tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48208343262197529282024-02-02T05:25:34.488+01:00Adventures of the BinghamsThe Binghamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09709623685048025786noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820834326219752928.post-60753151085349633882012-02-27T03:32:00.001+01:002012-02-27T03:32:22.085+01:00Pocketful of SunshineI haven't posted in ages. Blah blah blah. Life is busy. Work is crazy. And I'm exhausted by the time I get home. You've all heard it before so how about we just skip over that part and pretend like I haven't taken a three month hiatus? Perfect. Thanks.<br />
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I could spend this entire post catching you up on what you've missed but instead I'll just do a quick recap:<br />
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Christmas was fantastic. Quality time in Oklahoma City with Brad, my mother-in-law, father-in-law and sister-in-law. Brad went to Arizona for New Year's to watch the OSU Cowboys in the Fiesta Bowl. I spent that week in Vegas for work, which despite being in that city about four days longer than anyone ever should, things went really well. And since then it's been nothing but work and school for Brad and work, work, work for me.<br />
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Bam. Caught up.<br />
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Dallas has had an unseasonably warm winter. I actually have a bit of a sunburn at the moment. No joke. But it's dipped into the 30s from time to time requiring us to dust off our coats for those chilly mornings. Don't you love when you reach your hand in the pocket of coat you haven't worn in awhile and find money? I love it so much I almost want to go put $5 or $10 in every coat I have just to set myself up for some awesome days next winter. I must have had the same mentality before moving back from Germany because I seem to have left myself little surprises in every pocket.<br />
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In my winter white peacoat, I found a stamped metro ticket from our trip to London. And in my tan raincoat was a stub from visiting the Louvre in Paris. My "everyday" jacket just had some euro change that I'm sure was leftover from walking to the gelato place around the corner from our house. In my black military jacket was a little brochure from visiting a castle in Cochem, Germany. In my grey peacoat was a ticket stub from seeing a movie at the Taunus theater on the base. In the red jacket I wore almost every morning that I took Stella out, I found a "doggie bag" with instructions in German on what the bag was to be used for and where to dispose of it. (Yes, a poop bag put a smile on my face.)<br />
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I refuse to take these things out of their respective pockets because every time I reach my hand inside, I'm reminded of that specific memory. And I love that.<br />
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Clearly I'm all about the nostalgia and taking time to reminisce. Another perfect example - the work trip I took to Barcelona where I unexpectedly ended up traveling directly to Rome for the next program, I had to have the Ritz dry-clean some of my clothes to get me through the next week. Pajamas included. The hotel put little stickers with my room number listed just inside the tag. Those stickers are STILL there and every time I wear one of those shirts or that pair of pajamas, it takes me back.<br />
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Stop judging me. I am well aware that I'm a bit of a sap.<br />
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I feel the need to re-name the blog since "Adventures of the Bingham's" doesn't have the same ring to it that it did when our "adventures" consisted of traveling Europe, festivals every weekend and well, actual adventures. But at this point in time, I'm okay with the fact that life is...different. It's merely a <i>new</i> kind of adventure. Now I don't currently have anything exciting or interesting to leave in my pockets for next year that I'll look back on and say "oh, remember last year when we..." but adventures are on the horizon. And that's enough for me.The Binghamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09709623685048025786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820834326219752928.post-16456633470432846212011-11-29T04:52:00.001+01:002011-11-29T06:34:19.515+01:00Happy Merry ThanksBirthdayMas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So the greatest thing happened last week. Before all of the turkey and dressing and wine and family time and wine, I received a package from FedEx. A package I had been waiting five loooooooong months for and it had finally arrived. My birthday gift from my darling husband. By the way, my birthday is in June.</div>
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I had picked out a vintage chalkboard on Etsy.com and the order was placed a couple of weeks before my birthday. But set back after set back, week after week....no chalkboard. This was due in large part to the weather over the summer, the treatment that was done to give it the right color and distressed look wouldn't set with it being as hot as it was. And there was no way it would survive the trip from Phoenix to Dallas in the back of a 130 degree truck without being ruined. </div>
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Well all that didn't matter. Because when my beautiful chalkboard finally was in route from Arizona to my kitchen.....the FedEx truck delivering this masterpiece CAUGHT. ON. FIRE.</div>
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Believe it. I wanted to cry. Devastated really. (No I'm not that self centered - no one was hurt, just the packages.) But Kimber over at Shabby McFabby on Etsy.com immediately jumped on making me another one. And now that void in my kitchen has been filled. <br />
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Seriously go check out her stuff, she's amazing. You can find her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/shabbymcfabby">HERE.</a><br />
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Now for Turkey Talk. Thanksgiving Day was spent at my grandparents house this year. Since my mom decided she was taking over the Bourbon Sweet Potatoes this year, a dish she passed down to me several years ago (no bitterness here) I had to come up with a Plan B. Alright, I'll do Broccoli Casserole. What's that? Oh, Hailey found a recipe for Broccoli Casserole on Pinterest she wants to try? Oh. Ok. Plan C. Green Bean Casserole courtesy of <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/11/green-bean-casserole/">The Pioneer Woman</a>. Plan C was a good one, if I do say so myself.<br />
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Best part of the weekend hands down was spending time with this little man.</div>
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When I'm around most little ones, I can tolerate only so much before I whisper to Brad, "see honey? This is why we don't have kids yet. They do that." Liam is the exception to the rule. Greatest kid ever. And I'm not just saying that because I'm his <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">favorite</span> aunt. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />Honestly, if God were to promise me one just like him I'd have one tomorrow. But it doesn't work that way. Brad was a high maintenance little tyke and it's only fair that he be paid back for that. No matter how much of an angel I was back then.</span></td></tr>
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What's that? You want one more Liam pic? Ok.</div>
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I didn't take this. It's not even from Thanksgiving. But I love it. The boy just loves to put his head on soft things, this includes all dogs.</div>
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So is your heart all warm and fuzzy now? Good. Let's jump right into Christmas, shall we? Now I don't have to lie to you people so here goes...I've secretly been listening to Christmas music for exactly 11 days now. I did my very best to wait until after Thanksgiving but I failed, yet again.</div>
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I also wasted no time in getting the house ready for Christmas either. Yep. It's done. Pretty much all of it. There are even five presents wrapped and under the tree. </div>
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And there you have it. The Bingham's are holiday ready. Now I can play my Christmas music as loud and as often as I want....while I stare at this:</div>
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I bet you're wondering which of those delicious meals I made tonight. The answer is none of them. Brad had class and I went to the gym where I got my butt so thoroughly kicked I didn't have the energy or strength to get a pan out of the cabinet. Yeah, I ate a bowl of cereal instead. Almost ate it dry because the milk was too heavy. Tomorrow could be rough.</div>
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Happy Holidays!</div>
The Binghamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09709623685048025786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820834326219752928.post-57955467072799464692011-10-31T23:54:00.015+01:002011-11-01T02:33:57.677+01:00BOO!<div style="text-align: left;">HAPPY HALLOWEEN, FOLKS!</div><div><br /></div><div>I know, it's a little scary hearing from me. I keep telling myself that as soon as I revamp this whole blog thing I've got going, I'll start posting more often. But it just never happens. So in keeping with the trend of the past year....let's play catch up.</div><div><br /></div><div>Brad has already finished his first round of classes! One down, eleven to go. Everyone told us and now I get it...this is going to go by so fast.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pinterest has become my new obsession. Ok, I can't really call it an <i>obsession</i> when I know how much time other people spend on this site and I don't even come close. In fact some of these said "people" should start a 12 step program soon because they have a serious addiction (you know who you are). Anyway, it's definitely been an awesome tool for inspiration on...well, everything. (If you don't know what it is and you're a female....Google it.)</div><div><br /></div><div>We did a complete makeover on our Master Bedroom and I love the outcome. We don't have curtains up, anything on the walls, crown molding, etc. but you get the general idea. New furniture, grey walls, pops of orange....love it. All Pinterest inspired. I'll post pics of the entire room and final result later.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwI4K3Jhmt_aVZ65jEW43i8voBERQSg-wOaIEIc9yJ7jYRNPVdc_jmN2hK5gJ04JJk9xvDac-48jVw1_lgfHHhoPeyxCFKJ5YDif-i7HfR3bdNBZWPiZexJKkBvtfMBDm_oEHSnNnt0M/s320/IMG_0387.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669803493139934162" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span></div>My other big project was my Family Wall. I don't know that most people would consider it a "big" project but that's because they've never done one and/or they aren't Type A. Again, my inspiration came from Pinterest. Here is what I found: <div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6umwUV3-0L0S8U8HVvu8QCFG8cfmyGzcDxMZ0kmMuwa2YexyXR0xEHTmQpwW0r4g7zfd16UXZSLd6AFGyUff3kt-zR8oem2XlwBEh-C-AxISznmWAXZRWgaU9zdTR64fTkKb4qbFcYg/s320/253088645_dhUCOVQZ_c.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669805248699191042" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ffffff;"><span class="Apple-style-span">And the caption read: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; font-family:'helvetica neue', arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Genius...Lay out your gallery arrangement. Flip frames over. Mark hanger/nail spot on several pieces of wax paper taped together. Flip waxed paper over, tape to wall, nail into wall where indicated. Remove waxed paper. Hang photos.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(33, 25, 34); line-height: 19px; font-family:'helvetica neue', arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div>Here's what the caption failed to mention - tape doesn't stick to wax paper very well AND it's much more difficult to see through the wax paper than one would think so locating the hanger on the back of the frame is hard. Really hard. And after jacking with it for an hour you'll decide this was a stupid idea. Here's MY suggestion:</div><div><br /></div><div>Lay the pictures out on the floor...</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxoCTemCjfpnVm_FrvzBZLxXJ2w-r8Re59QQb7QngeOV9KxOsjcJlS3hyLoUzhafy70vz4rKrWul13TmeRJSgtNVVi6QW6NFVULMWwBOCmFRcWNeFa3pCwyG16IP6QBC9KJ7r8O9n2ig/s320/IMG_0408.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669803489611429938" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Trace each frame onto a piece of paper and mark the location of the hanger. I used actual tracing paper and it was super easy. Then tape each piece of paper onto the wall. This lets you move things around without putting holes in your wall first. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheEqF7QnFyhnC57Mj7sZHp9VvtnYLqhg7-N2-cx85APPNWn90pf8uClMTbvQbg9FwHJ4MwHAwOV5Qx_ilyz_n9v_QaRzFmrl5ydO408RB9uvG1b752LDd8yVLPcBVJLDhRNdq86YYhN6I/s320/IMG_0402.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669803470969402066" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ffffff;">Having an adorable pup under your feet makes things easier. Not really. But I enjoyed the company.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><br /></span></span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkZsZmmFytHQSHxNYLnHo8nB9tbk8yYYMqPGcq5Hn1CG3gsPli0F5v_YcELK0h2dLWVA-zHx_FbDDMmUD7HlMIEvct_J0MLOMylZq1dagaKDOS0lRxvVmWbdfEc4cRFhpzgAC6h3HKOB0/s320/IMG_0404.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669803474731213458" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /><div>And that was it. Hammered in all of the nails (which my neighbors were thrilled about seeing as how it was 9pm) and VOILA! </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvRLuxseDVPLN2o56gm-hUwn6ddM04XvkPIeWfTuJ_e71XYlSHGE6xAaH2CRXbaxVQiJBfMca-TOOWPXpMA0Qh7OFcu2YwUdBdq16xagtxzd2sCIZuihk5XGoX6f4GNQKCuNMH9tvwQY/s320/IMG_3563.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669810680933424754" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ffffff;">Yes, there are a few pictures hanging up that don't have a picture of a family member. That is because certain family members haven't sent me the pictures I asked for. And chances are these family members are reading this right now. SEND ME THE PICTURES! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:78%;">Thank you.</span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>And my last Pinterest project was this: </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZJ-nXbSuAeaUzjOFfoIppyVf3rRjksbM4xSjto1z6Bbx-LpMrxHfd8HGumJLmqiCin2hy_X36Xqaayhmq9IG8S1hrzT7V1yrzLY_QRiBKGV8bBtqlho0DZSubsxzbI8Jq3kZtlsAQNg/s320/IMG_0416.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669803501020788946" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "></span></span></div>This was a fun little project and I love coming home to my festive creation...but Halloween wouldn't be Halloween without our pumpkin carving party with The Gonzales Family. And as an added bonus, Brad's mom joined us. <div><br /></div><div>It all starts with a trip to the pumpkin patch...</div><div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhvmeiP2fNs7ax7FI2rhGRLMzb5LnYldumdExf07ywWwRTrwdVbhaL4NIN05xlEWTuWF65RZtQX4E5cUBQjx3pwreDzRMLwGGTWF-agcc6RHwD-cd7p5hyFF-SUpr-wwQ3b1FIJ_EXlo/s320/IMG_3464.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669821626206714786" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 198px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMKlDwTbXj5YJUjvwwNdXHGHm2-Oakq5MBr40x8RiEuaHqADdfvpFpiEyk4PqN85khcoW18yAzHT8ri8h6zv-KtPyW95O5P_hYO1rW78cd3qbuLEy7uAvwsl9qjGH6f2YJbzZ8wqJvvjU/s320/IMG_3449.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669820847872481426" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5icYfdhyphenhyphen9ey-FCDhEikmqb-xvIqEZ5BuDAm77JeX3uH-d_8gibgz11IejRIeeDmWA5jFSdVSoYDxlBBqaLQiRH3UMb1pnzBoJbNKJm97fT-gtjmEe66oCWd7bStweKjB8WmRCuAXUPEc/s1600/IMG_3445.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5icYfdhyphenhyphen9ey-FCDhEikmqb-xvIqEZ5BuDAm77JeX3uH-d_8gibgz11IejRIeeDmWA5jFSdVSoYDxlBBqaLQiRH3UMb1pnzBoJbNKJm97fT-gtjmEe66oCWd7bStweKjB8WmRCuAXUPEc/s320/IMG_3445.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669820330793000114" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT50zjG3-bOsAiPs5x_JmWJxGhqtPBTXIHQN0zqxACFkh9p-bY14HSm0SmAVwr4nqKXKSlJeAeFB0T-TxNUvUNCRzYe2uErIYCqREa-QaNHU9Ok-7hS9NXgaT3Xna3izmhbkP_NV_R3qw/s1600/IMG_3441.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT50zjG3-bOsAiPs5x_JmWJxGhqtPBTXIHQN0zqxACFkh9p-bY14HSm0SmAVwr4nqKXKSlJeAeFB0T-TxNUvUNCRzYe2uErIYCqREa-QaNHU9Ok-7hS9NXgaT3Xna3izmhbkP_NV_R3qw/s320/IMG_3441.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669820329391905170" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLn3sbdU3qjYnDWtEWGkAl9lGMOyySh9uKeKcPTXLCD4_yRYjTwgBVSTUihaFPyi686J0yau3OekzMaEh9aqKmyh-iBoA-lZTt-sM3VTqg8MmS7FjmFK-37SQWT0GoBmDIRAGOoY2-cuc/s1600/IMG_3461.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLn3sbdU3qjYnDWtEWGkAl9lGMOyySh9uKeKcPTXLCD4_yRYjTwgBVSTUihaFPyi686J0yau3OekzMaEh9aqKmyh-iBoA-lZTt-sM3VTqg8MmS7FjmFK-37SQWT0GoBmDIRAGOoY2-cuc/s320/IMG_3461.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669821661791207762" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoeVh_JCNVAKaabl85CFuaDQ1_CjtRKru1hVIURC_7IyeD9_cfBts06tfZO8t-ew2tAvbXnuDGHgG7AZmcpQOGqjg0AkKvrHxTkvMG42UcAdcwxklc22Q3VGb0Xg5oL13AoCGuiGhw6RM/s1600/IMG_3447.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoeVh_JCNVAKaabl85CFuaDQ1_CjtRKru1hVIURC_7IyeD9_cfBts06tfZO8t-ew2tAvbXnuDGHgG7AZmcpQOGqjg0AkKvrHxTkvMG42UcAdcwxklc22Q3VGb0Xg5oL13AoCGuiGhw6RM/s320/IMG_3447.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669820350585863346" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheyg0HQHBjLlV0HiPqbJMyvyw64Mb8BZBTcYN_B2I9X6Z44JMYWBTL3Emwx6feEuh0uyIHdB_pXVpycpMthVcA6GHUGSO0MKAZXyY5RClQd-Czftt_Jyg844W5NQz_f57DvNAKCCtK16E/s320/IMG_3451.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669820853352750098" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhvmeiP2fNs7ax7FI2rhGRLMzb5LnYldumdExf07ywWwRTrwdVbhaL4NIN05xlEWTuWF65RZtQX4E5cUBQjx3pwreDzRMLwGGTWF-agcc6RHwD-cd7p5hyFF-SUpr-wwQ3b1FIJ_EXlo/s1600/IMG_3464.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY6iMrCJwvILHzCXyF7HoPIlrnas2PH5rjJvOqmlfWmpAQXNwZeD70Vpy-lYyJ7Yxs7lvdZMgb28Xdp0T6_TsFVxOsFrK3d3nOth-Tpk6RHV7fdX5rKdj1GTt23l-l7RStb3lI1lyYdqE/s1600/IMG_3468.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY6iMrCJwvILHzCXyF7HoPIlrnas2PH5rjJvOqmlfWmpAQXNwZeD70Vpy-lYyJ7Yxs7lvdZMgb28Xdp0T6_TsFVxOsFrK3d3nOth-Tpk6RHV7fdX5rKdj1GTt23l-l7RStb3lI1lyYdqE/s320/IMG_3468.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669821620042511810" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div>Then we carve. And by we....I mean the boys.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsk8QX-Z9N-lycc1mJKadc0tds13lVYlIy9vVkkU4ozJCjgs4-BmC-DrGuN49B8fSdzESAG_p4F4GEFJP2pUbd34xs_bka9IbgYHY8f4yVe8DgMOewP-vRFSS9mXgxi8B8rb5AiJmYPA/s1600/IMG_3482.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsk8QX-Z9N-lycc1mJKadc0tds13lVYlIy9vVkkU4ozJCjgs4-BmC-DrGuN49B8fSdzESAG_p4F4GEFJP2pUbd34xs_bka9IbgYHY8f4yVe8DgMOewP-vRFSS9mXgxi8B8rb5AiJmYPA/s320/IMG_3482.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669823765395484210" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3QcwFh5mIqdaToWzlZikq3xk5modjxDChQduby7gg3JuK13O-IJWyQTCKOoDIJ62T8HVcrxcIzBONvBnEgaGhlue5jtMKWeK47e-S7GJggY-Bghyphenhyphene1RDGvQ1rOigLZw929YALqsi2IA/s320/IMG_3501.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669823770816140146" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 227px; " /><br /><div>Stella helped, too. </div><div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZ-_47JhpngpTmI-5v23ErawZeU9m5mJMmaaOxMfpjzizGemhYIv5NLPNuUviHTRKoQ5hrQ3yoSysSmiFBeTi-K335iw_1VbfSM438u1bBrBrB87k_-uRoA5Y_iv4czmEkw29LS6c-es/s320/IMG_3498.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669823781600129666" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswc6AfNc5Bk9BT4B3oGVUf6CvRMnab1lKIU7oierp7Fl2ReVvIykBu8HOuwDl8Wc1Ebur3sQ0IpVikBUmq72sG64fN78NclhGdzJ2XhXBHbniqORKg3RQv9A37ygBJWqxIzyXp6_GzCM/s320/IMG_3504.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669829830454677314" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4AHjX9ljZPK7p4lC2e2mcTDmT8aBQn9KMfALmv2xu85hIOH4Qg3-sPtmqWRoBgVG8FB-075X_5Zulm6oij5qS9Zv7JeovK9OkvopJfmyAvYPrELMekPLbxbBEjKiZRsrUPQtUwyJOkzI/s1600/IMG_3521.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4AHjX9ljZPK7p4lC2e2mcTDmT8aBQn9KMfALmv2xu85hIOH4Qg3-sPtmqWRoBgVG8FB-075X_5Zulm6oij5qS9Zv7JeovK9OkvopJfmyAvYPrELMekPLbxbBEjKiZRsrUPQtUwyJOkzI/s320/IMG_3521.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669829841698060338" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ffffff;">We supervised. And drank wine. </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswc6AfNc5Bk9BT4B3oGVUf6CvRMnab1lKIU7oierp7Fl2ReVvIykBu8HOuwDl8Wc1Ebur3sQ0IpVikBUmq72sG64fN78NclhGdzJ2XhXBHbniqORKg3RQv9A37ygBJWqxIzyXp6_GzCM/s1600/IMG_3504.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWY_HdBtYLjI2Qkt8sI1HXsp3Qp2lFnh1IphCWdyaU8A4HiZQxxv6YTs47_VOjSVXxjD9Xkpo_Ai8NsqK0TZ_dOveXk2uMDLt9qc6YeFfhMqJR3kLLfWIus1gvNxYCrQqCaIEm7HyER7Q/s1600/IMG_3484.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWY_HdBtYLjI2Qkt8sI1HXsp3Qp2lFnh1IphCWdyaU8A4HiZQxxv6YTs47_VOjSVXxjD9Xkpo_Ai8NsqK0TZ_dOveXk2uMDLt9qc6YeFfhMqJR3kLLfWIus1gvNxYCrQqCaIEm7HyER7Q/s320/IMG_3484.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669829822839689602" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ffffff;">This woman loves Halloween more than anybody I know. She has more Halloween decorations than I do Christmas decorations...times five. These are just a few.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><br /></span></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsk8QX-Z9N-lycc1mJKadc0tds13lVYlIy9vVkkU4ozJCjgs4-BmC-DrGuN49B8fSdzESAG_p4F4GEFJP2pUbd34xs_bka9IbgYHY8f4yVe8DgMOewP-vRFSS9mXgxi8B8rb5AiJmYPA/s1600/IMG_3482.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQ0QQDi8Y4SEoXBavjAo1E4aMeS0AnK3GYowaML-gIdK4Px3Dt5Vky0xLMc_UimdCqNN-h-qFc9Ec2OLDlAsYMN3fXBt8s9sxifPvRU7GUUmlOz7Vuyl9TUWprY3mhTxwzsz7T6wVdGw/s1600/IMG_3525.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQ0QQDi8Y4SEoXBavjAo1E4aMeS0AnK3GYowaML-gIdK4Px3Dt5Vky0xLMc_UimdCqNN-h-qFc9Ec2OLDlAsYMN3fXBt8s9sxifPvRU7GUUmlOz7Vuyl9TUWprY3mhTxwzsz7T6wVdGw/s320/IMG_3525.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669831248001480354" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUTg91xFA4Jd4stX7mvMRFfPHIZ5I7Tte_tLYBCQvGNnRxEJGp4kD_q-KGErkDnfQrtlhMa9WfZh9JcjEriNyX5fxrzwAuKvYtCZXB9YP1PJK4bbnxATO6zgXoWZIwxKQVoQhI7ZZZXc/s1600/IMG_3530.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUTg91xFA4Jd4stX7mvMRFfPHIZ5I7Tte_tLYBCQvGNnRxEJGp4kD_q-KGErkDnfQrtlhMa9WfZh9JcjEriNyX5fxrzwAuKvYtCZXB9YP1PJK4bbnxATO6zgXoWZIwxKQVoQhI7ZZZXc/s320/IMG_3530.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669831234434731410" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10ivRJD7fO0vrc0dc2UqP3WGXKpae8zF-Eln1lHXIweXGc_Q3paUy-q2AHbHn9_W_0TKz9n4_O6sPhRXBuIor-3UidH4hn10SqZo1I04Rntf66xiI-uUrEfuhmIG1fBKyQ8l6aBmMuhc/s1600/IMG_3522.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10ivRJD7fO0vrc0dc2UqP3WGXKpae8zF-Eln1lHXIweXGc_Q3paUy-q2AHbHn9_W_0TKz9n4_O6sPhRXBuIor-3UidH4hn10SqZo1I04Rntf66xiI-uUrEfuhmIG1fBKyQ8l6aBmMuhc/s320/IMG_3522.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669831230062184850" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div></div></div><div>And with that....I hear the doorbell which means adorable trick-or-treaters are waiting for me.</div><div><br /></div><div>HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!</div>The Binghamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09709623685048025786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820834326219752928.post-22176037823646927532011-08-29T02:04:00.018+02:002011-08-29T04:57:10.552+02:00Blur.<div style="text-align: left;">You know what drives me crazy? When you ask someone how they've been and they answer you with "oh good, just busy." Or worse, just flat out "busy."</div><div>
<br /></div><div>That's me these days. It's official, I annoy myself. If you ask me how I'm doing I'm either going to tell you "busy" or just not answer you because I'm that stupid busy.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Life has been flying by me so fast these past few weeks, I can't tell up from down. I'd love to stop and smell the roses.....but I can't. Plus they're all dead. What is this, day 84 of 100+ degree temps?</div><div>
<br /></div><div>But seriously, it's been nonstop for weeks now. So if we haven't talked or I haven't responded to a phone call, email or text message...that's why. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Let's recap.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>As you may or may not know, I started my new job at the end of June. I'm allowed to say this now because I'm happy and settled there, nor is it any big secret but I was really worried it wasn't going to work out. Things started off really rocky and I came home stressed and unhappy more days than not. But I'm proud to say I've worked really hard, stuck it out and have come to truly enjoy it and the future is looking bright.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>I've started traveling here and there which has played a big role in my "busy" factor. I love the travel part, it's just been a matter of timing these past few weeks. I was gone for a few days, came home for a couple, left for a week of vacation (which we'll get to), went back to work a day early, worked that entire weekend and the beginning of the next week for an event we had here in Dallas, closed that out, then left again for another event in Orlando. But at last I'm home for a bit and the light at the end of the crazy-schedule-tunnel is in sight.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>In other news, Brad has his bag packed up and his boots tied tight (if you don't know the quote...we can't be friends) and had his first day back to school on Thursday. He'll be spending the next two years studying his little heart out to get his MBA. I could not be more proud of him.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Now for the fun stuff...vacation.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Brad and I road-tripped it to southern Colorado with my sister and brother-in-law in one car (and hilarious cousin for part of the way) as well as my dad, stepmom, grandparents and other cousin in the other car. Not the most exciting adventure with it being west Texas for the majority of it but I'm not complaining. God Himself told me not to. No really, he did. The FM transmitter I had hooked up to the iPod occasionally would disconnect and during a rant about "God quitting after he finished Colorado because west Texas blows" the iPod became disconnected and the Christian talk radio station in the background gave us all an "HONOR GOD!" that had some of us choking on our gum. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>But I digress. Colorado was fantastic. We spent five days at the ranch my family goes to every other year. This was our first time back since the summer of 2007...and it hasn't changed a bit. I kid you not, when I think about Heaven, I imagine this place.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisAupqz4X-NU00pfl9tOU7QvX1KeVFL1e6OSad_q808CQhCCfS24b1eFabj60AG0jlvSoPmE-YvGlrSvuKgH3NOxGhwLMzB0jETEzYZanWltv5VhFRIrdWg0J9GhV2jxNaJL5xn58RTDk/s1600/IMG_3257.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisAupqz4X-NU00pfl9tOU7QvX1KeVFL1e6OSad_q808CQhCCfS24b1eFabj60AG0jlvSoPmE-YvGlrSvuKgH3NOxGhwLMzB0jETEzYZanWltv5VhFRIrdWg0J9GhV2jxNaJL5xn58RTDk/s320/IMG_3257.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646072759783624146" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzVDl1Ct4B1eaELmS6zY2p6WxS242Y-ywEyjSaIzTnAyZ_3bx92oQw1U0PN0RNvgwHNk8BYNAi3CuPvfsJNAn5DoSV9q_j2zDdr8SOlOa1hfJsBaphpuPV-V0zuvea7cJ0t0RTxsouXA/s1600/IMG_3253.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzVDl1Ct4B1eaELmS6zY2p6WxS242Y-ywEyjSaIzTnAyZ_3bx92oQw1U0PN0RNvgwHNk8BYNAi3CuPvfsJNAn5DoSV9q_j2zDdr8SOlOa1hfJsBaphpuPV-V0zuvea7cJ0t0RTxsouXA/s320/IMG_3253.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646072752856982914" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixNonkKAY7LfsdzOfGMwhuTrsNQVynQZUp-kWR0Vnhq0cbTnM9QLisow2Tbvrlf8tCg-0id079S2JT_JrXDeQGVQ-5kJ-TOoG9f9_5Owm_BuoFOJ8Vx-cnSOTKQ9u0Q8_bSaY3JKd65Do/s1600/P1020421.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixNonkKAY7LfsdzOfGMwhuTrsNQVynQZUp-kWR0Vnhq0cbTnM9QLisow2Tbvrlf8tCg-0id079S2JT_JrXDeQGVQ-5kJ-TOoG9f9_5Owm_BuoFOJ8Vx-cnSOTKQ9u0Q8_bSaY3JKd65Do/s320/P1020421.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646072751322541538" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 216px; " /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWNyDXiIFbbO2QmeSHWSwMAE6mhG5RKGGkwoVlcoYzXDBMd0PdUlUP9ngoE-J0xU04O6sLGIiDLwtymgVV1ybDF6EVkxPYIyPr5hRw0Ih6KRubZsu715Tt4xstkHL3TS7yhAfRppELLsM/s1600/IMG_3270.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWNyDXiIFbbO2QmeSHWSwMAE6mhG5RKGGkwoVlcoYzXDBMd0PdUlUP9ngoE-J0xU04O6sLGIiDLwtymgVV1ybDF6EVkxPYIyPr5hRw0Ih6KRubZsu715Tt4xstkHL3TS7yhAfRppELLsM/s320/IMG_3270.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646073348196470210" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 282px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEF1FzY-vonWO-GKK-o3rO8KEmzS6pBtpEIbMqS6fqzAQNVKumVOem0_e0EYemQBtGOsu8qaQo9qRi9hdkYjUNpjKjFKeuUe3bUhK5IOEnrWzaXo_fU_yVFJ2c5JaHKrbPk-B4mFx4a4k/s320/IMG_3288.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646073350601267026" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ffffff;"><i>Evening stroll a.k.a. Bear Hunt....didn't see any that night.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><i>
<br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our first full day at the ranch a few of us thought it'd be fun to pack lunches and go on a half day horseback ride through the mountains. Don't get me wrong, it was great...I just don't know that we'll ever walk the same again. Five and a half hours was a bit much for this gal. </div><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_tHEVmym_xNelVpTn4sfhDa5fcdI9zSPkUJh-l69BatBxKzUm4mNQRcsQZ4_-MLkEZ3IScQ3Pbg3xWtQQnZ7Gfhip37_7etPwHv7Hz9PEBZfz0f4AP6QF2tvacqBSAfpowt0nBmY-VmQ/s320/IMG_3316.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646073353484036290" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 218px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ffffff;">The following morning we packed up the jeeps for our trek to Lost Lake. A tradition that I look forward to every year we go.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">
<br /></span></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1o08R1boux_I_6ZLBgTqvMaQZY8yq-PJbPyUTTx05fNaG7v-0NOKL3OvrfeHU9JimS7H3zTMQMJBq0oGtQz13YXMrQ3S6Jdo40nkmVTtldqn_Qw4YInWRCGSxeIEaKhbG5em1VvG9jY8/s1600/IMG_3336.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1o08R1boux_I_6ZLBgTqvMaQZY8yq-PJbPyUTTx05fNaG7v-0NOKL3OvrfeHU9JimS7H3zTMQMJBq0oGtQz13YXMrQ3S6Jdo40nkmVTtldqn_Qw4YInWRCGSxeIEaKhbG5em1VvG9jY8/s320/IMG_3336.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646074305108876674" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div>We spend about an hour or so driving up the mountain along a rocky path. And by up, I mean up. At one point we had to bust out the wench just to get moving again. This part of the journey had me wondering if my internal organs were all where they should be and at the very least, grateful I'd packed a sports bra. </div><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrazre4zEcFHVVlZ2CRAu3a-iSIO1Y3gngp1diJTSSj_hOw2DIpG1wdMrd1D0kwH_UYTQ-JimZ0V730l7B6OyT3iI7rVLQJiMsf_PePn4A_DoZafTJRrDga8axy7aMqrmDxrMXPgLcrdU/s320/IMG_3356.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646075212731435266" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></span></div></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXuuY9257rUsJssIqMs9JZ90ok65XOF15CGk97-Y2P9GhKVAbgTlAGuT_c3PaHLzUjRYS8hyv41rSTh_WOaCEEfl6Fq9jE_ahyauimR-dQVUcCAiu2AUL6Nk6Fy85m2olZwA7lXWVDoA/s1600/P1020428.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div></span></span></div><div> See the snow? That's the general direction we were headed. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div></span></span></div><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXuuY9257rUsJssIqMs9JZ90ok65XOF15CGk97-Y2P9GhKVAbgTlAGuT_c3PaHLzUjRYS8hyv41rSTh_WOaCEEfl6Fq9jE_ahyauimR-dQVUcCAiu2AUL6Nk6Fy85m2olZwA7lXWVDoA/s1600/P1020428.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXuuY9257rUsJssIqMs9JZ90ok65XOF15CGk97-Y2P9GhKVAbgTlAGuT_c3PaHLzUjRYS8hyv41rSTh_WOaCEEfl6Fq9jE_ahyauimR-dQVUcCAiu2AUL6Nk6Fy85m2olZwA7lXWVDoA/s320/P1020428.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646074302300089698" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div></span></span></div><div>Once we arrived at the the clearing where the jeeps couldn't go any farther, we stopped for lunch and finished the rest of the journey on foot. It's a steep hike and while there are markers here and there, the goal is "head towards the top of the waterfall."</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Then we get to the top and there's this incredible lake with nothing but gorgeous scenery everywhere we turn. And the greatest part about Lost Lake is the fishing. </div><div>
<br /></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbybHr5lnzkUaMDEAeslM2PbAYor-koK4cZzdCMN5Vm8Rp-Hg5QLjaHopgisgAjrte5t4DYe4TIGaxvl3u78ZZGeQ7rrMqcxwDLDtbuwNOBnopl69n01pjt-ssIqxB7bSODSIqkle49Xw/s320/IMG_3373.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646075221685874354" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMzTC5_NvLRHMaUMMQSWG4ONi1dIkeHVUSAIhI_vJdRc49BFZlnTWsln3LW5BxLz2TNQNyeoY3vXK5BzykfXIkz3yfPqi1x993QFfiUW2tRtsiH9ra3wlO-vtWLFnESxuRj-y-LFt-aM/s320/IMG_3374.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646085074204830418" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 216px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ffffff;"><i>T.K. and Cameron, my silly cousins</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><i>
