tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30572568440971630962024-03-14T01:29:33.198-07:00Gates' Updates!Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02668533731780586807noreply@blogger.comBlogger154125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057256844097163096.post-80552956612596365282013-02-20T22:35:00.001-08:002013-02-24T14:05:19.864-08:00Still alive... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I have come to the realization that I am probably the worst blogger ever. Luckily, I'm busy enough that it doesn't really bother me. :) In the next few weeks, I'll do my "usual" and blog about 15 things and back date them all, but for now I'll share a few InstaGram pics of the latest. </div>
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Since moving to the beach, we have been enjoying a whole set of new activities. One of those being, hitting the zoo for a few hours on the spur of the moment. In Carmel Mountain, we were about 30 minutes from the zoo and if felt like a chore getting there and spending 17 hours walking around the biggest, most hilly zoo on the planet. <i>I know this because I've been to EVERY zoo in the world (naturally).</i> Now we are about 15 minutes from the zoo and we hit it up for 2-3 hours because it's beautiful outside and we don't have anything pressing to do. Gray loves the animals, I love the workout built in by climbing those massive hills pushing G in a stroller. It's a win/win situation. </div>
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We have some plans see some fun new things in San Diego this week but we have been put off by some nasty winter weather (read: 50 degrees outside, intermittent sprinkling rain, windy), but seriously I'm not going outside to walk around in the 'rain,' because I can just wait a day or two rather than be cold-ish and wet-ish while being a tourist. I hope tomorrow is as pretty as today was (the "winter storm" was over by 9am), because I'm dying to get down to the USS Midway and see the new statue! </div>
<br />Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02668533731780586807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057256844097163096.post-43127677566808833332012-12-18T19:18:00.000-08:002013-02-21T19:40:32.850-08:00Elf on the Shelf!<div style="text-align: justify;">
I decided it would be great fun to get Gray an <a href="http://www.elfontheshelf.com/en-us/home.aspx">Elf on the Shelf</a> this year. Josh read him the story while I was decorating the tree and "Tippy"the Elf was born. Why Tippy? Josh asked Gray what we should name him, and Tippy was the first name Gray yelled out. I was hoping for something more festive, like Noel or Jingle or Snowflake or Joy or Yule or Carol or Star or Merry or well... anything but Tippy. Gray seemed pretty set on it, so it's officially written in pen in our book. I think we all know once it's in pen, there is no changing it. It's like a tattoo. It is permanent. </div>
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We talked about Tippy a few times, but Gray's mind was BLOWN when he saw Tippy had left him a note with Lucky Charms the first night. Gray talks about Tippy all the time, basically multiple times every day. This elf watching good and bad deeds all day is <i>genius</i>! Every morning he wakes up and looks for him. We have been trying to be creative (thanks Pintrest!) but it's hard to be ultra creative for 30+ days of Tippy movement. I'm curious if we can do the same things next year and get away with it...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YfNcHk13yUY/USbjILrHGtI/AAAAAAAACJU/WA1xOn0b1QY/s1600/IMG_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YfNcHk13yUY/USbjILrHGtI/AAAAAAAACJU/WA1xOn0b1QY/s400/IMG_0016.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing Chess</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FgCY38cba14/USbjIZlsc7I/AAAAAAAACJY/9wPiIhSQ9uY/s1600/IMG_0064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FgCY38cba14/USbjIZlsc7I/AAAAAAAACJY/9wPiIhSQ9uY/s400/IMG_0064.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chatting with Santa</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HI3_E5tty50/USbjIkp5hiI/AAAAAAAACJc/rpjF7g3A8lU/s1600/IMG_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HI3_E5tty50/USbjIkp5hiI/AAAAAAAACJc/rpjF7g3A8lU/s400/IMG_0015.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skateboarding<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vZPJhElFGu4/USbjJqdytAI/AAAAAAAACJs/JzACqIsXhms/s1600/IMG_0065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vZPJhElFGu4/USbjJqdytAI/AAAAAAAACJs/JzACqIsXhms/s400/IMG_0065.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reading the Very Hungry Caterpillar <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2dw_k2MvlEc/USbjLsSBBmI/AAAAAAAACJ0/qmPtmb5jUeQ/s1600/IMG_0217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2dw_k2MvlEc/USbjLsSBBmI/AAAAAAAACJ0/qmPtmb5jUeQ/s400/IMG_0217.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing in the toothpaste<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AD49YZzUc4c/USbjMEwHppI/AAAAAAAACJ8/iy0O0MPk7vQ/s1600/IMG_0249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AD49YZzUc4c/USbjMEwHppI/AAAAAAAACJ8/iy0O0MPk7vQ/s400/IMG_0249.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We celebrated Christmas way early (due to traveling), so this date was WAY off. :) <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Candyland</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PZwoSqGdJUc/USbjPC-qtjI/AAAAAAAACKM/mxs61eZ1c10/s1600/IMG_0324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PZwoSqGdJUc/USbjPC-qtjI/AAAAAAAACKM/mxs61eZ1c10/s400/IMG_0324.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My personal favorite. Making snowflakes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qiQ4fpvwSgo/USbjQR7wmOI/AAAAAAAACKc/YStPRl_M1_4/s1600/IMG_0298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qiQ4fpvwSgo/USbjQR7wmOI/AAAAAAAACKc/YStPRl_M1_4/s400/IMG_0298.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flour angels</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P5fasZhMdqw/USbjTILKbMI/AAAAAAAACKk/nborjI0hxTg/s1600/IMG_9855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P5fasZhMdqw/USbjTILKbMI/AAAAAAAACKk/nborjI0hxTg/s400/IMG_9855.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bubble bath time. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BLVUZSkZDJk/USbjVLA5P4I/AAAAAAAACKs/XYAJ8WgdqNY/s1600/IMG_9801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BLVUZSkZDJk/USbjVLA5P4I/AAAAAAAACKs/XYAJ8WgdqNY/s400/IMG_9801.JPG" width="398" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking out the Christmas decorations</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LLkkEMZPMNM/USbjVmUBOLI/AAAAAAAACKw/fA-OvjLgLBo/s1600/IMG_9988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LLkkEMZPMNM/USbjVmUBOLI/AAAAAAAACKw/fA-OvjLgLBo/s400/IMG_9988.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peek-A-Boo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-73GpsAQKu8k/USbjVrzZiBI/AAAAAAAACK0/WWRaUIKjjqM/s1600/IMG_9976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-73GpsAQKu8k/USbjVrzZiBI/AAAAAAAACK0/WWRaUIKjjqM/s400/IMG_9976.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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This was about half of the places Tippy hung out during November/December. The last night that we were home Tippy made a birthday card for Jesus. I loved how involved Gray was this year with Christmas and presents, but he is also beginning to understand things about Jesus thanks to prayers and Sunday School (even if that's not what SoCal calls it). It melts my heart to hear him talk about Jesus being born in a manger and seeing him give gifts to others. I love Christmas. :)<br />
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Do you have any Tippy suggestions for next year? Do you have an Elf that you love? </div>
Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02668533731780586807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057256844097163096.post-19615840027895621492012-11-21T23:53:00.000-08:002012-11-21T23:53:03.692-08:00Thanksgiving! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
It's hard to believe it's already Thanksgiving again, right? It seems like we were just going to be beach and the SD Fair, now it's already November! We decided to stay in San Diego for the holiday and have a few military pals over for lunch. I spent most of the day preparing everything for tomorrow, so no real cooking will be happening in the morning just a lot of putting things in the oven. </div>
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As I type there are three pies cooling on the counter. I'll have to get back to you on how that actually turns out after they are cut and sampled. I've never made a pie before tonight and I'm pretty sure I just invented a scrambled egg pecan pie... I have delusions of grandeur because my mom is maybe the best cook in North America, so after my pecan pie fiasco I think I've been knocked back into reality. The recipe said brown the butter, then add other ingredients. I added eggs first and they started to cook before I could add the other things in, so it was like egg drop pecan pie filling. Like I said, I'll just have to report back about that... </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Thanksgiving from Gray! </td></tr>
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I may not say it enough, but I have so many things to be thankful for and I love having a holiday just to reflect on those things one day every year. I am most thankful for having the most wonderful husband on Earth, a crazy/perfect little boy, fabulous family, amazing friends, good health, a nice home, a warm bed, plenty of food to eat, and a Heavenly Father that loves me more than I can imagine. How can I not be thankful today? Happy Thanksgiving everyone! </div>
Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02668533731780586807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057256844097163096.post-40325747496502685792012-11-16T17:16:00.001-08:002012-11-16T17:16:28.363-08:00Paleo Sweet Potato Cottage Pie<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"></span>Josh and I recently started a new "diet." For anyone who hasn't heard about Paleo, the short version is you eat like a caveman would eat. He wouldn't have had grains, milk, cheese, yogurt, bread, pasta, processed foods, added sugars, juices, etc. He would have had limited amounts of nuts and berries. The things that are on the yes list are basically eggs, any spices, mustard, all meat, fish, shrimp, almost all vegetables, fruit, coconut oil, coconut milk, and some other random things. We did the diet very strictly for several weeks (and as long as you plan what you will be eating it isn't really all that hard) then decided to cheat on the weekends because it is hard to go into a restaurant and be totally Paleo. </div>
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We had pancakes a few Saturdays ago and felt miserable for half of the day. We usually cheat for 2-3 meals on the weekend, that may mean having bread or a beer or some rice. It's a fairly restrictive diet, because anything you would run out of the door with is basically off limits. You shop around the outside edges of the grocery store, so you have no processed foods which are the fast foods to grab. It's restrictive in that you can't eat all the junk that we are all accustomed to eating all the time, but all the foods you are eating are "whole foods" so it's a much healthier way to eat in general. </div>
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I think we will continue to follow it as a lifestyle, but it is too restrictive to completely follow every single day for the rest of our lives. I have modified the diet to suit us by adding milk (I drink a glass every morning and it was probably what I missed the most), corn, and beans back into our meals occasionally. I'm still staying away from processed foods, pasta, bread, yogurt, cheese, etc. I'm still buying applesauce and fruit snacks for Gray, but he eats Paleo meals with us. This diet may sound strange but the food is good and still normal for the most part, just think about a steak and baked sweet potato. That's Paleo! </div>
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Anyway, I like sharing recipes that I cook and enjoy, so this Paleo recipe is no different. I turned to my FaceBook friends a few weeks ago for places to find Paleo recipes. They send me several really good links including <a href="http://www.fastpaleo.com/">www.fastpaleo.com</a>. I found this recipe for Cottage Pie and had to try it. Cottage Pie has comfort food written all over it! Well I tried it this week, and it was a hit. I tweaked the recipe for flavor using the ingredients listed below. I doubled the meat, used a whole tiny can of tomato paste, more Worcestershire, more garlic, more onion, more sweet potatoes, etc. The recipe was very easy to put together, and I think it would be super easy to modify and add or take things out. I'd like to add more vegetables next time for example. I added all the extras because I doubled the meat, but I would recommend adding the ingredients and when the meat is done, continue to add salt or pepper or tomato paste until you are happy with the flavor. </div>
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Anyway, here is the Sweet Potato Cottage Pie from: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://fastpaleo.com/sweet-potato-cottage-pie/">http://fastpaleo.com/sweet-potato-cottage-pie/</a></span></div>
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Ingredients: </div>
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-1 lb ground beef (Paleo people want you to buy organic, grass-fed beef)</div>
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-2 medium carrots, finely chopped</div>
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-1 large white onion, finely chopped</div>
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-1 tbs minced garlic</div>
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-1 tbsp tomato paste</div>
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-1 tsp Worcestershire sauce</div>
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-a small handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped (I omitted this.)</div>
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-2 medium sweet potatoes</div>
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-1 tbsp mayonnaise </div>
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-1 cup grated cheddar cheese (this isn't Paleo at all, so I only used a small handful).</div>
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Filling: </div>
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1. In a large saucepan warm the olive oil over medium-low heat and add the onion, carrots, and garlic. Gently fry for 10 minutes until softened. </div>
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2. Add the minced beef, breaking up the larger chunks and turn up the heat slightly so it will brown. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt and a generous hit of black pepper. Simmer until the meat is tender. </div>
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3. Transfer to a 9" pie pan. </div>
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Topping: </div>
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1.Peel and dice the potatoes. Put them in a boiler with a pinch of salt, cover with water and bring to a boil. Boil the potatoes for 20 minutes or until tender. </div>
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2. When ready drain them off, add the butter, mayo, and half of the cheese. Mash thoroughly until a creamy, smooth texture. </div>
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3. Spoon the mixture onto the meat base, taking care to ensure it is speed evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top (I skipped this.) and put under the broiler for about 10 minutes until the topping browns. </div>
Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02668533731780586807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057256844097163096.post-11546529497192413052012-10-21T14:10:00.000-07:002012-11-16T16:47:19.285-08:00Beach time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
It would appear that Gray is his father's child. He loves the beach and would stay all day, every day if he could. I, on the other hand, am so pale that too much sun is never a good choice. That and I'm not really a fan of being covered in sand for hours up to days (in the car, in your bag, in your scalp) after each trip. I try to be a good sport and go occasionally, but I would much rather just look at it than actually play in it. </div>
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Pacific Beach is a tourist haven in the summer months, so we are usually driving around looking for parking or wading through a ton of people for a place to lay our towels out. I prefer going later in the season on a week day. There is generally less people out and the weather is usually nice enough to go at least a couple weeks out of every month. The one thing that is strange about the beach here is that it can be FREEZING in May, and warm in November. It is usually warm all summer, all year really, but the weather isn't 76 and sunny all year around like San Diegans would like for you to think it is. I literally wore a hoodie in late May this year to watch Josh surf. </div>
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This particular day there were tons of dolphins in the water. It seems like I see dolphins fairly often down there, but Gray totally missed them this day. I originally saw one fin and got a little freaked out (I even know that if you see a shark you are generally ok. It's when you don't see them that you could be in trouble.) then I saw about 4-5 more pop up. They were surfing and playing along the beach. Josh surfs with them often enough, and I'm pretty jealous about that. Maybe not jealous enough to surf with him... </div>
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Not sure if I shared these two photos below before, but I just love them so much it can't hurt to re-share them. California has beaches different from anything I've seen on the East Coast or the Gulf, but they are all beautiful in different ways. Pacific Beach is no different, it just happens to have a different vibe than most of the beaches in San Diego. </div>
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<br />Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02668533731780586807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057256844097163096.post-29987940982166679032012-10-01T11:33:00.000-07:002012-11-17T11:52:23.174-08:00Yuma<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Josh went to Yuma for about a month for some weapons training. He was ultra busy, but Gray and I drove out into the dessert to visit him one weekend. A month isn't that long to be gone, but I think it's not fair to Gray or Josh for them to be separated for that long when we are so close (about 3.5 hour drive). </div>
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Yuma is basically alone out in the middle of nowhere, so it wasn't super easy to find something that we could do fairly quickly outside without melting. Josh had a roommate, so we didn't want to just take over while he was trying to study. That lead us to the Yuma Territorial Prison! It was a very interesting museum/prison from the 1800s. It was a very inexpensive little place to visit, and we all enjoyed it. Naturally after we looked around for about an hour, it was way to hot to stick around. We we went to a little sports bar and watched some football in the glorious air conditioning! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gray loved this bell because it was incredibly loud! </td></tr>
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After a day in Yuma, we turned around and came back to San Diego. We got to see some great friends that just moved out there and spend some time with Josh, so it was a great trip. If Josh has to go back out again for more training, I'm going to check into some indoor activities because it's too hot in the desert to spend much time outside. :) </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is always my favorite part of the drive. <br />Imperial Dunes just over the California state line.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exhausted after an action packed day! <br />Passed out in bed with his Bible and his Daddy! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fletch claims his Daddy's spot when he isn't around to do it himself. <br />We really need to buy Fletch his own bed... </td></tr>
