tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65284961737272918892024-03-13T15:51:16.023-04:00Kaufman FamilyAdjusting to the world around usTarynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080544023076618711noreply@blogger.comBlogger157125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528496173727291889.post-20144747348593979352013-05-14T00:42:00.000-04:002013-05-14T00:42:01.935-04:00A Country Side Mother's Day<br />
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Mother's Day this year was such a delightful family day. Keith and Krissy opened their doors to their beautiful home and hosted a family Bar B.Q. Kaufman's from near and far all came together, and spent a very relaxing afternoon with one another.</div>
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Their home sits on a picturesque eight acres of land. Plenty of room for all the Kaufmans, little and big, to run around in.</div>
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Menacing storm clouds did force us indoors for a short while as a down pour of showers began. But it never put a damper on the day on account of our host, Keith, who continued to provide tasty foods for his guest, by grilling in the rain.</div>
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Kathy soaked up the shower hour by snuggling and reading with her girls.</div>
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I set up shop in one of the bedrooms and used the, "too wet to go outside" time to snap a few practice photos of my niece Shalya and nephews, Shane and Jack, and my little Gracie. </div>
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These next few photos are my favorite.</div>
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Once the rain stopped it was back outside for the family to enjoy the freshly washed country air.</div>
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Keith walked Gracie down to his pond and told her about all the creatures that share their homes there. The fish, turtles, frogs, and birds. </div>
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We gathered all the Kaufman boys together for a family photo. With a background this magnificent, it mustn't go to waste.</div>
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Then it was the Kaufman girls....</div>
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Along with our honorary Kaufman, Krissy.</div>
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The whole family together. Not a bad looking crew, don't you think?</div>
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This property is Krissy's Grandmother's. Her Grandfather built the house that we all fit so comfortably in. And although her Grandmother wasn't able to be with us for the day, Krissy's witty and very kind Mother spent the afternoon with us, and fit in just as perfectly as can be as a member of our family.</div>
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Keith and Krissy planned and organized the day, and they did such a wonderful job. It was for Mother's Day, yes, but we couldn't let the day go by without singing Happy Birthday to Keith, as he was the birthday boy, but never even brought it to anyone's attention, wanting to keep the focus on the Mothers in the family. Such a sweetie pie.</div>
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Thanks to the two of your for helping create a tremendous day chalked full of family memories. We all had a blast!</div>
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Tarynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080544023076618711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528496173727291889.post-67189518981488835632013-04-10T01:39:00.002-04:002013-04-10T01:43:15.541-04:00Green Easter Bunnies?<div style="text-align: center;">
This year March was packed with two festively colorful holidays. As always, on March 17th, was the ever so popular day to wear green, St. Patrick's Day. My in-laws hosted a family get together, where delicious food was served, joyful music was heard, and thanks to my sister-in-law Krysty (who is an art teacher. She teaches in Grace's future elementary school. Score for us!!) she brought along fun art projects for the kids to create. Construction paper Leprechauns and tissue paper rainbows. Grace loved the projects, and had a blast hanging with her cousins.</div>
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And because I never had the chance to post for last year's St. Patties Day, here's a flashback look at the hubster in his authentic Ireland rugby jersey, and little miss 13 month old Gracie from 2012. (She looks so tiny!)</div>
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Spring has sprung! Easter was very early this year. It fell on the last day of March, so exactly two weeks after everyone was seeing green, it was time to break out the pastels and go searching for hidden Easter eggs! </div>
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There is a very cute little park just up the street from where we live, and each year members of the community host an egg hunt for the little ones. This was Grace's first year attending the egg hunt. Let me tell you, these toddlers mean serious business when it comes to gathering up as many eggs as they can! You could cut the competitive tension with a pair of fluffy bunny ears! Actually, it was a lot of fun. Grace enjoyed herself, was able to fill her basket with colorful eggs, and had so much fun hanging with our neighbors eldest daughter from across the street.</div>
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My only suggestion for the superb group of people who coordinate the event.... I think it's time to hire a new Easter Bunny! Grace wasn't scared, but I don't think she was thrilled to have photographic evidence of the creepy Easter Bunny impostor!</div>
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On Easter Sunday, Grace woke up to find that the real Easter Bunny had visited our house and left her a super fun surprise on the kitchen table! After church we headed down to my in-laws, and spent the afternoon with family. Gracie really enjoyed having her Great Grandma, (G.G.) and her Great Grandpa (Poppy John) up for a visit from the Jersey shore.</div>
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And of course, we must close with a small flashback from last year's Easter. The weather was much warmer, I'm sure that had to do with the simple fact that Easter was actually in April last year. So little Gracie had her first egg hunt in her backyard, and was a natural at gathering them all in her basket. Mr. Bunny must have made a sweet deal with a brood of chickens, because my goodness, there were rainbow eggs everywhere!</div>
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(Again, I can't get over how tiny she looks in these photos! So stinkin' cute!)</div>
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<br />Tarynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080544023076618711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528496173727291889.post-49820808656788503972013-03-25T02:57:00.001-04:002013-03-25T02:57:38.403-04:00Disney Cruise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(This post is a month overdue. Terribly sorry about that.)</div>
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February is a love filled month in our house. Of course there is Valentine's Day, but it's also the month we celebrate the birth of our daughter, Grace, as well as our wedding anniversary. So this year we decided to combine the latter two and give ourselves an extremely fun-filled family gift. For Gracie's second birthday and our fifth anniversary we joined some good friends of ours and together we took to the sea with a Disney Cruise!</div>
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I think we've stumbled upon a glorious treat, one that I'm hoping becomes something of a tradition for us. Taking advantage of an extended weekend in the depths of a frigid winter to a little tropical paradise, is just what the doctor ordered. </div>
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I wish I could say that we soaked up the sun and relaxed every single second while we were away, but I will admit that we got off to a bumpy start. On the plane ride down to Miami, I came down with what I believed was motion sickness. Yup, half my flight was spent staring down the ever so lovely paper baggy, or making my way to the restroom whenever it was available. (And before anyone out there even has the chance to think it, let alone ask me, nope, not preggers. Sorry to disappoint you all. hee hee) I was hit with a pretty nasty stomach bug that stuck with me up until dinner time. So I missed the sail away party, but I'm told Gracie loved it.</div>
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(Above three of the four members of the Cappello family. Jodi, Matteo, and Renato. Little Marco was sleeping next to our table, or at least trying too. Below, well, you know who we are.)</div>
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That night, Gracie caught my bug. She was up a few times throughout the night. By the morning she seemed to be doing better. Not 100%, but better. The kicker though was the hubster caught the bug. I think it hit him hardest of all. He didn't leave the cabin room at all that day. While he was resting, Gracie and I explored the ship, and we discovered some fun places to hangout and play. </div>
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The ship was in port at Key West, Florida that day, but we never set foot on land. It looked like a very nice place to visit, so as I said earlier, perhaps we'll be there again some day.</div>
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One of the most fun things to do while onboard was to track down the Disney characters, and snap a photo with them. The look of excitement every time Grace saw a character was of pure joy. And when she saw Mickey Mouse for the first time she literally squealed with delight. I'm not kidding! It was like a teeny-bopper who just saw a Beetle. </div>
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We had two beach days. The first of which we went on an excursion to the Atlantis Hotel in Nassau, Bahamas, where we spent a majority of the day playing in the sand, swimming in the ocean, and checking out some amazing fish in different aquariums. </div>
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The second beach day was spent on Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. I was thoroughly impressed with Castaway Cay. It had everything. Things for the adults, places for kids of every age, food, shopping, trails, bike riding, snorkeling around a coral reef, etc. Just so much to do. We kept it simple, and let our kiddos build sand castles, and go for a dip in crystal clear water, which I might add had what I like to call "ghost fish" as the color of the fish that would swim right up around you, almost to shore, was an exact match of the water, so you could barely see them until they were right next to you. (I pointed at one for Gracie to see, and yeah, it must have thought my finger tip was something to munch on, because it tried to take a nibble. I screamed, and needless to say, from then on I was a little more leery of these uber friendly ghost fish.)</div>
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Family photo time! It was awesome traveling with another family, not only to share the vacation and all the fun experiences with, but I have to be honest and say that I loved having someone who could snap a family photo for us. I'm always behind the camera, so its rare to get a shot of all three of us. Thanks, Renato and Jodi, you two rock!</div>
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(Below, Gracie mastered this funny face while away on the vacation. She's a silly one.)</div>
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This is how we roll. Just a few snapshots of us all on the go.</div>
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We jokingly refer to Matteo as Gracie's boyfriend. She giggles, and has this sweet little smile whenever his name is mentioned. I think it's adorable. Mommy and Daddy totally approve because, hey, he's one heck of a handsome little guy. What can I say, the girl has good taste!</div>
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One of the nights on board the ship Captain Hook and his crew take over, and it becomes a giant pirate party. The kids dressed up, and looked way-hay (get it? Argh!) cute! They have a big party poolside after dinner for all the matties on board, with fireworks and everything. As much as we love to party, after a long day on the beach, both the kiddos, and the parents were all tuckered out. So down-below we went to button down the hatches, leaving yet another thing to experience on a future date.</div>
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We loved our little winter getaway. It was so much fun, regardless of the rough start. There is something truly wondrous about Disney. It brings out the kid in us all, and when you combine Disney with a tropical escape you get something magical. These are the first of very many fond memories to come, I'm sure.</div>
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Tarynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080544023076618711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528496173727291889.post-12554713744987504662013-03-06T01:26:00.000-05:002013-03-06T01:27:52.252-05:00Grace is Two!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Gracie turned two a few weeks ago, and this Momma is still reeling in disbelief that she has been in our lives for two whole years. At the same time I feel that this astounding toddler of mine is wise beyond her meager two years. She is so poised, polite, and has such a sweet disposition. Simply put she is such a joy to be around.</div>
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To kick off the celebration, she had a mini-birthday party with her Uncle Keith and Aunt Krissy. There was cake, gifts, and lots of hugs and kisses. </div>
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A few days later it was time for the big birthday bash! The house was decked out in girly rainbow attire, which I must admit that I was very pleased with the end result. (I had my doubts about the crazy idea of hand dying over 800 coffee filters to string together, but was in love with the final product. Her birthday balloon wreath has almost 400 balloons, and I'm not sure how many pieces of tissue paper went into making the giant tissue pompoms, but I think I had the most fun melting down jolly ranchers to make jumbo rainbow suckers, as well as the rainbow cake baked in mason jars, those were a pretty nifty idea too. Please click on the collages below to enlarge and see the birthday decorations.)</div>
