tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27447654238134265692024-03-05T13:55:22.627-06:00Sweet Peas & SassafrasHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07208049223435894385noreply@blogger.comBlogger848125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744765423813426569.post-29776458275533820622011-11-15T12:30:00.000-06:002011-11-15T12:30:04.224-06:00The Dog Days of Disney: Day 5Saturday, we devoted the first half of our day to <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/hollywood-studios/">Hollywood Studios</a>. We arrived before rope drop, which was our goal all along. It was hectic and crowded, but we were able to scurry back to grab our FastPass to <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/hollywood-studios/attractions/toy-story-mania/">Toy Story Mania</a> and still hit the other big rides before the lines got long.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyuq5n7wLj82pa5aSSHlb2xA5Q56UYdu723vqHYCsalJO9vW8Zev_zUdJXRr6sCPPF2oa5cQkiUffb6wIdBhqDH8uJ4wkUjm3EcTjxqoPBvQStltiUSDBeVkA3mFK6BwH5388ZNzJEGwts/s1600/DD60.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400.5px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyuq5n7wLj82pa5aSSHlb2xA5Q56UYdu723vqHYCsalJO9vW8Zev_zUdJXRr6sCPPF2oa5cQkiUffb6wIdBhqDH8uJ4wkUjm3EcTjxqoPBvQStltiUSDBeVkA3mFK6BwH5388ZNzJEGwts/s600/DD60.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675268353828359106" /></a><br /><br />Didn't Sassy and Tink look adorable in their <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Dulu-Designs/191362124222052">Dulu Designs</a> shirts? Two days in a row, and oh-so-CUTE! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jcI4v3p2aYhUtyhcBzvlCzUJvTtnWZ8yBR3i1ZgtMzyEYdp7SrcMvrTTGVTg6ffwGH7oPdcNfuWtvAbsxlv_KhxxfeMYDczVDygDclSoPvOqKuxbS2TRH955yFJCe_Qpl2R9LWm3QGqv/s1600/DD61.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400.5px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jcI4v3p2aYhUtyhcBzvlCzUJvTtnWZ8yBR3i1ZgtMzyEYdp7SrcMvrTTGVTg6ffwGH7oPdcNfuWtvAbsxlv_KhxxfeMYDczVDygDclSoPvOqKuxbS2TRH955yFJCe_Qpl2R9LWm3QGqv/s600/DD61.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675268344863376226" /></a> <br /><br />We headed straight to <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/hollywood-studios/attractions/rock-n-roller-coaster-starring-aerosmith/">Rock'N'Roller Coaster</a>. I rode first, and Tyler was able to use his <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/rider-swap/">Rider Swap Pass</a> to ride immediately after.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkTNwU_rg6j2xJIS2E6bGh0ex-w-tTlDvKFJrAObCA94EDTTrIcrI6gAdLLFlU4H7ERHBHkABOCAANZA8P0rjLI9dpx6PZur6BFPNIWNRF7QODu5yq3U3M2JJ2PfL_9MddQksBmdzRhSEY/s1600/DD64.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkTNwU_rg6j2xJIS2E6bGh0ex-w-tTlDvKFJrAObCA94EDTTrIcrI6gAdLLFlU4H7ERHBHkABOCAANZA8P0rjLI9dpx6PZur6BFPNIWNRF7QODu5yq3U3M2JJ2PfL_9MddQksBmdzRhSEY/s600/DD64.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675268066784194402" /></a><br /><br />The ride: holy hell. It was AWESOME! Shocking. Fast. Smooth. Dark. Loud. Blasting Aerosmith tunes. Umm... can I say <em>perfect</em>?<br /><br />The girls seriously had a ball dancing outside to the Aerosmith music that was blasting for all to hear. They went to town!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYmm1sx_ADU4IgaspIsStUe5dcmwoJOaPw9HO4yqdxLzIwaZdiEXsW7xgwNlWz9KSYPlOyD6lCUNWecI7WGYl10z_y4AodSIJDsHk5fj7u832tliwXEn32AXarebrbK_-HpmSXC4e5vNr/s1600/DD62.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 235.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYmm1sx_ADU4IgaspIsStUe5dcmwoJOaPw9HO4yqdxLzIwaZdiEXsW7xgwNlWz9KSYPlOyD6lCUNWecI7WGYl10z_y4AodSIJDsHk5fj7u832tliwXEn32AXarebrbK_-HpmSXC4e5vNr/s600/DD62.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675268082996398578" /></a><br /><br />For real... <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRRBuGID7Y_V5afyUP43LQcrc_j5dzlfgncz-MCRWKG0Et1DUmgNi2HPE4F_U64RDDmTCJo-LGFVVAl5K8aFco1RVFlgKwRzrijCAKhGiiyC1c1hyEFPlAsMK9QDWaa7aMG2ZpZcu6VxW/s1600/DD63.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 222px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRRBuGID7Y_V5afyUP43LQcrc_j5dzlfgncz-MCRWKG0Et1DUmgNi2HPE4F_U64RDDmTCJo-LGFVVAl5K8aFco1RVFlgKwRzrijCAKhGiiyC1c1hyEFPlAsMK9QDWaa7aMG2ZpZcu6VxW/s600/DD63.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675268076937782786" /></a><br /><br />Sassy just had to show off her new, grown-up <em>dangle-y</em> Mickey Mouse earrings she bought as one of her {many} purchases throughout our trip.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFWXxIkh5LyyIgA6aJE37kGKOvl53OlIM4vCpkyMu21gLUa1_RldXSlSSMJHRsVAfR8CC1V0uiO2b_3QG-Pzga5-VIS_p1LNCc-HLBTq7Z6i0DdhlDXQzvuqHx1Q8dX74FwOOI6bpuogq/s1600/DD65.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400.5px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFWXxIkh5LyyIgA6aJE37kGKOvl53OlIM4vCpkyMu21gLUa1_RldXSlSSMJHRsVAfR8CC1V0uiO2b_3QG-Pzga5-VIS_p1LNCc-HLBTq7Z6i0DdhlDXQzvuqHx1Q8dX74FwOOI6bpuogq/s600/DD65.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675268057277811522" /></a><br /><br />It makes me smile that the girls can have fun no matter the circumstance. I was so, so super impressed with the way they handles lines throughout the trip. The had the mindset that they were on vacation, and vacation is FUN! Disney does a fantastic job of aiding in this by providing visual stimulation, interactive displays, and even employees placed to entertain children throughout lines. Thank you Disney!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrtn6hyptAH2RJ5CH97gGE2xTwGarLHhN0u6xJMNZ-UZVcYGdiOcNb0RiLxc7CRG_-jEYeNcXUw9aW62oz1DYj7PMovD6_Pz-WqijlL5jvdriwpUyZbOThRHZi6u4ogWxK5ESQKnXDi62/s1600/DD66.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrtn6hyptAH2RJ5CH97gGE2xTwGarLHhN0u6xJMNZ-UZVcYGdiOcNb0RiLxc7CRG_-jEYeNcXUw9aW62oz1DYj7PMovD6_Pz-WqijlL5jvdriwpUyZbOThRHZi6u4ogWxK5ESQKnXDi62/s600/DD66.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675268050803255026" /></a><br /><br />Next, Tyler took Sassy on <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/hollywood-studios/attractions/twilight-zone-tower-of-terror/">Tower of Terror</a> while I hung out with Tink. When they were through, Sassy looked as white as a sheet and very leery, but she agreed to go on it again with me, so it couldn't have been too bad. Very fun ride, as well! Sassy did cling on to me with a super-death-grip the entire ride, but we loved it!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywz5o7T_loArrmKTLdmXFzQ8_t8cqDrDgdtdbMkAKAtJEpmtqNIPVF0npNglQHlQQa5a0DTO8dM9UzdUOwIzYleqtqxVKUVRkr37-a3moRxL4SjxgBxQJrIy_6AEnGE53gKHsr7jkOnbH/s1600/DD67.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywz5o7T_loArrmKTLdmXFzQ8_t8cqDrDgdtdbMkAKAtJEpmtqNIPVF0npNglQHlQQa5a0DTO8dM9UzdUOwIzYleqtqxVKUVRkr37-a3moRxL4SjxgBxQJrIy_6AEnGE53gKHsr7jkOnbH/s600/DD67.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675267253531017634" /></a><br /><br />We checked out some of the scenery...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpB2aBNDWsHgWe7su-wyDsG9PFMNym_Gy2YiI8BLod19Snb61bd93m3WwxrXiNHUwmwwLNyjZnTOqnmvyd87l5KMs4qtf39yTJT2c76l1wiIfH6JRiMuC3UIobAcwnCk9Amxz-3jWF-Gh/s1600/DD68.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpB2aBNDWsHgWe7su-wyDsG9PFMNym_Gy2YiI8BLod19Snb61bd93m3WwxrXiNHUwmwwLNyjZnTOqnmvyd87l5KMs4qtf39yTJT2c76l1wiIfH6JRiMuC3UIobAcwnCk9Amxz-3jWF-Gh/s600/DD68.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675267232186598274" /></a><br /><br />...and caught a showing of <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/hollywood-studios/attractions/disney-junior-live-on-stage/">Disney Junior- Live on Stage</a>, which the girls loved! Tyler and I could barely stand up afterwards, but hey...<br /><br />We watched <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/hollywood-studios/attractions/voyage-of-the-little-mermaid/">Voyage of The Little Mermaid</a>, <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/hollywood-studios/attractions/great-movie-ride/">The Great Movie Ride</a>, and caught <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/hollywood-studios/entertainment/beauty-and-the-beast-live-on-stage/">Beauty and the Beast- Live on Stage</a>, which was fantastic! A must-see, in my opinion!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmuGBrWzJ_pB6FgPXMz1X9gvB2J2cKiYeaBjHbFMlSLDpyNWjurksSpvL8dL5lkLQvTGDp1kHxlMGQSfSwYaWybwMUZ7XgSN_Br3DMjItw_6S3s2FsN9VoQCWlndC6UNHWT-uGj7z0GcEs/s1600/DD69.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmuGBrWzJ_pB6FgPXMz1X9gvB2J2cKiYeaBjHbFMlSLDpyNWjurksSpvL8dL5lkLQvTGDp1kHxlMGQSfSwYaWybwMUZ7XgSN_Br3DMjItw_6S3s2FsN9VoQCWlndC6UNHWT-uGj7z0GcEs/s600/DD69.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675267227677099186" /></a><br /><br />We grabbed lunch at <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/hollywood-studios/dining/">FairFax Fare</a>, where we enjoyed some surprisingly tasty chicken and ribs. We checked out some of Hollywood Studios centerpieces...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdcHL5ZDdhyg79WAq6GfkQZPY69qTKpnFJLI3M955PWw-GT8M5JhEHLJHWEWY_jwuvsa5dfJIC46Z3wePJbzGwz2Ne0rfMOrN_OFFZ8ZgI4Wc46A7Ho03SR19ilWPusIU_HWt2TGje_jXt/s1600/DD70.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdcHL5ZDdhyg79WAq6GfkQZPY69qTKpnFJLI3M955PWw-GT8M5JhEHLJHWEWY_jwuvsa5dfJIC46Z3wePJbzGwz2Ne0rfMOrN_OFFZ8ZgI4Wc46A7Ho03SR19ilWPusIU_HWt2TGje_jXt/s600/DD70.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675267223126235602" /></a><br /><br />I love how each Disney park has a central showpiece to enjoy!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLHVSU6tdMcrI7IjIAvbimSc_v-_qXMeZxm6lx03KbEj6gVy4ohILA2sJXYPLa6EZK6kZn4hk1_w3515WyQDqudEqhuZfG2cCSUYcnoA5QAabd5nj-HOVFUhk_Gz6_cFxGcdLzYUS5OYj/s1600/DD71.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 268.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLHVSU6tdMcrI7IjIAvbimSc_v-_qXMeZxm6lx03KbEj6gVy4ohILA2sJXYPLa6EZK6kZn4hk1_w3515WyQDqudEqhuZfG2cCSUYcnoA5QAabd5nj-HOVFUhk_Gz6_cFxGcdLzYUS5OYj/s600/DD71.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675267217621559394" /></a><br /><br />Then, we headed back towards <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/hollywood-studios/attractions/toy-story-mania/">Toy Story Mania</a>. Besides being arguably the longest wait in all of Disney, I didn't know much about this ride. Even with FastPass, we had to stand in line for a while, but oh my goodness, how fun! The entire ride is one giant video game, and we had a BLAST. I really wish we could have ridden it again!<br /><br />There was a lot we didn't get to do or see at Hollywood Studios. We probably would have stayed longer, but Sassy was not feeling well, so we decided that some rest was in order...<br /><br />Later that evening, we had dinner reservations at <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/biergarten-restaurant/">Biergarten</a>. The girls brought along their dirndls to wear for the occasion. They looked super adorable!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtL8rkQB5IJj4CKuCOD_UJyONmsFIXnJ4fkotWLKx744h0rD-UZS_FflzzsgZsxttS33YW-sP0y4s49yAlSRa5fo_wC_m2TiKcXbtqp9u6Bs6s9bTR746WhLfFf6x36vvH5HJS79YFaYen/s1600/DD72.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400.5px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtL8rkQB5IJj4CKuCOD_UJyONmsFIXnJ4fkotWLKx744h0rD-UZS_FflzzsgZsxttS33YW-sP0y4s49yAlSRa5fo_wC_m2TiKcXbtqp9u6Bs6s9bTR746WhLfFf6x36vvH5HJS79YFaYen/s600/DD72.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675266798062129970" /></a><br /><br />Dinner was fun, and the girls got up and danced on the stage for all to see. Everyone seriously got a kick out of their dresses, and several employees asked if they could have their picture taken on their camera with the girls. ♥<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscAdYwQ4hoLZ20kYskZI4RlD8SoKS9g9EazaCkOApXOU8EgSpxP4ZyhIDVGvwl-f8yGg9XAAV0Wz7489CY6ZSfT9NS1ipDvlZilBqbbAC9vcMS_QwF1a5ZIin6TTY2bcBsglQgAKdIOPB/s1600/DD73.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 186px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscAdYwQ4hoLZ20kYskZI4RlD8SoKS9g9EazaCkOApXOU8EgSpxP4ZyhIDVGvwl-f8yGg9XAAV0Wz7489CY6ZSfT9NS1ipDvlZilBqbbAC9vcMS_QwF1a5ZIin6TTY2bcBsglQgAKdIOPB/s600/DD73.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675266791617944130" /></a><br /><br />After dinner, we continued to tour the remaining pavilions.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrftZUtaIhDB1BmeWSD9whyphenhyphenCbBkf4NYGY051skRR6keDT2lH19rXa1p8J4xTE3NfTUZHRFc0XAwnMJzGjBVk9HIbdsq-GFEFGKoPm6dcGk5A7MRl-7xFv_DTLf3pGQ9md7b1OhngVHnjg0/s1600/DD74.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400.5px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrftZUtaIhDB1BmeWSD9whyphenhyphenCbBkf4NYGY051skRR6keDT2lH19rXa1p8J4xTE3NfTUZHRFc0XAwnMJzGjBVk9HIbdsq-GFEFGKoPm6dcGk5A7MRl-7xFv_DTLf3pGQ9md7b1OhngVHnjg0/s600/DD74.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675266776412316370" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/attractions/germany-pavilion/">Germany</a>. <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/attractions/italy-pavilion/">Italy</a>. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQh4djOXtouSHBxQc7_gnkEFhLSG0QRDOPlVwljPSEQqc9LOad4kl75082nRl-zO1jY8sWJTHBfJlbDB1UCvqAoC5DRRn2orhkK4tdvTfZskqnGBJ_KZ0K9OgL-DQphfdyHt2cLaMgtrd/s1600/DD75.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400.5px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQh4djOXtouSHBxQc7_gnkEFhLSG0QRDOPlVwljPSEQqc9LOad4kl75082nRl-zO1jY8sWJTHBfJlbDB1UCvqAoC5DRRn2orhkK4tdvTfZskqnGBJ_KZ0K9OgL-DQphfdyHt2cLaMgtrd/s600/DD75.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675266766428858754" /></a><br /><br />...and, of course the <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/attractions/united-kingdom-pavilion/">UK</a>! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3zWWCxmlngjPLRRNwPySxkx39T-N6xaTlJlSCT0E5IOnKGZlIcrMBv6yHbPu7zETwQJrv8YJcjS3AG0DLxFxVMC6FdWoQZE6bTIcL8SoqYUIG9KRWngtceTlit5npGBIiP5w6lNlVfIR/s1600/DD76.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400.5px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3zWWCxmlngjPLRRNwPySxkx39T-N6xaTlJlSCT0E5IOnKGZlIcrMBv6yHbPu7zETwQJrv8YJcjS3AG0DLxFxVMC6FdWoQZE6bTIcL8SoqYUIG9KRWngtceTlit5npGBIiP5w6lNlVfIR/s600/DD76.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675266764979846786" /></a><br /><br />The girls really enjoyed the World Showcase Pavilions, and they enjoyed decorating their Duffy bears at the <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/entertainment/kidcot-fun-stops/">KidCot Fun Stops</a>. Even is Tink did get PERMANENT MARKER all over her dirndl straight from Germany. <em>Tear</em>.<br /><br />It was a long, wearing day and we were all ready for some serious R & R. Day 5, out...Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07208049223435894385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744765423813426569.post-29278779699492017012011-11-15T08:50:00.002-06:002011-11-15T12:01:01.169-06:00The Dog Days of Disney: Day 4Friday morning, we had no choice but to arise early. We had 8:00 breakfast reservations at <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/the-crystal-palace/">The Crystal Palace</a> in <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/">Magic Kingdom</a>. This was completely by design. One of the ingenious tips I read prior to our trip suggested making an early breakfast reservation here, gaining you access to the park prior to opening, and the perfect chance for stellar castle pictures without a crowd. <br /><br />I was SO excited.<br /><br />The park was beautiful in the morning. I had to wait a minute for my camera to catch up with the humidity, but the fall/Halloween decorations were great. The girls even showed us their "scary" faces...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2f5zJcftyc4u_Rr7LeiN03MrxMyllFO4ZXl9zPX1JDNowP5HczoEqUuZpPYTKpoSd8FLZXikoaoeYy5PHSRHTRAb4ltMzA9R-Q62P7p920gZbgMh8auEpUFybKrI2Lf7G2xDmVx_8Tj_4/s1600/DD43.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2f5zJcftyc4u_Rr7LeiN03MrxMyllFO4ZXl9zPX1JDNowP5HczoEqUuZpPYTKpoSd8FLZXikoaoeYy5PHSRHTRAb4ltMzA9R-Q62P7p920gZbgMh8auEpUFybKrI2Lf7G2xDmVx_8Tj_4/s600/DD43.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675223459865291666" /></a><br /><br />Magic Kingdom has lots of neat architecture near Main Street and in the front corridor.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDThA9ncK6t-e2jIfGUy7Earel6HKnr3n5E9PY-ajCLwiJjgfeXBsdFUI_81ehl_KLsDJhlBLJ7emicsllV75dRRXm3I7yA2PrfMUmga-oLp_1SrihuolztI1WY9zAy41QGeNpdbb2QBCZ/s1600/DD44.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDThA9ncK6t-e2jIfGUy7Earel6HKnr3n5E9PY-ajCLwiJjgfeXBsdFUI_81ehl_KLsDJhlBLJ7emicsllV75dRRXm3I7yA2PrfMUmga-oLp_1SrihuolztI1WY9zAy41QGeNpdbb2QBCZ/s600/DD44.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675223454143185458" /></a><br /><br />We enjoyed a leisurely stroll towards the <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/attractions/cinderella-castle/">castle</a>...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_EKA90CKSJBZRaFhzwlKpQrU0Dz-v6rAlHt3GlHjLJS4EbRrHWsfVn1UKTXjD0Q_jSAWdfy4GTf3dwoqpHC8wydj4mbRsLTluNaQtH3xiNjZLA9VL4gmYCbBDNhtFbBv4SMpW3G98EmK/s1600/DD45.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_EKA90CKSJBZRaFhzwlKpQrU0Dz-v6rAlHt3GlHjLJS4EbRrHWsfVn1UKTXjD0Q_jSAWdfy4GTf3dwoqpHC8wydj4mbRsLTluNaQtH3xiNjZLA9VL4gmYCbBDNhtFbBv4SMpW3G98EmK/s600/DD45.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675223100814720882" /></a><br /><br />...Then, I saw it. I mean, c'mon. <strong>For real?</strong> <em>Are you kidding me right now?</em> UGH!!!<br /><br />I still put on my happy family picture smile.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4cDl6JSxHQye2XY82NE5VK2jLu2JfUbjEo_JVP9YjlIQxqwlnPlmBiHABzhMJljVs9W9G9egjBq-mpRdHpY32PFXrGNkKH7XZVFOngQZOUnQCHr-LFT2m1cKcbuqIZKttEFThLgiUaDhk/s1600/DD46.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400.5px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4cDl6JSxHQye2XY82NE5VK2jLu2JfUbjEo_JVP9YjlIQxqwlnPlmBiHABzhMJljVs9W9G9egjBq-mpRdHpY32PFXrGNkKH7XZVFOngQZOUnQCHr-LFT2m1cKcbuqIZKttEFThLgiUaDhk/s600/DD46.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675223092773854274" /></a><br /><br />But, I was non too happy. <em>Why</em>, you ask? Now do you see it?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZUB2FdpLsV1yoakG1eK_rJPQsDFInFiujKI0zHa4v9a6aaibQA9fleG2DNpAuQpTGHdRJHv0m3vXcCP2jx1WtTnMIydgvt3eypIt6Hrv-bcB3jD6WwgnduwGkuTY-gV1cf5ZkuiTZfvDt/s1600/DD47.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400.5px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZUB2FdpLsV1yoakG1eK_rJPQsDFInFiujKI0zHa4v9a6aaibQA9fleG2DNpAuQpTGHdRJHv0m3vXcCP2jx1WtTnMIydgvt3eypIt6Hrv-bcB3jD6WwgnduwGkuTY-gV1cf5ZkuiTZfvDt/s600/DD47.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675223084568719394" /></a><br /><br />Yeah, the giant eyesore of a construction crane right in the way of all of my fabulous, highly anticipated castle pictures. I wanted to cry. But, we made the best of it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kCG7QnVF-RSC_YUSUPcX0w6QbSNZ0SbNelJfKUS1J0t7SXs4JKlqQmup5Fj6b47niGCWbUnyqvodqWC83aCr5WSjenihIqMyrKTMtbOFIyDBSTBkxgO25G6F0-N-iJEi6c__pVI7saQA/s1600/DD48.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 369px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kCG7QnVF-RSC_YUSUPcX0w6QbSNZ0SbNelJfKUS1J0t7SXs4JKlqQmup5Fj6b47niGCWbUnyqvodqWC83aCr5WSjenihIqMyrKTMtbOFIyDBSTBkxgO25G6F0-N-iJEi6c__pVI7saQA/s600/DD48.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675223075807171586" /></a><br /><br />Even princesses have construction on their homes. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUphdkwMZDy1Db52FWO0MzS1mI459jDb2N2gNGu0t6l6NaHIOyNG_MKdIjPvIV9SDjaxLvHwcLNZh-oU7i0l0e_0lFq6K2nXGfrMDVgOXmEqJMkvL9xpd4cHmtHHuKEu7QkHCqYWTmZBW8/s1600/DD49.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUphdkwMZDy1Db52FWO0MzS1mI459jDb2N2gNGu0t6l6NaHIOyNG_MKdIjPvIV9SDjaxLvHwcLNZh-oU7i0l0e_0lFq6K2nXGfrMDVgOXmEqJMkvL9xpd4cHmtHHuKEu7QkHCqYWTmZBW8/s600/DD49.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675223070090894498" /></a><br /><br />The one neat things was that because of the construction (or maybe because it was before the park opened?), there was a lack of ropes and barriers around the front platform of the castle, so we (perhaps illegally?) gained access to spots like the eave and the floor where the princesses perform before they were blocked off to the public.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWHl3ybJjwwPL-saNdepzgZMVta9pn_5TmQV76uOJhTgKKSI8Qt82K7zHEJxOhqctp5J7IMY8LJmXfkMuh-XPXIf9shXLyYJgnUndqXVTjCKM95ZVM3VRgCnjqjrON_IyZm8dqm_n6v8y/s1600/DD50.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWHl3ybJjwwPL-saNdepzgZMVta9pn_5TmQV76uOJhTgKKSI8Qt82K7zHEJxOhqctp5J7IMY8LJmXfkMuh-XPXIf9shXLyYJgnUndqXVTjCKM95ZVM3VRgCnjqjrON_IyZm8dqm_n6v8y/s600/DD50.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675222403685320530" /></a><br /><br />When you walk through the castleway, the mosaics are incredible! The girls and I probably could have stood there for hours examining every inch!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZhHIcCKkCS8mytFpAgtDU1jW4-Cn6W4CzIhPvx91YQDAllZOEVJmHEWTi4pBUnyCdXj3z-IfMYJ3jcAy1djd9U-d-rJ_QMcalEIcaoiDWnWwaprtKyTJlroOd3FIpvyTjUhtjz7wZ8n_/s1600/DD51.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZhHIcCKkCS8mytFpAgtDU1jW4-Cn6W4CzIhPvx91YQDAllZOEVJmHEWTi4pBUnyCdXj3z-IfMYJ3jcAy1djd9U-d-rJ_QMcalEIcaoiDWnWwaprtKyTJlroOd3FIpvyTjUhtjz7wZ8n_/s600/DD51.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675222390361714018" /></a><br /><br />Now, I could have returned home and spent some time photoshopping the cranes out. Yeah, maybe I should have. But, you know what? That wasn't our experience. I felt it better to just leave them in. Maybe we'll try again next trip!<br /><br />We made our way to breakfast. After a short wait outside, it was our turn to be seated.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9Fe3iDbFvWSw_OJASaHovCJkzNKn-iyi3BISp5KMQdI6krqT9VqTAZtWGP_R8jkt_EU0efJ58mjSKvE5BsU0aMC-VSYnIG9JI0IfkHb7toyeAh53TcCaPb9txThBO_TVFP7T04efPT_W/s1600/DD52.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 555px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9Fe3iDbFvWSw_OJASaHovCJkzNKn-iyi3BISp5KMQdI6krqT9VqTAZtWGP_R8jkt_EU0efJ58mjSKvE5BsU0aMC-VSYnIG9JI0IfkHb7toyeAh53TcCaPb9txThBO_TVFP7T04efPT_W/s600/DD52.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675222377895543842" /></a><br /><br />The buffet was actually pretty good. they had children's buffet lines that were just their size, which the girls LOVED! As we ate, we got to meet a variety of Winnie the Pooh characters.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZiyOlhk_CWBvvTJN6u4hV00qZ_ySqB3JNWCc2Exm3rYxfn4d0VO2LOz0k8fxcxBdz4Krk16T8inQ1SekkTTq44pyxem81hyVzItWf_Q0rqLvGzogWazx_MzWfii33Tn3Ls_m1FM3g1rTQ/s1600/DD53.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZiyOlhk_CWBvvTJN6u4hV00qZ_ySqB3JNWCc2Exm3rYxfn4d0VO2LOz0k8fxcxBdz4Krk16T8inQ1SekkTTq44pyxem81hyVzItWf_Q0rqLvGzogWazx_MzWfii33Tn3Ls_m1FM3g1rTQ/s600/DD53.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675222373635896434" /></a><br /><br />We ate and mingled and acquired many autographs. And hugs.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwR82zvZ5nUnKT0rcDvFfQqcITbXUUq4YjhwyEJYhRYaL6WEqeJRSkTKct1nYA0ZR7SoAoNUV8VfuN38QZdC3HxMc_zO1o2t97Pa8-3ZxE4PcPVcDK9U8gSOVhgYCpg7D75GjNio2R7x8m/s1600/DD54.