tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68581338253425903692024-03-05T01:14:42.245-08:00annikaida3 Little Larson Girlsannikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804882687966966561noreply@blogger.comBlogger187125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858133825342590369.post-19844711466325557702013-12-05T18:01:00.001-08:002013-12-05T18:01:15.168-08:00Grandpa PaulMy parents come each Thursday to get the girls on the bus and watch Svea when I work. Mom does my laundry and Dad vacumns and does other helpful things. I am blessed. Today Mom was in Mankato celebrating her birthday with her sisters so Dad came solo. He came at 8:15 and the girls greeted him at the door with hugs and screams "Grandpa!". Svea said "Come in the closet to see my glow in the dark nail polish!". Mara and Sonna painted nails this morning, Svea's too, with their new polish. My 6 foot 3 Dad went in Svea's closet with all three girls to see their glow in the dark nails waving around excitedly. Next, my Dad went out into the cold (7 degrees) to clear the snow off my van and warm it up so I didn't have to. A labor of love. Then he sectioned a grapefruit at Mara's request for her school snack. :) annikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804882687966966561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858133825342590369.post-8035413452159902702013-07-15T20:58:00.002-07:002013-07-15T20:59:28.918-07:00My CuddleBugs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6iZ33keGDudPG1-yxT3rDOdCuQUMM9b-7Sgc_o9l7Pzool8C8KqGJAid7XEOGGMnCLMRzlBruo5yq2mkJ3AbPcSjSiq9eK5DOpcZ-og_zmHeUx3MAXrEoGFHiBNOuebFJjf-EudnSnUbl/s1600/IMG_0094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6iZ33keGDudPG1-yxT3rDOdCuQUMM9b-7Sgc_o9l7Pzool8C8KqGJAid7XEOGGMnCLMRzlBruo5yq2mkJ3AbPcSjSiq9eK5DOpcZ-og_zmHeUx3MAXrEoGFHiBNOuebFJjf-EudnSnUbl/s320/IMG_0094.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Some favorites of me and my girls. Taken in November 2012.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-G3LqdmuIV9slJFTTVw3FhllKUtdY8O5kNRpQwejVaye025-v2VqEehpabh_P4vQou4YcbfpT8wLwa2DjEeGMiJ8urNfGgxcKrzR74W6vhALfO5Hbdx2PozxXYNtX5kYjHyXV1M5EDmRX/s1600/IMG_0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-G3LqdmuIV9slJFTTVw3FhllKUtdY8O5kNRpQwejVaye025-v2VqEehpabh_P4vQou4YcbfpT8wLwa2DjEeGMiJ8urNfGgxcKrzR74W6vhALfO5Hbdx2PozxXYNtX5kYjHyXV1M5EDmRX/s320/IMG_0091.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Svea is squeaky clean and quite cozy. A delight.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHuD6qpTIHMIthlO_ro3kp4560VU1Ydjt0H5AlEC6GFguWBj_DKIfao6HkJQR0n1mDvemz9RMAuFkEaJzHgaIFETUyu4zKvL2Ovb_gs2IIJM-VLCZOGFerNVXGk85rBEB29AJLgc2zFQP-/s1600/IMG_0072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHuD6qpTIHMIthlO_ro3kp4560VU1Ydjt0H5AlEC6GFguWBj_DKIfao6HkJQR0n1mDvemz9RMAuFkEaJzHgaIFETUyu4zKvL2Ovb_gs2IIJM-VLCZOGFerNVXGk85rBEB29AJLgc2zFQP-/s320/IMG_0072.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3QmTWTmk_Tusi8aRyGE8PldUA_OJX83p6Izodr04gDrA2lEV-1TR1OxK2g_x1LDypxLOxMBBRJwSkacWKxUlCcMncZMP51N0oCRVbiwZrVgsmtuCL0KKEBxYPsBsQjz8lyskbREP8YhMU/s1600/IMG_0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3QmTWTmk_Tusi8aRyGE8PldUA_OJX83p6Izodr04gDrA2lEV-1TR1OxK2g_x1LDypxLOxMBBRJwSkacWKxUlCcMncZMP51N0oCRVbiwZrVgsmtuCL0KKEBxYPsBsQjz8lyskbREP8YhMU/s320/IMG_0071.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
annikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804882687966966561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858133825342590369.post-18383329238342949702013-07-12T21:21:00.002-07:002013-07-12T21:21:31.307-07:00My SiblingsShepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church celebrated Mom and Dad's 33 years of parish ministry and Dad's retirement the end of June. It was an incredible weekend for our family, and for me personally, it was a snapshot of my childhood in some ways. I grew up in that church and was loved by so many people who encouraged me and nurtured me. <br />
<br />
Mat's family flew in from Seattle and we all had such a GOOD time together. We spent Friday together at our house, Saturday at Becca and Rory's farm, and Sunday at church and then Mom and Dad's house. Here is a favorite picture taken in our backyard:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsP42PphmElMMfAeqDZ-pL-CDXy-1KpdXTWvED7Iv4OO2zIb4EZjxK4PcQ11IGTI70EPzfsEQw-9_utgSf1WGjxyPzqi_IbLMBUHvnxuX1zKVeu0zar9Agq4Wd394JOIqx0SD-wlOfr2dF/s1600/IMG_0153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsP42PphmElMMfAeqDZ-pL-CDXy-1KpdXTWvED7Iv4OO2zIb4EZjxK4PcQ11IGTI70EPzfsEQw-9_utgSf1WGjxyPzqi_IbLMBUHvnxuX1zKVeu0zar9Agq4Wd394JOIqx0SD-wlOfr2dF/s320/IMG_0153.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
And a cousin picture:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7a4IEClfFrvw07EBa-4cc4N-iDZIgEYSeH6C_q9s11OE6n4Y9KhIE3q-y2z_AMQiBcCE-Y_olsPmhXazcgcpu8h92o7jYnpjFIdYFbke1165kYpJgQIRDoQ5xXoyDqLc8AZSCvDX-NJG/s1600/IMG_0157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7a4IEClfFrvw07EBa-4cc4N-iDZIgEYSeH6C_q9s11OE6n4Y9KhIE3q-y2z_AMQiBcCE-Y_olsPmhXazcgcpu8h92o7jYnpjFIdYFbke1165kYpJgQIRDoQ5xXoyDqLc8AZSCvDX-NJG/s320/IMG_0157.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
These cousins love each other so much. I have a short video of my three girls sobbing as we drove away after saying our goodbyes. I won't post it. But I cried too. </div>
annikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804882687966966561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858133825342590369.post-79538149679887855112013-07-12T21:00:00.002-07:002013-07-12T21:02:24.912-07:00Summer 2013 Family Vacation: Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp, ColoradoWe planned to go to Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp in Colorado for Family Camp last summer so we could see our friends Deb and Brad Abbott. (And we were all excited to experience Family Camp again - It's been two years exactly since we moved back to MN). However, forest fires near Sky Ranch caused camp to be evacuated and Family Camp was cancelled. So we went this summer instead. Brad and Jedd worked together at Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp in Montana and Brad married my friend Deb. :) It was so good to reconnect! <br />
<br />
I sent out an invitation to 20 of our family friends last winter to see if anyone wanted to join our family at Sky Ranch. And faithful friends, Matt and Maren Schneider and their boys Adam and Micah said "Yes!". It was SO MUCH FUN sharing this mountain experience with them. We felt very blessed to spend a whole week together! <br />
<br />
Admittedly, I am still stuck between having a camera (which I unknowingly brought along with a full memory card), and a phone with a sort of decent camera. Also admittedly, I don't yet know how to import pictures from my phone onto the computer so I can post them here. And finally, I relished turning off my phone for the week (no cell service in the mountains) so I rarely had it with me when there were great photo opportunities. I will plan to update photos once the Schneider's share theirs with me. Here's what I have in reverse order (shoot!):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4uD3G6pKiRgzTq_-hZH2LXGZSVtRCBk3RBzFfwNHPwjdwsAbD6Gvzxn8JJC6qzKHPS7KadkmPVgenVVg7QRUHKsVaCNUc800N5PFakp73QmESwWnCGVeEYQkhrxeQV4aPlWkR_LDZro-u/s1600/IMG_0201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4uD3G6pKiRgzTq_-hZH2LXGZSVtRCBk3RBzFfwNHPwjdwsAbD6Gvzxn8JJC6qzKHPS7KadkmPVgenVVg7QRUHKsVaCNUc800N5PFakp73QmESwWnCGVeEYQkhrxeQV4aPlWkR_LDZro-u/s320/IMG_0201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
On the car ride home. Mara and Sonna entertaining each other and Svea studying her books.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIU3l2U5qPSxnyAMsFjZVRLJ5q4eOHmriNRrPxSC5pzQJkvq9oVcgEkEWxW88S9UBNvavh9_rRXX5HbN1QlC6fMo-flsUgX7IOzppZJ1KdPCI3upq3Oux0p-daKsdqoXRh9Ha0fDKNDvJZ/s1600/IMG_0193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIU3l2U5qPSxnyAMsFjZVRLJ5q4eOHmriNRrPxSC5pzQJkvq9oVcgEkEWxW88S9UBNvavh9_rRXX5HbN1QlC6fMo-flsUgX7IOzppZJ1KdPCI3upq3Oux0p-daKsdqoXRh9Ha0fDKNDvJZ/s320/IMG_0193.JPG" width="228" /></a></div>
Saying goodbye to dear friend Deb.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhspQHPcSslCvUb63ChjxPHVy_XYUJTJ2auiiJUDMr8VM0P82s8GTwowHjbgAIAow3HYw0lM1tS7x48yPnIc5_hmYXysQ9vEN6X0rD0aqqUDlJ0mwBBh4A1rFydgEqSkst6EFomO1qthac0/s1600/IMG_0192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhspQHPcSslCvUb63ChjxPHVy_XYUJTJ2auiiJUDMr8VM0P82s8GTwowHjbgAIAow3HYw0lM1tS7x48yPnIc5_hmYXysQ9vEN6X0rD0aqqUDlJ0mwBBh4A1rFydgEqSkst6EFomO1qthac0/s320/IMG_0192.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
One of our favorites - Hannah - from Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp came to work at Sky Ranch this summer!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNcE-qgG2tfq2ua-pVWCKFPkR46209EXhLbUs_W8GBsq4Ep10w1ActPXAp31j5gP1eWXTOhynhz7QVRjujnYkVcOagKN_63iU3FbvccDQ4wfKKPVN9UlZU9i5U06SP80R4DSk0D96sfnyw/s1600/IMG_0187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNcE-qgG2tfq2ua-pVWCKFPkR46209EXhLbUs_W8GBsq4Ep10w1ActPXAp31j5gP1eWXTOhynhz7QVRjujnYkVcOagKN_63iU3FbvccDQ4wfKKPVN9UlZU9i5U06SP80R4DSk0D96sfnyw/s320/IMG_0187.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Jedd and I did an 8 mile hike. It was gorgeous. Next time I want to reach the snowy tops! (Do I look like a golfer? I am not a golfer.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0UPw-fLLzzMgyJ-qCJkAZco-o25MX8NrkNZgyH6UCbGaUfUs2n8Mx12UIawZx97yhr_aOb_jHIISFGGCoXvvASORAqAFRtk4T0Oh0qYxqPobk000VnoLWBDFOocRsxWfCWisKmcdmXEI3/s1600/IMG_0190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0UPw-fLLzzMgyJ-qCJkAZco-o25MX8NrkNZgyH6UCbGaUfUs2n8Mx12UIawZx97yhr_aOb_jHIISFGGCoXvvASORAqAFRtk4T0Oh0qYxqPobk000VnoLWBDFOocRsxWfCWisKmcdmXEI3/s320/IMG_0190.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