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Her birthday banner I made last year for the big one year party. My goal is to hang it each year. I'm sure as she gets older she's not going to want to have such juvenile birthday decor, but at least for our little family at home, it will be a cute reminder of how far she's come.</div>
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It was so nice to have the house full of family to help celebrate the day. The party itself was a rather intimate get together, mainly just her immediate family. However we did invite our neighbors from across the street. Luke, Lesley, and their two girls Jillian and baby Katelyn. (In the summer months Jillian and Grace take turns sharing yards to run around in, chasing each other, and trying desperately to catch fireflies.) And we also invited our good friends, Renato, Jodi, and their two boys, Matteo and baby Marco. (FYI, Matteo is Grace's boyfriend. Ooh la la! He's a cutie!)</div>
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For her birthday Grace got a "big kid" table from her Mom and Dad which was put to use right away. It became the center hub of activity for all the little ones. The main activity was a bowl full of cookie cutters, random molds, and tools, and lots and lots of playdoh! My goodness, this was a huge hit! Funny to think of the wasted hours I spent trying to devise about a bazillion-and-one toddler friendly party activities. Lesson learned here folks, K*I*S*S... Keep It Simple Sillhead! (Taryn's version, of KISS, can you tell?)</div>
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Of course no birthday party, regardless of what year you're celebrating, would be complete without birthday cake! I made a red velvet bundt cake, with icing in the middle, and rainbow frosting liberally drizzled on top. It was scrumptious if I'm allowed to toot my own horn. </div>
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Everyone sang happy birthday, and to express her gratitude Gracie gave her cousins the most loving hugs ever! She adores her cousins, and is truly blessed to have them in her life. Her older cousin Shayla is always ready to play, and is so full of life. And Grace loves smooching and stealing kisses from her two younger cousins, Shane and Jack. </div>
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Gracie's second birthday was a spectacular celebration. One for the record books, as they say. Of course, this Momma wouldn't have it any other way. I am so thoroughly enjoying watching this truly sensational little person explore the emerging world around her. I am so grateful to have been given such a blessing in my life. She makes every day glorious. She gives my life purpose. And I am sincerely enraptured by every little thing she does. I look forward to watching her create a life for herself, and I'll be there for her when she wants me to be there, when she doesn't want me to be there, and always when she needs me to be there. Every step of the way. She's my little baby, and she's already turning into such a fine little lady. This proud Momma couldn't love her more! </div>
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Tarynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080544023076618711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528496173727291889.post-59837140268595759032013-02-16T09:39:00.001-05:002013-02-16T09:39:23.108-05:00The eve of turning two<div style="text-align: center;">
It's time for a "flash-back" post! Today is Gracie's birthday-eve, so what better time to reflect on her first birthday which to this mommy seemed like yesterday.</div>
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My little baby turned one! With this first birthday brought such a barrage of mixed emotions. The first of course being disbelief. I think every parent feels this way when they struggle with the reality that you simply can not freeze time.</div>
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You reflect upon the year that just passed and are amazed at how far your little one has come. From birth to cooing to playing to walking and talking. It's a miraculous journey that we all make, but to watch your own child progress through those steps turns you into a proud parent.</div>
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I have to say that the most enjoyable part of watching Gracie grow through her first year was discovering her personality. She is so loving and has the sweetest disposition. She has developed a hilarious sense of humor, and has learned that she is an independent girl who can concur the world.</div>
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I must admit that a small part of me was looking forward to her first birthday for the simple fact that this was the last of the firsts. I'm sure all parents do this, the first year for a child every holiday, every milestone, every little spark of something new becomes this almost overwhelming event. So although I will miss the, "That was the first time she.... fill in the blank!" I won't miss the self-imposed anxiety I put myself through trying to achieve the impossible task of making every holiday perfect because it was her first.</div>
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(Above: Gracie's "Smash" cake that I made, and which she had no interest in eating at all.</div>
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Below: Aunt Krysty caught on to the party theme, "Look Whooo's turning one!" and created this adorable owl made out of cupcakes.)</div>
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Christian and I started a yearly tradition for her. We each write a letter to her, and in our own words we tell her about the year that just past. We will do this every birthday-eve, and when she turns 18 we plan on giving her all our letters so she can rediscover year by year the love that her Mom and Dad have for her.</div>
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So our little baby turned one, and tomorrow she will be two, and if I blink I'll be posting about her graduation. So I'm happy that I have these memories to look back on because in my heart I do have the ability to freeze time, and she will always be my little baby.</div>
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Tarynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080544023076618711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528496173727291889.post-74355475971015270882013-02-05T10:39:00.000-05:002013-02-05T10:43:09.694-05:00A Momentous OccasionWhy, hello there! Remember me? Yes, yes, I know it's been far too long between posts about the stupendous Kaufman family. I've learned a valuable lesson and that is, once a toddler is mobile what little free time you once had completely disappears into thin air. With that being said however, this little blog of mine has been on my mind over the last year, and I feel as though I've neglected a family member by not paying it a visit. So much has happened in that past year, including two additions to the family, my new nephews Shane and Jack, that I find myself overwhelmed trying to play catch up. I think my best bet is to start slowly with the timeline, keeping up with events as they happen, and every now and then we'll have a "flash-back" post so I can give last year's events the attention they deserve.<br />
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Recently all the Kaufmans, and when I say all, I mean ALL!... all the Kaufmans gathered together to celebrate a very rare and momentous occasion. Christian's Great Aunt Betty had a birthday. But it wasn't just any birthday, oh my no, it was her 100th birthday!<br />
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This was the first time in my life that I had ever met someone who had reached this amazing age, and I have to say that Aunt Betty makes 100 look like 80! She's articulate, witty, still gets around on her own will, and extremely sharp. She could be the poster child of how we all would want to be if we are so lucky to make it to 100.<br />
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A huge perk of her birthday was that the entire family got together for her surprise party. There were family members whom I had not seen in years, and many of which I had never met. There were stories being told as memories came spilling out, and laughter filled the room. I soaked up the warm buzz that bounced from table to table, knowing that each person in this room was special to me because they were family.<br />
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I watched as the youngest members of our family, sprinted around the room with unyielding energy, while the eldest sat peacefully watching with wise eyes. I enjoyed seeing those "ah-ha" moments when a connection was made between two people who, if they had seen each other on the street, would have walked right on by, but by retracing the family tree they saw not a stranger, but a cousin.<br />
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Family is a big thing to me. Its the most important thing in fact. So to be in a room filled to the brim with family made this girl one happy Kaufman.<br />
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<br />Tarynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080544023076618711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528496173727291889.post-73802546973643080752011-12-13T16:47:00.003-05:002011-12-13T16:57:47.315-05:00On your marks, get set, GO!!!!!!The video speaks for itself.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/YkVzF3UVsuM?rel=0" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe>Tarynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080544023076618711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528496173727291889.post-37754044263583983682011-12-10T11:19:00.002-05:002011-12-10T11:27:05.220-05:00I'm <span style="font-weight: bold;">WAY</span> behind in posting, and this little addition does not help bring us all up to speed. I have to post about Halloween, Thanksgiving, the newest Kaufman, and other Kaufman accomplishments, but honestly I'm learning that there are not enough hours in the day, or should that be, hours in nap time, to play with photos and the blog. So in the mean time I hope that this snippet of a video might tide us all over. Enjoy.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mtOSjVjG5Sc?rel=0" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe>Tarynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080544023076618711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528496173727291889.post-73693254656637831492011-11-11T19:20:00.003-05:002011-11-11T19:26:36.205-05:00Giggle-fest!Apparently Grace thinks its hilarious when I juggle her toys in front of her. Case-in-point, see the video...<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MTvnlHa-34E?rel=0" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe>Tarynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080544023076618711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528496173727291889.post-25039877812348328322011-11-07T21:30:00.001-05:002011-11-07T21:33:02.702-05:00The Polar Bear Swim ClubI forgot to add this AMAZING footage that I scored when Gracie and I were at the San Diego Zoo. This is what you call, being at the right place at the right time.<br /><br /><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/HRGQSqfV9Qc?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Tarynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080544023076618711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528496173727291889.post-61994564220577912602011-11-07T17:43:00.006-05:002011-11-07T18:59:53.764-05:00Hippos, Pandas, and Gorillas, OH MY!<div style="text-align: center;">A few weeks back, Gracie, Christian, and myself flew across the country to San Diego for a weekend trip. For Christian it was all business, but for Gracie and I it was fun in the San Diego sun when we spent the day at the world famous San Diego Zoo. Please enjoy just a snippet from the 100 acre zoo, and check out some of the extremely amazing and rare animals Gracie got to see.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IGQvaO7WtNk/Trhhva_h0gI/AAAAAAAACCg/2O_yXyQE2xg/s1600/DSCN8730.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IGQvaO7WtNk/Trhhva_h0gI/AAAAAAAACCg/2O_yXyQE2xg/s400/DSCN8730.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672391198000665090" border="0" /></a>Monkeys galore!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c42m0PGPxbk/Trhig-mkLsI/AAAAAAAACDw/2TSykh9CmQQ/s1600/Oct%2B21%252C%2B2011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c42m0PGPxbk/Trhig-mkLsI/AAAAAAAACDw/2TSykh9CmQQ/s400/Oct%2B21%252C%2B2011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672392049373228738" border="0" /></a>Meerkats are so stinkin' cute!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dDACLZbxqLI/Trhigsy9ruI/AAAAAAAACDk/WAb2Q-XiX68/s1600/DSCN8790.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dDACLZbxqLI/Trhigsy9ruI/AAAAAAAACDk/WAb2Q-XiX68/s400/DSCN8790.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672392044593393378" border="0" /></a>A handful of the super cool zoo animals.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0poM7YGq9V8/TrhisaFGg7I/AAAAAAAACEQ/af4E6d6eK3c/s1600/Oct%2B30%252C%2B2011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0poM7YGq9V8/TrhisaFGg7I/AAAAAAAACEQ/af4E6d6eK3c/s400/Oct%2B30%252C%2B2011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672392245727626162" border="0" /></a>My Dad's favorite, a River Otter.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pyoXRWHfE-w/TrhhwcaHlJI/AAAAAAAACCo/x3b6InbXjlQ/s1600/DSCN8735.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pyoXRWHfE-w/TrhhwcaHlJI/AAAAAAAACCo/x3b6InbXjlQ/s400/DSCN8735.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672391215560496274" border="0" /></a>As of 2000 there are only six countries that are home to the endangered Black Panda. There are 150 captive Black Pandas in the entire world! The San Diego Zoo is home to three of them, and Gracie got to see one! (The other two were sleeping)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WzyCPlNyjZM/Trhifwtrb5I/AAAAAAAACDY/DDH0eXxgBIk/s1600/DSCN8772.