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwR82zvZ5nUnKT0rcDvFfQqcITbXUUq4YjhwyEJYhRYaL6WEqeJRSkTKct1nYA0ZR7SoAoNUV8VfuN38QZdC3HxMc_zO1o2t97Pa8-3ZxE4PcPVcDK9U8gSOVhgYCpg7D75GjNio2R7x8m/s600/DD54.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675222372714366802" /></a><br /><br />After breakfast, we made our way back to Frontierland. We all rode the <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/attractions/walt-disney-world-railroad/">WDW Railroad</a> and Tyler and I took turns taking Sassy on <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/attractions/big-thunder-mountain-railroad/">Big Thunder Mountain Railroad</a>, officially Sassy's first roller coaster ride, which she LOVED! In between attractions, we visited Jessie from toy Story!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HpslA28nHSaylPfc7zlj-5BlgONRtXrwFRjqnyXRcMqwuDZKpSgqhfVAs_V6wn2tEd7dVRKD0d2ZQBtP_tAYD8wfXhY-DkO5bTwPq_7WhyphenhyphenO7MdswIiJUPjWSgbTj6DzDjRmhHRbbH7PH/s1600/DD55.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 301.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HpslA28nHSaylPfc7zlj-5BlgONRtXrwFRjqnyXRcMqwuDZKpSgqhfVAs_V6wn2tEd7dVRKD0d2ZQBtP_tAYD8wfXhY-DkO5bTwPq_7WhyphenhyphenO7MdswIiJUPjWSgbTj6DzDjRmhHRbbH7PH/s600/DD55.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675222038777474546" /></a><br /><br />The girls rode <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/attractions/magic-carpets-of-aladdin/">The Magic Carpets of Aladdin</a> with Ty and Sassy and I checked out the <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/attractions/haunted-mansion/">Haunted Mansion</a>. <br /><br />Then, we purchased the ever-famous <a href="http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2009/03/25/snacks-series-dole-whip/">Dole Whip</a> desserts for everyone and parked ourselves in the very long line to meet the Disney Fairies at <a href="http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/08/explore-tinker-bells-magical-nook-at-magic-kingdom-park/">Tinkerbell's Magical Nook</a>.<br /><br />It felt like we waited FOR-EVER, but the girls <em>really</em> wanted to do it. So, we did.<br /><br />They got to meet Rosetta... <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVRrQELgASfO9IYZneTzhRKamRa3swpg8iiRjZUZGqh1v6BJG4mFFZNMTvdjwM1-qBZgwmJFrCHlxbbod-0OooPELEFqCc4SAIOBySBzKIsEbqcMgPldOdW0ycLFifLNHC5ZBb799aRbt/s1600/DD56.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVRrQELgASfO9IYZneTzhRKamRa3swpg8iiRjZUZGqh1v6BJG4mFFZNMTvdjwM1-qBZgwmJFrCHlxbbod-0OooPELEFqCc4SAIOBySBzKIsEbqcMgPldOdW0ycLFifLNHC5ZBb799aRbt/s600/DD56.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675222027322837026" /></a><br /><br />And, the little sprite herself...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjff-oSAJc7-m89MhK1towjhzckSkqWLK3qm3nZOu7gCYeMfLrDlww4E_0USA2JheF5zok72zp-ZAarvEMwRENHOz01xEpJjxHtdOL9O3Awxua5RsIS1Iwth9o4zqxx5o169bxUV0ybYrVz/s1600/DD57.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjff-oSAJc7-m89MhK1towjhzckSkqWLK3qm3nZOu7gCYeMfLrDlww4E_0USA2JheF5zok72zp-ZAarvEMwRENHOz01xEpJjxHtdOL9O3Awxua5RsIS1Iwth9o4zqxx5o169bxUV0ybYrVz/s600/DD57.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675222022626856194" /></a><br /><br />Before leaving, we used our FastPasses to ride <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/attractions/peter-pans-flight/">Peter Pan's Flight</a>, which was really neat! We also checked out <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/attractions/mickeys-philharmagic/">Mickey's Philharmagic</a>, which three of us really enjoyed. So cool! Tink... not so much. She was pretty frightened. We definitely learned on this trip that she is not a fan of 3D effects!<br /><br />We even ran into a certain Fairy Godmother on our way towards the front of the park!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1gV1ZFWps2HHmYvWwXoRRcLUb1Kl-2a5-ywL5W3l90yTqfxpJlNjVJEdqlsbNG1iRtPh7smUMnYFAj21QXlpr86icweVpCvmwHQl9o-SqyaGWd-xzoHl529ntWV_dsYngnRPQBwcnJgCr/s1600/DD58.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1gV1ZFWps2HHmYvWwXoRRcLUb1Kl-2a5-ywL5W3l90yTqfxpJlNjVJEdqlsbNG1iRtPh7smUMnYFAj21QXlpr86icweVpCvmwHQl9o-SqyaGWd-xzoHl529ntWV_dsYngnRPQBwcnJgCr/s600/DD58.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675222008230361154" /></a><br /><br />After a nice, long hotel rest, we decided to cancel our dinner reservations and have a relaxed evening. We headed to <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/">Epcot</a>, had dinner at <a href="http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2010/09/19/guest-review-la-cantina-de-san-angel/">La Cantina de San Angel</a> (YUM!) and checked out a few attractions. We walked around the <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/attractions/norway-pavilion/">Norway</a> and <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/attractions/china-pavilion/">China</a> pavilions, caught a little bit of <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/entertainment/illuminations-reflections-of-earth/">Illuminations</a> (although Tink wanted nothing to do with the fireworks) and rode <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/attractions/maelstrom/">Maelstrom</a>.<br /><br />I took very few pictures Friday evening, but I just had to share this one- cracks me up!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctduM6b2m9Z_fvlrJgznF5bv9DXYhKHVS-B05bV3HrpQ45vL10YYlkzA75AkDX56AiuCSLZ491iACMblTbBnbGxVtrenHpnCnAu8VwRGQJy1XGJFm5oSuCMO4wOAFPZMoNelk9ulXmPSK/s1600/DD59.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400.5px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctduM6b2m9Z_fvlrJgznF5bv9DXYhKHVS-B05bV3HrpQ45vL10YYlkzA75AkDX56AiuCSLZ491iACMblTbBnbGxVtrenHpnCnAu8VwRGQJy1XGJFm5oSuCMO4wOAFPZMoNelk9ulXmPSK/s600/DD59.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675222007308580018" /></a><br /><br />Tyler had the chance to ride <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/attractions/mission-space/">Mission: Space</a> (Orange) and we all had the pleasure of riding <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/attractions/journey-into-imagination-with-figment/">Journey Into the Imagination with Figment</a>. <em>Ahem</em>.<br /><br />And, so concludes our very full Friday at Disney World!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07208049223435894385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744765423813426569.post-70366132820375465692011-11-10T22:37:00.000-06:002011-12-04T22:44:15.296-06:00Shutterfly Holiday CardsIt's that time again! I can't believe we are ordering Holiday cards! Just like <a href="http://hleggett.blogspot.com/2010/11/choices-choosing-perfect-holiday-card.html">last year</a>, <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/">Shutterfly</a> is one of my go-to places for holiday cards. They have a plethora of fun, fresh designs and really great style.<br /><br />While I haven't chosen the perfect design just yet, my eyes naturally wander towards the Erin Condren designs found <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/holiday-cards?filterOptions=b200006&selectFilterOption=b200006&clearFilterOption=">here</a>...<br /><br />You know, to match my awesome life planner! ♥<br /><br />In addition to holiday cards, Shutterfly offers a great selection of <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/invitations">invitations</a> and <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/thank-you-cards">thank-you cards</a>, which can really come in handy after the holiday season. I know we always have a million people to thank, so why not do it in style?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/">Shutterfly</a> has always been good to us, and this is the perfect time to go check out their wonderful product line!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07208049223435894385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744765423813426569.post-1770397926237844932011-11-10T12:58:00.000-06:002011-11-10T12:58:12.512-06:00The Dog Days of Disney: Day 3Thursday morning, we woke up early and got started on our morning in hopes of getting to <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/">Epcot</a> as they opened. Didn't happen. It was quite a struggle for us- trying to find balance between our urge to be a <em>well-oiled Disney-touring-machine</em> and our desire for a <em>relaxing-get-away-from-it-all</em> vacation. This morning, sleep won out just a little bit.<br /><br />When we did manage to get to Epcot, we rode <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/attractions/spaceship-earth/">Spaceship Earth</a> again right off the bat. Well, after Tyler and Sassy went on a <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/fast-pass/">FastPass</a> mission for <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/attractions/soarin/">Soarin'</a> and <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/attractions/test-track/">Test Track</a>. It was fun to ride again because for the interactive last leg of the ride, you can change all of your choices and see a completely different future world unfold. We ♥'d this ride!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66N1dXc9hK8qU70wpvpWAW4FAV6ota02nhWhnP0ppAfs5bi2-daWy6Ia9zNvCaxprYj3Ihce9qLzOHYpJftzObd-aq2PvtXvdhS2JUY1NaaRJVwBXWj2A5ho4rBXXBphCa7Uka1NMqSNg/s1600/DD32.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 451.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66N1dXc9hK8qU70wpvpWAW4FAV6ota02nhWhnP0ppAfs5bi2-daWy6Ia9zNvCaxprYj3Ihce9qLzOHYpJftzObd-aq2PvtXvdhS2JUY1NaaRJVwBXWj2A5ho4rBXXBphCa7Uka1NMqSNg/s600/DD32.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673434187485506146" /></a><br /><br />The girls had chosen their signature books the night prior, and were pretty anxious to get started on their autograph collecting, so we took them over to the <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/entertainment/epcot-character-spot/">Epcot Character Spot.</a><br /><br />I will just let it be known now that the time we waited to collect autographs on this trip far surpassed the time we waited for any other ride or attraction. But, Tyler and I decided early on that this trip was truly about the girls. After a couple days of touring, things didn't feel quite right. Our schedule was off, everyone was a bit out of sorts, but even still, it didn't feel like it was supposed to feel for the girls, and we could tell. <br /><br />From that point on, we made the trip a little less about taking pictures, a little less about riding every.single.ride, and a little more about soaking in the experience, all four of us. I don't mean to sound cliche, but I'm being dead serious. So, when both girls shared that meeting the characters and getting their autograph books filled was most important to them, suddenly those lines didn't seem so long.<br /><br />Anyway, Character Spot. The girls watched cartoons throughout the line and it was finally their turn to meet their first characters!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRQZj-Cw_yBTMI3dRUPQdxSTimeMnxf1ywqMgOF_FLy3Br7vROtOJbtzdXtEq2vr8M5Cu7n-oY_ANbW6J9O6hqASg9xLqFugj6QonOWPX4N38vxS0HBsXvreqF2BEXP-eieC2b61g_GH_/s1600/DD33.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRQZj-Cw_yBTMI3dRUPQdxSTimeMnxf1ywqMgOF_FLy3Br7vROtOJbtzdXtEq2vr8M5Cu7n-oY_ANbW6J9O6hqASg9xLqFugj6QonOWPX4N38vxS0HBsXvreqF2BEXP-eieC2b61g_GH_/s600/DD33.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673433934939768178" /></a><br /><br />The loved it! I was a little nervous about Tink, because she is in a stage where she is seemingly frightened of everything, and we'd noticed things heighten since we'd been in Disney. But, she was grinning from ear to ear and ready to love on all the characters!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3n4jVRcwjQboFS9IeLxST9H9LTW1gKAvVU39jv2Quxqh_EvCHsRVax20paGTHWybUzxUaqsmno8p5MRqNvE9MRVix49PTWSulSvwMWQaEPuyQUzk2S5qk8CNomQS8cGxIpFbTgpU1imO9/s1600/DD34.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3n4jVRcwjQboFS9IeLxST9H9LTW1gKAvVU39jv2Quxqh_EvCHsRVax20paGTHWybUzxUaqsmno8p5MRqNvE9MRVix49PTWSulSvwMWQaEPuyQUzk2S5qk8CNomQS8cGxIpFbTgpU1imO9/s600/DD34.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673433926321085362" /></a><br /><br />Both the girls thought it was hi-larious that Pluto signed his name on top of his nose. They were just perplexed as to why he would do such a thing. HA!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZX0ZpSz5iw4Wc4eO8cnQYzb1mBf4e5SN93k3ACt56TO_49C5f5vxCEOxS-OK8rEiF6T458F4_wEHPuquABKUwS8ctej0tYEoH6BFRXvtW1CpEfg33mi3RUJi8OPe4iKIYaDz-sRyyGqbN/s1600/DD35.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 354px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZX0ZpSz5iw4Wc4eO8cnQYzb1mBf4e5SN93k3ACt56TO_49C5f5vxCEOxS-OK8rEiF6T458F4_wEHPuquABKUwS8ctej0tYEoH6BFRXvtW1CpEfg33mi3RUJi8OPe4iKIYaDz-sRyyGqbN/s600/DD35.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673433915789841778" /></a><br /><br />The girls were so proud to pose with their new friends!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPmiWxsbc78lMkjeKNkWbinjltAjuf7t3OQK8LCmovnHbt3gRztGLRBlv77zHnfGfGtMIvpq8Id5a4pf5Qb89rehvkvjaWvywJZACHil4VKL0pVCY7LuoKhwh8jNeUnPttYXKrFj1hirQ/s1600/DD36.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPmiWxsbc78lMkjeKNkWbinjltAjuf7t3OQK8LCmovnHbt3gRztGLRBlv77zHnfGfGtMIvpq8Id5a4pf5Qb89rehvkvjaWvywJZACHil4VKL0pVCY7LuoKhwh8jNeUnPttYXKrFj1hirQ/s600/DD36.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673433909299273570" /></a><br /><br />Even the really tall ones...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYTsqAbTyz_UaOWyw-a5k1KtQDX3V9PK3XMsTUOw3neO07zBAC5WKwcs8RljXpzkyMejOuizHIdCX2HjUk5gLLTDauU2wTsutcV3g0a-IeAVJqxBUCvBW6KVTX9YREflm6Ax5qC3_iNG_J/s1600/DD37.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYTsqAbTyz_UaOWyw-a5k1KtQDX3V9PK3XMsTUOw3neO07zBAC5WKwcs8RljXpzkyMejOuizHIdCX2HjUk5gLLTDauU2wTsutcV3g0a-IeAVJqxBUCvBW6KVTX9YREflm6Ax5qC3_iNG_J/s600/DD37.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673433905651581282" /></a><br /><br />You could totally see Tink's grin from behind. That's the BEST kind. <br /><br />After the Character Spot, we headed towards the back of the park and into the World Showcase area. We had lunch reservations at <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/akershus/">Akershus</a>, which was also our first character meal. When we first arrived, after waiting a bit, we were whisked away to meet Belle and have a professional portrait taken. The girls were about in heaven. The restaurant was beautiful and princess-like in every way. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifvnXm2v3CYIamOQvPUdlJ7-KNrCQdt2QddalEPQ1htIJ_RQI_fqcin00PmIJeOcDvcZG-34yoCgP99NYy7bA6MAhH01PUFpGk4EoCEwVe_87SW9g1r3VTBJ1ETJ1bEBjTd3rmLFLoRMHK/s1600/DD38.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400.5px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifvnXm2v3CYIamOQvPUdlJ7-KNrCQdt2QddalEPQ1htIJ_RQI_fqcin00PmIJeOcDvcZG-34yoCgP99NYy7bA6MAhH01PUFpGk4EoCEwVe_87SW9g1r3VTBJ1ETJ1bEBjTd3rmLFLoRMHK/s600/DD38.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673439291845746690" /></a><br /><br />After we sat down and ordered, the princesses made their way around to each table and took some time to talk with the girls, sign autographs, answer questions, and take pictures. Magical. First, it was Jasmine...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRzEYgBNoM8P3fFpJ4eR9tX7XE7mPVp_9xacldw0voTI-8QxvXi_RustwcjSsbas-C51lNMftNSp8Xu7gsf-FykRo7UCsiD5OL08kFhtLwVfGJDHtMxPKU_i1xj99Wc3YcQfMwzh79Wp0/s1600/DD39.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 354px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRzEYgBNoM8P3fFpJ4eR9tX7XE7mPVp_9xacldw0voTI-8QxvXi_RustwcjSsbas-C51lNMftNSp8Xu7gsf-FykRo7UCsiD5OL08kFhtLwVfGJDHtMxPKU_i1xj99Wc3YcQfMwzh79Wp0/s600/DD39.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673439276678988802" /></a><br /><br />Then Cinderella...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bqB5VUaWV09zyfujnGgh3-B4AweqhnRQ-WADV_JRn94ZARc7bhvMP2iiFpkZn9OGhSaBuC7tpRg8AvD_DDXbAiV9aUtVILK5HraenFw2pA0EW0QpzZmTlrGdb30fUd07BTR7QWIAbIbe/s1600/DD40.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 273px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bqB5VUaWV09zyfujnGgh3-B4AweqhnRQ-WADV_JRn94ZARc7bhvMP2iiFpkZn9OGhSaBuC7tpRg8AvD_DDXbAiV9aUtVILK5HraenFw2pA0EW0QpzZmTlrGdb30fUd07BTR7QWIAbIbe/s600/DD40.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673439270581573410" /></a><br /><br />Then Snow White... Tink was very proud to point out her shirt to the lady herself, who just giggled...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwoXlnYijyPdQohmN2-fRxysFqUH80laoQDIGCeDAw9ZUZunEAn_oGZSgApgN41Yuczryw2MFC2VHpfuKpujXg1cUx0_xkhtL6N7eqUXZpwJcXQZHSgTR-Ouzji0vQ79OptcfcOrUKA-lN/s1600/DD41.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwoXlnYijyPdQohmN2-fRxysFqUH80laoQDIGCeDAw9ZUZunEAn_oGZSgApgN41Yuczryw2MFC2VHpfuKpujXg1cUx0_xkhtL6N7eqUXZpwJcXQZHSgTR-Ouzji0vQ79OptcfcOrUKA-lN/s600/DD41.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673439261408450162" /></a><br /><br />And, finally, Ariel...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNEWDmml2yko8T33zprR4Qpvl6VN33YVfuKqggRUyx2i2LnxJogpa6zK9d8bgYwMnDIwkTfmdw3U3ShCGEJS9oAk3Kjm50yWf5s0XMonb3NKARAC_4DnYc19OIj50O6_AT0l6Xqg1B9Hw/s1600/DD42.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 354px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNEWDmml2yko8T33zprR4Qpvl6VN33YVfuKqggRUyx2i2LnxJogpa6zK9d8bgYwMnDIwkTfmdw3U3ShCGEJS9oAk3Kjm50yWf5s0XMonb3NKARAC_4DnYc19OIj50O6_AT0l6Xqg1B9Hw/s600/DD42.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673439257961742514" /></a><br /><br />The girls truly loved every minute of it. I didn't hassle with trying to get a reservation at <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/cinderellas-royal-table/">Cinderella's Royal Table</a>. I'm sure it's super fabulous to eat there! But, this was great, and it only counted as one table service credit instead of two!<br /><br />After lunch, we spent a little time checking out the <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/attractions/norway-pavilion/">Norway Pavilion</a> and then headed back front. Tyler and I took turns riding <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/attractions/soarin/">Soarin'</a> with Sassy. It was very cool. I was super impressed by the smells! It really brought you into the ride. While Tyler and Sassy were on Soarin', I took Tink to ride <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/attractions/living-with-the-land/">Living with the Land</a>, and we learned all kinds of neat new things about the cutting-edge methods of agriculture. I love how much we learned on this entire vacation!<br /><br />Last, Tyler and I took turns taking Sassy on <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/attractions/test-track/">Test Track</a>. Tyler went first, and then Sassy and I got all the way to the top, where they proceeded to take a lengthy rain break. Ugh!! We finally did get to ride, and it was pretty cool. A few times it really felt like you were going to crash right into something, but Sassy took it all in stride! I thought the hot and cold simulations were pretty fun. Sassy enjoyed the speed- 60 mph, baby!<br /><br />We headed back to the resort and contemplated an afternoon swim, but it really started to rain. We decided to rest, hang out int he room, and head to <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/downtown-disney/">Downtown Disney</a> for the evening. The rain came down, let me tell you! The girls enjoyed a little bit of souvenir shopping for their friends and themselves. Sassy started a charm bracelet, and added to it <em>profusely</em> throughout the week. The giant <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/downtown-disney/shopping/world-of-disney/">Disney Store</a> was something! So was dinner at <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/wolfgang-puck-cafe/">Wolfgang Puck Express</a>!<br /><br />Day 3, Disney World, Done.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07208049223435894385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744765423813426569.post-82552388367941959482011-11-05T14:45:00.000-05:002011-11-05T14:45:00.858-05:00The Dog Days of Disney: Day 2While we were eager to start our second day at Disney, I would remiss if I didn't mention that it truly took us a couple of days to recover from crazy <em>un</em>-schedule and get our groove on. Things were a bit slow going Wednesday morning.<br /><br />Tyler and Sassy took a walk to the food court at our resort to retrieve fruit and muffins while Tink and I attempted {feebly} to get going. We headed off to <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/animal-kingdom/">Animal Kingdom</a> for the morning.<br /><br />I think I went into our Animal Kingdom visit a bit jaded. Most of our experienced Disney World friends like this park the least. I even decided to leave behind my big fancy camera lens and travel light. Once we arrived, i was super disappointed that I had. What a gorgeous place! Out of all the Disney parks that we visited, i think Animal Kingdom has some of the prettiest backdrop and scenery for photography. I'll know better next time!<br /><br />I found the <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/animal-kingdom/attractions/the-tree-of-life/">Tree of Life</a> to be spectacular. What an amazing sight to see! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQ7IbrQ7vZLL1NEujC6vKLejLqJynDziYInyLIDRuy7rXl9gIUgca_MF8D4zUU5qzF_WsxIAkJeo4eaHEEuSmhlX6vMj0N3DBFN2yORZsqpl1W0TQhgOKr3hZGgYv2EZvbolUmvoLobcF/s1600/DD17.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQ7IbrQ7vZLL1NEujC6vKLejLqJynDziYInyLIDRuy7rXl9gIUgca_MF8D4zUU5qzF_WsxIAkJeo4eaHEEuSmhlX6vMj0N3DBFN2yORZsqpl1W0TQhgOKr3hZGgYv2EZvbolUmvoLobcF/s600/DD17.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670850861388193058" /></a><br /><br />We sent Tyler off on a <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/fast-pass/">FastPass</a> gathering mission while the girls and I took in some of the animals. It was sort of funny because one tour guide was talking to the girls about how awesome it was to have the chance to see one of the rarest zoo animals ever, the lemur. She just went on and on, and Sassy was like, "Uh, <em>yeah</em>, I pet one <a href="http://hleggett.blogspot.com/2011/07/too-hot-for-tanganyika.html">before</a> and it sat <em>on my lap</em>!" <em>Well, then</em>...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvz7UBjC0f35mjaSOgB1ikb0HN_kDs2q_wM-vw_gFJHFGaUC3NF3Umblk0ipfZd-4pwTv8ajkIJ0mCiclvn5BmlWvtlWJ7LUJvZvJNz3oU8uXaIsJwYXpL2TaBF9zdFnSLtUwqEA1OU5LW/s1600/DD18.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400.5px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvz7UBjC0f35mjaSOgB1ikb0HN_kDs2q_wM-vw_gFJHFGaUC3NF3Umblk0ipfZd-4pwTv8ajkIJ0mCiclvn5BmlWvtlWJ7LUJvZvJNz3oU8uXaIsJwYXpL2TaBF9zdFnSLtUwqEA1OU5LW/s600/DD18.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670850851462382658" /></a><br /><br />Once Tyler met back up with us, we decided to take in the show entitled <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/animal-kingdom/attractions/its-tough-to-be-a-bug/">It's Tough to Be A Bug</a>. BAD IDEA! Tink was <em>terrified</em>. The show is 3D and has several physical and odoriferous effects. Tink wanted nothing to do with it, even without the 3D glasses. Thankfully, mommy and Tink sat close to an exit, and we hightailed it out of there in no time flat. She was hysterical, sobbing, clinging to my neck like a spider monkey. Epic fail. Sassy and Ty enjoyed it, though, and by the time they were finished, Tink was breathing somewhat normally again. Poor girl.