tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26667113109590137292024-03-13T16:08:26.198-04:00Dog Bites in the GhettoBen, Debbie and Parker LarsonBen, Deb and the P-Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138496342367339555noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2666711310959013729.post-67326915785957785532008-11-06T01:50:00.002-05:002008-11-06T02:21:40.617-05:00Are You Smart Enough To Vote?So my neighbor Megan came over for dinner tonight and had a brilliant idea: In order to vote, everyone should take a quick quiz acknowledging they are at least familiar with what they are voting on. A simple test of the issues at hand. <div><br /><div><div>Now, I will be the first to admit I don't know every single issue at stake but I did do my homework before I cast my ballot. I needed clarification in many areas and was even surprised at some of my findings. Yes, I left a few blank since I don't know every judge in town but that is something I need to be more proactive about. </div><div><br /></div><div><div>We had an interesting conversation about people we know who openly share their vote but can't explain their reasoning. Or those who just say they are voting this way because their spouse or parent is or even because they have always voted this way. </div><div><br /></div><div>I think we live in an exciting time where great things are happening and maybe at a future election their will be a pass/fail quiz that says, "Pass: You are ready to vote" or "Fail: Go back home and do your homework."<br /></div></div></div></div>Ben, Deb and the P-Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138496342367339555noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2666711310959013729.post-2722423007250266402008-11-06T00:33:00.014-05:002008-11-06T01:19:14.516-05:00Halloween in San Diego<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRKIgBFDUEI/AAAAAAAAAbY/S3g_F385rbc/s1600-h/DSC_0062.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRKIgBFDUEI/AAAAAAAAAbY/S3g_F385rbc/s320/DSC_0062.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265420997976346690" /></a>Bed head anyone?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRKIfwuymRI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/pogXVh81O4s/s1600-h/DSC_0069.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRKIfwuymRI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/pogXVh81O4s/s320/DSC_0069.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265420993588009234" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRKIe7io9VI/AAAAAAAAAbI/GajacRT1_IA/s1600-h/DSC_0070.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRKIe7io9VI/AAAAAAAAAbI/GajacRT1_IA/s320/DSC_0070.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265420979309966674" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>"Cheese" </div><div>I love this picture because the only way we can get Parker to smile is to have him say and sign for the word cheese. So if he is smiling in a picture he is most likely signing for cheese with his fingers also.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is at the Brigantine were we get the world's best fish tacos. If you go to SD and don't eat these, you are missing out. Notice how Ben and I's plates are almost empty. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRKIeh0uHHI/AAAAAAAAAbA/dIsUA36I_P4/s1600-h/DSC_0073.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRKIeh0uHHI/AAAAAAAAAbA/dIsUA36I_P4/s320/DSC_0073.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265420972406479986" /></a><br /><div>My little buzzing bee at my parents ward Halloween party</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRKDfBLtqPI/AAAAAAAAAa4/EuVFTMY2ayY/s1600-h/DSC_0084.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRKDfBLtqPI/AAAAAAAAAa4/EuVFTMY2ayY/s320/DSC_0084.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265415483266279666" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRKDelXeFoI/AAAAAAAAAaw/4e6nSsBqS-Q/s1600-h/DSC_0090.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRKDelXeFoI/AAAAAAAAAaw/4e6nSsBqS-Q/s1600-h/DSC_0090.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"> </a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRKDelXeFoI/AAAAAAAAAaw/4e6nSsBqS-Q/s1600-h/DSC_0090.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">He is actually "buzzing" with his lips in this picture</span></a></span><img style="text-decoration: underline;float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRKDelXeFoI/AAAAAAAAAaw/4e6nSsBqS-Q/s320/DSC_0090.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265415475799398018" /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRKDdxg3pVI/AAAAAAAAAao/u1k2PxRsUAY/s1600-h/DSC_0096.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRKDdxg3pVI/AAAAAAAAAao/u1k2PxRsUAY/s320/DSC_0096.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265415461880178002" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>How great is it when you get to wear your Halloween costume all day, even out to breakfast.<br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRKDdqig45I/AAAAAAAAAag/UeggP1MjAPU/s1600-h/DSC_0117.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRKDdqig45I/AAAAAAAAAag/UeggP1MjAPU/s320/DSC_0117.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265415460008027026" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRKDdbAEUrI/AAAAAAAAAaY/Q-_UV99xvDg/s1600-h/DSC_0118.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRKDdbAEUrI/AAAAAAAAAaY/Q-_UV99xvDg/s320/DSC_0118.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265415455837016754" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Seeing the Roach Fam! How hilarious is Andrew with his pose? I love this family.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Our last day in San Diego was a perfect beach day. Parker loved playing and swimming in the ocean and of course couldn't get enough of the sand. He was so happy the whole time. We were so proud our kid loves the beach.<br /></div><div>It was a perfect way to end a great vacation.<br /></div></div>Ben, Deb and the P-Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138496342367339555noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2666711310959013729.post-65270956352280165702008-11-05T23:36:00.007-05:002008-11-06T00:31:56.889-05:00Park City, Grandpa Larson turns 90<div style="text-align: center;">We spent a week up in Park City Utah this summer to celebrate Grandpa Larson turning 90. It was so fun to see all the cousins and be up in the beautiful mountains.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Grandpa Larson turns 90!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRJ-dM15LII/AAAAAAAAAaQ/hK-LDXrUKJ4/s1600-h/DSC_0266.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRJ-dM15LII/AAAAAAAAAaQ/hK-LDXrUKJ4/s320/DSC_0266.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265409954478107778" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Our typical attempt at trying to take a nice family picture<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRJ-cqWW8XI/AAAAAAAAAaI/PWGF6oqev4I/s1600-h/DSC_0281.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRJ-cqWW8XI/AAAAAAAAAaI/PWGF6oqev4I/s320/DSC_0281.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265409945219035506" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Candid shots are better anyway :)<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRJ9l3P-tgI/AAAAAAAAAaA/007sxTxCMX8/s1600-h/DSC_0315.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRJ9l3P-tgI/AAAAAAAAAaA/007sxTxCMX8/s320/DSC_0315.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265409003789137410" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Larson cousins<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRJ9lsvxHOI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/VbnL8vuEIaQ/s1600-h/DSC_0232.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRJ9lsvxHOI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/VbnL8vuEIaQ/s320/DSC_0232.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265409000969673954" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Larson grandkids, spouses, and great grandkids<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRJ9lBMXWFI/AAAAAAAAAZw/P4i664q4Jm8/s1600-h/DSC_0192.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRJ9lBMXWFI/AAAAAAAAAZw/P4i664q4Jm8/s320/DSC_0192.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265408989278459986" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We had a great time relaxing up in PC</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Here are a few pics of some very focused golfers<br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRJ31HX2_UI/AAAAAAAAAZo/u3MQCEUq-Mg/s320/DSC_0029.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265402668745424194" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRJ30hKgn0I/AAAAAAAAAZg/jBBV-ui1ExU/s1600-h/DSC_0031.