tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74515115251706204032024-03-14T03:31:45.148-04:00Living Life LoudlyKourtnihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769977423107042340noreply@blogger.comBlogger712125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451511525170620403.post-87993588749939050852019-07-24T15:27:00.000-04:002019-07-24T15:27:28.312-04:00backyard fun<div style="text-align: justify;">
The last day of school for the girls was relatively uneventful. They both cried - Kylie because she would miss her friends, and Summer because she would miss her teacher. But those tears soon dried when they realized all of the fun that was to be had this summer.</div>
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Roscoe was feeling pretty good about warmer weather too :)</div>
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We began the summer with a project. Last fall during a big storm our trampoline hopped the fence and landed in our neighbors' yard. The legs became slightly bent and the netting was shredded in multiple places. Not wanting to get rid of our slightly used trampoline, we salvaged what we could and decided to create an in-ground trampoline.</div>
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The kids were so excited and helped however they could (which often meant that they were on London duty so Josh and I could get some work done).</div>
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After a solid day of removing the top layer of sod, we began to realize just what a huge undertaking this project would be. We recruited the help of a friend from church who owned a tractor with a backhoe. Oh man, he saved the day!</div>
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It was SOOO much work - made even more difficult by a long stint of bad weather, kids being home all day everyday, the Memorial Day holiday, and travel plans - but it has been so worth it. The kids play on the trampoline every single day. Good job, Josh :)</div>
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Our spring seemed to last a lot longer this year than normal so we were incredibly grateful when it finally warmed up! </div>
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London was fascinated by the blossoms on the trees and the petal dust in the grass. It was so fun to see how London reacted to to everything outside: leaves, blossoms, dandelions, grass, etc. She really enjoys being outside and this time she could wander the backyard however she pleased, as opposed to the previous fall when she was just learning to sit on her own.</div>
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The fun was just beginning!</div>
<br />Kourtnihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769977423107042340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451511525170620403.post-91827280350672062252019-07-24T14:53:00.001-04:002019-07-24T15:11:23.643-04:00pre-k grad<div style="text-align: justify;">
The end of the school year was extra exciting for a certain 5-year-old boy. It marked the end of an era, with the promise of a bright future ahead. </div>
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The end-of-year program showcased what the kids had learned throughout the year. Jackson got to recite a bible verse that he had memorized (Psalms 118:24). </div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">I was amazed by his newfound confidence! Last year he hardly cracked a smile or sang a single word during his entire program. This time it was quite a different experience. We were both thrilled about that.</span><br />
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At the end of the program each child got to walk across the stage and give their teachers a hug. The Pre-K kiddos wore their little graduation caps and collected a "diploma". I got a kick out of Jackson - so stoic and nonchalant when it was his turn to take the stage.</div>
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But he was all smiles once he reached his teachers! </div>
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And just like that we have another child done with preschool. I wish I would have been more diligent about documenting the little details of Jackson's school year. Here are just a few fun noteworthy things:<br />
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- His teachers' names were Miss Dianne and Miss Shannon, but he pronounced them Diamme and Shammon.<br />
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- He also mispronounced a few of his classmates' names, including Drude (Drew) and Bucket (Beckett).<br />
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- He had half a peanut butter sandwich (no jelly), an applesauce, a Go-gurt, and some pringles almost everyday. <br />
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- Whenever I picked him up after school, he would greet me with a giant smile and a hug. He was just as eager to ask about my day as he was to tell me about his.<br />
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- When it was warm enough to have outdoor recess, he liked to play Power Rangers or Zombies (?). When they had indoor recess he LOVED to play basketball in the gym.<br />
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- He liked to be in charge of selecting songs on the way to preschool each morning. Some of his favorites included "Seven Years", "Uptown Funk", and various songs from the Trolls soundtrack.</div>
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I can't believe this boy will be starting Kindergarten in a matter of weeks!Kourtnihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769977423107042340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451511525170620403.post-25084355359993362712019-07-18T21:49:00.004-04:002019-07-18T21:49:55.655-04:00easter 2019<div style="text-align: justify;">
We had some of our favorite people come and stay with us for Easter weekend. The excitement is almost palpable during the days leading up to Grandma and Grandad's visit. This time the excitement was at an all-time high because Uncle Kramer would be coming too! Kramer even brought his fish.</div>
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The weekend went by fast but we made it a point to spend a little time at TopGolf. We played a little shuffleboard while we waited for our bay to be ready. Jackson was a pro at it, probably because he's used to sliding Hot Wheels cars around the floor at home.</div>
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Chynna, London's birth mom, was able to be there too. It was so special to have her with us.</div>
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We sure love these guys! </div>
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We sent the kids on a little scavenger hunt around the house so they could find their Easter baskets. It's always fun watching them work together.</div>
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We had a wonderful time celebrating Easter with family. I love Easter; it's one of my favorite holidays. I'm so grateful for Jesus Christ, for his love, compassion, kindness and sacrifice. Because of Him I'm able to live life to the fullest with these amazing people.Kourtnihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769977423107042340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451511525170620403.post-35599901189125175832019-07-18T21:30:00.000-04:002019-07-18T21:29:59.993-04:00april happenings<div style="text-align: justify;">
We kicked off the month of April with Spring Break, staycation style. We tried to venture out and do one fun thing each day. The biggest hit was definitely bowling. It was interesting to see the kids' "methods" when rolling the ball down the lane: Kylie, though left-handed, would bowl with her right; Summer preferred to drop the ball {dangerously close to her toes at times}; and Jackson liked to roll the ball granny style. </div>
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A close second on our list of favorites was exploring Holliday Park. Although there are 3 playgrounds, a nature center, and a splash pad in the warmer months, the kids preferred the hiking trails. Josh and I really like hiking too so we invested in a carrying backpack for LoLo. Worth every penny.</div>
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Spring was a little late to arrive this year so I was thrilled when I started seeing blossoms on the trees. I love spring.</div>
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I'm not sure what these two were chatting about but it must have been interesting.</div>
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Some of us were still in hibernation mode :) When Josh was napping one Sunday afternoon, London found the perfect spot to place Jackson's teddy bear. I had to capture it.</div>
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I'm slowly building my photography business but I'll admit I'm not as diligent as I should be. I did, however, offer spring mini sessions (a 15 minute stylized photo session for families). The kids were more than happy to model the set up for me.</div>
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We celebrated Easter (more on that later).</div>
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After a year and a half of leading the Activity Day girls at church on my own, I finally got a co-leader! She is so dang fun. The girls loved the healthy habits activity that she led: a scavenger hunt, yoga, and smoothies.</div>
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As the school year began to wind down, the kids got to participate in various spirit days. Jackson was super excited to wear his Captain America costume for Superhero Day. We even made a quick trip to Barnes & Noble after school - just me and my favorite superhero.</div>
