tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13567463103181332682024-02-07T01:25:34.074-08:00Mom Of 4 Little BlessingsJulieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15340243033223916616noreply@blogger.comBlogger514125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356746310318133268.post-83751007491052911622012-10-19T20:08:00.000-07:002012-10-19T20:08:50.088-07:00A Trip To The Orchard<div style="text-align: center;">
A trip to the local Apple Orchard is a fall tradition at our house. The kids had been asking frequently when we could head out there to get apples to make applesauce. A beautiful fall day after school we decided to make our way to the Apple Orchard to see just how many windfall apples we could find to</div>
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make applesauce.
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Max wasted no time taking a big juicy bite of an apples when we got out to the orchard.</div>
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The big kids got to work trying to find that perfect apple.</div>
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They each found the perfect apple to put away for a snack our walk back.</div>
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Every apple Max found he would giggle with excitement as he tried to reach it!</div>
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A huge smile when it ended up in his hand.</div>
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Shane just couldn't help himself along the way!</div>
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The big kids worked hard scouring the ground for the perfect windfall apples with out bruises or worm holes for apple sauce. The filled bag after bag in a short time.</div>
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Max got tired and decided to hang out in the wagon with the apples.</div>
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The kids took some time to enjoy their apples after they filled the bags.</div>
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I think Max was on his third apple by this time!</div>
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I love this picture of the boys as they began their journey back to the orchard store to pay for our apples.
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What a great day at the Apple Orchard!</div>
JulieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15340243033223916616noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356746310318133268.post-89655961297677793062012-09-13T19:14:00.000-07:002012-10-19T20:09:01.242-07:00A Trip Through The Owl<div style="text-align: center;">
I went with Alexa's class to the local Corn Maze on her field trip. The moms gathered outside the classroom waiting to depart. As we waited we began talking about who had been to a maze before, who was directionally challenged and who was nervous about getting lost with their group. </div>
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Some moms had gotten online and studied the maze ahead of time. Every year they change the Corn Maze and this year it was an owl. Can you believe that I grew up in Iowa and I don't remember ever going through a corn maze. My husband will be the first to raise his hand and say his wife is directionally challenged. So yes I did wonder how well I would help the kids navigate through the owl corn maze. </div>
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The kids were super excited to head into the maze. </div>
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We had to find 8 different spots through the Maze to find the answers on their sheets. We had one boy who was great with directions. I actually figured out how to navigate the map and sometimes I think it was just good luck that we found some of the stop points. </div>
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The kids were bound and determine to find the treasure chest. If they did they got a free treat from the consession stand at the end. One of the groups from Alexa's class found the treasure chest and gave us a little clue. The kids searched and searched and squeeled with delight when they found the treasure chest.<br />
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The kids had a blast at the corn maze!</div>
JulieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15340243033223916616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356746310318133268.post-21827497340278196402012-09-03T13:07:00.000-07:002012-10-19T20:09:12.397-07:00A Caterpillar Hunt<div style="text-align: center;">
One of my favorite 1st grade field trips is the Caterpillar Hunt at a lake in the area. </div>
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It was a picture perfect day to be outside enjoying and exploring God's creation. We started the day by letting the kids play in the park after our 45 minute drive!
We ate lunch and snapped a quick class picture before it was time to begin our hunt.</div>
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Shane's class has been studying the life cycle of a Monarch butterfly. Every day Shane would come home super excited about what he had learned. The girls were right there with him and kept telling him how fun the field trip was since they also went on this field trip.</div>
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The kids diligently sought out milk weed because that is where Monarch caterpillars are found because that is what they eat.</div>
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The kids knew to flip the leaves over and look to see if they were hiding underneath.</div>
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The kids looked and looked but the dry grass and milkweeds didn't help the kids chances of finding some this year. There were a couple of groups that found one and so all the kids were excited for their friends that found one. They shared them so each class was able to get at least one in their room to watch.</div>
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Next it was time to head to the beach for some fun in the sand and water.</div>
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The kids were aloud to go in to their knees. There were a few wet shorts in the group but it really was a great day and the kids were amazing.</div>
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I love that all 4 sections of 1st graders go on this trip together. It is always fun to connect with the other parents and teachers of the first graders. We feel so blessed to be part of an amazing community of kids and parents. I loved my day with Shane and his classmates. I can't believe he is in 1st grade already! </div>
JulieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15340243033223916616noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356746310318133268.post-4462652255343442952012-08-17T20:12:00.000-07:002012-10-19T20:08:16.346-07:00Two Years Ago <div style="text-align: center;">
Two years ago today we saw Max's face for the first time. I still remember getting the call like it was yesterday. I remember watching the email come into my inbox and will never forget the feeling when I saw his face for the first time. I knew instantly he was my son!</div>
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This little boy has rocked our world and our hearts!</div>
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He is full of life and has a joy that is infectious!</div>
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Max has wrapped his siblings around his finger and has opened their eyes and hearts in new ways.</div>
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We took a walk downtown and made a stop at our favorite cupcake shop to celebrate.</div>
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The kids had fun picking out their favorite cupcakes!</div>
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Max dug right in!</div>
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Today we celebrate a day that will forever hold a special place in our hearts, the day we saw the face of the little boy God handpicked to be our son!
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JulieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15340243033223916616noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356746310318133268.post-20977348899677723422012-07-23T21:57:00.000-07:002012-07-23T22:02:20.724-07:00Summer Lovin'<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We are soaking up every ounce of summer over here. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The kids are having a blast! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; white-space: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7634843922/" title="shane - sooc - blog 800 by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>
As I downloaded these pictures I couldn't help but smile at the raw joy in their faces!</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7518426478/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="kids-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img alt="kids-blog" height="750" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8022/7518426478_80223be5ea_o.jpg" width="500" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This may just be a summer to remember with how well they are getting along and having a blast together. I know there will come a day when there is a pull of other activities and the slip in slide in the back yard may not cut it. There will be friends that will be more fun than little brothers but we will take this time and soak up every ounce! </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7518426322/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Shane and Max-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img alt="Shane and Max-blog" height="750" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7251/7518426322_f27f2a3323_o.jpg" width="500" /></span></a></div>
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I love the brother to brother pep talk happening in the background!</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7518426818/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Max-3-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img alt="Max-3-blog" height="750" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7258/7518426818_73fcbb197e_o.jpg" width="500" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Max loved the end result ... water in the face!</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7518425110/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Emma - blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img alt="Emma - blog" height="533" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7126/7518425110_af6682fc48_o.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7634912824/" title="alexa-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img alt="alexa-blog" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8433/7634912824_b001ca2d5e_o.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7518426608/" title="max-2-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img alt="max-2-blog" height="750" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8424/7518426608_9169a57edc_o.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="500" /></span></a></div>
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New plans were made as they decided to try to head down backward with a little help from their siblings!</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7518427006/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="getting ready to go-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img alt="getting ready to go-blog" height="750" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8163/7518427006_2a5c682412_o.jpg" width="500" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; white-space: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; white-space: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Almost every picture I took when Max was on the side lines looked like this ... complete excitement as he is screaming, waving his hands and jumping up and down! This little boys knows how to embrace life with every ounce of himself!</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; white-space: normal;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7518426696/" title="shane down-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img alt="shane down-blog" height="533" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7132/7518426696_aa3847bd9e_o.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; white-space: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7518426696/" title="shane down-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>It is amazing the joy that a little bit of water and a $5 slip and slide can bring on a hot summer day!</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7518426908/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="water-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img alt="water-blog" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8421/7518426908_7151d86953_o.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">These were shot with my Canon 60D and my 50mm lens.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">They are SOOC!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am linking up to Stephanie's Sunday Snapshots this week. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7634917220/" title="Emma - sooc - slipn slide by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a></div>
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<center><a href="http://nihaoyall.com/" target="self"><img alt="Ni Hao Yall" src="http://i.imgur.com/8taxm.jpg?1" /></a></center>JulieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15340243033223916616noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356746310318133268.post-89530841699033565642012-06-25T07:55:00.000-07:002012-07-27T07:57:05.654-07:00First Weekend Of The Season At The Lake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7656277002/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="alexa silo-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="alexa silo-blog" height="750" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8003/7656277002_6e632a085b_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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There is nothing like experiencing the first sunset at the lake of the season.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7656277260/" title="sunset-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="sunset-blog" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8010/7656277260_136eca6011_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7656277260/" title="sunset-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>The kids were excited to take in the sun, sand, water and fun at the lake.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7656278796/" title="shane and bailey in the sand-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="shane and bailey in the sand-blog" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8012/7656278796_a34ae3b896_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7656278796/" title="shane and bailey in the sand-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>Good thing Grammy has a big hammock at the lake!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7656278146/" title="Grammy hammock-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="Grammy hammock-blog" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8014/7656278146_5ca8f5ab2a_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7656278146/" title="Grammy hammock-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>Max and Bailey decided to be Emma's helpers on a frog hunt. They were so cute following her with their little frog cage. They didn't have any luck this time out.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7656278494/" title="frog hunting-texture-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="frog hunting-texture-blog" height="533" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7256/7656278494_7eb53b3cc3_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7656278494/" title="frog hunting-texture-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>The weekend was filled with .....the big kids tubing .....</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7656279154/" title="big kids tube-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="big kids tube-blog" height="533" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7250/7656279154_b80f6a2e0f_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7656279154/" title="big kids tube-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>the littles tubing .....</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7656281090/" title="tubing littles-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="tubing littles-blog" height="558" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8166/7656281090_cb6a6eff9e_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7656281090/" title="tubing littles-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>swimming ...</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7656280054/" title="Emma-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="Emma-blog" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8010/7656280054_bbd29e5e2b_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7656280054/" title="Emma-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>digging in the sand with a naked little cousin ....</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7656280298/" title="max and mataya-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="max and mataya-blog" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8146/7656280298_fa9c1b9d41_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7656280298/" title="max and mataya-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>jumping off the raft ....</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7656277544/" title="emma raft-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="emma raft-blog" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8146/7656277544_a01b315101_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7656277544/" title="emma raft-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>getting up on skies for the first time ....</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7656280490/" title="Alexa-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="Alexa-blog" height="750" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7125/7656280490_7de2f9dc16_o.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div>