<br /></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4o-3MINLCGwGoFszJeOwr9GkI6o6iUplR2VhRXaihUJG4105YHDahgvLmaroI9KIk7t4DTwrL1j7wt4DqT-n-aIT4aznyNjxAaJ9dOQ1rsRLItKIK8vxnK81GDumtADXm5EVeFZYN0fc/s320/IMG_3360.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646075214013872082" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 211px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ffffff;">In the past we could throw a line out without any bait and fish would fight over it. That was my kind of fishing. This year was different. I didn't catch a single flippin' fish! Not a one! Zero. Zilch. Nada. Brad will tell you he caught 16...and if he wasn't pulling the hook out of one's mouth every time I'd look over, I'd tell you he was lying. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ffffff;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ffffff;">I pouted. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWY_0xVRGQkLGiOe3BS8Q9baEdcgRssg0Ermm9EOe_t7vmzowbXZOCirhalnXGIq7zPISacoZDG-X3c4HqF17o8rP8Y0N4ikQ-YpEy7jj74ghSGhf648-8teYiTpufI82oReCKgc1esUM/s1600/IMG_3372.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWY_0xVRGQkLGiOe3BS8Q9baEdcgRssg0Ermm9EOe_t7vmzowbXZOCirhalnXGIq7zPISacoZDG-X3c4HqF17o8rP8Y0N4ikQ-YpEy7jj74ghSGhf648-8teYiTpufI82oReCKgc1esUM/s320/IMG_3372.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646076135194241650" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 320px; " /></a></span></span></div><div>Yup, I pouted, lost interest, then started hiking up higher and got this view which made me less pouty about the fishing situation. </div><div>
<br /></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpK4thnLgzKnTP3CXcZ6J8O0MpaRC1Bm6ty5p-vnWVdhvh8w9ZdB4dcgNLB1nw1oCS9vdhJ2FQMUM4Y5ft_twZ2Bj5ZhcXUo_RK6MYaus6ef7smB5bFSkZOLWDPACDzqDuPekq1nOjwgU/s1600/IMG_3369.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpK4thnLgzKnTP3CXcZ6J8O0MpaRC1Bm6ty5p-vnWVdhvh8w9ZdB4dcgNLB1nw1oCS9vdhJ2FQMUM4Y5ft_twZ2Bj5ZhcXUo_RK6MYaus6ef7smB5bFSkZOLWDPACDzqDuPekq1nOjwgU/s320/IMG_3369.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646076120925823602" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ffffff;">I also found several of these Columbine flowers growing out of the rocks which put the smile back on my face. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcuOtvPXYzXSlJgHl3hZUyez9HJDbSGzl51O6_fl1zi0GNY7QoKSb0K4buVR_ErEFN8ly22dzeRQ3N7NlLJWwnJJFMMsiTZhqt8HzpbZaA3EkD03FyMTqim4OFYf2nu-oDatTsdWmaj4I/s1600/IMG_3367.JPG" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); " onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcuOtvPXYzXSlJgHl3hZUyez9HJDbSGzl51O6_fl1zi0GNY7QoKSb0K4buVR_ErEFN8ly22dzeRQ3N7NlLJWwnJJFMMsiTZhqt8HzpbZaA3EkD03FyMTqim4OFYf2nu-oDatTsdWmaj4I/s320/IMG_3367.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646076132173889842" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 286px; " /></a></span>Another highlight of my trip was waking up extra early to watch the horses be brought in to the stables. My mom did this several years ago and said it was just incredible to be standing there as they ran past you. So I stood in between two big trees, camera in hand, praying the horses didn't run me over and this is what I caught...</div><div>
<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiss6ARHr0lKrAy4fZZihQsBvdcDrnmqspqs7azlCJ38HUCWAFTsB4OzZ9nslLQzLOr1sMWgz9fI-SZ57p-UupSzPwcGDgjOyroMtDGV0xUY1Azy3YMjNtFLNFHhyphenhyphenES7bSChj7vI1Uh5dE/s1600/IMG_3328.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiss6ARHr0lKrAy4fZZihQsBvdcDrnmqspqs7azlCJ38HUCWAFTsB4OzZ9nslLQzLOr1sMWgz9fI-SZ57p-UupSzPwcGDgjOyroMtDGV0xUY1Azy3YMjNtFLNFHhyphenhyphenES7bSChj7vI1Uh5dE/s320/IMG_3328.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646087163932872866" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxGd5erd5wjznaJrpElHdJAO0o-hptsdULUVitVXtcwyAI71wEHo37Nsf7oB61YTsMrTBh5fbWvISfH9Kvz-2eD54G2LkkVrN_ZLdinh_OpNPppenh68OUzXSQl4KZVEOnxN7IPIrW2fE/s1600/IMG_3395.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2olHm7xwAIPh6XxNDcNuk7C_HTXHxIIRsaMJwzrhAs1FVJ8AoDM01JAqxAlBQDyD3ecg4_PUIi8VNIMYSB5HUc05T9mLvFvu0Q8UHJHbV1sAYgIZ9GX3avUxWJFnNKleLXgUGbTHDuk/s1600/IMG_3393.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2olHm7xwAIPh6XxNDcNuk7C_HTXHxIIRsaMJwzrhAs1FVJ8AoDM01JAqxAlBQDyD3ecg4_PUIi8VNIMYSB5HUc05T9mLvFvu0Q8UHJHbV1sAYgIZ9GX3avUxWJFnNKleLXgUGbTHDuk/s320/IMG_3393.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646087178271569730" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 248px; " /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcJfVG-NeA3RHnIzC5l59kzahdyCYv0gem-jEuUZELBxM9V1Z3GND8kY7XnPJ_wQ_y3AsTw261yuhzIoW0ruYsiQ2B7PdoxL-JgHWxcHXBLU6nFhS6FJmbuc-apARIX9gqp1dMaw4glY/s1600/IMG_3329.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcJfVG-NeA3RHnIzC5l59kzahdyCYv0gem-jEuUZELBxM9V1Z3GND8kY7XnPJ_wQ_y3AsTw261yuhzIoW0ruYsiQ2B7PdoxL-JgHWxcHXBLU6nFhS6FJmbuc-apARIX9gqp1dMaw4glY/s320/IMG_3329.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646087170597657506" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAFO1uqhkkK7DUUBBnQYx0sShR2SfVkpVHnUkmPv00OuoRIBBteE_o0k3iJSPxHGDhRWXCjH3-i_QnQGUdVeQd-xQstaeaWSG62bYRgHBgYYa0asMAtrjL-53oALbzACIhPM73rOtqny4/s320/IMG_3394.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646085075720027154" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxGd5erd5wjznaJrpElHdJAO0o-hptsdULUVitVXtcwyAI71wEHo37Nsf7oB61YTsMrTBh5fbWvISfH9Kvz-2eD54G2LkkVrN_ZLdinh_OpNPppenh68OUzXSQl4KZVEOnxN7IPIrW2fE/s1600/IMG_3395.JPG" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); " onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxGd5erd5wjznaJrpElHdJAO0o-hptsdULUVitVXtcwyAI71wEHo37Nsf7oB61YTsMrTBh5fbWvISfH9Kvz-2eD54G2LkkVrN_ZLdinh_OpNPppenh68OUzXSQl4KZVEOnxN7IPIrW2fE/s320/IMG_3395.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646085079142681826" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " /></a></span>It was a bit of a rush. Pretty awesome.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>One afternoon the boys drove into the closest town for a day of golf. I opted for another (shorter) horseback ride and was finally able to see a bear. My trip was complete.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>While waiting for the group to return from golf I went for a long walk, mostly in search of another bear. </div><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKlxhAV-QhHbq8HlXgq6qXrshlBNghtaqlS94kuTr3u1Jp6GQEK8FMXheNLTzSFO-ZJPWkxK0Pn7tZjUSYL1wi7c0HUkwjSarJkMRt480mYHtLtfAlR7EwuWpRbv4D9vv9bssVmjcpKE/s320/IMG_3404.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646091164828887186" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Caught this on my little "bear escapade"</i></div><div>
<br /></div><div>I could have sworn I heard one which made me panic...then I realized it was just my jeans rubbing together. Still, I hightailed it back to the lodge. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">And did a few lunges in my room.</span></div><div> </div>
<br /><div>The week flew by and in no time we were loading up to head home. But not before our traditional family picture.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxg7RFTRjYilCeHvfGMTd3gjLBmmptej4mhG-sv5qaIxkLSxXxHY-vIecHnCGyVykihEllcTt7rm4Jr07aEZsnb88kMZCAW6a_x-1c1-lf403MNrlGZJyWBNv05VNcPUbxBgtolL-HR6g/s1600/IMG_3409.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxg7RFTRjYilCeHvfGMTd3gjLBmmptej4mhG-sv5qaIxkLSxXxHY-vIecHnCGyVykihEllcTt7rm4Jr07aEZsnb88kMZCAW6a_x-1c1-lf403MNrlGZJyWBNv05VNcPUbxBgtolL-HR6g/s320/IMG_3409.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646091176564121298" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a>Lots of good memories. I'm sad it'll be at least another two years before we go back.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgga_tMBeOYCXYbueWeCEC5cy2LqXBLg4Nar6hSlOBPxCdSVC9WQEHo8nGxkKjYedD072e9rMhzbGIEmYttqghLcaXAcobd9Q5rdXYcm0muk2zDffGZUSdEvXXTfXNPjfE4DybFrU1d2JE/s1600/IMG_3400.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgga_tMBeOYCXYbueWeCEC5cy2LqXBLg4Nar6hSlOBPxCdSVC9WQEHo8nGxkKjYedD072e9rMhzbGIEmYttqghLcaXAcobd9Q5rdXYcm0muk2zDffGZUSdEvXXTfXNPjfE4DybFrU1d2JE/s320/IMG_3400.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646091171937544930" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 318px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjcRLoLkLMD2iBmuEVZtWz-U55ip0aGPGtQ1Bize9c9a7kKZ1vmr-eNzpitq04YGfPFo8g-sq4ovKuFqE5I5tpEK__udJ49ZPW-XpgR5BJPu0ltr0j8yFMfbqXSH7RdQKFa5hGPboOj8/s1600/IMG_3256.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjcRLoLkLMD2iBmuEVZtWz-U55ip0aGPGtQ1Bize9c9a7kKZ1vmr-eNzpitq04YGfPFo8g-sq4ovKuFqE5I5tpEK__udJ49ZPW-XpgR5BJPu0ltr0j8yFMfbqXSH7RdQKFa5hGPboOj8/s320/IMG_3256.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646093423371186354" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 235px; " /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgga_tMBeOYCXYbueWeCEC5cy2LqXBLg4Nar6hSlOBPxCdSVC9WQEHo8nGxkKjYedD072e9rMhzbGIEmYttqghLcaXAcobd9Q5rdXYcm0muk2zDffGZUSdEvXXTfXNPjfE4DybFrU1d2JE/s1600/IMG_3400.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjpu78udZwCHaKFVZ28dg9RX-_ceP34SUpQ9nt0BlRu8vz9HqVJuvPzftrqWCZHidTdjJ6RWWp5NKdwSyLG3UArfRSFRfm3Tvhw7wuCEoUyQrmO9NOk8aB0Lssqy2gncbYwvv2x6A9vA/s1600/IMG_3412.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjpu78udZwCHaKFVZ28dg9RX-_ceP34SUpQ9nt0BlRu8vz9HqVJuvPzftrqWCZHidTdjJ6RWWp5NKdwSyLG3UArfRSFRfm3Tvhw7wuCEoUyQrmO9NOk8aB0Lssqy2gncbYwvv2x6A9vA/s320/IMG_3412.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646092651958149906" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1QPPkNe1gVF5Dkmwr_g5cME3m1YiWYQnSp1dkSjxVPryP5pfwCfX9uQCiaxZLOY9oImZqtpRFBW0Lt0Bf7k_2IzyEga0pbTXlauDkFu1h9_pJSkNFmAB1ybtDIS0iwr-8-XFG7h3Nf8/s1600/IMG_3432.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1QPPkNe1gVF5Dkmwr_g5cME3m1YiWYQnSp1dkSjxVPryP5pfwCfX9uQCiaxZLOY9oImZqtpRFBW0Lt0Bf7k_2IzyEga0pbTXlauDkFu1h9_pJSkNFmAB1ybtDIS0iwr-8-XFG7h3Nf8/s320/IMG_3432.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646092643049833986" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 282px; " /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFQ4_ticQu0DAIhNcdXUlfkGpQskCJNxFJaFAQrkRSs4prXZlvITbNcAQwr3K6H5YHvnfnE5K4giGm4GwQOTQoBj3Q2aJ1VxB_uvTP4gxfqlxH4W1MKdApPX_xLK2aPq5RzpizRq4sM8/s1600/IMG_3410.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFQ4_ticQu0DAIhNcdXUlfkGpQskCJNxFJaFAQrkRSs4prXZlvITbNcAQwr3K6H5YHvnfnE5K4giGm4GwQOTQoBj3Q2aJ1VxB_uvTP4gxfqlxH4W1MKdApPX_xLK2aPq5RzpizRq4sM8/s320/IMG_3410.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646092635933112450" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 281px; " /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4iZ2tQJRA1kQgRg-F9Bhc86K99yjz8HXKuq-GZzqwqVBEXM7u23HwAkXAm1agoNTYx_4ZX_qe9Ab9exAHzXbPDyOmJreKP7OGp56a9EcoPSpmEFOpdPFtciC0_MfSR4f7xj76R-fr4o/s1600/IMG_3418.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4iZ2tQJRA1kQgRg-F9Bhc86K99yjz8HXKuq-GZzqwqVBEXM7u23HwAkXAm1agoNTYx_4ZX_qe9Ab9exAHzXbPDyOmJreKP7OGp56a9EcoPSpmEFOpdPFtciC0_MfSR4f7xj76R-fr4o/s320/IMG_3418.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646093435658313954" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 210px; " /></a><i>Love you, Granddad!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>
<br /></i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEn8LvhC9mvHE-huWuKRGlm0ddErZGDepi6EsP89GKzAflhyphenhyphengZh2vZUbJJKggZNREtf6cvycYfsCorx4VYbUxIRJrtv4-bM1lJxKqExswFDrmPXwvVqTW9J9nj4OJhTjMWQC7NYKm1NLo/s1600/IMG_3423.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEn8LvhC9mvHE-huWuKRGlm0ddErZGDepi6EsP89GKzAflhyphenhyphengZh2vZUbJJKggZNREtf6cvycYfsCorx4VYbUxIRJrtv4-bM1lJxKqExswFDrmPXwvVqTW9J9nj4OJhTjMWQC7NYKm1NLo/s320/IMG_3423.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646093428517342674" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a><i>Our sweet grandparents with the grandkids</i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjcRLoLkLMD2iBmuEVZtWz-U55ip0aGPGtQ1Bize9c9a7kKZ1vmr-eNzpitq04YGfPFo8g-sq4ovKuFqE5I5tpEK__udJ49ZPW-XpgR5BJPu0ltr0j8yFMfbqXSH7RdQKFa5hGPboOj8/s1600/IMG_3256.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But now that we're home and work is slowing down and Brad has started school....the goal is to find a routine. Let the balancing act begin. </div><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I refuse to let <a href="http://adventuresofthebinghams.blogspot.com/2011/05/f-word.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366ff;">the "f" word</span></a> creep back into my life which means making time after work for the gym. I still want to continue cooking most nights. I still want to see our family as often as we can. I still want time for happy hour every now and then with friends. AND it's time for college football which takes up our Saturdays. Not to mention, this house doesn't clean itself. </div><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But if you ask me tomorrow how I'm doing, I promise not to answer you with....."busy."</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKlxhAV-QhHbq8HlXgq6qXrshlBNghtaqlS94kuTr3u1Jp6GQEK8FMXheNLTzSFO-ZJPWkxK0Pn7tZjUSYL1wi7c0HUkwjSarJkMRt480mYHtLtfAlR7EwuWpRbv4D9vv9bssVmjcpKE/s1600/IMG_3404.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2olHm7xwAIPh6XxNDcNuk7C_HTXHxIIRsaMJwzrhAs1FVJ8AoDM01JAqxAlBQDyD3ecg4_PUIi8VNIMYSB5HUc05T9mLvFvu0Q8UHJHbV1sAYgIZ9GX3avUxWJFnNKleLXgUGbTHDuk/s1600/IMG_3393.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div>The Binghamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09709623685048025786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820834326219752928.post-1810543357307447862011-07-13T03:20:00.016+02:002011-07-13T05:42:49.195+02:00Latest Happenings<div style="text-align: left;">Did you miss me? It's been so long I don't really know where to start. I've put off blogging for quite some time now. Obviously.</div><div><br /></div><div>I think it was in large part to the fact that I had this cloud hanging over me, a cloud better known as "no career path" and every time I sat down to write something it seemed like I should be explaining why I wasn't working and even more so turning down offers. When the fact of the matter is.....I don't have to explain myself. This is MY blog. And I can talk about or not talk about whatever I want. Right?</div><div><br /></div><div>But you're wondering if I got a job, aren't you?</div><div><br /></div><div>Well to answer your question....yes, yes I did.<br /><div><br /></div><div>But it's been two months. A lot has happened in two months and not much has had to do with my J.O.B.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Let's catch up, shall we?</div><div><br /></div>I've discovered the best perk of moving back from The Deutschland...lots of time with family.<div><div><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbZ4CDFsIctffqfibmyJ1GQxBHyrTewfKxbZ6K0mQ4O6Hw2HgBPZ9havVOckoXjnsdjhFZFwheCLCMRs0szamit50tCG2hbdmrK3Ml0g_InXZQOy5lS52XUvwLViZ8UexfSR9KFSD-M8/s1600/IMG_2931.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbZ4CDFsIctffqfibmyJ1GQxBHyrTewfKxbZ6K0mQ4O6Hw2HgBPZ9havVOckoXjnsdjhFZFwheCLCMRs0szamit50tCG2hbdmrK3Ml0g_InXZQOy5lS52XUvwLViZ8UexfSR9KFSD-M8/s320/IMG_2931.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628653300916450386" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div></div><div>And the last time you all saw this little guy he was only 6 months old. He's growing and growing right before my eyes and continues to melt my heart every time I see him. Being an aunt is so much more amazing than I ever could have expected.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPoah0nVyT6px1zkiQlkZJ9thhfVK9oc4k3pqZiMXzqXh5nEuPliOb-cBetn_gMK3B4BvOwhCvR7v0OWjhMc1iSMR0FxpmAys8jFzvTe6r0FzIKBz1oc361ysslHcV7d7RPndeOfw-f1g/s1600/IMG_2957.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPoah0nVyT6px1zkiQlkZJ9thhfVK9oc4k3pqZiMXzqXh5nEuPliOb-cBetn_gMK3B4BvOwhCvR7v0OWjhMc1iSMR0FxpmAys8jFzvTe6r0FzIKBz1oc361ysslHcV7d7RPndeOfw-f1g/s320/IMG_2957.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628653306290498882" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 192px; " /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8j7-roXwY6j8cTVoNfumLX-sLa-2C6DzfljOfgnH09KDEmpOKDCUQnd_H6N10YKja70CngyKpmHjtuERkkLv2s2HhE0SBQ4Jr_oqZnFLaF5CWlmBbS3isp_nA9mCkUFL5RHMQF9XwnPo/s1600/265089_10150256455842777_509102776_7087315_1159397_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEj_HOAyxuyyjK-tZYgijImX8bNe-YbkKmrnG45LIMt3oMy0_PbDfVcFxtykxNztpBryJwgjyUWYO2V_p94eqdEOgTxTghL8DGcF0W6NMbCBthicT1d2wyFLpz66l2TWEWSsE89GdnlB4/s1600/263772_1775378595446_1568783679_31333498_452640_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEj_HOAyxuyyjK-tZYgijImX8bNe-YbkKmrnG45LIMt3oMy0_PbDfVcFxtykxNztpBryJwgjyUWYO2V_p94eqdEOgTxTghL8DGcF0W6NMbCBthicT1d2wyFLpz66l2TWEWSsE89GdnlB4/s320/263772_1775378595446_1568783679_31333498_452640_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628669506414704466" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">No seriously, I adore everything about him. I mean, look at that face.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFrwcRcGNlDIyVUHQ_1zPGHWi41ghIy_S3oXVNruPh-k-6x88AHj1sZV7-FAYDHQdsqz32oOw2v0EHzNSmMIositPpIBGvej2eBYx56VVp3Jc1O8GUcdSDV9XvkTekPrmF-2d8-AC2yw/s320/268299_10150309258080466_500495465_9371792_3280139_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628656061379297442" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 224px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div>It's a shame I don't want one anytime soon...Stella could have a playmate.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><br /></span></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JCkHZlkLChKGReyuebnDgr5ugPkuhEMQIcGMYGxufIlIO65soefNU3Z6T9H7GvBskck4FjmgivVulA1rgSq2UGp9PL6GCgqA6OAC-Tc0KiHvjnPmxrh4SpSHbhOU7VY9bibrq9Dbkc0/s1600/278901_1775377555420_1568783679_31333495_5819011_o.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JCkHZlkLChKGReyuebnDgr5ugPkuhEMQIcGMYGxufIlIO65soefNU3Z6T9H7GvBskck4FjmgivVulA1rgSq2UGp9PL6GCgqA6OAC-Tc0KiHvjnPmxrh4SpSHbhOU7VY9bibrq9Dbkc0/s320/278901_1775377555420_1568783679_31333495_5819011_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628656073187542482" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></a></div>In other news, I celebrated a birthday during my hiatus. And my darling husband got me something I've had my eye on for months. As you may or may not know, we usually cook 5 or 6 nights a week and as you also may or may not know, I HAVE to write everything down. Which means if I don't write down every meal that I've bought ingredients for the weekend prior, I WILL forget and things go bad. Sooooo, he got me beautiful chalkboard to go in our kitchen to write down our weekly menus. I'll post pictures once it's arrived. The way I see it, we're saving money here.</div><div><br /></div><div>We also celebrated the day of my birth by spending the weekend at the lake with or dear pals, Micah and Aaron. Oh, and our pups.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0NZNJ53oboo9eCKpn5qADqU4ywttvsNWMThn_NOC6jzEOKXDjZoFp2mfrU3Im_F44wnb-3chpDtR21VaWveGtWNoqKzAtyXS9p3jhsjBi_LXo2br7KP-iMh5s7EZ_YxQfim3zNZk6kMk/s1600/IMG_3037.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0NZNJ53oboo9eCKpn5qADqU4ywttvsNWMThn_NOC6jzEOKXDjZoFp2mfrU3Im_F44wnb-3chpDtR21VaWveGtWNoqKzAtyXS9p3jhsjBi_LXo2br7KP-iMh5s7EZ_YxQfim3zNZk6kMk/s320/IMG_3037.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628660056615728322" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 198px; " /></a></div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97dzDTXT0pdeDDnmGhilTkiJhmHQMfmfrVLFCdInYTaudvPehdJrGnV4p6aPdoRGJLfij1xI7s38ZOSe6vJA9_fPlXkoYcwRwix3iQFwnZAFay2Exou8MWE7Jyb5X8fNwKPcZ4IZkKD4/s1600/IMG_3002.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97dzDTXT0pdeDDnmGhilTkiJhmHQMfmfrVLFCdInYTaudvPehdJrGnV4p6aPdoRGJLfij1xI7s38ZOSe6vJA9_fPlXkoYcwRwix3iQFwnZAFay2Exou8MWE7Jyb5X8fNwKPcZ4IZkKD4/s320/IMG_3002.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628660061701997570" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 215px; " /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0NZNJ53oboo9eCKpn5qADqU4ywttvsNWMThn_NOC6jzEOKXDjZoFp2mfrU3Im_F44wnb-3chpDtR21VaWveGtWNoqKzAtyXS9p3jhsjBi_LXo2br7KP-iMh5s7EZ_YxQfim3zNZk6kMk/s1600/IMG_3037.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAma3q16SenuoFYKb58d0cVpd1Gh22oLtNeZaEGxE28jmTzDeI3gKREk-xjgQpoFSeyhNQn6ROeYMFei_LPKEFaynKvaY0YczOT1bi8Q9Uoc1q8xCivEUniGe5ATrtW6B9rE3dBY2F70/s320/IMG_3077.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628660071479580898" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Lili in her bikini</span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjUEdxDowcHI7LFNX_PPdL66pDJK52NjLsm5gXrVEORDWH70ft5Cg9-gMNinzi_AttXaiGrWeaOhfDYfqb0YMoSf6itoRwqxYCMLrqftFTX5X8dugD5nemuraRNJWY7QSSj2behbmUAU/s1600/IMG_3102.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></span></span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjUEdxDowcHI7LFNX_PPdL66pDJK52NjLsm5gXrVEORDWH70ft5Cg9-gMNinzi_AttXaiGrWeaOhfDYfqb0YMoSf6itoRwqxYCMLrqftFTX5X8dugD5nemuraRNJWY7QSSj2behbmUAU/s1600/IMG_3102.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjUEdxDowcHI7LFNX_PPdL66pDJK52NjLsm5gXrVEORDWH70ft5Cg9-gMNinzi_AttXaiGrWeaOhfDYfqb0YMoSf6itoRwqxYCMLrqftFTX5X8dugD5nemuraRNJWY7QSSj2behbmUAU/s320/IMG_3102.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628661246516938386" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 211px; " /></a></span></span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Fireworks seemed like a good idea. Here I am waiting for my Roman Candle to blow up...while drinking a glass of wine. </span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></i></span></span></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTWOS2aGLXyHn1wVeZsKitohl6_kz69jJe0W0WnDY33SGz0eHWMHKxouUs89qWby3VV-x6BXBLCejQ3D6FSidJaYOoVnpMOxVlw5Zs6K8d-C9SHics0_QtRHLdMj_fAQ9CufzwtrBZ7M/s1600/IMG_3117.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTWOS2aGLXyHn1wVeZsKitohl6_kz69jJe0W0WnDY33SGz0eHWMHKxouUs89qWby3VV-x6BXBLCejQ3D6FSidJaYOoVnpMOxVlw5Zs6K8d-C9SHics0_QtRHLdMj_fAQ9CufzwtrBZ7M/s320/IMG_3117.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628661248675312994" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 194px; " /></a></span></span></i></span></span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">These two were in the zone making omelets.</span></span></i></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Thank you for a fabulous weekend, Grandma!</span></span></i></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></i></span></span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">My other bestie, Amy, was sick the weekend of my birthday festivities but we made up for it the following weekend. <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(I'm dying to tell you what she did for my birthday, because she's awesome, but I love it so much I'm probably going to use the same idea down the road and if it's for you I'd hate to ruin the surprise. I'm doing you a favor, really.)</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:16px;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgaGetEVpGy745OLkqL8f1-n0PLjJ7XMa4vW_1DoKj8tbtPF9nXMuQRrVf4Xcby9vz8pqcVx9kWCHQ-opXKbdhDYqqyD_rHchxSUtUWnGccA5y1f732c6Ghwa8oTT4KwdwWPgyNut0Wk/s320/264522_10150309257300466_500495465_9371780_1213256_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628661258274921106" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 174px; " /></span></span></i></div><div>And last but not least was our 4th of July Celebration. This year was big time. Not only were we celebrating Independence Day...we also celebrated my Grandpa's 80th, my Grandma's 75th AND their 35th wedding anniversary. You celebrated the same thing? Na uh.</div><div><br /></div>We spent they day by the pool and on the lake and the party kicked off that evening with 60 close friends and family.<br /><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKilc5yXcOuT1EMyc-HcezzTgn1AfIFWk_9H1YL0SwPTIYCzal6KtFDbrSS2l7Sunw6SKTEncih2GSHcyYQQ82009vg-zczKOVrexmV1EcDrGPg__Idn8CJJjyCY0NGxyv3ip7jojoDc/s1600/269792_10150256435052777_509102776_7087000_3196863_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKilc5yXcOuT1EMyc-HcezzTgn1AfIFWk_9H1YL0SwPTIYCzal6KtFDbrSS2l7Sunw6SKTEncih2GSHcyYQQ82009vg-zczKOVrexmV1EcDrGPg__Idn8CJJjyCY0NGxyv3ip7jojoDc/s320/269792_10150256435052777_509102776_7087000_3196863_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628665849956690226" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKilc5yXcOuT1EMyc-HcezzTgn1AfIFWk_9H1YL0SwPTIYCzal6KtFDbrSS2l7Sunw6SKTEncih2GSHcyYQQ82009vg-zczKOVrexmV1EcDrGPg__Idn8CJJjyCY0NGxyv3ip7jojoDc/s1600/269792_10150256435052777_509102776_7087000_3196863_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-bx0ZkWhClBOAQXZqUrIN4AP6R8BerQFBydj3BxGfDwSD_xd6_XCDMpw616ysRrVzKLSFsFdeZ03gTGBMsJZ84dIQPybdiVXSKH3XYzijoXIkFIt7e79HWtqMz-REJQwts0O2p0y0s8/s1600/268266_10150256436777777_509102776_7087048_6407761_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-bx0ZkWhClBOAQXZqUrIN4AP6R8BerQFBydj3BxGfDwSD_xd6_XCDMpw616ysRrVzKLSFsFdeZ03gTGBMsJZ84dIQPybdiVXSKH3XYzijoXIkFIt7e79HWtqMz-REJQwts0O2p0y0s8/s320/268266_10150256436777777_509102776_7087048_6407761_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628667623248286066" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 191px; " /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCUrqDPgNntEobmXSAZaA69x-6Wgq6xjaTVSP1sVDf69oWPb7k9t0RCy4BIDtD_b2HnD4sitRjlabxEbhP3y613772fJzpLLxRvVL5ugLIBC_d9LYPoHAEomyeYGCpS-3glNQ9BZ72gbA/s320/260151_10150256431897777_509102776_7086906_3256997_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628665849257316834" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Taught the kiddos how to shoot off fireworks...in broad daylight.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8j7-roXwY6j8cTVoNfumLX-sLa-2C6DzfljOfgnH09KDEmpOKDCUQnd_H6N10YKja70CngyKpmHjtuERkkLv2s2HhE0SBQ4Jr_oqZnFLaF5CWlmBbS3isp_nA9mCkUFL5RHMQF9XwnPo/s1600/265089_10150256455842777_509102776_7087315_1159397_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8j7-roXwY6j8cTVoNfumLX-sLa-2C6DzfljOfgnH09KDEmpOKDCUQnd_H6N10YKja70CngyKpmHjtuERkkLv2s2HhE0SBQ4Jr_oqZnFLaF5CWlmBbS3isp_nA9mCkUFL5RHMQF9XwnPo/s320/265089_10150256455842777_509102776_7087315_1159397_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628667626563723522" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /></a><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Cousins</span></i></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><br /></i></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><div><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSc55Yt7gvdpy5IxKfVRrrAQcP1PJNONDELIpTSShEhYMnXihcsqnRCwkSZiGYcG7hzIjAh2z7EiWaUiUgsVP834D-IyAf7gZojggczv1eDp0C3d8hde_dCfbbdbqEglRV7j1iujS_IU/s1600/IMG_3143.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSc55Yt7gvdpy5IxKfVRrrAQcP1PJNONDELIpTSShEhYMnXihcsqnRCwkSZiGYcG7hzIjAh2z7EiWaUiUgsVP834D-IyAf7gZojggczv1eDp0C3d8hde_dCfbbdbqEglRV7j1iujS_IU/s320/IMG_3143.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628668759404890402" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><div><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8j7-roXwY6j8cTVoNfumLX-sLa-2C6DzfljOfgnH09KDEmpOKDCUQnd_H6N10YKja70CngyKpmHjtuERkkLv2s2HhE0SBQ4Jr_oqZnFLaF5CWlmBbS3isp_nA9mCkUFL5RHMQF9XwnPo/s1600/265089_10150256455842777_509102776_7087315_1159397_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxZ2GcHp8thXsYB1L8WljNxf8Ma4s2XaSr733kyc1EPfZizdguURfRDiX7x3tPvTt909toS8fO2sNo63XUJSBRwtItGswcYd0kQmWaqWoHUTEpwchrwPMEE-BrGs42RSesLek8tW4-Ho/s1600/264363_10150256457037777_509102776_7087334_2256335_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxZ2GcHp8thXsYB1L8WljNxf8Ma4s2XaSr733kyc1EPfZizdguURfRDiX7x3tPvTt909toS8fO2sNo63XUJSBRwtItGswcYd0kQmWaqWoHUTEpwchrwPMEE-BrGs42RSesLek8tW4-Ho/s320/264363_10150256457037777_509102776_7087334_2256335_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628668766045964626" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /></a><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Dinner</span></i></div></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></i></div></span></i></span></i></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCUrqDPgNntEobmXSAZaA69x-6Wgq6xjaTVSP1sVDf69oWPb7k9t0RCy4BIDtD_b2HnD4sitRjlabxEbhP3y613772fJzpLLxRvVL5ugLIBC_d9LYPoHAEomyeYGCpS-3glNQ9BZ72gbA/s1600/260151_10150256431897777_509102776_7086906_3256997_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4xr0ZTNKhTKgSgeMo9TKyLIvAz9VP2K9OvbwIz9FKGeS7jfQ7KfCpWt0gT5Ka6HR3fadwP2NvN4WGjpYLCIoOfZ2_9k9aEaA2If9x3ZjaewXEFc-7q9Wgiia_UudLyjVtcPtKyJ5YXNk/s1600/270858_1772431921781_1568783679_31330171_484864_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4xr0ZTNKhTKgSgeMo9TKyLIvAz9VP2K9OvbwIz9FKGeS7jfQ7KfCpWt0gT5Ka6HR3fadwP2NvN4WGjpYLCIoOfZ2_9k9aEaA2If9x3ZjaewXEFc-7q9Wgiia_UudLyjVtcPtKyJ5YXNk/s320/270858_1772431921781_1568783679_31330171_484864_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628667629892287378" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>We rounded out the weekend with one more day by the pool. Stella was a happy camper.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8j7-roXwY6j8cTVoNfumLX-sLa-2C6DzfljOfgnH09KDEmpOKDCUQnd_H6N10YKja70CngyKpmHjtuERkkLv2s2HhE0SBQ4Jr_oqZnFLaF5CWlmBbS3isp_nA9mCkUFL5RHMQF9XwnPo/s1600/265089_10150256455842777_509102776_7087315_1159397_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9DUTTF6w777hhTpJeR7H5LFB38pv1gNTuT32cUp1iuwS42tpRTa6ZJ0c9r7QBJdrr9k3oCAHZWWAtH88h_15i4PRyyCi2yIiDW2o_vM3jcOElT4G4ga8-LP5AFaYp79FEkChyB8m3DU/s1600/IMG_3160.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9DUTTF6w777hhTpJeR7H5LFB38pv1gNTuT32cUp1iuwS42tpRTa6ZJ0c9r7QBJdrr9k3oCAHZWWAtH88h_15i4PRyyCi2yIiDW2o_vM3jcOElT4G4ga8-LP5AFaYp79FEkChyB8m3DU/s320/IMG_3160.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628669504951285698" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 193px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">That pretty much sums it up. Despite the heat, we've been thoroughly enjoying our summer.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Well, I now have to wake up bright and early in the morning to be a contributing member of society so details on the new gig will have to wait. Don't ask Stella what she thinks about it...this is the look I get everyday when it's time for me to leave:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_2b32heSKSZVERg_iuAZ5gk_GriPSEIuH0Bdq_tfZ09MpeVb9vsx8LHmJQyFbjf3ONXTarqWgOnVSv_RH1fhDHIkgLkEqGWH0iD6t-kbw2aRC8jxKxtDSmsicNBEsNWReP6fk_vJ7wU/s320/IMG_2841.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628669521147558354" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 237px; " /></span></div><div>Here's hoping it's not another two months until we meet again...</div>The Binghamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09709623685048025786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820834326219752928.post-27462747925600993502011-05-17T20:51:00.012+02:002011-05-19T04:44:34.452+02:00The "F" Word<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">No, not that "F" word. This one is worse.</span></span></div> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Are you ready for it?</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Fat.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">There. I said it.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Don't worry, I don't have a jacked up body image and this is not some self deprecating post where I go on and on about how fat I am. Because I'm not.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But ladies, I think most of us can agree we have "fat" days. And there's nothing like a three-paneled dressing room mirror and a new bathing suit to shove you right into one.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJaTHeF68ysNDnZeKdiN2U_lBLkkOlmQ_U6lWKXqMOee7PiFv45GpU2z6bqnKRzKdG0_Cyn4YOxDYl03fksWhVMm0iZFw6LdU0E8wqT60hmafxp7AKAUftUbadOHsCCb_HdNvvFQf2v8/s320/model_anorexic_bikini.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608247695314664930" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 312px; height: 320px; " /></span></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></div> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I'm well aware of the fact that I'll never be a size 2, nor would I want to be. But it occurred to me a couple of months ago that I was not happy where I was. I have figure skating, years of volleyball and genetics to thank for my um, sturdy legs and no matter what I do this will always be the case. But for everything else I have no one to blame but myself. </span></span><span style="font: 13.0px Georgia; letter-spacing: 0.0px">And maybe gravity.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">So I've started hitting the gym and eating a little healthier. Up to now it's gone well. I'm not depriving myself of a glass of wine (or two) here and there and I still eat what I usually do, just in smaller portions. I switch up my workouts between kickboxing, spin classes, and body toning/weight lifting. (No running. I hate running. Actually I detest running. Loathe it. Entirely.) And it seems to be working, ever so slowly. I mean, I've actually worn a pair of shorts on more than one occasion, something I haven't done in seven years. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But it's not enough. I have this strange feeling I'm close to hitting a wall. It's not even summer yet and I'm afraid I'm just going to give up. And throw it all away. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">So that is the reason for this post. This is my way of holding </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">myself</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> accountable. I'm putting it out there for the world to see...well </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">read</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> anyway. So here goes:</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“I, Jennifer Bingham, promise not to quit. I will continue to hit the gym at least three days a week. I will not gorge myself on food and wine. I will wear shorts and believe my husband when he tells me I look great. And I will </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">not</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> use the “F” word when I look in the mirror.”</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">There it is folks. Consider it a Mid-Year’s Resolution. It’s a new thing but I think it’ll catch on.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Now I know most of the peeps that read this thing are my friends and family so I'm asking you to hold me accountable, too. This means when I say “wanna go grab ice cream?” and you know for a fact I had a big ol’ bowl of it the day before, because I probably did, you must say “negative, ghost rider” or something along those lines. Or when I tell you I'd rather play Angry Birds then take a nap instead of going to the gym, remind me that it's not sexy for my arm to continue waving after I've stopped. And lastly, if you ever hear me use the "F" word when describing how I look or feel, you have permission to smack me. </span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Here's the goal: be in as good, if not better shape than I was for our wedding and honeymoon. </span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZIpBzGILgx4BAY-ugP5nC-NhEWZlF0VkwY5IcLIjHrAMUp2EWwdxcE9fT93kbr9jVPJq6-DyDy0OdwfgGaeBVoAggiwrR1I50Oxsh-4YuY2jBY2NjIF6gZdZOAd4_g99DeItlEGc1ub4/s320/n17112866_37053043_9847.