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Amidst photo shoots, school events, yard work and all the other things spring brings, we took Roscoe to the vet for his semi-annual checkup. He rarely gets to ride in the car, much less ride shotgun, so he was pretty pleased about that. Never a dull moment, I tell you.</div>
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<br />Kourtnihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769977423107042340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451511525170620403.post-89648224959886030902019-07-17T21:50:00.000-04:002019-07-17T21:50:35.969-04:00{our} march madness<div style="text-align: justify;">
The world slowly started to thaw outside. Although it stayed chillier than is typical for March, we were all happy to venture outside whenever we could. It was odd bringing London out for the first time because she was <i>walking</i>. The last time we had brought her outside the previous fall, she was barely sitting on her own. Suddenly she had places to be.</div>
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Her 15 month checkup went by without a hitch. Still short and stocky :)</div>
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I decided to take an Ancestry DNA test. I still haven't delved too deep into the results but I still found it fascinating. When Josh saw that my results came back 52% Great Britain and Northwestern Europe he said, "Well, I guess you're not exactly HALF black, are you?" Good one, Josh.</div>
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While the weather may have been atypical, our family's pattern of sickness wasn't. One kid got sick and passed it to me, I passed it to another kid who passed it <i>back</i> to me, etc. It felt like we were sick for months. At one point we had Influenza A <i>and</i> B in our house, not to mention the sporadic days of symptom-less fevers mixed in. After missing an entire week of school, Kylie and I were over it. Nothing heals the soul like some good ole Starbucks.<br />
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Summer had a music showcase one evening at school. It was fun to watch her share what she had learned throughout the year.</div>
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In addition to her weekly music class at school, Summer began attending a ukulele class once a month at the public library. She enjoyed it but she quickly realized that it would require some practice before she felt comfortable with it.</div>
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I am still the Activity Day leader at church so I get to hold bi-weekly activities for the 8-11-year-old girls. They are so fun. I often find random selfies on my phone at the end of the night. </div>
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Josh, London and I went out for brunch one morning at a place called Rosie's in downtown Noblesville. It definitely lived up to the hype. Not only was the food delicious but the restaurant itself has a really cool rustic vibe. It's a new favorite of ours.</div>
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The end of the month marked the beginning of Spring Break. Although we weren't traveling anywhere, we were excited to trade in our usual cares for ones like <i>How early is too early to pop open the whipped cream?</i></div>
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<br />Kourtnihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769977423107042340noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451511525170620403.post-48245740009788417482019-07-17T20:53:00.001-04:002019-07-18T19:04:03.681-04:00february fun<div style="text-align: justify;">
During the winter months we have to get a little creative with our indoor fun so no one gets too stir crazy. One day I heard lots of giggling coming from our front room. I peeked around the corner to find Summer entertaining the baby and the dog with bubbles. London wasn't too sure what to make of them.</div>
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As February 14th approached, I couldn't help but think of my favorite Valentines - big and small. </div>
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And this cutie pie took her first steps! The rest of us spent the remainder of the month chasing her around, cheering her on, and hiding our valuables :)<br />
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<br />Kourtnihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769977423107042340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451511525170620403.post-72932813383676277012019-02-14T16:47:00.001-05:002019-02-14T16:47:59.923-05:00january wrap upI usually take down Christmas stuff within the first week of January, but this year I may or may not have kept things up until February.... I figured, why take down the things that are bringing me joy? Jackson's hot wheels car agreed.<br />
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Josh and I had a certain special talk with Summer. We're a few months late. We had the same talk with Kylie right around her 8th birthday. I highly recommend talking about sex with kids when they're 8. They still trust you and they're not afraid to have frank conversations. There may have been a few laughs but overall we had a great discussion.</div>
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It was a very cold and snowy January for us! Between snow days, cancelled church, and sickness, I feel like we were home in our pajamas as a family A LOT. </div>
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On the first Sunday that church was cancelled, we invited the missionaries over for brunch. Jackson blessed the food and made sure to thank Heavenly Father that church could be cancelled. Ha! I will say, though, that we had a great opportunity to implement the Come Follow Me program at home. I signed up for a monthly subscription that basically outlines the program for each day, with tons of activities and printables for kids. Totally worth the $5 a month in my opinion.</div>
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The kids have had a great time in the fresh, powdery white stuff!</div>
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London began walking and also learned how to give kisses, which is just about the cutest thing I've ever seen.</div>
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We caught the last bit of a lunar eclipse.</div>
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The oldest had a birthday. This makes her the oldest girl in the Activity Days program that I'm in charge of at church. Crazy to think she'll be entering Young Women next year.</div>
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And that's a wrap!</div>
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Kourtnihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769977423107042340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451511525170620403.post-17897345732106045552019-02-14T16:16:00.000-05:002019-02-14T16:16:27.810-05:00I have an 11-year-old<div style="text-align: justify;">
How time flies...</div>
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My dirt loving, Cheerio eating, bubble blowing, cartoon watching little girl is quickly becoming a headphone wearing, mug sipping, cookie baking, art creating, group texting young lady. I'm trying not to dwell on the fact that she will be DRIVING in 5 years' time.</div>
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Here are 11 things that I love about Kylie:</div>
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1. She is honest, even at the risk of getting in trouble, a quality I hope she keeps throughout her teen years!</div>
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2. Her laugh.</div>
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3. Her celebration of other cultures. She can call me Mum, eat with chop sticks, and wish me a Happy Cinco de Mayo all in the same day :)</div>
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4. She has chosen good friends.</div>
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5. She's not afraid to GO FOR IT, whether it's joining a club at school, auditioning for a play, or trying on that new shade of lip gloss.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A5DRMtjawYc/XGXN8mymGtI/AAAAAAAAN3w/0u0m_XOsZp0WPJjcB-YYaZCR4f1Kp9SYACLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0449.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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6. She is tender-hearted and kind.</div>
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7. She is a great big sister. We love that she can babysit for quick errands!</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PLEIp8Ei-vk/XGXOWKwaLpI/AAAAAAAAN4E/xGKKLIOcXQ42g7YCcvajT7olCejQ2B8IgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0706.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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8. She is naturally inquisitive. I love that she loves to learn.</div>
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9. She is GOOFY!</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p5hPTsYH3Ws/XGXNjrROd_I/AAAAAAAAN3I/L43yTa-J2O0uOxM9TYiZT-m6ugvrBnctwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p5hPTsYH3Ws/XGXNjrROd_I/AAAAAAAAN3I/L43yTa-J2O0uOxM9TYiZT-m6ugvrBnctwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0672.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FL9-Ri8TXSg/XGXNju6AibI/AAAAAAAAN3A/v7KmsqoI4L8afeJD7STjsz_kBuoz-xVpQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FL9-Ri8TXSg/XGXNju6AibI/AAAAAAAAN3A/v7KmsqoI4L8afeJD7STjsz_kBuoz-xVpQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0706.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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10. She is a hard worker. Intermediate school requires more organization and personal responsibility, which has been challenging for her in a good way.</div>