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another successful ski run by Emma ...</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7656280672/" title="Emma skiing-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="Emma skiing-blog" height="750" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7253/7656280672_ffde0d2f8d_o.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div>
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and some slaloming by Eric!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7656280870/" title="Eric-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="Eric-blog" height="750" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8024/7656280870_447721b30e_o.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div>
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At the end of a long day at the lake there is no better place to lay your head than on papa's shoulder.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7656279618/" title="Max on papa's shoulder-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="Max on papa's shoulder-blog" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8024/7656279618_8f20f56ab0_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7656279618/" title="Max on papa's shoulder-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>As the sun was setting the kids were still in the water jumping off the raft</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7656277798/" title="raft-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="raft-blog" height="533" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7252/7656277798_47e9e169fd_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7656277798/" title="raft-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>and relaxing on the rafts.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7656279828/" title="rafts at sunset-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="rafts at sunset-blog" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8287/7656279828_c6cfa8bd3c_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7656279828/" title="rafts at sunset-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>What a great weekend at the lake. We are so thankful for an amazing place to spend time as a family, make special memories and soak up God's creation and all the blessings and fun that come with it.</div>JulieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15340243033223916616noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356746310318133268.post-80672814513466910072012-06-22T05:53:00.000-07:002012-07-21T11:25:28.257-07:00S'mores, Sun Flare and Silhouettes<div style="text-align: center;">
There is something about S'mores that screams summer at our house. The kids were so excited to fill the fire pit with twigs and see the first sparks fly.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7614928032/" title="boys smiles-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="boys smiles-blog" height="750" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7262/7614928032_dd5fc6ba8b_o.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div>
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You can see the excitement on the boys faces as they waited for the fire and watched their dad break out the chocolate.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7614927914/" title="fire-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="fire-blog" height="533" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7254/7614927914_04312252d9_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7614927914/" title="fire-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>The fire was ready and the marshmallows were on sticks.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7614927750/" title="emma-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="emma-blog" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8143/7614927750_3779b153a7_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7614927750/" title="emma-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>Emma did the sideways stance because the fire felt a little warm she said.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7614928146/" title="alexa-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="alexa-blog" height="533" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7277/7614928146_e18e65e649_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7614928146/" title="alexa-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>Alexa was focused as she was trying to get her marshmallows warm and gooey.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7614928536/" title="Eric-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="Eric-blog" height="750" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7265/7614928536_50f14c3fa6_o.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div>
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Eric seems to have the art of roasting down after all his years of experience!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7614928238/" title="MAx and Emma-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="MAx and Emma-blog" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8024/7614928238_06a5cce3d1_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7614928238/" title="MAx and Emma-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>Max was excited about all the yummy goodness as he took his first bite for the season.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7614968994/" title="smore-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="smore-blog" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8026/7614968994_8c8dac1e4d_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7614968994/" title="smore-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>I love seeing those little sticky fingers holding a little square of yummy goodness!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7614928376/" title="alexa and shane-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="alexa and shane-blog" height="533" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7262/7614928376_c689452b1b_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7614928376/" title="alexa and shane-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>It was a beautiful summer night to enjoy our first s'mores of the season.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7615004484/" title="max marsh collage by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="max marsh collage" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8141/7615004484_494dd249ce_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7615004484/" title="max marsh collage by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>Max decided that marshmallows were just as good as the s'mores.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7614950298/" title="Emma2-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="Emma2-blog" height="533" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7275/7614950298_61d337caea_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7614950298/" title="Emma2-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>In the photography class I am taking we have been working on Sun Flares and Silhouettes so I took advantage of a great evening and the sunlight to practice. I love this one I caught of Emma when she was enjoying her s'more and wasn't looking with the sun flare!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7614928940/" title="alexa - silo by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="alexa - silo" height="750" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7274/7614928940_fcfeed5ed4_o.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div>
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As the sun was going down and our night was coming to a close I was able to capture a silhouette of my big girl!
What a great summer night! I can't wait for more!
</div>JulieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15340243033223916616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356746310318133268.post-43325681668931478282012-06-20T22:36:00.000-07:002012-07-23T22:37:17.563-07:00Double Digits<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7634501482/" title="Happy Birthday-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="Happy Birthday-blog" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8010/7634501482_9639b1d7b3_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7634501482/" title="Happy Birthday-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>
I can't believe that my girl has hit the double digits!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7634500664/" title="placesetting - blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="placesetting - blog" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8151/7634500664_64936a08f2_o.jpg" width="800" /></a> </div>
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Alexa found a "Beach Party" in a book she had and decided that would be the theme of her 10th birthday party. She decided she just wanted to invite her two best friends and make it a 24 hour day of fun. Before we went to pick up Alexa's friends we set the table. Alexa and I had fun on a shopping date and preparing her table for her friends.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7634501222/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="centerpiece-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="centerpiece-blog" height="750" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7132/7634501222_0dc8818535_o.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7634500436/" title="girls www-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="girls www-blog" height="533" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7134/7634500436_bc33956fa7_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7634500436/" title="girls www-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>We started the day at the local water park to enjoy some fun in the water and the sun!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7634561802/" title="necklace collage by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="necklace collage" height="552" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8016/7634561802_700a884313_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7634561802/" title="necklace collage by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>When we got home the girls showered up and started on some of the crafts that Alexa had come up with for her party. The first was beading a "beachy" looking necklace.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7634501912/" title="friends-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="friends-blog" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8431/7634501912_9a1d47a43e_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7634501912/" title="friends-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>Alexa has such a special bond with these two girls and it has been so much fun seeing their friendship grow this past year.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7634502208/" title="walking-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="walking-blog" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8154/7634502208_87384f79e5_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7634502208/" title="walking-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>The also are so sweet to Emma and included her in the fun!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7634501030/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="table-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="table-blog" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8292/7634501030_36b90b9d69_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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The table was set .....</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7634501698/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="food-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="food-blog" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8288/7634501698_7e430e2c55_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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and dinner was ready! Alexa wanted to have food that was "beachy" too! So we brainstormed some ideas and this what we came up with together! </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7634502428/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="beach-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="beach-blog" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8163/7634502428_0f3779ae3f_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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After dinner the girls made a "beach in a box." Alexa saw this fun idea in a book she had and this is where her Beach Party idea took off! The girls had fun putting together their own little beaches.</div>
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The girls played outside and waited patiently for the sprinklers on the golf course to come on. They finally decided after waiting and waiting to come in for some cupcakes. As I told Alexa to wait so I could grab the candle and sing she informed me she didn't really need a candle. Oh my heart about sank ... is she really too old for a birthday candle :(! My little girl is growing up. Their faces say it all. These girls know how to have fun! </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7634502680/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="cupcakes-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="cupcakes-blog" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8141/7634502680_87d3d7dd25_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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They were in the middle of eating their cupcakes and I heard screaming ... they dropped their cupcakes and headed out the door! </div>
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The long awaited sprinklers were on. They danced, screamed and giggled their hearts out! </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7634502904/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="golf course sprinkler-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="golf course sprinkler-blog" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8018/7634502904_67cf9a47da_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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They came in and showered again and got ready for bed. I can't believe I didn't get a picture of the birthday girl curled up in bed with her friends. They slept side by side the long way in a queen bed. As I was tucking them in and saying prayers they were talking about their classes for the next school year. They are all hoping to be in the same class. One of Alexa's friends said, "I just don't want to drift apart!" </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7634500834/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="verse-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="verse-blog" height="533" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7262/7634500834_31bc8f0732_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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We had a chance to talk about how special their friendship was and that God knows and has a plan. When Alexa and I were out shopping she saw these little frames and wanted to put a verse in them for her friends. We used it as part of a devotion during dinner and so we continued to talk about how God knows their thoughts and knows their worries. He also has blessed them with a special friendship and even in they aren't in the same classroom their friendship can continue to grow. We also talked about how he may want them to grow in new ways and meet new friends this year too! What a special way to end the day with my birthday girl and her friends. She is growing up way too fast but I am getting glimpses of the sweetness of this new stage we are moving in to! </div>
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It seems like it was yesterday that we were anxiously anticipating her arrival and when she arrived it was love at first sight. She gave us the gift of being parents for the first time and has paved the way for her siblings. On one hand I am sad that time is flying and my baby is growing up and on the other hand I love seeing her grow into a beautiful girl on the inside and out. I am so proud of the girl she is becoming and the drive she has in life. She is an amazing big sister and embraces being the oldest with every ounce of her. It has been so much fun to sit down and have "big girl" conversations with her and see her heart for Jesus grow this year. I can't wait to see the way she grows and blossoms this next year!</div>JulieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15340243033223916616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356746310318133268.post-82462016223268638982012-06-19T20:38:00.000-07:002012-07-21T05:23:22.117-07:0013 Years Ago ....<div style="text-align: center;">
Thirteen years ago ..... I said "I Do!" I had no idea what kind of wild ride we would go on in life. I will say it has been full of ups and downs. There have been joys and sorrows. There have been days that loving each other is easy and others when it is a choice. There have been hard circumstances that we have walked through and yet we have grown and are stronger because of it. We have experienced an abundance of God's blessings in our marriage and our family. We have grown closer as a couple and have continued to work to build a firm foundation on Christ. We have been blessed with 4 little blessings and are waiting to bring our 5th home from China. Thirteen years of life lived with my best friend. I have a lot to celebrate today!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7200267980/" title="eric and I by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="eric and I" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8148/7200267980_21eb1a53ab_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7200267980/" title="eric and I by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>There is no one I would rather be on this journey of life with than him!