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608251627037719410" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 267px; " /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKl0hPD_Dynva-i0bn7UhGJLOWSmSEUfG3uRR6maWwtvOLTsfxDO7j2DMMzQgEiEVPd8oQ8uvESu9aey7znijymkzDi9JMH79IMVvB4DSN7RRabgeYQkano9HGDIOqIyflH8IKnSPXbg/s320/n17112866_37116656_4024.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608248997122563314" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 228px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Lofty goal seeing as how I can't exactly recreate the whole "about to get married" mentality for myself but here's hoping!</span></div>The Binghamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09709623685048025786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820834326219752928.post-36057279705551754342011-05-05T15:30:00.009+02:002011-05-07T00:30:52.604+02:00Is This Really Necessary?<span style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; " class="Apple-style-span"><div><b><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal" class="Apple-style-span"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Unnecessary Item #1: Banana Slicer</span></b></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603229880307990274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1KYhm1ZmSKEN6hai9G1gZ2hpFSRv2_SVU1g8I_OVG7jcNq7Y5W0DuNa2maxjEE3B5MAv_nFqvCJZBrFm8NDJAi_Xgeu-wUlaOEjnnH-7jFS6HgGKcqCqTCl0RFAIETRKkIUYi5UIALo/s320/579478.jpg" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> I was unaware that slicing bananas had become so difficult. I'm trying to wrap my mind around this one. Apple corer? Practical. Potato peeler? Quite useful. But banana slicer? Really? You do realize that it's going to take you three times as long to clean that thing than if you'd just used a knife, right? I suppose for those of you who require your banana slices to be exact in size prior to falling into your cereal bowl, this is a God send. As for me, I'll stick with my knife or even....my teeth. Don't judge.<br /><br /></span><div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><div><b><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal;" class="Apple-style-span"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Unnecessary Item #2: The Voices Behind Sugarland</span></b></span></b></div></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXU6ylLnBUnWwOdVRANSiSOke2-xujEH-TOOq2iAsfIw1ntGTSQw9T7ssFp925M1aXBHU6HNtyPPB2BmAX8mHUcBLh0c6fXRyyYixIaPxZs6hoY-o8PeSfImEswbpo38lIww9Gna0kG2E/s1600/16227.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603229891815024162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXU6ylLnBUnWwOdVRANSiSOke2-xujEH-TOOq2iAsfIw1ntGTSQw9T7ssFp925M1aXBHU6HNtyPPB2BmAX8mHUcBLh0c6fXRyyYixIaPxZs6hoY-o8PeSfImEswbpo38lIww9Gna0kG2E/s320/16227.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)" class="Apple-style-span"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span><p style="MARGIN: 0px; FONT: 16px Georgia"><span style="LETTER-SPACING: 0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Did you know that I've never actually heard one of Sugarland's songs all the way through? And I enjoy my fair share of country music. But Sugarland? I'd rather stick my finger in the aforementioned banana slicer. Just make it stop. The overly fake twang has got to go. Every time I hear "Stuck Like Glue" come on the radio I honestly wish their lips were stuck together </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">with</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> glue.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span><p style="MARGIN: 0px; FONT: 16px Georgia"><span style="LETTER-SPACING: 0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><b><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal;" class="Apple-style-span"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Unnecessary Item #3: Fast and Furious 5</span></b></span></b></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span><p style="MARGIN: 0px; FONT: 16px Georgia"><span style="LETTER-SPACING: 0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-tja0R-7MFx6I9GuLatxzetKnBR5_gtA0bQ9NZU9-zHLjE3gjFlrV0XXQjunADD6jY23-slRZVntDR8DAWrysLCfCU4fqi4XCX75oXlzeE_WMWWIrw1OThuH6fM46Aj9Fe9kyjxqvPc/s1600/Fast-Five-movie-poster.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603229878379705874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-tja0R-7MFx6I9GuLatxzetKnBR5_gtA0bQ9NZU9-zHLjE3gjFlrV0XXQjunADD6jY23-slRZVntDR8DAWrysLCfCU4fqi4XCX75oXlzeE_WMWWIrw1OThuH6fM46Aj9Fe9kyjxqvPc/s320/Fast-Five-movie-poster.jpg" /></a></span></span></p></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Fast and Furious Five. Five. Cinco. One two three four FIVE!!! Vin, Paul....come on boys. Give it a rest. And why I am not surprised Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has jumped on board? From one sinking ship to another, I suppose. Oh dear.<br /></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><u><span style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none" class="Apple-style-span"><b><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal" class="Apple-style-span"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Unnecessary Item #4: Scotty McCreery Holding a Microphone</span></b></span></b></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXU6ylLnBUnWwOdVRANSiSOke2-xujEH-TOOq2iAsfIw1ntGTSQw9T7ssFp925M1aXBHU6HNtyPPB2BmAX8mHUcBLh0c6fXRyyYixIaPxZs6hoY-o8PeSfImEswbpo38lIww9Gna0kG2E/s1600/16227.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigyIGSWDPlrqxjE9vZldxm1pebcH03TSfCqwNAvRPYBaXtXtE7bBBXNRmLeNYoPphir5PiX2E3HENqNPo5C1KZb8sFp8fwVyIlPcbFWIUfJ0O3MPZb_2zxtCeDA_tcJjXO7jnIP4AS4eg/s1600/Scotty-McCreery_450-1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603229891520108882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigyIGSWDPlrqxjE9vZldxm1pebcH03TSfCqwNAvRPYBaXtXtE7bBBXNRmLeNYoPphir5PiX2E3HENqNPo5C1KZb8sFp8fwVyIlPcbFWIUfJ0O3MPZb_2zxtCeDA_tcJjXO7jnIP4AS4eg/s320/Scotty-McCreery_450-1.jpg" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I have yet to determine why this bothers me so. But it's annoying. You're not playing the clarinet Mr. McCreery, you're singing. And making funny expressions and pretending to be gangster. But that's irrelevant. I like his voice, don't get me wrong, but if I were to ever watch this young lad in concert I hope for everyone's sake that he's playing the guitar and not caressing the microphone.<br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span><div><u><span style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none" class="Apple-style-span"><b><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal" class="Apple-style-span"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Unnecessary Item #5: Pajama Jeans</span></b></span></b></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></u></b></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Ojo_m5EOSb1Sb6gmWfBOK5aRq0ZomqsAmdrVsQE8MSvNSfI-dp5wiMJ4SWsVcSWEeVLXz46yFIG4A3PZRT_xzSFqBslHTZF1COSgRZ3t4RIpM9cd9TtPUCBBkQag9nfGmft6N53nHm0/s1600/pajama-jeans.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603229882982319106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Ojo_m5EOSb1Sb6gmWfBOK5aRq0ZomqsAmdrVsQE8MSvNSfI-dp5wiMJ4SWsVcSWEeVLXz46yFIG4A3PZRT_xzSFqBslHTZF1COSgRZ3t4RIpM9cd9TtPUCBBkQag9nfGmft6N53nHm0/s320/pajama-jeans.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">They've done it folks! The search is over! Jeans you can wear to bed. Just what we always wanted. I know I've often thought to myself as I'm getting ready for bed that if I could just climb in without actually having to put on a different pair of pants, life would be soooo much easier. And I could even wake up the next morning and head straight to the grocery store and the gym without anyone ever knowing that I haven't changed my pants since yesterday. And the icing on the cake is that if I order now they'll include a gray crew neck T-shirt that I can keep if I don't like my new pajama jeans. But I don't see that happening. You know those tiny little pockets are going to make booties of all shapes and sizes look just fabulous. And "Casual Friday" is going to take on a whole new meaning. Well done pajama jean creators. Jean crisis averted.</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1KYhm1ZmSKEN6hai9G1gZ2hpFSRv2_SVU1g8I_OVG7jcNq7Y5W0DuNa2maxjEE3B5MAv_nFqvCJZBrFm8NDJAi_Xgeu-wUlaOEjnnH-7jFS6HgGKcqCqTCl0RFAIETRKkIUYi5UIALo/s1600/579478.jpg"></a></div></span></span>The Binghamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09709623685048025786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820834326219752928.post-26331860966447805092011-05-04T00:16:00.007+02:002011-05-05T17:42:53.774+02:00Butterscotch Castles<div style="text-align: left;">Do you ever wonder what life will be like for kiddos in the future? Yeah, me neither.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ok, not really. I do wonder and honestly it gives me the heebie jeebies when I really think about. I'm not talking about how much they'll pay in gas or if they'll have to wear SPF 175 to even walk outside. Just regular, everyday kid stuff. My hypothetical kids will never have the kind of childhood I had growing up. Whether that's good or bad, I'm not certain.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>After my last post I began reminiscing about what my childhood was really like. It all started with what I was doing the day of the Oklahoma City Bombing and from there my mind was flooded with memories.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Sidenote</b>: Apparently my memory of that fateful day was not as sharp as I thought; after talking with my mom she told me my sister and I had a doctors appointment at 9:30 am that morning. She was originally going to run downtown first to pay the OG&E bill (clearly pre-online bill pay days, well pre <i>online</i> days really) but was running late and decided she'd pay it later, which likely saved her life.</div><div><br /></div><div>But I digress. Back to the awesomeness of growing up on a cul de sac in northwest Oklahoma City.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I mentioned before, I went to Harvest Hills Elementary which meant one thing...I was sheltered. Every Friday morning we'd kick off the day singing about Butterscotch Castles and Laundry Land (a place where the occasional sock would disappear to). To all of my fellow Hawks out there, you know it's true.</div><div><br /></div><div>But the summers were the best and in great part to my dear old pal, Charlie. Charlie was my neighbor from kindergarten until after we graduated high school. When my family moved in right next door it took some time for him to realize that this 5 year old didn't have cooties and we could be friends. But after that we were best buds.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48f1KnAojntc7566RNwQqluoZAq1j7rsk_waIQEKai_ZKHfsk3kJo9eRfJkVEtsYNvoBoLW5nFaM6-OWc4uHkqAsnyGIVlgvKjplT-tisyJ9mTI9QDbrydWG5ZO8e2UP66-GJ8F7AAzE/s320/img914.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603255972603678658" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 272px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div>I have Charlie to thank for most of the trouble I got in during those early years. Like the time we dug that 6 foot hole in his backyard, covered it with his mom's new floor mats, then convinced the weird kid from around the corner to jump on the mat. Or when we learned what hairspray and a lighter would do to a shoe. Or the time we built a zip line around his backyard from the giant tree to the trampoline to the jungle gym which ultimately ended in the demise of that tree. Guess it wasn't as strong as we thought.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBlu3bv-SQCYwXXN5O0K2rYd8aXc0ZP_Bz7GWtDU8gYp4usr6IzyHWhDPHFNMf2tvgDCsQ0J9YFOHUPS4LSD1TQB4cXZIAGHB2c1DGIqoX7_RgdiO3D4xWh_LrixebhAlF5fmC21xmRk/s320/img829.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603255976367033298" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 308px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div>I remember the first time I said "damn it" Charlie threatened to tell my dad and I was terrified. I pulled weeds out of his mom's garden (his least favorite chore) for weeks to keep his lips sealed.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZI6IW7VKpYsorrm-vLncZJTb9crpxYLpshxklwDj43CAoGzsUjyGE3VTTx02kzd4Sn4PGqdHxQQIvlZWGYymfSH84zJJ0inxzdpXz0_l23zWzmNA7nbVkpLBGBFd3VXAdp_O4z8ydx8s/s320/img095.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603257058386913138" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 219px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div>I also have Charlie to thank for "teaching" me about the "birds and the bees" when I was in third grade. My mom thanks him, too. A few days following my little learning session I went into my parents' room where she was curling her hair and getting ready for my dad to come home from a long business trip. I matter-of-factly stated "you're going to have sex, aren't you?" Thanks for that one, old pal.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2XGYmaaue18CEY6tTr4Ihe-b_ZbTWA9CC6A_I0pOWPD2cWR8qHc1GRVqp28RF4A1vSGrtBPjafq4gZgFQR3Wmuteb6zzSRy6HOb6CioEk4KOryOFvG_xbc8wFbNwPZ23jq-nIWJbZ5Y/s320/img084.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603255981815412354" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 311px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><i>Playing football with Barry Sanders</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div>When school was out, we spent our summers outside from sun up until sun down. Everyone did. (Unless, of course, we were playing Nintendo. Not Super, not Nintendo 64, just Nintendo. You remember - the one that had the controller with only two buttons.) And it was nothing on those hot summer days for us to ride our bikes or walk down to the 7/11 most afternoons for a Slurpee. My hypothetical kids will NEVER get to do that. And do you know why? Because I watch way too much Law and Order: SVU, that's why.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnq5mntz4Einc93TjmkkaK75o2a_vbb8h7LuoxN-OOGZaoUnrX370qJunSOzarK0aF7deMg3QN9p0-nZl8CA5bOBDDKsccN1z2MdXNS799Rcs6WIJi2fQBSt0UgQ6fOo6e4C2GR1tD-o/s320/img070.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603257052121470338" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 252px; " /></span></div><div>But all in all my childhood was pretty picturesque. I could never win a show like American Idol for two reasons: 1) Most would rather hear a cat getting it's tail pulled than to hear me sing and 2.) I don't have a tragic childhood to fall back on to make me more interesting. Unless you consider singing about Butterscotch Castles tragic. Some do.</div>The Binghamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09709623685048025786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820834326219752928.post-54622810508165723792011-04-20T21:21:00.006+02:002011-04-20T23:53:50.262+02:00I Will Never Forget<div style="text-align: left;">I may claim Texas as "home" but I'm proud to say I grew up in Oklahoma.</div><div><br /></div>Yesterday marked the 16th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing. Sixteen years. It's hard to believe it was that long ago and yet I will always remember that day. I was ten years old sitting in art class at Harvest Hills Elementary. The room didn't shake and windows weren't blown out, it was nothing more than a distant boom. Like thunder. But shortly after the noise, I remember our teacher telling us that our field trip downtown had been cancelled. Little did we know...<div><div><br /></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwjfmvY6lHGDS8pZJiFBrV3vgrvdYziph_T_qo3lgirFW2o-a6mdIHtsduJ8F4Jh-JQ4GsoaBCJUAwVcBnjDZYe2k4aOwDR72vKYUqbv-ZMQAszTaebeAvlA28U4PLSFshMlmBnx1_T6E/s320/oklahoma+city+bombing.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597776962989526434" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 220px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMT17dpBfVSor07eUYPc024XWmFumQQBtir-yoYj6WxLIlZGJDVDZXExOoLD8IW1K1Y0LF54sMxj5BOy_eeHE8-sLDSf11Vux-G85SLEDu-qi7tGGj7g1NW1Tg0_CwUaz76UV4AsH0FIg/s320/oklahoma-city-bombing-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597777268857616434" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 252px; height: 320px; " /></span><div style="text-align: left;">One hundred sixty-eight people tragically lost their lives that day, 19 of which were children. It's difficult to fathom such violence and cruelty.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We all know other horrendous and devastating events have occurred since April 19th, 1995 but for Oklahoman's....this will be a day that we never forget.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"We come here to remember those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever. May all who leave here know the impact of violence. May this memorial offer comfort, strength, peace, hope, and serenity." </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">{Oklahoma City National Memorial}</span></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div>The Binghamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09709623685048025786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820834326219752928.post-89312854446727362472011-03-15T16:14:00.017+01:002011-03-15T21:24:51.560+01:00Procrastination....<div style="text-align: left;">Putting off until tomorrow what should have been done day before yesterday.</div><div><br /></div><div>Welcome to my world.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are pictures of my Christmas tree on my last post. Awesome.</div><div><br /></div><div>You know what else I noticed as I hopped on the internet this morning? The last search in my Google toolbar is "how to remove waterproof mascara from carpet." I think that gives you pretty good insight to how our weekend went. We have Stella to thank for that one. And to add insult to injury, after a good two hours of scrubbing, blotting, soaking, and vacuuming I soon realized my search <i>should</i> have been "will waterproof mascara make my dog sick?" because the answer is "yes." Black mascara dog vomit...also not fun or easy to clean up.</div><div><br /></div><div>But I forgive her because she does this...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7VZ4WrtDVnxg8fNWfVWNFh5Wd5bPAEATctYo7dX-6yl8xntXQfSrQZPCGEuyA7lkB8jL-qclOVhdz1MHsX4-qwRUszMwpDfZ-ctnDTYLYEVQ-JhP6Na6QeUgcr1JlytgselYqusWrFg/s1600/IMG_0203.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7VZ4WrtDVnxg8fNWfVWNFh5Wd5bPAEATctYo7dX-6yl8xntXQfSrQZPCGEuyA7lkB8jL-qclOVhdz1MHsX4-qwRUszMwpDfZ-ctnDTYLYEVQ-JhP6Na6QeUgcr1JlytgselYqusWrFg/s320/IMG_0203.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584335239076330194" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 242px; height: 320px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>If Brad and I are on separate floors, she will drag her bed to the middle...blanket and shredded stuffed animal in tow</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJhvOoEnijuVIzSVapR6S0tmfQg3GSd5izXPH-8CC4IZLwZl8At35nm8JXliUe9DL6nwtHz0z6z9CMlIiOgVPKgxARf4UDBnwMnAWzdfzAGlx2o7b3RMwOWL-QP5WR9l3bmRKW98vH3o/s1600/IMG_0199.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJhvOoEnijuVIzSVapR6S0tmfQg3GSd5izXPH-8CC4IZLwZl8At35nm8JXliUe9DL6nwtHz0z6z9CMlIiOgVPKgxARf4UDBnwMnAWzdfzAGlx2o7b3RMwOWL-QP5WR9l3bmRKW98vH3o/s320/IMG_0199.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584335242393325394" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 218px; height: 320px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Watching kiddos walk home from school</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_fTzxljwCccG-AqAS7gewDzBvYDck0wPvILWE1yUDHPJGnAQk5QPMuJQFo8mWx7Z1WHRwDv0EgClQ8zLrXkRgSL9GrMDWnBwXa7stlksAcJvCWRpfu4kGckvIQMqVAHXyaov3Vx7pwnc/s1600/IMG_0196.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_fTzxljwCccG-AqAS7gewDzBvYDck0wPvILWE1yUDHPJGnAQk5QPMuJQFo8mWx7Z1WHRwDv0EgClQ8zLrXkRgSL9GrMDWnBwXa7stlksAcJvCWRpfu4kGckvIQMqVAHXyaov3Vx7pwnc/s320/IMG_0196.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584335236363707810" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 292px; height: 320px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Nappin' on Daddy's Jeans</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7YCTchpfz3RL-fx9fcBogtLfM0S3W1biJIPkzmBez1zkHEbylCpbKlf9PZfyZwe7CrZ6Upgw5aGWPHGvRW-TAFbYFl_fS9DKdoFw4TOvEtmQhB9NcuLolKPF5Wpri-pBA0YWNJlsnyw/s1600/IMG_0190.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7YCTchpfz3RL-fx9fcBogtLfM0S3W1biJIPkzmBez1zkHEbylCpbKlf9PZfyZwe7CrZ6Upgw5aGWPHGvRW-TAFbYFl_fS9DKdoFw4TOvEtmQhB9NcuLolKPF5Wpri-pBA0YWNJlsnyw/s320/IMG_0190.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584335228934088690" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Presh.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJGHf4goA-J9KK83jGAhr-m-jnn3VRR4yYnyCWwWkJWDpeyUsuXWMeV1gsvxUR0FpMqqr2FMkepd61TV5i0PO80wvaKqUh2HjUm7aQ0892pGDyIax3wpT_UidLevcXS2GBQNlNxbcpi0/s1600/IMG_0189.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJGHf4goA-J9KK83jGAhr-m-jnn3VRR4yYnyCWwWkJWDpeyUsuXWMeV1gsvxUR0FpMqqr2FMkepd61TV5i0PO80wvaKqUh2HjUm7aQ0892pGDyIax3wpT_UidLevcXS2GBQNlNxbcpi0/s320/IMG_0189.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584335229418785362" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>She likes to fold the corner of her bed like a pillow.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>But not ten minutes after taking a picture like this I will come downstairs to this...</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1gbS7I1xZi28iwytfxb9uOqOz8dTVMeAjlXOSdtG0SZEZR8j8ehz692uY0gYfrwjzyOZYqPfuUVeThKgx7XdeK0g2LJAGZx0PzVRoDJjcA62rOT7qQvbSzTf4-LRQkahebKb8w_Mmzk/s320/IMG_0192.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584337857301188898" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A shredded loofah...typical. Look at that face. Rotten.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Now I'm sure you're all thinking "if she takes this many photos of her dog, she's going to be out of control when she has a child." Valid point. However, Stella <i>is</i> my child. And that's all I need, want and can handle at this point. She's built in birth control. Or as my German doctors called it - anti-baby medicine.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Anyway, so what else has happened lately? Well Super Bowl XLV pretty much took over my life (as well as the DFW Metroplex) for quite awhile there. I "moved in" to the Sheraton Dallas Hotel the Monday prior to the game and had one of the craziest, most exhausting yet exhilarating weeks of my life. Weird, I know but I actually loved being onsite. I rarely left our office on the 37th floor but from what I hear, the lobby of our hotel was THE place to see and be seen. Everyone from Cameron Diaz to The Situation. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We had our up's and down's throughout the week but overall the program went extremely well. The weather tried it's hardest to ruin everything with layer upon layer of ice but we fought through it. I think my favorite part of the entire week was our Super Bowling Party that was held at 300 Dallas. Coach Sean Payton along with about 15 other athletes were brought in to bowl with the group. It went off without a hitch, despite the weather, and I was beyond pleased with how our decor turned out...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgti1I9UuEH05aT7s17StgFPhj5FLInadhYDfG9wkZkDrBA6Uuc-ThKgIc9sZJ0tSzsZ61ieSfcSedUZqhz3tAz7eqLbziWkTVL0aEFBdNzmVh3K6tmQ9PHLT36o-838TlfYpMjdQ-x1DU/s1600/Outside+300.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgti1I9UuEH05aT7s17StgFPhj5FLInadhYDfG9wkZkDrBA6Uuc-ThKgIc9sZJ0tSzsZ61ieSfcSedUZqhz3tAz7eqLbziWkTVL0aEFBdNzmVh3K6tmQ9PHLT36o-838TlfYpMjdQ-x1DU/s320/Outside+300.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584348274520062770" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnm4Xxr5JIDaCc5FsTwPTCYl45BqY-UzVCVHHrBtUEh75U0pWx5BjKgpzdOqgWY3RdafRj9twjMfx-D_h-i6RNLtdar1rX6afdSm6ifQ5iDlrnLuZlHQHS6WVyMobvXEIieKEYdJ4Csc8/s1600/Bowling+Pin.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnm4Xxr5JIDaCc5FsTwPTCYl45BqY-UzVCVHHrBtUEh75U0pWx5BjKgpzdOqgWY3RdafRj9twjMfx-D_h-i6RNLtdar1rX6afdSm6ifQ5iDlrnLuZlHQHS6WVyMobvXEIieKEYdJ4Csc8/s1600/Bowling+Pin.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnm4Xxr5JIDaCc5FsTwPTCYl45BqY-UzVCVHHrBtUEh75U0pWx5BjKgpzdOqgWY3RdafRj9twjMfx-D_h-i6RNLtdar1rX6afdSm6ifQ5iDlrnLuZlHQHS6WVyMobvXEIieKEYdJ4Csc8/s1600/Bowling+Pin.jpg"></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQsR-fgu272VCFTL0MYM5FsYs61VEVoAZkSYx_-bIPn4zJbCrsWLbR8xOWYUShWvpTn598Mts4ipUaDxm7tM99NNuzWE4YsWNMXnMbr_XlsdgPBbyQy7h3qWmwnni3ecV7O7W8vmsdqM/s1600/Football.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQsR-fgu272VCFTL0MYM5FsYs61VEVoAZkSYx_-bIPn4zJbCrsWLbR8xOWYUShWvpTn598Mts4ipUaDxm7tM99NNuzWE4YsWNMXnMbr_XlsdgPBbyQy7h3qWmwnni3ecV7O7W8vmsdqM/s320/Football.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584349047740772402" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbDJ9F_nJtWY32dgYpU6aJ-hydqSWBh71wsc50Ir1v_hFdTxZRNi9GLBBjwW72rily3K0f9c8zIQ3W35Di9i2z7bLNA3deKcjgKXAksgj3DEhk-EwWzXs-e2pInG4uPYp0b08NupLVmA/s1600/Pin+and+Alley.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbDJ9F_nJtWY32dgYpU6aJ-hydqSWBh71wsc50Ir1v_hFdTxZRNi9GLBBjwW72rily3K0f9c8zIQ3W35Di9i2z7bLNA3deKcjgKXAksgj3DEhk-EwWzXs-e2pInG4uPYp0b08NupLVmA/s320/Pin+and+Alley.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584348870635015250" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhau_sSe43gmP2hdG-nzRpXpdd6BeVnEkgIZhtP6tL3-0Wnszt1dEboG3ymZjTF-U1ArrsANyu59eM3YrI8NbzrDSNxLuTyfgXdkadNrIh6PehQYlvhAIDlLnyv2dFD5l1fMSa8Fp44hyphenhypheng/s1600/Alley.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhau_sSe43gmP2hdG-nzRpXpdd6BeVnEkgIZhtP6tL3-0Wnszt1dEboG3ymZjTF-U1ArrsANyu59eM3YrI8NbzrDSNxLuTyfgXdkadNrIh6PehQYlvhAIDlLnyv2dFD5l1fMSa8Fp44hyphenhypheng/s320/Alley.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584347375648057698" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzqF2GVqg77bCU1qTxvuu4XtaGsvSjOB6llAQEqSCh7ydgV3U1AdMmyTXyzQx7bjX_DyijfEw1TDDeh_NOKgQWVCIndqM4EE-QtONtGkJLOKnezpUNjslMNPOEkZL3MzLivYO9B-WbCf4/s320/1178250644_3keT3-XL.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584349778718381666" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 222px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Another great event was the Pre-Game Chalk Talk that was held the morning of the Super Bowl. Our guests had the opportunity to hear the one and only Drew Brees discuss his experience in the Super Bowl. However about halfway through his talk, he spotted me from across the room....</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJVKAvHjO1Puv-Jt7gSBHJevDNO7DKYaY2xOP670y_W8FVbHwVHkD2lMxLy-at-FrDm-Ty2MTK2DbcGhLcgcJBA33ya4IrKH6-tGeHWSwd8qbGXQP0X7Wx8sX0_blNeqQciKNk6QJPKI/s1600/1179567887_7SBaL-XL.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJVKAvHjO1Puv-Jt7gSBHJevDNO7DKYaY2xOP670y_W8FVbHwVHkD2lMxLy-at-FrDm-Ty2MTK2DbcGhLcgcJBA33ya4IrKH6-tGeHWSwd8qbGXQP0X7Wx8sX0_blNeqQciKNk6QJPKI/s320/1179567887_7SBaL-XL.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584353153181915746" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 242px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">And he's all "how you doin?"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7hcNS9ZyPD3-Z1Z5IgyHTXEDnKI5HfT0CQyMblYPBPwoABKjubRPwnk3NbcnFYxfv9FX4LE8HE8_BQ62OEx2TYMgg2wuvLQEvS5BYKDGK9WQZmb-J-rzLe3AFqPqlDUNm9R-vpsHRDI/s320/1179566919_oAC3a-XL.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584353158511173842" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 306px; " /><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">And I'm like "Drew, how many times do I have to tell you? I'm a happily married woman."</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">And he's all "I don't understand why we can't be together."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-sY3ufcs7QsLJjcCD-_cc9482rTo1owEj7YPnOulIOeLpWqCvoZCRpb7V4i8In57w1wUiqAcKOjSHHN_PgIbc_U9QeP-e-ZUFWExRsPTMQmR8CCgKH1aU4X7-Fyo2dAljPuGnQ46maC4/s1600/1179567931_su2wh-XL.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-sY3ufcs7QsLJjcCD-_cc9482rTo1owEj7YPnOulIOeLpWqCvoZCRpb7V4i8In57w1wUiqAcKOjSHHN_PgIbc_U9QeP-e-ZUFWExRsPTMQmR8CCgKH1aU4X7-Fyo2dAljPuGnQ46maC4/s320/1179567931_su2wh-XL.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584353163963777762" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 241px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Then Babe Laufenberg interjects and is all "can we finish with the interview?"</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxsx1Nzml-xq1-tlqXe3wB15rNirReefabbYjJTEuKDBkp0KkimWijXl4QVms_VLnHb-rHUt1HC0UErPgms-BH_sIYfnkXba2coNFrn7go6urSLgslQpMUfxeCcidLlqvnqkgfayhpmrg/s1600/1179568536_NERyC-XL.jpg"></a></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_z5svAzTamxq9cllY27M-owcjqsmJyCoi6UV2GY5y7uPksUKxNKVh4QEdjLjXZbFTAu4TXh7YxRHzOZJHGBQfD66d4q6D5ZHquzG4GpH3VhNBw37VIYZVxBUm-84NHoKDRuKirLG8p4/s1600/1179566729_2GwWV-XL.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_z5svAzTamxq9cllY27M-owcjqsmJyCoi6UV2GY5y7uPksUKxNKVh4QEdjLjXZbFTAu4TXh7YxRHzOZJHGBQfD66d4q6D5ZHquzG4GpH3VhNBw37VIYZVxBUm-84NHoKDRuKirLG8p4/s320/1179566729_2GwWV-XL.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584353164274914978" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 241px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">And Drew is all "Jennifer, please don't go. Will you at least take a picture with me."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-sY3ufcs7QsLJjcCD-_cc9482rTo1owEj7YPnOulIOeLpWqCvoZCRpb7V4i8In57w1wUiqAcKOjSHHN_PgIbc_U9QeP-e-ZUFWExRsPTMQmR8CCgKH1aU4X7-Fyo2dAljPuGnQ46maC4/s1600/1179567931_su2wh-XL.jpg"></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxsx1Nzml-xq1-tlqXe3wB15rNirReefabbYjJTEuKDBkp0KkimWijXl4QVms_VLnHb-rHUt1HC0UErPgms-BH_sIYfnkXba2coNFrn7go6urSLgslQpMUfxeCcidLlqvnqkgfayhpmrg/s320/1179568536_NERyC-XL.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584353166462079666" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 265px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">And who can turn down a face like that? </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimINgADKwDxsxuUb3yVJ-UYwo5AyS8tlTiLeEvH5C65XPEKpx1GQf5uJC1vaYhyO6VpTIV9lOs0JJBIItfQxP115_qxpok3Po9K1EGpZfqiwji73sQlxzj97PzbkPbYbQkh-pTzcgRGCQ/s320/1179560553_Tt3yc-XL.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584353742989262034" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">You're welcome, Drew.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">So a few hours after that as we're putting our guests on the bus to head to the game, the whole Genesco crew is surprised with tickets of our own! That's right, I had an actual seat at the actual Super Bowl. Granted it was in a section that SHOULD have been deemed unsafe as the hand rails on the way up literally fell off, but hey, beggars can't be choosers.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Just after halftime I found myself dozing off. Cut me some slack. I was going off very little sleep and I could hardly even see the game...so I did what any girl would do in that situation - I pretended like I knew what I was doing and where I was going and marched my happy little booty to a suite where my friend was sitting. Worked like a charm. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">So that was my Super Bowl experience. And even after all the craziness and drama (that will go unmentioned for legal reasons) and lack of sleep...I would do it all again in a heartbeat.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">But that wasn't my only exciting "adventure" over the past month - our dear pal, Jim, came for a visit from Germany. While Jim has spent nearly the last decade abroad, he claims Wisconsin as home. But he "payked his bayg" (in my best Northern accent) for his first real adventure in Texas...which will soon be his new home. What better way to get a taste of Texas than the Professional Bull Riders Rodeo at Cowboys Stadium AND a Toby Keith concert?</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjv_Z61hD2YsdyKjIZEBy8IseoNg0DT7gtn4ZTrFEK2xG5bdQHOHIZ2qJJbPtTPp-nEc9ssazeY90D50O1utTV0HKg9gAQPnJsOX8FxW0oOFfVanUtRNw9HF94jXHOfeAU34_lhiKDtc0/s320/197674_10150163455215865_652310864_8464079_6783391_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584364907520341058" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">F</span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">its right in, wouldn't ya say?</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMo8_AFEdZl1w1LHIqn6pglhE4Pwc0mTmdF7khF8FUO4if_5qCT08MqeoBZgwhxuZN8QzHzZIJ4kJ6NhzA1rwJGkOFvDruLJFo-TRTT3tDxSy8VJdCyPeCdSJrTZFr9bB-n56USGhAIgw/s1600/188613_877081030592_17112226_44065005_8167261_n.jpg"></a></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWN84FJ4zdgBvIEKPfEiEg4NVp9tNkPuTHaGPhU7zkXsX8_r6r97UREDWotYa0PmqV3tu1wT9PUjX-N5oTfmIDybGJKoPOybwIja99jtd-4DvgvYsZS49QXpYpm5JpDGFRNYX7_TGwDQ/s1600/180974_877062542642_17112226_44064787_3758735_n.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWN84FJ4zdgBvIEKPfEiEg4NVp9tNkPuTHaGPhU7zkXsX8_r6r97UREDWotYa0PmqV3tu1wT9PUjX-N5oTfmIDybGJKoPOybwIja99jtd-4DvgvYsZS49QXpYpm5JpDGFRNYX7_TGwDQ/s320/180974_877062542642_17112226_44064787_3758735_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584364901882258146" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Micah, Jen and Amy...any excuse to wear our boots</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMo8_AFEdZl1w1LHIqn6pglhE4Pwc0mTmdF7khF8FUO4if_5qCT08MqeoBZgwhxuZN8QzHzZIJ4kJ6NhzA1rwJGkOFvDruLJFo-TRTT3tDxSy8VJdCyPeCdSJrTZFr9bB-n56USGhAIgw/s320/188613_877081030592_17112226_44065005_8167261_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584364907668504290" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; " /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">He put on a surprisingly good show!