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WzyCPlNyjZM/Trhifwtrb5I/AAAAAAAACDY/DDH0eXxgBIk/s400/DSCN8772.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672392028465098642" border="0" /></a>I don't think she understood just how special it was to see the Panda. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qt5juGwm72g/TrhhvGXkSuI/AAAAAAAACCQ/ZN_N1vXEA20/s1600/DSCN8724.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qt5juGwm72g/TrhhvGXkSuI/AAAAAAAACCQ/ZN_N1vXEA20/s400/DSCN8724.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672391192464345826" border="0" /></a>Then Gracie got to see a giant and powerful Silverback Gorilla!! How massively impressive is he???<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-__GW8Z49tT4/TrhispkMzBI/AAAAAAAACEc/randPtNHHWc/s1600/Recovered%2BAutosave.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-__GW8Z49tT4/TrhispkMzBI/AAAAAAAACEc/randPtNHHWc/s400/Recovered%2BAutosave.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672392249884593170" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wiNsJGy5BK4/Trhhw8pKFMI/AAAAAAAACC0/q2-aSef9IJc/s1600/DSCN8740.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wiNsJGy5BK4/Trhhw8pKFMI/AAAAAAAACC0/q2-aSef9IJc/s400/DSCN8740.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672391224213509314" border="0" /></a>Even more zoo creatures!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yid-qUCCYoU/TrhihWvbwWI/AAAAAAAACD8/HWI1PFzPPsw/s1600/Oct%2B21%252C%2B20111.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yid-qUCCYoU/TrhihWvbwWI/AAAAAAAACD8/HWI1PFzPPsw/s400/Oct%2B21%252C%2B20111.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672392055852876130" border="0" /></a>Finally, one of the sweetest things Gracie and I got to see was this Momma hippo taking a snooze with her "little" baby hippo. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x6cAEMMiL30/TrhhxIj8VhI/AAAAAAAACDA/pZg4v1HO_K0/s1600/DSCN8756.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x6cAEMMiL30/TrhhxIj8VhI/AAAAAAAACDA/pZg4v1HO_K0/s400/DSCN8756.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672391227412862482" border="0" /></a>The San Diego Zoo was such an amusing experience for both Gracie and me. It would have been even more perfect if Christian could have joined us. But nevertheless, it was a fun day for little Miss Gracie, and she got to see first hand what it truly means to be, "Happy like the Hippo."<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K_qHsHuFjms/TrhifvkBojI/AAAAAAAACDM/pBdvvU-71WU/s1600/DSCN8758.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K_qHsHuFjms/TrhifvkBojI/AAAAAAAACDM/pBdvvU-71WU/s400/DSCN8758.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672392028156174898" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Tarynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080544023076618711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528496173727291889.post-47707411230332600612011-10-10T15:55:00.005-04:002011-10-10T16:42:41.848-04:00Tis the Season...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rO7CK0aYtlA/TpNPLn8e69I/AAAAAAAAB7U/wO5pft55ZHU/s1600/picking.jpg"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">For apple and pumpkin picking!!! For as long as I've known Christian we've gone apple and pumpkin picking for my birthday. This year's birthday tradition was enriched two fold. Not only were we blessed by taking Gracie with us, but we had so much fun that we went twice.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dJyITNsT-Bg/TpNOVxsgU1I/AAAAAAAAB5k/4pKp4ZoeFN8/s1600/DSCN8616.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dJyITNsT-Bg/TpNOVxsgU1I/AAAAAAAAB5k/4pKp4ZoeFN8/s400/DSCN8616.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661955292559070034" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X_UPpDO_UrA/TpNPDzlbbJI/AAAAAAAAB7M/FmyLbDjHXS8/s1600/DSCN8337.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 392px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X_UPpDO_UrA/TpNPDzlbbJI/AAAAAAAAB7M/FmyLbDjHXS8/s400/DSCN8337.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661956083340242066" border="0" /></a>Gracie is totally amazing, and absolutely fearless! The first farm we went to, <a href="http://www.alstedefarms.com/">Alstede Farm</a>, not only had oodles of things to pick, but they had several animals on the farm. We had carrots to feed the horses and Grace LOVED giving them a tasty treat.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p3Y607cM4hw/TpNPDlsRftI/AAAAAAAAB7E/XeThc_0wR3o/s1600/DSCN8352.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p3Y607cM4hw/TpNPDlsRftI/AAAAAAAAB7E/XeThc_0wR3o/s400/DSCN8352.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661956079610855122" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AfZehOBcIhc/TpNPDAYsKgI/AAAAAAAAB68/kTFYl0j7XCY/s1600/DSCN8354.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AfZehOBcIhc/TpNPDAYsKgI/AAAAAAAAB68/kTFYl0j7XCY/s400/DSCN8354.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661956069596604930" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rO7CK0aYtlA/TpNPLn8e69I/AAAAAAAAB7U/wO5pft55ZHU/s1600/picking.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rO7CK0aYtlA/TpNPLn8e69I/AAAAAAAAB7U/wO5pft55ZHU/s400/picking.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661956217654668242" border="0" /></a>Let the picking frenzy begin.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BaUl04DHcRA/TpNOw0tft2I/AAAAAAAAB6c/_ZAL4oPqKOo/s1600/DSCN8383.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 165px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BaUl04DHcRA/TpNOw0tft2I/AAAAAAAAB6c/_ZAL4oPqKOo/s400/DSCN8383.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661955757224998754" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dEzxGgXyI9w/TpNPCVliM1I/AAAAAAAAB6s/ItMayC9vgkQ/s1600/DSCN8371.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 396px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dEzxGgXyI9w/TpNPCVliM1I/AAAAAAAAB6s/ItMayC9vgkQ/s400/DSCN8371.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661956058107753298" border="0" /></a>Grace was the apple supervising manager and made sure all the apples were taken care of.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4F7lSYJq4JA/TpNPChHYksI/AAAAAAAAB60/XnjcMPRvvN4/s1600/DSCN8370.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4F7lSYJq4JA/TpNPChHYksI/AAAAAAAAB60/XnjcMPRvvN4/s400/DSCN8370.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661956061202518722" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xTswjZ8GjX0/TpNOwrifH5I/AAAAAAAAB6U/hcd3-SE9wWI/s1600/DSCN8407.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xTswjZ8GjX0/TpNOwrifH5I/AAAAAAAAB6U/hcd3-SE9wWI/s400/DSCN8407.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661955754762903442" border="0" /></a>I had to snap a photo of this charming scene that I discovered while peering under some branches to find some delicious apples. What a perfectly romantic home for some sweet little birds.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfJegT2nHGk/TpNOxAGISDI/AAAAAAAAB6k/0NlpxjWBYNU/s1600/DSCN8377.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfJegT2nHGk/TpNOxAGISDI/AAAAAAAAB6k/0NlpxjWBYNU/s400/DSCN8377.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661955760281110578" border="0" /></a>Gracie loves her carrier. She's super chill in it.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hDBtEUWz2as/TpNOwTX385I/AAAAAAAAB6M/FH9hjuitTEs/s1600/DSCN8412.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hDBtEUWz2as/TpNOwTX385I/AAAAAAAAB6M/FH9hjuitTEs/s400/DSCN8412.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661955748275942290" border="0" /></a>Gracie was also the quality control center to insure that all our apples were at the peak of ripeness. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ybedyc6zqI/TpNOwIGj_gI/AAAAAAAAB6E/Q4L-Up4Fsks/s1600/DSCN8423.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 297px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ybedyc6zqI/TpNOwIGj_gI/AAAAAAAAB6E/Q4L-Up4Fsks/s400/DSCN8423.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661955745250541058" border="0" /></a>Apple and Pumpkin picking, round two! For our second trip out west we went to <a href="http://www.riamede.com/">Riamede Farm</a>.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mljXnFMmzDQ/TpNOWCYheAI/AAAAAAAAB5s/vyTPAWfzne8/s1600/DSCN8614.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mljXnFMmzDQ/TpNOWCYheAI/AAAAAAAAB5s/vyTPAWfzne8/s400/DSCN8614.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661955297038661634" border="0" /></a>Gracie catching a power nap on the way to the farm. She learned from the first picking extravaganza that visiting farms takes a lot of energy.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I7NYlisN4Dk/TpNOWpAWa9I/AAAAAAAAB58/Bts78TYcyCk/s1600/DSCN8606.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I7NYlisN4Dk/TpNOWpAWa9I/AAAAAAAAB58/Bts78TYcyCk/s400/DSCN8606.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661955307406257106" border="0" /></a>Oh my goodness! How cute is she?!? <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o5mYf40NR7s/TpNOWVQy10I/AAAAAAAAB50/7JU4Ow9Qdgk/s1600/DSCN8612.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o5mYf40NR7s/TpNOWVQy10I/AAAAAAAAB50/7JU4Ow9Qdgk/s400/DSCN8612.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661955302106519362" border="0" /></a>Christian has become a professional at apple picking. Check out the double hand picking! Nice technique.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a_bv-25b_Dc/TpNOVnmOtuI/AAAAAAAAB5c/h6O3eNkjoCk/s1600/DSCN8617.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a_bv-25b_Dc/TpNOVnmOtuI/AAAAAAAAB5c/h6O3eNkjoCk/s400/DSCN8617.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661955289848395490" border="0" /></a>And now some pumpkins! We picked out three really classic pumpkins this year. Check this bad boy out!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aZXoXZUzHoQ/TpNOF2eSLiI/AAAAAAAAB5I/CbDbJV5RLbw/s1600/DSCN8635.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aZXoXZUzHoQ/TpNOF2eSLiI/AAAAAAAAB5I/CbDbJV5RLbw/s400/DSCN8635.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661955018963693090" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MuL3kiC48-c/TpNOFR6r78I/AAAAAAAAB44/aaEd3CWYZDs/s1600/DSCN8646.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 345px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MuL3kiC48-c/TpNOFR6r78I/AAAAAAAAB44/aaEd3CWYZDs/s400/DSCN8646.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661955009150709698" border="0" /></a>Turns out that Grace is a super pumpkin picker. Christian picks out one pumpkin (above), and WHAM! Gracie picks out almost a dozen pumpkins without breaking a sweat! That power nap really gave her a boost of energy! Whew! *wink*<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HEnh_A1Kyqk/TpNOEzipVCI/AAAAAAAAB4w/sKyGErbfC5g/s1600/DSCN8647.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 394px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HEnh_A1Kyqk/TpNOEzipVCI/AAAAAAAAB4w/sKyGErbfC5g/s400/DSCN8647.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661955000996811810" border="0" /></a>So if you need a wonderful apple picking supervisor, apple quality control officer, and a spectacular pumpkin picker, might I suggest bringing along your seven and a half month old baby. And if you don't happen to have a seven and half month old baby, I think I know one that's truly remarkable who might be willing to lend a helping hand... with mommy's and daddy's permission of course. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6w7AlCtWFBk/TpNOFrg381I/AAAAAAAAB5A/oDmmUf4Y6YQ/s1600/DSCN8642.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6w7AlCtWFBk/TpNOFrg381I/AAAAAAAAB5A/oDmmUf4Y6YQ/s400/DSCN8642.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661955016021766994" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Happy Fall everyone! </span></span></div>Tarynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080544023076618711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528496173727291889.post-80905696647084575132011-10-09T21:27:00.002-04:002011-10-09T21:31:58.968-04:00Gracie and MommyCan you tell that Gracie is my daughter or what? On the left is me at nine months, and on the right is Grace at seven and a half months. I think its safe to say there is a tad bit of a resemblance. Don't you think?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HGjSTtqnwJ8/TpJKHGon0HI/AAAAAAAAB4o/CddCTtcNunw/s1600/Gracieandmommy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 309px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HGjSTtqnwJ8/TpJKHGon0HI/AAAAAAAAB4o/CddCTtcNunw/s400/Gracieandmommy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661669167458668658" border="0" /></a>Tarynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080544023076618711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528496173727291889.post-6219803763664035532011-10-03T15:00:00.001-04:002011-10-03T15:02:06.694-04:00The New Kitchen, Part One<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">We did it! After dreaming, planning, and preparing, we are actually underway with the construction of our new and improved kitchen. So much has been going on in our lives that I haven't kept everyone up to date in the past few weeks, and perhaps after viewing this entry you'll understand why our little piece of the world has been temporarily turned upside down.<br /></div><br />In the collage below you'll see the very first day of construction. Such an exciting day! I honestly have never been so thrilled to see large machinery ripping up the lawn in my back yard, not that I have much experience with things like this.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bIiNjSZHAo4/TokcQXMQKEI/AAAAAAAAB2I/lNLyG9PiU6U/s1600/new%2BKitchen.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bIiNjSZHAo4/TokcQXMQKEI/AAAAAAAAB2I/lNLyG9PiU6U/s400/new%2BKitchen.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659085474196629570" border="0" /></a>All the activity turned into this.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VZfGQ_esKps/Tokc1yIspdI/AAAAAAAAB2w/7znl1GAwgt4/s1600/DSCN7975.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VZfGQ_esKps/Tokc1yIspdI/AAAAAAAAB2w/7znl1GAwgt4/s400/DSCN7975.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659086117084636626" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8qCfzRBAmc/Tokc2K3CZBI/AAAAAAAAB24/dpe7q5wtVu8/s1600/DSCN7976.