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11. She can memorize sports stats and movie quotes like nobody's business!</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v8scCLpu7Rs/XGXN87GTXsI/AAAAAAAAN30/7_EkGF1w4X4eYx5K1uhXh4nDDHeqBGLOACLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0454.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Happy birthday to this sweet, silly, smart, fun-loving pre-teen of mine.</div>
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Kourtnihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769977423107042340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451511525170620403.post-54385963168390860532019-02-14T15:16:00.000-05:002019-02-14T15:16:42.674-05:00London's 1 year stats<div style="text-align: justify;">
Since we were in Michigan during London's 1st birthday I didn't really document her stats or milestones. It's crazy to think that it one short year's time she went from this...</div>
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to this.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4euBKiSl-lM/XGXGLbR3qnI/AAAAAAAAN2Q/E0kCBmuM6F8abAfymoYVfdNOd2CVcQxUQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4euBKiSl-lM/XGXGLbR3qnI/AAAAAAAAN2Q/E0kCBmuM6F8abAfymoYVfdNOd2CVcQxUQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0208.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here are her 1 year stats:</div>
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Height: 28.3 inches {25th percentile}</div>
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Weight: 21 pounds 12 ounces {50-75th percentile}</div>
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Head circumference: 45.5 cm {50th percentile}</div>
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At each wellness check, London's doctor sends me home with a paper that outlines common behaviors and milestones for her age. London is textbook!</div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;">"By now your baby should be saying mama, dada, using a cup fairly well, feeding herself with her fingers, waving bye bye, understanding some things you say to her, crawling, walking around furniture while holding on and possibly walking alone."</span></div>
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At one, London wasn't walking yet but she crawled like a champ and was cruising around furniture without a problem.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RpTMjYNeMA0/XGXDL3G1KHI/AAAAAAAAN14/NF8Z5AnwimwWX8CcwZaHD6a2DDk3d7RQACLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0470.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;">"One-year-olds are into everything and like to explore."</span></div>
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My favorite:</div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;">"Behavior problems often start now. Most toddlers want to become independent yet they will often cling and whine.... Although this is normal behavior, it can be very annoying and it will try your patience."</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VZhqItx3E40/XGXDE7_4fWI/AAAAAAAAN1w/_uO8SExmcxE0JEVO5pPXYfk2a8--uELhgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VZhqItx3E40/XGXDE7_4fWI/AAAAAAAAN1w/_uO8SExmcxE0JEVO5pPXYfk2a8--uELhgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0199.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Some other fun facts about London:</b></div>
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She typically sleeps from 7:30pm - 6:30am. Her happy babbling lets us know she's ready to start her day.</div>
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She likes most foods except rice and broccoli. Her favorite snack foods are cheerios, Gerber puffs, Ritz crackers, and bread.</div>
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Her favorite toy is her Fisher Price walker. Although it comes with all kinds of gadgets and buttons, she prefers to just push it around the house.</div>
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She can say simple words like mama, dada, dog, more, hi, bye bye, thank you, uh oh, stinky, and mwah! {blowing kisses}</div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">She is easily the calmest, happiest baby I've ever met. She's content wherever we take her and with whoever wants to hold her.</span><br />
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She's a water baby! She loves the pool and bath time.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cHxC2s4LpkE/XGXKsCwhWwI/AAAAAAAAN2k/I59w_mpbGaAPdzC6UgzTIqs0d7eQeLGlACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0598.JPG" width="480" /></div>
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She has 7 teeth -- 4 on the bottom and 3 on the top. No molars yet.</div>
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Her favorite things that are off limits: the dog's water bowl and my box of ziploc baggies.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0bqLjU5WD4c/XGXKsbIJiyI/AAAAAAAAN2s/ZNQmuEYvvJQ57_kX_9tb2cQO7PgbuYEuQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0775.jpg" style="text-align: center;" width="640" /></div>
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She took her first steps at 13 months. She walked to Summer.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='420' height='366' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyH2rIT55A4IroUCDtKkbcjqR6kTY96g0W3fwc3n_6zq1vwADJVuo5_a_eSaNhEyMepDI5T4j2wHapz4N09vg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Everyone adores her, even perfect strangers 💗</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-myXT9B1IdZs/XGXKsHrW0sI/AAAAAAAAN2o/apgAkbjQpjwjDincgHhlxioWfM3lET-MgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0638.JPG" width="640" /></div>
Kourtnihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769977423107042340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451511525170620403.post-23537878430879304342019-02-14T14:33:00.000-05:002019-02-14T14:33:01.847-05:002019 Word<div style="text-align: justify;">
My yearly word for 2019 is PLAN. Now if you know me, you know that I'm already big into planning. I appreciate organization and looking ahead. But to be honest, I'm not the best at SCHEDULING. Sure, I remember to schedule wellness checks, dentist appointments, parent teacher conferences, etc. But I'm <i>terrible</i> at scheduling the optional things: date nights, lunches with girlfriends, kids' birthday parties, out-of-town visitors.</div>
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So, this year I'll be focusing on planning for those seemingly little things that make a big difference in our overall happiness:</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="564" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ln326N0O0xc/XGW9y-NBx-I/AAAAAAAAN1g/W0PeobgUxk0EhHZOrp8Z3S5TWfxAQOnjACLcBGAs/s640/00ae72c9f1ab21ac3eb31f90cccc9c62.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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The #1 thing I wanted to plan first was date nights with Josh. I'm the biggest cheapskate around so it's easy for me to justify why it's unwise to get babysitters all the time. But the truth is, we <i>have</i> the money for babysitters and date nights; we're just spending that money elsewhere {fast food}. So together we sate down and talked about the changes we would be willing to make to allow for regular date nights. They're so important and we felt like we were missing out! I reached out to our next door neighbor who is a junior in high school and asked if there would be 1 night a week that she could consistently come and watch the kids for 1-2 hours. She said Monday nights worked for her. I said, "Done!" </div>
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We have loved having this time together, and the kids have come to understand that Monday night = date night. Our dates are not extravagant or fancy. Sometimes we end up at the grocery store. Other times we go to the gym. But we do fun things too! Recently we went ax throwing with another couple and had the best time!</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="1160" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t3286oeL9jk/XGW9XLbc5WI/AAAAAAAAN1U/xD22K1hTpQ8Fa5ZqvRTNNAfhnr57_KC4wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0887.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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The other thing that immediately came to mind when I thought about PLANNING was my health. I particularly wanted to drink more water, which does not come naturally to me at all. But I bucked up and bought a nice water bottle that keeps water nice and cold, and set a goal to drink 3 of those each day. Some days are better than others but I can feel a difference in my energy levels when I follow through and drink lots of water!</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n2csmNmI2mk/XGW87ZVhVOI/AAAAAAAAN1E/yfL6v1Wr1XYktqj-zzy4tB6mAYfWO3ZEACLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0253.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Josh and I made other plans too -- financial ones. Some big, some small. We keep a budget but we're really good at shifting funds around so we can satisfy our wants :) This year we set some specific goals to help us live better in the long run and be prepared for setbacks as well as FUN.</div>
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So there ya have it.</div>
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Kourtnihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769977423107042340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451511525170620403.post-30457869646416768462019-02-13T12:08:00.000-05:002019-02-13T12:08:31.711-05:002018 highlightsI'm sure if I asked everyone in my family what their favorite event was of 2018, they would all come up with something different. It's been fun to go back and look at the pictures captured throughout the year - it's amazing how quickly we forget things. Like London's umbilical hernia she was born with that ultimately fixed itself. Or the kids' many art projects, notes, school projects, and field trips. Or what our backyard looks like when it's not covered in snow :)<div>