One year old Micah and Svea enjoying each other at campfire. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHrMXjwndlofO4iipG_1LSrM_py_RCaF4vBXgfcwIkd0BaGQCQm2Vy_rMcmLZrHx-mANu0P1g9DPJiKlKHiVss9l9Mk4IRIo8LMqeyuUT9fv84NnodTDJqawOaFKeXryxXM_xABKrumz7/s1600/IMG_0182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHrMXjwndlofO4iipG_1LSrM_py_RCaF4vBXgfcwIkd0BaGQCQm2Vy_rMcmLZrHx-mANu0P1g9DPJiKlKHiVss9l9Mk4IRIo8LMqeyuUT9fv84NnodTDJqawOaFKeXryxXM_xABKrumz7/s320/IMG_0182.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Jedd and I enjoying each other at campfire. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhO3zhjISFRCN_N5eTq1hwtoYe7fJCG34OT6_2rl-Uc6filI2Td-XcnWuJbdI7_4CofIkH9HeBrpCeopsbYX3CaXVB1B4zFp9kJp3JDwIL3zKG1rqHe5jEHBRF2fiwqBqduxx9nh2TcDoW/s1600/IMG_0180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhO3zhjISFRCN_N5eTq1hwtoYe7fJCG34OT6_2rl-Uc6filI2Td-XcnWuJbdI7_4CofIkH9HeBrpCeopsbYX3CaXVB1B4zFp9kJp3JDwIL3zKG1rqHe5jEHBRF2fiwqBqduxx9nh2TcDoW/s320/IMG_0180.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Fun time together in Fort Collins with St. Olaf friends Joni and Evan, Matt and Maren. So fun to have our kids together. We have our 15 year class reunion in 2014! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-EZ1BUjJBe0-HFGFAEMrCDqvbW4xDPvAvGcsH7elol5N5V01Mf-YbSesKYhZk1WKFG-4wXUs3Y1Xu-6Pe0_LEWImKzbTwgObuOPdqsFEOG92Ej5e-M6Y2oLXdNWSfF_pNWlbg25gHSK7/s1600/IMG_0170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-EZ1BUjJBe0-HFGFAEMrCDqvbW4xDPvAvGcsH7elol5N5V01Mf-YbSesKYhZk1WKFG-4wXUs3Y1Xu-6Pe0_LEWImKzbTwgObuOPdqsFEOG92Ej5e-M6Y2oLXdNWSfF_pNWlbg25gHSK7/s320/IMG_0170.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Our family stopped at Mt. Rushmore on the way to Colorado. We took a leisurely morning exploring Keystone, SD. We stopped for some souvenirs and fresh taffy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8u1xxNVg9iLGTgCtRInzXfARhhGCHNA27bOJHQAJIouzt4VlZ1tEQUrA2L-DMw1ZQEJrnpgDVraELoxgaCngd34dYNKpQGISk6C30nqD9y33qJbHgjSbURcJURhn8rrNCPqi6yqTEqBoS/s1600/IMG_0168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8u1xxNVg9iLGTgCtRInzXfARhhGCHNA27bOJHQAJIouzt4VlZ1tEQUrA2L-DMw1ZQEJrnpgDVraELoxgaCngd34dYNKpQGISk6C30nqD9y33qJbHgjSbURcJURhn8rrNCPqi6yqTEqBoS/s320/IMG_0168.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This was the view from the Lodge at Sky Ranch. It was neat to be so near the changing weather. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKxPp2ZrNCFGqtS4mFr-KmETyaHt64uskcgSD1_wTECWrgI3F61rNzwkG6aW-XiGlej8J4xdjCS9-Fk-YJK__RjHqolpyPE5UhtnvmdDQArhY53lgXAkoyXjjmWi4OJQ0WyL3Uw3yLRhE/s1600/IMG_0199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKxPp2ZrNCFGqtS4mFr-KmETyaHt64uskcgSD1_wTECWrgI3F61rNzwkG6aW-XiGlej8J4xdjCS9-Fk-YJK__RjHqolpyPE5UhtnvmdDQArhY53lgXAkoyXjjmWi4OJQ0WyL3Uw3yLRhE/s320/IMG_0199.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The girls made fast friends at camp. After half a day, they were so comfortable and seemed like they had lived at camp before. :) annikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804882687966966561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858133825342590369.post-28390686723137543992013-06-20T02:48:00.002-07:002013-06-27T22:43:24.814-07:00Family Photograph and 3 Girls in the BurleyToday was a day that I don't want to forgot. I woke in the middle of the night and decided it was a good idea to record it here. It's been a very long time and so much has happened but I'm going to let that go for now.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhosHC_b_ZiAHMsb8heEgs-w_PrK2cxufPVerOf6jcZVcDeCn1SQ0raFy1Ni6kuESnF5g3UxfxT99ZBOWAqz1w6g2clqaMnMb9XwAPLqCdtI7J34MNqi49S2PN56hmY7PCpwr3RJekJXkpU/s1600/IMG_9604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhosHC_b_ZiAHMsb8heEgs-w_PrK2cxufPVerOf6jcZVcDeCn1SQ0raFy1Ni6kuESnF5g3UxfxT99ZBOWAqz1w6g2clqaMnMb9XwAPLqCdtI7J34MNqi49S2PN56hmY7PCpwr3RJekJXkpU/s320/IMG_9604.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyrY7QoxES4Rdnresqwizxw9sVl1rAghwnm4Fw9CDdnkpVME3LnAAvcZvibz_AKZv5VWa4Jyc-s2-03UurahhVZHLcAMGH6rmNE94Ms8J2702NSkf7Eca-T8_XV1bNhAUajCyHzDoBw_1/s1600/IMG_9451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyrY7QoxES4Rdnresqwizxw9sVl1rAghwnm4Fw9CDdnkpVME3LnAAvcZvibz_AKZv5VWa4Jyc-s2-03UurahhVZHLcAMGH6rmNE94Ms8J2702NSkf7Eca-T8_XV1bNhAUajCyHzDoBw_1/s320/IMG_9451.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
I have wanted to have a professional family photo taken for years and we made it happen this morning. I spent a silly amount of time over the past 5 days coordinating our outfits. I was pleasantly surprised that there were not any meltdowns pre-picture. Well, there were 2 potential meltdown but they were diverted with tenacity (read <i>bribery) </i>and some amount of luck. <br />
<br />
I'll start with Sonna: Sonna enjoys having her hair curled. It only happens a few times a year - time crunch in the mornings - and she is the child who takes notice when I curl my hair or wear heels, which also happens a few times a year. This morning, as I was curling Sonna's hair, I noticed her smile of joyful anticipation quickly dissipated into a disgruntled look. She was not satisfied. It was more curly than she liked and she told me she wanted a ponytail rather than wearing her pretty golden hair in curls. I asked her once, selfishly, to please wear it down as I attempted to smooth out some of the curl with a wide barrel curling iron. She shook her head "No". So I said "I'll give you $2 if you wear it down". Sonna said "No". I said to my six year old who studied money at the end of her kindergarten year "I'll give you $2 and two quarters" and she said "Yes". So I bought my way with her hair for the family photograph. It is ironic how these things from my childhood come back to me in a fierce way. When I was 7 or 8 my mother put pink spongy curlers in my hair the night before our family photograph. She then put pigtails in my hair and shaped them into nice ringlets. To my dismay, one pigtail was shorter than the other. So I took matters into my own hands and wet one pigtail to even them out. You can imagine what happened; the too-curly pigtail was now nearly flat and too long. My poor mother. Maybe if she had paid me . . . (:<br />
<br />
Mara is not a fan of dressing up. She communicated clearly that she was not going to wear a dress. She was kind to tell me this 7-10 days in advance of picture day. So I found her a skirt that I really liked and a white t-shirt with ruffles (pleasantly surprised she did not reject the shirt with a few ruffles). However, she told me she didn't like the skirt and wouldn't wear it. So last night I went to the mall and found a coordinating sundress - a long shot - but at least she would have a choice. Just before it was time to leave for family pictures, she voiced her dislike of the skirt again and, of course, the dress. To my surprise and delight, she wore the skirt anyways and never complained again! I could shout a little "hallelujah" even now, reflecting on this fact. Mara is newly 8 years old and is growing up in noticeable ways. She was wonderfully helpful throughout the photography session, corralling and encouraging Svea. The minute we walked in the door an hour and a half later, Mara took off the skirt and declared "I'm never wearing that skirt again". "Okay", I replied. <br />
<br />
That afternoon, after some quiet time and a failed nap attempt for Svea, the task at hand was to get Mara her own library card. Her second grade teacher, Ms. Cooper, who will also be her third grade teacher (second grade loops to third grade at Wilshire Park Elementary), kindly made plans to meet with the class once a month during summertime. Tomorrow is her first library meet up and she is <i>so</i> excited. However, this afternoon, Mara was <i>so</i> tired. I told the girls we would walk to the library because it is a beautiful day, and because we live in a Village so we <i>can </i>walk, and because Jedd had the minivan and I didn't want to unload the cab of his truck just to drive 5 blocks. Mara melted upon hearing this news. It was not what she had in mind for the afternoon trip to the library. Sister Sonna quickly suggested to Mara, "You could ride in the Burley (behind the bike carriage for kids) with Svea and I can ride my scooter". Except she can't ride her scooter because she has a broken arm. Another story. Anyways, the three girls decided they could squeeze in the back. I was wishing I had my camera to capture the sight of a 2 1/2, 6 and 8 year old packed on top of each other but I left my phone in the minivan (If that sounds odd in future years, my phone is my camera, just to clarify for the sake of ever-changing technology). Side note: Perhaps part of the reason it was a day I wish to remember is also because I <b>did</b> leave my phone in the car and so I had no distractions and that is a wonderful thing these days. Anyways, Sonna was on one side, Mara on the other and Svea kind of on top of Mara. And no one complained or fell apart, not even Miss No-Nap Svea. <br />
<br />
