tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56936268985317848102024-03-13T12:10:59.235-05:00The Gill FamilyTo Buenos Aires as a couple and back to the US as a foursome - we completed our family in 2016 with the birth of our third child. Just when we thought life was really busy, I was diagnosed with brain cancer in March 2018. This is a space to document our family's experiences in health, humor and living with the unexpected.Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13038190498004521969noreply@blogger.comBlogger386125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693626898531784810.post-76193932510686420362023-12-13T14:18:00.002-06:002023-12-13T14:18:56.507-06:00A Very Texas Thanksgiving<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2snZpL2Ufhqk9lySSE14MkjYQbmzBMMbQNn6oTQew2BdpUk3KHdrDb8o0EpmcN6gpnx5hUBOkzA2sxvB4ucdAHOb943-X6FhiWO1UYjg1CBbcXTaicvZ8UhUZP_b_iYY6J-d8X_KkcG0CgmZXqL3eK4kXNFceZMnrVB0tVGwhc9hU1w4IOdl3WNwqhQ/s4047/Thanksgiving%202023-1011.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2698" data-original-width="4047" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2snZpL2Ufhqk9lySSE14MkjYQbmzBMMbQNn6oTQew2BdpUk3KHdrDb8o0EpmcN6gpnx5hUBOkzA2sxvB4ucdAHOb943-X6FhiWO1UYjg1CBbcXTaicvZ8UhUZP_b_iYY6J-d8X_KkcG0CgmZXqL3eK4kXNFceZMnrVB0tVGwhc9hU1w4IOdl3WNwqhQ/s320/Thanksgiving%202023-1011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> As of the middle of this year, my family is now spread across both Atlantic and Pacific coast states. This provided the perfect opportunity for us to stay put in Texas, and everyone come to the middle of the country for Thanksgiving! This was no easy feat, for many of the nieces and nephew, this was only their 2nd airplane trip ever. For Chris, his rigorous holiday schedule at the airport makes it hard to leave for the 2nd biggest travel week of the year. For my parents, Grammy has been dealing with mysteriously low energy levels, was released from the hospital 48 hours before flying out and needed 2 blood transfusions within the week before travel. Papa Mas is still recovering from multiple strokes in 2022 and this was only his second trip since his hospital stay ended. Needless to say, it took grit to get everyone here, but everyone made it and we are so very happy that they did.<div><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: right;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCrq4aGb3WULpJ6aEcLfHExhCF_DGNedEdRi79eLGqNKn5SbnmMV8ZudOkVW8yob5gkMEE0M1qWueUhhXbjeGd8VwLv8vEuqEnE5u9gJAx9LwAuEwx87AjtoIoxGAgPQapHEAW70bPF0tkjNBF8U_85h9l8n4khagb2kV8FyKbei0Kzv-AaofPpBjSp7A/s4272/Thanksgiving%202023-1006.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCrq4aGb3WULpJ6aEcLfHExhCF_DGNedEdRi79eLGqNKn5SbnmMV8ZudOkVW8yob5gkMEE0M1qWueUhhXbjeGd8VwLv8vEuqEnE5u9gJAx9LwAuEwx87AjtoIoxGAgPQapHEAW70bPF0tkjNBF8U_85h9l8n4khagb2kV8FyKbei0Kzv-AaofPpBjSp7A/s320/Thanksgiving%202023-1006.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bernard held his own as the littlest family member</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">The week of Thanksgiving we spent at a large beach house in Jamaica Beach, south of Galveston. If felt like a complete departure from our everyday lives in Texas, there was water a short walk from the front door, we could listen to the waves and watch the ships pass by all day long, and while the weather didn't exactly cooperate, no one missed out on playing in the sand.</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif2anR62pTamZvWhmVRvdSQWpzFBnYLCEPjK0tY9UFKjL6OHJ95Dr2Vu-mTFFuJ74acUI_1ajygPt7Idv54JHB43nF7rGwPz0o1FEcazU2vXGS4NjxwIY7Wb7k9Td-LpNkz5HC0d1dywNEM65-WsC8p2gpMtP-CzE23D9a6UwZyoD71dahtAM0j4szY_k/s4272/Thanksgiving%202023-0997.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif2anR62pTamZvWhmVRvdSQWpzFBnYLCEPjK0tY9UFKjL6OHJ95Dr2Vu-mTFFuJ74acUI_1ajygPt7Idv54JHB43nF7rGwPz0o1FEcazU2vXGS4NjxwIY7Wb7k9Td-LpNkz5HC0d1dywNEM65-WsC8p2gpMtP-CzE23D9a6UwZyoD71dahtAM0j4szY_k/s320/Thanksgiving%202023-0997.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peityn showed off her perfect spiral throw</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXxg_ryfzvnT_cwhop0QPUVAoQ6VS0kemqJbAO71C4nCjbx-h0AybotbiH0IxKW5l9mSxDRDnkXEryMFkTZT8TvfXmIoDQ_Iaf2nzEn1rqPOqehSNCWvR2UjO2zCH6mBizg-Ad7yww4VbKQkoeB5X6aHuEb-pSTN4-ZIQr4zqGS6eUhxS7LztYrqiyo0/s4272/Thanksgiving%202023-0988.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4272" data-original-width="2848" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXxg_ryfzvnT_cwhop0QPUVAoQ6VS0kemqJbAO71C4nCjbx-h0AybotbiH0IxKW5l9mSxDRDnkXEryMFkTZT8TvfXmIoDQ_Iaf2nzEn1rqPOqehSNCWvR2UjO2zCH6mBizg-Ad7yww4VbKQkoeB5X6aHuEb-pSTN4-ZIQr4zqGS6eUhxS7LztYrqiyo0/s320/Thanksgiving%202023-0988.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gretchen went fully incognito in her new gigantic sweatshirt</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The little girls diligently filled things with sand. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCSmNLdhBuX0UhJgCVqdT-uVjLcWseUuuxRvHop43om7fhOqbVJXhefvuK1Q0TZKsiyZ8eKbYOddcPNQf0xvs4h_jm-z8GSLUSnWgXW-vE31YOtrhoV-3asPHpW-IUrZY2hxyOjzS-t4X_rM42uWmxiiJVY_8jski23rRbOvTUbgqHTPEawmaeBHHYt50/s4272/Thanksgiving%202023-0977.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4272" data-original-width="2848" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCSmNLdhBuX0UhJgCVqdT-uVjLcWseUuuxRvHop43om7fhOqbVJXhefvuK1Q0TZKsiyZ8eKbYOddcPNQf0xvs4h_jm-z8GSLUSnWgXW-vE31YOtrhoV-3asPHpW-IUrZY2hxyOjzS-t4X_rM42uWmxiiJVY_8jski23rRbOvTUbgqHTPEawmaeBHHYt50/s320/Thanksgiving%202023-0977.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL6mgw4VxkyKXvPOoRwhMMY6H9mH6l47pYYHwSgK7jgRBr1yti7y2JtfwvDtceTvYqHuQecSulCxmP9GG8F6kyrtR96OrCoCt2zgAjJFBXWB9wZO9V2kpCF89D74MXvO_23CAUgRYMJxRuJjSXk_duSi2H6iBt8y_dOsyadWpmFd-ce4bOtMnR_sUCuTQ/s4272/Thanksgiving%202023-0966.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL6mgw4VxkyKXvPOoRwhMMY6H9mH6l47pYYHwSgK7jgRBr1yti7y2JtfwvDtceTvYqHuQecSulCxmP9GG8F6kyrtR96OrCoCt2zgAjJFBXWB9wZO9V2kpCF89D74MXvO_23CAUgRYMJxRuJjSXk_duSi2H6iBt8y_dOsyadWpmFd-ce4bOtMnR_sUCuTQ/s320/Thanksgiving%202023-0966.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMyzvi_DBkwCDUOE5zb_h8xRIQpKE7nOCZ90YHXbJFCcvCzux8MU_mjNFcy1PEyT2ZXVDtCnvcHs_icCQ6ivfFesg0xxPJofNr4t-rn5iWjMnuhn7hQz_Y2nA_ipZ8gfJ32k1i1LETAELRlFJT4_T6GJ-qPeCU6EvtDbg8AsMK-bG5kotuSFHVzQ16Js/s4272/Thanksgiving%202023-0982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4272" data-original-width="2848" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMyzvi_DBkwCDUOE5zb_h8xRIQpKE7nOCZ90YHXbJFCcvCzux8MU_mjNFcy1PEyT2ZXVDtCnvcHs_icCQ6ivfFesg0xxPJofNr4t-rn5iWjMnuhn7hQz_Y2nA_ipZ8gfJ32k1i1LETAELRlFJT4_T6GJ-qPeCU6EvtDbg8AsMK-bG5kotuSFHVzQ16Js/s320/Thanksgiving%202023-0982.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aubrey brings her own style everywhere she goes</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The day we arrived, we had some really nice weather, warm temps and sunny skies. Like an amateur, I didn't pack swimsuits so the kids had no other choice but to go into the chilly ocean fully clothed. They did. They stayed for FAR longer than I would have thought. And then they stayed for games. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4rS8u3W3cEGhbjMnYNB2V_dFfXcLp_uWXLvGIFFuV2lmwlVO6_HsMe2p122XcS0DXAoiWf5awiZyUjOeFDSoAAOycWkqPrZABVgqPoRfFp-RZk_4Lf6PXAwKleAyR23XU0imN22KNAzrWTV8OL6sdhaTIZz4sEGBtKaQn5d96cysNe5sOMqpYOcnwSGk/s4272/Thanksgiving%202023-0954.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4rS8u3W3cEGhbjMnYNB2V_dFfXcLp_uWXLvGIFFuV2lmwlVO6_HsMe2p122XcS0DXAoiWf5awiZyUjOeFDSoAAOycWkqPrZABVgqPoRfFp-RZk_4Lf6PXAwKleAyR23XU0imN22KNAzrWTV8OL6sdhaTIZz4sEGBtKaQn5d96cysNe5sOMqpYOcnwSGk/s320/Thanksgiving%202023-0954.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEier6kgs_3dKp1INECs5VVMnzCIqkHKQU5McHx6RBn-xTXJzN08tmsp_VXQWYzxueqiZTF8x4hzvq9GyYDOyfWH1zCofQbZvXaeCdz0L5yT9xWyQrmJcxqQYc0mwzmthx0GESD8IZyz2-6b0mtB1WNO0mW4d8_O1zP-v92q6gqTr_3iWdHoyT1XUjwxBHo/s4272/Thanksgiving%202023-0947.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEier6kgs_3dKp1INECs5VVMnzCIqkHKQU5McHx6RBn-xTXJzN08tmsp_VXQWYzxueqiZTF8x4hzvq9GyYDOyfWH1zCofQbZvXaeCdz0L5yT9xWyQrmJcxqQYc0mwzmthx0GESD8IZyz2-6b0mtB1WNO0mW4d8_O1zP-v92q6gqTr_3iWdHoyT1XUjwxBHo/s320/Thanksgiving%202023-0947.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YngbVVW1bftvMNkW_IJL_6pkA76MVGh3VOJVEQhTn8dX1xHxfwFpvIh-LeDoJsblKGEgP87NQ09D0-eLd4nPO3lcPRftuguArZqK_EXQoqyGIJBNgI2Q4Fd3xfarhM0wNCeNORJVObX17zow9ws9-DYierK6HJZrsorQGBEe0YcbFRymZnLocQg6OVs/s4272/Thanksgiving%202023-0933.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YngbVVW1bftvMNkW_IJL_6pkA76MVGh3VOJVEQhTn8dX1xHxfwFpvIh-LeDoJsblKGEgP87NQ09D0-eLd4nPO3lcPRftuguArZqK_EXQoqyGIJBNgI2Q4Fd3xfarhM0wNCeNORJVObX17zow9ws9-DYierK6HJZrsorQGBEe0YcbFRymZnLocQg6OVs/s320/Thanksgiving%202023-0933.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsAJ0ZcWwe9yd9mqArkHHXFlFUr-g7frXDlODbcezvQgMyo9IFkOs57BW-3TSZdVAZEz-cy5CyjMkhpIPV6GNm5izIf3nrzlVJwd4nf_SZZJsz6GAoXLbzA3Vsggiu5wZbWhJcSTmGdnxmDgkxLASb79Lyg4Tzj3T1kC72OhR9ZRSk4Pbmw0U0RU-4zcM/s3989/Thanksgiving%202023-0912.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2659" data-original-width="3989" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsAJ0ZcWwe9yd9mqArkHHXFlFUr-g7frXDlODbcezvQgMyo9IFkOs57BW-3TSZdVAZEz-cy5CyjMkhpIPV6GNm5izIf3nrzlVJwd4nf_SZZJsz6GAoXLbzA3Vsggiu5wZbWhJcSTmGdnxmDgkxLASb79Lyg4Tzj3T1kC72OhR9ZRSk4Pbmw0U0RU-4zcM/s320/Thanksgiving%202023-0912.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiuCo5IBwW4jsviVNcb09pnWcUIflbbd3Md3YXQy66kUsWGE2h34RBVcg0cuCBb7GDS6KyR8oPvDJSVG8edwMc6yujgvdfgH2MTQtmoiVDXLhRCBbD1vtA8Vb4IdpElLc-u4qccqETd5Q6JwiZSS88eEr_0fdHBhdyxS2162FhTGyVyBHh9_tlOkyCkH4/s2194/Thanksgiving%202023-0883.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1463" data-original-width="2194" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiuCo5IBwW4jsviVNcb09pnWcUIflbbd3Md3YXQy66kUsWGE2h34RBVcg0cuCBb7GDS6KyR8oPvDJSVG8edwMc6yujgvdfgH2MTQtmoiVDXLhRCBbD1vtA8Vb4IdpElLc-u4qccqETd5Q6JwiZSS88eEr_0fdHBhdyxS2162FhTGyVyBHh9_tlOkyCkH4/s320/Thanksgiving%202023-0883.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHUkgbGzu7m59bjuOCkK4ovmKWxPa2VUpR2ADQqsC_SQkCBQGa6W9fkLjOnGczR40ferc05-YdKediL5LJ8CGX_U7ZMlGt5w__LK0C4SAhHGq80SlyNXkMdGq3MYAnqrw9WA8tv_YhUqtNbTk0d_4zbw8NdUtzd5s4xPlSRcIqTK-LU8rGCUsEKKeKJE/s4272/Thanksgiving%202023-0876.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHUkgbGzu7m59bjuOCkK4ovmKWxPa2VUpR2ADQqsC_SQkCBQGa6W9fkLjOnGczR40ferc05-YdKediL5LJ8CGX_U7ZMlGt5w__LK0C4SAhHGq80SlyNXkMdGq3MYAnqrw9WA8tv_YhUqtNbTk0d_4zbw8NdUtzd5s4xPlSRcIqTK-LU8rGCUsEKKeKJE/s320/Thanksgiving%202023-0876.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjws2rsor38hkI7aKmfw87Ja8HEh2TCr7231hyTA8PpetJpwwJA66BpCQ2Q8y7ZPVVoxE-SebUIGhwcM5g1kGPe6yNBXHXhASmBErgfV9Z_O3WCDpZP_ODO2BZNNAXTdmun9JPtkbC0i_unbLXYHJRXtAh9OVWIwlluttv8uU6ALjUdm6v6mMcpjXS-qi0/s4072/Thanksgiving%202023-0871.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2715" data-original-width="4072" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjws2rsor38hkI7aKmfw87Ja8HEh2TCr7231hyTA8PpetJpwwJA66BpCQ2Q8y7ZPVVoxE-SebUIGhwcM5g1kGPe6yNBXHXhASmBErgfV9Z_O3WCDpZP_ODO2BZNNAXTdmun9JPtkbC0i_unbLXYHJRXtAh9OVWIwlluttv8uU6ALjUdm6v6mMcpjXS-qi0/s320/Thanksgiving%202023-0871.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We had some nice quiet moments of playing and catching up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_otjJRpy8KAOxRdn0C6F1Q4ekigU6QlVTm-2E4a4TUp7IfdIodqwKltz_y3Bf88VZ_NICQSR-6N6EBvKLKpB80gKb0YahuFwd8CwOjBjj2MdGJzKQRo2xYBJplB_er-wKFa3F6-DlXtrV3rWycyi4NC_wi_o1DNOuDoFa8NpmvhGq40GbeIktvd__3Dw/s5712/IMG_1252.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5712" data-original-width="4284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_otjJRpy8KAOxRdn0C6F1Q4ekigU6QlVTm-2E4a4TUp7IfdIodqwKltz_y3Bf88VZ_NICQSR-6N6EBvKLKpB80gKb0YahuFwd8CwOjBjj2MdGJzKQRo2xYBJplB_er-wKFa3F6-DlXtrV3rWycyi4NC_wi_o1DNOuDoFa8NpmvhGq40GbeIktvd__3Dw/s320/IMG_1252.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And big, loud moments when we were joined by Dallas cousins and the kids all fell in like old friends.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82ssiIIqhTiWz3uS2jN0srj9_4zje_xQ0UZQKUW2vQpOMO3KgIzO3XCmxBa8pQuZb895uCHo1cjs0Vh8I7bxVboIefOZ5OcezrMaRd83IR6RTYxALL0jZ4m_BpfWJlyJ8EEoELmTdvMDvLcbKi2zXMQ_lcakDxCaPT7SgY5FPXKq8wbeA7-itzTzpDHo/s4032/IMG_4873.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82ssiIIqhTiWz3uS2jN0srj9_4zje_xQ0UZQKUW2vQpOMO3KgIzO3XCmxBa8pQuZb895uCHo1cjs0Vh8I7bxVboIefOZ5OcezrMaRd83IR6RTYxALL0jZ4m_BpfWJlyJ8EEoELmTdvMDvLcbKi2zXMQ_lcakDxCaPT7SgY5FPXKq8wbeA7-itzTzpDHo/s320/IMG_4873.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>We were given an insider tip to skip the dolphin watching tour, and take the free <a href="https://www.visitgalveston.com/directory/galveston-island-ferry/" target="_blank">ferry</a> that goes between Galveston and Fort Bolivar every 10-20 minutes. Great tip! We saw hundreds of dolphins without spending a dime!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudxD-7CMrTvNSem7hYLviw5YOEiCOioREBGm10YTHut29knAmpPgwp61x7ipBj4NA_9iMh9fKyvyQGWlXNRdrat2ltoX05iJZB3VA1965Hbh3ZXxzUnUKaljleXl_rBa3ysebH_B793Mco9cxzEVl4i_tf53flopfd7wdUfhUkcyaQEW7fkA_PyBSk3c/s5712/IMG_1236.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4284" data-original-width="5712" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudxD-7CMrTvNSem7hYLviw5YOEiCOioREBGm10YTHut29knAmpPgwp61x7ipBj4NA_9iMh9fKyvyQGWlXNRdrat2ltoX05iJZB3VA1965Hbh3ZXxzUnUKaljleXl_rBa3ysebH_B793Mco9cxzEVl4i_tf53flopfd7wdUfhUkcyaQEW7fkA_PyBSk3c/s320/IMG_1236.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7aMI2NJC7AzT5Iki4zRnZ7Bf-zGE4aeHlwMRr-PgbEMijqQMSI_FpiiN_QSIMSgY5sf5oC7IWzW2S3HsUnw3i6ZO01NiFdLBUHvXkC14xYR6x3tSA4Ee6sc1LGEM3e4N3ascje-Oj04hBdgo-2s4u4d3Q00SgT_9QyDnUdnNCFrEXD920oXyPK11lTYo/s5712/IMG_1235.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4284" data-original-width="5712" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7aMI2NJC7AzT5Iki4zRnZ7Bf-zGE4aeHlwMRr-PgbEMijqQMSI_FpiiN_QSIMSgY5sf5oC7IWzW2S3HsUnw3i6ZO01NiFdLBUHvXkC14xYR6x3tSA4Ee6sc1LGEM3e4N3ascje-Oj04hBdgo-2s4u4d3Q00SgT_9QyDnUdnNCFrEXD920oXyPK11lTYo/s320/IMG_1235.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We explored all kinds of kid-friendly Galveston attractions like the Moody Garden pyramids:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-efPO4Ks1e7U3RnqqezgLwqBpd5cwo9DKSMjOIvIkSPeKr8ClZKv3Vea5WFEE600XS9cZ2keEHEeUh7hioBvb2uIv4e2Zw4sO5noLusXRLsPt1Li2fF7Zk34F0EEaC8G8imPAkp-ECUADI9FJmS5nDNJzMLVlXkG-DU5Aw1flzbIXQ6WYufv_Dokax0/s5712/IMG_1223.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5712" data-original-width="4284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-efPO4Ks1e7U3RnqqezgLwqBpd5cwo9DKSMjOIvIkSPeKr8ClZKv3Vea5WFEE600XS9cZ2keEHEeUh7hioBvb2uIv4e2Zw4sO5noLusXRLsPt1Li2fF7Zk34F0EEaC8G8imPAkp-ECUADI9FJmS5nDNJzMLVlXkG-DU5Aw1flzbIXQ6WYufv_Dokax0/s320/IMG_1223.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDPeD0gFiWJ_5geVEX7NttLBb3i0P0Rrgjmbk1DjayIdzVPeLeG8YDxLlBYyTya6ILCL4DLiXd9QKLjiQWsamQ81y16Ntt_kdE92rgYr16Edwwc7dzCID3B_WpjWY9-iT5CUlCHlgd_uQs9F87F16XZAOM6wCSWNQh0l6xLD15MQySn7hg-jLfERQdOs/s5712/IMG_1218.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5712" data-original-width="4284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDPeD0gFiWJ_5geVEX7NttLBb3i0P0Rrgjmbk1DjayIdzVPeLeG8YDxLlBYyTya6ILCL4DLiXd9QKLjiQWsamQ81y16Ntt_kdE92rgYr16Edwwc7dzCID3B_WpjWY9-iT5CUlCHlgd_uQs9F87F16XZAOM6wCSWNQh0l6xLD15MQySn7hg-jLfERQdOs/s320/IMG_1218.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6Pqy7AYojwtSk8pMwhNhpgC-6mybTPBBN9v-1SG_D9oTEczvcrxuP5VDpSox1pMtrnEEsfkVT2_inOxN1DADsMc3360ObLhOr295FoTjpr6brayiyKAxBHUTtdOhtkGCm0qBbOLR7XP43nk7Q28U7rvEdBKz4q45g83lKNR2Y-68j5xS2xNGRT0n-9Q/s4032/IMG_1217.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6Pqy7AYojwtSk8pMwhNhpgC-6mybTPBBN9v-1SG_D9oTEczvcrxuP5VDpSox1pMtrnEEsfkVT2_inOxN1DADsMc3360ObLhOr295FoTjpr6brayiyKAxBHUTtdOhtkGCm0qBbOLR7XP43nk7Q28U7rvEdBKz4q45g83lKNR2Y-68j5xS2xNGRT0n-9Q/s320/IMG_1217.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDY79dOFpOlXqjAvwwrju3divnl38xbNmSxg_cYLih0tdKGKAA3dzc_t1QHNALvrTBS-0JZMAwLazqXizWQKn4UKMaAtcB3roGqNyumpVInUrO12MxfIgNdlDpr2TfwfSHVdx0v4NQIVuaDxOVTkR-Jy_47gnSkoq2A5omEtod2KraQsAZ9STqtYOgKY/s4032/IMG_1210.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDY79dOFpOlXqjAvwwrju3divnl38xbNmSxg_cYLih0tdKGKAA3dzc_t1QHNALvrTBS-0JZMAwLazqXizWQKn4UKMaAtcB3roGqNyumpVInUrO12MxfIgNdlDpr2TfwfSHVdx0v4NQIVuaDxOVTkR-Jy_47gnSkoq2A5omEtod2KraQsAZ9STqtYOgKY/s320/IMG_1210.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYSwXcu1rVU98fdvL_O7cnX_0tdRO755iN-pikyPRz0KwK_2nFL4QkRBohKfavvICoZfD9hSLOEf4JtQ8agXXxnWfGfnM7dJ1MljrfGD07M1zEz_rG96kYkIXZB1SdxuCIjUKZdW_Z6QB_84PcZja27TDqMssmIg7ihuv-xoeSk6BE9wF3gHYDQRE6RM/s5712/IMG_1206.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4284" data-original-width="5712" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYSwXcu1rVU98fdvL_O7cnX_0tdRO755iN-pikyPRz0KwK_2nFL4QkRBohKfavvICoZfD9hSLOEf4JtQ8agXXxnWfGfnM7dJ1MljrfGD07M1zEz_rG96kYkIXZB1SdxuCIjUKZdW_Z6QB_84PcZja27TDqMssmIg7ihuv-xoeSk6BE9wF3gHYDQRE6RM/s320/IMG_1206.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The Rainforest Cafe, complete with a face paint artist that found a cash cow in our table of EIGHT children:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_E8lxWwwGWantdYfAMqN8HikuVW-gCc8nnZ4yAnXHrWjDWtFr2rYOxojKVzDT6Tctte_jOu9cxR107Lm4qlgW2aTydM_7qVlKA8mJyGKYBAULR7Gc18PkYAuwopItWZE6WxZGbZC7ef55yd4_TJhnfJ1UT3XdCcPcGwM12PUUiQ3m65G3HD1mvh-Wu4Q/s4032/IMG_1192.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_E8lxWwwGWantdYfAMqN8HikuVW-gCc8nnZ4yAnXHrWjDWtFr2rYOxojKVzDT6Tctte_jOu9cxR107Lm4qlgW2aTydM_7qVlKA8mJyGKYBAULR7Gc18PkYAuwopItWZE6WxZGbZC7ef55yd4_TJhnfJ1UT3XdCcPcGwM12PUUiQ3m65G3HD1mvh-Wu4Q/s320/IMG_1192.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDi-7lUqPZtyGHdoi3j2ZxA0CQrQf8laVX267MHEVBpoPrfrYeG-gt1yhZb7h7o9Db9skR6dUGeMyhvsT0mGrVceKQLub5VFV-v0K11yXXgtbmI3aUlloADGX13D5_g2V1AQYxbkvhGY9gMgtfxhDs17M5Tgcyc7943uI32SRdZT51DEwTtcVz_ebfwJY/s5712/IMG_1176.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5712" data-original-width="4284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDi-7lUqPZtyGHdoi3j2ZxA0CQrQf8laVX267MHEVBpoPrfrYeG-gt1yhZb7h7o9Db9skR6dUGeMyhvsT0mGrVceKQLub5VFV-v0K11yXXgtbmI3aUlloADGX13D5_g2V1AQYxbkvhGY9gMgtfxhDs17M5Tgcyc7943uI32SRdZT51DEwTtcVz_ebfwJY/s320/IMG_1176.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We had matching jammies and catered food on Thanksgiving. No one got much sleep, but it was so much fun.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-4pUPWVqMnGf9e6GhhdbLtVZxrjs4hW2lZlFte8QxVCHIBCim-DMvfh6gCKK6hNArSeaWySW_tMaXJRlN_gwq8D0WZ2KdiFQ_L3D6mA8ELK8hko6T0cM3A7BQ4d3tadKahEo0sPIk_SYGNi7bb3j7ClWR5d7BY-1EYi12ZSD105Vk09RqOOPQ1-C4ps/s5712/IMG_1162.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5712" data-original-width="4284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-4pUPWVqMnGf9e6GhhdbLtVZxrjs4hW2lZlFte8QxVCHIBCim-DMvfh6gCKK6hNArSeaWySW_tMaXJRlN_gwq8D0WZ2KdiFQ_L3D6mA8ELK8hko6T0cM3A7BQ4d3tadKahEo0sPIk_SYGNi7bb3j7ClWR5d7BY-1EYi12ZSD105Vk09RqOOPQ1-C4ps/s320/IMG_1162.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyNumsyLHZrrttfMotqoxf9tEivh51nFp9RPPsmaJk99eMyuED9k5s1UIo1ZkY99n_gBu5HzA51lz_LyqZMXKrIpdpvElCxKKfET4RCvGJ9An4P1sNgCg1yTgdztj7O_yABLXkGxPlU2jIJOVpN5dMEiygI0pMzBfSqXD2uoUTsBkY_iLbEmHWpgSxUM/s5712/IMG_1280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_0FAyraSNNTngsMcSUu6LuKC35WbWE7k0y4UwmluixWW9COHW6zndG53ocmIyI9td1RjoRlCp0h5kbka1GGTaxypRUxCYa3-sLqSooTKs1tHheQTNlPdmNQZRSYD_eE8U-R1SV4H1Y5oiJBDoP5P34_-IgFPblZZTQyiiWv0yIWlUPYZTJSiR4otptk/s320/IMG_3134.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyNumsyLHZrrttfMotqoxf9tEivh51nFp9RPPsmaJk99eMyuED9k5s1UIo1ZkY99n_gBu5HzA51lz_LyqZMXKrIpdpvElCxKKfET4RCvGJ9An4P1sNgCg1yTgdztj7O_yABLXkGxPlU2jIJOVpN5dMEiygI0pMzBfSqXD2uoUTsBkY_iLbEmHWpgSxUM/s5712/IMG_1280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4284" data-original-width="5712" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyNumsyLHZrrttfMotqoxf9tEivh51nFp9RPPsmaJk99eMyuED9k5s1UIo1ZkY99n_gBu5HzA51lz_LyqZMXKrIpdpvElCxKKfET4RCvGJ9An4P1sNgCg1yTgdztj7O_yABLXkGxPlU2jIJOVpN5dMEiygI0pMzBfSqXD2uoUTsBkY_iLbEmHWpgSxUM/s320/IMG_1280.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><br /><br /></div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13038190498004521969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693626898531784810.post-67035576179619789892023-10-24T17:59:00.001-05:002023-11-24T16:40:58.258-06:00It's Up To You New York, New York!<p>At this point in life, Jon and I are able to go on date nights pretty regularly. We have reliable babysitters, and recently we have graduated to having Gretchen babysit her brothers - which is really the best option. She is responsible and knows the house rules, the boys know that they can't get away with multiple desserts after dinner or fibbing about bedtime, sister runs a tight ship! We wanted to go somewhere together for a long weekend, which is a more difficult venture with young kids and no family nearby. The stars aligned when Gran and Poppa were able to visit Texas over a weekend and agreed to handle the very busy schedules while we took a time out. </p><p>There was no question as to where we would go in the middle of fall - New York City! Broadway! Incredible food! A city we can walk in! And as an added bonus we saw some incredible fall foliage!</p><p>We got in nice and early on Thursday so we had time to get settled, change and hit the town. We sat for an early dinner at <a href="https://www.lapecorabianca.com/" target="_blank">La Pecora Bianca</a> and had delicious Italian food sitting in a corner booth watching the city pulse. We finished in plenty of time to get in line for The Book of Mormon, a show we've been walking to see for years. Waiting in line outside the theater, we saw all kinds of folks walking into the stage door, getting Uber Eats deliveries and wondering who we will see on stage. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8pqFrWntwTXLpUL0CGrlp749CMIEtRn6RwxH4n0b4-LINf__qg9OlnUw8LSVqVcGcjhwQ_h3bkRI94XkFgNiqpjTsoa9H2UWvFHuiGfhprTRBezjPzUfCeqym2dXaMrqNcAXwExWnvonXZMq3_FT4TNiML4VccUF3dXmrHLa0qSfVA3XiiIZAfRqqIQ/s5712/IMG_0817.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5712" data-original-width="4284" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8pqFrWntwTXLpUL0CGrlp749CMIEtRn6RwxH4n0b4-LINf__qg9OlnUw8LSVqVcGcjhwQ_h3bkRI94XkFgNiqpjTsoa9H2UWvFHuiGfhprTRBezjPzUfCeqym2dXaMrqNcAXwExWnvonXZMq3_FT4TNiML4VccUF3dXmrHLa0qSfVA3XiiIZAfRqqIQ/w150-h200/IMG_0817.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div>Then we're allowed in, we get drinks from the most boisterous bartender I've ever seen and we sit fantastically close to the stage and wait for the show to start. Offensive and hilarious, this show is not for the tender hearted. We knew this going in, Trey Parker and Matt Stone are not known for their political correctness. <p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3uvMmyKOXpdiEttsNw4bUvSmqNzK6ZzittxR9PWrJY9xPWwEgpTJbpGkwveejsSRT4W8ioYYqGPlz75ybxaRHjthg0Mj9pTnCRIHQLdOBhHmveXd5e8POMXMLXx2f4tExFZ5nEi6gVxA10AaXs1bupzNJTXC3VhgdJ0esSEs8EFwHeysDFKmFtNYPcQ/s5712/IMG_0805.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5712" data-original-width="4284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3uvMmyKOXpdiEttsNw4bUvSmqNzK6ZzittxR9PWrJY9xPWwEgpTJbpGkwveejsSRT4W8ioYYqGPlz75ybxaRHjthg0Mj9pTnCRIHQLdOBhHmveXd5e8POMXMLXx2f4tExFZ5nEi6gVxA10AaXs1bupzNJTXC3VhgdJ0esSEs8EFwHeysDFKmFtNYPcQ/s320/IMG_0805.jpeg" width="240" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0D0Me48ua4jHoKnSfytfiKofGb8gI1wzMqQFADk1ejAthV46etZxlmYRLidi5O5M-ZxtdgqI_cx24kmeSm4JWegEZ7fVB3Wm5I8KAvXdtsNaMvJsCggFwQYlhE1zRkTsoKOo-uQRNJ2vlUP-TyhmH51qoZ9_-vyQTFMOdUAz8X40W8NtvuyeD9rv34Z4/s3088/IMG_0813.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0D0Me48ua4jHoKnSfytfiKofGb8gI1wzMqQFADk1ejAthV46etZxlmYRLidi5O5M-ZxtdgqI_cx24kmeSm4JWegEZ7fVB3Wm5I8KAvXdtsNaMvJsCggFwQYlhE1zRkTsoKOo-uQRNJ2vlUP-TyhmH51qoZ9_-vyQTFMOdUAz8X40W8NtvuyeD9rv34Z4/s320/IMG_0813.jpeg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0D0Me48ua4jHoKnSfytfiKofGb8gI1wzMqQFADk1ejAthV46etZxlmYRLidi5O5M-ZxtdgqI_cx24kmeSm4JWegEZ7fVB3Wm5I8KAvXdtsNaMvJsCggFwQYlhE1zRkTsoKOo-uQRNJ2vlUP-TyhmH51qoZ9_-vyQTFMOdUAz8X40W8NtvuyeD9rv34Z4/s3088/IMG_0813.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The second day, we walked from our perfectly-placed hotel to Rockefeller Center, 5th Avenue fancy shopping, Radio City Music Hall and got our fill at the Nintendo store. We walked <a href="https://www.thehighline.org/" target="_blank">The Highline</a> start to finish and meandered around Chelsea Market. It was a real reminder of how much walking we did every day in Argentina, and how suburban our lives have become. <p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjziUftOQsjWoW09PpzlvorhJNM2CSFBXNkkpF99lxm2gSyqRwSofqNbnfaHeHtOFPvLonf7VhDlUOzafGkkzKsIDQcPrSf53GirBoW4XtD6Q65X9POskKzAs1KPrKtEq4Efmh68vtIhRzjLlB0aWRr8lBML7Pbps35SsoBVJ-aK7WYKhKkvjd51FjV1eg/s5712/IMG_2112.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5712" data-original-width="4284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjziUftOQsjWoW09PpzlvorhJNM2CSFBXNkkpF99lxm2gSyqRwSofqNbnfaHeHtOFPvLonf7VhDlUOzafGkkzKsIDQcPrSf53GirBoW4XtD6Q65X9POskKzAs1KPrKtEq4Efmh68vtIhRzjLlB0aWRr8lBML7Pbps35SsoBVJ-aK7WYKhKkvjd51FjV1eg/s320/IMG_2112.jpeg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCPDwveWWK67a1Xb12ljkwp8LH1X75IUybCtbjhhKINpC9eAiPe8Uwq_hkS8o-3HPmyc-jVe32iZggQDH7YekxQ08OjnEaUK99LHf0diwUH52_avyC5xjR7zjQPrElCJbyaPP6xqLdLBkp3YyhJuEpb1TUsEwltL9wzgA8z4q-Z_bNfo_-6mrLZYy7Sk/s4032/IMG_0828.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCPDwveWWK67a1Xb12ljkwp8LH1X75IUybCtbjhhKINpC9eAiPe8Uwq_hkS8o-3HPmyc-jVe32iZggQDH7YekxQ08OjnEaUK99LHf0diwUH52_avyC5xjR7zjQPrElCJbyaPP6xqLdLBkp3YyhJuEpb1TUsEwltL9wzgA8z4q-Z_bNfo_-6mrLZYy7Sk/s320/IMG_0828.jpeg" width="240" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>We search for an easy dinner spot and find the brilliantly named, <span> </span><a href="https://www.thaifoodnearmenyc.com/" target="_blank">Thai Food Near Me</a>. It was delicious, the best Thai food we've had in a very long time. Texas knows how to do a lot of food well, Thai is not one of those options. </p>Finish off the day by sitting at our hotel rooftop bar, staring at the Empire State Building. No complaints here. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAGN__5U2dQluPtexmJFuuYCH-bpk1aJhXxGmFFCUAdmW0pXt-SGd9JYrxzAXWQDP0MKVvs8q9ep3_h5dfOJgzAYxAbPlO_7M_pjg0Jzz-FWKP-D9OuVnzTPCHPCPr0TZH5U3HZLSTlKEq4AiXJwnTdHMTzo_vsNwUnSpYc8igXnS2a2dVCn5DD-xHYs/s4032/IMG_0822.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAGN__5U2dQluPtexmJFuuYCH-bpk1aJhXxGmFFCUAdmW0pXt-SGd9JYrxzAXWQDP0MKVvs8q9ep3_h5dfOJgzAYxAbPlO_7M_pjg0Jzz-FWKP-D9OuVnzTPCHPCPr0TZH5U3HZLSTlKEq4AiXJwnTdHMTzo_vsNwUnSpYc8igXnS2a2dVCn5DD-xHYs/s320/IMG_0822.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We get even more spoiled by having our bestest buddies come up and join us for the next two nights! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The first day of our foursome was a rainy, dreary east coast day. The city that never sleeps didn't disappoint with the <a href="https://www.themuseumofbroadway.com/" target="_blank">Museum of Broadway</a>, an indoor experience available within a drizzly walk from our hotel. We all now own new, terribly crafted NYC-themed umbrellas. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Htfn4PD_IhCFWveq9Orbp_2WJcuHy-Qc1Ks4pQ7BS4Pyl7IglTwjalFvLC0kYOODfyfiyvFOGNhbA3oAYDTrHUYBbeX2X9bMhaJi3FPkYl02_09-tV_RqMyfniSkqHSAcklAqu_siQ-L8Mwl2OwJG20E4aH2l3rP1eBHei8ZUHYr2qSlmb57hNpyoLY/s5712/IMG_0850.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4284" data-original-width="5712" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Htfn4PD_IhCFWveq9Orbp_2WJcuHy-Qc1Ks4pQ7BS4Pyl7IglTwjalFvLC0kYOODfyfiyvFOGNhbA3oAYDTrHUYBbeX2X9bMhaJi3FPkYl02_09-tV_RqMyfniSkqHSAcklAqu_siQ-L8Mwl2OwJG20E4aH2l3rP1eBHei8ZUHYr2qSlmb57hNpyoLY/s320/IMG_0850.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This place was my heaven! Orphan Annie's original dress *eek*, costumes from Cabaret, Hamilton, Dear Evan Hanson and so many others from the years of broadway shows. A short video on the history of Broadway and how it was created, and then they let you loose to wander the decades of theater. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJACDBj0ikPKO_sS9ePJGD06tz5XotKMNWCuJGJlsivLx56sMJJM3_aLE4WOyq-Ri4uJ47Q6LUcxLYoy4k8O7diJAnqtdFgTQ-H3K-rdrewSWRHxVsqpaeae44azdBdmGjotDwPl-n3E2206H8lMk9eZVpQfwv2noyzelTtWGPZ2BXw9z5T19DS5ls8dA/s5712/IMG_0856.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5712" data-original-width="4284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJACDBj0ikPKO_sS9ePJGD06tz5XotKMNWCuJGJlsivLx56sMJJM3_aLE4WOyq-Ri4uJ47Q6LUcxLYoy4k8O7diJAnqtdFgTQ-H3K-rdrewSWRHxVsqpaeae44azdBdmGjotDwPl-n3E2206H8lMk9eZVpQfwv2noyzelTtWGPZ2BXw9z5T19DS5ls8dA/s320/IMG_0856.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have an early dinner at <a href="https://bourbonandbranchnyc.com/" target="_blank">Bourbon and Branch</a> so that we can catch our second show of the weekend, & Juliet. This show is a party! Fun, sing along songs set to the background of Shakespeare. A real crowd pleaser!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPkiypS320kykWenUaZ6_vLW37LP1mhvzlIQiXfxVinFPdy4bPIU9oCUsNXupW5Pc0H2pgHqyajnXWZ8kCNbDjzzbYriDYr9cTAkjrL6tjT_jVtwhPsX9fB973qjFbIcFQtdtjVcdhRqDLd-uuwT-INV-BuF0XIK8VtKS_rzsg_NkK05A2TockFkO2SX4/s5712/IMG_0875.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5712" data-original-width="4284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPkiypS320kykWenUaZ6_vLW37LP1mhvzlIQiXfxVinFPdy4bPIU9oCUsNXupW5Pc0H2pgHqyajnXWZ8kCNbDjzzbYriDYr9cTAkjrL6tjT_jVtwhPsX9fB973qjFbIcFQtdtjVcdhRqDLd-uuwT-INV-BuF0XIK8VtKS_rzsg_NkK05A2TockFkO2SX4/s320/IMG_0875.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3aekYcAUaZTEOhAOwQ1BsQSYjkEDplkPC8B99FTHanAqe_2Yh8Aj6e7zxOIIzNV8OR653xXPBOZz5kdFDfGj7MM5hYUsWbv05cuBtTo2IQ091lncmbQNr2pBugjk6eeUt_NGYxBDYpIGC_h28BB31bWQuuHGAzDmMwJHOkAias72hZaMezMPnbfCE_kw/s4032/IMG_8098.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3aekYcAUaZTEOhAOwQ1BsQSYjkEDplkPC8B99FTHanAqe_2Yh8Aj6e7zxOIIzNV8OR653xXPBOZz5kdFDfGj7MM5hYUsWbv05cuBtTo2IQ091lncmbQNr2pBugjk6eeUt_NGYxBDYpIGC_h28BB31bWQuuHGAzDmMwJHOkAias72hZaMezMPnbfCE_kw/s320/IMG_8098.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgId4QvcoVxgLRFSQHt0tcdocbpUYOfohhw-519iusyZE0NG_5XDHboNC6yYclk7-zsMrsSJyqh07SS0JqOapgl3Ot2iSalqQ9vz-vvQ4qucuaI8J4FfYKhHEhodLlxnUSc8Q9McxpKOVjq4LuQD6mx9ju2KQk0tmt71s8lZx4v8CLAWxk54hPhwEjm-K8/s3088/IMG_5530.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgId4QvcoVxgLRFSQHt0tcdocbpUYOfohhw-519iusyZE0NG_5XDHboNC6yYclk7-zsMrsSJyqh07SS0JqOapgl3Ot2iSalqQ9vz-vvQ4qucuaI8J4FfYKhHEhodLlxnUSc8Q9McxpKOVjq4LuQD6mx9ju2KQk0tmt71s8lZx4v8CLAWxk54hPhwEjm-K8/s320/IMG_5530.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The rain cleared and we had this lovely 2nd full day to wander, this time we went Up! To the Top of the Rock and had fantastic views of the city. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinuuOAKgoluxTjG4rRuOnY5JXKigp4jyyKbHoYIjQIBGY9Cgs_j57WiO0U52UlSyMGiZfiBtkGW1c_Pwg0E_o-zzzrjSCHxRFwADJtxv-8FfcCmHvJ589tdnrdDxFq-cK4mYMVKPo8X0huc1kFO7zk9uv4UNn9gWHNFHjG1EjSKRZmhk4gcv3aNFn88a0/s5712/IMG_0895.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4284" data-original-width="5712" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinuuOAKgoluxTjG4rRuOnY5JXKigp4jyyKbHoYIjQIBGY9Cgs_j57WiO0U52UlSyMGiZfiBtkGW1c_Pwg0E_o-zzzrjSCHxRFwADJtxv-8FfcCmHvJ589tdnrdDxFq-cK4mYMVKPo8X0huc1kFO7zk9uv4UNn9gWHNFHjG1EjSKRZmhk4gcv3aNFn88a0/s320/IMG_0895.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRhqPlFS48JGnrxRwffPl_mB5Q_yTwUP_VnDg5gBcMFehBAdWkWIYAaH6MkBwr3PjKIbskN6_FiA1RyOTYwn-GAGeg-B-YBDlwCquI7p4s6YCfqL2laPoAN1lUm9Wt5mlcfhXgHBhlgKfCajd8VBHuueOp1K-HsXZejYMzUMGDoeAAuOtgwA1ZTjlvNw/s5712/IMG_0910.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5712" data-original-width="4284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRhqPlFS48JGnrxRwffPl_mB5Q_yTwUP_VnDg5gBcMFehBAdWkWIYAaH6MkBwr3PjKIbskN6_FiA1RyOTYwn-GAGeg-B-YBDlwCquI7p4s6YCfqL2laPoAN1lUm9Wt5mlcfhXgHBhlgKfCajd8VBHuueOp1K-HsXZejYMzUMGDoeAAuOtgwA1ZTjlvNw/s320/IMG_0910.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh05cljbs6fGaFRROyNcjt4hmyzpBheSXqu9dr_wUq6pWqzNLUgR1pQ3oM5Dp-ZJ51EkBH6MqbDMFc_Vt1Ca9lyMYDOHiyT7AxAYDCoZcQbAUpq6aKkrYSf-yoLwUy47mSS1_WyWG8Wd2bwRZx9GHZfBW899UqvDJDYYvrDEJHIWhifuL1Uo3jbKIlzP30/s4032/IMG_5554.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh05cljbs6fGaFRROyNcjt4hmyzpBheSXqu9dr_wUq6pWqzNLUgR1pQ3oM5Dp-ZJ51EkBH6MqbDMFc_Vt1Ca9lyMYDOHiyT7AxAYDCoZcQbAUpq6aKkrYSf-yoLwUy47mSS1_WyWG8Wd2bwRZx9GHZfBW899UqvDJDYYvrDEJHIWhifuL1Uo3jbKIlzP30/s320/IMG_5554.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvI7xz4FD9q6c4m8Mmas1brUuqZuy5gJrUGJpw_ExlR7wYt8aRUGHlk9dAjpZruHyS1bXwNn-MS9ek_cPajNu-lIzQ92Gm1QeOs-g-wVQMOGigAvTZSdElikuLgmtNDukJ7fLOAIPK26D_hTV8Sdz9zNRlhxaYJHQJu7oHNGQgRB_WSpgBzUMGa1liSTA/s4032/IMG_2142.