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Here are some of our faves:</div>
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Welcoming sweet London into our family. This is, without a doubt, THE highlight!</div>
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Attending a Sip n See party that my wonderful friends hosted for me & London.</div>
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Cheerleading! Summer rocked it.</div>
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Legally adopting London 💝</div>
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Spending time in Michigan with family several times throughout the year.</div>
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Easter. Definitely one of our favorite holidays around here.</div>
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Finishing London & Jackson's bedroom. They love having a "sleepover" every night!</div>
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Visiting Summer's classroom at school and showing off her baby sister. Instant popularity :)</div>
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Having family and friends attend our sealing in the Indianapolis Temple as we became a forever family.</div>
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Taking advantage of local treasures around town.</div>
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And soaking up gloriously sunny days.</div>
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Celebrating motherhood.</div>
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Attending various events at school.</div>
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And giving one last honk on the last day of school. {I still miss that bus driver}.</div>
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Starting off the summer with a "little" project. We put up a shiplap wall in our front room and installed vinyl plank flooring throughout the main level.</div>
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Enjoying lots of sunny, lazy, and/or fun-filled summer days.</div>
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Making a drastic change :)</div>
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Having family come visit us for various occasions throughout the year.</div>
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Heading back to school, but this time at a different building for a certain 5th grader.</div>
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Lots of silly moments at home.</div>
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A very special baptism for a very special 8-year-old.</div>
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Birthdays...</div>
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Park days.</div>
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Vacations {Albuquerque}.</div>
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And day trips. {Dayton}</div>
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Discovering a passion. Newborn photography is my FAVE.</div>
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Holidays with friends.</div>
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Fall days.</div>
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And of course, Christmas!</div>
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My yearly word for 2018 was TIME. I wanted to set aside time, even when it felt inconvenient, to be with my favorite people. I think I accomplished that! For Christmas 2017 we gave each of the kids a coupon book where they could redeem a coupon for an outing or special date with a parent each month of the year. That definitely kept me focused on my yearly word. I was able to connect with my kids while baking cookies, painting nails, eating an ice cream cone, or simply watching a favorite movie together. </div>
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Here's to many more wonderful moments coming up in 2019!</div>
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Kourtnihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769977423107042340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451511525170620403.post-24119426378235937172019-01-09T22:23:00.001-05:002019-01-09T22:23:38.493-05:00december wrap up<div style="text-align: justify;">
December was quite the month! I'm sure that many more things happened that are not pictured here, but these are some of the highlights:</div>
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<strike>Our family</strike> Josh and the missionaries put on our ward Christmas party.</div>
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I attended a friend's baby shower. Although her family no longer lives next door to us we still get together when we can.</div>
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Josh's company party was held at the Children's Museum.</div>
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The kids helped me put up the Christmas tree. I bought a special ornament for each member of our family. </div>
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<li>Josh = cowbell. Remember that SNL skit? We need more cowbell!</li>
<li>Kourtni = barn. I'm a sucker for photographing old barns.</li>
<li>Kylie = hedgehog. It's her petronus from Harry Potter. You may need to google that...</li>
<li>Summer = snow globe. She loves them.</li>
<li>Jackson = truck. Self explanatory :)</li>
<li>London = NOEL. Her middle name is Noelle.</li>
<li>Roscoe = paw print. Yes, my dog has an ornament. But Jackson put it on the tree for him because "Roscoe doesn't have any hands."</li>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d9hoSVbUOFg/XDaxQcC6jQI/AAAAAAAANtE/eKMWsnqvRpQ878My8eeky9e_sSGVggX0QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0106%2B%2528Edited%2529.JPG" width="480" /></div>
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Our elf friend, Pixie, visited our home during the month of December. Summer and Jackson always popped out of bed in the mornings to see where she was hiding next.</div>
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One of my favorite Christmas traditions is unwrapping a book each night and reading it together before bed. I remember when I started this tradition several years ago and had to reserve a bunch of books from the library ahead of time so my kids would have books to unwrap. Somehow we've accumulated so many Christmas books over the years that we can't wrap them all!</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y55WHGlCYZ0/XDaxPj2WGCI/AAAAAAAANtA/-6_QvkwWysMXYMiDhKrar3DaHM5vpshlwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0430.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Unlike December of 2017, this month was a busy one for me for photo sessions. YAY! Roscoe often helps me with my lighting.</div>
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He's very thoughtful that way. But even he has his limits. Ha!</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XKqEUgmEFWw/XDaxO0jrkuI/AAAAAAAANs4/bFo7sGeTLMAZpOrJLo-hBbgx8N47e8ZBACLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0150.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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The highlight of our month was traveling to Michigan to spend Christmas with my family. Josh has brainwashed all of our children to be University of Michigan fans, which is a little awkward for my Michigan State-loving family, but they let us come anyway :)</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RcMyzZmKCiY/XDa0TfQS8cI/AAAAAAAANt8/BDYFZEuRn2gaRaiL6saLWjv2nZdYw3v1gCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0958.jpg" width="426" /></div>
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London came down with RSV the week before our trip {of course} but thankfully she was on the road to recovery and in good spirits by the time we arrived.</div>
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We had the best time. It was all business when we got back into town though. I had a shift at Kohl's that evening, then an early morning photo shoot the following morning. Actually, it was a videography gig! I don't typically do those but it was for a friend. We froooooze but it was so worth it. Their video turned out beautiful.</div>
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And that was our crazy December!</div>
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Kourtnihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769977423107042340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451511525170620403.post-58783403865356392742019-01-09T21:37:00.000-05:002019-01-09T21:37:13.522-05:00Christmas in michigan<div style="text-align: justify;">
We spent Christmas Eve preparing yummy food so we could enjoy a fun evening at my grandparents' house. I can't begin to describe how much I adore this crazy crew!</div>
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When we came home to my parents' house, we read <i>Twas the Night Before Christmas</i> and then it was off to bed. Well, for the kids. Some of us still had a lot of wrapping to do...</div>
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Is there anything more magical than Christmas morning? The excitement is contagious!</div>
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Josh told the kids they had to complete an exercise before opening each gift. I think that helped them realize just how much they had to open! In true Jackson fashion he found a loophole...</div>
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I loved watching the family's expressions after opening their gifts. So fun!</div>
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The kids were very excited about the Michigan gear from Daddy.</div>
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Can you tell what some of the favorite gifts were?</div>