We were successful with our library card mission and then Mara suggested the Dairy Queen. I agreed under the condition that we order 4 mini-cones. Simplicity. And they agreed. So the summery day included ice cream which is always good. And it included cucumbers which are always good too. <br />
<br />
This has been the rainiest Spring and longest awaited Summer I can remember. Our gardening efforts have been strong at some points and lacking at others. But I was feeling sad that we didn't plant any cucumbers. To my delight, Linder's gardening center had all their plants 50% off and I got my cucumber plants already a healthy 5 inches tall. And then I enjoyed some quiet, sunny time planting them, along with a pumpkin plant, in our beautiful backyard. Again, pictures to come. <br />
<br />
The day ended with Mara's 7:00 soccer game. She has very dear friends from school on her team and I am enjoying getting to know their families. The gift of community . . .<br />
<br />
That's enough for now. I was inclined to record this day because I was able to take in many moments and feel gratitude. Certainly not everyday is like that being the working mom of three little girls but this was a day to remember. I hope I'll be back soon. <br />
<br />
I almost forgot! One of the biggest reasons this day was so good is that I felt buoyed by the love and support of my Mom and Dad who came to our house this morning to offer their helping hands for weeding flower beds, planting flowers, mowing the lawn, cleaning the garage, and more. Thank you, Mom and Dad. annikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804882687966966561noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858133825342590369.post-83515801571853431832012-12-04T18:14:00.000-08:002012-12-04T18:14:10.908-08:00in case you don't know who the tooth fairy is...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5mp0ZsQzLrtbZVx0hweBwfEv-qXrewShVxP6yXAZs36bTQNve2QYnp2bkBcPo-hUnC0mL9hGn39rNHogG_kEOjrp6cAJQhLQFZz6rN1_YHqWsaGW7L-Vf6cOEBLvxh6GTqykWgreg4mme/s1600/IMG_2974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5mp0ZsQzLrtbZVx0hweBwfEv-qXrewShVxP6yXAZs36bTQNve2QYnp2bkBcPo-hUnC0mL9hGn39rNHogG_kEOjrp6cAJQhLQFZz6rN1_YHqWsaGW7L-Vf6cOEBLvxh6GTqykWgreg4mme/s400/IMG_2974.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Annika forwarded this email to me, written by a mom whose daughter is friends with Mara.<br />
<br />
Hi Annika, <br />
<div>
I had to relate a story to you so you could enjoy a good chuckle. Katie lost a tooth yesterday and put an envelope under her pillow with it for the tooth fairy. She told me that she was going to "fake sleep" so she could see the toothfairy, even though she already knew her. When I questioned her, she told me that Mara told her that she once fake slept and saw you putting her money under her pillow, so she knew you were really the toothfairy. Katie looked at me and said, "See, I told you I knew the toothfairy. It's Mara's mom!" :) She is convinced that your job is being the toothfairy! I love their innocence at this age! </div>
annikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804882687966966561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858133825342590369.post-66099307749527126942012-12-04T17:58:00.002-08:002012-12-04T17:58:36.176-08:00a quick story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigx0uyzLiP8_ia4e9dXQf9Vi8tKraK7hxeic-baLoQojEH360NgGfQC07ss5vrBeLR9iT51Uh_BXVGAfNxp9i1Cyjf4yBlgciSt3lYoa-9J7A8WzhiPmp6e0wN_qGI2GFg8-i0DY4-gOCu/s1600/DSC_0072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigx0uyzLiP8_ia4e9dXQf9Vi8tKraK7hxeic-baLoQojEH360NgGfQC07ss5vrBeLR9iT51Uh_BXVGAfNxp9i1Cyjf4yBlgciSt3lYoa-9J7A8WzhiPmp6e0wN_qGI2GFg8-i0DY4-gOCu/s400/DSC_0072.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Hello everybody. Becca here. Annika's sister. Turns out Annika is quite busy with three girls while working as a social worker at a hospital. Life in Minnesota is packed full for them and though she says often how badly she wants to blog, she rarely has the time.<br />
<br />
But the woman has stories unending from her little girls. And as a proud aunt, I believe she HAS to get back here to write some of these herself. Until then, I'm going to hijack her blog and report her stories for her. Because they are so good. <br />
<br />
For example. Last night Annika took Sonna and Mara to Patina after supper. Annika was looking through a book called The Happiness Project (has anyone read this? I've seen it too...looks compelling) while her girls took in the lovely displays that Patina seems to be best at. That store is so, so gorgeous. Annika was trying to get a feel for this book, but her girls kept interrupting her, "mom, look at this! Isn't this cute? Oh mom, this would be perfect for baby Elsie! Mom, we have to get this!"<br />
<br />
Annika told me on the phone that she was just about to tell her girls to simmer a bit. That she was trying to read. And then Sonna blurted to her, "Mom! Everything is so beautiful I'm getting the tears."<br />
<br />
Annika said she went right to the check out area. The woman asked if she needed help and she said, no I need a pen and paper. My daughter just said the sweetest thing.<br />
<br />
<br />
annikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804882687966966561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858133825342590369.post-54968188241800902492011-08-05T12:40:00.000-07:002011-08-05T14:52:26.435-07:00Svea at 10 1/2 months!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1bq_2knV0NjSA5OCyzzlAPZkcm81dC4s-8fOwaSZOZhWj9tRKaam2atcmDb9M8I8MYQA3KuoRTas0pfchtTgX2o6B3dtXnm4WuWf7X1bgDI0iFL5rmQnuZLHAZu-vhrf8aQXiUofLCTo/s1600/June+and+July+2011+Montana+and+Minnesota+139.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637490891193439810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1bq_2knV0NjSA5OCyzzlAPZkcm81dC4s-8fOwaSZOZhWj9tRKaam2atcmDb9M8I8MYQA3KuoRTas0pfchtTgX2o6B3dtXnm4WuWf7X1bgDI0iFL5rmQnuZLHAZu-vhrf8aQXiUofLCTo/s320/June+and+July+2011+Montana+and+Minnesota+139.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2rp73kmc3Y73He3KBqI8y4ZoESw4WCcC9CTgjDfjrZhFMXxwVF19QF785KuBYQc2ywGRx-cJtlpx_Cw3TT0fNPAY-TCbk1eif7tv3ke7lqivWlW1yycm8F1YR6YrUNIxDu6i1UfWbwFwO/s1600/June+and+July+2011+Montana+and+Minnesota+146.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637462080031169810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2rp73kmc3Y73He3KBqI8y4ZoESw4WCcC9CTgjDfjrZhFMXxwVF19QF785KuBYQc2ywGRx-cJtlpx_Cw3TT0fNPAY-TCbk1eif7tv3ke7lqivWlW1yycm8F1YR6YrUNIxDu6i1UfWbwFwO/s320/June+and+July+2011+Montana+and+Minnesota+146.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkls4FRtMR0EzwHj9xRG3wg92dtfP62dbNDsxuWFUSPvhul72WcpiUKGB0BzYkrMXc19T7s8ANFlb3l85XJ3XODW9VoF9j_vKSMX6JoPFhaw61wF_BgluiHfgyrt4jzI3AKUkUpe9KLKlq/s1600/June+and+July+2011+Montana+and+Minnesota+150.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637460809331698130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkls4FRtMR0EzwHj9xRG3wg92dtfP62dbNDsxuWFUSPvhul72WcpiUKGB0BzYkrMXc19T7s8ANFlb3l85XJ3XODW9VoF9j_vKSMX6JoPFhaw61wF_BgluiHfgyrt4jzI3AKUkUpe9KLKlq/s320/June+and+July+2011+Montana+and+Minnesota+150.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Gk_nUA24OFj9JTSGjbnJfjbtb6Ea8T8DPzebvjKwyzwth4bOW-eE_guI-OFm6DAG4W5v9vAKn1yhEw7jqcegj_EOc8i2O0OZhTKzqAn3GlLDCaiP76Vy-PwCrTJSBh_QeRPfWWcx8JpG/s1600/June+and+July+2011+Montana+and+Minnesota+151.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637460193324959922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Gk_nUA24OFj9JTSGjbnJfjbtb6Ea8T8DPzebvjKwyzwth4bOW-eE_guI-OFm6DAG4W5v9vAKn1yhEw7jqcegj_EOc8i2O0OZhTKzqAn3GlLDCaiP76Vy-PwCrTJSBh_QeRPfWWcx8JpG/s320/June+and+July+2011+Montana+and+Minnesota+151.JPG" /></a>Oh, it's been way too long and I have much to tell and post since we made the big move to Minnesota but for today I just need to post these adorable pictures of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Svea</span>. It's hard to imagine how she could get any sweeter, but somehow she does! She's enjoying Grandma Margaret's garden here. More later. Later = After I find a job and after we find a house and after we figure out where Mara will start school in a matter of weeks!</div></div></div>annikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804882687966966561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858133825342590369.post-4001084971598535612011-06-23T07:59:00.001-07:002011-06-29T19:02:20.059-07:00Holden VillageAt times of transition in life it seems wise to take pause and breathe deep. We were fortunate to do that at Holden Village in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Chelan</span>, Washington.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXs1Mcvwk_I9Yr39E0fj_399S4Bnpo_AxUHOO9esKwDxOj0GPSl9kRDy8td9a54bw__lCuWUYhUV18FJ-NVmwC2kNCTFkZMLRgdlrPxCYlyD9HhyphenhyphenHfCw0SsPYk4lfuQEAoqtzBkW_P3h_0/s1600/June+20%252C+2011+Holden+and+Seattle+030.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621435963115846754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXs1Mcvwk_I9Yr39E0fj_399S4Bnpo_AxUHOO9esKwDxOj0GPSl9kRDy8td9a54bw__lCuWUYhUV18FJ-NVmwC2kNCTFkZMLRgdlrPxCYlyD9HhyphenhyphenHfCw0SsPYk4lfuQEAoqtzBkW_P3h_0/s320/June+20%252C+2011+Holden+and+Seattle+030.JPG" /></a>After Jedd's last day as Camp Manager at Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp we drove to the Holden Village Bed and Breakfast and then took the ferry to Holden. It was a much needed, much anticipated mini-vacation. We were blessed by the warm community there, the evening worship, and the extra care for our girls. We were also blessed to stay as guests of our friend <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Siri</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Garnaas</span>. Although it was short, it was restorative. Jedd visited Holden with his family when he was 12 and I went when I was 6 so it was special to return with our girls. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcgXpEe-A47Fgccn_DXVQpCXJGT9XMwfv8hJgyZYVVWNnhE-BqS5WqQmFvxdvdX-nFKS41k-UUQo_2nf1T8bIa2hugB9aFgJZ3jHDlXi31QtDBwUIqeNmyB5k2j1EJ_9f_llEZeKXhW0KR/s1600/June+20%252C+2011+Holden+and+Seattle+029.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621435076558800146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcgXpEe-A47Fgccn_DXVQpCXJGT9XMwfv8hJgyZYVVWNnhE-BqS5WqQmFvxdvdX-nFKS41k-UUQo_2nf1T8bIa2hugB9aFgJZ3jHDlXi31QtDBwUIqeNmyB5k2j1EJ_9f_llEZeKXhW0KR/s320/June+20%252C+2011+Holden+and+Seattle+029.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggyeUosOPqKVYvzOwSt6Jr4gd1JP4ZV24e7ERR8jz3SIQDe3jTBrdhIR23KaIE7F1-M-2DyG-T2tx-NLFP-PrnBdfUInNDPD_P9V2T-OlzNnMuuC2UQvGm8Knuh6fuKK7pn3FveYo2wqZe/s1600/June+20%252C+2011+Holden+and+Seattle+003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621434404646303346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggyeUosOPqKVYvzOwSt6Jr4gd1JP4ZV24e7ERR8jz3SIQDe3jTBrdhIR23KaIE7F1-M-2DyG-T2tx-NLFP-PrnBdfUInNDPD_P9V2T-OlzNnMuuC2UQvGm8Knuh6fuKK7pn3FveYo2wqZe/s320/June+20%252C+2011+Holden+and+Seattle+003.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-G1-VWu2rPUiqetkZLYwMe07yHJV-vVu7TzDplgpT9OjMOJsVpFxLmlYLLiL9MT4sdXrks4sycg58CZn1aJQBn562v69ZsUd3h2BWnRHWiRqTuPJ0X58pyKgmwKQaCKZg8koLXqVY3bd/s1600/June+20%252C+2011+Holden+and+Seattle+026.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621433064269222930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-G1-VWu2rPUiqetkZLYwMe07yHJV-vVu7TzDplgpT9OjMOJsVpFxLmlYLLiL9MT4sdXrks4sycg58CZn1aJQBn562v69ZsUd3h2BWnRHWiRqTuPJ0X58pyKgmwKQaCKZg8koLXqVY3bd/s320/June+20%252C+2011+Holden+and+Seattle+026.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4Gb2exTfav7kwx95WS7WvEEOPfllJLxFS2O0MJ4t8Alrh5uYuSSEqccEViSe0OKIbMwqj0KgHJdyEdfgKuhDI6yuMIsp-Y4CoIxdBJ1OQaXQGrvoM-H1PpH2X3p_aaRTSa4GgTzDQy7g/s1600/June+20%252C+2011+Holden+and+Seattle+016.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621432039366915970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4Gb2exTfav7kwx95WS7WvEEOPfllJLxFS2O0MJ4t8Alrh5uYuSSEqccEViSe0OKIbMwqj0KgHJdyEdfgKuhDI6yuMIsp-Y4CoIxdBJ1OQaXQGrvoM-H1PpH2X3p_aaRTSa4GgTzDQy7g/s320/June+20%252C+2011+Holden+and+Seattle+016.JPG" /></a> A woman offered the paint the girls' faces. Oh, boy! <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGD90kGtY75ZMloC8iiVPy0srAR6vgWgY9ebTZjULFpZtyPadedtHowMlExsMdHrHC1Sgl_x_pNVCAtE_PkifLTiDSax3X1xKRtnARHG_krxf2SSDcWWWXRqXN33ui1V1OQwAiEVPesXd-/s1600/June+20%252C+2011+Holden+and+Seattle+010.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621430476823909810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGD90kGtY75ZMloC8iiVPy0srAR6vgWgY9ebTZjULFpZtyPadedtHowMlExsMdHrHC1Sgl_x_pNVCAtE_PkifLTiDSax3X1xKRtnARHG_krxf2SSDcWWWXRqXN33ui1V1OQwAiEVPesXd-/s320/June+20%252C+2011+Holden+and+Seattle+010.JPG" /></a></div></div></div></div></div>annikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804882687966966561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858133825342590369.post-15334315460077858892011-06-23T06:12:00.000-07:002011-06-23T07:29:43.058-07:00Trip Further West Before We Head East<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3FuyNJu_XYTGxoySBajpjAmO-W_0eq1E__RT4-jxYZDpUIzHP-pJDd7LoCCbcOwuvULl1oSLb5rY9SE_uKKnLuUz3xR15Nd7JS3oP_i4uZFsXXmd_YUzWQc0XSfNW0zj5R4MP6HEJtcu/s1600/June+20%252C+2011+Holden+and+Seattle+054.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621416602892664274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3FuyNJu_XYTGxoySBajpjAmO-W_0eq1E__RT4-jxYZDpUIzHP-pJDd7LoCCbcOwuvULl1oSLb5rY9SE_uKKnLuUz3xR15Nd7JS3oP_i4uZFsXXmd_YUzWQc0XSfNW0zj5R4MP6HEJtcu/s320/June+20%252C+2011+Holden+and+Seattle+054.JPG" /></a> We had a fabulous time with Uncle Mat, Aunt Stephanie and Cousins Claire, Simon and Penny! We enjoyed a trip to the Puget Sound, many morning Top Pot Donut runs, the Seattle Art Museum, celebrating with Stephanie at her graduation party, and Jedd and I got to meet our friend Anya's fiance, Garth. <br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMU8z6iqyLdIZ3QW5NogXEKXbr9wzCXrGVdtP0O6ne30RAtGZMPQjjCv4xNKv4kKKZVYskUjAb_FQFZeHEjCrssWdLyo7UR0qkduXGPun_dNpBbjEdK4qltsI_9U5jlDS-Uw1vezB4Yaz/s1600/June+20%252C+2011+Holden+and+Seattle+051.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621414119189886642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMU8z6iqyLdIZ3QW5NogXEKXbr9wzCXrGVdtP0O6ne30RAtGZMPQjjCv4xNKv4kKKZVYskUjAb_FQFZeHEjCrssWdLyo7UR0qkduXGPun_dNpBbjEdK4qltsI_9U5jlDS-Uw1vezB4Yaz/s320/June+20%252C+2011+Holden+and+Seattle+051.JPG" /></a> Sand between the toes will never do.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpiQ2hDbfXrobS8UXTjk-iAzeN1R47-zrNACedpuCEFVfXYyzNDlQhohbiy70w_DmDaPgE6D_Llo-MgifTYi-LM3SjnHPnpBkpwvIYetk0tQvdgiM4jRb4X4G-K8WlZcb4q9Dg44oD7B5/s1600/June+20%252C+2011+Holden+and+Seattle+050.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621406127134041634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpiQ2hDbfXrobS8UXTjk-iAzeN1R47-zrNACedpuCEFVfXYyzNDlQhohbiy70w_DmDaPgE6D_Llo-MgifTYi-LM3SjnHPnpBkpwvIYetk0tQvdgiM4jRb4X4G-K8WlZcb4q9Dg44oD7B5/s320/June+20%252C+2011+Holden+and+Seattle+050.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDaHGRtyosF2iYUCp-U8Bzcysbbp3aRiKvtCyuICU8W1yqRnl3kKbIM3cY4jK12zFcHuHbBTO3TW-Igq3dIfBjVRZs_7sT8fObtdxeWT57xEeZzrzCg5_exLZvKBdfiy4jMjG3msnjL32/s1600/June+20%252C+2011+Holden+and+Seattle+046.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621405301594877666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDaHGRtyosF2iYUCp-U8Bzcysbbp3aRiKvtCyuICU8W1yqRnl3kKbIM3cY4jK12zFcHuHbBTO3TW-Igq3dIfBjVRZs_7sT8fObtdxeWT57xEeZzrzCg5_exLZvKBdfiy4jMjG3msnjL32/s320/June+20%252C+2011+Holden+and+Seattle+046.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDWm1Zq1uTgZBxQ9nC1USqH3hLpHpHzCW6YPBdyVFV1981tKwO5IYCwfh02qizG5ImrNY1fvSMcECEzM31VteM9eDUP0H_sEB5MUCII8vQ3B4jMWnnjMZCffc_5acnxR_A51rs429P2eS/s1600/June+20%252C+2011+Holden+and+Seattle+044.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621404382082528738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDWm1Zq1uTgZBxQ9nC1USqH3hLpHpHzCW6YPBdyVFV1981tKwO5IYCwfh02qizG5ImrNY1fvSMcECEzM31VteM9eDUP0H_sEB5MUCII8vQ3B4jMWnnjMZCffc_5acnxR_A51rs429P2eS/s320/June+20%252C+2011+Holden+and+Seattle+044.JPG" /></a> The Cousin Love is palpable. Thank you, Mat and Stephanie, for a great weekend! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">xoxo</span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jlCfnrGl5DDKgT5u97jr9JamrOHrllHlD_X1GYYqMNaKnqyKrujqWW1QDXHee_RjjB7wC6SRgT17pFZNmEPFNpbeqEQJf0IeIMDkv8gJwpLOLMZCKss2ACNfTkf4XhexqubfJCDV_F1w/s1600/June+20%252C+2011+Holden+and+Seattle+043.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621403826645746770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jlCfnrGl5DDKgT5u97jr9JamrOHrllHlD_X1GYYqMNaKnqyKrujqWW1QDXHee_RjjB7wC6SRgT17pFZNmEPFNpbeqEQJf0IeIMDkv8gJwpLOLMZCKss2ACNfTkf4XhexqubfJCDV_F1w/s320/June+20%252C+2011+Holden+and+Seattle+043.JPG" /></a></div></div></div></div></div>annikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804882687966966561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858133825342590369.post-68675342942234534852011-06-09T15:54:00.000-07:002011-06-09T16:35:52.654-07:00Mara's Kindergarten Graduation<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_Znn29ZLUGtQZwBJ14NPTkc8Hp1k74-gmAIbioEYvFiNpgZ97woWzVEXgurTjQOTyLedxbjBB_Rdp-0PGFS0IAiwdhKXFBPk6LtOSzhUs7DlrNW0ol9hWnltnnKUtD3MT4esCVa-8Sry/s1600/June+9%252C+2011+005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616362165194715378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_Znn29ZLUGtQZwBJ14NPTkc8Hp1k74-gmAIbioEYvFiNpgZ97woWzVEXgurTjQOTyLedxbjBB_Rdp-0PGFS0IAiwdhKXFBPk6LtOSzhUs7DlrNW0ol9hWnltnnKUtD3MT4esCVa-8Sry/s320/June+9%252C+2011+005.JPG" /></a> It's hard to imagine Mara will be a First grader!!! The Kindergartners had a Slide into Summer graduation ceremony in which their teacher announced their name and then they went down the slide in pairs. Mara is pictured above with our neighbor, Willow, and on the slide with Natalee. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWwMmYfv9CjNt7NR-eTJ8HbL8gKAauaAAKjgc7DhFyS9io4UmLGe9DgONXnrSffsVcbYEW0DEihvvxbCl_qEF9McZYm4epnEvAzBVqOPHNaFhoYfMYZKcdr8y0stzF46G5RiHVJuye7pW/s1600/June+9%252C+2011+013.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616361862244746994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWwMmYfv9CjNt7NR-eTJ8HbL8gKAauaAAKjgc7DhFyS9io4UmLGe9DgONXnrSffsVcbYEW0DEihvvxbCl_qEF9McZYm4epnEvAzBVqOPHNaFhoYfMYZKcdr8y0stzF46G5RiHVJuye7pW/s320/June+9%252C+2011+013.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvHEaO2gcMwqMpIAGDGTUlRgFEkZF-R1eDTW8XWmOVkMbYFRUEJMwSGIXrGeLThRZQq-p23UzuJhmbuP6Q9DaX8qeI5t3qDpTMIQgr7KrSaUos8gLWnkD2dUvTEsbo6ObbXu7T333hkT_/s1600/June+9%252C+2011+014.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616360761142130306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvHEaO2gcMwqMpIAGDGTUlRgFEkZF-R1eDTW8XWmOVkMbYFRUEJMwSGIXrGeLThRZQq-p23UzuJhmbuP6Q9DaX8qeI5t3qDpTMIQgr7KrSaUos8gLWnkD2dUvTEsbo6ObbXu7T333hkT_/s320/June+9%252C+2011+014.JPG" /></a> Home free! (:<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVJofK6x-WpvMCkJdle90_BBS3DU4oFUstl5rFU5tndRbMeRVMNeDojdxN4CwtAD0yuS3OSrlnPUEdQNfjLyJi0XtgnMOLgHoCSm8AYtLgQmsUFvE4ZcOYoohyaLCILG2RZZLMW5Yw_LU/s1600/June+9%252C+2011+015.