<br /><br />We made our way over to <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/animal-kingdom/attractions/kilimanjaro-safaris/">Kilimanjaro Safaris</a>, and the girls were pretty excited to see the animals. We saw a lot of neat things on our trek...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeXdo-PqoE3nQci9Qmjd9oMXn_iIsAGEDwc924_4jEGwNSNGz7JkzjgF0eLxdhXlk7N10NdOmDzM5hKOk2biFlTClJ9QfxeaUl2adpCDGi7gGAAVJ5srSLiQ1pLu3uBQw9h3hMxKt4upR/s1600/DD19.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 444px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeXdo-PqoE3nQci9Qmjd9oMXn_iIsAGEDwc924_4jEGwNSNGz7JkzjgF0eLxdhXlk7N10NdOmDzM5hKOk2biFlTClJ9QfxeaUl2adpCDGi7gGAAVJ5srSLiQ1pLu3uBQw9h3hMxKt4upR/s600/DD19.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670850844019949250" /></a><br /><br />I was pretty excited, too. What a neat looking creature this little guy is, wouldn't you agree?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WttKZxUMPixxDFtfGYfRTZLy6L8ic-UCtAWiX5To__EHK__8kS4izydCwC5TWixNJ_V25QnBnXnTyBXmz5RaKsGqJCFdPLXIXQFiOsMjZXORcxj0Heg_dMi-mbhpL1r6-nDq-TSL7-6F/s1600/DD20.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WttKZxUMPixxDFtfGYfRTZLy6L8ic-UCtAWiX5To__EHK__8kS4izydCwC5TWixNJ_V25QnBnXnTyBXmz5RaKsGqJCFdPLXIXQFiOsMjZXORcxj0Heg_dMi-mbhpL1r6-nDq-TSL7-6F/s600/DD20.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670850839909479522" /></a><br /><br />We saw a lot of butts and bottoms...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPSt3_41hTDuSTnyEdyESeoOD2xFEUsDAtGygxZ6L7leUffTKoqEaI_bAbLxVDAV14ysA8wxjnfdSnZ7guJbRR2wLE1qeAmUqE1LFfhvfsweeTyAWtjeTy2xmE3fe03ovuekyDniME4RV/s1600/DD21.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 321px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPSt3_41hTDuSTnyEdyESeoOD2xFEUsDAtGygxZ6L7leUffTKoqEaI_bAbLxVDAV14ysA8wxjnfdSnZ7guJbRR2wLE1qeAmUqE1LFfhvfsweeTyAWtjeTy2xmE3fe03ovuekyDniME4RV/s600/DD21.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670850148701879330" /></a><br /><br />It was a little bumpy, rocky, and fast to get a clear shot all the time...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYgXcCFH2UKd-47I3ulJEDUcUzxMcLJRBE4gojL5r_mQVqK8Z-IxGnBeZld_H636R8uZbYUb7TCEcNLCgoZaEYh2xgrfXST6DMTk6VhHfJWWsWRUez940_Vlf9myRb_LMPpGpyj2PduPNb/s1600/DD22.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYgXcCFH2UKd-47I3ulJEDUcUzxMcLJRBE4gojL5r_mQVqK8Z-IxGnBeZld_H636R8uZbYUb7TCEcNLCgoZaEYh2xgrfXST6DMTk6VhHfJWWsWRUez940_Vlf9myRb_LMPpGpyj2PduPNb/s600/DD22.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670850148705795970" /></a><br /><br />...but, it was fun!<br /><br />After our ride, we got a closer look at a different angle of the tree of life. So cool!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1jck5BjnAqSfZ0I_0_DMCwvlsf8YGtln8zOPWz3wMl2Xor89hRLbVJYMPET2lLzdtwwgO392N_rzPcpnmIlRweSdNhGzTCI8N79LHZxYxFOmmR-RX7zIwA4YDt1f8u5KP08yGfv2f1XS/s1600/DD23.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 301.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1jck5BjnAqSfZ0I_0_DMCwvlsf8YGtln8zOPWz3wMl2Xor89hRLbVJYMPET2lLzdtwwgO392N_rzPcpnmIlRweSdNhGzTCI8N79LHZxYxFOmmR-RX7zIwA4YDt1f8u5KP08yGfv2f1XS/s600/DD23.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670850134626531090" /></a><br /><br />We ventured over to Asia and took in the sights of the Grand Himalayas!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hoI7UyK0H7PriZZ9VHGgFz-0VWZFE7rIkavR6luce4wvZlQHFMIywKqcEXtN_5lk1Yv5VyebTdar_ob3uePZh3bXdXReG3Lci8Y0X8nkbhQMQWTwJLDYm4XTHH4jRubxc7fpwwrj8oje/s1600/DD24.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 304.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hoI7UyK0H7PriZZ9VHGgFz-0VWZFE7rIkavR6luce4wvZlQHFMIywKqcEXtN_5lk1Yv5VyebTdar_ob3uePZh3bXdXReG3Lci8Y0X8nkbhQMQWTwJLDYm4XTHH4jRubxc7fpwwrj8oje/s600/DD24.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670850131446150338" /></a><br /><br />Tyler and I took turns taking Sassy on <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/animal-kingdom/attractions/dinosaur/">Dinosaur</a>, and then each of us rode <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/animal-kingdom/attractions/expedition-everest/">Expedition Everest</a> while the girls waited patiently. We even fit a little snack in! Expedition Everest was really cool- I was like what the... when we got to the point of the twisted, broken tracks. They give you just enough time to look around and think to yourself, "Where the hell am I going," and then, well... I believe it's the first backwards roller coaster I've ever ridden. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsRU44o2uP8fAe4O0TN2xptah9Uhu0H6FiBwOhiPJn-4FToYeKwRTRfNq8lpM23p65Tuv-nCscTa3PbxikmGw94WJKPYHo0Rz6qnsT492t9iJrev_zQr_QEpucxPUiERc1BJ9tPkGUb_o/s1600/DD25.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 354px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsRU44o2uP8fAe4O0TN2xptah9Uhu0H6FiBwOhiPJn-4FToYeKwRTRfNq8lpM23p65Tuv-nCscTa3PbxikmGw94WJKPYHo0Rz6qnsT492t9iJrev_zQr_QEpucxPUiERc1BJ9tPkGUb_o/s600/DD25.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670850128182482210" /></a><br /><br />Animal Kingdom, while lacking the number of attractions that some of the other parks had, was really nice. We fully intended on spending another half day there, at least, and I was really looking forward to checking out a few of the trails and taking some nice pictures, but we never did make it back. Next time!<br /><br />We headed straight from Animal Kingdom to <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/animal-kingdom-lodge/">Animal Kingdom Lodge</a> for our lunch at <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/sanaa/">Sanaa</a>. It wasn't my favorite meal, but it was decorated beautifully and the lookout scenery from the restaurant was unreal- there were just wild African animals everywhere! I just don't think that the food was <em>my thing</em>, but the bread sampler was really great!<br /><br />After lunch, we headed back to our room and took a much needed NAP! All four of us slept for a few hours- it was fantastic!<br /><br />The forecast looked glum, but we decided to head out to <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/">Magic Kingdom</a> for the evening, anyway. The girls were set on wearing their princess nightgowns, and really, who were we to say no? So, princesses they were!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGhx6298g2vZCSWuhdkPaslXxYm8fezXrAYy8r3-rFEwirYb6L3JJ51JP3kI2rO8MeHUGuad3OY138Uwau2XjsXK_3oILfktBEyQxvWu_iYAtCE2Jk_sS5BGb7WcGahT3Nwuo3bl9Z-YY/s1600/DD26.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGhx6298g2vZCSWuhdkPaslXxYm8fezXrAYy8r3-rFEwirYb6L3JJ51JP3kI2rO8MeHUGuad3OY138Uwau2XjsXK_3oILfktBEyQxvWu_iYAtCE2Jk_sS5BGb7WcGahT3Nwuo3bl9Z-YY/s600/DD26.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670849348570834946" /></a><br /><br />Even though their mood matched the weather, especially Tink, it was still magical for them to see the castle for the first time. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJSCHFlzK67xnL2pHz1q2sZ_O-kgeFAUq3UWBUJWYmVpNvMYTqs5JxjqDIIvRru9dQh0v_odd3lEuhygQh3AgiYHjHZ09vzB4oBa2_HVKpX2gpGiSEze3-7_yrggEl2px4p0wPR-ZNLYOR/s1600/DD27.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400.5px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJSCHFlzK67xnL2pHz1q2sZ_O-kgeFAUq3UWBUJWYmVpNvMYTqs5JxjqDIIvRru9dQh0v_odd3lEuhygQh3AgiYHjHZ09vzB4oBa2_HVKpX2gpGiSEze3-7_yrggEl2px4p0wPR-ZNLYOR/s600/DD27.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670849328302814178" /></a><br /><br />And, Sassy decided to choose her Mickey ears. We told the girls we would buy them each a pair of their choice, separate from their piggy bank money and money from Nana & Graycop. Sassy chose princess ears with a veil.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KpFSBzm4dcTmEOFJW2qcJQS9jOf9wO8L-ARMeCSKH4hnjzQvTJoBtI5aNhb1o5uIYRwfp60cGwFdHKINs1j6fsv4oWxbBGZaqFTCpWYbL0JylZULmUPS-9iMlM929ZaOzVdbG-iQclh6/s1600/DD28.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 309px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KpFSBzm4dcTmEOFJW2qcJQS9jOf9wO8L-ARMeCSKH4hnjzQvTJoBtI5aNhb1o5uIYRwfp60cGwFdHKINs1j6fsv4oWxbBGZaqFTCpWYbL0JylZULmUPS-9iMlM929ZaOzVdbG-iQclh6/s600/DD28.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670849326444890114" /></a><br /><br />As it grew dark, we had the chance to take the girls on a few famous rides- <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/attractions/prince-charming-regal-carrousel/">Prince Charming's Regal Carrousel</a>, <a href="http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/dumbo-the-flying-elephant/">Dumbo the Flying Elephant</a>, and <a href="http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/mad-tea-party/">Mad Tea Party</a>...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHjlEKg8KMouFILlq96CnA4Xebd4Enm4mI_aDz6PQ48Zxp_Z2s8saSZ6fnCc1DdHV5utCQk9xs_wb3_PlHDbG2euCMq6vJRq1-RvRVvDbIoH52mG7AuOl-c6FVjg8SPvySsUZQYQHCpCI/s1600/DD29.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 204px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHjlEKg8KMouFILlq96CnA4Xebd4Enm4mI_aDz6PQ48Zxp_Z2s8saSZ6fnCc1DdHV5utCQk9xs_wb3_PlHDbG2euCMq6vJRq1-RvRVvDbIoH52mG7AuOl-c6FVjg8SPvySsUZQYQHCpCI/s600/DD29.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670849317394739906" /></a><br /><br />I did not partake in any of the three because I do not do rides that travel in circles. <strong>Ever</strong>. <em>Nevertheless</em>, Tyler and the girls had a ball!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5vqyWn9_vNgEKRPkBBK_RRdb6FyBv5gbfVXc06Nl_8sz1vqyFYs1ajNdL4QGpC8IsaBjEHssz8i3Wr_b7oLei07C4rKtmKBBoqZ-i9Kce6pjE_HlFQITF6gidhhyphenhyphen_GCOunc6k_49Ikh0/s1600/DD31.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 550.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5vqyWn9_vNgEKRPkBBK_RRdb6FyBv5gbfVXc06Nl_8sz1vqyFYs1ajNdL4QGpC8IsaBjEHssz8i3Wr_b7oLei07C4rKtmKBBoqZ-i9Kce6pjE_HlFQITF6gidhhyphenhyphen_GCOunc6k_49Ikh0/s600/DD31.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671597206104269986" /></a><br /><br />We grabbed a late dinner at <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/dining/">Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe</a> and enjoyed the rest of the magical scenery on our second night in Disney!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghA0wqhXAGg55fnqRVGs0v4k0_X6kaIVClgxU5Nm9K30SxtOFvLkqEvSg9s5f4kHY2P594D_ZK9GqBstO6mkuLePc74jX_a9hoJ_33hZa-JiDP4VGe4qUYAtkRGXpbNCeNeqvhI9nX5oKH/s1600/DD30.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghA0wqhXAGg55fnqRVGs0v4k0_X6kaIVClgxU5Nm9K30SxtOFvLkqEvSg9s5f4kHY2P594D_ZK9GqBstO6mkuLePc74jX_a9hoJ_33hZa-JiDP4VGe4qUYAtkRGXpbNCeNeqvhI9nX5oKH/s600/DD30.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670849312111815458" /></a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07208049223435894385noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744765423813426569.post-75924808213855608512011-10-31T13:05:00.000-05:002011-10-31T13:05:00.742-05:00The Dog Days of Disney: Day 1Well, here it is folks... the moment you've all been waiting {34 days} for...<br /><hr><br />I cannot even begin to tell you how excited the girls and I were to get up on the morning of September 20th. Never mind the fact that is was prior to four o'clock in the morning. The anticipation outweighed any glimpse of negative for the morning. We'd finished packing and loaded our bags in the car the night before. Our clothes were all laid out and ready to put on. Graycop arrived to take us to the airport. We were off...<br /><br />Check-in was a breeze. The girls and I managed our way to the gate with 3 rolling suitcases, a stroller, a camera backpack, a purse, and two cinch sacs. Not bad.<br /><br />Once we arrived at our gate, Sassy took to playing some games in my iPad while Tink chose to cuddle in and resume the usual position- fingers in mouth. Ah, well... <br /><br />I grew very weary once the airline gentleman asked if it would be OK to check our rolling suitcases all the way through to Orlando. WHAT?!?! That was my back up plan- swimsuits and extra outfits and jammies were packed in there in case our luggage was displaced. I decided to take a deep breath, roll with the punches, and count it as an extra blessing {or three} that our load would be lightened. Vacation was upon us. It was time for stress to be gone. <br /><br />Our flight was seamless. We flew into Atlanta, where Ty was waiting for us at the arrival gate. The girls flew into his arms and the passengers behind us were just going to have to wait a bit. We shared some hugs and kisses and headed to the bagel spot for a light breakfast. Our second flight into Orlando was seamless, as well. This made me so excited- air travel <em>never</em> goes well for our family. <em>Ever</em>.<br /><br />We decided to grab a quick bite to eat at the Orlando airport while we waiting for the <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/planning-guides/in-depth-advice/airport-service/">magical express</a> to take us to our resort. The girls soaked in their time with Daddy. It had been 51 days, after all.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7JC8IIxi00QdxhHhJ7aiGLT_wsr-yHP7g7nSWQCdwc30w_qidEk6NPYu-sA84HfSLvksfd6n7b_VVu6njdD70Yj04FuiEDqytSU39jY0iTQBQcTNj6wno_m7LYhR7e3GuV14WBMs8q1lT/s1600/DD1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7JC8IIxi00QdxhHhJ7aiGLT_wsr-yHP7g7nSWQCdwc30w_qidEk6NPYu-sA84HfSLvksfd6n7b_VVu6njdD70Yj04FuiEDqytSU39jY0iTQBQcTNj6wno_m7LYhR7e3GuV14WBMs8q1lT/s600/DD1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669707470117110994" /></a><br /><br />After lunch, it was time to board our bus to the resort. The girls were pretty much in awe. We all enjoyed the scenery and the adorable video, which notched our excitement even more!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFTxEFZ1-4lyhuUpy3cYwQQkBaGuulUA5IPnksmM3pPaou_qMVyyS9kdI6lA2guSIYBS6NoY0y3HgkWDC_w94lErtCA2XtXQn0x_UjwiVso-qtCEy3Gl2x3KQ1PG6YV0yO47qJKfelUhe/s1600/DD2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 274.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFTxEFZ1-4lyhuUpy3cYwQQkBaGuulUA5IPnksmM3pPaou_qMVyyS9kdI6lA2guSIYBS6NoY0y3HgkWDC_w94lErtCA2XtXQn0x_UjwiVso-qtCEy3Gl2x3KQ1PG6YV0yO47qJKfelUhe/s600/DD2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669707263544696626" /></a><br /><br />We arrived at <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/caribbean-beach-resort/">Caribbean Beach</a>, and I requested a complimentary upgrade, which landed us in one of the more coveted locations, Martinique. We were pretty excited to go and check it out!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7fZ7OoqYuQ071TaFpocY6adNv82GFOllnSecolj-D5vV5S0aoG_CR_kytHNnw261ndjA5RpHfEulUijL7OmMQ3GcOgjCDU8B02hghH2VRyAnZwPmi2RbcXou2S63mOJHyb0ilUuQ9SY3/s1600/DD3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7fZ7OoqYuQ071TaFpocY6adNv82GFOllnSecolj-D5vV5S0aoG_CR_kytHNnw261ndjA5RpHfEulUijL7OmMQ3GcOgjCDU8B02hghH2VRyAnZwPmi2RbcXou2S63mOJHyb0ilUuQ9SY3/s600/DD3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669707254748593282" /></a><br /><br />Once inside, the girls quickly made themselves at home. All I can say is that the excitement level was pretty escalated. Can't you tell?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfWpWnxdaYiR0i8whd_6gbfoE_VOSAUNYKXi_VwrNO-LvWoGyKDWNzKY2vtDOV3FDynVu0L1Mmmhc4n-6ZWR7i3tfGXTpvQyynXyWN6x1tbBf4RsO9qe6-HaLtevMVHzvE96e6wMySVR15/s1600/DD4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfWpWnxdaYiR0i8whd_6gbfoE_VOSAUNYKXi_VwrNO-LvWoGyKDWNzKY2vtDOV3FDynVu0L1Mmmhc4n-6ZWR7i3tfGXTpvQyynXyWN6x1tbBf4RsO9qe6-HaLtevMVHzvE96e6wMySVR15/s600/DD4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669707250463025698" /></a><br /><br />We hung out for a bit, got settled, and decided to venture out, check out the bus system, and head over to <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/">Epcot</a> for the evening.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5POjRVKfVdrizJoR4OunWftI8sm-kHAU1hNbhbPUGC6uvkus8j673mOCkcyedmWgK6o4yWhzQTjtpRFXjAy5ugFva8tCL2Zew5_w4w5BZRsFvKnDND4zymDDgXcqx77tJYIdst5uIuAVG/s1600/DD5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 543px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5POjRVKfVdrizJoR4OunWftI8sm-kHAU1hNbhbPUGC6uvkus8j673mOCkcyedmWgK6o4yWhzQTjtpRFXjAy5ugFva8tCL2Zew5_w4w5BZRsFvKnDND4zymDDgXcqx77tJYIdst5uIuAVG/s600/DD5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669707233538216162" /></a><br /><br />It was quite a sight to see. Having been to Orlando before myself, but never to any of the Disney resorts, i think I was just as excited as the girls! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8X6HufIWE_I8ziROEPr3nW9A67xwWwFfAt2WnGk4Pgdlq3d31anQ8YXTl-fHAXluaq1hkGFuETcdWfHzvk3XpstGcP7Np_M4x1j4KPyYOYBBDkuXBCUrbgy3Nwyxy3UMZqrt5QVuOUdvz/s1600/DD6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8X6HufIWE_I8ziROEPr3nW9A67xwWwFfAt2WnGk4Pgdlq3d31anQ8YXTl-fHAXluaq1hkGFuETcdWfHzvk3XpstGcP7Np_M4x1j4KPyYOYBBDkuXBCUrbgy3Nwyxy3UMZqrt5QVuOUdvz/s600/DD6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669707229227637474" /></a><br /><br />We spent some time checking out the "ball" aka <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/attractions/spaceship-earth/">Spaceship Earth</a> from the exterior. Quite the geodesic sphere, if I do say so myself! I was, of course, in picture-taking heaven! We walked up and down the aisles of visitor pictures at the entrance etched in granite.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeB6NRn4W2Ul_YYQ42gnlFNceRjQs-Bm-XyMWVdMNzfnDqEq7O3XPnqnJfJBlh6ImtLfHwlJplzQuRW6Cad6qfQRh3GqfI9lAT-8YkdY3Gwg2mZ_uXMk8iWz_93EbOu9DwzP4lx7tY3dqv/s1600/DD7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 294px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeB6NRn4W2Ul_YYQ42gnlFNceRjQs-Bm-XyMWVdMNzfnDqEq7O3XPnqnJfJBlh6ImtLfHwlJplzQuRW6Cad6qfQRh3GqfI9lAT-8YkdY3Gwg2mZ_uXMk8iWz_93EbOu9DwzP4lx7tY3dqv/s600/DD7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669706567842788786" /></a><br /><br />We walked up past the sphere and checked out some of the fountains Epcot is famous for. Here's a quick picture of Sassy. Truth be told, Tink was exhausted and a bit crabby and more than content to be in her stroller at this point.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC7a_HGvWIr5yYeUZt4UHAknNnRfPR5tVF-wZtE2u9URJoZ0y8B86caeVK3wHX11u-ng5povl0KA2Z8YJZtmxEqM6ZLqUV8jqU666GlF5_IMOhTejrVSF6LIiCXeGWSEWfw697pjve0iRp/s1600/DD8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC7a_HGvWIr5yYeUZt4UHAknNnRfPR5tVF-wZtE2u9URJoZ0y8B86caeVK3wHX11u-ng5povl0KA2Z8YJZtmxEqM6ZLqUV8jqU666GlF5_IMOhTejrVSF6LIiCXeGWSEWfw697pjve0iRp/s600/DD8.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669706565317338898" /></a><br /><br />Sassy, just like her Mama, had to bring her camera on the trip. I balked at her bringing it along to the park, but Tyler quickly reminded me that this was <em>her vacation too</em>. She enjoyed capturing some memories of her own.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVXcPc54P0hB3cTU24ncEtY8Ewq3_RRGQhqpJqnWFPRkctS37V9TNx4GRCuSigSRi9i_Pic_Y70cGB2dQy43tysKO9VAeRGJWSmyRVBpGqxv1gJQ2BYwPxvaAZ7MhFkvp0KFi9XaLCIqi/s1600/DD9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 178.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVXcPc54P0hB3cTU24ncEtY8Ewq3_RRGQhqpJqnWFPRkctS37V9TNx4GRCuSigSRi9i_Pic_Y70cGB2dQy43tysKO9VAeRGJWSmyRVBpGqxv1gJQ2BYwPxvaAZ7MhFkvp0KFi9XaLCIqi/s600/DD9.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669706550462215826" /></a><br /><br />After walking around a bit, we decided it was time to venture on our first ride, which we agreed upon Spaceship Earth. I cannot tell you how impressive it was. I know it's not considered a main attraction, but we enjoyed it so much. The one thing I really grew to appreciate about Disney world was that so, so many things are interactive and it truly seems as thought they think of everything. This ride was no exception. The girls LOVED it! You basically take a ride on a "time machine" through the ages, and wind up in a future world that you create. The animatronics were phenomenal. The girls just couldn't get enough. As if the ride wasn't cool enough, this was the scene that greeted us after we exited the ride... HA!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzW3u7l7qloxE6eENtPr569-PLqDJhxJOtgNiiw_e5meaYGfViaAkkD9oT0IPvE4vzKVuXc7kjagoYTqqU7MDxYAHR6sYhdzIT7bTUR1jah0mckKs5HxjUCrHjXB9G-N-J-f4NX3kf1vT/s1600/DD10.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzW3u7l7qloxE6eENtPr569-PLqDJhxJOtgNiiw_e5meaYGfViaAkkD9oT0IPvE4vzKVuXc7kjagoYTqqU7MDxYAHR6sYhdzIT7bTUR1jah0mckKs5HxjUCrHjXB9G-N-J-f4NX3kf1vT/s600/DD10.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669706547036146738" /></a><br /><br />We did some more walking around, checked out <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/attractions/innoventions-east/">Innovations West</a>, and headed towards <a href="http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/07/flavors-of-club-cool-at-epcot/">Club Cool</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPL0O2e9ZePoMVUglu6gJ6l6NsYIZJzYWGC__Ht-bAp4tGad2eGzRign6GYlPmn1n_yOIFvlgGLU1EoSPV3hZJ_3Fvy_MLxA8hI0J9e3Yw_nc66iNUis8DvJqJ130cdfceWHDqecW1iE2/s1600/DD11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 262.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPL0O2e9ZePoMVUglu6gJ6l6NsYIZJzYWGC__Ht-bAp4tGad2eGzRign6GYlPmn1n_yOIFvlgGLU1EoSPV3hZJ_3Fvy_MLxA8hI0J9e3Yw_nc66iNUis8DvJqJ130cdfceWHDqecW1iE2/s600/DD11.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669706539182822850" /></a><br /><br />Club Cool is a Coca-Cola store where you can try samples of cola from all around the world... for FREE! How fun!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOOjrigsVpcf5OZwZtUP8tExuxXwuOhxr3gUe-ifuO-9nZgJtK3Z8Vvy4nqevGdN4anXi5o_iBJaUn7W4RjbKLZPCriljoZlFH0ThPxzNkGzi0YGDXtF2gEVqZ4z6JEPXHKXQlXsjFnLZ/s1600/DD12.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 517.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOOjrigsVpcf5OZwZtUP8tExuxXwuOhxr3gUe-ifuO-9nZgJtK3Z8Vvy4nqevGdN4anXi5o_iBJaUn7W4RjbKLZPCriljoZlFH0ThPxzNkGzi0YGDXtF2gEVqZ4z6JEPXHKXQlXsjFnLZ/s600/DD12.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669706215995147938" /></a><br /><br />The girls thought it was pretty awesome. So did Ty and I! The Vegita Beta from Japan was my favorite. It wasn't carbonated and it was very fruity and refreshing. The Beverly from Italy... well... not so much!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipbTP2XM9SygU__mf9r6ipqhbeDK9k2NizZXZ36mJg6rwJWV7H91-1_7VS3V2piwpZaVOoR3ojr4Ct_dWyDrqqY6nmPqtAB9L5tiZtaV7a9BRzMnbCofze5XR5qErhIMfb4KLux0tpFn8r/s1600/DD13.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 247.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipbTP2XM9SygU__mf9r6ipqhbeDK9k2NizZXZ36mJg6rwJWV7H91-1_7VS3V2piwpZaVOoR3ojr4Ct_dWyDrqqY6nmPqtAB9L5tiZtaV7a9BRzMnbCofze5XR5qErhIMfb4KLux0tpFn8r/s600/DD13.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669706213379047298" /></a><br /><br />After Club Cool, we ventured on to <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/attractions/the-seas-with-nemo-and-friends/">The Seas with Nemo & Friends</a>. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2lfqmnp80ivkW4syZKr4X9edD9xX7O0fZ4kn4I4DCjsJY2C02q0ZVUQFjtRXeQiEBeftELZlaSmoCMg7d9J3EKuHGYL65I8Qt8mZwXnFJnZqPkmuMJbzSk_2_nC2-C-FQExRCa_xvXSa/s1600/DD14.