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvI7xz4FD9q6c4m8Mmas1brUuqZuy5gJrUGJpw_ExlR7wYt8aRUGHlk9dAjpZruHyS1bXwNn-MS9ek_cPajNu-lIzQ92Gm1QeOs-g-wVQMOGigAvTZSdElikuLgmtNDukJ7fLOAIPK26D_hTV8Sdz9zNRlhxaYJHQJu7oHNGQgRB_WSpgBzUMGa1liSTA/s320/IMG_2142.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Farewell New York. We'll see you soon!</div><p></p>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13038190498004521969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693626898531784810.post-2510201832510515512023-10-23T11:29:00.001-05:002024-01-01T12:40:11.169-06:00Graham Turns SEVEN!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4TNexGY3bVrKDNQzYxzxKSE-zKuK19DFBLpCxI1aVlFt1-26k-146d9efELu8gpUBWc6nuNC3eAhVk0MCD0o9RITo9ZKlPbxTKZ36idu0LtLyy61obLr2eqaoxUxBxfuZxRIp4DEQnCOz7uZQcuL1x4DEl45cUzzfU78IIv5l_P5KE0Us8Ds9JM3cUc/s5712/IMG_0929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5712" data-original-width="4284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4TNexGY3bVrKDNQzYxzxKSE-zKuK19DFBLpCxI1aVlFt1-26k-146d9efELu8gpUBWc6nuNC3eAhVk0MCD0o9RITo9ZKlPbxTKZ36idu0LtLyy61obLr2eqaoxUxBxfuZxRIp4DEQnCOz7uZQcuL1x4DEl45cUzzfU78IIv5l_P5KE0Us8Ds9JM3cUc/s320/IMG_0929.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>What a treat to have Gran and Poppa in town for Graham's birthday! As he had been asking for the months leading up, we went to a restaurant for Hibachi dinner to celebrate the big day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYolyuPjGUd9vO2_dkDvp6wfL-nA1oP-pFJ2T546Q8Shjcx8eauJX_VPTSy8m5AaMh9tdgQk-YK81WlFzhBLO8VBcCtbkEJ_8_P4TKOZSqVIoTsDG_5A3U2N1UgTMeZbAhOuqgzrsrM8hrDXImRK_z1VB-PUrlQzp5IrwywSCXOgetoYauUinDKByrLHQ/s5712/IMG_0936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5712" data-original-width="4284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYolyuPjGUd9vO2_dkDvp6wfL-nA1oP-pFJ2T546Q8Shjcx8eauJX_VPTSy8m5AaMh9tdgQk-YK81WlFzhBLO8VBcCtbkEJ_8_P4TKOZSqVIoTsDG_5A3U2N1UgTMeZbAhOuqgzrsrM8hrDXImRK_z1VB-PUrlQzp5IrwywSCXOgetoYauUinDKByrLHQ/s320/IMG_0936.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>We came home for bundtinis and presents and had a low key birthday night. That is not to say it wasn't a busy year leading up to becoming a 7 year old. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This year has been been a year of growth for Graham, he has become an avid shoe-tier, an emerging reader - graduating from Elephant and Piggy to The Magic Treehouse chapter books, and realizing a love of sports through baseball and basketball. Basketball hasn't started yet, but you're outside playing every chance that you get. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScR4hMRTf9GnoK_bELSajAU8bR4CcKEtkyZTjc5GWpjL2fH1emY4HUNzipx4EEYj3NxOsGf0O5n6KutNAQZZ-YIRq4TNxLNMKLJ1xlcDg5Zkz8uHRgBeo3B1Evx2_eynKLC5lWAzFeiDBiPwRHjvu4VkaeSPlFpkudEdZdOyi_xP-bEjALEZR1Sabqdo/s5712/IMG_0949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5712" data-original-width="4284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScR4hMRTf9GnoK_bELSajAU8bR4CcKEtkyZTjc5GWpjL2fH1emY4HUNzipx4EEYj3NxOsGf0O5n6KutNAQZZ-YIRq4TNxLNMKLJ1xlcDg5Zkz8uHRgBeo3B1Evx2_eynKLC5lWAzFeiDBiPwRHjvu4VkaeSPlFpkudEdZdOyi_xP-bEjALEZR1Sabqdo/s320/IMG_0949.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Baseball was a big success this season, starting with getting comfortable with the pitching machine and learning to be a solid hitter - then following up with a great season in the field, most often playing at the pitcher's mound. The Rays ended the season with championship rings and an overwhelmingly successful season! We even had the 1st grade class pet, Kevindillo Armadillo present for a few games. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8K8mhvqS16PBgg6r9rdo1Tjwvo43Aq7gxnyoyFOLp6NnFPr3JAOFY8-zum-0UOZggz2gARv8Q5VloaNg4As2Tmd42_6AYx-GkOOJpzxmnV1be88VR9fT0Mqh4qgrxEDBIcgDKT9FFYL_ea4g8wxclja_UseeX2s_QngpzIV-Z808UnuTXuqp3An4JjU/s5712/IMG_0950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5712" data-original-width="4284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8K8mhvqS16PBgg6r9rdo1Tjwvo43Aq7gxnyoyFOLp6NnFPr3JAOFY8-zum-0UOZggz2gARv8Q5VloaNg4As2Tmd42_6AYx-GkOOJpzxmnV1be88VR9fT0Mqh4qgrxEDBIcgDKT9FFYL_ea4g8wxclja_UseeX2s_QngpzIV-Z808UnuTXuqp3An4JjU/s320/IMG_0950.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1BNGiQVJa0NWhfE9X3yfKKzztSnifBU1UyhFV8iE1ivgShFPxtuiUVe3JtLwXNIeqMkaEGalRhmBEaM9k_NQOKst8PpU6G3BcbduPz4Ozt-B7ShqOLLWA_PSRkfsADOuKU8yWXkkquANweqOwE7MTFwuYKCYDkOU06b5jaGXfu1C0Yqf_Y5Ez02xTpU/s5712/IMG_0956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5712" data-original-width="4284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1BNGiQVJa0NWhfE9X3yfKKzztSnifBU1UyhFV8iE1ivgShFPxtuiUVe3JtLwXNIeqMkaEGalRhmBEaM9k_NQOKst8PpU6G3BcbduPz4Ozt-B7ShqOLLWA_PSRkfsADOuKU8yWXkkquANweqOwE7MTFwuYKCYDkOU06b5jaGXfu1C0Yqf_Y5Ez02xTpU/s320/IMG_0956.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div>Graham also wanted his birthday party to be celebrated at <a href="https://gamepreservehouston.com/" target="_blank">The Game Preserve</a>, so we had a round 2 party with many of the same friends, and our favorite HEB bakery cake to complete the celebration of seven years with Graham. <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5sbPxWtthS4qzTW8X2LmxuVq5Hi428j-OrCwHlTt0vnB7v2PmtDZyauLn8dt2VyHfupwShk0bSNCkZXkJ8HCRf7EiViPpiXjqwrXW9jSuNyQayySPmQ5bt6fOmMInoo_CsSGJ1PFR_tQQHKPNvC3YfCkQQTzQCFoF9zXHkb3MKshYgv8zlvkhhga4SNw/s5712/IMG_0960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5712" data-original-width="4284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5sbPxWtthS4qzTW8X2LmxuVq5Hi428j-OrCwHlTt0vnB7v2PmtDZyauLn8dt2VyHfupwShk0bSNCkZXkJ8HCRf7EiViPpiXjqwrXW9jSuNyQayySPmQ5bt6fOmMInoo_CsSGJ1PFR_tQQHKPNvC3YfCkQQTzQCFoF9zXHkb3MKshYgv8zlvkhhga4SNw/s320/IMG_0960.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGj5AW2S4OXdCzCCQ5pbRNvqvyYuszb53RcCGY0BrnF9AaXZW8OTs_iBC3ShrtFWMZIBEvGxXygx-e6B3mkVPRD3KtUMDLcEMlZAJ-uwm6duKC2xga4XooFH71okznsEHluvzhQq1Jmi30WFIdHrnMXDDY9n6YRDKeUTaI07KoJ7s9ZHnoxkOVcgfmo_Y/s5712/IMG_0963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5712" data-original-width="4284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGj5AW2S4OXdCzCCQ5pbRNvqvyYuszb53RcCGY0BrnF9AaXZW8OTs_iBC3ShrtFWMZIBEvGxXygx-e6B3mkVPRD3KtUMDLcEMlZAJ-uwm6duKC2xga4XooFH71okznsEHluvzhQq1Jmi30WFIdHrnMXDDY9n6YRDKeUTaI07KoJ7s9ZHnoxkOVcgfmo_Y/s320/IMG_0963.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixi3-yLan5eMo6CBp1tFtTkzNGfM6c2xekJcThDTRyazQo4z6eD5vqkW9A1w0NH1a4vmvgFdLmr7oEZBh8SoPkbtRIvMVJNyGvG9JFKBiAJLKetCGbo8EbFaFhijTzUAyE21gVgfGKwufwoviCE7tpGvUDKOH2Fncp9SgqUqpNWxrE2ojsIjU_Vu5lnRk/s5712/IMG_0974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5712" data-original-width="4284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixi3-yLan5eMo6CBp1tFtTkzNGfM6c2xekJcThDTRyazQo4z6eD5vqkW9A1w0NH1a4vmvgFdLmr7oEZBh8SoPkbtRIvMVJNyGvG9JFKBiAJLKetCGbo8EbFaFhijTzUAyE21gVgfGKwufwoviCE7tpGvUDKOH2Fncp9SgqUqpNWxrE2ojsIjU_Vu5lnRk/s320/IMG_0974.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></div>This birthday month was rounded out with some of the most beautiful weather of the year, where we joined up with a Howl-o-ween event at Northshore Park. Graham had his fill of holding precious little puppies like this one. We have no plans to have a dog, but that doesn't stop all three kids from asking, Graham having the loudest voice recently. <br /><br />He's becoming a real big kid, losing the baby roundness and now has a mouthful of big boy teeth. He's spunky and funny and confident. There are not many people who meet Graham and don't have a memorable story about the meeting. He's a joy and a challenge and he's ours. Happy Birthday Big Guy!<p></p></div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13038190498004521969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693626898531784810.post-56442273692405655222023-10-02T10:34:00.096-05:002023-12-23T14:44:37.313-06:00All Grown Up in Charleston<p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8UG5KOiWpMZDhBC4TEx8jZuDsw_IvSKDHl6mCi-6_vW-PfBFyX_iZh0p587cAD0W9zac7e_WKciJWBnLrXDcff1OsXcq3hQthyphenhyphen8Z4YHrMrs3TUw_qs-WFFcJaSnsmD6RMGSdyY9XD807hT0jLkUwbAvHENt4ygs75gC-ckaTX7jnhmVGBSjnsNarGzEc/s4032/IMG_3452.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8UG5KOiWpMZDhBC4TEx8jZuDsw_IvSKDHl6mCi-6_vW-PfBFyX_iZh0p587cAD0W9zac7e_WKciJWBnLrXDcff1OsXcq3hQthyphenhyphen8Z4YHrMrs3TUw_qs-WFFcJaSnsmD6RMGSdyY9XD807hT0jLkUwbAvHENt4ygs75gC-ckaTX7jnhmVGBSjnsNarGzEc/s320/IMG_3452.jpeg" width="240" /></a> These ladies have been in my life for as long as I can remember. They know my husband as well as they know me. We all attended high school or college or both together along with all of our husbands. Why it took us this many years to plan a trip together is beyond me. But in her usual take-the-lead fashion, Stephanie made things happen and a trip was planned! </p><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5LXxJOI4UMORDaBmZSdFg-mgTFlOu9JtyeLTPPFMa1GwC0K-YqeKY24WbcOAYuYSzdLeIz_7IVLXR5PGz3bNCEJvElKiziR3vpD1Uyg7CJ3J-s2LyA4XAlYtoqdSF15ScQ2y53Khp_KqklefYMaTkTUU6zqA53pDVxcXoUDTeGrfkjum48RVbpA7cO8c/s3088/IMG_0740.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5LXxJOI4UMORDaBmZSdFg-mgTFlOu9JtyeLTPPFMa1GwC0K-YqeKY24WbcOAYuYSzdLeIz_7IVLXR5PGz3bNCEJvElKiziR3vpD1Uyg7CJ3J-s2LyA4XAlYtoqdSF15ScQ2y53Khp_KqklefYMaTkTUU6zqA53pDVxcXoUDTeGrfkjum48RVbpA7cO8c/s320/IMG_0740.jpeg" width="240" /></a></p><p>Charleston was the perfect location with non-stop flights and close enough for Emily to drive from Atlanta. We rented a charming little house in town. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdHWfk48UZMhoIU7mHeciDBsFpP1zYaOvLhGB4Io8goYALiZoi5WxgsKKB21BYqIbu6wXMgajypPnkCJMiGYfD_n33O7zBTw2hXtbmsHnG44AJRUZAsAIdHqcv2Ij6jc-KwSzttKOxb_Si_7rCuoyk2yivKsXTOZr6sVuWkUBLQsheAMTW68rRFdmci4/s5712/IMG_0734.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5712" data-original-width="4284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdHWfk48UZMhoIU7mHeciDBsFpP1zYaOvLhGB4Io8goYALiZoi5WxgsKKB21BYqIbu6wXMgajypPnkCJMiGYfD_n33O7zBTw2hXtbmsHnG44AJRUZAsAIdHqcv2Ij6jc-KwSzttKOxb_Si_7rCuoyk2yivKsXTOZr6sVuWkUBLQsheAMTW68rRFdmci4/s320/IMG_0734.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We took the <a href="https://www.twosisterstours.com/" target="_blank">Two Sisters Walking Tour</a>, a fascinating tour of the history, importance and sometimes shady past of Charleston. We got to see the most beautiful window flower boxes, learn about the deep-south nature of the city and our guide knew just about everyone in town. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAToVGYcoaOb-3__QChNSziYCTQhRVH_jXx500gatIeRWMocwpzIEwHOhG7UL5Ioj1hc05n5cMggjqgf4Frt1reJptzbykVzX6z6AfScUhiPMCAxX1ECqNLJHcziBNEcv_dVTbV9mSUYiWfy9oda0KoMMP4NX7iAAbefbQ5LjecDAFsEO-bTUWLNFGGk4/s4032/IMG_3445.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAToVGYcoaOb-3__QChNSziYCTQhRVH_jXx500gatIeRWMocwpzIEwHOhG7UL5Ioj1hc05n5cMggjqgf4Frt1reJptzbykVzX6z6AfScUhiPMCAxX1ECqNLJHcziBNEcv_dVTbV9mSUYiWfy9oda0KoMMP4NX7iAAbefbQ5LjecDAFsEO-bTUWLNFGGk4/s320/IMG_3445.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWeBnDPlEgejDWsrLb4j75mnAXGyJBS4dZBxOnw2hvuY45yablS7cZ0Jac_Z6Yqa__1cny4mdHALDtkCqbRrj5siczjFXeUi6LCS4PYUPLdkLLkfJYRdUl26YsnYEHZHMD1vatQ8Xpe73Azwnpy0N17I2h7tANPH6YOJCwuzfRMNxHkNUWozS_2p0tsc/s5712/IMG_0729.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5712" data-original-width="4284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWeBnDPlEgejDWsrLb4j75mnAXGyJBS4dZBxOnw2hvuY45yablS7cZ0Jac_Z6Yqa__1cny4mdHALDtkCqbRrj5siczjFXeUi6LCS4PYUPLdkLLkfJYRdUl26YsnYEHZHMD1vatQ8Xpe73Azwnpy0N17I2h7tANPH6YOJCwuzfRMNxHkNUWozS_2p0tsc/s320/IMG_0729.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBp5IJrOdKGkRnm6vAIdaOIsVUe2j31KYwvw9j7nMjz_JEMn9PXlcwu3NLyv7uOlJCftGic7PrtINopBgIdmvgCGbjlZF07kPjzEvJ0tENN_mOMj3I36xnnFrSu8ok93akgiq-WLxkooi_Xfi1XHrdEmWhBTo1BCeB0E4Ab-ho4YFfkcr7iMwagiMqCio/s3088/IMG_0732.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBp5IJrOdKGkRnm6vAIdaOIsVUe2j31KYwvw9j7nMjz_JEMn9PXlcwu3NLyv7uOlJCftGic7PrtINopBgIdmvgCGbjlZF07kPjzEvJ0tENN_mOMj3I36xnnFrSu8ok93akgiq-WLxkooi_Xfi1XHrdEmWhBTo1BCeB0E4Ab-ho4YFfkcr7iMwagiMqCio/s320/IMG_0732.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My darling Emily, I miss our Falls Church days!</td></tr></tbody></table><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We used up every minute of the trip by stopping into <a href="https://www.magnoliaplantation.com/" target="_blank">Magnolia Plantation</a>, a stunning property entwined with a history of slavery. The trees and gardens were incredible, I wish I had more time to explore.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3oXQfi9caQbLfbr53_fU9w6Fh-F-14A5MrcxiuPB2GYQgfOTKfcsHK5G4ESBxidEHcuW232HrepWZ1ins1zUqzw_D4IoU5Ld0UiFd3f2HGlSBICWMcNjwOT_AuMcKR44Se261PwfBAfsx41nLLJQc3DXtvRanY9IDF1rs5yL46Qaa5cqZVpY7cIOeoo/s5712/IMG_0741.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5712" data-original-width="4284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3oXQfi9caQbLfbr53_fU9w6Fh-F-14A5MrcxiuPB2GYQgfOTKfcsHK5G4ESBxidEHcuW232HrepWZ1ins1zUqzw_D4IoU5Ld0UiFd3f2HGlSBICWMcNjwOT_AuMcKR44Se261PwfBAfsx41nLLJQc3DXtvRanY9IDF1rs5yL46Qaa5cqZVpY7cIOeoo/s320/IMG_0741.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTnMUpT45olCVTLGzw8SMR9vdFQ4FijupLtlPIX460_03EMa3-iQPGhoaQLxqbOIzYqcLHimgBQl1S4YqaPVgdupmtRkUv77ygKLFmK0Osqa1nlyEmwoPZwkaQlm_EsszBeGfnOXdQ-2FeAzB3YX6iqysWtDc2oKqdft2rMuhF8p7nMwxvMXgxt76Y1_k/s5712/IMG_0736.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5712" data-original-width="4284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTnMUpT45olCVTLGzw8SMR9vdFQ4FijupLtlPIX460_03EMa3-iQPGhoaQLxqbOIzYqcLHimgBQl1S4YqaPVgdupmtRkUv77ygKLFmK0Osqa1nlyEmwoPZwkaQlm_EsszBeGfnOXdQ-2FeAzB3YX6iqysWtDc2oKqdft2rMuhF8p7nMwxvMXgxt76Y1_k/s320/IMG_0736.jpeg" width="240" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1p113uR_NPWJ7p4Gjri0IVuGvc6tv1y40FE_G80MPTY35Ms-J8rE_GuYsTNWFZ7_5VXuepnAy_fwJkt9r3Zc0c8IZXwsaJtElK_5rxwgKsui5c7FpNHaCEECyy6iGMhCocU29e5Ykfhs7oCZPCbUfoDsqvz8Jrhfw_p1UKiIldrlKU3Ym-3VXLPEoK8/s3024/IMG_3473.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="2397" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1p113uR_NPWJ7p4Gjri0IVuGvc6tv1y40FE_G80MPTY35Ms-J8rE_GuYsTNWFZ7_5VXuepnAy_fwJkt9r3Zc0c8IZXwsaJtElK_5rxwgKsui5c7FpNHaCEECyy6iGMhCocU29e5Ykfhs7oCZPCbUfoDsqvz8Jrhfw_p1UKiIldrlKU3Ym-3VXLPEoK8/s320/IMG_3473.jpeg" width="254" /></a></div></div><div>We couldn't leave without a morning on the beach. It was a bit cool, but nice and sunny. The whole weekend was a great reminder of how nice it is to reconnect with true, constant friends. I am the only one of the four of us that has not pursued a career in education, so I got to pick the brains of professionals on public school, standardized tests and the state of the education system for our kids. </div><br /><p></p></div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13038190498004521969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693626898531784810.post-88346249660206608402023-09-25T12:50:00.001-05:002023-11-05T14:05:24.371-06:00One Decade of Alex<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21A8NxoK__ZNAoRuIdlgspjpHE_iC4BihjpvmOE0qaQnwtLSOn-OelXsmKgk6TrqOCv9VNeqaQV49wEiRb2gDqfbhPCaxav7hPXLYK5zf80lcGwFBO0GVoCkiJhyHRaklJejkoooIivPB1y-e88AAIKXExaJfLj2QzsIb1ADvoVjMAIX4VvRVue9QqTg/s5712/IMG_0692.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5712" data-original-width="4284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21A8NxoK__ZNAoRuIdlgspjpHE_iC4BihjpvmOE0qaQnwtLSOn-OelXsmKgk6TrqOCv9VNeqaQV49wEiRb2gDqfbhPCaxav7hPXLYK5zf80lcGwFBO0GVoCkiJhyHRaklJejkoooIivPB1y-e88AAIKXExaJfLj2QzsIb1ADvoVjMAIX4VvRVue9QqTg/w240-h320/IMG_0692.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>Alexander. Our sweet, sensitive, middle child, who does everything in his own time, in his own way, and if you can follow his stories you'll understand he has his own way of seeing the world. He is deliberate and kind, aloof and silly and he has no time for handwriting or stopping what he's doing to have lunch. He admires his sister, tolerates his brother, and while he can explain in painstaking detail every character in every video game he has ever played, but yet he "has no idea" what he did in school today. <p></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Alex wanted to have his birthday party at <a href="https://gamepreservehouston.com/" target="_blank">The Game Preserve</a>, a great little spot in Spring. For a flat rate price per person, you can play any game you want for the whole day. Pinball, retro games, and every video game you can think of all in one place. Add in a party room and BYO food and drink and a party is made! The owner keeps his Delorean parked out front complete with an OutATime California license plate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhJPVoTQ8dAt9S7JGY6B6CZg6aqDt1q6XrEgo8Q-AL20tVsehP3dDdGcNFgjf0_8VeX7pUsC1H7kWwiETp8MJ8QMj-4OVxsTJrI7pQswZ4gWUbjAw3e2tGd8zObwavPqftSgOieAHLYfux3AuWaNTmN9zsEiiZCH6sXko7oF9LI4ir4rg_FOTsftFa4U/s4032/IMG_1550.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhJPVoTQ8dAt9S7JGY6B6CZg6aqDt1q6XrEgo8Q-AL20tVsehP3dDdGcNFgjf0_8VeX7pUsC1H7kWwiETp8MJ8QMj-4OVxsTJrI7pQswZ4gWUbjAw3e2tGd8zObwavPqftSgOieAHLYfux3AuWaNTmN9zsEiiZCH6sXko7oF9LI4ir4rg_FOTsftFa4U/s320/IMG_1550.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9YxocYAw_ELhFihhSPiacC66oprZUgD_uUslSO-YLqMW5Z9nCc4lNAvQfmOT169w88EBPE0gZZWPhWELTkj_xggPdxdcbH2F6K2hyfticDgu_UenFTAcjFX1c4w_Zn7ji635zYGDPXFLEwrDTqle-0P6Ib_1mIM0lGgQven2HVCnSRlCAz6gRctLWyWA/s5712/IMG_0680.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4284" data-original-width="5712" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9YxocYAw_ELhFihhSPiacC66oprZUgD_uUslSO-YLqMW5Z9nCc4lNAvQfmOT169w88EBPE0gZZWPhWELTkj_xggPdxdcbH2F6K2hyfticDgu_UenFTAcjFX1c4w_Zn7ji635zYGDPXFLEwrDTqle-0P6Ib_1mIM0lGgQven2HVCnSRlCAz6gRctLWyWA/s320/IMG_0680.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We opened presents at home on his actual birthday, and he was thrilled to add more sweatshirts to his collection. A new Nintendo Switch game and some soft short sleeved shirts made for a happy ten year old!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3I_Fv9I2Ta6zsBSOLkveDFZWlEbWCvFJyYKqyWSSSfV6rIvEikDBqTp47hde4cfIP_DLkrrl5GMo0GzrbELAy6Wfw20aE2Opb-NI4dNIX43Sw-8-tKxs0KIyPlQ3HGfowUIM0JBE9iW8O51Aa9kUrHLWMXMJRdz1Apa9AkpC4JcSmA-VJ5tyTz1nveVg/s4032/IMG_0605.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3I_Fv9I2Ta6zsBSOLkveDFZWlEbWCvFJyYKqyWSSSfV6rIvEikDBqTp47hde4cfIP_DLkrrl5GMo0GzrbELAy6Wfw20aE2Opb-NI4dNIX43Sw-8-tKxs0KIyPlQ3HGfowUIM0JBE9iW8O51Aa9kUrHLWMXMJRdz1Apa9AkpC4JcSmA-VJ5tyTz1nveVg/s320/IMG_0605.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtBcfFfplazS9GjLD1tqquC83hZQ1U4btH-jG7XU8eB7xQ32-RQUxpzBNobeJrTXEy_7OsaUr3Ao4rv66bW_fzaY2kZgDgXJATPUEUVsLQIkYm_nEp8cu7HEP3hBIf-yeEg2gz_GiQjKUfkkANXzl6_4hdV-nYJqwfSl41EJ57HtTnJiDxLyJG9NjNBQ/s4032/IMG_0603.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtBcfFfplazS9GjLD1tqquC83hZQ1U4btH-jG7XU8eB7xQ32-RQUxpzBNobeJrTXEy_7OsaUr3Ao4rv66bW_fzaY2kZgDgXJATPUEUVsLQIkYm_nEp8cu7HEP3hBIf-yeEg2gz_GiQjKUfkkANXzl6_4hdV-nYJqwfSl41EJ57HtTnJiDxLyJG9NjNBQ/s320/IMG_0603.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlvq3BhdXe-Gm7OtskvEd6v-grTLM9OYYC0Oh28vBqOsm9YyQv0ZYeaGbaLmfyvzT4dcrKFBypnWFi0k9dpSqLR_9iTm0sJmyDzbbf0bdblOA6tWftb_RT2elVohJI7Tc08HLUN9Pf3ms3nC_I5kOGHxybt2wZcGFswQTGbhRzUHmB7RPEbv_oCBP9eU/s3088/IMG_0596.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlvq3BhdXe-Gm7OtskvEd6v-grTLM9OYYC0Oh28vBqOsm9YyQv0ZYeaGbaLmfyvzT4dcrKFBypnWFi0k9dpSqLR_9iTm0sJmyDzbbf0bdblOA6tWftb_RT2elVohJI7Tc08HLUN9Pf3ms3nC_I5kOGHxybt2wZcGFswQTGbhRzUHmB7RPEbv_oCBP9eU/s320/IMG_0596.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday lunch with my big guy!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVVFEoUov15xxMKk07CJMmPiPuMviGOabB-4HSBG83zEXXDq8PtWkMo6gfSf9oJhE5FZUnBVwLbUf__o17pWq9H-HX54PZ66lOZZD1MuykhY6tNhCWu8o1KJ7PRuUwXxuBScLSxlUmMsZKNqwV3CC8xNyVevIiksOZYw3NvKqImjImZnp7HyBjuamFAE/s2796/IMG_0592.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2796" data-original-width="2097" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVVFEoUov15xxMKk07CJMmPiPuMviGOabB-4HSBG83zEXXDq8PtWkMo6gfSf9oJhE5FZUnBVwLbUf__o17pWq9H-HX54PZ66lOZZD1MuykhY6tNhCWu8o1KJ7PRuUwXxuBScLSxlUmMsZKNqwV3CC8xNyVevIiksOZYw3NvKqImjImZnp7HyBjuamFAE/s320/IMG_0592.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It's been a full decade of this sweet boy stealing our hearts. Happy Birthday Alex!!</div><p></p>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13038190498004521969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693626898531784810.post-84628999305023701852023-09-12T10:31:00.127-05:002023-12-23T15:09:42.290-06:00Bonjour, Montreal!<p> This year's adventure with my VT ladies was an international affair! Montreal could not have come at a better time - September marks my official "can't handle this anymore" status for Houston's eternal summer. We escaped to a location that has reasonable fall temperatures, where I could pack a sweater and closed-toed shoes and actually expect to use them. </p><p>We stayed at an adorable walk up Air BnB condo right in the heart of the city, we could walk most of the city from our front door. We got lucky with the weather and had a lovely morning for the <a href="https://fitzmontreal.com/" target="_blank">Fitz & Follwell</a> bike tour that we had reserved months ahead of time. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYA3P2WLoCU-wGAdiIpJAQ1m9piCJFgVLZ01snSyagVvfV_zfA3WaelasZHGJKeWskFmM0nDwMwUeD2jqJxQKtrsq-2kM5Eousr6j4AZzTpCMrTkNMjpQS5EtCDE3JHaCezte18P0eW_Y_y488zEwNDzuAzB0rvsBjGv094mC0tmtrxGzVA06bgFGSmMQ/s4032/IMG_0473.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYA3P2WLoCU-wGAdiIpJAQ1m9piCJFgVLZ01snSyagVvfV_zfA3WaelasZHGJKeWskFmM0nDwMwUeD2jqJxQKtrsq-2kM5Eousr6j4AZzTpCMrTkNMjpQS5EtCDE3JHaCezte18P0eW_Y_y488zEwNDzuAzB0rvsBjGv094mC0tmtrxGzVA06bgFGSmMQ/s320/IMG_0473.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If I hadn't taken this photo I would think it was from Savannah, or Charleston, or somewhere in the US southeast. But no, it's Canada baby. Plateau Mont Royal to be exact, the Painted Ladies were painted bright colors back in the early 1900s to spruce up a red light district in the area. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRva7fxNZpEe7IGiLZf3ZqYdm6AYhoQQZlp2Y-J09c7ijcN5FwcS9Eu0s-mNDTdrFH6k2T8-9QijjbixtjRMODQXRlAOK640LACpYZaNj9tOs8YRNOKS7Qmu_LF05BB2lDexddrldNg6xX3vdLS3vBbiYx3mNac2skbmRdICJie_SadIXFHGcTpbdMOBA/s4032/IMG_0484.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRva7fxNZpEe7IGiLZf3ZqYdm6AYhoQQZlp2Y-J09c7ijcN5FwcS9Eu0s-mNDTdrFH6k2T8-9QijjbixtjRMODQXRlAOK640LACpYZaNj9tOs8YRNOKS7Qmu_LF05BB2lDexddrldNg6xX3vdLS3vBbiYx3mNac2skbmRdICJie_SadIXFHGcTpbdMOBA/s320/IMG_0484.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Montreal has a robust street art scene and we got to see some of the popular works. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk7X_3efKZ1p4dHnA1UoOlhbi_FcZYXNfEs9u0Rh1ahWmyTaREo0B9kzt30Hc7qm6gfB2aNZ1-s-7inH6rLfAda2k-8oJCs_oSHyYJM_18Pc00RSS64nmu8PMO5eUXubslBxIBx6e87Wh8GLMDQMur4jIIycTwQNQXgdZPYNwN3DH8p5XG6hs0KqxGJHg/s4032/IMG_0486.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk7X_3efKZ1p4dHnA1UoOlhbi_FcZYXNfEs9u0Rh1ahWmyTaREo0B9kzt30Hc7qm6gfB2aNZ1-s-7inH6rLfAda2k-8oJCs_oSHyYJM_18Pc00RSS64nmu8PMO5eUXubslBxIBx6e87Wh8GLMDQMur4jIIycTwQNQXgdZPYNwN3DH8p5XG6hs0KqxGJHg/s320/IMG_0486.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrJbsOMAC5M4be6AtLQV57Y-Tn5XlkLs_Jb6LvqO09HAcZNKwC8-cpaw0_GOo2q0pUUvD4v0uA-8kvVdjFVtZcmG_SK4ouo8KoIJ284Q9w1CFSq8sSPW8i5jxcU0w8rNt5h_XimzwXJs7-PytNpkTuuzLQyFml6apP5D1pIJiQPvxU5jMg8-NsvKYL70/s4032/IMG_0492.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrJbsOMAC5M4be6AtLQV57Y-Tn5XlkLs_Jb6LvqO09HAcZNKwC8-cpaw0_GOo2q0pUUvD4v0uA-8kvVdjFVtZcmG_SK4ouo8KoIJ284Q9w1CFSq8sSPW8i5jxcU0w8rNt5h_XimzwXJs7-PytNpkTuuzLQyFml6apP5D1pIJiQPvxU5jMg8-NsvKYL70/s320/IMG_0492.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMOOrMvfmJU4ju3ZUUx1BMBMk5LyatXUOH4H7Y5yFfp9ovdpkjYan-btzgzGNRh-2GGvwAYDk4nCIIxZbt1E1vLZQNv5HKqSrYlwdAVAaImzZHwk2XwJ-XfUuqyGn9O0oPj9rcFxINcRBe0lwhkJjJkkVo-3BlGzN1Os_lmgGlOZgmH_5xz0l3B_jpaY/s3869/IMG_7295.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3869" data-original-width="2309" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMOOrMvfmJU4ju3ZUUx1BMBMk5LyatXUOH4H7Y5yFfp9ovdpkjYan-btzgzGNRh-2GGvwAYDk4nCIIxZbt1E1vLZQNv5HKqSrYlwdAVAaImzZHwk2XwJ-XfUuqyGn9O0oPj9rcFxINcRBe0lwhkJjJkkVo-3BlGzN1Os_lmgGlOZgmH_5xz0l3B_jpaY/s320/IMG_7295.jpeg" width="191" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwAp6GW61K0QWP9d-d8T4o71Mxa7madu170ru9hdJnYohA4QqZUxmnsmIC9MFJj37_82VKZhkze1d-y0GAqrts3U8PVX2NCUu52a7QmMgk2YZMU1GeJ1i3snBzINWvmjv5dxtNTx_5e2bagUU1585MCXHxx1uuTvQy9uq9nBODBLVbJ5fhJ6HK2mrKgE/s3893/IMG_7296.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3893" data-original-width="2675" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwAp6GW61K0QWP9d-d8T4o71Mxa7madu170ru9hdJnYohA4QqZUxmnsmIC9MFJj37_82VKZhkze1d-y0GAqrts3U8PVX2NCUu52a7QmMgk2YZMU1GeJ1i3snBzINWvmjv5dxtNTx_5e2bagUU1585MCXHxx1uuTvQy9uq9nBODBLVbJ5fhJ6HK2mrKgE/s320/IMG_7296.jpeg" width="220" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFGnQEhL64LfGyYLRZIp-ZjfWFdh9nRWReKiGH0rwmFbw7-ie1ZnsnEQSEtJW9J9_D3nQEDexKDhL9nZioZuuB4lA1bthg3aWwMP4L9RTa5ZK7v4wN92GZ2NiiiMqDWzdJeT8SERWrmRQzFyelCINVd3QZghCuomgDmWbCw4EU15rTP3CZTMKgg1nsJMw/s4032/71596530492__6364B10F-1CAC-43A9-A5FD-2C007E6D2D33.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFGnQEhL64LfGyYLRZIp-ZjfWFdh9nRWReKiGH0rwmFbw7-ie1ZnsnEQSEtJW9J9_D3nQEDexKDhL9nZioZuuB4lA1bthg3aWwMP4L9RTa5ZK7v4wN92GZ2NiiiMqDWzdJeT8SERWrmRQzFyelCINVd3QZghCuomgDmWbCw4EU15rTP3CZTMKgg1nsJMw/s320/71596530492__6364B10F-1CAC-43A9-A5FD-2C007E6D2D33.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And ended the tour at the Marche Jean-Talon, a sensory overload of fruits, vegetables, chocolates, cheeses and baked goods. We tasted a few, bought some others and came home with the perfect pre-dinner snack.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPb4an8wj28gT2FgzheEffPeaeSLGd_qbdtxmL1txGB0Ts8Al35Uwhcoi5cqksL1WDP36ySyg35AYzxqovWmkeJXdbDil4Wt5gKJrY2DuLIPLhcTA5pbOXRYCl20KA-TWjiWs3e6-Bnfb48dEVJolVDF9Ghy2QV_uk0x8dIdiiPPN02mtlnyM9WKEN6w/s4032/IMG_7301.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPb4an8wj28gT2FgzheEffPeaeSLGd_qbdtxmL1txGB0Ts8Al35Uwhcoi5cqksL1WDP36ySyg35AYzxqovWmkeJXdbDil4Wt5gKJrY2DuLIPLhcTA5pbOXRYCl20KA-TWjiWs3e6-Bnfb48dEVJolVDF9Ghy2QV_uk0x8dIdiiPPN02mtlnyM9WKEN6w/s320/IMG_7301.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4V5NRVgpc8gavdTOsfmTuQF9HEQDxdKFIf3rD5SWbPDPglwwWHUzjn_SAIv1tqyI6EbA-rfbGJYOrfSh-Vb3jeGV6N6TuHp1HdBh2BBqNjkCcm2k1khonwhqCIiAivmAtvjUXehx0YDqfxI7Z6UFAlHg42coYtWq7XiocQu2-U6j5v88L_TUDWSekMMU/s4032/IMG_7302.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4V5NRVgpc8gavdTOsfmTuQF9HEQDxdKFIf3rD5SWbPDPglwwWHUzjn_SAIv1tqyI6EbA-rfbGJYOrfSh-Vb3jeGV6N6TuHp1HdBh2BBqNjkCcm2k1khonwhqCIiAivmAtvjUXehx0YDqfxI7Z6UFAlHg42coYtWq7XiocQu2-U6j5v88L_TUDWSekMMU/s320/IMG_7302.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charcuterie on the porch - c'est la vie!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We took a rest, got cleaned up and left for another one of Meghan's well-researched dinner reservations.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxV8ajXWtmw1DNsFuJQ7P9cgjH7EU8Jp97xN3-CsLwq_VEOQ6_P3YFVsOX3tsotVj03Xtxd3-wmA5K8Rf891evywG7vW85h16QevTqrtDwC-ITnEqOHsREkN7z1yXmQMBNLA3eZt44nUx4RNClAYujmdlwB3t06kc2WU2LgMeFrXWBZ4KsFcbnKKt6fp0/s4032/IMG_7315.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxV8ajXWtmw1DNsFuJQ7P9cgjH7EU8Jp97xN3-CsLwq_VEOQ6_P3YFVsOX3tsotVj03Xtxd3-wmA5K8Rf891evywG7vW85h16QevTqrtDwC-ITnEqOHsREkN7z1yXmQMBNLA3eZt44nUx4RNClAYujmdlwB3t06kc2WU2LgMeFrXWBZ4KsFcbnKKt6fp0/s320/IMG_7315.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5VlKRzSxZPA43H6mV2ejH12j9Q1GKJd4VljAgb_BVP6ZlT-V8PX1p2xRT3bNgYGBR2gB4cDYOLZHepQ15N9qGGDvD8DbAjcldEXTvGPQ9oLO1t3mCxMfdfTWEDgfzR0KKKcXDHZMAeLXmQZ09ksf-mfu69xWlLGVIG1f9Wgr_V23YnmlOOaxmwteTF8Y/s4032/IMG_7318.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5VlKRzSxZPA43H6mV2ejH12j9Q1GKJd4VljAgb_BVP6ZlT-V8PX1p2xRT3bNgYGBR2gB4cDYOLZHepQ15N9qGGDvD8DbAjcldEXTvGPQ9oLO1t3mCxMfdfTWEDgfzR0KKKcXDHZMAeLXmQZ09ksf-mfu69xWlLGVIG1f9Wgr_V23YnmlOOaxmwteTF8Y/s320/IMG_7318.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doing my best to look professional</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The next morning we enjoyed brunch at <a href="http://restolavenue.ca/en/home" target="_blank">L'Avenue</a>, which was bumpin on a Sunday morning. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-xljUnQHXKCfPxEHWPu4DRzsnqrYt8FWk1mLEq4NR_oxDPElbnwJVRiV3gC6ZNEFmhlh1AS8WaKp82DU3V0VwmjqrLMZaY-G0igPpC7xg9FB1DcJFjLrlEcysLTeyhovoxGScJB3MuiHwJaN7s4VG41VWbA113XKc79QolNbxcPuKdx9454pSkkEQTo/s4032/IMG_0490.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-xljUnQHXKCfPxEHWPu4DRzsnqrYt8FWk1mLEq4NR_oxDPElbnwJVRiV3gC6ZNEFmhlh1AS8WaKp82DU3V0VwmjqrLMZaY-G0igPpC7xg9FB1DcJFjLrlEcysLTeyhovoxGScJB3MuiHwJaN7s4VG41VWbA113XKc79QolNbxcPuKdx9454pSkkEQTo/s320/IMG_0490.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXqLN0xl_16FfXM02cV7BZTv37Y8XyTrX7j86Nh2H8kfGV8t8BxVcfcUXE8Xx6Ah6LTE20eMFpKTUUF7RvRQ_K0-OaQdRXDkmUl1VSYuMPpsBd57qxj29eACrH-hoS47G1Wnoe8mf5AP_2t_btZ8Db7FaSTiDNqec6R-M_1-9L5GHvywqfIqbKYjsVG0/s4032/IMG_7364.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXqLN0xl_16FfXM02cV7BZTv37Y8XyTrX7j86Nh2H8kfGV8t8BxVcfcUXE8Xx6Ah6LTE20eMFpKTUUF7RvRQ_K0-OaQdRXDkmUl1VSYuMPpsBd57qxj29eACrH-hoS47G1Wnoe8mf5AP_2t_btZ8Db7FaSTiDNqec6R-M_1-9L5GHvywqfIqbKYjsVG0/s320/IMG_7364.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Then took one last stroll around the city before we all headed to the airport, where only two of us would get to leave. With Humkey luck, Kristen got stuck abroad for another night, even though she had the shortest flight. Luckily, there was an airport bar and our gates were next to each other so we had maximum hangout time before I left for home and she went to watch The Office in an airport hotel room. I'm certain she would agree it was worth it for a trip with friends, I sure do!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p></div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13038190498004521969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693626898531784810.post-14376235902019303072023-07-29T10:30:00.001-05:002024-01-01T16:01:18.050-06:00MSU visits Denver<p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAKmp3srR0KN0XMksx2qkRPpJbZjCly5rBr59rr0uzslfQHsD9U7xuEO0v8nxQ61X5jza5Ek3gkoNr5FNgnNG5uwoIMwGE7-pxfXMRsH8v6hUlrfReA9krshYUQWKClHYHZjj4JQ9ZzlGIRC9xuSSvSjIJWPiovFbRU5wrFEzoMz1Y7R13Q0tpQsly3o/s4032/IMG_0258.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAKmp3srR0KN0XMksx2qkRPpJbZjCly5rBr59rr0uzslfQHsD9U7xuEO0v8nxQ61X5jza5Ek3gkoNr5FNgnNG5uwoIMwGE7-pxfXMRsH8v6hUlrfReA9krshYUQWKClHYHZjj4JQ9ZzlGIRC9xuSSvSjIJWPiovFbRU5wrFEzoMz1Y7R13Q0tpQsly3o/s320/IMG_0258.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p>July is the perfect time to escape Texas heat. Denver is the perfect place to find respite. My college besties are just the people to escape with! <p></p><p>Our adventures together get more adventurous as the years go on, and Sarah was the perfect tour guide to her now-home city. She took us on hikes and sightseeing trips, along with an eating and sipping tour of Denver and it's metro area. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGa4rgVeeUC2shas1M3xVwyAnHv1UxJ41fMXhlFYvOV9G_q1GOsMMLwAYU-faElMP7jwdtDdtKzRpIXnReWoVUFBcoKv88ch_wisCjgSeRbYOUlgwQKGaxNZKmhFS5e0tFD1aqhvKfE_l2GIPYFATGJBhTPlwP0mEFiuZitQm6mz6qBOGbPvawz-LrCR4/s4032/Denver%202023-0263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGa4rgVeeUC2shas1M3xVwyAnHv1UxJ41fMXhlFYvOV9G_q1GOsMMLwAYU-faElMP7jwdtDdtKzRpIXnReWoVUFBcoKv88ch_wisCjgSeRbYOUlgwQKGaxNZKmhFS5e0tFD1aqhvKfE_l2GIPYFATGJBhTPlwP0mEFiuZitQm6mz6qBOGbPvawz-LrCR4/s320/Denver%202023-0263.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We stayed in a hip little AirBnB and quickly got from airport to check-in to eating pizza with Sarah's little girl, then started exploring. Julie and I were clearly not as accustomed to the thin air and steep grades of the area, I stopped more than once to catch my breath. Colorado has a whole lot more landscape than Texas and that alone makes it worth the trip. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>We visited this crazy little spot where there were people sunbathing, others jumping from cliffs right across the water from us, and further in the background you see a glacier peeking out from between the mountains. We hiked up, just far enough to touch the ice and watched as people hiked to the top, snow (ice) boarded down the glacier and then hiked back up to do it again. On the hard, solid ice. I had no idea that this was possible. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9BBHeJ2Hxvw8u9nOFMuys0LXKWWqku8ZXBm-MGMygAnYj6fsDX2oVfmwvRSCNeFVZK_y8bmsD_K0IMaRy0trHIXeZ3EqcP8UJStVq34oclDxrFyXoRNTxGGga7VhzqNnFeuckgqYKNO5PSXutvtHub0oWff77KzEo6qiFN11-mx0ZG8bYs8XnryJItE/s4032/Denver%202023-0278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9BBHeJ2Hxvw8u9nOFMuys0LXKWWqku8ZXBm-MGMygAnYj6fsDX2oVfmwvRSCNeFVZK_y8bmsD_K0IMaRy0trHIXeZ3EqcP8UJStVq34oclDxrFyXoRNTxGGga7VhzqNnFeuckgqYKNO5PSXutvtHub0oWff77KzEo6qiFN11-mx0ZG8bYs8XnryJItE/s320/Denver%202023-0278.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I lost track of when and where we visited each place, but we ate at <a href="https://thebinderydenver.com/" target="_blank">The Bindery</a> in the Highland, which is connected to a cool market that reminds me of the ferry building in San Francisco. </p><p>We ate at <a href="https://www.sierrarestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Sierra</a> in Lone Tree, which is a stone's throw from Sarah's house. A beautiful place, delicious food and low-key atmosphere. </p><p>We drove over to Boulder, just to walk around and be one of the tourists in the off season. Unfortunately the weather did not agree and it rained most of the trip. Before the rain got too heavy, we dipped into <a href="https://sfornoboulder.com/" target="_blank">Sforno Trattoria Romana</a> and were thankful for shelter from the rain, complete with charcuterie and a glass of wine. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFu9oAVO6qu48omMPlz2lg-E0RZmsmckbj6jK9-UBGFlo4801LrM7jNAZ5K6ReZzRhI08wCmsbUSKUE0HVznvUhmZ_zNKJPiOeFlUrnVhZSOo-PJhHq3pJDEELqB1iKGOB8TOJsJbtNSInxjypF1BVrfyStClLTPh5qu_ys13lE8UfGwyFaTE7nBjLBjA/s4032/IMG_0289.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFu9oAVO6qu48omMPlz2lg-E0RZmsmckbj6jK9-UBGFlo4801LrM7jNAZ5K6ReZzRhI08wCmsbUSKUE0HVznvUhmZ_zNKJPiOeFlUrnVhZSOo-PJhHq3pJDEELqB1iKGOB8TOJsJbtNSInxjypF1BVrfyStClLTPh5qu_ys13lE8UfGwyFaTE7nBjLBjA/s320/IMG_0289.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>We had a lovely night planned to see a concert at Red Rocks. Sarah set up a driver so we didn't have to worry about parking or driving. The amphitheater is beautiful! It's also very very steep, and high up in the mountains and the band was far more popular than we had expected so we couldn't find a free spot to sit. <p></p><p>We took to pictures, meandered around checking for seats and then just about got blown off the mountain in the wind. We decided to cut our losses and take our ride back to the house. We're not as young as we used to be. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7k7y7dvpXx6UOd560pGYnEvXoBi5lM9CN5Hb3ldif6HZ1Jzvag0b2H3zO3HYQHmsxMWhl9se21WKOeQxiMQntoCWH2cbKEwC6IM-o-tZpKk5SV77-Y-OpF9bDxniYFJlvfOxyKCRUZrhKfSChIoFyPQ0Y_02LPVnSerJrGDJYDkv4Lx8ONLsCrK3S9g/s3088/IMG_0286.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7k7y7dvpXx6UOd560pGYnEvXoBi5lM9CN5Hb3ldif6HZ1Jzvag0b2H3zO3HYQHmsxMWhl9se21WKOeQxiMQntoCWH2cbKEwC6IM-o-tZpKk5SV77-Y-OpF9bDxniYFJlvfOxyKCRUZrhKfSChIoFyPQ0Y_02LPVnSerJrGDJYDkv4Lx8ONLsCrK3S9g/s320/IMG_0286.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9cCkYiv1GlMxqy3YcxsoxTatJbas50k9hT23mJbqU1-svmUR4TlsqD6MKH9Tn0dwx_qDhM9QI1bOI-gBQUAKmGLj2yKr3J5Zz1dFiLivsxzzb7xjiFewD4ZM4Fxajo8A9g19tJ90pkuF_h8_UM8IHNhehZBtwLkRPtqPVvdd7VAV6L87q8RkUrDGSEw/s4032/IMG_0291.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9cCkYiv1GlMxqy3YcxsoxTatJbas50k9hT23mJbqU1-svmUR4TlsqD6MKH9Tn0dwx_qDhM9QI1bOI-gBQUAKmGLj2yKr3J5Zz1dFiLivsxzzb7xjiFewD4ZM4Fxajo8A9g19tJ90pkuF_h8_UM8IHNhehZBtwLkRPtqPVvdd7VAV6L87q8RkUrDGSEw/s320/IMG_0291.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a very windy night! </td></tr></tbody></table><br />The best part of all of these trips is catching up with friends. We had a good mix of outdoor and adventure time, and took the opportunity to enjoy some relaxing and catch-up time with some of my longest friendship ladies. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tRXTsZMSL_kgC_hOkH6R6npnGV-5h-7pNNttNhHOD90Yx_KtsCjfP98tHGCY1ADe9hmxAaMk4f9lisAg8VmFgzUPmZz2eBA-OjjnN-W-Fd_unX0IlLwuDAjpcapclAYi2jOHXq73x-PYKojxcLem1cFmL4gFNJVYKsmxKHzROB3MDApbent7sh61bdw/s4032/IMG_0274.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tRXTsZMSL_kgC_hOkH6R6npnGV-5h-7pNNttNhHOD90Yx_KtsCjfP98tHGCY1ADe9hmxAaMk4f9lisAg8VmFgzUPmZz2eBA-OjjnN-W-Fd_unX0IlLwuDAjpcapclAYi2jOHXq73x-PYKojxcLem1cFmL4gFNJVYKsmxKHzROB3MDApbent7sh61bdw/s320/IMG_0274.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3n-KySMcilmkOmNh4-t1lKYUIZ7Jr9OrPlPNhC3Su49FnNnkXux74UEOIUjR3mi6HCcpvnIVS_yoVla3l5uLT8F604JrZeBDmokrvi7kmHvCS0KqFZoWo9YWVOIj7aH2teILUKEV6urHwCgbLZOx7JYQnF1OZkml18GIQ6uT6WuIXyo10ajoTQu4DWY/s4032/IMG_0267.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3n-KySMcilmkOmNh4-t1lKYUIZ7Jr9OrPlPNhC3Su49FnNnkXux74UEOIUjR3mi6HCcpvnIVS_yoVla3l5uLT8F604JrZeBDmokrvi7kmHvCS0KqFZoWo9YWVOIj7aH2teILUKEV6urHwCgbLZOx7JYQnF1OZkml18GIQ6uT6WuIXyo10ajoTQu4DWY/s320/IMG_0267.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Until our next adventure!</div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13038190498004521969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693626898531784810.post-31343987231986369982023-06-22T13:13:00.001-05:002023-08-13T16:20:10.277-05:00Camp OTX!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5IAg2UtoEeUTxi9PgLExaoEKIKm0QG42LWpi3xWrNJCHzLUUIxE8CNMYerpnygCL8kSH54QaAVKRdEBEpPiy7XulcPaebWFSt8uMngoULTmrj2MlXY-a8eWGm5m8ktYF6pxpscPVLN95yz5FVFMErCt0tZOXEHVz4j2Nionz35buj8PVkj0HFN6wRfP8/s3088/IMG_9986.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5IAg2UtoEeUTxi9PgLExaoEKIKm0QG42LWpi3xWrNJCHzLUUIxE8CNMYerpnygCL8kSH54QaAVKRdEBEpPiy7XulcPaebWFSt8uMngoULTmrj2MlXY-a8eWGm5m8ktYF6pxpscPVLN95yz5FVFMErCt0tZOXEHVz4j2Nionz35buj8PVkj0HFN6wRfP8/s320/IMG_9986.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div> Camp OTX has been in our lives for a few years now and it shows no sign of stopping. Gretchen attended her first year for a one-week session, last year for a two-week session and this year, Alex joined her for two full weeks! This little guy had two entire weeks of undivided parent attention, and he was not sad about it! <p></p><p>By the end of the camp session, we were all excited to have our big kids back, and we think they were excited to come home, but they took advantage of everything the camp has to offer. Offhand, I cannot think of anything that Camp OTX doesn't offer.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3lpt3zllOsWHV5-N5LceVAMuLxes0Phb3cJ0k-HARvFhcSyR-7f8bjNIsW8HAl3ZApNswatJm1lz6tKhR_QbE05AX1EiqDmORUT8uLifWq3PUs2bzXTTejM3wWvH2eoi-8MUsU-9F52DyfPKR13oj10sEh9k_wNlO8feDc2SiHNv3TJ6jUjK52Pjqmo/s1024/image_1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3lpt3zllOsWHV5-N5LceVAMuLxes0Phb3cJ0k-HARvFhcSyR-7f8bjNIsW8HAl3ZApNswatJm1lz6tKhR_QbE05AX1EiqDmORUT8uLifWq3PUs2bzXTTejM3wWvH2eoi-8MUsU-9F52DyfPKR13oj10sEh9k_wNlO8feDc2SiHNv3TJ6jUjK52Pjqmo/s320/image_1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">There are waterslides!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5w9Ch5_Dv6hMpheleJQCCXdZtZSz8FwLXkhT880QnqnBAvrK3y86UdKyiChTcKnxwQqMXNUgIQqHpAOWfbTsYQhTNmYsNFz73K_29NNV4w1mM8dq9yZIofq3SGR9p4eQmvdSqRho-pirdQo6udK65XEFUY1ax8u9CQzpXymHbV0dVySVP-KzE4lCFZQ/s1024/image_1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5w9Ch5_Dv6hMpheleJQCCXdZtZSz8FwLXkhT880QnqnBAvrK3y86UdKyiChTcKnxwQqMXNUgIQqHpAOWfbTsYQhTNmYsNFz73K_29NNV4w1mM8dq9yZIofq3SGR9p4eQmvdSqRho-pirdQo6udK65XEFUY1ax8u9CQzpXymHbV0dVySVP-KzE4lCFZQ/s320/image_1.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nerf, water and real target shooting ranges.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh36GnFId3aTvPAOUWAJnnDDAwO_nUlmF8eodT0sag89OSxarxflQ4DI0KJdhc11xcVTzuErCB9otCydnefpgi4AtAEVYVLFk9CKKZJMNzNZAnQsfxaEQjNSWpw3h7p5DQezTZW_qU1EQo6prVAfzHdu_WRPA-zboD4e4dbTqzxNFpAylwE5ZbYnQNv6WI/s1024/image_1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="924" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh36GnFId3aTvPAOUWAJnnDDAwO_nUlmF8eodT0sag89OSxarxflQ4DI0KJdhc11xcVTzuErCB9otCydnefpgi4AtAEVYVLFk9CKKZJMNzNZAnQsfxaEQjNSWpw3h7p5DQezTZW_qU1EQo6prVAfzHdu_WRPA-zboD4e4dbTqzxNFpAylwE5ZbYnQNv6WI/s320/image_1.jpeg" width="289" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Theme parties, like State Fair day where they offer all kinds of fun outdoor competitions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ue761_lgpHpeFEBg-oE_8YcSCbZcfxEB6oWj3sFmHwKHPmKDnhdOobDq6cZAE7PQXA6ngBZLeITDbMNqO-Qj5fmc1xyCR0o1S7g_TSTt_tlAt4AIWQqlQj8vGpPrcIBZ9alhKholV0zpTN6UIV34QMdNimwm_U0ArzG3IJzu0fRAEwSIkxz7uXBrPK8/s1024/image_1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="1024" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ue761_lgpHpeFEBg-oE_8YcSCbZcfxEB6oWj3sFmHwKHPmKDnhdOobDq6cZAE7PQXA6ngBZLeITDbMNqO-Qj5fmc1xyCR0o1S7g_TSTt_tlAt4AIWQqlQj8vGpPrcIBZ9alhKholV0zpTN6UIV34QMdNimwm_U0ArzG3IJzu0fRAEwSIkxz7uXBrPK8/s320/image_1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">New friends! War paint!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzFmIFgzay1BddxvZrLp2IuGcPXsJQriW8-VNJhjhVFprXaJuMNCb8pdNOn90bEO1nKj4desshrCCZ5oF7NU2umHypTUAHwOg1pVmXHNzrgfOiL7rWwsLogm3g0DOzrNNBY4SAECV2KLxohcLMNJSBT7y9gSPPsQ7eTpgF_AEbjb2EdzCG1tImSCebPcE/s1024/image_1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzFmIFgzay1BddxvZrLp2IuGcPXsJQriW8-VNJhjhVFprXaJuMNCb8pdNOn90bEO1nKj4desshrCCZ5oF7NU2umHypTUAHwOg1pVmXHNzrgfOiL7rWwsLogm3g0DOzrNNBY4SAECV2KLxohcLMNJSBT7y9gSPPsQ7eTpgF_AEbjb2EdzCG1tImSCebPcE/s320/image_1.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cooking classes!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqalEPnmcmXVcFDLiKyz60wyCl-2oyotmLbEmmDqbE6Kv2az0qvmtvP1NivOoZ45ywrc2gIKIww9kowGtCIZ-d8A5ZACqlifaylb3Vib3emeThgL2VUmw3jNrxXmOPzUPpj-pfq6ydY3n2sg5cagW2uGOksOhQjTU00oPFh5hwD9akh6HgCsFkiHfgCE/s1024/image_1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqalEPnmcmXVcFDLiKyz60wyCl-2oyotmLbEmmDqbE6Kv2az0qvmtvP1NivOoZ45ywrc2gIKIww9kowGtCIZ-d8A5ZACqlifaylb3Vib3emeThgL2VUmw3jNrxXmOPzUPpj-pfq6ydY3n2sg5cagW2uGOksOhQjTU00oPFh5hwD9akh6HgCsFkiHfgCE/s320/image_1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Patient, kind and mature camp counselors.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCTEiWvRucrOo_nSO0VYB7GtcvyHnpfANBJXYFbKm7HE84j4mZRGyh3JOHfCK7__gxNRbBuh3KQIFfA2kAYRE5p3GJrBe5hEwNVuha8e4EYGoZ0YfMJh_PyUQvNcZBBpi67WJHkkPcK81mSjhqqz9bR7lsxW0_qRBi5o9Awm7irE7WstXcc_ZoSj7hVdU/s1024/image_1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="1024" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCTEiWvRucrOo_nSO0VYB7GtcvyHnpfANBJXYFbKm7HE84j4mZRGyh3JOHfCK7__gxNRbBuh3KQIFfA2kAYRE5p3GJrBe5hEwNVuha8e4EYGoZ0YfMJh_PyUQvNcZBBpi67WJHkkPcK81mSjhqqz9bR7lsxW0_qRBi5o9Awm7irE7WstXcc_ZoSj7hVdU/s320/image_1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">TREATS!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNhdB5_w8ryJYRXU4s8uT_L0fGWUeEIVi0YPpBJskyGDVyPgU5Myl3WgoSP72ow5zKdnxDSkt5ej4p7M4C7eDULgYbrAv_-98tSDAma34fv2mMSD75xrFKoqI2J0jwmg9fvD5MDnlffFZTyEHB2PS6scSI7X_I-9dI2U8yBbmU7O8zAMYhSulh7rsxT8/s1024/image_1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNhdB5_w8ryJYRXU4s8uT_L0fGWUeEIVi0YPpBJskyGDVyPgU5Myl3WgoSP72ow5zKdnxDSkt5ej4p7M4C7eDULgYbrAv_-98tSDAma34fv2mMSD75xrFKoqI2J0jwmg9fvD5MDnlffFZTyEHB2PS6scSI7X_I-9dI2U8yBbmU7O8zAMYhSulh7rsxT8/s320/image_1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_qc0hCOWPskD8Zvf7Q0WhyHwjxST77kA6iYSbClPfWCV2a-1NZMR22PhNvrmphwbUQ1wFKL4HwW-H25pp_Pghfw3bwReZKUCNx5MnbS2U8oD7akn0KoKgqxhmHy6uA9ZoLFXfvTaakBLle42sadQOnl_tOfLD845kRZBeoqvLNl6Ay_zitsuitjhXw4/s1024/image_1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_qc0hCOWPskD8Zvf7Q0WhyHwjxST77kA6iYSbClPfWCV2a-1NZMR22PhNvrmphwbUQ1wFKL4HwW-H25pp_Pghfw3bwReZKUCNx5MnbS2U8oD7akn0KoKgqxhmHy6uA9ZoLFXfvTaakBLle42sadQOnl_tOfLD845kRZBeoqvLNl6Ay_zitsuitjhXw4/s320/image_1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And while they are separated for the majority of camp due to age and gender, there was a little time each day for siblings to check in with each other. This one makes my momma heart happy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBiw2JP6rdfhp67IPx3b_lFrq90_fLWjQVMb47DkfPIBhsljYIiZEFnWkGv3eem1qevLP-ar4FkSkkpzFFzHpLsUmk1GkVgZDI-w7bpxf208vYg7Fw7oyX3uCH506C8S_Ec-Tfac-KsmWA-k4xNRHDkQj7R2BkJ_bALyG7iOJ_JH_3jblMzDfwNngGj6w/s4032/IMG_9976.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBiw2JP6rdfhp67IPx3b_lFrq90_fLWjQVMb47DkfPIBhsljYIiZEFnWkGv3eem1qevLP-ar4FkSkkpzFFzHpLsUmk1GkVgZDI-w7bpxf208vYg7Fw7oyX3uCH506C8S_Ec-Tfac-KsmWA-k4xNRHDkQj7R2BkJ_bALyG7iOJ_JH_3jblMzDfwNngGj6w/s320/IMG_9976.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Then it's time to pick up big brother and sister, and Graham has days worth of questions that he wants to know about. How big is the camp? Do I get to see where they sleep? What did they eat all this time? Do they know that we're coming? Can I come too next year???</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After parking and picking up the footlockers and the bags of dirty laundry, we search for our kids. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Graham and Gretchen find each other first. Showers are in order for some. Tears for everyone.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRNzJG9zU9SPRtCdmhFx73aCAqUbA3WKLKz0vKXLgW_Am9b3caR0p1ZKcNcEsXbY-SqHhqlCydCtrGSV0ouJsrPKx4-FJLB_76CnqINLoFb_swNziMEh04I9Z6QQCvsI-sPQQH253oUxLFldkYnebcKddHC9ODKIr-NbZzLVR_mm0u6mJCNiLFjXtdqs/s4032/IMG_9980.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRNzJG9zU9SPRtCdmhFx73aCAqUbA3WKLKz0vKXLgW_Am9b3caR0p1ZKcNcEsXbY-SqHhqlCydCtrGSV0ouJsrPKx4-FJLB_76CnqINLoFb_swNziMEh04I9Z6QQCvsI-sPQQH253oUxLFldkYnebcKddHC9ODKIr-NbZzLVR_mm0u6mJCNiLFjXtdqs/s320/IMG_9980.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Until next year Camp OTX!</div><p></p>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13038190498004521969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693626898531784810.post-21064593593310387812023-06-19T15:44:00.000-05:002023-06-19T15:44:21.206-05:005 Years Out<p>This week I had the MRI that marks 5 years since the start of my brain cancer treatment. Thankfully, all is stable, no signs of change, flair, growth, enhancement or any other adjective that indicates anything has changed. It's good news. And I'm thankful.</p><p>Now that I only have to go once every 6 months, it's really easy to forget how horrible it is being tied to a medical facility for treatment, or bloodwork, or appointments on a much more frequent schedule. I walk in to the hospital for my MRI and I am immediately reminded of a time when I was there at least once per week. </p><p>Lucky for me, my MRI days are now pretty routine. In the spirit of sharing, here is how a "normal" MRI day goes. Not that anything about having MRI days is normal.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cP5tnQnb5V34rXr8tc7TW8fCjGZ8haZCODBV1sZDQZ-3knP_N8m0LjywrUqF6in6rDOw-rhWzieBJx-koyozExOPsNKGgJju5Jp1A7NmCB0e2OYCJfs3GxRkgamUlWIsP7A4v3fv9yiZUmSi3ea4wKs_37Je_n8EgIjCG1QAnr-fhJjDOocI0Dpd/s4032/IMG_9864.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cP5tnQnb5V34rXr8tc7TW8fCjGZ8haZCODBV1sZDQZ-3knP_N8m0LjywrUqF6in6rDOw-rhWzieBJx-koyozExOPsNKGgJju5Jp1A7NmCB0e2OYCJfs3GxRkgamUlWIsP7A4v3fv9yiZUmSi3ea4wKs_37Je_n8EgIjCG1QAnr-fhJjDOocI0Dpd/s320/IMG_9864.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>I get the kids off to school. Get in my car and head to my local MD Anderson. The new facility that is much closer to my house, which has been a complete game-changer for my scan days. The building is easy to access, free to park and is really a sparkling new, modern place to be. There is this artwork hanging on the ceiling of the foyer. It's really cool, but it just reminds me of all of the twists and turns a person's life takes after a cancer diagnosis. You don't know which way you're going, it's all sort of random and scattered and chaotic. I wonder if that is what the artist had in mind. <p></p><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You are given a mask (still), a COVID screening and a bracelet. Then you go to the waiting hallway. The waiting hallway is lined with these contemporary paintings on the walls. All of them look like the letter "T" which just makes me think of tumor. </div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhibKUCa-FNmAq7ImEfDKvoAKZKceKIj1QYvaqyvrHUKjvLo5M70GGIH_PLT5DyhLcoHjphtcnCzU9r2fLj0BNaL7lnPIDYDN_TrinrLWYWU7gorrAzCyV70Iekyxyniytssje0NR9lbDIrTBVr12rwLrdvrrmjxrVYIbKFWyGjOo3G44MKwR2VINC5/s4032/IMG_8981.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhibKUCa-FNmAq7ImEfDKvoAKZKceKIj1QYvaqyvrHUKjvLo5M70GGIH_PLT5DyhLcoHjphtcnCzU9r2fLj0BNaL7lnPIDYDN_TrinrLWYWU7gorrAzCyV70Iekyxyniytssje0NR9lbDIrTBVr12rwLrdvrrmjxrVYIbKFWyGjOo3G44MKwR2VINC5/s320/IMG_8981.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rG5iBVMbcopDpBejaBPw4YpAobvJkjDW-CbPYGbm7MUiRf27joyWj7LuFJUtG-YOPO_Qa_6BuhOG_-PHh0zkglfr4eipavKyUPVh18YaYBc1bTYwcw953smCaXUqrnOtx2NaE_ppomfaT2dCFjZPhbPwTghOrVMsOxf8oWAsjxNpToC7YPku7kmc/s4032/IMG_8982.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rG5iBVMbcopDpBejaBPw4YpAobvJkjDW-CbPYGbm7MUiRf27joyWj7LuFJUtG-YOPO_Qa_6BuhOG_-PHh0zkglfr4eipavKyUPVh18YaYBc1bTYwcw953smCaXUqrnOtx2NaE_ppomfaT2dCFjZPhbPwTghOrVMsOxf8oWAsjxNpToC7YPku7kmc/s320/IMG_8982.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A text message tells me to report to a specific door. Get weighed. Any new tattoos? Magnetic eyelashes? Pacemaker? Pregnancy? No - then change into this lovely blue number and proceed to the IV stage. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KTYTxrhBsAEu49j2UKKZ0x55Y6OyuvUf3iptBWraJakPn9Exj2n9qpETA65pAAJZkQgLBaiGgbNzq4NvWDXvwu4fNHVGFrs05MUhDAzHHw4b-OtOv0bRD4b7ewDSsSr715TrlbPpoTXxTTwKNrTMYGDeemulcMjGFjWkzPwhsgDS968qIpTWKB9J/s4032/IMG_8929.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KTYTxrhBsAEu49j2UKKZ0x55Y6OyuvUf3iptBWraJakPn9Exj2n9qpETA65pAAJZkQgLBaiGgbNzq4NvWDXvwu4fNHVGFrs05MUhDAzHHw4b-OtOv0bRD4b7ewDSsSr715TrlbPpoTXxTTwKNrTMYGDeemulcMjGFjWkzPwhsgDS968qIpTWKB9J/s320/IMG_8929.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5CfJ8pfy1xjxymESyXkrSUL5YLVdSCj7nGQsX2Z9xtYRCAKI2rfdMhLjRuM3ubxB1vw4mM-OL495-qyJacbQQh1eEXoZuxLAhxfLEUh3F8-bHobH2jBAbeHbjp-WoRnvcNqNaGCj7V13It7Js-lOxFCSOAH_eo1GT9frvSyCUxgI_gC_CyABlpkh2/s4032/IMG_8927.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5CfJ8pfy1xjxymESyXkrSUL5YLVdSCj7nGQsX2Z9xtYRCAKI2rfdMhLjRuM3ubxB1vw4mM-OL495-qyJacbQQh1eEXoZuxLAhxfLEUh3F8-bHobH2jBAbeHbjp-WoRnvcNqNaGCj7V13It7Js-lOxFCSOAH_eo1GT9frvSyCUxgI_gC_CyABlpkh2/s320/IMG_8927.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>IV complete, good return, time to move to the important room. A big, heavy door with many warning signs on and around it opens to a frigid room with a huge tube-shaped machine. I get to choose the music they play. I can't hear it, but it's nice of them to ask. Lay flat, earplugs in, head-securing foam in place, warm blanket on, mask off, here's the panic button if you need to stop. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNWn1CvMhqLw0MnPGx06_HToqESjfgadp8dYi-Qp22HHQhGGKGluS9v_DlHOicYGV7i9VMCTZLp516QMM6301Hg6GaDoQfRlcuwUFd45h6lnY-hIHqYJjIyuCYbrVWcXB2ry8V1klHWfLDGhRMTTCA9QxNUSagKxJkofbCd7OjnDrwE7zFaYwTht1/s4032/IMG_8930.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNWn1CvMhqLw0MnPGx06_HToqESjfgadp8dYi-Qp22HHQhGGKGluS9v_DlHOicYGV7i9VMCTZLp516QMM6301Hg6GaDoQfRlcuwUFd45h6lnY-hIHqYJjIyuCYbrVWcXB2ry8V1klHWfLDGhRMTTCA9QxNUSagKxJkofbCd7OjnDrwE7zFaYwTht1/s320/IMG_8930.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>Somewhere between 30 - 40 minutes later it's over. IV out. Change back into my clothes. Go to Costco. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It seems to be sort of a rite of passage after an appointment to drive the additional couple of miles over to pick up the basics at Costco. I see other members of the printed-out-plastic-bracelet club, many of whom I just sat with in the waiting hallway. Instead of waiting for a blood draw or radiation session or scan, now we're just perusing the aisles of a big box store contemplating how many raspberries we need. Surreal and routine; I would have never known of this order of events before, but now it is part of MRI day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Step 1: Get MRI </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Step 2: Buy 250 fishsticks </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhSSy0bo4FN_R8ivWPy3E3V7Jf6o0yDqqcRKYkO4Z5ACcJXn0yyNdSO7V3rsVTNMOYz5NmZlDHSGbMs-0ORSpPY9Q2u5-ydQjJ9tiTyVGwcdDDDYd-_bfC7AaVCoZ8Z9dWIn9dRaZEecvDruTLb-5hNDZk0RIJDcnZEnM1bBXDLEEg1hRLi_ECEzX-/s4032/ACS_1775.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhSSy0bo4FN_R8ivWPy3E3V7Jf6o0yDqqcRKYkO4Z5ACcJXn0yyNdSO7V3rsVTNMOYz5NmZlDHSGbMs-0ORSpPY9Q2u5-ydQjJ9tiTyVGwcdDDDYd-_bfC7AaVCoZ8Z9dWIn9dRaZEecvDruTLb-5hNDZk0RIJDcnZEnM1bBXDLEEg1hRLi_ECEzX-/s320/ACS_1775.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>But hey, I'll take it. I'll keep scanning and shopping as long as possible. And while there is always a reason to celebrate, 5 years felt like the right time to pause and enjoy a night out with some of the many players that have been with us through this unwelcome part of life. These lovely ladies joined me for a beautiful dinner outside while we caught up on the current, reminisced about the past and talked about plans for the future. What a gift, to have so many wonderful people in our circle to call on for help. Sometimes it's help with hard things, but more often (thankfully) it's help with celebrating the now. </div><p></p><br />Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13038190498004521969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693626898531784810.post-77002724564920290362022-12-16T13:05:00.066-06:002023-07-24T12:35:03.663-05:00Adventures at Disney - In Space<div class="separator"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2OV6PZbnrMCgFkRhDbU6IQPhPpImCV6IS2qX06Tg6aZUnfdMc3S7Py9lZB2JUyOIVcbCZkzQMeUiJyUyW9UFq6Vn-kNSw7G32kKb5M0YJot6BfS-7dRTXD4HwL7txLhp2fHi6faIsZwq6Jgv-QJaTfy9kjdkiBwGWpoYt7nSrwY4ifFDOWUYIY2JWsU/s4032/IMG_8760.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2OV6PZbnrMCgFkRhDbU6IQPhPpImCV6IS2qX06Tg6aZUnfdMc3S7Py9lZB2JUyOIVcbCZkzQMeUiJyUyW9UFq6Vn-kNSw7G32kKb5M0YJot6BfS-7dRTXD4HwL7txLhp2fHi6faIsZwq6Jgv-QJaTfy9kjdkiBwGWpoYt7nSrwY4ifFDOWUYIY2JWsU/s320/IMG_8760.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>We combined a family trip with the place that everyone has told us we simply MUST go to in order to complete our kid's childhood. The Gill Family goes to Disney, and we start it in style by traveling to outer space. </div><div><br /></div><div>Disney does what they are best at, creating magic for children. And if you ask Graham, he would tell you definitively that we actually traveled to space. It's not difficult to see why he is so convinced, this is the view from our hotel window on the ship. Notice the stars, the moon, and they were all moving as we traveled toward them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVHTGDZagjpHBIFTmMmq_0gysj3Dr4kI7T08QsFcnopW8H2z2CLKRayTlW8oxMITxOnKQAU7_c03cU7l4r4sOE6kCXzQXzcd1ZQwJVLMei3c5tBW3x5BDnFFMKHDRXoY3AXSW6NocspquG43wSXZodHZ1jYdyqfdV6tqCQ45HpIOjqu-m-RsW6nTzNMQ/s4032/IMG_8679.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVHTGDZagjpHBIFTmMmq_0gysj3Dr4kI7T08QsFcnopW8H2z2CLKRayTlW8oxMITxOnKQAU7_c03cU7l4r4sOE6kCXzQXzcd1ZQwJVLMei3c5tBW3x5BDnFFMKHDRXoY3AXSW6NocspquG43wSXZodHZ1jYdyqfdV6tqCQ45HpIOjqu-m-RsW6nTzNMQ/s320/IMG_8679.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The kids all slept in bed pods.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGdqUzkJ2kJsA96gJfJ5ucHCEgJQ7G84P_4qIK4sT5TBQQgt5SM7FF0tpX4SgX8Q-pnlASb3Nf6SlYUjSvNT-BNPYNgRFUHoCKFV_6610mK_OBv_ZuWni11H5QiEzCA_lVHckPuii9GXhIdx00vQ3Qko0VUhq5N7puUTqdy8tMOwG1ZFoFwm8D6TojSk/s4032/IMG_8632.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGdqUzkJ2kJsA96gJfJ5ucHCEgJQ7G84P_4qIK4sT5TBQQgt5SM7FF0tpX4SgX8Q-pnlASb3Nf6SlYUjSvNT-BNPYNgRFUHoCKFV_6610mK_OBv_ZuWni11H5QiEzCA_lVHckPuii9GXhIdx00vQ3Qko0VUhq5N7puUTqdy8tMOwG1ZFoFwm8D6TojSk/s320/IMG_8632.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div>And we had all kinds of activities to complete, like the time we needed to fill in for the captain and drive the ship.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuBumd5sJ8cxAwItzUtnhMDFt6vbBrKkH8RDR7o137xd4-dvJi7-24TQ0Or5W38fZfwTieWeKK9fp4TJOtRRBjM7uDD6XfK0bfj6cUM1m0P8OAKnpDM5lDTw89eqLk6CUdEk7yDvsxwnR9Q_96q1Z5hUSF-_GoDjlYmiWzvn-Y-0u0EsqpcnnDuKHEadc/s4032/IMG_8749.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuBumd5sJ8cxAwItzUtnhMDFt6vbBrKkH8RDR7o137xd4-dvJi7-24TQ0Or5W38fZfwTieWeKK9fp4TJOtRRBjM7uDD6XfK0bfj6cUM1m0P8OAKnpDM5lDTw89eqLk6CUdEk7yDvsxwnR9Q_96q1Z5hUSF-_GoDjlYmiWzvn-Y-0u0EsqpcnnDuKHEadc/s320/IMG_8749.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We also had light saber training, secret missions to accomplish, interactions with all of the major Star Wars characters and in between all of this, we built custom light sabers and assembled our own droids. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViF75npajQK7bJW5uRm4CSn1Oy0_0QWlHQ9klYFdDZjEejr4SiKZ6vPuv_xDSt0N9r8rnkAW4GuKlF_372R7fG8UbBqmckjtIiKiMJuqqrbjUSy84NdtnKHDmJ4wTmt4FtesiC2hZsoRkGbWGPZNEXI33Un90KtdMosBcCgEgpxCfmP5NBAbTXCT_JJA/s4032/IMG_8701.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViF75npajQK7bJW5uRm4CSn1Oy0_0QWlHQ9klYFdDZjEejr4SiKZ6vPuv_xDSt0N9r8rnkAW4GuKlF_372R7fG8UbBqmckjtIiKiMJuqqrbjUSy84NdtnKHDmJ4wTmt4FtesiC2hZsoRkGbWGPZNEXI33Un90KtdMosBcCgEgpxCfmP5NBAbTXCT_JJA/s320/IMG_8701.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAkIFvlmWodsOex_wA8saqNxiWL9-BAUWSuTHh4vSeVYOm4p1caR_EUiaW38HPQdSDP3kscCJv89XOXpfQa2OSzjVuiCv5dt222451F56Gb5CfrV1Kmm8hWST1rdp7Me7Lp4hxe9ozxZ2HTd95TqzOkgLI-j_PbT3odFnCOePIuxNavlmBvkKlTPGjSI/s4032/IMG_8696.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAkIFvlmWodsOex_wA8saqNxiWL9-BAUWSuTHh4vSeVYOm4p1caR_EUiaW38HPQdSDP3kscCJv89XOXpfQa2OSzjVuiCv5dt222451F56Gb5CfrV1Kmm8hWST1rdp7Me7Lp4hxe9ozxZ2HTd95TqzOkgLI-j_PbT3odFnCOePIuxNavlmBvkKlTPGjSI/s320/IMG_8696.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PVrL5Sbm6yqYXF8FX7ObJZURaK8pVlulS0i84nRlCUNrvh1GdbHehyt4FqpOGsQz9p6tXvCq3LOX-PI9C-1j9MLKUQo9LxCPedS6MobDwvPLLCMCO4i1JFw2Lfun3wuHEFo8kH4hBqGb97Xw82yVWbSJASKoRRPzjht8_AjdqPBLS3V7I0FObaFKPXM/s320/IMG_8683.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinszC0rU171UtvC3a4Oc0UCwuRNQDCnj9cPFoLUcSrw9KamLRe_1uNEjTDdLYYcUb3_XN0XSgGkYdB1UDnrylZljTHHk6F-JuoJGdiLYnkVVZfjumCzP2jpJr5wEapE0pZixs5O6HMgeQISrdwejiz-8V2U3lSWnEIgEaQQu1NXaixnmhPNXWEK7ASalA/s4032/IMG_8669.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinszC0rU171UtvC3a4Oc0UCwuRNQDCnj9cPFoLUcSrw9KamLRe_1uNEjTDdLYYcUb3_XN0XSgGkYdB1UDnrylZljTHHk6F-JuoJGdiLYnkVVZfjumCzP2jpJr5wEapE0pZixs5O6HMgeQISrdwejiz-8V2U3lSWnEIgEaQQu1NXaixnmhPNXWEK7ASalA/s320/IMG_8669.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTSXj8_7Yh_zZd9j3EmnaSqwIDJR8orFSdWbCf2rC_s55D7lXFtPCdF2WpAtgfeTnjnidQu0VzNSStvv1JAAMNUYzUuTI2AIS1l-KhugpwGD38WhR6-GFR5rajonHXto0vrkLshdlYSBHMBdxrlygD6EQwSxbVs0mbl-AQ9VqpsKvjwroXxlz9LliNOw/s4032/IMG_8645.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTSXj8_7Yh_zZd9j3EmnaSqwIDJR8orFSdWbCf2rC_s55D7lXFtPCdF2WpAtgfeTnjnidQu0VzNSStvv1JAAMNUYzUuTI2AIS1l-KhugpwGD38WhR6-GFR5rajonHXto0vrkLshdlYSBHMBdxrlygD6EQwSxbVs0mbl-AQ9VqpsKvjwroXxlz9LliNOw/s320/IMG_8645.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We ate interesting space food, drank purple Chardonnay and dressed in character. It was a wild time. The time we went to space. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFSDaTEi98eNhJd9upXHRogq74-iFnPAePnp-hwKNRFSbVt3XTwd4O_SJobR09-L1k50xLfDCcPT4ppTcGv4CWh1-dL0c2aNaPwA9CB0Ga299yHPFzRs66ywVwslMXv9EmCdGypUD66rDC_bt_NSM57Ns3ne1Nt7JiTYvU2DXz4aaVA57F6By_ALyf5d8/s4032/IMG_8629.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFSDaTEi98eNhJd9upXHRogq74-iFnPAePnp-hwKNRFSbVt3XTwd4O_SJobR09-L1k50xLfDCcPT4ppTcGv4CWh1-dL0c2aNaPwA9CB0Ga299yHPFzRs66ywVwslMXv9EmCdGypUD66rDC_bt_NSM57Ns3ne1Nt7JiTYvU2DXz4aaVA57F6By_ALyf5d8/s320/IMG_8629.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6phmeiGO-XxpH_yBixori7NnXtL137Q04tXGL25_kHOp39b9Uz_j1VXm9N2E5zvzECF0dmLqFvX4iYIPtGIGldTWVClRcyCVR0wsQ8Do1fF-VZrWUe2uwQVj0seIn0OCrEJo2lU3bzcdSI2toEVcCvnslGsApxorpEZswfWY4KhXpi0D_K0vH8yd_q0/s3088/IMG_8730.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6phmeiGO-XxpH_yBixori7NnXtL137Q04tXGL25_kHOp39b9Uz_j1VXm9N2E5zvzECF0dmLqFvX4iYIPtGIGldTWVClRcyCVR0wsQ8Do1fF-VZrWUe2uwQVj0seIn0OCrEJo2lU3bzcdSI2toEVcCvnslGsApxorpEZswfWY4KhXpi0D_K0vH8yd_q0/s320/IMG_8730.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-MIBFFhrEeUi_6CWVGQQmLbfPsNLLXH2C6MYVY_iY_nXlFOloCiDBb2CILKLl6gQg9dOcM8XDimH_AJV43CI39clnNMnBb5x9H-Vu8QhcX8N2XiTiyKWyKaPFCkSbb2U6H8vMAvR6IqmDSopuOc_PznyoIWL_8jJgKQS6bXZ6EwG7LdFPcnIEIdGDnk/s4032/IMG_8643.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-MIBFFhrEeUi_6CWVGQQmLbfPsNLLXH2C6MYVY_iY_nXlFOloCiDBb2CILKLl6gQg9dOcM8XDimH_AJV43CI39clnNMnBb5x9H-Vu8QhcX8N2XiTiyKWyKaPFCkSbb2U6H8vMAvR6IqmDSopuOc_PznyoIWL_8jJgKQS6bXZ6EwG7LdFPcnIEIdGDnk/s320/IMG_8643.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had all kinds of adventures in space, each cousin chose a light or dark side mission and we saw firsthand one of the most unique Disney experiences there is. May the force be with you. </div><p></p></div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13038190498004521969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693626898531784810.post-19928796420926752592022-11-05T16:50:00.001-05:002023-07-16T13:00:34.534-05:00The Littlest Gill is SIX<p> Already six years old. Only six years old. I lean one way or the other depending on the day. This year he entered kindergarten, head held high, and loved the freedom and excitement of elementary school. We are very excited for these years that our kids are split between 2 schools and not 3.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_q5kzEPRJAxJ3rl0UoUCz1xdMcBe1e3-AFs7FQ2irpuEq51BjidFfHvjAQrGG3U5Om2YdDl-wWuDYbyJZu25p91P3j9KpbUN58CNv7dmr1K2wm52QYzV-qU-qU6EymGJcGaBPXSbyh2M66d69TBiY03moqUFNvcsbOaTFxT6ehA7xic-8S7b57daObs/s4032/IMG_8076.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_q5kzEPRJAxJ3rl0UoUCz1xdMcBe1e3-AFs7FQ2irpuEq51BjidFfHvjAQrGG3U5Om2YdDl-wWuDYbyJZu25p91P3j9KpbUN58CNv7dmr1K2wm52QYzV-qU-qU6EymGJcGaBPXSbyh2M66d69TBiY03moqUFNvcsbOaTFxT6ehA7xic-8S7b57daObs/s320/IMG_8076.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PAykgUYbvoZ4D62u10jIaqayQkLcQlEXjUPCQT6A2_yvWyWq4vJXn7EcpziiN0FILtzjajnVI366kUAIg3o4YA2HiyclLaABzmO0PojYvYNgqcFAsB0hLw-COfhVK0uNXwe9bFmeKx5LJQWtiE3t3Hk8wTpKBcncJvMchY-7Dp5NKDIMm0GXE7h_pEw/s4032/IMG_8078.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PAykgUYbvoZ4D62u10jIaqayQkLcQlEXjUPCQT6A2_yvWyWq4vJXn7EcpziiN0FILtzjajnVI366kUAIg3o4YA2HiyclLaABzmO0PojYvYNgqcFAsB0hLw-COfhVK0uNXwe9bFmeKx5LJQWtiE3t3Hk8wTpKBcncJvMchY-7Dp5NKDIMm0GXE7h_pEw/s320/IMG_8078.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>In his six short years, he has experienced a hurricane (Harvey), a parent with cancer, a global pandemic, and the most devastating of all, a 4 day power outage due to a major freeze in one of the hottest states in the country. </p><p style="text-align: center;">He likes consistency. He likes knowing what's next. He likes pasta for dinner. </p><p style="text-align: left;">He can swim like a fish, he speaks some Spanish but understands a whole lot, and he can hold his own on a chess board or in any video game you put in front of him. He dislikes compromise. He wants to be a big kid, but he still loves stories at night and snuggles on the couch. He has the bluest eyes you'll ever see, and he'll use them to his full advantage. He lost two bottom teeth, he can ride a 2-wheel bike like a champ, and he is starting to read. He has nothing but friends at school, at home, and everywhere we go. </p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RaJP7OuFUqs7ipsIhKKVom9QUvY16_IwVvWusz_XMGBAWzDLeCcMFzFfp-rohBrulCcipO5LTrAr8gV-yth8byJ2fprTgPKgVxQxohPon5Q6OLATP6jK3MH8ufliwIPqPBBVDadkwiCdXLEVVJVihIKG3v9qHEKko3e5U8acs_93doOdxXONsuJb/s4032/3FEBCC93-EF86-4D49-BB18-C801F03574A9.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RaJP7OuFUqs7ipsIhKKVom9QUvY16_IwVvWusz_XMGBAWzDLeCcMFzFfp-rohBrulCcipO5LTrAr8gV-yth8byJ2fprTgPKgVxQxohPon5Q6OLATP6jK3MH8ufliwIPqPBBVDadkwiCdXLEVVJVihIKG3v9qHEKko3e5U8acs_93doOdxXONsuJb/s320/3FEBCC93-EF86-4D49-BB18-C801F03574A9.heic" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">He's one of the funniest people we know. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KHeb7l7ZR9LRYUt8-84fyHW8uzLPR8Zoehq0yjLTM7n9R1ov2Z1SooehEbFN9yMIEzvShnlafa9f7wYCP1NFCoz0LMu0Bceo1hJTsSEDhrDFxP5xmK9c0joXjQ1K0mHTn41BlqPHuFSvL1hwLN4le_NV27STDlLP9gsbaq8XqTseZquMnseRw-8l/s4032/85E6EC54-2D16-440A-A376-09028E63B81C.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KHeb7l7ZR9LRYUt8-84fyHW8uzLPR8Zoehq0yjLTM7n9R1ov2Z1SooehEbFN9yMIEzvShnlafa9f7wYCP1NFCoz0LMu0Bceo1hJTsSEDhrDFxP5xmK9c0joXjQ1K0mHTn41BlqPHuFSvL1hwLN4le_NV27STDlLP9gsbaq8XqTseZquMnseRw-8l/s320/85E6EC54-2D16-440A-A376-09028E63B81C.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxjO99XA-1gpd4YB675mtDAR7DDjZsKZZBEN73JbDoyUZHL1_L_87bCCElL40OQBag3tiDx_N8HhS25K_flpV1TzmCd-EBdPt_qfJFv6t25_e5JbCd3cD5DRoCwb2olJssv9F_GhrjAEw6FesnzKW8gT41WFh3pVYCP-nJJADZDHagVQrNWQU7qxA/s1024/DF067E52-4989-4CEE-8454-69848E2622AD.