</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBtKcIEOou6oCJlJy-WMZ7ZDCC6f2lZ5Io1bHfBRCrBk-0-q0OnvFL_KaqBuXEhaS0y2qJjiw2NegHcJWBoY7nBzXZ01E5lrYBKSC3YGbcR_blIXT7Lcx399jKfxWfZo_tJpERqGyFnPk/s320/199821_10150163456375865_652310864_8464102_6179604_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584364913162070034" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">So did this guy</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQ2o8Cx0RSSbXZ3B8EgEIkRwnlKKMN2FQi4fM3umPMcyd5qpqxUzerd3Sdtsv8zG8LyMaQtha_JZhWF5kKswXf0Y5N9883kuLRbgRJ-6elVVSGYstAJ_fuRhSMBA7Pnhv8nk4gb-tLTo/s320/190365_877092462682_17112226_44065124_448263_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584364916252878962" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">This mullet was rather entertaining, as well. Although Jim pointing at it was probably not a good idea....that was a big man!</span></i></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></i></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">The week flew by but we all had a blast. We ventured down to Austin for a few days, we visited my grandparents in Bridgeport, dinner with my mom and Riley, showed Jim what </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">real</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> Mexican food is supposed to taste like, and did a little shopping. Overall, it was a successful trip and Texas is ready to have him back...for good.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">And there you have it. We're all caught up, for the most part. I have one mini-adventure to OKC to fill you in on....but I'm tired so it'll have to wait.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Until next time...</span></div></span></span></div>The Binghamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09709623685048025786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820834326219752928.post-84139577588169553732011-01-16T01:06:00.018+01:002011-01-16T04:59:47.485+01:00The Best Laid Plans...<div style="text-align: left;">...of mice and men often go awry.</div><div><br /></div>I love to blog. Even more so, I love hearing from friends and family that they follow my blog. So why is it that the past few months I've posted all of what? Two times? Fail.<div><br /></div><div>I make plans to post....just hasn't happened much lately.</div><div><br /></div><div>So Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and Happy Birthday to Brad and Happy Birthday to my mom. Bam! We're caught up.</div><div><br /></div><div>Even if it was almost an entire month ago, I can't <i>not </i>post pictures of Christmas. It was our first Christmas in our new house...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZX2qv8ugoZu8eVQN3nGVbp4hPw-Kg6VW7DO-uQMrYM2xA2DkHyTEZYntdhP7JrlD6U9GzTVk7aTVlcHX4Nmj9CLKznJXK4ixkK53Q4vDMnSJBCbWpNue9ZOkDno1iPDGaI3YmdOSHjXU/s1600/IMG_2694.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZX2qv8ugoZu8eVQN3nGVbp4hPw-Kg6VW7DO-uQMrYM2xA2DkHyTEZYntdhP7JrlD6U9GzTVk7aTVlcHX4Nmj9CLKznJXK4ixkK53Q4vDMnSJBCbWpNue9ZOkDno1iPDGaI3YmdOSHjXU/s320/IMG_2694.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562603116088660434" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBpcdb_J2eQwW9_665XVNYPs-jk7HvLSGnV4ctwk_BjtbnCPnmULY10_JxBpRHJEqe9HeWjVyny2ai9Kqiw5B2sbSZ3WNh9YvBTM4UgWzh8db8QYOI7mcxz0vBUxJl5XZHXD3bvRT7lk/s1600/IMG_2696.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBpcdb_J2eQwW9_665XVNYPs-jk7HvLSGnV4ctwk_BjtbnCPnmULY10_JxBpRHJEqe9HeWjVyny2ai9Kqiw5B2sbSZ3WNh9YvBTM4UgWzh8db8QYOI7mcxz0vBUxJl5XZHXD3bvRT7lk/s320/IMG_2696.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562602776371999906" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 208px; " /></a></div><div>And it was my mom and Riley's first year to have Christmas at their new house. A long time dream come true for my mom. She turned her house into something that belongs in a magazine. (I say "she" but Riley certainly did his fair share, too.)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7yFeFuv7Y6IWWGN_sOexM7QnuK1tOT1FMkEo-A2uyxPbXmPlENA79OI1CHsYg70reJhBjG56CDIfx2nbTRzzv0lERpogoW6TIzZM0qG3BAOta5wT-6vrE3QfzlE1G9Z20shkOsf7rds/s320/IMG_2828.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562617972769260978" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7NjAEFVLlVNABcsJ3YIEiGBO59PEBJ-gT3OhfWTU9D2UxGH7JSpmMHHgFu_aaGwQgixmCxU1rD8h3mujkHKKZVPpc7sS9yk4d7gM9wlbDiGckdTn1tTOkjzibN-HFp-HWcXI4URF8TUI/s1600/IMG_2706.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7NjAEFVLlVNABcsJ3YIEiGBO59PEBJ-gT3OhfWTU9D2UxGH7JSpmMHHgFu_aaGwQgixmCxU1rD8h3mujkHKKZVPpc7sS9yk4d7gM9wlbDiGckdTn1tTOkjzibN-HFp-HWcXI4URF8TUI/s320/IMG_2706.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562623562862783026" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>My mom's Christmas village</i></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmcSefgvYkRQhFg9SVamPFwYtI0J2M31yUpqZ9Ec6VH34GeBkKZI0mkY_NvDfGgctpS1lBkrUnJnXyhUTPIS9mU0n3CBCA2KN27DKhc8pAWLsPnXbGSQ7mmmsx6RNY1yk713dlsb8pilA/s1600/IMG_2703.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmcSefgvYkRQhFg9SVamPFwYtI0J2M31yUpqZ9Ec6VH34GeBkKZI0mkY_NvDfGgctpS1lBkrUnJnXyhUTPIS9mU0n3CBCA2KN27DKhc8pAWLsPnXbGSQ7mmmsx6RNY1yk713dlsb8pilA/s320/IMG_2703.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562623165893344290" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The little fishing village...how cool is this?</i></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXm545yHwFzqTyL-SehjwVoZ-9JYy516uFt_ftLFNlDkQcOPOuqiEOiqnvGuoHRQnMjorQtmiin1hGXpkCMV4d07giqNxC1MAGXtbcwnn2gdq6mdD7H3qwH9VDIf7iFrrKD2mKfbMBmM/s1600/IMG_2705.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXm545yHwFzqTyL-SehjwVoZ-9JYy516uFt_ftLFNlDkQcOPOuqiEOiqnvGuoHRQnMjorQtmiin1hGXpkCMV4d07giqNxC1MAGXtbcwnn2gdq6mdD7H3qwH9VDIf7iFrrKD2mKfbMBmM/s320/IMG_2705.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562623169844140018" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div>And the cherry on top was that we were all there.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hailey, Cody, and Liam drove down from Oklahoma...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuB6cShQiTxPIu36O4rQNL0I1KClskVcRzCEeB6AtleZM_u-IGK18H1fZP5z1nzBuNZdqd_mXxFSqODBJz93uvcZfNJH_wx2oHmkOVi2mc2Ft7fyzbojF9zuASFTV62YlJ5bWvFgnU_5o/s1600/163093_1476866972842_1568783679_30970391_6316066_n.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuB6cShQiTxPIu36O4rQNL0I1KClskVcRzCEeB6AtleZM_u-IGK18H1fZP5z1nzBuNZdqd_mXxFSqODBJz93uvcZfNJH_wx2oHmkOVi2mc2Ft7fyzbojF9zuASFTV62YlJ5bWvFgnU_5o/s320/163093_1476866972842_1568783679_30970391_6316066_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562605196603382098" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div>Lori, Mike, and Shiner flew in from Florida...</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZs-G_NpFefHTWkJSk1pbB-wKnPPH0g21r5MLIQB5n3HXWtkswuuTgZaesz79sWtycPpvEIYRUzdzFxIb5T9SyG5J8B7i6U4v-Ui7THlZy_AeWe-PH3nNtw5ZqN6bIW7icV2LfYYCmZ2M/s320/166895_1476884253274_1568783679_30970423_5299747_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562605200054216578" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div>Aunt Kelli and Joel joined us, too...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGv-uZdOMYkBcazTZGoHYCdXNFs26O2Ndxtxuq1T0THn3mJ_iHK0zqjK9AjiA9fpKirgx03rIjDmWFz_rYHJFuTX55tjqdUoWFLloJjGMMrYsS2qcCinbZ8oAIV3ppoyxYz2f-5VYujNs/s1600/162660_1476887413353_1568783679_30970434_5056336_n.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGv-uZdOMYkBcazTZGoHYCdXNFs26O2Ndxtxuq1T0THn3mJ_iHK0zqjK9AjiA9fpKirgx03rIjDmWFz_rYHJFuTX55tjqdUoWFLloJjGMMrYsS2qcCinbZ8oAIV3ppoyxYz2f-5VYujNs/s320/162660_1476887413353_1568783679_30970434_5056336_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562601584762428354" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXODgJ9lUlliKtcdAEvhaaBo3vZMrGUE2pl0SyAskF1uINa6DyR4KhGxCHf4rWaa_DU-vgQ80K18GlpmCDzsiqwKylfe9CjXIQ9dSB0GFS17L9XwL_fk5Nu38kRZRICS-BIBAW87fGUQ/s320/166860_498216757776_509102776_5607251_7985520_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562602758316309506" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 266px; " /></span></span></div></div><div>And of course, us and the pup...</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHit1GlkXXWljQe1uZzDqrtcLJC4idOG-YMgasy9N5teLb-JOLo3a4EG6Qhk9i-_IJavtbmx_RkL1UTyV58Qvp5sLDd_apGQelGFaFoAYHpMT_o5s2wgtIKsKyALFoW6P3trEyTszWLA4/s320/IMG_2779.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562617967476325458" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div></span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnm3pKMRwr7vbiNbm08W5_T-P369COwgnEro_MdIq4jZU0uZcXBJxkBBr7w-o5f-SWscCTRXqqJuUcdxJcgZcz3mY52bSdEalL_RYBul1X-R3RxYpMBcuOI6ScHgkadWFcUXInz6TVfU/s320/IMG_2839.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562623565688786754" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></div><div>We even got in a little time with the Gonzales clan...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjivEbxbJvy8ClpdBtetCsgHPZcxPN59Y4S_JGOxVgRxn-hu5-lOmraHZzUVTt9x9zYCdJ4KTiFzlHSuxjrWqvk3dBJNcyXiy0AVm3qCOtkQLdjHtHajlG92aaEa40qXC6jOzM0KsfVLoA/s1600/167410_498213597776_509102776_5607136_7878617_n.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjivEbxbJvy8ClpdBtetCsgHPZcxPN59Y4S_JGOxVgRxn-hu5-lOmraHZzUVTt9x9zYCdJ4KTiFzlHSuxjrWqvk3dBJNcyXiy0AVm3qCOtkQLdjHtHajlG92aaEa40qXC6jOzM0KsfVLoA/s320/167410_498213597776_509102776_5607136_7878617_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562602765210169026" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 315px; " /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFGA7IjwaoaCy5hfgqkLyIuBAbRny1jO8oYeSOyw6bioSZCW0-eP3ewHYWJUWircdq8urchLWAiKwtffhs08ZhQJHONPYkd2G_X5dMzRs87Tpa4cugR44WWAVL8A_EhKfI_oavwp2X_o/s1600/164700_498216922776_509102776_5607261_2429332_n.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFGA7IjwaoaCy5hfgqkLyIuBAbRny1jO8oYeSOyw6bioSZCW0-eP3ewHYWJUWircdq8urchLWAiKwtffhs08ZhQJHONPYkd2G_X5dMzRs87Tpa4cugR44WWAVL8A_EhKfI_oavwp2X_o/s320/164700_498216922776_509102776_5607261_2429332_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562602756497255506" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNMEE43JOXEBaaWK7usGqHBuF0SQhyphenhyphenA_64WW_Ioind_NXUDetTPDqnZ3WcD7Ju3DBpiIoFjyyfqADJ91PzHmC0S05HCZkY_HkAa9c4oy4GLuAdZIQMNC6N7i4KLdLjD6XnC9iE_nYl00/s1600/167983_498217002776_509102776_5607266_1885991_n.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNMEE43JOXEBaaWK7usGqHBuF0SQhyphenhyphenA_64WW_Ioind_NXUDetTPDqnZ3WcD7Ju3DBpiIoFjyyfqADJ91PzHmC0S05HCZkY_HkAa9c4oy4GLuAdZIQMNC6N7i4KLdLjD6XnC9iE_nYl00/s320/167983_498217002776_509102776_5607266_1885991_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562601918565444498" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px; " /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5YQPUhL7n_DYYVBUqITvk_2tIY0sc6J7ssuMzjmBL7-fsg0OHlKKO_HYO7vW4j623AUpMmof8Ibuh54elkhO9XxpyYbll7iL4ZO6gBdzqnXFlf-vU6qnLClck5lCzzQ1smjz5aE2lgM/s1600/164517_498217142776_509102776_5607273_5195060_n.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5YQPUhL7n_DYYVBUqITvk_2tIY0sc6J7ssuMzjmBL7-fsg0OHlKKO_HYO7vW4j623AUpMmof8Ibuh54elkhO9XxpyYbll7iL4ZO6gBdzqnXFlf-vU6qnLClck5lCzzQ1smjz5aE2lgM/s320/164517_498217142776_509102776_5607273_5195060_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562601914877303378" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 226px; " /></a></div><div>It was a fantastic Christmas with family...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTYadL1Q7dxObazwwHTtzatzUBytT6ppp9BrRkSw2r-WUyvV6TCQOKa3OES9cCVrZjCUVWUnEhiXsZIpOeRcBXbn7XgoAizxYlosuskLLuOg-mI0CPvSIFz4gLjwpHGnouToGAit1pHM/s1600/168572_1476868212873_1568783679_30970400_2257633_n.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTYadL1Q7dxObazwwHTtzatzUBytT6ppp9BrRkSw2r-WUyvV6TCQOKa3OES9cCVrZjCUVWUnEhiXsZIpOeRcBXbn7XgoAizxYlosuskLLuOg-mI0CPvSIFz4gLjwpHGnouToGAit1pHM/s320/168572_1476868212873_1568783679_30970400_2257633_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562601909939037938" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5-y7FqZR5zBSazaH6td2tKx85TD4ng7HdC58owr7qhRk053_tP9IgG6aIFnANacOMg22DYJbk6Scj18aaskVDC8twf97lR530PS5GKq-kuCZ_9c4lRUc7d0XAXF1TeSNpiCeHIULqOY/s1600/167222_1476874893040_1568783679_30970404_5004875_n.jpg"></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5-y7FqZR5zBSazaH6td2tKx85TD4ng7HdC58owr7qhRk053_tP9IgG6aIFnANacOMg22DYJbk6Scj18aaskVDC8twf97lR530PS5GKq-kuCZ_9c4lRUc7d0XAXF1TeSNpiCeHIULqOY/s1600/167222_1476874893040_1568783679_30970404_5004875_n.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5-y7FqZR5zBSazaH6td2tKx85TD4ng7HdC58owr7qhRk053_tP9IgG6aIFnANacOMg22DYJbk6Scj18aaskVDC8twf97lR530PS5GKq-kuCZ_9c4lRUc7d0XAXF1TeSNpiCeHIULqOY/s320/167222_1476874893040_1568783679_30970404_5004875_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562601905696698642" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><i><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>The boys did the dishes...Merry Christmas to me</i>!</span></div></i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFOyQp6iJukbQFySxjcn8geF8KkO8G-h60hbFbHEFOpYp2EvaIsgz_NleYzsDkByqd14ioyT284UDkkfYi9k-8A6HVTFYxLSBH9SX8fT8m_54RLEnGCGduPJnlu-Eth1YyaJsgWTBIz6E/s1600/IMG_2748.JPG"></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFOyQp6iJukbQFySxjcn8geF8KkO8G-h60hbFbHEFOpYp2EvaIsgz_NleYzsDkByqd14ioyT284UDkkfYi9k-8A6HVTFYxLSBH9SX8fT8m_54RLEnGCGduPJnlu-Eth1YyaJsgWTBIz6E/s1600/IMG_2748.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFOyQp6iJukbQFySxjcn8geF8KkO8G-h60hbFbHEFOpYp2EvaIsgz_NleYzsDkByqd14ioyT284UDkkfYi9k-8A6HVTFYxLSBH9SX8fT8m_54RLEnGCGduPJnlu-Eth1YyaJsgWTBIz6E/s320/IMG_2748.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562619819098932674" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 221px; " /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Aren't they adorable? A little impromptu dancing...</i></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-fKfBZJgcYSXAh7YXM4D4r-V8CUgMnLPtttXaR-5FioHTepEyLxtrHR__l_Vbrttd6_f7-4NbhdbuoRJJl2k_xjNlaffhV6__T-v7i3VZz5NUGQiEAas4Z5xPARWuX__qbvPomgKScs/s1600/IMG_2740.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-fKfBZJgcYSXAh7YXM4D4r-V8CUgMnLPtttXaR-5FioHTepEyLxtrHR__l_Vbrttd6_f7-4NbhdbuoRJJl2k_xjNlaffhV6__T-v7i3VZz5NUGQiEAas4Z5xPARWuX__qbvPomgKScs/s320/IMG_2740.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562619813112033474" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 230px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>An "A" for effort on the bow, honey</i></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxIT9pB5NhpRGpEVhTncWnQFZemVw_s_4lq3zK6LrTew7wyk7pSyLCf0pVx-POaCMMnXWEX0LqKV5RiGAKNaQ-yGWHBGuf4tORJGaZJt2o9AOIJZ6j-RaaaKLYicYMFef_i9IsYxb_6k/s1600/IMG_2806.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxIT9pB5NhpRGpEVhTncWnQFZemVw_s_4lq3zK6LrTew7wyk7pSyLCf0pVx-POaCMMnXWEX0LqKV5RiGAKNaQ-yGWHBGuf4tORJGaZJt2o9AOIJZ6j-RaaaKLYicYMFef_i9IsYxb_6k/s320/IMG_2806.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562625736486892178" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 234px; height: 320px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Brad brought his favorite pjs</i></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjQsdYmtw0_IUzfmKa05jtK_2fZ2CfVFkyNpD-c9PkeK44TIVCfcRUIddUg_uS3EWU78cUtLg39JuxE_tausjJuPyyv_v5hu1_0ST0S6DG_QjOFAUfXf3uMy_6TVzyLLTP8w8OCEDvVE/s1600/IMG_2787.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjQsdYmtw0_IUzfmKa05jtK_2fZ2CfVFkyNpD-c9PkeK44TIVCfcRUIddUg_uS3EWU78cUtLg39JuxE_tausjJuPyyv_v5hu1_0ST0S6DG_QjOFAUfXf3uMy_6TVzyLLTP8w8OCEDvVE/s320/IMG_2787.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562625732611680770" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 211px; height: 320px; " /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLR7G380i_udG9Jt6oVZskNqYBRfcG14OL4ffUXERN3UQrWFyWFuQhCDYVT1RhSSA4xbqOV4HmUYJQ3BdwI8NTpO5hY-oHELW_wZmm4jOcTTck5Wl6T4WcEkZeGXIuTJuXbRRmRFGkGo/s1600/IMG_2728.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLR7G380i_udG9Jt6oVZskNqYBRfcG14OL4ffUXERN3UQrWFyWFuQhCDYVT1RhSSA4xbqOV4HmUYJQ3BdwI8NTpO5hY-oHELW_wZmm4jOcTTck5Wl6T4WcEkZeGXIuTJuXbRRmRFGkGo/s320/IMG_2728.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562619809458393506" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 210px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This face just kills me...so stinkin cute!</i></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKNn7bHRi6TVWHsTxeN8d4BfLyw7lBXi1DQMP_kyYHbgW59VxIeOs_XDb6IO8Ddqd9Zqzvhoy6scEeanJquHnPbBRtSc09w-kLVOIFZr196NshS_ry_nlPr69wd2N-UvrWrce1kDT7dU/s1600/169048_1476890493430_1568783679_30970443_2380798_n.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKNn7bHRi6TVWHsTxeN8d4BfLyw7lBXi1DQMP_kyYHbgW59VxIeOs_XDb6IO8Ddqd9Zqzvhoy6scEeanJquHnPbBRtSc09w-kLVOIFZr196NshS_ry_nlPr69wd2N-UvrWrce1kDT7dU/s320/169048_1476890493430_1568783679_30970443_2380798_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562601907679405938" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGv-uZdOMYkBcazTZGoHYCdXNFs26O2Ndxtxuq1T0THn3mJ_iHK0zqjK9AjiA9fpKirgx03rIjDmWFz_rYHJFuTX55tjqdUoWFLloJjGMMrYsS2qcCinbZ8oAIV3ppoyxYz2f-5VYujNs/s1600/162660_1476887413353_1568783679_30970434_5056336_n.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1LGj5ibOjDTAI89oYKwr0dh5jVjUWDAGFJoGVg7Ydrs5Y40umXykqxsvZkJmLtZPj9vsqFSxsi1BTJHtB0S2si5ePZfEeqKYXI4IAkdgn8YajxWCVhfYPu3xiiiLELagLWsbkDkxC9Q/s1600/166137_1476888573382_1568783679_30970438_6103852_n.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1LGj5ibOjDTAI89oYKwr0dh5jVjUWDAGFJoGVg7Ydrs5Y40umXykqxsvZkJmLtZPj9vsqFSxsi1BTJHtB0S2si5ePZfEeqKYXI4IAkdgn8YajxWCVhfYPu3xiiiLELagLWsbkDkxC9Q/s320/166137_1476888573382_1568783679_30970438_6103852_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562601581675378578" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoNFPdceOOgDkhKE46sz7g48o92FQpoLsYsCEM5bs4Vzao9y4bE4hgxRkMvDxRvyIEYc90HWT9FjcPiyuo5Z3aVUwfLlcfnnkbR5R9x0gGzVNmLjV44USQWYxvKvTLXVk7pNhTKdrx07g/s320/165380_498217057776_509102776_5607269_3861287_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562602752863458098" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 245px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A little smooch for Stella</i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDKjc_kJ-G7uSA0V5XSnqWxcmBsIzFcPX3ngrmGOIAVQxSJIgvIebDLrmqqjdtGSiq2dYYWH5KaFFKAw12Hsd3aHY_t5OTQkhaAb-Q9p-filru10XyA2h7nWYOpJNcnYRbN9jf8Rifng/s1600/164313_1476889133396_1568783679_30970439_577997_n.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDKjc_kJ-G7uSA0V5XSnqWxcmBsIzFcPX3ngrmGOIAVQxSJIgvIebDLrmqqjdtGSiq2dYYWH5KaFFKAw12Hsd3aHY_t5OTQkhaAb-Q9p-filru10XyA2h7nWYOpJNcnYRbN9jf8Rifng/s320/164313_1476889133396_1568783679_30970439_577997_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562601576314856098" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WnVn3fyTl2IwwGx80Lqo50RSsjjzCy5SIle5OR4hy0PGgMbTGHJpyEbCgw9wc_CdqdMdVv5oejWzUyeaaZCG_TJBQ99moSr07ektPdNs_Fy_FjSUzzR7kNV1BOlGDNJ79Tg8-6vOg1I/s1600/168441_1476884613283_1568783679_30970424_5760008_n.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WnVn3fyTl2IwwGx80Lqo50RSsjjzCy5SIle5OR4hy0PGgMbTGHJpyEbCgw9wc_CdqdMdVv5oejWzUyeaaZCG_TJBQ99moSr07ektPdNs_Fy_FjSUzzR7kNV1BOlGDNJ79Tg8-6vOg1I/s320/168441_1476884613283_1568783679_30970424_5760008_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562601574109751186" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><i>Cousins</i></span></span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbl7dKovyCXCrVPnKdcVi7DiOisd0hLDOw5PpuTe6_NlGr65g7eLN1xdTHUfTktU6D3m31OjTPXG3AcI1_P_lsUJZr7s1NYZ72KM3HIfZQ20Ko0XhSF8d7KkDnP1UkL__cgyU8-WarWE/s320/IMG_2756.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562617961704338898" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 192px; " /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoy1qOukvrFHUr921r1SA0OTtVcVrJwQF0NG0avXGcTSroNP4RuZJGWH3L-101eZmqgYSMRVC6j6gBKBLTJkIrjsK9Ddndc_vDcPLF6IRQvL75_u_mm2xguSz5E4zFtCx7dQNUZC3E3c/s1600/165618_1476889493405_1568783679_30970440_2546876_n.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoy1qOukvrFHUr921r1SA0OTtVcVrJwQF0NG0avXGcTSroNP4RuZJGWH3L-101eZmqgYSMRVC6j6gBKBLTJkIrjsK9Ddndc_vDcPLF6IRQvL75_u_mm2xguSz5E4zFtCx7dQNUZC3E3c/s320/165618_1476889493405_1568783679_30970440_2546876_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562601575776729794" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: left;">I was so grateful that things worked out the way they did this year. It's always hard to get to see everyone around the holidays but we got pretty lucky. We spent the weekend before Christmas visiting Grandma and Grandpa Beneke then Ma Ma Bingham. My dad and Carmen drove down the Monday before just so we could have dinner together and enjoy a mini Christmas. We spent Christmas weekend at my Mom and Riley's house. Then Debby, Dennis, and Stephanie stopped by on their way through town and we were able to enjoy dinner and another mini Christmas with them. Unfortunately, I don't have pictures of <i>any</i> of this which I'm kicking myself for...but we'll always have the memories.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>It was nice reminiscing about where we were just <a href="http://adventuresofthebinghams.blogspot.com/2010/01/very-married-christmas.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">one year before...</span></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We celebrated Brad's birthday with a bunch of friends on the 30th and had them all over to our place again the following night to ring in the New Year. I have no pictures to show of this. But believe me, it happened.</div><div><br /></div><div>And I woke up New Year's Day with a viral sinus infection which knocked me on my butt for almost two weeks. But that's not an exciting story.</div><div><br /></div><div>What <i><b>is</b></i> an exciting story is that I'm working again. I started the middle of December and I'm only contracted through the Super Bowl but so far I'm loving it. It's with a sports marketing consulting agency and I'm working on a program for Verizon. It's Verizon's first year as an official Super Bowl sponsor and I'm working with a small team to plan their events leading up to the big game. The parties and dinners, the athlete appearances, the schnazzy give-aways...it's old hat for some people but I still find it thrilling to be a part of. We'll see what the future holds.</div><div><br /></div><div>With that said, life is about to get crazy busy until after Super Bowl Sunday. Who know's if there will be another post until after February 6th. But at least I'm telling you now, right? Who knows, maybe Bradley will grace us with his "presence" and do a little posting on our behalf. I wouldn't hold my breath though.</div><div><br /></div><div>Until next time...</div>The Binghamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09709623685048025786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820834326219752928.post-26421101719011751402010-12-14T16:11:00.009+01:002010-12-14T20:42:44.958+01:00Giving Thanks...Better Late Than Never<div style="text-align: left;">You know when life just gets really slow and boring and there's really not a lot to talk about? Well, that's what has happened to me...thus the reason for no blog updates lately. Just nothing to talk about.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not buying it? I wouldn't either.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let's get caught up, shall we? Is it sad I had to look through my camera just to remember what all has happened lately? What a blur...and not because copious amounts of wine were involved.</div><div><br /></div><div>We spent Thanksgiving in Oklahoma this year and it was wonderful. Brad and I are going to try this thing were we actually enjoy the holidays with our families. This means slowing down and not driving to six different locations throughout Oklahoma and Texas. It'll be a tradeoff each year. So far, I think it's a great plan. </div><div><br /></div><div>Back to Thanksgiving...time for pictures!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnpfr0RDcD3dbGohUZ8w-fwRqP9OeeFULoJbOxzXnUAdm9HfI_9JqZsB3CWWS66Y9e5R0h3v9-XM38uYSg5BIn4Oanflby_wyFUtv2OZxR3TPAVUQXXEuWn7Ju9KDkFtb-GvUg4EigHcs/s320/IMG_2654.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550572472895262530" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>My lovely mother in law and darling sister in law</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(Don't we look cute in our gray and black?) </i></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzRK97xp1xZ2T3EyYU7xm0HSCGc_QyK3wf183LE8HdPoHYgGyaUHPtxrti3dYAlK-VHHvs4Tm9HopNDoaf_11L4-Pi5xnWHvDmO-0I2cUoVApjY9-p-5n8bJpSL_BRlPC59YqJMN30nic/s320/IMG_2646.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550570621521358722" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Making Bourbon Sweet Potatoes </span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">(don't mind that pitcher of mimosas sitting there)</span></i></div><div><br /></div></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3c6glry3rEpOiIESxdpf9hJf5LbOJpaN5r7p4IIushyphenhyphenZ3Vc66NCosNbkeGKJcc4TxxcrCe2ORLLyqzK0l5dXrYW5ayaW50flK2sFfSO2FZkgmlkrPf9AObJYoNSrKAUCxzKRFRX5M_M/s1600/IMG_2641.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3c6glry3rEpOiIESxdpf9hJf5LbOJpaN5r7p4IIushyphenhyphenZ3Vc66NCosNbkeGKJcc4TxxcrCe2ORLLyqzK0l5dXrYW5ayaW50flK2sFfSO2FZkgmlkrPf9AObJYoNSrKAUCxzKRFRX5M_M/s320/IMG_2641.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550570615384968626" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">My Handsome Helper</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY01RcI1bTgPQVQ89p4m2ZKaWM-QbR5oS1uD9M718m_gXkVXJFyPBPEo24IgTfGIhzlkzO4wLJQvPh-HYuNeDWw4snpo6QU7ZqMf0Qjnnxgxgd94vIq_h7NKpqu1dKU9TSZK_6Awt9IYM/s320/IMG_2658.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550572475823396594" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>Time to eat!</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULjeajRu32pEFuCxoeKjXYcROIYNAOra7SEG5XeM7Bpcna0IbIMnMXaDU6kTtdeWQB6-80e7vQz-RkU6WwqYqZwAn_hiSjU8l9yjRFoZkyYuG5cDijuX5eHscNHqNTGRFCn21XmGtqe0/s1600/IMG_2659.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULjeajRu32pEFuCxoeKjXYcROIYNAOra7SEG5XeM7Bpcna0IbIMnMXaDU6kTtdeWQB6-80e7vQz-RkU6WwqYqZwAn_hiSjU8l9yjRFoZkyYuG5cDijuX5eHscNHqNTGRFCn21XmGtqe0/s320/IMG_2659.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550572483104362290" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Let's not forget the "kiddie" table</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Stella was in the giving spirit. She was giving Charley hell when it came to sharing toys. </span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdTGTKX-BSdSyFcXULPYiz_y3yMRJxjq-LhBsF8TscGgQKmTK6HCMIj8RuqANZhBddgPSAZjjYMaE10ZO2uX7B-u38b4lk4V-s7igfMw9awuDBMqyePU0oNoMq9189ybjBP_1OiDuEUc/s1600/IMG_2640.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdTGTKX-BSdSyFcXULPYiz_y3yMRJxjq-LhBsF8TscGgQKmTK6HCMIj8RuqANZhBddgPSAZjjYMaE10ZO2uX7B-u38b4lk4V-s7igfMw9awuDBMqyePU0oNoMq9189ybjBP_1OiDuEUc/s320/IMG_2640.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550570607965580338" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8j86HjHObYGfJ7cmy4qF8ObinsyqExAS5yN_b6bCdHdCd1DYrRfx3JPimYY1dMgVwnyzAcx0y-yMWTL6m2_mxZuid04GFx7XSUoX203Q4mvwNRKGEJ8hqyhhP4cbHiMqqKsRfgKUklvw/s320/IMG_2660.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550574613246062322" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><i>The Aftermath of Thanksgiving Dinner</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">The following Saturday was BEDLAM! And we were pumped. This was a huge game for both OSU and OU and there was only one way to get the day started off right...Orange Pancakes. If you haven't had them, you're missing out. They are a staple in the Bingham household on gameday. That and mimosas...we had to keep the orange theme going.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjHlbXL20MFxkqDQDiEWOEu_rZbm2hAbjaFimJ0mChuqvnI3Cgo9nHGyQbGxcUqq8Vx0V2qN0MWuSqjWvkH8B3ij0aWUiyFbKt0btxojGO6C8fThr8YgDmnlCiGoVv04orLriELgCCito/s1600/IMG_2675.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjHlbXL20MFxkqDQDiEWOEu_rZbm2hAbjaFimJ0mChuqvnI3Cgo9nHGyQbGxcUqq8Vx0V2qN0MWuSqjWvkH8B3ij0aWUiyFbKt0btxojGO6C8fThr8YgDmnlCiGoVv04orLriELgCCito/s320/IMG_2675.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550574617370542770" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div></span></i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsf1X8GrMWrAB99u0weq5dUVJH57jZAw5P86SE2I_N9v1TKUIzSYVqruDNnHxWQKeV5dCAuKkv5ZpEgqLpx5bPBQjDrfmdX1XU2-uXdw8e-0DV1eM1lsYow8wDdk2_JtdGF_CRrgI1V5w/s1600/IMG_2676.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsf1X8GrMWrAB99u0weq5dUVJH57jZAw5P86SE2I_N9v1TKUIzSYVqruDNnHxWQKeV5dCAuKkv5ZpEgqLpx5bPBQjDrfmdX1XU2-uXdw8e-0DV1eM1lsYow8wDdk2_JtdGF_CRrgI1V5w/s320/IMG_2676.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550574619818069010" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 235px; " /></a><i>Fellow tailgaters heading north on I35</i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjHlbXL20MFxkqDQDiEWOEu_rZbm2hAbjaFimJ0mChuqvnI3Cgo9nHGyQbGxcUqq8Vx0V2qN0MWuSqjWvkH8B3ij0aWUiyFbKt0btxojGO6C8fThr8YgDmnlCiGoVv04orLriELgCCito/s1600/IMG_2675.JPG"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div>We got lucky this year for Bedlam and had a night game. Which meant an <span style="font-weight:bold;">entire</span> day full of tailgating.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwF6diqgobbp4iurN9dlTVabRiTpZgj-Y0V3m9nIaetZUfSpLS9XJIwUlgnIHngttGBhLJtLj1LU5aY_Q-kvYUQDNcMm7nbDI_JRTuXfdJmrHcBq9ZpKAQNtNLsZfWWmJFle-emM2TTpM/s1600/IMG_2680.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwF6diqgobbp4iurN9dlTVabRiTpZgj-Y0V3m9nIaetZUfSpLS9XJIwUlgnIHngttGBhLJtLj1LU5aY_Q-kvYUQDNcMm7nbDI_JRTuXfdJmrHcBq9ZpKAQNtNLsZfWWmJFle-emM2TTpM/s320/IMG_2680.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550576781809934594" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 221px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Brats, burgers, chicken...she did it all</i>. Delish!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFsLUZxiWBSzS6-MFZLCP0qF14uVu8WGv4lyLRZqG_Sbck-vxKrqs9vsJ7k3XcI34sb29mGVGhTbjjUZiZxcxxNMPBQPulxq4IZ8XOrNNH-AHhmHVMwtbdyrpyv9BCPEqc6KPCz0GshY/s320/IMG_2677.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550576770785173762" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 219px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A little Jenga action...always entertaining.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Let's take a moment to stop and look at that last picture once more. You may notice this:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfewpRlj-2NGQYsILA7PX3-Z9tjGacigXrrMxMtyzGUAricpogvgNaRBxTxpWe6MwXy7Rb0uoD0-_bxidSFGMVQGhDIma4-Fxor5AzP7lGCmBbYmOdryfFgGw49pldorZnP1bT6YZ_vDw/s1600/IMG_2677_2.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfewpRlj-2NGQYsILA7PX3-Z9tjGacigXrrMxMtyzGUAricpogvgNaRBxTxpWe6MwXy7Rb0uoD0-_bxidSFGMVQGhDIma4-Fxor5AzP7lGCmBbYmOdryfFgGw49pldorZnP1bT6YZ_vDw/s320/IMG_2677_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550576772011905554" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 320px; " /></a>I have no words.</div><div><br /></div><div>The game was certainly exciting but the outcome was not exactly what we were hoping for...so we're going to skip that part.</div><div><br /></div><div>The following morning we met my parents and grandparents for a beautiful (and tasty) brunch at Bellini's in Oklahoma City. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmuQ3l7Js0wn-zmtlsa7cV6Z1NYoEVQK-dUXUzqkxDxZxjSYCLZx6Fd0WfcXCwBZ2a_1Cb2mJYzG3Q4cnSt6dRZYVx1QByviudsNKFHONYG50s8YuGiNjdHmOW_HK1bPSaGWQQjh4k78s/s320/IMG_2683.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550576786134180882" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>From left: Baby Liam, Hailey, Grandmother, Granddad, Carmen, Dad, Brad, me, Mom, and Riley</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">We spent the afternoon catching up with my grandparents, Dad, and Carmen before hitting the road back Dallas. We had a big Monday ahead of us. The day had finally arrived and we were closing on our new house. After 98 days in hotels, we were about to be in our very own place...</div>The Binghamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09709623685048025786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820834326219752928.post-17751781487578009112010-11-08T22:20:00.004+01:002010-11-08T23:04:10.210+01:00TheLaska....Part Three<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15.8333px; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15.8333px; ">Time to wrap up our amazing trip to Alaska...</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15.8333px; "></span>5/15/2006</div><div>I'm back on a plane leaving the greatest trip ever! My days are all mixed up because we haven't actually slept yet (except for a few minutes on the flight from Anchorage to LA) plus we had a pretty busy day yesterday. Scott and Mindi made us eggs and french toast for breakfast then we packed up lunches and drove out to some "moderate" hiking trail. Moderate according to whom? It ended up being somewhat difficult and we might have made it to the top if it weren't for the 30 pound bag we were lugging and the mosquitos that were the size of small birds! Instead, we hiked back down and had a picnic at Kincaid Park with Mt. McKinley as our backdrop. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15.8333px; ">We did a little more hiking and called it a day. </span></div><div><br /></div></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRf_zgAWE6q67HyYZKD9E2uUNkbAGxGp44JZ_-u9PyOtp9qCQ7_UiIp9XeL6D4wu2QpfNFfryr6WKBqxnMXrmQrLPTXmCmj4o5A_I1Ls34B26R0cZG145PdgOUsnsdDKr9TKCdFY88Yys/s1600/n17112866_30938437_6454_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRf_zgAWE6q67HyYZKD9E2uUNkbAGxGp44JZ_-u9PyOtp9qCQ7_UiIp9XeL6D4wu2QpfNFfryr6WKBqxnMXrmQrLPTXmCmj4o5A_I1Ls34B26R0cZG145PdgOUsnsdDKr9TKCdFY88Yys/s320/n17112866_30938437_6454_2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537297949424945186" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4re1QyBWF-YNCm_bqWleUW9DV6uv1OdHmjL0cb8MN0se6Db-gkF8NWhn6KEl7NBxsWHupibJKEiJv2RlW_3SRxGrxUzQQ_7lzFmbbDio6EmWmMIjOEiGSDaWZmD2nWIavqxQYWbVLkg/s1600/n17112866_30938438_7075.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4re1QyBWF-YNCm_bqWleUW9DV6uv1OdHmjL0cb8MN0se6Db-gkF8NWhn6KEl7NBxsWHupibJKEiJv2RlW_3SRxGrxUzQQ_7lzFmbbDio6EmWmMIjOEiGSDaWZmD2nWIavqxQYWbVLkg/s320/n17112866_30938438_7075.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537297942158391490" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15.8333px; ">Since it was Mother's Day we figured we'd better find something good for our moms so we went shopping in downtown Anchorage. We found some great souvenirs and cute gifts then made our way back to the house.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15.8333px; "></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jxGQ9elwXcsMkThM3ZbH6awz-tLhl5MthbuTo_cM8xR5KnkUm9PUJ1VKY5aCmK2HrSEbql85NERWAwkTCxLucE0RSC3NDhzJVN_Q_wsjyZDkdPa4AiTVi4RgjagokNRy4rPNEwjthtg/s1600/n17112866_30938439_7655.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jxGQ9elwXcsMkThM3ZbH6awz-tLhl5MthbuTo_cM8xR5KnkUm9PUJ1VKY5aCmK2HrSEbql85NERWAwkTCxLucE0RSC3NDhzJVN_Q_wsjyZDkdPa4AiTVi4RgjagokNRy4rPNEwjthtg/s320/n17112866_30938439_7655.