Happy Thirteenth Anniversary Eric! I can't wait to see what the next year holds on this wild ride!
</div>JulieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15340243033223916616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356746310318133268.post-54507496107284138312012-06-18T22:02:00.002-07:002012-06-18T22:02:35.812-07:00Strawberry Picking<div style="text-align: center;">
One lazy summer evening I decided to google "strawberry patches." I wondered if there was one in the area. I thought it would be fun to take the kids strawberry picking. Wouldn't you know there was a new strawberry patch just 20 minutes from our house and they were open for picking.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7393675170/" title="Max 1968 -blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="Max 1968 -blog" height="533" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7081/7393675170_03d5c04e3b_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7393675170/" title="Max 1968 -blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>The kids had never been strawberry picking before. This picture pretty sums up how Max felt about his first trip to the strawberry patch. The other kids echoed Max's sentiments toward the strawberry patch. They thought it was so much fun, where grinning from ear to ear on the tractor ride and ate their fair share of fresh red strawberries. I am pretty sure the red fingers, red shirt and red face are a dead give away ... Max loved strawberry picking.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7393672620/" title="Emma - 1968-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="Emma - 1968-blog" height="533" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7230/7393672620_5572f622a0_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7393672620/" title="Emma - 1968-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>Emma went right to work eager to fill her bucket. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7393674662/" title="Max - eating strawberries -blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="Max - eating strawberries -blog" height="750" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5316/7393674662_71d7fe0598_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Max also went right to work ... but instead decided to eat each strawberry he picked. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7399219258/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Shane and Max - blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="Shane and Max - blog" height="750" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7232/7399219258_321255ca29_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Max watched over Shane's shoulder to see how it is all done !</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7393674872/" title="Max close up eating -blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="Max close up eating -blog" height="750" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7089/7393674872_d61b3accbc_o.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="500" /></a></div>
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He too the cue that all those red strawberries were fare game.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7393674662/" title="Max - eating strawberries -blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7399219258/" title="Shane and Max - blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7399166580/" title="Alexa - blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="Alexa - blog" height="750" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5449/7399166580_352806c4cc_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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The girls worked hard but also ate their fair share of berries.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7399166580/" title="Alexa - blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7393672492/" title="picking-clean edit and add ons-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="picking-clean edit and add ons-blog" height="533" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7098/7393672492_15d9bb72f2_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7393672492/" title="picking-clean edit and add ons-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>The girls were trying to show Max how it is done. It looks like they couldn't resist those bright red strawberries either.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7393674478/" title="max-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="max-blog" height="533" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7228/7393674478_045a72b071_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7393674478/" title="max-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>
Every time we turned around Max had a strawberry in or near his mouth. The farmer who owns the field told the kids they were safe to eat and they could each as much a they want but had to stop when they reached their body weight.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7393674050/" title="girls -1968-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="girls -1968-blog" height="534" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5347/7393674050_b8332d8df0_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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The girls went right to work and were more than excited to fill their buckets.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7399166576/" title="Shane-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="Shane-blog" height="750" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5038/7399166576_e89a87f1b0_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Shane decided to take a little break and wait for the tractor. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7393675050/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Emma -cropped - blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="Emma -cropped - blog" height="750" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7229/7393675050_4914968a15_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Emma was busy trying to get those last minute strawberries in the bucket before it was time to head back. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7393674338/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="tractor - blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="tractor - blog" height="750" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8012/7393674338_8ee77a7672_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7393675050/" title="Emma -cropped - blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a> The kids loved hoping on the tractor for a ride out to the patch and back to the van.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7393674762/" title="berries -blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="berries -blog" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8161/7393674762_4d68ae6cdc_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7393674762/" title="berries -blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>We had a couple yummy buckets of strawberries to take home.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7399166586/" title="Max crying - blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="Max crying - blog" height="533" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7240/7399166586_4bd25f0314_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7399166586/" title="Max crying - blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>This picture pretty sums of how Max felt about having to get off the tractor and leaving the strawberry patch behind.</div>
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<center style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://nihaoyall.com/" target="self"><img alt="Ni Hao Yall" src="http://i.imgur.com/8taxm.jpg?1" /></a></center><br />
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I am linking up to Stephanie's Sunday Snapshots this week. As I fall more and more in love with hobby of photography I love taking in others work especially when they share their work so generously. Head on over to Stephanie's blog to see some amazing photographs.
I used a Canon 60D camera, my 50 mm lens at various settings and a little bit of Florabella 1968.</div>JulieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15340243033223916616noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356746310318133268.post-89295185277647156332012-06-17T19:56:00.000-07:002012-07-21T05:23:09.240-07:00Father's Day<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">father :</span></b></div>
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1. <i>n</i>. the foundation for the family, one who</div>
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originates, guards and provides.</div>
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a leader, source of strength, inspiration and will.</div>
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This is one of my favorite pictures of Eric and the kids to date! It has been such a blessing to step back and watch Eric as a daddy to these four blessings. Each of them has their own unique and special relationship with their dad. I love that he makes it a priority to date each of his kids and build a relationship with them. Each of them have stretched and grown Eric in new ways as he has been on a journey as a father.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7496379740/" title="Eric and Kids-faces-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="Eric and Kids-faces-blog" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8018/7496379740_97c1bca8a0_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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I still remember the anticipation and excitement in the hospital room as I was in labor. I remember watching Eric fall head over heals in love with his little girl the minute she was born. Alexa gave Eric the gift of being a daddy for the first time. She will always hold that special place in his heart.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7496379042/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Eric and Alexa-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="Eric and Alexa-blog" height="713" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8141/7496379042_2a6b90dd5d_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Emma came along rather quickly and Eric quickly embraced being a daddy to two little girls. He loved every minute of having these two girls wrapped around his finger. Emma came with a little spunk her her little blonde pony tails and I loved watching Eric guide her spirit with out breaking it. I loved the gentle, nurturing and protective side that his two little girls brought out in him. There are many nights he could be found on the couch cuddled with his two girls.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7496379376/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Emma and Eric face edit-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="Emma and Eric face edit-blog" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8003/7496379376_a55cf06268_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7496379376/" title="Emma and Eric face edit-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>Shane then followed not long after. Building a business, being a husband and dad to 3 little ones 3 and under was no small task. Eric jumped in to being a dad to 3 with both feet. There were times it was hard and he would be the first to admit that but I love the way he would rise to the challenge and continue to strive to put into each of his little blessings even when he was at the end of himself. He made a point to graciously take the three almost nightly the first months after Shane was born and kick me out of the house for a little bit of mommy time. He because a smart daddy and knew if mommy was refreshed and happy the rest of the house seemed to follow suit! </div>
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I loved watching Eric grow as a daddy when he had his first son. There is something about a dad and his girls but something pretty special about a father and his son. Our house turned from night time cuddle time to night time wrestle time. I am not sure how to totally explain the difference ... it is more a physical, active love I see between these two. The way that Shane looks up to his dad is pretty special.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7496379560/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Shane and Eric-face-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="Shane and Eric-face-blog" height="774" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8281/7496379560_e42ee586a0_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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When we journeyed to Max I saw Eric's heart change and grown one more time as a dad. It was amazing to watch Eric with Max those first few hours and days. There was an instant bond and Eric was head over heals in love with his little boy. He instantly felt that God had handpicked Max to be his son. After walking through his orphanage and his finding spot their was an emotion of protectiveness and love that I saw in Eric's eyes. Max forever changed his daddy's heart! </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7496379908/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Eric and Max face-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="Eric and Max face-blog" height="750" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8006/7496379908_1a32dfc0e4_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Once again I see Eric's heart opening and growing in new ways as he became a daddy for the 5th time this year. What better gift for Father's Day than new pictures of his baby girl. I can't wait to see little Ellie wrap her daddy around her fingers. I can't wait to see how God stretches and grows Eric as a daddy on our journey to our sweet girl</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7373840046/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Ellie- 8mon 1-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="Ellie- 8mon 1-blog" height="667" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5455/7373840046_e8e786ee18_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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The kids had so much fun filling out special questions about their dad. I wanted to document some of their answers. </div>
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Shane thought Eric was 100 pounds and 55 inches tall. His favorite things to do with his dad are golfing and cuddling. What he loves most about his dad is when he hugs and kisses him. Emma thinks her daddy is smart because he knows 100,000 x 100,000. She loves that he tells her stories and wrestles with her. She loves her daddy because he loves her. Alexa said Eric's favorite food is sour worms. She said he works hard at home and work. Alexa is happy when Daddy comes home from a long trip. She loves her daddy because he is my dad. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7496379226/" title="kids-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="kids-blog" height="533" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7130/7496379226_24e805b81b_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7496379226/" title="kids-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>We are blessed with an amazing dad. We celebrated him on Father's Day!</div>JulieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15340243033223916616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356746310318133268.post-60508564401471080162012-06-15T19:59:00.000-07:002012-07-21T05:22:39.213-07:00My Heart Is Bursting ... An Update On Ellie<div style="text-align: center;">
I couldn't believe it when I saw an email from our agency that said UPDATE. We had asked for new pictures and asked some questions about our little Ellie but were shocked that it came so soon. I opened the email to see this picture .....</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7373840046/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Ellie- 8mon 1-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="Ellie- 8mon 1-blog" height="667" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5455/7373840046_e8e786ee18_o.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="500" /></a></div>