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 567px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2lfqmnp80ivkW4syZKr4X9edD9xX7O0fZ4kn4I4DCjsJY2C02q0ZVUQFjtRXeQiEBeftELZlaSmoCMg7d9J3EKuHGYL65I8Qt8mZwXnFJnZqPkmuMJbzSk_2_nC2-C-FQExRCa_xvXSa/s600/DD14.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669706196069931730" /></a><br /><br />Tink was a tiny bit scared, but it was very visually impressive! And the little clam shells we sat in were too cute!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XehfU4oBzOlxs05Dl9P3EawR1N4wi4N1oQggOXjJqJAqVbxcHpcQungnoUs_T7VsFLRfKCskzUlC1tcMer8x-OzEPJ0oOeILOAbARnV-CR4G1U5nYGIn91vUPvikju5rFPiJ1mf_-aAe/s1600/DD15.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XehfU4oBzOlxs05Dl9P3EawR1N4wi4N1oQggOXjJqJAqVbxcHpcQungnoUs_T7VsFLRfKCskzUlC1tcMer8x-OzEPJ0oOeILOAbARnV-CR4G1U5nYGIn91vUPvikju5rFPiJ1mf_-aAe/s600/DD15.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669706185233633282" /></a><br /><br />By this time, it was time for us to venture back to the front of Epcot, navigate the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walt_Disney_World_Monorail_System">monorail</a>, and head to <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/polynesian-resort/">The Polynesian Resort</a> for dinner. We took part int he Disney Dining Plan, and our first sit down meal was scheduled at <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/ohanas/">'Ohana</a>. We had to wait about 30 minutes or so for our table, but there was plenty to look at while we waited.<br /><br />This shaped up to be my favorite sit down meal of our trip! The food was delicious, it was family style, all-you-can-eat, and there was plenty of variety! The girls got to participate in a hula dance and parade, and everyone received leis. Oh, and the Bananas Foster Bread Pudding... to.die.for. The end.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdihLk7Td8oq2AhOb6rk31UBbEA-W1j9-qs8NSsh0RSkQAKXsZBLUDL37zk6k6_c3lDgp3MnCSPIuLz8EOm1BMi1nb4Mg8jRVfYlXvd7up8ZKQMACU9iH7T0vYkysSJEltToDzR-u5pw4l/s1600/DD16.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdihLk7Td8oq2AhOb6rk31UBbEA-W1j9-qs8NSsh0RSkQAKXsZBLUDL37zk6k6_c3lDgp3MnCSPIuLz8EOm1BMi1nb4Mg8jRVfYlXvd7up8ZKQMACU9iH7T0vYkysSJEltToDzR-u5pw4l/s600/DD16.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669706181313186290" /></a><br /><br />Needless to say, the girls fell asleep on the bus on the way back to our resort. We we ready for a solid night of sleep before our first full day in Disney World!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07208049223435894385noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744765423813426569.post-10514351337087582202011-10-18T10:04:00.008-05:002011-10-18T10:50:58.623-05:00Random Musings and Some Catch-Up...My brain functions best when things are in order. <br /><br />My life right now... not so much in order.<br /><br />I have about a million bajillion things that I want to blog about, and I am SO behind.<br /><br />But, I heave to start somewhere, right?<br /><br />And, for me, the natural place to start is where I left off.<br /><br />Sort of.<br /><br />I want to get our Disney World trip up here in the most desperate of ways.<br /><br />My my silly, Type A brain is not letting me push through without back-tracking just a little bit.<br /><br />So, get ready for a bunch of random thoughts and pics circa the beginning of August and covering our SPH life through September 19th. <em>Mmmmmkay</em>?<br /><br />Wow, looking back, I thought there were all sorts of pre-Disney events and photos to share, but really, there are not. We've been so busy and so stretched thin since Tyler's been gone, I haven't pulled out the camera nearly as much. Which makes me super sad. <em>I digress</em>...<br /><hr><br />Bears Opener & Graycop's Birthday...<br /><br />We celebrated Graycop's 58th birthday in style- with a BEARS WIN! Woot! My friend Erin made the adorable cookies for the occasion!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbPN2-DdlwCiTox6UUE4MyGfS9k8GyPAFTi4Gx-2acQPia5zTUwrP4Rz8-7ZdrakOHOCdUnLpBkjWW9b-2D2qYSpFoSauM9IcAGePTJGJOAryrG2X1e6TNMZqjBEABMpQH65K7Du1RBmB/s1600/RA1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 316.5px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbPN2-DdlwCiTox6UUE4MyGfS9k8GyPAFTi4Gx-2acQPia5zTUwrP4Rz8-7ZdrakOHOCdUnLpBkjWW9b-2D2qYSpFoSauM9IcAGePTJGJOAryrG2X1e6TNMZqjBEABMpQH65K7Du1RBmB/s600/RA1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664857803623550514" /></a><br /><hr><br />Tink's 1st Homework Assignment...<br /><br />Tink brought home her very first homework assignment- sorting skittles by color. We'd done this activity before with fruit loops, but the way she was concentrating at it, you'd never know it! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMjSueck7jfWRrBJ05fjjPlgkhEZScz79ydVmBqLlM7XEUu7MlBUK6UQbzUQl_8G2BNtFxoFFVG30Rl7UNk2z8M_KqSPVBZQ-5B14SSeuXsBVbkLKXWsix4fMteJ8joM6-wnPGUPIDrEU6/s1600/RA2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 585px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMjSueck7jfWRrBJ05fjjPlgkhEZScz79ydVmBqLlM7XEUu7MlBUK6UQbzUQl_8G2BNtFxoFFVG30Rl7UNk2z8M_KqSPVBZQ-5B14SSeuXsBVbkLKXWsix4fMteJ8joM6-wnPGUPIDrEU6/s600/RA2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664859155027515922" /></a><br /><br />It was so fun to watch her work hard at something and then be extremely proud of what she had accomplished. I ♥ my girl!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH7SMV8za-_rfmowJ3Guev3H7si3Y3kvRp8kcxi0mniA4iY-1scjLHB-U24Am9OCBDJqxbdOuj1V_w7b0ubCBqs-CgOfQ_z-lk21A-P0jlRV81UUYAhI9iS1pjyQrczbl5FU273HcqeZIp/s1600/RA3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 547.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH7SMV8za-_rfmowJ3Guev3H7si3Y3kvRp8kcxi0mniA4iY-1scjLHB-U24Am9OCBDJqxbdOuj1V_w7b0ubCBqs-CgOfQ_z-lk21A-P0jlRV81UUYAhI9iS1pjyQrczbl5FU273HcqeZIp/s600/RA3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664859151403124818" /></a><br /><br />Look at those skills!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx2hSR-7vc5hPY5xawJrC6fTq40iB90IiclgpnJPI_nQ9DTH6bWz955OLxKILBvLz05yOwDmsA6UzKyDGxJHvDvECBFKDrVctLq8BLOPwy86RySlCUi8Zcj9Sa2W2fc02YaxbBU9LHkdYZ/s1600/RA4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 207px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx2hSR-7vc5hPY5xawJrC6fTq40iB90IiclgpnJPI_nQ9DTH6bWz955OLxKILBvLz05yOwDmsA6UzKyDGxJHvDvECBFKDrVctLq8BLOPwy86RySlCUi8Zcj9Sa2W2fc02YaxbBU9LHkdYZ/s600/RA4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664859135037593778" /></a><br /><br />OK, onward march towards DISNEY PICS!!!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07208049223435894385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744765423813426569.post-35490762572757937922011-10-06T22:09:00.001-05:002011-10-09T20:45:42.810-05:00The One Where......I post from my iPhone because it's all the time and energy I can muster up to be blog productive...<br />
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Do you know that I have been so busy, i've scarcely had the chance to look at our Disney World pictures, even to right them upwards. Yeah. One of these days.<br />
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We had a nice weekend. Ran errands. Participated in the Buddy Walk. Cleaned house. Watched some football.<br />
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I'm looking forward to a slightly less hectic week, one in which I hope to have some "me" time for photo editing and blogging.<br />
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Just for fun... I've had a few hair transformations in the last few weeks which have been well documented thanks to my iPhone...<br />
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Just before Disney, I went to see Nikki for a new look. We tried something new, and while it was stellar when down and just what I asked for, I couldn't help but feel like a combination of Penelope le Pew and Cruella de Vil with brassy undertones every time my hair was pulled back(which I can sheepishly admit account for 96.3% of the time...) Not exactly the look I was going for.<br />
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So, what's a girl to do?<br />
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Go PINK, of course.<br />
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By golly, I love it! I shared with Nikki that I think I was destined for pink hair. For real. <3<br />
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<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0Z9RBrcy-O4zRCXWvnw8HVfQXZSj7tEnaSzu-waoPEvjU7fNAERENCas2YuyekOIOw5JePs4KEpLLFmXP-q_xWlu502GtKDYsBcaIDwbFAcGZR2S135KnsybZqhrqsDGB_abqDluAz3q/s640/blogger-image-2113905873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0Z9RBrcy-O4zRCXWvnw8HVfQXZSj7tEnaSzu-waoPEvjU7fNAERENCas2YuyekOIOw5JePs4KEpLLFmXP-q_xWlu502GtKDYsBcaIDwbFAcGZR2S135KnsybZqhrqsDGB_abqDluAz3q/s640/blogger-image-2113905873.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_z3eHr4PTGp9rpRbFEmfOsbQSLui6BR31HoH7eSZjvKv0fO-Kb8df766UF5ZtxdDQFp_iXB4Xbam5oURQcoQpwRL9oZx7w1uhy2WVrFkwmn8OOn7vbW9JeproSVhPxVi7y5aoV41YfQ6V/s640/blogger-image-1913669518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_z3eHr4PTGp9rpRbFEmfOsbQSLui6BR31HoH7eSZjvKv0fO-Kb8df766UF5ZtxdDQFp_iXB4Xbam5oURQcoQpwRL9oZx7w1uhy2WVrFkwmn8OOn7vbW9JeproSVhPxVi7y5aoV41YfQ6V/s640/blogger-image-1913669518.jpg" /></a></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07208049223435894385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744765423813426569.post-21323865481468842452011-09-29T10:54:00.003-05:002011-09-29T10:58:27.662-05:00Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety Jig...We had an amazing trip! It was so, so refreshing to spend some quality time with Ty. The girls were beside themselves with all of the fun things we experienced. I have so, so much to share. I'm on the brink of another weekend away {this time for work}, and I have more than a thousand pictures to sort through, so hopefully some more detailed recaps will find their way here next week. For now, here are my two princesses...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsrlpnUNNqgOalJHbzwwVgMctlK7T6NKhAn2oUAeSR9DPLBbBHG3LPW5tG3rqBEI8lEzC0TeQIPSGESyNk_9ckmJsxYdJ8mXC6gS-cnZMxe7sThxYMwfjEK2QWsYEVABmrTUe-fhJqeov/s1600/MK1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400.5px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsrlpnUNNqgOalJHbzwwVgMctlK7T6NKhAn2oUAeSR9DPLBbBHG3LPW5tG3rqBEI8lEzC0TeQIPSGESyNk_9ckmJsxYdJ8mXC6gS-cnZMxe7sThxYMwfjEK2QWsYEVABmrTUe-fhJqeov/s600/MK1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657811100863711890" /></a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07208049223435894385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744765423813426569.post-77244674027015086972011-09-19T14:05:00.003-05:002011-09-19T14:08:45.784-05:00A Giant Dose of Happiness to Follow...*crickets*<br /><br />Yeah, <em>I know</em>. <br /><br />Life has been so, so hectic. I could tell you all about it, but I won't.<br /><br />Instead, let me just remind you that we leave for VACATION tomorrow. Like, SPH to Disney World VACATION.<br /><br />Hallelujah.<br /><br />This SPH Mama <em>needs</em> a vacation.<br /><br />And the sweet peas need some time with their Daddy!!!<br /><br />I promise to return refreshed and ready to jump back into this little ole' blog.<br /><br />Boy, do I <em>ever</em> miss it.<br /><br />Reason enough to make sure I carve out the time for it. <br /><br />Until then...Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07208049223435894385noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744765423813426569.post-62522052135799085982011-09-13T14:06:00.004-05:002011-09-13T14:40:18.702-05:00Tuesday SOC...It's so very rare that I have any extra time to fill anymore. This afternoon happened to afford me such time, and as hard as I tried to be nose-deep in my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rebecca-Daphne-Du-Maurier/dp/0380730405">book club book</a> for this month, I found my mind racing entirely way too much to read effectively.<br /><br />So, here I am, rambling on my sweet little old blog.<br /><br />In one week's time, my girls and I will be reunited with Ty and breathing in the <em>happiest place on earth</em> (Florida ed.)...<br /><br />SO EXCITED!<br /><br />The girls are <em>beside themselves</em> about the upcoming trip. It's truly a testament to how much they miss Ty when I continually ask them <em>what's in 8 more sleeps?</em> or <em>what's in 7 more days?</em> and they both exclaim <strong>DADDY!!!</strong> without hesitation. This trip to Disney World has really become so much more for us.<br /><br />I am considering renting a lens for our vacation. I am torn between <a href="http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10051_10051_164426_-1">this one</a> and <a href="http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10051_10051_158203_-1">this one</a>. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Soon. I think I need to order by today or tomorrow.<br /><br />I just uploaded some pictures from my Dad's birthday this weekend and from Tink working on some homework. It's the first time I've uploaded pictures in THREE WEEKS! {Gasp}... Granted, my camera was in for repairs for a while, but I have been in a <em>major</em> photography slump. Hoping vacation will reel me back in...<br /><br />School is going well for the girls. Sassy <em>big puffy hearts</em> kindergarten and her teacher. Tink is learning new things every day. Dance class has begun with great success, and Sassy has her first <a href="http://www.girlscouts.org/program/gs_central/what_is_gs/daisy.asp">Daisy</a> meeting this evening. They are growing up so fast!<br /><br />I attended a work training last week in Lawrence. It was hard to be away at such a busy time, but having a couple of evenings to myself was a nice refreshing break. I have never felt more ready for a vacation as I do for this one.<br /><br />While the past six weeks have been extremely busy and extremely challenging, I am proud of myself for the way I have held up so far. It feels like it's been a lot longer than six weeks, and even though I feel like I am drowning in my responsibilities 98% of the time, I feel like I have been a good Mom and that the girls, although missing Dad, have adjusted beautifully. Over anything else, this gives me a reason to be happy and to press on. <em>We can do this</em>!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Glee-Complete-Second-Cory-Monteith/dp/B003L77GAQ">Glee: Season 2</a> was released today. I am totally going out this afternoon to buy it. <br /><br />I have approximately 12 loads of laundry to fold and put away. All of which are currently inhabiting my couch and several upright laundry baskets. Where's that laundry fairy when you need <s>her</s> him?<br /><br />I am ready to fully embrace the fall weather. These intermittently strewn cool days amidst the still-90-degree-weather are killing me. Softly.<br /><br />And, here's a random picture from the archives to entertain you this lovely Tuesday afternoon...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5hBu17k2tTO9Uzv2PF3OECjcAy3rk5Y1a8-coaJ7fMWWDFzfBZHppY_VZD2e4-y3gRCKlodlSVB0qDmlwbQT8lV_ip7OdMzLd3Vlqcx62vAsRmapsoqxG_AdveqUy2o_EiRKaMdXZzbS/s1600/909.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5hBu17k2tTO9Uzv2PF3OECjcAy3rk5Y1a8-coaJ7fMWWDFzfBZHppY_VZD2e4-y3gRCKlodlSVB0qDmlwbQT8lV_ip7OdMzLd3Vlqcx62vAsRmapsoqxG_AdveqUy2o_EiRKaMdXZzbS/s600/909.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651931024526449314" /></a><br /><br /><em>Sassy, circa September 2009</em>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07208049223435894385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744765423813426569.post-76071572639845870792011-09-12T08:40:00.001-05:002011-09-12T08:46:18.724-05:00Alas, an iPhone...That's right folks, I have managed to worm my way into the 21st century by way of smart phone!<br />
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And, with such perfect timing as to align with the recent release of the Blogger iPhone app. Coincidence... I think not!<br />
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Considering I've been doing such a swell Job at carving out blogging time in my utterly hectic schedule, I figured I'd give this a go this lovely Monday morning and share a few updates and photos.<br />
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On the subject if photos... I've been sans camera for a couple of weeks (camera is in for repairs) which has only added greatly to my lack of blogging motivation. The good news??? She's back home now, all fixed, beautifully polished, and ready to click...<br />
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So, what else has been new? Hmm... Took the girls a couple weekends back to the Wichita Art Museum for a PAT play group. Have I ever expressed how much Dale Chihuly is the sugared honeyed iced tea? Yep, totally is...<br />
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Ok, so I've just come to the realization that I have no idea how this app works in regards to adding and arranging photos, so there's only one way to find out. Please enjoy this little update, proof that we are still kicking here in Kansas, and enjoy the art museum photos, wherever they may land...<br />
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SPH Mama... Out.<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKyS-HWETt1vdByNJRUpFtrL7vANLo12Ki-aR-wYVgQ-brRaDpW1s1-qQDVrzjZHKirWBIF-J0BmYSJ-gdOMCcUlEFDW0rwfNw7nC1CwFxF04PYYb9qAZatwaKKQFkmIgk56sdDufVAJD/s640/blogger-image--887239306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKyS-HWETt1vdByNJRUpFtrL7vANLo12Ki-aR-wYVgQ-brRaDpW1s1-qQDVrzjZHKirWBIF-J0BmYSJ-gdOMCcUlEFDW0rwfNw7nC1CwFxF04PYYb9qAZatwaKKQFkmIgk56sdDufVAJD/s640/blogger-image--887239306.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNyprN1SiJX9mBgnroFTUuhuIMPCRmNp1TGyx3d5lWCk7FrQmApQCiPt9CNI49KE7IFJfQdW05jWE5xTWLE1m-srKqxcaUbHjWDFX_7om8rcDc4DhW1hvjhYgzUfpEGTJZFzGlmqqZkmE/s640/blogger-image--747998341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNyprN1SiJX9mBgnroFTUuhuIMPCRmNp1TGyx3d5lWCk7FrQmApQCiPt9CNI49KE7IFJfQdW05jWE5xTWLE1m-srKqxcaUbHjWDFX_7om8rcDc4DhW1hvjhYgzUfpEGTJZFzGlmqqZkmE/s640/blogger-image--747998341.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmUJRCBiXIttSPGosE_TwGzNEibTL_rgoNABJ8oLvhEV7ddjUAN1ggAWY33JReDxI0E6uQkNTX_kb8iXs-aqfF-sJV4sCCIdJztstmYbrUiBky4rGqUKAiYvPLYfyRaR19yU9vE4-wxao/s640/blogger-image-473718711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmUJRCBiXIttSPGosE_TwGzNEibTL_rgoNABJ8oLvhEV7ddjUAN1ggAWY33JReDxI0E6uQkNTX_kb8iXs-aqfF-sJV4sCCIdJztstmYbrUiBky4rGqUKAiYvPLYfyRaR19yU9vE4-wxao/s640/blogger-image-473718711.jpg" /></a></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07208049223435894385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744765423813426569.post-2691626522367723152011-09-06T11:00:00.000-05:002011-09-06T11:00:04.323-05:00Polar Bears and Aardvarks.One of the things that we did to ease the transition when Tyler left was buy the girls new stuffed animals.<br /><br />I know, I know.<br /><br />We have enough stuffed animals in the house for <em>seventeen</em> children. No joke.<br /><br />But, in the days before Tyler headed to North Carolina, he took the girls shopping for a new <em>guy</em>. Each of the girls chose a <a href="http://www.webkinz.com/">Webkinz</a>. Sassy found a polar bear and Tink found an aardvark. Each came with its own little carrying suitcase, and the girls were in love. Daddy bought the girls their animals. The girls also bought Daddy a <em>guy</em> to take on his trip and remind him of the girls. Sassy chose a polar bear for Daddy to match hers.<br /><br />It's been a pretty awesome concept, really. Each night, the girls find their guys to sleep with. They give their guy hugs as if they were giving them right to Ty. Sometimes, one of the girls will want to bring their guy with us somewhere... on errands or to lunch or a party. I always let them.<br /><br />Tyler also sporadically sends us pictures over the phone of his polar bear in neat places that the girls would like to see. The get the hugest kick out of seeing pictures of Daddy's polar bear. In fact... Daddy, if you are reading this, it's been a while since you've sent us one of those... <em>ahem</em>.<br /><br />Here are a couple of pictures Ty sent us right when he arrived in North Carolina:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjSYYaULZo4EKRsuZ9HA6cvLMx0M_YNyO01G2DewRh-jMbb_-Z_I9fxw_NGZukoSDqARVLtOTuTgLBS9VZJy345InuoSZoOSs4chC__uFR_xF8TR7MYsNWJhgOg0JyFZczz66ylW4d3lF/s1600/PBA1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 243px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjSYYaULZo4EKRsuZ9HA6cvLMx0M_YNyO01G2DewRh-jMbb_-Z_I9fxw_NGZukoSDqARVLtOTuTgLBS9VZJy345InuoSZoOSs4chC__uFR_xF8TR7MYsNWJhgOg0JyFZczz66ylW4d3lF/s600/PBA1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649268479962289522" /></a><br /><br />It cracked me up that the girls wanted to recreate his "on the shoulder" idea...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi54ACZYPiyhEMEdylN-An14XDqdtG4sZifPEr6a4NTdOmRnRX87fC7JSIxiQwo1B8avEmY6ItBsavUoM38X6vI6efaA0PjuLgJrk6KIU0JByefQ8B3Jt1wksaLppOu-OFUbDhfniwEpI3j/s1600/PBA2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 354px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi54ACZYPiyhEMEdylN-An14XDqdtG4sZifPEr6a4NTdOmRnRX87fC7JSIxiQwo1B8avEmY6ItBsavUoM38X6vI6efaA0PjuLgJrk6KIU0JByefQ8B3Jt1wksaLppOu-OFUbDhfniwEpI3j/s600/PBA2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649268478352405698" /></a><br /><br />Tink giving kisses to <s>Daddy</s> Mr. Aardvark...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_F6FENzz9fBM7eLbGM9HkKY0FTYZS-5wWu1J8kbvU3Ir0mziatevAlN7_COPchLRKNFxxuhAE7xXEb-ZCkYYJw_p9Cxa3huQEaQIC4f6EwY8BnM9caCEXUAaAzomXeFCWh_A6LNrestaF/s1600/PBA3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 255px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_F6FENzz9fBM7eLbGM9HkKY0FTYZS-5wWu1J8kbvU3Ir0mziatevAlN7_COPchLRKNFxxuhAE7xXEb-ZCkYYJw_p9Cxa3huQEaQIC4f6EwY8BnM9caCEXUAaAzomXeFCWh_A6LNrestaF/s600/PBA3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649268473328199538" /></a><br /><br />Only TWO MORE WEEKS until we will be flying to Orlando to see Daddy in the flesh! Oh, and those silly princesses, too. Hooray!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07208049223435894385noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744765423813426569.post-10657897311152992042011-08-29T12:36:00.000-05:002011-08-29T12:37:27.005-05:00My Sweet Birthday Girl...How unfortunate that <em>this SPH Mama</em> is just getting around to sharing the details of my sweet little <strong>three-year-old's</strong> birthday day.
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<br />Miss Tink-a-roo turned three on August 18th. I.cannot.believe.my.baby.is.three. But, that's a different post all together.
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<br />Tink's birthday looked a little different this year. For one, school had begun earlier in the week, and both little rascals had to attend. And, of course, one super important SPH Daddy was MIA. But, we made the best of it...
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<br />Tink was very excited to be the first kid in class to bring birthday treats to share. Not a hard accomplishment to attain when your birthday is on the <em>third</em> day of school. HA!