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8qCfzRBAmc/Tokc2K3CZBI/AAAAAAAAB24/dpe7q5wtVu8/s400/DSCN7976.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659086123721450514" border="0" /></a>Which the following day turned into another large piece equipment, a cement truck this time, showing up to give us our footings for the foundation to what will be a new kitchen.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z16nPKZahyo/Tokc2TLCixI/AAAAAAAAB3A/uc-7yJauGhk/s1600/DSCN7981.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z16nPKZahyo/Tokc2TLCixI/AAAAAAAAB3A/uc-7yJauGhk/s400/DSCN7981.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659086125952830226" border="0" /></a>The footings then turned into the foundation walls.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iCkDuwiHFzs/Tokc2rIjNEI/AAAAAAAAB3I/WKG0E2YVolg/s1600/DSCN7990.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iCkDuwiHFzs/Tokc2rIjNEI/AAAAAAAAB3I/WKG0E2YVolg/s400/DSCN7990.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659086132384838722" border="0" /></a>Which were covered, smoothed, and prepared to have frame work.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rLvQ2-jkMIA/Tokc24wraEI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/0xx9Bki-Kjo/s1600/DSCN8292.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rLvQ2-jkMIA/Tokc24wraEI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/0xx9Bki-Kjo/s400/DSCN8292.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659086136042809410" border="0" /></a>Our old kitchen was gutted.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0JBXGvxvVB0/TokcVxWwczI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/Qra4-ooSgI8/s1600/new%2BKitchen1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0JBXGvxvVB0/TokcVxWwczI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/Qra4-ooSgI8/s400/new%2BKitchen1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659085567119356722" border="0" /></a>And when the floor boards came up we ran into a stumbling block. What we thought was a slab foundation for the old kitchen, turned out to be nothing more than boulders and dirt. LOTS of boulders!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-63OKMvWDm40/TokckSZTUoI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/rqvcki1o5qs/s1600/new%2BKitchen2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-63OKMvWDm40/TokckSZTUoI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/rqvcki1o5qs/s400/new%2BKitchen2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659085816506569346" border="0" /></a>So we had a small set back, and had to dig where we didn't think we were going to need to. It pushed us back about a week, but the guys knew what to do and went right to work digging a foundation ditch, by hand, to support the kitchen.<br /><br />No, the circus did not pop up it's big-top tent in my back yard. Isn't that the largest tarp you've ever seen? And after talking with our general contractor, I've been informed that this is not the biggest one. It's still crazy big!!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mvMBv0bPEhU/TokdJ9LxcnI/AAAAAAAAB3g/uQMY3A7xQj4/s1600/DSCN8441.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mvMBv0bPEhU/TokdJ9LxcnI/AAAAAAAAB3g/uQMY3A7xQj4/s400/DSCN8441.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659086463647707762" border="0" /></a>The giant tarp hid what was going on underneath it. So you're getting a sneak peak at what our very curious neighbors never got to see in these next few photos. The contractor took the walls and roof down, finished digging the foundation ditch, lifted all the boulders out and poured concrete for the new foundation, all by hand. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7UrZx3sX-_Y/TokdJme4rBI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/Sa6pqHx1YSc/s1600/DSCN8435.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7UrZx3sX-_Y/TokdJme4rBI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/Sa6pqHx1YSc/s400/DSCN8435.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659086457553857554" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3mfYF7jPrHQ/Tokckldbo4I/AAAAAAAAB2g/kiDID0pHnLs/s1600/new%2BKitchen3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3mfYF7jPrHQ/Tokckldbo4I/AAAAAAAAB2g/kiDID0pHnLs/s400/new%2BKitchen3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659085821624165250" border="0" /></a>A one foot space is all that is left of the original kitchen.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K8KSNrFfpxE/TokdKJGOOtI/AAAAAAAAB3o/LeMkcPpd5mQ/s1600/DSCN8470.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K8KSNrFfpxE/TokdKJGOOtI/AAAAAAAAB3o/LeMkcPpd5mQ/s400/DSCN8470.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659086466845653714" border="0" /></a>The next day the framers showed up, and like a pop-up book, by the end of the day we had the bones of our new kitchen.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SqTAy45MoNA/TokdUbMFXRI/AAAAAAAAB4A/01eMZIDEO7U/s1600/DSCN8484.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SqTAy45MoNA/TokdUbMFXRI/AAAAAAAAB4A/01eMZIDEO7U/s400/DSCN8484.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659086643500768530" border="0" /></a>Here is a photo of just a few of the boulders the workers had to dig out.... need I say it again? BY HAND! (My foot is a reference to show size.)<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QNgSBrHxMLs/TokdKWJ72KI/AAAAAAAAB3w/oGVn5ztdZ4U/s1600/DSCN8480.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QNgSBrHxMLs/TokdKWJ72KI/AAAAAAAAB3w/oGVn5ztdZ4U/s400/DSCN8480.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659086470350887074" border="0" /></a>They covered up the frame work and this is where we stand today. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6pBiD-6WsU/Tokckwy70dI/AAAAAAAAB2o/cbPBVZ6vXGI/s1600/new%2BKitchen4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6pBiD-6WsU/Tokckwy70dI/AAAAAAAAB2o/cbPBVZ6vXGI/s400/new%2BKitchen4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659085824667144658" border="0" /></a>I love knowing that Gracie will grow up in this kitchen. Her meals will be prepared here, homework will be done here, and family dinners will be enjoyed here. Not to mention sneaking down stairs for late night snacks. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d8NZX4n9sGc/TokdUnOfa6I/AAAAAAAAB4I/0NviSl8l6bA/s1600/DSCN8569.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d8NZX4n9sGc/TokdUnOfa6I/AAAAAAAAB4I/0NviSl8l6bA/s400/DSCN8569.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659086646732090274" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2s1cTwj9i9U/TokdU4SXahI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/V520iCZY5nY/s1600/DSCN8571.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2s1cTwj9i9U/TokdU4SXahI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/V520iCZY5nY/s400/DSCN8571.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659086651311745554" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I4n_UQqgs28/TooD_RenMGI/AAAAAAAAB4g/hKRzTyid_Fs/s1600/Oct%2B2%252C%2B2011_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I4n_UQqgs28/TooD_RenMGI/AAAAAAAAB4g/hKRzTyid_Fs/s400/Oct%2B2%252C%2B2011_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659340267302891618" border="0" /></a>Pretty nice space, don't you think so? <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KNr_FojUFkI/TooD_A2QtDI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/91PJ4-SOrAk/s1600/DSCN8589.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KNr_FojUFkI/TooD_A2QtDI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/91PJ4-SOrAk/s400/DSCN8589.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659340262838678578" border="0" /></a>This week we get shingles on the roof, plumbing, electric, and once those pass inspection, insulation, then dry wall! It's all coming together. I can't wait till I can post "the new kitchen, part two!" Coming soon to a blog near you!</div>Tarynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080544023076618711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528496173727291889.post-65020707558391401492011-09-24T22:52:00.010-04:002011-10-03T16:13:56.362-04:00Our First Family Vacation<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YxUTjAYvuYw/Tn6ZQ1zJOrI/AAAAAAAAB1o/R-7XW4fNeHk/s1600/DSCN7997.JPG"></a>The first week in September, Christian, Grace, and I went on our very first vacation as a family. The plan was to take a cruise to Bermuda that embarked and disembarked out of New York City. An important lesson was learned. That lesson was simply, do not travel the Atlantic Ocean on a cruise ship during the peak months of hurricane season. Due to Hurricane/Tropical Storm Katia our trip was re-routed from Bermuda to the Bahamas. (We learned of our new itinerary from a lovely elderly couple that was having lunch at the table next to us on the ship as we were leaving port.) Regardless of the shift in plans we still enjoyed our vacation together as a family. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YxUTjAYvuYw/Tn6ZQ1zJOrI/AAAAAAAAB1o/R-7XW4fNeHk/s1600/DSCN7997.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YxUTjAYvuYw/Tn6ZQ1zJOrI/AAAAAAAAB1o/R-7XW4fNeHk/s400/DSCN7997.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656126696622471858" border="0" /></a>Here is Grace in the car on the way to NYC on day one of her first big trip. A <span style="font-weight: bold;">BIG</span> thank you to my father-in-law John, who drove us to the port, and knew all the city streets like the back of his hand to avoid over an hour delay in highway traffic. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yg550yhmdYQ/Tn6ZQIToipI/AAAAAAAAB1g/ilQ1Lkbej2A/s1600/DSCN8004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 306px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yg550yhmdYQ/Tn6ZQIToipI/AAAAAAAAB1g/ilQ1Lkbej2A/s400/DSCN8004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656126684410710674" border="0" /></a>As the ship left port, Grace LOVED the party that was going on poolside. Everywhere we went Grace drew a crowd. By the end of the week at sea more than half the crew members on the boat knew Grace and welcomed her by name. She loved her new found celebrity status.<br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/PMn44pNhrlw?rel=0" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lj1oRA7GVa0/Tn6Zdto5SRI/AAAAAAAAB14/OPvagGOCndg/s1600/Sep%2B3%252C%2B2011_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lj1oRA7GVa0/Tn6Zdto5SRI/AAAAAAAAB14/OPvagGOCndg/s400/Sep%2B3%252C%2B2011_2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656126917770299666" border="0" /></a>The first stop the boat made was in Florida, however it was a rainy day, and we felt that Grace was too young to appreciate Disney, Epcot, Sea World, or the Kennedy Space Center. (Not to mention what the cost was to spend what would be only half a day there! Sheesh!) So we hung out on the boat and just relaxed for the day.<br /><br />Our next stop was in the Bahamas on a private island owned by the cruise line. The ship dropped anchor while still out at sea, and we climbed aboard a little tender boat that was lowered down and took us right to the island for a fun day of swimming, snorkeling, and napping on the beach.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qbzlO4ypeRc/Tn6ZRPJYCLI/AAAAAAAAB1w/7UwrOeS3564/s1600/DSCN8059.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qbzlO4ypeRc/Tn6ZRPJYCLI/AAAAAAAAB1w/7UwrOeS3564/s400/DSCN8059.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656126703426603186" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--JqVU2byRI8/Tn6Y4KTyABI/AAAAAAAAB1A/9IN5R7VCTuE/s1600/DSCN8082.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--JqVU2byRI8/Tn6Y4KTyABI/AAAAAAAAB1A/9IN5R7VCTuE/s400/DSCN8082.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656126272631341074" border="0" /></a>Here's our little set up on the beach. We brought our own little pop-up beach-tent for Grace. Below is the video of Gracie's very first time in ocean.<br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mWucnHHooVY?rel=0" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rz2YDwQphgs/Tn6Y4Rw3bvI/AAAAAAAAB1I/wiTYZ2HIghE/s1600/DSCN8079.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rz2YDwQphgs/Tn6Y4Rw3bvI/AAAAAAAAB1I/wiTYZ2HIghE/s400/DSCN8079.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656126274632380146" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eitEkbtR1b8/Tn6ZP3aLz1I/AAAAAAAAB1Y/6nhMntisUyo/s1600/DSCN8071.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eitEkbtR1b8/Tn6ZP3aLz1I/AAAAAAAAB1Y/6nhMntisUyo/s400/DSCN8071.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656126679874785106" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MgFzidUy4Nw/Tn6Y36sZMqI/AAAAAAAAB04/InEFUywQwJM/s1600/DSCN8098.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 382px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MgFzidUy4Nw/Tn6Y36sZMqI/AAAAAAAAB04/InEFUywQwJM/s400/DSCN8098.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656126268439605922" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PrfoRSULf9Q/Tn6Y3gxa4II/AAAAAAAAB0w/NkHM8ioirXQ/s1600/DSCN8101.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PrfoRSULf9Q/Tn6Y3gxa4II/AAAAAAAAB0w/NkHM8ioirXQ/s400/DSCN8101.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656126261481365634" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9R5GDYZVrrg/Tn6Y3awV5QI/AAAAAAAAB0o/fj6GT6Kpnho/s1600/DSCN8106.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9R5GDYZVrrg/Tn6Y3awV5QI/AAAAAAAAB0o/fj6GT6Kpnho/s400/DSCN8106.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656126259866232066" border="0" /></a>Christian rented snorkeling gear for the day so he swam out towards the coral reef and saw all kinds of brightly colored tropical fish and sting rays. He said it was amazing.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s9bT4ckkX-0/Tn6YiruGPmI/AAAAAAAAB0g/f5fNe8NoSGI/s1600/DSCN8118.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s9bT4ckkX-0/Tn6YiruGPmI/AAAAAAAAB0g/f5fNe8NoSGI/s400/DSCN8118.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656125903642967650" border="0" /></a>My Dad gave Grace the Tinkerbell beach towel. Super cute.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g9BT54Tiq5U/Tn6YiYuLihI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/CbEL0pymXig/s1600/DSCN8120.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g9BT54Tiq5U/Tn6YiYuLihI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/CbEL0pymXig/s400/DSCN8120.