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616359665626727330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVJofK6x-WpvMCkJdle90_BBS3DU4oFUstl5rFU5tndRbMeRVMNeDojdxN4CwtAD0yuS3OSrlnPUEdQNfjLyJi0XtgnMOLgHoCSm8AYtLgQmsUFvE4ZcOYoohyaLCILG2RZZLMW5Yw_LU/s320/June+9%252C+2011+015.JPG" /></a>Mara has been blessed with some very good friends. She and Lilly have known each other since they were 16 months old and Aubrey is a new friend this year. Both of their moms, Sonja and Cheryl, have been close friends of mine too. I will really miss them!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmACWVaH2dQCT6fV3RiPJowNwxXQl7KKTlZC13wNMFm7hQNfKiP5vJwZJNAq2-JeecqxghlSTvA084JK5q0NqqoXcdWGnOMhqjz72HyaHPuC6FTN1P96RBopfXIh0xH9nclhdZIahfi7u2/s1600/June+9%252C+2011+016.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616359193859550610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmACWVaH2dQCT6fV3RiPJowNwxXQl7KKTlZC13wNMFm7hQNfKiP5vJwZJNAq2-JeecqxghlSTvA084JK5q0NqqoXcdWGnOMhqjz72HyaHPuC6FTN1P96RBopfXIh0xH9nclhdZIahfi7u2/s320/June+9%252C+2011+016.JPG" /></a> Audrey, Skyler, Willow, Mara, Natalee, and Macie. All ready with their graduation hats.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihjWhT9fwuPQvRgVbYOCQ3mJnUEWbhRA7Ot0yaW47nmHbbcBlanU19iApfsjlQVfzVoqAXnrF5MNzaXgDFAG_4kwy1VgrxfajlAXS9tvAMJPN02N36UetcKdOGqiOJJxzRRTPIrmghp_D1/s1600/June+9%252C+2011+003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616357956465433074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihjWhT9fwuPQvRgVbYOCQ3mJnUEWbhRA7Ot0yaW47nmHbbcBlanU19iApfsjlQVfzVoqAXnrF5MNzaXgDFAG_4kwy1VgrxfajlAXS9tvAMJPN02N36UetcKdOGqiOJJxzRRTPIrmghp_D1/s320/June+9%252C+2011+003.JPG" /></a></div></div></div></div></div><br />Afterwards, Mara suggested we go to the Dairy Queen to celebrate. Jedd and I thought that was a great idea! We are so proud of you, Mara!annikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804882687966966561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858133825342590369.post-64156778467634681992011-06-08T21:19:00.000-07:002011-06-08T21:46:21.008-07:00These Are The Days<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixe_ZuMw-b1kpvJFZ0hv9K5S1I4DuR96RDq6i8TIIfGOgDGebt9FcG5ZhjFHJaresHQhAFRzZ3gyDZzg_l1Dxtosn7-ureY8fuEfiT3z1NBbwF5Pr9mpT7du0Jnh-i9IL1zJg48qTv9r3v/s1600/June+5%252C+2011+009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616072854504734370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixe_ZuMw-b1kpvJFZ0hv9K5S1I4DuR96RDq6i8TIIfGOgDGebt9FcG5ZhjFHJaresHQhAFRzZ3gyDZzg_l1Dxtosn7-ureY8fuEfiT3z1NBbwF5Pr9mpT7du0Jnh-i9IL1zJg48qTv9r3v/s320/June+5%252C+2011+009.JPG" /></a> Here's Mara. She decided to pose for the picture. Oh, there is a lot going on inside that 6 year old head of hers. Mara is needing lots of hugs and kisses and I'm treasuring that she wants them and accepts them. (The new readers, Mara and Linnea <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">McCrady</span>, brought books out for their lawn party. Love it.)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLWpCE7yDzAl0jNaN2qqOflXf627ZAIuZAV4Yw6MIbCjXnQhuGciK5TOghuL77JmYW1Ebovk8px5J-zD7sYUApEyL73ToT1jUFPshCaJrN7s98fwZe1_3H8kP8eDPlT_aiyuUB8rIQdg9/s1600/June+5%252C+2011+015.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616072102332915138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLWpCE7yDzAl0jNaN2qqOflXf627ZAIuZAV4Yw6MIbCjXnQhuGciK5TOghuL77JmYW1Ebovk8px5J-zD7sYUApEyL73ToT1jUFPshCaJrN7s98fwZe1_3H8kP8eDPlT_aiyuUB8rIQdg9/s320/June+5%252C+2011+015.JPG" /></a> This picture captures <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sonna</span> in true form. She's giggling at herself and entertaining the rest of us. Her direct quote right before I took this picture was, "I just tooted on the timer!". Hilarious child.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdrbJed8NkhcOGAJZuaiso9r73wFTi64nxcRjWzuPeBwSC5uUC5WyXvF27x_RTmHZx5czPkyeKoG0dd1aE0P_UNYlzKbZPtkfdELP5CypLZ1fq4crgx2yAlbXtAZAY-UoKYIPFJJaiW7QR/s1600/June+5%252C+2011+001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616070375222828162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdrbJed8NkhcOGAJZuaiso9r73wFTi64nxcRjWzuPeBwSC5uUC5WyXvF27x_RTmHZx5czPkyeKoG0dd1aE0P_UNYlzKbZPtkfdELP5CypLZ1fq4crgx2yAlbXtAZAY-UoKYIPFJJaiW7QR/s320/June+5%252C+2011+001.JPG" /></a><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Svea</span> isn't one to throw out smiles real frequently. She typically has a rewarding smile for her Mama, Daddy, and sisters but otherwise it seemed as though she might have been storing up her smiles . . . until now. My sister or my mom pointed out to me that she smiles with her eyes. And it's true. Even if her mouth isn't flashing a smile, her eyes often are. But now, at nearly 8 1/2 months, it seems as though her smiles come more freely. She's always been a super easy going, deliciously content baby, but it sure is fun to see her beautiful smile. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Svea's</span> latest trick (which includes full body smiles) is peek-a-boo. She even initiated it yesterday using her changing mat. So fun!</div></div>annikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804882687966966561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858133825342590369.post-62484737893290784222011-06-07T06:51:00.000-07:002011-06-07T21:41:34.383-07:00Special News<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4n-nxjn8Wjgol8rzVdZ4MKW9qS_Ixw-0kH9Jkg3kK9x7NIvciDIfx0MJ_-zgyfudQToJjfzIWopJYyn-gp37mIncc-l1Q2iKiMIrIzv8ExBIc7bf3OGsMx8bpBtgUQRn5InkXxbirwG9D/s1600/2011MayMontana+034.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615476862518691106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4n-nxjn8Wjgol8rzVdZ4MKW9qS_Ixw-0kH9Jkg3kK9x7NIvciDIfx0MJ_-zgyfudQToJjfzIWopJYyn-gp37mIncc-l1Q2iKiMIrIzv8ExBIc7bf3OGsMx8bpBtgUQRn5InkXxbirwG9D/s320/2011MayMontana+034.jpg" /></a> After much prayer, consideration, and some sleepless nights, we have decided to move back to Minnesota! It will be such a gift to be near our families (parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins), college friends, camp friends, and our old church family. It will be a joyful homecoming in many ways, and at the same time, it is hard to leave Montana. This was Jedd's dream to come to Montana and I was happy for the wonderful opportunity given to us. During the past nearly 5 years, we have experienced a loving community, amazing schools for the girls, mountain adventures, 65 camp <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">counselors</span> who have loved our girls each summer, and two beautiful additions to our family; <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sonna</span> and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Svea</span>. And there have been some challenges too.<br />We take this leap of faith knowing we are leaping into a whole lot of love and support from our family. We are excited for this next part of our journey together and we trust that God will continue to take care of us.<br />My mom took this <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">picture</span> of us on Jedd's birthday, May 24<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>. It was taken just before we told the girls of our plans to move back to MN but it easily could have been taken just after they heard the news. The girls were thrilled to hear we were moving to MN. They immediately spoke of their <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">excitement</span> to be near grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins. I was so relieved that I cried and had to explain to the girls they were tears of joy.<br />To follow up, a few days later Mara began to feel sad to leave her friends, her school and her house. Bedtimes have been filled with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">heightened</span> emotions for her. Two nights ago, Mara was calling for me after both Jedd and I had done bedtime with the girls. I didn't come right away because Jedd and I were watching a movie and I didn't have many patience left. Soon Mara cried, "Nobody loves me. You think I'm <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">weird</span>". (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Weird</span> had three syllables when she said it). Well, that broke my heart and made me laugh simultaneously AND it got me back in Mara's room. I explained that her dad and I were having some Mommy and Daddy Time. She cried, "I need some Mommy Time". I hugged her and agreed to stay 2 more minutes. Then she exclaimed she was going to run away. Next <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sonna</span> cried, "Then I won't have any Sister Time!" Oh, dear. Stay tuned . . .annikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804882687966966561noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858133825342590369.post-80688083096316531852011-06-03T07:48:00.000-07:002011-06-03T08:28:11.411-07:00Svea and her Grandpas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK87L4gFIRP5tofobFDvFXSVMWDfTPY811W8z8hftgqRrisuON525lQ_lud8Q2Wbv5bvpgPbroSCHfhVP7BUGNxSO3FCkys9G4poAhT5UApNrdjpGIn-KK6_B2dPr86sxWQtTx_-83AwQQ/s1600/May+25%252C+2011+Dad%2527s+birthday%252C+MN+001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614008822373062242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK87L4gFIRP5tofobFDvFXSVMWDfTPY811W8z8hftgqRrisuON525lQ_lud8Q2Wbv5bvpgPbroSCHfhVP7BUGNxSO3FCkys9G4poAhT5UApNrdjpGIn-KK6_B2dPr86sxWQtTx_-83AwQQ/s320/May+25%252C+2011+Dad%2527s+birthday%252C+MN+001.JPG" /></a> Svea is so blessed to have three grandpas! We have had the opportunity to travel back to MN twice in the last month! The first time all five of us drove back for a special work week at Jedd's parent's farm. Last week, Svea and I flew back for my friend Alecia's wedding. We arrived on Grandpa Paul's birthday and these pictures were taken that day.