tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66815348539631941872024-03-18T20:06:27.048-07:00Keeping Up With The NonericksThe life and times of Ryan Patrick and Darcy Nonemacher (a.k.a. the Nonericks)Ryan, Darcy, and Arlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293645015120249208noreply@blogger.comBlogger227125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681534853963194187.post-23276325684801293702013-04-22T22:31:00.000-07:002013-04-22T22:31:01.406-07:00Busy Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I started a new job last fall, and every year, I will have a busy season from January through April. Between driving back and forth from Olympia (about 3 hours round trip), writing, reading legislation, providing analysis, endless meetings, and late nights, the blog has been largely ignored. </div>
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The good news is things are starting to return to normal, so keep checking back for regular updates. </div>
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The Patricks and Nonemachers both welcomed new members of the family. First, welcome Rory Flynn Patrick! Is he a cute little Irish baby or what?</div>
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<b>Patrick Cousin #1 - Baby Rory!</b></div>
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Nonemachers are quickly growing in numbers to form an entire professional sports league, not just a fill a team roster. My brother, Matt, and his wife, Emily, welcomed a 4th daughter, Violet, a couple of days after baby Rory was born. </div>
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<b>Nonemacher Cousin #6 - Baby Violet!</b></div>
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Busy season wasn't all work and no play. We managed to get a couple of days of snowshoeing in. </div>
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<b>Amy, Byron, and Wyatt on the trail. </b></div>
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<b>Arlo's days in the backpack are numbered. He's growing so fast!</b></div>
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<b>Quiet Mountain Scenery</b></div>
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<b>Family Photo</b></div>
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We also celebrated Ryan's birthday. Arlo loves singing, "Happy Birthday" and blowing out the candles.<br />
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<b>Birthday Brownies!</b></div>
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<b>Arlo is starting to figure out the joy of climbing trees. </b></div>
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<b>Now we can't keep him out of them. </b></div>
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And, of course, the MLS season is back. We love cheering on our Sounders!<br />
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<b>He's a wild man during soccer season. </b></div>
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<b>To break the tension during a game, Ryan pulled out the guitar and Arlo helped with the chords. </b></div>
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<b>Another day, another birthday cake... this time with a painted face!</b></div>
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<b>Practicing driving a tractor so he can help on Grandpa Tom's farm. He's ready!</b></div>
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<b>And a transition to a big boy bed!</b></div>
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It's been a busy few months. Now, the tulips are starting to wither and wisteria buds are on the brink of bursting. Another spring and the hope of sunny weather and more adventures!</div>
<br />Ryan, Darcy, and Arlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293645015120249208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681534853963194187.post-68415128037578210832013-01-05T22:07:00.003-08:002013-01-09T21:43:16.909-08:00Scramble to the finish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, as you can tell, 2012 was a manic scramble to the finish. I have had no time to blog and here's why: </div>
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November was a roller coaster and full of highs and lows. Our beloved pup-kid, <a href="http://darcyandryan.blogspot.com/2012/04/best-dog-ever.html" target="_blank">Soma, battled terminal bone cancer for months</a>. The only way to relieve his pain was to amputate the leg where the cancer originated. Soma rebounded like a champ and was remarkably nimble as a tripawd. Then, we did 5 rounds of chemotherapy in an effort to give us another year instead of a couple of months. </div>
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Despite our best efforts to give him the longest and best life possible, Soma eventually lost use of his remaining back leg and was clearly suffering. We were forced to put him to sleep right before Thanksgiving. It was a crushing loss to us. We have Soma's ashes and plan to spread them in his favorite spots in the garden. </div>
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<b>Gone but never forgotten!</b></div>
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One the same day that we put Soma to sleep, my baby brother returned from deployment in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. The sadness of Soma's loss was immediately shifted to the relief and joy of my brother's safe return. </div>
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<b>Mike and our mom at 1:30 in the morning after the return ceremony that capped off his long trip home.</b></div>
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Next, we hosted a fantastic Thanksgiving dinner with good friends and my brother, who is based about an hour from Seattle. Arlo and his buddy Wyatt worked off the holiday calories by wrestling and laughing on the couch. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjktm3zlzC5d7Yke2ZD3bN36cAKh5fsnv5UXqZ82paDYilEQE58QJ_DotOPVGUOE3enU0Ng6tEkJs0_Ibf9VQsJXiMZpguyDDwviUlDlzYFBIP0q06a7xVblTAO0j3sqC_8t7vfkleXVrTo/s1600/IMG_3503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjktm3zlzC5d7Yke2ZD3bN36cAKh5fsnv5UXqZ82paDYilEQE58QJ_DotOPVGUOE3enU0Ng6tEkJs0_Ibf9VQsJXiMZpguyDDwviUlDlzYFBIP0q06a7xVblTAO0j3sqC_8t7vfkleXVrTo/s320/IMG_3503.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Wild Boys</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNna5tuaVuCYNk5Ajxo2lFkxDgRirW9uMKmt5jjowNkdP-T8Zwz3JwRxJiJtF8JTJI0Rqbzx2rmO62NOInF9EdFvzYTKoaOhChPsqQ26LbM5NbBwMoYYClK-pS47M8GrXueDb_lS1TJEc/s1600/IMG_3515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNna5tuaVuCYNk5Ajxo2lFkxDgRirW9uMKmt5jjowNkdP-T8Zwz3JwRxJiJtF8JTJI0Rqbzx2rmO62NOInF9EdFvzYTKoaOhChPsqQ26LbM5NbBwMoYYClK-pS47M8GrXueDb_lS1TJEc/s320/IMG_3515.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<b>Uncle Mike goofing around with Arlo after dinner. </b></div>
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Our tradition is to put up our Christmas tree on the Friday after Thanksgiving. We don't mess around. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2cRUMRcU87Opm_BChe6mmJ3R5fDX-TBsqZxJmfrsH2uvEf6al6LweqfcdXco6nr7pdQCtcHD1Nq5n8EsyV2lNxZO78z_QlMqUH0UA5Ct_wRJBHXtJ6RszFnGxRpWz6SGXYes9A-MOvyFz/s1600/IMG_3522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2cRUMRcU87Opm_BChe6mmJ3R5fDX-TBsqZxJmfrsH2uvEf6al6LweqfcdXco6nr7pdQCtcHD1Nq5n8EsyV2lNxZO78z_QlMqUH0UA5Ct_wRJBHXtJ6RszFnGxRpWz6SGXYes9A-MOvyFz/s320/IMG_3522.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Arlo was a good helper with the Christmas tree. </b></div>
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Then, I had surgery for a compressed <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Posterior_interosseous_nerve" target="_blank">posterior interosseous nerve</a>. Ryan's folks came to visit, and it was great to see them and have their help when I was stuck in a cast and basically useless to Ryan. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaE8VYY2XSUelYLsXFhW4tEmqZDvMIsBvBLips_YgGlFE-NoGNdbIJtKMf5Nq3OxANA8qCPBhFe36KgLjLyIKJjEDvlyQ_iASencnqBCS3ldmsV0GfRRdEi4cFOGVC4eK-BEognAsDi9Lh/s1600/IMG_3528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaE8VYY2XSUelYLsXFhW4tEmqZDvMIsBvBLips_YgGlFE-NoGNdbIJtKMf5Nq3OxANA8qCPBhFe36KgLjLyIKJjEDvlyQ_iASencnqBCS3ldmsV0GfRRdEi4cFOGVC4eK-BEognAsDi9Lh/s320/IMG_3528.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Story time with grandpa</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9vxXVbJjBe7FZKH-9uDNY7UWCR4nFcwBoRMUOV-XxN-WbZARpW4i8nOltuqUmtWuymzGL5vxOzMrFfoTIe6IQAVh4iBW2e3aRAGg6d3nuuvKEK8Z2rS3W8v3zQ6g15DFfJV0MIf4_YNY/s1600/IMG_3533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9vxXVbJjBe7FZKH-9uDNY7UWCR4nFcwBoRMUOV-XxN-WbZARpW4i8nOltuqUmtWuymzGL5vxOzMrFfoTIe6IQAVh4iBW2e3aRAGg6d3nuuvKEK8Z2rS3W8v3zQ6g15DFfJV0MIf4_YNY/s320/IMG_3533.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Love!</b></div>
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The next item on our list was hosting our annual neighborhood cookie exchange. Although I was one hand down, Arlo was more than ready to help. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bnHOIckudw_AVmQJLqlx61L6RAOR2YsExIRs_eSZ2TjFoK9bL5vugZtHqFQnniYNiRBu4LVhmZPdTtYZn26VbuFYb6WMBAdP7x0ws0tU-kqOvJkbIce2fQRshC4s1E1vUpTEtvmBgyJg/s1600/IMG_3537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bnHOIckudw_AVmQJLqlx61L6RAOR2YsExIRs_eSZ2TjFoK9bL5vugZtHqFQnniYNiRBu4LVhmZPdTtYZn26VbuFYb6WMBAdP7x0ws0tU-kqOvJkbIce2fQRshC4s1E1vUpTEtvmBgyJg/s320/IMG_3537.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<b>Never fear! Baker boy is here!</b></div>
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We got in the car and drove to Montana to spend the holidays at Mimi and Grandpa Tom's farm. Arlo was a little blown away. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWvgsCCC3FrU_HnkU1CFqopc53geezFZkgWPrYqyIZv1e2yUUOgAKpsdBmRKYHHb-Zc0ipGZVEy8SERd32EXCDLaQ1DfXO7AyKe_RsAhC3fHBGVWrMTyDK55WGz7Ce1YWBnxIWjXyh4UEx/s1600/IMG_1452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWvgsCCC3FrU_HnkU1CFqopc53geezFZkgWPrYqyIZv1e2yUUOgAKpsdBmRKYHHb-Zc0ipGZVEy8SERd32EXCDLaQ1DfXO7AyKe_RsAhC3fHBGVWrMTyDK55WGz7Ce1YWBnxIWjXyh4UEx/s320/IMG_1452.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Moo, Cow. Oink, Pig. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrbVG2kvh8T6FqeoatWuivOxH2LilIBGp4y_IK-8ogT4p2u9-pPFbYfB5PG9zmhLIrAFpxmXFgTI4e_oKWZUeau3mTiXEUDkVIV7qgs6eCQVg9kAmHBvqontSyuvPWRYtiMJxRshrMUjrs/s1600/IMG_1450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrbVG2kvh8T6FqeoatWuivOxH2LilIBGp4y_IK-8ogT4p2u9-pPFbYfB5PG9zmhLIrAFpxmXFgTI4e_oKWZUeau3mTiXEUDkVIV7qgs6eCQVg9kAmHBvqontSyuvPWRYtiMJxRshrMUjrs/s320/IMG_1450.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>Helping clear snow but not on a walkway. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySxCkNNLTa8B7S6QmhhmaySFmyv06rnsWg2GkqCfb-ery2u_yiW8mZ9Re_BG1IfGOcKVLlNm0NZsb2LyZCwgnsRzLJSKqjGuVwX8_VnSksSB-tkZrox-pSCep8T3hIE7j1POUVvdBIS_f/s1600/IMG_1453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySxCkNNLTa8B7S6QmhhmaySFmyv06rnsWg2GkqCfb-ery2u_yiW8mZ9Re_BG1IfGOcKVLlNm0NZsb2LyZCwgnsRzLJSKqjGuVwX8_VnSksSB-tkZrox-pSCep8T3hIE7j1POUVvdBIS_f/s320/IMG_1453.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>Christmas morning!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5DRhifzshjhRDf9u57JO9YV9jtOzaz8ADkd3wrO3X4Q9VxfjwLptPYn9Z73ksjZnz8SDEeJFIq2o5jTAK-VzIgD3-aPzbq_eQ3iEW9JjSUjfb999be48Xf031IUl3ECavwKKJWGwV1ij/s1600/IMG_1457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5DRhifzshjhRDf9u57JO9YV9jtOzaz8ADkd3wrO3X4Q9VxfjwLptPYn9Z73ksjZnz8SDEeJFIq2o5jTAK-VzIgD3-aPzbq_eQ3iEW9JjSUjfb999be48Xf031IUl3ECavwKKJWGwV1ij/s320/IMG_1457.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>Santa made Arlo a train table from scratch. </b></div>
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<b>Complete with its own whitewater rapid!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-WWT8ub2QJpCAUMhkuIA_ZoZ_BfHOJCeq9H-g7uromP7FxHiqbWuznxiUELZka0sEGh4_tUs9Aa-FHWxfu4YnXsWwzivCEhWkRchL7WDx6UZqeUD8sHNA3LjR9U7Y6bWEIsHuA8s7Urts/s1600/IMG_3590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-WWT8ub2QJpCAUMhkuIA_ZoZ_BfHOJCeq9H-g7uromP7FxHiqbWuznxiUELZka0sEGh4_tUs9Aa-FHWxfu4YnXsWwzivCEhWkRchL7WDx6UZqeUD8sHNA3LjR9U7Y6bWEIsHuA8s7Urts/s320/IMG_3590.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/12/dining/the-tom-and-jerry-an-odd-ephemeral-drink.html" target="_blank">Tom and Jerry's</a> at Grandma Dot's with family. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMI8eXYUeBd_2CkNPkrc9UgIF50mX5BZEWJ7xcbxXCQelsX5KgTBdIcOPHq4arkiUQSupZfvRfv04EkzA5hyphenhyphendRiDfv_RXzpuvJCq7pYhbFNKHD_F7G6MbfWwQrRmEFXTkHPnFl4NAbjRju/s1600/IMG_3561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMI8eXYUeBd_2CkNPkrc9UgIF50mX5BZEWJ7xcbxXCQelsX5KgTBdIcOPHq4arkiUQSupZfvRfv04EkzA5hyphenhyphendRiDfv_RXzpuvJCq7pYhbFNKHD_F7G6MbfWwQrRmEFXTkHPnFl4NAbjRju/s320/IMG_3561.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>More presents!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKKTQzH45Yi3KQz0_ehygVnsesHLnwnRxNsGnVd3b50FXD1LWojvQYgy4ZU-7BBV9WtqfPGs2GCZgCaDPneUGnknHPohJ30Fkkp1Tmow2VvVTQS0jbi43Hl-JtJZD7l2bmY_xLR8TeZ0v/s1600/IMG_3606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKKTQzH45Yi3KQz0_ehygVnsesHLnwnRxNsGnVd3b50FXD1LWojvQYgy4ZU-7BBV9WtqfPGs2GCZgCaDPneUGnknHPohJ30Fkkp1Tmow2VvVTQS0jbi43Hl-JtJZD7l2bmY_xLR8TeZ0v/s320/IMG_3606.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Awww...</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUGKO0s9uy4Nr4-iOfoEGh7xT8xQdGgZ1l51cJp9kA90T_EuVJdqGGBYnF5B6L8_CAQnE8XSLZy10FJoNRJsBJ0HbYIynjM5-LnrXfMznpjsfflF_aOityDG6ksT-rUNKQB4VyiPxdY25/s1600/IMG_3607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUGKO0s9uy4Nr4-iOfoEGh7xT8xQdGgZ1l51cJp9kA90T_EuVJdqGGBYnF5B6L8_CAQnE8XSLZy10FJoNRJsBJ0HbYIynjM5-LnrXfMznpjsfflF_aOityDG6ksT-rUNKQB4VyiPxdY25/s320/IMG_3607.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Love this photo of my beautiful grandmother. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzXmg8QlcribDnVacXNyGd5Mli02GmzLC2SldLrSJMO61DRrQ3va7sFSK7keUBOWR5wkwDZouL3G0yONQhyphenhyphen_PVrcqjhP92nRnHoIcQFZ8tAc_mnBXHQl2QQyBFv8LDy4RX1IfSxg5c1v5/s1600/IMG_3625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzXmg8QlcribDnVacXNyGd5Mli02GmzLC2SldLrSJMO61DRrQ3va7sFSK7keUBOWR5wkwDZouL3G0yONQhyphenhyphen_PVrcqjhP92nRnHoIcQFZ8tAc_mnBXHQl2QQyBFv8LDy4RX1IfSxg5c1v5/s320/IMG_3625.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Lincoln Logs are classic. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNANCd5VAxzMZfC1jKFYbTCBSlSK6gxRIWqUtKfileLZ8VYuXwQXArcogDstLLYseazytid1T-Q5er7TjLcPB2djCwsMIFyOsmr0WEQTO2_3b_L_VDSVF1rGFulbx2GpxHn3DCk67W7elG/s1600/IMG_3674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNANCd5VAxzMZfC1jKFYbTCBSlSK6gxRIWqUtKfileLZ8VYuXwQXArcogDstLLYseazytid1T-Q5er7TjLcPB2djCwsMIFyOsmr0WEQTO2_3b_L_VDSVF1rGFulbx2GpxHn3DCk67W7elG/s320/IMG_3674.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Dot's house aglow. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9RVPtSKhkRLIVdCqPUW3iGBaqylRIj7gLeO2_pR5gG4CvYZc8pP4ivnbr7GA3hOb9iE2rKf4YrwJGprKUmKAvJaL4-vQ9IpBVoCttIIRcEdbnq50aom5ORdGr5K-Wf8kli-e-bgNyIDaU/s1600/IMG_3697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9RVPtSKhkRLIVdCqPUW3iGBaqylRIj7gLeO2_pR5gG4CvYZc8pP4ivnbr7GA3hOb9iE2rKf4YrwJGprKUmKAvJaL4-vQ9IpBVoCttIIRcEdbnq50aom5ORdGr5K-Wf8kli-e-bgNyIDaU/s320/IMG_3697.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>137 years in 2 cups. </b></div>