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I drew Kramer's name for Secret Santa. I bought him a toaster for his new apartment and a fish to keep him company :) His name is Skillet.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LMhsd2miUxs/XDar5jopvHI/AAAAAAAANqs/o3--xBMnhnIeBxhdQT-6ocCiYDZnjNtCQCLcBGAs/s1600/Christmas-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LMhsd2miUxs/XDar5jopvHI/AAAAAAAANqs/o3--xBMnhnIeBxhdQT-6ocCiYDZnjNtCQCLcBGAs/s640/Christmas-14.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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At the risk of sounding cheesy, the best gift was being together. It really was. We loved every minute that we got to spend with our Michigan family. Thanks for hosting us {and all our junk}, Mom & Dad!</div>
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Kourtnihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769977423107042340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451511525170620403.post-53891902648026279882019-01-09T21:15:00.000-05:002019-01-09T21:15:40.173-05:00London turns 1<div style="text-align: justify;">
I can't believe my baby is one. That year went by SO fast. We celebrated with friends and family in Michigan.</div>
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Josh's parents mailed a special gift all the way from Washington. They've made it a tradition to give each of their grandkids a stuffed animal from Build-a-Bear on their first birthday. London immediately fell in love with hers.</div>
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Our longtime friends, the Smiths, stopped by. Sue and I became great friends many years ago when Josh and I moved back to Michigan when Kylie was just a baby.</div>
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Next to drop by was my friend from high school, John, and his lovely wife Amelia. Love them!</div>
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London wasn't too sure what to think about her cupcake. She was all about that candle though!</div>
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A little while later it was the family shift. We had the best time playing games, eating yummy food, and celebrating London.</div>
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By the end of the day, London just wanted to be held. Who better to snuggle with than GiGi? I love that my kids have gotten to know and love their great grandparents. We are so blessed to still have them with us.</div>
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So many people played a vital role in bringing London into our lives and our family. We love that she is loved by so many. Happy birthday, sweet girl.</div>
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Kourtnihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769977423107042340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451511525170620403.post-14961272557444249382019-01-08T23:13:00.002-05:002019-01-08T23:13:52.203-05:00Christmas party x2<div style="text-align: justify;">
Josh's company hosted a Christmas party at the Children's Museum again this year and the kids could not have been more excited.</div>
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First up: the Yuletide Slide! It's perfect for all ages :)</div>
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Last year we missed seeing Santa because we were too busy exploring. So this year we made it a priority to visit him before the line got too long. It was definitely a ... memorable experience.</div>
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When it was our family's turn, we arranged the kids around Santa and plopped London on his lap for a quick picture. She. Freaked. Our calm, even-keeled, I'll-go-to-anyone little girl was NOT having it. Check out that lovely picture below. She had a death grip on Josh's shirt! It's a little funny...</div>
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After our lovely visit with Santa we decided to split up so everyone could visit their favorite spots. Kylie and I went to see the Pop Culture Exhibit. She had recently taken a huge interest in Spider Man and wanted to check out all of the old comics.</div>
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Everyone else hopped around a bit more: a visit to the 4th floor to ride the carousel {sorry, no pictures of that} and then down to the Lower Level to see the trains. Jackson was in heaven!</div>
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As the party came to a close, I took the kids to the dinosaur exhibit while Josh hung out on the main level for the raffle drawings. </div>
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We were just about to call it a night when Josh heard his name called. He took Jackson with him to choose an envelope off a Christmas tree. The envelopes contained anywhere from $100 to $500. Just being chosen to select an envelope was exciting! Jackson chose an envelope from the bottom of the Christmas tree and would you believe me if I told you there were $500 in it?</div>
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I couldn't believe it either. In fact, I wasn't there at the time. I was near the lobby, thinking Josh got hung up trying to push a stroller through the crowded room. I had no idea that he and Jackson had just had an adventure on their own!</div>
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When Josh and Jackson found us, Jackson said, "I picked an envelope and we got $5!" I didn't know what was in the envelopes so I thought maybe we got a gift card or something. Josh clarified the amount and I about hit the floor. I loved that Jackson would have been just as happy with $5.</div>
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We are so grateful to Josh's company for such a wonderful and exciting night!</div>
Kourtnihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769977423107042340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451511525170620403.post-52890257701166039552019-01-08T20:54:00.001-05:002019-01-08T20:54:45.409-05:00be your best "elf"<div style="text-align: justify;">
Each year a certain auxiliary at church is put in charge of the ward Christmas party. Guess who got nominated this year? The missionaries! Since Josh is the ward mission leader, he was primarily put in charge of this event.</div>
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It was a little daunting at first but once he came up with a theme, he hit the ground running.</div>
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The theme was "Be Your Best Elf." In addition, it was the worldwide Day of Service so we had lots of activities planned.</div>
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I was probably the only person in that room who <i>didn't</i> hold London, haha, but I was so grateful for all of the help! Josh was the emcee and I was taking pictures so we needed extra hands.</div>
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For our Day of Service activity we wrote messages in 500 {yes, 500!} Christmas cards. Those cards were then put inside Bishop Storehouse orders and delivered to local families.</div>
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People could write a note to a missionary serving from our ward {we currently have 9}:</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hqdpFVILrtQ/XDVQLvRvylI/AAAAAAAANmg/0LWsan_IcO8Gknac2sGE8z8wUeIvByczwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hqdpFVILrtQ/XDVQLvRvylI/AAAAAAAANmg/0LWsan_IcO8Gknac2sGE8z8wUeIvByczwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0148.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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visit the photo booth:</div>
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and get elf ears made. At each place setting there was a name tag where you could write your Elf name, brought to you by a fancy Elf Generator found on Pinterest :) I think my name was Elf Ivy Toes.</div>
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The party wouldn't have been complete without a special visitor from the North Pole. Unfortunately, Santa Claus was a little busy preparing for the holidays so he sent his friend, Buddy the Elf. When you have a friend who is 6'6" and isn't afraid to be a little crazy, you make him the center of attention. It was for a good cause.</div>
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The planning, shopping, document creating, printing, gym decorating, food preparing, and corresponding was A LOT of work but everything came together beautifully.</div>
Kourtnihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769977423107042340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451511525170620403.post-39488262139070635452019-01-08T20:34:00.000-05:002019-01-08T20:34:01.458-05:00november wrap up<div style="text-align: justify;">
Is it just me, or do the months of November and December go by faster than the rest of the year? Time for a quick update {if I can remember the details...}</div>
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This isn't exactly "news" but the kids are still very much in love with their baby sister. And she adores them right back. I love the pictures below. Who cares about a fingerprint smudged window when there is magic happening?</div>
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I hope I never forget what life was like when I was a young mom with a young family: 4 kids ages 10 and under; a dog slumbering at my feet because I'm his favorite; a half empty can of Diet Dr. Pepper on the counter because that's almost as good as sleep; our library bag full of books from our recent trip; and an edgy haircut that I was finally brave enough to try.</div>
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The older girls are at such a fun age right now. Summer lives life un-apologetically and I love her for it. </div>
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And Kylie is in full on teenager mode {even though she's only 10} in terms of her interests. She enjoys hanging out with friends, shopping, putting on makeup, and doing FaceTime with friends on her iPad. One night for Activity Days the girls made homemade lip gloss. The girls snatched my phone while I wasn't looking and left this gem behind.</div>