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Uo6smGfB6UqqR_NGDkXXR8DC8oHAiCGaJZz7rcyzUBsiN831xULj1i5E8T5I8b9d_4LtwNaHRZgvvRyMtCeVEPn4lQHBbJyQNF8K4QZUk49nzMXoKSK45dN4MZTT5li4uMLU2chML_su/s1600/May+25%252C+2011+Dad%2527s+birthday%252C+MN+002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614008275677393218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Uo6smGfB6UqqR_NGDkXXR8DC8oHAiCGaJZz7rcyzUBsiN831xULj1i5E8T5I8b9d_4LtwNaHRZgvvRyMtCeVEPn4lQHBbJyQNF8K4QZUk49nzMXoKSK45dN4MZTT5li4uMLU2chML_su/s320/May+25%252C+2011+Dad%2527s+birthday%252C+MN+002.JPG" /></a> We visited Grandpa Lanny in the nursing home in Minneota, MN the week we were at the farm. I love the way he is holding her hand in this picture. We so wish the girls could have known their grandpa when he was whole and healthy.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzGXjzZZK5DbuoCtKf5u5RZX1Aa9o4xVZq9TakU0O_MajqUHYaufKSy7_aLEKC-D7noZfopaUB3Su3JnIas-DQuyv3ZXSTgRVGDfOevX8bu1dSbXjfxH8YBGtuE-p8YSIRpUg8b6_FKJ0/s1600/May+2%252C+2011+116.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614007540738864130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzGXjzZZK5DbuoCtKf5u5RZX1Aa9o4xVZq9TakU0O_MajqUHYaufKSy7_aLEKC-D7noZfopaUB3Su3JnIas-DQuyv3ZXSTgRVGDfOevX8bu1dSbXjfxH8YBGtuE-p8YSIRpUg8b6_FKJ0/s320/May+2%252C+2011+116.JPG" /></a>Svea likes to pull on strings, usually the strings on Jedd's hoodie sweatshirt. Here she is playing tug-o-war with her grandpa's lap belt. She is delighted in him!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8dsekC1eeNU3tW54CA-RFxjjoicyamMB2z6DWNLrqOS5FHtK7NrQ4yy6cy8D5RjZeCYSkWuF2Mx5pBbgNlXBI2LxDe3Gq_P1goSQiX-RWfYp3ANBNqBe7WpVV_G4Rd9I3jZUdsLl6S5p/s1600/May+2%252C+2011+115.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614007046393357522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8dsekC1eeNU3tW54CA-RFxjjoicyamMB2z6DWNLrqOS5FHtK7NrQ4yy6cy8D5RjZeCYSkWuF2Mx5pBbgNlXBI2LxDe3Gq_P1goSQiX-RWfYp3ANBNqBe7WpVV_G4Rd9I3jZUdsLl6S5p/s320/May+2%252C+2011+115.JPG" /></a> We also stopped for a visit with Grandpa Stan Sather in Madison, MN. They were quite taken with each other too. Grandpa Stan's eyes lit up when he saw Jedd!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnGY5AcQZ5F97CWyBQDJzJ6bG01JgBpzziT0Q-uV0Hgxpa7f1a4kGqrKOIi_1huTE2185sBnBT1WPVJ6zdClGJkyUOQ3yOp_yQz2KvuKiblnPLlvClnqUt07HWlHzf1ayTFZQjn_HLx13/s1600/May+2%252C+2011+112.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614005982289270706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnGY5AcQZ5F97CWyBQDJzJ6bG01JgBpzziT0Q-uV0Hgxpa7f1a4kGqrKOIi_1huTE2185sBnBT1WPVJ6zdClGJkyUOQ3yOp_yQz2KvuKiblnPLlvClnqUt07HWlHzf1ayTFZQjn_HLx13/s320/May+2%252C+2011+112.JPG" /></a> </div></div></div></div>annikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804882687966966561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858133825342590369.post-62696683185770589732011-05-21T17:11:00.000-07:002011-05-21T17:57:04.707-07:00Happy 8th Month, Svea!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLGsOTtZMvm_J8HZVhUWLqernWG2kprYwA5KuCOknmQeXbNHwsFv3_lwaMDwuydoWL9ObEj01B1sFTAwGQ-XBwpwf9UP3DqguwaImKxTggFKbcFsZuCC6JF_ZaeC0QCIx8O2Tqr3xLp092/s1600/May+21%252C+2011+Svea+8+months+006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609337161903832402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLGsOTtZMvm_J8HZVhUWLqernWG2kprYwA5KuCOknmQeXbNHwsFv3_lwaMDwuydoWL9ObEj01B1sFTAwGQ-XBwpwf9UP3DqguwaImKxTggFKbcFsZuCC6JF_ZaeC0QCIx8O2Tqr3xLp092/s320/May+21%252C+2011+Svea+8+months+006.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Vop5ZmfEBe7MPrgEPKb1RNAQDePdFoXEi5CFrTenlpe35HW7MaBiJWkDXZPbhuyXCfmo-22uwGfsGxoPsrLWcOEU6piKNO2a4RQiTlmhNQ-2BLbpaDYpLtY7bEqOqvyrDnWCK-6TdYgr/s1600/May+21%252C+2011+Svea+8+months+005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609334930942597666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Vop5ZmfEBe7MPrgEPKb1RNAQDePdFoXEi5CFrTenlpe35HW7MaBiJWkDXZPbhuyXCfmo-22uwGfsGxoPsrLWcOEU6piKNO2a4RQiTlmhNQ-2BLbpaDYpLtY7bEqOqvyrDnWCK-6TdYgr/s320/May+21%252C+2011+Svea+8+months+005.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpgYt0xkLdJji2UgGLHRw8pE57tvBqB47gmYlJNFJX-aqRI5EsRhwiPOOQUxaRRZIYQMEZxlKIUUqKeyl5dmkc0KXv1crnzKZhiJMaXE9rcvmDQxUOhNXia7NLMQxcuO_LiItEKPX670y/s1600/May+21%252C+2011+Svea+8+months+008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609327095584593954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpgYt0xkLdJji2UgGLHRw8pE57tvBqB47gmYlJNFJX-aqRI5EsRhwiPOOQUxaRRZIYQMEZxlKIUUqKeyl5dmkc0KXv1crnzKZhiJMaXE9rcvmDQxUOhNXia7NLMQxcuO_LiItEKPX670y/s320/May+21%252C+2011+Svea+8+months+008.JPG" /></a> It was a lovely summery day. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Svea</span> enjoyed riding in her stroller by the lake, she visited her Daddy at camp, took two naps, ate a little rice cereal but mostly enjoyed her Mama's milk as usual, went to a neighbor girl's birthday party, and was asleep before 7:00 PM. She had a happy 8<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> month birthday! </div></div>annikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804882687966966561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858133825342590369.post-66874362742092490862011-05-19T20:56:00.000-07:002011-05-19T21:06:30.975-07:00Mara's Kindergarten Program<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkT5PyArKMpNhzKvpeI3qEUyUWYCyR185oLMWKGOwNab1JvGS6_S9ildBBTc1-CI3OShluA2Af7aWkWTQr4REC0gkpHBCEtVZVSyOgo1PPCRrG_CZ0Mjr4O7tQGRtnY8vLX-vGmWqMfoCP/s1600/May+18%252C+2011+008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608644191385583538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkT5PyArKMpNhzKvpeI3qEUyUWYCyR185oLMWKGOwNab1JvGS6_S9ildBBTc1-CI3OShluA2Af7aWkWTQr4REC0gkpHBCEtVZVSyOgo1PPCRrG_CZ0Mjr4O7tQGRtnY8vLX-vGmWqMfoCP/s320/May+18%252C+2011+008.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2OGfTAC7Alj26hg7dipCTuGEU1zcGS9W2TWMEOOMsso4ow_u4OgLr0uMqjBpJgrFsbTHDqk9Zv1jvO7acu6RfFOBaOij5jh5tUtpEGt2LWy2vhoj7novExJ9_EnSEtZRGr_grMT__uo4/s1600/May+18%252C+2011+006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608643040617930418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2OGfTAC7Alj26hg7dipCTuGEU1zcGS9W2TWMEOOMsso4ow_u4OgLr0uMqjBpJgrFsbTHDqk9Zv1jvO7acu6RfFOBaOij5jh5tUtpEGt2LWy2vhoj7novExJ9_EnSEtZRGr_grMT__uo4/s320/May+18%252C+2011+006.JPG" /></a>The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">kindergartners</span> had their end of the year program. It was a Wild West theme. Our friends the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">McCrady's</span> loaned us Linnea's cowgirl vest, skirt and hat but Mara was not interested in wearing it. Bummer! But I didn't fight it. Instead I put it in a bag and brought it to school. After seeing a few of her classmates also wearing hats, Mara put <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">hers</span> on. But not the vest or skirt. No way. <br /><div>Mara has had a wonderful year in school. We feel very blessed by her teachers (Mrs. Stern and Mrs. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Cariveau</span>, classmates, and school as a whole!</div></div>annikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804882687966966561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858133825342590369.post-70191871420295967822011-05-16T16:22:00.001-07:002011-05-16T16:55:03.206-07:00Blue Eyed Sisters<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQQ80yJWvIj8XzTCExtdeXGYCbTme9UvicRLOqe1DNE6e5Go0UOMXHHpOBJC9exMuLr7SBhKxndcecRokWG52-JSgtSifjZsnDURNY0PAJQdi6Zaw4fXI5jVx5uqRbrIDf_oS_lwwC9AX/s1600/May+16%252C+2011+007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607461583337732098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQQ80yJWvIj8XzTCExtdeXGYCbTme9UvicRLOqe1DNE6e5Go0UOMXHHpOBJC9exMuLr7SBhKxndcecRokWG52-JSgtSifjZsnDURNY0PAJQdi6Zaw4fXI5jVx5uqRbrIDf_oS_lwwC9AX/s320/May+16%252C+2011+007.JPG" /></a> Notice <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sonna's</span> hands in this progression. All I can say, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Svea</span>, is that you will get your payback time when you get older should you choose!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOsLZg9MNZCgZR3y5o3Z8h855-DZ5Tjx_9FE6W3kgLZ_iiJQytD-S8ahwlksO2qRI8ZqcMaCnHccxkLBBZgr70ARlcFE0vESgeOR4sacAT7FnaMb6gi9k1LbcYhA9bvS-Mdh6ML_gsyiZ/s1600/May+16%252C+2011+002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607461034886091170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOsLZg9MNZCgZR3y5o3Z8h855-DZ5Tjx_9FE6W3kgLZ_iiJQytD-S8ahwlksO2qRI8ZqcMaCnHccxkLBBZgr70ARlcFE0vESgeOR4sacAT7FnaMb6gi9k1LbcYhA9bvS-Mdh6ML_gsyiZ/s320/May+16%252C+2011+002.