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<br />In our ever-reaching attempt to try to walk the healthy (er) walk, we went with homemade trail mix this year. Tink helped me shop for all the ingredients- mini pretzels, goldfish, graham bunnies, yogurt covered raisins, and mini marshmallows; and then helped me shake it all up. Room for improvement? <em>Yes</em>. An alternative to cupcakes with 4 inches of frosting? <em>You bet</em>!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESCspgu-zrUwEjWlTjtAaKbxJZ3-MmFIjVtHeRsYDGTI6RcoAD9CygikVbxg3eT9uQxY9xfqEvZQWwW7ECPmTw5sVCMZfmcARJrYa9DxhFhO3eRT41T5m4rGNMOR6CnGqe7jlgEnWW0i0/s1600/3B1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESCspgu-zrUwEjWlTjtAaKbxJZ3-MmFIjVtHeRsYDGTI6RcoAD9CygikVbxg3eT9uQxY9xfqEvZQWwW7ECPmTw5sVCMZfmcARJrYa9DxhFhO3eRT41T5m4rGNMOR6CnGqe7jlgEnWW0i0/s600/3B1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646329778337583586" /></a>
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<br />After breakfast, it was time for a very brief #rd birthday photo shoot out front. Tink picked out her own <em>pwincess dwess</em> to wear. I ♥ this girl!!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmVyAOGk2Ve9CXKYVN4n-q9rncuaoRdISNnagiKFmN1kG2l9VyoTCHhMdlpqfm4mLAJWpFtEztWeAa8gcFvO0HFnZrGu_L1tsH8Wh3ut2quYPdqWjgHJy3wPG0JP4ls1WaPZW2oknbMPy/s1600/3B2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 355.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmVyAOGk2Ve9CXKYVN4n-q9rncuaoRdISNnagiKFmN1kG2l9VyoTCHhMdlpqfm4mLAJWpFtEztWeAa8gcFvO0HFnZrGu_L1tsH8Wh3ut2quYPdqWjgHJy3wPG0JP4ls1WaPZW2oknbMPy/s600/3B2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646329771978319906" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2iPT49E1AhBhyo-SuT2NkZT6uwfnYe-QEHbKS9KSYjsDK7zx_F-jyhLENbtUiUE4GzIBtJ75KViJLX8RdU74BSWiHlE-2TzCbB1885A4WGJFQAiUMbmyXsxRPjhxuGDmeRpYAY7h5L2Fe/s1600/3B3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400.5px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2iPT49E1AhBhyo-SuT2NkZT6uwfnYe-QEHbKS9KSYjsDK7zx_F-jyhLENbtUiUE4GzIBtJ75KViJLX8RdU74BSWiHlE-2TzCbB1885A4WGJFQAiUMbmyXsxRPjhxuGDmeRpYAY7h5L2Fe/s600/3B3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646329320121059314" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSlkxGheMsWA-y2xBclXTFDxKRfBauHOazwoAHUQL0xO9YrVVMJChJsgpzfygQ_-AXIZAOJV6IIduV2dxddJ8TtTVlPwNu3dIWyvxHG5w5tIIFcjhngG9NX5D0rQBpDD3Ky2wtS7OO9gTN/s1600/3B4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400.5px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSlkxGheMsWA-y2xBclXTFDxKRfBauHOazwoAHUQL0xO9YrVVMJChJsgpzfygQ_-AXIZAOJV6IIduV2dxddJ8TtTVlPwNu3dIWyvxHG5w5tIIFcjhngG9NX5D0rQBpDD3Ky2wtS7OO9gTN/s600/3B4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646329315027483954" /></a>
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<br />Tink finished preschool just after 11:00, so I thought it would be neat to spend some "alone" time while Sassy was still at school. Nana & Graycop joined us, along with Lynzee and LuLu, at McDonald's to play and have a quick lunch. We also shopped at Target and then headed home for a quick rest.
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<br />My parents picked Sassy up from school and headed to the house so that Tink could open her gifts. She is currently obsessed with baby dolls, and wouldn't you figure that this little mini Circo brand doll set was her favorite? She got the doll, high chair, crib, potty, and 2 outfits... probably all under $30, and the girl was in heaven! She got some other really nice goodies, too!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbWiQMWBnKj6_xvmya8rfAuAFDFVS8Qpk-goguHQtn2NQyxySAYx9_mPeOyfzB42gASnx8wxC17XmZQF-10YswZP001FDgK_ic1YJzVVw6pzD_stwH5RjBh2lJstGuwzmWhvp5OQvYFnE/s1600/3B5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 493.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbWiQMWBnKj6_xvmya8rfAuAFDFVS8Qpk-goguHQtn2NQyxySAYx9_mPeOyfzB42gASnx8wxC17XmZQF-10YswZP001FDgK_ic1YJzVVw6pzD_stwH5RjBh2lJstGuwzmWhvp5OQvYFnE/s600/3B5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646329310517102930" /></a>
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<br />I told Tink that we could go anywhere she wanted for her birthday dinner. She chose <a href="http://www.pfchangs.com/index.aspx">P.F. Chang's</a>. Weird. She's probably been there twice in her life. Anyway, so it was. P.F. Chang's. <em>Delish</em>.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXd8JyH8dIiDZ042qhQJt2BTRjYdJmaSar9r91EbKkFY-AMA9_sgl48c-zfI5VsCcN9sCnzed0g7Goe0bgNo5Ijxi__Kcaw8Ya-_ddVBLYhn6dIlzso4ZNIY2kXsD6mR_WI-nEh0tT4eH/s1600/3B6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 217.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXd8JyH8dIiDZ042qhQJt2BTRjYdJmaSar9r91EbKkFY-AMA9_sgl48c-zfI5VsCcN9sCnzed0g7Goe0bgNo5Ijxi__Kcaw8Ya-_ddVBLYhn6dIlzso4ZNIY2kXsD6mR_WI-nEh0tT4eH/s600/3B6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646329306668596450" /></a>
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<br />The girls had so much fin getting dressed up for a "nicer" dinner and we really had a nice time!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIxPtwuoG_9YI7NCMyg-hGXncmz4GjcqmPqzXKrFfYuXV8864SBUPnaebxszBxgmYzpGTdzK4kA9IwCAXSarLGI6N7JquANvnz6f9l_yMJz-m5r-RwGFH6UR_oABeKCU8KG0oBRXaqtuvt/s1600/3B7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400.5px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIxPtwuoG_9YI7NCMyg-hGXncmz4GjcqmPqzXKrFfYuXV8864SBUPnaebxszBxgmYzpGTdzK4kA9IwCAXSarLGI6N7JquANvnz6f9l_yMJz-m5r-RwGFH6UR_oABeKCU8KG0oBRXaqtuvt/s600/3B7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646329300849689250" /></a>
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<br />Three years and onward...Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07208049223435894385noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744765423813426569.post-82800672608483467072011-08-26T13:00:00.000-05:002011-08-26T13:09:09.858-05:00On the First Day of School...Considering today is day 10 of school, I thought it due time to discuss day 1 of school.
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<br />The days leading up to the first day of school turned out to be quite chaotic, in true SPH fashion. To our delight, Adam brought two of his buddies from England to our house for a couple-night stay on their way down to Dallas. It was so great seeing him again, and meeting some new lads, but <em>oh, the timing</em>... That's just the way it goes sometimes, isn't it?
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<br />I still wanted to make day 1 special! Sunday night, I packed Sassy her very first kindergarten lunch- a homemade lunchable, per request.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqwMD9d8bPa3HSxoe67XJD5WDD0YQPetJb_CkkxDVFeeOGBvgzzBHaP-hvLBfchpRfPfR4FGC1OzvL3D-01mHTp5P62Zz49W32AZGlD16pZ05GXlVt4-b6h0cGnpqgRU2daQaIS7idqZgX/s1600/P1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqwMD9d8bPa3HSxoe67XJD5WDD0YQPetJb_CkkxDVFeeOGBvgzzBHaP-hvLBfchpRfPfR4FGC1OzvL3D-01mHTp5P62Zz49W32AZGlD16pZ05GXlVt4-b6h0cGnpqgRU2daQaIS7idqZgX/s600/P1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644893994788515042" /></a>
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<br />A cute little lunch, right in her <em>way-too-mature-for-my-bitty-baby-kindergartner</em> but completely <em>self-chosen</em> lunchbox. You guessed it... <a href="http://www.monsterhigh.com/">Monster High</a>.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ScGcm2eM2s_KWWpL0-yPqLGkaOpBaHZm9wwVOx7cFCfXa8v5S6CjVbQRfSdxMKxMxCimYuqRoQUvXFzhhxX1Ta2cxc_j8PfnxIrvt7eTRVvgfJvF-9qALgZysjt4r8nf4bEpB3wZXzAw/s1600/P2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ScGcm2eM2s_KWWpL0-yPqLGkaOpBaHZm9wwVOx7cFCfXa8v5S6CjVbQRfSdxMKxMxCimYuqRoQUvXFzhhxX1Ta2cxc_j8PfnxIrvt7eTRVvgfJvF-9qALgZysjt4r8nf4bEpB3wZXzAw/s600/P2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644893990085410066" /></a>
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<br />To my surprise, the girls actually went to sleep very willingly and stayed asleep. I had envisioned two <em>mini-me</em> chicas restless and <em>wound-for-sound</em> the night before a <em>very</em> big day!
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<br />It came as no surprise that the girls sprang out of bed like no one's business. I had warned Adam, Matt & Joe not to expect too much peace & quiet Monday morning, and I was pretty much correct in my assumption.
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<br />Poor fellas.
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<br />Nana & Graycop came over for a very special breakfast... bacon, heart toast w/ jam, and my <em>world-famous</em> scrambled cheese eggs. EPIC.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFNioRZXWL3G3AwPozRs62wwBAQkNn2pP0plOq-Waj0p2f3QrFvYCcPbq82nAs6h3hdAFVO9jISBU6hTIY37tnpoGY7uezuPP3tbiHUAhceXouOwDd0XpUx0xM-eI2WabcESemnjxTxEp/s1600/P3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFNioRZXWL3G3AwPozRs62wwBAQkNn2pP0plOq-Waj0p2f3QrFvYCcPbq82nAs6h3hdAFVO9jISBU6hTIY37tnpoGY7uezuPP3tbiHUAhceXouOwDd0XpUx0xM-eI2WabcESemnjxTxEp/s600/P3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644893985901286482" /></a>
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<br />It was early, but the girls were bright-eyes and bushy-tailed. Tink was experiencing a bit of shell-shock, really...
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<br />PRESCHOOL?!?!?!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdrhRdtZsVXk5QHGGF89gGQ8UWFh6wqNhGlqAw7DpIHHSJRn-WxCwzkvvLmSqiiw8CioDYUBgYEWijBMUfcwgNjWPfb1xiutnNz5d2aEkEc6l9riCnuBf-nedJRexPaGy1FXs0LSakGcjt/s1600/P4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 301.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdrhRdtZsVXk5QHGGF89gGQ8UWFh6wqNhGlqAw7DpIHHSJRn-WxCwzkvvLmSqiiw8CioDYUBgYEWijBMUfcwgNjWPfb1xiutnNz5d2aEkEc6l9riCnuBf-nedJRexPaGy1FXs0LSakGcjt/s600/P4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644893310788835506" /></a>
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<br />Then, it was time for <s>the portrait session</s> casual picture-taking to commence. Lynzee teased that she bet I had backdrops and photography lamps set up in my front yard.
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<br />Not so, Lynzee.
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<br />The girls looked so, so adorable. I can say that. I am their mother.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUWpHfNBSoJR3fBzUINRSml-VZK_DdeLfS7M1GKRrwcazaeHtDWjMXiEhkxhUL4-kCg7EeY3GOCaufqiY98yq_PDhv19BezBmrl59vT_pTX4DYKOMNW6PLKpCzW43uWNVslhliAjv6ylL/s1600/P5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUWpHfNBSoJR3fBzUINRSml-VZK_DdeLfS7M1GKRrwcazaeHtDWjMXiEhkxhUL4-kCg7EeY3GOCaufqiY98yq_PDhv19BezBmrl59vT_pTX4DYKOMNW6PLKpCzW43uWNVslhliAjv6ylL/s600/P5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644893304019955442" /></a>
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<br />Sassy was <em>beyond</em> excited for her school day to start!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0TTzyXIZc0muo4erV39epgBIJ7-mrKESEV9m_STAviik7N71PsPknTAicyXDlJH1HU-zDhz3wtfyMgFXENjr_vnlnkoMjx391cV1lX7Ef_8FU4YBk1WQ3c_3_1Aq7d2rZY752l0Gcs2U/s1600/P6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400.5px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0TTzyXIZc0muo4erV39epgBIJ7-mrKESEV9m_STAviik7N71PsPknTAicyXDlJH1HU-zDhz3wtfyMgFXENjr_vnlnkoMjx391cV1lX7Ef_8FU4YBk1WQ3c_3_1Aq7d2rZY752l0Gcs2U/s600/P6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644893302112837602" /></a>
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<br />And, definitely ready to show of her sass...
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuAfaVnt03ojXor7dzLxkP-Uu3bpOZLaQ18tg0-d5IyMGEUotNuW7WIy3zEwqsMnIOQfhbfxV6Q41fW7fxGFg4dU3Bm6lHUHd-7-33Q10wvTdpvI6LNJdxPn_K0Bo_tDXH9CKPXYKop6R_/s1600/P7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400.5px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuAfaVnt03ojXor7dzLxkP-Uu3bpOZLaQ18tg0-d5IyMGEUotNuW7WIy3zEwqsMnIOQfhbfxV6Q41fW7fxGFg4dU3Bm6lHUHd-7-33Q10wvTdpvI6LNJdxPn_K0Bo_tDXH9CKPXYKop6R_/s600/P7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644893295965112338" /></a>
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<br /><strong>I</strong> {click} <strong>have</strong> {click} <strong>a</strong> {click} <strong>KINDERGARTNER</strong> {click}!!!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEiSLaVr_W_7lEoHE6C9OejH4YkZ14zPHcWUXYNn1Znv8AjqFyYYQ8jdBAbQmphcVgXOiN8yTn6pditXAgTL-ABb1oKrIkXApHMTCxX8XjdD8s_S1Ifv3pGqXbRREvgh0QoJTILVlDkX6O/s1600/P8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 271.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEiSLaVr_W_7lEoHE6C9OejH4YkZ14zPHcWUXYNn1Znv8AjqFyYYQ8jdBAbQmphcVgXOiN8yTn6pditXAgTL-ABb1oKrIkXApHMTCxX8XjdD8s_S1Ifv3pGqXbRREvgh0QoJTILVlDkX6O/s600/P8.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644893290093402162" /></a>
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<br />Seeing Tink with her cute little backpack was equally as bittersweet. On one hand, I am super excited that she is getting to be such a big girl and she is so excited to go to school like Sassy. On the other hand... HELLO... she's my baby. She still has chubby cheeks dimply knees and a whale spout. <em>Sigh</em>.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1uqp1wQOY6deebMcpTd875G6F26S_GOwdq432ek_koPsLmdDTgYZqPCMafg2gqU56yleIEmaNudpGJWlTkNubJC8R6UanqCNoWcvCuybteEFHs7j0I9yn4qRtJfgOGB9-LWYBB7SQbmI/s1600/P9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 555px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1uqp1wQOY6deebMcpTd875G6F26S_GOwdq432ek_koPsLmdDTgYZqPCMafg2gqU56yleIEmaNudpGJWlTkNubJC8R6UanqCNoWcvCuybteEFHs7j0I9yn4qRtJfgOGB9-LWYBB7SQbmI/s600/P9.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644893015917844834" /></a>
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<br />But, for me, it's better to live in the excitement than to dwell on the sadness. So, we did! Look at this cool chica, armed and ready for kindergarten...
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMMiK823Lqx7TeBA3p8iRjTyz24gWwa1gaW9GYsYUxp5kIgR3oNERgTi7gV2UtfaeXsMYuBttoNDT00NRZ8uTQxRilP3tW6PhbCyVERxR6-9X9nBWo68qnB9CLYwSqvFq9lC2iSMv8bom/s1600/P10.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400.5px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMMiK823Lqx7TeBA3p8iRjTyz24gWwa1gaW9GYsYUxp5kIgR3oNERgTi7gV2UtfaeXsMYuBttoNDT00NRZ8uTQxRilP3tW6PhbCyVERxR6-9X9nBWo68qnB9CLYwSqvFq9lC2iSMv8bom/s600/P10.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644893013270146498" /></a>
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<br /><strong>LOOK OUT WORLD!</strong> Sassy is ready to <strong>SOAR</strong>!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1K_8BNJYm0DJtBBM3ESpoVrGbzTWKECYJTI2UTG0F5dsUEDRfD_65bHVYY4ueuImqQXXxY1_oJPTK_el-3pRZGWFfwtDJ6VD5dv9Xv9U4UEN0J9eGGharcL20I12wyMUOoPBqQUL0WQJK/s1600/P11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400.5px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1K_8BNJYm0DJtBBM3ESpoVrGbzTWKECYJTI2UTG0F5dsUEDRfD_65bHVYY4ueuImqQXXxY1_oJPTK_el-3pRZGWFfwtDJ6VD5dv9Xv9U4UEN0J9eGGharcL20I12wyMUOoPBqQUL0WQJK/s600/P11.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644893006391673394" /></a>
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<br />We arrived at the school, and Tink was a little overwhelmed. There were a lot of kids and a LOT of parents, of course. But, nothing a little pep-talk from Graycop couldn't cure!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3Y6vgmZ5IoiTQqQ1R-m05WwGdnJD1Z4aslnXbc_ENtGJ4_I1yBcpgYvniLSOuoyfrdjkKabrU0zI-ZbrMPCPi-0LcqIzxMEg-qtP-luDkPmlmrDXuFTxgV5URo0C6jhOkQYNL6Kg3Rta/s1600/P12.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400.5px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3Y6vgmZ5IoiTQqQ1R-m05WwGdnJD1Z4aslnXbc_ENtGJ4_I1yBcpgYvniLSOuoyfrdjkKabrU0zI-ZbrMPCPi-0LcqIzxMEg-qtP-luDkPmlmrDXuFTxgV5URo0C6jhOkQYNL6Kg3Rta/s600/P12.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644893003772956082" /></a>
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<br />Self portrait x 2... Mommy and Tink, Mommy and Sassy. Missing our Daddy.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUW2BBzSzRPpe1ROqw0CdKSR9X10n3LIm5_8YJUO992kQqsydj-Qwct-XAXGjjfpu9JRn7Cp45zPHBb2y9HTHxOQCJrPh2ryFSD8VGSqDlfZRohO-Rglu_B_6E84nS9lv9_fR77CaQcNV2/s1600/P13.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 271.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUW2BBzSzRPpe1ROqw0CdKSR9X10n3LIm5_8YJUO992kQqsydj-Qwct-XAXGjjfpu9JRn7Cp45zPHBb2y9HTHxOQCJrPh2ryFSD8VGSqDlfZRohO-Rglu_B_6E84nS9lv9_fR77CaQcNV2/s600/P13.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644892994560379090" /></a>
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<br />We walked the girls into the gym to find their lines. It helped immensely that Tink already knew her teacher well! We ♥ Mrs. B!!!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvX4VFU0oVirmatMK_Rpvl5zw5GS-ZfKqllbebyVkECBw3ybNIt2GUUA5sWiWbKNrJdympa4RDPgqA_9G1_HTZSFmqV0D_EUokHvFDqSGrX4Dgw5seM-MVruh1D0WVa9k_JMV5lPGTWOMB/s1600/P14.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400.5px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvX4VFU0oVirmatMK_Rpvl5zw5GS-ZfKqllbebyVkECBw3ybNIt2GUUA5sWiWbKNrJdympa4RDPgqA_9G1_HTZSFmqV0D_EUokHvFDqSGrX4Dgw5seM-MVruh1D0WVa9k_JMV5lPGTWOMB/s600/P14.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644892327558489842" /></a>
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<br />The girls, walking int heir lines to class. Sassy: doing what kindergartners do...
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxt111xGGt2E5oR4qxigORx5-p1NjOM44XzGKT1Yfi-IlaT_WUW-8WZM9CCXODiAMbBk1e_CavfGrcrhDQ8hd5H6ApTbg8D0u5P5dLvYUWEeRPPV4XQTu1VF9TjpOK2Kkn5OWJwQryr8S/s1600/P15.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 201px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxt111xGGt2E5oR4qxigORx5-p1NjOM44XzGKT1Yfi-IlaT_WUW-8WZM9CCXODiAMbBk1e_CavfGrcrhDQ8hd5H6ApTbg8D0u5P5dLvYUWEeRPPV4XQTu1VF9TjpOK2Kkn5OWJwQryr8S/s600/P15.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644892322538530994" /></a>
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<br />Not a tear was shed. Not one.single.tear. I almost felt guilty for not being more emotional. Aren't you supposed to cry when you send your kids off to kindergarten? I was emotional, for sure. But, I think the excitement of seeing Sassy and Tink off on these new journeys outweighed any sadness I was feeling.
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<br />There is <em>nothing</em> more special than two beautiful girls, ready to take on the road ahead of them, believing anything is within their reach and anything is attainable.
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<br />PRICELESS.
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<br />I snapped a picture of Sassy and Mrs. S right after school, because I didn't have the chance to in the morning. Both of the girls LOVED their first days and their teachers and their classmates and their classrooms.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqoQRKOTctnvFJ6QLzpvitk0m6GZEIPHYavn1NAWwJQGg8UobcOpwqvBPnNrOpoJkv1f8sIER3IWNTFBlocHiWtAe4peTwhCfsMaD0ur8ZT6hBaa8IwT2r_HB4dz6Q9Nd1ZUe-2JnVlPdx/s1600/P16.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400.5 height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqoQRKOTctnvFJ6QLzpvitk0m6GZEIPHYavn1NAWwJQGg8UobcOpwqvBPnNrOpoJkv1f8sIER3IWNTFBlocHiWtAe4peTwhCfsMaD0ur8ZT6hBaa8IwT2r_HB4dz6Q9Nd1ZUe-2JnVlPdx/s600/P16.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644892318488873314" /></a>
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<br />To celebrate our wild and crazy day, we went with Adam & friends to <a href="http://www.chipotle.com/en-US/Default.aspx?type=default">Chipotle</a> for dinner {thank goodness for that request rather than a home-cooked meal- HA!}, which left only one logical thing to do...
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwzf1-K8zhtKam96Ps3YQ_OSPgb4op7XoOTaSjUSGSx2nREO3e_DwQrbUqi5_xAJEz1sVx1kzvT032WUK1DauuidLsECXkvcCxjhyphenhyphenw2JnmBBs3a_p5o7KNRUhHD-JC1ThNhz0B7NQOzEi6/s1600/P17.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400.5eight: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwzf1-K8zhtKam96Ps3YQ_OSPgb4op7XoOTaSjUSGSx2nREO3e_DwQrbUqi5_xAJEz1sVx1kzvT032WUK1DauuidLsECXkvcCxjhyphenhyphenw2JnmBBs3a_p5o7KNRUhHD-JC1ThNhz0B7NQOzEi6/s600/P17.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644892310971885234" /></a>
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<br /><a href="http://orangeleafyogurt.com/">ORANGE LEAF</a>!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6EsOdwwurrtVf5uijpCYjdbHbCucz4sP44FcvQL9TQttj0WgGjlSL6GcPrukpDWhFimXB6Hy5G5AgWSXGAXLnxmYlIexL7pv0OQIWvoz_CSXkhlaP8PR0CxdukM3cviCptnRNZ-Bc5Za/s1600/P18.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6EsOdwwurrtVf5uijpCYjdbHbCucz4sP44FcvQL9TQttj0WgGjlSL6GcPrukpDWhFimXB6Hy5G5AgWSXGAXLnxmYlIexL7pv0OQIWvoz_CSXkhlaP8PR0CxdukM3cviCptnRNZ-Bc5Za/s600/P18.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644892305289224498" /></a>
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<br />Here's to a wonderful school year!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07208049223435894385noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744765423813426569.post-87673115150834622052011-08-24T08:00:00.000-05:002011-08-24T09:40:04.616-05:00School Daze.Yep, I still blog here, I promise.
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<br />I anticipated the start of the school year bringing some added chaos in the SPH and an increase in scheduling challenges. Nothing, however, prepared me for what the past week and a half were going to look like...
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<br />I feel like a mommy zombie.
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<br /><em>For reals</em>.
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<br />Add to the mix the fact that I've jumped back into my <a href="http://www.parentsasteachers.org/">PAT</a> work this week, after taking it <em>very</em> easy since Tyler headed east, and you've got one hot mess of a Mama.
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<br />It makes me sad because the.last.thing.on.earth I have time for right now is blogging. There are so many things I want to get out there, to cover, but I just can't catch a spare moment to do so.
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<br />I am seriously hoping that we find our groove soon, because I am missing the order in my life, for sure.
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<br />Up next {hopefully}- pictures from the first day of school and Tink's real birthday day celebration. Happy Wednesday, friends!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07208049223435894385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744765423813426569.post-53139850505184260112011-08-19T10:00:00.001-05:002011-08-19T10:41:35.678-05:00Day 1.<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERBcd9tDCxGvWm7KtQGuAfKBinVxLteaUef3XNNeD9-nnPf8y_prrWRvsfGsoikulRl7uKRzMga3c3zTi2SFoAjXVuFCDeOpi8PfztxLUIPIu-KXGlvJDlU07Bm5jdZ-BS7kLrSrWNPX7/s1600/1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 600px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642303601195915314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERBcd9tDCxGvWm7KtQGuAfKBinVxLteaUef3XNNeD9-nnPf8y_prrWRvsfGsoikulRl7uKRzMga3c3zTi2SFoAjXVuFCDeOpi8PfztxLUIPIu-KXGlvJDlU07Bm5jdZ-BS7kLrSrWNPX7/s600/1.jpg" /></a>
<br /><em><strong>August 15th, 2011</strong>
<br />Sassy's 1st day of kindergarten.