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537297931422281298" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rq9YNMwnEtIkuPoqovayEnwE3y0MHVoRrlXbgxYrBw7ilNqCvZxOnrVajmEo6BVe2dilAz6r2hAcVpo-zwXd9QVRd5-FsKGqj_EhlfIsUkmh6_R_uSJd2o4h5OIoOebmsiKRDKyP4bQ/s1600/n17112866_30938440_8713.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 244px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rq9YNMwnEtIkuPoqovayEnwE3y0MHVoRrlXbgxYrBw7ilNqCvZxOnrVajmEo6BVe2dilAz6r2hAcVpo-zwXd9QVRd5-FsKGqj_EhlfIsUkmh6_R_uSJd2o4h5OIoOebmsiKRDKyP4bQ/s320/n17112866_30938440_8713.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537297919491747890" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15.8333px; ">After getting cleaned up and resting a bit, we all started dinner. It turned out to be delicious!! Grilled salmon, corn on the cob, a tasty salad - yum! We played CatchPhrase before heading to the airport for our flight that left at midnight. I wish we could have stayed a few more days but now it's time to start thinking about my next adventures. Moving, the big interview, the cruise, and then Italy! I'll worry about catching up on sleep later.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15.8333px; "></span>Goodbye, Alaska!<br /><div><br /></div><div>**I think if I could re-live any month of my life (with the exception of the month I married Brad, I would do that over in a heartbeat) the month we went to Alaska would have to be it. Not only was our trip to Alaska incredible, but three days after that I went on a cruise through the Caribbean with my dad, stepmom, and sister for a week. THEN a few days after that vacation I flew to Italy for a couple of weeks with my mom's side of the family. May of 2006 was certainly a whirlwind adventure filled with wonderful memories....if only I'd started blogging earlier.</div></div>The Binghamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09709623685048025786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820834326219752928.post-6452433210723461792010-11-03T16:35:00.006+01:002010-11-03T18:00:33.970+01:00TheLaska...Part Two<div style="text-align: left;">Back to our Alaskan Adventure....if you didn't read <a href="http://adventuresofthebinghams.blogspot.com/2010/11/another-bingham-adventurebefore-i-was.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366FF;">the post yesterday</span></a> you may find yourself a tad lost, so get on it.</div><div><br /></div><div>5/14/2006</div><div>Where to start?! The past two days are days I hope I NEVER forget. We got up Thursday morning, ate a little breakfast, and drove about an hour and half to Talkeetna. It was this tiny little town with no more than five or six streets. We went to Talkeetna Air Travel (or something close) and they told us we could go ahead and go on up. So Brad, Stephanie, Scott, myself, and another couple get in this seven passenger plane with our pilot, Bill. We finally take off and the first part of the flight we were flying over Musket (I think) and we could spot a few houses. There were three rivers that came down from the glacier we were headed towards. There were just enough clouds out so we could just barely make out Mount McKinley but other than that it was gorgeous!</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBp_3CVaTC0xsNzMLDh54rbc26AIpUMSs48YWHsnRKdI44hZUTWLGECmWUhNCZYTPmPdBsmQA8XqVJybCfPnYkUvgoqj1nV3Tkl4erj8HzjlEPmlI6daXP9W1g6_oBGr7VD0Kk3JluKa4/s1600/n17112866_30938404_4834.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBp_3CVaTC0xsNzMLDh54rbc26AIpUMSs48YWHsnRKdI44hZUTWLGECmWUhNCZYTPmPdBsmQA8XqVJybCfPnYkUvgoqj1nV3Tkl4erj8HzjlEPmlI6daXP9W1g6_oBGr7VD0Kk3JluKa4/s320/n17112866_30938404_4834.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535366268643258418" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoruxQJ97MN5rMFTPLZSRHqbiFGVbKmpWqCPeFFMO9KZ0O34S0D5SoR2sH23oZJoJTsLH3wVeEsmysfjLi3JZm4TsBU0LI7drKfLhKphQUUPXx__Mm8uTlc5F-zEm_RtnHwimbKXFsSlA/s1600/n17112866_30938406_5894.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoruxQJ97MN5rMFTPLZSRHqbiFGVbKmpWqCPeFFMO9KZ0O34S0D5SoR2sH23oZJoJTsLH3wVeEsmysfjLi3JZm4TsBU0LI7drKfLhKphQUUPXx__Mm8uTlc5F-zEm_RtnHwimbKXFsSlA/s320/n17112866_30938406_5894.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535366259845252594" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div>When we arrived at the base of the mountain the snow was pure white and every so often we could see glacial pools that were electric blue. They didn't even look real! I didn't really grasp how big this glacier was and how high we were until Bill pointed out these climbers who were camping out in the middle of the glacier. They looked like ants, no - smaller. The crevices that looked like divets in the snow were actually one hundred or more feet deep!</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0qQ56pmIhoQBvE1wI_mk3ZQqqNnr0QKVCCWlrBRxyVCPxAMrufn25NRdPnAx0KF7yAgGdKRuzTnX40Ggl8x7DqDiRb5IlSVoX5L2czZQiKh5DGRwzKn7FZCLnkxTZ3-qnIkOKrIoUSU/s320/n17112866_30938415_1600.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535364781217192962" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><div>We landed on the glacier and were able to get out and walk around. I still can't comprehend the magnitude of this thing. What looked like one mile away was actually five. We took some pictures and got back in our plane. I sat in the back on the way home so I could see out both sides. Just stunning.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9D6DWfoXt0ohoIdJlUMcXwudIqk2sKSDHEEvxtf4ZyDGy1GTHahNUO5OHm1WFbBfjiJ32pcfbJWLpA2BIGDzZIUSw0Af1Jb4ofXwus8_SE3mp-PYwvbaiFPIb98zFc_Prem56V0Qah8/s1600/n17112866_30938410_8249.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9D6DWfoXt0ohoIdJlUMcXwudIqk2sKSDHEEvxtf4ZyDGy1GTHahNUO5OHm1WFbBfjiJ32pcfbJWLpA2BIGDzZIUSw0Af1Jb4ofXwus8_SE3mp-PYwvbaiFPIb98zFc_Prem56V0Qah8/s320/n17112866_30938410_8249.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535366255885997714" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQEJodqoQpWGYLnuHZO4oVV8g6SKIGrSCUVie7lUt1T541PbXKiUvlehPfhsmcLgm9gWy4bRZb_wWeWaCXNfxcnhoZMa72Nd3Cgrlg4h1rMsc4oAxzHWYmD5zuJtGulvsG6nTH3hrfKzI/s1600/n17112866_30938412_9246.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQEJodqoQpWGYLnuHZO4oVV8g6SKIGrSCUVie7lUt1T541PbXKiUvlehPfhsmcLgm9gWy4bRZb_wWeWaCXNfxcnhoZMa72Nd3Cgrlg4h1rMsc4oAxzHWYmD5zuJtGulvsG6nTH3hrfKzI/s320/n17112866_30938412_9246.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535366258519649586" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifaCciRmtGstiPQWqpef6spAQF1Pj8VDQw7r-ExIW39PkSP67HY6jJckD26cX4CEgD07C6CDODd5LbHWL7jvGIPETsZgRCjDLhsK5BnBH2Lfemt_xICCpRsPC2tnbHNfDKwV3pEfP0ul8/s1600/n17112866_30938413_230.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifaCciRmtGstiPQWqpef6spAQF1Pj8VDQw7r-ExIW39PkSP67HY6jJckD26cX4CEgD07C6CDODd5LbHWL7jvGIPETsZgRCjDLhsK5BnBH2Lfemt_xICCpRsPC2tnbHNfDKwV3pEfP0ul8/s320/n17112866_30938413_230.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535366251993957458" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The plane got stuck in the snow</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div>After our plane ride, we found a local pizza place, ate dinner and headed on back. Scott, Brad's uncle, ended up having to work at the hospital so we just came back and crashed (which was good since I woke up at 5:45 am the next morning).</div><div><br /></div><div>Our third day was again, incredible. The four of us (Brad, Stephanie, Scott, and myself) drove to Seward, which was about a two hour drive through the most beautiful scenery I've ever seen! Mountains covered in snow, lakes that looked like mirrors; it truly looked like something out of a movie. When we got to Seward, the first thing we did was visit The Alaskan Sea Life Center. We saw sea lions, fish, giant crabs, puffin birds, and a lot of other interesting creatures. </div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMvvSkeIfRV2ty29lM5HqwrIAGxUXRet3fR-rLzWp4EIY8nRzgAoDsQWSuhAgvhzSH7fDEbEtur-t2SEVbQyarIUCcPnl774zfo9_t7eqrituhw7j9eO13gwsPbuMDP3Co16P3TENsIqw/s320/n17112866_30938420_4296.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535363122492438514" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9fRmB9DOrN0Gxej4ZJkGCtG4UhnGanaiMrlzxOgfRQM1sUbL-Du5huGPnB1bOHG5GUv3QzX5_yABdWAIXSQqLbTvv7Qe7DzUViXUrPU3hFPVTPKCK7AdzPK6iOW6xfTz8kxLrWYvqHI/s320/n17112866_30938424_6442.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535363120140115362" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><div>After The Sea Life Center, we headed over to the Kenai Fjords Tours to check in and look at all of the boats. The town had about 3,000 people; it just seemed like this perfect little fishing village. We started out our trip sitting on the top deck at the back of the boat. It didn't take long for us to get inside to thaw out. The first part of the trip was relatively uneventful. The scenery was incredible but all we really saw were a few mountain goats. The boat dropped everyone off for lunch at a cabin on Fox Island. We had a really great salmon meal then walked around the beach.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU43oaxpJzfBI4vCR-UhxCE_MHvsCZs6WTa1Rq-6iw4qDCZMm6_YGhq5ikpH7DV-28ep9X8o5paahFRbc8u3ltzxUSU74dKUZ7SnaKIg3Api44e8kcQq0FOs-akZ1zNWsiYY4IbowaWqI/s320/n17112866_30938427_8070.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535364765423774722" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgd_BG497pLwbTxUYc0rY6AKAmlJfO8W9SBu4b1OSXZtMFUNZCKUEnLaxal1_zVTgrMrxx6wkz4qUQcBgsWlvZLYnmgPqA6muangAuJFCh_7pqKeUiCQ16M4UrTROEFfrFiC5abzoWe0/s1600/n17112866_30938434_4956.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgd_BG497pLwbTxUYc0rY6AKAmlJfO8W9SBu4b1OSXZtMFUNZCKUEnLaxal1_zVTgrMrxx6wkz4qUQcBgsWlvZLYnmgPqA6muangAuJFCh_7pqKeUiCQ16M4UrTROEFfrFiC5abzoWe0/s320/n17112866_30938434_4956.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535363096097459762" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div>After getting back on the boat, things got exciting! We joked all day about wanting to see whales not thinking it would actually happen. From what we were told, it was too early in the season for that. First we saw several doll porpoises but that was nothing compared to the pod of orca we saw swimming in a cove. The captain stopped the boat and we watched the pod for a while. A few minutes later two humpback whales came along, too! We had whales to the left, right AND in front of us. Then one of the humpbacks jumps out of the water like he knew we were there and he wanted to put on a show. It was unbelievable! Something you'd only see on the Discovery Channel.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU43oaxpJzfBI4vCR-UhxCE_MHvsCZs6WTa1Rq-6iw4qDCZMm6_YGhq5ikpH7DV-28ep9X8o5paahFRbc8u3ltzxUSU74dKUZ7SnaKIg3Api44e8kcQq0FOs-akZ1zNWsiYY4IbowaWqI/s1600/n17112866_30938427_8070.jpg"><br /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmg4fAhmO3QlwIX_Hl1NaBMuw3YFcgKxiE49RpDgmnhzvpBVqf5o-GrTfbB8FKkFUfvr76TPNNxFpUssMndlvUf7LNhGHKvBk8GhCck8PlkdOxNXfRJl2j-MkqYR_-Oxx-qK836UcJjQ/s1600/n17112866_30938431_3301.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmg4fAhmO3QlwIX_Hl1NaBMuw3YFcgKxiE49RpDgmnhzvpBVqf5o-GrTfbB8FKkFUfvr76TPNNxFpUssMndlvUf7LNhGHKvBk8GhCck8PlkdOxNXfRJl2j-MkqYR_-Oxx-qK836UcJjQ/s320/n17112866_30938431_3301.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535364768119558386" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhUIL_TMXracS5CRqia4zuNNbR3AAU08qxl_uUMoz0zfTfxZ00MO4vYQgnaQomBKDK0nJarmlOEod5YzESJB9cphBFQHO-aPGpZY_MWCtBrkSetdjqqTqMB721NHJ8Qb8vq9XkWF0dtA/s1600/n17112866_30938430_2809.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhUIL_TMXracS5CRqia4zuNNbR3AAU08qxl_uUMoz0zfTfxZ00MO4vYQgnaQomBKDK0nJarmlOEod5YzESJB9cphBFQHO-aPGpZY_MWCtBrkSetdjqqTqMB721NHJ8Qb8vq9XkWF0dtA/s320/n17112866_30938430_2809.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535363112395371266" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div>A little later we saw a large group of sea lions all laying out on a big rock. They didn't even seem real. We saw two or three big groups of sea lions throughout the ride. On the way back to Seward, there were a few more mountain goats, several bald eagles, and a couple glaciers. When we were pulling into the harbor, a large sea lion that had a big fish in its mouth was taunting all of the seagulls. He'd jump out of the water and fling the fish around while the seagulls were dive bombing him to get a piece. It was the perfect ending to the perfect day.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBatXozXRvTMeGOcrEIasLfCJKaAoX0qZY5AFm4cdpsoIVMbw-4IaB1_r2YI4eHxGbH6AuSv8nNVdFRdSXt6E6z59-XnwzbMV5_Pr-dgR-FNzq-gnnoiWLNHJTc2FPlr70fq6e5k8YN8/s1600/n17112866_30938433_4420.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBatXozXRvTMeGOcrEIasLfCJKaAoX0qZY5AFm4cdpsoIVMbw-4IaB1_r2YI4eHxGbH6AuSv8nNVdFRdSXt6E6z59-XnwzbMV5_Pr-dgR-FNzq-gnnoiWLNHJTc2FPlr70fq6e5k8YN8/s320/n17112866_30938433_4420.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535363106709092002" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4put2IK71LHz9X_PeqwN0GHKLIZbqgMDiVYbg0l7ipsNpoHj9B2z3N7Qm3vkJSjgyfKUSxtTNfyKD-7ufNrF2auIYo5qT25Lnu5mcSmiTdRwc3y0m9hpUTDGD01D4diTX4tvKeqJpiRs/s320/n17112866_30938436_5962.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535364760915090674" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><div>Oh! I completely forgot what kicked the whole day off! We woke up to a moose wandering around the backyard! It was awesome! I'm out there in my pajamas, a towel on my head at 6:15 in the morning taking pictures of a moose. He ended up jumping the fence and went strolling down the middle of the street. We knew it was going to be the best day after that and it was. </div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4qt5LF_Tq3wauqF9hWO3WkxJh6sHOoeSfkQOnTWQ0X_CNU2aw7j0xlhVfGX5gEHMr7IaSCf-oqOWbASKAUHxH-DkBIc_lOXlejb4k2pIMPGrzMMNtJw6OmLrbqUIo4YTfd7wZUJzsCs/s320/n17112866_30938419_3694.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535364777125054674" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span><div><div style="text-align: left;">Unfortunately, Scott got called back into work so after dinner we went to the hospital to take him some spaghetti. He let us sit in the helicopter he flies which was amazing. By the end of the evening, we were spent. We went back to the house and crashed...again.</div></div>The Binghamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09709623685048025786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820834326219752928.post-58575840396531836412010-11-02T20:09:00.008+01:002010-11-02T22:02:56.927+01:00Another Bingham Adventure......Before I WAS a Bingham<div style="text-align: left;">I've had this backpack that has moved from place to place with me ever since I left college. It was the backpack I used my junior and senior year but once I moved to Dallas, it rarely got used. And yet I still tote it around from place to place. Two apartments in Dallas, our first house, two apartments in Germany, hotel in Germany, hotel in Dallas, now our corporate apartment and soon to be our fabulous new townhouse.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I finally decided to dig through it and here is what I found: a shopping guide to Italy, a lint roller, a picture of Brad when he played baseball at Northeast, a notebook I took on my New York and Chicago trip in 2005, a fruit roll up, and the best part - a mini journal from our trip to Alaska.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Brad and I graduated in May of 2006. A few days following graduation, the two of us as well as Stephanie and her boyfriend (at the time) hopped on a plane for Alaska to visit their Uncle Scott that lived in Anchorage. It was one of the most incredible trips we've ever been on (and we've been to some pretty fantastic places) and I love that I thought to jot some memories down. I figured I'd post what I wrote on those pieces of copy paper for all of you to read. This was Jen, pre-blog days:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">5/11/2006</div><div style="text-align: left;">Well, we're here! The trip wasn't the most exciting since Brad and I were stuck in the emergency aisle with only two seats for both of us to "sleep" in; not to mention we were there for FIVE hours! But it is going to be more than worth it! Not sure what all we're going to do yet but possibly a trip to the zoo, maybe Mount McKinley, a boat ride, and who knows what else? We'll see.......</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">5/12/2006</div><div style="text-align: left;">Yesterday was amazing! We got up and had brunch at a local cafe' where we met Mindi (Scott's girlfriend). Then Scott drove us around town and we went to a neighborhood area that overlooks the whole town. We could see mountains in every direction and the ocean in the distance. Since we might not get to see much wildlife we took a trip to the zoo. Then we drove along this windy road to a town where people can ski when the snow is good. We had nachos and hot chocolate at Chair 5 Lodge. The locals are all really nice!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKzldA-Y2kxw-9ImppojHqBepJXFdEhzV5T9qKbyHSr9sRnkIh0Dr7fqNGLVDASN0e72CnipgG5orfbk-O1UF2ELu-AR50DgiYFFDId5IpFTNNIrJbxUcQhf-3HXWqzm3tgaFTiLBc_Y/s1600/n17112866_30938400_2817.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjME1aO6RkVEqQSYSJRzsVaru7cvc2Eo2Zy_lgAfgvMIkswBqeGyVqiy89O627BLpj2_BbRwIpdL8qO_ju3qCI913mWzmGAfx4pTrjl7VPK8-dwTMjHNQNHNqtQW_apHx5jaxhrIth9Tqo/s1600/n17112866_30938399_2270.jpg"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjME1aO6RkVEqQSYSJRzsVaru7cvc2Eo2Zy_lgAfgvMIkswBqeGyVqiy89O627BLpj2_BbRwIpdL8qO_ju3qCI913mWzmGAfx4pTrjl7VPK8-dwTMjHNQNHNqtQW_apHx5jaxhrIth9Tqo/s320/n17112866_30938399_2270.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535039456810623794" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPil0Ja-y3oDPhRm57jZ2pJ7bi8xxkKZgoZ0pat2tV4Gqi1oSr9sWlvpQCNisuUDmmgzf8E4jICs4V6AnPfsiZfJR8Mjxbpc5aDmJ-7P-HJ_NzPJzj9VgL5819Q1HuMG9Ud1uHRWuCCi4/s1600/n17112866_30938396_521.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPil0Ja-y3oDPhRm57jZ2pJ7bi8xxkKZgoZ0pat2tV4Gqi1oSr9sWlvpQCNisuUDmmgzf8E4jICs4V6AnPfsiZfJR8Mjxbpc5aDmJ-7P-HJ_NzPJzj9VgL5819Q1HuMG9Ud1uHRWuCCi4/s320/n17112866_30938396_521.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535039452679221666" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6ZG_OqiMX3g66DRhvaoKOYICVf_oW0txdoWr8_gZRGG8rv8d50oj7F_Z2U_56jmEsC4AiZXSMFTOJk696EG11ToxkPOkRoC5VB_AxefcAnTraQDZWv8ITWe5SfVz-1j5-iYauKtmaf8/s1600/n17112866_30938395_61.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6ZG_OqiMX3g66DRhvaoKOYICVf_oW0txdoWr8_gZRGG8rv8d50oj7F_Z2U_56jmEsC4AiZXSMFTOJk696EG11ToxkPOkRoC5VB_AxefcAnTraQDZWv8ITWe5SfVz-1j5-iYauKtmaf8/s320/n17112866_30938395_61.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535039446608368594" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj89TB81YvErXNgV8orDN75u6AWUHI4vTUVMMm3WWkTWb96mJiT54xCO31TFIhyphenhyphenWhEwdeupuw2H4_4Rbl0aUlPabPy8xMu2Ofn8QkmnwQp1WHTEFbNt4O4auq0tmD_ZVSAD-N8krYQK78/s320/n17112866_30938394_8847.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535039446553444914" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><div>From here we drove a little further where we took a one-way tunnel into Whittier. It was this small fishing town with nothing but boats and a few local bars. Of course we stopped and had a few of the Alaskan brewed beers. :) Delicious! Since the tunnel was about to close we headed back towards Anchorage. Along the windy road we saw about twenty bald eagles fishing. It was incredible!</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzIs8dGBif5TgIu0VM5Cb7IOTdVDFwdChEjAdrqRVd1_w_h8MjcPnNCxYvCvUW55f70ty05kuuv0VCi1yGx6ArN-TcCHH2o2AO8PVkQf4gE6XlBOpSYNHjG6QX-Jhhb57Jzu35WIyQSo/s1600/n17112866_30938401_3307.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzIs8dGBif5TgIu0VM5Cb7IOTdVDFwdChEjAdrqRVd1_w_h8MjcPnNCxYvCvUW55f70ty05kuuv0VCi1yGx6ArN-TcCHH2o2AO8PVkQf4gE6XlBOpSYNHjG6QX-Jhhb57Jzu35WIyQSo/s320/n17112866_30938401_3307.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535040198950977506" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJes01DxnvJTJYLN3BWX0IHND77XhH-62xxzNSvz3dH1R2rPifrs7TgXSh2GXIItDNzB-0EIJKw7zdfZTOo3B4OAq-2AVblQb1XQ9GL2_hr44PQjhYW2Rw8o-zFhX2r8TiLvZKvT27o0/s1600/n17112866_30938400_2817.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJes01DxnvJTJYLN3BWX0IHND77XhH-62xxzNSvz3dH1R2rPifrs7TgXSh2GXIItDNzB-0EIJKw7zdfZTOo3B4OAq-2AVblQb1XQ9GL2_hr44PQjhYW2Rw8o-zFhX2r8TiLvZKvT27o0/s320/n17112866_30938400_2817.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535040192181688082" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><div>We met Mindi and her friend from high school at this really great sushi place. I think we ordered just about everything they had on the menu. I tried cold sake for the first time - it was actually pretty good. It's crazy here because the sun doesn't completely go down until about midnight. We left the sushi place at 9:00 pm and the sun was still high in the sky. Crazy. But we rented a movie, got ice cream and called it a day. But tomorrow should be even more incredible!</div><div><br /></div><div>**Ok, so it appears I was about as long winded in my writing at 21 as I am now. Soooo, as not to bore you with a ridiculously long post, we'll break this up. Stay tuned for the rest of our Alaskan Adventure.</div>The Binghamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09709623685048025786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820834326219752928.post-25024178119389280122010-11-01T19:23:00.006+01:002010-11-02T00:20:17.748+01:00Trick-Or-Treat!<object style="background-image:url(http://i2.ytimg.com/vi/MarBVyZVe9s/hqdefault.jpg)" width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MarBVyZVe9s?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MarBVyZVe9s?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="425" height="344" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object><div><br /></div><div><i>"Bing-bong, yeah it's me, just give me the candy."</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Part of me feels like I'm getting old - I was more excited this year about staying in and just passing out candy to kiddos than getting crazy. However, I'm clearly still a kid at heart - I guess you could say I don't hate costumes (pretty much anything with a theme and I'm in) and I'm like a 5 year old when it comes to candy. I have no self-control.</div><div><br /></div><div>This year we spent the evening with our dear friends, Micah and Aaron, up in Oklahoma....I mean North Frisco, but same thing, right? We grilled burgers, drank wine, passed out candy and watched the (unbelievably disappointing) Rangers game.<br /><div><br /></div><div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2BumCQ03wwHYSTUjKzvcKQWytbPUrga5rZI_MqsEiuyo7XlKPFsDYGA7LsSQjx8kKWd6ZnhGSKClbdjO2DjC3GCseigKBUmB3OQ9dtNrW2uMPjPmnSfGtMMEscDUIqJGAawv15pMJQk/s1600/IMG_2605.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 314px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2BumCQ03wwHYSTUjKzvcKQWytbPUrga5rZI_MqsEiuyo7XlKPFsDYGA7LsSQjx8kKWd6ZnhGSKClbdjO2DjC3GCseigKBUmB3OQ9dtNrW2uMPjPmnSfGtMMEscDUIqJGAawv15pMJQk/s320/IMG_2605.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534716276692545506" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCG82KCHjveWSJZs8a5TAZ6lBn6ZVfF19sIP4V0n5JsHW76A1Vn95KyL9jYRHAjdfgOGbyAJmIuNlRckhsyvH83d3UHrrLVDBAoQXubqSaHSfhyOO4t5DmioJwxzRIAiRextgVr45L5k4/s320/IMG_2603.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534710629938512834" /><br /></span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiasyGG-Y735QjmzPMxseUWveryh8A2vjjAbwii4NfTQMBuHzAd3EvaAHwfVNFTHe5qhdDu6_I0rrQWA0BSoxmYpsscrYdTh1l_CVBSGyQA8gDszLVRmVa0MNYJxTkMKns044ExpCWkuKc/s320/IMG_2600.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534710612079065026" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span>Micah and Aaron just became the proud parents to this little cutie. She's an 11 week old Italian Greyhound named Lily. I'm going to guess she weighs 2 pounds...about 54 pounds less than Miss Stella, but wouldn't you know they became the best of friends.</div><div><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ghD5Ovk-tWkPMJqdfs9EaaEvTzM4UHFsMV6pHBScCT9GM1cBevaZnC30cwkbcjMQrls_f_o4Vq9XbbwVB-Bp_Xk45stIyIocnh__aGkP7f__NsOW2QwAcEyZXRx9fuxJeVF2GAXfcbw/s320/IMG_2610.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534711567169639698" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAlbb6WKU51oQ6dN7FhuDTmREQrd129tDkOZYLs5A8I0CZy3PsBu5Y-YKJR-xy-h3T5eMxw6EL69SGIdHLVzmMB6W-tkSf3Wsx5dh_oiHSS7ASpfkEaVUCTIAa1DCrLfXsxQeZzgd_Tg/s1600/IMG_2625.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAlbb6WKU51oQ6dN7FhuDTmREQrd129tDkOZYLs5A8I0CZy3PsBu5Y-YKJR-xy-h3T5eMxw6EL69SGIdHLVzmMB6W-tkSf3Wsx5dh_oiHSS7ASpfkEaVUCTIAa1DCrLfXsxQeZzgd_Tg/s320/IMG_2625.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534712612809772002" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0GuQYehGwcLuwFhm0u6sZsw9UapcCxmPw9m81eAEdtBVJo8qnKWL2zIfrdM-r7PjtIGf5mSzlg5zd8t4sR83ldEyU_ZReDdwwCyTPwNX_ShtHs53YpSs6yRqVtCE5DL6aKFhEO-AJqE/s1600/IMG_2622.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0GuQYehGwcLuwFhm0u6sZsw9UapcCxmPw9m81eAEdtBVJo8qnKWL2zIfrdM-r7PjtIGf5mSzlg5zd8t4sR83ldEyU_ZReDdwwCyTPwNX_ShtHs53YpSs6yRqVtCE5DL6aKFhEO-AJqE/s320/IMG_2622.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534712610307609538" /></a>After a few strange looks from the mothers in the neighborhood, Micah and I decided to nix the wine glasses and switch to plastic Rangers cups. Too bad it didn't bring them good luck.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRCxURrz-9S2DjQ4jV6WBwcgu8Yvte1SzdQJsgLGK1e_8cd3qVjxqZ0pVHm207rDUmmQSQPYL2WzhgMvVHFK4C2tukFeW-Ah79B-_Pqz4pE5PxxX_MFUBEz1p0zrvvAXPAVyEYbuk8pU/s320/IMG_2628.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534713866741005346" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1p_im1ekh_a5Abqdfcnhazv9VgixM72ahPoxLENMvkBczsikqXHqQ7RFl8incyUPNIInkgIQoXa3Q74cE1l8QyNp3STGvpgJ3qfLr_p7icV9R-xPUL-C6L220ZPllq1Qh5WWgARgtIYI/s320/IMG_2631.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534713875328190978" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " />The game may not have had a good outcome but our Halloween certainly did. I say that now but when the 12 candy bars I ate last night catches up with me, I'll be singing a different tune. </div><div><br /></div><div>I hope all of you had a very Happy Halloween, too!</div></div></div></div></div>The Binghamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09709623685048025786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820834326219752928.post-66042096593931986862010-10-28T23:13:00.010+02:002010-10-29T00:08:09.321+02:00The Latest Happenings<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Yea, yea, yea - I know, it’s been too long. What’s sad is I really have no excuse. I think I had it in my mind that I would really get moving on my blog once I learned a little more about my new computer. We paid for this “One-On-One” training thing at the Apple store....I just haven’t started yet. No reason. Just haven’t done it.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">So what have I been doing? Hmmm. Well, let’s see....I suppose the most exciting thing to happen in recent events was the purchase of our new home! Now I’m really kicking myself for not keeping up with the blog the past few weeks. The sequence of events leading up to that was just mind boggling. Let’s retrace our steps:</span></span></p> <ol style="list-style-type: decimal"><li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Discover that we’re moving back to Dallas 2 years too early. Decide we should buy a house. Start working with a realtor.</span></span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Determine that we’d rather travel our little hearts out and rent an apartment for a year or so.</span></span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Move from Germany to Dallas and live in a hotel for a month and a half.</span></span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Pass by some beautiful townhomes and write down the website. Learn they are much more affordable than expected.</span></span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Decide that we’re crazy and squash that idea.</span></span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Drive by beautiful townhomes with Mom and walk through the model home just for kicks. Immediately fall in love.</span></span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Take Brad back for a look....he falls in love. Only problem - our balcony will back up to our neighbors giving each party a clear view into the other’s house.</span></span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Squash the townhome idea for a second time.</span></span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Spend all of Columbus Day looking at apartments. No luck.</span></span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Brad gets a half day the following day so more apartment shopping. Narrow it down to two....but can’t make a decision.</span></span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Make my pro/con list (because we all know I’m about as type A as they come) - still can’t make a decision. Both apartments waiting for our phone call to firm up the lease.</span></span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Phone rings. It’s the agent for the townhouse. She convinced she’s got the perfect place for us with no balcony issues...so we go for a visit.</span></span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Two days later we’re signing a contract and the house is ours!</span></span></li> </ol> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Our families think we’re crazy because everyday for about three weeks we had a different story about where we’d be living. But I think in the end, EVERYONE is happy. Brad, who over-analyzes every tiny detail about our finances (which I love) is more than certain we’ve made the right decision.....so I am too. We move in the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Brad doesn’t know this yet but we’ll be moving in to the sound of Christmas music. It’ll be the greatest day ever.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I’m counting down the days until we’re in our own place and sleeping in our own bed on our own pillows. (Did you know I've been living out of a suitcase and sleeping in a bed that wasn't mine for 64 days now? But who's counting?) Fortunately, we were able to move out of the hotel and into a corporate apartment for the time being. It’s small but much better than living in a hotel room. That was only great for about a week; I have no problem making my own breakfast so the hotel life wasn’t really worth it. HOWEVER, since we stayed there for 43 days I’m already a Gold Level Starwood Member which means our trip to Sonoma in the Spring may be covered...well, the hotel part of it anyway. Be jealous.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Ok, enough about our living situation. I’m even bored with it. What else has been going on? Well, Brad’s best bud, Josh Mueggenborg, got married in Oklahoma City (Yukon, to be exact) on October 16th. The bachelor party was the weekend before so Brad has had his fair share of travel across the Red River these past few weeks.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We took our cousin, Aaron, with us to the OSU Homecoming game last weekend. It was my first time back since </span><a href="http://adventuresofthebinghams.blogspot.com/2009/12/surprise.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366FF;">the big surprise last year</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> and Brad’s first time back since the Bedlam game in 2008. We gave Aaron the tour of campus and even got him wearing orange for the game. This was quite a feat as he's grown up in a family of die-hard OU fans. I think he looks good in orange, don’t you?</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZf0DQe65lJcxZ60Y2-xs0qwqdKOwrKtCzKY74MMMkIobkUxHqnwm4W7vo2KbYJpUIuuYwtKiaDbKuSflijyc9XhC4KGXi6tBAO9BeBz6QI1fx5M974tM-d7oyQdScRyCuqJol5ZnLII8/s1600/67242_464572467776_509102776_5103669_5908132_n.jpg"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 292px; height: 320px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZf0DQe65lJcxZ60Y2-xs0qwqdKOwrKtCzKY74MMMkIobkUxHqnwm4W7vo2KbYJpUIuuYwtKiaDbKuSflijyc9XhC4KGXi6tBAO9BeBz6QI1fx5M974tM-d7oyQdScRyCuqJol5ZnLII8/s320/67242_464572467776_509102776_5103669_5908132_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533212155908915586" /></a></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Stella is loving living in Dallas. She has grandparents that adore her and spoil her rotten. I can only imagine what it’s going to be like when we have an actual child. This is just hilarious. She has spent quite a bit of time at my mom and Riley’s house where she gets to run and run and run to her hearts desire and Riley sneaks her cheese every chance he gets. She’s also made two trips to Oklahoma to my in-laws house; of the 30 stuffed toys she had for their beagle to play with - only 2 have any stuffing left. One word....rotten. But I love her.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">For the most part, Brad and I are acclimated to being back. However, I still find myself wanting to call Walmart and Walgreens, Valmart and Valgreens. I still have Euro change in my wallet (or vallet) and I don’t see myself taking it out any time soon. I’ll occasionally say “danke schoen” to a cashier without realizing it. And I get frustrated when driving on the highway that semi-trucks are allowed in the left-hand lane....and that I can’t go as fast as I want.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I’m not going to lie, I have had moments where I wonder why on earth we ever had to leave Germany and that I’d give anything to just hit the rewind button. But all in all, it has been great moving back. I can’t tell you how excited I am to move into our new place. And I love that we get to see our friends and family as much as we do. (Peeps in Germany - don’t think we don’t miss you.) The only missing puzzle piece is where I’ll be working but I have faith that’s going to work out, as well.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Ok, my goal is to actually go to my “One-On-One” training at the Apple store and potentially revamp my whole blog....or at least post more than once a month. Baby steps, right?</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Until next time....</span></span></p>The Binghamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09709623685048025786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820834326219752928.post-90745272432494387552010-09-26T16:17:00.014+02:002010-09-27T15:15:51.706+02:00Who Says You Can't Go Home Again?Today is two weeks since we arrived "home" from Germany. While we continue to miss so much about our former home, I must say it has been wonderful to be back with our friends and family here. Saying goodbye to friends and the life that we had truly come to love in Deutschland was beyond difficult but we're looking forward to this new chapter in our lives.