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Oh my goodness we are in love with this little girl already. It seems crazy that we could fall head over heals in love with a little girl an ocean away that we have never met but that is what has happened.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7373840094/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Ellie - 8 mon - 2-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="Ellie - 8 mon - 2-blog" height="756" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7081/7373840094_b98b3e5b73_o.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="567" /></a></div>
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She is our daughter and China telling us we can come get her can not come fast enough.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7188606657/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="ellie - face -blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="ellie - face -blog" height="669" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7226/7188606657_a785b13892_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I have studied her pictures from top to bottom. Look at that cute little nose and those sweet little lips ...</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7188606681/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Ellie-feet-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="Ellie-feet-blog" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7213/7188606681_4373072dfa_o.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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and those tiny little curled toes are just too precious. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7188606749/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Ellie - 8 month 3-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="Ellie - 8 month 3-blog" height="667" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7223/7188606749_559ca49d36_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Her cheeks are full and she looks healthy and yet those tiny little legs, ankles and feet remind me so much of Max's feet and legs when we got him. No strength or muscle tone. She looks like such a little peanut. </div>
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This is what we found out about Ellie today:</div>
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We asked for updated measurements and they said she is 70.5 cm tall, she weighs 8.5kg which is about 18 lbs and her foot length is 10.5cm. We know we take the measurements with a grain of salt ... not sure she is looking like an 18 lbs little girl. She has 1 tooth.</div>
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We asked how her health has been, if her VSD seems to affect her health, if she sweats easily or has blue fingers or mouth. The orphanage said Ellie was very weak when she came to them but under their good care, her health has been greatly improved. They said she sweats easily but doesn't get tired. She hasn't had blueness in her fingertips or mouth so far.</div>
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We asked for another Echo to see if there were any changes in the hole in her heart. The told us that the hospital is far away and would be very hard to make an appointment there so too hard to arrange the exam for Ellie.</div>
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We asked the caretakers to describe her development and personality. The said she can sit alone well and stand holding on to furniture. She can move around when sitting in the baby walker. She has started to babble. She gets along well with the other children and likes colorful toys.</div>
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We asked if she had ever been in foster care and if she had a nickname. The said she had never been in foster care and they call her Na Na.</div>
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Little Ellie has wiggled her way into all of our hearts already. We continue to stand in awe that God has given us this precious little girl to be our daughter. </div>
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<b><i>I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I </i></b></div>
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<b><i>know that full well. </i></b></div>
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<b><i>Psalm 139:14</i></b></div>
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<br /></div>JulieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15340243033223916616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356746310318133268.post-19027049945787708702012-06-12T05:25:00.000-07:002012-07-07T06:00:20.312-07:00Seeing God's Creation With New Eyes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7185600913/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="flowers in wagon by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="flowers in wagon" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8151/7185600913_d3e06d452b_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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I just wrapped up an 8 week photography class with the very talented photographer and teacher <a href="http://www.thelongroadtochina.com/">Lisa </a>from <a href="http://www.thelongroadtochina.com/">The Long Road To China</a>. The class was entitled "Push Past Your Comfort Zone." Push is exactly what Lisa did. She pushed me from being a Auto girl to being a complete Manual girl in a pervious class and then pushed me even further than I could have imagined. Lisa pours 110% into her classes. She has an amazing gift.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7185601869/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="pink flower by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="pink flower" height="533" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7104/7185601869_f5535ae0ab_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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I feel very blessed to have learned from Lisa but also to have connected with some amazing women. There were women with amazing talent and beautiful hearts in my class. Many women in my class have adopted from China and have been so amazing and supportive on our final push of paperwork and then celebrated with us on our referral of our precious Ellie. </div>
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The thing I love most about this new passion I have for photography and capturing life from behind my lens is the new eyes I have. I have new eyes for God's creation. There is so much beauty all around me that I take for granted and walk by daily. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7185601107/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="beams by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="beams" height="533" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5466/7185601107_4ef3440589_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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They are lines ...</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7185601489/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="red art by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="red art" height="750" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7083/7185601489_d2842cb0d5_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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textures ...</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7370833472/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="clock by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="clock" height="793" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8146/7370833472_a6f47a2b19_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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heights ....</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7185601007/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="colored leaves by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="colored leaves" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8006/7185601007_9a7c56e50f_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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color ....</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7185601707/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="railing by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="railing" height="750" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7096/7185601707_4ca40db1fd_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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amazing details ....</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7370833086/" title="ducks by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="ducks" height="533" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5347/7370833086_e5a1a569f5_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7370833086/" title="ducks by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>
beauty all around me.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7185601439/" title="hands by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="hands" height="533" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5194/7185601439_7e981ea9d9_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7185601439/" title="hands by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>
There are so many little details about my kids that I love capturing. There are freckles, eyes, fingers, toes, expressions and emotions ... beauty in every ounce of them. God's handprints all over them ... created in His image yet unique in their own way.</div>
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I feel blessed to have new eyes and a new passion for seeing and capturing the details of God's creation all around me.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7370832510/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="flower in cork pot by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="flower in cork pot" height="533" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5327/7370832510_924df61a08_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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I can't wait to keep learning, practicing and seeing God's beauty around me with new eyes through my lens. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7370832640/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="maniquins by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="maniquins" height="750" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5349/7370832640_e9f95a1117_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7185601787/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="red flower by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="red flower" height="533" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5349/7185601787_7664d90a28_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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...the heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.</div>
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Psalm 19:1</div>
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</div>JulieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15340243033223916616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356746310318133268.post-17954561398038848662012-06-11T21:27:00.000-07:002012-06-13T21:28:06.293-07:00Dance Recital Time<div style="text-align: center;">
The girls have loved dance again this year. In the past they have been in different classes so this year they thought it was pretty fun to be in the same class. The often were practicing their routine and dancing around the house or the yard. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7369545882/" title="make up collage by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="make up collage" height="552" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7076/7369545882_3cc7ba22ca_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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They were very excited for the big Recital. They always have a few nervous jitters being on stage but love anticipating the big day. There is always a buzz in the air backstage as everyone is getting ready. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7366509798/" title="girls waiting-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="girls waiting-blog" height="750" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5276/7366509798_6f96feaf52_o.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div>
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When everyone is ready they all wait patiently for the big event. They play games, watch movies, color, read books or just chat with their dance friends. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7369533774/" title="grammy collage by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="grammy collage" height="552" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7071/7369533774_4ea4b66341_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7369533774/" title="grammy collage by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>
The grammy's snuck backstage for hugs before the girls were on stage.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7369533654/" title="alexa face by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="alexa face" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8152/7369533654_c53874872a_c.jpg" width="552" /></a></div>
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My brown eyed girl! </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7369533654/" title="alexa face by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7184299477/" title="Emma face by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="Emma face" height="800" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7095/7184299477_3a5be350a3_c.jpg" width="552" /></a></div>
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Miss Emma blue eyes! </div>
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Their personalities shine through when they dance. Alexa is a very serious dancer and Emma just can't wipe that smile off her face!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7366681274/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="alexa pose - blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="alexa pose - blog" height="750" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7229/7366681274_1e1b5e04a7_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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They had a wonderful teacher this year and learned so much!</div>
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I am not sure if dance is something they will continue but they have loved their experience and we will continue to support them and let them grown and blossom in the opportunities they have in front of them. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7181453227/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="girls feet-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="girls feet-blog" height="533" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5461/7181453227_d5af30978a_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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I love watching their feet move beneath their skirts.</div>
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The joy in their faces say it all ... sisters .....</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7184299477/" title="Emma face by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7366681274/" title="alexa pose - blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7181282521/" title="girls flower-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="girls flower-blog" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8025/7181282521_bc146509a1_o.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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but also best friends! </div>
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</div>JulieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15340243033223916616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356746310318133268.post-29560626172128282482012-06-04T21:16:00.000-07:002012-06-05T04:27:32.072-07:00An Outing With Fred<div style="text-align: center;">