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<br />Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02668533731780586807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057256844097163096.post-65450194748093785262012-09-30T23:22:00.000-07:002012-11-17T10:13:44.582-08:00Boyz II Men! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I heard about a Boyz II Men concert coming to San Diego several months before it actually happened. It was the weekend after my birthday, so I thought maybe Josh and I would go together. The USMC had other plans, and sent him to Yuma for a month, which left Gray and I to do something fun all on our own. Luckily he is too little to have any opinions so I got to plan a super fun birth-week celebration which included a 3 day trip back to Disney and a Boys II Men concert in Oceanside! </div>
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A friend wanted to go with us to the concert, so we got in line and accidentally found he house from Top Gun!! It's all fenced up so you can't go in, but it was still pretty neat to see. I did a little google research to see if it was the actual house and found out that the other houses on the street had been torn down or moved, but this one was saved due to its 15 minutes of fame. There are plans to move it to another location, but it hasn't been moved yet. </div>
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On to the concert! It was in an open air concert venue, right next to the water. The Oceanside pier doesn't give good concert views, but I'm sure it still sounded nice to those lucky people who were on the pier that night. They sang for close to two hours, and they sounded amazing in concert. I was also impressed that after 20+ years, they still have all those fancy choreographed dance moves! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passing out roses. The 40-50 year olds were loving it! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gray on stage after the concert ended.</td></tr>
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The venue has stadium seats, so we sat down with Gray instead of fighting the crowd for a closer view. Gray danced, ran, drank lots of water, and whined because it was hot, but I think he did a pretty well at the concert. We did go stand close to the stage (within a few feet of the Boyz) a few times, but Gray was more interested in dancing than watching the concert. Not a bad first concert experience for the Monkey.</div>
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<br />Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02668533731780586807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057256844097163096.post-55627316870141349152012-09-10T14:28:00.000-07:002012-11-16T21:48:32.812-08:00Disney (Part 1)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Josh was spending about a month in Yuma, so we decided to take Gray to CarsLand as a little family day away before he left. We took Gray to Disneyland in March (after Josh's deployment) but CarsLand didn't open until the summer. Gray was freaking out about the commercials every time he saw them, so we wanted to take him to see Mater and McQueen. </div>
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Of course we hit the high points and saw lots of characters in our one day visit. We rode Midway Madness (Toy Story ride), which is maybe our favorite ride. Gray met Goofy, Donald, Buzz, Woody, and McQueen, Mater, Red, and DJ from Cars. We had to hop over from California Adventure to Disneyland to ride a few things, but we spent a large portion of our time in CarsLand. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Next in line for Midway Madness! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Midway Madness is a 4D arcade game. It's excellent! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buzz! </td></tr>
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We did a few random rides before heading to CarsLand because we weren't sure Gray would ever be ready to leave. We took him in the main entrance (there are several ways in) and I'm pretty sure we blew his mind. He stopped in the middle of the street and just stared, then started pointed and yelling "CARSLAND!!!"</div>
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If you have ever been to Disney, then you know that they do everything (literally everything) in the theme! The bathrooms had little cars on them to tell you boy's vs girl's restrooms. Flo's was a diner with a huge rear view mirror on one wall. The flowers made from reflectors from the movie were scattered around town. Sarge's had a flag and mail box outside. It was like walking into the movie. There is a little glass case with the three piston cups that Doc won, hidden Mickeys, lots of fun Mexican stuff in Ramone's. They really did a great job making Radiator Springs real for fans of the movies. </div>
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However, there are only 3 rides and Gray was too short to ride on the super cool McQueen (racing through Radiator Springs) ride by about 1.5"-2". We LOVED CarsLand, but I felt that it fell short in that regard. It looks amazing, but I wanted more. More rides (at least 4, but 5 would have been great) and maybe a museum like in the last movie. It was awesome, don't get me wrong. The other major problem with CarsLand is the sheer number of people. The other parts of the park would be fairly dead, but the lines at CarsLand were crazy. There were people everywhere! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frozen in disbelief. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarge's Surplus</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mater at the Cozy Cone. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside Flo's V8 Cafe!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting on lunch at Flo's.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Flo's.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vG-b65b3s78/UKa75Hp0yCI/AAAAAAAAB3E/ChJrk_RUb58/s1600/DSC_0525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vG-b65b3s78/UKa75Hp0yCI/AAAAAAAAB3E/ChJrk_RUb58/s400/DSC_0525.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ramone's. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luigi's.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luigi's Tire Ride. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">McQueen and Mater drive down main street to the Cozy Cone and switch out for pictures. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stanley. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_Xfh_nvT-0/UKa8uBuLIZI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/ouUjOHDjtF8/s1600/DSC_0635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_Xfh_nvT-0/UKa8uBuLIZI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/ouUjOHDjtF8/s400/DSC_0635.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DJs Dance Party! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KF7-as-GfEg/UKa9CK0VF6I/AAAAAAAAB4o/WbJ9qKWEcK8/s1600/DSC_0679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KF7-as-GfEg/UKa9CK0VF6I/AAAAAAAAB4o/WbJ9qKWEcK8/s400/DSC_0679.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mater's ride. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And maybe his favorite part of the day... <br />Meeting his two favorite Disney characters! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02668533731780586807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057256844097163096.post-16152101718284376782012-09-07T23:25:00.000-07:002012-11-17T09:41:52.759-08:00First day of Preschool! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The military housing we live in has a fabulous Tiny Tots program for 3-5 year olds. I was lucky enough to hear about if from a friend who sent her kids to the program, and for $50/month I couldn't be happier! Preschool in San Diego is OUTRAGEOUS, even on base it is considerably more expensive than the Tiny Tots here. The other really great thing is that its about 4 houses down from us, so we walk to school every day! </div>
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Gray was very excited to start "school" today as you can see with these cheesy smiles! He had fun playing with his new friends, making crafts, snack time, and stories in circle time! I am in shock that he is even old enough to be in school, even if it is just preschool. Lord help me when he actually starts kindergarten or high school! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Figured we needed a traditional front door pic! <br />He was jumping around because he was SO ready to go! </td></tr>
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<br />Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02668533731780586807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057256844097163096.post-51977347233505578512012-08-22T13:03:00.000-07:002012-11-16T23:17:49.332-08:00Summer Fun! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
How about a random post with a bunch of pictures that totally don't match? OK! </div>
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Josh celebrated a birthday, and Gray picked out the cake. There were so many dirt movers on the cake, we almost didn't have enough room for all of the candles. Gray still talks about this cake! </div>
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We stopped by the Pacific Beach firehouse because Gray saw a firetruck come back and was dying to check it out. The firemen were so nice, they let Gray get on one of the trucks and try on one of their super heavy hats! </div>
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Gray got a new hat from the Padre's store, and he wore it constantly until he lost it. Luckily they had not sold out of them before the next game we went to and he got a replacement (that I quickly tagged with my phone number)! He is very serious about coloring in this picture. Or returning crayons to the box.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun times at the Safari Park!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yIElhx6qTqU/UJm_HVydieI/AAAAAAAABlw/07i7WuCoke0/s1600/IMG_6378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yIElhx6qTqU/UJm_HVydieI/AAAAAAAABlw/07i7WuCoke0/s400/IMG_6378.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gray lined his boots up by his Daddy's. Awww. <br />