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We had another activity at our house the evening before Thanksgiving. When I planned the activity I initially thought <i>Hey, it might be fun to bake something if there are girls in town during Thanksgiving.</i> The girls definitely had fun but there was a lot of craziness in that kitchen between the amateur bakers, curious younger siblings, and turkey-smoking husband who needed allll the counter space. But we survived!</div>
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One cool November weekday morning the kids and I had a rare opportunity to spend time together. The girls had back-to-back dentist appointments and we grabbed a bite to eat afterward. London sat at our feet in her carseat, babbling happily while the kids slurped Wendy's frosties. There was nothing spectacular about that morning but it's times like those that I will cherish forever.</div>
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Some of our very good friends moved away to Ohio. We were SO sad to see them go. Our families moved to Fishers at almost the exact same time 3 years ago and we instantly felt a connection with them. They really are some of our favorite people, but thankfully they only moved 1 state away. We had them over for a "last supper" the night before they left town.</div>
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Miss London reached a few new milestones. We took her to get her ears pierced during Thanksgiving break. OK, so that's not exactly a milestone but it's a pretty big deal. She did <i>awesome</i> and didn't cry long at all. She might be the happiest baby I've ever met.</div>
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She learned how to pull herself to a standing position and began cruising along furniture. She also said her first word: Dog.</div>
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I got a part-time job at Kohl's, just in time for the holidays. I wasn't trained until after Thanksgiving {no Black Friday chaos for me!} but I stayed plenty busy during the month of December. I was terrified to work retail but it actually came pretty naturally for me.</div>
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We kept up with our annual tradition of creating a gratitude tree early in November. Just a couple of days later the bottom 1/3 of our tree went missing, thanks to a very curious baby :) But I'm always impressed by the things the kids come up with that they're thankful for: books, sunshine, the University of Michigan {Josh & Kylie}, and each other.</div>
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We stayed close to home for Thanksgiving this year. Some friends from church invited us and several other families over for Thanksgiving dinner. Josh was only too happy to volunteer to smoke the turkey, which everyone appreciated! We had such a good time, and I'm truly grateful to be here in this area where we have friends in abundance.</div>
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Happy November!</div>
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Kourtnihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769977423107042340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451511525170620403.post-70253355457550582822018-11-11T22:27:00.002-05:002018-11-11T22:27:10.032-05:00my favorite kind of fall<div style="text-align: justify;">
I love Fall. I love the crispness in the air, anything pumpkin spice, and the vibrant colors of the leaves. The down side is that Fall tends to be pretty short lived, at least here in the Midwest.</div>
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So we all went outside one day after school and soaked it up as much as we could!</div>
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My world 💗 </div>
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Kourtnihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769977423107042340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451511525170620403.post-70520315303241971602018-11-11T22:17:00.004-05:002018-11-11T22:17:29.110-05:00October wrap up<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm embarrassed that I've gotten so behind with my blogging. But then I remind myself that I have 4 kids {who have all been sick at one time or another} and I choose to give myself a break :)</div>
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So, October. Here is what we were up to:</div>
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Sweet London turned 10 months old. The kids have enjoyed trying to teach her different words. Ultimately, "dog" was her first word but Summer was hoping it would be "dilly dilly"... like from the Bud Light commercials, haha!</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YLnr6Z3McEA/W-joYAbvU0I/AAAAAAAANgM/2KEhnGn1U1oc9T2wmr_AJa2TW0YPzYKggCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1070" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YLnr6Z3McEA/W-joYAbvU0I/AAAAAAAANgM/2KEhnGn1U1oc9T2wmr_AJa2TW0YPzYKggCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0277.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='420' height='320' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxeKnRkL6W3uYm7If8WhOOYPysH7sAZ7PKplfzzEMDSVoZWuvnnmIVLQQV8jlnr5SWbCfnz0DeSWc8MBJv7lQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Fall is a photographer's busy season, which I have thoroughly enjoyed! </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-edmANdNvJZk/W-jpByVTekI/AAAAAAAANhg/3bzkv5iAjPgmyUOH_i477ZwY95_YI9mmgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0769.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-edmANdNvJZk/W-jpByVTekI/AAAAAAAANhg/3bzkv5iAjPgmyUOH_i477ZwY95_YI9mmgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0769.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pQxWxdS96Wg/W-jpUq2FzoI/AAAAAAAANhw/wuryQPx3iK0m78m9jBBhJ0OjDdikFWPewCLcBGAs/s1600/Sadie-7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pQxWxdS96Wg/W-jpUq2FzoI/AAAAAAAANhw/wuryQPx3iK0m78m9jBBhJ0OjDdikFWPewCLcBGAs/s640/Sadie-7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6AstVg7IQi0/W-jpPdkEe3I/AAAAAAAANho/lgtuwBj02Ukw6rRdyE72IdljiiEVHBi8ACLcBGAs/s1600/Leffew-10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6AstVg7IQi0/W-jpPdkEe3I/AAAAAAAANho/lgtuwBj02Ukw6rRdyE72IdljiiEVHBi8ACLcBGAs/s640/Leffew-10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I may or may not have locked my keys in the car after that last one... but I sure looked cool. {Not}. Josh was such a good sport to load up the kids in the van and come rescue me 30 minutes away. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NtZfWaVjtbg/W-joYP2lvDI/AAAAAAAANgQ/kmZUvylR-asWTrjBHRBlpyYf4kh11Vi_ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0419-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NtZfWaVjtbg/W-joYP2lvDI/AAAAAAAANgQ/kmZUvylR-asWTrjBHRBlpyYf4kh11Vi_ACLcBGAs/s320/DSC_0419-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A couple of hot air balloons floated over our backyard one night so I had to document that. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-swLrst6DtOQ/W-joXykFnYI/AAAAAAAANgI/Te4qRBS8vuIBbnaizD16ac8lWddWZ7BjQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-swLrst6DtOQ/W-joXykFnYI/AAAAAAAANgI/Te4qRBS8vuIBbnaizD16ac8lWddWZ7BjQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0653.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I also wanted to document my new 'do, but then the dog photobombed me.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eqGC5sngVcQ/W-joZK5OiwI/AAAAAAAANgU/x10wkc_mSc0oCzQbp4IV9DfOlRt46INAQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eqGC5sngVcQ/W-joZK5OiwI/AAAAAAAANgU/x10wkc_mSc0oCzQbp4IV9DfOlRt46INAQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0841.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There we go.</div>
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Side note: I was mistaken for a man at the grocery store. To be fair, my back was turned and I was wearing a blue coat. At least that's what I'm telling myself. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5x2BKhpf8FU/W-joZRaDHpI/AAAAAAAANgY/NX2tOGv7GHw2gCJaC9W2U-Po7JOZMERmQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5x2BKhpf8FU/W-joZRaDHpI/AAAAAAAANgY/NX2tOGv7GHw2gCJaC9W2U-Po7JOZMERmQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0853.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Our microwave broke in late September, I think. You don't realize how often you use something until it's broken! We're happy to have a new microwave that is in working order. A couple weeks later our washing machine broke and we had to replace that too. Home ownership is a good thing, right???</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uq-yyydOr_Q/W-joZY8rkKI/AAAAAAAANgc/mFmBsEh36DYlhslHZzYBPEuFAGhLYWHzACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uq-yyydOr_Q/W-joZY8rkKI/AAAAAAAANgc/mFmBsEh36DYlhslHZzYBPEuFAGhLYWHzACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9546.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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London's little face lights up every time she sees Summer. Probably because Summer is the one who is always happy to spend quality time with her, even if that means a quick bath before bedtime. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nkt4b4CGzBg/W-joZyhdpGI/AAAAAAAANgg/e-TrpnQMk18wjxRj-MBFnmKLwFosvX9LwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nkt4b4CGzBg/W-joZyhdpGI/AAAAAAAANgg/e-TrpnQMk18wjxRj-MBFnmKLwFosvX9LwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9553.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Summer's school recently held an interesting water drive. To raise awareness of how people in other countries have to walk miles to obtain water, the kids were encouraged to walk to school while carrying a jug of water. Fortunately for us we live very close to the school but I was proud of Summer for carrying that jug of water the entire way. She learned a lesson for sure! </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lgUgZTDgSwQ/W-joaQVFEAI/AAAAAAAANgk/jvsyoRDrzvgBTyiSDHb0utWs1AlvGZMZgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9616%2B%2528Edited%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lgUgZTDgSwQ/W-joaQVFEAI/AAAAAAAANgk/jvsyoRDrzvgBTyiSDHb0utWs1AlvGZMZgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9616%2B%2528Edited%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The cold weather is here to stay. Boo. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VbKUOOyzL5c/W-joaiDIMeI/AAAAAAAANgo/lHu1NBqUPc8jMh0Yox6lUXQ1o1heCPMlACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VbKUOOyzL5c/W-joaiDIMeI/AAAAAAAANgo/lHu1NBqUPc8jMh0Yox6lUXQ1o1heCPMlACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9618.JPG" width="480" /> </a></div>