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRJ30hKgn0I/AAAAAAAAAZg/jBBV-ui1ExU/s320/DSC_0031.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265402658488885058" /></a>oops. I just accidently deleted the pics of us not quite being so serious. Oh man...</div>Ben, Deb and the P-Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138496342367339555noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2666711310959013729.post-86967543274274309182008-11-05T22:58:00.002-05:002008-11-05T23:27:20.648-05:00San Diego trip July 08<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">We had an amazing trip to SD this summer. We pretty much just hung out with the fam the whole time. The only thing missing was Nein.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Parker loves his Auntie J. She is not blood related but definitely family. We always start off our trip by meeting her for breakfast at the Naked Cafe across from the beach. P-man and I love their blackberry banana pancakes. Delish.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRJtF801OyI/AAAAAAAAAZI/rCyVU0lmFrw/s1600-h/DSCN1786.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRJtF801OyI/AAAAAAAAAZI/rCyVU0lmFrw/s320/DSCN1786.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265390863344024354" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Cornhole: The game of the year. <br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">We played this for days and got into some serious competition. Who knew some bean bags could be so much fun?<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRJtDSOnOzI/AAAAAAAAAZA/-yjnzHhS-JM/s1600-h/DSC_0021.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRJtDSOnOzI/AAAAAAAAAZA/-yjnzHhS-JM/s320/DSC_0021.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265390817549695794" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">San Diego is awesome because you can eat every single meal outside. And that is pretty much what we did when we were home.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRJtC4xjHWI/AAAAAAAAAY4/seQjctIvn9w/s1600-h/DSC_0050.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRJtC4xjHWI/AAAAAAAAAY4/seQjctIvn9w/s320/DSC_0050.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265390810716904802" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Check out the stuff....<br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">I used to go to the beach with just a towel. Now we bring a little bit more. And yeah, that awesome rainbow umbrella in the background is ours.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRJtCe4UL4I/AAAAAAAAAYw/DP5mR6CnqDI/s1600-h/DSCN1803.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 210px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRJtCe4UL4I/AAAAAAAAAYw/DP5mR6CnqDI/s320/DSCN1803.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265390803765964674" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Our little fam testing out the water. This is P-mans first time in the ocean.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRJtBw4CLeI/AAAAAAAAAYo/9jiZ-JS7g5Q/s1600-h/DSCN1812.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRJtBw4CLeI/AAAAAAAAAYo/9jiZ-JS7g5Q/s320/DSCN1812.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265390791416753634" /></a><br /></div>Ben, Deb and the P-Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138496342367339555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2666711310959013729.post-10069108731736654772008-11-05T13:07:00.009-05:002008-11-05T23:30:00.849-05:00San Diego con't<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Grandma Marian with all the great grandkids<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRHs7-8h6rI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/Ta_hjXbheyE/s1600-h/DSC_0091.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRHs7-8h6rI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/Ta_hjXbheyE/s320/DSC_0091.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265249954626136754" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Brian on the BBQ. We eat really well when we are with the fam. I don't know how people can make food taste so good. <br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRHs7cFT7LI/AAAAAAAAAYI/4Vy-AGIvrOs/s1600-h/DSC_0103.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRHs7cFT7LI/AAAAAAAAAYI/4Vy-AGIvrOs/s320/DSC_0103.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265249945267727538" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The boys played a competitive game of cornhole, and the losers had to eat some very foul smelling cheese. As you can see, Ben and Riley won and are making sure their opponents live up to their end of the deal. Notice Jack in the background<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRHs7CQSTlI/AAAAAAAAAYA/IFvhBq220-Y/s1600-h/DSC_0132.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRHs7CQSTlI/AAAAAAAAAYA/IFvhBq220-Y/s320/DSC_0132.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265249938334436946" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We laughed so hard, I almost didn't get this picture.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRHpTrf4ggI/AAAAAAAAAX4/TML9wcuDqH4/s1600-h/DSC_0144.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRHpTrf4ggI/AAAAAAAAAX4/TML9wcuDqH4/s320/DSC_0144.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265245963676058114" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Brian is now vomiting the stinky cheese over the fence.... I love how Jack is so curious.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRHpS6QhlvI/AAAAAAAAAXw/aRuUVLML1XQ/s1600-h/DSC_0145.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRHpS6QhlvI/AAAAAAAAAXw/aRuUVLML1XQ/s320/DSC_0145.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265245950458304242" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Now he is examining the stinky cheese remains.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRHpSgribQI/AAAAAAAAAXo/hpks3eskV9w/s1600-h/DSC_0151.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRHpSgribQI/AAAAAAAAAXo/hpks3eskV9w/s320/DSC_0151.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265245943592283394" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We had a great picnic with my Grandpa Rapp in front of his place in La Jolla. Parker laughed his head off while feeding the seagull. It was one of those times that I could have cried because my kid was so happy.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRHpSPmr3LI/AAAAAAAAAXg/XxQ1FJePwJU/s1600-h/DSCN1852.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRHpSPmr3LI/AAAAAAAAAXg/XxQ1FJePwJU/s320/DSCN1852.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265245939008527538" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">One night the fam had a bonfire out in Pacific Beach. Don't my feet look comfortable?<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRHpRqtKLvI/AAAAAAAAAXY/vg6uwQXLiHQ/s1600-h/DSCN1870.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRHpRqtKLvI/AAAAAAAAAXY/vg6uwQXLiHQ/s320/DSCN1870.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265245929103568626" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Parker is learning to share :) Note the good looking cup in the background...mmm.... </div><div style="text-align: center;">In N Out...<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRHm0QdYS7I/AAAAAAAAAXQ/Hl2l2pX66Ys/s1600-h/DSCN1875.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRHm0QdYS7I/AAAAAAAAAXQ/Hl2l2pX66Ys/s320/DSCN1875.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265243224818600882" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;">Parker loves to sit and read with Grandpa in his chair (although he looks ready to go). Sometimes, the even pet the kitty... poor Princess.... also known to many of you as "Loser Cat."<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRHm0HoPQaI/AAAAAAAAAXI/zaTJzs6gIF0/s1600-h/DSC_0163.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRHm0HoPQaI/AAAAAAAAAXI/zaTJzs6gIF0/s320/DSC_0163.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265243222448226722" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">One second Parker was bouncing up and down, the next second he was out cold. It was hilarious.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRHmzo9MENI/AAAAAAAAAXA/cgtFJKOzNDA/s1600-h/DSC_0190.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRHmzo9MENI/AAAAAAAAAXA/cgtFJKOzNDA/s320/DSC_0190.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265243214214598866" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>I love this picture since Ben is playing and Parker is just watching him from the swing.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRHmzBtfEfI/AAAAAAAAAW4/nNfN5_URfLI/s1600-h/DSC_0179.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRHmzBtfEfI/AAAAAAAAAW4/nNfN5_URfLI/s320/DSC_0179.