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Dot gave us a silver cup that has been given to babies in our family since 1875 (cup on the right) and Arlo received an engraved silver cup from longtime friends, the Kaasa's, when he was born. </div>
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<b>An antique "icicle bracelet" modeled by Grandma Dot. </b></div>
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When 2013 finally arrived, we relaxed a bit by going for walks in parks and feeding birds at the zoo.<br />
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<b>Perfect tree for resting.</b> </div>
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<b>Feeding the birds. </b></div>
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Needless to say, we are taking a breather before my busy season at work starts in a week or two. Even though 2012 was a whirlwind, we are looking forward to a wonderful 2013. More adventures to come!<br />
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Happy New Year!Ryan, Darcy, and Arlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293645015120249208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681534853963194187.post-90140382250187093042012-11-04T10:31:00.003-08:002012-11-04T10:31:36.209-08:00Trick or Treat!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As you know by now, we love Halloween. How can you not love a holiday where dressing up, eating massive amounts of candy, and decorating to scare yourself and your friends is required?</div>
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Every year, we have a costume party, and last year we had to cancel at the last minute because Arlo came down with a rash and fever. So this year, we were ready to go all out. We had about 30 adults and kids in costume in our house. </div>
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This year, I was hoping to make a<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sasquatch" target="_blank"> Sasquatch costume</a> for Arlo. We talked about it for weeks, and Arlo talked about Sasquatch nonstop. He seemed so excited. I got a few brown wigs and started hand sewing them to a brown long sleeve t-shirt and pants. Arlo liked wearing the wig but when it came to the furry shirt, he got a little freaked out. When I asked him what he wanted to be for Halloween, he said, "Um, a ghost." At least it was an easy costume to make, but my Martha Stewart, Halloween loving self was a little disappointed. </div>
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On the night of Halloween, Arlo and his friend (and next door neighbor), Barrett, went trick-or-treating together. We had more trick-or-treaters than ever before. We had a great time and it was simply our best Halloween ever!</div>
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<b>Arlo and Barrett before hitting the streets!</b></div>
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<b>A haunting...</b></div>
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Scenes from our Halloween party:</div>
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<b>Barrett enjoying the scene. </b></div>
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<b>August and his dad, Dan, talking about their favorite Halloween stories. </b></div>
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<b>Arlo watching baby Mary sleep. </b></div>
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<b>Not sure how she did it with so much commotion around her!</b></div>
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<b>Batman and Robin!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir2Wzt_tX0clrNY4o42RllQx5bTLl4kZX7uehCR_9hfvFBXm3_SfCrOmf9okntL-MtBNs9TVpH8JUPw73KVg7E_xjKnQPgYxuC88UgV9CxNtRYdqEJy2QydwjDDG1O4CYC9wmqLheqBlSd/s1600/IMG_3386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir2Wzt_tX0clrNY4o42RllQx5bTLl4kZX7uehCR_9hfvFBXm3_SfCrOmf9okntL-MtBNs9TVpH8JUPw73KVg7E_xjKnQPgYxuC88UgV9CxNtRYdqEJy2QydwjDDG1O4CYC9wmqLheqBlSd/s320/IMG_3386.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<b>Ryan went as Beaker from the muppets</b></div>
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<b>As the party went on, Beaker got a little, um, worn out. </b></div>
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<b>Thankfully, Misty May Treanor from the US Beach Volleyball team was there to help whip Beaker into shape. </b></div>
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<b>Arlo and his BFF, Vivian.</b></div>
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<b>Vivian was a spider -- I wish I got a nice photo of her cool costume!</b></div>
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<b>Barrett enjoying her accessories. </b></div>
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<b>Eric and baby Mary.</b></div>
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<b>Lining up the kids for a photo is considerably harder<a href="http://darcyandryan.blogspot.com/2010_10_01_archive.html" target="_blank"> than it used to be</a>. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1JZOIIKhuqOx9fgBVbDd7cx9vykW5yti1yrxVksoagHJe-sTWal6YhumRhEfhuXB14M8djCBBxPreeZol7516Sh4RiSXj7TgnzGw2Xo12WShCay-Y2TYKuOWSLQd_3o1eEcge7oHSagrd/s1600/IMG_3413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1JZOIIKhuqOx9fgBVbDd7cx9vykW5yti1yrxVksoagHJe-sTWal6YhumRhEfhuXB14M8djCBBxPreeZol7516Sh4RiSXj7TgnzGw2Xo12WShCay-Y2TYKuOWSLQd_3o1eEcge7oHSagrd/s320/IMG_3413.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>I'm not sure what Arlo is doing in this series of photos. Such a goofball!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWocTkT0hc1rAiYM9CFM4veYpfEHrBoZsbnMC6tOcxzB0b_v_Y6IhgPJlK3F_ByYfxGl-ykEgnGaoD3EkG46BgOkM9hX_6vZo7S_cgDOnwNUf4qFjcb49khVodTSwtLPY2idgHS3q2yU-/s1600/IMG_3414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWocTkT0hc1rAiYM9CFM4veYpfEHrBoZsbnMC6tOcxzB0b_v_Y6IhgPJlK3F_ByYfxGl-ykEgnGaoD3EkG46BgOkM9hX_6vZo7S_cgDOnwNUf4qFjcb49khVodTSwtLPY2idgHS3q2yU-/s320/IMG_3414.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Maybe Arlo feels like his artistic vision is compromised by the other kids?</b></div>
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<b>Baby Fiona out of her cow costume. </b></div>
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<b>Fiona and Erin </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6IVeEw3C_HcPO7lGfnPCKuHBk9kA5TY583xUcwwq2NGNLKE-oaoSkVK8kY5fcDibA-4QkcPAfh-xuJI8pfWYWffJrFzQInAVFBU3vquy2oFki-ycw2AbE9tgEZpAVN0SuJjXVjI3jB2x/s1600/IMG_3437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6IVeEw3C_HcPO7lGfnPCKuHBk9kA5TY583xUcwwq2NGNLKE-oaoSkVK8kY5fcDibA-4QkcPAfh-xuJI8pfWYWffJrFzQInAVFBU3vquy2oFki-ycw2AbE9tgEZpAVN0SuJjXVjI3jB2x/s320/IMG_3437.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Byron, Amy, and Wyatt: Where the wild things are!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFqdfL7V-EvXV0j0KMtu1sEI4EyEsdBa6wi1UygcDasDUOM6x1y7cnJIt0a5DmEqCMEvK5M8SmYy8S_V26nj6qFVESN9E2DtCvmjtFwdiWUfHd-dYTQt-5Wb9AsWBpdwSB-CZgf6F3YSr/s1600/IMG_3439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFqdfL7V-EvXV0j0KMtu1sEI4EyEsdBa6wi1UygcDasDUOM6x1y7cnJIt0a5DmEqCMEvK5M8SmYy8S_V26nj6qFVESN9E2DtCvmjtFwdiWUfHd-dYTQt-5Wb9AsWBpdwSB-CZgf6F3YSr/s320/IMG_3439.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<b>Spooky but yummy skeleton cupcakes!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoicCnMXm-9suP3rpcfqzLZaD7DkrZFBXsQvsSQXYfhZ97Ue3HpqlVBR-oXm7ohsiJ3btqURocS4kquishMeIpA5TeI2-BzBTDHEKADAhbfDrubcrug2CzyJ8d2syS5P4lnB33_E8o1KRk/s1600/IMG_3441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoicCnMXm-9suP3rpcfqzLZaD7DkrZFBXsQvsSQXYfhZ97Ue3HpqlVBR-oXm7ohsiJ3btqURocS4kquishMeIpA5TeI2-BzBTDHEKADAhbfDrubcrug2CzyJ8d2syS5P4lnB33_E8o1KRk/s320/IMG_3441.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>You know it's a good party when you find a Lego bin on your head!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tOrKT1wFRbHNKcKQc-QUnwDrRGZBQQs09KyDIbIHiF6h6-ODpUZvg1m8LypBaslDA7s0IN6Sx9CBbd0FUlktRL5Vakqs6JqFJpT3lu5Xc-cfckx-MKA5SuEVStwMf4oVejhpevKSAnir/s1600/IMG_3443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tOrKT1wFRbHNKcKQc-QUnwDrRGZBQQs09KyDIbIHiF6h6-ODpUZvg1m8LypBaslDA7s0IN6Sx9CBbd0FUlktRL5Vakqs6JqFJpT3lu5Xc-cfckx-MKA5SuEVStwMf4oVejhpevKSAnir/s320/IMG_3443.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Arlo and Pat laughing it up!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMU9yiy-kbIkzZv_Qzag0x7f0qfGdTnBb31s1NY9qkicOqTU_-TXe0In34qEjI8x9An3ZTqh1FIIrQFVth0Fuf7amzH94_fmJWI72ajZYimTr3BJfGPlKmZOXt_0dWPyLFtWjnvR4oiB6/s1600/IMG_3444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMU9yiy-kbIkzZv_Qzag0x7f0qfGdTnBb31s1NY9qkicOqTU_-TXe0In34qEjI8x9An3ZTqh1FIIrQFVth0Fuf7amzH94_fmJWI72ajZYimTr3BJfGPlKmZOXt_0dWPyLFtWjnvR4oiB6/s320/IMG_3444.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>"I don't know!"</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTHxiLWjxMCCLk191avD5r-kRVDcocH8zJXBd6xZbSdjqTH57OmVya2djzOEF_Ahdz32BcrhdFiIeomlW-vkiTSp-C9HjyKZUB1s95Q9e-GVinLLH9OuPZHkU01yRKOmkydcqE-zTB8e2o/s1600/IMG_3445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTHxiLWjxMCCLk191avD5r-kRVDcocH8zJXBd6xZbSdjqTH57OmVya2djzOEF_Ahdz32BcrhdFiIeomlW-vkiTSp-C9HjyKZUB1s95Q9e-GVinLLH9OuPZHkU01yRKOmkydcqE-zTB8e2o/s320/IMG_3445.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Milo and Arlo are good buddies.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENHC0jGJ0bV-dN_FLBvimahpFDaYV83_ClTqWzCIpcO754yhs4r2qmJ_hxgWcKe_D5Ii-FCjee4XMWn31qKyxdXIKW3l3PCACUiB0gpqmAYfI3Z1bgRQOeFpdQ5smRPY1CLWXR5U9ng41/s1600/IMG_3448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENHC0jGJ0bV-dN_FLBvimahpFDaYV83_ClTqWzCIpcO754yhs4r2qmJ_hxgWcKe_D5Ii-FCjee4XMWn31qKyxdXIKW3l3PCACUiB0gpqmAYfI3Z1bgRQOeFpdQ5smRPY1CLWXR5U9ng41/s320/IMG_3448.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Messing around!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEkv8mlobltaii2JvP-NOJWBeeikCJPtc6xGNxZmB8DxUuiANhp2h9U3N2YVARS8hzUUeR1rwKzs-FjlhyphenhyphenTwnyz_gTU7VrWrH8ikK7WqJ1AbLV-gWUEDDqhzVUm6T_k1SRr_QutS6T0hM/s1600/IMG_3456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEkv8mlobltaii2JvP-NOJWBeeikCJPtc6xGNxZmB8DxUuiANhp2h9U3N2YVARS8hzUUeR1rwKzs-FjlhyphenhyphenTwnyz_gTU7VrWrH8ikK7WqJ1AbLV-gWUEDDqhzVUm6T_k1SRr_QutS6T0hM/s320/IMG_3456.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Serious talk about the upcoming election. Ok, maybe not.</b></div>
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<b>Jennifer and new baby Jack.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmH4fAF4VMQG6hfv1cdQiYXtaLqFNvdR5gqqnfhSw_J3YFrTDz-ysVhdhQ2wb1t-qCCJ_UAMXJyZceHfEGJCQSn1OqRx1-TOp-vLAYLg2Cai64jIPdmng0_aO15TPE_3D1vARr7UMnA7Gz/s1600/IMG_3463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmH4fAF4VMQG6hfv1cdQiYXtaLqFNvdR5gqqnfhSw_J3YFrTDz-ysVhdhQ2wb1t-qCCJ_UAMXJyZceHfEGJCQSn1OqRx1-TOp-vLAYLg2Cai64jIPdmng0_aO15TPE_3D1vARr7UMnA7Gz/s320/IMG_3463.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<b>Jack's big sister, Lucy.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72YEcQuIaP7576zlTXkAvtPSB6_s2ttqkFEjjAKEMtYq85nOvagighV9Rg9GsIGIv-RMX7MnLoDhDU-pL_NxiGqdtpw1hk5YPrioGpLS4e6GcvhRk85Pn69v0dLFd_s4J2AP1Sz7m9Rl1/s1600/IMG_3422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72YEcQuIaP7576zlTXkAvtPSB6_s2ttqkFEjjAKEMtYq85nOvagighV9Rg9GsIGIv-RMX7MnLoDhDU-pL_NxiGqdtpw1hk5YPrioGpLS4e6GcvhRk85Pn69v0dLFd_s4J2AP1Sz7m9Rl1/s320/IMG_3422.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<b>Good times!</b></div>
<br />Ryan, Darcy, and Arlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293645015120249208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681534853963194187.post-51799627206979851942012-10-14T21:26:00.001-07:002012-10-14T21:26:54.978-07:00End of Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Seattle had an amazing summer full of sunshine and warm weather. September was amazing, and near the end of the month, we enjoyed our last dinner on the deck. All summer, we enjoyed barbecue pizzas, vegetables from the garden (supplemented with many store bought veggies, we must admit), and fresh fish. </div>
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Our last meal of summer was lemon and dill salmon, grilled of course, with a salad of tomatoes and carrots from our garden, and Israeli couscous with pistachios and garden herbs. </div>
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I have to say that couscous is one of my favorite things ever. EVER. Why? It's easy and fast to cook. It's easy to dress up. Don't believe me? See below. </div>
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<b>We are so lucky to live in a place with a variety of fresh fish. </b></div>
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The truth, however, is that many species are overfished and on the brink. For a quick guide that will help you be a savvy consumer, check out <a href="http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/cr_seafoodwatch/sfw_consumers.aspx?c=ln" target="_blank">Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch</a> (they also have a handy iPhone app). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkeTbgk7nskI3K_krbuaHq6L19IjK6GYyvUw7nSoja_sXrMNoytjv5eDufO5Jmm-15BBPnsCpUFY-FTjurXzTXQLzYwKL_bONjqIPqRCOeaeF4zFWc2DgQgOWnsJqAcdTdtMr4jTf1Ecn9/s1600/IMG_3295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkeTbgk7nskI3K_krbuaHq6L19IjK6GYyvUw7nSoja_sXrMNoytjv5eDufO5Jmm-15BBPnsCpUFY-FTjurXzTXQLzYwKL_bONjqIPqRCOeaeF4zFWc2DgQgOWnsJqAcdTdtMr4jTf1Ecn9/s320/IMG_3295.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Black Cherry tomatoes and a blend of orange and white carrots with parsley and green onions. Drizzle with oil, a splash of balsamic vinegar, and salt and pepper and voila!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMp-odNa629h7BxDI13Pi-kswsV367CfzHmpxouiU4iFA7Slv2keRGogjIyMNCZIfAbYQfXjN3SbE1ckSjzTk80wB9ygFmXrAlYtr-sV9JSykqpob7BqNdmJswgGdPts_7Rms2QSB3MFW/s1600/IMG_3304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMp-odNa629h7BxDI13Pi-kswsV367CfzHmpxouiU4iFA7Slv2keRGogjIyMNCZIfAbYQfXjN3SbE1ckSjzTk80wB9ygFmXrAlYtr-sV9JSykqpob7BqNdmJswgGdPts_7Rms2QSB3MFW/s320/IMG_3304.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Israeli couscous with golden raisins, toasted pistachios, and parsley (recipe below).</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7n1Vz3PIpEixAvqXhMQunjShCaVQAW6g_lGE1x2p_8tgLaMPsIvRmG9Iif7UO-AAtkR8uBByvF8VUqKIDavV5JM3tfrgE8yfQ-3QuV-tKkEN-n40L3Ab66W_GqrdJpzFpmf0RMl7KyxPC/s1600/IMG_3307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7n1Vz3PIpEixAvqXhMQunjShCaVQAW6g_lGE1x2p_8tgLaMPsIvRmG9Iif7UO-AAtkR8uBByvF8VUqKIDavV5JM3tfrgE8yfQ-3QuV-tKkEN-n40L3Ab66W_GqrdJpzFpmf0RMl7KyxPC/s320/IMG_3307.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<b>Add some sun and a good beer, and you have an incredible meal!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6PsWAhbpCUt5DpaLhcAsq_cQ5M-_Hq0eCuWWjG6aMCVjN5ZeU8Ikq-_oim8cBwEOlAyXztpygeVof2AOpilUGIpSUVpi3xZF0F871MenwLExHJPcHtJTTn3HzCbXLgQX39kezda0lNzQ_/s1600/IMG_3313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6PsWAhbpCUt5DpaLhcAsq_cQ5M-_Hq0eCuWWjG6aMCVjN5ZeU8Ikq-_oim8cBwEOlAyXztpygeVof2AOpilUGIpSUVpi3xZF0F871MenwLExHJPcHtJTTn3HzCbXLgQX39kezda0lNzQ_/s320/IMG_3313.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Arlo loves it!</b></div>