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pHF2OHdVD8YYknhydzuDZwxbWfGSmCHLLqDiaHNTaL_0oSK_usQ6T6YHZYh-i7A3l1ibCgQqLAeopRqUhA9xzZc0OGqBMQx99Qoodj4E50Xtx28PLKz1OC8CPGqFwfytwRwdcb0ICTyZ/s1600/May+16%252C+2011+003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607459559206937570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pHF2OHdVD8YYknhydzuDZwxbWfGSmCHLLqDiaHNTaL_0oSK_usQ6T6YHZYh-i7A3l1ibCgQqLAeopRqUhA9xzZc0OGqBMQx99Qoodj4E50Xtx28PLKz1OC8CPGqFwfytwRwdcb0ICTyZ/s320/May+16%252C+2011+003.JPG" /></a>A side story:<br /><br /><div>Mara told me that a 7 year old boy was bugging her and her friends on the bus. She said, "He kept saying 'Hi'." When <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sonna</span> heard this she suggested, "Just say 'Excuse me, please stop saying Hi'."</div><br /><div>I also want to add (mostly so that I remember) that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sonna</span> plays out scenes from her favorite movie "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Beezus</span> and Ramona". When you get older, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sonna</span>, you should see how much of it you recall. As a new 4 year old, you like to assign roles (you are always Ramona), direct the scene including dialogue straight out of the movie, and your favorite scene to act out is when Ramona is on the monkey bars on the playground. That, and when Ramona packs up her suitcase. You do have a flare for the dramatic. </div></div></div>annikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804882687966966561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858133825342590369.post-75994816151376023132011-05-14T15:46:00.000-07:002011-05-16T11:38:48.340-07:00Summer Lovin'<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTYz1JWqZ31-k5XWrJTI7WHnpSnD4ufB-SoxITUHXw2ahcyxDuuTQLp7X6qOihPoEh1zT1Yi2rqO7ZxI-IUeHoUNda_I0x2XABUnZ6eZGeBFQUSpetOmAtiJYWKQMy-NhsCiR749HoRJli/s1600/May+14%252C+2011+007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607384380553061138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTYz1JWqZ31-k5XWrJTI7WHnpSnD4ufB-SoxITUHXw2ahcyxDuuTQLp7X6qOihPoEh1zT1Yi2rqO7ZxI-IUeHoUNda_I0x2XABUnZ6eZGeBFQUSpetOmAtiJYWKQMy-NhsCiR749HoRJli/s320/May+14%252C+2011+007.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pmiTyo4ODRzFgIv_pqHeABaatf3SlFjtpggIRu0j0I0JzOsasJCf4kOFVaGyksqtqWnjsx6lqEOXU2RIcrFGSjIdFX8GmHwFmf4Hivp64zHeXoCstIuMsu1FxLC3lWw-hlcqhfyahigA/s1600/May+14%252C+2011+009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606709086778049890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pmiTyo4ODRzFgIv_pqHeABaatf3SlFjtpggIRu0j0I0JzOsasJCf4kOFVaGyksqtqWnjsx6lqEOXU2RIcrFGSjIdFX8GmHwFmf4Hivp64zHeXoCstIuMsu1FxLC3lWw-hlcqhfyahigA/s320/May+14%252C+2011+009.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVZM8nXYcKaam6sC_ONgL0Z1w2GaZj4wP241V-aM7u582JzL_dxJyVkb1N6TSBpg5YMhqK0ok13OV_Z_xtIfBA8UFjm7W6u5qz-W3H4XJqWCCHn8hyUESpJaWmaDn7GTY9g-Amu_nlDeo/s1600/May+14%252C+2011+005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606708539542240562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVZM8nXYcKaam6sC_ONgL0Z1w2GaZj4wP241V-aM7u582JzL_dxJyVkb1N6TSBpg5YMhqK0ok13OV_Z_xtIfBA8UFjm7W6u5qz-W3H4XJqWCCHn8hyUESpJaWmaDn7GTY9g-Amu_nlDeo/s320/May+14%252C+2011+005.JPG" /></a> </div></div>annikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804882687966966561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858133825342590369.post-29965411815780614342011-05-10T18:51:00.000-07:002011-05-10T19:02:38.454-07:00A Sunshiney Day!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6xlSb4rFnuMYtKlF9wcUVLXkLWVWRMNfQozHEOg1MIqAC6Ga_BeerMRkUodC43c9QrldB55DpyHjV4FybEwt5ECgKtaP-bY5Vzz5jkgzg9nW77yLw6aw0mL8ZigJRZe39myRlIVvCO8-/s1600/May+10%252C+2011+006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605271887265518434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6xlSb4rFnuMYtKlF9wcUVLXkLWVWRMNfQozHEOg1MIqAC6Ga_BeerMRkUodC43c9QrldB55DpyHjV4FybEwt5ECgKtaP-bY5Vzz5jkgzg9nW77yLw6aw0mL8ZigJRZe39myRlIVvCO8-/s320/May+10%252C+2011+006.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4fefecHyZ7zmhID0wIxRrk3JGvmYvZychWbaBsHUj5x1xHklY2k_CI6wH66AksbURUi9f09xxdLn4P6bMGUushai4i6X1GVfmsIddGU5ljBR1ur9dwSUtaB11TSntoB-GLm1NwvJ9PLnl/s1600/May+10%252C+2011+018.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605270890495402962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4fefecHyZ7zmhID0wIxRrk3JGvmYvZychWbaBsHUj5x1xHklY2k_CI6wH66AksbURUi9f09xxdLn4P6bMGUushai4i6X1GVfmsIddGU5ljBR1ur9dwSUtaB11TSntoB-GLm1NwvJ9PLnl/s320/May+10%252C+2011+018.JPG" /></a> If I haven't mentioned it already, it has been a long winter. So today's warm temperatures and sunshine were most welcomed! When <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sonna</span> got to school her preschool teacher said, "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sonna</span>, welcome to our outdoor classroom!". Carol had moved easels, tables and chairs outside and prepared all sorts of activities for the kids to do outside. Carol later told me that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sonna</span> chose to be inside for part of the morning. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hmmm</span>? </div><br /><div>Lilly came over after school as she usually does on Tuesdays and the girls had so much fun together. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Svea</span> enjoyed the sunny day too!</div>annikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804882687966966561noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858133825342590369.post-22131077484855187752011-05-09T12:08:00.001-07:002011-05-09T12:48:21.615-07:00The Girls' Birthday Party<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6H5t0JFTvUj8nTsnMhCelGAoz7GXsqBBonRusD2uugKYNicMMsZWL8cgnWC_RIFlDiSu8eMFkWJMrMxSS13OLvKiECR1pNORsp6C6lt8Hc_kPlCagL8U-JdDLgMB0T2-LLCxfzKErLuC/s1600/May+7%252C+2011+Birthday+party%2521+001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604801265299391682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6H5t0JFTvUj8nTsnMhCelGAoz7GXsqBBonRusD2uugKYNicMMsZWL8cgnWC_RIFlDiSu8eMFkWJMrMxSS13OLvKiECR1pNORsp6C6lt8Hc_kPlCagL8U-JdDLgMB0T2-LLCxfzKErLuC/s320/May+7%252C+2011+Birthday+party%2521+001.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZQ-x5zQFBrhK3SEC1bTeUtStSItF8sBvL8RZbtVhfIY0G2QGsFR9Uy3DUvTB-YUt2E4Tkeg-YKo5Rgo7sxvTl1gCeLekzuPKFodIgx7UU5wYtIvN8JUocAEHjYYS1XjaDsZq4HKgmIJ3/s1600/May+7%252C+2011+Birthday+party%2521+010.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604799696080801506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZQ-x5zQFBrhK3SEC1bTeUtStSItF8sBvL8RZbtVhfIY0G2QGsFR9Uy3DUvTB-YUt2E4Tkeg-YKo5Rgo7sxvTl1gCeLekzuPKFodIgx7UU5wYtIvN8JUocAEHjYYS1XjaDsZq4HKgmIJ3/s320/May+7%252C+2011+Birthday+party%2521+010.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Lftal_ODXm6npGiCFjnCEbyCgEmvL8UM_iC-0_WPBSWOeD6T7o9PPCZSqS-yy91HfQ8RssCvGC2CDLqaPHRyCw7nDXELUKI1YksvjEajBsYjC2SJ0xp-z8ZStAKkE34tPM7m7XDO9sJf/s1600/May+7%252C+2011+Birthday+party%2521+028.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604798567331616418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Lftal_ODXm6npGiCFjnCEbyCgEmvL8UM_iC-0_WPBSWOeD6T7o9PPCZSqS-yy91HfQ8RssCvGC2CDLqaPHRyCw7nDXELUKI1YksvjEajBsYjC2SJ0xp-z8ZStAKkE34tPM7m7XDO9sJf/s320/May+7%252C+2011+Birthday+party%2521+028.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7avlEYahKRIhk3iiixVs_E8u_1h731ldcT8hE_qjFk5FGdVZdca0GrpIeykCL-FLB8lgvWWRBb8RGM2V5bVV2nN6k0XPfQidxzwoHjm067F7_uBpRDdZSjTTRiYCeq6s6IX5fQcVQUb_/s1600/May+7%252C+2011+Birthday+party%2521+024.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604797723378903506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7avlEYahKRIhk3iiixVs_E8u_1h731ldcT8hE_qjFk5FGdVZdca0GrpIeykCL-FLB8lgvWWRBb8RGM2V5bVV2nN6k0XPfQidxzwoHjm067F7_uBpRDdZSjTTRiYCeq6s6IX5fQcVQUb_/s320/May+7%252C+2011+Birthday+party%2521+024.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-u8UynnFKH4Qr2oEx2I7K9CbDypBZr6_GMd8nH5F6_b3AtcTr22ozwT6_JntUW1XKQbMsjH04v6xKJyhW0DUXyofOyaSP5iB8MjNXBg11Nk_Fb-0mP2gmf9cH3r-UilDhXZ5nDpNRuVq/s1600/May+7%252C+2011+Birthday+party%2521+026.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604796839685976482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-u8UynnFKH4Qr2oEx2I7K9CbDypBZr6_GMd8nH5F6_b3AtcTr22ozwT6_JntUW1XKQbMsjH04v6xKJyhW0DUXyofOyaSP5iB8MjNXBg11Nk_Fb-0mP2gmf9cH3r-UilDhXZ5nDpNRuVq/s320/May+7%252C+2011+Birthday+party%2521+026.JPG" /></a> I wish I had one good group shot but truthfully, we're lucky I managed to take pictures at all! We had 15 kids here (7 of those are sibling sets) and the weather was cold and rainy so we were inside. Several of the parents stayed as well so there were 29 of us in our living room/kitchen! The kids played some games (thank you, Aunt Becca, for the good ideas!) and had corn dogs for lunch and ate cake. This was a party of Little Things - the girls received Littlest Pet Shop sets, little necklaces, little tea sets - and just last week at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Svea's</span> check up the doctor suggested we take a refresher CPR class in case <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Svea</span> would swallow and choke on such little pieces. *Sigh*</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The party was from 10 AM to Noon but everyone stayed until 1 PM which was just fine. When they left <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sonna</span> said, "Why did everyone leave?!" and Mara appeared exhausted and said, "There were too many people here". <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">OK</span>. You are right Mara. Next year you can have your own party. The girls are blessed to have such good friends!