<div><br /></div><div>We're getting back into the swing of things. Brad went back to work on Monday and is getting settled into his new position as Project Manager. We're on the search for a new place to live (I'm over living in a hotel) and I'll hopefully be going back to work soon....just not sure where.</div><div><br /></div><div>But the best part has been catching up with friends and family! My mother-in-law and father-in-law drove down from OKC to pick us up at the airport when we arrived and we were able to spend the next couple of days with them. (My sweet Grandma and Grandpa were there to greet us, as well, with a bag FULL of Central Market goodies. Love them!) We've already had <b>three </b>family dinners with The Gonzales' Family, two cookouts with the newly married Evans' family, a shopping day with my girl, Amy, a weekend with my little sis and darling nephew, dinner with friends in Uptown (Stella even got to come), and Brad's back on his softball team with his buddies. We're just picking up where we left off....except now Stella's included in the majority of our activities.</div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of the pup - our first weekend back we made a trip out to Bridgeport to spend the day with Grandma and Grandpa. It was Stella's first trip to the lake and she had a blast!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh536IJtEaBoJU20EWVMsw35CVHkPqCBsUCBeTrS7BkKFlxUweg4nLW7DO45D7K3QZ8ZUpzI2aOTdM8sTqMccMpPzvYGFvRNNQ36CHbUV2T0-nPfekbz8Jn_uZdhAkWa_CbTwVwNt24D7w/s1600/IMG_2521.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 195px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh536IJtEaBoJU20EWVMsw35CVHkPqCBsUCBeTrS7BkKFlxUweg4nLW7DO45D7K3QZ8ZUpzI2aOTdM8sTqMccMpPzvYGFvRNNQ36CHbUV2T0-nPfekbz8Jn_uZdhAkWa_CbTwVwNt24D7w/s320/IMG_2521.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521576483645024066" /></a></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii6QZnRJ_VYUr-loQSrLMU8bGIDWK46b45v7us1Eu6f2kRL58G39cwIgWNn1hGP1YSGNFZe4Co5hb2Vnp-j_xJo0XI0oHOmQCHjJgj2dOEubyrpBzxs49K1EqVG2zH-SLqBjHPdO5_nC8/s1600/IMG_2515.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii6QZnRJ_VYUr-loQSrLMU8bGIDWK46b45v7us1Eu6f2kRL58G39cwIgWNn1hGP1YSGNFZe4Co5hb2Vnp-j_xJo0XI0oHOmQCHjJgj2dOEubyrpBzxs49K1EqVG2zH-SLqBjHPdO5_nC8/s320/IMG_2515.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521576488775364546" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3pA3IpYNreqjC_-J2ZJOO6Ey3dOQnugSncNJOGPGjV7eCRdajDEIPOj4BcKb_NsaGRffdpr3J-Mu12ONC_TJ0oY3pOISY_pZNF_09o7a9kuRocWwSanCGdfOMtINLHU2pW7VW1rS0WE4/s1600/IMG_2526.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3pA3IpYNreqjC_-J2ZJOO6Ey3dOQnugSncNJOGPGjV7eCRdajDEIPOj4BcKb_NsaGRffdpr3J-Mu12ONC_TJ0oY3pOISY_pZNF_09o7a9kuRocWwSanCGdfOMtINLHU2pW7VW1rS0WE4/s320/IMG_2526.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521576319684530690" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQ4UH7U__XHS3Gbkop-W7uZ2Km7QZLv0M3lKJBf1GyjX-tLhEmuykt7NYh3U3REVNGsDrNMPSk1XY44yGoATfizDLuL2OJECxlDotn0BcZWGqF_tKHdC_2uQRptvXZrs86qgt5oX1Bp8/s1600/IMG_2534.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 183px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQ4UH7U__XHS3Gbkop-W7uZ2Km7QZLv0M3lKJBf1GyjX-tLhEmuykt7NYh3U3REVNGsDrNMPSk1XY44yGoATfizDLuL2OJECxlDotn0BcZWGqF_tKHdC_2uQRptvXZrs86qgt5oX1Bp8/s320/IMG_2534.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521576314428665730" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Hailey and Brooke</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuuYIa-WPuV9ddQ2zmOS0ZH05jVWuxGMHpVPOBgCkAmKM8tmhnZpbIiRUQqkNN2XUViVqwazWNvi_dtHt9vt34MoTbMkvrcNcEQvUKYATCZE9cvndiq-Ev-HCNnRvESCSmVtoUXGDMf4M/s1600/IMG_2537.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuuYIa-WPuV9ddQ2zmOS0ZH05jVWuxGMHpVPOBgCkAmKM8tmhnZpbIiRUQqkNN2XUViVqwazWNvi_dtHt9vt34MoTbMkvrcNcEQvUKYATCZE9cvndiq-Ev-HCNnRvESCSmVtoUXGDMf4M/s320/IMG_2537.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521576149423839810" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Little Miss Bella</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoKrsu4EtZ7uoZzEWXb6WoIHYB6OiYKWUwvzyQqPY1QoSDrgA9OtYZumnIWKQxydbkTBFUIntNubZHUMtGYa7feuKoT_f9f1RZhlUX70En3SK-H5HxzsCSdLi_5T-wrPpTPPgTFGH4v4E/s1600/IMG_2543.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoKrsu4EtZ7uoZzEWXb6WoIHYB6OiYKWUwvzyQqPY1QoSDrgA9OtYZumnIWKQxydbkTBFUIntNubZHUMtGYa7feuKoT_f9f1RZhlUX70En3SK-H5HxzsCSdLi_5T-wrPpTPPgTFGH4v4E/s320/IMG_2543.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521576142635717202" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8GP43fKkQ-bUJtfyEAlU2hFX7sO0RktLZsPNy7Q5VSESkMlpAtYtJo7m0WfxY5k7RMjKhGVlJDfRk2hjZ4FWC0Emjz7DxyxofhuZ0iSlOdgawcbgPziVAM2k7s2aN69KVbDumCYjJtI/s1600/IMG_2551.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8GP43fKkQ-bUJtfyEAlU2hFX7sO0RktLZsPNy7Q5VSESkMlpAtYtJo7m0WfxY5k7RMjKhGVlJDfRk2hjZ4FWC0Emjz7DxyxofhuZ0iSlOdgawcbgPziVAM2k7s2aN69KVbDumCYjJtI/s320/IMG_2551.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521575982082635106" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3TZ9mCNXyOYUmLyqEYJtvQej21zvOOP516bHo4gbG49r_DgVSPPZDPj5Cnd0vCnQlLs-U4yBKHKjMh7iHvND1CjY_oKH1iNhUmYrphm7H0uNpc1E7tKJ0FH6TwxOIbVETlohGgQCbfkU/s1600/IMG_2552.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3TZ9mCNXyOYUmLyqEYJtvQej21zvOOP516bHo4gbG49r_DgVSPPZDPj5Cnd0vCnQlLs-U4yBKHKjMh7iHvND1CjY_oKH1iNhUmYrphm7H0uNpc1E7tKJ0FH6TwxOIbVETlohGgQCbfkU/s320/IMG_2552.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521575974625293794" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFrh3ZZG15fMRD03WFnTE4ZTc5GdjhEBpc9ARKweht2JwPg4E0xm6nUSdOwzoPOvdGNR8kGe2AEf0lFvptcTu0w6paFErrvq5rQZJh74kaRpKkuMirFdcc3m08bHSLMoo6JoS-uczqQY/s1600/IMG_2560.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFrh3ZZG15fMRD03WFnTE4ZTc5GdjhEBpc9ARKweht2JwPg4E0xm6nUSdOwzoPOvdGNR8kGe2AEf0lFvptcTu0w6paFErrvq5rQZJh74kaRpKkuMirFdcc3m08bHSLMoo6JoS-uczqQY/s320/IMG_2560.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521575813817260418" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Breathing it all in</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tROxnlWCeWdl-LFbk6Y-QMzBBTicJIRnWVDZuzUfLgJpR2Yn87-yxVDdqVVSeS_AcHGGctnieen2QnjWjSphONw5HMD0Bu8tvIFIX5bG-JdTYVQgNuzHnGMkxgysKKltFLa7HNaEi0Y/s1600/IMG_2562.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 234px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tROxnlWCeWdl-LFbk6Y-QMzBBTicJIRnWVDZuzUfLgJpR2Yn87-yxVDdqVVSeS_AcHGGctnieen2QnjWjSphONw5HMD0Bu8tvIFIX5bG-JdTYVQgNuzHnGMkxgysKKltFLa7HNaEi0Y/s320/IMG_2562.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521575810330559250" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>We found three of these spiders...Grandpa assured us they aren't poisonous. Ewww.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_JeH4wdgkOsQ1t8f4o6Np-iLIXdWf4HmlD2NHl5q86QcQqd4U6Lfnwch4TMX9FKnjMTLU_nKeoxr9EwSck5f5XaXFzEUUVOYbbajZuBhG54cOlGjyaQMNqKgvrvEYBfzErcKjQ571hJI/s1600/IMG_2568.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_JeH4wdgkOsQ1t8f4o6Np-iLIXdWf4HmlD2NHl5q86QcQqd4U6Lfnwch4TMX9FKnjMTLU_nKeoxr9EwSck5f5XaXFzEUUVOYbbajZuBhG54cOlGjyaQMNqKgvrvEYBfzErcKjQ571hJI/s320/IMG_2568.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521575598882733138" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Stella had more fun watching everybody from upstairs. Silly puppy.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmRdixaypwwKmR1mySWg__-93n0dMd0nJG01cLCIXibc_hcQDwajI1p2LQIO26XGM_nABFvW7gbW-2MJSzWzwsdNyT2oJ7xipuNnJ9AMnAH4S_hmnXe_PBj0acbw5hbUiWe1TC12gF7c/s1600/IMG_2571.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmRdixaypwwKmR1mySWg__-93n0dMd0nJG01cLCIXibc_hcQDwajI1p2LQIO26XGM_nABFvW7gbW-2MJSzWzwsdNyT2oJ7xipuNnJ9AMnAH4S_hmnXe_PBj0acbw5hbUiWe1TC12gF7c/s320/IMG_2571.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521575594217542098" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The Little Man - Liam</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenVkFbZVDKg25YBZPP3nMh2SWieoEoU3nikWA7llvdHgMgS706vebmIPKh-fyAsrpJZJeMaQKrzrnvs2SBx6lEO7REgxkN0TfXZpE_Ey_mWxJw3qDwB7hNRCmbe12KurkrOpjJ2KZ_8E/s1600/IMG_2572.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenVkFbZVDKg25YBZPP3nMh2SWieoEoU3nikWA7llvdHgMgS706vebmIPKh-fyAsrpJZJeMaQKrzrnvs2SBx6lEO7REgxkN0TfXZpE_Ey_mWxJw3qDwB7hNRCmbe12KurkrOpjJ2KZ_8E/s320/IMG_2572.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521575454577815346" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Liam made for a lovely centerpiece</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFoZo6MmKPZEHYL2n9o7myHeBnGgSWhsUFgq5pEub8Y56_CWaAVZXBSVFxN-ou7n_ejc96OjqZH0URQ49kIKRvIGLca4574Ah7gIEDA6F1wKT3wetUskqqw82h0MiLo4vDZe4_9fZXofQ/s1600/IMG_2573.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 222px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFoZo6MmKPZEHYL2n9o7myHeBnGgSWhsUFgq5pEub8Y56_CWaAVZXBSVFxN-ou7n_ejc96OjqZH0URQ49kIKRvIGLca4574Ah7gIEDA6F1wKT3wetUskqqw82h0MiLo4vDZe4_9fZXofQ/s320/IMG_2573.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521575450845736546" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Grandpa, Grandma and their baby Bella</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">In other news, my car arrived on Friday which was a nice surprise. It came about two weeks earlier than we expected so we're wondering if the rest of our household items will arrive early, too. In which case, we need to find a place to live! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But for the time being, we'll be spending the majority of our time in a hotel. I don't think Stella minds.... </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGeDeucCCMN86h8hSN6o7cWA9TD0VyB55o3-hmpKhFzIl97pxngnL2_x6nB4I0I8oIzxvhZsdyLeeLafTESBCWRQKPTd3PAN4JngmQoBkcjDWe5Dfub6azTw7gazI329GKohvcQ8L4pM/s1600/IMG_2578.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGeDeucCCMN86h8hSN6o7cWA9TD0VyB55o3-hmpKhFzIl97pxngnL2_x6nB4I0I8oIzxvhZsdyLeeLafTESBCWRQKPTd3PAN4JngmQoBkcjDWe5Dfub6azTw7gazI329GKohvcQ8L4pM/s320/IMG_2578.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521574711490386770" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Making herself right at home</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">So all in all, it's been great getting back. It'll be even better when I finally get to see my Mom and Riley and my Dad and Carmen. Oh, and one more thing - when we finally make it to Stillwater for a little OSU football! Go Cowboys!!</div>The Binghamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09709623685048025786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820834326219752928.post-54353221462087065732010-09-23T01:06:00.011+02:002010-09-25T17:32:50.456+02:00Barcelona: Sequnda Parte<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Last we had left, the group had just finished an incredible and looooong lunch at a small restaurant on Avenue Diagonal. Our apartment was only six or seven blocks away and it was decided we all needed a baby tiger snooze prior to going out for the evening.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Following naps, we all got dressed up for our "fancy" night out on the town. We kicked things off on the rooftop terrace with Cava (Spanish champagne), Brie, and crackers. I have to give props to my husband on this one. This was all his idea, my little host with most.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgxV_CbXadsN9D3jHNZx_7MyqzWuzKckmOYgwvknNIZjMd-Sh3I48lk2kpJKd8kfutiEAmpiyGU7_Jvk_AsXm0w7uMzcH7osrGeoS8whTZ4aLc0Av6M-NvUL-bOskQaBVQenLS4weitk/s320/41321_498867939895_513949895_7207014_2795359_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520617857403815394" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The sky looked gorgeous and provided the perfect backdrop. Just breathtaking.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 265px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh360Q0l_zaHGBjTYv0zjhiY2dAFgHxc80hWHIXFko7Uh0INO3OvVCRCsodS-hYR6X_2potJmeHMuAi2J3e1k4d-ISdtppoL2Wxf3X5A3hilD7A5qzW-9lFI9PyMvuGBFVM0al0Q-oa8aU/s320/41321_498867954895_513949895_7207017_3275933_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519875211530984914" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7MiGCMy5DrRrPg231zQeLpDStn_poyVMG0qw7u7xm4k1CDipg3gutXJRGsc7YtbVW2sA1wSrS7_YPifzpEXAx9V0OoeyNDAjJdjrIlfxMaPEMcXLKSg_Ewa-r_xH8Nwjz-qN9AUUkV4/s1600/47945_1478420653679_1628657547_1118710_8162128_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7MiGCMy5DrRrPg231zQeLpDStn_poyVMG0qw7u7xm4k1CDipg3gutXJRGsc7YtbVW2sA1wSrS7_YPifzpEXAx9V0OoeyNDAjJdjrIlfxMaPEMcXLKSg_Ewa-r_xH8Nwjz-qN9AUUkV4/s320/47945_1478420653679_1628657547_1118710_8162128_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519874507512541362" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></i></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgteQV676ObbBdTayf464vN04_N0BRnfV_1P_0EwGNSno9aTSRKAbco8lqrFn-LOCqiU7XmUgEbAA7iopQdGWYrR7c9korfGvjDESKO4BhcljiItrU00JY6iMGnwjGS4xZag71bL0NldvM/s1600/41321_498867959895_513949895_7207018_8225180_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 202px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgteQV676ObbBdTayf464vN04_N0BRnfV_1P_0EwGNSno9aTSRKAbco8lqrFn-LOCqiU7XmUgEbAA7iopQdGWYrR7c9korfGvjDESKO4BhcljiItrU00JY6iMGnwjGS4xZag71bL0NldvM/s320/41321_498867959895_513949895_7207018_8225180_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519875206741463106" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The Ladies</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></i></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBlcSJy_a3bC9jz5rxOyiomsVgKdBKstumUBGyfljrzXDEBGUxvgZ-H8_t0HejphMfvBPAzDXuFuQ3DDPp2V0Huv1Qji3NIW42vrQrL2YEXBjVkvqlsO_iRrnUQJuXCju1Ti325W0qQM/s1600/41321_498867949895_513949895_7207016_7283869_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBlcSJy_a3bC9jz5rxOyiomsVgKdBKstumUBGyfljrzXDEBGUxvgZ-H8_t0HejphMfvBPAzDXuFuQ3DDPp2V0Huv1Qji3NIW42vrQrL2YEXBjVkvqlsO_iRrnUQJuXCju1Ti325W0qQM/s320/41321_498867949895_513949895_7207016_7283869_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519875203559626114" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Cheers to Barcelona!</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></i></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_gtvLmWcTWVrcBt3GP_Gca1q-pcNeiTmtkR34LgJnfZfcYoxqpbgm5VL3tiv_U4yZWtOk4L8KlRvBcU3sE54t_gtGtSFgOz5OrWPrtWMcAGVBwDOWT-37Ei0m2ka_ugCZfZwZmgGru4/s1600/41321_498867984895_513949895_7207023_4109436_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 257px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_gtvLmWcTWVrcBt3GP_Gca1q-pcNeiTmtkR34LgJnfZfcYoxqpbgm5VL3tiv_U4yZWtOk4L8KlRvBcU3sE54t_gtGtSFgOz5OrWPrtWMcAGVBwDOWT-37Ei0m2ka_ugCZfZwZmgGru4/s320/41321_498867984895_513949895_7207023_4109436_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519874535032880658" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Me and My Handsome Man</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></i></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2IjtDSaTvehTWC3x2yv4L9PKBZGbIch9ugq86alnZSZbrR3Hh3DgTnPhA3RqqlYEwx0u6QnER8PjVktqoN9IVFesD4QtoiIB1bxuEF5VYaGQu5TqSpwpPCbFQhyphenhyphenrfzB0hvNLbxVFj8To/s1600/47161_498868199895_513949895_7207027_2028532_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 222px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2IjtDSaTvehTWC3x2yv4L9PKBZGbIch9ugq86alnZSZbrR3Hh3DgTnPhA3RqqlYEwx0u6QnER8PjVktqoN9IVFesD4QtoiIB1bxuEF5VYaGQu5TqSpwpPCbFQhyphenhyphenrfzB0hvNLbxVFj8To/s320/47161_498868199895_513949895_7207027_2028532_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519874515682086530" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This is what my face looks like the majority of the time I'm around Jim - laughing; hands down the funniest person I know. There's no telling what he just said.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></i></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1M8DV-NluXw4imMUl5AJcxGbQLU35kq9wdrBMmmIPcLfba_eZzOKYybWCsyv33qJo5qVXMmSYmTR5RVh04Ujh1JfzCCwXsM4wSMBReikAXaOsMec9nbqAlvBPlSIJTAgZOWZnWyPgZWk/s1600/41321_498867969895_513949895_7207020_6021207_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 196px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1M8DV-NluXw4imMUl5AJcxGbQLU35kq9wdrBMmmIPcLfba_eZzOKYybWCsyv33qJo5qVXMmSYmTR5RVh04Ujh1JfzCCwXsM4wSMBReikAXaOsMec9nbqAlvBPlSIJTAgZOWZnWyPgZWk/s320/41321_498867969895_513949895_7207020_6021207_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519874514534904706" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Me and my girl, Erica <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">miss her :(</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Unlike the Spanish who would prefer to have dinner closer to 11 pm or midnight, we were starving by 9 pm. We walked up (and down and back up again) the main street near our apartment before settling on a tapas restaurant with a pretty menu outside the door. I'm still not sure why we picked that place; we couldn't understand a single item on the menu and there was not a soul inside. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But we lucked out and hit the jackpot! It was fantastic! Since we couldn't read the menu at all, we simply walked up to the bar area where the tapas were displayed and just pointed at everything we wanted. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Before long our table was covered in plates. Our eyes were clearly larger than our stomachs but we just couldn't help ourselves. Delish!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></u></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OWY7YHJJ9sHfCp-vwdpRpSe6DNu47Rc5NdRfI1z-F6Xh-O77uKWSLBovZ8YBaFByidiRL5VWbO7n4QmHKqF_fjD0Yzb8NIxsg_6Z8gVhdX_7gAriTwg5gljcN1NDH5dnnp24ZwhfnmU/s1600/47161_498868229895_513949895_7207033_7839973_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OWY7YHJJ9sHfCp-vwdpRpSe6DNu47Rc5NdRfI1z-F6Xh-O77uKWSLBovZ8YBaFByidiRL5VWbO7n4QmHKqF_fjD0Yzb8NIxsg_6Z8gVhdX_7gAriTwg5gljcN1NDH5dnnp24ZwhfnmU/s320/47161_498868229895_513949895_7207033_7839973_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519865419446670274" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The boys weren't about to leave a single tapas on that table no matter how full they were and before long they were suffering from a severe case of the tapas sweats. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfxPJCHwQGqDQvl6la68zyrdK4gRap2juFCUsU4SSirUj3DHQrEIJ1VeJ1vXFS5SZuNXbfO3rf5TvjLpaK3vPrc5uV4FA1F-PVthw2j5cj2mCtYLnPnYfST08_riGC8quFZO8321SEWo/s1600/58267_498894214895_513949895_7207506_35197_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfxPJCHwQGqDQvl6la68zyrdK4gRap2juFCUsU4SSirUj3DHQrEIJ1VeJ1vXFS5SZuNXbfO3rf5TvjLpaK3vPrc5uV4FA1F-PVthw2j5cj2mCtYLnPnYfST08_riGC8quFZO8321SEWo/s320/58267_498894214895_513949895_7207506_35197_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519865411812941378" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"So full.....but can't stop."</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">After we rolled ourselves out of the restaurant, we had our sights set on La Terrazza - a schnazzy bar and night club on the rooftop of a tall building. We took the elevator to the top, made the rounds checking the place out before setting up shop near the pool. We sat there staring at each other for about 30 seconds before I blurted out "Lord Byron's anyone?" This was just not our scene. A little too "Dragonfly at Hotel Zaza" for us. People were there to see and be seen.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Erica and I had not chosen the proper footwear for a night of walking mile after mile (ok, it was probably only one mile total, but our feet really hurt) so we opted to take a cab....3 blocks. We slipped into some more comfortable shoes and met the group across the street at the infamous, Lord Byron.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxPLSR3UJDQsOuYKAT0cpbP6utOvdUckojQViGxzctveoNuSMm6kxoL751GKPWlxnBz55nBkugQDxh4WdlnbI7BKgcGf7wRe4g7F9m-k4QeVr8g-0ZnTN6xSlw-fYj_zrBGZ4sKW3D_c/s1600/58267_498894229895_513949895_7207509_2450111_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxPLSR3UJDQsOuYKAT0cpbP6utOvdUckojQViGxzctveoNuSMm6kxoL751GKPWlxnBz55nBkugQDxh4WdlnbI7BKgcGf7wRe4g7F9m-k4QeVr8g-0ZnTN6xSlw-fYj_zrBGZ4sKW3D_c/s320/58267_498894229895_513949895_7207509_2450111_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519865405380212466" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchMpdyWJeI3LshdiT_xxtNvnI_I39UcX_UMkj6vtcjcmc_ThmKxReCfKlUO-QpiBlqeQdjUkeB210WdZlIhCr9xlOh6ZswL5OWip7sYiz9FlnqHymUVtjDY2vgldqzrI22DoijIDUxdA/s1600/46763_498894614895_513949895_7207518_5598349_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchMpdyWJeI3LshdiT_xxtNvnI_I39UcX_UMkj6vtcjcmc_ThmKxReCfKlUO-QpiBlqeQdjUkeB210WdZlIhCr9xlOh6ZswL5OWip7sYiz9FlnqHymUVtjDY2vgldqzrI22DoijIDUxdA/s320/46763_498894614895_513949895_7207518_5598349_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519865400761686194" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We had the place practically to ourselves and spent the next few hours rockin' out to whatever music we wanted. Everything from Queen to Abba to Sublime. Oriel, our new friend and bartender had told us that the place wouldn't fill up until closer to 3:15 am. Sure enough, by 3:30 the place was packed, shoulder to shoulder. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">As 6:00 am neared, Erica insisted we stay until then. We were the first in that night and we should be the last out. So we did. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Since we had really only visited a very small portion of the sights the day before, we managed to drag ourselves out of bed early enough to head over and catch the bus tour.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYp_lasEgsMeeuupb8Ja4eMrHr6LGi6c5pe_2NLsrjSibu0f3-XqfOhWx4HG9XBGJ2tqykF6S4rJB8Uv_-uEBQ7pf7BFtBlhM3ueBdEl6UBerm94DTP30hytg_sKOS9gJ8xE5JZcAS24/s1600/41128_498894959895_513949895_7207531_8187538_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYp_lasEgsMeeuupb8Ja4eMrHr6LGi6c5pe_2NLsrjSibu0f3-XqfOhWx4HG9XBGJ2tqykF6S4rJB8Uv_-uEBQ7pf7BFtBlhM3ueBdEl6UBerm94DTP30hytg_sKOS9gJ8xE5JZcAS24/s320/41128_498894959895_513949895_7207531_8187538_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519865394013944386" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Back on the double-decker bus</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">With the exception of the Picasso Museum and the Las Ramblas outdoor market, we were able to see everything we had hoped to.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Jim provided the entertainment while visiting the Placa Catalunya...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZ73eDJYMry5DgAFcKwYKnY-1VixpratcCopaPPn5yIs5PEs4AnDAvI_vyfj-Dp304ZscUr0tEY8mYkGrwicl2gT1uyv_02mzENPD_Sp-Adcza8bxRUb4iFNn4DpEEWRFk8X3xmbQsaA/s1600/41128_498894969895_513949895_7207533_6155895_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZ73eDJYMry5DgAFcKwYKnY-1VixpratcCopaPPn5yIs5PEs4AnDAvI_vyfj-Dp304ZscUr0tEY8mYkGrwicl2gT1uyv_02mzENPD_Sp-Adcza8bxRUb4iFNn4DpEEWRFk8X3xmbQsaA/s320/41128_498894969895_513949895_7207533_6155895_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519864825499481442" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7UmdguUDfNhtGaIFn-q4FC3eD0oJ8KuKNM2o3Or4U3G1GlSOSTp137HvhKNrx098kUHd6f6wvqRf_LTsKZiMikNDsJcWmhTZAJpr6QtEIXz5chzrPakO9FLB07KUE2-oxMdZ1-Vd0So/s1600/41128_498894974895_513949895_7207534_4263157_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7UmdguUDfNhtGaIFn-q4FC3eD0oJ8KuKNM2o3Or4U3G1GlSOSTp137HvhKNrx098kUHd6f6wvqRf_LTsKZiMikNDsJcWmhTZAJpr6QtEIXz5chzrPakO9FLB07KUE2-oxMdZ1-Vd0So/s320/41128_498894974895_513949895_7207534_4263157_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519864816705026658" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">When the bus stopped for a bit to "get back on schedule," it was just enough time for us Binghams to rest our eyes.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgg9Dl1hFQLH8lgWiApctOkgGSdj3hoqRfnW_17wNxl4GpP-BtnMe31bZniNe2yDprcIcJpQsctNw-0ZbNVYIEL76JMlzqLxLzNjq_RDYH8lk27t9SKx3lVXs9Rd1XRVZIRNzl9DJZJwo/s1600/47737_498895779895_513949895_7207571_4331564_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgg9Dl1hFQLH8lgWiApctOkgGSdj3hoqRfnW_17wNxl4GpP-BtnMe31bZniNe2yDprcIcJpQsctNw-0ZbNVYIEL76JMlzqLxLzNjq_RDYH8lk27t9SKx3lVXs9Rd1XRVZIRNzl9DJZJwo/s320/47737_498895779895_513949895_7207571_4331564_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519864807861017362" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We had dinner that evening at another wonderful tapas restaurant near the Sagrada Familia. More food, more sangria, and a lot more laughs.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAmAZseF5JigDAxXOTXrxvpmeZOnvutTNZ-b1Zxo5cf5Je4cqsrwuqHGMZeUj1MtNYuDADMUKLN9mjJ2gD6mo4c2rvE4YWe_oAODeiiLO2vMG66Pnj8xYZY6UVp5dX5_EYvEUexLRW68E/s1600/58990_498896064895_513949895_7207578_263520_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAmAZseF5JigDAxXOTXrxvpmeZOnvutTNZ-b1Zxo5cf5Je4cqsrwuqHGMZeUj1MtNYuDADMUKLN9mjJ2gD6mo4c2rvE4YWe_oAODeiiLO2vMG66Pnj8xYZY6UVp5dX5_EYvEUexLRW68E/s320/58990_498896064895_513949895_7207578_263520_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519864801397109922" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">From here we ventured over to the Michael Collins Irish Pub just around the corner. Just when Brad and I were about to take a nap on the bar, we both caught a second wind and ended up having a blast.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKX3jJutLfThfuRU7OKNbAW0svWM_pvGWFd8JrO4bDJjDgxudp9tdqiQ4EVym_5jBj_TJKo0frUG55ZYwQF8lmV6nhmXrOuzD7FgQk0xgaUtqnoDb0JQhrfFlVeNExANorD0f5ngiSdQ/s1600/58990_498896084895_513949895_7207582_1280592_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKX3jJutLfThfuRU7OKNbAW0svWM_pvGWFd8JrO4bDJjDgxudp9tdqiQ4EVym_5jBj_TJKo0frUG55ZYwQF8lmV6nhmXrOuzD7FgQk0xgaUtqnoDb0JQhrfFlVeNExANorD0f5ngiSdQ/s320/58990_498896084895_513949895_7207582_1280592_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519864795219728914" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And because it was now "tradition" we ended the night back at Lord Byron. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Before we knew it, our long weekend in Barcelona was coming to an end. I don't think we could have handled another night in that town. I had slept all of 10 hours....for the entire trip. Lunch, a little souvenir shopping and one last visit to the Sagrada Familia was all that took place on our final day. We said goodbye to Erica who left mid-afternoon and the rest of the group boarded our bus back to Girona shortly after.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Little did we know we had another long night ahead of us.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The only RyanAir flight back to Frankfurt Hahn didn't depart until 9:45 pm. </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> we were prepared for....what we were </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">not</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> prepared for was the pilot coming over the loud speaker just after we had boarded saying that due to a storm we would be sitting on the tarmac for another 2 and a half hours. Como say what?!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And that wasn't even the worst part. I could sit there and sleep for the next 2 and a half hours for all I cared EXCEPT that it was about 95 degrees on that plane! I kid you not, we had a plane full of people just sitting in their own sweat. It was awful.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Fortunately, we had Jim to keep us (and anybody within earshot) entertained for the duration of the waiting period. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Pilot:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> We're going to have to ask that all electronic devices including cell phones and iPods stay turned off while we're on the tarmac.</span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Jim</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">: Yeah, that's </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">NOT</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> going to happen!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We arrived at Frankfurt Hahn just after 1:00 am and still had another hour to drive. Exhausting...but so worth it.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I could not have planned a better way to end our time in Europe. It had been a weekend packed full of great memories and a </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">lot</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> of laughs. Needless to say, we went out with a bang.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPzkWMEbwur3j3Ww59DGOl0pJeQXxMDe9560yjKNyF-ZqWDxR8lP73L5BzwG5-G86ViRA0wQ6gvR00VAV5rrhOmTNRqHZFUeZMClSgtuSoAGwIiklfDRVTfEc2Vao6M3dspjvozVy5A34/s1600/47945_1478420653679_1628657547_1118710_8162128_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPzkWMEbwur3j3Ww59DGOl0pJeQXxMDe9560yjKNyF-ZqWDxR8lP73L5BzwG5-G86ViRA0wQ6gvR00VAV5rrhOmTNRqHZFUeZMClSgtuSoAGwIiklfDRVTfEc2Vao6M3dspjvozVy5A34/s320/47945_1478420653679_1628657547_1118710_8162128_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520871223666316786" /></a>The Binghamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09709623685048025786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820834326219752928.post-62953170851893095382010-09-23T00:11:00.017+02:002010-09-24T20:05:41.648+02:00Labor Day Weekend - Barcelona StyleBack in July, Brad and I had some friends over for a barbecue. As we were sitting around the picnic table chatting, my dear friend Erica said "let's go to Barcelona for Labor Day."<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaz9b657dXyZWLoDPp8yY3l7v0uRj326vBbTpEHhwY4uvyLSGhfwGH6krm6e42-02YMGDdKNpxWPvHS8cfkGegZsKcTRsrbYjGQFb7jICcbhvcMpjBKkfhvyc7ee2tKlwCeuhNUfxK4zA/s1600/38343_478223844895_513949895_6673705_7198032_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaz9b657dXyZWLoDPp8yY3l7v0uRj326vBbTpEHhwY4uvyLSGhfwGH6krm6e42-02YMGDdKNpxWPvHS8cfkGegZsKcTRsrbYjGQFb7jICcbhvcMpjBKkfhvyc7ee2tKlwCeuhNUfxK4zA/s320/38343_478223844895_513949895_6673705_7198032_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519879177709436210" /></a>Alright, why not? And in a matter of days we booked our tickets. </div><div><br /></div><div>Flash-forward a few weeks and our already crazy group of four had grown to seven. I spent way too much time researching it (like I seem to do with all of our vacations) but I finally found us the perfect apartment for our weekend get-away. September 3rd could not have come fast enough.</div><div><br /></div><div>Six of us boarded our 7:30 pm flight out of Frankfurt Hahn. Erica arrived earlier in the afternoon and was able to pick up our apartment keys and spend the rest of the day with friends. The thing about flying out of Frankfurt Hahn is, sure, you may pay all of 20 euros for your flight....but you never actually fly INTO the city. So after an hour long bus ride into Barcelona from Girona and another taxi to the apartment, we didn't arrive until just after 11:00 pm. </div><div><br /></div><div>The six of us wandered around Carrer de Valencia in search of our apartment before realizing Erica wasn't even there. She was out to dinner with her friends (the Spanish eat VERY late) and the six of us were stuck with all of our bags and no place to go. Just across the street was a small bar that had a tiny "Open" sign above the front door. As we walked past, the place looked dark and there were only two gentlemen sitting inside. Ummm, looks a little sketchy....let's keep walking.</div><div><br /></div><div>Nothing. Absolutely nothing in the next block or so looked at all appealing so we schlepped our bags back to the "sketchy" Lord Byron Bar. Little did we know but the majority of the laughs and great memories from this trip would happen right there at what soon became known as LBs.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHWj6hkS1IqG3L7sZMq69Tx6ln0XuctIdqbIcvA1BZ3q5aGcknBP1N7mluzIZFeQGouVj2Ga5dpL8gUZ5REtvpLSzGDjKq__lGLCD8nxd9YLqIP3KS75klFfp7OEM6QaGMqaTE6jWAgc/s1600/58990_498896059895_513949895_7207577_3600941_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHWj6hkS1IqG3L7sZMq69Tx6ln0XuctIdqbIcvA1BZ3q5aGcknBP1N7mluzIZFeQGouVj2Ga5dpL8gUZ5REtvpLSzGDjKq__lGLCD8nxd9YLqIP3KS75klFfp7OEM6QaGMqaTE6jWAgc/s320/58990_498896059895_513949895_7207577_3600941_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519877612376998226" /></a><br /></div><div>It turned out to be the perfect way to kick off our Barcelona adventure. Good friends, great music, and a lot of laughs.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kxMG-iywFGRZ7WKpHHhocX0XbErRCI3uxbL4xgog5ksr_Va2qGZrfbOCqqyKOabkjAAjgCy9K_W4nKxLOsIlO-5lwhtILTJUyvP2Rkeob-lTzZmRmRNgkG-JP8nJdjCW5-on5PB3dEU/s1600/46602_498859509895_513949895_7206776_6414059_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kxMG-iywFGRZ7WKpHHhocX0XbErRCI3uxbL4xgog5ksr_Va2qGZrfbOCqqyKOabkjAAjgCy9K_W4nKxLOsIlO-5lwhtILTJUyvP2Rkeob-lTzZmRmRNgkG-JP8nJdjCW5-on5PB3dEU/s320/46602_498859509895_513949895_7206776_6414059_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519877608449982322" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Let's meet the gang - (from left) Micah, Erica, Danielle, Chad (Micah's hubby), Jim, me and Brad</i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div>Here is Brad channeling his best Eddie Vedder with the air guitar. This would not be the last we would see of Mr. Vedder and it was certainly not the last we would see of LBs.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuEtLhUeuvkMweSjvxOX-OCFF3L93_Kec1NA27KYQgZCUh5CLNQw7L2KJfgy08OCUHuNEj4cz1NcqC1DTaVWUGZu1YHv3mn8lg4Ls1O-c22iGVTVG1Tl5nIiGMK1eH2sxa2oS9AL7vexw/s1600/59141_498859774895_513949895_7206783_7930415_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuEtLhUeuvkMweSjvxOX-OCFF3L93_Kec1NA27KYQgZCUh5CLNQw7L2KJfgy08OCUHuNEj4cz1NcqC1DTaVWUGZu1YHv3mn8lg4Ls1O-c22iGVTVG1Tl5nIiGMK1eH2sxa2oS9AL7vexw/s320/59141_498859774895_513949895_7206783_7930415_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519877477000010130" /></a>About 2:30 we called it a night and made the long trek (and by long I mean directly across the street) to the apartment. It was perfect! </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSSv-bh00yPvVzlTSZY-b4dIxBnwJC2sRbWbphrh6RixHmZ4g-PmVsoLLtv7SqdQIapCyg_-s4tpqIQ3I6IV2e6fcfcXH4yrlTAbg3EMONrUa9Ei5MCXZ6fUEpDiCrlmMA9TaA08nIvw/s1600/47675_1476447484351_1628657547_1115365_5856531_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSSv-bh00yPvVzlTSZY-b4dIxBnwJC2sRbWbphrh6RixHmZ4g-PmVsoLLtv7SqdQIapCyg_-s4tpqIQ3I6IV2e6fcfcXH4yrlTAbg3EMONrUa9Ei5MCXZ6fUEpDiCrlmMA9TaA08nIvw/s320/47675_1476447484351_1628657547_1115365_5856531_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519877464820092722" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The Bingham's Room</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We woke up bright and early the following morning and enjoyed breakfast on our rooftop terrace. We had quite the view...