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265243203679752690" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">After all the hard work from Seth and Ben, the playground was finally put together and the grandparents couldn't have been happier.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRHmy3SD1qI/AAAAAAAAAWw/UVxjs4F8q7U/s1600-h/DSC_0185.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SRHmy3SD1qI/AAAAAAAAAWw/UVxjs4F8q7U/s320/DSC_0185.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265243200880367266" /></a><div><br /></div></div></div></div>Ben, Deb and the P-Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138496342367339555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2666711310959013729.post-89893566872411123362008-10-19T21:45:00.004-04:002008-10-19T22:51:58.491-04:00Vermont! ...with a little bit of Niagara and Boston<div>We had an amazing trip to Vermont with the Larson fam. We started by all meeting up in Cleveland, then headed to Niagara Falls and a few church sites on the way, and ended with a couple of days in Boston. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are the boys checking out the view of the falls from our hotel. We had great time on the Maid of the Mist and an "interesting" tour of the town. What a view though.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPvnXPkKeCI/AAAAAAAAAVk/QIyDS8bY0vs/s1600-h/DSC_0035.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPvnXPkKeCI/AAAAAAAAAVk/QIyDS8bY0vs/s320/DSC_0035.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259051376386406434" /></a><div>Hands down, the best dessert ever! </div><div>At the Canadian TGI Fridays they had my all time favorite dessert, Oreo Madness. It was just as good as I remembered. TGIF took it away a few years ago and life hasn't been the same since. If heaven doesn't have this, I am not sure I want to go...</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPvpe08WU6I/AAAAAAAAAWM/urOu6e0d61s/s320/DSC00054-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259053705702298530" /></div><div><br /></div><div>We stopped at the Hill Cumorah and a few other historical church sites. I am so sorry I don't have the photos of Thayne (Ben's dad) rolling down the hill. It was awesome and I knew Parker was proud of his grandpa.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are the lovebirds taking in the sites</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPvnXg8oUCI/AAAAAAAAAVs/sfUXPa5KBnQ/s1600-h/DSC_0044.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPvnXg8oUCI/AAAAAAAAAVs/sfUXPa5KBnQ/s320/DSC_0044.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259051381052428322" /></a><br /></div><div>We stayed at an unbelievable cabin up in the mountains of Vermont. From there we took a few day trips up north and just enjoyed being together at the house. I loved running up there because everything was uphill and the scenery was breathtaking.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">We had an early birthday party for Parker. His favorite part was playing with the cars that came from the top of the cake.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPvnYPihEFI/AAAAAAAAAV0/_YInLsqGSwA/s1600-h/DSC_0064.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPvnYPihEFI/AAAAAAAAAV0/_YInLsqGSwA/s320/DSC_0064.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259051393559367762" /></a><br /></div><div>Day Trips</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Parker loves to pretend to drive. I think he has a car fetish like his mom and dad.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPvnY-WofVI/AAAAAAAAAV8/yYIcRu5c9xo/s1600-h/DSC_0085.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPvnY-WofVI/AAAAAAAAAV8/yYIcRu5c9xo/s320/DSC_0085.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259051406125989202" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">A cute little roadside antique store with some yummy homemade treats. <br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPvnZ3H3hSI/AAAAAAAAAWE/Q759hS4YH8E/s1600-h/DSC_0081.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPvnZ3H3hSI/AAAAAAAAAWE/Q759hS4YH8E/s320/DSC_0081.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259051421364880674" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Boston</div><div>We had a great time switching over into city life after rural Vermont. We saw a bunch of sites, visited Joseph at Harvard, got stuck in the rain, and did some shopping.</div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPvk5QlRshI/AAAAAAAAAVU/PfnbI4CJuec/s320/DSC_0115.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259048662240178706" /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is my kind of shopping. Marshalls, H&M and TJ Maxx all next door to one another.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPvk3slb3EI/AAAAAAAAAU8/L3sRfs9gXVk/s1600-h/DSC_0093.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPvk3slb3EI/AAAAAAAAAU8/L3sRfs9gXVk/s320/DSC_0093.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259048635397299266" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Parker showing off his comfy ride (and sweet shoes from Auntie J).<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPvk4Kd-HZI/AAAAAAAAAVE/U0xQ02Q_ADE/s1600-h/DSC_0099.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPvk4Kd-HZI/AAAAAAAAAVE/U0xQ02Q_ADE/s320/DSC_0099.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259048643419053458" /></a><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Nathan and I taking in the sites . I think I could hang out with him forever. He is hilarious.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPvk4VASrgI/AAAAAAAAAVM/H_NukxbYUX4/s1600-h/DSC_0113.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPvk4VASrgI/AAAAAAAAAVM/H_NukxbYUX4/s320/DSC_0113.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259048646247362050" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">After all of it we were exhausted and sad to see a great trip come to an end.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPvk5rFnonI/AAAAAAAAAVc/4m9a2b15pRc/s1600-h/DSC_0120.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPvk5rFnonI/AAAAAAAAAVc/4m9a2b15pRc/s320/DSC_0120.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259048669355156082" /></a><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">After posting this I realized we are missing a lot of family pics we need to get...</span></div>Ben, Deb and the P-Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138496342367339555noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2666711310959013729.post-27570922094016082462008-10-19T21:13:00.007-04:002008-11-06T02:25:38.668-05:00Some things we did in Cleveland this summer....<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">We gave Parker a buzz cut</span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The poor kid could barely see</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPveSMk8wzI/AAAAAAAAAUk/WUK-0iveOj8/s1600-h/DSC_0009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPveSMk8wzI/AAAAAAAAAUk/WUK-0iveOj8/s320/DSC_0009.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259041394080400178" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Father and son matching hair</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPveS9pmz3I/AAAAAAAAAUs/65Enq_KXO20/s1600-h/DSC_0021.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPveS9pmz3I/AAAAAAAAAUs/65Enq_KXO20/s320/DSC_0021.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259041407253270386" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This is after when we played "where did Parker's hair go?"<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPveTyX2T9I/AAAAAAAAAU0/NzBwdW5GJ9c/s1600-h/DSC_0026.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPveTyX2T9I/AAAAAAAAAU0/NzBwdW5GJ9c/s320/DSC_0026.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259041421405867986" /></a><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">We spent some time at the pool</span></div><div><br /></div><div>We love our community pool. It is pretty amazing. We just wish the season could last longer. To the right of the slide is the high dive where Ben gave in to peer pressure (wife pressure) and hurt his neck. It was a sweet dive though. :)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPvc6_ud-ZI/AAAAAAAAAUE/pNbnU865zvY/s1600-h/DSCN1755.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPvc6_ud-ZI/AAAAAAAAAUE/pNbnU865zvY/s320/DSCN1755.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259039895982045586" /></a><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">We worked on the house</span><div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Here are Ben and Jeff framing the basement. This never would have been possible without Jeff's expertise. I love his wife Amanda for giving up her husband three nights in a row. The Masters fam is so awesome. We love them.