I am playing catch up on my blog a bit! A couple weeks ago I took Max out for a photo shoot for my photography class with <a href="http://www.thelongroadtochina.com/">Lisa</a> from Long Road To China. Our assignment was do do a posed and/or lifestyle shoot. If you have met Max you know that this little bundle of energy is nearly impossible to pose and have him stay in that spot for more than a second which makes it nearly impossible to take a posed shot of him unless there is a distraction life food or something. We were geared up to give it a try though.</div>
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A couple months ago when we were moving we came across Fred. Fred is Eric's childhood teddy bear. Max took to Fred instantly and started calling him Teddy. I thought it would be fun to take Max and Teddy/Fred out for a little photo shoot!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7296653824/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="feet-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="feet-blog" height="533" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7213/7296653824_b26559c4bd_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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Max was bit bothered by his dirty feet after we were settled. He kept picking them up and looking at them. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7296655064/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="bear feet -blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="bear feet -blog" height="750" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8002/7296655064_80923f15aa_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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He started by playing with Teddy ....<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7296653978/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="playing-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="playing-blog" height="750" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7223/7296653978_92ed189db0_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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and in no time Teddy was doing flips!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7296654894/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="bear focus-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="bear focus-blog" height="750" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7084/7296654894_43bd72aa1b_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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It was then of course snack time, actually snack time seemed to be frequent with the hopes of trying to keep Max is one place.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7296654660/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="max reading -blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="max reading -blog" height="750" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7229/7296654660_dfe5a246b8_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Then it was time to read Teddy some books!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7296654478/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="bear reading close -blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="bear reading close -blog" height="750" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7219/7296654478_fc2b461326_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I love everything this picture represents.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7296653464/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="max looking at water -blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="max looking at water -blog" height="533" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7087/7296653464_c3be045078_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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Just a little break to take it all in!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7296652872/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="max smiling-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="max smiling-blog" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8149/7296652872_22f0185145_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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This little man of ours has so much personality and we daily see it oozing out of him!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7296653092/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="max looking -blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="max looking -blog" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8160/7296653092_14fdd5e399_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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I love the way those big brown eyes speak!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7296653292/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="max-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="max-blog" height="503" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7075/7296653292_24a5da286e_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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What a great outing withTeddy and Max!<br />
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<center><a href="http://nihaoyall.com/" target="self"><img alt="Ni Hao Yall" src="http://i.imgur.com/8taxm.jpg?1" /></a></center><center><br /></center><center>I am linking up to Sunday Snapshots today! Head over there to see more snapshots!</center><center><br /></center><center>I used my Canon 60D and my 50 mm lens</center><center>My ISO was 100 and f stop and shutter were all over the place! </center><center><br /></center>
</div>JulieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15340243033223916616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356746310318133268.post-1141936198809925882012-06-04T04:48:00.000-07:002012-06-05T04:48:53.543-07:00Telling The Kids<div style="text-align: center;">
The kids have been so excited about adopting a little sister from China. We have talked and prayed about her a lot. The kids knew we could find out anytime who there sister was and we were praying it was some time this summer. On Tuesday after we got the call it was a whirlwind. Eric's mom had flown in from Africa, where she does mission work. We were all sitting around the table and Emma said, "Grammy, we could find out who our sister is anytime. We might even find out this summer while you are here!" Shane interjected, "And we will get to see her picture too!" Little did they know they had a sister already and in no time they would see her face for the first time.</div>
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Eric is heading to India for business this week. He pulled up the map of India on his computer and they talked about what he was going to be doing and the orphanages he was going to visit while he was there. He then showed the kids where China was and they found where Max was born but then Eric said, "And this is where your new sister is from!" Their expressions were priceless as they saw their sister for the first time. Complete joy and love in all those little eyes!</div>
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Max kept looking at Eric saying, "Baby, baby!" I am pretty sure he has no clue how this little baby his going to rock his world!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7155875815/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="telling kids1 by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="telling kids1" height="533" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7091/7155875815_bfc830c5b1_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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There were a ton of questions asked as they poured over her picture. They wanted teachers emailed and pictures printed so they could show their new sister to their friends. Their eyes and hearts have been opened through our journey to Max. It has been so fun for us to sit back and watch their little hearts fill up for love for their little sister. When Shane tells people about his sister he also asks people to pray for her!</div>JulieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15340243033223916616noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356746310318133268.post-82198249315225167422012-06-01T05:45:00.000-07:002012-06-01T06:07:55.096-07:00Introducing Our Daughter ...<div style="text-align: center;">
It is with great joy and thanksgiving that we introduce you to our daughter. </div>
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Gan An Na was born on October 20, 2011 she is just 7 months old. </div>
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She is waiting for us at the Jianxin Social Welfare Institute in the Jiangxi Province</div>
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We have named her Ellie An Na.<br />
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We stand in awe of God's perfect plan for our family. We have watched the evidence of his hand every step of this journey. He has orchestrated every step of this process in such an amazing way that we sit back and give him all the glory! God is good! </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Ephesians 3:20</b></span><br />
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When our feet hit the ground we will share more about our little girl and how clearly we have seen his hand at work. </div>
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<br />JulieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15340243033223916616noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356746310318133268.post-21636319854024872742012-05-24T14:21:00.000-07:002012-06-01T05:42:16.727-07:00School Is Out<div style="text-align: center;">
It feels like yesterday I was taking a picture of Eric and the kids heading to breakfast before their first day of school. I can't believe how fast the year flew by. It was a year full of fun, growth and </div>
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tremendous blessings. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7279591484/" title="breakfast-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="breakfast-blog" height="774" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7238/7279591484_5447d640ae_o.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="500" /></a></div>
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As Eric and the kids left for breakfast and I sat down to write their teachers notes I got all teary. I feel so blessed that each of the kids were truly blessed with amazing teachers this year. They were a perfect fit for each of their personalities.
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Alexa was in tears and totally stressed out on her way into school her first day. It usually takes her a month or so to settle in and let her nerves calm down. It is hard on this mom's heart to watch and yet I know God is working on both of us and growing us in the process. This year was amazing. Within a day Alexa's little heart, mind and soul was at a very peaceful place. I didn't seeing an anxiety or stress rise up once in her the whole year which is absolutely amazing. I attribute it to her amazing teacher. She has an amazing gift in how she handles her classroom, how she teaches and her sweet, gentle spirit.</div>
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Alexa grew in so many areas this year and her confidence soared through the roof in so many subjects. She turned into a complete book worm . Her heart and compassion for others struggling her classroom was an area her teacher said she also stepped up to the plate. She was quick to recognize when others were anxious or needed help and found a way to gently come along side of them. I just can't believe she is going to be a 4th grader. This was the first year she really voiced being sad about school being out because she was going to miss her friends. Alexa has been given the gift of a couple very special friends and it was so fun to see their friendship grow and move to a new level this year.</div>
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It wasn't uncommon for them to make things for each other and give each other notes of encouragement. One of her friends often made little bookmarks with verses on them. I pray their friendship and love for the Lord continues to grow in the years to come. </div>
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Emma went through her 2nd grade year in true Emma style. She loved everything about school and embraced it head on. She had two teachers this year that job shared. They were a perfect fit for her and each of them brought out something different in her. I saw her heart for the Lord grow this year in a new way. The excitement she had for the Bible and new nuggets of information in stories she heard over and over again. Emma felt like it was a great year as she gained confidence in her Math and Reading. Her very favorite part of 2nd grade was studying the human body.Over and over we heard from her teachers that she had a huge heart and just loves life. Emma has always had a large group of girls she plays with but this year she had a couple that became her best friends. It has been fun to see those relationships blossom this year.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7279592042/" title="emma-wall-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>Shane had a great year too. It started out a little rocky with a few time outs as he was figuring life out as a kindergartner. He had an amazing teacher that was gentle and loving and yet ran a tight ship so Shane knew exactly where the lines were.</div>
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It was amazing to watch him grow and blossom this year. He matured so much in his self control and ability to focus and finish. He is a true boy who loves to wiggle, talk, poke his neighbor ... so watching him work through all that and come to a place where he knew what was expected and see him handle it was fun to see. </div>
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I think Kindergarten is the most amazing year as they go from hardly knowing their letter to reading. They go from learning numbers to adding and telling time. They go from just figuring how to write all their letters correctly to writing words and complete sentences. They go from looking so little to losing teeth and looking all grown up! I am so proud of Shane and the way he grew socially, emotionally, academically and spiritually this year. It was a big year for him and he is ready for 1st grade. I am just not sure I am.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7279590834/" title="shane's picture by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>The kids had their final chapel of the year that I got to go to and then when school was out at noon we said our good byes to friends and teachers for the summer. I love summer and was so looking forward to it but as I hugged teachers goodbye and told them thanks for all they did for my kids I got pretty teary! I feel so blessed that God gave them all such amazing teachers. There were precious memories made this year and each of them had an impact on my kids in a very special way. The big kids and I headed out for a special celebratory lunch. Later we got home and I had a fun little idea pop in my head.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7289716130/" title="school is out by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="school is out" height="534" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7214/7289716130_92a6139fd2_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7289716130/" title="school is out by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>If you know me you know I love to throw a party so I thought why not have a "School Is Out" party.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7279591632/" title="food collage by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="food collage" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8156/7279591632_b248d00a40_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7279591632/" title="food collage by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>We made a quick run to Target and I made some sneaky purchases and while the kids played outside I pulled a quick little party together. Thank goodness for people who make darling printables and post them for free on line ... these <a href="http://amandaparkerandfamily.blogspot.com/2011/05/free-summer-bubble-wraps-and-more.html">printables</a> made things pretty easy.</div>
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We had a fun evening of celebrating a great year and we are looking forward to a fun summer!