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656125898543041042" border="0" /></a>It was extremely humid, not to mention unbearably hot! Gracie did very well considering the temperatures, but we couldn't resist snapping a photo of our sleeping beauty with her cute button nose all covered in beads of sweat.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Li94H9b2L8c/Tn6YiGWyXdI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/y_9pCBxSkmo/s1600/DSCN8121.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Li94H9b2L8c/Tn6YiGWyXdI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/y_9pCBxSkmo/s400/DSCN8121.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656125893613084114" border="0" /></a>Here we are back on the ship just lounging in the shade. (I was one proud Momma to have Grace fully enjoy her first day at the beach, and return without an ounce of sunburn. I'll pat myself on the back for that one.)<br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hw7eW8VWrhU?rel=0" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--NvziviNrWE/Tn6YIxcwo2I/AAAAAAAABzo/ciecJne2ols/s1600/DSCN8209.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--NvziviNrWE/Tn6YIxcwo2I/AAAAAAAABzo/ciecJne2ols/s400/DSCN8209.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656125458504262498" border="0" /></a>Oh no! The ship was taken over by pirates! Actually this was in Nassau, Bahama at a T-shirt shop. I just thought it would be cute to put these guys in the blog, seeing as how we were at sea.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bB2V9xOyzKY/Tn6ZeIwVq7I/AAAAAAAAB2A/aczhCd3FCyE/s1600/Sep%2B3%252C%2B2011_21.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bB2V9xOyzKY/Tn6ZeIwVq7I/AAAAAAAAB2A/aczhCd3FCyE/s400/Sep%2B3%252C%2B2011_21.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656126925049277362" border="0" /></a>Speaking of the sea....<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TGY2lvSJSE8/Tn6X5KDLA6I/AAAAAAAABzQ/fN042L_zP7o/s1600/DSCN8242.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TGY2lvSJSE8/Tn6X5KDLA6I/AAAAAAAABzQ/fN042L_zP7o/s400/DSCN8242.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656125190229918626" border="0" /></a>And SEE our adorable Gracie. Gotta love those crystal clear sea-blue eyes!<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UoEgqcatprU/Tn6YhzE5A-I/AAAAAAAAB0I/lhSx0VNtHus/s1600/DSCN8128.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 244px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UoEgqcatprU/Tn6YhzE5A-I/AAAAAAAAB0I/lhSx0VNtHus/s400/DSCN8128.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656125888437748706" border="0" /></a>Hanging out on the streets of Nassau.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uU3ZApzLXKs/Tn6YhqC0LeI/AAAAAAAAB0A/XNSptz5iI_M/s1600/DSCN8192.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uU3ZApzLXKs/Tn6YhqC0LeI/AAAAAAAAB0A/XNSptz5iI_M/s400/DSCN8192.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656125886013124066" border="0" /></a>The pool deck of the ship.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lcLaZQws4hQ/Tn6YJB8g3II/AAAAAAAABzw/LUpKDm5epUQ/s1600/DSCN8199.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lcLaZQws4hQ/Tn6YJB8g3II/AAAAAAAABzw/LUpKDm5epUQ/s400/DSCN8199.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656125462932413570" border="0" /></a>Christian snapped this photo. I thought it was very sweet.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VmqgAmXQnM8/Tn6YIikE2bI/AAAAAAAABzg/4jsIRAkeP1w/s1600/DSCN8218.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VmqgAmXQnM8/Tn6YIikE2bI/AAAAAAAABzg/4jsIRAkeP1w/s400/DSCN8218.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656125454508415410" border="0" /></a>There we are!<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FE85qUsQnjI/Tn6YIW3SjlI/AAAAAAAABzY/HLt5HymC7uM/s1600/DSCN8221.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FE85qUsQnjI/Tn6YIW3SjlI/AAAAAAAABzY/HLt5HymC7uM/s400/DSCN8221.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656125451367779922" border="0" /></a>Christian was at the spa and I couldn't find a pen to leave him a note as to where Grace and I went, so the "MacGyver" in me went into my toiletry bag to leave him a message in our room so that he might be able to find us. I thought it was pretty clever. (The lunch cafe was on the 12th floor)<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XEDin_GHFVo/Tn6YJgpzZqI/AAAAAAAABz4/STyaxLknZHM/s1600/DSCN8195.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XEDin_GHFVo/Tn6YJgpzZqI/AAAAAAAABz4/STyaxLknZHM/s400/DSCN8195.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656125471175435938" border="0" /></a>This photo was taken from the back of the ship where one could see our wake.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oZgaJUmvZiE/Tn6X44Sli3I/AAAAAAAABzI/q0ncj27GfVk/s1600/DSCN8246.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oZgaJUmvZiE/Tn6X44Sli3I/AAAAAAAABzI/q0ncj27GfVk/s400/DSCN8246.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656125185462733682" border="0" /></a>The name of our ship and where we went.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3D91exI32d4/Tn6X4oOLVDI/AAAAAAAABzA/LGKoCHjh710/s1600/DSCN8250.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3D91exI32d4/Tn6X4oOLVDI/AAAAAAAABzA/LGKoCHjh710/s400/DSCN8250.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656125181149271090" border="0" /></a>Gracie the super cutie!<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LFXt85swyDw/Tn6X4SlxywI/AAAAAAAABy4/k6UPFZPRxfc/s1600/DSCN8273.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 262px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LFXt85swyDw/Tn6X4SlxywI/AAAAAAAABy4/k6UPFZPRxfc/s400/DSCN8273.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656125175342680834" border="0" /></a>Back at the NYC port. A little sun-kissed, and oodles of family love.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FSSj8NDFaC0/Tn6X389K5HI/AAAAAAAAByw/_bOiVKgzqhQ/s1600/DSCN8277.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 296px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FSSj8NDFaC0/Tn6X389K5HI/AAAAAAAAByw/_bOiVKgzqhQ/s400/DSCN8277.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656125169535214706" border="0" /></a>We're already in talks for our next family vacation. I wonder where we'll go??? Hmmmm, we'll all just have to wait and see... or is that sea?<br /></div>Tarynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080544023076618711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528496173727291889.post-50748702881904834232011-09-13T16:17:00.003-04:002011-09-13T16:35:19.552-04:00Grace's first solidsChristian and I have put off starting solids with Grace because we knew we would be taking our family vacation the first week of Sept. (Still working on the photos from that, the family vacation blog should be posted fairly soon.) and we didn't want to break the newly established pattern of eating. Plus, my goal is to make all of Grace's food at home, using organic fruits and veggies whenever possible.<br /><br />I'll admit that being a first time Mommy, I was nervous about changing the feeding routine. I've read articles, and books, and listened to mothers who have gone through this momentous step with their little ones all in an effort to empower myself and feel more ready to begin feeding foods other than breastmilk to my daughter. I have to laugh at myself because Grace soared through this milestone, as she has with each and every milestone to date, with flying colors.<br /><br />Please enjoy the video of Grace eating her first solid, butternut squash. (It's a longer video, over 6 minutes, so please don't feel a need to watch the whole thing, and I apologize in advance for the atrocious sound when I blow my nose. I'm a little under the weather.)<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/j0KiASW0Hvc?rel=0" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="345" width="420"></iframe>Tarynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080544023076618711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528496173727291889.post-9641389166853204932011-08-23T17:45:00.008-04:002011-08-23T19:57:38.464-04:00What's been going on?Alright, I'll admit it, I've become a total slacker when it comes to keeping this blog up to date. I'd like to say that from here on out I'll do my very best to set aside time each week so that all who view this page will be abreast on what the Kaufman family is up to. I know however, that there really isn't much conviction in me keeping that promise. So for now, I hope everyone out there won't mind my mass-blogging posts spanning the length of weeks, and showing up only when I have a few spare moments that I can stitch together in my aspiration of creating a cohesive entry.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GzTxDgIluBM/TlQh8eNlojI/AAAAAAAABvM/TS8lEF_pttg/s1600/DSCN7782.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GzTxDgIluBM/TlQh8eNlojI/AAAAAAAABvM/TS8lEF_pttg/s400/DSCN7782.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644173555787997746" border="0" /></a>Our little Gracie is figuring out the finer points of getting from point A to point B. That's right folks, she's almost crawling! I like to call her my little yoga baby because she will straighten her legs while on all fours and it looks like she's in the downward dog pose. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m6ERbsQtwKk/TlQilSS1IiI/AAAAAAAABv8/wjKL-weOQ2A/s1600/DSCN7861.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m6ERbsQtwKk/TlQilSS1IiI/AAAAAAAABv8/wjKL-weOQ2A/s400/DSCN7861.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644174256963396130" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mj51dtyfuMo/TlQilAENUAI/AAAAAAAABv0/GYu_SPch0No/s1600/DSCN7850.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mj51dtyfuMo/TlQilAENUAI/AAAAAAAABv0/GYu_SPch0No/s400/DSCN7850.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644174252070227970" border="0" /></a>Both Christian and I can not believe how fast the past 6 months have flown by. Everyone constantly reminds us to soak in every moment because it goes by so quickly, and believe me when I tell you, we are trying our hardest to bask in every little second that flies by. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbJThQn2XSo/TlQil1qMoeI/AAAAAAAABwM/ma8NzEJhjps/s1600/DSCN7876.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbJThQn2XSo/TlQil1qMoeI/AAAAAAAABwM/ma8NzEJhjps/s400/DSCN7876.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644174266456646114" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VRyuO5Xjx0o/TlQilmUssSI/AAAAAAAABwE/BUX9DrRmtQs/s1600/DSCN7875.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VRyuO5Xjx0o/TlQilmUssSI/AAAAAAAABwE/BUX9DrRmtQs/s400/DSCN7875.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644174262339940642" border="0" /></a>Each Friday afternoon Grace and I walk down the street to a farmer's market that the town hosts. I have to share my find because I never even knew that this existed. I purchased a watermelon from a vendor, and when Christian cut it open that night for dessert I heard him say, "Taryn, what kind of watermelon did you get?" To which I replied, "Seedless, why?" Turns out that there are crazy, "alien" yellow watermelon out there! Who knew? I of course did what any normal person would do, I googled yellow watermelons, you know, just to make sure it was safe to eat. Google told me it was safe, and my taste buds told me it was oddly good. The yellow watermelon is sweeter than the typical red watermelon, and I've learned it is rare to find. So I like to think that I won the watermelon lottery.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CihnAyXgg0A/TlQuvc5rUZI/AAAAAAAABwc/XMFm_aUswjM/s1600/DSCN7724.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 312px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CihnAyXgg0A/TlQuvc5rUZI/AAAAAAAABwc/XMFm_aUswjM/s400/DSCN7724.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644187625748910482" border="0" /></a>Christian made me laugh the other day. He brought Grace is to show me what I'm sure if the first of many borrowed things. He had Grace completely wrapped up in a scarf of mine. She looked like a swanky Upper Eastside Manhattan baby. What can I say, the girl has good taste in scarves.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1L3EZc-coEQ/TlQh9IkoLGI/AAAAAAAABvc/fi800LW9RAY/s1600/DSCN7832.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1L3EZc-coEQ/TlQh9IkoLGI/AAAAAAAABvc/fi800LW9RAY/s400/DSCN7832.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644173567158922338" border="0" /></a>The video is self explanatory. Enjoy.
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<br />One morning we woke up to a rather sweet sight. Two fawns were relaxing on our front lawn. Super cute, and I know that I say this every time I see deer, but the fact remains the same, it always makes me feel like I'm closer to Oregon when I see deer.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zh0_uLvYsh8/TlQh9TfKZNI/AAAAAAAABvk/u5XvplWjgAg/s1600/DSCN7837.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zh0_uLvYsh8/TlQh9TfKZNI/AAAAAAAABvk/u5XvplWjgAg/s400/DSCN7837.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644173570088789202" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J7c_W3y0H80/TlQh908WyII/AAAAAAAABvs/T9aA2G0WFDk/s1600/DSCN7841.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J7c_W3y0H80/TlQh908WyII/AAAAAAAABvs/T9aA2G0WFDk/s400/DSCN7841.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644173579069606018" border="0" /></a>I just had to throw this photo in. She looks so adorable.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7UgT3p6WeqQ/TlQh8lls5YI/AAAAAAAABvU/PlWYPH1Wbhg/s1600/DSCN7803.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7UgT3p6WeqQ/TlQh8lls5YI/AAAAAAAABvU/PlWYPH1Wbhg/s400/DSCN7803.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644173557768185218" border="0" /></a>Earlier today my mother-in-law and father-in-law drove up to spend some time with their granddaughter. We took a stroll to the park, and Grace took her first ride on the swing set with Grandma while Grandpa pushed and cheered them on. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H6UsLpH4TaQ/TlQu--w6ZII/AAAAAAAABwk/r0r3-mSqx44/s1600/IMG00322.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H6UsLpH4TaQ/TlQu--w6ZII/AAAAAAAABwk/r0r3-mSqx44/s400/IMG00322.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644187892536992898" border="0" /></a>It's the little moments like this that bring my heart so much joy.