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxjO99XA-1gpd4YB675mtDAR7DDjZsKZZBEN73JbDoyUZHL1_L_87bCCElL40OQBag3tiDx_N8HhS25K_flpV1TzmCd-EBdPt_qfJFv6t25_e5JbCd3cD5DRoCwb2olJssv9F_GhrjAEw6FesnzKW8gT41WFh3pVYCP-nJJADZDHagVQrNWQU7qxA/s320/DF067E52-4989-4CEE-8454-69848E2622AD.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipv33u8btVz9uGrNw51oLYY3LdKyciiHq4bt3MYYJzKV_Ut8BpdzNKAx5I0p6NFsjBM7HToK7nDgQo9QEEs10CO-eGIU51UAzl_VWzjPn4vp6c4xLGjMCMfU805Bb-MjxgjE2LLkR9ewKHF9IFADN5HfaeNSxCbpY2WKqqGicEwaI-XnPo0_uhO_N-/s4032/E3A49A6D-7F83-4227-96FE-2010644C3C48.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipv33u8btVz9uGrNw51oLYY3LdKyciiHq4bt3MYYJzKV_Ut8BpdzNKAx5I0p6NFsjBM7HToK7nDgQo9QEEs10CO-eGIU51UAzl_VWzjPn4vp6c4xLGjMCMfU805Bb-MjxgjE2LLkR9ewKHF9IFADN5HfaeNSxCbpY2WKqqGicEwaI-XnPo0_uhO_N-/s320/E3A49A6D-7F83-4227-96FE-2010644C3C48.heic" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy SIXTH birthday to our littlest big guy!</div><p></p>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13038190498004521969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693626898531784810.post-50416267514712806832022-10-26T14:54:00.004-05:002023-03-10T17:36:59.221-06:00Pittsburgh With A Yinzer and A Jersey Girl<div class="separator"><br /></div><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9z869WtLh0Mr1CLmfKJxemoGQeQowHWgmSCe8Lc_c83y8wx8mjc4qrjwNvETD-b2XVFPE9Yu84FoJVdHlH1VxjMk9_gUIbJ6tPyMMnsF3wtp4muAQnCamNh46x4NvhwOGKi2RG3r-c1HsR74mV3x3o9VZiAZYzQbipzq7aGCGUCTUmXE0fC6awVb3/s2049/B45978C3-B628-4DC5-8995-B8D09D5CED3B.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2049" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9z869WtLh0Mr1CLmfKJxemoGQeQowHWgmSCe8Lc_c83y8wx8mjc4qrjwNvETD-b2XVFPE9Yu84FoJVdHlH1VxjMk9_gUIbJ6tPyMMnsF3wtp4muAQnCamNh46x4NvhwOGKi2RG3r-c1HsR74mV3x3o9VZiAZYzQbipzq7aGCGUCTUmXE0fC6awVb3/s320/B45978C3-B628-4DC5-8995-B8D09D5CED3B.JPG" width="320" /></a></p>The Pittsburgh airport does it right! They have a bar/restaurant available outside of security - so we started the weekend strong with a morning snack and a catch up as we waiting for Meghan's workday to end and Kristen and my flights to arrive. I'm surprised that more airports haven't done this, considering you haven't been able to meet someone at their gate for the last 22 years.<p></p><p>We drove to Meghan's incredible family farm in the highest of high fall color season. We had a lovely, home cooked lunch and got a small glimpse into the world of dairy farming. It could have been a more perfect fall day. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazDFulD6kpwSwf6iuw7nvMQC0e8ftQrFuf33gng8HRoimxsVLaphkKIZEscJwnWJHeDoO7vxQF9S1DVJXIDSvvQHD308apw5KdWR5eN5T9zmr1zUVHEiGm3JYHhVpv_7KXHs3tiYNMXWhRcVPDU-UdCUHpqaAxBlqr46X6BzOzUjvyrkE0pIogqGi/s2049/15A4D9B2-9640-483E-BA22-4CD344FCDE91.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2049" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazDFulD6kpwSwf6iuw7nvMQC0e8ftQrFuf33gng8HRoimxsVLaphkKIZEscJwnWJHeDoO7vxQF9S1DVJXIDSvvQHD308apw5KdWR5eN5T9zmr1zUVHEiGm3JYHhVpv_7KXHs3tiYNMXWhRcVPDU-UdCUHpqaAxBlqr46X6BzOzUjvyrkE0pIogqGi/s320/15A4D9B2-9640-483E-BA22-4CD344FCDE91.JPG" width="240" /></a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsU13IX9fipWow-6133zyrGvOPShD0e_QqgVvYfmUqQ8hv5UhHDq1aht-OHrwrYBmD5K-VbnNPaUBNypD-MDFzudec9tViPVRqYkBvTdth4Q5pF5UNaI2eWBUbuGo4nMyve2JVMltTmpTxhXZyywNU_mCKyL5JXME3KXqNcB5tDQX4e--U1im-A_M/s2049/7C285903-8ACA-4E93-A825-F9E264C247EF.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2049" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsU13IX9fipWow-6133zyrGvOPShD0e_QqgVvYfmUqQ8hv5UhHDq1aht-OHrwrYBmD5K-VbnNPaUBNypD-MDFzudec9tViPVRqYkBvTdth4Q5pF5UNaI2eWBUbuGo4nMyve2JVMltTmpTxhXZyywNU_mCKyL5JXME3KXqNcB5tDQX4e--U1im-A_M/s320/7C285903-8ACA-4E93-A825-F9E264C247EF.JPG" width="240" /></a></p><div>After lunch, we went back to Meghan's house and spent the evening catching up with friends at their kids. </div><div><br /></div><div>On Friday we moved into our Air BnB on the North Shore and got ready for our fancy night out. In swanky Mount Washington. To get there we took the Duquesne Incline, this crazy looking train-meets-ski lift transport which was opened way back in 1877. The view on the way up - and again at the top - are well worth the $5.00 round trip fare. Just be sure you bring cash. At the top we had dinner at LaMont, another place with a killer view of the 'Burgh.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfag238P2_g-I5WLwi0JjGEg-Bkv5K2Bf4rwKw_vxcrzTE0VjxcLs7riNm2ytMb04sFL3zgJL1MGNQYuPqBYpc1QOUu6StEztdHaQoU8fxnVxFNuWoZydU0bGlf-1mMnzHxxRVQEGIHERYUsECbPUiW10wScNs05BQ1GGz3FJb1oTqo8gjXutAexth/s3088/85F6322B-6799-46B2-8C37-EE74468EC901.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfag238P2_g-I5WLwi0JjGEg-Bkv5K2Bf4rwKw_vxcrzTE0VjxcLs7riNm2ytMb04sFL3zgJL1MGNQYuPqBYpc1QOUu6StEztdHaQoU8fxnVxFNuWoZydU0bGlf-1mMnzHxxRVQEGIHERYUsECbPUiW10wScNs05BQ1GGz3FJb1oTqo8gjXutAexth/s320/85F6322B-6799-46B2-8C37-EE74468EC901.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhudaCQc_EnHvpq9sTyFvkreYMksvbtJJoWACa8dmpSldoy06grEY_7nuHgmTU5j1fZcw_CSs4UXEQRCaxvMudCZsZdi4Pv-W0qNtCYuhVlRy7jxlslhenFa7ox6qLXyOqqjL9FpUMmAKr0_tYDcIRfZMvExbxi2xtWzJyToWPs4jJs6opc37PLBnqs/s4032/051DDD6C-6D66-49E7-8E8F-C9BCAED801A4.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhudaCQc_EnHvpq9sTyFvkreYMksvbtJJoWACa8dmpSldoy06grEY_7nuHgmTU5j1fZcw_CSs4UXEQRCaxvMudCZsZdi4Pv-W0qNtCYuhVlRy7jxlslhenFa7ox6qLXyOqqjL9FpUMmAKr0_tYDcIRfZMvExbxi2xtWzJyToWPs4jJs6opc37PLBnqs/s320/051DDD6C-6D66-49E7-8E8F-C9BCAED801A4.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pittsburgh! Beautiful!</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBv4HwHbIxepz1S7g-Rpf6PS4W-Cm8LarxMqsIzJqPttbMNG0zDuXWzxwIErD5oYFYphlRE-NCqbO7reKoDYZL5jYDXjPKrtK2K9Sunvf1uUrN2nhBVVQbybDDnxhIxR7DJyEQKVorjtWJ4dAVB2KgmyMCaQpZKc1q5qLjCrfTZM3Jq39b4sLIHQ0/s4032/9C3B69C4-C151-473B-A824-DD31D10A6508_1_201_a.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBv4HwHbIxepz1S7g-Rpf6PS4W-Cm8LarxMqsIzJqPttbMNG0zDuXWzxwIErD5oYFYphlRE-NCqbO7reKoDYZL5jYDXjPKrtK2K9Sunvf1uUrN2nhBVVQbybDDnxhIxR7DJyEQKVorjtWJ4dAVB2KgmyMCaQpZKc1q5qLjCrfTZM3Jq39b4sLIHQ0/s320/9C3B69C4-C151-473B-A824-DD31D10A6508_1_201_a.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div></span><p style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The next day we took on Pittsburgh by foot and logged over five miles around the city. We started with coffee at Commonplace in the Mexican War Streets district, and wandered through stadium parking lots and parks and riverfront. </span></p></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8aP6FKYwz7doIJtP1p4Bw4s1k_Gh_ZlXMmlsoEiVTrYBqcSWei-DhSGUBKigM1py9Lm0vdSzheukH78OXkA-kJxgUk--6Pa6d94Hkcf072et7UBD-FwzVfY8kj9ElW_lELHBlhEDTl3pb4a7BPBHPfNUATXs6QB50cEstLOw1lGo_HOKE0G7CfHb/s4032/89000F97-CEF6-499E-B330-FFE36CBC9DC5.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8aP6FKYwz7doIJtP1p4Bw4s1k_Gh_ZlXMmlsoEiVTrYBqcSWei-DhSGUBKigM1py9Lm0vdSzheukH78OXkA-kJxgUk--6Pa6d94Hkcf072et7UBD-FwzVfY8kj9ElW_lELHBlhEDTl3pb4a7BPBHPfNUATXs6QB50cEstLOw1lGo_HOKE0G7CfHb/s320/89000F97-CEF6-499E-B330-FFE36CBC9DC5.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXW1APiQtn1dixJn2cWUmJOc0culqfqNTA_3XOA-4-z1-q8i0DfI1hsvw_V-LyIqRueGHWKlNXRBTfj9DCWDYG4hdvznl-_fkloB1fdXZmmTGx7Lk9UWNiZtakmrxHIng_UZHPhle-xRUafA2ZbKDRQKBEPdCAeqG2Bm91CHzwGpnIJL5R_3OyKVh/s4032/261F4EA1-F8DE-401D-80A2-FDEB8803D10A.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXW1APiQtn1dixJn2cWUmJOc0culqfqNTA_3XOA-4-z1-q8i0DfI1hsvw_V-LyIqRueGHWKlNXRBTfj9DCWDYG4hdvznl-_fkloB1fdXZmmTGx7Lk9UWNiZtakmrxHIng_UZHPhle-xRUafA2ZbKDRQKBEPdCAeqG2Bm91CHzwGpnIJL5R_3OyKVh/s320/261F4EA1-F8DE-401D-80A2-FDEB8803D10A.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">The strangest and most colorful place, RandyLand, is both born from dreams and the thing of nightmares. </span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">RandyLand is an abandoned lot turned art installation. There are potted gardens and painted bricks. The majority of the lot is painted and repurposed trash that tells a story and causes more than one double-take.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5SK8euNbn24SBza07-ubiZorH1p4Oyl2w_t5wNAsXSJ_BRgLiG4mWAYpQNsEUDbwYNwL1zHnXX_7fu4ZZqki5tEm3d-IazxLxl7XdWPhxvRGGKvDpm9gO0tqFhdKYuZaRxq0B8oVyj-xZP6t_pVnTG80JDyYxNY-1rg0A1I_FV2tuq6wlqAvQ4qVH/s4032/IMG_8376.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5SK8euNbn24SBza07-ubiZorH1p4Oyl2w_t5wNAsXSJ_BRgLiG4mWAYpQNsEUDbwYNwL1zHnXX_7fu4ZZqki5tEm3d-IazxLxl7XdWPhxvRGGKvDpm9gO0tqFhdKYuZaRxq0B8oVyj-xZP6t_pVnTG80JDyYxNY-1rg0A1I_FV2tuq6wlqAvQ4qVH/s320/IMG_8376.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwOC50RJbS1wbIpHcDlE-yHCwNxQKJT-tuJylJIFUJGtUibislKx4EMc5Xz96bLK_I80rk58VKCf2K9mx68rfT-eTJPyMMOuzeL-KbnLPVbZk1F5hmk96gW0C3x5DOgp3IjmudyNUQjjUUvm2v8cxooX19_iohr6O6Ki1YQG1C2sDUNV6IEc_k_mR/s4032/409E4919-7CF0-4D29-BB67-439A2AC5579D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwOC50RJbS1wbIpHcDlE-yHCwNxQKJT-tuJylJIFUJGtUibislKx4EMc5Xz96bLK_I80rk58VKCf2K9mx68rfT-eTJPyMMOuzeL-KbnLPVbZk1F5hmk96gW0C3x5DOgp3IjmudyNUQjjUUvm2v8cxooX19_iohr6O6Ki1YQG1C2sDUNV6IEc_k_mR/s320/409E4919-7CF0-4D29-BB67-439A2AC5579D.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHpzZD8yrOBUHjGWELxAJqF4rU1bIshSrU0t8QGQF7Kk0KLXbTf0cFzrjEoOoCKjw0GCHTP-UtljFNHHUmlHKxLznw0Ks8dc9lcwfhVemsQ7cdpcBF9Nw2txM1a85Q_iUmPI7QTWZj1rQgoi1eO0mNJRHXc4jBTf2JfrN0Z0E1ZVMbhUmKmpIVXyH/s4032/D78B3E19-15F9-4866-AAB5-264BA25E406D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHpzZD8yrOBUHjGWELxAJqF4rU1bIshSrU0t8QGQF7Kk0KLXbTf0cFzrjEoOoCKjw0GCHTP-UtljFNHHUmlHKxLznw0Ks8dc9lcwfhVemsQ7cdpcBF9Nw2txM1a85Q_iUmPI7QTWZj1rQgoi1eO0mNJRHXc4jBTf2JfrN0Z0E1ZVMbhUmKmpIVXyH/s320/D78B3E19-15F9-4866-AAB5-264BA25E406D.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjoQFpL0Zk9rEv-WnvrFIKL1DfmVkRRUX9BH4PQY6eIkCDVw6Tq0hV6xP0EYsBWo8sYbgk88SHk9btszpv-WgFLqQvH1dZWiZ_eXmOru73TEHs1EhMt7jd7wXZ94Tey3N8E0IK-boEZ9LpAQeEPyB4XF11EmbTWsKrkg622Q9ggYIADE4ZkyAZfBaK/s4032/3C8E1F51-653E-4727-8A1F-C0081A428ED1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjoQFpL0Zk9rEv-WnvrFIKL1DfmVkRRUX9BH4PQY6eIkCDVw6Tq0hV6xP0EYsBWo8sYbgk88SHk9btszpv-WgFLqQvH1dZWiZ_eXmOru73TEHs1EhMt7jd7wXZ94Tey3N8E0IK-boEZ9LpAQeEPyB4XF11EmbTWsKrkg622Q9ggYIADE4ZkyAZfBaK/s320/3C8E1F51-653E-4727-8A1F-C0081A428ED1.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2FOTuH0V86dko4JhMREWpXNBa1Nose2uyJKoSZdfK3HR9GV07koJ6O9f55BQ_gNRJOA6vH84hDokNhfCBrW94NjqzNLhGiAy9GGynkcFcpUa9FU1_CuQ0x4ZGiwapESAX4rJKOj2uG2oRszep6P0glKR2AYs6I84DQaMnn7FuWmjdnWKR7Ev1JGSo/s4032/B1D038E4-552E-4B07-B97B-EB683FEAA356.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2FOTuH0V86dko4JhMREWpXNBa1Nose2uyJKoSZdfK3HR9GV07koJ6O9f55BQ_gNRJOA6vH84hDokNhfCBrW94NjqzNLhGiAy9GGynkcFcpUa9FU1_CuQ0x4ZGiwapESAX4rJKOj2uG2oRszep6P0glKR2AYs6I84DQaMnn7FuWmjdnWKR7Ev1JGSo/s320/B1D038E4-552E-4B07-B97B-EB683FEAA356.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfzEEE4r2703LObpHLGZHPROTZyaKG8IBijVPhX5_Gc8ZBwe8SBfWPI2pjHG63C5FPEW2WflhYEa80LglQWFnGsFxNkChnX0wxRBrAOPvS2oauywat8nCVxFd9izLFbyjpWXA7aQzVA12Vlzml_NH_utJbeqx7njZF9ZDvOP-JLByWNn62FS25NuC/s4032/A61FEB38-C14B-4AE3-8EAA-3E732F1FC1C4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfzEEE4r2703LObpHLGZHPROTZyaKG8IBijVPhX5_Gc8ZBwe8SBfWPI2pjHG63C5FPEW2WflhYEa80LglQWFnGsFxNkChnX0wxRBrAOPvS2oauywat8nCVxFd9izLFbyjpWXA7aQzVA12Vlzml_NH_utJbeqx7njZF9ZDvOP-JLByWNn62FS25NuC/s320/A61FEB38-C14B-4AE3-8EAA-3E732F1FC1C4.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">It's certainly nicer than an abandoned building lot!</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMOCcdMsLyNSfHwcp8x_2u1j3_0Vsf0gTn4_Zni1n090HFgTvI7dKaBiPYbcJ8Q7JKPoyg81MBpLI40iL2EwhMttYa6UMpFhrEYZIS6BATaZcltdd_Ywed8azTvCoGFT4_j14LNSjqdyDhviGjmep_6kACBuQbz5WzU_96jkXKvNYBo9s1udEZ2Iaq/s3088/492200DD-AE96-4002-B298-A66B8265AFB7.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMOCcdMsLyNSfHwcp8x_2u1j3_0Vsf0gTn4_Zni1n090HFgTvI7dKaBiPYbcJ8Q7JKPoyg81MBpLI40iL2EwhMttYa6UMpFhrEYZIS6BATaZcltdd_Ywed8azTvCoGFT4_j14LNSjqdyDhviGjmep_6kACBuQbz5WzU_96jkXKvNYBo9s1udEZ2Iaq/s320/492200DD-AE96-4002-B298-A66B8265AFB7.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We finished touristing in the most touristy way possible, on the Gateway Clipper boat tour! With a bar and a view and a place to have uninterrupted conversation, this was a clear win to finish off our trip. Thank you Meg for touring your friends around your hometown, we'll be back!</div><p></p></div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13038190498004521969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693626898531784810.post-42033122318409927642022-10-03T13:13:00.001-05:002023-01-26T09:18:08.002-06:00Alex is NINE<p>Alex continues to be the most original, thoughtful and sensitive guy around. The way he sees the world, and the even more unique way that he expresses what he sees brings us joy everyday. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVB5QUJpd-2bxrmLteoYoV1QarPJbK9uIeWOXLl2phVwl3XHOamXRAMee3INJQlekzoj9ILUmmEmIMCZQMKodrb9ZVAvO6bcb0Skp3IuN_sutp_a3nt-W3-9RB4PtM1slw-IBTp9zmHEq9Cjx0Wv73RTmeCy4qRSlxrPMn6Y73WS9RpD1mVpW244K/s4032/IMG_6967.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVB5QUJpd-2bxrmLteoYoV1QarPJbK9uIeWOXLl2phVwl3XHOamXRAMee3INJQlekzoj9ILUmmEmIMCZQMKodrb9ZVAvO6bcb0Skp3IuN_sutp_a3nt-W3-9RB4PtM1slw-IBTp9zmHEq9Cjx0Wv73RTmeCy4qRSlxrPMn6Y73WS9RpD1mVpW244K/s320/IMG_6967.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Alex is a skilled and constant reader, goofy and sensitive and prides himself on constantly being cold. He loves hanging out with friends, playing baseball and video games. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6dF0RYFYMBzZPv055KtESfokiIwNsqXj9vpqOztyUjDRhwW3_qR0FCtTDQ1Y_EqxaNU_9JdoaRCRbRx3BKdRRmRrj_BK25mIjI4rvU2NwVdtD5NN3M4X9pJW_viuWqEV4VDbd_FrTa5CEuRYqG8ttP2IaKIuxXT737pA45kme8QwyJKohDjoHuuO/s4032/IMG_2201.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6dF0RYFYMBzZPv055KtESfokiIwNsqXj9vpqOztyUjDRhwW3_qR0FCtTDQ1Y_EqxaNU_9JdoaRCRbRx3BKdRRmRrj_BK25mIjI4rvU2NwVdtD5NN3M4X9pJW_viuWqEV4VDbd_FrTa5CEuRYqG8ttP2IaKIuxXT737pA45kme8QwyJKohDjoHuuO/s320/IMG_2201.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdXPk-UoqZjO9v7IV09X94jDwlY2cpu1bymC_sLq-3b8gbM7Myy5Xa_3MNcMppQX02Gb8jTeQzcSnlg9-fN00INT9b4D9E_GxESGcugqgjqjFAzLS8a-936BO13A7bEmtDbLe0q-JwFBmg41RVY9EFI7TAt858iwPu1oLKIw1VoMMuYc-WyXV9b0w/s4032/IMG_1439.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdXPk-UoqZjO9v7IV09X94jDwlY2cpu1bymC_sLq-3b8gbM7Myy5Xa_3MNcMppQX02Gb8jTeQzcSnlg9-fN00INT9b4D9E_GxESGcugqgjqjFAzLS8a-936BO13A7bEmtDbLe0q-JwFBmg41RVY9EFI7TAt858iwPu1oLKIw1VoMMuYc-WyXV9b0w/s320/IMG_1439.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf1VF6uCwBIlDWSmqW3HZ-crBqqTffGs-gmbIbqFPmxaOe1YVfemveyHK-4XpRnPwaasRfIV88n3ySuPP2I42iGS2aHg6uJPVRJGzuwNYnLFswZI8oYZyIPGJ9KuUujHg5pHcgWEIHpVMJ9UWJjMLKSsQRpOScaWcG3fMsjiaZ7LQZNFENho8I_bJu/s4032/BE12F36A-6563-4964-A7CF-FA133FAF5159.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf1VF6uCwBIlDWSmqW3HZ-crBqqTffGs-gmbIbqFPmxaOe1YVfemveyHK-4XpRnPwaasRfIV88n3ySuPP2I42iGS2aHg6uJPVRJGzuwNYnLFswZI8oYZyIPGJ9KuUujHg5pHcgWEIHpVMJ9UWJjMLKSsQRpOScaWcG3fMsjiaZ7LQZNFENho8I_bJu/s320/BE12F36A-6563-4964-A7CF-FA133FAF5159.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div></div>This has been a year of growth for him, not just in height, but in independence. He is now allowed to play at the neighborhood "fort" with other kids, no adults. He can ride his bike to friend's houses, though he hasn't mastered the art of coming home at the agreed upon time. He still sleeps more deeply than anyone else in our family, I can only think of one time that he woke up on his own for school. Even though he has an alarm. This is probably because he is constantly in motion. Hopping around on the couch, tracing invisible patterns on the kitchen floor tiles or dancing on second base while he waits for a chance to run. <div><br /></div><div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvH8NpfvupAx_FXrSTF6xNvyk5-4V_k3n6uGmpaGu700zENgW3-nNJ3B6jWhGz-YiGpwFh4cElxJbuIgDKhTCHCLLugyPASIEDEc2CFx137w_A_1zguEZON6tQxpp2HDrDPjETllfZcLAV3ZKe3YTsTw-GVQvOxUiOwzqSGOQGx-V-3men5_Jy8CL1/s3088/A9A6141F-F6F5-4DCF-923B-7D3F360FDC70.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvH8NpfvupAx_FXrSTF6xNvyk5-4V_k3n6uGmpaGu700zENgW3-nNJ3B6jWhGz-YiGpwFh4cElxJbuIgDKhTCHCLLugyPASIEDEc2CFx137w_A_1zguEZON6tQxpp2HDrDPjETllfZcLAV3ZKe3YTsTw-GVQvOxUiOwzqSGOQGx-V-3men5_Jy8CL1/s320/A9A6141F-F6F5-4DCF-923B-7D3F360FDC70.jpeg" width="240" /></a><div>He loves music and chess, he joined choir and started piano lessons. He had a blast at the Imagine Dragons concert over the summer, singing along loud and proud. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENzdkH6d2SdPGk7QiDjzum2L9TRg43jTT1OvFkoIr2PgWIhuTv5DNOBWqCEDMi0a1NfKZh2_AsF0H86Ry8AV4pi9_bQ2hXPMRc544CK3RsupNF8UfL3k9Exne23FbHjni4Yhq7rsnGxGfN6n-j8wYTRXaKQBbSiQ7N1j4ra-ncxegOotfswtciLg2/s4032/1DF41683-8696-4C5F-9B0D-F44378B8E2AC.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENzdkH6d2SdPGk7QiDjzum2L9TRg43jTT1OvFkoIr2PgWIhuTv5DNOBWqCEDMi0a1NfKZh2_AsF0H86Ry8AV4pi9_bQ2hXPMRc544CK3RsupNF8UfL3k9Exne23FbHjni4Yhq7rsnGxGfN6n-j8wYTRXaKQBbSiQ7N1j4ra-ncxegOotfswtciLg2/s320/1DF41683-8696-4C5F-9B0D-F44378B8E2AC.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We still get to see moments of little-boyhood from him, but his patience, maturity and emotional awareness are more aligned with those of a *big boy*. We love this goofball and it's hard to believe he is nine!<p></p></div></div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13038190498004521969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693626898531784810.post-86881362611014439722022-09-07T19:57:00.002-05:002022-09-14T14:31:13.734-05:00Labor Day in Savannah<div class="separator"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstPhemHq63y55RTIdkxJIWfwIEU29Gf3jJkbGnuhf-ExB0IO2J9Tifjig-vnkzGf_gbQ_QdZeyENE7TkpRUuHRa-6ZFh816w0EA5dbMAhRd4Qp-JLHlHenMjhBrpxZ52aKLlaz7dQPijcr9YQxZhNngS2oG5aVAHekuxpyU9Y6KOaOy0RghYxQkSD/s4032/IMG_8150.JPG" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstPhemHq63y55RTIdkxJIWfwIEU29Gf3jJkbGnuhf-ExB0IO2J9Tifjig-vnkzGf_gbQ_QdZeyENE7TkpRUuHRa-6ZFh816w0EA5dbMAhRd4Qp-JLHlHenMjhBrpxZ52aKLlaz7dQPijcr9YQxZhNngS2oG5aVAHekuxpyU9Y6KOaOy0RghYxQkSD/s320/IMG_8150.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p>Savannah, Georgia. The trip that almost never happened. Julie, Sarah and I planned this trip two years ago, intending to go over Labor Day weekend in 2021. Three days before the trip, Graham tested positive for COVID and all plans were off. We delayed to Labor Day 2022, which was almost deferred by my dad becoming suddenly very ill and all of us considering calling the trip off. At the urging of my husband, my mom and even my dad, we decided to go anyway, and it was a much needed recharge with my wonderful friends from MSU. </p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLoknG1qYMnVHlVNX5170FEuYkmbQ6E7YQiaZWuHCygD7VzVHsGwzCX5kN2bPmI8j31KDQFE26uEbP59ZjaRkm59h9Xkf94y3o6SXO71YJJblh6K8waKyzhq-kfw25sFCerTpGj3_sEo3wgq8VozJeVQvqFEwYUm9VMRRQfyuqvDJyccM9o6t64BhK/s4032/IMG_8201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLoknG1qYMnVHlVNX5170FEuYkmbQ6E7YQiaZWuHCygD7VzVHsGwzCX5kN2bPmI8j31KDQFE26uEbP59ZjaRkm59h9Xkf94y3o6SXO71YJJblh6K8waKyzhq-kfw25sFCerTpGj3_sEo3wgq8VozJeVQvqFEwYUm9VMRRQfyuqvDJyccM9o6t64BhK/s320/IMG_8201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">We stayed right downtown in the historic district. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8eS7mrDjGxwqAkJycF9V9qrEnfmJYn88veF9iGKYu4GG-ZBYn9UrOc-3Gxl-5uYkbOOLb8yte_2-B-zGGg-ry_3uSmVcsJ8imCpAsrHU7I7nlqYCQM7Xp7QtAd7hS394nRAZpafP_ztIV8RevyG4bj3kwBq7qaAsigDXCGmfAaa51pnA4FgrFVSpR/s4032/IMG_8152.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8eS7mrDjGxwqAkJycF9V9qrEnfmJYn88veF9iGKYu4GG-ZBYn9UrOc-3Gxl-5uYkbOOLb8yte_2-B-zGGg-ry_3uSmVcsJ8imCpAsrHU7I7nlqYCQM7Xp7QtAd7hS394nRAZpafP_ztIV8RevyG4bj3kwBq7qaAsigDXCGmfAaa51pnA4FgrFVSpR/s320/IMG_8152.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We were proper tourists and ate at all kinds of fun and delicious restaurants. We started our trip at The Grey, a repurposed 1930s Greyhound Bus station. It was fun and interesting inside, with the most bizarre menu that I still don't quite understand. But the food and drinks were great, the company even better and the ceiling light art installation is worth a stop in if reservations are full. We shut the place down, leaving with the staff that night. <p></p><p>Our trio is notoriously bad at remembering to take pictures, luckily our house was so close that I accidentally ran by the restaurant the next day and got this photo.</p><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1uV6RgmJzv4DiQF1uM6SZrJFj_w0zgSRMgPJA_4v0nJaykzIuC5dUlO3Thi_qiZ5Q-KZsM9wGghlzSXn-h-U0NxYlgRzVLI-M1oJXQog-A3f3gKX6OtPJbvQqa3MgfIdD1hTcaQUkO-YpUTWEW2HCCIC8Y1nd6mBdMPFvQ-fARzdQEtoujO9TheI2/s4032/IMG_8151.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1uV6RgmJzv4DiQF1uM6SZrJFj_w0zgSRMgPJA_4v0nJaykzIuC5dUlO3Thi_qiZ5Q-KZsM9wGghlzSXn-h-U0NxYlgRzVLI-M1oJXQog-A3f3gKX6OtPJbvQqa3MgfIdD1hTcaQUkO-YpUTWEW2HCCIC8Y1nd6mBdMPFvQ-fARzdQEtoujO9TheI2/s320/IMG_8151.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This city was so awesome to run in! The mornings were less humid, cooler and had a constant breeze. There was a sidewalk right along the water, and when you ran through the streets, each house was more beautiful than the next! </div><div><br /></div>I took a slight detour and was able to pass right by Juliette Gordon Low's birth home. The founder of Girl Scouts was born, and eventually also passed, in Savannah. There were Girl Scout troops walking through the city and visiting this house throughout the weekend. <div><br /></div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6hxiA5bKq_aIsIi8LxSHfN0T9tobT63Wi7Uf9Dzwco7PjvnVg9ewmeFmKdt3WSE5vnlZClW6Qi-KOKG68GO8jM2ac2OQ0AT6VAWPLYkWQl-do5YCN-8gw3om71BJp8O2HkgF6JY5ZjbiybjPhAp0GLrLVYxH-f8vUnhpZOp-iYRm6ybyiNxmBQXW/s4032/IMG_8156.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6hxiA5bKq_aIsIi8LxSHfN0T9tobT63Wi7Uf9Dzwco7PjvnVg9ewmeFmKdt3WSE5vnlZClW6Qi-KOKG68GO8jM2ac2OQ0AT6VAWPLYkWQl-do5YCN-8gw3om71BJp8O2HkgF6JY5ZjbiybjPhAp0GLrLVYxH-f8vUnhpZOp-iYRm6ybyiNxmBQXW/s320/IMG_8156.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Girl Scout crest is the gate to her home</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8H7rgqAHsFx-VLlTsg_Hf1tSceXczN703tlaw6el0o_Gn_cx2HfnUEdwZ3wP8Zv5W5XGS62JsfHQcovsF6xApNZmKvJg-9kDwZvc6pkcdrv87wbKwfJgMjtrzwlt4hNZKivXNfFmR2fHWVOmkoZHltX5HsHG99Z5LxFcLZBmXjZ5vCmINhqnbQ_2F/s3088/IMG_8159.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8H7rgqAHsFx-VLlTsg_Hf1tSceXczN703tlaw6el0o_Gn_cx2HfnUEdwZ3wP8Zv5W5XGS62JsfHQcovsF6xApNZmKvJg-9kDwZvc6pkcdrv87wbKwfJgMjtrzwlt4hNZKivXNfFmR2fHWVOmkoZHltX5HsHG99Z5LxFcLZBmXjZ5vCmINhqnbQ_2F/s320/IMG_8159.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbRrkZGbm_HsZl33-TpCgLYCpEbl5_U5dHl0L39qQSqx4iENNcKaTQms1Q_w8rWhLTDhCyiGlfNGn5oZQWyszdnYFUh2P1F92ElSGdtKCIqwWxRDdgyKU8imKL2ApFV5mMp2Bw1bBtjAa_GUJv8yfaZnQ9xjVkbLouA9dv51oHNvKvmkiK-Zocji9G/s4032/IMG_8160.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbRrkZGbm_HsZl33-TpCgLYCpEbl5_U5dHl0L39qQSqx4iENNcKaTQms1Q_w8rWhLTDhCyiGlfNGn5oZQWyszdnYFUh2P1F92ElSGdtKCIqwWxRDdgyKU8imKL2ApFV5mMp2Bw1bBtjAa_GUJv8yfaZnQ9xjVkbLouA9dv51oHNvKvmkiK-Zocji9G/s320/IMG_8160.JPG" width="240" /></a>We walked the city on Saturday, including shopping in City Market, the pedestrian street that runs through the heart of Savannah. There were bachelorette parties aplenty, and the open carry laws keep everyone well lubricated during the day. According to our visit to the <a href="https://www.americanprohibitionmuseum.com/" target="_blank">American Prohibition Museum</a> Savannah's history with alcohol is long and bumpy, but they seem to get along just fine now. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARSO9yRlXlTE8nK0H1kmtDBkZOwtA1jMpKcCtbLWIXYfSy2wkgEu-STFbMcjbnuRqs9iS4gwoaMNwPAAnG-0wlxl4nLCxRggCQ7vCglXSnCL7Z8O27DNRQf7CKc6mNna5qVqfHiiMQ_GfzNZpNG_oRasXQMH8zsZ5dh5qJsQMGobirNfPHiGjkkLy/s4032/IMG_8163.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARSO9yRlXlTE8nK0H1kmtDBkZOwtA1jMpKcCtbLWIXYfSy2wkgEu-STFbMcjbnuRqs9iS4gwoaMNwPAAnG-0wlxl4nLCxRggCQ7vCglXSnCL7Z8O27DNRQf7CKc6mNna5qVqfHiiMQ_GfzNZpNG_oRasXQMH8zsZ5dh5qJsQMGobirNfPHiGjkkLy/s320/IMG_8163.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>That night, we ate at Cotton & Rye, another hip, interesting spot. They are known for their desserts, so even after we were all nice and full we had to try their poppyseed lemoncake (meh) and homemade Twix bar (yummm!) desserts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPsPUqKgpZp-2KTPYruBFQdIZksWnIvmH5qHYuS2_AV-1fo8ID5U957WXEc5GmnsetBZzksf1cLQgtJ-K1ycpHclOmr0oGsMT3zZVo1WJKz2j1on4-K_g0ljTjNdK8y_aIyaLYZ3Egj-qE7tSCW05XrDxb3P6m1cBdp9pVlnpehBpcDQ9iBU3H1zJ/s4032/IMG_8165.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPsPUqKgpZp-2KTPYruBFQdIZksWnIvmH5qHYuS2_AV-1fo8ID5U957WXEc5GmnsetBZzksf1cLQgtJ-K1ycpHclOmr0oGsMT3zZVo1WJKz2j1on4-K_g0ljTjNdK8y_aIyaLYZ3Egj-qE7tSCW05XrDxb3P6m1cBdp9pVlnpehBpcDQ9iBU3H1zJ/s320/IMG_8165.JPG" width="240" /></a>A ghost tour was a fun extension of our day. We got some spooky pictures, and had a fun ride around town, but no one saw any ghosts in real time. We did get to see some very loud, very inebriated ghost tour patrons, which was entertainment enough for the night. The tour walked us through the married home of Juliette Gordon Low, which is also where she died. It is a museum by day, spooky stop on a ghost tour by night. Go figure. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1GC1J7yJwaQnEBgeKo1HsoevpJ8seDYEkXjiT_HMWDYRPI-5vKeqNgZ0RT5cv6rek-XwmxtuET-6yPVz-S7V_RQWP9swHjnHrR5z_XMxsayB7myHTv4Eby9AP4y_2I0zz8ZT0_GknAH6Yq-GftFMVXDIv26TRMa1dTjmL9Qg1iRWzdFEld7vEwpZU/s4032/IMG_8179.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1GC1J7yJwaQnEBgeKo1HsoevpJ8seDYEkXjiT_HMWDYRPI-5vKeqNgZ0RT5cv6rek-XwmxtuET-6yPVz-S7V_RQWP9swHjnHrR5z_XMxsayB7myHTv4Eby9AP4y_2I0zz8ZT0_GknAH6Yq-GftFMVXDIv26TRMa1dTjmL9Qg1iRWzdFEld7vEwpZU/s320/IMG_8179.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Brunch at B Matthews was a hit! This corner spot was a recommendation from my parents, and ended up being just one block from our house! Another morning run allowed me to add our name to the dining list early and skip the over TWO HOUR wait by the time we were ready for food. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We jumped back on the trolley for the hop on hop off tour and got to see even more of the city. This police station keeps a car out front reminding people to find a sober ride home. There is a sign out front that simply says "Choose your ride home", clearly a taxi to your house, or a police car to the station. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JgO4k39WSE8Q6mEdLfdrKiCgqcsxOEGM0knY9ZlxlK0j7ukelwbZ_UlMgY9IWACY4v6G0au1SyJ7KPBAet5iroXxBYFQJfRDtOYQ6He9jGk-FLurHp6j254Y0BZtYrffv5uvErB1fdBYKqFwQ9NaRZqt5LOhFgD8Xy5cvwtxEbGkOdDYx0yIjX2V/s4032/IMG_8187.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JgO4k39WSE8Q6mEdLfdrKiCgqcsxOEGM0knY9ZlxlK0j7ukelwbZ_UlMgY9IWACY4v6G0au1SyJ7KPBAet5iroXxBYFQJfRDtOYQ6He9jGk-FLurHp6j254Y0BZtYrffv5uvErB1fdBYKqFwQ9NaRZqt5LOhFgD8Xy5cvwtxEbGkOdDYx0yIjX2V/s320/IMG_8187.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQsTE6TjUaVECt070KCY4nA8QIE8qkRxROR1N5s2gBNf0FgZOeA19MdcHl0FXdn_clCDFLvNELp6ll-Qm36oo9iZUBkD1P77gj0XUgSQpkqqNEoO3syzDiLHunSraclHouQDs9vN-K2mGf5MHoWxSYq-p7n2_CFzAs-mIozTHTteM8DSvP9TDpcrt/s4032/IMG_8186.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQsTE6TjUaVECt070KCY4nA8QIE8qkRxROR1N5s2gBNf0FgZOeA19MdcHl0FXdn_clCDFLvNELp6ll-Qm36oo9iZUBkD1P77gj0XUgSQpkqqNEoO3syzDiLHunSraclHouQDs9vN-K2mGf5MHoWxSYq-p7n2_CFzAs-mIozTHTteM8DSvP9TDpcrt/s320/IMG_8186.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorites!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxDNf8_k8UQQzWyy0PmHWcx98Kmew9XGYZsc9QXDQwK_pE97dD9Oc0kOFiJv7J2JDT-_gfJuPFg2QWoTph3FCiZ9kWcBgCFXdLaAcUHoPE0cOSZHZxFA7YpDuvPR1wDbn7Rlz32oXZ-C4pSB5wDA2Io4YYxDu5GMXcD_lkmbt_PF5UD02RzGtAVLO/s4032/IMG_8184.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxDNf8_k8UQQzWyy0PmHWcx98Kmew9XGYZsc9QXDQwK_pE97dD9Oc0kOFiJv7J2JDT-_gfJuPFg2QWoTph3FCiZ9kWcBgCFXdLaAcUHoPE0cOSZHZxFA7YpDuvPR1wDbn7Rlz32oXZ-C4pSB5wDA2Io4YYxDu5GMXcD_lkmbt_PF5UD02RzGtAVLO/s320/IMG_8184.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Julie and I toured Forsyth Park and the super cool Colonial Park Cemetery. We were even approached by a young girl that couldn't find her mom. We either appear very friendly, or very mom-like, we chose to take it as a compliment. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We finally remembered to photograph our cheers like kids these days do. If only we could figure out the boomerang video feature. These lovely cocktails were the beginning of our dinner at <a href="https://husksavannah.com/" target="_blank">Husk</a>, a lovely restaurant, but definitely better if you are a seafood lover. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBx8AQTjtlvQLxyAdKGJONNjv90Lukv09FtQZCGTHzbBzMmOJ3NoaFy_-44vdXpsr4WtmuqN36lks27TiLMvVMU78KsmzbjkM06U3dp9COC7ZmKYC26rEdEAxphHd9xVK9paMzELrs7MWRWp5ef-FzdqxgiSPEbxlRYpzNzew8GUfFPWzEq88iJfri/s4032/IMG_8188.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBx8AQTjtlvQLxyAdKGJONNjv90Lukv09FtQZCGTHzbBzMmOJ3NoaFy_-44vdXpsr4WtmuqN36lks27TiLMvVMU78KsmzbjkM06U3dp9COC7ZmKYC26rEdEAxphHd9xVK9paMzELrs7MWRWp5ef-FzdqxgiSPEbxlRYpzNzew8GUfFPWzEq88iJfri/s320/IMG_8188.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We spent our last night together returning to the <a href="https://www.theoldepinkhouserestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Olde Pink House</a>. We had a meal here earlier in the trip, and the house itself is a sight to see. We returned to the basement bar that had fun live piano music all night. This nice piano player and a solo traveling woman joined our crew for a final night of stories and updates. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFK5cMXzOXHoe41W7gm0dXfM_OCtyWp4QKpEUJmdYnPfOx35PO71ZmoWXmFiFM_YgnQpf2szNNEkG77gXuSbrwTFTALWXbHklm--tqHPoRj1bSX0_pXPZ5kHBBS5Ny90vNZOJXlEk416ziBTXdcOQcjlmWOUZ-A74WO391jH1Gx2k-hruj8gOhSDC3/s4032/IMG_8199.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFK5cMXzOXHoe41W7gm0dXfM_OCtyWp4QKpEUJmdYnPfOx35PO71ZmoWXmFiFM_YgnQpf2szNNEkG77gXuSbrwTFTALWXbHklm--tqHPoRj1bSX0_pXPZ5kHBBS5Ny90vNZOJXlEk416ziBTXdcOQcjlmWOUZ-A74WO391jH1Gx2k-hruj8gOhSDC3/s320/IMG_8199.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br style="text-align: left;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzEP64kcLqhM7b4RNrFQFHKl_Mm4uk6aNZlMHReuTcZ875l08fXPNDzYS0zWOZ3mFYX9fg3B2cviBNKyC-Mvo4vYW6AYM7bIvlFLDykp2PANqye7rvLiW-MaObB1oQwplbKgHMCuKaYeX-xxa4bWftWOO85Ez-eQ8v9Eubb12PQer4CwkksIN1m_i1/s4032/IMG_8197.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzEP64kcLqhM7b4RNrFQFHKl_Mm4uk6aNZlMHReuTcZ875l08fXPNDzYS0zWOZ3mFYX9fg3B2cviBNKyC-Mvo4vYW6AYM7bIvlFLDykp2PANqye7rvLiW-MaObB1oQwplbKgHMCuKaYeX-xxa4bWftWOO85Ez-eQ8v9Eubb12PQer4CwkksIN1m_i1/s320/IMG_8197.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Until our next adventure together, my dear friends!</div></div><p></p></div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13038190498004521969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693626898531784810.post-60063581368695561692022-08-12T08:40:00.003-05:002022-10-21T06:20:06.295-05:00Panama Day 4 - The Panama Canal<p> I knew there was a Panama Canal. I knew it has locks. But the reality of it is something that I could only have understood in person. I fell down the internet rabbit hole more than once trying to figure out why there was such a sea level difference between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, so much so that it warranted the construction of SIX different locks along the voyage. The reality is that the smarty engineers that completed the canal (started by France, finished by the USA) realized that it was faster and cheaper (both in money and in human lives) to build a lake at the top of the mountain range separating the two coastlines, instead of blasting the whole darn mountain down to sea level. So, the first set of three locks are going up, up, up, 87 feet to get from the Pacific Ocean to <a href="http://dawnandjon.blogspot.com/2022/08/panama-day-2-gatun-lake-metropolitan.html" target="_blank">Lake Gatun</a>. And then the second set of three locks are going down, down, down, to get back into open water in the Atlantic/Carribean. While the bodies of water often vary in sea level height, it is never as drastic as I was imagining from one side to the other. With that in mind, meet the Miraflores locks. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1nUOubdq3MHEW4N2Wcn_-kdEn4YVO5JWrcTy5h9oDGH6onqPtvYu0bStPAT8cDYBrMkF6nmBD4gLe8OBAiqbYXAvYS69NCrTmhofPt6AoZs2irbg0rDWwSBU3ho9ui5S26nRM7IG8Ru3sarG12QshJ30lfLh5h_BsmdKU7L_beCNx7JbnXIe0X4Ki/s4272/Panama%202022-0677.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1nUOubdq3MHEW4N2Wcn_-kdEn4YVO5JWrcTy5h9oDGH6onqPtvYu0bStPAT8cDYBrMkF6nmBD4gLe8OBAiqbYXAvYS69NCrTmhofPt6AoZs2irbg0rDWwSBU3ho9ui5S26nRM7IG8Ru3sarG12QshJ30lfLh5h_BsmdKU7L_beCNx7JbnXIe0X4Ki/s320/Panama%202022-0677.