</div>JulieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15340243033223916616noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356746310318133268.post-71873005926448708002012-05-22T14:53:00.000-07:002012-05-25T14:54:08.542-07:00The Tulip Festival<div style="text-align: center;">
We headed to my home town last weekend for the annual Tulip Festival. The kids were so excited to see papa, grammy and all their cousins. They were anticipating all the fun that was in front of them.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7269592172/" title="parade by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="parade" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7211/7269592172_23dda75bfa_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7269592172/" title="parade by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>On Friday we got to town in time to watch the parade. I wish I would have gotten a picture of Max on my dad's lap during the parade. Max isn't afraid of too many things. One thing he isn't a fan of is bugs and we quickly found out bands are not a favorite of his either. When the bands would come by he would hang on to papa's neck for dear life.</div>
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The kids could hardly wait to hit the rides with their cousins. It was a bit of chaos for all the adults to keep tabs on everyone as kids were wanting to head in different directions. Good thing there were 8 adults with 16 eyes to keep tabs on everyone. The excitement was running pretty high!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7269593272/" title="rides3 collage by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="rides3 collage" height="1160" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8024/7269593272_a2a793180c_o.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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Max was beyond excited as he jumped in the puppy with his brother. I am pretty sure you can see just how Shane feels about life by the expression on his face!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7269592446/" title="ride collage by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="ride collage" height="1160" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7230/7269592446_eff4dc63de_o.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7269592446/" title="ride collage by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>The big girls are growing up ... insert sign .... they no longer love the little cars and slides. They have moved on to bigger and better things. I couldn't keep up with them and most of the rides they chose moved so fast or were so high I couldn't even get a picture of them. You can see the top of Darby's head in the bottom of the octopus. This is about as good as it gets.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7269593056/" title="ride collage2 by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>The three middles also thought they would move on to a bigger and better rides. They decided to hop on the Ferris Wheel. There was a bit of screaming coming from the bucket #11 when it reached the top. I wonder who was in there?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7269971530/" title="rides-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="rides-blog" height="533" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7228/7269971530_7ca4edbe04_o.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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Shane wanted another shot at the Dragon Roller coaster. We reminded him that just 2 years ago he was in tears when he rode it because he was so scared. Well this time around his expression was a little different.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7269593654/" title="food collage by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="food collage" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8009/7269593654_15b6025c46_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7269593654/" title="food collage by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>The Tulip Festival is not complete with out all the yummy treats. Papa treated the kids to some mini doughnuts and lemonade. Max was happily sharing his doughnut with papa. This will give you an idea of the eating rules at Tulip Festival ... for lunch on Saturday papa had purchased some funnel cakes for the kids to munch on while their parents were getting them some real food. No wonder we are chopped liver when papa and grammy are around.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7269591804/" title="max collage by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="max collage" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7073/7269591804_52903c03eb_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7269591804/" title="max collage by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>On Saturday we put on the Dutch Costumes and headed to main street to get the streets ready for the queen and her court. Max was the cutest little Chinese Dutch boy around.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7269592000/" title="girls collage by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="girls collage" height="1160" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8148/7269592000_d202d4256f_o.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7269592000/" title="girls collage by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>I can't believe how fast these little Dutch girls are growing up! We had such a nice spring that we actually had a stem fest, there wasn't a tulip in sight. We had to find some other flowers to take pictures by.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7269591662/" title="shane collage by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="shane collage" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8162/7269591662_250ee14ff8_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7269591662/" title="shane collage by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>Shane wanted to take his pictures by the windmill!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7269637756/" title="random by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="random" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7228/7269637756_7a5e160c32_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7269637756/" title="random by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>A few other pictures before the street scrubbing began.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7269593536/" title="boys street collage by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="boys street collage" height="1160" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7092/7269593536_7cf519037e_o.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7269593536/" title="boys street collage by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>The boys headed out and filled their buckets with water to pour on the road so the girls could come behind with their brooms to scrub the streets. I love Shane in action getting the water out to those ladies. Max was pretty excited about throwing the water out too!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7269586758/" title="girls street3-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>The girls were ready. We pretty much fill up the road here and Alexa and Darby are even a few steps ahead!<br />
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Max was loving life!<br />
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The girls had a great time too. Look at Mataya, the cute little Dutch girl I am holding. I can't wait until next year, hopefully our little Asian princess will be home for the festivities.<br />
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The boys reached the end of the route! What a fun weekend with a lot of fun memories.
</div>JulieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15340243033223916616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356746310318133268.post-26157895298089586422012-05-21T21:04:00.000-07:002012-07-06T21:34:20.249-07:00The Tough Mudder<div style="text-align: center;">
Eric decided to jump on the band wagon and sign up for his second Tough Mudder Race. It is a 12 mile run with 30 military obstacles.</div>
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I thought he was a big crazy when I watched videos of this crazy race the first time he decided to do it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4MVhl3ROBkKuzKhC2J8sh9XAeYlT8g1hDsXu9cxjOwH6622MF0AxfAdST0-jEIXTjfBHRr2nb3Yso6Wc0zbeUXsEuY3yS7c7krMPhBuAadQTjhJLlARDaX1oaNCIE6LOvTNlV5OSfUpb/s1600/IMG_1039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4MVhl3ROBkKuzKhC2J8sh9XAeYlT8g1hDsXu9cxjOwH6622MF0AxfAdST0-jEIXTjfBHRr2nb3Yso6Wc0zbeUXsEuY3yS7c7krMPhBuAadQTjhJLlARDaX1oaNCIE6LOvTNlV5OSfUpb/s640/IMG_1039.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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I thought he was even crazier when he had to sign a "death waiver" ... are you kidding me a death waiver? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1eJ4Ie-uwGUpd0GVFBtJloD4Hx1MhznETQ_2ywlVm68kWljvDTc4DF3ELmdYedZcIHbh7_gyqODxmUAeRZ7-szn4i5acFKahXPAckrWpLEe_Yhtd4oS_GfhxOlBLlmkZWGyo-VWCKZ2W/s1600/IMG_1049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1eJ4Ie-uwGUpd0GVFBtJloD4Hx1MhznETQ_2ywlVm68kWljvDTc4DF3ELmdYedZcIHbh7_gyqODxmUAeRZ7-szn4i5acFKahXPAckrWpLEe_Yhtd4oS_GfhxOlBLlmkZWGyo-VWCKZ2W/s640/IMG_1049.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Eric and his good friend Jarrod decided to do The Tough Mudder Race together. Their good friend Brad was on the injured list but went along to cheer them on and catch them in action. I am pretty sure they will all 3 be participating in the next Mudder. It is in their blood! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwX218JFWqByBdC7ibDJP2r2bqjdLPxAK0qT2tZnUA7XAJWVaQfbMXtidsM8ckNv4z9ndUn55gc3xczTmtIrMB4Gl2DR51U8fniN8vuagmp_Nxt-3C09Wm9rcRQuDh8flKfPnkVkFhrRK/s1600/IMG_1061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwX218JFWqByBdC7ibDJP2r2bqjdLPxAK0qT2tZnUA7XAJWVaQfbMXtidsM8ckNv4z9ndUn55gc3xczTmtIrMB4Gl2DR51U8fniN8vuagmp_Nxt-3C09Wm9rcRQuDh8flKfPnkVkFhrRK/s640/IMG_1061.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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There are electrical currents to crawl through ....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQd0yDg5hkVxVol7h3OQG2XyC97cHpRJ9n9ofB3fdO-HgADfGkZWb0g1KNwckWIgfLi0QzSlJz5hhdbS-ChR_w-vKl917sxRM5-XH7rsNbPkriOgyRl58GvllOTN7jOw22GLI0H-Q7ZfyE/s1600/IMG_1064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQd0yDg5hkVxVol7h3OQG2XyC97cHpRJ9n9ofB3fdO-HgADfGkZWb0g1KNwckWIgfLi0QzSlJz5hhdbS-ChR_w-vKl917sxRM5-XH7rsNbPkriOgyRl58GvllOTN7jOw22GLI0H-Q7ZfyE/s640/IMG_1064.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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tunnels to crawl through ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIvAbPcrQAx9jKHufbLl2rg1ZbiVU2zvHmh9yfXBEiPx0ggH4CG_VpGFf_vI8t0dPyUcP2WQ-6qSor1kAHptffxGWVohcUsKzMgFSeoN7nOKNg2h11AH4BviBy6QHwny0BbCZD44JwC_k/s1600/IMG_1067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIvAbPcrQAx9jKHufbLl2rg1ZbiVU2zvHmh9yfXBEiPx0ggH4CG_VpGFf_vI8t0dPyUcP2WQ-6qSor1kAHptffxGWVohcUsKzMgFSeoN7nOKNg2h11AH4BviBy6QHwny0BbCZD44JwC_k/s640/IMG_1067.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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mud hills were climbed ....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5bsZdRrtFygPinu-BPMR1YmB2F7k4ccnZZ_5r5zFnu87px7f4cQUalW6Bub7OAIVrT6M4XRBUmuC9scR_-o6ChEhxY_cK8NwXPHMIaTEuPUWvlWlB_GHfkRZmK86l30g8fGHtBcELbLdA/s1600/IMG_1071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5bsZdRrtFygPinu-BPMR1YmB2F7k4ccnZZ_5r5zFnu87px7f4cQUalW6Bub7OAIVrT6M4XRBUmuC9scR_-o6ChEhxY_cK8NwXPHMIaTEuPUWvlWlB_GHfkRZmK86l30g8fGHtBcELbLdA/s640/IMG_1071.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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and then run down .... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdk3OM8o2gIH56H_tpKbPYfz4eTCh8kcLiYGD5p0YUGfb_ms15eFeHsNZZCDSmNBjoi3KFJff-rVyd7LQDxORf3ebyjWcPgQFB_3L3yYQADyWZIHUWekx-M60E1muGy4r_yL7Rafxyxop/s1600/IMG_1131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdk3OM8o2gIH56H_tpKbPYfz4eTCh8kcLiYGD5p0YUGfb_ms15eFeHsNZZCDSmNBjoi3KFJff-rVyd7LQDxORf3ebyjWcPgQFB_3L3yYQADyWZIHUWekx-M60E1muGy4r_yL7Rafxyxop/s640/IMG_1131.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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there were tunnels to crawl through with water ... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_WoZCp9HRuWbjs1GOPdO4lYlGmWsqZ3BVUVebLdW2DCum0F-7e6iuTsrs3vWRiHajGCn-LZgbQ3vtUwt15eN0ezHtQTMVtXLjDxvVi8zi2KKblZjNEMIzdJ1Vm79XqzXCq8nPxP3J-Bl/s1600/IMG_1138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_WoZCp9HRuWbjs1GOPdO4lYlGmWsqZ3BVUVebLdW2DCum0F-7e6iuTsrs3vWRiHajGCn-LZgbQ3vtUwt15eN0ezHtQTMVtXLjDxvVi8zi2KKblZjNEMIzdJ1Vm79XqzXCq8nPxP3J-Bl/s640/IMG_1138.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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and then barbwire to crawl under ....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapiAX44-3TDgPU17bnZkIO2vo9MXN9JDfM5rqwU0zD4tRE9BxdWVF9J9hWdv_7zjb0Ve2t2cNdQb3UQUXFv5whrjRP1dvLKkOdYX4sAeXYSZzJp2ZtvEA3UXtvVQ_kmO7YGSYCsGAj4Y6/s1600/IMG_1148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapiAX44-3TDgPU17bnZkIO2vo9MXN9JDfM5rqwU0zD4tRE9BxdWVF9J9hWdv_7zjb0Ve2t2cNdQb3UQUXFv5whrjRP1dvLKkOdYX4sAeXYSZzJp2ZtvEA3UXtvVQ_kmO7YGSYCsGAj4Y6/s640/IMG_1148.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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walls to climb ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhR_gg91LcBzzwNKNp1vW2KhPaNXIdBLeLPOgusq601eWOzV_v5_qn7E4olGBkX91QbX-_t9XqUudFM9D0uZ9CMBWfCUKvJUPURkDMW8IYoEJald6xuRcMJ1Xualo3WfFM3y8piar37ys/s1600/IMG_1153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhR_gg91LcBzzwNKNp1vW2KhPaNXIdBLeLPOgusq601eWOzV_v5_qn7E4olGBkX91QbX-_t9XqUudFM9D0uZ9CMBWfCUKvJUPURkDMW8IYoEJald6xuRcMJ1Xualo3WfFM3y8piar37ys/s640/IMG_1153.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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and then to help others over. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3xOcG_Sa62m0R0WgHfgIa08K6WJMuqrwBLQ6htQCzIHIJQezwTQwTOTu39VCG2rY7BCVaIuPvrALtFF5GC5xuQ3akj8RPSw_FcKb3r55jvsv4VLxPAVJprxja2NnPo1o5JezOdsehPLF/s1600/IMG_1172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3xOcG_Sa62m0R0WgHfgIa08K6WJMuqrwBLQ6htQCzIHIJQezwTQwTOTu39VCG2rY7BCVaIuPvrALtFF5GC5xuQ3akj8RPSw_FcKb3r55jvsv4VLxPAVJprxja2NnPo1o5JezOdsehPLF/s640/IMG_1172.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The guys had a blast and are ready to head back out to another Tough Mudder. I was pretty happy to see him come home in one piece with just some minor scrapes and bruises. </div>