Had to get a shot of that! </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A0qvskgxrRI/UKMwJwCkbYI/AAAAAAAABoU/1aJ_cwoTf2w/s1600/IMG_6290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A0qvskgxrRI/UKMwJwCkbYI/AAAAAAAABoU/1aJ_cwoTf2w/s400/IMG_6290.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gray is officially a big boy. No more crib in his room! </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oFEHhi5vi1k/UKMv0ajMugI/AAAAAAAABng/Z9mWxIz76W4/s1600/IMG_5581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oFEHhi5vi1k/UKMv0ajMugI/AAAAAAAABng/Z9mWxIz76W4/s400/IMG_5581.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving a Padre's game with Daddy! </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ppnkr36F_0A/UKc3KF5_kXI/AAAAAAAACC8/cMK2c4C5CJM/s1600/IMG_7069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ppnkr36F_0A/UKc3KF5_kXI/AAAAAAAACC8/cMK2c4C5CJM/s400/IMG_7069.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He is so cute, but I'm so scared this is going to end in the ER. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tFk_hF1S66A/UKc3QdsnHZI/AAAAAAAACDE/37nMvleTIOo/s1600/IMG_7223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tFk_hF1S66A/UKc3QdsnHZI/AAAAAAAACDE/37nMvleTIOo/s400/IMG_7223.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He is getting TOO big! </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SZ05lfZwI4g/UKc3VnD6FFI/AAAAAAAACDM/pSJuVJaFe0g/s1600/IMG_7361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SZ05lfZwI4g/UKc3VnD6FFI/AAAAAAAACDM/pSJuVJaFe0g/s400/IMG_7361.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Babysitting two big girls. Fletch is dating both sisters on the sly. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cgCn2hEiRnk/UKc3Wy0Wx6I/AAAAAAAACDU/5E2-dOb7bCU/s1600/IMG_7441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cgCn2hEiRnk/UKc3Wy0Wx6I/AAAAAAAACDU/5E2-dOb7bCU/s400/IMG_7441.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skateboarding in the neighborhood! </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMJBnRFtyMo/UKc3YF58kLI/AAAAAAAACDc/a6moGtR2V7Y/s1600/IMG_7442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMJBnRFtyMo/UKc3YF58kLI/AAAAAAAACDc/a6moGtR2V7Y/s400/IMG_7442.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Josh taught him how to ride on his bottom. Much less scary for me! </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yuPdrRQCJHE/UKc3djNwKAI/AAAAAAAACDk/H3gV1D1UuQk/s1600/IMG_7561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yuPdrRQCJHE/UKc3djNwKAI/AAAAAAAACDk/H3gV1D1UuQk/s400/IMG_7561.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sprinkler time! </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xHhcQlP9Pto/UKc3ipaGJAI/AAAAAAAACDs/24aGE0OYeeE/s1600/IMG_7566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xHhcQlP9Pto/UKc3ipaGJAI/AAAAAAAACDs/24aGE0OYeeE/s400/IMG_7566.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rinse off after playing at the beach!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D8PTUzOTIpo/UKc3qNJIKkI/AAAAAAAACD0/79s_lUEtSK8/s1600/IMG_7662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D8PTUzOTIpo/UKc3qNJIKkI/AAAAAAAACD0/79s_lUEtSK8/s400/IMG_7662.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking Fletch in the neighborhood. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qcnfcWzC3Go/UKc3rvAsDhI/AAAAAAAACD8/A38A1RC0a4c/s1600/IMG_7681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qcnfcWzC3Go/UKc3rvAsDhI/AAAAAAAACD8/A38A1RC0a4c/s400/IMG_7681.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach Day! </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vh6khwdz9w8/UKc3y110XiI/AAAAAAAACEE/6lvALUHq_Dw/s1600/IMG_7764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vh6khwdz9w8/UKc3y110XiI/AAAAAAAACEE/6lvALUHq_Dw/s400/IMG_7764.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fletch recovering from a walk. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v2ed2Z64yAs/UKc31XuAbzI/AAAAAAAACEM/AbNjyqnNusg/s1600/IMG_7792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v2ed2Z64yAs/UKc31XuAbzI/AAAAAAAACEM/AbNjyqnNusg/s400/IMG_7792.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gray gets a hideous hair cut/style. <br />He looks in the mirror and says 'My hair looks stupid.' </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-memlDgj5X24/UKc34sH1z6I/AAAAAAAACEU/U5dpaq2Lh3A/s1600/IMG_7810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-memlDgj5X24/UKc34sH1z6I/AAAAAAAACEU/U5dpaq2Lh3A/s400/IMG_7810.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bike rides to dinner in Pacific Beach. </td></tr>
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Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02668533731780586807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057256844097163096.post-65903534575264979142012-08-07T14:01:00.000-07:002012-11-16T22:31:24.047-08:00Venice Beach and Santa Monica<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
We drove up to Venice Beach and Santa Monica recently because I've been dying to see it. The two places are so close, yet so totally different! Venice Beach is full of hippies and places to get medical marijuana. Definitely not like anywhere else I've ever been! Santa Monica is super nice with boutiques and fancy hotels and restaurants. </div>
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There was a Hare Krishna gathering in Venice that weekend. It was full of people in saris and lots of chanting was happening. They believe in reincarnation and a whole slew of other things that are totally foreign to us; however it was interesting to see. I got a pamphlet and read some about them on the way home. Totally crazy town, but interesting. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iHdQ6cgDsTI/UKaupH3UaMI/AAAAAAAABvw/20_MgIXYS98/s1600/DSC_0236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iHdQ6cgDsTI/UKaupH3UaMI/AAAAAAAABvw/20_MgIXYS98/s400/DSC_0236.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skate park. </td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VhSaytHzDvk/UKauuQfSjzI/AAAAAAAABv4/XO8KVDbM2Tg/s1600/DSC_0243.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VhSaytHzDvk/UKauuQfSjzI/AAAAAAAABv4/XO8KVDbM2Tg/s400/DSC_0243.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--NQpAhzdF0k/UKau313ZdMI/AAAAAAAABwI/25OxeLUca-Y/s1600/DSC_0246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--NQpAhzdF0k/UKau313ZdMI/AAAAAAAABwI/25OxeLUca-Y/s400/DSC_0246.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">People painting concrete structures everywhere. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-apvxWRp1WK4/UKau84FpqsI/AAAAAAAABwQ/23mXqm_r4wA/s1600/DSC_0249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-apvxWRp1WK4/UKau84FpqsI/AAAAAAAABwQ/23mXqm_r4wA/s400/DSC_0249.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little bit of the Hare Krishna festival.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AuVDLLu9fDI/UKavCTN6qII/AAAAAAAABwc/guCTeCvGPKg/s1600/DSC_0262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AuVDLLu9fDI/UKavCTN6qII/AAAAAAAABwc/guCTeCvGPKg/s400/DSC_0262.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They asked Josh if he was interested in a prescription. <br />They didn't look twice at me. Rude?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5e3JVtcKawc/UKavMKwa8qI/AAAAAAAABws/DDyYlPBZXPo/s1600/DSC_0270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5e3JVtcKawc/UKavMKwa8qI/AAAAAAAABws/DDyYlPBZXPo/s400/DSC_0270.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Muscle beach!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kZuAArpMmo0/UKavGcrHriI/AAAAAAAABwk/OrO1MW3EM68/s1600/DSC_0268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kZuAArpMmo0/UKavGcrHriI/AAAAAAAABwk/OrO1MW3EM68/s400/DSC_0268.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This guy was posing in front of tons of people, I couldn't stop snickering. <br />Real mature, right?</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QXGXct-o0DU/UKavRZxRnrI/AAAAAAAABw0/H9zRNtSZ-Qc/s1600/DSC_0280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QXGXct-o0DU/UKavRZxRnrI/AAAAAAAABw0/H9zRNtSZ-Qc/s400/DSC_0280.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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It was getting late-ish and I had a major sun burn on half of my body, so we drove a couple of miles down the beach into Santa Monica. I'm not going to pretend that I didn't want to see the pier because I was dying to see it. I mean, what if we rode in the same seats as Spidey when they got engaged!!! You liked the Hills too, don't try to deny it. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s1VQvBgxWro/UKavVaIT2_I/AAAAAAAABxA/R9RdBITJsGc/s1600/DSC_0284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s1VQvBgxWro/UKavVaIT2_I/AAAAAAAABxA/R9RdBITJsGc/s400/DSC_0284.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just outside of the Santa Monica pier. </td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H_PwYC_cY5c/UKawbO3ilYI/AAAAAAAAByo/yWacLA64keA/s1600/DSC_0390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H_PwYC_cY5c/UKawbO3ilYI/AAAAAAAAByo/yWacLA64keA/s400/DSC_0390.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6MVODJrapLE/UKavfLlAsuI/AAAAAAAABxQ/YWMQVDbrGRg/s1600/DSC_0297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6MVODJrapLE/UKavfLlAsuI/AAAAAAAABxQ/YWMQVDbrGRg/s400/DSC_0297.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting to ride the Ferris wheel. </td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eqHJ5cElHZ4/UKawcbQWjHI/AAAAAAAAByw/pmqOm1GrI1E/s1600/IMG_7716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eqHJ5cElHZ4/UKawcbQWjHI/AAAAAAAAByw/pmqOm1GrI1E/s400/IMG_7716.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kbKCvqKhF68/UKavkQmsmJI/AAAAAAAABxY/3psuWY7I050/s1600/DSC_0301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kbKCvqKhF68/UKavkQmsmJI/AAAAAAAABxY/3psuWY7I050/s400/DSC_0301.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family self portraits in line! Check out the sun burn! </td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YIzEnTGlYwk/UKav0wQViKI/AAAAAAAABxw/n3FPN2T0sWw/s1600/DSC_0335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YIzEnTGlYwk/UKav0wQViKI/AAAAAAAABxw/n3FPN2T0sWw/s400/DSC_0335.