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We got up close and personal with Miraflores, our tour having the benefit of getting as close as dignitaries to the ships coming through. The locks are both incredible and primitive, much of the equipment is original, specifically these gigantic doors that dam the water. Those doors are 114 years old! <div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAriMaSfpHvLrpsCe_H420zev9dOqsvoSk-7nJEsVHG9PQiGGk7J5dRxJyMUuobPK_DBrYdLpSPT_KN0gQCDbzQa67Z3Dj-RwQxbnyYJYj6Rw0txemFAJHHBO47z3oSCE-CvUahJcGYzrIhmNgoL4U7yFcNmjVZfDjPQEeP_UfjDoACjb2OwcN7klV/s4272/Panama%202022-0684.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAriMaSfpHvLrpsCe_H420zev9dOqsvoSk-7nJEsVHG9PQiGGk7J5dRxJyMUuobPK_DBrYdLpSPT_KN0gQCDbzQa67Z3Dj-RwQxbnyYJYj6Rw0txemFAJHHBO47z3oSCE-CvUahJcGYzrIhmNgoL4U7yFcNmjVZfDjPQEeP_UfjDoACjb2OwcN7klV/s320/Panama%202022-0684.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The ships that enter are guided by metal railroad cars on each side, they pull the enormous ships through the canal and keep them from "bumping" into the doors on each side. It's a very tight squeeze, with little room for error. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-kdUKTHN7uauHD82gbCAyCU6K_419fDD_rhm1D_Hb94AgMci_EqvRrABH_lFeCc4NR8tB7EAvht_UazmxGSmBsiS6WmTPWv6LCCrtpJJq83X0jpb3wOLNkOkdQ39MKkV16e6SSM9Ly0Da7nXe-yxh1390wY1utIA8Wa_LoPrGWdyNhdFEdn8vtKN/s4272/Panama%202022-0691.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-kdUKTHN7uauHD82gbCAyCU6K_419fDD_rhm1D_Hb94AgMci_EqvRrABH_lFeCc4NR8tB7EAvht_UazmxGSmBsiS6WmTPWv6LCCrtpJJq83X0jpb3wOLNkOkdQ39MKkV16e6SSM9Ly0Da7nXe-yxh1390wY1utIA8Wa_LoPrGWdyNhdFEdn8vtKN/s320/Panama%202022-0691.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6Y3yyCmhE2BlpdRmFBM_85RuHH8DLnrf_I1E0_h8I4gZJhjtyplgP_ii5Di7CILeE7WEYWNSX7B2s-Hf4hK_bfHLV6nz2wc2hwtJslBupY-4bE9E4z5KKaZP7mNAe72G-7FDajvsKxAatoWrgD0GyEK6zLUiQZBzyCaDieY2-_KAlsXMh6I3NX0Z/s4272/Panama%202022-0692.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6Y3yyCmhE2BlpdRmFBM_85RuHH8DLnrf_I1E0_h8I4gZJhjtyplgP_ii5Di7CILeE7WEYWNSX7B2s-Hf4hK_bfHLV6nz2wc2hwtJslBupY-4bE9E4z5KKaZP7mNAe72G-7FDajvsKxAatoWrgD0GyEK6zLUiQZBzyCaDieY2-_KAlsXMh6I3NX0Z/s320/Panama%202022-0692.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div>So, shipping has increased a bit since 1908. What was once thought to have a maximum capacity of 80 million tons of shipping per year has now ballooned beyond 340 million tons of shipping! So much so that a set of expansion locks were built, creating a completely separate lane for larger ships with even more containers. This was completed in 2016, and while we didn't see the expansion locks up close, if you look way in the distance, you can see a rainbow of containers on a very large ship in the distance traveling through the larger locks.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHJIEnTLfUTpH0ogU3D3z3977Q1G6Omc-QVAVJGATlPYv8_Uah1YquoWRpHroImzhUJxuq-_3pCm9pwdVCNA_Q4bdEvI4wKBPLRb0MYYKDM7m4yIfjlLyATU5SD1E2fdFkOFBdiJ3mZ8LBGOG82fvEqcldPCU2sEaZN_3U_JVh3rkGZ2iGaNBIfHk/s4272/Panama%202022-0704.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHJIEnTLfUTpH0ogU3D3z3977Q1G6Omc-QVAVJGATlPYv8_Uah1YquoWRpHroImzhUJxuq-_3pCm9pwdVCNA_Q4bdEvI4wKBPLRb0MYYKDM7m4yIfjlLyATU5SD1E2fdFkOFBdiJ3mZ8LBGOG82fvEqcldPCU2sEaZN_3U_JVh3rkGZ2iGaNBIfHk/s320/Panama%202022-0704.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJm7BuNKlf2MgJOyLT3otYiSOTgDOyM2J_JplxUNaoxkzzajQxM0hsmzUWw_aADQZFYORDk2gEWhyG3gFaaPGu-vb9CFg3Am2c6GpjnjozTSoudXM6geJao3HGEctbT1MtH4IHqPKY7QkrDLe8le_R1IXImUBUkO9BsG1BxTsS3O52xDOdoswgr16E/s4272/Panama%202022-0715.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJm7BuNKlf2MgJOyLT3otYiSOTgDOyM2J_JplxUNaoxkzzajQxM0hsmzUWw_aADQZFYORDk2gEWhyG3gFaaPGu-vb9CFg3Am2c6GpjnjozTSoudXM6geJao3HGEctbT1MtH4IHqPKY7QkrDLe8le_R1IXImUBUkO9BsG1BxTsS3O52xDOdoswgr16E/s320/Panama%202022-0715.jpg" width="320" /></a>We took a rainy stroll around the Panama Canal Administrative Building. This is where the Canal decisions are made, a government agency within the country of Panama. These low clouds show the impending rainstorm that followed us each afternoon. </p><p>My favorite part was this fountain out front that is representative of the six locks, three on each entrance of the canal. The name Goethals for George Washington Goethals, who is the US Army General and civil engineer that saw the canal to it's opening in 1914.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Our afternoon activity was a cultural exchange for the girls, and by default also for the moms. The girls were split into teams and each given a few dollars. They were tasked with walking around the Mercado San Felipe and finding a fruit or vegetable that they had never tried before. The needed to buy the item, learn the name and how to eat it and then present to the rest of the group. And do this in Spanish. It was a blast!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGX-S3qUYXCSD3IHuTIz5auKtA0PhTnRsXAWE38DRan7U_5DsWwXW-i4WhyVHwDpbQTMU_h4jJ482Z3qo5Rl8J0E23EHsyiVAeu69ysD2Q043m5WXpe0r2c20PkpcEZb9HsIttszI7cPdDf4dwxlF8bLBlrPanDkwiEbIfFwx2RECGOFw7h7xXY9gH/s4032/IMG_7768.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGX-S3qUYXCSD3IHuTIz5auKtA0PhTnRsXAWE38DRan7U_5DsWwXW-i4WhyVHwDpbQTMU_h4jJ482Z3qo5Rl8J0E23EHsyiVAeu69ysD2Q043m5WXpe0r2c20PkpcEZb9HsIttszI7cPdDf4dwxlF8bLBlrPanDkwiEbIfFwx2RECGOFw7h7xXY9gH/s320/IMG_7768.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnDzbBVwHvpkpw0y7IXOitZAIToirOT0Us9CJA77AQd5ULmJQJaZOpef4vQ4Gp3nQLUBbfjHMaag6aJkCIkSjZbIBV1ctM9-qap-fEXNBt8SwiGVEBuiVi80gpTtmugZ-TDvCaOUqBYBqygflnvrgOWEWeiECWvA71Y_36asR-DIJnXUFRAUJ_vC2/s4032/IMG_7769.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnDzbBVwHvpkpw0y7IXOitZAIToirOT0Us9CJA77AQd5ULmJQJaZOpef4vQ4Gp3nQLUBbfjHMaag6aJkCIkSjZbIBV1ctM9-qap-fEXNBt8SwiGVEBuiVi80gpTtmugZ-TDvCaOUqBYBqygflnvrgOWEWeiECWvA71Y_36asR-DIJnXUFRAUJ_vC2/s320/IMG_7769.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So many colors!!</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOFZZKcXVg_8l6XgvQl1nxS1M3KFtp_XKcU5UbIED93ruwLSpcfve5blr2r0HwSdpWkNqZrkcvkoj7Nb4wG2oJ3-emtmPyDIutFaeQJGi4zRHPObghPQKYgKWJPX_J6kwu1KfOYRtoytS9rF-0CG7TOR9xlGFEWx_fiWQ3BBxUNMkdLfVKADB6aXJ/s4032/IMG_7772.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOFZZKcXVg_8l6XgvQl1nxS1M3KFtp_XKcU5UbIED93ruwLSpcfve5blr2r0HwSdpWkNqZrkcvkoj7Nb4wG2oJ3-emtmPyDIutFaeQJGi4zRHPObghPQKYgKWJPX_J6kwu1KfOYRtoytS9rF-0CG7TOR9xlGFEWx_fiWQ3BBxUNMkdLfVKADB6aXJ/s320/IMG_7772.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We learned about passionfruit, guava and lots and lots of rambutan. As a reward for their transactions, we had a fruit smoothie tasting party at one of the booths. We tried all kinds of delicious (and confusing) fruit and vegetable combinations, at at the end we each got to choose our favorite to sip on during the rest of the day. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHegpGDYdAfI6kJ7GPcnHnyigYJgSTRoZ9XE_YXrJg7gYg7ZOBxIZncODOYuL1MjxGIamxFwo2aUfjwmNj13advvGiJo5h8gM3AeUem9TWscVPXyLmhklCFfY6qg3stYu6YINWRJDK2x68y03oPPmhEFsY70pmtdQHb5tpN5ItirbTUvwya2cURIa/s4032/IMG_7782.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHegpGDYdAfI6kJ7GPcnHnyigYJgSTRoZ9XE_YXrJg7gYg7ZOBxIZncODOYuL1MjxGIamxFwo2aUfjwmNj13advvGiJo5h8gM3AeUem9TWscVPXyLmhklCFfY6qg3stYu6YINWRJDK2x68y03oPPmhEFsY70pmtdQHb5tpN5ItirbTUvwya2cURIa/s320/IMG_7782.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gimme that mango passionfruit!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZAESFHYN7r6kqFgT55523-5umLV4GNPaUHti8g5ju5AttMKsUKOawiVfwly4F_DFr2h9bNFpuaixGI-4RzYOownmmkaN4JFS32-nEAj8RL1mXbYxNd75YChDEfXkgME863u88JR0F1BI1btUn-9Nzhhc1aksOPFhvWRiHr8daYQR0NgJnPSs8Prb/s4032/IMG_7789.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZAESFHYN7r6kqFgT55523-5umLV4GNPaUHti8g5ju5AttMKsUKOawiVfwly4F_DFr2h9bNFpuaixGI-4RzYOownmmkaN4JFS32-nEAj8RL1mXbYxNd75YChDEfXkgME863u88JR0F1BI1btUn-9Nzhhc1aksOPFhvWRiHr8daYQR0NgJnPSs8Prb/s320/IMG_7789.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gretchen was a smoothie explorer!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsoaEjGP8UTxYTA7oJ78BgLVFouQNv-pyloBJaQPW0gVEM7KxeLfS8kDolrvIJkMRc72YTETHTVITcE-ouGO2cu0mQtFKMxvMPIwKHzwebJ6sJxAJxvOG6exRtt8tEHiz_VMEamWqvzXgbpejl06yMdk0F6mE7X9BquSTLhvzOnaF8HGxqjXVaqqW/s4032/IMG_7796.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsoaEjGP8UTxYTA7oJ78BgLVFouQNv-pyloBJaQPW0gVEM7KxeLfS8kDolrvIJkMRc72YTETHTVITcE-ouGO2cu0mQtFKMxvMPIwKHzwebJ6sJxAJxvOG6exRtt8tEHiz_VMEamWqvzXgbpejl06yMdk0F6mE7X9BquSTLhvzOnaF8HGxqjXVaqqW/s320/IMG_7796.JPG" width="320" /></a>The rest of the afternoon we walked around the city, finding street murals and dodging protesters. It gave us a glimpse of the less polished side of the city, though we never felt unsafe or pressured to buy anything. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlE6Ak2JwwL2u5lWOvyPVYwnB9o-wOpsohbqZibk4CMtv96wCvu5VP_kGnUGDKmRralDrXtf4NJC7bgCMSc5De9ahTYQlb8qbQMz4Bd-NLXh64zXNqY6Do8idmRenw7V7N0h3ajKKJs9bzqY9Hgn5SM2V-xuTgyrJq4FKV1jFziKQ71yodkXeK7s7/s4032/IMG_7791.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlE6Ak2JwwL2u5lWOvyPVYwnB9o-wOpsohbqZibk4CMtv96wCvu5VP_kGnUGDKmRralDrXtf4NJC7bgCMSc5De9ahTYQlb8qbQMz4Bd-NLXh64zXNqY6Do8idmRenw7V7N0h3ajKKJs9bzqY9Hgn5SM2V-xuTgyrJq4FKV1jFziKQ71yodkXeK7s7/s320/IMG_7791.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIN69ilhPlJw6ELvQV2khGcob8ZGO3l1ZRXaKJ-uYwMEK-_DkfsjNbkMimZrhCdoNJ733rWSKDUAPlHGwAHNxXLjmKKpP_rRZ5tXJkUIx-twcM31i0JXGEClB9v5NqFZR4F_h75XhxvRiZUuMwiCoPwGJ7zvzzOWYeqYek1QflkU191_LTjP5Z7q7x/s4032/IMG_7793.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIN69ilhPlJw6ELvQV2khGcob8ZGO3l1ZRXaKJ-uYwMEK-_DkfsjNbkMimZrhCdoNJ733rWSKDUAPlHGwAHNxXLjmKKpP_rRZ5tXJkUIx-twcM31i0JXGEClB9v5NqFZR4F_h75XhxvRiZUuMwiCoPwGJ7zvzzOWYeqYek1QflkU191_LTjP5Z7q7x/s320/IMG_7793.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUB8SFUTrX5LqpFJFtlMA2ct1DfFIhSM4Y3L6kEIancFxu8qu1w-TZtyQyVGk6mix8NNJkWUECD38MH73CMq2cdIJT1D4Ms2snQCzB53s_Zoe62wBNcm_NCLfXufgIeIdD2v3saWDCBsU9eekLB_hhhWiBBzVmXZyz2iFfF9-MXONmKOKoRSx2F92/s4032/IMG_7798.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUB8SFUTrX5LqpFJFtlMA2ct1DfFIhSM4Y3L6kEIancFxu8qu1w-TZtyQyVGk6mix8NNJkWUECD38MH73CMq2cdIJT1D4Ms2snQCzB53s_Zoe62wBNcm_NCLfXufgIeIdD2v3saWDCBsU9eekLB_hhhWiBBzVmXZyz2iFfF9-MXONmKOKoRSx2F92/s320/IMG_7798.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cutest little patio of a restaurant I'll return to someday.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We had an organized dinner at El Trapiche, it was nice, but we wanted another taste of the city! We asked the bus driver to take us to Casco Viejo, a region of the city known for its shoreline, delicious restaurants and nightlife. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBQ7RcJOZvHEe4XbP4GwFZ7YjXuSQpt2a2ZKYKLOTpiNqZ6VNyn-qyfL3OPMdz2d_G1N2XLdyMbQB1iyc_FwTZxCz12NZqm2ClTsV5-DDCqgKjwVo-wI_ZqDzSayGrG5YoWGD08jgGFaeVqwHND1j_PykQUuR7IUCBPDrB7_RhF9rCQdiOLzc_V8p/s4032/IMG_7805.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBQ7RcJOZvHEe4XbP4GwFZ7YjXuSQpt2a2ZKYKLOTpiNqZ6VNyn-qyfL3OPMdz2d_G1N2XLdyMbQB1iyc_FwTZxCz12NZqm2ClTsV5-DDCqgKjwVo-wI_ZqDzSayGrG5YoWGD08jgGFaeVqwHND1j_PykQUuR7IUCBPDrB7_RhF9rCQdiOLzc_V8p/s320/IMG_7805.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3vTNVU76zn3EV_pk5lAxHwbicqtDQeJj3zF2GnwztSx8UwBQ2LXYOn0-soiu-mhWj3zU0YgbLVfKmUu_kzls0HTt0g3-oIm7owVuxC-2SWs21hdyYYIBPfT0I0WOr5ItfsP77ioXLV0f6VbbpOe8ZT3iYEOfeQdGsTOFf98v5tgq0Mrco61JUONod/s4032/IMG_7810.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3vTNVU76zn3EV_pk5lAxHwbicqtDQeJj3zF2GnwztSx8UwBQ2LXYOn0-soiu-mhWj3zU0YgbLVfKmUu_kzls0HTt0g3-oIm7owVuxC-2SWs21hdyYYIBPfT0I0WOr5ItfsP77ioXLV0f6VbbpOe8ZT3iYEOfeQdGsTOFf98v5tgq0Mrco61JUONod/s320/IMG_7810.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></div><p>Unsurprisingly, we landed at an ice cream parlor. A tiny little spot with fun lights, energetic employees and delicious ice cream. Ay Mi Negra, with the only complete wall in the place shouting "Kiss Now! Tomorrow, Who Knows?". It was the perfect motivator to request things in Spanish, and it was so much fun that we returned the next night for a dance party at the same place. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjNBECkG61ZVeo6sNBJ22C3o5BKH3p_UHUyWTjMwCcJm_LGJGMxgUPwYz_36NMPN7jBwRum_9BG0VNchEW5Iqrnl4V8tf06cD7uMkdx-wEOMXyX1nPCydjdCf7w6GYaUXZ1f-42Wj0fVnXtf5EsAKCCZiuoruSezOzJ6ozzr2r_NaplCzYlleHPpB/s4032/IMG_7812.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjNBECkG61ZVeo6sNBJ22C3o5BKH3p_UHUyWTjMwCcJm_LGJGMxgUPwYz_36NMPN7jBwRum_9BG0VNchEW5Iqrnl4V8tf06cD7uMkdx-wEOMXyX1nPCydjdCf7w6GYaUXZ1f-42Wj0fVnXtf5EsAKCCZiuoruSezOzJ6ozzr2r_NaplCzYlleHPpB/s320/IMG_7812.JPG" width="240" /></a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5jidr0Ffxh4euhXeIM18FDDSWPapxLQlWQctvqcCEVXtulWQxash3EKczp7UPYqc_FgWdFLCRUNZh3xMuuThWQWnYSjbb_2Mdp8l9EvaMVcGVPFJ-roBl9UmPld1lqhWZyf0oAnPAniwA4LAPjgynNpf2204__a2DnnEZAoXwTY42CzIWR2KhBqam/s4032/IMG_7814.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5jidr0Ffxh4euhXeIM18FDDSWPapxLQlWQctvqcCEVXtulWQxash3EKczp7UPYqc_FgWdFLCRUNZh3xMuuThWQWnYSjbb_2Mdp8l9EvaMVcGVPFJ-roBl9UmPld1lqhWZyf0oAnPAniwA4LAPjgynNpf2204__a2DnnEZAoXwTY42CzIWR2KhBqam/w150-h200/IMG_7814.JPG" width="150" /></a>The girls had ice cream, so the moms wanted a dessert of their own. Right next door is Chingada Madre, for those that don't know the translation, I won't write it here. It was like Dia de los Muertos opened a restaurant. This vibrant spot had loud, fun music and a pool table upstairs to occupy our kids. And it was virtually empty, all but for another table singing along with the music and having a great time. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5IclIwiY3Ilub0YLgGGG7_VGi5boPAu_Hsdx_u1-ZYheh6BW6G4ILM_2wIX-rGCNJWvBTrwoRjJsuKeKxnfIaQwyIRfUVfCKqxcfn-RMj4u9lkzdz-hPHwWiQILIu-0OG_Tt-6C6MhwiSpgu07OJXfdLUMzYpaQUatAWDMLgQtJG88V_TeduCOKkg/s4032/IMG_7813.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5IclIwiY3Ilub0YLgGGG7_VGi5boPAu_Hsdx_u1-ZYheh6BW6G4ILM_2wIX-rGCNJWvBTrwoRjJsuKeKxnfIaQwyIRfUVfCKqxcfn-RMj4u9lkzdz-hPHwWiQILIu-0OG_Tt-6C6MhwiSpgu07OJXfdLUMzYpaQUatAWDMLgQtJG88V_TeduCOKkg/s320/IMG_7813.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>Uber reliably got us all back to the hotel, and we were asleep before our heads hit the pillow. </p><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13038190498004521969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693626898531784810.post-83142188560857031482022-08-09T21:37:00.002-05:002022-10-21T06:19:01.029-05:00Panama Day 3 Pineapples & El Valle de Anton<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivW9wa8ixt82zMRLvs74YSH6fPBUbAWP1LrstZMxQtRJYFCwbeoZTG6xoRbiIyFKryGGn2AT0cfXsXAk1BZzjajFz_2PNfW2F47_80-8lTReHWBIfJC0X2SwXrO1fVlfZ6_6QSpnjZwWnBRcx-DbJnAD3k6wanKmrD4JOowAM4kCbpUldqbtkITRjq/s4032/263BC164-3C79-41DB-A17A-74A8A1E42763.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivW9wa8ixt82zMRLvs74YSH6fPBUbAWP1LrstZMxQtRJYFCwbeoZTG6xoRbiIyFKryGGn2AT0cfXsXAk1BZzjajFz_2PNfW2F47_80-8lTReHWBIfJC0X2SwXrO1fVlfZ6_6QSpnjZwWnBRcx-DbJnAD3k6wanKmrD4JOowAM4kCbpUldqbtkITRjq/s320/263BC164-3C79-41DB-A17A-74A8A1E42763.jpeg" width="320" /></a> You know it's gonna be a good day when the day starts at a Pineapple Farm!</p><p>We learned so very much about pineapple farming! They are rated on a scale of 1 - 10 based on size. The juice of each parcel is checked for its sweetness and rated on a sweetness scale. Each individual pineapple is dunked and washed to be sure that the quality is right - floating pineapples are less ripe and can withstand longer trips to the customers, sinkers are more ripe and need to be consumed sooner. </p><p><br /></p><p>Wondering how to grow one? All you need is the crown and you can grow your own, personal, pineapple!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO0Muo5XnkMVg2kZ9EED_nwGMBXr4ImxaPC6uJGnWoqBrTFbFGC8r-H9L3InuPrszVKt9SiSpRHuUrDJ6g3S1PzF9e7QQeZ6S1yFrRH1W9AfyqcmIqQMn-FlnedRx-xW1F1JyMh9NPMTPG09mVfrtxMTs7aMZDv0L9DtwedZEwbPS8I_ElHRFMmhbd/s3088/095948D2-5108-48AD-A20F-8D6C06A96026.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO0Muo5XnkMVg2kZ9EED_nwGMBXr4ImxaPC6uJGnWoqBrTFbFGC8r-H9L3InuPrszVKt9SiSpRHuUrDJ6g3S1PzF9e7QQeZ6S1yFrRH1W9AfyqcmIqQMn-FlnedRx-xW1F1JyMh9NPMTPG09mVfrtxMTs7aMZDv0L9DtwedZEwbPS8I_ElHRFMmhbd/s320/095948D2-5108-48AD-A20F-8D6C06A96026.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIxDw3tkoHXJ1iZEDVBBybNrFe2lk83OdPyWGjoa1ttUZuQYzTbqJK9C6Jkg7bQbhYteKj0f5MF9zAg4l6UjsM9tIlKWFZhMl-vRziLiN0Gj1ekfMV09_KkXWlchcZzFqPHb__0cEKXZTZjty9vEgMog_n4jJ4jVCB_lmOoaoT9g0pVCyY8yHwvCc/s4032/8D13C782-78FB-4EEB-9CC4-AADE89428288.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIxDw3tkoHXJ1iZEDVBBybNrFe2lk83OdPyWGjoa1ttUZuQYzTbqJK9C6Jkg7bQbhYteKj0f5MF9zAg4l6UjsM9tIlKWFZhMl-vRziLiN0Gj1ekfMV09_KkXWlchcZzFqPHb__0cEKXZTZjty9vEgMog_n4jJ4jVCB_lmOoaoT9g0pVCyY8yHwvCc/s320/8D13C782-78FB-4EEB-9CC4-AADE89428288.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pineapple Bathtime</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7zlh4hf3OaNwIEM2-qK2XqEaj-WIfyc7DnN-wRK61bVK3rwW71t08NbWjcUt2t3N73_obSu6hSHrKUR27rfXbOpGUI9qHMuzDe1xHwwP4PIfC5H3q0z7UtI8vEZHkzwPkFfJKQa9ZEUzY5Ch4e-mTFvG4fUg31pYyTMA3Om6WHOiRr3F1BMKOdLon/s4032/B8A3BE4B-028D-4BCA-B058-B638F7F80A91.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7zlh4hf3OaNwIEM2-qK2XqEaj-WIfyc7DnN-wRK61bVK3rwW71t08NbWjcUt2t3N73_obSu6hSHrKUR27rfXbOpGUI9qHMuzDe1xHwwP4PIfC5H3q0z7UtI8vEZHkzwPkFfJKQa9ZEUzY5Ch4e-mTFvG4fUg31pYyTMA3Om6WHOiRr3F1BMKOdLon/s320/B8A3BE4B-028D-4BCA-B058-B638F7F80A91.jpeg" width="240" /></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Do you know how much pineapple your kids can eat? I didn't either, but today, Gretchen gave it her maximum effort. It turns out she is maybe a little bit allergic to pineapple when she eats multiple whole fruits. Luckily, I know my way around a <i>farmacia</i>.</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtx4HnF1sLOXqscSrRV0SssUB2Z6YYcnoR8-qwDxfdbSKfxcwgYLa3loP0DQnUY5v-ofJPsHsy3lEEnMLDBorKxxBDX46YTNVDtNyhT16wtv_LV3uusoi5KiqAjZ7WXd0dCkbOJQyLdC-dzAgySv5ItD4TP3WPQ-eyHIGq2LMftAIF0tMAGsdzDRYk/s3088/0FDEFA6D-1DC5-4F5C-AEF2-00E583862E28.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtx4HnF1sLOXqscSrRV0SssUB2Z6YYcnoR8-qwDxfdbSKfxcwgYLa3loP0DQnUY5v-ofJPsHsy3lEEnMLDBorKxxBDX46YTNVDtNyhT16wtv_LV3uusoi5KiqAjZ7WXd0dCkbOJQyLdC-dzAgySv5ItD4TP3WPQ-eyHIGq2LMftAIF0tMAGsdzDRYk/s320/0FDEFA6D-1DC5-4F5C-AEF2-00E583862E28.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>As it turns out, the pineapple farm grows a whole lot of other things too. This little guy hanging all alone is a star fruit. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6MS8F9nX7jEwqHocAJFBCIULGSM3-7BsoPbDkqQibYIkKzirF1ph8Xe2yHFVvjSTfsW-NIqyAZD5JgI1GI1uarDd82jQ_3f12qfhToh-1jHyRCsesb1Lk8ox6C1o2zDGGsbCoOyXT7hE--jp3SLLw_S5CnkmALDzVGjdriZNDw7Z2SWQtkmU1z_ek/s4032/2A221C69-F6DC-4218-B111-8474D96DF0E8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6MS8F9nX7jEwqHocAJFBCIULGSM3-7BsoPbDkqQibYIkKzirF1ph8Xe2yHFVvjSTfsW-NIqyAZD5JgI1GI1uarDd82jQ_3f12qfhToh-1jHyRCsesb1Lk8ox6C1o2zDGGsbCoOyXT7hE--jp3SLLw_S5CnkmALDzVGjdriZNDw7Z2SWQtkmU1z_ek/s320/2A221C69-F6DC-4218-B111-8474D96DF0E8.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And this wacky tree, or bush, is what a dragonfruit plant looks like.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmskFhVmPfQeL_pCCRUcPZ_MwuTAnOOoDGjnrlmI__1R20FGHepOV8G78--UMaFXB2xa7nG1VzbZ1Up1fjtqVqdJQJP75sadwfngNckQSPPU7D5OYGvRy4aEC3HacoqAH62eCNo7hT6wFHotRSImMm7TSQU5RsF9OByKWCX--II1VQTrlXB2Ki77q/s4032/4F44D6B0-2385-4503-974D-8AC060B8C58C.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmskFhVmPfQeL_pCCRUcPZ_MwuTAnOOoDGjnrlmI__1R20FGHepOV8G78--UMaFXB2xa7nG1VzbZ1Up1fjtqVqdJQJP75sadwfngNckQSPPU7D5OYGvRy4aEC3HacoqAH62eCNo7hT6wFHotRSImMm7TSQU5RsF9OByKWCX--II1VQTrlXB2Ki77q/s320/4F44D6B0-2385-4503-974D-8AC060B8C58C.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I could have guessed 100 different things before I would have gotten this one right. This leafy, bushy plant is what black pepper looks like when it's coming out of the ground. Those little black beads in your peppermill, they come from here:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0Ttk_HkS9qQ-cWjKP7Hw1cByx3_aBB3PH8v93uaaRSWuY6GBG1E8nQNIxz7jzkPz8e22U-H_wv6Lgc6FO6LvHwyLamiIidaRx9ovAoLfeE9-ANhZxjdHXs8cdCpOLTF-qtpKPDLO-yCb6FBHf1ICZpg8PJvjVZz9TXMNwXm9uhr0s7nugD7kpqVn/s4032/1396641D-F9E6-4FC6-BD40-1B340201C4D3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0Ttk_HkS9qQ-cWjKP7Hw1cByx3_aBB3PH8v93uaaRSWuY6GBG1E8nQNIxz7jzkPz8e22U-H_wv6Lgc6FO6LvHwyLamiIidaRx9ovAoLfeE9-ANhZxjdHXs8cdCpOLTF-qtpKPDLO-yCb6FBHf1ICZpg8PJvjVZz9TXMNwXm9uhr0s7nugD7kpqVn/s320/1396641D-F9E6-4FC6-BD40-1B340201C4D3.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCeWNiCm1_H7IDXq3ldaS63JcnMALuXFTADK-Xc7cia57cncqbVm3aTTa86lk5KDez9PqNOTOvotloausUa8DEhg7w3JY805Dy-NbjIgQYxCh9sUd9B683U_6qIlao2lF0x7cPvwMlaYSQZZ8djhc1cJweIgGyv6qacDgnqvZze44P6z4YIALLm2g/s4032/8951286B-1719-472C-818F-8925A7597F34.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCeWNiCm1_H7IDXq3ldaS63JcnMALuXFTADK-Xc7cia57cncqbVm3aTTa86lk5KDez9PqNOTOvotloausUa8DEhg7w3JY805Dy-NbjIgQYxCh9sUd9B683U_6qIlao2lF0x7cPvwMlaYSQZZ8djhc1cJweIgGyv6qacDgnqvZze44P6z4YIALLm2g/s320/8951286B-1719-472C-818F-8925A7597F34.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div>There were more than a few surprises on this tour. It makes a whole lot more sense to me why pineapples are a more expensive fruit. They take up a lot of space! Each one of these plants is one singular pineapple. Then you get to the weight of transporting each one, and the labor associated with planting and harvesting them, and the price is understandable. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That incredible visit was just the appetizer to our day. From there we traveled to Valle de Anton, where we braved the lunchtime rain and hiked another jungle path alongside the river. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRPSosGJekNFaW-ABIFoNajZKtyhQ5jrvE5Bsu0sSEt0E_G5ZtfxRnPdyQqsMuqlAVMjHoKky3LY8v2EVI6M01Fx9Pdxw4kK3hvRYNfQdBsUTLFNHxho_T5O-d7vYLIDB8YGEMxHZHfI2uuNc7a7rM53Xl-XDZkHklSFqWTJ6I4zYs2xg3fiG6NNp/s4272/Panama%202022-0612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRPSosGJekNFaW-ABIFoNajZKtyhQ5jrvE5Bsu0sSEt0E_G5ZtfxRnPdyQqsMuqlAVMjHoKky3LY8v2EVI6M01Fx9Pdxw4kK3hvRYNfQdBsUTLFNHxho_T5O-d7vYLIDB8YGEMxHZHfI2uuNc7a7rM53Xl-XDZkHklSFqWTJ6I4zYs2xg3fiG6NNp/s320/Panama%202022-0612.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizNDCpFiCHvAf4AehuHb6VkyxY7rEmnbZH3idvQzFrKP4MTkrjX6cqOH0rLV3fdNjEhLCiTEG5RTwVmOhwZBIPWEoUSlKSLRv7wVngsl6__gvjU3h8KxrEaBvokXHt2fP7FRy4MMLa0G6Uqvovv5ImmYitWl4XFgSg_8hXOfwf-mn0Aze_wR4AENe/s4272/Panama%202022-0622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizNDCpFiCHvAf4AehuHb6VkyxY7rEmnbZH3idvQzFrKP4MTkrjX6cqOH0rLV3fdNjEhLCiTEG5RTwVmOhwZBIPWEoUSlKSLRv7wVngsl6__gvjU3h8KxrEaBvokXHt2fP7FRy4MMLa0G6Uqvovv5ImmYitWl4XFgSg_8hXOfwf-mn0Aze_wR4AENe/s320/Panama%202022-0622.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5E6J2dk2NzCdwyE0UYomZKnqed0n6OSULsB21RJEXoNDMrmay1XSFnjKsa5olYWPq3W50nIqAJHPwcQyV2jxVr9E2jaisNGtHSqwY5mlgFShZMp3Hp077Nn1QkhpTIKAaPtMlBhCsGMCFNXGz8HlCFTngL4QPHiY86bGnOpTHD5qZNvOXWLO1GCX/s4272/Panama%202022-0631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5E6J2dk2NzCdwyE0UYomZKnqed0n6OSULsB21RJEXoNDMrmay1XSFnjKsa5olYWPq3W50nIqAJHPwcQyV2jxVr9E2jaisNGtHSqwY5mlgFShZMp3Hp077Nn1QkhpTIKAaPtMlBhCsGMCFNXGz8HlCFTngL4QPHiY86bGnOpTHD5qZNvOXWLO1GCX/s320/Panama%202022-0631.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqoF1fn4rFHiBe7l0UO9fNhQ8-J_y4FXXB8o7Tb0PQ57-etwdrZH8cf247WXGXkFWfZTNe4GababAZM9xMBbrj4nbUCEXy12ZN55nwYinXMhrSt61FxVeSr6FdFSK4HZrVpqWEU6bQI4WrzWHDdFYi5aDO4toWbAwSmqu2w5Nk4sb-Mwk_vV2dm0W4/s4272/Panama%202022-0632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqoF1fn4rFHiBe7l0UO9fNhQ8-J_y4FXXB8o7Tb0PQ57-etwdrZH8cf247WXGXkFWfZTNe4GababAZM9xMBbrj4nbUCEXy12ZN55nwYinXMhrSt61FxVeSr6FdFSK4HZrVpqWEU6bQI4WrzWHDdFYi5aDO4toWbAwSmqu2w5Nk4sb-Mwk_vV2dm0W4/s320/Panama%202022-0632.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>What started out as getting a bit damp from the rain quickly escalated in everyone in our group venturing into the river. I was a sissy and only went in up to my legs. A few of the girls completely submerged, fully dressed, into the chilly river. According to our guide, we were the first group in his seven years of experience to get in. "I never thought the first group would be a bunch of girls!"<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuptk1d3S7aW57_m-TOVSNrPmfcOmlEmTT6mq6fHqzs4RM2bvbQitrSMAO93p9U2EBRZWkOcvfgot1FfuwaqUYRAFf7wcEGRfcYRmhbBX_QjTxdSmSwKhMgTDBpCBGsfp25u2OVBr9UOJFrfplqHE2WxOZKAi6S9wg6SLj8ZN3CjNWce5W5AFf0iE9/s4272/Panama%202022-0637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuptk1d3S7aW57_m-TOVSNrPmfcOmlEmTT6mq6fHqzs4RM2bvbQitrSMAO93p9U2EBRZWkOcvfgot1FfuwaqUYRAFf7wcEGRfcYRmhbBX_QjTxdSmSwKhMgTDBpCBGsfp25u2OVBr9UOJFrfplqHE2WxOZKAi6S9wg6SLj8ZN3CjNWce5W5AFf0iE9/s320/Panama%202022-0637.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The trip itinerary arranged for a meeting of our troop with a local, family run performance group. These local kids, some as young as 5, dressed in traditional dresses, shoes and hairpieces, added modern-day masks and showed us a group dance. This gave our girls a chance to speak with other kids using the Spanish that they know, and they outfitted each girl with a skirt and hairpiece of their own. They were all available for purchase if you were interested. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNdU3qLR0VDqt8xfu7y7_1WvL-toZwJCgfkrBpSKRIqSjJDyehomcmxgRrqLRvSlM7c-4oROKBTLj-DJ17fm0yly8E_RHhRA67BO0FyKUxcgjrKa_cS3Y7tuALuNLfT4AmpVmfNUMR5_B74eIn5ocNvmxA3ZDswnnLXOsGloDU-nntmGlYaqxAWd-P/s4272/Panama%202022-0654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNdU3qLR0VDqt8xfu7y7_1WvL-toZwJCgfkrBpSKRIqSjJDyehomcmxgRrqLRvSlM7c-4oROKBTLj-DJ17fm0yly8E_RHhRA67BO0FyKUxcgjrKa_cS3Y7tuALuNLfT4AmpVmfNUMR5_B74eIn5ocNvmxA3ZDswnnLXOsGloDU-nntmGlYaqxAWd-P/s320/Panama%202022-0654.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARfcBgOUe9GRqOHuZz07kwtMNCBUBlFZhTA-NqkBTdjfU8IlzqCgSSJT3SUDMrjbs10YahKNCsEdRXkDjKSRV7LDsU7kEUN0skp99AzgG-htG02KWDAoIWA1hDvCaRp2GxeYNHMlH4hZ-ysmyiPbt_fY-BjLcviECZU8TRdRgSpTwdn5W23jeMp_P/s4193/Panama%202022-0656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2795" data-original-width="4193" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARfcBgOUe9GRqOHuZz07kwtMNCBUBlFZhTA-NqkBTdjfU8IlzqCgSSJT3SUDMrjbs10YahKNCsEdRXkDjKSRV7LDsU7kEUN0skp99AzgG-htG02KWDAoIWA1hDvCaRp2GxeYNHMlH4hZ-ysmyiPbt_fY-BjLcviECZU8TRdRgSpTwdn5W23jeMp_P/s320/Panama%202022-0656.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimO6HcHUyGgdPiWqShRdhzB0wm4R7PpY9Eu-Mex1LZsv1WJiH_aecR3ix8osxd4kLRmKsZXKNQDEMyxaYbKbnjeYigtA-w2oY9KpWrR_IZlHfZ1P160yF4lJh3Z5CPMVV2jASnYzjTRan8QIRNqXKejVgshgdyDpKzlYMTVLJisOTvROqBqdryqNcR/s4272/Panama%202022-0669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimO6HcHUyGgdPiWqShRdhzB0wm4R7PpY9Eu-Mex1LZsv1WJiH_aecR3ix8osxd4kLRmKsZXKNQDEMyxaYbKbnjeYigtA-w2oY9KpWrR_IZlHfZ1P160yF4lJh3Z5CPMVV2jASnYzjTRan8QIRNqXKejVgshgdyDpKzlYMTVLJisOTvROqBqdryqNcR/s320/Panama%202022-0669.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div><br /></div><div>We had an hour or so to spare, so we wandered the Valle de Anton Mercado. There were fruits, vegetables, trinkets and souvenirs. It was colorful and fun, and it was great seeing Gretchen navigate her way around the market using her language skills. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmC6KGgqujWWVQmKvyO9fwbUgwPuA_RRf2-5fPtrnFjIJWO8SX4kPN7BtUtsP9vhfS7Ux-m7yKVeObaJMSkNzeKJFi4hsKctwlgrMGnTn9kzFmAocumqJX8mYVngiSqKOSrj6G_LzPLCehCl4rJRkug72Npfupvk_KePFe1IieB_6ET4qAjuvX4Onq/s4272/Panama%202022-0667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4272" data-original-width="2848" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmC6KGgqujWWVQmKvyO9fwbUgwPuA_RRf2-5fPtrnFjIJWO8SX4kPN7BtUtsP9vhfS7Ux-m7yKVeObaJMSkNzeKJFi4hsKctwlgrMGnTn9kzFmAocumqJX8mYVngiSqKOSrj6G_LzPLCehCl4rJRkug72Npfupvk_KePFe1IieB_6ET4qAjuvX4Onq/s320/Panama%202022-0667.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBiP5X_Glwa7ZLhVzBPVSXc-KhQyPXbwvNQJA0Cy89J7KBrZnxDGOu2yjsDgsNqXpXNDL738hsPDAE6eS46b6Home-duEf-ra6pVBrEfHncq9H12ZDFxcZJNo-zsTZ6fZj1zMx5YFnHKYtHnZg_W0G9xULCsGD6JE_fFFmAqtS5EH-lj4BK5eSFi28/s4272/Panama%202022-0668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBiP5X_Glwa7ZLhVzBPVSXc-KhQyPXbwvNQJA0Cy89J7KBrZnxDGOu2yjsDgsNqXpXNDL738hsPDAE6eS46b6Home-duEf-ra6pVBrEfHncq9H12ZDFxcZJNo-zsTZ6fZj1zMx5YFnHKYtHnZg_W0G9xULCsGD6JE_fFFmAqtS5EH-lj4BK5eSFi28/s320/Panama%202022-0668.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There was not a moment wasted on the trip. On our way home we stopped to try the "best empanadas in Panama". There was a line, which is not unusual for this small roadside place, but after years of living in Argentina I have become an empanada snob, I'm sorry to say they didn't hold a candle to their South American counterparts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another successful day followed by a much needed rest at night. Farewell Day 3!</div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13038190498004521969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693626898531784810.post-809022345978995042022-08-06T12:44:00.004-05:002022-08-06T12:44:30.116-05:00Panama Day 2: Gatun Lake & Metropolitan Park<p> Panama was definitely a place that I needed to see in person to understand. After learning a bit about the length of the Panama Canal (51 miles), and the many locks that take ships from one ocean to another (a total of 6 if you are a "small ship", 1,500 container capacity or less) I had a pretty good idea of what it all looks like. I couldn't figure out why there was an almost 90 foot difference between the sea level of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The part I was missing was Gatun Lake, which was our first activity on Day 2 in Panama. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8jyZ-sGlXsFJhmJJSS8sJveXf7pNxnmWDW5aoybeEL1jdiH5DytfvTVcixLuz4JQiYMQmtQVLJ-BVJTNcvO_GLOrxOJf9MsraSyWL96Vg2jvKFLz8u8pA-81A-9oRqANhdm9XQKK0mnF5U74jDpmdR4WZSzvHEpqLQZblyCj6PU3Cl-3xFyGzxsp/s4272/Panama%202022-0559.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8jyZ-sGlXsFJhmJJSS8sJveXf7pNxnmWDW5aoybeEL1jdiH5DytfvTVcixLuz4JQiYMQmtQVLJ-BVJTNcvO_GLOrxOJf9MsraSyWL96Vg2jvKFLz8u8pA-81A-9oRqANhdm9XQKK0mnF5U74jDpmdR4WZSzvHEpqLQZblyCj6PU3Cl-3xFyGzxsp/s320/Panama%202022-0559.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>What I didn't realize is that instead of digging out the entirety of the canal, it is a series of 3 locks that rise ships up a total of 87 feet to the man-made Gatun Lake. From there, ships sail across the lake, not encountering another lock until it's time to be lowered 87 feet back into the next ocean. The seas aren't necessarily that different in sea level, it's that the engineers that completed the canal realized that digging through a mountain range was harder than it needed to be. So they rise ships up to the lake, then lower them on the other side, creating an 8-10 hour journey through the canal. And since traveling through the locks is where the big money comes from, we enjoyed a boat ride on the lake, brushing shoulders with huge ships but not actually traveling through one of the locks. <p></p>There is a reservation system in place if you are willing to pay to jump the lineup for the canal. Without a reservation, you may be sitting in queue for up to a week. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These are the ships we got to see while joyriding on the lake. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZqatj6mAVTEWpqBPBT_P6rJQBMxMvXNUN_IxMRk0WLj9jjwCIzGADY18P7TQfD21HsAlb3C6kkcngDRg23_pGO-JkwT0Pz1LdRTLm38JYICNHL32vW2TA7n0r8w0nmgp0AxelyuQE6nhWaUqu-5-o21EvCdjs-7yyd5qF8z5JAEnibpp6R3aF7kN/s3418/Panama%202022-0557.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3418" data-original-width="2279" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZqatj6mAVTEWpqBPBT_P6rJQBMxMvXNUN_IxMRk0WLj9jjwCIzGADY18P7TQfD21HsAlb3C6kkcngDRg23_pGO-JkwT0Pz1LdRTLm38JYICNHL32vW2TA7n0r8w0nmgp0AxelyuQE6nhWaUqu-5-o21EvCdjs-7yyd5qF8z5JAEnibpp6R3aF7kN/s320/Panama%202022-0557.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCUBNkhClZM5WqFOUPzTIFM5vACvtf_mfw0sJ8grUKiGvbeNb4E6Ny2qA_2u3vKu0Lfti9TQ0Hlxednnhx5dPNK7gMD6hEFqCat5Q2QJD__4qhlm70n8GHQ3f_Em28jOjouqGfvDz0AuD7jjA5mueBS4vutz27-K9S6ejECw-jn3c1zhQDPIeMIoOT/s4272/Panama%202022-0472.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCUBNkhClZM5WqFOUPzTIFM5vACvtf_mfw0sJ8grUKiGvbeNb4E6Ny2qA_2u3vKu0Lfti9TQ0Hlxednnhx5dPNK7gMD6hEFqCat5Q2QJD__4qhlm70n8GHQ3f_Em28jOjouqGfvDz0AuD7jjA5mueBS4vutz27-K9S6ejECw-jn3c1zhQDPIeMIoOT/s320/Panama%202022-0472.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcB1zrBYDHTtaNsgUSx9XXF74OjmSbaLJIW_kcwlVkpf0-BkEasU1RKWyx5fsq4rb8wjqNw4-stU7oC5B1uCz4Wqgi8dsEfnBpa9KwwyMwyFdCURUGw0tdoVpItYPCwn771WVErEAjRhaOt_nMsQnrXZK_qHRmQrlAxywlxxGFDZPnt1HAE9ZiX9V_/s4272/Panama%202022-0475.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcB1zrBYDHTtaNsgUSx9XXF74OjmSbaLJIW_kcwlVkpf0-BkEasU1RKWyx5fsq4rb8wjqNw4-stU7oC5B1uCz4Wqgi8dsEfnBpa9KwwyMwyFdCURUGw0tdoVpItYPCwn771WVErEAjRhaOt_nMsQnrXZK_qHRmQrlAxywlxxGFDZPnt1HAE9ZiX9V_/s320/Panama%202022-0475.