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Israeli Couscous with Raisins and Pistachios</div>
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1 Tbsp olive oil</div>
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1 cup Israeli couscous</div>
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1 1/2 cup of broth (chicken or light vegetable broth preferred)</div>
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1/2 cup of toasted pistachios</div>
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1/4 cup of golden raisins</div>
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Mix of fresh herbs to taste (parsley, mint, etc.)</div>
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Salt and pepper to taste</div>
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If you have raw pistachios, you can easily toast them by putting them in a dry sauté pan and either warming them over medium heat or putting them in a 350 degree oven. The key is to remove the nuts from the heat when you smell them. I also like to turn them a few times, and you should notice some browning on at least one side. </div>
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Heat the olive oil in a thick bottomed soup pan. Add the couscous and toast for a few minutes. Add broth and lower heat. Cook until the couscous is soft, typically about 10 minutes. add pistachios, raisins, herbs, and finish with some fresh ground pepper. Enjoy!</div>
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<br />Ryan, Darcy, and Arlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293645015120249208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681534853963194187.post-54811798186619391552012-09-23T21:06:00.000-07:002012-09-23T21:06:01.973-07:00Ready, Set, Break!After 5 years, I recently left my job at a national river conservation group, <a href="http://www.americanrivers.org/" target="_blank">American Rivers</a>, to take on a new role as Legislative Director at a state-based nonprofit, <a href="http://wecprotects.org/" target="_blank">Washington Environmental Council</a>. Although I'm happy and excited for a new challenge, I wanted to take some time to recharge before taking on a demanding new job. After leaving my old job, I took a couple of days to catch up on a few things and then we left on a jet plane for a family trip to <a href="http://www.syracuse.ny.us/home.aspx" target="_blank">Syracuse, New York</a>. (Note to reader: it is very important to include New York when talking about Syracuse, New York. If you don't, you risk confusing someone who may think you mean <a href="http://www.syracusein.org/" target="_blank">Syracuse, Indiana</a>.) <div>
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The trip was wonderful. It has been too long since we traveled to Syracuse, New York, to visit Ryan's family. Here is a photo collection of the trip:<br /><div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJut37fmdRjsKzpZavHj0RxWz1vgSQP0vzTzfYCs25xJg8DER3FGFrKTsLEP7F-V_062OP6ZzyLttKCUlOEUsECqp40YjBcmZG_192ccZUF2P46fH6RBvkzk82Y20H2v-MPJhtZd_rQ4R/s1600/IMG_1185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJut37fmdRjsKzpZavHj0RxWz1vgSQP0vzTzfYCs25xJg8DER3FGFrKTsLEP7F-V_062OP6ZzyLttKCUlOEUsECqp40YjBcmZG_192ccZUF2P46fH6RBvkzk82Y20H2v-MPJhtZd_rQ4R/s320/IMG_1185.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Sleeping in coach is easy. I don't know why people complain about leg room. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKL_KFofvM3RDjanrtdpKA8UXd6-8T3zZ8lnRuagVNg8FpyG4NGlpU5IQgFQ07lVcAsKwdOlMgWzoK8GbiWVd3cy4IO_RBv4mbCzSC9GkxNd_NmNI3FFVvZ4zYz4i8dyErzpCUwp6noO7s/s1600/IMG_1186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKL_KFofvM3RDjanrtdpKA8UXd6-8T3zZ8lnRuagVNg8FpyG4NGlpU5IQgFQ07lVcAsKwdOlMgWzoK8GbiWVd3cy4IO_RBv4mbCzSC9GkxNd_NmNI3FFVvZ4zYz4i8dyErzpCUwp6noO7s/s320/IMG_1186.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>We found a playground in the Minneapolis airport. Score! </b></div>
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<b>Arlo pretended he was a London bus driver and loved it!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXiLfFcfhxGXZwQpc3VgM9cgaGsZR2XTHLS-JdStnjR5vmMwtHpwXxTQc7HkAE-CxgzvCUhi6VYVi892C7CclYuojB-MnptaEWAXJ2ICM9DhjtIXgoViczqyGsJHXnSjV6d6P8sMSrtpj/s1600/2012-09-15+12.26.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXiLfFcfhxGXZwQpc3VgM9cgaGsZR2XTHLS-JdStnjR5vmMwtHpwXxTQc7HkAE-CxgzvCUhi6VYVi892C7CclYuojB-MnptaEWAXJ2ICM9DhjtIXgoViczqyGsJHXnSjV6d6P8sMSrtpj/s320/2012-09-15+12.26.35.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>Arlo, Ya-Ya and Grandpa's coffee table, cars, and trains were the major focus for everyone. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstCmTztKEGVlVc5gTc5S0j2nnQnDg0kquhhHhlKx4ikCR4wE59OUm94EH3EFPy8ZK1XzrOrdiV8wO7vkiYNDv62eJJVXKwpJpSheq3hkw9naM9wg09oZXwR0rIfX7Ju5jfW5VxKhEJLoV/s1600/2012-09-15+12.27.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstCmTztKEGVlVc5gTc5S0j2nnQnDg0kquhhHhlKx4ikCR4wE59OUm94EH3EFPy8ZK1XzrOrdiV8wO7vkiYNDv62eJJVXKwpJpSheq3hkw9naM9wg09oZXwR0rIfX7Ju5jfW5VxKhEJLoV/s320/2012-09-15+12.27.27.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Arlo and Uncle Sean discussing the design of cars and trucks and the potential for improving mileage rates with new technologies that are emerging on the market. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFTf5wiPK-bFZ5JewvW0Go5jv-xCeQGKjgCbs8pEdHYNM8tFL2yZWSl9zLBkuplppgKkJexj3nsQ1vb0HSz75XAO0cB4nfhY2goD7pyyXTnk0lCwJC_lqNCsKstCvdkKKbMbWVb_8vB0k/s1600/2012-09-15+20.17.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFTf5wiPK-bFZ5JewvW0Go5jv-xCeQGKjgCbs8pEdHYNM8tFL2yZWSl9zLBkuplppgKkJexj3nsQ1vb0HSz75XAO0cB4nfhY2goD7pyyXTnk0lCwJC_lqNCsKstCvdkKKbMbWVb_8vB0k/s320/2012-09-15+20.17.18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>The Patrick Crew. </b></div>
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<b>The stairs are getting tighter and tighter as we add more members to the family. </b></div>
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<b>Special congratulations to Kara and Jack (just behind me on the stairs) on their upcoming nuptials! </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5vI7oxG9omfJFwNxEYsg9J93jg2mGVOBPQMWwIaZfTDomrpDCBv7h4pcsJJXF-TOlBydmbopKO_yU_hKQvhVLmv5yhP9Js2ElbuzNtOGz0EHmG3R1bHy3zxpZgwFRe-Ebpbb8PrFDcAv/s1600/2012-09-16+16.21.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5vI7oxG9omfJFwNxEYsg9J93jg2mGVOBPQMWwIaZfTDomrpDCBv7h4pcsJJXF-TOlBydmbopKO_yU_hKQvhVLmv5yhP9Js2ElbuzNtOGz0EHmG3R1bHy3zxpZgwFRe-Ebpbb8PrFDcAv/s320/2012-09-16+16.21.09.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Aunt Chris Ann, Uncle Chris, and the Nonericks. (Arlo, close your mouth!)</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9tBDtKSvrFNUbO7VGfqICUO16z3MpW3mOBYavAdjPv55BvRh5JN12zESSEv4Y6KfIJxfHxTPcXRjLE0kwTjfJEXmGaBva_gJaHFEUqtnJMa10aK-vxTrGEQuR71rgcjiZcYWaMGtp632M/s1600/2012-09-16+18.25.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9tBDtKSvrFNUbO7VGfqICUO16z3MpW3mOBYavAdjPv55BvRh5JN12zESSEv4Y6KfIJxfHxTPcXRjLE0kwTjfJEXmGaBva_gJaHFEUqtnJMa10aK-vxTrGEQuR71rgcjiZcYWaMGtp632M/s320/2012-09-16+18.25.21.jpg" width="235" /></a></div>
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<b>Get your motor running...</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDK4Bi9jqXgRKZxkcuxPDpDCmUepurTWUKQUiQKuRKVKbqhMYdvIQRRrO0R_2JBPQkNl4xs5L9AMSkvCBiyCFyHOdEp-2htv7MN5z_9tgO2FQH5MA_4D99mKVtefMu9qKIUHyNRlQ1AoP/s1600/2012-09-16+18.25.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDK4Bi9jqXgRKZxkcuxPDpDCmUepurTWUKQUiQKuRKVKbqhMYdvIQRRrO0R_2JBPQkNl4xs5L9AMSkvCBiyCFyHOdEp-2htv7MN5z_9tgO2FQH5MA_4D99mKVtefMu9qKIUHyNRlQ1AoP/s320/2012-09-16+18.25.37.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
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<b>Head out on the highway!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylOo4VntQpUGBROYFxkhDi3r19m1eKZQ53umPfyBCiOuOMn8PIVqEaCZEsjQ99wRNS8BfcbWKyXA2ipNqUApZqxraGgQfpfJ2xeitO3gYG6VP2t-QpMyBxy7JLSZAF01MmvEnWjTuTgSG/s1600/2012-09-17+11.19.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylOo4VntQpUGBROYFxkhDi3r19m1eKZQ53umPfyBCiOuOMn8PIVqEaCZEsjQ99wRNS8BfcbWKyXA2ipNqUApZqxraGgQfpfJ2xeitO3gYG6VP2t-QpMyBxy7JLSZAF01MmvEnWjTuTgSG/s320/2012-09-17+11.19.26.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Arlo's dream of watching a tractor work came true at <a href="http://www.beakandskiff.com/" target="_blank">Beak and Skiff </a>apple farm.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WBRQpUy3obcj-XjVjwTu41C5nUW6O1zt1-v66DKzJkM2pH2WUVs6XpXKohUxl6HAXxW5EZgLnJ_TyqF7MpTGXR3LJBlb3wg-7uqjiw3kRtEy8z5n8px2-xsp2q_K7oe09IaN_OjlyUFD/s1600/IMG_1193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WBRQpUy3obcj-XjVjwTu41C5nUW6O1zt1-v66DKzJkM2pH2WUVs6XpXKohUxl6HAXxW5EZgLnJ_TyqF7MpTGXR3LJBlb3wg-7uqjiw3kRtEy8z5n8px2-xsp2q_K7oe09IaN_OjlyUFD/s320/IMG_1193.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>A good farmer always tests his product for freshness. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOZlsdUCIEcPl1ADR4ntYw8A8BfONcoQ_CXz3GwzgzYGs6r0MsbfTgFmU3c1w-Wp-qMpUV8HLLIj6sJ8qknhK1qjXL0w0Aqvx8EVGyIhpg_0zPkjalDu4dqA_dvlclGPcsdsN5PZA2sh_/s1600/2012-09-17+11.43.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOZlsdUCIEcPl1ADR4ntYw8A8BfONcoQ_CXz3GwzgzYGs6r0MsbfTgFmU3c1w-Wp-qMpUV8HLLIj6sJ8qknhK1qjXL0w0Aqvx8EVGyIhpg_0zPkjalDu4dqA_dvlclGPcsdsN5PZA2sh_/s320/2012-09-17+11.43.07.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>
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<b>Family Photo at the Farm</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWhx5IiTmpMFw3oo72TWgd1sh2XyFNw8C5Hus2zAwpXNelBY7MIix4pQA2iWcCoydmrInsMoMNbcirZGg1uFRMgDf2qhBPTQ-bhuRYWZNfrUUB4EhQ35C3YDIXXXVVJhwTvVIHHtrhbJ_/s1600/2012-09-17+12.34.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWhx5IiTmpMFw3oo72TWgd1sh2XyFNw8C5Hus2zAwpXNelBY7MIix4pQA2iWcCoydmrInsMoMNbcirZGg1uFRMgDf2qhBPTQ-bhuRYWZNfrUUB4EhQ35C3YDIXXXVVJhwTvVIHHtrhbJ_/s320/2012-09-17+12.34.15.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<b>We learned that Arlo is a pony whisperer. </b></div>
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<b>Maybe we need to move to the country and adopt a horse or two. Hmmm...</b></div>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pYGWqXzZYxARc3456LhwieX7tI6B8McVWfxb_nAyBGaDPwSseu569G60hIl_0WX77v6XSA3sOL8B5Tbzk0II8eT2aPcNajYSwjGzJ6FLqa_rgetpya-FIhv7E582HeOthms6PT53UFjS/s1600/IMG_1195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pYGWqXzZYxARc3456LhwieX7tI6B8McVWfxb_nAyBGaDPwSseu569G60hIl_0WX77v6XSA3sOL8B5Tbzk0II8eT2aPcNajYSwjGzJ6FLqa_rgetpya-FIhv7E582HeOthms6PT53UFjS/s320/IMG_1195.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>First Horse Ride (Thank you, Mr. Rogers!)</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQ-C_UGWLSfEeNnWJk2nJJ1wcyJozPH1638N0RAEHZTx2qVBDLFWB8KyodtMijeKsj348RumDkzPR6rRfv0nLJBIgu3eD6c84flRMcZ1ctckzstRkWfTAEt3CK_BxIgraaCEKESUuFqOt/s1600/2012-09-18+12.16.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQ-C_UGWLSfEeNnWJk2nJJ1wcyJozPH1638N0RAEHZTx2qVBDLFWB8KyodtMijeKsj348RumDkzPR6rRfv0nLJBIgu3eD6c84flRMcZ1ctckzstRkWfTAEt3CK_BxIgraaCEKESUuFqOt/s320/2012-09-18+12.16.12.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
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<b>Although not a real horse, Arlo also rode an antique carousel horse like a boss. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4r6VMW3FlUIoVjDSapYz5iF8E_DFqqhAHXm1JYxZfJRWtaTvNd4QlJmGaJVWiqlSmMFxoqL5L2XNc85PGdB74qSJMlh4pXwV9qoX-lbf_cLJonu8J_npM94FNwNZUYzNLc193bLF5QduN/s1600/2012-09-18+12.53.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4r6VMW3FlUIoVjDSapYz5iF8E_DFqqhAHXm1JYxZfJRWtaTvNd4QlJmGaJVWiqlSmMFxoqL5L2XNc85PGdB74qSJMlh4pXwV9qoX-lbf_cLJonu8J_npM94FNwNZUYzNLc193bLF5QduN/s320/2012-09-18+12.53.53.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Getting excited for Halloween by trying on costumes. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9VvcGwCZPF3RB9-PgJbAJKmQJqz_3fN8tQDCIqYuC2n0Z1-a-g4MgzqOKBFKQmmLAsPf6nCppLcdjQEOjN9QbjNKOgtsewR1kZwAoAwWFxlWoAGIspuwmyPJS-pXusxRxhKyZXchuXtV/s1600/2012-09-18+17.03.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9VvcGwCZPF3RB9-PgJbAJKmQJqz_3fN8tQDCIqYuC2n0Z1-a-g4MgzqOKBFKQmmLAsPf6nCppLcdjQEOjN9QbjNKOgtsewR1kZwAoAwWFxlWoAGIspuwmyPJS-pXusxRxhKyZXchuXtV/s320/2012-09-18+17.03.05.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<b>Getting a trim from his personal stylist, Aunt Carolyn. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKag_7htMQ2vGPa4kyFP2QS8jkP8IBAEme5j4fSiJXthaik9YhyphenhyphenYGGiT-7oKUzm5DSYOonhyRloVWgs3S1yhwDXp78tJU-VVNphSVVbW0k0Q3A5eLE2zpngTGl87nHtsJXUoCN3LMnnhR/s1600/2012-09-19+12.09.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKag_7htMQ2vGPa4kyFP2QS8jkP8IBAEme5j4fSiJXthaik9YhyphenhyphenYGGiT-7oKUzm5DSYOonhyRloVWgs3S1yhwDXp78tJU-VVNphSVVbW0k0Q3A5eLE2zpngTGl87nHtsJXUoCN3LMnnhR/s320/2012-09-19+12.09.29.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
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<b>Hugging a tree while walking at Green Lakes State Park. </b></div>
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<b>Like mother, like son. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieoPor2JcSgikmRncK1GNjZuhT0hzVX8cDMfdn0zcBW0nnJdr693aj6fwXF0QmdGOFrzm02fKeVURq2iCS_er1-NLYY7JVI0XvBghx2i4nd3X7lgPyaQeqY76QNXN0vjo9nYiyT1LvTyWR/s1600/2012-09-19+17.38.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieoPor2JcSgikmRncK1GNjZuhT0hzVX8cDMfdn0zcBW0nnJdr693aj6fwXF0QmdGOFrzm02fKeVURq2iCS_er1-NLYY7JVI0XvBghx2i4nd3X7lgPyaQeqY76QNXN0vjo9nYiyT1LvTyWR/s320/2012-09-19+17.38.16.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>Arlo and Grandpa checking out the ducks and swans at the pond. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLFPt2FKJu4ObFddYWMQEpVeTTSKBnQcbLb0nrk1CuiMWeEMbgbxSMsoI51HQWMiSYUU9iiccxiXasIREwPlyiY01CaUZG1GClAa1toov5p-14oVTHGDUS5YpVMZkRGUUF47nsVT13oqJ/s1600/2012-09-19+17.38.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLFPt2FKJu4ObFddYWMQEpVeTTSKBnQcbLb0nrk1CuiMWeEMbgbxSMsoI51HQWMiSYUU9iiccxiXasIREwPlyiY01CaUZG1GClAa1toov5p-14oVTHGDUS5YpVMZkRGUUF47nsVT13oqJ/s320/2012-09-19+17.38.37.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
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<b>Three generations of Patrick men. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRkPsauQOJxfLX9RWRe-iJUspKbWrvVbzDAxhKTmRD_bStPHOPrRV2XPFa3Jz7SAjoCDGPDBpzaejjOThjrcqp3up466SzJlZXYQqckxWSDIF4NVrZhmdR84uplHHKd45218NeO23fo1q/s1600/2012-09-19+17.41.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRkPsauQOJxfLX9RWRe-iJUspKbWrvVbzDAxhKTmRD_bStPHOPrRV2XPFa3Jz7SAjoCDGPDBpzaejjOThjrcqp3up466SzJlZXYQqckxWSDIF4NVrZhmdR84uplHHKd45218NeO23fo1q/s320/2012-09-19+17.41.13.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