<br />Tink's 1st day of preschool.</em></div>
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<br /><div align="center"><em></em></div>
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<br /><div align="center"><em>More to follow...</em></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07208049223435894385noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744765423813426569.post-22896021110941090072011-08-18T08:15:00.004-05:002011-08-18T13:46:47.422-05:00The Seaweed Is Always Greener...While Tink is officially celebrating her third birthday <strong>TODAY</strong>, we thought it best to celebrate her birthday last Saturday while we had the chance to do something pretty special.
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<br />It's funny how things work out sometimes.
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<br />Before Tyler even thought about leaving for North Carolina, we had discussed several options for Tink's 3rd birthday party. I really wanted to do something a bit more intimate this year. Last year's <a href="http://hleggett.blogspot.com/2010/08/celebrate-we-will-set-up.html">watermelon affair</a> was a blast, but something a bit quieter sounded really pleasant!
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<br />Some time later, my friend Micki clued me in that <a href="http://www.musictheatreofwichita.org/">The Music Theater of Wichita</a> was doing <a href="http://www.musictheatreofwichita.org/Performances_2011.cfm?content=lm">The Little Mermaid</a> for their final show of the season, and they put on a little kid-friendly matinee Saturday afternoon. They also hosted Under the Sea, an interactive meet'n'greet, prior to the show for an additional fee.
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<br />So, after a few short conversations, I decided to buy tickets for all the girls- myself, Sassy, Tink, Nana, Lynzee, LMB, and LuLu, and that we would meet up with the guys in the evening for a BBQ. So, it really worked out perfectly, once we found out Tyler was for sure leaving, that we didn't have a) a huge party to deal with or b) a ticket for him to attend the shows.
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<br />There really wasn't entirely too much prep for this party, besides securing our tickets (thankfully) well in advance. The show opened to such phenomenal reviews that many sessions including ours sold out! I did enlist my friend <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/erin.m.78">Erin</a> to make us some sugar cookies, and they turned out amazing. For now, this is something she does on the side for fun, and she is super reasonable! Keep her in mind for all your bakery needs. ♥
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQO2kSYNpGD9E2BK6JcAgz25iMbjzbaYaj7mqGP2i_lVPGfhyphenhyphenv6Wl_kCcefDQ1TyZW9CYULG9ra_ySpfM25XPjKS3TeffpCCEmX6WlSAEdchJEp_6hmU_1caq8xBpoyRQA6NG6eZKousb1/s1600/A1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 423px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQO2kSYNpGD9E2BK6JcAgz25iMbjzbaYaj7mqGP2i_lVPGfhyphenhyphenv6Wl_kCcefDQ1TyZW9CYULG9ra_ySpfM25XPjKS3TeffpCCEmX6WlSAEdchJEp_6hmU_1caq8xBpoyRQA6NG6eZKousb1/s600/A1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642013036514675298" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRbpSsqzLZP4BOn5L3uR6VNUVYnsL5ZiE3x-_OlBGUxAqsl_ed4hGquASp4hodc-PoaOuK9Rh-sexGj4xUIMjIBzZcQEvVYhmoh2MIoa8A5g5siMxalhjNR46UNQuTg1MFo4FwkDjnuXLl/s1600/A2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRbpSsqzLZP4BOn5L3uR6VNUVYnsL5ZiE3x-_OlBGUxAqsl_ed4hGquASp4hodc-PoaOuK9Rh-sexGj4xUIMjIBzZcQEvVYhmoh2MIoa8A5g5siMxalhjNR46UNQuTg1MFo4FwkDjnuXLl/s600/A2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642013034795736418" /></a>
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<br />Tyler also helped me assemble a little goody bag project, which you can take a peak at in a minute.
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<br />My parents bought Tink a new birthday dress and lobster purse from <a href="http://www.gymboree.com/index.jsp?ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395917465&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374303003787&bmUID=1313637737841">Gymboree's</a> Cape Cod Cutie line, and gifted her first thing in the morning. She looked SO adorable. I had planned ahead and purchased Sassy a coordinating outfit for the special day!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDe8dHKxezWu_Vs7vgScv2oTjPkLXxUb4ucC2wRUmI_5_NhYNlDPCDEHVRWOf4rhyphenhyphenXviTqyCCwaK371GjfXkcuzAv1ipvRAwRW5c0DFvueEi38cqEHYfcFb5X4QGpCqSZgg8LJ7o7dGgAv/s1600/A3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 277.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDe8dHKxezWu_Vs7vgScv2oTjPkLXxUb4ucC2wRUmI_5_NhYNlDPCDEHVRWOf4rhyphenhyphenXviTqyCCwaK371GjfXkcuzAv1ipvRAwRW5c0DFvueEi38cqEHYfcFb5X4QGpCqSZgg8LJ7o7dGgAv/s600/A3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642013026644968818" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5bbL6y2CNTq0qY-m1S82ChKTfk5JBDfKIE1-9VOGn4zQXSefPFZzHL94rgSVrDwf4O-P5MtTynPcNigPAD9lNzXmpb_-DC49oLQw5QY95pV6SB5HrRCWe_Ycv6Q_rCrz-N7SS64ERoDU/s1600/A4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 444px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5bbL6y2CNTq0qY-m1S82ChKTfk5JBDfKIE1-9VOGn4zQXSefPFZzHL94rgSVrDwf4O-P5MtTynPcNigPAD9lNzXmpb_-DC49oLQw5QY95pV6SB5HrRCWe_Ycv6Q_rCrz-N7SS64ERoDU/s600/A4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642013021213552098" /></a>
<br />
<br />Even with the sunglasses on Sassy, I can't get over how much these two are looking alike lately!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiej1LvzbZiFR8SNrLZa5p90ZxvY0vCdQIrHLMdicujj3vqfqSGXNArghehyphenhyphenpN1VakbHPvqPVqOfLvZazSNcaNuyaJ5X1mYosZK8z7DttR4CD4B6eGi7_7pMnyP0hUSFyBbt04VvvRHqxXU/s1600/A5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiej1LvzbZiFR8SNrLZa5p90ZxvY0vCdQIrHLMdicujj3vqfqSGXNArghehyphenhyphenpN1VakbHPvqPVqOfLvZazSNcaNuyaJ5X1mYosZK8z7DttR4CD4B6eGi7_7pMnyP0hUSFyBbt04VvvRHqxXU/s600/A5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642013017214711506" /></a>
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<br />It was an early start for all, but the girls were chomping at the bit to get the day started. especially Tink. She was one stylin' sista!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJvxwO__klbg7W9z4zKu_C-I1xODzEUg_KgNfi8E1kBFakcUi9Goki7gBIaKCszhR6uYehI42XS_IbGPAond81VWOHKg5MygJKcHfzz-scQzhmyoJYbc1ScG-ll-JK9U1446FSMRIz7KHw/s1600/A6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400.5px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJvxwO__klbg7W9z4zKu_C-I1xODzEUg_KgNfi8E1kBFakcUi9Goki7gBIaKCszhR6uYehI42XS_IbGPAond81VWOHKg5MygJKcHfzz-scQzhmyoJYbc1ScG-ll-JK9U1446FSMRIz7KHw/s600/A6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642014862935334178" /></a>
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<br />Once we arrived at <a href="http://www.century2.org/">Century II</a>, we were led into a basement area. There were tables set up, several set pieces on display, and some interactive game stations. The girls started off by "fishing" for a prize.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnw8TU3oUUo6BnziQl6GvHDmrYL3wKhjzNXmkDl6IMoudZjKC2EA0dqJm0CTjxirbwVbf3YghXpbdZYpP9mbS4LlRm2-M20Q5ZLqXNCODo7sSWN7bLc4InF0fE2P2-bKfyVyMlRviIUQZ/s1600/A7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 286.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnw8TU3oUUo6BnziQl6GvHDmrYL3wKhjzNXmkDl6IMoudZjKC2EA0dqJm0CTjxirbwVbf3YghXpbdZYpP9mbS4LlRm2-M20Q5ZLqXNCODo7sSWN7bLc4InF0fE2P2-bKfyVyMlRviIUQZ/s600/A7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642014861966784002" /></a>
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<br />Next, they got to try on some costume pieces and try out the <em>Crustacean Band</em> instruments. Very cool!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdaL46UlmSx3UjKMDpI39y0QM_VfW_njnXF0Dxri5zm5hyphenhyphenTXYYB7ZzXGxzBIivmwbJGRHSa_ndBONm6Mxjhc-3_f3s9LzafXwTt5X81v8Tkv6eQnEslRxwwEDCrtRQt0lEDgFpDPzREpUd/s1600/A8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 310.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdaL46UlmSx3UjKMDpI39y0QM_VfW_njnXF0Dxri5zm5hyphenhyphenTXYYB7ZzXGxzBIivmwbJGRHSa_ndBONm6Mxjhc-3_f3s9LzafXwTt5X81v8Tkv6eQnEslRxwwEDCrtRQt0lEDgFpDPzREpUd/s600/A8.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642014855107025122" /></a>
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<br />The girls chatted up with this sea creature, who identified himself an an eel, promising to be evil in the show, but nice in real life. And, he sure was. All the characters were so gracious about talking with the girls, giving them the time to ask questions, and learning and calling them by name. I was super impressed.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnDc0zm10F7XJBWPyBWkir00tcmdXXMGg42xbOYkTfzlxNq2yIwv-6nZXJebL_vm4taViP4HdKLvHuBVWacj0Q5DhXnSs6xGPj38NhDmbR752orrvHMeopViDOxtdxfQQSttuW3Il4WD0O/s1600/A9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnDc0zm10F7XJBWPyBWkir00tcmdXXMGg42xbOYkTfzlxNq2yIwv-6nZXJebL_vm4taViP4HdKLvHuBVWacj0Q5DhXnSs6xGPj38NhDmbR752orrvHMeopViDOxtdxfQQSttuW3Il4WD0O/s600/A9.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642014855958537298" /></a>
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<br />Some more exploring took place...
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUVrukaXAJi4NiiFhZbLYafKa2rpwMQRpGAJNM-TaeFTS7g6ThI2J27rjz3ZP4TdEWN3-4Jsmiq3xjY3K8EeOimwiDiT-FueMbqOITLcBwXM6dl5JpIFCJKJt0GId4WYlbz-5lJVsgsXe/s1600/A10.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 348px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUVrukaXAJi4NiiFhZbLYafKa2rpwMQRpGAJNM-TaeFTS7g6ThI2J27rjz3ZP4TdEWN3-4Jsmiq3xjY3K8EeOimwiDiT-FueMbqOITLcBwXM6dl5JpIFCJKJt0GId4WYlbz-5lJVsgsXe/s600/A10.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642014847913452962" /></a>
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<br />Then, it was time for juice, goldfish, and swedish fish.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNvRBsK5EwpJag-oUfrJxoFdjCrCfr72-RX-jAYshEsxDmtlIsYujxUFqTCkZUG42TSNxVrAXiE4GGRmyeLCotKv8RBoIwYoyGR4l2CcLNDkEB2jLDf7b-DmXQRPZ3Q8s1MtEQkkw-e_P/s1600/A11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNvRBsK5EwpJag-oUfrJxoFdjCrCfr72-RX-jAYshEsxDmtlIsYujxUFqTCkZUG42TSNxVrAXiE4GGRmyeLCotKv8RBoIwYoyGR4l2CcLNDkEB2jLDf7b-DmXQRPZ3Q8s1MtEQkkw-e_P/s600/A11.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642019144050729378" /></a>
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<br />And, we waited in line to be photographed with none other than the sea princess herself, Ariel. Or, <em>Adewlewla</em>, as Tink calls her. That doesn't get old. Ever. Not even once.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDPhbYFQduKZbBtJ9Buiot5M3ROgYwkMVnmZa3VVXo3Dhu_ZD_wF6SrKm8p6MkR8ICn-GucNmqKlj0zLQ7Nrbr51EJQCmBVOoXjs5C9jTYW8nooMq2YG82IuRNSZ9zhnVbp3MUW92jm-x_/s1600/A12.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 595.5px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDPhbYFQduKZbBtJ9Buiot5M3ROgYwkMVnmZa3VVXo3Dhu_ZD_wF6SrKm8p6MkR8ICn-GucNmqKlj0zLQ7Nrbr51EJQCmBVOoXjs5C9jTYW8nooMq2YG82IuRNSZ9zhnVbp3MUW92jm-x_/s600/A12.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642019136607887026" /></a>
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<br />Here are the awful quality scans of the picture keepsakes we received. Photos by <a href="http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/store.aspx?p=37196">JW Fritchman</a>. They're great in person, <em>honest</em>.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRlpPLIZPQsOj_jZFGnPz7dwUB3hIVad5MRKTH6Z47TbarRtgm9CHxW_5xQgW7TnzdJd8afe24095Xg1z4CMC_3JnKbijpqtj-PMf_TbwWxIeDJCID9QfIz8qvQajIs420BIJYje35GRq/s1600/A13.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 423px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRlpPLIZPQsOj_jZFGnPz7dwUB3hIVad5MRKTH6Z47TbarRtgm9CHxW_5xQgW7TnzdJd8afe24095Xg1z4CMC_3JnKbijpqtj-PMf_TbwWxIeDJCID9QfIz8qvQajIs420BIJYje35GRq/s600/A13.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642019135883736402" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHtRdQ62ENontFGo8ryUTnZI-Ddc0jGpg2pujJXMzYOVV53Z4m-WWt9Mf4j3aQYphWQe-Wzl0hZ5J2kqTvLAOD2Poucq4cQJz910Ll1FfaYfEHhwG-OWBXJ4jMLAfoF_2PltYNQC-bzUQd/s1600/A14.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 397.5px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHtRdQ62ENontFGo8ryUTnZI-Ddc0jGpg2pujJXMzYOVV53Z4m-WWt9Mf4j3aQYphWQe-Wzl0hZ5J2kqTvLAOD2Poucq4cQJz910Ll1FfaYfEHhwG-OWBXJ4jMLAfoF_2PltYNQC-bzUQd/s600/A14.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642019129849836594" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKW0SYjGwk2nkD_WpcIiAV2qHL122WD1IM_2RN_Qbs7qeULFp5Wt56tf6Mla3MSA6u6II1UwwnErmc4j5x1cYJuT2LoJd-BIXP7-GcuwHrqg3nhpY7cj0tXqEx-HauSJQ2RhXmL8nw8LM3/s1600/A15.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 397.5px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKW0SYjGwk2nkD_WpcIiAV2qHL122WD1IM_2RN_Qbs7qeULFp5Wt56tf6Mla3MSA6u6II1UwwnErmc4j5x1cYJuT2LoJd-BIXP7-GcuwHrqg3nhpY7cj0tXqEx-HauSJQ2RhXmL8nw8LM3/s600/A15.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642019125380485346" /></a>
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<br />The girls <em>adored</em> mingling with the mermaids. Can you tell?
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDWlzlZVR5sRq7FI8eafrxTqwT4VyFjUBotDLpN6tfdBc5NHTifTvjAxk1YWzTF6lkieux0jSTonXdsj3JnySXJiUEDk1sG9GfDDLogvFN7tWp3xia_pwnF55p9KzB8CTDNVtc8Y2wLA9_/s1600/A16.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDWlzlZVR5sRq7FI8eafrxTqwT4VyFjUBotDLpN6tfdBc5NHTifTvjAxk1YWzTF6lkieux0jSTonXdsj3JnySXJiUEDk1sG9GfDDLogvFN7tWp3xia_pwnF55p9KzB8CTDNVtc8Y2wLA9_/s600/A16.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642022400728845570" /></a>
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<br />I didn't think I was ever going to be able to pry Tink away from her new friends. She talked their ears off, and they listened like good little sea creatures.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHiYF_4yLGt-PiKABtlCF8TGNend3imBusThf2IOp5Ba1LmYpYRZJnT6wv67i8_I0HWTNr0DNOI419HQ7la9rwOG_18F_3dxFXfNnedU4-T4RlEXfu1pSIlj5PHi3IOWUc8K2SNOBjoSJy/s1600/A17.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHiYF_4yLGt-PiKABtlCF8TGNend3imBusThf2IOp5Ba1LmYpYRZJnT6wv67i8_I0HWTNr0DNOI419HQ7la9rwOG_18F_3dxFXfNnedU4-T4RlEXfu1pSIlj5PHi3IOWUc8K2SNOBjoSJy/s600/A17.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642022397027658354" /></a>
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<br />The girls were pretty much in awe. They loved it. Tink sat with this seagull dude for a long time. What I wouldn't give to hear what she was telling him <em>all about</em>...
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyb4oWK-0IOg75Mlhwg3xdZhdWnhBOClVTOGWNbxTg0YBzyb45aLDYxRUG4JIzCk0qakuYLA7mFe5bPLHTuhLTJbcdBQpjU33TosHCE3tqDa4W6oy5OeNJrQgrQl5q8-HUcQC0yfxTuEc/s1600/A18.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 318px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyb4oWK-0IOg75Mlhwg3xdZhdWnhBOClVTOGWNbxTg0YBzyb45aLDYxRUG4JIzCk0qakuYLA7mFe5bPLHTuhLTJbcdBQpjU33TosHCE3tqDa4W6oy5OeNJrQgrQl5q8-HUcQC0yfxTuEc/s600/A18.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642022393524512274" /></a>
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<br />The Under the Sea event was impressive. Definitely worth the price of admission! Afterwards, my Mom and I looked after the girls out front while Lynzee rounded up the van. We played a rousing rendition of <s>Simon</s> Sebastian Says.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMHRJMmqwdNgZLPC6xPOCY2_OiGgbYkUarhWo5qez80JB46_8GsZNvM67zpHFQ1Kw5nzR_9yiS1ocmTg6rUao_cupo4QQwE8oMXYzmdfrFt5yW0S0R8YBxx37EZNQE6UwAqKJ16a2AwNi/s1600/A19.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 160.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMHRJMmqwdNgZLPC6xPOCY2_OiGgbYkUarhWo5qez80JB46_8GsZNvM67zpHFQ1Kw5nzR_9yiS1ocmTg6rUao_cupo4QQwE8oMXYzmdfrFt5yW0S0R8YBxx37EZNQE6UwAqKJ16a2AwNi/s600/A19.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642022387691831666" /></a>
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<br />And, it was off to a "fancy" lunch at Bella Luna. The girls were excited to go to a "grown-up" restaurant, and everyone was very well-behaved. After lunch, we sang to Miss Tink and enjoyed our cookies!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuD_6OU6to1on4OmgxnE-Ia0gGnwzOnVPpIB427KuluLMmo7pvQd5iCe9sIpJdye-gEw2MWsY_rJFF1JzPtY4Og9WcSuNL3N0P7iVQzTsmIpqJXKX0-YUa4GbhZ2A8YRzOUsflhJKgajwZ/s1600/A20.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuD_6OU6to1on4OmgxnE-Ia0gGnwzOnVPpIB427KuluLMmo7pvQd5iCe9sIpJdye-gEw2MWsY_rJFF1JzPtY4Og9WcSuNL3N0P7iVQzTsmIpqJXKX0-YUa4GbhZ2A8YRzOUsflhJKgajwZ/s600/A20.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642022385874530658" /></a>
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<br />Tink was so excited to blow out her candle and dig in...
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2979iSzh7jIiT8H6X44d3HFK1mO8pCfB6anZoJvNnWwEWyMtwyQYGEb2ZwCsoK_hcFiF4FG4H_Kn230rcd3AtU7L8eATIKtrW6eiKJVsjzC9uYZOResRX6GvIUQynwNhTOk0C2OyBl58/s1600/A21.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 136.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2979iSzh7jIiT8H6X44d3HFK1mO8pCfB6anZoJvNnWwEWyMtwyQYGEb2ZwCsoK_hcFiF4FG4H_Kn230rcd3AtU7L8eATIKtrW6eiKJVsjzC9uYZOResRX6GvIUQynwNhTOk0C2OyBl58/s600/A21.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642025050201284802" /></a>
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<br />Pretty sure the sugar cookies were a HUGE success!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii67N0bdLuBHCd50tNQy_86WDvG_pdB6ywANHFp08_MMHESyKjDaOPFyANH_FHPJNvZ3-HpGdCWCKFvQeV3JwX90chBAf9Md_7VaW80aS1fvKtP7Fj1DskqdISHdEAmO-714CnBCEYQwZ2/s1600/A22.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 354px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii67N0bdLuBHCd50tNQy_86WDvG_pdB6ywANHFp08_MMHESyKjDaOPFyANH_FHPJNvZ3-HpGdCWCKFvQeV3JwX90chBAf9Md_7VaW80aS1fvKtP7Fj1DskqdISHdEAmO-714CnBCEYQwZ2/s600/A22.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642025045217622114" /></a>
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<br />Next, Tink handed out her goody bags. I bought small purple totes, lime green tulle, and turquoise sequined trim at <a href="http://hobbylobby.com/">Hobby Lobby</a>, and instructed Tyler on how I wanted them sewn. He's <em>the man</em> at the sewing machine. At least by our household's standards. HA! Then, I filled the bags with candy, <a href="http://www.bonnebell.com/">Bonne Bell</a> chap stick, seashell necklaces, bracelets, princess wands, and some other random goodies.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCvhZD_w7Nrb-G8RUBFNSYuuf8Q4JLo2Mk1OAFks_xyO6V3dFRoRTStuUXIjgbjXZdt2jfvuOGFoAVWi7BJvQTKaszALc0ZyuvZGX2hkRsEfxobDSK-lXVoj54BhMMHOxEh6ZWUS-KXnSG/s1600/A23.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400.5px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCvhZD_w7Nrb-G8RUBFNSYuuf8Q4JLo2Mk1OAFks_xyO6V3dFRoRTStuUXIjgbjXZdt2jfvuOGFoAVWi7BJvQTKaszALc0ZyuvZGX2hkRsEfxobDSK-lXVoj54BhMMHOxEh6ZWUS-KXnSG/s600/A23.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642025038238159330" /></a>
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<br />I think they turned out pretty cute!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYImwFhpT6xPvp8d85KgIKTCyk4jAFi3qJ7MigFQ3ElUcw8Av4WYCgUzJdO1-Hjx-VETI0tepR8wiXZyDxc_VOweAG3lQIkMMQcLVt8XcAMOHwOmNaZIEzO2Oa10_bhZKgXNODaeZ_ggE/s1600/A24.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 397.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYImwFhpT6xPvp8d85KgIKTCyk4jAFi3qJ7MigFQ3ElUcw8Av4WYCgUzJdO1-Hjx-VETI0tepR8wiXZyDxc_VOweAG3lQIkMMQcLVt8XcAMOHwOmNaZIEzO2Oa10_bhZKgXNODaeZ_ggE/s600/A24.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642025036569059634" /></a>
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<br />Oh, and no Under the Sea birthday party goody bag is complete without some magic <em>mermaid dust</em>...
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFzxC3IAnwrgQZc8YAtoHL8wdZTy9rFk8fgi8nWwOW67rsPDZl35W4pF_cQArL0D4oUkHg2IScaixomr2U6-V_WyMHcDKv48nLkozLAL7pKICKM8YyLDwM40heYDiDcfgGmGIgpn7-qxa/s1600/A25.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400.5px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFzxC3IAnwrgQZc8YAtoHL8wdZTy9rFk8fgi8nWwOW67rsPDZl35W4pF_cQArL0D4oUkHg2IScaixomr2U6-V_WyMHcDKv48nLkozLAL7pKICKM8YyLDwM40heYDiDcfgGmGIgpn7-qxa/s600/A25.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642025035291587602" /></a>
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<br />After lunch, we stopped off at <a href="http://www.pinksaloon.com/fashion/">Pink Saloon</a> to buy some (<em>ahem</em>...) more <a href="http://www.toms.com/youth/tiny?view=all">Tiny Toms</a>. Then, it was back to Century II for the show!
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<br />The show was <em>phenomenal</em>. Right up there with any major production I have ever seen, and I've seen several. Love, love, LOVED it. All of it. Of course, no photography was allowed inside, but the maestro granted permission to download and use their <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Music-Theatre-of-Wichita/84577015126">facebook</a>-released photos, so I will share a few...
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<br />The acting was great.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUK3MF3B_WcD_NHS31F32srUDguXGs18GkLwRaUIEJEIVodwDyb5Ojfe9vtppfhDx8oJxiiitA8hVIbnZcpzgYXP_k73fhZKfHgNTZV30bb4j8-DLr3JGIfOP36zXmRGxZmTjvldlkFuLt/s1600/A26.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUK3MF3B_WcD_NHS31F32srUDguXGs18GkLwRaUIEJEIVodwDyb5Ojfe9vtppfhDx8oJxiiitA8hVIbnZcpzgYXP_k73fhZKfHgNTZV30bb4j8-DLr3JGIfOP36zXmRGxZmTjvldlkFuLt/s600/A26.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642028188733806866" /></a>
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<br />The set was great.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga3Qs1mFdlV3BcH8rs4kG-MKIJPo2088PDyb9Rum-UnxvyHaeYgkgdvOIgRgy1Cx2jPkiZmOPTMiMH8VasDq0A2pdO6Hoc7NpHHPqpE4c-voXpOKHlqua_EhzKj02v6dhijhptQ5g8H_WI/s1600/A27.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 423px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga3Qs1mFdlV3BcH8rs4kG-MKIJPo2088PDyb9Rum-UnxvyHaeYgkgdvOIgRgy1Cx2jPkiZmOPTMiMH8VasDq0A2pdO6Hoc7NpHHPqpE4c-voXpOKHlqua_EhzKj02v6dhijhptQ5g8H_WI/s600/A27.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642028186142477538" /></a>
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<br />The costumes were <em>a-mazing</em>.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2faKY6I1SFqy9aJYdXF9l-uReWb1B-yuHtK4WK_P7yNEHI9AsIb6XvD8bUip6AUVYbVLyvqdU768AM-2dSQsGz6SLP-_7ORCJHFBXXX5GbmX-a_DCSllp-eyRU5d5ZBCfXpx3QIsmlha/s1600/A28.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 432px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2faKY6I1SFqy9aJYdXF9l-uReWb1B-yuHtK4WK_P7yNEHI9AsIb6XvD8bUip6AUVYbVLyvqdU768AM-2dSQsGz6SLP-_7ORCJHFBXXX5GbmX-a_DCSllp-eyRU5d5ZBCfXpx3QIsmlha/s600/A28.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642028181450022338" /></a>
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<br />The singing & dancing was superb...