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<br /></div>JulieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15340243033223916616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356746310318133268.post-14393597677373179352012-05-18T07:23:00.000-07:002012-05-26T07:27:32.599-07:00One More Step Closer<div style="text-align: center;">
We are one more step closer to our little girl ....<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Today We Are </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7259473610/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="DTC by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="DTC" height="533" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7245/7259473610_5c771cdc8e_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Dossier To China </span></div>
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This means that our Dossier (large amount of paperwork we gathered) has been approved by Holt International and is on its way to China. We will now wait for a LID. The LID (Log in Date) is the date that our paperwork is logged into China. After we receive our LID we will be ready to be matched with either a little girl thats file is released in the monthly release from China or a little girl that is designated to our agency! We can't wait to see the little girl that God has picked to complete our family!
</div>JulieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15340243033223916616noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356746310318133268.post-71945663470684547122012-05-17T08:33:00.000-07:002012-05-26T07:28:13.105-07:00A Fun Day In Kindergarten<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Shane had a fun field trip to the Butterfly House for his final field trip of the year. He was very excited for a trip to see butterflies then lunch and playtime at the park. </div>
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<img alt="spider-blog" height="750" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7093/7262053368_b92aa77563_o.jpg" width="500" /> </div>
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The kids started in a room as someone shared about butterflies. The kids also got to pet the taranchula, Lucy.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7262054032/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="aquarium collage by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="aquarium collage" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7072/7262054032_12d9398066_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></div>
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They also just added an aquarium area at the Butterfly House which was fun for the kids. Shane's favorite fish were the ones that would pick up sand with their mouth and then spit it back out.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7261786450/" title="butterfly3-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="butterfly3-blog" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8162/7261786450_e856e8d9e3_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7261786450/" title="butterfly3-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>We then moved to the Butterfly House and saw hundreds of beautiful butterflies.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7262053666/" title="shane-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="shane-blog" height="533" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7227/7262053666_7f64a5834e_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7262053666/" title="shane-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>Shane really wanted a butterfly to land on him so found places to sit and wait patiently for them to land.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7262051888/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="shane1-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="shane1-blog" height="750" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7225/7262051888_ea0679e1d0_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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He waited ...</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7262052002/" title="shane2-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="shane2-blog" height="533" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7244/7262052002_02e6874367_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7262052002/" title="shane2-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>and waited!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7262052302/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="shoe-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="shoe-blog" height="750" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8160/7262052302_162732de54_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Finally he got one to land on his shoe lace!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7262053894/" title="butterfly collage by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="butterfly collage" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8003/7262053894_69753ac3c7_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7262053894/" title="butterfly collage by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>The kids had so much fun!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7262055962/" title="IMG_0833 by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0833" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8024/7262055962_f97f5e07d0_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7262055962/" title="IMG_0833 by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>We then headed to the park for a picnic and time to play. Shane's teacher gathered all the kids and the kids were sad to be heading back to school. Little did they know what was to come. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7262052162/" title="class-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>
Shane's teacher started reading the book "My Teacher Sleeps In School." When she was to the last page she said it was now time for a Mystery Field Trip. There was a big buzz in our car as the kids were trying to figure out where we were going. We ended up at their teacher's house for the afternoon. The kids got a tour of her house and yard, snack time, they did Bible time and center time. It was a very fun surprise for the kids.</div>
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<br /></div>JulieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15340243033223916616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356746310318133268.post-2313516784295591882012-05-15T20:11:00.000-07:002012-05-23T20:12:38.982-07:00Eyes That Are Opened<div style="text-align: center;">
A desire that Eric and I have for our kids is that their eyes may be opened to the world around them. We are blessed and so often take what we have and the way we live for granted. We pray that our kid's eyes and hearts would be opened to those around in need. We also pray that they can experience and appreciate other cultures and diversity around them. We want to expose our kids the beauty of other cultures and feel blessed that we had the opportunity to do that during our get away! </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7253624342/" title="shane shopping - leading line, rule of 3rds by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="shane shopping - leading line, rule of 3rds" height="561" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7222/7253624342_0142cc2d8d_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7253624342/" title="shane shopping - leading line, rule of 3rds by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>This is one of my favorite pictures of our trip to Cabo with the kids. I feel like this pictures speaks for itself.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7253624134/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="alexa shopping - leading lines by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="alexa shopping - leading lines" height="750" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7216/7253624134_f1d66e932c_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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It was fun to see the kids eyes being opened to the Mexican culture as we journey to town most nights. We were staying at a beautiful resort but that is not the real "Mexico!" As they walked through the markets they took it all in and we were able to have great conversations with them along the way.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7253624446/" title="town6-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="town6-blog" height="533" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7102/7253624446_ac89d6f3b8_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7253624446/" title="town6-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>The markets in Mexico are such a fun experience.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7253623986/" title="girls town - leading lines, perspective by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="girls town - leading lines, perspective" height="533" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7092/7253623986_8639caa3ba_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7253623986/" title="girls town - leading lines, perspective by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>We would spend about an hour or so each evening walking through the markets after dinner before heading back to our resort.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7253625096/" title="town 3 collage by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="town 3 collage" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7219/7253625096_bb84b6d136_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7253625096/" title="town 3 collage by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>The kids had so much fun checking out all the amazing treasures.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7253624886/" title="girls in cablo by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="girls in cablo" height="1160" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7225/7253624886_dbf2c7efea_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7253624886/" title="girls in cablo by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>They also experienced little ones coming up to them trying to sell them stuff right on the street. It is a way of life for the Mexican culture but once again a eye opener for our kids.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7253624724/" title="food collage by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="food collage" height="1160" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7245/7253624724_06f5517c99_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7253624724/" title="food collage by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>They were troopers and tried new food! Some nights they resorted back to chicken fingers and french fries but they did have fun trying new things. The classic nachos were a favorite of theirs.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7253625184/" title="town collage 4 by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="town collage 4" height="413" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7212/7253625184_99962c7521_o.jpg" width="900" /></a>