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<br />So that pretty much brings you up to date with Grace and the Kaufman Family. There's so much to do, so many things going on, and I can honestly say that Grace, and her parents, we're all enjoying every single day that life gives us.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AhTxQQFthcw/TlQimLYNyRI/AAAAAAAABwU/VE6BNzoj-ME/s1600/DSCN7887.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 371px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AhTxQQFthcw/TlQimLYNyRI/AAAAAAAABwU/VE6BNzoj-ME/s400/DSCN7887.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644174272286804242" border="0" /></a>
<br />Tarynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080544023076618711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528496173727291889.post-52800233090846868112011-07-27T18:25:00.008-04:002011-07-27T19:53:38.628-04:00Playing catch-up<div style="text-align: center;">My goodness, time flies when you're having fun! So it's been a little while since I've stat down at the old computer to brief everyone on how the Kaufman Family is doing, and I'm happy to report that all is well with us. We've been keeping fairly busy, so I do apologize for delay in posting. Please enjoy this snap-shot update blog to bring you up to date.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XTMXPmo2RWI/TjCQ3l8Mc7I/AAAAAAAABrs/e85b9IXH4IQ/s1600/DSCN7432.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XTMXPmo2RWI/TjCQ3l8Mc7I/AAAAAAAABrs/e85b9IXH4IQ/s400/DSCN7432.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634162418592281522" border="0" /></a>The Kaufman's on Fourth of July.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NQv7luk16kI/TjCQ3Qs-q7I/AAAAAAAABrk/8G6rL8u522Q/s1600/DSCN7415.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 244px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NQv7luk16kI/TjCQ3Qs-q7I/AAAAAAAABrk/8G6rL8u522Q/s400/DSCN7415.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634162412891319218" border="0" /></a>Naked Gracie! AHHHHH!!! Cover yourself up little chunky-Monkey!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CCGep_N3C4E/TjCR-oAXYYI/AAAAAAAABtU/PsT6EIvOJtc/s1600/DSCN7551.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CCGep_N3C4E/TjCR-oAXYYI/AAAAAAAABtU/PsT6EIvOJtc/s400/DSCN7551.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634163638917357954" border="0" /></a>Much better! She may be small, but she packs a big punch.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vDoEUXeZZxY/TjCQ3EvBWuI/AAAAAAAABrU/WYfAB42no7I/s1600/DSCN7397.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vDoEUXeZZxY/TjCQ3EvBWuI/AAAAAAAABrU/WYfAB42no7I/s400/DSCN7397.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634162409678658274" border="0" /></a>Taken on her Five Month Birthday!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gWsI0jEuXCM/TjCR-J1HgVI/AAAAAAAABtE/AY7WohC9EE4/s1600/DSCN7515.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gWsI0jEuXCM/TjCR-J1HgVI/AAAAAAAABtE/AY7WohC9EE4/s400/DSCN7515.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634163630817116498" border="0" /></a>Something I want to remember.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BkJ4jenEcac/TjCR-RzRaUI/AAAAAAAABtM/pGTEHGF0cQI/s1600/DSCN7546.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BkJ4jenEcac/TjCR-RzRaUI/AAAAAAAABtM/pGTEHGF0cQI/s400/DSCN7546.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634163632956860738" border="0" /></a>The next few photos are of Gracie, our little farm girl.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hjd16nBZy3w/TjCRKntFWXI/AAAAAAAABsU/54JjTZmbMjk/s1600/DSCN7486.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 206px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hjd16nBZy3w/TjCRKntFWXI/AAAAAAAABsU/54JjTZmbMjk/s400/DSCN7486.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634162745483286898" border="0" /></a>"Daddy, can I barrow the keys to the pickup truck?"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-048Liysrt3w/TjCRn_iqmxI/AAAAAAAABsk/mRh84fu1vIo/s1600/DSCN7494.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-048Liysrt3w/TjCRn_iqmxI/AAAAAAAABsk/mRh84fu1vIo/s400/DSCN7494.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634163250098248466" border="0" /></a>"Okay, now giddy-up truck."<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-39HCPekBL5E/TjCRoHDxh6I/AAAAAAAABss/ZZ6SzgWwIrU/s1600/DSCN7495.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-39HCPekBL5E/TjCRoHDxh6I/AAAAAAAABss/ZZ6SzgWwIrU/s400/DSCN7495.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634163252116162466" border="0" /></a>We love our backyard.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jFKQ5LsJcuA/TjCRo2macOI/AAAAAAAABs0/TE2B_z6xTT8/s1600/DSCN7507.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jFKQ5LsJcuA/TjCRo2macOI/AAAAAAAABs0/TE2B_z6xTT8/s400/DSCN7507.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634163264877916386" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3_azlA_DQcU/TjCRpFgvedI/AAAAAAAABs8/jtrMEe0rYAM/s1600/DSCN7508.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3_azlA_DQcU/TjCRpFgvedI/AAAAAAAABs8/jtrMEe0rYAM/s400/DSCN7508.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634163268880660946" border="0" /></a>And we really love our excer-saucer!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-htXu9nAdxFw/TjCQ3VhIqJI/AAAAAAAABrc/vEcLSuuurd8/s1600/DSCN7410.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-htXu9nAdxFw/TjCQ3VhIqJI/AAAAAAAABrc/vEcLSuuurd8/s400/DSCN7410.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634162414183819410" border="0" /></a>We spent an afternoon in our new tent in the backyard<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9K2g15AnP_0/TjCRJ6X_NvI/AAAAAAAABr8/xCpwTlTdIhc/s1600/DSCN7452.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9K2g15AnP_0/TjCRJ6X_NvI/AAAAAAAABr8/xCpwTlTdIhc/s400/DSCN7452.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634162733315208946" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EygfVMiDeys/TjCRKcztKII/AAAAAAAABsM/RO6bVdI0xYk/s1600/DSCN7467.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EygfVMiDeys/TjCRKcztKII/AAAAAAAABsM/RO6bVdI0xYk/s400/DSCN7467.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634162742558271618" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7KAwPRNG-z4/TjCRKF6tUZI/AAAAAAAABsE/poXLtWZ7M0g/s1600/DSCN7466.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 165px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7KAwPRNG-z4/TjCRKF6tUZI/AAAAAAAABsE/poXLtWZ7M0g/s400/DSCN7466.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634162736413626770" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1KdxZ_ApZAw/TjCRJglAldI/AAAAAAAABr0/3JTrzAElzsw/s1600/DSCN7446.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1KdxZ_ApZAw/TjCRJglAldI/AAAAAAAABr0/3JTrzAElzsw/s400/DSCN7446.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634162726390502866" border="0" /></a>Grace got all dolled up in a party dress for her cousin Shayla's 2nd birthday. (I forgot the camera at home, sorry no party photos.)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wFhbw9Nht8A/TjCSXFQEKVI/AAAAAAAABts/ra1GsHVyaVM/s1600/DSCN7567.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wFhbw9Nht8A/TjCSXFQEKVI/AAAAAAAABts/ra1GsHVyaVM/s400/DSCN7567.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634164059084695890" border="0" /></a>If you like Gracie's headband, my friend Summer made it. Check out her <a href="http://sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com/">blog</a> and her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sumossweetstuff">Etsy</a> shop.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jpjghNIaHTk/TjCR-7iwaiI/AAAAAAAABtc/1vT1rKoo22U/s1600/DSCN7563.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jpjghNIaHTk/TjCR-7iwaiI/AAAAAAAABtc/1vT1rKoo22U/s400/DSCN7563.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634163644161878562" border="0" /></a>Finally, Grace took her first dip in the kiddie pool a few days ago. Here she is getting ready to take the plunge with her Gammy.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fFwY1ES5_JY/TjCSXfFd_iI/AAAAAAAABt0/kR1uULCdxjg/s1600/DSCN7581.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fFwY1ES5_JY/TjCSXfFd_iI/AAAAAAAABt0/kR1uULCdxjg/s400/DSCN7581.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634164066019573282" border="0" /></a>Testing the water with her toes.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QMmpSgFyMFQ/TjCSXiNV8pI/AAAAAAAABt8/xuKXffvm6yo/s1600/DSCN7582.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QMmpSgFyMFQ/TjCSXiNV8pI/AAAAAAAABt8/xuKXffvm6yo/s400/DSCN7582.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634164066857906834" border="0" /></a>So refreshing on a hot summer day.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iFT9pkPXFdE/TjCSX31aMVI/AAAAAAAABuE/oATxQd2UURQ/s1600/DSCN7588.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iFT9pkPXFdE/TjCSX31aMVI/AAAAAAAABuE/oATxQd2UURQ/s400/DSCN7588.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634164072663101778" border="0" /></a>Here's a little video of her enjoying the pool, her toys, and well, her toes.<br /></div><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/AMcXeECU_FY?rel=0" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="330" width="400"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Whew! I think we are caught up now. We're all tuckered out, and I it looks like it's time for a nap with Dolly. Nighty-night.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t231AqJvV2E/TjCQ2_mgQyI/AAAAAAAABrM/A3tjyR9Yk7Y/s1600/DSCN7390.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t231AqJvV2E/TjCQ2_mgQyI/AAAAAAAABrM/A3tjyR9Yk7Y/s400/DSCN7390.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634162408300757794" border="0" /></a>Tarynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080544023076618711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528496173727291889.post-210448657452062312011-07-10T21:46:00.003-04:002011-07-10T21:53:16.825-04:00Flip-a-rooskieThe video is a little over three minutes long, and it ends rather.... abruptly, (to put it politely) but when you have a spare moment, feel free to check out Gracie's newest trick that she has completely mastered!<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6SpVBG28MbI?rel=0" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" width="425"></iframe>Tarynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080544023076618711noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528496173727291889.post-84570262967866013442011-06-22T15:45:00.011-04:002011-06-22T21:58:24.394-04:00Grace's Baptism<div style="text-align: center;">This past Saturday Grace Irene Kaufman was baptized in the same church that Christian and I were married in, by the same Monsieur who married us. The entire Kaufman family was there to witness her baptism, as were extended family and friends. Her Aunt Emily and Uncle Keith stood by her side as her Godparents to support her and express their love, as they will do undoubtedly every day for the rest of her life. She was a perfect angel and truly adorable in her Christening gown, which was made from the fabric of my wedding dress. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mAdOIcJknsc/TgJGpTZsAMI/AAAAAAAABpU/p9pfRBiDjyQ/s1600/Jun%2B17%252C%2B20112.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mAdOIcJknsc/TgJGpTZsAMI/AAAAAAAABpU/p9pfRBiDjyQ/s400/Jun%2B17%252C%2B20112.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621132960308396226" border="0" /></a>Family members and friends came from all over the state of New Jersey to be there for her. Christian and I felt truly honored that so many people took time out of their Saturday to spend the afternoon with Grace. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MGfVcJR7x6M/TgJG5PaRyNI/AAAAAAAABps/93E3J7anTWc/s1600/DSCN7059.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 341px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MGfVcJR7x6M/TgJG5PaRyNI/AAAAAAAABps/93E3J7anTWc/s400/DSCN7059.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621133234115037394" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e60kxOWDFBk/TgJGpy377LI/AAAAAAAABpc/EPdEJJMEfiE/s1600/Jun%2B17%252C%2B20113.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e60kxOWDFBk/TgJGpy377LI/AAAAAAAABpc/EPdEJJMEfiE/s400/Jun%2B17%252C%2B20113.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621132968756767922" border="0" /></a>Look at that face! How utterly adorable is she?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--PYUQ8Jkqo0/TgJG5sOij4I/AAAAAAAABp0/u20_KKe4EOA/s1600/DSCN7067.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--PYUQ8Jkqo0/TgJG5sOij4I/AAAAAAAABp0/u20_KKe4EOA/s400/DSCN7067.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621133241850433410" border="0" /></a>During the ceremony Grace couldn't help it, she nodded off for a quick little nap. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wSd6hPQby8E/TgJG5xXZNqI/AAAAAAAABp8/q4oPSDOfqn4/s1600/DSCN7120.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wSd6hPQby8E/TgJG5xXZNqI/AAAAAAAABp8/q4oPSDOfqn4/s400/DSCN7120.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621133243229746850" border="0" /></a>But not to worry, she woke up when it was her big moment and in true Grace fashion she didn't say a peep. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jpDispvcxEc/TgKNrPN4fyI/AAAAAAAABrE/-koqyft32Zw/s1600/DSCN7126.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jpDispvcxEc/TgKNrPN4fyI/AAAAAAAABrE/-koqyft32Zw/s400/DSCN7126.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621211058870452002" border="0" /></a>Grace's Uncle Luke had the perfect view point to capture the actual baptism for us. Here's the video he took using his iPhone. (The baby voice you hear is not Grace. She was honestly a perfect little angel.)