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<b>Loving Syracuse, NY. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZUqXkWbMCQBlcrvmtRIbNC5_UffBv62vXVFQgfFJm1JYF9RUGAgVsKJHQrSnD3I3TKH9JeGwlxVa1x7gks6dWhmS0laxvfLYbIUjBBk5It03ELwjes6luHTR07zmDSGCD9CbPRFRzYb-Y/s1600/2012-09-19+17.46.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZUqXkWbMCQBlcrvmtRIbNC5_UffBv62vXVFQgfFJm1JYF9RUGAgVsKJHQrSnD3I3TKH9JeGwlxVa1x7gks6dWhmS0laxvfLYbIUjBBk5It03ELwjes6luHTR07zmDSGCD9CbPRFRzYb-Y/s320/2012-09-19+17.46.35.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Providing a good example of mature love and mutual respect.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVzBQzSmBJGulkNo4Ot6sL2NmEzl2Om_spEkTCszfWeYO-y_UkMm3-9v9GVgZDh20MZB715rJV57wUK8qeIC0dKAXii5rG48Bws4fuBBrOoBFPnOzFj393_sBEYp5M2Qra8jvSWfkYAfwq/s1600/2012-09-19+17.52.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVzBQzSmBJGulkNo4Ot6sL2NmEzl2Om_spEkTCszfWeYO-y_UkMm3-9v9GVgZDh20MZB715rJV57wUK8qeIC0dKAXii5rG48Bws4fuBBrOoBFPnOzFj393_sBEYp5M2Qra8jvSWfkYAfwq/s320/2012-09-19+17.52.50.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>VROOM!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMy7_KS8x7S4w7MeKFoJFFnsLG9NIxuEIseygz1kiHXgINb0tYXHujzNkaCOSpNHUdUpI3Pc5SdpTu2lr7EEvU9WMibdypTWUv5aOT1b2JzcyUhoXN6J8OTQ0Twh-_W6V8iMim9L4y71K/s1600/2012-09-19+17.56.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMy7_KS8x7S4w7MeKFoJFFnsLG9NIxuEIseygz1kiHXgINb0tYXHujzNkaCOSpNHUdUpI3Pc5SdpTu2lr7EEvU9WMibdypTWUv5aOT1b2JzcyUhoXN6J8OTQ0Twh-_W6V8iMim9L4y71K/s320/2012-09-19+17.56.20.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
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<b>Ya-Ya, Grandpa, and Arlo going for a drive with Arlo at the wheel. Buckle up!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpj7vkG5lNMjqcCxSpLYrto-6yoL7WZhy6PrqIJcGspRMuJWv90XfsIJXB9zhOJqWW2luocVqsj65WUuiby7I5WHwPl8kXZeijjNALPtF61-P09usEwvn_brPb7Bn-ngNtQ26kH1ux3VGb/s1600/2012-09-19+18.57.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpj7vkG5lNMjqcCxSpLYrto-6yoL7WZhy6PrqIJcGspRMuJWv90XfsIJXB9zhOJqWW2luocVqsj65WUuiby7I5WHwPl8kXZeijjNALPtF61-P09usEwvn_brPb7Bn-ngNtQ26kH1ux3VGb/s320/2012-09-19+18.57.19.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>
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<b>Arlo loves to read. Such a sweet boy!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzk64PlsrR6zMAHILnG0AOCyWlMzMBVIKMe6zjZojc9BfCnAzaX30GfsVg5F91FJ-Fv_OXy9M1K97g98YkhfTiRGAkHRVnVRUWrcJmuxXqCOub3AHy9Ke_CrdZrDLdH96e5vNSDXZeQFPL/s1600/2012-09-19+19.38.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzk64PlsrR6zMAHILnG0AOCyWlMzMBVIKMe6zjZojc9BfCnAzaX30GfsVg5F91FJ-Fv_OXy9M1K97g98YkhfTiRGAkHRVnVRUWrcJmuxXqCOub3AHy9Ke_CrdZrDLdH96e5vNSDXZeQFPL/s320/2012-09-19+19.38.19.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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<b>Hygiene is very important to Arlo. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJoO_vqcuUXJuUO-1RAwBQaL0gXRGGGGArt-hWFueDpfi_NclTNgYTi9sXu7pdQ4oHmX_o6Ypk52gE-UNHMko7zHsX0S2NESJmUwbeSX1ofLbcGm44eazfrpWr1bSlxcMGTMVsrS_POKK/s1600/2012-09-20+11.22.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJoO_vqcuUXJuUO-1RAwBQaL0gXRGGGGArt-hWFueDpfi_NclTNgYTi9sXu7pdQ4oHmX_o6Ypk52gE-UNHMko7zHsX0S2NESJmUwbeSX1ofLbcGm44eazfrpWr1bSlxcMGTMVsrS_POKK/s320/2012-09-20+11.22.32.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
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<b>Lovin' the penguins at the zoo!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs5j_zQvAAzXPCWCc05o2zpVYimxzREpWXtDUmVEb4ZePEBzuGQuHPgMHhczeqEtG7nOH_Et1RfNMnbA9ou76b8cljwXBDuJy98YxyUE_YGvDKYgYN38VP_8kPV0mTi6w_76nJfnwIAXRW/s1600/2012-09-20+11.29.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs5j_zQvAAzXPCWCc05o2zpVYimxzREpWXtDUmVEb4ZePEBzuGQuHPgMHhczeqEtG7nOH_Et1RfNMnbA9ou76b8cljwXBDuJy98YxyUE_YGvDKYgYN38VP_8kPV0mTi6w_76nJfnwIAXRW/s320/2012-09-20+11.29.50.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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<b>Our little penguin. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdpVh1D7l6JWXTA9cAlYtEYoKXM7fz8XsJ3kROUXo_hPRRGTFy05tuak5aBPU3idbOQqNtnk6T5AlkD8QQ4zvI-XziSGZpHmFTMor-asJEw8NjtRTXj9Re-GM_tohviTvMxv23RQglNop/s1600/2012-09-20+11.37.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdpVh1D7l6JWXTA9cAlYtEYoKXM7fz8XsJ3kROUXo_hPRRGTFy05tuak5aBPU3idbOQqNtnk6T5AlkD8QQ4zvI-XziSGZpHmFTMor-asJEw8NjtRTXj9Re-GM_tohviTvMxv23RQglNop/s320/2012-09-20+11.37.22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Don't worry, that's not a real tiger. It just looks like one. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsHyc6BGWcY9-VlNAAZUpA9k796KHsz_Ywr0_jVEkMaafzxGN9R0NprLeAhcodvZih8pmODwWuJt9v5h8STV_RxlTkVwuNb_fXJILCnVcUApQHiUfNBIsW5HKb8k6BalRHy-wcedNa2JL/s1600/2012-09-20+11.40.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsHyc6BGWcY9-VlNAAZUpA9k796KHsz_Ywr0_jVEkMaafzxGN9R0NprLeAhcodvZih8pmODwWuJt9v5h8STV_RxlTkVwuNb_fXJILCnVcUApQHiUfNBIsW5HKb8k6BalRHy-wcedNa2JL/s320/2012-09-20+11.40.25.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
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<b>Those, however, are real tigers. Arlo is also a tiger whisperer. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5Hdl7dyD-vqlmFb_8MbrmKQq8qBpXVfen28dwYBU-BPQBla9xLIVSBYyKexApuUsECuYuatYdzieLtKb5UxxGL20q9K0gJzuZN0ZKRQomyB9g_PrFr_7Pp8V6Nz9WEK0K2pQGgeo7DBc/s1600/2012-09-20+12.00.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5Hdl7dyD-vqlmFb_8MbrmKQq8qBpXVfen28dwYBU-BPQBla9xLIVSBYyKexApuUsECuYuatYdzieLtKb5UxxGL20q9K0gJzuZN0ZKRQomyB9g_PrFr_7Pp8V6Nz9WEK0K2pQGgeo7DBc/s320/2012-09-20+12.00.12.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
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<b>Watching the elephants at the zoo.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_EN3gMQQaomc6AgLsavKlWEBC2CbNdVCyD_RaoAVmFwBY4qMNwTpAk1HtuGk7PgHFh7hnKnGsFlZ8HFZd2TnTmjzfL_Z77GEEBrWDZQ4HvKixsbXSq4O9X00SLOnH2a-fL3w02nJD0P5/s1600/2012-09-20+17.15.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_EN3gMQQaomc6AgLsavKlWEBC2CbNdVCyD_RaoAVmFwBY4qMNwTpAk1HtuGk7PgHFh7hnKnGsFlZ8HFZd2TnTmjzfL_Z77GEEBrWDZQ4HvKixsbXSq4O9X00SLOnH2a-fL3w02nJD0P5/s320/2012-09-20+17.15.25.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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<b>Grandpa spotting Arlo while he climbs at one of the many parks we explored.</b></div>
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<b>Thinking Face</b></div>
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We had a great time seeing everyone, and it was amazing to see Arlo connecting with his family in a new way. Now that he's a toddler, he is much more interactive, talkative, and interested in each individual person. We love Seattle, but the biggest drawback to living here is that we are so far away from so many family members. As we get older, we appreciate and value all of the family events and holidays that give us time with our loved ones.<br />
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I was grateful to have a break between the craziness of leaving one job and starting another. Thank you, Ya-Ya and Grandpa Patrick, for hosting us, and thanks to everyone who took time out of their busy lives to hang out with us. We love you!</div>
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Ryan, Darcy, and Arlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293645015120249208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681534853963194187.post-45528536798193688232012-09-03T20:55:00.001-07:002012-09-03T20:55:06.870-07:00Nonerick Party Weekend, 2012With all due respect to the labor rights activists who helped create Labor Day, we have loaded the holiday weekend with some big Nonerick celebrations: Arlo's birthday and our wedding anniversary.<br />
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This year, we enjoyed the weekend with friends/family from out-of-town (thank you, Hannah, Chris, Ava, Xander, and Max!), some great local friends, and an annual trip to <a href="http://bumbershoot.org/" target="_blank">Bumbershoot</a>, a roughly 50-year old local music festival.<br />
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<b>Arlo and Xander watching the gorillas at the zoo. </b></div>
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<b>Arlo checking out the show but protecting his ears for years of rockin' out. </b></div>
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<b>Arlo and his Papa</b></div>
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<b>Resting between shows </b></div>
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<b>(Don't worry, Ryan is just relaxed not sick or grumpy)</b></div>
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<b>Happy 6th Anniversary!</b></div>
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<b>The view from one of the many stages at Bumbershoot. </b></div>
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<b>Birthday Breakfast!</b></div>
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<b>Hooray for the 2s!</b></div>
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<b>Mingling</b></div>
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<b>Barrett sitting with big-girl, Ava. </b></div>
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<b>Rob helping Arlo and his buddy, Milo. </b></div>
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<b>Pressed sandwiches, slaw, quinoa salad, and the best dessert ever (read on to find out more). </b></div>
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<b>Bug-themed party with gift bags. </b></div>
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<b>Bugs on the table to entertain the guests.</b> </div>
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<b>Burning off the sugar</b></div>
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<b>Dessert! "Dirt" sundaes with homemade vanilla ice cream, hot fudge sauce, whipped cream, ground up chocolate graham crackers, and "ladybugs." </b></div>
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<b>Happy Birthday to you...</b></div>
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<b>S'up. Dirt, y'all. </b></div>
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<b>A "dirty" face. </b></div>
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<b>Oh boy! We created a monster. </b></div>
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<b>Sweet birthday boy</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQ543-R4AN9Co7kEh1A5qjm_TZwO2E96mAkhyphenhyphenQky99DCOcaNBGY17I97b2hc2jnXJNs77pCZWZ4ftPYGZoNsoDkbQMOvse-qyGmvn7vpgKPSDZDBdcxK3IWptRGBEdB6PNY_J7WnPO6zk/s1600/IMG_3283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQ543-R4AN9Co7kEh1A5qjm_TZwO2E96mAkhyphenhyphenQky99DCOcaNBGY17I97b2hc2jnXJNs77pCZWZ4ftPYGZoNsoDkbQMOvse-qyGmvn7vpgKPSDZDBdcxK3IWptRGBEdB6PNY_J7WnPO6zk/s320/IMG_3283.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Ladybug close up</b></div>
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We had a great time and wished we could have celebrated with everyone we know and love, but we are happy to have such wonderful and loving friends. Life has been good to us, and we love all of you very much! </div>
Ryan, Darcy, and Arlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293645015120249208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681534853963194187.post-77041077027815964672012-08-08T22:19:00.004-07:002012-08-08T22:19:53.337-07:00New Cousin!We love cousins. I'm starting to think you can never have too many cousins. They play with you, teach you things, and sometimes you can teach them things too.<br />
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On August 2nd, my little brother, Jacob, and his wife, Jenna, welcomed a beautiful baby girl. Please say "hello" to little Allie Loraine Nonemacher.<br />
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<b>Pretty dang cute, eh? </b></div>
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Needless to say, Arlo can't wait to meet Allie and teach her everything he knows about trucks, animals, and books. </div>Ryan, Darcy, and Arlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293645015120249208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681534853963194187.post-72083263539565742182012-08-07T22:14:00.000-07:002012-08-08T22:20:17.398-07:00Feeling HOT, HOT, HOT!(I promise this is the last post with a cheesy music-influenced title.)<br />
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Last weekend, Seattle had unusually warm weather. Of course, our summer has not been difficult or drought-ridden like most of the country, so we have nothing to complain about. However, we Seattleites are not used to temps over 90 degrees. Our delicate natures simply cannot handle this type of heat. We melt, get a little grumpy, and head for the hills.<br />
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We decided to go for a hike along the Boulder River in the North Cascades. Our hope was to find an oasis with little pools of water to play in. Unfortunately, the trail was elevated and the only thing keeping us from our swimming hole dreams was a very steep embankment (a cliff really) that was about 20 feet high at its lowest point.<br />
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At least the water looked cool and refreshing and the shade kept our delicate skin safe from the heat. The beautiful old-growth trees also made the hike a lot of fun.<br />
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<b>Enjoying some natural air conditioning under an ancient fallen tree. </b></div>
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<b>Another fallen tree that is much thicker in diameter than Arlo is tall.</b></div>
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<b>Family photo time!</b></div>
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<b>Arlo kept saying, "Over the bridge" after this part of the hike. </b></div>
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<b>Beautiful Boulder River Falls. </b></div>
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<b>A matching duo!</b></div>
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<b>Another peek at Boulder Falls through the trees. </b></div>
<br />Ryan, Darcy, and Arlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293645015120249208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681534853963194187.post-54332395581721526372012-08-05T22:04:00.000-07:002012-08-06T19:43:29.847-07:00Vacation, All I Ever Wanted. Vacation, Had to Get Away.July was a month full of ups and downs. On the up side, we took a wonderful vacation with some good friends. Bonnie and Joe traveled to the west coast with their adorable 1-year old son, Oliver, and you all know our friends<a href="http://plumsinthepath.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> Amy, Byron, and Wyatt.</a> Bonnie, Amy, and I went to law school together, and Byron, Joe, and Ryan were original members of the "Beer and Ideas Club."<br />
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Now we all have kids, and it was great to catch up, exchange stories and ideas, and see our little ones play together. Although we wanted great weather to get outside as much as possible, Mother Nature didn't get the memo. We had a very strange 24-36 hour long thunderstorm and some cloudy and misty weather. In my opinion, the less than ideal weather actually helped me rest, recharge, and enjoy as much time as possible with our friends. </div>