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Safety First! No Smoking"</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqTqI4D2roUiPqLoFppQQtLqsxF2ROhTN0kX80d4AmHdh3HOsSYLqM6Rc9BKh9KYBUNQmiaFQmRkjb1svXf_CMmUyt8YBmFHo5h_cnpU2cNC1Ty3TJ87L6awvGzzeQKFx_3QVEisyyiFDgUGAzoIhrseMSl34cT90U_1af6WD_cSVx44mIURa822L/s4080/Panama%202022-0469.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2720" data-original-width="4080" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqTqI4D2roUiPqLoFppQQtLqsxF2ROhTN0kX80d4AmHdh3HOsSYLqM6Rc9BKh9KYBUNQmiaFQmRkjb1svXf_CMmUyt8YBmFHo5h_cnpU2cNC1Ty3TJ87L6awvGzzeQKFx_3QVEisyyiFDgUGAzoIhrseMSl34cT90U_1af6WD_cSVx44mIURa822L/s320/Panama%202022-0469.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The lake is surrounded by jungle, so we got to see a few visitors on the trip. We stopped by Monkey Island where we saw 3 different kinds of monkeys! <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihEzdASUDhZ8B_s_REcyxoUUpGxuZKGtvxkKaWVaTMx5LQZc19iGddv5UmUED2BBbvlJq0lGpj_pRLXROqHL6DVD7DhuR_cZHIR66oUojK6R2bFHzb16CexHu7sQsgFqnji4a7x9r0ZZ2zte8EhNP0QG0Kjwg2tmpXMAdbHKwjyMg72zpvPRPTQDDh/s2772/Panama%202022-0547.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1848" data-original-width="2772" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihEzdASUDhZ8B_s_REcyxoUUpGxuZKGtvxkKaWVaTMx5LQZc19iGddv5UmUED2BBbvlJq0lGpj_pRLXROqHL6DVD7DhuR_cZHIR66oUojK6R2bFHzb16CexHu7sQsgFqnji4a7x9r0ZZ2zte8EhNP0QG0Kjwg2tmpXMAdbHKwjyMg72zpvPRPTQDDh/s320/Panama%202022-0547.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2_VzZcdXZpNEeD-SxU0I8vRmMhsBdkZLto2_W9x3p3-eKNH2FJuMdEcmKDWssw5BzMl7VpvMqgTsEj1Gh6aWq1Hcqujeq-hVkEubmh7sXvmD3VfTFyUAy3KMM5PhV4pt40cGdqitscyj-SvE-za0_FXqtb9iEaDcgav9akd-kmOvh8F-LFrlIQcF/s4272/Panama%202022-0528.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4272" data-original-width="2848" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2_VzZcdXZpNEeD-SxU0I8vRmMhsBdkZLto2_W9x3p3-eKNH2FJuMdEcmKDWssw5BzMl7VpvMqgTsEj1Gh6aWq1Hcqujeq-hVkEubmh7sXvmD3VfTFyUAy3KMM5PhV4pt40cGdqitscyj-SvE-za0_FXqtb9iEaDcgav9akd-kmOvh8F-LFrlIQcF/s320/Panama%202022-0528.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We saw this cute little lineup of sleeping bats</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGy8cL5QqcU74Ms1st-BaMGzAGp1jlF25UckdonrsZDdKpazXL8uCS0vxWVG0QfqdRw0IswLDaId1Oh18pchW1OJiPP2ONntjXkuZa9wzVm52DiDpfPRXx3RC8bQgxNN3hLXJ33tUYQhFTI-jOWPBzXbnGnk5NLTA3nJeQtPojNftF17aOqsBDjNU8/s3271/Panama%202022-0508.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3271" data-original-width="2181" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGy8cL5QqcU74Ms1st-BaMGzAGp1jlF25UckdonrsZDdKpazXL8uCS0vxWVG0QfqdRw0IswLDaId1Oh18pchW1OJiPP2ONntjXkuZa9wzVm52DiDpfPRXx3RC8bQgxNN3hLXJ33tUYQhFTI-jOWPBzXbnGnk5NLTA3nJeQtPojNftF17aOqsBDjNU8/w213-h320/Panama%202022-0508.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And a Jesus lizard! They run so fast that they can run on top of water!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>Our afternoon was spent hiking the Parque National Metropolitano, a large park located in the heart of Panama City. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNJQvrxz3_FOG-abqWdZd5zk2LVy5EcztpMpLilOY1Xq3cy7ZCa6f2WM4S5Yooacz2sdhG3O5JGKiHpSLKNtBoSCvzpCyqYPY_gcA4MgEU2dzP_hpgJ87RB7JLTTifzpDLDLOGpTCCN_hZtnS0l2yVW8MV1mQSzri2o6eVI8Om_NKtXBnGfpeBXyS/s4272/Panama%202022-0561.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4272" data-original-width="2848" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNJQvrxz3_FOG-abqWdZd5zk2LVy5EcztpMpLilOY1Xq3cy7ZCa6f2WM4S5Yooacz2sdhG3O5JGKiHpSLKNtBoSCvzpCyqYPY_gcA4MgEU2dzP_hpgJ87RB7JLTTifzpDLDLOGpTCCN_hZtnS0l2yVW8MV1mQSzri2o6eVI8Om_NKtXBnGfpeBXyS/s320/Panama%202022-0561.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvVezriYaFmMBbgDSMJ8xDwnHIqpmS7WvDy5FE1c-CllYgcUKwnOo__eTdHep8yhPPyWV2A0m5G1fT-C7xdFd6Mo6AHkTNINhCHHVDIYDBB9cq6r-NYKnDFyGW9_lBBUnKAT-Bzso6O4A4D5vZgrfs8RKJFwrL9PkrR_e9x_Tl992RlKOqeiUNVez/s4272/Panama%202022-0562.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4272" data-original-width="2848" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvVezriYaFmMBbgDSMJ8xDwnHIqpmS7WvDy5FE1c-CllYgcUKwnOo__eTdHep8yhPPyWV2A0m5G1fT-C7xdFd6Mo6AHkTNINhCHHVDIYDBB9cq6r-NYKnDFyGW9_lBBUnKAT-Bzso6O4A4D5vZgrfs8RKJFwrL9PkrR_e9x_Tl992RlKOqeiUNVez/s320/Panama%202022-0562.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /></div>During the US owning and running of the Panama Canal, the surrounding area was designated US Military Zone. This also means that once we turned over ownership of the canal, all of the buildings and structures in this zone were abandoned. Some of the buildings have been purchased by organizations like the Smithsonian Institute to conduct research, but many other buildings, like this one, sit locked and abandoned.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiypELIIgP_mhkv1MqOu23InhnaTK7fo-ksQdxcNIRm3GyP_cUqJO0XCUPhH48jDyQJOBal_gj_Y_9HZrwPhDu8l3BKugqD7kumKlYBksMG-ypIgWtWULcOwyLmbG5JrrB_wwwj8SYnVR-qzT7UJ3jgGvzZNO9Jwo-r8r9lrURMcmR8bym_SJIkd7OL/s4272/Panama%202022-0563.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiypELIIgP_mhkv1MqOu23InhnaTK7fo-ksQdxcNIRm3GyP_cUqJO0XCUPhH48jDyQJOBal_gj_Y_9HZrwPhDu8l3BKugqD7kumKlYBksMG-ypIgWtWULcOwyLmbG5JrrB_wwwj8SYnVR-qzT7UJ3jgGvzZNO9Jwo-r8r9lrURMcmR8bym_SJIkd7OL/s320/Panama%202022-0563.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The hike introduced us to all kinds of creatures. This black and yellow millipede was everywhere! They have a distinct oder and scare the daylights out of some 11 year old girls! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAeVvkob-VSfXan5O1BsAVRaAGRP5WOJFLZECaK1UQQsZdSfb6P9ChXYRpiNgyyp8IYmY99QRH3vyIQN8t5UWmT0SiHK-jNYOEERluDQrHprKkwsLB5-fnKDOvYV7mdCRAI_nJAZqaxmyWRbB3CVIrCakmJdgQMJjp_4oseHclWwFhOXDZBUFJ8A1O/s2275/Panama%202022-0566.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2275" data-original-width="1517" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAeVvkob-VSfXan5O1BsAVRaAGRP5WOJFLZECaK1UQQsZdSfb6P9ChXYRpiNgyyp8IYmY99QRH3vyIQN8t5UWmT0SiHK-jNYOEERluDQrHprKkwsLB5-fnKDOvYV7mdCRAI_nJAZqaxmyWRbB3CVIrCakmJdgQMJjp_4oseHclWwFhOXDZBUFJ8A1O/s320/Panama%202022-0566.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>This spider web was dense enough to catch my eye, and after asking our guide about it, he explained that it is a web with a male spider woven into the center. The female uses the male as bait after a few dates.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you look closely, you can see that these little green bits aren't just leaf confetti, they are a parade of leaf-cutter ants. They lined the path for miles walking their little bits of leaf up to a larger nest. Once the girls realized that they were all working together, we had to watch out step for the remainder of the hike - god forbid we step on an ant (or 10). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGcSKHX7CDMmYWhL7kvsNF0Jzy0geFyje4MqQakIiX0xmOldD09J9D6iCq56raDj7RqfH7x1c6CpFnuRezBPdiD4-NBi3kapBt_jO_R-WYHTTig3Qie-0LU5aUqLcGifCjkSNcPHOqDD0F3wk_JbQzDqmIyrICIZw99yhgP6kwjF-LoJpyphATB0Av/s4272/Panama%202022-0574.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGcSKHX7CDMmYWhL7kvsNF0Jzy0geFyje4MqQakIiX0xmOldD09J9D6iCq56raDj7RqfH7x1c6CpFnuRezBPdiD4-NBi3kapBt_jO_R-WYHTTig3Qie-0LU5aUqLcGifCjkSNcPHOqDD0F3wk_JbQzDqmIyrICIZw99yhgP6kwjF-LoJpyphATB0Av/s320/Panama%202022-0574.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We were truly in the jungle, but also, right next to the city.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgey__yty4PWi3swyVCUyIQGE7LsMy3As6DKZr5yLAraMNQcIoMYK2rvKqXxYnfsp7n1MzRrcWiiz13swpY8Jus_jRoEBUmoWVkmNnAf6ES-7Cx4sujrMywmeaszfZjFeXjUpfgjaJPfDS4DvRxN8DN2E_9X6uWKZAlsDZYXHLsReiGZueOc8-IBaKh/s4272/Panama%202022-0577.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgey__yty4PWi3swyVCUyIQGE7LsMy3As6DKZr5yLAraMNQcIoMYK2rvKqXxYnfsp7n1MzRrcWiiz13swpY8Jus_jRoEBUmoWVkmNnAf6ES-7Cx4sujrMywmeaszfZjFeXjUpfgjaJPfDS4DvRxN8DN2E_9X6uWKZAlsDZYXHLsReiGZueOc8-IBaKh/s320/Panama%202022-0577.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibex83UzyroL5dzP_4g9jlGK6Btk4ZJbpFLk3QCUOVwDfhaD4K2HJ0CMpX3cKjgB6JWKdrIUjaKjCnUaAdJC2wF5jen52k0Mq6Yjv7b3tH8ERc9wuCbHNzp0RuLbnFgw9z-UmGtqU_nyixOEcACa-4sxBHYnwrnQgJhsk20K_V15J4Aw-Shrgc_tY/s4272/Panama%202022-0580.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibex83UzyroL5dzP_4g9jlGK6Btk4ZJbpFLk3QCUOVwDfhaD4K2HJ0CMpX3cKjgB6JWKdrIUjaKjCnUaAdJC2wF5jen52k0Mq6Yjv7b3tH8ERc9wuCbHNzp0RuLbnFgw9z-UmGtqU_nyixOEcACa-4sxBHYnwrnQgJhsk20K_V15J4Aw-Shrgc_tY/s320/Panama%202022-0580.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our traveling troop. Guess who didn't like the millipedes. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghxHEhBZlCjthSpJT1GhIR48zX0m1mtUemGeo_Cbm9EjgWQGVQdzprYIKOE_c6FkqKxHu8v7wvLgoXOOSM_rzbEL-C1zChGhm0YWqPj4Eq2MI6vXdcCmElr8qCGJQUb3QCHRZ4hpGI7hcP9W_LS7JNWoklltvKnqvQEOwjsZtQrvIox_3JNF_xdBXR/s4272/Panama%202022-0588.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghxHEhBZlCjthSpJT1GhIR48zX0m1mtUemGeo_Cbm9EjgWQGVQdzprYIKOE_c6FkqKxHu8v7wvLgoXOOSM_rzbEL-C1zChGhm0YWqPj4Eq2MI6vXdcCmElr8qCGJQUb3QCHRZ4hpGI7hcP9W_LS7JNWoklltvKnqvQEOwjsZtQrvIox_3JNF_xdBXR/s320/Panama%202022-0588.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See that? I didn't either, at first... but it's a sloth!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMooIIcnp5WdTNIdpT4Twf11Abgbv824PD1yRpZoG0IuQHwEv_d6kA_-bCI05J3IO761ZK1sAuetc5VegdPbz3PRwkJ0SHRK4TYgvn1morW5SNINF3ZnwRYH9O213mlzQbIMO53uTTLayAqyDElDe9kNOh3V-HLEGfljRBOk_6ad0_qjDi7X62UmUq/s4272/Panama%202022-0597.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMooIIcnp5WdTNIdpT4Twf11Abgbv824PD1yRpZoG0IuQHwEv_d6kA_-bCI05J3IO761ZK1sAuetc5VegdPbz3PRwkJ0SHRK4TYgvn1morW5SNINF3ZnwRYH9O213mlzQbIMO53uTTLayAqyDElDe9kNOh3V-HLEGfljRBOk_6ad0_qjDi7X62UmUq/s320/Panama%202022-0597.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And a stately looking toucan!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPN8Ck8pWXtlqDzoxCwIQzlHddOjbfgGk5ajdBmcYlRl4u0fWj8w7uVXuHcz94QbhpeFKRQxMR-adlqb5U4NmUuboDVPE3ILbkH4ohEP9iEh3NAKSC5g4-aBL0z1ACvbpow1h3nDFEgKt5epx6n_EPYHk5o8h6CTs8OUA2LfD2Mj9T4hxqh82HLJ1/s4272/Panama%202022-0599.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPN8Ck8pWXtlqDzoxCwIQzlHddOjbfgGk5ajdBmcYlRl4u0fWj8w7uVXuHcz94QbhpeFKRQxMR-adlqb5U4NmUuboDVPE3ILbkH4ohEP9iEh3NAKSC5g4-aBL0z1ACvbpow1h3nDFEgKt5epx6n_EPYHk5o8h6CTs8OUA2LfD2Mj9T4hxqh82HLJ1/s320/Panama%202022-0599.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And another sloth! This one is of the 2-toed variety. It was still very, very, very slow.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">So that was quite the full day of activity. This was only Day 2! </div><br /><div><br /></div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13038190498004521969noreply@blogger.com0Panama City, Panama8.9823792 -79.519869599999993-19.327854636178845 -114.67611959999999 37.292613036178849 -44.363619599999993tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693626898531784810.post-64674780776484813942022-07-14T13:05:00.001-05:002022-07-16T15:33:59.023-05:00Panama: The Old City<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQzDVuTOVCxADFylPWiug7m9lUKJnUmD39MtJKFcDQeTbsjeghfzAgBRI0lSGf4OzszB38ZlRFsVUldmNX_KQbB5aE0WtXw792sCfnxyMM1Fh9bnzHjwAGXBLpEJqiYyqh-H4AxCpVY9L52dAfKtRplxKL1NeAONELRN9RfHxVfGCKiBI8KTctc-Y/s4070/Panama%202022-0427.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2713" data-original-width="4070" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQzDVuTOVCxADFylPWiug7m9lUKJnUmD39MtJKFcDQeTbsjeghfzAgBRI0lSGf4OzszB38ZlRFsVUldmNX_KQbB5aE0WtXw792sCfnxyMM1Fh9bnzHjwAGXBLpEJqiYyqh-H4AxCpVY9L52dAfKtRplxKL1NeAONELRN9RfHxVfGCKiBI8KTctc-Y/s320/Panama%202022-0427.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Just months before a global pandemic, Gretchen's Girl Scout leader proposed that we take an international trip as a troop. An educational trip, to visit somewhere we wanted to learn more about. After considering the available options, we set our sights on "An Adventure in Panama", and proceeded to sell cookies and fall products over the next couple of years to help assist with the cost. Last Monday, we returned from this incredible trip.<p></p><p>Panama is such an interesting country. Far more than "that country with a canal", it has coastline on the Pacific and Atlantic (Caribbean) oceans, mountains, lakes, jungles, wildlife and a beautiful skyline! It was industrialized and safe and fascinating; surpassing my expectations in every way. </p><p>Panama is geographically important in a few different ways. It was the final piece of the puzzle connecting North America and South America, which by all accounts happened pretty recently. Somewhere around 3 millions years ago a whole bunch of volcanos exploded a whole lot of material and connected the two massive continents. This allowed for anything that wanted to walk across the continents to be able to do so without having to cross water. It also meant that a big ol' land wall was put up where the oceans previously connected. More on that to come. </p><p>A the beginning of the 1500s, Rodrigo de Bastidas left Venezuela and sailed west looking for gold. Fresh off of his voyage from Spain to the Caribbean, Christopher Columbus decided to continue traveling west and landed in Panama about a year later. These fellas lead to Spain learning all about Panama and alerting the European world that there was a skinny, 50 mile strip of land that was a whole lot easier to cross than going all the way around the continent of South America. So, the Spaniards took over and the native people fought back, died of new European diseases and then retreated into the mountains and jungles around the country. </p><p></p><p style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2762" data-original-width="4143" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTCIsCOroBTN5Vi5YwMDuput-uxwrihV39ye7leIWmO8TDFlppZN-89RsKRGIfsVD2I5_hrXd7ZSKaFhJyh6vrY_iGT1G5aoeCU2MnC8grmE3-hg1h5do8x9rxM9pcgX87BtDCxUz7YSaWEqcFDkh-quLvVgCZdP9T2SIQzsm-0633vxbFBi9MhnKv/s320/Panama%202022-0411.jpg" width="320" /></p>The Spanish ruled for the next 300 years, during which time they built towns, squares and, of course, churches. We explored the remnants of Panama Viejo, the original site of Panama City, which at its peak had a population of 10,000 but crumbled after fire, earthquakes, pirates and privateer Henry Morgan pillaged the city. <p></p><p>The cathedral still stands, and you are able to climb up to the top for a really great view of both the original Panama Viejo, and the glistening new skyline which has developed from the relocation of Panama City after it's destruction. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhKsL82FieTfQvn0gliMwKxYyuiP17TTRfAfyU0fGjblkhiKODzz2Xt1yL9c5jY2-4widPBccYjJzNlyODLtcunlkLJPawPxgBeYSyWM1-8EGDe51KbiUsCEfAShuHY7isWpy5-pjbyC4b1Z_RX22nAtWTl5DNdtBIilM7riPDFrhrmXOntz--gUP/s4272/Panama%202022-0424.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhKsL82FieTfQvn0gliMwKxYyuiP17TTRfAfyU0fGjblkhiKODzz2Xt1yL9c5jY2-4widPBccYjJzNlyODLtcunlkLJPawPxgBeYSyWM1-8EGDe51KbiUsCEfAShuHY7isWpy5-pjbyC4b1Z_RX22nAtWTl5DNdtBIilM7riPDFrhrmXOntz--gUP/s320/Panama%202022-0424.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the foreground there is old city ruins, the background is the shiny new Panama City skyline.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyIKyV19cExZoOkW6FahEWqpOT613X47bSXQU-I5-sDmwNCrxdw3rBnecU_-h_s-42Je5-rN-6unckkQimvxWPn_kctdRmaaOBhwGxeWukp7VbZbV53_mGYU2kjt0pLP8tykcWnU1oFdM99GjGtyFxazOB0P77zY_48ICTiJsJtcGGdyKMPxbQY8sD/s4272/Panama%202022-0436.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyIKyV19cExZoOkW6FahEWqpOT613X47bSXQU-I5-sDmwNCrxdw3rBnecU_-h_s-42Je5-rN-6unckkQimvxWPn_kctdRmaaOBhwGxeWukp7VbZbV53_mGYU2kjt0pLP8tykcWnU1oFdM99GjGtyFxazOB0P77zY_48ICTiJsJtcGGdyKMPxbQY8sD/s320/Panama%202022-0436.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And out the other side of the tower you can see the Pacific Ocean, a mountain range and a whole line up of ships waiting for entrance to the Panama Canal. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEv-nJ9VlALd27FVXTs2Z7z1l7ejoQXIJnq2j9eCOX1pvpbqDNpb_GzSONbgF5FJauUlrAw1GAsLoZ2NAiqzHPFyEv8B9EZZ4f44SWlQNT9gOD1Ogdq46ITSUwyJqYSfBOc_IiAVSWy16gdvtJZgUJoZ8AoCYyoq2addvhsfypk37iiEl1z2IJ77KW/s4272/Panama%202022-0428.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEv-nJ9VlALd27FVXTs2Z7z1l7ejoQXIJnq2j9eCOX1pvpbqDNpb_GzSONbgF5FJauUlrAw1GAsLoZ2NAiqzHPFyEv8B9EZZ4f44SWlQNT9gOD1Ogdq46ITSUwyJqYSfBOc_IiAVSWy16gdvtJZgUJoZ8AoCYyoq2addvhsfypk37iiEl1z2IJ77KW/s320/Panama%202022-0428.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>As we followed the trails around the old city, we saw lizards and iguanas and so, so many mangos. Our guide showed us the best way to "pick" ripe mangos. 1) Find a fallen mango. 2) Throw it into the tree 3) mangos fall from the sky! Gretchen was an expert!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8LvAR07vDCpvxXOKTdWoJY9EPdzjx0NAeVfDctRGB7DkNsd-JfyHXo9z1U_TBmdRt2udWc3Cdq4cP73WN0SyatGcKr3x4XOg3WMPFRT0YzraQPKJ7Bruq-rn6DkEHHZbPm1IMMc-y1La9tdgm9yisMfeTszav6k_ViNiGF-mGubDfHutHBaN7MUrC/s4272/Panama%202022-0417.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8LvAR07vDCpvxXOKTdWoJY9EPdzjx0NAeVfDctRGB7DkNsd-JfyHXo9z1U_TBmdRt2udWc3Cdq4cP73WN0SyatGcKr3x4XOg3WMPFRT0YzraQPKJ7Bruq-rn6DkEHHZbPm1IMMc-y1La9tdgm9yisMfeTszav6k_ViNiGF-mGubDfHutHBaN7MUrC/s320/Panama%202022-0417.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGvbWy0n5Im2fcgx_D4naMKjiR-vNCVUjBSO9F85w1hk82k8kvjaw_JQodN3JtjMjavCaHSA4KuGYZlBGCCcCXuBPdgmJo14HxuROgDU3wYIvvZPLQAJ5OBzp3IM-1HAb4a5bvmtf4R27g-DRj_qat8b9ffw58vT7pg1ukymi132UoHrRfwuy87q3/s3353/Panama%202022-0415.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2235" data-original-width="3353" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGvbWy0n5Im2fcgx_D4naMKjiR-vNCVUjBSO9F85w1hk82k8kvjaw_JQodN3JtjMjavCaHSA4KuGYZlBGCCcCXuBPdgmJo14HxuROgDU3wYIvvZPLQAJ5OBzp3IM-1HAb4a5bvmtf4R27g-DRj_qat8b9ffw58vT7pg1ukymi132UoHrRfwuy87q3/s320/Panama%202022-0415.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>This was a great introduction to the city. Comparing the old and new, and leaving with some delicious treats for later. We saved our mangos, and ventured into Casco Antiguo for lunch at <a href="https://www.theworlds50best.com/discovery/Establishments/Panama/Panama-City/Fonda-Lo-Que-Hay.html" target="_blank">Fonda Lo Que Hay</a>. This was my favorite food stop of the trip!<p></p></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After lunch, we walked a couple of blocks over to the <a href="https://www.museodelcanal.com/en/" target="_blank">Panama Canal Museum</a>. This was a full walk from start to finish of the planning, construction, staffing and (at times) failings of the canal. It is a fascinating history, with lots of casualties and conflict, but ended in the completion of the canal in January 1915 and shortening the shipping route from NYC to San Fransisco by over 8,000 miles.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEg-7jRvY3HhXbplJziVt0PVgvFZ3JQw2x76D6tqP7GkDRExrhGvCkPAt84T2kABBWtc3MGE8quWAHYa7X7ZYqu5bBB91gjQVnTU0PKMeTaD2070oATDORYpLPDO458aHhC6kmTLLUPtKmsxvWpTHdC15vHdszWSB_xiYO7RrecO8K84ZHrKOizJwz/s4272/Panama%202022-0462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4272" data-original-width="2848" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEg-7jRvY3HhXbplJziVt0PVgvFZ3JQw2x76D6tqP7GkDRExrhGvCkPAt84T2kABBWtc3MGE8quWAHYa7X7ZYqu5bBB91gjQVnTU0PKMeTaD2070oATDORYpLPDO458aHhC6kmTLLUPtKmsxvWpTHdC15vHdszWSB_xiYO7RrecO8K84ZHrKOizJwz/s320/Panama%202022-0462.jpg" width="213" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>We had a few hours left in the day, so we took a drive down the Amador Causeway. This 3 mile road was made by connecting 3 tiny islands on the Pacific side of Panama. All that rock removed from the construction of the Panama Canal had to go somewhere, so they connected these islands, built a road and a boardwalk, and a great photo opportunity at this fun Panama sign:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7tWVH4WogJyxB9sr3yO4RFRPBQIpjIRNhqLEi6QyfLGz5PhmQnfo09Soh43hw_2y4ku_gt7_NhWsBRn4X-KEPymNtZ30tnicDkjaYqTYUJpyQqddftzgPr1t7ZsXhQYZ4wQ-KnP29QucsHAQRQvTG40vnmsGTs_PmWny9FyIzhdm-hLL32p3w1XG/s4272/Panama%202022-0444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7tWVH4WogJyxB9sr3yO4RFRPBQIpjIRNhqLEi6QyfLGz5PhmQnfo09Soh43hw_2y4ku_gt7_NhWsBRn4X-KEPymNtZ30tnicDkjaYqTYUJpyQqddftzgPr1t7ZsXhQYZ4wQ-KnP29QucsHAQRQvTG40vnmsGTs_PmWny9FyIzhdm-hLL32p3w1XG/s320/Panama%202022-0444.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgt0EcmZAyCFAtSjQDEq_RJsXvAyqkGyqL12FPwMsE_7LKF71q7n6fpN2WuDvtJsHKK8qssnfp9QWJx9xrBwbhymJ847dcWMvypVUT_y0qUfiIcH58Eafqu5paTqx_lcf1Q06xdtrqdfXPmbUXl3PC_0BZAHYKHPVPYMlsOJXDjnotkUfTLuDU9u7/s4272/Panama%202022-0451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4272" data-original-width="2848" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgt0EcmZAyCFAtSjQDEq_RJsXvAyqkGyqL12FPwMsE_7LKF71q7n6fpN2WuDvtJsHKK8qssnfp9QWJx9xrBwbhymJ847dcWMvypVUT_y0qUfiIcH58Eafqu5paTqx_lcf1Q06xdtrqdfXPmbUXl3PC_0BZAHYKHPVPYMlsOJXDjnotkUfTLuDU9u7/s320/Panama%202022-0451.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnTbPgbw_-cP-p_IreUFdartmIsZ6YxOalahjMwLUX2gWQBkck6wCPTYIERuz6uXlgIQ6lQk5m383C50PPTh2cGu65FtsryAOBo-7J8abXVgeKcxFnQWN2L5pR1n0aVibOgYYTXVc8Szv0hDtqVr7qktbeBTmB90p0I9afeEeHHG5yccygOqiFfp5/s4169/Panama%202022-0456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4169" data-original-width="2779" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnTbPgbw_-cP-p_IreUFdartmIsZ6YxOalahjMwLUX2gWQBkck6wCPTYIERuz6uXlgIQ6lQk5m383C50PPTh2cGu65FtsryAOBo-7J8abXVgeKcxFnQWN2L5pR1n0aVibOgYYTXVc8Szv0hDtqVr7qktbeBTmB90p0I9afeEeHHG5yccygOqiFfp5/s320/Panama%202022-0456.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-MpdafF73Aaf3UsLELbpreaN_cW6tknrFNDlyCj1nAV-niTldZ_CYpssMSA4WIuS82kOH9MEaWoK0-TgW2ho6N4NVgGec9REmnuLoyrHV6ws-scflcPP2DG3gEvG8HW6E-FfsVcNkBBxkrCcmobB1hR4D3-43483Cf-j3LcMG5YSCuPUYIfhstGBz/s4032/95A4BC8D-AAD7-4843-B074-3490C4EE6D00.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-MpdafF73Aaf3UsLELbpreaN_cW6tknrFNDlyCj1nAV-niTldZ_CYpssMSA4WIuS82kOH9MEaWoK0-TgW2ho6N4NVgGec9REmnuLoyrHV6ws-scflcPP2DG3gEvG8HW6E-FfsVcNkBBxkrCcmobB1hR4D3-43483Cf-j3LcMG5YSCuPUYIfhstGBz/s320/95A4BC8D-AAD7-4843-B074-3490C4EE6D00.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Panama Day 1, Complete!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13038190498004521969noreply@blogger.com0Panama City, Panama8.9823792 -79.519869599999993-19.327854636178845 -114.67611959999999 37.292613036178849 -44.363619599999993tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693626898531784810.post-80591347362657453332022-05-12T15:53:00.003-05:002022-09-28T21:26:09.075-05:00Graham Does Denver<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPMyXpRhrcVZ1U-E06Fdle2RArDwZZaxiW3ioGKI4Nsobj4776RKBxpdLIn_A9us-5r74PDRV452VTqmD7opEAkCDZqHXAN-owzqLj6JPXkc_cXY59DURqKZtuZbs37X3G3huGYSYaNdgsi95VAX0W_E4rgH_wkunKZOVBdnl5ymBFn6zJ_FXmsZiq/s3088/IMG_7315.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPMyXpRhrcVZ1U-E06Fdle2RArDwZZaxiW3ioGKI4Nsobj4776RKBxpdLIn_A9us-5r74PDRV452VTqmD7opEAkCDZqHXAN-owzqLj6JPXkc_cXY59DURqKZtuZbs37X3G3huGYSYaNdgsi95VAX0W_E4rgH_wkunKZOVBdnl5ymBFn6zJ_FXmsZiq/s320/IMG_7315.JPG" width="240" /></a>In a completely unplanned coincidence, I have taken each of our kids on a solo trip to visit my college best friends' families when they were five years old. Since Sarah has moved to Denver, she had a baby, started a new job, and it was due time to visit my friend. Graham is now five, so he got to join mom on this visit. </p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNE4aICEEEDfCnyqm1w2RLJ5xiZlAOB3nmc9sInjZD0-rm2jurksKvdmkRmOFeBAksr8RQve5uNEcrrbOtMQRb16RHw6nWfAJCzr-z4R0YQrGRWS8uyhZ2mhbWEDVqbp5LCxy0nQsx12WQiS6iGTfAWojJpdZ87hymXexen0fAB12IrW8dmCxYbhm9/s1795/Denver%202022--2.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1795" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNE4aICEEEDfCnyqm1w2RLJ5xiZlAOB3nmc9sInjZD0-rm2jurksKvdmkRmOFeBAksr8RQve5uNEcrrbOtMQRb16RHw6nWfAJCzr-z4R0YQrGRWS8uyhZ2mhbWEDVqbp5LCxy0nQsx12WQiS6iGTfAWojJpdZ87hymXexen0fAB12IrW8dmCxYbhm9/s320/Denver%202022--2.jpg" width="257" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah's littles on the left, <br />Graham rocking his Pikachu shirt on the right</td></tr></tbody></table>Sarah and I are great friends. We are dedicated to getting our families together. We are very bad at remembering photos during these visits. <p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6g3KnSq4btJ5QQOU1CX5R8DDlvJmrVSi6iJ2VPR55GSPep8PKFmNKjFqxUv_1W-rI0Obrmnp_Gn4tbhnimum4eQ1cMQwlH7unSdsa_EMzfox_QpnCIgCLTtHki_KQmsY5BYxrEDqxQqfi1xVf0QE4SlgYsC1QjVjqyWpBFvFkp_nego8D49zNUkpd/s3088/IMG_7316.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6g3KnSq4btJ5QQOU1CX5R8DDlvJmrVSi6iJ2VPR55GSPep8PKFmNKjFqxUv_1W-rI0Obrmnp_Gn4tbhnimum4eQ1cMQwlH7unSdsa_EMzfox_QpnCIgCLTtHki_KQmsY5BYxrEDqxQqfi1xVf0QE4SlgYsC1QjVjqyWpBFvFkp_nego8D49zNUkpd/s320/IMG_7316.JPG" width="240" /></a></p><p><br /><br />We went on an hour long hike starting from her front door, and walked to a restaurant that had Graham's favorite macaroni and cheese. We met approximately 400 of their neighbor kids, all that have their very own electric scooters. Then we took the kids to <a href="https://www.centennialco.gov/Government/Departments/Parks-Trails-Open-Spaces/City-Parks-Trails/Centennial-Center-Park">Centennial Center Park</a> where they dug up dinosaur bones in the sand and stared enviously at the other children whose parents brought swimsuits for the splash pad and water park. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3cI4YWa8N_n30gut2gUIhf3UtfIeLZ9ojh2aX1QApR7CBsr4j_NyoneIBkBK_ITsBX_qMmA52uV0r8dIZimM9Mz6yaIXHiCmKJIDo60KGCN7fsv5sPgws93_xifyiPyPtN6k1tDwWEXrFaAYP-rxdYsfX8TGlBYr6gGGbVFfQe1BFKy-2f22lN0G-/s1795/Denver%202022--4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1795" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3cI4YWa8N_n30gut2gUIhf3UtfIeLZ9ojh2aX1QApR7CBsr4j_NyoneIBkBK_ITsBX_qMmA52uV0r8dIZimM9Mz6yaIXHiCmKJIDo60KGCN7fsv5sPgws93_xifyiPyPtN6k1tDwWEXrFaAYP-rxdYsfX8TGlBYr6gGGbVFfQe1BFKy-2f22lN0G-/s320/Denver%202022--4.jpg" width="257" /></a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_UGMpG_TBlD3X1SniNJwdliNAQ37tYtUSva9ldWpkXG_q-JRtObmTqX4OM9Jlzwhq0HWFDmOP6ENxlsAvz4nMilJ3bmDB4KhA1xHj6cZTwjanVwRSjQYDCUQLnpdOZzG0czMytu3a8Q37icIWd4mp-YHmARXdsUETWA3e2e-CjWLmunBtvcqL_V3i/s4032/IMG_7357.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqa95-CTMsyIA2Oi_21hjoXmdTdoZwC39GRKCvnwGu6zXLt3RgrEvbf7-RoxsZZUNGLNGO5js5Zlc_d139etxSexzsg5vyIkitB-npEGauUnX9fOY8dIShgWi2utDIHZ_BTKkzIor-OpjadJix3nD2oihioXC0d2b84ogGYhyIQ8Ibnq7Co4-RDsd8/s1795/Denver%202022-49.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1795" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqa95-CTMsyIA2Oi_21hjoXmdTdoZwC39GRKCvnwGu6zXLt3RgrEvbf7-RoxsZZUNGLNGO5js5Zlc_d139etxSexzsg5vyIkitB-npEGauUnX9fOY8dIShgWi2utDIHZ_BTKkzIor-OpjadJix3nD2oihioXC0d2b84ogGYhyIQ8Ibnq7Co4-RDsd8/s320/Denver%202022-49.jpg" width="257" /></a>We revisited an art installation from my past. Back in 2019, the 2nd gen lady Gills got together in Santa Fe, NM and visited a place called Meow Wolf. It's indescribable. And Denver has one all their own. Sarah's kids knew their way around the place, but for Graham, it was an experience like no other. Colors. Lights. Interactive Museum displays. Luckily, he had Lydia to show him the ropes. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_UGMpG_TBlD3X1SniNJwdliNAQ37tYtUSva9ldWpkXG_q-JRtObmTqX4OM9Jlzwhq0HWFDmOP6ENxlsAvz4nMilJ3bmDB4KhA1xHj6cZTwjanVwRSjQYDCUQLnpdOZzG0czMytu3a8Q37icIWd4mp-YHmARXdsUETWA3e2e-CjWLmunBtvcqL_V3i/s320/IMG_7357.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graham + Meow Wolf = Happiness</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sarah's husband won a gold medal for the following day, where he offered to keep all three children for the Whole. Day. while we had an adventure of our own. Separately, Mr. Josh took the kids on a real live train ride, and then to a restaurant that had a Golden Tee arcade game. This is the highlight of Graham's trip to Denver. Golden Tee. Josh for the win. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While they were Golden Tee-ing, we were on <a href="https://www.royalgorgeroute.com/" target="_blank">The Royal Gorge Railroad</a>! </div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgblvQY0BigKarBJQY-xCtaZkzz2xI-0N5z7RLFbjqazsQZ_kL1lm4yeQMT_mJC5iYcZez-0dSCGS-dxSDu61IxS9PP0uhxgsXqXpgddWPXk2uw0PLPapG4RQJkPixR9mnXHEVkjZ0e5kZwcNMLtV2yuU_uDZ_Xp3s0mLVaomG3Ks_MdejqQWxhTJQE/s1024/imagejpeg_0.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="1024" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgblvQY0BigKarBJQY-xCtaZkzz2xI-0N5z7RLFbjqazsQZ_kL1lm4yeQMT_mJC5iYcZez-0dSCGS-dxSDu61IxS9PP0uhxgsXqXpgddWPXk2uw0PLPapG4RQJkPixR9mnXHEVkjZ0e5kZwcNMLtV2yuU_uDZ_Xp3s0mLVaomG3Ks_MdejqQWxhTJQE/s320/imagejpeg_0.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun and Friends and a Train!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was the greatest of all tourist traps! We had a full multi-course meal on the train, with white table cloths and full service. It was the best way to catch up with my friend! Hours of great views, pondering about who built it and how it could operate so close to the surrounding rock, and a quiet, intimate place to talk about life while someone else serves a meal was exactly what we needed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ezCFCBzT5bL-PBUbQjh9QElovFNCFcS7t5oaJZgoqkOqAsLDcI0mquQjh__enca2ayNqgcQ1FffkrVHTdkvO-5InoQnM2O58hhqjXhhonVFPZy1SKee7yuvfQ96AAOxerUU7pCa3pwv1EszCdzWaUXZzNg58LUoGykWGQy4Ovb37X47ryhIH7bKH/s4032/IMG_7325.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ezCFCBzT5bL-PBUbQjh9QElovFNCFcS7t5oaJZgoqkOqAsLDcI0mquQjh__enca2ayNqgcQ1FffkrVHTdkvO-5InoQnM2O58hhqjXhhonVFPZy1SKee7yuvfQ96AAOxerUU7pCa3pwv1EszCdzWaUXZzNg58LUoGykWGQy4Ovb37X47ryhIH7bKH/s320/IMG_7325.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We sat inside with windows all around, and when we wanted fresh air, there was an open top car for that too. It was a dream! <div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB6PrlltD9WpmzENQYf8ijH0Gc1D-ZrOkV2B_J0IGrGmwIQeIB5aZYjctYr6-4xFATJjw21udQORZI2z1j_VcyqZt_m3AWcIRxnj5kHXywQ5qXggs1eouu8ZOVKed_mI-kFJjyJPyKbD2go5YbzIhEVFBoZDbubkjtfFlrfBxGDQHczm7HlxAP6PQv/s1795/Denver%202022--3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1795" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB6PrlltD9WpmzENQYf8ijH0Gc1D-ZrOkV2B_J0IGrGmwIQeIB5aZYjctYr6-4xFATJjw21udQORZI2z1j_VcyqZt_m3AWcIRxnj5kHXywQ5qXggs1eouu8ZOVKed_mI-kFJjyJPyKbD2go5YbzIhEVFBoZDbubkjtfFlrfBxGDQHczm7HlxAP6PQv/s320/Denver%202022--3.jpg" width="257" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Open air car selfie!</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVLYCmg4KhryErCzA6yhkrkCFgYqeETv47IvxaKi4aAqefsLgfXsZh6_HTchZIW9JWVfFG_Cy-0s5AFxG2Myzl_J7PLjnov2Zol43MoShMt853jazI6PaBYtg9-AZflJOyde2rOMiDPvHOoV4ho596axUBV6XHB5KNguC8DjvGV-VnVc38m-KYKNF/s4032/IMG_7327.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVLYCmg4KhryErCzA6yhkrkCFgYqeETv47IvxaKi4aAqefsLgfXsZh6_HTchZIW9JWVfFG_Cy-0s5AFxG2Myzl_J7PLjnov2Zol43MoShMt853jazI6PaBYtg9-AZflJOyde2rOMiDPvHOoV4ho596axUBV6XHB5KNguC8DjvGV-VnVc38m-KYKNF/s320/IMG_7327.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvVav922oCBqqRT9l4aQmYw5Y2cy27_XGCAiAxSq5SQuj6TEaD9-_JqYe8wNCW3BDn2xnEma7bRf3RMdu_emb1kwnuknSl9PrcnEasOV584CTkNzcHaKlkqWXOBFdB0YpV1oJFZQuD9ZWqbXapTZ6kosWwyWvKyD7CB_hR6TLMoYsugnB36_GPJ0k/s1592/Denver%202022-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1592" data-original-width="1276" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvVav922oCBqqRT9l4aQmYw5Y2cy27_XGCAiAxSq5SQuj6TEaD9-_JqYe8wNCW3BDn2xnEma7bRf3RMdu_emb1kwnuknSl9PrcnEasOV584CTkNzcHaKlkqWXOBFdB0YpV1oJFZQuD9ZWqbXapTZ6kosWwyWvKyD7CB_hR6TLMoYsugnB36_GPJ0k/s320/Denver%202022-4.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsADRGznvzX0miwds_nbUHQo80DviW2L4M3_EpoAbTj5pCR_gwRE7zYsdGEzeaVTE6mRTQHcM7ciAaYcQwtZEQD1R7Io1klj_p94QQwpCyyI7BctU7fSnln_vrL_ngyB3VsK2HHihiH6lU92XiSW65WNEcvRIRx0_eM3DMWo9HlCDBlGv9rH8iOX0Z/s1795/Denver%202022--5.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1795" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsADRGznvzX0miwds_nbUHQo80DviW2L4M3_EpoAbTj5pCR_gwRE7zYsdGEzeaVTE6mRTQHcM7ciAaYcQwtZEQD1R7Io1klj_p94QQwpCyyI7BctU7fSnln_vrL_ngyB3VsK2HHihiH6lU92XiSW65WNEcvRIRx0_eM3DMWo9HlCDBlGv9rH8iOX0Z/s320/Denver%202022--5.jpg" width="257" /></a>Lucky for me, some of my favorite cousins live a short drive from one of my best friends. I wanted so badly to introduce them and unite two incredible families that I love! We had a great opportunity when my 2nd cousin Aisley was having a celebration for her 8th grade graduation the same weekend that Graham and I were in town! This 8th grade graduate attended our wedding as a very young little miss. We took the opportunity to crash her party and I introduced some of my favorite people. As an added bonus, my little man got to see his Uncle John and some of the cousins we would all love to see more!