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPvc7mA5bdI/AAAAAAAAAUM/mZUcrvWJzaw/s1600-h/DSC_0031.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPvc7mA5bdI/AAAAAAAAAUM/mZUcrvWJzaw/s320/DSC_0031.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259039906259889618" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Clearly they had their work cut out for them<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPvc8UxtBTI/AAAAAAAAAUU/agOCdo54OEE/s1600-h/DSC_0033.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPvc8UxtBTI/AAAAAAAAAUU/agOCdo54OEE/s320/DSC_0033.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259039918812628274" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Here are Ben and Parker lowering the crib. Parker is very curious how everything works. Looks like that blessing is coming true.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPvc84typJI/AAAAAAAAAUc/ys0ykbpbuf4/s1600-h/DSC_0220.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPvc84typJI/AAAAAAAAAUc/ys0ykbpbuf4/s320/DSC_0220.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259039928459895954" /></a><br /></div></div></div>Ben, Deb and the P-Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138496342367339555noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2666711310959013729.post-20054657980263047242008-10-19T20:12:00.008-04:002008-10-19T21:12:49.098-04:00Parker turns 1!<div style="text-align: left;">For Parker's first birthday we had the fire department come to his party...ha ha ya right! Maybe if Parker's mom was Dacia. :) Actually Parker's first birthday was on the day of our beloved block party so it worked out perfectly. Our street always arranges for the fire department to stop by so Parker and Ben got to check out the truck (I think Ben was actually more excited than Parker). We always play some games, have a bake off and just hang out. I love our street.<br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPvUDoXeDeI/AAAAAAAAATs/jJN4ZNIH7ko/s1600-h/DSC_0021.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPvUDoXeDeI/AAAAAAAAATs/jJN4ZNIH7ko/s320/DSC_0021.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259030148725738978" /></a><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPvTNShwApI/AAAAAAAAATk/q7hVIyWtDy4/s320/DSC_0009.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259029215150342802" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> Where's Waldo? Where's Parker? Find the little boy in the red and white striped shirt.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPvXoTrGSLI/AAAAAAAAAT0/0o1mHklwVGI/s320/DSC_0047.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259034077360965810" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPvTLtk2fBI/AAAAAAAAATE/MFhjRIjC_-Q/s1600-h/DSC_0045.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPvTLtk2fBI/AAAAAAAAATE/MFhjRIjC_-Q/s320/DSC_0045.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259029188051368978" /></a><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;">Parker wasn't too interested in his cake.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPvTMdWD3WI/AAAAAAAAATM/ooDb9dIN4Ag/s1600-h/DSC_0079.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPvTMdWD3WI/AAAAAAAAATM/ooDb9dIN4Ag/s320/DSC_0079.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259029200874233186" /></a><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Now play where is the white girl with no ankles...oh yeah, that's me.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPvTM3Tt54I/AAAAAAAAATU/35TQTS86r4U/s1600-h/DSC_0062.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPvTM3Tt54I/AAAAAAAAATU/35TQTS86r4U/s320/DSC_0062.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259029207843727234" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We loved having Aunt Claire with us to celebrate. Parker absolutely adores her.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPvavf2Fs8I/AAAAAAAAAT8/YSztgBZ15e8/s320/DSC_0040.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259037499422258114" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><div>To Parker it was just another day but we love our block parties and had a great time celebrating that we are still alive after being parents for a year. Good job us.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPvPDAsI3AI/AAAAAAAAAS8/YAiXyzUI4c0/s1600-h/DSCN1755_2.JPG"><br /></a></div><br /><br /></div>Ben, Deb and the P-Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138496342367339555noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2666711310959013729.post-21485720049946617052008-10-15T16:49:00.005-04:002008-10-15T18:16:28.786-04:00Maybe the best Monday ever...<div style="text-align: center;">No one looks forward to Monday, especially after a great weekend. However this past Monday might have been just one of the best. There was nothing really significant that happened but maybe that is why I enjoyed it so much. Just a simple, perfect day. <br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Here is what happened:</div><div><br /><div>1. Parker slept a half hour later than usual</div><div>2. Ben didn't have to be in early </div><div>3. Therefore, Ben changed Parker's big morning diaper and got his milk while I laid in bed</div><div>4. I went on the best run I have had in a good couple of weeks</div><div>5. Parker and I went to CostCo and had some yummy new samples together</div><div>6. Gas was so cheap I had to double check my receipt</div><div>7. The weather was sunny, warm, and beautiful with the fall leaves</div><div>8. We met up with some great friends at the park</div><div>9. I cleaned the refrigerator (it has the best return of cleaning anything and I love doing it)</div><div>10. Ben got home early :)</div><div>11. I made a really good, healthy dinner............yes, it was good, healthy and I am still proud </div><div>12. I gave Parker a bath and watched him happily splash and play without a care in the world</div><div>13. We read extra bedtime stories</div><div>14. Ram emailed some pics so Ben and I reminisced about our great weekend </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are a few pics</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Parker and Ben playing Whirly Ball. What is Whirly Ball you ask? It is like lacrosse on bumper cars.... seriously.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPZqyK7ZoEI/AAAAAAAAASs/Zw7sCRYeAZE/s320/Whirly+Ball+-+Viny+10.10.08+010.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257507025161134146" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ben, Parker and Ram </div><div style="text-align: center;">If only Parker would smile like the big boys</div><div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPZo8p6EVHI/AAAAAAAAASE/vBYBSuI9z2M/s320/Whirly+Ball+-+Viny+10.10.08+005.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257505006252479602" /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Parker is having a snack at the flag football game</div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPZo83TeebI/AAAAAAAAASM/UVMO4loJ15Q/s320/email.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257505009848711602" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But he gave up on the sandwich and went for the tomato instead</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPZo8yqSGHI/AAAAAAAAASU/5cZgV12TeS0/s320/5th+Annual+Student-Faculty+Football+10.11.08+096.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257505008602191986" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">After getting bored I gave him some oreos</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPZo9Piy7VI/AAAAAAAAASc/0bfKejTGigU/s320/5th+Annual+Student-Faculty+Football+10.11.08+101.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257505016355417426" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The sweet trophy</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SPZo9oYXTxI/AAAAAAAAASk/-LfXZBcSjOs/s320/5th+Annual+Student-Faculty+Football+10.11.08+104.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257505023022550802" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This was perfect football weather. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks Ram!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Ben, Deb and the P-Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138496342367339555noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2666711310959013729.post-39003216683886279772008-06-23T00:30:00.004-04:002008-12-11T04:56:06.684-05:00Girl's weekend with Baby Boys<div>While Ben went to Florida for a conference, my mom, Danette and Blake came into town for a long girl's weekend with the baby boys of course. We had the best time and am so glad Danette lives somewhat close by. We had a great time shopping, eating lots of mom's cookies and watching the boys play together... well sort of play together. It had been a few months since the cousins got together and we laughed our heads off while we watched them interact. Parker is only 3 months older than Blake but seems to be unsatisfied with him as a play mate. Blake is such a mellow and happy kid and we think that might be a good influence on Parker. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here Blake is a little unsure of Parker</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF8pan-2yMI/AAAAAAAAAPg/mccz6_Vpjd0/s1600-h/DSC_0116.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF8pan-2yMI/AAAAAAAAAPg/mccz6_Vpjd0/s320/DSC_0116.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214932430904281282" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF8rctknidI/AAAAAAAAAPo/_8iwG8c8nZM/s1600-h/DSC_0117.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF8rctknidI/AAAAAAAAAPo/_8iwG8c8nZM/s320/DSC_0117.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214934665787836882" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">And after a few good pokes in the face he has reason to be.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF8rc5NRbsI/AAAAAAAAAPw/OcS0HgfDjE4/s1600-h/DSC_0129.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF8rc5NRbsI/AAAAAAAAAPw/OcS0HgfDjE4/s320/DSC_0129.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214934668911144642" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">However, Parker soon got bored with his cousin and began the "I am bored and unhappy face"</div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF8rdfQ6MAI/AAAAAAAAAP4/osNO3SFZ7cI/s1600-h/DSC_0135.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF8rdfQ6MAI/AAAAAAAAAP4/osNO3SFZ7cI/s320/DSC_0135.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214934679126945794" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">He also seem to get a little bored with all the millions of pictures we took of them together.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Little Critter</div><div style="text-align: center;">(and the face continues)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF8rdkYHypI/AAAAAAAAAQA/Y0uyEwk7SCE/s1600-h/DSC_0148.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF8rdkYHypI/AAAAAAAAAQA/Y0uyEwk7SCE/s320/DSC_0148.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214934680499374738" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">If you don't know these books, you have to find them. The are called "The Little Critter" books by Mercer Mayer and they are hilarious. The main character is the funniest little boy and we always joke that this is going to be Parker as he grows up. Parker is notorious for his crazy hair and this face just seemed so appropriate for the picture with his favorite books. (Ok not really his favorite books but ours to read to him)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Parker's new surf-beach quilt by Grandma Rapp</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF8rd0mvDmI/AAAAAAAAAQI/8ZPs5lPEN3w/s1600-h/DSC_0155.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF8rd0mvDmI/AAAAAAAAAQI/8ZPs5lPEN3w/s320/DSC_0155.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214934684855635554" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">My mom made this quilt for Parker and I absolutely love it. She is so talented in the sewing department and well... i am ... not so much. But luckily I have her to teach me. There are so many adorable fabrics on this quilt and it really makes me miss the beach. I love the square that has the shout out to San Diego too. Thanks Mom.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are a few extra pics of Parker lately</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF8pZ0E-eKI/AAAAAAAAAPI/uMeUhFjkDrA/s1600-h/DSC_0001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF8pZ0E-eKI/AAAAAAAAAPI/uMeUhFjkDrA/s320/DSC_0001.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214932416971307170" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I love this picture because he is so happy. I took it while he was crawling under my chair and I feel like I captured just the right moment. One reason I love Parker so much is that he loves to be silly, just like his cousin Gracie.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF8paPE-StI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/qN2t8C6WKJ8/s1600-h/DSC_0039.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF8paPE-StI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/qN2t8C6WKJ8/s320/DSC_0039.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214932424219052754" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Lazy much? This is when Parker wanted us to feed him everything. We tried to stand strong and have him do it himself an this is what we got.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF8paaqI3HI/AAAAAAAAAPY/4G-oG5Q39g8/s1600-h/DSC_0026.JPG"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF8pan-2yMI/AAAAAAAAAPg/mccz6_Vpjd0/s1600-h/DSC_0116.JPG"><br /></a></div><br /></div>Ben, Deb and the P-Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138496342367339555noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2666711310959013729.post-30767371305990896642008-06-22T20:21:00.010-04:002008-12-11T04:56:10.431-05:00May Updates<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><blockquote></blockquote></div><div style="text-align: center;">So this is what we have been up to lately (or at least what we caught on camera):<br /><ul><li style="text-align: left;">Ben and I both celebrated being parents by spoiling the other one on Father's Day and Mother's Day</li><li style="text-align: left;">We did some serious planting in the yard</li><li style="text-align: left;">Ben has played lots of softball </li><li style="text-align: left;">We found out Parker has a milk allergy</li></ul></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">FATHER'S DAY</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Chocolate breakfast, gifts, more chocolate, BBQing, playing with the Pman, and even more chocolate. What could be better?</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF70VevNu_I/AAAAAAAAANs/S34Hfr4aGfg/s1600-h/DSCN1758.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF70VevNu_I/AAAAAAAAANs/S34Hfr4aGfg/s320/DSCN1758.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214874068407139314" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Reeses waffles with bananas and nutella.... nothing but chocolate for breakfast for the best Dad there is. There was a fruit salad but come on now, we all know that barely got touched.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF70VidpVjI/AAAAAAAAAN0/OK2isZYlfdQ/s1600-h/DSCN1760.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF70VidpVjI/AAAAAAAAAN0/OK2isZYlfdQ/s320/DSCN1760.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214874069407192626" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Unfortunately Parker's waffles only came with bananas. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF8Iz1oYOeI/AAAAAAAAAO0/IB7U_HOB5xs/s1600-h/DSC_0046.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF8Iz1oYOeI/AAAAAAAAAO0/IB7U_HOB5xs/s320/DSC_0046.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214896580181113314" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Parker's new patio chair to hang out with Ben while he works the BBQ. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF70VPvL5eI/AAAAAAAAANk/bVTxQbqad7E/s1600-h/DSC_0060.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF70VPvL5eI/AAAAAAAAANk/bVTxQbqad7E/s320/DSC_0060.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214874064380487138" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Testing out the new BBQ accessories. </div><div style="text-align: center;">This steak and shrimp was some of Ben's finest BBQing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF70U7-ChPI/AAAAAAAAANc/SeNZpvD1Ut0/s1600-h/DSC_0081.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF70U7-ChPI/AAAAAAAAANc/SeNZpvD1Ut0/s320/DSC_0081.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214874059074077938" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Calling Grandpa to wish him a happy father's day while Parker hangs out in his new favorite spot. He loves to stand there and look out the window.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF70WAfXhnI/AAAAAAAAAN8/7KC5MI34QiE/s1600-h/DSCN1765.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF70WAfXhnI/AAAAAAAAAN8/7KC5MI34QiE/s320/DSCN1765.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214874077467477618" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Forget sitting in the exersaucer...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF74P1GOkuI/AAAAAAAAAOE/RMgnelcw35g/s1600-h/DSCN1767.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF74P1GOkuI/AAAAAAAAAOE/RMgnelcw35g/s320/DSCN1767.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214878369376539362" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">... when you can have Daddy spin you around down below.