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But I guess it's not all bad :) </div>
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We passed around some sickness in October. Honestly, that's my least favorite thing about Fall/Winter. I can handle cold days. I can even handle snow. It's the constant runny noses, coughs, and fevers that get to me. Jackson had a fever of 100* or more for 6 days STRAIGHT, but he tested negative for strep and his lungs sounded fine. I swear he had pneumonia because the cough and fever continued on and off for another week. Poor guy.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uf6sJkJcKWM/W-joa40OD1I/AAAAAAAANgs/kVY0YLr9YacAj7Z1qCM_5eB-3M7uQ-2QgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9620.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uf6sJkJcKWM/W-joa40OD1I/AAAAAAAANgs/kVY0YLr9YacAj7Z1qCM_5eB-3M7uQ-2QgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9620.JPG" width="480" /></a> </div>
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Kylie also claimed she wasn't feeling very well. Ibuprofen helped keep her fever at bay but then she started complaining about her ears. I took her to the doctor the next morning and he said -- and I quote -- "Girl, you're a hot mess!" Double ear infections and bronchitis! </div>
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We've bought more antibiotics, OTC cold medicines, Vicks, Kleenex, and Tylenol than I ever hoped to in one month's time. Bleh.</div>
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While I visited my brother and his family in New Mexico, Josh stayed home and took care of the kids. I think we all had a good time during our respective vacations.</div>
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Halloween came and went. In addition to the chili cook-off and Trunk-or-Treat, our church also hosted a fun cake walk. This was my contribution. I call it "Death by Chocolate."</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v2V7r3vTK50/W-joccw7USI/AAAAAAAANg8/jbKgL5NbUt4Ysfq-Q0kvnJFExS-NkDtRACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v2V7r3vTK50/W-joccw7USI/AAAAAAAANg8/jbKgL5NbUt4Ysfq-Q0kvnJFExS-NkDtRACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9859.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And that was October in a nutshell. I suppose I should take down my Halloween decorations now...</div>
Kourtnihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769977423107042340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451511525170620403.post-51022846449357144672018-11-11T21:39:00.001-05:002018-11-11T21:39:14.623-05:0010 months<div style="text-align: justify;">
London's 10th month was definitely one of growth. Not only did she hit a growth spurt but she learned a few new tricks! She began eating solid foods almost exclusively, learned to CRAWL, got some teeth {we're up to 6 now}, and said her first word: dog.</div>
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<br />Kourtnihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769977423107042340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451511525170620403.post-35998360691486555612018-11-11T21:30:00.000-05:002018-11-11T21:30:08.413-05:00Halloween 2018<br />
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I'm typically not very on top of things when it comes to Halloween but this year the kids made it super easy for me. Kylie wanted to be a Starbucks cup. I have no idea where she came up with that idea but I think she rocked it. {When did that girl grow up so fast?}</div>
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I gave Summer a deadline on her Halloween costume decision. The morning of the deadline she kept going back and forth between being Hermione Granger from Harry Potter or... a guy in a suit with a top hat and cane. I asked if she was thinking of P.T. Barnum from The Greatest Showman and she replied, "No. Just a guy with a top hat and a cane." OK..... Well, since her vision for the top hat guy wasn't really coming together, she opted to be Hermione Granger. She cracks me up.</div>
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Summer's friend dressed up as a werewolf so the two of them had some fun with that.</div>
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Jackson picked out his costume early in September. #Winning. He made a cute little Captain America.</div>
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I got to attend his preschool Halloween party that morning. In this picture the kids are being wrapped up in string to make a life size spider web. They had fun throwing the ball of yarn back and forth to each other. </div>
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London was dressed up as Vanellope Von Schweetz from <i>Wreck It Ralph</i>. Josh "dressed up" as Ralph and I was Fix It Felix Jr. This is what we looked like for the Trunk-or-Treat at our church.</div>
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Speaking of which, I purchased beer for the first time in my life in order to make the chili for the Trunk-or-Treat. Ironic? Yes. But it paid off. Out of 26 kinds of chili, mine won! I think it had more to do with the delicious smoked pork that was in the chili rather than the beer. Thanks Josh!</div>
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On Halloween night we met up with some friends to go trick-or-treating in our neighborhood. It had rained all day but fortunately it stopped about an hour before we were ready to head out. Kylie opted to go with friends in a different neighborhood. I think everyone had a great time.</div>
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Happy Halloween!Kourtnihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769977423107042340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451511525170620403.post-74377940347186091972018-11-11T21:07:00.001-05:002018-11-11T21:30:51.532-05:00Albuquerque<div style="text-align: justify;">
Each October the kids get a week long Fall Break from school. Typically we stay close to home {if we do anything at all} but this year we tried something a little different. I packed my bags and headed to Albuquerque to spend a few days with my brother while Josh stayed home with the kids!</div>
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Well, they <i>mostly</i> stayed home. One day Josh took the kids to Ohio to visit the National Air Force Museum. There are only a handful of things that could get such a big Michigan fan to willingly enter his rival state, but apparently the Air Force Museum is one of them :)</div>
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I had actually planned on taking London with me to ABQ but she developed a nasty cough that I wasn't too comfortable with. So I traveled solo {which I wasn't too upset about}. I got to spend 4 glorious days with these cutie pies, 2-year-old Bella and 5-week-old Raven.</div>
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Can I just tell you how much I LOVE being an aunt?</div>
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We spent most of our time just hanging out together but there was one day where we ventured to Old Town Albuquerque. The weather was unseasonably chilly -- I think the Indiana weather followed me -- but we had a great time exploring all of the quaint little shops.</div>
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Kyle and Bella have perfected this little "skit." She's still learning her alphabet but she knows by heart how to do 2 claps and a Rick Flair. GENIUS.</div>
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Bella is very much a 2-year-old, meaning that much of her happiness is based on whatever interesting distractions we can find her at any given time. She was fascinated with my selfie stick on numerous occasions. It was fun scrolling through my photos afterward.</div>
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Of course I brought my camera with me so I could snap some pictures of Kyle's family and their sweet new addition.</div>
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I flew home the same day that my parents flew in. Our time together barely overlapped but it was still fun to see each other! </div>
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It's been real, ABQ! 'Til next time...</div>
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Kourtnihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769977423107042340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451511525170620403.post-58719435897414646092018-10-03T16:37:00.000-04:002018-10-03T16:37:07.724-04:00september wrap up<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here are some highlights from the month of September:</div>
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We kicked off the month with a very special baptism. Gosh, that seems so long ago. </div>
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A friend let me use her sweet, chubby baby as a model to build my portfolio. I just want to squeeze him!</div>