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Lots of photos are below!</div>
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<b>Ryan is a master at loading up the car with enough gear for the dog, kid, and 2 adults. </b></div>
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<b>I'm talking mad skills. </b></div>
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<b>On the ferry to the Olympic Peninsula!</b></div>
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<b>Oliver checking out the view from the ferry. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhNjfs-9xfIT_pUZMwyQqa9f7lFZ3faRL5iV3HXaHNKHaXrTZA9LY_0ejGFby0NtfyrNz8onKKPi1txXEJclGQYlOWnzvsK4Jk4H0_e0H-eng9jbRjTDfuje8XYCoFMy4nFct9Tu4mrAYv/s1600/P1080652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhNjfs-9xfIT_pUZMwyQqa9f7lFZ3faRL5iV3HXaHNKHaXrTZA9LY_0ejGFby0NtfyrNz8onKKPi1txXEJclGQYlOWnzvsK4Jk4H0_e0H-eng9jbRjTDfuje8XYCoFMy4nFct9Tu4mrAYv/s320/P1080652.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Home Sweet Home</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIh1pR5L4iNpVqTkqjna686bzHcWwTkZ9mlhlo1ZVBycYV9nJN7B294pM7IOOLE0BDjhNGNhaWTq3hPjXgsLKRjuFz_PT_uYwZ5fsIk2cID_3PWRC-YOB8vv1vrc6LNOAkqm5i4bHznf3U/s1600/IMG_3063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIh1pR5L4iNpVqTkqjna686bzHcWwTkZ9mlhlo1ZVBycYV9nJN7B294pM7IOOLE0BDjhNGNhaWTq3hPjXgsLKRjuFz_PT_uYwZ5fsIk2cID_3PWRC-YOB8vv1vrc6LNOAkqm5i4bHznf3U/s320/IMG_3063.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Arlo couldn't stop saying, "Woostah. Cock a doodle do!"</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5G1sOzmFcUGfRoVQgiEuPvsCL9v0xd6RZmspRFYyTvecVwOGR2V49ftxOB-jC4dPAf4HSJzsCC5-QUz2uIKsXT484qzY_glp4phuDKIMpULh1POjEHgxx16-acVlbqj-Os_NWK28YgeQF/s1600/IMG_3064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5G1sOzmFcUGfRoVQgiEuPvsCL9v0xd6RZmspRFYyTvecVwOGR2V49ftxOB-jC4dPAf4HSJzsCC5-QUz2uIKsXT484qzY_glp4phuDKIMpULh1POjEHgxx16-acVlbqj-Os_NWK28YgeQF/s320/IMG_3064.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Wandering around the <a href="http://www.purplehazelavender.com/" target="_blank">Purple Haze Lavender Farm</a>. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgGzdzA774oYhJEkoBfxamyJWv0i8Wl0C29GTH4bKBY8z08J5F09on8bpj0DOE63lZ5Xhmpv3tRi0yf1JZJ1Cj58EUv6a9lUkgZ1Ip5C_u-ZygFchfn_7k-76c-QQDWkboXfl6afKJN_w/s1600/P1080635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgGzdzA774oYhJEkoBfxamyJWv0i8Wl0C29GTH4bKBY8z08J5F09on8bpj0DOE63lZ5Xhmpv3tRi0yf1JZJ1Cj58EUv6a9lUkgZ1Ip5C_u-ZygFchfn_7k-76c-QQDWkboXfl6afKJN_w/s320/P1080635.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Byron and Wyatt hide in a field of lavender. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsT8neXSmKu1PjI0PhfQKK9nS7e5iiMq38H1n2KXPtZV30yqrwB6-CAlRy_S12gIS7yFhEiPfXgC7rjZTL8O4H-6NOuapBtNyJk5s7nMwEgm512a6n0HBh13zpwXVbBRJv75PqGVsA69zD/s1600/IMG_3079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsT8neXSmKu1PjI0PhfQKK9nS7e5iiMq38H1n2KXPtZV30yqrwB6-CAlRy_S12gIS7yFhEiPfXgC7rjZTL8O4H-6NOuapBtNyJk5s7nMwEgm512a6n0HBh13zpwXVbBRJv75PqGVsA69zD/s320/IMG_3079.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Wyatt is a boy who knows how to strike a pose. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivA2noqTSC7BtyCywgutNyW50S26Zd7c-JqyO9mH4RLYZiK-xT79aT_VjgvDKhYcD1J3LvAdq11neF-6NPjFmWTJd6jpDf65Ib6N_BpilW8lc8mJyGw0Lcm_xX12c7vn6-j5EaqinCDMbL/s1600/IMG_3081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivA2noqTSC7BtyCywgutNyW50S26Zd7c-JqyO9mH4RLYZiK-xT79aT_VjgvDKhYcD1J3LvAdq11neF-6NPjFmWTJd6jpDf65Ib6N_BpilW8lc8mJyGw0Lcm_xX12c7vn6-j5EaqinCDMbL/s320/IMG_3081.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<b>Friends!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-pd0qOfZ6gix2MAQ7_8tUofLsj7K2j2yaSgv9v_XuG8tHoqOr2Ibw2kNAcv3DVDYP7tsEFwsNb9huKNcDFO2BgWlPH3QKWDa14FnFcajUqy8_pF6E2DzXl1aFEu5fl7j43QsNU58V3lF/s1600/IMG_3085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-pd0qOfZ6gix2MAQ7_8tUofLsj7K2j2yaSgv9v_XuG8tHoqOr2Ibw2kNAcv3DVDYP7tsEFwsNb9huKNcDFO2BgWlPH3QKWDa14FnFcajUqy8_pF6E2DzXl1aFEu5fl7j43QsNU58V3lF/s320/IMG_3085.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Wyatt was very interested in Bonnie's work. He really wanted to help. Such a sweet guy!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7ALJpLjg66SpXfrvlZL4dIPCvygX59LeVD0KLKwbsQIl3S62dZphuwSCrx0_NY0Lpvk9ldPH4iNGhGegYUxR6IVcvkCJxwAMycAhxXEBls1DgtZliLf43OoyES8yEh6UrVt2KyhMpoh8/s1600/IMG_3101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7ALJpLjg66SpXfrvlZL4dIPCvygX59LeVD0KLKwbsQIl3S62dZphuwSCrx0_NY0Lpvk9ldPH4iNGhGegYUxR6IVcvkCJxwAMycAhxXEBls1DgtZliLf43OoyES8yEh6UrVt2KyhMpoh8/s320/IMG_3101.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Weird thundershowers = beautiful sunsets. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLUeMK5ZMjweiLlwGq0Koq4gGMMKqTspnIUcfDFjdt5EwF_IufQgkCTQXRBF10R_FuJCN0FiXgRdl8e1WuhnlhbYWzucUjNCGHw6cGNpx2U__HcPVYANROolXen-KzvPRbJbN_ozlDlqU/s1600/IMG_3108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLUeMK5ZMjweiLlwGq0Koq4gGMMKqTspnIUcfDFjdt5EwF_IufQgkCTQXRBF10R_FuJCN0FiXgRdl8e1WuhnlhbYWzucUjNCGHw6cGNpx2U__HcPVYANROolXen-KzvPRbJbN_ozlDlqU/s320/IMG_3108.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>You know you've reached a certain phase in life when you and your son start wearing matching hats on accident. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAz-lCr_MLXZMMs5EnTE563dNyoEV1B27_k1uIi8NaaXTOoeiro0iG_NaDVR3pHsw9RD63Xwe109-xmRYGxLc3vlew3FV51kipMx74Nfq7Z71xQJHsvSrKqlGGZflLUHZlR8aJR4dsBv5L/s1600/IMG_3112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAz-lCr_MLXZMMs5EnTE563dNyoEV1B27_k1uIi8NaaXTOoeiro0iG_NaDVR3pHsw9RD63Xwe109-xmRYGxLc3vlew3FV51kipMx74Nfq7Z71xQJHsvSrKqlGGZflLUHZlR8aJR4dsBv5L/s320/IMG_3112.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>During a sunny break in the weather, we went to the beach for a morning. </b> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCHf9Kx2zxsI7-fZzk6S8XNpWktIkoitWhnHtEvVGvXnbXbOsWYq7ssgCGjbe_V_NevulsVsYCU9fURlnm4XYqS3z5E3ib6p5cgYAvm57Owe8zTS12WHtPuUgXndyrIxu5D236PZGuiHc/s1600/IMG_3114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCHf9Kx2zxsI7-fZzk6S8XNpWktIkoitWhnHtEvVGvXnbXbOsWYq7ssgCGjbe_V_NevulsVsYCU9fURlnm4XYqS3z5E3ib6p5cgYAvm57Owe8zTS12WHtPuUgXndyrIxu5D236PZGuiHc/s320/IMG_3114.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Beautiful!</b> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG1XZQXfHdC-DQu6fwx9xH5aEC-aJrrBk_9FCFAXJt-8bPf81yp-3tHcol_7_9TTk7nq53_qLrePFSfrBkaE1fOG6VBTEtyc50aaVksUkVDBhi0oj8f2cjX2Bbh4y03zTqbQcmMJahzRyy/s1600/IMG_3126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG1XZQXfHdC-DQu6fwx9xH5aEC-aJrrBk_9FCFAXJt-8bPf81yp-3tHcol_7_9TTk7nq53_qLrePFSfrBkaE1fOG6VBTEtyc50aaVksUkVDBhi0oj8f2cjX2Bbh4y03zTqbQcmMJahzRyy/s320/IMG_3126.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Having lots of fun!</b> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUb0IpWavknmF6lVMZM7wVLwnG7tcdDdUezqwjHRk2v2uGmsbGZ_zEVpH61OgToQw4d91F-iUgQDVodYMibjH2nRuaQPsKoNzjW8JfQ6xzfPmJmydLvB_mX-MzFNrurTlx7woGKi72IWIg/s1600/IMG_3134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUb0IpWavknmF6lVMZM7wVLwnG7tcdDdUezqwjHRk2v2uGmsbGZ_zEVpH61OgToQw4d91F-iUgQDVodYMibjH2nRuaQPsKoNzjW8JfQ6xzfPmJmydLvB_mX-MzFNrurTlx7woGKi72IWIg/s320/IMG_3134.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<b>Cut from the same cloth. </b> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLMie8psFa1mrJAnDxpzU9BAvNhDR8FUOabsAUPAxaTyIdcXnK9D7JQMxtJ_V7sV52Sg9BPOlR_zciSVR0dag6-qzx3lfzTsPyE6oQYCATk_4lp-mum9jKPKiEMOI8wax7PqVLvvO0OMc/s1600/IMG_3147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLMie8psFa1mrJAnDxpzU9BAvNhDR8FUOabsAUPAxaTyIdcXnK9D7JQMxtJ_V7sV52Sg9BPOlR_zciSVR0dag6-qzx3lfzTsPyE6oQYCATk_4lp-mum9jKPKiEMOI8wax7PqVLvvO0OMc/s320/IMG_3147.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Joe found a staff to live out his Gandalf fantasies.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvxAiUOlBGk6Q3koDzNGhZS5KSCQuVvqE7sC6soQNodYIJ-LrwIN0aq0AG3ASNAdnkwWHa4wInPLr7cgZyD_f1vXLvRRgHOO0pl0nOTqlBzkD_iZW4I-FyeaxdR_Wgd8xUtw9OjzaJBlY/s1600/IMG_3149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvxAiUOlBGk6Q3koDzNGhZS5KSCQuVvqE7sC6soQNodYIJ-LrwIN0aq0AG3ASNAdnkwWHa4wInPLr7cgZyD_f1vXLvRRgHOO0pl0nOTqlBzkD_iZW4I-FyeaxdR_Wgd8xUtw9OjzaJBlY/s320/IMG_3149.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>And Joe helped Arlo find his inner Gandalf too. </b></div>
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<b>One Happy Family</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhPgHEdvrVvfmtoKiPW6oooiz_sot22zJ30n-0fnr1qqHubPjbiJzZc-I5KR-MJD2tiggQiglecW-8NIhhnPgOeb_GVOWwrEQO-KMKDZO7aW8drZ0J4GY92YWcHxLxK97c0E2GRmV8Byx/s1600/IMG_4071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhPgHEdvrVvfmtoKiPW6oooiz_sot22zJ30n-0fnr1qqHubPjbiJzZc-I5KR-MJD2tiggQiglecW-8NIhhnPgOeb_GVOWwrEQO-KMKDZO7aW8drZ0J4GY92YWcHxLxK97c0E2GRmV8Byx/s320/IMG_4071.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Another Happy Family</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbv3545DofrYauSgM3XhttsQT9D367h3EAjFvlwG_ewD4XCtytQGo_8ZRa5ley9vONQFwvw1B3ZknJCUcgBUq6pBxqQM-xgHvsZI9zUlVaVhTAzF0XEpAxhu9cT35PykOTEKpNpqozUQUz/s1600/IMG_3168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbv3545DofrYauSgM3XhttsQT9D367h3EAjFvlwG_ewD4XCtytQGo_8ZRa5ley9vONQFwvw1B3ZknJCUcgBUq6pBxqQM-xgHvsZI9zUlVaVhTAzF0XEpAxhu9cT35PykOTEKpNpqozUQUz/s320/IMG_3168.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>The former site of the Lower Elwha Dam (<a href="http://www.nps.gov/olym/naturescience/elwha-ecosystem-restoration.htm" target="_blank">one of two dam removals on the Elwha river that make up the country's largest dam removal ever</a>)</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibcin-4r7Runicidmg9X3nEoP91tH75YNGPyqfmsb87lVegCfHld3RrM2kMd6MsWiW5NKlXmz85AjEWiwPwY-b7HwVI3kck_dsJraJ-SgrkQ0ZhvOtlooo-63uqLob8O8kEgGV_AM3fFNQ/s1600/IMG_3177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibcin-4r7Runicidmg9X3nEoP91tH75YNGPyqfmsb87lVegCfHld3RrM2kMd6MsWiW5NKlXmz85AjEWiwPwY-b7HwVI3kck_dsJraJ-SgrkQ0ZhvOtlooo-63uqLob8O8kEgGV_AM3fFNQ/s320/IMG_3177.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Smile!</b></div>
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<b>Wyatt decided to go for a swim in some pretty cold sea water. Brrr!</b> </div>
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<b>Connecting with my inner child by making bulldozer noises while playing in the sand. </b></div>
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<b>Oliver is another water loving baby!</b></div>
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<b>Hi!</b></div>
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<b>The boys. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7Nv3IMEf8MspIN141lwI5ieZvahhyphenhyphenWpHLvbk1tWhNcIuIVj8kQ6jfP8ntjH0xRXIqNVbeVIU3FTPVVOaNmiJ2_1wJlaxiJEfhd_6r7s9wN9ijnyxnu7TzFHzGz1Y8jQyMiLpZALhmN7A/s1600/P1080673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7Nv3IMEf8MspIN141lwI5ieZvahhyphenhyphenWpHLvbk1tWhNcIuIVj8kQ6jfP8ntjH0xRXIqNVbeVIU3FTPVVOaNmiJ2_1wJlaxiJEfhd_6r7s9wN9ijnyxnu7TzFHzGz1Y8jQyMiLpZALhmN7A/s320/P1080673.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Lots and lots of reading on this trip. </b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Lots of eating too! </span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IV3024NbOppRR4KcxOJqkZIKYlpfE2oUoo7cnzomv6BA4QLPpEiw33g9VtJe1NzbQbGOgQz1wYICjnUQjP-CpBwNqyfoQ0jQel8A73zzNgcP2eOrmy3nTNIKc4ML09wdZElpFNFw8l1i/s1600/P1080683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IV3024NbOppRR4KcxOJqkZIKYlpfE2oUoo7cnzomv6BA4QLPpEiw33g9VtJe1NzbQbGOgQz1wYICjnUQjP-CpBwNqyfoQ0jQel8A73zzNgcP2eOrmy3nTNIKc4ML09wdZElpFNFw8l1i/s320/P1080683.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Stealing a kiss and not spilling a drop of coffee. So smooth!</b> </div>
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<b style="text-align: center;">Byron and Wyatt on the beach. </b></div>
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<b>Practicing walking on a bench. Good for motor skills and burning energy. </b></div>
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<b>The Nonericks!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNnhyXmIivJnmLmqu3TrIYFoO4PO4TIQtm2MmlmvOPUhYsf35zNp5bQvA6DjjZbgh4dEO3boBCs79lRFWKimuesRaeWdPeW5EzHTPyZjR8TPpqYs771MZiNOguEOSL5ArL0nR7j76Sj3bY/s1600/P1080759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNnhyXmIivJnmLmqu3TrIYFoO4PO4TIQtm2MmlmvOPUhYsf35zNp5bQvA6DjjZbgh4dEO3boBCs79lRFWKimuesRaeWdPeW5EzHTPyZjR8TPpqYs771MZiNOguEOSL5ArL0nR7j76Sj3bY/s320/P1080759.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Rain and silliness on top of <a href="http://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/visiting-hurricane-ridge.htm" target="_blank">Hurricane Ridge</a>. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5t_eyDZw1PAMCBGlA7_Nx3Q07yT1jYADdUqmV0ngS0LZ900eHNe6FUxdft0AEXo9McJOlzqMDG0UuDT13mFKL3J_EGxqOT4-Q9v4vrVz2ly6CqFDDU-W09D_4wY9YM1QRwcB0H8OB-Z_E/s1600/P1080769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5t_eyDZw1PAMCBGlA7_Nx3Q07yT1jYADdUqmV0ngS0LZ900eHNe6FUxdft0AEXo9McJOlzqMDG0UuDT13mFKL3J_EGxqOT4-Q9v4vrVz2ly6CqFDDU-W09D_4wY9YM1QRwcB0H8OB-Z_E/s320/P1080769.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>The beautiful drive up to Hurricane Ridge. </b></div>
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<br /></div>Ryan, Darcy, and Arlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293645015120249208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681534853963194187.post-72714541997026798122012-07-07T22:01:00.000-07:002012-07-07T22:01:27.180-07:00Laughter is the Best MedicineEvery now and then, life gets a little stressful and it's easy to get overwhelmed. Don't get me wrong, we have a lot to be thankful for and life is generally great, but nothing reminds us of this fact more than Arlo. He has a great sense of humor and a contagious laugh. We hope these bits of silliness help brighten your day in the same way they've brightened ours.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxivXssHzmGLOVyg87XgKQLMp13WAJpzB7xoxwswPL3SK7NxuzxZFQWQ28ONRo22QaH2JSWX5FMMJ8CkMiFag' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<b>Harmonicas and goofy dancing = belly laughs and the cutest video ever</b></div>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknBBQxckHBts9zHkvAGtvoLQ_OSERUPSzqtxpV0koBa3qoCacK72DD_qWLwglFX6t5DP_VPE_OIyWz0ktvFEn0yabNRCVD20gpf3WR9-4_6aYEDTwOG9RVSbTJvY30zbQqn_qUuhD3bhW/s1600/IMG_3045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknBBQxckHBts9zHkvAGtvoLQ_OSERUPSzqtxpV0koBa3qoCacK72DD_qWLwglFX6t5DP_VPE_OIyWz0ktvFEn0yabNRCVD20gpf3WR9-4_6aYEDTwOG9RVSbTJvY30zbQqn_qUuhD3bhW/s320/IMG_3045.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>The future's so bright...</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvj6t5CMOAvyoWiwYTGvKrV5c2O35nW_rcdJO8tFYxY5rSCefrAaa2j_igWs0Q-IFxYfEW2eQptdkzvAf3PWQR8CXXv9aP3XOwSDxcYuJS-FBrc-b8lOV7WGFXtfuq9RwotXYWfP_FA4e/s1600/IMG_3042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvj6t5CMOAvyoWiwYTGvKrV5c2O35nW_rcdJO8tFYxY5rSCefrAaa2j_igWs0Q-IFxYfEW2eQptdkzvAf3PWQR8CXXv9aP3XOwSDxcYuJS-FBrc-b8lOV7WGFXtfuq9RwotXYWfP_FA4e/s320/IMG_3042.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b> D'oh!</b></div>