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1795" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdmSx0z1Zi-EQqzjTSGkEICI2lr5ub4P1mHh2DliSbedhVA8FWhIB9ZY7llQXeFRSllyhoL_L6wjAjIPWBx_ujozGkeVv0R8L1L0aMmMEjEaUSDPY1OehKfed03fNeqXm2_y42PD4RIEpM9kDGdfNi3uBwoZodIIoOvLFUakq0R8cOF13enjA0YNg/w257-h320/Denver%202022-120.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="257" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jonathan & Graham, cut from the same cloth</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While we were living the Colorado life, Jon was managing things at home. The Texas life is different than most other daily life. This weekend was no exception. I got a text message that something was looking back at Jon from the pool skimmer. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2YBFcJJDvvVc6Dh9DkRKgq_URuyocs09Au1sCkp2Zmfb65RmaFTofh-Dt0Kpv_XsTp_ETgGFroNuE-3bVyn0fIdHgTlT_0mb6y6M-CYdg8yXHLii4DkxYzsHF3QIq8qtpCa3PmPoiFE1f9EJOsVMT0zUwfkA2FbFsyl7oMmPaWAS26-ktz0T5zcM/s1800/Denver%202022-51.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2YBFcJJDvvVc6Dh9DkRKgq_URuyocs09Au1sCkp2Zmfb65RmaFTofh-Dt0Kpv_XsTp_ETgGFroNuE-3bVyn0fIdHgTlT_0mb6y6M-CYdg8yXHLii4DkxYzsHF3QIq8qtpCa3PmPoiFE1f9EJOsVMT0zUwfkA2FbFsyl7oMmPaWAS26-ktz0T5zcM/s320/Denver%202022-51.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Look closely. Do you know what that is? A little pointed snout, a long rat tail, a football shaped body, and a pool. Maybe you knew it was an armadillo, but did you know that they can swim? Nope, me neither. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXBjsVK7tH0FKP0hYRWWh7sBhDnJKXOUr3eJ-xzTyvw5psNDdbc9kb18XegII9JEmzZvKUJoNKy5uvn05pg-a0r0Zjti03lXFXt2pZnkKOfskxaRF7-y9aOPGEoiAxJwOR8vkNUghz6ub0DTe1UqgsBZYgZh6tY7xoVzkYtmNo_sDMgDMM43C1_Nqz/s1800/Denver%202022-48946789.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXBjsVK7tH0FKP0hYRWWh7sBhDnJKXOUr3eJ-xzTyvw5psNDdbc9kb18XegII9JEmzZvKUJoNKy5uvn05pg-a0r0Zjti03lXFXt2pZnkKOfskxaRF7-y9aOPGEoiAxJwOR8vkNUghz6ub0DTe1UqgsBZYgZh6tY7xoVzkYtmNo_sDMgDMM43C1_Nqz/s320/Denver%202022-48946789.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This sucker has been digging up our landscaping for weeks! He danced too close to the fire and must have fallen in the pool. Jon found him in the skimmer and helped him get his weird little armor body out to dry land. Though you are not welcome here. Please dig for grubs elsewhere. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBwnrXojWUu_Wkca2bW6aXrQ7Q94mwaOPYfYa3r9jI1UhNliq7c1n17KiMtNGA4eI72vJ5VD7JLf_fH_0RSnRRGvlczOySbeIty_AHGNQ0vXzsUoD9cQ8P05buy_piNsnYZtrArtFw5AOApkQwaZvlOpvy4djt1cCankxZxFCUfS3Q8LhLDCiQAy5/s1800/Denver%202022-.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBwnrXojWUu_Wkca2bW6aXrQ7Q94mwaOPYfYa3r9jI1UhNliq7c1n17KiMtNGA4eI72vJ5VD7JLf_fH_0RSnRRGvlczOySbeIty_AHGNQ0vXzsUoD9cQ8P05buy_piNsnYZtrArtFw5AOApkQwaZvlOpvy4djt1cCankxZxFCUfS3Q8LhLDCiQAy5/s320/Denver%202022-.jpg" width="256" /></a></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Denver was lovely. Graham was hoping to see snow, which is a tall order in May, but we might just have to return for a snow filled winter season. While we have armadillos, we don't have a whole lot of winter. Thank you Sarah and Josh for hosting us and showing us your community!</div><br /><p></p></div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13038190498004521969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693626898531784810.post-56430775725638725842022-04-04T08:54:00.002-05:002022-07-09T12:44:27.923-05:0030A Spring Break<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXUKt4TydtXW1DOLftI1b7gLgIXVpn8SAhGI1z2chfsACh9bbUh2Lm1QWNVeIx3v8H9KaYntbNMxSdwhHCUCSLfzhJa3SFRvSerU31uStRNvf_tAcMWll-HcP95oZZQtA2hWICTLYoWmnysGEgU__rs3GUSO11HvnvyrtzsqaHzl6JYiksFsfxDa7H/s4032/IMG_1523.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXUKt4TydtXW1DOLftI1b7gLgIXVpn8SAhGI1z2chfsACh9bbUh2Lm1QWNVeIx3v8H9KaYntbNMxSdwhHCUCSLfzhJa3SFRvSerU31uStRNvf_tAcMWll-HcP95oZZQtA2hWICTLYoWmnysGEgU__rs3GUSO11HvnvyrtzsqaHzl6JYiksFsfxDa7H/s320/IMG_1523.jpeg" width="240" /></a>We went to Florida for Spring Break this year! Specifically, we joined family friends at their brand new beach house on the 30A strip of the FL panhandle. The panhandle is not just for spring break college students anymore, it was a wonderful family destination!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFIgVTW3ATyEsxmTAaU6xKS85MvcrZo0zKoWibQJPbtAcsVP73xiwJ8Rc86PwQS-KD-EOVKbsXs8ksAJd2eixIGu3zIseq7h56OYOs7UAdZPAujlO12I8l9am3LZ9M1vgCoIj8eCWPo7_wFuPGFd4JgMlHtWmVrzMIqGm0qG653pmwe_NZF02QmwQ/s4032/IMG_6590.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFIgVTW3ATyEsxmTAaU6xKS85MvcrZo0zKoWibQJPbtAcsVP73xiwJ8Rc86PwQS-KD-EOVKbsXs8ksAJd2eixIGu3zIseq7h56OYOs7UAdZPAujlO12I8l9am3LZ9M1vgCoIj8eCWPo7_wFuPGFd4JgMlHtWmVrzMIqGm0qG653pmwe_NZF02QmwQ/s320/IMG_6590.JPG" width="320" /></a>We had one full day on the beach burying bodies and watching for wildlife in the water.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf37plxs9v3aCACTaM903svL8TV-_y5gsIQGzS4JJuwNeP4VQ2kOlbkeOBDHB8c3xWUhEjPHLAvW6WwQpLCflzH93aGnU1s9HonIuJ5NQmHkTmAMFnMm-2pU10hPNuWqUBcH3lmLi3Vy_hhvp1mQOHizEKfQPWqWw3NarqX4yQu6Td0pePq9tkMFOf/s1945/Spring%20Break%202022-0247.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1297" data-original-width="1945" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf37plxs9v3aCACTaM903svL8TV-_y5gsIQGzS4JJuwNeP4VQ2kOlbkeOBDHB8c3xWUhEjPHLAvW6WwQpLCflzH93aGnU1s9HonIuJ5NQmHkTmAMFnMm-2pU10hPNuWqUBcH3lmLi3Vy_hhvp1mQOHizEKfQPWqWw3NarqX4yQu6Td0pePq9tkMFOf/s320/Spring%20Break%202022-0247.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The little sandpipers are always entertaining, chasing waves and poking around for creatures in the sand. The real gem was this cool ray we saw from the beach. He came in and out with the waves for a good 20 minutes and the water was so clear that we could follow his progress the whole way. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQYYNMUB0ht20_6RYBFdR-WVNVW1wGY10VySWHqVR80MCmTfwL4--iixVtFWD07XfYAcVM6S7Y5vFajmD10CZ7kbCBUsjlu2o_vOBe2bC5SFjcEM6wTuNzht4rIfcM_pS3fj14KXDy5sP4tBSD8fE20C4t_yw8BxBlMzAQOWs7E0syrM5-vpZu_cc/s4272/Spring%20Break%202022-0262.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQYYNMUB0ht20_6RYBFdR-WVNVW1wGY10VySWHqVR80MCmTfwL4--iixVtFWD07XfYAcVM6S7Y5vFajmD10CZ7kbCBUsjlu2o_vOBe2bC5SFjcEM6wTuNzht4rIfcM_pS3fj14KXDy5sP4tBSD8fE20C4t_yw8BxBlMzAQOWs7E0syrM5-vpZu_cc/s320/Spring%20Break%202022-0262.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div>It is still March, so the beach was nice and warm in the sun, but if a cloud passed by or the wind blew, it could get chilly. Especially for Alex, who is notorious for wearing sweaters long after everyone else has adapted to shorts and t-shirts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7u1xC8X4TFhzPINch8B0GDdKvKbVcgAEuuufsciQp2z0JcvP7g3zXtpSq037WWjad2OGAk-sV9TqIB9D7GZLlQM5z7KtSVNWhCiazHLFg88uHQ2jlv745RBsK9e3C3Vh5Eye3zX5_nm-Gi2zDb-yqRwn0CMXFcK_U3H3a51zd4kPNCCWrMKAiqQ88/s4272/Spring%20Break%202022-0245.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4272" data-original-width="2848" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7u1xC8X4TFhzPINch8B0GDdKvKbVcgAEuuufsciQp2z0JcvP7g3zXtpSq037WWjad2OGAk-sV9TqIB9D7GZLlQM5z7KtSVNWhCiazHLFg88uHQ2jlv745RBsK9e3C3Vh5Eye3zX5_nm-Gi2zDb-yqRwn0CMXFcK_U3H3a51zd4kPNCCWrMKAiqQ88/s320/Spring%20Break%202022-0245.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCvApdjBiiSloz3fsN5XMWANbRxvzADoN9pvVp6Uxq0Wc0UQ-RnMEScAdp_fx7wbvjVS-TcDSqtz5aAmcb0O4rU_UTyVTMhifGs-qyU7gyMYMNpvMJ1W-_KGOSE3HTwuioWo9ls0aDcZ5docTurp_9cZIOPZ6CbtJ_c_qiQR1d3TkCCD6KxkVdKW8/s4032/IMG_1532.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCvApdjBiiSloz3fsN5XMWANbRxvzADoN9pvVp6Uxq0Wc0UQ-RnMEScAdp_fx7wbvjVS-TcDSqtz5aAmcb0O4rU_UTyVTMhifGs-qyU7gyMYMNpvMJ1W-_KGOSE3HTwuioWo9ls0aDcZ5docTurp_9cZIOPZ6CbtJ_c_qiQR1d3TkCCD6KxkVdKW8/s320/IMG_1532.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV18gkkzwvtVwVvFOrKa50b9ltMtiLA6zl1iMWihMmsMq4uzNRruVJBRgGiTEYPXzrEdupoymUR_rHQ-cM1mepZ9nOqfKxDb-8Aq8GfErRo1jfpjwil9lSImHKtfbGylIMK51D9BanWcDk3TKx_saFNeI-bDVFWkbE_YeKNcxKe7x4Mg0egaW_i3N8/s4272/Spring%20Break%202022-0298.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV18gkkzwvtVwVvFOrKa50b9ltMtiLA6zl1iMWihMmsMq4uzNRruVJBRgGiTEYPXzrEdupoymUR_rHQ-cM1mepZ9nOqfKxDb-8Aq8GfErRo1jfpjwil9lSImHKtfbGylIMK51D9BanWcDk3TKx_saFNeI-bDVFWkbE_YeKNcxKe7x4Mg0egaW_i3N8/s320/Spring%20Break%202022-0298.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib73C8UkOBTMFYUC2jnLlUys9u9avg-JktdkQRv7OxdaovDcYsjFaJiI7897xF3W-0N5PXR7F7ysBOij6x6J92YZ_7DJ6E6xHu6jR32dXpwh9tNyb_HrpRD1omZp7XSi4T70KOiuD-d97qKajbTYrzhBQHpHAYRVLGvZ91HOcxRA6h8ltSEauOLvxX/s4272/Spring%20Break%202022-0256.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib73C8UkOBTMFYUC2jnLlUys9u9avg-JktdkQRv7OxdaovDcYsjFaJiI7897xF3W-0N5PXR7F7ysBOij6x6J92YZ_7DJ6E6xHu6jR32dXpwh9tNyb_HrpRD1omZp7XSi4T70KOiuD-d97qKajbTYrzhBQHpHAYRVLGvZ91HOcxRA6h8ltSEauOLvxX/s320/Spring%20Break%202022-0256.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Spring Break for us included St. Patrick's Day this year, so we stumbled upon some pretty elaborate decorations during our exploring. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzF46tlQf2ABRw7H7prYpalHfq-yH17GeqVlMCIW061aVPNq4PpwfKKbzIXqUskytSKPSKLaNsHKS_jVI4PPUec4KRrSfSBnSd1QJGDriA4hKUCcFF0cAwl67P5TiZRMWUK3SgXuwfFKBvaY_Raq0fZp3t-SJ1kLsXrqplyVE8YmOCQtQGcOJGSDI/s3780/CD7A9A98-B77C-4B76-9CAC-E879AF55DCE3.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3780" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzF46tlQf2ABRw7H7prYpalHfq-yH17GeqVlMCIW061aVPNq4PpwfKKbzIXqUskytSKPSKLaNsHKS_jVI4PPUec4KRrSfSBnSd1QJGDriA4hKUCcFF0cAwl67P5TiZRMWUK3SgXuwfFKBvaY_Raq0fZp3t-SJ1kLsXrqplyVE8YmOCQtQGcOJGSDI/s320/CD7A9A98-B77C-4B76-9CAC-E879AF55DCE3.jpg" width="256" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMaQnHNzLvjmF5DX0_dJrewyM4UXje5EI83uQA1QuRZGddy49vArBXemJuwpei0qmBQjnkh2Qys1KlTCeEF4237DLUgiAheuD19apAWv7nB1UqQm3H--NirZ3DM6BCN6oXIoj1Tpfui1zqKQeAAMkUCl8UBd6QRpU-fguLYjbWzbwPyIqEeIzIrmDR/s4032/IMG_6631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMaQnHNzLvjmF5DX0_dJrewyM4UXje5EI83uQA1QuRZGddy49vArBXemJuwpei0qmBQjnkh2Qys1KlTCeEF4237DLUgiAheuD19apAWv7nB1UqQm3H--NirZ3DM6BCN6oXIoj1Tpfui1zqKQeAAMkUCl8UBd6QRpU-fguLYjbWzbwPyIqEeIzIrmDR/w320-h240/IMG_6631.JPG" title="Gigi's Fabulous Kids" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gigi's Fabulous Kids!</td></tr></tbody></table>We particularly enjoyed Rosemary Beach and Seaside. Both towns have fun local shopping, ice cream shops and each has their own personality, making them both a place worth stopping. A few of our favorite stops were at <a href="https://www.theartofsimpleonline.com/" target="_blank">The Art of Simple</a>, <a href="http://www.gigisfabkids.com/" target="_blank">Gigi's Fabulous Kids</a> and <a href="https://www.sundogbooks.com/" target="_blank">Sundog Books</a> which is a beautiful book shop and has the warmest, fuzziest sweatshirts around. Sundog also had a live book signing with the author Nicolas H. who was so gracious at explaining his path to being published to our budding novel writer. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidr1mWz1Od29EAIY3QhNBPHd_Rbr7wovQdXVUuln_ksDiea8JhpCQ0oRn3UHL96DW3y-2PPMRuyCH7_B_dN2N2iYEBVkkmyUzSUdH8KAFYNWWrikKbeXDuvs438QeDg-TlYLS4VdTDDhKHp-csPsB8Z5Fei8i9eVSHbBh5wfL51vTEwtDbtLdawTzp/s4272/Spring%20Break%202022-0279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidr1mWz1Od29EAIY3QhNBPHd_Rbr7wovQdXVUuln_ksDiea8JhpCQ0oRn3UHL96DW3y-2PPMRuyCH7_B_dN2N2iYEBVkkmyUzSUdH8KAFYNWWrikKbeXDuvs438QeDg-TlYLS4VdTDDhKHp-csPsB8Z5Fei8i9eVSHbBh5wfL51vTEwtDbtLdawTzp/s4272/Spring%20Break%202022-0279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidr1mWz1Od29EAIY3QhNBPHd_Rbr7wovQdXVUuln_ksDiea8JhpCQ0oRn3UHL96DW3y-2PPMRuyCH7_B_dN2N2iYEBVkkmyUzSUdH8KAFYNWWrikKbeXDuvs438QeDg-TlYLS4VdTDDhKHp-csPsB8Z5Fei8i9eVSHbBh5wfL51vTEwtDbtLdawTzp/s320/Spring%20Break%202022-0279.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sundog Books (and sweatshirts)</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Graham was all smiles this whole trip. A group of kids, the beach, jumping off of hydrants! He is made for vacation!</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigayU3NIbZYAwAak5USQyCq1PRvpXBXE_L_qHzVUIpKM7T4WXT_7S0cQk2bq7aENmapaO5wLc4-2ypb9JSR3YUZQh7_FLz-IVXn5Acp-MUeE-xqXftgO6Gkk67TAZ2hicJVjhZPEDjhl2RXvtrtbkh4GBouaJZY69CKY4P80S3xwRN9vXLTPaoxEU5/s2315/235CD16B-818E-4187-B476-A682FC11A218.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2315" data-original-width="2315" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigayU3NIbZYAwAak5USQyCq1PRvpXBXE_L_qHzVUIpKM7T4WXT_7S0cQk2bq7aENmapaO5wLc4-2ypb9JSR3YUZQh7_FLz-IVXn5Acp-MUeE-xqXftgO6Gkk67TAZ2hicJVjhZPEDjhl2RXvtrtbkh4GBouaJZY69CKY4P80S3xwRN9vXLTPaoxEU5/s320/235CD16B-818E-4187-B476-A682FC11A218.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7u_YahcvAnaiAACvxzFzqPpDJo4rWc3aRJULE_8Nf2PHV-2MVN6dmOGGAg9P2IC55Yng4lv7uTLOTD60SFzEpO2kAd5v6n2Z5aA0sBJGRvOXekK7Y0usUjCYJ8GZNJ9j5A4GCUBRXbi5Zgn2VWDuW5EMRsQ3oU6f__rZ7lEIPLMnwPMg7JzeKGDzW/s3088/IMG_6627.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7u_YahcvAnaiAACvxzFzqPpDJo4rWc3aRJULE_8Nf2PHV-2MVN6dmOGGAg9P2IC55Yng4lv7uTLOTD60SFzEpO2kAd5v6n2Z5aA0sBJGRvOXekK7Y0usUjCYJ8GZNJ9j5A4GCUBRXbi5Zgn2VWDuW5EMRsQ3oU6f__rZ7lEIPLMnwPMg7JzeKGDzW/s320/IMG_6627.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my best girl</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEaWEskY_Riq0irjzNSrpf-V6xKLGXvh44gWABLotcUzeWuJyZUJnYeutYlft2ta6mTfT3_9AIgD8QuEdIafA9bLZkCOAN_7ERvoa1CvzRgbUlIvLtyNyWvYTzlFOiAo-UPCea5I-g8bdO8Sw7VEPcAdpOyQvob6uR_3YGPFC02Xfh6jcyt5ncG1_9/s4032/IMG_6642.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEaWEskY_Riq0irjzNSrpf-V6xKLGXvh44gWABLotcUzeWuJyZUJnYeutYlft2ta6mTfT3_9AIgD8QuEdIafA9bLZkCOAN_7ERvoa1CvzRgbUlIvLtyNyWvYTzlFOiAo-UPCea5I-g8bdO8Sw7VEPcAdpOyQvob6uR_3YGPFC02Xfh6jcyt5ncG1_9/s320/IMG_6642.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9H79dkzODeQwIEGBDhksSVssMZ0Y0u-gGMzwOEIEWte9AzwYPEJ_82856GvsGhIXsGciGFEPJtqGBefii_HWLMIhDZyM2-ooG9325pS-Sq7UhrGlRmWUPAFooQquZgcFABWYbsNEaMBD3CEeZO541-M5i5j8S9Uuy7GuB_OkOAZ6uvIdwcjcPRtd6/s4272/Spring%20Break%202022-0270.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4272" data-original-width="2848" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9H79dkzODeQwIEGBDhksSVssMZ0Y0u-gGMzwOEIEWte9AzwYPEJ_82856GvsGhIXsGciGFEPJtqGBefii_HWLMIhDZyM2-ooG9325pS-Sq7UhrGlRmWUPAFooQquZgcFABWYbsNEaMBD3CEeZO541-M5i5j8S9Uuy7GuB_OkOAZ6uvIdwcjcPRtd6/s320/Spring%20Break%202022-0270.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big white baby in a big white tub</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We are so thankful to have friends that played host, tour guide and entertainment directors during the week! The more we learn about Florida, the more we like to visit.<br /><p></p>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13038190498004521969noreply@blogger.com0Seaside, FL 32459, USA30.3216504 -86.14292862.0114165638211539 -121.2991786 58.631884236178848 -50.986678600000005tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693626898531784810.post-34049103698027756442021-11-30T17:24:00.001-06:002022-01-07T16:30:18.852-06:00St. Augustine Thanksgiving<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLGzq7ufsVfnvTCPLpvmxIkpKZdBoKeaFkzxGUCXsAK3lU0LkzteQzLVtG10tV9zHgYGurl0C3z1LK_ypGJhHoOWhHQy_FdHBpNrfZatOq8rgKKvfYb0yTa74rOOrTqrqBxcTdsTC0BDDYfHtZBogfo41toKiWA0hxcmm4gpvJXCY2pW8J_7vqln0B=s2793" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1463" data-original-width="2793" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLGzq7ufsVfnvTCPLpvmxIkpKZdBoKeaFkzxGUCXsAK3lU0LkzteQzLVtG10tV9zHgYGurl0C3z1LK_ypGJhHoOWhHQy_FdHBpNrfZatOq8rgKKvfYb0yTa74rOOrTqrqBxcTdsTC0BDDYfHtZBogfo41toKiWA0hxcmm4gpvJXCY2pW8J_7vqln0B=s320" width="320" /></a></div>After months of crossing our fingers hoping for COVID-19 to subside, we were able to slip through the peak "waves" of the virus long enough to meet as a family in St. Augustine, FL. The destination was chosen as compromise between a beach vacation, a venture to see new parts of America, with this, we got both! Accessible to everyone either by many hours of driving or the 45 minute away airport, our growing family of 14 all made it in one piece ready to hit the town as the tourists that we are. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZBTqg7LldomAuTgUML-6l68v7vYDopFS4vePevBZjLp4Ux7vxbQbNFa2G9D7lhjvzuOHifgxTFPz5YxhkclT_cXS7vp5Dp96fepjvvaufdqu654VMpq4A8XJlL6-s50frZ0tC5g2jeQC-YDQlndWkm8ESM7g9xNLptKhC6ccasAEyI0tQR8QoJITD=s4117" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2745" data-original-width="4117" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZBTqg7LldomAuTgUML-6l68v7vYDopFS4vePevBZjLp4Ux7vxbQbNFa2G9D7lhjvzuOHifgxTFPz5YxhkclT_cXS7vp5Dp96fepjvvaufdqu654VMpq4A8XJlL6-s50frZ0tC5g2jeQC-YDQlndWkm8ESM7g9xNLptKhC6ccasAEyI0tQR8QoJITD=s320" width="320" /></a></div>St. Augustine is in the northern part of the east coast of Florida, about an hour south of Jacksonville. It is touted as the "oldest city in the US", which is to say that it is the oldest, continuously inhabited European settlement in the lower 48. </div> <div>Each family arrived separately, so the Saturday before Thanksgiving was spent trying to figure out how to find each other while we waited for our condos to open. We drove directly to historic downtown from the airport to find my parents and brother. The center of downtown St. Augustine is an adorable pedestrian street surrounded by restaurants and shops and a full on, centuries old castle! Complete with cannons and lookouts, the Castillo de San Marcos was a delightful surprise of a place. The <i>coquina</i> walls are almost completely made of shells and remains of sea creatures. This protects it from the harshest of oceanfront elements and absorbs rather than repels cannonball fire. The Castillo was involved in a number of conflicts involving multiple world powers, but in 1933 it transferred ownership to the National Parks Department and serves as a tourist destination today. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjJvfQZ7TTM8jUeASGaLapsn-jLIrqt8_kUqNyaOvPqtNnKM6j_swXwz4UB6NqPIdg1YmahddaLVUBI-WllpQVE-gNKangccKsFsoYAJoQOjDMjDM-2fUkJP1TqYjXHNlatIGnCFRSDBS89iuegdApB8w4oNKj_G9vIgFFzEpaYBEIz_wn_e6R3Lb5=s1024" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjJvfQZ7TTM8jUeASGaLapsn-jLIrqt8_kUqNyaOvPqtNnKM6j_swXwz4UB6NqPIdg1YmahddaLVUBI-WllpQVE-gNKangccKsFsoYAJoQOjDMjDM-2fUkJP1TqYjXHNlatIGnCFRSDBS89iuegdApB8w4oNKj_G9vIgFFzEpaYBEIz_wn_e6R3Lb5=s320" width="240" /></a>We had lots of fun stretching out our legs after a morning of travel, and took in some history along the way. They ask that you not climb on the cannons, we didn't see the sign until after Alex climbed on top for the photo. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZ2Hyw_0LZRkES7iqTbAtbfS5TtWEwm_PmD2lsIuQMBxPHOo5QxrsDL-QFeNgvID309yvRwzYJCrdSwZVnZW_GBdQTKnSCPKDba9qy-6XWxCmoDMjWKgLXFxfF90afM0EmcrGY2dhVJNcMB4ihEpSDDlBWgy0M8Viy2cnjOQ1qTmggI95VCfI24IHh=s2048" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZ2Hyw_0LZRkES7iqTbAtbfS5TtWEwm_PmD2lsIuQMBxPHOo5QxrsDL-QFeNgvID309yvRwzYJCrdSwZVnZW_GBdQTKnSCPKDba9qy-6XWxCmoDMjWKgLXFxfF90afM0EmcrGY2dhVJNcMB4ihEpSDDlBWgy0M8Viy2cnjOQ1qTmggI95VCfI24IHh=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the castle with family</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>We took a guided boat tour through <a href="https://staugustineecotours.com/" target="_blank">St. Augustine Eco Tours</a> where we had a 2-hour private tour that was suitable both for the youngest and most seasick prone of us all. We saw dolphins, birds, sailboats washed up from previous storms, and enjoyed seeing some of the city monuments without shoving through a crowd. <br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixUOIlEKZX7HTFdH2rt2NkEBNffnIWkzoyk-VThDzgngx1Dh-qX4aZf3TTKYF7QiNcYseQumZuHafXgj46hSFCL8KgkEZjJfJtxQhb427l2wdnuYWffHIFBdvHPJYmZ_Ci1MRPNKRt4XkLNfixyNWKVdhe6Tf_WCaKPaIYjCRKAJCjbME37aqllD0c=s4272" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixUOIlEKZX7HTFdH2rt2NkEBNffnIWkzoyk-VThDzgngx1Dh-qX4aZf3TTKYF7QiNcYseQumZuHafXgj46hSFCL8KgkEZjJfJtxQhb427l2wdnuYWffHIFBdvHPJYmZ_Ci1MRPNKRt4XkLNfixyNWKVdhe6Tf_WCaKPaIYjCRKAJCjbME37aqllD0c=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These pelicans were everywhere! With the bonus of an oystercatcher on the right.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgJyhMMp9s36JJCJuvjTzc8knp7-yUnsB3_OHk07tSOMvnmHrGgxcNMhUjwZXD52OawmEgnHKwsVjTpKp2Z4v9JjqhjNyAcAA3UJfPOGcZBUgBq0pLb-qleVH-GtkBzwp26BrqBGSU9OUsNuKgJTgTVyEkIa5JFNKmCOCWSPQfAAXc5hG6W_VimsG_=s4272" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgJyhMMp9s36JJCJuvjTzc8knp7-yUnsB3_OHk07tSOMvnmHrGgxcNMhUjwZXD52OawmEgnHKwsVjTpKp2Z4v9JjqhjNyAcAA3UJfPOGcZBUgBq0pLb-qleVH-GtkBzwp26BrqBGSU9OUsNuKgJTgTVyEkIa5JFNKmCOCWSPQfAAXc5hG6W_VimsG_=s320" width="320" /></a></div>We were true tourists on this trip and went to the highly publicized <a href="https://www.alligatorfarm.com/" target="_blank">St. Augustine Alligator Farm</a>. There were so. very. many. ALLIGATORS! Different species, different sizes, enclosures with whole congregations of alligators! (That's the actual term for a group of alligators, who knew??). They had all kinds of birds and other animals too, it was a fun way to spend the afternoon! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivulC0ELdWjOc4_94jml-4TtCSNqSEs487s6hb4g2CB0J-6oO27FdA1yfU8xwN1_bZ00T411ZkSeFvW_rbJn_-3YSqToBXbjoBfqmv0KyGPeqgbLsLW_mLs1130gHwhh0XXasUIPcKMBGP-yRErJF2XpU-uD075beFjU7m6fxTrc30l5M8FnLi4YMY=s4272" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4272" data-original-width="2848" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivulC0ELdWjOc4_94jml-4TtCSNqSEs487s6hb4g2CB0J-6oO27FdA1yfU8xwN1_bZ00T411ZkSeFvW_rbJn_-3YSqToBXbjoBfqmv0KyGPeqgbLsLW_mLs1130gHwhh0XXasUIPcKMBGP-yRErJF2XpU-uD075beFjU7m6fxTrc30l5M8FnLi4YMY=s320" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't remember this bird's name. But he was beautiful!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When we had seen all the dinosaur ancestors that we could handle, we met up for a beachfront lunch at The Beachcomber St. Augustine. This little spot was literally on the beach. We had to ask for a table on the patio so that we wouldn't end up with sand in our food. Graham did his best to bring the sand to us, and the sand kept him busy for a majority of our meal. Great food, great beer, fun spot that would have been a return trip if it had been just a little warmer the week we were there. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi78f1wKBME2ewbrNFzfWJmOC96g-pdSg6fVh1UY1zsZzyyfZMPbAhQU9SiZXKdDc5y-o6nDQCoBO_L3nGR1UmkruwUaw49beLYW27MM2wJYpUA1xKYzFi13LPO_0DF6Ybla5_keuht-2aVmu05NpfpyBgl5_BbGyaukp4IngcDttUkQO7-xdXxShDT=s4032" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi78f1wKBME2ewbrNFzfWJmOC96g-pdSg6fVh1UY1zsZzyyfZMPbAhQU9SiZXKdDc5y-o6nDQCoBO_L3nGR1UmkruwUaw49beLYW27MM2wJYpUA1xKYzFi13LPO_0DF6Ybla5_keuht-2aVmu05NpfpyBgl5_BbGyaukp4IngcDttUkQO7-xdXxShDT=s320" width="240" /></a></div>We took the longest tour ever, 22 stops on a packed full trolley to all of the greatest (aka: oldest) sites in America. It was a "hop on, hop off" tour, but the cars were so full that we were too afraid to hop off for fear of not having space to hop back on before sundown. We were also fantastically underdressed for the weather. It was cold and windy and the sun kept us sane for the first half of the tour, but about halfway in the shadows took over and we were all shivering. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We did take a tour through the oldest jail in the country with our outlaw guide, Bubbaloo. He was informative and ridiculous, perfect for tourists and children. The jail was the highlight of the tour, thanks to Uncle Chris who suggested that we go, and then paid our entrance fee. As you might expect in a tourist town, very little was free, so we didn't see the Fountain of Youth or tour the oldest schoolhouse, or experience the Colonial Experience. We were tapped out. And we were freezing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi81SZB_smt9fUuBKO8-Zeh1zHk6gv7KO4_r7P7TjUQF3zn9ySCHEMXK1r5xI0yiNHgAqIe9cFPQ0k-cqmM-xYLCrNzoCxZfpyeLAPZFcqNc_VFLJr6GpMvwM0_K4z44mUiIugA0rl-VVMdKyuskUovIpnWsvEYOpwRndUaw5ov80RKCxnCUiwMf6tk=s3347" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3347" data-original-width="2231" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi81SZB_smt9fUuBKO8-Zeh1zHk6gv7KO4_r7P7TjUQF3zn9ySCHEMXK1r5xI0yiNHgAqIe9cFPQ0k-cqmM-xYLCrNzoCxZfpyeLAPZFcqNc_VFLJr6GpMvwM0_K4z44mUiIugA0rl-VVMdKyuskUovIpnWsvEYOpwRndUaw5ov80RKCxnCUiwMf6tk=s320" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We did walk through the beautifully decorated town square, though we couldn't quite make it to sunset for the lights. </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXcM33R8LhIzT7c8P0T_P1ih1K0jfcJCQ8Lmkgz2CYc4iWJj_q2laciJU8C1LO5cuMWJJpEwW4vh6HciACkerPhL__mt9_0ggbYOSzVdVAXbgXmzobXbtpon7AGelLXPj1qnN2PfBu3hH_ViA4cwZKHisKnGO-9v5cXYhEwBho055hd6Cp5DZktXa-=s800" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXcM33R8LhIzT7c8P0T_P1ih1K0jfcJCQ8Lmkgz2CYc4iWJj_q2laciJU8C1LO5cuMWJJpEwW4vh6HciACkerPhL__mt9_0ggbYOSzVdVAXbgXmzobXbtpon7AGelLXPj1qnN2PfBu3hH_ViA4cwZKHisKnGO-9v5cXYhEwBho055hd6Cp5DZktXa-=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The second gen adults snuck out for the most extravagant escape room out there. And we failed it by a thread. </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiO3O5TLksGC3nxpJw999HfCJhk2Y5BXr6iZbWTB8AmCvF0t6y678kSLuBj6aAJGtWd9jlb6IYAtFPNa6KaXv4yiFsegLucTF4ucD9bkPU99Su0_dSdkVJ8lZWnG59-FFXNSDXX2u8IHoWwBl_C5ddfaXAGnYKpsIZhLHn2fk-j5RvLZwjs8JbMzsyj=s4272" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiO3O5TLksGC3nxpJw999HfCJhk2Y5BXr6iZbWTB8AmCvF0t6y678kSLuBj6aAJGtWd9jlb6IYAtFPNa6KaXv4yiFsegLucTF4ucD9bkPU99Su0_dSdkVJ8lZWnG59-FFXNSDXX2u8IHoWwBl_C5ddfaXAGnYKpsIZhLHn2fk-j5RvLZwjs8JbMzsyj=s320" width="320" /></a></div>The best part of the trip was our stay at the <a href="https://www.colonyreef.com/St-augustine-condo-rentals/oceanfront" target="_blank">Colony Reed Condos</a>. Each family had their own 3-bedroom condo, but we could jump back and forth from room to room as if we were neighbors. They had a playground that was visible from all of our rooms and a boardwalk directly to the beach! These babies had so much fun!</div></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcMbog8_VvVDlIqGxCTztdE5S7UdF-EdGA3NkeGDokQp6efJ0n2p9KBg0PK0C1Q0LLtIWoouzgV58sPUMqBLuHlCNafICvLgXuwxarO_AQGUo7MN0iU7cYKK9EJZfgMHXXrE3mR7G0xjZ8ek9h0slOuWDirjHVIlUDUQQkZ78Etdx3JgheWoacu9ri=s4165" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2777" data-original-width="4165" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcMbog8_VvVDlIqGxCTztdE5S7UdF-EdGA3NkeGDokQp6efJ0n2p9KBg0PK0C1Q0LLtIWoouzgV58sPUMqBLuHlCNafICvLgXuwxarO_AQGUo7MN0iU7cYKK9EJZfgMHXXrE3mR7G0xjZ8ek9h0slOuWDirjHVIlUDUQQkZ78Etdx3JgheWoacu9ri=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3eQrmnX8JfJh7N0MtpuSgYtlxyum77PFuaZdmEEZdDoo4WorxX3jMNX6vBW_Xv20FiYGhNnH6J32nbm15_QoB6j_mBzQfqkVK3wwr5qTNizlEILSBRDkpBClD-fHbjM3E0z7QhwrtyNHoN6xkMlFTqBcftoouhz-cN07GfZhreoGjR425WN1iGh_d=s4272" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3eQrmnX8JfJh7N0MtpuSgYtlxyum77PFuaZdmEEZdDoo4WorxX3jMNX6vBW_Xv20FiYGhNnH6J32nbm15_QoB6j_mBzQfqkVK3wwr5qTNizlEILSBRDkpBClD-fHbjM3E0z7QhwrtyNHoN6xkMlFTqBcftoouhz-cN07GfZhreoGjR425WN1iGh_d=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2bzgIFQToTrHS-XnwfW6lhoVV9VQdbwOy5wgtFGkRWChEgmGu73dUiC5sjzoFmNho_Ix-qUbfZHhD1FqMN-n09inUMk-n8lLPcfXYkXRVmy3aabfIaTYhPxNUWrDEAu6101KRVc18-eJPFz2zNXbtDf2fuUcZWG77876vi90HEtu0nm81B7TPLDCI=s3772" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2515" data-original-width="3772" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2bzgIFQToTrHS-XnwfW6lhoVV9VQdbwOy5wgtFGkRWChEgmGu73dUiC5sjzoFmNho_Ix-qUbfZHhD1FqMN-n09inUMk-n8lLPcfXYkXRVmy3aabfIaTYhPxNUWrDEAu6101KRVc18-eJPFz2zNXbtDf2fuUcZWG77876vi90HEtu0nm81B7TPLDCI=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first day we made the incorrect assumption that the water was too cold for swimsuits. Oops.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRUjBEkwmLX6b5xMc6LQjsLKOrVL8WPM1JtJL9G0iPMGis45pa_9Lma3uwJdLxTQY4Vvm12BHBpXX4ddcwAS_Gk3uwOtTnzCXySPnK8j6vlT0w-DIOgki01ZPXQU0kb0FaVesyNwE6lNwUxOCut0d-HLn9FSbldU5lp7lfloX_l6XSHh7uVlOukP7d=s4272" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRUjBEkwmLX6b5xMc6LQjsLKOrVL8WPM1JtJL9G0iPMGis45pa_9Lma3uwJdLxTQY4Vvm12BHBpXX4ddcwAS_Gk3uwOtTnzCXySPnK8j6vlT0w-DIOgki01ZPXQU0kb0FaVesyNwE6lNwUxOCut0d-HLn9FSbldU5lp7lfloX_l6XSHh7uVlOukP7d=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFVQd7ziZ52PuMqOZrnh-o5bemXoM8hbPH7ljsRZ22_L6cd8oJzpsZTuE5eMIy0_Po96IBrSnxFHHhDIs1tAqv6p-Qfny7gd0yhPGaUd9Mr0Wrv8rPDv--XLqicbgL4YpfEbWw4YLemkpqKQ6vDKvySo_kfvQ-Xlgc70MOPBR-Nk89N3xd4uxd6o5h=s4272" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4272" data-original-width="2848" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFVQd7ziZ52PuMqOZrnh-o5bemXoM8hbPH7ljsRZ22_L6cd8oJzpsZTuE5eMIy0_Po96IBrSnxFHHhDIs1tAqv6p-Qfny7gd0yhPGaUd9Mr0Wrv8rPDv--XLqicbgL4YpfEbWw4YLemkpqKQ6vDKvySo_kfvQ-Xlgc70MOPBR-Nk89N3xd4uxd6o5h=s320" width="213" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We made the choice to forgo attempting to cook the biggest meal of the year in a rental kitchen and we ordered family style traditional turkey dinner from <a href="https://nedssouthside.com/" target="_blank">Ned's Southside Kitchen</a>. As an added bonus, pickup was made via drive-through and couldn't have been easier. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj551fpEIg7lqmmC-Tq9bDYgUrcBWDerW-8WSGI4Jy0NG5Xi2XdUz49gGUjZQVEh2s9JLV7JQF7xArJKO0ldrp73lHlG1gnYeT5UfoRv-VNlTTH8y79UD8P4SyO2KfW6xIoWLMBLoch4hNrAVm8-c2AJbSagFlBzEeRuqcWUw2CqHFRH9Jnd4G8TF38=s4032" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj551fpEIg7lqmmC-Tq9bDYgUrcBWDerW-8WSGI4Jy0NG5Xi2XdUz49gGUjZQVEh2s9JLV7JQF7xArJKO0ldrp73lHlG1gnYeT5UfoRv-VNlTTH8y79UD8P4SyO2KfW6xIoWLMBLoch4hNrAVm8-c2AJbSagFlBzEeRuqcWUw2CqHFRH9Jnd4G8TF38=s320" width="240" /></a>Our trip ended on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. We stopped into town on our way to the airport and ate at Burger Buckets. It was good, though many of the menu items that caught our eyes were sold out. It was a very busy week for small businesses and some places just couldn't keep up. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had a great time, with great company. This year more than most, we are so thankful for the time we can spend with long distanced family. Happy Thanksgiving!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p></div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13038190498004521969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693626898531784810.post-17166814568714385432021-10-20T14:55:00.240-05:002022-03-11T13:41:27.161-06:00Salt Lake City 2021<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmWfT4Z3fFJ-9PFdgKg28fWD7cggiWUWq0qyyjaqAWd0b782BiVYBrxI8Wgn3mixjklcPdBhzoXDXSx8L7NCP_fUxsKb6bHK2bFi1FRB0WYByKA9RVRjrz9OHTSuKIEgDI0rd7VuDi5QOOkWwb4UZJn9hYQqbhwRkDrxzcyBPVdM9DYHPitNjnsPll=s4032" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmWfT4Z3fFJ-9PFdgKg28fWD7cggiWUWq0qyyjaqAWd0b782BiVYBrxI8Wgn3mixjklcPdBhzoXDXSx8L7NCP_fUxsKb6bHK2bFi1FRB0WYByKA9RVRjrz9OHTSuKIEgDI0rd7VuDi5QOOkWwb4UZJn9hYQqbhwRkDrxzcyBPVdM9DYHPitNjnsPll=s320" width="320" /></a></div>After a positive COVID-19 test canceled our plans to meet in Savannah, Julie, Sarah and I quick pivoted and booked flights to Salt Lake City. We have a running list of cities that we would someday like to visit, and while Salt Lake City was nowhere near the top of that list, it shot to the top when we had to quickly change our plans. <div><br /></div><div>This city overdelivered! It is beautiful and unique, we were able to hike and explore and see a totally different area of the country. Just by happenstance, we were there for the height of the fall color season!<p></p>After parking at a closed nail salon, crossing our fingers that we wouldn't be towed, we checked in to our possibly-haunted AirBnB. Everything creaked, everywhere was dark, and there was a perfectly round pencil-width hole in the kitchen floor that looked into the story below. We covered the hole. </div><div><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKNJjoSuxRLEnw-pak_LUTgOY_vCQ8VabB_EWju4jTccIGqjWgh1h1DinDrt6jeumt8ZVvWKeIpUdCU3Y7Ct0VzOuQ-k9mXzk8LMAdnbnCb5pljaNc8ebiV9LfKihXNX9D51mqh_PzS5HlANHXXqeyK_Fz3zs40DzLNYK5HcY4Lv6TtTVOiwv-XVf_=s4032" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKNJjoSuxRLEnw-pak_LUTgOY_vCQ8VabB_EWju4jTccIGqjWgh1h1DinDrt6jeumt8ZVvWKeIpUdCU3Y7Ct0VzOuQ-k9mXzk8LMAdnbnCb5pljaNc8ebiV9LfKihXNX9D51mqh_PzS5HlANHXXqeyK_Fz3zs40DzLNYK5HcY4Lv6TtTVOiwv-XVf_=s320" width="320" /></a></div>The weekend centered around catching up on each others' lives and reminiscing the same stories that best friends tell over and over again. This was the first in person telling since we all had reached the next birthday milestone - our 40s!