<br /><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/izh1A4CB-to?hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/izh1A4CB-to?rel=0" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" width="560"></iframe><br />Once all was said and done, she decided to finish up her nap before her party began.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tNfiiB_nJJI/TgJHKN0bEJI/AAAAAAAABqU/HtbLrAGO-jw/s1600/DSCN7198.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tNfiiB_nJJI/TgJHKN0bEJI/AAAAAAAABqU/HtbLrAGO-jw/s400/DSCN7198.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621133525745602706" border="0" /></a>The Kaufman Family, four generations.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_fBE_5M0klk/TgJHKehnbyI/AAAAAAAABqc/URPNyAUR6jQ/s1600/DSCN7202.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 234px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_fBE_5M0klk/TgJHKehnbyI/AAAAAAAABqc/URPNyAUR6jQ/s400/DSCN7202.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621133530230124322" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d1u7iMJzar8/TgJGqB0nQQI/AAAAAAAABpk/nOdANJY5kpQ/s1600/Jun%2B17%252C%2B20115.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d1u7iMJzar8/TgJGqB0nQQI/AAAAAAAABpk/nOdANJY5kpQ/s400/Jun%2B17%252C%2B20115.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621132972769362178" border="0" /></a>And now the party with some delicious food! For the favors I made adorable bobby pins with little resin chrysanthemum flowers, and made a cute little bird nest charm using wire and beads. When the guest came in, next to the name cards I made up little tags to be filled out and hung on her blessing tree. (In a small way it brought in my faith, where we have a blessing day.)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9y-0xYuvp7s/TgJGpPBp1_I/AAAAAAAABpM/LJv7c8EP8yM/s1600/Jun%2B17%252C%2B20111.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9y-0xYuvp7s/TgJGpPBp1_I/AAAAAAAABpM/LJv7c8EP8yM/s400/Jun%2B17%252C%2B20111.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621132959133849586" border="0" /></a>I also had fun making the center pieces, which were paper flowers and pinwheels nested in flower pots. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yxY9rxzdmvY/TgJGo_g9R-I/AAAAAAAABpE/e7xgs0QH-Yc/s1600/Jun%2B17%252C%2B2011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yxY9rxzdmvY/TgJGo_g9R-I/AAAAAAAABpE/e7xgs0QH-Yc/s400/Jun%2B17%252C%2B2011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621132954970179554" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dFb9osiTa4M/TgJHK0_ZnSI/AAAAAAAABqk/0SbmQU6_TLE/s1600/DSCN7251.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dFb9osiTa4M/TgJHK0_ZnSI/AAAAAAAABqk/0SbmQU6_TLE/s400/DSCN7251.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621133536260627746" border="0" /></a>After a quick wardrobe change, Grace was ready for her family and friends to love on her and shower her with kisses and hugs!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3MhYCWu5UGY/TgJHLA0JftI/AAAAAAAABqs/SonMVaVoTZE/s1600/DSCN7256.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 207px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3MhYCWu5UGY/TgJHLA0JftI/AAAAAAAABqs/SonMVaVoTZE/s400/DSCN7256.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621133539434659538" border="0" /></a>Grace's Great Grandma, we call her G.G., made her a Christening blanket, which she used to get super comfy-cozy with and yes......<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0hyvZcjoHbg/TgJHLnfNxZI/AAAAAAAABq0/8orgbaL3BVU/s1600/DSCN7257.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0hyvZcjoHbg/TgJHLnfNxZI/AAAAAAAABq0/8orgbaL3BVU/s400/DSCN7257.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621133549815842194" border="0" /></a>she took another nap. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xX_cu72sRV0/TgJHb_0aNlI/AAAAAAAABq8/4J0j0SxcRhg/s1600/DSCN7266.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xX_cu72sRV0/TgJHb_0aNlI/AAAAAAAABq8/4J0j0SxcRhg/s400/DSCN7266.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621133831225095762" border="0" /></a>Christian and I have been truly blessed. Our baby Grace has filled our lives with such joy and love. We look forward to watching her talents grow, and follow her through her amazing journey as she follows the path of life. We hope that she achieves her goals, and finds the many blessings that life has in store for her.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MrgKCKv2P7k/TgJG6kLZafI/AAAAAAAABqM/ERUY81QD4BQ/s1600/DSCN7184.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MrgKCKv2P7k/TgJG6kLZafI/AAAAAAAABqM/ERUY81QD4BQ/s400/DSCN7184.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621133256869636594" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Tarynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080544023076618711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528496173727291889.post-49243041772789368692011-06-19T22:58:00.007-04:002011-06-20T11:11:32.487-04:00First Father's Day for the Hubs<div style="text-align: center;">What a special day today has been. Grace and I have thoroughly enjoyed spoiling Christian on his very first Father's Day. Before I headed to bed last night I set up this adorable banner that I made so that when he came downstairs the first thing he would see would be the words, "Happy Father's Day!" He loved it!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PmtSdEGk4Ck/Tf64nBHyvWI/AAAAAAAABo8/d0aJti_5KPk/s1600/DSCN7279.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PmtSdEGk4Ck/Tf64nBHyvWI/AAAAAAAABo8/d0aJti_5KPk/s400/DSCN7279.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620132365460487522" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ndP2PbNFcQ/Tf64HiJXerI/AAAAAAAABoU/ezcJccxS6dE/s1600/DSCN7287.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ndP2PbNFcQ/Tf64HiJXerI/AAAAAAAABoU/ezcJccxS6dE/s400/DSCN7287.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620131824569645746" border="0" /></a>Then Grace supervised me in the kitchen while I made breakfast for him. It was a plate over flowing with enough food to feed a small village, but it was full of things Christian enjoys and of course every morsel had a pinch of joy, a dash of adoration, and a cup full of love.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-plZnmTcEc30/Tf64mJy_DtI/AAAAAAAABos/nsBfhf30Fa8/s1600/DSCN7283.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-plZnmTcEc30/Tf64mJy_DtI/AAAAAAAABos/nsBfhf30Fa8/s400/DSCN7283.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620132350609264338" border="0" /></a>Let me walk you through this mondo-big breakfast. A cup of OJ. Toasted English muffin with Strawberry preserves, Maple smoked bacon, fresh orange slices, and a three egg omelet (One full egg, and two egg whites) with sauteed mushroom, peppers, tomato, and salsa and sour cream to garnish. (I didn't have an onion in the house, otherwise that would have gone in too.) The Hubs said it was delish!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NX3sLVqbmj8/Tf64mh3l_6I/AAAAAAAABo0/6Z5en3hEgu4/s1600/DSCN7282.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 331px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NX3sLVqbmj8/Tf64mh3l_6I/AAAAAAAABo0/6Z5en3hEgu4/s400/DSCN7282.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620132357071044514" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wpwiALZSeEE/Tf64IHbxlaI/AAAAAAAABoc/Iyi8MZ8bLfc/s1600/DSCN7286.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wpwiALZSeEE/Tf64IHbxlaI/AAAAAAAABoc/Iyi8MZ8bLfc/s400/DSCN7286.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620131834578965922" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QUp3b7AWfZk/Tf64lzsR50I/AAAAAAAABok/hRUvJR3slAs/s1600/DSCN7284.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 302px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QUp3b7AWfZk/Tf64lzsR50I/AAAAAAAABok/hRUvJR3slAs/s400/DSCN7284.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620132344675559234" border="0" /></a>In the afternoon, Christian's parents stopped by to spend some time with us, eat some yummy grilled burgers, and play some fun outdoorsy games.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SWunpzQOIBQ/Tf64HeNyPqI/AAAAAAAABoM/CdveUEfdYSc/s1600/DSCN7291.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SWunpzQOIBQ/Tf64HeNyPqI/AAAAAAAABoM/CdveUEfdYSc/s400/DSCN7291.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620131823514435234" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHizH-EG5XE/Tf64Gx69cpI/AAAAAAAABoE/HT6z2p3Ttds/s1600/DSCN7294.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHizH-EG5XE/Tf64Gx69cpI/AAAAAAAABoE/HT6z2p3Ttds/s400/DSCN7294.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620131811624317586" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zbq6B1n1hV4/Tf64GddZR_I/AAAAAAAABn8/c7C_cOFq7uo/s1600/DSCN7299.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zbq6B1n1hV4/Tf64GddZR_I/AAAAAAAABn8/c7C_cOFq7uo/s400/DSCN7299.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620131806131603442" border="0" /></a>Okay, so I have never claimed to be the most coordinated person on the planet, and this game proved that even if you can go almost the entire game without scoring a single point, you can still have fun. (Even if that means laughing at how terrible I am at it. Trust me, I'm pretty funny to watch while I'm "attempting" to play.) <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I25KJhiX7J4/Tf63y4KspVI/AAAAAAAABn0/hwZWgxCrkpA/s1600/DSCN7305.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 309px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I25KJhiX7J4/Tf63y4KspVI/AAAAAAAABn0/hwZWgxCrkpA/s400/DSCN7305.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620131469703554386" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fuIHXdTkKzo/Tf63yH-nLUI/AAAAAAAABnk/JkEuM-iupXM/s1600/DSCN7312.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 260px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fuIHXdTkKzo/Tf63yH-nLUI/AAAAAAAABnk/JkEuM-iupXM/s400/DSCN7312.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620131456767962434" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-olCLh74-6zE/Tf63xmp69HI/AAAAAAAABnc/yUP5p5sQOh4/s1600/DSCN7318.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-olCLh74-6zE/Tf63xmp69HI/AAAAAAAABnc/yUP5p5sQOh4/s400/DSCN7318.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620131447822808178" border="0" /></a>Grace was our personal cheerleader, that is until she was bit by the sleepy bug. I don't blame her. It was such a beautiful day, and I would have crawled in there with her to catch a few Z's if I could have fit.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WRy5ahdzWk0/Tf63wz8OwgI/AAAAAAAABnU/YqX70E7qbFQ/s1600/DSCN7322.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WRy5ahdzWk0/Tf63wz8OwgI/AAAAAAAABnU/YqX70E7qbFQ/s400/DSCN7322.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620131434209395202" border="0" /></a>This entire day, which was wonderful, was all because of this little munchkin. And I know that she was just as happy with how it turned out as I was.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BHoICJNPplU/Tf63yUA0e9I/AAAAAAAABns/3IbmVb1RHR4/s1600/DSCN7307.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BHoICJNPplU/Tf63yUA0e9I/AAAAAAAABns/3IbmVb1RHR4/s400/DSCN7307.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620131459998448594" border="0" /></a>Happy Father's Day Christian. We love you!</div>Tarynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080544023076618711noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528496173727291889.post-26056581343529649442011-05-19T15:13:00.007-04:002011-05-19T15:59:00.517-04:00Shrimp on the Barbie<div style="text-align: center;">Last Saturday Christian and I invited all the Kaufman's and the Pereira Family over for the first Bar B.Q. of the summer. We were thrilled that everyone was able to join us. It seem that it's becoming harder and harder to fit everyone's busy schedules so that we can all be at the same place at the same time. It meant a lot to me that everyone chose to spend their Saturday at our house, and I have to admit that I have filed away our first true backyard Bar B.Q. in my memory as the one of the best days in my Kaufman life.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ld9Czv2mYLA/TdVtgLqk2CI/AAAAAAAABnA/szAkCKxxfFU/s1600/May%2B14%252C%2B2011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ld9Czv2mYLA/TdVtgLqk2CI/AAAAAAAABnA/szAkCKxxfFU/s400/May%2B14%252C%2B2011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608509310614427682" border="0" /></a>It was so sweet watching Paul play catch with his three year old son Carlos. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4U8xAbEBe98/TdVsyUeBJZI/AAAAAAAABlQ/bYfriHVa2JY/s1600/DSCN6742.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4U8xAbEBe98/TdVsyUeBJZI/AAAAAAAABlQ/bYfriHVa2JY/s400/DSCN6742.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608508522703693202" border="0" /></a>My Sister-in-law Emily played professional softball right out of college. See how relaxed she is with a mit on he hand? Yeah if that were me, I'd be cowering in the fetal position. hee hee<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0lZpsP8ZRyA/TdVsjEbHoZI/AAAAAAAABlA/vG566-lFohU/s1600/DSCN6735.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0lZpsP8ZRyA/TdVsjEbHoZI/AAAAAAAABlA/vG566-lFohU/s400/DSCN6735.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608508260698530194" border="0" /></a>Who is she playing catch with? Why it's Keith!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XmOdrbo0V8c/TdVsyG35ivI/AAAAAAAABlI/9zUuIlFoOAI/s1600/DSCN6736.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XmOdrbo0V8c/TdVsyG35ivI/AAAAAAAABlI/9zUuIlFoOAI/s400/DSCN6736.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608508519054150386" border="0" /></a>Christian and I totally lucked out because Luke took over the grilling helm, which gave us time to socialize and have fun. Plus everything was delish!