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<br />Ryan, Darcy, and Arlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293645015120249208noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681534853963194187.post-67786887449080831142012-06-19T22:52:00.003-07:002012-06-19T22:52:32.602-07:00Father's Day River Trip 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Every year, we go on a river trip with my work colleagues, and, every year, we look forward to some time on the river to help us return to normal. This year, we enjoyed the John Day River in north/central Oregon. It was great but a lot of work. </div>
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The river trip was our first overnight river and camping trip with Arlo, and he was so good! He was patient, good natured, and generally easy going. I think this is the start of something wonderful!</div>
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<b>Ryan owning the oars!</b> </div>
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<b>Naptime setup: Papa on the edge of the boat, Arlo in his carseat rigged in the boat. </b></div>
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<b>The costume night theme was "Ode to the Olympics." It was a good time to break out the Messi jersey (thank you Hannah and company!). </b></div>
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<b>Sunset at camp</b></div>
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<b>Early morning view at one of the camps</b> </div>
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<b>Hooray! </b></div>
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<b>(What he was celebrating is unclear. Perhaps a goal?)</b> </div>
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<b>Papa was a swimmer (yes, a Speedo was involved). Arlo liked the goggles. </b></div>
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<b>Nose kisses... awww...</b> </div>
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We also celebrated Ryan's second Father's Day on the river. He is such a wonderful father -- beyond what I could have ever imagined or dreamed of. We are one lucky family! Love you, Ry!<br />
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<br />Ryan, Darcy, and Arlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293645015120249208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681534853963194187.post-38012059201422207382012-06-03T22:00:00.000-07:002012-06-03T22:00:01.216-07:00A Breath of Fresh Air<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Between the hustle and bustle of daily life, we sometimes need to escape and enjoy a breath of fresh air. This weekend, we were lucky to have a visit from my brother, Mike. Arlo was a little wary of Mike a few weeks ago, but by the end of this weekend, he was following him around the house. </div>
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Mike recently graduated from basic training in the Army and was stationed at Fort Lewis, about an hour south of Seattle. We are thrilled to have his home base so close, but we are sad to report that he immediately got deployment orders to Afghanistan. He leaves in a couple of weeks, so we are trying to enjoy as much time with him as possible. Fortunately, he was game for joining us on our hike to Bridal Veil Falls. </div>
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<b>The nearby mountain peaks occasionally emerge from the low clouds.</b></div>
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<b>Enjoying the view.</b> </div>
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<b>Ooohh... Ahhh...</b> </div>
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<b>Bridal Veil Falls was spectacular. This photo does not do it justice. </b></div>
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<b>We were all sprayed by the rushing water and awestruck by the incredible drop and thunderous roar of the falls. </b> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPUwcVa23kXNFOJnMEa_gEOhUCP2CihC6pu22dK080vVYIXx4wXuhPI3LHT0bBS8Lg8qbIUQD0iiH2gLOPVeU4BJmy0uJLiIqnx68xIaYhVT6Ds731Lr1Vq838fdj3g8Sa5e3tKmdZu9X/s1600/IMG_2870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPUwcVa23kXNFOJnMEa_gEOhUCP2CihC6pu22dK080vVYIXx4wXuhPI3LHT0bBS8Lg8qbIUQD0iiH2gLOPVeU4BJmy0uJLiIqnx68xIaYhVT6Ds731Lr1Vq838fdj3g8Sa5e3tKmdZu9X/s320/IMG_2870.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Sharing some laughs near the end of the hike.</b> </div>
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<b>More laughs and maybe some slight delirium. That's what fresh air does to you.</b></div>
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We are sending Mike off with lots of love and well wishes for a quick and safe return. We have lots of fun outings to enjoy together when you come home!</div>
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<br /></div>Ryan, Darcy, and Arlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293645015120249208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681534853963194187.post-4844575035488700262012-05-31T22:17:00.001-07:002012-05-31T22:17:10.653-07:00May is Fun!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We had a crazy May, but it was filled with friends, family, and fun. Here's the recap!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJQ8Zj8z6NeUJb3wkuPwFjkILPsChsEgNDI95GhyphenhyphenCB571-6XgogCFyE09YfGD3-kQFuozMnE8b2bwhsJqfc7W7vu9xjpnW_PZg7N98hJ3r4iOCJgYX0jqTMfVP8rUeCtjTdKK5Im_h5ss/s1600/IMG_0969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJQ8Zj8z6NeUJb3wkuPwFjkILPsChsEgNDI95GhyphenhyphenCB571-6XgogCFyE09YfGD3-kQFuozMnE8b2bwhsJqfc7W7vu9xjpnW_PZg7N98hJ3r4iOCJgYX0jqTMfVP8rUeCtjTdKK5Im_h5ss/s320/IMG_0969.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>With a little help from Amy, Arlo and Wyatt became budding photographers. </b> </div>
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<b>Grandma Patty comforted Arlo when he was sick with <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/parvovirusB19/fifth-disease.html" target="_blank">Fifth Disease</a>. </b></div>
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<b>Arlo went to the zoo with Grandma and Grandpa Patrick. </b></div>
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<b>Patty and Arlo had some good quality time.</b></div>
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<b>Papa and Arlo took a break at the gorilla exhibit. </b></div>
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<b>Arlo pointed out that this is only a statue of a baby gorilla not a real baby gorilla on the loose.</b></div>
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<b>We put Arlo to work fetching water (our old-fashioned lifestyle has gotten a little out of hand). </b></div>
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<b>Papa and Arlo played at the beach. </b></div>
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<b>Cousin Amelia and Cousin Lucy enjoyed a baseball game.</b></div>
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<b>Cousin Ameila and Cousin Ingrid enjoyed lemonade. </b></div>
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<b>Cousin Lucy was eaten by a giant salmon.</b></div>
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<b>But Lucy was, um, released from the salmon a short time later.</b></div>
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<b>Amelia became a master climber.</b> </div>
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<b>Lucy was the perfect swing pusher for Arlo.</b> </div>
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<b>Cousin Ingrid showed us her superhero skills. </b> </div>
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<b>Arlo admired Ingrid's technique. </b></div>
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<b>Then, Lucy gave it a try. </b></div>
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<b>Arlo preferred it when she pushed him on the swing. So demanding!</b></div>
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<b>The kids and adults played at the International Fountain during the Folklife Festival. </b> </div>
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<b>Lunch!</b></div>Ryan, Darcy, and Arlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293645015120249208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681534853963194187.post-28731234422734484422012-05-25T21:52:00.005-07:002012-05-30T21:23:11.056-07:00French EnvyA couple of months ago, my mother-in-law sent me a copy of <a href="http://www.pameladruckerman.com/books/" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Bringing Up Bebe</a> (or BUB). The book is the latest bestseller that analyzes other cultures to find clues on how to be a good parent and raise successful kids. Remember all the hubbub over <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_Hymn_of_the_Tiger_Mother" target="_blank">Battle Hymn of a Tiger Mother</a>?</i><br />
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Well, it turns out I would also be a better parent if I lived in France. "Puh-lease" you may say, "The French aren't better parents than us." I'm being a bit facetious when I say that I would be a better parent. The truth is that I think the French focus on a broader picture of parenting while Americans, being the delightful control freaks we are, often try to push a set of standards without looking at the whole child and their role as a member of society. If the observations in BUB are accurate, its incredible that French kids eat at restaurants, show remarkable independence at a young age, and learn how to manage tough emotions like frustration.<br />
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The French aren't perfect. They have a strange hostility to breastfeeding and model some pretty sexist behavior (what?! Moms don't wear sweatpants?!). But the truth is that we can learn a lot from French parenting norms. Here are a few things I've taken from the book:<br />
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<b>Patience is Key: </b>The French seem to emphasize waiting, and they believe in <i>teaching</i> the right behavior instead of correcting to form the right behavior. For example, if adults are talking and a child tries to interrupt, the French tell their kids to wait instead of immediately paying attention to them or brushed off with a "no".<br />
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Another example is mealtime. French people, including kids, eat at the same times every day: 8 a.m., noon, 4 p.m., and 8 p.m. The importance isn't the exact time, but the fact that there are three set meals and one set snack. In America, we tend to let kids eat whenever they want and that does not help teach them self control. If a kid wants a special treat, they can get it but they have to wait and eat it during afternoon snack. French kids also bake with their families, which is a perfect activity for teaching patience. You have to assemble the ingredients, wait for the thing to bake and cool, and wait to eat the fruits of your labor until snack or dessert. Brilliant. Arlo and I have already started baking together.<br />
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<b>Independence: </b>I've always felt like fostering independence is one of the biggest jobs I have as a parent. That said, it's hard. The line between encouraging independence and using appropriate precaution is unclear. Sometimes, I'm a helicopter parent. I admit it.<br />
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The reality is that babies know a lot more than you think they do. I'm constantly surprised by how much I underestimate Arlo. And besides, failing is the best way to learn. That doesn't mean I let him crawl on a jungle gym that is better suited for 12-year olds. But it does mean that maybe I should let him try to climb a reasonable structure by himself. Maybe I should let him try the slide backwards on his own. It's all good even if it's not. It reminds me of our American desire to sterilize everything. Now, we have drug resistant bacteria and ailments that probably could have been avoided with some good parasite/host symbiotic relationships.<br />
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The French believe that teaching independence starts from day one. French babies are famous for "doing their nights" within a couple of months. They go to day care (most if not all is government provided) at much higher rates than American kids and at a fairly young age.<br />
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To me, watching Arlo be independent, reach a new milestone, and/or figure something out for the first time is positive reinforcement that I'm doing a good job.<br />
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<b>Community-Thinking: </b>Despite the French approach to teaching independence, parents are dedicated to teaching their children that they are part of a society/community/collective. As such, they have to be thoughtful and conscientious (see the the section above on waiting). This is something I think American families often lack. Our culture is focused on independence and individualism above all else, and it seems like that attitude is only intensifying. French parents are firm decision makers and enforcers of certain norms and expectations, usually centered on social roles and interactions, but also let their kids have a lot of freedom with just about everything else. This is more than teaching kids to share and say "please" or "thank you", which are all good things. It's about teaching kids healthy ways to deal with differences and be respectful in certain situations like during meals.<br />
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<b>Experiences and Pleasure v. Milestones and Achievements: </b>This is something I struggle with a lot. I want Arlo to be smart and have the best chance in life, and sometimes I think that means he has to know how to count to 10 before he's 2 and speak in full sentences right now.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKrX7TyOK2x6A1g7HHSDQXu7fjOa1BVmwYp4-mbPapp6VLLk_4c8dv-8HklUaqr-Zd7L3K8eeEyK5W9Lqlbb6Qbic0o-1iKOPAIPLWy7QF05fISUeAjIPYSZzgDH0l5SlS8kUTB36zCgc/s1600/IMG_2803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKrX7TyOK2x6A1g7HHSDQXu7fjOa1BVmwYp4-mbPapp6VLLk_4c8dv-8HklUaqr-Zd7L3K8eeEyK5W9Lqlbb6Qbic0o-1iKOPAIPLWy7QF05fISUeAjIPYSZzgDH0l5SlS8kUTB36zCgc/s320/IMG_2803.jpg" width="320" /></a>Americans have a belief that kids are sponges and should be coached into learning practical skills as early as possible. The truth is, I want Arlo to be happy. I would love for life to be easy for him, but the truth is that the real value of life is when you enjoy living it. I also believe very strongly that we Americans tend to become tunnelvisioned and overlook the incredible things that exist in our backyard.<br />
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The French believe in the rhythm of life and allowing a kid to awaken to life's experiences and pleasures on their own. They don't push preschoolers to read or do basic math. Every kid is different and they learn at their own pace and in their own way. I think of my own life, and how I was a late bloomer and didn't really understand how I needed to learn until much later in life.<br />