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 215px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36yddT-pw64w5kpR-6VIndWZk91oAkjc_3g8H_mF3v18U_8gowe6Wn_x2HKo-YZKWIUYkXzbCEpWC_gyTlulHClb3awfTkohIrjdSsfXoPrRiQmzHA7CzKhMPpIesJ9cqPSp5siPjTmg/s320/47362_498860144895_513949895_7206793_5597350_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519877460630994162" /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The plan was to spend the day sight-seeing and our first stop was the Sagrada Familia. If you can see past the numerous cranes, it is quite an impressive work of art. With a total of eighteen spindle-shaped spires and hundreds of thousands of sculptures throughout, it was easy to see why this was Gaudi's masterpiece. Unfortunately, the project isn't expected to be complete until at least 2026....only 144 years after the project got started and 100 years after Gaudi's death.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36yddT-pw64w5kpR-6VIndWZk91oAkjc_3g8H_mF3v18U_8gowe6Wn_x2HKo-YZKWIUYkXzbCEpWC_gyTlulHClb3awfTkohIrjdSsfXoPrRiQmzHA7CzKhMPpIesJ9cqPSp5siPjTmg/s1600/47362_498860144895_513949895_7206793_5597350_n.jpg"><br /></a></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwGvXBA0kYYguS1gMxtR3Lbw2Yu9YQN-muzvSiN-_78U4MErgGkLuayZVogmqj2W4Mon2fExlP1TWZahbWn_Vt5JkVsm7UbrCpEz_WRWc4PXX_PlVAQW5ku51fWFE88eMz_35hvC3Rew/s1600/59152_498860639895_513949895_7206808_1012606_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwGvXBA0kYYguS1gMxtR3Lbw2Yu9YQN-muzvSiN-_78U4MErgGkLuayZVogmqj2W4Mon2fExlP1TWZahbWn_Vt5JkVsm7UbrCpEz_WRWc4PXX_PlVAQW5ku51fWFE88eMz_35hvC3Rew/s320/59152_498860639895_513949895_7206808_1012606_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519877454208289298" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiecH13O8cmXVAVkzXXlwlbHTNX4NGlY1DKIheyu4c_y1MKVRoAV5Qto2mMPRh9ZdyilpOTyQZFV4tyIawpHGqkixGOo0vhyQc_k7DuOhHp5LaEIaH8eq_f2WjOft9W4rhX658mSl_SHUc/s1600/47945_1478420533676_1628657547_1118707_5371312_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiecH13O8cmXVAVkzXXlwlbHTNX4NGlY1DKIheyu4c_y1MKVRoAV5Qto2mMPRh9ZdyilpOTyQZFV4tyIawpHGqkixGOo0vhyQc_k7DuOhHp5LaEIaH8eq_f2WjOft9W4rhX658mSl_SHUc/s320/47945_1478420533676_1628657547_1118707_5371312_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519877075860275250" /></a>From here the group jumped on the Hop On/Hop Off bus tour and we headed towards my favorite part of Barcelona - The Park Güell.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDiD0VSwdhbxWlBFaImd1bDVS22CVwEO0i2J7pgupDcgyxEASvPrJ1Kede_jd03CYQlw618utTVG2441nw7tdmOaSXO4DVCgRTQAcJuDkKha5bSF9As5DP6bJqk9U-Lj0zxq3D6eTdzbA/s1600/59152_498860654895_513949895_7206811_525145_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDiD0VSwdhbxWlBFaImd1bDVS22CVwEO0i2J7pgupDcgyxEASvPrJ1Kede_jd03CYQlw618utTVG2441nw7tdmOaSXO4DVCgRTQAcJuDkKha5bSF9As5DP6bJqk9U-Lj0zxq3D6eTdzbA/s320/59152_498860654895_513949895_7206811_525145_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519877073222506754" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQcV_Yx-eqaAuZZ4aU0g03R2SeP0gj_JdJ0Ltl8n7ztaR9Zz8GpllSvDrB9qJ3i6SUoewsezlXMmxipkTT7DYUJI4XNF7w98klbbuofX26nuJhWrUqqfOVIzSds9ghntRO8aq2UVe_44/s1600/61866_1476523486251_1628657547_1115483_7140461_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQcV_Yx-eqaAuZZ4aU0g03R2SeP0gj_JdJ0Ltl8n7ztaR9Zz8GpllSvDrB9qJ3i6SUoewsezlXMmxipkTT7DYUJI4XNF7w98klbbuofX26nuJhWrUqqfOVIzSds9ghntRO8aq2UVe_44/s320/61866_1476523486251_1628657547_1115483_7140461_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519877066004981826" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUeJr9mxeZcWc-r9QTdJ2lWnURBkDvY3pqNzl30Ov86DqCkprK4ktYdqizAIV-mejE3SbTXxH2iKtGyGscu7dJNvVWUxmj2DAsR3tJuMbevv4RPfVn9I97TrXSLRXm8sxHZo7X_8JZw4/s1600/59152_498860659895_513949895_7206812_4888794_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUeJr9mxeZcWc-r9QTdJ2lWnURBkDvY3pqNzl30Ov86DqCkprK4ktYdqizAIV-mejE3SbTXxH2iKtGyGscu7dJNvVWUxmj2DAsR3tJuMbevv4RPfVn9I97TrXSLRXm8sxHZo7X_8JZw4/s320/59152_498860659895_513949895_7206812_4888794_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519877062774894530" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWbJxByYWii1i0SXfT8zWgjvm7x9W-52t9DUzwUS5SLrkdi-LFAlgzmh2LhUztTABsQ585EOUVMYPcLzMWVwFO2Ff1rXcOg6jWOxj95_GZHS-TtBUxBTcpHM8VpxdzxJ92lpCPOSLWcs/s1600/46705_498861099895_513949895_7206823_3010107_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWbJxByYWii1i0SXfT8zWgjvm7x9W-52t9DUzwUS5SLrkdi-LFAlgzmh2LhUztTABsQ585EOUVMYPcLzMWVwFO2Ff1rXcOg6jWOxj95_GZHS-TtBUxBTcpHM8VpxdzxJ92lpCPOSLWcs/s320/46705_498861099895_513949895_7206823_3010107_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519877057447499154" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The boys posing with a belly dancer</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGOQ-LpUqSjLWmXK1Qqr4WPPt6fvSqVFO7jiN1oJQLgT4AxazTjD55DsUEQmFC4EPIeJpbgNYF-uPy1niw4E7H7_-5sleunyPLk_7PCXRhBpmInIjBHOKpUW-9XoVreyYn66Qfl5Ip_U/s1600/47416_498866419895_513949895_7206940_486011_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGOQ-LpUqSjLWmXK1Qqr4WPPt6fvSqVFO7jiN1oJQLgT4AxazTjD55DsUEQmFC4EPIeJpbgNYF-uPy1niw4E7H7_-5sleunyPLk_7PCXRhBpmInIjBHOKpUW-9XoVreyYn66Qfl5Ip_U/s320/47416_498866419895_513949895_7206940_486011_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519876280337335682" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This was the best two euro we spent on the whole trip....it was beyond hot!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">As you may remember, I was <a href="http://adventuresofthebinghams.blogspot.com/2010/02/hola-from-barcelona.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366FF;">here back in January with my friend and colleague, Mandy</span></a>. We practically had the place to ourselves and it was about 40 degrees cooler. And I don't remember the pigeons....</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Within two minutes of stepping foot under the columned terrace area, Brad got pooped on. Now this is not uncommon for Brad. I've watched the boy get pooped on at least three, if not more times since I've known him. But this was bad. Real bad. And it landed on his head AND his shirt. After I was able to compose myself, I helped clean him up.....then laughed some more.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxPPea8J24Um_pCFJVlcU6oE61rt5Fvf83lvi4f4NakbfDHhvuerfjiAi05laE0c-OuOq-GBRf7He5cwfsyHVI7Z6SwOphzo_U3ZGXh3emUbR-Exq41e29USgyGvN3fOKdi-Y5x2cEt4/s1600/46705_498861119895_513949895_7206827_428312_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxPPea8J24Um_pCFJVlcU6oE61rt5Fvf83lvi4f4NakbfDHhvuerfjiAi05laE0c-OuOq-GBRf7He5cwfsyHVI7Z6SwOphzo_U3ZGXh3emUbR-Exq41e29USgyGvN3fOKdi-Y5x2cEt4/s320/46705_498861119895_513949895_7206827_428312_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519876277339213570" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFF4fVeNGy4j4D8sbRGiSb2rayeMLdAyOhKIFHhcR9N1omZDdY1-W_uhdmUcgszFkPIwJc1Hxg65Bgr_HlEAXbVwLlCSgoH1lGFsGf0JUuV1Xa3lBu3S2zs2EZvpC6SmDULWOOexrFmYs/s1600/61993_1476538606629_1628657547_1115501_2547652_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFF4fVeNGy4j4D8sbRGiSb2rayeMLdAyOhKIFHhcR9N1omZDdY1-W_uhdmUcgszFkPIwJc1Hxg65Bgr_HlEAXbVwLlCSgoH1lGFsGf0JUuV1Xa3lBu3S2zs2EZvpC6SmDULWOOexrFmYs/s320/61993_1476538606629_1628657547_1115501_2547652_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519876274709082946" /></a>Again, we have some of the most interesting architecture. Think Candy Land meets Dr. Seuss. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWAdfdGn5Vjs84_rfCTY7xvkVPCiS3niW3DeQO6_gqicFC0RtRz9XEaGYBuoNtOWaUd_sgwnrRbOOWFvqZ9cZaglc47xlTTdY2aZTnVrkda8bd6IV8mCjkh2Bj_ef3CVKPKo3T9xolybs/s1600/46806_498866259895_513949895_7206935_2061188_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWAdfdGn5Vjs84_rfCTY7xvkVPCiS3niW3DeQO6_gqicFC0RtRz9XEaGYBuoNtOWaUd_sgwnrRbOOWFvqZ9cZaglc47xlTTdY2aZTnVrkda8bd6IV8mCjkh2Bj_ef3CVKPKo3T9xolybs/s320/46806_498866259895_513949895_7206935_2061188_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519876266550881362" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD1dbosExE25BvS9yncfQFY5HJNtunKgWPNIKRyBEx-A3JS6s2ODTGjprkGel_V4Tx2IWVvUhG90msUkapXpVXVbdcy-5VFTUKQRlD8tcEMS95zKT90_HFlpCuP05DXvtkOUtz4C5w1tw/s1600/59360_498866719895_513949895_7206948_1212021_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD1dbosExE25BvS9yncfQFY5HJNtunKgWPNIKRyBEx-A3JS6s2ODTGjprkGel_V4Tx2IWVvUhG90msUkapXpVXVbdcy-5VFTUKQRlD8tcEMS95zKT90_HFlpCuP05DXvtkOUtz4C5w1tw/s320/59360_498866719895_513949895_7206948_1212021_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519876269171144050" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUB0yqKHDh_s2BfVLAH5FJlkuJHPFp6vvzvjB9Kz4wpJWKXWr-zJMuE9dwHCkx5BSiXLlziprhrGjOMRV6GvMtNS-tLWLi8gzI5e15JMxT_6Zu2IWNg37FlW9X-OAv0pIRth8R3OVfc7g/s1600/61900_1478451094440_1628657547_1118771_2650049_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUB0yqKHDh_s2BfVLAH5FJlkuJHPFp6vvzvjB9Kz4wpJWKXWr-zJMuE9dwHCkx5BSiXLlziprhrGjOMRV6GvMtNS-tLWLi8gzI5e15JMxT_6Zu2IWNg37FlW9X-OAv0pIRth8R3OVfc7g/s320/61900_1478451094440_1628657547_1118771_2650049_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519875809288083330" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ZcssrONcHFLrUCVp7Xy0iZznuPk_vZb9RatEpqZf9Mrfbi7lDIFSR8MrEzkNbPwrZRHb7a3WoxpEjoM6r3Er0hONw4mZaUUvzFcUBwKJuqK_xPqCxvH6aWH7h20GqZjbiEaci5kEbBg/s1600/46583_1476546326822_1628657547_1115517_4487601_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ZcssrONcHFLrUCVp7Xy0iZznuPk_vZb9RatEpqZf9Mrfbi7lDIFSR8MrEzkNbPwrZRHb7a3WoxpEjoM6r3Er0hONw4mZaUUvzFcUBwKJuqK_xPqCxvH6aWH7h20GqZjbiEaci5kEbBg/s320/46583_1476546326822_1628657547_1115517_4487601_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519875805485346274" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBjtXxwcS_s6HObRH4KUaabjEbFW36X4OaOFphXzaXfUEcfRso1vgicFSD1SFj0z0K9o6xy-aFxmblIsuonOSIW8xgM6ElQ89Gpq_ZfDNtEyRQOJELmMMk4mUbIcIQEU1IA54nBbrnJQ/s1600/58281_1478420333671_1628657547_1118706_2130695_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 318px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBjtXxwcS_s6HObRH4KUaabjEbFW36X4OaOFphXzaXfUEcfRso1vgicFSD1SFj0z0K9o6xy-aFxmblIsuonOSIW8xgM6ElQ89Gpq_ZfDNtEyRQOJELmMMk4mUbIcIQEU1IA54nBbrnJQ/s320/58281_1478420333671_1628657547_1118706_2130695_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519875802392020866" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRaltaKULGCf6qQKVkZ8H5CIeMr1aZSLkG73-JepMit9F9wm9IxxgRlzsN7TLj_jumGBYtmutABrlIt06is-BmradSoFtHR5RLXKKmIBEsUvcJUG2E_MoUBS7cijZuFJLD43KDlVyyMg/s1600/61198_1478430133916_1628657547_1118724_615892_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 244px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRaltaKULGCf6qQKVkZ8H5CIeMr1aZSLkG73-JepMit9F9wm9IxxgRlzsN7TLj_jumGBYtmutABrlIt06is-BmradSoFtHR5RLXKKmIBEsUvcJUG2E_MoUBS7cijZuFJLD43KDlVyyMg/s320/61198_1478430133916_1628657547_1118724_615892_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519875792425005026" /></a>Following our stroll through the park, we took the tour bus a few more stops to the Avenue Diagonal, one of Barcelona's more well known streets that is lined with shops and restaurants. It worked out that we paid for the two day bus tickets....because we were about to enjoy a three hour lunch which quickly ended our "sight-seeing day."</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhleH4FnuDcGopiDGznDocP_zzX_QTTxcf4CBBUa1NrHbMKPqYOWGcJe0fMUe2b5Vvq4X4sHgBbqCsNvkStjxmBRVSlXkrRuvGBa0JIKHsd4PG6C25O9-cMfOg5-muI_m-Ud1y6ZhNenog/s1600/59208_1478470214918_1628657547_1118808_3099880_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhleH4FnuDcGopiDGznDocP_zzX_QTTxcf4CBBUa1NrHbMKPqYOWGcJe0fMUe2b5Vvq4X4sHgBbqCsNvkStjxmBRVSlXkrRuvGBa0JIKHsd4PG6C25O9-cMfOg5-muI_m-Ud1y6ZhNenog/s320/59208_1478470214918_1628657547_1118808_3099880_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519875784298395826" /></a>The menu included an assortment of paella dishes brought out in hot skillets. Let's just say I'm glad Brad and I decided NOT to share. It was wonderful!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqnFNmkCRdsvw_dh7EKnn3R5ehM8HdccMdQa782Linp0f53qTJnzkLv4hDsZk7QLFxoi0lgsHiFNmAXTcV4sb8E005vNk_nZEV_n3_e490KenJQshfL1CkRavmdGGzrrHKwu9hJO13xSI/s1600/58949_498867654895_513949895_7207005_8042442_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqnFNmkCRdsvw_dh7EKnn3R5ehM8HdccMdQa782Linp0f53qTJnzkLv4hDsZk7QLFxoi0lgsHiFNmAXTcV4sb8E005vNk_nZEV_n3_e490KenJQshfL1CkRavmdGGzrrHKwu9hJO13xSI/s320/58949_498867654895_513949895_7207005_8042442_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519875221271592002" /></a><br /></div><div>And you can't have paella without sangria! Actually, you can't go to Barcelona without having sangria....lots of it.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjq_JnugkOKBYgAaP6N4k2qmmd-rie-oAENhTQkV8WcOmeAskb6OU0XaNidWgOXSnejcozAjuqgVWzigoIXRBSzCrd-qlMRqRW53HSC-C3Kn-4MG1-YnpDJL00efzIjGOugf_Vp7GwAeU/s1600/60937_580966551738_52702261_33436190_1268610_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjq_JnugkOKBYgAaP6N4k2qmmd-rie-oAENhTQkV8WcOmeAskb6OU0XaNidWgOXSnejcozAjuqgVWzigoIXRBSzCrd-qlMRqRW53HSC-C3Kn-4MG1-YnpDJL00efzIjGOugf_Vp7GwAeU/s320/60937_580966551738_52702261_33436190_1268610_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519875211863963074" /></a>The day could have ended there and I would have considered it a good marble day - but there was still so much in store. </div><div><br /></div><div>However, for that part of the adventure, you will have to wait....</div>The Binghamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09709623685048025786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820834326219752928.post-55385816709770185482010-09-21T15:27:00.005+02:002010-09-21T16:31:00.956+02:00A Walk Through MontmartreOur final day of sightseeing in Paris was spent walking through the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Montmartre</span> area. We found a recommended path to take through this hilltop village in our guide book and Brad did a lovely job playing the part of tour guide. <div><br /></div><div>We took the metro from our hotel and started our journey in front of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Moulin</span> Rouge. Yes, Brad and I both took turns pretending to be cancan dancers...but we'll save those pictures for another day.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2TB1dLh0efDd_atKTe59J9aQSQD3yvxFaSLPVZpj1EeqTTkDtaHkSVBs4uR1ZnT6qz8KaTVut7kzltYedEMj7ImK6dJorKEvLx96ljzqFiKPTfa6pv-dhuLQerzJDwlxDaA2jjyIB98/s1600/IMG_2426v2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 211px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2TB1dLh0efDd_atKTe59J9aQSQD3yvxFaSLPVZpj1EeqTTkDtaHkSVBs4uR1ZnT6qz8KaTVut7kzltYedEMj7ImK6dJorKEvLx96ljzqFiKPTfa6pv-dhuLQerzJDwlxDaA2jjyIB98/s320/IMG_2426v2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519360227172708914" /></a>Just around the corner was the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Cimetiere</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">de</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Montmartre</span>, a large cemetery with hundreds and hundreds of massive tombs. Honestly, we didn't know a single "famous" person that had been buried here but we found it interesting anyhow.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Nbn7IYAcGbSSKG-kls6-9wjlCK3beKi5TBfbsHLUbnvWR2anSuBW_Fj4dVM34cHT-EgS4fOBWmDyTV7s_tcbMHnmygXWXQ9oQYFNMZYodHq4SjGroUDaWGn7PUJJpYotK4zusFaPM3I/s1600/IMG_2431v2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Nbn7IYAcGbSSKG-kls6-9wjlCK3beKi5TBfbsHLUbnvWR2anSuBW_Fj4dVM34cHT-EgS4fOBWmDyTV7s_tcbMHnmygXWXQ9oQYFNMZYodHq4SjGroUDaWGn7PUJJpYotK4zusFaPM3I/s320/IMG_2431v2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519360218241650018" /></a>Along the way up the steep hill we passed one of the homes Van <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Gogh</span> lived in for several years in the late 1880s. Thank you <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Fodor's</span> Paris Guide Book, I would have missed this completely without you.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_im5AQtmODIVG1OskliRi-D5h9p-HebFwfRsdo93DlcFh3iHayVbh6qs75B2vlYFW7MSZPnGEy4ce_JgD72OutiOUjvErJTIHbQrqpiiQ1Soak1wm-pMapmv_EOFlR5Vv7zBCQWgIWc/s1600/IMG_2437v2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_im5AQtmODIVG1OskliRi-D5h9p-HebFwfRsdo93DlcFh3iHayVbh6qs75B2vlYFW7MSZPnGEy4ce_JgD72OutiOUjvErJTIHbQrqpiiQ1Soak1wm-pMapmv_EOFlR5Vv7zBCQWgIWc/s320/IMG_2437v2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519360214494692626" /></a>The streets continued to get steeper and steeper but it was so beautiful, we didn't seem to mind. I hope the parking break on these cars works better than on Brad's beater BMW; could be dangerous.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1jKyzwbGmrUx4Uv2LNV_xYhDGrgLokbej8tcxrjPmVgnqaDLniKpjoUQsLfHgqVmQo-RJxcnbFkWhM-2yXgJlJyT-bVtegFPFIpR0lu9LBawBQh9UNl4WJG7JnfMCH6a_jIev6D9_1I/s1600/IMG_2440v2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1jKyzwbGmrUx4Uv2LNV_xYhDGrgLokbej8tcxrjPmVgnqaDLniKpjoUQsLfHgqVmQo-RJxcnbFkWhM-2yXgJlJyT-bVtegFPFIpR0lu9LBawBQh9UNl4WJG7JnfMCH6a_jIev6D9_1I/s320/IMG_2440v2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519359875985884738" /></a>Another stop was in the Square Suzanne-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Buisson</span> where we found the statue of the third-century bishop, St. Denis. St. Denis was beheaded by the Romans and legend has it that he picked up his head and washed off the blood in the fountain right at this very spot. Thus the statue. A little strange, huh?</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyeGXrXBEFgXtS0UrHuO6avPp3bStO0fStwu27zttdZi2wJhI388d8eqoArHKcwBPtC7tTCkfVyuHPEPFM16ggMHn7CVzh59CamqOz3uWbYrf7bTO28KsRjqb84i32E-9pmIlR-FuSoIo/s1600/IMG_2445v2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 215px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyeGXrXBEFgXtS0UrHuO6avPp3bStO0fStwu27zttdZi2wJhI388d8eqoArHKcwBPtC7tTCkfVyuHPEPFM16ggMHn7CVzh59CamqOz3uWbYrf7bTO28KsRjqb84i32E-9pmIlR-FuSoIo/s320/IMG_2445v2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519359870883528850" /></a>This is where guide books come in really handy. We were given directions that brought us up to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Sacre</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Coeur</span> basilica from the backside giving us an incredible view of the beautiful church. And we had the park to ourselves with the exception of a class of small children who appeared to be on a field trip. It was breathtaking.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBDnfci_hdJ_6weLCqlKoXxZPKzfzDtsLjAU_F8dRUU_duaerZPmeVvu5tyaplrkUMiT0WPtEz0JKDDhU3TcOrpqLoSp6-Ek709VFHDHTF1i15rEFRBSvvXDClFhFBeHlslSDCUnj5Dk/s1600/IMG_2451v2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBDnfci_hdJ_6weLCqlKoXxZPKzfzDtsLjAU_F8dRUU_duaerZPmeVvu5tyaplrkUMiT0WPtEz0JKDDhU3TcOrpqLoSp6-Ek709VFHDHTF1i15rEFRBSvvXDClFhFBeHlslSDCUnj5Dk/s320/IMG_2451v2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519359866536844002" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_tz4qjFViCqLKiiqNE_X_3wGoph6ukgOzaxmfYuFxcK8G6nfvYnqe0HvCVhYMSbWM0A2sYQBJm46bdrXtpvpzyujxvTP9tE23XHGG6keRjPCts4aw53AxRYGS9d8_tsc7IB0yTfT1jI0/s1600/IMG_2457v2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_tz4qjFViCqLKiiqNE_X_3wGoph6ukgOzaxmfYuFxcK8G6nfvYnqe0HvCVhYMSbWM0A2sYQBJm46bdrXtpvpzyujxvTP9tE23XHGG6keRjPCts4aw53AxRYGS9d8_tsc7IB0yTfT1jI0/s320/IMG_2457v2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519359864292585922" /></a>When we walked around to the front side of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Sacre</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Coeur</span> basilica it was just swarming with people. This was to be expected as you have quite the panoramic view of Paris from the front steps of the church. We walked through admiring the many sculptures and mosaics; unfortunately, we were unable to take pictures inside.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>From the top of the hill, we could see the Eiffel Tower off in the distance.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpdNmINFj5XBYTlOkpXIsnIhN5wd9Jx9UkhCFaQ-ihG7hLdBmr7pNGknb9cCwX3LcQLB0NuV_n9zrE1eoG9AFVbxYwCm0VVCpATtODbO3u8EX0EiIzCVdeC78-X6Dcsbu44X3aFMMjPk/s1600/IMG_2463v2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpdNmINFj5XBYTlOkpXIsnIhN5wd9Jx9UkhCFaQ-ihG7hLdBmr7pNGknb9cCwX3LcQLB0NuV_n9zrE1eoG9AFVbxYwCm0VVCpATtODbO3u8EX0EiIzCVdeC78-X6Dcsbu44X3aFMMjPk/s320/IMG_2463v2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519359856774090322" /></a>The afternoon was spent popping in and out of souvenir shops in the Place <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">du</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Tertre</span>. The square itself was filled with artists painting portraits of celebrities and willing tourists. As our self-made tour was coming to an end and it was time to make the trek back down the steep hill, we found ourselves in a small gallery. I had intended to do a little shopping in a unique store we had just passed but ended up going in the wrong door and before we knew it, we had picked out a beautiful painting by a local artist. It's my favorite souvenir from the trip.</div><div><br /></div><div>Exhaustion was beginning to set in so we made our way back to the hotel. We ended the evening with a lovely dinner at a sushi restaurant followed by cappuccinos at a nearby cafe. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.</div><div><br /></div><div>The following day we were catching our train back to Frankfurt at 1:00 pm so we spent the morning shopping. I was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">adamant</span> that any clothing I bought in Paris could not come from a store I could go to in Germany or Dallas....I came up empty handed. Fortunately, I found a cute top at a little boutique in the massive train station....it will now be known as my Paris shirt. </div><div><br /></div><div>And that was the end of our Parisian Adventure. We said "au revoir" to Paris.......and "hola!" to Barcelona!</div>The Binghamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09709623685048025786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820834326219752928.post-61447520540917758262010-09-09T09:28:00.011+02:002010-09-21T05:02:17.567+02:00Paris: Part Deux<div>Let the record show, I wrote this entry almost two weeks ago and it disappeared. I have reason to believe the housekeeping guy in Germany deleted it....or the old Dell crashed like it did once every day and I forgot to save it. Either way I'm back <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">aaaaand</span> (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">drumroll</span> please) I'm writing to you live from my new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">MacBook</span> Pro. Get ready for some serious blog time people. I love this thing!</div><div><br /></div><div>Alright, where were we? Right, Paris. For the next part of our trip, Brad and I decided to spoil ourselves just a tad and get a room at The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Banke</span> Hotel near the Opera <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Palais</span>. It was beautiful inside and out and the staff couldn't have been more friendly.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhkKyli2j5LkXRCH8uSWJWusMqIfbo4vRRKyUMQMEhuE8_wgz6HjlmrJrMFUob-f_H78ty0E8mGyMtxhpweW7WwKq3dXtvp7HdJHuBoBW1-y7a-d_VIRhMl7om9OSOh4c8MwMGsgGg34/s1600/IMG_2340v2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514817220813116802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 256px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhkKyli2j5LkXRCH8uSWJWusMqIfbo4vRRKyUMQMEhuE8_wgz6HjlmrJrMFUob-f_H78ty0E8mGyMtxhpweW7WwKq3dXtvp7HdJHuBoBW1-y7a-d_VIRhMl7om9OSOh4c8MwMGsgGg34/s320/IMG_2340v2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMks1TSK_mkqDKOogiy3rS1DhKIioKzfMMvPLnTd0XvzlSdKV4eB7UJa1nnY4eDzSouRk_tNZDIxWrz2QtexEaj-qc__k_g3NfoljYQ1GTPSy-EK4r8YprQgyFUAp9q0PvV3ks3LNBOA/s1600/IMG_2344v2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514817219113019922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMks1TSK_mkqDKOogiy3rS1DhKIioKzfMMvPLnTd0XvzlSdKV4eB7UJa1nnY4eDzSouRk_tNZDIxWrz2QtexEaj-qc__k_g3NfoljYQ1GTPSy-EK4r8YprQgyFUAp9q0PvV3ks3LNBOA/s320/IMG_2344v2.jpg" border="0" /></a>After the bags were settled in our room we took a look at our trusty map (which was already quite worn by this point) and set off in search of the Louvre. Fortunately, the Louvre is about the size of a small city so it wasn't difficult to find. No, really - it's huge. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPHQ0NwZDEO9XPdkFnBG_9CBV4sjRlzyeIiY4d-bx-OA0cwoNu96qJ64byV6XFRqVZx8_Id0evFWo3W3s1i-6n14KhEC5FkL7PA5qfTRKi6k8MMtzU4f5FSuvlOumT1Kb-l8jQd6LUSY/s1600/IMG_2354v2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514814991991269042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 262px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPHQ0NwZDEO9XPdkFnBG_9CBV4sjRlzyeIiY4d-bx-OA0cwoNu96qJ64byV6XFRqVZx8_Id0evFWo3W3s1i-6n14KhEC5FkL7PA5qfTRKi6k8MMtzU4f5FSuvlOumT1Kb-l8jQd6LUSY/s320/IMG_2354v2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNthZmxndAAzMf_5VU1WVI4BW25ohbQKKEaiAbWnVS2r6Z5Zu-BZgjDNelddTXe1oS-3XzNVWm4doO66I-MKwNsOPABhYZrTHNeWyhCBSQgHot7Ev7jYp96iEM2Ot1UhWQKCfwg4SyBY/s1600/IMG_2356v2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514814968078960450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNthZmxndAAzMf_5VU1WVI4BW25ohbQKKEaiAbWnVS2r6Z5Zu-BZgjDNelddTXe1oS-3XzNVWm4doO66I-MKwNsOPABhYZrTHNeWyhCBSQgHot7Ev7jYp96iEM2Ot1UhWQKCfwg4SyBY/s320/IMG_2356v2.jpg" border="0" /></a>The line looked somewhat intimidating but it moved quickly and I, of course found ways to keep us entertained. Time to get crafty with the camera.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicIlyQ6l5MZdJLjqt8dVOGzQ7KHh0naEih7m_MJTmZPr5KCpFNaZkosD36d7Ob1jg6LXZHAvd80BVly22DIMG_lqv0MPA5ht5edk2Pe-o3wfmO-dlUlLDl5L5-ZVJEEtQ5QVK4B_PTd7I/s1600/IMG_2360v2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514814953538845810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicIlyQ6l5MZdJLjqt8dVOGzQ7KHh0naEih7m_MJTmZPr5KCpFNaZkosD36d7Ob1jg6LXZHAvd80BVly22DIMG_lqv0MPA5ht5edk2Pe-o3wfmO-dlUlLDl5L5-ZVJEEtQ5QVK4B_PTd7I/s320/IMG_2360v2.jpg" border="0" /></a>It was early in the day and we thought our best bet would be to make a bee line for the Mona Lisa before it got too crazy. On the way, we passed the Winged Victory of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Samothrace</span> which is quite stunning. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFWpNGgAnR_ugj58INBfHAnFIRAs7N-y1MthVK8lSzXqUlVoG5CDi35NkFToh_M-FXEVLa0h2dHLD4qpghKF5S8kafW1oMiZdfl2uOddLF0o2M-bmHsYkX8kpfMxw9Q_VinIdq0hPtt0/s1600/IMG_2363v2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514814944529365362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 235px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFWpNGgAnR_ugj58INBfHAnFIRAs7N-y1MthVK8lSzXqUlVoG5CDi35NkFToh_M-FXEVLa0h2dHLD4qpghKF5S8kafW1oMiZdfl2uOddLF0o2M-bmHsYkX8kpfMxw9Q_VinIdq0hPtt0/s320/IMG_2363v2.jpg" border="0" /></a>And then, there She was. THE Mona Lisa. In all her <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">tiny</span> glory. People had told me it was small...they weren't kidding. We're talking 30 inches by 2o inches small (that's 77cm x 53 cm for all of my European friends). As my sister-in-law would say - she's very <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">schmaal</span>.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcvlMCDDT9CJYs0UEGIGpUPMHOlVEhGI74d-2giDfTxIvVKBjgjUWR897Xg4itVTvH3uUuHzXzIslTu2rzp9AKk1a_pNgU5_8l57hNNZPKh0rPIRG6evC08sJGdlu7bAT5Kh2JKmJRPDM/s1600/IMG_2365v2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514814939086530770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 234px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcvlMCDDT9CJYs0UEGIGpUPMHOlVEhGI74d-2giDfTxIvVKBjgjUWR897Xg4itVTvH3uUuHzXzIslTu2rzp9AKk1a_pNgU5_8l57hNNZPKh0rPIRG6evC08sJGdlu7bAT5Kh2JKmJRPDM/s320/IMG_2365v2.jpg" border="0" /></a>And last on the "must see" list was Venus <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">de</span> Milo. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Taaa</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">daaaa</span>.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_U068tmcHAWARXcvEZem5Z9xnljR5urNfLnPznwX7UAf1g9BwAY3BkZ6QOdcW81x-d9K84VOKTZQLYxorgeY-m2s-aM_VB21-QzW1tQ3oXptWzcGMQ8SENqn3hFTh8tyrom9Sx2S6_s/s1600/IMG_2376v2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514813661565058674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_U068tmcHAWARXcvEZem5Z9xnljR5urNfLnPznwX7UAf1g9BwAY3BkZ6QOdcW81x-d9K84VOKTZQLYxorgeY-m2s-aM_VB21-QzW1tQ3oXptWzcGMQ8SENqn3hFTh8tyrom9Sx2S6_s/s320/IMG_2376v2.jpg" border="0" /></a>After these three pieces had been checked off of our list, we spent the next couple of hours wandering through the maze of Egyptian art. This was our favorite part.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6R1I5tha68VSwrPwRYwlvimm1h1y1Rw9Gg4EZ_FtZ5BpuaOBlNfhYVWGdrs7fokIU0extQhImSJDdPd8-8tL4lVJy71Y2PC25NbG72hN_8l6Sg08VVUfDmOvgBvtZnXUun2LuohxbKzE/s1600/IMG_2377v2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514813654245190450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6R1I5tha68VSwrPwRYwlvimm1h1y1Rw9Gg4EZ_FtZ5BpuaOBlNfhYVWGdrs7fokIU0extQhImSJDdPd8-8tL4lVJy71Y2PC25NbG72hN_8l6Sg08VVUfDmOvgBvtZnXUun2LuohxbKzE/s320/IMG_2377v2.jpg" border="0" /></a>When our stomachs began talking to us, we started looking for an exit. And 30 minutes later, we found one. We had hoped to find another little place to get a sandwich and baguette to enjoy in the park but ended up at a corner cafe that provided ample people watching. We won't discuss the fact that our beverages were an astounding 10 euro each. Ouch.</div><div><br /></div><div>Following lunch we spent the afternoon strolling the Champs-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Elysees</span> towards the Arc <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">de</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Triomphe</span>. A little shopping and a lot of pictures.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ2qL3lFRNbhthrpLOXh8xZcZ9a-d0Lg6R74fQ65U0Bsr3HmEytXFVQdndxWtffEm2y5kBb49u48hxy2YAvYXTlw2dkcHLa7YlIRKnDJhs_cmIZdtmdURizE-CAmzi6N5Fmh1AXa7ZNd8/s1600/IMG_2402v2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514813645001408514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ2qL3lFRNbhthrpLOXh8xZcZ9a-d0Lg6R74fQ65U0Bsr3HmEytXFVQdndxWtffEm2y5kBb49u48hxy2YAvYXTlw2dkcHLa7YlIRKnDJhs_cmIZdtmdURizE-CAmzi6N5Fmh1AXa7ZNd8/s320/IMG_2402v2.jpg" border="0" /></a>We found the below statue strange. Right there in the middle of the Champs - a statue of what I assume was a god covered with cherubs...but none of them had heads. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Hmmmm</span>.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW03DTWvEnZwDyWPxihHCyNHkyDsLdfD4e3C15k8jGYj11g1eyNak3zYcr2eCBdZ2uR2YDazZ2rcKEu1rzw-CwDuX-vmPm4YLNGVoJ0mtpxC5CUIyOBhnyI3dNGN99KXUTINa5s5tKulc/s1600/IMG_2403v2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514813628381221138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 163px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW03DTWvEnZwDyWPxihHCyNHkyDsLdfD4e3C15k8jGYj11g1eyNak3zYcr2eCBdZ2uR2YDazZ2rcKEu1rzw-CwDuX-vmPm4YLNGVoJ0mtpxC5CUIyOBhnyI3dNGN99KXUTINa5s5tKulc/s320/IMG_2403v2.jpg" border="0" /></a>But we made it and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">harassed</span> yet another person to take our picture. You can forget about walking across that street behind us to get to the Arc; people seem to loose all sense of traffic laws and it's a free for all. Pedestrians beware. Take the underground route instead.</div><div><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514813608042435970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 226px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA5QBIYcFqTV6CxWkDzX5iXbBGAX4z5kIsXaZZbHEjF4AltiSZ4R1doHk_tI8Paa4dlTLzJw63I6uvwXC17dwDTMkBJAfIq7VAhBnB_kMitLVAt2JUm2JZBFobai7tSwjQjEnGp0x-fc0/s320/IMG_2413v2.jpg" border="0" /><div style="text-align: left;">While walking around the Arc, the wind picked up and dark clouds rolled in. By this point our feet had had enough (and by "our" I mean "mine") so we ended the day with a fantastic dinner at a nearby brasserie before calling it a night.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It had been another amazing day in Paris but the following day would be our best yet...</div>The Binghamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09709623685048025786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820834326219752928.post-53323202226210677142010-09-08T14:47:00.009+02:002010-09-08T17:22:30.353+02:00Je t'aime ParisIt has been a wild and crazy past couple of weeks. Brad and I have now moved out of our place in Mainz and into a lovely room at the American Arms Hotel. (Can you sense the sarcasm in my voice? It's there, promise.) It was a long day as it took the movers 12 hours to get everything boxed up and put on a truck. The 37 breaks they took throughout the day probably didn't help matters much. Nor did the fact that they had to carefully hand wrap each one of these:<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514546388586157602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 174px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUzJEZ08GZ_LgnVwvrYU3fy_qYfPTHlPjizcfHtwy_WYaSh1JBo6ogoPnxtvLXb86N5bySnzTZggZWO9Xfp-Zd3XdNxqqqLIb5TiwG55fQuR31e4iWZAgEq0kL6PJPUe3mVnurSTGRK4/s320/IMG_2161v2.jpg" border="0" /><br />But we survived "moving day" and two days later we were on an ICE train to Paris.<br /><br />I wasn't sure what to expect of Paris. Sure, I'd done hours upon hours of reading up on the city but when you talk to some people they have nothing but negative things to say. "The people are horrid. The city is dirty. It's overrated." But after our trip all I have to say is<br /><div align="center"><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Je t'aime Paris!!!!</span></strong><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Love, love, love it! Brad and I had the time of our lives!<br /><br />We arrived late on Friday night and wandered around the St. Germain/Latin Quarter in search of where we'd be staying for the first part of our trip...as well as where we were going to eat. We found our adorable little boutique hotel, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.lamaisonmontparnasse.com/"><em>La Maison Montparnasse</em></a>, on a quiet little street near lots of restaurants and shops. Check out the stairwell inside the hotel. Funky, huh?