</div></div></div></div>annikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804882687966966561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858133825342590369.post-51500414163004896942011-05-08T18:44:00.001-07:002011-05-08T19:02:10.578-07:00Happy 4th Birthday Sonna!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0che36WXXjL3LCJ2Qxb1CBN4jGUe3aQTej63T0QKCDONkEWAUpYF63nlKF8X7jxcuHLivVsemqeg2-L6YfHYb5yEBuRAkN_G_Btq_fXW3mES-S3-dUSJ3eHm4LRuBnE1FmyG4VBJyM2d7/s1600/May+7%252C+2011+Birthday+party%2521+008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604528868292829186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0che36WXXjL3LCJ2Qxb1CBN4jGUe3aQTej63T0QKCDONkEWAUpYF63nlKF8X7jxcuHLivVsemqeg2-L6YfHYb5yEBuRAkN_G_Btq_fXW3mES-S3-dUSJ3eHm4LRuBnE1FmyG4VBJyM2d7/s320/May+7%252C+2011+Birthday+party%2521+008.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxC4wih1NsdDCS6b1PPD4p_K0rhTnOqV34INyiMTNjYVlIuKeGoFNR8Ul7t_L7YxLKuaaRoVQ808iH14Qr0htXOUtqVo7zrGtXa2F0DROGeu9CA8jKAJzsb1po8jwfRiyB37fLeqHNL_e/s1600/May+7%252C+2011+Birthday+party%2521+031.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604526919234696386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxC4wih1NsdDCS6b1PPD4p_K0rhTnOqV34INyiMTNjYVlIuKeGoFNR8Ul7t_L7YxLKuaaRoVQ808iH14Qr0htXOUtqVo7zrGtXa2F0DROGeu9CA8jKAJzsb1po8jwfRiyB37fLeqHNL_e/s320/May+7%252C+2011+Birthday+party%2521+031.JPG" /></a> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sonna</span></span> is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">exuberant</span>, a good helper, a dramatic storyteller, a social butterfly, and so <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">lovable</span>. She loves to dress up and dance and the sign of a good dress is whether or not it twirls nicely. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sonna</span> is eager to learn and enjoys being read to. She keeps up with the big kids and adores her sisters. I included the bottom picture because she often sits in front of the mirror and practices her facial expressions and talks to herself. (:<br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>annikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804882687966966561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858133825342590369.post-75387937133027090622011-05-04T12:31:00.001-07:002011-05-04T12:45:34.286-07:00Mara is 6 Years Old!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAspkUuf5ms32q8JdLytFSdubfPwQ4Wk67rctHP5EC3cY0Vd461tUTL9HmqhhtLo2nXr0zAjCT6XDMwtCrk1K1NCGVI7wVWPRG07ereEa3wnTdd3wcW4fSgh1VJT-sgb1YV4NwkjVkG4Wn/s1600/May+2%252C+2011+118.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602946371399342978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAspkUuf5ms32q8JdLytFSdubfPwQ4Wk67rctHP5EC3cY0Vd461tUTL9HmqhhtLo2nXr0zAjCT6XDMwtCrk1K1NCGVI7wVWPRG07ereEa3wnTdd3wcW4fSgh1VJT-sgb1YV4NwkjVkG4Wn/s320/May+2%252C+2011+118.JPG" /></a> Mara is vivacious and kind, sensative and creative, determined and thoughtful. She is such a joy to us. She loves being the big sister. Mara has silly dances that make us all laugh and she is quite the reader. We love our Mara so much! <br />Her birthday was celebrated on I-90. We were traveling back to Montana after a wonderful trip to Minnesota (more to come on that). So Mara picked out where we would stop for her Birthday supper and she chose the Dairy Queen and ordered this big sundae for dessert! She was a trooper. <br /><br /><div></div>annikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804882687966966561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858133825342590369.post-33640336688199632902011-04-21T12:31:00.001-07:002011-04-21T13:09:49.687-07:00Svea is 7 Months<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-pTBIhfsTMC36eGwQfw2K2jK3nChqhFTnfzcI2-0jbE3TekxJe3SaoFWMFcbTOmt82vaix6nrE0ik74KqtqQMrQk4_PJ8ooczgz3Z1d7BRXaah0F-YlDbwwq_4Cn7h3V_R3PEznvqL5D/s1600/April+21%252C+2011+Svea+is+7+months+004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598124915350971570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-pTBIhfsTMC36eGwQfw2K2jK3nChqhFTnfzcI2-0jbE3TekxJe3SaoFWMFcbTOmt82vaix6nrE0ik74KqtqQMrQk4_PJ8ooczgz3Z1d7BRXaah0F-YlDbwwq_4Cn7h3V_R3PEznvqL5D/s320/April+21%252C+2011+Svea+is+7+months+004.JPG" /></a> Happy 7<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> month birthday, Baby <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Svea</span>! We love you and thank God for you. Thanks for your willingness to go to your big sister's swim lessons. Thanks for deciding to eat rice cereal. Thanks for happily getting in your <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">car seat</span> multiple times a day to pick up and drop off <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sonna</span> at preschool and pick up Mara after school and run errands with me. Thanks for sleeping well. Thanks for not minding that I only bathe you once a week. Thanks for smiling at your sisters so they know how much you love them too. Your relationship with your sisters is off to a great start! <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2FFhWNmhbOeNnWDC1iyvg7EIQd33owFAinaLG4bJkHSY37nYICDOjhx6VffVMGlJURePuoPuD91Y6EHv_sn-pOj2liVqYd9Kxl2kPorIiqGjoQFfJ7bcL6jE5NORPyJWT7UutSLyEGhXd/s1600/April+21%252C+2011+Svea+is+7+months+008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598124231548649378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2FFhWNmhbOeNnWDC1iyvg7EIQd33owFAinaLG4bJkHSY37nYICDOjhx6VffVMGlJURePuoPuD91Y6EHv_sn-pOj2liVqYd9Kxl2kPorIiqGjoQFfJ7bcL6jE5NORPyJWT7UutSLyEGhXd/s320/April+21%252C+2011+Svea+is+7+months+008.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbdPRUC4D0966oKHrMbwHrJZuaTjlQH0-hIBsFwxS6bNqgqoLIWQdFa-DOdV3cvkgnDCunqtd4qQugxi6OjyHnllu53gjxtc8MB5Z7hwcr_-RxuGHDEZG0bBpOCJXV92k6hMCRvIg79QZ/s1600/April+21%252C+2011+Svea+is+7+months+001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598122348539784146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbdPRUC4D0966oKHrMbwHrJZuaTjlQH0-hIBsFwxS6bNqgqoLIWQdFa-DOdV3cvkgnDCunqtd4qQugxi6OjyHnllu53gjxtc8MB5Z7hwcr_-RxuGHDEZG0bBpOCJXV92k6hMCRvIg79QZ/s320/April+21%252C+2011+Svea+is+7+months+001.JPG" /></a> Lilly comes over after school on Tuesdays and today we had a tea party using my Easter Egg shaped plates and tea cups. I had planned to have a baby shower for a neighbor this week but since the girls were exposed to RSV we couldn't have any babies here so it was postponed (no RSV so far!). So naturally, we had to enjoy the delicious chocolate cake! The girls chose Sleepy Time Tea to go with their cake. I remember drinking that at bedtime with my mom when I was little. A nice memory. </div><br /><div>The girls made the little egg nests at Sunday School last week. </div></div>annikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804882687966966561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858133825342590369.post-59441649702252590672011-04-18T14:09:00.000-07:002011-04-18T14:20:23.095-07:00Big Sister<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdU26BDf81-p4BUfsMy6ioK45X4ErbSxMCDFgvuvpSTSvpbsWSVueDVTE1G5ptrAB0Eg0XChC1bBjDyUrerAhgucbKPOKN_Sa3gcA3ooUOdwtZEGm6h470MPsVTN2-CWNpDIxa6F-2nfrK/s1600/April18%252C+2011+004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597034698543980162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdU26BDf81-p4BUfsMy6ioK45X4ErbSxMCDFgvuvpSTSvpbsWSVueDVTE1G5ptrAB0Eg0XChC1bBjDyUrerAhgucbKPOKN_Sa3gcA3ooUOdwtZEGm6h470MPsVTN2-CWNpDIxa6F-2nfrK/s320/April18%252C+2011+004.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WcqAt3XK73wUnZ3XTaxZsYRHUctYJuHBUuupu8EXZ8cS-czZjjqtTL_74pvmPjJqnhsaK25AIrUQhIAf-g6pT4g39rZ_73tff-6WpWbM5huc1JhtaCuwC2Yd1of-eW_k4Hdy-d8SrS0F/s1600/April18%252C+2011+003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597034203708043026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WcqAt3XK73wUnZ3XTaxZsYRHUctYJuHBUuupu8EXZ8cS-czZjjqtTL_74pvmPjJqnhsaK25AIrUQhIAf-g6pT4g39rZ_73tff-6WpWbM5huc1JhtaCuwC2Yd1of-eW_k4Hdy-d8SrS0F/s320/April18%252C+2011+003.JPG" /></a> Mara delights in her sister Svea. It is so fun to see Mara as she helps care for and play with Svea. Becca and I are 5 1/2 years apart too, so it is neat to imagine me as the 5 1/2 year old playing with baby Becca. Mara was thrilled when Svea started eating this weekend. You can see it in her face! The joy of having a sister. They are so lucky to have two sisters! </div>annikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804882687966966561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858133825342590369.post-69874375624880287542011-04-16T09:15:00.000-07:002011-04-16T09:20:07.701-07:00Honey<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqzEdsxmOX0QG0VXZxSjBwxq5hsBaUXK_DlY8EvE57CKbmvyauzSrlLRf3pl9PH86CsfNvaFtecbx4U3fEQSw0dGLOzuY2tgcaA9by9x27oAE1m3smJ57SHhXpkzj5nP3Lr6AQHOBFjTE/s1600/April+16%252C+2011+004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596216293044865890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqzEdsxmOX0QG0VXZxSjBwxq5hsBaUXK_DlY8EvE57CKbmvyauzSrlLRf3pl9PH86CsfNvaFtecbx4U3fEQSw0dGLOzuY2tgcaA9by9x27oAE1m3smJ57SHhXpkzj5nP3Lr6AQHOBFjTE/s320/April+16%252C+2011+004.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sonna</span> calls <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Svea</span> "Honey" and it is the sweetest sound. "Oh, Honey, you are so cute!" or "You'll be okay, Honey". </div>annikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804882687966966561noreply@blogger.com1