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FRWAByiKsy4/TdVszPSo8PI/AAAAAAAABlo/uj1d6FuiSmg/s1600/DSCN6756.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FRWAByiKsy4/TdVszPSo8PI/AAAAAAAABlo/uj1d6FuiSmg/s400/DSCN6756.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608508538493661426" border="0" /></a>I adore this woman! Laura has such a warmth about her, and I'm truly happy to have her as part of my life. She was right by my side as Grace came into the world, and so without a doubt she is family.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5FdJIytHeu8/TdVtUL-la3I/AAAAAAAABmY/Af-mLGycD-g/s1600/DSCN6778.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5FdJIytHeu8/TdVtUL-la3I/AAAAAAAABmY/Af-mLGycD-g/s400/DSCN6778.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608509104539921266" border="0" /></a>I couldn't resist taking photos of Grace meeting Carlos for the first time. Carlos was so sweet to her, and he made me smile every time I heard him ask for, "Baby Grace." Look at these two cuties!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-67zavxHd9Kg/TdVsy2XqrbI/AAAAAAAABlg/ROasBVbHH-Q/s1600/DSCN6750.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 328px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-67zavxHd9Kg/TdVsy2XqrbI/AAAAAAAABlg/ROasBVbHH-Q/s400/DSCN6750.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608508531803860402" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ga8q43XElDM/TdVsyjEq7GI/AAAAAAAABlY/D6Jbwxm8tCE/s1600/DSCN6747.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ga8q43XElDM/TdVsyjEq7GI/AAAAAAAABlY/D6Jbwxm8tCE/s400/DSCN6747.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608508526623911010" border="0" /></a>My Sister-in-law Krysty had such a glow about her. Here she is with her daughter Shayla, and tucked away is my newest niece or nephew... yuppers! Kaufman number 3 will make his/her debut in December! So excited for her! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6HyTkDdqr4/TdVtC9Zjc9I/AAAAAAAABlw/2w3LaVtjcoM/s1600/DSCN6757.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6HyTkDdqr4/TdVtC9Zjc9I/AAAAAAAABlw/2w3LaVtjcoM/s400/DSCN6757.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608508808568730578" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M50fbCr_AbM/TdVtDKeLq9I/AAAAAAAABl4/3RGjU1mP58k/s1600/DSCN6758.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M50fbCr_AbM/TdVtDKeLq9I/AAAAAAAABl4/3RGjU1mP58k/s400/DSCN6758.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608508812077804498" border="0" /></a>Of course Grace soaked in her Gammy time! She felt so cozy that she fell asleep in Gammy's arms.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pOBl8mjL_hw/TdVtDqnkoiI/AAAAAAAABmA/BlmbjstM1kY/s1600/DSCN6759.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pOBl8mjL_hw/TdVtDqnkoiI/AAAAAAAABmA/BlmbjstM1kY/s400/DSCN6759.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608508820707123746" border="0" /></a>So we brought out her bouncer and she took a lovely little nap outside while the rest of us chowed down on the yummy bounty.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LYVp_FLmmJg/TdVtEJUF-bI/AAAAAAAABmQ/VxObj_uL5Hg/s1600/DSCN6768.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LYVp_FLmmJg/TdVtEJUF-bI/AAAAAAAABmQ/VxObj_uL5Hg/s400/DSCN6768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608508828946921906" border="0" /></a>I know, I can't believe I made the blog! I'm always behind the camera so you hardly ever see me. But the Hubs snapped a few good photos, and I thought this was a good one, so ta-da! It's me!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hx8MXC7tai0/TdVtUVO5-jI/AAAAAAAABmg/uMpI937zLOQ/s1600/DSCN6779.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hx8MXC7tai0/TdVtUVO5-jI/AAAAAAAABmg/uMpI937zLOQ/s400/DSCN6779.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608509107024296498" border="0" /></a>Daddy's little girl. It's so wonderful to watch Shayla play with her Dad, John. The two of them have such a connection. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jCe0Gu8TejQ/TdVtD7q09sI/AAAAAAAABmI/3c-TZfb5x-I/s1600/DSCN6766.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jCe0Gu8TejQ/TdVtD7q09sI/AAAAAAAABmI/3c-TZfb5x-I/s400/DSCN6766.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608508825284179650" border="0" /></a>So the new thing that's seriously adorable, when Shayla wants her Gampy she'll call out for him. However, instead of saying Gampy, she calls him by name. "Hi John. Come here John." Too adorable!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eXUwjpmYQnY/TdVuSI7Qi7I/AAAAAAAABnI/e80BdwCrF30/s1600/DSCN6801.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eXUwjpmYQnY/TdVuSI7Qi7I/AAAAAAAABnI/e80BdwCrF30/s400/DSCN6801.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608510168872553394" border="0" /></a>So I know I'm biased but I think Keith and Krissy are a darling couple. Come on, just look at the two of them together. Am I right, or am I right?<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VHbhxkYkkko/TdVtVacdQnI/AAAAAAAABm4/jj3aRO3esx0/s1600/DSCN6795.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VHbhxkYkkko/TdVtVacdQnI/AAAAAAAABm4/jj3aRO3esx0/s400/DSCN6795.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608509125603181170" border="0" /></a>Two best friends. Paul and Christian are such remarkable buddies. They went to high school together, college together, and chiropractic school together. They lived under the same roof as roomies for six years! I love seeing the two of them spend time with each other. It warms my heart to see Christian so happy, and I think the world of Paul.... plus he married Laura, so when he comes over, she does too, and then I get to see Laura, so it's a win-win for everyone! hee hee<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9410G94KWsE/TdVtVIShnMI/AAAAAAAABmw/cABR5Ggg1Ik/s1600/DSCN6794.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9410G94KWsE/TdVtVIShnMI/AAAAAAAABmw/cABR5Ggg1Ik/s400/DSCN6794.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608509120729685186" border="0" /></a>We had such a wonderful time, and hope to have many more family functions in our future. Especially as the years go by, the family grows and we'll have more and more people to play with. I love being a Kaufman!<br /></div>Tarynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080544023076618711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528496173727291889.post-76509225109614696052011-05-13T17:46:00.001-04:002011-05-13T17:48:27.179-04:00She Did It!!!!<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/VPAW5-GIdZ8?rel=0" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" width="425"></iframe>Tarynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080544023076618711noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528496173727291889.post-75650425793107275122011-05-04T21:55:00.004-04:002011-05-04T22:09:04.059-04:00Say Cheese!<div style="text-align: center;">This post is merely to share our adorable Gracie with everyone out there. Please enjoy these snap shots of our truly sweet baby girl.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AupXTKS9vZ4/TcID0L-c1wI/AAAAAAAABj4/KS6bl7WYFNk/s1600/DSCN6561.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AupXTKS9vZ4/TcID0L-c1wI/AAAAAAAABj4/KS6bl7WYFNk/s400/DSCN6561.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603045081505126146" border="0" /></a>Grace with Gammy.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YwXtONowwaA/TcIEQG20tUI/AAAAAAAABk4/56L-QB5BKgI/s1600/IMG_0038.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YwXtONowwaA/TcIEQG20tUI/AAAAAAAABk4/56L-QB5BKgI/s400/IMG_0038.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603045561167295810" border="0" /></a>Grace with Gampy.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RDEmTU1Ivac/TcIEPzN-igI/AAAAAAAABkw/9YR24L1AviM/s1600/DSCN6511.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 304px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RDEmTU1Ivac/TcIEPzN-igI/AAAAAAAABkw/9YR24L1AviM/s400/DSCN6511.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603045555895699970" border="0" /></a>Grace with Uncle Keith.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rg42RaB5TQ4/TcIEPiHTWmI/AAAAAAAABko/sJ-TWK0iqNc/s1600/DSCN6359.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 381px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rg42RaB5TQ4/TcIEPiHTWmI/AAAAAAAABko/sJ-TWK0iqNc/s400/DSCN6359.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603045551304301154" border="0" /></a>Grace with Aunt Emily.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YcUzM2Rwf2A/TcIEF1oh33I/AAAAAAAABkY/l9sqlcWOefk/s1600/DSCN6430.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YcUzM2Rwf2A/TcIEF1oh33I/AAAAAAAABkY/l9sqlcWOefk/s400/DSCN6430.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603045384745246578" border="0" /></a>Grace with Uncle Luke.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ckiX1mNXLY/TcIEFrYdJQI/AAAAAAAABkQ/RTUSEPBOZR8/s1600/DSCN6431.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ckiX1mNXLY/TcIEFrYdJQI/AAAAAAAABkQ/RTUSEPBOZR8/s400/DSCN6431.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603045381993473282" border="0" /></a>Grace with Aunt Krysty.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u8MZAp36VGg/TcIEFNKSm2I/AAAAAAAABkA/98UHE4AoDnU/s1600/DSCN6491.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u8MZAp36VGg/TcIEFNKSm2I/AAAAAAAABkA/98UHE4AoDnU/s400/DSCN6491.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603045373880998754" border="0" /></a>Grace with Uncle John, and cousin Shayla.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jdz175K_s1M/TcIEFcLzh3I/AAAAAAAABkI/AGH96VX-K64/s1600/DSCN6484.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jdz175K_s1M/TcIEFcLzh3I/AAAAAAAABkI/AGH96VX-K64/s400/DSCN6484.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603045377913882482" border="0" /></a>And now just Grace.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lBDucziJ_00/TcIEGFN6AyI/AAAAAAAABkg/X7TCaP2vCKw/s1600/DSCN6409.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lBDucziJ_00/TcIEGFN6AyI/AAAAAAAABkg/X7TCaP2vCKw/s400/DSCN6409.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603045388928549666" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PRdnr1N-EzE/TcIDzKGjG4I/AAAAAAAABjY/0NlpdgHd3VM/s1600/DSCN6591.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PRdnr1N-EzE/TcIDzKGjG4I/AAAAAAAABjY/0NlpdgHd3VM/s400/DSCN6591.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603045063822351234" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pZf-wG-9h94/TcIDz0DB56I/AAAAAAAABjw/MfCawAluAIk/s1600/DSCN6573.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pZf-wG-9h94/TcIDz0DB56I/AAAAAAAABjw/MfCawAluAIk/s400/DSCN6573.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603045075081881506" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Z9nKB7rEbs/TcIDzmahvII/AAAAAAAABjo/5GSQkFKTNmc/s1600/DSCN6575.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Z9nKB7rEbs/TcIDzmahvII/AAAAAAAABjo/5GSQkFKTNmc/s400/DSCN6575.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603045071422340226" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YL00VQeaDAU/TcIDzVf25PI/AAAAAAAABjg/3LV1laI8G4E/s1600/DSCN6582.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 278px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YL00VQeaDAU/TcIDzVf25PI/AAAAAAAABjg/3LV1laI8G4E/s400/DSCN6582.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603045066881295602" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lBDucziJ_00/TcIEGFN6AyI/AAAAAAAABkg/X7TCaP2vCKw/s1600/DSCN6409.JPG"><span><span></span></span></a><br /></div>Tarynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080544023076618711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528496173727291889.post-53313290016731179932011-04-25T17:48:00.002-04:002011-04-25T18:03:25.589-04:00EasterWe hope everyone out there had a wonderful Easter weekend. Grace loved spending time with her uncles, aunts, cousin, grandparents, and great grandparents. We really lucked out with the warm weather. I was happy that I didn't have bundle little Grace up as she looked absolutely adorable in her Easter dress! (I was so excited to get her all gussied up in such a fancy dress. I seriously could not contain my enthusiasm!) Just look at my baby doll! Such a sweetie pie!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WTLkASXO1eY/TbXsWlM5MOI/AAAAAAAABi4/Y6DwIlYSj-I/s1600/DSCN6509.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WTLkASXO1eY/TbXsWlM5MOI/AAAAAAAABi4/Y6DwIlYSj-I/s400/DSCN6509.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599641584392548578" border="0" /></a>My two favorite people!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BCR6TxowtkY/TbXsXIbR-7I/AAAAAAAABjI/a6Qv5r7kRNg/s1600/DSCN6496.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BCR6TxowtkY/TbXsXIbR-7I/AAAAAAAABjI/a6Qv5r7kRNg/s400/DSCN6496.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599641593848134578" border="0" /></a>Daddy's girls.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WvRyuWx33VU/TbXsW69waxI/AAAAAAAABjA/4LyqelN__ro/s1600/DSCN6504.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WvRyuWx33VU/TbXsW69waxI/AAAAAAAABjA/4LyqelN__ro/s400/DSCN6504.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599641590234639122" border="0" /></a>The Kaufman Family.<br />(I love saying that. It never gets old!)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ggdV7fn0kM0/TbXsXRz_lNI/AAAAAAAABjQ/d_kiZQdBUv4/s1600/DSCN6498.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 190px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ggdV7fn0kM0/TbXsXRz_lNI/AAAAAAAABjQ/d_kiZQdBUv4/s400/DSCN6498.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599641596367705298" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Tarynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080544023076618711noreply@blogger.com0