<br /><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514546412562209570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuE32D9pt0eq3Lza7xq-W9wBtEePnGxP3HQQmPPElc0575X0Tdu4Ei97g-fxvHWm1AiGtkj07Zoa_yOwk88vSa52xAxX3vkWgZ8VIKwk8LSbKumwmdkMpduPnuKc0OeQCJJjWfC-Rdjik/s320/IMG_2291v2.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Our first day was kicked off with a lovely breakfast at the hotel. Why are croissants ten times better in Paris than anywhere else in the world? Mmmmm mmmm good. It was a day filled with sight-seeing. The pictures can tell most of the story....</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514546403130673026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSqJQ2_XgT0TF-JErOYqMVaK_Ns3gN4FBeWo513h4x1wyfkM9l5HyO_3AURmd5wFKYPNUCYSzk63Fw8u0Un2omWZetTsqukwjbqCnvLxgxsYwkQT3iknvx-P4lrejAHJdOBh16SUOw3wE/s320/IMG_2203v2.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514546408107693634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 227px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0PfBIGx6kcitx_14BgE_Evz-otn9tKb8xzhL7xrys5RGY2wS96LOQCEF7hIORvdt4LVlBv07-wzfAbgkPfTdN1fl6KD453eJGPHZ8WOBzQ77U_Wdg8JmziSW3skYt1bElgkkY1Mec838/s320/IMG_2205v2.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><em>Notre Dame Cathedral</em></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514546416550116770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhCdQZKRjPOojdP-cpUhTIJBbJad1onM7AG8GDljwdseTRhwhGBJJ0bZVUhnhD-332YTIiu9Cin65dgbl3d9zyaoI-PTfD2T09dg4ku_jS1vq1Lm9srgmiJnEJffOuPMPvmWSfevHodE/s320/IMG_2216v2.jpg" border="0" />A man moving a dolly of potatoes across a bridge tipped it over sending potatoes rolling every which way. Brad jumped in to help and said it was the United Nations of Good Semaritans. French, German, English, Italian. Gotta love it.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWLLQxv_GH9NXJj4Hm-z7kW2Y8m2mef2HxCLf3P0xtG5JmNmfqdDrKMNxn5AW4G0Nx2Y7LFqWBAyhpzaBrzR0BIDu3P5BttUOW2nSml0n-R95SVSoV0PCj-8MIClEO9_s5CWS26LoqLOU/s1600/IMG_2227v2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514551612310438610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWLLQxv_GH9NXJj4Hm-z7kW2Y8m2mef2HxCLf3P0xtG5JmNmfqdDrKMNxn5AW4G0Nx2Y7LFqWBAyhpzaBrzR0BIDu3P5BttUOW2nSml0n-R95SVSoV0PCj-8MIClEO9_s5CWS26LoqLOU/s320/IMG_2227v2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVdvTzrFFFbM2XKgIsIODLqyp-JZFRrKugAUmTTRmQQpJQXbn3_P3yWMiLmxZYUnJt6BBSSXKUD6ltUPcdAp5CgmRNitjSfAz4a6_PGbEtj3yMudC_kjr23ayxonjezVpiSIGLJwdNph8/s1600/IMG_2229v2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514551187248988754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVdvTzrFFFbM2XKgIsIODLqyp-JZFRrKugAUmTTRmQQpJQXbn3_P3yWMiLmxZYUnJt6BBSSXKUD6ltUPcdAp5CgmRNitjSfAz4a6_PGbEtj3yMudC_kjr23ayxonjezVpiSIGLJwdNph8/s320/IMG_2229v2.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em>Standing on the oldest bridge in Paris, the Pont Neuf.</em></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5S4acgvhvAKwx1fa7oaIGLNJxIPs0zsUUI-YPrSYELuhXiwt-aG8brLWpoB_dvLcEYD42TOC00o3yA_AE92ECwXwKGI7iQ8QZSMSSj4sMEeAl3Bj-kzq_l6Mz03XIOvuu7kLk1cMPAWk/s1600/IMG_2232v2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514551181682172322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 306px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5S4acgvhvAKwx1fa7oaIGLNJxIPs0zsUUI-YPrSYELuhXiwt-aG8brLWpoB_dvLcEYD42TOC00o3yA_AE92ECwXwKGI7iQ8QZSMSSj4sMEeAl3Bj-kzq_l6Mz03XIOvuu7kLk1cMPAWk/s320/IMG_2232v2.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em>The Pantheon</em><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqNYf24v-NL3uLlK0584EmdKnQHBI0ONI8mVbp2vgettwbGxZA02xGRUaK84X0zP7rOos1Vmp-C2iE8NxCq1fH3kB9FChf9czi9QzPa0SvsxN_ogzHo2fohC9KHoJPwUU1S5Ghfqe0WA/s1600/IMG_2236v2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514551175476657170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqNYf24v-NL3uLlK0584EmdKnQHBI0ONI8mVbp2vgettwbGxZA02xGRUaK84X0zP7rOos1Vmp-C2iE8NxCq1fH3kB9FChf9czi9QzPa0SvsxN_ogzHo2fohC9KHoJPwUU1S5Ghfqe0WA/s320/IMG_2236v2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SAbNn0gMLFMnz3YtRwso2SimNAL4FXf_v1qDRtNQPs7TKcN14kduN_zLIRCdwdtv-abQE0JdDc0n4UpwLDqbAgHYxucIuL0Q_oDLa3AnEdJq8vRchoG1XUM3fsNCLzM6LuFYqYVtD6U/s1600/IMG_2241v.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514551164869109938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SAbNn0gMLFMnz3YtRwso2SimNAL4FXf_v1qDRtNQPs7TKcN14kduN_zLIRCdwdtv-abQE0JdDc0n4UpwLDqbAgHYxucIuL0Q_oDLa3AnEdJq8vRchoG1XUM3fsNCLzM6LuFYqYVtD6U/s320/IMG_2241v.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em>Jardin Du Luxembourg</em></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaLl8bzfsEe3vtVkEcP4c3S11BGb_NztkiyJSEXfHaOjAdr5XtzMhzF-kaMJNmzI-1dRJBeQWSXzJCHFLKRP8OLHTLuPTX6A9TWpGm8T-U6YsH1Z5q4CgCnhpXQqOMUxKGQMY8mkgmJ4Y/s1600/IMG_2248v2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514551163174041698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaLl8bzfsEe3vtVkEcP4c3S11BGb_NztkiyJSEXfHaOjAdr5XtzMhzF-kaMJNmzI-1dRJBeQWSXzJCHFLKRP8OLHTLuPTX6A9TWpGm8T-U6YsH1Z5q4CgCnhpXQqOMUxKGQMY8mkgmJ4Y/s320/IMG_2248v2.jpg" border="0" /></a><em>Our first baguette enjoyed in the beautiful garden</em><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVw1fkQ-X6Ognm_ia0HsY9KhYk4866JXsSSMqqzGEeIAY6F4YOCcUVc_a8jLN2i_P8XXDpbNL7w9K544TkQjzBr9lzOpkyDwOnj13FXyRwbB-60K3QKFQnrUFzJsUcJh9GjS_6Dh-c0g/s1600/IMG_2250v2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514550036974402946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVw1fkQ-X6Ognm_ia0HsY9KhYk4866JXsSSMqqzGEeIAY6F4YOCcUVc_a8jLN2i_P8XXDpbNL7w9K544TkQjzBr9lzOpkyDwOnj13FXyRwbB-60K3QKFQnrUFzJsUcJh9GjS_6Dh-c0g/s320/IMG_2250v2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPG16J6leHq84jwYShkRSCpkl3GVmEuwy0D2QGYdizR-7T40K-uyga3TlQ32aTK_rV7S5AnqwmmolVWNwKMVxgTkCreNSOmIt6I_m9ViFPi_4g_xaxXTCiAB1N3ylU4WXzk4XafdZqls/s1600/IMG_2257v2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514550028055665138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPG16J6leHq84jwYShkRSCpkl3GVmEuwy0D2QGYdizR-7T40K-uyga3TlQ32aTK_rV7S5AnqwmmolVWNwKMVxgTkCreNSOmIt6I_m9ViFPi_4g_xaxXTCiAB1N3ylU4WXzk4XafdZqls/s320/IMG_2257v2.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em>Entertainment on the metro...he played "What a Wonder World" which just seemed to fit</em></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjn1ssZXqTPR9-MvXnymIEoQX8VbBYIhqyrOwmaucU0d9qIZkHTYf3lhQIwE-7iAlnr-JOk_o9pL1fZT8MA1b6-ZrgeTqiw7cdLYnIFjs21rrQGg2RRdsuB159D6GeqSss0va9hBFs1E/s1600/IMG_2264v2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514550014979597906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjn1ssZXqTPR9-MvXnymIEoQX8VbBYIhqyrOwmaucU0d9qIZkHTYf3lhQIwE-7iAlnr-JOk_o9pL1fZT8MA1b6-ZrgeTqiw7cdLYnIFjs21rrQGg2RRdsuB159D6GeqSss0va9hBFs1E/s320/IMG_2264v2.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em>Do these really need captions?</em></p><p align="left"><em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514550005649779090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 186px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirP7Dgi37qt3-RX10Da_WniFVpvsiR_jhKNzbOqk8dDl9gTULS4SCnnq0SZ5FiEA4b44Jg3V6LpmgJEx2ezXh_SxrEkFFk66nns5t3tM5E2_8bEN7ymWL1SzAaAtQ5uzkgI_9DGxL3JZk/s320/IMG_2267v2.jpg" border="0" /></em><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPS-1dNfgxvRJnSoDo14QcHlfAUQ9D0tNP3KMi4h3XJdnAb2Pu8IcoFHrMqo-llSVn8BQEDHjZ6Xv7LgbT2suWaoA2PjHiynGEx69WjlXz8sGVToI92Ue2wFWM74_5s9Xkg20uagYoPw/s1600/IMG_2275v2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514549996080486962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPS-1dNfgxvRJnSoDo14QcHlfAUQ9D0tNP3KMi4h3XJdnAb2Pu8IcoFHrMqo-llSVn8BQEDHjZ6Xv7LgbT2suWaoA2PjHiynGEx69WjlXz8sGVToI92Ue2wFWM74_5s9Xkg20uagYoPw/s320/IMG_2275v2.jpg" border="0" /></a>That evening we had a wonderful dinner at a teeny, tiny restaurant not far from our hotel. I almost had a Pretty Woman moment with my escargot. Slippery little suckers. Following dinner we hightailed it over to the Montparnasse 56 Tower in time for the sun to set. The tower itself does not necessarily "fit" in Paris but the views it provides of the city make all arguments against it moot, in my opinion. We rode an elevator up to the 56th floor in 38 seconds. Whew! From here, you can take a few stairs up to the helipad and have to most incredible views. Take a look:</p><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1A2M7XIkvZ7AVVps26z45R7I-SzYXl0Sgx9LtfNu5lRtaaNH_DbqZWCWDIdKl_k_8rccL7_9w_FUkieqWgIx3qTR9OG3I3At1neIBWCcG1Bdj1WD5VNfRICsjmHBC5gdXDpw7XTTPdOg/s1600/P1020344v2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514548647836226402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1A2M7XIkvZ7AVVps26z45R7I-SzYXl0Sgx9LtfNu5lRtaaNH_DbqZWCWDIdKl_k_8rccL7_9w_FUkieqWgIx3qTR9OG3I3At1neIBWCcG1Bdj1WD5VNfRICsjmHBC5gdXDpw7XTTPdOg/s320/P1020344v2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyE8s8UeosEWMbXsV6BrXxg5EC1rjCUjtR0k5sw_j0_EMs8GeAwYjmNuQf4fqOX2m2AEbYM7ZKsG56mY5bvEyy5PcULN6thqJsl0BgB5q9HLxqnxE6XqZcSuPy5iB8DYSg4wZw4JphPs/s1600/IMG_2317v2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514548643243008946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 154px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyE8s8UeosEWMbXsV6BrXxg5EC1rjCUjtR0k5sw_j0_EMs8GeAwYjmNuQf4fqOX2m2AEbYM7ZKsG56mY5bvEyy5PcULN6thqJsl0BgB5q9HLxqnxE6XqZcSuPy5iB8DYSg4wZw4JphPs/s320/IMG_2317v2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYJ9KtPiyVBdZdHRNaOnVw6wcxj5ZLHoQpvDWtmrzV1Vxk-QAEIwY3KuQaOA3SrHSWjgMMP8Vlt3mhN3ijM4QjLsTZ-lQoVrtSr_ADYeSkH0zZh-aBsMvwaPmaEySzct4Q-x840hB4-Y/s1600/IMG_2318v2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514548642461612722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYJ9KtPiyVBdZdHRNaOnVw6wcxj5ZLHoQpvDWtmrzV1Vxk-QAEIwY3KuQaOA3SrHSWjgMMP8Vlt3mhN3ijM4QjLsTZ-lQoVrtSr_ADYeSkH0zZh-aBsMvwaPmaEySzct4Q-x840hB4-Y/s320/IMG_2318v2.jpg" border="0" /></a> These are not postcards, folks. Is that not amazing? If you go to Paris, this is a must. Especially to view the Eiffel Tower light show. Unbelievable.</p><p align="left">We sat at the little cafe looking out over the city and enjoyed a glass of wine and a cannoli. It was so romantic.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2m6UJBDWIOVoOqe0yMdmk-c565y-eddGrvbs35K3E8tPkoUBRchOrX6V6Lz5B8CcsVRgwhAwxClN9qOQxM4hi2S8nFoDanywIojNXYxzHNiqpyYs955rwOrC9KeBvZln7uSEzBC0EZA/s1600/IMG_2320v2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514548638296506434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2m6UJBDWIOVoOqe0yMdmk-c565y-eddGrvbs35K3E8tPkoUBRchOrX6V6Lz5B8CcsVRgwhAwxClN9qOQxM4hi2S8nFoDanywIojNXYxzHNiqpyYs955rwOrC9KeBvZln7uSEzBC0EZA/s320/IMG_2320v2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBTld1-PB1kh7GQkKsNnKGFfU0xhFbiUM-PS_Xpj7jyt8jcB2OcMVo5mBwWRhccW2LC36HKc1evW4qp8TzhKnEJspG_0Dyo6grtk5iizWgqFSaTwRT0hv0AHd6pGBuHYqvpUdhvzX_YQ/s1600/IMG_2334v2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514548633274702162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBTld1-PB1kh7GQkKsNnKGFfU0xhFbiUM-PS_Xpj7jyt8jcB2OcMVo5mBwWRhccW2LC36HKc1evW4qp8TzhKnEJspG_0Dyo6grtk5iizWgqFSaTwRT0hv0AHd6pGBuHYqvpUdhvzX_YQ/s320/IMG_2334v2.jpg" border="0" /></a><em> Can you see us?</em></p><p align="left">The trip doesn't end there and there's more to come...but I'm still recovering from the trip that followed Paris and need some rest. Until next time...</p>The Binghamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09709623685048025786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820834326219752928.post-91464403492686246652010-09-02T10:26:00.010+02:002010-09-02T11:21:14.513+02:00Schweet PupI sat down to the computer with all intentions of telling you about our exciting adventure to Paris… but I got distracted. Imagine that. Scrolling through the hundreds of pictures that were on the camera I came across a handful at the beginning of the “roll” and decided an Ode to Stella sounded like a much better idea. Plus the little stinker is still at the kennel and I don't get to see that schweeeet face until Tuesday. Enjoy.<br /><br /><div align="center"><em>Still loving our walks through the orchard. I'm going to miss this.</em> </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512230338216583858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 258px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgVUkv6nzMrRMgzwLAb-8XZSqBaYIQNyQ5JJpjANOhASOlr2s_JrKyG1VQixCFme_Enmgzmpl5d1dkxGddrJIpmUOy0IieS22Md73Mfz3QQFccAXgoQXtA1HkjHQEaBmBGEmxmZJAlPQ/s320/IMG_1663v2.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512230345359425746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 244px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRwq4ctOUojq75hCHxaV0fwQglntRA9LA-sP8dqTnhpgdEdPHSVmoRjhh1XRVUIKE3QhptnrHoNnwBOQSRAf_1K-jy5Iwnx3yrMCuQatJrUYVQ_UFdNI1pQTupWB8BLBNf4TZasoo9CjE/s320/IMG_1667v2.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512230353965198210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 191px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWENNrXbJAppiuaR_OdbFhU9CIgHM2zwK0MgyfCd2Xb9i8KdOLZnYTnZb-AceE5w2K-xKzUrsEGIT-YuUP7JFC0gtqYYJKaghXLUDaW0KkKKq3A5v_N6XPzCU7OnnO8Uc4mdJvMnSnyo/s320/IMG_1671v2.jpg" border="0" /> <em>Remember the first time?</em></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512232827644161922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 252px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93uegXxRGdRGhiKk58UWcT1CdnI75VeJ1uvCeBqBho4CEPKvGGRS-jqtJHJSUZwLRt7C3gEy2YPqJxtwRsCXKynmPo_y4pVS_YZE_tcrqU2IT4X0Xy0r4eWHm6ngHyYlX2Jabazc1BwU/s320/IMG_0158v2.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512232840572700354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKRHkQZ6YGNRT-NUwCQSL9H74n3KNgbUIrSqQvYDGPHGPqD62kUPcuLMCJNXNn2QSYgrfToU_FdRjDiLmACWyHINrzkgE_6yr7hWBSdFFB8NjRPvIqg_G6DfI_Tpxc9BmSK2jo30XSZg/s320/IMG_0155v2.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>Trips to the playground...</em><br /></div><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512231474353124194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJEVCxLGd9dP3viIGPMKm-WBJb7aVqDoeZKEO_hjoyCV9_xjaQT497pCNPLgWY8KwB8i9YP06OVlscJ6bpvOF9Dl8Emn81cfaOVgw-7kl-MRqd7O6v9n1pdmJqbqtwZLl3gCO7jVmOSTs/s320/IMG_2192v2.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512232814150566210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7uE_WuklyxvjjcTB1FmxWIw5PocnAet4wu41eSRDL5hJwGwjGalUi5JIf-4eMiiLc6oL8X0T90RTzb8Q1Q5gv3fzXfNHksuokjg_zPNODqn8ksI_ngDSEfHDc9tXSqIWmS9UXNi7Wnn4/s320/IMG_2194v2.jpg" border="0" /><em>LOVES watching the kids play</em></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512232818477442546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 202px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzp_A-ZFN8vu4sAZ2cuZMoP6uaweF7N-T4Fcw6MhRKXq5Sw10vJJUCFpL0basr3oclzU0qMbt08QZHFrh41orWFL3y4c8GTaLuj05zMtti636ZdcjskFGjbXB47pU-ToLtcg4I4jZM2WA/s320/IMG_2198v2.jpg" border="0" /><br /></p><p align="center"> <em>What happens after a long walk...<br /></em> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512230365095266994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 207px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykKtd-wYT-HM3PXEwQw7RE2ZkZbNyxSK3IxXo_k1V4kLzCvvnwhmkdacTGlQ0cmDnAWVaTAQ4qSAC-yrElpsc_PD6yokRPkBLuVubAZ3A4ShyphenhyphenDy5SASlWfzWdQoH0xPcBjggz51eUrpw/s320/IMG_1676v2.jpg" border="0" /><em>Her new trick - we can yell "BANG!" and she'll play dead. So cute!</em><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512231456061031506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDgeaGK1pDDRWtO5NoqWtcE8MBsYhXFwLLMA5X9IHEHRf6xGhipS6xMmr1VQvXTV8vO5qcV1jNX1JZ8yXGABwNCK2YjIgrCxY3rFcWJWaGQS3tWeMvS3usLI0BpNyQZ2dLy5qkr46Sjk/s320/IMG_2139v2.jpg" border="0" /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBR-dkNE6YxWGrSBVLbadm0t8adIGcs20Wh3R3oINHGQqvSEUO_rpL4PNKjg3QZ0_cZtBXBNBW6njkTgkKjmtlJH-vkpjNgnD2gmLOuHMfhmJXbQTLrHb5QC5Vd-qPmzRDEVjkgcAwd9Y/s1600/IMG_2147v2.jpg"><p align="center"></a> <em>She'll sit on the end of the chair when it's reclined waiting for attention...</em><br /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512231439042278370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjrB4hZh0UTfN3UyMaY3Tol5QTuTXgyVDoqkZRxdv7Q7eKHMGJw8t0mMSDQlQvq5wkaDzo6kWoR_DWTzi7Yt9kaqc4v07s6MPUFBmAfQmAO-828WufFTBztzt5oDdOfEPEfYBRN0ZEMvs/s320/IMG_2117v2.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><em>"Dad. Dad. Dad. Pay attention to ME!"</em></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_8VIuDF2sUhvWRMU-u4eJPumsgBGfioniMyfYwTmNiAOL8AzavVP970K2VBf3RttS5Zj5-7MTIAI9_wCfjlSxyClw8mB9lv-7BMVURL-LSzT7ZBWDmNaQjC5BYz1uMc_Ayk8L5uVX1I4/s1600/IMG_2121v2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512231448790098258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_8VIuDF2sUhvWRMU-u4eJPumsgBGfioniMyfYwTmNiAOL8AzavVP970K2VBf3RttS5Zj5-7MTIAI9_wCfjlSxyClw8mB9lv-7BMVURL-LSzT7ZBWDmNaQjC5BYz1uMc_Ayk8L5uVX1I4/s320/IMG_2121v2.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a><em> The reason I can't workout at home....the fact that I don't want to doesn't help much.</em><br /><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGrpOeei4TQbLB_70tB4S_Hc7Ay8R6wQ6gHjFgParD5-dZJp2b3v0W3IBGWU-a1ameQxgnHjYrzWrvLpLzcmJUOWl6n0b054_NVHEAnN2vKFxXQ-J0adCuK2A5B4xtgbUOItiOPcCKRJU/s1600/IMG_1992v2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512230366618934338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 173px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGrpOeei4TQbLB_70tB4S_Hc7Ay8R6wQ6gHjFgParD5-dZJp2b3v0W3IBGWU-a1ameQxgnHjYrzWrvLpLzcmJUOWl6n0b054_NVHEAnN2vKFxXQ-J0adCuK2A5B4xtgbUOItiOPcCKRJU/s320/IMG_1992v2.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a> <em>And lastly, here's the look I get when I've taken too many pictures...</em> </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512231466483331426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 205px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBR-dkNE6YxWGrSBVLbadm0t8adIGcs20Wh3R3oINHGQqvSEUO_rpL4PNKjg3QZ0_cZtBXBNBW6njkTgkKjmtlJH-vkpjNgnD2gmLOuHMfhmJXbQTLrHb5QC5Vd-qPmzRDEVjkgcAwd9Y/s320/IMG_2147v2.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>Ahhh, I feel better. Don't you? </p>The Binghamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09709623685048025786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820834326219752928.post-49359691086992162432010-08-15T12:36:00.012+02:002010-08-15T15:56:46.760+02:00A Foggy Day in London TownThat Frank Sinatra is full of it. “Foggy London Town”….pffff. I should have packed sunscreen, not an umbrella.<br /><br />Well if you haven’t figured out, our latest adventure was to London. Brad taught a training class at Lakenheath Airforce Base and we decided to make a weekend of it. With our time in Europe fleeting, we have to make the most of what’s left.<br /><br />I woke up bright and early….wait can you use that phrase when the sun hasn’t come up yet? Ok, I woke up in the dead of night, 3:45 am to be exact, to catch a flight that put me just outside of London at 7:00 am. I met Brad at the airport where we took a bus into the city. We dropped our luggage off at the hotel, not even stepping foot in our room, and hit the ground running.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505584709961443442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJL4kKn2qjN9bD3Qh2wD_j4XO7nirI1sadBWcKAcONhgVTKtzPX4XopmfOfp0mkQJiX1sSP0V82OPH_uclLadtytUFaC5yw9NddGgzX0RifhfFziYKqxrOoLliR0VeJd5D1LFsWVUKdg/s320/IMG_2010v2.jpg" border="0" />Now, I’d probably spent more time on TripAdvisor.com and other travel websites than the amount of time we’d actually <em>be </em>in London so needless to say I had a pretty good idea of how we’d spend our days. First stop – Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. We had a little time to spare so we took a stroll through St. James Park, winding our way through until we came upon the Palace. And for a little bonus, we just happened to be at the cross street where the soldiers marched through. Talk about good timing.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505584717082233522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHbeJ0Y9fYtIYGeEpEMt7jZS0qTHRUnUzWyIi7y0GNHdIj5AVzWl8qt7dG-Q7j5gAbXxGZX4BaW8ETFySmywZcmcxqxeMnxArHGKBXeYsMP0OMFFcomlpYU8VwVjQirV15wCttnmMXog/s320/IMG_2017v2.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505584711810972674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UhRsj1TtusEZRGEXVNECcGVsJl5Nogx42skyjaNOECZ8W1NwlpjXw8kBczZpNmrKMA1Lsp4o9bim7RWvJEw1X3xQduCzXy6hcfOvxFvziySXvMoHliXaS292fblSZh_HiR1hSjrGGXc/s320/IMG_2011v2.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505584721609749794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuU-69JTcQuegXID2rFeYOsCrBmgbwyUdqzLd5ymzAqBTdoC7g6QHLzQGlZ_AV-NfX7LPfZb6fyZ_FXBM8qMMhU2niJQIIVLEWBw_OB8RN61EWN66xZYnRki_7TvzbhaDH2k4vdyk364s/s320/IMG_2021v2.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505584725040590594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmPE1ln3fvKHUYBYZ7juvcObNgmJYQyzhS4zDL31dZEx19w20ysYMy4GS7K1_pRztNgQBXIheId9khiXTMJFDq8KDlYAu2_dxlQYZ-8PXLjgONWuV3QGidd7PPQDGFcZVb8oBG94en0Q/s320/IMG_2038v2.jpg" border="0" /> Here they are having a little meeting. What do you suppose they are talking about? “This hat is really itchy.” “I’m pretty sure my sword is bigger than yours.” “I should really get my bangs trimmed.”<br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505585482593195826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 294px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmyKzMY_UqfAIX0cpOo9WfLLwahKFPvSgV8rPn4NU45le4pzeL7hSLCLu0fnFecxJ5Rk9_-PwSoZsOZFOF9id3hmBVTNTtFF_hByRlyULhApkauWwYh2Zb9YnrtlkGLet3jJJAfZNGnU/s320/P1020238v2.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505585477492063266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 271px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSgypPnq7Z-pnpReYKN78CvVso5387W9re1CYMnryjOIzSrhMlGDCanTyUFwEhLjKeI9Ldme0uqrasMJTtOL72tR0pLcoEqMDBPi3RUVJAC8idg-wEUjEoxnVVk4gCopYtahwAiX04yzk/s320/P1020233v2.jpg" border="0" />Here's where I had Brad wispering in my ear "need more cowbell" which was hilarious and even <em>more</em> funny when I realized they were, indeed, playing a cowbell. Christopher Walken would be so proud. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505585487338771442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 319px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi7LmMog_LHjBqBg7_Zvo_CqzwDGwAiFdwXwk3brl3x7kSiZ2YXMNAQJveTYucCohOb7tYppPXrWF9j84U7GpVI5f4o9C8ghtIjcDaWKXZIGxq6J3HtE28Q4v3SQa_hZT17i11NtIl-Hs/s320/P1020240v2.jpg" border="0" /> Following the “show” we made our way through Hyde Park….well sort of, we TRIED to make our way through Hyde Park and managed to head the wrong direction. Someone really should give me a compass. Or an iPhone with GPS. After we got back on track, we stopped by a little pub for a quick bite before making our way to the infamous Harrods. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505592321509680546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdTHLvb1UEhiSxPtys2kTBlD5M3gP_DOpoC90SURd4Ld3DNFtUKwjvAcm7N0znFApsO_7P7aWwOrlguf7MxhRLDaex77eGjgtf180yD07uHNHZw-8yCzACduvywUhSB7g1MsKEIP5GBo/s320/IMG_2039v2.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505592338027099810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGDMWgIniFUXYSb7DYObSKCoJ8ngZpaaqSapCKsK1ohuDLpZNbllnJiGFcdQ3xcARqQ0ThqYbDqkfsWnWLTbK1MWsZq_CJqi0sAzzAgLceHUZuoFyvnGkTMBS8ZrKgtAUkTbeUceZFhE/s320/P1020243v2.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>Brad thought he needed this shirt because it had his name on it. Too bad it was hideous. Oh, and about 300 pounds (roughly $550 depending on the strength of the dollar). </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505585490622299330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ql-FaLZITOJFrAg-zblj2bFEA58n8tNwumndYggQ6hpoMarWbaM74zGhROd73RxnZhpl_J4Sq-Auqq9TFC5lqxsw8KbUOklSxn_G8iD8SuyZoBtxfra70bx_XSECwVSQOv3_m4FM-LI/s320/P1020241v2.jpg" border="0" />Next stop – Notting Hill and a little shopping on Portobello Road. I loved this area! Adorable houses, painted the silliest colors and shops filled with interesting knick-knacks and antiques. We found one little place that sold nothing but knobs and cabinet pulls. So fun! </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505585492954878450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUQlfoBYBr46GYL97tLkLLwG4REn0NOIBcbps-qBHn4kiv3CWmkNJCqwRRvzUY14_KvIV7K1xmfzd11HqsYLK8o5Onf9ATCvXZHc_0NUd90XwCpqF068-Stg2bzMndwcrQxol6wIU9CM/s320/P1020244v2.jpg" border="0" />That evening I had scheduled for the two of us to take a group walking tour. But not just any walking tour, the Blood and Tears Walk. A gruesome and interesting look at London’s bloody past. Everything from grave robbers and secret tunnels to Jack the Ripper and numerous other serial killers. I know, it sounds morbid and dark but it was a really interesting way to see that part of the city and imagine what things were like hundreds of years ago. </p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505601456708824002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35mO6pSrvw3S_3OA2a-A8s84_MbAVKORYCApL29yVY6t1hTMjQMDzgQNPKfYWdQpHjKnYe472qZfCLGrcapuWL65YcMYZZdiNjL77KVMCixGtZOuMIyRMGq3YgODSPmZh1JFUY2g45Po/s320/P1020246v2.jpg" border="0" /><em>Sir William Wallace Memorial...you don't want to know how they killed him in this spot. Yuck!</em></p><p>Following the tour, we were starving. We wandered around (forever) before settling on an Italian place just off Piccadilly Circus. The food was fantastic and after a glass (or two) of wine we were done for. A short stroll through Trafalgar Square and we were back at our hotel. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505592330926376370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSAhqw7YR066UnRZCqJsNI6m49I-H60gxuMxegmvsW7iIL5twYt-UHgVTRRv_tGRpMlgoudpxIj2TvDzf0h4C6k6pp1oY2gI8b5BOcG9x8qyFLbNW7nfmRqCHfZukxg4lgTCflITWUF8/s320/IMG_2043v2.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505592329607552786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJ24N0ez4Wh-dBJFCuC7viWBHIXxsmk2aoTa4nLrBlwg1muHvOs_XeEwLhOrsY5vfHYklzy9Mgaod1OlPyCW3obi9ZSh0MFA3jdGTOwyOJXBXYRzKrHELXA_k5zzoVscq3f2N93aJKAc/s320/IMG_2040v2.jpg" border="0" /><br />Day two kicked off with a delicious breakfast at Garfunkel’s. We had already become seasoned pros on the tube and in a matter of minutes we were standing in front of the Tower of London. Our timing was impeccable; the minute we stepped inside a Yeoman Warder's tour (Beefeater's tour) was just about to get started. Our guide was hilarious and quite engaging. We learned a great deal of the history of the tower and it’s many inhabitants. We walked through the “Fit for a King” exhibit, checking out the armor worn throughout the centuries.</p><p><br /></p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505592344850527266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 194px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8IB1bhCu6FjBHmSFhcaFTJgr_6K37MOfkRqUeQM7Lfv1jHOhvOYi9YVf96_CWv4XiaviRsycHWzpAaYSd0beDO1xImUpTmn5-nHHM5xppopSjundjZhn-BGgfhy8jDEJGtyJnCFRXgU/s320/IMG_2046v2.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505595335002398578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 221px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh04c7yWtV_qUJ1N_z48_wMIRKttNh4b6yQDzcxFE9exEazgA_Os5-84Vkew_TTiwg8ZNfFUSYEyYGD4PXoxhSBxRY4Nvn3idraK1OSCReXaRYOLRIejn9bYTDrFIBs77-1M0ao-Ddz52Y/s320/IMG_2055v2.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505595351454421714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 205px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvSkUdUtfTR0D42_OKgzwk3de9GKLv5u4a6eofNrC0DwqsGU1Xor1TGqsDAqmBM1FAPesE-AexM7yXa7_B99AAe0TfIFHmn8WjYCaA4ZSosinuKXArd967t4A8F-RSyTgPx9Ym37RXVc/s320/IMG_2063v2.jpg" border="0" />(Really King Henry VIII? Really? I don't think the women back then were <em>that</em> stupid.)</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505595342343726322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XjQo-M2RPQvQ4GkHwiw-5m0igHRewG4rm5brffvISfXJzUu9qLK-acsqdIWYP4W1TgHrxK14oQ9-d9657Tzo7aghApndq_ehiVlCP_EZ8K1nBHVRxoK9B8ntOkbNEsEHZCRg4LSQxy4/s320/IMG_2061v2.jpg" border="0" />A trip to the Tower of London would not be complete without checking out the Crown Jewels. (Unfortunately, we were unable to take pictures inside.) As we were just about to leave the viewing area, an alarm when off and metal bars quickly sealed off the exits. Not sure if some idiot was trying to steal a crown or sword or something but it made for an entertaining morning. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505595344809943650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kq0s6YlvxOmOZt-m1joUKwyNvD_KP09IqIGmQZAYVVajPNXG2C4bqWe2c3rgJ-a2S39OQcAJkZdSDTG36BtsTdrxXRociGfzIZfZVoh93rZmd66nNJpYnaeMa8wkhVASTS60uqddO5A/s320/IMG_2058v2.jpg" border="0" />I could have spent all day in the Tower but as this was a quick trip and we had so much more left to see, we simply promised ourselves we’d be back someday.<br /><br />We strolled along the Thames River making our way to the Tower Bridge. If our stomachs hadn’t been running the show we may have also taken this tour, but instead we just walked across in search of the Borough Market. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505595356874476594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSKXTguPzMtnSVS5CkYM9TmzI4wddvJ-bQR1I-i3v0W-CRdaPQq6T4p3zT7AnyuGqqZURh_Xl314LfzDa1IRol_9JGxjNPcwrT4Kmd-Iv7j-Z41Qc_11STkUj_dBEvlX11jSHjBydKft8/s320/IMG_2073v2.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505600518150432818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 227px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCO-VfkpoM6e0lHDLjEILoKEw8PJN6yfbfSx_pXg5L3rU2-FKAAtmp7nxA4hplb8SukzuAnPtosnG104pmAZgUt0jwfnFmRqi4VlM3oKd3au83ZfHZo2ou8liJTceQQQIwGG1jdnTVrs/s320/IMG_2078v2.jpg" border="0" />We hit the jackpot when we found a place selling every kind of fish n’ chips you can imagine. We ordered beer battered rock fish and haddock. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. We grabbed a beer from a nearby pub and sat on a street barrier enjoying our meal…and the fantastic people watching.<br /><br />When our bellies were telling us “no more!” we walked it off and headed towards Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. I’ll let the pictures do the talking. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505600523672865858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbX_QSgGHpX43f7C0PNFImJAaYRRpUjKGRkcMN971SC_S8M4X9BmQVpEmir4kBS34k1oHgjBNVp-nJ0WQHudmzQJIxc40nPJG5zXcsoAu3MYyt63yleZtG8uAeCZ9pe-iAfL6GVWwBL8/s320/IMG_2088v2.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505600531589041218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 195px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsEJSTuzPngrZbURp8N-zuE3GnmDa_mSZKS82aJ8CtATxJ7xRnAlYd8NgJGykq_Enxqc7TdGEti39ROC2zhcQ92twOBKmUH_LID_BUiHNBT5DdWkFyIklX2C_30px6wtZ6eKwEpI7SOk/s320/IMG_2093v2.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505600529952989362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRRuvCRVEEX-sDscdZbTUC5GRyS5vbrUcdgydXLEnJHdO9E_XFWEYCntJBguysV4k7nyo7qpv4DmJ9ifWAacR_AAUaYeZPvaBBQAzI2hS9BLmUvtEWUa8ZY0zhRTbYVocIUSuQtDuVeE/s320/IMG_2096v2.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505600538819402450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9sW4fvt8tFbi3P7ayAG94pHJiDJybaMIeYXMZJ90QtDF35MwsTkoxYZWbP8gkt0qP8YzVDJYkZWxkfFqp3K5X4ZmNMVl-NfyskqY8s_gdbWmoVdLn_NpkB13GBbT80kope0YeP7Jtn0/s320/IMG_2101v2.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505601440035097266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPgO0XgAzoNhzCLnHy6KpY5HfDdi7gMtlLNCqMJx79GXpW4eC4bN1HFtR1RCwidshc62o4grry3iB0HcUe_G9r6rwoS_zBOGvNIUmCZ869WBW5o1CxL0fImvsGBTKHQUhQ_r3bQ-cZV5s/s320/IMG_2109v2.jpg" border="0" /> We had hoped to see a show that night but after discovering we’d have to drop a small fortune just to see Wicked in decent seats, we passed and decided to enjoy a fantastic dinner instead. Even though we weren’t technically part of the “theater crowd” we pretended anyway and found a wonderful steakhouse in the West End district. </p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505601440797344162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLnzQRg3nSGAGNC7Qv_nzX6EzbZP0GZ6roKN0OF411DQSsGRhS_I91t404M_V3RfEzjcS3beuTdwB5SzXrYXB0pfMj1YAuMSSOi58jn6c3vKCr5YA6EKqNn3ZSND-_PIoOt-WpJbEU9do/s320/IMG_2111v2.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505601449253435506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO6xRjC5uW-FPQdkKoBYH7wr8SQj1evd2PPOItxdxKx40S2IBgj6Jw3GKb6-mOEjnA7wIC_CUVrNAGhtG3bRlXVqOLFznl_SKwhR147plnspYuSmhA6L5NMBKunD0u8-X_X06FQenKLus/s320/IMG_2114v2.jpg" border="0" /><em>Being silly</em></p><p>It was getting late but with it being our last night in London and all, we weren’t quite ready to head in. Plus we were on vacation which meant eating a ridiculously amazing (and calorie packed) dessert was completely acceptable. We went back to Garfunkel’s and each ordered our own fancy dessert. But it didn’t stop there. It would have been wrong for us to have a hotel directly across the street from the original Sherlock Holmes’ Pub and not have a beer. So we did that, too. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505601461883085314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkj5qvzkffNIHatff2jOif6okJRHdo-KYDssODXamscCyCON2ww-H4X7RIP0fCiUuZlImk9W2uuvXMdpPv_W1ByJOry6akZLN3TIiO-9hrQbuE6VzCTYoAcs7XQkD3rzZ3-ELPpP0SJ24/s320/P1020253v2.jpg" border="0" />Exhausted from a day filled with walking and sightseeing and eating…and more walking, we crashed.<br /></p><p>We awoke to another beautiful morning and decided a typical English breakfast was a must. I’m not sure who decided beans and tomatoes belong on a breakfast plate but I suppose it works. Yum yum! </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0c-tsc3a6C7ExGK-ezxuyz5VdsvVEYmavy4Ny10qkZ9XT7l2Ngwpy8_bByQSI3Xj1HfTvx7PGvJvMT6boNPoiVm5KUCeg7ZbSM_FSk2L356cgVxXVV0k2dDH_fuIiwkJgo6omhzTfxE/s1600/P1020261v2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505602961962015522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0c-tsc3a6C7ExGK-ezxuyz5VdsvVEYmavy4Ny10qkZ9XT7l2Ngwpy8_bByQSI3Xj1HfTvx7PGvJvMT6boNPoiVm5KUCeg7ZbSM_FSk2L356cgVxXVV0k2dDH_fuIiwkJgo6omhzTfxE/s320/P1020261v2.jpg" border="0" /></a>We visited Big Ben one last time and spent the rest of the morning in the National Gallery. Our time in London had come to an end and before we knew it, we were back on a bus to Stansted airport. A quick one hour flight and we were home.<br /><br />If we’d had more time, there are about 100 more things I’d like to see and do…but I must say I was quite happy with how the trip turned out.<br /><br />Next adventure….PARIS!! </p>The Binghamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09709623685048025786noreply@blogger.com0