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ANuRkQagkA/UKavvgtkVCI/AAAAAAAABxo/ZTfdZwZmyYs/s1600/DSC_0327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ANuRkQagkA/UKavvgtkVCI/AAAAAAAABxo/ZTfdZwZmyYs/s400/DSC_0327.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He loved it!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JRG6lzUU7qE/UKav6kwTIdI/AAAAAAAABx4/g_cz-6ZFy8M/s1600/DSC_0347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JRG6lzUU7qE/UKav6kwTIdI/AAAAAAAABx4/g_cz-6ZFy8M/s400/DSC_0347.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bumper cars!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S3kXbTkYPws/UKawA9Q0RQI/AAAAAAAAByA/ZJAzkWMsYU8/s1600/DSC_0356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S3kXbTkYPws/UKawA9Q0RQI/AAAAAAAAByA/ZJAzkWMsYU8/s400/DSC_0356.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">California beaches are always SO busy! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ePLuMBTBvKw/UKawGcyJi6I/AAAAAAAAByI/iFB1e6xavwY/s1600/DSC_0362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ePLuMBTBvKw/UKawGcyJi6I/AAAAAAAAByI/iFB1e6xavwY/s400/DSC_0362.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reminded me of Despicable Me...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYFHzfc6ybw/UKawQL20DfI/AAAAAAAAByY/7EFMGLRuepc/s1600/DSC_0375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYFHzfc6ybw/UKawQL20DfI/AAAAAAAAByY/7EFMGLRuepc/s400/DSC_0375.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And they won a minion! </td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nXXJ4aVRjcw/UKawVoN0WvI/AAAAAAAAByg/v0I8DR-dkzw/s1600/DSC_0380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nXXJ4aVRjcw/UKawVoN0WvI/AAAAAAAAByg/v0I8DR-dkzw/s400/DSC_0380.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm not sure I would want to live in the area because of all the tourists (and people smoking weed in Venice), but it was a fun place to visit after church on a Sunday afternoon. I'm glad we finally made it up there to see the sights, and we found a fun English restaurant/store in Santa Monica where we had some traditional English fare and I got some fancy English lotion! </div>
Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02668533731780586807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057256844097163096.post-53822384349717956072012-07-31T13:07:00.000-07:002012-11-16T17:24:39.881-08:00Swimming lessons! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Gray started swimming lessons for the first time this summer. He loved it and I think he learned a lot, but I can't believe how much he enjoyed it! We went twice a week for about 2 months, and decided to take a break over the winter. I really liked the place we used, so we imagine we will be going back in the spring/summer next year. Thought a few of these pictures were too cute not to share! He now says "I'm a swimmer!"</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2bSEBbE9wac/UKaq4gonhtI/AAAAAAAABtA/TBrJkbA2S30/s1600/IMG_7186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2bSEBbE9wac/UKaq4gonhtI/AAAAAAAABtA/TBrJkbA2S30/s400/IMG_7186.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Touching the bottom of the pool and retrieving toys off the bottom. </td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OQZltNZhBm0/UKarBBKZEqI/AAAAAAAABtQ/3Q0XxlMj-6Y/s1600/IMG_7576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OQZltNZhBm0/UKarBBKZEqI/AAAAAAAABtQ/3Q0XxlMj-6Y/s400/IMG_7576.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting his turn... </td></tr>
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<br />Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02668533731780586807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057256844097163096.post-61509446636951410712012-07-30T12:46:00.000-07:002012-11-16T18:12:43.700-08:00USMC Homecoming!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I mentioned a friend's husband coming back from a deployment, but thought I would share a few more pictures from that day. Homecomings are amazing. Even if you don't know a sole coming home, just the thought of families being reunited is totally amazing. I cry every single time I go to one because I know how special it is to hold your Marine for the first time in months. It's like you can finally relax because they are home safe... What an amazing feeling. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_DiC4D265R0/UKalsyCx_dI/AAAAAAAABqw/4fCU8mmzmkM/s1600/IMG_6510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_DiC4D265R0/UKalsyCx_dI/AAAAAAAABqw/4fCU8mmzmkM/s400/IMG_6510.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch at the O Club. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AC5-ZFXZ4Tw/UKalc-xlmmI/AAAAAAAABqQ/dN_tf_doXd4/s1600/DSC_0430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AC5-ZFXZ4Tw/UKalc-xlmmI/AAAAAAAABqQ/dN_tf_doXd4/s400/DSC_0430.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for the Marines. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J79DTyNoLqM/UKalf7shijI/AAAAAAAABqY/yWNX0I7cY90/s1600/DSC_0436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J79DTyNoLqM/UKalf7shijI/AAAAAAAABqY/yWNX0I7cY90/s400/DSC_0436.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally here! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IHQvIqc_oYQ/UKalibTlMPI/AAAAAAAABqg/7fZen3i3A5E/s1600/DSC_0463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IHQvIqc_oYQ/UKalibTlMPI/AAAAAAAABqg/7fZen3i3A5E/s400/DSC_0463.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taxing in. Felt like it took FOREVER! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t32814zC3fA/UKalt-akzAI/AAAAAAAABq4/WDx3jacbFAA/s1600/IMG_6516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t32814zC3fA/UKalt-akzAI/AAAAAAAABq4/WDx3jacbFAA/s400/IMG_6516.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Self portraits while we wait. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SkZ6NjdhYtU/UKalurv-4-I/AAAAAAAABrA/-n5WuUKE2cw/s1600/IMG_6520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SkZ6NjdhYtU/UKalurv-4-I/AAAAAAAABrA/-n5WuUKE2cw/s400/IMG_6520.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just discovered how much Gray loves the self-portrait mode on the new IPhone. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hJOvzr4YKaE/UKalvQz2BzI/AAAAAAAABrI/7WISUWlVWKc/s1600/IMG_6522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hJOvzr4YKaE/UKalvQz2BzI/AAAAAAAABrI/7WISUWlVWKc/s400/IMG_6522.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marine wives (and Gray)! </td></tr>
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We took Gray to the park on base to play with some of his BFFs after the homecoming and happened to watch Josh fly out (night flight) while we were there! Here he is headed out into the night! He flies all the time, but I never really know when I'm seeing him or someone else, so it's always fun to KNOW it's actually Josh in the air! </div>
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Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02668533731780586807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057256844097163096.post-67430472257364543132012-07-29T12:52:00.000-07:002012-11-16T17:58:00.848-08:00Christmas You Missed! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The <a href="http://www.militaryymca.org/">Armed Services YMCA</a> in San Diego does a Christmas You Missed every year for the families who had a deployed service member over the holidays. They had fun things for the kids to do, like ride a horse, make crafts, etc. Breakfast was also provided for everyone. There was a fun little Boston Terrier who had his own motorcycle, that the kids LOVED!! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the Coleman kids! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vRg3epDUHdI/UKangsqT8hI/AAAAAAAABrs/-cKt-_m6KNc/s1600/DSC_0218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vRg3epDUHdI/UKangsqT8hI/AAAAAAAABrs/-cKt-_m6KNc/s400/DSC_0218.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ornament making!</td></tr>
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Santa was also there, and he gave out toys to each one of the children. He had a lot of fun with his friends that were there and wasn't expecting a toy from Santa so it was double fun. The ASYMCA did an amazing job on this event! I know that our family, and the families we went with (two others from our Squadron) really enjoyed making up for some of the Christmas memories we missed while Josh was in Afghanistan. Thanks <a href="http://www.militaryymca.org/">Armed Services YMCA</a>!! </div>
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<br />Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02668533731780586807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057256844097163096.post-38330935877560735332012-07-07T13:00:00.000-07:002012-11-16T16:34:35.948-08:00San Diego Fair! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
This was our second trip to the SD Fair since we have lived in San Diego. Josh was working last year, so he missed out. This year he had a random day off, so he was able to go with us for a few hours. </div>
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The fair is HUGE and kind of expensive, but Gray loves it. From Superman as we were waking in the door, to the pig races, turkeys, rabbits, huge pigs, cows, super healthy food (like fried Klondike bars), games, flower decoration/specimens and art winners, space exhibits, and tons of fun rides, Gray was in heaven.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MJNM2MQFc64/UKao706LvmI/AAAAAAAABsA/OxgB3QYnU00/s1600/IMG_6873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MJNM2MQFc64/UKao706LvmI/AAAAAAAABsA/OxgB3QYnU00/s400/IMG_6873.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pneDARhRVUk/UKapCU0nXLI/AAAAAAAABsI/KGFDT988qRk/s1600/IMG_6875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pneDARhRVUk/UKapCU0nXLI/AAAAAAAABsI/KGFDT988qRk/s400/IMG_6875.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gray just loved this pig and kept laughing at him! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First roller coaster! </td></tr>
