300.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TtxCPJK8lXgeBcdNARG-WXrqkdFR41tuSWNsqRZFA-fA_F8OJ8sqEAyy8bx0Toqbn5xSAIxk2RwthlVKznRHEEChpICvmI-qlsxet1brLmL9_l3-p71JF3stJRtKsnhnxQsZLAUpNyTN/s1600/DSCN2251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4MaIcr8CJfCESvMhl8m7bVTaW7OlVmRLwdheqlAdUAmLQn-0hym8l5XoG5Mx9tsNPiNYfox94MDlDfiQGSKDO7VfmBN1lkfOWYXu13ZYB9bOM9Hst_lY3i5oakK_gWDi3hCLKJyBjOvS/s1600/DSCN2301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4MaIcr8CJfCESvMhl8m7bVTaW7OlVmRLwdheqlAdUAmLQn-0hym8l5XoG5Mx9tsNPiNYfox94MDlDfiQGSKDO7VfmBN1lkfOWYXu13ZYB9bOM9Hst_lY3i5oakK_gWDi3hCLKJyBjOvS/s320/DSCN2301.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nod to Legoland's attention to detail: Lego Las Vegas had streets full of Lego men handing out pamphlets on the street!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TtxCPJK8lXgeBcdNARG-WXrqkdFR41tuSWNsqRZFA-fA_F8OJ8sqEAyy8bx0Toqbn5xSAIxk2RwthlVKznRHEEChpICvmI-qlsxet1brLmL9_l3-p71JF3stJRtKsnhnxQsZLAUpNyTN/s1600/DSCN2251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0