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF8AmYmoQMI/AAAAAAAAAOs/dJisoZycKJU/s1600-h/img84m.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF8AmYmoQMI/AAAAAAAAAOs/dJisoZycKJU/s320/img84m.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214887552957825218" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We finished the day with what I must admit were the best brownies I have ever made. I meticulously followed the recipe for the William Sonoma Brownies (because when I try to wing things, they just aren't so good) and they were HEAVENLY. I used Scharffen Berger Belgium chocolate which I believe is what made them soooo good. They were thick and rich it took us 3 days to eat a small pan... that never happens for us. </div><div style="text-align: center;">The best part is that Ben LOVED them. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">MOTHER'S DAY</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">My first Mother's Day was awesome because it was spent by hanging out with my boys. It started with pancakes in bed, then followed by a series of gifts to complete the "Super Mommy Kit", and was finished off by a custom Cold Stone Creamery Cake (oreos and caramel of course). I had the best time being with my boys and I couldn't be luckier to be Parker's mom. This was the best day ever.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF7yXKL9E2I/AAAAAAAAAM0/ew8ycGEXh5o/s1600-h/DSC_0041.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF7yXKL9E2I/AAAAAAAAAM0/ew8ycGEXh5o/s320/DSC_0041.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214871898227020642" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Yep, this is it. The unbelievable custom made oreos and caramel cold stone cake. It was so rich it took us a few days to eat it. Luckily we had some good friends come help us with it!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF7yXY3p2_I/AAAAAAAAAM8/OlsO5I0L4Zs/s1600-h/DSC_0037.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF7yXY3p2_I/AAAAAAAAAM8/OlsO5I0L4Zs/s320/DSC_0037.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214871902168407026" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Another picture because I know you are all still thinking about it. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF7yX3kJy8I/AAAAAAAAANE/c51hUe0Jr-4/s1600-h/DSC_0055.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF7yX3kJy8I/AAAAAAAAANE/c51hUe0Jr-4/s320/DSC_0055.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214871910408113090" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">My Favorite Gift - Parker's handprints. This is something I wanted to do forever but never seem to find the time. So Ben and Parker did it one night while I was at a GNO and it was such a wonderful surprise. I absolutely love it and will keep it forever.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF7yYJlhssI/AAAAAAAAANM/_ehc73ME2Yc/s1600-h/DSC_0053.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF7yYJlhssI/AAAAAAAAANM/_ehc73ME2Yc/s320/DSC_0053.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214871915245712066" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, this is a PINK baseball mitt. I am not sure what to think of it but I love that it came from my boys so I will use it. Pman can roll the ball now so we are on our way.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">SOME NEW PLANTS</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks to help of Thayne for getting us working and Ken our expertise neighbor to give us advice, we finally fixed up our backyard a bit. Here is kind of the before and after. (Sorry the pics are from different angles)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF8Kag_9nbI/AAAAAAAAAO8/PXuuUme2uoo/s1600-h/DSC_0007.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF8Kag_9nbI/AAAAAAAAAO8/PXuuUme2uoo/s320/DSC_0007.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214898344169414066" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF7uh-zUw5I/AAAAAAAAAMk/WmmdFp-ksik/s1600-h/DSC_0185.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF7uh-zUw5I/AAAAAAAAAMk/WmmdFp-ksik/s320/DSC_0185.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214867686102975378" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We pulled up all the ugly rocks from the side of our yard and planted some new trees. I must admit that I absolutely love black mulch. It would be on my top 10 favorite things because it just looks so clean and nice and stays black all year long. </div><div style="text-align: center;">.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF7uiAnAs-I/AAAAAAAAAMs/lEa-I6w9r20/s1600-h/DSC_0180.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF7uiAnAs-I/AAAAAAAAAMs/lEa-I6w9r20/s320/DSC_0180.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214867686588199906" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our rocks are temporarily moved to behind our garage. Anyone want any free rocks?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">SOFTBALL SUMMERS</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF74QMYzVKI/AAAAAAAAAOM/3dlN7ndk5NM/s1600-h/DSC_0098.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF74QMYzVKI/AAAAAAAAAOM/3dlN7ndk5NM/s320/DSC_0098.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214878375628461218" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is a pic of Ben's softball team. He has a great time playing and Parker and I love to go watch and hang out with the other families on the sidelines.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF74SClYbmI/AAAAAAAAAOc/c8c6ZJb98to/s1600-h/DSC_0092.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF74SClYbmI/AAAAAAAAAOc/c8c6ZJb98to/s320/DSC_0092.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214878407356608098" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline; ">Here is Parker focusing on watching the game. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">I just realized I need to take some more pics at these games.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">MILK ALLERGY</div><div style="text-align: center;">Poor Pman had some yogurt and it didn't go down too well. Hopefully he will grow out of it but until then, no cold stone cake for him. Poor guy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF74SeIRHgI/AAAAAAAAAOk/vGfL6xWX8X4/s1600-h/DSC_0197.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SF74SeIRHgI/AAAAAAAAAOk/vGfL6xWX8X4/s320/DSC_0197.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214878414750686722" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a></span></span></div></div></div>Ben, Deb and the P-Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138496342367339555noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2666711310959013729.post-50474158438666640722008-05-10T22:31:00.006-04:002008-12-11T04:56:12.220-05:00Mia comes to Cleve<div>We have loved having family visit especially because every time some one comes into town, they bring the good weather with them. Our blue background is to encourage anyone to come visit to keep the sunny weather around.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SCoQNqeIOMI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/X_ydd8Y0Vsk/s1600-h/DSC_0293.JPG" style="text-decoration: none; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><div>So here are some recent pics from when Mia came to visit (she brought her Huntington Beach weather with her.) It was so fun to have her and Parker loved all the attention and gifts. (So did Ben and I, we love our new Rainbows!). </div><div><br /></div><div>So now that I have something on our blog I might actually send this out so I don't get harped on anymore...</div></span></a></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SCpRZaeIORI/AAAAAAAAAK4/byEX_oF9BpE/s1600-h/DSC_0324.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SCpRZaeIORI/AAAAAAAAAK4/byEX_oF9BpE/s320/DSC_0324.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200058216796928274" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Daddy and Parker after a late dinner out one night. We have had so many visitors so Parker has no schedule anymore...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SCpRZqeIOSI/AAAAAAAAALA/DZujmwQgzUM/s1600-h/DSC_0343.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SCpRZqeIOSI/AAAAAAAAALA/DZujmwQgzUM/s320/DSC_0343.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200058221091895586" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Parker loves his stroller (just like his mommy) and scoots himself down so he can reach and put his feet up while he rides. Parker and I love it when it is warm in Cleveland so we can be outside!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SCpRaKeIOTI/AAAAAAAAALI/cSnxk4fDGDU/s1600-h/DSC_0339.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SCpRaKeIOTI/AAAAAAAAALI/cSnxk4fDGDU/s320/DSC_0339.