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Gray had so much fun, and he talked about the fair forever. I love that Gray is able to do more things as he gets older. I think each year will be a little more fun because he will be able to ride more things as he gets taller. Anyway, if you are ever in town the fair is fantastic and they always have live bands and tons of random foods deep fried, so it's worth the trip! </div>
Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02668533731780586807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057256844097163096.post-61703099474875828132012-07-05T00:31:00.000-07:002012-11-16T13:02:46.340-08:00Worst Blogger Award goes to... ME!! <div style="text-align: justify;">
It seems like a million years since my last post (I'm back dating this and a few others so they will show up in the right place time-wise. Don't judge me.), but I'd like to blame a fun filled summer for part of my absence. We went to the San Diego State Fair, celebrated Christmas in July, spent time at the beach, and a lot of other things I plan to fill you in on as fast as I can post. Gray also played soccer on base. I think I shared one picture a few months back, but here are a few more from his final game. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rG0wW8YkaQ0/UJd1YOG0o8I/AAAAAAAABis/tBhXi9pZcdM/s1600/DSC_0156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rG0wW8YkaQ0/UJd1YOG0o8I/AAAAAAAABis/tBhXi9pZcdM/s400/DSC_0156.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is misleading because normally Gray ran the opposite direction <br />
or simply sat in the grass and refused to participate. </td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IWYFozbCr-k/UJd1eNW6V2I/AAAAAAAABi0/Qsr7Tnq4ATw/s1600/DSC_0188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IWYFozbCr-k/UJd1eNW6V2I/AAAAAAAABi0/Qsr7Tnq4ATw/s400/DSC_0188.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eGZMdIInk4Q/UJd1jwcRPqI/AAAAAAAABjA/Jb8OMUFBnd0/s1600/DSC_0206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eGZMdIInk4Q/UJd1jwcRPqI/AAAAAAAABjA/Jb8OMUFBnd0/s400/DSC_0206.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Half-time photos. <br />
(Josh had just shaved his head for a costume the night before in case you were wondering.) </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bZfSidWUFTc/UJd1plkAoUI/AAAAAAAABjI/xfesJEkHTSw/s1600/DSC_0228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bZfSidWUFTc/UJd1plkAoUI/AAAAAAAABjI/xfesJEkHTSw/s400/DSC_0228.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gray and his GF. They are in a very serious relationship. </td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g3h27Z84BI0/UJd1yRDN1kI/AAAAAAAABjQ/CuMWWUGGV14/s1600/DSC_0242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g3h27Z84BI0/UJd1yRDN1kI/AAAAAAAABjQ/CuMWWUGGV14/s400/DSC_0242.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qKCdVbtBDUw/UJd14TYSERI/AAAAAAAABjY/bEChLdTHQ90/s1600/DSC_0253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qKCdVbtBDUw/UJd14TYSERI/AAAAAAAABjY/bEChLdTHQ90/s400/DSC_0253.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gray's trophy!! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fhoY6ssff_g/UJd185m8R0I/AAAAAAAABjk/OdeGA8RkDRs/s1600/DSC_0272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fhoY6ssff_g/UJd185m8R0I/AAAAAAAABjk/OdeGA8RkDRs/s400/DSC_0272.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yXOp7SIV1Gc/UJd2CLmpuFI/AAAAAAAABjs/9H5BMz1f_Pg/s1600/DSC_0285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yXOp7SIV1Gc/UJd2CLmpuFI/AAAAAAAABjs/9H5BMz1f_Pg/s400/DSC_0285.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of the season party. </td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-snu4aQERMNU/UJd2LxVb-9I/AAAAAAAABj8/3vVXt5X2mjc/s1600/IMG_5532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-snu4aQERMNU/UJd2LxVb-9I/AAAAAAAABj8/3vVXt5X2mjc/s400/IMG_5532.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sit tight, because I've got loads more to update the blog with and tons of pictures to share! </div>
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Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02668533731780586807noreply@blogger.com1San Diego, CA, USA32.7153292 -117.157255132.2878202 -117.7889691 33.1428382 -116.5255411tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057256844097163096.post-18966523612766993462012-07-02T20:55:00.000-07:002012-07-02T20:55:00.408-07:00Tricky People<div style="text-align: justify;">
I found this article the other day via a friend's FaceBook page. It has some great information for parents about protecting your children from predators. This article was very insightful. </div>
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I think my favorite line was "Teach your kids not to DO ANYTHING, or GO ANYWHERE, with ANY ADULTS AT ALL, unless they can ask for your permission first." The general idea is: Bad guys aren't always strangers. Be vigilant and aware of adults who are spending time with your children. </div>
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<a href="http://www.checklistmommy.com/2012/02/09/tricky-people-are-the-new-strangers/">Tricky People are the New Strangers</a></div>Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02668533731780586807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057256844097163096.post-55171024739300475402012-06-27T20:50:00.000-07:002012-06-27T20:50:00.594-07:00Since we moved...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
June has been a wild and crazy month so far. We moved the last week of May and spend several days following getting the old house ready to turn back over to the landlords. To say that I've never been more ready to get out of a place and get away from a landlord, is the understatement of the <b>decade</b>. The second night we were in the new house, the landlord (knowing we weren't staying at the house) decided it was perfectly acceptable to just go in the house without our knowledge. That just so happens to be totally illegal in case you were wondering. Trespassing anyone? I had left the alarm armed, so of course it went off and drama ensued. Not only did we not receive an apology, she later demanded we let her have free run of the house for TWO full days to do general maintenance that is normally done after a tenant vacates, on top of several other days she had already spent in and out fixing things. The landlord did not leave herself any time to make changes because she started the new tenants lease the day after ours ended. Does this give you some idea of some of the ridiculous things we had to deal with for 2.5 years? Again, understatement of the decade. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Oj8pCBh7aI/T-p2AIX51vI/AAAAAAAABiM/LV0euuCQjc0/s1600/576939_902043326278_957240871_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Oj8pCBh7aI/T-p2AIX51vI/AAAAAAAABiM/LV0euuCQjc0/s400/576939_902043326278_957240871_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gray on moving day.</td></tr>
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Gray was not a fan of the house hunt, but he is a huge fan of the "new house." He loves that he can go from his room to the living room without having to take a parent with him. He is also in love with the yard and the play ground about 6 houses up from ours. This was his 3rd move in three years (from Florida to North Carolina to California to this house), but the first one that he remembers I'm sure. He seems to be right at home here like we never moved.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CFRXkXafVa8/T-p1_s1CPrI/AAAAAAAABiE/E0ACcz6qS1Q/s1600/484159_902913677088_1260899080_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CFRXkXafVa8/T-p1_s1CPrI/AAAAAAAABiE/E0ACcz6qS1Q/s400/484159_902913677088_1260899080_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Memorial Day. Loving the new backyard! </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dGhTGQLKm9k/T-p19X1r7jI/AAAAAAAABhk/8JaRFxFRcL8/s1600/196072_916041728368_2040157665_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dGhTGQLKm9k/T-p19X1r7jI/AAAAAAAABhk/8JaRFxFRcL8/s400/196072_916041728368_2040157665_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brothers. One is a lot more relaxed than the other. :)</td></tr>
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Now a month after we moved down to the beach, we are mostly unpacked (4 boxes remain). It would all be done by now, but I'm going through everything as I put it up to throw out and donate things that we don't need or use anymore. We downsized a lot when we moved into this house and there isn't room for all the crap we have been lugging around the USA. If you steer clear of the guest room (where I'm hiding the boxes), I think it looks pretty put together. Curtains and hanging the rest of the pictures is next on the to do list! </div>Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02668533731780586807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057256844097163096.post-15815859214958985462012-06-26T23:21:00.000-07:002012-06-26T23:21:21.563-07:00Busy Weekend.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Several Marines from Josh's squadron came home from a 7 month deployment last Thursday. I couldn't miss my friend's spouses homecoming, so Gray and I went to the squadron to join the festivities. Gray was wearing his cammies and his Daddy's wings, so as Gray left the house he waved and said "I'm going to work."</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gKgEyjnIcUk/T-p1_dDObdI/AAAAAAAABh8/ScilV2WnnkQ/s1600/458260_916275010868_2087513241_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gKgEyjnIcUk/T-p1_dDObdI/AAAAAAAABh8/ScilV2WnnkQ/s400/458260_916275010868_2087513241_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too cool for pics with Mommy. </td></tr>
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If you ever have the chance to go to a military homecoming, I would highly recommend it. I haven't ever been to a homecoming where I didn't cry. I tend to be a cryer anyway, but how can you NOT get a little misty when seeing people reunited for the first time in months? I know how excited I was the day Josh got home, but seeing my friends reunited with their husbands is almost as good as if it were my own day to celebrate. There is nothing more special than that first hug and kiss after so much time apart. The days before Josh came home felt like I was getting ready for our wedding with all of the anticipation and excitement in the air. Deployments aren't fun, but homecomings are so amazing they almost make you forget about all the things that he missed or that you had to deal with alone. Almost. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iKWfxRQjMmI/T-p1-jPDEkI/AAAAAAAABh0/vDcWC2Zqt9A/s1600/401815_917158175998_1906641618_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iKWfxRQjMmI/T-p1-jPDEkI/AAAAAAAABh0/vDcWC2Zqt9A/s400/401815_917158175998_1906641618_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Legoland!</td></tr>