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The first night they discovered Shirley Temples and it was all over after that. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7253705628/" title="clown collage by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="clown collage" height="1160" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8157/7253705628_d1fcc6a42f_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7253705628/" title="clown collage by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>At many of the resturants they had local people that would come in an try to entertain you with singing, magic tricks, balloon creations ... you name it. The kids thought the balloon guy was pretty cool.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7253625362/" title="town collage 5 by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="town collage 5" height="1160" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7238/7253625362_b6b364f19e_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7253625362/" title="town collage 5 by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>We had such an amazing time seeing the Mexican culture through the eyes of our kids. Their eyes were opened in a new way on our trip!
</div>JulieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15340243033223916616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356746310318133268.post-90004677336931292052012-05-15T08:21:00.000-07:002012-05-23T20:17:37.134-07:00Fun In The Sun<div style="text-align: center;">
The kids could hardly contain themselves with they saw the pool when we arrived at the resort. </div>
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They were excited to spend the week swimming their hearts out.
Well you could say things started a little rough our first day in Cabo at the pool. We had been up really early, the kids so excited they couldn't wait to get in the pool. In a matter of minutes Shane had his shirt of and had jumped in the pool and just seconds later Eric jumped in to save our little boy who was quickly sinking, and not moving his arms at all. Shane is a good swimmer but after a long winter in South Dakota and the factors of the day it seemed like he had totally forgotten how to swim. Eric brought him safely to the side. Not even an hour later it happened again. Eric looked at me and said I think we are calling this a trip not a vacation. We shook our heads not sure what got into Shane and what our week would bring.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7231328786/" title="pool collage5 by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="pool collage5" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8008/7231328786_7b567e77e0_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7231328786/" title="pool collage5 by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>By Day 2 Shane was back to being a fish and Eric and I were breathing a little easier. The kids had so much fun together. Of course the weather was picture perfect and they were loving life in the pool.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7231328622/" title="pool collage4 by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="pool collage4" height="1160" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7239/7231328622_ae7faf032f_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7231328622/" title="pool collage4 by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>The kids had fun jumping, diving ....</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7231328952/" title="pool collage 3 by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="pool collage 3" height="1160" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5194/7231328952_5baf630ec2_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7231328952/" title="pool collage 3 by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>and playing dolphins. Notice Emma is the trainer and Shane and Alexa are her dolphins. It was so much fun seeing the kids have a blast together and also using their imaginations.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7231327632/" title="pool11-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="pool11-blog" height="750" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7100/7231327632_e113417efe_o.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div>
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The kids enjoyed taking some breaks from the pool playing horse shoes, putt putt golf and one day they even painted a tile.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7231327970/" title="pool collage1 by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="pool collage1" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5152/7231327970_655d1ea92d_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7231327970/" title="pool collage1 by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>The kids also loved the slide. It provided hours of entertainment for the kid. Notice the friendly little guy that sat on the rock every day and watched people go down the slide.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7231327044/" title="pool5-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="pool5-blog" height="533" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5071/7231327044_652fdc363a_o.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7231328162/" title="pool collage2 by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="pool collage2" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5330/7231328162_b2f3f69371_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></div>
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I love see the pure joy that is in the kids face in this pictures. There is no doubt about it, they are loving life!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7215895640/" title="Ocean - depth of field by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="Ocean - depth of field" height="533" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5114/7215895640_90aeb6436c_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7215895640/" title="Ocean - depth of field by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>The beach was another place the kids loved to spend time. They were in awe of the ocean.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7215895962/" title="kids running - symmetry, leading lines by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="kids running - symmetry, leading lines" height="510" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8011/7215895962_fbc83a27e5_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7215895962/" title="kids running - symmetry, leading lines by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>The kids loved running on the beach.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7231327538/" title="ocean3-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="ocean3-blog" height="525" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5038/7231327538_1bcfae95ea_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7231327538/" title="ocean3-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>I loved watching the kids put their toes in the water for the first time.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7231328352/" title="ocean collage2 by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="ocean collage2" height="1160" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7224/7231328352_af2a283fbf_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7231328352/" title="ocean collage2 by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>They loved running in and out of the waves.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7231327778/" title="ocean collage1 by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="ocean collage1" height="1160" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7089/7231327778_07d0fa8743_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7231327778/" title="ocean collage1 by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>I loved watching Shane and his dad play in the ocean together. Their faces say it all.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7231327220/" title="ocean2-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="ocean2-blog" height="533" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7225/7231327220_000d00c7f1_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7231327220/" title="ocean2-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>The kids also loved playing in the sand and building sand castles.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7259615728/" title="sand collage blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="sand collage blog" height="1160" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8026/7259615728_f67417d690_o.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7231327366/" title="pool7-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="pool7-blog" height="533" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7213/7231327366_2a27efaa66_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7231327366/" title="pool7-blog by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>There were some days that all the sun and fun proved to be too much for our little man and he crashed for a little nap poolside.</div>JulieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15340243033223916616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356746310318133268.post-65133644350970069192012-05-14T22:04:00.001-07:002012-05-23T21:38:20.534-07:00At The Beach<div style="text-align: center;">
The kids had so much fun on the beach. They didn't mind at all when I asked them to head to the beach two nights after dinner to get some pictures. It was a picture perfect back drop to capture pictures of fun memories and also use them for my assignment for my photography class. I felt a little bit like I was cheating this week with all the beauty I had the opportunity to capture through my lens. I took some posed pictures on the beach but also go a lot of fun pictures of them soaking it all up!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7200912482/" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="kids on beach- rosy cream-facebook by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="kids on beach- rosy cream-facebook" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8149/7200912482_fdd1190ba7_o.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7201088142/" title="beach2 by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="beach2" height="750" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5323/7201088142_ff8d8938a0_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7201088142/" title="beach2 by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7201088060/" title="beach 1 by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="beach 1" height="750" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5451/7201088060_be134212f9_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7200912220/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="kids in sand - lifestyle by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="kids in sand - lifestyle" height="533" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5320/7200912220_aed1dedf8f_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7201088514/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="beach6 by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="beach6" height="533" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7237/7201088514_16af115fcc_o.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7201088060/" title="beach 1 by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7201088222/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;" title="beach 3 by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br /></span><img alt="beach 3" height="533" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5036/7201088222_6d1b863b92_o.jpg" style="text-decoration: underline;" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27995755@N07/7201087886/" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="sunset -leading line by themcdonaldgang, on Flickr"><img alt="sunset -leading line" height="533" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7092/7201087886_2ffc16bf89_o.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="800" /></a></div>
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I will always treasure these pictures of the kids time on the beach and also being able to have fun playing around with a hobby I am having so much fun with! </div>
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<br />JulieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15340243033223916616noreply@blogger.com1