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKnJML80mwDcBWYdVb5EsZWHuvpETDN2GSWwOBsZebNeigSks0WvXBehqZRvg2gDpSUgu7zVbOft8tatw718RNHsiOyyaS77VyQhOZ4pDFTuj-7DZ12HMTkgAWl_nM75mnOd8tpChf47o/s1600/A29.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 468px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKnJML80mwDcBWYdVb5EsZWHuvpETDN2GSWwOBsZebNeigSks0WvXBehqZRvg2gDpSUgu7zVbOft8tatw718RNHsiOyyaS77VyQhOZ4pDFTuj-7DZ12HMTkgAWl_nM75mnOd8tpChf47o/s600/A29.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642028178018245362" /></a>
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<br />What a great show! Lynzee and I lamented that we wished we could go back the following day sans kiddos (sold out). Keep up the great work, Music Theater of Wichita!
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<br />As if the day wasn't exciting enough, we decided to entend the party to a little family-friend BBQ with our firepit Friday crew (thanks, Lisa!) Nana and Graycop ordered this lovely cupcake cake for Tink...
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCoGUfK7eT5Ndngw54sn_S2XKRmFajkFJXnI1ZTTtYoaQQTu0xpj00PUPU9V55zBPSijHLJzIPUmpqFrYaSmyW-GkRBR_5nPOqT_E4AvTWT9QtSAR7-8nEiBAD31_LltzOkDaBuOU5v9Pd/s1600/A30.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCoGUfK7eT5Ndngw54sn_S2XKRmFajkFJXnI1ZTTtYoaQQTu0xpj00PUPU9V55zBPSijHLJzIPUmpqFrYaSmyW-GkRBR_5nPOqT_E4AvTWT9QtSAR7-8nEiBAD31_LltzOkDaBuOU5v9Pd/s600/A30.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642028173229846018" /></a>
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<br />We ate, the kids played, we chatted, sang Happy Birthday again, snarfed down some cupcakes, sat by the fire, and watched <a href="http://disneydvd.disney.go.com/the-little-mermaid-platinum-edition.html">The Little Mermaid</a> on "<em>the big screen</em>", i.e. projected onto the house...
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIdKkzXwMh6l9oaE8oR5-BEA0UGVhRgO-cE_LokD1YcxjR_xjqnqyrmI4k69uEcki7M0Mv2eFTCHPUHNPCryBjleqpfqT3IKo6GTDDV54j5SY24FmJ05T_JGlJD2EOggAeykHG5I1NQxF/s1600/A31.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 405px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIdKkzXwMh6l9oaE8oR5-BEA0UGVhRgO-cE_LokD1YcxjR_xjqnqyrmI4k69uEcki7M0Mv2eFTCHPUHNPCryBjleqpfqT3IKo6GTDDV54j5SY24FmJ05T_JGlJD2EOggAeykHG5I1NQxF/s600/A31.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642030778465750706" /></a>
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<br />What a <em>perfect</em> ending to a <em>perfect</em> day. ♥Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07208049223435894385noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744765423813426569.post-21824172176451319332011-08-16T12:20:00.004-05:002011-08-16T12:37:05.563-05:00Windows.I've only done this a couple of times before, but I couldn't help myself from entering this week's <a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/">I ♥ Faces</a> weekly photo challenge, <em>Beautiful Eyes</em>.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOFVwrKzB5ovjfzN2PcYeOD8hOnBb1X6a_hRo0Wg8EBVtH-d6PcJxgHb-byQ7Tvnqs_h4WgpXzM6zvGcDTHiTsGX0NHBQVAT3J26qbBz0TeTO8b9YKLgaEhoSwvhLw95FfDyl7ezJJT60/s1600/IHF.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 125px; height: 100px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOFVwrKzB5ovjfzN2PcYeOD8hOnBb1X6a_hRo0Wg8EBVtH-d6PcJxgHb-byQ7Tvnqs_h4WgpXzM6zvGcDTHiTsGX0NHBQVAT3J26qbBz0TeTO8b9YKLgaEhoSwvhLw95FfDyl7ezJJT60/s400/IHF.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641506512883814850" /></a>
<br />There are <em>millions</em> of reasons I love both of my girls, and <em>thousands</em> of ways I think they are just absolutely beautiful little people. And my little Tink has a killer set of eyes. They are ice blue and appear very textured with dark navy rings rimming her irises. I <em>adore</em> her eyes.
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<br />So, I found it a bit odd, as rich of an eye color she has, to find myself gravitating towards a black & white photo to enter here today. This photo, though, is one of my favorites I've ever taken of her. Her eyes, although lacking their normal hue, are striking and piercing and, like the old adage, windows right into her little sweet soul. I love this photo. I love my girl. All <em>3 years minus 2 days</em> of her. ♥
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kQRsfT8R5BzC9ogyD0xmxrwBGE2zelMmByVyDB4Js9FhheIDBq55z5IVsTUN8G0zs274bkHKcz7J1spufB5Y31Oj4Z9AByS-KVjsswuivGyJZ0UXEOmVRmJUJWgycu2ErCNTxIpw6rNo/s1600/Windows.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400.5px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kQRsfT8R5BzC9ogyD0xmxrwBGE2zelMmByVyDB4Js9FhheIDBq55z5IVsTUN8G0zs274bkHKcz7J1spufB5Y31Oj4Z9AByS-KVjsswuivGyJZ0UXEOmVRmJUJWgycu2ErCNTxIpw6rNo/s600/Windows.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641508403438460546" /></a>
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<br />See all of this week's entries <a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/2011/08/photo-challenge-beautiful-eyes/">here</a>.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07208049223435894385noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744765423813426569.post-90529550103708080222011-08-15T13:53:00.000-05:002011-08-15T13:53:29.113-05:00I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues...aka <em>One of Heather's Famous Catch-Up Posts</em>...
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<br />Since Tyler's been gone, we've kept busy.
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<br />...<em>Time on my hands should be time spent with you</em>.
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<br />Busy is <em>my</em> <a href="http://hleggett.blogspot.com/2011/08/distraction.html">distraction</a>.
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<br />The busy is what keeps me sane.
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<br />I've always felt this way- I cannot spend too much time cooped up in the house, or I will <em>lose it</em>. We function best as a threesome (the girls and I) when we get up, get dressed, and get going.
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<br />Busy, busy, busy.
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<br />Don't get me wrong, though. I've been sure to carve away plenty of time to spend just the three of us. In fact, I have less work planned in the three weeks following Tyler's departure than I have had in a long time. I felt that having me around, present and available, was really important for the girls during this transition time. Thank God I have the kind of job and the kind of boss that allows for that. That <em>gets it</em>. ♥
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<br />So, you'd like to know what we've been up to? We've been enjoying these last few dog days of summer. Man, has it been HOT here in Kansas! I never thought there'd come a day when I declared it too hot to go swimming, but this summer has brought many of those kinds of days. MANY.
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<br />We've run errands. Gone grocery shopping. Gone to the <em>movie shower</em> <strong>twice</strong>. (<a href="http://www.popperspenguins.com/main.html">Mr. Popper's Penguins</a> and <a href="http://smurfhappens.com/">Smurfs</a>)... Prepared for Tink's third birthday party coming up this Saturday. Played in the fountains. Skyped with Daddy. Lots. Started a Sunday dinner tradition and Nana & Graycop's (YEAH for once a week that I don't have to worry about cooking!) Hosted a sleepover with LMB and LuLu. Hosted a play date with <a href="http://www.meetup.com/wichitamomsandtots-playgroup/">mommy group</a> friends. Enrolled for school. Went to the swimming pool with friends. Got Tink's hair cut. Had movie night in Mom's bed. Attended Meet the Teacher night. Fun stuff.
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<br />I've also had some "mommy time" carved out, which has been a huge blessing, and not possible without a great support system including my parents and many friends! I've been blown away by the kind words, kind gestures, and offers to help these past few weeks! I attended book club where we discussed <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Got-Milf-Feeling-Fabulous-Looking/dp/0425239047">this</a> book and chose <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rebecca-Daphne-Du-Maurier/dp/0380730405">this</a> one for next time. I am SO excited to re-read it! I also went to <a href="http://paintthetowne.com/">Paint the Towne</a> with Lynzee and my Mom! I love that place so much! We painted <a href="http://paintthetowne.com/Gallery/index.phtml?az=display&id=61&track=1&start=27&sort=&keywords=&gid=1">this</a>, but in true Heather fashion, I had to be difficult and go against the grain. Oh, wait... at least I painted the correct painting (<em>ahem</em>... <strong>MOM</strong>)...
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<br />So, enjoy a hodge-podge smattering of pictures from days 1-14 of <em>Operation: Daddy in NC</em> so that I can get caught up and leave plenty of time go get to the <em>really meaty</em> stuff!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPTTjMjGYYdqIayJTq9KZRqpx8e6ZmvG8NIUAYlyI7Db6OlJtOPtT7IshIAO04UKQ8HXkVi4j8HSDCOXJ5g0-NIKGH4WTF6f8aTUi9Uixv7Cmu0Ss5Sh5Fy0gomiHSeQ68lBNfnd_gOaI/s1600/O1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400.5px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPTTjMjGYYdqIayJTq9KZRqpx8e6ZmvG8NIUAYlyI7Db6OlJtOPtT7IshIAO04UKQ8HXkVi4j8HSDCOXJ5g0-NIKGH4WTF6f8aTUi9Uixv7Cmu0Ss5Sh5Fy0gomiHSeQ68lBNfnd_gOaI/s600/O1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641156325829285810" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11HeR9IPlm1Enm0p8CpSTREgF1yNPNsABHCSmb_LvV1Wvl3lL-iqwZB2HLMEnZxw-QD98XlUYge5Zv_hTWZkOpqLo6mXweJ9B6nZO91HjjK5uB-CvKsJm3b1Gif5eXX9s8SouWIQGgaP7/s1600/O2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11HeR9IPlm1Enm0p8CpSTREgF1yNPNsABHCSmb_LvV1Wvl3lL-iqwZB2HLMEnZxw-QD98XlUYge5Zv_hTWZkOpqLo6mXweJ9B6nZO91HjjK5uB-CvKsJm3b1Gif5eXX9s8SouWIQGgaP7/s600/O2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641156324275019842" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPivS7en0MObgauZNpUE77a9BXrL37SYjg948KqXxol30X0-gqyO4VnCozcG9lAA0JkbIoH1e4Vx-9VjA1QCWgM2Z4yg2bBryCxE9B4rGvobtgE1DtxfWRJ-_w4H7cHmp9fK6COkPvrT17/s1600/O3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPivS7en0MObgauZNpUE77a9BXrL37SYjg948KqXxol30X0-gqyO4VnCozcG9lAA0JkbIoH1e4Vx-9VjA1QCWgM2Z4yg2bBryCxE9B4rGvobtgE1DtxfWRJ-_w4H7cHmp9fK6COkPvrT17/s600/O3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641155930546693122" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRshPXmSO37E1PurQdaVtJCFF30JwGu7dBAvOUSNMcHk5wbdAm4uMkUqq5FJPxvERIoUZG7VysDYIdNSsVcV8ESnhOi2I3F6X81cxErmoWZqyMJ3Yxzckp_1u62zYlKYI_vGIOaaUS4A0/s1600/O4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 475.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRshPXmSO37E1PurQdaVtJCFF30JwGu7dBAvOUSNMcHk5wbdAm4uMkUqq5FJPxvERIoUZG7VysDYIdNSsVcV8ESnhOi2I3F6X81cxErmoWZqyMJ3Yxzckp_1u62zYlKYI_vGIOaaUS4A0/s600/O4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641155928927109202" /></a>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6Y41rphHOT392diodnhlQpR_wXQeNR4GTF0jKtRkFeuIcjxE6hDG1qyvbcMtOFzXLtscIaudTmh0ljSv3K3EAColo3wqosEf9ikBXdiWUPzl2d0GfX_-g8OFB_6wW2S7JEziKmajHfDS/s1600/O6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6Y41rphHOT392diodnhlQpR_wXQeNR4GTF0jKtRkFeuIcjxE6hDG1qyvbcMtOFzXLtscIaudTmh0ljSv3K3EAColo3wqosEf9ikBXdiWUPzl2d0GfX_-g8OFB_6wW2S7JEziKmajHfDS/s600/O6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641155921802892370" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfO91ezht3Zlh7frA1Yu9dx4Xdle5KcZSqN5SzUUXBeKUXKAV2ZiZCuoYr8k0wqX4F4mtB8ILsPP6Mdc_2ggf5ODlxZm_7Rq2Qjs06PkW7YhIPKrg0sRh_4DEs2GXL5BfOCKm361qZg6q0/s1600/O7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 369px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfO91ezht3Zlh7frA1Yu9dx4Xdle5KcZSqN5SzUUXBeKUXKAV2ZiZCuoYr8k0wqX4F4mtB8ILsPP6Mdc_2ggf5ODlxZm_7Rq2Qjs06PkW7YhIPKrg0sRh_4DEs2GXL5BfOCKm361qZg6q0/s600/O7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641155920305167906" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczbroS9AP3EXbMObI_lExisUhJ7vKI13hyphenhyphenAG_wInj7KhQtBhdXqyQGYX0G-HBdoRwMYZVNB39q_RxWfwbbpvaASDkR-83SEgaYAPhBHObmyVqi_Lqnb0otY9DQAQtSIHOxPa7Sv2tT5k1/s1600/O8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczbroS9AP3EXbMObI_lExisUhJ7vKI13hyphenhyphenAG_wInj7KhQtBhdXqyQGYX0G-HBdoRwMYZVNB39q_RxWfwbbpvaASDkR-83SEgaYAPhBHObmyVqi_Lqnb0otY9DQAQtSIHOxPa7Sv2tT5k1/s600/O8.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641155376525959170" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9yjT9Oy4GrK9cXk0GqFefCLFdJveryzKb4mdLZ2cFrkQO75PsPl3ykG53RXbj2QfLmhsCmeXFJDGfOyapj8XRqM1fBQdWC-mzhCJykJN7JAHU4V3O6u1vldLcMVa9wVsuKf7EOlZ151Nw/s1600/O9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 354px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9yjT9Oy4GrK9cXk0GqFefCLFdJveryzKb4mdLZ2cFrkQO75PsPl3ykG53RXbj2QfLmhsCmeXFJDGfOyapj8XRqM1fBQdWC-mzhCJykJN7JAHU4V3O6u1vldLcMVa9wVsuKf7EOlZ151Nw/s600/O9.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641155374328431506" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpeMWNo8v60poakFQdKtLoo-gJ6Q7SjpCwxH8kFS8R4STF_VScdrlLrIvP1hgTYS-YPJUE0fMWtyW2pzJjou3MQFk9tGenKPUFOi2dlGLfn4HtVkZWHwLeNDH41IQgzdXfKejcz6tWhgEL/s1600/O10.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpeMWNo8v60poakFQdKtLoo-gJ6Q7SjpCwxH8kFS8R4STF_VScdrlLrIvP1hgTYS-YPJUE0fMWtyW2pzJjou3MQFk9tGenKPUFOi2dlGLfn4HtVkZWHwLeNDH41IQgzdXfKejcz6tWhgEL/s600/O10.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641155368868755954" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0AtzxYTYW8wuuwp_y7kgHT3l37Ig5xcf66_uuL_OLRWcikwZ70P4-ZAulZwBzw9N5DQjpfNA4jarxPber3iIDad6xjOebtmHfroy51Xh6w7SKBwZh2nKs_ro7jO4-YXM-W_R1kJLEb3Pn/s1600/O11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0AtzxYTYW8wuuwp_y7kgHT3l37Ig5xcf66_uuL_OLRWcikwZ70P4-ZAulZwBzw9N5DQjpfNA4jarxPber3iIDad6xjOebtmHfroy51Xh6w7SKBwZh2nKs_ro7jO4-YXM-W_R1kJLEb3Pn/s600/O11.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641155363689477634" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPf9X_4Ux1quoYxRXgMSzciZ8t3mbSqErIu0BGsqLSv2vs7cuao9lGaLmngv16G6oWP0SkesIFW2iarDvAogQlc9jOIWTzXnI9kTLxKngiyG3HKB-zBEEIhgRUz17tTdEEWOSTQnJE6Qh8/s1600/O12.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPf9X_4Ux1quoYxRXgMSzciZ8t3mbSqErIu0BGsqLSv2vs7cuao9lGaLmngv16G6oWP0SkesIFW2iarDvAogQlc9jOIWTzXnI9kTLxKngiyG3HKB-zBEEIhgRUz17tTdEEWOSTQnJE6Qh8/s600/O12.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641155364538977938" /></a>
<br />
<br />Ah, lovely.
<br />
<br />So, there you have it. We survived our first two weeks. And, we had a pretty good time doing it.
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<br />Up next- Tink's 3rd birthday celebration & the first day of school!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07208049223435894385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744765423813426569.post-70594710048823237092011-08-14T22:37:00.002-05:002011-08-14T22:43:02.842-05:00Oh.Em.GeeSo, I am disgustingly behind on blogging here.
<br />
<br />I have several posts that are half written, or just waiting for pictures or whatnot.
<br />
<br />But, I just have to get something off my chest... STAT.
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<br />I have two little girls who are sound asleep right now with giant, monumental days ahead of them tomorrow.
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<br />A certain little bitty will be a preschooler tomorrow morning.
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<br />And a certain bigger little bitty will be a (gulp) kindergartner tomorrow morning.
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<br />Oh.em.gee.
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<br />And a certain SPH Mama is FREAKING OUT right now.
<br />
<br />Just thought you'd like to know.
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<br />G'nite.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07208049223435894385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744765423813426569.post-46020717175102132272011-08-11T14:35:00.004-05:002011-08-11T14:52:07.343-05:00Daddy.<div align="center">Sassy: I changed my polar bear's name.
<br />Mommy: Oh, yeah? I thought it was Snowflake?
<br />Sassy: It was, but now it's different.
<br />Mommy: Well, what is it, then?
<br />Sassy: I wanted it to be something to remind me of Daddy.
<br />Mommy: Oh, OK. So, what did you choose?
<br />Sassy: <em>Daddy</em>.
<br /></div>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOQJEey3LrdZPW7ce_kXnsTEvw3DOjTQrLHJ7R0azk8_ckmiSWLI9ugoZobtsQC0E_1vbSypOol7jJz-K9qA2M2iMUw0E8qNAAQfsmvfcObdlWT33VporGoNWJmLR0_QC5rPzpvQwkPF8/s1600/D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400.5px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOQJEey3LrdZPW7ce_kXnsTEvw3DOjTQrLHJ7R0azk8_ckmiSWLI9ugoZobtsQC0E_1vbSypOol7jJz-K9qA2M2iMUw0E8qNAAQfsmvfcObdlWT33VporGoNWJmLR0_QC5rPzpvQwkPF8/s600/D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639688401014182386" /></a>
<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07208049223435894385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744765423813426569.post-38944472744556538342011-08-10T15:52:00.004-05:002011-08-10T16:28:24.170-05:00The Long, Drawn-Out Goodbye...I'm pretty certain it was entirely way more drawn out here on the blog than in real life.
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<br />Just sayin'...
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<br />After our <a href="http://hleggett.blogspot.com/2011/08/our-do-bo-day-of-fun.html">lovely day</a> at Botanica on Thursday, we kicked things into high gear and spent most of Friday getting the house in order and Tyler ready to leave the following morning.
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<br />My Mom and I <em>may or may not</em> have allowed Tyler a break from the chaos by taking the girls up to Carter's to do a little back-to-school shopping.
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<br />The real excitement came Friday night. We "surprised" Ty with a family dinner at one of our all-time favorite places... <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/lucianos-mulvane">Luciano's</a>. I could just go on and on about how amazing Luciano's is. If you live in the ICT metro and haven't tried it, you are missing out. Of course, the price tag forces it to be a very-special-occasions-only establishment for us, but well worth it for the quality and service. We ♥ Luciano's!
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<br />The girls found great joy in having an occasion for which to dress up. I took a few last Daddy-Daughter pics out front before we left...
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgluyQn279TM2VEOk74ndCoVyBPM1A8X5BZ_xAwJyKUe5tN7hrSrINj2KKhVXRhGXHz-lZ0YEpm51zq3e8Bgp1F9v-KaXW1fQWuYgdQkqppg0v3ukqaCQAMeaFPXt5EQNFXj3D1OfizLgb9/s1600/BB1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgluyQn279TM2VEOk74ndCoVyBPM1A8X5BZ_xAwJyKUe5tN7hrSrINj2KKhVXRhGXHz-lZ0YEpm51zq3e8Bgp1F9v-KaXW1fQWuYgdQkqppg0v3ukqaCQAMeaFPXt5EQNFXj3D1OfizLgb9/s600/BB1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639339830124998482" /></a>
<br />
<br />I am <em>so</em> missing these three goobers together in action!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidC13rLChVYUiooJuwg8TY8waXLOpIgQalXYUfAuB6XMbvPV8eGTR0XuwT3e9vjt0sm5AVZWhXo_zyiDDc9WpTXmlxWUnOin5NS7Ha3xuPNFCFho2l9CY5aHhZbfFzO5s5BTlsildv_KP0/s1600/BB2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400.5px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidC13rLChVYUiooJuwg8TY8waXLOpIgQalXYUfAuB6XMbvPV8eGTR0XuwT3e9vjt0sm5AVZWhXo_zyiDDc9WpTXmlxWUnOin5NS7Ha3xuPNFCFho2l9CY5aHhZbfFzO5s5BTlsildv_KP0/s600/BB2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639339825886385522" /></a>
<br />
<br />Little Miss Tink, doing what she does best.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXkxgY_92QemlvI6CohJBHaZOnBN-VJhMkBnNWMg_kt2V9EL4w8CDIXGKUiKaUjhPJOlroadSIRSKPL5WxzAOkr-egeZRoMXaOPlipXwg4Jur2xHYGA2Lij6BBRDrVdm-DhjFvr2kiLUGU/s1600/BB3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 441px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXkxgY_92QemlvI6CohJBHaZOnBN-VJhMkBnNWMg_kt2V9EL4w8CDIXGKUiKaUjhPJOlroadSIRSKPL5WxzAOkr-egeZRoMXaOPlipXwg4Jur2xHYGA2Lij6BBRDrVdm-DhjFvr2kiLUGU/s600/BB3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639339297182539826" /></a>
<br />
<br /><em>I kid, I kid</em>. As an aside, though... have nay of you battled thumb/finger sucking? As a parent educator, I know that sucking is a natural process and one that many professionals consider normal until much older than the typical person would think. Our pediatric dentist has been relatively <em>laissez faire</em> on the whole issue. I suspect his tune will begin to change a bit as she will be <em>three</em> at her next visit. Anyway, just taking a little informal poll on methods of discouragement in the finger-sucking department. Thanks!
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<br />Tink's face just cracks.me.up in this picture!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtRDskXu5jwIRHFzdVf9wCg4LtryjATSTzscHaE38BMXBJDIiEv8LA5ycyUEzNgB2gTRvNXqU2cdF3UbAfZhXcLSwVYN9s3rurhfGRRxtW-uQWJPTXY8EOD7zAJhVTtTQQpRB-YwQC8OT/s1600/BB4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtRDskXu5jwIRHFzdVf9wCg4LtryjATSTzscHaE38BMXBJDIiEv8LA5ycyUEzNgB2gTRvNXqU2cdF3UbAfZhXcLSwVYN9s3rurhfGRRxtW-uQWJPTXY8EOD7zAJhVTtTQQpRB-YwQC8OT/s600/BB4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639339299905282178" /></a>
<br />
<br />Now, <em>this</em> is better...
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FMaKvchnexzy1YdRuEav_E9W9R8OMJePZGw-MqY8qjqMjfkElMsDr-GWgoV1t4Mfzb2TTQ0ey5a0kEQqxOjRk0PTlpRzYVQinjeVnDriLm-gJ0AFlB1MNqSG48Evcfy6Fk_opKOrPuYN/s1600/BB5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FMaKvchnexzy1YdRuEav_E9W9R8OMJePZGw-MqY8qjqMjfkElMsDr-GWgoV1t4Mfzb2TTQ0ey5a0kEQqxOjRk0PTlpRzYVQinjeVnDriLm-gJ0AFlB1MNqSG48Evcfy6Fk_opKOrPuYN/s600/BB5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639339287766082962" /></a>
<br />
<br />Dinner was phenomenal and we really enjoyed our time together!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGGCzAOWwu8zdt2-pjUtCs5DOw9V_CQn_wuV1S8FVs_-PR5ZUamTvGlaj_1KaaeV7TuFZZsXPeHJEZ5uyCIOTPmVPqmoFjPdSUVq0IyDqQqLC8MGPszueF6MGN4uyaYnTjOJHjHQjled8/s1600/BB6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400.5px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGGCzAOWwu8zdt2-pjUtCs5DOw9V_CQn_wuV1S8FVs_-PR5ZUamTvGlaj_1KaaeV7TuFZZsXPeHJEZ5uyCIOTPmVPqmoFjPdSUVq0IyDqQqLC8MGPszueF6MGN4uyaYnTjOJHjHQjled8/s600/BB6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639339280934999970" /></a>
<br />
<br />Daddy gave the girls one last bath (by his hands... HA!) for a while, red one final story, and tucked them in and said his goodbyes...