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At the last minute we backed out of our plans to go to the SD Fair because it was a beautiful Saturday and I didn't really want to brave the crowds. We opted for Gray's favorite place on earth, Legoland. This kid loves Legoland almost as much as he loves us. It's nice to have something that he loves so much just 25 minutes up the road. He has been begging to go back since before we got to the parking lot Saturday afternoon. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XTLQmZn_IZo/T-p1-LgC-yI/AAAAAAAABhs/oK5ScxlIpUg/s1600/306665_917474237608_1518169441_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XTLQmZn_IZo/T-p1-LgC-yI/AAAAAAAABhs/oK5ScxlIpUg/s400/306665_917474237608_1518169441_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving church. </td></tr>
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We left church Sunday afternoon and Gray just HAD to "sit on the rock." He made this crown in Sunday School (which people in California have apparently never heard of before) and wore it for an extended amount of time Sunday and he continues to talk about it. Josh and I are still driving inland to an amazing church a friend told me about just before Josh deployed. Oh man is it the best church ever! It takes us around 30 minutes to get there from our new place, but we always learn something and get so much out of the services that we just can't switch to a closer church. If you are looking for a place to worship in San Diego, look no farther! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rJyw0A5PwN0/T-qOwMG1nbI/AAAAAAAABiY/wvs8jlcr6aY/s1600/IMG_6686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rJyw0A5PwN0/T-qOwMG1nbI/AAAAAAAABiY/wvs8jlcr6aY/s400/IMG_6686.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First ride on the beach cruiser! </td></tr>
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And finally, we bought beach cruisers a couple of weeks ago. We were waiting to ride them until Gray had a seat and helmet. I finally picked them out and placed an order. Josh installed the seat and as soon as Gray got on it he decided it was a death mobile. He started screaming that he wanted to ride in the car. He wanted to walk. He was "so scared." I told Josh we should just ride around for a minute and see if he warmed to the idea that we weren't going to kill him and within a few minutes he was laughing and having a blast. We rode down to the beach and once we got home Gray said riding the bike was his "favorite." </div>
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Maybe this coming weekend we will hit the SD Fair and try something fried, like deep fried cereal...</div>Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02668533731780586807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057256844097163096.post-521395150604872732012-06-26T19:32:00.001-07:002012-06-26T19:32:20.531-07:00Kennedy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I'm over the moon about the newest addition to our family, but still quite bitter about not having the chance to meet her yet. My sister and her husband, Bob, brought this little beauty into the world about 6 weeks ago. Isn't' she amazing?</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MroonhQxhRo/T-plciBGEWI/AAAAAAAABhY/hi29xTRPG84/s1600/458238_421163141249584_1415294403_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MroonhQxhRo/T-plciBGEWI/AAAAAAAABhY/hi29xTRPG84/s400/458238_421163141249584_1415294403_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Kennedy Reese was born on May 15th. She weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces and was 20 inches long. Her two big sisters weighed the exact same at birth, so that's kind of fun. She has tons of black hair and blue eyes for the moment. She is sleeping a lot and such a sweet baby as far as I can tell. Gray loves Claire's new "baby sister" and I wish we were there so he could hold her and give her kisses. </div>
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OK. OK. <i>Maybe</i> I'm the one who wants to hold her and give her kisses. Gray is really starting to love babies and he is so cute when he sees or hears a baby. He did have a moment of confusion when we first saw some pictures of Kennedy because he thought her name was "Kenny." Otherwise I'm watching her grown via pictures until I can get home to hold her! If anyone wants to help fund a trip to Mississippi, I'm open to donations! </div>Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02668533731780586807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057256844097163096.post-31678549212606869072012-06-12T19:51:00.000-07:002012-06-26T19:51:45.788-07:00Dentist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Gray is officially a big kid. He has successfully completed a trip to the dentist, so I'm pretty sure he can't be a baby anymore. He finally has all of his teeth and I thought that he was finally ready to tolerate a trip to the dentist. While Gray being old enough to go to the dentist makes me kind of sad, his entertainment value has gone through the roof and I guess that's the trade off. Babies are cute and cuddly but 3 year olds are hilarious. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIr-mHhZinE/T9GSrpdPvRI/AAAAAAAABhA/SXMQAFk9NvI/s1600/IMG_6261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIr-mHhZinE/T9GSrpdPvRI/AAAAAAAABhA/SXMQAFk9NvI/s400/IMG_6261.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smiling getting his teeth cleaned with a smile!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1WSsk0CvmqY/T9GSvs7yINI/AAAAAAAABhI/tMh1YsyJnnk/s1600/IMG_6278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1WSsk0CvmqY/T9GSvs7yINI/AAAAAAAABhI/tMh1YsyJnnk/s400/IMG_6278.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He got to pick a prize.</td></tr>
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We were referred to a great pediatric dentist here in SD, and Gray did GREAT on his first trip! He let them do x-rays and clean his teeth, which I am still in a little shock over. I did find out that we aren't supposed to be using 'trainer' toothpaste anymore, so it's good that we went when we did. I wonder if the next trip will go this smoothly...</div>
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</div>Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02668533731780586807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057256844097163096.post-9059184342179692892012-05-21T00:08:00.002-07:002012-06-26T21:19:41.486-07:00Sleeping to Dream<br />
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Jason Mraz has this amazing song that I discovered while Josh was deployed, named <a href="http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/jasonmraz/sleepingtodream.html">Sleeping To Dream</a>. The chorus says:</div>
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Sleeping to dream about you</div>
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And I'm so darn tired</div>
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Of having to live without you</div>
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But I don't mind</div>
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I found that the song pretty much said it all in the midst of Josh's deployment. I would sleep just to dream about having him home, but usually I wasn't so lucky. </div>
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I heard "Sleeping to Dream" on iTunes earlier and it occurred to me that I have been dreaming about our impeding move. A LOT. I dream that we are already there. I dream that we are in the process of moving and our landlords continue to be insane (which is actually fact based). I dream that I can't get our new couches to work in the space. I even had a dream that I tripped and broke a box of treasured items.</div>
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I hope when I fell up the stairs yesterday (that actually happened), it was the last time. I'm so ready to get out of here and be done with this house, this ridiculous corner lot with the crazy fast drivers in this neighborhood, the millions of solicitors, the stupid stairs that I fall (up or down) at least once a quarter, the irritating landlord emails, and all the ridiculous landscaping issues that come with this house. I can't believe we are moving down to the beach Friday --which happens to be in 4 days-- not that I'm counting or anything. </div>
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I am in the process of cleaning and packing the rest of the goods this week. I'm thinking the days ticking by on the calendar will be all the motivation I need to get it all done by Friday. Until then bear with me if the only things I'm capable of discussing are wall colors, forwarding mail, security deposits, insane landlords, boxes, bubble wrap, or the logistics of moving our million dollar framed diplomas without getting any nicks/scratches. I'm apologizing in advance. </div>Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02668533731780586807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057256844097163096.post-23850860119017296872012-05-14T21:50:00.000-07:002012-05-14T21:50:53.687-07:00Too much sun.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Getting too much sun is pretty easy to do when the weather is so nice out. And you are the whitest woman in North America... A lesson I have managed to learn once more as I sit here with lobster arms.</div>
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Fletch is going through his totally awesome annual 'summer shed' phase so my house has been covered in the never-ending aftermath of a Fletch hair tornado. To say that I'm completely sick of his hair covering every square inch of my house and everything I own would be an understatement. Ok, maybe that's just a touch dramatic. However, having to vacuum every other day is no exaggeration. </div>