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I want Arlo to have awareness of the world. Right now, he loves observing things and is deliberate about how he participates, so I think we need to nurture his curiosity and allow him to choose how to live his life and find his place in it all. Don't get me wrong. Education is very important to us and we will challenge him in whatever way we can, but traditional education is one piece of the broader pie. I would rather have Arlo be well-rounded than be the next Steve Jobs. Although, a private plane would be nice...<br />
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I highly recommend BUB and encourage folks to read it with an open mind. You will probably have a few moments when you react to something at first blush with horror and confusion. But if you let it sink it, I think you will find bits and pieces that work for you and other approaches that you may do already. </div>
</div>Ryan, Darcy, and Arlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293645015120249208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681534853963194187.post-64515517291581866752012-04-15T14:07:00.000-07:002012-04-15T14:11:18.534-07:00Bright SpotsGiven the weight of our post about Soma, you may be thinking that it's all tears in our house these days. Not so. In fact, we've had some really light hearted moments that are bright spots and remind us to appreciate every minute with each other.<br />
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<b>Arlo playing with his good friend, Wyatt. </b> </div>
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<b>Arlo enjoying secondsies with Papa.</b> </div>
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Arlo always has at least two breakfasts, and, yes, we are saving so we can cover the dramatic increase in our grocery bill in a few years. </div>
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<b>Easter egg hunting at Wyatt's house.</b> </div>
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<b>Spring is here!</b> </div>
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<b> Sunday morning hike at Discovery Park. </b></div>
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My apologies to Ryan for cutting off his head in the photo. I need to work on my photography skills!<b><br /></b></div>
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The home improvement projects also go on. We're finishing up the last bits of finishing our basement. We put a new floor in our basement 1/2 bath and utility room. White penny tile with gray grout. Love it! Finished project photos will be coming soon! </div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRSIK-qGgZYUbiPyYNX5CQm94xq7kYGGP9fzbtd7UyiriI6WPv_AqMAXOCsKBtWzwns6tE4VoKdpzFkfgrR0nc2VG6K5DG-UReXqaod3z5Sepebg5TOu86WDR0v-_9IDsGof4CPfi2YjI/s320/IMG_0932.jpg" width="240" /></div>
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<b>Before -- painted concrete foundation with a board over a bill hole in the floor. </b> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga13y6dtvHmcC5KnQuIq_wNmiJXTor5wZe_PfozaKkmpbKdXr0_nKsNEcEgzh8beyUbp4qp0DVSpvtSGRCT8Eaed4RxfY15w9z7JN-2oCAriiSms41_gf4-Iere_rob9bgTKjkjltbe9JI/s1600/IMG_2755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga13y6dtvHmcC5KnQuIq_wNmiJXTor5wZe_PfozaKkmpbKdXr0_nKsNEcEgzh8beyUbp4qp0DVSpvtSGRCT8Eaed4RxfY15w9z7JN-2oCAriiSms41_gf4-Iere_rob9bgTKjkjltbe9JI/s320/IMG_2755.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">After -- white penny tile with gray grout in keeping with the vintage feel of our house.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6Qu1sCA4Esk3U9WZauJrfOPUT78IQ4zocrJA4RZ11siAXKIWm0KokCJjeS5vEI16t2vc2B4ApVqxOAb5diBN1LMx5SJtjgMWgx6xfy-tl6FChnk4EZk8oeMCnq7tXyNl80WNLUpVTjsy/s1600/IMG_2766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6Qu1sCA4Esk3U9WZauJrfOPUT78IQ4zocrJA4RZ11siAXKIWm0KokCJjeS5vEI16t2vc2B4ApVqxOAb5diBN1LMx5SJtjgMWgx6xfy-tl6FChnk4EZk8oeMCnq7tXyNl80WNLUpVTjsy/s320/IMG_2766.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<b>Same area as the "before" photograph. </b></div>
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We also have some fun videos this month. The first is my favorite video ever of Ryan and Arlo after they put up the hammock for the season. They are looking at our camellia tree, which is in full bloom and covered in honey bees. <b><br /></b></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxfKbeIR-EQTQvizZEIG87HgAvQq8DezYlIXXv1xMfWqyS4eW_s0C8pb_Cs_7YkXCc4wfpufKFjIuMPfchC3Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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The second video is a guide on getting a toddler to sleep at night. This technique works for us and we hope it works for you!<br />
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(Disclaimer - we forgot to mention the step where we put Arlo's diaper and pajamas on. He does not sleep commando as our video suggests!)<br />
<br /></div>Ryan, Darcy, and Arlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293645015120249208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681534853963194187.post-63425969082499052002012-04-10T20:42:00.002-07:002012-04-10T20:42:39.626-07:00The Best Dog Ever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There is really no other way to say it, we got some really shitty news today. Our beloved dog, Soma, has terminal bone cancer. We're not sure how long we have with him, but it seems like only yesterday we brought home this adorable little butterball puppy. </div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJvA-_jz9WN6XMoKrSakuBpyqONR1o7zBDxSIq6OgK6YbtigiJVHXfUEjWJi3g8RUa5ryZTutp8ElV0eS9hE7Svhk0pyNvBk5QCu7sY-K63WXYBYAjRvAJz32mhrdwxLEuY5Nla30et3Qi/s320/P1080047.jpg" width="240" /></div>
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For us, Soma is a family member. He's like our first kid. He was our ring bearer. He greets us everyday with unconditional love and complete devotion. Like any family member, he sometimes drives you crazy, but at the end of the day, you would do anything for him. If only we could take away his fucking tumor(s).<br />
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<br />Ryan, Darcy, and Arlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293645015120249208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681534853963194187.post-74854756956060216932012-03-03T22:08:00.001-08:002012-03-03T23:13:04.627-08:00Keeping Spice in a MarriageToday's post is about the joy of spices and challenging yourself to cook a favorite yet unfamiliar food for your special someone. What did you think this post was about? Get your minds out of the gutter.<br />
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The bulk food aisle is a magical place. I admit that I used to look at this corner of the grocery store with fear and apprehension. It reminds me of the first time I went to a plant nursery. I went with a friend and avid gardener and was intimidated but curious. I didn't know how to buy bulbs, and I was very nervous about looking stupid or buying the wrong thing. Instead of carefully reading the plant labels, I watched other people pick up brown paper bags that were provided by the store, select a few bulbs, and then write the type, quantity, and bin number on each bag.<br />
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I decided to try a relatively safe variety (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narcissus_papyraceus" target="_blank">Paperwhites</a>, if you must know) that, according to the instructions, you could grow inside during the winter. I figured if the bulbs died in the warmth of my house in January, I would have quietly and privately failed the test and wouldn't have to bother with gardening in the future. Thankfully, the bulbs bloomed brilliantly, and it started a life long love of all things in the garden. <br />
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Anyway, back to the bulk food aisle. I thought the whole concept of opening bins to buy unpackaged food was,
well, unhygienic and lowbrow. Then, a cashier at my beloved Greenwood
Market asked me why I was buying a $5 package of garlic powder when I
could buy it in the bulk food section for much less. That wonderful
woman changed my life.<br />
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I now buy all of our spices from the bulk food section as well as nuts, oatmeal, flour, sugar, chocolate chips, lentils, beans, rice, and pasta. It truly is a fantastic place to discover new things like <a href="http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/christmas-lima-bean-stew-recipe.html" target="_blank">Christmas lima beans</a> or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fleur_de_sel" target="_blank">fleur de sel</a>. So far, nobody has gotten food poisoning or any strange diseases. In fact, the selections in the bulk food aisle can make or break my opinion of the grocery store in much the same way as a bulb selection at a nursery. <br />
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Don't be scared of the bulk food aisle! Explore it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJTqLE7D_9wK56CtQKUkAFTaVZGX4YQx_FPZemvWVOo_s-_7zCwm5vQWCnIV1sqG45UumcSnqt_xaaBn4sVR6oU6LMbKe8tJVgoUX6J7n57RCQT3DYS0XFFflJgHZsSu0vmK1vcwtPdv-/s1600/photo-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJTqLE7D_9wK56CtQKUkAFTaVZGX4YQx_FPZemvWVOo_s-_7zCwm5vQWCnIV1sqG45UumcSnqt_xaaBn4sVR6oU6LMbKe8tJVgoUX6J7n57RCQT3DYS0XFFflJgHZsSu0vmK1vcwtPdv-/s320/photo-3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b> Oooohhh. Pretty.</b></div>
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Yesterday was Ryan's birthday, and I had lots of plans to take him out to dinner or whisk him away to the <a href="http://www.mvsta.com/index2.html" target="_blank">Methow Valley</a>. Unfortunately, we've all been sick for the last few weeks, and Ryan came down with the dreaded cold just in time to celebrate his 30-something years. We all just wanted a quiet night at home, but that didn't mean that the birthday celebration couldn't be special.<br />
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How do you cheer up a guy with a bad sore throat and serious congestion? You make his favorite food, of course! Ryan loves Indian food, and I've always wanted to cook an Indian feast, but, like the bulbs at the nursery, I've been intimidated to try it. <br />
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Thank you Google and the bulk food aisle. Without you, Ryan would have been sad and miserable all weekend long. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJvaRfQO0K-QIOo24ZTGKAjh_y_MLq-SpGVqHczem-OsIEHP3eS4go7CAxwBvOvfsBHZuxXiU-V7j4UcFNtFBAUPDQMetJrphOrDBo9q0mGaYKYVU2xWuOkXIyfBJ27af67_nl312wCbPJ/s1600/IMG_2677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJvaRfQO0K-QIOo24ZTGKAjh_y_MLq-SpGVqHczem-OsIEHP3eS4go7CAxwBvOvfsBHZuxXiU-V7j4UcFNtFBAUPDQMetJrphOrDBo9q0mGaYKYVU2xWuOkXIyfBJ27af67_nl312wCbPJ/s320/IMG_2677.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Just a few of the spices I picked up at the store. </b></div>
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<b>The colors and smells were vibrant and wonderful!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVzwY9c6NMSxsY0iEhA8HaUuLcGygv2BQDX7VEZilhdYfKmBnMd8xaPzwM6OamGjvFm3ouUz6rpKA498X_tls5h3G1Us8yElbLnGhO4B87-uTFV475p8cfwAtHaG3kkFKQFrVY24ib5Kl5/s1600/IMG_2692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVzwY9c6NMSxsY0iEhA8HaUuLcGygv2BQDX7VEZilhdYfKmBnMd8xaPzwM6OamGjvFm3ouUz6rpKA498X_tls5h3G1Us8yElbLnGhO4B87-uTFV475p8cfwAtHaG3kkFKQFrVY24ib5Kl5/s320/IMG_2692.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>The start of a delicious <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/indian-style-basmati-rice/" target="_blank">Indian basmati rice</a>. </b> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYmonhJMepajR0WRv63ac4_4tgmvATPj4-KfTMW1joBXGBrK1zlQqBEbYCOAgH1e4KiazANfe_kK1vDzZ0Fvo6zG7gXb01V5SUK2goFIYX2NcwB1fAvISOqZxc-6iLGZqN-6ROZSnb_LO/s1600/IMG_2716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYmonhJMepajR0WRv63ac4_4tgmvATPj4-KfTMW1joBXGBrK1zlQqBEbYCOAgH1e4KiazANfe_kK1vDzZ0Fvo6zG7gXb01V5SUK2goFIYX2NcwB1fAvISOqZxc-6iLGZqN-6ROZSnb_LO/s320/IMG_2716.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Simmering <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/alicias-aloo-gobi/" target="_blank">Aloo Gobi</a>. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtmsaoR3cHsKq6CSsGBPTVZ6WtkaRiGNXnhhnIr9u8JdS9sfUYmcFQ-Iit90MevlCTj1TsF2Y_EXgz6OzaX_F5RWHz14o_hklt0XlBlik-7bhdFY0_PjcpWdZnWe_K0OeOXnaCFRWol3R/s1600/IMG_2732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtmsaoR3cHsKq6CSsGBPTVZ6WtkaRiGNXnhhnIr9u8JdS9sfUYmcFQ-Iit90MevlCTj1TsF2Y_EXgz6OzaX_F5RWHz14o_hklt0XlBlik-7bhdFY0_PjcpWdZnWe_K0OeOXnaCFRWol3R/s320/IMG_2732.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b> A heaping plate of flavorful and satisfying Indian food. </b></div>
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The rice is in the center of the plate, the aloo gobi is in the foreground, a wonderful <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/easy-masoor-daal/" target="_blank">lentil daal</a> is on the left, and a decent<a href="http://www.grouprecipes.com/34753/saag-paneer.html" target="_blank"> saag paneer </a>(spinach and cheese dish) is on the right. </div>
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And now for dessert. Ryan doesn't like cake (say what?!), so I decided to do something reminiscent of a birthday cake but made out of Ryan's favorite dessert, cookies.<br />
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I made an <a href="http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1610,149185-234197,00.html" target="_blank">oatmeal chocolate chip cookie cake</a>. Seriously, this thing was the shiz-nit. I put it in a 9-inch round cake pan, and it took about 40-45 minutes to cook in my convection oven. We added a scoop of good quality vanilla ice cream, and let me just say that the final product was DI-VINE. <br />
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<b>My artsy photo of the cookie-cake with Ryan's birthday tulips. Soma wanted to watch in the background just in case the cookie-cake should spill or need tidying up. </b></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">9 birthday candles (we decided to have each candle represent 4 years of his life). </span></div>
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<b>I don't know whether Arlo is terrified or mesmerized or both of the burning candles. </b></div>
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<b>O. M. G. </b></div>
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Happy Birthday, Ryan! I love you very much!</div>Ryan, Darcy, and Arlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293645015120249208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681534853963194187.post-3638912537225423312012-02-18T22:14:00.000-08:002012-02-18T22:46:01.125-08:00Winter in Seattle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ok, I suck at keeping up with the Nonericks. We've been hibernating, and we have many more excuses: snow days, the Packers in the playoffs (ugh), a nasty round of the stomach flu, winter gardening.<br />