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200058229681830194" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Except when Mom takes too long to get out the door.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SCpRaaeIOUI/AAAAAAAAALQ/FmNNApPuMrw/s1600-h/DSC_0329.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SCpRaaeIOUI/AAAAAAAAALQ/FmNNApPuMrw/s320/DSC_0329.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200058233976797506" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">All of us in the same picture? This never happens because usually Ben or I am taking the picture but this is pretty typical of our life: Parker is the center of attention and Ben and I are trying to make him laugh.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SCoQNqeIOMI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/X_ydd8Y0Vsk/s1600-h/DSC_0293.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="text-decoration: underline;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SCoQNqeIOMI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/X_ydd8Y0Vsk/s320/DSC_0293.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199986546677659842" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Parker with his beautiful and tan so-cal based Aunt Mia</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SCoQOKeIONI/AAAAAAAAAKY/QUTE0HQtXhM/s1600-h/DSC_0299.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SCoQOKeIONI/AAAAAAAAAKY/QUTE0HQtXhM/s320/DSC_0299.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199986555267594450" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Parker's "focused" face. He is trying to copy Ben clapping</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SCoQOaeIOOI/AAAAAAAAAKg/bSX2ZxgvE4Y/s1600-h/DSC_0301.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SCoQOaeIOOI/AAAAAAAAAKg/bSX2ZxgvE4Y/s320/DSC_0301.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199986559562561762" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">And he gets it! He loves to clap now.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SCoQO6eIOPI/AAAAAAAAAKo/pcvVFZnVMoQ/s1600-h/DSC_0231.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SCoQO6eIOPI/AAAAAAAAAKo/pcvVFZnVMoQ/s320/DSC_0231.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199986568152496370" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Showing off in the tub.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SCoQPKeIOQI/AAAAAAAAAKw/A8Eo2UnRC44/s1600-h/DSC_0279.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SCoQPKeIOQI/AAAAAAAAAKw/A8Eo2UnRC44/s320/DSC_0279.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199986572447463682" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Just happy from so much attention...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SCoQNqeIOMI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/X_ydd8Y0Vsk/s1600-h/DSC_0293.JPG" style="text-decoration: none; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">Ok so I just saw my last post (you will see below) and well... I am new at this. This is a perfect example of how I try to do too many things at one time and therefore don't get anything completely done but a lot of little things started. In this case I would type something, then get distracted by an email, then add a few pics, then Parker would cry, then I would add some more, then the phone would ring and voila!..a messy post. Not perfect but at least I am doing it..</span></a><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SCoHNqeIOLI/AAAAAAAAAKI/t_Ik7p6R2dg/s1600-h/DSC_0060.JPG"><br /></a></div>Ben, Deb and the P-Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138496342367339555noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2666711310959013729.post-18477543673872105352008-05-09T11:23:00.008-04:002008-12-11T04:56:13.797-05:00Family Visiitors<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SCR4OQGfKVI/AAAAAAAAAJA/GN58QKOtgnk/s1600-h/DSC_0043.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SCR4OQGfKVI/AAAAAAAAAJA/GN58QKOtgnk/s320/DSC_0043.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198412056128072018" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">Lots of Family Time</span></a><div><div><br /></div><div><div>We have had so many visitors lately so Parker has had some serious attention but he couldn't be happier. Here are some pics of him reading with Grandpa Larson, cuddling with Grandma Larson, sitting on Uncle Joseph and giggling with Grandpa Rapp.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SCR4OwGfKWI/AAAAAAAAAJI/MhFfguEocjc/s1600-h/DSC_0058.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SCR4OwGfKWI/AAAAAAAAAJI/MhFfguEocjc/s320/DSC_0058.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198412064718006626" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SCR4PAGfKXI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/qjN-BR2-m4Y/s1600-h/DSC_0104.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SCR4PAGfKXI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/qjN-BR2-m4Y/s320/DSC_0104.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198412069012973938" /></a><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SCR4PQGfKYI/AAAAAAAAAJY/zgMzZejUYko/s1600-h/DSC_0064.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SCR4PQGfKYI/AAAAAAAAAJY/zgMzZejUYko/s320/DSC_0064.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198412073307941250" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SCR1YwGfKTI/AAAAAAAAAIw/pnvUBIbFRI0/s1600-h/DSC_0036.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SCR1YwGfKTI/AAAAAAAAAIw/pnvUBIbFRI0/s320/DSC_0036.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198408937981815090" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SCR1ZQGfKUI/AAAAAAAAAI4/c-qR1pnUQ4g/s1600-h/DSC_0048.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SCR1ZQGfKUI/AAAAAAAAAI4/c-qR1pnUQ4g/s320/DSC_0048.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198408946571749698" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SCRttgGfKQI/AAAAAAAAAIY/BP2ejlvNCh0/s1600-h/DSC_0024.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SCRttgGfKQI/AAAAAAAAAIY/BP2ejlvNCh0/s320/DSC_0024.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198400498371078402" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255); ">Easter Weekend in Chicago </span><br /></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"><br /></span><div>Easter weekend we headed out for our third trip to Chicago together except this time we had the Pman. (Although on our last trip is when we thought seriously about possibly having the Pman in the first place.) We love that city and can't seem to get enough of it. So we were thrilled when Claire and Joseph moved out there so Claire could complete a Masters program at the University of Chicago. It was great to be with the newlyweds and spend Easter with family. </div><div>It was a pretty cold weekend so we skipped our favorite architecture tour (a must see/do in that city) but we had the best time hanging out in their tiny, yet adorable, little apartment, eating lots of good food and seeing some of the sites. All I can say is CLUE anyone?</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SCRtuAGfKRI/AAAAAAAAAIg/nTrmi5NMqrA/s1600-h/DSC_0002.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SCRtuAGfKRI/AAAAAAAAAIg/nTrmi5NMqrA/s320/DSC_0002.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198400506961013010" /></a>Parker loved playing with the shiny, metallic grass from our Easter baskets. Although we had to watch him like a hawk so he didn't eat any of it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SCRtugGfKSI/AAAAAAAAAIo/luwl7L4jcro/s1600-h/DSC_0007.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SCRtugGfKSI/AAAAAAAAAIo/luwl7L4jcro/s320/DSC_0007.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198400515550947618" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Parker loved giggling with his Auntie Claire. He mimicked her the whole weekend and just couldn't get enough of her.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Ben, Deb and the P-Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138496342367339555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2666711310959013729.post-58000702237926182532008-04-28T13:21:00.008-04:002008-12-11T04:56:14.952-05:00Family Parties<div style="text-align: center;">Ok seriously, why is my family so cool and so good at throwing parties? Ben and I love Cleveland but there are a few times when it is just a little too far away from great family events.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div>Here are a few pics from Riley's 40th party that was an 80's Prom theme. Dacia, who is the queen of throwing parties (good thing she is an event planner), did an amazing job and we were so sad we couldn't be there. Dressing up, dancing, what could be better? Her and Riley's house was completely decked out with a prom photo op spot, a dance floor, amazing food by Dawn and Seth, a tent in the backyard, 80's decor, and then of course, great company.