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjmMOM8a3gSW2Vg7JbxmG9UVZpBeS906ysKN6TIWXPj1pekUmvugJ_ckCcQG04xDnpRVBslxjXoKIJ9c2y4Eupk_C6BzdOKh8lUm9PbezbC3birEXLD3wxjP0CPWQ9cDpK2A2TKtQ7R3t/s1600/BB7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjmMOM8a3gSW2Vg7JbxmG9UVZpBeS906ysKN6TIWXPj1pekUmvugJ_ckCcQG04xDnpRVBslxjXoKIJ9c2y4Eupk_C6BzdOKh8lUm9PbezbC3birEXLD3wxjP0CPWQ9cDpK2A2TKtQ7R3t/s600/BB7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639339276060286338" /></a>
<br />
<br />It was really a huge blessing that he left so early and they just woke up to him having already gone rather than see him off in person. I think it worked out best this way.
<br />
<br />We've been adjusting quite nicely. Some days are harder than others. We are trying to keep a really positive perspective on the whole thing.
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<br />Chins up here in the SPH!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07208049223435894385noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744765423813426569.post-53815425244877222372011-08-09T15:40:00.004-05:002011-08-09T16:12:31.682-05:00Six Weeks & Counting...It's time to let you lovelies in on a little secret I've been keeping.
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<br /><em>Hee hee</em>.
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<br />Well, many of you <em>in real life friends</em> already know, but <em>whatever</em>.
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<br />Now, don't get <em>too</em> excited.
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<br />We're counting <em>downwards</em>, not <em>upwards</em> people...
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<br />In six weeks from today, Sassy, Tink and I will be flying to Atlanta to meet Daddy...
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<br />...Where we will hop on another plane headed to...
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7iQJgkeXWxBmzG1i5v9zmUgowqnAxUvcyYAqUI6GEbAUPmB9tCnBFYF-Qe0x-8IO0HXDpILZ0Yp7qvtO8NAbKwNWdBcJGrgYEqqqcxWppvkuvPkH5xJsD4OcRnOvDARLdYWpoqCV-NPp/s1600/DW.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 465px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 600px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638961483736679458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7iQJgkeXWxBmzG1i5v9zmUgowqnAxUvcyYAqUI6GEbAUPmB9tCnBFYF-Qe0x-8IO0HXDpILZ0Yp7qvtO8NAbKwNWdBcJGrgYEqqqcxWppvkuvPkH5xJsD4OcRnOvDARLdYWpoqCV-NPp/s600/DW.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">{</span><a href="http://news.getaroom.com/tag/walt-disney-world/"><span style="font-size:78%;">via</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;">}</span>
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<br /><em><span style="color:#3366ff;"><span style="font-size:180%;">THE PWINCESS CASTLE!!!!!!!</span>
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<br /><em>Er</em>, I mean <em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#3366ff;">DISNEY WORLD!!!!!!!</span></em>
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<br />Yep, that's right. We are going to be realizing a <strong>big</strong> dream come true and taking the girls to see the princesses. Sassy has been asking for about three years now to go see the princesses, and Tink has begun to follow suit, for sure.
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<br />It's really interesting, the way things work out sometimes. We've talked for a while about going, and we've hemmed and hawed over when the right time would be, considering both the age of the girls and also our finances. It was really important to me to take the girls for the first time when they were still in awe over the magic of princesses and castles and everything. But, we really debated whether or not this was our year considering <a href="http://hleggett.blogspot.com/2011/03/i-just-cant-hide-it.html">the cruise</a> and all.
<br />
<br />We started putting every.single.penny from all of Tyler's side work away, and I picked up extra work where and when I could. By the time Christmas was over and we made it through the holidays, we had enough saved up to supplement with part of our tax return to make the trip happen. We booked our trip in early February. This was all well before Tyler even considered taking this job out in North Carolina.
<br />
<br />It became a concern, again, when Tyler took the job if this was all going to work out. Thankfully, he was able to put our trip in as a clause in his contract so that he could still have the time off. So now, it's a huge double blessing, because <em>not only</em> are we taking this <em>amazing</em> family vacation, but it afforded us an opportunity to spend an <em>entire</em> week with Tyler. It will be coming at just about the right time where the girls are <em>really</em> needing to see their Daddy.
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<br />What better place, huh?
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<br />Needless to say, I am ecstatic.
<br />
<br />I never visited Disney World as a child.
<br />
<br />In fact, I've only been to Orlando once, and only to Universal.
<br />
<br />Never to <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/">Epcot</a>. Never to <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/animal-kingdom/">Animal Kingdom</a>. Never to <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/hollywood-studios/">Hollywood Studios</a>.
<br />
<br />And, certainly never to <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/">Magic Kingdom</a>.
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<br /><em><strong>I can.not WAIT!!!</strong></em>
<br />
<br />Neither can Sassy or Tink.
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<br />In fact, we are construction a special Disney/Daddy paper chain to countdown the days.
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<br />Six weeks & counting...
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<br /><span style="color:#3366ff;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><em>Squee</em>...</span></span>
<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07208049223435894385noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744765423813426569.post-86607841299889028492011-08-08T14:34:00.009-05:002011-08-08T16:09:57.441-05:00Our DO-BO Day of Fun...Before Tyler left for North Carolina, we really wanted to do one last fun family activity. We decided to head to <a href="http://www.botanica.org/">Botanica</a> because we were anxious to check out the new <a href="http://www.botanica.org/c/dcg">Downing Children's Garden</a>.
<br />
<br />My Dad had the day off and decided to join us on our little family adventure. We wanted to get going early in hopes of beating the heat (HA!) and we really agreed that no early morning trip to the downtown Wichita area is complete without stopping off at <a href="http://www.wichitavortex.com/donutwhole/">The Donut Whole</a>.
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<br />Can I get an <em>amen</em>?
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1wfH6s-caCuQnZBqxRyNbRTZgwtGxHMcV_R5XBhuAbZSpWiyGCKall6b_lcvxKCsbkKG6xwnMAQJwe3JadQpNln8AR708_csLNz2hb_ceK_CvjM6k7crIfVWsxxx5XyeI-YTA6SDB480/s1600/B1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 201px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1wfH6s-caCuQnZBqxRyNbRTZgwtGxHMcV_R5XBhuAbZSpWiyGCKall6b_lcvxKCsbkKG6xwnMAQJwe3JadQpNln8AR708_csLNz2hb_ceK_CvjM6k7crIfVWsxxx5XyeI-YTA6SDB480/s600/B1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638573921560083890" /></a>
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<br />I think the donuts were better than ever. The Key Lime Pie donut was <em>heavenly</em>. And the <em>thick mint</em>... don't even get me started. <em>For reals</em>.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3s26YO11D4W6C8J55RgwcMKsC0xBt8XGjkD32ruE7FoEqrl3wV2PMSN4N_371jym0zHwHw8r50KYCOclLef8J68ofe-uufpag9Uti03ZySwrDFPILN9eDJNFdQnsActVB7vLBUufRwzx/s1600/B2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3s26YO11D4W6C8J55RgwcMKsC0xBt8XGjkD32ruE7FoEqrl3wV2PMSN4N_371jym0zHwHw8r50KYCOclLef8J68ofe-uufpag9Uti03ZySwrDFPILN9eDJNFdQnsActVB7vLBUufRwzx/s600/B2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638573917570622482" /></a>
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<br />Everyone was more than ready to start walking off breakfast!
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<br />We made a quick stop at the fountain in the Shakespeare Garden...
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyTX3XNk5k83PH_ZvLtIl4xs5nD3iJ2JEyGCI-YDPdpr63jr9wqbEz1mp3tl_lsScyjVjVip6pMSQClknPuy_Ls26_yjGEkO2KEsvgdAaPKGw5QW3rs99UnqUIPlj_okD9gRSL-A1Fce8/s1600/B3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyTX3XNk5k83PH_ZvLtIl4xs5nD3iJ2JEyGCI-YDPdpr63jr9wqbEz1mp3tl_lsScyjVjVip6pMSQClknPuy_Ls26_yjGEkO2KEsvgdAaPKGw5QW3rs99UnqUIPlj_okD9gRSL-A1Fce8/s600/B3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638573912061326866" /></a>
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<br />Then, it was off to the butterfly house, one of the girls' favorite places!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8QYALxXiIBce4n71n_q4Px0iC3CSEcr-qiiOgr42F13WqmN9MQC-02DXLixukdYnqCJFe4-gJMjdltP3XPSCZcrykU-hyUSB_EXo7YIGF-thebna0lqdzaxlHg1jhIIC2kDulGCZsOul_/s1600/B4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 495px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8QYALxXiIBce4n71n_q4Px0iC3CSEcr-qiiOgr42F13WqmN9MQC-02DXLixukdYnqCJFe4-gJMjdltP3XPSCZcrykU-hyUSB_EXo7YIGF-thebna0lqdzaxlHg1jhIIC2kDulGCZsOul_/s600/B4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638573663810996194" /></a>
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<br />One of the attendants was really great with the kids, and he helped each of the girls "hold" a butterfly. Tink was cool with the butterfly... until it crept up her neck. Then, <em>not so much</em>.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGX1j76PKSRb8V40gbH6KIoGiemQNJhhxjzcp-aM5cc3TnaR5yPkYll3otyqMmlyf3sGqbMq2mG_0aYiRJ7IDehrJhIzNQRNG7LGx4aKhKxoZXGLHo5is0kAWepxyeTHyxEBAtK1w_evz/s1600/B5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGX1j76PKSRb8V40gbH6KIoGiemQNJhhxjzcp-aM5cc3TnaR5yPkYll3otyqMmlyf3sGqbMq2mG_0aYiRJ7IDehrJhIzNQRNG7LGx4aKhKxoZXGLHo5is0kAWepxyeTHyxEBAtK1w_evz/s600/B5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638573658143597682" /></a>
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<br />Sassy loved her monarch, and pretty much wanted to take it home.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxSLF7ex80_1gTxJLpPeSdsMDzLNhpJUCBNjx-Q4ZBHv9q7SX4PH_XAzj-0sDqJuHy0eiWYUMw6IrHnGS8HYYqUxr7bC8Tqs9xT6i51Je6UnixIORgg9bxqiXaYsOtWO3BaSEzaJQ7cvE/s1600/B6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 511.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxSLF7ex80_1gTxJLpPeSdsMDzLNhpJUCBNjx-Q4ZBHv9q7SX4PH_XAzj-0sDqJuHy0eiWYUMw6IrHnGS8HYYqUxr7bC8Tqs9xT6i51Je6UnixIORgg9bxqiXaYsOtWO3BaSEzaJQ7cvE/s600/B6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638573661708075346" /></a>
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<br />Tink took another turn at holding one, and she was really proud of herself. Can you tell?
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfbRASbafcyG4NBTwP2WrHCphGgo1TQn3-BXjat-7w3ui5Cyz7Lin3XX3zabxDipTZmo1ipEurx8P0GB2rjs5nlrkNS9CB8uLXuT2kvewwAySvw9dyjSeTutPpD_Rvrxo9FEC5v6kmj7_/s1600/B7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 148.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfbRASbafcyG4NBTwP2WrHCphGgo1TQn3-BXjat-7w3ui5Cyz7Lin3XX3zabxDipTZmo1ipEurx8P0GB2rjs5nlrkNS9CB8uLXuT2kvewwAySvw9dyjSeTutPpD_Rvrxo9FEC5v6kmj7_/s600/B7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638573653822591042" /></a>
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<br />Tyler and the girls spent some time under the weeping willow, and Sassy thought it was SO COOL that she could hide behind there!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGEleg-PuHuq45iVfdaDF-pPHG0lPppBz5PdtvCPBdBkUK5-lVqW14rsEkLLRJsqdVemMJvpqxL1m-7KGCldiEijeJripayoDhkuCT5gDHwau3gXxRiz0-_LN79wWaZuQ6CHE09tyeaJR/s1600/B8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 355.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGEleg-PuHuq45iVfdaDF-pPHG0lPppBz5PdtvCPBdBkUK5-lVqW14rsEkLLRJsqdVemMJvpqxL1m-7KGCldiEijeJripayoDhkuCT5gDHwau3gXxRiz0-_LN79wWaZuQ6CHE09tyeaJR/s600/B8.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638573651856741250" /></a>
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<br />On the way towards the children's garden, Tink had to practice her sprightly fairy dance moves. She must be gearing up for <a href="http://www.kcrenfest.com/">The Ren Fest</a> just like <a href="http://hleggett.blogspot.com/2010/10/fairy-days-and-gypsy-knights.html">last year</a>!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiaf9YmqS9_MCAjFibGylY_vvlm3kcxdUQNda8cGlvlyPIr6SWnfrFREaSrohmwCVpUc91bLlBL6n54usXtKlV4WHR1iT2u23_bnoZ9_fqSNpQos_FjfepcElUFQYV3NkvNINAdy0AmtUX/s1600/B9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiaf9YmqS9_MCAjFibGylY_vvlm3kcxdUQNda8cGlvlyPIr6SWnfrFREaSrohmwCVpUc91bLlBL6n54usXtKlV4WHR1iT2u23_bnoZ9_fqSNpQos_FjfepcElUFQYV3NkvNINAdy0AmtUX/s600/B9.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638573426148535906" /></a>
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<br />We made a couple of short stops in the shade to cool off. It was HOT!!!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4N1SMxoFbHXuWHMTdPKe4_U18kKCok6nWJzlEdQEeZI-HHVuSiwYVAQDl0nWepgk9twf_8ELHH-hI_YWG0ANpWnyjnOKengpGot7JdIh5tCE-sDBTneGbN6upvGL_QQYlBzHHpb1jdkO4/s1600/B10.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 273px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4N1SMxoFbHXuWHMTdPKe4_U18kKCok6nWJzlEdQEeZI-HHVuSiwYVAQDl0nWepgk9twf_8ELHH-hI_YWG0ANpWnyjnOKengpGot7JdIh5tCE-sDBTneGbN6upvGL_QQYlBzHHpb1jdkO4/s600/B10.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638573422254042066" /></a>
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<br />Ty and I thought we'd take the chance to take a couple of pictures of us together before he left, too. This one turned out pretty cute, I think.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgv-sBcROTT62nYT2F89IaCeVXawKAvxvA0aZetn616evz9xWf3fZM63ZcZyh_lz899HreANh49beBU_mQMrA6eNDsM4PJ9RvsctoqD3H-JtG5skNuZmU-h7Scq8sXlGTOcCzyYkW3ouSM/s1600/B11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400.5px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgv-sBcROTT62nYT2F89IaCeVXawKAvxvA0aZetn616evz9xWf3fZM63ZcZyh_lz899HreANh49beBU_mQMrA6eNDsM4PJ9RvsctoqD3H-JtG5skNuZmU-h7Scq8sXlGTOcCzyYkW3ouSM/s600/B11.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638573417591619554" /></a>
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<br />And, after a long walk, we made it back to the children's garden! It was so cute! Lots of bright colors and rainbows and sunshine.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNVxbsWRLBOYuWATmHGUi0fzwucNQUvM8L3QEw-C6imFImeYzyDWbIGrr6Nd2KBfgtpXy5-ffn517Ps5PJHUANKcaRZYCgJP7ud9neTfRtgIyYeULSMl40LWvP_UVJbbmd2WK0Ht4sC1J/s1600/B12.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 396px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNVxbsWRLBOYuWATmHGUi0fzwucNQUvM8L3QEw-C6imFImeYzyDWbIGrr6Nd2KBfgtpXy5-ffn517Ps5PJHUANKcaRZYCgJP7ud9neTfRtgIyYeULSMl40LWvP_UVJbbmd2WK0Ht4sC1J/s600/B12.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638573417117127538" /></a>
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<br />The girls just adored the little plant watering area. This is something they love to do at home, too, but they were extra excited to water at Botanica! I think it made them feel super important!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioijO8E1YjIrJV99UJ4_39IeRwgG2Fl4-wsotb_7Og-qhLjirC5sqpuCHSi18d9vwTYVrCsk5r9E49K6-jEmS4fHHe3HAtbo_Nn5qSHHdo5s255QTOsRF121kcYdkGhKoAGay2P_XalIKi/s1600/B13.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioijO8E1YjIrJV99UJ4_39IeRwgG2Fl4-wsotb_7Og-qhLjirC5sqpuCHSi18d9vwTYVrCsk5r9E49K6-jEmS4fHHe3HAtbo_Nn5qSHHdo5s255QTOsRF121kcYdkGhKoAGay2P_XalIKi/s600/B13.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638573408616217362" /></a>
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<br />Sassy was really concentrating at her task at hand. HA!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxIWhJcgtVOyHBlyaW_sAKgsZ6d2CI6_jbPaQUs7TnF3yiHCb8ettl0uL_x8wg8Lu6L8r0dj9rAUjv8WDVFFQDyQMEqkLlWK6RgYsoJWbS-3u5zpdAUMdO9HyoJxKgEQwBHvnTrxXrHxKM/s1600/B14.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxIWhJcgtVOyHBlyaW_sAKgsZ6d2CI6_jbPaQUs7TnF3yiHCb8ettl0uL_x8wg8Lu6L8r0dj9rAUjv8WDVFFQDyQMEqkLlWK6RgYsoJWbS-3u5zpdAUMdO9HyoJxKgEQwBHvnTrxXrHxKM/s600/B14.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638571809726747538" /></a>
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<br />They had the CUTEST little open-air play cottage EVER. I told Tyler to take mental noted of every nook and cranny because I SO want to build one of these for my girls!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjMQ5qLvKmI927Nt55qSPZfFraKO0G-PZVQPrNk_8hDA99Dv7I5Pmb7IA72Hrko8rsrnccahHu-l9Ga45GEiK28Y73PQNszUaa_yhhuLY9HnXGr4PsupWKJof7cdi8-CTdawFH6xb9jjr/s1600/B15.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjMQ5qLvKmI927Nt55qSPZfFraKO0G-PZVQPrNk_8hDA99Dv7I5Pmb7IA72Hrko8rsrnccahHu-l9Ga45GEiK28Y73PQNszUaa_yhhuLY9HnXGr4PsupWKJof7cdi8-CTdawFH6xb9jjr/s600/B15.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638571805619779090" /></a>
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<br />Then, it was time to cave and allow the girls to skip along the stepping stones. I have no idea how deep the surrounding water was (likely <em>inches</em>) but I was a nervous wreck, especially for Tink to participate. Guess what? They did fine. Both of them.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4j07Ytin4iKS6PTOwUYdxqj0RD4hcH9ugiG4a0zd17r6QWk14cZsmuJaW6PsyC3GZ23GhRtmuxYg7LCEk9IQvmKXLogPB3K02kNb6DlpC1J53JjgUoI5Z0k6QvlJAy-RaofuqF_y3xQaa/s1600/B16.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4j07Ytin4iKS6PTOwUYdxqj0RD4hcH9ugiG4a0zd17r6QWk14cZsmuJaW6PsyC3GZ23GhRtmuxYg7LCEk9IQvmKXLogPB3K02kNb6DlpC1J53JjgUoI5Z0k6QvlJAy-RaofuqF_y3xQaa/s600/B16.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638571799933635506" /></a>
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<br />Don't you just wish you were a kid again, sometimes?
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO7umETRntlMbLcyzT9MJs-DiwFtZ-9AkHQ88y-YAn8hybd9t_OmLrEvo46lf3PVX64OHCo7gKbo3N2Td3xNShq1oqSZlt6nzkTS8y7J_1ml8VXfG2KW85oh2G-2DtE5qqHJOLT41l9onJ/s1600/B17.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400.5px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO7umETRntlMbLcyzT9MJs-DiwFtZ-9AkHQ88y-YAn8hybd9t_OmLrEvo46lf3PVX64OHCo7gKbo3N2Td3xNShq1oqSZlt6nzkTS8y7J_1ml8VXfG2KW85oh2G-2DtE5qqHJOLT41l9onJ/s600/B17.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638571795585928882" /></a>
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<br /><em>Me, too</em>.
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<br />Sassy almost jumped out of her skin with excitement when she saw there was a giant tree house. Sassy ADORES tree houses, and she would live in one if she had the chance, I think. It didn't take long before these guys were off and climbing...
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-BmQGovaeIHAzjUOUeXqaWpKQBcj8g7Q7W4Ur4vf6AwNSoq2YqyegA4rzDSEhx30J8AZ-8C8f0OQ-qpS2gX3RPbvhrT0RjPKKfz59rXEbBuyyB_vObv1AIl9qKrM6Fo77cXVCeitYGiF/s1600/B18.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 375px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-BmQGovaeIHAzjUOUeXqaWpKQBcj8g7Q7W4Ur4vf6AwNSoq2YqyegA4rzDSEhx30J8AZ-8C8f0OQ-qpS2gX3RPbvhrT0RjPKKfz59rXEbBuyyB_vObv1AIl9qKrM6Fo77cXVCeitYGiF/s600/B18.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638571790100347362" /></a>
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<br />I was just so impressed by the design of the children's garden, and how much thought was put into all of the details. It's so interactive and so much fun!
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<br />I'd also love one of these little toadstool tables and chairs for our house. C'mon. Isn't it adorable?
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2hGYqvDFFCAZwuRmgXma1DYF8DI4jvvLzt04EEgK01cFtGR3eijcYHVR99pPokj9o6uqAkqnUhd7i1OrQc8HkOPOTB5CSEDsE4Wa57aNhGMvGecKWIRXaB_n8BSv7scIQ6cHw3LRhJiXJ/s1600/B19.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2hGYqvDFFCAZwuRmgXma1DYF8DI4jvvLzt04EEgK01cFtGR3eijcYHVR99pPokj9o6uqAkqnUhd7i1OrQc8HkOPOTB5CSEDsE4Wa57aNhGMvGecKWIRXaB_n8BSv7scIQ6cHw3LRhJiXJ/s600/B19.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638571357303250322" /></a>
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<br />We all just had a blast, really. Even if it was 107. Yep, really. It was.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7u-xkomq_fQh_DURnUOtD3Ednt-HUg2k_tsi5ib0ecZ1ydO2P4pLguiKegfWKTqOiTob_-fd2f8mfrx-evYW7BdijG-AYxk_iMwYxQ6NbC_5lsMzdvEBI0xquMfRe1DEUG_tl9mOSZPPg/s1600/B20.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 354px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7u-xkomq_fQh_DURnUOtD3Ednt-HUg2k_tsi5ib0ecZ1ydO2P4pLguiKegfWKTqOiTob_-fd2f8mfrx-evYW7BdijG-AYxk_iMwYxQ6NbC_5lsMzdvEBI0xquMfRe1DEUG_tl9mOSZPPg/s600/B20.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638571351318425970" /></a>
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<br />Tyler and I watched proudly and discussed how much we'd miss family time like this as the girls explored caves, played musical instruments, and stayed hydrated.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5C8ITHQEMdq2moSAVXWgms5I8-1QLnZ-Pf8zPJreawnL-zshfPmj8zJwlvtBGXg-EKRH-dENC69_vZCBSqBDqs9sze7OCZn7CnMkp2ZXTqI8KvsnwF09acwMLIVangXJWpQeqUlHCpE8/s1600/B21.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 397.5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5C8ITHQEMdq2moSAVXWgms5I8-1QLnZ-Pf8zPJreawnL-zshfPmj8zJwlvtBGXg-EKRH-dENC69_vZCBSqBDqs9sze7OCZn7CnMkp2ZXTqI8KvsnwF09acwMLIVangXJWpQeqUlHCpE8/s600/B21.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638571350648125522" /></a>
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<br />Upon exiting, the girls cooled off a bit in the infinity fountain. SO cool! You can allow it to run down over your flip flops, which felt amazing, let me tell you.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3mitzjh2XkLzxSPhakwNArOII0IZVJ6vv9dQQgHd9MIv-hth0CNFBM3pMrqEQg8JBv4uvQREGYHLAWwEs4mcpj-izU6ZbX5f8OLOcFbGHWIxmHQ4EKoZhsDYUZDn3cXx-dV2SSzCLkwQ/s1600/B22.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 294px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3mitzjh2XkLzxSPhakwNArOII0IZVJ6vv9dQQgHd9MIv-hth0CNFBM3pMrqEQg8JBv4uvQREGYHLAWwEs4mcpj-izU6ZbX5f8OLOcFbGHWIxmHQ4EKoZhsDYUZDn3cXx-dV2SSzCLkwQ/s600/B22.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638571348199904370" /></a>
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<br />I would have loved to stay there for hours, but the heat was finally starting to get the better of our fun. So, we headed home, but not without promises of our return this fall once the temperatures let up...
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijH-1Sa39cWz8sSShj5eSUgha926qAMBPt_zuByylF6TWPEJ7X1sgY1Q2yxXEydQ75GLnoGp8QJVR3fxaVQGMhP6lSCnyN7wuGY7ePN-6Nkjc0CsEwteJBegKEAQi4NJrxHOSdeTlS09-f/s1600/B23.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400.5px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijH-1Sa39cWz8sSShj5eSUgha926qAMBPt_zuByylF6TWPEJ7X1sgY1Q2yxXEydQ75GLnoGp8QJVR3fxaVQGMhP6lSCnyN7wuGY7ePN-6Nkjc0CsEwteJBegKEAQi4NJrxHOSdeTlS09-f/s600/B23.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638571344926025698" /></a>
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<br />All in all, a super fun family day or <strong>DO</strong>nuts & <strong>BO</strong>tanica before Daddy headed east!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07208049223435894385noreply@blogger.com3