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Today I couldn't take it anymore, so I took him outside with some de-shedding shampoo and a couple of brushes. I'm not sure if you are supposed to wash a dog and brush him at the same time, but it seemed to get a lot of hair out. I dried him off a bit and started brushing. I'm not even kidding that after an hour of Fletch washing/brushing he was still losing hair like I had just started. I'm pretty sure I've never seen anything like it. Apparently I didn't get his neck well enough because a little scratching and now I need to vacuum upstairs again. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is not his happy face. </td></tr>
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Long story short, after grooming Fletch for over an hour then planting/watering some new flowers in the yard I could play Sebastian on Broadway!</div>
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At least I got almost all of Gray's room, all the linens, and some random things from our closet packed up today after I baked myself in the sun. I'm officially out of boxes, so tomorrow the packing continues after a trip to Walmart for more moving supplies! </div>
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I'm still holding out for legitimate offers for help with packing and moving.<br />
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Anyone? Anyone?<br />
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Yeah, that's kind of what I thought.</div>Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02668533731780586807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057256844097163096.post-55740076843482897572012-05-13T22:16:00.001-07:002012-05-13T22:43:48.356-07:00The days are long, but the years are short...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Today was the 3rd Mother's Day I've celebrated as a "Mom" and I'm pretty sure that it just gets better every year. Josh was fantastic as always and super attentive. Gray was more generous with hugs and kisses. It's not about the cards, flowers, or gifts but I have to admit it's nice to have a whole day to be appreciated for something you love doing anyway. </div>
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I know I don't have all of the answers. Well, I'm pretty sure I only have a few of them, but I know that I love Gray more than I thought I could love anyone. I tell him I love him at least a couple times every day. I love his imagination, his contagious laugh, his big brown eyes, the little freckles that are starting to show up across his nose, the kisses he sometimes gives me when I tell him I DO NOT want one, and just about everything about his personality. Sometimes he irritates the crap out of me and I need a break, but most of the time I love sharing my days with Gray. </div>
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What Mom doesn't want to go to the grocery store alone sometimes (or the bathroom for that matter)? That said, I'm convinced that this moment is the 'good stuff.' I try not to wish time away, because I know every age has trials. No one time is harder (teething or getting a learner's permit) than the next, but one times isn't better than the next (first words or first prom) either. I miss Gray's little coos and big toothless smiles and I miss watching him learn how to walk. The flip side of that is that now I see him learning how to count and build 'houses' out of everything from legos to PlayDough to pillows. What's next? Who knows? But I'm totally ready to find out! </div>
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I'm so blessed to be Gray's Mommy, but I also have the most amazing Mom in the world. In a word she is amazing. She is one of my best friends. She gives great advice. She is smart, beautiful, caring, compassionate, funny, giving, supportive, and adventurous (to some degree). My sister and I couldn't have been more blessed than to be born into our little family because we truly lucked up in the parent department. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*That said, my Mom acts like a 14 year old with her cell phone, but that is a whole blog post in and of itself so I won't get into that at the moment. </span></div>
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Josh asked if I had any idea about what I might want for Mother's Day. I naturally responded with something like "Of course, I've got some ideas!!" I had been eyeing some antique stained glass windows (pulled out of old homes) for basically forever. Antique pieces can be kind of pricey (and sometimes hard to find) and I couldn't justify just going out to get one, but if it is a special occasion... </div>
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We looked around at some antique shops in Ocean Beach and couldn't find anything but I had one more place in mind to try. I accidentally discovered a little salvage place in Little Italy, so we looked there yesterday. Low and behold, there was not one but several pieces hanging in the window! I narrowed it down to a few different ones and finally decided to go with the first one I looked at. I am so excited about hanging it up in the new house, but have decided to prop it up with all of the other wall decorations that I've already taken off the walls. I'm slightly bitter that it's not hanging in a window somewhere casting the most beautiful/colorful shadows, but it doesn't make much sense to hang it up just to patch the holes in a few days. Soon it will be hanging somewhere near the beach, so I guess I can wait a week or two to enjoy it.</div>
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Go read this article "<a href="http://www.boston.com/community/moms/blogs/24_hour_workday/2012/05/motherhood-mom-enough-advice.html">Am I Mom Enough?</a>" because Kara Baskin gives a great "Mommy Wish List" with all of the things she hopes that her children will be/do as they grow into adults. She hits the nail on the head as far as I'm concerned with what is important. I would have loved if she would have added something about children choosing to attend church later in life, but otherwise it was basically perfect. </div>
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Here are a few of my favorites taken from the article... </div>
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-"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; line-height: 21px;">I hope I raise a child who says “thank you” to the bus driver when he gets off the bus, “please” to the waiter taking his order at the restaurant, and holds the elevator doors when someone’s rushing to get in."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; line-height: 21px;">-"I hope I raise a child who realizes that life is unfair: Some people are born rich or gorgeous. Some people really are handed things that they don’t deserve. Some people luck into jobs or wealth that they don’t earn. Tough."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; line-height: 21px;">-"I hope I raise a child who is open-minded and curious about the world without being reckless."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; line-height: 21px;">-"I hope I raise a child who knows that he’s loved and special but that he’s not the center of the universe and never, ever will be."</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; line-height: 21px;">Happy Mother's Day! </span></div>Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02668533731780586807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057256844097163096.post-29715374985385496142012-05-07T22:29:00.000-07:002012-05-07T22:29:46.786-07:00Pacific Beach. Here we come!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I did a quick Google image search and found this image taken in Pacific Beach to show you the beach near our new digs. I think this photo may be a little misleading, because every time I go down to the beach at PB there is a lot of seaweed and even more people to be found on the sand. Nevertheless, this is a beautiful photo of the pier in Pacific Beach. </div>
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The first time we drove down to PB, I remember seeing Brody Jenner! I almost yelled out to my old friend (I think that is a fair term, because I know him better than most of my FB friends), but quickly realized it was his doppelgänger. Then I spotted Brody again, only to find out that 96% of 20-something males in Pacific Beach looked just like Brody. Since that was one of the first days we were here in San Diego, I did not understand that there is a style out here unlike any other I had seen. Shockingly, Brody Jenner<i> isn't</i> the only boy in North America who wears flat brimmed hats. Or tank tops (Think West Coast tank, not white trash tank. There is a remarkable difference.) Or entirely too much black. Or sunglasses that are clearly (at least in the deep south) made for women. It's actually the norm around here. Who knew?</div>
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But seriously, Brody <i>does</i> live just a couple hours north of here. Plus he doesn't have a real job as far as I can tell, so it could have been possible for me to run into him. Stranger things have happened... All of that is to say that "West Coast Casual" is real and I am loving it. We wear jeans to church half of the time, I can were flops basically anywhere. I'm loving California! </div>
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Anywaaayyyy, back to my original post. PB is famous for young people who love night life. Luckily our new homestead is a few miles away from the beach in a quiet little neighborhood so we aren't surrounded by hooligans (man, I've really aged a <b>lot</b> in 5 years) at all hours of the night, BUT we are close enough to enjoy all the exciting things we have been missing out on living 'inland.' Josh and I are both so excited to get moved and settled in, so we can really get to know the area. I can't believe we have less than 20 days until we pick up the keys to our newest home. Actually 18, but who is counting? It's like moving to a whole new city, but without having to make new friends! It's going to be awesome!! </div>
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