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SBogVqgWMGI/AAAAAAAAAHk/1QpYopbQPqg/s1600-h/Rileys_Bday_Blake_and_Lake_Arrowhead056.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SBogVqgWMGI/AAAAAAAAAHk/1QpYopbQPqg/s320/Rileys_Bday_Blake_and_Lake_Arrowhead056.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195500676684591202" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SBogWKgWMHI/AAAAAAAAAHs/dVn1kuZsP0Q/s1600-h/Riley_s_40th_80_s_Bday_Party+dance.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SBogWKgWMHI/AAAAAAAAAHs/dVn1kuZsP0Q/s320/Riley_s_40th_80_s_Bday_Party+dance.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195500685274525810" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SBogWqgWMII/AAAAAAAAAH0/gfR6qJKcxcE/s1600-h/Riley_s_40th_80_s_Bday_Party0086.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SBogWqgWMII/AAAAAAAAAH0/gfR6qJKcxcE/s320/Riley_s_40th_80_s_Bday_Party0086.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195500693864460418" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Becky's </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Suprise</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> 30th </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Fiesta</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"><br /></span></div><div>Damien threw a surprise Mexican Fiesta for Becky's 30th birthday and it looked like so much fun. Yes, they even had a pony there for the photo op. Dawn and Seth flew to AZ to cater the event (so obviously everyone is still talking about how good the food is), Mom took over the desserts (individual chocolate bunt cakes since those are Beck's favorite), and Dad, of course, was in charge of keeping the kids busy. We so wished we could have been there...once again.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SBoQyqgWMCI/AAAAAAAAAHE/7mrxwnltqc4/s1600-h/dame+party,+fam+pic"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SBoQyqgWMCI/AAAAAAAAAHE/7mrxwnltqc4/s320/dame+party,+fam+pic" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195483582714753058" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SBoQzqgWMDI/AAAAAAAAAHM/fQNnpy_0ot8/s1600-h/dame,+balcony"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SBoQzqgWMDI/AAAAAAAAAHM/fQNnpy_0ot8/s320/dame,+balcony" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195483599894622258" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">A view of the party from their balcony</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ben is turning 30 this December. Looks like we are going to have to have a party.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SBoGOagWL_I/AAAAAAAAAGs/nizimCyJARY/s1600-h/cheese2.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51);">The Cheese Tasting Party....mmmmm. </span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SBoGOagWL_I/AAAAAAAAAGs/nizimCyJARY/s1600-h/cheese2.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51);"> </span></a></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SBoGOagWL_I/AAAAAAAAAGs/nizimCyJARY/s1600-h/cheese2.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SBoGOagWL_I/AAAAAAAAAGs/nizimCyJARY/s1600-h/cheese2.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Some of us girls thought we should venture out when it came to our cheese knowledge so I held a little tasting one afternoon to test out our pallets. We tried to study the flavors, textures, and learn a little history behind the different cheeses. Thanks to the help of everyone who brought a different cheese to share, my sister's for all their expertise advise and tips, and Johol, (the cheese man at Whole Foods who I am now good friends with), we had quiet the selection! </span></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SBoGOagWL_I/AAAAAAAAAGs/nizimCyJARY/s1600-h/cheese2.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;">Here are some amazing pics that Sarah took...she is so talented!</a></span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SBoGOagWL_I/AAAAAAAAAGs/nizimCyJARY/s1600-h/cheese2.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="text-decoration: underline;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SBoGOagWL_I/AAAAAAAAAGs/nizimCyJARY/s320/cheese2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195471964828217330" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SBoGO6gWMAI/AAAAAAAAAG0/Ss8s_ZTjuMA/s1600-h/cheese1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SBoGO6gWMAI/AAAAAAAAAG0/Ss8s_ZTjuMA/s320/cheese1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195471973418151938" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SBoGPKgWMBI/AAAAAAAAAG8/7rqfu9akMEE/s1600-h/cheese3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SBoGPKgWMBI/AAAAAAAAAG8/7rqfu9akMEE/s320/cheese3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195471977713119250" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This brown one in the bottom corner here was the Porter and it was the best! So interesting looking but so delish.<br /><br /></div></div>Ben, Deb and the P-Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138496342367339555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2666711310959013729.post-51220877868380257752008-04-16T09:49:00.011-04:002008-12-11T04:56:16.490-05:00A little recap of Parker<div style="text-align: center;">Since Parker has changed his look from looking like his mama, a little mexican baby, to looking just like his daddy, blond and very expressive, I thought I would post of a few pics of him changing his look. (Plus this whole blog is going to be about this kid anyway.)<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SAYLLXadllI/AAAAAAAAAGk/uKgZOmDJ2hw/s1600-h/DSCN2060.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SAYLLXadllI/AAAAAAAAAGk/uKgZOmDJ2hw/s320/DSCN2060.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189847910482548306" border="0" /></a><br />A day or two old<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SAYKeHadljI/AAAAAAAAAGU/XB3Cc5LXHcs/s1600-h/DSCN1539.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SAYKeHadljI/AAAAAAAAAGU/XB3Cc5LXHcs/s320/DSCN1539.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189847133093467698" border="0" /></a>Scrub buddies at 2 months<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SAYKJ3adliI/AAAAAAAAAGM/4zBxN07Vzzs/s1600-h/DSC_0041.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SAYKJ3adliI/AAAAAAAAAGM/4zBxN07Vzzs/s320/DSC_0041.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189846785201116706" border="0" /></a><br />Hanging out at Great Grandma Marian's house but losing my hair<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SAYI93adlhI/AAAAAAAAAGE/KQKOx55YIQQ/s1600-h/DSC_0205.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SAYI93adlhI/AAAAAAAAAGE/KQKOx55YIQQ/s320/DSC_0205.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189845479531058706" border="0" /></a>Sitting up...<br />I am a pretty happy guy most of the time<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SAYIDnadlgI/AAAAAAAAAF8/lvESQtRKqeY/s1600-h/DSC_0016.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SAYIDnadlgI/AAAAAAAAAF8/lvESQtRKqeY/s320/DSC_0016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189844478803678722" border="0" /></a>Well, not all of the time...<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SAYGy3adleI/AAAAAAAAAFs/fSrYAa1tyRk/s1600-h/DSC_0207.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SAYGy3adleI/AAAAAAAAAFs/fSrYAa1tyRk/s320/DSC_0207.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189843091529242082" border="0" /></a>Seriously, is it still winter?<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SAYGVHadldI/AAAAAAAAAFk/FJrsrctlgNY/s1600-h/DSC_0122.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OoguGtTPhyc/SAYGVHadldI/AAAAAAAAAFk/FJrsrctlgNY/s320/DSC_0122.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189842580428133842" border="0" /></a><br />It is sunny! Out on the front steps with Daddy<br /></div>Ben, Deb and the P-Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138496342367339555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2666711310959013729.post-39542971485205793062008-04-11T02:21:00.000-04:002008-04-10T23:26:41.190-04:00Ok I am starting a blog...So I have been all talk for awhile now but I am actually starting a blog. Nothing fancy to start with but hey, I will get there. I hear you can print these into a book and since I am no scrapbooker, this sounds perfect for me. Although, I guess we will see right? So, I think I will try to post things for a few days and then I will send this out. That way people have something to look at.Ben, Deb and the P-Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138496342367339555noreply@blogger.com1