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I actually made a movie showing our winter adventures (minus footage of the stomach flu and the Packers) starring Arlo Sherman Patrick. Keep your eye out for this kid. He has a real future. His emotional range is amazing, but he needs to develop more coordination and balance before he can be a double threat.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxOK4t2iqCN-yuAiCTt-V2q77cd9xr-OkD0zO15yszHn5NFW3cQRwx994im8LbhU6tP482D3Zjqe9GXGTatAQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<i><b>Winter in Seattle</b></i> </div>
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Music by: The Decemberists (January Hymn) and Jolie Holland (Littlest Birds)</div>
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If the movie is not enough, there's more.<br />
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<b>Arlo was so sad when the Giants beat the Packers in the playoffs... again!</b></div>
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<b>Snow Day!</b></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">What do you do for a sled when you live in largely snow-free location? </span> </div>
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<b>Use a plastic storage bin, of course!</b> </div>
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In addition to playing in the snow and watching football, Arlo got a big boy potty seat. He's not quite ready to use the seat for its intended purpose, but he seems to enjoy having a new place to sit.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">We are excited for the day when this position will mean we avoid one more diaper.</span> </div>
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We also got to visit a beautiful place on the Skykomish River near Seattle where a new hydropower dam could dramatically alter one of Washington's coolest rivers. It was a very cool spot, and we plan to return to do some hiking in the summertime. <br />
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<b>Canyon Falls </b></div>
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<b>(targeted for dynamite and dewatering - boo)</b></div>
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<b>The Skykomish River and Mt. Index in the background. </b></div>
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<b>Gorgeous even on a cloudy day. </b></div>
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Finally, the garden season has started. Just today, I planted some radishes, carrots, kale, lettuce, peas, and blueberry shrubs. So excited to learn if I can grow edibles!<br />
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Oh, and Arlo helped! <br />
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<b>Arlo took an occasional break to watch an airplane.</b> </div>
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<b>Arlo is a good helper, when he isn't eating dirt. Good for the immune system, right? </b> </div>
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<b>That's enough dirt eating for one day. </b></div>Ryan, Darcy, and Arlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293645015120249208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681534853963194187.post-49502890145062524152012-01-16T21:02:00.000-08:002012-01-16T21:02:34.938-08:00Fun and Firsts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: left;">
Despite our silence on the blog, we've been busy during the last few weeks. Arlo got his first haircut and enjoyed his first trip to the aquarium. We also celebrated a good friend's 1st birthday and made time to play in the new and improved playroom. </div>
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You may be asking yourself why we felt compelled to cut Arlo's fine hair. Well, pictures are worth a thousand words, so here you go. </div>
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<b>How can you notice that cute little face with wild, "Mad Scientist" hair? </b> </div>
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<b>Yep, it's even worse from behind.</b></div>
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<b>Who is that handsome boy with perfectly trimmed locks? </b></div>
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<b>We're still waiting for the hair to fill out up front, but he looks more like a toddler and less like a baby after his new haircut.</b> </div>
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At the aquarium, we spent a little time playing on a pier to enjoy the incredible view of the Olympic mountains.<br />
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<b>We love our town!</b></div>
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<b>Arlo wasn't as impressed by the mountains. He wanted to check out the fish in the aquarium. </b> </div>
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Happy Birthday, Wyatt!<br />
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<b>Wyatt inspects a cool homemade blanket made by his Aunt Becky. Even Arlo is struck by the craftsmanship. </b></div>
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<b>Reading books together before dinner. Buds for life, we think!</b></div>
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(I owe Arlo an apology for not catching the embarrassing diaper faux pas.)<b> </b></div>
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Fun with Friends!<br />
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<b>Wyatt exploring the tunnel.</b> </div>
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<b>Barrett playing Peek-a-Boo!</b> </div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">"There she is!"</span> </div>
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<b>Serious engineering going on. </b> </div>
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<b>Barrett and her Mama, Lydia, providing a little music for the play date. </b> </div>
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<b>Arlo loves the tunnel!</b></div>
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<br />Ryan, Darcy, and Arlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293645015120249208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681534853963194187.post-70463464184463435122011-12-27T12:49:00.000-08:002011-12-28T11:19:58.958-08:00Whoa, Santa!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This Christmas, we planned on having a low-key affair focused on enjoying some quality time as family. Well, Santa didn't get the memo.<br />
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I don't know what happened. Arlo must have learned how to work the Christmas system. Of course, we have explained the benefits of prioritizing one or two things to Arlo, and Ryan and I have also talked about planning future holidays around experiences rather than presents. Lesson learned.<br />
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With that said, the pictures and videos below summarize our wonderful but excessive Christmas. We missed our family and friends, but we hope everyone had a memorable and relaxing holiday!<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Arlo was so excited about Santa's visit that he wished the big night would come already. To cope with the long wait, he played the blues on his harmonica. </span></div>
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<b>Arlo went to Madison, WI, for a few days where he learned how to dance to the Nutcracker. Arlo's cousins, Lucy and Amelia, are not only talented ballet performers, but they were in the <a href="http://www.madisonballet.org/nutcracker">Madison Ballet's</a> rendition of the holiday classic. </b></div>
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<b>Ryan and Arlo enjoying a fully decked out Christmas House on our traditional Christmas Eve walk through Olympic Manor. </b></div>
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<b>Christmas morning cinnamon rolls - yum!</b></div>
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<b>Legos!</b></div>
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<b>Arlo is just starting to figure out how to unwrap presents.</b></div>
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<b>Now we have an official play room complete with little table and chairs,</b></div>
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<b>a "Secret Garden" tent with toadstool pillow, a tunnel, and a basketball hoop (see Arlo's demo below).</b></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Ryan and Arlo opening presents. So ridiculously cute. </span></div>
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<b>A playroom that is now ready for action!</b></div>Ryan, Darcy, and Arlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293645015120249208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681534853963194187.post-10373841518724724642011-12-08T20:35:00.001-08:002011-12-11T16:10:38.343-08:00Decking the Halls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On the day after Thanksgiving, we have a tradition of getting our Christmas tree with our good friends, Amy and Byron. This year was the first year we had both of our kids in tow. We are looking forward to continuing the tradition as the kids grow up, but this year the parents had the most fun selecting the perfect tree.</div>
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I don't know what it is about a Christmas tree. Perhaps it's the fact that we load it up with twinkling lights during the darkest time of year. Maybe it's the familiar smell that you forget about until you get the tree in your house. Whatever it is, I love it. </div>
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Now that Arlo is a toddler (how did that happen?!), we debated whether or not we should fully decorate the tree with ornaments. At the end of the day, we decided we could risk it if we exercised the right amount of caution. We put breakable ornaments up high, made sure there were no choking hazards within reach, and tied the tree to prevent it from falling over. I'm so glad we decorating the whole thing. It seems like a shame to pay money for a tree only to use part of it for its intended purpose. </div>
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<b>Byron and Wyatt scoping the selection. </b></div>
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Wyatt did a great job choosing his first Christmas tree! </div>
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<b>Jack Frost nipped at our noses.</b> </div>
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<b>Arlo thought Ryan could use a little help getting the tree in the stand. </b> </div>
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<b>Let the Nonerick family Christmas begin!</b></div>Ryan, Darcy, and Arlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293645015120249208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681534853963194187.post-54259744493703990422011-12-03T20:24:00.000-08:002011-12-08T20:49:01.581-08:00Happy Thanksgiving!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We enjoyed a fantastic Thanksgiving with good friends and good food. Wonder what a bunch of vegetarians do for a holiday centered on turkey? </div>
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<b>The Main Course</b></div>
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Fake turkey sliced into discs make a perfect turkey with stuffing taco! De-lish!<b> </b> </div>
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<b>A Full Table = Excessively Full Bellies</b></div>
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We devoured Amy's sweet potatoes with ginger and orange juice, two types of stuffing (yes!), mashed potatoes, cranberry relish, a yummy salad and many more tasty treats. </div>
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<b>Wyatt was perfectly content after a wonderful meal.</b> </div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Arlo, on the other hand, was so full he had to take off his pants. </span> </div>
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<b>Buddies playing</b></div>
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<b>I'm so sad that I only captured the last of what was an adorable moment of love between friends. </b></div>Ryan, Darcy, and Arlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293645015120249208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681534853963194187.post-36789433130915106792011-11-14T19:31:00.001-08:002011-11-14T19:34:37.781-08:00Barely Keeping Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Arlo is walking like a maniac. We are barely keeping up with him, which
may be evident based on the messy room in this video. Despite the fact
that we have to be even more on our game with a toddler, we are loving
the walking phase. For one thing, he sleeps more at night. Perhaps he is
wearing himself out more?</div>
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<br /></div>Ryan, Darcy, and Arlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293645015120249208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681534853963194187.post-12249641028533061252011-10-31T21:51:00.001-07:002011-10-31T22:01:36.148-07:00Happy Halloween!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My favorite holiday is... wait for it... Halloween!<br />
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Every year, I go a little nuts, and having a child only makes my obsession worse. Sadly, Arlo was sick this year with a fever, congestion, and a full body rash, so we had to cancel all of our celebration plans, including trick-or-treating! Don't worry, though, we made the best of it!<br />
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<b>The front porch by day.</b> </div>
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<b>Arlo and Shelob welcome you!</b></div>
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<b>A garden that is slowly going to sleep for the winter reveals a terrifying secret tombstone. </b></div>
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<b>Yes, we did force a sick little boy to wear his garden gnome costume for 5 minutes while we took pictures. Poor baby!</b> </div>
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<b>The front porch by night.</b></div>
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Hope everyone had a fantastic and frightening Halloween!</div>Ryan, Darcy, and Arlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293645015120249208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681534853963194187.post-17063513367121882252011-10-24T21:34:00.000-07:002011-10-24T21:34:34.565-07:00And we have liftoff!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Arlo is walking! He's also doing his best Frankenstein impersonation for Halloween week. Something tells me it's time to batten down the hatches. <br />
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<b>It would be scary if he wasn't so darn cute. </b></div>
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<b>Helping Papa unpack after his bike commute home. </b></div>Ryan, Darcy, and Arlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11293645015120249208noreply@blogger.com1