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Jackson finally got to start preschool. I'd say he was ready :) Now our MWF mornings are pretty busy as we manage 3 different schedules, but it's worth it.</div>
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Summer decided to run for school council representative for 2nd grade, and was elected! {I didn't even know they had student council in 2nd grade...}. She wrote a speech and delivered it to her entire class. Out of 7 candidates, she and her good friend Emma were chosen. She'll do such a great job spreading joy and positivity to her fellow classmates. </div>
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London and I happened upon the coolest park. It has a nice long paved walking trail, 2 playgrounds, a carousel (!), and mini golf. To tell you the truth, we had been to this park years ago for a church activity... I just forgot. So it's practically new to me :) </div>
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Later that week Josh and I took the whole family there. The kids had a blast.</div>
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These dual swings are the best. London loved it! </div>
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We got a new niece/cousin! Meet Raven Marissa Jefferson, born on September 14th. I can't wait to snuggle her up in a couple of weeks! </div>
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I'm still getting used to my new haircut. Some days I miss my long hair; other days I feel like a rockstar. It's kinda fun.</div>
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Kylie joined the ASL club at school. They meet twice a month after school. Several of her close friends are also in the club, so she's really enjoying it. </div>
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Speaking of Kylie, she hasn't hit the teenage years yet but we're getting a preview of what awaits us. Josh and I have stayed up late with her on several occasions to finish homework that waited until the last minute. Nothing that a few oreos can't fix...</div>
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My friend Kelsey and I ran a 10k together. If you're not a huge fan of running, I highly recommend running with a friend. It makes the time go by so much faster! For some reason, not many runners had supporters along the sidelines. I was so grateful to see my whole crew cheering me at mile 5. Even London was clapping! </div>
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On a bittersweet note, my dear friend and her family are moving out of state in a few weeks. I'm SO sad. As far as girlfriends go, she's my person. But I'm happy that she's not going too far away! Another friend of ours threw a farewell party for them and we all had the best time. We'll miss them!</div>
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And that's pretty much what happened in September!</div>
Kourtnihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769977423107042340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451511525170620403.post-84001161864382672842018-09-24T22:16:00.001-04:002018-09-24T22:16:51.823-04:003/4 years old<div style="text-align: justify;">
As Josh would say, she's been out as long as she was in. Happy 9 months, London! Here are her stats:</div>
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Length: 26 inches (10th percentile)</div>
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Weight: 19 pounds 1 ounce (50th percentile)</div>
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Head circumference: 43 cm (25th percentile) </div>
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The numbers confirm what we already knew: she's a shorty! She <i>finally</i> has begun to outgrow her 6 month clothes. The timing is perfect actually because Fall is on its way and we'll need to replace her wardrobe anyway.</div>
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She may be short and squishy but she's a determined little thing! Although she's not officially crawling, she has been experimenting with scooting backwards on her tummy and pushing up on her hands and knees -- quite the workout I'm sure. When we check on her at bedtime, she's often laying on her tummy and facing the opposite direction we set her down in. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-60rN67cUyis/W6mU4dY66dI/AAAAAAAANYk/djyTIh1QsIcTPibBjkoieVcnMeVA7Mn5gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9528.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-60rN67cUyis/W6mU4dY66dI/AAAAAAAANYk/djyTIh1QsIcTPibBjkoieVcnMeVA7Mn5gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9528.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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London has also been working on getting some teeth! She now has 4 teeth on
the bottom and *almost* 2 on the top. She can certainly handle soft table foods now but seems to prefer the pureed stuff still. Unless it's Cheerios :) </div>
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She still loves being outside, looking at books, observing her siblings, and toys that make noise. She has become even more interactive, which has been fun. She is learning to clap, play peek-a-boo, and shake her head no.</div>
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And she LOVES music. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='360' height='320' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxgFIRtIycaCQLHfUhRbfUmglnoQ9pUeCQEKHytQ9RuU9t--xrGvlhhqHpMx9Qir_7RQHFahgA-1A8pg31whQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Happy 3/4 birthday, LoLo!</div>
Kourtnihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769977423107042340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451511525170620403.post-30383373208212413852018-09-24T21:47:00.000-04:002018-09-24T21:47:11.130-04:00jackson is five!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Wow. FIVE. This boy has grown tremendously over the last year, physically and otherwise. He's tall for his age and is looking more like his dad every day.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AFtXRaVttgA/W5cdar9uLNI/AAAAAAAANWA/2913qk9rP4wGZ5_im1N6sLpSSOUudCAtgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AFtXRaVttgA/W5cdar9uLNI/AAAAAAAANWA/2913qk9rP4wGZ5_im1N6sLpSSOUudCAtgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0311.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-blxUZ_3jPuk/W5cddyrFnpI/AAAAAAAANWE/O18O6A0l8v8a9spIMnhs5HU3x6YGMDqLACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-blxUZ_3jPuk/W5cddyrFnpI/AAAAAAAANWE/O18O6A0l8v8a9spIMnhs5HU3x6YGMDqLACLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0315.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Since infancy Jackson has been all boy. You may remember that he was all about cars for the longest time. We collected matchbox cars like they were going out of style. Well now he's moved on to TRAINS. He had a wooden train track that sat untouched for <i>years</i> but suddenly piqued his interest. He soon discovered that his allowance of $1 a week could easily buy him Thomas mini trains, and the obsession grew from there. You can imagine his delight when he opened a birthday package from Josh's parents that contained a whole pack of Thomas minis! </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Ffelmam8gE/W5cdaJ7E4PI/AAAAAAAANV8/Mx3l49CUMgIJRN3xTkgxPiEA7nCL7jznQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Ffelmam8gE/W5cdaJ7E4PI/AAAAAAAANV8/Mx3l49CUMgIJRN3xTkgxPiEA7nCL7jznQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0334.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Since we had family in town for Summer's baptism, we decided to celebrate his birthday a little early. He was also incredibly excited to open a remote control race car from my parents. London was just as fascinated!</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mLAIjeYRRfQ/W5clqSRPbNI/AAAAAAAANW4/x-Fd67eHhu0I6CUvjPwMd9zawYBelqjZwCLcBGAs/s1600/family-7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mLAIjeYRRfQ/W5clqSRPbNI/AAAAAAAANW4/x-Fd67eHhu0I6CUvjPwMd9zawYBelqjZwCLcBGAs/s640/family-7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Rather than telling you 5 things I love about Jackson I thought I'd share a list of some of his favorite things. This conversation happened one lazy afternoon on the hammock:</div>
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Favorite book: Little Critter</div>
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Favorite movie: Cars 3</div>
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Favorite show: Bubble Guppies</div>
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Favorite breakfast: Peanut Butter granola bars</div>
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Favorite toy: trains</div>
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Favorite color: rainbow</div>
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Favorite thing to do outside: lay on the hammock with mom</div>
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Favorite thing to do inside: play Candy Land with mom (he's a bit of a mama's boy :)</div>
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Favorite ice cream: mint chocolate chip</div>
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Favorite dinner: sausage and potatoes</div>
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Favorite super hero: Captain America</div>
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We sure love this sweet, independent, rambunctious little boy!!!</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WalkadW638M/W5cdjU_KOxI/AAAAAAAANWI/PJJcF7qtviklxt8ZWJ7pLKsHG-AsJzBdwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0336.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WalkadW638M/W5cdjU_KOxI/AAAAAAAANWI/PJJcF7qtviklxt8ZWJ7pLKsHG-AsJzBdwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0336.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Kourtnihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769977423107042340noreply@blogger.com0