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Our creepy little house had some perks. It was quiet (when we weren't creaking across the floors) and comfortable. Our morning run took us by many of the historic buildings in downtown Salt Lake City including an impressive <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/uv?pb=!1s0x8752f513941a4baf%3A0xec0029375522ca!3m1!7e115!4shttps%3A%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipPnE3MCnPkuls2RkEN69efFNaISl6xRjIvtZA4%3Dw566-h320-k-no!5ssalt%20lake%20city%20public%20library%20-%20Google%20Search!15sCgIgAQ&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipPnE3MCnPkuls2RkEN69efFNaISl6xRjIvtZA4&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj5-eOh4772AhU4kWoFHWirCxIQoip6BAhGEAM" target="_blank">public library</a> (SLC doesn't mess around with their libraries), The Leonardo museum and approximately 400 different places to eat. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQc9sNwHD2FjFQapOeGHxP1n8qCI_qKVryNq6j_KD2Uws5vE0-7Xh1BoUKVT6WfnAA84G9d-N6-4PuLCEJIibGA63oAb_y6H0PwrCzyu9dxAEI2hmYUIP1N-r1axgKI0jwa967ZBGwwYDKnT5dFV813he5Nt14SX_FV74w444CddFi-BxlBkTjdB8k=s3088" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQc9sNwHD2FjFQapOeGHxP1n8qCI_qKVryNq6j_KD2Uws5vE0-7Xh1BoUKVT6WfnAA84G9d-N6-4PuLCEJIibGA63oAb_y6H0PwrCzyu9dxAEI2hmYUIP1N-r1axgKI0jwa967ZBGwwYDKnT5dFV813he5Nt14SX_FV74w444CddFi-BxlBkTjdB8k=s320" width="240" /></a>Sarah thought well enough ahead to rent a great, albeit, gigantic truck and chauffeured us all weekend. We were able to visit Park City, which is known for its incredible skiing but also has one of the cutest pedestrian streets I've ever seen. We visited on a cloudy, drizzly day, but when we could see the fall color and enjoy the view of being surrounded by mountains, it was really lovely. </div><div><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh48PeD8nbCBOtM8lJnil3yhehL1iunHbmP-bA7XTfKmVStvxYiZsiDbtH1iufC5qbde4F9p3tJ1ILNzfngune4xUePhbwp0Sc5OV1lxjPmCBV-93e9dBgR6Oq2yCsY3V34sEHBVgVyVyMifp3f4kjMSlJIXiAtLupEOPCSbAtQ6mrVVOVp5EQtIgSY=s4032" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh48PeD8nbCBOtM8lJnil3yhehL1iunHbmP-bA7XTfKmVStvxYiZsiDbtH1iufC5qbde4F9p3tJ1ILNzfngune4xUePhbwp0Sc5OV1lxjPmCBV-93e9dBgR6Oq2yCsY3V34sEHBVgVyVyMifp3f4kjMSlJIXiAtLupEOPCSbAtQ6mrVVOVp5EQtIgSY=s320" width="240" /></a></div>We also took this day to explore <a href="https://homesteadresort.com/experience-the-homestead-crater/" target="_blank">the Homestead Crater</a>, a natural hot spring about halfway between SLC and Park City in a town appropriately named Midway. The Homestead Crater is on one side of the Homestead Resort. The Resort has built a convenient pathway to the crater, which I prefer to traversing down the center as was done in the past. The water is always over 90 degrees and even on a cold, drizzly day a human icicle like me enjoyed floating in the hot spring. </div><div><br /></div><div>The only thing lacking was a respectable changing area. We made due, and continued on our day. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiy9GNMyJy1B13O-OjVl1GTkiGmCvNNMxX1Qx49TfU4tqCafEhpRkTOigJE7a4B-qBjWXJWh7jq4qFV8aK-8Lyzra5lqo3OzdhS-wpqJ52ytBNYX_o8SaTa94KeaEFWvb-7FH5F6K_Mz4GjpDCr0xcVruqfasvJFnXQd_pIzjGK8HBl1aRgYPRHqE_g=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiy9GNMyJy1B13O-OjVl1GTkiGmCvNNMxX1Qx49TfU4tqCafEhpRkTOigJE7a4B-qBjWXJWh7jq4qFV8aK-8Lyzra5lqo3OzdhS-wpqJ52ytBNYX_o8SaTa94KeaEFWvb-7FH5F6K_Mz4GjpDCr0xcVruqfasvJFnXQd_pIzjGK8HBl1aRgYPRHqE_g=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRgZaf97TyiVZf0ZJQSnlehsDM8xktDP0TpGf9otRbV2xNCpbMm6wsHjU0Mk7oZy4Epj22ryDA1-5G-uJ4gUB412jp-yeDd6HXhAu8DlWC347Va0cp8949PdtSKJl5hUxMitz7oCseEMhEnGA6kz0z6nH5IcWHA_kOMSjXU7uXNVpS7sAGgtyhHGqP=s3088" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRgZaf97TyiVZf0ZJQSnlehsDM8xktDP0TpGf9otRbV2xNCpbMm6wsHjU0Mk7oZy4Epj22ryDA1-5G-uJ4gUB412jp-yeDd6HXhAu8DlWC347Va0cp8949PdtSKJl5hUxMitz7oCseEMhEnGA6kz0z6nH5IcWHA_kOMSjXU7uXNVpS7sAGgtyhHGqP=s320" width="240" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3c-mECsP6thvmy6tca_DuvfedBgS3FiFLLsuPNh5Ie2RG7choFja3lWkcHVV5Bp79AcPKwP-Pzgx75cj6uwDXgU92eOilA9SKB70vAD2yA6PGO6Q7vHh9Hhf6Z9nBdPtMytAgHWZWjd1oA7l_JpvA3FYy-MoHgy4DXw83dDvVE6n23K3eAEjpVIJF=s4032" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3c-mECsP6thvmy6tca_DuvfedBgS3FiFLLsuPNh5Ie2RG7choFja3lWkcHVV5Bp79AcPKwP-Pzgx75cj6uwDXgU92eOilA9SKB70vAD2yA6PGO6Q7vHh9Hhf6Z9nBdPtMytAgHWZWjd1oA7l_JpvA3FYy-MoHgy4DXw83dDvVE6n23K3eAEjpVIJF=s320" width="240" /></a></div>Julie suggested that we try an escape room in Park City, but the reservations were 100% full. Back in SLC however, we were able to get the last reservation of the night to the most bizarre and broken escape room I've ever tried. The host was 45 minutes late starting our reservation. A key part of the room had been accidentally taken home by the previous group. It was a hysterical disaster. <br /><br />The walk to the escape room from parking had these super cool stairs! Rainbow swirls! These are the faces of my best friends when they are forced to stop and take a picture.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilcf1Zf3mi0bz9416RQYu14TOBvSxlSz62p4ACazDMjkw8iTEeyaTpJxnHXzOKYzJR1tMx0pn2BfoYw-9tsfxqJm2pw5MakYXfVQHVPg1xReHifZsheg5zKUqWhnbviZwVaYHoD8ppurFXqg_9x8LDTWbGRNSbxLEJOAaXtMZnREZD9s3E7fibLJ4t=s4032" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilcf1Zf3mi0bz9416RQYu14TOBvSxlSz62p4ACazDMjkw8iTEeyaTpJxnHXzOKYzJR1tMx0pn2BfoYw-9tsfxqJm2pw5MakYXfVQHVPg1xReHifZsheg5zKUqWhnbviZwVaYHoD8ppurFXqg_9x8LDTWbGRNSbxLEJOAaXtMZnREZD9s3E7fibLJ4t=s320" width="240" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">Obviously, we had to take a closer look at the Great Salt Lake, so we self-explored Antelope Island. There are no antelope. It is not even an island. But all these little black dots far off on the dry grassland are wild buffalo, which are very cool to see, but as there are warning signs every quarter mile or so, definitely do not attempt to feed or pet them. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">According to the public radio broadcast tour, there used to be antelope on the island, but they left. The island is a peninsula until the rain/snow melt season happens and the shallowest strip of land is flooded over. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsdPexTrvdyK9AcSCp3jng7XM6sgejP3aWRIR3WdG4FMYc7MJ9sNu8h8sbwrIFZpUGU3g5OFES75mp1fgDFc7FoDhtbdp7fSGj9F5Mc0-XniSqN_PUd24PgPCMK8aOPHDvuoB22VyT_xxH3u4C87-mxFJe7EmLowbtc6yHuHISgEcB1cb3qanVwiuB=s4032" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsdPexTrvdyK9AcSCp3jng7XM6sgejP3aWRIR3WdG4FMYc7MJ9sNu8h8sbwrIFZpUGU3g5OFES75mp1fgDFc7FoDhtbdp7fSGj9F5Mc0-XniSqN_PUd24PgPCMK8aOPHDvuoB22VyT_xxH3u4C87-mxFJe7EmLowbtc6yHuHISgEcB1cb3qanVwiuB=s320" width="240" /></a></div>We were more impressed by the way the lake changed it's look depending on the light, angle and location we were at. This is us with the lake in the background. Can you see it? It's that thin little strip of light above the yellow grass and below the blue mountains. It looks like you could walk right over it. The salt plays tricks on your eyes. There are also very few living things in the lake, again, too much salt. There are brine shrimp, which attract the birds - and there were lots of birds. </div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRS14ll3htm7Y5pO4MOxcu1PgQALfcIoXsjHXb49DEmgkITCQGl3YYYJT-4ROmtqLYwB5B_uctymkLMwN0_Vcjka30sLVlSOss6YW1rZ4qUcPfzbulf8HIk6Em_O2bodG5wsbrJk4Gc5bRzLnRMTd7ejU2mDU8aLpDjS8zFePyIT7w41QdGpN18eLn=s4032" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRS14ll3htm7Y5pO4MOxcu1PgQALfcIoXsjHXb49DEmgkITCQGl3YYYJT-4ROmtqLYwB5B_uctymkLMwN0_Vcjka30sLVlSOss6YW1rZ4qUcPfzbulf8HIk6Em_O2bodG5wsbrJk4Gc5bRzLnRMTd7ejU2mDU8aLpDjS8zFePyIT7w41QdGpN18eLn=s320" width="240" /></a></div>Before our flights on the last day, we walked all around the capitol building and it's grounds. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We found a fun mildly challenging 1.5 hour hike up the Living Room Trail. Parking was easy and it felt good to walk around land that was not Texas-flat. The trails were pretty wide and well marked, and I am pretty sure we made it to the top where some rocks have fallen in the shape of chairs, so it appears as though there is a natural "living room" lookout point at the end. This is the only time during the trip that I really felt the elevation. Coming from my sea level city to the ~4,200 ft elevation of SLC was fine, until I wanted to hike. I was properly winded a few times on the trail, though just enough to make me notice. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfNINUxIBZGU3xWLrX-chYvPjxLF94VwR4J8eNRcGzr1f9nTsICPkLpNPBa13hDdUyGIq9LsSWAz99oByoUik5s_m10l8-DJ14NR-M_8DXyqFSzrupGAwnq1s34MJmCcuDXOkngP3700AOoqyc7s7gMfIWwmCXgv9-nNF6nq03B5xybBKHsaQeB2na=s3088" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfNINUxIBZGU3xWLrX-chYvPjxLF94VwR4J8eNRcGzr1f9nTsICPkLpNPBa13hDdUyGIq9LsSWAz99oByoUik5s_m10l8-DJ14NR-M_8DXyqFSzrupGAwnq1s34MJmCcuDXOkngP3700AOoqyc7s7gMfIWwmCXgv9-nNF6nq03B5xybBKHsaQeB2na=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was an incredible, adventurous trip for this trio. In truth, everywhere is fun when you're with good friends. </div><p></p></div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13038190498004521969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693626898531784810.post-10099449934301425022021-10-05T14:14:00.194-05:002022-01-20T16:36:23.854-06:00I Need Some Flowers For My Hair<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My mom and my sister-in-law have bonded over all kinds of mutual interests, ziplining, skin care, and being willing to travel for the ones they love being just a few examples. So after 5 harrowing years of battling aggressive lymphoma, my mom and I talked about taking a trip together (the last time of which had occurred in the early 1990s) and specifically, going to San Francisco (which she hadn't done since the 1970s), and with the added bonus of Kyra and Ted living there it only made sense! A trip was born! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvkxSHe37Up9jo56-5La8KMM5im0m9j6EIS7zwV_3y2YJjtgloumkNm5Sfy778y0j-OKQGPkFIhHaJ0lVzrnqNlMAqLozzeihHt9h9c6EWMTdA8u7htTbsSiP21XZzxxM4ocMh7IuNn0VL2Uj4mlrq4HDbtmFPKyrBmGV4rghQF4C22Rcf5NSBKWcL=s4032" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvkxSHe37Up9jo56-5La8KMM5im0m9j6EIS7zwV_3y2YJjtgloumkNm5Sfy778y0j-OKQGPkFIhHaJ0lVzrnqNlMAqLozzeihHt9h9c6EWMTdA8u7htTbsSiP21XZzxxM4ocMh7IuNn0VL2Uj4mlrq4HDbtmFPKyrBmGV4rghQF4C22Rcf5NSBKWcL=s320" width="240" /></a></div>Since that plan was hatched, we endured a global pandemic like no generation has ever seen before. My fingers were constantly crossed, hoping that the clouds would part and we would be able to take this long-planned and well-deserved trip. While the pandemic rages on, we were somehow able to slip through a window of time where no one had doctors appointments or scans or a positive COVID test to stop us. In October, we flew across the country to enjoy a weekend of sightseeing and great company. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ted and Kyra live in a great part of downtown San Francisco. There is food, shopping and beautiful skyline to be had at almost every turn - often within walking distance. It's this kind of downtown experience that Jon and I miss about living in Buenos Aires. This incredible view is from my morning run (to be honest, more like a walk/jog, San Fran is full of steep hills that just do not exist where I live in Texas). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kyra is a 5-star hostess! She made arrangements for fantastic dinners and short term rental cars when they were needed, and she knows the city like the back of her hand. Day 1: <a href="https://www.nps.gov/muwo/index.htm" target="_blank">Muir Woods</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbpm_HwXOTjll2rax3ajXvcnNns0Std7waOgn8lAX4J-VY6OhUY5090O-PiSM1XyW35k7MNjvmmhzMGnSUhPjPQOzCrVqZSJ0C-Ibxjnok7GBZBsPSqxKLYMHH50YHmeFJVmUFX_mi7FKKNbSKsXhmjAg_R-rXve6UIunA_oBRaRnQzNCQSYdVV9Su=s3088" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbpm_HwXOTjll2rax3ajXvcnNns0Std7waOgn8lAX4J-VY6OhUY5090O-PiSM1XyW35k7MNjvmmhzMGnSUhPjPQOzCrVqZSJ0C-Ibxjnok7GBZBsPSqxKLYMHH50YHmeFJVmUFX_mi7FKKNbSKsXhmjAg_R-rXve6UIunA_oBRaRnQzNCQSYdVV9Su=s320" width="240" /></a></div></div>Muir Woods is an old-growth forest of redwood trees about 40 minutes north of the city. There are paved paths for easy hiking through unbelievably gigantic trees. This national park is like something from another time. The trees are impossibly tall, incredibly wide, some have grown on slopes that have lead to felling the trees so that the complex root structures that they have. If a tree falls in this forest, even if no one is around to hear it, it most definitely makes a sound. <div><br /></div><div>We purposefully planned our trip to Muir Woods on a weekday, where we were more likely to get a parking pass (don't forget to book ahead!) and we did not have to battle any kind of tourist crowd. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-0Euxzn6ZK8sa4FPllmw43PYwgtTkU17JvOxVH8okiUisf_LvMaLll1rbJNSSXAwJTt-OmOwprZh1j6oKGWYuMtorgmyrqpmf9IN44-KtmW_35vlgSPt42xq1HGpmKuFJB7YloglOsXnZacn2r1cZPwEqLKK-pwBUpWXVB6MCryUXm-j3cq1gKQUy=s3088" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-0Euxzn6ZK8sa4FPllmw43PYwgtTkU17JvOxVH8okiUisf_LvMaLll1rbJNSSXAwJTt-OmOwprZh1j6oKGWYuMtorgmyrqpmf9IN44-KtmW_35vlgSPt42xq1HGpmKuFJB7YloglOsXnZacn2r1cZPwEqLKK-pwBUpWXVB6MCryUXm-j3cq1gKQUy=s320" width="240" /></a><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9n6vELxuMohKnTgAB9GZE1gbgsPRYAOUVa4rJ1Bjez8jxxBNMjJm7AY--dhQEsiVxPzWwabLxt7nccA30Ym5c2kZ1eJmlk1tQM-ExoeaLx9jBC14MB_anxhKa93wn5TG8rmQxhnXBOxpe7a23Rshppgd6-_sPuCu6zmyM4iMElkxz2lG9oa4cgrKw=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9n6vELxuMohKnTgAB9GZE1gbgsPRYAOUVa4rJ1Bjez8jxxBNMjJm7AY--dhQEsiVxPzWwabLxt7nccA30Ym5c2kZ1eJmlk1tQM-ExoeaLx9jBC14MB_anxhKa93wn5TG8rmQxhnXBOxpe7a23Rshppgd6-_sPuCu6zmyM4iMElkxz2lG9oa4cgrKw=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and mom, connecting with nature!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />After getting in touch with the active side of nature, it's time to relax. Day 2: Napa Valley. </div><div><br /></div><div>Kyra was a master planner for Napa, booking a COVID-safe driver to stick with us all day and setting up wine tastings for us at beautiful, tasty vineyards.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiySX76U_Y1ipGSQO9iAxxUFwaZEJQxiJ69sFzINaizLQO15DfnXk5jcx2kBv94jzasfQFox24JWlX2_M3dneH3oppVdgZ-R7QaXuLpYI4l0-C6mmkfbW1-vniSZvcDt3BEAJG61R0JUtK9nX3l_l-IVZn0PxLqgQBeFjPV9fwG0YsdEpRDLeMiSGH=s4032" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiySX76U_Y1ipGSQO9iAxxUFwaZEJQxiJ69sFzINaizLQO15DfnXk5jcx2kBv94jzasfQFox24JWlX2_M3dneH3oppVdgZ-R7QaXuLpYI4l0-C6mmkfbW1-vniSZvcDt3BEAJG61R0JUtK9nX3l_l-IVZn0PxLqgQBeFjPV9fwG0YsdEpRDLeMiSGH=s320" width="320" /></a></div>We had a lovely tasting and heavy snacks at Flowers Vineyards and Winery. The view was gorgeous and the gardens were filled with flowers and hummingbirds, my favorite! The wines were very good, and the picnic style lunch was colorful and fun and served in a reusable wine crate!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPsvJN3Ym_PHKyvHNLKODCrMvTO9jLB9IPORN5Y92YTOKRAc5EZFrCmKSmbEiY8_pnpArg1ooYpo-xi_r9TxY39qai0dEjHGF5QJ0doFaeppNFSATeCA42WUTYSf0zzfA0DXw0wHyu-xgFKY5TxGND3YkSVJu1TZud3WIatXG0rnMwoKHc8SA04BVp=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPsvJN3Ym_PHKyvHNLKODCrMvTO9jLB9IPORN5Y92YTOKRAc5EZFrCmKSmbEiY8_pnpArg1ooYpo-xi_r9TxY39qai0dEjHGF5QJ0doFaeppNFSATeCA42WUTYSf0zzfA0DXw0wHyu-xgFKY5TxGND3YkSVJu1TZud3WIatXG0rnMwoKHc8SA04BVp=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Then we enjoyed a tasting at the family favorite Williams Selyem winery. That Russian River Valley Pinot is nothing to sneeze at!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiV7uOQHL1c3jo7-YCBEOwj8y_ATFjxTM3o7SNmosO7v6VMoYTL9eOwYm5HZfxaCKYF2kIzJ1Rmnki0fy_eU14HF6VRRAT8Se_5Yf30uYmE5I71QBMJfG_mz0kwFOgfznCgXZiHMOUyvlyoZvV-ScMjAQ04n1y85YhzF9rAEYTSCCwneWmWKKCjKOsL=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiV7uOQHL1c3jo7-YCBEOwj8y_ATFjxTM3o7SNmosO7v6VMoYTL9eOwYm5HZfxaCKYF2kIzJ1Rmnki0fy_eU14HF6VRRAT8Se_5Yf30uYmE5I71QBMJfG_mz0kwFOgfznCgXZiHMOUyvlyoZvV-ScMjAQ04n1y85YhzF9rAEYTSCCwneWmWKKCjKOsL=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Day 3: Tour Downtown!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipiVfVqg35wRoTtZA2jA_Ot5Wg7q8VLkKfkwcYQBw28swQKTb3JVjQmwh74hHiPm7DLfr5HTurxg9Kzdlhz-yEA0K4Em2hjeR_bYyIG7f3qaalkanZtFqT9PjeV5ivhQY0VAbPsfotD68CtzMNoZCtaOLMDzNfiB7XdFf-LDpFLq7epakKgZTZx4VZ=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipiVfVqg35wRoTtZA2jA_Ot5Wg7q8VLkKfkwcYQBw28swQKTb3JVjQmwh74hHiPm7DLfr5HTurxg9Kzdlhz-yEA0K4Em2hjeR_bYyIG7f3qaalkanZtFqT9PjeV5ivhQY0VAbPsfotD68CtzMNoZCtaOLMDzNfiB7XdFf-LDpFLq7epakKgZTZx4VZ=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div><div>We got on Segways!! Possibly the most fun form of transportation in a touring sense, all three of us mastered the Segway, even with the extreme hills of downtown San Francisco. And the <a href="https://electrictourcompany.com/tours/" target="_blank">San Francisco Electric Tour Company</a> is the MOST colorful, fun little alley possible. Between the rainbow umbrellas, the giant butterfly mural and the balloon ceiling, this place had photo-ops written all over it. For safety purposes, our guide did all of the photo taking while we were on wheels. We were good, but no one wants to accidentally Segway into the bay for a great pic. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9Kz_3BEhlaGxEmw8LaZ_DaQGZYDPRPFHUXoszOgMqljJXDxkNIqunXVI_V33Fs0agBRRoeQabLVnzGyTXyOjlyILm-SvNOSx69_bVllYxYN4dVqGpxcP9r2vWfzoCv4fIITGn2PNTeZYGZs6ZjAcpI07wWsH1J_wh1KWPgCOygyxeRqO_LcDbmHLN=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9Kz_3BEhlaGxEmw8LaZ_DaQGZYDPRPFHUXoszOgMqljJXDxkNIqunXVI_V33Fs0agBRRoeQabLVnzGyTXyOjlyILm-SvNOSx69_bVllYxYN4dVqGpxcP9r2vWfzoCv4fIITGn2PNTeZYGZs6ZjAcpI07wWsH1J_wh1KWPgCOygyxeRqO_LcDbmHLN=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9F5JgAKfHcHpxPnfWsESujgJoRYa32SxVm8KvFkZxCEU8_W6rBUc2OQkKqx8a7Fh-2xSrJBhGeGiCWPBr7_3v8X559QjKNSqWgbXN98ZlBLIMFn7slGOMuJoIeQDFUd8tJtgt_BGO8UEQTPPYWG_gTx-S_z5ERs4_yBoGetiMOP_MrZ3x-iv8WRN6=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9F5JgAKfHcHpxPnfWsESujgJoRYa32SxVm8KvFkZxCEU8_W6rBUc2OQkKqx8a7Fh-2xSrJBhGeGiCWPBr7_3v8X559QjKNSqWgbXN98ZlBLIMFn7slGOMuJoIeQDFUd8tJtgt_BGO8UEQTPPYWG_gTx-S_z5ERs4_yBoGetiMOP_MrZ3x-iv8WRN6=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PROFESSIONALS!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We ate outstanding food, drank incredible wine, and experienced the caution of California in the middle of a global pandemic. Unlike Texas, there is no dining indoors without a vaccine card and proof of ID in this state. We took a thorough tour of the biggest Sephora I've ever seen and were guided by the MascaraJunkie herself! I can finally replace all that makeup I bought when I was working in DC... before we got married... 14 years ago...</div><div><br /></div><div>We had a perfect trip. The best company and lots of memorable, laughable moments. I certainly met some gentle people there. <p></p></div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13038190498004521969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693626898531784810.post-34115071900267876252021-09-25T08:52:00.037-05:002022-08-11T11:13:46.426-05:00Alex Turns 8!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This precious child has turned EIGHT years old!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOIQxE46Fom4D-VCfYqu_hByAm94BQWPrXnvxMumMGJ-p2nqQz66YplTY9v7NnpFfbP8C_Ce3SGXd036riqV4NPH3flhY6CDnjokw_NTgO7azDdp5leTbJw1TIXFLMQKkVca_7QT9XidqhL9_NDWcPlPlgE7GcFGjj6o14g0O453pLoa5XBi8GzpDO=s4272" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOIQxE46Fom4D-VCfYqu_hByAm94BQWPrXnvxMumMGJ-p2nqQz66YplTY9v7NnpFfbP8C_Ce3SGXd036riqV4NPH3flhY6CDnjokw_NTgO7azDdp5leTbJw1TIXFLMQKkVca_7QT9XidqhL9_NDWcPlPlgE7GcFGjj6o14g0O453pLoa5XBi8GzpDO=w320-h213" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">His love of reptiles inspired a snake-themed birthday party. We hired <a href="http://myreptileguys.com/TX/" target="_blank">My Reptile Guys</a> and they were fantastic! These kids adored holding lizards, feeding turtles, petting snakes, the whole nine yards!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHMRawRECtlKyHkIBDuq-Y5OjMbaGWLyFFlofPbQy1p9vnDHkR0at_KQ0wTRPsKUZyP3hPIdMTgclyH6XEidwMrpHz9yJcbgF1qucA22j8XjhdgmExvNkZcnKOQcHhWx9Xx5_qKmFyC1Sp6jGlXcbK8Z8jhErz6LejYElcy8MLDOUww8YSKCo3Bf2X=s4272" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHMRawRECtlKyHkIBDuq-Y5OjMbaGWLyFFlofPbQy1p9vnDHkR0at_KQ0wTRPsKUZyP3hPIdMTgclyH6XEidwMrpHz9yJcbgF1qucA22j8XjhdgmExvNkZcnKOQcHhWx9Xx5_qKmFyC1Sp6jGlXcbK8Z8jhErz6LejYElcy8MLDOUww8YSKCo3Bf2X=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikDbzrJPSLt85bC9G1DXEXUQNUQ0M7FUuMrj7oIkUzYqMWJWTHIe8pjE9c9Gab-0tHF33sHEWMr2bF8L5yFgfYoDUMy9gqp-OladHc8OeCzzMxvzETfslLUMeV3rYvv5lAwsRf-EsT5X7ot0XUze9aWUOCOM59FOwvzrlFpht3LU6N9IpJ-Ln7ytVE=s4272" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikDbzrJPSLt85bC9G1DXEXUQNUQ0M7FUuMrj7oIkUzYqMWJWTHIe8pjE9c9Gab-0tHF33sHEWMr2bF8L5yFgfYoDUMy9gqp-OladHc8OeCzzMxvzETfslLUMeV3rYvv5lAwsRf-EsT5X7ot0XUze9aWUOCOM59FOwvzrlFpht3LU6N9IpJ-Ln7ytVE=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It was so much fun for Alex and his friends, and a perfect multi-aged party for siblings to enjoy too. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHeElhX6k198gcrkK5Rx_JkSFnJDojBjcFavTw2VEENu8Mg6otgxUAtciqMna-8qXUqA4kAT7RsOz8dDIOR01H0oACWEAEgFsRLdT8LWSsF3YS99EMyB2N1wQOOYxeur0nM4evK-QdeqesOyTFIzlmxmFk5R_4W3vAmpLv7De3Ed5--V6qcpMOy4_n=s3269" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3269" data-original-width="2179" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHeElhX6k198gcrkK5Rx_JkSFnJDojBjcFavTw2VEENu8Mg6otgxUAtciqMna-8qXUqA4kAT7RsOz8dDIOR01H0oACWEAEgFsRLdT8LWSsF3YS99EMyB2N1wQOOYxeur0nM4evK-QdeqesOyTFIzlmxmFk5R_4W3vAmpLv7De3Ed5--V6qcpMOy4_n=s320" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhP9RXkj3lmo0VaBdXYXwIVS4sXVB1AGg7bHmgmFvePisIw2VCLXuznJM9fu1dK5Mj-0p9Ishv7s33ter93XvdCVxwstvRFsd-G_G3z4a8c0-IFvcA1U8Z_8tYScVxyps1-EH5JRui3DF8YZVN1Wu9QRmlzAOxkbMBu8X5sabmF8rmdUnV6-GY5hdpp=s4272" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4272" data-original-width="2848" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhP9RXkj3lmo0VaBdXYXwIVS4sXVB1AGg7bHmgmFvePisIw2VCLXuznJM9fu1dK5Mj-0p9Ishv7s33ter93XvdCVxwstvRFsd-G_G3z4a8c0-IFvcA1U8Z_8tYScVxyps1-EH5JRui3DF8YZVN1Wu9QRmlzAOxkbMBu8X5sabmF8rmdUnV6-GY5hdpp=s320" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXPtxhwWO3aBFU50LAe4JcPHa1I6VJZX3WjoCuM8cO7TuNQavZ6uc4-HQC0ig8Gob-iy6df6UC4NwRX3xA0cUwHwJb3e7LA_XcSaYNSlF5JvQtegPUgTEMVfXqf1kiGN1Luz07tgMMkx6zLCjpoWZRlgMM2i9yLestKpr6QuWxzt9hwDC42VI-fY9h=s4272" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4272" data-original-width="2848" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXPtxhwWO3aBFU50LAe4JcPHa1I6VJZX3WjoCuM8cO7TuNQavZ6uc4-HQC0ig8Gob-iy6df6UC4NwRX3xA0cUwHwJb3e7LA_XcSaYNSlF5JvQtegPUgTEMVfXqf1kiGN1Luz07tgMMkx6zLCjpoWZRlgMM2i9yLestKpr6QuWxzt9hwDC42VI-fY9h=s320" width="213" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Our snake-obsessed child was in heaven. He has really developed into a big kid over the last year. His chipped little baby front tooth (and its counterpart) had to be pulled back in December, but the big teeth are finally starting to grow in their place. He is a serious reader, often times reading words well before ever hearing them said out loud. The other day before bed he was reading a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles book and I asked him to read it aloud. "April sped away on her moped" Ah, that would be a mo-PED, I never realized that they are spelled the same!<div><br /></div><div>He is curious, silly and takes his sweet time doing everything, but he's happy and fun and now he is EIGHT! Happy Birthday Big Guy!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi31vmjLhgCoYpI9xn5j-F15o6o6AHoWP7OpaqCddKjaTjEO0LuuZ99_9Eqa9YWIrX2DfxJIpCz7hicB9UX4Ftf7ki4MBRdnlOKTsTjSqinhF-xJlwmpvHYfJg7WiQOfzHMHpRX1oxG2oMN-yRfRWcOpjObGRY389LV_qhNG36ZXx_vaijMT6bhdASd=s4272" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4272" data-original-width="2848" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi31vmjLhgCoYpI9xn5j-F15o6o6AHoWP7OpaqCddKjaTjEO0LuuZ99_9Eqa9YWIrX2DfxJIpCz7hicB9UX4Ftf7ki4MBRdnlOKTsTjSqinhF-xJlwmpvHYfJg7WiQOfzHMHpRX1oxG2oMN-yRfRWcOpjObGRY389LV_qhNG36ZXx_vaijMT6bhdASd=s320" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3i9KPO-r9QD96_UVnM629VUi4RyNi455Via1sb-YMLOfUVxDLrgsL7rJ9VqqC5SS45AEwJzYw2Tuf3GV-jZA6kVQ6SkJ9O6XFpdB1riP5c4vkw4I71Aq3LqRTAkMMoj2MUar8EHrt2hbKF23KNA_dDJUl33lZfF42WTU0BPPPwknrljVHwHN3UVRt=s4272" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4272" data-original-width="2848" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3i9KPO-r9QD96_UVnM629VUi4RyNi455Via1sb-YMLOfUVxDLrgsL7rJ9VqqC5SS45AEwJzYw2Tuf3GV-jZA6kVQ6SkJ9O6XFpdB1riP5c4vkw4I71Aq3LqRTAkMMoj2MUar8EHrt2hbKF23KNA_dDJUl33lZfF42WTU0BPPPwknrljVHwHN3UVRt=s320" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p></div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13038190498004521969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693626898531784810.post-42981270485799921692021-08-02T16:06:00.001-05:002021-11-12T10:03:34.548-06:00Ranch Life: Bandera, TX and Overnight Camp<p>Gretchen has attended overnight camp for a few years now, skipping 2020 when camp was canceled due to a global pandemic, but this was the first time that she attended a brand NEW camp located over 4.5 hours away from home. She gladly took the charter bus on the way there, but come time for camp pickup, we wanted to go and get her in person. </p><p>So we turned it into a Texas state adventure with our friends the Northcuts, and we got more than we expected out of a VRBO rental house. </p><p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PtMCq6BlDuY/YNXxEyObbxI/AAAAAAAAP3M/oNmHx670RbcaxYH-rt-qSgSHYYEbh1szwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Bandera%2B2021-9769.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PtMCq6BlDuY/YNXxEyObbxI/AAAAAAAAP3M/oNmHx670RbcaxYH-rt-qSgSHYYEbh1szwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Bandera%2B2021-9769.jpg" width="320" /></a>We stayed at the Uno Mas Ranch in Bandera, TX in a great cabin large enough for 9 people to stay comfortably. There was a pool table, an outdoor kitchen and a whole lot of taxidermy hanging on the walls (and standing on the furniture, and serving as decoration). There was also several varieties of big game animals on the property. That little detail was not included in the VRBO description. </p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>I assumed that the curly-horned deer-goats that we passed on our way in were just a bizarre breed from the part of Texas that I have never visited. It turned out that they were ibex, which are native to any continent that doesn't contain the word "America". <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Then there were these larger-than-normal deer that came to the watering hole in front of our cabin each night around dinnertime. We observed, watched their herd behavior, but didn't think a whole lot of them, except that they were fun to watch. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F2_MbegO6J4/YQhaIwDShBI/AAAAAAAAP6Y/yRRFPq-oi9AvHwMk5IwEUCwjg5BmNZsLgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Bandera%2B2021-9804.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F2_MbegO6J4/YQhaIwDShBI/AAAAAAAAP6Y/yRRFPq-oi9AvHwMk5IwEUCwjg5BmNZsLgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Bandera%2B2021-9804.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And then we were visited by a herd of wildebeests. They are definitely not usually found in Texas. Now this stay had more of the feel of an African safari. We were brought back to Texas by this truly awesome longhorn. This fella was the alpha for sure. Nobody messes with the longhorn. Not the wildebeests, not the humans. This was the lesson in animal behavior that none of us expected.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iWnrrvcrc-w/YNXxF1NrQxI/AAAAAAAAP3c/SeZZmoSC7ysMEvjUEqySG6Ef4i-tPZThgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Bandera%2B2021-9805.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iWnrrvcrc-w/YNXxF1NrQxI/AAAAAAAAP3c/SeZZmoSC7ysMEvjUEqySG6Ef4i-tPZThgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Bandera%2B2021-9805.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KtOW7lmNIMs/YNXxFquvEYI/AAAAAAAAP3U/IXMEZdOgEgYXTnhit0-sj4VR-i_sI3s4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Bandera%2B2021-9802.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KtOW7lmNIMs/YNXxFquvEYI/AAAAAAAAP3U/IXMEZdOgEgYXTnhit0-sj4VR-i_sI3s4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Bandera%2B2021-9802.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gK3ZX3QzFAE/YQhXE_q0iBI/AAAAAAAAP6M/3dkq2wIBCHkmtUY_tA-8QpyFofHdM7kVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/DDD8A0BB-783C-480E-9778-DF0E8E1CED61.heic" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gK3ZX3QzFAE/YQhXE_q0iBI/AAAAAAAAP6M/3dkq2wIBCHkmtUY_tA-8QpyFofHdM7kVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DDD8A0BB-783C-480E-9778-DF0E8E1CED61.heic" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then came time to pickup our first born! Camp OTX was incredible! Brand new, clean and spacious bunks, water slides and archery and gymnastics and crafts! It was so great to see this long-legged beauty come sprinting toward us after a week away!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BjRYpr-H7Vo/YQhXE0x78YI/AAAAAAAAP6E/4ebW3pS9d5YLlOqO5Fjv45r3Z8Kc-qgjwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/10BE876B-4077-4DF8-86B3-316F39B2E6C4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BjRYpr-H7Vo/YQhXE0x78YI/AAAAAAAAP6E/4ebW3pS9d5YLlOqO5Fjv45r3Z8Kc-qgjwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/10BE876B-4077-4DF8-86B3-316F39B2E6C4.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MdABEjyCp8w/YQhXEzOn06I/AAAAAAAAP6I/5ZoYLuwDAbAKy5PxaA3EUC6sZT0tf0ZBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/392A0B24-FE0E-464D-89C5-6C076E6327E6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MdABEjyCp8w/YQhXEzOn06I/AAAAAAAAP6I/5ZoYLuwDAbAKy5PxaA3EUC6sZT0tf0ZBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/392A0B24-FE0E-464D-89C5-6C076E6327E6.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pej9D4JSYXk/YNXxE3cTb7I/AAAAAAAAP3Q/my3Y8VgmS84CxgEFfC36p1t7k5YLVrr8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Bandera%2B2021-9785.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pej9D4JSYXk/YNXxE3cTb7I/AAAAAAAAP3Q/my3Y8VgmS84CxgEFfC36p1t7k5YLVrr8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Bandera%2B2021-9785.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">She had a blast. Gretchen made new friends, tried new activities and has already decided that she wants to return for a 2-week stay next summer. Now we get to enjoy another night of ranch life with our family and friends watching the animals and swimming in the largest pool in Bandera County. Daddy perfected the oven-made s'mores (due to a burn notice, we were not able to have an outdoor campfire) and we enjoyed a beautiful evening with our little stair-step kids surrounded by wild animal noises.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1GShrA8XuV4/YNXxGWdNSrI/AAAAAAAAP3g/akTux41JG-MxHtvZD8nCe6QRh00siAPogCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Bandera%2B2021-9819.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1GShrA8XuV4/YNXxGWdNSrI/AAAAAAAAP3g/akTux41JG-MxHtvZD8nCe6QRh00siAPogCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Bandera%2B2021-9819.jpg" /></a><p></p><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PgYxbym5eMw/YNXxF9mSH2I/AAAAAAAAP3Y/irPj-X2zeYk-4_8Ow5Qe16njuLEF1ugUwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Bandera%2B2021-9811.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PgYxbym5eMw/YNXxF9mSH2I/AAAAAAAAP3Y/irPj-X2zeYk-4_8Ow5Qe16njuLEF1ugUwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Bandera%2B2021-9811.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>As it turns out, this is a very common type of ranch in Texas. They bring in wild game to tourists that want to hunt and during hunting season these cabins are used for resting between hunts. We did not know this going in, and were excited and surprised by the animals, however the idea of killing them for fun makes me sad.</div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13038190498004521969noreply@blogger.com0